Plate chasing positioning device, plate chasing positioning method, plate chasing control system and circuit board electroplating control system

Abstract

The invention relates to a plate chasing positioning device, a plate chasing positioning method, a plate chasing control system and a circuit board electroplating control system. Wherein under the condition that the laser scanner scans the circuit board, a transmission signal is output to the programmable logic controller, and position information and board width information of the circuit board are output to the encoder; the encoder encodes the position information and the board width information to correspondingly confirm a position code and a board width code, and outputs the position code and the board width code to the programmable logic controller; the programmable logic controller determines a first preset interval time according to the received position code and the received board width code, then starts timing when the transmission signal is stopped from being received, and outputs a control signal to the board chasing system under the condition that the cumulative duration reaches the first preset interval time; and the board chasing system is instructed to put a new circuit board into the inlet area, so that the new circuit board is transmitted and electroplated. The plate chasing positioning device can give consideration to both the electroplating quality and the production efficiency of the circuit board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of tracking board positioning, and in particular to a tracking board positioning device, a tracking board positioning method, a tracking board control system and a circuit board electroplating control system. Background Art

[0002] In the electroplating process of printed circuit boards, the vertical copper wire tracking and positioning device is an important tool in the electroplating process. It can accurately conduct current and control the electroplating time, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of electroplated products.

[0003] In traditional technology, laser scanners are used to monitor the opening and closing of the Feiba clamps to achieve tracking board positioning. The Feiba clamps are clamps whose widths vary according to the width of the production board. However, since the production environment of the electroplating process is acidic, the Feiba clamps are prone to malfunctions due to frequent mechanical opening and closing actions in the acidic environment, thus affecting the electroplating quality and production efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a chasing board positioning device, a chasing board positioning method, a chasing board control system and a circuit board electroplating control system that take into account both electroplating quality and production efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect, a tracking plate positioning device is provided, comprising:

[0006] A laser scanner is arranged at the entrance area of ​​the electroplating tank, and is used to scan the circuit board passing through the entrance area to obtain the position information and board width information of the circuit board; the laser scanner is also used to output a transmission signal when scanning the circuit board, and stop outputting the transmission signal when not scanning the circuit board;

[0007] The encoder is connected to the laser scanner; the encoder is used to receive and encode the position information and the board width information to determine the position code and the board width code accordingly;

[0008] A programmable logic controller is connected to the laser scanner and the encoder respectively; the programmable logic controller is used to receive and determine the first preset interval time according to the position code and the board width code; the programmable logic controller is also used to start the timing when the reception of the transmission signal stops, and when the accumulated time reaches the first preset interval time, output a control signal to the chasing board system to instruct the chasing board system to put a new circuit board into the entrance area.

[0009] In one embodiment, the laser scanner is used to detect the time when all circuit boards enter the electroplating tank and the speed at which the circuit boards travel, and to determine the board width information based on the time when all circuit boards enter the tank and the speed at which the circuit boards travel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the circuit board tracking system includes a robotic arm, an encoder is used to connect to the robotic arm, and the encoder is used to encode a control signal and output it to the robotic arm to instruct the robotic arm to put a new circuit board into the entrance area.

[0011] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned tracking plate positioning device further includes:

[0012] Alarm module;

[0013] The programmable logic controller is also connected to the alarm module. The programmable logic controller is also used to drive the alarm module to execute an alarm action when no transmission signal is received within a second preset interval after the control signal is output.

[0014] In a second aspect, a tracking plate positioning method is provided, the method comprising:

[0015] Receiving and determining a first preset interval time according to a position code and a plate width code; wherein the position code and the plate width code are obtained by encoding the position information and the plate width information output by the laser scanner by an encoder, and the laser scanner is arranged at the entrance area of ​​the electroplating tank;

[0016] When the receiving of the transmission signal stops, the timing is started; wherein the transmission signal is a signal output by the laser scanner when scanning the circuit board;

[0017] When the accumulated time reaches the first preset interval time, a control signal is output to the circuit board chasing system to instruct the circuit board chasing system to put a new circuit board into the entrance area.

[0018] In a third aspect, a control system for tracking a board is provided, comprising:

[0019] Chasing board system, the chasing board system is used to deliver the circuit board to the electroplating tank;

[0020] Such as the above-mentioned chasing plate positioning device.

[0021] In one embodiment, the board chasing system includes:

[0022] The robot arm is connected to the encoder, and when receiving the control signal, the robot arm delivers the circuit board to the entrance area of ​​the electroplating cylinder;

[0023] The conveyor belt is used to transport the circuit boards from the entrance area to the electroplating tank.

[0024] In a fourth aspect, a circuit board electroplating control system is provided, comprising:

[0025] The electroplating tank is used to electroplate the circuit boards that enter the tank;

[0026] Such as the above-mentioned board chasing control system.

[0027] In one embodiment, the programmable logic controller is used to connect to the electroplating cylinder, and the programmable logic controller is also used to open the electroplating cylinder when receiving the transmission signal, and close the electroplating cylinder when stopping receiving the transmission signal.

[0028] In one embodiment, the circuit board electroplating control system further includes:

[0029] The reminder module is connected to the electroplating cylinder, and is used to work when the electroplating cylinder is working.

[0030] The above-mentioned board chasing positioning device, board chasing positioning method, board chasing control system and circuit board electroplating control system, wherein, when the laser scanner scans the circuit board, it outputs a transmission signal to the programmable logic controller, and outputs the position information and board width information of the circuit board to the encoder; the encoder encodes the position information and board width information to correspond to the confirmed position code and board width code, and outputs it to the programmable logic controller; the programmable logic controller determines the first preset interval time according to the received position code and board width code, and then starts timing when it stops receiving the above-mentioned transmission signal, and outputs a control signal to the board chasing system when the accumulated time reaches the first preset interval time, so as to instruct the board chasing system to put a new circuit board into the entrance area, so as to transmit and electroplate the new circuit board. Therefore, the above-mentioned board chasing positioning device can still position, deliver and transmit the circuit board without using the mechanical structure of the flying bar opening and closing edge clamp, thereby reducing the failure of electroplating or delivery caused by mechanical device failure, and ensuring the electroplating quality and production efficiency of the circuit board. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the conventional technology, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the conventional technology descriptions are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0032] Figure 1 It is a structural block diagram of a tracking plate positioning device according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a circuit board entering an electroplating tank according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 3 The figure is a flow chart of a tracking board positioning method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to facilitate understanding of the present application, the present application will be described more fully below with reference to the relevant drawings. Embodiments of the present application are provided in the drawings. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the disclosure of the present application more thorough and comprehensive.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application.

[0037] It can be understood that the “connection” in the following embodiments should be understood as “electrical connection”, “communication connection”, etc. if the connected circuits, modules, units, etc. have electrical signals or data transmission between each other.

[0038] When used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "said / the" may also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "include / comprise" or "have" etc. specify the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0039] In one embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, a tracking plate positioning device 100 is provided, including: a laser scanner 102, an encoder 104 and a programmable logic controller 106.

[0040] Among them, the laser scanner 102 is set in the entrance area of ​​the electroplating cylinder, and the laser scanner 102 is used to scan the circuit board passing through the entrance area to obtain the position information and board width information of the circuit board; the laser scanner 102 is also used to output a transmission signal when the circuit board is scanned, and stop outputting the transmission signal when the circuit board is not scanned.

[0041] The encoder 104 is connected to the laser scanner 102 ; the encoder 104 is used to receive and encode the position information and the board width information to determine the position code and the board width code accordingly.

[0042] The encoder 104 has high anti-interference capability and stability. Therefore, the position information and the board width information are encoded by the encoder 104 and then transmitted to reduce data distortion, thereby improving the reliability and accuracy of the tracking board positioning device 100.

[0043] The programmable logic controller 106 is connected to the laser scanner 102 and the encoder 104 respectively; the programmable logic controller 106 is used to receive and determine the first preset interval time according to the position code and the board width code; the programmable logic controller 106 is also used to start timing when the reception of the transmission signal stops, and when the accumulated time reaches the first preset interval time, output a control signal to the chasing board system to instruct the chasing board system to put a new circuit board into the entrance area.

[0044] The first preset interval time is the theoretical electroplating time of the circuit board. According to the position code, it can be determined whether the circuit board has completely entered the electroplating tank, and according to the board width code, the theoretical electroplating time of the circuit board can be determined.

[0045] The PLC 106 stops receiving the transmission signal, which indicates that the laser scanner 102 cannot scan the circuit board anymore, and thus cannot output the transmission signal to the PLC 106 .

[0046] The accumulated time to the first preset interval time can ensure that the circuit boards that have entered the electroplating tank at this time can be fully electroplated, thereby avoiding the problem of overlapping boards or excessive spacing between circuit boards, and taking into account the electroplating effect and electroplating efficiency of the circuit boards.

[0047] After the board chasing system puts the circuit board into the entrance area of ​​the electroplating cylinder, the laser scanner 102 can sense and scan the circuit board. At this time, the laser scanner 102 outputs a transmission signal to the programmable logic controller 106, so that the programmable logic controller 106 obtains the stop timing; the board chasing system drives the circuit board to move toward the electroplating cylinder so that the circuit board completely enters the electroplating cylinder. During the process of the circuit board moving into the electroplating cylinder, the laser scanner 102 scans the circuit board to obtain the position information and board width information of the circuit board. Among them, the position information of the circuit board is used to characterize the current position of the circuit board. Based on the position information, the specific position of the circuit board at any time can be determined, so as to ensure that the circuit board can completely enter the electroplating cylinder to ensure the electroplating effect of the circuit board.

[0048] When the editable logic controller outputs a control signal to the board chasing system, it indicates that a new circuit board can be put into the electroplating tank at this time. Therefore, after the board chasing system puts a new circuit board into the entrance area, the laser scanner 102, the encoder 104 and the programmable logic controller 106 continue to perform corresponding functions to ensure continuous electroplating of multiple circuit boards.

[0049] The above-mentioned board tracking positioning device 100 includes a laser scanner 102, an encoder 104 and a programmable logic controller 106, wherein the laser scanner 102 outputs a transmission signal to the programmable logic controller 106 when scanning a circuit board, and outputs the position information and board width information of the circuit board to the encoder 104; the encoder 104 encodes the position information and board width information to correspond to the confirmed position code and board width code, and outputs them to the programmable logic controller 106; the programmable logic controller 106 determines the first preset interval time according to the received position code and board width code, and then starts timing when the above-mentioned transmission signal stops being received, and outputs a control signal to the board tracking system when the accumulated time reaches the first preset interval time, so as to instruct the board tracking system to put a new circuit board into the entrance area, so as to transmit and electroplate the new circuit board. Therefore, the above-mentioned board tracking positioning device 100 can still position, deliver and transmit the circuit board without using the mechanical structure of the flying bar opening and closing edge clamp, thereby reducing the failure of electroplating or delivery caused by mechanical device failure, and ensuring the electroplating quality and production efficiency of the circuit board.

[0050] In one embodiment, the laser scanner 102 is used to detect the time it takes for all circuit boards to enter the electroplating tank and the speed at which the circuit boards travel, and to determine the board width information based on the time it takes and the speed at which the circuit boards travel.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the time of entering the electroplating tank can be understood as the time taken for the circuit board 200 to enter the electroplating tank from the A end to the B end. Figure 2 The arrow in FIG. 2 points to the transmission direction of the circuit board 200 .

[0052] Based on the principle of the time-speed-distance formula, the board width information can be determined according to the cylinder entry time and the board travel speed.

[0053] In one embodiment, the circuit board tracking system includes a robotic arm, and the encoder 104 is used to connect to the robotic arm. The encoder 104 is used to encode the control signal and output it to the robotic arm to instruct the robotic arm to put a new circuit board into the entrance area.

[0054] After the control signal is encoded by the encoder 104, the degree of signal distortion can be reduced, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the control signal transmitted to the robotic arm, so that the robotic arm can perform precise movements.

[0055] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned tracking board positioning device 100 further includes: an alarm module.

[0056] The programmable logic controller 106 is also connected to the alarm module. The programmable logic controller 106 is also used to drive the alarm module to perform an alarm action when no transmission signal is received within a second preset interval after outputting the control signal.

[0057] If no transmission signal is received within the second preset interval after the control signal is output, it indicates that no new circuit board is put into use at this time, and there is a fault in the board tracking positioning device 100 or the board tracking system, and the alarm module can alert the operator.

[0058] The alarm action can be an audible and visual alarm based on an audible and visual module, or a pop-up window or notification based on a display terminal, and of course, it can also be an alarm action of other alarm modules that can realize the alarm function.

[0059] In one embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, a method for locating a chasing plate is provided, the method comprising:

[0060] S302, receiving and determining a first preset interval time according to the position code and the plate width code; wherein the position code and the plate width code are obtained after the encoder encodes the position information and the plate width information output by the laser scanner, and the laser scanner is set at the entrance area of ​​the electroplating cylinder.

[0061] S304, when the reception of the transmission signal stops, start timing; wherein the transmission signal is a signal output by the laser scanner when scanning the circuit board.

[0062] S306, when the accumulated time reaches the first preset interval time, output a control signal to the circuit board chasing system to instruct the circuit board chasing system to put a new circuit board into the entrance area.

[0063] The first preset interval time is determined according to the received position code and board width code, and then the timing is started when the transmission signal stops being received, and when the accumulated time reaches the first preset interval time, a control signal is output to the board chasing system to instruct the board chasing system to put a new circuit board into the entrance area, so as to transmit and electroplate the new circuit board. Therefore, the above-mentioned board chasing positioning method can still position, deliver and transmit the circuit board without using the mechanical structure of the flying bar opening and closing edge clamp, thereby reducing the failure of electroplating or delivery caused by mechanical device failure, and ensuring the electroplating quality and production efficiency of the circuit board.

[0064] In one embodiment, a board chasing control system is provided, comprising: a board chasing system and a board chasing positioning device as described above, wherein the board chasing system is used to deliver a circuit board to an electroplating tank.

[0065] The chasing board control system equipped with the above-mentioned chasing board positioning device can avoid the problem of overlapping boards or excessive spacing between circuit boards without using the mechanical structure of the flying bar opening and closing edge clamps, and take into account the electroplating effect and electroplating efficiency of the circuit boards.

[0066] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned board chasing system includes: a mechanical arm and a transmission track.

[0067] The robot arm is connected to the encoder, and when receiving the control signal, the robot arm delivers the circuit board to the entrance area of ​​the electroplating cylinder.

[0068] The conveyor belt is used to transport the circuit boards from the inlet area to the electroplating tank.

[0069] The robot arm places the circuit board in the entrance area of ​​the electroplating tank, so that the circuit board can be transported into the electroplating tank by the transmission track arranged in the entrance area.

[0070] In one embodiment, a circuit board electroplating control system is provided, comprising: an electroplating cylinder and the circuit board tracking control system as described above.

[0071] Among them, the electroplating tank is used to electroplate the circuit boards entering the tank.

[0072] The board tracking control system is combined with the electroplating cylinder to complete the complete process of circuit board delivery, transmission and electroplating.

[0073] In one embodiment, the programmable logic controller is used to connect to the electroplating cylinder. The programmable logic controller is also used to open the electroplating cylinder when receiving the transmission signal, and close the electroplating cylinder when stopping receiving the transmission signal.

[0074] When the transmission signal is present, it indicates that there is a circuit board entering the electroplating tank, so the electroplating tank should be opened to electroplate the circuit board. When the transmission signal stops being received, it indicates that the circuit board entering the electroplating tank has been electroplated, so resources can be saved by closing the electroplating tank.

[0075] In one embodiment, the circuit board electroplating control system further includes: a reminder module.

[0076] The reminder module is connected to the electroplating cylinder, and the reminder module is used to work when the electroplating cylinder is working.

[0077] The reminder module can be a light module that reminds by flashing lights, or it can be a front-end display device that notifies through pop-up windows or information notifications, to inform the operator that the electroplating tank is in the electroplating process at this time, and warn the operator to keep a distance from the electroplating tank, thereby protecting the operator's personal safety.

[0078] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "some embodiments", "other embodiments", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0079] The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0080] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the present application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A tracking plate positioning device, characterized in that: include: A laser scanner, the laser scanner is arranged at the entrance area of ​​the electroplating tank, the laser scanner is used to scan the circuit board passing through the entrance area to obtain the position information and board width information of the circuit board; the laser scanner is also used to output a transmission signal when scanning the circuit board, and stop outputting the transmission signal when not scanning the circuit board; An encoder connected to the laser scanner; the encoder is used to receive and encode the position information and the board width information to determine the position code and the board width code correspondingly; A programmable logic controller, wherein the programmable logic controller is connected to the laser scanner and the encoder respectively; the programmable logic controller is used to receive and determine a first preset interval time based on the position code and the board width code; the programmable logic controller is also used to start timing when the reception of the transmission signal stops, and when the accumulated time reaches the first preset interval time, output a control signal to the chasing board system to instruct the chasing board system to put a new circuit board into the entrance area.

2. The tracking plate positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser scanner is used to detect the time when all the circuit boards enter the electroplating tank and the traveling speed of the circuit boards, and determine the board width information according to the time when all the circuit boards enter the electroplating tank and the traveling speed.

3. The tracking plate positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit board chasing system includes a robot arm, the encoder is used to be connected to the robot arm, and the encoder is used to encode the control signal and output it to the robot arm to instruct the robot arm to put a new circuit board into the entrance area.

4. The tracking plate positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: Alarm module; The programmable logic controller is also connected to the alarm module, and the programmable logic controller is also used to drive the alarm module to perform an alarm action if the transmission signal is not received within a second preset interval time after outputting the control signal.

5. A method for tracking board positioning, characterized in that: The method comprises: Receiving and determining a first preset interval time according to a position code and a plate width code; wherein the position code and the plate width code are obtained by encoding the position information and the plate width information output by a laser scanner by an encoder, and the laser scanner is arranged at the entrance area of ​​the electroplating tank; When the receiving of the transmission signal stops, the timing is started; wherein the transmission signal is a signal output by the laser scanner when scanning the circuit board; When the accumulated time reaches the first preset interval time, a control signal is output to the circuit board chasing system to instruct the circuit board chasing system to put a new circuit board into the entrance area.

6. A control system for chasing a board, characterized in that: include: A board chasing system, which is used to deliver the circuit board to the electroplating tank; A chasing plate positioning device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The board chasing system comprises: A mechanical arm, wherein the mechanical arm is connected to an encoder, and when receiving a control signal, the mechanical arm delivers a circuit board to an entrance area of ​​the electroplating cylinder; A transmission track is used to transport the circuit board in the entrance area into the electroplating cylinder.

8. A circuit board electroplating control system, characterized in that: include: An electroplating cylinder, wherein the electroplating cylinder is used to electroplate the circuit board entering the cylinder; The board chasing control system as claimed in claim 6.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that The programmable logic controller is used to connect to the electroplating cylinder. The programmable logic controller is also used to open the electroplating cylinder when receiving a transmission signal, and to close the electroplating cylinder when stopping receiving the transmission signal.

10. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that Also includes: A reminder module is connected to the electroplating cylinder, and is used to work when the electroplating cylinder is working.

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