Light-transmitting suction cup and preparation process thereof

Abstract

The light-transmitting suction cup comprises a detection box, the top of the detection box is provided with an opening, a suction cup plate is installed at the opening of the top of the detection box, and LED lamp tubes are installed on the periphery of the detection box; an air suction pipe is mounted on one side of the detection box, one end of the air suction pipe extends into the detection box, and the other end of the air suction pipe is connected with a suction fan through a pipeline. The suction cup plate is matched with the detection box, an LED lamp tube is arranged in the detection box, the flexible circuit board can be grabbed through air suction, meanwhile, whether a product has defects or not can be detected, meanwhile, the suction cup plate is made of a microporous transparent silicon dioxide plate, uniform ventilation and light transmission can be achieved, damage to the flexible circuit board is prevented, and detection of the flexible circuit board is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flexible circuit board testing technology, specifically to a light-transmitting suction cup and its manufacturing process. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs) are highly reliable and extremely flexible printed circuit boards made with polyimide or polyester film as the substrate. They are characterized by high wiring density, light weight, and thinness, and are highly favored for their excellent properties such as light weight, thinness, and the ability to be freely bent and folded.

[0003] Currently, the use of visual automatic positioning and inspection devices for inspecting flexible circuits is gradually becoming more widespread. Visual inspection of flexible circuit boards is achieved by taking pictures of the surface of the flexible circuit board with a camera. Common visual inspection devices have their imaging structure suspended above the flexible circuit board. However, it is inconvenient to fix the flexible circuit board when it is placed on the inspection table. At the same time, the flexible circuit board is relatively thin and is easily damaged during inspection, which affects the inspection results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a light-transmitting suction cup and its manufacturing process to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a light-transmitting suction cup, comprising a detection box, wherein the top of the detection box is open and a suction cup plate is installed at the top opening of the detection box, and LED tubes are installed around the detection box. A suction pipe is installed on one side of the testing box. One end of the suction pipe extends into the testing box, and the other end of the suction pipe is connected to a suction fan through a pipe.

[0006] Preferably, mounting grooves are provided on all four inner walls of the testing box, and the LED tubes are installed in the mounting grooves.

[0007] Preferably, the suction cup plate is provided with sealant around its perimeter and on the inner wall of the top opening of the detection box.

[0008] A process for manufacturing a light-transmitting suction cup includes the following steps: Step S1, Preparation of precursor solution: Silicon source: Select high-purity tetraethyl orthosilicate or methyl orthosilicate; Solvents: ethanol, water; Catalyst: HCl is used as the acid catalyst; Step S2, Sol-Gel Process and Formation: The uniformly mixed sol is poured into a highly smooth and flat mold. The gelation temperature and time are strictly controlled to ensure that the gelation process is stable and slow, thereby obtaining a uniform gel structure. Step S3, Aging and Solvent Exchange: Aging: After gelation, soak it in the mother liquor for a period of time to further strengthen the gel network and enhance its mechanical strength; Solvent exchange: Gradually replace the water and aqueous solvent in the gel pores with a solvent with low surface tension; Step S4, Supercritical Drying: Process: The gel that has completed solvent exchange is placed in an autoclave, liquid CO2 is introduced, and then the temperature and pressure are increased to exceed the critical point. In the supercritical state, the gas-liquid interface disappears and the capillary force no longer exists. Then the supercritical fluid is slowly released, and finally a dry solid is obtained. Step S5: Template Removal Calcination: In an air or oxygen atmosphere, heat at 500-800°C to completely oxidize and decompose the resulting dry solid into CO2 and H2O, leaving a pure porous transparent silica network, which is the suction cup plate.

[0009] Preferably, the critical points for heating and pressurizing in step S4 are: T0=31°C, P0=7.4 MPa.

[0010] Preferably, the acid catalyst HCl is in acidic condition with a pH of ≈2-5.

[0011] Preferably, the mold in step S2 is a glass or quartz mold.

[0012] Preferably, step S2 is the sol-gel process: Hydrolysis: Si(OR)₄ + 4H₂O → Si(OH)₄ + 4ROH Polycondensation: ≡Si-OH + HO-Si≡ → ​​≡Si-O-Si≡ + H₂O The sol gradually transforms into a gel, forming a solid network.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: The suction cup plate is fitted into the inspection box, which contains LED tubes. Through air suction, it can grasp flexible circuit boards and detect product defects. The suction cup plate is made of microporous transparent silica plate, which can achieve uniform air and light transmission, prevent damage to the flexible circuit board, and facilitate the inspection of the flexible circuit board. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of a light-transmitting suction cup according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a light-transmitting suction cup according to the present invention; Figure 3This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of a light-transmitting suction cup according to the present invention.

[0015] In the picture: 1. Testing box; 2. Suction cup plate; 3. Suction pipe; 4. Pipe; 5. LED light tube. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] Please see Figure 1-2 The present invention provides a technical solution: a light-transmitting suction cup, including a detection box 1, wherein the top of the detection box 1 is open and a suction cup plate 2 is installed at the top opening of the detection box 1, and LED tubes 5 are installed around the detection box 1. A suction pipe 3 is installed on one side of the testing box 1. One end of the suction pipe 3 extends into the testing box 1, and the other end of the suction pipe 3 is connected to a suction fan through a pipe 4.

[0018] In this invention, mounting grooves are provided on all four inner walls of the detection box 1, and the LED tubes 5 are installed in the mounting grooves.

[0019] In this invention, sealant is provided around the suction cup plate 2 and on the inner wall of the top opening of the detection box 1.

[0020] Please see Figure 3 A process for manufacturing a light-transmitting suction cup includes the following steps: Step S1, Preparation of precursor solution: Silicon source: Select high-purity tetraethyl orthosilicate or methyl orthosilicate; Solvents: ethanol, water; Catalyst: HCl is used as the acid catalyst; Principle: Acidic conditions (pH≈2-5) favor hydrolysis reactions and inhibit condensation reactions, which results in very small SiO2 primary particles (10-200 micrometers) and fine gel network structural units, naturally producing micropores. Conversely, alkaline conditions will form larger colloidal particles, leading to mesopores and macropores, increasing light scattering. Step S2, Sol-Gel Process and Formation: The uniformly mixed sol is poured into a highly smooth and flat mold. The gelation temperature and time are strictly controlled to ensure that the gelation process is stable and slow, thereby obtaining a uniform gel structure. Step S3, Aging and Solvent Exchange: Aging: After gelation, soak it in the mother liquor for a period of time (several hours to several days) to further strengthen the gel network and enhance its mechanical strength; Solvent exchange: The water and aqueous solvent in the gel pores are gradually replaced with solvents with low surface tension (such as ethanol, acetone, and finally n-hexane or liquid CO2); Step S4, Supercritical Drying: Process: The gel that has completed solvent exchange is placed in an autoclave, liquid CO2 is introduced, and then the temperature and pressure are increased to exceed the critical point. In the supercritical state, the gas-liquid interface disappears and the capillary force no longer exists. Then the supercritical fluid is slowly released, and finally a dry solid is obtained. Step S5: Template Removal Calcination: In an air or oxygen atmosphere, heat at 500-800°C to completely oxidize and decompose the obtained dry solid into CO2 and H2O, leaving a pure porous transparent silica network, which is the suction cup plate 2.

[0021] In this invention, the critical points for heating and pressurizing in step S4 are: T0=31°C, P0=7.4 MPa.

[0022] In this invention, the acid catalyst HCl is subjected to acidic conditions of pH ≈ 2-5.

[0023] In this invention, the mold in step S2 is a glass or quartz mold.

[0024] In this invention, step S2, the sol-gel process, is as follows: Hydrolysis: Si(OR)₄ + 4H₂O → Si(OH)₄ + 4ROH Polycondensation: ≡Si-OH + HO-Si≡ → ​​≡Si-O-Si≡ + H₂O The sol gradually transforms into a gel, forming a solid network.

[0025] This invention utilizes high-purity tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) or methyl orthosilicate (TMOS) and an acid catalyst (such as HCl). Under acidic conditions (pH ≈ 2-5), hydrolysis is favored while polycondensation is inhibited. This results in very small SiO2 primary particles (1-2 nanometers) and a fine gel network structure, naturally creating micropores. The uniformly mixed sol is poured into a highly smooth and flat mold (such as a glass or quartz mold). Strict control of the gelation temperature and time ensures a smooth and slow gelation process, thereby obtaining a uniform gel. The gel structure is formed by immersing the gel in a mother liquor for a period of time (several hours to several days) after gelation to further strengthen the gel network and enhance its mechanical strength. Water and aqueous solvents in the gel pores are gradually replaced with low surface tension solvents (such as ethanol, acetone, and eventually hexane or liquid CO2) to reduce capillary forces during subsequent drying and ensure good compatibility with the supercritical drying fluid (usually CO2). The solvent-exchanged gel is then placed in an autoclave, filled with liquid CO2, and heated and pressurized to exceed the critical point (for CO2, T0 = 31°C, P0 = 7.4 MPa). In the supercritical state, the gas-liquid interface disappears, and capillary forces cease to exist. The supercritical fluid is then slowly released, ultimately yielding a dried solid. The product obtained through this method is called silica aerogel. If the precursor and process are properly controlled, it can be very transparent, and its pores are mainly micropores with a small number of small mesopores. In use, the suction cup plate is fitted to the inspection box 1. The inspection box 1 contains LED tubes. Through air suction, it can grab the flexible circuit board and detect whether the product has defects.

[0026] Meanwhile, after gripping the flexible circuit board, the present invention can detect common defects encountered in the manufacturing process of the light-transmitting suction cup based on optical principles using AOI inspection methods.

[0027] The contents not described in detail in this specification are prior art known to those skilled in the art. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A light-transmitting suction cup, characterized by: Including detection box (1), the top of detection box (1) is provided with opening, and suction plate (2) is installed at the top opening of detection box (1), and LED lamp tube (5) is installed on the four sides of detection box (1); Suction pipe (3) is installed on one side of detection box (1), one end of suction pipe (3) extends into detection box (1), and the other end of suction pipe (3) is connected with suction fan through pipeline (4).

2. The light transmitting suction cup of claim 1, wherein: The inner wall of the four sides of the detection box (1) is provided with a mounting groove, and the LED lamp tube (5) is installed in the mounting groove.

3. The light transmitting suction cup of claim 1, wherein: The four sides of the suction plate (2) and the inner wall of the top opening of the detection box (1) are provided with sealing glue.

4. A process for the preparation of a light transmitting suction cup, characterized by: Including the following steps: Step S1, precursor solution preparation: Silicon source: select high-purity tetraethyl orthosilicate or tetramethyl orthosilicate; Solvent: ethanol, water; Catalyst: use acid catalyst HCl; Step S2, sol-gel process and molding: Pour the mixed homogeneous sol into a highly smooth and flat mold, strictly control the gelation temperature and time, ensure the smooth and slow gel process, so as to obtain uniform gel structure; Step S3, aging and solvent exchange: Aging: after gelation, immerse the gel in mother liquor for a period of time, so that the gel network is further strengthened, and the mechanical strength is enhanced; Solvent exchange: replace water and aqueous solvent in the gel pores with low surface tension solvent step by step; Step S4, supercritical drying: Process: put the gel after solvent exchange into an autoclave, fill in liquid CO2, then heat and pressurize to exceed the critical point, in the supercritical state, the gas-liquid interface disappears, and the capillary force no longer exists, then slowly release the supercritical fluid, finally get dry solid; Step S5, template removal: Calcination: heat in air or oxygen atmosphere at 500-800°C, completely oxidize the dry solid into CO2 and HO, leaving a pure porous transparent silica network, which is the suction plate (2).

5. The process for making a light transmitting suction cup according to claim 4, wherein: The critical point of the heating and pressurizing of step S4 is: T0=31°C, P0=7.4 MPa.

6. The preparation process of a light-transmitting suction cup according to claim 4, characterized in that: The acid condition pH of the acid catalyst HCl is about 2-5.

7. The process for making a light transmitting suction cup according to claim 4, wherein: The mold of step S2 is a glass or quartz mold.

8. The process for making a light transmitting suction cup according to claim 4, wherein: The sol-gel process of step S2: Hydrolysis: Si(OR)4+ 4H2O → Si(OH)4+ 4ROH Polycondensation: ≡Si-OH + HO-Si≡ → ≡Si-O-Si≡ + H2O The sol gradually changes into gel, forming a solid network.

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