Printed circuit board processing device and system thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of material processing, in particular to a printed circuit board processing device and system, and the system comprises a plate receiving module which is used for judging the relative position of a plate and a receiving point according to the real-time position of the plate; the appliance replacement module is used for inputting a design drawing by a user, analyzing a processing flow according to the design drawing and transmitting the processing flow to the plate processing module; the processor is also used for generating an appliance database and searching, installing and replacing processing appliances according to the appliance database; and the plate processing module is used for analyzing the processing steps according to the processing flow and carrying out stepwise processing on the plate according to the processing steps. Through the design of the appliance replacement module, the corresponding machining modes can be automatically and efficiently switched according to the machining process, then the plates are continuously machined through the plate machining module according to the machining steps by means of the corresponding machining appliances, and the machining efficiency and quality are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of materials processing technology, and specifically to a printed circuit board processing apparatus and system. Background Technology

[0002] As the core support and electrical connection carrier of electronic components, the processing precision and quality of printed circuit boards directly determine the performance and reliability of electronic products. Modern printed circuit board manufacturing processes are quite complex, involving various mechanical processing steps such as drilling, cutting, milling, and lamination; different processes require different processing tools and machines to complete the corresponding processing steps.

[0003] In the prior art, when processing printed circuit boards, it is necessary to first use lamination equipment, such as the VC Series laminator produced by Hsing Chung Company, to stack the printed circuit board, prepreg and copper foil into the laminator, heat and press them together, then use drilling equipment to drill holes in the board, and finally use milling equipment to mill the edges.

[0004] Existing printed circuit board (PCB) processing devices are all specialized, capable of completing only a specific step in PCB processing. They require continuous transfer of the PCB to different equipment for various processing steps, resulting in discontinuous processing and severely impacting efficiency and quality. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a PCB processing device and system that can automatically and efficiently switch between corresponding processing modes based on the processing flow, thereby enabling continuous processing of the PCB and improving efficiency and quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a printed circuit board processing apparatus and system. Through the design of the tool changing module, the corresponding processing mode can be automatically and efficiently switched according to the processing flow. Then, through the board processing module, the board is continuously processed using the corresponding processing tools according to the processing steps, thereby improving processing efficiency and quality.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a printed circuit board processing system, comprising a board conveying module, a board receiving module, a tool changing module, and a board processing module.

[0007] The board conveying module is used for users to place boards and transport the boards to the board receiving module; the board conveying module is also used to collect the real-time position information of the boards and transmit the real-time position information of the boards to the board receiving module.

[0008] The board receiving module is used to set the receiving point and storage point, and to determine the relative position of the board and the receiving point based on the real-time location information of the board. When the board arrives at the receiving point, the board receiving module is used to receive the board and transfer it to the storage point.

[0009] The tool changing module includes several processing tools and controllers for laminating, cutting and drilling the sheet metal; the controller is used for users to input design drawings, analyze the processing flow based on the design drawings, and transmit the processing flow to the sheet metal processing module.

[0010] The tool replacement module also includes a storage mechanism for storing processing tools. The controller is also used to locate the storage location of each processing tool, associate each processing tool with its storage location, generate a tool database, and find, install, and replace processing tools according to the tool database. The controller is also used to analyze the processing steps according to the processing flow, calculate the completion progress of the current processing step, and transmit the completion progress of the current processing step to the sheet metal processing module.

[0011] The sheet metal processing module is used to process the sheet metal in steps using corresponding processing tools.

[0012] The technical principle of the above solution is as follows:

[0013] The user places the sheet material on the conveying mechanism, which then transports it to the sheet material receiving module and collects the sheet material's real-time position information. The sheet material receiving module determines whether the sheet material has reached the receiving point based on the real-time position information and transfers it to the storage point after it arrives. The tool changing module can store various processing tools and identify their storage locations. During processing, the tool changing module locates, installs, and replaces different processing tools according to the processing flow. The sheet material processing module then uses the corresponding processing tools to laminate, drill, and cut the sheet material according to the processing steps, completing integrated processing.

[0014] The above approach has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. In the prior art, printed circuit boards need to be transferred between different special equipment during the processing of printed circuit boards. This processing method will cause continuous interruption of the production process, prolong waiting time, and reduce processing efficiency. The present invention, through the design of the tool changing module, can automatically and accurately switch different processing tools (such as changing from drilling tools to milling tools) within a single processing cycle, reduce the waiting time for switching processing steps, ensure the continuity of production, realize continuous integrated processing from board loading to finished product unloading, significantly shorten the production cycle, and improve processing efficiency.

[0016] 2. In the prior art, printed circuit boards (PCBs) need to undergo multiple loading and unloading processes and repeated positioning. Repeated loading and unloading increases the risk of PCBs falling or being damaged during the loading and unloading process. Multiple positioning processes increase the processing errors caused by positioning errors. This invention, through the design of the tool changing module and the board processing module, allows multiple processing steps of the PCB to be completed in a single loading and unloading process and a single positioning process. This effectively reduces the risk of PCBs falling or being damaged during the loading and unloading process and also reduces the processing errors caused by positioning errors.

[0017] 3. Through the design of the sheet material conveying module, this invention collects the real-time position information of the sheet material during the transportation process. This allows the subsequent sheet material receiving module to determine the relative position of the sheet material to the receiving point based on the real-time position information, thereby accurately receiving the sheet material and coordinating the sheet material transportation and transfer operations.

[0018] Furthermore, the tool replacement module receives the current processing step and its completion progress transmitted by the sheet metal processing module, and locates, installs, and replaces processing tools according to the processing step and its completion progress. When the completion progress of the current processing step is 0%, the tool replacement module analyzes the processing tool corresponding to the current processing step, marks it as the target processing tool, retrieves the storage location of the target processing tool in the tool database, and locates and installs the target processing tool according to its storage location. When the completion progress of the processing step is 100%, the tool replacement module places the processing tool back to its corresponding storage location according to the tool database, and locates and installs the processing tool corresponding to the next step.

[0019] Beneficial effects: Through the collaborative design of the tool changing module and the sheet metal processing module, this solution can automatically select and change different processing tools according to the real-time processing steps and their completion progress, enabling the device to perform multiple steps continuously.

[0020] Furthermore, the completion progress of the processing steps is calculated as follows:

[0021] W=F1 / F0 (1).

[0022] Where F1 is the number of completed subtasks in the processing step, F0 is the total number of subtasks in the processing step, and W is the completion progress of the processing step.

[0023] Beneficial effects: Existing technologies can often only estimate the completion progress of the entire processing process. This solution calculates the completion progress of each processing step by analyzing the total number of sub-tasks and the number of completed sub-tasks for each processing step, which can more detailed and accurately determine the completion progress of the processing process.

[0024] Furthermore, the sheet material conveying module is also used to collect the sheet material's dimensional information and transmit it to the sheet material processing module, which is used to clamp and fix the sheet material according to its dimensional information.

[0025] Beneficial effects: By collecting the size information of the sheet material, this solution enables the subsequent sheet material processing module to better control the clamping position and clamping force when clamping and fixing the sheet material, thereby improving the clamping effect.

[0026] Furthermore, the controller is also used to set wear thresholds, detect the dimensions of the processing tool before and after use, and calculate the tool wear based on the dimensions before and after use. If the tool wear is greater than or equal to the wear threshold, a tool replacement report is generated.

[0027] Beneficial effects: This solution, through the design of wear threshold, can monitor the wear of tools in real time and immediately warn users when the wear exceeds the wear threshold. It can effectively prevent processing defects caused by excessive tool wear and ensure key indicators such as hole wall quality and shape accuracy from the source.

[0028] Furthermore, a printed circuit board processing device includes an operating table with a placement slot for placing boards. A robotic arm is mounted on the top of the operating table, and a board processing module controls the operation of the robotic arm. A magnetic chuck is fixedly connected to the end of the robotic arm away from the operating table. A mounting slot is formed at the bottom of the magnetic chuck, and a mounting base is detachably connected to the mounting slot. An electromagnet is embedded in the mounting base, and a tool changing module controls the operation of the electromagnet. Several limiting blocks are fixedly connected to the side wall of the mounting base, and several limiting slots for placing the limiting blocks are formed on the side wall of the mounting slot. The bottom of the mounting base is fixedly connected to the top of the processing tool. The operating table is provided with a fixing component for fixing the boards and a cleaning component for blowing and cleaning the boards. A receiving cavity for receiving processing waste liquid and cutting waste is formed inside the operating table, and the receiving cavity communicates with the side wall of the placement slot.

[0029] Beneficial effects: This solution, through the design of the mounting groove and electromagnet, enables the magnetic chuck and mounting base to be quickly fixed and detached, thereby achieving rapid switching of processing tools. The design of the limiting groove and limiting block forms a rigid mechanical structure that is resistant to torsion and eccentric load, which can effectively counteract the huge torque generated in processes such as drilling and milling, and ensure the stability of processing.

[0030] Furthermore, the fixing assembly includes telescopic components fixedly connected to the two inner side walls of the placement slot. Each telescopic component's output shaft is fixedly connected to a fixing plate, and a buffer layer is fixedly connected to the side of the fixing plate away from the telescopic component. The plate processing module is used to control the operation of the telescopic components.

[0031] Beneficial effects: This solution, through the design of the telescopic component, can move the fixed plate to clamp plates of different sizes. At the same time, the buffer layer can prevent the fixed plate from scratching or colliding with the plate, ensuring the quality of the plate. In addition, the buffer layer can effectively absorb high-frequency vibration, play a buffering role, and avoid defects such as excessively large hole diameter, inaccurate hole position, broken blade or rough cut edge caused by excessive vibration.

[0032] Furthermore, the cleaning component includes an air pump and a liquid pump that are fixedly connected to both sides of the operating table. The inner wall of the placement tank away from the robotic arm has several cleaning holes. Both the air pump and the liquid pump are connected to the cleaning holes. The end of the liquid pump away from the cleaning hole is connected to a liquid storage component for storing processing fluid. The plate processing module is used to control the operation of the air pump and the liquid pump.

[0033] Beneficial effects: The sheet processing module can clean the sheet in different ways according to different processing steps. For example, before lamination, the device can use a liquid pump to spray isopropyl alcohol solution onto the sheet to remove impurities such as dust, oil, and metal particles from the sheet surface, ensuring that the sheet surface is clean and flat, thereby improving the lamination effect and heat conduction effect. During drilling or cutting, the device can use an air pump to generate gas to blow away the sheet, remove waste generated during processing, provide a clear processing view, and reduce the interference of waste on the processing process.

[0034] Furthermore, the processing equipment includes a drill bit for drilling holes in the sheet material, a milling cutter for cutting the sheet material, and a laminating assembly for heating and pressing the sheet material.

[0035] Beneficial effects: The sheet metal processing module can select different processing tools according to different processing steps, thereby completing various types of processing.

[0036] Furthermore, the lamination assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder, a pressing plate, and a connecting plate, with a mounting base also fixedly connected to the top of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0037] A support plate is fixedly connected to the middle of the hydraulic cylinder, and a push plate is coaxially fixedly connected to the output shaft of the hydraulic cylinder. Several sliding rods are fixedly connected to the top of the pressing plate. The top of each sliding rod passes through the push plate and the support plate and slides vertically with the push plate and the support plate. A spring is sleeved on each sliding rod. The top of the spring is fixedly connected to the bottom of the push plate, and the bottom of the spring is fixedly connected to the top of the pressing plate. The top of each sliding rod is fixedly connected to the bottom of the connecting plate. A heating plate and several pressure sensors are embedded in the pressing plate. The plate processing module is used to control the operation of the heating plate. The pressure sensors are used to detect the pressure value between the pressing plate and the plate and transmit it to the plate processing module. The plate processing module is used to determine the contact state between the pressing plate and the plate based on the pressure value and control the operation of the hydraulic cylinder based on the contact state between the pressing plate and the plate.

[0038] Beneficial effects: In this solution, when the hydraulic cylinder is initially activated, the pressing plate will gently contact the top of the sheet material without applying excessive pressure, ensuring that the pressing plate adheres to the top of the sheet material and squeezing out the air at the contact surface. Subsequently, the hydraulic cylinder continues to apply pressure, causing the spring to be compressed. At this point, the pressure increases steadily and linearly to the specified value. This solution can effectively avoid the pressing plate directly impacting the sheet material, which could lead to breakage or cracks. At the same time, by prioritizing the smooth adhesion of the pressing plate to the sheet material and expelling air before applying pressure, the uniformity and stability of pressure application can be guaranteed, thereby improving the lamination effect.

[0039] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printed circuit board processing system of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the printed circuit board processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a top view of the printed circuit board processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view of the printed circuit board processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 5 This is an isometric view of the magnetic chuck and robotic arm in the printed circuit board processing device of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 6 This is an isometric view of the lamination assembly in the printed circuit board processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a front view of the lamination assembly in the printed circuit board processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0047] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings of the instruction manual include: 1. Operating table; 2. Robotic arm; 3. Magnetic chuck; 4. Telescopic component; 5. Fixed plate; 6. Air pump; 7. Liquid pump; 8. Mounting base; 9. Hydraulic cylinder; 10. Connecting plate; 11. Slide rod; 12. Support plate; 13. Push plate; 14. Spring; 15. Pressing plate; 16. Limiting block; 17. Buffer layer. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0049] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0052] Example 1:

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, a printed circuit board processing system includes a board conveying module, a board receiving module, a tool changing module, and a board processing module, all of which are interconnected by signals.

[0054] The specific functions of each module are as follows:

[0055] The sheet material conveying module includes a conveying mechanism; the conveying mechanism is used for users to place sheets and to transport the sheets to the sheet material receiving module; it is also used to collect real-time position information of the sheets and transmit the real-time position information of the sheets to the sheet material receiving module.

[0056] Specifically, in this embodiment, the conveying mechanism uses the existing IKO PTS Series antistatic belt conveyor (whose surface is made of antistatic material to avoid electrostatic damage to the board). Several cameras are installed on both sides of the belt conveyor. The cameras are used to collect images of the board in real time and transmit them to the processor installed on the belt conveyor. The processor then analyzes the real-time position information of the board and transmits it to the board receiving module, thereby completing the transportation and real-time positioning of the board.

[0057] The board receiving module includes a conveying mechanism. The board receiving module is used to set receiving points and storage points, and to determine the relative position of the board and the receiving point based on the real-time position information of the board. When the board arrives at the receiving point, the board receiving module is used to receive the board through the conveying mechanism and transfer it to the storage point.

[0058] Specifically, in this embodiment, the handling mechanism uses a SCARA robot from the prior art. The robot's end effector is a vacuum suction cup assembly with a vacuum generator. After the board is transported to the receiving point by the belt conveyor, the handling mechanism uses the vacuum suction cup assembly to adsorb the board and transfers the board to the storage point by rotating the handling mechanism. Then, the adsorption effect of the suction cup is released, thereby completing the receiving of the board.

[0059] The tooling replacement module includes several processing tools and controllers for laminating, cutting, and drilling the sheet metal. The controller allows users to input design drawings in PDF format via their mobile phones, analyze the processing flow based on the design drawings, and transmit the processing flow to the sheet metal processing module. The processing tools include drill bits for drilling the sheet metal, milling cutters for cutting the sheet metal, and lamination components for heating and pressing the sheet metal.

[0060] Specifically, the controller analyzes the cutting path of the board, the coordinates, depth and diameter of all drilled holes, based on the processing graphics in the design drawings. Following the basic processing steps of lamination, drilling and cutting, it generates processing flow information by combining the cutting path of the board, the coordinates, depth and diameter of all drilled holes.

[0061] For example, after analyzing the processing graphic, the controller generates the following processing flow information: First, the board is laminated using a laminating assembly (in this embodiment, a hydraulic laminating machine is selected as the laminating assembly). Then, holes are drilled in the board using a Φ0.3mm drill bit with a drilling depth of 2mm and drilling coordinates of (X1,Y1) and (X2,Y2) in sequence. Next, holes are drilled in the board using a Φ0.5mm drill bit with drilling coordinates of (X3,Y3) and (X4,Y4) in sequence. Finally, the board is cut and milled using a Φ2.0mm milling cutter.

[0062] The tool changing module also includes a storage box installed on one side of the SCARA robot. The storage box is used to store machining tools such as drill bits and milling cutters. The controller is also used to locate the storage location of each machining tool, associate each machining tool with its storage location, generate a tool database, and find, install and change machining tools according to the tool database.

[0063] Specifically, in this embodiment, a storage frame with several grids (in this embodiment, the storage frame has 9 rows and 9 columns of grids) is used to store the processing tools. Assuming that the storage location of processing tool A is the third row and the fourth column, its storage location is (3,4). The controller will capture the image of processing tool A through the camera, analyze the number of rows and columns of processing tool A in the storage frame, obtain the third row and the fourth column of processing tool A in the storage frame, and then associate processing tool A with its storage location (3,4) and store it in the tool database.

[0064] The controller is also used to analyze the processing steps according to the processing flow and calculate the completion progress of the current processing step.

[0065] The completion progress of the current processing step is calculated as follows:

[0066] W=F1 / F0 (1).

[0067] Where F1 is the number of completed subtasks in the current processing step, F0 is the total number of subtasks in the current processing step, and W is the completion progress of the current processing step.

[0068] Specifically, a processing step corresponds to a processing tool. For example, "drilling with a Φ0.3mm drill bit" is an independent processing step, and the number of its sub-tasks is the number of holes drilled. For example, if 10 holes need to be drilled on the surface of the board, and 5 have been completed, then according to formula (1), the completion progress of the current processing step is W=50%.

[0069] The sheet metal processing module is used to control the operation of the conveying mechanism according to the processing steps, and then use the corresponding processing tools to process the sheet metal in steps.

[0070] In existing technologies, the operator mainly presets a processing program, and the processing equipment strictly executes this program. For example, a lathe will strictly follow the processing program to perform drilling. However, the processing program can only control the operation of the current lathe to achieve the single task of drilling. It lacks connection with the processing work of other equipment, and each processing step is relatively independent. The operator cannot control the multiple steps of transporting, handling, laminating, drilling, and cutting of the board as a whole. Manual coordination is still required to complete the overall processing of the board. In this embodiment, through the design of the board processing module, the various processing processes of the board can be processed step by step. By analyzing the completion progress of each step, the continuous execution of each step is ensured, realizing the overall control of each step without the need for manual coordination, and effectively improving processing efficiency.

[0071] The tool changing module receives the current processing step and its completion progress from the sheet metal processing module via the controller, and locates, installs, and replaces processing tools according to the processing step and its completion progress. When the completion progress of the current processing step is 0%, the tool changing module analyzes the processing tool corresponding to the current processing step based on the controller, marks it as the target processing tool, retrieves the storage location of the target processing tool in the tool database, and uses the SCARA robot to locate and install the target processing tool according to the storage location of the target processing tool. When the completion progress of the current processing step is 100%, the tool changing module places the current processing tool back to its corresponding storage location according to the tool database, and locates and installs the processing tool corresponding to the next step.

[0072] For example, the previous step was "to drill holes in the board using a Φ0.3mm drill bit", the completion progress is 100%, and the Φ0.3mm drill bit is stored at (3, 4).

[0073] The current step is "Drilling holes in the board using a Φ0.5mm drill bit", with a completion progress of 0%. The target processing tool is a Φ0.5mm drill bit, and the storage location of the processing tool is retrieved from the tool database: the storage location of the Φ0.5mm drill bit is (6, 7).

[0074] Afterwards, the controller will pause the drill bit operation and store the Φ0.3mm drill bit in the 3rd row and 4th column of the storage box; then it will extract the Φ0.5mm drill bit in the 6th row and 7th column of the storage box and use the Φ0.5mm drill bit to drill holes in the board.

[0075] In existing technologies, such as vertical CNC engraving machines, although operators can manually replace the end effector of the processing equipment with drills and milling cutters, this method is inefficient. Operators need to locate the necessary tools in advance, stop the machine immediately after the previous processing step is completed, manually remove the tool, and then manually install the tool for the next step. This method is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Incorrect tool selection or unstable installation can lead to quality problems. Stopping the machine too early can result in insufficient completion of the previous step, while stopping it too late can affect processing efficiency. This embodiment, through the design of a tool replacement module, eliminates the need for manual tool replacement. It automatically identifies the completion progress of processing steps, automatically pauses the machine, and replaces the tool based on the progress, effectively improving the processing efficiency of the device, avoiding various problems caused by manual operation, and enhancing the automation level and processing quality of the processing work.

[0076] The sheet material conveying module is also used to collect the size information of the sheet material through a camera and transmit the size information of the sheet material to the sheet material processing module through a processor. The sheet material processing module is used to clamp and fix the sheet material according to the size information of the sheet material.

[0077] Specifically, in this embodiment, the sheet material conveying module takes an image when the sheet material is placed on the belt conveyor using a camera. The image processing algorithm (Canny algorithm is used in this embodiment) identifies and calculates the outline dimensions (including length and width) of the sheet material by combining the camera's calibration parameters (focal length, principal point, and distortion coefficient). The sheet material processing module then uses a mechanical gripper (MHZ2-20D1-E67L is used in this embodiment) to stably clamp the sheet material according to its length and width, while avoiding damage to the sheet material.

[0078] The tool replacement module is also used to set a wear threshold through the controller, detect the dimensions of the processing tool before and after use, calculate the tool wear based on the dimensions before and after use, and generate a tool replacement report if the tool wear is greater than or equal to the wear threshold.

[0079] Specifically, in this embodiment, when a new processing tool (such as a drill bit) is first stored in the storage box, the tool replacement module will capture the front and bottom views of the drill bit through a camera. Using an image processing algorithm, it will analyze and record key data such as the nominal diameter and cutting length of the new tool and mark them as D0. Then, D0 will be stored in the tool database as the initial data of the tool. Whenever a tool completes a processing task, before returning it to its storage location, the tool replacement module will capture the key data of the new tool again through a camera and mark it as D1. Assuming the wear threshold is Y, when D0-D1≥Y, the tool replacement module will generate a tool replacement report, informing the user that the wear of the tool has exceeded the wear threshold and needs to be replaced.

[0080] In existing technologies, printed circuit boards need to be transferred between different specialized equipment (such as laminating equipment, drilling equipment, and cutting equipment) during the processing of printed circuit boards. This processing method leads to continuous interruptions in the production process, prolongs waiting time, and reduces processing efficiency. This embodiment, through the coordinated control of the tool changing module and the board processing module, can automatically and accurately switch different processing tools (such as switching from drilling tools to milling tools) within a single processing cycle according to the real-time processing steps and their completion progress. This reduces the waiting time for switching processing steps, ensures the continuity of production, and realizes continuous integrated processing from board loading to finished product unloading, significantly shortening the production cycle and improving processing efficiency.

[0081] In existing technologies, printed circuit boards (PCBs) require multiple loading and unloading operations and repeated positioning. Repeated loading and unloading increases the risk of PCBs falling or being damaged during the loading and unloading process. Multiple positioning operations lead to increased positioning errors, which in turn increase the processing errors of the PCBs. This embodiment, through the design of the tool changing module and the board processing module, only requires a single loading and unloading operation and a single positioning operation to complete multiple processing operations of the PCB. This effectively reduces the risk of PCBs falling or being damaged during the loading and unloading process and also reduces the processing errors caused by positioning errors.

[0082] In existing technologies, the wear of processing tools is mainly measured manually and periodically to determine their quality. This method is inefficient and untimely. Using substandard tools can easily lead to defective products, severely impacting product quality and even causing safety accidents. This embodiment integrates tool wear monitoring and adaptive plate size selection through a tool replacement module. By monitoring the tool wear status in real time and immediately alerting the user when the wear exceeds a threshold, it effectively prevents processing defects and safety accidents caused by excessive tool wear. This ensures key indicators such as hole wall quality and shape accuracy from the source, improving control over product quality and production safety. Simultaneously, it automatically matches the optimal tool based on the plate size, avoiding manual selection errors and ensuring the applicability of the device and the reliability of processing quality across different batches.

[0083] Example 2:

[0084] Unlike the embodiments described above, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a printed circuit board processing device includes an operating table 1 with a placement slot for placing board material. A robotic arm 2 (in this embodiment, a T6-652S robot from the prior art) is installed on the top of the operating table 1. The board material processing module is used to control the operation of the robotic arm 2.

[0085] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a magnetic chuck 3 is bolted to the end of the robotic arm 2 away from the operating table 1. The bottom of the magnetic chuck 3 has a mounting groove, and a mounting base 8 is magnetically and detachably connected to the mounting groove. An electromagnet is embedded in the mounting base 8. The appliance replacement module is used to control the operation of the electromagnet.

[0086] like Figure 6 As shown, the side wall of the mounting base 8 is integrally formed with several limiting blocks 16, and the side wall of the mounting groove is provided with several limiting grooves for placing the limiting blocks 16; the bottom of the mounting base 8 is bolted to the top of the processing tool.

[0087] The operating table 1 is equipped with a fixing component for fixing the plate and a cleaning component for blowing and cleaning the plate. The operating table 1 has a receiving cavity for receiving processing waste liquid and cutting waste. The receiving cavity is connected to the side wall of the placement tank, and the cleaning hole is set opposite to the receiving cavity.

[0088] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the fixing assembly includes a telescopic member 4 (in this embodiment, the telescopic member 4 is a cylinder) that is bolted to the inner side walls of the placement groove. The output shaft of the telescopic member 4 is bolted to a fixing plate 5. A buffer layer 17 (in this embodiment, the buffer layer 17 is made of silicone) is fixedly bonded to the side of the fixing plate 5 away from the telescopic member 4. The plate processing module is used to control the operation of the telescopic member 4.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, the cleaning assembly includes an air pump 6 and a liquid pump 7, which are respectively bolted to both sides of the operating table 1. The inner wall of the placement tank away from the robotic arm 2 has several cleaning holes. The air pump 6 and the liquid pump 7 are both connected to the cleaning holes. The end of the liquid pump 7 away from the cleaning hole is connected to a liquid storage assembly for storing the processing fluid (in this embodiment, the liquid storage assembly is a liquid storage tank in the prior art, and the processing fluid is an isopropanol solution). The plate processing module is used to control the operation of the air pump 6 and the liquid pump 7.

[0090] Specifically, after the board is placed in the placement slot, the board processing module controls the telescopic component 4 to operate according to the size of the board. The output shafts of the telescopic components 4 on both sides extend towards the center of the placement slot, thereby pushing the fixing plates 5 closer together to clamp and fix the board. At the same time, the buffer layer 17 can prevent the fixing plates 5 from scratching or colliding with the board, ensuring the quality of the board. In addition, the buffer layer 17 can effectively absorb high-frequency vibration, play a buffering role, and avoid defects such as excessively large hole diameter, inaccurate hole position, broken blade or rough cut edge caused by excessive vibration.

[0091] After the sheet is fixed, the sheet processing module will clean the sheet in different ways according to different processing steps. For example, before lamination, the sheet processing module will use the liquid pump 7 to spray isopropyl alcohol solution onto the sheet to remove impurities such as dust, oil and metal particles from the sheet surface, ensuring that the sheet surface is clean and flat, thereby improving the lamination effect and heat conduction effect. During drilling or cutting, the sheet processing module will use the air pump 6 to generate airflow to blow away the sheet, remove the waste generated during the processing, provide a clear processing view, and reduce the interference of waste on the processing process.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, since the cleaning hole and the receiving cavity are set opposite each other, the waste liquid and waste materials during the cleaning process will flow into the receiving cavity under the impact of airflow and water flow, thereby avoiding the accumulation of waste liquid and waste materials in the placement tank and preventing waste liquid and waste materials from affecting the processing.

[0093] During the processing, the board processing module controls the operation of the robotic arm 2, which in turn drives the lamination components, drill bit and milling cutter to perform lamination, drilling, cutting and milling on the board in sequence, so as to achieve integrated and continuous processing.

[0094] During the installation of drill bits, milling cutters, and laminating components, the sheet metal processing module controls the robotic arm 2 to rotate above the designated processing tool, aligning the mounting slot with its mounting base 8. Then, the end of the robotic arm 2 is lowered so that the mounting base 8 is inserted into the mounting slot, and the limiting blocks 16 are all inserted into the limiting slots. At the same time, the tool changing module activates the electromagnet, causing the mounting base 8 to be attracted and fixed to the magnetic chuck 3, quickly completing the installation of the processing tool. Due to the limiting effect of the limiting slots on the limiting blocks 16, the limiting blocks 16 can effectively counteract the huge torque generated during drilling and milling processes, preventing the mounting base 8 from rotating and ensuring the stability of the processing.

[0095] When changing processing tools, the sheet metal processing module controls the robotic arm 2 to rotate on the top of the operating table and place the current processing tool in the corresponding storage position. The tool changing module will turn off the electromagnet, so that the mounting base 8 will be disengaged from the mounting slot under the action of gravity, and the limit block 16 will also be disengaged from the limit slot. Then, the sheet metal processing module will control the robotic arm 2 to rotate above the target processing tool, and the tool changing module will restart the electromagnet to install the target processing tool, thus completing the replacement of the processing tool.

[0096] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the lamination assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder 9, a pressing plate 15, and a connecting plate 10. A mounting base 8 is bolted to the top of the hydraulic cylinder 9. A support plate 12 is bolted to the middle of the hydraulic cylinder 9, and a push plate 13 is bolted to the output shaft of the hydraulic cylinder 9. Several sliding rods 11 are bolted to the top of the pressing plate 15. The tops of the sliding rods 11 all penetrate the push plate 13 and the support plate 12 and slide vertically with both. Springs 14 are fitted onto each sliding rod 11. The tops of the springs 14 are screwed to the bottom of the push plate 13, and the bottoms of the springs 14 are screwed to the top of the pressing plate 15.

[0097] The top of the slide bar 11 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the connecting plate 10 with bolts; a heating plate and several pressure sensors are embedded in the pressing plate 15; the plate processing module is used to control the operation of the heating plate, and the pressure sensors are used to monitor the pressure value between the pressing plate 15 and the plate and transmit it to the plate processing module; the plate processing module is used to determine the contact state between the pressing plate 15 and the plate according to the pressure value, and control the operation of the hydraulic cylinder 9 according to the contact state between the pressing plate 15 and the plate.

[0098] Specifically, during the lamination process of the sheet material, the sheet material processing module and the tool changing module control the robotic arm 2 and the electromagnet to attract and fix the mounting seat 8 on the top of the hydraulic cylinder 9, and then adjust the robotic arm 2 to move the pressing plate 15 directly above the sheet material.

[0099] Before the lamination process begins, the output shaft of hydraulic cylinder 9 is in a retracted state, and the pressing plate 15 is not in contact with the sheet material (in this embodiment, the elastic coefficient of spring 14 is selected so that the weight of pressing plate 15 is always less than the elastic force of spring 14 itself, and spring 14 will not deform in the static state or during the movement of pressing plate 15 without contact with sheet material); when the lamination process begins, the sheet material processing module first controls the output shaft of hydraulic cylinder 9 to slowly extend downward, and the output shaft of hydraulic cylinder 9 pushes the push plate 13 downward. At this time, since the pressing plate 15 is not yet limited by the plate, the spring 14 will not be compressed, but will move downward with the push plate 13 and push the pressing plate 15 downward. The pressing plate 15 will also drive the slide rod 11 and the connecting plate 10 to move downward. The slide rod 11 can ensure that the pressing plate 15 moves downward smoothly. At this time, the pressing plate 15 will gradually and smoothly approach the top of the plate. When the pressing plate 15 just contacts the top of the plate, it will squeeze out the air between the pressing plate 15 and the plate, thereby ensuring that the pressing force is evenly distributed.

[0100] When the pressure values ​​detected by the pressure sensors at all points within the pressing plate 15 are all >0 and balanced (error less than ±0.05N), the sheet processing module will determine that the pressing plate 15 is in contact with and stably adhered to the top of the sheet, and control the output shaft of the hydraulic cylinder 9 to continue to extend. At this time, the push plate 13 will continue to move downward. Since the pressing plate 15 is limited by the sheet, the pressing plate 15, the slide rod 11, and the connecting plate 10 all remain stable. The spring 14 will be compressed under the pressure of the push plate 13 and the pressing plate 15, thereby generating a reaction force, so that the pressing plate 15 presses the sheet, and the pressing force will gradually increase as the push plate 13 descends until the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor increases to the specified value. The sheet processing module will then control the hydraulic cylinder 9 to stop running and maintain the current state to maintain the pressing pressure of the sheet, thus completing the lamination process.

[0101] Existing lamination equipment (such as the Zhengye MY hydraulic laminator) directly applies pressure to the sheet material to complete the lamination process, lacking proper buffering. This can easily cause the sheet material to break or crack due to a sudden increase in pressure. In pursuit of efficiency, existing lamination equipment often uses a rapid and direct bonding method, resulting in a large-area contact between the pressure surface and the sheet material surface in an instant. This can easily cause some air to be quickly trapped between the laminator and the sheet material, forming air bubbles that are difficult to eliminate. This, in turn, affects the uniformity of pressure distribution, leading to defects such as local delamination and uneven thickness in the product, and seriously impairing its electrical insulation performance and long-term reliability.

[0102] In the prior art, although the end effector of the robotic arm 2 can be replaced with a drill bit and a milling cutter, the lamination equipment in the prior art is bulky and cannot be integrated with the robotic arm, thus making it impossible to integrate lamination, drilling, cutting and milling into one process. In this embodiment, through the design of the mounting base 8 and the pressing plate 15, combined with the tool changing module, lamination, drilling, cutting and milling can be integrated into one process, effectively ensuring the continuity of the printed circuit board processing process, and thus effectively improving the processing efficiency of printed circuit board processing.

[0103] In this embodiment, when the pressing plate 15 just contacts the top of the board, the pressure between the pressing plate 15 and the board is minimal, maintaining only a close fit. The purpose is to achieve full fit and fully expel the air between the pressing plate 15 and the board. At the same time, this design can effectively prevent the pressing plate 15 from directly impacting the board, preventing the board from breaking or cracking due to a sudden increase in pressure. Furthermore, through the buffer of the spring 14, the force of the pushing plate 13 is applied to the spring 14, and then the reaction force of the spring 14 is transferred to the pressing plate 15. The deformation of the spring 14 generates flexible compression, further reducing the risk of the board breaking or cracking due to direct pressure.

[0104] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A printed circuit board processing system, characterized in that, It includes a sheet material conveying module, a sheet material receiving module, a tool changing module, and a sheet material processing module; The board conveying module is used for users to place boards and transport the boards to the board receiving module; the board conveying module is also used to collect the real-time position information of the boards and transmit the real-time position information of the boards to the board receiving module. The board receiving module is used to set the receiving point and storage point, and to determine the relative position of the board and the receiving point based on the real-time position information of the board. When the board arrives at the receiving point, the board receiving module is used to receive the board and transfer it to the storage point. The tool changing module includes several processing tools and controllers for laminating, cutting and drilling the sheet metal; the controller is used for users to input design drawings, analyze the processing flow based on the design drawings, and transmit the processing flow to the sheet metal processing module. The tool replacement module also includes a storage mechanism for storing processing tools. The controller is also used to locate the storage location of each processing tool, associate each processing tool with its storage location, generate a tool database, and find, install, and replace processing tools according to the tool database. The controller is also used to analyze the processing steps according to the processing flow, calculate the completion progress of the current processing step, and transmit the completion progress of the current processing step to the sheet metal processing module. The sheet metal processing module is used to process the sheet metal in steps using corresponding processing tools.

2. The printed circuit board processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tool changing module is used to receive the current processing steps and their completion progress transmitted by the sheet metal processing module, and to locate, install and replace processing tools according to the processing steps and their completion progress. When the completion progress of a processing step is 0%, the tool replacement module analyzes the processing tool corresponding to the current processing step, marks it as the target processing tool, retrieves the storage location of the target processing tool in the tool database, and finds and installs the target processing tool according to its storage location. When the completion progress of a processing step is 100%, the tool replacement module places the current processing tool back to its corresponding storage location according to the tool database, and finds and installs the processing tool corresponding to the next step.

3. The printed circuit board processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The completion progress of each processing step is calculated as follows: W=F1 / F0 (1) Where F1 is the number of completed subtasks in the processing step, F0 is the total number of subtasks in the processing step, and W is the completion progress of the current processing step.

4. The printed circuit board processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sheet material conveying module is also used to collect the size information of the sheet material and transmit the size information to the sheet material processing module, which is used to clamp and fix the sheet material according to the size information.

5. The printed circuit board processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is also used to set wear thresholds, detect the dimensions of the processing tool before and after use, and calculate the tool wear based on the dimensions before and after use. If the tool wear is greater than or equal to the wear threshold, a tool replacement report is generated.

6. A printed circuit board processing apparatus, operating the printed circuit board processing system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes an operating table (1), which has a slot for placing the board, and a robotic arm (2) is installed on the top of the operating table (1). The board processing module is used to control the operation of the robotic arm (2). A magnetic chuck (3) is fixedly connected to one end of the robotic arm (2) away from the operating table (1). The bottom of the magnetic chuck (3) has an installation groove, and a mounting base (8) is detachably connected in the mounting groove. An electromagnet is embedded in the mounting base (8), and the tool changing module is used to control the operation of the electromagnet. Several limit blocks (16) are fixedly connected to the side wall of the mounting base (8), and several limit grooves for placing the limit blocks (16) are opened in the side wall of the mounting groove. The bottom of the mounting base (8) is fixedly connected to the top of the processing tool. The operating table (1) is equipped with a fixing component for fixing the plate and a cleaning component for blowing and cleaning the plate. The operating table (1) has a receiving cavity for receiving processing waste liquid and cutting waste. The receiving cavity is connected to the side wall of the placement tank, and the cleaning hole is set opposite to the receiving cavity.

7. The printed circuit board processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fixed assembly includes a telescopic component (4) fixedly connected to the two inner side walls of the placement slot. The output shaft of the telescopic component (4) is fixedly connected to a fixed plate (5). A buffer layer (17) is fixedly connected to the side of the fixed plate (5) away from the telescopic component (4). The plate processing module is used to control the operation of the telescopic component (4).

8. The printed circuit board processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cleaning assembly includes an air pump (6) and a liquid pump (7) fixedly connected to both sides of the operating table (1). The inner wall of the placement tank away from the robotic arm (2) has several cleaning holes. The air pump (6) and the liquid pump (7) are connected to the cleaning holes. The end of the liquid pump (7) away from the cleaning hole is connected to a liquid storage assembly for storing processing fluid. The plate processing module is used to control the operation of the air pump (6) and the liquid pump (7).

9. The printed circuit board processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The processing equipment includes drill bits for drilling holes in the sheet material, milling cutters for cutting the sheet material, and laminating components for heating and pressing the sheet material.

10. The printed circuit board processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lamination assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder (9), a pressing plate (15) and a connecting plate (10), and a mounting base (8) is also fixedly connected to the top of the hydraulic cylinder (9); A support plate (12) is fixedly connected to the middle of the hydraulic cylinder (9), and a push plate (13) is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the hydraulic cylinder (9) on the same axis; several slide rods (11) are fixedly connected to the top of the pressing plate (15), and the top of each slide rod (11) passes through the push plate (13) and the support plate (12) and slides vertically with the push plate (13) and the support plate (12). A spring (14) is sleeved on each slide rod (11), and the top of the spring (14) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the push plate (13), and the bottom of the spring (14) is fixedly connected to the pressing plate (15). 15) Top fixed connection; the top of the slide bar (11) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the connecting plate (10); the pressing plate (15) is embedded with a heating plate and several pressure sensors. The plate processing module is used to control the operation of the heating plate. The pressure sensors are used to detect the pressure value between the pressing plate (15) and the plate and transmit it to the plate processing module. The plate processing module is used to determine the contact state between the pressing plate (15) and the plate according to the pressure value, and to control the operation of the hydraulic cylinder (9) according to the contact state between the pressing plate (15) and the plate.

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