A copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards and its usage method

Abstract

This invention relates to a copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards, comprising a chain conveyor for carrying and transporting the PCB circuit boards. A printing mechanism and a drying assembly are sequentially arranged along the transport path of the chain conveyor, allowing the PCB circuit boards to undergo copper paste printing in the printing mechanism before entering the drying assembly for drying. The printing mechanism includes a Z-axis moving module mounted on the rear side of the chain conveyor, with an X-axis moving module drivenly connected to the Z-axis moving module, and a printing assembly drivenly connected to the X-axis moving module. This copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards and its method of use achieve continuous flow of each process through the chain conveyor, precise positioning by a recognition camera, and an integrated design for printing and drying. It eliminates the need for manual PCB board transfer and batch changes, completely solving the problem of fragmented processes in traditional equipment, significantly improving production efficiency, and adapting to the needs of large-scale production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of PCB circuit board processing technology, specifically to a copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] As the core component of electronic devices, the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) directly determines the operating performance of these devices through its circuit precision and conductivity stability. Copper paste printing is a crucial process in PCB manufacturing. By precisely printing copper paste onto the pre-defined circuit areas of the substrate and then curing it to form conductive lines, it is the core link in realizing the electrical functions of the circuit board and is widely used in various electronic manufacturing industries such as consumer electronics, industrial control, and communication equipment.

[0003] Currently, mainstream PCB copper paste printing equipment in the industry generally suffers from insufficient process continuity. The printing process of such equipment is mostly fragmented: the PCBs to be printed need to be placed one by one by manual at the printing station. After printing a single piece or a small batch, the machine needs to be stopped to remove the printed substrate and then manually transferred to the drying and curing equipment. Although some equipment integrates printing and drying functions, the loading and unloading processes still rely on manual intervention, and there are obvious downtime intervals between batches, making it impossible to achieve continuous flow of "loading-printing-curing-unloading". Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards and a method for using it, thus solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards, comprising a chain conveyor for carrying and transporting the PCB circuit boards; The chain plate conveying device has a printing mechanism and a drying component arranged sequentially on the transmission path, so that the PCB circuit board enters the drying component for drying after copper paste printing by the printing mechanism. The chain conveyor is also equipped with a limiting component to adapt to the transmission of PCB circuit boards of different widths.

[0006] Furthermore, the printing mechanism includes a Z-axis moving module mounted on the rear side of the chain conveyor, an X-axis moving module being drivenly connected to the Z-axis moving module, and a printing component being drivenly connected to the X-axis moving module.

[0007] Furthermore, the printing assembly includes a support frame that is driven to the X-axis moving module. Two second cylinders are vertically mounted on the support frame. The output ends of the two second cylinders are driven to a transmission plate. The interior of the transmission plate is provided with a connecting rod along the Z-axis direction. The bottom end of the connecting rod passes through and extends to the bottom of the support frame. A scraper structure is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the connecting rod on both the left and right sides.

[0008] Furthermore, the scraper structure is made of silicone material, and the bottom ends of the scraper structures on the left and right sides are inclined in opposite directions.

[0009] Furthermore, brackets are provided on both the left and right sides of the X-axis moving module, and a first cylinder is provided on the upper end of each of the brackets. A horizontal plate is drivenly connected to the output end of the first cylinder, and at least one transmission rod is provided at the bottom of the horizontal plate. The bottom ends of the transmission rods on both the left and right sides are fitted with the same rectangular frame. Two fixing components are slidably connected inside the rectangular frame to fix the printing template for the printed PCB circuit board.

[0010] Furthermore, the fixing component includes a card plate that is slidably connected between the front and rear sides of the inner wall of the rectangular frame and is used to place the printing template. The cross-sectional shape of the card plate on the ZX surface is U-shaped. A third cylinder is provided on the top of the card plate. The output end of the third cylinder passes through and extends into the interior of the card plate. A rubber block is connected to the output end of the third cylinder.

[0011] Furthermore, the printing mechanism also includes at least one fixed frame disposed on the top of the Z-axis moving module. One end of the fixed frame extends above the chain conveyor device, and a recognition camera is mounted on the end of the fixed frame away from the Z-axis moving module. The camera end of the recognition camera faces the chain conveyor device and is electrically connected to the chain conveyor device.

[0012] Furthermore, the drying assembly includes a drying cabinet mounted on the chain conveyor, a housing mounted on the top of the drying cabinet, an electric heating element mounted inside the housing, a blower mounted on the top of the drying cabinet with its output end connected to the housing, and two exhaust pipes mounted on the top wall of the drying cabinet and connected to the housing. The exhaust pipe is in the shape of an inverted T, and several exhaust holes are provided at the bottom of the exhaust pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the limiting component includes limiting frames installed on the front and rear sides of the chain plate transmission device. At least one adjusting cylinder is provided on the opposite side of the two limiting frames. Limiting plates are installed on the opposite side of the two limiting frames, and a transmission channel is formed between the two limiting plates. The adjusting cylinders on the front and rear sides are respectively connected to the two limiting plates for adjusting the width of the transmission channel in the Y-axis direction.

[0014] A method of using a copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards, implemented according to the above-described printing apparatus, includes the following operational steps: S001: Adjust the cylinder to drive the limit plate to move according to the PCB board width to form a suitable transmission channel; S002: The chain conveyor drives the PCB board to be transported stably; the identification camera collects the PCB board position information in real time. S003: When the PCB board moves directly below the printing mechanism and is aligned with the printing template, the camera sends a stop signal to the chain conveyor to stop its operation. S004: The Z-axis moving module and the X-axis moving module drive the printing assembly to the printing start position; according to the moving direction of the X-axis moving module, the corresponding second cylinder drives the scraper structure to rise and fall, so that one side of the scraper contacts the printing template and the other side disengages. The contacting scraper moves with the X-axis moving module to evenly scrape the copper paste onto the preset area of ​​the PCB board. The reciprocating motion achieves efficient printing. S005: The blower draws outside air into the chamber, which is then heated by the heating element and converted into hot air. The hot air is then blown evenly onto the PCB board inside the drying cabinet through multiple exhaust holes in the inverted T-shaped exhaust pipe.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this application has the following beneficial effects: 1. The copper paste printing device for PCB circuit boards and its usage method realize continuous flow of each process through the chain plate transmission device, the identification camera accurately positions the device, and the printing and drying are integrated. There is no need for manual transfer of PCB boards and machine stoppage for batch change. It completely solves the problem of fragmented processes in traditional devices, greatly improves production efficiency, and is suitable for large-scale production needs.

[0016] 2. The copper paste printing device for PCB circuit boards and its usage method feature multi-moving modules and cylinders working together to control the scraper and template, achieving uniform copper paste coating; the recognition camera and transmission device are linked to ensure precise alignment of the PCB board and template; the silicone scraper and rubber block fixing design avoids damage to the PCB board and template, improving printing accuracy and product qualification rate. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the printing mechanism structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the card plate and the third cylinder of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the drying assembly of the present invention; Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure viewed from below; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting component of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Chain conveyor; 2. Printing mechanism; 201. Z-axis moving module; 202. X-axis moving module; 203. Support; 204. First cylinder; 205. Horizontal plate; 206. Transmission rod; 207. Rectangular frame; 208. Support frame; 209. Second cylinder; 210. Transmission plate; 211. Connecting rod; 212. Scraper structure; 213. Card plate; 214. Third cylinder; 215. Fixing frame; 216. Recognition camera; 3. Drying assembly; 301. Drying cabinet; 302. Cabinet; 303. Blower; 304. Exhaust pipe; 4. Limiting assembly; 401. Limiting frame; 402. Adjusting cylinder; 403. Limiting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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.

[0020] Please see Figure 1-6 This embodiment presents a copper paste printing device for PCB circuit boards. Addressing the issues of insufficient process continuity, excessive manual intervention, and poor adaptability in traditional printing devices, this device achieves continuous and high-precision copper paste printing for PCB circuit boards through a collaborative design of automated continuous transmission, precise printing adjustment, integrated drying and curing, and adaptive limit positioning. It adapts to the processing requirements of PCB boards of different widths, thereby improving production efficiency and product qualification rate.

[0021] Specifically, the device includes a chain conveyor 1, a printing mechanism 2, a drying component 3, and a limiting component 4. These components work together to realize the functions of conveying, positioning, printing, and drying PCB circuit boards.

[0022] In detail, the chain conveyor 1 is used to carry and transport PCB circuit boards. The printing mechanism 2 and the drying component 3 are arranged in sequence on its transport path to ensure that the PCB circuit boards enter the drying stage directly after printing. The chain conveyor 1 is equipped with a limit component 4 to adapt to the stable transport of PCB circuit boards of different widths.

[0023] The printing mechanism 2 includes a Z-axis moving module 201 installed on the rear side of the chain plate conveyor 1, an X-axis moving module 202 connected to the Z-axis moving module 201, and a printing component connected to the X-axis moving module 202.

[0024] In detail, the printing assembly includes a support frame 208 that is driven and connected to the X-axis moving module 202. Two second cylinders 209 are vertically mounted on the support frame 208. The output end of the second cylinders 209 is driven and connected to a transmission plate 210. A connecting rod 211 is arranged inside the transmission plate 210 along the Z-axis direction. The bottom end of the connecting rod 211 extends through to the bottom of the support frame 208. Scraper structures 212 are fixedly connected to the bottom ends of the connecting rods 211 on both the left and right sides. The scraper structures 212 are made of silicone material and are inclined at opposite ends.

[0025] Furthermore, brackets 203 are provided on both the left and right sides of the X-axis moving module 202. A first cylinder 204 is provided on the upper surface of the bracket 203. A horizontal plate 205 is connected to the output end of the first cylinder 204. At least one transmission rod 206 is provided at the bottom of the horizontal plate 205. The same rectangular frame 207 is assembled at the bottom of the transmission rods 206 on both the left and right sides. Two fixing components are slidably connected inside the rectangular frame 207 for fixing the printing template.

[0026] Furthermore, the fixing component includes a card plate 213 slidably connected between the front and rear sides of the inner wall of the rectangular frame 207. The card plate 213 has a U-shaped cross-section on the ZX surface and a third cylinder 214 is provided on the top. The output end of the third cylinder 214 extends through into the interior of the card plate 213 and is connected to a rubber block for transmission. The top of the Z-axis moving module 201 is provided with at least one fixing frame 215. One end of the fixing frame 215 extends above the chain plate transmission device 1, and the end away from the Z-axis moving module 201 is equipped with a recognition camera 216. The camera end faces the chain plate transmission device 1 and is electrically connected to the chain plate transmission device 1.

[0027] In actual setup, the transmission connection between the Z-axis moving module 201 and the X-axis moving module 202 drives the printing assembly to move flexibly in the up and down and left and right directions to adapt to different printing position requirements; the coordinated connection between the second cylinder 209, the transmission plate 210, the connecting rod 211 and the scraper structure 212 realizes the lifting control of the scraper structure 212, and switches the scraper working state in conjunction with the moving direction of the X-axis moving module 202 to improve printing efficiency.

[0028] In detail, the drying assembly 3 includes a drying cabinet 301 mounted on the chain conveyor 1. The top of the drying cabinet 301 is provided with a box 302, and an electric heating element is installed inside the box 302. A blower 303 with its output end connected to the box 302 is installed on the top of the drying cabinet 301. Two exhaust pipes 304 connected to the box 302 are provided on the inner top wall of the drying cabinet 301. The exhaust pipes 304 are in the shape of an inverted T and have several exhaust holes at the bottom.

[0029] In detail, the limiting component 4 includes limiting frames 401 installed on the front and rear sides of the chain plate transmission device 1. Each limiting frame 401 has at least one adjusting cylinder 402 on its opposite side and a limiting plate 403 installed on its opposite side. A transmission channel is formed between the two limiting plates 403. The adjusting cylinders 402 are respectively connected to the limiting plates 403 for adjusting the width of the transmission channel in the Y-axis direction.

[0030] In actual setup, the transmission connection between the cylinder 402 and the limit plate 403 is adjusted to achieve flexible adjustment of the transmission channel width, adapting to PCB boards of different widths and ensuring that the PCB board does not shift or shake during transmission.

[0031] A method of using a copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards, implemented according to the above-described printing apparatus, includes the following operational steps: S001: Adjust the cylinder 402 to drive the limit plate 403 to move according to the width of the PCB board, forming a suitable transmission channel; S002: Chain conveyor 1 drives the PCB board to be transported stably; identification camera 216 collects the PCB board position information in real time; S003: When the PCB board moves directly below the printing mechanism 2 and is aligned with the printing template, the camera sends a stop signal to the chain conveyor 1 to stop its operation. S004: The Z-axis moving module 201 and the X-axis moving module 202 drive the printing assembly to the printing start position; according to the moving direction of the X-axis moving module 202, the corresponding second cylinder 209 drives the scraper structure 212 to rise and fall, so that one side of the scraper contacts the printing template and the other side disengages. The contacting scraper moves with the X-axis moving module 202, and the copper paste is evenly scraped onto the preset area of ​​the PCB board. The reciprocating motion achieves efficient printing.

[0032] S005: The blower 303 draws outside air into the chamber 302, which is then heated by the heating element and converted into hot air. The hot air is evenly blown onto the PCB board inside the drying cabinet 301 through multiple exhaust holes of the inverted T-shaped exhaust pipe 304.

[0033] The working principle of the above embodiments is as follows: (1) According to the width of the PCB circuit board to be printed, start the adjusting cylinder 402 to drive the limit plate 403 to move and adjust the width of the transmission channel to match the size of the PCB board; place the printing template between the two clamping plates 213, start the third cylinder 214 to push the rubber block to press the printing template to achieve stable fixation; inject copper paste into the printing template; start the first cylinder 204, and drive the rectangular frame 207 and the printing template to a suitable height through the horizontal plate 205 and the transmission rod 206 to complete the pre-printing preparation.

[0034] (2) Place the PCB board to be printed on the chain conveyor device 1. The conveyor channel limits and guides the PCB board to ensure stable transmission. The identification camera 216 collects the PCB board position information in real time. When the PCB board moves directly below the printing mechanism 2 and is aligned with the printing template, the identification camera 216 sends a stop command to the chain conveyor device 1 to stop its operation. Start the X-axis moving module 201. When the X-axis moving module 202 moves to the left, the right second cylinder 209 drives the corresponding scraper structure 212 to move upward, and the left second cylinder 209 extends to drive the corresponding scraper structure 212 to move downward and contact the printing template to scrape copper paste and complete the printing. When the X-axis moving module 202 moves to the right, the left scraper structure 212 retracts and the right scraper structure 212 extends to contact the printing template. This process is repeated to achieve efficient printing. After printing is completed, the chain conveyor device 1 resumes operation.

[0035] (3) The printed PCB board enters the drying cabinet 301 along with the chain conveyor 1; the blower 303 and the heating element are started. The blower 303 sends air into the chamber 302. After being heated by the heating element, hot air is formed and blown evenly onto the PCB board through the exhaust hole of the inverted T-shaped exhaust pipe 304 to dry and solidify the printed copper paste; after drying, the PCB board is output along with the chain conveyor 1 to complete the entire processing flow.

[0036] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0037] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards, characterized in that: Includes a chain conveyor for carrying and transporting PCB circuit boards (1); The conveying path of the chain plate conveying device (1) is provided with a printing mechanism (2) and a drying component (3) in sequence, so that the PCB circuit board enters the interior of the drying component (3) for drying after copper paste printing by the printing mechanism (2). The chain conveyor (1) is also provided with a limiting component (4) to adapt to the transmission of PCB circuit boards of different widths.

2. The copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printing mechanism (2) includes a Z-axis moving module (201) installed on the rear side of the chain plate conveyor (1), an X-axis moving module (202) is driven connected to the Z-axis moving module (201), and a printing component is driven connected to the X-axis moving module (202).

3. The copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards according to claim 2, characterized in that: The printing assembly includes a support frame (208) that is driven to the X-axis moving module (202). Two second cylinders (209) are vertically mounted on the support frame (208). The output ends of the two second cylinders (209) are driven to a transmission plate (210). The transmission plate (210) has a connecting rod (211) arranged inside along the Z-axis. The bottom end of the connecting rod (211) passes through and extends to the bottom of the support frame (208). A scraper structure (212) is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the connecting rod (211) on both the left and right sides.

4. The copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards according to claim 3, characterized in that: The scraper structure (212) is made of silicone material, and the bottom ends of the scraper structures (212) on the left and right sides are inclined in opposite directions.

5. The copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards according to claim 2, characterized in that: The X-axis moving module (202) is provided with brackets (203) on both the left and right sides. The upper surfaces of the two brackets (203) are provided with first cylinders (204). A horizontal plate (205) is connected to the output end of the first cylinder (204). At least one transmission rod (206) is provided at the bottom of the horizontal plate (205). The bottom ends of the transmission rods (206) on the left and right sides are equipped with the same rectangular frame (207). Two fixing components are slidably connected inside the rectangular frame (207) to fix the printing template for the printed PCB circuit board.

6. The copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing component includes a card plate (213) that is slidably connected between the front and rear sides of the inner wall of the rectangular frame (207) and is used to place the printing template. The card plate (213) has a U-shaped cross-section on the ZX plane. A third cylinder (214) is provided on the top of the card plate (213). The output end of the third cylinder (214) passes through and extends into the interior of the card plate (213). A rubber block is connected to the output end of the third cylinder (214).

7. The copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printing mechanism (2) further includes at least one fixed frame (215) disposed on the top of the Z-axis moving module (201), one end of the fixed frame (215) extending above the chain plate conveyor (1), and an identification camera (216) is installed at the end of the fixed frame (215) away from the Z-axis moving module (201), the camera end of the identification camera (216) facing the chain plate conveyor (1) and electrically connected to the chain plate conveyor (1).

8. The copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drying assembly (3) includes a drying cabinet (301) mounted on the chain conveyor (1), a box (302) mounted on the top of the drying cabinet (301), an electric heating element mounted inside the box (302), a blower (303) mounted on the top of the drying cabinet (301) with its output end connected to the box (302), and two exhaust pipes (304) mounted on the inner top wall of the drying cabinet (301) and connected to the box (302). The exhaust pipe (304) is in the shape of an inverted T, and several exhaust holes are provided at the bottom of the exhaust pipe (304).

9. The copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting component (4) includes limiting frames (401) installed on the front and rear sides of the chain plate transmission device (1). At least one adjusting cylinder (402) is provided on the opposite side of the two limiting frames (401). Limiting plates (403) are installed on the opposite side of the two limiting frames (401), and a transmission channel is formed between the two limiting plates (403). The adjusting cylinders (402) on the front and rear sides are respectively connected to the two limiting plates (403) for adjusting the width of the transmission channel in the Y-axis direction.

10. A method of using a copper paste printing apparatus for PCB circuit boards, implemented by the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: It includes the following operating steps: S001: Adjust the cylinder (402) to drive the limit plate (403) to move according to the width of the PCB board, forming a suitable transmission channel; S002: The chain conveyor (1) drives the PCB board to be transported stably; the identification camera (216) collects the PCB board position information in real time; S003: When the PCB board moves directly below the printing mechanism (2) and is aligned with the printing template, the camera sends a stop signal to the chain conveyor (1) to stop its operation; S004: The Z-axis moving module (201) and the X-axis moving module (202) drive the printing assembly to the printing start position; according to the moving direction of the X-axis moving module (202), the corresponding second cylinder (209) drives the scraper structure (212) to rise and fall, so that one side of the scraper contacts the printing template and the other side separates. The contacting scraper moves with the X-axis moving module (202) to evenly scrape the copper paste onto the preset area of ​​the PCB board. The reciprocating motion achieves efficient printing. S005: The blower (303) draws outside air into the chamber (302), which is then heated by the electric heating element and converted into hot air. The hot air is blown evenly onto the PCB board inside the drying cabinet (301) through multiple exhaust holes of the inverted T-shaped exhaust pipe (304).

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