Adaptive PCB supporting platform for SMT equipment

Abstract

This invention discloses an adaptive PCB support platform for SMT equipment, belonging to the field of PCB processing technology. It includes a base fixed to the SMT equipment, a cavity within the base, a pump communicating with the cavity, and several vertically arranged grooves at the top of the base, all communicating with the cavity. Support rods are slidably connected coaxially within each groove, and support protrusions are integrally formed on the sidewalls of the support rods. Each support rod is hollow, and a first air pipe communicating with the cavity at its bottom is located inside the support rod. A locking structure is provided on the first air pipe, and suction cups are provided at the top of each support rod, with the bottom of each suction cup communicating with the corresponding first air pipe. A locking structure for locking the sliding of the support rods is provided on the base. The purpose is to solve the problem that fixed supports cannot fully conform to the board surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of PCB processing technology, specifically relating to an adaptive PCB support platform for SMT equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In the SMT production process, PCBs require support and positioning from below during solder paste printing and component placement to prevent board deformation and component misalignment due to pressure. Currently, the industry mainly uses fixed support pins and other similar methods.

[0003] However, existing fixed support pins are affected by PCB manufacturing processes and storage environments. Large, ultra-thin, and irregularly shaped PCBs generally warp, and fixed supports cannot fully fit the board surface, easily forming suspended areas, leading to problems such as local stress concentration, uneven printing thickness, and mounting misalignment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention discloses an adaptive PCB support platform for SMT equipment, the purpose of which is to solve the problem that fixed supports cannot fully fit the board surface.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: An adaptive PCB support platform for SMT equipment includes a base fixed to the SMT equipment. The base has a cavity inside, and a pump communicating with the cavity is mounted on the base. Several vertically arranged sliding grooves are formed at the top of the base, all communicating with the cavity. Support rods are slidably connected coaxially within each groove. Support protrusions are integrally formed on the sidewalls of the support rods. Each support rod is hollow, and a first air pipe communicating with the cavity at its bottom is provided inside the support rod. A locking structure is provided on the first air pipe. A suction cup is provided at the top of each support rod, and the bottom of each suction cup communicates with the corresponding first air pipe. A locking structure for locking the sliding of the support rods is provided on the base.

[0006] In this solution, the base cavity is used to simultaneously achieve positive pressure lifting and negative pressure adsorption. A single air circuit completes both support and adsorption functions, eliminating the need for independent lifting drives and vacuum pipelines. This results in high structural integration and low cost. Each support rod rises independently and automatically adapts to PCB warping, avoiding suspended areas and localized stress concentrations. The on / off control of the locking structure forces the timing of "first lifting and bonding, then locking support, and finally vacuum adsorption" through the air circuit, ensuring reliable operation. Furthermore, the air pressure is gentle during the lifting phase and does not damage the board surface. After locking, it switches to rigid support, avoiding the rebound vibration of spring supports and providing a stable reference for mounting. The array-type support rods can be selected as needed, offering strong adaptability to production changes, and the entire system can achieve pure pneumatic operation without electrical control.

[0007] Furthermore, the locking structure includes several sets of grooves formed on the base, each set of grooves being arranged in a circular array with a sliding groove as the center. A horizontally arranged adjustment groove is provided between the sliding groove and the corresponding groove. A positioning rod for abutting the support rod is slidably connected within each adjustment groove, and an elastic reset element is provided between the positioning rod and the groove. The positioning rod is arc-shaped towards the end of the groove, and a rubber pad is provided at the other end of the positioning rod. The locking structure also includes a mounting plate disposed above the base. A driving structure for driving the mounting plate to move vertically is provided between the base and the mounting plate. Several through holes are formed on the mounting plate for the corresponding support rods to pass through. A coaxial, annular locking seat is detachably connected within each through hole and sleeved on the support rod. Several locking protrusions for inserting into the corresponding groove are fixed at the bottom of each locking seat.

[0008] In this design, the vertical movement of the mounting plate is converted into the horizontal clamping movement of the positioning rod by pressing the arc-shaped end of the locking protrusion. The force-amplifying effect of the arc surface achieves a large clamping force with relatively small downward pressure, resulting in a compact and efficient structure. Multiple positioning rods are arranged in a circular array around the slide groove, evenly clamping the support rod from all sides, ensuring good centering and no off-center loading. The rubber pad layer increases friction, ensuring reliable locking, and prevents scratching the support rod surface. The mounting plate uniformly drives all locking seats, achieving synchronous locking and unlocking of all support rods, resulting in high consistency of action. Furthermore, depending on the PCB requirements, the locking seats corresponding to some unused support rods can be removed from the mounting plate, with their locking protrusions still inserted into the corresponding grooves to ensure that the corresponding support rods do not participate in subsequent lifting and lowering.

[0009] Furthermore, the locking structure includes a sealing cavity disposed on the protrusion of the support rod, the sealing cavity being located above the platform, and a horizontal through groove communicating with the interior of the support rod being opened on the side wall of the sealing cavity. A clamping rod for clamping the first air pipe is slidably connected to each through groove, and an elastic support is provided between the clamping rod and the through groove. A sealing plate fixed to the end of the clamping rod is slidably connected to each through groove. A second air pipe communicating with the cavity is provided on the side wall of the through groove away from the clamping rod, and a valve is provided on each of the second air pipes.

[0010] In this design, the elastic support drives the clamping rod to keep the first air pipe normally closed, ensuring the air path is shut off during the lifting stage without additional control. The positive pressure in the cavity further enhances the clamping force, providing double protection to prevent gas leakage through the suction cup during lifting. After locking, the first air pipe is automatically opened by the cavity negative pressure adsorption sealing plate. The opening and closing actions are naturally linked with the switching of positive and negative pressure in the cavity, requiring no circuit control. By selectively locking some valves, the corresponding support rod can be disabled. The first air pipe with the disabled rod remains closed during both the positive pressure lifting and negative pressure adsorption stages, neither participating in the lifting nor causing air leakage, and does not affect the normal operation of the other support rods. This achieves flexible selection of support points and reliable sealing of the overall air path.

[0011] Furthermore, a number of guide rods are fixed on the base, and the guide rods all pass through the mounting plate and are slidably connected to it.

[0012] Furthermore, the base is provided with an overflow valve that communicates with the cavity.

[0013] Furthermore, both the sealing plate and the positioning rod are provided with sealing rings around their periphery.

[0014] Furthermore, limit blocks are provided on the bottom periphery of the support rod.

[0015] Other advantages, objectives, and features of the invention will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent to those skilled in the art in some respects, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the following figures are provided for illustration: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of point B in the middle.

[0017] The components are labeled as follows in the attached diagram: 1. Base; 2. Pump; 3. Support rod; 4. First air pipe; 5. Suction cup; 6. Positioning rod; 7. Elastic reset component; 8. Mounting plate; 9. Drive structure; 10. Locking seat; 11. Locking protrusion; 12. Pressing rod; 13. Sealing plate; 14. Second air pipe; 15. Valve; 16. Guide rod; 17. Overflow valve; 18. Limiting block; 19. Elastic support component. Detailed Implementation

[0018] like Figures 1-4 As shown: An adaptive PCB support platform for SMT equipment includes a base 1 fixed to the SMT equipment. The base 1 has a cavity inside, and a pump 2 communicating with the cavity is mounted on the base 1. Several vertically arranged sliding grooves are formed at the top of the base 1, all communicating with the cavity. Support rods 3 are coaxially slidably connected within each groove. Support protrusions are integrally formed on the sidewalls of the support rods 3. The support rods 3 are hollow, and a first air pipe 4, with its bottom communicating with the cavity, is provided inside the support rod 3. A locking structure is provided on the first air pipe 4. Suction cups 5 are provided at the top of each support rod 3, and the bottom of each suction cup 5 communicates with the corresponding first air pipe 4. A locking structure is provided on the base 1 to lock the sliding of the support rods 3.

[0019] In this design, during standby, the support rods 3 are all positioned at the bottom of the slide under their own weight, using the support protrusions to abut against the base 1 to prevent the support rods 3 from sliding down excessively. After the PCB is delivered to the position and clamped by the guide rail, the locking structure closes the first air pipe 4, and the pump 2 introduces positive pressure into the cavity. The air pressure acts on the closed part of the first air pipe 4, pushing each support rod 3 to rise independently until the corresponding suction cup 5 contacts the bottom surface of the PCB, thus adapting to the warping of the PCB. Subsequently, the locking structure locks the axial position of each support rod 3, the locking structure opens the first air pipe 4, and the pump 2 switches to vacuum, creating negative pressure in the cavity, the first air pipe 4, and the suction cup 5. The suction cup 5 firmly adsorbs the PCB, and the chip mounting operation begins. After the chip mounting is completed, the vacuum is broken, the locking is released, the support rods 3 descend and reset, and the PCB is delivered.

[0020] In this solution, the cavity of the base 1 is used to simultaneously achieve positive pressure lifting and negative pressure adsorption. A single air circuit completes the dual functions of support and adsorption, eliminating the need for independent lifting drive and vacuum pipelines. This results in high structural integration and low cost. Each support rod 3 rises independently and automatically adapts to PCB warping, avoiding suspended areas and localized stress concentration. The on / off control of the locking structure forces the timing of "first lifting and bonding, then locking support, and finally vacuum adsorption" through the air circuit, ensuring reliable operation. Furthermore, the air pressure is gentle during the lifting phase and does not damage the board surface. After locking, it becomes a rigid support, avoiding the rebound vibration of spring supports and providing a stable reference for mounting. The array-type support rods 3 can be selected as needed, making it highly adaptable to production changes, and the entire system can achieve pure pneumatic operation without electrical control.

[0021] Furthermore, the locking structure includes several sets of grooves formed on the base 1, each set of grooves being arranged in a circular array with a sliding groove as the center. A horizontally arranged adjustment groove is provided between the sliding groove and the corresponding groove. A positioning rod 6 for pressing against the support rod 3 is slidably connected within each adjustment groove, and an elastic reset member 7 is provided between the positioning rod 6 and the groove. The positioning rod 6 is arc-shaped towards the end of the groove, and a rubber pad is provided at the other end of the positioning rod 6 (a conventional technique, therefore not shown in the figure). The locking structure also includes a mounting plate 8 disposed above the base 1. The bottom of the support protrusion is fitted with the top of the mounting plate 8. A driving structure 9 for driving the mounting plate 8 to move vertically is provided between the base 1 and the mounting plate 8 (in this embodiment, a telescopic cylinder is used, a conventional technique, therefore not described in detail). Several through holes are formed on the mounting plate 8 for the corresponding support rod 3 to pass through. A locking seat 10, coaxially sleeved on the support rod 3 and being annular, is detachably connected within each through hole. Several locking protrusions 11 for inserting into the corresponding grooves are fixed at the bottom of each locking seat 10.

[0022] In this scheme, after the support rod 3 rises to its position, the drive structure 9 drives the mounting plate 8 to move vertically downwards. The locking seats 10 on the mounting plate 8 move downwards accordingly. The locking protrusions 11 at the bottom of the locking seats 10 are inserted into the grooves on the base 1, which are arranged in a circular array with the corresponding slide groove as the center. The side wall of the locking protrusion 11 presses against the arc-shaped end of the positioning rod 6, overcoming the elastic force of the elastic reset member 7, and pushes the positioning rod 6 to slide horizontally towards the center of the slide groove along the adjustment groove. This causes the rubber pad at the end of the positioning rod 6 to simultaneously press against the outer wall of the support rod 3 from all sides, achieving friction locking of the support rod 3. When unlocking, the drive structure 9 drives the mounting plate 8 to move upwards, the locking protrusions 11 exit the grooves, the elastic reset member 7 pushes the positioning rod 6 to reset outwards along the adjustment groove, and the rubber pad disengages from the support rod 3, releasing the lock.

[0023] In this design, the vertical movement of the mounting plate 8 is converted into the horizontal clamping movement of the positioning rod 6 by pressing the arc-shaped end of the locking protrusion 11 against it. The force-amplifying effect of the arc surface is utilized to achieve a large clamping force with relatively small downward pressure, resulting in a compact and efficient structure. Multiple positioning rods 6 are arranged in a circular array around the slide groove, evenly clamping the support rod 3 from all sides, ensuring good centering and no off-center loading. The rubber pad layer increases friction, ensuring reliable locking, and prevents scratching the surface of the support rod 3. The mounting plate 8 uniformly drives all locking seats 10, achieving synchronous locking and unlocking of all support rods 3, resulting in high consistency of action. Furthermore, according to the PCB requirements, the locking seats 10 corresponding to some unused support rods 3 can be removed from the mounting plate 8, with their locking protrusions 11 still inserted into the corresponding grooves, ensuring that the corresponding support rods 3 do not participate in subsequent lifting and lowering.

[0024] Furthermore, the locking structure includes a sealing cavity disposed on the protrusion of the support rod 3. The sealing cavity is located above the platform. A through groove communicating with the interior of the support rod 3 is horizontally opened on the side wall of the sealing cavity. A pressing rod 12 for pressing the first air pipe 4 is slidably connected to the through groove, and an elastic support member 19 is provided between the pressing rod 12 and the through groove. A sealing plate 13 fixed to the end of the pressing rod 12 is slidably connected to the through groove. A second air pipe 14 communicating with the cavity is provided on the side wall of the through groove away from the pressing rod 12. A valve 15 is provided on the second air pipe 14.

[0025] In this scheme, according to the shape of the PCB, the valve 15 of the second air pipe 14 corresponding to the unused support rod 3 is locked, while the valves 15 of the other support rods 3 remain open. During the lifting stage, the clamping rods 12 in each support rod 3 have been pressed and sealed by the elastic force of the elastic support member 19. After the pump 2 introduces positive pressure into the cavity, the positive pressure enters the through groove of the corresponding support rod 3 through the valve 15 and the second air pipe 14 and acts on the sealing plate 13, making the clamping rod 12 press the first air pipe 4 more tightly. After the support rod 3 rises to the position and is locked, the pump 2 switches to vacuum, and the cavity forms a negative pressure. The negative pressure enters the through groove through the open valve 15 and the second air pipe 14 to adsorb the sealing plate 13, causing the clamping rod 12 to move against the elastic force of the elastic support member 19. The first air pipe 4 opens, and the suction cup 5 adsorbs the PCB. The through groove of the support rod 3 with the valve 15 locked is not connected to the cavity, and the first air pipe 4 always remains closed, does not participate in adsorption, and does not leak air.

[0026] In this design, the elastic support 19 drives the clamping rod 12 to keep the first air pipe 4 normally closed, ensuring the air path is cut off during the lifting stage without additional control. The positive pressure in the cavity further enhances the clamping force, providing double protection to prevent gas leakage through the suction cup 5 during lifting. After locking, the first air pipe 4 is automatically opened by the cavity negative pressure adsorption sealing plate 13. The opening and closing action is naturally linked with the switching of positive and negative pressure in the cavity, requiring no circuit control. By selectively locking some valves 15, the corresponding support rod 3 can be disabled. The first air pipe 4 with the disabled rod remains closed during both the positive pressure lifting and negative pressure adsorption stages, neither participating in the lifting nor causing air leakage, and does not affect the normal operation of the other support rods 3. This achieves flexible selection of support points and reliable sealing of the overall air path.

[0027] Furthermore, a plurality of guide rods 16 are fixed on the base 1, and the guide rods 16 all pass through the mounting plate 8 and are slidably connected thereto.

[0028] In this scheme, the guide rod 16 provides precise guidance for the vertical movement of the mounting plate 8, preventing it from deviating and getting stuck when moving downwards, and ensuring that each locking seat 10 is inserted into the corresponding groove synchronously and that each support rod 3 is locked with uniform force.

[0029] Furthermore, the base 1 is provided with an overflow valve 17 that communicates with the cavity.

[0030] In this solution, the upper limit of the positive pressure of the cavity is limited by the overflow valve 17. When the pressure is over-pressured, the pressure is automatically overflowed to prevent the excessive lifting pressure from bending the PCB or damaging the components on the back. At the same time, it protects the pump 2 and the air circuit components, improving the safety of the system.

[0031] Furthermore, both the sealing plate 13 and the positioning rod 6 are provided with sealing rings around their perimeters.

[0032] In this solution, a sealing ring is used to ensure an airtight seal at the sliding gap between the through groove and the regulating groove, preventing gas leakage through the gap during positive pressure lifting or negative pressure adsorption, maintaining stable chamber pressure, and improving the reliability of locking and closing.

[0033] Furthermore, limit blocks 18 are provided on the bottom periphery of the support rod 3.

[0034] Finally, it should be noted that the above preferred embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail through the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes can be made to it in form and detail without departing from the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adaptive PCB support platform for SMT equipment, characterized in that: The device includes a base fixed to an SMT equipment. The base has a cavity, and a pump communicating with the cavity is mounted on the base. Several vertically arranged grooves are formed at the top of the base, all communicating with the cavity. Support rods are slidably connected coaxially within each groove. Support protrusions are integrally formed on the sidewalls of the support rods. Each support rod is hollow, and a first air pipe communicating with the cavity at its bottom is located inside the support rod. A locking structure is provided on the first air pipe. A suction cup is located at the top of each support rod, and the bottom of each suction cup communicates with the corresponding first air pipe. A locking structure is provided on the base to lock the sliding of the support rods.

2. The adaptive PCB support platform for SMT equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking structure includes several sets of grooves formed on the base, each set of grooves being arranged in a circular array with a sliding groove as the center. A horizontally arranged adjustment groove is provided between each sliding groove and its corresponding groove. A positioning rod for abutting the support rod is slidably connected within each adjustment groove, and an elastic reset element is provided between the positioning rod and the groove. The positioning rod is arc-shaped towards the end of the groove, and a rubber pad is provided at the other end of the positioning rod. The locking structure also includes a mounting plate disposed above the base. A driving structure for driving the mounting plate to move vertically is provided between the base and the mounting plate. Several through holes are formed on the mounting plate for corresponding support rods to pass through. A coaxial, annular locking seat is detachably connected within each through hole and sleeved on the support rod. Several locking protrusions for inserting into the corresponding groove are fixed at the bottom of each locking seat.

3. The adaptive PCB support platform for SMT equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking structure includes a sealing cavity disposed on the protrusion of the support rod, the sealing cavity being located above the platform, and a horizontal through groove communicating with the interior of the support rod being opened on the side wall of the sealing cavity. A clamping rod for clamping the first air pipe is slidably connected to each through groove, and an elastic support is provided between the clamping rod and the through groove. A sealing plate fixed to the end of the clamping rod is slidably connected to each through groove. A second air pipe communicating with the cavity is provided on the side wall of the through groove away from the clamping rod, and a valve is provided on each of the second air pipes.

4. The adaptive PCB support platform for SMT equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: Several guide rods are fixed on the base, and the guide rods all pass through the mounting plate and are slidably connected to it.

5. The adaptive PCB support platform for SMT equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The base is equipped with an overflow valve that communicates with the cavity.

6. The adaptive PCB support platform for SMT equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both the sealing plate and the positioning rod are provided with sealing rings around their periphery.

7. The adaptive PCB support platform for SMT equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: Limiting blocks are provided on the bottom periphery of each support rod.

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