Device for measuring thickness of copper foil on surface of multi-path PCB

Abstract

The utility model discloses equipment for measuring the thickness of copper foil on the surface of a multi-path PCB (Printed Circuit Board). The equipment comprises a roller transmission assembly, an aligning device and a measuring device, the roller conveying assembly is composed of a frame and a plurality of rollers fixed to the two ends of the frame. One end of each roller is directly connected with an output shaft of the driving motor, the driving motor is wrapped in a first shell of the frame in a sealed mode, and the other end of each roller is connected with the frame and wrapped in a second shell of the frame in a sealed mode. The transmission roller is directly driven by the motor, the problems of vibration and dust caused by a traditional mechanical transmission system are effectively solved, and the environment requirement of a clean workshop is met. Meanwhile, due to the design of the accurate alignment device and the multiple measurement devices, the accuracy of surface copper foil measurement and the operation efficiency of the equipment are remarkably improved, and the requirements of the modern manufacturing industry for efficient and environment-friendly equipment are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thickness measuring equipment, and in particular to an improvement of a transmission structure of a multi-channel PCB surface copper foil thickness measuring equipment. Background Art

[0002] Copper plates are widely used in electronics, and accurate thickness measurement is crucial for ensuring product quality and performance. Traditional copper plate thickness measurement equipment typically uses belt or gear drive systems to drive rollers and rollers for stable plate transport and positioning. However, these mechanical transmission methods are prone to vibration during operation, which can cause dust to be dispersed in the surrounding environment.

[0003] In cleanrooms, environmental cleanliness is crucial to product quality and the production process. Dust and debris not only affect the surface finish and measurement accuracy of the copper plate but can also adversely affect the normal operation of the equipment. Traditional PCB copper foil thickness gauges struggle to meet the stringent cleanroom requirements due to the inherent wear and tear of belt and gear transmission systems and the significant mechanical vibrations generated during transmission.

[0004] Therefore, the existing PCB surface copper foil thickness measuring machine needs to solve the dust problem when used in a clean workshop. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to directly drive the transmission stick through a motor, thereby solving the problem of vibration and dust generation in traditional mechanical transmission systems, meeting the high requirements of clean workshops for environmental cleanliness, and improving measurement accuracy and equipment operating efficiency.

[0006] Specifically, the PCB copper foil thickness gauge includes a roller transmission assembly, an alignment device, and a measuring device. The roller transmission assembly consists of a frame and multiple rods fixed to the frame at both ends. One end of each rod is directly connected to the output shaft of a drive motor, which is hermetically enclosed in a first housing of the frame. The other end of each rod is connected to the frame and hermetically enclosed in a second housing of the frame. Directly driving the rods with a motor avoids the mechanical vibration associated with traditional belt or gear transmissions, thereby reducing the spread of dust within the workshop and ensuring the cleanliness requirements of the cleanroom.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the alignment device includes a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate positioned above the rods, mounted on a first sliding platform and a second sliding platform, respectively. The first and second clamping plates are connected to the sliding platforms via first and second connecting rods, extending through the gaps between the rods. The first and second sliding platforms are connected to a first linear motor on a common rail, enabling the alignment device to slide toward, away from, or synchronously along the common rail to achieve precise alignment of the copper plates.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the measuring device includes an upper measuring head and a lower measuring head. The upper measuring head is connected to a second linear motor to drive the upper measuring head to move in the vertical direction; the second linear motor is mounted on a third sliding platform to drive the upper measuring head to move in the horizontal direction. The lower measuring head is connected to a fourth linear motor to drive the lower measuring head to move in the vertical direction; the fourth linear motor is mounted on a fourth sliding platform, and the fourth sliding platform is connected to a fifth linear motor to drive the lower measuring head to move in the horizontal direction. In addition, a controller is used to control the synchronous movement of the upper and lower measuring heads in the horizontal direction, and to control their movement toward or away from each other in the vertical direction, so as to achieve comprehensive measurement of the copper plate.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper measuring head includes a plurality of common-rail mounted upper measuring head assemblies, with an equal number of corresponding common-rail mounted lower measuring head assemblies. The upper measuring head also includes a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate connected by a first guide rod. A spring and a limiter are provided on the guide rod to enable the first clamping plate to move within a travel range defined by the limiter. The lower measuring head includes a third clamping plate, a fourth clamping plate, and a fifth clamping plate. The third and fifth clamping plates are fixedly connected by a second guide rod, and the fourth clamping plate is slidably secured to the second guide rod. A spring is provided on the guide rod to reduce impact on the measured plate when the clamping plates tighten against it.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper measuring head and the lower measuring head are respectively configured with a first probe assembly and a second probe assembly. The probe assemblies are arranged in the holes of each clamping plate and can be adjusted with the movement of the clamping plate to achieve accurate measurement of the copper plate.

[0011] In summary, this invention uses a motor to directly drive the transmission roller, eliminating the vibration and dust problems associated with traditional mechanical transmission systems and meeting the environmental requirements of cleanrooms. Furthermore, the precise alignment mechanism and multiple measuring devices improve copper plate measurement accuracy and equipment efficiency, meeting the modern manufacturing industry's demand for efficient and environmentally friendly equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the PCB surface copper foil thickness measuring machine.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the roller assembly of the copper foil thickness gauge on the surface of a PCB board.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the alignment device structure.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the measuring device structure.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the measuring device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention is described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments. It should be pointed out that these embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the concept of the present invention, any modifications or equivalent replacements made should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0018] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, a multi-channel PCB copper foil thickness measurement device 100 includes a roller transmission assembly 110, an alignment device 130, a measuring device 150, and an input / output system 190. The roller transmission assembly 110 comprises a plurality of rollers 111, each of which is fixed to a frame 114 at both ends. One end of each roller is directly connected to and driven by a motor 120, replacing a traditional belt or gear drive system. This reduces vibration and dust, and meets the environmental requirements of a cleanroom. The motor 120 is sealed within a first housing 116 of the frame, while the other end of the rollers 111 is sealed within a second housing 117 of the frame.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the input and output system 190 includes a display 191, a control panel 192, a keyboard 193, and a sensor system mounted on the device frame 114. The display 191 is used to display measurement results, device status, and operation information in real time. The control panel 192 and the keyboard 193 provide the operator with an interface for setting device parameters, inputting operation instructions, and calibration. The sensor system cooperates with the measuring device 150 to collect the thickness data of the copper plate and transmit it to the controller (not shown in the figure). The controller displays the results on the screen through calculation and analysis, and adjusts the operating status of the device in real time based on the measurement feedback. The output system can also transmit the measurement results to an external device through a data interface for further processing and storage.

[0020] Please refer to Figure 2A schematic diagram of the structure of a roller assembly within the roller transmission assembly 110 is shown. The roller assembly comprises multiple components that assemble to form a complete transmission assembly. The roller 111 is the core component of the transmission system. One end of the roller 111 is connected to the motor 120 via a roller shaft 112. Both ends are supported and secured to the frame 114 via bearings 113. The roller shaft 112 is a cylindrical structure used to transmit power. The bearings 113 are installed in corresponding holes in the frame plate 115, supporting the roller shaft 112 and ensuring smooth rotation while reducing friction. The frame plate 115, serving as the support structure for the roller assembly, has multiple mounting holes 123 for securing the roller 111 and providing space for mounting the bearings 113. The motor bracket 121, located on the other side of the frame plate 115, is used to mount and secure the motor 120. The motor bracket 121 is a square frame structure with an overall square shape and a central opening 126. The central opening 126 accommodates the motor's output shaft 127 and the shaft connector 124, ensuring that the motor 120 can be connected to the stick shaft 112 through this hole. Four fixing arms 122 extend from the four corners of the bracket, each with a bolt-mounting hole at the end. These are used to bolt the bracket to the frame plate 115 or other supporting structure. This enhances the stability of the motor bracket 121, ensuring it can withstand vibration and force transmission during motor operation while maintaining accurate motor positioning and alignment. The shaft connector 124 connects the motor shaft to the stick shaft 112, transmitting the output power of the motor 120 to the stick shaft 112. This connection utilizes a snap-fit ​​or threaded connection to ensure efficient power transmission. The motor 120 is mounted on the motor bracket 121, and its output shaft connects to the stick shaft 112 via the shaft connector 124, driving the stick 111 in rotation. The motor bracket 121 is secured to the motor bracket 121 via a pad 125, which provides additional support and reduces the transmission of vibration from the motor to the frame 114. Through the combination and assembly of these components, the motor 120 directly drives the roller 111 to rotate, forming a stable copper plate transmission system.

[0021] Compared to the belt drive structure, the structure of the stick assembly of the present application includes a stick 111, a bearing 113, a frame plate 115, a motor bracket 121 and a shaft connector 124. The stick 111 is directly driven by the motor 120, one end of which is connected to the motor 120 through the stick shaft 112, and the other end is fixed to the frame plate 115 through the bearing 113. The motor bracket 121 is a square frame structure with a large circular hole 123 and four fixed arms 122. The motor bracket 121 and the frame plate 115 are fixed by bolts to ensure stable power transmission and reduce vibration during operation. The advantage is that this structure avoids the dust problem generated by traditional belt drives, while being able to effectively transmit power, reduce friction, ensure stable system operation and low vibration, and is suitable for high-precision transmission applications in clean rooms.

[0022] Reference Figure 3 Most components of alignment device 130 are located below roller transport assembly 110, including a first clamping plate 131 and a second clamping plate 134, mounted on a first sliding platform 136 and a second sliding platform 140, respectively. The clamping plates are connected by a connecting rod 135 that passes through the gap between the rollers 111. Measuring device 150, comprising an upper measuring head 151 and a lower measuring head 158, is mounted on the sliding platforms and capable of horizontal and vertical adjustment.

[0023] The first and second clamping plates 131, 134 are elongated components, each consisting of a parallel rectangular plate structure with multiple arched openings 132 at the bottom. These arched openings 132 are evenly spaced and adapted to mate with the rod 111 below, allowing the clamping plates to be secured above the rod 111 during installation without interfering with its operation. The tops of the clamping plates are flat and feature multiple circular screw holes 133 for securing the clamping plates to a bracket or other structure. The entire clamping plate is molded in a one-piece design, ensuring structural rigidity and stability, capable of maintaining stability even under significant pressure.

[0024] The structure of the first sliding platform 136 and the second sliding platform 140 includes two parts, an upper part and an lower part. The upper part is the supporting platform plate 137, 141, which is a rectangular flat plate structure with multiple mounting holes on the surface. The bottom of the platform plate is connected to the first linear motor 138, 142, which is a component used to drive the platform plate to slide. It is installed at the bottom of the platform and moves horizontally through guide rails 139, 143. The guide rail is installed on the fixed base of the equipment, providing a guide path for the operation of the linear motor, ensuring that the platform plate slides smoothly and accurately in the horizontal direction. The first linear motor 138, 142 drives the entire sliding platform through the guide rail system, enabling it to achieve high-precision positioning and movement operations in a specific direction.

[0025] The system also includes a controller, which comprises a core unit for controlling the upper and lower measuring heads 151, 158. This controller, connected to a linear motor, synchronizes the horizontal movement of the upper and lower measuring heads 151, 158, ensuring consistency during measurement. Simultaneously, the controller can control the vertical movement of the upper and lower measuring heads 151, 158 toward or away from each other, enabling precise adjustment based on measurement requirements. This bidirectional control allows the controller to precisely manage the measurement process, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the PCB surface copper foil thickness gauge and adapting to the needs of diverse measurement scenarios.

[0026] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the measuring device 150 includes an upper measuring head 151 and a lower measuring head 158. The upper measuring head 151 is connected to a second linear motor 166, which drives the upper measuring head 151 to move vertically. The second linear motor 166 is mounted on a third sliding platform 165, which is connected to a third linear motor 181, which drives the upper measuring head 151 to move horizontally.

[0027] The lower measuring head 158 is connected to the fourth linear motor 169, which drives the lower measuring head 158 to move up and down; the fourth linear motor 169 is installed on the fourth sliding platform 168, and the fourth sliding platform 168 is connected to the fifth linear motor 182, which drives the lower measuring head 158 to move in the horizontal direction.

[0028] The measuring device 150 includes multiple third linear motors 181 and multiple fifth linear motors 182 mounted on guide rails 167 and 170, driving the upper and lower measuring heads 151 and 158, which are mounted on the same rails and move smoothly along the rails. Multiple sliding platforms share the same guide rails 167 and 170, ensuring they can achieve synchronized or independent translational motion on the same horizontal plane, accommodating copper plates of varying sizes and specifications. The sliding platforms utilize independent drive systems, enabling flexible adjustment of measurement positions, simplifying equipment layout while improving measurement accuracy and efficiency.

[0029] The measuring device 150 shown in FIG4 has multiple sets of measuring heads (such as Figure 4 Four or more measuring heads (as shown) are fixed in different positions, enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple areas of a copper plate. Each measuring head is equipped with a sensing device, combined with a linear motor and controller, to achieve high-precision measurement operations. The upper and lower measuring head assemblies utilize a common rail design to ensure synchronized movement and precise alignment during measurement, improving overall measurement stability and reliability.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 For each pair of upper measuring heads 151 and lower measuring heads 158, the upper measuring head 151 includes a first clamping plate 152 and a second clamping plate 153, which are connected by a first guide rod 154, on which a spring 155 and a limit device 156 are provided. The spring 155 is installed in the middle of the guide rod 154 or near the clamping plate to provide a reaction force so that the first clamping plate 152 can move flexibly within the stroke range limited by the limit device 156 to adapt to copper plates of different thicknesses. A first probe assembly 157 is also provided on the first clamping plate 152 and the second clamping plate 153. The first probe assembly 157 passes through the hole on the clamping plate and is used to accurately measure the thickness of the copper plate. The compression or tension of the spring 155 ensures that the clamping plate can move stably within a limited stroke range and is in close contact with the surface of the copper plate during the measurement process, thereby ensuring measurement accuracy.

[0031] The structure of the lower measuring head 158 includes a third clamping plate 159, a fourth clamping plate 160, and a fifth clamping plate 161, which are fixedly connected by a second guide rod 162. The guide rod is also provided with a spring 163, which is mainly located between the fourth clamping plate 160 and the third and fifth clamping plates 159 and 161. The fourth clamping plate 160 is slidably fixed to the second guide rod 162 and can move freely to adapt to different measurement needs. The spring 163 provides elastic adjustment, allowing the fourth clamping plate 160 to closely contact the surface of the copper plate while preventing shaking between the clamping plates, ensuring that the second probe assembly 164 can accurately move with the clamping plates for measurement. The second probe assembly 164 is set in the holes of the third, fourth, and fifth clamping plates 159, 160, and 161. It can adjust with the movement of the fourth clamping plate 160 and cooperate with the probe assembly 157 of the upper measuring head 151 to ensure that the thickness of the copper plate is measured synchronously on both the upper and lower sides, providing high-precision measurement results.

[0032] This design of upper and lower measuring heads allows the measuring device 150 to adapt to copper plates of varying thicknesses and shapes, achieving fast and accurate thickness measurements while maintaining system stability and reliability. Overall, the spring design balances the forces between the clamping plates, allowing the clamping plates of the upper and lower measuring heads to be flexibly adjusted without sacrificing stability, thereby improving the measurement accuracy and reliability of the entire measuring device.

[0033] This system uses a motor to directly drive the roller transmission assembly, eliminating the vibration and dust issues associated with traditional belt or gear drive systems and is suitable for cleanroom environments. The design of the alignment and measuring devices enables precise positioning and high-precision measurement of the copper plate. The system boasts a compact structure, easy operation, and high efficiency, stability, and reliability.

[0034] In summary, this embodiment provides a high-precision, low-vibration, clean-environment-suitable copper foil thickness gauge for PCB surfaces. Through rational structural design and component configuration, it achieves high-precision copper foil thickness measurement, offering broad application prospects and significant technical advantages.

Claims

1. Multi-channel PCB board surface copper foil thickness measurement equipment, including roller transmission assembly, alignment device and measuring device, characterized in that: The roller transmission assembly includes a frame and a plurality of sticks with both ends fixed to the frame; one end of each stick is directly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and the drive motor is sealed in the first shell of the frame; the other end of the stick is connected to the frame and is sealed in the second shell of the frame.

2. The multi-channel PCB surface copper foil thickness measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The alignment device includes a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate placed above the stick, and the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are respectively arranged on the first sliding platform and the second sliding platform. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are respectively connected to the first sliding platform and the second sliding platform through the gap between the sticks through the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod.

3. The multi-channel PCB surface copper foil thickness measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first sliding platform and the second sliding platform are connected to the first linear motor of the common rail, so that the alignment device can slide toward each other, slide away from each other or slide synchronously along the common rail to align the plate to be measured on the stick.

4. The multi-channel PCB surface copper foil thickness measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The measuring device includes an upper measuring head and a lower measuring head. The upper measuring head is connected to a second linear motor, which drives the upper measuring head to move up and down. The second linear motor is installed on a third sliding platform, and the third sliding platform is connected to a third linear motor. The third linear motor drives the upper measuring head to move in the horizontal direction.

5. The multi-channel PCB surface copper foil thickness measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lower measuring head is connected to the fourth linear motor, and the fourth linear motor drives the lower measuring head to move up and down. The fourth linear motor is installed on the fourth sliding platform, and the fourth sliding platform is connected to the fifth linear motor. The fifth linear motor drives the lower measuring head to move in the horizontal direction.

6. The multi-channel PCB surface copper foil thickness measuring device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The device further comprises a controller, which controls the upper measuring head and the lower measuring head to move synchronously in the horizontal direction, and controls the upper measuring head and the lower measuring head to move toward or away from each other in the vertical direction.

7. The multi-channel PCB surface copper foil thickness measuring device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The upper measuring head includes a plurality of upper measuring head assemblies mounted on a common rail, and an equal number of lower measuring heads mounted on a common rail corresponding to the upper measuring head assemblies.

8. The multi-channel PCB surface copper foil thickness measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper measuring head includes a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate, which are connected by a first guide rod. A spring and a limit device are provided on the guide rod. The first clamping plate moves within a travel range defined by the limit device.

9. The multi-channel PCB surface copper foil thickness measuring device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lower measuring head includes a third clamping plate, a fourth clamping plate and a fifth clamping plate, the third clamping plate and the fifth clamping plate are fixedly connected by a second guide rod, the fourth clamping plate is slidably fixed on the second guide rod, and springs are arranged on the fourth clamping plate and the fifth clamping plate, as well as on the guide rod between the third clamping plate and the fourth clamping plate.

10. The multi-channel PCB surface copper foil thickness measuring device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The upper measuring head includes a first probe assembly, which is arranged in the holes on the first and second clamping plates; the lower measuring head includes a second probe assembly, which is arranged in the holes of the third, fourth and fifth clamping plates and can slide with the fourth clamping plate.

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