Automatic plate loading and unloading machine applied to laser direct imaging exposure machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of laser direct imaging, in particular to an automatic plate loading and unloading machine applied to a laser direct imaging exposure machine, which comprises a machine body, a butt joint area is arranged beside the machine body, and a plate loading mechanism, a plate cleaning mechanism, a plate unloading mechanism and a manipulator are mounted on the machine body. The mechanical arm is in power connection with a plate grabbing mechanism. The plate grabbing mechanism is driven by the mechanical arm to move on the plate feeding mechanism, the plate cleaning mechanism, the plate discharging mechanism and the butt joint area. By means of the full-automatic plate feeding and discharging process, manual feeding and discharging are completely replaced, the labor cost is saved, and meanwhile the risk of subsequent process loss caused by manual errors is greatly reduced; in addition, the built-in board cleaning mechanism can effectively remove impurities on the surface of the FPC board, the quality of laser direct imaging is guaranteed, and the yield is improved. In addition, by means of precise alignment of matching of the CCD visual camera and the light-emitting source, the feeding accuracy and efficiency are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automatic loading and unloading machine technology, and in particular to an automatic loading and unloading machine applied to a laser direct imaging exposure machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the electronics manufacturing industry, flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs), with their bendability and thinness, are widely used in smartphones, wearable devices, and many other electronic products, and market demand continues to rise. Laser direct imaging (LDI) technology, as a key process in FPC production, has stringent requirements for imaging accuracy and production efficiency. Currently, the loading and unloading of FPCs in the LDI exposure process still largely relies on manual operation. Manual loading and unloading is not only inefficient and difficult to keep pace with the high-speed production line, but also prone to worker fatigue due to frequent repetitive work, significantly increasing the probability of errors. Once the loading position is off or misaligned, subsequent processes will frequently experience quality problems such as abnormal circuit exposure and short circuits, resulting in high material losses and rework costs for enterprises. Furthermore, the surface of FPCs is easily contaminated with dust, fibers, and other tiny impurities during production. Manual cleaning cannot guarantee the consistency and stability of cleanliness, and residual impurities will interfere with the laser imaging effect, reducing the yield rate. Furthermore, the traditional manual operation mode lacks a precise and efficient CCD (charge-coupled device) alignment process, making it difficult for the FPC board to achieve ideal alignment quickly on the exposure stage, thus slowing down the pace of the entire exposure process.

[0003] With the rapid iteration of electronic products and increasingly fierce competition, enterprises urgently need to reduce costs and improve product quality and production efficiency. The existing manual FPC sheet exposure and loading / unloading mode has become a bottleneck restricting capacity expansion and quality upgrades, and cannot meet the needs of large-scale, high-precision production. Therefore, it is imperative to develop an automatic FPC loading / unloading equipment that integrates automatic loading / unloading, automatic CCD alignment, and automatic cleaning functions. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings mentioned above, this utility model aims to provide a technical solution that can solve the above problems.

[0005] An automatic loading and unloading machine for use in laser direct imaging exposure machines includes a machine body with a docking area on its side. A board loading mechanism, a board cleaning mechanism, a board unloading mechanism, and a robotic arm are mounted on the machine body. A board gripping mechanism is powered to the robotic arm and moves between the board loading mechanism, the board cleaning mechanism, the board unloading mechanism, and the docking area via the robotic arm. Both the board loading and unloading mechanisms include a board stacking rack mounted on the machine body and a board lifting mechanism located at the lower end of the stacking rack. The board cleaning mechanism includes a vacuum suction plate mounted on the machine body for adsorbing boards, a first linear module located beside the vacuum suction plate, a roller base powered to the first linear module, a rubber roller rotatably connected to the roller base, and a roll of adhesive paper rotatably connected to the roller base and docking with the rubber roller. The rubber roller sweeps laterally across the vacuum suction plate driven by the first linear module. A frame is also mounted on the machine body, and a CCD vision camera and a light source are mounted on the frame, located directly above the vacuum suction plate.

[0006] Preferably, a board transfer and flipping mechanism is also installed on the machine body, which is connected to the board feeding mechanism and the board cleaning mechanism. The board transfer and flipping mechanism includes a second linear module placed horizontally next to the board feeding mechanism and the board cleaning mechanism, a third linear module vertically connected to the power end of the second linear module, a 180-degree rotation mechanism installed on the power end of the third linear module, a first suction cup bracket powered by the 180-degree rotation mechanism, and a plurality of first vacuum suction cups installed on the suction cup bracket. The first vacuum suction cups are driven by the second linear module and the third linear module to pick up and put down the boards on the board feeding mechanism and the board cleaning mechanism, and the board gripping mechanism is also driven by the robot arm to grip the boards adsorbed by the board transfer and flipping mechanism.

[0007] Preferably, the sheet metal lifting power mechanism includes multiple guide rods connected to the machine body, a sheet metal support plate fixedly installed on the guide rods and located inside the sheet metal stacking rack, a power push plate installed at the lower end of the guide rods and located inside the machine body, a screw motor unit installed inside the machine body and drivenly connected to the power push plate, and a first power motor installed inside the machine body and drivenly connected to the screw motor unit.

[0008] Preferably, the rubber roller base includes a crossbeam and shaft connecting seats respectively connected to both ends of the crossbeam. One shaft connecting seat is poweredly connected to the first linear module, and the other shaft connecting seat is slidably connected to the first linear guide rail. The first linear guide rail is fixed on the machine body, and the rubber roller and the adhesive paper roll are rotatably connected between the two shaft connecting seats.

[0009] Preferably, a downward-facing pressing cylinder and a vertical second linear guide are installed on the shaft connecting seat. A lower pressing block is slidably connected to the second linear guide, and the lower pressing block is poweredly connected to the pressing cylinder. The shaft connecting seat is rotatably connected to the rubber roller through the lower pressing block. A shaft support bracket and a pressure roller cylinder are also installed on the lower pressing block. A spring is connected to the shaft support bracket. The end of the adhesive paper roll is elastically supported on the shaft support bracket through the spring. The piston end of the pressure roller cylinder presses against the end of the adhesive paper roll with its piston facing downward.

[0010] Preferably, the 180-degree rotation mechanism includes a lifting plate powered by a third linear module, a second power motor mounted on the lifting plate, a bearing seat penetrating the lifting plate, a hollow rod rotatably connected to the bearing seat, and a synchronous pulley mechanism drivingly connected between the hollow rod and the second power motor. The rear part of the hollow rod extends beyond the back of the lifting plate along the bearing seat. The synchronous pulley mechanism is connected to the rear part of the hollow rod. The interior of the hollow rod extends through the rear end of the hollow rod, and a universal air pipe connector is connected to the rear end of the hollow rod. A first suction cup bracket is fixedly installed at the front part of the hollow rod, and an air hole communicating with the interior is opened at the front part of the hollow rod. The first vacuum suction cup is connected to the air hole via an air pipe.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0012] The fully automated board loading and unloading process completely replaces manual loading and unloading, saving labor costs and significantly reducing the risk of losses in subsequent processes due to human error. In addition, the built-in board cleaning mechanism can effectively remove impurities from the surface of FPC boards, ensuring the quality of laser direct imaging and improving the yield rate. Furthermore, the precise alignment of the CCD vision camera and the light source greatly improves the accuracy and efficiency of loading, making the entire laser direct imaging process smoother and more efficient.

[0013] By incorporating a sheet material transfer and flipping mechanism, combined with a complex yet orderly automated process, the transfer and flipping of FPC sheets between processes eliminates the need for manual intervention. This significantly reduces errors caused by the limited precision and fatigue of manual operation, ensuring precise positioning and stable execution of each action, thus guaranteeing image quality. The ingenious design of the sheet material transfer and flipping mechanism makes the double-sided imaging process of FPC sheets compact and seamless. Previously, manual flipping was not only time-consuming but also prone to damaging the FPC sheets. Now, the equipment quickly flips and seamlessly connects to subsequent imaging processes, significantly shortening the total time for double-sided imaging and improving overall production efficiency.

[0014] Additional aspects and advantages of this 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

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the docking laser direct imaging device of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model after removing the body and frame;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plate lifting power mechanism in this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the plate cleaning mechanism in this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the roller base in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of a component installed on the central shaft connecting seat of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sheet material transfer and flipping mechanism in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the 180-degree rotation mechanism in this utility model.

[0024] The reference numerals and names in the figure are as follows:

[0025] 10. Machine body; 11. Frame; 12. CCD vision camera; 13. Light source; 20. Sheet material feeding mechanism; 30. Sheet material cleaning mechanism; 31. Vacuum suction plate; 32. First linear module; 33. Roller base; 34. Rubber roller; 341. Crossbeam; 342. Shaft connecting seat; 343. First linear guide rail; 344. Pressing cylinder; 345. Second linear guide rail; 346. Lower pressing block; 347. Shaft support; 348. Pressing roller cylinder; 349. Spring component; 35. Adhesive paper roll; 40. Sheet material unloading mechanism; 50. Robotic arm; Sheet material. The components include: gripping mechanism 51, plate stacking rack 60, plate lifting power mechanism 70, guide rod 71, plate support plate 72, power push plate 73, screw motor unit 74, first power motor 75, plate transfer and flipping mechanism 80, second linear module 81, third linear module 82, first suction cup bracket 83, first vacuum suction cup 84, 180-degree rotation mechanism 90, lifting plate 91, second power motor 92, bearing seat 93, hollow rod 94, synchronous belt pulley mechanism 95, universal air pipe connector 96, and air hole 97. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0027]

Example 1

[0028] Please see Figure 1-6An automatic board loading and unloading machine for use in laser direct imaging exposure machines includes a body 10 with a docking area on its side. A board loading mechanism 20, a board cleaning mechanism 30, a board unloading mechanism 40, and a robotic arm 50 are mounted on the body 10. A board gripping mechanism 51 is poweredly connected to the robotic arm 50. The board gripping mechanism 51 moves between the board loading mechanism 20, the board cleaning mechanism 30, the board unloading mechanism 40, and the docking area, driven by the robotic arm 50. The board gripping mechanism 51 uses multiple vacuum suction cups to adsorb FPC boards, thereby achieving the picking and placing operation of FPC boards. Both the board loading mechanism 20 and the board unloading mechanism 40 include board stacking mechanisms mounted on the body 10. The machine body 10 includes a frame 60 and a board lifting power mechanism 70 located at the lower end of the board stacking frame 60; the board cleaning mechanism 30 includes a vacuum suction plate 31 mounted on the machine body 10 for adsorbing FPC boards, a first linear module 32 located next to the vacuum suction plate 31, a roller base 33 powered by the first linear module 32, a rubber roller 34 rotatably connected to the roller base 33, and a dust-adhesive paper roll 35 rotatably connected to the roller base 33 and connected to the rubber roller 34. The rubber roller 34 is driven by the first linear module 32 to sweep laterally across the vacuum suction plate 31; a frame 11 is also mounted on the machine body 10, and a CCD vision camera 12 and a light source 13 located directly above the vacuum suction plate 31 are mounted on the frame 11.

[0029] This automatic loading and unloading machine docks with the laser direct imaging equipment through a docking area. During operation, the board lifting power mechanism 70 of the board loading mechanism 20 first lifts the FPC boards to be processed on the board stacking rack 60. The robot arm 50 drives the board gripping mechanism 51 to move here to grip the FPC board, and then sends it to the board cleaning mechanism 30. On the board cleaning mechanism 30, the vacuum suction plate 31 adsorbs the FPC board, and the first linear module 32 drives the roller base 33 with the rubber roller 34 and the dust removal paper roll 35 to move laterally. The rubber roller 34 sweeps across the surface of the FPC board and removes dust and other impurities. At this time, the light source 13 on the frame 11 provides illumination for the FPC board, and the CCD vision camera 12 simultaneously and accurately captures the position information of the FPC board to complete the alignment calibration. After cleaning and alignment, the FPC board is accurately picked up by the robot arm 50 through the board gripping mechanism 51 and transferred to the laser direct imaging equipment in the docking area. After the laser direct imaging process is completed, the robot arm 50 picks up the FPC board and sends it to the board unloading mechanism 40. The board lifting power mechanism 70 of the unloading mechanism lowers and stacks the FPC board onto the corresponding unloading rack.

[0030] Through the above technical solutions, the fully automated loading and unloading process completely replaces manual loading and unloading, saving labor costs and significantly reducing the risk of losses in subsequent processes due to human error. In addition, the built-in board cleaning mechanism 30 can effectively remove impurities from the surface of FPC boards, ensuring the quality of laser direct imaging and improving the yield rate. Furthermore, the precise alignment of the CCD vision camera 12 and the light source 13 greatly improves the accuracy and efficiency of loading, enabling the entire laser direct imaging process to be carried out more smoothly and efficiently.

[0031] Please see Figure 3 The plate lifting power mechanism 70 includes multiple guide rods 71 ​​connected to the body 10, a plate support plate 72 fixedly installed on the guide rods 71 ​​and located inside the plate stacking rack 60, a power push plate 73 installed at the lower end of the guide rods 71 ​​and located inside the body 10, a screw motor 74 installed inside the body 10 and driven by the power push plate 73, and a first power motor 75 installed inside the body 10 and driven by the screw motor 74. When the sheet material feeding mechanism 20 is running, the first power motor 75 starts, driving the lead screw unit 74 connected to it to start running. During the rotation of the lead screw unit 74, it will drive the power push plate 73 connected to it to move upward along multiple guide rods 71. Since the power push plate 73, guide rods 71 ​​and sheet material support plate 72 are a fixedly connected whole structure, when the power push plate 73 rises, it will drive the sheet material support plate 72 fixed on the guide rods 71 ​​to rise synchronously. At this time, the FPC sheet material placed in the sheet material stacking rack 60 is lifted smoothly and brought close to the sheet material gripping mechanism 51 one by one, so that the robot arm 50 can operate the sheet material gripping mechanism 51 to position and grip the FPC sheet material. When the sheet material feeding mechanism 40 is running, the first power motor 75 reverses, causing the screw unit 74 to rotate in the opposite direction. The power push plate 73 is driven by the screw unit 74 and descends along the guide rod 71. The sheet material support plate 72 also descends accordingly. By controlling the stroke of each descent, the FPC sheet can descend by the thickness of one FPC sheet after being placed on the sheet material support plate 72, which makes it convenient for the robot arm 50 to operate the sheet material gripping mechanism 51 to position and place the FPC sheet.

[0032] Please see Figure 4-5The base of the rubber roller 34 includes a crossbeam 341 and shaft connecting seats 342 respectively connected to both ends of the crossbeam 341. One shaft connecting seat 342 is poweredly connected to the first linear module 32, and the other shaft connecting seat 342 is slidably connected to the first linear guide rail 343, which is fixed to the machine body 10. The rubber roller 34 and the adhesive paper roll 35 are rotatably connected between the two shaft connecting seats 342. When the board cleaning mechanism 30 is started, the first linear module 32 receives the command and begins to operate. Since one of the shaft connecting seats 342 is poweredly connected to the first linear module 32, the shaft connecting seat 342 will move along a predetermined horizontal direction under the drive of the first linear module 32. At the same time, the other shaft connecting seat 342 moves synchronously with the first shaft connecting seat 342 by means of its sliding connection with the first linear guide rail 343 fixed to the machine body 10, ensuring that the crossbeam 341 always remains stable and does not deviate or shake. During the translation of the two shaft connectors 342, the rotating rubber roller 34 and the adhesive paper roll 35 connected between them sweep laterally across the vacuum suction plate 31 along with the shaft connectors 342. The rubber roller 34 makes full contact with the surface of the FPC board, and with its own rolling friction, it picks up dust, impurities and other contaminants from the surface of the FPC board and transfers them to the adhesive paper roll 35, thereby achieving efficient and stable cleaning of the FPC board and ensuring that the subsequent laser direct imaging process is not interfered with by impurities.

[0033] Please see Figure 5-6A downward-facing pressing cylinder 344 and a vertical second linear guide rail 345 are installed on the shaft connecting seat 342. A lower pressing block 346 is slidably connected to the second linear guide rail 345. The lower pressing block 346 is poweredly connected to the pressing cylinder 344. The shaft connecting seat 342 is rotatably connected to the rubber roller 34 through the lower pressing block 346. A shaft support bracket 347 and a pressure roller cylinder 348 are also installed on the lower pressing block 346. A spring member 349 is connected to the shaft support bracket 347. The end of the adhesive paper roll 35 is elastically supported on the shaft support bracket 347 through the spring member 349. The piston end of the pressure roller cylinder 348 presses against the end of the adhesive paper roll 35 with its head facing downward. During the cleaning preparation phase, the pressure cylinder 344 is activated first, its piston extends, driving the pressure block 346, which is powered by it, to descend along the vertical second linear guide 345. Since the shaft connecting seat 342 is rotatably connected to the rubber roller 34 through the pressure block 346, the rubber roller 34 descends as the pressure block 346 moves downward, until it is tightly pressed against the surface of the FPC board adsorbed by the vacuum suction plate 31. This ensures sufficient and uniform contact pressure during cleaning, improves the cleaning effect, and allows control over the downward stroke of the rubber roller 34, thus adapting to the cleaning of FPC boards of different thicknesses. For the adhesive paper roll 35, the spring 349 is connected to the shaft support 347. The end of the adhesive paper roll 35 is elastically supported on the shaft support 347 by the spring 349, which gives the adhesive paper roll 35 a certain self-adaptive buffering ability, allowing it to better adapt to the rolling action of the rubber roller 34 and different FPC board thicknesses. At the same time, the pressure roller cylinder 348 also starts to work, with its piston end facing down against the end of the adhesive paper roll 35 to help stabilize the position of the adhesive paper roll 35 and prevent shaking or displacement during high-speed rolling cleaning. This ensures that the adhesive paper roll 35 is always accurately aligned with the rubber roller 34 and smoothly receives the dust and impurities picked up by the rubber roller 34, ensuring that the entire cleaning process is stable, efficient and continuous.

[0034]

Example 2

[0035] Please see Figure 1-8 Based on Embodiment 1, it is further proposed that a board transfer and flipping mechanism 80, which is connected to the board feeding mechanism 20 and the board cleaning mechanism 30, is also installed on the body 10. The board transfer and flipping mechanism 80 includes a second linear module 81 horizontally placed next to the board feeding mechanism 20 and the board cleaning mechanism 30, a third linear module 82 vertically connected to the power end of the second linear module 81, a 180-degree rotation mechanism 90 installed on the power end of the third linear module 82, a first suction cup bracket 83 powered by the 180-degree rotation mechanism 90, and a plurality of first vacuum suction cups 84 installed on the suction cup bracket. The first vacuum suction cups 84 are driven by the second linear module 81 and the third linear module 82 to pick up and put down the FPC boards on the board feeding mechanism 20 and the board cleaning mechanism 30, and the board gripping mechanism 51 is driven by the robot arm 50 to grip the FPC boards adsorbed by the board transfer and flipping mechanism 80.

[0036] After the equipment starts operating, while the FPC board on the board feeding mechanism 20 awaits transfer, the second linear module 81 responds to the command and begins operation, driving the connected vertical third linear module 82 to slide laterally until the 180-degree rotation mechanism 90, the first suction cup bracket 83, and the first vacuum suction cup 84 mounted thereon are precisely positioned above the FPC board at the board feeding mechanism 20. Immediately afterwards, the first vacuum suction cup 84 vents, generating suction to firmly adhere to the FPC board; subsequently, the third linear module 82 starts, causing the adhered FPC board to be vertically lifted, thus detaching the FPC board from the feeding mechanism.

[0037] After the gripping is completed, the second linear module 81 takes over and moves the FPC board horizontally to the top of the board cleaning mechanism 30. At this time, the third linear module 82 descends, the first vacuum suction cup 84 is de-aired and released, and the FPC board falls steadily onto the vacuum suction plate 31, starting the cleaning process. After cleaning is completed, the board gripping mechanism 51, pulled by the robot arm 50, grips the FPC board and moves it to the laser direct imaging equipment to perform imaging operations on one side of the FPC board.

[0038] After single-sided imaging is complete, the board gripping mechanism 51 returns the FPC board to the vacuum suction plate 31 for temporary support. At this point, the board transfer and flipping mechanism 80 intervenes again. The first vacuum suction cup 84 holds the FPC board, and the 180-degree rotation mechanism 90 rotates the FPC board 180 degrees to adjust its orientation. Subsequently, the board gripping mechanism 51 grips the flipped FPC board and, via the robotic arm 50, transfers it back to the laser direct imaging equipment for imaging the other side. After both sides are imaged, the board gripping mechanism 51, with the help of the robotic arm 50, transfers the FPC board to the board unloading mechanism 40 for the final step, completing the entire process.

[0039] By incorporating the sheet material transfer and flipping mechanism 80, combined with a complex yet orderly automated process, the transfer and flipping of FPC sheets between processes can be completed without manual intervention. This significantly reduces errors caused by the limited precision and fatigue of manual operation. Each step is precisely positioned and executed stably, ensuring image quality. The ingenious design of the sheet material transfer and flipping mechanism 80 makes the double-sided imaging process of FPC sheets compact and seamless. Previously, manual flipping was not only time-consuming but also prone to damaging the FPC sheets. Now, the equipment quickly flips and seamlessly connects to subsequent imaging processes, significantly shortening the total time for double-sided imaging and improving overall production efficiency.

[0040] Please see Figure 8The 180-degree rotation mechanism 90 includes a lifting plate 91 powered by a third linear module 82, a second power motor 92 mounted on the lifting plate 91, a bearing seat 93 extending through the lifting plate 91, a hollow rod 94 rotatably connected to the bearing seat 93, and a synchronous pulley mechanism 95 drivingly connected between the hollow rod 94 and the second power motor 92. The rear part of the hollow rod 94 extends beyond the back of the lifting plate 91 along the bearing seat 93. The synchronous pulley mechanism 95 is connected to the rear part of the hollow rod 94. The interior of the hollow rod 94 extends through the rear end of the hollow rod 94, and a universal air pipe connector 96 is connected to the rear end of the hollow rod 94. The first suction cup bracket 83 is fixedly mounted on the front part of the hollow rod 94, and the front part of the hollow rod 94 has an air hole 97 communicating with its interior. The first vacuum suction cup 84 is connected to the air hole 97 by an air pipe.

[0041] When the FPC board transfer and flipping process is initiated, the third linear module 82 drives the lifting plate 91 to move vertically, bringing the first suction cup bracket 83 and the first vacuum suction cup 84, installed at the front of the hollow rod 94, closer to the target FPC board. The first vacuum suction cup 84 then adheres to the FPC board. Before flipping, the second power motor 92 starts operating, transmitting power to the hollow rod 94 via the synchronous pulley mechanism 95. Since the hollow rod 94 is rotatably connected to the lifting plate 91 through the bearing seat 93, it rotates smoothly around its axis under the drive of the synchronous pulley mechanism 95. This rotation drives the first suction cup bracket 83 fixed at the front end and the adhered FPC board to rotate together, precisely achieving a 180-degree rotation to adjust the FPC board's posture and meet the requirements of double-sided imaging. Throughout the process, the hollow rod 94 is internally continuous, with a universal air pipe connector 96 at the rear and an air hole 97 at the front connecting to the interior. The first vacuum suction cup 84 is connected to the air hole 97 via an air pipe. In this way, even when the hollow rod 94 is rotating, the external air source can continuously and stably supply vacuum negative pressure to the first vacuum suction cup 84 through the universal air pipe connector 96 and the internal air channel of the hollow rod 94, ensuring that the suction cup maintains sufficient suction force before, during and after rotation, firmly adhering to the FPC board, and preventing the FPC board from falling off due to interruption of suction force.

[0042] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention.

Claims

1. An automatic loading and unloading machine for use in a laser direct imaging exposure machine, characterized in that, The system includes a body (10), with a docking area on the side. A board feeding mechanism (20), a board cleaning mechanism (30), a board unloading mechanism (40), and a robotic arm (50) are mounted on the body (10). A board gripping mechanism (51) is powered to the robotic arm (50). The board gripping mechanism (51) moves between the board feeding mechanism (20), the board cleaning mechanism (30), the board unloading mechanism (40), and the docking area, driven by the robotic arm (50). Both the board feeding mechanism (20) and the board unloading mechanism (40) include a board stacking rack (60) mounted on the body (10) and a board lifting power mechanism (70) located at the lower end of the board stacking rack (60). The mechanism (30) includes a vacuum suction plate (31) installed on the body (10) for adsorbing the plate, a first linear module (32) set next to the vacuum suction plate (31), a roller base (33) powered by the first linear module (32), a rubber roller (34) rotatably connected to the roller base (33), and a dust-adhesive paper roll (35) rotatably connected to the roller base (33) and mated to the rubber roller (34). The rubber roller (34) sweeps horizontally across the vacuum suction plate (31) driven by the first linear module (32). A frame (11) is also installed on the body (10), and a CCD vision camera (12) and a light source (13) located directly above the vacuum suction plate (31) are installed on the frame (11).

2. The automatic loading and unloading machine for a laser direct imaging exposure machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body (10) is also equipped with a board transfer and flipping mechanism (80) that is connected to the board feeding mechanism (20) and the board cleaning mechanism (30). The board transfer and flipping mechanism (80) includes a second linear module (81) placed horizontally on the side of the board feeding mechanism (20) and the board cleaning mechanism (30), a third linear module (82) vertically connected to the power end of the second linear module (81), a 180-degree rotation mechanism (90) installed on the power end of the third linear module (82), a first suction cup bracket (83) powered on the 180-degree rotation mechanism (90), and a plurality of first vacuum suction cups (84) installed on the suction cup bracket. The first vacuum suction cups (84) are driven by the second linear module (81) and the third linear module (82) to pick up and put down the FPC boards on the board feeding mechanism (20) and the board cleaning mechanism (30). The board gripping mechanism (51) is also driven by the robot (50) to grip the board adsorbed by the board transfer and flipping mechanism (80).

3. An automatic loading and unloading machine for a laser direct imaging exposure machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate lifting power mechanism (70) includes multiple guide rods (71) connected to the machine body (10), a plate support plate (72) fixedly installed on the guide rods (71) and located inside the plate stacking rack (60), a power push plate (73) installed at the lower end of the guide rods (71) and located inside the machine body (10), a screw motor (74) installed inside the machine body (10) and driven by the power push plate (73), and a first power motor (75) installed inside the machine body (10) and driven by the screw motor (74).

4. An automatic loading and unloading machine for a laser direct imaging exposure machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base of the rubber roller (34) includes a crossbeam (341) and shaft connecting seats (342) respectively connected to both ends of the crossbeam (341). One shaft connecting seat (342) is poweredly connected to the first linear module (32), and the other shaft connecting seat (342) is slidably connected to the first linear guide rail (343). The first linear guide rail (343) is fixed on the machine body (10). The rubber roller (34) and the dust-adhesive paper roll (35) are rotatably connected between the two shaft connecting seats (342).

5. An automatic loading and unloading machine for a laser direct imaging exposure machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, A downward-facing pressing cylinder (344) and a vertical second linear guide (345) are installed on the shaft connecting seat (342). A lower pressing block (346) is slidably connected to the second linear guide (345). The lower pressing block (346) is poweredly connected to the pressing cylinder (344). The shaft connecting seat (342) is rotatably connected to the rubber roller (34) through the lower pressing block (346). A shaft support bracket (347) and a pressure roller cylinder (348) are also installed on the lower pressing block (346). A spring element (349) is connected to the shaft support bracket (347). The end of the sticky paper roll (35) is elastically supported on the shaft support bracket (347) through the spring element (349). The piston end of the pressure roller cylinder (348) presses against the end of the sticky paper roll (35) downward.

6. An automatic loading and unloading machine for a laser direct imaging exposure machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The 180-degree rotation mechanism (90) includes a lifting plate (91) powered on a third linear module (82), a second power motor (92) mounted on the lifting plate (91), a bearing seat (93) passing through the lifting plate (91), a hollow rod (94) rotatably connected to the bearing seat (93), and a synchronous pulley mechanism (95) drivingly connected between the hollow rod (94) and the second power motor (92). The rear part of the hollow rod (94) extends along the bearing seat (93). Outside the back of the lifting plate (91), the synchronous belt pulley mechanism (95) is connected to the rear of the hollow rod (94). The interior of the hollow rod (94) runs through the rear end of the hollow rod (94), and a universal air pipe connector (96) is connected to the rear end of the hollow rod (94). The first suction cup bracket (83) is fixedly installed at the front of the hollow rod (94), and an air hole (97) is opened at the front of the hollow rod (94) to connect to its interior. The first vacuum suction cup (84) is connected to the air hole (97) by an air pipe.

Images