Developing device
By using a counter and electrical sensor switch in conjunction with a solenoid valve in the developing unit, defoamer is automatically added, solving the problem of foam leakage during PCB board developing and achieving stable control of the developer concentration and cost savings.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520551689.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-27
AI Technical Summary
During PCB manufacturing, the developing solution reacts with the ink and dry film on the PCB to produce a large amount of foam, which leads to leakage of the solution, polluting the environment, increasing costs and quality risks, and causing waste due to improper addition of defoamer.
Design a developing device that uses a counter and an electrical sensor switch in conjunction with a solenoid valve to automatically add defoamer, ensuring a stable concentration of the developing solution and preventing foam leakage.
This achieved stable control of the developer concentration, reduced foam leakage, lowered cost waste, and improved production safety and product quality.
Smart Images

Figure CN223897769U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of PCB board manufacturing, and in particular to a developing device. Background Technology
[0002] During PCB manufacturing, the image transfer process requires the use of developing solutions for chemical reactions. When these solutions react with the ink and dry film on the PCB, they produce a large amount of foam, leading to leaks that pollute the environment and increase costs. Furthermore, leaks can cause variations in solution concentration, increasing the likelihood of quality issues. In actual production, dedicated personnel need to monitor the foam levels in the developing tank, using measuring cups to add solutions periodically to maintain proper foam levels. However, the arbitrary dosage of defoamer makes it difficult to ensure reasonable and standardized usage, resulting in wasted resources. Utility Model Content
[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a developing device that can automatically add defoamer through two sets of detection, controlling the leakage of large amounts of foam generated during the reaction while ensuring a certain concentration of the developing solution.
[0004] The developing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a developing tank, the developing tank being adapted to hold a PCB board and a developing solution;
[0005] A developer container is disposed outside the developing tank and is connected to the developing tank via a supply pipe.
[0006] An antifoaming liquid cylinder is disposed above the developing tank, and the antifoaming liquid cylinder is connected to the developing tank through an outlet pipe;
[0007] A solenoid valve is mounted on the liquid outlet pipe;
[0008] An electrical sensor switch is disposed inside the developing tank and electrically connected to the solenoid valve;
[0009] A counter is disposed at the opening of the developing tank and electrically connected to the solenoid valve, wherein the height of the counter from the bottom of the developing tank is greater than the height of the electrical sensor switch from the bottom of the developing tank;
[0010] A controller, which is electrically connected to the solenoid valve.
[0011] According to an embodiment of the utility model, a developing device has at least the following beneficial effects: First, the number of PCB boards is recorded by a counter. Once the preset number is reached, the solenoid valve is opened to automatically add a certain amount of defoamer to ensure that the relative concentration of the developer does not change significantly and to eliminate certain air bubbles. At the same time, an electrical sensor switch is set to detect the height of the defoamer. Once the height of the defoamer triggers the electrical sensor switch, the solenoid valve will be opened to automatically add defoamer even if the counter has not reached the preset number, further preventing the solution from overflowing. Through the cooperation of the counter, the solenoid valve, and the electrical sensor switch, a dual defoaming function can be further realized, controlling the large amount of foam generated by the reaction of a certain concentration of developer with the PCB board to prevent leakage, which is more secure.
[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the developing tank has an overflow port on its wall, and the overflow port is flush with the height of the electrical sensor switch.
[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the solenoid valve is connected to the overflow port via an overflow pipe.
[0014] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the overflow port, the defoaming liquid cylinder, and the solenoid valve are located on the same side relative to the center of the developing tank.
[0015] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the cross-sectional size of the liquid supply pipe, the liquid outlet pipe, and the overflow pipe are the same, and the materials of the liquid supply pipe, the liquid outlet pipe, and the overflow pipe are the same.
[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, one end of the liquid outlet pipe located inside the developing tank is lower than the initial liquid level inside the developing tank.
[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, one end of the liquid supply pipe is connected to the bottom of the developing tank, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the developing liquid cylinder.
[0018] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the liquid outlet pipe is connected to the bottom of the defoaming liquid cylinder.
[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cross-section of the defoaming liquid cylinder is smaller than the cross-section of the developing liquid cylinder, and the defoaming liquid cylinder is disposed on the developing liquid cylinder.
[0020] 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
[0021] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the developing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the developing apparatus according to another angle of this utility model embodiment;
[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.
[0025] Figure label:
[0026] Developing tank 100, overflow port 110
[0027] Developer cartridge 200, supply tube 300, defoamer cartridge 400, outlet tube 500
[0028] Solenoid valve 600, overflow pipe 610,
[0029] Electrical sensor switch 700, counter 800, controller 900. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0032] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "setting", "installing", "connecting", "linking", etc. should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in combination with the specific content of the technical solution.
[0033] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 3 A developing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.
[0034] refer to Figures 1 to 2As shown, a developing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a developing tank 100, a developing liquid cylinder 200, an antifoaming liquid cylinder 400, a solenoid valve 600, an electrical sensor switch 700, a counter 800, and a controller 900. The developing tank 100 is suitable for placing PCB boards and developing solution. The developing solution cylinder 200 is located outside the developing tank 100 and is connected to the developing tank 100 through a supply pipe 300. The defoaming liquid cylinder 400 is located above the developing tank 100 and is connected to the developing tank 100 through an outlet pipe 500. The solenoid valve 600 is installed on the outlet pipe 500. The electrical sensor switch 700 is located inside the developing tank 100 and is electrically connected to the solenoid valve 600. The counter 800 is located at the opening of the developing tank 100 and is electrically connected to the solenoid valve 600. The height of the counter 800 from the bottom of the developing tank 100 is greater than the height of the electrical sensor switch 700 from the bottom of the developing tank 100. The controller 900 is electrically connected to the solenoid valve 600.
[0035] It is understandable that the electrical sensor switch 700 is at a certain distance from the top of the developing tank 100 and the initial liquid surface of the developing tank 100. The distance between the electrical sensor switch 700 and the top of the developing tank 100 allows time for the defoamer to react, and the distance between the electrical sensor switch 700 and the initial liquid surface of the developing tank 100 provides a certain reaction space.
[0036] Understandably, the design of the defoaming liquid cylinder 400 allows for the pre-preparation of reaction liquid, and different sized cylinders can be selected to prepare a day's worth or even longer's worth of supplies in advance, reducing the time and labor costs of repeatedly preparing materials.
[0037] It is understandable that the developing tank 100, the supply pipe 300, and the developing solution cylinder 200 form a communicating vessel structure, ensuring that the liquid level in the developing tank 100 and the liquid level in the developing solution cylinder 200 are kept consistent. When adding the reaction liquid to the developing solution cylinder 200, care must be taken to ensure that the liquid level in the developing tank 100 is within the distance of the electrical sensor switch. To allow the developing solution cylinder 200 to hold more developing solution, its bottom position can be lower than that of the developing tank 100, or a flow control valve can be added to control the connection between the developing solution cylinder 200 and the developing tank 100. It is also understandable that adding a control valve to the supply pipe 300 would allow for the addition of a higher concentration of developing solution to the developing tank 100, thus assisting in the regulation of the developing solution concentration within the developing tank 100.
[0038] It is understandable that the amount of defoaming agent added after each addition of a certain amount of PCB board is pre-designed. Therefore, under the condition that the liquid flow rate remains constant, the opening time of the solenoid valve 600 is related to the cross-sectional size of the outlet pipe 500.
[0039] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, the developing tank 100 has an overflow port 110 on its wall, and the overflow port 110 is flush with the height of the electrical sensor switch 700. (See reference) Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the overflow port 110 serves as a diversion point, effectively reducing the relative height of the device and further preventing overflow. It is understood that the overflow port 110 can be connected to a pipe to properly store the overflowing developer, preventing contamination.
[0040] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, the solenoid valve 600 is connected to the overflow port 110 via an overflow pipe 610. (See reference...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, by connecting the overflow port 110 back to the solenoid valve 600, the liquid flowing out of the overflow port 110 can be reused back into the developing tank 100, saving costs.
[0041] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, the overflow port 110, the defoaming liquid cylinder 400, and the solenoid valve 600 are located on the same side relative to the center of the developing tank 100. (Refer to...) Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the overflow port 110, the defoaming liquid cylinder 400 and the solenoid valve 600 are all located on the left side of the developing tank 100, which can effectively shorten the length of the overflow pipe 610 and the liquid outlet pipe 500 and reduce costs.
[0042] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, the liquid supply pipe 300, the liquid outlet pipe 500, and the overflow pipe 610 have the same cross-sectional size and are made of the same material.
[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the use of the same material and size for the liquid supply pipe 300, liquid outlet pipe 500, and overflow pipe 610 can effectively improve the overall interchangeability of the module and facilitate installation and maintenance.
[0044] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, one end of the outlet pipe 500 located inside the developing tank 100 is lower than the liquid level of the developing solution inside the developing tank 100. The outlet pipe 500 is positioned below the initial liquid level inside the developing tank 100, which effectively reduces water splashing when releasing liquid, avoiding unnecessary losses and preventing contamination from splashing.
[0045] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, one end of the liquid supply pipe 300 is connected to the bottom of the developing tank 100, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the developing liquid cylinder 200.
[0046] Reference Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the liquid supply pipe 300 connects the bottom of the developing tank 100 and the developing liquid cylinder 200. On the one hand, it facilitates cable routing and reduces space occupation; on the other hand, it can maximize the transfer of liquid in the developing liquid cylinder 200 to the developing tank 100.
[0047] Understandably, the connection height between the developer tank 200 and the supply pipe 300 determines the height of liquid remaining in the developer tank 200, and the connection height between the developer tank 100 and the supply pipe 300 determines the minimum height of the liquid level when liquid is continuously flowing in.
[0048] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, the liquid outlet pipe 500 is connected to the bottom of the defoaming liquid cylinder 400.
[0049] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the liquid outlet pipe 500 is connected to the bottom of the defoaming liquid cylinder 400 to maximize the use of the defoaming liquid cylinder 400, and all the liquid in the defoaming liquid cylinder 400 can flow out through the liquid outlet pipe 500.
[0050] Understandably, the connection height between the defoaming liquid cylinder 400 and the liquid outlet pipe 500 determines the height of the remaining liquid in the defoaming liquid cylinder 400.
[0051] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, the cross-section of the defoaming liquid cylinder 400 is smaller than the cross-section of the developing liquid cylinder 200, and the defoaming liquid cylinder 400 is disposed on the developing liquid cylinder 200.
[0052] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the cross-section of the defoaming liquid cylinder 400 is smaller than that of the developing liquid cylinder 200, which allows it to be placed more stably above the developing liquid cylinder 200, effectively simplifying the device and facilitating maintenance.
[0053] It is understandable that the defoaming liquid cylinder 400 needs to be higher than the developing tank 100. When the defoaming liquid cylinder 400 is placed on the developing liquid cylinder 200, the height of the developing liquid cylinder 200 needs to be higher than the developing tank 100. Alternatively, a connecting piece such as a pad block may be provided between the defoaming liquid cylinder 400 and the developing liquid cylinder 200 to increase the height of the defoaming liquid cylinder 400.
[0054] Before the PCB board processing equipment starts operating, a certain amount of developer is added to the developer tank 200 and flows into the developer tank 100 through the supply pipe 300. The defoaming liquid tank 400 is filled with a prepared defoaming liquid that can be used for a period of time, and the counter 800 is set to a preset value.
[0055] When the PCB board processing device is operating, each time a PCB board enters the developing tank 100, the counter 800 counts. When the count value is the same as the preset value, the counter 800 sends a signal to the controller 900. The controller 900 controls the solenoid valve 600 to open for a period of time, allowing a certain amount of defoaming liquid in the defoaming liquid cylinder 400 to enter the developing tank 100 through the outlet pipe 500, slowing down the rate of foam generation and controlling the concentration within a certain range. The electrical sensor switch 700 can sense whether the height of the foam has reached the maximum limit overflow port 110. Once the foam rises to the overflow port 110 and contacts the electrical sensor switch 700, the overflow port 110 receives the overflowing liquid, and the electrical sensor switch 700 sends an electrical signal to the controller 900. The controller 900 receives the signal from the electrical sensor switch 700 and controls the solenoid valve 600 to open until the foam falls below the electrical sensor switch 700. During the foam descent, the liquid at the overflow port 110 flows back, recycling the developing liquid. The setting of the electrical sensor switch 700 can ensure that the foam will not leak out. The coordinated control of the electrical sensor switch 700 and the counter 800 can control the large amount of foam generated by the reaction of a certain concentration of developer with the PCB board to prevent leakage. Through the mutual cooperation of the counter, solenoid valve and electrical sensor switch, a dual defoaming function can be further realized, which can control the large amount of foam generated by the reaction of a certain concentration of developer with the PCB board to prevent leakage, making it more secure.
[0056] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A developing apparatus, characterized in that, include: A developing tank (100) is adapted to hold a PCB board and a developing solution; The developer cartridge (200) is located outside the developing tank (100), and the developer cartridge is connected to the developing tank (100) through a supply pipe (300). Defoaming liquid cylinder (400), the defoaming liquid cylinder (400) is disposed above the developing tank (100), and the defoaming liquid cylinder (400) is connected to the developing tank (100) through a liquid outlet pipe (500); A solenoid valve (600) is mounted on the outlet pipe (500); An electrical sensor switch (700) is disposed inside the developing tank (100) and electrically connected to the solenoid valve (600); A counter (800) is disposed at the opening of the developing tank (100) and electrically connected to the solenoid valve (600). The height of the counter (800) from the bottom of the developing tank (100) is greater than the height of the electrical sensor switch (700) from the bottom of the developing tank (100). A controller (900) is electrically connected to the solenoid valve (600).
2. The developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developing tank (100) has an overflow port (110) on its wall, and the overflow port (110) is flush with the height of the electrical sensor switch (700).
3. A developing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The solenoid valve (600) is connected to the overflow port (110) through an overflow pipe (610).
4. A developing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The overflow port (110), the defoaming liquid cylinder (400), and the solenoid valve (600) are located on the same side relative to the center of the developing tank (100).
5. A developing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid supply pipe (300), the liquid outlet pipe (500), and the overflow pipe (610) have the same cross-sectional size, and the liquid supply pipe (300), the liquid outlet pipe (500), and the overflow pipe (610) are made of the same material.
6. A developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the outlet pipe (500) located inside the developing tank (100) is lower than the initial liquid level of the developing solution inside the developing tank (100).
7. A developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the liquid supply pipe (300) is connected to the bottom of the developing tank (100), and the other end is connected to the bottom of the developing liquid cylinder (200).
8. A developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet pipe (500) is connected to the bottom of the defoaming liquid cylinder (400).
9. A developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the defoaming liquid cylinder (400) is smaller than the cross-section of the developing liquid cylinder (200), and the defoaming liquid cylinder (400) is disposed on the developing liquid cylinder (200).