An automated etching machine for PCB production

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of PCB manufacturing technology, specifically disclosing an automated etching machine for PCB production. The machine includes a main body, inside which is a double-sided conveyor belt and two sets of spray racks. The double-sided conveyor belt runs through the left and right sides of the main body. Each spray rack comprises two frames symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the double-sided conveyor belt. Multiple nozzles are arrayed on the end faces of both frames facing the double-sided conveyor belt. A liquid distribution pipe is fixed to the upper end face of the main body, and the liquid distribution pipe is connected to the multiple nozzles via pipes. Pressure sensors are installed at the outer ends of the pipes connecting the nozzles and the liquid distribution pipe. This invention employs a structure design where one liquid delivery pipe corresponds to one nozzle, thereby improving the consistency of liquid pressure within each nozzle. A lifting mechanism is included to adjust the distance between the spray racks and the double-sided conveyor belt, achieving more precise control of the etching depth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of PCB manufacturing technology, and more specifically to an automated etching machine for PCB manufacturing. Background Technology

[0002] In PCB manufacturing, etching is a crucial step. Its purpose is to remove unwanted copper foil from the copper-clad laminate using chemical etching methods to create the circuit patterns required by the design. The etching process is typically carried out using an etching machine, and the spray system within the machine plays a vital role in the etching quality and efficiency.

[0003] Traditional etching machine spray racks are mostly set at fixed intervals. However, different PCB products have significant differences in specifications, circuit density, and etching process parameters, making fixed-interval spray racks difficult to meet diverse production needs. If the interval is too small, the etching solution spray impact is too large, resulting in low coverage uniformity and potential over-etching. If the interval is too large, the etching solution is dispersed, the etching rate is slow, and it is difficult to accurately control the etching depth. Furthermore, current etching machines often use a single supply pipe to supply multiple nozzles, making it difficult to ensure consistent pressure across all nozzles, which can affect etching accuracy. Therefore, those skilled in the art have provided an automated etching machine for PCB production to solve the problems mentioned in the background. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated etching machine for PCB production to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] An automated etching machine for PCB production includes a machine body, wherein a double-sided conveyor belt and two sets of spray racks are arranged inside the machine body, and the double-sided conveyor belt runs through the left and right sides of the machine body.

[0007] The spray frame includes two frames, which are symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the double-sided conveyor belt, and multiple nozzles are arranged in an array on the end face of the two frames facing the double-sided conveyor belt.

[0008] A liquid distribution pipe is fixed to the upper end face of the machine body. The liquid distribution pipe is connected to multiple nozzles through pipes. Pressure sensors are installed at the outer ends of the pipes connecting the nozzles and the liquid distribution pipe. The pressure sensors are fixed to the upper end face of the machine body by a mounting bracket. Multiple display screens electrically connected to the pressure sensors are fixed to the mounting bracket. The display screens are used to display the data of the pressure sensors.

[0009] The machine body is equipped with a lifting mechanism connected to the spray frame, which is used to adjust the distance between the spray frame and the double-sided conveyor belt.

[0010] Furthermore, the interior of the machine body is provided with connecting frames and two sliding grooves on both sides of the spray frame. The connecting frames are slidably connected to the machine body via guide rails. The two sliding grooves are arranged vertically, with the upper sliding groove slidably connected to the machine body via guide rails and the lower sliding groove fixed to the connecting frame.

[0011] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism includes two worm gear lifting platforms, namely a first worm gear lifting platform and a second worm gear lifting platform, fixed to the upper end face of the machine body. The lifting ends of the first worm gear lifting platform and the second worm gear lifting platform are respectively fixed to the connecting frame below them and the sliding groove that is slidably connected to the machine body. A transmission shaft is connected between the first worm gear lifting platform and the second worm gear lifting platform. The lifting mechanism also includes two motors, which drive the corresponding first worm gear lifting platform through a synchronous belt transmission assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, two rollers are rotatably connected to both sides of the frame, and the rollers are slidably connected to the sliding groove. The spray frame is connected to a swing mechanism, which is used to drive the spray frame to swing.

[0013] Furthermore, the swing mechanism includes a swing shaft rotatably connected inside the machine body. The swing shaft is driven by a motor fixed to the outer end of the machine body. Two eccentric wheels are slidably sleeved on the outer end of the swing shaft. A swing sleeve is rotatably sleeved on the outer end of the eccentric wheels. The swing sleeve is connected to a connecting shaft through a coupling. One end of the connecting shaft is rotatably connected to the frame.

[0014] Furthermore, a liquid tank is fixed to the rear end face of the machine body, and multiple liquid pumps are fixed to the upper end face of the liquid tank. The liquid pumps are connected to the liquid distribution pipe through pipes.

[0015] 1. The present invention proposes an automated etching machine for PCB production, which adopts a structure design of one liquid inlet pipe corresponding to one nozzle, thereby improving the consistency of liquid pressure in each nozzle. At the same time, a pressure sensor is installed on the liquid inlet pipe of each nozzle, and a display screen is set up to display the data of each pressure sensor, so as to quickly and in real time understand the pressure in each nozzle pipe. If abnormality occurs, it can be quickly adjusted to ensure the consistency of etching.

[0016] 2. The present invention proposes an automated etching machine for PCB production, which is equipped with a lifting mechanism that can adjust the distance between the spray rack and the double-sided conveyor belt. By adjusting the spacing, more precise control of the etching depth can be achieved. According to the size, shape and etching requirements of the PCB board, the etching solution can be evenly distributed in the area to be etched, thereby improving the etching quality. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of an automated etching machine for PCB production proposed in this invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a front view of an automated etching machine for PCB production proposed in this invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of an automated etching machine for PCB production proposed in this invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a connection structure diagram of the spray frame in an automated etching machine for PCB production proposed in this invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the lifting mechanism in an automated etching machine for PCB production proposed in this invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the oscillating mechanism in an automated etching machine for PCB production proposed in this invention.

[0024] Figure label:

[0025] 1. Machine body; 2. Double-sided conveyor belt; 3. Mounting frame; 4. Display screen; 5. Pressure sensor; 6. Spray frame; 61. Frame body; 62. Nozzle; 63. Roller; 7. Liquid pump; 8. Lifting mechanism; 81. Motor 1; 82. Synchronous belt drive assembly; 83. Worm gear lifting platform 1; 84. Drive shaft; 85. Worm gear lifting platform 2; 9. Distributor pipe; 10. Swing mechanism; 101. Motor 2; 102. Swing shaft; 103. Eccentric wheel; 104. Swing sleeve; 105. Connecting shaft; 11. Liquid tank; 12. Connecting frame; 13. Sliding groove; 14. Guide rail. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] Please see the appendix Figures 1 to 2As shown in the figure, an automated etching machine for PCB production in an embodiment of the present invention includes a machine body 1. The machine body 1 is equipped with a double-sided conveyor belt 2 and two sets of spray racks 6. The double-sided conveyor belt 2 runs through the left and right sides of the machine body 1. The double-sided conveyor belt 2 adopts the double conveyor belt structure in the prior art. During conveying, the PCB board is conveyed from the middle of the conveyor belt through the two sets of spray racks 6. The spray racks 6 spray the etching solution onto the surface of the PCB board in a spraying manner to remove unwanted copper foil, thereby forming the designed circuit pattern.

[0029] Specifically, the spray frame 6 includes two frames 61, which are symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the double-sided conveyor belt 2. Multiple nozzles 62 are arranged in an array on the end face of the two frames 61 facing the double-sided conveyor belt 2. The etching liquid is sprayed onto the double-sided conveyor belt 2 through the array of nozzles 62, and the double-sided spraying is effective and efficient.

[0030] The machine body 1 has a liquid distribution pipe 9 fixed on its upper surface. The liquid distribution pipe 9 is connected to multiple nozzles 62 through pipes. Pressure sensors 5 are installed at the outer ends of the pipes connecting the nozzles 62 and the liquid distribution pipe 9. The pressure sensors 5 are fixed to the upper surface of the machine body 1 by a mounting bracket 3. The mounting bracket 3 has multiple displays 4 electrically connected to the pressure sensors 5. The displays 4 are used to display the data of the pressure sensors 5. The machine body 1 has a lifting mechanism 8 connected to the spray frame 6. The lifting mechanism 8 is used to adjust the distance between the spray frame 6 and the double-sided conveyor belt 2. Unlike the traditional method of one pipe with multiple spray ports, this invention adopts a structure design where one liquid delivery pipe corresponds to one nozzle 62, thereby improving the consistency of liquid pressure in each nozzle 62. At the same time, a pressure sensor 5 is installed on the liquid delivery pipe of each nozzle 62, and a display screen 4 is installed to display the data of each pressure sensor 5. This allows for quick and real-time monitoring of the pressure in each nozzle 62 pipe. If an abnormality occurs, it can be quickly adjusted to ensure the stability of the liquid outlet pressure of each nozzle 62 and ensure the consistency of subsequent etching.

[0031] It should be noted that each of the liquid distribution pipes 9 and nozzles 62 is equipped with a valve (not shown in the figure), which can be used to control the liquid flow rate and thus regulate the pressure.

[0032] In addition, a single display screen 4 can correspond to multiple pressure sensors 5 and display the data of multiple pressure sensors 5 at the same time, saving costs.

[0033] In this embodiment, a liquid tank 11 is fixed to the rear end face of the body 1, and a plurality of liquid pumps 7 are fixed to the upper end face of the liquid tank 11. The liquid pumps 7 are connected to the liquid distribution pipe 9 through pipes, and the etching liquid in the liquid tank 11 is pumped to the liquid distribution pipe 9 through the liquid distribution pipe 9.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] Please see Figures 3 to 5 As shown, based on Embodiment 1, the interior of the machine body 1 is provided with a connecting frame 12 and two sliding grooves 13 on both sides of the spray frame 6. The connecting frame 12 is slidably connected to the machine body 1 through the guide rail 14. The two sliding grooves 13 are arranged vertically. The upper sliding groove 13 is slidably connected to the machine body 1 through the guide rail 14, and the lower sliding groove 13 is fixed to the connecting frame 12.

[0036] The lifting mechanism 8 includes two worm gear lifting platforms 83 and 85 fixed to the upper end face of the machine body 1. The lifting ends of the two worm gear lifting platforms 83 and 85 are respectively fixed to the connecting frame 12 below them and the sliding groove 13 which is slidably connected to the machine body 1. A drive shaft 84 connects the opposing worm gear lifting platforms 83 and 85. The lifting mechanism 8 also includes two motors 81. The motors 81 drive the corresponding worm gear lifting platform 83 through a synchronous belt drive assembly 82. In use, the synchronous belt drive assembly 82 drives the worm gear lifting platform 83 through the motors 81. The first worm gear lifting platform 83 has a transmission shaft 84 connecting the input ends (worm ends) of one set of worm gear lifting platforms 83 and the second set of worm gear lifting platforms 85. Therefore, when the first motor 81 drives the first set of worm gear lifting platforms 83 and the second set of worm gear lifting platforms 85, the lifting ends of one set of worm gear lifting platforms 83 and the second set of worm gear lifting platforms 85 are fixed to the connecting frame 12, and the lifting ends of the other set are fixed to the sliding groove 13 which is slidably connected to the machine body 1. This allows the two sets of worm gear lifting platforms 83 and the second set of worm gear lifting platforms 85 to control the distance between the upper and lower frames 61 and the double-sided conveyor belt 2.

[0037] By changing the distance between the frame 61 and the double-sided conveyor belt 2, the impact force of the nozzle 62 on the PCB board and the spray range can be adjusted. When the nozzle 62 is closer, the impact force of the spray liquid is greater, which can more effectively distribute the etchant evenly on the PCB board surface and make the etchant more easily penetrate into the area to be etched, which is conducive to the etching reaction and increases the etching depth per unit time. Conversely, when the nozzle 62 is farther away, the spray liquid will diffuse to some extent before reaching the PCB board surface, the impact force is reduced, the etching effect per unit time is reduced, and the etching depth is shallower. This allows for more precise control of the etching depth. By adjusting the spacing, the etchant can be evenly distributed in the area to be etched according to the size, shape and etching requirements of the PCB board, thereby improving the etching quality.

[0038] Example 3

[0039] Please see Figures 5 to 6As shown, based on embodiments one and two, two rollers 63 are rotatably connected to both sides of the frame 61. The rollers 63 are slidably connected to the sliding groove 13. The spray frame 6 is connected to a swing mechanism 10, which is used to drive the spray frame 6 to swing.

[0040] Specifically, the swing mechanism 10 includes a swing shaft 102 rotatably connected inside the body 1. The swing shaft 102 is driven by a motor 101 fixed to the outer end of the body 1. Two eccentric wheels 103 are slidably sleeved on the outer end of the swing shaft 102. A swing sleeve 104 is rotatably sleeved on the outer end of the eccentric wheels 103. A connecting shaft 105 is connected to the swing sleeve 104 via a coupling. One end of the connecting shaft 105 is rotatably connected to the frame 61. The motor 101 drives the swing shaft 102 to rotate, thereby driving the two eccentric wheels 102 to rotate. The eccentric wheel 103 rotates, and the outer end of the eccentric wheel 103 is rotatably sleeved with a swing sleeve 104. The outer end of the swing sleeve 104 is fixed with a connecting shaft 105 that rotates with the frame 61. When the eccentric wheel 103 rotates, it can drive the connecting shaft 105 to swing. The frame 61 is slidably connected to the sliding groove 13 through the roller 63, which in turn drives the frame 61 to swing. This makes the etching solution more evenly distributed on the entire PCB board surface during spraying, and also enhances the rinsing effect and improves work efficiency.

[0041] It should be noted that the eccentric wheel 103 and the swing shaft 102 are connected by a flat key sliding sleeve. When the frame 61 is raised or lowered, the position of the eccentric wheel 103 can also be changed, so as not to interfere with the movement of the frame 61.

[0042] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of one embodiment of the present invention, but this description is merely a preferred embodiment and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. All equivalent variations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of this invention should still fall within the patent coverage of this invention.

Claims

1. An automated etching machine for PCB production, comprising a machine body (1), characterized in that: The machine body (1) is equipped with a double-sided conveyor belt (2) and two sets of spray racks (6) inside. The double-sided conveyor belt (2) runs through the left and right sides of the machine body (1). The spray frame (6) includes two frames (61), which are symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the double-sided conveyor belt (2). Multiple nozzles (62) are arranged in an array on the end face of the two frames (61) facing the double-sided conveyor belt (2). A liquid distribution pipe (9) is fixed on the upper end face of the body (1). The liquid distribution pipe (9) is connected to multiple nozzles (62) through pipes. Pressure sensors (5) are provided at the outer ends of the pipes connecting the multiple nozzles (62) and the liquid distribution pipe (9). The pressure sensors (5) are fixed on the upper end face of the body (1) through a mounting bracket (3). Multiple display screens (4) electrically connected to the pressure sensors (5) are fixed on the mounting bracket (3). The display screens (4) are used to display the data of the pressure sensors (5). The machine body (1) is equipped with a lifting mechanism (8) connected to the spray frame (6). The lifting mechanism (8) is used to adjust the distance between the spray frame (6) and the double-sided conveyor belt (2).

2. The automated etching machine for PCB production according to claim 1, characterized in that: Inside the body (1), on both sides of the spray frame (6), there are connecting frames (12) and two sliding grooves (13). The connecting frames (12) are slidably connected to the body (1) via guide rails (14). The two sliding grooves (13) are arranged vertically. The upper sliding groove (13) is slidably connected to the body (1) via guide rails (14), and the lower sliding groove (13) is fixed to the connecting frame (12).

3. An automated etching machine for PCB production according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism (8) includes two worm gear lifting platforms one (83) and two worm gear lifting platforms two (85) fixed on the upper end face of the body (1). The lifting ends of the two worm gear lifting platforms one (83) and two worm gear lifting platforms two (85) are respectively fixed to the connecting frame (12) below them and the sliding groove (13) that is slidably connected to the body (1). A transmission shaft (84) is connected between the worm gear lifting platforms one (83) and two worm gear lifting platforms two (85) opposite to each other. The lifting mechanism (8) also includes two motors one (81). The motors one (81) drive the corresponding worm gear lifting platform one (83) through the synchronous belt transmission assembly (82).

4. An automated etching machine for PCB production according to claim 2, characterized in that: The frame (61) has two rollers (63) rotatably connected on both sides. The rollers (63) are slidably connected to the sliding groove (13). The spray frame (6) is connected to a swing mechanism (10), which is used to drive the spray frame (6) to swing.

5. An automated etching machine for PCB production according to claim 4, characterized in that: The swing mechanism (10) includes a swing shaft (102) rotatably connected inside the body (1). The swing shaft (102) is driven by a motor (101) fixed at the outer end of the body (1). Two eccentric wheels (103) are slidably sleeved at the outer end of the swing shaft (102). A swing sleeve (104) is rotatably sleeved at the outer end of the eccentric wheels (103). A connecting shaft (105) is connected to the swing sleeve (104) through a coupling. One end of the connecting shaft (105) is rotatably connected to the frame (61).

6. An automated etching machine for PCB production according to claim 1, characterized in that: A liquid tank (11) is fixed to the rear end face of the body (1), and a plurality of liquid pumps (7) are fixed to the upper end face of the liquid tank (11). The liquid pumps (7) are connected to the liquid distribution pipe (9) through a pipe.

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