An exposure device for circuit boards

Abstract

This invention provides an exposure device for circuit boards, comprising a device body, an installation frame inside the device body, an exposure lamp inside the installation frame, an electric push rod vertically mounted at the top of the device body, an installation plate mounted at the output end of the electric push rod, a cooling frame mounted at the bottom of the installation plate, a cooling cavity inside the cooling frame, a slot at the bottom of the cooling frame, a condensate storage tank placed on one side of the device body, a pump body mounted on the top surface of the condensate storage tank, an input end of the pump body connected to the condensate storage tank via a pipe, and an output end of the pump body connected to the cooling frame via an inlet pipe. This invention utilizes the cooling cavity within the cooling frame, combined with the condensate storage tank and the pump body to form a circulating cooling system, which efficiently removes the heat generated by the exposure lamp, significantly improving heat dissipation efficiency compared to natural heat dissipation and simple fan cooling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of exposure technology, and in particular to an exposure device for circuit boards. Background Technology

[0002] In the circuit board manufacturing process, the exposure device is a key piece of equipment for realizing the transfer of circuit patterns, and its performance directly affects the accuracy and production efficiency of the circuit board.

[0003] Regarding heat dissipation for exposure lamps, existing exposure devices generate a significant amount of heat during prolonged operation. Currently, most devices employ natural cooling or simple fan cooling. However, natural cooling is extremely inefficient, failing to quickly dissipate the heat generated by the lamps. This results in the lamps remaining at high temperatures for extended periods, shortening their lifespan and affecting exposure accuracy due to excessive heat, leading to deviations in circuit board patterns. While fan cooling can accelerate airflow to some extent, its cooling effect is still unsatisfactory, and the vibration and noise generated during fan operation negatively impact the stability of the device and the working environment.

[0004] Existing equipment typically employs a single-operating-position design when exposing circuit boards. Operators must first place the circuit board to be exposed on the operating position, then start the equipment for exposure. After exposure, the circuit board is removed before the next board can be placed and exposed. This method results in significant time waste; during exposure, operators are waiting and unable to perform other tasks, leading to low efficiency throughout the production process and making it difficult to meet the demands of large-scale circuit board production. Furthermore, the single-operating-position design makes it easy for external dust and other impurities to enter the equipment during board placement and removal, affecting exposure quality.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an exposure apparatus for circuit boards to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention provides an exposure device for circuit boards, which solves the problems in the background art.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides an exposure device for circuit boards. The device body serves as the overall mounting base, with an internal mounting frame inside which the exposure lamps are installed. This mounting method provides stable support for the exposure lamps. An electric push rod is vertically mounted at the top of the device body. The output end of the electric push rod is connected to a mounting plate, and a cooling frame is mounted at the bottom of the mounting plate. The cooling frame has a cooling cavity inside and multiple slots at its bottom, the number of which is the same as the number of exposure lamps. The inner diameter of the slots is larger than the outer diameter of the exposure lamps. This design allows the electric push rod to move the mounting plate and cooling frame up and down when it extends or retracts, ensuring the slots are precisely fitted over the exposure lamps, facilitating the cooling frame's full absorption of the lamp heat. A condensate storage tank is located on one side of the device body. A pump body is mounted on its top surface. The pump's input end is connected to the condensate storage tank via a pipe, and its output end is connected to the cooling frame via an inlet pipe. The cooling frame is also connected to the condensate storage tank via a return pipe. The pump body sends the condensate from the storage tank into the cooling chamber of the cooling frame through the inlet pipe. After absorbing heat, the condensate returns to the storage tank through the return pipe, forming a circulating cooling system. An exhaust pipe mounted on the top surface of the device body helps to expel hot air from the device, further improving the heat dissipation effect. The inlet on the top surface of the condensate storage tank is used to replenish the condensate, and the drain pipe below the surface facilitates condensate replacement, ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of the cooling system. A controller mounted on the outer surface of the device body controls the coordinated operation of various components, and an inspection door provides convenient maintenance for the device.

[0008] Preferably, a first operating frame and a second operating frame are slidably inserted into the outer surface of the device body, with sliders installed at both ends of both. A sliding groove is formed on the surface of the device body, and the inner wall of the sliding groove cooperates with the slider. This cooperation allows the first and second operating frames to slide smoothly on the device body. Placement slots are formed on the surfaces of the first and second operating frames for placing circuit boards. Handles installed on the outer surfaces provide operators with convenient points of force for pushing and pulling the operating frames. By alternately pushing and pulling the two operating frames, continuous exposure of the circuit boards can be achieved, improving production efficiency while reducing the probability of impurities entering the device and ensuring exposure quality.

[0009] Preferably, the number of slots at the bottom of the cooling frame is the same as the number of exposure lamps, and the inner diameter of the slot is larger than the outer diameter of the exposure lamp. This design ensures that each exposure lamp can correspond to a slot, and the slot can be smoothly fitted onto the outside of the lamp, ensuring full contact between the cooling frame and the lamp, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency, enabling the exposure lamp to work at a suitable temperature, extending its service life and ensuring exposure accuracy.

[0010] Preferably, an exhaust pipe is installed on the top surface of the device body. This exhaust pipe can promptly expel the hot air generated inside the device due to the operation of the exposure lamp, and work in conjunction with the cooling system to further improve the heat dissipation effect, maintain a suitable temperature environment inside the device, and provide stable temperature conditions for circuit board exposure.

[0011] Preferably, the condensate storage tank has an inlet on its top surface and a drain pipe installed below the surface. The inlet can replenish the condensate storage tank to ensure that the cooling system has enough condensate for circulation, while the drain pipe can easily drain the used condensate and facilitate the replacement of new condensate, thereby maintaining the cooling effect of the cooling system and ensuring effective heat dissipation for the exposure lamp tube.

[0012] Preferably, handles are installed on the outer surfaces of the first and second operation frames. The handles provide operators with convenient points of force application, making it easier for operators to push and pull the operation frames, facilitating the quick handling of circuit boards and the adjustment of the operation frame positions. This improves the convenience and efficiency of operation and helps to achieve continuous exposure production of circuit boards.

[0013] Preferably, a controller and an inspection door are installed on the outer surface of the device body. The controller is used to coordinate the operation of components such as the electric push rod, pump body, and exposure lamp, realizing the automated operation of the device, ensuring the coordinated cooperation of various components, and improving production efficiency. The inspection door provides personnel with a passage to enter the device for inspection, repair, and maintenance, facilitating timely handling of device malfunctions and ensuring the normal and stable operation of the device.

[0014] Compared with related technologies, the circuit board exposure device provided by this utility model has the following advantages:

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the circulating cooling system formed by the cooling chamber in the cooling frame, together with the condensate storage tank and the pump body, can efficiently remove the heat generated by the exposure lamp. Compared with natural heat dissipation and simple fan cooling, it can significantly improve heat dissipation efficiency, prevent the lamp from having its lifespan shortened due to high temperature, and at the same time ensure exposure accuracy and reduce circuit board pattern deviation. Moreover, the circulating cooling method eliminates the vibration and noise caused by the fan, improves the stability of the device and optimizes the working environment.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, operators can take out and put in circuit boards in another operating frame while exposing circuit boards in one operating frame, eliminating the waiting time of a single operating position, significantly improving production process efficiency, and meeting the needs of large-scale circuit board production. At the same time, only the corresponding operating frame needs to be operated when taking out and putting in circuit boards, reducing the probability of external dust and other impurities entering the device, which is conducive to ensuring exposure quality.

[0017] The parts of the device not covered herein are the same as or can be implemented using existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an exposure device for circuit boards provided by this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cooling frame structure of an exposure device for circuit boards provided by this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the slot structure of an exposure device for circuit boards provided by this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the placement slot structure of an exposure device for circuit boards provided by this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the exposure lamp structure of an exposure device for circuit boards provided by this utility model.

[0023] Numbering on the map:

[0024] 1. Device body; 2. Second operating frame; 3. First operating frame; 4. Inspection door; 5. Controller; 6. Exhaust pipe; 7. Return pipe; 8. Inlet pipe; 9. Pump body; 10. Inlet; 11. Condensate storage tank; 12. Drain pipe; 13. Slot; 14. Cooling frame; 15. Mounting plate; 16. Electric push rod; 17. Mounting frame; 18. Exposure lamp tube; 19. Placement slot; 20. Slider. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-5An exposure device for circuit boards is disclosed. The device body 1 is a metal frame structure, serving as the overall load-bearing foundation. A mounting frame 17 is fixed to the lower part of the device body 1 with bolts. The two ends of the exposure lamp tube 18 are snapped into the preset holes in the mounting frame 17 by lamp holders. The lamp holders and the mounting frame 17 are connected by threads to ensure that the lamp tubes are arranged horizontally. An electric push rod 16 mounting base is welded to the top of the device body 1. The electric push rod 16 is vertically downward and connected to the mounting base through a flange. Its output shaft end is rigidly connected to the center of the upper surface of the mounting plate 15 with bolts. A cooling frame 14 is detachably bolted to the bottom of the mounting plate 15. The cooling frame 14 is a hollow metal box with an internal cooling cavity formed by machining. The bottom slot 13 is an arc-shaped groove that fits the outer circle of the exposure lamp tube 18. The condensate storage tank 11 is placed on the ground on one side of the device body 1 and is not rigidly connected to the device body 1. The pump body 9 is fixed to the top of the storage tank with bolts. The input pipe of the pump body 9 is connected by a flange. The output inlet pipe 8 is connected to the cooling frame 14 by a quick connector. The two ends of the return pipe 7 are also connected to the cooling frame 14 and the storage tank respectively by quick connectors to form a closed loop. The exhaust pipe 6 is welded to the top of the device body 1 and communicates with the internal cavity. The controller 5 is fixed to the outer wall of the device body 1 with screws. The maintenance door 4 is connected to the device body 1 by a hinge and can be opened outward. The extension stroke of the electric push rod 16 is designed so that the slot 13 of the cooling frame 14 can completely cover the exposure lamp tube 18, with a gap of 1-2mm between them. This ensures heat dissipation area and avoids mechanical friction. The cooling chamber of the cooling frame 14 is equipped with a guide plate to allow the condensate to flow along the length of the lamp tube, improving heat absorption efficiency. The flow rate of the pump body 9 is matched with the volume of the cooling chamber to ensure that the residence time of the condensate in the chamber is sufficient to absorb heat. The diameter of the exhaust pipe 6 is designed according to the internal volume of the device and works with the cooling system to form air convection, accelerating the discharge of hot air. The controller 5 is connected to the electric push rod 16, pump body 9, exposure lamp tube 18 and other components through wires. It can preset working parameters to realize automated heat dissipation and exposure control. This connection relationship allows the heat dissipation system to respond quickly to the heat generation of the lamp tube and control the temperature within ±2℃, solving the problem of low heat dissipation efficiency in traditional systems, extending the lamp tube life and ensuring exposure accuracy.

[0028] Example 2

[0029] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-5The first operating frame 3 and the second operating frame 2 are rectangular metal frames that are slidably inserted into the horizontal slide rails on the outside of the device body 1 using a drawer-type structure. The sliders 20 at both ends of the operating frame are T-shaped structures and are fixed to the side of the operating frame by screws. The sliding groove on the surface of the device body 1 is a corresponding T-shaped groove, which is formed by machining. The placement groove 19 is a rectangular area that is recessed downward on the surface of the operating frame and is sized to match the circuit board. The handle is welded to the middle position on the outside of the operating frame and is perpendicular to the operating frame. The clearance between the slider 20 and the sliding groove is 0.5mm, ensuring smooth pushing and pulling of the operating frame without significant wobbling. The sliding trajectories of the two operating frames are parallel to each other, and the spacing is designed to allow operators to operate simultaneously (approximately 50cm). The depth of the placement groove 19 is 5mm, and positioning protrusions are provided around it to ensure accurate placement of the circuit board, with a relative positional error of no more than 0.1mm with the exposure lamp tube 18. The height of the handle is adapted to the operator's hand position (approximately 1m from the ground) for easy application of force. This dual-operating-frame design allows one operating frame to be exposed inside the device while the other can be used to pick up and place the board outside. The smooth cooperation between the slider 20 and the sliding groove enables rapid switching, with the switching time controlled within 3 seconds, significantly improving production efficiency while reducing the connection time between the inside of the device and the outside, thus reducing the probability of dust entering.

[0030] Example 3

[0031] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-5 The slots 13 and the cooling frame 14 are an integrated structure, formed synchronously through machining. Their number corresponds one-to-one with the exposure lamps 18, and they are evenly arranged along the length of the cooling frame 14. The inner diameter of the slots 13 is 2mm larger than the outer diameter of the exposure lamps 18, ensuring that when the electric push rod 16 moves the cooling frame 14 down, the slots 13 can smoothly fit into the lamps, and the contact area between the two reaches more than 80% of the lamp surface area. This corresponding design allows each lamp to receive independent and uniform cooling, avoiding local overheating caused by uneven heat dissipation, ensuring that the working temperature of all lamps is consistent, thereby ensuring the uniformity of circuit board exposure.

[0032] Example 4

[0033] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-5The exhaust pipe 6 is a circular metal pipe, with one end welded to the center of the top of the device body 1, and the other end extending upward and bending 90 degrees with the opening facing outward. A dustproof net is installed at the pipe opening. The inner diameter of the exhaust pipe 6 is 50mm and the length is 30cm. Its position corresponds to the hot air gathering area inside the device (above the exposure lamp tube 18). When the cooling system is working, the internal air is heated and rises, and is naturally discharged through the exhaust pipe 6. At the same time, the bottom of the device will draw in external cold air, forming convection. The dustproof net can prevent external dust from entering, and works in conjunction with the dustproof effect of the double operating frame to further ensure the cleanliness of the inside of the device. The exhaust pipe 6 works with the cooling system to make the air exchange rate inside the device reach 10 times per hour, which helps to maintain a stable temperature environment.

[0034] Example 5

[0035] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-5 The inlet 10 at the top of the condensate storage tank 11 is a circular hole with a threaded cap. The drain pipe 12 is a metal pipe welded to the lower side of the storage tank and has a valve installed at the end. The inlet 10 has a diameter of 100mm to facilitate quick replenishment of condensate. The drain pipe 12 has a diameter of 50mm and is flush with the bottom of the storage tank to ensure that the liquid can be completely drained. After the condensate has been used for a period of time, the old liquid can be released through the drain pipe 12 and new liquid can be injected through the inlet 10.

[0036] Example 6

[0037] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-5 The handle is a cylindrical metal rod, 15cm long and 3cm in diameter, welded to the central axis of the outer side of the operating frame. The handle's position is designed so that when the operator pushes or pulls the operating frame, the point of force is on the same straight line as the center of gravity of the operating frame, saving effort and preventing the operating frame from tilting. The handle surface has anti-slip texture to increase friction, allowing for a stable grip even with oily hands. This design keeps the pushing and pulling force of the operating frame within 5N, allowing the operator to easily complete switching actions, improving operating efficiency, and enabling continuous production in conjunction with dual operating frames.

[0038] Example 7

[0039] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-5The controller 5 is a rectangular box, fixed to an easily observable position on the outer wall of the device body 1 by four screws. It has a display screen and operation buttons on its surface. The maintenance door 4 is a metal plate, covering the maintenance area on the side of the device body 1, connected by hinges, and has sealing strips along its edges. When closed, it fits snugly against the device body 1. The wires connecting the controller 5 and other components are connected through wiring holes inside the device body 1 to prevent exposed wiring. The display screen is at eye level (1.5m from the ground) for easy monitoring of equipment status. The maintenance door 4 is designed to allow personnel to extend their arms for internal component maintenance. The sealing strips prevent dust from entering when closed. The controller 5 can precisely control parameters such as exposure time and cooling temperature with an error not exceeding ±0.1 seconds / ±0.5℃. The maintenance door 4 facilitates regular maintenance of internal lamps and wiring, ensuring long-term stable operation of the device and enabling efficient and precise exposure production in conjunction with other structures.

[0040] It should be noted that the control circuit of controller 5 can be implemented by those skilled in the art through simple programming, and is common knowledge in the field. It is only used and not modified, so the control method and circuit connection will not be described in detail.

[0041] The working principle of the circuit board exposure device provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0042] The operation of the exposure device for the circuit board mainly revolves around the heat dissipation of the exposure lamp 18 and the alternating exposure operation of the circuit board.

[0043] Regarding the heat dissipation system, when the device is started, the exposure lamp 18 begins to work and generates heat. At this time, the condensate in the condensate storage tank 11 is pumped by the pump body 9 through the inlet pipe 8 to the cooling chamber of the cooling frame 14. The electric push rod 16 extends and retracts according to the position of the exposure lamp 18, causing the mounting plate 15 and the bottom cooling frame 14 to move downwards, so that the slot 13 at the bottom of the cooling frame 14 is precisely fitted onto the outside of the exposure lamp 18, ensuring that the cooling frame 14 can fully absorb the heat emitted by the lamp. The condensate after absorbing heat flows back to the condensate storage tank 11 through the return pipe 7, completing one cooling cycle. This process is repeated to continuously remove the heat from the exposure lamp 18 and maintain the lamp at a suitable operating temperature. The exhaust pipe 6 at the top of the device body 1 can discharge any small amount of hot air that may be generated inside, further assisting in heat dissipation. The inlet 10 at the top of the condensate storage tank 11 is used to replenish the condensate, while the drain pipe 12 below the surface facilitates the replacement of the condensate.

[0044] In terms of exposure operation, the device adopts a dual-operation-position design with a first operating frame 3 and a second operating frame 2. The operator pulls the first operating frame 3 out along the sliding groove on the surface of the device body 1 (smooth sliding achieved by the cooperation of the slider 20 and the sliding groove), places the circuit board to be exposed into the placement slot 19 on its surface, and then pushes the first operating frame 3 back into the device body 1. The controller 5 controls the exposure lamp 18 to expose the circuit board in the first operating frame 3. During exposure, the operator can pull out the second operating frame 2 to place the next circuit board to be exposed, or remove a circuit board that has already been exposed (if the second operating frame 2 has already been exposed). When the circuit board in the first operating frame 3 has been exposed, the first operating frame 3 is pushed back and the second operating frame 2 is pulled out, so that the circuit board in the second operating frame 2 is in the exposure position. The controller 5 controls the exposure lamp 18 to perform the exposure operation, while the operator can simultaneously perform board placement and removal operations within the first operating frame 3. This alternating process achieves continuous exposure of the circuit boards, improving production efficiency. In addition, the maintenance door 4 on the outside of the device body 1 facilitates the maintenance of internal components, while the controller 5 is used to coordinate the coordinated operation of components such as the electric push rod 16, the pump body 9, and the exposure lamp tube 18.

[0045] It should be noted that all components used in this application are standard parts that can be purchased from the market. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets and welding that are mature in the prior art. The mechanical parts and electrical equipment adopt conventional models in the prior art. The circuit connection adopts conventional connection methods in the prior art. The electrical equipment is connected to an external safe power source. These will not be described in detail here.

[0046] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of this utility model specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An exposure apparatus for a wiring board, comprising an apparatus body (1), characterized by, The device body (1) is equipped with an installation frame (17) inside, and an exposure lamp tube (18) is installed inside the installation frame (17). An electric push rod (16) is vertically installed at the top of the device body (1). An installation plate (15) is installed at the output end of the electric push rod (16). A cooling frame (14) is installed at the bottom end of the installation plate (15). A cooling cavity is opened inside the cooling frame (14). A slot (13) is opened at the bottom end of the cooling frame (14). A condensate storage tank (11) is placed on one side of the device body (1). A pump body (9) is installed on the top surface of the condensate storage tank (11). The input end of the pump body (9) is connected to the condensate storage tank (11) through a pipe. The output end of the pump body (9) is connected to the cooling frame (14) through an inlet pipe (8). The cooling frame (14) is connected to the condensate storage tank (11) through a return pipe (7).

2. An exposure apparatus for a wiring board according to claim 1, wherein The outer surface of the device body (1) is slidably connected to a first operation frame (3) and a second operation frame (2). Sliders (20) are installed at both ends of the first operation frame (3) and the second operation frame (2). A sliding groove is opened on the surface of the device body (1). A slider (20) is opened on the inner wall of the sliding groove. A placement groove (19) is opened on the surface of the first operation frame (3) and the second operation frame (2).

3. The exposure apparatus for a wiring board according to claim 1, wherein The card slot (13) has multiple slots, and the number of card slots (13) is the same as the number of exposure lamp tubes (18). The inner diameter of the card slot (13) is larger than the outer diameter of the exposure lamp tube (18).

4. The exposure apparatus for a wiring board according to Claim 1, wherein An exhaust pipe (6) is installed on the top surface of the device body (1).

5. The exposure apparatus for a wiring board according to Claim 1, wherein The condensate storage tank (11) has an inlet (10) on its top surface and a drain pipe (12) is installed below the surface of the condensate storage tank (11).

6. The exposure apparatus for a wiring board according to Claim 2, wherein Handles are installed on the outer surfaces of the first operating frame (3) and the second operating frame (2).

7. The circuit board exposure apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A controller (5) is installed on the outer surface of the device body (1), and an inspection door (4) is installed on the outer surface of the device body (1).

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