Alkaline etching tank and etching apparatus
By using a suction mechanism in the alkaline etching tank to draw the etching solution to the detection mechanism for pH testing, the safety risks of manual liquid collection and the corrosion problem of the detector are solved, thus improving safety and reliability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGDONG AMBER CIRCUIT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing alkaline etching tanks require manual sampling to test pH levels, which poses safety risks and the pH detectors are easily corroded by the etching solution, affecting their service life.
An aspiration mechanism is used to draw the alkaline etching solution to the detection mechanism for pH testing, avoiding manual operation. The pH detector is located far away from the etching tank. The detection mechanism works in conjunction with the aspiration mechanism to extend the life of the detector.
Reduce operator safety risks, extend the lifespan of pH detectors, improve detection reliability, and ensure production safety and quality.
Smart Images
Figure CN224478147U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of circuit board etching production technology, and in particular to an alkaline etching tank and etching equipment. Background Technology
[0002] The etching process for printed circuit boards (PCBs) involves using a chemical solution to react with the metal on the PCB surface. This removes the corresponding metal according to the designed pattern and dimensions, leaving the metal with the designed pattern to form current channels. Etching processes are generally divided into acidic etching and alkaline etching, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. When a smoother etched surface is required, reducing copper layer edge burrs and the degree of lateral etching, and achieving refined circuit etching, especially when etching outer PCB layers to minimize damage from the resist, alkaline etching is generally used. In alkaline etching, controlling the pH value is crucial for process quality and stability. The pH of the alkaline etching solution must be controlled within a specified range. Too low a pH will lead to insufficient copper ion complexation, resulting in precipitation and reducing the etching rate; too high a pH will increase the risk of lateral etching of the metal circuitry. Most existing alkaline etching tanks require manual extraction and testing of the etching solution, which poses a significant safety risk to operators. While some alkaline etching tanks are equipped with pH detectors, these detectors are placed directly inside the etching tank, and the etching solution can easily corrode the detector's housing and its connecting wires, posing a significant safety risk to workers when inspecting and maintaining the pH detectors. 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 an alkaline etching tank and etching equipment, wherein the etching equipment utilizes an alkaline etching tank provided in this application. A suction mechanism is used to draw the alkaline etching solution to a detection mechanism for pH testing, eliminating the need for manual liquid removal, extending the service life of the pH detector, and improving reliability and production safety.
[0004] In a first aspect, an alkaline etching tank according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:
[0005] The tank is used to hold the alkaline etching solution;
[0006] The testing facility includes a container and a pH detector. The pH detector extends into the container and is used to detect the pH value of the liquid inside the container.
[0007] The suction mechanism connects the tank and the container, and is used to draw the alkaline etching solution from the tank into the container.
[0008] An alkaline etching tank according to an embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0009] A portion of the alkaline etching solution in the etching tank is drawn into a container using a suction mechanism. Then, a pH detector is used to analyze the sample in the container, determining its pH value. By extracting the alkaline etching solution sample into the container for pH testing, manual sample extraction is eliminated, preventing operators from directly inhaling ammonia fumes or coming into skin contact with the solution, thus reducing safety risks. The pH detector is not directly placed in or beside the etching tank, preventing corrosion of its housing and wiring, improving long-term reliability. With the detector extending into the container, maintenance personnel only need to drain a small amount of the alkaline etching solution sample, facilitating inspection and maintenance without needing to approach the etching tank, ensuring their health. By combining the detection mechanism with the suction mechanism, the pH detector can be positioned far away from the etching tank, which can effectively extend the service life of the pH detector and improve the reliability of pH detection.
[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an alkaline etching tank is provided, and the detection mechanism further includes a shut-off valve. A first drain port is provided at the bottom of the accommodating tank, and the shut-off valve is connected to the first drain port.
[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an alkaline etching tank is provided with a detection mechanism disposed above the tank body. The detection mechanism also includes a first reflux pipe, with both ends of the first reflux pipe connected to a shut-off valve and the tank body, respectively.
[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an alkaline etching tank includes a first tank and a second tank. The second tank is disposed inside the first tank. The top side of the second tank is open. The top edge of the second tank is lower than the top edge of the first tank. An overflow cavity is formed between the outer side of the second tank and the inner side of the first tank.
[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an alkaline etching tank is provided at the bottom of a first tank, and the second drain port is connected to an overflow cavity.
[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an alkaline etching tank is provided, and the detection mechanism further includes a second reflux pipe, the two ends of which are respectively connected to a second drain port and a first reflux pipe.
[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an alkaline etching tank is provided, and the suction mechanism includes a liquid pump and a first suction pipe. The liquid pump is connected to a container through the first suction pipe, and the suction port of the liquid pump is connected to the tank body. The liquid pump is used to draw alkaline etching solution in the tank body into the container through the first suction pipe.
[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an alkaline etching tank is provided, and the suction mechanism further includes a second suction pipe, through which a suction pump is connected to the tank body.
[0017] An alkaline etching tank according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes an alarm mechanism, which is electrically connected to an acid-base level detector.
[0018] Secondly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an etching apparatus utilizes the aforementioned alkaline etching tank.
[0019] A portion of the alkaline etching solution in the etching tank is drawn into a container using a suction mechanism. Then, a pH detector is used to analyze the sample in the container, determining its pH value. By extracting the alkaline etching solution sample into the container for pH testing, manual sample extraction is eliminated, preventing operators from directly inhaling ammonia fumes or coming into skin contact with the solution, thus reducing safety risks. The pH detector is not directly placed in or beside the etching tank, preventing corrosion of its housing and wiring, improving long-term reliability. With the detector extending into the container, maintenance personnel only need to drain a small amount of the alkaline etching solution sample, facilitating inspection and maintenance without needing to approach the etching tank, ensuring their health. By combining the detection mechanism with the suction mechanism, the pH detector can be positioned far from the etching tank, effectively extending its lifespan, improving the reliability of pH detection, and preventing production disruptions due to detector damage. By monitoring the pH value of the alkaline etching solution in the tank, it ensures that the solution meets the etching requirements of the circuit boards, thus improving production quality.
[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 structure of an alkaline etching tank according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a detection mechanism for an alkaline etching tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0025] Tank 100;
[0026] Testing mechanism 200; container 210; first chamber 211; second chamber 212; overflow chamber 213; first drain port 214; second drain port 215; pH detector 220; shut-off valve 230; first reflux pipe 240; second reflux pipe 250;
[0027] Suction mechanism 300; liquid pump 310; first suction tube 320; second suction tube 330;
[0028] Alarm mechanism 400; Control module 410; Alarm device 420;
[0029] Alkaline etching solution 500. 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 directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional 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 a utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If the terms "first" and "second" are used, they are merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features or the order of the indicated technical features.
[0033] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" 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 conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.
[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 2This utility model provides an alkaline etching tank, including a tank body 100, a detection mechanism 200, and a suction mechanism 300. The tank body 100 is used to hold an alkaline etching solution 500. The detection mechanism 200 includes a container 210 and an pH detector 220. The pH detector 220 extends into the container 210, which is used to hold a sample of the alkaline etching solution 500. The pH detector 220 is used to detect the pH value of the liquid in the container 210. Specifically, the pH detector 220 is a pH meter that can directly display the pH value based on the detection result, or it can transmit the detection result to other devices. Specifically, the pH detector 220 is installed on the container 210 to detect the pH value. The probe of detector 220 extends into container 210 to detect the alkaline etching solution 500 in container 210. The analysis module and electrical connection line of pH detector 220 are located above container 210 to prevent pH detector 220 from being corroded. Suction mechanism 300 is located between tank 100 and container 210. Suction mechanism 300 connects tank 100 and container 210 respectively. Suction mechanism 300 is used to draw alkaline etching solution 500 from tank 100 into container 210 so that pH detector 220 can detect the alkaline etching solution 500 sample drawn into container 210 to obtain the pH value of alkaline etching solution 500 for timely adjustment.
[0035] A portion of the alkaline etching solution 500 in the tank 100 is drawn into the container 210 using a suction mechanism 300, obtaining an alkaline etching solution 500 sample. Then, an pH detector 220 is used to detect the pH value of the alkaline etching solution 500 sample in the container 210. By extracting the alkaline etching solution 500 sample into the container 210 for pH detection, manual extraction of the etching solution sample is eliminated, avoiding direct inhalation of ammonia gas from the alkaline etching solution 500 or skin contact with the alkaline etching solution 500, thus reducing safety risks for operators. The pH detector 220 is not directly placed in or beside the tank 100, preventing corrosion of the detector's housing and connecting wires by the etching solution, improving the long-term reliability of the pH detection. The pH detector 220 extends into the container 210. Maintenance personnel only need to drain a small amount of alkaline etching solution 500 sample from the container 210, which facilitates the inspection and maintenance of the pH detector 220 without having to approach the etching tank 100 to inspect and repair it, thus ensuring the health of maintenance personnel. By using the detection mechanism 200 in conjunction with the suction mechanism 300, the pH detector 220 can be positioned away from the etching tank 100, effectively extending its service life, improving the reliability of pH detection, and ensuring production safety.
[0036] According to some embodiments of this application, refer to Figure 2 The testing mechanism 200 also includes a shut-off valve 230. A first drain port 214 is provided at the bottom of the container 210, and the shut-off valve 230 is connected to the first drain port 214. The shut-off valve 230 is used to open or close the first drain port 214 to facilitate the container 210 to store or drain the alkaline etching solution 500 sample.
[0037] Furthermore, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The detection mechanism 200 is positioned above the tank 100. The detection mechanism 200 also includes a first return pipe 240, with both ends of the first return pipe 240 connected to a shut-off valve 230 and the tank 100, respectively. When the shut-off valve 230 is opened, the etching solution can flow through the first return pipe 240 to the tank 100, thereby enabling the reuse of the etching solution and avoiding waste.
[0038] Furthermore, referring to Figure 2According to some embodiments of this application, the container 210 includes a first container 211 and a second container 212. The second container 212 is disposed inside the first container 211, has an opening on its top side, and the top edge height of the second container 212 is lower than the top edge height of the first container 211. An overflow cavity 213 is formed between the outer side of the second container 212 and the inner side of the first container 211. Specifically, the length, width, and height of the first container 211 are all greater than the length, width, and height of the second container 212. Specifically, an acid-base detector 220 extends into the second container 212 to detect the acidity or alkalinity of the etching solution located in the second container 212. Optionally, the suction mechanism 300 is configured to penetrate and connect the first housing 211, with one end of the suction mechanism 300 positioned above the second housing 212. The suction mechanism 300 can draw the alkaline etching solution 500 from the tank 100 to a position above the second housing 212 inside the first housing 211, allowing it to flow into the second housing 212 under gravity. Optionally, the suction mechanism 300 can also penetrate and connect the first housing 211 and the second housing 212, allowing it to directly draw the alkaline etching solution 500 from the tank 100 into the second housing 212. When the suction mechanism 300 draws too much alkaline etching solution 500 into the second chamber 212, the alkaline etching solution 500 can overflow from the top edge of the second chamber 212 into the overflow chamber 213, preventing the alkaline etching solution 500 from overflowing directly to the ground or causing damage to the container 210 due to excessive pressure. It can also indicate to the operator that the second chamber 212 is full of alkaline etching solution 500.
[0039] Furthermore, referring to Figure 2 The bottom of the first housing 211 is provided with a second drain port 215, which is connected to the overflow chamber 213. The second drain port 215 facilitates the timely drainage of the alkaline etching solution 500 that overflows from the second housing 212 and is stored in the overflow chamber 213.
[0040] Furthermore, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The testing mechanism 200 also includes a second return pipe 250, with its two ends connected to a second drain port 215 and a first return pipe 240, respectively. The second return pipe 250 guides the alkaline etching solution 500 overflowing from the second tank 212 into the overflow chamber 213 to the first return pipe 240, and then back to the tank 100 via the first return pipe 240, thus achieving the reuse of the alkaline etching solution 500 in an environmentally friendly and waste-free manner.
[0041] According to some embodiments of this application, refer to Figure 1The suction mechanism 300 includes a pump 310 and a first suction pipe 320. The pump 310 is connected to the container 210 through the first suction pipe 320, and the suction port of the pump 310 is connected to the tank 100. The pump 310 is used to draw the alkaline etching solution 500 in the tank 100 into the container 210 through the first suction pipe 320. By utilizing the guidance of the first suction pipe 320, the alkaline etching solution 500 delivered by the pump 310 can be better guided to flow into the container 210.
[0042] Optionally, the pump 310 is an electric submersible pump, which is installed inside the tank 100. During operation, the electric submersible pump is located below the surface of the alkaline etching solution 500. The suction port of the pump 310 is located in the tank 100 and connected to the tank 100. The suction port of the electric submersible pump can directly suck up the alkaline etching solution 500 from the tank 100 and transport it to the container 210 through the first suction pipe 320.
[0043] Furthermore, referring to Figure 1 The suction mechanism 300 also includes a second suction pipe 330, through which the suction pump 310 is connected to the tank 100. Specifically, the suction pump 310 is an electric self-priming pump, and its suction port is connected to the tank 100 via the second suction pipe 330. Using the electric self-priming pump, the alkaline etching solution 500 is drawn in and sequentially passed through the second suction pipe 330, the electric self-priming pump, and the first suction pipe 320, ultimately being delivered to the container 210. The second suction pipe 330 connects the suction pump 310 and the tank 100, allowing the suction pump 310 to be positioned relatively far from the tank 100, facilitating inspection and maintenance of the pump and ensuring the safety of maintenance personnel.
[0044] According to some embodiments of this application, refer to Figure 1 It also includes an alarm mechanism 400, which is electrically connected to the pH detector 220. The detection result data of the pH detector 220 can be transmitted to the alarm mechanism 400, which performs logical judgment and issues an alarm for specific situations.
[0045] Specifically, refer to Figure 1The alarm mechanism 400 includes a control module 410 and an alarm 420. The control module 410 is electrically connected to the pH detector 220, and the control module 410 is also electrically connected to the alarm 420. The control module 410 can be an industrial touchscreen, a programmable logic controller, or other device with logic operation and signal transmission capabilities. The alarm 420 can be a flashing alarm, an audible and visual alarm, or other device with alarm functions. The control module 410 can set upper and lower pH threshold parameters. The control module 410 can receive pH detection result data sent by the pH detector 220 and compare this data with the upper and lower pH threshold parameters to determine whether it exceeds the threshold range. When the data is within the threshold range, no working signal is sent to the alarm 420; when the data exceeds the upper threshold or falls below the lower threshold, a working signal is sent to the alarm 420, and the alarm 420 activates, indicating that the pH value of the alkaline etching solution 500 sample is abnormal.
[0046] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the control module 410 is also electrically connected to the liquid pump 310, and the control module 410 can send control signals to the liquid pump 310 to control the start and stop of the liquid pump 310, thereby improving the ease of operation.
[0047] This application also provides an etching device using an alkaline etching tank, which further includes a spraying device and a stirring device. The spraying device is located above the tank 100 and is connected to the tank 100 through a pipe to draw up the alkaline etching solution 500 in the tank 100 and spray it onto the circuit board to perform etching operations on the circuit board. The alkaline etching solution 500 after etching can fall directly back into the tank 100. The stirring device is located inside the tank 100 and can stir the alkaline etching solution 500 in the tank 100 to make the alkaline etching solution 500 more uniform.
[0048] After a portion of the alkaline etching solution 500 in the tank 100 is drawn into the container 210 using the suction mechanism 300, the pH value of the alkaline etching solution 500 sample in the container 210 is determined using the pH detector 220. By extracting the alkaline etching solution 500 sample into the container 210 for pH testing, manual extraction of the etching solution sample is eliminated, avoiding direct inhalation of ammonia gas from the alkaline etching solution 500 or skin contact with the alkaline etching solution 500, thus reducing safety risks for operators. The pH detector 220 is not directly placed in or beside the tank 100, preventing corrosion of the detector's housing and connecting wires by the etching solution, thus improving the long-term reliability of the pH detection. The pH detector 220 extends into the container 210. Maintenance personnel only need to drain a small amount of alkaline etching solution 500 sample from the container 210, facilitating inspection and maintenance of the pH detector 220 without needing to approach the etching tank 100, thus protecting the health of maintenance personnel. By utilizing the detection mechanism 200 in conjunction with the suction mechanism 300, the pH detector 220 can be positioned away from the etching tank 100, effectively extending its service life, improving the reliability of pH detection, and preventing production disruptions due to detector damage. By monitoring the pH value of the alkaline etching solution 500 in the tank 100, if the pH value is outside the normal range, personnel can intervene promptly to adjust the pH value, ensuring that the alkaline etching solution 500 meets the etching requirements of the circuit board, improving production quality and reducing the defect rate.
[0049] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0050] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. An alkaline etching tank, characterized in that, include: The tank (100) is used to hold the alkaline etching solution (500). The testing unit (200) includes a container (210) and a pH detector (220), wherein the pH detector (220) extends into the container (210) and is used to detect the pH value of the liquid in the container (210); The suction mechanism (300) is connected to the tank (100) and the container (210) respectively. The suction mechanism (300) is used to suction the alkaline etching solution (500) in the tank (100) into the container (210).
2. The alkaline etching tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection mechanism (200) also includes a shut-off valve (230), and the bottom of the container (210) is provided with a first drain port (214), and the shut-off valve (230) is connected to the first drain port (214).
3. The alkaline etching tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detection mechanism (200) is located above the tank (100). The detection mechanism (200) also includes a first return pipe (240), and the two ends of the first return pipe (240) are respectively connected to the shut-off valve (230) and the tank (100).
4. The alkaline etching tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The container (210) includes a first box (211) and a second box (212). The second box (212) is disposed inside the first box (211). The top side of the second box (212) is open. The top edge height of the second box (212) is lower than the top edge height of the first box (211). An overflow cavity (213) is formed between the outer side of the second box (212) and the inner side of the first box (211).
5. An alkaline etching tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the first housing (211) is provided with a second drain port (215), which is connected to the overflow cavity (213).
6. The alkaline etching tank according to claim 5, characterized in that, The detection mechanism (200) further includes a second reflux pipe (250), the two ends of which are respectively connected to the second drain port (215) and the first reflux pipe (240).
7. The alkaline etching tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction mechanism (300) includes a liquid pump (310) and a first suction pipe (320). The liquid pump (310) is connected to the container (210) through the first suction pipe (320). The suction port of the liquid pump (310) is connected to the tank (100). The liquid pump (310) is used to draw the alkaline etching solution (500) in the tank (100) into the container (210) through the first suction pipe (320).
8. An alkaline etching tank according to claim 7, characterized in that, The suction mechanism (300) further includes a second suction pipe (330), and the suction pump (310) is connected to the tank (100) through the second suction pipe (330).
9. An alkaline etching tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an alarm mechanism (400) which is electrically connected to the pH detector (220).
10. An etching apparatus, characterized in that, Includes an alkaline etching tank as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.