A developing apparatus for producing photocurable alkaline developable coatings

Abstract

This utility model discloses a developing device for producing photocurable alkaline developable coatings, comprising: a developing unit, a defoaming unit, and a developing solution supply unit; an exhaust port is provided only at the top of the developing tank for venting alkaline gas, and a nitrogen purging unit is provided inside the developing unit, so that the entire developing unit is basically under nitrogen protection, essentially isolating the hydroxide ions (OH-) in the developing solution from air. ‑ The consumption of alkaline gas is reduced, extending the life of the developer and allowing for rapid discharge of alkaline gas, which also eliminates some foam. The developing unit is connected to the centrifugal unit, which is equipped with an outer centrifugal chamber and an inner centrifugal chamber. The centrifugal blades inside the inner centrifugal chamber generate centrifugal negative pressure, accelerating the movement of foam. Combined with the purging of the nitrogen purging unit, the foam actively and passively enters the foam inlet channel and moves upward, improving the foam movement efficiency and thus improving the centrifugation efficiency. The alkaline solution produced by the developing unit and the defoaming unit flows to the filtration device. After filtration and pH adjustment by adding alkaline solution, it is re-transported to the spraying device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of developing technology, specifically a developing device for producing photocurable alkaline developable coatings. Background Technology

[0002] Alkali-based photocurable coating development is a technique for patterning photocurable materials. This technique is commonly used in the manufacture of electronic components, printed circuit boards (PCBs), etc.

[0003] The alkaline-developable photocurable composition is uniformly coated onto a substrate (such as glass, metal, ceramic, etc.). This can be achieved through methods such as spin coating, spraying, or blade coating. The coated substrate is pre-baked at a specific temperature to remove solvents and improve film adhesion. The pre-baking temperature and time depend on the specific material. The pre-baked substrate is placed under an exposure device and covered with a photomask. The composition is exposed to a light source such as ultraviolet light (e.g., a UV lamp). The exposure time depends on the material and the intensity of the light source. The exposed substrate is then immersed in a developer, which is typically an alkaline solution (such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide solution). The developer dissolves the unexposed portions of the composition, forming the desired pattern. The development time needs to be strictly controlled to avoid over- or under-development. The developed substrate requires post-baking to further cure the composition and improve its heat resistance and adhesion. The post-baking temperature and time depend on the specific material. The developed substrate is inspected to ensure the pattern is complete and defect-free. If necessary, it can be cleaned to remove residual developer and impurities.

[0004] Throughout the entire process described above, Through the above steps, alkaline development and photocuring can be performed to form the desired pattern on the substrate. Development is a crucial step that receives much attention as it affects the final pattern quality.

[0005] In existing developing apparatuses, when the developer flows back out of the chamber, due to its own physicochemical properties, it readily absorbs water and carbon dioxide from the air, leading to a decrease in the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) in the developer. - The concentration is reduced, thus reducing the developing effect. In addition, in order to ensure that the circuit board is evenly contacted with the chemical solution, the developing tank often uses a spraying method to evenly spray the developing solution onto the surface of the circuit board. During the spraying and chemical reaction process, alkaline developing solution will produce foam. If the foam is not eliminated, uneven spraying will occur, resulting in unclean developing. If defoamer is used, it is not easy to remove, which seriously affects product quality, increases losses and production costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a developing apparatus for the production of photocurable alkaline developable coatings, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: This utility model provides a developing device for the production of photocurable alkaline developable coatings, comprising: a developing unit, a defoaming unit, and a developing solution supply unit; The developing unit includes a developing chamber, with an exhaust port and a spray device at the top, a transfer unit in the middle, and a nitrogen purging unit, a level gauge, a bubble outlet, a first drain outlet, and a first storage chamber at the bottom. The defoaming unit includes a centrifugal unit located at the top, a foam inlet unit located in the middle, and a second drain outlet and a second liquid storage chamber located at the bottom. The developer supply unit includes a filter device. The inlet of the filter device is connected to a first outlet and a second outlet via a pump, and the outlet of the filter device is connected to a spray device.

[0008] Furthermore, the nitrogen purging unit and the level gauge are disposed on the side wall of the developing chamber, the nitrogen purging device is disposed above the level gauge, and the bubble outlet is disposed on the side wall of the developing chamber opposite to the nitrogen purging device.

[0009] Furthermore, the nitrogen purging device includes multiple purging ports, which are arranged sequentially along a direction perpendicular to the transmission direction of the transmission unit. The height of the foam outlet is higher than the height of the level sensor. The purging ports purge nitrogen and simultaneously blow foam towards the foam outlet. When the alkali solution in the first storage chamber reaches the level sensor, the level sensor triggers an alarm after a fixed delay. This delay is set according to specific circumstances, with the standard being that the foam is mostly discharged and the alkali solution no longer overflows.

[0010] Furthermore, the filtration device is also connected to a replenishing alkali solution, and the filtration device is also equipped with a stirring mechanism and a pH detector. After the alkali solution is filtered to remove impurities, if the pH does not meet the requirements according to the pH detector, replenishing alkali solution is added. The stirring mechanism mixes the added replenishing alkali solution evenly with the filtered alkali solution. When the pH reaches the preset range, stirring is stopped, the addition of replenishing alkali solution is stopped, and the alkali solution is transported to the spraying device.

[0011] Furthermore, the centrifuge unit includes an outer centrifuge housing and an inner centrifuge housing. The inner centrifuge housing is placed inside the outer centrifuge housing. The outer centrifuge housing is cylindrical. A rotating shaft is connected to the center of the top of the inner centrifuge housing. The top of the rotating shaft passes through the outer centrifuge housing and connects to a motor. The top of the inner centrifuge housing is conical. A cylindrical sidewall is provided at the lower edge of the conical surface. The cylindrical sidewall is mesh-like. Multiple centrifuge blades are provided inside the inner centrifuge housing. The upper edge of the centrifuge blades is fixed to the conical surface, and the outer edge of the centrifuge blades is fixed to the cylindrical sidewall. The lower edge of the centrifuge blades is parallel to or not parallel to the upper edge.

[0012] Furthermore, a third foam inlet is provided at the bottom center of the centrifuge outer casing, and an air extraction port is provided at the top of the centrifuge outer casing. The air extraction port is connected to an air pump, which allows foam to enter the centrifuge unit. The diameter of the third foam inlet is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical side wall, and a flange is provided on the upward side of the third foam inlet.

[0013] Furthermore, the infusion unit includes a first infusion port, a second infusion port, and a third infusion port. The first infusion port is connected to the outlet. The end of the first infusion port away from the outlet is connected to an infusion channel. A flow limiting plate is provided above the infusion channel. The second infusion port is evenly distributed on the flow limiting plate. A conical guide surface is provided between the flow limiting plate and the third infusion port.

[0014] Furthermore, the bottom of the centrifuge outer casing is provided with a liquid outlet, which is located between the centrifuge outer casing and the centrifuge inner casing; the liquid outlet is connected to the second liquid storage chamber.

[0015] The foam is blown by nitrogen gas from the purge port to the vicinity of the foam outlet until it can overflow from the foam outlet. After entering the foam inlet channel from the first foam inlet, the foam moves evenly upward from the second foam inlet under the action of thrust and centrifugal negative pressure or by the action of the air pump. Then it enters the inner chamber of the centrifuge from the third foam inlet. The centrifugal blades centrifuge the foam to the cylindrical side wall and hit the side wall of the outer chamber of the centrifuge, thereby defoaming. After defoaming, the liquid flows from the liquid outlet to the second liquid storage chamber.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: This invention relates to a developing apparatus for producing photocurable alkaline developable coatings. The developing chamber has an exhaust vent at the top for venting alkaline gases, and a nitrogen purging unit is installed within the developing unit. This ensures that the entire developing unit is essentially under nitrogen protection, effectively isolating it from air and thus preventing the absorption of hydroxide ions (OH-) in the developing solution. - The consumption of ) extends the life of the developer and can quickly remove alkaline gas. The nitrogen purging unit can also eliminate some foam.

[0017] The developing unit of this invention is connected to the centrifugal unit. The centrifugal unit is equipped with an outer centrifugal chamber and an inner centrifugal chamber. The centrifugal blades inside the inner centrifugal chamber generate centrifugal negative pressure, which accelerates the movement of foam. Combined with the purging of the nitrogen purging unit, the foam actively and passively enters the foam inlet channel and moves upward, which improves the foam movement efficiency and thus improves the centrifugation efficiency.

[0018] The alkaline solution produced by the developing unit and the defoaming unit of this invention flows to the filtration device. After filtration and pH adjustment by adding alkaline solution, it is then transported back to the spraying device. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This utility model relates to a developing device for producing photocurable alkaline developable coatings; Figure 2 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the defoaming unit; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures In the diagram: 1. Developing tank; 2. Spraying device; 3. Transfer unit; 4. Purge port; 5. Liquid level gauge; 6. Centrifuge outer casing; 7. Centrifuge inner casing; 8. Motor; 9. Centrifuge blades; 10. Bubble inlet channel; 11. First bubble inlet; 12. Second bubble inlet; 13. Third bubble inlet; 14. Liquid outlet; 15. Second drain outlet; 16. First drain outlet; 17. Filter device; 18. Exhaust port; 19. Air extraction port. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model. Example 1

[0021] A developing apparatus for producing photocurable alkaline developable coatings includes: a developing unit, a defoaming unit, and a developing solution supply unit; The developing unit includes a developing chamber 1. The upper part of the developing chamber 1 is provided with an exhaust port 18 and a spray device 2, the middle part is provided with a transmission unit 3, and the lower part is provided with a nitrogen purging unit, a liquid level device 5, a bubble outlet, a first drain outlet 16, and a first liquid storage chamber. The defoaming unit includes a centrifugal unit located at the top, a foam inlet unit located in the middle, a second drain port 15 located at the bottom, and a second liquid storage chamber. The developer supply unit includes a filter device 17. The inlet of the filter device 17 is connected to a first drain port 16 and a second drain port 15 via a pump. The outlet of the filter device 17 is connected to a spray device 2.

[0022] The nitrogen purging unit and the level gauge 5 are located on the side wall of the developing tank 1, the nitrogen purging device is located above the level gauge 5, and the bubble outlet is located on the side wall of the developing tank 1 opposite to the nitrogen purging device.

[0023] The nitrogen purging device includes multiple purging ports 4, which are arranged sequentially along the direction perpendicular to the transmission unit 3. The height of the bubble outlet is higher than the height of the liquid level sensor 5.

[0024] The filter device 17 is also connected to an alkali replenishment solution, and the filter device 17 is also equipped with a stirring mechanism and a pH detector.

[0025] The centrifuge unit includes an outer centrifuge housing 6 and an inner centrifuge housing 7. The inner centrifuge housing 7 is placed inside the outer centrifuge housing 6. The outer centrifuge housing 6 is cylindrical. A rotating shaft is connected to the top center of the inner centrifuge housing 7. The top of the rotating shaft passes through the outer centrifuge housing 6 and is connected to a motor 8. The top of the inner centrifuge housing 7 is conical. A cylindrical sidewall is provided on the lower edge of the conical surface. The cylindrical sidewall is mesh. Multiple centrifuge blades 9 are provided inside the inner centrifuge housing 7. The upper edge of the centrifuge blades 9 is fixed to the conical surface, and the outer edge of the centrifuge blades 9 is fixed to the cylindrical sidewall. The lower edge of the centrifuge blades 9 is parallel to or not parallel to the upper edge.

[0026] A third foam inlet 13 is provided at the bottom center of the centrifuge outer casing 6, and an air extraction port 19 is provided at the top of the centrifuge outer casing 6. The air extraction port 19 is connected to an air pump, which allows foam to enter the centrifuge unit. The diameter of the third foam inlet 13 is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical side wall, and the third foam inlet 13 has an upward flange.

[0027] The inlet unit includes a first inlet 11, a second inlet 12, and a third inlet 13. The first inlet 11 is connected to the outlet. The end of the first inlet 11 away from the outlet is connected to an inlet channel 10. A flow limiting plate is provided above the inlet channel 10. The second inlet 12 is evenly arranged on the flow limiting plate. A conical guide surface is provided between the flow limiting plate and the third inlet 13.

[0028] In one specific embodiment of this utility model, the inlet channel 10 is a downward-sloping pipe connected to the first inlet port 11.

[0029] The bottom of the centrifuge outer casing 6 is provided with a liquid outlet 14, which is located between the centrifuge outer casing 6 and the centrifuge inner casing 7; the liquid outlet 14 is connected to the second liquid storage chamber.

[0030] Working principle: The spraying device 2 sprays fresh alkaline solution onto the substrate. The alkaline solution dissolves the composition of the unexposed parts and flows into the first storage chamber along with the alkaline solution. The alkaline solution generates foam. As the development process proceeds, the liquid level gradually rises. Due to the nitrogen purging unit, the foam is blown by the nitrogen gas blown out of the purging port 4 to the vicinity of the bubble outlet. The alkaline solution in the first storage chamber reaches the level sensor 5. The level sensor 5 alarms after a fixed delay. The time is set according to the specific situation, based on the condition that the foam is basically discharged and the alkaline solution does not overflow. The foam overflows from the bubble outlet and enters the bubble inlet channel 10 from the first bubble inlet 11. Under the action of thrust and centrifugal negative pressure or the action of the air pump, the foam moves evenly upward from the second bubble inlet 12 and then enters the centrifugal inner chamber 7 from the third bubble inlet 13. The centrifugal blades 9 centrifuge the foam to the cylindrical side wall and strike the side wall of the centrifugal outer chamber 6, thereby defoaming. After defoaming, the liquid flows from the outlet 14 to the second storage chamber.

[0031] After the alkaline solution is filtered to remove impurities, the pH is detected by a pH detector. If the pH does not meet the requirements, supplemental alkaline solution is added. The stirring mechanism mixes the added supplemental alkaline solution with the filtered alkaline solution evenly. When the pH reaches the preset range, stirring is stopped, the addition of supplemental alkaline solution is stopped, and the alkaline solution is transported to the spray device 2.

[0032] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0033] It should be noted that the above content merely illustrates the technical concept of this utility model and cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and all such improvements and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A developing device for producing a light-cured alkali-developable coating film, characterized by comprising: include: Developing unit, defoaming unit, developer supply unit; The developing unit includes a developing chamber, with an exhaust port and a spray device at the top, a transfer unit in the middle, and a nitrogen purging unit, a level gauge, a bubble outlet, a first drain outlet, and a first storage chamber at the bottom. The defoaming unit includes a centrifugal unit located at the top, a foam inlet unit located in the middle, and a second drain outlet and a second liquid storage chamber located at the bottom. The developer supply unit includes a filter device. The inlet of the filter device is connected to a first outlet and a second outlet via a pump, and the outlet of the filter device is connected to a spray device.

2. The developing device for producing a photocurable alkali-developable coating film according to claim 1, characterized by The nitrogen purging unit and the level gauge are located on the side wall of the developing chamber. The nitrogen purging unit is located above the level gauge, and the bubble outlet is located on the side wall of the developing chamber opposite to the nitrogen purging unit.

3. The developing device for producing a photocurable alkali-developable coating film according to claim 2, characterized in that, The nitrogen purging unit includes multiple purging ports, which are arranged sequentially along the direction perpendicular to the transmission direction of the transmission unit, and the height of the bubble outlet is higher than the height of the liquid level gauge.

4. The developing device for producing a photocurable alkali-developable coating film according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filtration device is also connected to an alkali replenishment solution, and a stirring mechanism and a pH detector are also installed inside the filtration device.

5. The developing device for producing a photocurable alkali-developable coating film according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centrifuge unit includes an outer centrifuge chamber and an inner centrifuge chamber. The inner centrifuge chamber is placed inside the outer centrifuge chamber. The outer centrifuge chamber is cylindrical. A rotating shaft is connected to the center of the top of the inner centrifuge chamber. The top of the rotating shaft passes through the outer centrifuge chamber and connects to a motor. The top of the inner centrifuge chamber is conical. A cylindrical sidewall is provided at the lower edge of the conical surface. The cylindrical sidewall is mesh. Multiple centrifuge blades are provided inside the inner centrifuge chamber. The upper edge of the centrifuge blades is fixed to the conical surface, and the outer edge of the centrifuge blades is fixed to the cylindrical sidewall.

6. The developing device for producing a photocurable alkali-developable coating film according to claim 5, characterized in that The centrifuge outer casing has a third bubble inlet at the bottom center and an air extraction port at the top. The diameter of the third bubble inlet is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical side wall, and the third bubble inlet has an upward flange.

7. The developing device for producing a photocurable alkali-developable coating film according to claim 1, characterized in that The infusion unit includes a first infusion port, a second infusion port, and a third infusion port. The first infusion port is connected to the outlet. An infusion channel is connected to the end of the first infusion port away from the outlet. A flow limiting plate is provided above the infusion channel. The second infusion port is evenly distributed on the flow limiting plate. A conical guide surface is provided between the flow limiting plate and the third infusion port.

8. The developing device for producing a photocurable alkali-developable coating film according to claim 5, characterized in that, The centrifuge outer casing is provided with a liquid outlet at the bottom, which is located between the centrifuge outer casing and the centrifuge inner casing; the liquid outlet is connected to the second liquid storage chamber.

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