A vertical exposure machine

By using the vertical placement and alternating movement of the frame of the vertical exposure machine, the problems of lens dust accumulation and cumbersome flipping operations caused by the horizontal placement of circuit boards are solved, achieving efficient double-sided exposure and reducing hardware costs.

CN224682536UActive Publication Date: 2026-08-25GUANGDONG KST OPTICAL TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202521925580.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-08
Publication Date
2026-08-25
Estimated Expiration
2035-09-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing digital exposure (LDI) equipment, the horizontal placement of the circuit board causes dust to easily accumulate on the lens, resulting in poor exposure. Furthermore, the flipping operation is cumbersome and costly, making it difficult to achieve efficient double-sided exposure.

Method used

A vertical exposure machine is used, with the workpiece placed upright and the exposure beam irradiating vertically or at an angle. The lens is parallel to the ground to avoid dust accumulation, and double-sided exposure is achieved through alternating frame movement, reducing the need for flipping.

Benefits of technology

It improves exposure efficiency, avoids lens dust accumulation, reduces hardware costs, and achieves efficient double-sided exposure.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of exposure machine provides a vertical exposure machine, it includes: support seat, frame part, frame part sets up in support seat setting, for installing work piece and makes work piece stand, exposure mechanism, locate in support seat for emitting exposure light beam and carries out exposure to work piece, when exposure mechanism emits exposure light beam, exposure light beam vertical or oblique irradiation in frame part's work piece. In the application frame part stands and places, and adopts and ground parallel or close parallel exposure lens and carries out exposure to work piece in frame part, makes exposure light beam vertical or oblique irradiation to frame part, lens is not easy to gather dust, has guaranteed the exposure effect under the frame part vertical state.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of exposure machine technology, specifically to a vertical exposure machine. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most digital exposure (LDI) equipment in the industry uses a single-sided exposure method. This involves placing the circuit board on the LDI equipment's work frame, flattening and fixing it to the frame using vacuuming and edge pressing, and then scanning to expose the first side. Then, a manual or automated flipping device flips the circuit board, places it back on the LDI equipment's work frame, and flattens and fixes it again using vacuuming and edge pressing, performing scanning exposure to complete the second side. This method of horizontally placing the circuit board has the following unresolved problems: Because the circuit board is placed horizontally, the exposure components need to be placed vertically to expose the circuit board perpendicular to the ground. The lenses on the lower set of exposure components need to face upwards to expose the circuit board, which makes the lens elements prone to dust and contamination, resulting in poor exposure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology in terms of poor exposure effect, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a vertical exposure machine that is easy to use for exposure.

[0004] To solve the above problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A vertical exposure machine includes: a support base; A frame section, which is erected on the support base, is used to install the workpiece and make the workpiece stand upright; An exposure mechanism, located on the support base, is used to emit an exposure beam to expose the workpiece; When the exposure mechanism emits an exposure beam, the exposure beam illuminates the workpiece of the frame portion vertically or at an angle.

[0005] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: by placing the frame part vertically and using an exposure lens that is parallel or nearly parallel to the ground to expose the workpiece in the frame part, the exposure beam is directed vertically or obliquely onto the frame part, the lens is less prone to dust accumulation, and the exposure effect is guaranteed when the frame part is in the vertical position. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the first exposure mechanism of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the second exposure mechanism of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the first exposure mechanism of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the exposure machine of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the exposure beam of this invention perpendicular to the frame.

[0007] Figure label: 1. Vertical exposure machine; 10. Support base; 20. Frame section; 30. Exposure mechanism; 50. Transfer assembly; 21. First frame section; 22. Second frame section; 31. First exposure mechanism; 32. Second exposure mechanism; 311. Exposure lens; 312. Exposure lens holder; 313. Motor; 41. Sliding track; 51. First transmission component; 52. Second transmission component. Detailed Implementation

[0008] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0009] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0010] For ease of description of the first, second, and third directions in the embodiments of this application, the first direction is the left-right direction in the figures, the second direction is the front-back direction in the figures, and the third direction is the up-down direction in the figures. The x-axis arrow direction is referred to as the "right" direction, the y-axis arrow direction as the "up" direction, and the z-axis arrow direction as the "back" direction, but these are not the sole limitations in the actual application of this application.

[0011] Specifically, the horizontal placement of the circuit board has the following unresolved problems: First, when placing the circuit board on the work frame, it is necessary to use bottom vacuuming to flatten the circuit board on the work frame. However, some double-sided multilayer boards have many holes, and the inside of the holes is protected by ink plugging. Bottom vacuuming will suck out the ink inside the holes, causing the plugging to leak and become defective.

[0012] Secondly, based on the problem mentioned in the first point, many equipment manufacturers reduce the vacuum level by adding frequency converters to control the vacuum pump or blower. Combined with the four-sided pressure plate method, this is to prevent the ink in the hole from being sucked out during vacuuming. However, after the vacuum level and suction force are reduced, the circuit board cannot be flattened on the work frame, resulting in poor exposure effect.

[0013] Third, the circuit board is placed on the work frame, and it is in direct contact with the adsorption panel on the work frame. Because the ink on the circuit board is not completely dry, it often sticks to the adsorption panel after a period of use, causing poor copper exposure. Furthermore, to reduce this problem, the adsorption panel needs a high-level anti-stick treatment. This high-level anti-stick treatment is very expensive and only lasts for two to three months, significantly increasing hardware costs. Even then, it does not completely solve the problem of poor copper exposure.

[0014] Fourth, because the circuit board is placed horizontally, the exposure components need to be placed vertically to expose the circuit board perpendicular to the ground. The lenses on the lower set of exposure components need to face upwards to expose the circuit board, and the lens elements are easily contaminated by dust, resulting in poor exposure.

[0015] Fifth, to meet exposure requirements, the circuit board needs to be kept flat. If the circuit board is placed horizontally and a tensioning device is used to flatten it, gravity will not be able to effectively flatten the circuit board in the horizontal direction.

[0016] This application provides a vertical exposure machine in which the frame 20 for placing the workpiece is erected on the support base 10, thereby making the workpiece upright and solving the technical problem caused by horizontal placement of the workpiece. In addition, the exposure lens 311 is changed from exposure perpendicular to the ground to exposure parallel to the ground, which is less prone to dust accumulation and has a better exposure effect.

[0017] like Figures 1-2 as well as Figures 4-5 As shown, this embodiment provides a vertical exposure machine 1, which includes a support base 10, a frame portion 20, and an exposure mechanism 30. The frame portion 20 is erected on the support base 10 and is used to mount and erect the workpiece; the exposure mechanism 30 is disposed on the support base 10 and is used to emit an exposure beam to expose the workpiece; when the exposure mechanism 30 emits the exposure beam, the exposure beam is vertically or obliquely irradiated onto the workpiece of the frame portion 20.

[0018] Specifically, the working process of the vertical exposure machine is as follows: First, the workpiece is installed on the frame 20. Then, the exposure mechanism 30 is started, and the exposure mechanism 30 emits an exposure beam. Under the action of the exposure beam illuminating the workpiece on the frame 20 vertically or at an angle, the workpiece is exposed under the exposure beam. By vertically positioning the frame 20 and ensuring that the exposure beam illuminates the frame 20 vertically or at an angle, the exposure beam is made horizontal with the ground, facilitating good exposure of the workpiece. At the same time, it also prevents dust from falling on the exposure lens 311 and affecting the exposure effect of the exposure beam.

[0019] In some embodiments, the angle between the irradiation direction of the exposure beam and the workpiece is in the range of [20°, 90°]. Specifically, see [reference needed]. Figure 5 , Figure 5 The angle between the direction of the exposure beam and the workpiece is not 90°, but Figure 5 This is merely an example and should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Figure 5 The example shown is a double-sided exposure, in which two exposure mechanisms simultaneously expose both sides of the workpiece. The exposure efficiency of double-sided exposure is higher than that of single-sided exposure. However, single-sided exposure can also be used in this application. The specific method can be selected according to actual needs, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0020] Preferably, the angle between the irradiation direction of the exposure beam and the workpiece is within the range of [60°, 90°].

[0021] For example, the angle between the frame portion 20 and the support base 10 can be 60 degrees, 75 degrees, or 90 degrees.

[0022] In some embodiments, the angle of the frame portion 20 relative to the support base 10 is in the range of (30°, 90°).

[0023] Preferably, the angle between the frame portion 20 and the support base 10 is in the range of [70°, 90°].

[0024] For example, the angle between the frame portion 20 and the support base 10 can be 75 degrees, 80 degrees, or 90 degrees.

[0025] like Figure 4 As shown, the frame portion 20 includes a first frame portion 21 and a second frame portion 22. The first frame portion 21 is erected on the support base 10 and is used to mount the workpiece and make the workpiece stand upright. The second frame portion 22 is erected on the support base 10 and is used to mount the workpiece and make the workpiece stand upright. The transmission assembly 50 is used to drive the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 to move in the exposure scanning direction and / or drive the exposure mechanism 30 to move in the exposure scanning direction.

[0026] The above method: Firstly, by having the two frame sections 20 alternately perform exposure operations, the installation waiting time can be saved and the exposure efficiency can be improved.

[0027] Secondly, the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 are erected on the support base 10, which makes the workpiece installed in the frame portion 20 stand upright. The workpiece is no longer laid flat, so there is no need to consider the problem of poor exposure effect caused by the ink on the workpiece being sucked out due to vacuuming.

[0028] Thirdly, it can also solve the problem of dust accumulation on the lower exposure lens 311 affecting exposure when the workpiece is laid flat for double-sided exposure.

[0029] Optionally, the exposure lens 311 of the vertical exposure machine 1 also includes a transfer assembly 50, which is disposed on the support base 10. The transfer assembly 50 is used to move the frame portion 20 into or out of the exposure range of the exposure mechanism 30. By moving in or out, it is easier to put in and take out the workpiece mounted on the frame portion 20, reducing the difficulty of operation.

[0030] like Figure 4 As shown in the example, the transmission component 50 includes a first transmission component 51 and a second transmission component 52; the first transmission component 51 is used to drive the first frame portion 21 to move in the exposure scanning direction; the second transmission component 52 is used to drive the second frame portion 22 to move in the exposure scanning direction. Thus, by alternating exposure operations with the two frames, waiting time can be saved and exposure efficiency improved.

[0031] Optionally, the vertical exposure machine 1 further includes a first control unit, which controls the first transmission component 51 and the second transmission component 52 to drive the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 to move alternately. When the first transmission component 51 drives the first frame portion 21 to move in the exposure scanning direction, the second transmission component 52 drives the second frame portion 22 to move away from the exposure scanning direction; similarly, when the first transmission component 51 drives the first frame portion 21 to move away from the exposure scanning direction, the second transmission component 52 drives the second frame portion 22 to move in the exposure scanning direction. By driving the first frame portion 21 and the second transmission component 52 to move alternately, it can be ensured that one workpiece is exposed while another workpiece is replaced at the same time, reducing the downtime for removing and replacing workpieces after exposure and accelerating the exposure efficiency.

[0032] like Figures 1-2 as well as Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the transmission component 50 includes a first track and a power component; the first track is disposed on the support base 10; the first frame portion 21 is mounted on the first track, and the power component drives the first frame portion 21 to move along the first track; the second transmission component 52 includes a second track and a power component; the second track is disposed on the support base 10; the second frame portion 22 is mounted on the second track, and the power component drives the second frame portion 22 to move along the second track. Using a track to move the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 effectively ensures the stability of the displacement of the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22.

[0033] As an example, the power components in both the first transmission assembly 51 and the second transmission assembly 52 include a rack, a gear, and a first motor. The first motor is mounted on the first frame portion 21 or the second frame portion 22, and the gear is mounted on the first motor; the rack is mounted on the first track or the second track. The rotation of the first motor drives the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 to move along the track via the gear and rack. Using a rack and pinion mechanism to move the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 effectively ensures the stability of the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22. At the same time, the rack and pinion mechanism allows the device to stop at an accurate position, ensuring the accuracy of the exposure.

[0034] like Figures 1-2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the first track and the second track are located between the first exposure mechanism 31 and the second exposure mechanism 32.

[0035] Optionally, the first track and the second track are parallel, but this application is not limited to the parallel implementation. For example, the first track and the second track are parallel to the tracks within the exposure range of the first exposure mechanism 31 and the second exposure mechanism 32, but the distance between the first track and the second track that are not within the exposure range of the first exposure mechanism 31 and the second exposure mechanism 32 gradually increases or gradually decreases.

[0036] Different track settings can be implemented according to the specific circumstances of the equipment, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the exposure mechanism 30 includes a first exposure mechanism 31 and a second exposure mechanism 32; the first exposure mechanism 31 and the second exposure mechanism 32 are respectively disposed on both sides of the frame portion 20, and both the first exposure mechanism 31 and the second exposure mechanism 32 can independently emit exposure beams to the workpiece. This enables double-sided exposure of the workpiece mounted in the first frame portion 21 or the second frame portion 22, eliminating the need for flipping and completing double-sided exposure of the workpiece in one step, saving the time spent on flipping and further accelerating the exposure efficiency.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the exposure mechanism 30 includes multiple exposure lenses 311, each of which emits an exposure beam that is perpendicular or obliquely directed onto the workpiece of the frame portion 20. By using multiple exposure lenses 311 to emit exposure beams that are perpendicular or obliquely directed onto the workpiece, the entire plate can be exposed, thus accelerating the exposure efficiency.

[0039] Preferably, the multiple exposure lenses 311 are divided into at least two exposure groups, and the exposure lenses 311 in each exposure group are arranged linearly. By using multiple exposure groups in a linear arrangement, the exposure is more uniform, ensuring the exposure quality of the workpiece.

[0040] Optionally, the exposure lenses 311 in each exposure group are arranged in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal linear arrangement. The horizontal, vertical, or diagonal arrangement is relative to the ground, and the distance from the exposure lenses 311 to the frame portion 20 is the same to ensure the stability of the exposure beam during exposure.

[0041] Optionally, the arrangement of the exposure lenses 311 in each exposure group can also be non-linear.

[0042] Optionally, the exposure mechanism 30 also includes an exposure lens holder 312 for mounting the exposure lens 311.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the exposure lens 311 is fixedly installed with the exposure lens bracket 312, which means that the exposure lens 311 is fixed relative to the exposure lens bracket 312, making the exposure lens 311 more stable and ensuring the exposure effect.

[0044] like Figures 1-2 As shown, in another embodiment, the exposure lens 311 can be raised and lowered relative to the exposure lens holder 312. The exposure lens 311 can be adjusted according to the required exposure height of the workpiece, ensuring the exposure position and accuracy, and facilitating the assurance of workpiece quality.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, optionally, the exposure mechanism 30 also includes a motor 313, which is mounted on the exposure lens bracket 312 and controls the lifting and lowering of the exposure lens 311 via a lead screw and nut.

[0046] like Figures 1-2 as well as Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, both the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 include through holes penetrating their own first and second surfaces; the first surface is close to the first exposure mechanism 31, and the second surface is close to the second exposure mechanism 32; the first exposure mechanism 31 can emit an exposure beam onto the first surface, thereby exposing one side of the workpiece mounted in the first frame portion 21 or the second frame portion 22; the second exposure mechanism 32 can emit an exposure beam onto the second surface, thereby exposing the other side of the workpiece mounted in the first frame portion 21 or the second frame portion 22. By using the first exposure mechanism 31 and the second exposure mechanism 32 to simultaneously expose both sides of the workpiece within the first frame portion 21 or the second frame portion 22, there is no need for flipping, and the double-sided exposure of the workpiece is completed in one go, saving the time spent on flipping and further accelerating the exposure efficiency.

[0047] The vertical exposure machine 1 also includes an adjustment assembly; the exposure mechanism 30 is mounted on the adjustment assembly, which is used to adjust the distance between the exposure mechanism 30 and the workpiece. The adjustment assembly can drive the corresponding first exposure mechanism 31 and second exposure mechanism 32 to move according to exposure requirements, such as exposure intensity or exposure range, thereby ensuring that different exposure requirements are met satisfactorily.

[0048] like Figures 1-2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the adjustment component includes a drive mechanism (not shown) and a sliding rail 41, and the exposure mechanism 30 is mounted on the sliding rail 41. The drive mechanism can drive the exposure mechanism 30 to move along the sliding rail 41 to adjust the distance between the exposure mechanism 30 and the workpiece. By adjusting the adjustment component, the exposure mechanism 30 can be driven away from or closer to the frame portion 20 according to the exposure requirements, thereby adjusting the exposure effect.

[0049] Preferably, the drive mechanism 41 can be a gear and rack combination; one of the gears and racks is mounted on the support base 10, and the other is mounted on the exposure mechanism 30. The use of gears and racks enables more precise conveying.

[0050] Preferably, the driving mechanism can be driven by an electric cylinder; the electric cylinder is installed on the support base 10, and the telescopic rod of the electric cylinder is fixed to the exposure mechanism 30, and the telescopic rod drives the exposure mechanism 30 to move.

[0051] For example, the vertical exposure machine 1 also includes a second control unit; the second control unit controls the adjustment components; when the first frame portion 21 moves into the exposure range of the exposure mechanism 30, the second control unit controls the first exposure mechanism 31 and / or the second exposure mechanism 32 to move, so that the workpiece mounted on the first frame portion 21 or the second frame portion 22 is located in the exposure area of ​​the first exposure mechanism 31 and the second exposure mechanism 32. By controlling the movement of the first exposure mechanism 31 and / or the second exposure mechanism 32 by the second control unit, the workpiece is placed in the area to be exposed, ensuring different exposure effects and exposure accuracy.

[0052] For example, the vertical exposure machine 1 also includes a control module connected to the exposure mechanism 30. The control module is used to control the intensity and exposure time of the exposure beam emitted by the exposure mechanism 30. It can adjust the intensity and time of the exposure beam according to the actual exposure requirements of the workpiece to ensure optimal exposure conditions.

[0053] Optionally, the workpiece is a circuit board, including PCB board, FPC board, etc.

[0054] In summary, this utility model provides a vertical exposure machine. By placing the frame part vertically and using an exposure lens that is parallel or nearly parallel to the ground to expose the workpiece in the frame part, the exposure beam is directed vertically or obliquely onto the frame part, the lens is less prone to dust accumulation, and the exposure effect is guaranteed when the frame part is vertical.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A vertical exposure machine, characterized in that, include: Support base; A frame section, which is erected on the support base, is used to install the workpiece and make the workpiece stand upright; An exposure mechanism, located on the support base, is used to emit an exposure beam to expose the workpiece; When the exposure mechanism emits an exposure beam, the exposure beam illuminates the workpiece of the frame portion vertically or at an angle.

2. The vertical exposure machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the irradiation direction of the exposure beam and the workpiece is within the range of [20°, 90°].

3. The vertical exposure machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle of the frame relative to the support is within the range of (30°, 90°).

4. The vertical exposure machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exposure mechanism includes a first exposure mechanism and a second exposure mechanism; The first exposure mechanism and the second exposure mechanism are respectively located on both sides of the frame portion, and both the first exposure mechanism and the second exposure mechanism can independently emit exposure beams to the workpiece.

5. The vertical exposure machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exposure mechanism includes multiple exposure lenses, each of which emits an exposure beam that is either perpendicular or oblique to the workpiece of the frame.

6. The vertical exposure machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plurality of exposure lenses are divided into at least two exposure groups, and the exposure lenses in each exposure group are arranged linearly.

7. The vertical exposure machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The exposure lenses in each exposure group are arranged in a horizontal linear arrangement, a vertical linear arrangement, or a diagonal linear arrangement.

8. The vertical exposure machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical exposure machine also includes an adjustment component; The exposure mechanism is mounted on the adjustment component, which is used to adjust the distance between the exposure mechanism and the workpiece.

9. The vertical exposure machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The adjustment assembly includes a drive mechanism and a sliding rail, and the exposure mechanism is mounted on the sliding rail; The driving mechanism can drive the exposure mechanism to move along the sliding track to adjust the distance between the exposure mechanism and the workpiece.

10. The vertical exposure machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exposure lens of the vertical exposure machine also includes a transmission component, which is disposed on the support base and is used to move the frame portion into or out of the exposure range of the exposure mechanism.