PCB automatic feeding and discharging device and PCB measuring system

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of PCB manufacturing technology, specifically an automatic PCB loading / unloading device and a PCB measurement system, comprising a frame, a transport component, and a storage component. The transport component includes a first transport component and a second transport component. Through the coordinated layout of the first and second transport components, particularly the installation of at least two independently vertically moving robotic arms on the first transport component, a highly efficient parallel operation process is constructed. This significantly overlaps the transfer time and measurement time of the PCB board between the dimensional measurement and inner layer copper depth measurement stations, substantially improving overall measurement efficiency. This device achieves full automation from automatic loading / unloading and inter-station transfer to measurement completion and unloading, effectively reducing manual labor intensity and avoiding PCB board damage and positioning errors caused by human operation. Simultaneously, the overall structure is compact and rationally laid out, and with the addition of casters and a viewing window, the equipment's mobility and maintainability are enhanced, making it highly practical.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of PCB manufacturing technology, and in particular to an automatic PCB loading and unloading device and a PCB measurement system. Background Technology

[0002] In the PCB manufacturing process, accurate measurement of key parameters such as external dimensions and inner copper depth is a crucial step in ensuring product quality. Currently, the loading, unloading, and data measurement workflow mainly relies on manual operation. Operators manually place the PCBs on the workbench, visually align them, and secure them after confirming stability. During this time, operators need to intermittently assist the equipment, organizing the PCBs and preparing for the next batch of loading and unloading.

[0003] This manual operation mode has many drawbacks: First, the inefficiency of manual handling and placement becomes a bottleneck restricting the efficiency of the entire measurement process, making it difficult to meet the needs of modern large-scale production; second, frequent manual operations are not only labor-intensive, but also prone to scratches or bumps on the PCB board surface due to improper operation, causing product damage; third, the positioning accuracy of manual operation is difficult to guarantee, which may affect the accuracy and repeatability of subsequent measurements; finally, the entire process relies on the continuous participation of operators, has a low degree of automation, and cannot achieve 24-hour uninterrupted operation. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and to briefly describe some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0005] In view of the problems existing in the above-mentioned PCB automatic loading and unloading devices and PCB measurement systems, this utility model is proposed.

[0006] Therefore, the problem that this utility model aims to solve is the low efficiency and large error in PCB board loading and unloading and manual inspection.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an automatic PCB loading and unloading device, comprising: a frame with a loading area inside; a transport component disposed inside the frame, the transport component including a first transport member movable in a first direction and a second transport member rotatable in multiple directions; and a storage component disposed in the loading area for accommodating and fixing the PCB board; the first transport member is provided with at least two robotic arms that can move independently in the vertical direction.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the PCB automatic loading and unloading device of this utility model, the first transport component includes a linear guide rail and a first vertical manipulator and a second vertical manipulator movably disposed on the linear guide rail.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the PCB automatic loading and unloading device of this utility model, the storage component includes a storage component for accommodating the PCB board and a fixing component for fixing the storage component.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the PCB automatic loading and unloading device of this utility model, the receiving component includes a loading trolley and a unloading trolley; the fixing component includes a driving component and a clamping part connected to the driving component.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the PCB automatic loading and unloading device of this utility model, the driving component is a cylinder, the clamping part is a clamping plate connected to the piston rod of the cylinder, and the fixing component also includes a sensor for detecting the positioning status of the receiving component.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the PCB automatic loading and unloading device of this utility model, the second transport component is a cantilever robot.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the PCB automatic loading and unloading device of this utility model, suction cups for adsorbing PCB boards are provided below the first vertical manipulator, the second vertical manipulator, and the second transport component.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the PCB automatic loading and unloading device of this utility model, the bottom of the frame is provided with casters.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the PCB automatic loading and unloading device of this utility model, a viewing window is provided on the four side walls of the frame.

[0016] This utility model also proposes a PCB measurement system, including an automatic PCB loading and unloading device, and further including a PCB size measuring device and a PCB inner layer copper depth measuring device disposed inside the frame. The storage component, the PCB size measuring device, and the PCB inner layer copper depth measuring device are arranged parallel to the linear guide rail.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By coordinating the layout of the first and second transport components in the transport assembly, especially by setting at least two independent vertically moving robotic arms on the first transport component, a highly efficient parallel operation process is constructed. This significantly overlaps the transfer time and measurement time of the PCB board between the dimensional measurement and inner copper depth measurement stations, thereby significantly improving the overall measurement efficiency. This device achieves full automation from automatic loading and unloading, inter-station transfer to measurement completion and unloading, effectively reducing manual labor intensity and avoiding PCB board damage and positioning errors caused by human operation. Simultaneously, the overall structure is compact and reasonable, and with the addition of casters and a viewing window, the equipment's mobility and maintainability are enhanced, making it highly practical. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a frontal perspective view of the structure of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the storage structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a magnified view of a portion of point A.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cylinder and clamping plate of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0027] Secondly, the term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single embodiment or an embodiment selectively excluded from other embodiments.

[0028] Example 1, referring to Figures 1-6 This is the first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment provides an automatic PCB loading and unloading device. The automatic PCB loading and unloading device includes a frame 1, which has a feeding area 11 inside; a transport component 2, which is disposed inside the frame 1, and the transport component 2 includes a first transport member 21 that can move along a first direction and a second transport member 22 that can rotate in multiple directions; a storage component 3, which is disposed in the feeding area 11 and is used to accommodate and fix the PCB board; the first transport member 21 is provided with at least two robotic arms that can move independently along the vertical direction.

[0029] Frame 1 forms the supporting body and outer shell of the device. The internal unloading area 11 provides dedicated space for loading and unloading operations, ensuring the neatness and safety of the work area. The transport component 2 is the core of PCB board handling. The first transport component 21, movable in a first direction, is responsible for linear transport between multiple workstations within the device, while the multi-directionally rotating second transport component 22, with its flexibility, covers areas requiring multi-angle operation, from the storage component to the first workstation. Together, they form an efficient material flow channel. The storage component 3, located within the unloading area 11, functions to batch-load PCB boards and provide reliable fixation during operation, providing a stable foundation for the start and end points of the automated process. At least two independently movable robotic arms on the first transport component 21 are key to achieving parallel operation. They can perform pick-up and place operations simultaneously or alternately; for example, while one robotic arm picks up a board from measurement station one, another can place it to measurement station two, significantly reducing equipment waiting time and improving overall cycle time. The multi-directional rotation of the second transport component 22 can be achieved using a multi-joint robot.

[0030] Specifically, the first transport component 21 includes a linear guide rail 211, and a first vertical manipulator 212 and a second vertical manipulator 213 movably mounted on the linear guide rail 211.

[0031] The first vertical robot 212 and the second vertical robot 213 can move independently on the linear guide 211 and perform vertical lifting movements. This allows them to cooperate like a relay race; for example, one can move a semi-finished PCB from the dimensional measurement station to the depth measurement station, while the other simultaneously moves the finished PCB from the depth measurement station, achieving seamless connection between processes. It is worth noting that the vertical movement of the first vertical robot 212 and the second vertical robot 213 can be achieved through a lead screw and nut, an electric cylinder, or a gear and rack mechanism.

[0032] Specifically, the storage component 3 includes a storage piece 31 for accommodating the PCB board and a fastener 32 for fixing the storage piece 31.

[0033] The function of the fixing component 32 is to lock the storage component 31 during the automated operation to prevent the material picking and placing position deviation caused by its accidental movement, and to ensure the repeatability of the positioning accuracy of the robot arm in each operation. The storage component 31 can be a fixed hopper or a conveyor belt docking port. The fixing component 32 can be achieved by using an electromagnetic chuck, a buckle mechanism or a hydraulic clamp, etc.

[0034] Preferably, the storage component 31 includes a loading trolley 311 and a unloading trolley 312; the fixing component 32 includes a driving component and a clamping part connected to the driving component.

[0035] The storage component 31 can be a general storage platform, but the trolley form facilitates batch replacement, is more flexible, and improves production continuity. The drive component in the fixing component 32 provides a power source, driving the connected clamping part to perform clamping or releasing actions, thereby automatically pressing the trolley into the predetermined working position after detecting that it is in place. It is worth noting that the drive component can be a motor-driven lead screw mechanism or a linear module; the clamping part can also be in different forms such as a V-block, flexible clamp, or pneumatic fingers.

[0036] Preferably, the driving component is a cylinder 321, and the clamping part is a clamping plate 322 connected to the piston rod of the cylinder 321; the fixing component 32 also includes a sensor 323 for detecting the positioning status of the storage component 31;

[0037] Cylinder 321 has a fast response speed, simple structure, and low cost. Sensor 323, which can be a displacement sensor, photoelectric sensor, or proximity switch (this is existing technology), is used to automatically detect whether the loading trolley 311 or unloading trolley 312 has accurately reached the working position and provide feedback signals to the control system. This is a prerequisite for triggering subsequent fixing and loading / unloading actions, realizing the automation and intelligence of the process.

[0038] Specifically, the second transport component 22 is a cantilevered manipulator;

[0039] Cantilever robots are used to rotate in various directions when transporting PCB boards; this is existing technology.

[0040] Specifically, suction cups for adsorbing PCB boards are provided below the first vertical robot 212, the second vertical robot 213, and the second transport component 22.

[0041] The suction cup provides stable cushioning force, which can effectively prevent the PCB board from shaking or falling off, and enable the PCB board to be picked up and placed without damage to the surface, thus increasing the stability of the equipment operation.

[0042] Specifically, omnidirectional wheels are provided at the bottom of frame 1;

[0043] Casters provide the ability to slide when the overall equipment needs to be moved or repositioned, making equipment transportation more flexible.

[0044] Specifically, viewing windows are provided on the four side walls of frame 1;

[0045] The viewing window makes all operations during equipment operation transparent, allowing staff to observe the equipment's status at any time.

[0046] In operation, the loading trolley 311 and unloading trolley 312 are pushed into the unloading area 11. After the sensor 323 detects their positioning, the cylinder 321 of the fixing component 32 drives the clamping plate 322 to lock them in place. Subsequently, the second transport component 22 picks up a PCB board to be tested from the loading trolley 311 and transfers it to the first station of the subsequent measurement system. At the same time, the first vertical robot 212 and the second vertical robot 213 on the first transport component 21 move in coordination on the linear guide rail 211, responsible for transferring the PCB board between the dimensional measurement station and the inner copper depth measurement station. The core of this system is parallel operation. When the first vertical robot 212 transfers a PCB board that has completed dimensional measurement to the depth measurement station, the second vertical robot 213 can simultaneously remove another PCB board that has completed all measurements from the depth measurement station and temporarily place it or directly hand it over to the second transport component 22 for transfer to the unloading trolley 312. This cycle is repeated, achieving overlap between measurement and handling time, greatly improving loading and unloading efficiency.

[0047] Example 2, refer to Figures 1-6 This is the second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment proposes a PCB measurement system, including an automatic PCB loading and unloading device, and also includes a PCB size measuring device 4 and a PCB inner layer copper depth measuring device 5 disposed inside the frame 1. The storage component 3, the PCB size measuring device 4 and the PCB inner layer copper depth measuring device 5 are arranged parallel to the linear guide rail 211.

[0048] The dimension measuring device 4 and the PCB inner layer copper depth measuring device 5 provide accurate dimension measurement of the PCB and high-precision copper layer depth data measurement. This is existing technology and will not be elaborated here. The parallel arrangement of the housing component 3, the PCB dimension measuring device 4 and the PCB inner layer copper depth measuring device 5 with the linear guide rail 211 allows the robot on the first transport component 21 to move between the three key points with the shortest and most direct movement path, avoiding complex path planning and additional movement time, thereby maximizing the efficiency advantage of the automated loading and unloading device.

[0049] After the system starts, the automatic loading and unloading device begins operation, with the cantilever robot 22 continuously transporting the PCB to be measured from the loading trolley 311 to the PCB dimension measuring device 4. After the dimension measurement is completed, the first vertical robot 212 on the first transport component 21 immediately removes it and transfers it to the PCB inner layer copper depth measuring device 5 for the next measurement. During this process, the second vertical robot 213 removes the PCB with completed inner layer copper depth measurement from the measuring station, making room for a new PCB. Through the alternating operation of the two vertical robots on the linear guide rail and the cooperation of the cantilever robot, a highly efficient measurement pipeline is formed, where one PCB is undergoing inner layer copper depth measurement while another is undergoing dimension measurement, and a third PCB is being handled or loaded / unloaded simultaneously. Finally, all measured PCBs are placed in the unloading trolley 312 by the cantilever robot 22 until the batch task is completed. This parallel processing mechanism significantly shortens the total processing time for a single board and greatly improves the throughput and production efficiency of the entire measurement system.

[0050] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic PCB loading and unloading device, characterized in that, include: The frame (1) has a material feeding area (11) inside it; The transport component (2) is disposed inside the frame (1). The transport component (2) includes a first transport member (21) that can move in a first direction and a second transport member (22) that can rotate in multiple directions. The storage component (3) is disposed in the material feeding area (11) and is used to accommodate and fix the PCB board; The first transport component (21) is equipped with at least two robotic arms that can move independently in the vertical direction.

2. The PCB automatic loading and unloading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first transport component (21) includes a linear guide rail (211), and a first vertical manipulator (212) and a second vertical manipulator (213) movably mounted on the linear guide rail (211).

3. The PCB automatic loading and unloading device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The storage component (3) includes a storage piece (31) for accommodating the PCB board and a fastener (32) for fixing the storage piece (31).

4. The PCB automatic loading and unloading device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The storage component (31) includes a loading trolley (311) and a unloading trolley (312); the fixing component (32) includes a driving component and a clamping part connected to the driving component.

5. The PCB automatic loading and unloading device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The driving component is a cylinder (321), and the clamping part is a clamping plate (322) connected to the piston rod of the cylinder (321); the fixing component (32) also includes a sensor (323) for detecting the positioning status of the storage component (31).

6. The PCB automatic loading and unloading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The second transport component (22) is a cantilever manipulator.

7. The PCB automatic loading and unloading device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first vertical manipulator (212), the second vertical manipulator (213), and the second transport component (22) are all provided with suction cups for adsorbing PCB boards.

8. The PCB automatic loading and unloading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the frame (1) is provided with casters.

9. The PCB automatic loading and unloading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The frame (1) has viewing windows on its four side walls.

10. A PCB measurement system, characterized in that, The automatic PCB loading and unloading device according to any one of claims 1-9 further includes a PCB size measuring device (4) and a PCB inner layer copper depth measuring device (5) disposed inside the frame (1), wherein the storage component (3), the PCB size measuring device (4) and the PCB inner layer copper depth measuring device (5) are arranged parallel to the linear guide rail (211).

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