Separating machine for separating individual printed circuit boards from a printed circuit board panel, and method

Abstract

A separating machine (10) and method for separating individual printed circuit boards (113) from a printed circuit board panel.

Description

[0001] Title: Separating machine for separating individual

[0002] Printed circuit boards from a printed circuit board panel and process

[0003] Description

[0004] The invention relates to a separating machine for separating individual printed circuit boards from a printed circuit board panel, which are also referred to as printed circuit board panels or printed circuit board panels. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a separating machine.

[0005] In the industrial and highly automated manufacture of electronics, the use of highly efficient and precise manufacturing technology is a basic requirement. In electronics production, it is necessary to produce very large quantities reliably and in high quality in order to be able to offer the products at market prices. The efficiency of the machines used must therefore be continually improved. An important process step in the manufacture of electronic components is the separation of printed circuit board panels into individual assemblies, i.e. into individual printed circuit boards, after they have been populated with components and subsequently soldered. Given the complexity of today's assemblies and circuit assemblies, soiling and contamination of assemblies and printed circuit boards due to particles and dust created in this process is extremely critical.This not only reduces production yields in electronics manufacturing, but undetected defects in assemblies can have far-reaching consequences for product safety. Therefore, the most complete capture and separation of particles and dust possible during the processing of printed circuit boards and printed circuit boards is particularly important.

[0006] The cycle times of the machines used consist of the assembly time, the processing time, and any transition times between processing steps. These times cannot be arbitrarily adjusted; if, for example, processing is too fast, the components may be damaged or improperly soldered. This leads to defective batches or subsequent failures in the final products. CN112497288B describes a machine for the automated cutting and separating of printed circuit boards.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to increase the process reliability and efficiency when separating individual circuit boards from a circuit board panel.

[0008] The object is achieved in particular by a separating machine for separating individual circuit boards from a circuit board panel according to claim 1.

[0009] In particular, the cutting machine comprises a cutting head with a cutting tool that can be moved on a machine frame, wherein the cutting head can be moved by means of axis drives along a vertical z-axis and a y-axis running perpendicular thereto.

[0010] In addition, the cutting machine comprises at least two base plates which can be moved on the machine frame and which can be moved parallel to one another along an x-axis running perpendicular to the z-axis and perpendicular to the y-axis between a loading position and a cutting position by means of linear direct drives. At least one printed circuit board panel can be arranged on each of the base plates. The arrangement of the at least one printed circuit board panel can take place directly on the base plate; however, it is also conceivable for the at least one printed circuit board panel to be arranged indirectly on the respective base plate via a holding device. The linear direct drives each comprise a motor part and a magnetic rail which interacts with the motor part.

[0011] The cutting machine further comprises a control unit for controlling the axis drives, the cutting head, and the linear direct drives. The control unit is configured such that the cutting tool separates individual circuit boards from a printed circuit board panel during the cutting process. The linear direct drives can be controlled independently of one another, so that one base plate is in the loading position and the other base plate is in the cutting position for cutting.

[0012] Such a separation machine has the advantage of enabling particularly fast changes of printed circuit boards, thus minimizing downtime in the production process. By providing at least two base plates, one printed circuit board can always be processed in the separation position while the other base plate can be loaded or unloaded in the loading position. This type of separation machine can significantly increase the efficiency of electronics manufacturing.

[0013] It is conceivable to implement the cutting tool as a milling cutter and / or saw and / or laser and / or knife, with the tool being interchangeable depending on the PCB panel to be cut. Process reliability can be increased by using a cutting tool adapted to the cutting task. Furthermore, a tool changer can be provided in the cutting machine for changing the cutting tool.

[0014] It is advantageous if the motor part of the linear direct drive is fixed to the machine frame and the magnetic rail is fixed to the base plate. Linear direct drives transmit the drive force magnetically without mechanically interacting transmission media and are therefore maintenance-free and do not cause any abrasion that can lead to contamination in the cutting machine. Cables connected to moving components should be bundled and guided within a machine and not left loose to the moving components. The cables could become trapped by moving parts or the insulation could be worn through, leading to failures. Conventional setups in which the motor part is moved and the magnetic rail is fixed to the machine frame therefore require a drag chain to guide and protect the cables.The unusual arrangement of the motor section and the magnetic rail on the respective base plate and on the machine frame has the advantage of eliminating the need for a drag chain for cable routing. This reduces the risk of the cutting machine failing due to worn or broken drive cables and also reduces the maintenance effort required for the cutting machine. Furthermore, the mass of the moving base plates is reduced not only by eliminating moving cables, but also by arranging the lighter magnetic rail on the base plate instead of the heavier motor section.

[0015] It is conceivable for each motor section to be designed without guides, with guide rails spaced apart from the respective motor section being provided to guide the base plates on the machine frame. By separating the drive and guide, the machine can be designed for particularly easy maintenance. Arranging the guide rails, for example, at the edge of the base plates, ensures particularly good and stable support for the base plates, which improves process reliability.

[0016] It is further advantageous if three parallel guide rails with guide carriages are provided for guiding two base plates, wherein a first guide carriage for the first base plate and a second guide carriage for the second base plate are provided on a first, middle guide rail. The first, middle guide rail therefore has a dual function; on the one hand, it guides the first base plate and, on the other hand, also the second base plate.

[0017] It is further conceivable for the second and third guide rails each to have at least one, and preferably two, guide carriages. The guide carriage(s) of the second guide rail are provided for guiding the first base plate, and the guide carriage(s) of the third guide rail are provided for guiding the second base plate. This arrangement eliminates the need for one guide rail compared to conventional solutions, in which two guide rails are provided for each base plate, thus resulting in a total of four guide rails.

[0018] It is also advantageous if support parts are provided between the respective base plate and the respective guide carriage. It is particularly advantageous if, when two guide carriages are provided on a guide rail for a base plate, a common support part is provided between the two guide carriages and the one base plate, which is particularly the case with the second and third guide rail. The support parts connect the guide carriages to one another and to the base plates. The guide carriages can be used to provide the distance between the base plate and the machine frame, which is required for the linear direct drive or other components below the base plate. Furthermore, the support parts ensure improved rigidity of the arrangement, which in turn ensures improved and less wear-resistant guidance of the base plates.

[0019] It can be advantageous if a support part which is L-shaped in plan view is provided on the first, middle guide rail between the first guide carriage and the first base plate and / or between the second guide carriage and the second base plate. This L-shaped support part enables the base plate to be arranged on the respective guide carriage of the first middle guide rail, so that the base plates can be moved independently of one another. The L-shaped support parts have an elongated section which extends over the entire length of the base plate and a short rectangular section which runs parallel to the elongated section and is arranged at one end of the elongated section. The two short rectangular sections are each arranged on the opposite side of the elongated section.On this short rectangular section, the guide carriage of the respective base plate is arranged on the first, middle guide rail.

[0020] It is conceivable for one base plate to be supported and / or guided by the support part of the other base plate in the area of ​​the first, middle guide rail. The underside of the base plate rests on the top side of the L-shaped support part of the other base plate in the lateral edge area. This ensures advantageous support of the base plate when processing the printed circuit board panel arranged on it, particularly when the separating tool exerts a vertical force on the printed circuit board panel and thus on the base plate.

[0021] It is also advantageous to provide a position measuring system for detecting the position of the respective base plates. The position measuring system advantageously has a sensor fixedly arranged on the machine frame and a signal transmitter on the respective base plate that interacts with the sensor. The position measuring system can be designed as a non-contact incremental measuring system or as an absolute measuring system, with a read head as the sensor and a magnetic tape as the signal transmitter for the read head. Position detection of the base plates can advantageously be used by a control unit of the machine to ensure process reliability.

[0022] It is conceivable to provide at least two loading compartments on the cutting machine, in each of which a base plate in its loading position can be loaded with a printed circuit board panel independently of the other loading compartment. It is advantageous if each loading compartment has an individual lockable sliding cover, with the control unit and the loading system being configured so that the sliding cover of the respective loading compartment is locked when the respective base plate is in its cutting position. This can prevent problems when loading the cutting machine and also reduce the risk of injury to the operator from moving machine parts or from the cutting tool when loading the machine.

[0023] It can also be provided that the control unit is configured in such a way that, during the cutting process, a relative movement between the base plate and the cutting head in the direction of the x-axis occurs by controlling the respective linear direct drive. By using the linear direct drive as the x-axis, an additional axis drive is eliminated. Any transfer device from the loading compartment to the cutting process is also not required. This simplifies the entire mechanics of the cutting machine and reduces the probability of failure of the cutting machine.

[0024] It is also advantageous to mount the cutting head on a gantry in a rigid, x-axis direction, thus preventing it from being moved. The gantry is designed so that the base plates underneath are movable in the x-direction.

[0025] It is also conceivable to design the cutting head's axis drives as linear direct drives, each consisting of a carriage and a guide, and in which the drive force is transmitted directly without mechanical transmission elements. This makes the cutting head drive wear-free, thus increasing the efficiency and process reliability of the cutting machine.

[0026] It is also advantageous if the linear direct drives and axis drives each have a drive controller, wherein the control unit is then designed to communicate with the respective drive controller.

[0027] It is also conceivable for the control unit to comprise a process control module for communication with a process control system and / or a machine control module for communication with the drive controllers. The control unit can be configured so that it can access a database via the process control system.

[0028] It is further advantageous if a camera system with at least one camera and a data interface is provided and configured to capture the printed circuit board panels. Using the camera system, the position of the printed circuit board panel arranged on the base plate can be captured and transmitted to the control unit. Furthermore, quality features on the printed circuit board panel can be recognized and used for quality assurance measures.

[0029] Advantageously, the control unit can comprise a user interface module for communication with a user interface. The process data of the cutting machine can be displayed on the user interface and / or control commands can be entered via the user interface and transmitted to the control unit.

[0030] It can be provided that the control unit comprises an image processing module and a camera module for communication with the camera system. If a camera system is provided in the separating machine, the image material from the camera can be processed with the image processing module. It can be provided to provide an extraction device in the separating machine for extracting particles when separating individual circuit boards from a circuit board panel. The extraction device provides an extraction opening running around a central axis and at least one compressed air nozzle for generating a compressed air flow directed along a main air flow direction. The compressed air nozzle is arranged in particular within the extraction opening such that the main air flow direction is directed towards the workpiece to be separated. Furthermore, a compressed air line can be provided for supplying the compressed air nozzle with compressed air.

[0031] A valve unit can be provided within the compressed air line, which is configured to generate a compressed air stream pulsating at a pulse frequency such that particles adhering to the printed circuit board panel and / or the printed circuit board are detached and / or that the printed circuit board panel and / or the printed circuit board is set into vibration due to the impacting pulsating compressed air stream. This can further increase process reliability.

[0032] It can further be provided that the valve unit is designed as an electrically controlled switching valve and that a control unit is provided for controlling the switching valve to generate the pulse frequency. This has the advantage of enabling simple control of the switching valve and integration into a commercially available control system or a machine control system.

[0033] It has also proven advantageous if the switching valve is controlled by the control unit such that the pulse frequency is in the range of 1-60 Hz, in particular 20-40 Hz, and more particularly 30 Hz. Advantageously, the pulse frequency of the compressed air flow is transferred to the workpiece, which then vibrates to detach adhering particles.

[0034] It is also conceivable for the control unit to be configured to control the switching valve depending on workpiece parameters of the printed circuit board panel and / or to regulate it depending on a measured oscillation frequency. This is advantageous because it ensures even greater process reliability by maintaining tolerances in the oscillation frequency.

[0035] It can further be provided that an ionizer is provided for ionizing the compressed air forming the compressed air stream. This allows the ionized compressed air to be generated near the cutting machine in order to ensure the best possible ionization of the air molecules used to form the compressed air. It is therefore advantageous if the at least one compressed air nozzle is made of a non-conductive material, in particular of a non-conductive plastic. The non-conductive plastic advantageously maintains the ionized state of the air molecules and the ionization of the air molecules is not balanced out until the compressed air of the compressed air stream hits the printed circuit board panel and / or the printed circuit board or the particles to be removed.

[0036] Furthermore, it can be provided that a nozzle ring forming the extraction opening is provided, on which the at least one compressed air nozzle and preferably three compressed air nozzles are arranged at an angular distance of 120° from one another. With three compressed air nozzles, an advantageous mass of compressed air can be directed by the compressed air stream onto the printed circuit board panel and / or the printed circuit board. By arranging the compressed air nozzles on one component, the mountability on a cutting machine is advantageously designed.

[0037] It is advantageous if the main air flow direction of the at least one compressed air nozzle is such that, during operation, the compressed air flow creates a vortex around the central axis.

[0038] It can further be provided that the nozzle ring has a round outer contour with a flat spot, wherein one or more compressed air connections are provided at the flat spot.

[0039] It is also advantageous if the nozzle ring has, on an upper side facing the suction opening, a circumferential shoulder with a shoulder edge surrounding the suction opening, and if the at least one compressed air nozzle is provided on the shoulder edge. This has the advantage that the arrangement of the compressed air nozzle on the shoulder edge causes few disturbances in the compressed air stream emerging from the compressed air nozzle, allowing the stream to develop optimally.

[0040] The nozzle ring can have an upper side facing the suction opening and a lower side facing away from the suction opening, wherein the upper side and lower side are parallel to each other.

[0041] It is also conceivable for the nozzle ring to have a sensor receptacle for a tool sensor, with a sensor nozzle directed toward the sensor receptacle. The sensor is configured, in particular, to detect wear or breakage of the cutting tool. Due to particle deposits, the function of the sensor may be limited, since the sensor may, in particular, be an optical sensor. The sensor nozzle is advantageously configured to blow the deposited particles off the sensor using compressed air.

[0042] It can be advantageous if the cutting machine is equipped with an extraction system with a vacuum source, with vacuum lines for connecting an extraction device to the vacuum source, and with adjustment devices for adjusting the vacuum lines to a movable position of the extraction device. Advantageously, the extraction device and the other components are adapted to one another in such a way that the extraction functions optimally and all components interact with one another. This leads to increased process reliability and efficiency.

[0043] The object is also achieved by a method according to claim 28.

[0044] Further details and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the following description, on the basis of which embodiments of the invention are described and explained in more detail.

[0045] It shows :

[0046] Figure 1: a separating machine for separating individual circuit boards from a circuit board panel with a display and two loading compartments;

[0047] Figure 2: the cutting machine according to Figure 1 without housing with a view into the interior of the cutting machine with a left and right base plate and a movable cutting head;

[0048] Figure 3 : a detailed view from Figure 2 of the

[0049] Base plates in a front position with one drive and three guides each; Figure 4 : the view according to Figure 3 with the left

[0050] Base plate in a front position and the right base plate in a rear position;

[0051] Figure 5: a view according to Figure 4 of the drive and the guide of the left base plate;

[0052] Figure 6: the base plates with guides and drives according to Figures 3 to 5 in a front view;

[0053] Figure 7: the guides and drives of the base plates according to Figures 3 to 6 with the left drive in the front position and the right drive in the rear position;

[0054] Figure 8: the guides and drives of the base plates according to Figures 3 to 7 without base plates with the left drive in the rear position and the right drive in the front position;

[0055] Figure 9 : the movable cutting head from Figures 1 and 2 with a suction device and a circuit board; and

[0056] Figure 10: a diagram for visualizing the networking of a control unit of the separating machine according to Figure 1 with other components of the separating machine. Figure 1 shows a separating machine 10 for separating individual circuit boards from a circuit board panel, comprising a machine frame 12, a cover 14, two loading compartments 16 and 18, and a user interface 20. A Cartesian coordinate system with an x, y, and z axis is shown for assigning the directions.

[0057] The cutting machine 10 also comprises a control unit 22, which is shown in Figure 9.

[0058] The user interface 20 comprises a light column 24 and a screen 26 as displays, and a keyboard 28 and a scanner 30 as input.

[0059] The machine frame 12 on which the cutting machine 10 is mounted stands on a total of four height-adjustable machine feet 32.

[0060] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows a separating head 38 that can be moved through a transparent element 34 in the front side 36 of the cover 14, which can be made of glass or plastic. The separating head 38, which can also be seen in Figure 2, can process a printed circuit board panel 112 (in Figure 9) inserted into one of the loading compartments 16 or 18 using a separating tool 40 (shown in Figure 9).

[0061] The movable cutting head 38 can be moved along a y-axis by an axial drive 44. The axial drive 44 can be designed as a linear direct drive and is arranged on a cross member 46 of a gantry 48 (shown in Figure 2). The axial drive 44 has a guide 50 and a guide carriage 52. The cutting head 38 is arranged on the guide carriage 52 with a further axial drive 54 for moving the cutting head 38 along a z-axis running perpendicular to the y-axis.

[0062] In each of the loading compartments 16 and 18 there is a base plate 56, 58 (shown in Figure 2) which can be moved along an x-axis running perpendicular to the y-axis and z-axis and on which a printed circuit board can be arranged. The base plates 56 and 58 can be moved in particular parallel and independently of one another. Each of the loading compartments 16 and 18 has a cover 60 and 62 which can be moved along the y-axis. In Figure 1 the left loading compartment 16 is covered by the left cover 60, the right loading compartment 18 is open and the right cover 62 is pushed under the left cover 60 in the y-direction. Both covers 60 and 62 are lockable and are closed by the control unit 22 when a printed circuit board panel is being processed on the respective base plate 56 or 58 or when the base plate 56 or 58 is not located in the loading compartment 16 or 18. The loading compartments 16 and 18 are spatially separated from one another by a partition wall 64.

[0063] In Figure 2, the cutting machine 10 according to Figure 1 is shown without the

[0064] Cover 14 , the user interface 20 and the

[0065] Loading compartments 16 and 18 are shown. This allows the interior of the cutting machine 10, in particular the gantry 48 and the movable base plates 56 and 58, to be seen. The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are shown as arrow directions. Furthermore, vertical columns 66 of the gantry 48 are shown, on which the cross member 46 is arranged. It can be seen that the cutting head 38 is only movable along the y-axis and along the z-axis; along the x-axis, the cutting head 38 is not movable and is thus rigidly arranged on the cross member 46.

[0066] As can be seen from Figures 3 to 8, there are three guide rails 70, 72, and 74 arranged on the machine frame 12. The base plates 56 and 58 are guided along the x-axis by means of guide carriages 76, 78, 84, 86, 90, and 92 (Figures 3 to 8) by means of the guide rails 70, 72, and 74.

[0067] The middle guide rail 70 has a dual function because it guides both base plates 56 and 58. For this purpose, a guide carriage 76 or 78 (Figures 3 to 8) is provided for each base plate 56 and 58. L-shaped support parts 80 and 82 (Figures 3 to 8) are arranged between the base plates 56 and 58 and the respective guide carriages 76 and 78, respectively. The left base plate 56 and support part 80 are arranged on the guide carriage 76, and the right base plate 58 with support part 82 is arranged on the guide carriage 78. The L-shaped support parts 80 and 82 have an elongated section 80a and 82a which extends over the entire length of the respective base plate 56 or 58 and a short rectangular section 80b or 82b which runs parallel to the elongated section 80a or 82a and is arranged at one end of the elongated section 80a or 82a.The two short rectangular sections 80b or 82b are each arranged on the opposite long sides of the elongated sections 80a or 82a. The respective guide carriage 76 or 78 of the base plate 56 or 58 is arranged on the first, central guide rail 70 on this short rectangular section 80b or 82b. In addition, sliding surfaces or rolling elements can be provided on the upper sides 80c and 82c of the short rectangular sections 80b and 82b.

[0068] The outer guide rails 72 and 74 each guide only one of the base plates 56 or 58. The guide rail 72 is located to the left of the middle guide rail 70 and the guide rail 74 is located to the right of the middle guide rail 70. On the left guide rail 72 there are two guide carriages 84 and 86, on which a strip-like support part 88 is arranged which connects the guide carriages 84 and 86 (Figures 7 and 8). The base plate 56, which is guided by the guide rail 72, is arranged on the support part 88. On the right guide rail 74 there are also two guide carriages 90 and 92, on which a strip-like support part 94 is arranged which connects the guide carriages 90 and 92 to one another. (Figures 7 and 8) The base plate 58 is arranged on the support part 94 and is thus guided by the guide rail 74.

[0069] In Figure 3, the base plates 56 and 58 are in the same, front loading position. In Figure 4, the base plate 58 is in the front loading position, and the base plate 56 is in a rear separation position. In the separation position, a printed circuit board panel arranged on the base plate 56 or 58 can be processed by the separation tool 40 of the separation head 38.

[0070] In Figure 5, the base plate 56 is not shown in order to allow a view of a linear direct drive 96 located beneath the base plate 56. The linear direct drive 96 comprises a motor part 98 and a magnetic rail 100. The magnetic rail 100 is arranged on the underside of the base plate 56. A linear direct drive 102 designed correspondingly to the linear direct drive 96, with a magnetic rail 104 and a motor part 106, which is shown in Figures 6-8, is arranged beneath the base plate 58. This type of arrangement, a moving magnetic rail 100 and 104 and a fixed motor part 98 and 106, is advantageous because the motor parts 98 and 106 being fixedly arranged on the machine frame 12 eliminates the need for a drag chain that is otherwise usually used to guide and protect cables (not shown), which are required to supply the motor parts 98 in 106 with electrical energy and to transmit control signals from the control unit 22.In this type of arrangement, the cabling is only carried out on the fixed components and not on the moving components.

[0071] Figure 5 shows a read head 108 of a position measuring system for measuring the position of the base plate 56 in the x-direction. A signal generator 109 (Figure 6) for the read head 108 is attached to the underside of the support part 88. Such a signal generator 109 can, for example, be a magnetic tape which extends over the entire length of the respective base plate 56 or support part 88 in the x-direction and which, with the read head 56, forms an incremental measuring system. A measuring system of the same construction is also provided for the base plate 58 with a read head 110 and a signal generator 111, shown in Figure 6. The position of the base plates 56 and 58 is transmitted from the incremental measuring system to the control unit 22, since the linear drives 96 and 102 move the base plates 56 and 58 along the x-axis during the separating process; The cutting head 38 is - as explained above - not movable along the x-axis.

[0072] Figure 6 shows a front view of the base plates 56 and 58 with guide rails 70, 72 and 74 and the linear direct drives 96 and 102 according to Figure 3. The read head 110 is shown here arranged below the support part 94 on the machine frame. The front view clearly shows that the base plates 56 and 58 can be supported on the surfaces 80c or 82c on the L-shaped support part 80 or 82 of the respective other base plate 56 or 58. This increases the stability of the base plates 56 and 58, in particular when a force acts in the z-direction when processing a printed circuit board panel. A coating or rolling elements (not shown) may be provided on the surfaces 80c and 82c to reduce the friction between the respective surface 80c or 82c and the base plate 58 or 56.

[0073] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the support parts 88, 80, 82 and 94 with the guide carriages 76, 78, 84, 86, 90 and 92 arranged on the guide rail 70, 72 and 74, and the linear direct drives 96 and 102. As mentioned above, the L-shape of the support parts 80 and 82 can be clearly seen here. The support parts 80 and 84 belonging to the base plate 56 with the associated guide carriages 76 and 84, 86, as well as the linear direct drive 96 are in the front loading position. The support parts 82 and 94 belonging to the base plate 58 with the associated guide carriages 78 and 90, 92, as well as the linear direct drive 102 are in the rear separation position.

[0074] Figure 8 shows the detailed view according to Figure 7, but the components belonging to the base plates 56 or 58 are shown in a position opposite to the illustration in Figure 7. The components of the base plate 56 are in the rear separating position and the associated components of the base plate 58 are in the front loading position. Figure 9 shows the separating head 38 with the separating tool 40, here a milling cutter, and the axis drive 54 for the z-axis, which is arranged on the cross member 46 of the gantry 48. The columns 66 of the gantry 48 are not shown. A printed circuit board panel 112 being processed, with a large number of identical printed circuit boards 113 to be separated from the printed circuit board panel 112, is shown below the separating head 38. Other components of the cutting machine 10, such as the machine frame 12, are not shown here or are only shown schematically.

[0075] Also shown schematically is the control unit 22, which is connected to the cutting head 38 and to an electrical switching valve 114 via data lines 116. A suction device 120 is arranged on the cutting head 38. The suction device 120 forms a suction opening 122 surrounding the cutting head 38. The suction device 120 is set up such that particles created during processing of the printed circuit board panel 112 are suctioned away. For this purpose, the suction device 120 is connected to a vacuum source 126 via vacuum lines 124. To improve the detachment of the created particles from the printed circuit board panel 112, at least one, preferably three compressed air nozzles are provided in the suction device 120, which direct a respective compressed air stream along a respective main air stream direction on the printed circuit board panel 112.The at least one compressed air nozzle is connected via a compressed air line 128 to a switching valve 114 which influences ionized compressed air from a compressed air source 130 in such a way that the compressed air stream flowing out of the at least one compressed air nozzle pulsates at a pulse frequency. The at least one pulsating compressed air stream can improve the detachment of particles adhering to the printed circuit board panel 112 and thus make capture and extraction more efficient. The detachment of particularly small particles in the range of less than 80 pm is promoted on the one hand when the pulse frequency of the at least one compressed air stream is transferred to the printed circuit board panel 112 and on the other hand electrostatic forces which cause the small particles to adhere to the printed circuit board panel can be reduced by the ionized state of the compressed air.A brush ring 132 is arranged on the suction device 120, which surrounds the separating tool 40 and rests against the printed circuit board panel 112 during the separating process. This brush ring 132 seals the suction opening 122 from the environment 134 so that the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure source 126 can develop up to the printed circuit board panel 112, thus allowing the volume of particles and the at least one injected compressed air stream to be extracted.

[0076] Figure 10 schematically shows the networking of the control unit 22 with its various modules and various components of the cutting machine 10. The control unit 22 comprises a process control module 140, a machine control module 142, a user interface module 144, a camera module 146, and an image processing module 148. The modules 140-148 are networked with one another within the control unit 22 and can exchange data with one another. The linear direct drives 96 and 102, as well as the axis drives 44 and 54, which can be designed as linear direct drives, each comprise a drive controller 150a to 150d, which are shown as a networked arrangement 150. The machine control module 142 of the control unit 22 is configured so that it can communicate with the respective drive controller 150a to 150d of the controller arrangement 150.

[0077] A camera system 152, shown schematically in Figure 10, can be provided on the cutting machine 10. The camera system 152 comprises at least one camera. The camera system 152 can be used, for example, to capture the printed circuit board panel 112 during the cutting process. For this purpose, the camera module 146 of the control unit 22 is configured such that it can communicate with the camera system 152 and can transmit the data from the camera system 152 to the image processing module 148 for processing and evaluating the captured image data. The control unit 22 can generate signals for controlling the drive controllers 150a to 150d depending thereon.

[0078] The user interface module 144 of the control unit 22 is configured to communicate with the user interface 20 and to display process data on the screen 26 or the light column 24 or to receive control commands from the keyboard 28 or the scanner 30. The process control module 140 is configured to communicate with a process control system 154. Via the process control system, the cutting machine 10 can access a database 156 by means of the control unit 22, for example, to retrieve workpiece parameters for more efficient processing of the printed circuit board panel 112.

Claims

Claims: Separating machine (10) for separating individual printed circuit boards (113) from a printed circuit board panel (112), comprising a separating head (38) movable on a machine frame (12) and a separating tool (40), wherein the separating head (38) is movable along a vertical z-axis and a y-axis perpendicular to it by means of axis drives (44, 54), comprising at least two base plates (56, 58) movable on the machine frame (12), which are movable parallel to each other along an x-axis perpendicular to the z-axis and perpendicular to the y-axis between a loading position and a separating position by means of linear direct drives (96, 102), wherein at least one printed circuit board panel (112) can be arranged on each of the base plates (56, 58), wherein the linear direct drives (96, 102) each have a motor part (98; 104) and each have a Motor part (98; 104) cooperating magnetic rail (100;106) and comprising a control unit (22) for controlling the axis drives (44, 54), the separating head (38) and the linear direct drives (96, 102), wherein the control unit (22) is configured such that the separating tool (40) separates individual printed circuit boards (113) from a printed circuit board panel (112) during the separation process, and; that the linear direct drives (96, 102) can be controlled independently of one another, so that one base plate (56; 58) is in the loading position and the other base plate (56; 58) is in the cutting position for cutting operations. Cutting machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein the respective motor part (98; 104) of the linear direct drives (96; 102) is fixedly mounted on the machine frame (12) and the respective magnetic rail (100; 106) is mounted on the respective base plate (56; 58). Cutting machine (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the respective motor part (98; 104) is designed without guides and wherein guide rails (70, 72, 74) are provided on the machine frame (12) spaced apart from the respective motor part (98; 104) for guiding the base plates (56; 58).Cutting machine (10) according to claim 3, wherein three parallel guide rails (70, 72, 74) with guide carriages (76, 78, 84, 86, 90, 92) are provided for guiding two base plates (56, 58), wherein a first guide carriage (76) for the first base plate (56) and a second guide carriage (78) for the second base plate (58) are provided on a first, middle guide rail (70). Cutting machine (10) according to claim 4, wherein the second and third guide rails (72, 74) each have at least. The cutting machine (10) has one and preferably two guide slides (84, 86; 90, 92), wherein the guide slide(s) (84, 86) of the second guide rail (72) is provided for guiding the first base plate (56) and the guide slide(s) (90, 92) of the third guide rail (74) is provided for guiding the second base plate (58). The cutting machine (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein support elements (80, 88; 82, 94) are provided between the respective base plate (56; 58) and the respective guide slides (76, 84, 86; 78, 90, 92). Cutting machine (10) according to claim 6, wherein when two guide slides (84, 86; 90, 92) are provided on a guide rail (72, 74) for a base plate (56; 58) a common support part (88; 94) is provided between the two guide slides (84, 86; 90, 92) and the base plate (56; 58).Cutting machine (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein an L-shaped support element (80; 82) is provided on the first, middle guide rail (70) between the first guide carriage (76) and the first base plate (56) and / or between the second guide carriage (78) and the second base plate (58). Cutting machine (10) according to claim 6 to 8, wherein a base plate is separated from the support element in the region (80b; 82b) of the first, middle guide rail (70). (80; 82) is supported and / or guided by the other base plate (58; 56).

10. Cutting machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a position measuring system for detecting the position of the respective base plates (56; 58) is provided, wherein the position measuring system comprises a sensor (108; 110) fixedly arranged on the machine frame (12) and a signal transmitter (109; 111) on the respective base plate (56; 58) cooperating with the sensor (108; 110).

11. Separating machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two loading compartments (16, 18) are provided in which a base plate (56; 58) in its loading position can be loaded with a printed circuit board panel (112) independently of the other loading compartment (16; 18).

12. Cutting machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (22) is arranged such that during the cutting process a relative movement between the base plate (56, 58) and the cutting head (38) in the direction of the x-axis is carried out by controlling the respective linear direct drive (96; 102).

13. Cutting machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting head (38) is mounted on a portal (48) is arranged rigidly / not movable in the x-axis direction.

14. Separating machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axis drives (44, 54) of the separating head (38) are designed as linear direct drives, each consisting of a slide (52) and a guide (50) and in which the drive force is transmitted directly without mechanical transmission elements.

15. Separating machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the linear direct drives (44, 54) and axis drives (96, 102) each have a drive controller, and wherein the control unit (22) is configured for communication with the respective drive controller.

16. Separating machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (22) comprises a process control module (140) for communication with a process control system (154) and / or a machine control module (142) for communication with the drive controllers (150a, 150b, 150c, 150d).

17. Separation machine (10) according to claim 16, wherein the control unit (22) is configured to access a database (156) via the process control system (154).

18. Separation machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a camera system (152) with at least a camera and a data interface are provided and configured for capturing the circuit board panel (112). Cutting machine (10) according to claim 18, wherein the control unit (22) comprises an image processing module (148) and a camera module (146) for communication with the camera system (152). Cutting machine (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (22) comprises a user interface module (144) for communication with a user interface (20), and wherein process data are displayed on the user interface (20) and / or control commands are entered via the user interface (20) and transmitted to the control unit (22).Separating machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a suction device (120) with a suction opening (122) is provided on the separating head (38), and wherein the suction opening (122) surrounds the separating head (38) and is configured to suction away particles formed when the individual printed circuit boards (113) are separated from the printed circuit board panel (112). Separating machine (10) according to claim 21, wherein the suction device (120) comprises a compressed air nozzle and preferably three compressed air nozzles, each through which air enters along a main airflow direction. Compressed air current is directed onto the printed circuit board panel (112).

23. Separating machine (10) according to one of claims 21 and 22, wherein the extraction device (120) comprises a switching valve (114) which is controlled by the control unit (22) and is designed such that, during operation of the extraction device (120), the compressed air flow pulsates with a pulse frequency, so that particles adhering to the printed circuit board panel (112) and / or the printed circuit board (113) are detached and / or that the printed circuit board panel (112) and / or the printed circuit board (113) is set into vibration due to the impact of the pulsating compressed air flow.

24. Separating machine (10) according to claim 23, wherein the switching valve (112) and the control unit (22) are configured such that the pulse frequency is in the range of 1 - 60 Hz, in particular 20 - 40 Hz, and further in particular 30 Hz.

25. Separating machine (10) according to one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the compressed air forming the compressed air stream is ionized.

26. Separating machine (10) according to one of claims 21 to 25, wherein a nozzle ring forming the extraction opening (122) is provided, on which at least one compressed air nozzle and preferably three compressed air nozzles are arranged at a distance of 120° from each other. Separating machine (10) according to claim 26, wherein the nozzle ring has a circumferential shoulder with a shoulder edge on a top surface facing the suction opening (122), surrounding the suction opening, and wherein the at least one compressed air nozzle is provided at the shoulder edge. Method for operating a separating machine (10) for separating individual printed circuit boards (113) from a printed circuit board panel (112), in particular a separating machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating machine comprises: - a cutting head (38) movable on a machine frame (12) with a cutting tool (40) , wherein the cutting head (38) can be moved along a vertical z-axis and a y-axis perpendicular to it by means of axis drives (44, 54), - at least two base plates (56, 58) movable on the machine frame (12), which are movable parallel to each other along an x-axis perpendicular to the z-axis and perpendicular to the y-axis between a loading position and a separation position by means of linear direct drives (96, 102), wherein at least one printed circuit board panel (112) can be arranged on each of the base plates (56, 58), wherein the linear direct drives (96, 102) each comprise a motor part (98; 104) and each comprise a magnetic rail (100; 106) interacting with the motor part (98; 104), and a control unit (22) for controlling the Axis drives (44, 54), of the separating head (38) and the linear direct drives (96, 102), wherein the control unit (22) is configured such that the following steps are carried out: the separating tool (40) separates during the Separation processing of individual printed circuit boards (113) from a printed circuit board panel (112), and the linear direct drives (96, 102) can be controlled independently of each other, so that one base plate (56; 58) is in the loading position and the other Base plate (56; 58) is in the separation position for separation processing.

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