CA2019097A1 - Process for handling individual articles in a single-pass machine, as well as an apparatus for carrying out this process - Google Patents
Process for handling individual articles in a single-pass machine, as well as an apparatus for carrying out this processInfo
- Publication number
- CA2019097A1 CA2019097A1 CA002019097A CA2019097A CA2019097A1 CA 2019097 A1 CA2019097 A1 CA 2019097A1 CA 002019097 A CA002019097 A CA 002019097A CA 2019097 A CA2019097 A CA 2019097A CA 2019097 A1 CA2019097 A1 CA 2019097A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tracks
- stations
- handling
- parts
- track
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K13/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or adjusting assemblages of electric components
- H05K13/0061—Tools for holding the circuit boards during processing; handling transport of printed circuit boards
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G49/00—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for
- B65G49/02—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for for conveying workpieces through baths of liquid
- B65G49/04—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for for conveying workpieces through baths of liquid the workpieces being immersed and withdrawn by movement in a vertical direction
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G37/00—Combinations of mechanical conveyors of the same kind, or of different kinds, of interest apart from their application in particular machines or use in particular manufacturing processes
- B65G37/02—Flow-sheets for conveyor combinations in warehouses, magazines or workshops
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K3/00—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits
- H05K3/0085—Apparatus for treatments of printed circuits with liquids not provided for in groups H05K3/02 - H05K3/46; conveyors and holding means therefor
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Attitude Control For Articles On Conveyors (AREA)
- Manufacturing Of Printed Wiring (AREA)
- Control Of Conveyors (AREA)
- Branching, Merging, And Special Transfer Between Conveyors (AREA)
- Container, Conveyance, Adherence, Positioning, Of Wafer (AREA)
- Pusher Or Impeller Conveyors (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
In the first instance, the present invention relates to a process for handling individual articles, in particular drilled circuit boards, in a single-pass machine that incorporates a plurality of processing stages, the parts passing through the machine at a speed of movement (v), and at least one processing stage requiring more time than the remaining processing stages. In order to permit the continuous handling of individual articles in a simple single-pass machine that does not require much space and which also incorporates handling processes or stations that require more time, it is foreseen that handling stages that require a longer period of time are distributed in a number n of parallel tracks where n >= 2 and that the speed of movement (v') of the parts that are to be processed through the tracks that are parallel to each other in this handling stage is equal to v/n. In addition, the present invention also relates to an apparatus in the form of a single-pass machine consisting of a plurality of handling stations or stations to carry out the above-cited process, these being arranged in a series, one after the other, each station or stations that requires or require a longer processing time than the other stations consisting of a plurality of parallel tracks that provide fox identical processing.
In the first instance, the present invention relates to a process for handling individual articles, in particular drilled circuit boards, in a single-pass machine that incorporates a plurality of processing stages, the parts passing through the machine at a speed of movement (v), and at least one processing stage requiring more time than the remaining processing stages. In order to permit the continuous handling of individual articles in a simple single-pass machine that does not require much space and which also incorporates handling processes or stations that require more time, it is foreseen that handling stages that require a longer period of time are distributed in a number n of parallel tracks where n >= 2 and that the speed of movement (v') of the parts that are to be processed through the tracks that are parallel to each other in this handling stage is equal to v/n. In addition, the present invention also relates to an apparatus in the form of a single-pass machine consisting of a plurality of handling stations or stations to carry out the above-cited process, these being arranged in a series, one after the other, each station or stations that requires or require a longer processing time than the other stations consisting of a plurality of parallel tracks that provide fox identical processing.
Description
The present invention relates in the first instance to a process for handling individual articles.
Such individual articles can be, for example, circuit boards that are moved through a machine in a horizontal position, wet-chemical processing being effected in a plurality of stages. For this purpose, single-pass machines are known. Thus, there is, for example, a machine that is used for cleaning the drilled holes in circuit boards in a series of process steps that involve spraying, rinsing, etching, rinsing, detoxification, rinsing and drying. The spraying and etching stages require a longer processing section than the other steps in the process. This means that in order to provide a sufficiently long period for the processing solutions to act effectively during the spraying and etching steps, the modules for the corresponding processing stations must be made longer. As long as these differences are within the required range, it is not particularly difficult to accommodate such a series of processing stations, which are arranged one behind the other, in a given amount of space.
I~, however, such a processing series requires stations in which specific steps of the process need a significantly longer period of time (as i6 the case, for example, when chemical metallizing is involved), in a conventional process, if all of these are arranged in one series through which the articles to be processed are moved at a constant speed, this will result in unacceptable machine lengths. In order to eliminate this shortcoming, an attempt has already been made (see DE-OS 35 29 313) to use modules for the handling process that require larger amounts of time in such a way that when the articles to be processed are pivoted from the horizontal into the vertical position at the entrance to the module, picked up by carriers, and lowered into the processing solution. A plurality of carriers are in~olved in the process simultaneously. They are moved intermittently to the end of the module, where they are withdrawn from the processing solution. At this point, the articles to be processsd are separated from the carriers. Once it has been pivoted back into the horizontal position, processing continues in the subsequent prscessing station in the normal manner, in the horizontal position. Such a machine reduces the requirement for space for such a processing line to a very considerable extent. However, it entails the disadvantage that modules of this kind are extremely complicated and for this reason very costly.
In the first instance, it an object of the present invention to provide a process that makes continuous processing of individual articles possible in a simple single-pass machine that does not require much space and that can accommodate handling processes or sections that involve large amounts of time.
According to the present invention there is provided in a process for handling individual articles or articles, in particular drilled circuit boards, in a single-pass machine with a plurality of handling stages, the parts passing through the machine at a speed of movement (v), at least one handling stage requiring more time than the remaining handling stages, the improvement wherein the handling stations that require a longer handling time are distributed amongst a number of parallel tracks n, n being greater than or equal to two, and wherein the speed of movement (v') of the parts that are to be processed through the tracks of this processing stage that are equal to each other is equal to v/n.
The division of the handling steps that involve time-intensive processes into n-parallel tracks reduces the length of these sections of the machine to approximately one nth the length that would be required for a single track that handles all of the parts. The speed of movement of the parts in parallel tracks thus amounts to only the nth part of the spe~d of movement of the parts through the whole of the machine. This avoids gaps or backups during the movement of the parts through the whole machine, i.e., it is pos~ible to achieve a constant throughput of parts through the whole machine. It is, of course, understood that the overall speed v' is the same in the parallel tracks of one handling stage.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided in an apparatus in the form of a single-pass machine consisting of a plurality of processing stations arranged in series one behind the other or sections, the improvement wherein the station (or stations) that require a longer processing time than the remaining stations consist of a plurality of parallel tracks wherein the processing is the same, and wherein means or systems for introducing the parts onto the individual tracks of a multi-track station and for handling within these individual tracks, as well as for removing them from these tracks and moving them to a further station are provided, and wherein a drive system for moving the parts to parallel tracks of such a system at a speed (v') is provided, this being in the relationship v'=v/n for the speed tv) of the parts through the whole system or line.
This claim comprises the principle groups of features, namely the individual tracks, the means for introducing (or removing) the articles into (or from) the individual tracks and, finally, the creation of a drive system that will provide the necessary speed~
It is true that the division into several adjacent tracks increases the need for space as far as width is concerned, although the criterion for accommodating such a single-pass machine is, as a rule, not the width, but rather the length of the machine. In addition, various secondary apparatus such as feed containers, filters, pumps, etc. are usually parts of such a machine and these also have to be installed next to the single-pass machine although, i~ the solution according to the present invention is used, these do not have to be in the area of the parallel tracks.
The handling tracks that are parallel to each other can be arranged one above the other. This only has a sliyht effect on the space required for the whole of the machinery.
Since the throughput plane for the articles to be processed can be so selected that a convenient operating height for introducing the articles into the start of the machine and for removing them from the end can be provided; there is place available for additional tracks beneath this plane.
The direction of movement for the articles to be processed can be the same in all the tracks, or it can change. In this embodiment , the number of tracks is always uneven, which is to say 3, 5, etc.
The tracks that are arranged adjacent to each other can consist of handling modules such as are used, from the point of view of basic construction, in the "single track'l areas of the machine. These modules can be completely independent of each other. Their movement system for the articles, e.g., circuit boards, can have its own, dedicated, drive system although it can also be connected to its drive system at a transfer ratio that corresponds to the speed ratios. In this case, synchronized throughput ratios between the single and the multi-track areas can be achieved in a very simple manner.
In place of conventionally constructed modules it is also possible to use a special embodiment consisting of two or more handling tracks that are accommodated in a common housing. This embodiment is selected when the tracks are arranged one above the other.
The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure l is a machine according to the prior art;
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of part of amachine with a twin-track processing station that is located between two single-track processing sections;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side view of another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side view of another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1 is a plan view of a prior art machine for chemically processing circuit boards in a horizontal pass.
In this machine, the line of processing stations that is formed in this machine is made up of the following: spraying l, rinsing 2, potassium permanganate etching 3, rinsing 2', drive station 4, rinsing 2'', detoxification 5, rinsing 2''', and drying 6. The entry station 7 serves to introduce the circuit boards into the machine whereas removal of the finished boards is effected at the exit station 8. The total length of the line amounts in this example is approximately 8 m at a throughput speed of the circuit boards of approximately l m/min~ A line of this kind is thus easy to accommodate from the point of view of space requirement. ~he processing times in the stations are no longer than 1.5 minutes, and this results in the proportions that are sho~n to s~ale in figure 1. Additional apparatus such as pumps and filters are shown beneath the actual processing stations.
If, however, the length L of one or a plurality of processing stations re~uires a longer processing time and thus a larger amount of space in the longitudinal direction of such a line, this problem can be solved with the present invention. Figure 2 shows diagrammatically the division of the processing step 10 of the processing line 9, 10, 11 into two or more parallel tracks 10.1 and 10.2 of this processing stage 10, in which a longer duration is required for the corresponding processing process. Such a processing stage can, for example, involve the chemical metallizing of the walls of drilled holes in circuit boards. The processing line is so constructed that pretreatment is effected in the single track section 9 and the process of chemical metallizing is effected in the twin track section 10, with the two parallel tracks 10.1 and 10.2, whereas post-treatment is effected in a single track section 11.
In the twin track embodiment shown, the speed of movement v' in the tracks 10.1 and 10.2 of the section 10 amounts to only one-half the speed of movement v in the single track sections 9 and 11. In the twin track embodiment that is shown, the length of the section 10 can be reduced to approximately half the length that it would require in the single track version for the corresponding process of the articles since, according to the present invention, the necessary processing time is divided between the two tracks 10.1 and 10.2.
The parts that are to be treated and which leave the section 9 are distributed at the point 19 onto the tracks 10.1 and 10.2 such that each track receives an equal number of parts that are to be processed. So-called "switches", conveyor belts or the like can be used to do this, these being the same as those used to deflect articles that are to be moved into other directions. Similar means are provided at the transition point from the two tracks 10.1 and 10.2 onto the section 11 so that the parts that leave these two tracks can be introduced in sequence into the section 11. In general, it is recommended that tha parts leaving at the point 19 be passed first to one track and then the next part is to be passed to the other track, and so on, and that at point 20 parts be passed to the section 11 alternately from one track and then from the other. Altogether, one arrives at a constant throughput of the whole line 9-10-11 with the parts that are to be processed.
Whereas in the example shown in figure 2, the two tracks 10.1 and 10.2 are adjacent to each other, in the example shown in figures 3 and 4, the particular tracks 15, 16, 17 or 18, 18', 18'' are arranged one above the other. When this is done, in the example shown in figure 3, the tracks 15, 16, 17 move in the same direction as indicated by the arrows, in which connection, of the already discussed single track sections 9 and 11, only the parts that are adjacent to the three track section numbered 13 are shown.
From what has been said above, it is clear that the speed v' of the tracks 15, 16, 17 of the articles that are moved is equal to v/3. Thus, in the time-intensive section 13, the necessary length that is required in the single track configuration of this section has been reduced to approximately one-third. The articles that are to be processed, e.g., the circuit boards discussed above, are not shown in the drawing. Such circuit boards are picked up by the transport rollers 12, when the transport rollers 12 lie on both sides of the circuit boards, which are then moved between these transport rollers in the required direction.
In the example shown in figure 3, the parts leaving section 9 are moved by a lifting system 14 to the particular track 15, 16, 17, and there moved on in the required direction and simultaneously processed, until then they are moved by an additional lifting system 14' into the plane of the section 11 and moved into this section.
In place of the three tracks shown in figure 3, only two tracks could be provided one above the other, and optionally more than three could be similarly arranged one above the other. The two last variations are not shown in the drawings.
In those cases when lowering the articles that are to be processed in several tracks or raising the same objects, o using the lifting system 14' shown in figure 3, are not possible in view of the small amount of time that is available to do this (if, for example, circuit boards with small dimensions in the direction of movement are to be processed), one can proceed as shown in figure 4. The parts that are to be processed are moved from section 9 to the upper track 18 of a section 24; they are then lowered from this by means of a lifting system 21 into the plane of the next track 18 in which the parts are then moved back in the opposite direction. After passing along this track and being lowered with the help of a lifting system 22 onto the plane of the track 18'', the parts are once again moved in the direction of movement of the track 18 so as to be moved by means of a further lifting system 23 to the plane of the section 11 and then moved onto this. ~Iere too, the versions for the similarly three-tracked embodiment shown in figure 3 apply with regard to the speeds v' and v, as well as to the reduction in length. The variation shown in figure 4 could also incorporate another uneven number of tracks, e.g., five.
The drive systems for the sections or areas shown are not incl~ded in these drawings. Thus, for example, it would be possible to provide a drive shaft, driven by a motor, that extends, for example, to the whole length of such a line or a machine. Then, the drives for the speeds v and v' could be taken off from this continuous shaft for the various sections. Were this done, the drives for the multi-track sections would have to be reduced in accordance with the cited ratios, i.e., in the example shown in figure 3, to one-half and in the example shown in figures 3 and 4, to one-third, this being done in the sense that the speed ofmovement v, v' are retained. ~hese take-offs can be in the form of bevel gears.
_ g
Such individual articles can be, for example, circuit boards that are moved through a machine in a horizontal position, wet-chemical processing being effected in a plurality of stages. For this purpose, single-pass machines are known. Thus, there is, for example, a machine that is used for cleaning the drilled holes in circuit boards in a series of process steps that involve spraying, rinsing, etching, rinsing, detoxification, rinsing and drying. The spraying and etching stages require a longer processing section than the other steps in the process. This means that in order to provide a sufficiently long period for the processing solutions to act effectively during the spraying and etching steps, the modules for the corresponding processing stations must be made longer. As long as these differences are within the required range, it is not particularly difficult to accommodate such a series of processing stations, which are arranged one behind the other, in a given amount of space.
I~, however, such a processing series requires stations in which specific steps of the process need a significantly longer period of time (as i6 the case, for example, when chemical metallizing is involved), in a conventional process, if all of these are arranged in one series through which the articles to be processed are moved at a constant speed, this will result in unacceptable machine lengths. In order to eliminate this shortcoming, an attempt has already been made (see DE-OS 35 29 313) to use modules for the handling process that require larger amounts of time in such a way that when the articles to be processed are pivoted from the horizontal into the vertical position at the entrance to the module, picked up by carriers, and lowered into the processing solution. A plurality of carriers are in~olved in the process simultaneously. They are moved intermittently to the end of the module, where they are withdrawn from the processing solution. At this point, the articles to be processsd are separated from the carriers. Once it has been pivoted back into the horizontal position, processing continues in the subsequent prscessing station in the normal manner, in the horizontal position. Such a machine reduces the requirement for space for such a processing line to a very considerable extent. However, it entails the disadvantage that modules of this kind are extremely complicated and for this reason very costly.
In the first instance, it an object of the present invention to provide a process that makes continuous processing of individual articles possible in a simple single-pass machine that does not require much space and that can accommodate handling processes or sections that involve large amounts of time.
According to the present invention there is provided in a process for handling individual articles or articles, in particular drilled circuit boards, in a single-pass machine with a plurality of handling stages, the parts passing through the machine at a speed of movement (v), at least one handling stage requiring more time than the remaining handling stages, the improvement wherein the handling stations that require a longer handling time are distributed amongst a number of parallel tracks n, n being greater than or equal to two, and wherein the speed of movement (v') of the parts that are to be processed through the tracks of this processing stage that are equal to each other is equal to v/n.
The division of the handling steps that involve time-intensive processes into n-parallel tracks reduces the length of these sections of the machine to approximately one nth the length that would be required for a single track that handles all of the parts. The speed of movement of the parts in parallel tracks thus amounts to only the nth part of the spe~d of movement of the parts through the whole of the machine. This avoids gaps or backups during the movement of the parts through the whole machine, i.e., it is pos~ible to achieve a constant throughput of parts through the whole machine. It is, of course, understood that the overall speed v' is the same in the parallel tracks of one handling stage.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided in an apparatus in the form of a single-pass machine consisting of a plurality of processing stations arranged in series one behind the other or sections, the improvement wherein the station (or stations) that require a longer processing time than the remaining stations consist of a plurality of parallel tracks wherein the processing is the same, and wherein means or systems for introducing the parts onto the individual tracks of a multi-track station and for handling within these individual tracks, as well as for removing them from these tracks and moving them to a further station are provided, and wherein a drive system for moving the parts to parallel tracks of such a system at a speed (v') is provided, this being in the relationship v'=v/n for the speed tv) of the parts through the whole system or line.
This claim comprises the principle groups of features, namely the individual tracks, the means for introducing (or removing) the articles into (or from) the individual tracks and, finally, the creation of a drive system that will provide the necessary speed~
It is true that the division into several adjacent tracks increases the need for space as far as width is concerned, although the criterion for accommodating such a single-pass machine is, as a rule, not the width, but rather the length of the machine. In addition, various secondary apparatus such as feed containers, filters, pumps, etc. are usually parts of such a machine and these also have to be installed next to the single-pass machine although, i~ the solution according to the present invention is used, these do not have to be in the area of the parallel tracks.
The handling tracks that are parallel to each other can be arranged one above the other. This only has a sliyht effect on the space required for the whole of the machinery.
Since the throughput plane for the articles to be processed can be so selected that a convenient operating height for introducing the articles into the start of the machine and for removing them from the end can be provided; there is place available for additional tracks beneath this plane.
The direction of movement for the articles to be processed can be the same in all the tracks, or it can change. In this embodiment , the number of tracks is always uneven, which is to say 3, 5, etc.
The tracks that are arranged adjacent to each other can consist of handling modules such as are used, from the point of view of basic construction, in the "single track'l areas of the machine. These modules can be completely independent of each other. Their movement system for the articles, e.g., circuit boards, can have its own, dedicated, drive system although it can also be connected to its drive system at a transfer ratio that corresponds to the speed ratios. In this case, synchronized throughput ratios between the single and the multi-track areas can be achieved in a very simple manner.
In place of conventionally constructed modules it is also possible to use a special embodiment consisting of two or more handling tracks that are accommodated in a common housing. This embodiment is selected when the tracks are arranged one above the other.
The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure l is a machine according to the prior art;
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of part of amachine with a twin-track processing station that is located between two single-track processing sections;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side view of another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side view of another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1 is a plan view of a prior art machine for chemically processing circuit boards in a horizontal pass.
In this machine, the line of processing stations that is formed in this machine is made up of the following: spraying l, rinsing 2, potassium permanganate etching 3, rinsing 2', drive station 4, rinsing 2'', detoxification 5, rinsing 2''', and drying 6. The entry station 7 serves to introduce the circuit boards into the machine whereas removal of the finished boards is effected at the exit station 8. The total length of the line amounts in this example is approximately 8 m at a throughput speed of the circuit boards of approximately l m/min~ A line of this kind is thus easy to accommodate from the point of view of space requirement. ~he processing times in the stations are no longer than 1.5 minutes, and this results in the proportions that are sho~n to s~ale in figure 1. Additional apparatus such as pumps and filters are shown beneath the actual processing stations.
If, however, the length L of one or a plurality of processing stations re~uires a longer processing time and thus a larger amount of space in the longitudinal direction of such a line, this problem can be solved with the present invention. Figure 2 shows diagrammatically the division of the processing step 10 of the processing line 9, 10, 11 into two or more parallel tracks 10.1 and 10.2 of this processing stage 10, in which a longer duration is required for the corresponding processing process. Such a processing stage can, for example, involve the chemical metallizing of the walls of drilled holes in circuit boards. The processing line is so constructed that pretreatment is effected in the single track section 9 and the process of chemical metallizing is effected in the twin track section 10, with the two parallel tracks 10.1 and 10.2, whereas post-treatment is effected in a single track section 11.
In the twin track embodiment shown, the speed of movement v' in the tracks 10.1 and 10.2 of the section 10 amounts to only one-half the speed of movement v in the single track sections 9 and 11. In the twin track embodiment that is shown, the length of the section 10 can be reduced to approximately half the length that it would require in the single track version for the corresponding process of the articles since, according to the present invention, the necessary processing time is divided between the two tracks 10.1 and 10.2.
The parts that are to be treated and which leave the section 9 are distributed at the point 19 onto the tracks 10.1 and 10.2 such that each track receives an equal number of parts that are to be processed. So-called "switches", conveyor belts or the like can be used to do this, these being the same as those used to deflect articles that are to be moved into other directions. Similar means are provided at the transition point from the two tracks 10.1 and 10.2 onto the section 11 so that the parts that leave these two tracks can be introduced in sequence into the section 11. In general, it is recommended that tha parts leaving at the point 19 be passed first to one track and then the next part is to be passed to the other track, and so on, and that at point 20 parts be passed to the section 11 alternately from one track and then from the other. Altogether, one arrives at a constant throughput of the whole line 9-10-11 with the parts that are to be processed.
Whereas in the example shown in figure 2, the two tracks 10.1 and 10.2 are adjacent to each other, in the example shown in figures 3 and 4, the particular tracks 15, 16, 17 or 18, 18', 18'' are arranged one above the other. When this is done, in the example shown in figure 3, the tracks 15, 16, 17 move in the same direction as indicated by the arrows, in which connection, of the already discussed single track sections 9 and 11, only the parts that are adjacent to the three track section numbered 13 are shown.
From what has been said above, it is clear that the speed v' of the tracks 15, 16, 17 of the articles that are moved is equal to v/3. Thus, in the time-intensive section 13, the necessary length that is required in the single track configuration of this section has been reduced to approximately one-third. The articles that are to be processed, e.g., the circuit boards discussed above, are not shown in the drawing. Such circuit boards are picked up by the transport rollers 12, when the transport rollers 12 lie on both sides of the circuit boards, which are then moved between these transport rollers in the required direction.
In the example shown in figure 3, the parts leaving section 9 are moved by a lifting system 14 to the particular track 15, 16, 17, and there moved on in the required direction and simultaneously processed, until then they are moved by an additional lifting system 14' into the plane of the section 11 and moved into this section.
In place of the three tracks shown in figure 3, only two tracks could be provided one above the other, and optionally more than three could be similarly arranged one above the other. The two last variations are not shown in the drawings.
In those cases when lowering the articles that are to be processed in several tracks or raising the same objects, o using the lifting system 14' shown in figure 3, are not possible in view of the small amount of time that is available to do this (if, for example, circuit boards with small dimensions in the direction of movement are to be processed), one can proceed as shown in figure 4. The parts that are to be processed are moved from section 9 to the upper track 18 of a section 24; they are then lowered from this by means of a lifting system 21 into the plane of the next track 18 in which the parts are then moved back in the opposite direction. After passing along this track and being lowered with the help of a lifting system 22 onto the plane of the track 18'', the parts are once again moved in the direction of movement of the track 18 so as to be moved by means of a further lifting system 23 to the plane of the section 11 and then moved onto this. ~Iere too, the versions for the similarly three-tracked embodiment shown in figure 3 apply with regard to the speeds v' and v, as well as to the reduction in length. The variation shown in figure 4 could also incorporate another uneven number of tracks, e.g., five.
The drive systems for the sections or areas shown are not incl~ded in these drawings. Thus, for example, it would be possible to provide a drive shaft, driven by a motor, that extends, for example, to the whole length of such a line or a machine. Then, the drives for the speeds v and v' could be taken off from this continuous shaft for the various sections. Were this done, the drives for the multi-track sections would have to be reduced in accordance with the cited ratios, i.e., in the example shown in figure 3, to one-half and in the example shown in figures 3 and 4, to one-third, this being done in the sense that the speed ofmovement v, v' are retained. ~hese take-offs can be in the form of bevel gears.
_ g
Claims (10)
1. In a process for handling individual articles or articles, in particular drilled circuit boards, in a single-pass machine with a plurality of handling stages, the parts passing through the machine at a speed of movement (v), at least one handling stage requiring more time than the remaining handling stages, the improvement wherein the handling stations that require a longer handling time are distributed amongst a number of parallel tracks n, n being greater than or equal to two, and wherein the speed of movement (v') of the parts that are to be processed through the tracks of this processing stage that are equal to each other is equal to v/n.
2. In an apparatus in the form of a single-pass machine consisting of a plurality of processing stations arranged in series one behind the other or sections, the improvement wherein the station (or stations) that require a longer processing time than the remaining stations consist of a plurality of parallel tracks wherein the processing is the same, and wherein means or systems for introducing the parts onto the individual tracks of a multi-track station and for handling within these individual tracks, as well as for removing them from these tracks and moving them to a further station are provided, and wherein a drive system for moving the parts to parallel tracks of such a system at a speed (v') is provided, this being in the relationship v'=v/n for the speed (v) of the parts through the whole system or line.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a common drive shaft that extends along the line of stations or processing stations, take-off drives running from this shaft to the individual stations, wherein the take-off drives to the parallel tracks of the stations hat are affected are stepped down according to said relationship relative to the take-off drives to the single track stations.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, comprising take-off drives that incorporate bevel gears.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the tracks that are parallel to each other in one station are arranged adjacent to each other.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein at the entrance and the exit from the tracks that are arranged parallel to each other there are means for the alternating feed of articles to one track and to the other track, or correspondingly remove the parts from the track in alternation.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein stations that correspond to parallel tracks are arranged one above the other.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the parts in the tracks move in identical directions.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the tracks that are arranged one above the other move the parts thereon in opposite directions.
10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising lifting or lowering means to bring the parts that are to be processed from the plane of one track to the plane of another track.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP3919735.2 | 1989-06-16 | ||
| DE3919735 | 1989-06-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2019097A1 true CA2019097A1 (en) | 1990-12-16 |
Family
ID=6382898
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002019097A Abandoned CA2019097A1 (en) | 1989-06-16 | 1990-06-15 | Process for handling individual articles in a single-pass machine, as well as an apparatus for carrying out this process |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0413098B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH03102010A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR910000497A (en) |
| AT (1) | AT401133B (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2019097A1 (en) |
| DD (1) | DD297940A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE59006753D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (19)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2714034B1 (en) * | 1993-12-21 | 1996-03-08 | Cazas Ets | Conveying method and device. |
| NL1000557C2 (en) * | 1994-06-15 | 1995-12-15 | Universal Instruments Corp | Multi-lane transport processing of printed circuit boards. |
| EP0768021A1 (en) * | 1995-04-28 | 1997-04-16 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Method of processing printed circuit boards and device therefore |
| DE19600827A1 (en) * | 1996-01-12 | 1997-07-17 | Greiz Plasttechnik | Cycled transporting of moulds holding refrigerator or freezer cabinets during insulation foaming |
| US6073342A (en) | 1996-11-27 | 2000-06-13 | Fuji Machine Mfg., Co., Ltd. | Circuit-substrate-related-operation performing system |
| DE50010887D1 (en) | 1999-12-16 | 2005-09-08 | Siemens Ag | FILLING DEVICE WITH SEVERAL TRANSPORT TRACKS FOR SUBSTRATES TO BE FITTED |
| DE10039201A1 (en) * | 2000-08-10 | 2002-02-28 | Siemens Ag | Method for operating a placement system, placement system for carrying out the method and transfer device for the placement system |
| JP5132856B2 (en) * | 2001-04-24 | 2013-01-30 | 東京エレクトロン株式会社 | Processing equipment |
| DE50200031D1 (en) * | 2002-06-04 | 2003-10-02 | Franz Binder Ges Mbh Holzindus | System for the mechanical classification of boards or beams |
| NL1033099C2 (en) * | 2006-12-20 | 2008-06-23 | Assembleon Bv | Component placement device as well as method for transporting carriers through such a component placement device. |
| DE102007003224A1 (en) * | 2007-01-15 | 2008-07-17 | Thieme Gmbh & Co. Kg | Processing line for plate-like elements, in particular solar cells, and method for processing plate-like elements |
| JP4763763B2 (en) * | 2008-09-30 | 2011-08-31 | 東京エレクトロン株式会社 | Resist coating development system |
| JP2010083610A (en) * | 2008-09-30 | 2010-04-15 | Tokyo Electron Ltd | Treatment system |
| JP4756076B2 (en) * | 2009-02-24 | 2011-08-24 | 東京エレクトロン株式会社 | Substrate processing system |
| JP5469507B2 (en) * | 2010-03-31 | 2014-04-16 | 大日本スクリーン製造株式会社 | Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method |
| DE202013002267U1 (en) * | 2013-03-08 | 2013-03-27 | Rippert Besitzgesellschaft Mbh & Co. Kg | Surface Treatment System |
| CN111246667B (en) * | 2020-01-16 | 2021-01-15 | 深圳市泰科思特精密工业有限公司 | Modular production line |
| CN111392360A (en) * | 2020-04-02 | 2020-07-10 | 东莞科耀机电设备有限公司 | Intelligent production system for drilling PCB (printed circuit board) and control method thereof |
| DE102022000627A1 (en) * | 2022-02-21 | 2023-08-24 | Grenzebach Bsh Gmbh | Process for drying plates and dryers |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1262327B (en) * | 1961-10-18 | 1968-03-07 | Ludwig Krempel U Co G M B H | Automatic transfer device for conveyor wagons, especially roller plates in foundries |
| DE2515829C2 (en) * | 1975-04-11 | 1982-12-02 | Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart | Transport system for linking workplaces |
| DE2644136A1 (en) * | 1976-09-30 | 1978-04-06 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Conveyor system for articles projecting downwards - with carriers moved by one side belt and sliding on track |
-
1990
- 1990-06-07 DE DE59006753T patent/DE59006753D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-06-07 EP EP90110746A patent/EP0413098B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-06-13 AT AT0127990A patent/AT401133B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1990-06-14 DD DD90341679A patent/DD297940A5/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1990-06-15 JP JP2155580A patent/JPH03102010A/en active Pending
- 1990-06-15 CA CA002019097A patent/CA2019097A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-06-15 KR KR1019900008785A patent/KR910000497A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| KR910000497A (en) | 1991-01-29 |
| AT401133B (en) | 1996-06-25 |
| DD297940A5 (en) | 1992-01-30 |
| DE59006753D1 (en) | 1994-09-15 |
| JPH03102010A (en) | 1991-04-26 |
| EP0413098B1 (en) | 1994-08-10 |
| ATA127990A (en) | 1995-10-15 |
| EP0413098A3 (en) | 1991-05-15 |
| EP0413098A2 (en) | 1991-02-20 |
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