Apparatus Used in an Electroplating Process for Holding Workpieces

Abstract

An apparatus for holding a plurality of workpieces to be electroplated includes at least one container immersed in and rotatable relative to a plating solution. The container includes two end plates, and a surrounding plate cooperating with the end plates to define a receiving space adapted to receive the workpieces, and an opening adapted for entry and exit of the workpieces into and out of the receiving space. The surrounding plate includes a curved sliding section having two opposite first and second ends, a tumbling section that is adapted to allow the workpieces to tumble thereon when the container is rotated and that has a third end connected to the first end, and a fourth end opposite to the third end, and a plurality of through holes formed in the sliding and tumbling sections. The opening is disposed between the second and fourth ends.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to an apparatus, more particularly to an apparatus for holding a plurality of workpieces to be electroplated.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional barrel 1 used in an electroplating process is immersed in a plating solution 19 which is contained in a plating tank 18. The barrel 1 is formed with a plurality of through holes 14 to permit flow of the plating solution 19 there through, and includes a conductive piece 13 at the center of the barrel 1, a top opening 15, and a cover plate 16 to openably close the top opening 15. Two transmission gears 12 (only one is shown) are respectively provided on two opposite sides of the barrel 1. The barrel 1 has six flat surfaces 17. Each two adjacent ones of the flat surfaces 17 define therebetween a specific angle.[0005]When electroplating of small workpieces 10, such as screws, is desired, the cover plate 16 is first ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for holding a plurality of

Problems solved by technology

However, because the workpieces 10 undergo a vigorous tumbling action as they move from one flat surface 17 to another flat surface 17, and since the workpieces 10 are made of metal, when the workpieces 10 bump into each other, the surfaces thereof are easily damaged, thereby adversely affecting the final quality of the electroplated workpieces 10.

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