Transfer device for vertical continuous plating line

Abstract

The invention provides a transfer device for a vertical continuous plating line. The transfer device comprises a support frame, a sleeve, a deflector rod mechanism and a track, the clamp is movably clamped on the track; the supporting frame is perpendicular to the advancing direction of the circuit board and fixed to the main machine frame. The sleeve is slidably arranged on the supporting frame in a sleeving mode. The track is parallel to the advancing direction, and the length of the track stretches across two adjacent cylinder bodies in a plating line; the shifting rod mechanism shifts the connecting clamp; the deflector rod mechanism and the track are fixed on the sleeve; the deflector rod mechanism and the track are both fixed on the same sleeve, so that the deflector rod mechanism and the track form an integral structure with uniform and fixed positions, accurate alignment of the deflector rod and the track can be completed at one time during installation and use, and the sleeve is always kept in a uniform working state in the lifting adjustment process along the support frame; the problems of frequent manual alignment, low alignment precision, easy deviation after lifting and the like caused by separated installation of a deflector rod mechanism and a track in the prior art are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electroplating equipment, and more particularly to a transfer device for a vertical continuous electroplating line. Background Technology

[0002] In circuit board electroplating, the vertical continuous electroplating line is the core equipment. It uses clamps to hold the circuit board, making the circuit board perpendicular to the ground, and runs along the track to complete the surface treatment and plating of the circuit board. A transfer device is set up to move the clamps on the track and drive the circuit board to move precisely between the cylinders. The transfer device that transfers the circuit board from one cylinder to the next is generally completed by the transfer device matching the track.

[0003] Existing transfer devices for vertical continuous electroplating lines generally separate the lever mechanism from the track, allowing them to operate independently. Patent application CN 112770513 A discloses a chemical deposition metal processing line and a unit transport structure, from paragraphs

[0076] to

[0080] of its specification, and the appendix... Figure 2 As can be seen from Figures 5 and 6, the existing technology uses an installation and operation method that separates the track from the lever mechanism.

[0004] It has the following defects:

[0005] (1) If the lever mechanism and the track are separate, they need to be installed and adjusted separately. Each time production is started or the circuit board specifications are changed, tedious alignment calibration is required, which is time-consuming and laborious, seriously slowing down the production efficiency of the production line. It is especially unsuitable for the needs of electroplating lines to produce multiple specifications of circuit boards alternately.

[0006] (2) Furthermore, during long-term use, the long-term vibration during equipment operation will cause the calibrated alignment relationship to shift again, requiring frequent re-alignment procedures, increasing maintenance costs and downtime losses.

[0007] Based on the above background and problems, there is a need to provide a transfer device for a vertical continuous electroplating line. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention aims to solve the comprehensive problems of frequent alignment or low alignment accuracy caused by the independent installation and matching operation of existing transfer devices and tracks. It provides a transfer device for a vertical continuous electroplating line. The transfer device is installed on the main frame of the electroplating line, which includes clamps for holding circuit boards. The transfer device includes a support frame, a sleeve, a lever mechanism, and a track. The clamps are movably engaged with the track. The support frame is perpendicular to the travel direction of the circuit boards and fixed to the main frame. The sleeve is slidably fitted onto the support frame. The track is parallel to the travel direction and its length spans two adjacent cylinders in the electroplating line. The lever mechanism actuates and connects to the clamps. Both the lever mechanism and the track are fixed to the sleeve.

[0009] Furthermore, the lever mechanism also includes a synchronous belt, a synchronous pulley, and a lever block; the clamp includes a protrusion; the synchronous belt and the synchronous pulley form a synchronous belt drive structure, and the lever block is fixed on the synchronous belt; the lever block is actuated and connected to the protrusion through the synchronous belt drive structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the lever mechanism also includes a pulley assembly, which is fixed to the timing belt, and the lever block is fixed to the pulley assembly.

[0011] Furthermore, the transfer device also includes a motor and a chain, the motor being connected to the sleeve via the chain for driving the sleeve to slide on the support frame.

[0012] Furthermore, the transfer device also includes a shaft and a gear; the motor is connected to the shaft for transmission, the gear is fixed on the shaft, the chain is meshed with the gear, and one end of the chain is fixed to the sleeve.

[0013] Furthermore, the lever mechanism also includes a sensor, which is fixed at both ends of the synchronous belt drive structure, and the pulley assembly is fixed with a sensing baffle corresponding to the sensor.

[0014] Furthermore, the two adjacent cylinder blocks include a first cylinder block and a second cylinder block, and the track extends from the first cylinder block to the second cylinder block.

[0015] Furthermore, a conductive copper block is provided on the track, and a conductive brush is provided on the clamp, with the conductive brush electrically connected to the conductive copper block in contact.

[0016] Furthermore, the conductive copper block is disposed on the track portion corresponding to the second cylinder.

[0017] Furthermore, the track is also equipped with a vibrator, which is configured corresponding to the clamp.

[0018] This technical solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] (1) By fixing both the lever mechanism and the track on the same sleeve, the two form a fixed overall structure, which can complete the precise installation and alignment of the lever and the track in one go. The sleeve moves together during the lifting and lowering adjustment along the support frame to maintain the initial calibration state. This solves the problems of low precision, easy deviation after lifting and lowering, and decreased precision after long-term use caused by the separate installation of the lever mechanism and the track in the prior art.

[0020] (2) By setting the track parallel to the direction of the circuit board’s travel and spanning two adjacent cylinders, and cooperating with the lever mechanism to drive the clamp, the clamp holds the circuit board to move directly and continuously between the two cylinders without relying on an additional transition transmission mechanism. This solves the problems of “process connection interruption, long circuit board exposure time, and easy bending or scratching due to detachment from support” caused by traditional multi-stage transfer, ensuring production continuity, reducing the circuit board transfer damage rate, and simplifying the equipment structure to meet the needs of continuous electroplating production. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view of the transfer device of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rear of the transfer device of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall operation of the transfer device of the present invention.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10, Transfer device; 1010, Clamp; 1011, Protrusion; 1012, Conductive brush; 1020, Support frame; 1030, Sleeve; 1040, Lever mechanism; 1041, Synchronous belt; 1042, Synchronous pulley; 1043, Lever block; 1044, Roller pulley block; 1045, Support rod; 1046, Sensor; 1050, Track; 1051, Conductive copper block; 1052, Vibrator; 1053, Protective frame; 1060, Motor; 1070, Chain; 1080, Shaft; 1090, Gear; 100, First cylinder; 200, Second cylinder.

[0026] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0029] To better understand the above technical solution, the following detailed explanation is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 1 This is a front view of the transfer device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rear of the transfer device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall operation of the transfer device of the present invention.

[0031] The vertical continuous electroplating line transfer device 10 of this embodiment is mounted on the main frame of the electroplating line. The electroplating line includes a clamp 1010 for holding circuit boards. The transfer device 10 includes a support frame 1020, a sleeve 1030, a lever mechanism 1040, and a track 1050. The clamp 1010 is movably engaged with the track 1050. The support frame 1020 is perpendicular to the travel direction of the circuit board and is fixed to the main frame. The sleeve 1030 is slidably fitted onto the support frame 1020. The track 1050 is parallel to the travel direction and its length spans two adjacent cylinders in the electroplating line. The lever mechanism 1040 actuates the connecting clamp 1010. Both the lever mechanism 1040 and the track 1050 are fixed to the sleeve 1030.

[0032] By fixing both the lever mechanism 1040 and the track 1050 to the sleeve 1030, a unified and fixed positional relationship is formed between them. This avoids the problems caused by the separate structure in the prior art, which leads to the lever mechanism 1040 and the track 1050 shifting due to lifting and lowering, requiring recalibration.

[0033] Furthermore, since the track 1050 is parallel to the direction of the circuit board's travel and spans two adjacent cylinders, after the transfer device 10 is installed, the lever mechanism 1040 starts to move the connecting clamp 1010. The driven clamp 1010 slides along the track 1050, directly transporting the clamp 1010 from one cylinder to another, realizing continuous cross-cylinder processing of the circuit board. In contrast, the track between cylinders is a segmented splicing structure, and each lifting and lowering requires independent re-alignment.

[0034] Furthermore, the lever mechanism 1040 also includes a synchronous belt 1041, a synchronous pulley 1042, and a lever block 1043; the clamp 1010 includes a protrusion 1011; the synchronous belt 1041 and the synchronous pulley 1042 form a synchronous belt drive structure, and the lever block 1043 is fixed on the synchronous belt 1041; the lever block 1043 actuates the protrusion 1011 through the synchronous belt 1041 drive structure.

[0035] The specific working process is as follows: The power system of the transfer device 10 (i.e., a stepper motor, not shown in the figure) drives the synchronous pulley 1042 to rotate in the forward direction. The synchronous belt 1041 follows the rotation of the synchronous pulley 1042. The shift block 1043 is fixed on the synchronous belt 1041 and moves forward as the synchronous belt 1041 rotates. When the shift block 1043 moves to contact the protrusion 1011 on the clamp 1010, the shift block 1043 abuts against the protrusion 1011 and applies a forward push. The force drives the clamp 1010 to move forward until the clamp 1010 moves from one cylinder to another cylinder spanned by the track. At this time, the power system (i.e., the stepper motor) moves in reverse, driving the synchronous wheel 1042 to rotate in the opposite direction. The lever 1043 retracts. Since the lever 1043 is in a fixed state that can be partially rotated, when it encounters the protrusion 1011 of the next piece of furniture, the lever 1043 rotates upward and retracts, passes over the protrusion 1011, and falls down. Then the above working process continues to be repeated.

[0036] Furthermore, the lever mechanism 1040 also includes a pulley assembly 1044, which is fixed to the timing belt 1041, and the lever block 1043 is fixed to the pulley assembly 1044.

[0037] The pulley assembly 1044 is fixed on the synchronous belt 1041. The lever mechanism 1040 also includes a support rod 1045 parallel to the synchronous belt 1041. The pulley of the pulley assembly 1044 is slidably engaged with the support rod 1045. The support rod 1045 provides rigid support for the pulley assembly 1044. Driven by the synchronous belt 1041, the pulley assembly 1044 slides smoothly along the support rod 1045. The lever block 1043 fixed on the pulley assembly 1044 moves accordingly and finally makes precise contact with and abuts against the protrusion 1011, driving the clamp 1010 to move forward along the track 1050.

[0038] It is worth noting that the support rod 1045 bears the overall weight of the pulley block 1044 and the shift block 1043, while the timing belt 1041 only provides a guiding and driving function. This can prevent the timing belt 1041 from stretching, cracking, or loosening of the engagement between the timing belt and the timing pulley 1042 due to long-term vertical load, significantly extend the service life of the timing belt 1041, reduce the overall failure risk of the transmission system, and improve the long-term reliability of the transfer device 10.

[0039] Furthermore, the transfer device 10 also includes a motor 1060 and a chain 1070. The motor 1060 is connected to the sleeve 1030 via the chain 1070 and is used to drive the sleeve 1030 to slide on the support frame 1020.

[0040] Furthermore, the transfer device 10 also includes a shaft 1080 and a gear 1090; the motor 1060 is connected to the shaft 1080 for transmission, the gear 1090 is fixed on the shaft 1080, the chain 1070 is meshed with the gear 1090, and one end of the chain 1070 is fixed on the sleeve 1030.

[0041] The gear 1090 includes a first gear 1091 and a second gear 1092, and the chain 1070 includes a first chain 1071 and a second chain 1072.

[0042] The working process of this embodiment is as follows: The motor 1060 is fixed on the main frame of the electroplating line (not shown in the figure) and starts to transmit power to the shaft 1080. The shaft 1080 rotates stably under the support of the bearing fixed to the support frame 1020. The first gear 1091 and the second gear 1092 at both ends of the shaft 1080 rotate synchronously with the shaft 1080 and form meshing transmission with the first chain 1071 and the second chain 1072 respectively. The first gear 1091 drives one end of the first chain 1071 to move upward (or downward), and the second gear 1092 synchronously drives one end of the second chain 1072 to move in the same direction. Since the other ends of the first chain 1071 and the second chain 1072 are both fixed to the sleeve 1030, the linear movement of the chain 1070 drives the sleeve 1030 to slide along the support frame 1020 through the pulling action.

[0043] Furthermore, the lever mechanism 1040 also includes a sensor 1046, which is fixed at both ends of the synchronous belt 1041 transmission structure, and the pulley assembly 1044 is fixed with a sensing baffle corresponding to the sensor 1046.

[0044] Sensor 1046 and sensing baffle sense the position of pulley block 1044 and regulate the start and stop of synchronous belt 1041 drive to ensure stable operation of lever block 1043.

[0045] The sensor 1046 in this embodiment includes at least a front-end sensor and a rear-end sensor, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the synchronous belt movement range corresponding to the lever mechanism 1040. The specific working process is as follows: when the synchronous belt 1041 drives the pulley block 1044 to move along the support rod 1045, the sensing baffle fixed to the pulley block 1044 moves synchronously with it. When the sensing baffle reaches the detection range of the front-end sensor, the system controls the motor 1060 to decelerate and stop the synchronous wheel 1042 from running. Similarly, when the pulley block 1044 drives the lever block 1043 to reset, after the rear-end sensor detects the sensing baffle, the system controls the motor 1060 to decelerate and stop the synchronous wheel 1042 from running, so that the lever block 1043 accurately stops at the starting position of the next lever, preparing to drive the next clamp 1010.

[0046] Furthermore, the two adjacent cylinder blocks include a first cylinder block 100 and a second cylinder block 200, with the track 1050 extending from the first cylinder block 100 to the second cylinder block 200.

[0047] The specific working process is as follows: After the fixture 1010 clamps the circuit board and completes the processing (e.g., pre-processing) in the first cylinder 100, the sleeve 1030 slides upward along the support frame 1020 under the drive of the motor 1060, driving the track 1050 and the fixture 1010 to rise synchronously, lifting the circuit board from the chemical solution in the first cylinder 100. At this time, the lever mechanism 1040 is activated, the motor 1060 drives the synchronous pulley 1042 to rotate, and the synchronous belt 1041 drives the pulley block 104. 4. Move along the support rod 1045, and the lever 1043 fixed to the pulley block 1044 moves forward to push the protrusion 1011 on the clamp 1010, so that the clamp 1010 slides along the track 1050 spanning the two cylinders. After the clamp 1010 moves above the second cylinder 200, the sleeve 1030 slides down along the support frame 1020, driving the track 1050 and the clamp 1010 to descend synchronously, accurately immersing the circuit board into the second cylinder 200, and continuing to complete further processing (e.g., electroplating).

[0048] Furthermore, a conductive copper block 1051 is provided on the track 1050, and a conductive brush 1012 is provided on the clamp 1010. The conductive brush 1012 is electrically connected to the conductive copper block 1051 through contact.

[0049] Because the pretreatment in the first tank 100 before electroplating will form a fresh activated metal layer on the surface of the circuit board, if the conductivity is interrupted, the activated metal layer is easily impacted by the current when entering the solution in the second tank 200, which will cause damage to the activated metal layer and reduce the adhesion between the subsequent plating layer and the substrate. Therefore, the continuous contact between the conductive brush 1012 and the conductive copper block 1051 ensures that the current is not interrupted. Even during the cross-tank movement, the surface of the circuit board can maintain the activated state through a weak current. The current in the second tank 200 is balanced with the solution when entering the second tank 200, reducing the current impact and ensuring the uniformity of the plating layer formed by the electroplating process.

[0050] Furthermore, the conductive copper block 1051 is disposed on the portion of the track 1050 corresponding to the second cylinder 200.

[0051] That is, the conductive copper block 1051 is only specifically set in the part of the track 1050 corresponding to the second cylinder 200, and the track segment 1050 corresponding to the first cylinder 100 is not equipped with the conductive copper block 1051.

[0052] The specific working process is as follows: When the fixture 1010 moves above the second cylinder 200, the conductive brush 1012 enters the area covered by the conductive copper block 1051 of the track 1050 simultaneously with the fixture 1010, and forms a tight contact electrical connection with the conductive copper block 1051. After the electroplating process is completed, the lever mechanism 1040 drives the fixture 1010 to leave the area of ​​the second cylinder 200 along the track 1050, and the conductive brush 1012 disengages from the conductive copper block 1051, and the circuit is automatically disconnected to avoid unnecessary conductivity.

[0053] Furthermore, the track 1050 is also equipped with a vibrator 1052, which is set in relation to the clamp 1010.

[0054] After the circuit board is lifted out of the first cylinder 100, it is exposed to the air. The chemical solution in the through holes on the surface flows out and enters the second cylinder 200. The chemical solution instantly seals the through holes. Since the surface tension of water may cause air bubbles to be trapped in the through holes, a vibrator 1052 is set on the track 1050 to generate high-frequency micro-amplitude vibration. When the circuit board enters the chemical solution in the second cylinder 200, the air bubbles in the through holes are shaken out in time, ensuring the exchange effect of the chemical solution and thus preventing problems such as no copper or thin copper in the holes during electroplating.

[0055] It is worth noting that the track 1050 is also equipped with a protective frame 1053 that precisely corresponds to the clamp 1010. When the clamp 1010 holds the circuit board and immerses it in the cylinder, the protective frame 1053 forms a semi-enclosed structure around the circuit board, providing a rigid blocking effect. This can effectively prevent the circuit board from directly colliding with the cylinder wall and other components, and can also prevent the thin circuit board from bending or rubbing its edges due to excessive swaying. At the same time, it does not hinder the flow and reaction of the chemicals on the surface of the circuit board, thus ensuring the processing quality of the circuit board.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present invention using the description and drawings of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A transfer device for a vertical continuous electroplating line, the transfer device being installed on a main frame of the electroplating line, the electroplating line comprising a clamp for clamping a circuit board; characterized in that, the transfer device comprises a support frame, a sleeve, a lever mechanism and a track; the clamp is movably connected to the track; the support frame is perpendicular to a moving direction of the circuit board and is fixed to the main frame; the sleeve is slidably arranged on the support frame; the track is parallel to the moving direction and has a length spanning two adjacent cylinder bodies in the electroplating line; the lever mechanism drives the clamp; the lever mechanism and the track are both fixed to the sleeve.

2. A transfer device for a vertical continuous electroplating line as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the lever mechanism further comprises a synchronous belt, a synchronous wheel and a lever block; the clamp comprises a protrusion; the synchronous belt and the synchronous wheel form a synchronous belt transmission structure, and the lever block is fixed to the synchronous belt; the lever block drives the protrusion through the synchronous belt transmission structure.

3. A transfer device for a vertical continuous electroplating line as defined in claim 2, characterized in that the lever mechanism further comprises a wheel slide set, the wheel slide set is fixed to the synchronous belt, and the lever block is fixed to the wheel slide set.

4. The transfer device for a vertical continuous electroplating line of claim 1, wherein the transfer device further comprises a motor and a chain, the motor drives the sleeve to slide on the support frame through the chain.

5. A transfer device for a vertical continuous electroplating line as defined in claim 4, characterized in that the transfer device further comprises a shaft and a gear; the motor is in transmission connection with the shaft, the gear is fixed to the shaft, the chain is in meshing connection with the gear, and one end of the chain is fixed to the sleeve.

6. The transfer device for a vertical continuous electroplating line of claim 3, wherein the lever mechanism further comprises a sensor, the sensor is fixed to both ends of the synchronous belt transmission structure, and the wheel slide set is fixed with an inductive baffle corresponding to the sensor.

7. The transfer device for the vertical continuous electroplating line according to claim 1, characterized in that, the two adjacent cylinder bodies comprise a first cylinder body and a second cylinder body, the track spans from the first cylinder body to the second cylinder body.

8. The transfer device for the vertical continuous electroplating line according to claim 7, characterized in that, a conductive copper block is arranged on the track, and a conductive brush is arranged on the clamp, the conductive brush is in contact electric connection with the conductive copper block.

9. A transfer device for a vertical continuous electroplating line as defined in claim 8, characterized in that the conductive copper block is arranged on the track corresponding to the second cylinder body.

10. The transfer device for a vertical continuous electroplating line of claim 1, wherein, the track is further provided with a vibrator, and the vibrator is arranged corresponding to the clamp.

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