Electroplating apparatus and method for metal surface treatment

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of electroplating device and method for metal surface treatment, specifically relates to metal electroplating technical field, the electroplating device includes roller assembly and electroplating bath, roller assembly includes roller and roller support, roller rotation is arranged on roller support, through hole is arranged on the side wall of roller, the inside of roller is provided with partition plate, partition plate is fixedly connected with roller support, partition plate is relatively rotated with roller assembly, the top and bottom of partition plate are provided with jet orifice, the inside of partition plate is provided with flow cavity.The application is output electroplating liquid flow by being provided with in electroplating liquid supply equipment jet orifice, for some suspended, erratic parts, will follow electroplating liquid flow and form upward or downward movement, to promote suspended parts to gather to corresponding area, when roller rolls, all parts have opportunity to form electrically conductive connection with the electroplating cathode in roller, improve the electroplating effect of such parts, reduce electroplating failure rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metal electroplating technology, and more specifically, to an electroplating apparatus and method for metal surface treatment. Background Technology

[0002] Electroplating is a surface treatment technology that uses the principle of electrolysis to deposit a layer of metal or alloy on the surface of a conductive material. Its basic principle is based on an electrolytic reaction. The part to be plated is used as the cathode (connected to the negative terminal of the power supply), and a metal anode (such as a copper, nickel, or zinc plate) or an inert anode is used as the anode (connected to the positive terminal). Both are immersed in an electrolyte (electroplating solution) containing ions of the metal to be plated. After an electric current is applied, the metal ions in the solution gain electrons on the cathode surface, are reduced to metal atoms, and are deposited as a dense plating layer.

[0003] For small, numerous, simple-shaped parts that are difficult to hang, barrel plating is typically used. The core principle of barrel plating is to use a rotating drum instead of traditional hangers to support and plate small parts. The drum has many small holes (usually a mesh or a series of perforations). When the drum is placed in the plating solution, the solution enters through these holes. Inside the drum are cathode conductive devices (such as a "trunk," conductive rod, or several contacts distributed on the inner wall). The drum rotates slowly under the drive of a motor (usually a few to a dozen revolutions per minute). The parts tumble and mix inside the drum as it rotates. During this tumbling process, the parts randomly come into contact with these conductive points, thus receiving an electric current and causing the plating reaction to occur.

[0004] During the barrel plating process, due to the large number of parts, they will be deposited downwards in the barrel and will come into contact with each other. When one part comes into contact with a conductive point, almost all the parts that are in contact will also become conductive to each other. As the barrel continues to roll, all parts can eventually be fully electroplated.

[0005] For some special parts, such as hollow metal ornaments and thin-walled hollow metal structural parts, they have a certain buoyancy in water. In the actual barrel plating process, it is only necessary to fully immerse the barrel in the electroplating solution so that most of the parts can float up and gather at the top of the barrel, which is the same as the effect of being deposited at the bottom of the barrel.

[0006] However, since the precision requirements for these parts are not high and each part has a certain degree of error, the density of some parts after molding is not much different from the density of the electroplating solution. Some parts will sink to the bottom of the drum, while others are prone to forming a certain suspended state in the electroplating solution inside the drum. For the suspended parts, the probability of contact between them and the inner wall of the drum or the parts gathered at the top of the drum is relatively low when the drum is tumbling, resulting in a relatively poor electroplating effect and increasing the product defect rate. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides an electroplating apparatus and method for metal surface treatment, which aims to solve the problem that some parts tend to form a certain suspension state in the electroplating solution inside the drum. For the suspended parts, the probability of contact between the drum inner wall or the parts gathered at the top of the drum is relatively low when the drum is tumbling, resulting in a relatively poor electroplating effect and increasing the product defect rate.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an electroplating apparatus for metal surface treatment, comprising a roller assembly and an electroplating tank, the roller assembly comprising a roller and a roller support, the roller being rotatably mounted on the roller support, a through hole being provided on the side wall of the roller, an electroplating anode being provided in the electroplating tank, and an electroplating cathode being provided in the roller, wherein during electroplating, the roller is immersed in the electroplating solution in the electroplating tank, a partition plate being provided inside the roller, the partition plate being fixedly connected to the roller support, and the partition plate being rotatably engaged with the roller assembly;

[0009] The top and bottom of the partition plate are provided with spray holes, the interior of the partition plate is provided with a flow equalization chamber, the roller support is provided with an electroplating solution input pipe, the electroplating solution input pipe is connected to the flow equalization chamber, and the flow equalization chamber is connected to the spray holes;

[0010] The electroplating solution input pipe is connected to an electroplating solution supply device, which is used to input the electroplating solution into the flow equalization chamber and to output the electroplating solution flow from each spray hole.

[0011] Preferably, expansion and diffusion components are provided in both the upper and lower regions of the partition plate, and limiting plates are fixedly connected to both ends of the partition plate. The expansion and diffusion components are located in the limiting region between the two limiting plates. The expansion and diffusion components include at least one set of extrusion parts that can move towards the inner wall of the drum. After the drum is fully immersed in the electroplating solution, the expansion and diffusion components are controlled to expand inside the drum, so that the extrusion parts move upward or downward towards the inner wall of the drum. Angled nozzles are provided at the top and bottom of both sides of the partition plate. The angled nozzles are connected to the flow equalization chamber, and the output ports of each angled nozzle are inclined towards the middle region of the partition plate.

[0012] Preferably, the expansion and diffusion assembly can be a flexible expansion and diffusion assembly, which includes a flexible cover plate, which is an extrusion component. The two sides of the flexible cover plate are fixedly connected to the two side surfaces of the partition plate. The flexible cover plate is elastic, and the ends of the flexible cover plate are in sliding contact with the limiting plate. The flexible cover plate is provided with a plurality of first fine flow holes. The total flow area of ​​the first fine flow holes on the flexible cover plate is smaller than the total flow area of ​​the corresponding jet holes on the partition plate in the area covered by the flexible cover plate.

[0013] Preferably, the end of the flexible cover plate is slidably engaged with the limiting plate, and the end of the flexible cover plate is provided with a side flange at the position corresponding to the limiting plate. The side flange is outwardly protruding, and the flexible cover plate is provided with a plurality of parallel reinforcing inner lining rods arranged along the length direction of the flexible cover plate.

[0014] Preferably, the expansion and diffusion assembly is a deformable plate expansion and diffusion assembly, which includes two extrusion plates, which are extrusion components. The two extrusion plates are rotatably connected, and a connecting plate is provided on the side of the two extrusion plates that is far away from each other. The side of the connecting plate that is far away from the extrusion plate is slidably engaged with the surface of the partition plate. The connecting plate has the ability to rotate when sliding on the surface of the partition plate. Multiple second fine flow holes are provided on the extrusion plates. The ends of the extrusion plates and the connecting plates are slidably engaged with the corresponding limiting plates. The total flow area of ​​the second fine flow holes on the extrusion plates is smaller than the total flow area of ​​the corresponding jet holes on the partition plate in the area covered by the extrusion plate.

[0015] Preferably, a guide dividing plate is rotatably connected at the rotatable connection of the two extrusion plates. The guide dividing plate is vertically slidably installed inside the partition plate. The guide dividing plate divides the area between the two extrusion plates and the partition plate into two independent spaces. Two flow equalization chambers are provided inside the partition plate. Two sets of jet holes are set at the top of the partition plate and two sets of jet holes are set at the bottom of the partition plate. The four sets of jet holes are respectively set for the four extrusion plates. The upper and lower sets of jet holes on the same side are connected to the flow equalization chamber on the corresponding side.

[0016] Preferably, movable frames are provided on both sides of the partition plate, and the oblique nozzles on both sides of the partition plate are set in the movable frames. A piston rod is fixedly connected to the movable frame in the area corresponding to the partition plate. A piston chamber is provided inside the partition plate in the area corresponding to the movable frame. The piston rod is slidably installed in the piston chamber. A through channel connecting the flow equalization chamber and the oblique nozzle is provided inside the piston rod. An elastic element is provided between the piston rod and the partition plate. The elastic element is used to make the movable frame move closer to the partition plate. The roller is an odd-numbered polygonal cylinder.

[0017] Preferably, the roller support is provided with a roller rotation drive assembly for driving the roller to rotate, the roller support is provided with a transmission gear set and a motor structure, the roller is provided with a driven gear, and the roller rotation drive assembly also includes a rotary motor, which drives the transmission gear set and the driven gear through transmission.

[0018] Preferably, the electroplating tank is provided with a roller movement drive assembly, which includes a lifting drive and a translation drive. The translation drive is installed on the electroplating tank, the lifting drive is installed at the output end of the translation drive, and the roller support is located at the output end of the lifting drive.

[0019] An electroplating method for metal surface treatment includes the following steps:

[0020] Step 1: Feed the parts into the drum through the feeding gate on the drum and close the feeding gate;

[0021] Step 2: Control the roller support to descend using the lifting drive, so that the roller enters the electroplating tank and is completely immersed in the electroplating solution;

[0022] Step 3: Drive the drum to generate a tumbling motion through the drum rotation drive assembly, and energize the electroplating anode and electroplating cathode to start electroplating;

[0023] Step 4: Pump the electroplating solution into the flow equalization chamber and output the electroplating solution from the spray hole, so that two electroplating solution flows in opposite directions are formed above and below the partition plate, causing the suspended parts to move to the corresponding part aggregation area.

[0024] Step 5: After electroplating is completed, disconnect the power supply to the electroplating anode and cathode, and control the roller support to rise so that the roller leaves the electroplating solution.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0026] This invention, through the electroplating solution supply device, outputs electroplating solution from the spray nozzle. For some suspended and drifting parts, they will follow the electroplating solution flow and move upward or downward, thereby causing the suspended parts to gather in the corresponding area. Then, during the actual electroplating process, when the drum rolls, all parts have the opportunity to form a conductive connection with the electroplating cathode inside the drum, completing the electroplating, improving the electroplating effect of such parts, and reducing the electroplating defect rate.

[0027] This invention utilizes an electroplating solution supply device as an electroplating solution renewal device to achieve real-time renewal of the electroplating solution in the electroplating tank. Furthermore, the spray nozzles directly output new electroplating solution inside the drum assembly, ensuring the effectiveness of the electroplating solution within the drum and guaranteeing its real-time renewal. Simultaneously, the electroplating solution flow formed by the spray nozzles accelerates the outflow of gas generated during the reaction from the drum, preventing the formation of bubbles that adhere to the surface of the parts and affect electroplating. It also carries away some of the waste residue generated during the turnover process, further improving the electroplating quality. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the roller assembly of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of the roller movement drive assembly of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the state of the drum descending into the electroplating tank according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the partition plate in the drum of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a state diagram of the electroplating solution being output from the spray holes above and below the separator plate of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention when flexible integral expansion and diffusion components are arranged above and below the partition plate;

[0035] Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 7 Enlarged view of the A-section structure;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the engagement state between the end of the flexible expansion and diffusion component of the present invention and the limiting plate;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention, which includes a deformable plate-type expansion and diffusion assembly disposed above and below a partition plate.

[0038] Figure 11 For the present invention Figure 10 Enlarged view of the structure of section B;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the retracted state of the deformable plate expansion diffuser assembly of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of the electroplating method of the present invention.

[0041] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Roller assembly; 11. Roller; 111. Feed gate; 12. Roller support; 13. Roller rotation drive assembly; 2. Electroplating tank; 21. Lifting driver; 22. Translation driver; 23. Electroplating solution circulation assembly; 3. Divider plate; 31. Spray hole; 32. Electroplating solution input pipe; 33. Flow equalization chamber; 34. Limiting plate; 35. Angled nozzle; 36. Movable frame; 37. Piston chamber; 38. Piston rod; 4. Flexible body expansion and diffusion assembly; 41. Flexible cover plate; 42. First fine flow hole; 43. Side flange; 44. Reinforcing inner liner rod; 5. Deformable plate expansion and diffusion assembly; 51. Extrusion plate; 52. Connecting plate; 53. Second fine flow hole; 54. Guide dividing plate. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following specific embodiments are only used to further illustrate the present application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present application. Those skilled in the art can make some non-essential improvements and adjustments to the present application based on the above application content.

[0043] Refer to the instruction manual appendix Figure 1 and Figure 2 An electroplating apparatus for metal surface treatment includes a roller assembly 1 and an electroplating tank 2. The roller assembly 1 includes a roller 11 and a roller support 12. The roller 11 is rotatably mounted on the roller support 12. A through hole is provided on the side wall of the roller 11. A roller rotation drive assembly 13 for driving the roller 11 to rotate is provided on the roller support 12. The electroplating tank 2 stores an electroplating solution. A roller movement drive assembly is provided on the electroplating tank 2. The roller movement drive assembly is used to drive the roller support 12 to rise and fall on the electroplating tank 2 so as to control the roller 11 to be completely immersed in the electroplating solution. In addition, since electroplating is usually combined with other processes, in order to facilitate the movement of the roller 11 to other stations, the roller movement drive assembly can also drive the roller support 12 to produce translational movement so as to facilitate transfer between stations before and after electroplating.

[0044] Electroplating tank 2 is equipped with electroplating anodes, such as corresponding metal plates or metal blocks, which are connected to the positive terminal of the power supply and do not rotate with the drum. Electroplating cathodes are equipped with conductive structures such as embedded conductive ridges / strips, cathode conductive rods (also called "conductive whips" or "flexible cathode contacts"), which are connected to the negative terminal of the power supply. For embedded conductive ridges / strips, since they need to rotate with the drum 11, carbon brushes or copper busbar slip rings are also required between the drum support 12 and the drum 11 to connect the embedded conductive ridges / strips to the negative terminal of the power supply.

[0045] For the rotation of the drum 11, a transmission gear set and a motor structure can be set on the drum support 12, and a gear structure can also be set at the corresponding end of the drum 11 as a driven gear. Thus, the rotation of the drum 11 is driven by the motor driving the transmission gear set and the driven gear. The side wall of the drum 11 is also provided with a feeding door 111, and is equipped with an openable door panel structure to facilitate the insertion and removal of parts to be electroplated. As for the specific structure of the drum 11, the setting of the through holes, the material of the drum 11, the arrangement of the transmission gear set, and the setting of the electroplating anode and electroplating cathode, These are all standard solutions in the barrel plating process, so they will not be discussed in detail in this embodiment. In addition, the electroplating tank 2 is also equipped with an electroplating solution circulation component 23, which is used to circulate and replenish the electroplating solution into the electroplating tank 2 (such as a dedicated electroplating solution supply pump and corresponding output devices in the electroplating tank 2, and the industrial pump for electroplating solution can be a magnetically driven centrifugal pump, magnetically driven centrifugal pump, etc.), as well as an electroplating solution recycling device for recovering and filtering the electroplating solution in the electroplating tank 2 for reuse. Such equipment is also standard equipment in the electroplating process, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0046] Regarding the motion drive of roller 11, the roller movement drive assembly must at least have a structure capable of controlling the lifting and lowering of roller support 12. That is, refer to the attached instruction manual. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The roller movement drive assembly includes at least a lifting driver 21, which is mounted on the electroplating tank 2. The roller support 12 is mounted on the output end of the lifting driver 21. The lifting driver 21 controls the roller 11 to move up and down to enter and leave the electroplating solution. Simultaneously, a translation driver 22 can also be mounted on the electroplating tank 2. The lifting driver 21 is mounted on the output end of the translation driver 22. The translation driver 22 controls the lateral movement of the lifting driver 21 to achieve translational drive of the roller 11. In addition, if necessary, other movement drive devices can be added to increase the degree of freedom of the roller 11. The aforementioned movement drive devices can not only be used for changing the work position of the roller 11, but also control the roller 11 to move to a certain extent in the electroplating solution during the electroplating process to improve the contact effect between the parts and the electroplating solution. The aforementioned translation driver 22 and lifting driver 21 can be selected from various linear drive devices such as cylinders and linear motors. The specific selection method is not described in detail in this embodiment.

[0047] Among them, refer to the appendix of the instruction manual Figure 4 and Figure 5 The roller 11 has a partition plate 3 inside, which is fixedly connected to the roller support 12. The partition plate 3 and the roller assembly 1 are rotatably connected. Specifically, the two ends of the partition plate 3 can be provided with a rotating shaft structure to be directly fixedly installed to the roller support 12, and the end plates at both ends of the roller 11 can be rotatably installed with the rotating shaft structure at the end of the partition plate 3 to achieve the above-mentioned connection. At the same time, the roller 11 can adopt an assembly structure. The roller 11 is first assembled with the partition plate 3, and then assembled with the roller support 12. The top and bottom sides of the partition plate 3 are provided with ramps so that falling or rising parts are not blocked. In addition, the top and bottom of the partition plate 3 are provided with spray holes 31. The partition plate 3 has a flow equalization cavity 33 inside. The roller support 12 is provided with an electroplating solution input pipe 32, which is connected to the flow equalization cavity 33 and the spray holes 31.

[0048] The electroplating solution inlet pipe 32 is connected to an electroplating solution supply device, such as a corrosion-resistant pipe for electroplating solution (e.g., polypropylene, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipe, the specific choice depends on the actual electroplating requirements), and an electroplating solution supply pump (refer to the dedicated electroplating solution supply pump in the electroplating solution circulation component 23). The electroplating solution supply pump directly inputs high-pressure electroplating solution into the flow equalization chamber 33, and causes each spray hole 31 to output electroplating solution flow, thereby forming two electroplating solution flows, one upward and one downward, inside the drum 11.

[0049] In actual use, please refer to the instruction manual attached. Figure 6 For hollow, buoyant parts, those that can float will gather directly in the upper part of the drum 11 after it is fully immersed in the electroplating solution. For parts that can sink, they will sink directly to the bottom of the drum 11 and gather. The slopes at the top and bottom of the partition plate 3 will not obstruct the parts. After the electroplating solution supply equipment outputs the electroplating solution from the spray hole 31, some suspended, drifting parts will follow the electroplating solution flow and move upward or downward, thus causing the suspended parts to gather in the corresponding area. In the actual electroplating process, when the drum 11 rolls, all parts have the opportunity to form a conductive connection with the electroplating cathode inside the drum 11 to complete the electroplating, improve the electroplating effect of such parts, and reduce the electroplating defect rate.

[0050] Furthermore, as the electroplating process continues in the electroplating tank 2, the used electroplating solution needs to be output and recycled, and new electroplating solution needs to be continuously supplied. The electroplating solution supply equipment can be directly used as the electroplating solution renewal equipment in the electroplating solution circulation component 23 to realize the real-time renewal of the electroplating solution in the electroplating tank 2. Since the spray hole 31 outputs new electroplating solution directly inside the drum assembly 1, the effectiveness of the electroplating solution in the drum 11 can be ensured, and the real-time renewal of the electroplating solution in the drum 11 can be guaranteed. At the same time, the electroplating solution flow formed by the spray hole 31 can also accelerate the flow of gas generated during the reaction out of the drum 11, avoiding the formation of bubbles that adhere to the surface of the parts and affect the electroplating. It can also carry out some of the waste residue generated by the turning box out of the drum 11, further improving the electroplating quality.

[0051] It should be noted that the above solution is not only applicable to parts that can float and suspend, but also to parts that can sink. In particular, for parts with the same electroplating requirements, one of which can float and the other can sink, the two parts can be electroplated simultaneously. During electroplating, the two parts are distributed in the upper and lower areas of the drum 11, respectively, which can make full use of the space inside the drum assembly 1 and improve electroplating efficiency. After electroplating, the two parts can be separated simply by floating and sinking. Even if there are a few separation errors, they can be easily sorted manually.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above scheme, the electroplating cathode inside the drum 11 is preferably an embedded conductive ridge / strip, which can fully ensure that the parts gathered in the upper and lower areas of the drum 11 can be well energized. If a cathode conductive rod is used, a cathode conductive rod needs to be set in both the upper and lower parts of the partition plate 3, and the elasticity of the cathode conductive rod needs to be adjusted (by replacing it with a material that provides the corresponding elasticity) so that the upper cathode conductive rod can actively bend upward to contact the parts gathered in the upper part. At the same time, other electroplating cathode schemes or corresponding combination schemes can also be used. The specific setting is a common scheme in the electroplating process, and this embodiment will not explain it in detail.

[0053] Furthermore, in the above scheme, the electroplating liquid flow output from the jet orifice 31 mainly provides power to the suspended parts. Therefore, by controlling the output pressure of the electroplating liquid supply pump in the electroplating liquid supply equipment, the flow rate and intensity of the electroplating liquid flow can be adjusted, thereby ensuring that the suspended parts can be carried to the designated area. In addition, expansion and diffusion components can be added to both the upper and lower areas of the partition plate 3. First, the limiting plates 34 are fixedly connected to both ends of the partition plate 3. The limiting plates 34 cooperate with the end wall of the roller 11 and form a rotational cooperation with the end plate of the roller 11 to form a limiting area, while the expansion... The expansion and diffusion assembly is set in the restricted area between the two limiting plates 34. The expansion and diffusion assembly includes at least a set of extrusion members that can move towards the inner wall of the drum 11. When the drum 11 is fully immersed in the electroplating solution, the expansion and diffusion assembly is controlled to expand inside the drum 11, so that the extrusion members move upward or downward towards the inner wall of the drum 11, further prompting the suspended parts to move towards the corresponding area. At the same time, it can also form a certain amount of compression on the aggregated parts, making the contact between the parts closer and further increasing the contact probability between the parts, thereby further improving the sufficiency of electroplating and improving the product electroplating qualification rate.

[0054] In addition, oblique nozzles 35 are provided at the top and bottom of both sides of the partition plate 3. The oblique nozzles 35 are connected to the flow equalization chamber 33. The output ports of each oblique nozzle 35 are inclined towards the middle area of ​​the partition plate 3. That is, the oblique nozzles 35 located on the top two sides of the partition plate 3 are inclined upward and towards the center. Correspondingly, the oblique nozzles 35 located on the bottom two sides of the partition plate 3 are inclined downward and towards the center. This allows the oblique electroplating liquid flow to be output at the part aggregation point corresponding to the gap between the two sides of the partition plate 3 and the inner wall of the roller assembly 1, thereby accelerating the aggregation of parts in the lateral direction.

[0055] For details, please refer to the instruction manual appendix. Figure 7 and Figure 9The expansion and diffusion assembly can be a flexible expansion and diffusion assembly 4, which includes a flexible cover plate 41, which is an extrusion component. The two sides of the flexible cover plate 41 are fixedly connected to the two side surfaces of the partition plate 3. The flexible cover plate 41 is elastic, and its ends slide in contact with the limiting plate 34. The flexible cover plate 41 is provided with multiple first fine flow holes 42. The total flow area of ​​the first fine flow holes 42 on the flexible cover plate 41 is smaller than the total flow area of ​​the corresponding jet holes 31 on the partition plate 3 covering the area of ​​the flexible cover plate 41. That is, after the electroplating solution is output from the jet holes 31, although the electroplating solution can still be output from the first fine flow holes 42 to continue forming an electroplating solution flow, the flow area of ​​the first fine flow holes 42 on the flexible cover plate 41 is smaller than the total flow area of ​​the corresponding jet holes 31 on the partition plate 3. The output speed is less than the output speed of the jet holes 31 in the area corresponding to the flexible cover plate 41 on the partition plate 3. Therefore, the pressure inside the flexible cover plate 41 will increase relatively, causing the flexible cover plate 41 to expand outward and move closer to the inner wall of the roller 11. This achieves expansion control of the flexible cover plate 41 and promotes the suspended parts to gather in the corresponding area. At the same time, it can also exert a certain amount of pressure on the gathered parts. When the jet holes 31 stop outputting electroplating liquid, the jet holes 31 can move closer to the partition plate 3 under its own elasticity. Therefore, when it is necessary to load or unload parts, it will not obstruct the entry or exit of parts. For mixed parts, the expansion of the flexible cover plate 41 is not controlled before electroplating begins. At this time, the automatic partitioning of the parts to float or sink can be guaranteed.

[0056] In addition, please refer to the appendix to the instruction manual. Figure 8 and Figure 9 Since the end of the flexible cover plate 41 needs to move to a certain extent, the end of the flexible cover plate 41 slides with the limiting plate 34. To improve the relative sealing effect between the two, a side flange 43 is provided at the position of the end of the flexible cover plate 41 corresponding to the position of the limiting plate 34. The side flange 43 protrudes outward to increase the contact area between the end of the flexible cover plate 41 and the limiting plate 34. At the same time, multiple parallel reinforcing inner rods 44 (such as plastic rods or metal rods, embedded in the flexible cover plate 41) are provided inside the flexible cover plate 41 to strengthen the length of the flexible cover plate 41 in the length direction and prevent the flexible cover plate 41 from bending and deforming in the length direction, thereby ensuring the tightness of the contact between the end of the flexible cover plate 41 and the limiting plate 34.

[0057] It should be noted that since the electroplating solution is corrosive, the flexible cover plate 41 needs to be made of corrosion-resistant rubber, such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polyvinylidene fluoride. The specific selection can also be determined according to the acidity or alkalinity of the electroplating solution or the specific material. This embodiment will not go into too much detail.

[0058] Furthermore, this embodiment also provides another expansion diffuser assembly, specifically as detailed in the appendix to the specification. Figure 10 and Figure 12 The expansion and diffusion assembly is a deformable plate type expansion and diffusion assembly 5, which includes two extrusion plates 51, which are extrusion components. The two extrusion plates 51 are rotatably connected, and a connecting plate 52 is provided on the side of each extrusion plate 51 that is away from each other. The side of the connecting plate 52 away from the extrusion plate 51 slides in cooperation with the surface of the partition plate 3. At the same time, the connecting plate 52 has the ability to rotate when sliding on the surface of the partition plate 3 (for example, a groove is provided on the partition plate 3, and a rotating rod is provided on the connecting plate 52, which can both slide and rotate in the groove). This makes the extrusion plate 51 and the connecting plate 52 form a set of deformable polygonal structures. At the same time, corresponding elastic elements (such as torsion springs made of corrosion-resistant metal, which give the extrusion plate 51 the elastic force to move closer to the surface of the partition plate 3) are provided in each corresponding rotating pair, so that the extrusion plate 51 has the ability to move closer to the partition plate 3 without the action of external force. The extrusion plate 51 is provided with multiple second fine flow holes 53. The ends of the pressure plate 51 and the connecting plate 52 are slidably engaged with the corresponding limiting plate 34 to form a certain sealing effect. At the same time, similar to the above-mentioned flexible cover plate 41 and the first fine flow hole 42, the total flow area of ​​the second fine flow hole 53 on the extrusion plate 51 is smaller than the total flow area of ​​the corresponding spray hole 31 on the partition plate 3 covering the area of ​​the extrusion plate 51. That is to say, after the electroplating liquid is output from the spray hole 31, although the electroplating liquid can still be output from the second fine flow hole 53 to continue to form an electroplating liquid flow, the output speed of the second fine flow hole 53 on the extrusion plate 51 is less than the output speed of the spray hole 31 in the area of ​​the extrusion plate 51 on the partition plate 3. Therefore, the pressure on the inner side of the extrusion plate 51 will be relatively increased, causing the extrusion plate 51 to expand outward and move closer to the inner wall of the roller 11, and push the suspended parts to gather in the corresponding area, so as to accelerate the suspended parts to move closer to the corresponding gathering area and form a certain squeezing effect on the gathered parts.

[0059] Furthermore, in order to improve the deformation effect of the extrusion plate 51, refer to the instruction manual. Figure 10 and Figure 12 A guide dividing plate 54 is rotatably connected to the rotatable connection of the two extrusion plates 51. The guide dividing plate 54 is vertically slidably installed in the partition plate 3. The guide dividing plate 54 divides the area between the two extrusion plates 51 and the partition plate 3 into two independent spaces. At the same time, two flow equalization cavities 33 are provided in the partition plate 3. The spray holes 31 at the top of the partition plate 3 are set in two sets, and the spray holes 31 at the bottom of the partition plate 3 are also set in two sets. The four sets of spray holes 31 are respectively set for the four extrusion plates 51, and the upper and lower sets of spray holes 31 on the same side are connected to the flow equalization cavity 33 on the corresponding side.

[0060] Specifically, two sets of electroplating solution supply pumps can be used to supply electroplating solution to the two sets of flow equalization chambers 33 respectively. In actual use, the deformation effect of a single extrusion plate 51 can be controlled independently. This allows the extrusion plate 51 to extrude the part while adjusting the deformation effect of a single extrusion plate 51. At the same time, the guiding function of the guide dividing plate 54 can make the deformation of the extrusion plate 51 more stable.

[0061] Furthermore, movable frames 36 are provided on both sides of the partition plate 3, and oblique nozzles 35 on both sides of the partition plate 3 are set in the movable frames 36. A piston rod 38 is fixedly connected to the movable frame 36 in the area corresponding to the partition plate 3. A piston chamber 37 is provided inside the partition plate 3 in the area corresponding to the movable frame 36. The piston rod 38 is slidably installed in the piston chamber 37. A through channel connecting the flow equalization chamber 33 and the oblique nozzle 35 is provided inside the piston rod 38. An elastic element is provided between the piston rod 38 and the partition plate 3. The elastic element is used to make the movable frame 36 move closer to the partition plate 3.

[0062] Before electroplating begins, the extrusion plate 51 is close to the partition plate 3, and the movable frame 36 is not extended. After the parts are gathered in the partitioned areas, the electroplating solution is pumped into the flow equalization chamber 33. When the input pressure of the electroplating solution is sufficient, although the movable frame 36 will also output the electroplating solution flow, the output speed is limited. Therefore, the movable frame 36 will also be pushed outward and contact the inner wall of the roller 11. At this time, the roller 11 can be set as a polygonal cylinder structure. Therefore, during the rotation of the roller 11, the movable frame 36 can also automatically extend and retract, generating a certain vibration, which in turn causes the debris attached to the surface of the roller 11 to fall off. In addition, when the piston rod 38 is driven by the movable frame 36, it moves in the piston chamber... When the roller moves back and forth within 37, a piston effect is formed, which causes the pressure inside the corresponding extrusion plate 51 in the flow equalization chamber 33 to fluctuate. This causes the extrusion plate 51 to also produce a certain degree of active shaking effect. In this way, while ensuring that a certain extrusion effect is formed on the parts, the shaking of the extrusion plate 51 can also cause the parts to relax and shake. This repetition increases the probability of contact between the parts and ensures that the parts can roll and move together sufficiently to ensure the comprehensiveness and uniformity of electroplating. In addition, the roller 11 is preferably an odd-numbered polygonal cylinder, which can make the extrusion plates 51 on the left and right sides fluctuate alternately.

[0063] It should be noted that in this embodiment, both the roller assembly 1 and the partition plate 3 are made of commonly used electroplating plastic structures such as polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride. Therefore, the extrusion plate 51 and the connecting plate 52 can also be made of thin plastic sheets. Furthermore, in addition to providing elastic elements in the corresponding rotating joints to cause the extrusion plate 51 to automatically rebound towards the partition plate 3, a corresponding buoyancy structure or counterweight structure can also be provided on the extrusion plate 51. For example, on the upper extrusion plate 51, if the extrusion plate 51 is made of plastic, it itself has upward buoyancy in the electroplating solution. To ensure that the extrusion plate 51 is close to the partition plate 3 when the electroplating solution supply pump is not turned on, a certain configuration can be set on the extrusion plate 51. However, the counterweight should not be too large to avoid insufficient pressure difference inside the extrusion plate 51 when the electroplating solution industrial pump is working, which would prevent the extrusion plate 51 from being able to extrude outward. Similarly, for the extrusion plate 51 located below the partition plate 3, since it has its own buoyancy, no other structure needs to be set. If the buoyancy is insufficient, a buoyancy structure can be added to its surface. The specific setting can be selected according to the actual situation. This embodiment will not explain it in detail.

[0064] Refer to the instruction manual appendix Figure 13 The present invention also provides an electroplating method for metal surface treatment, comprising the following steps:

[0065] Step 1: Feed the parts into the drum 11 through the feeding gate 111 on the drum 11, and then close the feeding gate 111;

[0066] Step 2: Control the roller support 12 to descend via the lifting driver 21, so that the roller 11 enters the electroplating tank 2 and is completely immersed in the electroplating solution;

[0067] Step 3: Drive the drum 11 to generate a tumbling motion through the drum rotation drive assembly 13, and energize the electroplating anode and electroplating cathode to start electroplating;

[0068] Step 4: Electroplating solution is pumped into the flow equalization chamber 33 by the electroplating solution supply pump, and the electroplating solution flow is output from the spray hole 31, so that two electroplating solution flows in opposite directions are formed above and below the partition plate 3 respectively. With the help of the electroplating solution flow, the suspended parts are moved to the corresponding parts gathering area.

[0069] Step 5: After electroplating is completed, disconnect the power supply to the electroplating anode and cathode, stop the supply of electroplating solution, control the roller support 12 to rise, so that the roller 11 leaves the electroplating solution, perform subsequent processing on the parts (such as cleaning), and then open the feeding door 111 to take out the parts.

[0070] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electroplating apparatus for metal surface treatment, comprising a roller assembly (1) and an electroplating tank (2), wherein the roller assembly (1) comprises a roller (11) and a roller support (12), the roller (11) is rotatably mounted on the roller support (12), a through hole is provided on the side wall of the roller (11), an electroplating anode is provided in the electroplating tank (2), and an electroplating cathode is provided in the roller (11), wherein during electroplating, the roller (11) is immersed in the electroplating solution in the electroplating tank (2), characterized in that: The inside of the roller (11) is provided with a partition plate (3), the partition plate (3) is fixedly connected to the roller support (12), and the partition plate (3) is rotatably engaged with the roller assembly (1); The top and bottom of the partition plate (3) are provided with jet holes (31), the interior of the partition plate (3) is provided with a flow equalization cavity (33), the roller support (12) is provided with an electroplating liquid input pipe (32), the electroplating liquid input pipe (32) is connected to the flow equalization cavity (33), and the flow equalization cavity (33) is connected to the jet holes (31). The electroplating solution input pipe (32) is connected to an electroplating solution supply device, which is used to input electroplating solution into the flow equalization chamber (33) and to output electroplating solution flow from each spray hole (31); The upper and lower regions of the partition plate (3) are provided with expansion and diffusion components. Both ends of the partition plate (3) are fixedly connected to the limiting plate (34). The expansion and diffusion components are set in the limiting region between the two limiting plates (34). The expansion and diffusion components include at least a set of extrusion parts that can move towards the inner wall of the drum (11). After the drum (11) is completely immersed in the electroplating solution, the expansion and diffusion components are controlled to expand inside the drum (11), so that the extrusion parts move upward or downward towards the inner wall of the drum (11). The top and bottom of both sides of the partition plate (3) are provided with inclined nozzles (35). The inclined nozzles (35) are connected to the flow equalization chamber (33). The output ports of each inclined nozzle (35) are inclined towards the middle region of the partition plate (3).

2. The electroplating apparatus for metal surface treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expansion and diffusion assembly is a flexible expansion and diffusion assembly (4). The flexible expansion and diffusion assembly (4) includes a flexible cover plate (41). The flexible cover plate (41) is an extrusion piece. The two sides of the flexible cover plate (41) are fixedly connected to the two side surfaces of the partition plate (3). The flexible cover plate (41) is elastic, and the end of the flexible cover plate (41) is in sliding contact with the limiting plate (34). The flexible cover plate (41) is provided with a plurality of first fine flow holes (42). The total flow area of ​​the first fine flow holes (42) on the flexible cover plate (41) is smaller than the total flow area of ​​the corresponding jet holes (31) on the partition plate (3) covering the area of ​​the flexible cover plate (41).

3. The electroplating apparatus for metal surface treatment according to claim 2, wherein: The end of the flexible cover plate (41) is slidably engaged with the limiting plate (34). A side flange (43) is provided at the end of the flexible cover plate (41) corresponding to the position of the limiting plate (34). The side flange (43) is convex outward. A plurality of parallel reinforcing inner lining rods (44) are provided inside the flexible cover plate (41) and are arranged along the length direction of the flexible cover plate (41).

4. The electroplating apparatus for metal surface treatment according to claim 1, wherein: The expansion and diffusion assembly is a deformable plate expansion and diffusion assembly (5). The deformable plate expansion and diffusion assembly (5) includes two extrusion plates (51). The extrusion plates (51) are extrusion parts. The two extrusion plates (51) are rotatably connected. A connecting plate (52) is provided on the side of the two extrusion plates (51) that is far away from each other. The side of the connecting plate (52) that is far away from the extrusion plates (51) is slidably engaged with the surface of the partition plate (3). The connecting plate (52) has the ability to rotate when sliding on the surface of the partition plate (3). A plurality of second fine flow holes (53) are provided on the extrusion plate (51). The ends of the extrusion plate (51) and the connecting plate (52) are slidably engaged with the corresponding limiting plate (34). The total flow area of ​​the second fine flow holes (53) on the extrusion plate (51) is smaller than the total flow area of ​​the corresponding jet holes (31) on the partition plate (3) in the area covered by the extrusion plate (51).

5. The electroplating apparatus for metal surface treatment according to claim 4, wherein: A guide dividing plate (54) is rotatably connected to the rotating connection of the two extrusion plates (51). The guide dividing plate (54) is vertically slidably installed in the partition plate (3). The guide dividing plate (54) divides the area between the two extrusion plates (51) and the partition plate (3) into two independent spaces. Two flow equalization cavities (33) are provided in the partition plate (3). The spray holes (31) at the top of the partition plate (3) are set in two sets, and the spray holes (31) at the bottom of the partition plate (3) are also set in two sets. The four sets of spray holes (31) are respectively set for the four extrusion plates (51). The upper and lower sets of spray holes (31) on the same side are connected to the flow equalization cavity (33) on the corresponding side.

6. The electroplating apparatus for metal surface treatment according to claim 5, wherein: Movable frames (36) are provided on both sides of the partition plate (3). The oblique nozzles (35) on both sides of the partition plate (3) are set in the movable frames (36). A piston rod (38) is fixedly connected to the movable frame (36) in the area corresponding to the partition plate (3). A piston chamber (37) is provided inside the area corresponding to the movable frame (36) in the partition plate (3). The piston rod (38) is slidably installed in the piston chamber (37). A through channel connecting the flow equalization chamber (33) and the oblique nozzle (35) is provided inside the piston rod (38). An elastic element is provided between the piston rod (38) and the partition plate (3). The elastic element is used to make the movable frame (36) move closer to the partition plate (3). The roller (11) is an odd-numbered polygonal cylinder.

7. The electroplating apparatus for metal surface treatment according to claim 3 or 6, wherein: The roller support (12) is provided with a roller rotation drive assembly (13) for driving the roller (11) to rotate. The roller support (12) is provided with a transmission gear set and a motor structure. The roller (11) is provided with a driven gear. The roller rotation drive assembly (13) also includes a rotation motor, which drives the transmission gear set and the driven gear through transmission.

8. The electroplating apparatus for metal surface treatment according to claim 7, wherein: The electroplating tank (2) is provided with a roller moving drive assembly, which includes a lifting drive (21) and a translation drive (22). The translation drive (22) is installed on the electroplating tank (2), the lifting drive (21) is installed at the output end of the translation drive (22), and the roller bracket (12) is located at the output end of the lifting drive (21).

9. An electroplating method using an electroplating apparatus for metal surface treatment as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Feed the parts into the drum (11) through the feeding gate (111) on the drum (11) and close the feeding gate (111). Step 2: Control the roller support (12) to descend by the lifting driver (21) so that the roller (11) enters the electroplating tank (2) and is completely immersed in the electroplating solution; Step 3: Drive the drum (11) to generate tumbling motion through the drum rotation drive assembly (13), and energize the electroplating anode and electroplating cathode to start electroplating; Step 4: Pump the electroplating solution into the flow equalization chamber (33) and output the electroplating solution flow through the spray hole (31) so that two electroplating solution flows in opposite directions are formed above and below the partition plate (3), causing the suspended parts to move to the corresponding part aggregation area. Step 5: After electroplating is completed, disconnect the power supply to the electroplating anode and the electroplating cathode, and control the roller support (12) to rise so that the roller (11) leaves the electroplating solution.

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