Pushing device and electroplating equipment

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of push device and electroplating equipment, including support frame;Push power mechanism is set on support frame;Push execution member is connected with push power mechanism and can reciprocate along preset path, push execution member is used to push clamp and the conveying chain of workpiece to be plated moves to electroplating tank;And position sensor, position sensor is set on support frame and is used to with push execution member response cooperation.When push execution member moves to with position sensor alignment, position sensor detects push execution member after immediately feedback signal to push power mechanism, push power mechanism stops running, when push execution member just can push clamp to conveying chain, compared with traditional technology, the structure of the present scheme push device is simple, push stroke precision is high, can ensure that clamp is accurately pushed to conveying chain each time, need not worker to carry out supplementary push operation, reduce labor intensity and manpower cost, ensure electroplating processing efficiency and smoothness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of electroplating equipment, and more particularly to a pushing device and electroplating equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Electroplating equipment is used for metal surface treatment. It deposits metallic or non-metallic materials on metal surfaces through electrochemical methods to achieve effects such as corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and aesthetics. During processing, after the workpiece completes pre-treatment steps (such as drilling and grooving), a clamping mechanism holds the workpiece and moves it to the entrance of the electroplating tank. A pushing device at the entrance then pushes the clamping mechanism onto the conveyor chain of the electroplating tank, which in turn moves both the clamping mechanism and the workpiece into the tank. However, existing pushing devices have complex structures and low pushing stroke accuracy, often resulting in the clamping mechanism failing to accurately push onto the conveyor chain. This requires workers to perform a second push, affecting processing smoothness and efficiency, and leading to high labor intensity for workers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pushing device and electroplating equipment to solve the problems of complex structure, low pushing progress, high labor intensity, and reduced electroplating efficiency in traditional technologies.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pushing device is provided, comprising: Support frame; A push-power mechanism is mounted on the support frame; A pushing actuator, which is connected to the pushing power mechanism and can reciprocate along a preset path, is used to push the fixture and the workpiece to be plated onto the conveyor chain of the electroplating tank; and A position sensor is disposed on the support frame and is used to sense and cooperate with the push actuator.

[0005] In one embodiment, the pushing power mechanism includes a pushing motor and a linear motion module. The pushing motor is drivenly connected to the linear motion module. The linear motion module is disposed on the support frame and includes a reciprocating transmission component, which is drivenly connected to the pushing actuator.

[0006] In one embodiment, the pushing power mechanism further includes a protective cover disposed on the support frame and covering the outside of the linear motion module and the pushing motor.

[0007] In one embodiment, the protective cover includes a cover body and a flip cover. The cover body has a window, and the flip cover is rotatably mounted on the cover body via a pivot and can open or close the window.

[0008] In one embodiment, the pushing actuator includes a pushing arm, one end of which is connected to the transmission component of the linear motion module, and the other end of which extends out of the linear motion module in a cantilever manner.

[0009] In one embodiment, the pushing actuator further includes a pusher claw, which is connected to one end of the pushing arm that extends outside the linear motion module, and the pusher claw and the pushing arm are bent and connected to form a hook-shaped structure.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pusher is provided with a positioning element, which is used to engage with a pre-set positioning hole on the fixture; or, the pusher is provided with a positioning hole, which is used to engage with a pre-set positioning element on the fixture.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least two push actuators are provided, and the at least two push actuators are arranged side by side at intervals along the push direction of the push device, and the at least two push actuators are drivenly connected to the push power mechanism.

[0012] In one embodiment, the pushing device further includes an adjustment bracket movably mounted on the support frame, and the position sensor is mounted on the adjustment bracket.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, an electroplating apparatus is also provided, which includes a pushing device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0014] Implementing the embodiments of the present invention will have the following beneficial effects: The pushing device in this solution is applied in electroplating equipment and is specifically installed on the electroplating tank. When the fixture carrying the workpiece to be plated moves to the electroplating tank, it pushes the fixture onto the conveyor chain of the electroplating tank. Specifically, when the fixture moves to the entrance of the electroplating tank, the pushing power mechanism starts and outputs driving force to the pushing actuator, which then moves along a preset path. When the pushing actuator comes into contact with the fixture, it pushes the fixture and the workpiece to be plated onto the conveyor chain. When the pushing actuator aligns with the position sensor, the position sensor detects the pushing actuator and sends a feedback signal to the pushing power mechanism, which then stops. At this point, the pushing actuator has just pushed the fixture onto the conveyor chain. Compared to traditional technologies, this pushing device has a simple structure and high pushing stroke accuracy, ensuring that the fixture is accurately pushed onto the conveyor chain each time, eliminating the need for manual re-pushing, reducing labor intensity and labor costs, and ensuring the efficiency and smoothness of the electroplating process. Attached Figure Description

[0015] 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 these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the pushing device according to one embodiment; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view structural diagram.

[0017] in: 100. Pushing device; 10. Support frame; 20. Pushing power mechanism; 21. Pushing motor; 22. Linear movement module; 23. Protective cover; 30. Pushing actuator; 31. Pushing arm; 32. Push claw; 40. Position sensor; 50. Adjusting bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0019] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0020] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0021] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0023] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0024] Please refer to Figures 1-2 This refers to the push device 100 described in one embodiment of this application. Specifically, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the pushing device according to one embodiment; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view structural diagram.

[0025] In this embodiment, the pushing device 100 includes a support frame 10, a pushing power mechanism 20, a pushing actuator 30, and a position sensor 40.

[0026] The push-power mechanism 20 is mounted on the support frame 10. The push-power mechanism 20 can be installed on the support frame 10 using one of the following methods: threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection, welding, riveting, etc., as needed. During operation, the push-power mechanism 20 is used to output push-power.

[0027] The push actuator 30 is connected to the push power mechanism 20 and can move back and forth along a preset path. The push actuator 30 is used to push the fixture and the workpiece to be plated clamped on the fixture together to the conveyor chain of the electroplating tank, so that the conveyor chain can drive the fixture and the workpiece to be plated to move.

[0028] It should be noted that the push actuator 30 is connected to the push power mechanism 20 via a transmission connection, specifically meaning that the push actuator 30 can move under the drive of the push power mechanism 20.

[0029] Position sensor 40 is mounted on support frame 10 and is used to sense and cooperate with push actuator 30. For example, when push actuator 30 moves into the detection field of view of position sensor 40, position sensor 40 can be triggered, so that the current position of push actuator 30 can be calibrated.

[0030] More specifically, the position sensor 40 can be one of the following: an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, a photoelectric sensor, etc., whichever is required.

[0031] The support frame 10 is a simple metal frame, which is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, has high structural strength, and provides good support stability for components such as the push-power mechanism 20. For example, the support frame 10 can be manufactured by welding, but is not limited to, metal structural components such as angle steel, channel steel, and steel pipes.

[0032] Understandably, the support frame 10 is installed on the electroplating tank body during use. The installation method can be snap-fit ​​connection, threaded connection, welding, riveting, etc., whichever is required.

[0033] In this application, the top surface of the support frame 10 is the mounting surface, and the pushing power mechanism 20 is mounted on this mounting surface. The mounting method can be snap-fit ​​connection, threaded connection, welding, riveting, etc., whichever is required.

[0034] Implementing this embodiment of the invention will have the following beneficial effects: The pushing device 100 of this solution is applied in an electroplating equipment, specifically installed on the electroplating tank, to push the fixture carrying the workpiece to be plated onto the conveyor chain of the electroplating tank when the fixture moves to the electroplating tank; specifically, when the fixture moves to the entrance of the electroplating tank, the pushing power mechanism 20 is activated and outputs driving force to the pushing actuator 30, thereby driving the pushing actuator 30 to start moving along a preset path. When the pushing actuator 30 abuts against the fixture, it can push the fixture and the workpiece to be plated on it together onto the conveyor chain. When the push actuator 30 moves to align with the position sensor 40, the position sensor 40 detects the push actuator 30 and immediately sends a signal to the push power mechanism 20, which then stops operating. At this point, the push actuator 30 can push the fixture onto the conveyor chain. Compared with traditional technology, the push device 100 in this solution has a simple structure and high push stroke accuracy, which can ensure that the fixture is accurately pushed onto the conveyor chain every time, eliminating the need for workers to perform supplementary push operations, reducing labor intensity and labor costs, and ensuring the efficiency and smoothness of electroplating processing.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the pushing power mechanism 20 includes a pushing motor 21 and a linear motion module 22. The pushing motor 21 is connected to the linear motion module 22. The linear motion module 22 is disposed on the support frame 10 and includes a reciprocating transmission component. The transmission component is connected to the pushing actuator 30.

[0036] During operation, the push motor 21 outputs a rotary driving force to the linear motion module 22. The transmission unit in the linear motion module 22 obtains the rotary driving force and converts it into a linear reciprocating force. The linear reciprocating force acts on the transmission component, which in turn drives the push actuator 30 to perform reciprocating linear movement, thereby enabling the push actuator 30 to push the fixture onto the conveyor chain of the electroplating tank.

[0037] For example, the linear motion module 22 can be a linear servo module. Specifically, the linear servo module includes a lead screw and a nut. The push motor 21 drives the lead screw to rotate, and the lead screw then drives the nut to move linearly along the lead screw. A transmission component is installed on the nut, which can be a toggle plate. In other embodiments, the linear motion module 22 can adopt a scissor mechanism, a rack and pinion mechanism, a telescopic rod mechanism, etc., as long as it can drive the push actuator 30 to perform linear reciprocating movement.

[0038] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 Furthermore, in one embodiment, the push-power mechanism 20 further includes a protective cover 23, which is disposed on the support frame 10 and covers the exterior of the linear motion module 22 and the push motor 21. By using the protective cover 23 to shield the exterior of the linear motion module 22 and the push motor 21, a protective effect is achieved, preventing corrosive gaseous or liquid substances such as electroplating solutions from contaminating the linear motion module 22 and the push motor 21 and causing corrosion damage.

[0039] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the protective cover 23 includes a cover body and a flip cover. The cover body has a cuboid structure with an opening. The cover body has a plurality of circumferentially spaced folded edges at the periphery of the opening. The folded edges have through holes so that threaded components can be threaded through the folded edges to be fixed to the support frame 10 by screwing the threaded components.

[0040] Alternatively, a locking body can be provided on the folded edge, and a corresponding hook can be provided on the support frame 10. The locking body and the hook can be engaged to fix the cover body to the support frame 10, etc.

[0041] The main body of the cover has a window, and the flip cover is rotatably mounted on the main body of the cover via a pivot, allowing the window to be opened or closed. Under normal use, the flip cover keeps the window closed, at which time the protective cover 23 can effectively cover the linear motion module 22 and the push motor 21, providing excellent protection. When periodic maintenance or repair of damaged parts is required, the protective cover 23 can be flipped open without removing the entire cover, and the linear motion module 22 and / or push motor 21 that need maintenance can be accessed through the window, making the operation more convenient and labor-saving, and improving the maintenance effect and experience.

[0042] Optionally, the hinge can be, but is not limited to, a hinge or other structural form, which can be selected as needed.

[0043] Optionally, the protective cover 23 can be made of metal or transparent material. When the protective cover 23 is made of transparent material (such as acrylic), in addition to its protective function, it also allows staff to observe the operation of the internal moving parts through the protective cover 23, and to intervene in time to eliminate safety hazards when abnormalities occur.

[0044] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the push actuator 30 includes a push arm 31, one end of which is connected to the transmission component of the linear motion module 22, and the other end of which extends cantilevered out of the linear motion module 22. Driven by the transmission component, the push arm 31 can directly push the clamp to push it onto the conveyor chain of the electroplating tank.

[0045] For example, the push arm 31 can be integrally formed with the transmission component of the linear motion module 22, or it can be detachably assembled, depending on the need.

[0046] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the pushing actuator 30 further includes a pusher 32, which is connected to one end of the pushing arm 31 that extends out of the linear motion module 22. The pusher 32 and the pushing arm 31 are bent and connected to form a hook-like structure. The pusher 32 and the pushing arm 31 cooperate to form a hook-like structure, which can effectively hook the clamp, ensuring a stable connection with the clamp and preventing the pushing actuator 30 from slipping off the clamp due to unstable force when pushing the clamp, thus affecting the effectiveness and reliability of pushing the clamp.

[0047] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the pusher 32 is provided with a positioning element for engaging with a pre-set positioning hole on the fixture; or, the pusher 32 has a positioning hole for engaging with a pre-set positioning element on the fixture. It is readily understood that when the pusher 30 approaches and abuts against the fixture, the positioning element automatically inserts into the positioning hole, thereby further constraining the relative movement freedom between the pusher 30 and the fixture, allowing the pusher 30 to more reliably push the fixture towards the conveyor chain.

[0048] Preferably, in one embodiment, at least two push actuators 30 are provided, arranged side-by-side at intervals along the push direction of the push device 100, and both push actuators 30 are drive-connected to the push power mechanism 20. The at least two push actuators 30 can continuously push different clamps sequentially onto the conveyor chain, thereby significantly improving the working efficiency of the push device 100 within a single working cycle.

[0049] In this application, the conveyor chain can be understood as a sprocket mechanism, that is, it includes two sprockets and a chain. The chain is meshed and wrapped around the outside of the two sprockets, and at least one of the sprockets is connected to a drive motor to act as the driving wheel, thereby driving the chain to rotate.

[0050] Please see Figure 2 In one embodiment, the pushing device 100 further includes an adjusting bracket 50, which is movably mounted on the support frame 10, and the position sensor 40 is mounted on the adjusting bracket 50. By operating the adjusting bracket 50 to move on the support frame 10, the mounting position of the position sensor 40 on the support frame 10 can be flexibly adjusted to accommodate clamps and conveyor chains of different sizes, thus meeting the need for precise pushing of the clamps onto the conveyor chain.

[0051] For example, the adjustment bracket 50 includes a bracket body, on which a slide rail is mounted, and a buckle is provided on the slide rail. The slide rail is slidably mounted to the crossbar of the support frame 10. When the bracket body slides along the crossbar to the desired position, the buckle is operated to engage the crossbar to position the adjustment bracket 50, so as to ensure that the position sensor 40 is stably stopped at the set position.

[0052] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the adjustment bracket 50 can also be a bracket structure with other structural forms and working principles, which can be selected as needed, and will not be elaborated here.

[0053] According to another aspect of the invention, an electroplating apparatus is also provided, which includes a pushing device 100 as described in any of the above embodiments. The pushing device 100 is for installation in conjunction with an electroplating tank.

[0054] For example, the electroplating equipment specifically refers to VCP electroplating equipment. VCP (Vertical Conveyor Plating) electroplating equipment is short for vertical continuous electroplating equipment, mainly used in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) electroplating processes. It achieves efficient and stable copper layer plating through continuous conveying. During operation, it can vertically convey the substrate and continuously complete the electroplating process. Compared with horizontal electroplating equipment (such as HCP), VCP electroplating equipment, through gravity-assisted solution flow, can significantly reduce bubble residue and improve plating uniformity. For example, in PCB production, VCP can ensure that the copper thickness difference inside the via is less than 10% (industry standard IPC-6012B).

[0055] VCP electroplating equipment mainly consists of a loading area, electroplating tanks, a control system, and a unloading area. Its core working principle is based on the electrolytic reaction principle. The loading area is equipped with robotic arms or conveyor belts to accurately feed the workpieces to be plated into the electroplating tanks. The electroplating tanks consist of multiple independent tanks (such as degreasing tanks, pickling tanks, electroplating tanks, and washing tanks), each with sensors monitoring solution concentration and temperature. The control system uses PLC programming to adjust parameters such as current density and plating solution circulation speed in real time. The unloading area is equipped with a drying device and a quality inspection module to ensure that the finished product surface is free of bubbles or impurities.

[0056] During processing, the workpiece to be plated is immersed in the electrolyte along with the anode and cathode metal materials. After energization, the anode metal ions migrate to the cathode surface under the influence of the electric field to form a uniform coating. The VCP process uses a vertical continuous conveying design to allow the workpiece to be plated to move at a constant speed within the tank, avoiding the edge effects caused by traditional rack plating and improving the uniformity of the coating.

[0057] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. 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 all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pushing device, characterized in that, include: Support frame; A push-power mechanism is mounted on the support frame; A pushing actuator, which is connected to the pushing power mechanism and can reciprocate along a preset path, is used to push the fixture and the workpiece to be plated onto the conveyor chain of the electroplating tank; and A position sensor is disposed on the support frame and is used to sense and cooperate with the push actuator.

2. The pushing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing power mechanism includes a pushing motor and a linear motion module. The pushing motor is driven by the linear motion module. The linear motion module is disposed on the support frame and includes a reciprocating transmission component. The transmission component is driven by the pushing actuator.

3. The pushing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pushing power mechanism also includes a protective cover, which is disposed on the support frame and covers the outside of the linear motion module and the pushing motor.

4. The pushing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protective cover includes a cover body and a flip cover. The cover body has a window, and the flip cover is rotatably mounted on the cover body via a pivot and can open or close the window.

5. The pushing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pushing actuator includes a pushing arm, one end of which is connected to the transmission component of the linear motion module, and the other end of which extends out of the linear motion module in a cantilever manner.

6. The pushing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The push actuator also includes a push claw, which is connected to one end of the push arm that extends outside the linear motion module, and the push claw and the push arm are bent and connected to form a hook-shaped structure.

7. The pushing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pusher is provided with a positioning element, which is used to engage with a pre-set positioning hole on the fixture; or, the pusher is provided with a positioning hole, which is used to engage with a pre-set positioning element on the fixture.

8. The pushing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two push actuators are provided, and the at least two push actuators are arranged side by side at intervals along the push direction of the push device, and the at least two push actuators are drivenly connected to the push power mechanism.

9. The pushing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing device also includes an adjusting bracket, which is movably mounted on the support frame, and the position sensor is mounted on the adjusting bracket.

10. An electroplating device, characterized in that, Includes the push device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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