A continuous nickel electroplating lance device and flow regulation system

Abstract

The application provides a continuous nickel electroplating spray pipe device and a flow adjusting system, and belongs to the technical field of electroplating equipment. The continuous nickel electroplating spray pipe device comprises a working tank and a strip steel continuously passing through the working tank along a running path, an anode unit is arranged in the working tank, the anode unit is connected with a positive electrode of a direct current power supply, and the strip steel is connected with a negative electrode of the direct current power supply; the device further comprises a submerged roller, two spray pipe groups, a liquid supply structure and a flow adjusting structure. The strip steel extends into the working tank and extends out of the working tank after winding around the submerged roller, thereby forming two working spaces. The spray pipe group comprises at least two spray pipes, the liquid supply structure is in communication with two ends of each spray pipe, so that liquid can be supplied from the two ends of the spray pipe. The flow adjusting structure is arranged on the liquid supply structure and is used for independently adjusting the liquid inflow of the two ends of each spray pipe. The continuous nickel electroplating spray pipe device provided by the application can keep the plating liquid flow field of the two sides of the strip steel symmetrical and reduce the plating layer thickness difference caused by one-side liquid spraying arrangement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electroplating equipment technology, specifically relating to a continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device and a flow regulation system. Background Technology

[0002] Continuous high-speed nickel electroplating technology, with its outstanding advantages of high production efficiency and large capacity, has been widely used in the surface treatment process of strip steel in the fields of electronics, hardware, and automotive parts. The core performance requirement of this process is that, under the condition of high-speed conveying of strip steel, the plating solution can be sprayed and supplied uniformly and stably to ensure that a nickel plating layer with uniform thickness and excellent adhesion is formed on the surface of the strip steel. The uniformity of the plating layer determines the electroplating quality and performance of the final product.

[0003] In existing technologies, nickel plating solutions are typically supplied using electroplating nozzles. The solution enters the nozzle and flows axially along the pipe, then is sprayed onto the strip surface through nozzles distributed on the sidewalls. Under high-speed electroplating conditions, the nozzles near the inlet have high pressure and flow rate, while those further away have significantly reduced pressure and lower flow rate. This results in large variations in the coating thickness on the strip surface, making it difficult to meet the precision requirements of high-speed electroplating. Furthermore, existing nozzles often employ an integrated supply control system, which only allows for coarse adjustments to the total supply flow rate. This fails to adapt to variations in pressure loss along the pipe and differences in actual spray conditions, further exacerbating the uneven flow rate along the nozzle's axis and hindering the stability and process adaptability of the high-speed nickel plating production line. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device and flow regulation system, which aims to improve the uniformity and stability of nickel plating on the surface of steel strip.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: Firstly, a continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device is provided, comprising a working tank and a strip steel continuously passing through the working tank along a travel path. An anode unit is disposed within the working tank, connected to the positive terminal of a DC power supply, and the strip steel is connected to the negative terminal of the DC power supply. The device also includes a submerged roller, two nozzle assemblies, a liquid supply structure, and a flow regulation structure. The submerged roller is rotatably disposed within the working tank, and the strip steel extends into the working tank and extends out of the working tank after being wound around the submerged roller, thus forming two working spaces within the working tank. The two nozzle assemblies are respectively disposed within the two working spaces, each nozzle assembly containing at least two nozzles. The nozzles within the same working space are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner with the strip steel as the center. The liquid supply structure is connected to both ends of each nozzle to allow liquid to enter from both ends of the nozzle. The flow regulation structure is disposed on the liquid supply structure and is used to independently regulate the liquid flow rate at both ends of each nozzle.

[0006] The beneficial effects of the continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device provided by the present invention are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the present invention guides the strip steel to form two independent working spaces in the working tank by submerging rollers, and the two nozzle components are placed in the corresponding working spaces. The nozzles in the same working space are arranged in a mirror symmetrical manner with the strip steel as the center, so that the flow field of the plating solution on both sides of the strip steel is kept symmetrical, ensuring that the plating deposition state on both sides of the strip steel is consistent and reducing the difference in plating thickness caused by the single-sided spraying arrangement.

[0007] A liquid supply structure connected to both ends of each nozzle is used to supply plating solution, balancing the internal fluid pressure along the nozzle axis and mitigating the pressure attenuation problem caused by single-end liquid inlet. This ensures a more consistent liquid output across all positions along the nozzle axis, reducing coating thickness deviation along the strip's travel direction and meeting the precision requirements of high-speed electroplating. The flow regulation structure on the liquid supply system allows independent adjustment of the inlet flow rate at both ends of each nozzle, adapting to pressure loss along the pipeline, correcting differences in liquid supply at both ends, and stabilizing the overall uniformity of liquid output from the nozzle.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the nozzle wall is provided with multiple spray holes, which are distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the nozzle, and the liquid outlet direction of the spray holes is towards the strip surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the nozzle is rotatably connected to the sidewall of the working tank to adjust the spray angle between the axis of the spray hole and the surface of the strip steel.

[0010] For example, the diameter of the spray hole is 0.1~0.5 cm and the spray angle is 0~60°.

[0011] For example, a titanium basket is provided in the working tank, and the anode unit is soluble nickel contained in the titanium basket.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the liquid supply structure includes a first liquid inlet connector and a second liquid inlet connector, which are respectively sealed to both ends of each nozzle.

[0013] In some embodiments, the liquid supply structure further includes a working pump and a tank. The first and second inlet connectors of the working pump are connected to the working pump via liquid supply lines. The tank is connected to the working pump and is used to store the electroplating nickel plating solution.

[0014] For example, the flow regulation structure includes a first valve body and a second valve body. The first valve body is located on the supply line between the first inlet connector and the working pump. The second valve body is located on the supply line between the second inlet connector and the working pump.

[0015] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a continuous nickel plating nozzle flow rate regulation system, including a continuous nickel plating nozzle device, and further including a first flow sensor, a second flow sensor, and a controller. The first flow sensor is disposed on the liquid inlet pipe at one end of the nozzle for real-time acquisition of the liquid inlet flow rate. The second flow sensor is disposed on the liquid inlet pipe at the other end of the nozzle for real-time acquisition of the liquid inlet flow rate at the other end. The controller is electrically connected to the first flow sensor, the second flow sensor, and the flow rate regulation structure, and the controller is configured to: preset an allowable deviation threshold; acquire the flow signals acquired by the first and second flow sensors, and calculate the flow deviation at both ends; compare the flow deviation with the deviation threshold, and when the flow deviation is greater than the deviation threshold, control and adjust the flow rate regulation structure to reduce the flow deviation, until the flow deviation is less than or equal to the deviation threshold, at which point the flow rate regulation structure is locked.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the continuous nickel electroplating nozzle flow regulation system provided by this invention are as follows: Compared with the prior art, this invention sets flow sensors on the liquid inlet pipes at both ends of the nozzle, which can acquire the flow data of the liquid inlet at both ends in real time, providing accurate real-time basis for adjusting the liquid supply status and eliminating the subjective bias of manual verification. By presetting the allowable deviation threshold by the controller, the deviation value of the flow at both ends is automatically calculated, which can quickly capture the liquid supply imbalance state without manual segment-by-segment inspection and comparison, and adapt to the long-term uninterrupted operation requirements of continuous electroplating production lines. When the flow deviation exceeds the preset threshold, the controller directly drives the flow regulation structure to complete the opening adjustment, automatically reducing the flow difference at both ends, without manual operation, shortening the adjustment time of liquid supply imbalance, and reducing the risk of coating quality fluctuation caused by adjustment lag. After the flow deviation falls back to the threshold range, the controller automatically locks the current opening of the flow regulation structure, maintains a stable liquid supply state at both ends, offsets the flow drift caused by pipeline pressure fluctuations, and continuously ensures the uniformity of the liquid output from the nozzle.

[0017] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the deviation threshold is 0.1 to 1 L / min, and the deviation of the liquid inlet flow rate at both ends of the nozzle after adjustment is no more than 5%. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a side view of the working slot used in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of the continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a front view of the liquid supply structure used in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a front view of the flow regulation structure used in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] In the diagram: 10, working tank; 11, titanium basket; 20, submerged roller; 30, nozzle; 31, spray hole; 40, liquid supply structure; 41, first liquid inlet connector; 42, second liquid inlet connector; 43, working pump; 44, tank body; 50, flow regulation structure; 51, first valve body; 52, second valve body; 60, strip steel; 70, first flow sensor; 80, second flow sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on or indirectly on the other element. It should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., 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 the invention 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 the invention. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0022] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2The present invention provides a continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device. The continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device includes a working tank 10 and a strip steel 60 continuously passing through the working tank 10 along a travel path. An anode unit is disposed within the working tank 10, connected to the positive terminal of a DC power supply, and the strip steel 60 is connected to the negative terminal of the DC power supply. It also includes a submerged roller 20, two sets of nozzles 30, a liquid supply structure 40, and a flow regulation structure 50. The submerged roller 20 is rotatably disposed within the working tank 10. The strip steel 60 extends into the working tank 10 and extends out of the working tank 10 after being wound around the submerged roller 20, thus forming two working spaces within the working tank 10. The two sets of nozzles 30 are respectively disposed within the two working spaces. Each set of nozzles 30 includes at least two nozzles 30, and the nozzles 30 within the same working space are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner with the strip steel 60 as the center. The liquid supply structure 40 is connected to both ends of each nozzle 30 to allow liquid to enter from both ends of the nozzle 30. The flow regulation structure 50 is located on the liquid supply structure 40 and is used to independently regulate the liquid inlet flow at both ends of each nozzle 30.

[0023] It should be noted that an anode unit is installed inside the working tank 10, connected to the positive terminal of a DC power supply, while the strip 60 is connected to the negative terminal, forming the electrode basis for the electrochemical reaction. After the strip 60 extends into the working tank 10, it wraps around the surface of the submerged roller 20 and then extends outward from the working tank 10. The winding trajectory of the strip 60 forms two independent working spaces inside the working tank 10. The submerged roller 20 can be made of a material resistant to plating solution corrosion and wear. It rotates through a bearing assembly that cooperates with the side wall of the working tank 10, providing steering support for the strip 60 and maintaining the tension stability of the strip 60 during its movement.

[0024] Each group of 30 nozzles contains at least two nozzles 30. The nozzles 30 within the same working space are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to the strip steel section 60 within that space. Each nozzle 30 is a hollow tubular component, serving both plating solution delivery and spraying functions. The number of nozzles 30 within a single group of 30 nozzles can be adjusted according to the strip steel width 60 and the electroplating travel speed to adapt to the plating solution coverage requirements of different production conditions. The liquid supply structure 40 can use a sealed joint in conjunction with the delivery pipeline to adapt to the installation state of the nozzles 30, ensuring the sealing of the liquid inlet process and preventing plating solution leakage. The flow regulation structure 50 can use a manual regulating valve or an electrically controlled regulating valve, which can adjust the liquid inlet flow at the corresponding end according to the actual spraying state, offsetting the pressure loss generated along the pipeline.

[0025] The strip steel 60 continuously travels along a preset path, extends into the working tank 10, passes around the submerged roller 20, and then extends out of the tank, forming two segments of strip steel 60 in different working spaces within the tank. After the DC power is turned on, the anode unit in the working tank 10 and the strip steel 60, which serves as the cathode, form a complete electroplating circuit. The liquid supply structure 40 delivers the plating solution to both ends of each nozzle 30. The plating solution enters the nozzle 30 simultaneously from both ends and is then sprayed out by the nozzle 30 onto the corresponding surface of the strip steel 60. The nozzles 30, which are mirror-symmetrical within the same working space, simultaneously spray the plating solution onto the two opposite surfaces of the strip steel 60, ensuring that the liquid reception state on both sides of the strip steel 60 is consistent. The flow rate adjustment structure 50 can adjust the inlet flow rate at both ends of a single nozzle 30 to keep the liquid outlet state uniform throughout the axial direction of the nozzle 30. During the continuous travel of the strip steel 60, the nozzles 30 in the two working spaces sequentially spray the plating solution onto the surface of the strip steel 60, completing the continuous electroplating operation.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device provided by the present invention guides the strip steel 60 to form two independent working spaces in the working tank 10 through the submerged roller 20. The two nozzles 30 are placed in the corresponding working spaces. The nozzles 30 in the same working space are arranged in a mirror symmetrical manner with the strip steel 60 as the center, so that the plating solution flow field on both sides of the strip steel 60 is kept symmetrical, ensuring that the plating layer deposition state on both sides of the strip steel 60 is consistent, and eliminating the plating layer thickness difference caused by the single-sided spraying arrangement.

[0027] A liquid supply structure 40, connected to both ends of each nozzle 30, supplies plating solution, balancing the internal fluid pressure along the axial direction of the nozzle 30. This improves the pressure attenuation problem caused by single-end liquid inlet, ensuring a more consistent liquid output state across all positions along the axial direction of the nozzle 30. This reduces the coating thickness deviation of the strip 60 along the travel direction, meeting the precision requirements of high-speed electroplating. A flow regulation structure 50 on the liquid supply structure 40 allows for independent adjustment of the inlet flow rate at both ends of each nozzle 30, adapting to pressure loss along the pipeline, correcting differences in liquid supply at both ends, and stabilizing the overall uniformity of liquid output from the nozzle 30.

[0028] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The nozzle 30 has multiple spray holes 31 on its pipe wall. The multiple spray holes 31 are distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the nozzle 30, and the liquid outlet direction of the spray holes 31 is towards the surface of the strip steel 60.

[0029] It should be noted that the spray hole 31 is a through hole penetrating the wall of the nozzle 30, serving as a flow channel for the plating solution to be sprayed outwards. The number of spray holes 31 can be set according to the effective working length of the nozzle 30 and the width requirements of the strip 60. Multiple spray holes 31 are distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the nozzle 30, with all spray holes 31 arranged along the length of the nozzle 30. Adjacent spray holes 31 can be arranged at equal intervals, or the spacing can be adjusted according to the pressure distribution along the axial direction of the nozzle 30. The arrangement covers the effective working section of the nozzle 30, corresponding to the width direction of the strip 60. The liquid outlet direction of the spray holes 31 faces the surface of the strip 60, with the outlet end of each spray hole 31 pointing towards the corresponding side of the strip 60 to be plated, ensuring that the sprayed plating solution directly acts on the electroplating area of ​​the strip 60.

[0030] After the plating solution enters the tube body simultaneously from both ends of the nozzle 30, it fills the tube cavity under the pressure of the supply solution. The plating solution inside the tube is sprayed outward through various spray holes 31 distributed axially along the tube wall, covering the corresponding surfaces of the strip steel 60 and supplying fresh plating solution for the nickel electrodeposition process on the surface of the strip steel 60. Two mirror-symmetrical nozzles 30 in the same working space simultaneously spray plating solution from both sides of the strip steel 60, ensuring that the plating solution coverage on both surfaces of the strip steel 60 is consistent.

[0031] The axially spaced spray holes 31 can completely cover the width of the strip 60, preventing insufficient plating solution supply to the edge areas of the strip 60 and ensuring uniform plating solution supply across the width of the strip 60. The spray holes 31 exit towards the surface of the strip 60, reducing plating solution diffusion loss and enhancing the plating solution renewal rate on the strip 60 surface, thus meeting the electroplating requirements of the strip 60 during continuous movement. The multiple spaced spray holes 31, combined with the double-end inlet structure of the nozzle 30, can balance the outlet pressure at different axial positions of the nozzle 30, reduce flow rate differences between the spray holes 31, and improve the uniformity of the plating thickness on the surface of the strip 60.

[0032] In some embodiments, the nozzle 30 is rotatably connected to the side wall of the working tank 10 to adjust the spray angle between the axis of the spray hole 31 and the surface of the strip steel 60.

[0033] It should be noted that the two ends of the nozzle 30 are movably fitted with the two side walls of the working tank 10, allowing it to rotate around its own axial centerline. Once adjusted to the correct position, it can be locked to prevent autonomous deflection during normal operation. This simultaneously satisfies the sealing and connection requirements of the nozzle 30 ends and the angle adjustment function, preventing leakage during the plating solution delivery process.

[0034] The axis of the spray hole 31 is the center direction of the plating solution spray, and the spray angle is the angle formed by the center direction and the surface of the strip steel 60. When the nozzle 30 rotates around its own axis, the orientation of all the spray holes 31 distributed axially on the pipe wall changes synchronously, and the angle at which the plating solution is sprayed onto the surface of the strip steel 60 changes accordingly.

[0035] The strip steel 60 is continuously conveyed along the travel path within the working tank 10. The plating solution enters the tube body from both ends of the nozzle 30 via the supply structure 40 and is sprayed outwards onto the surface of the strip steel 60 through the spray holes 31. When the production process requires a change in the spraying state, the nozzle 30 is released from its locked state, and the nozzle 30 is rotated to adjust the overall angle. Once the spray angle is adjusted to suit the current working conditions, the nozzle 30 is repositioned. During operation, the plating solution is continuously sprayed onto the surface of the strip steel 60 at the adjusted angle, ensuring a stable supply of plating solution for the electrodeposition process.

[0036] The rotating connection structure can adapt to different production process requirements, and the spray angle can be adjusted without replacing the nozzle 30 assembly, improving the adaptability to different strip steel 60 specifications, different travel speeds, and coating requirements. Adjusting the spray angle can optimize the flow field of the plating solution on the surface of the strip steel 60, improve the coverage and renewal effect of the plating solution on the surface of the strip steel 60, and ensure the uniformity and bonding strength of the coating deposition.

[0037] For example, the diameter of the spray hole 31 is 0.1~0.5 cm and the spray angle is 0~60°.

[0038] It should be noted that the diameter of the spray orifice 31 ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 cm, with selectable values ​​such as 0.1 cm, 0.3 cm, and 0.5 cm. The spray orifices 31 on a single nozzle 30 can use a uniform diameter, or they can be arranged in a gradient within this range, taking into account the axial pressure distribution characteristics of the nozzle 30. 0.1 cm is the lower limit of the orifice diameter, which can create a more concentrated plating solution jet; 0.3 cm is the middle value in the range, which can balance the single-orifice output and spray coverage; and 0.5 cm is the upper limit of the orifice diameter, which can achieve a larger single-orifice liquid supply flow rate. The specific orifice diameter value can be flexibly selected to match the plating solution properties, supply pressure, and production conditions.

[0039] The adjustable spray angle range is from 0 to 60 degrees, with selectable intervals of 0 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees. As the nozzle 30 rotates around its own axis, the angle formed between the axis of the spray hole 31 and the surface of the strip 60 can be continuously adjusted within this range, covering various spray states from parallel scouring of the plating solution along the surface of the strip 60 to oblique impact. 0 degrees is the lower limit, where the axis of the spray hole 31 is parallel to the surface of the strip 60; 30 degrees is the middle angle, where the plating solution acts on the surface of the strip 60 at a moderate angle; and 60 degrees is the upper limit, where the plating solution impacts the surface of the strip 60 at a large angle. After adjustment to the target angle, the nozzle 30 can be locked in position to maintain a stable spray state.

[0040] The plating solution enters the cavity simultaneously from both ends of the nozzle 30, flows axially along the nozzle 30 under the supply pressure, and is then sprayed outward through each spray hole 31. A 0.3 cm intermediate orifice diameter is selected to meet the supply requirements of most conventional high-speed electroplating scenarios. Combined with the pressure balance effect of the dual-end inlet, the liquid output from the spray holes 31 along the axial direction of the nozzle 30 tends to be consistent. When the nozzle 30 is adjusted to a 30-degree intermediate spray angle, the sprayed plating solution continuously acts on the surface of the strip steel 60 at an inclined angle. Two mirror-symmetrical nozzles 30 within the same working space maintain consistent orifice diameter parameters and spray angles, outputting symmetrical plating solution flow fields from both sides of the strip steel 60.

[0041] Multiple orifice sizes within the range can adapt to different liquid supply pressures and coating requirements. Small orifices can meet the spraying needs of high-precision thin coatings, large orifices can adapt to high-speed, high-flow production conditions, and intermediate orifices can cover most conventional production scenarios, offering high flexibility in selection. Multiple angle adjustment ranges from 0 to 60 degrees can match different strip 60 travel speeds and different coating requirements, allowing for various spraying states such as parallel scouring, medium tilt, and large-angle impact, flexibly adjusting the plating solution flow field morphology on the strip 60 surface. This further stabilizes the plating solution supply state on the strip 60 surface, improves the uniformity of coating thickness, and enhances the adaptability of the device to different production conditions.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 A titanium basket 11 is provided inside the working tank 10, and the anode unit is soluble nickel contained in the titanium basket 11.

[0043] It should be noted that the titanium basket 11 is a hollowed-out bearing component made of titanium metal, which is fixedly installed in a preset position in the working tank 10 to provide bearing and positioning for the anode material. Titanium metal has stable chemical properties and can withstand the corrosion of the nickel electroplating working environment. It does not dissolve itself during use, thus avoiding the introduction of impurities into the plating solution system.

[0044] The soluble nickel contained within the titanium basket 11 constitutes the anode unit. The main component of the electrochemical reaction at the anode is the soluble nickel material, which can be in various solid forms such as nickel balls, nickel corners, or nickel plates, all placed within the internal cavity of the titanium basket 11. The perforated structure of the titanium basket 11 provides confinement and fixation for the soluble nickel, while ensuring full contact between the internal nickel material and the plating solution ejected from the nozzle 30. The soluble nickel is connected to the positive terminal of the DC power supply, serving as the electroplating anode.

[0045] After the device enters the operating state, the strip steel 60 continuously passes through the working trough 10 along the travel path, and around the submerged roller 20 to form strip steel 60 segments in two working spaces. The DC power supply is turned on, with the soluble nickel in the titanium basket 11 acting as the anode connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the strip steel 60 acting as the cathode connected to the negative terminal. Together with the plating solution flowing through the working area, they form a complete conductive circuit. The liquid supply structure 40 delivers plating solution to both ends of each nozzle 30. The nozzles 30 in the two working spaces directionally spray the plating solution onto the corresponding surface of the strip steel 60, and the flowing plating solution contacts the soluble nickel in the titanium basket 11. Under the action of the electric field, the soluble nickel gradually dissolves, releasing nickel ions into the surrounding plating solution. The plating solution carrying nickel ions continuously acts on the surface of the strip steel 60, depositing nickel ions on the surface of the strip steel 60 to form a continuous nickel plating layer. During the production process, the soluble nickel is continuously consumed, and the corresponding nickel material can be directly replenished into the titanium basket 11 to maintain a stable electroplating process.

[0046] The titanium basket 11 possesses excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for long-term nickel plating production. It avoids contaminating the plating solution system, maintains stable solution purity, and prevents plating quality defects caused by impurities. Using soluble nickel as the anode allows for continuous replenishment of nickel ions in the plating solution during spraying, maintaining a stable nickel concentration in the working area. This makes it suitable for continuous, long-term, high-speed electroplating production, reducing the frequency of solution adjustments. The hollowed-out support structure of the titanium basket 11 increases the contact area between the soluble nickel and the plating solution, ensuring efficient nickel ion dissolution. Furthermore, the replenishment and replacement of the anode material are convenient, requiring no disassembly of other components within the working tank 10, thus reducing equipment maintenance difficulty.

[0047] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The liquid supply structure 40 includes a first liquid inlet connector 41 and a second liquid inlet connector 42, which are respectively sealed to both ends of each nozzle 30.

[0048] It should be noted that the first liquid inlet connector 41 and the second liquid inlet connector 42 are transitional connecting components for the plating solution to enter the nozzle 30. They can be made of metal or engineering plastic material resistant to plating solution corrosion, and their dimensions are adapted to the pipe diameter at the end of the nozzle 30. Each nozzle 30 has one liquid inlet connector at each of its two ends. The inner wall of the connector fits tightly with the outer wall of the nozzle 30 end, and the mating surface is provided with a sealing structure to form a sealed connection interface to prevent leakage of the plating solution during transportation. The sealed connection can adopt a detachable fit to provide convenient disassembly and assembly. The outer ends of the two liquid inlet connectors are respectively connected to the external liquid supply pipeline to guide the externally circulating plating solution into the internal chamber of the nozzle 30.

[0049] During operation, the externally supplied plating solution flows into the first inlet connector 41 and the second inlet connector 42, respectively. Through these two sealed connectors, it simultaneously enters the internal chamber of the nozzle 30 from both ends. The sealed connection maintains stable pressure at the connector locations, preventing flow loss due to pressure leakage and ensuring controllable pressure and flow at both ends. After entering the nozzle 30, the plating solution fills and distributes along the axial direction of the pipe body, and is finally output through the spray section of the nozzle 30, acting on the surface of the strip steel 60 within the corresponding working space. The flow regulation structure 50 can be applied to the supply branches corresponding to the two inlet connectors, independently adjusting the flow rate at both ends of the nozzle 30.

[0050] Two independent liquid inlet connectors are used to connect to both ends of the nozzle 30, providing a stable connection medium for synchronous liquid inlet at both ends of the nozzle 30. The two independently set liquid inlet connectors can each correspond to an independent liquid supply branch, adapting to the independent control requirements of the flow regulation structure 50 for the liquid inlet at both ends of the nozzle 30. With the function of independent flow regulation at both ends, the uniformity of the liquid output from the nozzle 30 is further improved.

[0051] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 4 The liquid supply structure 40 also includes a working pump 43 and a tank 44. The first liquid inlet 41 and the second liquid inlet 42 of the working pump 43 are respectively connected to the working pump 43 through liquid supply pipelines. The tank 44 is connected to the working pump 43 and is used to store the electroplating nickel plating solution.

[0052] It should be noted that the working pump 43 is the power component for transporting the plating solution and is adaptable to the physicochemical properties of the electroplating nickel plating solution. The first inlet connector 41 and the second inlet connector 42 are respectively connected to the working pump 43 through independent supply pipelines. The plating solution output by the working pump 43 can be transported to the corresponding inlet connectors through two independent pipelines, providing stable pressure for the synchronous double-end liquid intake of the nozzle 30. The tank 44 is an independent plating solution storage container connected to the working pump 43, used to store the electroplating nickel plating solution, and can hold the amount of plating solution required for continuous production.

[0053] After the device enters the operating state, the working pump 43 draws the stored nickel plating solution from the tank 44, pressurizes it, and delivers it to the first inlet connector 41 and the second inlet connector 42 through two supply lines. The plating solution enters the pipe body simultaneously from both ends of the nozzle 30 through the two inlet connectors that are sealed to the nozzle 30, and is then sprayed directionally onto the surface of the strip steel 60 in the corresponding working space through the spray holes 31 of the nozzle 30, continuously supplying plating solution for the electroplating operation. The flow regulation structure 50 can independently adjust the flow rate of the two supply lines, and together with the stable output of the working pump 43, achieves precise control of the inlet flow rate at both ends of the nozzle 30.

[0054] The working pump 43 provides stable output power for the dual-end liquid supply, ensuring consistent base pressure in both supply lines and providing a foundation for balanced flow rates at both ends of the nozzle 30. This meets the high-flow-rate requirements of continuous high-speed electroplating. The working pump 43, in conjunction with two independent supply lines connected to two inlet connectors, forms independent dual-end liquid supply pathways, adapting to the independent flow control requirements of the flow regulation structure 50 at both ends and improving the uniformity of axial liquid output from the nozzle 30.

[0055] Please see Figure 4 The flow regulating structure 50 includes a first valve body 51 and a second valve body 52. ​​The first valve body 51 is located on the supply pipeline between the first inlet connector 41 and the working pump 43. The second valve body 52 is located on the supply pipeline between the second inlet connector 42 and the working pump 43.

[0056] It should be noted that the first valve body 51 can adjust its opening to change the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the pipeline, thereby regulating the flow rate of the plating solution flowing through the pipeline and into the first inlet connector 41. The valve body is made of a material resistant to plating solution corrosion and is suitable for the working environment of nickel electroplating. The adjustment operation can be completed manually. The second valve body 52 has the same function as the first valve body 51 and can independently regulate the flow rate of the plating solution in the second pipeline. The adjustment process does not interfere with the first valve body 51. The two valve bodies correspond to the two inlet ends of the nozzle 30, respectively.

[0057] During operation, the working pump 43 draws nickel plating solution from the tank 44, pressurizes it, and outputs it in two independent channels. One channel flows through the first valve body 51 and enters one end of the nozzle 30 through the first inlet connector 41. The other channel flows through the second valve body 52 and enters the other end of the nozzle 30 through the second inlet connector 42. When it is necessary to adjust the liquid inlet status of the nozzle 30, the opening of the first valve body 51 can be adjusted independently to change the liquid inlet flow rate at the first end of the nozzle 30, and the opening of the second valve body 52 can be adjusted independently to change the liquid inlet flow rate at the second end of the nozzle 30. The first valve body 51 and the second valve body 52 can be adjusted to different openings to compensate for the pressure loss difference between the two supply lines, so that the liquid inlet status at both ends of the nozzle 30 matches the preset requirements.

[0058] The first valve body 51 and the second valve body 52 are provided with two independent pipelines, enabling independent adjustment of the liquid inlet at both ends of the nozzle 30. This corrects for pressure loss differences between the two pipelines, ensuring consistency of liquid flow at both ends of the nozzle 30 and improving the uniformity of liquid output along the axial direction. The independent valve bodies allow for more flexible flow adjustment, enabling the flow at both ends to be adjusted according to different process requirements, adapting to different strip steel 60 specifications and electroplating conditions. The valve body connected in series with the liquid supply pipeline has a simple and reliable structure, is easy to install and maintain, and achieves flow control without modifying the nozzle 30 structure. This flow adjustment structure 50 works in conjunction with the dual-end liquid supply structure 40 to reduce flow deviation at different spray positions along the axial direction of the nozzle 30, improve the uniformity of the coating thickness on the strip steel 60 surface, and meet the production requirements of continuous high-speed electroplating.

[0059] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a flow regulation system for a continuous electroplating nickel nozzle 30, including a continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device, a first flow sensor 70, a second flow sensor 80, and a controller. The first flow sensor 70 is disposed on the inlet pipe at one end of the nozzle 30 for real-time acquisition of the inlet flow rate. The second flow sensor 80 is disposed on the inlet pipe at the other end of the nozzle 30 for real-time acquisition of the inlet flow rate at the other end. The controller is electrically connected to the first flow sensor 70, the second flow sensor 80, and the flow regulation structure 50, and is configured to: preset an allowable deviation threshold; acquire the flow signals acquired by the first flow sensor 70 and the second flow sensor 80, and calculate the flow deviation at both ends; compare the flow deviation with the deviation threshold; when the flow deviation is greater than the deviation threshold, control and adjust the flow regulation structure 50 to reduce the flow deviation, until the flow deviation is less than or equal to the deviation threshold, at which point the flow regulation structure 50 is locked.

[0060] It should be noted that both the first flow sensor 70 and the second flow sensor 80 are plating solution flow detection components, made of materials resistant to corrosion from electroplating nickel plating solutions. They are connected in series in the inlet pipe and can convert the instantaneous flow rate value in the inlet pipe into a transmittable electrical signal, providing real-time feedback on the flow status at the corresponding inlet end. The controller can receive the detection signals from the flow sensors and can also output control commands to the flow regulation structure 50. The controller is configured with multiple operating logics. The controller has a built-in parameter setting module, which can preset the upper limit of the allowable deviation of the inlet flow rate at both ends of the nozzle 30 according to the accuracy requirements of the current electroplating process. The threshold can be flexibly adjusted according to different strip steel 60 specifications and plating requirements.

[0061] The controller receives signals from the flow sensor in real time, extracts the real-time inlet flow rates at both ends, calculates the difference between the two, and obtains the current flow deviation. The controller compares the calculated flow deviation with a preset deviation threshold. When the flow deviation exceeds the allowable range, it determines that the current inlet uniformity does not meet the requirements, and outputs an adjustment command to the flow regulation structure 50 to adjust the flow state of the corresponding pipeline, gradually reducing the flow deviation at both ends. When the flow deviation decreases to meet the preset requirements, it determines that the current inlet uniformity meets the standard, and the controller outputs a lock command to the flow regulation structure 50 to maintain the current adjustment state and maintain a stable inlet flow rate.

[0062] After the system is put into operation, the working pump 43 draws nickel plating solution from the tank 44 and delivers it to both ends of the nozzle 30 through two independent supply pipelines, respectively via the first inlet connector 41 and the second inlet connector 42. The first flow sensor 70 and the second flow sensor 80 collect the flow data in the corresponding inlet pipeline in real time and transmit the data synchronously to the controller. The controller presets the allowable deviation threshold according to the current production requirements. After receiving the real-time flow data, it calculates the flow deviation between the two inlets and compares the deviation value with the preset threshold.

[0063] If the flow deviation exceeds a preset threshold, the controller outputs corresponding adjustment commands to the first valve body 51 and the second valve body 52 of the flow regulation structure 50, adjusting the opening of the two valve bodies respectively, changing the flow area of ​​the corresponding pipeline, and reducing the flow difference between the two ends. During the adjustment process, the flow sensor continuously collects real-time flow data and feeds it back to the controller. The controller continuously compares the deviation value and gradually adjusts the valve opening until the flow deviation is less than or equal to the preset deviation threshold.

[0064] Once the deviation meets the target, the controller locks the current opening of the flow regulation structure 50 to maintain a stable double-end liquid inlet state. During continuous production, the controller always maintains real-time monitoring of the flow at both ends. If fluctuations in pipeline pressure, changes in the plating solution state, or other factors cause the flow deviation to exceed the threshold again, the controller will automatically trigger a new round of adjustment to always maintain the uniformity of liquid inlet at both ends of the nozzle 30.

[0065] Compared with existing technologies, the continuous nickel plating nozzle 30 flow regulation system provided by this invention obtains real-time flow data of the liquid inlet at both ends of the nozzle 30 by installing flow sensors on the liquid inlet pipes at both ends. This provides accurate real-time basis for adjusting the liquid supply status and eliminates subjective bias from manual verification. By presetting an allowable deviation threshold, the controller automatically calculates the deviation value of the flow at both ends, quickly capturing the liquid supply imbalance state without requiring manual segment-by-segment inspection and comparison, thus adapting to the long-term uninterrupted operation requirements of continuous electroplating production lines. When the flow deviation exceeds the preset threshold, the controller directly drives the flow regulation structure 50 to adjust its opening, automatically reducing the flow difference at both ends without manual operation, shortening the adjustment time for liquid supply imbalance, and reducing the risk of coating quality fluctuations caused by adjustment lag. After the flow deviation falls back to within the threshold range, the controller automatically locks the current opening of the flow regulation structure 50, maintaining a stable liquid supply state at both ends, offsetting the flow drift caused by pipeline pressure fluctuations, and continuously ensuring the uniformity of the liquid output from the nozzle 30.

[0066] In some embodiments, the deviation threshold is 0.1 to 1 L / min, and the deviation of the liquid inlet flow rate at both ends of the nozzle 30 after adjustment is no more than 5%.

[0067] It should be noted that the allowable deviation threshold ranges from 0.1 to 1 liter per minute, with selectable values ​​of 0.1 liters per minute, 0.5 liters per minute, and 1 liter per minute. 0.1 liters per minute is the lower limit of the range, suitable for high-precision electroplating processes requiring extremely high coating uniformity; 0.5 liters per minute is the middle value, suitable for most conventional continuous nickel electroplating production needs; and 1 liter per minute is the upper limit, suitable for production scenarios with high flow rates and relatively relaxed coating precision requirements. The threshold can be flexibly selected within the range based on the specific 60mm strip specification and process requirements, and is pre-stored in the controller's parameter module.

[0068] After adjustment, the deviation of the inlet flow rate at both ends of nozzle 30 is no more than 5%. This deviation is the relative deviation of the actual inlet flow rate at both ends relative to the set target flow rate, and is the accuracy control indicator after the system adjustment is completed. After the controller completes the adjustment and locks the flow adjustment structure at 50 degrees, the difference between the actual inlet flow rate at both ends of nozzle 30 and the set target flow rate is always controlled within 5%, ensuring the consistency of the inlet flow at both ends.

[0069] During system operation, the controller selects a corresponding deviation threshold within the range of 0.1 to 1 liter per minute as the adjustment criterion based on the current production conditions. The first flow sensor 70 and the second flow sensor 80 collect the inlet flow rates at both ends of the nozzle 30 in real time and transmit this data to the controller to calculate the flow difference between the two ends. The controller compares the real-time flow difference with the selected deviation threshold. If the difference exceeds the threshold, it drives the flow regulation structure 50 to adjust the opening of the corresponding valve, gradually reducing the flow difference between the two ends. When the real-time flow difference falls back below the threshold, the controller locks the current opening of the flow regulation structure 50. At this point, the relative deviation of the inlet flow rates at both ends of the nozzle 30 is no more than 5%, and the system enters a stable liquid supply state. During continuous production, the system continuously monitors the flow status at both ends, always controlling the flow deviation within the set range to maintain a stable dual-end liquid supply effect.

[0070] The selectable threshold range of 0.1 to 1 liter per minute covers the electroplating production needs of different precision levels. A lower threshold is used for high-precision conditions to ensure uniform liquid supply; a middle value is used for normal conditions to balance adjustment efficiency and stability; and a higher threshold is used for high-flow-rate conditions to avoid flow fluctuations caused by frequent adjustments, resulting in a wide range of adaptability. The precision limit of no more than 5% deviation in flow rate at both ends after adjustment ensures consistent liquid intake at both ends of the nozzle 30, reducing the axial pressure difference of the nozzle 30 from the liquid intake source and improving the uniformity of liquid output at all positions of the nozzle 30.

[0071] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device, comprising a working tank and a strip of steel continuously passing through the working tank along a travel path, wherein an anode unit is disposed within the working tank, the anode unit is connected to the positive terminal of a DC power supply, and the strip of steel is connected to the negative terminal of a DC power supply, characterized in that, Also includes: A submerged roller is rotatably disposed in the working trough. The strip steel extends into the working trough and extends out of the working trough after being wound around the submerged roller, so as to form two working spaces in the working trough. Two nozzle groups are respectively located in the two workspaces. Each nozzle group contains at least two nozzles. The nozzles in the same workspace are arranged in a mirror-symmetric manner with respect to the strip steel as the center. A liquid supply structure is connected to both ends of each nozzle to enable liquid to enter from both ends of the nozzle; A flow regulation structure is provided on the liquid supply structure for independently regulating the inlet flow rate at both ends of each nozzle.

2. The continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle has multiple spray holes on its wall, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the nozzle, and the liquid outlet direction of the spray holes is towards the surface of the strip steel.

3. The continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The nozzle is rotatably connected to the side wall of the working tank and is used to adjust the spray angle between the axis of the spray hole and the surface of the strip steel.

4. The continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the spray hole is 0.1~0.5 cm, and the spray angle is 0~60°.

5. The continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A titanium basket is provided inside the working tank, and the anode unit is soluble nickel contained in the titanium basket.

6. The continuous electroplating nickel nozzle apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid supply structure includes a first liquid inlet connector and a second liquid inlet connector, which are respectively sealed to both ends of each nozzle.

7. The continuous electroplating nickel nozzle apparatus as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The liquid supply structure also includes: The working pump is connected to the first liquid inlet connector and the second liquid inlet connector respectively through a liquid supply pipeline. The tank, connected to the working pump, is used to store the nickel plating solution.

8. The continuous electroplating nickel nozzle apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The flow regulation structure includes: The first valve body is located on the liquid supply pipeline between the first liquid inlet connector and the working pump; The second valve body is located on the liquid supply pipeline between the second inlet connector and the working pump.

9. A continuous electroplating nickel nozzle flow rate regulation system, comprising a continuous electroplating nickel nozzle device as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Also includes: The first flow sensor is installed on the inlet pipe at one end of the nozzle to collect the inlet flow rate in real time. The second flow sensor is installed on the inlet pipe at the other end of the nozzle to collect the inlet flow rate at the other end in real time. The controller is electrically connected to the first flow sensor, the second flow sensor, and the flow regulation structure, and the controller is configured to: Preset allowable deviation threshold; Acquire the flow signals collected by the first flow sensor and the second flow sensor, and calculate the flow deviation between the two ends; The flow deviation is compared with the deviation threshold. When the flow deviation is greater than the deviation threshold, the flow adjustment structure is controlled to reduce the flow deviation until the flow deviation is less than or equal to the deviation threshold, at which point the flow adjustment structure is locked.

10. The continuous electroplating nickel nozzle flow rate regulation system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The deviation threshold is 0.1 to 1 L / min, and the deviation of the liquid inlet flow rate at both ends of the nozzle after adjustment is no more than 5%.

Images