Horizontal electroplating equipment
By placing the cathode assembly outside the electroplating tank and equipping it with a drying and water absorption mechanism, the problem of conductive brush damage caused by the cathode assembly being inside the electroplating solution is solved, achieving high-efficiency electroplating and a long-life cathode assembly, reducing copper nodules, and improving electroplating efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422914156.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-28
AI Technical Summary
In existing photo-induced horizontal electroplating equipment, both the cathode and anode are located in the electroplating solution, resulting in a mismatch between the electroplating and deplating speeds. This affects the working efficiency of the conductive brush, and the conductive brush hardens due to the presence of the metal layer, damaging the battery cells.
Design a horizontal electroplating device in which the cathode assembly is set outside the electroplating tank and equipped with drying mechanisms such as upper and lower air knives to keep the surface of the target object dry and avoid liquid contamination. At the same time, the cathode assembly is not inside the electroplating tank to prevent plating, and combined with a water absorption assembly to prevent electroplating liquid splashing, thereby improving electroplating efficiency and cathode assembly life.
It effectively prevents the cathode assembly from getting wet with liquid, thus preventing electroplating failure, avoids the conductive brush from hardening and damaging the workpiece, improves electroplating efficiency and the service life of the cathode assembly, reduces the presence of copper nodules, and enables high-capacity electroplating.
Smart Images
Figure CN223510010U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electroplating equipment technology, and in particular to a horizontal electroplating device. Background Technology
[0002] With the development of the photovoltaic industry, the demand for solar cells continues to grow. Traditional solar cells typically use screen printing to print copper grid lines; however, screen printing consumes a large amount of silver paste, resulting in high costs. Therefore, a photo-induced horizontal electroplating device is proposed, which achieves the electroplating effect through photoelectric conversion.
[0003] In existing photo-induced horizontal electroplating equipment, since both the cathode and anode are located in the electroplating solution, continuous electroplating and deplating are required during the electroplating process. If the deplating speed cannot keep up during the continuous electroplating and deplating process, the corresponding metal layer will inevitably be electroplated on the surface, which will directly affect the working efficiency of the subsequent conductive brush. Furthermore, the conductive brush will harden due to the presence of the metal layer, thereby damaging the battery cell. Utility Model Content
[0004] One objective of this invention is to provide a horizontal electroplating device that solves the technical problem of conductive brushes damaging battery cells in existing electroplating devices.
[0005] Specifically, this utility model provides a horizontal electroplating apparatus, comprising:
[0006] A transmission component that moves the target object horizontally;
[0007] At least one electroplating tank, each of which is provided with an electroplating solution;
[0008] At least one set of anode components, each anode component disposed in one of the electroplating tanks, for electroplating the target object by the anode components when the target object is transferred to the electroplating tank; and
[0009] At least one set of cathode assemblies is disposed outside the electroplating tank, and each cathode assembly is provided with at least one drying mechanism to keep the surface of the target object dry.
[0010] Optionally, each of the drying mechanisms includes an upper air knife and a lower air knife, and the target object passes between the upper air knife and the lower air knife under the transmission of the transmission assembly; the air outlets of the upper air knife and the lower air knife blow air onto the target object to keep the surface of the target object dry.
[0011] Optionally, the air outlet of the upper air knife includes at least one;
[0012] The air outlet of at least one of the air outlets of the upper air knife is perpendicular to the surface of the target object; and / or
[0013] The air outlet of at least one of the upper air blades has an air outlet direction that forms an acute angle with the surface of the target object, and the air outlet direction is towards the cathode assembly.
[0014] Optionally, the air outlet of the lower air knife includes at least one;
[0015] The air outlet of at least one of the lower air blades is perpendicular to the surface of the target object; and / or
[0016] The air outlet of at least one of the lower air blades forms an acute angle with the surface of the target object, and the air outlet direction is towards the cathode assembly. Optionally, each cathode assembly further includes at least one conductive component, each conductive component being disposed on one side of at least one of the drying mechanisms, and each conductive component comprising:
[0017] Conductive strip;
[0018] support; and
[0019] At least one conductive brush is connected to the conductive strip via the bracket, and at least one of the conductive brushes contacts the surface of the target object when the target object is transferred to the cathode assembly.
[0020] Optionally, at least one of the conductive brushes is in contact with the upper surface of the target object; and / or at least one of the conductive brushes is in contact with the lower surface of the target object.
[0021] Optionally, the cathode assembly and the anode assembly are arranged alternately.
[0022] Optionally, it also includes at least one water-absorbing component disposed on the front and / or rear side of each of the electroplating tanks to prevent electroplating solution from splashing onto the cathode assembly.
[0023] Optionally, the water-absorbing component is placed close to the outer wall of the electroplating tank.
[0024] Optionally, each of the water-absorbing components includes an upper water-absorbing roller and a lower water-absorbing roller arranged vertically.
[0025] Optionally, the upper suction roller and the lower suction roller squeeze each other.
[0026] Optionally, the anode assembly includes at least one anode disposed within the electroplating tank and located on the same side of the target object as the conductive brush.
[0027] The horizontal electroplating equipment in this solution may include a transfer component, at least one electroplating tank, at least one anode component, and at least one cathode component. The cathode component is located inside the electroplating tank, while the anode component is located outside. At least one drying mechanism is provided at the cathode component to ensure the target object is dry, thus preventing the cathode component from coming into contact with liquid from the target object's surface during contact, which could hinder effective electroplating. This structure also prevents the cathode component from being plated, thus preventing the conductive brush from hardening due to metal plating, which could scratch or damage the workpiece surface. It eliminates the need for stripping, improving electroplating efficiency and extending the lifespan of the cathode component, enabling high-capacity horizontal electroplating. Furthermore, since the cathode component is not inside the electroplating tank, copper particles falling from it will not remain in the tank, effectively reducing the presence of copper nodules on the target object's surface.
[0028] The above and other objects, advantages and features of this utility model will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0029] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the present invention in a detailed manner by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or components. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:
[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of a horizontal electroplating apparatus according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] Figure 2 This is a front view of a horizontal electroplating apparatus according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;
[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle.
[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0035] Horizontal electroplating equipment - 100; Conveyor assembly - 110; Electroplating tank - 120; Anode assembly - 130; Upper anode - 131; Lower anode - 132; Cathode assembly - 140; Drying mechanism - 141; Upper air knife - 1411; Lower air knife - 1412; Conductive assembly - 142; Conductive strip - 1421; Support - 1422; Conductive brush - 1423; Water absorption assembly - 150; Upper water absorption roller - 151; Lower water absorption roller - 152; Target object - 200. Detailed Implementation
[0036] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "height", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0037] As a specific embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a horizontal electroplating apparatus 100. The horizontal electroplating apparatus 100 may include a transfer assembly 110, at least one electroplating tank 120, at least one set of anode assemblies 130, and at least one set of cathode assemblies 140. The transfer assembly 110 transports the target object 200 horizontally. Each electroplating tank 120 contains an electroplating solution. Each anode assembly 130 is disposed within one of the electroplating tanks 120, and is powered by the anode assembly 130 to perform electroplating when the target object 200 is transferred to the electroplating tank 120. At least one set of cathode assemblies 140 is disposed outside the electroplating tank 120, and each cathode assembly 140 is provided with at least one drying mechanism 141 to keep both the upper and lower surfaces of the target object 200 dry.
[0038] Specifically, the horizontal electroplating equipment 100 in this embodiment may include a transfer component 110, at least one electroplating tank 120, at least one anode component 130, and at least one cathode component 140. The cathode component 140 is disposed outside the electroplating tank 120, and the anode component 130 is disposed inside the electroplating tank 120. At least one drying mechanism 141 is provided at the cathode component 140 to ensure that the upper and lower surfaces of the target object 200 are kept dry, thereby preventing the cathode component 140 from being contaminated with liquid on the surface of the target object 200 during contact with the target object 200, which would prevent effective electroplating. At the same time, this structure can prevent the cathode component 140 from being plated, preventing the conductive brush 1423 from being plated with metal and hardening, thereby scratching the surface of the workpiece or damaging the workpiece. It eliminates the need for a stripping process, improves the efficiency of electroplating and the service life of the cathode component 140, and enables high-capacity horizontal electroplating processes. In addition, since the cathode assembly 140 is not inside the electroplating tank 120, the copper particles that fall off it will not be inside the electroplating tank 120, which can effectively reduce the presence of copper nodules on the surface of the target object 200.
[0039] Specifically, the transfer assembly 110 of this embodiment may include multiple rotating rollers arranged sequentially along the same horizontal plane to transfer the target object 200 along a specific direction (e.g., from left to right or from right to left) on the horizontal plane. Preferably, the cathode assembly 140 and the anode assembly 130 are arranged alternately. When the target object 200 is transferred to the cathode assembly 140, charge is brushed onto the target object 200 through the cathode assembly 140. When the target object 200 is transferred to the anode assembly 130, electroplating is performed in the electroplating tank 120.
[0040] As a specific embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, each drying unit 141 in this embodiment may include an upper air blade 1411 and a lower air blade 1412, and the target object 200 passes between the upper air blade 1411 and the lower air blade 1412 under the transmission of the transmission component 110.
[0041] Specifically, each drying mechanism 141 in this embodiment may include an upper air blade 1411 and a lower air blade 1412. When the target object 200 is transferred to the drying mechanism 141, the upper air blade 1411 and the lower air blade 1412 blow air toward the target object 200 respectively, thereby keeping the target object 200 dry.
[0042] Specifically, in this embodiment, the upper air knife 1411 and the lower air knife 1412 form a group, and the gas is blown out by a high-pressure blower after passing through a filter.
[0043] As a specific embodiment of this utility model, each upper air blade 1411 may include at least one air outlet. For example, the number of air outlets may be one or more. As one embodiment, the air outlet direction of the at least one air outlet is perpendicular to the surface of the target object 200. Or as another embodiment, the air outlet direction of the at least one air outlet forms an acute angle with the surface of the target object 200 and is inclined towards the cathode assembly 140. Optionally, when the number of air outlets of the upper air blade 1411 is multiple, the air outlet direction of some of the air outlets may be perpendicular to the surface of the target object 200, and the air outlet direction of some of the air outlets may form an acute angle with the surface of the target object 200.
[0044] Specifically, in this embodiment, the air outlet of the upper air knife 1411 is perpendicular to the surface of the target object 200, ensuring that the upper surface of the target object 200 remains dry and preventing liquid contamination of the cathode assembly. Furthermore, the air outlet direction of the upper air knife 1411 forms an acute angle with the upper surface of the target object 200, meaning the air outlet direction is inclined and tilted towards the cathode assembly. This means that the air from the upper air knife 1411 blows towards both the target object 200 and the cathode assembly 140 simultaneously, ensuring both the upper surface of the target object 200 and the cathode assembly 140 remain dry. This prevents contamination of the cathode assembly from causing it to rise and damage the upper surface of the target object 200.
[0045] As a specific embodiment of this utility model, each lower air knife 1412 may include at least one air outlet. For example, the number of air outlets may be one or more. As one embodiment, the air outlet direction of the at least one air outlet is perpendicular to the surface of the target object 200. Or as another embodiment, the air outlet direction of the at least one air outlet forms an acute angle with the surface of the target object 200 and is inclined towards the cathode assembly 140. Optionally, when the number of air outlets of the lower air knife 1412 is multiple, the air outlet direction of some of the air outlets may be perpendicular to the surface of the target object 200, and the air outlet direction of some of the air outlets may form an acute angle with the surface of the target object 200.
[0046] Specifically, in this embodiment, the air outlet of the lower air knife 1412 is perpendicular to the surface of the target object 200, ensuring that the lower surface of the target object 200 remains dry and preventing liquid from contaminating the cathode assembly. Furthermore, the air outlet direction of the lower air knife 1412 forms an acute angle with the lower surface of the target object 200, meaning the air outlet direction is inclined and tilted towards the cathode assembly 140. This ensures that the air from the lower air knife 1412 blows towards both the target object 200 and the cathode assembly 140, guaranteeing both the dryness of the lower surface of the target object 200 and the dryness of the cathode assembly 140. This prevents contamination of the cathode assembly 140 from rising and damaging the lower surface of the target object 200.
[0047] As a specific embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, each cathode assembly 140 in this embodiment may further include at least one conductive component 142, and each conductive component 142 is disposed on one side of at least one drying mechanism 141. Preferably, each cathode assembly 140 in this embodiment includes two drying mechanisms 141 and one conductive component 142, and the conductive component 142 is disposed between the two drying mechanisms 141. This can effectively ensure the dryness of the conductive component 142.
[0048] Specifically, each conductive component 142 may include a conductive strip 1421, a support 1422, and at least one conductive brush 1423. The at least one conductive brush 1423 is connected to the conductive strip 1421 via the support 1422, and when the target object 200 is transferred to the cathode component 140, the at least one conductive brush 1423 is in contact with the surface of the target object 200.
[0049] Specifically, in this embodiment, the conductive strip 1421 can be connected to an external power source to conduct electricity, and the bracket 1422 connects the conductive strip 1421 and the conductive brush 1423 so that the conductive brush 1423 is energized.
[0050] Specifically, in one particular embodiment, at least one conductive brush 1423 of this embodiment is in contact with the upper surface of the target object 200. This allows the upper surface of the target object 200 to become charged, so that electroplating can be performed on the upper surface of the target object 200 subsequently.
[0051] In another specific embodiment, at least one conductive brush 1423 of this embodiment is in contact with the lower surface of the target object 200. This allows the lower surface of the target object 200 to become charged, so that electroplating can be performed on the lower surface of the target object 200 during subsequent electroplating.
[0052] In another specific embodiment, at least one conductive brush 1423 is in contact with the upper surface of the target object 200, and simultaneously, the conductive brush 1423 is in contact with the lower surface of the target object 200. This makes both the upper and lower surfaces of the target object 200 charged, allowing for subsequent electroplating on both sides of the target object 200.
[0053] As a specific embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the horizontal electroplating equipment 100 of this embodiment may further include at least one water-absorbing component 150. The water-absorbing component 150 is disposed on the front and rear sides of each electroplating tank 120 to prevent the electroplating solution in the electroplating tank 120 from contacting the cathode component 140 when it overflows, thereby improving the dryness of the cathode component 140. The electroplating solution flows outward from the outlets on both sides of the electroplating tank 120 (the outlet positions are used for the entry and exit of the target object 200) and is collected through the liquid return structure at the bottom of the entire equipment and flows back into the electroplating tank 120 for recycling.
[0054] In addition, the surface of the water-absorbing component 150 is made of a material with good water absorption or a certain degree of elasticity, such as a sponge.
[0055] Specifically, in this embodiment, the water-absorbing component 150 is close to the outer wall of the electroplating tank 120. Specifically, in this embodiment, the water-absorbing component 150 is close to the outer wall of the electroplating tank 120, which can prevent liquid overflowing from the electroplating tank 120 from spraying onto the cathode component 140.
[0056] As a specific embodiment of this utility model, each water-absorbing component 150 in this embodiment may include an upper water-absorbing roller 151 and a lower water-absorbing roller 152 arranged vertically. When the target object 200 has not passed through the water-absorbing component 150, there is an interaction force between the upper water-absorbing roller 151 and the lower water-absorbing roller 152. When the target object 200 passes through the water-absorbing component 150, the target object 200 can separate the upper water-absorbing roller 151 and the lower water-absorbing roller 152 to enter or leave the electroplating tank 120.
[0057] Specifically, the upper suction roller 151 and the lower suction roller 152 effectively prevent liquid in the electroplating tank 120 from splashing onto the cathode assembly 140, thus limiting the flow direction of the electroplating solution. Simultaneously, during transport, the target object 200 passes between the upper suction roller 151 and the lower suction roller 152, absorbing liquid from its surface and reducing the amount of liquid on its surface.
[0058] As a specific embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the anode assembly 130 of this embodiment may include at least one upper anode 131 and at least one lower anode 132. The upper anode 131 and the lower anode 132 are disposed in the electroplating tank 120. When the target object 200 arrives at the electroplating tank 120, the upper anode 131 is located above the target object 200 and the lower anode 132 is located below the target object 200.
[0059] In this embodiment, an upper anode 131 and a lower anode 132 are provided in the electroplating tank 120, so that the target object 200 can be electroplated on both the upper and lower surfaces in the electroplating tank 120.
[0060] The structure of this utility model allows for selective single-sided or double-sided electroplating of the target object 200. When performing single-sided electroplating, the conductive brush 1423 is positioned on the side of the target object 200 corresponding to the side to be electroplated.
[0061] However, as a superior option, the structure of this invention offers significant advantages in double-sided electroplating. In this structure, a drying mechanism 141 is installed on one or both sides of the cathode assembly 140 (if one side is chosen, the target object 200 preferentially enters the cathode assembly 140 side). The airflow from the upper air knife 1411 and lower air knife 1412 dries the remaining liquid on the surface of the target object 200. Then, inside the cathode assembly 140, a conductive brush 1423 applies a negative charge to the surface of the target object 200. Immediately afterward, the target object 200 passes through the water absorption assembly 150 and enters the electroplating tank 120. Inside the electroplating tank 120, under the action of the upper anode 131 and lower anode 132, both sides of the target object 200 can be electroplated simultaneously. Generally, multiple electroplating tanks 120 are used, requiring continuous electroplating to increase the metal layer on the target object 200. Therefore, in order to ensure the dryness of the next cathode assembly 140, a water-absorbing assembly 150 is also added at the outlet of the electroplating tank 120 to prevent the electroplating solution from splashing onto the cathode assembly 140 when it flows out of the electroplating tank 120.
[0062] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although many exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and recognized as covering all such other variations or modifications.
Claims
1. A horizontal electroplating apparatus, characterized in that, include: A transmission component that moves the target object horizontally; At least one electroplating tank, each of which is provided with an electroplating solution; At least one set of anode components, each of the anode components being disposed in one of the electroplating tanks, for electroplating the target object by the anode components when the target object is transferred to the electroplating tank; and At least one set of cathode assemblies is disposed outside the electroplating tank, and each cathode assembly is provided with at least one drying mechanism to keep the surface of the target object dry.
2. The horizontal electroplating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the drying mechanisms includes an upper air knife and a lower air knife, and the target object passes between the upper air knife and the lower air knife under the transmission of the transmission assembly; the air outlets of the upper air knife and the lower air knife blow air onto the target object to keep the surface of the target object dry.
3. The horizontal electroplating equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air outlet of the upper air knife includes at least one; The air outlet of at least one of the air outlets of the upper air knife is perpendicular to the surface of the target object; and / or The air outlet of at least one of the upper air blades has an air outlet direction that forms an acute angle with the surface of the target object, and the air outlet direction is towards the cathode assembly.
4. The horizontal electroplating equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air outlet of the lower air knife includes at least one; The air outlet of at least one of the lower air blades is perpendicular to the surface of the target object; and / or The air outlet of at least one of the lower air blades has an air outlet direction that forms an acute angle with the surface of the target object, and the air outlet direction is towards the cathode assembly.
5. The horizontal electroplating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the cathode assemblies further includes at least one conductive component, each conductive component being disposed on one side of at least one of the drying mechanisms, and each conductive component comprising: Conductive strip; support; and At least one conductive brush is connected to the conductive strip via the bracket, and at least one of the conductive brushes contacts the surface of the target object when the target object is transferred to the cathode assembly.
6. The horizontal electroplating equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one of the conductive brushes is in contact with the upper surface of the target object; and / or at least one of the conductive brushes is in contact with the lower surface of the target object.
7. The horizontal electroplating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode assembly and the anode assembly are arranged alternately.
8. The horizontal electroplating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least one water-absorbing component disposed on the front and rear sides of each of the electroplating tanks to prevent electroplating solution from splashing onto the cathode assembly.
9. The horizontal electroplating equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water-absorbing component is located close to the outer wall of the electroplating tank.
10. The horizontal electroplating equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned water-absorbing components includes an upper water-absorbing roller and a lower water-absorbing roller arranged vertically.
11. The horizontal electroplating equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that, The upper suction roller and the lower suction roller squeeze each other.
12. The horizontal electroplating equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The anode assembly includes at least one anode disposed within the electroplating tank and located on the same side of the target object as the conductive brush.