Automatic continuous vertical electroplating production line
By designing the fixture structure of an automated continuous vertical electroplating production line and using elastic elements and buffer sleeves to control the clamping force, the problem of fixture damage during the vertical electroplating of thin plate parts was solved, achieving stable clamping and improving product yield.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
In the existing vertical electroplating process for thin sheet metal parts, it is difficult to control the clamping force of the fixture, which can easily cause damage to the surface of the plated parts and affect the product yield.
An automated continuous vertical electroplating production line was designed, which adopts a conveying mechanism including a drive assembly and a fixture. The fixture consists of a connecting plate, a support, a clamping arm, and an elastic element. The elasticity of the elastic element limits the clamping force to avoid damage caused by excessive clamping. The fixture is also equipped with a buffer sleeve and a sensor for real-time detection.
It achieves stable clamping of thin plated parts, avoids damage caused by excessive clamping force, and improves product yield.
Smart Images
Figure CN224077581U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electroplating production line technology, and in particular to an automatic continuous vertical electroplating production line. Background Technology
[0002] Continuous vertical electroplating production lines are commonly used to achieve continuous electroplating on flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs) or similar thin substrates. Through a vertical production line layout, combined with advanced automation and electroplating processes, it can efficiently and uniformly deposit metal plating layers on circuit boards. The parts are typically fed in roll-to-roll form, with stable transport achieved through an automatic tension control system. The parts pass through vertically arranged electroplating tanks, each responsible for plating a specific metal layer (such as copper, nickel, or gold). The electroplating tanks typically use a spray method to plate the parts, and the tanks employ optimized current density and bath circulation design to ensure uniform plating distribution across the entire surface of the parts. After electroplating, the parts typically undergo post-processing through multi-stage cleaning tanks and drying modules to remove residual plating solution from the surface. For rolls, the post-processed parts are then wound up, ready for subsequent processing steps.
[0003] For non-coil sheet metal parts, it is not possible to transport them by roll-to-roll feeding. In the existing vertical electroplating process for sheet metal parts, the parts are generally clamped by fixtures and driven by drive components to achieve automatic continuous vertical electroplating production. However, the existing part conveying mechanism is difficult to control the clamping force, which can easily cause damage to the surface of sheet metal parts and affect the product yield. Utility Model Content
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an automated continuous vertical electroplating production line to address the technical problem that existing electroplating line fixtures can easily damage the plated parts.
[0005] An automatic continuous vertical electroplating production line includes an acid pickling section, a hot water washing section, an electroplating section, a post-washing section, and a drying section, which are arranged and connected in sequence.
[0006] The electroplating section includes a frame, an electroplating tank, and a conveying mechanism. The electroplating tank and the conveying mechanism are both installed on the frame, and the conveying mechanism is located on the top side of the electroplating tank.
[0007] The conveying mechanism includes a drive assembly and several clamps. The drive assembly is mounted on the frame and is located on the top side of the electroplating tank. The drive assembly extends along the length of the electroplating tank and its output end circulates along the extension direction of the drive assembly. Several clamps are sequentially arranged and installed on the output end of the drive assembly, and the clamping direction of each clamp is perpendicular to the liquid surface of the electroplating tank.
[0008] Each clamp includes a connecting plate, a support, two clamping arms, and an elastic element. One side surface of the connecting plate is connected to the output end of the drive assembly, and the other side surface of the connecting plate is connected to one end of the support. The other end of the support extends a predetermined distance in the vertical direction relative to the connecting plate to form a mounting part. The two clamping arms are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the mounting part, and the middle parts of the two clamping arms are respectively fitted into the mounting part and hinged to each other. One end of each clamping arm is set as a clamping end, and the other end is set as a driving end. The corresponding two clamping ends are arranged facing each other, and the corresponding two driving ends are arranged back to back. The elastic element is arranged between the two driving ends.
[0009] In one embodiment, the two clamping ends are configured as clamping structures that extend in parallel after bending towards each other at a preset angle.
[0010] In one embodiment, the mounting part is configured as a U-shaped frame with a through clearance groove, the two clamping arms are respectively fitted into the clearance groove from both sides of the clearance groove, and the two clamping arms and the groove wall of the clearance groove are hinged together by a pivot.
[0011] In one embodiment, each of the above-mentioned clamping arms has a hinge portion in the middle corresponding to the clearance groove, and the hinge portions of the two clamping arms overlap each other and fit into the clearance groove.
[0012] In one embodiment, the hinge portion is configured as an L-shaped plate, and the hinge portions of the two clamping arms are mirror-misaligned.
[0013] In one embodiment, the support is provided with a through clearance hole corresponding to the elastic element.
[0014] In one embodiment, the elastic element is disposed through the clearance hole, and the two ends of the elastic element abut against the opposing side surfaces of the two driving ends, respectively.
[0015] In one embodiment, the support is further provided with a limiting plate, which is disposed on one side surface of the support corresponding to the two driving ends, and the two ends of the limiting plate are movably abutting against the opposite side surfaces of the two driving ends.
[0016] In one embodiment, the limiting plate is configured as a C-shaped plate, with both ends of the C-shaped plate movably abutting against the opposite sides of the two driving ends.
[0017] In one embodiment, each of the clamping ends is provided with a buffer sleeve, which is fitted onto the end of the corresponding clamping end.
[0018] In one embodiment, the opposing surfaces of the two buffer sleeves are further provided with several buffer pads.
[0019] In one embodiment, each of the above-described fixtures further includes a sensor disposed at one end of the connecting plate.
[0020] In one embodiment, each of the above-mentioned driving ends is provided with a driving guide wheel, and the two driving guide wheels are respectively disposed on opposite side surfaces of the two driving ends.
[0021] In one embodiment, the aforementioned drive component is configured as a chain conveyor mechanism, which extends along the moving direction of the plated part, and a plurality of clamps are sequentially arranged and installed on the chain conveyor mechanism.
[0022] The aforementioned automated continuous vertical electroplating production line drives the plated parts to move vertically along the electroplating tank via a conveying mechanism, thereby achieving continuous vertical electroplating production. The conveying mechanism includes a drive assembly and several clamps. Each clamp includes a connecting plate, a support, two clamping arms, and an elastic element. One end of each clamping arm is configured as a clamping end, and the other end is configured as a drive end. The corresponding two clamping ends are arranged to face each other to clamp the plated part. The elastic element is located between the two drive ends and can limit the relative distance between the two drive ends. During the loading and conveying of the plated part, when the elastic element is compressed, the two drive ends swing towards each other to pry the two clamping ends at the other end apart. At this time, the plated part can be installed between the two clamping ends. After the plated part is in place, when the elastic element returns to its natural state, the two drive ends swing away from each other to drive the two clamping ends to close and clamp the plated part. Based on this, by adjusting the elastic properties of the elastic element accordingly, the clamping force of the clamp can be limited to a preset range, thereby ensuring clamping stability while having a certain buffering performance to avoid damage to the plated part caused by excessive clamping force. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automated continuous vertical electroplating production line in one embodiment;
[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged structural schematic diagram of part M in the illustrated embodiment;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an automated continuous vertical electroplating production line in one embodiment;
[0026] Figure 4 This is a partial exploded structural diagram of an automated continuous vertical electroplating production line in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 utility model.
[0029] Furthermore, 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 at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0030] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly 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 explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0031] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through 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. "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.
[0032] It should be noted that when 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. When 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. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.
[0033] Please see Figures 1 to 4This utility model discloses an automatic continuous vertical electroplating production line, which includes an acid pickling section a, a hot water washing section b, an electroplating section c, a post-washing section d, and a drying section e. These sections are arranged sequentially and connected to form the overall structure of the electroplating production line. The electroplating section c includes a frame c1, an electroplating tank c2, and a conveying mechanism c3. Both the electroplating tank c2 and the conveying mechanism c3 are mounted on the frame c1. The conveying mechanism c3 is located on the top side of the electroplating tank c2, thereby driving the workpiece to move vertically along the electroplating tank c2, thus achieving continuous vertical electroplating production. Specifically, the conveying mechanism c3 includes a drive assembly 100 and several clamps 200. The drive assembly 100 is mounted on the frame c1 and is located on the top side of the electroplating tank c2. The drive assembly 100 extends along the length of the electroplating tank c2, and its output end circulates along the extension direction of the drive assembly 100. Several clamps 200 are sequentially arranged and installed at the output end of the drive assembly 100, and the clamping direction of each clamp 200 is perpendicular to the liquid surface of the electroplating tank c2. Thus, the clamps 200 can circulate along the length of the electroplating tank c2 to continuously and vertically convey the plated parts in batch electroplating production, thereby realizing continuous vertical conveying of the electroplating production line. More specifically, each clamp 200 includes a connecting plate 210, a support 220, two clamping arms 230, and an elastic member 240. One side surface of the connecting plate 210 is connected to the output end of the drive assembly 100, and the other side surface of the connecting plate 210 is connected to one end of the support 220. The other end of the support 220 extends a predetermined distance away from the connecting plate 210 in the vertical direction to form a mounting portion 221. The two clamping arms 230 are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the mounting portion 221, and the middle parts of the two clamping arms 230 are respectively fitted into the mounting portion 221 and hinged to each other. Based on this, one end of each clamping arm 230 is configured as a clamping end 231, and the other end is configured as a driving end 232. The corresponding two clamping ends 231 are configured to cooperate facing each other to clamp the plated parts, and the corresponding two driving ends 232 are configured to cooperate back to back. The elastic member 240 is disposed between the two driving ends 232, and the two ends of the elastic member 240 abut against the two driving ends 232 respectively.In practical applications, the elastic element 240 can limit the relative distance between the two driving ends 232. During the loading and conveying of the plated part, when the elastic element 240 is compressed, the two driving ends 232 swing towards each other to pry the two clamping ends 231 of the other end apart. At this time, the plated part can be installed between the two clamping ends 231. After the plated part is in place, when the elastic element 240 returns to its natural state, the two driving ends 232 swing away from each other to drive the two clamping ends 231 to close and clamp the plated part. Based on this, by adjusting the elastic properties of the elastic element 240 accordingly, the clamping force of the clamp 200 can be limited to a preset range, thereby ensuring clamping stability while having a certain buffering performance to avoid damage to the plated part caused by excessive clamping force.
[0034] In one embodiment, the two clamping ends 231 are configured as clamping structures that extend in parallel after being bent at a preset angle towards each other, thereby optimizing the clamping stability and adaptability of the two clamping ends 231 to the plate-shaped plated part.
[0035] Furthermore, the mounting part 221 is configured as a U-shaped frame with a through clearance groove 2211. Two clamping arms 230 are respectively fitted into the clearance groove 2211 from both sides. The two clamping arms 230 and the groove wall of the clearance groove 2211 are hinged together by a pivot, allowing the two clamping arms 230 to swing about the mounting part 221 as an axis to achieve the clamping function. Specifically, each clamping arm 230 has a hinge part 233 in the middle corresponding to the clearance groove 2211. The hinge parts 233 of the two clamping arms 230 overlap and fit into the clearance groove 2211, thereby achieving a hinged connection. More specifically, the hinge part 233 is configured as an L-shaped plate, and the hinge parts 233 of the two clamping arms 230 are mirror-misaligned, which helps to improve the regularity of the fit between the hinge part 233 and the mounting part 221 and reduces interference during the movement of the clamping arms 230 and the support 220.
[0036] Furthermore, the support 220 is provided with a through clearance hole 222 corresponding to the elastic element 240. Specifically, the elastic element 240 is disposed through the clearance hole 222, and both ends of the elastic element 240 abut against the opposing side surfaces of the two drive ends 232, thereby ensuring the installation stability between the elastic element 240 and the support 220.
[0037] Furthermore, the support 220 is also provided with a limiting plate 223. The limiting plate 223 is disposed on one side surface of the support 220 corresponding to the two driving ends 232, and the two ends of the limiting plate 223 move against the opposite side surfaces of the two driving ends 232. Thus, the limiting plate 223 can limit the swing range of the two driving ends 232 to the opposite side, thereby preventing the two driving ends 232 from swinging excessively in opposite directions, which could cause the two clamping ends 231 to over-fit and damage the clamp 200 or the plated part. In one embodiment, the limiting plate 223 is configured as a C-shaped plate, and the two ends of the C-shaped plate move against the opposite side of the two driving ends 232, thereby limiting the swing range of the two driving ends 232 while reducing the interference of the limiting plate 223 on the two clamping arms 230.
[0038] Furthermore, each clamping end 231 is provided with a buffer sleeve 2311, which is sleeved on the end of the corresponding clamping end 231. Thus, when the two clamping ends 231 clamp the plated part, the buffer sleeve 2311 can buffer and protect the surface of the plated part. In one embodiment, a plurality of buffer pads 2312 are also provided on the opposing side surfaces of the two buffer sleeves 2311, thereby further improving the buffering performance of the buffer sleeves 2311.
[0039] Furthermore, each fixture 200 also includes a sensor 250, which is disposed at one end of the connecting plate 210 to detect the movement state of the fixture 200 in real time, thereby realizing automatic control of electroplating production.
[0040] Furthermore, each drive end 232 is provided with a drive guide wheel 2321, and the two drive guide wheels 2321 are respectively provided on the opposite side surfaces of the two drive ends 232.
[0041] Furthermore, the drive assembly 100 is configured as a chain conveyor mechanism, which extends along the moving direction of the plated part. Several clamps 200 are sequentially arranged and installed on the chain conveyor mechanism to realize the rolling conveying of the clamps 200.
[0042] In summary, the automatic continuous vertical electroplating production line disclosed in this utility model drives the plated parts to move vertically along the electroplating tank through a conveying mechanism, thereby realizing continuous vertical electroplating production. The conveying mechanism includes a drive assembly and several clamps. Each clamp includes a connecting plate, a support, two clamping arms, and an elastic element. One end of each clamping arm is configured as a clamping end, and the other end is configured as a drive end. The corresponding two clamping ends are arranged to face each other to clamp the plated part. The elastic element is located between the two drive ends and can limit the relative distance between the two drive ends. During the loading and conveying of the plated part, when the elastic element is compressed, the two drive ends swing towards each other to pry the two clamping ends at the other end apart. At this time, the plated part can be installed between the two clamping ends. After the plated part is in place, when the elastic element returns to its natural state, the two drive ends swing away from each other to drive the two clamping ends to close and clamp the plated part. Based on this, by adjusting the elastic properties of the elastic element accordingly, the clamping force of the clamp can be limited to a preset range, thereby ensuring clamping stability while having a certain buffering performance to avoid damage to the plated part caused by excessive clamping force.
[0043] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0044] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An automatic continuous vertical electroplating production line, characterized by, The electroplating section comprises a rack, an electroplating tank and a conveying mechanism, the electroplating tank and the conveying mechanism are both installed on the rack, and the conveying mechanism is arranged on the top side of the electroplating tank. The conveying mechanism comprises a driving assembly and a plurality of clamps, the driving assembly is installed on the rack, and the driving assembly is arranged on the top side of the electroplating tank. The driving assembly extends along the length direction of the electroplating tank, and the output end of the driving assembly circulates and rolls along the extension direction of the driving assembly. Each clamp comprises a connecting plate, a support, two clamping arms and an elastic piece, one side surface of the connecting plate is connected with the output end of the driving assembly, the other side surface of the connecting plate is connected with one end of the support, the other end of the support extends in the vertical direction away from the connecting plate by a preset distance to form a mounting portion; the two clamping arms are oppositely arranged on the two sides of the mounting portion, and the middle parts of the two clamping arms are respectively embedded into the mounting portion and hinged to each other; one end of each clamping arm is arranged as a clamping end, and the other end is arranged as a driving end, wherein the two corresponding clamping ends are oppositely arranged, the two corresponding driving ends are oppositely arranged, and the elastic piece is arranged between the two driving ends. The mounting portion is arranged as a U-shaped frame body with a through avoiding slot, the two clamping arms are fitted into the avoiding slot from the two sides of the avoiding slot, and the two clamping arms and the slot wall of the avoiding slot are hingedly connected through a rotating shaft. The middle part of each clamping arm is provided with a hinged portion corresponding to the avoiding slot, and the hinged portions of the two clamping arms are overlapped and fitted into the avoiding slot.
2. The automatic continuous vertical electroplating line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support is provided with a through avoiding hole corresponding to the elastic piece.
3. The automatic continuous vertical electroplating line according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic piece is arranged in the avoiding hole, and the two ends of the elastic piece are respectively in contact with the opposite side surfaces of the two driving ends.
4. The automatic continuous vertical plating line according to claim 3, wherein The support is further provided with a limiting plate, the limiting plate is arranged on one side surface of the support corresponding to the two driving ends, and the two ends of the limiting plate are movably in contact with the opposite side surfaces of the two driving ends.
5. The automatic continuous vertical electroplating line according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each clamping end is provided with a buffer rubber sleeve, and the buffer rubber sleeve is sleeved on the end of the corresponding clamping end.
6. The automatic continuous vertical electroplating line according to claim 5, characterized in that, The opposite side surfaces of the two buffer rubber sleeves are further provided with a plurality of buffer pads.
7. The automatic continuous vertical electroplating line according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each clamp further comprises a sensor arranged on one end of the connecting plate.
8. The automatic continuous vertical electroplating line according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each driving end is provided with a driving guide wheel, and the two driving guide wheels are respectively arranged on the opposite side surfaces of the two driving ends.
9. The automatic continuous vertical electroplating line according to claim 8, characterized in that, 10. The automatic continuous vertical electroplating line according to claim 9, characterized in that,