Apparatus Used in an Electroplating Process for Holding Workpieces

Abstract

An apparatus for holding a plurality of workpieces to be electroplated includes at least one container immersed in and rotatable relative to a plating solution. The container includes two end plates, and a surrounding plate cooperating with the end plates to define a receiving space adapted to receive the workpieces, and an opening adapted for entry and exit of the workpieces into and out of the receiving space. The surrounding plate includes a curved sliding section having two opposite first and second ends, a tumbling section that is adapted to allow the workpieces to tumble thereon when the container is rotated and that has a third end connected to the first end, and a fourth end opposite to the third end, and a plurality of through holes formed in the sliding and tumbling sections. The opening is disposed between the second and fourth ends.

1 . An apparatus for holding a plurality of workpieces to be electroplated, said apparatus comprising a container unit including at least one container immersed in and rotatable relative to a plating solution, said container including two spaced-apart end plates, and a surrounding plate connected between said end plates and cooperating with said end plates to define a receiving space adapted to receive the workpieces, and an opening in spatial communication with said receiving space and adapted for entry and exit of the workpieces into and out of said receiving space, said surrounding plate including a curved sliding section that has two opposite first and second ends, a tumbling section that is adapted to allow the workpieces to tumble thereon when said container is rotated and that has a third end connected to said first end, and a fourth end opposite to said third end, and a plurality of through holes formed in said sliding and tumbling sections and adapted to permit flow of the plating solution therethrough, said opening being disposed between said second end and said fourth end. 
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said container further includes two rotated plates connected respectively and fixedly to said end plates such that said end plates are disposed between said rotated plates, said apparatus further comprising two pairs of friction wheels, each pair of said friction wheels being disposed under and in frictional contact with a respective one of said rotated plates and being driven to rotate the respective one of said rotated plates. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said container further includes two shafts connected respectively and fixedly to said end plates such that said container is rotatable along with said shafts. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , further comprising a rotatable frame adapted to be rotatable relative to the plating solution, said container unit including a plurality of said containers connected pivotally to said rotatable frame and angularly spaced apart from each other. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said tumbling section includes a plurality of interconnected flat plate portions, each two adjacent ones of which form an angle therebetween, said angle being greater than 90°.