Electroplating assembly

Abstract

An electroplating assembly for holding a workpiece through a thermodynamic cycle of electroplating comprises a plating rack that supports the workpiece. An electric bus bar is disposed on the plating rack. At least one connector joins the workpiece with the plating rack. At least one flexible support joins the workpiece with the plating rack.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An electroplating assembly for holding a workpiece through a thermodynamic cycle of electroplating, the electroplating assembly comprising:
 a plating rack that supports the workpiece;   an electric bus bar on the plating rack;   at least one connector joining the workpiece with the plating rack; and   at least one flexible support joining the workpiece with the plating rack.   
     
     
         2 . The electroplating assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a segment on the at least one flexible support that permits limited movement of the workpiece through a thermodynamic cycle of electroplating, wherein the segment has a first dimension and a second dimension, and the first dimension is larger than the second dimension. 
 
     
     
         3 . The electroplating assembly of  claim 2  wherein movement of the segment due to exposure of the segment to the thermodynamic cycle of the electroplating process in a first direction substantially orthogonal to a plane defined by the first dimension is favored over movement of the flexible support  18  in a second direction substantially orthogonal to a second plane defined by the second dimension. 
     
     
         4 . The electroplating assembly of  claim 2  further comprising:
 a conductive core on the at least one flexible support. 
 
     
     
         5 . The electroplating assembly of  claim 4  wherein the conductive core comprises beryllium copper wire. 
     
     
         6 . The electroplating assembly of  claim 2  further comprising:
 a plating rack contact disposed on an end of the at least one flexible connector opposite to an end thereof connected to the electrical bus bar. 
 
     
     
         7 . The electroplating assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a conductor for conveying electric current from the electric bus bar on the plating rack to the workpiece disposed on the at least one connector. 
 
     
     
         8 . The electroplating assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a plating rack contact disposed on an end of the conductor opposite to an end thereof connected to the electrical bus bar.