DE2333443A1 - VERTICAL SPRAY DEVICE FOR SMALL PARTS - Google Patents

Description

Patent attorney Dipl.-Ing. L. Walter, 6 Frankfurt / H., P.O. Box 4432

. H. Bond & M "Rucinski
Stillwater, Minnesota * USA

Vertical spray etching device for small parts

The invention relates to vertical spray etching machines for
uniform etching of small and very small parts.

By U.S. Patents 2,762,1 * f9 and 2,822,635
vertical etchers already known. US Pat. No. 2,762,149 describes a vertical etching apparatus for etching an elongated path with the nozzles spaced along the manifold. Here
the nozzles are stationary and the web moves horizontally through the etching device so that the etchant hits the web at a right angle.

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U.S. Patent 2,822,635 describes a vertical one Etching device for spray etching, with a continuously fed web running horizontally through an etching chamber. The nozzles in this vertical etching device oscillate about a central axis during operation, so that daa Etchant is directed alternately up and down. In addition, the nozzles have a waiting and downward acceleration is issued so that the spray from the nozzle sweeps over the web during the etching process.

One of the problems encountered with spray etching a web is that locally passive areas or pockets occur that affect the final dimensions of the etched article. This problem is caused by the said US patents actually solved by the fact that a nozzle operating at high speed alternately after is guided up, down and vertically over the web surface. In addition, the movement of the nozzle prevents that the smallest GJksbasen can get stuck form in the web opening during the etching reaction. The local passivity and the retention of gas bubbles are the main reasons for non-uniform etching, even if the concentration and temperature of the Etchant and the distribution of the etchant over the area to be etched are properly controlled or regulated. Thus, by adjusting the angle of oscillation of the nozzles by the apparatus of the above-mentioned US patents reliable and uniform results can be achieved.

However, there is a disadvantage in the case of etching devices

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in that the influence of the gravity field on the etching liquid is not compensated, namely if the etching liquid hit the part on the Part running down. While for some treatment purposes, e.g. the etching of metal tracks or strips, the excessive etching caused by the run-down is so slight that it compensates for it or can be accepted, this may not apply to the excessive treatment caused by the etching treatment Etching on precision parts where etching tolerances of less than 0.0012 cm are required. That's why it is necessary to create means for controlling the dusting of the etchant, so that a uniform dusting is achieved over the entire surface of the part or article to be etched, with the flow of the etchant being brought under control. This is special This is the case with articles which are to be etched from both sides and which are considerably in the areas to be etched differ from each other. The invention is therefore based on the object of a vertical etching device for etching treatment to create small or large parts, with which the irregularities that occur during etching, due to the distance between the nozzles, the gravity factors, an excessive exposure to the Etchant and by the shape of the nozzle spray to be conditionally one, overcome and eliminated.

The invention solves the problem in that for the parts to be etched, which are essentially in the vertical. One level, an etching chamber, several storage or distribution chambers, which are in the i'vtzkammer, several

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Etching spray nozzles connected to the distribution ducts, which spray the flow of etchant in a preferred direction and are brought into position by adjusting means in vertical and horizontal directions, means for adjusting the nozzles in order to control the etching flow from the nozzles in the preferred direction, a holder , in which the part to be etched is inserted vertically, and a conveyor system v = B-pgdueke-s? 4jB ^ f · through which the holder for the part to be etched is guided through the etching chamber, provided with lftiFflfr rotating devices v &? f * e && mii ⁵ WiH *, = tsa rotate the part to be etched as it passes through the etching chamber 7P & so that the part to be etched is sprayed with etchant from several spray nozzles.

Accordingly, in the vertical etching device according to the invention, the angular velocity and the linear Speed of the part to be etched as well as the vertical speed of the nozzles, the vertical nozzle spacing and the horizontal distance of the nozzles from the part to be etched is controlled. In addition are a control device provided for the spray pattern, flow meters and valves to control the impact on the article to be etched To increase or decrease the amount of etching liquid and its moment of movement. Furthermore, two are each other Similar Ätzkamsiern and Ätzdüsen for precise control and Regulation of the spray etching agent provided.

The drawing shows an embodiment of the invention described. Show it:

Fig. 1 is an elevation of the vertical etching apparatus according to the invention,

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BATH ORIGINAL

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same etching device,

Fig. 3 is a view in cross section of the .Schwing- and Adjustment mechanism for the nozzle supply »

Fig. K is a side elevation of the holder for holding the

article to be etched when passing through the vertical etching chambers, and

5 shows a partially schematically illustrated side view, which shows the vertical etched part carrier ring as it is in the bed track and in guides is fitted, the one running through the various etching and rinsing chambers to be etched Move articles through.

The reference numeral 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2 stands quite generally for that described as a preferred exemplary embodiment vertical etching device, which has a first etching chamber 11, a second etching chamber 12 and a rinsing chamber 13 · Da the etching chambers 11 and 12 are structurally identical to one another with regard to the vertical etching device 10, only one of the two chambers is described. The Ätzkamiaer 12 has a Distribution pipe 1 * f, which is arranged horizontally in the chamber 12 and is connected to a source of supply of a pressurized etchant, one end of the manifold 1 * f is inserted rotatably in the socket 15 and that other end of the manifold 1A- in a similar (not shown) version is rotatably mounted. Version 15 is attached to a threaded rod shown and an additional rod not shown, namely in a horizontal position, held by the two nut flanges 15a «. The distribution pipes are the same

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17, 18, 19 and 20 have the same fits and flanges connected to the first and the second (not shown) threaded rod 16. This arrangement of the Distribution pipes 1 * f, 17, 18, 19 and 20 on the threaded rods a vertical adjustment of the distance between the manifolds can be made so as to to control the spray pattern as well as the amount of the etchant to be sprayed onto the article to be etched.

In the figure 3 the distribution pipes 1 ^, 17, 18, 19 and 20 are shown together with the attached nozzles i4a, 17a, i8a, 19a and 20a in cross section. Each nozzle is connected to the manifolds and sprays the etchant onto the article to be etched, which is vertically between the two rows of manifolds · On the opposite side of manifolds 1A, 17, 18, 19 and 20 is a similar row of manifolds 21, 22 »23, 2k and 25, which are equipped with the nozzles 21a, 22a, 23a, 2ha and 25a, respectively. It is emphasized in this connection that some of the nozzles 21a ″ to 25a are directed either upwards or downwards, but are not oriented perpendicular to the article to be etched. The different positions of the nozzles on the manifold can each be taken by rotating the manifold Thus, the operator can direct the nozzle 21a upwards by turning the manifold to the right (Fig. 3). This measure achieves a dormant control of the nozzle orientation compared to the dynamic reciprocating position control with known devices Adjustability allows that by adjusting the nozzles

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no irregular spray patterns before the Xtz process the article to be etched occur. For example, more on its circumference as the article to be etched in the middle, the operator can direct the nozzles upwards, so that the main impact of the etchant hits the periphery of the part to be etched.

At the lower part of the threaded rod 16 and the threaded rod 29 there is a further adjustment rod JO on which several holding members are attached to hold these rods 16 and 29 in place. Also on the upper part of the rods 16 and 29 © is another adjustment rod 3 ^ » By loosening the nuts 3I and 32 , the lower part of the rod 16 can be brought into position inwards or outwards by the nuts 31 and 32 on the L-shaped link ¥ * to be attached. Likewise, there are nuts (not shown) on the threaded adjustment rod 3 ^ t so that adjustment of the upper portion of rod 16 can be made. Hit this embodiment, the distribution pipes can move inwards or outwards according to v; ground _r by the position of the nuts is adjusted to the rods 30 and 3 ^. In the same sense, the opposite distributor pipes have means through which the positioning and adjustment inwards can also be carried out.

Fig. 3 also shows a rectangular support frame for the rows of manifolds attached to rods 30 and 3 ^ lie. The link 35 has a cam follower 36 " rotatably mounted in housing 37. The plunger 36 works with de: a crouching 3o (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2), with a turning

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the camshaft 39t, which is driven by the motor 40 via a suitable intermediate gear kt , causes the Hocken-38 to rotate, whereby the tappet 36 and the Bahraen 35 are forced to follow the surface shape of the cam 38. The crouching shown is a constant speed cam and thus provides a steady up and down speed for the frame 35 while the shaft 39 rotates at a constant speed. Thus, by the vertical movement transmitted to the member 35, the nozzles and the spray jet are caused to sweep up and down within the etching chambers 11 and 12 at a constant speed. This feature, that the manifolds and their nozzles vibrate at a uniform speed, ensures that the spray of the etchant is uniformly sweeping over the article to be etched.

Fig. 1 shows the article bearing the reference number 50 which is to be subjected to the etching treatment. This article 50 is inserted in a circular holder 51 which has an opening 52. To be etched product is generally one which is to be etched uniformly from both sides "To do this, the article is inserted into the opening in a circular holder 51 50 which has a set of teeth 51a, the h in the endless drive belt ^ and grip the upper drive belt 33. The upper belt is in constant contact with the upper part of the inlet 51 as it passes through the etching chamber 11, the Ktzkaramer 12 and the Spüllcaiamer 13. The upper drive belt 55 engages around the bath 62 and the

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ORIGINAL BATHROOM

motor-operated bath 57, which is connected to motor 58 via a suitable adjusting gear (not shown) connected·

• · ■ ■

Similarly, the lower drive belt 5k engages around the had 63 and passes through the etching chamber 11, the etching chamber and the rinsing chamber 13 in the rail guide 60. The belt 5k continues to run around the wheel 61 driven by the motor 59, which, like the drive belt 55, also has a »Suitable variable speed or control gear is operated.

Reference is made to FIGS. K and 5 to explain the operation and mode of operation of the holder 51. 5 shows a section for guiding and holding the wheel 51 in an upright position. The upper drive belt 55 and the lower drive belt 5k engage the upper and lower parts of the wheel 51. To prevent the wheel 5I from tipping over, two lower guides 70 and 7I are provided which essentially enclose the track 5 ^. Likewise, two guides 72 and 73 are provided for edging the web 55. These guides keep the circular holder 5I vertically aligned when it passes through the etching chamber 11, the etching chamber 12 and the washing chamber 13.

The two drive belts 5k and 55 are driven by separate adjustment or variable speed gears so that the linear speed of the two tracks and the direction of rotation of the two drive rienons can be independently controlled.Thus, due to the belt 5k and the belt 55 taking place drive of the holder 51 the angular and linear speed are controlled,

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which the article holder 51 takes when passing through the etching chamber 11, the etching chamber 12 and the rinsing chamber 13. For example, if the belt 55 and belt 5k are rotated at the same speed in opposite directions, then the article 50 on the circular holder will pass through the etching chambers in the same orientation as it enters, with no angular velocity, but will have a slightly differential linear velocity or deceleration , Stopping or reversing in the sighting of a drive belt, the holder 51 experiences a rotation as it passes through the different chambers be rotated as if it were mounted on a rotating shaft

After the description of the various components of the etching device now follows the illustration of the operation of the etching device in connection with the article holder. First, during operation of the vertical etching device, the belts 3h and 55 are driven at a predetermined speed and sighting so that the article 50 enters the etching chamber 11 through the door 80 and the door 81, with a wiper flap 82 and 83 respectively attached to the doors They are preferably made of a rubber-like or cutting-edge material in order to rub in the manner of a squeegee over the surface of the article as it enters the chamber. In addition to the wiper flaps 82 and 83 at the entrance of the chamber, there are also two (not shown) wiper flaps which are located between the etching chamber 11 and the etching

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kaaaer 12, as well as two (not shown) Wiper flaps between the washing chamber 12 and the etching kassier 13 · Another pair of wiper flaps, which are also are not shown, are located at the exit of the Rinsing cheese 13

Venn of Articles 50 nd the holder 51 is now in the Ätzkaoaer 11 occur sweeps a spray of the etchant about the article, whereby the article is etched n · Eei * leaving the * in * un * vischen (not shown) tfischerklappen between the chambers 11 and 12 are "surplus JStzaittel away. After leaving the etching chamber 11, the article 50 arrives in a second etching chamber 12, where it is exposed in a similar manner to an etching agent which has been painted over from a second set of spray cans.

After the itz treatment in the chambers 11 and 12, the article is passed through the v / isch flaps (not shown) to remove the excess caustic agent. The article 50 then enters the rinsing chamber 13, in which the spray nozzles 85 are located spray off the article bit of water so that the etchant is rinsed off and diluted, among other things to prevent the etchant possibly located on the article from continuing to work. Saide the corrosivity by the V / irkungs- _, as a Vischgrassais or Gunuaiwalze or by üStigaieit of aa Aussang the Ätzkaaaer 12 located flaps is initiated. To bring the etching process to a complete standstill, however, the article should immediately be rinsed off with water.

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ORIGINAL

Accordingly, when the vertical etching device 10 is in operation, the article to be etched is peraon inserted on the circular support 51 * Then the motors 58 and 62 are put into operation to the To put drive belts 54 and 55 in rotation. By By carefully selecting the rotational speeds of the drive belts 55 and 5 * l, the operator can determine the angular speed and the linear speed of the article Set beforehand when it passes through the etching chambers 11 and 12. This feature enables essentially the Etching treatment time can be controlled without using a timer or the etchant running down Article enters chamber 11 and is rotated as it passes through the etching chamber, causing it to run down or accumulation of the etchant at the bottom of the part to be etched is avoided. However, to also have a spiral To avoid etched patterns on the article as a result of the rotation of the article, the frame 35 »den Cam follower · 36 and the constant speed cam 38 a reciprocating or vertical strike motion to the caustic spray is provided. Such a control the up and down stroking movements of the etchant as well as the angular and linear speed of the to be etched Article is an etching system that works with great precision created.

The temperature of the etchant can also be used as a further modification in the system by the hot bodies 90, 911 92 and 93, by which the etchant is heated and kept at a constant terapei-ature. Also lie one Set of valves and flow meters 101 to I05 on the manifolds 14, 17, 18, 19 and 20, through which the etching

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medium flow rate is controlled and · in addition, it is guaranteed that the etchant is constantly in the Can reach the distribution canal and the feed nozzles »

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Claims (1)

PATENT CLAIMS Vertical spray etching machine for etching parts that are essentially aligned in the vertical plane, with holders for movable spray or spray nozzles being provided in the vertical direction and means for pivoting the nozzles in the vertical direction, characterized by an etching karamer (11), several stores - or distribution chambers. (14, 1 ?, 18, 19, 20) located in the etching chamber, several etching spray nozzles connected to the distribution chambers (1%, 17a, I8a, 19a, 20a and 21a, 22a _t 23a, 2 * fa, 25a) , which inject the flow of the etchant in a preferred direction and _{are brought into position by adjusting means (I5 t} 16 »29) in the vertical as well as in the horizontal direction, means (30, 3 * f) for adjusting the nozzles to the etchant flow from the Control nozzles in the preferred direction by means of a holder (51) in which the part to be etched (50) is inserted vertically, and a conveyor system (5 ^ t 55 »57» 53, 59, 61, 62, 63) , by means of which the holder (51) for the part to be etched (50) is guided through the etching karuner (11), the conveyor system having rotating devices to rotate the part to be etched as it passes through the etching kaomer, so that the corrosive part is sprayed with etchant from several spray nozzles. 2, i Vertical spray-etching machine, characterized in that the holder (5I) provided for vertical insertion of the part to be etched has a disk which is provided with a central opening (52). ■ - 15-309886/1072 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the disc is provided with a set of teeth (51 ^a ) which come into engagement with a drive belt (5 * +, 55). k " Device according to claim 3" characterized in that the means for rotating the part comprise a first and a second drive belt (5 * +, 55) for engaging the teeth (51a) arranged on the disc. 5 · Device according to claim ^, characterized by a first and second Begel- or adjusting gear for Controlling the speed of the first and second drive belts. 6. Apparatus according to claim 5 »characterized in that that the means for pivoting or reciprocating the nozzles in the vertical direction have a device (38) for have constant speed. 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized by two etching chambers (11, 12) and one flushing channel (I3) 8. Apparatus according to claim 7 t characterized by means for wiping (82, 83) excess Etchant from the part to be etched. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that that ^ the wiper between the first and the second Ät ^ ltanuner is arranged. -16- 309888 / 1Q72 10. The device according to claim 9 »characterized by at least two rows of spray nozzles aligned bo are that they direct the etchant at the part to be etched, which is in the middle between the rows of spray nozzles is located. 11 ♦ Device according to claim 10, characterized by means (90, 91 »92, 93) for controlling the temperature of the Etchant 12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that a flow meter (101 to 105) on each manifold lies. ■ 404/73
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