WO2011027528A1 - Plating device - Google Patents

Plating device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011027528A1
WO2011027528A1 PCT/JP2010/005307 JP2010005307W WO2011027528A1 WO 2011027528 A1 WO2011027528 A1 WO 2011027528A1 JP 2010005307 W JP2010005307 W JP 2010005307W WO 2011027528 A1 WO2011027528 A1 WO 2011027528A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plating
chamber
plating solution
plating chamber
cathode
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2010/005307
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
元通 伊藤
恭子 武田
一 早川
Original Assignee
日立金属株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 日立金属株式会社 filed Critical 日立金属株式会社
Priority to CN201080039139.7A priority Critical patent/CN102666942B/en
Publication of WO2011027528A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011027528A1/en

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    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25DPROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D17/00Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells for electrolytic coating
    • C25D17/16Apparatus for electrolytic coating of small objects in bulk
    • C25D17/18Apparatus for electrolytic coating of small objects in bulk having closed containers
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25DPROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D17/00Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells for electrolytic coating
    • C25D17/02Tanks; Installations therefor
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25DPROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D5/00Electroplating characterised by the process; Pretreatment or after-treatment of workpieces
    • C25D5/08Electroplating with moving electrolyte e.g. jet electroplating
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25DPROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D5/00Electroplating characterised by the process; Pretreatment or after-treatment of workpieces
    • C25D5/60Electroplating characterised by the structure or texture of the layers
    • C25D5/605Surface topography of the layers, e.g. rough, dendritic or nodular layers
    • C25D5/611Smooth layers
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25DPROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D7/00Electroplating characterised by the article coated

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a plating apparatus for base material particles having conductivity on the surface.
  • solder is coated on the surface of a core ball mainly composed of Cu and solder-coated Cu core ball (hereinafter abbreviated as Cu core ball).
  • Cu core ball solder-coated Cu core ball
  • the plating technique will be described using a Cu core ball as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the Cu core ball.
  • Cu core balls are applied as bumps for input / output terminals. . Since the Cu core ball does not melt during reflow, it can maintain a certain distance between the semiconductor element and the substrate, and ensure connection reliability against thermal cycle loads caused by starting and stopping of the semiconductor element. Can do.
  • a barrel electroplating method is known in which a core ball is housed in a barrel having a large number of openings through which a plating solution can flow, and the barrel is placed in a plating bath and rotated to coat the solder.
  • the core ball is not sufficiently stirred by the rolling of the core ball accompanying the rotation of the barrel.
  • the core balls are connected and aggregated via the plating layer, the surface of the plating layer is roughened, the thickness of the plating layer is partially uneven, and the yield is reduced.
  • Patent Document 1 An example of a technique for solving the problem of this barrel type electroplating method is described in Patent Document 1.
  • the object to be plated is placed between the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion of the bottom-opened bowl-shaped resin dome with the upper end open and the upper surface of the outer peripheral portion of the resin bottom plate.
  • a contact ring that is pressed during rotation and a porous ring through which the treatment liquid circulates are integrally joined to form a cell, and the cell is supported on the lower surface of the central portion of the conductive rotary plate that supports the cell so that it cannot rotate relative to the contact ring.
  • Rotary plating device for small items, fixing the upper end of a vertical conductive drive shaft, pressing a contact brush on the shaft and connecting it to the negative pole, placing an anode basket in the dome, and covering the cell '' Is described.
  • the object to be plated accommodated in the cell is forcibly pressed against the contact ring by the action of the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the cell, and the rotation and stop or deceleration of the cell.
  • the rotary plating apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a problem in terms of efficiency in industrial production. That is, this rotary plating apparatus needs to repeatedly rotate, stop, or decelerate the cells in order to stir the object to be plated and sufficiently distribute the plating solution to the surface. And, the actual plating process to the object to be plated is performed only while the object is in contact with the contact ring by centrifugal force and centrifugal force, and is not performed while stopping or decelerating. The overall manufacturing time is longer than the plating time.
  • the stirring force of the ball does not act during the plating process, especially in the case of a small-diameter Cu core ball having a diameter of 100 ⁇ m or less used for a semiconductor package, the core ball is agglomerated in the cell, and the plating The smoothness of the surface of the treated Cu core ball also deteriorates.
  • Patent Document 2 Another example of a technique for solving the problem of the barrel type electroplating method is described in Patent Document 2.
  • the purpose is to prevent deformation or the like of a workpiece having a particularly easy-to-bend property, and “a plating tank having an upper surface opening and a detachable lid for closing the upper surface opening of the plating tank are provided. And having a cathode on the bottom surface of the plating tank, an anode on the back surface of the detachable lid, and a nozzle for spraying a plating solution directed toward the inner surface of the peripheral wall on the peripheral wall along the bottom surface of the plating tank.
  • a plating apparatus is described.
  • the plating apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 is insufficient in that a plating layer having a uniform thickness is formed on the substrate particles. That is, when the substrate particles are plated by the plating apparatus of Patent Document 2, the substrate particles swirl while being stirred by the plating solution swirling in the plating tank, but the particles move on the liquid flow, The probability that the electrode and the particles arranged on the surface are in contact with each other is small, and the probability is not uniform for each particle. As a result, there may be a problem that the thickness of the plating layer differs for each base material particle.
  • Patent Document 3 discloses an apparatus for uniformly coating a metal with an electroplating method in a high yield on the surface of a fine powder such as a metal or an inorganic substance having a particle size in the range of 0.1 ⁇ m to 10 ⁇ m.
  • a cylindrical container having a longitudinal axis for containing the plating solution, a cathode plate disposed on the bottom of the container with the conductive surface laterally, an anode disposed near the liquid surface of the plating solution, and the cathode plate
  • a power supply device that applies a predetermined potential to the anode, a suction pipe having a suction opening in the liquid between the cathode plate and the anode, and a discharge device for discharging into the liquid between the cathode plate and the anode
  • a discharge pipe having an opening, a fluid circulation path leading from the suction pipe to the discharge pipe, and a fluid circulation pump interposed in the circulation path. The discharge opening of the discharge pipe is connected to the conductive surface of the cathode plate.
  • conductive powder having a particle size in the range of 0.1 ⁇ m to 10.0 ⁇ m to be plated is made to collide continuously with the cathode plate while circulating through the circulation path together with the plating solution.
  • a fine powder electroplating apparatus is disclosed.
  • the fine powder is suspended in the electroplating solution with a predetermined suspension concentration, and a fine powder suspension having a predetermined direction and speed is forcibly formed in the plating solution, Since the fine powder suspension flow is circulated and collided with the cathode plate with a predetermined velocity component without substantially contacting the anode, it is possible to perform electroplating on the surface of each fine powder uniformly and with high yield. It is described as.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a plating apparatus capable of efficiently forming a plating layer having a uniform thickness on the surface of conductive base particles. It is said.
  • a plating apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems is a plating apparatus for base particles having conductivity on the surface, and is erected along the bottom surface that can be circulated while the base material particles are in contact with the periphery of the bottom surface.
  • a plating tank having a plating chamber that can store a particle group including the base material particles and a plating solution, and a supply port that opens upward from the bottom surface of the plating chamber.
  • a plating solution supply pipe for supplying a plating solution from the supply port so as to swirl along the wall surface; a plating solution discharge pipe having a discharge port opened to the plating chamber; and the base material disposed on the bottom surface of the plating chamber. It is a plating apparatus having a cathode in contact with particles, an anode arranged at a position immersed in a plating solution stored in the plating chamber, and a power source connected to the cathode and the anode.
  • Such a plating apparatus has the following effects. That is, the plating solution supplied from the supply port of the plating solution supply pipe flows down toward the bottom surface while turning along the peripheral wall surface of the plating chamber. Then, when the plating chamber is filled with the plating solution, it is discharged from the plating solution discharge pipe through the discharge port opened to the plating chamber, and the plating chamber is always kept fresh by supplying new plating solution from the plating solution supply pipe. Filled with.
  • Rotating and flowing plating solution that reaches the bottom of the plating chamber causes the particles contained in the plating chamber to swivel while contacting the bottom of the plating chamber.
  • the base material particles in contact with the cathode on the bottom surface are subjected to a plating process with the anode disposed at a position immersed in the plating solution, and a plating layer is formed on the surface of the base material particles.
  • the particles are swirled on the bottom surface while rolling while contacting the bottom surface while being mixed with each other without being dispersed by the swirling flowing plating solution.
  • the aggregation of the base particles is suppressed, and the parts on the surface of the base particles are equally exposed to the plating solution, and as a result, a plating layer having a uniform thickness is formed.
  • grains which started the turning motion will continue a turning motion, repeating intermittent contact with the bottom face, without floating.
  • the substrate particles are rolled while being brought into contact with the bottom surface of the plating chamber by the swirling flow of the plating solution, the probability that the substrate particles are in contact with other substrate particles is increased. It is electrically connected with high frequency, and it is possible to perform a process close to continuous plating, and it is possible to efficiently form a plating layer on the base particles, and further, a plating layer formed by contact between the base particles Is smoothened, and a plated layer having a very smooth surface and a uniform thickness can be formed.
  • the plating apparatus of the present invention it is possible to solve the problems of the prior art and to efficiently form a plating layer having a smooth surface and a uniform thickness on the surface of conductive base particles.
  • the object of the present invention to provide a plating apparatus can be achieved.
  • the preferable aspect and effect of the said plating apparatus are demonstrated in detail below.
  • FIG. 1 shows schematic structure of the plating apparatus of the 1st embodiment concerning this invention. It is a top view of the plating apparatus of FIG. 1 and the plating apparatus of the preferable aspect. It is the elements on larger scale of the plating apparatus of another preferable aspect of the plating apparatus of FIG. It is the elements on larger scale of the plating apparatus of another preferable aspect of the plating apparatus of FIG. It is a front view of the plating apparatus of another preferable aspect of the plating apparatus of FIG. It is an enlarged front view of the plating apparatus of another preferable aspect of the plating apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view of the plating apparatus of the 2nd embodiment concerning the present invention.
  • a plating apparatus that coats the surface of a spherical core ball mainly composed of Cu, which is a base particle, with a plating layer mainly composed of Sn, but the present invention is limited to this. There is nothing. For example, it is applied to the case where a metal coating layer is formed by electroplating on the surface of resin or ceramic particles or other conductive particles on the surface of which a conductive metal layer such as nickel is formed by electroless plating. be able to.
  • the present invention is applicable not only to spherical base particles such as core balls, but also to, for example, needle-like base particles having a major axis and a minor axis and amorphous base particles having no shape characteristics. be able to.
  • each component of the plating apparatus described below can be used alone or in appropriate combination.
  • the plating apparatus 1 includes a main body portion. 1a, a plating solution circulation means 1b connected to the main body 1a via a plating solution supply pipe 1e and a plating solution discharge pipe 1c, and a direct current power supply circuit 1h are provided as basic structures, and a core ball supply means 1g as a more desirable structure. , A vibration means 1i and a magnetic force generation means 1s are provided.
  • a reference numeral 1j is a plating tank in which a plating chamber 1m having a circular bottom surface 1p and a frustoconical peripheral wall surface 1q having a diameter reduced toward the bottom surface 1p is formed.
  • a space formed by the container 1k and the sealing lid 1L constitutes a plating chamber 1m, and a ball group (particle group) 9 including a large number of core balls 91 and a predetermined amount of plating solution L are stored in the plating chamber 1m. .
  • the plating solution supply pipe 1e is oriented in the tangential direction of the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m, and one end thereof is horizontal to the plating tank 1j so that the plating solution supply port 1f is opened above the plating chamber 1m.
  • the other end is connected to the plating solution circulating means 1b.
  • One end of the plating solution discharge pipe 1c is connected to the plating tank 1j so that the plating solution discharge port 1d opens to the plating chamber 1m coaxially with the axial center of the plating chamber 1m at the center of the sealing lid 1L.
  • the end is connected to the plating solution circulating means 1b.
  • the plating solution circulation means 1b includes a plating solution storage tank, a plating solution circulation pump, a plating solution purification filter, a flow rate control valve, and the like (not shown).
  • the plating solution L sent out from the plating solution circulating means 1b flows through the plating solution supply pipe 1e and is supplied from the plating solution supply port 1f to the plating chamber 1m, as shown by a broken line a in FIGS. It swirls down along the peripheral wall 1q of the plating chamber 1m. Further, the flow rate and flow rate of the plating solution L supplied to the plating chamber 1m can be changed over time by adjusting the plating solution circulation pump and the flow rate control valve of the plating solution circulation means 1b.
  • the plating solution circulating means 1b may be configured not only to supply the plating solution L through the plating solution supply pipe 1e but also to be able to suck the plating solution L from the plating chamber 1m through the plating solution discharge pipe 1c. Further, a plurality of the plating solution supply pipes 1e may be provided. In this case, a plating solution supply pipe may be arranged on the same circumference of the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m so that a plurality of plating solution supply ports 1f are opened at a constant angular pitch, for example, as shown in FIG. The plating solution supply pipe 22e may be arranged so that a plurality of plating solution supply ports 22f are opened along the spiral flow a of the plating solution L flowing down.
  • the plating solution L spirally flows while swirling along the circumferential wall 1 q inclined downward, reaches the bottom surface 1 p of the plating chamber 1 m, and thereafter is shown by a broken line b in the figure.
  • the flow increases and is discharged from the plating solution discharge pipe 1c through the plating solution discharge port 1d and returns to the plating solution circulation means 1b.
  • the core balls 91 may be supplied to the plating chamber 1m each time by opening and closing the sealing lid 1L. However, as shown in FIG. 1, a predetermined number of core balls 91 are provided in the supply system constituted by the plating solution supply pipe 1e. Supply means 1g for cutting out 91 may be provided, and the core ball 91 together with the plating solution L may be supplied to the plating chamber 1m through the conduit of the plating solution supply pipe 1e. The specific configuration of the supply means 1g will be described in detail in the plating apparatus of the fourth aspect.
  • Numeral 1n is a disc-like cathode disposed at the bottom of the container 1k, and the upper surface of the cathode 1n is configured to be the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m.
  • the cathode 1n connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply circuit 1h is made of, for example, stainless steel, titanium, platinum-plated titanium, or the like.
  • the ball group 9 is swung by the plating liquid L swirling in the plating chamber 1m while being in contact with the bottom surface 1p in a predetermined range in the radial direction from the outer peripheral end, as indicated by reference numeral C in the figure.
  • the ball 91 rolls on the bottom surface 1p while being stirred.
  • the core disposed on the bottom surface 3p as shown in FIG. 3 (b).
  • the cathode 3 m may be disposed so as to contact the ball 91.
  • the core balls 91 not in contact with the cathodes 3n and 3m are in contact with the cores 3n and 3m. Power is supplied through the ball 91.
  • the cathode when viewed in a plan view, preferably has a sufficient contact area with the ball group 9, and is preferably formed in a disk shape as in this embodiment.
  • the container 1k itself may be formed of a cathode material, and a resin coating having corrosion resistance and insulation may be applied to the side surface of the container 1k so that the bottom surface of the container 1k functions as the cathode 1n.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 (a) when all of the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m is constituted by the cathode 1n, the formation rate of the plating layer may be lowered. That is, since the ball group 9 swirls in a predetermined region C on the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface 1p (the upper surface of the cathode 1n) with the plating solution L that swirls and flows, the central portion of the upper surface of the cathode 1n without the ball group 9 exists. This is also because the plating is deposited in vain. Therefore, as shown by reference numeral 2n in FIG. 2 (b) and FIG.
  • the cathode corresponds to the region in which the ball group 9 swivels and is located on the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface 2p. It is preferably provided in an annular shape, and the central portion 2z of the bottom surface 2p is preferably made of an electrically insulating material. In the case of FIGS. 2B and 2C, the central portion 2z is integrally formed with the container 1k. For example, the central portion 2z is formed separately from insulating ceramics and incorporated into the container 1k. You may do it.
  • the cathode 2n is not only the first cathode 2y exposed so that its surface forms the same plane as the bottom surface 2p, but also its inner surface is the same as the peripheral wall 1q. You may equip the base end part of the container 1k with the 2nd cathode 2x exposed so that a surrounding surface may be formed. As shown in the figure, the cathodes 2x and 2y can be incorporated into the container 1k as a cathode 2n coupled at one end so as to have a cross-sectional cross section.
  • the ball group 9 that pivots around the peripheral edge of the bottom surface 2p as the plating solution flows also contacts the second cathode 2x, so that the ball group 9 can contact.
  • the area of the cathode 2n can be increased, and a uniform plating layer can be formed on the core ball 91 while maintaining high plating efficiency.
  • the electrical resistance between the anode and the cathode can be reduced, and a high-quality plating layer with few defects such as voids can be formed.
  • the cathode 2n In order to prevent the deposition of plating on the surface of the cathode 2n and increase the plating efficiency, the cathode 2n must be included in the range C in which the ball group 9 swirls as shown in FIG. 2 (c). Is desirable. Further, the cathode 2n shown in FIG. 2 (b) is formed in a continuous annular shape in the circumferential direction, but if it is formed in a substantially annular shape even if there is a discontinuous portion in part. Good.
  • the bottom surface 1p ( That is, the upper surface of the cathode 1n may be a certain rough surface.
  • the bottom surface 1p may be a smooth surface.
  • reference numeral 1o denotes an anode containing tin disposed opposite to the cathode 1n in the upper part of the plating chamber 1m.
  • the anode 1o is fixed to the hermetic lid 1L via a support member 1r made of stainless steel, titanium, platinum-plated titanium, or the like so as to be positioned at a position where the anode 1o is immersed in the plating solution L that fills the plating chamber 1m. Is connected to the positive electrode.
  • the anode When many core balls 91 are plated, the sum of the surface areas of all the core balls 91 becomes very large. A constant current is passed between the large number of core balls 91 and the anode, and a predetermined current density (a value obtained by dividing the current value by the sum of the surface areas of the core balls 91) is ensured.
  • a predetermined current density a value obtained by dividing the current value by the sum of the surface areas of the core balls 91.
  • the lower surface of the anode 1o and the upper surface of the cathode 1n are arranged to face each other, and a circle is included so as to include the range C of the ball group 9 that swivels on the cathode 1n.
  • the anode 1o in a ring shape. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4A, which is a front cross-sectional view of the upper right portion of the main body 1a, by providing irregularities on the bottom surface of the anode 14o facing the cathode, the area corresponding to the surface area of the core ball 91 can be increased. It can be formed on the anode 14o. Moreover, when it is desired to increase the surface area of the anode, the anode portion 15o may be configured as shown in FIG.
  • the anode portion 15o includes an anode configured by a large number of conductive particles 15y connected to a positive electrode of a DC power supply circuit, and a substantially annular ring that is fixed to the sealing lid 1L via a support member and accommodates the large number of conductive particles 15y.
  • a conductive particle storage container 15x having a shape is included.
  • the mesh-shaped conductive particle storage container 15x preferably made of a non-conductive material such as a resin, has a large number of openings through which the conductive particles 15y do not pass and the plating solution can flow. On the other hand, it is disposed above the plating solution supply port 1f so as not to obstruct the flow of the supplied plating solution.
  • the conductive particle storage container 15x may be made of a conductive material such as stainless steel, titanium, or platinum plated titanium.
  • the conductive particles 15y stored in the conductive particle storage container 15x are appropriately selected depending on the material to be plated on the core ball. For example, when tin is plated on the core ball, particles made of tin are selected.
  • the anode portion 15o of this embodiment since the anode is constituted by a large number of conductive particles 15y, it is possible to form an anode having a large surface area while being compact as compared with the case of the flat plate-like anode. The surface area of the anode can be freely adjusted by adjusting the individual size of 15y and the number of pieces accommodated.
  • reference numeral 1i denotes a vibration means disposed on the bottom side of the container 1k.
  • the vibration means 1i incorporated as a preferred embodiment of the plating apparatus according to the present invention is specifically a vibration means for applying vibration to the container 1k at a predetermined frequency.
  • the vibration causes adhesion between the core balls 91 and the bottom surface 1p.
  • the core ball 91 is prevented from adhering and the adhering core ball 91 is separated to prevent the core ball 91 from agglomerating.
  • Numeral 1s is a magnetic force generating means arranged below the plating tank 1j.
  • the magnetic force generating means 1s is an effective component when the core ball 91 has magnetism or when the plating layer covered with the core ball 91 has magnetism such as Ni or Fe, and the core ball 91 or the plating layer is formed.
  • the core ball 91 is attracted downward by a magnetic force and is swung while being brought into contact with the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m (the top surface of the cathode 1n).
  • the magnetic force generating means 1s may be provided on the lower outer periphery of the plating tank 1j.
  • the magnetic force generating means 1s is a substantially annular permanent magnet having a size corresponding to the turning range C. It is preferable to comprise by these.
  • the sealing lid 1L is opened, a predetermined number of core balls 91 are placed on the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m (the top surface of the cathode 1n), and the plating solution L is stored in the plating solution storage tank of the plating solution circulation means 1b.
  • bowl 91 what used the pickling process and cleaned the surface may be used, and also the thing which formed the nickel plating layer as a base layer on the surface as needed may be used.
  • the plating solution for solder plating is, for example, the product name “DAIN TINSIL SBB 2” manufactured by Daiwa Kasei Co., Ltd.
  • Additives can be added to a known plating bath such as a borofluoride bath, for example, and used as appropriate.
  • the particles constituting the ball group 9 are not limited to the core ball 91.
  • a stirring accelerator for promoting the stirring of the ball group 9 for example, conductive dummy balls mainly made of solder or steel, resin, ceramics, etc. An appropriate amount of a non-conductive dummy ball as a main component may be added.
  • the plating apparatus 1 After closing the sealing lid 1L and making the plating chamber 1m into a sealed space, the plating apparatus 1 is operated.
  • the plating apparatus 1 operates the plating solution circulating means 1b to supply the plating solution L at a predetermined flow rate to the plating chamber 1m through the plating solution supply pipe 1e.
  • the plating solution L turns along the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m and turns into a swirling flow a that flows spirally along the inclination of the peripheral wall surface 1q toward the bottom surface 1p. .
  • the core ball 91 may flow out of the plating chamber 1m due to the unstable flow of the plating solution L.
  • the plating solution L swirling down the plating chamber 1m along the peripheral wall 1q of the plating chamber 1m having a conical shape with a diameter decreasing toward the bottom increases in swirling speed as it approaches the bottom surface 1p and reaches the bottom surface 1p.
  • the swirl flow a of the plating solution L that has reached the bottom surface 1p causes the ball group 9 in contact with the bottom surface 1p to swivel while pressing against the bottom surface 1p.
  • the core ball 91 included in the ball group 9 is in contact with the bottom surface 1p, that is, the upper surface of the cathode 1n connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply circuit 1h, the core ball 91 is plated with the anode 1o, A plating layer is formed on the surface.
  • the plating solution L that has reached the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m becomes an upward flow b at the center of the bottom surface 1p, is discharged from the plating solution discharge pipe 1c through the plating solution discharge port 1d, and returns to the plating solution circulation means 1b. Therefore, the fresh plating solution L is always supplied to the plating chamber 1m, and the state of the plating solution L in the plating chamber 1m can be kept constant. As a result, the surface of the core ball 91 is plated with a uniform thickness. A layer is formed.
  • the swirling flow of the plating solution L is further rectified and the swiveling motion of the core ball 91 is performed. Is desirable because it stabilizes.
  • the core ball 91 that rotates while contacting the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m rolls on the bottom surface 1p and collides so that the core balls 91 rub against each other, the core balls 91 are difficult to adhere to each other. Aggregation of 91 is prevented, and the opportunity for the surface of the core ball 91 to come into contact with the bottom surface 1p by rolling is uniform, so that a plating layer having a uniform thickness is formed.
  • the plating layer is formed on the surface of the core ball 91 gradually every time the cathode 1n is touched directly or indirectly through another core ball 91. Therefore, in the initial stage of the plating process, the plating layer is formed only on a part of the surface.
  • FIG. 14A there may be formed a confetti-like Cu core ball in which the protruding plating layer m is covered with the core ball 91. It was. It is assumed that the protruding portion of the plating layer is a result of the selective formation of the plating layer starting from the plating layer formed on a part of the surface of the core ball 91 in the initial stage. However, as shown in FIG. 14B, the plated layer formed on a part of the surface of the core ball 91a by sufficiently rolling the core ball 91 and causing the core balls 91 to rub against each other.
  • the smoothing effect of the surface of the plating layer is produced, in which m1 is rubbed and pushed by the other rolling core balls 91b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a plating layer from being selectively formed on a part of the surface, and to form a plating layer having a very smooth surface and a uniform thickness with few voids inside the plating layer.
  • a Cu core ball having such a plated layer and extremely high sphericity is particularly suitable when used as a connection member for flip chip.
  • the core ball 91 when the core ball 91 is supplied to the plating chamber 1m using the core ball supply means 1g shown in FIG. 1, the core ball 91 is swung by the swirling and flowing plating solution L, and is applied to the peripheral wall surface 1q by centrifugal force. It descends while being pressed and descends to the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m, where it continues a stable turning motion.
  • the core ball 91 is plated for a predetermined time to form a Cu core ball having a solder plating layer having a predetermined thickness.
  • the plating solution circulating pump and the flow rate adjusting valve of the plating solution circulating means 1b are adjusted as appropriate so that the flow rate and flow rate of the plating solution L supplied during the plating process are changed with time, or the vibrating means is supplied via the container 1k. If vibration is applied to the ball group 91 in 1i, it is advantageous from the viewpoint of preventing aggregation of the core balls 91.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 A further preferred embodiment of the plating apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the same components as those of the plating apparatus 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
  • the plating apparatus 5 shown in FIG. 5 arranges the plating solution discharge pipe 5c so as to pass through the central portion of the sealing lid 1L and protrude into the plating chamber 1m, and the plating solution discharge port 5d is plated in the axial direction.
  • An intermediate portion of the chamber 1m, specifically, the plating solution discharge port 5d is positioned below the plating solution supply port 1f, and the plating solution discharge pipe 5c can be moved along the axial direction as indicated by an arrow d.
  • the anode 5o when the anode 5o is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the plating solution discharge pipe 5c, it is desirable to dispose the anode 5o so as not to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the plating solution discharge tube 5c.
  • the plating solution discharge port 5d since the plating solution discharge port 5d is close to the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m, the rising flow b of the plating solution L is discharged near the bottom surface 1p, and the rising flow b is swirled a. And the turning motion of the core ball 91 on the bottom surface 1p can be stabilized. Further, in the initial stage of supplying the plating solution L, the protruding length of the plating solution discharge pipe 5c from the sealing lid 1L is shortened until the swirling flow a in the plating chamber 1m is stabilized.
  • the plating process is completed from the stage before the plating process in which the plating liquid L is introduced into the plating chamber 1m by moving the liquid discharge pipe 5c downward to increase the protruding length from the sealing lid 1L and positioning it at a predetermined position. Until then, the core ball 91 can be prevented from flowing out of the plating chamber 1 m.
  • the plating solution discharge pipe 5c may be fixed to the sealing lid 1L so that the plating solution discharge port 5d is disposed in the vicinity of the upper portion of the bottom surface 1p as shown in the drawing without moving in the vertical direction.
  • the plating apparatus shown in FIG. 6 (a) is a mode in which a bottom surface 6p (upper surface of the cathode 6n) is formed in the plating chamber 1m in a conical shape so that the central portion is higher than the peripheral portion in the radial direction.
  • the ball group 9 is stably swung around the peripheral portion having a low height of the bottom surface 6p, and the concentration of the ball on the bottom surface 6p can be improved.
  • the bottom surface 7p (the upper surface of the cathode 7n) having the columnar projection 7y is formed in the plating chamber 1m so that the central portion is higher than the peripheral portion in the radial direction. In this case, it is desirable to form a tapered surface on the upper peripheral edge of the protrusion 7y so as not to inhibit the flow of the plating solution L.
  • the plating apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the same components as those of the plating apparatus 1 of the first embodiment and the plating apparatus 5 of the preferred embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted (hereinafter referred to as the third embodiment). The same applies to the plating apparatus of the sixth aspect.)
  • the plating apparatus 8 of the second aspect is different from the plating apparatus 1 of the first aspect in that it has guide means 8v in the plating chamber 1m formed in the same manner as the first aspect. is doing.
  • the guiding means 8v in FIG. 7A is configured to guide the plating solution L supplied through the plating solution supply port 1f toward the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m.
  • the guide means 8v is a guide made of a non-conductive material in which a spiral is formed that extends in the direction along the streamline a of the plating solution L that swirls along the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m and flows down toward the bottom surface 1p. It is the board 8w.
  • a guide plate 8w in which an upper portion 8x is disposed below the plating solution supply port 1f and a lower portion 8y is disposed with a predetermined gap from the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m passes through the plating solution discharge pipe 5c penetrating the sealing lid 1L in the vertical direction.
  • the outer peripheral surface is in close contact with the peripheral wall surface 1q while surrounding the center.
  • the lower end of the guide means 8x is above the plating solution discharge port.
  • the plating solution L supplied from the plating solution supply port 1f is spirally distributed by the guide plate 8w, the outer peripheral surface of the plating solution discharge pipe 5c, and the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m.
  • the fluid flows from above to below and is guided to the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m.
  • the guide plate 8w is formed in a spiral shape along the flow line a of the plating solution L supplied from the plating solution supply port 1f and swirling down, and the distribution passage 8z is a single sealed passage. It is formed to become.
  • the rectified plating solution L is formed on the bottom surface without causing turbulent flow in the swirling plating solution L due to mutual interference between the plating solution L supplied from the plating solution supply port 1f and the flowing plating solution L. 1p will be reached.
  • a part of the flow b of the plating liquid L directed to the plating liquid discharge port as an upward flow is discharged from the plating liquid discharge pipe 5c and exists outside the plating liquid discharge pipe 5c. Even in this case, since the flow is blocked by the lower portion 8y of the guide plate 8w, the flow a of the plating solution L flowing down is not disturbed. As a result, the swivel motion of the ball group on the bottom surface 1p is stabilized, and a Cu core ball having a uniform plating layer can be formed.
  • the guide plate 16w has a plating liquid discharge pipe in the radial direction in a manner in which the plating liquid L turns around the peripheral wall surface 1q.
  • a constant gap 16z may be formed between the outer peripheral surface of 5c and disposed in the plating chamber 1m.
  • the width of the gap 16z is increased to be small so that the swirling flow a does not leak from the gap 16z. It is desirable that the passage through which the plating solution L flows is sealed as much as possible.
  • the plating apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 8 is another example of the plating apparatus of the second aspect, and has a guide body 10w as the guide means 10v.
  • a guide body 10w made of a substantially frustoconical non-conductive material having a bottom surface 10z has an outer peripheral surface 10x that follows the peripheral wall surface 1q of a substantially conical plating chamber 1m having a diameter reduced toward the bottom surface 1p.
  • the guide body 10w whose upper part is joined to the sealing lid 1L has a plating solution discharge pipe 5c that is fixed to the sealing lid 1L and extends in the vertical direction at the center, and the outer peripheral surface 10x surrounds the plating solution discharge pipe 5c. Yes.
  • the guide body 10w is arrange
  • the ball group 9 is provided with a region in which the ball group 9 can pivot on the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m, so that the bottom surface 10z of the guide body 10w has a predetermined gap with respect to the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m. Is arranged.
  • the anode 10o mainly composed of tin is provided on the bottom surface 10z of the guide body 10w.
  • the same action as the guide plate 8w can be achieved. That is, the plating liquid L supplied from the plating liquid supply port 1f is directed from above to below as indicated by a broken line a in a gap 10y formed by the outer peripheral surface 10x of the guide body 10w and the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m.
  • the swirling flow then guides to the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m. Since the plating liquid L that swirls flows in a relatively narrow gap 10y surrounded by the outer peripheral surface 10x of the guide body 10w and the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m, the plating supplied from the plating liquid supply port 1f is performed.
  • the rectified plating solution L reaches the bottom surface 1p without causing turbulent flow in the swirling plating solution L due to mutual interference between the solution L and the flowing plating solution L. Further, as shown as b2 in the figure, even when a part of the flow b of the plating solution L toward the plating solution discharge port 5d as an upward flow is discharged from the plating solution discharge pipe 5c, it exists outside the plating solution discharge pipe 5c. Since the flow is interrupted by the bottom surface 10z of the guide body 10w, the flow a of the plating solution L flowing down is not disturbed. As a result, the swivel motion of the ball group on the bottom surface 1p is stabilized, and a Cu core ball having a uniform plating layer can be formed.
  • the guide plate 8w may be incorporated in the gap 10y between the guide body 10w and the peripheral wall surface 1q.
  • the anode part described with reference to FIG. 4B can be incorporated into a plating apparatus having the guide body. That is, as shown in the plating apparatus 21 in FIG. 8 (b), the guide body 21w made of a mesh-like non-conductive material also serves as a conductive particle storage container of the anode portion, and the anode is placed inside the guide body 21w. A large number of constituent conductive particles 21o are accommodated, and the conductive particles 21o do not pass therethrough and have a large number of minute openings through which the plating solution can be circulated slightly.
  • the opening provided in the guide body 21w is smaller than the size of the conductive particles 21o and is extremely small and has high resistance when the plating solution flows, so that the upward flow of the plating solution passes through the guide body 21w while maintaining the flow velocity. However, it does not disturb the swirling flow of the plating solution.
  • the plating apparatus of the third aspect is different from the plating apparatus 1 of the first aspect in that a rectifying means is provided in the plating chamber 1m formed in the same manner as the first aspect.
  • a rectifying means is provided in the plating chamber 1m formed in the same manner as the first aspect.
  • the rectifying means 17v in FIG. 9 (a) is a non-conductive that rectifies the flow of the plating solution L that is supplied from the plating solution supply port 1f and swirls along the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m in a certain direction.
  • This is a plate-like member 17w made of a conductive material.
  • the plate-like member 17w formed with a spiral extending in the direction along the flow line of the plating solution L swirling along the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m has an upper portion 17x below the plating solution supply port 1f and a lower portion 17y. Are arranged so that the outer peripheral surface is in close contact with the peripheral wall surface 1q with a predetermined gap from the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m.
  • the plating solution L supplied from the plating solution supply port 1f so as to turn along the peripheral wall surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m is rectified by the plate-like member 17w.
  • a ball group which is stably maintained and reaches the bottom surface 1p and is in contact with the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m is swung while being pressed against the bottom surface 1p.
  • the rectifying member 17w is provided so that the flow of the plating solution L flowing down the swirling flow is not inhibited by the rectifying member 17w. Need to be placed. That is, as shown in the drawing, it is desirable to arrange the rectifying member 17w and the plating solution discharge pipe 5c so that a sufficient gap is formed between them in the radial direction.
  • FIG. 9B which is a modified example of the rectifying means 17v
  • a plurality of fin-like plate members 18q, 18r, and 18s are plated in the same manner as the plate member 17w through the gap 18t.
  • the rectifying means 18v may be configured by being arranged in a line along a streamline of the swirl flow of the liquid L in a line.
  • a plurality of plate-like members 19q to 19r are arranged in a spiral along the swirl flow line of the plating solution L, and below the plate-like members 19q to 19r.
  • the rectifying means 19v having two rows of plate-like members may be configured by arranging the plate-like members 19s to 19t in a staggered manner so as to fill the gaps 19u between the plate-like members 19q to 19r.
  • the plating apparatus of the fourth aspect is different from the plating apparatus according to the first aspect in that it includes supply means for supplying the ball group to the plating chamber and recovery means for recovering the ball group.
  • the plating apparatus of the fourth aspect will be described focusing on the supply means and the recovery means. Note that the supply means and the recovery means may each be incorporated in the plating apparatus independently.
  • FIG. 10 (a) is a front cross-sectional view
  • FIG. 10 (b) is a plan view showing a state in which the sealing lid 1L is removed from the container 1k of the same figure.
  • a storage portion 11r for storing a large number of core balls 92 to be supplied to the housing, and a plating solution inflow pipe 11u and a ball supply pipe 11v each having one end connected to the storage portion 11r and the other end connected to the plating tank 1j. is doing.
  • the line above the AA line is a view as seen from the direction of the arrow B when viewed from above the center line E of the plating tank 1j shown in FIG. 10B.
  • the line below the line AA is the center line E. It is C arrow line view which looked at the lower side.
  • the storage unit 11r includes a container 11s that can store a large number of core balls 92, and a lid 11t that closes an upper opening of the container 11s, and supplies the core balls 92 to the container 11s by opening and closing the cover 11t. To do.
  • One end of a plating solution inflow pipe 11u is connected to the side wall of the storage portion 11r via a valve 11w, and the other end of the plating solution inflow pipe 11u has an opening (plating solution inflow port) 11y formed in a plating chamber 1m. Is connected to the plating tank 1j.
  • the plating solution inflow pipe 11u has an axial center substantially on the same line as the plating solution supply pipe 1e, that is, above the plating tank 1j and along the tangential direction of the peripheral wall 1q of the plating chamber 1m.
  • the inflow port 11y is arranged so as to receive the flow a of the plating solution that swirls.
  • the plating solution inlet 11y and the plating solution supply port 1f are opposed to each other through the center line F of the plating chamber 1m in plan view, as shown by the broken line a in FIG.
  • the plating solution supplied to swirl along 1q flows into the plating solution inflow pipe 11u through the plating solution inlet 11y.
  • a ball supply pipe 11v is connected to the bottom of the storage section 11r, and the other end of the ball supply pipe 11v is connected to the plating tank 1j so that its opening (ball supply port) 11z opens to the bottom of the plating chamber 1m. It is connected.
  • the ball supply pipe 11v is located at a position opposite to the plating solution inflow pipe 11u through the center line E of the plating chamber 1m in a plan view, and its axis is the center of the plating chamber 1m.
  • the ball supply port 11z is disposed along the flow a of the plating solution that rotates.
  • reference numeral 11x denotes a gate valve for holding the core ball 92 to be supplied in the storage portion 11r.
  • This gate valve 11x is a suitable configuration provided for automatically supplying the core ball 92 to the plating chamber 1m, and is not necessarily required when supplying the core ball manually.
  • the cathode 11n of this aspect forms a part of the constituent elements of the recovery means 11a, and is slidably fitted to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 11L formed at the lower part of the container 1k, and forms a disc shape.
  • An O-ring (not shown) is provided on the outer peripheral surface to prevent leakage of the plating solution.
  • An opening (ball recovery port) 11c at one end of a ball collection tube 11b that collects a group of balls including a core ball on which a plating layer is formed opens on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 11L, and the ball collection tube 11b. Is connected to the collection container 11e. As shown in FIG.
  • the ball collection tube 11b is located at a position opposite to the ball supply tube 11v through the center line F of the plating chamber 1m in plan view, and its axis is tangent to the plating chamber 1m.
  • the ball collection port 11c is arranged so as to receive the flow a of the plating solution that turns.
  • the cathode 11n is moved in the cylindrical portion 11L in the vertical direction indicated by the symbol h by the vertical driving portion 11d such as an air cylinder, and is located at the lower end edge of the peripheral wall 1q of the plating chamber 1m at the rising end position.
  • the upper surface 11p (which also serves as the bottom surface of the plating chamber 1m) is in contact, and the ball collection port 11c is closed at the outer peripheral surface, and the ball collection port 11c is opened at the lower end.
  • the cathode 11n is used like a valve, and the ball recovery port 11c is opened and closed by moving the cathode 11n up and down.
  • the plating apparatus 1 of the first aspect performs plating.
  • a cathode is fixed to the bottom of the chamber, a ball collecting tube is connected to the plating tank via a valve, and a collecting means is configured so that the ball collecting port opens directly to the plating chamber, and the core ball is collected by opening and closing the valve. It may be.
  • the ball collection port is preferably disposed above the bottom surface of the plating chamber so as not to hinder the movement of the core ball that swirls around the bottom surface of the plating chamber.
  • the operation of the plating apparatus 11 including the supply means 11q and the recovery means 11a will be described with reference to FIG.
  • the lid 11t of the storage portion 11r shown in FIG. 11A is opened to supply a predetermined number of core balls 92 to the container 11s, and then the lid 11t is closed. At this time, the valve 11w and the gate valve 11x are closed. Further, the cathode 11n raised by the vertical drive unit 11d is at the position of the rising end, and the ball collection port 11c is closed.
  • the plating apparatus 11 is operated to supply the plating liquid L from the plating liquid supply port 1f.
  • the plating chamber 1m is filled with the plating solution L after a certain time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 11 (a)
  • the plating solution L turns along the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m and is inclined to the peripheral wall surface 1q.
  • a stable swirling flow a flowing down in a spiral toward the bottom surface 11p is formed.
  • the plating apparatus 11 opens the valve 11w, and the plating that swirls and flows as indicated by the arrow e in FIG. A part of the liquid L is caused to flow from the plating liquid inflow pipe 11u into the storage portion 11r through the plating liquid inlet 11y, and the gate valve 11x is opened. Then, the core ball 92 accommodated in the accommodating portion 11r is pushed out of the accommodating portion 11r by the flowing plating solution L, flows along with the plating solution L through the conduit of the ball supply tube 11v, and supplies the ball as indicated by an arrow f.
  • the plating apparatus 11 closes the valve 11w and the gate valve 11x after all the core balls 92 are supplied to the plating chamber 1m.
  • the core ball 92 supplied from the ball supply port 11z rides on the swirling flow a of the plating solution L and then smoothly moves on the bottom surface 11p of the plating chamber 1m. Rotating movement is performed and plating is performed.
  • the core ball 92 is supplied to the plating chamber 1m after a certain period of time has elapsed since the plating solution L was supplied to the plating chamber 1m, and the plating solution in the plating chamber is stabilized.
  • the core ball 91 hardly flows out and can be plated on the core ball 91 with a high yield.
  • the gate valve 11x When manually supplying the core ball 92, the gate valve 11x is not provided in the path of the ball supply pipe 11v, and after the flow state of the plating solution L is stabilized, the valve 11w is opened and the plating solution is introduced.
  • a predetermined number of core balls 92 may be supplied to the storage portion 11r after the plating solution L is circulated through the path of the tube 11u, the storage portion 11r, and the ball supply tube 11v.
  • the plating apparatus 11 lowers the cathode 11n to the lower end by the vertical drive part 11d and opens the ball recovery port 11c, the ball including the core ball 91 on which the plating layer is formed is formed.
  • the group 9 flows into the ball collection tube 11b through the ball collection port 11c as indicated by the arrow i, and is then collected in the collection container 11e. If a valve is provided in the plating solution discharge pipe 5c and the valve is throttled as the cathode 11n descends, a large portion of the plating solution L is discharged through the ball collection tube 11b. Group 9 can be recovered.
  • the plating apparatus 12 shown in FIG. 12 is another example of the plating apparatus of the fourth aspect, and has a supply means 12q provided on the path of the plating solution supply pipe 1e. That is, one end of the plating solution inflow pipe 11u of the supply means 12q is connected to the upstream side of the plating solution supply pipe 1e, and one end of the ball supply pipe 11v is connected to the downstream side of the plating solution supply pipe 1e. The end is configured to be connected to the storage portion 11r via the valve 11w and the gate valve 11x.
  • the supply means 12q when the valve 11w and the gate valve 11x are opened after the flow state of the plating liquid L in the plating chamber 1m is stabilized, a part of the plating liquid L flowing through the plating liquid supply pipe 1e is allowed to flow into the plating liquid. It flows into the storage portion 11r through the tube 11u. Then, the core ball 92 accommodated in the accommodating portion 11r is pushed out by the flowing plating solution L, flows into the plating solution supply pipe 1e through the ball supply tube 11v, and is supplied together with the plating solution L from the plating solution supply port 1f to the plating chamber. 1 m will be supplied.
  • the upstream inner diameter of the plating solution supply pipe 1e to which the plating solution inflow pipe 11u is connected is increased, and the downstream side to which the ball supply pipe 11v is connected. It is desirable to make the inner diameter of the tube thinner than the upstream side. Furthermore, in order to allow the core ball 92 to flow into the plating solution supply pipe 1e without staying in the supply means 12q, the space between the bottom surface of the storage portion 11r and the bottom surfaces of the plating solution inflow tube 11u and the ball supply tube 11v. It is preferable that there is no step in the plate.
  • FIG. 13 (a) is a front sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a plating apparatus which is an example of the fifth embodiment
  • FIG. 13 (b) is a view as viewed from arrow D in FIG. 13 (a)
  • FIG. 9 (d) is a view taken in the direction of arrow E in FIG.
  • a substantially frustoconical shape standing on the periphery of the bottom surface so as to reduce the diameter toward the bottom surface of the circular bottom surface as the bottom surface of the plating chamber that can circulate while contacting with the core ball A plating chamber with a peripheral wall of the plate, a plating solution supply pipe in which the axis is horizontally arranged so that the plating solution supply port opens along the tangential direction of the plating chamber having a circular cross section, and arranged along the axis of the plating chamber
  • the plating apparatus having each component of the plating solution discharge pipe thus described has been described, the present invention is not limited to these desirable aspects, and can also be realized by the plating apparatus of the fifth aspect.
  • the plating apparatus 13 which is an example of the fifth aspect has a substantially elliptical bottom surface 13p as a bottom surface on which the core ball 91 can circulate, and has a circumference standing on the periphery of the bottom surface 13p.
  • the plating chamber 13m is formed so that the wall surface 13q has the same cross section in the vertical direction, that is, a straight tubular shape.
  • the plating solution supply pipe 13e for supplying the plating solution L to the plating chamber 13m generates a flow of the plating solution L that swirls down along the peripheral wall surface 13q. Therefore, the plating tank 1j with its axis oriented downward. It is connected to the.
  • the plating solution supply pipe 13e is connected to the plating tank 1j through a joint or the like whose attachment angle with respect to the peripheral wall surface 13q can be freely set, the plating solution can be selected according to the size and quantity of core balls to be plated. This is preferable because the angle at which L swirls can be set as appropriate.
  • the plating solution discharge pipe 1c for discharging the plating solution L from the plating chamber 13m is hermetically sealed in the same manner as the plating apparatus 1 of the first mode in order to smoothly discharge the rising flow b of the plating solution L from the plating chamber 13m. It is preferable to be provided at the center of 1L.
  • the arrangement of the plating solution discharge pipe is not limited to this, and the plating solution L overflowing from the plating chamber 13m provided from the outer periphery of the sealing lid 1L as in the case of the plating solution discharge pipe 13c shown by the broken line in the drawing is discharged. Also good.
  • the operation of the plating apparatus 13 will be described.
  • the ball group 9 is placed on the bottom surface 13p of the plating chamber 13m, and then the sealing lid 1L is closed to make the plating chamber 13m a sealed space, and the plating apparatus 13 is operated.
  • the plating apparatus 13 supplies the plating solution L to the plating chamber 13m through the plating solution supply pipe 13e.
  • the plating solution L supplied from the plating solution supply pipe 13e arranged as described above swirls in a spiral manner along the peripheral wall surface 13q of the plating chamber 13m. a.
  • the core ball 91 that rotates while being in contact with the bottom surface 13p of the plating chamber 13m rolls on the bottom surface 13p. This prevents the chance that the surface of the core ball 91 touches the bottom surface 13p due to rolling, so that a plating layer having a uniform thickness is formed. Since the plating solution L supplied to the plating chamber 13m is discharged from the plating solution discharge pipe 1c, the fresh plating solution L is always supplied to the plating chamber 13m, so that a plating layer having a uniform thickness is formed.
  • the plating apparatus 20 which is another example of the fifth mode shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D is erected along an annular bottom surface 20p as a bottom surface on which the core ball 91 can circulate, and an outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface 20p.
  • the plating chamber 20m has an outer peripheral wall surface 20q and an inner peripheral wall surface 20x erected along the inner peripheral edge, and the plating chamber 20m is formed so that the cross section of the plating chamber 20m is the same in the vertical direction.
  • a plating layer is formed on the core ball 91 by basically the same operation as the plating apparatus 13, but the cathode 20n itself constituting the bottom surface 20p is formed in an annular shape.
  • the cathode structure described with reference to 2 (b) and 2 (c) it is possible to achieve an effect that the plating efficiency can be improved.
  • the plating apparatus of the sixth aspect and its modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.
  • the cathode 2n having the second cathode 2x described with reference to FIGS. 2B and 2C is provided at the bottom of the container 1k. Has been placed.
  • the anodes 23o to 26o are arranged such that a constant gap c is formed with respect to the inner peripheral surface 2z (contact surface with which the core ball 91 contacts) of the second cathode 2x that forms the same surface as the peripheral wall surface 1q.
  • the plating apparatus 1 is different from the plating apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in that it has outer peripheral surfaces (surfaces) 23v to 26v.
  • outer peripheral surfaces (surfaces) 23v to 26v the structure of the anodes 23o to 26o will be mainly described in the order of the plating apparatuses 23 to 26.
  • the anode 23o formed mainly of tin is large enough to be inserted into the plating solution discharge port 1d from the direction of the bottom surface 1p of the container 1k in a posture in which the axis is upright. It has a substantially cylindrical shape.
  • the diameter of the anode 23o is sufficiently smaller than the diameter of the plating solution discharge port 1d so as not to hinder the discharge of the plating solution from the plating solution discharge pipe 1c.
  • reference numeral 23t denotes a feeding electrode for positioning the anode 23o in the vertical direction and feeding power to the anode 23o.
  • a feeding electrode 23t formed of substantially cylindrical titanium having a substantially flat upper surface 23x is fitted into the center of a mounting member 23s disposed in the center of the bottom surface of the container 1k and is connected to the positive electrode of a DC power supply circuit (not shown). It is connected.
  • the mounting member 23s into which the power supply electrode 23t is inserted is made of a non-conductive material such as a resin for insulation between the negative electrode 2n connected to the negative electrode and the power supply electrode 23t, and its upper surface is It is fixed to the bottom surface of the container 1k so as to be located on the same plane as the top surface of one cathode 2y.
  • the anode 23o is disposed in a state where the axial center is standing, and the bottom surface 23w thereof is in contact with the top surface 23x of the power supply electrode 23t disposed by a distance d higher than the bottom surface 1p of the container 1k.
  • the anode 23o is positioned in the vertical direction, and the outer peripheral surface 23v below the anode 23o is in a state of being opposed to the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x.
  • it is not essential to dispose the anode 23o higher than the bottom surface 1p of the container 1k by a distance d when the first cathode 2y and the anode 23o are close to each other, an excessive current flows between them. This is preferable because it can be suppressed, and the quality of the plating layer formed for each individual ball can be made uniform.
  • reference numeral 23r denotes a holding member that positions the anode 23o in the center of the plating chamber 1m in a horizontal plane, and has a large number of openings through which the plating solution can flow without passing through the core ball 91.
  • the holding member 23r that functions as a kind of permeable membrane is configured in a mesh shape having a permeation that does not pass through the core ball 91 by a non-conductive material such as a resin.
  • the substantially cylindrical holding member 23r having a through-hole through which the anode 23o can be inserted in the axial direction is sized to be inserted into the plating solution discharge port 1d from the direction of the bottom surface 1p of the container 1k in a posture in which the axis is upright.
  • the diameter is sufficiently smaller than the diameter of the plating solution discharge port 1d so as not to hinder the discharge of the plating solution from the plating solution discharge pipe 1c.
  • the holding member 23r is arranged with its upper part inserted into the plating solution discharge port 1d so that its axial center substantially coincides with the axis of the plating chamber 1m in the horizontal plane, and the plating solution discharge port 1d. It is supported by a support member 23u disposed inside.
  • the bottom portion of the holding member 23r is fitted in an annular groove formed on the upper surface of the mounting member 23s so as to surround the power supply electrode 23t, and is fixed so as not to move against the flow of the plating solution turning around the bottom surface 23p.
  • the anode 23o By inserting the anode 23o into the through hole of the holding member 23u arranged in this way in the axial direction, the position of the anode 23o in the horizontal plane is fixed.
  • a constant gap c is provided over the entire circumference between the outer peripheral surface 23v of the anode 23o and the inner peripheral surface 2z of the first cathode 2x, which are positioned in the vertical direction by the power feeding electrode 23t.
  • the density of the current that is formed and flows between both surfaces is uniform.
  • the holding member 23r of this embodiment is fixed up and down by a support member 23u and a mounting member 23s provided in the plating solution discharge port 1d from the viewpoint of fixing strength with respect to the flow a and b of the plating solution.
  • the supporting member 23u may be omitted and the bottom of the holding member 23r may be fixed only by the mounting member 23s.
  • the holding member 23r functions as a permeable membrane through which the core ball 91 does not pass and the plating solution can flow, and even if the core ball 91 revolving around the bottom surface 1p by the plating solution approaches the anode 23o.
  • the contact with the anode 23o is prevented.
  • the anode 23o is in contact with the core ball 91 which is a plating apparatus having a configuration in which the ball group 9 is limitedly swiveled only at the peripheral portion of the bottom surface 6p or 7p described with reference to FIG.
  • the holding member 23r is not necessary. In that case, you may comprise so that the bottom part of the anode 23o may be fixed to the container 1k for positioning of the anode 23o in a horizontal surface.
  • the outer peripheral surface 24v of the anode 24o is configured to have a conical shape whose diameter is reduced downward at the same angle as the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x. Is desirable. As a result, the gap c between the two surfaces is constant in the vertical direction, so that the current density is uniform over the entire surface.
  • the operation of the plating apparatus 23 of the sixth aspect having the anode structure having the above configuration is basically the same as that of the plating apparatuses of the first to fifth aspects, and will not be described.
  • the electrical resistance between the anode 23o and the cathode 2n is reduced without hindering the flow a and b of the plating liquid L, and the rise and deterioration of the liquid temperature of the plating liquid L are suppressed. It is possible to form a high-quality plated layer with few defects such as voids. That is, in order to reduce the electrical resistance between the anode and the cathode, it is necessary to arrange the working surfaces of the anode and the cathode to face each other and make the working surfaces as close as possible.
  • the position of the anode 1 o is disposed below the cathode 1 n disposed at the bottom of the container 1 k in order to bring the anode 1 o and the cathode 1 n close to each other. If it does, there exists a possibility of inhibiting the flow a of the plating solution which swirls down the surrounding wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m with the anode 1o. Further, in the case of the plating apparatus 5 described with reference to FIG.
  • the plating solution discharge port 5d has a bottom surface 1p in order to bring the anode 5o and the cathode 1n disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the plating solution discharge pipe 5c close to each other.
  • the core ball 91 swirling on the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m is moved together with the rising flow b of the plating solution toward the plating solution discharge pipe 5c.
  • the second cathode 2x disposed at the base end portion of the container 1k so as to form the same inner peripheral surface 2z as the peripheral wall surface 1q of the container 1k.
  • the anode 23o is disposed as described above, the outer peripheral surface 23v of the anode 23o and the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x are opposed to each other, and a gap c is formed between both surfaces. The flow “a” of the plating solution L that swirls along the line is not obstructed.
  • the anode 23o since the anode 23o is arranged upright along the flow b of the plating solution L rising toward the plating solution discharge pipe 1c, the anode 23o does not obstruct the upward flow b, and the inside of the plating chamber 1m.
  • the plating process can be smoothly performed while rotating the core ball 91 on the bottom surface 1p while circulating the plating solution L.
  • the plating apparatus of the 6th aspect made it the structure where the anode 23o and the cathode 2n adjoin in the state which does not inhibit the flow of a plating solution in this way, it can reduce the electrical resistance between both, An extremely good plating layer can be formed.
  • the plating apparatus 25 in FIG. 16A has a plating solution discharge pipe 1c in a posture in which a tip end portion having an outer peripheral surface 25v to be opposed to the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x with a constant gap c faces downward. It differs from the plating apparatus 23 in that it has a substantially cylindrical anode 25o extending from above.
  • the plating apparatus 25 follows the uniform and temporal wear of the outer peripheral surface 25v of the anode 25o caused by the incorporation of tin constituting the anode 25o into the plating solution L as the plating process proceeds, and causes the anode 25o to move.
  • the outer peripheral surface 25v of the anode 25o is reduced in diameter downward at the same angle as the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x, similarly to the outer peripheral surface 24v of the anode 24o described with reference to FIG. It has a conical shape.
  • the tip of the anode 25o having the outer peripheral surface 25v is inserted into the through hole of the holding member 23r in the axial direction and positioned in the horizontal plane, so that the outer peripheral surface 25v is uniformly consumed over time during the plating process.
  • the distance d between the front end and the bottom surface 1p of the container 1k is maintained, and the vertical positioning is performed by the supply means so that the two do not collide with each other.
  • the plating apparatus 25 having such a configuration is particularly suitable when a large amount of the core ball 91 is processed or a processing time is long to form a thick plating layer, and the consumption of the anode 25o cannot be ignored.
  • the 16 (b) includes a substantially annular anode 26o disposed below the plating solution discharge pipe 1c, a holding member 26r formed so as to wrap the surface of the anode 26o, and the plating solution discharge pipe 1c.
  • This is different from the plating apparatus 23 in that it has a supporting member 26u that supports the holding member 26r extending from the lower end surface.
  • the outer peripheral surface 26v of the anode 26o whose axis is aligned with the axis of the plating chamber 1m has a substantially truncated cone shape whose diameter is reduced downward at the same angle as the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x.
  • the outer peripheral surface 26v is positioned in the vertical direction so as to face the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x, and is supported by the support member 26u.
  • a constant gap c is formed between the outer peripheral surface 26v of the anode 26o and the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x. Since the anode 26o has an annular shape, the flow of the plating solution rising toward the plating solution discharge port 1d is not hindered.
  • the degree of freedom of anode arrangement is increased with respect to the plating apparatuses 23 to 25 in which the anodes 23o to 25o are arranged in the plating solution discharge port 1d, and the anode 26o is closer to the cathode 2n.
  • This is suitable when a plating apparatus having a large-capacity plating chamber 1 m for processing a large number of core balls 91 is configured.
  • the plating apparatus 1 according to the first aspect is charged with 500,000 core balls having a diameter of 50 ⁇ m, plated with a target value of 20 ⁇ m under a predetermined condition by the above-described method, and a Sn—Ag—Cu based plating layer A Cu core ball with a formed thereon was obtained.
  • FIG. 17 shows the distribution of diameters and roundness measured by extracting 600 specimens from 500,000 core balls and Cu core balls.
  • the external appearance photograph and cross-sectional photograph of Cu core ball at the time of plating with the plating apparatus 1 of the 1st aspect, and Cu core ball at the time of plating with the plating apparatus of prior art document 1 are shown in FIG.
  • the average value of the diameter of the Cu core ball was approximately 90 ⁇ m with respect to the average value of the diameter of the core ball of 50.4 ⁇ m, and a plated layer having a target value of 20 ⁇ m was formed.
  • the roundness of the Cu core ball was 0.9965, and a Cu core ball having a high roundness exceeding the roundness of 0.9960 of the core ball as the base particle was formed.
  • the standard deviations of the diameter and roundness of the Cu core ball are 1.776 and 0.0018, respectively, which are lower than the core balls 2.108 and 0.0075, and have a small variation in diameter and roundness. I was able to get a core ball.
  • the Cu core ball on which the plating layer is formed by the plating apparatus 1 of the first aspect has a very smooth and smooth surface, and the plating layer is formed on the surface of the core ball. Are uniformly formed, and no voids are formed inside the plating layer.
  • the Cu core ball on which the plating layer is formed by the plating apparatus of Prior Art Document 1 has irregularities that cause voids on the surface of the plating layer, It was confirmed that due to the unevenness, the roundness was low and the variation in diameter and roundness was large.
  • plating apparatus 1a main body 1j: plating tank 1m (13m, 20m): Plating chamber 1n (2n, 3n, 3m, 6n, 7n, 11n, 13n, 20n): Cathode 1o (5o, 10o, 14o, 15o, 23o, 24o, 25o, 26o): Anode 1b : Plating solution circulation means 1c (5c, 13c): plating solution discharge pipe 1e (13e, 22e): plating solution supply pipe 1g (11q, 12q): supply means 1h: DC power supply circuit 1i: excitation means 1s: generation of magnetism Means 8v (10v, 16v): Guide means 8w (16w): Guide plate 10w: Guide body 11a: Collection means 17v (18v, 19v): Rectifying means 17w (18w, 19w): Plate-like member 91 : Core ball

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Abstract

Disclosed is a plating device which makes it possible to effectively form a plated layer of uniform thickness on base particles having an electrically conductive surface. The plating device is a device for plating base particles having an electrically conductive surface, which comprises: a plating tank having a plating chamber provided with a bottom surface which can circulate while the base particles come into contact therewith and a peripheral wall surface standing upright along the peripheral edge of the bottom surface, and which can house a particle group containing the base particles and plating liquid; a plating liquid supply pipe which has a supply port that opens upwards from the bottom surface of the plating chamber, and which supplies the plating liquid from the supply port in such a way that said plating liquid swirls around the peripheral wall surface of the plating chamber; a plating liquid discharge pipe which has a discharge port that opens into the plating chamber; a negative electrode which comes into contact with the base particles disposed on the bottom surface of the plating chamber; a positive electrode which is disposed at a position immersed in the plating liquid housed in the plating chamber; and a power source which is connected to the negative electrode and positive electrode.

Description

メッキ装置Plating equipment
 本発明は、表面に導電性を有する基材粒子のメッキ装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a plating apparatus for base material particles having conductivity on the surface.
 表面に導電性を有する基材粒子にメッキを施す技術の一例として、Cuを主体としたコアボールの表面に半田をメッキして半田被覆Cuコアボール(以下Cuコアボールと略して記載する。)を形成する技術がある。なお、従来技術の問題点を明らかにするために、Cuコアボールを例としてメッキ技術を説明するが、本発明はCuコアボールに限定されない。 As an example of a technique for plating base material particles having conductivity on the surface, solder is coated on the surface of a core ball mainly composed of Cu and solder-coated Cu core ball (hereinafter abbreviated as Cu core ball). There is technology to form. In order to clarify the problems of the prior art, the plating technique will be described using a Cu core ball as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the Cu core ball.
 近年の多ピッチ化・狭ピッチ化による高密度実装の進むBGA(Ball Grid Array)やCSP(Chip Scale Package)などの半導体パッケージでは、入出力端子用バンプとして小径のCuコアボールが適用されている。Cuコアボールは、そのコアボールがリフロー時に溶融しないため、半導体素子と基板との間に一定の距離を維持でき、半導体素子の起動・停止により生じる熱サイクル負荷等に対する接続信頼性を確保することができる。 In recent semiconductor packages such as BGA (Ball Grid Array) and CSP (Chip Scale Package) where high-density mounting is progressing due to multi-pitch and narrow pitch, small-diameter Cu core balls are applied as bumps for input / output terminals. . Since the Cu core ball does not melt during reflow, it can maintain a certain distance between the semiconductor element and the substrate, and ensure connection reliability against thermal cycle loads caused by starting and stopping of the semiconductor element. Can do.
 Cuコアボール製造技術として、メッキ液が流通可能な多数の開口を有するバレル内にコアボールを収納し、バレルをメッキ浴に配置し自転させることで半田を被覆するバレル電気メッキ法が周知である。しかしながら、特に直径が100μm以下の小径のCuコアボールを製造する場合には、バレルの自転にともなうコアボールの転動によるコアボールの攪拌が不十分となる。その結果、コアボール同士がメッキ層を介して連結し凝集したり、メッキ層の表面が粗面化したり、メッキ層の厚みが部分的に不均一となり、歩留まりが低下するという問題が生じていた。 As a Cu core ball manufacturing technique, a barrel electroplating method is known in which a core ball is housed in a barrel having a large number of openings through which a plating solution can flow, and the barrel is placed in a plating bath and rotated to coat the solder. . However, particularly when a small-diameter Cu core ball having a diameter of 100 μm or less is manufactured, the core ball is not sufficiently stirred by the rolling of the core ball accompanying the rotation of the barrel. As a result, the core balls are connected and aggregated via the plating layer, the surface of the plating layer is roughened, the thickness of the plating layer is partially uneven, and the yield is reduced. .
 このバレル式電気メッキ法の問題を解消する技術の一例が特許文献1に記載されている。特許文献1には、充分かつ均一なメッキ層を短時間で得るため、「上端が開放した下開き椀形の樹脂ドームの外周部下面と、樹脂底板の外周部上面の間に被めっき物が回転中に押付けられるコンタクトリングと、処理液が流通飛散するポーラスリングを一体に結合してセルを形成し、上記セルを相対回転不能に支持しコンタクトリングと通電する導電ロータリープレートの中央部下面に垂直な導電駆動シャフトの上端を固定し、上記シャフトにコンタクトブラシを押圧してマイナス極に接続し、上記ドーム内に陽極バスケットを配置し、セルを覆うカバーを設けた」、小物の回転メッキ装置が記載されている。そして、かかる構成の回転メッキ装置によれば、セル内に収納された被メッキ物は、セルの回転により生ずる遠心力の作用によりコンタクトリングに強制的に押し付けられ、セルの回転と、停止又は減速を繰り返すことにより均一に混合され、被メッキ物の表面におけるメッキ液の更新も活発となり、均一な厚みのメッキ層を形成することができると記載されている。 An example of a technique for solving the problem of this barrel type electroplating method is described in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, in order to obtain a sufficient and uniform plating layer in a short time, “the object to be plated is placed between the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion of the bottom-opened bowl-shaped resin dome with the upper end open and the upper surface of the outer peripheral portion of the resin bottom plate. A contact ring that is pressed during rotation and a porous ring through which the treatment liquid circulates are integrally joined to form a cell, and the cell is supported on the lower surface of the central portion of the conductive rotary plate that supports the cell so that it cannot rotate relative to the contact ring. `` Rotary plating device for small items, fixing the upper end of a vertical conductive drive shaft, pressing a contact brush on the shaft and connecting it to the negative pole, placing an anode basket in the dome, and covering the cell '' Is described. According to the rotary plating apparatus having such a configuration, the object to be plated accommodated in the cell is forcibly pressed against the contact ring by the action of the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the cell, and the rotation and stop or deceleration of the cell. By repeating the above, it is described that the mixture is uniformly mixed, the plating solution on the surface of the object to be plated is renewed actively, and a plating layer having a uniform thickness can be formed.
 しかしながら、特許文献1の回転メッキ装置は工業生産上効率の面での問題があった。すなわち、この回転メッキ装置は、被メッキ物を攪拌してその表面にメッキ液を充分に流通させるために、セルの回転、停止又は減速を繰り返す必要がある。そして、被メッキ物への実際のメッキ処理は、セルが回転し遠心力でコンタクトリングに被メッキ物が接触している間にのみ行われ、停止又は減速している間は行われないため、メッキ処理時間に比して全体の製造時間が長くなる。さらに、メッキ処理中にはボールの攪拌力が作用しないため、特に半導体パッケージに使用される直径が100μm以下の小径のCuコアボールの場合には、セル内におけるコアボールの凝集が顕著となり、メッキ処理されたCuコアボールの表面の平滑性も劣化する。この凝集を解くためにセルの回転、停止又は減速を頻繁に繰り返す方法もあるがメッキ効率が更に低下するという問題が招来する。 However, the rotary plating apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a problem in terms of efficiency in industrial production. That is, this rotary plating apparatus needs to repeatedly rotate, stop, or decelerate the cells in order to stir the object to be plated and sufficiently distribute the plating solution to the surface. And, the actual plating process to the object to be plated is performed only while the object is in contact with the contact ring by centrifugal force and centrifugal force, and is not performed while stopping or decelerating. The overall manufacturing time is longer than the plating time. Further, since the stirring force of the ball does not act during the plating process, especially in the case of a small-diameter Cu core ball having a diameter of 100 μm or less used for a semiconductor package, the core ball is agglomerated in the cell, and the plating The smoothness of the surface of the treated Cu core ball also deteriorates. In order to solve this aggregation, there is a method in which the rotation, stop or deceleration of the cell is frequently repeated, but there arises a problem that the plating efficiency is further lowered.
 また、バレル式電気メッキ法の問題を解消する技術の他の例が特許文献2に記載されている。特許文献2には、特に曲がり易い性質を持ったワークのメッキ時の変形等を防止することを目的とし、「上面開口としたメッキ槽と、そのメッキ槽の上面開口を閉塞する着脱蓋とを有し、前記メッキ槽の底面に陰極を備え、着脱蓋の裏面に陽極を備えるとともに、前記メッキ槽の底面沿いの周壁に、その周壁の内面方向に向けたメッキ液の噴射ノズルを備えていることを特徴とする」、メッキ装置が記載されている。そして特許文献2には、かかる構成を採用することにより、メッキ槽内に投入されたワークは噴射ノズルから噴射されるメッキ液とともにメッキ槽内を回り、その回転を伴いながらメッキ処理が施されるため、曲がりや変形を与える程の衝突等がなくなり、すべてのワークが原形を保持したままメッキ加工処理を終了できる、と記載されている。 Another example of a technique for solving the problem of the barrel type electroplating method is described in Patent Document 2. In Patent Document 2, the purpose is to prevent deformation or the like of a workpiece having a particularly easy-to-bend property, and “a plating tank having an upper surface opening and a detachable lid for closing the upper surface opening of the plating tank are provided. And having a cathode on the bottom surface of the plating tank, an anode on the back surface of the detachable lid, and a nozzle for spraying a plating solution directed toward the inner surface of the peripheral wall on the peripheral wall along the bottom surface of the plating tank. A plating apparatus is described. And in patent document 2, by employ | adopting such a structure, the workpiece | work thrown in in the plating tank turns into the inside of a plating tank with the plating liquid injected from an injection nozzle, and a plating process is given accompanying the rotation. For this reason, it is described that there is no collision or the like that causes bending or deformation, and that the plating process can be completed while keeping all the workpieces in their original shapes.
 しかしながら、かかる特許文献2のメッキ装置は均一な厚みのメッキ層を基材粒子に形成するという点では不十分である。すなわち、特許文献2のメッキ装置で基材粒子をメッキした場合、メッキ槽内を旋回するメッキ液で基材粒子は攪拌されながら旋回運動するが、粒子は液流に乗って移動するため、底面に配置された電極と粒子とが接触する確率が小さく、その確率も粒子毎に不均一となる。その結果、個々の基材粒子ごとにメッキ層の厚みが異なってしまうという問題が生じる可能性がある。 However, the plating apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 is insufficient in that a plating layer having a uniform thickness is formed on the substrate particles. That is, when the substrate particles are plated by the plating apparatus of Patent Document 2, the substrate particles swirl while being stirred by the plating solution swirling in the plating tank, but the particles move on the liquid flow, The probability that the electrode and the particles arranged on the surface are in contact with each other is small, and the probability is not uniform for each particle. As a result, there may be a problem that the thickness of the plating layer differs for each base material particle.
 さらに、下記特許文献3には、粒径が0.1μm~10μmの範囲の金属、無機物質などの微粉末の表面に金属を電気めっき法で均一にかつ高収率で被覆する装置として、「めっき液を収容する軸を縦方向にした筒状の容器と、この容器の底部に電導表面を横にして配した陰極板と、該めっき液の液面近く配した陽極と、該陰極板と陽極との間に所定の電位を付与する電源装置と、該陰極板と陽極との間の液中に吸込用開口を持つ吸込管と、該陰極板と陽極との間の液中に吐出用開口を持つ吐出管と、該吸込管から吐出管に通ずる流体の循環経路と、この循環経路に介装された流体循環用ポンプとからなり、該吐出管の吐出用開口を陰極板の電導表面の方向に向けて下向きに設置すると共に前記の吸込管の吸込用開口を陽極下端よりもさらに下方に設置し、被めっき品である粒径が0.1μmから10.0μmの範囲の導電性微粉末をめっき液と共に前記の循環経路を循環させつつ該陰極板に連続的に衝突させるようにした微粉末の電気めっき装置」が開示されている。そして、かかるめっき装置によれば、電気めっき液中に微粉末が所定の懸濁濃度をもって懸濁し且つ所定の方向と速度をもった微粉末懸濁液をめっき液中に強制的に形成させ、微粉末懸濁流を陽極には実質的に接触させないで陰極板にだけ所定の速度成分をもって循環衝突させるので、微粉末の一粒づつの表面に均一かつ高収率で電気めっきすることが可能となると記載されている。 Further, Patent Document 3 below discloses an apparatus for uniformly coating a metal with an electroplating method in a high yield on the surface of a fine powder such as a metal or an inorganic substance having a particle size in the range of 0.1 μm to 10 μm. A cylindrical container having a longitudinal axis for containing the plating solution, a cathode plate disposed on the bottom of the container with the conductive surface laterally, an anode disposed near the liquid surface of the plating solution, and the cathode plate A power supply device that applies a predetermined potential to the anode, a suction pipe having a suction opening in the liquid between the cathode plate and the anode, and a discharge device for discharging into the liquid between the cathode plate and the anode A discharge pipe having an opening, a fluid circulation path leading from the suction pipe to the discharge pipe, and a fluid circulation pump interposed in the circulation path. The discharge opening of the discharge pipe is connected to the conductive surface of the cathode plate. And the suction opening of the suction pipe further than the lower end of the anode Installed below, conductive powder having a particle size in the range of 0.1 μm to 10.0 μm to be plated is made to collide continuously with the cathode plate while circulating through the circulation path together with the plating solution. A fine powder electroplating apparatus "is disclosed. And according to such a plating apparatus, the fine powder is suspended in the electroplating solution with a predetermined suspension concentration, and a fine powder suspension having a predetermined direction and speed is forcibly formed in the plating solution, Since the fine powder suspension flow is circulated and collided with the cathode plate with a predetermined velocity component without substantially contacting the anode, it is possible to perform electroplating on the surface of each fine powder uniformly and with high yield. It is described as.
 しかしながら、かかる特許文献3のめっき装置によっても、微粉末は微粉末懸濁流に乗って流動するのみであるため陰極板と接触する確率が微粉末間で不均一であり、特許文献2のメッキ装置と同様な理由から、均一な厚みのメッキ層を個々の基材粒子に形成するという点では不十分である。 However, even with the plating apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3, the fine powder only flows on the fine powder suspension flow, and therefore the probability of contact with the cathode plate is not uniform among the fine powders. For the same reason as described above, it is insufficient in that a plating layer having a uniform thickness is formed on individual substrate particles.
特開平8-239799号公報JP-A-8-239799 実開平7-6267号公報Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-6267 特開平1-272792号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-272792
 本発明は、上記従来技術の問題点を鑑みてなされた発明であり、表面に導電性を有する基材粒子に均一な厚みのメッキ層を効率的に形成可能なメッキ装置を提供することを目的としている。 The present invention has been made in view of the above problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a plating apparatus capable of efficiently forming a plating layer having a uniform thickness on the surface of conductive base particles. It is said.
 上記課題を解決する本発明に係わるメッキ装置は、表面に導電性を有する基材粒子のメッキ装置であって、前記基材粒子が接触しつつ周回可能な底面とその底面の周縁に沿い立設した周壁面とを備え前記基材粒子を含む粒子群とメッキ液とを収納可能なメッキ室を有するメッキ槽と、前記メッキ室の底面より上方に開口する供給口を有し前記メッキ室の周壁面に沿い旋回するように前記供給口からメッキ液を供給するメッキ液供給管と、前記メッキ室に開口する排出口を有するメッキ液排出管と、前記メッキ室の底面に配置された前記基材粒子に接触する陰極と、前記メッキ室に収納されたメッキ液に浸漬する位置に配置された陽極と、前記陰極および陽極に接続された電源とを有するメッキ装置である。 A plating apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a plating apparatus for base particles having conductivity on the surface, and is erected along the bottom surface that can be circulated while the base material particles are in contact with the periphery of the bottom surface. A plating tank having a plating chamber that can store a particle group including the base material particles and a plating solution, and a supply port that opens upward from the bottom surface of the plating chamber. A plating solution supply pipe for supplying a plating solution from the supply port so as to swirl along the wall surface; a plating solution discharge pipe having a discharge port opened to the plating chamber; and the base material disposed on the bottom surface of the plating chamber. It is a plating apparatus having a cathode in contact with particles, an anode arranged at a position immersed in a plating solution stored in the plating chamber, and a power source connected to the cathode and the anode.
 かかるメッキ装置は、次のような作用を奏する。すなわち、メッキ液供給管の供給口から供給されたメッキ液は、メッキ室の周壁面に沿い旋回しつつその底面側に向い流下する。そして、メッキ室がメッキ液で満たされると、メッキ室に開口する排出口を通じメッキ液排出管から排出され、メッキ液供給管から新たなメッキ液を供給することによりメッキ室は常に新鮮なメッキ液で満たされる。 Such a plating apparatus has the following effects. That is, the plating solution supplied from the supply port of the plating solution supply pipe flows down toward the bottom surface while turning along the peripheral wall surface of the plating chamber. Then, when the plating chamber is filled with the plating solution, it is discharged from the plating solution discharge pipe through the discharge port opened to the plating chamber, and the plating chamber is always kept fresh by supplying new plating solution from the plating solution supply pipe. Filled with.
 メッキ室の底面に達した旋回流動するメッキ液は、メッキ室に収納された粒子群をメッキ室の底面に接触させつつ旋回運動させる。その底面において陰極に接触した基材粒子は、メッキ液に浸漬する位置に配置された陽極との間でメッキ処理され、メッキ層が基材粒子の表面に形成される。ここで、旋回流動するメッキ液により粒子群は分散することなく互いに混合されながら底面に接触して転動しつつ底面上を旋回運動する。よって、基材粒子の凝集が抑止されるとともに基材粒子の表面の各部位がメッキ液に触れる機会が均等となり、その結果均一な厚みのメッキ層が形成される。なお、一旦旋回運動を始めた粒子は浮遊することなく、底面に間欠的な接触を繰り返しながら旋回運動を継続する。 Rotating and flowing plating solution that reaches the bottom of the plating chamber causes the particles contained in the plating chamber to swivel while contacting the bottom of the plating chamber. The base material particles in contact with the cathode on the bottom surface are subjected to a plating process with the anode disposed at a position immersed in the plating solution, and a plating layer is formed on the surface of the base material particles. Here, the particles are swirled on the bottom surface while rolling while contacting the bottom surface while being mixed with each other without being dispersed by the swirling flowing plating solution. Therefore, the aggregation of the base particles is suppressed, and the parts on the surface of the base particles are equally exposed to the plating solution, and as a result, a plating layer having a uniform thickness is formed. In addition, the particle | grains which started the turning motion will continue a turning motion, repeating intermittent contact with the bottom face, without floating.
 さらに、メッキ液の旋回流により基材粒子をメッキ室の底面に接触させつつ転動させるため、基材粒子は他の基材粒子と接触する確率が高まり、よって陰極と接触した基材粒子と高頻度で電気的に接続され、連続メッキに近い処理を行うことが可能となり、基材粒子に効率的にメッキ層を形成することができ、さらに基材粒子同士の接触により形成されたメッキ層が平滑化され、表面が極めて平滑でかつ均一な厚みのメッキ層を形成することができる。 Furthermore, since the substrate particles are rolled while being brought into contact with the bottom surface of the plating chamber by the swirling flow of the plating solution, the probability that the substrate particles are in contact with other substrate particles is increased. It is electrically connected with high frequency, and it is possible to perform a process close to continuous plating, and it is possible to efficiently form a plating layer on the base particles, and further, a plating layer formed by contact between the base particles Is smoothened, and a plated layer having a very smooth surface and a uniform thickness can be formed.
 上記説明のとおり、本発明に係るメッキ装置によれば、従来技術の問題を解決し、表面に導電性を有する基材粒子に表面が滑らかで均一な厚みのメッキ層を効率的に形成可能なメッキ装置を提供するという本発明の目的を達成することができる。なお、上記メッキ装置の好ましい態様及びその効果は以下で詳細に説明する。 As described above, according to the plating apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to solve the problems of the prior art and to efficiently form a plating layer having a smooth surface and a uniform thickness on the surface of conductive base particles. The object of the present invention to provide a plating apparatus can be achieved. In addition, the preferable aspect and effect of the said plating apparatus are demonstrated in detail below.
本発明に係わる第1実施態様のメッキ装置の概略構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the plating apparatus of the 1st embodiment concerning this invention. 図1のメッキ装置およびその好ましい態様のメッキ装置の平面図である。It is a top view of the plating apparatus of FIG. 1 and the plating apparatus of the preferable aspect. 図1のメッキ装置の別の好ましい態様のメッキ装置の部分拡大図である。It is the elements on larger scale of the plating apparatus of another preferable aspect of the plating apparatus of FIG. 図1のメッキ装置の別の好ましい態様のメッキ装置の部分拡大図である。It is the elements on larger scale of the plating apparatus of another preferable aspect of the plating apparatus of FIG. 図1のメッキ装置の別の好ましい態様のメッキ装置の正面図である。It is a front view of the plating apparatus of another preferable aspect of the plating apparatus of FIG. 図1のメッキ装置の別の好ましい態様のメッキ装置の拡大正面図である。It is an enlarged front view of the plating apparatus of another preferable aspect of the plating apparatus of FIG. 本発明に係わる第2実施態様のメッキ装置の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the plating apparatus of the 2nd embodiment concerning the present invention. 第2実施態様のメッキ装置の他の例の概略構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the other example of the plating apparatus of a 2nd embodiment. 本発明に係わる第3実施態様のメッキ装置の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the plating apparatus of the 3rd embodiment concerning the present invention. 本発明に係わる第4実施態様のメッキ装置の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the plating apparatus of the 4th embodiment concerning the present invention. 図10のメッキ装置の動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the plating apparatus of FIG. 第4実施態様のメッキ装置の他の例の概略構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the other example of the plating apparatus of a 4th embodiment. 本発明に係わる第5実施態様のメッキ装置の概略構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the plating apparatus of the 5th embodiment concerning this invention. コアボールのメッキ中の挙動を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the behavior during plating of a core ball. 本発明に係わる第6実施態様のメッキ装置の概略構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the plating apparatus of the 6th embodiment concerning this invention. 第6実施態様のメッキ装置の他の例の概略構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the other example of the plating apparatus of 6th embodiment. 図1のメッキ装置の実施例を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the Example of the plating apparatus of FIG. 図1のメッキ装置の実施例を説明する別の図である。It is another figure explaining the Example of the plating apparatus of FIG.
 以下、本発明に係るメッキ装置をその第1~第6実施態様に基づき図面を参照しつつ説明する。下記の実施態様では、基材粒子であるCuを主体とした球形のコアボールの表面にSnを主体としたメッキ層を被覆するメッキ装置を例として説明するが、本発明はこれに限定されることない。例えば無電解メッキでニッケル等の導電性を有する金属層を表面に形成した樹脂又はセラミックス粒子その他表面に導電性を有する基材粒子の表面に金属被覆層を電気メッキ法で形成する場合に適用することができる。また、本発明は、コアボールのように球状の基材粒子のみならず、例えば長軸と短軸を有する針状の基材粒子や形状的特徴のない不定形の基材粒子にも適用することができる。さらに、下記で説明するメッキ装置の各構成要素は、単独に又は適宜組み合わせて使用することができる。 Hereinafter, a plating apparatus according to the present invention will be described based on first to sixth embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, a description will be given of a plating apparatus that coats the surface of a spherical core ball mainly composed of Cu, which is a base particle, with a plating layer mainly composed of Sn, but the present invention is limited to this. There is nothing. For example, it is applied to the case where a metal coating layer is formed by electroplating on the surface of resin or ceramic particles or other conductive particles on the surface of which a conductive metal layer such as nickel is formed by electroless plating. be able to. In addition, the present invention is applicable not only to spherical base particles such as core balls, but also to, for example, needle-like base particles having a major axis and a minor axis and amorphous base particles having no shape characteristics. be able to. Furthermore, each component of the plating apparatus described below can be used alone or in appropriate combination.
[第1実施態様]
 第1態様のメッキ装置の概略構成を示す正面図である図1及び図1の密閉蓋1Lを取り外した状態の平面図である図2(a)に示すように、メッキ装置1は、本体部1a、メッキ液供給管1e及びメッキ液排出管1cを介して本体部1aに接続されたメッキ液循環手段1b、直流電源回路1hを基本的な構成として備え、さらに望ましい構成としてコアボール供給手段1g、加振手段1iおよび磁力発生手段1sを備えている。
[First Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1 which is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the plating apparatus of the first aspect and FIG. 2A which is a plan view of the state where the sealing lid 1L in FIG. 1 is removed, the plating apparatus 1 includes a main body portion. 1a, a plating solution circulation means 1b connected to the main body 1a via a plating solution supply pipe 1e and a plating solution discharge pipe 1c, and a direct current power supply circuit 1h are provided as basic structures, and a core ball supply means 1g as a more desirable structure. , A vibration means 1i and a magnetic force generation means 1s are provided.
 本体部1aにおいて、符号1jは、円形状の底面1pとその底面1pに向かい縮径した円錐台形状の周壁面1qを有するメッキ室1mが形成されたメッキ槽である。メッキ液に対し耐食性を有する非導電性の絶縁物である樹脂等で構成されたメッキ槽1jは、上部が開口した碗型の容器1kと、上部開口を閉塞するように容器1kの上面に密着された密閉蓋1Lとを有している。この容器1kと密閉蓋1Lとで形成される空間がメッキ室1mを構成し、多数のコアボール91を含むボール群(粒子群)9と所定量のメッキ液Lがメッキ室1mに収納される。 In the main body 1a, a reference numeral 1j is a plating tank in which a plating chamber 1m having a circular bottom surface 1p and a frustoconical peripheral wall surface 1q having a diameter reduced toward the bottom surface 1p is formed. A plating tank 1j made of a resin or the like, which is a non-conductive insulator having corrosion resistance to the plating solution, is closely attached to a bowl-shaped container 1k having an upper opening and an upper surface of the container 1k so as to close the upper opening. And a sealed lid 1L. A space formed by the container 1k and the sealing lid 1L constitutes a plating chamber 1m, and a ball group (particle group) 9 including a large number of core balls 91 and a predetermined amount of plating solution L are stored in the plating chamber 1m. .
 メッキ液供給管1eは、メッキ室1mの周壁面1qの接線方向にその軸心が沿い、その一端は、メッキ室1mの上部にメッキ液供給口1fが開口するように、メッキ槽1jに水平に接続され、その他端はメッキ液循環手段1bに接続されている。メッキ液排出管1cは、その一端が、密閉蓋1Lの中央部においてメッキ室1mの軸芯と同軸にメッキ液排出口1dがメッキ室1mに開口するように、メッキ槽1jに接続され、その他端はメッキ液循環手段1bに接続されている。メッキ液循環手段1bは、図示しないメッキ液貯蔵タンク、メッキ液循環用ポンプ、メッキ液浄化用フィルタ及び流量制御弁等で構成されている。メッキ液循環手段1bから送り出されたメッキ液Lは、メッキ液供給管1eを流通してメッキ液供給口1fからメッキ室1mに供給され、図1、2(a)において破線aで示すようにメッキ室1mの周壁面1qに沿い旋回流下する。また、メッキ液循環手段1bのメッキ液循環用ポンプや流量制御弁を調整してメッキ室1mに供給されるメッキ液Lの流速や流量を経時的に変化させることができる。なお、メッキ液循環手段1bは、メッキ液供給管1eを通じメッキ液Lを供給するだけではなく、メッキ液排出管1cを通じメッキ室1mからメッキ液Lを吸引可能なよう構成してもよい。さらに、上記メッキ液供給管1eを複数本設けてもよい。この場合、メッキ室1mの周壁面1qの同一円周上に例えば一定の角度ピッチで複数のメッキ液供給口1fが開口するようメッキ液供給管を配置してもよいし、図4(c)に示すメッキ装置22のように、旋回流下するメッキ液Lの螺旋状の流れaに沿い複数のメッキ液供給口22fが開口するようメッキ液供給管22eを配置してもよい。以上の構成によりメッキ液Lは、図1に示すように、下方に傾斜した周壁面1qに沿い旋回流動しつつ螺旋状に流下し、メッキ室1mの底面1pに達し、その後図において破線bで示すように上昇流となりメッキ液排出口1dを通じてメッキ液排出管1cから排出されメッキ液循環手段1bに戻る。 The plating solution supply pipe 1e is oriented in the tangential direction of the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m, and one end thereof is horizontal to the plating tank 1j so that the plating solution supply port 1f is opened above the plating chamber 1m. The other end is connected to the plating solution circulating means 1b. One end of the plating solution discharge pipe 1c is connected to the plating tank 1j so that the plating solution discharge port 1d opens to the plating chamber 1m coaxially with the axial center of the plating chamber 1m at the center of the sealing lid 1L. The end is connected to the plating solution circulating means 1b. The plating solution circulation means 1b includes a plating solution storage tank, a plating solution circulation pump, a plating solution purification filter, a flow rate control valve, and the like (not shown). The plating solution L sent out from the plating solution circulating means 1b flows through the plating solution supply pipe 1e and is supplied from the plating solution supply port 1f to the plating chamber 1m, as shown by a broken line a in FIGS. It swirls down along the peripheral wall 1q of the plating chamber 1m. Further, the flow rate and flow rate of the plating solution L supplied to the plating chamber 1m can be changed over time by adjusting the plating solution circulation pump and the flow rate control valve of the plating solution circulation means 1b. The plating solution circulating means 1b may be configured not only to supply the plating solution L through the plating solution supply pipe 1e but also to be able to suck the plating solution L from the plating chamber 1m through the plating solution discharge pipe 1c. Further, a plurality of the plating solution supply pipes 1e may be provided. In this case, a plating solution supply pipe may be arranged on the same circumference of the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m so that a plurality of plating solution supply ports 1f are opened at a constant angular pitch, for example, as shown in FIG. The plating solution supply pipe 22e may be arranged so that a plurality of plating solution supply ports 22f are opened along the spiral flow a of the plating solution L flowing down. With the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the plating solution L spirally flows while swirling along the circumferential wall 1 q inclined downward, reaches the bottom surface 1 p of the plating chamber 1 m, and thereafter is shown by a broken line b in the figure. As shown, the flow increases and is discharged from the plating solution discharge pipe 1c through the plating solution discharge port 1d and returns to the plating solution circulation means 1b.
 なお、コアボール91は、密閉蓋1Lを開閉しメッキ室1mに都度供給してもよいが、図1に示すようにメッキ液供給管1eで構成される供給系の中に所定数のコアボール91を切り出す供給手段1gを設け、メッキ液供給管1eの管路を通じコアボール91をメッキ液Lとともにメッキ室1mに供給してもよい。この供給手段1gの具体的な構成は、第4態様のメッキ装置において詳細に説明する。 The core balls 91 may be supplied to the plating chamber 1m each time by opening and closing the sealing lid 1L. However, as shown in FIG. 1, a predetermined number of core balls 91 are provided in the supply system constituted by the plating solution supply pipe 1e. Supply means 1g for cutting out 91 may be provided, and the core ball 91 together with the plating solution L may be supplied to the plating chamber 1m through the conduit of the plating solution supply pipe 1e. The specific configuration of the supply means 1g will be described in detail in the plating apparatus of the fourth aspect.
 符号1nは、容器1kの底部に配置された円板状の陰極であり、陰極1nの上面がメッキ室1mの底面1pとなるよう構成されている。直流電源回路1hの負極に接続された陰極1nは、例えばステンレススチール、チタン、白金メッキされたチタン等で形成されている。ボール群9は、メッキ室1mを旋回流動するメッキ液Lにより、図において符号Cで示すように外周端から半径方向に所定の範囲の中で底面1pと接触しつつ旋回運動し、これによりコアボール91は底面1pの上を攪拌されながら転動する。 Numeral 1n is a disc-like cathode disposed at the bottom of the container 1k, and the upper surface of the cathode 1n is configured to be the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m. The cathode 1n connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply circuit 1h is made of, for example, stainless steel, titanium, platinum-plated titanium, or the like. The ball group 9 is swung by the plating liquid L swirling in the plating chamber 1m while being in contact with the bottom surface 1p in a predetermined range in the radial direction from the outer peripheral end, as indicated by reference numeral C in the figure. The ball 91 rolls on the bottom surface 1p while being stirred.
 ここで、図3(a)に示すようにメッキ室1mの底面3pの一部に露出するように陰極3nを配置しても、同図(b)に示すように底面3pに配置されたコアボール91に接するように陰極3mを配置してもよい。しかしながら、このように多数のコアボール91ののうちのごく一部にのみ接するよう陰極3n、3mを配した場合には、陰極3n、3mに接しないコアボール91は陰極3n、3mに接するコアボール91を介して通電される。それゆえ、コアボール91同士の接触抵抗により陰極3nから離れた位置にあるコアボール91の電位が低下して当該コアボール91における電流密度が低くなり、メッキ効率が低下する可能性がある。したがって、平面視で見たとき、陰極はボール群9と十分な接触面積を有することが好ましく、本実施態様のように円板形状に形成しておくことが望ましい。この場合には、容器1kそのものを陰極材料で形成し、容器1kの側面に耐食性及び絶縁性のある樹脂被覆を施し、容器1kの底面が陰極1nとして作用するように構成してもよい。 Here, even if the cathode 3n is disposed so as to be exposed at a part of the bottom surface 3p of the plating chamber 1m as shown in FIG. 3 (a), the core disposed on the bottom surface 3p as shown in FIG. 3 (b). The cathode 3 m may be disposed so as to contact the ball 91. However, when the cathodes 3n and 3m are arranged so as to be in contact with only a small part of the large number of core balls 91, the core balls 91 not in contact with the cathodes 3n and 3m are in contact with the cores 3n and 3m. Power is supplied through the ball 91. Therefore, the potential of the core ball 91 at a position away from the cathode 3n is lowered due to the contact resistance between the core balls 91, the current density in the core ball 91 is lowered, and the plating efficiency may be lowered. Therefore, when viewed in a plan view, the cathode preferably has a sufficient contact area with the ball group 9, and is preferably formed in a disk shape as in this embodiment. In this case, the container 1k itself may be formed of a cathode material, and a resin coating having corrosion resistance and insulation may be applied to the side surface of the container 1k so that the bottom surface of the container 1k functions as the cathode 1n.
 一方で、図1および図2(a)に示すように、メッキ室1mの底面1pの全てを陰極1nで構成した場合には、メッキ層の形成速度が低下するおそれがある。すなわち、ボール群9は、旋回流動するメッキ液Lで底面1p(陰極1nの上面)の外周縁部の所定の領域Cを旋回運動するため、ボール群9の存在しない陰極1nの上面の中央部にもメッキが無駄に析出してしまうからである。したがって、図2(b)およびその中心線に沿う断面図である図2(c)において符号2nで示すように、陰極は、ボール群9が旋回運動する領域に対応し底面2pの外周縁に円環状に設けておき、底面2pの中央部2zは電気的絶縁材で構成しておくことが好ましい。なお、図2(b)(c)の場合には、中央部2zは容器1kと一体に構成されているが、例えば中央部2zを絶縁性セラミックスなどで別体に形成し、容器1kに組み込むようにしてもよい。 On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (a), when all of the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m is constituted by the cathode 1n, the formation rate of the plating layer may be lowered. That is, since the ball group 9 swirls in a predetermined region C on the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface 1p (the upper surface of the cathode 1n) with the plating solution L that swirls and flows, the central portion of the upper surface of the cathode 1n without the ball group 9 exists. This is also because the plating is deposited in vain. Therefore, as shown by reference numeral 2n in FIG. 2 (b) and FIG. 2 (c) which is a cross-sectional view along the center line, the cathode corresponds to the region in which the ball group 9 swivels and is located on the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface 2p. It is preferably provided in an annular shape, and the central portion 2z of the bottom surface 2p is preferably made of an electrically insulating material. In the case of FIGS. 2B and 2C, the central portion 2z is integrally formed with the container 1k. For example, the central portion 2z is formed separately from insulating ceramics and incorporated into the container 1k. You may do it.
 さらに、図2(c)に示すように、陰極2nは、その表面が底面2pと同一平面を形成するように露出する第1の陰極2yのみならず、その表面が周壁面1qと同一の内周面を形成するように露出する第2の陰極2xを容器1kの基端部に備えていてもよい。この陰極2xと2yは、図示するように、横断面がくの字状となるよう各々の一端において結合させた陰極2nとして容器1kに組み込むことができる。かかる第2の陰極2xを設けることによりメッキ液の流動にともない底面2pの周縁部を旋回運動するボール群9は第2の陰極2xにも接触するので、ボール群9が接触することが可能な陰極2nの面積を増加させることができ、高いメッキ効率を維持したまま均一なメッキ層をコアボール91に形成することが可能となる。加えて、後述する第6実施態様のメッキ装置の陽極構造との組合せにより陽極と陰極との間の電気抵抗を低減し、ボイドなどの欠陥の少ない良質なメッキ層を形成することができる。なお、陰極2nの表面におけるメッキの析出を防止しメッキ効率を高めるためには、図2(c)に示すように、陰極2nは、ボール群9が旋回流動する範囲Cの中に含まれることが望ましい。また、図2(b)で示す陰極2nは円周方向において連続的な円環形状に形成してあるが、一部に不連続部分があっても実質的に円環状に形成されていればよい。 Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the cathode 2n is not only the first cathode 2y exposed so that its surface forms the same plane as the bottom surface 2p, but also its inner surface is the same as the peripheral wall 1q. You may equip the base end part of the container 1k with the 2nd cathode 2x exposed so that a surrounding surface may be formed. As shown in the figure, the cathodes 2x and 2y can be incorporated into the container 1k as a cathode 2n coupled at one end so as to have a cross-sectional cross section. By providing the second cathode 2x, the ball group 9 that pivots around the peripheral edge of the bottom surface 2p as the plating solution flows also contacts the second cathode 2x, so that the ball group 9 can contact. The area of the cathode 2n can be increased, and a uniform plating layer can be formed on the core ball 91 while maintaining high plating efficiency. In addition, by combining with the anode structure of the plating apparatus of the sixth embodiment described later, the electrical resistance between the anode and the cathode can be reduced, and a high-quality plating layer with few defects such as voids can be formed. In order to prevent the deposition of plating on the surface of the cathode 2n and increase the plating efficiency, the cathode 2n must be included in the range C in which the ball group 9 swirls as shown in FIG. 2 (c). Is desirable. Further, the cathode 2n shown in FIG. 2 (b) is formed in a continuous annular shape in the circumferential direction, but if it is formed in a substantially annular shape even if there is a discontinuous portion in part. Good.
 さらに、コアボール91の転動を助長することによりコアボール91同士の表面に形成されたメッキ層の外周面を摺り合わせ、当該外表面の平滑性を向上するため、メッキ室1mの底面1p(すなわち陰極1nの上面)を一定の粗面としておけばよい。一方で、メッキ室1mの底面1pと摩擦することにより生じるコアボール91の表面またはメッキ層の表面の損傷を防止する観点からは、当該底面1pは平滑な面としておいてもよい。また、図3(c)に示すように、メッキ室1mの底面1pの上におけるコアボール91の旋回運動を安定化させるためには、メッキ液Lの旋回方向に沿い形成されコアボール91を案内する円環状の案内溝4yが底面1pに形成されていることが望ましい。 Furthermore, in order to improve the smoothness of the outer surface by sliding the outer peripheral surfaces of the plating layers formed on the surfaces of the core balls 91 by promoting the rolling of the core balls 91, the bottom surface 1p ( That is, the upper surface of the cathode 1n may be a certain rough surface. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of preventing damage to the surface of the core ball 91 or the surface of the plating layer caused by friction with the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m, the bottom surface 1p may be a smooth surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, in order to stabilize the turning motion of the core ball 91 on the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m, the core ball 91 formed along the turning direction of the plating solution L is guided. An annular guide groove 4y is preferably formed on the bottom surface 1p.
 図1において符号1oは、メッキ室1mの上部に陰極1nと相対して配置された錫を含む陽極である。陽極1oは、メッキ室1mを満たすメッキ液Lに浸漬する位置に位置するよう、ステンレススチール、チタン、白金メッキされたチタン等の支持部材1rを介して密閉蓋1Lに固定され、直流電源回路1hの正極に接続されている。 In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1o denotes an anode containing tin disposed opposite to the cathode 1n in the upper part of the plating chamber 1m. The anode 1o is fixed to the hermetic lid 1L via a support member 1r made of stainless steel, titanium, platinum-plated titanium, or the like so as to be positioned at a position where the anode 1o is immersed in the plating solution L that fills the plating chamber 1m. Is connected to the positive electrode.
 ここで、陽極の好ましい態様について以下説明する。多数のコアボール91をメッキする場合には、全てのコアボール91の表面積の和は非常に大きなものとなる。この多数のコアボール91と陽極との間に一定の電流を流し、所定の電流密度(電流値をコアボール91の表面積の和で除した値である)を確保することにより、コアボール91に均一かつ効率的にメッキ層を形成するためには、陽極1oの下面と陰極1nの上面とが相対するよう配置し、陰極1nの上を旋回運動するボール群9の範囲Cを包含するよう円環形状に陽極1oを形成することが好ましい。さらに、本体部1aの上部右側部分の正断面視である図4(a)に示すように、陰極と相対する陽極14oの底面に凹凸を設けることにより、コアボール91の表面積に応じた面積を陽極14oに形成することができる。また、陽極の表面積をより増加させたい場合には、図4(b)のように陽極部15oを構成してもよい。この陽極部15oは、直流電源回路の正極に接続された多数の導電性粒子15yにより構成された陽極と、支持部材を介し密閉蓋1Lに固定され多数の導電性粒子15yを収納する略円環形状の導電性粒子収納容器15xを有している。好ましくは樹脂等の非導電性材料で構成されたメッシュ状をなす導電性粒子収納容器15xは、導電性粒子15yは通さずメッキ液は流通可能な開口を多数有し、図示しない陰極に底面が相対し、供給されるメッキ液の流れを阻害しないようメッキ液供給口1fよりも上方に配置されている。なお、導電性粒子収納容器15xは、ステンレススチール、チタン、白金メッキされたチタン等の導電性材料で構成してもよい。導電性粒子収納容器15xに収納する導電性粒子15yはコアボールにメッキすべき材料により適宜選択されるが、例えばコアボールに錫をメッキする場合には、錫からなる粒子が選択される。この態様の陽極部15oによれば、多数の導電性粒子15yにより陽極を構成するので上記平板状の陽極の場合に比べコンパクトながら大きな表面積を有する陽極を形成することができ、さらに、導電性粒子15yの個々の大きさや収納する個数を調整することにより陽極の表面積を自在に調整することができる。 Here, a preferred embodiment of the anode will be described below. When many core balls 91 are plated, the sum of the surface areas of all the core balls 91 becomes very large. A constant current is passed between the large number of core balls 91 and the anode, and a predetermined current density (a value obtained by dividing the current value by the sum of the surface areas of the core balls 91) is ensured. In order to form a plating layer uniformly and efficiently, the lower surface of the anode 1o and the upper surface of the cathode 1n are arranged to face each other, and a circle is included so as to include the range C of the ball group 9 that swivels on the cathode 1n. It is preferable to form the anode 1o in a ring shape. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4A, which is a front cross-sectional view of the upper right portion of the main body 1a, by providing irregularities on the bottom surface of the anode 14o facing the cathode, the area corresponding to the surface area of the core ball 91 can be increased. It can be formed on the anode 14o. Moreover, when it is desired to increase the surface area of the anode, the anode portion 15o may be configured as shown in FIG. The anode portion 15o includes an anode configured by a large number of conductive particles 15y connected to a positive electrode of a DC power supply circuit, and a substantially annular ring that is fixed to the sealing lid 1L via a support member and accommodates the large number of conductive particles 15y. A conductive particle storage container 15x having a shape is included. The mesh-shaped conductive particle storage container 15x, preferably made of a non-conductive material such as a resin, has a large number of openings through which the conductive particles 15y do not pass and the plating solution can flow. On the other hand, it is disposed above the plating solution supply port 1f so as not to obstruct the flow of the supplied plating solution. The conductive particle storage container 15x may be made of a conductive material such as stainless steel, titanium, or platinum plated titanium. The conductive particles 15y stored in the conductive particle storage container 15x are appropriately selected depending on the material to be plated on the core ball. For example, when tin is plated on the core ball, particles made of tin are selected. According to the anode portion 15o of this embodiment, since the anode is constituted by a large number of conductive particles 15y, it is possible to form an anode having a large surface area while being compact as compared with the case of the flat plate-like anode. The surface area of the anode can be freely adjusted by adjusting the individual size of 15y and the number of pieces accommodated.
 図1において符号1iは、容器1kの底面側に配置された加振手段である。本発明に係わるメッキ装置の好ましい態様として組み込まれた加振手段1iは具体的には所定の周波数で容器1kに振動を付与する振動手段であり、この振動によりコアボール91同士の付着や底面1pとコアボール91の付着を予防するとともに付着したコアボール91を分離し、コアボール91の凝集を防止する。 In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1i denotes a vibration means disposed on the bottom side of the container 1k. The vibration means 1i incorporated as a preferred embodiment of the plating apparatus according to the present invention is specifically a vibration means for applying vibration to the container 1k at a predetermined frequency. The vibration causes adhesion between the core balls 91 and the bottom surface 1p. The core ball 91 is prevented from adhering and the adhering core ball 91 is separated to prevent the core ball 91 from agglomerating.
 符号1sは、メッキ槽1jの下方に配置された磁力発生手段である。磁力発生手段1sは、コアボール91が磁性を有する場合またはコアボール91に被覆されるメッキ層が例えばNiやFeなど磁性を有する場合に有効な構成要素であり、コアボール91またはメッキ層が形成されたコアボール91を磁力で下方に引き寄せ、メッキ室1mの底面1p(陰極1nの上面)に接触させつつ旋回運動させるように構成されている。なお、磁力発生手段1sは、メッキ槽1jの下方外周に設けてもよい。さらに、旋回領域Cの中にボール群9を留めコアボール91が分散することを防止するためには、磁力発生手段1sは、当該旋回範囲Cに対応する大きさの略円環形状の永久磁石などで構成することが好ましい。 Numeral 1s is a magnetic force generating means arranged below the plating tank 1j. The magnetic force generating means 1s is an effective component when the core ball 91 has magnetism or when the plating layer covered with the core ball 91 has magnetism such as Ni or Fe, and the core ball 91 or the plating layer is formed. The core ball 91 is attracted downward by a magnetic force and is swung while being brought into contact with the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m (the top surface of the cathode 1n). The magnetic force generating means 1s may be provided on the lower outer periphery of the plating tank 1j. Further, in order to hold the ball group 9 in the turning area C and prevent the core balls 91 from being dispersed, the magnetic force generating means 1s is a substantially annular permanent magnet having a size corresponding to the turning range C. It is preferable to comprise by these.
 上記メッキ装置1の動作を説明する。まず、準備工程である。準備工程では、密閉蓋1Lを開けて所定数のコアボール91をメッキ室1mの底面1p(陰極1nの上面)に載置し、メッキ液Lをメッキ液循環手段1bのメッキ液貯蔵タンクに格納する。なお、コアボール91としては、酸洗処理し表面を清浄化したものを使用し、更に必要に応じ表面に下地層としてニッケルメッキ層を形成したものを使用してもよい。また、半田メッキするためのメッキ液は、例えばSn-Ag-Cu系の液組成を有する大和化成製の商品名「DAIN TINSIL SBB 2」やローム&ハース製の商品名「SOLDERON BP SAC5000」等に添加剤を添加して、例えばホウフッ化浴など周知のメッキ浴に適宜調整して使用することができる。ボール群9を構成する粒子はコアボール91に限定されず、例えばボール群9の攪拌を促進するための攪拌促進体として、例えば半田や鋼を主体とした導電性ダミーボール、樹脂やセラミックス等を主体とした非導電性ダミーボールを適量加えてもよい。 The operation of the plating apparatus 1 will be described. First, it is a preparation process. In the preparation step, the sealing lid 1L is opened, a predetermined number of core balls 91 are placed on the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m (the top surface of the cathode 1n), and the plating solution L is stored in the plating solution storage tank of the plating solution circulation means 1b. To do. In addition, as the core ball | bowl 91, what used the pickling process and cleaned the surface may be used, and also the thing which formed the nickel plating layer as a base layer on the surface as needed may be used. The plating solution for solder plating is, for example, the product name “DAIN TINSIL SBB 2” manufactured by Daiwa Kasei Co., Ltd. having a Sn—Ag—Cu-based solution composition, the product name “SOLDERON BP SAC5000” manufactured by Rohm & Haas, etc. Additives can be added to a known plating bath such as a borofluoride bath, for example, and used as appropriate. The particles constituting the ball group 9 are not limited to the core ball 91. For example, as a stirring accelerator for promoting the stirring of the ball group 9, for example, conductive dummy balls mainly made of solder or steel, resin, ceramics, etc. An appropriate amount of a non-conductive dummy ball as a main component may be added.
 密閉蓋1Lを閉じてメッキ室1mを密閉空間にした後、メッキ装置1を作動させる。メッキ装置1は、メッキ液循環手段1bを作動させてメッキ液供給管1eを通じてメッキ室1mへ所定の流量でメッキ液Lを供給する。メッキ室1mがメッキ液Lで満たされると、メッキ液Lは、メッキ室1mの周壁面1qに沿い旋回するとともに周壁面1qの傾きに沿い底面1pに向い螺旋状に流下する旋回流aとなる。なお、メッキ液Lの供給の初期段階ではメッキ液Lの流れが不安定であるため、不安定なメッキ液Lの流れに乗りメッキ室1mの外にコアボール91が流出する場合がある。このコアボール91の流出を防止するためには、準備工程においてメッキ室1mに予めメッキ液Lを満たしておき、その後メッキ室1mにメッキ液Lを供給するようにすれば好ましい。また、メッキ液Lの供給の初期段階ではメッキ液Lの流量を小さくしておき、徐々に所定の流量に増加するようにすれば好ましい。 After closing the sealing lid 1L and making the plating chamber 1m into a sealed space, the plating apparatus 1 is operated. The plating apparatus 1 operates the plating solution circulating means 1b to supply the plating solution L at a predetermined flow rate to the plating chamber 1m through the plating solution supply pipe 1e. When the plating chamber 1m is filled with the plating solution L, the plating solution L turns along the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m and turns into a swirling flow a that flows spirally along the inclination of the peripheral wall surface 1q toward the bottom surface 1p. . Since the flow of the plating solution L is unstable at the initial stage of supplying the plating solution L, the core ball 91 may flow out of the plating chamber 1m due to the unstable flow of the plating solution L. In order to prevent the core ball 91 from flowing out, it is preferable to fill the plating chamber 1m in advance with the plating solution L in the preparation step and then supply the plating solution L to the plating chamber 1m. In addition, it is preferable to reduce the flow rate of the plating solution L in the initial stage of supplying the plating solution L and gradually increase it to a predetermined flow rate.
 下方に向い縮径する円錐台形状をなすメッキ室1mの周壁面1qに沿いメッキ室1mを旋回流下するメッキ液Lは底面1pに近づくに従い旋回速度が増加し、底面1pに達する。底面1pに達したメッキ液Lの旋回流aは、底面1pに接触しているボール群9を当該底面1pに押し付けつつ旋回運動させる。ここで、ボール群9に含まれるコアボール91は、底面1p、すなわち直流電源回路1hの負極に接続された陰極1nの上面に接触しているので、陽極1oとの間でメッキ処理され、その表面にはメッキ層が形成される。そして、メッキ室1mの底面1pに達したメッキ液Lは、底面1pの中央部で上昇流bとなりメッキ液排出口1dを通じてメッキ液排出管1cから排出されメッキ液循環手段1bに戻る。それゆえ、常に新鮮なメッキ液Lがメッキ室1mに供給され、メッキ室1mの中のメッキ液Lの状態を常に一定とすることができ、その結果コアボール91の表面に均一な厚みのメッキ層が形成される。なお、メッキ室1mがメッキ液Lで満たされた後に、メッキ液排出管1cを通じてメッキ液Lを吸引するようにすれば、メッキ液Lの旋回流がより整流化され、コアボール91の旋回運動が安定するので望ましい。 The plating solution L swirling down the plating chamber 1m along the peripheral wall 1q of the plating chamber 1m having a conical shape with a diameter decreasing toward the bottom increases in swirling speed as it approaches the bottom surface 1p and reaches the bottom surface 1p. The swirl flow a of the plating solution L that has reached the bottom surface 1p causes the ball group 9 in contact with the bottom surface 1p to swivel while pressing against the bottom surface 1p. Here, since the core ball 91 included in the ball group 9 is in contact with the bottom surface 1p, that is, the upper surface of the cathode 1n connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply circuit 1h, the core ball 91 is plated with the anode 1o, A plating layer is formed on the surface. The plating solution L that has reached the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m becomes an upward flow b at the center of the bottom surface 1p, is discharged from the plating solution discharge pipe 1c through the plating solution discharge port 1d, and returns to the plating solution circulation means 1b. Therefore, the fresh plating solution L is always supplied to the plating chamber 1m, and the state of the plating solution L in the plating chamber 1m can be kept constant. As a result, the surface of the core ball 91 is plated with a uniform thickness. A layer is formed. If the plating solution L is sucked through the plating solution discharge pipe 1c after the plating chamber 1m is filled with the plating solution L, the swirling flow of the plating solution L is further rectified and the swiveling motion of the core ball 91 is performed. Is desirable because it stabilizes.
 メッキ室1mの底面1pに接触しつつ旋回運動するコアボール91は底面1pの上を転動し、コアボール91同士が擦り合うように衝突するので、コアボール91同士が付着しがたくコアボール91の凝集が防止され、かつ転動によりコアボール91の表面が底面1pに触れる機会が均等になるので、均一な厚みのメッキ層が形成される。ここで、メッキ処理の過程において、メッキ層は、直接的又は他のコアボール91を介して間接的に陰極1nへ触れる毎に序々にコアボール91の表面に形成されていくと推定される。そのため、メッキ処理の初期段階では表面の一部にのみメッキ層が形成されている状態となっている。コアボール91の転動が充分ではない場合には、図14(a)に示すように、突起したメッキ層mがコアボール91に被覆された金平糖状のCuコアボールが形成される場合があった。このメッキ層の突起した部分は、初期にコアボール91の表面の一部に形成されたメッキ層を起点として選択的にメッキ層が形成された結果であると想定される。しかしながら、コアボール91を充分に転動させ、コアボール91同士が擦り合うように衝突させることにより、図14(b)に示すように、コアボール91aの表面の一部に形成されたメッキ層m1を、転動する他のコアボール91bで擦り合わせて押し広げるというメッキ層の表面の平滑化効果が生じる。それゆえ、表面の一部に選択的にメッキ層が形成されることを防止し、表面が極めて平滑でメッキ層の内部にボイドの少ない均一な厚みのメッキ層を形成することができる。このようなメッキ層を有し極めて真球度の高いCuコアボールは、フリップチップ用の接続部材として使用される場合に特に好適である。 Since the core ball 91 that rotates while contacting the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m rolls on the bottom surface 1p and collides so that the core balls 91 rub against each other, the core balls 91 are difficult to adhere to each other. Aggregation of 91 is prevented, and the opportunity for the surface of the core ball 91 to come into contact with the bottom surface 1p by rolling is uniform, so that a plating layer having a uniform thickness is formed. Here, in the process of the plating process, it is estimated that the plating layer is formed on the surface of the core ball 91 gradually every time the cathode 1n is touched directly or indirectly through another core ball 91. Therefore, in the initial stage of the plating process, the plating layer is formed only on a part of the surface. In the case where the rolling of the core ball 91 is not sufficient, as shown in FIG. 14A, there may be formed a confetti-like Cu core ball in which the protruding plating layer m is covered with the core ball 91. It was. It is assumed that the protruding portion of the plating layer is a result of the selective formation of the plating layer starting from the plating layer formed on a part of the surface of the core ball 91 in the initial stage. However, as shown in FIG. 14B, the plated layer formed on a part of the surface of the core ball 91a by sufficiently rolling the core ball 91 and causing the core balls 91 to rub against each other. The smoothing effect of the surface of the plating layer is produced, in which m1 is rubbed and pushed by the other rolling core balls 91b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a plating layer from being selectively formed on a part of the surface, and to form a plating layer having a very smooth surface and a uniform thickness with few voids inside the plating layer. A Cu core ball having such a plated layer and extremely high sphericity is particularly suitable when used as a connection member for flip chip.
 なお、図1に示すコアボール供給手段1gを用いてコアボール91をメッキ室1mに供給した場合には、コアボール91は旋回流動するメッキ液Lにより旋回運動し、遠心力で周壁面1qに押し付けられつつ下降し、メッキ室1mの底面1pへ下降し、そこで安定した旋回運動を継続する。 In addition, when the core ball 91 is supplied to the plating chamber 1m using the core ball supply means 1g shown in FIG. 1, the core ball 91 is swung by the swirling and flowing plating solution L, and is applied to the peripheral wall surface 1q by centrifugal force. It descends while being pressed and descends to the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m, where it continues a stable turning motion.
 上記の状態で所定時間、コアボール91をメッキ処理し、所定厚みの半田メッキ層を有するCuコアボールが形成される。メッキ液循環手段1bのメッキ液循環用ポンプや流量調整弁を適宜調整し、メッキ処理中に供給されるメッキ液Lの流量や流速を経時的に変化させたり、容器1kを介して加振手段1iでボール群91に振動を付与すれば、コアボール91の凝集防止の観点から有利である。 In the above state, the core ball 91 is plated for a predetermined time to form a Cu core ball having a solder plating layer having a predetermined thickness. The plating solution circulating pump and the flow rate adjusting valve of the plating solution circulating means 1b are adjusted as appropriate so that the flow rate and flow rate of the plating solution L supplied during the plating process are changed with time, or the vibrating means is supplied via the container 1k. If vibration is applied to the ball group 91 in 1i, it is advantageous from the viewpoint of preventing aggregation of the core balls 91.
 上記メッキ装置1の更に好ましい態様のメッキ装置について図5及び6を参照して説明する。なお、図5及び6において、上記メッキ装置1と同一の構成要素については同一符号を付し、詳細な説明を省略する。 A further preferred embodiment of the plating apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the same components as those of the plating apparatus 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
 図5に示すメッキ装置5は、密閉蓋1Lの中央部を貫通しメッキ室1mの中に突き出た状態となるようメッキ液排出管5cを配置し、メッキ液排出口5dを軸芯方向においてメッキ室1mの中間部、具体的にはメッキ液排出口5dをメッキ液供給口1fよりも下方に位置させ、更にメッキ液排出管5cを矢印dで示すように軸心方向に沿い移動できるようにした態様である。図5に示すように、メッキ液排出管5cの外周面に陽極5oを配置する場合には、メッキ液排出管5cの外周面から突出しないように配置することが望ましい。かかるメッキ装置5によれば、メッキ液排出口5dはメッキ室1mの底面1pに近接しているので、メッキ液Lの上昇流bは底面1pの近くで排出され、上昇流bが旋回流aに与える影響が抑制され、底面1pにおけるコアボール91の旋回運動を安定させることが可能となる。更に、メッキ液Lの供給の初期段階においてメッキ室1mの旋回流aが安定するまではメッキ液排出管5cの密閉蓋1Lからの突出長さを短くしておき、旋回流が安定した後にメッキ液排出管5cを下方に移動させて密閉蓋1Lからの突出長さを長くし所定位置に位置決めすることで、メッキ室1mへメッキ液Lを導入するメッキ処理前の段階からメッキ処理が完了するまで、メッキ室1mの外へのコアボール91の流出を防止できる。なお、後述する第2~第4態様のメッキ装置のように、メッキ室を旋回流動するメッキ液を整流化する構成やメッキ室へコアボールを供給する構成を備えたメッキ装置の場合には、メッキ液排出管5cは上下方向に移動せず、図示のごとく底面1pの上方近傍にメッキ液排出口5dが配置されるよう密閉蓋1Lに固定されていてもよい。 The plating apparatus 5 shown in FIG. 5 arranges the plating solution discharge pipe 5c so as to pass through the central portion of the sealing lid 1L and protrude into the plating chamber 1m, and the plating solution discharge port 5d is plated in the axial direction. An intermediate portion of the chamber 1m, specifically, the plating solution discharge port 5d is positioned below the plating solution supply port 1f, and the plating solution discharge pipe 5c can be moved along the axial direction as indicated by an arrow d. This is the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, when the anode 5o is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the plating solution discharge pipe 5c, it is desirable to dispose the anode 5o so as not to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the plating solution discharge tube 5c. According to the plating apparatus 5, since the plating solution discharge port 5d is close to the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m, the rising flow b of the plating solution L is discharged near the bottom surface 1p, and the rising flow b is swirled a. And the turning motion of the core ball 91 on the bottom surface 1p can be stabilized. Further, in the initial stage of supplying the plating solution L, the protruding length of the plating solution discharge pipe 5c from the sealing lid 1L is shortened until the swirling flow a in the plating chamber 1m is stabilized. The plating process is completed from the stage before the plating process in which the plating liquid L is introduced into the plating chamber 1m by moving the liquid discharge pipe 5c downward to increase the protruding length from the sealing lid 1L and positioning it at a predetermined position. Until then, the core ball 91 can be prevented from flowing out of the plating chamber 1 m. In the case of a plating apparatus having a structure for rectifying the plating solution that swirls and flows in the plating chamber and a structure for supplying a core ball to the plating chamber as in the second to fourth aspects of the plating apparatus described later, The plating solution discharge pipe 5c may be fixed to the sealing lid 1L so that the plating solution discharge port 5d is disposed in the vicinity of the upper portion of the bottom surface 1p as shown in the drawing without moving in the vertical direction.
 図6(a)に示すメッキ装置は、半径方向において中心部が周縁部に対し高くなるよう円錐形状に底面6p(陰極6nの上面)をメッキ室1mに形成した態様である。かかる態様のメッキ装置によれば、ボール群9は、底面6pの高さの低い周縁部で安定して旋回運動することとなり、底面6pにおけるボールの濃度を向上させることができる。なお、同図(b)に示すように、半径方向において中央部が周縁部に対し高くなるよう円柱状の突起7yを有する底面7p(陰極7nの上面)をメッキ室1mに形成しても同様な作用効果を奏することができるが、この場合にはメッキ液Lの流動を阻害しなよう突起7yの上部周縁にテーパ面を形成しておくことが望ましい。 The plating apparatus shown in FIG. 6 (a) is a mode in which a bottom surface 6p (upper surface of the cathode 6n) is formed in the plating chamber 1m in a conical shape so that the central portion is higher than the peripheral portion in the radial direction. According to the plating apparatus of this aspect, the ball group 9 is stably swung around the peripheral portion having a low height of the bottom surface 6p, and the concentration of the ball on the bottom surface 6p can be improved. Note that, as shown in FIG. 5B, the bottom surface 7p (the upper surface of the cathode 7n) having the columnar projection 7y is formed in the plating chamber 1m so that the central portion is higher than the peripheral portion in the radial direction. In this case, it is desirable to form a tapered surface on the upper peripheral edge of the protrusion 7y so as not to inhibit the flow of the plating solution L.
[第2実施態様]
 以下第2態様のメッキ装置について図7および8に基づき説明する。なお、図7および8において、上記第1態様のメッキ装置1およびその好ましい態様のメッキ装置5等と同一の構成要素については同一符号を付しており、詳細な説明を省略する(以下第3~第6態様のメッキ装置について同じ。)
[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the plating apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the same components as those of the plating apparatus 1 of the first embodiment and the plating apparatus 5 of the preferred embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted (hereinafter referred to as the third embodiment). The same applies to the plating apparatus of the sixth aspect.)
 図7(a)に示すように、第2態様のメッキ装置8は、第1態様と同様に形成されたメッキ室1mの中に案内手段8vを有する点で第1態様のメッキ装置1と相違している。
 図7(a)の案内手段8vは、メッキ液供給口1fを通じ供給されたメッキ液Lをメッキ室1mの底面1pに向い案内するように構成されている。すなわち、案内手段8vは、メッキ室1mの周壁面1qに沿い旋回しつつ底面1pに向い流下するメッキ液Lの流線aに沿った方向に伸びる螺旋が形成された非導電性材料からなる案内板8wである。上部8xがメッキ液供給口1fの下方に、下部8yがメッキ室1mの底面1pと所定の間隙を介し配置された案内板8wは、密閉蓋1Lを縦方向に貫通するメッキ液排出管5cを中央に取り巻きつつその外周面が周壁面1qに密接している。なお、メッキ液Lを円滑にメッキ室1mから排出するためには、案内手段8xの下端は、メッキ液排出口より上方にあることが好ましい。
As shown in FIG. 7 (a), the plating apparatus 8 of the second aspect is different from the plating apparatus 1 of the first aspect in that it has guide means 8v in the plating chamber 1m formed in the same manner as the first aspect. is doing.
The guiding means 8v in FIG. 7A is configured to guide the plating solution L supplied through the plating solution supply port 1f toward the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m. In other words, the guide means 8v is a guide made of a non-conductive material in which a spiral is formed that extends in the direction along the streamline a of the plating solution L that swirls along the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m and flows down toward the bottom surface 1p. It is the board 8w. A guide plate 8w in which an upper portion 8x is disposed below the plating solution supply port 1f and a lower portion 8y is disposed with a predetermined gap from the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m passes through the plating solution discharge pipe 5c penetrating the sealing lid 1L in the vertical direction. The outer peripheral surface is in close contact with the peripheral wall surface 1q while surrounding the center. In order to smoothly discharge the plating solution L from the plating chamber 1m, it is preferable that the lower end of the guide means 8x is above the plating solution discharge port.
 かかる案内板8wによれば、メッキ液供給口1fから供給されたメッキ液Lは、案内板8w、メッキ液排出管5cの外周面およびメッキ室1mの周壁面1qにより区画された螺旋状の流通通路8zの中を破線aで示すように上方から下方に向けて流動し、メッキ室1mの底面1pに案内される。ここで、案内板8wは、メッキ液供給口1fから供給され旋回流下するメッキ液Lの流線aに沿って螺旋状に形成されており、かつ、流通通路8zは一本の密閉された通路となるよう形成されている。それゆえ、メッキ液供給口1fから供給されるメッキ液Lや流動するメッキ液Lの相互の干渉により旋回流下するメッキ液Lに乱流を生じせしめることなく、整流化されたメッキ液Lが底面1pに到達することとなる。さらに、図において符号b2で示すように、メッキ液排出管5cから排出されるため上昇流としてメッキ液排出口に向うメッキ液Lの流れbの一部がメッキ液排出管5cの外に存在する場合でも、その流れは案内板8wの下部8yで遮られるので、旋回流下するメッキ液Lの流れaを乱すことがない。その結果、底面1pにおけるボール群の旋回運動が安定し、均一なメッキ層を有するCuコアボールを形成することが可能となる。 According to the guide plate 8w, the plating solution L supplied from the plating solution supply port 1f is spirally distributed by the guide plate 8w, the outer peripheral surface of the plating solution discharge pipe 5c, and the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m. As indicated by a broken line a in the passage 8z, the fluid flows from above to below and is guided to the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m. Here, the guide plate 8w is formed in a spiral shape along the flow line a of the plating solution L supplied from the plating solution supply port 1f and swirling down, and the distribution passage 8z is a single sealed passage. It is formed to become. Therefore, the rectified plating solution L is formed on the bottom surface without causing turbulent flow in the swirling plating solution L due to mutual interference between the plating solution L supplied from the plating solution supply port 1f and the flowing plating solution L. 1p will be reached. Further, as indicated by reference numeral b2 in the figure, a part of the flow b of the plating liquid L directed to the plating liquid discharge port as an upward flow is discharged from the plating liquid discharge pipe 5c and exists outside the plating liquid discharge pipe 5c. Even in this case, since the flow is blocked by the lower portion 8y of the guide plate 8w, the flow a of the plating solution L flowing down is not disturbed. As a result, the swivel motion of the ball group on the bottom surface 1p is stabilized, and a Cu core ball having a uniform plating layer can be formed.
 なお、メッキ装置8の変形例である図7(b)に示すメッキ装置16のように、メッキ液Lが周壁面1qを旋回する態様により、案内板16wは、半径方向において、メッキ液排出管5cの外周面との間に一定の間隙16zが形成されるよう構成し、メッキ室1mに配置してもよい。しかしながら、メッキ液Lの旋回流aを底面1pに円滑に案内するという案内板16wの機能を発揮させるためには、間隙16zから旋回流aが漏れないように間隙16zの幅をいたずらに大きくせず、メッキ液Lの流通する通路が出来るだけ密閉された構成とすることが望ましい。 In addition, like the plating apparatus 16 shown in FIG. 7B which is a modification of the plating apparatus 8, the guide plate 16w has a plating liquid discharge pipe in the radial direction in a manner in which the plating liquid L turns around the peripheral wall surface 1q. A constant gap 16z may be formed between the outer peripheral surface of 5c and disposed in the plating chamber 1m. However, in order to exhibit the function of the guide plate 16w that smoothly guides the swirling flow a of the plating solution L to the bottom surface 1p, the width of the gap 16z is increased to be small so that the swirling flow a does not leak from the gap 16z. It is desirable that the passage through which the plating solution L flows is sealed as much as possible.
 図8に示すメッキ装置10は第2態様のメッキ装置の他の例であり、案内手段10vとして案内体10wを有している。底面10zを有する略円錐台形状の非導電性材料からなる案内体10wは、底面1pに向い縮径した略円錐形状のメッキ室1mの周壁面1qに倣う外周面10xを有している。上部が密閉蓋1Lに接合された案内体10wは、密閉蓋1Lに固定され縦方向に伸びるメッキ液排出管5cを中央部に有し、当該メッキ液排出管5cを外周面10xが包囲している。そして、案内体10wは、水平方向においては、その外周面10xが一定寸法gの間隙10yを介しメッキ室1mの周壁面1qと対向するようメッキ室1mの中に配置されている。また、縦方向においては、ボール群9がメッキ室1mの底面1pの上で旋回運動可能な領域を設けるため、案内体10wの底面10zがメッキ室1mの底面1pに対し所定の間隙を有するように配置されている。なお、本態様のメッキ装置10では、錫を主体として構成された陽極10oは、案内体10wの底面10zに設けられている。 The plating apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 8 is another example of the plating apparatus of the second aspect, and has a guide body 10w as the guide means 10v. A guide body 10w made of a substantially frustoconical non-conductive material having a bottom surface 10z has an outer peripheral surface 10x that follows the peripheral wall surface 1q of a substantially conical plating chamber 1m having a diameter reduced toward the bottom surface 1p. The guide body 10w whose upper part is joined to the sealing lid 1L has a plating solution discharge pipe 5c that is fixed to the sealing lid 1L and extends in the vertical direction at the center, and the outer peripheral surface 10x surrounds the plating solution discharge pipe 5c. Yes. And the guide body 10w is arrange | positioned in the plating chamber 1m so that the outer peripheral surface 10x may oppose the surrounding wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m through the gap | interval 10y of the fixed dimension g in a horizontal direction. Further, in the vertical direction, the ball group 9 is provided with a region in which the ball group 9 can pivot on the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m, so that the bottom surface 10z of the guide body 10w has a predetermined gap with respect to the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m. Is arranged. In addition, in the plating apparatus 10 of this aspect, the anode 10o mainly composed of tin is provided on the bottom surface 10z of the guide body 10w.
 上記案内手段としての案内体10wをメッキ室1mの中央部に配置することにより、上記案内板8wと同様な作用を奏することができる。すなわち、メッキ液供給口1fから供給されたメッキ液Lは、案内体10wの外周面10xとメッキ室1mの周壁面1qとで形成された間隙10yを破線aで示すように上方から下方に向けて旋回流下し、メッキ室1mの底面1pに案内される。旋回流下するメッキ液Lは、案内体10wの外周面10xとメッキ室1mの周壁面1qとで囲まれた比較的狭い間隙10yの中を流動するので、メッキ液供給口1fから供給されるメッキ液Lや流動するメッキ液Lの相互の干渉により旋回流下するメッキ液Lに乱流を生じせしめることなく、整流化されたメッキ液Lが底面1pに到達することとなる。さらに、図示b2として示すようにメッキ液排出管5cから排出されるため上昇流としてメッキ液排出口5dに向うメッキ液Lの流れbの一部がメッキ液排出管5cの外に存在する場合でも、その流れは案内体10wの底面10zで遮られるので、旋回流下するメッキ液Lの流れaを乱すことがない。その結果、底面1pにおけるボール群の旋回運動が安定し、均一なメッキ層を有するCuコアボールを形成することが可能となる。なお、上記案内体10wと周壁面1qとの間隙10yに上記案内板8wを組み込んでもよい。 By arranging the guide body 10w as the guide means in the center of the plating chamber 1m, the same action as the guide plate 8w can be achieved. That is, the plating liquid L supplied from the plating liquid supply port 1f is directed from above to below as indicated by a broken line a in a gap 10y formed by the outer peripheral surface 10x of the guide body 10w and the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m. The swirling flow then guides to the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m. Since the plating liquid L that swirls flows in a relatively narrow gap 10y surrounded by the outer peripheral surface 10x of the guide body 10w and the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m, the plating supplied from the plating liquid supply port 1f is performed. The rectified plating solution L reaches the bottom surface 1p without causing turbulent flow in the swirling plating solution L due to mutual interference between the solution L and the flowing plating solution L. Further, as shown as b2 in the figure, even when a part of the flow b of the plating solution L toward the plating solution discharge port 5d as an upward flow is discharged from the plating solution discharge pipe 5c, it exists outside the plating solution discharge pipe 5c. Since the flow is interrupted by the bottom surface 10z of the guide body 10w, the flow a of the plating solution L flowing down is not disturbed. As a result, the swivel motion of the ball group on the bottom surface 1p is stabilized, and a Cu core ball having a uniform plating layer can be formed. The guide plate 8w may be incorporated in the gap 10y between the guide body 10w and the peripheral wall surface 1q.
 また、図4(b)を参照して説明した陽極部を上記案内体を有するメッキ装置に組み込むことができる。すなわち、図8(b)のメッキ装置21に示すように、メッシュ状の非導電性材料で構成された案内体21wは、陽極部の導電性粒子収納容器を兼ねており、その内部に陽極を構成する多数の導電性粒子21oを収納し、導電性粒子21oは通さずメッキ液がわずかに流通可能な微小な開口を多数有している。なお、案内体21wに設ける開口は、導電性粒子21oの大きさ未満であり極めて小さくメッキ液が貫流する際の抵抗が大きいので、メッキ液の上昇流が流速を保ったまま案内体21wを通過し、メッキ液の旋回流を乱すことはない。 Further, the anode part described with reference to FIG. 4B can be incorporated into a plating apparatus having the guide body. That is, as shown in the plating apparatus 21 in FIG. 8 (b), the guide body 21w made of a mesh-like non-conductive material also serves as a conductive particle storage container of the anode portion, and the anode is placed inside the guide body 21w. A large number of constituent conductive particles 21o are accommodated, and the conductive particles 21o do not pass therethrough and have a large number of minute openings through which the plating solution can be circulated slightly. Note that the opening provided in the guide body 21w is smaller than the size of the conductive particles 21o and is extremely small and has high resistance when the plating solution flows, so that the upward flow of the plating solution passes through the guide body 21w while maintaining the flow velocity. However, it does not disturb the swirling flow of the plating solution.
[第3実施態様]
 以下第3態様のメッキ装置及びその変形例について図9に基づき説明する。第3態様のメッキ装置は、第1態様と同様に形成されたメッキ室1mの中に整流手段を有する点で第1態様のメッキ装置1と相違している。以下、整流手段の各種態様について説明する。
[Third embodiment]
Hereinafter, the plating apparatus of the third aspect and its modification will be described with reference to FIG. The plating apparatus of the third aspect is different from the plating apparatus 1 of the first aspect in that a rectifying means is provided in the plating chamber 1m formed in the same manner as the first aspect. Hereinafter, various aspects of the rectifying means will be described.
 図9(a)の整流手段17vは、メッキ液供給口1fから供給され、メッキ室1mの周壁面1qに沿い旋回しつつ流下するメッキ液Lの流れを一定の方向に整えて整流する非導電性材料からなる板状部材17wである。メッキ室1mの周壁面1qに沿い旋回流下するメッキ液Lの流線に沿った方向に伸びる螺旋が形成された板状部材17wは、その上部17xがメッキ液供給口1fの下方に、下部17yがメッキ室1mの底面1pと所定の間隙を介し、外周面が周壁面1qに密接するように配置されている。かかる板状部材17wによれば、メッキ室1mの周壁面1pに沿い旋回するようにメッキ液供給口1fから供給されたメッキ液Lは、その旋回流下する流れが板状部材17wにより整流されつつ安定して維持され底面1pに至り、メッキ室1mの底面1pに接触しているボール群を当該底面1pに押し付けつつ旋回運動させる。なお、周壁面1qに沿うメッキ液Lの旋回流を整流するという整流部材17wの機能を発揮させるためには、旋回流下するメッキ液Lの流れを整流部材17wで阻害しないように整流部材17wを配置する必要がある。すなわち、図示するように、整流部材17wとメッキ液排出管5cとは、半径方向において両者の間に充分な間隙が形成されるように配置することが望ましい。 The rectifying means 17v in FIG. 9 (a) is a non-conductive that rectifies the flow of the plating solution L that is supplied from the plating solution supply port 1f and swirls along the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m in a certain direction. This is a plate-like member 17w made of a conductive material. The plate-like member 17w formed with a spiral extending in the direction along the flow line of the plating solution L swirling along the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m has an upper portion 17x below the plating solution supply port 1f and a lower portion 17y. Are arranged so that the outer peripheral surface is in close contact with the peripheral wall surface 1q with a predetermined gap from the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m. According to the plate-like member 17w, the plating solution L supplied from the plating solution supply port 1f so as to turn along the peripheral wall surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m is rectified by the plate-like member 17w. A ball group which is stably maintained and reaches the bottom surface 1p and is in contact with the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m is swung while being pressed against the bottom surface 1p. In order to exert the function of the rectifying member 17w that rectifies the swirling flow of the plating solution L along the peripheral wall surface 1q, the rectifying member 17w is provided so that the flow of the plating solution L flowing down the swirling flow is not inhibited by the rectifying member 17w. Need to be placed. That is, as shown in the drawing, it is desirable to arrange the rectifying member 17w and the plating solution discharge pipe 5c so that a sufficient gap is formed between them in the radial direction.
 なお、上記整流手段17vの変形例である図9(b)に示すように、間隙部18tを介しつつ複数のフィン状の板状部材18q、18r、18sを上記板状部材17wと同様にメッキ液Lの旋回流の流線沿い螺旋状に一列に配置して整流手段18vを構成してもよい。また、図9(c)に示すように、メッキ液Lの旋回流の流線に沿い螺旋状に一列に複数の板状部材19q~19rを配置するとともに、板状部材19q~19rの下方に、板状部材19q~19r同士の間隙部19uを埋めるように板状部材19s~19tを千鳥状に一列に配置することで2列の板状部材を有する整流手段19vを構成してもよい。 As shown in FIG. 9B, which is a modified example of the rectifying means 17v, a plurality of fin-like plate members 18q, 18r, and 18s are plated in the same manner as the plate member 17w through the gap 18t. The rectifying means 18v may be configured by being arranged in a line along a streamline of the swirl flow of the liquid L in a line. Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, a plurality of plate-like members 19q to 19r are arranged in a spiral along the swirl flow line of the plating solution L, and below the plate-like members 19q to 19r. The rectifying means 19v having two rows of plate-like members may be configured by arranging the plate-like members 19s to 19t in a staggered manner so as to fill the gaps 19u between the plate-like members 19q to 19r.
[第4実施態様]
 以下第4態様のメッキ装置及びその変形例について図10~12に基づき説明する。第4態様のメッキ装置は、メッキ室にボール群を供給する供給手段と、そのボール群を回収する回収手段を有する点で第1態様のメッキ装置と相違している。以下供給手段および回収手段を中心に第4態様のメッキ装置を説明する。なお、供給手段と回収手段は各々単独にメッキ装置に組み込んでもよい。
[Fourth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the plating apparatus of the fourth aspect and its modification will be described with reference to FIGS. The plating apparatus according to the fourth aspect is different from the plating apparatus according to the first aspect in that it includes supply means for supplying the ball group to the plating chamber and recovery means for recovering the ball group. Hereinafter, the plating apparatus of the fourth aspect will be described focusing on the supply means and the recovery means. Note that the supply means and the recovery means may each be incorporated in the plating apparatus independently.
 まず、供給手段について説明する。図10(a)に正面断面図、同図の容器1kから密閉蓋1Lを取り外した状態である平面図である同図(b)に示すように、本態様の供給手段11qは、メッキ室1mに供給すべき多数のコアボール92を収納する収納部11rと、各々の一端が収納部11rに接続され他端がメッキ槽1jに接続されたメッキ液流入管11uおよびボール供給管11vとを有している。なお、図10(a)においてA-A線より上は、図10(b)に示すメッキ槽1jの中心線Eより上側を見たB矢視図、A-A線より下は中心線Eより下側を見たC矢視図である。 First, supply means will be described. FIG. 10 (a) is a front cross-sectional view, and FIG. 10 (b) is a plan view showing a state in which the sealing lid 1L is removed from the container 1k of the same figure. As shown in FIG. A storage portion 11r for storing a large number of core balls 92 to be supplied to the housing, and a plating solution inflow pipe 11u and a ball supply pipe 11v each having one end connected to the storage portion 11r and the other end connected to the plating tank 1j. is doing. 10A, the line above the AA line is a view as seen from the direction of the arrow B when viewed from above the center line E of the plating tank 1j shown in FIG. 10B. The line below the line AA is the center line E. It is C arrow line view which looked at the lower side.
 収納部11rは、多数のコアボール92を収納可能な容器11sと、容器11sの上部開口を閉塞する蓋11tとで構成されており、蓋11tを開閉することによりコアボール92を容器11sに供給する。その収納部11rの側壁には、メッキ液流入管11uの一端がバルブ11wを介して接続されており、さらにメッキ液流入管11uの他端はその開口(メッキ液流入口)11yがメッキ室1mに開口するようメッキ槽1jに接続されている。ここで、メッキ液流入管11uは、その軸心が、メッキ液供給管1eとほぼ同一線上、すなわちメッキ槽1jの上部であってメッキ室1mの周壁面1qの接線方向に沿い、そのメッキ液流入口11yが旋回するメッキ液の流れaを迎え入れるように配置されている。これにより、平面視においてメッキ室1mの中心線Fを介しメッキ液流入口11yとメッキ液供給口1fとは相対する状態となるので、図示破線aで示すようにメッキ液供給口1fから周壁面1qに沿い旋回するように供給されたメッキ液は、メッキ液流入口11yを通じメッキ液流入管11uに流入する。 The storage unit 11r includes a container 11s that can store a large number of core balls 92, and a lid 11t that closes an upper opening of the container 11s, and supplies the core balls 92 to the container 11s by opening and closing the cover 11t. To do. One end of a plating solution inflow pipe 11u is connected to the side wall of the storage portion 11r via a valve 11w, and the other end of the plating solution inflow pipe 11u has an opening (plating solution inflow port) 11y formed in a plating chamber 1m. Is connected to the plating tank 1j. Here, the plating solution inflow pipe 11u has an axial center substantially on the same line as the plating solution supply pipe 1e, that is, above the plating tank 1j and along the tangential direction of the peripheral wall 1q of the plating chamber 1m. The inflow port 11y is arranged so as to receive the flow a of the plating solution that swirls. As a result, since the plating solution inlet 11y and the plating solution supply port 1f are opposed to each other through the center line F of the plating chamber 1m in plan view, as shown by the broken line a in FIG. The plating solution supplied to swirl along 1q flows into the plating solution inflow pipe 11u through the plating solution inlet 11y.
 収納部11rの底部には、ボール供給管11vの一端が接続されており、ボール供給管11vの他端はその開口(ボール供給口)11zがメッキ室1mの底部に開口するようメッキ槽1jに接続されている。ここで、ボール供給管11vは、図10(b)に示すように、平面視においてメッキ室1mの中心線Eを介しメッキ液流入管11uと反対の位置に、その軸心がメッキ室1mの接線方向に沿い、そのボール供給口11zが旋回するメッキ液の流れaに沿うように配置されている。これにより、メッキ液供給口1fから供給され周壁面1qに沿い流下し底面1pの上を旋回流動するメッキ液の流れaに円滑に乗るようにコアボール92を供給することができる。なお、図において符号11xは、供給すべきコアボール92を収納部11rの中に保持するための仕切り弁である。この仕切り弁11xは、コアボール92を自動的にメッキ室1mへ供給するために設けられた好適な構成であり、手動でコアボールを供給する場合には必ずしも必要ではない。 One end of a ball supply pipe 11v is connected to the bottom of the storage section 11r, and the other end of the ball supply pipe 11v is connected to the plating tank 1j so that its opening (ball supply port) 11z opens to the bottom of the plating chamber 1m. It is connected. Here, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), the ball supply pipe 11v is located at a position opposite to the plating solution inflow pipe 11u through the center line E of the plating chamber 1m in a plan view, and its axis is the center of the plating chamber 1m. Along the tangential direction, the ball supply port 11z is disposed along the flow a of the plating solution that rotates. Accordingly, the core ball 92 can be supplied so as to smoothly ride on the plating solution flow a supplied from the plating solution supply port 1f and flowing down along the peripheral wall surface 1q and swirling on the bottom surface 1p. In the figure, reference numeral 11x denotes a gate valve for holding the core ball 92 to be supplied in the storage portion 11r. This gate valve 11x is a suitable configuration provided for automatically supplying the core ball 92 to the plating chamber 1m, and is not necessarily required when supplying the core ball manually.
 次に、メッキ処理後のコアボール91を含むボール群9の回収手段11aについて説明する。本態様の陰極11nは、回収手段11aの構成要素の一部をなしており、容器1kの下部に形成された円筒状部11Lの内面に摺動可能に嵌め合いされ、円板状をなすその外周面にはメッキ液の漏出を防止するため不図示のOリングが設けられている。そして、円筒状部11Lの内面には、メッキ層が形成されたコアボールを含むボール群を回収するボール回収管11bの一端の開口(ボール回収口)11cが開口しており、ボール回収管11bの他端は回収容器11eに接続されている。なお、図10(b)に示すように、ボール回収管11bは、平面視においてメッキ室1mの中心線Fを介し上記ボール供給管11vと反対の位置に、その軸心がメッキ室1mの接線方向に沿い、そのボール回収口11cが旋回するメッキ液の流れaを迎え入れるように配置されている。 Next, the collection means 11a of the ball group 9 including the core ball 91 after the plating process will be described. The cathode 11n of this aspect forms a part of the constituent elements of the recovery means 11a, and is slidably fitted to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 11L formed at the lower part of the container 1k, and forms a disc shape. An O-ring (not shown) is provided on the outer peripheral surface to prevent leakage of the plating solution. An opening (ball recovery port) 11c at one end of a ball collection tube 11b that collects a group of balls including a core ball on which a plating layer is formed opens on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 11L, and the ball collection tube 11b. Is connected to the collection container 11e. As shown in FIG. 10 (b), the ball collection tube 11b is located at a position opposite to the ball supply tube 11v through the center line F of the plating chamber 1m in plan view, and its axis is tangent to the plating chamber 1m. Along the direction, the ball collection port 11c is arranged so as to receive the flow a of the plating solution that turns.
 ここで、陰極11nは、エアシリンダー等の上下駆動部11dにより符号hで示す上下方向に円筒状部11Lの中を移動し、上昇端の位置においてメッキ室1mの周壁面1qの下端縁にその上面11p(メッキ室1mの底面ともなる。)が接するとともに、その外周面でボール回収口11cを閉じ、下方端の位置においてボール回収口11cを開くように構成されている。なお、本態様のメッキ装置11では、陰極11nをバルブの弁のごとく用い、陰極11nを上下移動させることによりボール回収口11cを開閉させているが、第1態様のメッキ装置1のようにメッキ室の底部に陰極を固定し、バルブを介してメッキ槽にボール回収管を接続するとともにボール回収口がメッキ室に直接開口するよう回収手段を構成し、バルブの開閉によりコアボールを回収するようにしてもよい。この場合には、メッキ室の底面を旋回するコアボールの運動を妨げないよう、ボール回収口は、メッキ室の底面より上方に配置することが好ましい。 Here, the cathode 11n is moved in the cylindrical portion 11L in the vertical direction indicated by the symbol h by the vertical driving portion 11d such as an air cylinder, and is located at the lower end edge of the peripheral wall 1q of the plating chamber 1m at the rising end position. The upper surface 11p (which also serves as the bottom surface of the plating chamber 1m) is in contact, and the ball collection port 11c is closed at the outer peripheral surface, and the ball collection port 11c is opened at the lower end. In the plating apparatus 11 of this aspect, the cathode 11n is used like a valve, and the ball recovery port 11c is opened and closed by moving the cathode 11n up and down. However, the plating apparatus 1 of the first aspect performs plating. A cathode is fixed to the bottom of the chamber, a ball collecting tube is connected to the plating tank via a valve, and a collecting means is configured so that the ball collecting port opens directly to the plating chamber, and the core ball is collected by opening and closing the valve. It may be. In this case, the ball collection port is preferably disposed above the bottom surface of the plating chamber so as not to hinder the movement of the core ball that swirls around the bottom surface of the plating chamber.
 上記供給手段11qおよび回収手段11aを含むメッキ装置11の動作について図11を参照しつつ説明する。図11(a)に示す収納部11rの蓋11tを開けて所定数のコアボール92を容器11sに供給し、その後蓋11tを閉じる。この時、バルブ11wおよび仕切り弁11xは閉じられた状態である。また、上下駆動部11dにより上昇された陰極11nは上昇端の位置にあり、ボール回収口11cは閉じられた状態となっている。 The operation of the plating apparatus 11 including the supply means 11q and the recovery means 11a will be described with reference to FIG. The lid 11t of the storage portion 11r shown in FIG. 11A is opened to supply a predetermined number of core balls 92 to the container 11s, and then the lid 11t is closed. At this time, the valve 11w and the gate valve 11x are closed. Further, the cathode 11n raised by the vertical drive unit 11d is at the position of the rising end, and the ball collection port 11c is closed.
 次いで、メッキ装置11を作動させてメッキ液供給口1fからメッキ液Lを供給する。一定時間経過してメッキ室1mがメッキ液Lで満たされると、図11(a)に示すように、メッキ液Lは、メッキ室1mの周壁面1qに沿い旋回するとともに周壁面1qの傾斜に沿い底面11pに向い螺旋状に流下する安定した旋回流aとなる。 Next, the plating apparatus 11 is operated to supply the plating liquid L from the plating liquid supply port 1f. When the plating chamber 1m is filled with the plating solution L after a certain time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), the plating solution L turns along the peripheral wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m and is inclined to the peripheral wall surface 1q. A stable swirling flow a flowing down in a spiral toward the bottom surface 11p is formed.
 メッキ液Lを供給し一定時間経過しメッキ室1mにおけるメッキ液Lの流動状態が安定した後、メッキ装置11は、バルブ11wを開き、図11(b)において矢印eのように旋回流動するメッキ液Lの一部をメッキ液流入管11uから収納部11rにメッキ液流入口11yを通じて流入させるとともに、仕切り弁11xを開く。すると、収納部11rに収納されたコアボール92は、流入したメッキ液Lにより収納部11rから押出され、メッキ液Lとともにボール供給管11vの管路の中を流れ、矢印fのようにボール供給口11zから排出されメッキ室1mへ供給される。メッキ装置11は、全てのコアボール92がメッキ室1mへ供給された後、バルブ11wおよび仕切り弁11xを閉じる。ここで、ボール供給管11vは上記のとおり配置されているので、ボール供給口11zから供給されたコアボール92はメッキ液Lの旋回流aに乗り、その後メッキ室1mの底面11pの上を円滑に旋回運動し、メッキ処理されることとなる。このように、メッキ液Lをメッキ室1mに供給してから一定時間経過し、メッキ室におけるメッキ液の旋回流動が安定化した後にコアボール92をメッキ室1mへ供給するので、メッキ室1mからコアボール91が流出することが少なく、高い歩留まりでコアボール91にメッキすることが可能となる。 After the plating solution L is supplied and after a certain time has passed and the flow state of the plating solution L in the plating chamber 1m is stabilized, the plating apparatus 11 opens the valve 11w, and the plating that swirls and flows as indicated by the arrow e in FIG. A part of the liquid L is caused to flow from the plating liquid inflow pipe 11u into the storage portion 11r through the plating liquid inlet 11y, and the gate valve 11x is opened. Then, the core ball 92 accommodated in the accommodating portion 11r is pushed out of the accommodating portion 11r by the flowing plating solution L, flows along with the plating solution L through the conduit of the ball supply tube 11v, and supplies the ball as indicated by an arrow f. It is discharged from the port 11z and supplied to the plating chamber 1m. The plating apparatus 11 closes the valve 11w and the gate valve 11x after all the core balls 92 are supplied to the plating chamber 1m. Here, since the ball supply pipe 11v is arranged as described above, the core ball 92 supplied from the ball supply port 11z rides on the swirling flow a of the plating solution L and then smoothly moves on the bottom surface 11p of the plating chamber 1m. Rotating movement is performed and plating is performed. As described above, the core ball 92 is supplied to the plating chamber 1m after a certain period of time has elapsed since the plating solution L was supplied to the plating chamber 1m, and the plating solution in the plating chamber is stabilized. The core ball 91 hardly flows out and can be plated on the core ball 91 with a high yield.
 なお、手動でコアボール92を供給する場合には、ボール供給管11vの経路の中に仕切り弁11xを設けず、メッキ液Lの流動状態が安定化した後、バルブ11wを開き、メッキ液流入管11u、収納部11rおよびボール供給管11vの経路でメッキ液Lを流通させた後に、収納部11rに所定数のコアボール92を供給するようにすればよい。 When manually supplying the core ball 92, the gate valve 11x is not provided in the path of the ball supply pipe 11v, and after the flow state of the plating solution L is stabilized, the valve 11w is opened and the plating solution is introduced. A predetermined number of core balls 92 may be supplied to the storage portion 11r after the plating solution L is circulated through the path of the tube 11u, the storage portion 11r, and the ball supply tube 11v.
 次いで、図11(c)に示すように、メッキ装置11が、上下駆動部11dにより陰極11nを下降端まで下降させボール回収口11cを開くと、メッキ層が形成されたコアボール91を含むボール群9はボール回収口11cを通じて矢印iで示すようにボール回収管11bに流れ込み、その後回収容器11eに回収される。なお、メッキ液排出管5cにバルブを設けておき、陰極11nの下降とともに当該バルブを絞るようにすれば、メッキ液Lの多くの部分はボール回収管11bを通じて排出されるので、より円滑にボール群9を回収することができる。 Next, as shown in FIG. 11 (c), when the plating apparatus 11 lowers the cathode 11n to the lower end by the vertical drive part 11d and opens the ball recovery port 11c, the ball including the core ball 91 on which the plating layer is formed is formed. The group 9 flows into the ball collection tube 11b through the ball collection port 11c as indicated by the arrow i, and is then collected in the collection container 11e. If a valve is provided in the plating solution discharge pipe 5c and the valve is throttled as the cathode 11n descends, a large portion of the plating solution L is discharged through the ball collection tube 11b. Group 9 can be recovered.
 図12に示すメッキ装置12は、第4態様のメッキ装置の他の例であり、メッキ液供給管1eの経路上に設けられた供給手段12qを有している。すなわち、供給手段12qのメッキ液流入管11uの一端はメッキ液供給管1eの上流側に接続され、ボール供給管11vの一端はメッキ液供給管1eの下流側に接続されており、それらの他端はバルブ11wおよび仕切り弁11xを介して収納部11rに接続される構成となっている。かかる供給手段12qによれば、メッキ室1mにおけるメッキ液Lの流動状態が安定した後にバルブ11wおよび仕切り弁11xを開くと、メッキ液供給管1eを流れるメッキ液Lの一部が、メッキ液流入管11uを通じて収納部11rに流入する。すると、収納部11rに収納されているコアボール92は、流入したメッキ液Lにより押し出され、ボール供給管11vを通じてメッキ液供給管1eに流入し、メッキ液Lとともにメッキ液供給口1fからメッキ室1mに供給されることとなる。なお、供給手段12qにおいてメッキ液を円滑に流通させるためには、メッキ液流入管11uが接続されるメッキ液供給管1eの上流側の内径を太くし、ボール供給管11vが接続される下流側の内径を上流側より細くすることが望ましい。さらに、供給手段12qの中に滞留することなくコアボール92をメッキ液供給管1eへ流入させるためには、収納部11rの底面とメッキ液流入管11uおよびボール供給管11vとの底面との間には段差がないようにしておくことが好ましい。 The plating apparatus 12 shown in FIG. 12 is another example of the plating apparatus of the fourth aspect, and has a supply means 12q provided on the path of the plating solution supply pipe 1e. That is, one end of the plating solution inflow pipe 11u of the supply means 12q is connected to the upstream side of the plating solution supply pipe 1e, and one end of the ball supply pipe 11v is connected to the downstream side of the plating solution supply pipe 1e. The end is configured to be connected to the storage portion 11r via the valve 11w and the gate valve 11x. According to the supply means 12q, when the valve 11w and the gate valve 11x are opened after the flow state of the plating liquid L in the plating chamber 1m is stabilized, a part of the plating liquid L flowing through the plating liquid supply pipe 1e is allowed to flow into the plating liquid. It flows into the storage portion 11r through the tube 11u. Then, the core ball 92 accommodated in the accommodating portion 11r is pushed out by the flowing plating solution L, flows into the plating solution supply pipe 1e through the ball supply tube 11v, and is supplied together with the plating solution L from the plating solution supply port 1f to the plating chamber. 1 m will be supplied. In order to smoothly distribute the plating solution in the supply means 12q, the upstream inner diameter of the plating solution supply pipe 1e to which the plating solution inflow pipe 11u is connected is increased, and the downstream side to which the ball supply pipe 11v is connected. It is desirable to make the inner diameter of the tube thinner than the upstream side. Furthermore, in order to allow the core ball 92 to flow into the plating solution supply pipe 1e without staying in the supply means 12q, the space between the bottom surface of the storage portion 11r and the bottom surfaces of the plating solution inflow tube 11u and the ball supply tube 11v. It is preferable that there is no step in the plate.
[第5実施態様]
 以下第5態様のメッキ装置について図13を参照し説明する。なお、図13(a)は、第5態様の一例であるメッキ装置の概略構成を示す正面断面図、同図(b)は同図(a)のD矢視図、図13(c)は、第5態様のメッキ装置の他の例の概略構成を示す正面断面図、同図(d)は同図(c)のE矢視図である。
[Fifth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the plating apparatus of the fifth aspect will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 (a) is a front sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a plating apparatus which is an example of the fifth embodiment, FIG. 13 (b) is a view as viewed from arrow D in FIG. 13 (a), and FIG. The front sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another example of the plating apparatus of the fifth aspect, FIG. 9 (d) is a view taken in the direction of arrow E in FIG.
 上記第1~第4態様のメッキ装置では、コアボールが接触しつつ周回可能なメッキ室の底面として円形状の底面と底面に向い縮径するように底面の周縁に立設した略円錐台形状の周壁面とを備えたメッキ室、断面円形状のメッキ室の接線方向に沿いメッキ液供給口が開口するよう軸心が水平に配置されたメッキ液供給管、メッキ室の軸心に沿い配置されたメッキ液排出管の各構成要素を有するメッキ装置について説明したが、本発明はこれら望ましい態様に限定されることなく、第5態様のメッキ装置でも実現することが可能である。 In the plating apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a substantially frustoconical shape standing on the periphery of the bottom surface so as to reduce the diameter toward the bottom surface of the circular bottom surface as the bottom surface of the plating chamber that can circulate while contacting with the core ball A plating chamber with a peripheral wall of the plate, a plating solution supply pipe in which the axis is horizontally arranged so that the plating solution supply port opens along the tangential direction of the plating chamber having a circular cross section, and arranged along the axis of the plating chamber Although the plating apparatus having each component of the plating solution discharge pipe thus described has been described, the present invention is not limited to these desirable aspects, and can also be realized by the plating apparatus of the fifth aspect.
 第5態様の一例であるメッキ装置13は、図13(b)に示すように、コアボール91が周回可能な底面として略楕円形状の底面13pを有し、底面13pの周縁に立設する周壁面13qは縦方向において同一断面、すなわち直管状となるようメッキ室13mは形成されている。さらに、メッキ室13mにメッキ液Lを供給するメッキ液供給管13eは、周壁面13qに沿い旋回流下するメッキ液Lの流れを生じさせるため、その軸心を下方に向けた状態でメッキ槽1jに接続されている。なお、周壁面13qに対する取付角度を自在に設定可能な継手などを介しメッキ液供給管13eをメッキ槽1jに接続するよう構成すれば、メッキ処理すべきコアボールの大きさや数量などに応じメッキ液Lが旋回流下する角度を適宜設定できるので好ましい。また、メッキ室13mからメッキ液Lを排出するメッキ液排出管1cは、メッキ液Lの上昇流bを円滑にメッキ室13mから排出するためには第1態様のメッキ装置1と同様に密閉蓋1Lの中央部に設けられていることが好ましい。しかしながら、メッキ液排出管の配置はこれに限定されることなく、図示破線で示すメッキ液排出管13cのように密閉蓋1Lの外周よりに設けメッキ室13mからオーバーフローするメッキ液Lを排出させてもよい。 As shown in FIG. 13 (b), the plating apparatus 13 which is an example of the fifth aspect has a substantially elliptical bottom surface 13p as a bottom surface on which the core ball 91 can circulate, and has a circumference standing on the periphery of the bottom surface 13p. The plating chamber 13m is formed so that the wall surface 13q has the same cross section in the vertical direction, that is, a straight tubular shape. Further, the plating solution supply pipe 13e for supplying the plating solution L to the plating chamber 13m generates a flow of the plating solution L that swirls down along the peripheral wall surface 13q. Therefore, the plating tank 1j with its axis oriented downward. It is connected to the. If the plating solution supply pipe 13e is connected to the plating tank 1j through a joint or the like whose attachment angle with respect to the peripheral wall surface 13q can be freely set, the plating solution can be selected according to the size and quantity of core balls to be plated. This is preferable because the angle at which L swirls can be set as appropriate. Further, the plating solution discharge pipe 1c for discharging the plating solution L from the plating chamber 13m is hermetically sealed in the same manner as the plating apparatus 1 of the first mode in order to smoothly discharge the rising flow b of the plating solution L from the plating chamber 13m. It is preferable to be provided at the center of 1L. However, the arrangement of the plating solution discharge pipe is not limited to this, and the plating solution L overflowing from the plating chamber 13m provided from the outer periphery of the sealing lid 1L as in the case of the plating solution discharge pipe 13c shown by the broken line in the drawing is discharged. Also good.
 上記メッキ装置13の動作を説明する。メッキ室13mの底面13pにボール群9を載置し、その後密閉蓋1Lを閉じてメッキ室13mを密閉空間にし、メッキ装置13を作動させる。メッキ装置13は、メッキ液供給管13eを通じてメッキ室13mへメッキ液Lを供給する。メッキ室13mがメッキ液Lで満たされると、上記のように配置されたメッキ液供給管13eから供給されるメッキ液Lは、メッキ室13mの周壁面13qに沿い螺旋状に旋回流下する旋回流aとなる。旋回流下しつつ底面13pに達したメッキ液Lは、底面13pに接触しているボール群9を当該底面13pに押し付けつつ旋回運動させ、コアボール91の表面にメッキ層を形成させる。上記第1態様のメッキ装置1と同様に、メッキ室13mの底面13pに接触しつつ旋回運動するコアボール91は底面13pの上を転動するので、コアボール91同士が付着しがたく凝集が防止され、かつ転動によりコアボール91の表面が底面13pに触れる機会が均等になるので、均一な厚みのメッキ層が形成される。メッキ室13mに供給されたメッキ液Lは、メッキ液排出管1cから排出されるので、常に新鮮なメッキ液Lがメッキ室13mに供給され、もって均一な厚みのメッキ層が形成される。 The operation of the plating apparatus 13 will be described. The ball group 9 is placed on the bottom surface 13p of the plating chamber 13m, and then the sealing lid 1L is closed to make the plating chamber 13m a sealed space, and the plating apparatus 13 is operated. The plating apparatus 13 supplies the plating solution L to the plating chamber 13m through the plating solution supply pipe 13e. When the plating chamber 13m is filled with the plating solution L, the plating solution L supplied from the plating solution supply pipe 13e arranged as described above swirls in a spiral manner along the peripheral wall surface 13q of the plating chamber 13m. a. The plating solution L that has reached the bottom surface 13p while swirling down swirls while pressing the ball group 9 in contact with the bottom surface 13p against the bottom surface 13p, thereby forming a plating layer on the surface of the core ball 91. Similarly to the plating apparatus 1 of the first aspect, the core ball 91 that rotates while being in contact with the bottom surface 13p of the plating chamber 13m rolls on the bottom surface 13p. This prevents the chance that the surface of the core ball 91 touches the bottom surface 13p due to rolling, so that a plating layer having a uniform thickness is formed. Since the plating solution L supplied to the plating chamber 13m is discharged from the plating solution discharge pipe 1c, the fresh plating solution L is always supplied to the plating chamber 13m, so that a plating layer having a uniform thickness is formed.
 図13(c)(d)に示す第5態様の他の例であるメッキ装置20は、コアボール91が周回可能な底面として円環状の底面20pと、底面20pの外周縁に沿い立設した外周壁面20qと、内周縁に沿い立設した内周壁面20xとを有するメッキ室20mを有し、メッキ室20mの断面は縦方向において同一となるようメッキ室20mは形成されている。かかるメッキ装置20においても基本的に上記メッキ装置13と同様な動作でコアボール91にはメッキ層が形成されるが、底面20pを構成する陰極20n自体が円環状に形成されているので、図2(b)(c)を参照して説明した陰極構造と同様にメッキ効率を向上できるという作用効果を奏することができる。 The plating apparatus 20 which is another example of the fifth mode shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D is erected along an annular bottom surface 20p as a bottom surface on which the core ball 91 can circulate, and an outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface 20p. The plating chamber 20m has an outer peripheral wall surface 20q and an inner peripheral wall surface 20x erected along the inner peripheral edge, and the plating chamber 20m is formed so that the cross section of the plating chamber 20m is the same in the vertical direction. In the plating apparatus 20 as well, a plating layer is formed on the core ball 91 by basically the same operation as the plating apparatus 13, but the cathode 20n itself constituting the bottom surface 20p is formed in an annular shape. As in the case of the cathode structure described with reference to 2 (b) and 2 (c), it is possible to achieve an effect that the plating efficiency can be improved.
[第6実施態様]
 以下第6態様のメッキ装置及びその変形例について図15および図16を参照して説明する。図15および16に示すように、第6態様のメッキ装置23~26には、図2(b)(c)を参照して説明した第2の陰極2xを有する陰極2nが容器1kの底部に配置されている。陽極23o~26oは、この周壁面1qと同一面を構成する第2の陰極2xの内周面2z(コアボール91が接触する接触面)に対し一定の間隙cが形成されるように配置された外周面(表面)23v~26vを有する点で第1態様のメッキ装置1と相違している。以下、メッキ装置23~26の順に、陽極23o~26oの構造を中心に説明する。
[Sixth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the plating apparatus of the sixth aspect and its modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in the plating devices 23 to 26 of the sixth aspect, the cathode 2n having the second cathode 2x described with reference to FIGS. 2B and 2C is provided at the bottom of the container 1k. Has been placed. The anodes 23o to 26o are arranged such that a constant gap c is formed with respect to the inner peripheral surface 2z (contact surface with which the core ball 91 contacts) of the second cathode 2x that forms the same surface as the peripheral wall surface 1q. The plating apparatus 1 is different from the plating apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in that it has outer peripheral surfaces (surfaces) 23v to 26v. Hereinafter, the structure of the anodes 23o to 26o will be mainly described in the order of the plating apparatuses 23 to 26.
 図15(a)のメッキ装置23に示すように、錫を主体として形成された陽極23oは、軸芯を立てた姿勢で容器1kの底面1pの方向からメッキ液排出口1dに挿入可能な大きさの略円柱形状をなしている。陽極23oの直径は、メッキ液排出管1cからのメッキ液の排出を阻害しないようにメッキ液排出口1dの直径よりも充分に小さい。図において符号23tは、陽極23oの上下方向の位置決めをするとともに陽極23oに給電する給電用電極である。略平坦な上面23xを有する略円柱形状のチタンで形成された給電用電極23tは、容器1kの底面中央部に配置された装着部材23sの中央に嵌入され、不図示の直流電源回路の正極に接続されている。なお、給電用電極23tが嵌入される装着部材23sは、負極に接続された陰極2nと給電用電極23tとの絶縁のため樹脂などの非導電性材料で構成されており、その上面が、第1の陰極2yの上面と同一平面上に位置するように容器1kの底面に固定されている。ここで、陽極23oは軸芯が立った状態で、その底面23wが、容器1kの底面1pよりも距離dだけ高く配置された給電用電極23tの上面23xに接する状態で配置される。このように配置することにより上下方向において陽極23oは位置決めされ、陽極23oの下部の外周面23vは、第2の陰極2xの内周面2zに近接しつつ対向した状態となる。なお、陽極23oを容器1kの底面1pよりも距離dだけ高く配置することは必須ではないが、第1の陰極2yと陽極23oとが近接する場合には、過度な電流が両者の間に流れることを抑制できるので好ましく、個々のボール毎に形成されるメッキ層の品質の均一化を図ることができる。 As shown in the plating apparatus 23 in FIG. 15 (a), the anode 23o formed mainly of tin is large enough to be inserted into the plating solution discharge port 1d from the direction of the bottom surface 1p of the container 1k in a posture in which the axis is upright. It has a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the anode 23o is sufficiently smaller than the diameter of the plating solution discharge port 1d so as not to hinder the discharge of the plating solution from the plating solution discharge pipe 1c. In the figure, reference numeral 23t denotes a feeding electrode for positioning the anode 23o in the vertical direction and feeding power to the anode 23o. A feeding electrode 23t formed of substantially cylindrical titanium having a substantially flat upper surface 23x is fitted into the center of a mounting member 23s disposed in the center of the bottom surface of the container 1k and is connected to the positive electrode of a DC power supply circuit (not shown). It is connected. The mounting member 23s into which the power supply electrode 23t is inserted is made of a non-conductive material such as a resin for insulation between the negative electrode 2n connected to the negative electrode and the power supply electrode 23t, and its upper surface is It is fixed to the bottom surface of the container 1k so as to be located on the same plane as the top surface of one cathode 2y. Here, the anode 23o is disposed in a state where the axial center is standing, and the bottom surface 23w thereof is in contact with the top surface 23x of the power supply electrode 23t disposed by a distance d higher than the bottom surface 1p of the container 1k. By arranging in this way, the anode 23o is positioned in the vertical direction, and the outer peripheral surface 23v below the anode 23o is in a state of being opposed to the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x. Although it is not essential to dispose the anode 23o higher than the bottom surface 1p of the container 1k by a distance d, when the first cathode 2y and the anode 23o are close to each other, an excessive current flows between them. This is preferable because it can be suppressed, and the quality of the plating layer formed for each individual ball can be made uniform.
 図15(a)において符号23rは、水平面内において陽極23oをメッキ室1mの中央に位置決めするとともにコアボール91は通さずメッキ液は流通可能な多数の開口を有する保持部材である。一種の透過膜としての機能を果たす保持部材23rは、樹脂等の非導電性材料によりコアボール91を通さない透目を有するメッシュ状に構成されている。そして、陽極23oが軸方向に挿通可能な貫通孔を有する略円筒形状の保持部材23rは、軸芯を立てた姿勢で容器1kの底面1pの方向からメッキ液排出口1dに挿入可能な大きさで、メッキ液排出管1cからのメッキ液の排出を阻害しないようにその直径はメッキ液排出口1dの直径よりも充分に小さい。さらに、保持部材23rは、その軸芯が水平面内においてメッキ室1mの軸心とほぼ一致するよう、その上部がメッキ液排出口1dの中に挿入された状態で配置され、メッキ液排出口1dの内部に配置された支持部材23uで支持されている。この保持部材23rの底部は、装着部材23sの上面において給電用電極23tを囲むように形成された円環溝に嵌入されており、底面23pを旋回するメッキ液の流動に対し動かないように固定されている。このように配置された保持部材23uの貫通孔に陽極23oを軸方向に挿入することで、陽極23oの水平面内における位置が固定される。その結果、上記給電用電極23tにより上下方向の位置決めがされて近接配置された陽極23oの外周面23vと第1の陰極2xの内周面2zとの間には全周にわたり一定の間隙cが形成され、両面の間に流れる電流の密度が均一となる。なお、本態様の保持部材23rは、メッキ液の流れa、bに対する固定強度の観点から、メッキ液排出口1dに設けた支持部材23uおよび装着部材23sにより上下が固定されているが、保持部材23rの底部における固定だけで強度が充分な場合には、支持部材23uを省略して装着部材23sのみで保持部材23rの底部を固定してもよい。 In FIG. 15 (a), reference numeral 23r denotes a holding member that positions the anode 23o in the center of the plating chamber 1m in a horizontal plane, and has a large number of openings through which the plating solution can flow without passing through the core ball 91. The holding member 23r that functions as a kind of permeable membrane is configured in a mesh shape having a permeation that does not pass through the core ball 91 by a non-conductive material such as a resin. The substantially cylindrical holding member 23r having a through-hole through which the anode 23o can be inserted in the axial direction is sized to be inserted into the plating solution discharge port 1d from the direction of the bottom surface 1p of the container 1k in a posture in which the axis is upright. Thus, the diameter is sufficiently smaller than the diameter of the plating solution discharge port 1d so as not to hinder the discharge of the plating solution from the plating solution discharge pipe 1c. Further, the holding member 23r is arranged with its upper part inserted into the plating solution discharge port 1d so that its axial center substantially coincides with the axis of the plating chamber 1m in the horizontal plane, and the plating solution discharge port 1d. It is supported by a support member 23u disposed inside. The bottom portion of the holding member 23r is fitted in an annular groove formed on the upper surface of the mounting member 23s so as to surround the power supply electrode 23t, and is fixed so as not to move against the flow of the plating solution turning around the bottom surface 23p. Has been. By inserting the anode 23o into the through hole of the holding member 23u arranged in this way in the axial direction, the position of the anode 23o in the horizontal plane is fixed. As a result, a constant gap c is provided over the entire circumference between the outer peripheral surface 23v of the anode 23o and the inner peripheral surface 2z of the first cathode 2x, which are positioned in the vertical direction by the power feeding electrode 23t. The density of the current that is formed and flows between both surfaces is uniform. Note that the holding member 23r of this embodiment is fixed up and down by a support member 23u and a mounting member 23s provided in the plating solution discharge port 1d from the viewpoint of fixing strength with respect to the flow a and b of the plating solution. When the strength is sufficient only by fixing at the bottom of 23r, the supporting member 23u may be omitted and the bottom of the holding member 23r may be fixed only by the mounting member 23s.
 ここで、保持部材23rは、コアボール91は通さずメッキ液は流通可能な透過膜としての機能を有し、メッキ液により底面1pを旋回運動するコアボール91が仮に陽極23oに接近した場合でも陽極23oに接触することを防止している。しかしながら、例えば図6を参照して説明した底面6pまたは7pの周縁部でのみボール群9を限定的に旋回運動させる構成を有するメッキ装置であって旋回運動するコアボール91に陽極23oが接触する可能性が低い場合には、保持部材23rは必要ではない。その場合には、水平面内における陽極23oの位置決めのために陽極23oの底部を容器1kに固定するよう構成してもよい。 Here, the holding member 23r functions as a permeable membrane through which the core ball 91 does not pass and the plating solution can flow, and even if the core ball 91 revolving around the bottom surface 1p by the plating solution approaches the anode 23o. The contact with the anode 23o is prevented. However, for example, the anode 23o is in contact with the core ball 91 which is a plating apparatus having a configuration in which the ball group 9 is limitedly swiveled only at the peripheral portion of the bottom surface 6p or 7p described with reference to FIG. When the possibility is low, the holding member 23r is not necessary. In that case, you may comprise so that the bottom part of the anode 23o may be fixed to the container 1k for positioning of the anode 23o in a horizontal surface.
 また、図15(b)のメッキ装置24に示すように、陽極24oの外周面24vは、第2の陰極2xの内周面2zと同一の角度で下方に縮径する円錐形状に構成することが望ましい。これにより、両面の間の間隙cは上下方向においても一定となるので、電流密度が面全体に渡り均一となる。 Further, as shown in the plating apparatus 24 of FIG. 15B, the outer peripheral surface 24v of the anode 24o is configured to have a conical shape whose diameter is reduced downward at the same angle as the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x. Is desirable. As a result, the gap c between the two surfaces is constant in the vertical direction, so that the current density is uniform over the entire surface.
 上記構成の陽極構造を有する第6態様のメッキ装置23の動作は、基本的に上記第1~第5態様のメッキ装置と同様であるので省略する。かかるメッキ装置23によれば、メッキ液Lの流れa,bを阻害することなく、陽極23oと陰極2nとの間の電気抵抗を低下せしめてメッキ液Lの液温の上昇や劣化を抑制し、ボイドなどの欠陥の少ない良質なメッキ層を形成することが可能となる。すなわち、陽極と陰極との間の電気抵抗を低下せしめるためには、陽極と陰極の各々の作用面を対向させるとともに両作用面を出来るだけ近接させて配置することが必要である。ここで、図1を参照して説明したメッキ装置1の場合には、陽極1oと陰極1nとを近接させるために容器1kの底部に配置された陰極1nに対し陽極1oの位置を下方に配置させると、メッキ室1mの周壁面1qを旋回流下するメッキ液の流れaを陽極1oで阻害する可能性がある。また、図5を参照して説明したメッキ装置5の場合には、メッキ液排出管5cの先端外周面に配置された陽極5oと陰極1nとを近接させるためにメッキ液排出口5dが底面1pに近づくようにメッキ液排出管5cを更に下方に伸ばすと、メッキ室1mの底面1pの上を旋回運動しているコアボール91がメッキ液排出管5cに向うメッキ液の上昇流bとともにメッキ室1mから排出されてしまう可能性がある。これらの問題は、陽極1o・5oおよび陰極1nの形状や配置位置などを最適化することにより解消できるが、処理すべきコアボールの仕様(寸法、質量)や処理量その他製造条件に応じて個々に最適化する必要がある。 The operation of the plating apparatus 23 of the sixth aspect having the anode structure having the above configuration is basically the same as that of the plating apparatuses of the first to fifth aspects, and will not be described. According to the plating apparatus 23, the electrical resistance between the anode 23o and the cathode 2n is reduced without hindering the flow a and b of the plating liquid L, and the rise and deterioration of the liquid temperature of the plating liquid L are suppressed. It is possible to form a high-quality plated layer with few defects such as voids. That is, in order to reduce the electrical resistance between the anode and the cathode, it is necessary to arrange the working surfaces of the anode and the cathode to face each other and make the working surfaces as close as possible. Here, in the case of the plating apparatus 1 described with reference to FIG. 1, the position of the anode 1 o is disposed below the cathode 1 n disposed at the bottom of the container 1 k in order to bring the anode 1 o and the cathode 1 n close to each other. If it does, there exists a possibility of inhibiting the flow a of the plating solution which swirls down the surrounding wall surface 1q of the plating chamber 1m with the anode 1o. Further, in the case of the plating apparatus 5 described with reference to FIG. 5, the plating solution discharge port 5d has a bottom surface 1p in order to bring the anode 5o and the cathode 1n disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the plating solution discharge pipe 5c close to each other. When the plating solution discharge pipe 5c is further extended downward so as to approach the plating chamber, the core ball 91 swirling on the bottom surface 1p of the plating chamber 1m is moved together with the rising flow b of the plating solution toward the plating solution discharge pipe 5c. There is a possibility of being discharged from 1m. These problems can be solved by optimizing the shapes and arrangement positions of the anodes 1o and 5o and the cathode 1n. However, depending on the specifications (dimensions and mass) of the core ball to be processed, the processing amount, and other manufacturing conditions, Need to be optimized.
 一方で、図15の第6態様のメッキ装置によれば、容器1kの周壁面1qと同一の内周面2zを形成するように容器1kの基端部に配置された第2の陰極2xに対し、上記のように陽極23oを配置し、陽極23oの外周面23vと第2の陰極2xの内周面2zとを対向させ、両面の間に間隙cを形成しているので、周壁面1qに沿い旋回流下するメッキ液Lの流れaを阻害することがない。また、陽極23oは、メッキ液排出管1cに向い上昇するメッキ液Lの流れbに沿い軸芯を立てて配置しているので当該上昇流bを阻害することもなく、メッキ室1mの中のメッキ液Lを循環させつつ底面1pの上でコアボール91を旋回運動させながら円滑にメッキ処理を行うことができる。そして第6態様のメッキ装置は、このようにメッキ液の流動を阻害することない状態で陽極23oと陰極2nとが近接する構造としたので、両者の間の電気抵抗を低下せしめることができ、極めて良質なメッキ層を形成することができる。 On the other hand, according to the plating apparatus of the sixth aspect of FIG. 15, the second cathode 2x disposed at the base end portion of the container 1k so as to form the same inner peripheral surface 2z as the peripheral wall surface 1q of the container 1k. On the other hand, the anode 23o is disposed as described above, the outer peripheral surface 23v of the anode 23o and the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x are opposed to each other, and a gap c is formed between both surfaces. The flow “a” of the plating solution L that swirls along the line is not obstructed. Further, since the anode 23o is arranged upright along the flow b of the plating solution L rising toward the plating solution discharge pipe 1c, the anode 23o does not obstruct the upward flow b, and the inside of the plating chamber 1m. The plating process can be smoothly performed while rotating the core ball 91 on the bottom surface 1p while circulating the plating solution L. And since the plating apparatus of the 6th aspect made it the structure where the anode 23o and the cathode 2n adjoin in the state which does not inhibit the flow of a plating solution in this way, it can reduce the electrical resistance between both, An extremely good plating layer can be formed.
 上記メッキ装置23の変形例について図16を参照して説明する。図16(a)のメッキ装置25は、第2の陰極2xの内周面2zと一定の間隙cで相対すべき外周面25vを有する先端部が下方に向いた姿勢でメッキ液排出管1cの中を上方から伸びた略円柱形状の陽極25oを有する点で、上記メッキ装置23と相異している。加えて、メッキ装置25は、メッキ処理の進行に伴う陽極25oを構成する錫のメッキ液Lへの取り込みにより生じる、陽極25oの外周面25vの経時的で均一な消耗に追従して陽極25oを下方(矢印e)に向けて送る不図示の供給手段を有する点で、上記メッキ装置23と相異している。なお、陽極25oの外周面25vは、図15(b)を参照して説明した陽極24oの外周面24vと同様に、第2の陰極2xの内周面2zと同一の角度で下方に縮径する円錐形状となっている。そして、陽極25oは、外周面25vを有するその先端部が保持部材23rの貫通孔に軸方向に挿入されて水平面内において位置決めされ、メッキ処理の過程における外周面25vの経時的で均一な消耗に追従し、その先端と容器1kの底面1pとの間の距離dが維持され、両者が衝突する状態とならないように供給手段で制御されて上下方向の位置決めがなされている。かかる構成のメッキ装置25は、多量のコアボール91を処理したり、厚いメッキ層を形成するために処理時間が長く、陽極25oの消耗を無視できない場合に特に好適である。 A modification of the plating apparatus 23 will be described with reference to FIG. The plating apparatus 25 in FIG. 16A has a plating solution discharge pipe 1c in a posture in which a tip end portion having an outer peripheral surface 25v to be opposed to the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x with a constant gap c faces downward. It differs from the plating apparatus 23 in that it has a substantially cylindrical anode 25o extending from above. In addition, the plating apparatus 25 follows the uniform and temporal wear of the outer peripheral surface 25v of the anode 25o caused by the incorporation of tin constituting the anode 25o into the plating solution L as the plating process proceeds, and causes the anode 25o to move. It is different from the plating apparatus 23 in that it has a supply means (not shown) that feeds downward (arrow e). The outer peripheral surface 25v of the anode 25o is reduced in diameter downward at the same angle as the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x, similarly to the outer peripheral surface 24v of the anode 24o described with reference to FIG. It has a conical shape. The tip of the anode 25o having the outer peripheral surface 25v is inserted into the through hole of the holding member 23r in the axial direction and positioned in the horizontal plane, so that the outer peripheral surface 25v is uniformly consumed over time during the plating process. The distance d between the front end and the bottom surface 1p of the container 1k is maintained, and the vertical positioning is performed by the supply means so that the two do not collide with each other. The plating apparatus 25 having such a configuration is particularly suitable when a large amount of the core ball 91 is processed or a processing time is long to form a thick plating layer, and the consumption of the anode 25o cannot be ignored.
 図16(b)のメッキ装置26は、メッキ液排出管1cの下方に配置した略円環形状の陽極26oと、当該陽極26oの表面を包むように形成した保持部材26rと、メッキ液排出管1cの下端面から伸び保持部材26rを支持する支持部材26uを有する点で上記メッキ装置23と相異している。ここで、その軸芯をメッキ室1mの軸芯に合わせ配置した陽極26oの外周面26vは、第2の陰極2xの内周面2zと同一の角度で下方に縮径した略円錐台形状をなしており、当該外周面26vが第2の陰極2xの内周面2zに対向するよう上下方向において位置決めされ支持部材26uで支持されている。これにより、上記陽極23o~25oと同様に、陽極26oの外周面26vと第2の陰極2xの内周面2zとの間には一定の間隙cが形成される。なお、陽極26oは円環形状をなしているので、メッキ液排出口1dに向い上昇するメッキ液の流れが阻害されることもない。本態様の陽極26oによれば、メッキ液排出口1dの中に陽極23o~25oを配置した上記メッキ装置23~25に対し、陽極配置の自由度が高まり、さらに陽極26oを陰極2nに対し近接させることが可能となり、多数のコアボール91を処理するための大容量のメッキ室1mを有するメッキ装置を構成する場合に好適である。 16 (b) includes a substantially annular anode 26o disposed below the plating solution discharge pipe 1c, a holding member 26r formed so as to wrap the surface of the anode 26o, and the plating solution discharge pipe 1c. This is different from the plating apparatus 23 in that it has a supporting member 26u that supports the holding member 26r extending from the lower end surface. Here, the outer peripheral surface 26v of the anode 26o whose axis is aligned with the axis of the plating chamber 1m has a substantially truncated cone shape whose diameter is reduced downward at the same angle as the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x. Thus, the outer peripheral surface 26v is positioned in the vertical direction so as to face the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x, and is supported by the support member 26u. As a result, like the anodes 23o to 25o, a constant gap c is formed between the outer peripheral surface 26v of the anode 26o and the inner peripheral surface 2z of the second cathode 2x. Since the anode 26o has an annular shape, the flow of the plating solution rising toward the plating solution discharge port 1d is not hindered. According to the anode 26o of this embodiment, the degree of freedom of anode arrangement is increased with respect to the plating apparatuses 23 to 25 in which the anodes 23o to 25o are arranged in the plating solution discharge port 1d, and the anode 26o is closer to the cathode 2n. This is suitable when a plating apparatus having a large-capacity plating chamber 1 m for processing a large number of core balls 91 is configured.
[実施例]
 第1態様のメッキ装置1に、直径50μmのコアボールを50万個投入し、厚み20μmを目標値として、上記説明した方法により所定の条件でメッキ処理し、Sn-Ag-Cu系のメッキ層を形成したCuコアボールを得た。50万個のコアボールおよびCuコアボールの中から600個の標本を抽出し、測定した直径および真円度の分布を図17に示す。また、第1態様のメッキ装置1でメッキした場合のCuコアボールおよび先行技術文献1のメッキ装置でメッキした場合のCuコアボールの外観写真および断面写真を図18に示す。
[Example]
The plating apparatus 1 according to the first aspect is charged with 500,000 core balls having a diameter of 50 μm, plated with a target value of 20 μm under a predetermined condition by the above-described method, and a Sn—Ag—Cu based plating layer A Cu core ball with a formed thereon was obtained. FIG. 17 shows the distribution of diameters and roundness measured by extracting 600 specimens from 500,000 core balls and Cu core balls. Moreover, the external appearance photograph and cross-sectional photograph of Cu core ball at the time of plating with the plating apparatus 1 of the 1st aspect, and Cu core ball at the time of plating with the plating apparatus of prior art document 1 are shown in FIG.
 図17に示すように、コアボールの直径の平均値50.4μmに対しCuコアボールの直径の平均値はほぼ90μmで、目標値である20μmの厚みのメッキ層が形成された。また、Cuコアボールの真円度は0.9965で、基材粒子であるコアボールの真円度0.9960を上回る高い真円度を有するCuコアボールが形成された。加えて、Cuコアボールの直径および真円度の標準偏差は各々1.776、0.0018で、コアボールの2.108、0.0075よりも低く、直径および真円度のバラツキの少ないCuコアボールを得ることができた。 As shown in FIG. 17, the average value of the diameter of the Cu core ball was approximately 90 μm with respect to the average value of the diameter of the core ball of 50.4 μm, and a plated layer having a target value of 20 μm was formed. Moreover, the roundness of the Cu core ball was 0.9965, and a Cu core ball having a high roundness exceeding the roundness of 0.9960 of the core ball as the base particle was formed. In addition, the standard deviations of the diameter and roundness of the Cu core ball are 1.776 and 0.0018, respectively, which are lower than the core balls 2.108 and 0.0075, and have a small variation in diameter and roundness. I was able to get a core ball.
 図18(a)(b)に示すように、第1態様のメッキ装置1でメッキ層が形成されたCuコアボールは、非常に表面が滑らかで平滑化され、かつコアボールの表面にメッキ層が均一に形成され、さらにメッキ層の内部にボイドが生じていない。一方で、同図(c)(d)に示すように、先行技術文献1のメッキ装置でメッキ層が形成されたCuコアボールは、ボイドの原因となる凹凸がメッキ層の表面に発生し、その凹凸のために真円度が低くかつ直径および真円度のバラツキも大きいということが確認された。 As shown in FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b), the Cu core ball on which the plating layer is formed by the plating apparatus 1 of the first aspect has a very smooth and smooth surface, and the plating layer is formed on the surface of the core ball. Are uniformly formed, and no voids are formed inside the plating layer. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the Cu core ball on which the plating layer is formed by the plating apparatus of Prior Art Document 1 has irregularities that cause voids on the surface of the plating layer, It was confirmed that due to the unevenness, the roundness was low and the variation in diameter and roundness was large.
 1(5、8、10、11、12、13、16、17,18,19、20、21、22、23、24、25、26):メッキ装置
 1a(5a):本体部
 1j:メッキ槽
 1m(13m、20m):メッキ室
 1n(2n、3n、3m、6n、7n、11n、13n、20n):陰極
 1o(5o、10o、14o、15o、23o、24o、25o、26o):陽極
 1b:メッキ液循環手段
 1c(5c、13c):メッキ液排出管
 1e(13e、22e):メッキ液供給管
 1g(11q、12q):供給手段
 1h:直流電源回路
 1i:加振手段
 1s:磁気発生手段
 8v(10v、16v):案内手段
 8w(16w):案内板
 10w:案内体
 11a:回収手段
 17v(18v、19v):整流手段
 17w(18w、19w):板状部材
 91:コアボール
1 (5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26): plating apparatus 1a (5a): main body 1j: plating tank 1m (13m, 20m): Plating chamber 1n (2n, 3n, 3m, 6n, 7n, 11n, 13n, 20n): Cathode 1o (5o, 10o, 14o, 15o, 23o, 24o, 25o, 26o): Anode 1b : Plating solution circulation means 1c (5c, 13c): plating solution discharge pipe 1e (13e, 22e): plating solution supply pipe 1g (11q, 12q): supply means 1h: DC power supply circuit 1i: excitation means 1s: generation of magnetism Means 8v (10v, 16v): Guide means 8w (16w): Guide plate 10w: Guide body 11a: Collection means 17v (18v, 19v): Rectifying means 17w (18w, 19w): Plate-like member 91 : Core ball

Claims (22)

  1.  表面に導電性を有する基材粒子のメッキ装置であって、
     前記基材粒子が接触しつつ周回可能な底面とその底面の周縁に沿い立設した周壁面とを備え前記基材粒子を含む粒子群とメッキ液とを収納可能なメッキ室を有するメッキ槽と、
     前記メッキ室の底面より上方に開口する供給口を有し前記メッキ室の周壁面に沿い旋回するように前記供給口からメッキ液を供給するメッキ液供給管と、
     前記メッキ室に開口する排出口を有するメッキ液排出管と、
     前記メッキ室の底面に配置された前記基材粒子に接触する陰極と、
     前記メッキ室に収納されたメッキ液に浸漬する位置に配置された陽極と、
     前記陰極および陽極に接続された電源と、
    を有するメッキ装置。
    A substrate particle plating apparatus having conductivity on the surface,
    A plating tank having a bottom surface that can be circulated while contacting the base material particles, and a peripheral wall surface that is erected along the periphery of the bottom surface, and a plating chamber that can store a group of particles containing the base material particles and a plating solution; ,
    A plating solution supply pipe for supplying a plating solution from the supply port so as to swirl along a peripheral wall surface of the plating chamber having a supply port opened above the bottom surface of the plating chamber;
    A plating solution discharge pipe having a discharge port opened in the plating chamber;
    A cathode in contact with the substrate particles disposed on the bottom surface of the plating chamber;
    An anode disposed at a position to be immersed in the plating solution stored in the plating chamber;
    A power source connected to the cathode and anode;
    A plating apparatus.
  2.  前記メッキ室の底面は円形状であるとともに前記メッキ室の周壁面は前記メッキ室の底面に向い縮径した円錐形状をなし、前記メッキ液排出管は前記メッキ室の軸芯と同軸に配置されている請求項1に記載のメッキ装置。 The bottom surface of the plating chamber has a circular shape, the peripheral wall surface of the plating chamber has a conical shape with a diameter reduced toward the bottom surface of the plating chamber, and the plating solution discharge pipe is disposed coaxially with the axis of the plating chamber. The plating apparatus according to claim 1.
  3.  前記排出口は前記供給口よりも下方に配置されている請求項2に記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the discharge port is disposed below the supply port.
  4.  前記メッキ液排出管は、前記メッキ室の軸芯方向に沿い移動可能に構成されている請求項2に記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plating solution discharge pipe is configured to be movable along an axial direction of the plating chamber.
  5.  前記陰極は、前記メッキ室の底面の周縁部に略円環状に配置されている請求項2に記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cathode is disposed in a substantially annular shape at a peripheral edge portion of a bottom surface of the plating chamber.
  6.  前記陰極は、前記メッキ室の周壁面の基端部に略円環状に配置されている請求項2に記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cathode is arranged in a substantially annular shape at a base end portion of a peripheral wall surface of the plating chamber.
  7.  前記陽極は、前記前記メッキ室の周壁面の基端部に略円環状に配置されている陰極において前記基材粒子が接触する接触面に対し一定の間隙を有するように配置された表面を有する請求項6に記載のメッキ装置。 The anode has a surface disposed so as to have a certain gap with respect to a contact surface with which the base material particle contacts in a cathode disposed in a substantially annular shape at a base end portion of a peripheral wall surface of the plating chamber. The plating apparatus according to claim 6.
  8.  前記メッキ室の底面は、その半径方向において、その中心部が周縁部に対し高くなるように形成されている請求項2に記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a bottom surface of the plating chamber is formed such that a center portion thereof is higher than a peripheral portion in a radial direction thereof.
  9.  前記陽極は、前記電源に接続された多数の導電性粒子からなる請求項1に記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the anode is composed of a large number of conductive particles connected to the power source.
  10.  前記メッキ液供給管の供給口から供給されたメッキ液を前記メッキ室の底面に向い案内する案内手段を前記メッキ室に有する請求項1乃至9のいずれかに記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plating chamber has guide means for guiding the plating solution supplied from a supply port of the plating solution supply pipe toward the bottom surface of the plating chamber.
  11.  前記案内手段は、螺旋状に設けられた案内板である請求項10に記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the guide means is a guide plate provided in a spiral shape.
  12.  前記案内手段は、前記メッキ室の周壁面に倣い外周面が形成され、前記周壁面と前記外周面との間に所定の間隙を有する案内体である請求項10に記載のメッキ装置。 11. The plating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the guide means is a guide body having an outer peripheral surface formed following the peripheral wall surface of the plating chamber and having a predetermined gap between the peripheral wall surface and the outer peripheral surface.
  13.  前記メッキ液供給管の供給口から供給されたメッキ液を整流する整流手段を前記メッキ室に有する請求項1乃至9のいずれかに記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plating chamber has rectifying means for rectifying the plating solution supplied from a supply port of the plating solution supply pipe.
  14.  前記整流手段は、前記メッキ室の周壁面に設けられた板状部材である請求項13に記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the rectifying means is a plate-like member provided on a peripheral wall surface of the plating chamber.
  15.  前記メッキ液排出管の排出口からメッキ液を吸引可能に構成された請求項1乃至9のいずれかに記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plating liquid can be sucked from a discharge port of the plating liquid discharge pipe.
  16.  前記メッキ液供給管から供給されるメッキ液の流速又は流量が経時的に変化するよう構成されている請求項1乃至9のいずれかに記載のメッキ装置。 10. The plating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a flow rate or a flow rate of the plating solution supplied from the plating solution supply pipe is changed with time.
  17.  前記メッキ室の底面には、前記メッキ液供給管から供給されたメッキ液の旋回方向に沿い形成され前記粒子群を案内する案内溝が形成されている請求項1乃至9のいずれかに記載のメッキ装置。 10. The guide groove according to claim 1, wherein a guide groove that is formed along a swirling direction of the plating solution supplied from the plating solution supply pipe and guides the particle group is formed on a bottom surface of the plating chamber. Plating equipment.
  18.  前記メッキ槽に接続された加振手段を有する請求項1乃至9のいずれかに記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a vibration means connected to the plating tank.
  19.  前記メッキ室の下部または下方側部に配置された磁力発生手段を有し、軟磁性を有する前記基材粒子を前記磁力発生手段の磁力によりメッキ室の底面に引き付けるよう構成されている請求項1乃至9のいずれかに記載のメッキ装置。 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a magnetic force generating means disposed at a lower portion or a lower side portion of the plating chamber, wherein the base particles having soft magnetism are attracted to the bottom surface of the plating chamber by the magnetic force of the magnetic force generating means. The plating apparatus in any one of thru | or 9.
  20.  直接的に又は前記メッキ液供給管を介して間接的に前記メッキ室に接続され、前記メッキ室に前記粒子群を供給する供給手段を有する請求項1乃至9のいずれかに記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a supply unit that is connected to the plating chamber directly or indirectly through the plating solution supply pipe and supplies the particle group to the plating chamber.
  21.  前記供給手段は、
      前記粒子群を収納する収納部と、
      一端が前記収納部に接続されるとともに、他端が前記メッキ室の周壁面であって前記底面側に接続された基材粒子供給管と、
      一端が前記収納部に接続されるとともに、他端が前記メッキ室の周壁面であって前記基材粒子供給管の他端よりも上方に接続されたメッキ液流入管と、
    を有する請求項20に記載のメッキ装置。
    The supply means includes
    A storage section for storing the particles;
    One end is connected to the storage unit, and the other end is a peripheral wall surface of the plating chamber and is connected to the bottom surface side, and a base particle supply pipe,
    A plating solution inflow pipe having one end connected to the storage portion and the other end being a peripheral wall surface of the plating chamber and connected above the other end of the base material particle supply pipe;
    The plating apparatus according to claim 20, comprising:
  22.  前記メッキ室に収納された前記粒子群を回収する回収手段を有する請求項1乃至9のいずれかに記載のメッキ装置。 The plating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising recovery means for recovering the particle group accommodated in the plating chamber.
PCT/JP2010/005307 2009-09-04 2010-08-27 Plating device WO2011027528A1 (en)

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