Patent ID: 9303328
Filing Date: 2016-04-05
CPC Classification: C23C,C25D,H05K

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus for electroplating an interior surface of at least one hole in an at least partially conductive workpiece, comprising: a needle anode of electrically conductive material, the needle anode being of tubular shape having a first end, a second end, and a through bore between the first and second ends, the second end comprising a discharge outlet for discharge of plating solution flowing through the needle anode, at least an insertion portion of the needle anode extending to the discharge outlet being of predetermined diameter less than the cross-sectional dimension of a hole in a workpiece, at least part of the workpiece including the hole being of conductive material; a cathode contact configured for electrical connection to a conductive part of the workpiece; a plating power supply for electrical connection between the needle anode and cathode contact during electroplating; a positioning device configured for moving the needle anode relative to a metal object to be plated between a retracted position in which the insertion portion is spaced from the hole and an operative position in which at least part of the insertion portion of the needle anode extends through an open end of the hole in an operative, coaxial centered position in the hole spaced from an interior surface of the hole to be plated and with the discharge outlet positioned at a predetermined spacing from an inner end of the hole to define a flow path for plating solution between the discharge outlet and inner end of the hole, through an annular space between the interior surface and the needle anode, and out of the open end of the hole; a supply of plating solution connected to the first end of the needle anode; a spent plating solution collection device below the open end of the hole for collecting spent plating solution flowing out of the open end of the hole; wherein the collection device comprises a basin of nonconductive material; and wherein the basin has a lower wall, at least the lower wall of the basin being of elastomeric material and having at least one opening of predetermined cross-sectional dimensions less than external cross-sectional dimensions of part of the workpiece having one or more holes to be plated, the opening being configured for sealing arrangement around the workpiece at a location spaced below the open end of the hole.