Apparatus capable of local polishing and plasma-electrolytic polishing system

An apparatus capable of local polishing and suitable for performing a plasma-electrolytic polishing process on an object is provided. The apparatus capable of local polishing includes a fixing seat, a motion mechanism, and a jet module connected to the motion mechanism and including an electrolyte communication port, a gas communication port, a power connection area, and a jet flow outlet. The jet flow outlet faces the fixing seat and is communicated with the electrolyte communication port and the gas communication port to be suitable for performing the plasma-electrolytic polishing process on the object fixed on the fixing seat. A plasma-electrolytic polishing system including an apparatus capable of local polishing is also provided.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a polishing apparatus and a system, and more particularly, to an apparatus capable of local polishing and a plasma-electrolytic polishing system including the apparatus capable of local polishing.

Description of Related Art

Plasma-electrolytic polishing is a green process, may be utilized to perform polishing on a workpiece in a complicated shape, and may reduce pollution possibly caused by chemical polishing and electrolytic polishing.

However, traditional plasma-electrolytic polishing needs to soak a polished workpiece in an electrolytic cell, and this may cause certain limitation on an application range of the plasma-electrolytic polishing.

SUMMARY

The disclosure provides an apparatus capable of local polishing and a plasma-electrolytic polishing system including the apparatus capable of local polishing, which is suitable for performing a plasma-electrolytic polishing process on an object.

The apparatus capable of local polishing of the disclosure is suitable for performing a plasma-electrolytic polishing process on an object. The apparatus capable of local polishing includes a fixing seat, a motion mechanism, and a jet module. The jet module is connected to the motion mechanism. The jet module includes an electrolyte communication port, a gas communication port, a power connection area, and a jet flow outlet. The jet flow outlet faces the fixing seat. The jet flow outlet is communicated with the electrolyte communication port and the gas communication port, so as to be suitable for performing the plasma-electrolytic polishing process on the object fixed on the fixing seat.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the jet module includes a post, a jet nozzle and, a sleeve member. The post is provided with the power connection area, the electrolyte communication port and an electrolyte flowing passage communicated with the electrolyte communication port. The jet nozzle is provided with a connection area block and a jet-out area block opposite to the connection area block. The connection area block is connected to the post. Additionally, the jet-out area block is provided with a jet port. The sleeve member sleeves the post. The sleeve member is provided with the gas communication port and a gas outlet communicated with the gas communication port. A part of the jet nozzle is located in the gas outlet. A gap is provided between the jet nozzle and an inner wall of the gas outlet. The gas outlet and the jet port form a jet flow outlet.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a part of the jet-out area block is located in the gas outlet. A position of the jet-out area block with a maximum cross section width is located at a tail end of the jet-out area block. Additionally, the tail end of the jet-out area block is not located in the gas outlet.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cross section width of the jet-out area block is gradually increased towards the tail end of the jet-out area block.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the jet nozzle is provided with a flowing passage. A tail end of the flowing passage is the jet port. Additionally, a position of the flowing passage with a minimum cross section width is located at the tail end of the flowing passage.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the gas outlet has a calibre. The calibre is gradually increased towards a tail end of the gas outlet.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the jet module further includes a connecting member. The connecting member connects the post and the sleeve member. Additionally, the connecting member is an insulator.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a surface of the fixing seat facing the jet module is provided with at least one flow guide passage.

The plasma-electrolytic polishing system of the disclosure includes the apparatus capable of local polishing of the above embodiments and a control system. The control system is at least in signal connection to the motion mechanism of the apparatus capable of local polishing.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the apparatus capable of local polishing further includes an electrolyte control member. The electrolyte supply source is suitable for being connected to the electrolyte communication port through the electrolyte control member. Additionally, the control system is further in signal connection to the electrolyte control member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the apparatus capable of local polishing further includes a gas control member. The gas supply source is suitable for being connected to the gas communication port through the gas control member. Additionally, the control system is further in signal connection to the gas control member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the apparatus capable of local polishing further includes a power control member. The power source is suitable for being connected to the power connection area through the power control member. Additionally, the control system is further in signal connection to the power control member.

Based on the above, the apparatus capable of local polishing and the plasma-electrolytic polishing system including the apparatus capable of local polishing may perform local polishing on a specific position or an area of an object in an electrolyte jet mode. Additionally, by using the electrolyte jet mode, limitation on a dimension of an object may be reduced, and a space of a polishing area may also be saved. Further, during polishing through electrolyte jet, an electrolyte jetted from the jet port may flow out together with gas jetted out from the gas outlet. That is, the gas jetted out from the gas outlet approximately may form an annular gas wall, and an electrolyte jet flow basically may be limited in the annular gas wall. Therefore, the polishing accuracy may be improved, and excessive polishing may also be prevented.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The disclosure is elaborated more comprehensively with reference to the figures of the embodiments. However, the disclosure may also be reflected in various different forms rather than being limited to the embodiments in this specification. The Thickness of films and regions in the drawings are enlarged for clarity. The same or similar reference numbers represent the same or similar elements, and details are not repeated in the following paragraphs. In addition, the directional terms mentioned in the embodiments, such as “above”, “below”, “left”, “right”, “front”, and “rear”, refer to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the directional terms used are merely used for describing rather than limiting the disclosure. In addition, to display the directional relationships between different drawings clearly, the Cartesian coordinate system (that is, an XYZ rectangular coordinate system) is used in partial drawings to display a corresponding direction. Besides, for clear representation, some structures may be omitted in the drawings.

The term set used herein is merely used for describing the objectives of special implementations rather than limiting the idea of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular form “one” is intended to include a plural form, unless this specification clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that, the term “include”, when used in this specification, describes the presence of features, unities, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition or one or more features, unities, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein are provided with the same meanings that are generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. It should be further understood that, the terms (such as those defined in a dictionary generally used) should be explained as meanings consistent with the meanings in the related technology background, and should not be explained as meanings that are idealized or excessively formal, unless the terms are clearly defined herein.

FIG. 1Ais a stereoscopic schematic view of partial assembly of an apparatus capable of local polishing according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 1Bis a partial exploded stereoscopic schematic view of the apparatus capable of local polishing according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 1Cis a partial exploded stereoscopic schematic view of the apparatus capable of local polishing according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 1Dis a partial exploded cross-sectional schematic view of the apparatus capable of local polishing according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 1Eis a cross-sectional schematic view of partial assembly of the apparatus capable of local polishing according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 1Fis a bottom schematic view of partial assembly the apparatus capable of local polishing according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. For example,FIG. 1Cmay be a partial exploded stereoscopic schematic view corresponding to a jet module of the apparatus capable of local polishing.FIG. 1Dmay be a partial exploded cross-sectional schematic view corresponding to the jet module of the apparatus capable of local polishing.FIG. 1Emay be a partial assembly cross-sectional schematic view corresponding to the jet module of the apparatus capable of local polishing.FIG. 1Fmay be a bottom schematic view of partial assembly corresponding to the jet module of the apparatus capable of local polishing.

Referring toFIG. 1AtoFIG. 1F, an apparatus capable of local polishing100is suitable for performing a plasma-electrolytic polishing process on an object199.

Referring toFIG. 1Afirst, the apparatus capable of local polishing100includes a fixing seat110, a jet module120, and a motion mechanism182. The jet module120is connected to the motion mechanism182. In an embodiment, the fixing seat110is suitable for fixing the object199.

Referring toFIG. 1BandFIG. 1Enext, the jet module120includes an electrolyte communication port131, a gas communication port151, a power connection area133, and a jet flow outlet129. The jet flow outlet129faces the fixing seat110. Additionally, the jet flow outlet129is communicated with the electrolyte communication port131and the gas communication port151, so that the jet module120is suitable for performing the plasma-electrolytic polishing process on the object199fixed on the fixing seat110through the jet flow outlet129. In an embodiment, the electrolyte communication port131is suitable for being connected to an electrolyte supply source (e.g., an electrolyte supply source893as shown inFIG. 1G, but the disclosure is not limited thereto). In an embodiment, the gas communication port151is suitable for being connected to a gas supply source (e.g., a gas supply source895as shown inFIG. 1G, but the disclosure is not limited thereto).

In an embodiment, the fixing seat110may include a base112and at least one fixing member113. The fixing member113is, for example, a common screw, screw bolt, gasket, screw cap, clamping member, and the like, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. Corresponding holes (such as screw holes), grooves (such as clamp grooves) and the like may be provided in the fixing seat110, so as to be suitable for fixing the object199onto the base through the fixing member.

In an embodiment, a main body material (such as a material of the base) of the fixing seat110may be an insulator. Therefore, when a plasma-electrolytic polishing process is performed on the object199, a current flowing through the fixing seat110may be reduced.

In an embodiment, the jet module120may be connected to the motion mechanism182through the common fixing member. Therefore, by controlling the motion mechanism182, the jet module120may be regulated, so that the jet flow outlet129of the jet module120faces a predetermined orientation, and the jet module120may be suitable for performing the plasma-electrolytic polishing process on the object199fixed on the fixing seat110through the jet flow outlet129.

In an embodiment, the motion mechanism182may include a movable module (such as a horizontal motion module, a vertical motion module, a rotary motion module or a combination thereof) commonly used on the design of a movable mechanism. The motion mechanism182may include corresponding hardware or software, or is further combined with an auxiliary member. For example, the movable module may be formed by a power supply apparatus, a motor, a belt, a gear, other relevant elements, and the like, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. The relevant elements, for example, may include a communication element, a power element, a display element and the like, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. The software, for example, includes space position operation software, error recording software, communication software and the like, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. The auxiliary member, for example, includes a moving rail, a moving shaft, a shock absorption element, a positioning apparatus, and the like, and the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the motion mechanism182is, for example, a mechanical arm, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the present embodiment, the jet module120may include a post130, a jet nozzle140and a sleeve member150. A material of the post130includes a conductor. Additionally, the post130is provided with the power connection area133, the electrolyte communication port131and an electrolyte flowing passage132. The electrolyte flowing passage132is communicated with the electrolyte communication port131. The jet nozzle140is provided with a connection area block141and a jet-out area block142. The jet-out area block142is opposite to the connection area block141. The connection area block141may be connected to the post130. The jet-out area block142is provided with a jet port149. The sleeve member150may sleeve the post130. The sleeve member150is provided with the gas communication port151and a gas outlet159. The gas outlet159is communicated with the gas communication port151. A part of the jet nozzle140is located in the gas outlet159. In a state that the connection area block141is connected to the post130, and the sleeve member150sleeves the post130(such as a state drawn inFIG. 1E), a gap155may be formed between the jet nozzle140and an inner wall of the gas outlet159, and the gas outlet159and the jet port149form the jet flow outlet129of the jet module120.

In an embodiment, the sleeve member150and the post130may be connected in a mutually sleeving way through a connecting member127(such as an O-ring, other similar elastic rings or an annular gasket). In an embodiment, corresponding fixing holes128(such as screw holes) may be formed between the sleeve member150and the post130, so that the sleeve member150and the post130may be connected in a mutually sleeving way through a corresponding connecting member (such as a screw or a corresponding gasket).

In an embodiment, the connecting member127is an insulator. Therefore, the sleeve member150and the post130may be insulated from each other, or a current flowing through the sleeve member150may be reduced.

In an embodiment, the connecting member for connecting the sleeve member150and the post130may be insulated. For example, the connecting member for connecting the sleeve member150and the post130may be an insulation screw or a corresponding insulation gasket.

In an embodiment, an example of performing the plasma-electrolytic polishing process on the object199fixed on the fixing seat110by the apparatus capable of local polishing100is as follows. However, it is worth noting that the following plasma-electrolytic polishing process is only an illustrative example, and the disclosure does not limit practical steps of performing the plasma-electrolytic polishing process by the apparatus capable of local polishing100.

In an embodiment, the object199may be firstly fixed on the base through the fixing member. The object199may be electrically connected to a grounding end through an electric wire (not drawn). In an embodiment, a grounding electric wire electrically connected to the object199may be directly connected to the object199, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the grounding electric wire electrically connected to the object199may be indirectly connected to the object199through a conductive fixing member (such as the fixing member113or other possible conductive fixing members) for fixing the object199.

FIG. 1Gis a schematic view of partial connected lines of a plasma-electrolytic polishing system according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1G, the apparatus capable of local polishing100and a control system870may form a plasma-electrolytic polishing system800. That is, the plasma-electrolytic polishing system800may include the apparatus capable of local polishing100and the control system870. In other unshown embodiments, an apparatus capable of local polishing similar to the apparatus capable of local polishing100may also form a plasma-electrolytic polishing system similar to the plasma-electrolytic polishing system800together with the control system870.

In the present embodiment, the control system870may be in signal connection to the motion mechanism182through a signal wire878in a wired signal transmission mode, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the control system870may be in signal connection to the motion mechanism182in a wireless signal transmission mode. In other words, the signal connection mentioned in the disclosure may generally refer to a connection mode of wired signal transmission or wireless signal transmission. Additionally, the disclosure does not limit that all signal connection modes need to be identical or different.

In the present embodiment, the plasma-electrolytic polishing system800may further include an electrolyte control member883. The electrolyte supply source893is suitable for being connected to the electrolyte communication port131through the electrolyte control member883. Additionally, the control system870may be further in signal connection to the electrolyte control member883.

For example, the electrolyte supply source893may be connected to the electrolyte communication port131through a corresponding fluid pipeline894. One end of the fluid pipeline894may be communicated with the electrolyte supply source893(such as an electrolyte-containing bottle and a corresponding pump). The other end of the fluid pipeline894may be communicated with the electrolyte communication port131. The electrolyte control member883may be provided on the fluid pipeline894. The electrolyte control member883is, for example, a liquid electromagnetic valve, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For another example, the electrolyte control member883in signal connection to the control system870may set, control or detect the quantity, time or flow rate of a flowing electrolyte. Additionally, the electrolyte supply source893and a flowing path, type and quantity of the corresponding fluid pipeline may be regulated according to actual requirements, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. The control system870may be in signal connection to the electrolyte control member883through a signal wire873in a wired signal transmission mode, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the present embodiment, the plasma-electrolytic polishing system800may further include a gas control member885. The gas supply source895is suitable for being connected to the gas communication port151through the gas control member885. Additionally, the control system870may be further in signal connection to the gas control member885.

For example, the gas supply source895may be connected to the gas communication port151through a corresponding gas pipeline896. One end of the gas pipeline896may be communicated with the gas supply source895(such as a gas-containing steel cylinder and a corresponding pump). The other end of the gas pipeline896may be communicated with the gas communication port151. The gas control member885may be provided on the gas pipeline896. The gas control member885may be a gas electromagnetic valve, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For another example, the gas control member885in signal connection to the control system870may set, control or detect the quantity, time or flow rate of the flowing gas. Additionally, the gas supply source895and a flow path, type, quantity of the corresponding gas pipeline may be regulated according to actual requirements, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. The control system870may be in signal connection to the electrolyte control member883through a signal wire875in a wired signal transmission mode, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the present embodiment, the plasma-electrolytic polishing system800may further include a power control member887. A power source897is suitable for being connected to the power connection area133through the power control member887. Additionally, the control system870may be further in signal connection to the power control member887.

For example, the power source897may be connected to the power connection area133through a corresponding circuit898. One end of the circuit898may be electrically connected to the power source897. The other end of the circuit898may be electrically connected to the power connection area133. The power control member887may be provided on the circuit898. The power control member887may be, for example, an electromagnetic switch and/or a corresponding transformer, rectifier, capacitor and the like, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For another example, the power control member887in signal connection to the control system870may set, control or detect a current, voltage, frequency or power-on time input into the power connection area133. The control system870may be in signal connection to the power control member887through a signal wire877in a wired signal transmission mode, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, after the object199is fixed onto the base112, the motion mechanism182may be regulated through the control system870, so that the jet flow outlet129of the jet module120faces an area of the object199to be polished. The area of the object199to be polished is basically positioned above a surface111of the base112. That is, in the plasma-electrolytic polishing process, at least a part of the object199may be covered by the flowing electrolyte, but the object199cannot be completely and continuously soaked by the electrolyte.

In an embodiment, the motion mechanism182is regulated by the control system870. A distance between the jet flow outlet129and the object199may also be regulated.

In an embodiment, the gas control member885, the electrolyte control member883and the power control member887may be switched on through the control system870, so that gas flowing out from the gas supply source895flows to the gas communication port151through the gas control member885and is then jetted out from the gas outlet159. Additionally, the electrolyte flowing out from the electrolyte supply source893flows to the electrolyte communication port131through the electrolyte control member883, and is then jetted out from the jet port149in a jet-out direction140d. Additionally, high-voltage electric power provided by the power source897is transmitted to the power connection area133through the power control member887, so that a high voltage difference exists between the jet nozzle140and the object199.

In an embodiment, the gas control member885may be firstly switched on, then, the electrolyte control member883is switched on, and next, the power control member887is switched on, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, high-voltage electric power provided by the power source897basically reaches a voltage of 30 V to 400 V, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the type, temperature or flow rate of the electrolyte may be regulated according to the design requirements (such as a type of the object199or a polishing specification). For example, if the object199is a steel material or a copper material, the electrolyte may be a 40° C.-90° C. mixed electrolyte of phosphoric acid and/or phosphates (such as sodium phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate or disodium hydrogen phosphate).

In an embodiment, a type or flow rate of the gas may be regulated according to design requirements (such as a type of the corresponding electrolyte). For example, the gas may be nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide, helium gas, neon gas, argon gas, other suitable nonreactive gas or a combination thereof.

By using a design mode of the jet module120, local polishing may be performed on a specific position or an area of the object199in an electrolyte jet mode. Additionally, by using the electrolyte jet mode, the limitation on a dimension of the object199may be reduced, and a space of a polishing area may also be saved. Additionally, during polishing through electrolyte jet, the electrolyte jetted from the jet port149(may be called as electrolyte jet flow) may flow out together with gas jetted out from the gas outlet159(may be called as a gas wall). That is, the gas jetted out from the gas outlet159approximately may form an annular gas wall, and the electrolyte jet flow basically may be limited in the annular gas wall. Therefore, the polishing accuracy may be improved, and excessive polishing may also be prevented.

In the present embodiment, a part of the jet-out area block142is located in the gas outlet159. A position of the jet-out area block142with a maximum cross section width is basically located at a tail end147of the jet-out area block142(i.e., a position farthest from the connection area block141). For example, on a cross section vertical to the jet-out direction140d(such as a cross section parallel to a paper surface ofFIG. 1F), the tail end147of the jet-out area block142has a maximum cross section width. In a state that the connection area block141is connected to the post130, and the sleeve member150sleeves the post130(such as the state drawn inFIG. 1E), the tail end147of the jet-out area block142is not located in the gas outlet159. Therefore, when the plasma-electrolytic polishing process is performed on the object199, unexpected interference between the electrolyte jet flow and the gas wall may be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the cross section width of the jet-out area block142is gradually increased towards the tail end147of the jet-out area block142. That is, on a longitudinal cross section parallel to the jet-out direction140d(such as a cross section parallel to a paper surface ofFIG. 1E), a profile of an outer side wall of the jet-out area block142may be basically an inclined surface. For example, the jet-out area block142may be approximately in a cone shape or a frustum shape. Therefore, when a plasma-electrolytic polishing process is performed on the object199, the gas wall may outwards diffuse while leaving far away from the jet flow outlet129, and unexpected interference between the electrolyte jet flow and the gas wall may be reduced.

In an embodiment, on a longitudinal cross section parallel to the jet-out direction140d, the profile of the outer side wall of the jet-out area block142may be basically an inclined surface. Additionally, on a cross section surface vertical to the jet-out direction140d, the profile of the outer side wall of the jet-out area block142is basically in a round shape. For example, the jet-out area block142may be approximately in a cone shape or a frustum shape.

In the present embodiment, the jet nozzle140is provided with a flowing passage146. A tail end of the flowing passage146is the jet port149. A position of the flowing passage146with a minimum cross section width is located at the tail end of the flowing passage146. For example, the tail end of the flowing passage146has a minimum calibre on the cross section vertical to the jet-out direction140d(such as a cross section parallel to a paper surface ofFIG. 1F). Therefore, when the plasma-electrolytic polishing process is performed on the object199, turbulence may not be formed in the electrolyte jet flow.

In the present embodiment, a position of the gas outlet159with the maximum calibre is located at the tail end of the gas outlet159. For example, on the cross section vertical to the jet-out direction140d, the tail end of the gas outlet159has the maximum calibre.

In the present embodiment, the calibre of the gas outlet159is gradually increased towards the tail end of the gas outlet159. That is, on a longitudinal cross section parallel to the jet-out direction140d(such as a cross section parallel to the paper surface ofFIG. 1E), the profile of the inner side wall of the gas outlet159may be basically an inclined surface. For example, an appearance of the gas outlet159may be approximately in a cone shape or a frustum shape.

In an embodiment, the appearance of the gas outlet159may be corresponding to an appearance of the jet-out area block142. Therefore, when the plasma-electrolytic polishing process is performed on the object199, turbulence may not be formed in the gas wall. For example, the appearance of the gas outlet159may be in a cone shape or a frustum shape similar to that of the jet-out area block142.

FIG. 2is a stereoscopic schematic view of partial assembly of an apparatus capable of local polishing according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. An apparatus capable of local polishing200according to the present embodiment is similar to the apparatus capable of local polishing100of the first embodiment. Similar parts are expressed by the same numerals, and have the similar function, materials or actuating modes, and the descriptions thereof are omitted herein.

In the present embodiment, a surface111of a fixing seat110of the apparatus capable of local polishing200facing a jet module120is provided with at least one flow guide passage217. Therefore, when a plasma-electrolytic polishing process is performed on an object199, an electrolyte may be more easily guided away from the surface111of the fixing seat110through the flow guide passage217.

Based on the above, the apparatus capable of local polishing and the plasma-electrolytic polishing system including the apparatus capable of local polishing of the disclosure may perform local polishing to a specific position or area of the object in an electrolyte jet mode. Additionally, by using the electrolyte jet mode, limitation on a dimension of the object may be reduced, and a space of the polishing area may also be saved. Additionally, during polishing through electrolyte jet, the electrolyte jetted from the jet port may flow out together with the gas jetted out from the gas outlet. That is, the gas jetted out from the gas outlet approximately may form an annular gas wall, and an electrolyte jet flow basically may be limited in the annular gas wall. Therefore, the polishing accuracy may be improved, and excessive polishing may also be prevented.