CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to Chinese Invention Patent Application No. 202310560463.2, filed on May 17, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD The present disclosure relates to a method for colorizing an aluminum-containing object, and more particularly to a method for colorizing an aluminum-containing object to exhibit varying colors from different viewing angles and a colorized aluminum-containing object therefrom.
BACKGROUND Anodizing treatment, also known as anodic aluminum oxide treatment, is a common electrochemical process used to form a high-density aluminum oxide film on a surface of aluminum or aluminum alloys. The anodizing treatment can prevent internal oxidation of aluminum or the aluminum alloys, and enhance corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and an aesthetic appearance of aluminum or the aluminum alloys. Due to the aforesaid advantages, the anodizing treatment has been widely applied to the outer casing of electronic products. In addition, in order to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the electronic products, colorized anodic aluminum oxide films have gained attention in recent years. In some existing color anodizing processes, a thicker or higher purity aluminum substrate is subjected to two or multiple times of the anodizing treatments for a long period of time, so as to form an aluminum oxide film with regular nanopores, followed by filling the regular nanopores of the aluminum oxide film with dye(s) to achieve the purpose of colorization. In other existing color anodizing processes, the colorization of the aluminum oxide film is achieved without using additional dye(s).
A method for colorizing a surface of anodic aluminum oxide, as disclosed in Taiwanese Patent No. TW 1553165 B, includes the following steps in sequence: (S10) providing an aluminum-containing substrate; (S11) one-time anodizing treatment; (S12) etching; and (S13) plating a metal layer. In step (S10), a substrate is subjected to a sputtering process so as to deposit an aluminum layer having a thickness ranging from 10 nm to 1000 nm on a surface thereof. In step of (S11), a three-electrode electrochemical potentiostat is used for the anodizing treatment. To be specific, the aluminum-containing substrate serves as a working electrode, a platinum gauze serves as a counter electrode, and Ag/AgCl serves as a reference electrode. In brief, the aluminum-containing substrate is immersed in a 0.3 M oxalic acid electrolyte at room temperature, and is subjected to positive and negative voltage pulse signals of 2 seconds per cycle (i.e., a constant voltage ranging from 20 V to 60 V is maintained for 1 second, followed immediately by a constant voltage of −2 V for 1 second), so as to form a porous aluminum oxide layer on the aluminum-containing substrate. In step (S12), a part of the porous aluminum oxide layer is first covered with a protective layer by a photolithography process to expose the remaining part of the porous aluminum oxide layer, followed by immersing the aluminum-containing substrate into an etchant for a period of time. Then, the protective layer is removed, and the aluminum-containing substrate is further immersed into the etchant for another period of time, thereby resulting in pore expansion in two distinct parts of the porous aluminum oxide layer for different periods of time. In step (S13), a surface of the porous aluminum oxide layer after pore expansion is plated with a metal layer having a reflectance greater than 70%. A material of the metal layer may be platinum, aluminum, silver, etc.
Although the aforesaid method can utilize the metal layer to replace the use of dye so as to reduce the problem of wastewater treatment associated with the use of dye, during the one-time anodizing treatment in step (S11), the positive and negative constant voltage pulse signals are applied, and once the constant voltage of each pulse signal changes from a positive to a negative voltage valve, the stability of the porous aluminum oxide layer (i.e., the aluminum oxide film) is decreased due to excessive resistance. In addition, during etching in step (S12) in TW 1553165 B, the photolithography process still requires several cumbersome sub-steps to complete the protective layer coved on the porous aluminum oxide layer.
In view of the aforesaid, there is still a need to improve the stability of an aluminum oxide film obtained after anodizing and to simplify the process of colorizing an aluminum-containing object.
SUMMARY Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for colorizing an aluminum-containing object that can alleviate at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art and a colorized aluminum-containing object therefrom.
According to one aspect of this disclosure, the method for colorizing the aluminum-containing object includes the following steps: (a) subjecting the aluminum-containing object to a first pretreatment, so as to remove contaminants from a surface thereof; and (b) subjecting the pretreated aluminum-containing object obtained in step (a) to an anodizing treatment which is accomplished by applying N cycles of periodic current signals, thereby forming an aluminum oxide film with a plurality of nanopores on the surface of the aluminum-containing object. In step (b), each cycle of the periodic current signals includes a first predetermined time period in which a first constant current density is applied, a second predetermined time period in which the first constant current density decreases to a second constant current density at a decreasing rate of current density, a third predetermined time period in which the second constant current density is applied, and a fourth predetermined time period in which the second constant current density rapidly increases to the first constant current density at an increasing rate of current density.
According to another aspect of this disclosure, the colorized aluminum-containing object includes an aluminum-containing object and an aluminum oxide film. The aluminum oxide film has a number M of film bodies sequentially stacked on a surface of the aluminum-containing object, and a plurality of photonic crystals distributed within each film body. Each photonic crystal has a first pore structure, a second pore structure, a plurality of third pore structures, and a fourth pore structure in sequence along a first horizontal direction. The first horizontal direction is a direction from the film bodies toward the surface of the aluminum-containing object. The first pore structure of each photonic crystal is a nanopore having an equal diameter and extending along the first horizontal direction. The second pore structure of each photonic crystal is a nanopore being in communication with the first pore structure of the same photonic crystal, and having a decreasing diameter that gradually tapers and extends along the first horizontal direction. The plurality of third pore structures of each photonic crystal extend along the first horizontal direction, and are spaced apart from each other along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The fourth pore structure of each photonic crystal extends along the first horizontal direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
Other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent in the following detailed description of the embodiment(s) with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that various features may not be drawn to scale.
FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for colorizing an aluminum-containing object according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of an automated wet etching system utilized during step (c) of the method of this disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an implementation form of the method of this embodiment when performing step (c).
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another implementation form of the method of this embodiment when performing step (c).
FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a plurality of nanopores of photonic crystals within an aluminum oxide film after performing step (b).
FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged schematic view of FIG. 5 illustrating an outline of the nanopores of each photonic crystal.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an implementation form of the method of this embodiment when performing step (b).
FIG. 8 is a current density versus time graph illustrating current density of periodic current signals during an anodizing treatment in step (b) of a first embodiment of the method of this disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image illustrating a microstructure of an aluminum oxide film obtained after performing the anodizing treatment in step (b) of the first embodiment of the method of this disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a top view image illustrating a color appearance of the aluminum-containing object after performing the anodizing treatment in the first embodiment of the method of this disclosure.
FIG. 11 is an angled view image illustrating a color appearance of the aluminum-containing object at a 45-degree angle after performing the anodizing treatment in the first embodiment of the method of this disclosure.
FIG. 12 is a top view image illustrating a color appearance of the aluminum-
containing object after performing a segmented wet etching treatment in the first embodiment of the method of this disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a current density versus time graph illustrating current density of periodic current signals during an anodizing treatment in step (b) of a second embodiment of the method of this disclosure.
FIG. 14 is a top view image illustrating a color appearance of an aluminum-containing object after performing the anodizing treatment in the second embodiment of the method of this disclosure.
FIG. 15 is an angled view image illustrating a color appearance of the aluminum-containing object at a 45-degree angle after performing the anodizing treatment in the second embodiment of the method of this disclosure.
FIG. 16 is a top view image illustrating a color appearance of the aluminum-containing object after performing a segmented wet etching treatment in the second embodiment of the method of this disclosure.
FIG. 17 is a top view image illustrating a color appearance of an aluminum-containing object after performing a segmented wet etching treatment in a third embodiment of the method of this disclosure.
FIG. 18 is a top view image illustrating a color appearance of an aluminum-containing object after performing a segmented wet etching treatment in a fourth embodiment of the method of this disclosure.
FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a lifting device of the first embodiment of the automated wet etching system and the aluminum-containing object.
FIG. 20 is a fragmentary front view illustrating an assembly of the lifting device of the first embodiment of the automated wet etching system and the aluminum-containing object spaced apart from a liquid storage container.
FIG. 21 is a fragmentary side view illustrating the assembly of the lifting device of the first embodiment of the automated wet etching system and the aluminum-containing object.
FIG. 22 is a fragmentary front view illustrating the aluminum-containing object being driven by the lifting device to move downward so as to completely immerse in an etchant accommodated in the liquid storage container.
FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22, but with the aluminum-containing object being driven by the lifting device to move upward, such that a portion of the aluminum-containing object is immersed in the etchant accommodated in the liquid storage container.
FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 23, but with the aluminum-containing object being driven by the lifting device to move upward and out of the etchant accommodated in the liquid storage container.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an assembly of a lifting device of a second embodiment of an automated wet etching system and an aluminum-containing object.
FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the lifting device of the second embodiment of the automated wet etching system and the aluminum-containing object.
FIG. 27 is a fragmentary side view of the assembly of the lifting device of the second embodiment of the automated wet etching system and the aluminum-containing object.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an automated wet etching system with an aluminum-containing object assembled thereto.
FIG. 29 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the third embodiment of the automated wet etching system.
FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of a holding rotation module of the third embodiment of the automated wet etching system and the aluminum-containing object.
FIG. 31 is an assembled sectional view of the holding rotation module of the third embodiment of the automated wet etching system.
FIG. 32 is another assembled sectional view of the holding rotation module of the third embodiment of the automated wet etching system.
FIG. 33 is yet another assembled sectional view of the holding rotation module of the third embodiment of the automated wet etching system.
FIG. 34 is a fragmentary front view of the third embodiment of the automated wet etching system illustrating a first holding wheel and a second holding wheel supporting the aluminum-containing object, and a third holding wheel in an initial position.
FIG. 35 is a view similar to FIG. 34, but with the third holding wheel in a pressing position, and the first to third holding wheels cooperatively retaining the aluminum-containing object.
FIG. 36 is a fragmentary sectional side view of the holding rotation module of the third embodiment of the automated wet etching system.
FIG. 37 is a view similar to FIG. 35, but with the aluminum-containing object being driven by a lifting device of the third embodiment of the automated wet etching system to move downward, such that a portion thereof is immersed in the etchant accommodated in the liquid storage container.
FIG. 38 is a view similar to FIG. 37, but with the aluminum-containing object being driven by the holding rotation module to rotate to an angular position.
FIG. 39 is a view similar to FIG. 38, but with the aluminum-containing object being driven by the holding rotation module to rotate to another angular position.
FIG. 40 is a view similar to FIG. 39, but with the aluminum-containing object being driven by the holding rotation module to rotate to still another angular position.
FIG. 41 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an automated wet etching system of this disclosure with an aluminum-containing object assembled thereto.
FIG. 42 is a view similar to FIG. 41, but with the aluminum-containing object being driven by a lifting module to move downward into a liquid storage container.
FIG. 43 is a fragmentary sectional side view of the fourth embodiment of the automated wet etching system illustrating a nozzle of a flexible tube ejecting etchant to the aluminum-containing object.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION For the purpose of this specification, it will be clearly understood that the word “comprising” means “including but not limited to”, and that the word “comprises” has a corresponding meaning.
It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Taiwan or any other country.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in the practice of the present disclosure. Indeed, the present disclosure is in no way limited to the methods and materials described.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, a method for colorizing an aluminum-containing object 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps (a), (a′), (b), and (c).
In step (a), a surface 611 of the aluminum-containing object 6 is subjected to a first pretreatment, so as to remove contaminants from the surface 611 thereof. In this embodiment, in step (a), the first pretreatment includes polishing, degreasing, and sandblasting in sequence.
In step (a′), the aluminum-containing object 6 obtained after sandblasting is subjected to a second pretreatment which includes degreasing, alkaline cleaning, pre-pickling, chemical polishing, and post-pickling in sequence.
In step (b), the pretreated aluminum-containing object 6 obtained in step (a′) is subjected to an anodizing treatment which is accomplished by applying N cycles of periodic current signals, thereby forming an aluminum oxide film 60 with a plurality of nanopores on the surface 611 of the aluminum-containing object 6. Each cycle of the periodic current signals is shown in FIG. 8, and includes a first predetermined time period pt1, a second predetermined time period pt2, a third predetermined time period pt3, and a fourth predetermined time period pt4. To be specific, during the first predetermined time period pt1, a first constant current density is applied. During the second predetermined time period pt2, the first constant current density decreases to a second constant current density at a decreasing rate of current density. During the third predetermined time period pt3, the second constant current density is applied. During the fourth predetermined time period pt4, the second constant current density rapidly increases to the first constant current density at an increasing rate of current density.
In step (c), different areas of the aluminum oxide film 60 on the aluminum-containing object 6 obtained in step (b) are subjected to an etching treatment, so as to increase the pore sizes of the nanopores in the aluminum oxide film 60 thereof. It should be noted that the increased pore sizes of the nanopores in the aluminum oxide film 60 of the different areas of the aluminum-containing object 6 after etching are different. The etching treatment suitable for this embodiment may include, but is not limited to, a chemical wet etching treatment. In this embodiment, in step (c), the aluminum oxide film 60 obtained in step (b) is subjected to a segmented wet etching treatment using an automated wet etching system 100, as shown in FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 2, the automated wet etching system 100 of this disclosure is provided for an operator (not shown) to perform step (c). A first embodiment of the automated wet etching system 100 according to this disclosure includes a machine base 1, a liquid storage container 2, a lifting device 3, and a control device 4. The liquid storage container 2 is used to accommodate an etchant 5, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The lifting device 3 is configured to secure the aluminum-containing object 6 obtained in step (b) and drive the same to move up and down along a vertical or height direction (Z) relative to the liquid storage container 2 to different heights, so that the aluminum-containing object 6 can be immersed at different heights in the etchant 5 for the segmented wet etching treatment.
The control device 4 is signally connected to the lifting device 3, and is provided for the operator to input parameters of the segmented wet etching treatment of step (c) into the control device 4. The parameters of the segmented wet etching treatment include a movement distance, a movement speed, and a rest time of the lifting device 3.
Referring to FIG. 3, in an implementation form of this embodiment, step (c) of this disclosure includes sub-steps (c1), (c2), (c3), and (c4) in sequence. In sub-step (c1), the aluminum-containing object 6 formed with the aluminum oxide film 60 in step (b) is immersed completely still in the etchant 5 of the liquid storage container 2 of the automated wet etching system 100 for a duration of a first time period t1. In sub-step (c2), the aluminum-containing object 6 is continuously immersed in the etchant 5 of the liquid storage container 2 for a duration of a second time period t2. At the end of the second time period t2, the aluminum-containing object 6 is then driven to move upwards along the height direction (Z) at a first movement speed V1 so as to gradually expose a top edge of the aluminum-containing object 6 out of the etchant 5. At this time, a distance from the top edge of the aluminum-containing object 6 to a fluid level of the etchant 5 is referred to as a first distance L1, as shown in sub-step (c3) of FIG. 3, and a portion of the aluminum-containing object 6 remains immersed in the etchant 5. In sub-step (c3), after the portion of the aluminum-containing object 6 is immersed in the etchant 5 for a duration of a third time period t3, the aluminum-containing object 6 is then driven to move upwards along the height direction (Z) at a second movement speed V2 so as to expose another portion of the aluminum-containing object 6 out of the etchant 5. At this time, a distance from the top edge of the aluminum-containing object 6 to the fluid level of the etchant 5 is referred to as a sum of the first distance LI and a second distance L2, as shown in sub-step (c4) of FIG. 3, and a residual portion of the aluminum-containing object 6 remains immersed in the etchant 5. In sub-step (c4), after the residual portion of the aluminum-containing object 6 is immersed in the etchant 5 for a duration of a fourth time period t4, the aluminum-containing object 6 is then driven to move upwards along the height direction (Z) at a third movement speed V3 so as to expose and completely move the aluminum-containing object 6 out of the etchant 5. After performing the aforesaid sub-steps (c1) to (c4), a colorized aluminum-containing object 6F, which is able to exhibit gradient distribution of colors, is obtained.
Referring to FIG. 4, in another implementation form of this embodiment, step (c) of this disclosure includes sub-steps (c1), (c2), and (c3) in sequence. The procedures of sub-steps (c1) to (c3) for the segmented wet etching treatment in FIG. 4 were similar to those for the segmented wet etching treatment in FIG. 3, except that compared to the slow upward movement of the first movement speed V1 and the second movement speed V2 shown in FIG. 3, the aluminum-containing object 6 of FIG. 4 is driven to move upward along the height direction (Z) faster than the first movement speed V1 and the second movement speed V2 shown in FIG. 3. In sub-step (c2) of FIG. 4, after the aluminum-containing object 6 is immersed in the etchant 5 for a duration of a first time period t1, the aluminum-containing object 6 is then driven to move upwards along the height direction (Z) so as to expose a top edge of the aluminum-containing object 6 out of the etchant 5. At this time, a distance from the top edge of the aluminum-containing object 6 to a fluid level of the etchant 5 is referred to as the first distance L1, as shown in sub-step (c2) of FIG. 4, and a portion of the aluminum-containing object 6 remains immersed in the etchant 5. In sub-step (c3), after the portion of the aluminum-containing object 6 is immersed in the etchant 5 for a duration of a second time period t2, the aluminum-containing object 6 is then driven to move upwards along the height direction (Z) so as to expose another portion of the aluminum-containing object 6 out of the etchant 5. At this time, a distance from the top edge of the aluminum-containing object 6 to the fluid level of the etchant 5 is referred to as a sum of the first distance L1 and the second distance L2, as shown in sub-step (c3) of FIG. 4, and a residual portion of the aluminum-containing object 6 remains immersed in the etchant 5. After the residual portion of the aluminum-containing object 6 is immersed in the etchant 5 for a duration of a third time period t3, the aluminum-containing object 6 is completely moved out of the etchant 5. After performing the aforesaid sub-steps (c1) to (c3) of FIG. 4, a colorized aluminum-containing object 6F′, which is able to exhibit segmented colors, is obtained.
In sub-steps (c1) and (c2) of certain embodiments, the aluminum-containing object 6 formed with the aluminum oxide film 60 is further jet etched by the etchant.
In sub-steps (c1) and (c2) of certain embodiments, the aluminum-containing object 6 formed with the aluminum oxide film 60 may be further rotated in the etchant 5.
The colorized aluminum-containing object 6F obtained in step (b) of this disclosure is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in which FIG. 5 illustrates multiple nanopores of photonic crystals 622 within the aluminum oxide film 60 of the colorized aluminum-containing object 6F and FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged schematic view of FIG. 5 illustrating an outline of the nanopores of each photonic crystal 622.
According to this disclosure, the aluminum oxide film 60 has a number M of film bodies 621 sequentially stacked on the surface 611 of the aluminum-containing object 6, and a plurality of photonic crystals 622 distributed within each film body 621. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, each film body 621 extends along a first horizontal direction (X), and each photonic crystal 622 is located between two adjacent ones of the film bodies 621 along a second horizontal direction (Y) perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (X). Each photonic crystal 622 has a first pore structure 6221, a second pore structure 6222, two third pore structures 6223, and a fourth pore structure 6224 arranged in sequence along the first horizontal direction (X). The first horizontal direction (X) is a direction that extends perpendicular to the surface 611 of the aluminum-containing object 6, as shown in FIG. 5. It should be noted that the first to fourth pore structures 6221, 6222, 6223, 6224 of each photonic crystal 622 respectively correspond to the current densities of the first predetermined time period pt1, the second predetermined time period pt2, the third predetermined time period pt3, and the fourth predetermined time period pt4 of each cycle of the periodic current signals.
Referring further to FIGS. 6 and 7, since the first constant current density is applied during the first predetermined time period pt1 of each cycle of the periodic current signals, the first pore structure 6221, which is a nanopore having an equal diameter and extending along the first horizontal direction (X), is formed for each photonic crystal 622.
After the first pore structure 6221 is formed, since the first constant current density decreases to the second constant current density at a decreasing rate of current density during the second predetermined time period pt2 of each cycle of the periodic current signals, the second pore structure 6222, which is a nanopore communicating with the first pore structure 6221 of the same photonic crystal 622 and having a decreasing diameter that gradually tapers and extends along the first horizontal direction (X), is formed for each photonic crystal 622.
After the second pore structure 6222 is formed, since the second constant current density is applied during the third predetermined time period pt3 of each cycle of the periodic current signals, the third pore structures 6223, which extend along the first horizontal direction (X) and are spaced apart from each other along the second horizontal direction (Y), are formed for each photonic crystal 622. The third pore structures 6223 of each photonic crystal 622 are not in communication with the second pore structure 6222 of the same photonic crystal 622. In addition, each third pore structure 6223 of each photonic crystal 622 is a nanopore having an equal diameter which is smaller than the equal diameter of the nanopore of each first pore structure 6221.
After the third pore structures 6223 are formed, since the second constant current density rapidly increases to the first constant current density at an increasing rate of current density during the fourth predetermined time period pt4 of each cycle of the periodic current signals, the fourth pore structure 6224, which extends along the first horizontal direction (X) and is a nanopore having an increasing diameter that rapidly enlarges and extends along the first horizontal direction (X), is formed for each photonic crystal 622. As shown in FIG. 7, the first pore structure 6221 and the fourth pore structure 6224 of each photonic crystal 622 in the first horizontal direction (X) are respectively in communication with the fourth pore structure 6224 of an adjacent one of the photonic crystals 622 above and the first pore structure 6221 of an adjacent one of the photonic crystals 622 below. The fourth pore structure 6224 of each photonic crystal 622 is in communication with the third pore structures 6223 of the same photonic crystal 622. In addition, in step (b), a first layer of the film bodies 621 and the corresponding photonic crystals 622 distributed within the film bodies 621, formed after implementing a first cycle of the periodic current signals, are located farthest from the surface 611 of the aluminum-containing object 6,. Conversely, a Nth layer of the film bodies 621 and the corresponding photonic crystals 622 distributed within the film bodies 621, formed after implementing a Nth cycle of the periodic current signals, are in direct contact with the surface 611 of the aluminum-containing object 6.
In summary, in step (b) of the method of this disclosure, since a decreasing constant current density is applied during the second predetermined time period pt2 of each cycle of the periodic current signals, an undesirable high resistance issue associated with pulse voltage signals switching from a positive voltage value to a negative voltage value can be prevented, and the second pore structure 6222 of each photonic crystal 622 can be formed to provide inclined surface(s) between two adjacent film bodies 621 in the second horizontal direction (Y) within the aluminum oxide film 60. Therefore, the stability of the aluminum oxide film 60 after performing the anodizing treatment can be enhanced, and the colorized aluminum-containing object 6F, 6F′ obtained in step (b) can exhibit varying colors from different viewing angles due to the aforesaid inclined surface(s).
The present disclosure will be further described by way of the following examples. However, it should be understood that the following examples are solely intended for the purpose of illustration and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure in practice.
EXAMPLES Method for Colorizing an Aluminum-Containing Object First Embodiment (E1) A first embodiment of a method for colorizing an aluminum-containing object according to the present disclosure was performed as described below.
An aluminum alloy object with an outer diameter of 48 mm and having a concentric ring shape was subjected to a first pretreatment including polishing, degreasing, and sandblasting in sequence. To be specific, the aluminum alloy object was first subjected to rough polishing for 5 to 50 minutes using a diamond polishing solution containing diamond particles with a particle size ranging from 1 μm to 10μm and a polishing pad, followed by fine polishing for 30 to 200 minutes using a polishing solution and a velvet pad, so as to complete the polishing of the first pretreatment. Next, the polished aluminum alloy object was immersed in a degreasing solution containing a degreasing agent in a volume percentage concentration ranging from 1 vol % to 10 vol % at a temperature ranging from 40° C. to 70° C., and then subjected to ultrasonic oscillation cleaning for 1 to 10 minutes, followed by rinsing with purified water, blow drying, and drying in an oven at a temperature ranging from 75° C. to 100° C. for 20 to 30 minutes in sequence, so as to complete the degreasing of the first pretreatment. Afterward, the degreased aluminum alloy object was subjected to surface sandblasting using aluminum oxide (Al2O3) balls at a pressure ranging from 1 kg/cm2 to 5 kg/cm2. Each aluminum oxide ball has a diameter ranging from 40 μm to 500 μm.
Subsequently, the sandblasted aluminum alloy object was subjected to a second pretreatment including degreasing, alkaline cleaning, pre-pickling, chemical polishing, and post-pickling in sequence. To be specific, the sandblasted aluminum alloy object was immersed in a degreasing solution containing a degreasing agent in a volume percentage concentration ranging from 1 vol % to 10 vol % at a temperature ranging from 40° C. to 70° C., and then subjected to ultrasonic oscillation cleaning for 1 to 10 minutes, followed by rinsing with purified water, so as to complete the degreasing of the second pretreatment. Afterward, the degreased aluminum alloy object was immersed in an alkaline solution containing sodium hydroxide (NaOH) ranging from 1 wt % to 10 wt % at a temperature ranging from 40° C. to 70° C. for 30 to 120 minutes, followed by rinsing with purified water, so as to complete the alkaline cleaning of the second pretreatment. Next, the alkaline-cleaned aluminum alloy object was immersed in an acidic solution containing nitric acid (HNO3) at a temperature ranging from 20° C. to 50° C. for 1 to 5 minutes, followed by rinsing with purified water, so as to complete the pre-pickling of the second pretreatment. In particular, the acidic solution is comprised of a mixture of nitric acid and deionized water, with a volume ratio ranging from 1:9 to 5:5. Thereafter, the pre-pickled aluminum alloy object was immersed in an acidic solution containing phosphoric acid (H3PO4) ranging from 50 wt % to 85 wt % at a temperature ranging from 50° C. to 85° C. for 10 to 300 seconds, followed by rinsing with purified water, so as to complete the chemical polishing of the second pretreatment. Next, the chemical-polished aluminum alloy object was immersed in the acidic solution containing nitric acid (HNO3) at a temperature ranging from 20° C. to 50° C. for 1 to 5 minutes, followed by rinsing with purified water, so as to complete the post-pickling of the second pretreatment.
The post-pickled aluminum alloy object was then subjected to an anodizing treatment. In certain embodiments, the post-pickled aluminum alloy object served as a positive electrode, and a lead plate served as a negative electrode. The post-pickled aluminum alloy object was immersed in a sulfuric acid (H2SO4) electrolyte ranging from 0.5 M to 3.0 M at a temperature ranging from −5° C. to 10° C., and was subjected to the anodizing treatment in which periodic current signals ranging from 30 to 300 cycles were applied, so as to form an aluminum oxide film with a plurality of nanopores on a surface of the post-pickled aluminum alloy object.
In certain embodiments, the total duration for each cycle of the periodic current signals ranged from 200 to 1800 seconds. In each cycle of the periodic current signals, a first constant current density J1, which ranged from 1 mA/cm2 to 5 mA/cm2, was applied during a first predetermined time period pt1, which ranged from 30 to 300 seconds. Furthermore, in each cycle of the periodic current signals, a decreasing rate of current density J2, which ranged from 0.027 mA·cm−2·s−1 to 0.09 mA·cm−2·s−1, was applied during the second predetermined time period pt2, which ranged from 10 to 150 seconds. Moreover, in each cycle of the periodic current signals, a second current density J3, which ranged from 0.1 mA/cm2 to 1 mA/cm2, was applied during a third predetermined time period pt3, which ranged from 150 to 1350 seconds.
To be specific, the post-pickled aluminum alloy object was immersed in a 0.5 M sulfuric acid (H2SO4) electrolyte at a temperature of 0° C., and was then subjected to the anodizing treatment in which 200 cycles of periodic current signals were applied, so as to form the aluminum oxide film. The detailed information of the parameters of the periodic current signals in the anodizing treatment of E1 is summarized in Table 1 below with reference to FIG. 8.
TABLE 1
Total duration for each cycle of periodic current signals 1500
(sec)
pt1 (sec) 300
J1 (mA/cm2) 3
pt2 (sec) 100
J2 (mA · cm−2 · s−1)# 0.025
pt3 (sec) 1100
J3 (mA/cm2) 0.5
Total cycles of periodic current signals (cycles) 200
#The decreasing rate of current density applied during the second predetermined time period pt2
Finally, the anodized aluminum alloy object 6 was held on a holding module 31 of the lifting device 3, as shown in FIG. 2, followed by subjecting the aluminum oxide film formed on the surface of the anodized aluminum alloy object 6 to a segmented wet etching treatment using the automated wet etching system 100. To be specific, the anodized aluminum alloy object 6 was subjected to a three-segment wet etching treatment in the liquid storage container 2 containing an acidic solution with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) ranging from 1 wt % to 35 wt % to serve as the etchant 5. In this embodiment, the etchant 5 was an acidic solution with 5 wt % of phosphoric acid (H3PO4). The three-segment wet etching treatment included sub-steps (c1) to (c3), and was performed by an operator that inputted specific parameters of the three sub-steps into the control device 4. In this embodiment, the movement speed in each of sub-steps (c2) and (c3) ranged from 0.01 mm/s to 2.00 mm/s.
The detailed information of the parameters (i.e., the movement distance and the movement speed) of the three-segment wet etching treatment of E1 is summarized in Table 2 below.
TABLE 2
Movement Movement
Three-segment wet etching treatment distance (mm) speed (mm/s)
Sub-step (c1) Totally immersed — —
Sub-step (c2) Green color 24 0.06
Sub-step (c3) Blue-violet color 24 0.17
As shown in FIG. 9, with regard to the scanning electron microscope (SEM) image, the aluminum oxide film of E1 obtained after performing the anodizing treatment had multiple layers of film bodies and a plurality of photonic crystals distributed within each film body.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, after performing the anodizing treatment, the colorized aluminum alloy object of exhibited a green color in the top view image and exhibited a blue-violet color in the angled view (i.e., at a 45-degree angle) image. These results indicate that when performing the anodizing treatment, the decreasing constant current density is applied during the second predetermined time period pt2 of each cycle of the periodic current signals, which allows the colorized aluminum alloy object obtained after performing the anodizing treatment to exhibit different colors at different viewing angles.
Referring further to FIG. 12, after performing the three-segment wet etching treatment, the colorized aluminum alloy object exhibited a two-color gradient that shifted from a green color at the top to a blue-violet color at the bottom in the top view image.
Second Embodiment (E2) The procedures for colorizing the aluminum alloy object of E2 were similar to those of E1, bur differ in the detailed parameters of the anodizing treatment and the segmented wet etching treatment. In this embodiment, the total duration for each cycle of the periodic current signals ranged from 200 to 2100 seconds in the anodizing treatment. In each cycle of the periodic current signals, the first predetermined time period pt1 ranged from 40 to 360 seconds and the third predetermined time period pt3 ranged from 200 to 1800 seconds. In addition, the segmented wet etching treatment of E2 further included a sub-step (c4). In this embodiment, the movement speed in each of sub-step (c2), (c3), and (c4) ranged from 0.01 mm/s to 2.00 mm/s.
The detailed information of the parameters of the periodic current signals in the anodizing treatment of E2 is summarized in Table 3 below with reference to FIG. 13.
TABLE 3
Total duration for each cycle of periodic current signals 800
(sec)
pt1 (sec) 130
J1 (mA/cm2) 3
pt2 (sec) 150
J2 (mA · cm−2 · s−1)# 0.019
pt3 (sec) 520
J3 (mA/cm2) 0.5
Total cycles of periodic current signals (cycles) 150
#The decreasing rate of current density applied during the second predetermined time period pt2
The detailed information of the parameters (i.e., the movement distance and the movement speed) of a four-segment wet etching treatment of E2 is summarized in Table 4 below.
TABLE 4
Four-segmented wet etching Movement Movement
treatment distance (mm) speed (mm/s)
Sub-step (c1) Totally immersed — —
Sub-step (c2) Orange-red color 16 0.11
Sub-step (c3) Yellow-green 16 0.07
color
Sub-step (c4) Blue color 16 0.11
Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, after performing the anodizing treatment, the colorized aluminum alloy object of E2 exhibited an orange color in the top view image and exhibited a green color in the angled view (i.e., at a 45-degree angle) image.
Referring further to FIG. 16, after performing the four-segment wet etching treatment, the colorized aluminum alloy object of E2 exhibited a three-color gradient that shifted from an orange-red color at the top to a yellow-green color in the middle, and finally to a blue color at the bottom in the top view image.
Third Embodiment (E3) The procedures for colorizing the aluminum alloy object of E3 were similar to those of E2, but differ in that, in the four-segment wet etching treatment of E3, the aluminum alloy object formed with the aluminum oxide film was further jet etched by the etchant 5.
Referring to FIG. 17, after performing the four-segment wet jet etching treatment, the colorized aluminum alloy object exhibited a multi-color gradient that shifted from an orange color at top right to a yellow orange color at top left, a yellow color on the left, a green color on the bottom, and finally to a blue-green color at the right in the top view image.
Fourth Embodiment (E4) The procedures for colorizing the aluminum alloy object of E4 were similar to those of E3, but differ in that, in the four-segment wet etching treatment of E4, the aluminum alloy object formed with the aluminum oxide film was further rotated in the etchant 5.
Referring to FIG. 18, after performing the four-segment wet rotating jet etching treatment, the colorized aluminum alloy object of E4 exhibited a uniform gradient color change in the top view image.
Summarizing the above results of the first to four embodiments (i.e., E1 to E4) of the method for colorizing the aluminum alloy object according to the present disclosure, when performing the anodizing treatment, the decreasing constant current density J2 is applied during the second predetermined time period pt2 of each cycle of the periodic current signals, which allows the anodized and colorized aluminum alloy object to exhibit different colors at different viewing angles. In addition, after performing the anodizing treatment, the aluminum oxide film formed on the surface of the anodized aluminum alloy object is subjected to the segmented wet etching treatment, the segmented wet jet etching treatment, or the segmented wet rotating jet etching treatment using the automated wet etching system 100, so that the colorized aluminum alloy object can hence exhibit segmented colors (i.e., the colorized aluminum alloy object of E1), gradient distribution of colors (i.e., the colorized aluminum alloy object of E2), multi-color gradients (i.e., the colorized aluminum alloy object of E3), and uniform gradient color change (i.e., the colorized aluminum alloy object of E4). Therefore, the method for colorizing an aluminum-containing object of this disclosure is streamlined compared with that of TW 1553165 B as described above.
Automated Wet Etching System 100 for Performing Segmented Wet Etching First Embodiment Below is a detailed description of the first embodiment of the automated wet etching system 100 as shown in FIG. 2 used for implementing the aforesaid first embodiment (E1) and the aforesaid second embodiment (E2) of the method for colorizing an aluminum-containing object of this disclosure. For convenience of subsequent explanation, the automated wet etching system 100 defines a first horizontal direction (X), a second horizontal direction (Y) perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (X), and a vertical or height direction (Z) perpendicular to the first and second horizontal directions (X, Y). In this embodiment, the first horizontal direction (X) is a front-rear direction, and the arrow in FIG. 2 points to the front; the second horizontal direction (Y) is a left-right direction, and the arrow in FIG. 2 points to the left; and the vertical direction (Z) is an up-down direction, and the arrow in FIG. 2 points upward.
The machine base 1 includes a base body 11, a support frame 12 disposed on top of the base body 11, and a top frame 13 disposed on top of the base body 11 and surrounding the support frame 12. The liquid storage container 2 is disposed on top of the base body 11 in front of the support frame 12 for at least partially accommodating the etchant 5. The lifting device 3 is disposed on the support frame 12.
Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, an aluminum-containing object 6 (or an object to be etched) has a square shape, and has a top surface 61, a back surface 62 perpendicularly connected to a rear end of the top surface 61, and a threaded hole 63 formed in the back surface 62 adjacent to the top surface 61.
The lifting device 3 includes a holding module 31 and a lifting module 33. The holding module 31 is disposed on a bottom end of the lifting module 33 for holding the aluminum-containing object 6. The lifting module 33 is disposed on the support frame 12 for driving the holding module 31 and the aluminum-containing object 6 held thereby to move up and down in the vertical direction (Z).
The holding module 31 includes an overhang plate 310 connected to the bottom end of the lifting module 33, a holder 311, and a fastening assembly 312. The overhang plate 310 has a top surface 313, a front surface 314 perpendicularly connected to a front end of the top surface 313, a back surface 315 perpendicularly connected to a rear end of the top surface 313, a horizontal stop surface 316 perpendicularly connected to a bottom end of the front surface 314 and spaced apart from and located below the top surface 313 along the vertical direction (Z), and a vertical stop surface 317 perpendicularly connected to a rear end of the horizontal stop surface 316 and spaced apart from and located forwardly of the back surface 315 along the first horizontal direction (X). The horizontal stop surface 316 faces downward for stopping the top surface 61 of the aluminum-containing object 6. The vertical stop surface 317 faces forwardly to stop the back surface 62 of the aluminum-containing object 6. When the horizontal stop surface 316 stops the top surface 61 of the aluminum-containing object 6, the aluminum-containing object 6 partially protrudes out of a bottom end of the vertical stop surface 317. As such, a mutual overlapping range between the aluminum-containing object 6 and the overhang plate 310 in the first horizontal direction (X) can be reduced, so that a major portion of the aluminum-containing object 6 protrudes out of the bottom end of the vertical stop surface 317 without overlapping the overhang plate 310. The horizontal and vertical stop surfaces 316, 317 cooperatively define a positioning space 318 for positioning the aluminum-containing object 6. The overhang plate 310 is formed with a through hole 319 extending between the back surface 315 and the vertical stop surface 317 and communicating with the positioning space 318. The top surface 313 of the overhang plate 310 is formed with two threaded holes 320 spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (Y).
In the first embodiment, the holder 311 is a screw, and is configured to extend through the through hole 319 in the overhang plate 310 and to threadably engage the threaded hole 63 in the aluminum-containing object 6 so as to secure the aluminum-containing object 6 to the overhang plate 310 and to fixedly hold the aluminum-containing object 6. The fastening assembly 312 includes two screws 321 spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (Y). The lifting module 33 is an electric cylinder, and includes a lifting frame 331 that is movable up and down along the vertical direction (Z). The lifting frame 331 has a flat plate 332 at a bottom end thereof for abutting against the top surface 313 of the overhang plate 310. The flat plate 332 is formed with two through holes 333 spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (Y). Each screw 321 of the fastening assembly 312 is configured to extend through one of the through holes 333 in the flat plate 332 and to threadably engage a corresponding one of the threaded holes 320 in the overhang plate 310. Through this, the screws 321 of the fastening assembly 312 can fixedly fasten the overhang plate 310 to a bottom surface of the flat plate 332 of the lifting module 33.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the control device 4 is disposed on the top frame 13, and is electrically connected to the lifting module 33. The control device 4 includes a control panel 41 for operation by an operator. The operator can input parameters of a segmented wet etching treatment on the control panel 41 to control movement distance and movement speed of the lifting frame 331 along the vertical direction (Z) and a rest time of the lifting frame 331 when it stops moving. Through this, the lifting frame 331 can drive the aluminum-containing object 6 to perform segmented etching through the holding module 31.
With reference to FIGS. 19 and 21, to assemble the overhang plate 310 of the holding module 31 to the flat plate 332 of the lifting frame 331, the top surface 313 of the overhang plate 310 is first brought to abut against the bottom surface of the flat plate 332 such that the threaded holes 320 in the overhang plate 310 are aligned respectively with the through holes 333 in the flat plate 332. Subsequently, each screw 321 is inserted through the corresponding through hole 333 and threadably engaged with the corresponding threaded hole 320, so that the overhang plate 310 can be fixedly fastened to the bottom surface of the flat plate 332 and assembled on the flat plate 332. To remove the overhang plate 310 from the flat plate 332, each screw 321 is simply loosened. When each screw 321 is disengaged from the corresponding threaded hole 320, the overhang plate 310 can be removed from the flat plate 332. Hence, with the screws 321 of the fastening assembly 312 being able to fasten to or detach from the overhang plate 310, the overhang plate 310 can be detachably connected to the flat plate 332 of the lifting frame 331.
Referring again to FIGS. 19 to 21, to assemble the aluminum-containing object 6 to the overhang plate 310, a top portion of the aluminum-containing object 6 is first disposed in the positioning space 318 of the overhang plate 310 such that the top and back surfaces 61, 62 of the aluminum-containing object 6 respectively abut against the horizontal and vertical stop surfaces 316, 317 of the overhang plate 310 and such that the threaded hole 63 in the aluminum-containing object 6 is aligned with the through hole 319 in the overhang plate 310. Thereafter, the holder or screw 311 is inserted through the through hole 319 and threadably engaged with the threaded hole 63 so as to fixedly fasten the aluminum-containing object 6 to the overhang plate 310. With the horizontal stop surface 316 stopping the top surface 61 of the aluminum-containing object 6, and after the screw 311 secures the aluminum-containing object 6 to the overhang plate 310, the aluminum-containing object 6 can be prevented from rotating relative to the overhang plate 310 in a two-dimensional plane formed by the second horizontal direction (Y) and the vertical direction (Z). Furthermore, with the vertical stop surface 317 stopping the back surface 62 of the aluminum-containing object 6, and after the screw 311 secures the aluminum-containing object 6 to the overhang plate 310, the aluminum-containing object 6 can be prevented from rotating relative to the overhang plate 310 in a two-dimensional plane formed by the first and second horizontal directions (X, Y) and in a two-dimensional plane formed by the first horizontal direction (X) and the vertical direction (Z). Through this, the holding module 31 can stably fix the aluminum-containing object 6 to the overhang plate 310 and retain the aluminum-containing object 6 through the holder or screw 311 thereof, thereby reducing the number of components and the manufacturing cost of the holding module 31.
Below is a detailed description of a method in which the automated wet etching system 100 performs a segmented wet etching treatment on the aluminum-containing object 6.
Referring to FIG. 2, firstly, an operator inputs parameters of the segmented wet etching treatment on the control panel 41 to control the movement distance and movement speed at which the lifting frame 331 of the lifting module 33 moves along the vertical direction (Z) and the rest time when the lifting frame 331 stops moving. The segmented wet etching treatment of the first embodiment is exemplified as a three-segment wet etching treatment, so that the automated wet etching system 100 can perform a three-segment wet etching treatment on the aluminum-containing object 6. The segmented wet etching treatment of the first embodiment is not limited to a three-segment wet etching treatment, and may be a four-or more-segment wet etching treatment in other embodiments according to the requirements.
Referring to FIGS. 20 and 22, next, the control device 4 (see FIG. 2) is operated to control the up and down movement of the lifting module 33, so that the lifting frame 331 can drive the holding module 31 and the aluminum-containing object 6 held thereby to move downwardly along the vertical direction (Z). When the aluminum-containing object 6 moves down to a height position shown in FIG. 22 and is completely immersed in the etchant 5, the lifting frame 331 stops moving downward, so that the aluminum-containing object 6 can be immersed in the etchant 5 for a predetermined time without moving. At this time, an entire section 600 of the aluminum-containing object 6 along the vertical direction (Z) is etched by the etchant 5. Since the horizontal stop surface 316 stops the aluminum-containing object 6 such that a major portion thereof protrudes out of the bottom end of the vertical stop surface 317 without overlapping the overhang plate 310, when the entire section 600 of the aluminum-containing object 6 is completely immersed in the etchant 5, the volume of the overhang plate 310 immersed in the etchant 5 can be reduced.
Referring to FIG. 23, in combination with FIG. 22, when the predetermined time for immersing the entire section 600 of the aluminum-containing object 6 in the etchant 5 is achieved, the lifting frame 331 is actuated to drive the holding module 31 and the aluminum-containing object 6 held thereby to move upward along the vertical direction (Z). When the aluminum-containing object 6 is moved upwardly to a height position shown in FIG. 23, the upward movement of the lifting frame 331 is stopped, so that the aluminum-containing object 6 can be immersed in the etchant 5 for a predetermined time period without moving. The upward movement distance of the aluminum-containing object 6 is, for example, half the height of the aluminum-containing object 6, so that an upper half 601 of the aluminum-containing object 6 is exposed above the etchant 5, while a lower half 602 thereof is immersed in the etchant 5 and etched by the etchant 5.
Referring to FIG. 24, in combination with FIG. 23, when the predetermined time for immersing the lower half 602 of the aluminum-containing object 6 in the etchant 5 is achieved, the lifting frame 331 is actuated to drive the holding module 31 and the aluminum-containing object 6 held thereby to move upward along the vertical direction (Z). When the aluminum-containing object 6 is moved upwardly to a height position shown in FIG. 24, the upward movement distance of the aluminum-containing object 6 is, for example, half the height of the aluminum-containing object 6, and the lower half 602 of the aluminum-containing object 6 is exposed above the etchant 5. Subsequently, the lifting frame 331 is actuated to continuously drive the holding module 31 and the aluminum-containing object 6 held thereby to move upward along the vertical direction (Z) so as to return the aluminum-containing object 6 to the height position shown in FIG. 20. At this time, the segmented wet etching treatment of the aluminum-containing object 6 is finished. With the lifting module 33 driving the holding module 31 and the aluminum-containing object 6 to move up and down to different height positions, the aluminum-containing object 6 can be immersed in the etchant 5 in segments at different height positions for etching, so that the upper and lower halves 601, 602 of the aluminum-containing object 6 can respectively exhibit different etching effects.
Referring again to FIGS. 20 and 21, because the lifting module 33 is an electric cylinder, not only can the lifting module 33 continuously drive the aluminum-containing object 6 to move up and down through the holding module 31 thereof, it can also accurately control the movement distance and movement speed of the lifting frame 331, so that the aluminum-containing object 6 can be moved accurately positioned at different height positions. Furthermore, because the holding module 31 is disposed on the bottom end of the lifting module 33, the holding module 31 can be prevented from colliding with the liquid storage container 2 when driven by the lifting frame 331 to move up and down. In addition, because the holding module 31 can hold the aluminum-containing object 6 through the cooperation of the overhang plate 310 and the holder 311, the space occupied by the holding module 31 on the two-dimensional plane formed by the first and second horizontal directions (X, Y) can be reduced. As such, when the holding module 31 drives the aluminum-containing object 6 to penetrate into the liquid storage container 2, the holding module 31 can follow the aluminum-containing object 6 into the liquid storage container 2 without colliding with the latter, and the volume of the holding module 31 immersed in the etchant 5 can also be reduced. Moreover, because the holder or screw 311 is inserted into the overhang plate 310 and secured to the aluminum-containing object 6 along the first horizontal direction (X), the holder 311 can have a shorter length, and can hold the aluminum-containing object 6.
Second Embodiment Referring to FIG. 25, the second embodiment of the automatic wet etching system 100 has an overall structure substantially similar to that of the first embodiment. However, the shape of the aluminum-containing object 6′ and the structure of the holding module 31′ of the second embodiment are different from those of the first embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, in combination with FIG. 25, the aluminum-containing object 6′ is in the shape of a circular ring, and has a back surface 62 recessed forward to form a plurality of angularly spaced-apart insertion holes 64. The overhang plate 310 of the holding module 31′ is formed with a plurality of spaced-apart mounting holes 322 extending through the front surface 314 and the back surface 315 thereof. The holding module 31′ includes a plurality of holders 311′ respectively mounted in the mounting holes 322. Each holder 311′ is a pin that is inserted into the respective mounting hole 322 and protrude out of the front surface 314 of the overhang plate 310 for insertion into a respective one of the insertion holes 64 in the aluminum-containing object 6′ along the first horizontal direction (X). The holders 311′ are configured to be inserted into the respective insertion holes 64, such that the back surface 62 of the aluminum-containing object 6′ is spaced apart from the front surface 314 of the overhang plate 310. Through this, the back surface 62 of the aluminum-containing object 6′ can be prevented from contacting the front surface 314 of the overhang plate 310, thereby ensuring that the back surface 62 of the aluminum-containing object 6′ is exposed to the etchant 5 for etching when the aluminum-containing object 6′ is immersed in the etchant 5 (see FIG. 22). Each holder 311′ and the respective insertion hole 64 form an interference fit, thereby preventing the aluminum-containing object 6′ from being separated from the holders 311′ when lifted by the holding module 31′.
The holding module 31′ of the second embodiment provides another way to hold the aluminum-containing object 6′, which is suitable for securing the aluminum-containing object 6′ with a circular or arc-shaped outer peripheral surface rather than flat or having a small thickness that cannot be machined to form threaded holes.
Third Embodiment Referring to FIG. 28, the third embodiment of the automatic wet etching system 100 has an overall structure substantially similar to that of the first embodiment. However, the shapes of the aluminum-containing object 6′ and the liquid storage container 2′ and the structure of the lifting device 7 of the third embodiment are different from those of the first embodiment. In addition, the third embodiment of the automatic wet etching system 100 is used for implementing the aforesaid fourth embodiment (E4) of the method for colorizing an aluminum-containing object of this disclosure.
In the third embodiment, the liquid storage container 2′ is disposed on top of the base body 11 in front of the support frame 12 for accommodating the etchant 5, and the lifting device 7 includes a holding module and a lifting module 71 connected to each other. In this embodiment, the holding module is a holding rotation module 70 for holding the aluminum-containing object 6′ and driving the same to rotate to different angular positions. The lifting module 71 is disposed on the support frame 12, and is connected to the holding rotation module 70 for driving the holding rotation module 70 and the aluminum-containing object 6′ held thereby to move relative to the liquid storage container 2′, so that the aluminum-containing object 6′ can be etched by the etchant 5 accommodated in the liquid storage container 2′ in segments at different angular positions.
Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, in combination with FIG. 28, the aluminum-containing object 6′ is in the shape of, for example, a circular ring′, and has an inner peripheral surface 61′ defining a through hole 63′, and an outer peripheral surface 62′ opposite to the inner peripheral surface 61′.
Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, in combination with FIGS. 29 and 30, the holding rotation module 70 includes a carrier frame 72, a first holding wheel 73, a second holding wheel 74, a third holding wheel 75, a motor 76, a transmission mechanism 77, and a pneumatic cylinder 78. The carrier frame 72 is upright, and is formed with a receiving space 721, a first connecting hole 722, a second connecting hole 723, a first receiving hole 724, and a second receiving hole 725. The receiving space 721 is adjacent to a bottom end of the carrier frame 72. The first and second connecting holes 722, 723 are adjacent to the bottom end of the carrier frame 72, and are spaced apart from each other along the second horizontal direction (Y). Each of the first and second connecting holes 722, 723 extends along the first horizontal direction (X). The first receiving hole 724 communicates with a front end of the receiving space 721, and is located above the first and second connecting holes 722, 723. The second receiving hole 725 communicates with the front end of the receiving space 721 and a rear end of the first connecting hole 722.
An axle of the first holding wheel 73 extends along the first horizontal direction (X) to hold the aluminum-containing object 6′. The first holding wheel 73 includes a wheel body 731 and an elastic washer set 732. The wheel body 731 includes a holding portion 733 located in front of the carrier frame 72, a connecting portion 734 extending rearwardly from the holding portion 733 and rotatably connected to the first connecting hole 722, and a shaft portion 735 extending rearwardly from connecting portion 734 and inserted through the second receiving hole 725 into the receiving space 721. An outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 733 is radially recessed to form an annular groove 736 for accommodating the elastic washer set 732 and the inner peripheral surface 61′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′. The holding portion 733 has two opposing annular tapered stop surfaces 737 respectively located on front and rear sides of the annular groove 736 for stopping the aluminum-containing object 6′. The elastic washer set 732 includes a plurality of elastic washers 738 sleeved on the holding portion 733 within the annular groove 736. The elastic washers 738 are made of an elastic material, such as silicone or rubber, for contacting the aluminum-containing object 6′, thereby preventing damage to the aluminum-containing object 6′ when held by the first holding wheel 73.
A structure of the second holding wheel 74 is similar to that of the first holding wheel 73. An axle of the second holding wheel 74 extends along the first horizontal direction (X) to hold the aluminum-containing object 6′. The second holding wheel 74 includes a wheel body 741 and an elastic washer set 742. The wheel body 741 incudes a holding portion 743 located in front of the carrier frame 72, and a connecting portion 744 extending rearwardly from the holding portion 743 and rotatably connected to the second connecting hole 723. An outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 743 is radially recessed to form an annular groove 745 for accommodating the elastic washer set 742 and the inner peripheral surface 61′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′. The holding portion 743 has two opposing annular tapered stop surfaces 746 respectively located on front and rear sides of the annular groove 745 for stopping the aluminum-containing object 6′. The elastic washer set 742 includes a plurality of elastic washers 747 sleeved on the holding portion 743 within the annular groove 745. The elastic washers 747 are made of an elastic material, such as silicone or rubber, for contacting the aluminum-containing object 6′, thereby preventing damage to the aluminum-containing object 6′ when held by the second holding wheel 74. With the connecting portion 734 of the first holding wheel 73 and the connecting portion 744 of the second holding wheel 74 rotatably connected to the first and second connecting holes 722, 723, respectively, the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 can be arranged spaced apart from each other along the second horizontal direction (Y).
Referring to FIG. 33, in combination with FIGS. 30 to 32, a structure of the third holding wheel 75 is similar to that of the first holding wheel 73. An axle of the third holding wheel 75 extends along the first horizontal direction (X) to hold the aluminum-containing object 6′. The third holding wheel 75 includes a wheel body 751 and an elastic washer set 752. An outer peripheral surface of the wheel body 751 is radially recessed to form an annular groove 753 for accommodating the elastic washer set 752 and the outer peripheral surface 62′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′. The wheel body 751 has two opposing annular tapered stop surfaces 754 respectively located on front and rear sides of the annular groove 753 for stopping the aluminum-containing object 6′, and is formed with a shaft hole 755. The elastic washer set 752 includes a plurality of elastic washers 756 sleeved on the wheel body 751 within the annular groove 753. The elastic washers 756 are made of an elastic material, such as silicone or rubber, for contacting the aluminum-containing object 6′, thereby preventing damage to the aluminum-containing object 6′ when held by the third holding wheel 75.
Referring to FIG. 34, in combination with FIG. 32, in the third embodiment, each of the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 serves as a support wheel inserted into the through hole 63′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ for supporting the inner peripheral surface 61′ thereof through the elastic washer set 732, 742. The third holding wheel 75 is spaced above the first and second holding wheels 73, 74, and is positioned between the same, so that the first to third holding wheels 73, 74, 75 can be arranged in a triangle. The third holding wheel 75 serves as a pressure wheel capable of moving vertically up and down along the vertical direction (Z). The elastic washer set 752 is used for contacting a top end of the outer peripheral surface 62′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ and pressing the same against the first and second holding wheels 73, 74, so that the first to third holding wheels 73, 74, 75 can firmly hold the aluminum-containing object 6′ in a stable three-point positioning manner.
Referring again to FIGS. 30 to 32, the motor 76 is a stepper motor that is disposed at a front end of the carrier frame 72 and that includes a drive shaft 761 accommodated in the first receiving hole 724. The transmission mechanism 77 includes a first pulley 771 fixedly sleeved on the drive shaft 761, a second pulley 772 fixedly sleeved on the shaft portion 735 of the first holding wheel 73, and a transmission belt 773 wrapped around the first and second pulleys 771, 772. When the motor 76 is actuated to rotate the drive shaft 761 thereof, the first holding wheel 73 is driven to rotate through the transmission mechanism 77. Through this, the first holding wheel 73 serves as a primary driving wheel among the three holding wheels or two supporting wheels and is responsible for driving the aluminum-containing object 6′ to rotate, while the second and third holding wheels 74, 75 act as idler wheels.
With reference to FIGS. 30, 33 and 34, the pneumatic cylinder 78 is disposed at the front end of the carrier frame 72, and includes a sliding frame 781 that is movable up and down along the vertical direction (Z). The sliding frame 781 includes a shaft 782 extending along the first horizontal direction (X) and inserted into the shaft hole 755 of the third holding wheel 75 for connecting with the third holding wheel 75. The pneumatic cylinder 78 is operable to move the third holding wheel 75 between an initial position, in which the third holding wheel 75 is away from the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 (see FIG. 34), and a pressing position, in which the third holding wheel 75 is moved close to the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 so as to press against the top end of the outer peripheral surface 62′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ (see FIG. 35).
Referring again to FIG. 29, the lifting module 71 is an electric cylinder, and includes a lifting frame 711 that is movable up and down along the vertical direction (Z) and that is connected to a rear end of the carrier frame 72. The lifting frame 711 is configured to drive the holding rotation module 70 and the aluminum-containing object 6′ held thereby to move up and down along the vertical direction (Z), so that the aluminum-containing object 6′ can be accommodated in the liquid storage container 2′ and immersed in the etchant 5.
Referring again to FIGS. 28 and 31, a control device 4 is disposed on the top frame 13 of the machine base 1, and is electrically connected to the lifting module 71, the motor 76 and the pneumatic cylinder 78. The control device 4 includes a control panel 41 for operation by an operator. The operator can input parameters of a segmented wet etching treatment on the control panel 41 to control rotation angle and rotation speed of the drive shaft 761 of the motor 76 and a rest time of the drive shaft 761 when it stops rotating, as well as to control the operation of the lifting module 71 and the pneumatic cylinder 78. Through this, the motor 76 can drive the aluminum-containing object 6′ to perform segmented etching through the transmission mechanism 77 and the first holding wheel 73.
Below is a detailed description of a method in which the automated wet etching system 100 performs a segmented wet etching treatment on the aluminum-containing object 6′.
Referring to FIGS. 28, 30 and 34, firstly, the operator hangs the aluminum-containing object 6′ on the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 such that the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 extend through the through hole 63′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ and support the inner peripheral surface 61′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ through the elastic washer sets 732, 742 thereof. Hence, the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 can achieve the effect of stably supporting the aluminum-containing object 6′, so as to prevent the aluminum-containing object 6′ from rotating and shaking relative to either of the first and second holding wheels 73, 74.
Subsequently, the operator inputs parameters of the segmented wet etching treatment on the control panel 41 to control the rotation angle and the rotation speed of the drive shaft 761 of the motor 76 and the rest time of the drive shaft 761 when it stops rotating. The segmented wet etching treatment of the third embodiment is exemplified as a four-segment wet etching treatment, so that the automated wet etching system 100 can perform a four-segment wet etching treatment on the aluminum-containing object 6. The segmented wet etching treatment of the third embodiment are not limited to a four-segment wet etching treatment, and can be adjusted according to the requirements in other embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, in combination with FIG. 28, next, the control device 4 is operated to control actuation of the pneumatic cylinder 78, so that the sliding frame 781 thereof can drive the third holding wheel 75 to move downwardly along the vertical direction (Z). When the third holding wheel 75 is moved down to the pressing position shown in FIG. 35, the elastic washer set 752 of the third holding wheel 75 will contact the top end of the outer peripheral surface 62′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ and then press the aluminum-containing object 6′ toward the first and second holding wheels 73, 74, so that the inner peripheral surface 61′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ is pressed tightly against the elastic washer sets 732, 742 of the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 (only the elastic washer set 742 of the second holding wheel 74 is shown in FIG. 36). Through this, the elastic washer sets 732, 742, 752 of the first to third holding wheels 73, 74, 75 can firmly hold the aluminum-containing object 6′ in a stable three-point positioning manner.
Referring to FIG. 37, in combination with FIG. 28, thereafter, the control device 4 is operated to control actuation of the lifting module 71, so that the lifting frame 711 thereof can drive the holding rotation module 70 and the aluminum-containing object 6′ held thereby to move downwardly along the vertical direction (Z). When the aluminum-containing object 6′ is moved down to a predetermined height position shown in FIG. 37, is partially accommodated in the liquid storage container 2′, and is partially immersed in the etchant 5, the downward movement of the lifting frame 711 is stopped, so that a first section 64′ located in a lower half of the aluminum-containing object 6′ can be immersed in the etchant 5 for a predetermined time without moving, thereby being etched by the etchant 5.
Referring to FIG. 38, in combination with FIGS. 28, 31 and 37, when the predetermined time for immersing the first section 64′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ in the etchant 5 is achieved, the control device 4 is operated to control actuation of the motor 76, so that the drive shaft 761 thereof can drive the first pulley 771 to rotate in a rotational direction (R). During rotation of the first pulley 771, the second pulley 772 is synchronized to rotate in the rotational direction (R) by means of the transmission belt 773. During rotation of the second pulley 772, the first holding wheel 73 is driven by the second pulley 772 to rotate synchronously in the rotational direction (R). During rotation of the first holding wheel 73, the aluminum-containing object 6′ is driven by the first holding wheel 73 to rotate synchronously in the rotational direction (R) through a friction force between the elastic washers 738 and the inner peripheral surface 61′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′. When the aluminum-containing object 6′ is rotated to an angular position shown in FIG. 38, the rotation of the drive shaft 761 of the motor 76 is stopped, so that a second section 65′ located in a lower half of the aluminum-containing object 6′ can be immersed in the etchant 5 for a predetermined time without moving, thereby being etched by the etchant 5. The aluminum-containing object 6′ is rotated to the aforesaid angular position at a rotational angle of, for example, 90 degrees, so that an upper half of the first section 64′ is exposed above the etchant 5, while a lower half of the first section 64′ is still immersed in the etchant 5. In other words, the second section 65′ includes the lower half of the first section 64′.
Referring again to FIGS. 31, 36, and 38, because the annular tapered stop surfaces 737, 746, 754 of the first to third holding wheels 73, 74, 75 can stop front and rear ends of the aluminum-containing object 6′ to prevent the aluminum-containing object 6′ from any forward or backward movement during its rotation in the rotational direction (R), the first to third holding wheels 73, 74, 75 can stably drive the aluminum-containing object 6′ to rotate.
Referring to FIG. 39, in combination with FIGS. 28 and 38, when the predetermined time for immersing the second section 65′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ in the etchant 5 is achieved, the control device 4 is operated to control actuation of the motor 76 again, so that the drive shaft 761 can drive the aluminum-containing object 6′ to rotate in the rotational direction (R) through the transmission mechanism 77 and the first holding wheel 73. When the aluminum-containing object 6′ is rotated to another angular position shown in FIG. 39, the rotation of the drive shaft 761 of the motor 76 is stopped, so that a third section 66′ located in a lower half of the aluminum-containing object 6′ can be immersed in the etchant 5 for a predetermined time without moving, thereby being etched by the etchant 5. The aluminum-containing object 6′ is also rotated to the aforesaid another angular position at a rotational angle of 90 degrees, so that an upper half of the second section 65′ is exposed above the etchant 5, while a lower half of the second section 65′ is still immersed in the etchant 5. In other words, the third section 66′ includes the lower half of the second section 65′.
Referring to FIG. 40, in combination with FIG. 39, when the predetermined time for immersing the third section 66′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ in the etchant 5 is achieved, the motor 76 is actuated once again to drive the aluminum-containing object 6′ through the transmission mechanism 77 and the first holding wheel 73 to rotate 90 degrees in the rotational direction (R) to still another angular position shown in FIG. 40, so that a fourth section 67′ located in a lower half of the aluminum-containing object 6′ can be immersed in the etchant 5 for a predetermined time without moving, thereby being etched by the etchant 5.
Referring again to FIGS. 28, 35, and 40, when the predetermined time for immersing the fourth section 67′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ in the etchant 5 is achieved, the control device 4 is operated to control actuation of the lifting module 71, so that the lifting frame 711 thereof can drive the holding rotation module 70 and the aluminum-containing object 6′ held thereby to move upwardly along the vertical direction (Z) and to return to an initial height position shown in FIG. 35.
With reference to FIGS. 28 and 34, thereafter, the control device 4 is operated to control actuation of the pneumatic cylinder 78, so that the sliding frame 781 thereof can drive the third holding wheel 75 to move upwardly along the vertical direction (Z) and to return to the initial position shown in FIG. 34. At this time, the elastic washer set 752 (see FIG. 31) of the third holding wheel 75 is moved away from the outer peripheral surface 62′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ and is separated from the same by a certain distance, so that the operator can conveniently and quickly remove the aluminum-containing object 6′ from the first and second holding wheels 73, 74, thereby completing the segmented wet etching treatment of the aluminum-containing object 6′.
Referring once again to FIGS. 34 and 35, by means of the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 being inserted into the through hole 63′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ and supporting a top end of the inner peripheral surface 61′ thereof, the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 are able to suspend the aluminum-containing object 6′. Through this, the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 can provide the effect of stably supporting the aluminum-containing object 6′, so as to prevent the aluminum-containing object 6′ from rotating and shaking relative to either of the first and second holding wheels 73, 74. In addition, the aluminum-containing object 6′ can be ensured to be partially immersed in the etchant 5 when driven to move down to a predetermined height position. Furthermore, the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 can be prevented from being obstructed by the top end of the liquid storage container 2′ and cannot be moved downward. On the other hand, by means of the third holding wheel 75 and the pneumatic cylinder 78 being disposed above the first and second holding wheels 73, 74, a structural complexity of the holding rotation module 70 can be reduced, and the third holding wheel 75 and the pneumatic cylinder 78 can be prevented from interfering with the liquid storage container 2′, and thus affecting the up and down movement of the holding rotation module 70.
Fourth Embodiment Referring to FIGS. 41 to 43, the fourth embodiment of the automatic wet etching system 100 has an overall structure substantially similar to that of the third embodiment. However, in the fourth embodiment, the automatic wet etching system 100 can simultaneously implement such as the segmented wet jet etching treatment as described in the aforesaid third embodiment (E3) in addition to rotation, and further comprises a liquid supply device 20.
The liquid supply device 20 includes the liquid storage container 2′, a pump 22, a suction tube 23, and a flexible tube 24. The pump 22 is disposed on top of the base body 11 of the machine base 1 (see FIG. 28) in proximity to one side of the liquid storage container 2′. The pump 22 is electrically connected to the control device 4 (see FIG. 28), and can be controlled by the control device 4 to operate. The suction tube 23 is connected between the liquid storage container 2′ and the pump 22. The suction tube 23 is configured to extract the etchant 5 accommodated in the liquid storage container 2′ when the pump 22 is operated. The flexible tube 24 has one end connected to the pump 22, and the other end opposite to the pump and provided with a nozzle 241 that is disposed in the liquid storage container 2′. The nozzle 241 can correspond in position to the aluminum-containing object 6′, and is configured to jet spray the etchant 5 extracted by the pump 22 onto the aluminum-containing object 6′ when the pump 22 is operated.
When the lifting frame 711 of the lifting module 71 is actuated through the holding rotation module 70 to drive the aluminum-containing object 6′ to move downward to a predetermined height position shown in FIG. 42, the first section 64′ in the lower half of the aluminum-containing object 6′ corresponds in position to the nozzle 241 of the flexible tube 24, and is positioned behind the same. By virtue of the control device 4 controlling the pump 22 to operate, the pump 22 can extract the etchant 5 accommodated in the liquid storage container 2′ through the suction tube 23, and can jet spray the extracted etchant 5 onto the first section 64′ in the lower half of the aluminum-containing object 6′ through the nozzle 241 of the flexible tube 24, so as to subject the first section 64′ in the lower half of the aluminum-containing object 6′ to the segmented wet jet etching treatment. With the holding rotation module 70 being able to drive the aluminum-containing object 6′ to rotate to different angular positions in the manner as described in the third embodiment, the aluminum-containing object 6′ can be etched in sections by the etchant 5 jet sprayed from the nozzle 241 at different angular positions.
The liquid supply device 20 of the fourth embodiment performs jet etching of the aluminum-containing object 6′ through the nozzle 241, and when compared with the jet etching of the third embodiment, the jet etching of the fourth embodiment can achieve the same etching effect as the third embodiment at a shorter time. Through this, the etching processing time of the aluminum-containing object 6′ can be significantly reduced, thereby increasing the speed and efficiency of the segmented wet etching treatment. Therefore, the aluminum-containing object 6′ can maintain a better structural strength after performing the segmented wet etching treatment. In addition, with the pump 22 being used to extract the etchant 5 in the liquid storage container 2′ through the suction tube 23 and then eject the etchant 5 through the nozzle 241 of the flexible tube 24, and with the liquid storage container 2′ receiving the etchant 5 ejected from the nozzle 241 for extraction by the suction tube 23, the liquid supply device 20 can continuously recycle and reuse the etchant 5. Furthermore, since the flexible tube 24 is bendable and adjustable, the operator can correspondingly adjust a position, angle, and direction of the nozzle 241 according to the jet flow requirements for different aluminum-containing objects, thereby increasing the flexibility of use thereof.
It should be noted that the holding rotation module 70 of the third and fourth embodiments of the automatic wet etching system 100 may also be implemented depending on the requirements as follows:
In a first implementation, the second holding wheel 74 of the holding rotation module 70 is omitted, an outer diameter of the first holding wheel 73 is close to a diameter of the through hole 63′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′, and the aluminum-containing object 6′ is supported singly by the first holding wheel 73.
In a second implementation, the second holding wheel 74 of the holding rotation module 70 is omitted, and the first and third holding wheels 73, 75 cooperatively hold the inner peripheral surface 61′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′.
In a third implementation, the second holding wheel 74 of the holding rotation module 70 is omitted, and the first and third holding wheels 73, 75 cooperatively hold the outer peripheral surface 62′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′.
In a fourth implementation, the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 firmly hold the outer peripheral surface 62′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ and are adjacent to a bottom end of the outer peripheral surface 62′, so that the first to third holding wheels 73, 74, 75 cooperatively hold the outer peripheral surface 62′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′.
In a fifth implementation, the first and second holding wheels 73, 74 firmly hold the outer peripheral surface 62′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′ and are adjacent to a top end of the outer peripheral surface 62′, and the third holding wheel 75 firmly holds a top end of the inner peripheral surface 61′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′.
In a sixth implementation, the third holding wheel 75 firmly holds a bottom end of the inner peripheral surface 61′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′, so that the first to third holding wheels 73, 74, 75 cooperatively hold the inner peripheral surface 61′ of the aluminum-containing object 6′.
In summary, the method for colorizing an aluminum-containing object according to the present disclosure not only can enable a colorized aluminum-containing object therefrom to exhibit different colors at different viewing angles, but also can allow a single object to present segmented colors, gradient distribution of colors, multi-color gradient color, and uniform gradient color change. Therefore, the object of this disclosure can indeed be achieved.
In the description above, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment(s). It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that one or more other embodiments may be practiced without some of these specific details. It should also be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” an embodiment with an indication of an ordinal number and so forth means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in the practice of the disclosure. It should be further appreciated that in the description, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of various inventive aspects; such does not mean that every one of these features needs to be practiced with the presence of all the other features. In other words, in any described embodiment, when implementation of one or more features or specific details does not affect implementation of another one or more features or specific details, said one or more features may be singled out and practiced alone without said another one or more features or specific details. It should be further noted that one or more features or specific details from one embodiment may be practiced together with one or more features or specific details from another embodiment, where appropriate, in the practice of the disclosure.
While the disclosure has been described in connection with what is (are) considered the exemplary embodiment(s), it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s) but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.
