EP2855739B1 - Device for electrochemical treatment, locally in particular, of a conductor substrate - Google Patents

Device for electrochemical treatment, locally in particular, of a conductor substrate Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2855739B1
EP2855739B1 EP13731381.3A EP13731381A EP2855739B1 EP 2855739 B1 EP2855739 B1 EP 2855739B1 EP 13731381 A EP13731381 A EP 13731381A EP 2855739 B1 EP2855739 B1 EP 2855739B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrolyte
head
handle
pump
space
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EP13731381.3A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2855739A1 (en
Inventor
Jean Pierre CHAIX
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Dalic Laboratoire SA
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Dalic Laboratoire SA
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D21/00—Processes for servicing or operating cells for electrolytic coating
    • C25D21/10—Agitating of electrolytes; Moving of racks
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
    • C25D11/02—Anodisation
    • C25D11/022—Anodisation on selected surface areas
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
    • C25D11/02—Anodisation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D5/00—Electroplating characterised by the process; Pretreatment or after-treatment of workpieces
    • C25D5/04—Electroplating with moving electrodes
    • C25D5/06—Brush or pad plating
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25F—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC REMOVAL OF MATERIALS FROM OBJECTS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25F7/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells for electrolytic removal of material from objects; Servicing or operating

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for the electrochemical treatment, in particular localized, of a conductive substrate by displacement on said substrate, and usable in any position.
  • Such a device makes it possible, in particular, to produce electrochemically formed metal coatings and to perform localized recharging or retouching on metallic surfaces.
  • surfaces In the automotive, aeronautical or rail industry, it often happens that surfaces have to be prepared before assembly or before another surface treatment.
  • metal parts or surfaces may also be subject to wear, scratching, scuffing, or corrosion that justifies such localized metal touch-ups.
  • electrochemical treatment devices are already known such as, for example, devices of the buffer type, as well as devices using chambers or cells with electrolyte circulation or with gels in order to avoid electrolyte flows.
  • the electrolyte leakage in particular during the displacement of the device on the substrate, presents a real danger for the neighboring areas not to be treated and for the operator, because of the often corrosive nature of the electrolytes used.
  • an electrochemical treatment device which comprises an envelope provided with an opening and defining a space, an electrode disposed in this space and intended to be connected to one of the terminals of a source of electric current, the conductive substrate being intended to to be connected to the other terminal of this source, and an electrolyte supply and an electrolyte outlet, both in communication with said space.
  • this device has disadvantages in that the same tool can not be used on different surfaces to be treated, such as flat surfaces and convex shaped surfaces.
  • this device can not always fix accurately or maintain the flow of electrolyte which is however a defining characteristic for the quality of the electrochemical treatment.
  • the objective of the present invention is therefore to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a device for the electrochemical treatment which makes it possible to obtain an improved quality of deposition while being usable in different configurations of surfaces to be treated.
  • the present invention relates to a device for the electrochemical treatment, in particular localized, of a conductive substrate by displacement on said substrate and usable in any position, comprising a head, a power supply and an electrolyte output comprising each a flexible tube, the head comprising an envelope provided with an opening and defining a space, an electrode disposed in this space and intended to be connected to one of the terminals of an electric power source, the conductive substrate being intended to be connected to the other terminal of this source, a portion of the electrolyte supply and a portion of the electrolyte outlet, both in communication with said space, and a body of absorbent material, flexible, non-conductive of electricity and permeable to gases and liquids, this body being in contact with said electrode and closing said opening protruding from the latter, the device further comprising two peristaltic pumps, a first pump mounted on said electrolyte supply and a second pump mounted on said electrolyte outlet, the flow rate of the second pump being greater than that of the first pump so as
  • the device according to the invention allows a high quality electrochemical treatment, thanks to the control of the flow of the electrolyte, while being usable on a large variety of surfaces to be treated.
  • the head of the device is arranged so that the electrolyte arriving in the interior space of the head is partly retained by the absorbent material body with which it comes into contact, thus ensuring electrical continuity between the electrode and the substrate. driver to treat. Moreover, due to the depression prevailing within this space, there is continuous suction of the excess electrolyte. The electrolyte is thus renewed continuously, which contributes to the dissipation of the heat generated by the electrochemical treatment. In addition, and always because of this depression, there is continuous suction of outside air through the entire mass of the body of absorbent material, which limits any inadvertent flow through said opening and this, whatever the position of use of the device. In addition, this air suction ensures partial cooling of the electrolyte heating under the application of high intensity currents.
  • said electrolyte supply portion of the head opens into said space in the vicinity of said body of absorbent material, it being specified that the electrolyte supply portion preferably comprises less a hole made in the electrode and opening on the surface of this electrode, in the area of contact of the latter with said body of absorbent material.
  • the electrolyte as soon as it leaves the electrolyte supply, arrives directly on the absorbent material body to spread uniformly throughout the mass of this body.
  • said electrolyte outlet portion of the head originates in said space preferably in the vicinity of said body of absorbent material.
  • the absorbent material constituting the body used in the head of the device of the invention may in particular be made of a material having chemical resistance properties with respect to the electrolyte and thermal resistance in the working temperature range (from 15 ° C to 60 ° C).
  • This material must also be non-conductive of electricity and permeable to gases and liquids; finally, it should be chosen not to scratch the substrate to be treated.
  • This may for example be polyester wadding or a textile material, woven or non-woven, made of fibers or nylon felt.
  • the source of electric current may be a source of pulsed current or direct current.
  • the front face of the electrode may be flat if the device is to be used to treat a flat, convex surface or have an edge.
  • the front face of the electrode has a convex surface, for example a curved surface or even an angled section.
  • This embodiment is particularly suitable for the treatment of concave surfaces, for example an angle iron.
  • the head of the device is intended to be fixed on the handle, so that the respective portions of the feed and the electrolyte outlet of said handle and head are facing each other and connected to form a power supply and an electrolyte outlet passing through the head and the handle.
  • the head is removable from the handle of the device makes it possible to use the same device on different types of surfaces to be treated, by changing the head of the device or by modifying its adaptation on the sleeve.
  • the end of the head by which it is intended to be fixed on the handle has a solid surface.
  • the user will thus adapt the shape and size of the head of the device according to the surface to be treated.
  • the head and the handle of said device are coaxial, this embodiment being particularly suitable for the treatment of flat surfaces.
  • the head and the handle of said device form an angle between 0 and 90 °.
  • This embodiment is particularly advantageous for the treatment of convex surfaces or surfaces having a bore.
  • the head and the handle of said device can be fixed to one another by various means known to those skilled in the art.
  • the head of said device is clip on said handle.
  • a connector can be inserted between the head and the handle, to change the inclination between the head and the handle.
  • the device further comprises a device FRL (filtration and regulation) air supply.
  • FRL filtration and regulation
  • Such a device FR further improves the cooling of the electrolyte by Venturi effect.
  • the temperature of the electrolyte is decisive as regards the quality of the layer formed on the surface to be treated.
  • an FR device By using an FR device, it ensures the supply of clean air and regulated pressure, which avoids punctual stops of the device (in order to wait for the return to a suitable temperature).
  • the use in the device of a flowmeter and a brushless motor (brushless) for the pumps makes it possible to ensure the control and the regularity of the flow rates of the electrolyte supply and outlet, because the absence of broom prevents variation of rotation of the pump.
  • the device further comprises a display device for monitoring in real time the evolution of the flow rate of the electrolyte.
  • the device according to the invention may also be accompanied by software for implementing pre-established treatment programs. The user will only have to follow the instructions issued on the display device to begin the implementation of the electrochemical treatment.
  • the device as defined above allows the realization of all types of electrochemical treatments. It may be first of all the realization of an electrolytic deposit; in this case, the substrate to be treated will constitute the cathode and the electrode of the device will constitute the anode, this electrode being made of an insoluble material in the treatment conditions. It may also be a demetallization treatment using a demetallization electrolyte, the substrate to be treated being chosen as anode and the electrode of the device as a cathode. It may finally be an anodizing treatment of any substrate to be treated consisting of an oxidizable material such as aluminum, titanium and their alloys; in this application, the substrate to be treated will be chosen as the anode and the electrode of the device as the cathode.
  • the figure 1 represents a device according to the invention for the anodic oxidation for preparing a surface S of an aluminum part A, before bonding.
  • the device comprises a head 1 and a handle 2.
  • the head 1 comprises an envelope 3 having a lateral wall 4, a rear wall 5 and a front opening 6 opposite to the rear wall 5.
  • This envelope defines an internal space 7 in which is housed a cathode 8 facing the opening 6.
  • the cathode 8 has a front face 8b, in contact with a buffer 18 of absorbent material, flat, and may, for example, have a circular cross-section, square or rectangular, the useful cathode surface may vary from a few mm ⁇ 2> to a few cm ⁇ 2>.
  • the cathode 8 is also maintained in the space 7 by any means and in particular by fixing, by its rear face 8a, at least two points to the rear wall of the casing 3.
  • the cathode 8 has dimensions such as on the one hand, it delimits with the inner face of the side wall 4 of the casing 3 a continuous peripheral chamber and on the other hand, this front face 8b is located at a distance from the
  • the cathode 8 is provided with a bore 12 originating on its rear face 8a and opening on its front face 8b. Although only one hole is shown on the figure 1 , it is advantageous to provide several holes so that they open uniformly over the entire front face of the cathode 8. This or these holes 12 are connected, at the rear face 8a of the electrode, by a connector 13, to a conduit 14 electrolyte supply.
  • the wall 4 of the casing 3 is furthermore provided with a bore 15 extending from the inside face of this wall 4 to the outer face of the latter, where it is connected by a connection 16 to a duct 17. evacuation of electrolyte.
  • the opening 6 is closed by a buffer of absorbing material 18 whose thickness is chosen so that on the one hand, it is in contact with the entire front face 8b of the electrode 8 and on the other hand, protrudes slightly outside said opening, it being specified that the bore 15 will be made in such a way that it opens into the space 7 at a point sufficiently far from the opening 4 so that this point is not covered by said pad 18.
  • the handle 2 of the device according to the invention comprises an envelope 20 which defines an internal space 21, generally in the same material as that of the envelope 3 of the head 1, and has a front wall 22 and a side wall 23.
  • the internal space 21 of the handle 2 also comprises a connecting cable 19 to the "minus" terminal 9 of a generator G of current, in particular pulsed current, whose "plus” terminal 10 is connected to a point 11 of the workpiece A, said cable opening on the front wall of the casing 22 so as to be located facing the portion of the rear face 8a of the cathode 8 opening on the rear face of the head 1.
  • the electrode 8 is connected to the "plus" terminal of the generator G.
  • the duct 24 is connected to the suction of a peristaltic pump 26, the discharge of which is connected to a duct 27 which communicates with the reserve R of electrolyte E.
  • conduit 25 it is connected to the discharge of a peristaltic pump 28 whose suction is connected to a conduit 29 whose free end is immersed in the electrolyte of the reserve R.
  • the peristaltic pumps 26 and 28 comprise two rotors provided with peripheral rollers and mounted axially on a shaft adapted to be rotated by a brushless motor.
  • the flow rate of the pump 26 is controlled by a flowmeter (not shown) making it possible to set and modify the flow rate of the pump in real time so as to adapt it best to the conditions of use of the device of the invention.
  • the head 1 and the handle 2 are fixed to each other at their rear wall 5 and front wall 22 respectively, removably by any suitable fastening means, in particular by clipping.
  • the head 1 and the handle 2 are coaxial, but it is also possible that they form an angle between 0 and 90 ° C.
  • the head 1 and the handle 2 are clipped on one another, then the peristaltic pumps 26 and 28 are brought into action.
  • the electrolyte E of the reserve R is sucked by the pump 26 and brought from the reserve R via the conduit 27, the pump 26, the conduits 24 and 14 and the bore 12 on the buffer 18 which is thus impregnated with the electrolyte.
  • the flow rate of the pump 26, fixed by means of the flowmeter is chosen so that a quantity sufficient electrolyte reaches the buffer 18 to perform anodic oxidation under good conditions.
  • the flow rate of the pump 28 is fixed so as to create, inside the casing 3, a sufficient vacuum without drying the pad 18.
  • the electrode 8 and the part A are connected to the current generator G.
  • the device is then operational to carry out the anodic oxidation and it suffices to move this device, manually or mechanically, on the surface S to be treated and orthogonally with respect to this surface.
  • the two pumps 26 and 28 are peristaltic pumps which comprise two rotors both mounted axially on a common shaft adapted to be rotated by a drive motor.
  • the rotors comprise at their peripheries pebbles.
  • Said pumps 26 and 28 also comprise a first bearing surface on which is applied a flexible tube connecting the conduits 14, 24 and 27 shown in FIG. figure 1 , and a second bearing surface on which is applied a flexible tube connecting the ducts 17, 25 and 29 shown in FIG. figure 1 .
  • the rotors are arranged and dimensioned in diameter so that their rollers compress the flexible tubes crushing, so that when the rotors are rotated, said rollers moving along the flexible tubes advance the electrolyte in these same tubes.
  • the diameter of the rotors and / or the diameter of the flexible tubes are furthermore chosen so that the flow rate at the outlet of the tube connected to the electrolyte evacuation conduits is greater than that at the outlet of the tube connected to the supply ducts of the tube. electrolyte so as to create a depression within the interior space 7.
  • the figure 2 represents an alternative of the device according to the invention similar to that presented to the figure 1 but in which the front face 8b 'of the cathode 8' in contact with the pad 6 'and has a square section.
  • the device of the figure 2 is particularly suitable for the treatment of the surface S 'which has an angle of 90 ° C.
  • the device according to the invention is able to be implemented on parts of various shapes and volumes, and is not limited to flat surfaces. Thus, it can be used on surfaces to be treated which have dimensions of a few square centimeters to a few square decimetres or at joints of sheet metal, flat or in "step"; or on convex surfaces or sharp edges.
  • the surfaces to be treated may furthermore have all the inclinations; in particular, it is possible to modify the ceiling.
  • electrochemical treatment alterations may, according to the invention, be carried out either in a fixed position in a laboratory or in a workshop, or in a mobile station for on-site interventions. In the latter case, it will advantageously benefit from the total absence of flow out of the device whatever its position (this due to the depression created by the two pumps).

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)
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Description

La présente invention a pour objet un dispositif pour le traitement électrochimique, notamment localisé, d'un substrat conducteur par déplacement sur ledit substrat, et utilisable en toutes positions.The present invention relates to a device for the electrochemical treatment, in particular localized, of a conductive substrate by displacement on said substrate, and usable in any position.

Un tel dispositif permet notamment de réaliser des revêtements métalliques formés par voie électrochimique et d'effectuer des rechargements localisés ou des retouches sur des surfaces métalliques. Dans l'industrie automobile, aéronautique ou ferroviaire, il arrive fréquemment que des surfaces doivent être préparées avant assemblage ou avant un autre traitement de surface. Dans ces industries et dans de nombreuses autres, parmi lesquelles la plasturgie ou la mécanique, il arrive aussi que des pièces ou des surfaces métalliques subissent une usure, des rayures, des éraflures ou des atteintes de corrosion qui justifient de telles retouches métalliques localisées.Such a device makes it possible, in particular, to produce electrochemically formed metal coatings and to perform localized recharging or retouching on metallic surfaces. In the automotive, aeronautical or rail industry, it often happens that surfaces have to be prepared before assembly or before another surface treatment. In these and many other industries, including plastics and mechanical engineering, metal parts or surfaces may also be subject to wear, scratching, scuffing, or corrosion that justifies such localized metal touch-ups.

On connaît déjà de tels dispositifs de traitement électrochimique tels que par exemple des dispositifs du type tampon, ainsi que des dispositifs faisant appel à des chambres ou des cellules à circulation d'électrolyte ou à des gels afin d'éviter des écoulements d'électrolyte.Such electrochemical treatment devices are already known such as, for example, devices of the buffer type, as well as devices using chambers or cells with electrolyte circulation or with gels in order to avoid electrolyte flows.

Ces dispositifs présentent cependant toujours des risques d'écoulement lors du traitement, liés à la qualité de l'étanchéité assurée par les joints ou lors du nettoyage après traitement (dans le cas des gels), et des risques liés à l'uniformité du traitement.These devices, however, always have run-off risks during processing, related to the quality of the sealing provided by the seals or during cleaning after treatment (in the case of gels), and the risks related to the uniformity of treatment .

Ainsi, les fuites d'électrolyte notamment lors du déplacement du dispositif sur le substrat présentent un réel danger pour les zones voisines ne devant pas être traitées et pour l'opérateur, en raison du caractère souvent corrosif des électrolytes utilisés.Thus, the electrolyte leakage, in particular during the displacement of the device on the substrate, presents a real danger for the neighboring areas not to be treated and for the operator, because of the often corrosive nature of the electrolytes used.

D'autre part, on connaît par le document EP 0 663 461 , un dispositif de traitement électrochimique qui comprend une enveloppe pourvue d'une ouverture et définissant un espace, une électrode disposée dans cet espace et destinée à être reliée à l'une des bornes d'une source de courant électrique, le substrat conducteur étant destiné à être relié à l'autre borne de cette source, et une alimentation d'électrolyte et une sortie d'électrolyte, toutes deux en communication avec ledit espace.
Toutefois, ce dispositif présente des inconvénients en ce que le même outil ne peut être utilisé sur des surfaces à traiter différentes, telles que des surfaces planes et des surfaces de forme convexe.On the other hand, we know from the document EP 0 663 461 , an electrochemical treatment device which comprises an envelope provided with an opening and defining a space, an electrode disposed in this space and intended to be connected to one of the terminals of a source of electric current, the conductive substrate being intended to to be connected to the other terminal of this source, and an electrolyte supply and an electrolyte outlet, both in communication with said space.
However, this device has disadvantages in that the same tool can not be used on different surfaces to be treated, such as flat surfaces and convex shaped surfaces.

De plus, ce dispositif de permet pas toujours de fixer avec précision ni de maintenir le débit d'électrolyte qui est pourtant une caractéristique déterminante pour la qualité du traitement électrochimique.In addition, this device can not always fix accurately or maintain the flow of electrolyte which is however a defining characteristic for the quality of the electrochemical treatment.

L'objectif de la présente invention est donc de palier les inconvénients susmentionnés et de proposer un dispositif pour le traitement électrochimique qui permette d'obtenir une qualité de dépôt améliorée tout en étant utilisable dans différentes configurations de surfaces à traiter.The objective of the present invention is therefore to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a device for the electrochemical treatment which makes it possible to obtain an improved quality of deposition while being usable in different configurations of surfaces to be treated.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet un dispositif pour le traitement électrochimique, notamment localisé, d'un substrat conducteur par déplacement sur ledit substrat et utilisable en toutes positions, comprenant, une tête, une alimentation et une sortie d'électrolyte comprenant chacune un tube souple,
la tête comprenant une enveloppe pourvue d'une ouverture et définissant un espace, une électrode disposée dans cet espace et destinée à être reliée à l'une des bornes d'une source de courant électrique, le substrat conducteur étant destiné à être relié à l'autre borne de cette source, une portion de l'alimentation d'électrolyte et une portion de la sortie d'électrolyte, toutes deux en communication avec ledit espace, et un corps en matière absorbante, souple, non conductrice de l'électricité et perméable aux gaz et aux liquides, ce corps étant en contact avec ladite électrode et obturant ladite ouverture en faisant saillie hors de cette dernière,
le dispositif comprenant en outre deux pompes péristaltiques, une première pompe montée sur ladite alimentation d'électrolyte et une deuxième pompe montée sur ladite sortie d'électrolyte, le débit de la deuxième pompe étant supérieur à celui de la première pompe de manière à créer une dépression dans ledit espace de ladite tête,
caractérisé en ce que le dispositif comporte en outre un manche sur lequel ladite tête est destinée à être fixée, et comprenant une enveloppe, une portion de l'alimentation d'électrolyte et une portion de la sortie d'électrolyte destinées à être raccordées respectivement sur les portions de l'alimentation d'électrolyte et de la sortie d'électrolyte de ladite tête,
la tête dudit dispositif est amovible dudit manche,
lesdites première et deuxième pompes comprennent deux rotors pourvus de galets périphériques et montés axialement sur un arbre apte à être amené en rotation par un moteur sans balais, les galets de l'un des rotors coopérant avec le tube souple de l'alimentation d'électrolyte et les galets de l'autre rotor coopérant avec le tube souple de la sortie d'électrolyte, et les diamètres desdits rotors et/ou desdits tubes souples étant choisis pour créer ladite dépression dans ledit espace
et en ce que le dispositif comporte en outre un débitmètre permettant de régler et contrôler le débit de ladite première pompe ainsi que le débit de l'électrolyte dans la portion d'alimentation d'électrolyte de ladite tête.For this purpose, the present invention relates to a device for the electrochemical treatment, in particular localized, of a conductive substrate by displacement on said substrate and usable in any position, comprising a head, a power supply and an electrolyte output comprising each a flexible tube,
the head comprising an envelope provided with an opening and defining a space, an electrode disposed in this space and intended to be connected to one of the terminals of an electric power source, the conductive substrate being intended to be connected to the other terminal of this source, a portion of the electrolyte supply and a portion of the electrolyte outlet, both in communication with said space, and a body of absorbent material, flexible, non-conductive of electricity and permeable to gases and liquids, this body being in contact with said electrode and closing said opening protruding from the latter,
the device further comprising two peristaltic pumps, a first pump mounted on said electrolyte supply and a second pump mounted on said electrolyte outlet, the flow rate of the second pump being greater than that of the first pump so as to create a depression in said space of said head,
characterized in that the device further comprises a handle on which said head is intended to be fixed, and comprising an envelope, a portion of the electrolyte supply and a portion of the electrolyte outlet intended to be respectively connected to the portions of the electrolyte supply and the electrolyte outlet of said head,
the head of said device is removable from said handle,
said first and second pumps comprise two rotors provided with peripheral rollers and mounted axially on a shaft which can be rotated by a brushless motor, the rollers of one of the rotors cooperating with the flexible tube of the electrolyte supply and the rollers of the other rotor cooperating with the flexible tube of the electrolyte outlet, and the diameters of said rotors and / or said flexible tubes being chosen to create said depression in said space
and in that the device further comprises a flowmeter for adjusting and controlling the flow rate of said first pump and the flow rate of the electrolyte in the electrolyte supply portion of said head.

Le dispositif selon l'invention permet un traitement électrochimique de qualité, grâce à la maîtrise du débit de l'électrolyte, tout en étant utilisable sur une grande variété de surfaces à traiter.The device according to the invention allows a high quality electrochemical treatment, thanks to the control of the flow of the electrolyte, while being usable on a large variety of surfaces to be treated.

La tête du dispositif est agencée de sorte que l'électrolyte parvenant dans l'espace intérieur de la tête est en partie retenu par le corps en matière absorbante avec lequel il entre en contact, assurant ainsi une continuité électrique entre l'électrode et le substrat conducteur à traiter. Par ailleurs, en raison de la dépression régnant au sein de cet espace, il y a aspiration en continu de l'excédent d'électrolyte. L'électrolyte se trouve ainsi renouvelé en continu, ce qui contribue à la dissipation de la chaleur générée par le traitement électrochimique. En outre, et toujours en raison de cette dépression, il y a aspiration en continu d'air extérieur au travers de toute la masse du corps en matière absorbante, ce qui limite tout écoulement intempestif par ladite ouverture et ce, quelle que soit la position d'utilisation du dispositif. En outre, cette aspiration d'air assure le refroidissement partiel de l'électrolyte s'échauffant sous l'application de courants d'intensité élevée.The head of the device is arranged so that the electrolyte arriving in the interior space of the head is partly retained by the absorbent material body with which it comes into contact, thus ensuring electrical continuity between the electrode and the substrate. driver to treat. Moreover, due to the depression prevailing within this space, there is continuous suction of the excess electrolyte. The electrolyte is thus renewed continuously, which contributes to the dissipation of the heat generated by the electrochemical treatment. In addition, and always because of this depression, there is continuous suction of outside air through the entire mass of the body of absorbent material, which limits any inadvertent flow through said opening and this, whatever the position of use of the device. In addition, this air suction ensures partial cooling of the electrolyte heating under the application of high intensity currents.

Selon un mode de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention, ladite portion d'alimentation d'électrolyte de la tête débouche dans ledit espace au voisinage dudit corps en matière absorbante, étant précisé que la portion d'alimentation d'électrolyte comprend de préférence au moins un perçage pratiqué dans l'électrode et débouchant à la surface de cette électrode, au niveau de la zone de contact de cette dernière avec ledit corps en matière absorbante. De la sorte, l'électrolyte, dès sa sortie de l'alimentation d'électrolyte, parvient directement sur le corps en matière absorbante pour se répandre uniformément dans toute la masse de ce corps. En outre, ladite portion de sortie d'électrolyte de la tête prend naissance dans ledit espace de préférence au voisinage dudit corps en matière absorbante.According to one embodiment of the device of the invention, said electrolyte supply portion of the head opens into said space in the vicinity of said body of absorbent material, it being specified that the electrolyte supply portion preferably comprises less a hole made in the electrode and opening on the surface of this electrode, in the area of contact of the latter with said body of absorbent material. In this way, the electrolyte, as soon as it leaves the electrolyte supply, arrives directly on the absorbent material body to spread uniformly throughout the mass of this body. In addition, said electrolyte outlet portion of the head originates in said space preferably in the vicinity of said body of absorbent material.

La matière absorbante constituant le corps mis en oeuvre dans la tête du dispositif de l'invention pourra notamment être en un matériau présentant des propriétés de résistance chimique à l'égard de l'électrolyte et de résistance thermique dans la plage de température de travail (de 15 DEG C à 60 DEG C). Cette matière devra en outre être non conductrice de l'électricité et perméable aux gaz et aux liquides ; enfin, elle devra être choisie pour ne pas rayer le substrat à traiter. Il pourra s'agir par exemple de ouate de polyester ou encore d'une matière textile, tissée ou non tissée, constituée de fibres ou de feutre de nylon.The absorbent material constituting the body used in the head of the device of the invention may in particular be made of a material having chemical resistance properties with respect to the electrolyte and thermal resistance in the working temperature range (from 15 ° C to 60 ° C). This material must also be non-conductive of electricity and permeable to gases and liquids; finally, it should be chosen not to scratch the substrate to be treated. This may for example be polyester wadding or a textile material, woven or non-woven, made of fibers or nylon felt.

On ajoutera que la source de courant électrique pourra être une source de courant pulsé ou de courant continu.It will be added that the source of electric current may be a source of pulsed current or direct current.

On choisira la forme de la face avant de l'électrode en contact avec le corps en matière absorbante en fonction des applications envisagées.We will choose the shape of the front face of the electrode in contact with the body of absorbent material according to the intended applications.

Par exemple, la face avant de l'électrode peut être plane si le dispositif est destiné à être utilisé pour traiter une surface plane, convexe ou présentent une arête.For example, the front face of the electrode may be flat if the device is to be used to treat a flat, convex surface or have an edge.

Alternativement, la face avant de l'électrode présente une surface convexe, par exemple une surface bombée ou même une section en équerre. Ce mode de réalisation est particulièrement adapté pour le traitement de surfaces concaves, par exemple une cornière.Alternatively, the front face of the electrode has a convex surface, for example a curved surface or even an angled section. This embodiment is particularly suitable for the treatment of concave surfaces, for example an angle iron.

De plus, on peut prévoir de fixer l'électrode de la tête en deux points, et d'améliorer ainsi sa tenue.In addition, it is possible to fix the electrode of the head at two points, and thus improve its behavior.

La tête du dispositif est destinée à être fixée sur le manche, de façon à ce que les portions respectives de l'alimentation et de la sorties d'électrolyte desdits manche et tête viennent en regard les unes de autres et raccordées de façon à former une alimentation et une sortie d'électrolyte traversant la tête et le manche.The head of the device is intended to be fixed on the handle, so that the respective portions of the feed and the electrolyte outlet of said handle and head are facing each other and connected to form a power supply and an electrolyte outlet passing through the head and the handle.

Le fait que la tête soit amovible du manche du dispositif permet d'utiliser le même dispositif sur différents types de surfaces à traiter, en changeant la tête du dispositif ou en modifiant son adaptation sur la manche.The fact that the head is removable from the handle of the device makes it possible to use the same device on different types of surfaces to be treated, by changing the head of the device or by modifying its adaptation on the sleeve.

De préférence, l'extrémité de la tête par laquelle elle est destinée à être fixée sur le manche présente une surface pleine.Preferably, the end of the head by which it is intended to be fixed on the handle has a solid surface.

L'utilisateur adaptera ainsi la forme et la taille de la tête du dispositif en fonction de la surface à traiter.The user will thus adapt the shape and size of the head of the device according to the surface to be treated.

Ainsi, selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la tête et le manche dudit dispositif sont coaxiaux, ce mode de réalisation étant particulièrement adapté au traitement des surfaces planes.Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the head and the handle of said device are coaxial, this embodiment being particularly suitable for the treatment of flat surfaces.

Alternativement, la tête et le manche dudit dispositif forment un angle compris entre 0 et 90°. Ce mode de réalisation est particulièrement avantageux pour le traitement de surfaces convexes ou de surfaces présentant un alésage.Alternatively, the head and the handle of said device form an angle between 0 and 90 °. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for the treatment of convex surfaces or surfaces having a bore.

La tête et le manche dudit dispositif peuvent être fixés l'un à l'autre par différents moyens connus de l'homme du métier.The head and the handle of said device can be fixed to one another by various means known to those skilled in the art.

En particulier, la tête dudit dispositif est clipsable sur ledit manche.In particular, the head of said device is clip on said handle.

Dans une variante, un raccord peut être intercalé entre la tête et le manche, permettant de modifier l'inclinaison entre la tête et le manche.Alternatively, a connector can be inserted between the head and the handle, to change the inclination between the head and the handle.

On peut prévoir que l'extrémité de la tête destinée à être fixée sur le manche soit pleine, et que des raccords pour les deux portions d'alimentation et de sortie d'électrolyte fassent saillie.It can be provided that the end of the head to be fixed on the handle is full, and that connections for the two feed portions and electrolyte outlet protrude.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, le dispositif comporte en outre un dispositif FRL (filtration et régulation) d'alimentation en air.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a device FRL (filtration and regulation) air supply.

Un tel dispositif FR permet d'améliorer encore le refroidissement de l'électrolyte par effet Venturi.Such a device FR further improves the cooling of the electrolyte by Venturi effect.

En effet, lorsque le dispositif selon l'invention est utilisé pour réaliser un dépôt électrolytique ou lors d'une opération d'anodisation, la température de l'électrolyte est déterminante en ce qui concerne la qualité de la couche formée sur la surface à traiter.Indeed, when the device according to the invention is used to carry out an electrolytic deposition or during an anodization operation, the temperature of the electrolyte is decisive as regards the quality of the layer formed on the surface to be treated. .

En utilisant un dispositif FR, on s'assure de l'alimentation en air propre et régulé en pression, ce qui permet d'éviter les arrêts ponctuels du dispositif (afin d'attendre le retour à une température adéquate).By using an FR device, it ensures the supply of clean air and regulated pressure, which avoids punctual stops of the device (in order to wait for the return to a suitable temperature).

Par ailleurs, l'utilisation dans le dispositif d'un débitmètre et d'un moteur sans balais (brushless) pour les pompes permet d'assurer le contrôle et la régularité des débits des alimentation et sortie d'électrolyte, car l'absence de balai permet d'éviter des variation de rotation de la pompe.Furthermore, the use in the device of a flowmeter and a brushless motor (brushless) for the pumps makes it possible to ensure the control and the regularity of the flow rates of the electrolyte supply and outlet, because the absence of broom prevents variation of rotation of the pump.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif comprend en outre un dispositif d'affichage permettant de suivre en temps réel l'évolution du débit de l'électrolyte.According to one embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a display device for monitoring in real time the evolution of the flow rate of the electrolyte.

Le dispositif selon l'invention peut également être accompagné d'un logiciel permettant de mettre en oeuvre des programmes de traitement pré-établis. L'utilisateur n'aura donc plus qu'à suivre les instructions délivrées sur le dispositif d'affichage pour commencer la mise en oeuvre du traitement électrochimique.The device according to the invention may also be accompanied by software for implementing pre-established treatment programs. The user will only have to follow the instructions issued on the display device to begin the implementation of the electrochemical treatment.

Le dispositif tel que défini ci-dessus permet la réalisation de tous types de traitements électrochimiques. Il pourra s'agir d'abord de la réalisation d'un dépôt électrolytique ; dans ce cas, le substrat à traiter constituera la cathode et l'électrode du dispositif constituera l'anode, cette électrode étant en un matériau insoluble dans les conditions de traitement. Il peut s'agir également d'un traitement de démétallisation faisant appel à un électrolyte de démétallisation, le substrat à traiter étant choisi comme anode et l'électrode du dispositif comme cathode. Il peut s'agir enfin d'un traitement d'anodisation de tout substrat à traiter constitué d'un matériau oxydable tel que l'aluminium, le titane et leurs alliages ; dans cette application, le substrat à traiter sera choisi comme anode et l'électrode du dispositif comme cathode.The device as defined above allows the realization of all types of electrochemical treatments. It may be first of all the realization of an electrolytic deposit; in this case, the substrate to be treated will constitute the cathode and the electrode of the device will constitute the anode, this electrode being made of an insoluble material in the treatment conditions. It may also be a demetallization treatment using a demetallization electrolyte, the substrate to be treated being chosen as anode and the electrode of the device as a cathode. It may finally be an anodizing treatment of any substrate to be treated consisting of an oxidizable material such as aluminum, titanium and their alloys; in this application, the substrate to be treated will be chosen as the anode and the electrode of the device as the cathode.

L'invention va maintenant être décrite plus en détails à l'aide des dessins annexés dans lesquels

  • la figure 1 représente une vue en coupe d'un dispositif pour le traitement électrochimique selon l'invention, et
  • la figure 2 représente une en coupe d'une variante d'un dispositif pour le traitement électrochimique selon l'invention.
The invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings in which
  • the figure 1 represents a sectional view of a device for the electrochemical treatment according to the invention, and
  • the figure 2 represents a cross-section of a variant of a device for the electrochemical treatment according to the invention.

La figure 1 représente un dispositif selon l'invention pour l'oxydation anodique permettant de préparer une surface S d'une pièce A en aluminium, avant collage.The figure 1 represents a device according to the invention for the anodic oxidation for preparing a surface S of an aluminum part A, before bonding.

Le dispositif comprend une tête 1 et un manche 2.The device comprises a head 1 and a handle 2.

La tête 1 comporte une enveloppe 3 présentant une paroi latérale 4, une paroi arrière 5 et une ouverture frontale 6 opposée à la paroi arrière 5. Cette enveloppe, définit un espace interne 7 dans lequel est logée une cathode 8 en regard de l'ouverture 6.The head 1 comprises an envelope 3 having a lateral wall 4, a rear wall 5 and a front opening 6 opposite to the rear wall 5. This envelope defines an internal space 7 in which is housed a cathode 8 facing the opening 6.

La cathode 8 présente une face avant 8b, en contact avec un tampon 18 en matière absorbante, plane, et peut, par exemple, présenter une section transversale circulaire, carrée ou rectangulaire, la surface cathodique utile pouvant varier de quelques mm<2> à quelques cm<2>.The cathode 8 has a front face 8b, in contact with a buffer 18 of absorbent material, flat, and may, for example, have a circular cross-section, square or rectangular, the useful cathode surface may vary from a few mm <2> to a few cm <2>.

La cathode 8 est par ailleurs maintenue dans l'espace 7 par tous moyens et notamment par fixation, par sa face arrière 8a, en au moins deux points à la paroi arrière de l'enveloppe 3. D'autre part, la cathode 8 présente des dimensions telles que d'une part, elle délimite avec la face intérieure de la paroi latérale 4 de l'enveloppe 3 une chambre périphérique continue et que, d'autre part, cette face avant 8b soit située à une certaine distance de l'ouverture 6. En outre, la cathode 8 est pourvue d'un perçage 12 prenant naissance sur sa face arrière 8a et débouchant sur sa face avant 8b. Bien qu'un seul perçage soit représenté sur la figure 1, il est avantageux de prévoir plusieurs perçages de manière qu'ils débouchent de façon uniforme sur toute la face avant de la cathode 8. Ce ou ces perçages 12 sont reliés, au niveau de la face arrière 8a de l'électrode, par un raccord 13, à un conduit 14 d'alimentation d'électrolyte.The cathode 8 is also maintained in the space 7 by any means and in particular by fixing, by its rear face 8a, at least two points to the rear wall of the casing 3. On the other hand, the cathode 8 has dimensions such as on the one hand, it delimits with the inner face of the side wall 4 of the casing 3 a continuous peripheral chamber and on the other hand, this front face 8b is located at a distance from the In addition, the cathode 8 is provided with a bore 12 originating on its rear face 8a and opening on its front face 8b. Although only one hole is shown on the figure 1 , it is advantageous to provide several holes so that they open uniformly over the entire front face of the cathode 8. This or these holes 12 are connected, at the rear face 8a of the electrode, by a connector 13, to a conduit 14 electrolyte supply.

La paroi 4 de l'enveloppe 3 est en outre pourvue d'un perçage 15 s'étendant de la face intérieure de cette paroi 4 jusqu'à la face extérieure de cette dernière où elle est reliée par un raccord 16 à un conduit 17 d'évacuation d'électrolyte.The wall 4 of the casing 3 is furthermore provided with a bore 15 extending from the inside face of this wall 4 to the outer face of the latter, where it is connected by a connection 16 to a duct 17. evacuation of electrolyte.

L'ouverture 6 est obturée par un tampon de matière absorbante 18 dont l'épaisseur est choisie pour que d'une part, il soit en contact avec toute la face avant 8b de l'électrode 8 et d'autre part, fasse légèrement saillie hors de ladite ouverture, étant précisé que le perçage 15 sera réalisé de manière telle qu'il débouche dans l'espace 7 en un point suffisamment éloigné de l'ouverture 4 pour que ce point ne soit pas recouvert par ledit tampon 18.The opening 6 is closed by a buffer of absorbing material 18 whose thickness is chosen so that on the one hand, it is in contact with the entire front face 8b of the electrode 8 and on the other hand, protrudes slightly outside said opening, it being specified that the bore 15 will be made in such a way that it opens into the space 7 at a point sufficiently far from the opening 4 so that this point is not covered by said pad 18.

Le manche 2 du dispositif selon l'invention comprend une enveloppe 20 qui définit un espace interne 21, généralement dans la même matière que celle de l'enveloppe 3 de la tête 1, et présente une paroi avant 22 et une paroi latérale 23.The handle 2 of the device according to the invention comprises an envelope 20 which defines an internal space 21, generally in the same material as that of the envelope 3 of the head 1, and has a front wall 22 and a side wall 23.

A l'intérieur de l'espace interne 21 du manche 2, sont disposées une portion de conduit d'alimentation d'électrolyte 24 et une portion de conduit d'évacuation d'électrolyte 25 qui débouchent sur la paroi avant 22 de l'enveloppe 20, de manière à être situées en regard respectivement de la partie de la cathode 8 débouchant sur des portions de conduit d'alimentation 14 et de conduit d'évacuation 17 d'électrolyte de la tête 1.Inside the internal space 21 of the handle 2, there are arranged a portion of electrolyte supply conduit 24 and a portion of electrolyte evacuation conduit 25 which open on the front wall 22 of the envelope 20, so as to be located respectively facing the portion of the cathode 8 opening on portions of supply conduit 14 and electrolyte discharge conduit 17 of the head 1.

L'espace interne 21 du manche 2 comprend également un câble de liaison 19 à la borne "moins" 9 d'un générateur G de courant, notamment de courant pulsé, dont la borne "plus" 10 est reliée à un point 11 de la pièce à traiter A, ledit câble débouchant sur la paroi avant de l'enveloppe 22 de manière à être situé en regard de la partie de la face arrière 8a de la cathode 8 débouchant sur la face arrière de la tête 1.The internal space 21 of the handle 2 also comprises a connecting cable 19 to the "minus" terminal 9 of a generator G of current, in particular pulsed current, whose "plus" terminal 10 is connected to a point 11 of the workpiece A, said cable opening on the front wall of the casing 22 so as to be located facing the portion of the rear face 8a of the cathode 8 opening on the rear face of the head 1.

Ainsi, une fois la tête 1 est fixée sur le manche 2, l'électrode 8 est reliée à la borne « plus » du générateur G.Thus, once the head 1 is fixed on the handle 2, the electrode 8 is connected to the "plus" terminal of the generator G.

Par ailleurs, le conduit 24 est relié à l'aspiration d'une pompe péristaltique 26 dont le refoulement est relié à un conduit 27 qui communique avec la réserve R d'électrolyte E.Furthermore, the duct 24 is connected to the suction of a peristaltic pump 26, the discharge of which is connected to a duct 27 which communicates with the reserve R of electrolyte E.

Quant au conduit 25, il est relié au refoulement d'une pompe péristaltique 28 dont l'aspiration est reliée à un conduit 29 dont l'extrémité libre plonge dans l'électrolyte de la réserve R.As for the conduit 25, it is connected to the discharge of a peristaltic pump 28 whose suction is connected to a conduit 29 whose free end is immersed in the electrolyte of the reserve R.

Les pompes péristaltiques 26 et 28 comprennent deux rotors pourvus de galets périphériques et montés axialement sur un arbre apte à amené en rotation par un moteur sans balais.The peristaltic pumps 26 and 28 comprise two rotors provided with peripheral rollers and mounted axially on a shaft adapted to be rotated by a brushless motor.

Ainsi, en cas d'arrêt du moteur d'extraction de l'arbre, l'alimentation en électrolyte du dispositif de traitement électrolytique aussi bien que l'évacuation de l'électrolyte seront interrompus.Thus, in case of stopping the extraction motor of the shaft, the electrolyte supply of the electrolytic treatment device as well as the evacuation of the electrolyte will be interrupted.

Le débit de la pompe 26 est contrôlé par un débitmètre (non représenté) permettant de fixer et de modifier le débit de la pompe en temps réel de manière à l'adapter aux mieux aux conditions d'utilisation du dispositif de l'invention.The flow rate of the pump 26 is controlled by a flowmeter (not shown) making it possible to set and modify the flow rate of the pump in real time so as to adapt it best to the conditions of use of the device of the invention.

La tête 1 et le manche 2 sont fixés l'un à l'autre de au niveau de leur paroi arrière 5 et paroi avant 22 respectives, de manière amovible par tout moyen de fixation adéquat, en particulier par clipsage.The head 1 and the handle 2 are fixed to each other at their rear wall 5 and front wall 22 respectively, removably by any suitable fastening means, in particular by clipping.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté, la tête 1 et le manche 2 sont coaxiaux, mais on peut également prévoir que ceux-ci forment un angle compris entre 0 et 90°C.According to the embodiment shown, the head 1 and the handle 2 are coaxial, but it is also possible that they form an angle between 0 and 90 ° C.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif ainsi décrit est comme suit.The operation of the device thus described is as follows.

Après dégraissage éventuel de la surface à traiter, la tête 1 et le manche 2 sont clipsés l'un sur l'autre, puis les pompes péristaltiques 26 et 28 sont amenées en action. De la sorte, l'électrolyte E de la réserve R est aspiré par la pompe 26 et amené de la réserve R via le conduit 27, la pompe 26, les conduits 24 et 14 et le perçage 12 sur le tampon 18 qui se trouve ainsi imprégné par l'électrolyte. Le débit de la pompe 26, fixé grâce au débitmètre, est choisi pour qu'une quantité suffisante d'électrolyte parvienne sur le tampon 18 afin de réaliser l'oxydation anodique dans de bonnes conditions. D'autre part, le débit de la pompe 28 est fixé de façon à permettre de créer, à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe 3, une dépression suffisante sans pour autant assécher le tampon 18. Sous l'effet de cette pompe 26, l'excédent d'électrolyte et une certaine quantité d'air aspiré au travers du tampon 18 sont évacués, via le perçage 15, le conduit 17, le conduit 25, la pompe 28 et le conduit 29, vers la réserve E ; ainsi, tout écoulement d'électrolyte sur d'autres zones que celle à traiter est évité.After possible degreasing of the surface to be treated, the head 1 and the handle 2 are clipped on one another, then the peristaltic pumps 26 and 28 are brought into action. In this way, the electrolyte E of the reserve R is sucked by the pump 26 and brought from the reserve R via the conduit 27, the pump 26, the conduits 24 and 14 and the bore 12 on the buffer 18 which is thus impregnated with the electrolyte. The flow rate of the pump 26, fixed by means of the flowmeter, is chosen so that a quantity sufficient electrolyte reaches the buffer 18 to perform anodic oxidation under good conditions. On the other hand, the flow rate of the pump 28 is fixed so as to create, inside the casing 3, a sufficient vacuum without drying the pad 18. Under the effect of this pump 26, the excess electrolyte and a certain amount of air sucked through the buffer 18 are discharged, via the bore 15, the conduit 17, the conduit 25, the pump 28 and the conduit 29, to the reserve E; thus, any flow of electrolyte on other areas than the one to be treated is avoided.

Ensuite, on réalise la connexion de l'électrode 8 et de la pièce A au générateur G de courant. Le dispositif est alors opérationnel pour réaliser l'oxydation anodique et il suffit de déplacer ce dispositif, manuellement ou mécaniquement, sur la surface S à traiter et orthogonalement par rapport à cette surface.Then, the electrode 8 and the part A are connected to the current generator G. The device is then operational to carry out the anodic oxidation and it suffices to move this device, manually or mechanically, on the surface S to be treated and orthogonally with respect to this surface.

L'épaisseur de la couche d'oxyde déprendra notamment du nombre de passages du dispositif sur la zone à traiter et des paramètres électriques du générateur de courant G. Ces paramètres peuvent notamment être les suivants :

  • courant : continu,
  • tension : 60 V,
  • intensité : de 0 à 15 A,
  • densité : de 250 à 350 A/dm<2>.
The thickness of the oxide layer will in particular depress the number of passages of the device on the zone to be treated and the electrical parameters of the current generator G. These parameters may notably be the following:
  • current: continuous,
  • voltage: 60 V,
  • intensity: from 0 to 15 A,
  • density: 250 to 350 A / dm <2>.

Selon l'invention, les deux pompes 26 et 28 sont des pompes péristaltiques qui comprennent deux rotors tous deux montés axialement sur un arbre commun apte à être entraîné en rotation par un moteur d'entraînement. Les rotors comportent à leurs périphéries des galets. Lesdites pompes 26 et 28 comprennent par ailleurs une première surface d'appui sur laquelle est appliqué un tube souple reliant les conduits 14, 24 et 27 représentés sur la figure 1, ainsi qu'une deuxième surface d'appui sur laquelle est appliqué un tube souple reliant les conduits 17, 25 et 29 représentés sur la figure 1. Les rotors sont disposés et dimensionnés en diamètre pour que leurs galets compriment les tubes souples les écrasant, de sorte que lorsque les rotors sont amenés en rotation, lesdits galets en se déplaçant le long des tubes souples font progresser l'électrolyte dans ces mêmes tubes. Le diamètre des rotors et et/ou le diamètre des tubes souples sont par ailleurs choisis pour que le débit en sortie du tube relié aux conduits d'évacuation d'électrolyte soit supérieur à celui en sortie du tube relié aux conduits d'alimentation d'électrolyte de manière à créer une dépression au sein de l'espace intérieur 7.According to the invention, the two pumps 26 and 28 are peristaltic pumps which comprise two rotors both mounted axially on a common shaft adapted to be rotated by a drive motor. The rotors comprise at their peripheries pebbles. Said pumps 26 and 28 also comprise a first bearing surface on which is applied a flexible tube connecting the conduits 14, 24 and 27 shown in FIG. figure 1 , and a second bearing surface on which is applied a flexible tube connecting the ducts 17, 25 and 29 shown in FIG. figure 1 . The rotors are arranged and dimensioned in diameter so that their rollers compress the flexible tubes crushing, so that when the rotors are rotated, said rollers moving along the flexible tubes advance the electrolyte in these same tubes. The diameter of the rotors and / or the diameter of the flexible tubes are furthermore chosen so that the flow rate at the outlet of the tube connected to the electrolyte evacuation conduits is greater than that at the outlet of the tube connected to the supply ducts of the tube. electrolyte so as to create a depression within the interior space 7.

La figure 2 représente une alternative du dispositif selon l'invention semblable à celui présenté à la figure 1, mais dans lequel la face avant 8b' de la cathode 8' en contact avec le tampon 6 'et présente une section en équerre.The figure 2 represents an alternative of the device according to the invention similar to that presented to the figure 1 but in which the front face 8b 'of the cathode 8' in contact with the pad 6 'and has a square section.

Ainsi le dispositif de la figure 2 est particulièrement adapté pour le traitement de la surface S' qui présente un angle de 90°C.So the device of the figure 2 is particularly suitable for the treatment of the surface S 'which has an angle of 90 ° C.

Le dispositif selon l'invention est apte à être mis en oeuvre sur des pièces de forme et volume les plus diverses, et ne se limite pas à des surfaces planes. Ainsi, il peut être utilisé sur des surfaces à traiter qui ont des dimensions de quelques centimètres carrés à quelques décimètres carrés ou au niveau de joints de tôles, plats ou en "marche d'escalier" ; ou encore sur des surfaces convexes ou des arêtes vives. Les surfaces à traiter peuvent en outre avoir toutes les inclinaisons ; on peut en particulier procéder à des retouches en plafond.The device according to the invention is able to be implemented on parts of various shapes and volumes, and is not limited to flat surfaces. Thus, it can be used on surfaces to be treated which have dimensions of a few square centimeters to a few square decimetres or at joints of sheet metal, flat or in "step"; or on convex surfaces or sharp edges. The surfaces to be treated may furthermore have all the inclinations; in particular, it is possible to modify the ceiling.

On ajoutera que ces retouches de traitement électrochimique peuvent, selon l'invention, être réalisées soit en poste fixe dans un laboratoire ou dans un atelier, soit en poste mobile pour des interventions sur site. Dans ce dernier cas, on profitera avantageusement de l'absence totale d'écoulement hors du dispositif quelle que soit sa position (ceci en raison de la dépression créée par les deux pompes).It will be added that these electrochemical treatment alterations may, according to the invention, be carried out either in a fixed position in a laboratory or in a workshop, or in a mobile station for on-site interventions. In the latter case, it will advantageously benefit from the total absence of flow out of the device whatever its position (this due to the depression created by the two pumps).

Claims (7)

  1. Device for the electrochemical treatment, in particular localised, of a conductor substrate (S) by movement over said substrate and usable in all positions, including a head (1), an electrolyte inlet and an electrolyte outlet each including a flexible tube, the head (1) including a casing (3) provided with an opening (6) and defining a space (7), an electrode (8) disposed in this space (6) and intended to be connected to one of the terminals (9) of an electrical current source, the conductor substrate (S) being intended to be connected to the other terminal (10) of this source, a portion of the electrolyte inlet (14) and a portion of the electrolyte outlet (17), both in communication with said space (7), and a flexible absorbent material body (18) which is not electrically conductive and is permeable to gases and to liquids, this body (18) being in contact with said electrode (8) and blocking said opening (6) while projecting out of the latter,
    the device further including two peristaltic pumps (26, 28), a first pump (26) mounted on said electrolyte inlet and a second pump (28) mounted on said electrolyte outlet, the flow rate of the second pump (25) being greater than that of the first pump (26) so as to create a negative pressure in said space (7) of said head (1),
    characterised in that the device further includes a handle (2) on which said head (1) is intended to be fixed and including a casing (20), a portion of the electrolyte inlet (24) and a portion of the electrolyte outlet (25) intended to be connected to the portions of the electrolyte inlet (14) and the electrolyte outlet (17), respectively, of said head (1), the head (1) of said device is removable from said handle (2),
    said first and second pumps (26, 28) include two rotors provided with peripheral rollers and mounted axially on a shaft adapted to be caused to rotate by a brushless motor, the rollers of one of the rotors cooperating with the flexible tube of the electrolyte inlet and the rollers of the other rotor cooperating with the flexible tube of the electrolyte outlet, and the diameters of said rotors and/or said flexible tubes being chosen to create said negative pressure in said space
    and in that the device further includes a flowmeter for adjusting and controlling the flow rate of the first pump (26) and the flow rate of the electrolyte in the electrolyte inlet portion (14) of said head (1).
  2. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the head (1) and the handle (2) are coaxial.
  3. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the head (1) and the handle (2) form an angle between 0 and 90°C.
  4. Device as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the head (1) of said device can be clipped to said handle (2).
  5. Device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the device further includes an air inlet filtration and regulation (FR) device.
  6. Device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the face of said electrode (8) in contact with the absorbent material body (18) is planar.
  7. Device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the face of said electrode (8) in contact with the absorbent material body (18) is convex.
EP13731381.3A 2012-06-01 2013-05-31 Device for electrochemical treatment, locally in particular, of a conductor substrate Active EP2855739B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1255106A FR2991343B1 (en) 2012-06-01 2012-06-01 DEVICE FOR THE ELECTROCHEMICAL TREATMENT, PARTICULARLY LOCALIZED, OF A CONDUCTIVE SUBSTRATE
PCT/FR2013/051227 WO2013178959A1 (en) 2012-06-01 2013-05-31 Device for electrochemical treatment, locally in particular, of a conductor substrate

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2855739A1 EP2855739A1 (en) 2015-04-08
EP2855739B1 true EP2855739B1 (en) 2016-03-02

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EP13731381.3A Active EP2855739B1 (en) 2012-06-01 2013-05-31 Device for electrochemical treatment, locally in particular, of a conductor substrate

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US (1) US9863056B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2855739B1 (en)
FR (1) FR2991343B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2013178959A1 (en)

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KR20200104691A (en) * 2019-02-27 2020-09-04 주식회사 만도 Anodizing Apparatus
CN110079856A (en) * 2019-04-29 2019-08-02 沈阳富创精密设备有限公司 A kind of electrobrightening tooling of flowmeter part
US11352710B2 (en) * 2019-09-30 2022-06-07 Abdurrahman Ildeniz Leak free brush electroplating system
US11926916B2 (en) * 2019-11-05 2024-03-12 Wisys Technology Foundation, Inc. Color controlled metal finishing pen
US20220220628A1 (en) * 2021-01-13 2022-07-14 Corrdesa, LLC Electrochemical treatment system

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US5116480A (en) * 1990-03-26 1992-05-26 The Carolinch Company Method and apparatus for electrolytic plating
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DE102018203988B4 (en) 2018-03-15 2024-03-21 Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Tool head for local wet-chemical surface treatment and device for local wet-chemical treatment, in particular anodization

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2013178959A1 (en) 2013-12-05
US20150184308A1 (en) 2015-07-02
FR2991343A1 (en) 2013-12-06
FR2991343B1 (en) 2014-05-16
EP2855739A1 (en) 2015-04-08
US9863056B2 (en) 2018-01-09

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