EP3178970B1 - Frame for mounting of annular components and method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a frame for receiving annular components, in particular bearing rings or cages of rolling or sliding bearings, and for the chemical or electroplating of the components in an electrolyte bath. The invention further relates to a method for the chemical or electroplating of annular components, in particular bearing rings or cages of rolling or plain bearings, in an electrolyte bath.

There are already known racks for the chemical or electroplating of components in an electrolyte bath, in which the components to be coated are fastened to the frame, in particular clamped. In this case, the component is fixed to the frame and the frame is introduced by means of a crane in different electrolyte baths for applying a chemical or galvanic coating.
The disadvantage here is that in the area of the contact points between the component and the frame after the coating layer defects are visible, which are due to uneven thicknesses in the coating formed, contact traces and / or entirely uncoated areas of the component.

Furthermore, tilting racks are known in which the components are moved during the coating by tilting in the electrolyte bath. As a result, the layer defects visible in the region of the contact points between the component and the frame after the coating can be reduced, but not completely prevented.

Both known methods are in particular for components with large external dimensions in the range of 10 to 300 cm in use.

The DE 103 09 401 A1 describes an apparatus and method for coating articles having a through opening. In this case, a vertically oriented, rotatable support plate with arranged horizontal Supporting bodies present, on which the objects to be coated are pushed with play.

The EP 1 493 847 A2 discloses another such coating arrangement and a coating method.

The EP 1 600 529 A2 describes a method and apparatus for coating substrates.

The DE 20 2008 008 485 U1 discloses a paint coater and machine elements with paint coating.

It is an object of the invention to provide a frame and a method for coating annular components, with which the quality of the coating formed can be significantly improved.

• einen Trägerrahmen, der mindestens eine erste Antriebseinheit, mindestens eine zweite Antriebseinheit und mindestens eine horizontal angeordnete erste Querverstrebung aufweist,
• mindestens einen Antriebsmotor zum Antrieb der mindestens einen ersten Antriebseinheit, wobei die mindestens eine erste Antriebseinheit mit der mindestens einen zweiten Antriebseinheit und diese antreibend verbunden ist; und
• mindestens zwei horizontal angeordnete Antriebszapfen mit je einer Längsache, wobei die Antriebszapfen zur Aufnahme eines der ringförmigen Bauteile eingerichtet sind, wobei die Antriebszapfen jeweils um ihre Längsachse rotierbar sind, wobei die Antriebszapfen an der mindestens einen ersten Querverstrebung angeordnet sind, und wobei die mindestens zwei Antriebszapfen mit der mindestens einen zweiten Antriebseinheit zum rotierenden Antrieb der Antriebszapfen um deren Längsachse verbunden sind.

Das Gestell ermöglicht einen permanenten rotatorischen Antrieb des zu beschichtenden ringförmigen Bauteils mittels der Antriebszapfen. Dadurch kann das Bauteil gleichmäßig und permanent im Elektrolytbad bewegt werden, so dass eine besonders gleichmäßige Schichtdicke und keinerlei Schichtdefekte ausgebildet werden.The object is achieved for a frame for receiving annular components, in particular bearing rings or cages of rolling or sliding bearings, and for the chemical or electroplating of the components in an electrolyte bath, in that it comprises the following:

• a carrier frame which has at least one first drive unit, at least one second drive unit and at least one horizontally arranged first cross-bracing,
• at least one drive motor for driving the at least one first drive unit, wherein the at least one first drive unit with the at least one second drive unit and this is drivingly connected; and
• at least two horizontally arranged drive pins each having a longitudinal axis, wherein the drive pins are adapted for receiving one of the annular components, wherein the drive pins are each rotatable about its longitudinal axis, wherein the drive pins are arranged on the at least one first cross-brace, and wherein the at least two drive pins with the at least one second drive unit are connected to the rotating drive of the drive pin about its longitudinal axis.

The frame allows a permanent rotational drive of the annular component to be coated by means of the drive pin. As a result, the component can be moved uniformly and permanently in the electrolyte bath, so that a particularly uniform layer thickness and no layer defects are formed.

The at least one first drive unit preferably comprises at least one vertically arranged first drive shaft and the at least one second drive unit at least one horizontally arranged second drive shaft, wherein the at least one second drive shaft is drivably connected to the at least one first drive shaft via at least one first worm gear, and wherein the at least one drive motor is provided for driving the at least one first drive shaft.
The respective first worm gear has a first worm arranged on the first drive shaft and a first worm wheel arranged on the second drive shaft, wherein the first worm drives the first worm wheel.

Alternatively, the first drive unit is formed by a belt drive and the at least one second drive unit comprises at least one horizontally arranged second drive shaft, wherein the at least one drive motor is connected via the belt drive with the at least one second drive shaft.
Both variants of the first drive unit enable a uniform and reliable drive of the second drive shaft (s) and thus a uniform coating process.

It has proven useful if a second cross-brace is arranged parallel to each second drive shaft, which has at least one horizontally disposed auxiliary pin. This auxiliary pin can be fixed or formed around his Be formed rotatable longitudinal axis. The auxiliary pin allows for improved, captive retention of the respective annular member on the frame.

In particular, the at least two drive pins are drivably connected to the at least one second drive shaft via at least one second worm gear. These allow a uniform and reliable drive of the drive pin and thus a uniform coating process of at least one component.
The respective second worm gear has a second worm arranged on the second drive shaft and a second worm wheel arranged on a rotational axis of the respective drive journal, wherein the second worm drives the second worm wheel. The axis of rotation of a drive pin corresponds to its longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the longitudinal axes of the at least two drive pins, which are arranged on a common first cross-brace, arranged in a horizontal plane (E).
As a result, the patch on the two drive pin annular member receives a uniform support and support, which can be improved by an optional auxiliary pin.

Since the component to be coated must be supplied with electrical current in the event that a galvanic coating is to be formed, an electrical contacting of the component is required. For this purpose, it has proven useful if at least the at least two drive pins and the at least one first cross-brace are formed from metal and connected to at least one power supply rail. Optionally, the auxiliary pins and the at least one second cross-brace may also be formed from metal and connected to at least one power supply rail. That with the drive pin, optionally continue with the Auxiliary pin, standing in direct contact component is thereby contacted electrically and can be electroplated.

If a chemical (electroless) deposition is to take place from the electrolyte bath, an electrical contacting of the drive pin or other parts of the frame is not required.

In order to be able to coat components of different external dimensions by means of the frame according to the invention, it has proved to be advantageous if the positions of the two drive unit (s) together with the second cross brace and the first cross brace relative to the support frame and the first drive unit (s) are adjustable. For example, bearing rings or cages of rolling bearings with different outer diameters can be supported in a frame.

In order to avoid coating of the frame itself, the parts of the frame, which need not be metallic and thus electrically conductive for power transmission, in particular coated with an electrically insulating protective coating or protective coating. This protective coating preferably has a surface that is repellent with respect to the electrolyte bath, for example, by a dirt and liquid repellent lotus coating, or hydrophobic and further electrically insulating.

Preferably, at least four pairs of drive pins are provided for each first cross-brace, wherein in each case a pair of drive pins is adapted to receive an annular component. However, the number of drive pin pairs is not limited. In particular, at least 16 drive pin pairs are provided per frame.

• Bereitstellen mindestens eines erfindungsgemäßen Gestells;
• Auflegen mindestens eines ringförmigen Bauteils auf jeweils zwei Antriebszapfen des mindestens einen Gestells derart, dass das ringförmige Bauteil im Bereich seines Außendurchmessers auf den horizontal angeordneten Antriebszapfen aufliegt;
• Antreiben der mindestens einen ersten Antriebseinheit mittels des mindestens einen Antriebsmotors, Antreiben der mindestens einen zweiten Antriebseinheit mittels der mindestens einen ersten Antriebseinheit, und Antreiben der Antriebszapfen mittels der mindestens einen zweiten Antriebseinheit, wobei das ringförmige Bauteil in Rotation um seine Mittenachse versetzt wird;
• Einbringen des mindestens einen Gestells in mindestens ein Elektrolytbad; und
• Aufbringen einer chemischen oder galvanischen Beschichtung auf das ringförmige Bauteil.

The object is for the process for the chemical or electroplating of annular components, in particular bearing rings or cages of rolling or sliding bearings, in an electrolyte bath, comprising the following steps:

• Providing at least one frame according to the invention;
• Placing at least one annular component on each of two drive pins of the at least one frame such that the annular component rests in the region of its outer diameter on the horizontally arranged drive pin;
• Driving the at least one first drive unit by means of the at least one drive motor, driving the at least one second drive unit by means of the at least one first drive unit, and driving the drive pins by means of the at least one second drive unit, wherein the annular component is set in rotation about its center axis;
• Introducing the at least one rack into at least one electrolyte bath; and
• Applying a chemical or galvanic coating on the annular member.

The method allows by means of the frame a permanent rotational drive of the annular component to be coated by means of the drive pin.
As a result, the component can be moved uniformly and permanently in the electrolyte bath, so that a particularly uniform layer thickness and no layer defects are formed.
The introduction of the rack into an electrolyte bath or one after the other several electrolyte baths, possibly also rinsing baths, can take place before or after the annular components are set in rotation about their center axis. Preference is given to enable the components in rotation before the onset of the frame in the electrolyte bath in order to avoid formation of contact traces from the beginning. When converting the frame from one into another electrolyte or rinsing bath, the rotation of the components is preferably maintained.

In particular, annular components with outside diameters in the range of 10 to 300 cm are coated. Above all, bearing rings or cages of roller bearings or plain bearings are preferred here as ring-shaped components.

To form a galvanic coating, the at least two drive pins and the at least one first crossbar are preferably formed from metal and electrically contacted via the at least one power rail and supplied with electrical power.

FIG 1

eine dreidimensionale Vorderansicht eines ersten Gestells;

FIG 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht des Gestells aus FIG 1;

FIG 3

eine Rückansicht des Gestells aus FIG 1;

FIG 4

eine dreidimensionale Vorderansicht eines zweiten Gestells;

FIG 5

eine vergrößerte Ansicht des zweiten Gestells gemäß FIG 4;

FIG 6

eine weiter vergrößerte Ansicht des zweiten Gestells gemäß FIG 4;

FIG 7

eine schematische Darstellung des zweiten Gestells gemäß FIG 6;

FIG 8

eine nochmals vergrößerte Ansicht zweiten Gestells gemäß FIG 6;

FIG 9

eine Vorderansicht eines Trägerrahmens des zweiten Gestells mit erster Antriebseinheit; und

FIG 10

eine Rückansicht des Trägerrahmens des zweiten Gestells gemäß FIG 9 mit erster Antriebseinheit.

The FIGS. 1 to 10 should exemplify frames of the invention and the inventive method. So shows:

FIG. 1

a three-dimensional front view of a first frame;

FIG. 2

a schematic side view of the frame FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3

a rear view of the frame FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4

a three-dimensional front view of a second frame;

FIG. 5

an enlarged view of the second frame according to FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6

a further enlarged view of the second frame according to FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 7

a schematic representation of the second frame according to FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8

a further enlarged view of the second frame according to FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 9

a front view of a support frame of the second frame with the first drive unit; and

FIG. 10

a rear view of the support frame of the second frame according to FIG. 9 with first drive unit.

Same reference numerals in the FIGS. 1 to 10 identify similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional front view of a first frame 1 for receiving annular components 2, here in the form of bearing rings, and for the chemical or electroplating of the components 2 in an electrolyte bath. The first frame 1 comprises a carrier frame 1a, a first drive unit 3 and four second drive units 4 and per second drive unit 4 a horizontally arranged first cross-brace 5. The first frame 1 further comprises a drive motor 6 for driving the first drive unit 3, wherein the first drive unit 3 with the four second drive units 4 and this is drivingly connected. Furthermore, the first frame 1 per first cross-brace 5 comprises a plurality of pairs about its longitudinal axis L (see FIG FIG. 2 ) rotatable, horizontally arranged drive pin 8a, 8b for receiving the annular components 2, which at the first cross braces 5 are arranged, wherein the pairs of drive pins 8a, 8b are each connected to a second drive unit 4 and driven by this. The first drive unit 3 is formed by a belt drive comprising a belt 3b and a plurality of deflection rollers 3c, wherein each second drive unit 4 comprises a horizontally arranged second drive shaft 4a, and wherein the drive motor 6 is connected to the second drive shafts 4a via the belt drive. In this case, drives a motor drive drum 6a of the drive motor 6, the band 3b, which drives the pulleys 3c and the second drive shafts 4a. Parallel to each second drive shaft 4a, a second cross-brace 9 is arranged, which has a horizontally arranged auxiliary pin 10. This is optional around its longitudinal axis L1 (cf. FIG. 2 ) rotatably mounted. The drive pins 8a, 8b are drivably connected to a second drive shaft 4a via a second worm gear 7 '.
The longitudinal axes L of the two drive pins 8a, 8b, which are arranged on a common first cross-brace 5, are in a horizontal plane E (see FIG FIG. 7 ) arranged. The two drive pins 8a, 8b and the first cross-brace 5, optionally also the auxiliary pins 10 and the second cross braces 9 are formed of metal and connected to a power rail 11. In total, 16 pairs of drive pins 8a, 8b are present here, with which 16 annular components 2 are driven.

A method for chemical or galvanic coating of the annular components 2, here the bearing rings, comprises the following steps:
Provision of the frame 1 and placing the annular components 2 on two drive pins 8a, 8b of the frame 1 such that an outer diameter of the annular components 2 rests on the horizontally arranged drive pin 8a, 8b. Driving the first drive unit 3 by means of the drive motor 6, wherein the second drive units 4 are driven by means of the first drive unit 3 and the drive pins 8a, 8b by means of the second drive units 4. The annular component 2 is set in rotation about its center axis 2a. The introduction of the frame 1 in an electrolyte bath, not shown, can take place before or after the components 2 are set in rotation. The application of a chemical or galvanic Coating on the annular component 2 now takes place with permanent rotation of the component 2 in the electrolyte bath.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of the frame 1 from FIG. 1 , In this view, the center axis 2a of the annular member 2 can be seen, around which the component 2 rotates when the drive pins 8a, 8b, on which the component 2 is arranged, are driven.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the frame 1 from FIG. 1 , In this view, it can be seen that on the second drive shafts 4a four screws 7a 'of the second worm gear 7' are arranged, each driving two worm wheels 7b ', which in turn drive the drive pins 8a, 8b rotating.

FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional front view of a second frame 1 ', which comprises a first drive unit with a first drive shaft 3a. The gray parts of the second frame 1 'are covered with an electrically insulating protective lacquer, the shiny silver parts are uncovered and current-carrying, so that a galvanic deposition on the components 2 can take place. The power supply lines 11a supply the drive pins 8a, 8b with electric power.

A method for chemical or galvanic coating of the annular components 2, here the bearing rings, comprises the following steps:
Provision of the frame 1 'and placing the annular components 2 on two drive pins 8a, 8b of the frame 1' such that an outer diameter of the annular components 2 rests on the horizontally arranged drive pin 8a, 8b. Driving the first drive shaft 3a by means of the drive motor 6, wherein the second drive units 4 are driven by means of the first drive shaft 3a and the drive pins 8a, 8b by means of the second drive units 4. The annular member 2 is rotated about its center axis 2a (see FIG FIG. 2 ). The introduction of the frame 1 'in an electrolyte bath, not shown, takes place after the components 2 have been set in rotation. The application of a chemical or galvanic coating on the annular member 2 is now carried out with permanent rotation of the component 2 in the electrolyte.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the second frame 1 'according to FIG. 4 ,

FIG. 6 shows a further enlarged view of the second frame 1 'according to FIG. 4 ,

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of the second frame 1 'according to FIG. 6 , The first drive unit here comprises a vertically arranged first drive shaft 3a (see FIG 9 and FIG. 10 ). Each second drive unit 4 comprises a horizontally arranged second drive shaft 4a, the second drive shafts 4a being connected to the first drive shaft 3a via first worm gears 7 (cf. FIGS. 9 and 10 ) are drivably connected. The drive motor 6 (see FIGS. 9 and 10 ) is arranged to drive the first drive shaft 3a.
The longitudinal axes L of the pairs of drive pins 8a, 8b, which are arranged on a common first cross-brace 5, are arranged in a horizontal plane E. Parallel to each second drive shaft 4a, a second cross-brace 9 is arranged, which has a horizontally arranged auxiliary pin 10. This is optional around its longitudinal axis L1 (cf. FIG. 2 ) rotatably mounted. The drive pins 8a, 8b are drivably connected to one of the second drive shafts 4a via a second worm gear 7 '(see FIG FIG. 3 ).

FIG. 8 shows a further enlarged view of the second frame 1 'according to FIG. 6 , wherein the annular member 2 is pushed straight on the drive pins 8a, 8b and the drive pin 8a is not touched.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of a support frame 1a of the second frame 1 'with the first drive unit 3. The first drive unit 3 comprises the vertically arranged first drive shaft 3a. Four second drive units, each with a horizontally arranged second drive shaft 4a are driven by the first drive shaft 3a via four first worm gear 7, each comprises first worm gear 7 a worm 7a disposed on the first drive shaft 3a and a worm wheel 7b disposed on one of the second drive shafts 4a.

FIG. 10 shows a rear view of the support frame 1a of the second frame 1 'according to FIG. 9 with first drive unit 3.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1,1 '

frame

1a

support frame

2

annular component

2a

mid-axis

3

first drive unit

3a

first drive shaft

3b

tape

3c

idler pulley

4

second drive unit

4a

second drive shaft

5

first cross-bracing

6

drive motor

6a

Motor drive drum

7, 7 '

worm gear

7a, 7a '

slug

7b, 7b '

worm

8a, 8b

drive journal

9

second cross brace

10

auxiliary pins

11

Power supply rail

11a

Power line

L, L1

longitudinal axis

e

horizontal plane

Claims (10)

1. Frame (1, 1') for receiving annular components (2), in particular bearing rings or cages of anti-friction bearings or plain bearings, and for the chemical or galvanic coating of the components (2) in an electrolyte bath, comprising:

   - a carrier frame (1a) which has at least one first drive unit (3), at least one second drive unit (4) and at least one horizontally arranged first transverse strut (5),

   - at least one drive motor (6) for driving the at least one first drive unit (3), the at least one first drive unit (3) being connected to the at least one second drive unit (4) and so as to drive the latter; and

   - at least two horizontally arranged drive journals (8a, 8b) with in each case one longitudinal axis (L), the drive journals (8a, 8b) being set up to receive one of the annular components (2), it being possible for the drive journals (8a, 8b) to be rotated in each case about their longitudinal axis (L), and

   the drive journals (8a, 8b) being arranged on the at least one first transverse strut (5), characterized in that the at least two drive journals (8a, 8b) are connected to the at least one second drive unit (4) for rotationally driving the drive journals (8a, 8b) about their longitudinal axes (L).
2. Frame according to Claim 1, the at least one first drive unit (3) comprising at least one vertically arranged first drive shaft (3a), the at least one second drive unit (4) comprising at least one horizontally arranged second drive shaft (4a), the at least one second drive shaft (4a) being connected drivably to the at least one first drive shaft (3a) via at least one first worm gear mechanism (7), and the at least one drive motor (6) being provided for driving the at least one first drive shaft (3a).
3. Frame according to Claim 1, the first drive unit (3) being configured by way of a belt drive, the at least one second drive unit (4) comprising at least one horizontally arranged second drive shaft (4a), and the at least one drive motor (6) being connected to the at least one second drive shaft (4a) via the belt drive.
4. Frame according to either of Claims 2 and 3, a second transverse strut (9) being arranged parallel to each second drive shaft (4a), which second transverse strut (9) has at least one horizontally arranged auxiliary journal (10) which can be rotated optionally about its longitudinal axis (L1).
5. Frame according to one of Claims 2 to 4, the at least two drive journals (8a, 8b) being connected drivably to the at least one second drive shaft (4a) via at least one second worm gear mechanism (7').
6. Frame according to one of Claims 1 to 5, the longitudinal axes (L) of the at least two drive journals (8a, 8b) which are arranged on a common first transverse strut (5) being arranged in a horizontal plane (E).
7. Frame according to one of Claims 1 to 6, at least the at least two drive journals (8a, 8b) and the at least one first transverse strut (5), and optionally furthermore the auxiliary journals (10) and the at least one second transverse strut (9), being formed from metal and being connected to at least one power supply rail (11) .
8. Frame according to one of Claims 1 to 7, there being at least four pairs of drive journals (8a, 8b) per first transverse strut (5), in each case one pair of drive journals (8a, 8b) being set up to receive an annular component (2).
9. Method for the chemical or galvanic coating of annular components (2), in particular bearing rings or cages of anti-friction bearings or plain bearings, in an electrolyte bath, comprising the following steps:

   - providing of at least one frame (1, 1') according to one of Claims 1 to 8;

   - placing of at least one annular component (2) onto in each case two drive journals (8a, 8b) of the at least one frame (1, 1') in such a way that the annular component (2) lies in the region of its external diameter on the horizontally arranged drive journals (8a, 8b);

   - driving of the at least one first drive unit (3) by means of the at least one drive motor (6), driving of the at least one second drive unit (4) by means of the at least one first drive unit (3), and driving of the drive journals (8a, 8b) by means of the at least one second drive unit (4), the annular component (2) being set in rotation about its centre axis (2a);

   - introducing of the at least one frame (1, 1') into at least one electrolyte bath; and

   - applying of a chemical or galvanic coating to the annular component (2).
10. Method according to Claim 9, the at least two drive journals (8a, 8b) and the at least one first transverse strut (5) being formed from metal, and being contacted electrically (11) and supplied with electric current via the at least one power supply rail in order to configure a galvanic coating.

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