GB1063382A - Apparatus for electrochemical treatment of workpieces - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for electrochemical treatment of a workpiece, e.g. by electrochemical plating, cutting or shaping, includes treatment stations <PICT:1063382/C6-C7/1> and a workpiece loading and unloading station to which stations a workpiece is successively conveyed. The Fig. illustrates the renovation of the big end bore of a connecting rod of an I.C. engine by electrolytic Ni plating. Fig. 2 shows a rotary table 13 which conveys workpieces 25 stepwise through a) a work loading and unloading station 20, b) a vapour blast cleansing station 21, the vapour blast being loaded with SiO2 dust, c) an electroplating station 22 and d) a spray water rinse station 23. The work is mounted on a plate 15 which is rotated by a shaft 18 during treatment at each of the stations 21 to 23 but not at 20. At electroplating station 22, an electrode 31 is inserted into and reciprocated in the workpiece bore and electrolyte fed to the electrode. The electrode comprises a conductive rod 310 which supports a porous pad 35 receiving electrolyte by circulation from a storage tank (36), Fig. 5 (not shown). For Ni plating, the rod 310 may be of Ni. Alternatively, an inert anode which is not consumed may be used. Means 341 feed the electrode 31 into the workpiece bore. Cooling water may be delivered to the electrode. A control panel (50), Fig. 4 (not shown), permits timing of the various operations and controls step by step movement of the table. Operations may be performed in the required sequence by a programme based on the use of a cam shaft (56) carrying cams (57) which can be adjusted or interchanged as required. In modifications, treatment stations may provide for mechanical cutting or grinding.