GB1158575A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for the Production of Metal Coatings by Electrodeposition - Google Patents

Abstract

1,158,575. Electro-plating apparatus. J. KERSCHGENS. July 12, 1966 [July 12, 1965], No.27854/66. Heading C7B. Apparatus for the production of metal coatings by electro-deposition comprises a housing which includes a mounting for detachable electrolyte containers, each being provided with a connection contact which, when the container is located on or in the housing, is connectable through a co-operating contact of the housing with one pole of a D. C. source, each container comprising a liquid carrier protruding therefrom and moistened by the electrolyte, the carrier being electrically conductively connected with the connection contact through conductors, the electrolyte containers themselves being made of insulating material. A further connection is made from the second pole of the D. C. source to the workpiece to be coated. As shown in Fig. 4 electrolyte container 49 is screwed on to housing 48 containing dry cell 47. One pole of the cell is connected to carrier 54 of fibrous material through contact 24, U-shaped metal strip whose limbs are biased towards each other and resilient contact 56 which grips the wick-like carrier in opening 55 in cap 52. Lead 65, connected to the other pole of the cell is connected to the workpiece during coating operations. In a modification, Fig. 5 (not shown) connection from the D. C. source to the workpiece is made through contact springs extending outwardly from the container adjacent the liquid carrier and electrically insulated therefrom, at least one of the springs contacting the workpiece when the same is being wiped by the liquid carrier. The electrolyte container may contain also a source of the metal to be deposited so as to extend the life of the electrolyte. This source may consist of pellets of the metal itself or salts thereof in an inner basket (35, Fig. 11, not shown), or finely divided metal or salts in a part (59) of porous felt, Fig. 6 (not shown). The carrier may be in the form of a pad for rubbing contact with the workpiece or of a porous ball (64) for rolling contact, Fig. 8 (not shown). The electrical circuit may include resistances which may take the form of a pilot light, and a multi-point switch for adjusting the voltage to be applied. Alternatively the containers may be provided with extensions or control cams located in dependance on the contents of the containers and adapted to co-operate with stops to adjust a voltage controller when the containers are attached to the housing. An electrical heating resistance may be provided adjacent the liquid carrier to heat the electrolyte flowing through the carrier before it is discharged on to the workpiece. In Fig. 14 (not shown) a resistance heating element (72) extends from a complementary contact (36) through the interior of a tube (73) of heat resisting glass. The tube (73) is provided with a T-shaped portion (74) at its outer end, the portion (74) having capillary openings (75) and serving as the carrier. Cold electrolyte may be provided adjacent the carrier through tube (78) under control of valve (79). Instead of using cell or cells within the housing the electrolysis current may be taken from an external source.