TWI585243B - Electroplating of articles to be treated with the use of an interior anode - Google Patents

Description

Plating of items to be treated with internal anodizing

The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for electroplating a material to be treated having a cavity, in particular for an electroplating coating using an acidic electrolyte, more particularly an acidic electrolyte for depositing an alloy, such as an acid Zinc-nickel electrolyte.

For example, for a coated article, such as a metal article or a part, having a conductive surface, the article to be treated is introduced into a plating bath located in the processing vessel in a conventional coating method. The metal anode is disposed in a processing vessel in which the articles to be treated face each other. Electroplating deposition of the metal on the article to be treated occurs when a voltage is applied between the metal anode and the article to be treated.

This conventional method can have disadvantages if the article to be treated will not only be coated on the outer surface but also has a cavity. For example, the geometry of the article to be treated may mean that the current density prevailing inside the cavity of the article to be treated is lower than the current density at the outer surface, so that the unit area on the inner side surface of the article to be treated And the amount of material deposited during the time, or The thickness of the material is smaller than the outer surface of the article to be treated. Also to ensure a particularly desired thickness of the coating on the inside surface, it may be desirable to allow the process to be processed longer than would be required to achieve the desired layer thickness on the outside surface. This leads to increased process costs. For later use of the item to be treated, the varying thickness of the coating may also be undesirable.

There is a need for an apparatus, system and method for electroplating coatings that provides advantages in view of the above problems.

This object is achieved in accordance with the present invention by an apparatus, system and method having the features recited in the separate items of the scope of the claims. Further exemplary embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

According to an embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for electroplating an article to be treated, the article having a cavity provided with an inner side surface to be coated. The device is constructed for releasable coupling with a processing container. The apparatus includes a first frame part having a first electrode for holding and electrically contacting the item to be treated. The apparatus includes a carrier for the second electrode that protrudes into a cavity of the item to be treated held by the first electrode. The carrier is mechanically coupled to the first frame component in a manner that the carrier is electrically insulated from the first frame component. For this purpose, the carrier can be positioned on the second frame part, wherein the first and second frame parts are mechanically coupled to each other and are electrically insulated from each other. Accordingly, the first and second electrodes are electrically insulated from each other. By connecting the device to A suitable source of current/voltage is that the first electrode and the anode may be polarized to polarize the second electrode at least for a time average. The apparatus can be designed such that contact between the second electrode and the item to be treated is avoided. The apparatus is preferably in the form of a frame having the first frame part and the second frame part. The device is constructed for a releasable coupling by a suitable receiving element for holding the device on the processing container. For this treatment, the apparatus having the item to be treated held thereon is lowered into the processing container filled with the electrolyte. During this process, it is held and electrically contacted by suitable receiving elements. By means of the apparatus, the item to be treated can be positioned in a plating bath with an internal anode that acts in the cavity during the process. The efficient coating of the inner side surface can be achieved by the inner anode.

The carrier can be fastened to the second frame part. The first frame part and the second frame part can be mechanically firmly connected to each other. The apparatus can include electrically insulating tabs that securely connect the first frame part and the second frame part to each other. The frame parts and the carrier may comprise a conductive material and are electrically insulated from the plating bath electrolyte by, for example, a coating.

The second electrode can be an anode. The second electrode can be a dissolvable anode or an insoluble anode. The anode can be fastened to the carrier. Preferably, the anode is fastened to the carrier in such a way that it can be mounted and removed, in particular without damage, and in a simple manner, such as by means of a clamp, to allow for fast and no Expired installation and removal. The fastening between the anode and the carrier has good electrical conductivity. For this purpose, the anode can have A connector and the carrier can have the opposite of the match. The fastening between the anode and the carrier can be a threaded connection. The connecting member can then have an internal thread, and the opposing member can have an external thread, and other fastening mechanisms, such as a bayonet mechanism or a bite locking mechanism, can also be used to Fastened to the carrier of the second frame part in a loose manner without breaking.

The second electrode can be composed of a plurality of segments. The plurality of segments of the second electrode can be held and electrically contacted via a common contact pin. The contact pin is a carrier for the second electrode.

The plurality of fragments can include a soluble material dissolved in the electrolyte. When the device is in use, a new segment can be fastened to the contact pin once the segment that was last mounted on the contact pin has dissolved or dissolved to the extent that they must be replaced.

The contact pin can be constructed such that it does not dissolve during operation of the device or dissolves more slowly than the plurality of segments of the second electrode secured thereto. The contact pin can include a material that does not dissolve on the anodic polarization.

The plurality of segments can include the dissolvable metallic material to which the article to be treated will be coated. At least two of the plurality of segments mounted on the same contact pin can comprise different materials.

The plurality of segments can be rotationally symmetric about an axis. The plurality of segments can be spherical, disc shaped or cylindrical.

For fastening to the contact pin, the plurality of segments can have a through hole or a penetration hole through which a section of the contact pin can be guided.

a locking mechanism can be mounted on the contact pin to facilitate the plurality of pieces The segment is locked to the contact pin.

A spacer or a plurality of spacers can be coupled to at least one of the segments to establish a gap between the segment and the second frame component and/or to establish a gap between the segment and another segment space. The spacer can be configured on the contact pin. For fastening to the contact pin, the spacer can have a through hole or a penetration hole through which a section of the contact pin can be guided.

The dissolvable anode and the carrier can be constructed to prevent the liquid of the electrolyte from entering the opposite side of the carrier in the secured state. The dissolvable anode and the carrier can have a sealing surface that prevents the liquid of the electrolyte from penetrating through the mutually coupled sealing surfaces when the dissolvable anode is fastened to the carrier Engage.

The apparatus can be used to electroplate the article to be treated with a metal such as copper, nickel, zinc and tin. The apparatus can be used to plate the item to be treated with only one metal plating. The dissolvable anode can then include the metal.

The apparatus can be used to electroplate the article to be treated with an alloy composed of at least one of a first metal and a second metal. The greater amount of the first metal than the second metal can thereby be deposited on the item to be treated. The dissolvable anode can then include the second metal. The first metal can be zinc (Zn). The second metal can be nickel (Ni).

In addition to the internal anode projecting into the cavity of the item to be treated, an external anode can be mounted in the processing vessel, such as at the edge of the processing vessel. An external anode made of the first metal and the second metal The finished external anode can thereby be installed in the processing vessel.

The first electrode can have a first longitudinal axis and the second electrode can have a second longitudinal axis. The direction of the first longitudinal axis can be different from the horizontal plane in such a manner that the first electrode system is guided obliquely upward in the treatment state. This allows the item to be treated to be wedged onto the first electrode and allows for a firm placement and good electrical contact. The direction of the second longitudinal axis may be different from the direction of the first longitudinal axis. It is such that a uniform electric field is achieved on the surface of the cavity.

The first electrode can have a section provided with a tapered outer surface. For holding the item to be treated, the holding opening of the item to be treated can be guided over the tapered outer side surface of the first electrode.

The second electrode and the carrier for the second electrode may be such that the conductive surface of the second electrode extends beyond the size of the cavity of the article to be treated. The edge of the cavity can define a plane from which the conductive surface of the second electrode protrudes from 10 to 30 mm, for example up to 20 mm. The carrier can be constructed such that it does not protrude into the cavity of the item to be treated.

The first frame part can include a first contact section that is electrically connected to the first electrode and that is designed to releasably couple with the first opposing contact. The second frame part can include a second contact section that is designed to be releasably coupled to the second opposing contact, wherein the second contact section is spaced from the first contact section, And being electrically insulated from the first contact segment.

The first frame part can have a plurality of first electrodes. Each of the plurality of first electrodes can have the same orientation. The plurality of second electrodes can be fastened to The second frame part, each of the second electrodes serves as an internal anode. Each of the plurality of second electrodes can have the same orientation. In this way, simultaneous electroplating of a plurality of components is advantageous. In a further embodiment, the relative position of the first electrode and the associated second electrode on the device can be varied to allow for processing of different components.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a system for electroplating an article to be treated is provided, the system including an apparatus and a processing vessel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The processing vessel includes a means for mechanically supporting and electrically contacting the apparatus having the item to be treated held thereon.

The first and/or second opposing contacts can be secured to the processing vessel. The first and/or second opposing contacts can be elastically deformed to ensure good electrical contact with the current/voltage feed.

An external anode different from the inner anode can be installed in the processing vessel. The outer anodes can be completely mounted outside of the cavity of the item to be treated. An external anode of the first metal different from each other and an external anode of the second metal can be used. The first metal can be zinc (Zn). The second metal can be nickel (Ni). The number of external anodes of the first metal may be greater than the number of external anodes of the second metal. The second electrode can include the second metal.

An external anode mounted on the processing vessel and a second electrode secured to the second frame part and serving as an internal anode can be constructed such that the surface area of the internal anode is used on the processing vessel The total surface area of the anode is from 3 to 30%, in particular from 5 to 20%, and especially from 7 to 15%.

The system can be constructed to flow through the second electrical during operation The pole current constitutes a ratio of 3 to 30% of the total current flowing through the various anodes (internal anode and external anode), especially 5 to 20% of the total current flowing through the various anodes, and especially through the various anodes. The current is from 7 to 15%.

The processing vessel can have means for recycling the plating bath in the processing vessel.

The device can be constructed such that it can be attached to the plurality of processing containers of the system in a time series manner. The plurality of processing containers can have opposing contacts that are designed for conductive connection with the device.

The system can include the item to be treated that is held on the apparatus in such a manner that the second electrode protrudes into the cavity of the item to be treated without contacting the item to be treated.

According to another embodiment, a method for electroplating an article to be treated is provided, the article having a cavity provided with an inner side surface to be coated. The item to be processed is mounted on a device. The apparatus includes a first frame part having a first electrode; and a carrier mechanically coupled to the first frame part for a second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are attached to the apparatus They are electrically insulated from each other. The item to be treated is mounted on the apparatus in such a manner that it is held by the first electrode and the second electrode protrudes into the cavity of the item to be treated. The apparatus having the article to be treated held thereon is releasably mounted on the processing container in such a manner that the article to be treated is immersed in the plating tank.

Additional features of the method and the effects achieved thereby correspond to the features of the device and system in accordance with the exemplary embodiments, respectively. The method can be performed with a device or system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

In the method, a first voltage can be applied between the second electrode and the first electrode, or a first current can be fed. A second voltage can be applied between the external anode and the first electrode, or a second current can be fed. The first and second currents, or the first and second voltages, can be set independently of one another by different current or voltage sources.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be used generally for the application of metal parts or parts having conductive surfaces.

1‧‧‧System system for electroplating

2‧‧‧Processing container

3‧‧‧External anode

4‧‧‧ Receiving device

5‧‧‧Adjacency

6, 7‧‧‧ opposite contacts

8‧‧‧ Items to be processed

9‧‧‧ cavity

10‧‧‧Equipment for electroplating

11‧‧‧First Rack Parts

12‧‧‧Second rack parts

13‧‧‧Carriage

14‧‧‧Contact surface

15‧‧‧Connecting piece

16, 17‧‧‧Contacts

18‧‧‧Insulation coating

19‧‧‧Magnification area

21‧‧‧First electrode

22‧‧‧second electrode

23‧‧‧ Vehicles

24‧‧‧Parts with a conical outer surface

25‧‧‧ incision

26‧‧‧ the end of the vehicle

31‧‧‧The first longitudinal axis of the first electrode

32‧‧‧ second longitudinal axis of the second electrode

33‧‧‧ internal thread

34‧‧‧ external thread

35, 36‧‧‧ sealing surface

42‧‧‧second electrode

43‧‧‧Contact pin

44‧‧‧Locking device

45-48‧‧‧electrode fragment

49‧‧‧Incision

51‧‧‧ inside surface to be coated

52‧‧‧Edge plane

53‧‧‧ Length

55-58‧‧‧Contact pliers

61‧‧‧System for electroplating

62‧‧‧Another processing container

63‧‧‧External anode

64‧‧‧ plating bath

65‧‧‧

66‧‧‧Processing liquid

67‧‧‧

The invention will be explained in more detail below by means of preferred or advantageous exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

2 is a top plan view of a device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a perspective front elevational view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a perspective side view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 2.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the carrier passing through the apparatus of Figure 2.

Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view of the carrier and internal anode of the apparatus of Figure 2 when the inner anode is not secured to the carrier.

Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an article that has been processed through a portion of the apparatus of Figure 2.

Figure 10 is a side elevational view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 2, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

Figure 11 is a top plan view of the contacts of the apparatus of Figure 2 and opposing contacts for feeding current.

Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

The exemplary embodiments are described in the context of a system for the treatment of an item to be treated wherein a plurality of articles having a conductive surface are immersed in a plating bath. The apparatus, system and method can be used substantially for the application of a to-be-processed article having a cavity having an inside surface, and wherein there is more than only the outside surface, while the inside surface will be provided with a coating. The coating can be a coating of a metal or alloy of a plurality of metals. For example, the article to be treated may be a coating provided with zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni), preferably from an acidic electrolyte, and a larger proportion of Zn is contained in the coating. However, the devices, systems, and methods are not limited to coatings having those materials. In the drawings, identical reference numerals indicate identical elements.

1 is a perspective view of a system 1 for electroplating an article to be treated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The system 1 includes a processing vessel 2 and an apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 is in the form of a rack, the item to be treated is held on the frame, and additionally used as a carrier for one or more internal anodes, the internal anodes projecting into the item to be treated The cavity.

The processing vessel 2 is filled with a plating bath during operation. An external anode 3 such as a dissolvable anode is installed in the processing vessel 2. The outer anodes 3 can be fastened to the edges of the processing vessel. When the article to be treated is to be provided with a coating comprising an alloy of the first metal and the second metal, The outer anode 3 can include the first metal, and the remaining outer anode 3 can include the second metal. For example, the first metal can be Zn and the second metal can be Ni. The article to be treated can be coated such that the coating comprises a greater proportion of Zn and a smaller proportion of Ni, such as 10% Ni.

In addition to the external anodes 3, one or more internal anodes are used in the system 1. Each inner anode projects into a cavity of the item to be treated. The inner anode is mounted on the apparatus 10 and also has a first electrode for use as the cathode, the article to be treated being held on the first electrode. The device 10 can be coupled to the processing container 2 in a reversibly loose manner, the processing container including a receiving device for holding and contacting the device 10. For example, the device 10 can be seated on the processing container 2 such that the item to be treated held on the device 10 is immersed in the plating bath. The receiving device 4 of the processing container 2 can have a contact surface 5 on which the device 10 can be placed. The voltage can be supplied via the contacts on the device 10 and the corresponding opposing contacts 6, 7 on the processing container 2. Current can be fed in the device 10 at two spatially separated locations. The potential difference is thereby generated between the internal anode mounted on the apparatus 10 and the cathode holding the item to be treated. The opposite contact member 6 and the opposite contact member 7 can be fastened to the processing container 2, with the opposite contact member 6, for example, the cathode of the device 10 can be pulled to a negative potential, and with the opposite contact member 7, For example, the internal anode can be pulled to a positive potential. Current feed to the external anode is not shown. The organization of the apparatus 10 according to the exemplary embodiment is described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 through 12.

2 shows a top view of the device 10, and FIG. 3 shows the device 10 Side view. The apparatus 10 is used as a frame for a first electrode, which is used as a cathode and holds the object to be treated, and for a second electrode, which is used as an internal anode and protrudes into the The cavity of the item to be treated.

The device 10 has a carrier bar 13. The carrier bar 13 has a contact surface 14 which can be placed on the abutment face 5 of the receiving device 4. Contacts 16, 17 for current feed are provided on the device 10.

Generally, the apparatus 10 includes a first frame part 11 and a second frame part 12. The first frame part 11 and the second frame part 12 are mechanically coupled to each other. The first frame part 11 and the second frame part 12 can be firmly connected to each other. The apparatus 10 can include a plurality of webs 15 that securely connect the first frame part 11 and the second frame part 12 to each other. The tab 15 can comprise an electrically insulating material.

The first frame part 11 and the second frame part 12 can have an electrically insulating coating on their surface, such as based on PTFE. However, this coating leaves the exposed surfaces of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 described below. In the interior, each of the first frame part 11 and the second frame part 12 has a conductive material, such as copper, brass, titanium, at the first contact 16 and the first electrode 21 A conductive connection is formed to serve as a cathode, or an electrically conductive connection is formed between the second contact 17 and the second electrode 22 to serve as an internal anode. The first electrode 21 can comprise stainless steel. It can be soldered to the first frame.

The first frame part 11 has a first electrode 21. The first frame part 11 can have a plurality of first electrodes 21. Each of the first electrodes 21 It is constructed to hold a pending item 8. For example, the first electrode 21 can be introduced into the corresponding penetration opening or another slit of the article 8 to be treated, so that the article 8 to be treated is held on the first electrode 21. Via the first electrode 21, during operation of the system 1, the item to be treated can be negatively, i.e., cathodically polarized, to perform an electroplating process.

At least one second electrode 22 is fastened to the second frame part 12. The second frame part 12 has at least one carrier 23. The second frame part 12 can have a plurality of carriers 23. The second electrode 22 is fastened to the carrier 23. In general, a plurality of second electrodes 22 can be secured to the second frame part 12. Each of the second electrodes 22 can have an associated first electrode 21. This second electrode 22 acts as an internal anode during operation. The second electrode 22 is configured such that the second electrode 22 protrudes into the cavity of the article 8 to be treated, which is held on the associated first electrode 21.

The current feed occurs during operation via the contacts 16, 17 on the device and the associated opposing contacts 6, 7 on the processing container. A voltage applied between the opposing contacts 6, 7 can cause a first electrode component 11 and the second frame component 12 between the first electrode 21 and the associated second electrode 22 Potential difference. All of the first electrodes 21 can be maintained at the same negative potential. All of the second electrodes 22 can be maintained at the same positive potential.

During the electroplating application, the use of the second electrode 22 projecting into the cavity of the article to be treated 8 enables a higher current density to be achieved in the cavity of the article 8 to be treated. A more uniform thickness of the coating on the inner and outer surfaces of the article to be treated 8 can also be achieved. With the first frame The use of the part 11 and the apparatus 10 of the second frame part 12 allows a simple and dimensionally stable configuration of the internal anodes relative to the item to be treated 8 to be achieved.

In the enlarged perspective views of FIGS. 4 and 5, the arrangement of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is more clearly shown for the region 19 of FIG.

The article to be treated 8 has a cavity 9 whose surface is likewise provided with a coating. In order to mount the item 8 to be treated on the device 10, a slit 25, such as a through opening, of the item 8 to be treated can be guided over the first electrode 21. The article to be treated 8 is held and electrically contacted by the first electrode 21. The first electrode 21 can have a portion 24 provided with a conical outer surface. The item 8 to be treated can be held in such a manner that it is wedged on the outer surface 24 of the cone. The article 8 to be treated can be held by the first electrode 21 in such a manner that the longitudinal axis of the slit 25 is inclined relative to the first longitudinal axis 31 of the first electrode 21.

The carrier 23 and the second electrode 22 fastened thereto are configured such that the second electrode 22 protrudes into the cavity 9. The second electrode 22 is configured such that it does not contact the item 8 to be treated held by the associated first electrode 21. The second electrode 22 can protrude substantially centrally into the cavity 9. However, other spatial configurations are also possible.

The first electrode 21 can have a first longitudinal axis 31. The second electrode 22 can have the second longitudinal axis 32 (shown in Figure 7). When the apparatus 10 is in the operational state, both the first longitudinal axis 31 and the second longitudinal axis 32 can be tilted relative to a horizontal direction. The first longitudinal axis 31 and the second longitudinal axis 32 can have different orientations.

When the article 8 to be treated is to be provided with a coating comprising a first metal and a second metal, the second electrode 22 can comprise the first metal or the second metal. The second electrode 22 can include the second metal when the article 8 to be treated is to be coated in such a manner that the coating comprises a greater proportion of the first metal and a smaller proportion of the second metal. The processing vessel 2 can have a larger number of external anodes 3 of the first metal than is larger than the second metal. The second electrode 22 used as the internal anode can include the metal, and for the metal, a smaller number of external anodes 3 are mounted on the processing vessel. For example, the first metal can be Zn. For example, the second metal can be Ni.

The surface of the outer anode 3 and the surface of the second electrode 22 serving as an inner anode can be matched to each other in the system 1. The outer anode 3 and the second electrode 22 fastened to the second frame part 12 can be constructed such that the surface area of the inner anodes 22 constitutes from 3 to 30% of the total surface area of the anodes. The system 1 can be constructed such that during operation, the current flowing through the second electrode 22 constitutes a ratio of 3 to 30% of the total current flowing through the various anodes (internal anode 22 and external anode 3).

The second electrode 22 can be soluble in the electrolyte when the article to be treated is coated. The second electrode 22 can be coupled to the carrier 23 of the second frame part 12, such as by a simple mechanism, such as a clamp, which can be coupled to the carrier 23 and can be released The carrier 23 is not fastened in a broken manner. This is described in more detail with reference to Figures 6 through 8, for example, for the second electrode 22. Apparatus 10 for mounting a plurality of second electrodes 22 used as internal anodes, corresponding thereto The structure can be used several times.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a portion of the first frame part 11. The surface of the first frame part 11 has an electrically insulating coating 18. The coating 18 can also cover the outside surface of the carrier 23. However, the carrier 23 has a conductive surface for coupling with the second electrode 22. One end portion 26 of the carrier 23 can be positioned such that the end portion 26 does not protrude into the cavity 9.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis 32 of the second electrode 22 of the carrier 23 as the second electrode 22 is secured to the carrier 23. FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the state in which the second electrode 22 is not fastened to the carrier 23.

The second electrode 22 and the carrier 23 have a coupling mechanism, and the second electrode 22 can be fastened to the coupling mechanism and in such a manner that it can be loosened again by the carrier 23 without being damaged. The carrier 23 is. For this purpose, the second electrode 22 can have an internal thread 33 and the carrier 23 can have a snap-in external thread 34. Other forms are possible. For example, the second electrode 22 can have an external thread and the carrier 23 can have a corresponding internal thread. The fastening mechanism is constructed such that an electrically conductive connection is established.

To protect the fastening mechanism, the carrier 23 and the second electrode 22 can be constructed such that when the second electrode 22 is secured to the carrier 23, they form a seal 24. The second electrode 22 can have a sealing surface 35 at an axial end. The carrier 23 can have a corresponding sealing surface 36 at an axial end. When the second electrode 22 is attached to the carrier 23, the sealing faces 35, 36 can be formed with a seal 24 to prevent intrusion of electrolyte. The equations are adjacent to each other.

Due to the releasable fastening means for fastening a dissolvable anode, the dissolvable anode can be replaced in a simple manner when necessary. In particular, the second electrode 22 of the device 10 can be replaced by a new dissolvable anode.

The second electrode 22 does not need to be completely disposed in the cavity 9 of the article to be treated 8, but may protrude outward from the cavity 9.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the second electrode 22. The second electrode 22 protrudes into the cavity 9. The cavity 9 has an inner side surface 51 of the item to be treated as a lateral side edge. The second electrode 22 is configured such that it is separated from the item to be treated 8 and does not contact the item to be treated. A section of the second electrode 22 adjacent to the carrier 23 can be disposed outside the cavity 9. The second electrode 22 can protrude from the cavity 9 for a length 53. This length 53 can be determined as the distance between one end of the second electrode 22 and the plane 52. The length 53 can be, for example, from 10 to 30 mm. In this way, better deposition of, for example, metal at the edge of the cavity 9 can be achieved.

In the apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment, the carrier and/or the second electrode can have a configuration different from those described with reference to FIGS. 6-8. For example, the second electrode can comprise a plurality of individual segments that can be removed from the carrier and/or mounted independently of each other on the carrier. The coupling between the second electrode and the carrier can be achieved by a threaded connection.

FIG. 10 shows a side view along the longitudinal axis of the second electrode 42. As described with reference to FIG. 10, the form of the carrier and the second electrode 42 can be Used in the device of Figure 2.

At least one second electrode 42 is secured to the second frame part 12 of the apparatus 2. The second frame part 12 has at least one carrier that is a contact pin 43. The second frame part 12 can have a plurality of contact pins 43, each of which serves as a carrier for the second electrode. The second electrode 42 is fastened to the contact pin 43. The plurality of second electrodes 42 can be integrally fastened to the second frame part 12.

The contact pin 43 and the second electrode 42 fastened thereto are configured such that when the article to be treated is held by the first electrode 21, the second electrode 42 protrudes into the cavity 9. The second electrode 42 is configured such that it does not contact the item 8 to be treated held by the associated first electrode 21.

The second electrode 42 can be formed by a plurality of segments 45-48. The plurality of segments 45-48 can be mounted on the contact pins 43 independently of each other and/or removed by the contact pins 43. The plurality of segments 45-48 may abut each other when they are mounted on the contact pins 43.

The plurality of segments 45-48 of the second electrode 42 can be held in contact and electrically contacted by the common contact pin 43. The plurality of segments 45-48 and the contact pins 43 can be constructed such that when the plurality of segments 45-48 are mounted on the contact pins 43, the contact pins 43 contact and electrically contact the plurality of segments 45-48 Each of them.

The contact pin 43 can be constructed such that it does not dissolve in the electrolyte during operation of the device 10. The contact pin 43 can be constructed such that it dissolves more slowly during operation of the device 10, especially At least one of the plurality of segments 45-48 is much slower. The contact pin 43 can be straight or curved.

Each of the plurality of segments 45-48 of the second electrode 42 can comprise a dissolvable material to which the article 8 to be treated is to be coated. During operation of the device 10, the plurality of segments 45-48 dissolve. The plurality of segments 45-48 may all comprise a metallic material that is soluble in the electrolyte when the article 8 to be treated is coated.

The plurality of segments 45-48 of the second electrode 42 mounted on the same contact pin 43 can comprise different materials. In particular, the material of at least two of the plurality of segments 45-48 can be different. At least two of the segments 45-48 can comprise different materials.

The contact pins 43 on which the plurality of segments 45-48 are mounted can comprise a material different from the material of at least one of the plurality of segments 45-48.

The contact pin 43 can include a material that does not dissolve on the anodic polarization. The contact pin 43 can include, for example, titanium or tantalum.

The plurality of segments 45-48 of the second electrode 42 can be mounted on the contact pin 43 in a different manner. At least one of the segments 45-48 of the second electrode 42 can have a port 49 through which the contact pin 43 can pass. The slit 49 can be formed as a through hole or hole in the corresponding sections 45-48. In each case, the inner diameter of the slit 49 can be designed to conform to the outer diameter of the pin 43. The second electrode 42 can be constructed such that each of the plurality of segments 45-48 mounted on the contact pin 43 has the slit 49 through which the contact pin 43 is guided.

Other types of connections can be used to the complex segment 45-48 to One of the fewer is mounted on the contact pin. For example, at least one of the plurality of segments 45-48 can be mounted to the contact pin 43 via a threaded connection, similar to that described with reference to FIG.

At least one of the plurality of segments 45-48 can have identical geometries. The plurality of segments 45-48 can be rotationally symmetric about a central axis of the slit 49. The plurality of segments 45-48 can be, for example, spherical, disc shaped or cylindrical.

In order to lock the plurality of segments 45-48 to the contact pin 43, the device 10 can include a locking device 44. The locking device 44 can be mounted on the contact pin 43 to prevent the plurality of segments 45-48 from being inadvertently removed by the contact pin 43. The locking device 44 can be fastened to the free end of the contact pin 43 in a manner that it can be loosened without breaking, the free end being not attached to the second frame part 12. The locking device 44 can include, for example, a nut that is in threaded engagement with the contact pin 43 or the splint type locking mechanism.

Due to the fastening means for fastening the plurality of segments 45-48 of the soluble second electrode 43 without being undamaged, the plurality of segments 45-48 can be replaced in a simple manner if necessary. . In particular, for each of the second electrodes 42 of the device 10, at least one or all of the plurality of segments 45-48 can be replaced. For this purpose, new segments 45-48 can be fastened to the corresponding contact pins 43.

A spacer or a plurality of spacers can be coupled to at least one of the segments 45-48. A spacer can be provided to create a space between the segment 45 and the second frame part 12. Another option or addition, interval A device can be provided to establish a gap between one of the segments 45-48 and the immediately adjacent segment 45-48. The spacer can be mounted on the contact pin 43. For fastening to the contact pin 43 , the spacer can have a through hole or a penetration hole through which a section of the contact pin 43 can be guided.

Figure 11 illustrates the form of the conductive connections between the contacts 16, 17 of the device 10 and the opposing contacts 6, 7. During operation of the system 1, a voltage is applied between the second electrode 22, which serves as an internal anode, and a first electrode 21, which serves as a cathode, via the apparatus 10, the first electrode holding the item to be treated. The contacts 16, 17 of the device 10 are electrically coupled to the opposing contacts 6, 7, which can be mounted on the processing container 2. Each of the opposing contacts 6, 7 can be formed by resilient metal parts, such as resiliently mounted contact pliers 55-58, to compensate for dimensional inaccuracies of the contacts 16, 17.

As already described with reference to Figures 1 through 11, the apparatus having the first frame part 11 and the carrier 23 for the inner anode can be used in a large number of systems for electroplating coating. In particular, the device 10 can be used in a system that includes a plurality of processing containers. The device 10 having the item to be treated held thereon can be transferred from one processing container to another.

Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a system 61 for electroplating. The system 61 includes the processing vessel 2 and another processing vessel 62. The other processing vessel 62 can have a voltage supply for the device 10. The other processing vessel 62 can include an outer anode 63. Alternatively, the other processing container 62 can be used to wash the item to be treated or for the item to be treated. Pure chemical treatment. Additional processing containers can be provided.

During operation of the system 61, the apparatus 10 is mounted on the processing vessel 2. In the processing container 2, there is a plating bath 64 up to the level 65. For subsequent processing in the other processing vessel 62, the apparatus 10 is transferred to the other processing vessel 62. In the other processing vessel 62, the treatment liquid 66 is accumulated up to a level 67. The apparatus 10 is mounted on the other processing container 62 in such a manner that the item 8 to be treated is immersed in the processing liquid 66.

Modifications of the exemplary embodiments shown and described in the drawings can be implemented in a further exemplary embodiment.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment, although an apparatus has been described herein, the second electrodes can be mounted on the second frame part in a mechanically detachable manner for the second electrode It may also be connected to the second frame part in a non-releasable manner in a further exemplary embodiment. A carrier for the internal anodes can also be mounted directly on the first frame part.

The apparatus can also be constructed such that it has only one second electrode serving as an internal anode and an associated first electrode.

While the cavity of the article to be treated can have a cylindrical shape, the apparatus and method can also be used with differently shaped cavities.

The shape of the second electrode can be designed to conform to the shape of the cavity to create a uniform current density in the cavity. For example, the electrode rod can have a thickened portion or can be bent. Two or more second electrodes may also be disposed in the cavity. Furthermore, the second electrode can also be partially covered by an insulating layer Surrounded to reduce deposition in certain areas of the cavity.

Apparatus, systems, and methods in accordance with various embodiments can be used in the processing of metal goods or other parts having a conductive surface and having a cavity. An example of this item to be treated is a brake caliper. The apparatus, system and method according to various exemplary embodiments can be used, inter alia, for electroplating to coat an item to be treated having an inside surface to be coated.

8‧‧‧ Items to be processed

9‧‧‧ cavity

11‧‧‧First Rack Parts

12‧‧‧Second rack parts

15‧‧‧Connecting piece

21‧‧‧First electrode

22‧‧‧second electrode

23‧‧‧ Vehicles

24‧‧‧Parts with a conical outer surface

31‧‧‧The first longitudinal axis of the first electrode

Claims (6)

An apparatus for electroplating an article to be treated (8), the article having a cavity (9) provided with an inner side surface (51) to be coated, wherein the device (10) is constructed Releasably coupled to a processing container (2), and comprising: a first frame part (11) having a first electrode (21) for holding and electrically contacting the item to be treated (8), and a second frame part (12) having a carrier (43) for the second electrode (42), wherein the carrier (43) is constructed to protrude from the second electrode (42) by the first The second electrode (42) is fastened by the cavity (9) of the item (8) to be treated held by the electrode (21) without touching the object to be treated (8), wherein the carrier is in contact a pin (43), wherein the first frame part (11) and the carrier (43) are mechanically coupled to each other, and wherein the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22; 42) are Electrically insulated from each other, wherein the second electrode (42) is a dissolvable anode that is fastened to the carrier (43), wherein the dissolvable anode has a connecting section (49) for Fastened to the way it can be loosened without being destroyed A carrier (43), wherein the second electrode (42) is comprised of a plurality of segments (45-48), wherein the plurality of segments (45-48) are configured to be mounted to the contact pins independently of each other (43) And wherein the plurality of segments (45-48) are configured to be removed from the contact pin (43) independently of each other, and wherein the contact pin (43) and the plurality of segments (45-48) are Construct When the plurality of segments (45-48) are attached to the contact pin (43), the contact pin (43) contacts and electrically contacts each of the plurality of segments (45-48). An apparatus for electroplating an article to be treated (8) according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode (21) has a first longitudinal axis (31), and the second electrode (42) has The first longitudinal axis (31) is different from the second longitudinal axis (32). An apparatus for electroplating an article to be treated (8) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus (10) comprises a first contact section (16) electrically connected to the first An electrode (21) and is designed to be releasably coupled to the first opposing contact (6); and wherein the device (10) includes a second contact section (17) that is electrically connected To the second electrode (22; 42) and designed to be releasably coupled to the second opposite contact (7), wherein the second contact section (17) is associated with the first contact section (16) spaced apart and electrically insulated from the first contact section (16). A system for electroplating an article to be treated (8), comprising the device (10) according to item 3 of the patent application, and a processing container (2), the first opposite contact (6) and the second The opposite contact (7) is fastened to the processing container (2), wherein the first opposing contact (6) and/or the second opposing contact (7) are elastically deformable. A method for electroplating an article to be treated (8), the article There is a cavity (9) provided with an inner side surface (51) to be coated, wherein the method comprises: mounting the item to be treated (8) on a first machine comprising a first electrode (21) On the device (10) of the frame part (11), the device (10) includes a carrier (23; 43) mechanically coupled to the first frame part (11) and having a second electrode (22) 42), wherein the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22; 42) are electrically insulated from each other, wherein the object to be treated (8) is held by the first electrode (21) And the second electrode (22; 42) is mounted on the device (10) in such a manner as to protrude into the cavity (9) of the article to be treated (8), and the object to be treated (8) is immersed in the plating tank ( 64), the apparatus (10) having the item (8) to be treated is releasably mounted on the processing container (2), wherein the method is in any one of claims 1 to 3 The device (10) is carried out. A method for electroplating an article to be treated (8) according to claim 5, wherein the method further comprises: replacing the dissolvable anode with another dissolvable anode.