US3421993A - Electroplating barrel - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 14, 1969 A. LAZARO ELECTROPLATING BARREL Sheet Filed March 21, 1966 @E w M /\W PM W mm o o a u an o m m I! w w o o o o .v 0 o .v o m o q A. A. a A. m m \\\IIN 0 mm w.\lm F\\l mm mm g \om MW .5 z @N am mm H H 6 INVENTOR ANTON LAZARO ATTORNEY Jan. 14, A, LAZARO ELECTROPLAT ING BARREL Sheet Filed March 21, 1966 INVENTOR ANTON LAZARO I/uwdidfih ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,421,993 ELECTROPLATING BARREL Anton Lazaro, 2022 N. California Ave., Chicago, II]. 60647 Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 466,789, June 24, 1965. This application Mar. 21, 1966, Ser.

No. 535,822 U.S. Cl. 204213 Int. Cl. C23b 5/78 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to an apparatus for electroplating, and more particularly to an apparatus of the type in which a plurality of different articles may be placed in a container and immersed in a plating solution while the container is rotated to accomplish plating without commingling the articles.

This is a continuation-in-part of my prior patent application entitled, Improved Electroplating Barnel, Ser. No. 466,789 and filed June 24, 1965.

In presently known electroplating devices, plating different type articles with a single barrel type device usually necessitates the commingling of the articles. Of course when different type articles are commingled and they are small, this leads to difliculties when sorting them out after plating.

It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide an electroplating apparatus which has a new and improved electroplating barrel that enables plating different type articles in a single barrel without commingling said articles.

When plating different type articles in a manner so that they are not commingled, it has been a problem to design a device which does not require a plurality of cathode contacters.

It is therefore a related object of this invention to provide a new and improved electroplating barrel which can plate several types of different articles without commingling the articles with a replaceable single cathode contacting member.

It is an important feature of my invention to provide a multi-chambered barrel which can be used for electroplating different type articles without commingling them.

It is still another important object of my invention to provide a multi-chambered electroplating barrel having a replaceable central cathode contacting member which can be used to plate different type articles in the chambers thereof by being located centrally with respect to said chambers.

It is still another feature of my invention to provide central cathode contacting members in combination with an electroplating barrel having a plurality of chambers therein for plating different types of articles without commingling them wherein the central cathode contacting member is insulated from the chambers and has electrical contact therewith by means of contacting elements associated with each chamber whereby the central cathode contacting member can be easily replaced.

In the structure illustrated and described in my prior co-pending application the means for connecting the central cathode contacting member was cumbersome and ineflicient. Firstly, the connection means merely fed current to the contacting member from one side thereof. This at times resulted in current not being fed to all parts of the barrel. Secondly, the connection means had a complicated structure for sealing the central contacting member to prevent electrolytic solution from corroding the central contacting member. This complicated connecting structure made replacement of the central cathode contacting member difficult in addition to creating problems in assembling the electroplating barrels.

It is therefore still another important object of this invention to provide an electroplating barrel having a central cathode contacting member that has a new and improved means of connecting the same to a cathode source whereby better electrical contact and electrical distribution can be achieved in addition to providing simple and efficient sealing.

It is even still another object of this invention to provide an electroplating barrel having a central cathode contacting member that is easily replaceable.

It is an important feature of this invention to provide a central cathode contacting member which has a plurality of input conductor tubes connected by a spring means which urges the same toward each other so that a simple and more efficient seal can be achieved.

It is still another important feature of his invention to provide a central cathode contacting member which has a hollow conductor tube that makes sliding contact with a pair of spring biased input conductor tubes 'whereby efiicient cathode contact can be achieved in addition to simple and eflicient sealing.

It is even still another feature of this invention to provide a central cathode contacting member which is connected to a cathode at both ends thereof.

Other and further objects, advantages and features of my invention will become more readily apparent in the following description and the accompanying drawings wherein similar characters of reference indicate similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational 'view showing an electroplating apparatus with a preferred embodiment of the electroplating barrel of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged half-sectional view of the electroplating barrel of my invention; and

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 44 in FIG. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows, one of the wall means 13 thereof being shown removed from the barrel.

Referring generally to the figures in the drawings, a new and improved electroplating barrel is shown in combination with a self-contained portable electroplating apparatus which includes a motor associated with a gear train to drive the barrel. The electroplating barrel is multic'hambered and has a plurality of radially extending partitions extending longitudinally along the barrel. The radially extended partitions have certain apex angles therebetween to define radial extending chambers therebetween. The chambers have an apex at the inner ends of the partitions and have gradually increasing volumes at the outer ends of said partitions in accordance with the apex angles formed between the partitions. A central cathode contacting rnember extends longitudinally along the inside of the barrel at the apex of the radially extending chambers and has electrical contact with each of the radial extended chambers in order that parts disposed in each of the chambers can be plated therewith. Removable wall means are preferably associated with the outer ends of the radially extending partitions to enable parts to be conveniently deposited and withdrawn from each of the chambers without commingling the parts.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 1, my improved electroplating barrel 10 is illustrated in combination with a portable electroplating device 11. The electroplating barrel may be preferably made of a chemically inert material such as plastic.

From a more detailed view of my barrel 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen that my barrel is a multi-chambered barrel which preferably has a pair of polygonal shaped end plates 12 in opposing relation. Radially extending partitions 15 extend longitudinally along the barrel 10 and have their opposing sides contiguous with and attached to a respective end plate to define the radially extending chambers 16 therebetween in accordance with certain apex angles therebetween. The partitions 15 have an inner end 15a and an outer end 15b; and the chambers have an apex at the inner ends 15a of the partitions with gradually increasing volumes at the outer ends of the partitions in accordance with the apex angles 0 between the partitions.

Rib portions 17 entend longitudinally along the barrel contiguous with and interposed between each of the inner ends 15a of the radially extending partitions 15 at the apex of the radially extending chambers 16. As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the rib portions 17 cooperate to define a substantially cylindrical longitudinal opening 17a on the inside thereof at substantially the central axis of the barrel 10.

A central cathode contacting member 19 is received in the longitudinal opening of the rib portions and extension contacting means 21 which protrude through the rib portions make electrical contact between parts in the charmbers and the central cathode contacting means. The extension contacting means 21 are preferably studs having rings 21a formed on one end thereof and threads 21b at the other end thereof so that they can be threaded into the ribs and brought into contact with the central cathode contacting member 19 and can have contacting chains 23 attached to the rings thereof to provide better contact with parts to be plated. The extension contacting means 21 are disposed in each of the chambers to provide cathode contacting means for the parts disposed in each of the chambers for plating.

Wall means 13 are removably associated with the outer ends 15b of the radially extending partitions 15 and with the end plates 12 to define the chambers 16 therebetween. The wall means of course are preferably shown as being removable but it is only necessary for this invention that they are adapted to enable parts to be deposited and withdrawn from the individual chambers. The wall means form a polygonal relationship with each other when they are associated with the electroplating barrel and they are preferably perforated as are the partitions to allow the electroplating fluid to circulate through the barrel.

Also it will be seen that the removable wall means 13 are retained by the opposing end plates 12 by being received in the grooves 12b of the end plates and by having resilient retaining means 46 placed in the grooves 12b as illustrated in FIG. 6.

From FIG. 1, it can be seen that the barrel 10 is horizontally disposed in the electroplating apparatus 11 and it is interposed between the parallel side members 4 5'6, '57. At one side of the barrel, a gear 48 is fixedly attached thereto and it forms part of a gear train that comprises the gear 50 and the pinion gear 52 which is rotatably driven by a motor 54. The gear 50 is journalled on the hub member 55 which is fixedly attached to the side member 56.

The end plates 12 each have non conductive hubs 12a, integrally formed therewith and extending from both ends of the barrel. The hubs are rotably received by sleeve journalling means 56a, 57a which are respectively fixedly set in the parallel side members 56, 57.

The central cathode contacting member 19 comprises a hollow longitudinal cylindrical conductor tube 19a having a pair of solid cylindrical input conductor tubes 19b rotatably received therein. The conductor tubes are sized so that the outer peripheries thereof make sliding contact with the inner periphery of said hollow longitudinal cylindrical conductor tube 19a. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the solid cylindrical input conductor tubes are each threaded at one end thereof and each protrude through a respective journalling means or hub 12a at one end of the barrel. The hubs 12a have wear sleeves 9 set therein to journal the conductor tubes 1% which protrude therethrough and are rotatably mounted therein. A spring member 20 having each of its ends connected to each of the conductor tubes 1% biases both of the conductor tubes inward toward each other so that the central cathode conductor is held together in a sealed relationship with both ends of the barrel. The central cathode contacting member has each of its ends thereof threadedly associated with one of the rigid conductors 32, as illustrated in FIG. 3. A plurality of washers 26 made of material such as Tefion are interposed between the rigid cable conductors 32 and the hubs 1211. It will be noted that a bushing 25 is threadedly associated with one end of the central cathode contacting member by means of being associated with a threaded portion 25a of one of the conductor tubes 19b. Thus, with my new and improved central cathode conductor, electric current can be supplied to the barrel from the rigid conductor bars 32 b means of the conductor bars 19b which in turn transmit electric current to the longitudinal hollow cylindrical conductor tube 19a by means of a sliding contact which results from rotation of the barrel 10.

A cathode power source of rigid conductor bars 32 are fastened to frame 26 by means of the terminals 59 and electric energy is furnished to the terminals by an outside source (not shown). Thus electric energy can be transmitted to the terminals 59 by means of the books 61 or the notched horizontal bracing members 63 being placed in contact with a bus bar (not shown) disposed over the electroplating solution.

To assemble the barrel 10, the radially extending partitions 15 are attached to the opposing end plates 12 and have the rib members 17 disposed at the apex near the inner end 15a of the partition. When said rib members and radially extending partitions are associated with each other and are fixedly attached to opposing end plates 12, the central cathode conductor 19 is received by this central opening formed on the inside of the ribs and the extension contact means 21 are threaded into the ribs and brought into contact with the hollow longitudinal cylindrical conductor tube 19a of the central cathode conductor 19. The cylindrical conductor tubes 19b are inserted within the hollow longitudinal tube 19a and have one of their ends threadedly associated with a respective one of the rigid conductor bars 32. Thereafter, the removable wall means 13 are associated with the outer ends of the radially extending partitions 15 to form the radially extending chambers 16.

The operation of the electroplating apparatus is substantially like that of the former barrel type electroplating apparatus disclosed in my previous application with the exception of having a different type of central cathode conductor and a different type of connection between the cathode and the central cathode connector. The barrel is supported by the side members 56, 57 when it is re moved from the electroplating solution. When it is removed from the electroplating solution, the parts may be added and removed from any of the chambers of the barrel 10 without any damage being occasioned from resting the barrel on the ground. To load the barrel 10, the wall means are removed and a supply of metal articles is placed in each of the chambers. Then the wall means are secured to the barrel 10 while the barrel is supported on the frame 26 by the side members 56, 57. The apparatus may then be lifted and placed with its hook shaped connectors 61 or notched horizontal bracing members 63 onto a bus bar which can be disposed so that when the electropla ing apparatus is suspended therefrom, the electroplating barrel 10 will be immersed in a tank containing electroplating solution. The motor 54 is then energized to cause the barrel to be rotated at a slow speed in a certain direction. Due to the polygonal nature of each of the chambers 16 of the barrel, the articles to be electroplated will be caused to tumble over and over in the solution while they are in electrical contact with the extension contact means 21 and contact chains 23. During this time, the electroplating solution freely circulates through the barrel through the perforations in the wall means 13 and the radially extending partitions 15 and the parts to be electroplated do not escape into the solution. As the barrel 10 is rotating, the conductor tubes 19b, which remain stationary, make sliding rotatable contact with the hollow longitudinal cylindrical conductor tube 19a. The cylindrical tube 19a in being electrically connected with the extension contact means 21 and contact chains 23 in turn distribute the current to the solution and parts in the barrel 10. The spring member in biasing the conductor tubes 1% toward each other forces the Teflon washers 36 against the hubs 122 to form a simple and sufiicient seal therewith and thereby prevent corrosion of the central cathode connecting member.

Thus, it will be seen that I have invented a new and improved electroplating barrel for an electroplating apparatus which fulfills the objects of my invention in a remarkably unexpected fashion. The barrel, although illustrated preferably with a portable electroplating apparatus, embodies principles which are universally applicable to all sorts of electroplating devices employing barrels. With the barrel illustrated and described, it i apparent that several different type parts can be electroplated in the multi-chambered barrel without commingling them while utilizing a central cathode connector that is replaceable and does not become corroded with electroplating solution due to the fact that it is fully insulated. The new and improved central cathode connector 19 in having the pair of conductor tubes 19b resiliently biased toward each other and rotatably journalled in the tube 19a with sliding contact therewith not only accomplishes sealing efliciently and prevents corrosion but also achieves positive and efficient electrical contact. It should be realized that although the central cathode connector is fully insulated, the principles of this invention could be employed in a barrel which omits the rib portions 17 to bring the central cathode contractor in electrical contact with each of the chambers. Even still further it should also be realized that it is contemplated that my new and improved control cathode contacter 19 can make electrical connection with the parts in the solution in various well known ways in addition to the chain contacts. Thus, While I have illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention, 1 do not Wish to be limited to the precise features of the construction set forth but desire to avail myself of all changes within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An electroplating apparatus having a rotatably driven barrel with a pair of end plates and a central cathode contacting member extending longitudinally within said barrel along substantially the center thereof, said central contacting member including: a hollow longitudinal cylindrical conductor tube rigidly attached to said barrel, a pair of conductor tubes rotatably mounted within said hollow longitudinal cylindrical conductor tube, said pair of conductor tubes having one of each of their ends protruding through a respective end plate, said pair of conductor tubes being mounted with respect to said electroplating apparatus, to remain stationary while said hollow cylindrical conductor rotates with said barrel, said conductor tubes being suitable sized for having the periphery thereof make rotatable sliding contact with the inner periphery of said hollow longitudinal cylindrical conductor, and means for electrically connecting said conductor tubes to a cathode source, whereby electric current is transmitted to said hollow longitudinal cylindrical conductor while said barrel is rotating by means of sliding contact between said conductor tubes and said hollow longitudinal cylindrical conductor.

2. An electroplating apparatus, as defined in claim 1, wherein a spring is interposed between said pair of conductor tubes, said spring resiliently biasing said pair of conductor tubes toward each other.

3. An electroplating apparatus, as defined in claim 2, wherein said means for electrically connecting said conductor tubes to a cathode source includes rigid conductor means extending along each side of said electroplating apparatus, each of said one ends of said conductor tubes being rigidly associated with a rigid conductor means.

4. An electroplating apparatus, as defined in claim 3, wherein a journalling means is attached to and extends from each of said end plates, said journalling means each rotatably receiving a respective one of said pair of conductor tubes, and washer means being interposed between each of said journalling means and said rigid conductor means, each of said washer means having one of said pair conductor tubes protruding therethrough, whereby corrosion of said central contacting member is obviated by said spring forcing said washer means toward said journalling means on each side of said barrel.

5. An electroplating apparatus, as defined in claim 4, wherein each of said pair of conductor tubes are threadedly associated with a respective one of said conductor means.

6. An electroplating apparatus, as defined in claim 5, wherein said electroplating barrel is multichambered and has a plurality of radially extending partitions extending longitudinally along said barrel todefine radially extending chambers therebetween with certain apex angles, said partitions having an inner and an outer end, said chambers having an apex at the inner ends of said partitions and having gradually increasing volume at the outer ends of said partitions which is in accordance with said apex angles, said central cathode contacting member having electrical contact with each of said chambers in order that parts disposed in each of said chambers can be plated therewith, and wall means associated with said outer ends of said radially extending partitions, said wall means being adapted to enable parts to be deposited and withdrawn from each of said chambers.

7. An electroplating apparatus, as defined in claim 6, wherein rib portions extend longitudinally along said barrel on the inside thereof, said rib portions being contiguous and interposed between each of said inner ends of said radially extending partitions at the apex of said radially extending chambers, said rib portions cooperating to define a longitudinal opening on the inside thereof, to receive and fully seal said central cathode contacting member.

8. An electroplating apparatus, as defined in claim 7, wherein said hollow longitudinal cylindrical conductor is electrically connected to extension contacting members which are attached to said rib portions, said extension contacting members being disposed in each of said chambers to provide cathode means for parts disposed in each of said chambers for plating, said wall means being adapted to enable parts to be deposited and withdrawn from each of said chambers, said wall means and partitions having openings therein for enabling electroplating fluid to circulate through said barre].

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Smith et a1. 204-213 Backus 204-213 Potthoif 204-213 Todd 204-213 8 2,035,633 3/1936 Bogle 204-213 2,991,239 7/1961 Tyer 204-213 3,330,753 7/1967 Hepfer 204-213 ROBERT K. MIHALEK, Primary Examiner.

W. VAN SISE, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R.

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