EP2684986B1 - Method for anodising areas on metallic hollow bodies - Google Patents

Method for anodising areas on metallic hollow bodies Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2684986B1
EP2684986B1 EP12176185.2A EP12176185A EP2684986B1 EP 2684986 B1 EP2684986 B1 EP 2684986B1 EP 12176185 A EP12176185 A EP 12176185A EP 2684986 B1 EP2684986 B1 EP 2684986B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bath
treatment
work piece
treatment bath
rail
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EP12176185.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2684986A1 (en
Inventor
Josep Valls Balaguè
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Thomas GmbH
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Thomas GmbH
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Priority to ES12176185.2T priority Critical patent/ES2612687T3/en
Priority to EP12176185.2A priority patent/EP2684986B1/en
Priority to MX2013007968A priority patent/MX346085B/en
Priority to US13/938,328 priority patent/US9382637B2/en
Priority to CN201310291948.2A priority patent/CN103540986B/en
Priority to ARP130102489 priority patent/AR091754A1/en
Publication of EP2684986A1 publication Critical patent/EP2684986A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2684986B1 publication Critical patent/EP2684986B1/en
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D7/00—Electroplating characterised by the article coated
    • C25D7/04—Tubes; Rings; Hollow bodies
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
    • C25D11/02—Anodisation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
    • C25D11/005—Apparatus specially adapted for electrolytic conversion coating

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for anodizing surfaces on metallic hollow bodies, in which the hollow bodies are fixed in a clamping manner on projecting fingers of electrically conductive workpiece carriers and the workpiece carriers are guided stepwise through a series of treatment baths in a predetermined working cycle, wherein the treatment baths comprise at least one Eloxalbad, in which anodic oxidation takes place on the surfaces of the hollow body through a closed circuit between the workpiece carrier and a cathode arranged in the treatment bath.
  • the hollow bodies are also referred to below as workpieces.
  • Anodizing is also called anodic oxidation and is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface of a workpiece into metal oxide.
  • the resulting oxide layer is firmly connected to the metallic base material.
  • the layer thickness can be set defined by the choice of process parameters.
  • Anodizing is primarily used for surface finishing of aluminum or aluminum alloy workpieces.
  • the anodized coating permanently protects the aluminum against environmental influences, makes it easy to clean and, thanks to the structure of the oxide layer, allows decorative color entries.
  • the method is used in practice to provide sleeves, caps and similar workpieces with a high quality decorative surface.
  • the treatment baths comprise, in addition to an eloxal bath, further baths in which the workpieces are degreased, chemically treated, rinsed and sealed. Between the treatment baths further rinsing baths are provided.
  • the color effect and gloss effect can be influenced by different immersion times in the different process liquids.
  • workpiece carriers which have been previously loaded with the workpieces to be treated, suspended from a conveyor, transported with vertical alignment and immersed vertically in the process liquids of the treatment baths.
  • the arranged at the lower end of the workpiece carrier workpieces are exposed in this process, the process liquid longer than the fixed at the upper end of the workpiece carrier workpieces.
  • the different dwell time in the anodizing bath and in a downstream dye bath has an adverse effect on the quality of the workpiece surfaces.
  • the anodized and colored surfaces of the workpieces differ, for example, in terms of color intensity, which is highly dependent on the residence time of the workpieces in the dye bath.
  • the workpieces are fixed on an endless belt, which consists of a titanium sheet or a Zirkonblech, which is guided to form belt loops through a plurality of series-arranged treatment baths.
  • the residence time of the workpieces can be varied. Also in this method, a large carryover of the process liquid from treatment bath to treatment bath is unavoidable.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a method for anodizing surfaces of metallic hollow bodies, which is characterized by a low carryover of the process liquids from treatment bath to treatment bath and with which it is possible to workpieces finished with an anodized and in particular colored To produce a surface of high quality.
  • all fixed on a workpiece carrier workpieces should be identical in terms of color intensity and gloss surface and should in particular quality differences between the top and bottom of the anodized hollow body can be avoided.
  • the workpiece carriers are turned in a transfer station of the treatment baths by a rotational movement and lowered by means of this rotational movement or after turning by means of a vertical movement from a first position I above the bath liquid to a second position II within the bath liquid, wherein the workpiece carrier in the second position II are aligned horizontally.
  • the workpiece carriers are supplied within the treatment bath in this horizontal orientation in one or more predetermined by the power stroke steps of a removal station of the treatment bath.
  • the workpiece carriers are raised in the removal station and turned by 180 ° so that liquid drips from the hollow bodies into the treatment bath.
  • the workpiece carriers are moved on a metallic rail, which is connected to the anode of the circuit.
  • the workpiece carriers in the process fluid of the treatment baths are always aligned horizontally.
  • Workpieces that are dyed after anodizing in the dipping process obtain a uniform color intensity, with no differences between the inside and the outside of the hollow body.
  • the workpiece carriers are moved horizontally on a rail system through the treatment baths, with the movement occurring in steps dictated by the working cycle of the process.
  • the required dive time in the process fluids is determined by the number of steps and the stride length.
  • the workpiece carriers are raised and turned by 180 °. Due to the overhead position of the workpiece carriers, process liquid can drip almost completely from the interior of the hollow bodies as well as from the outer surfaces of the workpieces into the treatment bath.
  • a vertical alignment of the workpieces on the workpiece carriers in conjunction with a 180 ° rotation of the workpiece carrier as it is removed from the treatment bath causes a low carryover of the process liquids from treatment bath to treatment bath. This reduces the consumption of chemicals and energy requirements z. B. for pumps and for heating the process fluids. Furthermore, the cost of a sanitation can be reduced.
  • a plurality of workpiece carriers moved in a row are simultaneously guided through a treatment bath, wherein a workpiece carrier is lowered into the treatment bath in the transfer station of the treatment bath, at the same time a workpiece carrier in the Removal station is removed from the treatment bath and at least one other workpiece carrier is moved through the treatment.
  • the workpiece carriers are turned in the transfer station at least one treatment bath by a rotary motion.
  • the workpiece carriers are turned in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in the transfer station at least one treatment bath by a rotary motion and thereby lowered from a first position above the bath liquid of the treatment bath in a second position within the liquid.
  • the turning device is designed and arranged so that only by the rotational movement of the workpiece carrier, both the required stroke movement and the essential for the inventive method turning movement is performed by 180 °.
  • the removal station of the treatment bath can be equipped with a structurally identical turning device, which lifts the workpiece carrier out of the treatment bath by means of a rotary movement through 180 °.
  • a further alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the workpiece carriers are turned in the transfer station of at least one treatment bath by a rotational movement and lowered after turning from a position above the treatment bath by means of a vertical movement in the bath liquid.
  • the workpiece carriers carry out both a translational movement and a rotational movement.
  • the embodiment has the advantage that all of the workpiece fixed to the workpiece carrier reach the liquid level of the treatment bath at the same time and submerge in the process liquid of the treatment bath.
  • the described embodiment is particularly suitable for treatment baths into consideration, in which the residence time must be set very accurately and it is necessary that all on the Workpiece carrier fixed hollow body have the same residence time in the bathroom.
  • the described embodiment of the transfer station is preferably used for dye baths in which the workpieces with tight tolerances require a defined residence time, for example between 15 and 30 seconds and deviations from the award value affect the color intensity.
  • the workpiece carriers are located within the treatment baths on a rail and are preferably moved by translational movements of a slider.
  • the anode of the electric circuit associated with the eloxal bath is connected to the rail, which bridges a distance between the transfer station and the removal station of the treatment bath.
  • the rail is thus connected to the positive terminal of a DC voltage source, wherein the contact point between the anode and the rail is within the bath liquid. This ensures a good electrical transmission.
  • the electrical contact within the process fluid is more effective and störunan administrater than a contact outside the bath.
  • the cathode for the anodizing process is expediently arranged below the rail electrically connected to the anode.
  • the cathode is disposed on the bottom of the anodizing bath.
  • workpiece carriers which have a base frame and attached to the base frame strips with a plurality of paired elastically deformable fingers for fixing the hollow body.
  • the base frame of the workpiece carriers can be guided on opposite sides in C-shaped rail elements.
  • the C-shaped rail elements can be made of wire elements, so that they can be well bathed by the process liquid and forms no accumulation of liquid in the rail system when replacing the bath liquid.
  • FIG. 1 The system diagram presented shows the process steps of a process for anodizing surfaces on metallic hollow bodies of aluminum or aluminum alloys.
  • Hollow-body-shaped workpieces are fixed in a clamping manner on projecting fingers of electrically conductive workpiece carriers 1 and the workpiece carriers 1 are guided in a predetermined operating step stepwise through a series of treatment baths.
  • the treatment baths comprise in particular an acid bath 2, a bath 3 for neutralizing the workpieces, an eloxal bath 4, a bath 5 for dyeing and a bath 6 for sealing the treated workpiece surface.
  • the workpieces are rinsed, whereby the rinses in the dipping process in treatment baths 7 can be carried out.
  • One of the treatment baths for example the anodizing bath 4, is in Fig. 2 shown schematically.
  • the workpiece carriers 1 are lowered into the treatment bath in a transfer station 8 of the treatment bath and supplied to a removal station 10 of the treatment bath within the process liquid 9 of the treatment bath with a horizontal orientation in one or more steps predetermined by the work cycle.
  • the workpiece carrier 1 'positioned in the removal station 10 is raised and turned by 180 ° so that the liquid drips out of the hollow body-shaped workpieces 11 into the treatment bath.
  • the workpiece carriers 1 are turned in the transfer station 8 of the treatment bath by a rotational movement and thereby lowered from a first position I above the bath liquid of the treatment bath in a second position II within the bath liquid.
  • the projecting fingers 12 of the workpiece carrier 1 are aligned vertically downwards, so that the fingers 11 clamped fixed to the hollow body 11 are open at its upper end and the process liquid can flow into the interior of the hollow body 11 without being affected by gas bubbles , Outside the treatment bath, the projecting fingers 12 of the workpiece carrier 1 are oriented upward, so that the hollow bodies 11 are fixed over the head to the fingers and any liquid from the interior of the hollow body 11 can drain freely.
  • the removal station 10 of the treatment bath has a structurally identical turning device 13.
  • the workpiece carrier 1 ' is both raised to a level above the liquid level of the treatment bath and simultaneously turned by 180 °.
  • the inventive method is characterized by a low carryover of the process liquid from treatment bath to treatment bath. Furthermore, the dwell time of the workpiece 11 fixed to a workpiece carrier is uniform within the process fluid. This results in a very uniform treatment result.
  • the treatment baths for the in Fig. 1 System diagrams shown preferably have the structure described and differ only by their length.
  • the required immersion times in the process liquids are achieved by the working cycle and the length of the treatment bath.
  • an anodic oxidation takes place on the surfaces of the hollow bodies 11 by a closed circuit between workpiece carrier 1 "and a cathode 14 arranged in the treatment bath.
  • the metallic surfaces of the workpieces 11 consisting of aluminum or an aluminum alloy are converted into aluminum oxide 1 ', 1 "are preferably made of titanium and are not attacked by the anodic oxidation.
  • the workpiece carriers 1, 1 ', 1 rest on a rail 15 and are moved by translatory movements of a slide 16.
  • the anode of the electric circuit associated with the anodizing bath 4 is connected to the rail 15, which measures the distance between the transfer station 8 and the extraction station 10.
  • the contact point between the anode and the rail 15 lies within the bath liquid 14.
  • the cathode 14 is arranged below the rail 15 electrically connected to the anode, preferably on the floor of the treatment bath.
  • the workpiece carriers 1, 1 ', 1 a flat base frame 17 and fixed to the base frame 17 strips 18 having a plurality of paired elastically deformable fingers 12 for fixing the hollow body 11.
  • the base frame 17 of the workpiece carrier 1 is on led opposite sides in C-shaped rail elements 20 and also held by C-shaped rail members 20 in overhead movements in the transfer station 8 and the removal station 10 of the treatment bath.
  • the rail elements 20 are made of metal wires and do not form cavities for the process fluid.
  • the Fig. 4 shows a variant of the transfer station.
  • the workpiece carriers are turned with a rotational movement and lowered after turning from a position above the treatment bath by means of a vertical movement in the bath liquid.
  • the movement is composed of a rotational movement through 180 ° and a translatory movement a.
  • the Fig. 4 illustrated transfer station 8 ' has the advantage that all fixed to the workpiece carrier hollow body 11 at the same time reach the process liquid by a translational lowering movement.
  • the Fig. 4 illustrated transfer station 8 ' is preferably used for treatment baths in which all fixed to a workpiece carrier 1 workpieces 11 while maintaining close tolerances require the same residence time.
  • Transfer station shown is therefore used in particular for dye baths in which the previously anodized workpieces 11 are dyed in the dipping process.
  • the dwell time in the dye bath is short and must be set exactly to produce consistent color intensities.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Eloxieren von Flächen an metallischen Hohlkörpern, bei dem die Hohlkörper an vorstehenden Fingern elektrisch leitfähiger Werkstückträger klemmend fixiert werden und die Werkstückträger in einem vorgegebenen Arbeitstakt schrittweise durch eine Reihe von Behandlungsbädern geführt werden, wobei die Behandlungsbäder mindestens ein Eloxalbad umfassen, in dem durch einen geschlossenen Stromkreis zwischen Werkstückträger und einer im Behandlungsbad angeordneten Kathode eine anodische Oxidation an den Flächen der Hohlkörper erfolgt. Die Hohlkörper werden im Folgenden auch als Werkstücke bezeichnet.The invention relates to a method for anodizing surfaces on metallic hollow bodies, in which the hollow bodies are fixed in a clamping manner on projecting fingers of electrically conductive workpiece carriers and the workpiece carriers are guided stepwise through a series of treatment baths in a predetermined working cycle, wherein the treatment baths comprise at least one Eloxalbad, in which anodic oxidation takes place on the surfaces of the hollow body through a closed circuit between the workpiece carrier and a cathode arranged in the treatment bath. The hollow bodies are also referred to below as workpieces.

Das Eloxieren wird auch anodische Oxidation genannt und ist ein elektrochemischer Vorgang, der die Metalloberfläche eines Werkstücks in Metalloxid umwandelt. Dabei ist die entstehende Oxidschicht fest mit dem metallischen Grundmaterial verbunden. Die Schichtstärke kann durch die Wahl der Prozessparameter definiert eingestellt werden. Das Eloxieren wird vornehmlich zur Oberflächenveredelung von Werkstücken aus Aluminium oder Aluminium-legierungen eingesetzt. Die Eloxalschicht schützt das Aluminium dauerhaft vor Umwelteinflüssen, macht es reinigungsfreundlich und ermöglicht durch die Struktur der Oxidschicht dekorative Farbeinträge. Das Verfahren wird in der Praxis benutzt, um Hülsen, Kappen und ähnliche Werkstücke mit einer hochwertigen dekorativen Oberfläche zu versehen.Anodizing is also called anodic oxidation and is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface of a workpiece into metal oxide. The resulting oxide layer is firmly connected to the metallic base material. The layer thickness can be set defined by the choice of process parameters. Anodizing is primarily used for surface finishing of aluminum or aluminum alloy workpieces. The anodized coating permanently protects the aluminum against environmental influences, makes it easy to clean and, thanks to the structure of the oxide layer, allows decorative color entries. The method is used in practice to provide sleeves, caps and similar workpieces with a high quality decorative surface.

Die Behandlungsbäder umfassen neben einem Eloxalbad weitere Bäder, in denen die Werkstücke entfettet, chemisch behandelt, gespült und versiegelt werden. Zwischen den Behandlungsbädern sind weitere Spülbäder vorgesehen. Der Farbeffekt und Glanzeffekt können durch unterschiedliche Tauchzeiten in den verschiedenen Prozessflüssigkeiten erreicht beeinflusst werden.The treatment baths comprise, in addition to an eloxal bath, further baths in which the workpieces are degreased, chemically treated, rinsed and sealed. Between the treatment baths further rinsing baths are provided. The color effect and gloss effect can be influenced by different immersion times in the different process liquids.

Bei einem aus der Praxis bekannten Verfahren werden Werkstückträger, die zuvor mit den zu behandelnden Werkstücken bestückt worden sind, an einer Fördereinrichtung aufgehängt, mit vertikaler Ausrichtung transportiert und vertikal in die Prozessflüssigkeiten der Behandlungsbäder eingetaucht. Die am unteren Ende der Werkstückträger angeordneten Werkstücke sind bei diesem Verfahren länger der Prozessflüssigkeit ausgesetzt als die am oberen Ende der Werkstückträger fixierten Werkstücke. Die unterschiedliche Verweildauer im Eloxalbad und in einem nachgeschalteten Farbbad wirkt sich auf die Qualität der Werkstückoberflächen nachteilig aus. Die eloxierten und gefärbten Flächen der Werkstücke unterscheiden sich beispielsweise hinsichtlich der Farbintensität, die von der Verweildauer der Werkstücke im Farbbad stark abhängig ist.
Darüber hinaus ergeben sich durch die seitliche Orientierung der Werkstücke Qualitätsunterschiede zwischen den eloxierten Flächen an der Oberseite und der Unterseite der Hohlkörper. Ein weiterer Nachteil des bekannten Verfahrens ist, dass die Prozessflüssigkeit nach dem Herausziehen der vertikal ausgerichteten Werkstückträger aus den Behandlungsbädern innerhalb der begrenzten Zeit, die durch den Arbeitstakt bestimmt ist, nicht vollständig von den Werkstücken abläuft. Es resultieren große Verschleppungsverluste der Prozessflüssigkeit bei einer Bewegung der Werkstückträger von Bad zu Bad. Dies wirkt sich unter anderem nachteilig auf die Abwasserentsorgung sowie den Chemikalienverbrauch aus.In a method known from practice, workpiece carriers, which have been previously loaded with the workpieces to be treated, suspended from a conveyor, transported with vertical alignment and immersed vertically in the process liquids of the treatment baths. The arranged at the lower end of the workpiece carrier workpieces are exposed in this process, the process liquid longer than the fixed at the upper end of the workpiece carrier workpieces. The different dwell time in the anodizing bath and in a downstream dye bath has an adverse effect on the quality of the workpiece surfaces. The anodized and colored surfaces of the workpieces differ, for example, in terms of color intensity, which is highly dependent on the residence time of the workpieces in the dye bath.
In addition, resulting from the lateral orientation of the workpieces quality differences between the anodized surfaces on the top and the bottom of the hollow body. Another disadvantage of the known method is that the process liquid does not run completely from the workpieces after the removal of the vertically oriented workpiece carriers from the treatment baths within the limited time, which is determined by the power stroke. This results in large carry-over losses of the process fluid during a movement of the workpiece carriers from bath to bath. This has an adverse effect on, among other things, the sanitation and the consumption of chemicals.

Bei einem aus US 2008/0257717 A1 bekannten Verfahren werden Werkstückträger, die zuvor mit den zu behandelnden Hohlkörpern bestückt worden sind, auf eine Trommel übergeben, die innerhalb des Behandlungsbades schrittweise getaktete Rotationsbewegungen ausführt. Dabei bewegen sich die Werkstückträger auf einer schraubenwendelförmigen Bahn durch das Behandlungsbad. Je nach benötigter Verweildauer führt die Trommel eine oder mehrere Voll-umdrehungen aus. Mehrere Behandlungsbäder, die mit einer entsprechenden Einrichtung ausgestattet sind, werden in Reihe hintereinander angeordnet, so dass die Werkstückträger mit den zu behandelnden Werkstücken durch mehrere unterschiedliche Behandlungsbäder geführt werden können. Die Verweildauer in den Behandlungsbädern ist abhängig von der Zahl der Umdrehungen der Trommel und kann nur in Änderungsschritten, die ein ganzzahliges Vielfaches einer Vollumdrehung betragen, variiert werden. Es ist schwierig, eine kurze Behandlungsdauer einzustellen und mit Bädern zu kombinieren, die eine sehr lange Verweildauer der Werkstücke erfordern. Wenn die Trommel zur Einstellung einer langen Verweildauer mehrere Umdrehungen benötigt, ist es ferner nachteilig, dass die Werkstücke während der Behandlung in der Prozessflüssigkeit die Prozessflüssigkeit immer wieder verlassen und in die Prozessflüssigkeit erneut eintauchen. Die verfahrensmäßigen Einschränkungen wirken sich nachteilig auf die Oberflächenqualität der Werkstücke aus.At one off US 2008/0257717 A1 known processes are workpiece carrier, which have been previously equipped with the hollow bodies to be treated, transferred to a drum which executes stepwise clocked rotational movements within the treatment bath. The workpiece carriers move on a helical path through the treatment bath. Depending on the required dwell time, the drum will make one or more full turns out. Several treatment baths, which are equipped with a corresponding device, are arranged in series one behind the other, so that the workpiece carriers can be performed with the workpieces to be treated through several different treatment baths. The residence time in the treatment baths depends on the number of revolutions of the drum and can only be varied in change steps which amount to an integer multiple of a full revolution. It is difficult to set a short treatment time and to combine with baths that require a very long residence time of the workpieces. If the drum requires several revolutions to set a long residence time, it is also disadvantageous that the workpieces leave the process liquid repeatedly during the treatment in the process liquid and submerge again in the process liquid. The procedural limitations adversely affect the surface quality of the workpieces.

Bei einem aus DE 12 74 979 bekannten Verfahren zum Eloxieren von Hohlkörpern werden die Werkstücke auf einem Endlosband, welches aus einem Titanblech oder einem Zirkonblech besteht, fixiert, welches unter Ausbildung von Bandschlaufen durch mehrere in Reihe angeordnete Behandlungsbäder geführt wird. Durch die Anzahl der Bandschlaufen in einem Behandlungsbad kann die Verweildauer der Werkstücke variiert werden. Auch bei diesem Verfahren ist eine große Verschleppung der Prozessflüssigkeit von Behandlungsbad zu Behandlungsbad unvermeidlich.At one off DE 12 74 979 known processes for anodizing hollow bodies, the workpieces are fixed on an endless belt, which consists of a titanium sheet or a Zirkonblech, which is guided to form belt loops through a plurality of series-arranged treatment baths. By the number of belt loops in a treatment bath, the residence time of the workpieces can be varied. Also in this method, a large carryover of the process liquid from treatment bath to treatment bath is unavoidable.

Vor diesem Hintergrund liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren zum Eloxieren von Flächen an metallischen Hohlkörpern anzugeben, welches sich durch eine niedrige Verschleppung der Prozessflüssigkeiten von Behandlungsbad zu Behandlungsbad auszeichnet und mit dem es möglich ist, Werkstücke mit einer durch Eloxieren veredelten und insbesondere farbigen Oberfläche hoher Qualität zu erzeugen. Insbesondere sollen alle auf einem Werkstückträger fixierten Werkstücke eine hinsichtlich Farbintensität und Glanz identische Oberfläche erhalten und sollen insbesondere auch Qualitätsunterschiede zwischen Ober- und Unterseite der eloxierten Hohlkörper vermieden werden.Against this background, the invention has for its object to provide a method for anodizing surfaces of metallic hollow bodies, which is characterized by a low carryover of the process liquids from treatment bath to treatment bath and with which it is possible to workpieces finished with an anodized and in particular colored To produce a surface of high quality. In particular, all fixed on a workpiece carrier workpieces should be identical in terms of color intensity and gloss surface and should in particular quality differences between the top and bottom of the anodized hollow body can be avoided.

Gegenstand der Erfindung und Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist ein Verfahren nach Anspruch 1.The object of the invention and solution of this problem is a method according to claim 1.

Erfindungsgemäß werden die Werkstückträger in einer Übergabestation der Behandlungsbäder durch eine Rotationsbewegung gewendet und mittels dieser Rotationsbewegung oder nach dem Wenden mittels einer vertikalen Bewegung aus einer ersten Position I oberhalb der Badflüssigkeit in eine zweite Position II innerhalb der Badflüssigkeit abgesenkt, wobei die Werkstückträger in der zweiten Position II horizontal ausgerichtet sind. Die Werkstückträger werden innerhalb des Behandlungsbades in dieser horizontalen Ausrichtung in einem oder mehreren durch den Arbeitstakt vorgegebenen Schritten einer Entnahmestation des Behandlungsbades zugeführt. In einem folgenden Arbeitstakt werden die Werkstückträger in der Entnahmestation angehoben sowie um 180° gewendet, so dass Flüssigkeit von den Hohlkörpern in das Behandlungsbad abtropft. In dem Eloxalbad werden die Werkstückträger auf einer metallischen Schiene bewegt, die mit der Anode des Stromkreises verbunden ist.According to the invention, the workpiece carriers are turned in a transfer station of the treatment baths by a rotational movement and lowered by means of this rotational movement or after turning by means of a vertical movement from a first position I above the bath liquid to a second position II within the bath liquid, wherein the workpiece carrier in the second position II are aligned horizontally. The workpiece carriers are supplied within the treatment bath in this horizontal orientation in one or more predetermined by the power stroke steps of a removal station of the treatment bath. In a subsequent cycle, the workpiece carriers are raised in the removal station and turned by 180 ° so that liquid drips from the hollow bodies into the treatment bath. In the Eloxalbad the workpiece carriers are moved on a metallic rail, which is connected to the anode of the circuit.

Bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren sind die Werkstückträger in der Prozessflüssigkeit der Behandlungsbäder stets horizontal ausgerichtet. Die vorstehenden Finger der Werkzeugträger, an denen die Werkstücke klemmend fixiert werden, erstrecken sich im Behandlungsbad nach unten, so dass die Prozessflüssigkeit ohne Beeinträchtigung von Gaspolstern auch in den Innenraum von Werkstücken einströmen kann, welche die Form einer Kappe aufweisen. Da die Werkstückträger mit einer horizontalen Ausrichtung in das Behandlungsbad abgesenkt werden und entsprechend nach der Behandlung wieder aus dem Behandlungsbad herausgehoben werden, hat jedes Werkstück dieselbe Verweildauer in der Prozessflüssigkeit. Dadurch wird ein besonders gleichmäßiges Behandlungsergebnis erzielt. Werkstücke, die nach dem Eloxieren im Tauchverfahren gefärbt werden, erhalten eine einheitliche Farbintensität, wobei auch zwischen der Innenseite und der Außenseite der Hohlkörper keine Unterschiede entstehen. Die Werkstückträger werden auf einem Schienensystem horizontal durch die Behandlungsbäder bewegt, wobei die Bewegung in Schritten erfolgt, die durch den Arbeitstakt des Prozesses vorgegeben werden. Die benötigte Tauchzeit in den Prozessflüssigkeiten wird durch die Zahl der Schritte und die Schrittlänge festgelegt. In der Entnahmestation der Behandlungsbäder werden die Werkstückträger angehoben sowie um 180° gewendet. Durch die Überkopfstellung der Werkstückträger kann Prozessflüssigkeit fast vollständig sowohl aus dem Innenraum der Hohlkörper als auch von den Außenflächen der Werkstücke in das Behandlungsbad abtropfen. Eine vertikale Ausrichtung der Werkstücke auf den Werkstückträgern in Verbindung mit einer 180°-Umdrehung der Werkstückträger bei ihrer Entnahme aus dem Behandlungsbad bewirkt eine niedrige Verschleppung der Prozessflüssigkeiten von Behandlungsbad zu Behandlungsbad. Dadurch sinken der Chemikalienverbrauch und der Energiebedarf z. B. für Pumpen und zum Beheizen der Prozessflüssigkeiten. Ferner können die Kosten für eine Abwasserentsorgung reduziert werden.In the method according to the invention, the workpiece carriers in the process fluid of the treatment baths are always aligned horizontally. The projecting fingers of the tool carrier, on which the workpieces are clamped fixed, extending in the treatment bath down, so that the process fluid without affecting gas cushions in the Interior of workpieces can flow, which have the shape of a cap. Since the workpiece carriers are lowered into the treatment bath with a horizontal orientation and are lifted out of the treatment bath again accordingly after the treatment, each workpiece has the same residence time in the process liquid. This results in a particularly uniform treatment result. Workpieces that are dyed after anodizing in the dipping process, obtain a uniform color intensity, with no differences between the inside and the outside of the hollow body. The workpiece carriers are moved horizontally on a rail system through the treatment baths, with the movement occurring in steps dictated by the working cycle of the process. The required dive time in the process fluids is determined by the number of steps and the stride length. In the removal station of the treatment baths, the workpiece carriers are raised and turned by 180 °. Due to the overhead position of the workpiece carriers, process liquid can drip almost completely from the interior of the hollow bodies as well as from the outer surfaces of the workpieces into the treatment bath. A vertical alignment of the workpieces on the workpiece carriers in conjunction with a 180 ° rotation of the workpiece carrier as it is removed from the treatment bath causes a low carryover of the process liquids from treatment bath to treatment bath. This reduces the consumption of chemicals and energy requirements z. B. for pumps and for heating the process fluids. Furthermore, the cost of a sanitation can be reduced.

Bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren wird eine Mehrzahl von in einer Reihe bewegten Werkstückträgern gleichzeitig durch ein Behandlungsbad geführt, wobei ein Werkstückträger in der Übergabestation des Behandlungsbades in das Behandlungsbad abgesenkt wird, gleichzeitig ein Werkstückträger in der Entnahmestation aus dem Behandlungsbad entnommen wird sowie mindestens ein weiterer Werkstückträger durch das Behandlungsbad bewegt wird.In the method according to the invention, a plurality of workpiece carriers moved in a row are simultaneously guided through a treatment bath, wherein a workpiece carrier is lowered into the treatment bath in the transfer station of the treatment bath, at the same time a workpiece carrier in the Removal station is removed from the treatment bath and at least one other workpiece carrier is moved through the treatment.

Die Werkstückträger werden in der Übergabestation zumindest eines Behandlungsbades durch eine Rotationsbewegung gewendet. Die Werkstückträger werden gemäß einer Ausführung der Erfindung in der Übergabestation zumindest eines Behandlungsbades durch eine Rotationsbewegung gewendet und dabei aus einer ersten Position oberhalb der Badflüssigkeit des Behandlungsbades in eine zweite Position innerhalb der Flüssigkeit abgesenkt. Die Wendevorrichtung ist so gestaltet und angeordnet, dass allein durch die Rotationsbewegung der Werkstückträger sowohl die erforderliche Hubbewegung als auch die für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren wesentliche Wendebewegung um 180° ausgeführt wird. Die Entnahmestation des Behandlungsbades kann mit einer baugleichen Wendevorrichtung ausgestattet werden, welche mittels einer Drehbewegung um 180° die Werkstückträger aus dem Behandlungsbad heraushebt.The workpiece carriers are turned in the transfer station at least one treatment bath by a rotary motion. The workpiece carriers are turned in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in the transfer station at least one treatment bath by a rotary motion and thereby lowered from a first position above the bath liquid of the treatment bath in a second position within the liquid. The turning device is designed and arranged so that only by the rotational movement of the workpiece carrier, both the required stroke movement and the essential for the inventive method turning movement is performed by 180 °. The removal station of the treatment bath can be equipped with a structurally identical turning device, which lifts the workpiece carrier out of the treatment bath by means of a rotary movement through 180 °.

Ferner sieht eine weitere alternative Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vor, dass die Werkstückträger in der Übergabestation zumindest eines Behandlungsbades durch eine Rotationsbewegung gewendet und nach dem Wenden aus einer Position oberhalb des Behandlungsbades mittels einer vertikalen Bewegung in die Badflüssigkeit abgesenkt werden. Dabei führen die Werkstückträger sowohl eine translatorische Bewegung als auch eine Drehbewegung aus. Die Ausgestaltung hat den Vorteil, dass alle an dem Werkstückträger fixierten Werkstück zeitgleich den Flüssigkeitsspiegel des Behandlungsbades erreichen und in die Prozessflüssigkeit des Behandlungsbades eintauchen. Die beschriebene Ausführung kommt insbesondere für Behandlungsbäder in Betracht, in denen die Verweildauer sehr exakt eingestellt werden muss und es notwendig ist, dass alle an dem Werkstückträger fixierten Hohlkörper die gleiche Verweildauer im Bad haben. Die beschriebene Ausführung der Übergabestation wird vorzugsweise für Farbbäder verwendet, in denen die Werkstücke mit engen Toleranzen eine definierte Verweilzeit beispielsweise zwischen 15 und 30 sec benötigen und Abweichungen von dem Vergabewert sich auf die Farbintensität auswirken.Furthermore, a further alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the workpiece carriers are turned in the transfer station of at least one treatment bath by a rotational movement and lowered after turning from a position above the treatment bath by means of a vertical movement in the bath liquid. The workpiece carriers carry out both a translational movement and a rotational movement. The embodiment has the advantage that all of the workpiece fixed to the workpiece carrier reach the liquid level of the treatment bath at the same time and submerge in the process liquid of the treatment bath. The described embodiment is particularly suitable for treatment baths into consideration, in which the residence time must be set very accurately and it is necessary that all on the Workpiece carrier fixed hollow body have the same residence time in the bathroom. The described embodiment of the transfer station is preferably used for dye baths in which the workpieces with tight tolerances require a defined residence time, for example between 15 and 30 seconds and deviations from the award value affect the color intensity.

Die Werkstückträger liegen innerhalb der Behandlungsbäder auf einer Schiene auf und werden vorzugsweise durch translatorische Bewegungen eines Schiebers fortbewegt. Die Anode des dem Eloxalbad zugeordneten Stromkreises wird an die Schiene angeschlossen, welche einen Abstand zwischen der Übergabestation und der Entnahmestation des Behandlungsbades überbrückt. Die Schiene ist also mit der positiven Klemme einer Gleichspannungs-quelle verbunden, wobei die Kontaktstelle zwischen der Anode und der Schiene innerhalb der Badflüssigkeit liegt. Dadurch ist eine gute elektrische Übertragung gewährleistet. Die elektrische Kontaktierung innerhalb der Prozessflüssigkeit ist wirksamer und störunanfälliger als eine Kontaktierung außerhalb des Bades.The workpiece carriers are located within the treatment baths on a rail and are preferably moved by translational movements of a slider. The anode of the electric circuit associated with the eloxal bath is connected to the rail, which bridges a distance between the transfer station and the removal station of the treatment bath. The rail is thus connected to the positive terminal of a DC voltage source, wherein the contact point between the anode and the rail is within the bath liquid. This ensures a good electrical transmission. The electrical contact within the process fluid is more effective and störunanfälliger than a contact outside the bath.

Die Kathode für den Eloxalprozess ist zweckmäßig unterhalb der mit der Anode elektrisch verbundenen Schiene angeordnet. Vorzugsweise ist die Kathode auf dem Boden des Eloxalbades angeordnet.The cathode for the anodizing process is expediently arranged below the rail electrically connected to the anode. Preferably, the cathode is disposed on the bottom of the anodizing bath.

Da die Werkstückträger horizontal in die Behandlungsbäder abgesenkt und horizontal durch die Behandlungsbäder geführt werden, können flache Behandlungsbäder mit einer geringen Flüssigkeitshöhe verwendet werden. Im Vergleich zum Stand der Technik kann bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren mit geringeren Flüssigkeitsmengen gearbeitet werden. Dies hat energetische Vorteile hinsichtlich der Aufheizung und Temperaturregelung der Bäder. Ferner lassen sich die Behandlungsbäder problemloser austauschen und kann das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren auch für kleine Losgrößen der zu eloxierenden Werkstücke wirtschaftlich betrieben werden.Since the workpiece carriers are lowered horizontally into the processing baths and guided horizontally through the processing baths, shallow processing baths having a low liquid level can be used. Compared to the prior art can be worked in the inventive method with smaller amounts of liquid. This has energy advantages in terms of heating and temperature control of the baths. Furthermore, the treatment baths can be replaced without problems and can Inventive method can be operated economically even for small batches of workpieces to be anodized.

Für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren werden Werkstückträger verwendet, die einen Grundrahmen und an dem Grundrahmen befestigte Leisten mit einer Mehrzahl von paarweise angeordneten elastisch verformbaren Fingern zur Fixierung der Hohlkörper aufweisen. Der Grundrahmen der Werkstückträger kann an gegenüberliegenden Seiten in C-förmigen Schienenelementen geführt werden. Bei Überkopfbewegungen in der Übergabestation und Entnahmestation der Behandlungsbäder sind keine zusätzlichen Fixierungen zwischen den Schienenelementen und dem Werkstückträger notwendig. Die C-förmigen Schienenelemente können aus Drahtelementen gefertigt werden, so dass sie von der Prozessflüssigkeit gut umspült werden können und sich bei einem Austausch der Badflüssigkeit keine Flüssigkeitsansammlung im Schienensystem bildet.For the inventive method workpiece carriers are used, which have a base frame and attached to the base frame strips with a plurality of paired elastically deformable fingers for fixing the hollow body. The base frame of the workpiece carriers can be guided on opposite sides in C-shaped rail elements. For overhead movements in the transfer station and removal station of the treatment baths no additional fixations between the rail elements and the workpiece carrier are necessary. The C-shaped rail elements can be made of wire elements, so that they can be well bathed by the process liquid and forms no accumulation of liquid in the rail system when replacing the bath liquid.

Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand einer lediglich ein Ausführungsbeispiel darstellenden Zeichnung erläutert. Es zeigen schematisch

Fig. 1
ein Anlagenschema für ein Verfahren zum Eloxieren von Flächen an metallischen Hohlkörpern,
Fig. 2
ein Behandlungsbad für das in Fig.1 dargestellte Verfahren,
Fig. 3
eine Draufsicht auf eine Übergabestation für das in Fig. 2 dargestellte Behandlungsbad,
Fig. 4
eine alternative Ausgestaltung einer Übergabestation für das in Fig. 2 dargestellte Behandlungsbad.
In the following the invention will be explained with reference to a drawing showing only one embodiment. It show schematically
Fig. 1
a plant scheme for a method for anodizing surfaces on metallic hollow bodies,
Fig. 2
a treatment bath for the in Fig.1 illustrated method,
Fig. 3
a plan view of a transfer station for in Fig. 2 illustrated treatment bath,
Fig. 4
an alternative embodiment of a transfer station for in Fig. 2 illustrated treatment bath.

Das in Fig. 1 dargestellte Anlagenschema zeigt die Prozessschritte eines Verfahrens zum Eloxieren von Flächen an metallischen Hohlkörpern aus Aluminium oder Aluminiumlegierungen. Hohlkörperförmige Werkstücke werden an vorstehenden Fingern elektrisch leitfähiger Werkstückträger 1 klemmend fixiert und die Werkstückträger 1 werden in einem vorgegebenen Arbeitstakt schrittweise durch eine Reihe von Behandlungsbädern geführt. Die Behandlungsbäder umfassen insbesondere ein Säurebad 2, ein Bad 3 zum Neutralisieren der Werkstücke, ein Eloxalbad 4, ein Bad 5 zum Färben sowie ein Bad 6 zum Versiegeln der behandelten Werkstückoberfläche. Zwischen den genannten Behandlungsbädern 2 bis 6 werden die Werkstücke gespült, wobei auch die Spülungen im Tauchverfahren in Behandlungsbädern 7 durchgeführt werden können.This in Fig. 1 The system diagram presented shows the process steps of a process for anodizing surfaces on metallic hollow bodies of aluminum or aluminum alloys. Hollow-body-shaped workpieces are fixed in a clamping manner on projecting fingers of electrically conductive workpiece carriers 1 and the workpiece carriers 1 are guided in a predetermined operating step stepwise through a series of treatment baths. The treatment baths comprise in particular an acid bath 2, a bath 3 for neutralizing the workpieces, an eloxal bath 4, a bath 5 for dyeing and a bath 6 for sealing the treated workpiece surface. Between the mentioned treatment baths 2 to 6, the workpieces are rinsed, whereby the rinses in the dipping process in treatment baths 7 can be carried out.

Eines der Behandlungsbäder, beispielsweise das Eloxalbad 4, ist in Fig. 2 schematisch dargestellt. Die Werkstückträger 1 werden in einer Übergabestation 8 des Behandlungsbades in das Behandlungsbad abgesenkt und innerhalb der Prozessflüssigkeit 9 des Behandlungsbades mit einer horizontalen Ausrichtung in einem oder mehreren durch den Arbeitstakt vorgegebenen Schritten einer Entnahmestation 10 des Behandlungsbades zugeführt. In einem folgenden Arbeitstakt wird der in der Entnahmestation 10 positionierte Werkstückträger 1' angehoben sowie um 180° gewendet, so dass die Flüssigkeit aus den hohlkörperförmigen Werkstücken 11 in das Behandlungsbad abtropft. Der Darstellung in Fig. 2 ist auch zu entnehmen, dass eine Mehrzahl von in einer Reihe bewegten Werkstückträgern 1, 1', 1" gleichzeitig durch das Behandlungsbad geführt werden, wobei ein Werkstückträger 1 in der Übergabestation 8 des Behandlungsbades in das Behandlungsbad abgesenkt wird, gleichzeitig ein Werkstückträger 1' in der Entnahmestation 10 aus dem Behandlungsbad entnommen wird sowie mindestens ein weiterer Werkstückträger 1" durch das Behandlungsbad bewegt wird.One of the treatment baths, for example the anodizing bath 4, is in Fig. 2 shown schematically. The workpiece carriers 1 are lowered into the treatment bath in a transfer station 8 of the treatment bath and supplied to a removal station 10 of the treatment bath within the process liquid 9 of the treatment bath with a horizontal orientation in one or more steps predetermined by the work cycle. In a subsequent working cycle, the workpiece carrier 1 'positioned in the removal station 10 is raised and turned by 180 ° so that the liquid drips out of the hollow body-shaped workpieces 11 into the treatment bath. The representation in Fig. 2 It can also be seen that a plurality of moving in a row workpiece carriers 1, 1 ', 1 "are simultaneously passed through the treatment bath, wherein a workpiece carrier 1 is lowered in the transfer station 8 of the treatment bath in the treatment bath, at the same time a workpiece carrier 1' in the removal station 10 is removed from the treatment bath and at least one further workpiece carrier 1 "is moved through the treatment bath.

Die Werkstückträger 1 werden in der Übergabestation 8 des Behandlungsbades durch eine Rotationsbewegung gewendet und dabei aus einer ersten Position I oberhalb der Badflüssigkeit des Behandlungsbades in eine zweite Position II innerhalb der Badflüssigkeit abgesenkt. In der zweiten Position II sind die vorstehenden Finger 12 der Werkstückträger 1 vertikal nach unten ausgerichtet, so dass die an den Fingern klemmend fixierten Hohlkörper 11 an ihrem oberen Ende offen sind und die Prozessflüssigkeit auch in den Innenraum der Hohlkörper 11 ohne Beeinträchtigung durch Gasblasen strömen kann. Außerhalb des Behandlungsbades sind die vorstehenden Finger 12 der Werkstückträger 1 nach oben ausgerichtet, so dass die Hohlkörper 11 über Kopf an den Fingern fixiert sind und etwaige Flüssigkeit aus dem Innenraum der Hohlkörper 11 ungehindert abtropfen kann.The workpiece carriers 1 are turned in the transfer station 8 of the treatment bath by a rotational movement and thereby lowered from a first position I above the bath liquid of the treatment bath in a second position II within the bath liquid. In the second position II, the projecting fingers 12 of the workpiece carrier 1 are aligned vertically downwards, so that the fingers 11 clamped fixed to the hollow body 11 are open at its upper end and the process liquid can flow into the interior of the hollow body 11 without being affected by gas bubbles , Outside the treatment bath, the projecting fingers 12 of the workpiece carrier 1 are oriented upward, so that the hollow bodies 11 are fixed over the head to the fingers and any liquid from the interior of the hollow body 11 can drain freely.

Die Entnahmestation 10 des Behandlungsbades weist eine baugleiche Wendeeinrichtung 13 auf. Durch eine Rotationsbewegung der Wendeeinrichtung 13 wird der Werkstückträger 1' sowohl auf ein Niveau oberhalb des Flüssigkeitspiegels des Behandlungsbades angehoben als auch gleichzeitig um 180° gewendet.The removal station 10 of the treatment bath has a structurally identical turning device 13. By a rotational movement of the turning device 13, the workpiece carrier 1 'is both raised to a level above the liquid level of the treatment bath and simultaneously turned by 180 °.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zeichnet sich durch eine niedrige Verschleppung der Prozessflüssigkeit von Behandlungsbad zu Behandlungsbad aus. Ferner ist die Verweildauer der an einem Werkstückträger fixierten Werkstücke 11 innerhalb der Prozessflüssigkeit einheitlich. Dadurch wird ein sehr gleichmäßiges Behandlungsergebnis erzielt.The inventive method is characterized by a low carryover of the process liquid from treatment bath to treatment bath. Furthermore, the dwell time of the workpiece 11 fixed to a workpiece carrier is uniform within the process fluid. This results in a very uniform treatment result.

Die Behandlungsbäder für das in Fig. 1 dargestellte Anlagenschema haben vorzugsweise den beschriebenen Aufbau und unterscheiden sich lediglich durch ihre Länge. Die benötigten Tauchzeiten in den Prozessflüssigkeiten werden durch den Arbeitstakt und die Länge des Behandlungsbades erreicht.The treatment baths for the in Fig. 1 System diagrams shown preferably have the structure described and differ only by their length. The required immersion times in the process liquids are achieved by the working cycle and the length of the treatment bath.

Im Eloxalbad 4 erfolgt durch einen geschlossenen Stromkreis zwischen Werkstückträger 1" und einer im Behandlungsbad angeordneten Kathode 14 eine anodische Oxidation an den Flächen der Hohlkörper 11. Dabei werden die metallischen Oberflächen der aus Aluminium oder einer Aluminiumlegierung bestehenden Werkstücke 11 in Aluminiumoxid umgewandelt. Die Werkstückträger 1, 1'. 1" bestehen vorzugsweise aus Titan und werden durch die anodische Oxidation nicht angegriffen. Innerhalb des Eloxalbades 4 liegen die Werkstückträger 1, 1', 1" auf einer Schiene 15 auf und werden durch translatorische Bewegungen eines Schiebers 16 fortbewegt. Die Anode des dem Eloxalbad 4 zugeordneten Stromkreises wird an die Schiene 15 angeschlossen, welche den Abstand zwischen der Übergabestation 8 und der Entnahmestation 10 überbrückt. Die Kontaktstelle zwischen der Anode und der Schiene 15 liegt innerhalb der Badflüssigkeit. Die Kathode 14 wird unterhalb der mit der Anode elektrisch verbundenen Schiene 15, vorzugsweise auf dem Boden des Behandlungsbades, angeordnet.In the anodizing bath 4, an anodic oxidation takes place on the surfaces of the hollow bodies 11 by a closed circuit between workpiece carrier 1 "and a cathode 14 arranged in the treatment bath. The metallic surfaces of the workpieces 11 consisting of aluminum or an aluminum alloy are converted into aluminum oxide 1 ', 1 "are preferably made of titanium and are not attacked by the anodic oxidation. Within the anodization bath 4, the workpiece carriers 1, 1 ', 1 "rest on a rail 15 and are moved by translatory movements of a slide 16. The anode of the electric circuit associated with the anodizing bath 4 is connected to the rail 15, which measures the distance between the transfer station 8 and the extraction station 10. The contact point between the anode and the rail 15 lies within the bath liquid 14. The cathode 14 is arranged below the rail 15 electrically connected to the anode, preferably on the floor of the treatment bath.

Aus einer vergleichenden Betrachtung der Fig. 2 und 3 geht hervor, dass die Werkstückträger 1, 1', 1" einen ebenen Grundrahmen 17 und an dem Grundrahmen 17 befestigte Leisten 18 mit einer Mehrzahl von paarweise angeordneten elastisch verformbaren Fingern 12 zur Fixierung der Hohlkörper 11 aufweisen. Der Grundrahmen 17 der Werkstückträger 1 wird an gegenüberliegenden Seiten in C-förmigen Schienenelementen 20 geführt und ebenfalls durch C-förmige Schienenelemente 20 bei Überkopfbewegungen in der Übergabestation 8 sowie der Entnahmestation 10 des Behandlungsbades gehalten. Die Schienenelemente 20 sind aus Metalldrähten gefertigt und bilden keine Hohlräume für die Prozessflüssigkeit.From a comparative analysis of the Fig. 2 and 3 shows that the workpiece carriers 1, 1 ', 1 "a flat base frame 17 and fixed to the base frame 17 strips 18 having a plurality of paired elastically deformable fingers 12 for fixing the hollow body 11. The base frame 17 of the workpiece carrier 1 is on led opposite sides in C-shaped rail elements 20 and also held by C-shaped rail members 20 in overhead movements in the transfer station 8 and the removal station 10 of the treatment bath. The rail elements 20 are made of metal wires and do not form cavities for the process fluid.

Die Fig. 4 zeigt eine Ausführungsvariante der Übergabestation. In der in Fig. 4 dargestellten Übergabestation 8' werden die Werkstückträger mit einer Rotations-bewegung gewendet und nach dem Wenden aus einer Position oberhalb des Behandlungsbades mittels einer vertikalen Bewegung in die Badflüssigkeit abgesenkt. Die Bewegung setzt sich aus einer Rotationsbewegung um 180° und einer translatorischen Bewegung a zusammen. Die in Fig. 4 dargestellte Übergabestation 8' hat den Vorteil, dass alle an dem Werkstückträger fixierten Hohlkörper 11 durch eine translatorische Absenkbewegung a gleichzeitig die Prozessflüssigkeit erreichen. Die in Fig. 4 dargestellte Übergabestation 8' wird vorzugsweise für Behandlungsbäder verwendet, in denen alle an einem Werkstückträger 1 fixierten Werkstücke 11 unter Einhaltung enger Toleranzen dieselbe Verweildauer benötigen. Die in Fig. 4 dargestellte Übergabestation wird daher insbesondere für Farbbäder verwendet, in denen die zuvor eloxierten Werkstücke 11 im Tauchverfahren gefärbt werden. Die Verweildauer im Farbbad ist kurz und muss zur Erzeugung gleichbleibender Farbintensitäten exakt eingestellt werden.The Fig. 4 shows a variant of the transfer station. In the in Fig. 4 illustrated transfer station 8 ', the workpiece carriers are turned with a rotational movement and lowered after turning from a position above the treatment bath by means of a vertical movement in the bath liquid. The movement is composed of a rotational movement through 180 ° and a translatory movement a. In the Fig. 4 illustrated transfer station 8 'has the advantage that all fixed to the workpiece carrier hollow body 11 at the same time reach the process liquid by a translational lowering movement. In the Fig. 4 illustrated transfer station 8 'is preferably used for treatment baths in which all fixed to a workpiece carrier 1 workpieces 11 while maintaining close tolerances require the same residence time. In the Fig. 4 Transfer station shown is therefore used in particular for dye baths in which the previously anodized workpieces 11 are dyed in the dipping process. The dwell time in the dye bath is short and must be set exactly to produce consistent color intensities.

Claims (6)

  1. A method for anodising surfaces on metallic hollow bodies, with which the hollow bodies (11) are clampingly fixed on projecting fingers (19, 19') of electrically conductive work piece carriers (1, 1', 1") and the work piece carriers (1, 1', 1") are guided in a pre-set work cycle step by step through a series of treatment baths, wherein the treatment baths comprise at least one anodising bath (4), in which through a closed electrical circuit between work piece carrier (1") and a cathode (14) arranged in the treatment bath an anodic oxidation on the surfaces of the hollow bodies (11) takes place, characterized in that the work piece carriers (1) in a transfer station (8, 8') of the treatment baths are turned by a rotational movement and by means of this rotational movement or after the turning are lowered by means of a vertical movement out of a first position (I) above the bath liquid into a second position (II) within the bath liquid, wherein the work piece carriers (1) in the second position (II) are horizontally orientated, in that the work piece carriers (1, 1', 1 ") within the treatment bath in this horizontal orientation are fed, in one or a plurality of steps pre-set by the work cycle, to a removal station (10) of the treatment bath and in a following work cycle are lifted in the removal station and turned by 180° so that liquid drains from the hollow bodies (11) into the treatment bath and in that the work piece carriers (11) in the anodising bath (4) are moved on a metallic rail (15) which is connected to the anode of the electrical circuit.
  2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of work piece carriers (1, 1', 1") moved in a row are simultaneously guided through a treatment bath, wherein a work piece carrier (1) in the transfer station (8) of the treatment bath is lowered into the treatment bath, simultaneously a work piece carrier (1') in the removal station (10) is removed from the treatment bath and at least one further work piece carrier (1 ") is moved through the treatment bath.
  3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the work piece carriers (11) within the treatment baths rest on a rail (15) and are moved on by translatoric movements of a pusher (16).
  4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the anode of the electrical circuit assigned to the anodising bath (4) is connected to a metallic rail (15), which bridges a spacing between the transfer station (8, 8') and the removal station (10), wherein the contact point between the anode and the rail (15) is located within the bath liquid.
  5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the cathode (14) in the anodising bath (4) is arranged below the rail (15) that is electrically connected to the anode, preferentially on the floor of the treatment bath.
  6. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that work piece carriers (1, 1', 1 ") are used which comprise a basic frame (17) and strips (18) fastened to the basic frame (17) with a plurality of elastically deformable fingers (12) that are arranged in pairs for fixing the hollow bodies (11), wherein the basic frame (17) of the work piece carriers is guided on opposite sides in C-shaped rail elements (20).
EP12176185.2A 2012-07-12 2012-07-12 Method for anodising areas on metallic hollow bodies Not-in-force EP2684986B1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES12176185.2T ES2612687T3 (en) 2012-07-12 2012-07-12 Procedure for surface anodizing in hollow metal bodies
EP12176185.2A EP2684986B1 (en) 2012-07-12 2012-07-12 Method for anodising areas on metallic hollow bodies
MX2013007968A MX346085B (en) 2012-07-12 2013-07-08 Method for anodising areas on metallic hollow bodies.
US13/938,328 US9382637B2 (en) 2012-07-12 2013-07-10 Method of anodizing hollow metallic bodies
CN201310291948.2A CN103540986B (en) 2012-07-12 2013-07-12 For carrying out anodized method to the surface on metal hollow
ARP130102489 AR091754A1 (en) 2012-07-12 2013-07-12 PROCEDURE FOR THE ANODIZING OF METAL HOLLOW BODY SURFACES

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12176185.2A EP2684986B1 (en) 2012-07-12 2012-07-12 Method for anodising areas on metallic hollow bodies

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2684986A1 EP2684986A1 (en) 2014-01-15
EP2684986B1 true EP2684986B1 (en) 2016-11-02

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EP12176185.2A Not-in-force EP2684986B1 (en) 2012-07-12 2012-07-12 Method for anodising areas on metallic hollow bodies

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US (1) US9382637B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2684986B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103540986B (en)
AR (1) AR091754A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2612687T3 (en)
MX (1) MX346085B (en)

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US10799582B2 (en) 2014-07-11 2020-10-13 Iogenetics, Llc Immunoglobulin polypeptide fractions from products of domestic animals
DE102014014137A1 (en) * 2014-09-30 2016-03-31 Dürr Systems GmbH Conveyor system for workpieces
EP3426282A4 (en) 2016-03-10 2019-11-13 Iogenetics, LLC. Epitope mimics
CN107523850B (en) * 2017-09-01 2019-05-03 湖州德耀金属制品有限公司 A kind of surface anode processing unit of metal product
CN110965100A (en) * 2019-11-29 2020-04-07 中国航发沈阳黎明航空发动机有限责任公司 Micro-arc oxidation and hard anodization process method for forged aluminum alloy cylinder
CN110863235B (en) * 2019-11-30 2021-08-13 安徽国泰铝业有限公司 Surface strengthening treatment device for aluminum alloy automobile parts

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US2482269A (en) * 1946-02-25 1949-09-20 Frederic B Stevens Inc Tilting workpiece support, especially for use with processing equipment for containers
US2987010A (en) * 1959-01-07 1961-06-06 Udylite Corp Carrier stop
DE1274979B (en) 1964-08-24 1968-08-08 Aluminium Coil Anodizing Corp Transport device for a system for anodic oxidation of metal objects
US3391073A (en) * 1964-08-24 1968-07-02 Aluminum Coil Anodizing Corp Anodizing apparatus
GB1402074A (en) * 1973-05-02 1975-08-06 Electroloid Ltd Apparatus for use in electroplating hollow articles
GB1428856A (en) * 1973-07-14 1976-03-17 Isis Technical Finishes Ltd Electrolytic treatment plant
US5858098A (en) * 1997-01-10 1999-01-12 Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc. Immersion can coating apparatus and method
FR2883576B1 (en) * 2005-02-09 2009-05-29 Frederic Vacheron SURFACE TREATMENT METHOD FOR HOLLOW PIECES, TANK FOR IMPLEMENTING SUCH METHOD, PROCESS AND INSTALLATION FOR CONTINUOUS SURFACE TREATMENT USING SUCH A TANK
KR100892995B1 (en) * 2008-10-20 2009-04-10 손치호 Anodizing treatment method of metal and system thereof
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20140014523A1 (en) 2014-01-16
CN103540986A (en) 2014-01-29
MX346085B (en) 2017-03-07
US9382637B2 (en) 2016-07-05
MX2013007968A (en) 2014-02-21
EP2684986A1 (en) 2014-01-15
AR091754A1 (en) 2015-02-25
ES2612687T3 (en) 2017-05-18
CN103540986B (en) 2016-03-16

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