DE202005007535U1 - Device for protecting anodes in electroplating with a frame attached to the anode and a protective cover attached to the frame useful for anode protection in electroplating avoids disturbance of electroplating conditions by anode slime - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (3) for protecting anodes (2) in electroplating with a frame (4) attached to the anode and a protective cover (5) attached to the frame which is permeable to bath liquid (12) and which retains the anode slime.

Description

The The invention relates to a protection device for anodes in a galvanic Process bath.

at Such anodes have the problem that they are in galvanic Processes anode slurries can secrete the change the process conditions in the bathroom and in particular to a change lead the conductance can. This is a change the current flow and can the coating on the cathode side in unwanted Influence way.

It Object of the present invention, remedy for such anode problems to accomplish.

The Invention solves this task with the features in the main claim.

The claimed protection device has the advantage that they accumulate the Withholds and collects anode sludge, wherein the anode sludge also no negative impact on the process bath can have more. Of the Current flow and the access of the bath liquid to the anode will not negatively influenced. The collected anode sludge can be simple Be disposed of.

The claimed protection device can be easy to handle and operate. It offers a high degree of operational safety and stability. In particular, it provides a simple and inexpensive solution to the anode problems represents.

Around the desired permeability to achieve, with the one hand, an unhindered access of the bath liquid reached to the anode and on the other hand, the unwanted leakage of the collected Anode sludge is prevented, a suitable membrane use Find. Therefor are in the subclaims advantageous embodiments with respect to the material and the Pore size or the molecular weight indicated.

The Dimensions of the anode frame and the bag-like protective cover are Matched so that the protective cover is secure and taut on the vorzugswiese U-shaped anode frame held and possibly by a strap or the like. Outside the bath liquid is secured. At the same time by the tenter and the dimension of Frame bars the protective cover across from the anode dissociated on all sides. This is for the access of the bath liquid and the anode function of advantage and on the other hand provides enough plenum for the accumulating anode sludge. The mud level only increases slowly, which means larger maintenance and change intervals.

In the dependent claims are further advantageous embodiments of the invention indicated.

The The invention is for example and schematically in the drawings shown. In detail show:

1 : a schematic side view of a process bath with two anodes and one protective device in different representations,

2 a partially broken side view of an anode frame and

3 : A cross section through a frame bar with plugged anode and protective cover.

In 1 is a Galvanic Process Bath ( 1 ) shown schematically. It contains one or more anodes ( 2 ) contained in suitable anode holders ( 11 ) are arranged and in the bath liquid ( 12 ) can dive. The associated cathodes are not shown for clarity. The other common facilities of a process bath are not shown for clarity. The process liquid can be an alkaline liquid, the Galvanic Process Bath ( 1 ) may otherwise be acidic or alkaline at random. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the bath liquid ( 12 ) For example, to wastewater from industrial plants, car wash or the like.

The one or more existing anode ( 2 ) is in the process bath ( 1 ) with a protective device ( 3 ), which covers the anode sludge ( 10 ) collects and withholds, while at the same time the bath liquid ( 12 ) unhindered to the anode surface ( 2 ).

The protection device ( 2 ) consists of an anode frame ( 4 ) located at the anode ( 2 ) or elsewhere, eg the anode frame ( 11 ), can be attached in any way. For example, a clamping connection exist. The substantially U-shaped anode frame surrounds the anode ( 2 ) at its edges and is adapted to the anode shape. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the anodes ( 2 ) formed as rectangular thin sheets. This design of the anode ( 2 ) and the anode frame ( 4 ) may vary depending on the application. On the anode frame ( 4 ) a protective cover ( 5 ), which for the bath liquid ( 12 ) is permeable and the anode sludge ( 10 ) holds back. The protective cover ( 5 ) can be applied to the anode frame ( 4 ) and fixed there during operation. This can be done, for example, by a strap ( 8th ) or another suitable fixation above the bath level ( 9 ) happen. The Protective cover ( 5 ) is bag-shaped and adapted in size to the frame format. The adaptation is made so that the protective cover ( 5 ) taut on the anode frame ( 4 ) can sit.

As 2 and 3 make clear that the anode frame ( 4 ) from three frame bars ( 6 ), which are connected at the corner and the inside a suitable receptacle ( 7 ) for the anode ( 2 ), eg a frame-circulating slot. The frame bars ( 6 ) have a roughly semicircular cross-sectional shape wherein the area size may be slightly larger than a semicircle. Alternatively, another rounded outer shape is possible. The round shape is for clamping and pulling the protective cover ( 5 ) advantageous. The frame bars ( 6 ) can go to the anode ( 2 ) have a flat and directed transversely to the anode main plane wall. The thickness of the cream bars ( 6 ) is greater than the thickness of the anode ( 2 ), which is designed for example as a thin-walled sheet metal. The slot ( 7 ) is preferably centered on the frame webs ( 6 ) arranged. In engagement position the thick frame webs ( 6 ) the taut protective cover ( 5 ) from the anode ( 2 ). As a result, in the lower closed bag area a sufficiently large reservoir for receiving the anode sludge ( 10 ) educated.

The anode frame is made of an inert material which does not undesirably interfere with the bath liquid ( 12 ). As a material are particularly suitable plastics. Preference is given to polypropylene.

1 shows for explaining the above-described facts at the left anode ( 2 ) has a central cross-section with the anode not hatched. At the right anode is an external view of the protective cover ( 5 ) with the strap ( 8th ), wherein the anode sludge ( 10 ) is indicated.

The protective cover is preferably designed to fulfill its filter function as a membrane, in particular as a polymer membrane. Protective covers ( 5 ) from an ultrafiltration membrane.

The Membrane can be made of any suitable and the desired filtering effect consist of showing material. In the illustrated embodiment, the Membrane made of a permanently hydrophilicized polyethersulfone.

For the filter function is it cheap if the membrane has a molecular weight between about 30,000 and about 200,000 daltons. This corresponds to a pore size between about 0.05 to 0.2 microns. Preferably, a pore size of about 0.15 μm.

The membrane or protective cover ( 5 ) is so on the anode frame ( 4 ) that the filter side of the membrane to the anode ( 2 ). The pores may have a substantially conical shape, wherein the small pore opening to the anode ( 2 ) and the larger pore opening to the bath liquid ( 12 ) point.

For maintenance and regular emptying of the protective cover ( 5 ), the anode holder ( 11 ) together with the anode (s) ( 2 ) and the protective device (s) ( 3 ) from the process bath ( 1 ) can be removed. After releasing the fixation ( 8th ), the bag-like protective cover ( 5 ) from the anode frame ( 4 ) deducted and emptied. Then you can put it back on the anode frame ( 4 ) are reared. The anode frame ( 4 ) can also be in the lower corners of sliding and rounded to the thin-walled membrane or protective cover ( 5 ) not to damage. Subsequently, the anodes ( 2 ) and the protective devices ( 3 ) are returned to their working and process position.

Variations of the embodiments shown and described are possible in various ways. The anode frame ( 4 ) does not have to have a closed shape that surrounds the edge of the anode. It can also consist of several individual webs, for example two lateral frame webs. Its shape can also change with the anode shape. Accordingly, the protective sleeve shape is adapted. Instead of a one-piece bag-like protective cover ( 5 ), another suitable bag-like shape can be selected, for example by a flat material is provided with adhesive or Velcro closure points. Alternatively, on a rotating anode frame ( 4 ) over the frame opening membrane blanks placed and fixed in a suitable manner by clamping or the like., So that the Rahmstege together with the flat blanks in the composite form the protective cover.

1

galvanic process bath

2

anode

3

guard

4

anode frame

5

Protective cover, pouch

6

frame stay

7

Admission, slot

8th

fixation, strap

9

Bathroom mirror

10

anode slime

11

anode holder

12

bath liquid

Claims (18)

Protective device for anodes ( 2 ) in a galvanic process bath, characterized in that the protective device ( 3 ) one on the anode ( 2 ) mountable anode frame ( 4 ) and one on the anode frame ( 4 ) can be applied and fixed there protective cover ( 5 ), which for the bath liquid ( 12 ) is permeable and the anode sludge ( 10 ) holds back. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective cover ( 5 ) is designed as a bag-shaped. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the protective cover ( 5 ) is adjusted in size to the frame format. Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the protective cover ( 5 ) consists of a membrane. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cover ( 5 ) consists of a polymer membrane. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cover ( 5 ) consists of an ultrafiltration membrane. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the membrane is made of a permanently hydrophilized Polyethersulfone exists. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the membrane has a molecular weight between about 30,000 and about 200,000 daltons. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the membrane has a pore size between about 0.05 to 0.2 microns, preferably about 0.15 μm, having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter side of the membrane to the anode ( 2 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cover ( 5 ) with a strap ( 8th ) outside the bath liquid ( 12 ) on the anode frame ( 4 ) is detachably fixed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anode frame ( 4 ) is substantially U-shaped. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame webs ( 6 ) of the anode frame ( 4 ) has a greater thickness than the anode ( 2 ) exhibit. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame webs ( 6 ) have an at least externally rounded cross-sectional shape. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame webs ( 6 ) inside and centrally a slot ( 7 ) for receiving the anode ( 2 ) exhibit. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cover ( 5 ) from the anode ( 2 ) is kept distanced. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anode frame ( 4 ) with terminal closure on the anode ( 2 ) is held. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anode frame ( 4 ) consists of an inert material, in particular plastic, preferably polypropylene.