Cylinder hole general type outside-groove electroplating device
By designing an adjustable liquid supply seat and clamping device track, the versatility of the external electroplating device was achieved, solving the complexity and high cost problems of electroplating cylinder bores of multi-cylinder engines, improving electroplating efficiency and reducing costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423025880.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing external circulation electroplating equipment requires a change of tooling structure when dealing with multi-cylinder engines with different cylinder diameters and cylinder bore distances, resulting in complex operation, high cost and low efficiency, and cannot adapt to the electroplating process of cylinder bores of one-cylinder to multi-cylinder engines.
A universal external electroplating device for cylinder bores was designed, which adopts a liquid supply seat and a clamping device that can be moved at will. By combining the liquid supply seat track and the clamping device track, the position of the electroplating unit can be adjusted to adapt to the needs of different cylinders and simplify the tooling change process.
It enables universal electroplating of cylinder bores in one-cylinder to multi-cylinder engines, ensuring coating quality, improving work efficiency, reducing costs, and is simple in structure and easy to use.
Smart Images

Figure CN223823719U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a cylinder body electroplating device component, and particularly to a universal external electroplating device for cylinder bores. Background Technology
[0002] Electroplating inside the engine cylinder forms an anti-wear layer, ensuring the wear resistance of the cylinder bores. In existing technologies, electroplating methods basically include in-tank electroplating and external circulation electroplating. In comparison, the external circulation electroplating process, due to its flowing electroplating environment, ensures the real-time replacement of cations on the coating, uniform concentration, and stable and uniform fluidity, thus ensuring the density and compactness of the coating and ultimately guaranteeing the electroplating quality.
[0003] However, in existing external electroplating structures, due to the varying dimensions of the cylinder blocks (workpieces), the anodes (especially the height) need to be replaced for normal electroplating operations, requiring the entire production line to shut down, increasing losses and production costs. Furthermore, the tooling fixtures are also diverse and complex, requiring manual replacement, reducing work efficiency. To address this, Chinese Patent Z201911244529.7 discloses a scheme utilizing a cylinder diameter compensation structure to accommodate workpieces of different cylinder diameters for electroplating on the same fixture, giving existing tooling structures a degree of versatility. However, with the continuous development of engine technology, especially in motorcycles, there is a growing demand for multi-cylinder engines, and these engines have different standards, varying not only in cylinder diameter but also in the distance between them. Existing cyclic electroplating fixtures are all fixed designs, requiring multiple tooling structures for different multi-cylinder engine blocks. Different cylinder blocks require the removal of the original tooling and replacement with suitable electroplating fixtures, resulting in complex operations, high tooling costs, and extremely low work efficiency.
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to optimize and improve the existing circulating (dynamic) electroplating equipment to have all the advantages of external circulating electroplating, as well as complete versatility, to adapt to the electroplating process of cylinder bores of one-cylinder to multi-cylinder engines. Furthermore, it should have a simple structure, be easy to use, and not require the removal of the original tooling, thereby improving work efficiency and reducing operating costs. Utility Model Content
[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a universal external electroplating device for cylinder bores, which has all the advantages of external circulating electroplating, and also has complete versatility, can adapt to the electroplating process of cylinder bores of one-cylinder to multi-cylinder engines, and has a simple structure, is easy to use, does not require the removal of the original tooling, thereby improving work efficiency and reducing work costs.
[0006] This utility model discloses a universal external electroplating device for cylinder bores, comprising several electroplating units. Each electroplating unit includes a liquid supply component, an electroplating component, and a pressing device. The liquid supply component includes a liquid supply seat for introducing electroplating liquid to form a circulating electroplating system. The pressing device presses the electroplating component against the liquid supply seat to form the electroplating unit.
[0007] In use, the liquid supply base is freely placed in the corresponding set position, forming an adjustable position that allows the liquid supply bases to be combined. The set position of the liquid supply base refers to the position that can provide electroplating solution and electrical energy during electroplating work, and allows the liquid supply bases to be placed arbitrarily and combined. The clamping device is installed in the corresponding set position in an adjustable position. The set position of the clamping device refers to the position that can adapt to the placement of the liquid supply base, which will not be described in detail here.
[0008] As shown in the figure, in use, this utility model is installed on a frame structure support frame. Supports and beams need to be added according to the mechanical load-bearing requirements, which will not be elaborated here. The setting position of the clamping device is the clamping device track fixed to the upper part of the frame structure of the support frame, and the setting position of the liquid supply seat is the liquid supply seat track fixed to the lower part of the support frame. Simultaneously, the clamping device track and the liquid supply seat track also serve as beam reinforcement. They are parallel in space, allowing the position adjustment of the liquid supply seat and the clamping device to be in the same direction. In this utility model, the liquid supply seat forms the bottom component of the electroplating unit. In use, the positions of the liquid supply seats of the two electroplating units determine the positional relationship between the electroplating components. Therefore, during electroplating of cylinder bores in different multi-cylinder engines... This invention achieves its purpose simply by adjusting the positional relationship between the liquid supply seats. The structure and operation are simple, improving work efficiency without requiring disassembly or tooling replacement, thus saving on process costs. Furthermore, unlike existing technologies where electroplating fixtures are fixed in place and the basket carrying the workpiece is placed on the workstation, in this invention, the liquid supply seats are located on a support frame, making them easy to adjust to different cylinder requirements. The pressure between the liquid supply seats and the workpiece ensures a tight seal. During use, the support frame, liquid supply seats, and workpiece are lifted together and placed at the electroplating station (where only basic general-purpose equipment such as the electroplating tank is needed) for electroplating. Of course, once in place, the required power supply is connected, which can be accomplished using existing technologies and will not be elaborated upon here.
[0009] Electroplating components generally include an anode and an anode holder (the anode holder is a hollow tube, which can be separate from the anode or integrally formed). The typical structure is that the anode is mounted on the anode holder, the anode holder passes through the liquid supply seat, and the liquid supply seat introduces the electroplating solution into the outside of the anode holder and between the outside of the anode and the cylinder bore. The electroplating solution that has completed electroplating enters the center of the anode from the top, is led out through the central hole of the anode holder, and flows back to the electroplating solution tank. This is a general structure of circulating electroplating, which will not be described in detail here.
[0010] Furthermore, the liquid supply seat has two flanges, and in use, the liquid supply seat is supported at the set position through the flanges; as shown in the figure, there are two liquid supply seat tracks. In use, the liquid supply seat has two flanges corresponding to the two liquid supply seat tracks, and the liquid supply seat is supported at the liquid supply seat tracks through the flanges; as shown in the figure, the cross-section of the liquid supply seat is approximately T-shaped (the area below the flanges can be formed into other shapes as needed, together with the flange portion to form a T-shape). In use, the flanges on both sides rest on the corresponding liquid supply seat tracks, and after installing the electroplating components and workpieces, they can be pressed together by the clamping device. It is convenient and quick to use, and the position adjustment is also relatively convenient.
[0011] Furthermore, the liquid supply seat is equipped with a liquid inlet and a drainage cavity for introducing the electroplating solution into the electroplating environment of the electroplating unit. As shown in the figure, the support frame is also equipped with a main liquid supply channel, which has several branch liquid supply channels. In use, each branch liquid supply channel is equipped with a liquid supply valve and can be connected to the liquid inlet of the corresponding liquid supply seat. As shown in the figure, the main liquid supply channel can be a pipe structure parallel to the liquid supply seat track, which can be a square pipe structure or a circular pipe structure, etc., and its length can extend to the length direction in which the liquid supply seats can be distributed. The branch liquid supply channels are equipped with liquid supply valves, and the liquid supply valves are closed when the liquid supply seats are not in use. Of course, the branch liquid supply channels are generally formed by flexible hoses to ensure adaptability to the position adjustment of the liquid supply seats. The liquid supply seats are equipped with pipe joints for connecting with the branch channels. As shown in the figure, the pipe joints are inclined downward to avoid the liquid supply seat track, which will not be described in detail here.
[0012] Furthermore, the anode seat of the electroplating assembly is sealed downward through the bottom of the drainage cavity, as shown in the figure. The bottom of the drainage cavity of the liquid supply seat is provided with a hole for the anode seat to pass through. When passing through, a seal is formed by existing technology, such as threaded fit or sealing filler, etc.
[0013] Furthermore, the liquid supply assembly also includes a flow guide disposed within the drainage cavity and sleeved on the anode seat. The flow guide has a drainage portion with flow distribution holes distributed around the anode seat. The outer edge of the drainage portion fits against the side wall of the drainage cavity, thereby forming a stable mating structure and providing a sealing effect, ensuring that the electroplating solution flows into the electroplating environment through the flow distribution holes. Introducing the electroplating solution between the anode and the workpiece through the flow distribution holes ensures a uniform and stable flow of the electroplating solution, resulting in a uniform distribution of effective ions within the electroplating environment, thereby achieving the desired electroplating effect. The liquid inlet is located at the lower part of the drainage portion and communicates with the drainage cavity.
[0014] Furthermore, the flow guide is a T-shaped sleeve that fits over the anode seat. The flange of the T-shaped sleeve is the flow guide portion, and the flow distribution holes are evenly distributed on the flange of the T-shaped sleeve. A V-shaped annular groove is formed on the end face of the flow guide portion corresponding to the flow distribution holes, and the bottom of the V-shaped annular groove corresponds to the flow distribution holes. As shown in the figure, the upper end of the T-shaped sleeve, i.e., the cylindrical structure, is bent outward to form an annular flange. The structure is simple and compact, and the installation with the anode is stable and simple. Unlike the existing flow guide portion, the upper end of the inner circle is a conical surface with a larger upper part and a smaller lower part. The outlet of the flow distribution hole is located at the bottom of the V-shaped groove. After the electroplating solution is drained, the electroplating solution is fully buffered along the V-shaped groove and dispersed into the flow guide cavity, forming a more uniform and stable electroplating solution. This further avoids the electroplating solution flowing out of the flow distribution hole from the local unstable impact on the electroplating environment.
[0015] Furthermore, the anode of the electroplating assembly is mounted on or integrally formed with the anode seat, including a working part and a functional part. The working part is used to form the electroplating environment, and the functional part extends upward to introduce the anode current. The functional part has a hollow structure to introduce the electroplating solution from the electroplating environment into the center of the anode and lead it out and back through the anode seat. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the anode seat and the anode are set separately. The anode seat is a hollow column. The anode seat is inserted upward into the anode and has an annular protrusion on its outer circle. The annular protrusion abuts against the lower end face of the anode to limit the anode. At the same time, the anode seat passes downward through the guide member, and the annular protrusion abuts against the upper end face of the guide member. The lower end face of the guide member is placed at the bottom of the drainage cavity, thereby forming a stable support from bottom to top. In order to ensure that the electroplating solution flows into the electroplating environment through the distribution holes, the fit between the anode seat and the guide member and between the guide member and the drainage cavity wall must be tight, or necessary sealing measures must be adopted, which will not be elaborated here.
[0016] Furthermore, the clamping device is suspended at a set work position by a clamping device seat. The clamping device seat includes a rectangular seat groove that opens upward and is contained within the clamping device track from bottom to top, and a suspension part located at the upper part of the rectangular seat groove that is bent inward and locked at the set work position.
[0017] As shown in the figure, in use, the set station is the clamping device track of the support frame. The clamping device is suspended from the clamping device track by a clamping device seat. The clamping device seat includes a rectangular seat groove that opens upward and is contained within the clamping device track from bottom to top, and a suspension part located at the upper part of the rectangular seat groove and bent inward and locked onto the upper surface of the clamping device track. As shown in the figure, the clamping device includes a clamping rod that can be driven to reciprocate up and down, and a lever assembly for driving the clamping rod to reciprocate. The lower end of the clamping rod is provided with a clamping plate (e.g., threaded connection) that can be adjusted in height on the clamping rod to adapt to different workpiece heights. The lever assembly includes a driving lever (formed with the fulcrum as a reference). The device comprises a bent structure and a rocker arm. The upper end of the clamping rod is rotatably hinged to the resistance end of the lever, and the upper end of the rocker arm is coaxially hinged to the fulcrum of the driving lever, allowing for single-degree-of-freedom rotation. As shown in the figure, the rocker arm consists of two levers arranged on the left and right sides, with a limiting block (usually integrally formed) fixed between the two rocker arms. The limiting block restricts the lever from continuing to rotate in the clamping direction when the driving lever drives the clamping rod to clamp the workpiece. The lower end of the rocker arm is hinged to a base, and the rocker arm consists of two rocker arms arranged on both sides of the base with their lower ends coaxially hinged to the base. When the clamping rod clamps the workpiece through the clamping part, the axes of the clamping rod intersect with or extend backward beyond the axis of the fulcrum. At this time, the limiting block abuts against the resistance arm of the driving lever from the back side.
[0018] As shown in the figure, the base includes a base plate and a guide sleeve, which are detachably connected and fixed. Both have through holes for the clamping rod to pass through. The base plate is detachably fixed to the rectangular seat groove by two connecting rods, which has strong adaptability. The guide sleeve is fixed to the base plate by a threaded connection, which is simple in structure. As shown in the figure, the lower end of the guide sleeve is machined with an external thread, which is screwed onto the internal thread on the base plate to form a connection. To prevent it from coming off, a lock nut is used to lock it. The lower end of the rocker arm is hinged to the guide sleeve. The structure is simple and practical. The entire locking assembly forms a module. The hinge part is completely machined before being installed on the base plate.
[0019] Due to the action of the limiting block, the resistance wall of the lever is prevented from continuing to rotate, and the rocker arm is also unable to continue to rotate under the action of the limiting block, thus forming an interlock. Furthermore, the axis of the clamping rod intersects with or extends backward beyond the axis of the fulcrum (generally, just intersecting is sufficient), thus forming a stable retraction mechanism to prevent loosening.
[0020] The reciprocating motion of the clamping rod is generally a single degree of freedom, meaning it only moves back and forth. The upper end of the rocker arm is hinged to the fulcrum of the drive lever via a fulcrum hinge axis. Under the action of external force, the drive lever rotates around the fulcrum, causing the resistance arm to move from the lateral direction to a near-vertical position. This drives the clamping rod downward to clamp the workpiece. The rocker arm swings forward around its lower end under the lateral constraint (no displacement) of the clamping rod. When the resistance arm clamps the workpiece, the axis of the fulcrum is at least intersecting the axis of the fulcrum hinge or extends backward beyond the hinge axis, thus forming a self-locking mechanism. This prevents the lever from rotating under the reaction force. At the same time, the limiting block restricts the lever from continuing to rotate in the clamping direction, preventing further rotation and thus driving the clamping rod upward, forming a clamping self-locking mechanism (i.e., the mechanical structure composed of the clamping rod and the drive lever is similar to a connecting rod and crank structure, but due to the limiting block, it avoids forming a circular motion similar to a connecting rod and crank, thus forming a self-locking mechanism).
[0021] Furthermore, it also includes a transition ring. The clamping device uses the transition ring to press the electroplating assembly against the liquid supply seat. The transition ring has a functional notch, through which the anode power supply is connected to the functional part of the anode during use. As shown in the figure, the transition ring is a columnar ring. During use, it is sleeved on the anode with its lower end pressing against the workpiece, and its upper end is pressed by the clamping plate of the clamping device, thereby forming a stable electroplating environment. The purpose of the functional notch of the transition ring is to easily clamp the power supply to the functional part of the anode through this notch. At the same time, different transition rings can be adapted to different cylinder heights, making this utility model more versatile.
[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The universal external electroplating device for cylinder bores of this utility model adopts an independent liquid inlet seat structure that can be changed at will, and each liquid inlet seat corresponds to one cylinder bore. Therefore, different cylinder models and cylinder bore numbers can all be electroplated using this utility model, which has complete universality. This utility model not only has all the advantages of external circulation electroplating, but also the advantages of dynamic electroplating. It ensures that the cations on the coating are replaced in real time, forming a uniform concentration and stable and uniform flow, which better ensures the density and compactness of the coating and guarantees the electroplating quality. It can also adapt to the electroplating process of cylinder bores of one-cylinder to multi-cylinder engines without changing tooling. Moreover, the structure is simple and easy to use, thereby improving work efficiency and reducing working costs. Attached Figure Description
[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0024] Figure 1 This is an overall external view of the present invention in its usage state;
[0025] Figure 2 This is an overall external view of the present invention in use, with a return tank added.
[0026] Figure 3 A structural diagram of the support frame that provides the installation position for this utility model;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the support frame (including the liquid inlet);
[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the electroplating unit;
[0029] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the electroplating unit;
[0030] Figure 7 This is a diagram of the anode structure.
[0031] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the clamping device;
[0032] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the return tank. Detailed Implementation
[0033] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown: The universal external electroplating device for cylinder bores in this embodiment includes several electroplating units 3. Each electroplating unit 3 includes a liquid supply component, an electroplating component, and a pressing device 31. The liquid supply component includes a liquid supply seat 301 for introducing electroplating liquid to form a circulating electroplating system. The pressing device 31 presses the electroplating component against the liquid supply seat to form the electroplating unit.
[0034] In use, the liquid supply base 301 is freely placed in the corresponding set position, forming an adjustable position that allows the liquid supply bases to be combined. The set position of the liquid supply base 301 refers to the position that can provide electroplating solution and electrical energy during electroplating, and allows the liquid supply bases to be placed arbitrarily and combined. The clamping device is installed in the corresponding set position in an adjustable position. The set position of the clamping device refers to the position that can adapt to the placement of the liquid supply base, which will not be described in detail here.
[0035] As shown in the figure, when in use, this utility model is installed on a frame structure support frame 1. Supports and beams need to be added according to the mechanical load-bearing requirements, which will not be described in detail here. The setting position of the clamping device 31 is the clamping device track 101 fixed on the upper part of the frame structure of the support frame, and the setting position of the liquid supply seat 301 is the liquid supply seat track 102 fixed on the lower part of the support frame. The technical solution described below is the structure of this utility model installed on the support frame 1, which is used to explain the specific structure and function of this utility model.
[0036] In use, the liquid supply seat is placed on the liquid supply seat track, forming an adjustable position that allows the liquid supply seats 102 to be combined. The combination state refers to the ability to adjust the combination according to the number of cylinder holes on the cylinder body and the distance between the cylinder holes, achieving versatility. The clamping device 31 is installed in the clamping device track in an adjustable position to adapt to the positional relationship between the liquid supply seats and achieve clamping. Since it needs to withstand the pressure of the clamping device and the weight of the electroplating unit, the liquid supply seat track 102 can be two tracks that jointly support the liquid supply seats, or it can be a single track with a set width for supporting the liquid supply seats and can be limited by a lateral limiting design to achieve the purpose of the utility model.
[0037] As shown in the figure, the support frame 1 is a frame structure. Supports and beams need to be added according to the mechanical load-bearing requirements, which will not be elaborated here. The upper part of the frame structure of the support frame 1 is fixed with a clamping device rail 101, and the lower part is fixed with a liquid supply seat rail 102. The clamping device rail 101 and the liquid supply seat rail 102 also serve as beam reinforcement. They are parallel in space, allowing the adjustment of the liquid supply seat position and the clamping device position to be in the same direction. In this invention, the liquid supply seat 301 forms the bottom component of the electroplating unit. During use, the positions of the liquid supply seats 301 of the two electroplating units determine the positional relationship between the electroplating components. Therefore, when electroplating the cylinder bores of different multi-cylinder engines, only the position of the liquid supply seats needs to be adjusted. The positional relationship is sufficient, the structure and operation process are simple, improving work efficiency while eliminating the need for disassembly and tooling replacement, thus saving process costs. Furthermore, unlike existing technologies where electroplating fixtures are fixed in place and the basket carrying the workpiece is placed on the workstation during use, in this invention, the liquid supply seat 301 is located on the support frame 1, making it easy to adjust its position to adapt to different cylinder requirements. When pressed against the workpiece, it also ensures a sealing effect. During use, the support frame, liquid supply seat, and workpiece are lifted together and placed on the electroplating station (at which point only basic general equipment such as the electroplating solution tank is needed) for electroplating. Of course, once in place, the required power supply is connected, which can be accomplished using existing technologies and will not be elaborated further here.
[0038] Electroplating components generally include an anode 304 and an anode holder 303 (the anode holder is a hollow tube, which can be separate from the anode or integrally formed). Typically, the anode 304 is mounted on the anode holder 303, which passes through a liquid supply seat 301. The liquid supply seat 301 introduces the electroplating solution into the outside of the anode holder 303 and between the outside of the anode 304 and the cylinder hole of the workpiece 4. The electroplating solution that has completed electroplating enters the center of the anode 304 from the top and is led out through the central hole of the anode holder 303, flowing back to the electroplating solution tank. This is a general structure of circulating electroplating, which will not be described in detail here.
[0039] In this embodiment, the liquid supply seat track 102 is arranged in two parallel sections, and the liquid supply seats of several electroplating units are arranged in parallel along the length of the liquid supply seat track 102. The liquid supply seat 301 is provided with two flanges corresponding to the two liquid supply seat tracks, and the liquid supply seat is supported on the liquid supply seat track through the flanges. As shown in the figure, the liquid supply seat is square columnar in shape, and the longitudinal section (at least in the direction perpendicular to the liquid supply seat track) is approximately T-shaped (other shapes can be formed below the flanges as needed, which together with the flanges form a T-shape). In use, the flanges on both sides rest on the corresponding liquid supply seat track 102, and the body of the lower part of the flange of the liquid supply seat abuts against the two liquid supply seat tracks to ensure the stability of the installation. In use, after installing the electroplating components and the workpiece 4, it can be pressed by the clamping device 31. It is convenient and quick to use, and the position adjustment is also relatively convenient.
[0040] In this embodiment, the support frame 1 is also provided with a main liquid supply channel 103, which is generally located close to the liquid supply seat track 102 to ensure a shorter electroplating solution delivery distance. The main liquid supply channel 103 is provided with several liquid supply branch channels 104, and each liquid supply branch channel 104 is provided with a liquid supply valve 1041 and can be connected to the liquid inlet of the corresponding liquid supply seat 301. As shown in the figure, the main liquid supply channel 103 can be a pipe structure parallel to the liquid supply seat track 102, and can be a square pipe structure or a circular pipe. The channel structure, etc., can extend in length to the length direction that the liquid supply seat 301 can distribute. The liquid supply branch channel 104 is equipped with a liquid supply valve 1041. When the liquid supply seat 301 (electroplating unit) is idle, the liquid supply valve is closed. Of course, the liquid supply branch channel 104 is generally formed by a flexible hose to ensure adaptability to the position adjustment of the liquid supply seat. The liquid supply seat 301 is equipped with a pipe connector 3011 for connecting with the branch channel. As shown in the figure, the pipe connector 3011 is tilted downward to avoid the liquid supply seat track 102, which will not be described in detail here.
[0041] In this embodiment, a main inlet pipe 105 is provided at the bottom of the main liquid supply channel 103. The inlet port of the main inlet pipe 105 allows for direct sealing and communication with the outlet pipe 203 of the electroplating solution tank after the support frame is in place. The main inlet pipe 105 is a pipe that introduces the electroplating solution in the electroplating solution tank into the main liquid supply channel 103. It has an inlet port from which the electroplating solution is introduced. The electroplating solution tank is provided with an outlet pipe 203 (generally connected to the outlet of the electroplating solution pump). After the support frame 1 is in place, the main inlet pipe 105 directly mates with the outlet pipe 203 of the electroplating solution tank. As shown in the figure, the main inlet pipe 105 is vertically arranged with the lower port being the inlet port and having a conical opening. The outlet pipe 203 is vertically arranged with the upper port having a conical opening. After the support frame is in place, the upper port of the outlet pipe is directly inserted into the lower port of the main inlet pipe to form a conical mating pair, thereby completing the sealed connection. The structure is simple and the operation is easy.
[0042] In this embodiment, the liquid supply base 301 has a drainage cavity 3013 for introducing electroplating solution through the liquid inlet. The anode 304 of the electroplating assembly passes downward and seals through the bottom of the drainage cavity, as shown in the figure. The bottom of the drainage cavity of the liquid supply base 304 is provided with a hole for the anode seat 303 to pass through. When passing through, a seal is formed by existing technology, such as threaded connection or sealing filler, etc. The threaded connection can also ensure the stability of the anode seat installation and help ensure the coaxiality of the anode, which will not be elaborated here. The liquid supply assembly also includes a flow guide 302 disposed in the drainage cavity and sleeved on the anode seat 303. The flow guide 302 has flow distribution holes 30 The flow-guiding section 21 has flow-distributing holes 3021 distributed around the anode seat 303, as shown in the figure. The flow-guiding cavity is a cylindrical cavity, and the flow-guiding section is also cylindrical. After placement, the outer edge of the flow-guiding section fits against the side wall of the flow-guiding cavity, thus forming a stable mating structure and providing a sealing effect, ensuring that all electroplating solution must flow into the electroplating environment through the flow-distributing holes. In this invention, the electroplating solution is introduced between the anode and the workpiece through the flow-distributing holes 3021, which can ensure the uniform and stable flow of the electroplating solution and make the effective ion distribution in the electroplating environment uniform, thereby achieving the desired electroplating effect. The liquid inlet is located at the lower part of the flow-guiding section and is connected to the flow-guiding cavity 3013.
[0043] In this embodiment, the lowest point is where the bottom of the main liquid supply channel 103 connects with the main liquid inlet pipe 105. When the electroplating process stops, the electroplating environment and the electroplating solution in the channel flow back to the main liquid inlet pipe 105 by gravity, and then back to the electroplating solution tank. As shown in the figure, the bottom of the main liquid supply pipe 103 is an inclined structure, and the lowest point of the inclined bottom is where the main liquid inlet pipe 105 connects with the main liquid supply channel. Of course, the main liquid supply channel can also be a pipe installed at an incline on the support frame, which can also achieve the purpose of the utility model. It also includes a return tank 2. After the support frame 1 is in place, the anode seat 303 is directly opposite the return channel 201 of the return tank 1. As shown in the figure, the return tank 2 is a rectangular open slot. The overall structure can horizontally encompass the support frame. Inside, two partitions form a return channel 201 of a set width. The anode seat 303 passes through the bottom of the drainage cavity and faces the return channel 201. The return tank is provided with an outlet, which is located within the return channel 201 and at its lowest point. The purpose of the utility model is achieved by tilting the bottom inner surface of the return tank 2, which will not be elaborated here. In use, the return tank 2 is located at the work station, and the outlet pipe 203 of the electroplating solution tank passes through the bottom of the return tank in a sealed manner. After the support frame 1 is in place, the return tank 2 encompasses the support frame 1 from below, which can effectively ensure that all electroplating solution of the entire fixture is sealed in time and that no leakage will occur.
[0044] In this embodiment, the flow guide 302 is a T-shaped sleeve that fits over the anode seat 303. A T-shaped sleeve refers to a sleeve with a T-shaped cross-section in the vertical direction, which will not be elaborated further here. The flange of the T-shaped sleeve is the flow guide portion, and the flow distribution holes 3021 are evenly distributed on the flange of the T-shaped sleeve. A V-shaped annular groove 3022 is formed on the end face of the flow guide portion corresponding to the flow distribution holes 3021, and the bottom of the V-shaped annular groove 3022 corresponds to the flow distribution hole. As shown in the figure, the T-shaped sleeve is a cylindrical structure. The upper end is bent outward to form an annular flange, which is simple and compact in structure and stable and easy to install with the anode 304. Unlike the existing inner circle of the drainage part, which has a large upper and small lower conical surface, the outlet of the flow distribution hole 3021 is located at the bottom of the V-shaped groove. After the electroplating solution is drained, the electroplating solution is fully buffered along the V-shaped groove and dispersed into the drainage cavity, forming a more uniform and stable electroplating solution. This further avoids the electroplating solution flowing out of the flow distribution hole 3021 from causing local instability to the electroplating environment.
[0045] In this embodiment, the anode 304 of the electroplating assembly is mounted on or integrally formed with the anode holder 303, and includes a working part 3041 and a functional part 3042. The working part 3041 is used to form an electroplating environment, and the functional part 3042 extends upward to introduce anode current. The functional part 3042 has a hollow structure, which is used to introduce the electroplating solution of the electroplating environment into the center of the anode and lead it out and return it from the anode holder. In this embodiment, at least two windows of a predetermined area are opened upward from the position where the working part of the anode extends to the functional part to form a hollow part, which will not be described in detail here. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the anode holder 303 and the anode 304 are separate. The anode seat 303 is a hollow columnar structure. The anode seat 303 is inserted upwards into the anode 304, and its outer circumference has an annular protrusion. This annular protrusion abuts against the lower end face of the anode, thus limiting its position. Simultaneously, the anode seat passes downwards through the flow guide 302, with the annular protrusion abutting against the upper end face of the flow guide 302. The lower end face of the flow guide 302 is placed at the bottom of the drainage cavity, thus forming a stable support from bottom to top. To ensure that the electroplating solution flows into the electroplating environment through the distribution holes 3021, the fit between the anode seat 303 and the flow guide 302, and between the flow guide 302 and the wall of the drainage cavity 3013, must be tight, or necessary sealing measures must be adopted. These details will not be elaborated further here.
[0046] As shown in the figure, the clamping device 31 is suspended from the clamping device track 101 by a clamping device seat 3107. The clamping device seat 3107 includes a rectangular seat groove that opens upward and is contained within the clamping device track from bottom to top, and a suspension part located at the upper part of the rectangular seat groove and bent inward and locked onto the upper surface of the clamping device track. As shown in the figure, the clamping device 31 includes a clamping rod that can be driven to reciprocate up and down, and a lever assembly for driving the clamping rod 3102 to reciprocate. The lower end of the clamping rod 3102 is provided with... A clamping plate (e.g., threaded connection) is available for height adjustment on the clamping rod 3102 to accommodate different workpiece heights. The lever assembly includes a drive lever 3104 (forming a bent structure with the fulcrum as a reference) and a rocker arm 3105. The upper end of the clamping rod 3102 is rotatably hinged to the resistance end of the lever 3104, and the upper end of the rocker arm 3105 is coaxially hinged to the fulcrum of the drive lever 3104, allowing for single-degree-of-freedom rotation. As shown in the figure, the rocker arms 3105 consist of two separate levers on the left and right sides, with two rocker arms 3105... A limiting block 31051 (usually integrally formed) is fixed between 05. This limiting block restricts the lever from rotating further in the pressing direction when the driving lever 3104 drives the clamping rod to clamp the workpiece. The lower end of the rocker arm is hinged to a base. The rocker arm consists of two arms arranged on both sides of the base, with their lower ends coaxially hinged to the base. When the clamping rod clamps the workpiece through the clamping part, the axes of the clamping rod intersect with or extend backward beyond the axis of the fulcrum. At this time, the limiting block 31051 abuts against the driving lever from the back. The lever arm; as shown in the figure, the driving lever 3104 is a right-angle structure with the fulcrum as the boundary. The resistance arm forms a fork-shaped groove and the clamping rod 3102 is located in the fork-shaped groove and hinged to the end of the resistance arm. The fork-shaped structure is conducive to stable connection and does not apply bias force, thereby making the structure stable and having a long service life. As shown in the figure, the driving lever 3104 is a right-angle structure with the fulcrum as the boundary (i.e., the power arm and the resistance arm are at a right angle). That is, at the fulcrum, the angle is turned and the power arm bends forward, which is convenient for operation and does not interfere with the rocker arm (limiting block).
[0047] As shown in the figure, the base 3103 includes a base plate and a guide sleeve, which are detachably connected and fixed. Both have through holes for the clamping rod 3102 to pass through. The base plate is detachably fixed to the rectangular seat groove by two connecting rods, which has strong adaptability. The guide sleeve is fixed to the base plate by a threaded connection, which is simple in structure. As shown in the figure, the lower end of the guide sleeve is machined with an external thread and screwed onto the internal thread on the base plate to form a connection. To prevent it from coming off, a lock nut is used for locking. The lower end of the rocker arm is hinged to the guide sleeve. The structure is simple and practical. The entire locking assembly forms a module. The hinge part is completely machined before being installed on the base plate.
[0048] In this invention, "backward" refers to the direction in which the power arm swings when the drive lever clamps the workpiece, and "back side" is the side corresponding to "backward," which will not be elaborated further here.
[0049] Due to the action of the limiting block, the resistance wall of the lever is prevented from continuing to rotate, and the rocker arm is also unable to continue to rotate under the action of the limiting block, thus forming an interlock. Furthermore, the axis of the clamping rod intersects with or extends backward beyond the axis of the fulcrum (generally, just intersecting is sufficient), thus forming a stable retraction mechanism to prevent loosening.
[0050] The reciprocating motion of the clamping rod is generally a single degree of freedom, meaning it only moves back and forth. The upper end of the rocker arm is hinged to the fulcrum of the drive lever via a fulcrum hinge axis. Under the action of external force, the drive lever rotates around the fulcrum, causing the resistance arm to move from the lateral direction to a near-vertical position. This drives the clamping rod downward to clamp the workpiece. The rocker arm swings forward around its lower end under the lateral constraint (no displacement) of the clamping rod. When the resistance arm clamps the workpiece, the axis of the fulcrum is at least intersecting the axis of the fulcrum hinge or extends backward beyond the hinge axis, thus forming a self-locking mechanism. This prevents the lever from rotating under the reaction force. At the same time, the limiting block restricts the lever from continuing to rotate in the clamping direction, preventing further rotation and thus driving the clamping rod upward, forming a clamping self-locking mechanism (i.e., the mechanical structure composed of the clamping rod and the drive lever is similar to a connecting rod and crank structure, but due to the limiting block, it avoids forming a circular motion similar to a connecting rod and crank, thus forming a self-locking mechanism).
[0051] In this embodiment, a transition ring 305 is also included. The clamping device uses the transition ring 305 to press the electroplating assembly against the liquid supply seat 301. The transition ring has a functional notch, through which the anode power supply is connected to the functional part of the anode during use. As shown in the figure, the transition ring 305 is a columnar ring. During use, it is sleeved on the anode with its lower end pressing against the workpiece, and its upper end is pressed down by the clamping plate of the clamping device, thereby forming a stable electroplating environment. The purpose of the functional notch of the transition ring is to easily clamp the power supply to the functional part of the anode. At the same time, different transition rings can be adapted to different cylinders. During use, it is also necessary to use other existing structures, such as a lower shielding ring 308 between the liquid supply seat 301 and the workpiece 4. A compensation ring 309 is also required. Both the lower shielding ring 308 and the compensation ring 309 can be replaced according to different cylinder bore diameters. The liquid inlet seat 301 is a universal structure. The compensation ring 309 serves as both a centering structure (corresponding to the positioning holes or bolt holes on the workpiece to form a positioning) and a sealing structure to center the workpiece, ensuring that the workpiece and the anode are coaxial and sealed simultaneously, thereby guaranteeing electroplating quality. This will not be elaborated further. The upper part of the workpiece needs to be equipped with an upper shielding ring 306, a sealing structure 307, and a centering sleeve to ensure that the upper shielding ring 306 is coaxial with the workpiece and provides a seal, thereby guaranteeing electroplating quality. This will not be elaborated further. The working principle of the compensation ring is an existing technical solution, that is, different compensation rings have the same outer diameter, and their inner diameter corresponds to different cylinder bore diameters, thereby achieving compensation. This will not be elaborated further. The function and structure of the shielding ring are existing technical solutions and will not be elaborated further.
[0052] In use, the fixture of this invention, i.e., the support frame 1 for mounting the workpiece, electroplating components, and liquid inlet seat 301, is moved to the electroplating station. Upon arrival at the electroplating station, the fixture is placed directly on the station. The liquid inlet main pipe on the fixture is directly inserted (conical mating pair) to form a connection with the liquid outlet pipe of the electroplating tank. The anode seat is directly opposite the return tank. After completing the preparation work, electroplating can begin. Of course, the station should be equipped with a positioning structure that cooperates with the positioning structure on the support frame to ensure accurate positioning, thereby ensuring the connection between the liquid inlet main pipe and the liquid outlet pipe and the conductive structure, thus enabling the electroplating process to proceed smoothly.
[0053] This utility model's tooling adopts an integrated modular design, with the electroplating environment pre-delivered to the workstation. The electroplating units can be arbitrarily combined to adapt to cylinders with different numbers of bores and different sizes of bores. Installation and positioning are convenient, facilitating automated external electroplating and significantly improving work efficiency. In this utility model's structure, replacing components such as the anode is easy and simple. Since the anode and anode holder are separate structures with a coaxial insertion fit (of course, the insertion fit requires a set clearance to prevent excessive leakage of electroplating solution), replacing the anode is as simple as removing it directly from the anode holder. Therefore, this utility model is completely universal for external electroplating of cylinders, suitable for workpieces of various sizes, models, and numbers of bores, achieving seamless product switching, avoiding production capacity loss due to line downtime, quickly meeting delivery requirements, minimizing changeover time for mature products, and reducing production capacity loss to a minimum.
[0054] The external electroplating of this utility model refers to dynamic electroplating achieved by forming an electroplating solution circulation outside the electroplating solution tank, which will not be described in detail here.
[0055] This embodiment uses an engine cylinder block as an example. In fact, the technical solution claimed by this utility model is not limited to an engine cylinder block. It can also be a compressor cylinder, a plunger pump cylinder block, or other cylinder blocks with similar structures, which will not be elaborated here.
[0056] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A universal external electroplating device for cylinder bores, characterized in that: The device includes several electroplating units, each of which includes a liquid supply assembly, an electroplating assembly, and a pressing device. The liquid supply assembly includes a liquid supply seat for introducing electroplating liquid to form a circulating electroplating system. The pressing device presses the electroplating assembly against the liquid supply seat to form the electroplating unit. In use, the liquid supply seat is freely placed in the corresponding set position, forming an adjustable position that allows the liquid supply seats to be combined. The clamping device is installed in the corresponding set position in an adjustable position.
2. The universal external electroplating apparatus for cylinder bores according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid supply seat has two flanges, and in use, the liquid supply seat is supported at the set position via the flanges.
3. The universal external electroplating apparatus for cylinder bores according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid supply seat is provided with a liquid inlet and a drainage cavity for introducing electroplating liquid into the electroplating environment of the electroplating unit.
4. The universal external electroplating apparatus for cylinder bores according to claim 3, characterized in that: The anode seat of the electroplating assembly is sealed downwards through the bottom of the drainage cavity.
5. The universal external electroplating apparatus for cylinder bores according to claim 3, characterized in that: The liquid supply assembly further includes a flow guide disposed within the drainage cavity and sleeved on the anode seat. The flow guide has a drainage portion with flow distribution holes distributed around the anode seat. The outer edge of the drainage portion is in contact with the side wall of the drainage cavity. The liquid inlet is located at the lower part of the drainage portion and communicates with the drainage cavity.
6. The universal external electroplating apparatus for cylinder bores according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flow guide is a T-shaped sleeve that is fitted over the anode seat. The flange of the T-shaped sleeve is the flow guide portion, and the flow distribution holes are evenly distributed on the flange of the T-shaped sleeve. A V-shaped annular groove is formed on the end face of the flow guide portion corresponding to the flow distribution holes, and the bottom of the V-shaped annular groove corresponds to the flow distribution holes.
7. The universal external electroplating apparatus for cylinder bores according to claim 2, characterized in that: The anode of the electroplating assembly is mounted on or integrally formed with the anode seat, and includes a working part and a functional part. The working part is used to form an electroplating environment, and the functional part extends upward to introduce anode current. The functional part has a hollow structure to introduce the electroplating solution of the electroplating environment into the center of the anode and lead it out and return it from the anode seat.
8. The universal external electroplating apparatus for cylinder bores according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamping device is suspended at a set work position by a clamping device seat. The clamping device seat includes a rectangular seat groove that opens upward and is contained within the clamping device track from bottom to top, and a suspension part located at the upper part of the rectangular seat groove that is bent inward and locked at the set work position.
9. The universal external electroplating apparatus for cylinder bores according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a transition ring, through which the clamping device presses the electroplating component against the liquid supply seat. The transition ring has a functional notch, through which the anode power supply is connected to the functional part of the anode during use.