Structure for evenly distributing thicknesses of metallic layers deposited with a galvanising process

Abstract

The present invention relates to a structure and a method for chrome plating plastic pieces, for reducing the difference in the thickness of the metal in all areas of the piece to be chrome plated. This is achieved using a specially designed support means that allows the excess metal in chrome-plated plastic pieces to be reduced.

Description

[0001] STRUCTURE FOR UNIFORM DISTRIBUTION OF THICKNESSES OF METAL LAYERS DEPOSITED WITH GALVANIZING PROCESS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention belongs to the technical field of electroplating processes and even more particularly to the area of ​​electroplating on non-metallic surfaces, particularly plastic surfaces.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Coatings with metal layers electrodeposited in electrolytic baths are used as protective layers against corrosion and as decorative finishes. These coatings are generally made in chemical baths formulated, for example, with hexavalent chromium, a process widely used in plastic automotive parts.

[0006] Considering that plastics do not conduct electricity, they require complex pretreatment processes in order to receive the coatings that give them the appropriate properties. We have a complex preparation that includes the use of highly toxic and difficult-to-control products; the plastics that are commonly chrome-plated are ABS and PC-ABS and for the chrome deposition to be correct and to obtain the desired color and shine, successive layers of copper, semi-gloss nickel and bright nickel and chrome can be previously applied to the plastic article. It is known that the introduction of intermediate metallic layers increases the possibilities of corrosion protection in the part.

[0007] There are different chrome plating methods, such as the following, for example: The plastic part to be chromed is first cleaned to remove particles that may be adhering to the surface. Cleaning is carried out using organic solvents to remove oxides and particles from the surface with minimal attack.

[0008] Once the surface particles have been removed, the part is immersed in a container containing a chromic acid solution at a temperature between 60 and 75°C. This process "dissolves" one of the components of these plastics, creating micropores on the part's surface.

[0009] After being washed with water, the piece is immersed in a palladium chloride solution at 32 eC to activate the plastic, that is, make it electrically conductive. In the next step, the part, attached to suitable tooling called a support medium or rack that has conductive contacts as in all steps of the process, is immersed in an electroless nickel bath at a temperature of 32 °C to reinforce the palladium layer. After rinsing, the part is immersed in a electroless copper bath containing copper sulfate and sulfuric acid at a temperature of 36 °C. A traditional procedure for this type of treatment can be seen in Figure 10. Once the palladium layer is reinforced with the electroless nickel layer, the parts are immersed in a compound of copper sulfate and sulfuric acid without current called "immersion copper"; this compound is necessary to prepare the copper metal deposition in the next step, with the aid of direct current, applied to an anode and a cathode, supplied through rectifiers.

[0010] In this sense, the present invention is aimed at solving the technical problem of obtaining a similar average thickness in the parts to be chrome-plated, given that during the electroplating baths there is the disadvantage of having to apply more chrome-plating material and supply more voltage to comply with a minimum thickness requirement for each part. Those skilled in the art are aware that the parts placed on the chrome-plating support structures come to present different thicknesses after the entire process, representing a problem of lack of part homologation and increased production costs.

[0011] It is known that during the chrome plating process, during the implementation of any of the racks, bars, hooks or support means for pieces to be chromed that will eventually be immersed in a chrome plating container, there is a tendency for non-uniform chrome plating, finding pieces with thicker chrome plating in those located on the sides of the support means or, in other words, pieces with thinner chrome plating in those located closer to the support means. Correctly placing the support structures or support means on a production line, as well as promoting a support structure that provides stability and promotes a location of pieces to be chromed in a position of better use of the metal to be deposited, is of particular relevance when analyzing the necessary inputs for such purposes. In particular, in many cases,the implementation of a chrome plating process with traditional support means and the traditional configuration of these, which consists of a plurality of bars with aligned support means, has the disadvantage of presenting a non-homogeneous deposit of metallic layers for all the pieces that are placed in the support structure, in the understanding that the support structure of pieces to be chromed is immersed in a chrome plating container for a subsequent application of an electric current and in this way achieve the chrome plating on the piece, it is known that the pieces placed at the ends of the support means or rack, have a greater amount of metal with respect to the pieces contained in the middle / central part of the rack, for which reason there are a series of disadvantages such as waste of material, limitations in standardization,Weight differences and, occasionally, waste of parts due to excess metal prevent the part from being used for its intended purpose. Furthermore, handling of these types of structures is limited by the lack of an arrangement that can accommodate the different requirements of the electrolysis container's dimensions and capacity, which requires the structure to be directly replaced or substituted for another for a different process or to chrome-plate different parts.

[0012] Furthermore, during the chrome plating process, the parts to be chromed may be subject to incidents that may affect their stability on the supporting structure, which will result in the surfaces of the parts being more exposed than others during the chrome plating process. Particularly, the parts on the edges or sides of a supporting structure are more likely to suffer alterations in their deposited thickness due to the incidence of the electric current during the galvanizing process.

[0013] Additionally, it is known that the load frames or racks of the support structure have a series of hooks attached to them. These hooks are frequently used to hold and maintain the parts to be chrome-plated within an electrolyte solution and are typically used when processing large batches of parts of the same format. There are differences in design and construction, which must be adjusted to the format and size of the parts. Basically, the hooks are made of various metals, which are coated with an insulating plastic and plastic resistant to the chemicals used in electroplating solutions. Generally, the frames are used in both anodic and cathodic processes.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need for a support structure for chrome plating processes that can alleviate at least some of these drawbacks. In this regard, the object of the invention is directed at standardizing the average chrome plating thickness of plastic parts subjected to a chrome plating process. Although various proposals are known to solve the technical problem posed, these have opted to modify the formulations, process times, chrome plating vats, among others. None of the proposals known to date have disclosed or suggested a solution such as the one illustrated in this specification.

[0015] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An object of the invention is to provide a chrome plating support structure that facilitates the arrangement of a plurality of support pieces with a specific variation in distance from the support structure. Specifically, the present invention consists of providing a support structure characterized in that a series of connectors comprise a variable length along a vertical and horizontal distribution, wherein said connectors are specially configured to have a greater length as they are closer to the central part of the support structure. Improvements are also achieved in the reduction of production costs such as energy and additive consumption.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, current stealers are eliminated, while in another embodiment, current stealers are incorporated. One of the advantages of the present invention is that it eliminates dimensional problems related to high metal thicknesses in plastic parts.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a structure that promotes lower utilization of rectifiers by decreasing their maintenance.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a structure that promotes the generation of longer life cycles of load-bearing structures.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide a structure that promotes better cleaning of the support structure in each chrome plating cycle.

[0021] Each embodiment of the present invention has at least one of the aforementioned objects and / or aspects, but not necessarily all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present invention resulting from the attempt to achieve the aforementioned object may not satisfy this object and / or may satisfy other objects not specifically enumerated herein. Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, drawings, and appended claims.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the structure for uniform distribution of metal layer thicknesses.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a top view of the structure for uniform distribution of metal layer thicknesses with enlargements in the middle area and at different points along its length.

[0025] Figure 3 shows a top view of the structure for uniform distribution of metal layer thicknesses, with extensions in the lateral region and an area close to the lateral region. Figure 4 shows a front view of the structure for uniform distribution of metal layer thicknesses.

[0026] Figure 5 shows a side view of the structure for uniform distribution of metal layer thicknesses.

[0027] Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the structure for uniform distribution of metal layer thicknesses with an enlargement at the top.

[0028] Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the structure for uniform distribution of metal layer thicknesses with an enlargement at the bottom.

[0029] Figure 8 shows an exploded isometric view of the structure for uniform distribution of metal layer thicknesses.

[0030] Figure 9 shows a top view of the structure for uniform thickness distribution of deposited metal layers.

[0031] Figure 10 shows a flow diagram of a standard chrome plating procedure that is part of the state of the art.

[0032] Figure 11 shows a diagram of the factors involved during testing and examples 1. Contact length. 2. Position of the part in the rack (“x” and “y”) and 3. Amperage (Cu, Ni and Cr).

[0033] Figure 12 shows a diagram of the allocation and sampling of positions in each of the support means where the support means has been divided into nine quadrants taking the average thicknesses and calculating the total amperage used during the tests and examples.

[0034] Figure 13 shows a diagram of the allocation and sampling of positions on a support structure during a chrome plating test.

[0035] Figure 14 shows a graph of thickness values ​​from a chrome plating test.

[0036] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The present invention is directed toward providing a support structure and a method for chrome plating plastic parts that allows for reducing the difference in the average thickness of the parts to be chromed and reducing the excess metal in chrome-plated plastic parts; since the plastic chrome plating process involves a difference in metal thicknesses depending on the area where the part is located on the frame, rack, loading structure, or support structure used in the chrome plating process, the main purpose is to uniform (in all areas of the support structure) the thicknesses of the metals (copper, nickel, and chrome) in the plastic parts.

[0038] Therefore, the present invention relates to a support structure specially designed so that the resulting thickness of chrome-plated plastic parts is uniform in all the plastic parts that are placed or distributed in a series of support means or support racks coupled to the support structure, where there is an arrangement or accommodation of said support means that allows a better distribution of the chrome plating during an electrolysis process, by defining a curved arrangement with a distance from the anode in the area of ​​the sides of the support structure of the parts to be chrome-plated, and an approach of the anode in the middle / central areas of the support structure where the plastic parts are placed.Said arrangement is achieved by arranging a plurality of connectors or support means in horizontal and vertical lines separated equidistantly, where said connectors or support means have a variable length, this being an initial length that begins at the lateral ends of the support structure and increases as it approaches the central area, such that when placing the support means on the support structure for chrome plating, an elongated circular shape can be seen from a top view.

[0039] It is a preferential aspect, the first or first connectors or support means located at the ends of the support structure in a vertical line, have a first length, so the next connector in a horizontal line has a length greater by at least 1 mm than the one before it and so on until reaching the central part of the structure. The difference in length between each connector or support means starting at the lateral ends of the support structure and increasing as it approaches the central area is preferably between 1 mm to 10 cm. In a more preferential aspect, the difference in length between connectors located in the horizontal plane is 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10 mm or any of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 cm.

[0040] In a further aspect, the connectors or support means located below the center line of the chrome plating support structure may also have a length difference between each connector or support means starting further from the lower ends of the support structure and increasing as it approaches the center area, with a half ellipse shape. The length difference between each connector is preferably between 1 mm and 10 cm. In a more preferential aspect, the length difference between connectors located in the vertical plane is 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10 mm, or any of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 cm.

[0041] Throughout this description, various terms related to spatial orientation will be used, such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," "right," "upward," "downward," etc., to provide a clear description of the current technology. However, it is understood that these terms are used merely to enhance the clarity of the description and are in no way intended to limit orientation.

[0042] In order to make the description of the present invention clearer, as well as for a better understanding thereof, it should be understood that the terminology used in this document is not intended to be limiting.

[0043] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include both singular and plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. By way of example, "a nanoparticle" means one nanoparticle or more than one nanoparticle. Throughout this application, the term "about" is used to indicate that a value includes the standard deviation of error for the device or method being employed to determine the value. The terms "comprising," "comprises," as used herein are synonymous with "including," "includes," or "containing," "contains," and are included or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited members, elements, or steps of the process. It will be appreciated that the terms "comprising," "comprises," and "comprising" as used herein encompass the terms "consisting of," "consists of," and "consists of."The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all whole numbers and, where applicable, fractions subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 may include 1, 2, 3, 4 when referring to, e.g., a series of items, and may also include 1.5, 2, 2.75, and 3.80 when referring to, e.g., measurements). The recitation of endpoints also includes the endpoint values ​​themselves (e.g., 1.0 to 5.0 includes both 1.0 and 5.0). Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subintervals subsumed therein.

[0044] In this specification, the term "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" is used to mean a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment that is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the occurrences of the phrases "in an embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may be. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art from this description, in one or more embodiments.Furthermore, although some embodiments described herein include some, but not other, features included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention and to form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination. Additional embodiments of the invention, as well as the features and advantages thereof, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the descriptions set forth herein.

[0045] In order to promote an understanding of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. However, it will be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure; such further alterations and modifications to the illustrated device and its use, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein, are contemplated, as would normally be the case, by one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

[0046] The present invention relates to a support structure for uniform distribution of thicknesses in metallic layers deposited with a galvanizing process that are placed or distributed in a series of support means contained in a support structure, where an arrangement or arrangement of said support means is arranged that allows a better distribution of the chrome plating towards the piece during an electrolysis process, by defining a curved arrangement with an approach to the area of ​​the sides of the support structure that moves the pieces to be chromed away from the corners of an electrolysis container.

[0047] Initially, there are a plurality of support bars (10) arranged vertically and joined at their top and bottom by a closing bar (11), which connects with the support bars (10) perpendicularly and promotes the formation of a frame or rack type arrangement in which an arrangement of connection bars (12) is arranged which form a support structure for a series of load connectors (13) that hold pieces to be chromed and where the connection bars (12) have an insertion means for a chrome plating contact (14) said insertion means being parallel to the connection bar (12) and where for each of the front and rear sides of the support structure, the set of connection bars (12) and load connectors (13) are distributed equidistantly with respect to themselves in the space between the upper and lower closing bars (11),In the same sense, each of these connection bars (12) has a plurality of through holes (15) that allow them to receive the load connector (13) where preferably there is a rib that allows the threading of the load connector (13) for its adjustment inside the through hole (15).

[0048] There is also a non-linear distribution of the connection bar assemblies (12) and the load connectors (13) where these form a semicircular arrangement in each of the front and rear portions of the support bars (10) finding that in the central area there is a separation distance of greater dimensions with respect to the support bars (10) while on each of the sides of the support structure there is a shorter separation distance with respect to each of the sides of the support structure, which allows said sides of the support structure to be further away from the vertices or corners of an electrolysis container when the support structure is submerged in a chrome plating solution.In other words, there is a configuration in which the load connectors (13) are specially configured to have a greater length with respect to the support structure to the extent that said load connectors (13) are closer to the central part of the support structure.

[0049] In one embodiment of the invention, the support bars (10) have a plurality of extensions that are joined with a plurality of delta connectors (16) in the upper part of the support bars (10) that allow contact to be made with a transport bar (not shown) which is energized and where said arrangement of delta connectors (16) maintains electrical conduction properties and where in one embodiment each of these connection terminals have a plurality of grooves that allow it to improve the connection with the transport bar.

[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, the support bars (10) have in their upper part, an arrangement of stealers (17), which are arranged perpendicularly with respect to the upper closing bars (11), where said stealers (17) prevent a direct incidence of the effect of the current on the piece to be chromed that could damage it.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an arrangement of five sets of support bars (10) and closing bars (1 1) is arranged holding the connection bar assemblies (12) and the load connectors (13) and with a plurality of robbers (17) that protect the pieces to be chromed from the direct incidence of the current where additionally a set of protectors (18) is coupled that maintain a curved arrangement that has a greater distance with respect to the support bars (10) in the center of the support structure while on each of its sides the distance is shorter with respect to the support structure having a coincidence with the distance of each connection arrangement integrated by the connection bar assemblies (12) and the load connectors (13).In one embodiment of the invention, the support structure has a plurality of lateral protection means (19) which are placed on each side of the support structure as a barrier that prevents or reduces the incidence of direct erosion with the pieces to be chromed that are located on the sides of the support structure.

[0052] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a support structure including an arrangement of a plurality of vertical posts, each of which has a plurality of horizontal connecting means which in turn have a plurality of horizontally extending slots on an external surface thereof and wherein the slots are vertically separated from each other into which a support means for a part to be chromed is inserted.

[0053] The loading connectors (13) coupled to the connecting bar (12) supporting the parts to be chromed may be a plurality of loading hooks which are in turn auxiliaryly supported by the chroming contact (14) and by the horizontal connecting means, respectively. Each of the loading hooks has a loading body received only partially around its corresponding post, and each of these posts includes a horizontally extending rib received in one of the slots of the connecting bar (12).

[0054] In another embodiment, the present invention provides load connectors (13) coupled to the connecting bar (12) as a support means for a structure to be mounted on the support structure having a substantially horizontal configuration. The support structure support means may include a load body defining an interior channel for receiving around a connecting bar to the support structure.

[0055] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of connecting means made of an electrically conductive material.

[0056] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of driving means distributed in a non-linear manner within the support arrangement.

[0057] In another embodiment, the invention provides a support apparatus including a connection arrangement to a lifting mechanism which by means of a drive means modifies the position of the support structure. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for positioning a support structure for parts to be chrome plated relative to a chrome plating tub, wherein the support means comprises left and right vertical support units laterally spaced apart from each other, the method comprising: a) connecting or racking at least one element to be chrome plated to at least one of the loading connectors (13) coupled to the connecting bar (12) of the chrome plating support structure on a front and / or rear side thereof such that: part of one of the at least one loading connector (13) extends leftward from a left end of the chrome plating support structure;and part of one of the at least one load connector (13) extends to the right from a right end of the support structure; b) arranging the piece to be chromed so that the widest side of the same faces the lower portion of the support structure; c) open the arrangement of the load connectors (13) coupled to the connection bar (12) and insert a tab of the piece to be chromed, d) arrange the tab of the piece to be chromed so that it has contact with the bottom of the structure coinciding with the load connectors (13) coupled to the connection bar (12); e) checking that the piece to be chromed is adjusted to the rack by applying slight movements to the rack in a lateral and front-to-rear direction; f) placing a plurality of stealers (17) on the upper part of the support structure; g) raise the support structure for chrome plating;h) inserting the chrome plating support structure between left and right vertical support units until the at least one front fixing member abuts the left and right vertical support units; and i) moving the chrome plating support structure left or right until a hook portion of the at least one loading connector (13) engages the left vertical support unit or the right vertical support unit to establish a lateral position of the data center rack between the left and right vertical support units;

[0058] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, after inserting the chrome plating support structure between the left and right vertical support units, lowering the support structure on each of its sides until the bottom of the support structure is perpendicular to a horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the method further comprises, after inserting the support structure between the left and right vertical support units: connecting at least one rear fixing member to the support structure on a rear side thereof such that: part of one of the at least one rear fixing elements extends leftward from the left end of the structure; and part of one of the at least one rear fixing elements extends rightward from the right end of the support structure. j) Connecting the support structure to an electrically conductive medium.k) Move the support structure with the part(s) to be chromed to a specific area in an upper portion of a chrome plating container. l) Immerse the support structure with the parts to be chromed attached to the loading connectors (13) coupled to the connecting bar (12) in the chrome plating container. m) Remain for a time of 1 - 60 min or 10-50 preferably 20-40 or determined by the chrome plating process or specified thickness inside the chrome plating solution in the chrome plating container. n) Raise the support structure o) Remove the current stealers p) Affix identification labels q) Remove the part by opening the contact socket. r) Inspect the chrome plated part. s) Pack the chrome plated part.

[0059] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shelving system comprising: a shelving support frame comprising a left upright support unit and a right upright support unit laterally spaced apart from one another; a center frame positioned between the left upright support unit and the right upright support unit, the center frame having a front side and a rear side opposite the front side; at least one front securing member connected to the support structure at the front side thereof, part of one of the at least one front securing member extending leftward from a left end of the center frame is connected to the left upright support unit, part of one of the at least one front joining member extending rightward from a right end of the data center rack and is connected to the right upright support unit;and at least one rear fixing member connected to the data center frame at the rear side thereof, part of one of the at least one rear fixing member extending leftward from the left end of the center frame and connected to the left vertical support unit, part of one of the at least one rear fixing member extending rightward from the right end of the center frame is connected to the right vertical support unit, the at least one front fixing member comprising a hook portion abutting a surface of one of the left and right vertical support units to establish a lateral position of the data center frame between the left and right vertical support units for accommodating the chrome plated parts in a further inspection step.;

[0060] In some embodiments, each of the load connectors (13) coupled to the connection bar (12) is a fixing element of the plurality of fixing elements that can be a bar formed by bending such that the part fixing part, the fixing part towards the connection bar (12) and the connection part with the chrome plating contact (14) are different sections of the bar.

[0061] In some embodiments, the charging connectors (13) coupled to the connecting bar (12) have a fixing part of the body of the connecting bar perpendicular to the fixing part of the connectors (13).

[0062] In some embodiments, for the load connectors (13) coupled to the connecting bar (12), each fixing element of the plurality of fixing elements has a fixing part of the body of the connecting bar generally parallel to the fixing part of the connectors (13).

[0063] In some embodiments, for each of the load connectors (13) coupled to the connecting bar (12) or connecting members of the plurality of connecting members, the coupling portion of the part to be chromed extends at least partially in the direction of the depth of the support structure.

[0064] In some embodiments, for each fixing element of the plurality of fixing elements, a spring portion extends at a non-right angle with respect to the frame fixing portion and the support structure fixing portion maintaining a semicircular arrangement.

[0065] In some embodiments, the mating portion of the charging connectors (13) coupled to the connecting bar (12) is generally flat.

[0066] Examples, Tests and Results obtained:

[0067] The present examples are illustrative and not limiting, as a person skilled in the art will understand that there are several factors that fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. To determine the factors that most influence the final thickness gain of a chrome-plated part, various tests were performed with various support medium configurations, including:

[0068] 1. Traditional support medium (STANDARD BAR 1) - consisting of a structure with flat faces where the parts mounted on it have the same separation distance from the walls of the chrome plating tub.

[0069] 2. Support medium with corner roundings (STANDARD BAR 2) - consisting of a structure with flat faces and roundings only in areas close to the corners of this where the pieces mounted on it have a smaller separation distance with respect to the corners of the chrome plating tub since it is in this area where the roundings that distance the piece are located.

[0070] 3. Supporting means of the invention (INVENTION BAR).- composed of a structure that includes the characteristics of the previous description

[0071] Considering the aforementioned structures, various tests were performed on these configurations to identify the factors that most influence the final thickness of a part to be chrome-plated. The test results showed that contact length was the factor that most influenced the final thickness, followed by the position of the part in the rack and the amperage. In addition, tests were performed to generate a model to aid in predicting the thickness of the chrome-plated part. The results of these tests showed that the generated model was effective in predicting the final thickness of the chrome-plated part and maintaining thickness standardization.

[0072] In conclusion, the test results showed that the factors that most influence final thickness gain are contact length, the position of the part on the rack, and the amperage. In addition, a model was generated to help predict the thickness of the chrome-plated part.

[0073] Details of the tests carried out will now be provided:

[0074] 1. Initially, the following initial statistical objective has been determined:

[0075] "To find the factors that most influence the final thickness gain of a chrome-plated part, in addition to generating a model that helps predict the thickness of said chrome-plated part."

[0076] The above is also intended to achieve a uniform average thickness of the chrome-plated parts across the different areas of the bar, while remaining within the minimum required thickness and achieving a reduction in the amperage used in the process. Currently, the part support medium is immersed in up to five vats where three materials (Cu, Ni, and Cr) adhere to the surface layer of the plastic parts. Tests were conducted with different support medium shapes and contact lengths, in addition to measuring the amperage in each vat.

[0077] During the tests carried out, these were some factors that were significant in the final thickness:

[0078] 1. Length of contact.

[0079] 2. Position of the part on the rack (“x” and “y”)

[0080] 3. Amperage (Cu, Ni and Cr).

[0081] For a better understanding of the above factors, please review Figure 11.

[0082] The steps of the test performed are described below:

[0083] 1. A piece was selected that could be held in each of the bars of these tests to later be chrome plated.

[0084] 2. A “standard bar” and a “bar with rounded corners” have been selected with the intention of having reference data for the thickness of the metals in the traditional chrome plating rack, respectively these bars will be referred to as: Standard Bar 1 and Standard Bar 2, while the developed bar or support means has been called “invention bar”.

[0085] 3. It was determined to assign a sample of positions in each of the racks or bars where the bar has been divided into nine quadrants, taking the average thicknesses and calculating the total Amperage used. The distribution of the positions in each of the racks as well as the quadrants can be seen in Figure 12.

[0086] 4. Different experimental runs were proposed with the objective of seeking to comply with a minimum required thickness determined for the test piece and seeking that the different quadrants have the same thickness, where the thickness contains a mixture of Cu + Ni, Ni and Cr in the following quantities:

[0087] Cu + Ni >30pm

[0088] Not >3pm

[0089] Cr >0.25pm

[0090] Therefore the minimum total thickness requirement is 45.25 um.

[0091] TEST I

[0092] Execution of the runs: Each of the support equipment underwent a chrome plating process in a chrome plating vat so that the assembled parts could obtain the chrome plating. The support equipment was placed in the chrome plating tank, which contained the chrome plating bath with the aforementioned materials. Once the chrome plating process began, the support equipment was kept inside the vat for 45 minutes. After this period, the support equipment was lifted and allowed to cool. Once cooled, the parts were washed with water to remove chemical residue and dried. The parts were subsequently inspected to verify that the chrome plating process had been performed correctly. A chrome thickness measurement was taken for each area of ​​the quadrant, yielding the following results:

[0093] The values: 65.0, 67.3, 65.4, 71.0, 69.3, 68.1, 60.3, 45.3 and 58.5 correspond to the average chrome plating thickness (pm) of the pieces located in each quadrant respectively. The table above shows the representation of the location of each of the nine quadrants with their respective average piece thickness data. Considering that the general average thickness for this standard bar 1 is 63.35 pm.

[0094] Other data collected during the tests are as follows:

[0095] Total amperage (A) used for chrome plating refers to the number of amperes required to chrome-plate the parts contained in the rack or bar. The total amperage is determined according to the size of the part, the type of material, and the thickness of the chrome to be applied. Chromium plating manufacturers generally use a combination of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) to achieve the desired results. The total amperage used during chrome plating is normally estimated before beginning the process to ensure that the chrome is applied correctly; however, in this case, the magnitude of the amperage was measured during the test until the part to be chromed complied with a residence time. In this case, the total amperage required was 18,835 (eighteen thousand eight hundred thirty-five).

[0096] % RSQ stands for Reliability, Safety, and Quality. It is a term used to define a product's quality standards. It relates to quality control and the assurance that a product or service is safe, reliable, and free of defects. This is achieved through the use of quality standards, testing, and quality manufacturing processes. Implementing RSQ standards in a production environment ensures that products are safe, reliable, and free of defects. In this case, the % RSQ is 47.86.

[0097] Variation, which is a parameter used to describe the difference or change in a measurement or characteristic between chrome-plated parts, in this case in terms of thickness. This means that the smaller the variation, the closer the chrome-plated parts will be to standardization. In this case, the variation was 6.

[0098] The other results are shown below:

[0099] Best result / Worst result Therefore, it is clear that, in each of the tests of the invention set forth in this specification, advantageous results have been obtained in terms of material savings, where up to 20.16 pm per piece have been saved by implementing the structure with the characteristics disclosed in this specification, as well as significant energy savings (4,322 amperes) to comply with the thicknesses required in the tests.

[0100] In other words, in the standard bars used, a greater energy supply was required to reach the minimum requirements necessary, while for example in test 4 there was a saving of almost 23% of energy complying with the thickness requirements and even though the %RSQ is greater in standard bar 2, it is a fact that is understandable to the extent that the pieces of these tests have a greater thickness so it is normal for this to be decreased since the thickness of the pieces is less in the bars of the invention and has as a consequence a greater fragility which is the cause of the decrease in the %RSQ despite the thicknesses requested or required by the test have been met.

[0101] TEST II The second test consisted of subjecting two bars to the same amperage conditions to analyze the thickness results once the chrome plating process was complete. The test requirements were as follows:

[0102] Chromium (Cr) required thickness: >0.25 pm Nickel (Ni) required thickness: >15 pm Copper (Cu) required thickness: >15 pm

[0103] Where the dimensions of the connector for the bar of the invention are indicated in the distance column (mm) while the distribution in the bar is as shown in Figure 13. Where the amperage supplied for both tests has been 14513 amps and the limits of the component specification (piece thickness) is between 30 and 60 pm for the entire piece.

[0104] The results obtained are as follows:

[0105] Does not comply I Complies

[0106] Where we can see that in the standard bar there are up to 19 dimensions of different tests that do not comply with the minimum required thickness, having a greater presence in Chromium (Cr required> 0.25 pm), while in the bar of the invention only on 8 occasions the minimum thickness required in chromium was not completed, where it is even noted that the missing to reach the minimum required on average is 0.02 pm for Chromium, while in the standard bar the missing average is 0.04 pm for Chromium, 1.4 pm for Nickel and 0.9 pm for Copper.

[0107] Additionally, we can note that the inventive bar is always within the established limits for the thickness of the piece, while the standard bar has values ​​outside the established limits, both upper and lower, as shown in Figure 14.

[0108] It is concluded that the results of this test of the invention are favorable for the industry, since significant material and energy savings are achieved, in addition to offering satisfactory results to meet the test requirements.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A structure for chrome plating plastic parts comprising: support means coupled or coupled to a support structure, said support means defining a curved array, the support means being configured to distribute plastic parts for chrome plating during an electrolysis process, said array having a plurality of charging connectors in equidistantly spaced horizontal and vertical lines, said charging connectors having different lengths that increase from a first length of charging connectors located at the lateral ends of the support structure towards a second length of charging connectors located in a central area of ​​the support structure.

2. The structure for chrome plating of plastic parts according to claim 1, characterized in that the load connectors located at the ends of the support structure in a vertical line have a first length and the following connector towards the central part of the support structure in a horizontal line has a length greater by at least 1 mm than the preceding one and so on until reaching the central part of the support structure.

3. The structure for chrome plating of plastic parts according to claim 1, characterized in that the difference in length between each load connector at the lateral ends of the support structure increases as it approaches the central area between 1 mm and 10 cm.

4. The structure for chrome plating of plastic parts according to claim 1, characterized in that the load connectors located below the middle line of the support structure have a difference in length between each load connector located at the bottom of the support structure and increases as it approaches the central area of ​​the support structure.

5. The structure for chrome plating of plastic parts according to claim 1, characterized in that the support structure has a plurality of support bars (10) arranged vertically and joined at their top and bottom by a closing bar (11) which is connected to the support bars (10) perpendicularly and forms a frame or rack type arrangement in which an arrangement of connection bars (12) is arranged which form a load structure for the load connectors (13) that hold parts to be chromed and where these connection bars (12) also have an insertion means for a chrome plating contact (14) which is arranged parallel. to the chrome contact (14) and where for each of the front and rear sides of the support structure, the connection bars (12) and the load connectors (13) are distributed equidistantly in the space between the upper and lower closing bars (11), and each of these connection bars (12) has a plurality of through holes (15) with a rib that allows the threading of the load connector (13).

6. The structure for chrome plating of plastic parts according to claim 5, characterized in that the support bars (10) have a plurality of extensions joined with a plurality of delta connectors (16) in the upper part that allow contact with a transport bar (not shown) which is energized and where said arrangement of delta connectors (16) maintains electrical conduction properties as well as a plurality of grooves.

7. The structure for chrome plating of plastic parts according to claim 5, characterized in that it has an arrangement of five sets of support bars (10) and closing bars (11) holding the connection bar assemblies (12) and the load connectors (13) with a plurality of robbers (17) where additionally a set of protectors (18) is coupled that maintain a curved arrangement with a greater distance with respect to the support bars (10) in the center of the support structure while on each of its sides the distance is shorter with respect to the support structure coinciding with the distance of each connection arrangement integrated by the connection bar assemblies (12) and the load connectors (13).

8. The structure for chrome plating of plastic parts according to claim 1, characterized in that the support structure has a plurality of lateral protection means (19) on each of the sides of the support structure.

9. The structure for chrome plating of plastic parts according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a structure with a plurality of vertical posts, each of which has a plurality of horizontal connection means which in turn have a plurality of slots that extend horizontally on an external surface thereof and where the slots are vertically separated from each other where a support means for a part to be chromed is inserted.

10. The structure for chrome plating of plastic parts according to claim 5, characterized in that the loading connectors (13) coupled to the connection bar (12) are loading hooks supported by the chrome plating contact (14) and by the loading means. horizontal connection, respectively, wherein each of the load hooks (13) has a load body received only partially around a corresponding post, and each of these posts includes a horizontally extending rib received in one of the slots of the connection bar (12).

11. The structure for chrome plating of plastic parts according to claim 5, characterized in that the loading connectors (13) are coupled to the connecting bar (12) as support means of a structure for mounting on a horizontal support structure.

12. A method for chrome plating a plastic part, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) connecting or hooking at least one element to be chrome plated to at least one of the loading connectors (13) coupled to the connecting bar (12) for front fixing to the support structure for chrome plating on a front and / or rear side thereof such that: part of one of the at least one loading connector (13) extends to the left from a left end of the support structure; and part of one of the at least one loading connector (13) extends to the right from a right end of the support structure; b) arranging the part to be chrome plated such that the widest side thereof faces the lower portion of the support structure;c) opening the arrangement of the loading connectors (13) coupled to the connecting bar (12) and inserting a tab of the piece to be chromed, d) arranging the tab of the piece to be chromed so that it has contact with the bottom of the support structure coinciding with the loading connectors (13) coupled to the connecting bar (12); e) checking that the piece to be chromed is adjusted to the rack by applying slight movements to the loading bars (10) in lateral and front-rear directions; f) placing a plurality of stealers (17) on top of the support structure; g) lifting the support structure for chrome plating; h) inserting the support structure for chrome plating between left and right vertical support units until the at least one front fixing member abuts the left and right vertical support units;yi) moving the chrome plating support structure to the left or right until a hook portion of the at least one front connecting member engages the left vertical support unit or the right vertical support unit; 13. The method for chrome plating a plastic part according to claim 12, characterized in that after inserting the support structure for chrome plating between the Left and right vertical support units, lower the support structure on each side until the bottom of the structure is perpendicular to a horizontal plane.

14. The method for chrome plating a plastic part according to claim 12, characterized in that after inserting the support structure between the left and right vertical support units, at least one loading connector (13) is connected to the support structure on a rear and front side thereof such that part of one of the at least one loading connector (13) extends to the left from the left end of the structure; and part of one of the at least one rear fixing element extends to the right from the right end of the support structure and subsequently connecting the support structure to an electrically conductive medium and subsequently includes the steps of: j) moving the support structure with the part or parts to be chrome plated to a specific area in an upper portion of a chrome plating container.k) immerse the support structure with the parts to be chromed coupled to the loading connectors (13) coupled to the connecting bar (12) in the chrome plating container. l) remain for a time between 1 minute and 60 minutes inside the chrome plating solution in the chrome plating container. m) raise the support structure n) remove the current stealers o) affix identification labels p) remove the part by opening the racking contact. q) inspect the chrome-plated part. r) pack the chrome-plated part.

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