Device and a method for applying a coating on a workpiece by electrodeposition

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method of applying a coating on a workpiece by electrodeposition. A vessel is provided that is suitable for filling with a bath of electrolyte, anode-forming conductor means being placed in the vessel and connected to a current generator, a cathode-forming workpiece mounted on the mandrel of a lathe, and guidance and movement means for guiding and moving the vessel relative to the lathe, the guidance and movement means enabling the workpiece to be immersed in full or in part in the bath of electrolyte.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An electrodeposition device for performing electrodeposition on a workpiece, the device comprising a vessel suitable for being filled with a bath of electrolyte, anode-forming conductor means placed in the vessel and connected to a current generator, and a cathode-forming workpiece, wherein the device further comprises a lathe, the workpiece being mounted on the mandrel of said lathe, and guidance and movement means for guiding and moving the vessel relative to the lathe between a first position enabling the workpiece to be immersed in full or in part in the bath of electrolyte, and a second position enabling the workpiece to be machined. 
     
     
         2 . An electrodeposition device according to  claim 1 , including a set of beads made of the metal for deposition, the beads being placed in the vessel and being suitable for remaining in permanent contact with the conductor means under the effect of gravity while electrodeposition is taking place. 
     
     
         3 . An electrodeposition device according to  claim 2 , wherein the metal beads are made of nickel. 
     
     
         4 . An electrodeposition device for performing electrodeposition on a workpiece according to  claim 1 , wherein the vessel containing the bath of electrolyte includes forced circulation means for circulating the bath of electrolyte inside the vessel. 
     
     
         5 . An electrodeposition device according to  claim 1 , wherein the conductor means include a portion of a shape that corresponds to the outer longitudinal profile of the workpiece and which is placed in the vessel so as to face the workpiece in the first position. 
     
     
         6 . An electrodeposition device according to  claim 1 , wherein the vessel further includes accurate guidance means enabling it to be moved vertically so as to conserve a constant distance between the cathode-forming workpiece and the conductor means during electrodeposition. 
     
     
         7 . An electrodeposition device according to  claim 1 , wherein the vessel presents a half-shell shape. 
     
     
         8 . An electrodeposition device according to  claim 1 , wherein the volume of the bath of electrolyte is maintained constant by means for supplying water and/or electrolyte. 
     
     
         9 . An electrodeposition device according to  claim 1 , wherein the workpiece is axially symmetrical. 
     
     
         10 . An electrodeposition device according to  claim 1 , wherein the workpiece is a combustion chamber.