U.S. patent application number 13/064253 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-29 for partial surface treatment apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha.. Invention is credited to Daishi Kobayashi, Kazuhiro Tatsumoto.
Application Number | 20110233053 13/064253 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44655097 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110233053 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kobayashi; Daishi ; et
al. |
September 29, 2011 |
Partial Surface treatment apparatus
Abstract
A partial surface treatment apparatus includes a first electrode
member electrically connected to a treatment object having a
circumferential groove at an outer circumferential surface thereof,
a second electrode member having an annular-shaped inner
circumferential surface facing the outer circumferential surface
while keeping a distance therefrom, an elastic sealing member in an
annular shape being sealable a clearance between the outer
circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface at
portions on the outer circumferential surface above and below the
circumferential groove, an attachment portion where the elastic
sealing member is attached while keeping the distance from the
outer circumferential surface, a pressure applying mechanism
supplying a pressurized fluid into the elastic sealing member. to
press-contact a radially inner circumferential end portion of the
elastic sealing member against the outer circumferential surface
and releasing a press-contact therebetween, and a supply passage
through which an electrolyte is supplied to the circumferential
groove.
Inventors: |
Kobayashi; Daishi;
(Kariya-shi, JP) ; Tatsumoto; Kazuhiro;
(Kariya-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
Aisin Seiki Kabushiki
Kaisha.
|
Family ID: |
44655097 |
Appl. No.: |
13/064253 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
204/275.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C25D 5/02 20130101; C25D
21/12 20130101; C25D 21/02 20130101; C25D 21/04 20130101; C25D
21/14 20130101; C25D 11/005 20130101; C25D 11/022 20130101; C25D
17/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
204/275.1 |
International
Class: |
C25B 9/00 20060101
C25B009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 26, 2010 |
JP |
2010-073794 |
Dec 24, 2010 |
JP |
2010-287495 |
Claims
1. A partial surface treatment apparatus, comprising: a first
electrode member electrically connected to a treatment object,
which is made of a metal and which includes a circumferential
groove at an outer circumferential surface of the treatment object;
a second electrode member having an annular-shaped inner
circumferential surface facing the outer circumferential surface
and the circumferential groove while keeping a distance therefrom;
an elastic sealing member made of a nonconductive material, formed
in an annular shape and being sealable a clearance formed between
the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential
surface at portions on the outer circumferential surface above and
below the circumferential groove in an axial direction of the
partial surface treatment apparatus; an attachment portion at which
the elastic sealing member is attached while keeping the distance
relative to the outer circumferential surface along an entire
circumference thereof; a pressure applying mechanism configured so
as to supply a pressurized fluid into the elastic sealing member
attached at the attachment portion in order to press-contact a
radially inner circumferential end portion of the elastic sealing
member against the outer circumferential surface along the entire
circumference thereof and so as to release a press-contact of the
radally inner circumferential end portion of the elastic sealing
member against the outer circumferential surface; and a supply
passage, through which an electrolyte is supplied to the
circumferential groove, opening at the inner circumferential
surface.
2. The partial surface treatment apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the elastic sealing member includes a recessed portion
along an entire circumference thereof so as to open in a radially
outward direction thereof.
3. The partial surface treatment apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein radially outer circumferential edge portions and radially
inner circumferential edge portions of the elastic sealing member
are displaced towards a center of the elastic sealing member in a
radial direction thereof in response to the supply of pressurized
fluid thereto so that an inner diameter of the elastic sealing
member is decreased.
4. The partial surface treatment apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the elastic sealing member includes a contact surface, at
which the elastic sealing member is contactable with the outer
circumferential surface, and the contact surface of the elastic
sealing member is formed as a surface parallel to an axial
direction of the elastic sealing member.
5. The partial surface treatment apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the elastic sealing member is configured so as to be
insertable into a groove portion formed by the attachment portion
and the second electrode member, the elastic sealing member is
formed so that a width in the axial direction between radially
outer circumferential edge portions of the elastic sealing member
before being inserted into the groove portion is greater than an
opening width of the groove portion, and a width in the axial
direction between radially inner circumferential edge portions of
the elastic sealing member before being inserted into the groove
portion is narrower than the opening width of the groove
portion.
6. The partial surface treatment apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the elastic sealing member is formed so as to be
protrudable in a radially inward direction relative to a grove
portion, which is formed in an annular shape and which is defined
by the attachment portion and the second electrode member so as to
include an opening, which opens in the radially inward
direction.
7. The partial surface treatment apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the elastic sealing member includes side wall portions
defining a recessed portion, a thickness of each of the side wall
portions is formed to be thinner than a width of the recessed
portion in an axial direction of the elastic sealing member.
8. The partial surface treatment apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the elastic sealing member further includes a recessed
portion, which includes a wall portion so as to be positioned
closer to radially inner circumferential edge portions of the
elastic sealing member relative to an intermediate point between
radially outer circumferential edge portions and the radially inner
circumferential edge portions of the elastic sealing member.
9. The partial surface treatment apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the elastic sealing member further includes a recessed
portion, which includes a wall portion so as to be positioned
closer to radially inner circumferential edge portions of the
elastic sealing member, and the wall portion is formed as a surface
parallel to an axial direction of the elastic sealing member along
a contact surface of the elastic sealing member at which the
elastic sealing member is contactable with the outer
circumferential surface of the treatment object.
10. The partial surface treatment apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the elastic sealing member is slidably displaced in a
radially inward direction while pressing a wall surface of a groove
portion while the elastic sealing member is displaced so that the
inner diameter thereof decreases.
11. The partial surface treatment apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the elastic sealing member further includes a recessed
portion, and the elastic sealing member is formed so that a width
of a wall portion of the recessed portion in an axial direction
becomes greater than a width of an opening in the axial direction
while the elastic sealing member is inserted into a groove potion
formed between the attachment portion and the second electrode
member.
12. The partial surface treatment apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the elastic sealing member includes a contact surface, at
which the elastic sealing member is contactable with the outer
circumferential surface, and a corner portion, which is positioned
so as to be closer to the circumferential groove and which guides a
side surface to extend in a direction orthogonal to the outer
circumferential surface, so as to extend along the entire
circumference of the elastic sealing member in an annular
shape.
13. A partial surface treatment apparatus, comprising: a first
electrode member electrically connected to a treatment object,
which is made of a metal and which includes a circumferential
groove at an outer circumferential surface of the treatment object;
a second electrode member having an annular-shaped inner
circumferential surface facing the outer circumferential surface
and the circumferential groove while keeping a distance therefrom;
an elastic sealing member made of a nonconductive material, formed
in an annular shape, being sealable a clearance formed between the
outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface
at portions on the outer circumferential surface above and below
the circumferential groove in an axial direction of the partial
surface treatment apparatus, and including a recessed portion along
an entire circumference thereof so as to open in a radially outward
direction thereof and a displacement restricting portion so as to
extend along an entire opening portion in a circumferential
direction thereof in order to prevent a radially outer
circumferential portion of the elastic sealing member defining the
opening portion from being displaced towards the outer
circumferential surface; an attachment portion at which the elastic
sealing member is attached while keeping the distance relative to
the outer circumferential surface along an entire circumference
thereof; a pressure applying mechanism configured so as to supply a
pressurized fluid into the elastic sealing member attached at the
attachment portion in order to press-contact a radially inner
circumferential end portion of the elastic sealing member against
the outer circumferential surface along the entire circumference
thereof and so as to release a press-contact of the radially inner
circumferential end portion of the elastic sealing member against
the outer circumferential surface; and a supply passage, through
which an electrolyte is supplied to the circumferential groove,
opening at the inner circumferential surface.
14. A partial surface treatment apparatus, comprising: a first
electrode member electrically connected to a treatment object,
which is made of a metal and which includes a circumferential
groove at an outer circumferential surface of the treatment object;
a second electrode member having an annular-shaped inner
circumferential surface facing the outer circumferential surface
and the circumferential groove while keeping a distance therefrom;
an elastic sealing member made of a nonconductive material, formed
in an annular shape, being sealable a clearance formed between the
outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface
at portions on the outer circumferential surface above and below
the circumferential groove in an axial direction of the partial
surface treatment apparatus and including a contact surface, at
which the elastic sealing member is contactable with the outer
circumferential surface, and a corner portion, which is positioned
so as to be closer to the circumferential groove and which guides a
side surface to extend in a direction orthogonal to the outer
circumferential surface, so as to extend along the entire
circumference of the elastic sealing member in an annular shape; an
attachment portion at which the elastic sealing member is attached
while keeping the distance relative to the outer circumferential
surface along an entire circumference thereof; a pressure applying
mechanism configured so as to supply a pressurized fluid into the
elastic sealing member attached at the attachment portion in order
to press-contact a radially inner circumferential end portion of
the elastic sealing member against the outer circumferential
surface along the entire circumference thereof and so as to release
a press-contact of the radially inner circumferential end portion
of the elastic sealing member against the outer circumferential
surface; and a supply passage, through which an electrolyte is
supplied to the circumferential groove, opening at the inner
circumferential surface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to Japanese Patent Application 2010-073794, filed
on Mar. 26, 2010, and Japanese Patent Application 2010-287495,
filed on Dec. 24, 2010, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a partial surface
treatment apparatus.
BACKGROUND DISCUSSION
[0003] Generally, a partial surface treatment apparatus is
configured so that a clearance is formed between an outer
circumferential surface of a workpiece (i.e. a treatment object)
and an inner circumferential surface of a second electrode member.
Furthermore, the known partial surface treatment apparatus, e.g. a
surface treatment apparatus disclosed in JP2003-113496A, is
configured so that an electrolyte is supplied to a portion of the
clearance, which is sealed by an elastic sealing member provided at
each end portion of a circumferential groove. Therefore, a surface
treatment such as anodizing and the like is applicable to a portion
of the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece having the
circumferential groove. The surface treatment method and apparatus
according to JP2003-113496A discloses that the clearance formed
between the workpiece and the second electrode member is sealed in
a manner where the elastic sealing members provided at the second
electrode member are deformed by being compressed in a width
direction thereof, so that an inner circumferential surface of each
of the elastic sealing members press-fittingly contacts the outer
circumferential surface of the workpiece.
[0004] Therefore, in a case where the workpiece is not set inside
of the second electrode member so that the clearance formed between
the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece and the inner
circumferential surface of the second electrode member does not
form a predetermined clearance along an entire circumference (in
other words, in a case where the clearance formed between the outer
circumferential surface of the workpiece and the inner
circumferential surface of the second electrode member is not even
along the entire circumference), a pressure force generated by the
elastic sealing member relative to the outer circumferential
surface of the workpiece may vary, which may result in reducing a
sealing of the elastic sealing members relative to the outer
circumferential surface of the workpiece. Furthermore, when a
compression (i.e. a compressing amount) of each of the elastic
sealing members fluctuates, a press-fittingly contacting position
and press-fittingly contacting width (i.e. a length of a
press-fittingly contacting portion of each of the elastic sealing
members in a width direction of the circumferential groove) of each
of the elastic sealing members relative to the outer
circumferential surface of the workpiece also fluctuate. A detailed
explanation about the drawback mentioned above will be described
below with reference to FIG. 11, where an example of a known
partial surface treatment apparatus is illustrated. As illustrated
in FIG. 11, a center point P1 of a press-fittingly contacting
position of an elastic sealing member 40a, whose compression is
small, is further away from a circumferential groove A1 relative to
a center point P2 of a press-fittingly contacting position of an
elastic sealing member 40b, whose compression is greater than the
compression of the elastic sealing member 40a. Furthermore, a
press-fittingly contacting width D1 of the elastic sealing member
40a, whose compression is small, is narrower than a press-fittingly
contacting width D2, whose compression is great. Therefore, when
the compression of the elastic sealing member 40 fluctuates, an
area where the electrolyte contacts an outer circumferential
surface B of a workpiece A (which will be hereinafter referred to
as an electrolyte contacting area) may not be easily set so as to
correspond to a predetermined area. As a result, the surface
treatment may be applied to the outer circumferential surface B of
the workpiece A to a greater extent than the predetermined
electrolyte contacting area. Accordingly, a treatment efficiency
may easily be decreased.
[0005] A need thus exists to provide a partial surface treatment
apparatus which is not susceptible to the drawback mentioned
above.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to an aspect of this disclosure, a partial surface
treatment apparatus includes a first electrode member electrically
connected to a treatment object, which is made of a metal and which
includes a circumferential groove at an outer circumferential
surface of the treatment object, a second electrode member having
an annular-shaped inner circumferential surface facing the outer
circumferential surface and the circumferential groove while
keeping a distance therefrom, an elastic sealing member made of a
nonconductive material, formed in an annular shape and being
sealable a clearance formed between the outer circumferential
surface and the inner circumferential surface at portions on the
outer circumferential surface above and below the circumferential
groove in an axial direction of the partial surface treatment
apparatus, an attachment portion at which the elastic sealing
member is attached while keeping the distance relative to the outer
circumferential surface along an entire circumference thereof, a
pressure applying mechanism configured so as to supply a
pressurized fluid into the elastic sealing member attached at the
attachment portion in order to press-contact a radially inner
circumferential end portion of the elastic sealing member against
the outer circumferential surface along the entire circumference
thereof and so as to release a press-contact of the radially inner
circumferential end portion of the elastic sealing member against
the outer circumferential surface, and a supply passage, through
which an electrolyte is supplied to the circumferential groove,
opening at the inner circumferential surface.
[0007] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a partial
surface treatment apparatus, includes a first electrode member
electrically connected to a treatment object, which is made of a
metal and which includes a circumferential groove at an outer
circumferential surface of the treatment object, a second electrode
member having an annular-shaped inner circumferential surface acing
the outer circumferential surface and the circumferential groove
while keeping a distance therefrom, an elastic sealing member made
of a nonconductive material, formed in an annular shape, being
sealable a clearance formed between the outer circumferential
surface and the inner circumferential surface at portions on the
outer circumferential surface above and below the circumferential
groove in an axial direction of the partial surface treatment
apparatus, and including a recessed portion along an entire
circumference thereof so as to open in a radially outward direction
thereof and a displacement restricting portion so as to extend
along an entire opening portion in a circumferential direction
thereof in order to prevent a radially outer circumferential
portion of the elastic sealing member defining the opening portion
from being displaced towards the outer circumferential surface, an
attachment portion at which the elastic sealing member is attached
while keeping the distance relative to the outer circumferential
surface along an entire circumference thereof, a pressure applying
mechanism configured so as to supply a pressurized fluid into the
elastic sealing member attached at the attachment portion in order
to press-contact a radially inner circumferential end portion of
the elastic sealing member against the outer circumferential
surface along the entire circumference thereof and so as to release
a press-contact of the radially inner circumferential end portion
of the elastic sealing member against the outer circumferential
surface, and a supply passage, through which an electrolyte is
supplied to the circumferential groove, opening at the inner
circumferential surface.
[0008] According to a further aspect of this disclosure, a partial
surface treatment apparatus, includes a first electrode member
electrically connected to a treatment object, which is made of a
metal and which includes a circumferential groove at an outer
circumferential surface of the treatment object, a second electrode
member having an annular-shaped inner circumferential surface
facing the outer circumferential surface and the circumferential
groove while keeping a distance therefrom, an elastic sealing
member made of a nonconductive material, formed in an annular
shape, being sealable a clearance formed between the outer
circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface at
portions on the outer circumferential surface above and below the
circumferential groove in an axial direction of the partial surface
treatment apparatus and including a contact surface, at which the
elastic sealing member is contactable with the outer
circumferential surface, and a corner portion, which is positioned
so as to be closer to the circumferential groove and which guides a
side surface to extend in a direction orthogonal to the outer
circumferential surface, so as to extend along the entire
circumference of the elastic sealing member in an annular shape, an
attachment portion at which the elastic sealing member is attached
while keeping the distance relative to the outer circumferential
surface along an entire circumference thereof, a pressure applying
mechanism configured so as to supply a pressurized fluid into the
elastic sealing member attached at the attachment portion in order
to press-contact a radially inner circumferential end portion of
the elastic sealing member against the outer circumferential
surface along the entire circumference thereof and so as to release
a press-contact of the radially inner circumferential end portion
of the elastic sealing member against the outer circumferential
surface, and a supply passage, through which an electrolyte is
supplied to the circumferential groove, opening at the inner
circumferential surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of
this disclosure will become more apparent from the following
detailed description considered with the reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a partial
surface treatment apparatus according to the embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a plane view illustrating a second electrode
member taken along line II-II in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating an
electrolyte supplying nozzle portion of the second electrode
member;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating an inner circumferential
portion of the electrolyte supplying nozzle of the second electrode
member;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a state
where an elastic sealing member of the second electrode member is
away from an outer circumferential surface of a piston;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a state
where the elastic sealing member of the second electrode member
press-fittingly contacts the outer circumferential surface of the
piston;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional diagram of the elastic
sealing member;
[0017] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating an inner
circumferential surface of a second electrode member of a partial
surface treatment apparatus according to a second embodiment in a
case where the elastic sealing member is away from an outer
circumferential surface of a piston;
[0018] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating the inner
circumferential surface of the second electrode member of the
partial surface treatment apparatus according to the second
embodiment in a case where the elastic sealing member
press-fittingly contacts the outer circumferential surface of the
piston;
[0019] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams schematically illustrating a
elastic sealing member according to a third embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a state of a partial
surface treatment apparatus before a compressed air is supplied to
a recessed portion of the elastic sealing member according to the
third embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a state of the partial
surface treatment apparatus after the compressed air is supplied to
the recessed portion of the elastic sealing member according to the
third embodiment; and
[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional diagram of a known partial
surface treatment apparatus, where an elastic sealing member is in
a sealing state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Embodiments of a partial surface treatment apparatus will be
described below with reference to the attached drawings.
Additionally, portions having identical reference numerals as in
FIG. 11 of the prior art indicate the identical or similar
(corresponding) components.
First Embodiment
[0024] The partial surface treatment apparatus according to the
first embodiment is configured so as to execute a surface treatment
to a workpiece (a treatment object) made of a metal. In this
embodiment, a piston ring groove A1 of a piston A made of an
aluminum alloy corresponds to the metal made treatment object.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, anodizing treatment is adapted as
an example of the surface treatment. In other words, in this
embodiment, the partial surface treatment apparatus is described
below as an anodizing treatment apparatus. Illustrated in FIGS. 1
to 6 are the anodizing treatment apparatus, which executes the
anodizing treatment to the piston ring groove A1 of the piston A
made of the aluminum alloy. Additionally, "the piston ring groove
A1 of the aluminum alloy made piston A", "the anodizing treatment"
and "the anodizing treatment apparatus" are examples, therefore the
partial surface treatment apparatus is adaptable to other surface
treatments.
[0025] More specifically, in this embodiment, it is supposed that
the anodizing treatment is applied to an outer circumferential
surface B including the piston ring groove A1 (i.e. a compression
ring groove) positioned closer to a top portion of the piston A out
of three piston ring grooves A1, A2 and A3. In this embodiment, the
outer circumferential surface B including the piston ring groove A1
is hereinafter referred to as a piston outer circumferential
surface. The piston ring grooves A1, A2 and A3 are formed on the
piston A so that the piston ring groove A1 is positioned closer to
the top portion of the piston A, the piston ring groove A3 is
positioned at a skirt portion of the piston A and the piston ring
groove A2 is positioned between the piston ring grooves A1 and A3.
The piston ring groove A1 corresponds to a circumferential groove
formed on the piston outer circumferential surface B.
[0026] The anodizing treatment apparatus includes an electrolytic
cell 1, an electrolyte supplying portion 2, an oxidation treatment
portion 3 and an electrifying portion 4.
[0027] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrolyte cell 1,
which is made of a chloroethene or a stainless steel SUS316, is
formed in a container having an opening portion at an upper end
portion thereof. The electrolyte cell 1 receives an electrolyte,
which flows through the oxidation treatment portion 3 in order to
collect the electrolyte. Furthermore, the electrolyte cell 1
includes a reflux passage 5 for flowing back the electrolyte to the
electrolyte supplying portion 2.
[0028] The electrolyte supplying portion 2 includes a cooling tank
6 for cooling down a temperature of the electrolyte, which is flown
back thereto from the electrolyte cell 1, a supply passage 7
through which the electrolyte in the cooling tank 6 is supplied to
the oxidation treatment portion 3, a supply pump 8 provided at the
supply passage 7, and a supply control portion 9, which controls an
actuation of the supply pump 8 in order to supply the electrolyte
to the oxidation treatment portion 3 at a predetermined timing.
[0029] The cooling tank 6 includes a cooling device 10, which cools
down the temperature of the collected electrolyte, and a cooling
control portion 12, which is configured so as to control an
actuation of the cooling device 10 on the basis of a detection
information of the electrolyte temperature obtained by a
temperature sensor 11 so that the electrolyte is cooled down to a
predetermined temperature.
[0030] The electrifying portion 4 electrifies the oxidation
treatment portion 3. The electrifying portion 4 may be configured
so as to include a current control means, so that the electrifying
portion 4 may adjust a current density. Additionally, a known
current control means configured with an ampere meter, a voltage
indicator, a rectifier and the like may be used as the current
control means.
[0031] The oxidation treatment portion 3 includes a first electrode
portion 13 (anode) and a second electrode portion 14 (cathode). The
first electrode portion 13 includes a first electrode member 15,
which is made of a metal such as a copper or the stainless steel
SUS316 having electric conductivity, and a lifting device 16, which
is configured so as to lift up and lift down the first electrode
member 15 relative to the second electrode portion 14. The first
electrode member 15 also serves as a retaining member for
supporting and retaining the piston A. Furthermore, the first
electrode member 15 is electrically connected to an anode terminal
4a of the electrifying portion 4.
[0032] The retaining member 15 (i.e. the first electrode member 15)
includes an engagement pawl at a lower end portion thereof, so that
the retaining member 15 is engageable with and disengageable from
an inner circumferential surface of the piston A. The retaining
member 15 retains the piston A while being electrically connected
to the retaining member 15 in a manner where the engagement pawl
engages with the inner circumferential surface of the piston A, so
that a shaft center of the piston A extends in a vertical
direction.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second electrode portion 14 is
formed so that an outer shape thereof forms a round shape in a
plane view. Furthermore, the second electrode portion 14 includes a
piston insertion bore 25, which extends in a concentric manner and
which is formed in a round shape in a plane view. Accordingly, the
piston A is inserted into the piston insertion bore 25 so that the
shaft center of the piston A extends in an up-and-down direction
along the piston insertion bore 25.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second electrode portion 14
includes a second electrode member 17, a first fixing plate 18, a
second fixing plate 19 and a supporting board 20. The second
electrode member 17 is made of a metal such as the copper or the
stainless steel SUS316 having the electric conductivity. On the
other hand, each of the first and second fixing plates 18 and 19 is
made of a nonconductive material (insulator) such as a polyvinyl
chloride resin and the like. Furthermore, the first and second
fixing plates 18 and 19 are arranged so as to sandwich the second
electrode member 17, more specifically, the first fixing plate 18
is arranged at an upper portion of the second electrode member 17
and the second fixing plate 18 is arranged at a lower portion of
the second electrode member 17. The first fixing plate 18 and the
second fixing plate 19 are connected to each other by means of a
bolt (bolts) and the like. Similarly, the second fixing plate 19
and the supporting board 20 are connected to each other by means of
a bolt (bolts) and the like.
[0035] The second electrode member 17 is provided between an
upwardly-opened recessed surface portion 21 and a downwardly-opened
recessed surface portion 22 so as to be fitted into a space formed
therebetween. Furthermore, the second electrode member 17 is
connected to each of the upwardly-opened recessed surface portion
21 and the downwardly-opened recessed surface portion 22 by means
of a bolt (bolts) and the like. The upwardly-opened recessed
surface portion 21 is formed at an outer circumferential lower
surface of the first fixing plate 18 in an annular shape so as to
recess upwardly. On the other hand, the downwardly-opened recessed
surface portion 22 is formed at an outer circumferential upper
surface of the second fixing plate 19 in an annular shape so as to
recess downwardly.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second electrode member 17 is
configured with a first electrode plate 23 and a second electrode
plate 24, which are connected to each other by means of a bolt
(bolts) and the like in a state where the first electrode plate 23
is arranged upon the second electrode plate 24. The second
electrode member 17 is electrically connected to a cathode terminal
4b of the electrifying portion 4.
[0037] The first electrode plate 23 includes an outer
circumferential portion 26 and a first thin plate portion 27, which
is formed to be thinner than the outer circumferential portion 26.
Similarly, the second electrode plate 24 includes an outer
circumferential portion 26 and a second thin plate portion 28,
which is formed to be thinner than the outer circumferential
portion 26. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, each of a first flange
plate portion 29 and a second flange plate portion 30 is formed in
an annular shape so as to extend towards the piston insertion bore
25 along a radially inner circumferential portion of each of the
first and second thin plate portions 27 and 28. A space formed
between radially inner circumferential surfaces 31 (which will be
hereinafter referred to as electrode inner circumferential surfaces
31) of respective the first flange plate portion 29 and the second
flange plate portion 30 is in communication with the piston
insertion bore 25. Therefore, the electrode inner circumferential
surface of each of the first and second flange plate portions 29
and 30 is formed as an annular-shaped inner circumferential surface
facing the piston outer circumferential surface B while being
spaced away from the piston outer circumferential surface B along
the entire circumference thereof.
[0038] The second fixing plate 19 includes a round-shaped recessed
surface portion 32 and a round-shaped protruding surface portion
35. The round-shaped recessed surface portion 32 is formed so that
a diameter thereof corresponds to the piston insertion bore 25 in a
concentric manner. On the other hand, the round-shaped protruding
surface portion 35 allows a bottom surface of the piston A to
contact thereon in order to support the piston A in a state where
the axial center of the piston A extends in the up-and-down
direction. The second fixing plate 19 includes a connecting fluid
passage 33, which also extends through the ,supporting board 20 and
which is connected to a supply passage 7 of the electrolyte, and a
discharge bore 34, which also extends through the supporting board
20 and through which the electrolyte accumulated within the
round-shaped recessed surface portion 32 is naturally discharged
(due to the gravity) to the electrolyte cell 1.
[0039] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the piston A, which
is retained by the first electrode member 15 (i.e. the retaining
member) in the state where the piston A is electrically connected
to the first electrode member 15 while the axial center of the
piston A extends in the vertical direction, is inserted into the
piston insertion bore 25 and the bottom surface of the piston A is
placed on the round-shaped protruding surface portion 35.
Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the piston A is arranged at
a position so that the piston outer circumferential surface B is
being away from an entire electrode inner circumferential surface
31 (an inner circumferential surface) so as to form a constant
clearance C therebetween in a concentric manner.
[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, plural electrolyte supply
nozzles 36 are arranged in a circumferential direction between the
first thin plate portion 27 and the first flange portion 29 of the
first electrode plate 23 on the one hand and the second thin plate
portion 28 and the second flange portion 30 of the second electrode
plate 24 on the other hand while keeping a predetermined distance
between the neighboring electrolyte supply nozzles 36 in the
circumferential direction.
[0041] Each electrolyte supply nozzle 36 is arranged so that the
electrolyte is supplied between the piston outer circumferential
surface B and the electrode inner circumferential surfaces 31 in a
direction inclined relative to a tangential line of, the electrode
inner circumferential surfaces 31.
[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, each electrolyte supply
nozzle 36 is connected to the connecting fluid passage 33.
Furthermore, each electrolyte supply nozzle 36 includes a supply
passage 37 through which the electrolyte is supplied between the
piston outer circumferential surface B and the electrode inner
circumferential surfaces 31. The supply passage 37 of each
electrolyte supply nozzle 36 opens at the electrode inner
circumferential surfaces 31.
[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, a clearance defined by the
first thin plate portion 27 and the first flange portion 29 on the
one hand and the second thin plate portion 28 and the second flange
portion 30 on the other hand between the neighboring electrolyte
supply nozzles 36 serves as a discharge passage 38.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a through bore 39, which extends
through the second thin plate portion 28, the second fixing plate
19 and the supporting board 20, is formed between the neighboring
electrolyte supply nozzles 36 in the circumferential direction. The
electrolyte within the discharge passage 38 is naturally discharged
towards the electrolyte cell 1 through the through bores 39 by
gravity.
[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6, a pair of
annular-shaped nonconductive elastic sealing members 40 are
provided at the respective electrode inner circumferential surfaces
31 of the second electrode member 17. The attachment portions 41
(i.e. a first attachment portion 41a and a second attachment
portion 41b) are formed at inner circumferential surfaces of the
first and second fixing plates 18 and 19, respectively, in order to
attach and retain the corresponding elastic sealing members 40
while keeping a clearance relative to the entire piston outer
circumferential surface B.
[0046] Each elastic sealing member 40 is made of a nonconductive
material (an insulator) such as rubber and the like and is formed
in the annular shape. The elastic sealing members 40 are configured
so as to seal a clearance C formed between the piston outer
circumferential surface B and the electrode inner circumferential
surfaces 31 at upper and lower positions relative to the piston
ring groove A1 (i.e. the circumferential groove), respectively.
[0047] As illustrated also in FIG. 7, each elastic sealing member
40 is formed in a transversely U-shape in cross-section so as to
include a recessed portion 42 that opens in a radially outward
direction (i.e. a direction opposite to the piston insertion bore
25), a radially inner circumferential end portion 44, which is
contactable with the piston outer circumferential surface B, and
side portions 43 extending from respective end portions of the
radially inner circumferential end portion in a radial
direction.
[0048] The attachment portion 41 includes the first attachment
portion 41a and the second attachment portion 41b. The first
attachment portion 41a is formed so that the elastic sealing member
40 is fittingly attached between an upper surface of the first
flange portion 29 of the first electrode plate 23 and a lower
surface of the first fixing plate 18, so that the upper side
portion 43 fittingly contacts the lower surface of the fixing plate
18 and the lower side portion 43 fittingly contacts the upper
surface of the flange portion 29. Similarly, the second attachment
portion 41b is formed so that the elastic sealing member 40 is
fittingly attached between a lower surface of the second flange
portion 30 of the second electrode plate 24 and an upper surface of
the second fixing plate 19, so that the upper side portion 43
fittingly contacts the lower surface of the second flange portion
30 and the lower side portion 43 fittingly contacts the upper
surface of the second fixing plate 19. Furthermore, each of the
first and second attachment portion 41a and 41b is formed so that
the inner circumferential end portion 44 of each of the elastic
sealing members 40 does not protrude towards the piston outer
circumferential surface B relative to the electrode inner
circumferential surfaces 31 when the partial surface treatment
apparatus is not actuated.
[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, a displacement restricting
portion 45 for restricting a displacement of an opening portion of
each elastic sealing member 40 towards the piston outer
circumferential surface B is formed at an end portion defining the
opening portion of the recessed portion 42 so as to extend along
the entire elastic sealing member 40 in the circumferential
direction.
[0050] More specifically, the displacement restricting portion 45,
which also serves as an engagement flange 46, is integrally formed
at an end portion of each of the upper and lower side portions 43
of each of the elastic sealing members 40. The engagement flange 46
of the elastic sealing members 40 are engaged with the first and
second attachment portion 41a and 41b, respectively. Accordingly,
the end portions of the upper and lower side portions 43 of each of
the elastic sealing members 40 are prevented from being displaced
towards the piston outer circumferential surface B.
[0051] An engagement groove 47 in an annular shape is formed at the
upper surface of the first flange portion 29 of the first electrode
plate 23. Furthermore, an engagement groove 48 in an annular shape
is formed at the lower surface of the first attachment portion 41a.
Accordingly, the engagement flanges 46 (displacement restricting
portions 45) of the elastic sealing member 40 are engaged with the
engagement groove 47 and the engagement groove 48, respectively.
Similarly, an engagement groove 49 is formed at the lower surface
of the second flange portion 30 of the second electrode plate 24.
Furthermore, an engagement groove 50 is formed at the upper surface
of the second attachment portion 41b. Accordingly, the displacement
restricting portions 46 (the engagement flanges) of the elastic
sealing member 40 are engaged with the engagement groove 49 and the
engagement groove 50, respectively.
[0052] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the partial surface
treatment apparatus includes a pressure applying mechanism 51. The
pressure applying mechanism 51 is configured so as to
simultaneously supply compressed air, which serves as a pressurized
fluid, into the recessed portions 42 of the elastic sealing members
40, which are attached at the first and second attachment portions
41a and 41b, respectively, so that the elastic sealing members 40
(the radially inner circumferential end portions 44)
press-fittingly contact the piston outer circumferential surface B
along the entire circumference thereof, and so as to release the
press-contact of the elastic sealing members 40 against the piston
outer circumferential surface B.
[0053] The pressure supplying mechanism 51 includes an air
supply/discharge apparatus 52, an air supply/discharge control
portion 53, an air supply/discharge passage 54 and a pipe (tube)
connector 56. The air supply/discharge apparatus 52 is configured
so as to supply and discharge the compressed air to and from the
recessed portions 42 of the respective elastic sealing members 40.
The air supply/discharge control portion 53 is configured so as to
control the air supply/discharge apparatus 52. The air
supply/discharge passage 54 is configured so as to be in
communication with each of the recessed portions 42 of the
respective elastic sealing members 40, which are attached at the
respective first and second attachment portions 41a and 41b. The
pipe connector 56 connects an air supply/discharge pipe (tube) 55
of the air supply/discharge apparatus 52 with the air
supply/discharge passage 54.
[0054] The air supply/discharge passage 54 is provided at three
portions of the second electrode portion 14 in a circumferential
direction thereof. Furthermore, each air supply/discharge passage
54 is connected to the air supply/discharge pipe 55, so that the
compressed air is supplied to and discharged from the recessed
portions 42 of the respective elastic sealing members 40 from three
portions thereof in the circumferential direction.
[0055] A detailed explanation about the air supply/discharge
mechanism 51 will be given below. As illustrated in FIG. 5, after
the piston A is inserted into the piston insertion bore 25 so that
the piston A contacts and is placed on the round-shaped recessed
surface portion 35, the air supply/discharge control portion 53
actuates the air supply/discharge apparatus 52 to supply the
compressed air to each of the recessed portions 42 of the
respective elastic sealing members 40 through the air
supply/discharge passages 54.
[0056] The upper and lower side portions 42 of each of the elastic
sealing members 40 are elastically stretched towards the piston
outer circumferential surface B in response to the compressed air
supplied to each of the recessed portions 42 of the respective
elastic sealing members 40, so that the inner circumferential end
portion of each of the elastic sealing members 40 elastically
spreads (protrudes) towards the piston outer circumferential
surface B. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the radially
inner circumferential end portions 44 of the respective elastic
sealing members 40 press-fittingly contact the piston outer
circumferential surface B.
[0057] Accordingly, the upper and lower side portions 43 of the
elastic sealing member 40 positioned above the other elastic
sealing member 40 are pressed against the first fixing plate 19 and
the first flange portion 29, respectively in response to the
compressed air supplied to the corresponding recessed portion 42.
Similarly, the upper and lower side portions 43 of the other
elastic sealing member 40 are pressed against the second flange
portion 30 and the second fixing plate 20, respectively, in
response to the compressed air supplied to the corresponding
recessed portion 42. As a result, a posture of the elastic sealing
members 40 is stabilized and furthermore, the compressed air is
avoided from leaking to the piston outer circumferential surface
B.
[0058] Accordingly, because the radially inner circumferential end
portions 44 of the respective elastic sealing members 40
press-fittingly contact the piston outer circumferential surface B,
the clearance C defined by the piston outer circumferential surface
B and the electrode inner circumferential surfaces 31 is sealed by
the elastic sealing members 40 at the positions above and below the
piston ring groove A1. Then, the anodizing treatment is applied to
the piston ring groove A1 (i.e. the circumferential groove) while
circulating the electrolyte in a manner where the electrolyte is
discharged from the discharge passage 38 through the supply passage
37 and a clearance formed between the electrode inner
circumferential surfaces 31 and the piston ring groove A1.
[0059] After the anodizing treatment to the piston ring groove A1
is completed, the air supply/discharge control portion 53 actuates
the air supply/discharge apparatus 52 so that the compressed air is
forcibly discharged from the recessed portions 42 of the respective
elastic sealing members 40 through the air supply/discharge
passages 54 and the air supply/discharge pipe 55, in other words,
so that the press-fit contact of the elastic sealing members 40
against the piston outer circumferential surface B is released.
[0060] The upper and lower side portions 43 and the radially inner
circumferential end portion 44 of each of the elastic sealing
members 40 are elastically deformed so as to form (return to)
initial shapes in response to the discharge of the compressed air
from the corresponding recessed portion 42. Accordingly, as
illustrated in FIG. 5, the radially inner circumferential end
portions 44 of the respective elastic sealing members 40, which
press-fittingly contact the piston outer circumferential surface B,
are displaced away from the electrode inner circumferential
surfaces 31, so that the radially inner circumferential end
portions 44 of the respective elastic sealing members 40 are
elastically returned so as to be positioned radially outwardly of
the electrode inner circumferential surfaces 31. Furthermore,
because the compressed air is forcibly discharged, the radially
inner circumferential end portions 44 of the respective elastic
sealing members 40 are surely and properly retracted so as to be
positioned radially outwardly of the electrode inner
circumferential surfaces 31 (so as not to be protrude towards the
piston outer circumferential surface B from the electrode inner
circumferential surfaces 31).
Second Embodiment
[0061] A second embodiment of the partial surface treatment
apparatus will be described below. Illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B
are a major portion of the partial surface treatment apparatus
according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the
elastic sealing members 40, which are attached at the anodizing
treatment apparatus, are modified. As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and
8B, each of the elastic sealing members 40 includes a contact
surface 57, at which each of the elastic sealing members 40 are
allowed to contact the piston outer circumferential surface B and
which are formed along the entire circumferential direction so as
to from an annular shape, and side surfaces 58 extending from
respective end portions of the contact surface 57 via corresponding
corner portions 59 along the entire circumferential direction so a
to from an annular shape. Accordingly, because each of the elastic
sealing members 40 includes the corner portions 59, the side
surfaces 58 extend in a direction orthogonal to the piston outer
circumferential surface B.
[0062] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, because the elastic
sealing members 40 configured as described above are attached at
the respective attachment portions 41 (i.e. the first attachment
portion 41a and the second attachment portion 41b), a border of an
electrolyte contact area may be set along the corner portions 59,
which are formed in the annular shape along the respective inner
circumferential end portions 44. Accordingly, the electrolyte
contact area may be easily set to any desired area. Other
configurations of the partial surface treatment apparatus according
to the second embodiment are similar to the partial surface
treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Third Embodiment
[0063] A third embodiment of the partial surface treatment
apparatus will be described below. In the third embodiment, the
elastic sealing members 40, which are attached at the anodizing
treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment, are
modified. Other configurations of the partial surface treatment
apparatus according to the third embodiment are similar to the
partial surface treatment apparatus according to the first
embodiment. Therefore, the differences between the first embodiment
and the third embodiment will be mainly described below.
[0064] Illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B are the elastic sealing
member 40 adapted to the partial surface treatment apparatus
according to the third embodiment. More specifically, illustrated
in FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the elastic sealing member 40.
In order to facilitate understanding, a portion of the elastic
sealing member 40 is illustrated in cross-section. On the other
hand, illustrated in FIG. 9B is an enlarged diagram of a
cross-sectional surface of the elastic sealing member 40. As
illustrated in FIG. 9A, the elastic sealing member 40 is formed in
an annular shape. Furthermore, the elastic sealing member 40
includes the recessed portion 42, which opens in the radially
outward direction, so as to extend along the entire circumference
of the elastic sealing member 40.
[0065] In order to facilitate understanding, the piston outer
circumferential surface B, the attachment portion 41 and the second
electrode member 17 are illustrated by a chain double-dashed line
in FIG. 9B. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, a contact surface Z of the
elastic sealing member 40, at which the elastic sealing member 40
is allowed to contact the piston outer circumferential surface B,
is formed as a surface extending in parallel to an axial direction
of the elastic sealing member 40. The contact surface Z of the
elastic sealing member 40 is a radially inner circumferential
surface of the elastic sealing member 40, which is formed in the
annular shape, in other words, the contact surface Z faces the
piston outer circumferential surface B. The axial direction of the
elastic sealing member 40 refers to a direction extending through
the annular shape of the elastic sealing member 40 at a center the
annular shape. Accordingly, the contact surface Z of the elastic
sealing member 40 is configured as the surface parallel to the
axial direction. Therefore, a cylinder extending along the axial
direction if formed (defined) by the radially inner circumferential
surface of the elastic sealing member 40.
[0066] The elastic sealing member 40 is inserted into a groove
portion 71, which is formed between the attachment portion 41 and
the second electrode member 17. Illustrated in FIG. 9B is the
elastic sealing member 40 before being inserted into the groove
portion 71. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the elastic sealing member
40 is formed so that a width 81c thereof in the axial direction
between radially outer circumferential edge portions 81 is greater
than an opening width 71a of the groove portion 71. The radially
outer circumferential edge portion 81 refers to an edge portions of
the elastic sealing member 40 positioned at a radially outer
circumferential portion. In the third embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 9B, a first radially outer circumferential edge portion 81a
and a second radially outer circumferential edge portion 81b
correspond to the radially outer circumferential edge portions 81.
Accordingly, the width 81c in the axial direction between the
radially outer circumferential edge portions 81 corresponds to a
distance between the first and second radially outer
circumferential edge portions 81a and 81b. The elastic sealing
member 40 is formed so that the width 81c in the axial direction
between the radially outer circumferential edge surfaces 81 is
greater than the opening width 71 a of the groove portion 71, which
is defined by the attachment portion 41 and the second electrode
member 17.
[0067] Furthermore, the elastic sealing member 40 is formed so that
a width 82c in the axial direction between radially inner
circumferential edge portions of the elastic sealing member 40
before being inserted into the groove portion 71 is set to be
shorter (narrower) than the opening width 71a of the groove portion
71. In this embodiment, edge portions of the radially inner
circumferential surface correspond to the radially inner
circumferential edge portions 82 of the elastic sealing member 40.
In this embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9B, a first radially inner
circumferential edge portion 82a and a second radially inner
circumferential edge portion 82b correspond to the radially inner
circumferential edge portions 82. Accordingly, the width 82c in the
axial direction between the radially inner circumferential edge
portions 82 corresponds to a distance between the first and second
radially inner circumferential edge portions 82a and 82b.
Accordingly, the elastic sealing member 40 is formed so that the
width 82c in the axial direction between the radially inner
circumferential edge portions 82 is shorter than the opening width
71a of the groove portion 71, which is defined by the attachment
portion 41 and the second electrode member 17.
[0068] More specifically, in this embodiment, each of upper and
lower side wall portions 43 defining the recessed portion 42 may be
formed to incline by 3.5 degree to 10 degree relative to an
orthogonal plane orthogonal to the contact surface Z of the elastic
sealing member 40. Furthermore, a thickness of each of the upper
and lower side wall portions 43 may be formed in a range between
1.5 mm to 2.5 mm (including 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm). Accordingly,
because the elastic sealing member 40 is configured as described
above, sealing (contact) of the elastic sealing member 40 relative
to the attachment portion 41 and the second electrode member 17 may
be increased. Additionally, either one of or both of the upper and
lower side wall portions 43 may be formed so as to incline less
than 3.5 degrees relative to a radial direction of the elastic
sealing member 40, or so as to incline greater than 10 degrees
relative to the radial direction of the elastic sealing member 40.
Still further, the thickness of either one of or both of the upper
and lower side wall portions 43 may be formed to be thinner than
1.5 mm, or so as to be thicker than 2.5 mm.
[0069] A case where the compressed air is supplied to the recessed
portion 42 of the elastic sealing member 40 according to the third
embodiment will be described below. Illustrated in FIG. 10A is a
state of the elastic sealing members 40 before the compressed air
is supplied to each of the recessed portions 42 of the respective
elastic sealing members 40. On the other hand, illustrated in FIG.
10B is a state of the elastic sealing member 40 after the
compressed air (a pressurized fluid) is supplied to each of the
recessed portions 42 of the respective elastic sealing members 40.
As illustrated in FIG. 10A, when the compressed air is supplied to
each of the recessed portions 42 of the respective elastic sealing
members 40, both of the radially outer circumferential edge
portions 81 and the radially inner circumferential edge portions 82
of each elastic sealing member 40 are displaced towards the center
of the elastic sealing member 40 in the radial direction in
response to the supply of the compressed air to the corresponding
recessed portion 42. Accordingly, the radially inner
circumferential end portions 44 of the respective elastic sealing
members 40 are displaced towards the piston outer circumferential
surface B, so that the radially inner circumferential end portions
44 of the respective elastic sealing members 40 press-fittingly
contact the piston outer circumferential surface B as illustrated
in FIG. 10B. Accordingly, the partial surface treatment apparatus
according to the third embodiment may appropriately and properly
seal the clearance C formed between the piston outer
circumferential surface B and the entire electrode inner
circumferential surface 31.
[0070] Furthermore, the upper and lower side wall portions 43 of
each of the elastic sealing members 40 also slide (move) towards
the piston outer circumferential surface B in response to the
supply of the compressed air to the corresponding recessed portion
42. Accordingly, the upper and lower side wall portions 43 of the
elastic sealing member 40, which is arranged above the other one of
the elastic sealing member 40, are pressed against the
corresponding attachment portion 41 (the first attachment portion
41a) and the second electrode member 17, respectively. On the other
hand, the upper and the lower side wall portions 43 of the other
elastic sealing member 40, are pressed against the second electrode
member 17 and the corresponding attachment portion 41 (the second
attachment portion 41b). As a result, the sealing (the contact)
between the elastic sealing members 40 on the one hand and the
attachment portions 41 and the second electrode member 17 on the
other hand is increased. Therefore, the electrolyte used for the
anodizing treatment may be avoided from leaking to the piston outer
circumferential surface B.
[0071] Accordingly, because the radially inner circumferential end
portions 44 of the respective elastic sealing members 40
press-fittingly contact the piston outer circumferential surface B,
the clearance C between the piston outer circumferential surface B
and the electrode inner circumferential surface 31 is sealed at the
positions above and below the piston ring groove A1 (the
circumferential groove). While the above-mentioned state is
established, the electrolyte used for the anodizing treatment is
discharged and circulated through the supply passage 37 and the
clearance formed between the electrode inner circumferential
surface 31 and the piston ring groove A1. Accordingly, the
anodizing treatment is applied to the piston ring groove A1.
[0072] The partial surface treatment apparatus according to the
third embodiment may be modified as follows.
[0073] Firstly, the partial surface treatment apparatus according
to the third embodiment may be modified so that each elastic
sealing member 40 is formed so as to be protrudable in a radially
inward direction relative to a groove portion 71, which is formed
in an annular-shape having an opening in the radially inward
direction by the corresponding attachment portion 41 and the second
electrode portion 17. Accordingly, the clearance formed between the
piston outer circumferential surface B and the electrode inner
circumferential surface 31 may be narrowed. As a result, a large
amount of the electrolyte may be provided into the narrow clearance
formed between the piston outer circumferential surface B and the
electrode inner circumferential surface 31, which may further
result in increasing a speed of surface treatment (shortening time
necessary for the surface treatment).
[0074] Secondly, the partial surface treatment apparatus according
to the third embodiment may be modified so that each of the elastic
sealing members 40 includes the side wall portions 43 defining the
recessed portion 42 so that the thickness of each of the side wall
portions 43 is formed to be thinner than the opening width of the
recessed portion in the axial direction. Accordingly, the side wall
portions 43 of each of the elastic sealing members 40 become more
easily deformable, therefore, the side wall portions 43 of each of
the elastic sealing members 40 more easily press-contact a wall
surface of the groove portion 71 by the compressed air (the
pressurized fluid). As a result, the sealing (the contact) of the
elastic sealing members 40 against the wall surface of the groove
portion 71 may be increased. Furthermore, in a case where a
pressure applied to the elastic sealing members 40 is eased
(removed), each of the elastic sealing members 40 is enlarged in
the diametrical direction in the radially outward direction while a
pressing force of the wall portions 43 is eased. Therefore, a force
applied to the elastic sealing members 40 while being enlarged in
the diametrical direction may be eased. Accordingly, durability of
the elastic sealing members 40 may be enhanced.
[0075] Thirdly, the partial surface treatment apparatus according
to the third embodiment may be modified so that the recessed
portion 42 of each of the elastic sealing members 40 includes a
wall surface Y (a wall portion serving as a bottom portion (bottom
surface) of the recessed portion 42) so as to be positioned closer
to the radially inner circumferential edge portions. Furthermore,
the wall surface Y of each of the elastic sealing members 40 may be
formed so as to be positioned closer to the radially inner
circumferential edge portions relative to an intermediate position
between the radially outer circumferential edge portions and the
radially inner circumferential edge portions of each of the elastic
sealing members 40. Accordingly, each of the elastic sealing
members 40 may be easily elastically deformable in an inner
diameter reducing direction, so that the elastic sealing members 40
may more easily press-fittingly contact the piston outer
circumferential surface B. As a result, the sealing (the contact)
of the elastic sealing members 40 relative to the piston outer
circumferential surface B may be enhanced.
[0076] Fourthly, the partial surface treatment apparatus according
to the third embodiment may be modified so that the recessed
portion 42 of each of the elastic sealing members 40 includes the
wall surface Y (the wall portion) so as to be positioned closer to
the radially inner circumferential edge portions. Furthermore, the
wall surface Y may be formed as a surface parallel to the axial
direction of each elastic sealing member 40, so that the wall
surface Y extends along a contact surface of the corresponding
elastic sealing member 40 at which elastic sealing member 40
contacts the piston outer circumferential surface B of the piston
A. Accordingly, the wall surface Y serving as the bottom portion of
the recessed portion 43 is formed as a surface parallel to the
contact surface Z of the corresponding elastic sealing member 40 at
which the elastic sealing member 40 contacts the outer
circumferential surface B of the piston A. Therefore, the contact
surface Z of each of the elastic sealing members 40 may evenly
pressed against the piston outer circumferential surface B by the
compressed air (the pressurized fluid). As a result, the sealing
(the contact) of the elastic sealing members 40 against the piston
outer circumferential surface B may be enhanced.
[0077] Fifthly, the partial surface treatment apparatus according
to the third embodiment may be modified so that the elastic sealing
members 40 are slidably displaced in the radially inward direction
while pressing the wall surface of the groove portion 71 in the
case where the elastic sealing members 40 constrict in the
diametrical direction. Accordingly, the leakage of the compressed
air (the pressurized fluid) may be avoided, therefore, the force
applied to the elastic sealing members 40 so as to press-contact
the elastic sealing members 40 against the piston outer
circumferential surface B may be increased. As a result, the
sealing (the contact) of the elastic sealing members 40 relative to
the piston outer circumferential surface B may be enhanced. Hence,
the large amount of the electrolyte may be provided between the
narrow clearance formed between the piston outer circumferential
surface B and the electrode inner circumferential surface 31. As a
result, the speed of the surface treatment may be increased.
[0078] Sixthly and finally, the partial surface treatment apparatus
according to the third embodiment may be modified so that the width
of the opening X in the axial direction becomes greater than a
width of the wall surface Y of the recessed portion 42 of each
elastic sealing member 40 in the axial direction when each elastic
sealing member 40 is inserted into the groove portion 71. In this
case, the elastic sealing members 40 are more easily compressed so
as to reduce (shrink) the inner diameter thereof while the elastic
sealing members 40 are pressed against the groove portion 71 by the
compressed air. As a result, the sealing (the contact) of the
elastic sealing members 40 relative to the piston outer
circumferential surface B may be enhanced.
Other Embodiments
[0079] The partial surface treatment apparatus according to the
first, second and third embodiments may be modified so as to
include a pressure applying mechanism for supplying a pressurized
fluid such as an operation fluid.
[0080] The partial surface treatment apparatus according to the
first, second and third embodiments may be modified so that each of
the elastic sealing members 40 includes the contact surface, at
which each of the elastic sealing members 40 contacts the outer
circumferential surface B of the piston A, and a corner portion
positioned closer to a circumferential groove of the piston A for
guiding a side surface to extend in an oblique direction so as to
be orthogonal to the piston outer circumferential surface B of the
piston A along the entire circumferential direction of the
corresponding elastic sealing member 40.
[0081] The partial surface treatment apparatus according to the
first, second and third embodiments may be adapted as an
electroplating treatment apparatus for executing an electroplating
treatment as a surface treatment.
[0082] According to the embodiments, the partial surface treatment
apparatus includes the first electrode member 15 electrically
connected to the piston A, which is made of the metal and which
includes the piston ring groove A1 at the piston outer
circumferential surface B of the piston A, the second electrode
member 17 having the electrode inner circumferential surface 31
facing the piston outer circumferential surface B and the piston
ring groove A1 while keeping the distance therefrom, the elastic
sealing members 40 made of the nonconductive material, formed in
the annular shape and being sealable the clearance formed between
the piston outer circumferential surface B and the inner
circumferential surface at the portions on the piston outer
circumferential surface B above and below the piston ring groove
A1, respectively, in the axial direction of the partial surface
treatment apparatus, the attachment portions 41 at which the
respective elastic sealing members 40 are attached while keeping
the distance relative to the piston outer circumferential surface B
along the entire circumference thereof, the pressure applying
mechanism 51 configured so as to supply the compressed air into the
elastic sealing members 40 attached at the respective attachment
portions 41 in order to press-contact a radially inner
circumferential end portions 44 of the respective elastic sealing
members 40 against the piston outer circumferential surface B along
the entire circumferences thereof and so as to release the
press-contact of the radially inner circumferential end portions 44
of the respective elastic sealing members 40 against the piston
outer circumferential surface B and the supply passages 37, through
which the electrolyte is supplied to the piston ring groove A1,
opening at the electrode inner circumferential surface 31.
[0083] Accordingly, a pressure may be applied to the elastic
sealing members 40, which are attached at the corresponding
attachment portions 41 along the entire circumference thereof while
keeping the predetermined distance from the piston outer
circumferential surface B of the piston A, by the compressed air
supplied to the recessed portions 42 of the respective elastic
sealing members 40, so that the elastic sealing members 40
press-fittingly (fluid tightly) contact the piston outer
circumferential surface B of the piston A at the entire radially
inner circumferential end portions 44. Therefore, even if the
piston A is not set radially inwardly of the electrode inner
circumferential surface 31 of the second electrode member 17 so as
to keep a constant predetermined distance between the piston outer
circumferential surface B of the piston A and the electrode inner
circumferential surface 31 of the second electrode member 17 along
the entire circumferential direction, a pressing force of the
elastic sealing members 40 against the piston outer circumferential
surface B of the piston A may not fluctuate (vary). Furthermore,
even if the pressure of the compressed air (i.e. the pressurized
fluid) fluctuates, a press-contact position and a press-contact
width of each of the elastic sealing members 40 relative to the
piston outer circumferential surface B of the piston A are less
likely to fluctuate or be displaced. Accordingly, the electrolyte
contact area may be easily set to any desired area. As a result,
according to the partial surface treatment apparatus of the
embodiments, the sealing of the elastic sealing members 40 relative
to the piston outer circumferential surface B of the piston A is
less likely to deteriorate, therefore, a treatment efficiency of
the surface treatment is less likely to decrease.
[0084] According to the embodiments, each of the elastic sealing
members 40 includes the recessed portion 42 along the entire
circumference thereof so as to open in the radially outward
direction thereof.
[0085] Accordingly, because the compressed air flows into the
recessed portion 42 of each of the elastic sealing members 40 from
the opening thereof, the pressure may act on each of the elastic
sealing members 40, which are attached on the respective attachment
portions 41 in a direction towards the piston outer circumferential
surface B of the piston A and in a width direction of the piston
ring groove A1. As a result, the posture of each of the elastic
sealing members 40, which are attached at the respective attachment
portions 41, may be easily stabilized in addition to the
enhancement of the sealing (the contact) of the elastic sealing
members (40) relative to the piston outer circumferential surface B
of the piston A.
[0086] According to the embodiments, the radially outer
circumferential edge portions 81 and radially inner circumferential
edge portions 82 of each of the elastic sealing members 40 are
displaced towards the center thereof in the radial direction
thereof in response to the supply of pressurized fluid (the
compressed air) thereto so that the inner diameter of each of the
elastic sealing members 40 is decreased.
[0087] Accordingly, because the elastic sealing members 40 expand
towards the piston A, which is arranged radially inwardly of the
second electrode member 17, so that the inner diameter thereof
decreases, the elastic sealing members 40 itself slidably move
towards the piston A. Therefore, the sealing (the contact) of the
elastic sealing members 40 relative to the piston A may be enhanced
while avoiding a positional displacement of the elastic sealing
members 40. Furthermore, because the entire elastic sealing members
40 expand towards the piston A so that the inner diameter thereof
decreases, a tension applied to the elastic sealing members 40
while expanding towards the piston A and returning to the initial
shape is avoided from being concentrated on one point. As a result,
because deterioration of the elastic sealing members 40 is reduced,
a number of repeated use of the elastic sealing members 40 may be
increased.
[0088] According to the embodiments, each of the elastic sealing
members 40 includes the contact surface Z, at which each of the
elastic sealing members 40 is contactable with the piston outer
circumferential surface B, and the contact surface Z of each of the
elastic sealing members 40 is formed as a surface parallel to the
axial direction of the elastic sealing member 40.
[0089] Accordingly, a close-contact area between the elastic
sealing members 40 and the piston A may be increased, so that the
sealing (the contact) therebetween may be enhanced. Accordingly,
the large amount of the electrolyte may be provided between the
clearance, which is formed between the electrode inner
circumferential surface 31 of the second electrode member 17 and
the piston A and which is sealed by the elastic sealing members 40.
Furthermore, an area to which the surface treatment is applied may
be set to any desired area by adjusting an area of a surface of
each of the elastic sealing members 40 extending in parallel to the
axial direction. For example, the area to which the surface
treatment is applied may be reduced.
[0090] According to the embodiments, each of the elastic sealing
members 40 is configured so as to be insertable into the groove
portion 71 formed by the attachment portion 41 and the second
electrode member 17. Each of the elastic sealing members 40 is
formed so that a width in the axial direction between the radially
outer circumferential edge portions 81 of the elastic sealing
member 40 before being inserted into the groove portion 71 is
greater than the opening width 71a of the groove portion 71, and
the width in the axial direction between the radially inner
circumferential edge portions 82 of each of the elastic sealing
members 40 before being inserted into the groove portion 71 is
narrower than the opening width 71 a of the groove portion 71.
[0091] Accordingly, when the elastic sealing members 40 are fitted
into the groove portion 71, a biasing force acts on the elastic
sealing members 40. Therefore, the sealing (the contact) of the
elastic sealing members 40 relative to the piston A (EP: the
treatment object) may be enhanced by the biasing force.
[0092] According to the modified example of the third embodiment,
each of the elastic sealing members 40 is formed so as to be
protrudable in the radially inward direction relative to the grove
portion 71, which is formed in the annular shape and which is
defined by the corresponding attachment portion 41 and the second
electrode member 17 so as to include the opening X opening in the
radially inward direction.
[0093] Accordingly, the clearance formed between the piston outer
circumferential surface B and the electrode inner circumferential
surface 31 may be narrowed. As a result, a large amount of the
electrolyte may be provided into the narrow clearance formed
between the piston outer circumferential surface B and the
electrode inner circumferential surface 31, which may further
result in increasing the speed of surface treatment (shortening the
time necessary for the surface treatment).
[0094] According to another modified example of the third
embodiment, each of the elastic sealing members 40 includes the
side wall portions 43 defining the recessed portion 42. The
thickness of each of the side wall portions 43 is formed to be
thinner than the width of the recessed portion 42 in the axial
direction of the elastic sealing member 40.
[0095] Accordingly, the side wall portions 43 of each of the
elastic sealing members 40 become more easily deformable,
therefore, the side wall portions 43 of each of the elastic sealing
members 40 are more easily press-contact a wall surface of the
groove portion 71 by the compressed air (the pressurized fluid). As
a result, the sealing (the contact) of the elastic sealing members
40 against the wall surface of the groove portion 71 may be
increased. Furthermore, in a case where a pressure applied to the
elastic sealing members 40 is eased (removed), each of the elastic
sealing members 40 is enlarged in the diametrical direction in the
radially outward direction while a pressing force of the wall
portions 43 is eased. Therefore, a force applied to the elastic
sealing members 40 while being enlarged in the diametrical
direction may be eased. Accordingly, durability of the elastic
sealing members 40 may be enhanced.
[0096] According to a further example of the third embodiment, each
of the elastic sealing members 40 further includes the recessed
portion 42, which includes the wall surface Y so as to be
positioned closer to the radially inner circumferential edge
portions 82 of the elastic sealing member 40 relative to the
intermediate point between the radially outer circumferential edge
portions 81 and the radially inner circumferential edge portions 82
of the elastic sealing member 40.
[0097] Accordingly, each of the elastic sealing members 40 may be
easily elastically deformable in an inner diameter reducing
direction, so that the elastic sealing members 40 may more easily
press-fittingly contact the piston outer circumferential surface B.
As a result, the sealing (the contact) of the elastic sealing
members 40 relative to the piston outer circumferential surface B
may be enhanced.
[0098] According to a further modified example of the third
embodiment, each of the elastic sealing members 40 further includes
the recessed portion 42, which includes the wall surface Y so as to
be positioned closer to the radially inner circumferential edge
portions 82 of the elastic sealing member 40. The wall surface Y is
formed as a surface parallel to the axial direction of the elastic
sealing member 40 along the contact surface Z of the elastic
sealing member 40 at which the elastic sealing member 40 is
contactable with the piston outer circumferential surface B of the
piston A.
[0099] Accordingly, the wall surface Y serving as the bottom
portion of the recessed portion 43 is formed as a surface parallel
to the contact surface Z of the corresponding elastic sealing
member 40 at which the elastic sealing member 40 contacts the outer
circumferential surface B of the piston A. Therefore, the contact
surface Z of each of the elastic sealing members 40 may evenly
pressed against the piston outer circumferential surface B by the
compressed air (the pressurized fluid). As a result, the sealing
(the contact) of the elastic sealing members 40 against the piston
outer circumferential surface B may be enhanced.
[0100] According to a further modified example of the third
embodiment, each of the elastic sealing members 40 is slidably
displaced in the radially inward direction while pressing the wall
surface of the groove portion 71 while each of the elastic sealing
members 40 is displaced so that the inner diameter thereof
decreases.
[0101] Accordingly, the leakage of the compressed air (the
pressurized fluid) may be avoided, therefore, the force applied to
the elastic sealing members 40 so as to press-contact the elastic
sealing members 40 against the piston outer circumferential surface
B may be increased. As a result, the sealing (the contact) of the
elastic sealing members 40 relative to the piston outer
circumferential surface B may be enhanced. Hence, the large amount
of the electrolyte may be provided between the narrow clearance
formed between the piston outer circumferential surface B and the
electrode inner circumferential surface 31. As a result, the speed
of the surface treatment may be increased.
[0102] According to a further modified example of the third
embodiment, each of the elastic sealing members 40 further includes
the recessed portion 42 and is formed so that the width of the wall
surface of the recessed portion in the axial direction becomes
greater than the width of the opening X in the axial direction
while the elastic sealing member 40 is inserted into the groove
potion formed between the corresponding attachment portion 41 and
the second electrode member 17.
[0103] Accordingly, in this case, the elastic sealing members 40
are more easily compressed so as to reduce (shrink) the inner
diameter thereof while the elastic sealing members 40 are pressed
against the groove portion 71 by the compressed air. As a result,
the sealing (the contact) of the elastic sealing members 40
relative to the piston outer circumferential surface B may be
enhanced.
[0104] According to the embodiments, each of the elastic sealing
members 40 includes the contact surface 57, at which the elastic
sealing member 40 is contactable with the piston outer
circumferential surface B, and the corner portions 59, which are
positioned so as to be closer to the piston ring groove A1 and
which guide the respective side surfaces 58 to extend in the
direction orthogonal to the piston outer circumferential surface B,
so as to extend along the entire circumference of the elastic
sealing member 40 in the annular shape.
[0105] Accordingly, the border of the electrolyte contact area may
be set along the corner portions 59, which are formed in the
annular shape along the respective elastic sealing members 40.
Accordingly, the electrolyte contact area may be easily set to any
desired area.
[0106] According to the embodiments, a partial surface treatment
apparatus, includes the first electrode member 15 electrically
connected to the piston A, which is made of the metal and which
includes the piston ring groove A at the piston outer
circumferential surface B of the piston A, the second electrode
member 17 having the electrode inner circumferential surface 31
facing the piston outer circumferential surface B and the piston
ring groove A1 while keeping the distance therefrom, the elastic
sealing members 40 made of the nonconductive material, formed in
the annular shape, being sealable the clearance formed between the
piston outer circumferential surface B and the inner
circumferential surface at portions on the piston outer
circumferential surface B above and below the piston ring groove A1
in an axial direction of the partial surface treatment apparatus,
and including a recessed portion along an entire circumference
thereof so as to open in a radially outward direction thereof and a
displacement restricting portion so as to extend along an entire
opening portion in a circumferential direction thereof in order to
prevent a radially outer circumferential portion of the elastic
sealing member defining the opening portion from being displaced
towards the piston outer circumferential surface B, the attachment
portions 41 at which the respective elastic sealing members 40 are
attached while keeping the distance relative to the piston outer
circumferential surface B along the entire circumference thereof,
the pressure applying mechanism 51 configured so as to supply the
pressurized fluid (the compressed air) into the elastic sealing
members 40 attached at the respective attachment portions 41 in
order to press-contact the radially inner circumferential end
portions 44 of the respective elastic sealing members 40 against
the piston outer circumferential surface B along the entire
circumference thereof and so as to release the press-contact of the
radially inner circumferential end portions 44 of the respective
elastic sealing members 40 against the piston outer circumferential
surface B, and the supply passages 37, through which the
electrolyte is supplied to the piston ring groove A1, opening at
the electrode inner circumferential surface 31.
[0107] The compressed air supplied to the elastic sealing members
40 flows into the recessed portions 42 thereof, whose opening
portions are restricted from being displayed towards the piston
outer circumferential surface B of the piston A. Accordingly, a
radially inner circumferential portion of the recessed portion 42
of each of the elastic sealing members 40 relative to the
corresponding opening portion may be elastically deformed towards
the piston outer circumferential surface B of the piston A, so that
each of the elastic sealing member 40 press-fittingly contacts the
piston outer circumferential surface B of the piston A. More
specifically, the radially inner circumferential portion of the
recessed portion 42 of each of the elastic sealing members 40 may
be evenly and elastically deformed towards the piston outer
circumferential surface B of the piston A. Therefore, in the case
where the piston A is not set radially inwardly of the second
electrode member 17 so as to be equally distanced therefrom along
the entire circumference of the second electrode member 17, the
piston A is pressed by the elastic sealing members 40, which are
elastically reformed so as to contact the piston A, so that a
position of the piston A is corrected to a position at which the
piston A is positioned radially inwardly of the second electrode
member 17 so as to be equally distanced therefrom. Accordingly, a
flow condition of the electrolyte between the piston A and the
second electrode member 17 may be set to be constant along the
entire circumference of the second electrode member 17, so that the
surface treatment is evenly applied to the entire circumference of
the piston A. Furthermore, after the surface treatment is
completed, the radially inner circumferential end portion 44 of
each of the elastic sealing members 40, which is positioned
radially inwardly of the opening portion, is elastically deformed
towards the displacement restricting portion 45 so as to return to
the initial position, so that another piston A is easily set so as
not to contact the elastic sealing members 40 for the next surface
treatment.
[0108] According to the embodiments, the partial surface treatment
apparatus, includes the first electrode member 15 electrically
connected to the piston A, which is made of the metal and which
includes the piston ring groove A1 at the piston outer
circumferential surface B of the piston A, the second electrode
member 17 having the electrode inner circumferential surface 31
facing the piston outer circumferential surface B and the piston
ring groove A1 while keeping the distance therefrom, the elastic
sealing members 40 made of the nonconductive material, formed in
the annular shape, being sealable the clearance formed between the
piston outer circumferential surface B and the inner
circumferential surface at portions on the piston outer
circumferential surface B above and below the piston ring groove A1
in the axial direction of the partial surface treatment apparatus
and including the contact surfaces 57, at which the elastic sealing
members 40 are contactable with the piston outer circumferential
surface B, and the corner portions 59, which is positioned so as to
be closer to the piston ring groove A1 and which guide the
respective side surfaces 58 to extend in the direction orthogonal
to the piston outer circumferential surface B, so as to extend
along the entire circumference of the corresponding elastic sealing
members 40 in the annular shape, the attachment portions 41 at
which the respective elastic sealing members 40 are attached while
keeping the distance relative to the piston outer circumferential
surface B along the entire circumference thereof, the pressure
applying mechanism 51 configured so as to supply a pressurized
fluid into the elastic sealing members 40 attached at the
respective attachment portions 41 in order to press-contact the
radially inner circumferential end portions 44 of the respective
elastic sealing members 40 against the piston outer circumferential
surface B along the entire circumference thereof and so as to
release the press-contact of the radially inner circumferential end
portions 44 of the respective elastic sealing members 40 against
the piston outer circumferential surface B, and the supply passages
37, through which the electrolyte is supplied to the piston ring
groove A1, opening at the electrode inner circumferential surface
31.
[0109] Accordingly, a pressure may be applied to the elastic
sealing members 40, which are attached at the corresponding
attachment portions 41 along the entire circumference thereof while
keeping the predetermined distance from the piston outer
circumferential surface B of the piston A, by the compressed air
supplied to the recessed portions 42 of the respective elastic
sealing members 40, so that the elastic sealing members 40
press-fittingly (fluid tightly) contact the piston outer
circumferential surface B of the piston A at the entire radially
inner circumferential end portions 44. Therefore, even if the
piston A is not set radially inwardly of the electrode inner
circumferential surface 31 of the second electrode member 17 so as
to keep a constant predetermined distance between the piston outer
circumferential surface B of the piston A and the electrode inner
circumferential surface 31 of the second electrode member 17 along
the entire circumferential direction, a pressing force of the
elastic sealing members 40 against the piston outer circumferential
surface B of the piston A may not fluctuate (vary). Furthermore,
even if the pressure of the compressed air (i.e. the pressurized
fluid) fluctuates, a press-contact position and a press-contact
width of each of the elastic sealing members 40 relative to the
piston outer circumferential surface B of the piston A are less
likely to fluctuate or be displaced. Accordingly, the electrolyte
contact area may be easily set to any desired area. As a result,
according to the partial surface treatment apparatus of the
embodiments, the sealing of the elastic sealing members 40 relative
to the piston outer circumferential surface B of the piston A is
less likely to deteriorate, therefore, a treatment efficiency of
the surface treatment is less likely to decrease. Furthermore,
accordingly, the border of the electrolyte contact area may be set
along the corner portions 59, which are formed in the annular shape
along the respective elastic sealing members 40. As a result, the
electrolyte contact area may be easily set to any desired area.
[0110] The principles, preferred embodiment and mode of operation
of the present invention have been described in the foregoing
specification. However, the invention which is intended to be
protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular
embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein
are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.
Variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents
employed, without departing from the spirit of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such
variations, changes and equivalents which fall within the spirit
and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, be
embraced thereby.
* * * * *