DE102018109217A1 - Apparatus for coating hollow bodies with at least one coating station - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for coating containers with at least one coating station, which has a gas lance with an end portion, wherein a CIP unit with a housing and an inlet and a drain and with a device for generating a fluid filling and / or a fluid circuit is present in the volume of the housing via the inlet and the outlet, wherein the housing can be moved to a cleaning position in which it completely surrounds the end region of the gas lance fluid-tight and end portion of the gas lance is positioned so that the fluid circuit that carries a cleaning fluid, this wetted in the cleaning position and does not surround the gas lance during normal operation of the device.
The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a gas lance 6 of a device mentioned above, wherein the gas lance remains in the coating apparatus and the following steps in the order given: fluidly enclosing at least a partial length including the free end of the gas lance with the housing, initiate a Cleaning fluid in the housing, drain the cleaning fluid from the housing after a definable residence time, remove the housing.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for coating hollow bodies with at least one coating station comprising a gas lance. Hollow bodies include in particular containers, such as bottles, ampoules and cartridges.

Such devices are used, for example, in the vacuum control of a silicon oxide coating process, in particular in the plasma CVD coating of PET bottles. With such a coating Barrieresyteme be realized for various application formats. O2, CO2 and H2O barriers are preferably applied to PET bottles. Since this process takes place in a vacuum, it is necessary to control the various vacuum strands via vacuum valves. These are subject to special requirements and wear.

There is an increasing trend to coat containers - for example PET bottles - inside with a thin silicon oxide layer, for example. This inner coating is carried out in a coating device which has a vacuum chamber for receiving the container. The apparatus further includes a plasma generator, for example a microwave generator, and a gas lance with an outlet opening projecting into the container for introducing a material to be deposited on the inner wall of the container. For example, a process gas, such as siloxane gas, is introduced into the vessel, which deposits on the inside wall of the vessel, in the plasma formed by the plasma generator, then in the form of silicon oxide layers. Such coating devices are known from the DE 10 2010 023119 A1 or from the EP 1 507 893 B1 ,

In the beverage industry, such a coating device has a considerable throughput. Tens of thousands of bottles can be coated on one day and several thousand bottles per hour. A problem in such a device is that the outlet opening of the gas lance grows relatively quickly by coating. This requires frequent cleaning or frequent replacement of the gas lance.

Since the gas lance is in the space of the coating process, it is exposed to the microwave field in the vacuum chamber. As a result, field elevations or field concentrations, which favor a preferred deposition of process products, such as silicon oxide and thus an increase in layers, are formed on the exit side at the pipe end. This coating process leads after a relatively short time to a reduction in the outlet opening or the outlet cross section, so that the ideal flow conditions of the gas mixture are no longer present and the coating values are no longer achieved.

To prevent this, it is known to increase the inner diameter of the gas lance in the region of the outlet opening relative to the inner diameter of a main portion of the gas lance. The gas lance has a multiple function: via it, the supply of the respective process gases for the coating takes place and it serves as an antenna for the electromagnetic field orientation in the vacuum chamber. In an alternative embodiment, at least a portion of the process gas can be sucked out of the container and / or the vacuum chamber via the gas lance, and the flash gas - usually air - are introduced. In the main section of the gas lance, the inner diameter is preferably constant and thus has a defined value.

The outlet opening is thus larger than conventional gas lances, in which the size of the outlet opening was previously defined solely by the inner diameter of the gas lance. Due to the enlarged outlet opening, the escaping process gas, such as, for example, siloxane, as it exits the gas lance and enters the plasma, has a significantly lower tendency to precipitate SiO x layers at the end edge of the gas lance surrounding the outlet opening.

The electromagnetic field orientation and field concentration is massively reduced in the widened opening. In addition, the tendency of the process gas to form reduced eddies at the outer edge of the gas lance is much lower than with conventional cylindrical gas lances of constant inner diameter. Due to the fact that the outlet opening is widened, the tendency for the formation of deposits, as in the case of the siloxane of silicon oxide layers, at the end edge of the gas lance surrounding the outlet opening is thus substantially lower than in the case of the previous gas lances. Any deposits still deposited to a lesser extent on the end edge thus do not lead so quickly to a reduction in the outlet opening. The service interval times for cleaning the outlet opening or for replacing the gas lance can thus be considerably shortened. However, this is not enough to achieve an even longer service life. In the worst case, a gas lance must be cleaned after just eight hours, resulting in a noticeable production downtime and still high maintenance costs. In addition, the coating can only be removed by sand blasting or by a sodium hydroxide solution (with ultrasound). The The result is that the maintenance and cleaning effort is still considerable.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a coating apparatus in which the maintenance and cleaning effort is further reduced.

This object is also achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Thereafter, it is provided that a CIP unit (CIP stands for "cleaning in place") with an inlet is present on the in the cleaning position of the CIP unit Cleaning fluid wets the end of a gas lance. For this purpose, the inlet or the end region of the gas lance can be brought into this cleaning position. By the device according to the invention a quick, regular cleaning is possible without much effort, which can also be done during breaks or downtime. It is no longer necessarily a period of several hours for cleaning necessary, for example. Overnight. By the invention, a better separation quality is achieved because field disturbances are minimized by deposits in the end region of the gas lance, in particular at its end edge. The plant operator no longer has to wait until expansion is possible or necessary.

An advantageous development of the invention provides that a heating means for heating the gas lance and / or a vibration emitter, in particular an ultrasonic emitter, at least a portion of the gas lance and / or a component carrying the cleaning fluid is arranged. As a result, either by thermal or mechanical support, the cleaning of the end portion of the gas lance of deposits is achieved.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the cleaning fluid is a gaseous medium at room temperature and atmospheric pressure and a cooling for the gaseous cleaning fluid and / or a bearing for a liquid provision of the cleaning fluid is provided with an expansion unit for the liquid gas. As the gas, for example, carbon dioxide or nitrogen come into question, which are brought by cooling to less than 20 ° C.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that a housing, in particular in the form of a bell, is present, which can be moved in a treatment position at least partially over the end of the gas lance and forms a treatment space in this treatment position. As a result, a simple device is provided, through which a coating can take place.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the inlet is arranged in the interior of the housing in the treatment position. As a result, a compact design is achieved because no additional part to the housing is required for receiving the inlet.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a discharge for remnants of deposits at the end of the gas lance is present, which is in particular connected to a suction unit. This makes it possible, during operation, without switching off the device, carried out a removal of the detached deposits.

This object is also achieved by a device having the features of claim 7. Thereafter, it is provided that a CIP unit is provided with a housing through the volume of a fluid circuit flows through an inlet and a drain. The fluid circuit is achieved by means of a suitable, known to those skilled device. The housing encloses the end region of the gas lance completely fluid-tight in its cleaning position. In this cleaning position, the end portion of the gas lance is wetted by a cleaning fluid carried by the fluid circuit. Suitable cleaning fluids are, in particular, bases which are preferably hot. In normal operation of the device according to the invention, the CIP unit is arranged in a location in which it does not surround the gas lance and this is located within the hollow body to be coated. By the device according to the invention a quick, regular cleaning is possible without much effort, which can also be done during breaks or downtime. It is no longer necessarily a period of several hours for cleaning necessary, for example. Overnight. By the invention, a better Abscheidequalität is achieved because field disturbances are minimized by deposits in the end, esp. At the end edge of the gas lance. The plant operator no longer has to wait until expansion is possible or necessary.

An advantageous development of the invention provides that a seal is arranged between the housing and the gas lance. Preferably, the seal is pneumatically expandable. This ensures a good fluid tightness for the volume within the housing, which can be achieved, for example, even with different thickness gas lances.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the housing may be bell-shaped or cup-shaped. A cup is designed in one piece and has the advantage that it can be easily manufactured and easily sealed against the gas lance. alternative The housing can be formed in two or more parts, in which case the housing segments are sealed against each other sealed gas-tight. A multi-part housing has the advantage that it can be positioned more easily around the gas lance in its cleaning position, in particular if the seal itself has to be made around the outer peripheral surface of the gas lance and does not take place on the support floor.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a seal between the housing and a base plate is arranged, through which the gas lance is arranged to be movable in its longitudinal direction. This ensures a good contact surface for the seal.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the base plate is horizontal and part of the gas lance. Since the base plate is part of the gas lance, no additional part between the gas lance and the housing must be arranged, eliminating the need for additional sealing surfaces.

Alternatively it can be provided that the gas lance is fixed and is enclosed in the entire length of the housing.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that a fluid heater is provided in the fluid circuit. As a result, the cleaning fluid can be brought to a high temperature directly in the area, whereby the deposit at the end of the gas lance more easily detach.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that an ultrasound emitter is arranged in or on the housing. This achieves the effect of an ultrasonic cleaning bath, resulting in a better and faster cleaning of the end portion of the gas lance from the deposit.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the gas lance has a fluid guide channel at least in one section. As a result, no additional supply and discharge lines for the cleaning fluid in the housing are necessary.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the housing encloses a plurality of gas lances. As a result, a plurality of gas lances can be cleaned at the same time, whereby the design effort required for the cleaning of all gas lances of the coating device is reduced, such as a smaller number of supply lines, valves, etc.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that a closure plug is provided, by means of which at least part of the inner volume of the gas lance can be closed. This ensures that no cleaning fluid can penetrate into the lower region of the gas channel of the gas lance and thus into the pipeline leading the process gases.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the plug is connected to a collecting container or part thereof, and wherein at least one fluid inlet is provided and a fluid connection is provided in the interior of the collecting container. As a result, a possibly remaining in the volume of the gas lance rest of the cleaning or flushing fluid can be added.

The object is also achieved by a method having the features of claim 19. According to the invention, the cleaning of the gas lance is carried out by remaining in the coating apparatus, the following steps in the order given: First, a fluid-tight enclosing at least a partial length of the gas lance including the free end by a housing, then a portion of the gas lance, the at least the free end comprises wetted with the cleaning fluid. After a definable residence time of the cleaning fluid to the gas lance, which is so long that a detachment of the deposits can take place at the free end of the gas lance, the cleaning fluid is drained again. Thus, the gas lance does not have to be removed manually for cleaning, but a CIP process can be performed, whereby the time-consuming removal and installation of the gas lance is avoided in the coating device.

An advantageous development of the method according to the invention provides that the gas lance, in particular by means of a heater, such as an open burner, such as a pore burner or an induction heater to above 150 ° C, preferably above 350 ° C, is heated and then wetting by means of flow or overflow occurs with cleaning fluid having a temperature below 20 ° C. It is advantageous if the temperature of the cleaning fluid is below 0 ° C., preferably below -100 ° C. Due to the heating of the gas lance, also in the region of its free end, due to the subsequent overflow with much colder cleaning fluid so large a temperature difference that a kind of shock cooling of the deposits takes place, which can then be easily removed.

A further advantageous development of the method according to the invention provides that the Cleaning fluid is liquid nitrogen or liquid CO2, which were preferably immediately before converted from its liquid to gaseous state. This is particularly suitable for the removal of deposits.

A further advantageous development of the method according to the invention provides that a discharge, in particular by means of a suction, of chipped residues. As a result, it is not necessary to put the device out of service to remove the deposits detached from the gas lance; the device does not have to be opened.

A further advantageous development of the method according to the invention provides that the gas lance is set in vibration during the shock cooling. As a result, the removal of the deposits from the gas lance is supported because the shock-frozen deposits break off so well.

The object is also achieved by a method having the features of claim 25. According to the invention, the cleaning of the gas lance is carried out by remaining in the coating apparatus, the following steps are performed in the order given: First, a fluid-tight enclosing at least a partial length including the free end of the gas lance with the housing, then a cleaning fluid is introduced into the housing , Which expires after a definable residence time from the housing, and finally the housing is removed from the gas lance. Thus, the gas lance does not have to be removed manually for cleaning, but a CIP process can be performed, whereby the time-consuming removal and installation of the gas lance is avoided in the coating device.

An advantageous development of the method according to the invention provides that the steps of introducing and discharging the cleaning fluid after the residence time are performed several times in succession. This achieves even better cleaning of the end region of the gas lance.

A further advantageous development of the method according to the invention provides that the cleaning fluid is passed through the housing by means of a fluid circuit.

A further advantageous development of the device according to the invention and the method provides that a heat source for the cleaning fluid is present, so that esp. Hot liquor can be used.

A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that between the steps of introducing and discharging the cleaning fluid, ie during the residence time of the cleaning fluid in the housing, an ultrasonic introduction into the housing. This improves the cleaning effect and in particular shortens the cleaning time, as is known from ultrasonic baths.

A further advantageous development of the method according to the invention provides that after discharging the cleaning fluid, one or more flushes of the volume of the housing were effected by means of water. If necessary, the air-contacting line spaces are traversed by air, ideally heated air, for which purpose corresponding supply lines are provided. This ensures that no residues of the cleaning fluid are more present in the report of the gas lance.

Ideally, with the same or another heating means, by means of which the cleaning fluid is heated, and the rinsing liquid heated. As a result, a very good, and in particular very fast, complete cleaning effect and a faster drying of the inner surfaces is achieved.

All specified in the dependent claims features of advantageous developments are both individually individually and in any combination to the invention belonging.

Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung für einen Verschlusspfropfen im Bereich des inneren Kanals der Gaslanze als alternative Ausführungsform zu den Beispielen aus den 1 und 2,
• 4 eine Alternative zur Ausführungsform nach 3,
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines fünften erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiels und
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung eines sechsten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiels.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the invention,
• 2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the invention,
• 3 a schematic representation of a plug in the region of the inner channel of the gas lance as an alternative embodiment to the examples of the 1 and 2 .
• 4 an alternative to the embodiment according to 3 .
• 5 a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the invention and
• 6 a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of the invention.

1 shows schematically only the parts of a first invention Embodiment of an apparatus for coating hollow bodies in the region of their coating station, which make the present invention stand out from the prior art. All other parts are known to those skilled in the art and are not shown for clarity and also not described in detail below.

The relevant part of the invention relates to a gas lance 6 the coating device. This has a horizontal base plate 8th from which its tube extends vertically upwards and its upper end in the following end region 7 is called. In this end area 7 deposited - as stated above in the description of the prior art - deposits of the process gas used - eg. Siloxane - from. The process gas flows from below via an inlet 10 through the gas lance 6 to the end area 7 and exits there from the gas lance and fills the inner volume of a container to be treated. In the lower area, at the inlet 10 is also a discharge valve 11 shown.

To the deposits 9 in the end area 7 the gas lance 6 will remove over this end area 7 a CIP unit - this can be done either mechanically by hand or automatically. The CIP unit has a housing 1 on, which has a U-shape in cross-section, whose opening is oriented downwards. In the area of this opening, a horizontal wall is present. Between the case 1 - Especially the wall - and the outer wall of the gas lance 6 is a seal 5 arranged, which ensures that the volume of the housing 1 is sealed fluid-tight. The CIP unit also has an inlet 3 and a process 4 on.

To remove the deposit 9 becomes a cleaning fluid 2 by means of the inlet 3 in the volume of the case 1 fed. To a fluid flow of the cleaning fluid 2 to generate, is also the process 4 for the cleaning fluid 2 in the case 1 - In the figure, 1 esp. In the horizontal wall - available. As cleaning fluid 2 A lye is used regularly. Since the lye is the deposit 9 When it is hot, there is fluid heating in the upper part of the housing 13 present to heat the liquor, which in the present variants after the 1 and 2 For example, designed as induction heating. To the cleaning effect of the cleaning fluid 2 To reinforce, is in the wall of the housing 1 an ultrasound emitter 12 available. By means of this, the effect of an ultrasonic cleaning bath is achieved. Subsequently, it will usually be necessary for the cleansing fluid 2 , In particular, the lye, wetted surfaces are cleaned again, including ideally by means of water rinsing takes place, which can be done via the same supply and discharge lines or own conduction paths (not shown).

In 2 a second embodiment of the invention is shown schematically. Again, only the one is already out 1 known and for the invention only relevant area of the coating system shown. Identical and equivalent parts are provided with identical reference numerals.

In contrast to the embodiment of 1 here is the gas lance 6 linearly movable. It can be vertical along its direction of movement B be moved. It runs in an opening in a base or support plate, below base plate 8th called. Through them, the process gas from its end 7 flow out. The deposit 9 in the end area 7 is not shown. On this base plate 8th is also a support and holding device for containers to be treated arranged (not shown).

In contrast to the embodiment of 1 is just a combined feed 3 and expiration 4 present, passing through a channel in the base plate 8th runs. The housing 1 has no horizontal wall in the area of its opening. From the first embodiment of the 1 known seal 5 is between the edge of the case 1 , which forms its lower end and its opening, and the base plate 8th arranged in such a way that the channel in the base plate 8th between the seal 5 and the gas lance 6 lies. In addition, there is another seal 5 between the gas lance 6 and the channel in the base plate 8th present, so that even here with a movement of the gas lance 6 along the direction of movement B no fluid from the housing 1 can escape.

To increase the cleaning effect also has the embodiment of 2 analogous to 1 a fluid heating 13 as induction heating and an ultrasonic emitter 12 in the case 1 on.

In 3 a third embodiment of the invention is shown, which is compared to the first Ausführungsbespielen the 1 or 2 essentially distinguished by a plug that enters the gas duct of the gas lance 6 is introduced.

The closure plug has a cavernous body 18 on, on the three circumferential sealing lips 15 are arranged. The erectile tissue 18 is over a vertically extending, carrying it with the housing 1 connecting pipe 16 with a gas pipe 17 connected. About the gas line 17 can gas in the erectile tissue 18 be pumped or pumped out of these. The in 1 shown inlet 10 for the process gas with associated further parts is in 3 not shown.

As the deposit 9 in the end area 7 the gas lance 6 can be very massive and thus the Opening the gas channel for the process gas can enormously decrease, it is possible if the erectile tissue 18 in its smallest state, this, together with its annular sealing lips 15 still in the narrowed opening to introduce. The sealing lips 15 have in cross section, for example, a wedge shape, so that they are during insertion of the erectile tissue 18 in the opening of the gas lance 6 fold up and thus little resistance when passing the deposit 9 through the body of the body 18 exercise.

In the embodiment according to 3 is the erectile tissue 18 stationary to the housing 1 over the supporting pipe 16 connected, so he due to the fixed gas lance 6 a pre-definable depth in the opening of the gas channel in the end 7 the gas lance 6 penetrates into this. There he is using a gas via the gas line 17 inflated so far (this is by the two double arrows within the erectile tissue 18 illustrated) until its sealing lips 15 so on the inner wall of the gas lance 6 abut the gas channel and fluid tightness is ensured. Thus, no cleaning fluid 2 out of the case 1 in the lower part of the gas channel of the gas lance 6 penetration.

After the deposit 9 was removed by means of the cleaning process, the housing is 1 removed again while the erectile tissue from the gas duct of the gas lance 6 drawn. This is possibly still in the dead space 7.1 above the uppermost sealing lip 15 and the upper end of the gas lance 6 existing cleaning fluid 2 up from the dead space 7.1 by means of the uppermost sealing lip 15 - or possibly one of the other sealing lips 15 - pushed out and can not enter the gas duct of the gas lance 6 reach.

This process can be assisted by placing in a suitable location in the gas lance 6 leading line a purge gas, in particular air is introduced.

The fourth embodiment of the invention 4 is different from the one in 3 illustrated embodiment substantially in two points. One is the ultrasound emitter 12 not on the case 1 attached, but around the gas lance 6 around. On the other hand, as a plug instead of the erectile tissue 18 a collection container 25 with upstream fluid collection device available.

The attachment of the ultrasonic emitter 12 on the wall of the gas lance 6 is just as efficient as attaching to the case 1 , because here too vibrations in the area of deposition 9 be generated - here by means of a propagation of the gas lance 6 , Advantageous is the attachment to the gas lance 6 because of the ultrasound emitter 12 then not always with the case 1 must be moved, but remains stationary.

The difference between the plugs of 3 and 4 is that the connection to the housing 1 over a suspension 20 instead of the carrying pipe 16 takes place and that instead of the erectile tissue 18 a fluid collector 27 with downstream collection container 25 is available.

The fluid collector 27 has a base body - with two circumferential sealing lips 15 how they look 3 are known - in its upper part as a kind of funnel 27.1 or collecting area is formed for a plurality of pipe sections; Below this is a derivation 27.2 on, which has a valve 24 that via a control line 28 from a controller 29 can be opened or closed, in a discharge 27.3 passes. At this closes the collection container 25 at. The collection container 25 can, for example, as an expandable part - comparable to the erectile tissue 18 out 3 - Be designed as a tube with negative pressure.

The insertion of the plug into the gas duct of the gas lance 6 is essentially how to 3 described. However, since the body is not expandable as the erectile tissue 18 of the 3 is, this embodiment is preferred in - different than shown - in the end 7 upward expanding gas lances 6 used. Because in the case of such a cone-like widening of the gas lance narrow the deposit 9 (please refer 3 ) This further opening not so far as in a straight, purely cylindrical end 7 and the plug can thus easily by the deposition 9 or be led past this.

After cleaning (in 4 is shown as no deposit 9 more is available) and after the cleaning fluid 2 out of the case 1 has expired, may still have a residue of cleaning fluid 2 in the dead space 7.1 - Comparable to the embodiment of 3 between the upper end of the gas lance 6 and upper sealing lip 15 is formed - are. This flows over the funnel 27.1 into a subsequent derivation 27.2 downward. The valve 24 - during the cleaning process, in which the housing 1 with cleaning fluid 2 is filled, is closed - is via the control line 28 from the controller 29 open, leaving the remaining cleaning fluid 2 from the dead space 7.1 about the diversion 27.3 in the collection container 25 flows. Thus it is then in dead space 7.1 no cleaning fluid 2 more that in the gas lance 6 and the connected conduction paths could penetrate when removing the stationary with the housing 1 Connected Verschlusspfropfens the gas duct of the gas lance 6 again is released. If still small residues of the cleaning fluid 2 in the dead space 7.1 should be present, then these - as well 3 described - when pulling the plug through the sealing lips 15 from the dead space 7.1 pressed. The cleaning fluid 2 that is in the collection container 25 collected after removal of the housing 1 including closure plug from the collecting container 25 be removed by known means, so that the collecting container 25 ready for his next assignment.

The collection container 25 Ideally, it is subjected to a negative pressure during insertion before cleaning. It can also be made of a resilient, deformable material so that it is used with negative pressure and reduced volume and when switching the valve 24 the residual liquid from the dead space 7.1 sucks and it increases again.

Instead of a case 1 with the shape of a bell or cup, other shapes may be used; the housing 1 also need not be integral, as shown in the embodiments, but may also be composed of two or more housing or shell parts.

In a very simple variant, not shown, the closure plug comprises only at least one sealing lip 15 or sealing bodies which are held on a support body, without further elements of the aforementioned 4 , such as the collection container 25 or the valve 24 , The closure plug consists essentially of the support body and the at least one sealing lip or the sealing element. In this case, this support body to the housing 1 be held or be used separately. In this case, that it is separable, the support body would be before the enclosure of the gas lance 6 with the housing 1 in the gas lance 6 introduced and removed after the cleaning process manually or by a suitable removal device and removed.

The individual features and variants are shown for clarity only in one embodiment. It is of course useful to combine these features, if necessary, with each other, such as the arrangement of the ultrasonic emitter gem. 4 to provide in one of the other embodiments or the supply and discharge lines 3 . 4 to be provided accordingly for the other variants.

In 5 a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown schematically. It differs from the previous embodiments essentially in that instead of a liquid as a cleaning fluid 2 a gas is used. This results in differences in construction. In the following, the differences are discussed in the first place and the similarities are only briefly addressed.

At the gas lance 6 is in addition to the ultrasound emitter 12 another induction heating 30 appropriate. This will be the gas lance 6 - and with her in the end area 7 existing deposits 9 (not shown) - strongly heated.

The cleaning fluid 2 lies in the form of liquid nitrogen in gas cylinders 35 in front. This liquid nitrogen is just before its use as a cleaning fluid 2 in a suitable expansion unit 36 , here in the form of an evaporator 36 , converted into its gaseous phase and via a cooling line 37 (Including necessary, known in the art devices) to a bell 34 (which may also take the form of a hood).

This bell 34 is above the end-capped area 7 the gas lance 6 pushed and thus forms a treatment room 41 , The bell 34 is thus in its treatment position in which the cleaning takes place; so it is also their cleaning position.

The cleaning is done by putting in the bell 34 via an inlet 3 at the top of the very cold gaseous cleaning fluid 2 flows in and the end area 7 the gas lance 6 including the deposits attached to it 9 wetted. In particular, the inflow of the cold cleaning fluid takes place 2 bubbly, by advantageously at least 1.5 times, ideally 2.5 to 10 times the volume of the bell per second is introduced as a gas flow. As the temperature difference between the over the induction heating 30 heavily heated deposits 9 (These have a temperature of 180 ° C to about 250 ° C or even over 350 ° C) and the very cool nitrogen gas (this has for example a temperature of about -100 ° C) is enormous, the deposits 9 cooled as in a shock cooling, while very brittle and dissolve or disintegrate partly already solely by the rapid change in temperature. By means of the gas lance 6 attached ultrasonic emitter 12 become the deposits 9 additionally blown up and fall down. The part of these blown up deposits 9 which is in the gas duct of the gas lance 6 is removed is removed by an existing at the lower end (not shown) suction unit. The other part, outside the gas channel on the base plate 8th falls down there is within a collection ring 31 collected and via a suitable suction unit, which here is a suction line 32 and a suction pump connected thereto, from the coating apparatus away. The duration of the inflow is 1 to 60 seconds, ideally 10 to 30 seconds, this duration depending on the dimension of the gas lance to be wetted 6 and the volume flow of the cleaning fluid 2 is.

In 6 a sixth embodiment of the invention is shown schematically. It differs from the embodiment according to 5 essentially only in that the gaseous cleaning fluid 2 otherwise provided. In the following, only the differences from the fifth embodiment according to 5 received.

Here is ambient air through a compressor 45 and a filter 46 in a pressure vessel 47 passed, leaving a valve 44.2 the gas as needed and in a big barrage in the bell 34 can be initiated. To obtain the desired temperature in a supply line 48 and in the pressure vessel 47 is a bypass line 42 provided in which a heat exchanger 43 is involved and with the supply line 48 via a valve 44.1 connected is. This can alternatively also in the supply line 48 to be involved.

Alternative to induction heating 30 for heating the deposits 9 (not shown) in the end 7 the gas lance 6 This can be done by means of a passage of heating or combustion gases through this end 7 take place (shown as a dashed line). This is done by means of a blower 38 via a suitable supply line the hot gas through one or more heating inlets 39 in the gas space of the gas lance 6 blown. At another point, this hot gas again passes through one or more heater outlets 40 together with subsequent discharge from the gas duct of the gas lance 6 out. Of course, also the end of the gas lance 6 serve as Heizungsaus- or inlet, with a strong warming of the bell 34 ideally avoided.

On the way through the gas space of the gas lance 6 the gas has the end area 7 the gas lance 6 including the deposits thereon 9 Heavily heated - comparable to the alternative induction heating described above 12 ,

In 6 is still another or alternative heating means for induction heating 30 shown, which as a radiator 30 ' is formed and includes one or more radiation elements. Generally, the spotlight works 30 ' non-contact and can by the gas lance 6 be a little bit apart. Possible spotlights 30 ' are IR emitters, electric heaters or pore burners. In the example shown, the bell 34 after heating the end area 7 the gas lance 6 between these and the spotlights 30 ' be moved.

Due to the embodiments according to the invention, as illustrated by way of example in the figures, a quick, regular cleaning is possible without much effort, which can also be done during breaks or downtime. A period of time of several hours' cleaning is therefore no longer necessary. By the invention, a better Abscheidequalität is achieved because field disturbances by deposits in the end 7 the gas lance 6 be minimized. The plant operator no longer has to wait until expansion is possible or necessary.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

casing

2

cleaning fluid

3

Inlet for cleaning fluid

4

Drain for cleaning fluid

5

poetry

6

gas lance

7

End of the gas lance

7.1

dead space

8th

baseplate

9

deposit

10

Inlet for process gas

11

Entlassventil

12

Ultrasonic emitter

13

fluid heater

15

sealing lip

16

carrying pipe

17

gas pipe

18

erectile tissue

20

suspension

24

Valve

25

receptacle

27

fluid collector

27.1

funnel

27.2

derivation

27.3

Recovery

28

control line

29

control

30

Heating medium, induction heating

30 '

spotlight

31

surraound

32

suction

33

suction Pump

34

Bell jar

35

gas bottle

36

Expansion unit, evaporator

37

cooling line

38

fan

39

Heating inlet

40

heater outlet

41

treatment room

42

bypass line

43

heat exchangers

44.1, 44.2

Valve

45

compressor

46

filter

47

pressure vessel

48

supply

B

movement direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010023119 A1 [0003]
• EP 1507893 B1 [0003]

Claims (30)

Apparatus for coating hollow bodies with at least one coating station, which has a gas lance (6) with an end region (7), characterized in that a CIP unit with a feed (3) for a cleaning fluid (2) is present, wherein the feed (3) can be brought into a cleaning position and the end region (7) of the gas lance (6) and / or the inlet (3) is positioned so that the cleaning fluid (2) wets it in the cleaning position. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that at least one heating means (30) for heating the gas lance (6) and / or a vibration emitter, in particular an ultrasonic emitter (12) on at least a portion of the gas lance (6) and / or a cleaning fluid (2) leading Component is arranged. Device after Claim 2 , characterized in that the cleaning fluid (2) is a gaseous medium at room temperature and atmospheric pressure and a cooling for the gaseous cleaning fluid (2) and / or a bearing for a liquid supply of the cleaning fluid (2) with an expansion unit (36) for the liquid gas is provided. Device according to one of Claims 2 or 3 , characterized in that a housing (1), in particular in the form of a bell (34), is present, which can be moved in a treatment position at least partially over the end region (7) of the gas lance (6) and in this treatment position a treatment space ( 41). Device after Claim 4 , characterized in that the inlet (3) is arranged in the interior of the housing (1) in the treatment position. Device according to one of Claims 2 to 4 , characterized in that a discharge for remnants of deposits at the end of the gas lance (6) is present, which is in particular connected to a suction unit. Device according to one of Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the CIP unit comprises a housing (1) and in addition to the inlet (3) a drain (4) and that a device for generating a fluid filling and / or a fluid circuit in the volume of the housing (1) via the Inlet (3) and the outlet (4) is present, wherein the housing (1) can be moved in a cleaning position, in which the end region (7) of the gas lance (6) completely fluid-tightly encloses and end portion (7) of the gas lance (6 ) is positioned so that the fluid circuit carrying a cleaning fluid (2) wets it in the cleaning position and does not surround the gas lance (6) during normal operation of the device. Device after Claim 7 , wherein between the housing (1) and the gas lance (6), a seal (5), which is preferably pneumatically expandable, is arranged. Device according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the housing (1) is bell-shaped or cup-shaped. Device according to one of Claims 7 to 9 in which a seal (5) is arranged between the housing (1) and a base plate (8) through which the gas lance (6) is movably arranged in its longitudinal direction along a direction of movement (B). Device after Claim 10 , wherein the base plate (8) extends horizontally and is part of the gas lance (6). Device according to one of Claims 7 to 11 , wherein the gas lance (6) is fixed and in its entire length from the housing (1) is enclosed. Device according to one of Claims 7 to 12 , wherein a fluid heater (13) is present in the fluid circuit. Device according to one of Claims 7 to 13 wherein an ultrasonic emitter (12) is arranged in or on the housing (1). Device according to one of Claims 7 to 14 , wherein the gas lance (6) has a fluid guide channel at least in one section. Device according to one of Claims 7 to 15 , wherein the housing (1) encloses a plurality of gas lances (6). Device according to one of Claims 7 to 16 , wherein a closure plug is provided, by means of which at least a part of the inner volume of the gas lance (6) can be closed. Device after Claim 17 wherein the closure plug is connected to or is part of a collection container (25) and wherein at least one fluid inlet is provided and a fluid connection (27) is provided inside the collection container (25). Method for cleaning a gas lance (6) of a device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas lance (6) remains in the coating device, the following steps being carried out in the order indicated: a) enclosing, in particular fluid-tight enclosing, at least a partial length of the gas lance (6) including the free end of a housing (1) or a bell (34), b) wetted at least a partial length of the free end of the gas lance (6) with a cleaning fluid (2), c) draining or removing the cleaning fluid (2) after a definable residence time or wetting time. Method according to Claim 19 , wherein in particular before step b) a) the gas lance (6) by means of a heater, in particular by means of an induction heater (30) or flow of heating or combustion gases, such as by pore burner, to above 150 ° C, preferably above 350 ° C, is heated and then b) wetting by means of flow or overflow with cleaning fluid (2) takes place, which has a temperature below 20 ° C. Method according to Claim 20 , wherein the temperature of the cleaning fluid (2) is below 0 ° C, preferably below -100 ° C. Method according to one of Claims 19 to 21 in which the cleaning fluid (2) is liquid nitrogen or liquid CO2, these preferably being converted from their liquid to the gaseous state immediately before. Method according to one of Claims 19 to 22 , wherein a discharge, in particular by means of an extraction of chipped residues of the deposit takes place. Method according to one of Claims 21 to 23 , wherein the gas lance (6) is set in vibration during the shock cooling. Method for cleaning a gas lance (6) of a device according to one of the Claims 7 to 18 , characterized in that the gas lance (6) remains in the coating apparatus, wherein the following steps are performed in the order given: a) fluid-tight enclosing at least a partial length including the free end of the gas lance (6) with the housing (1), b) introducing a cleaning fluid (2) into the housing (1), c) discharging the cleaning fluid (2) from the housing (1) after a definable residence time has elapsed, d) removing the housing (1). Method according to Claim 25 , wherein the steps b and c are performed several times in succession. Method according to Claim 25 or 26 , wherein the cleaning fluid (2) by means of a fluid circuit through the housing (1) is guided. Method according to one of Claims 25 to 27 , wherein lye is used as cleaning fluid (2), in particular hot liquor. Method according to one of Claims 25 to 28 , wherein an ultrasonic introduction into the housing (1) takes place between the steps b and c Method according to one of Claims 25 to 29 , wherein after step c, one or more flushes of the volume of the housing (1) takes place by means of water.

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