EP1951449A1 - Ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies - Google Patents

Ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies

Info

Publication number
EP1951449A1
EP1951449A1 EP05802206A EP05802206A EP1951449A1 EP 1951449 A1 EP1951449 A1 EP 1951449A1 EP 05802206 A EP05802206 A EP 05802206A EP 05802206 A EP05802206 A EP 05802206A EP 1951449 A1 EP1951449 A1 EP 1951449A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning system
transmission element
hollow bodies
vibrating plate
ultrasonic cleaning
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP05802206A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1951449B1 (en
Inventor
Hans-Peter Keller
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KKS Ultraschall AG
Original Assignee
KKS Ultraschall AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by KKS Ultraschall AG filed Critical KKS Ultraschall AG
Publication of EP1951449A1 publication Critical patent/EP1951449A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1951449B1 publication Critical patent/EP1951449B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/023—Cleaning the external surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
    • B08B3/048—Overflow-type cleaning, e.g. tanks in which the liquid flows over the tank in which the articles are placed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
    • B08B3/10—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
    • B08B3/12—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration by sonic or ultrasonic vibrations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B2209/00—Details of machines or methods for cleaning hollow articles
    • B08B2209/005—Use of ultrasonics or cavitation, e.g. as primary or secondary action

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies, which has a container with a transmission medium, an ultrasonic generator and a vibrating plate, the vibrating plate being excitable by means of the ultrasonic generator. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for cleaning hollow bodies by means of an ultrasound cleaning system, the ultrasound cleaning system having a container with a transmission medium, an ultrasound generator and an oscillating plate, and the oscillating plate being excited by means of the ultrasound generator with a predefined oscillation frequency.
  • Ultrasound is very often used for cleaning objects and products, especially for cleaning difficult to access surfaces and complex shaped objects. Furthermore, ultrasonic cleaning can also be used if a very high degree of purity is to be produced or if cleaning with other methods is associated with health risks for the personnel.
  • Typical examples of objects that are often cleaned using ultrasound are parts of precision engineering and precision engineering, medical instruments, optical lenses, glass vessels, dentures, jewelry, etc. The cleaning is carried out by immersing the object to be cleaned in an ultrasound-excited liquid bath or by fixing it in this.
  • problems always arise when hollow bodies are to be cleaned.
  • the hollow bodies are cleaned with sonotrodes.
  • the needle-shaped sonotrodes are inserted into the hollow body and vibrated.
  • DE 199 09 197 discloses such an ultrasonic cleaning system, in which the shaft-shaped ultrasonic sonotrode device can be inserted into the hollow structure of the workpiece and can also be moved back and forth relative to the workpiece.
  • the US 5,985,038 and EP 0 292 779 disclose another system.
  • the hollow bodies for example medical instruments with cannulas (US Pat. No. 5,985,038) and components for ink printers (EP 0 292 779), are flushed out by a cleaning medium.
  • the flushing medium and / or the component is subjected to ultrasound, so that in addition to the flushing effect, there is also an ultrasound effect.
  • both systems have the disadvantage that the hollow body can only be cleaned on the inside and not at the same time also on the outside.
  • the hollow body must either be subsequently introduced into an ultrasonic bath with, for example, a plate-shaped surface oscillator.
  • Another possibility is that the outside of the hollow body is cleaned by a further vibrating body, for example an additional surface vibrator. Simultaneous cleaning of the outside and inside is not possible with the known devices and methods.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to provide an ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies, with which the outside and the inside of the hollow body can be cleaned at the same time. Another object is that a method for cleaning hollow bodies is made available, with which the outside and inside of a hollow body is effectively cleaned at the same time.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies has a container with a transmission medium, an ultrasonic generator and a vibrating plate.
  • the oscillating plate can be excited by means of the ultrasound generator, wherein at least one transmission element connected to the oscillating plate can be set in vibration by the excitation of the oscillating plate.
  • the transmission element is rod-shaped or needle-shaped, which is excited to oscillate by the oscillation of the oscillating plate.
  • the transmission element generates cavitation bubbles in the interior of the hollow body, which clean the inside of the hollow body.
  • the outside of the hollow body is cleaned by the vibrations of the membrane-like vibrating plate that occur in particular at the edge.
  • the transmission element is variable in shape and length, so that it can be selected depending on the items to be cleaned and the resonance frequencies. If, for example, a very long hollow body is to be cleaned, a correspondingly long transmission element can be used.
  • the transmission element is preferably releasably connected to the oscillating plate, in particular screwable. This design enables the transfer element to be changed quickly and easily, for example depending on the items to be cleaned.
  • the transmission element can additionally have nozzles for the escape of transmission medium, water or cleaning agents, as a result of which the cleaning of the inside of the hollow body is intensified. This is particularly advantageous when cleaning the inside of the hollow body is particularly critical, for example when cleaning cannulas or other hollow bodies used in medicine.
  • the inventive method for cleaning hollow bodies is carried out by means of an ultrasonic cleaning system.
  • the ultrasound Cleaning system has a container with a transmission medium, an ultrasound generator and an oscillating plate, the oscillating plate being excited with a predefined oscillation frequency.
  • a hollow body is slipped onto the transmission element connected to the oscillating plate to form a single oscillating system, and the transmission element is set into vibration by the excitation of the oscillating plate. In this way, both the outside and the inside of the hollow body are cleaned at the same time.
  • the power intensity between the vibrating plate and the transmission element and thus the intensity of the cleaning of the outside and inside can be changed. This is achieved by shifting the oscillation frequency. In this way, the vibrating plate vibrates with a different intensity than the transmission element, whereby, for example, the inside can be cleaned more than the outside or vice versa.
  • a hollow body that is preferably fixed relative to the container is thus cleaned both on the outside and on the inside.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view through an ultrasonic cleaning system according to the invention.
  • the ultrasound cleaning system 1 shows a section through an ultrasonic cleaning system 1 according to the invention for at least one hollow body 12, which is shown here in broken lines. It consists of a container 2 in which a transmission medium 3 is contained.
  • the transmission medium 3 can be any known transmission medium used in ultrasonic cleaning technology, for example a cleaning solution, an organic solvent or water.
  • the ultrasound cleaning system 1 has an ultrasound generator 4 which is mounted on the non-sound-emitting surface 6 of an oscillating plate 5.
  • a transmission element 9 is located on the sound-radiating surface 7 of the oscillating plate 5.
  • the transmission element 9 preferably consists of a base 10 and a shaft 11, onto which the hollow body 12 to be cleaned can be put or placed.
  • the transmission element 9 is preferably detachably connected to the oscillating plate 5. For example, its base 10 can be screwed into a bore 8 of the oscillating plate 5.
  • the transmission element 9 is preferably needle-like or rod-like. It can be hollow or solid and preferably has a round cross section
  • the transmission element 9 can be equipped with at least one, preferably a plurality of nozzles (not shown). Liquid, in particular transmission medium 3 or a cleaning solution, can be sprayed onto the inside of the hollow body 12 via these nozzles, thereby increasing the cleaning effect.
  • a plurality of transmission elements 9 are preferably arranged on the oscillating plate 5. In this way, many hollow bodies 12 can be cleaned at the same time.
  • the vibrating plate 5 preferably forms the bottom of the container 2 and is secured against leakage by means of seals 13.
  • the membrane-like oscillating plate 5 is preferably detachably connected to the container 2 via connecting means 14, for example screws.
  • the container 2 preferably has an inlet 15 and an outlet 16.
  • the inlet 15 is located in the area of the container 2 near the bottom, i. H. near the vibrating plate 5.
  • the drain 16, on the other hand, is in the upper area, ie. H. in the vicinity of the edge 19 of the container 2. In this way, debris, debris or other contaminants separated by the cleaning process are removed via the outlet 16 above.
  • An overflow 17 is preferably provided so that the ultrasound cleaning system can be flushed with fresh transmission medium 3, as indicated by the arrow 18.
  • the method according to the invention provides that a hollow body 12 is slipped onto or placed on the transmission element 9.
  • the vibrating plate 5 is then set in vibration by means of the ultrasound generator 4, where is set into vibration by the transmission element 9 fastened on the oscillating plate 5.
  • the vibrations of the transmission element 9 generate cavitation bubbles in the interior of the hollow body 12, which clean the inside of the hollow body 12.
  • the vibrations of the oscillating plate 5, in particular in the radially sweeter region generate cavitation bubbles in the transmission medium 3, which clean the outside of the hollow body 12.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)

Abstract

What is disclosed is an ultrasonic cleaning system (1) for hollow bodies by means of which the inner side and the outer side of a hollow body (12) can be cleaned at the same time. The ultrasonic cleaning system (1) according to the invention comprises a container (2) with a transmission medium (3), with an ultrasonic generator (4) and with a vibrating plate (5), wherein the vibrating plate (5) can be excited by means of the ultrasonic generator (4). A transmission element (9) connected to the vibrating plate (5) can be set in vibration by the excitation of the vibrating plate (5). Also disclosed is a method of cleaning hollow bodies by means of an ultrasonic cleaning system (1). For this, a hollow body (12) is fitted over a transmission element (9) connected to a vibrating plate (5) which can be excited by an ultrasonic generator (4), and the transmission element (9) can be set in vibration by the excitation of the vibrating plate (5).

Description

Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem für Hohlkörper Ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem für Hohlkörper, welches einen Behälter mit einem Übertragungsmedium, einen Ultraschallgenerator und eine Schwingplatte aufweist, wobei die Schwingplatte mittels des Ultraschallgenerators erregbar ist. Weiterhin betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zur Reinigung von Hohlkörpern mittels eines Ultraschall-Reinigungssystems, wobei das Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem einen Behälter mit einem Übertragungsmedium, einen Ultraschallgenerator und eine Schwingplatte aufweist, und die Schwingplatte mittels des Ultraschallgenerators mit einer vordefinierten Schwingfrequenz erregt wird.The invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies, which has a container with a transmission medium, an ultrasonic generator and a vibrating plate, the vibrating plate being excitable by means of the ultrasonic generator. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for cleaning hollow bodies by means of an ultrasound cleaning system, the ultrasound cleaning system having a container with a transmission medium, an ultrasound generator and an oscillating plate, and the oscillating plate being excited by means of the ultrasound generator with a predefined oscillation frequency.
Ultraschall wird sehr häufig zur Reinigung von Gegenständen und Produkten, insbesondere zur Reinigung von schwer zugänglichen Oberflächen und kompliziert geformten Gegenständen eingesetzt. Ferner kann die Ultraschallreinigung auch verwendet werden, wenn ein sehr hoher Reinheitsgrad erzeugt werden soll oder wenn eine Reinigung mit anderen Methoden mit Gesundheitsrisiken für das Personal verbunden ist. Als typische Beispiele von Gegenständen, welche oft mittels Ultraschall gereinigt werden, seien Teile der Feinmechanik und der Feinwerktechnik, medizinische Instrumente, optische Linsen, Glasgefässe, Zahnprothesen, Schmuck etc. angeführt. Die Reinigung erfolgt dadurch, dass der zu reinigende Gegenstand in ein ultraschallerregtes Flüssigkeitsbad getaucht wird bzw. in diesem fixiert wird. Probleme ergeben sich jedoch immer dann, wenn Hohlkörper gereinigt werden sollen.Ultrasound is very often used for cleaning objects and products, especially for cleaning difficult to access surfaces and complex shaped objects. Furthermore, ultrasonic cleaning can also be used if a very high degree of purity is to be produced or if cleaning with other methods is associated with health risks for the personnel. Typical examples of objects that are often cleaned using ultrasound are parts of precision engineering and precision engineering, medical instruments, optical lenses, glass vessels, dentures, jewelry, etc. The cleaning is carried out by immersing the object to be cleaned in an ultrasound-excited liquid bath or by fixing it in this. However, problems always arise when hollow bodies are to be cleaned.
Im Stand der Technik sind im wesentlichen zwei Methoden zur Reinigung von Hohlkörpern mittels Ultraschall bekannt. Bei dem einen System werden die Hohlkörper mit Sonotroden gereinigt. Hierfür werden die nadeiförmigen Sonotroden in den Hohlkörper eingeführt und in Schwingung versetzt. Die DE 199 09 197 offenbart eine derartige Ultraschall-Reinigungsanlage, wobei dort die schaftförmige Ultraschall-Sonotrodeneinrichtung in die Hohlstruktur des Werkstückes einbringbar und zusätzlich relativ zum Werkstück hin- und herbewegbar ist. Die US 5,985,038 und EP 0 292 779 offenbaren ein weiteres System. Hierbei werden die Hohlkörper, beispielsweise medizinische Instrumente mit Kanülen (US 5,985,038) und Bauteile für Tintendrucker (EP 0 292 779), von einem Reinigungsmedium durchspült. Zusätzlich wird das Spülmedium und/oder das Bauteil ultraschallbeaufschlagt, so dass zusätzlich zur durchspülenden Wirkung noch eine Ultraschallwirkung hinzukommt.Essentially two methods for cleaning hollow bodies by means of ultrasound are known in the prior art. In one system, the hollow bodies are cleaned with sonotrodes. For this purpose, the needle-shaped sonotrodes are inserted into the hollow body and vibrated. DE 199 09 197 discloses such an ultrasonic cleaning system, in which the shaft-shaped ultrasonic sonotrode device can be inserted into the hollow structure of the workpiece and can also be moved back and forth relative to the workpiece. The US 5,985,038 and EP 0 292 779 disclose another system. Here, the hollow bodies, for example medical instruments with cannulas (US Pat. No. 5,985,038) and components for ink printers (EP 0 292 779), are flushed out by a cleaning medium. In addition, the flushing medium and / or the component is subjected to ultrasound, so that in addition to the flushing effect, there is also an ultrasound effect.
Beiden Systemen haftet jedoch der Nachteil an, dass der Hohlkörper nur auf der Innenseite und nicht zugleich auch auf der Aussenseite gereinigt werden kann. Zur Reinigung der Aussenseite muss der Hohlkörper entweder anschliessend in ein Ultraschallbad mit beispielsweise einem plattenförmigen Flächenschwinger eingebracht werden. Eine weitere Möglichkeit ist, dass die Reinigung der Aussenseite des Hohlkörpers durch einen weiteren Schwingkörper, beispielsweise einen zusätzlichen Flächenschwinger, erfolgt. Eine gleichzeitige Reinigung von Aussen- und Innenseite ist jedoch mit den bekannten Vorrichtungen und Verfahren nicht möglich.However, both systems have the disadvantage that the hollow body can only be cleaned on the inside and not at the same time also on the outside. To clean the outside, the hollow body must either be subsequently introduced into an ultrasonic bath with, for example, a plate-shaped surface oscillator. Another possibility is that the outside of the hollow body is cleaned by a further vibrating body, for example an additional surface vibrator. Simultaneous cleaning of the outside and inside is not possible with the known devices and methods.
Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist daher, ein Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem für Hohlkörper zur Verfügung zu stellen, mit dem zugleich die Aussenseite und die Innenseite des Hohlkörpers gereinigt werden kann. Eine weitere Aufgabe besteht darin, dass ein Verfahren zur Reinigung von Hohlkörpern zur Verfügung gestellt wird, mit welchem die Aussen- und Innenseite eines Hohlkörpers zugleich effektiv gereinigt wird.The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies, with which the outside and the inside of the hollow body can be cleaned at the same time. Another object is that a method for cleaning hollow bodies is made available, with which the outside and inside of a hollow body is effectively cleaned at the same time.
Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch ein Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem gemäss Anspruch 1 und ein Reinigungsverfahren nach Anspruch 8.This object is achieved by an ultrasonic cleaning system according to claim 1 and a cleaning method according to claim 8.
Das erfindungsgemässe Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem für Hohlkörper weist einen Behälter mit einem Übertragungsmedium, einen Ultraschallgenerator und eine Schwingplatte auf. Die Schwingplatte ist mittels des Ultraschallgenerators erregbar, wobei zumindest ein mit der Schwingplatte verbundenes Übertragungselement durch die Erregung der Schwingplatte in Schwingung versetzbar ist. Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, dass das Übertragungselement stab- oder nadeiförmig gestaltet ist, wobei dieses durch die Schwingung der Schwingplatte zum Mitschwingen erregt wird. Dadurch erzeugt das Übertragungselement im Innenbereich des Hohlkörpers Kavitationsblasen, welche die Innenseite des Hohlkörpers reinigen. Zugleich wird die Aussenseite des Hohlkörpers durch die insbesondere randseitig auftretenden Schwingungen der membranartigen Schwingplatte gereinigt.The ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies according to the invention has a container with a transmission medium, an ultrasonic generator and a vibrating plate. The oscillating plate can be excited by means of the ultrasound generator, wherein at least one transmission element connected to the oscillating plate can be set in vibration by the excitation of the oscillating plate. It is preferably provided that the transmission element is rod-shaped or needle-shaped, which is excited to oscillate by the oscillation of the oscillating plate. As a result, the transmission element generates cavitation bubbles in the interior of the hollow body, which clean the inside of the hollow body. At the same time, the outside of the hollow body is cleaned by the vibrations of the membrane-like vibrating plate that occur in particular at the edge.
Auf diese Art und Weise ergibt sich der grosse Vorteil, dass mittels des erfin- dungsgemässen Ultraschall-Reinigungssystems Hohlkörper sowohl auf der Innenseite als auch auf der Aussenseite durch ein einziges Schwingsystem effektiv gereinigt werden können. Die Reinigung des Hohlkörpers geht mittels des erfin- dungsgemässen Ultraschall-Reinigungssystems sowohl schnell als auch gründlich vonstatten. Das Übertragungselement ist variabel in Form und Länge, so dass es in Abhängigkeit vom Reinigungsgut und den Resonanzfrequenzen gewählt werden kann. Soll beispielsweise ein sehr langer Hohlkörper gereinigt werden, so kann ein dementsprechend langes Übertragungselement eingesetzt werden. Das Übertragungselement ist vorzugsweise mit der Schwingplatte lösbar verbunden, insbesondere aufschraubbar. Durch diese Gestaltung ist ein Wechseln des Übertragungselementes, beispielsweise in Abhängigkeit vom Reinigungsgut, schnell und problemlos möglich.In this way, there is the great advantage that by means of the ultrasonic cleaning system according to the invention, hollow bodies can be effectively cleaned both on the inside and on the outside by means of a single vibration system. The hollow body is cleaned both quickly and thoroughly by means of the ultrasonic cleaning system according to the invention. The transmission element is variable in shape and length, so that it can be selected depending on the items to be cleaned and the resonance frequencies. If, for example, a very long hollow body is to be cleaned, a correspondingly long transmission element can be used. The transmission element is preferably releasably connected to the oscillating plate, in particular screwable. This design enables the transfer element to be changed quickly and easily, for example depending on the items to be cleaned.
Ein weiteres bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung sieht vor, dass das Übertragungselement zusätzlich Düsen zum Austritt von Übertragungsmedium, Wasser oder Reinigungsmitteln aufweisen kann, wodurch die Reinigung der Innenseite des Hohlkörpers verstärkt wird. Dieses ist insbesondere dann vorteilhaft, wenn die Reinigung der Innenseite des Hohlkörpers besonders kritisch ist, beispielsweise bei der Reinigung von Kanülen oder anderen in der Medizin eingesetzten Hohlkörpern.Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention provides that the transmission element can additionally have nozzles for the escape of transmission medium, water or cleaning agents, as a result of which the cleaning of the inside of the hollow body is intensified. This is particularly advantageous when cleaning the inside of the hollow body is particularly critical, for example when cleaning cannulas or other hollow bodies used in medicine.
Das erfindungsgemässe Verfahren zur Reinigung von Hohlkörpern wird mittels eines Ultraschall-Reinigungssystems durchgeführt. Das Ultraschall- Reinigungssystem weist einen Behälter mit einem Übertragungsmedium, einen Ultraschallgenerator und eine Schwingplatte auf, wobei die Schwingplatte mit einer vordefinierten Schwingfrequenz erregt wird. Dabei wird ein Hohlkörper auf das mit der Schwingplatte zu einem einzigen Schwingsystem verbundenen Übertragungselement übergestülpt und das Übertragungselement durch die Erregung der Schwingplatte in Schwingung versetzt. Auf diese Art und Weise wird sowohl die Aussenseite als auch die Innenseite des Hohlkörpers zugleich gereinigt.The inventive method for cleaning hollow bodies is carried out by means of an ultrasonic cleaning system. The ultrasound Cleaning system has a container with a transmission medium, an ultrasound generator and an oscillating plate, the oscillating plate being excited with a predefined oscillation frequency. In this case, a hollow body is slipped onto the transmission element connected to the oscillating plate to form a single oscillating system, and the transmission element is set into vibration by the excitation of the oscillating plate. In this way, both the outside and the inside of the hollow body are cleaned at the same time.
Weiterhin kann die Leistungsintensität zwischen Schwingplatte und Übertragungselement und damit die Intensität der Reinigung der Aussen- und Innenseite verändert werden. Dies wird dadurch erreicht, dass die Schwingfrequenz verschoben wird. Auf diese Art und Weise schwingt die Schwingplatte mit einer anderen Intensität als das Übertragungselement, wodurch beispielsweise die Innenseite stärker gereinigt werden kann als die Aussenseite oder umgekehrt. Damit wird durch den Einsatz eines einzigen Schwingsystems ein bevorzugt gegenüber dem Behälter fixierter Hohlkörper sowohl auf der Aussenseite als auch auf der Innenseite gereinigt.Furthermore, the power intensity between the vibrating plate and the transmission element and thus the intensity of the cleaning of the outside and inside can be changed. This is achieved by shifting the oscillation frequency. In this way, the vibrating plate vibrates with a different intensity than the transmission element, whereby, for example, the inside can be cleaned more than the outside or vice versa. With the use of a single oscillation system, a hollow body that is preferably fixed relative to the container is thus cleaned both on the outside and on the inside.
Nachstehend wird die Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung näher erläutert und beschrieben. Es zeigt:The invention is explained and described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. It shows:
Fig. 1 eine schematische Schnittansicht durch ein erfindungsgemässes Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem.Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view through an ultrasonic cleaning system according to the invention.
Fig. 1 zeigt einen Schnitt durch ein erfindungsgemässes Ultraschall- Reinigungssystem 1 für zumindest einen Hohlkörper 12, der hier in Strichlinien dargestellt ist. Es besteht aus einem Behälter 2, in welchem ein Übertragungsmedium 3 enthalten ist. Das Übertragungsmedium 3 kann jedes bekannte, in der Ultraschall-Reinigungstechnik verwendete Übertragungsmedium sein, beispielsweise eine Reinigungslösung, ein organisches Lösungsmittel oder Wasser. Weiterhin weist das Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem 1 einen Ultraschallgenerator 4 auf, der auf der nicht schallabstrahlenden Fläche 6 einer Schwingplatte 5 montiert ist. Auf der schallabstrahlenden Fläche 7 der Schwingplatte 5 befindet sich ein Übertragungselement 9. Das Übertragungselement 9 besteht vorzugsweise aus einer Basis 10 und einem Schaft 11 , auf den der zu reinigende Hohlkörper 12 übergestülpt bzw. aufsetzbar ist. Das Übertragungselement 9 ist vorzugsweise lösbar mit der Schwingplatte 5 verbunden. So kann es beispielsweise mit seiner Basis 10 in eine Bohrung 8 der Schwingplatte 5 einschraubbar sein. Das Übertragungselement 9 ist vorzugsweise nadelartig oder stabartig gestaltet. Es kann hohl oder massiv ausgebildet sein und hat vorzugsweise einen runden Querschnitt.1 shows a section through an ultrasonic cleaning system 1 according to the invention for at least one hollow body 12, which is shown here in broken lines. It consists of a container 2 in which a transmission medium 3 is contained. The transmission medium 3 can be any known transmission medium used in ultrasonic cleaning technology, for example a cleaning solution, an organic solvent or water. Furthermore, the ultrasound cleaning system 1 has an ultrasound generator 4 which is mounted on the non-sound-emitting surface 6 of an oscillating plate 5. A transmission element 9 is located on the sound-radiating surface 7 of the oscillating plate 5. The transmission element 9 preferably consists of a base 10 and a shaft 11, onto which the hollow body 12 to be cleaned can be put or placed. The transmission element 9 is preferably detachably connected to the oscillating plate 5. For example, its base 10 can be screwed into a bore 8 of the oscillating plate 5. The transmission element 9 is preferably needle-like or rod-like. It can be hollow or solid and preferably has a round cross section.
Darüber hinaus kann das Übertragungselement 9 mit zumindest einer, vorzugsweise mehreren Düsen ausgestattet sein (nicht gezeigt). Über diese Düsen kann Flüssigkeit, insbesondere Übertragungsmedium 3 oder eine Reinigungslösung, auf die Innenseite des Hohlkörpers 12 gesprüht werden, wodurch die Reinigungswirkung verstärkt wird. Vorzugsweise ist eine Vielzahl von Übertragungselementen 9 auf der Schwingplatte 5 angeordnet. Auf diese Art und Weise können viele Hohlkörper 12 zugleich gereinigt werden. Die Schwingplatte 5 bildet vorzugsweise den Boden des Behälters 2 und ist gegen Leckagen mittels Dichtungen 13 abgesichert. Die membranartig gestaltete Schwingplatte 5 ist vorzugsweise über Verbindungsmittel 14, beispielsweise Schrauben, mit dem Behälter 2 lösbar verbunden. Der Behälter 2 weist vorzugsweise einen Zulauf 15 und einen Ablauf 16 auf. Dabei ist bevorzugt, dass der Zulauf 15 sich im bodennahen Bereich des Behälters 2 befindet, d. h. in der N„he der Schwingplatte 5. Der Ablauf 16 befindet sich dagegen im oberen Bereich, d. h. in der N„he des Randes 19 des Behälters 2. Auf diese Art und Weise werden durch den Reinigungsvorgang abgetrennte Trümmer, Debris oder sonstige Verschmutzungen über den oben liegenden Ablauf 16 entfernt. Vorzugsweise ist ein Überlauf 17 vorgesehen, so dass das Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem mit frischem Übertragungsmedium 3 durchspült werden kann, wie durch den Pfeil 18 angedeutet ist.In addition, the transmission element 9 can be equipped with at least one, preferably a plurality of nozzles (not shown). Liquid, in particular transmission medium 3 or a cleaning solution, can be sprayed onto the inside of the hollow body 12 via these nozzles, thereby increasing the cleaning effect. A plurality of transmission elements 9 are preferably arranged on the oscillating plate 5. In this way, many hollow bodies 12 can be cleaned at the same time. The vibrating plate 5 preferably forms the bottom of the container 2 and is secured against leakage by means of seals 13. The membrane-like oscillating plate 5 is preferably detachably connected to the container 2 via connecting means 14, for example screws. The container 2 preferably has an inlet 15 and an outlet 16. It is preferred that the inlet 15 is located in the area of the container 2 near the bottom, i. H. near the vibrating plate 5. The drain 16, on the other hand, is in the upper area, ie. H. in the vicinity of the edge 19 of the container 2. In this way, debris, debris or other contaminants separated by the cleaning process are removed via the outlet 16 above. An overflow 17 is preferably provided so that the ultrasound cleaning system can be flushed with fresh transmission medium 3, as indicated by the arrow 18.
Das erfindungsgemässe Verfahren sieht vor, dass ein Hohlkörper 12 auf das Ü- bertragungselement 9 übergestülpt bzw. aufgesetzt wird. Anschliessend wird die Schwingplatte 5 mittels des Ultraschallgenerators 4 in Schwingung versetzt, wo- durch das auf der Schwingplatte 5 befestigte Übertragungselement 9 in Schwingung versetzt wird. Durch die Schwingungen des Übertragungselementes 9 werden Kavitationsblasen im Innenbereich des Hohlkörpers 12 erzeugt, welche die Innenseite des Hohlkörpers 12 reinigen. Zugleich werden durch die Schwingungen der Schwingplatte 5, insbesondere im radial Süsseren Bereich Kavitationsblasen im Übertragungsmedium 3 erzeugt, welche die Aussenseite des Hohlkörpers 12 reinigen. Durch Verändern der durch den Ultraschallgenerator 4 erzeugten Schwingfrequenz kann die Leistungsintensität zwischen Schwingplatte 5 und dem Übertragungselement 9 verschoben werden, wodurch sich eine Verschiebung der Intensität der Reinigung der Aussenseite gegenüber der Innenseite des Hohlkörpers 12 ergibt. The method according to the invention provides that a hollow body 12 is slipped onto or placed on the transmission element 9. The vibrating plate 5 is then set in vibration by means of the ultrasound generator 4, where is set into vibration by the transmission element 9 fastened on the oscillating plate 5. The vibrations of the transmission element 9 generate cavitation bubbles in the interior of the hollow body 12, which clean the inside of the hollow body 12. At the same time, the vibrations of the oscillating plate 5, in particular in the radially sweeter region, generate cavitation bubbles in the transmission medium 3, which clean the outside of the hollow body 12. By changing the oscillation frequency generated by the ultrasound generator 4, the power intensity between the oscillation plate 5 and the transmission element 9 can be shifted, which results in a shift in the intensity of the cleaning of the outside relative to the inside of the hollow body 12.

Claims

Patentansprüche Claims
1. Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem für Hohlkörper, welches einen Behälter mit einem Übertragungsmedium, einen Ultraschallgenerator und eine Schwingplatte aufweist, wobei die Schwingplatte mittels des Ultraschallgenerators erregbar ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zumindest ein mit der Schwingplatte (5) verbundenes Übertragungselement (9) durch die Erregung der Schwingplatte (5) in Schwingung versetzbar ist.1. Ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies, which has a container with a transmission medium, an ultrasonic generator and a vibrating plate, the vibrating plate being excitable by means of the ultrasonic generator, characterized in that at least one transmission element (9) connected to the vibrating plate (5) is provided by the Excitation of the vibrating plate (5) can be set in vibration.
2. Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem für Hohlkörper nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Übertragungselement (9) stab- oder nadeiförmig gestaltet ist.2. Ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission element (9) is rod-shaped or needle-shaped.
3. Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem für Hohlkörper nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Übertragungselement (9) mit der Schwingplatte (5) lösbar verbunden, insbesondere aufschraubbar ist.3. Ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmission element (9) with the oscillating plate (5) is detachably connected, in particular screwable.
4. Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem für Hohlkörper nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Hohlkörper (12) auf einen Schaft (11) des Übertragungselementes (9) aufsetzbar ist.4. Ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow body (12) on a shaft (11) of the transmission element (9) can be placed.
5. Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem für Hohlkörper nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Übertragungselement (9) im Bereich des Schaftes (11) zumindest eine Düse aufweist.5. Ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission element (9) in the region of the shaft (11) has at least one nozzle.
6. Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem für Hohlkörper nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Vielzahl von Übertragungselementen (9) auf der membranartigen Schwingplatte (5) angeordnet ist.6. Ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of transmission elements (9) on the membrane-like vibrating plate (5) is arranged.
7. Ultraschall-Reinigungssystem für Hohlkörper nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälter (2) im bodenna- hen Bereich einen Zulauf (15) und im oberen, randnahen Bereich einen Ablauf (16) aufweist.7. Ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (2) in the ground- hen area has an inlet (15) and an outlet (16) in the upper area near the edge.
8. Verfahren zur Reinigung von Hohlkörpern mittels eines Ultraschall- Reinigungssystems, welches einen Behälter mit einem Übertragungsmedium, einen Ultraschallgenerator und eine Schwingplatte aufweist, wobei die Schwingplatte mittels des Ultraschallgenerators mit einer vordefinierten Schwingfrequenz erregt wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Hohlkörper (12) auf ein mit der Schwingplatte (5) verbundenes Übertragungselement (9) übergestülpt wird und das Übertragungselement (9) durch die Erregung der Schwingplatte (5) in Schwingung versetzt wird.8. A method for cleaning hollow bodies by means of an ultrasonic cleaning system which has a container with a transmission medium, an ultrasonic generator and a vibrating plate, the vibrating plate being excited by means of the ultrasonic generator with a predefined oscillating frequency, characterized in that a hollow body (12) a transmission element (9) connected to the oscillating plate (5) is slipped over and the transmission element (9) is set into vibration by the excitation of the oscillating plate (5).
9. Reinigungsverfahren nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Intensität der Reinigung der Aussenseite und der Innenseite des Hohlkörpers (12) durch Verschieben der Schwingfrequenz verändert wird.9. Cleaning method according to claim 8, characterized in that the intensity of cleaning the outside and the inside of the hollow body (12) is changed by shifting the oscillation frequency.
10. Reinigungsverfahren nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Hohlkörper (12) zum Behälter (2) hin fixiert wird. 10. Cleaning method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the hollow body (12) to the container (2) is fixed out.
EP05802206.2A 2005-11-24 2005-11-24 Ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies Not-in-force EP1951449B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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PCT/CH2005/000693 WO2007059632A1 (en) 2005-11-24 2005-11-24 Ultrasonic cleaning system for hollow bodies

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EP1951449A1 true EP1951449A1 (en) 2008-08-06
EP1951449B1 EP1951449B1 (en) 2015-10-21

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