EP2047012A1 - Device for the surface treatment of a workpiece - Google Patents

Device for the surface treatment of a workpiece

Info

Publication number
EP2047012A1
EP2047012A1 EP07725415A EP07725415A EP2047012A1 EP 2047012 A1 EP2047012 A1 EP 2047012A1 EP 07725415 A EP07725415 A EP 07725415A EP 07725415 A EP07725415 A EP 07725415A EP 2047012 A1 EP2047012 A1 EP 2047012A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
workpiece
surface treatment
space
jacket
section
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
EP07725415A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2047012B1 (en
Inventor
Gerhard Gramm
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.)
Gramm Technik GmbH
Original Assignee
Gramm Technik GmbH
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 Gramm Technik GmbH filed Critical Gramm Technik GmbH
Publication of EP2047012A1 publication Critical patent/EP2047012A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2047012B1 publication Critical patent/EP2047012B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D7/00—Electroplating characterised by the article coated
    • C25D7/04—Tubes; Rings; Hollow bodies
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D17/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells for electrolytic coating
    • C25D17/10—Electrodes, e.g. composition, counter electrode
    • C25D17/12—Shape or form
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D5/00—Electroplating characterised by the process; Pretreatment or after-treatment of workpieces
    • C25D5/08—Electroplating with moving electrolyte e.g. jet electroplating

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for surface treatment of a workpiece, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a metallic coating is applied to a surface of a workpiece by means of a chemical or electrochemical reaction.
  • the metallic coating is used to refine the surface of the workpiece, for example with regard to hardness, electrical conductivity, corrosion protection, catalytic properties, optical properties.
  • the workpiece In electrochemical plating, the workpiece is placed in an electrolytic bath in which a consumable electrode consisting of the material required for the coating is immersed. By applying a DC voltage tion between the workpiece and the consumable electrode, the latter is removed and the coating is built up on the workpiece. The electric current dissolves metal ions from the consumable electrode and stores them by reduction on the workpiece. Thus, the object to be refined is uniformly coated on all sides. The longer the workpiece is in the bath, the thicker the coating becomes.
  • the process of chemical electroplating basically proceeds identically, but uses the potential difference between the workpiece and the coating material typically dissolved in the bath, which is predetermined by the electronegativity of the chemical elements.
  • the workpiece is subjected to a multitude of other preparatory and after-treatment surface treatments.
  • the workpiece must be cleaned before coating, since the quality of the surface that can be produced by electroplating very much depends on the quality of the surface of the workpiece to be coated.
  • the cleaning is done by degreasing and rinsing the surface of the still uncoated workpiece.
  • the material of a workpiece to be coated by electroplating is all electrically conductive materials. Non-conductive materials must first be coated with a conductive layer, for example of a silver conductive ink. This process is also known as activation. After coating, the coated surface must first be cleaned of still adhering electrolyte, and then dried.
  • galvanic systems consist of a very long series of tanks, in which the various surface treatments or process steps take place successively.
  • the tanks are each equipped with a surface treatment required filled liquid.
  • a workpiece must be transported from one tub to the other for each process step.
  • the process results are not always satisfactory because the quality of the coating, for example, suffers from local heating during the application of the coating. Likewise, it can not be ensured with the known devices that the coating has a uniform thickness.
  • the surface treatment is a galvanic metal deposition.
  • the device comprises a container which is formed by a jacket which encloses a region which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and is traversed by an electrolyte.
  • the workpiece is guided by inlet and outlet nozzles delimiting the container on both sides and can be moved through the container in a continuous process.
  • the workpiece and container are not in direct contact, so that the inner dimensions of the container in the cross-sectional direction are slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the workpiece. In such a device, the workpiece must be transported adversely for each surface treatment required to produce a coating.
  • US 5,277,785 discloses an apparatus for surface treatment of a metallic workpiece by electroplating.
  • the device has a jacket which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and accommodates a part of the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment and which can be filled with an electrolyte required as a medium for surface treatment.
  • the jacket consists of a plastic tube with lead anode arranged therein, as well as a felt filament arranged inside the anode. rial.
  • the jacket is spaced apart from the workpiece by a gap, ie it has internal dimensions which are uniformly slightly larger in the cross-sectional direction than the external dimensions of the cross section of the workpiece.
  • a brush material is arranged, which holds the guided through a supply line into the gap electrolyte between the workpiece and the anode.
  • the workpiece may rotate about its longitudinal axis during surface treatment in the device.
  • Fresh electrolyte can be continuously fed to the gap and spent again be discharged. Again, the workpiece must be transported unfavorably for each surface treatment required to produce a coating.
  • JP 60056087 A discloses a device for surface treatment of a workpiece.
  • the device has a jacket which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and receives the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment and which can be filled with an electrolyte.
  • the inside dimensions of the space are slightly larger in the cross-sectional direction than the outside dimensions of the workpiece.
  • the mantle consists of two semi-cylindrical inner surfaces which simultaneously serve as electrodes.
  • the workpiece forms the counter electrode. Two holders seal the room from the environment. At the same time you hold the workpiece in the room.
  • the electrolyte in the room is continuously exchanged. This has the disadvantage that the workpiece has to be transported further for each individual surface treatment required to produce a coating.
  • JP 60033383 A discloses a device for surface treatment of a workpiece.
  • the device has a jacket which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and accommodates the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment and which can be filled with an electrolyte.
  • the internal dimensions of the room are small in the cross-sectional direction. gradually larger than the outer dimensions of the workpiece.
  • the jacket consists of a non-conductive cylinder and a pair of frontally projecting into the cylinder holders, which also serve as electrodes. The holders close the room. At the same time you hold the workpiece in the room.
  • the electrolyte in the room is continuously exchanged.
  • the disadvantage is that here too the workpiece has to be transported further for each individual surface treatment required to produce a coating.
  • JP 57143488 A discloses a device for surface treatment of a workpiece.
  • the device has a jacket which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and receives the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment and which can be filled with an electrolyte.
  • the inside dimensions of the space are slightly larger in the cross-sectional direction than the outside dimensions of the workpiece.
  • the jacket consists of a hollow cylindrical anode and an end piece.
  • the workpiece forms the cathode.
  • Two holders seal the room from the environment. At the same time you hold the workpiece in the room.
  • the electrolyte is continuously exchanged in the room.
  • the device has a jacket which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and receives the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment and which can be filled with an electrolyte.
  • the internal dimensions of the space are slightly larger in the cross-sectional direction than the outer dimensions of the workpiece.
  • the jacket consists of a hollow cylindrical anode.
  • the workpiece contacted via a holder serving as a cathode forms the cathode.
  • Two holders seal the room from the environment. At the same time you hold the workpiece in the room.
  • the electrolyte is continuously exchanged in the room. Even with the two latter devices, the workpiece must be transported disadvantageously for each surface treatment required to produce a coating.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a device for surface treatment of a workpiece.
  • a device for the surface treatment of a workpiece in particular electroplating, cleaning and the like, accordingly comprises a jacket which accommodates at least a part of the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment and which has a medium required for a surface treatment, for example a galvanizing agent, detergent or the like fillable space wrapped.
  • the inner dimensions of the shell are equally greater in all directions, preferably 0.001 to 10 mm larger than the outer dimensions of the corresponding cross-section of the workpiece.
  • the invention in the space which can be filled by the jacket and filled with a medium which is required for the surface treatment, at least during a first surface treatment of the workpiece, there is negative pressure relative to the environment, whereby escape of the normally harmful and especially during application of a coating used media and of resulting vapors and the like from the room into the environment during the surface treatment is prevented.
  • the generation of negative pressure in the room can be done, for example, most simply by the fact that liquid media by means of a vacuum source, such as a self-priming pump are sucked through the device according to the invention. This creates a negative pressure in the room.
  • a second surface treatment preferably by introducing superheated steam into the space for cleaning the workpiece, there is overpressure to the environment, thereby ensuring highly efficient, simultaneous drying and rinsing of the surface to be treated with minimal water consumption is.
  • higher temperatures can be applied for cleaning with superheated steam, with any escape of the superheated steam from the space that occurs possibly having no harmful influence on the environment.
  • the introduction of the superheated steam is preferably carried out via a separate supply and removal.
  • the use of superheated steam for cleaning has the advantage over the liquids conventionally used that subsequent drying of the workpiece takes place automatically by the heat energy stored in the material and removed from the superheated steam. This represents a considerable simplification of the gelation process.
  • the distance between the workpiece and the jacket is substantially the same at all points. Due to the uniform spacing, a uniform thickness of the coating during galvanizing is ensured in the device according to the invention. Due to the complementary shape and thus uniformly small distance between the shell and the workpiece, an acceleration of the coating process is also achieved.
  • the workpiece to be coated is, for example, a pipe, a cylindrical piston with an end-side recess, or an otherwise shaped workpiece having a cavity accessible through an opening
  • an external and internal coating of the workpiece can be carried out simultaneously. be led, provided that the device covers the opening to the cavity, or enclosing the entire workpiece.
  • An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the sheath enclosing the at least one cross-section of the workpiece enveloping envelope encloses only a portion of the workpiece in the direction of a perpendicular to the cross-section longitudinal axis of the workpiece, as well as means for sealing between shell and workpiece remaining Columns to the environment features.
  • This particular embodiment of the device according to the invention makes it possible to specifically subject individual areas to a surface treatment, for example sections along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece. It is also conceivable to repair or repair individual points or areas of a workpiece previously subjected to a surface treatment by means of the device according to the invention.
  • such a device according to the invention comprises means for displacing the jacket which encloses the space complementary to at least one cross section of the workpiece in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the workpiece.
  • the coat points here Preferably, substantially in the form of a top and bottom open, one to a suitable cross section of the workpiece complementary cross-section having ring.
  • a suitable cross-section is to be regarded as such a cross-section which, apart from, for example, section-wise tapers, recesses and the like, is preferably substantially constant along an axis of the workpiece.
  • the ring has peripheral edges, lips or the like projecting inwards in the direction of a workpiece to be wrapped.
  • the space enclosed by the jacket is complementary to the entire outer shape of the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment, wherein the inner dimensions of the jacket are equally small in all directions, preferably by 0.001 to 10 mm, as the outer dimensions of the workpiece.
  • the shell forms a closed example at its bottom and open at its top, with a surface treatment required medium, for example, with galvanizing agents, cleaning agents and the like fillable and closable against the environment container into which the workpiece, for example, from above can be introduced.
  • the container is preferably hermetically sealed during the surface treatment of the workpiece.
  • An additional advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that for electroplating the workpiece, the jacket is electrically contactable as an electrode.
  • the jacket is for this purpose preferably made of an electrochemically stable, electrically conductive material.
  • the device comprises means for supplying and discharging different media into the room while different rather surface treatments.
  • Suitable means include, for example, a preferably automatically actuated distributor slide.
  • the media used for different surface treatments are added and removed separately from each other.
  • the separate supply and discharge can be carried out in sections by 5 common supply and discharge lines in and out of the space enclosed by the jacket. It is also conceivable to provide for the different media each have their own supply and discharge lines in and out of the room. This ensures that the device works wastewater-free and as a closed system.
  • the device equipped with means for supplying and removing different media into the room during different surface treatments can be automated.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention in cross section
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a device comprising several devices according to the invention for performing surface treatments of workpieces
  • FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of a jacket of the device from FIG. 1 which covers a tubular workpiece to be coated and is designed as a metal tube.
  • a device 20 for the surface treatment of a workpiece 1 shown in FIG. 1 essentially comprises a jacket, which is designed, for example, as a metal tube 2.
  • the metal tube 2 encloses a space 17 which is complementary to at least one cross-section of the workpiece 1 and accommodates at least a portion of the workpiece 1 to be subjected to a surface treatment.
  • the internal dimensions of the metal tube 2 are equally preferably 0.001 in all directions to 10 mm larger than the outer dimensions of the corresponding cross section of the workpiece 1.
  • a core of the device 20 according to the invention is the electrode 9 designed as an anode or cathode. It comprises the metal tube 2 forming the jacket, which is electrochemically resistant.
  • a non-metallic guide sleeve 4 is inserted, which is used for centering the workpiece 1 and the lower limit of that portion of the workpiece 1 is used, on which a coating is to be applied.
  • An upper boundary is formed by the upper edge of the metal tube 2 serving as the electrode 9.
  • a baffle plate 13 which distributes, for example, the superheated steam used for rinsing after the coating from the input 10 into the gap 3 between the electrode 9 and the workpiece 1.
  • Above the seal 8 is arranged. The seal can be actuated by compressed air and closes the space 17 of the device according to the invention with respect to the environment.
  • the seal 8 is placed in its structural arrangement so that it lies outside the sphere of influence of the aggressive media used.
  • the electrode 9 is clamped between plates 15, 16. Circumferential seals 14 ensure sealing of the space 17 from the environment.
  • the liquid 3 is supplied to the gap 3 between the electrode 9 and the workpiece 1 via the input 5.
  • the respective medium is distributed from the inlet 5 in the gap 3 remaining from the space 17 with the workpiece 1 located therein at a very high flow speed from below up.
  • the medium used in each case flows with the space 17 or the gap 3 connected via a connecting channel 7 into an annular channel 11 and is sucked off via an outlet 6.
  • the device 20 according to the invention is applicable in connection with cylindrical workpieces.
  • the device 20 according to the invention allows automatic high-speed coating of cylindrical surfaces or workpieces.
  • the term automatic coating refers to the fact that the workpiece 1 after its mechanical production, ie the production of its outer Form by milling, turning, grinding, honing, polishing or the like, is inserted manually or by means of an auxiliary device in a device 20 according to the invention.
  • an automated process takes place, in which first the workpiece 1 is clamped by the clamping of a seal 8 and the metal tube 2 enveloped, the workpiece 1 at least partially receiving, located in the device 20 space 17 is sealed against the environment. Then, the workpiece 1 is electrically contacted. Subsequently, the surface treatments by degreasing, rinsing, activating, and then the surface treatment of the coating itself are carried out by plating-preparing surface treatments. For this purpose, a medium required for the respective process step is supplied to the space 17 in each case. Liquid media required for this purpose flow via a connection 5 into the space 17, are distributed over the gap 17 remaining from the workpiece 1 in a ring channel 11 serving as a return space, and flow off again via a line 12 serving as outlet 6.
  • the liquid media are sucked off at the line 12 serving as outlet 6.
  • the line 12 serving as outlet 6 there is negative pressure in the entire device 20 with respect to the environment.
  • none of the liquid media can splash out at a leak.
  • gap 3 between anode and cathode, ie between electrode 9 and workpiece 1 very high flow velocities of the liquid media used are achieved, through which the gas bubbles produced during the entire electrolysis process are already entrained during their formation.
  • the gas discharges can be separated in a separate, separate from the space 17 gas separator.
  • the workpiece 1 is rinsed by introducing superheated superheated steam through the inlet 10 into the space 3 of adhering electrolyte and dried.
  • the workpiece can then be coated, cleaned and removed from the device 20.
  • the electrical contact is released and the seal 8 is opened.
  • the coated workpiece 1 can be removed from the device 20 manually or by means of an auxiliary device.
  • An installation AV shown in FIG. 2 and comprising a plurality of apparatuses according to the invention designated here as cells A, B, C comprises a distribution system which has a plurality of tanks I 1 II, III, IV, V for storage for the individual Process steps, ie surface treatments, required media contains.
  • the distributor system comprises a preferably automatically actuated distributor slide V1, which assigns the required medium to the respectively running process step.
  • the respective medium is drawn in through the individual cells A, B, C via an intake line AS and via a second distributor rail. via V2, after passing through the space under negative pressure relative to the environment, back into the corresponding tank I, II, IM, IV 1 V.
  • the system AV according to the invention preferably comprises one or more current sources for the individual cells A, B, C with which an exact dimensional accuracy and quality of the thickness of the coating is achieved.
  • the workpieces subjected to a surface treatment in cells A, B, C can be removed in a coated, rinsed and dried state.
  • the device according to the invention can be integrated into a production line and can be fully automated.
  • the device according to the invention comprises or is part of a system which is tightly sealed with all the media required for all process steps occurring during electroplating, such as, for example, pickle, electrolyte, rinsing water, superheated steam, and is supplied with power.
  • a very high current efficiency and thus a high deposition rate combined with a short process time is achieved in the coating step.
  • the workpiece 1 to be coated by means of a device 20, as shown in FIG. 3, is a tube 22, a cylindrical piston with an end-side recess or an otherwise shaped workpiece with a cavity 19 accessible through at least one opening 18,
  • an outer and inner coating of the workpiece 1 can be carried out by the executed here as a metal tube 2 jacket of the device 20, the opening 18 to the cavity 19 out, or covers the entire workpiece 1.
  • the workpiece leaves the device according to the invention cleaned and dried.
  • a higher surface quality can be achieved than in the prior art.
  • the condensate which optionally drips off after cleaning with superheated steam, can be collected in a disposal tank or returned to the process as needed.
  • overpressure relative to the environment prevails in the space enclosed by the jacket, at least during final cleaning.
  • the device according to the invention can also be embodied such that the space receiving the workpiece is formed by a ring which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and which is drawn over a cross-section of the workpiece.
  • the ring is open on both sides. Sealing lips or otherwise adjustable seals close off the annular gaps on both sides between the ring and the workpiece.
  • the ring can be displaced with respect to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece, for example by means of a motor, so as to coat in sections the entire surface of the workpiece, or only parts of the surface.
  • the invention is particularly applicable in the field of surface treatment of workpieces, such as in electroplating, as well as in the manufacture of devices and equipment for surface treatment. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electroplating Methods And Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

A device (20) for the surface treatment of a workpiece (1), in particular electroplating, cleaning and the like, is described, which device comprises a space (3, 17) which is complementary to at least one cross section of the workpiece (1), receives at least one part of the workpiece (1) to be subjected to a surface treatment and can be filled with a medium required for a surface treatment and has an enveloping casing (2), wherein the internal dimensions of the casing (2) are uniformly slightly greater in all directions than the external dimensions of the corresponding cross section of the workpiece (1). In the space (3, 17) which is enveloped by the casing (2) and can be filled with a medium required for the surface treatment, negative pressure in relation to the surroundings prevails at least during a first surface treatment of the workpiece (1) and positive pressure in relation to the surroundings prevails at least during a second surface treatment serving for cleaning the workpiece (1), preferably by introduction of hot steam into the space.

Description

Vorrichtung zur Oberflächenbehandlung eines Werkstücks Device for the surface treatment of a workpiece
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Oberflächenbehandlung eines Werkstücks, gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a device for surface treatment of a workpiece, according to the preamble of claim 1.
Beim Galvanisieren wird mittels einer chemischen oder elektrochemischen Reaktion eine metallische Beschichtung auf eine Oberfläche eines Werkstücks aufgebracht. Die metallische Beschichtung dient einer Veredelung der Oberfläche des Werkstücks, beispielsweise im Hinblick auf Härte, elektrische Leitfähigkeit, Korrosionsschutz, katalytische Eigenschaften, optische Eigenschaften.In electroplating, a metallic coating is applied to a surface of a workpiece by means of a chemical or electrochemical reaction. The metallic coating is used to refine the surface of the workpiece, for example with regard to hardness, electrical conductivity, corrosion protection, catalytic properties, optical properties.
Beim elektrochemischen Galvanisieren wird das Werkstück in ein elektrolytisches Bad eingebracht, in welches eine aus dem für die Beschichtung benötigten Material bestehende Verbrauchselektrode eingetaucht ist. Durch Anlegen einer Gleichspan- nung zwischen Werkstück und Verbrauchselektrode wird letztere abgetragen und die Beschichtung auf dem Werkstück aufgebaut. Der elektrische Strom löst dabei Metallionen von der Verbrauchselektrode ab und lagert sie durch Reduktion auf dem Werkstück ab. So wird der zu veredelnde Gegenstand allseitig gleichmäßig be- schichtet. Je länger sich das Werkstück im Bad befindet, umso dicker wird die Beschichtung.In electrochemical plating, the workpiece is placed in an electrolytic bath in which a consumable electrode consisting of the material required for the coating is immersed. By applying a DC voltage tion between the workpiece and the consumable electrode, the latter is removed and the coating is built up on the workpiece. The electric current dissolves metal ions from the consumable electrode and stores them by reduction on the workpiece. Thus, the object to be refined is uniformly coated on all sides. The longer the workpiece is in the bath, the thicker the coating becomes.
Der Vorgang des chemischen Galvanisierens läuft grundsätzlich identisch ab, nutzt jedoch die durch die Elektronegativität der chemischen Elemente vorgegebene Po- tentialdifferenz zwischen Werkstück und typischerweise im Bad gelöstem Beschich- tungsmaterial.The process of chemical electroplating basically proceeds identically, but uses the potential difference between the workpiece and the coating material typically dissolved in the bath, which is predetermined by the electronegativity of the chemical elements.
Beim Galvanisieren wird das Werkstück neben dem eigentlichen Beschichten noch einer Vielzahl anderer, vorbereitender und nachbehandelnder Oberflächenbehand- lungen unterzogen. So muss beispielsweise das Werkstück vor dem Beschichten gereinigt werden, da die Qualität der durch das Galvanisieren erzeugbaren Oberfläche sehr stark von der Qualität der Oberfläche des zu beschichtenden Werkstücks abhängt. Das Reinigen erfolgt durch Entfetten und Spülen der Oberfläche des noch unbeschichteten Werkstücks. Als Werkstoff eines durch Galvanisieren zu beschich- tenden Werkstücks eignen sich alle elektrisch leitenden Werkstoffe. Nicht leitende Werkstoffe müssen vorher mit einer leitenden Schicht, beispielsweise aus einem Silber-Leitlack, überzogen werden. Dieser Vorgang wird auch als Aktivieren bezeichnet. Nach dem Beschichten muss die beschichtete Oberfläche zunächst von noch anhaftendem Elektrolyt gereinigt, und anschließend getrocknet werden.During electroplating, in addition to the actual coating, the workpiece is subjected to a multitude of other preparatory and after-treatment surface treatments. Thus, for example, the workpiece must be cleaned before coating, since the quality of the surface that can be produced by electroplating very much depends on the quality of the surface of the workpiece to be coated. The cleaning is done by degreasing and rinsing the surface of the still uncoated workpiece. The material of a workpiece to be coated by electroplating is all electrically conductive materials. Non-conductive materials must first be coated with a conductive layer, for example of a silver conductive ink. This process is also known as activation. After coating, the coated surface must first be cleaned of still adhering electrolyte, and then dried.
Um die erforderlichen Oberflächenbehandlungen durchführen zu können, bestehen Galvanische Anlagen aus einer sehr langen Reihe von Wannen, in denen die verschiedenen Oberflächenbehandlungen bzw. Prozessschritte nacheinander erfolgen. Die Wannen sind jeweils mit einer für die jeweilige Oberflächenbehandlung benötig- ten Flüssigkeit gefüllt. Insbesondere bei Werkstücken mit sehr großen Abmessungen bedeutet dies einen hohen Verbrauch dieser überwiegend aggressiven und gesundheitsschädlichen Flüssigkeiten. Darüber hinaus muss ein Werkstück für jeden Prozessschritt von einer Wanne in die andere transportiert werden. Zudem sind die Pro- zessergebnisse nicht immer zufrieden stellend, da die Qualität der Beschichtung beispielsweise unter lokalen Erwärmungen während des Aufbringens der Beschichtung leidet. Ebenso kann mit den bekannten Vorrichtungen nicht sichergestellt werden, dass die Beschichtung eine gleichmäßige Dicke aufweist.In order to be able to carry out the required surface treatments, galvanic systems consist of a very long series of tanks, in which the various surface treatments or process steps take place successively. The tanks are each equipped with a surface treatment required filled liquid. Especially for workpieces with very large dimensions, this means a high consumption of these predominantly aggressive and harmful liquids. In addition, a workpiece must be transported from one tub to the other for each process step. In addition, the process results are not always satisfactory because the quality of the coating, for example, suffers from local heating during the application of the coating. Likewise, it can not be ensured with the known devices that the coating has a uniform thickness.
Durch die DE 103 47 991 A1 ist eine Vorrichtung zur Oberflächenbehandlung eines Werkstücks bekannt. Bei der Oberflächenbehandlung handelt es sich um eine galvanische Metallabscheidung. Die Vorrichtung umfasst einen Behälter, der durch einen einen zu einem Querschnitt des Werkstücks komplementären, von einem Elektrolyten durchströmten Raum umhüllenden Mantel gebildet wird. Das Werkstück wird mit- tels beidseitg den Behälter begrenzende Ein- und Auslaufdüsen geführt und kann in einem kontinuierlichen Prozess durch den Behälter hindurchbewegt werden. Im Inneren des Behälters stehen Werkstück und Behälter nicht in unmittelbarem Kontakt, so dass die Innenabmessungen des Behälters in Querschnittsrichtung geringfügig größer sind, als die Außenabmessungen des Werkstücks. Bei einer solchen Vorrichtung muss das Werkstück für jede einzelne zur Erzeugung einer Beschichtung benötigte Oberflächenbehandlung nachteilig weitertransportiert werden.From DE 103 47 991 A1 a device for the surface treatment of a workpiece is known. The surface treatment is a galvanic metal deposition. The device comprises a container which is formed by a jacket which encloses a region which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and is traversed by an electrolyte. The workpiece is guided by inlet and outlet nozzles delimiting the container on both sides and can be moved through the container in a continuous process. Inside the container, the workpiece and container are not in direct contact, so that the inner dimensions of the container in the cross-sectional direction are slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the workpiece. In such a device, the workpiece must be transported adversely for each surface treatment required to produce a coating.
Durch die US 5,277,785 ist eine Vorrichtung zur Oberflächenbehandlung eines metallischen Werkstücks durch Galvanisieren bekannt. Die Vorrichtung weist einen ei- nen zu einem Querschnitt des Werkstücks komplementären, einen Teil des einer Oberflächenbehandlung zu unterziehenden Werkstücks aufnehmenden und mit einem als Medium zur Oberflächenbehandlung benötigten Elektrolyten befüllbaren Raum umhüllenden Mantel auf. Der Mantel besteht aus einem Plastikrohr mit darin angeordneter Blei-Anode, sowie einem innerhalb der Anode angeordneten Filzmate- rial. Der Mantel ist dabei um einen Spalt gegenüber dem Werkstück beabstandet, weist also Innenabmessungen auf, die in Querschnittsrichtung gleichmäßig geringfügig größer sind, als die Außenabmessungen des Querschnitts des Werkstücks. Im Spalt ist ein Bürstenmaterial angeordnet, welches den durch eine Zufuhrleitung in den Spalt geleiteten Elektrolyten zwischen Werkstück und Anode hält. Das Werkstück kann während der Oberflächenbehandlung in der Vorrichtung um seine Längsachse rotieren. Frisches Elektrolyt kann kontinuierlich dem Spalt zugeführt und verbrauchtes wieder abgeführt werden. Auch hier muss das Werkstück unvorteilhafterweise für jede einzelne zur Erzeugung einer Beschichtung benötigte Oberflächenbe- handlung weitertransportiert werden.US 5,277,785 discloses an apparatus for surface treatment of a metallic workpiece by electroplating. The device has a jacket which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and accommodates a part of the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment and which can be filled with an electrolyte required as a medium for surface treatment. The jacket consists of a plastic tube with lead anode arranged therein, as well as a felt filament arranged inside the anode. rial. In this case, the jacket is spaced apart from the workpiece by a gap, ie it has internal dimensions which are uniformly slightly larger in the cross-sectional direction than the external dimensions of the cross section of the workpiece. In the gap, a brush material is arranged, which holds the guided through a supply line into the gap electrolyte between the workpiece and the anode. The workpiece may rotate about its longitudinal axis during surface treatment in the device. Fresh electrolyte can be continuously fed to the gap and spent again be discharged. Again, the workpiece must be transported unfavorably for each surface treatment required to produce a coating.
Durch die JP 60056087 A ist eine Vorrichtung zur Oberflächenbehandlung eines Werkstücks bekannt. Die Vorrichtung weist einen einen zu einem Querschnitt des Werkstücks komplementären, des einer Oberflächenbehandlung zu unterziehende Werkstück aufnehmenden und mit einem Elektrolyten befüllbaren Raum umhüllenden Mantel auf. Die Innenabmessungen des Raums sind in Querschnittsrichtung geringfügig größer, als die Außenabmessungen des Werkstücks. Der Mantel besteht aus zwei halbzylindrischen Innenflächen, die gleichzeitig als Elektroden dienen. Das Werkstück bildet die Gegenelektrode. Zwei Halter dichten den Raum gegenüber der Umgebung ab. Gleichzeitig halten Sie das Werkstück im Raum. Während einer O- berflächenbehandlung wird kontinuierlich das Elektrolyt im Raum ausgetauscht. Nachteilig hieran ist, dass das Werkstück für jede einzelne zur Erzeugung einer Beschichtung benötigte Oberflächenbehandlung weitertransportiert werden muss.JP 60056087 A discloses a device for surface treatment of a workpiece. The device has a jacket which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and receives the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment and which can be filled with an electrolyte. The inside dimensions of the space are slightly larger in the cross-sectional direction than the outside dimensions of the workpiece. The mantle consists of two semi-cylindrical inner surfaces which simultaneously serve as electrodes. The workpiece forms the counter electrode. Two holders seal the room from the environment. At the same time you hold the workpiece in the room. During a surface treatment, the electrolyte in the room is continuously exchanged. This has the disadvantage that the workpiece has to be transported further for each individual surface treatment required to produce a coating.
Durch JP 60033383 A ist eine Vorrichtung zur Oberflächenbehandlung eines Werkstücks bekannt. Die Vorrichtung weist einen einen zu einem Querschnitt des Werkstücks komplementären, das einer Oberflächenbehandlung zu unterziehende Werkstück aufnehmenden und mit einem Elektrolyten befüllbaren Raum umhüllenden Mantel auf. Die Innenabmessungen des Raums sind in Querschnittsrichtung gering- fügig größer, als die Außenabmessungen des Werkstücks. Der Mantel besteht aus einem nicht leitenden Zylinder und einem Paar stirnseitig in den Zylinder ragenden Haltern, die gleichzeitig als Elektroden dienen. Die Halter schließen den Raum ab. Gleichzeitig halten Sie das Werkstück im Raum. Während der Oberflächenbehand- lung wird das Elektrolyt im Raum kontinuierlich ausgetauscht. Nachteilig ist, dass auch hier das Werkstück für jede einzelne zur Erzeugung einer Beschichtung benötigte Oberflächenbehandlung weitertransportiert werden muss.JP 60033383 A discloses a device for surface treatment of a workpiece. The device has a jacket which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and accommodates the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment and which can be filled with an electrolyte. The internal dimensions of the room are small in the cross-sectional direction. gradually larger than the outer dimensions of the workpiece. The jacket consists of a non-conductive cylinder and a pair of frontally projecting into the cylinder holders, which also serve as electrodes. The holders close the room. At the same time you hold the workpiece in the room. During the surface treatment, the electrolyte in the room is continuously exchanged. The disadvantage is that here too the workpiece has to be transported further for each individual surface treatment required to produce a coating.
Durch die JP 57143488 A ist eine Vorrichtung zur Oberflächenbehandlung eines Werkstücks bekannt. Die Vorrichtung weist einen einen zu einem Querschnitt des Werkstücks komplementären, des einer Oberflächenbehandlung zu unterziehende Werkstück aufnehmenden und mit einem Elektrolyten befüllbaren Raum umhüllenden Mantel auf. Die Innenabmessungen des Raums sind in Querschnittsrichtung geringfügig größer, als die Außenabmessungen des Werkstücks. Der Mantel besteht aus einer hohlzylindrischen Anode und einem Endstück. Das Werkstück bildet die Kathode. Zwei Halter dichten den Raum gegenüber der Umgebung ab. Gleichzeitig halten Sie das Werkstück im Raum. Während der Oberflächenbehandlung wird das Elektrolyt im Raum kontinuierlich ausgetauscht.JP 57143488 A discloses a device for surface treatment of a workpiece. The device has a jacket which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and receives the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment and which can be filled with an electrolyte. The inside dimensions of the space are slightly larger in the cross-sectional direction than the outside dimensions of the workpiece. The jacket consists of a hollow cylindrical anode and an end piece. The workpiece forms the cathode. Two holders seal the room from the environment. At the same time you hold the workpiece in the room. During the surface treatment, the electrolyte is continuously exchanged in the room.
Durch die JP 57143487 A ist eine Vorrichtung zur Oberflächenbehandlung eines Werkstücks bekannt. Die Vorrichtung weist einen einen zu einem Querschnitt des Werkstücks komplementären, des einer Oberflächenbehandlung zu unterziehende Werkstück aufnehmenden und mit einem Elektrolyten befüllbaren Raum umhüllenden Mantel auf. Die Innenabmessungen des Raums sind in Querschnittsrichtung ge- ringfügig größer, als die Außenabmessungen des Werkstücks. Der Mantel besteht aus einer hohlzylindrischen Anode. Das über einen als Kathode dienenden Halter kontaktierte Werkstück bildet die Kathode. Zwei Halter dichten den Raum gegenüber der Umgebung ab. Gleichzeitig halten Sie das Werkstück im Raum. Während der Oberflächenbehandlung wird das Elektrolyt im Raum kontinuierlich ausgetauscht. Auch bei den beiden letzt genannten Vorrichtungen muss das Werkstück nachteilig für jede einzelne zur Erzeugung einer Beschichtung benötigte Oberflächenbehandlung weitertransportiert werden. Außerdem ist bei allen bekannten Vorrichtungen nicht sichergestellt, dass die insbesondere beim Galvanisieren verwendeten, gesundheitsschädlichen Elektrolyten nicht in die Umgebung entweichen.From JP 57143487 A an apparatus for the surface treatment of a workpiece is known. The device has a jacket which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and receives the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment and which can be filled with an electrolyte. The internal dimensions of the space are slightly larger in the cross-sectional direction than the outer dimensions of the workpiece. The jacket consists of a hollow cylindrical anode. The workpiece contacted via a holder serving as a cathode forms the cathode. Two holders seal the room from the environment. At the same time you hold the workpiece in the room. During the surface treatment, the electrolyte is continuously exchanged in the room. Even with the two latter devices, the workpiece must be transported disadvantageously for each surface treatment required to produce a coating. In addition, it is not ensured in all known devices that the harmful electrolytes used in particular during galvanization do not escape into the environment.
Eine Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, eine Vorrichtung zur Oberflächenbehandlung eines Werkstücks zu schaffen.An object of the invention is to provide a device for surface treatment of a workpiece.
Die Aufgabe wird gelöst durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1.The object is solved by the features of claim 1.
Eine Vorrichtung zur Oberflächenbehandlung eines Werkstücks, wie insbesondere Galvanisieren, Reinigen und dergleichen, umfasst demnach einen Mantel, der einen zu mindestens einem Querschnitt des Werkstücks komplementären, mindestens einen Teil des einer Oberflächenbehandlung zu unterziehenden Werkstücks aufnehmenden und mit einem zu einer Oberflächenbehandlung benötigten Medium, beispielsweise einem Galvanisierungsmittel, Reinigungsmittel oder dergleichen befüllba- ren Raum umhüllt. Die Innenabmessungen des Mantels sind in allen Richtungen gleichermaßen, vorzugsweise um 0,001 bis 10 mm größer, als die Außenabmessungen des entsprechenden Querschnitts des Werkstücks. Erfindungsgemäß herrscht in dem vom Mantel umhüllten, mit einem zur Oberflächenbehandlung benötigten Medium befüllbaren Raum mindestens während einer ersten Oberflächenbehandlung des Werkstücks Unterdruck gegenüber der Umgebung, wodurch ein Entweichen der übli- cherweise gesundheitsschädlichen und vor allem beim Aufbringen einer Beschichtung verwendeten Medien sowie von entstehenden Dämpfen und dergleichen aus dem Raum in die Umgebung während der Oberflächenbehandlung verhindert wird. Die Erzeugung von Unterdruck im Raum kann beispielsweise am einfachsten dadurch erfolgen, dass flüssige Medien mittels einer Unterdruckquelle, wie etwa einer selbstansaugenden Pumpe durch die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung gesaugt werden. Hierdurch entsteht ein Unterdruck in dem Raum. Darüber hinaus herrscht in den vom Mantel umhüllten Raum erfindungsgemäß zumindest während einer vorzugsweise durch Einleitung von Heißdampf in den Raum einer Reinigung des Werkstücks dienenden, zweiten Oberflächenbehandlung Überdruck gegenüber der Umgebung, wodurch ein hocheffizientes, gleichzeitiges Trocknen und Spülen der zu behandelnden Oberfläche bei minimalem Wasserverbrauch sichergestellt ist. Insbesondere unter Überdruck können zur Reinigung mit Heißdampf höhere Temperaturen aufgebracht werden, wobei ein gegebenenfalls auftretendes Entweichen des Heißdampfes aus dem Raum keinen gesundheitsschädlichen Einfluss auf die Umgebung hat. Die Einleitung des Heißdampfs erfolgt vorzugsweise über eine gesonderte Zu- und Abfuhr. Die Verwendung von Heißdampf zur Reinigung hat gegenüber den herkömmlich verwendeten Flüssigkeiten den Vorteil, dass ein anschließendes Trocknen des Werkstücks selbständig durch die im Werkstoff gespeicherte und dem Heißdampf entzogene Wärmeenergie erfolgt. Dies stellt eine erhebliche Vereinfachung des GaI- vanisierungsprozesses dar.A device for the surface treatment of a workpiece, in particular electroplating, cleaning and the like, accordingly comprises a jacket which accommodates at least a part of the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment and which has a medium required for a surface treatment, for example a galvanizing agent, detergent or the like fillable space wrapped. The inner dimensions of the shell are equally greater in all directions, preferably 0.001 to 10 mm larger than the outer dimensions of the corresponding cross-section of the workpiece. According to the invention, in the space which can be filled by the jacket and filled with a medium which is required for the surface treatment, at least during a first surface treatment of the workpiece, there is negative pressure relative to the environment, whereby escape of the normally harmful and especially during application of a coating used media and of resulting vapors and the like from the room into the environment during the surface treatment is prevented. The generation of negative pressure in the room can be done, for example, most simply by the fact that liquid media by means of a vacuum source, such as a self-priming pump are sucked through the device according to the invention. This creates a negative pressure in the room. Moreover, in the space enclosed by the shell, according to the invention, at least during a second surface treatment, preferably by introducing superheated steam into the space for cleaning the workpiece, there is overpressure to the environment, thereby ensuring highly efficient, simultaneous drying and rinsing of the surface to be treated with minimal water consumption is. In particular under overpressure, higher temperatures can be applied for cleaning with superheated steam, with any escape of the superheated steam from the space that occurs possibly having no harmful influence on the environment. The introduction of the superheated steam is preferably carried out via a separate supply and removal. The use of superheated steam for cleaning has the advantage over the liquids conventionally used that subsequent drying of the workpiece takes place automatically by the heat energy stored in the material and removed from the superheated steam. This represents a considerable simplification of the gelation process.
Durch die komplementäre Gestalt des Querschnitts von Mantel und Werkstück ist der Abstand zwischen Werkstück und Mantel an allen Stellen im Wesentlichen gleich. Durch den gleichmäßigen Abstand wird bei der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung eine gleichmäßige Dicke der Beschichtung beim Galvanisieren sichergestellt. Durch die komplementäre Form und den dadurch gleichmäßig geringen Abstand zwischen Mantel und Werkstück wird zudem eine Beschleunigung des Beschichtungsvorgangs erreicht.Due to the complementary shape of the cross section of the jacket and workpiece, the distance between the workpiece and the jacket is substantially the same at all points. Due to the uniform spacing, a uniform thickness of the coating during galvanizing is ensured in the device according to the invention. Due to the complementary shape and thus uniformly small distance between the shell and the workpiece, an acceleration of the coating process is also achieved.
Handelt es sich bei dem zu beschichtenden Werkstück beispielsweise um ein Rohr, einen zylinderförmigen Kolben mit einer stirnseitigen Ausnehmung, oder um ein sonst wie geformtes Werkstück mit einer durch eine Öffnung zugänglichen Kavität, so kann gleichzeitig eine Außen- und Innenbeschichtung des Werkstücks durchge- führt werden, sofern die Vorrichtung die Öffnung zur Kavität hin überdeckt, oder das gesamte Werkstück umschließt.If the workpiece to be coated is, for example, a pipe, a cylindrical piston with an end-side recess, or an otherwise shaped workpiece having a cavity accessible through an opening, an external and internal coating of the workpiece can be carried out simultaneously. be led, provided that the device covers the opening to the cavity, or enclosing the entire workpiece.
Eine vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass der den zu mindestens einem Querschnitt des Werkstücks komplementären Raum umhüllende Mantel nur einen Teil des Werkstücks in Richtung einer senkrecht zu dem Querschnitt verlaufenden Längsachse des Werkstücks umhüllt, sowie über Mittel zum Abdichten von zwischen Mantel und Werkstück verbleibenden Spalten gegenüber der Umgebung verfügt. Durch diese besondere Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ist es möglich, gezielt einzelne Bereiche einer Oberflächenbehandlung zu unterziehen, beispielsweise Abschnitte entlang der Längsachse des Werkstücks. Ebenfalls ist denkbar, mittels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung einzelne Stellen oder Bereiche eines bereits vorher einer Oberflächenbehandlung unterzogenen Werkstücks auszubessern oder zu reparieren. Dabei ist denkbar, dass die Mittel zum Abdichten von zwischen Mantel und Werkstück verbleibenden Spalten gegenüber der Umgebung am Mantel angeordnete, am Werkstück anliegende oder anlegbare, beispielsweise aus einem Elastomer oder dergleichen hergestellte Dichtlippen und/oder verstellbare Dichtungen umfassen. Vorzugsweise umfasst eine derart ausgestaltete erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung Mittel zum Verschieben des den zu mindestens einem Querschnitt des Werkstücks komplementären Raum umhüllende Mantels in Richtung der Längsachse des Werkstücks. Hierdurch ergibt sich der besondere Vorteil, dass die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung, obgleich sie in dieser besonderen Ausgestaltung nur einen Teil eines einer Oberflächenbehandlung zu unterziehenden Werkstücks aufnehmen kann, dazu verwendet werden kann, die gesamte Oberfläche des Werk- Stücks zu behandeln. Dies ist insbesondere bei sehr großen und vor allem langen Werkstücken von Vorteil, da hierdurch keine kostspieligen, übergroßen Behälter zum Galvanisieren oder Reinigen des Werkstücks mehr benötigt werden. Darüber hinaus wird so auch eine gegenüber dem Stand der Technik wesentlich kleinere Menge des zur Oberflächenbehandlung benötigten Mediums benötigt. Der Mantel weist hierbei vorzugsweise im Wesentlichen die Form eines oben und unten offenen, einen zu einem geeigneten Querschnitt des Werkstücks komplementären Querschnitt aufweisenden Rings auf. Als geeigneter Querschnitt ist dabei ein solcher Querschnitt anzusehen, der abgesehen von beispielsweise abschnittsweisen Verjüngungen, Ausneh- mungen und dergleichen, vorzugsweise entlang einer Achse des Werkstücks im Wesentlichen konstant ist. Grundsätzlich ist denkbar, dass der Ring umlaufende, nach innen in Richtung eines zu umhüllenden Werkstücks ragende Kanten, Lippen oder dergleichen aufweist.An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the sheath enclosing the at least one cross-section of the workpiece enveloping envelope encloses only a portion of the workpiece in the direction of a perpendicular to the cross-section longitudinal axis of the workpiece, as well as means for sealing between shell and workpiece remaining Columns to the environment features. This particular embodiment of the device according to the invention makes it possible to specifically subject individual areas to a surface treatment, for example sections along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece. It is also conceivable to repair or repair individual points or areas of a workpiece previously subjected to a surface treatment by means of the device according to the invention. In this case, it is conceivable that the means for sealing gaps remaining between jacket and workpiece with respect to the environment arranged on the jacket, the workpiece abutting or create, for example, made of an elastomer or the like produced sealing lips and / or adjustable seals. Preferably, such a device according to the invention comprises means for displacing the jacket which encloses the space complementary to at least one cross section of the workpiece in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the workpiece. This results in the particular advantage that the device according to the invention, although it can accommodate only a part of a workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment in this particular embodiment, can be used to treat the entire surface of the workpiece. This is particularly advantageous for very large and especially long workpieces, as this no longer requires expensive, oversized containers for electroplating or cleaning the workpiece. In addition, as compared to the prior art much smaller amount of the surface treatment required medium is needed. The coat points here Preferably, substantially in the form of a top and bottom open, one to a suitable cross section of the workpiece complementary cross-section having ring. A suitable cross-section is to be regarded as such a cross-section which, apart from, for example, section-wise tapers, recesses and the like, is preferably substantially constant along an axis of the workpiece. In principle, it is conceivable that the ring has peripheral edges, lips or the like projecting inwards in the direction of a workpiece to be wrapped.
Eine andere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass der von dem Mantel umhüllte Raum zur gesamten äußeren Form des einer Oberflächenbehandlung zu unterziehenden Werkstücks komplementär ist, wobei die Innenabmessungen des Mantels in allen Richtungen gleichermaßen geringfügig, vorzugsweise um 0,001 bis 10 mm, größer sind, als die Außenabmessungen des Werkstücks. Dabei ist denkbar, dass der Mantel einen beispielsweise an seiner Unterseite geschlossen und an seiner Oberseite offenen, mit einem zu einer Oberflächenbehandlung benötigten Medium, beispielsweise mit Galvanisierungsmitteln, Reinigungsmitteln und dergleichen befüllbaren und gegenüber der Umgebung verschließbaren Behälter bildet, in den das Werkstück beispielsweise von oben einbringbar ist. Der Behälter ist dabei vorzugsweise während der Oberflächenbehandlung des Werkstücks luftdicht verschließbar.Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the space enclosed by the jacket is complementary to the entire outer shape of the workpiece to be subjected to a surface treatment, wherein the inner dimensions of the jacket are equally small in all directions, preferably by 0.001 to 10 mm, as the outer dimensions of the workpiece. It is conceivable that the shell forms a closed example at its bottom and open at its top, with a surface treatment required medium, for example, with galvanizing agents, cleaning agents and the like fillable and closable against the environment container into which the workpiece, for example, from above can be introduced. The container is preferably hermetically sealed during the surface treatment of the workpiece.
Eine zusätzliche, vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass zum Galvanisieren des Werkstücks der Mantel als Elektrode elektrisch kontaktierbar ist. Der Mantel besteht hierzu vorzugsweise aus einem elektrochemisch beständigen, elektrisch leitenden Werkstoff.An additional advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that for electroplating the workpiece, the jacket is electrically contactable as an electrode. The jacket is for this purpose preferably made of an electrochemically stable, electrically conductive material.
Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung umfasst die Vorrichtung Mittel zur Zu- und Abfuhr unterschiedlicher Medien in den Raum während unterschiedli- eher Oberflächenbehandlungen. Geeignete Mittel umfassen beispielsweise einen vorzugsweise automatisch betätigter Verteilerschieber. Die für unterschiedliche O- berflächenbehandlungen eingesetzten Medien werden hierbei getrennt voneinander zu und abgeführt. Das getrennte Zu- und Abführen kann abschnittsweise durch ge- 5 meinsame Zu- und Abfuhrleitungen in und aus dem vom Mantel umhüllten Raum erfolgen. Ebenso ist denkbar, für die unterschiedlichen Medien jeweils eigene Zu- und Abfuhrleitungen in und aus dem Raum vorzusehen. Hierdurch wird erreicht, dass die Vorrichtung Abwasserfrei und als geschlossenes System arbeitet. Darüber hinaus ist die mit Mitteln zur Zu- und Abfuhr unterschiedlicher Medien in den Raum während - iö unterschiedlicher Oberflächenbehandlungen ausgestattete Vorrichtung automatisierbar.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises means for supplying and discharging different media into the room while different rather surface treatments. Suitable means include, for example, a preferably automatically actuated distributor slide. The media used for different surface treatments are added and removed separately from each other. The separate supply and discharge can be carried out in sections by 5 common supply and discharge lines in and out of the space enclosed by the jacket. It is also conceivable to provide for the different media each have their own supply and discharge lines in and out of the room. This ensures that the device works wastewater-free and as a closed system. In addition, the device equipped with means for supplying and removing different media into the room during different surface treatments can be automated.
Eine besonders vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung umfasst Mittel zur kontinuierlichen Durchleitung eines zur Oberflächenbehandlung benötigten Mediums durchA particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises means for the continuous passage of a medium required for the surface treatment
15 den vom Mantel umhüllten Raum während einer Oberflächenbehandlung. Durch das kontinuierliche Durchleiten eines für eine Oberflächenbehandlung benötigten Mediums durch den weitestgehend vom Werkstück eingenommenen Raum wird eine Um- strömung des Werkstücks erreicht. Dies hat folgende Vorteile: Beim Entfetten und Reinigen werden durch die hohe Strömungsgeschwindigkeit Verunreinigungen mit-15 the space covered by the mantle during a surface treatment. Through the continuous passage of a medium required for a surface treatment through the space largely occupied by the workpiece, a flow around the workpiece is achieved. This has the following advantages: During degreasing and cleaning, the high flow rate causes contamination
£0 gerissen. Die Qualität der beiden Prozessschritte wird dadurch verbessert. Beim Beschichten wird durch das strömende Medium eine gleichmäßige Wärmeverteilung an der Oberfläche des Werkstücks sichergestellt. Dadurch kommt es zu keinen lokalen Überhitzungen mehr, die die Qualität der Beschichtung beeinträchtigen könnten. Zudem werden Gasblasen, die beim Elektrolyseprozess entstehen, von der hohen£ 0 torn. The quality of the two process steps is thereby improved. During coating, a uniform heat distribution at the surface of the workpiece is ensured by the flowing medium. As a result, local overheating no longer occurs that could affect the quality of the coating. In addition, gas bubbles that arise during the electrolysis process, from the high
25 Strömungsgeschwindigkeit des Mediums mitgerissen. Darüber hinaus wird eine bessere Durchmischung des Elektrolyts sichergestellt, was eine gleichmäßige Konzentration von im Elektrolyt gelösten Substanzen zur Folge hat. Auch hierdurch wird eine gleich bleibende Qualität der Beschichtung sichergestellt. Die Erfindung wird nun anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:25 flow velocity of the medium entrained. In addition, a better mixing of the electrolyte is ensured, resulting in a uniform concentration of dissolved in the electrolyte substances result. This also ensures a consistent quality of the coating. The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments. Show it:
Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung im Querschnitt,1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention in cross section,
Fig. 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer mehrere erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtungen umfassenden Anlage zur Durchführung von Oberflächenbehandlungen von Werkstücken, sowieFig. 2 is a schematic representation of a device comprising several devices according to the invention for performing surface treatments of workpieces, and
Fig. 3 eine Detailansicht eines ein zu beschichtendes rohförmiges Werkstück umhüllenden, als Metallrohr ausgeführten Mantels der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1.3 shows a detailed view of a jacket of the device from FIG. 1 which covers a tubular workpiece to be coated and is designed as a metal tube.
Eine in Fig. 1 dargestellte erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 20 zur Oberflächenbehandlung eines Werkstücks 1 , umfasst im Wesentlichen einen beispielsweise als Metallrohr 2 ausgeführten Mantel. Das Metallrohr 2 umhüllt einen zu mindestens einem Querschnitt des Werkstücks 1 komplementären, mindestens einen Teil des einer Oberflächenbehandlung zu unterziehenden Werkstücks 1 aufnehmenden und mit einem zu einer Oberflächenbehandlung benötigten Medium befüllbaren Raum 17. Die Innenabmessungen des Metallrohrs 2 sind in allen Richtungen gleichermaßen um vorzugsweise 0,001 bis 10 mm größer, als die Außenabmessungen des entsprechenden Querschnitts des Werkstücks 1. Bei in den Raum eingebrachtem Werkstück 1 verbleibt von dem Raum 17 ein ringförmiger Spalt 3.A device 20 according to the invention for the surface treatment of a workpiece 1 shown in FIG. 1 essentially comprises a jacket, which is designed, for example, as a metal tube 2. The metal tube 2 encloses a space 17 which is complementary to at least one cross-section of the workpiece 1 and accommodates at least a portion of the workpiece 1 to be subjected to a surface treatment. The internal dimensions of the metal tube 2 are equally preferably 0.001 in all directions to 10 mm larger than the outer dimensions of the corresponding cross section of the workpiece 1. When introduced into the space workpiece 1 remains of the space 17, an annular gap. 3
Ein Kernstück der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 20 ist die als Anode oder Kathode ausgeführte Elektrode 9. Sie umfasst das den Mantel bildende Metallrohr 2, welches elektrochemisch beständig ist. In das Metallrohr 2 ist eine nichtmetallische Führungshülse 4 eingesetzt, die zur Zentrierung des Werkstücks 1 und zur unteren Be- grenzung desjenigen Bereichs des Werkstücks 1 dient, auf den eine Beschichtung aufgebracht werden soll. Eine obere Begrenzung wird durch die Oberkante des als Elektrode 9 dienenden Metallrohrs 2 gebildet. Eine elektrische Kontaktierung der E- lektrode 9 erfolgt außen am Metallrohr 2. Oberhalb der Elektrode 9 befindet sich eine Prallplatte 13, die beispielsweise den nach dem Beschichten zum Spülen verwendeten Heißdampf aus dem Eingang 10 in den Spalt 3 zwischen Elektrode 9 und Werkstück 1 verteilt. Darüber ist die Dichtung 8 angeordnet. Die Dichtung ist mit Druckluft betätigbar und verschließt den Raum 17 der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung gegenüber der Umgebung. Die Dichtung 8 ist in ihrer konstruktiven Anordnung so platziert, dass sie außerhalb des Einflussbereichs der verwendeten aggressiven Medien liegt.A core of the device 20 according to the invention is the electrode 9 designed as an anode or cathode. It comprises the metal tube 2 forming the jacket, which is electrochemically resistant. In the metal tube 2, a non-metallic guide sleeve 4 is inserted, which is used for centering the workpiece 1 and the lower limit of that portion of the workpiece 1 is used, on which a coating is to be applied. An upper boundary is formed by the upper edge of the metal tube 2 serving as the electrode 9. Above the electrode 9 is a baffle plate 13, which distributes, for example, the superheated steam used for rinsing after the coating from the input 10 into the gap 3 between the electrode 9 and the workpiece 1. Above the seal 8 is arranged. The seal can be actuated by compressed air and closes the space 17 of the device according to the invention with respect to the environment. The seal 8 is placed in its structural arrangement so that it lies outside the sphere of influence of the aggressive media used.
Die Elektrode 9 ist zwischen Platten 15, 16 eingeklemmt. Umlaufende Dichtungen 14 stellen eine Abdichtung des Raums 17 gegenüber der Umgebung sicher. Eine Versorgung des Spalts 3 zwischen Elektrode 9 und Werkstück 1 mit den flüssigen Me- dien erfolgt über den Eingang 5. Das jeweilige Medium verteilt sich vom Eingang 5 kommend im vom Raum 17 mit darin befindlichem Werkstück 1 verbleibenden Spalt 3 mit sehr hoher Strömungsgeschwindigkeit von unten nach oben. Im oberen Teil der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 20 strömt das jeweils verwendete Medium mit dem Raum 17 bzw. dem Spalt 3 über einen Verbindungskanal 7 verbundenen in einen Ringkanal 11 und wird über einen Abgang 6 abgesaugt.The electrode 9 is clamped between plates 15, 16. Circumferential seals 14 ensure sealing of the space 17 from the environment. The liquid 3 is supplied to the gap 3 between the electrode 9 and the workpiece 1 via the input 5. The respective medium is distributed from the inlet 5 in the gap 3 remaining from the space 17 with the workpiece 1 located therein at a very high flow speed from below up. In the upper part of the device 20 according to the invention, the medium used in each case flows with the space 17 or the gap 3 connected via a connecting channel 7 into an annular channel 11 and is sucked off via an outlet 6.
Besonders vorteilhaft ist die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 20 in Verbindung mit zylinderförmigen Werkstücken anwendbar.Particularly advantageously, the device 20 according to the invention is applicable in connection with cylindrical workpieces.
Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 20 erlaubt ein automatisches high-speed- Beschichten von zylindrischen Flächen oder Werkstücken.The device 20 according to the invention allows automatic high-speed coating of cylindrical surfaces or workpieces.
Der Begriff des automatischen Beschichtens bezieht sich darauf, dass das Werkstück 1 nach dessen mechanischer Fertigung, also der Herstellung seiner äußeren Form durch Fräsen, Drehen, Schleifen, Honen, Polieren oder dergleichen, manuell oder mittels einer HilfsVorrichtung in eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 20 eingesetzt wird.The term automatic coating refers to the fact that the workpiece 1 after its mechanical production, ie the production of its outer Form by milling, turning, grinding, honing, polishing or the like, is inserted manually or by means of an auxiliary device in a device 20 according to the invention.
Danach läuft ein automatisiertes Verfahren ab, bei dem zunächst das Werkstück 1 durch das Spannen einer Dichtung 8 geklemmt wird und der vom Metallrohr 2 umhüllte, das Werkstück 1 zumindest teilweise aufnehmende, in der Vorrichtung 20 befindlicher Raum 17 gegenüber der Umgebung dicht verschlossen wird. Dann wird das Werkstück 1 elektrisch kontaktiert. Anschließend werden die das Beschichten durch Galvanisieren vorbereitenden Oberflächenbehandlungen Entfetten, Spülen, Aktivieren, sowie danach die Oberflächenbehandlung des Beschichtens selbst durchgeführt. Hierzu wird jeweils ein für den jeweiligen Prozessschritt benötigtes Medium dem Raum 17 zugeführt. Hierfür benötigte flüssige Medien strömen dabei über einen Anschluss 5 in den Raum 17, verteilen sich über den vom das Werkstück 1 aufnehmenden Raum 17 verbleibenden Spalt 3 in einen als Rücklaufraum dienenden Ringkanal 11 , und fließen über eine als Abgang 6 dienende Leitung 12 wieder ab.Thereafter, an automated process takes place, in which first the workpiece 1 is clamped by the clamping of a seal 8 and the metal tube 2 enveloped, the workpiece 1 at least partially receiving, located in the device 20 space 17 is sealed against the environment. Then, the workpiece 1 is electrically contacted. Subsequently, the surface treatments by degreasing, rinsing, activating, and then the surface treatment of the coating itself are carried out by plating-preparing surface treatments. For this purpose, a medium required for the respective process step is supplied to the space 17 in each case. Liquid media required for this purpose flow via a connection 5 into the space 17, are distributed over the gap 17 remaining from the workpiece 1 in a ring channel 11 serving as a return space, and flow off again via a line 12 serving as outlet 6.
Zur besseren Gasableitung und aus Gründen der Betriebssicherheit werden die flüs- sigen Medien an der als Abgang 6 dienenden Leitung 12 abgesaugt. Dadurch herrscht in der gesamten Vorrichtung 20 Unterdruck gegenüber der Umgebung. Durch diese Maßnahme kann keines der flüssigen Medien an einer undichten Stelle herausspritzen.For better gas discharge and for reasons of operational reliability, the liquid media are sucked off at the line 12 serving as outlet 6. As a result, there is negative pressure in the entire device 20 with respect to the environment. By this measure, none of the liquid media can splash out at a leak.
Im Spalt 3 zwischen Anode und Kathode, also zwischen Elektrode 9 und Werkstück 1 , werden sehr hohe Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten der verwendeten flüssigen Medien erreicht, durch die die im gesamten Elektrolyseprozess entstehenden Gasblasen schon während ihrer Entstehung mitgerissen werden. Die Gasausscheidungen können in einem separaten, vom Raum 17 unabhängigen Gasabscheider abgeschieden werden.In gap 3 between anode and cathode, ie between electrode 9 and workpiece 1, very high flow velocities of the liquid media used are achieved, through which the gas bubbles produced during the entire electrolysis process are already entrained during their formation. The gas discharges can be separated in a separate, separate from the space 17 gas separator.
Nach dem Beschichten wird das Werkstück 1 durch Einleiten von unter Überdruck stehendem Heißdampf durch den Eingang 10 in den Raum 3 von anhaftendem E- lektrolyt gespült und getrocknet.After coating, the workpiece 1 is rinsed by introducing superheated superheated steam through the inlet 10 into the space 3 of adhering electrolyte and dried.
Das Werkstück kann der Vorrichtung 20 danach beschichtet, gereinigt und getrocknet entnommen werden. Hierzu wird die elektrische Kontaktierung gelöst und die Dichtung 8 geöffnet.The workpiece can then be coated, cleaned and removed from the device 20. For this purpose, the electrical contact is released and the seal 8 is opened.
Das beschichtete Werkstück 1 kann manuell oder mittels einer Hilfsvorrichtung aus der Vorrichtung 20 entnommen werden.The coated workpiece 1 can be removed from the device 20 manually or by means of an auxiliary device.
Grundsätzlich ist denkbar, mehrere parallel angeordnete Vorrichtungen 20 in eine Fertigungsanlage zu integrieren, um mehrere Werkstücke gleichzeitig einer Oberflächenbehandlung unterziehen zu können.In principle, it is conceivable to integrate a plurality of devices 20 arranged in parallel in a production plant in order to simultaneously be able to subject a plurality of workpieces to a surface treatment.
Eine in Fig. 2 dargestellte, mehrere hierbei als Zelle A, B, C bezeichnete erfindungs- gemäße Vorrichtungen umfassende Anlage AV verfügt über ein Verteilersystem, ü- ber dass mehrere Tanks I1 II, III, IV, V zur Lagerung der für die einzelnen Prozessschritte, also Oberflächenbehandlungen, benötigten Medien enthält. Das Verteilersystem umfasst einen vorzugsweise automatisch betätigbaren Verteilerschieber V1 , welcher dem jeweils laufenden Prozessschritt das erforderliche Medium zuordnet. Durch die Zuordnung wird das entsprechende Medium dem Raum der Zelle A, B, C zugeführt, in dem sich das zu behandelnde Werkstück, bzw. ein Teil dessen befindet.An installation AV shown in FIG. 2 and comprising a plurality of apparatuses according to the invention designated here as cells A, B, C comprises a distribution system which has a plurality of tanks I 1 II, III, IV, V for storage for the individual Process steps, ie surface treatments, required media contains. The distributor system comprises a preferably automatically actuated distributor slide V1, which assigns the required medium to the respectively running process step. By assigning the corresponding medium to the space of the cell A, B, C is supplied, in which there is the workpiece to be treated, or a part thereof.
Über eine Pumpe P wird das jeweilige Medium über eine Ansaugleitung AS durch die einzelnen Zellen A, B, C hindurch angesaugt und über einen zweiten Verteilerschie- ber V2 nach Durchströmen des dabei unter Unterdruck gegenüber der Umgebung stehenden Raums zurück in den entsprechenden Tank I, II, IM, IV1 V geführt.By means of a pump P, the respective medium is drawn in through the individual cells A, B, C via an intake line AS and via a second distributor rail. via V2, after passing through the space under negative pressure relative to the environment, back into the corresponding tank I, II, IM, IV 1 V.
Die erfindungsgemäße Anlage AV umfasst vorzugsweise eine oder mehrere Strom- quellen für die einzelnen Zellen A, B, C mit der oder denen eine exakte Maßhaltigkeit und Qualität der Dicke der Beschichtung erreicht wird.The system AV according to the invention preferably comprises one or more current sources for the individual cells A, B, C with which an exact dimensional accuracy and quality of the thickness of the coating is achieved.
Nach dem automatischen Verfahrensablauf, umfassend die Prozessschritte Entfetten, Spülen, gegebenenfalls Aktivieren, Beschichten, Spülen und Trocknen, können die in den Zellen A, B, C einer Oberflächenbehandlung unterzogenen Werkstücke in beschichtetem, gespülten und getrocknetem Zustand entnommen werden.After the automatic process, comprising the process steps of degreasing, rinsing, optionally activating, coating, rinsing and drying, the workpieces subjected to a surface treatment in cells A, B, C can be removed in a coated, rinsed and dried state.
Verglichen mit dem Stand der Technik finden alle Prozessschritte in einer einzigen Vorrichtung oder Zelle statt. Das Werkstück muss nicht mehrfach in verschiedene Behälter eingebracht und angefasst werden. Darüber hinaus ist der Umgang mit den aggressiven Medien verbessert, da sich diese erfindungsgemäß in einem geschlossenen Kreislauf befinden. Außerdem herrscht in dem Raum vorzugsweise zumindest während den Oberflächenbehandlungen, bei denen aggressive Medien benötigt werden, Unterdruck gegenüber der Umgebung. Der geschlossene Kreislauf verringert darüber hinaus die Menge der jeweils benötigten Medien. Dies ist ein erheblicher Beitrag zum Umweltschutz.Compared to the prior art, all process steps take place in a single device or cell. The workpiece does not have to be repeatedly inserted into different containers and handled. In addition, the handling of the aggressive media is improved because they are in a closed circuit according to the invention. In addition, preferably in the room, at least during the surface treatments in which aggressive media are needed, negative pressure to the environment. The closed circuit also reduces the amount of each required media. This is a significant contribution to environmental protection.
Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung kann in eine Fertigungsstraße integriert werden und ist voll automatisierbar. Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung umfasst oder ist Teil einer Anlage, die dicht verschlossen mit allen für sämtliche beim Galvanisieren auftretenden Prozessschritte benötigten Medien, wie beispielsweise Beize, Elektrolyt, Spülwasser, Heißdampf, sowie mit Strom versorgt wird. Darüber hinaus wird im Beschichtungsschritt eine sehr hohe Stromausbeute und damit eine hohe Abscheidungsgeschwindigkeit verbunden mit einer kurzen Prozesszeit erreicht.The device according to the invention can be integrated into a production line and can be fully automated. The device according to the invention comprises or is part of a system which is tightly sealed with all the media required for all process steps occurring during electroplating, such as, for example, pickle, electrolyte, rinsing water, superheated steam, and is supplied with power. In addition, a very high current efficiency and thus a high deposition rate combined with a short process time is achieved in the coating step.
Handelt es sich bei dem mittels einer Vorrichtung 20 zu beschichtenden Werkstück 1 wie in Fig. 3 dargestellt um ein Rohr 22, einen zylinderförmigen Kolben mit einer stirnseitigen Ausnehmung, oder um ein sonst wie geformtes Werkstück mit einer durch mindestens eine Öffnung 18 zugänglichen Kavität 19, so kann gleichzeitig eine Außen- und Innenbeschichtung des Werkstücks 1 durchgeführt werden, indem der hier als Metallrohr 2 ausgeführte Mantel der Vorrichtung 20 die Öffnung 18 zur Kavität 19 hin überdeckt, oder das gesamte Werkstück 1 umschließt.If the workpiece 1 to be coated by means of a device 20, as shown in FIG. 3, is a tube 22, a cylindrical piston with an end-side recess or an otherwise shaped workpiece with a cavity 19 accessible through at least one opening 18, Thus, at the same time an outer and inner coating of the workpiece 1 can be carried out by the executed here as a metal tube 2 jacket of the device 20, the opening 18 to the cavity 19 out, or covers the entire workpiece 1.
Ebenso ist denkbar, bei einem beispielsweise als Rohr 22 ausgeführten Werkstück 1 nur eine Außenbeschichtung vorzunehmen. In diesem Fall muss sichergestellt wer- den, dass kein zur Oberflächenbehandlung verwendetes flüssiges Medium durch die Öffnungen 18 in die Kavität 19 eindringen kann, sondern nur wie durch die Pfeile P angedeutet, den Spalt 3 zwischen Mantel bzw. Metallrohr 2 und Werkstück 1 bzw. Rohr 22 durchströmt. Dies kann beispielsweise dadurch erreicht werden, indem das Werkstück 1 nur entlang eines bestimmten, zu beschichtenden Abschnitts in Rich- tung seiner Längsachse 21 vom Metallrohr 2 ummantelt wird, und mit seinen freien, die Öffnungen 18 aufweisenden Enden beidseitig aus dem Metallrohr 2 herausragt.It is also conceivable to make only an outer coating in a running example as a pipe 22 workpiece 1. In this case, it must be ensured that no liquid medium used for the surface treatment can penetrate through the openings 18 into the cavity 19, but only as indicated by the arrows P, the gap 3 between the casing or metal tube 2 and workpiece 1 or Pipe 22 flows through. This can be achieved, for example, by sheathing the workpiece 1 only along a specific section to be coated in the direction of its longitudinal axis 21 from the metal tube 2 and protruding on both sides from the metal tube 2 with its free ends having the openings 18.
Wichtig ist hervorzuheben, dass alle Prozessschritte, wie Entfetten, Aktivieren, Beschichten, Spülen und Trocknen innerhalb der selben Vorrichtung nur durch Um- schalten der die jeweilige Substanz dem Raum zuführenden, medienführenden Leitungen erfolgt. Jede Substanz wird dabei getrennt zu- und abgeführt. Beim Umschalten zwischen einzelnen Substanzen anfallende Mengen von Mischungen verschiedener Substanzen können in einen Sammelbehälter geleitet und entweder entsorgt, oder wiederaufbereitet werden. Ein wesentlicher Aspekt der Erfindung ist darüber hinaus, dass das auf das Beschichten folgende Spülen und Trocknen mittels Heißdampf erfolgt. Der Dampf reinigt sowohl die beschichtete Oberfläche des Werkstücks, als auch die Elektrode. Durch die Aufnahme von Wärmeenergie durch das Werkstück erfolgt eine Verdampfung von Kondensat auf dessen Oberfläche. Da das Kondensat keine Salze enthält, entstehen auch keine Trockenflecken. Dadurch verlässt das Werkstück die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung gereinigt und getrocknet. Hierdurch ist eine höhere Oberflächenqualität erzielbar, als beim Stand der Technik. Das gegebenenfalls nach dem Reinigen mit Heißdampf abtropfende Kondensat kann in einem Entsorgungstank gesammelt werden, oder bei Bedarf dem Prozess wieder zugeführt werden. Beispielsweise um höhere Dampftemperaturen erzielen zu können, herrscht in dem vom Mantel umhüllten Raum zumindest beim abschließenden Reinigen Überdruck gegenüber der Umgebung.It is important to emphasize that all process steps, such as degreasing, activating, coating, rinsing and drying, take place within the same device only by switching over the medium-carrying lines which supply the respective substance to the room. Each substance is added and removed separately. When switching between individual substances accumulating amounts of mixtures of different substances can be routed to a collection and disposed of either, or reprocessed. An essential aspect of the invention is moreover that the rinsing and drying following the coating take place by means of superheated steam. The steam cleans both the coated surface of the workpiece and the electrode. By absorbing heat energy through the workpiece evaporation of condensate takes place on the surface. Since the condensate contains no salts, no dry stains are formed. As a result, the workpiece leaves the device according to the invention cleaned and dried. As a result, a higher surface quality can be achieved than in the prior art. The condensate, which optionally drips off after cleaning with superheated steam, can be collected in a disposal tank or returned to the process as needed. For example, in order to be able to achieve higher steam temperatures, overpressure relative to the environment prevails in the space enclosed by the jacket, at least during final cleaning.
Wichtig ist hervorzuheben, dass die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung auch so ausgeführt werden kann, dass der das Werkstück aufnehmende Raum von einem zu einem Querschnitt des Werkstücks komplementären Ring gebildet wird, der über einen Querschnitt des Werkstücks gezogen wird. Der Ring ist beidseitig offen ausgeführt. Dichtlippen oder sonst wie verstellbare Dichtungen schließen die Ringspalte beidseitig zwischen Ring und Werkstück ab. Der Ring kann gegenüber der Längsachse des Wekstücks verschoben werden, beispielsweise motorisch, um so abschnittsweise die gesamte Oberfläche des Werkstücks, oder nur Teile der Oberfläche, zu Beschichten.It is important to emphasize that the device according to the invention can also be embodied such that the space receiving the workpiece is formed by a ring which is complementary to a cross-section of the workpiece and which is drawn over a cross-section of the workpiece. The ring is open on both sides. Sealing lips or otherwise adjustable seals close off the annular gaps on both sides between the ring and the workpiece. The ring can be displaced with respect to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece, for example by means of a motor, so as to coat in sections the entire surface of the workpiece, or only parts of the surface.
Die Erfindung ist insbesondere im Bereich der Oberflächenbehandlung von Werkstücken, wie etwa beim Galvanisieren, sowie bei der Herstellung von Vorrichtungen und Anlagen zur Oberflächenbehandlung gewerblich anwendbar. BezugszeichenlisteThe invention is particularly applicable in the field of surface treatment of workpieces, such as in electroplating, as well as in the manufacture of devices and equipment for surface treatment. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
1 Werkstück1 workpiece
2 Metallrohr2 metal pipe
3 Spalt3 gap
4 Führungshülse4 guide sleeve
5 Eingang5 entrance
6 Abgang6 finish
7 Verbindungskanal7 connecting channel
8 Dichtung8 seal
9 Elektrode9 electrode
10 Eingang10 entrance
11 Ringkanal11 ring channel
12 Leitung12 line
13 Prallplatte13 baffle plate
14 Dichtung14 seal
15 Platte15 plate
16 Platte16 plate
17 Raum17 room
18 Öffnung18 opening
19 Kavität19 cavity
20 Vorrichtung20 device
21 Längsachse21 longitudinal axis
22 Rohr22 pipe
A1 B, C ZelleA 1 B, C cell
AS AbsaugleitungAS suction line
AV mehrere Zellen umfassende AnlageAV multi-cell plant
V1 Verteilerschieber (Zufuhr) V2 Verteilerschieber (Abfuhr)V1 distributor slide (feeder) V2 distributor slide (removal)
I1II, 111,IV1V Tank I 1 II, 111, IV 1 V tank

Claims

Ansprüche claims
1. Vorrichtung (20) zur Oberflächenbehandlung eines Werkstücks (1), insbesondere Galvanisieren, Reinigen und dergleichen, mit einem einen zu mindestens einem Querschnitt des Werkstücks (1) komplementären, mindestens einen1. Device (20) for surface treatment of a workpiece (1), in particular electroplating, cleaning and the like, with a complementary to at least one cross section of the workpiece (1), at least one
Teil des einer Oberflächenbehandlung zu unterziehenden Werkstücks (1) aufnehmenden und mit einem zu einer Oberflächenbehandlung benötigten Medium befüllbaren Raum (3, 17) umhüllenden Mantel (2), wobei zumindest in dem entsprechenden Querschnitt die Innenabmessungen des Mantels (2) in allen Richtungen gleichermaßen geringfügig größer sind, als die Außenabmessungen des Werkstücks (1), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in dem vom Mantel (2) umhüllten, mit einem zur Oberflächenbehandlung benötigten Medium befüllbaren Raum (3, 17) mindestens während einer ers- ten Oberflächenbehandlung des Werkstücks (1) Unterdruck gegenüber derPart of the surface to be treated a workpiece (1) receiving and enclosing with a required surface treatment for a space filling chamber (3, 17) sheath (2), wherein at least in the corresponding cross section, the inner dimensions of the shell (2) equally equally in all directions are larger than the outer dimensions of the workpiece (1), characterized in that in the jacket (2) enveloped, filled with a medium required for the surface treatment space (3, 17) at least during a first surface treatment of the workpiece (1) Negative pressure against the
Umgebung herrscht und mindestens während einer vorzugsweise durch Einleitung von Heißdampf in den Raum einer Reinigung des Werkstücks (1) dienenden, zweiten Oberflächenbehandlung Überdruck gegenüber der Umgebung herrscht.Environment prevails and prevails at least during a preferably by introduction of superheated steam in the space of a cleaning of the workpiece (1) serving, second surface treatment overpressure to the environment.
2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der den zu mindestens einem Querschnitt des Werkstücks (1) komplementären Raum (3, 17) umhüllende Mantel (2) nur einen Teil des Werkstücks (1) in Richtung einer senkrecht zu dem Querschnitt verlaufenden Längsachse des Werkstücks (1) umhüllt, sowie über Mittel (8) zum Abdichten von zwischen Mantel (2) und Werkstück (1) verbleibenden Spalten gegenüber der Umgebung verfügt. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the to at least a cross section of the workpiece (1) complementary space (3, 17) enveloping jacket (2) only a part of the workpiece (1) in the direction of a perpendicular to the cross section Wrapped along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece (1) and has means (8) for sealing between the casing (2) and the workpiece (1) remaining columns with respect to the environment.
3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Mittel zum Abdichten von zwischen Mantel (2) und Werkstück (1) verbleibenden Spalten gegenüber der Umgebung am Mantel (2) angeordnete, 5 am Werkstück (1) anliegende oder anlegbare Dichtlippen und/oder verstellbare Dichtungen (8) umfassen.3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for sealing between the casing (2) and the workpiece (1) remaining columns relative to the environment on the jacket (2) arranged, 5 on the workpiece (1) fitting or applicable sealing lips and / or adjustable seals (8).
4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, gekennzeichnet durch Mittel zum Verschieben des den zu mindestens einem 10 Querschnitt des Werkstücks (1) komplementären Raum (3, 17) umhüllende4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by means for displacing the at least a 10 cross-section of the workpiece (1) complementary space (3, 17) enveloping
Mantels (2) in Richtung der Längsachse des Werkstücks (1).Jacket (2) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the workpiece (1).
5. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet,5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized
15 dass der Mantel (2) im Wesentlichen die Form eines zu einem geeigneten15 that the jacket (2) is substantially the shape of a suitable
Querschnitt des Werkstücks (1) komplementären Rings aufweist.Cross-section of the workpiece (1) has complementary ring.
6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet,6. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that
£0 dass der von dem Mantel (2) umhüllte Raum (3, 17) zur äußeren Form des einer Oberflächenbehandlung zu unterziehenden Werkstücks (1) komplementär ist, wobei die Innenabmessungen des Mantels (2) in allen Richtungen gleichermaßen geringfügig größer sind, als die Außenabmessungen des Werkstücks (1).£ 0 that the space (3, 17) enveloped by the shell (2) is complementary to the external shape of the workpiece (1) to be subjected to a surface treatment, the inside dimensions of the shell (2) being equally slightly greater in all directions than those of FIG External dimensions of the workpiece (1).
2525
7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Mantel (2) einen mit einem zu einer Oberflächenbehandlung benötigten Medium befüllbaren und gegenüber der Umgebung verschließbaren Behälter bildet.7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that in that the jacket (2) forms a container which can be filled with a medium required for a surface treatment and can be closed to the environment.
8. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zum Galvanisieren des Werkstücks der Mantel (2) als Elektrode (9) elektrisch kontaktierbar ist.8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for electroplating the workpiece, the jacket (2) as an electrode (9) is electrically contacted.
9. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, gekennzeichnet durch,9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by,
Mittel (5, 6, 10) zur Zu- und Abfuhr unterschiedlicher Medien in den Raum (3, 17) während unterschiedlicher Oberflächenbehandlungen.Means (5, 6, 10) for supplying and discharging different media into the space (3, 17) during different surface treatments.
10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, gekennzeichnet durch10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized by
Mittel (5, 6, 10, 12, AS, P, I1 II, IM, IV, V, V1 , V2) zur kontinuierlichen Durchleitung eines zur Oberflächenbehandlung benötigten Mediums durch den vom Mantel (2) umhüllten Raum (3, 17) während einer Oberflächenbehandlung. Means (5, 6, 10, 12, AS, P, I 1 II, IM, IV, V, V1, V2) for the continuous passage of a medium required for the surface treatment through the space (3, 17) enveloped by the jacket (2) during a surface treatment.
EP07725415.9A 2006-07-21 2007-05-22 Process for the surface treatment of a workpiece Active EP2047012B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102006034277A DE102006034277A1 (en) 2006-07-21 2006-07-21 Device for the surface treatment of a workpiece
PCT/EP2007/004509 WO2008009325A1 (en) 2006-07-21 2007-05-22 Device for the surface treatment of a workpiece

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2047012A1 true EP2047012A1 (en) 2009-04-15
EP2047012B1 EP2047012B1 (en) 2017-07-12

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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EP (1) EP2047012B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102006034277A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2008009325A1 (en)

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WO2008009325A1 (en) 2008-01-24
EP2047012B1 (en) 2017-07-12

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