EP2601465B1 - Use of a device for drying workpieces after a cleaning operation - Google Patents

Use of a device for drying workpieces after a cleaning operation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2601465B1
EP2601465B1 EP11738434.7A EP11738434A EP2601465B1 EP 2601465 B1 EP2601465 B1 EP 2601465B1 EP 11738434 A EP11738434 A EP 11738434A EP 2601465 B1 EP2601465 B1 EP 2601465B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vacuum chamber
workpiece
blowing
drying
dried
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EP11738434.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2601465A1 (en
Inventor
Hermann-Josef David
Egon KÄSKE
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Ecoclean GmbH
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Duerr Ecoclean GmbH
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Publication of EP2601465A1 publication Critical patent/EP2601465A1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B5/00—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat
    • F26B5/04—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat by evaporation or sublimation of moisture under reduced pressure, e.g. in a vacuum
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B21/00—Arrangements or duct systems, e.g. in combination with pallet boxes, for supplying and controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects
    • F26B21/004—Nozzle assemblies; Air knives; Air distributors; Blow boxes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B21/00—Arrangements or duct systems, e.g. in combination with pallet boxes, for supplying and controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects
    • F26B21/06—Controlling, e.g. regulating, parameters of gas supply
    • F26B21/12—Velocity of flow; Quantity of flow, e.g. by varying fan speed, by modifying cross flow area

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a use of a device for drying workpieces after a cleaning process, wherein the device comprises a vacuum chamber for vacuum drying of a workpiece to be dried.
  • Such devices are used in particular for drying workpieces after cleaning in an aqueous cleaning system.
  • the drying is usually carried out by blowing air generated by fans or compressed air in a blowing zone and subsequent vacuum drying in a vacuum chamber.
  • the DE 10 2008 019 456 A1 discloses a use of a device for drying workpieces according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the DE 101 44 225 C1 discloses a device for drying filters, which are arranged in cavities of a microtiter filter plate, comprising a vacuum chamber, wherein the device comprises a plurality of opening in the vacuum chamber blowing nozzles, by means of which the workpiece to be dried can be acted upon with a blowing medium.
  • the EP 1 832 353 A2 discloses a device for drying workpieces, comprising a vacuum chamber for vacuum drying of the workpieces to be dried, wherein the device via a gas supply line with a neutral gas, such as nitrogen, can be filled.
  • a neutral gas such as nitrogen
  • the DE 37 15 511 A1 discloses a device for drying wood, comprising a vacuum chamber for vacuum drying the wood, the device comprising a pipeline for supplying pressurized air.
  • the DE 27 21 256 A1 discloses a device for drying wood, comprising a vacuum chamber, which may be formed as a vacuum dryer, wherein the device comprises a blowing nozzle, by means of which the wood to be dried can be acted upon with blown air.
  • the EP 0 151 782 A1 discloses a device for drying powder or granules, comprising a vacuum chamber for vacuum drying of the powder or of the granules, the device comprising a hollow stirrer with outlet openings, by means of which the powder or granules to be dried can be acted upon by a treatment medium.
  • the US Pat. No. 6,158,146 discloses a device for drying chemical compounds, comprising a vacuum chamber for vacuum drying of the compounds, wherein the device comprises in the vacuum chamber opening blowing nozzles, by means of which the compounds to be dried can be acted upon by a blowing medium.
  • the present invention has for its object to provide a use of a device for drying workpieces after a cleaning process of the aforementioned type, which allows a largely backwashing-free drying of a workpiece to be dried.
  • the solution according to the invention is based on the concept of performing a blow-off process on the workpiece to be dried within the vacuum chamber used for the vacuum drying.
  • the device for drying workpieces has no blowing zone arranged outside the vacuum chamber for blowing off the workpiece.
  • the workpiece to be dried is introduced into the vacuum drying chamber immediately after the cleaning process. Recovering from a pre-drying process in a separate blowing zone is thereby excluded.
  • the position and / or the outlet direction of the blowing medium from the blowing nozzle is preferably adjustable, so that the blowing medium jet generated by means of the blowing nozzle can be directed in particular to recesses on the workpiece to be dried, in which cleaning liquid still adhering to the workpiece is located.
  • any fluid medium for example ambient air, compressed air or a vapor, can be used as blowing medium.
  • blowing medium has a temperature which is elevated in relation to the room temperature, this has the advantage that undesired cooling of the workpiece during the drying process is avoided.
  • the device for drying workpieces may comprise a device for heating the blowing medium.
  • the heating of the blowing medium avoids a desired cooling of the workpiece during the drying process.
  • the device for drying workpieces comprises a device for generating blowing medium pulses.
  • Blas medium pulses in particular by means of compressed air pulses, in particular critical points that are not dry by the vacuum drying process alone, can be applied to distribute the adhering to these areas detergent over a large area over the workpiece surface. Subsequently, the heat energy stored in the workpiece supports the drying by the vacuum process.
  • the blowing medium pulses have a duration of about 1.0 second or less.
  • the pulsed blowing off of the workpiece can take place before, during and / or after the vacuum drying process.
  • the ventilation of the vacuum chamber after the vacuum drying can be done in an easy-to-control manner and largely pollution-free, if the vacuum chamber is ventilated by at least one blowing nozzle.
  • the device preferably comprises at least one fine filter, through which a blowing medium can be fed to at least one blowing nozzle.
  • the fine filter preferably has a filtration fineness of about 10 ⁇ m or less, preferably about 5 ⁇ m or less.
  • the filter fineness specifies the particle size at which particles are retained by the filter.
  • the fine filter can in particular be designed as a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter).
  • the device comprises at least one opening in the vacuum chamber cleaning nozzle.
  • Through the cleaning nozzle is a, preferably liquid, detergent dispensable in the interior of the vacuum chamber.
  • At least one of the cleaning nozzles can be designed to be rotatable so that the largest possible area of the interior of the vacuum chamber can be acted upon by the cleaning agent through this cleaning nozzle.
  • the vacuum chamber may comprise at least one liquid drain.
  • the liquid discharge is formed so that liquid from a deepest point of the interior of the vacuum chamber through the liquid discharge from the vacuum chamber can be discharged.
  • the vacuum chamber is preferably formed so that its inner wall runs as close as possible to the outer contour of the workpiece to be dried, so that only a small gap between the surface of the workpiece to be dried and the inner wall of the vacuum chamber remains. This ensures that the vacuum chamber is rapidly evacuated and that in the interior of the vacuum chamber outside the workpiece remains little dead space in which dirt particles can accumulate.
  • the free volume of the interior of the vacuum chamber is at most about 200%, preferably at most about 150%, of the volume occupied by the workpiece to be dried, in this definition that of the part to be dried Workpiece occupied volume to the free volume of the interior of the vacuum chamber counts.
  • the vacuum chamber comprises a substantially cylindrical base body.
  • the device comprises a workpiece holder, which is arranged between a working position within the vacuum chamber and a loading position in which the workpiece holder at least partially, preferably substantially completely, outside the vacuum chamber , is movable.
  • the device for drying workpieces comprises a lid which is movable together with the workpiece holder and closes an access opening of the vacuum chamber when the workpiece holder is in its working position.
  • the vacuum chamber has a longitudinal direction, which is aligned substantially horizontally during the introduction of the workpiece to be dried in the vacuum chamber.
  • the direction of movement of the workpiece holder from the loading position to the working position is preferably aligned substantially parallel to this longitudinal direction of the vacuum chamber.
  • the longitudinal direction of the vacuum chamber is preferably the direction of an axis of symmetry of the vacuum chamber and / or a direction in which the expansion of the vacuum chamber is greatest.
  • the device for drying workpieces has a longitudinal direction, which is aligned substantially vertically during the introduction of the workpiece to be dried in the vacuum chamber.
  • the vacuum chamber has a longitudinal direction whose orientation, in particular by a device for rotating or tilting the vacuum chamber, is variable , in particular rotatable and / or tiltable, while the workpiece is disposed within the vacuum chamber.
  • the orientation of the longitudinal direction is variable after the introduction of the workpiece into the vacuum chamber and / or before the removal of the workpiece from the vacuum chamber.
  • the longitudinal direction of the vacuum chamber by 45 ° or more, preferably by about 90 °, for example, from a horizontal to a vertical orientation or from a vertical to a horizontal orientation, is rotatable or tiltable.
  • the present invention further relates to a method for drying workpieces after a cleaning process.
  • the invention is based on the further object of providing a method for drying workpieces after a cleaning process, in which a recontamination of a workpiece to be dried is largely avoided.
  • This object is achieved by a method for drying workpieces after a cleaning process according to claim 12.
  • the said method steps can also be carried out in a different order than in the order of enumeration in claim 12.
  • the ventilation of the vacuum chamber is carried out with a venting gas under increased pressure.
  • This vent gas expands upon entry into the vacuum chamber, which cools the vent gas and, in turn, cools the dried work piece.
  • the pressure of the venting gas is at least about 1 bar, preferably at least about 5 bar, above the atmospheric pressure of the ambient atmosphere.
  • blow-off of the workpiece and vacuum drying of the workpiece in the same vacuum chamber increases the efficiency of the drying process.
  • a vacuum pump with lower power can be used for the evacuation of the vacuum chamber.
  • a vacuum chamber 102 which comprises an example substantially cylindrical base body 104 which is closed at one end by a, for example, conical closure portion 106.
  • the vacuum chamber 102 On the side opposite the closure section 106, the vacuum chamber 102 has an access opening 108, for example substantially circular, which can be closed by means of a cover 110.
  • the lid 110 is connected to a workpiece holder 112, which has a locking device 114 for locking a workpiece 116 to be dried on the workpiece holder 112.
  • the workpiece holder 112 and the cover 110 are composed of an in Fig. 1 shown in solid lines loading position in which the workpiece holder 112 at least partially, preferably substantially completely, outside the vacuum chamber 102 is disposed in the in Fig. 1 shown in broken lines working position in which the workpiece holder 112 is disposed completely in the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber and the lid 110 closes the access opening 108 of the vacuum chamber 102 substantially gas-tight.
  • a movement device 120 To move the workpiece holder 112 and the lid 110 from the loading position to the working position and back from the working position back to the loading position is a movement device 120, of which in Fig. 1 only a guide device 122 is shown.
  • the guide device 122 may comprise, for example, a guide rod 124 connected to the cover 110, which passes through guide bores 126, which are provided, for example, on a respective guide plate 128.
  • the movement device 120 further comprises a motor drive (not shown), for example an electromotive, pneumatic or hydraulic drive, which engages in particular on the guide rod 124 to the same in its longitudinal direction, which is parallel to the direction of movement 130 of the workpiece holder 112 and the lid 110, to move.
  • a motor drive for example an electromotive, pneumatic or hydraulic drive, which engages in particular on the guide rod 124 to the same in its longitudinal direction, which is parallel to the direction of movement 130 of the workpiece holder 112 and the lid 110, to move.
  • the direction of movement 130 is substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102 and (in the in Fig.1 illustrated position of the vacuum chamber 102) aligned substantially parallel to the horizontal 134.
  • the longitudinal direction of the vacuum chamber 132 runs in particular parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the cylindrical basic body 104 of the vacuum chamber 102.
  • the device 100 further comprises a vacuum generator 138, for example in the form of a vacuum pump 140, which is connected to the interior 118 via an evacuation line 142 the vacuum chamber 102 is connected.
  • a vacuum generator 138 for example in the form of a vacuum pump 140, which is connected to the interior 118 via an evacuation line 142 the vacuum chamber 102 is connected.
  • shut-off valve 144 is arranged in the evacuation 142 .
  • the device 100 further comprises a blowing device 146 with a plurality of blowing nozzles 148 opening in the vacuum chamber 102, whose outlet openings 150 are directed onto the surface of the workpiece 116 to be dried, if the workpiece 116 is in the working position in the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102.
  • the blowing nozzles 148 are connected to a distribution channel 152 into which a blowing medium supply line 154 opens.
  • the distribution channel 152 may be disposed outside the vacuum chamber 102.
  • the distribution channel 152 may in particular be arcuate and, with respect to the longitudinal central axis 136 of the vacuum chamber 102, extend over a circumferential angle of at least approximately 90 °, preferably at least approximately 120 °, in particular at least approximately 180 °.
  • the blowing nozzles 148 are preferably directed from several sides, in particular of at least three sides, onto the workpiece 116 to be dried.
  • a shut-off device 156 is arranged in the blowing medium supply line 154.
  • the obturator 156 is controllable by a control device (not shown) of the device 100 in a blow-off phase of the drying process so that it releases the blowing medium supply line 154 during a short period of time, for example about 0.5 sec to about 0.1 sec, so that the tuyeres 148 deliver a corresponding short blowing medium pulse to the workpiece 116.
  • blow-off phase several such short blowing medium pulses can be generated.
  • the obturator 156 is controllable by the control device so that it releases the blowing medium supply line 154 until substantially the same pressure as in the outer space of the vacuum chamber 102 is reached in the interior space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 and thus the vacuum chamber 102 is ventilated is, so that the access opening 108 can be opened again.
  • a fine filter 158 is arranged, through which the blowing medium is filtered before it is discharged via the tuyere 148 to the workpiece 116.
  • the fine filter 158 may be located downstream or upstream of the obturator 156.
  • the fine filter 158 is a filter having a filter fineness of, for example, about 10 ⁇ m or less, preferably about 5 ⁇ m or less.
  • the filter fineness specifies the particle size at which particles are retained by the filter.
  • the fine filter 158 is formed as a close-meshed fine filter.
  • the fine filter 158 may in particular be designed as a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter). Such a filter has the filter class H10 according to the European standard EN1822-1: 1998 or better.
  • the blowing medium supply line 154 is connected to a blowing medium source 160.
  • the blowing medium source 160 can be, for example, a compressed-air source, from which the compressed-air feed line 154 compressed air can be supplied at a pressure which is higher than the atmospheric pressure.
  • Such a compressed air source may in particular be a compressed air network of a production facility.
  • the compressed air in this case preferably has an overpressure relative to the atmospheric pressure of about 1 bar or more, in particular of about 5 bar or more.
  • blowing medium source 160 is formed by the ambient air in the outer space 162 of the vacuum chamber 102.
  • the supplied blowing medium has the atmospheric pressure.
  • blowing medium source 160 may be a generation and / or storage device of a vapor.
  • the vapor preferably has a temperature above the ambient temperature. This ensures that the charged with the blowing medium workpiece 116 does not cool or the workpiece 116 is even heated by the blowing with the blowing medium, which promotes the drying of the workpiece 116.
  • the blowing device 146 has a device (not shown) for heating the blowing medium, when the blowing medium is formed for example by ambient air or by compressed air.
  • the feeding of the blowing medium into the vacuum chamber 102 takes place in such a way that no dirt particles in the inner space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 are whirled up. As a result, contamination of the workpiece to be dried 116 with dirt from the vacuum chamber 102 is avoided.
  • the entry of the blowing medium into the vacuum chamber 102 takes place from above and from the side, but preferably not from below. This also avoids contamination of the workpiece 116 to be dried with dirt particles that could be carried by the blowing medium to the workpiece 116.
  • the blowing nozzles 148 are adjustable (manually or by motor) with regard to the position and the orientation of their nozzle outlet openings, in order to be able to direct the blowing-medium jets to specific desired locations on the surface of the workpiece 116 to be dried.
  • blowing nozzles 148 are adjustable so that the blowing medium beams generated by them are directed to recesses, for example deep holes, on the workpiece 116, since such recesses form critical points which may not be sufficient by vacuum drying alone be dried.
  • the vacuum chamber 102 is designed such that its inner wall 164 runs as close as possible to the outer contour of the workpiece 116 to be dried, so that the smallest possible gap between the surface of the workpiece 116 to be dried and the inner wall 164 of the vacuum chamber 102 remains. In this way it is achieved that the vacuum chamber 102 is rapidly evacuated and that in the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 outside the workpiece 116 remains little dead space in which dirt particles can accumulate.
  • the free volume of the inner space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 is at most about 200%, preferably at most about 150%, of the volume occupied by the workpiece 116 to be dried (note that FIG this definition of the free volume of the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102, the volume occupied by the workpiece 116 to be dried during operation of the apparatus 100 forms part of this free volume).
  • the interior of the vacuum chamber 102 is designed so that no dirt can accumulate and drops of liquid, in particular condensate, do not fall onto the workpiece 116.
  • the device 100 further comprises a cleaning device 166, by means of which the interior space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 can be cleaned.
  • the cleaning device 166 may in particular comprise one or more rinsing nozzles or cleaning nozzles 168, which are arranged in the inner space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 and by means of which a, preferably liquid, cleaning agent can be dispensed into the inner space 118.
  • At least one of the cleaning nozzles 168 may in particular be designed to be rotatable so that the largest possible area of the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 can be acted upon by the cleaning agent through this cleaning nozzle 168.
  • the rotational movement of the relevant cleaning nozzle 168 is preferably driven by a motor.
  • the cleaning nozzle 168 is connected to a detergent reservoir 172 via a detergent supply line 170.
  • a shut-off device 174 is arranged in the detergent supply line 170.
  • the vacuum chamber 102 is further provided with a liquid outlet 176.
  • the liquid outlet 176 preferably opens at a lowest point of the inner space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 into this inner space 118.
  • liquid outlet 176 is provided with a shut-off device 178.
  • the workpiece 116 may be an engine component, such as an engine block or a cylinder head.
  • the workpiece 116 may in particular have recesses or other scooping parts in which cleaning liquid can accumulate.
  • the workpiece 116 is introduced into the vacuum chamber 102 immediately after the cleaning operation.
  • the workpiece 116 is not subjected to a blow-off process before it is introduced into the vacuum chamber 102.
  • the usual predrying process in a blowing zone is thus dispensed with in the device 100 described here and the drying method carried out in order to avoid back-soiling through such a predrying process.
  • the movable between a loading position and a working position workpiece holder 112 forms a shuttle system by means of which the vacuum chamber 102 can be loaded with the workpiece 116 and by means of which the workpiece 116 can be discharged from the vacuum chamber 102 again.
  • the workpiece holder 112 is in the in Fig. 1 shown in solid lines loading position in which the workpiece to be dried 116 is placed on the workpiece holder 112 and locked by means of the locking device 114 to the workpiece holder 112.
  • the workpiece holder 112 is moved from the loading position to the in Fig. 1 moved shown in broken lines working position, at the same time the access opening 108 of the vacuum chamber 102 is closed by the cover 110 gas-tight.
  • the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 is evacuated by the vacuum generator 138 to a final pressure in the range of about 30 mbar or less, preferably in the range of about 5 mbar or less.
  • Critical locations of the workpiece 116 that do not become dry by vacuum drying alone, such as deep bores on the workpiece 116, are delivered by the blower 146 through the blowing nozzles 148 with short blowing medium pulses (having a duration of 1.0 second or less, preferably about 0.5 sec or less).
  • the pressure of the blowing medium can thereby correspond to the atmospheric pressure or, when compressed air is used, be above the atmospheric pressure, preferably at least approximately 1 bar, in particular at least approximately 5 bar, above the atmospheric pressure.
  • cleaning liquid adhering to the workpiece 116 for example water
  • the heat energy stored in the workpiece 116 assists the subsequent vacuum drying process.
  • the pressure in the vacuum chamber 102 is maintained at the above-mentioned low final pressure for a predetermined period of time.
  • the workpiece 116 can be subjected to blowing medium pulses.
  • the vacuum chamber 102 is vented.
  • blow nozzles 148 which are directed onto the workpiece 116, are supplied with blowing medium, which has been guided via the fine filter 158.
  • the blowing medium used for aeration may be the same medium which has been used to produce the blowing medium pulses at the beginning of the drying process, or may be a different blowing medium.
  • ambient air or compressed air preferably from a compressed air network, can be used for ventilating the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102.
  • the supplied blowing medium expands upon entry into the vacuum chamber 102, thereby cooling the blowing medium and, in turn, cooling the workpiece 116 toward which the blowing media jets are directed upon aeration of the vacuum chamber 102.
  • the device 100 is further provided with a device (not shown) for rotating or tilting the vacuum chamber 102, with which the vacuum chamber 102 from the in the Fig. 1 and 2 illustrated initial position in which the longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102 is oriented substantially horizontally, can be brought into an end position in which the longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102 is oriented substantially vertically.
  • the transfer of the vacuum chamber 102 from the starting position into the end position preferably takes place after the introduction of the workpiece 116 into the interior space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 and before or during the execution of the vacuum drying process.
  • the vacuum chamber 102 is preferably moved back again from the end position to the starting position.
  • One in the Fig. 3 and 4 illustrated second embodiment of a device 100 for drying workpieces 116 after a cleaning process is different from that in the Fig. 1 and 2 illustrated first embodiment in that the longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102, and thus in particular the longitudinal center axis 136 of the vacuum chamber 102, not substantially horizontally, but substantially parallel to the vertical 180 is aligned.
  • This embodiment of the device 100 is particularly recommended if the cleaning liquid remaining in the workpiece 116 after the cleaning process can flow out of the workpiece 116 more easily when the workpiece 116, that is to say the vertically aligned longitudinal direction 182 of the workpiece 116, is stationary.
  • the in the Fig. 1 and 2 illustrated preferred embodiment of a device 100 in which the longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102, at least during the loading of the vacuum chamber 102 with the workpiece 116 is aligned substantially horizontally, since in this arrangement, the handling of the workpiece 116 and its locking on the workpiece holder 112 easier are.
  • the evacuation line 142 preferably opens into the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 through the peripheral wall of the main body 104 of the vacuum chamber 102.
  • the inside of the lid 110 is concavely curved, it is achieved that the inner wall 164 of the vacuum chamber 102, in particular of the vertically disposed over the workpiece 116 located in the working position part of the inner wall 164, is curved, so that there is no Accumulate liquid and can fall down on the workpiece 116.
  • a device for rotating or tilting the vacuum chamber 102 is present, by means of which the vacuum chamber 102 of the in the Fig. 3 and 4 illustrated initial position in which the longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102 is oriented substantially vertically, can be brought into an end position in which the longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102 is oriented substantially horizontally.
  • scooping parts of the workpiece 116 which still remain filled with cleaning fluid when the workpiece 116 is in the starting position, can be swiveled out during the rotation by, for example, approximately 90 °.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Verwendung einer Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Werkstücken nach einem Reinigungsvorgang, wobei die Vorrichtung eine Vakuumkammer zur Vakuumtrocknung eines zu trocknenden Werkstücks umfasst.The present invention relates to a use of a device for drying workpieces after a cleaning process, wherein the device comprises a vacuum chamber for vacuum drying of a workpiece to be dried.

Solche Vorrichtungen dienen insbesondere zur Trocknung von Werkstücken nach einer Reinigung in einer wässrigen Reinigungsanlage. Dabei erfolgt die Trocknung meistens durch über Ventilatoren erzeugte Blasluft oder Druckluft in einer Blaszone und anschließende Vakuumtrocknung in einer Vakuumkammer.Such devices are used in particular for drying workpieces after cleaning in an aqueous cleaning system. The drying is usually carried out by blowing air generated by fans or compressed air in a blowing zone and subsequent vacuum drying in a vacuum chamber.

Dabei besteht jedoch ein großes Risiko, dass die gereinigten Werkstücke durch Schmutzpartikel in der Blaszone erneut verschmutzt werden.However, there is a great risk that the cleaned workpieces are contaminated by dirt particles in the blowing zone again.

Durch die relativ kurze Verweilzeit der Werkstücke in der Blaszone muss die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit der Blasluft nämlich sehr hoch sein. Durch diese hohe Strömungsgeschwindigkeit werden Schmutzpartikel mitgerissen und auf die zu trocknenden Werkstücke geführt, wodurch das Risiko einer Wiederverschmutzung der Werkstücke besteht.Due to the relatively short residence time of the workpieces in the blowing zone, the flow velocity of the blown air must be very high. Due to this high flow velocity, dirt particles are entrained and led to the workpieces to be dried, which leads to the risk of recontamination of the workpieces.

Die DE 10 2008 019 456 A1 offenbart eine Verwendung einer Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Werkstücken gemäß dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1.The DE 10 2008 019 456 A1 discloses a use of a device for drying workpieces according to the preamble of claim 1.

Die DE 101 44 225 C1 offenbart eine Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Filtern, die in Kavitäten einer Mikrotiterfilterplatte angeordnet sind, umfassend eine Vakuumkammer, wobei die Vorrichtung mehrere in der Vakuumkammer mündende Blasdüsen umfasst, mittels welcher das zu trocknende Werkstück mit einem Blasmedium beaufschlagbar ist.The DE 101 44 225 C1 discloses a device for drying filters, which are arranged in cavities of a microtiter filter plate, comprising a vacuum chamber, wherein the device comprises a plurality of opening in the vacuum chamber blowing nozzles, by means of which the workpiece to be dried can be acted upon with a blowing medium.

Die EP 1 832 353 A2 offenbart eine Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Werkstücken, umfassend eine Vakuumkammer zur Vakuumtrocknung der zu trocknenden Werkstücke, wobei die Vorrichtung über eine Gaszuführleitung mit einem neutralen Gas, beispielsweise Stickstoff, befüllbar ist.The EP 1 832 353 A2 discloses a device for drying workpieces, comprising a vacuum chamber for vacuum drying of the workpieces to be dried, wherein the device via a gas supply line with a neutral gas, such as nitrogen, can be filled.

Die DE 37 15 511 A1 offenbart eine Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Holz, umfassend eine Vakuumkammer zur Vakuumtrocknung des Holzes, wobei die Vorrichtung eine Rohrleitung zum Zuführen von unter erhöhtem Druck stehender Luft umfasst.The DE 37 15 511 A1 discloses a device for drying wood, comprising a vacuum chamber for vacuum drying the wood, the device comprising a pipeline for supplying pressurized air.

Die DE 27 21 256 A1 offenbart eine Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Holz, umfassend eine Vakuumkammer, die als Vakuumtrockner ausgebildet sein kann, wobei die Vorrichtung eine Blasdüse umfasst, mittels welcher das zu trocknende Holz mit Blasluft beaufschlagbar ist.The DE 27 21 256 A1 discloses a device for drying wood, comprising a vacuum chamber, which may be formed as a vacuum dryer, wherein the device comprises a blowing nozzle, by means of which the wood to be dried can be acted upon with blown air.

Die EP 0 151 782 A1 offenbart eine Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Pulver oder Granulat, umfassend eine Vakuumkammer zur Vakuumtrocknung des Pulvers bzw. des Granulats, wobei die Vorrichtung einen hohl ausgebildeten Rührer mit Austrittsöffnungen umfasst, mittels welcher das zu trocknende Pulver bzw. Granulat mit einem Behandlungsmedium beaufschlagbar ist.The EP 0 151 782 A1 discloses a device for drying powder or granules, comprising a vacuum chamber for vacuum drying of the powder or of the granules, the device comprising a hollow stirrer with outlet openings, by means of which the powder or granules to be dried can be acted upon by a treatment medium.

Die US 6 158 146 A offenbart eine Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von chemischen Verbindungen, umfassend eine Vakuumkammer zur Vakuumtrocknung der Verbindungen, wobei die Vorrichtung in der Vakuumkammer mündende Blasdüsen umfasst, mittels welcher die zu trocknenden Verbindungen mit einem Blasmedium beaufschlagbar sind.The US Pat. No. 6,158,146 discloses a device for drying chemical compounds, comprising a vacuum chamber for vacuum drying of the compounds, wherein the device comprises in the vacuum chamber opening blowing nozzles, by means of which the compounds to be dried can be acted upon by a blowing medium.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Verwendung einer Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Werkstücken nach einem Reinigungsvorgang der vorstehend genannten Art zu schaffen, welche eine weitgehend rückverschmutzungsfreie Trocknung eines zu trocknenden Werkstücks ermöglicht.The present invention has for its object to provide a use of a device for drying workpieces after a cleaning process of the aforementioned type, which allows a largely backwashing-free drying of a workpiece to be dried.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Verwendung nach Anspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a use according to claim 1.

Der erfindungsgemäßen Lösung liegt das Konzept zugrunde, einen Abblasvorgang an dem zu trocknenden Werkstück innerhalb der für die Vakuumtrocknung verwendeten Vakuumkammer durchzuführen.The solution according to the invention is based on the concept of performing a blow-off process on the workpiece to be dried within the vacuum chamber used for the vacuum drying.

Durch die Durchführung des Abblasvorgangs in der Vakuumkammer wird die Gefahr einer Wiederverschmutzung des zu trocknenden Werkstücks deutlich reduziert.By performing the blow-off in the vacuum chamber, the risk of re-contamination of the workpiece to be dried is significantly reduced.

Vorzugsweise weist die Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Werkstücken keine außerhalb der Vakuumkammer angeordnete Blaszone zum Abblasen des Werkstücks auf. In diesem Fall wird das zu trocknende Werkstück direkt nach dem Reinigungsprozess in die Vakuumtrocknungskammer eingebracht. Eine Rückverschmutzung durch einen Vortrocknungsprozess in einer separaten Blaszone wird damit ausgeschlossen.Preferably, the device for drying workpieces has no blowing zone arranged outside the vacuum chamber for blowing off the workpiece. In this case, the workpiece to be dried is introduced into the vacuum drying chamber immediately after the cleaning process. Recovering from a pre-drying process in a separate blowing zone is thereby excluded.

Die Position und/oder die Austrittsrichtung des Blasmediums aus der Blasdüse ist vorzugsweise verstellbar, so dass der mittels der Blasdüse erzeugte Blasmediumstrahl insbesondere auf Ausnehmungen an dem zu trocknenden Werkstück gerichtet werden kann, in welchen sich noch an dem Werkstück anhaftende Reinigungsflüssigkeit befindet.The position and / or the outlet direction of the blowing medium from the blowing nozzle is preferably adjustable, so that the blowing medium jet generated by means of the blowing nozzle can be directed in particular to recesses on the workpiece to be dried, in which cleaning liquid still adhering to the workpiece is located.

Als Blasmedium kann grundsätzlich jedes fluide Medium, beispielsweise Umgebungsluft, Druckluft oder ein Dampf, verwendet werden.In principle, any fluid medium, for example ambient air, compressed air or a vapor, can be used as blowing medium.

Wenn das Blasmedium eine gegenüber der Raumtemperatur erhöhte Temperatur aufweist, so bietet dies den Vorteil, dass eine während des Trocknungsvorgangs unerwünschte Abkühlung des Werkstücks vermieden wird.If the blowing medium has a temperature which is elevated in relation to the room temperature, this has the advantage that undesired cooling of the workpiece during the drying process is avoided.

Insbesondere kann die Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Werkstücken eine Vorrichtung zum Erwärmen des Blasmediums umfassen. Durch die Erwärmung des Blasmediums wird eine erwünschte Abkühlung des Werkstücks während des Trocknungsvorgangs vermieden.In particular, the device for drying workpieces may comprise a device for heating the blowing medium. The heating of the blowing medium avoids a desired cooling of the workpiece during the drying process.

Bei der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Werkstücken eine Einrichtung zum Erzeugen von Blasmedium-Pulsen umfasst. Mittels solcher Blasmedium-Pulse, insbesondere mittels Druckluft-Pulsen, können insbesondere kritische Stellen, die durch den Vakuumtrocknungsprozess allein nicht trocken werden, beaufschlagt werden, um das an diesen Stellen anhaftende Reinigungsmittel großflächig über die Werkstückoberfläche zu verteilen. Anschließend unterstützt die in dem Werkstück gespeicherte Wärmeenergie die Trocknung durch den Vakuumprozess.In the invention, it is provided that the device for drying workpieces comprises a device for generating blowing medium pulses. By means of such Blas medium pulses, in particular by means of compressed air pulses, in particular critical points that are not dry by the vacuum drying process alone, can be applied to distribute the adhering to these areas detergent over a large area over the workpiece surface. Subsequently, the heat energy stored in the workpiece supports the drying by the vacuum process.

Die Blasmedium-Pulse weisen eine Dauer von ungefähr 1,0 sec oder weniger auf.The blowing medium pulses have a duration of about 1.0 second or less.

Das pulsartige Abblasen des Werkstücks kann vor, während und/oder nach dem Vakuumtrocknungsprozess erfolgen.The pulsed blowing off of the workpiece can take place before, during and / or after the vacuum drying process.

Die Belüftung der Vakuumkammer nach der Vakuumtrocknung kann in einfach zu kontrollierender Weise und weitgehend rückverschmutzungsfrei erfolgen, wenn die Vakuumkammer durch mindestens eine Blasdüse belüftbar ist.The ventilation of the vacuum chamber after the vacuum drying can be done in an easy-to-control manner and largely pollution-free, if the vacuum chamber is ventilated by at least one blowing nozzle.

Um zu verhindern, dass Schmutzpartikel aus dem Blasmedium das zu trocknende Werkstück kontaminieren, umfasst die Vorrichtung vorzugsweise mindestens einen Feinfilter, durch welches ein Blasmedium zu mindestens einer Blasdüse zuführbar ist.In order to prevent dirt particles from the blowing medium contaminating the workpiece to be dried, the device preferably comprises at least one fine filter, through which a blowing medium can be fed to at least one blowing nozzle.

Das Feinfilter weist vorzugsweise eine Filterfeinheit von ungefähr 10 µm oder weniger, vorzugsweise von ungefähr 5 µm oder weniger, auf. Dabei gibt die Filterfeinheit die Partikelgröße an, ab welcher Partikel von dem Filter zurückgehalten werden.The fine filter preferably has a filtration fineness of about 10 μm or less, preferably about 5 μm or less. The filter fineness specifies the particle size at which particles are retained by the filter.

Das Feinfilter kann insbesondere als ein HEPA-Filter (High Efficiency Particulate Airfilter) ausgebildet sein.The fine filter can in particular be designed as a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter).

Um den Innenraum der Vakuumkammer leicht reinigen zu können und somit eine Ansammlung von Schmutz innerhalb der Vakuumkammer zu vermeiden, durch welche das zu trocknende Werkstück wieder verschmutzt werden könnte, ist es günstig, dass die Vorrichtung mindestens eine in der Vakuumkammer mündende Reinigungsdüse umfasst.In order to easily clean the interior of the vacuum chamber and thus avoid accumulation of dirt within the vacuum chamber, through which the workpiece to be dried could be contaminated again, it is favorable that the device comprises at least one opening in the vacuum chamber cleaning nozzle.

Durch die Reinigungsdüse ist ein, vorzugsweise flüssiges, Reinigungsmittel in den Innenraum der Vakuumkammer abgebbar.Through the cleaning nozzle is a, preferably liquid, detergent dispensable in the interior of the vacuum chamber.

Dabei kann mindestens eine der Reinigungsdüsen drehbar ausgebildet sein, damit ein möglichst großer Bereich des Innenraums der Vakuumkammer durch diese Reinigungsdüse mit dem Reinigungsmittel beaufschlagbar ist.In this case, at least one of the cleaning nozzles can be designed to be rotatable so that the largest possible area of the interior of the vacuum chamber can be acted upon by the cleaning agent through this cleaning nozzle.

Um Reinigungsmittel und/oder im Innenraum der Vakuumkammer anfallendes Kondensat aus dem Innenraum der Vakuumkammer abführen zu können, kann die Vakuumkammer mindestens einen Flüssigkeitsablass umfassen. Vorzugsweise ist der Flüssigkeitsablass so ausgebildet, dass Flüssigkeit von einer tiefsten Stelle des Innenraums der Vakuumkammer durch den Flüssigkeitsablass aus der Vakuumkammer abführbar ist.In order to be able to remove cleaning agent and / or condensate arising in the interior of the vacuum chamber from the interior of the vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber may comprise at least one liquid drain. Preferably, the liquid discharge is formed so that liquid from a deepest point of the interior of the vacuum chamber through the liquid discharge from the vacuum chamber can be discharged.

Die Vakuumkammer ist vorzugsweise so ausgebildet, dass ihre Innenwand möglichst nahe an der Außenkontur des zu trocknenden Werkstücks verläuft, so dass nur ein geringer Zwischenraum zwischen der Oberfläche des zu trocknenden Werkstücks und der Innenwand der Vakuumkammer verbleibt. Hierdurch wird erreicht, dass die Vakuumkammer rasch evakuierbar ist und dass im Innenraum der Vakuumkammer außerhalb des Werkstücks nur wenig Totraum verbleibt, in welchem sich Schmutzpartikel ansammeln können.The vacuum chamber is preferably formed so that its inner wall runs as close as possible to the outer contour of the workpiece to be dried, so that only a small gap between the surface of the workpiece to be dried and the inner wall of the vacuum chamber remains. This ensures that the vacuum chamber is rapidly evacuated and that in the interior of the vacuum chamber outside the workpiece remains little dead space in which dirt particles can accumulate.

Vorzugsweise beträgt das freie Volumen des Innenraums der Vakuumkammer, das heißt das gesamte evakuierbare Volumen des Innenraums der Vakuumkammer, höchstens ungefähr 200 %, vorzugsweise höchstens ungefähr 150 %, des von dem zu trocknenden Werkstück eingenommen Volumens, wobei bei dieser Definition das von dem zu trocknenden Werkstück eingenommene Volumen zu dem freien Volumen des Innenraums der Vakuumkammer zählt.Preferably, the free volume of the interior of the vacuum chamber, that is, the total evacuatable volume of the interior of the vacuum chamber, is at most about 200%, preferably at most about 150%, of the volume occupied by the workpiece to be dried, in this definition that of the part to be dried Workpiece occupied volume to the free volume of the interior of the vacuum chamber counts.

Um zu verhindern, dass sich an einem über dem zu trocknenden Werkstück befindlichen Teil des Innenraums der Vakuumkammer Flüssigkeit, insbesondere Kondensat, ansammeln und von dort auf das Werkstück herabtropfen kann, ist es günstig, wenn zumindest ein senkrecht über dem Werkstück, das sich in einer Arbeitsposition innerhalb der Vakuumkammer befindet, angeordneter Teil einer Innenwand der Vakuumkammer gegen die Horizontale geneigt und/oder gekrümmt ausgebildet ist.In order to prevent liquid, in particular condensate, from accumulating on a part of the interior of the vacuum chamber located above the workpiece to be dried and allowing it to drip down onto the workpiece, it is favorable if at least one perpendicular to the workpiece, which is located in one Working position is located within the vacuum chamber, arranged part of an inner wall of the vacuum chamber inclined to the horizontal and / or curved.

Besonders günstig ist es, wenn im Wesentlichen die gesamte Innenwand der Vakuumkammer gegen die Horizontale geneigt und/oder gekrümmt ausgebildet ist.It is particularly favorable if substantially the entire inner wall of the vacuum chamber is inclined and / or curved relative to the horizontal.

Beispielsweise kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Vakuumkammer einen im Wesentlichen zylindrischen Grundkörper umfasst.For example, it can be provided that the vacuum chamber comprises a substantially cylindrical base body.

Für die Beladung der Vakuumkammer mit dem zu trocknenden Werkstück ist es von Vorteil, wenn die Vorrichtung eine Werkstückaufnahme umfasst, welche zwischen einer Arbeitsposition innerhalb der Vakuumkammer und einer Beladeposition, in welcher die Werkstückaufnahme zumindest teilweise, vorzugsweise im Wesentlichen vollständig, außerhalb der Vakuumkammer angeordnet ist, bewegbar ist.For the loading of the vacuum chamber with the workpiece to be dried, it is advantageous if the device comprises a workpiece holder, which is arranged between a working position within the vacuum chamber and a loading position in which the workpiece holder at least partially, preferably substantially completely, outside the vacuum chamber , is movable.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Werkstücken einen Deckel umfasst, der zusammen mit der Werkstückaufnahme bewegbar ist und eine Zugangsöffnung der Vakuumkammer verschließt, wenn die Werkstückaufnahme sich in ihrer Arbeitsposition befindet.In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the device for drying workpieces comprises a lid which is movable together with the workpiece holder and closes an access opening of the vacuum chamber when the workpiece holder is in its working position.

Bei einer Ausgestaltung der Vorrichtung ist vorgesehen, dass die Vakuumkammer eine Längsrichtung aufweist, die während des Einbringens des zu trocknenden Werkstücks in die Vakuumkammer im Wesentlichen horizontal ausgerichtet ist.In one embodiment of the device it is provided that the vacuum chamber has a longitudinal direction, which is aligned substantially horizontally during the introduction of the workpiece to be dried in the vacuum chamber.

Die Bewegungsrichtung der Werkstückaufnahme von der Beladeposition in die Arbeitsposition ist vorzugsweise im Wesentlichen parallel zu dieser Längsrichtung der Vakuumkammer ausgerichtet.The direction of movement of the workpiece holder from the loading position to the working position is preferably aligned substantially parallel to this longitudinal direction of the vacuum chamber.

Die Längsrichtung der Vakuumkammer ist vorzugsweise die Richtung einer Symmetrieachse der Vakuumkammer und/oder eine Richtung, in welcher die Ausdehnung der Vakuumkammer am größten ist.The longitudinal direction of the vacuum chamber is preferably the direction of an axis of symmetry of the vacuum chamber and / or a direction in which the expansion of the vacuum chamber is greatest.

Bei einer alternativen Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Werkstücken eine Längsrichtung aufweist, die während des Einbringens des zu trocknenden Werkstücks in die Vakuumkammer im Wesentlichen vertikal ausgerichtet ist.In an alternative embodiment of the invention it is provided that the device for drying workpieces has a longitudinal direction, which is aligned substantially vertically during the introduction of the workpiece to be dried in the vacuum chamber.

Insbesondere, um schöpfende Partien des zu trocknenden Werkstücks vor der Vakuumtrocknung und/oder während der Vakuumtrocknung auskübeln zu können, ist es von Vorteil, wenn die Vakuumkammer eine Längsrichtung aufweist, deren Ausrichtung, insbesondere durch eine Vorrichtung zum Drehen oder Kippen der Vakuumkammer, veränderbar ist, insbesondere drehbar und/oder kippbar ist, während das Werkstück innerhalb der Vakuumkammer angeordnet ist.In particular, in order to buckling scooping parts of the workpiece to be dried before vacuum drying and / or during vacuum drying, it is advantageous if the vacuum chamber has a longitudinal direction whose orientation, in particular by a device for rotating or tilting the vacuum chamber, is variable , in particular rotatable and / or tiltable, while the workpiece is disposed within the vacuum chamber.

Vorzugsweise ist die Ausrichtung der Längsrichtung nach dem Einbringen des Werkstücks in die Vakuumkammer und/oder vor dem Ausbringen des Werkstücks aus der Vakuumkammer veränderbar.Preferably, the orientation of the longitudinal direction is variable after the introduction of the workpiece into the vacuum chamber and / or before the removal of the workpiece from the vacuum chamber.

Insbesondere kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Längsrichtung der Vakuumkammer um 45° oder mehr, vorzugsweise um ungefähr 90°, beispielsweise von einer horizontalen in eine vertikale Ausrichtung oder von einer vertikalen in eine horizontale Ausrichtung, drehbar oder kippbar ist.In particular, it may be provided that the longitudinal direction of the vacuum chamber by 45 ° or more, preferably by about 90 °, for example, from a horizontal to a vertical orientation or from a vertical to a horizontal orientation, is rotatable or tiltable.

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ferner ein Verfahren zum Trocknen von Werkstücken nach einem Reinigungsvorgang.The present invention further relates to a method for drying workpieces after a cleaning process.

Der Erfindung liegt die weitere Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren zum Trocknen von Werkstücken nach einem Reinigungsvorgang zu schaffen, bei welchem eine Wiederverschmutzung eines zu trocknenden Werkstücks weitgehend vermieden wird.The invention is based on the further object of providing a method for drying workpieces after a cleaning process, in which a recontamination of a workpiece to be dried is largely avoided.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren zum Trocknen von Werkstücken nach einem Reinigungsvorgang nach Anspruch 12 gelöst.This object is achieved by a method for drying workpieces after a cleaning process according to claim 12.

Dabei können die genannten Verfahrensschritte auch in einer anderen Reihenfolge als in der Reihenfolge der Aufzählung in Anspruch 12 ausgeführt werden.The said method steps can also be carried out in a different order than in the order of enumeration in claim 12.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ist vorgesehen, dass die Belüftung der Vakuumkammer mit einem unter erhöhtem Druck stehenden Belüftungsgas erfolgt. Dieses Belüftungsgas expandiert beim Eintritt in die Vakuumkammer, wodurch das Belüftungsgas abgekühlt wird und seinerseits das getrocknete Werkstück kühlt. Durch diese Kühlung des Werkstücks innerhalb der Vakuumkammer beim Belüften derselben wird die Differenz der Werkstücktemperatur von der Raumtemperatur verringert, so dass ein anschließender Abkühlvorgang des Werkstücks innerhalb oder außerhalb der Vakuumkammer verkürzt werden oder ganz entfallen kann.In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention it is provided that the ventilation of the vacuum chamber is carried out with a venting gas under increased pressure. This vent gas expands upon entry into the vacuum chamber, which cools the vent gas and, in turn, cools the dried work piece. By this cooling of the workpiece within the vacuum chamber during aeration of the same, the difference of the workpiece temperature is reduced by the room temperature, so that a subsequent cooling process of the workpiece inside or outside the vacuum chamber can be shortened or eliminated altogether.

Vorzugsweise liegt der Druck des Belüftungsgases um mindestens ungefähr 1 bar, vorzugsweise mindestens ungefähr 5 bar, über dem Atmosphärendruck der Umgebungsatmosphäre.Preferably, the pressure of the venting gas is at least about 1 bar, preferably at least about 5 bar, above the atmospheric pressure of the ambient atmosphere.

Durch die Kombination von Abblasen des Werkstücks und Vakuumtrocknen des Werkstücks in derselben Vakuumkammer wird eine Effizienzsteigerung beim Trocknungsvorgang erzielt.The combination of blow-off of the workpiece and vacuum drying of the workpiece in the same vacuum chamber increases the efficiency of the drying process.

Die für den Trocknungsvorgang benötigte Energie wird verringert, und das Trocknen erfolgt weitgehend kontaminationsfrei.The energy required for the drying process is reduced, and drying is largely free of contamination.

Ferner kann für die Evakuierung der Vakuumkammer eine Vakuumpumpe mit geringerer Leistung verwendet werden.Further, a vacuum pump with lower power can be used for the evacuation of the vacuum chamber.

Weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der nachfolgenden Beschreibung und der zeichnerischen Darstellung von Ausführungsbeispielen.Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

In den Zeichnungen zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Werkstücken nach einem Reinigungsvorgang, wobei die Vorrichtung eine Vakuumkammer mit einer beim Einbringen eines zu trocknenden Werkstücks in die Vakuumkammer im Wesentlichen horizontal ausgerichteten Längsachse umfasst;
Fig. 2
einen schematischen Querschnitt durch die Vakuumkammer mit dem darin angeordneten Werkstück, längs der Linie 2 - 2 in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3
eine schematische Seitenansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Werkstücken nach einem Reinigungsvorgang, wobei die Vorrichtung eine Vakuumkammer mit einer beim Einbringen des zu trocknenden Werkstücks in die Vakuumkammer im Wesentlichen vertikal ausgerichteten Längsrichtung umfasst; und
Fig. 4
einen schematischen Querschnitt durch die Vakuumkammer und das darin angeordnete Werkstück aus Fig. 3, längs der Linie 4 - 4 in Fig. 3.
In the drawings show:
Fig. 1
a schematic side view of an apparatus for drying workpieces after a cleaning process, wherein the device comprises a vacuum chamber with a substantially horizontally aligned during introduction of a workpiece to be dried in the vacuum chamber longitudinal axis;
Fig. 2
a schematic cross section through the vacuum chamber with the workpiece therein, along the line 2 - 2 in Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 3
a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the apparatus for drying workpieces after a cleaning process, the apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber with a substantially vertically when introducing the workpiece to be dried in the vacuum chamber longitudinally oriented; and
Fig. 4
a schematic cross section through the vacuum chamber and the workpiece arranged therein Fig. 3 , along the line 4 - 4 in Fig. 3 ,

Gleiche oder funktional äquivalente Elemente sind in allen Figuren mit denselben Bezugszeichen bezeichnet.Identical or functionally equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in all figures.

Eine in den Fig. 1 und 2 dargestellte, als Ganzes mit 100 bezeichnete Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Werkstücken nach einem Reinigungsvorgang umfasst eine Vakuumkammer 102, die einen beispielsweise im Wesentlichen zylindrischen Grundkörper 104 umfasst, welcher an einer Stirnseite durch einen beispielsweise kegelförmigen Verschlussabschnitt 106 verschlossen ist.One in the Fig. 1 and 2 illustrated, as a whole with 100 designated device for drying workpieces after a cleaning process comprises a vacuum chamber 102 which comprises an example substantially cylindrical base body 104 which is closed at one end by a, for example, conical closure portion 106.

An der dem Verschlussabschnitt 106 gegenüberliegenden Seite weist die Vakuumkammer 102 eine, beispielsweise im Wesentlichen kreisförmige, Zugangsöffnung 108 auf, welche mittels eines Deckel 110 verschließbar ist.On the side opposite the closure section 106, the vacuum chamber 102 has an access opening 108, for example substantially circular, which can be closed by means of a cover 110.

Der Deckel 110 ist mit einer Werkstückaufnahme 112 verbunden, welche eine Arretiervorrichtung 114 zum Arretieren eines zu trocknenden Werkstücks 116 an der Werkstückaufnahme 112 aufweist.The lid 110 is connected to a workpiece holder 112, which has a locking device 114 for locking a workpiece 116 to be dried on the workpiece holder 112.

Die Werkstückaufnahme 112 und der Deckel 110 sind zusammen von einer in Fig. 1 in durchgezogenen Linien dargestellten Beladeposition, in welcher die Werkstückaufnahme 112 zumindest teilweise, vorzugsweise im Wesentlichen vollständig, außerhalb der Vakuumkammer 102 angeordnet ist, in die in Fig. 1 in gebrochenen Linien dargestellte Arbeitsposition bewegbar, in welcher die Werkstückaufnahme 112 vollständig im Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer angeordnet ist und der Deckel 110 die Zugangsöffnung 108 der Vakuumkammer 102 im Wesentlichen gasdicht verschließt.The workpiece holder 112 and the cover 110 are composed of an in Fig. 1 shown in solid lines loading position in which the workpiece holder 112 at least partially, preferably substantially completely, outside the vacuum chamber 102 is disposed in the in Fig. 1 shown in broken lines working position in which the workpiece holder 112 is disposed completely in the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber and the lid 110 closes the access opening 108 of the vacuum chamber 102 substantially gas-tight.

Zum Bewegen der Werkstückaufnahme 112 und des Deckels 110 von der Beladeposition in die Arbeitsposition und wieder von der Arbeitsposition zurück in die Beladeposition dient eine Bewegungsvorrichtung 120, von welcher in Fig. 1 lediglich eine Führungseinrichtung 122 dargestellt ist.To move the workpiece holder 112 and the lid 110 from the loading position to the working position and back from the working position back to the loading position is a movement device 120, of which in Fig. 1 only a guide device 122 is shown.

Die Führungseinrichtung 122 kann beispielsweise eine mit dem Deckel 110 verbundene Führungsstange 124 umfassen, welche Führungsbohrungen 126 durchsetzt, die beispielsweise an jeweils einer Führungsplatte 128 vorgesehen sind.The guide device 122 may comprise, for example, a guide rod 124 connected to the cover 110, which passes through guide bores 126, which are provided, for example, on a respective guide plate 128.

Die Bewegungsvorrichtung 120 umfasst ferner einen (nicht dargestellten) motorischen Antrieb, beispielsweise einen elektromotorischen, pneumatischen oder hydraulischen Antrieb, welcher insbesondere an der Führungsstange 124 angreift, um dieselbe in ihrer Längsrichtung, welche parallel zur Bewegungsrichtung 130 der Werkstückaufnahme 112 und des Deckels 110 verläuft, zu bewegen.The movement device 120 further comprises a motor drive (not shown), for example an electromotive, pneumatic or hydraulic drive, which engages in particular on the guide rod 124 to the same in its longitudinal direction, which is parallel to the direction of movement 130 of the workpiece holder 112 and the lid 110, to move.

Die Bewegungsrichtung 130 ist im Wesentlichen parallel zu einer Längsrichtung 132 der Vakuumkammer 102 und (in der in Fig.1 dargestellten Stellung der Vakuumkammer 102) im Wesentlichen parallel zur Horizontalen 134 ausgerichtet.The direction of movement 130 is substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102 and (in the in Fig.1 illustrated position of the vacuum chamber 102) aligned substantially parallel to the horizontal 134.

Die Längsrichtung der Vakuumkammer 132 verläuft insbesondere parallel zu einer Längsmittelachse des zylindrischen Grundkörpers 104 der Vakuumkammer 102.The longitudinal direction of the vacuum chamber 132 runs in particular parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the cylindrical basic body 104 of the vacuum chamber 102.

Um die Vakuumkammer 102 im geschlossenen Zustand, in welchem der Deckel 110 die Zugangsöffnung 108 der Vakuumkammer 102 verschließt, evakuieren zu können, umfasst die Vorrichtung 100 ferner einen Vakuumerzeuger 138, beispielsweise in Form einer Vakuumpumpe 140, die über eine Evakuierungsleitung 142 mit dem Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 verbunden ist.In order to be able to evacuate the vacuum chamber 102 in the closed state, in which the cover 110 closes the access opening 108 of the vacuum chamber 102, the device 100 further comprises a vacuum generator 138, for example in the form of a vacuum pump 140, which is connected to the interior 118 via an evacuation line 142 the vacuum chamber 102 is connected.

In der Evakuierungsleitung 142 ist ein Absperrorgan 144 angeordnet.In the evacuation 142 a shut-off valve 144 is arranged.

Um das in der Vakuumkammer 102 angeordnete Werkstück 116 mit einem Blasmedium beaufschlagen zu können, umfasst die Vorrichtung 100 ferner eine Blasvorrichtung 146 mit mehreren in der Vakuumkammer 102 mündenden Blasdüsen 148, deren Austrittsöffnungen 150 auf die Oberfläche des zu trocknenden Werkstücks 116 gerichtet sind, wenn sich das Werkstück 116 in der Arbeitsposition im Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 befindet.In order to be able to apply a blowing medium to the workpiece 116 arranged in the vacuum chamber 102, the device 100 further comprises a blowing device 146 with a plurality of blowing nozzles 148 opening in the vacuum chamber 102, whose outlet openings 150 are directed onto the surface of the workpiece 116 to be dried, if the workpiece 116 is in the working position in the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102.

Die Blasdüsen 148 sind an einen Verteilkanal 152 angeschlossen, in welchen eine Blasmedium-Zuführleitung 154 mündet.The blowing nozzles 148 are connected to a distribution channel 152 into which a blowing medium supply line 154 opens.

Der Verteilkanal 152 kann außerhalb der Vakuumkammer 102 angeordnet sein.The distribution channel 152 may be disposed outside the vacuum chamber 102.

Der Verteilkanal 152 kann insbesondere bogenförmig ausgebildet sein und sich, bezogen auf die Längsmittelachse 136 der Vakuumkammer 102, über einen Umfangswinkel von mindestens ungefähr 90°, vorzugsweise von mindestens ungefähr 120°, insbesondere von mindestens ungefähr 180°, erstrecken.The distribution channel 152 may in particular be arcuate and, with respect to the longitudinal central axis 136 of the vacuum chamber 102, extend over a circumferential angle of at least approximately 90 °, preferably at least approximately 120 °, in particular at least approximately 180 °.

Die Blasdüsen 148 sind vorzugsweise von mehreren Seiten, insbesondere von mindestens drei Seiten, auf das zu trocknende Werkstück 116 gerichtet.The blowing nozzles 148 are preferably directed from several sides, in particular of at least three sides, onto the workpiece 116 to be dried.

In der Blasmedium-Zuführleitung 154 ist ein Absperrorgan 156 angeordnet.In the blowing medium supply line 154, a shut-off device 156 is arranged.

Das Absperrorgan 156 ist von einer (nicht dargestellten) Steuerungsvorrichtung der Vorrichtung 100 in einer Abblasphase des Trocknungsvorgangs so ansteuerbar, dass es die Blasmedium-Zuführleitung 154 während eines kurzen Zeitraums von beispielsweise ungefähr 0,5 sec bis ungefähr 0,1 sec freigibt, so dass die Blasdüsen 148 einen entsprechenden kurzen Blasmedium-Puls auf das Werkstück 116 abgeben.The obturator 156 is controllable by a control device (not shown) of the device 100 in a blow-off phase of the drying process so that it releases the blowing medium supply line 154 during a short period of time, for example about 0.5 sec to about 0.1 sec, so that the tuyeres 148 deliver a corresponding short blowing medium pulse to the workpiece 116.

In der Abblasphase können auch mehrere solcher kurzen Blasmedium-Pulse erzeugt werden.In the blow-off phase, several such short blowing medium pulses can be generated.

Während einer Belüftungsphase der Vorrichtung 100 ist das Absperrorgan 156 von der Steuervorrichtung so ansteuerbar, dass es die Blasmedium-Zuführleitung 154 freigibt, bis im Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 im Wesentlichen derselbe Druck wie im Außenraum der Vakuumkammer 102 erreicht ist und somit die Vakuumkammer 102 belüftet ist, so dass die Zugangsöffnung 108 wieder geöffnet werden kann.During a ventilation phase of the device 100, the obturator 156 is controllable by the control device so that it releases the blowing medium supply line 154 until substantially the same pressure as in the outer space of the vacuum chamber 102 is reached in the interior space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 and thus the vacuum chamber 102 is ventilated is, so that the access opening 108 can be opened again.

Ferner ist in der Blasmedium-Zuführleitung 154 ein Feinfilter 158 angeordnet, durch welches das Blasmedium gefiltert wird, bevor es über die Blasdüse 148 auf das Werkstück 116 abgegeben wird.Further, in the blowing medium supply line 154, a fine filter 158 is arranged, through which the blowing medium is filtered before it is discharged via the tuyere 148 to the workpiece 116.

Das Feinfilter 158 kann stromabwärts oder stromaufwärts von dem Absperrorgan 156 angeordnet sein.The fine filter 158 may be located downstream or upstream of the obturator 156.

Bei dem Feinfilter 158 handelt es sich um ein Filter mit einer Filterfeinheit von beispielsweise ungefähr 10 µm oder weniger, vorzugsweise von ungefähr 5 µm oder weniger.The fine filter 158 is a filter having a filter fineness of, for example, about 10 μm or less, preferably about 5 μm or less.

Dabei gibt die Filterfeinheit die Partikelgröße an, ab welcher Partikel von dem Filter zurückgehalten werden.The filter fineness specifies the particle size at which particles are retained by the filter.

Vorzugsweise ist das Feinfilter 158 als ein engmaschiges Feinstfilter ausgebildet.Preferably, the fine filter 158 is formed as a close-meshed fine filter.

Das Feinfilter 158 kann insbesondere als ein HEPA-Filter (High Efficiency Particulate Airfilter) ausgebildet sein. Ein solches Filter weist die Filterklasse H10 gemäß der Europäischen Norm EN1822-1:1998 oder besser auf.The fine filter 158 may in particular be designed as a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter). Such a filter has the filter class H10 according to the European standard EN1822-1: 1998 or better.

Die Blasmedium-Zuführleitung 154 ist an eine Blasmedium-Quelle 160 angeschlossen.The blowing medium supply line 154 is connected to a blowing medium source 160.

Bei der Blasmedium-Quelle 160 kann es sich beispielsweise um eine Druckluftquelle handeln, aus welcher der Blasmedium-Zuführleitung 154 Druckluft unter einem gegenüber dem Atmosphärendruck erhöhten Druck zuführbar ist.The blowing medium source 160 can be, for example, a compressed-air source, from which the compressed-air feed line 154 compressed air can be supplied at a pressure which is higher than the atmospheric pressure.

Eine solche Druckluftquelle kann insbesondere ein Druckluftnetz einer Fertigungsstätte sein.Such a compressed air source may in particular be a compressed air network of a production facility.

Die Druckluft weist in diesem Fall vorzugsweise einen Überdruck gegenüber dem Atmosphärendruck von ungefähr 1 bar oder mehr, insbesondere von ungefähr 5 bar oder mehr, auf.The compressed air in this case preferably has an overpressure relative to the atmospheric pressure of about 1 bar or more, in particular of about 5 bar or more.

Alternativ hierzu kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass die Blasmedium-Quelle 160 durch die Umgebungsluft im Außenraum 162 der Vakuumkammer 102 gebildet wird.Alternatively, it can also be provided that the blowing medium source 160 is formed by the ambient air in the outer space 162 of the vacuum chamber 102.

In diesem Fall weist das zugeführte Blasmedium den Atmosphärendruck auf.In this case, the supplied blowing medium has the atmospheric pressure.

Ferner kann die Blasmedium-Quelle 160 eine Erzeugungs- und/oder Speichervorrichtung eines Dampfes sein.Further, the blowing medium source 160 may be a generation and / or storage device of a vapor.

Der Dampf weist vorzugsweise eine oberhalb der Umgebungstemperatur liegende Temperatur auf. Hierdurch wird erreicht, dass sich das mit dem Blasmedium beaufschlagte Werkstück 116 nicht abkühlt oder das Werktstück 116 durch das Abblasen mit dem Blasmedium sogar erwärmt wird, was die Trocknung des Werkstücks 116 fördert.The vapor preferably has a temperature above the ambient temperature. This ensures that the charged with the blowing medium workpiece 116 does not cool or the workpiece 116 is even heated by the blowing with the blowing medium, which promotes the drying of the workpiece 116.

Zum selben Zweck kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass die Blasvorrichtung 146 eine (nicht dargestellte) Einrichtung zur Erwärmung des Blasmediums aufweist, wenn das Blasmedium beispielsweise durch Umgebungsluft oder durch Druckluft gebildet ist.For the same purpose can also be provided that the blowing device 146 has a device (not shown) for heating the blowing medium, when the blowing medium is formed for example by ambient air or by compressed air.

Die Zuführung des Blasmediums in die Vakuumkammer 102 erfolgt derart, dass keine Schmutzpartikel im Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 aufgewirbelt werden. Hierdurch wird eine Kontamination des zu trocknenden Werkstücks 116 mit Schmutz aus der Vakuumkammer 102 vermieden.The feeding of the blowing medium into the vacuum chamber 102 takes place in such a way that no dirt particles in the inner space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 are whirled up. As a result, contamination of the workpiece to be dried 116 with dirt from the vacuum chamber 102 is avoided.

Der Eintritt des Blasmediums in die Vakuumkammer 102 erfolgt von oben und von der Seite, vorzugsweise jedoch nicht von unten. Auch hierdurch wird eine Kontamination des zu trocknenden Werkstücks 116 mit Schmutzpartikeln, die von dem Blasmedium zu dem Werkstück 116 getragen werden könnten, vermieden.The entry of the blowing medium into the vacuum chamber 102 takes place from above and from the side, but preferably not from below. This also avoids contamination of the workpiece 116 to be dried with dirt particles that could be carried by the blowing medium to the workpiece 116.

Die Blasdüsen 148 sind (manuell oder motorisch) hinsichtlich der Position und der Ausrichtung ihrer Düsenaustrittsöffnungen verstellbar, um die Blasmedium-Strahlen auf bestimmte gewünschte Stellen der Oberfläche des zu trocknenden Werkstücks 116 richten zu können.The blowing nozzles 148 are adjustable (manually or by motor) with regard to the position and the orientation of their nozzle outlet openings, in order to be able to direct the blowing-medium jets to specific desired locations on the surface of the workpiece 116 to be dried.

Besonders günstig ist es, wenn die Blasdüsen 148 so einstellbar sind, dass die von ihnen erzeugten Blasmedium-Strahlen auf Ausnehmungen, beispielsweise tiefliegende Bohrungen, an dem Werkstück 116 gerichtet sind, da solche Ausnehmungen kritische Stellen bilden, die durch eine Vakuumtrocknung allein möglicherweise nicht ausreichend getrocknet werden.It is particularly favorable if the blowing nozzles 148 are adjustable so that the blowing medium beams generated by them are directed to recesses, for example deep holes, on the workpiece 116, since such recesses form critical points which may not be sufficient by vacuum drying alone be dried.

Die Vakuumkammer 102 ist so ausgebildet, dass ihre Innenwand 164 möglichst nahe an der Außenkontur des zu trocknenden Werkstücks 116 verläuft, so dass möglichst wenig Zwischenraum zwischen der Oberfläche des zu trocknenden Werkstücks 116 und der Innenwand 164 der Vakuumkammer 102 verbleibt. Auf diese Weise wird erreicht, dass die Vakuumkammer 102 rasch evakuierbar ist und dass im Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 außerhalb des Werkstücks 116 nur wenig Totraum verbleibt, in welchem sich Schmutzpartikel ansammeln können.The vacuum chamber 102 is designed such that its inner wall 164 runs as close as possible to the outer contour of the workpiece 116 to be dried, so that the smallest possible gap between the surface of the workpiece 116 to be dried and the inner wall 164 of the vacuum chamber 102 remains. In this way it is achieved that the vacuum chamber 102 is rapidly evacuated and that in the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 outside the workpiece 116 remains little dead space in which dirt particles can accumulate.

Vorzugsweise beträgt das freie Volumen des Innenraums 118 der Vakuumkammer 102, das heißt das gesamte evakuierbare Volumen des Innenraums 118, höchstens ungefähr 200 %, vorzugsweise höchstens ungefähr 150 %, des von dem zu trocknenden Werkstück 116 eingenommenen Volumens (zu beachten ist hierbei, dass bei dieser Definition des freien Volumens des Innenraums 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 das im Betrieb der Vorrichtung 100 von dem zu trocknenden Werkstück 116 eingenommene Volumen einen Teil dieses freien Volumens bildet).Preferably, the free volume of the inner space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102, that is, the total evacuatable volume of the inner space 118, is at most about 200%, preferably at most about 150%, of the volume occupied by the workpiece 116 to be dried (note that FIG this definition of the free volume of the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102, the volume occupied by the workpiece 116 to be dried during operation of the apparatus 100 forms part of this free volume).

Ferner ist der Innenraum der Vakuumkammer 102 so ausgeführt, dass sich kein Schmutz ansammeln kann und Flüssigkeitstropfen, insbesondere Kondensat, nicht auf das Werkstück 116 herunterfallen.Furthermore, the interior of the vacuum chamber 102 is designed so that no dirt can accumulate and drops of liquid, in particular condensate, do not fall onto the workpiece 116.

Dies wird bei der in Fig. 1 und 2 dargestellten Ausführungsform der Vakuumkammer 102 insbesondere dadurch erreicht, dass die Innenwand 164 der Vakuumkammer 102, insbesondere der senkrecht über dem in der Arbeitsposition befindlichen Werkstück 116 angeordnete Teil der Innenwand 164, gekrümmt ausgebildet ist.This will be at the in Fig. 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment of the vacuum chamber 102 in particular achieved in that the inner wall 164 of the vacuum chamber 102, in particular of the vertically disposed above the workpiece 116 located in the working position part of the inner wall 164, is formed curved.

Um eine Ansammlung von Schmutz im Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 zu verhindern, umfasst die Vorrichtung 100 ferner eine Reinigungsvorrichtung 166, mittels welcher der Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 reinigbar ist.In order to prevent accumulation of dirt in the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102, the device 100 further comprises a cleaning device 166, by means of which the interior space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 can be cleaned.

Die Reinigungsvorrichtung 166 kann insbesondere eine oder mehrere Spüldüsen oder Reinigungsdüsen 168 umfassen, welche im Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 angeordnet sind und mittels welcher ein, vorzugsweise flüssiges, Reinigungsmittel in den Innenraum 118 abgebbar ist.The cleaning device 166 may in particular comprise one or more rinsing nozzles or cleaning nozzles 168, which are arranged in the inner space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 and by means of which a, preferably liquid, cleaning agent can be dispensed into the inner space 118.

Mindestens eine der Reinigungsdüsen 168 kann insbesondere drehbar ausgebildet sein, damit ein möglichst großer Bereich des Innenraums 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 durch diese Reinigungsdüse 168 mit dem Reinigungsmittel beaufschlagbar ist.At least one of the cleaning nozzles 168 may in particular be designed to be rotatable so that the largest possible area of the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 can be acted upon by the cleaning agent through this cleaning nozzle 168.

Die Drehbewegung der betreffenden Reinigungsdüse 168 ist vorzugsweise motorisch antreibbar.The rotational movement of the relevant cleaning nozzle 168 is preferably driven by a motor.

Die Reinigungsdüse 168 ist über eine Reinigungsmittel-Zuführleitung 170 mit einem Reinigungsmittel-Reservoir 172 verbunden.The cleaning nozzle 168 is connected to a detergent reservoir 172 via a detergent supply line 170.

In der Reinigungsmittel-Zuführleitung 170 ist ein Absperrorgan 174 angeordnet.In the detergent supply line 170, a shut-off device 174 is arranged.

Um Reinigungsmittel und/oder im Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 anfallendes Kondensat aus dem Innenraum 118 abführen zu können, ist die Vakuumkammer 102 ferner mit einem Flüssigkeitsablass 176 versehen.In order to be able to remove the condensate arising in the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 from the interior space 118, the vacuum chamber 102 is further provided with a liquid outlet 176.

Der Flüssigkeitsablass 176 mündet vorzugsweise an einer tiefsten Stelle des Innenraums 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 in diesen Innenraum 118.The liquid outlet 176 preferably opens at a lowest point of the inner space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 into this inner space 118.

Ferner ist der Flüssigkeitsablauf 176 mit einem Absperrorgan 178 versehen.Furthermore, the liquid outlet 176 is provided with a shut-off device 178.

Die vorstehend beschriebene Vorrichtung 100 zum Trocknen von Werkstücken nach einem Reinigungsvorgang funktioniert wie folgt:

  • Das Werkstück 116 wird in einer der Vorrichtung 100 vorgeschalteten Reinigungsvorrichtung, vorzugsweise nach einem Bearbeitungsvorgang, gereinigt.
  • Bei dem Werkstück 116 handelt es sich vorzugsweise um ein metallisches Werkstück.
The above-described apparatus 100 for drying workpieces after a cleaning operation functions as follows:
  • The workpiece 116 is cleaned in a device 100 upstream of the cleaning device, preferably after a machining operation.
  • The workpiece 116 is preferably a metallic workpiece.

Insbesondere kann das Werkstück 116 ein Motorbauteil, beispielsweise ein Motorblock oder ein Zylinderkopf, sein.In particular, the workpiece 116 may be an engine component, such as an engine block or a cylinder head.

Das Werkstück 116 kann insbesondere Ausnehmungen oder andere schöpfende Partien aufweisen, in denen sich Reinigungsflüssigkeit ansammeln kann.The workpiece 116 may in particular have recesses or other scooping parts in which cleaning liquid can accumulate.

Das Werkstück 116 wird direkt nach dem Reinigungsvorgang in die Vakuumkammer 102 eingebracht. Insbesondere wird das Werkstück 116 keinem Abblasvorgang unterzogen, bevor es in die Vakuumkammer 102 eingebracht wird. Auf den sonst üblichen Vortrocknungsprozess in einer Blaszone wird bei der hier beschriebenen Vorrichtung 100 und dem damit durchgeführten Trocknungsverfahren somit verzichtet, um eine Rückverschmutzung durch einen solchen Vortrocknungsprozess zu vermeiden.The workpiece 116 is introduced into the vacuum chamber 102 immediately after the cleaning operation. In particular, the workpiece 116 is not subjected to a blow-off process before it is introduced into the vacuum chamber 102. The usual predrying process in a blowing zone is thus dispensed with in the device 100 described here and the drying method carried out in order to avoid back-soiling through such a predrying process.

Die zwischen einer Beladeposition und einer Arbeitsposition bewegbare Werkstückaufnahme 112 bildet ein Shuttle-System, mittels welchem die Vakuumkammer 102 mit dem Werkstück 116 beladen werden kann und mittels welchem das Werkstück 116 wieder aus der Vakuumkammer 102 entladen werden kann.The movable between a loading position and a working position workpiece holder 112 forms a shuttle system by means of which the vacuum chamber 102 can be loaded with the workpiece 116 and by means of which the workpiece 116 can be discharged from the vacuum chamber 102 again.

Auf eine Rollenbahn zur Beladung und Entladung der Vakuumkammer 102 mit dem zu trocknenden Werkstück 116 kann daher verzichtet werden. Dies bietet den Vorteil, dass eine kleine Vakuumkammer 102 verwendet werden kann und dass sich keine Schmutznester bilden, welche bei Verwendung einer Rollenbahn häufig auftreten.On a roller conveyor for loading and unloading the vacuum chamber 102 with the workpiece to be dried 116 can therefore be omitted. This offers the advantage that a small vacuum chamber 102 can be used and that no dirt pockets form which frequently occur when using a roller conveyor.

Die Werkstückaufnahme 112 wird in die in Fig. 1 in durchgezogenen Linien dargestellte Beladeposition gebracht, in welcher das zu trocknende Werkstück 116 auf die Werkstückaufnahme 112 aufgesetzt und mittels der Arretiervorrichtung 114 an der Werkstückaufnahme 112 arretiert wird.The workpiece holder 112 is in the in Fig. 1 shown in solid lines loading position in which the workpiece to be dried 116 is placed on the workpiece holder 112 and locked by means of the locking device 114 to the workpiece holder 112.

Anschließend wird die Werkstückaufnahme 112 von der Beladeposition in die in Fig. 1 in gebrochenen Linien dargestellte Arbeitsposition bewegt, wobei zugleich die Zugangsöffnung 108 der Vakuumkammer 102 mittels des Deckels 110 gasdicht verschlossen wird.Subsequently, the workpiece holder 112 is moved from the loading position to the in Fig. 1 moved shown in broken lines working position, at the same time the access opening 108 of the vacuum chamber 102 is closed by the cover 110 gas-tight.

Der Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 wird mittels des Vakuumerzeugers 138 bis auf einen Enddruck im Bereich von ungefähr 30 mbar oder weniger, vorzugsweise im Bereich von ungefähr 5 mbar oder weniger, evakuiert. Kritische Stellen des Werkstücks 116, die durch Vakuumtrocknung alleine nicht trocken werden, beispielsweise tiefliegende Bohrungen an dem Werkstück 116, werden mittels der Blasvorrichtung 146 durch die Blasdüsen 148 mit kurzen Blasmedium-Pulsen (mit einer Dauer von 1,0 sec oder weniger, vorzugsweise von ungefähr 0,5 sec oder weniger) beaufschlagt. Der Druck des Blasmediums kann dabei dem Atmosphärendruck entsprechen oder, bei Verwendung von Druckluft, oberhalb des Atmosphärendrucks liegen, vorzugsweise um mindestens ungefähr 1 bar, insbesondere um mindestens ungefähr 5 bar, über dem Atmosphärendruck.The interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 is evacuated by the vacuum generator 138 to a final pressure in the range of about 30 mbar or less, preferably in the range of about 5 mbar or less. Critical locations of the workpiece 116 that do not become dry by vacuum drying alone, such as deep bores on the workpiece 116, are delivered by the blower 146 through the blowing nozzles 148 with short blowing medium pulses (having a duration of 1.0 second or less, preferably about 0.5 sec or less). The pressure of the blowing medium can thereby correspond to the atmospheric pressure or, when compressed air is used, be above the atmospheric pressure, preferably at least approximately 1 bar, in particular at least approximately 5 bar, above the atmospheric pressure.

Durch die Beaufschlagung des Werkstücks 116 mit den Blasmedium-Pulsen wird an dem Werkstück 116 anhaftende Reinigungsflüssigkeit, beispielsweise Wasser, breitflächig auf der Werkstückoberfläche verteilt. Die in dem Werkstück 116 gespeicherte Wärmeenergie unterstützt den nachfolgenden Vakuumtrocknungsprozess.By acting on the workpiece 116 with the blowing medium pulses, cleaning liquid adhering to the workpiece 116, for example water, is distributed over a wide area on the workpiece surface. The heat energy stored in the workpiece 116 assists the subsequent vacuum drying process.

Zur Durchführung des Vakuumtrocknungsprozesses wird der Druck in der Vakuumkammer 102 während eines vorbestimmten Zeitraums auf dem vorstehend genannten niedrigen Enddruck gehalten.To perform the vacuum drying process, the pressure in the vacuum chamber 102 is maintained at the above-mentioned low final pressure for a predetermined period of time.

Auch während des Vakuumtrocknungsprozesses kann das Werkstück 116 mit Blasmedium-Pulsen beaufschlagt werden.Also during the vacuum drying process, the workpiece 116 can be subjected to blowing medium pulses.

Nach dem Vakuumtrocknungsvorgang wird die Vakuumkammer 102 belüftet.After the vacuum drying operation, the vacuum chamber 102 is vented.

Dazu werden die auf das Werkstück 116 gerichteten Blasdüsen 148 mit Blasmedium, das über das Feinfilter 158 geführt worden ist, versorgt.For this purpose, the blow nozzles 148, which are directed onto the workpiece 116, are supplied with blowing medium, which has been guided via the fine filter 158.

Das zur Belüftung verwendete Blasmedium kann dasselbe Medium sein, welches zur Erzeugung der Blasmedium-Pulse zu Beginn des Trocknungsvorgangs verwendet worden ist, oder kann ein hiervon verschiedenes Blasmedium sein.The blowing medium used for aeration may be the same medium which has been used to produce the blowing medium pulses at the beginning of the drying process, or may be a different blowing medium.

Insbesondere kann zur Belüftung des Innenraums 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 Umgebungsluft oder Druckluft, vorzugsweise aus einem Druckluftnetz, verwendet werden.In particular, ambient air or compressed air, preferably from a compressed air network, can be used for ventilating the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102.

Beim Belüften des Innenraums 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 durch die Blasdüsen 148 expandiert das zugeführte Blasmedium beim Eintritt in die Vakuumkammer 102, wodurch das Blasmedium abgekühlt wird und seinerseits das Werkstück 116 kühlt, auf welches die Blasmediumstrahlen bei der Belüftung der Vakuumkammer 102 gerichtet sind.Upon venting the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 through the tuyeres 148, the supplied blowing medium expands upon entry into the vacuum chamber 102, thereby cooling the blowing medium and, in turn, cooling the workpiece 116 toward which the blowing media jets are directed upon aeration of the vacuum chamber 102.

Durch diese Kühlung des Werkstücks 116 innerhalb der Vakuumkammer 102 beim Belüften derselben wird der Abstand der Werkstücktemperatur von der Raumtemperatur verringert, so dass ein anschließender Abkühlvorgang des Werkstücks 116 innerhalb oder außerhalb der Vakuumkammer 102 verkürzt werden oder ganz entfallen kann.As a result of this cooling of the workpiece 116 within the vacuum chamber 102 during aeration thereof, the distance of the workpiece temperature from the room temperature is reduced so that a subsequent cooling process of the workpiece 116 inside or outside the vacuum chamber 102 can be shortened or completely eliminated.

Durch die Kombination von Abblasen des Werkstücks 116, Vakuumtrocknen des Werkstücks 116 und Abkühlen des Werkstücks 116, welche alle im Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 stattfinden, wird eine erhebliche Verkürzung des Trocknungsvorgangs erzielt. Der Trocknungsvorgang wird sehr energieeffizient und kontaminationsfrei durchgeführt.By the combination of blowing off of the workpiece 116, vacuum drying of the workpiece 116 and cooling of the workpiece 116, all of which take place in the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102, a considerable shortening of the drying process is achieved. The drying process is very energy efficient and free of contamination.

Außerdem ist es bei der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 100 möglich, eine Vakuumpumpe 140 mit geringerer Leistung zu verwenden.In addition, with the device 100 according to the invention it is possible to use a vacuum pump 140 with lower power.

Bei einer Variante der vorstehend beschriebenen, in den Fig. 1 und 2 dargestellten Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung 100 zum Trocknen von Werkstücken 116 nach einem Reinigungsvorgang ist die Vorrichtung 100 ferner mit einer (nicht dargestellten) Vorrichtung zum Drehen oder Kippen der Vakuumkammer 102 versehen, mit welcher die Vakuumkammer 102 aus der in den Fig. 1 und 2 dargestellten Ausgangsstellung, in welcher die Längsrichtung 132 der Vakuumkammer 102 im Wesentlichen horizontal ausgerichtet ist, in eine Endstellung gebracht werden kann, in welcher die Längsrichtung 132 der Vakuumkammer 102 im Wesentlichen vertikal ausgerichtet ist.In a variant of the above-described, in the Fig. 1 and 2 In the illustrated embodiment of a device 100 for drying workpieces 116 after a cleaning operation, the device 100 is further provided with a device (not shown) for rotating or tilting the vacuum chamber 102, with which the vacuum chamber 102 from the in the Fig. 1 and 2 illustrated initial position in which the longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102 is oriented substantially horizontally, can be brought into an end position in which the longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102 is oriented substantially vertically.

Dabei erfolgt die Überführung der Vakuumkammer 102 von der Ausgangsstellung in die Endstellung vorzugsweise nach dem Einbringen des Werkstücks 116 in den Innraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 und vor oder während der Durchführung des Vakuumtrocknungsvorgangs.In this case, the transfer of the vacuum chamber 102 from the starting position into the end position preferably takes place after the introduction of the workpiece 116 into the interior space 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 and before or during the execution of the vacuum drying process.

Vor dem Ausbringen des Werkstücks 116 aus dem Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 wird die Vakuumkammer 102 vorzugsweise wieder von der Endstellung in die Ausgangsstellung zurück bewegt.Before the removal of the workpiece 116 from the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102, the vacuum chamber 102 is preferably moved back again from the end position to the starting position.

Durch das Bewegen der Vakuumkammer 102 mit dem darin angeordneten Werkstück 116 von der Ausgangsstellung in die Endstellung, um einen Winkel von beispielsweise ungefähr 90°, werden schöpfende Partien des Werkstücks 116 (insbesondere mit Reinigungsflüssigkeit gefüllte Ausnehmungen des Werkstücks 116), welche bei in der Ausgangsstellung befindlichem Werkstück 116 noch im Werkstück 116 verbleiben, ausgekübelt, so dass die in solchen Partien angesammelte Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem Werkstück 116 entfernt wird.By moving the vacuum chamber 102 with the workpiece 116 disposed therein from the starting position to the end position, by an angle of, for example, about 90 °, scooping parts of the workpiece 116 (in particular recesses of the workpiece 116 filled with cleaning liquid), which at in the starting position located workpiece 116 still remain in the workpiece 116, drained, so that the accumulated in such lots cleaning liquid is removed from the workpiece 116.

Im Übrigen stimmt diese Variante einer Vorrichtung 100 zum Trocknen von Werkstücken 116 nach einem Reinigungsvorgang hinsichtlich Aufbau und Funktionsweise mit der in den Fig. 1 und 2 dargestellten Ausführungsform überein, auf deren vorstehende Beschreibung insoweit Bezug genommen wird.Incidentally, this variant of a device 100 for drying workpieces 116 after a cleaning process in terms of structure and operation with the right in the Fig. 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment, reference is made to the above description in this regard.

Eine in den Fig. 3 und 4 dargestellte zweite Ausführungform einer Vorrichtung 100 zum Trocknen von Werkstücken 116 nach einem Reinigungsvorgang unterscheidet sich von der in den Fig. 1 und 2 dargestellten ersten Ausführungsform dadurch, dass die Längsrichtung 132 der Vakuumkammer 102, und damit insbesondere auch die Längsmittelachse 136 der Vakuumkammer 102, nicht im Wesentlichen horizontal, sondern im Wesentlichen parallel zur Vertikalen 180 ausgerichtet ist.One in the Fig. 3 and 4 illustrated second embodiment of a device 100 for drying workpieces 116 after a cleaning process is different from that in the Fig. 1 and 2 illustrated first embodiment in that the longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102, and thus in particular the longitudinal center axis 136 of the vacuum chamber 102, not substantially horizontally, but substantially parallel to the vertical 180 is aligned.

Diese Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung 100 ist insbesondere dann zu empfehlen, wenn die nach dem Reinigungsvorgang im Werkstück 116 verbliebene Reinigungsflüssigkeit bei stehender Anordnung des Werkstücks 116, das heißt bei vertikal ausgerichteter Längsrichtung 182 des Werkstücks 116, leichter aus dem Werkstück 116 abfließen kann.This embodiment of the device 100 is particularly recommended if the cleaning liquid remaining in the workpiece 116 after the cleaning process can flow out of the workpiece 116 more easily when the workpiece 116, that is to say the vertically aligned longitudinal direction 182 of the workpiece 116, is stationary.

In allen anderen Fällen wird die in den Fig. 1 und 2 dargestellte erste Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung 100 bevorzugt, bei welcher die Längsrichtung 132 der Vakuumkammer 102 zumindest während der Beladung der Vakuumkammer 102 mit dem Werkstück 116 im Wesentlichen horizontal ausgerichtet ist, da bei dieser Anordnung die Handhabung des Werkstücks 116 und dessen Arretierung an der Werkstückaufnahme 112 einfacher sind.In all other cases, the in the Fig. 1 and 2 illustrated preferred embodiment of a device 100 in which the longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102, at least during the loading of the vacuum chamber 102 with the workpiece 116 is aligned substantially horizontally, since in this arrangement, the handling of the workpiece 116 and its locking on the workpiece holder 112 easier are.

Ferner unterscheidet sich die in den Fig. 3 und 4 dargestellte zweite Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung 100 von der ersten Ausführungsform dadurch, dass der Flüssigkeitsablass 176 bei der zweiten Ausführungsform nicht an der Umfangswand des Grundkörpers 104 der Vakuumkammer 102 angeordnet ist, sondern stattdessen an der Spitze des Verschlussabschnitts 106 der Vakuumkammer 102 in den Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102 mündet. Hierdurch wird erreicht, dass auch bei der zweiten Ausführungsform die Flüssigkeit von der tiefsten Stelle der Vakuumkammer 102 durch den Flüssigkeitsablass 176 aus der Vakuumkammer 102 abführbar ist.Furthermore, the differs in the Fig. 3 and 4 illustrated second embodiment of a device 100 of the first embodiment in that the liquid discharge 176 is not arranged on the peripheral wall of the base body 104 of the vacuum chamber 102 in the second embodiment, but instead at the top of the closure portion 106 of the vacuum chamber 102 into the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 opens. It is thereby achieved that, even in the second embodiment, the liquid can be discharged from the lowest point of the vacuum chamber 102 through the liquid outlet 176 from the vacuum chamber 102.

Die Evakuierungsleitung 142 mündet hingegen bei der zweiten Ausführungsform vorzugsweise durch die Umfangswand des Grundkörpers 104 der Vakuumkammer 102 in den Innenraum 118 der Vakuumkammer 102.In the second embodiment, however, the evacuation line 142 preferably opens into the interior 118 of the vacuum chamber 102 through the peripheral wall of the main body 104 of the vacuum chamber 102.

Dadurch, dass die Innenseite des Deckels 110 konkav gekrümmt ausgebildet ist, wird erreicht, dass die Innenwand 164 der Vakuumkammer 102, insbesondere der senkrecht über dem in der Arbeitsposition befindlichen Werkstück 116 angeordnete Teil der Innenwand 164, gekrümmt ausgebildet ist, so dass sich dort keine Flüssigkeit ansammeln und auf das Werkstück 116 herabfallen kann.Characterized in that the inside of the lid 110 is concavely curved, it is achieved that the inner wall 164 of the vacuum chamber 102, in particular of the vertically disposed over the workpiece 116 located in the working position part of the inner wall 164, is curved, so that there is no Accumulate liquid and can fall down on the workpiece 116.

Im Übrigen stimmt die in den Fig.3 und 4 dargestellte zweite Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung 100 zum Trocknen von Werkstücken 116 nach einem Reinigungsvorgang hinsichtlich Aufbau und Funktionsweise mit der in den Fig. 1 und 2 dargestellten ersten Ausführungsform überein, auf deren vorstehende Beschreibung insoweit Bezug genommen wird.Incidentally, the right in the Figure 3 and 4 illustrated second embodiment of an apparatus 100 for drying workpieces 116 after a cleaning process in terms of structure and operation with the in the Fig. 1 and 2 illustrated in the first embodiment, reference is made to the above description in this regard.

Insbesondere kann bei einer Variante der zweiten Ausführungsform ebenfalls vorgesehen sein, dass eine Vorrichtung zum Drehen oder Kippen der Vakuumkammer 102 vorhanden ist, mittels welcher die Vakuumkammer 102 von der in den Fig. 3 und 4 dargestellten Ausgangsstellung, in welcher die Längsrichtung 132 der Vakuumkammer 102 im Wesentlichen vertikal ausgerichtet ist, in eine Endstellung bringbar ist, in welcher die Längsrichtung 132 der Vakuumkammer 102 im Wesentlichen horizontal ausgerichtet ist. Hierdurch können schöpfende Partien des Werkstücks 116, welche bei in der Ausgangsstellung befindlichem Werkstück 116 noch mit Reinigungsflüssigkeit gefüllt bleiben, während der Drehung um beispielsweise ungefähr 90° ausgekübelt werden.In particular, in a variant of the second embodiment may also be provided that a device for rotating or tilting the vacuum chamber 102 is present, by means of which the vacuum chamber 102 of the in the Fig. 3 and 4 illustrated initial position in which the longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102 is oriented substantially vertically, can be brought into an end position in which the longitudinal direction 132 of the vacuum chamber 102 is oriented substantially horizontally. In this way, scooping parts of the workpiece 116, which still remain filled with cleaning fluid when the workpiece 116 is in the starting position, can be swiveled out during the rotation by, for example, approximately 90 °.

Claims (13)

  1. Use of a
    device for drying workpieces (116) after a cleaning operation, comprising a vacuum chamber (102) for vacuum drying a workpiece to be dried (116),
    the device (100) comprising at least one blowing nozzle (148) opening into the vacuum chamber (102), by means of which blowing nozzle the workpiece to be dried (116) can be exposed to a blowing medium,
    the device (100) comprising, in addition to the blowing nozzle (148), at least one cleaning nozzle (168) opening into the vacuum chamber (102), by means of which cleaning nozzle a cleaning agent can be dispensed into the interior of the vacuum chamber (102), and
    the device (100) comprising an arrangement for generating blowing medium pulses,
    for drying workpieces (116) after a cleaning operation,
    characterised in that
    the blowing medium pulses have a duration of 1.0 sec or less.
  2. The use according to claim 1, characterised in that the vacuum chamber (102) can be supplied with air by at least one blowing nozzle (148).
  3. The use according to either one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the device (100) comprises at least one fine filter (158), by means of which a blowing medium can be fed to at least one blowing nozzle (148).
  4. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the vacuum chamber (102) comprises at least one liquid drain (176).
  5. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the free volume of the vacuum chamber (102) is at most 200% of the volume taken up by the workpiece (116).
  6. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that at least one part of an inner wall (164) of the vacuum chamber (102) is inclined and/or curved with respect to the horizontal (134), said part of said inner wall being arranged vertically above the workpiece (116) disposed in a working position within the vacuum chamber (102).
  7. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the device (100) comprises a workpiece receptacle (112), which is movable between a working position within the vacuum chamber (102) and a loading position, in which the workpiece receptacle (112) is arranged at least in part outside the vacuum chamber (102).
  8. The use according to claim 7, characterised in that the device (100) comprises a cover (110), which, together with the workpiece receptacle (112), is movable and closes an access opening (108) of the vacuum chamber (102) when the workpiece receptacle (112) is disposed in its working position.
  9. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the vacuum chamber (102) has a longitudinal direction (132), which, as the workpiece to be dried (116) is introduced into the vacuum chamber (102), is oriented substantially horizontally.
  10. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the vacuum chamber (102) has a longitudinal direction (132), which, as the workpiece to be dried (116) is introduced into the vacuum chamber (102), is oriented substantially vertically.
  11. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the vacuum chamber (102) has a longitudinal direction (132), of which the orientation is changeable, in particular is rotatable and/or tiltable, whilst the workpiece (116) is arranged within the vacuum chamber (102).
  12. A method for drying workpieces (116) after a cleaning operation, comprising the following method steps:
    - introducing a workpiece to be dried (116) into a vacuum chamber (102);
    - exposing the workpiece within the vacuum chamber (102) to blowing medium pulses, which have a duration of 1.0 sec or less, by means of at least one blowing nozzle (148);
    - evacuating the vacuum chamber (102) in order to carry out a vacuum drying of the workpiece (116);
    - admitting gas to the vacuum chamber (102);
    - removing the workpiece (116) from the vacuum chamber (102);
    a cleaning agent being dispensed into the interior of the vacuum chamber (102) by means of at least one cleaning nozzle (168), which opens into the vacuum chamber (102) and is provided in addition to the blowing nozzle (148).
  13. The method according to claim 12, characterised in that the admission of gas into the vacuum chamber (102) is performed with a gas that is under an increased pressure compared with the atmospheric pressure.
EP11738434.7A 2010-08-02 2011-07-25 Use of a device for drying workpieces after a cleaning operation Active EP2601465B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE201010038799 DE102010038799A1 (en) 2010-08-02 2010-08-02 Device for drying workpieces after a cleaning process
PCT/EP2011/062770 WO2012016878A1 (en) 2010-08-02 2011-07-25 Device for drying workpieces after a cleaning operation

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2601465A1 EP2601465A1 (en) 2013-06-12
EP2601465B1 true EP2601465B1 (en) 2016-08-31

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EP11738434.7A Active EP2601465B1 (en) 2010-08-02 2011-07-25 Use of a device for drying workpieces after a cleaning operation

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EP (1) EP2601465B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103052857B (en)
DE (1) DE102010038799A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012016878A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102014213172A1 (en) * 2014-07-07 2016-01-07 Dürr Ecoclean GmbH Plant for drying workpieces
CN104482725B (en) * 2014-12-15 2016-05-25 上海明兴开城超音波科技有限公司 A kind of low pressure seasoning of cleaning components and its device
MY193326A (en) * 2017-08-30 2022-10-05 Top Glove Int Sdn Bhd Diffuser system for moisture content removal in glove manufacturing process
CN110762955A (en) * 2019-10-29 2020-02-07 青岛杰瑞工控技术有限公司 High-pressure air drying device of train brake valve

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IT1071276B (en) * 1976-05-12 1985-04-02 Pagnozzi Ernesto Guglielmo IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PROCESSES AND IN THE TIMBER DRYING SYSTEMS .. PARTICULARLY IN THE SYSTEMS THAT USE VACUUM
ATE33765T1 (en) 1983-12-21 1988-05-15 Gergely Gerhard METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE HEAT TREATMENT OF POWDER OR GRANULES.
CH667324A5 (en) 1986-05-13 1988-09-30 Josef Wild & Co Maschinenfabri METHOD FOR DRYING WOOD AND WOOD DRYING DEVICE.
ATA253591A (en) * 1991-12-20 1996-08-15 Ruebig Ges M B H & Co Kg METHOD FOR CLEANING WORKPIECES
DE4237335A1 (en) * 1992-10-21 1994-04-28 Duerr Gmbh & Co Drying of aqueous washed machined engineering components - by a combined air jet and vacuum treatment.
DE4328199C1 (en) * 1993-08-21 1994-10-13 Duerr Gmbh & Co Method and apparatus for drying a workpiece cleaned with a cleaning liquid after machining
US5937536A (en) 1997-10-06 1999-08-17 Pharmacopeia, Inc. Rapid drying oven for providing rapid drying of multiple samples
DE19853304C2 (en) * 1998-01-09 2001-02-01 Cae Beyss Gmbh Process for drying a workpiece
DE10144225C1 (en) 2001-09-08 2003-02-06 Eppendorf Ag Process for drying filters in cavities of micro-titration plate involves using device with nozzles and unit for producing air stream through nozzles
CN1375677A (en) * 2002-04-09 2002-10-23 王淑英 Low-temperature negative-pressure green material stoving apparatus and method
US7927969B2 (en) 2006-03-08 2011-04-19 Stmicroelectronics S.A. Cleaning of photolithography masks
JP2008294368A (en) * 2007-05-28 2008-12-04 Espec Corp Cleaning dryer appparatus
CN100483053C (en) * 2007-07-12 2009-04-29 德尔福（上海）动力推进系统有限公司 Drying method and device for parts with deep blind hole after cleaning
DE102008019456B4 (en) 2008-04-18 2019-09-26 Ecoclean Gmbh Cleaning device and method for cleaning a workpiece

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2601465A1 (en) 2013-06-12
WO2012016878A1 (en) 2012-02-09
CN103052857B (en) 2015-04-15
DE102010038799A1 (en) 2012-02-02
CN103052857A (en) 2013-04-17

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