EP3145646B1 - Treatment device and method for workpieces, comprising an electric treatment unit - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a treatment device for workpieces.

Especially metal parts often require a cleaning treatment after a manufacturing or processing process, before the parts can be installed or further processed. Also in the context of a reprocessing of parts such. B. engine blocks, cleaning may be required. For such a treatment, there are treatment devices having a treatment chamber, a part-receiving device arranged in the treatment chamber, and a nozzle device arranged in the treatment chamber, which serves to deliver a treatment medium. This treatment medium is a liquid medium for cleansing treatment or a gaseous medium for cleansing and / or drying treatment. Such treatment devices are for example in the EP 0 507 294 B1 , the WO 98/45059 A1 or the EP 2 156 905 A1 described.

Against the background of wanting to carry out complex and very effective cleaning or drying processes with such treatment devices, there is a need to rotatably arrange electrical treatment units in the treatment chamber. The problem here is to ensure the power supply of the rotary treatment unit through the chamber wall.

EP 2 156 905 A1 describes a treatment device for workpieces. In EP 0 507 294 B1 a system for cleaning and degreasing of workpieces is shown. DE 197 14 603 C1 shows a method and apparatus for cleaning workpieces. EP 1 346 779 A2 describes a device for receiving a workpiece carrier and for supplying a first and second medium. DE 196 35 867 A1 shows an arrangement for actuating a switching device of a gear change transmission and for engaging and disengaging a main clutch.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a treatment device for workpieces having an electrical treatment unit in a treatment chamber, and in which an electrical supply to the treatment unit is ensured in a simple and relatively inexpensive manner to realize, and a method of operation Such a treatment device to provide.

This object is achieved by a treatment device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 15. Embodiments and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

One embodiment relates to a treatment device for workpieces. The treatment apparatus comprises a treatment chamber, a shaft extending through a wall of the treatment chamber into the treatment chamber and rotatably supported, an electric treatment unit fixed to the shaft, and a power supply having a first supply line, an electrical coupling, a second supply line and a power supply operating unit. The electrical coupling comprises a first coupling element fastened to the shaft outside the treatment chamber and a second coupling element. The first supply line connects the electrical treatment unit to the first coupling part, and the second supply line is connected to the second coupling part. The operating unit is configured to actuate the clutch to bring the second coupling part in contact with the first coupling part or to release the second coupling part from the first coupling part.

A second embodiment relates to a method for operating such a treatment device. The method comprises operating the treatment device in a first operating state, in which the second coupling part is in contact with the first coupling part, or in a second operating state, in which the second coupling part is detached from the first coupling part.

Figuren 1A-1B

veranschaulichen ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Behandlungsvorrichtung anhand einer perspektivischen Ansicht (Figur 1A) und anhand eines Ausschnitts der Behandlungsvorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht (Figur 1B);

Figur 2

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Beispiels einer Behandlungseinheit.

Figuren 3A-3C

veranschaulichen ein Beispiel einer Leistungsversorgungsanordnung für die Behandlungseinheit;

Figuren 4A-4B

zeigen schematisch ein erstes Kupplungsteil und ein zweites Kupplungsteil einer elektrischen Kupplung der Leistungsversorgungsanordnung; und

Figur 5

zeigt ein Blockdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung der Funktionsweise der Behandlungsvorrichtung.

Embodiments are explained below with reference to figures. The figures are not necessarily to scale. The figures are used to explain the basic principle, so that only those features that are necessary for this purpose are shown in the figures and are explained in detail below.

Figures 1A-1B

illustrate an embodiment of a treatment device with reference to a perspective view ( Figure 1A ) and a section of the treatment device in a perspective view ( FIG. 1B );

FIG. 2

shows a perspective view of an example of a treatment unit.

Figures 3A-3C

illustrate an example of a power supply arrangement for the treatment center;

Figures 4A-4B

schematically show a first coupling part and a second coupling part of an electrical coupling of the power supply assembly; and

FIG. 5

shows a block diagram illustrating the operation of the treatment device.

The Figures 1A-1B show an embodiment of a treatment device for workpieces, which has a treatment chamber 1 and a rotatable in the treatment chamber 1 arranged electrical treatment unit 3. Figure 1A shows a perspective view of the treatment chamber 1 (which is shown in phantom) and further, hereinafter explained elements of the treatment device. FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a part of the treatment chamber 1 from a different angle.

Referring to Figure 1A The treatment device comprises a shaft 2, which extends through a wall of the treatment chamber 1 into the treatment chamber and which is rotatably mounted relative to the treatment chamber 1. The treatment chamber 1 is in the illustrated embodiment is substantially cylindrical, and the shaft 2 is inserted into the treatment chamber 1 at an end face of the cylindrical processing chamber 1. This is just one example. The treatment chamber 1 could also have a different chamber geometry and could, for example, be spherical.

For feeding the treatment chamber 1 with workpieces to be treated, the treatment chamber 1 has a feed opening 11. This feed opening 11 is located in the illustrated embodiment on a side wall of the treatment chamber 1, which is substantially perpendicular to the end wall, via which the shaft 2 is guided into the treatment chamber 1. A closure (cover), with which the feed opening 11 can be closed, is not shown in the figures. According to one embodiment, the closure is designed to seal the feed opening 11 in a watertight and pressure-tight manner, thereby hermetically sealing the treatment chamber 1 for the treatment operation. "Pressure-tight" in this context means that the closure in the closed state, an overpressure (compared to the ambient pressure outside the treatment chamber 1), for example, several bar (2 bar, 5 bar or more) or a negative pressure, for example, to approximately 0 bar, resists. The treatment chamber 1 comprises seals (not shown) in the region in which the shaft 2 is guided through the chamber wall. These seals are designed according to the closure to close the treatment chamber 1 water and pressure-tight.

Referring to Figure 1A is located in the interior of the treatment chamber 1, a part receiving 12, which serves to hold parts to be treated during the treatment process. In one embodiment, the part holder 12 is adapted to receive baskets in which workpieces to be treated are loose (as bulk material). According to a further embodiment, the part receiver 12 is adapted to receive individual large workpieces, such as engine blocks. The part holder 12 may comprise rollers 13, which facilitate a "retraction" and "extension" of the workpiece baskets or the workpieces via the feed opening 11 into the treatment chamber 1.

According to one embodiment, the part holder 12 is rotatably mounted relative to the treatment chamber 1. In this case, the treatment device 1 comprises a further shaft 13 (cf. FIG. 1B ). This further shaft 13 may be guided on a chamber wall in the treatment chamber 1, which is opposite to the chamber wall, on which the shaft 2 is guided into the treatment chamber 1. This shaft 13 can be driven by a motor. Such a rotatably arranged part receptacle 12 is basically known, so that the explanation of further details of this part receptacle, such as the associated drive device, can be dispensed with here.

Referring to Figure 1A For example, the shaft 2 is driven by an electric drive device 4. This drive device 4 includes, for example, an electric motor 41 and a transmission, of which in Figure 1A a gear 42 is shown. The drive device engages, for example, on a toothed wheel 21 attached to the shaft 2 and frictionally connected to the shaft 2. The drive assembly 4 may also include a mounting plate 43 to which the motor 41 is attached. According to one embodiment, the shaft 2 is guided through an opening (not shown) of the mounting plate 43. The mounting plate 43 may be attached in a manner not shown on a housing (not shown) of the treatment device. This enclosure surrounds all of the Figure 1A shown components of the treatment device and carries them.

Referring to Figure 1A is attached to the shaft 2 in the interior of the treatment chamber 1, an electrical treatment unit 3. The electrical treatment unit 3 comprises, for example, an ultrasound transmitter which is designed, when switched on, to ultrasound waves in a surrounding area Medium, such as a treatment liquid to produce. At the in Figure 1A illustrated embodiment, the electrical treatment unit 3 comprises two rod-shaped and substantially mutually parallel ultrasonic generator 3A, 3B.

FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of a treatment device, wherein in FIG. 2 the treatment chamber 1 is not shown. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the electrical treatment unit 3 comprises four such rod-shaped ultrasound transmitters 3A-3D. However, the provision of multiple ultrasound transmitters is just one example. In a further embodiment is provided, only one of the in the Figures 1A and 2 to see ultrasound generator shown. In addition, the provision of rod-shaped ultrasound transmitters is just one example. Other types of ultrasound transmitters could be used.

In the in the Figures 1A and 2 In the embodiments shown, the rod-shaped ultrasound transmitters 3A-3B and 3A-3D run essentially parallel to the shaft 2 to which they are attached. For fastening the ultrasound transmitters 3A-3D to the shaft 2, connecting elements (31AB, 31CD in FIG FIG. 2 ), which extend away from the shaft 2 substantially in the radial direction. These connecting elements 31AB, 31CD are attached to the shaft 2 facing ends on the shaft 2, for example by screw. At the ends of the connecting elements 31AB, 31CD facing away from the shaft 2, the ultrasound transmitters 3A-3D are fastened.

An electrical treatment unit with ultrasonic generators, such as those in the Figures 1A and 2 illustrated electrical treatment unit 3, is only one example of an electrical treatment unit. Instead of an electrical treatment unit with ultrasound transmitters or in addition to such an electrical treatment unit with ultrasound transmitters, other types of electrical treatment units could also be present in the interior of the treatment chamber 1 be attached to the shaft 2. An "electrical treatment unit" is understood to mean an electrical treatment unit for whose operation electrical energy (current) is required. Such an electrical treatment unit is for example also a treatment unit with an electric heating element or with an electrically adjustable nozzle. In an electrical heating element, the power is used to generate heat that is released to the environment in the treatment chamber. In an electrically adjustable nozzle, the power is used to adjust or tilt the nozzle or the like. The nozzle is for example a nozzle for cleaning fluid or for a gaseous medium, such as air. Such a nozzle can have any type of drive powered by electrical power, such as a drive with a piezoelectric element, a transmission, a hydraulic system or the like.

In order to supply the electrical treatment unit 3, which is arranged in the interior of the treatment chamber 1, with electrical energy (current), the treatment apparatus comprises a power supply arrangement. The Figures 3A-3C illustrate an embodiment of such a power supply arrangement 6. Parts of this power supply arrangement 6 are also in the Figures 1A and 2 shown.

The power supply arrangement comprises an electrical coupling with a first coupling element 63 fastened to the shaft 2 outside the treatment chamber 1 and a second coupling element 64, at least one first supply line 61, at least one second supply line 62 and an actuating unit 7 for the electrical coupling 63, 64 At least one first supply line 61 connects the electrical treatment unit 3 to the first coupling element 63. This is for example in FIG. 2 shown. FIG. 2 shows two first supply lines, namely a respective first supply line for one of the ultrasound transmitters 3A, 3B. First supply lines for the ultrasonic encoders 3C, 3D are out of the picture according to FIG. 2 , Referring to FIG. 2 the at least one first supply line 61 is at least partially guided within the shaft 2. For this purpose, the shaft 2 has an axially extending cable channel 22, which in FIG. 2 is shown cut open. This cable channel 22, which in the example receives two first supply lines, extends from outside the treatment chamber (which is in FIG FIG. 2 not shown) within the shaft 2 into the treatment chamber. The first supply line 61 emerges within the treatment chamber 1 from the cable channel 22 of the shaft 2 and is guided from there to the attached to the shaft 2 treatment unit 3. At the in FIG. 2 illustrated embodiment, the illustrated at least one first supply line 61 extends within the connecting part 31AB, which is fixed to the shaft 2, to the associated ultrasonic generator 3A, 3B.

Outside the shaft 2, the least a first supply line 61 extends from the cable channel 22 to the first coupling part 63, which is fastened to the shaft 1 outside the treatment chamber 1. The course of the first supply line 61 from the cable channel of the shaft 2 to the first coupling element 63 is in the FIGS. 3A and 3B shown. FIG. 3C shows the power supply arrangement without the first and second supply lines 61, 62.

The power supply arrangement 6 may have a housing 66 in which the first coupling element 63, the second coupling element 64, the portion of the first supply line 61 arranged between the first coupling element 63 and the cable channel and the second supply line 62 are arranged. This housing 66 protects the aforementioned components of the power supply assembly 6 from dirt and moisture during operation. From this housing 66 are in the Figures 3A-3C a back wall and side walls shown. A front cover is not shown in the figure. The rear wall has a recess through which the shaft 2 extends. The cover, not shown, of the housing 66 has a corresponding recess on. According to one embodiment, a seal is provided in the region of the recesses of the rear wall and the cover, which prevents the penetration of moisture and dirt into the housing 66 in the region of the shaft 2. Referring to FIG. 3C For example, the housing 66 may be attached to the previously described mounting plate 43 (see also FIG Figure 1A ) be attached.

The second supply line 62 is inserted at a cable inlet 67 in the housing 66. The second supply line 62 is connected to a power source (not shown). For this purpose, the second supply line 62 may extend outside the housing 66 to the power source. Alternatively, it is possible to connect the second supply line 62 via a further supply line (not shown) to the power source. The power source is a power source suitable for the electrical supply of the treatment unit 3. The type of power source is thus dependent on the type of electrical treatment unit 3. In an electrical treatment unit 3 with ultrasonic generators (as in the Figures 1A-1B and 2 is shown), the power source is a high-frequency generator, which is adapted to generate a suitable for driving the ultrasonic generator 3A-3D high-frequency signal. This high-frequency signal supplies the electrical treatment unit 3 via the at least one second supply line 62, the coupling 63, 64 and the at least one first supply line 61 when the first and the second coupling element 63, 64 are coupled together.

In the coupled state, that is, when the first coupling element 63 is coupled to the second coupling element 64 of the coupling, the coupling provides an electrically conductive connection between the first supply line 61 and the second supply line 62. The coupling with the two coupling elements 63, 64 may be a conventional electrical coupling, which is tuned to the particular application, ie is suitable to electrically conductively connect the two supply lines 61, 62 for supplying the treatment unit 3.

FIG. 3A shows the coupling elements 63, 64 in coupled (electrically interconnected) state and FIG. 3B shows the two coupling elements 63, 64 in decoupled (electrically separated from each other) state.

For coupling or decoupling of the two coupling elements 63, 64, the treatment device has an actuating unit 7. This actuating unit 7 comprises an actuating element 71 which can be brought into frictional connection with the second coupling element 64 in order to connect the second coupling element 64 to the first coupling element 63 or to detach the second coupling element 64 from the first coupling element 63.

According to one embodiment, the production of the non-positive connection between the actuating element 71 and the second coupling element 64 by using magnetic forces. For this purpose, it is provided that the actuating element 71 or the second coupling element 64 have an electromagnet, and that the respective other of these two components has a magnetic counterpart, on which the electromagnet can act. In one embodiment, the actuating element 71 comprises an electromagnet and the second coupling element 64 comprises on a side facing away from the first coupling element 63 a magnetic counterpart 69, on which the actuating element 71 can engage with the electromagnet. The magnetic counterpart 69 comprises a magnetic material, such as a magnetic metal. The control of the electromagnet in the actuating element 71 via a control line 72 which in the Figures 3A-3C is shown schematically. Via this control line 72, the solenoid is either activated or deactivated. In activated State, the solenoid can be frictionally associated with the magnetic counterpart 69 on the second coupling element 64 in connection.

In order to be able to move the second coupling element 64 in the direction of the first coupling element 63 (in order to couple it) or to be able to pull off the second coupling element 64 from the first coupling element 64 (in order to separate them), the actuating unit 7 comprises a linear drive 73 on which the actuating element 71 is attached. The linear drive 73 is designed to move the actuating element 71 linearly in order to be able to bring the actuating element 71 into contact with the second coupling element 64 and thus actuate the second coupling element 64, that is to say withdraw it from the first coupling element 63 or with the second coupling element 63 to bring into contact. The linear drive 73 includes, for example, a pneumatic cylinder or a linear electric motor. The supply or control of the linear drive 73 via a further supply line 74th

Referring to FIG. 3A the at least one second supply line 62 within the housing 66 forms a cable loop which, when the first and second coupling elements 63, 64 are coupled together, allows rotation of the shaft 2 without tearing or otherwise damaging the second supply line 62. The second supply line 62 may be guided within the housing 66 in a cable train 65. The extent to which the shaft 2 can rotate with coupled clutch 63, 64, without the clutch 63, 64 solves itself or the second supply line 62 breaks off, is dependent on the length of the second supply line 62 within the housing 66, that is dependent on the line reserve of the second supply line 62. According to one embodiment, the second supply line 62 is dimensioned so that the shaft 2 with coupled coupling 63, 64 has a rotation range of 180 ° maximum, 270 ° maximum, 360 ° maximum, or even 720 ° maximum. The "rotation range" denotes a Angular range between a first endpoint and a second endpoint of the shaft. The "first end point" refers to an angular position to which the coupled shaft shaft 2 can be rotated in a first direction with no risk of damage to the power supply assembly, and "the second end point" refers to an angular position of the shaft 2, to which the shaft 2 can be rotated in a direction opposite to the first rotational direction of the second rotational direction without the risk of damage to the power supply arrangement.

The FIGS. 3A and 3B show the shaft 2 in an angular position at which the actuator unit 7, the two coupling elements 63, 64 couple or decouple from each other. Starting from this angular position, in the illustrated example, the shaft 2 can be rotated in a first direction, which in the example corresponds to the clockwise direction, a piece, without the risk of tearing off the second supply line 62. The cable loop of the second supply line 62 below the shaft 2 then shortens and the second supply line wraps around the shaft 2. An optional clamping element 68, which is displaceable in the vertical direction in the example, holds the second supply line 62 in this case stretched or keeps the loop upright. In the illustrated example, the shaft 2 can be rotated clockwise by up to 360 °. In the opposite direction (in the example counterclockwise), the shaft 2 can also be rotated in the example by 360 °, without the risk of tearing down the supply line 62. In this case, the shaft can therefore be rotated in both directions by 360 °, ie by +/- 360 °. The rotation range is thus 720 °, since the two end points are 720 ° apart.

The further supply line 62 is inserted in the illustrated example on a side wall in the housing 66. The actuating unit 7 is located on one of the first side wall opposite side wall of the housing 66. This is just one example. The introduction of the second supply line 62 into the housing 6 can take place at any point. Decisive for the permissible rotational range of the shaft 2 with coupled coupling is the existing within the housing 66 cable reserve of the second supply line 62, so the length of the second supply line 62 within the housing 66. The longer this supply line 62, the greater is the range of rotation.

The coupling with the two coupling elements 63, 64 may be a conventional electrical coupling, which ensures an electrically conductive connection between the two supply lines 61, 62. Thus, one of the two coupling elements 63, 64 may, for example, comprise contact pins which, in the coupled state, plug into corresponding sockets of the other coupling element. According to another example, both coupling elements 63, 64 have contacts which are designed as spring contacts.

A mechanical connection between the two coupling elements 63, 64, which prevents an automatic release of the coupling can be ensured in different ways, such as by clamping elements, spring elements, or the like. According to a further exemplary embodiment, it is provided that one of the two coupling elements 63, 64 has a permanent magnet on a contact surface facing the respective other coupling element, which in the coupled state of the coupling elements 63, 64 is non-positively connected to a magnetic counterpart of the respective other coupling element to hold the two coupling elements 63, 64 together in the coupled state.

The FIGS. 4A and 4B show respective plan views of a contact surface of the first coupling element 63 (FIG. FIG. 4A ) and the second coupling element 64 (FIG. FIG. 4B ) according to an example. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the coupling elements 63, 64 includes four contacts 631-634 and 641-644, respectively. Each contact element of a coupling element has a corresponding contact element on the respective other coupling element and is in electrical contact with this, when the two coupling elements 63, 64 are coupled. The individual contact elements 631-634 or 641-644 can be designed as conventional electrical contacts, such as spring contacts. It is also possible to realize one of the corresponding contacts as a contact pin and the other of the corresponding contacts as a contact socket. The number of contact elements is arbitrary and dependent on the respective purpose or the number of electrical consumers to be supplied, and thus not limited to four.

At least one of the two coupling elements 63, 64 has at the contact surface a permanent magnet, which engages in the coupled state on a magnetic counterpart of the respective other coupling element 63, 64. The permanent magnet and the magnetic counterpart are in the FIGS. 4A and 4B denoted by the reference numerals 635, 645. These are arranged in the illustrated embodiment in an annular manner around the contacts 631-634 or 641-644. This is just one example. Any other geometry is also possible.

In the embodiment it is provided that a permanent magnet is present. This permanent magnet corresponds either in FIG. 4A the element designated by the reference numeral 635 or in FIG FIG. 4B the element designated by reference numeral 645. The counterpart then consists of a magnetic material, such as a magnetic metal. According to another embodiment, provision is made for a permanent magnet to be provided on each of the two coupling elements 63, 64, wherein these magnets are arranged on the contact surfaces in such a way that the permanent magnets are in contact with each other at the contact surfaces, ie at the surfaces which are in contact with each other in coupled coupling, have opposite magnetic poles, so that the permanent magnets attract each other.

The electromagnet of the actuating element 7 and the magnetic counterpart 69 on the second coupling element 64 are dimensioned such that the actuating element 7 is capable of the second coupling element 64 against the magnetic force caused by the at least one permanent magnet and the magnetic counterpart of the coupling elements 63, 64 to solve each other.

In the illustrated treatment device, the rotational range of the shaft 2 is coupled coupled clutch 63, 64 in the manner previously explained. In particular, the shaft 2 can not be completely rotated several times in succession in one direction. Within the possible range of rotation, however, any pivoting, that is, an alternating rotation of the shaft in one direction of rotation and the opposite direction of rotation is possible. In particular, in a treatment device with a rotation range of 360 °, the treatment unit 3 can be positioned at an arbitrary angular position within the treatment chamber 1 or freely swiveled back and forth within the rotation range. In decoupled coupling 63, 64, there is no restriction on a rotational movement of the shaft 2. That is, the shaft can be completely rotated in this case several times consecutively in one direction.

In one example, it is provided that on the shaft 2, in addition to the electrical treatment unit 3, a first nozzle tube 51 (see FIG Figure 1A ) is attached. This nozzle tube 51 comprises a plurality of nozzles 52 arranged along the nozzle tube, via which cleaning liquid can be dispensed in the treatment chamber 1 in the direction of the component holder 12, and thus in the direction of the workpieces to be cleaned. The supply of cleaning liquid to the nozzle tube 51 takes place from outside the treatment chamber 1 via a liquid channel 23. This liquid channel 23 extends in the illustrated embodiment, centrally within the shaft 2. Within the treatment chamber 1 opens a radially extending in the shaft 2 bore in this liquid passage 23. The nozzle tube 51 is fixed in the region of this radial bore on the shaft 2 that cleaning fluid can pass through the liquid channel 23 and the radial bore in the nozzle tube 51. The supply of cleaning liquid in the liquid channel 23 of the shaft 2, for example via a feed pipe (not shown in the figures), which is arranged outside the treatment chamber and against which the shaft 2 is rotatably mounted. Conventional seals can be used to ensure that no liquid escapes in the region in which the feed tube is coupled to the shaft 2.

Referring to the Figures 1A and 2 For example, the treatment device may comprise a further nozzle tube 53 fixed to the shaft 2. This further nozzle tube 53 is used for example for introducing a gaseous medium, such as air, into the treatment chamber 1. The gaseous medium can be used, for example, for drying the previously cleaned with cleaning fluid parts. For introducing this gaseous medium into the further nozzle tube 53, the shaft 2 comprises a further feed channel extending within the shaft in its longitudinal direction from outside the treatment chamber into the treatment chamber. This further feed channel opens into the further nozzle tube 53 within the treatment chamber 1 and is accessible outside the treatment chamber via a bore 24 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. This bore 24 is for example in the FIGS. 3A and 3B shown. For introducing the gaseous medium in the further feed channel of the shaft 2, and thus in the other nozzle tube 53, an annular channel (not shown) may be provided, which surrounds the shaft 2 in the circumferential direction in the region of the bore 24. This annular channel opens in each angular position of the shaft 2 in the bore 24. Such an annular channel for supplying a gaseous medium in a shaft of a treatment device is known, so that it can be dispensed with further embodiments in this regard.

With decoupled coupling 63, 64, the treatment device can be operated like a conventional treatment device. That is, in a treatment step, cleaning liquid can be discharged via the first nozzle tube 52 to workpieces in the treatment chamber 1, wherein the first nozzle tube 52 can be arbitrarily rotated or pivoted in the shaft 2 in the treatment chamber 1. In another treatment step, a gaseous medium can be delivered to the workpieces via the second nozzle tube 53 in the treatment chamber. This can be done to dry the parts. However, it is also possible to create a liquid bath in the treatment tank 1 and to discharge the gaseous medium into this liquid bath, whereby the liquid bath is swirled, which can lead to a high cleaning activity. The liquid bath can take place by introducing cleaning liquid via the first nozzle tube 52. In a further embodiment it is provided that the treatment chamber 1 has an additional liquid inlet (not shown). Of course, the treatment chamber 1 also has a liquid outlet at a lower end in order to be able to discharge cleaning liquid previously introduced into the treatment chamber 1.

When the coupling elements 63, 64 are coupled to each other, the rotational range of the shaft 2 is limited in the manner previously explained. An electrical treatment unit 3 with an ultrasound generator (as in the Figures 1A and 2 For example, after making a liquid bath in the treatment chamber 1, it is possible to use it to deliver ultrasonic waves to the liquid bath in order to clean the workpieces located in the liquid bath. The treatment unit 3 can be pivoted within the treatment chamber 1 in the manner previously explained by alternately rotating the shaft in one direction and the opposite other direction.

The rotation of the shaft 3 is performed by the previously explained motor 41 controlled by a controller. This control is not shown in the figures. FIG. 5 shows a block diagram for explaining the mode of operation of the treatment device or for explaining the interaction of the individual elements explained above. Referring to FIG. 5 the treatment device has a controller 100. This controller may include, for example, a programmable controller such as a microprocessor. The controller 100 controls the motor 41, which rotates the shaft 2 in accordance with the controller 100. Information about the current angular position of the shaft 2 is given to the controller 100 by a rotary encoder 101, which is arranged in a manner not shown in the region of the shaft 2 and the controller 100 transmits the current angular position of the shaft 2. The controller 100 also controls the actuating unit 7 for the clutch 63, 64 and optionally the supply of the cleaning liquid or the gaseous medium via the shaft 3 to the two nozzle devices 52, 53.

For coupling or decoupling of the two coupling elements 63, 64, the controller 100 moves the shaft 2 via the motor 41 into a coupling position. This is the one in the FIGS. 3A and 3B shown position. In this position, the actuating element 71 of the actuating arrangement 7 can act on the second coupling element 64. If the coupling 63, 64 coupled and is to be decoupled, so the controller 100 provides energization of the electromagnet of the actuating element 71 and causes the linear drive 73 moves linearly in the direction of the second coupling element 64 to an end position at which a frictional connection between the actuating element 71 and the magnetic counterpart 69 is ensured. The controller 100 then effects a process of the linear drive 73 in the opposite direction to decouple the second coupling element 64 from the first coupling element 63.

In decoupled state, the second coupling element 64 is permanently held by the actuating element 71, so the electromagnet remains energized until the two coupling elements 63, 64 are coupled together again.

To couple the second clutch member 64 and the first clutch member 63, the control also causes the shaft 2 to be moved to the clutch position by the motor 41. The controller 100 then causes the linear drive moves in the direction of the first coupling element 63, to an end position at which the first coupling element and the second coupling element are coupled together. The energization of the electromagnet of the actuating element 71 is then interrupted in order to be able to drive the actuating element 71 away from the second coupling element 64. This is also controlled by the controller 100. The actuator 71 is in this case in a waiting position (in FIG. 3A shown), on which the actuating element 71 remains until the two coupling elements 63, 64 are to be decoupled again.

Claims (17)

1. A treatment device for workpieces, comprising:

   a treatment chamber (1);

   a shaft (2) extending through a wall of the treatment chamber (1) into the treatment chamber (1) and which is mounted rotatably;

   an electric treatment unit (3) fastened to the shaft (2);

   a power supply arrangement (6) having a first supply line (61),

   characterized in that the power supply arrangement (6) is provided with an electric coupling (63, 64), a second supply line (62), and an actuation unit (7),

   wherein

   the electric coupling (63, 64) comprises a first coupling element (63) fastened to the shaft (2) outside the treatment chamber (1), and a second coupling element (64),

   the first supply line (61) connects the electric treatment unit (3) to the first coupling element (63),

   the second supply line (62) is connected to the second coupling element (64), and

   the actuating unit (7) is configured to actuate the electric coupling (63, 64) so as to bring the second coupling element (64) into contact with the first coupling element (63), or so as to release the second coupling element (64) from the first coupling element (63).
2. The treatment device of claim 1, wherein the electric treatment unit (3) comprises at least one of:

   an ultrasonic transducer (3A-3D),

   an electric heating element,

   an electrically adjustable nozzle.
3. The treatment device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first supply line (61) runs at least in sections within the shaft (2).
4. The treatment device of one of the previous claims,
   wherein the first coupling element (63) and the second coupling element (64) each have a contact surface facing each other when the second coupling element (64) is brought into contact with the first coupling element (63),
   wherein one of the first coupling element (63) and the second coupling element (64) has a magnet on its contact surface and the other one of the first coupling element (63) and the second coupling element (64) has a first magnetic counterpart to the magnet on its contact surface.
5. The treatment device of one of the previous claims, wherein the actuating unit (7) is configured to be brought into connection with the second coupling element (64) with a force fit.
6. The treatment device of claim 5,
   wherein one of the actuating unit (7) and the second coupling element (64) has a solenoid and the other one of the actuating unit (7) and the second coupling element (64) has a second magnetic counterpart.
7. The treatment device of claim 6, wherein the actuating unit (7) has a linearly movable actuating element (71) to which the solenoid or the second magnetic counterpart is fastened.
8. The treatment device of one of the previous claims, further comprising:

   at least one first nozzle tube (51) fastened to the shaft (2) in the treatment chamber (1), and

   at least one first medium channel (23) which runs within the shaft (2) and which leads into the at least one first nozzle tube (51).
9. The treatment device of claim 8, further comprising:

   at least one second nozzle tube (52) fastened to the shaft (2) in the treatment chamber (1); and

   at least one second medium channel which runs within the shaft (2) and leads into the at least one second nozzle tube (52).
10. The treatment device of one of the previous claims, further comprising:

    a further shaft (13) extending through a wall of the treatment chamber (1) into the treatment chamber (1) and which is mounted rotatably;

    a parts receptacle (12) fastened to the further shaft (13) in the treatment chamber (1).
11. A method for operating a treatment device for workpieces, comprising:

    a treatment chamber (1);

    a shaft (2) extending through a wall of the treatment chamber (1) into the treatment chamber and which is mounted rotatably;

    an electric treatment unit (3) fastened to the shaft (2);

    a power supply arrangement (6) having a first supply line (61),

    characterized in that the power supply arrangement (6) is provided with an electric coupling (63, 64), a second supply line (62), and an actuating unit (7),

    wherein

    the electric coupling (63, 64) comprises a first coupling element (63) fastened to the shaft (2) outside the treatment chamber (1), and a second coupling element (64),

    the first supply line (61) connects the electric treatment unit (3) to the first coupling element (63),

    the second supply line (62) is connected to the second coupling element (64), and

    the actuating unit (7) is configured to actuate the electric coupling (63, 64) so as to bring the second coupling element (64) into contact with the first coupling element (63) or so as to release the second coupling element (64) from the first coupling element (63),

    the method comprising:
    operating the treatment device in a first operating state, in which the second coupling element (64) is in contact with the first coupling element (63), or in a second operating state, in which the second coupling element (64) is released from the first coupling element (63).
12. The method of claim 11, wherein operating the treatment device in the first operating state comprises:

    feeding electrical power via the first and second supply lines (61, 62) and the electric coupling (63, 64) to the electric treatment unit (3),

    alternating execution of a first rotational movement in a first direction and of a second rotational movement in a second direction opposed to the first direction in such a manner that an end point of the first rotational movement and an end point of the second rotational movement have an angular spacing of less than 720°.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein operating the treatment device in the second operating state comprises:
    repeated, consecutive, complete rotation of the shaft (2) in the same direction of rotation.
14. The method of one of the claim 11-13,
    wherein the first coupling element (63) and the second coupling element (64) of the treatment device each have a contact surface facing each other when the second coupling element (64) is brought into contact with the first coupling element (63),
    wherein one of the first coupling element (63) and the second coupling element (64) has a magnet on its contact surface and the other one of the first coupling element (63) and the second coupling element (64) has a first magnetic counterpart to the magnet on its contact surface.
15. The method of one of the claims 11-14, wherein the actuating unit (7) is configured to be brought into connection with the second coupling element (64) with a force fit.
16. The method of claim 15,
    wherein one of the actuating unit (7) and the second coupling element (64) has a solenoid and the other one of the actuating unit (7) and the second coupling element (64) has a second magnetic counterpart.
17. The method of claim 16,
    wherein the actuating unit (7) has a linearly movable actuating element (71) to which the solenoid or the second magnetic counterpart is fastened.

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