EP4127477A1

EP4127477A1 - Vacuum filling method and vacuum filling apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP4127477A1
Application number: EP21725000.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Klaus Grausgruber
Original assignee: Stiwa Automation GmbH
Current assignee: Stiwa Automation GmbH
Priority date: 2020-04-02
Filing date: 2021-04-01
Publication date: 2023-02-08
Also published as: AT523687A1; WO2021195684A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum filling method and to a vacuum filling apparatus (1). The vacuum filling method comprises the method steps of providing a vacuum filling apparatus (1), providing a housing (3) having a housing interior (7) and an inlet opening (10) that connects the housing interior (7) to a housing exterior (11), charging the housing interior (7) with a housing interior pressure (14) of between 0 mbar and 950 mbar, in particular between 10-12 mbar and 300 mbar, preferably between 10 mbar and 100 mbar, by means of the vacuum filling apparatus (1), filling the housing interior (7) via the inlet opening (10) with a fluid medium (8) using the vacuum filling apparatus (1).

Description

VAKUFTM-FÜFF PROCESS AND VACUUM-FÜFF DEVICE

The invention relates to a vacuum filling method and a vacuum filling device for carrying out a vacuum filling method.

From CN 106382324 A, WO 0022320 A1 and DE 102011011537 A1, Füllver drives for shock absorbers are known.

The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an improved vacuum filling process and a vacuum filling device by means of which a high degree of automation and a high process security are made possible in a vacuum filling process.

This object is achieved by a device and a method according to the claims.

The invention relates to a vacuum filling process comprising the process steps

- providing a vacuum filling device;

Provision of a housing with a housing interior and an inlet opening connecting the housing interior to a housing exterior;

Subjecting the housing interior to a housing interior pressure between 0 mbar and 950 mbar, in particular between 10 ¹² mbar and 300 mbar, preferably between 10 mbar and 100 mbar by means of the vacuum filling device;

- Filling the housing interior via the inlet opening with a fluid medium by means of the vacuum filling device.

Advantageously, the method according to the invention provides a filling method by means of which a housing is filled with a fluid medium, a high quality of the filling process being achieved. By applying a vacuum inside the housing, on the one hand, a type of suction effect is created, by means of which the fluid medium can be introduced more quickly. On the other hand, the vacuum or the FTnterdmck in the housing interior prevents or largely prevents air bubbles or air inclusions from forming in the fluid medium during filling. Overall, it comes to an improvement in the quality of an overall product, in which a housing filled with a fluid medium represents an essential assembly.

A product that is filled using the filling method according to the invention can be, for example, a technical component such as a hydraulic shock absorber or a button. In order to produce a high-quality technical component, it is essential that a fluid medium, which functions as a working fluid, is introduced free of bubbles or air inclusions.

Furthermore, it can be expedient if, while the interior of the housing is being filled with the fluid medium, an active element arranged in the housing is moved in the axial, radial and / or circumferential direction.

With this process step, it can be achieved that all the spaces in the interior of the housing are filled with the fluid medium in order to improve the complete, bubble-free filling of a housing. Furthermore, by means of the measure according to the invention, the filling speed can be increased and the duration of the filling process can be reduced.

In the case of a shock absorber, the active element can be a piston with a piston rod which is coupled to the piston and which is moved in the axial and / or radial direction in the course of the filling process. The piston rod can be raised slightly at the beginning of the Füllvor course so that a spiral groove in the housing is free for the fluid medium to flow through. As a further consequence, the axial and / or radial movement of the piston rod or the piston can improve complete, bubble-free filling of the interior of the housing.

In the case of a probe in which a magnetorheological fluid is used for dynamic regulation, the active element can be a shaft which is coupled to barrels arranged around the shaft. In principle, the active element can be any actuating or adjusting element with which a working medium is actuated, displaced or set in motion.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the housing is moved in the axial, radial and / or circumferential direction, which can further improve that the fluid medium in all Gaps in the interior of the housing are reached in order to fill a housing completely or without bubbles. The vibration can be a shaking movement or an application of ultrasound.

In addition, it can be provided that the housing and / or the fluid medium is tempered before filling and / or during filling in order to increase the viscosity of the fluid medium. This can also ensure that all intermediate spaces of the housing interior are exposed to the fluid medium during the filling process and the fluid medium is introduced free of air inclusions or bubbles. The tem peration of the housing can be done, for example, by means of induction. In the event that a hydraulic shock absorber is filled, the fluid medium is a hydraulic oil, which can be temperature-controlled in a range between 50 ° C - 80 ° C, for example.

An embodiment is also advantageous according to which it can be provided that the housing and / or the fluid medium is cooled after filling in order to compensate for any change in volume of the fluid medium in the course of temperature control or filling.

In order to increase the viscosity of a liquid, it can be advantageous to heat it, which can also lead to an expansion of the liquid. According to the invention, the fluid medium can be cooled after filling in order to achieve a volume of the fluid medium that is desired for the closing process or a working operation.

According to a development, it is possible for the fluid medium to be evacuated before filling in order to largely remove air bubbles from the fluid medium. This also ensures that the interior of the housing is completely filled and free of bubbles and improves the quality of a product with a filled housing as an assembly.

It can also be useful if the fluid medium is mixed with additional particles before filling and / or during filling.

Here, for example, magnetically polarizable particles, such as metal balls or metal chips, can be introduced into a fluid in order to produce a magnetorheological fluid which is filled into a housing. Mixing can take place here by means of vibration, ultrasound and / or a mechanical stirrer. Advantageously, will this creates an integrated filling process in which a high quality of the fluid medium to be filled can also be ensured.

In addition, it can be provided that the housing is closed at the inlet opening of the housing with a cover, the housing interior with a housing interior pressure between 0 mbar and 950 mbar, in particular between 10 ¹² mbar and 300 mbar, preferably between 10 mbar and 100 mbar mbar remains, in particular between 20 mbar and 40 mbar.

In this way, in the course of the closing process, it is prevented or largely prevented that air penetrates into the interior of the housing and air inclusions or air bubbles arise in the fluid medium located in the housing space.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the housing interior is at least partially filled with a test gas, in particular helium, before the housing is closed by means of the closure cover. This has the advantage that this measure enables the tightness of the housing or the connections between the housing and the cover to be checked after the housing has been closed. The tightness can be checked quickly and easily, in particular by using helium as the test gas, since this gas, due to its high diffusion rate through solids, would escape within a very short time in the event of a leak and thus the leak could be detected.

In a further embodiment variant, it can also be provided that while the interior of the housing remains exposed to the negative pressure, the interior of the housing is filled with helium and remains filled with helium. Furthermore, it can be provided that during the closing of the inlet opening of the housing with the closure cover, a press-in force acts on the closure cover in the press-in direction, the press-in force being detected during the press-in process and in the event of an increase in the press-in force caused by the impact of the closure cover on the fluid medium accommodated in the housing interior is caused, the press-in process is ended.

Advantageously, the precisely fitting introduction of a closure cover can thus be improved, it being possible to ensure that no cavities are formed between the fluid medium and the closure cover in the course of the closure. In this way, complete filling of the interior of the housing without air inclusions can also be achieved. According to a particular embodiment, it is possible that while the housing is being closed with the cover, at least one volume compensation membrane arranged in the housing interior, which divides the housing interior into a fluid chamber and an air chamber, is pushed through the volume of the fluid medium in the direction of the air chamber , wherein the closure lid is brought into a lid end position.

Tolerance compensation is achieved via a compensation stroke of the volume compensation membrane. The volume compensation membrane acts to compensate for manufacturing or filling tolerances, which further ensures that the interior of the housing is filled with the fluid medium completely and without bubbles.

When the closure cover is moved into the cover end position, it is a matter of a custom fit, with the compensation of manufacturing and filling tolerances still being able to take place via the volume compensation membrane.

According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the volume of the housing interior is subject to manufacturing tolerances and that the filling quantity of the fluid medium is subject to a filling quantity tolerance, the filling quantity tolerance being dimensioned in such a way that when the closure cover is positioned in its cover end position, that the volume compensation membrane is displaced by the volume of the fluid medium in the direction of the air chamber.

Moving the volume compensation membrane ensures that the interior of the housing is filled with the fluid medium completely and without bubbles. The interior of the housing is temporarily enlarged by means of the volume compensation membrane and, after the closure, the volume compensation membrane is reset to eliminate potential air inclusions or cavities.

In particular, it can be advantageous if, after the end of the press-in process, the closure cover is moved from an intermediate cover position against the press-in direction into the cover end position, so that a free space is formed in the interior of the housing, which acts as a volume compensation for the fluid medium, with the inlet opening of the Ge housing remains closed with the cover. When fitting the closure cover to size, a compensation of manufacturing and filling tolerances can be achieved and the complete and air inclusion-free filling of a housing interior can be improved.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the closure cover is welded to the housing in a cover securing step by means of a fiber welding process.

Alternatively, the lid securing step can also involve crimping or the application of an additional closure cap. The cover securing step can be used to ensure that the cover is held in position and the interior of the housing remains securely closed.

The invention also relates to a vacuum filling device, comprising a holding device for a housing with a housing interior and an inlet opening, an evacuating device with a sealing unit for evacuating the housing interior and a filling channel for filling the housing interior with a fluid medium.

A vacuum filling device with a compact design for highly automated, process-reliable use in a vacuum filling process is advantageously provided.

An embodiment is also advantageous, according to which it can be provided that the holding device comprises a receiving device for receiving the housing and an adjusting device, which adjusting device is designed to adjust the receiving device in the axial, radial and / or circumferential direction, wherein the adjustment device is especially designed for applying a vibration, such as an ultrasonic vibration.

By means of the adjusting device, the holding device or a housing to be filled can be moved or vibrated in order to improve complete, bubble-free filling. This can, for example, be the application of a vibration movement by means of ultrasound. Alternatively, if the holding device is an industrial robot, the gripping arm can function as an adjusting device.

According to a further development, it is possible for the holding device, the receiving device and / or the filling channel to include a temperature control device for the housing and / or the fluid medium in order to increase the viscosity of the fluid medium to be filled. An increase in viscosity continues to cause a complete, bubble-free loading of the interior of the housing. Holding device, receiving device and / or filling channel can be heated or tempered, for example, by means of induction.

Furthermore, it can be expedient if a fluid evacuation device for the fluid medium is arranged in the filling channel in order to supply a fluid that is already largely free of bubbles into the interior of the housing.

In addition, it can be provided that a mixing device for the fluid medium is arranged in the filling channel in order to improve the mixing of the fluid medium and / or to introduce additional particles into the fluid medium in the course of filling.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a closure device for closing the inlet opening of the housing with a closure cover is provided in the evacuation device in order to be able to close the housing under vacuum.

This ensures or largely prevented that air inclusions or air bubbles form in the already filled fluid medium during the closing process.

In particular, it can be advantageous if an actuating element is formed which serves to move an active element arranged in the housing in the axial, radial and / or circumferential direction.

By moving the active element by means of the actuating element, it can be achieved that all spaces in the interior of the housing are filled with the fluid medium. A complete, bubble-free filling of a housing can thus be further improved.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

They each show in a greatly simplified, schematic representation:

FIGS. 1 a to c show different exemplary embodiments of vacuum filling devices;

Fig. 2 a to b show a hydraulic shock absorber, which can be filled by means of a vacuum-Füllver drive;

3 a to b show a button which can be filled by means of a vacuum filling process; Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a vacuum filling device with Temperiereinrichtun conditions;

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a vacuum filling device with a Haltevorrich device in the form of an industrial robot;

6 shows a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum filling method;

Fig. 7 is a flow chart of a further embodiment of a vacuum filling process.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied accordingly to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component names. The position details chosen in the description, e.g. above, below, side, etc., refer to the figure immediately described and shown and these position details are to be transferred accordingly to the new position in the event of a change in position.

La to lc different embodiments of vacuum filling devices 1 are shown, each of which has a holding device 2 for a housing 3, an evacuating device 4 with a sealing unit 5 and a filling channel 6 for filling a housing interior 7 with a fluid Include medium 8.

A housing 3 is, in particular, a hollow cylindrical housing 3 which is closed in a bottom area 9 in a pressure-tight and liquid-tight manner.

To fill the housing 3 with the fluid medium 8, an inlet opening 10 is provided on the housing 3, which connects the housing interior 7 with a housing exterior 11. The housing 3 can be the housing 3 of a shock absorber 12, a Tas ters 13 or the housing 3 of another technical component which is filled with a working medium in the form of a fluid medium 8 in the course of manufacture or assembly.

In order to now fill the housing 3 without air inclusions, the housing interior 7 is subjected to a housing interior pressure 14 between 10 mbar and 100 mbar by means of the vacuum filling device 1. This is followed by the filling of the housing interior 7 via the inlet opening 10 with the fluid medium 8 by means of the vacuum filling device 1, wherein the fluid medium 8 can be a hydraulic oil, a magneto-rheological liquid or some other working fluid.

The housing 3 is held or fixed ge during the evacuation and filling process in the holding device 2, while the evacuation device 4 engages with the sealing unit 5 in the loading area of the inlet opening 10 of the housing 3 in order to seal the housing interior 7 to the outside 11 of the housing. Via the filling channel 6 of the vacuum filling device 1, the housing interior 7 is filled with the fluid medium 8 without bubbles or air inclusions.

Furthermore, an actuating element 50 is formed in the vacuum filling device 1, which is used to move an active element 21 arranged in the housing 3 in the axial, radial and / or circumferential direction.

In FIG. 1 a, an embodiment of a vacuum filling device 1 is shown which comprises a holding device 2 with a receiving opening 15 for a housing 3 to be filled. An evacuation device 4 acts in the area of an inlet opening 10 of the housing 3, where a sealing unit 5 seals a housing interior 7 with respect to a housing exterior 11. The evacuation device 4 here has the form of an evacuation chamber 16, the sealing unit 5 being formed in the area of the inlet opening 10, which engages an outer casing surface 17 and thus seals the housing interior 7 to the outside.

Via a vacuum channel 18 which engages in the evacuation chamber 16, the evacuation chamber 16 forming a pressure-tight envelope, the housing interior 7 is subjected to a housing interior pressure 14 between 10 mbar and 100 mbar. As a result of the vacuum created, the fluid medium 8 can now be filled with a fluid medium 8 without air inclusions or bubbles via a filling channel 6 that also extends into the evacuation chamber 16.

FIG. 1b shows an embodiment of a vacuum filling device 1 which comprises a holding device 2 with a receiving opening 15 for a housing 3 to be filled. An evacuation device 4 acts in the area of an inlet opening 10 of the housing 3, where a sealing unit 5 seals a housing interior 7 with respect to a housing exterior 11. According to the exemplary embodiment, the sealing unit 5 engages in the area of FIG Inlet opening 10 directly into the housing interior 7 and in this case forms a sealing device s plug 19 to seal the housing interior 7 from the outside.

In further, not shown embodiment variants, it can also be provided that the sealing unit 5 is pressed against the housing 3 at the end.

In yet another embodiment variant, it can also be provided that the sealing unit 5 is pressed against the outer casing surface 17 of the housing.

In yet another embodiment variant, it can also be provided that the sealing unit 5 has a combination of several of the above-mentioned seals.

Via a vacuum channel 18, which engages the interior space 7 through the seal 19, the interior 7 of the housing is subjected to an interior pressure 14 of between 10 mbar and 100 mbar. As a result of the vacuum created, the housing interior 7 can now be filled with a fluid medium 8 without air inclusions or bubbles via a filling channel 6 that also engages through the seal 19 into the housing interior 7.

FIG. 1c shows an embodiment of a vacuum filling device 1 which comprises a holding device 2 with a receiving opening 15 for a housing 3 to be filled. Holding device 2 and housing 3 are enclosed by an evacuation chamber 16 of an Evakuiervorrich device 4, which forms a pressure-tight envelope. In a cover plate 20, a sealing unit 5 is formed in order to seal a housing interior 7 against a housing outside 11.

Via a vacuum channel 18, which engages in the evacuation chamber 16 in the area of the sealing unit 5, the housing interior 7 is subjected to a housing interior pressure 14 between 10 mbar and 100 mbar. As a result of the vacuum created, the fluid medium 8 can now be filled with a fluid medium 8 without air inclusions or bubbles via a filling channel 6 which also engages in the area of the sealing unit 5 in the evacuation chamber 16.

In Figs. 2a and 2b, an embodiment of a shock absorber 12 is shown, which can be filled with means of a vacuum filling process, again for the same parts the same loading Drawings or component names as in the previous Fig. La to Lc are used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. La to lc.

The shock absorber 12 according to FIGS. 2a and 2b comprises a housing 3 with a housing interior 7, an inlet opening 10 connecting the housing interior 7 to a housing exterior 11 and an active element 21 piston rod 23 coupled to piston 22 is formed. In a floor area 9, the shock absorber 12 is closed in a pressure-tight and liquid-tight manner with a guide and sealing package 24.

So that in the course of a vacuum filling process with a vacuum filling device 1 all spaces to be filled in the housing interior 7 of the shock absorber 12 are filled with a fluid medium 8 free of air inclusions or bubbles, the piston 22 is evacuated by means of the piston rod 23 during filling of the housing interior 7 is moved in the axial, radial and / or circumferential direction. This measure can also ensure that a helical groove 27 optionally arranged in the inner casing surface 25 or in the outer casing surface 26 of the piston is completely filled with the fluid medium 8 by means of a step-by-step stroke movement of the piston 22 in the course of the The fluid medium 8 is applied to the filling process in all areas.

In an alternative embodiment, it can of course also be provided that the housing 3 is filled from the bottom area 9 and the inlet opening 10 is closed before filling or the housing 3 is designed to be closed instead of the inlet opening 10. The filling can thus take place contrary to the representations in Fig. 1 a-c from the opposite side. In this case, the housing 3 is first filled with the fluid medium 8 and the guide and sealing package 24 is only used in a subsequent process step. Here, too, it is conceivable that, in addition to the vacuum, the housing 3 is acted upon with helium in order to be able to check the tightness later.

In particular, it is conceivable here that after the insertion of the guide and sealing package 24, the housing 3 is no longer subjected to a vacuum and the part of the housing 3 located above the guide and sealing package 24 is rinsed before a leak test to remove any helium residues remove. The tightness can then be checked. In Fig. 2a, the shock absorber 12 is shown during the filling process, wherein this is arranged in a vacuum filling device 1 not shown in detail. If the desired filling amount of the fluid medium 8 is introduced into the housing interior 7, the housing 3 is closed ver at the inlet opening 10 of the housing 3 with a closure cover 28, the housing interior 7 by means of the vacuum filling device 1 with a housing interior pressure 14 between 10 mbar and 100 mbar remains applied.

To close the inlet opening 10 of the housing 3 with the cover 28, the vacuum filling device 1 can comprise a closer 29, which can be arranged in an evacuation chamber 16 of the vacuum filling device 1 or which engages in this.

In Fig. 2b, the shock absorber 12 is shown in a ver closed with the cap 28 state.

During the closure of the inlet opening 10 of the housing 3 with the closure cover 28, a press-in force 30 acts on the closure cover 28 in the press-in direction 49, the press-in force 30 being detected during the press-in process and when the press-in force 30 increases, which is caused by the impact of the closure cover 28 the fluid medium 8 accommodated in the housing interior 7 is caused, the press-in process is ended.

During the closing of the housing 3 with the cover 28, a volume compensation membrane 31 arranged in the housing interior 7 is displaced, which divides the housing interior 7 into a fluid chamber 32 and an air chamber 33. The volume compensating membrane 31 is displaced by the volume of the fluid medium 8 in the direction of the air chamber 33, the closure lid 28 being brought into a lid end position 34 and filling of the housing interior 7 with the fluid medium 8 without air inclusions or bubbles being achieved. By moving the volume compensation membrane 31 in the direction of the air chamber 33 manufacturing tolerances of the hous ses 3 and filling tolerances of the fluid medium 8 are eliminated.

After the press-in process has ended, the closure cover 28 can be moved in the axial direction, to the side facing away from the fluid medium 8, the inlet opening 10 of the housing 3 with the closure cover 28 remaining closed and the volume compensation membrane 31 remaining in a displaced state. Finally, the closure cover 28 can be fixed with respect to the housing 3 in a cover securing step by welding, crimping or applying a cover securing device 35.

In Figs. 3a and 3b, an embodiment of a button 13 is shown, which can be filled by means of egg nem vacuum filling process, in turn, the same reference characters or component names as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 2 used for the same parts. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 2.

The button 13 according to FIGS. 3a and 3b comprises a housing 3 with a housing interior 7, an inlet opening 10 connecting the housing interior 7 to a housing exterior 11 and an active element 21. The active element 21 is designed as a shaft 37 in a button 13. When the shaft 37 rotates, barrels 36 coupled to the shaft 37 are also rotated about an axis of rotation of the shaft 37. In a base area 9, the button 13 is closed in a pressure-tight and liquid-tight manner.

So that in the course of a vacuum filling process with a vacuum filling device 1, all spaces to be filled in the housing interior 7 of the button 13 are filled with a fluid medium 8 free of air inclusions or bubbles, the shaft 37 is rotated, whereby the barrel 36 coupled to it is also rotated to be turned around.

In Fig. 3a, the button 13 is shown during the filling process, this being arranged in a vacuum filling device 1, not shown in detail. Once the desired filling amount of the fluid medium 8 has been introduced into the housing interior 7, the housing 3 is closed at the inlet opening 10 of the housing 3 with a closure cover 28.

During the closing of the inlet opening 10 of the housing 3 with the closure cover 28, the housing interior 7 continues to be subjected to an interior housing pressure 14 between 10 mbar and 100 mbar by means of the vacuum filling device 1.

In FIG. 3 b, the button 13 is shown in a state that has already been closed with the closure cover 28.

4 shows a further and possibly independent embodiment of the vacuum filling device 1, again with the same reference numerals for the same parts or component designations as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 3 are used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 3.

In the embodiment of the vacuum filling device 1 shown in FIG. 4, the vacuum filling device 1 is designed with a multi-part holding device 2, the holding device 2 comprising a receiving device 38 and an adjusting device 39. The adjusting device 39 is designed to adjust the receiving device 38 in the axial, radial and / or circumferential direction. The adjusting device 39 can be designed as a vibration plate 40 in order to set a housing 3 in motion during an evacuation and filling process with the vacuum filling device 1. With this measure it is also achieved that the housing 3 is completely evacuated and filled with a fluid medium 8 without air inclusions or bubbles.

As can also be seen in FIG. 4, a mixing device 41 for the fluid medium 8 is provided on a filling channel 6. On the one hand, this ensures that the fluid medium 8 is homogeneously mixed and, on the other hand, additional particles 42 can be mixed into the fluid medium 8 by means of the mixing device.

In the case of additional particles 42, magnetic rheological fluids can be, for example, spherical iron particles which are mixed into the fluid medium 8 via the mixing device 41.

In addition, a fluid evacuation device 43 is arranged on the filling channel 6, in which air bubbles are evacuated from the fluid medium 8 in order to ensure that the housing interior 7 is filled without air inclusions and bubbles.

In order to improve the flow properties of the fluid medium 8, a temperature control device 44 in the form of a flow heater 45 is also arranged on the filling channel 6. An increase in the viscosity and an improvement in the flow properties of the fluid medium 8 have an advantageous effect on the filling of the interior space 7 of the housing without air inclusions and bubbles.

According to an embodiment not shown in detail, it is conceivable that the mixing device 41, fluid evacuation device 43 and temperature control device 44 share a common Form unit on the filling channel 6 and mixing, evacuation and temperature control of the fluid medium 8 takes place at the same time.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a temperature control device 44 in the form of an induction heater 46 in the holding device 2 is also provided for temperature control of the housing 3. In this way, the viscosity and the flow properties of the fluid medium 8 can be further improved.

In an embodiment not shown in detail, the temperature control device 44 can also be designed in such a way that, after the completion of the filling process of the housing interior 7, the housing 3 is cooled again via the temperature control device 44 and then fed to a further process step. Optionally, a cooling device (not shown) can also be provided in the holding device 2.

In addition, FIG. 4 also shows the arrangement of a closer 29 within an evacuating chamber 16 of the vacuum filling device 1, by means of which an inlet opening 10 of the housing 3 is closed after the filling process.

In FIG. 5, a further and possibly independent embodiment of the vacuum filling device 1 is shown, the same reference numerals or component designations being used again for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4.

In FIG. 5, the holding device 2 is designed as an industrial robot 47. The industrial robot 47 comprises several links and joints in order to train an adjusting device 39. The gripper 48 of the industrial robot 47 also forms the receiving device 38 for a housing 3 to be filled. An evacuation device 4 again engages in the area of an inlet opening 10 of the housing 3.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum filling method, the same reference numerals or component designations being used again for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 5. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 5. After a fluid medium 8 has been evacuated, according to FIG. 6, a housing interior 7 of a housing 3 is evacuated and subjected to a vacuum. Evacuation of the fluid medium 8 and the housing interior 7 can also take place at the same time.

Subsequently, the housing interior 7 is filled with the fluid medium 8, an active element 21 is moved and the housing interior 7 is further filled. The active element 21 can be kept in motion during the entire filling process or can be actuated step by step.

Once the desired filling amount of the fluid medium 8 has been introduced into the housing interior 7, an inlet opening 10 of the housing is closed with a closure cover 28 and pressed in by means of a press-in force 30 up to a cover end position 34.

Finally, the closure cover 28 is secured in a process step, with an additional cover securing device 35 optionally being able to be applied.

In FIG. 7, a further and possibly independent embodiment of a vacuum filling method is shown, the same reference numerals or component designations being used for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 6. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 6.

According to the exemplary embodiment of a vacuum filling method shown in FIG. 7, a fluid medium 8 is additionally tempered in a temperature control device 44 and mixed in a mixing device 41, optionally with additional particles 42.

After a housing interior 7 of a housing 3 has been evacuated, the housing 3 is acted upon by means of a vibration plate 40 and set in motion. In addition, the Ge housing 3 is tempered by means of a temperature control device 44.

Until an inlet opening 10 of the housing 3 is closed, the housing is accommodated in the vacuum filling device 1, the housing interior 7 being subjected to a vacuum. After the inlet opening 10 has been closed with a closure cover 28, with the housing interior 7 being closed in a pressure-tight and liquid-tight manner, a machine cycle occurs. Machine cycle means that the closed housing 3 is transferred to a further handling device, not shown in detail, in which the closing cover 28 is pressed in and secured at ambient or normal pressure.

The exemplary embodiments show possible design variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated design variants, but rather various combinations of the individual design variants are possible with one another and this possible variation is based on the teaching on technical action due to the present invention is within the ability of the person skilled in the art working in this technical field.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings are to be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various exemplary embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions for themselves. The task on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

All information on value ranges in the present description are to be understood in such a way that they include any and all sub-areas, e.g. the information 1 to 10 should be understood to include all sub-areas, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10 are, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced. List of reference symbols

30 Press-in force vacuum filling device

31 Volume compensation membrane holding device

32 fluid chamber housing

33 Air chamber evacuation device

34 Lid end position sealing unit

35 Filling channel cover lock

36 ton housing interior

37 wave fluid medium

38 Floor area pick-up device

39 Inlet opening adjustment device

40 Vibration plate on the outside of the housing

41 Mixing device shock absorber

42 additional particles button

43 Fluid evacuation device Internal housing pressure

44 T empering device receiving opening

45 water heater evacuation chamber

46 Induction heating of the outer casing surface

47 industrial robot vacuum duct

48 Stopper sealing s

49 Press-in direction cover plate

50 Actuation selement Actuating element Piston Piston rod Guide and sealing package Inner casing surface Piston outer casing surface Spiral groove Closing cover Closer

Claims

Patent claims

1. Vacuum filling process encompassing the process steps

- Providing a vacuum filling device (1);

- Provision of a housing (3) with a housing interior (7) and an inlet opening (10) connecting the housing interior (7) to a housing exterior (11);

- Applying the housing interior (7) with a housing interior pressure (14) between 10 ¹² mbar and 950 mbar, in particular between 0.1 mbar and 300 mbar, preferably between 10 mbar and 100 mbar, in particular between 20 mbar and 40 mbar by means of the Vacuum filling device (1);

- Filling the housing interior (7) via the inlet opening (10) with a fluid medium (8) by means of the vacuum filling device (1).

2. Vacuum filling method according to claim 1, characterized in that during loading the housing interior (7) with the fluid medium (8) in the housing (3) is arranged active element (21) in the axial direction and / or in the radial direction and / or is moved in circumferential direction.

3. Vacuum filling method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (3) is moved in the axial direction and / or in the radial direction and / or in the circumferential direction while the housing interior (7) is being filled with the fluid medium (8).

4. Vacuum filling method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (3) and / or the fluid medium (8) before filling and / o which is tempered during filling.

5. Vacuum filling method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (3) and / or the fluid medium (8) is cooled after filling.

6. Vacuum filling method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid medium (8) is evacuated before filling.

7. Vacuum filling method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid medium (8) is mixed with additional particles (42) before filling and / or during filling.

8. Vacuum filling method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (3) is closed at the inlet opening (10) of the housing (3) by means of a closure cover (28), the housing interior (7) with a housing interior pressure (14) ^{remains acted upon between 10 12} mbar and 950 mbar, in particular between 0.1 mbar and 300 mbar, preferably between 10 mbar and 100 mbar.

9. Vacuum filling method according to claim 8, characterized in that before closing the housing (3) by means of the closure cover (28), the housing interior (7) is at least partially filled with a test gas, in particular helium.

10. Vacuum filling method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that during the closing of the inlet opening (10) of the housing (3) with the closure cover (28) a press-in force (30) on the closure cover (28) in the press-in direction (49) acts, the press-in force (30) being detected during the press-in process and when the press-in force (30) increases, which is caused by the impact of the closure cover (28) on the fluid medium (8) received in the housing interior (7), the press-in process is ended.

11. Vacuum filling method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the closing of the housing (3) with the closure cover (28) at least one volume compensation membrane (31) arranged in the housing interior (7), which the housing interior (7) in a fluid chamber (32) and an air chamber (33), through which the volume of the fluid medium (8) is displaced in the direction of the air chamber (33), the closure cover (28) being brought into a cover end position (34).

12. Vacuum filling method according to claim 11, characterized in that the volume of the housing interior (7) is subject to manufacturing tolerances and that the filling quantity of the fluid medium (8) is subject to a filling quantity tolerance, the filling quantity tolerance being dimensioned in such a way that when the closure cover (28) is positioned in its end position (34) it is ensured that the volume compensation membrane (31) is supported by the volume of the fluid medium ( 8) in the direction of the air chamber (33).

13. Vacuum filling method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that after the end of the press-in process, the closure lid (28) is moved from an intermediate lid position against the press-in direction (49) into the lid end position (34), so that in Housing interior (7) forms a free space which acts as a volume compensation for the fluid medium (8).

14. Vacuum filling method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure cover (28) is welded to the housing (3) in a cover securing step by means of a laser welding process.

15. Vacuum filling device (1), in particular comprising for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims

- A holding device (2) for a housing (3) with a housing interior (7) and an inlet opening (10);

- An evacuation device (4) with a sealing unit (5) for evacuating the housing interior (7);

- A filling channel (6) for filling the housing interior (7) with a fluid Me medium (8).

16. Vacuum filling device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the holding device (2) comprises a receiving device (38) for receiving the housing (3) and an adjusting device (39), which adjusting device (39) is designed for this to adjust the receiving device (38) in the axial direction and / or in the radial direction and / or in the circumferential direction, the adjusting device (39) being designed in particular to apply a vibration, such as an ultrasonic vibration.

17. Vacuum filling device (1) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the holding device (2), the receiving device (38) and / or the filling channel (6) has a temperature control device (44) for the housing (3) and / or the fluid medium (8) include sen.

18. Vacuum filling device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that a fluid evacuation device (43) for the fluid medium (8) is arranged in the filling channel (6).

19. Vacuum filling device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that a mixing device (41) for the fluid medium (8) is angeord net in the filling channel (6).

20. Vacuum filling device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that in the evacuation device (4) a closer (29) for closing the inlet opening (10) of the housing (3) with a closure cover (28 ) is provided.

21. Vacuum filling device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that an actuating element (50) is formed which is used to move an active element (21) arranged in the housing (3) in the axial direction and / or in the radial direction device and / or in the circumferential direction.