Method and Device for Processing at Least Two Workpieces by Means of Electrochemical Treatment

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for processing at least two workpieces by means of electrochemical treatment. During the method, the workpieces are provided as working electrodes in an electrolytic treatment solution inside of which a counter-electrode arrangement is assigned to each workpiece. One workpiece and the assigned counter-electrode arrangement form an electrolytic processing element. The electrolytic processing elements are connected in series.

1 .- 12 . (canceled) 
   
   
       13 . A method for processing a plurality of workpieces via an electrochemical treatment, comprising:
 placing the plurality of workpieces as working electrodes in an electrolytic treatment solution;   assigning each workpiece a respective counter-electrode workpiece; and   forming an electrolytic processing element in each case between an individual workpiece and its respectively assigned counter-electrode workpiece by connecting each electrolytic processing element in series.   
   
   
       14 . The method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein current flow through the electrolytic treatment solution between the electrolytic processing elements is selectively counteracted. 
   
   
       15 . The method as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the electrolytic processing elements are shielded from electric fields emanating from the other electrolytic processing elements. 
   
   
       16 . The method as. claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the electrolytic treatment solutions of the individual electrolytic treatment elements are electrically isolated from one another. 
   
   
       17 . The method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein to form the series connection, the workpiece of an electrolytic processing element is connected to the counter-electrode arrangement of another electrolytic processing element via a low-resistance electrically conductive path having a much lower electrical resistance than possible current paths through the electrolytic treatment solution between the electrolytic processing elements. 
   
   
       18 . The method as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein workpieces interconnected via the low-resistance electrically conductive path, and the counter-electrode arrangements are at the same electrical potential. 
   
   
       19 . An apparatus for processing a plurality of workpieces via electrochemical treatment, comprising:
 a tank filled with an electrolytic treatment solution sized and configured for placing the workpieces as working electrodes;   a counter-electrode arrangement disposed in the tank for each workpiece; and   a voltage source connected in an electrically conductive manner to each workpiece and a counter-electrode arrangement, wherein an individual workpiece together with an associated counter-electrode arrangement constitutes an electrolytic processing element and wherein at least one workpiece of an electrolytic processing element must be connected to the counter-electrode arrangements of another electrolytic processing element via an electrically conductive path having a much lower electrical resistance than the electrolytic treatment solution between the two electrolytic processing elements.   
   
   
       20 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein devices are provided for preventing current flow through the electrolytic treatment solution between two electrolytic processing elements. 
   
   
       21 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the devices for preventing current flow through the electrolytic treatment solution between two electrolytic processing elements are Faraday walls. 
   
   
       22 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein grounded wire grids are provided as Faraday walls. 
   
   
       23 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the Faraday walls are produced from a material that is chemically inert to the electrolytic treatment solution. 
   
   
       24 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the devices for preventing current flow through the electrolytic treatment- solution between two electrolytic processing elements are walls made of an electrically isolating material. 
   
   
       25 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the walls made of an electrically isolating material are produced from a material that is chemically inert to the electrolytic treatment solution.