DE10350444A1 - Protective layer application onto painted surface, particularly vehicle bodywork, and subsequent removal involves application of fluid film, drying and eventual removal with alkaline cleaning agent - Google Patents

Abstract

The protective layer is applied as a fluid(30) and then dried to form a protective film layer(32). For removal of the protective layer prior to product use a liquid cleaner(34) is employed. Application of the protective layer(32) occurs after painting of the surface to be protected. Application to vehicle bodywork occurs after painting, but before final finishing of the vehicle. The protective layer is applied as an alkaline acrylic-containing solution(30) which is dried(31) to leave an acrylate film. Generally a protective layer remains on the surface for the duration of transporting and/or storage of the vehicle. Such periods may be a month, preferably six months or longer before removal. Protective layer thickness is 1-20microns, preferably 5-15microns. Removal(33) of the protective layer occurs after transfer of a vehicle to the end user and is effected in a conventional vehicle cleaning and washing plant. The cleaning agent(34) flows around a closed circuit and is preferably sprayed onto the protected surface. A subsequent flushing with water removes the cleaning agent. Acrylate is recovered from the flushing water and the latter recirculated. Independent claims are included for: a) a protective layer applied to a surface using the claimed process; b) vehicle bodywork utilizing the protective layer on the painted surface.

Description

The The present invention relates to a method of application and Removal of at least one for a limited period for a painted surface provided protective layer. conventional Procedure for the protection of painted surfaces in The automotive industry usually see the application of a Surface protection layer on the painted surface only at the complete finished vehicle in front. The application of a surface protective layer already after painting and before final assembly was previously not common due the associated high logistical effort. They are, for example Systems are known in which the painted surface is covered with a foil becomes. However, this procedure is very labor-intensive. Besides, they are the slides used are not transparent, so they for example make it difficult to assess the underlying painted surface. There is a risk of partial detachment of the protective layer of the painted surface in the subsequent manufacturing process. If such a slide from the surface solved she is no longer sticky. If you have such a protective film as a transport protection for already She wants to use painted vehicles, therefore, she must use a tape taped to detach it from the painted surface to avoid. In addition, the known film material is expensive. by virtue of The vehicle geometry can not protect all areas economically. It Although spray foils are also known which are difficult to access surfaces can be sprayed on. With these spray foils, however, the material costs are very high In addition, the films are not transparent. In the application Slides become edges on components, for example, columns between adjacent ones Components, for example, between the front door and the fender of the Vehicle not protected, because only one application at a distance of up to 5 mm to 10 mm from Edge out possible is.

From the DE 196 52 728 A1 For example, there is known a method for making a removable transport protection for painted automotive bodies in which an aqueous dispersion is applied to the surface to be protected, which solidifies to form a peelable plastic film. In this known method, the spraying takes place in particular on the horizontal surfaces of the body. The liquid contained in the aqueous dispersion evaporates and a solid film is formed. The resulting film should not be sticky, so it is possible to subsequently remove this film from the body. The removal of such a film-like film, however, can cause problems, so that an additional cleaning of the body is required to wash the remaining remains. In this method, there are the aforementioned disadvantages, in particular, the material costs are high and the sprayed-on film is not transparent.

The DE 198 54 760 A1 describes a similar process in which a liquid film is sprayed onto a painted automotive body. The application takes place in particular immediately before the final assembly. Again, the film is removed at an unspecified time by peeling back from the body surface.

The DE 195 39 891 C1 describes the application of a temporary surface protection for motor vehicle bodies. In this case, a protective film is applied from a polymer mixture based on biodegradable substances. Gliadin sediment is used, which can be obtained from grain residues. In order to obtain a sprayable polymer mixture, this is heated before application to the surface to be protected. The protective film should be allowed to wash off at the end of the intended protection period by an alkaline water solution.

It is also known to use so-called vehicle cases, which over the painted vehicle to be pulled. These are, however, costly and can only be used as transport protection.

The EP 0 313 447 B1 describes a composition for the surface protection of zinc surfaces against the so-called "white rust." The composition is applicable, for example, for the protection of galvanized steel sheets.For the long-chain (meth) acrylates are used for the protective layer, which are polymerized to copolymers or terpolymers may be removed again with the aid of alkaline detergents containing the sodium salt of EDTA, triethanolamine and glycol ether, but these protective coatings are not intended for painted surfaces.

There is therefore a need for a method for applying and removing a protection layer provided for a limited time, which is more versatile than the previously known systems and avoids the aforementioned disadvantages. The solution to this problem provides a method according to the invention of the aforementioned type with the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the application of the protective layer takes place earlier than in the known method, namely after painting and not only after complete finishing position of the vehicle. The protective layer applied by the method according to the invention thus already serves to protect the painted surface in the subsequent manufacturing processes against scratches, dirt and slight damage. The surface layer according to the invention is transparent and therefore permits a surface assessment of the painted surface through the protective layer. The method according to the invention provides that the protective layer applied early after the painting process serves as mounting protection in the further manufacturing process. After final completion of the vehicle, the protective layer serves as a transport protection and can remain on the painted surface to be protected until the vehicle is taken over by the customer. Here the particular versatility of the method according to the invention becomes clear.

The used according to the invention Protective layers for the painted surfaces also allow a cost-effective Apply, adhere well to the varnished surface and remain during the entire envisaged period of time on this. The danger of detachment exists Not. Thus, the inventive method is the previously used Superior to systems such as stick-on protective films or spray foils. It is further advantageous that the inventive method the use of surface protective layers provides, at the given time, easily from the surface of the Vehicle can be removed. The Surface protection layer according to the invention is used not only as protection against damage or contamination of the painted surface in the manufacturing process, but as it remains on the surface of the vehicle even after delivery effective protection in the transport and storage phases For example, against environmental and other external influences that attack painted surfaces or soiling, such as sulfuric acid, pancreatin, rust, dust, Soot, brake and overhead line abrasion, Bird droppings, etc. The surface protective layers according to the invention offer a scratch-resistant effective surface protection of the already painted surface the vehicle both in the subsequent manufacturing process, that is in the automotive plant as well as afterwards transport and storage of the vehicle. This results a particularly cost-effective Solution, as a uniform surface protection system continuously is used. Even if the vehicle is stored at the dealer remains this surface protection layer usually on the painted vehicle. Preferably, the surface protective layer becomes only immediately before handover of the product to the customer. A spontaneous release of the Protective layer during this period is not possible. The removal of the protective layer (de-preservation) is preferably carried out in a chemical process based on the nature and composition the protective layer is matched. As surface protective layers in the process according to the invention For example, plastics, in particular acrylates or waxes into consideration. Particularly preferred are acrylate layers that are remove with or without the use of small amounts of organic solvents leave so that the de-preservation in an environmentally friendly Process can be done. For example, come for de-preservation alkaline aqueous Media into consideration. Other preferably used in the method according to the invention Surface protective coatings include, for example Hydrorowachse, when applied no organic solvent be used. In the de-preservation of such Hydrowachse aqueous media and / or, for example, higher boiling hydrocarbons be used. Also in these cases is the Entkonservierung environmentally friendly and the emission is low, especially when higher boiling hydrocarbons with low volatility be used.

The used in the process according to the invention Surface protective coatings guarantee a very effective installation protection in the in-house production process after painting. They make a grip-proof film and one Spaltabklebung as in previously used method is not necessary. The Entkonservierung can in mass production in a closed Circulation. Even with single vehicles can for the Entkonservierung a marketable one Plant are used, for example, an existing dealer Cleaning or washing system for Vehicles. The inventive method provides a long-term permanent surface protection for painted surfaces, whereby the durability when storing the vehicles outdoors from the weather conditions and climatic conditions is. As a rule, however, a preservation period of approx. 1 given up to 1.5 years, which is the usual storage times for new vehicles is sufficient.

The surface protective layers used in the method according to the invention serve as mounting protection, as transport protection, as protection against mechanical stresses and against the attack of chemicals. They can be applied and removed in a compatible manner in the environment and can be easily and inexpensively disposed of. As protective layers, preferably closed films with a thin layer thickness are applied in the method according to the invention, for example in a layer thickness range between about 1 μm and about 20 μm, preferably the layer thickness is between about 5 μm and 15 μm. This results in grip-resistant, resistant closed films which show good adhesion to the painted surfaces and are rapidly waterproof after application. The surface protective layers of the invention have a good heat capacity, low oxidation tendency, long-term flexibility and are easily deconserved even after periods of, for example, 6 months or beyond. The protective layers according to the invention show no Lackanquellung or -vermattung. They do not attack anodized parts and rubber parts.

The common Conservation method in the context of the present invention include Acrylate preservation and wax preservation. For example comes an acrylate-based protective coating type AP585 the company Pfinder Chemie into consideration. Acrylate surface protective layers of these Art are very inexpensive. When using surface protective layers On acrylate basis it may be necessary to use the disc flanges of a vehicle. This masking then takes place, however preferably already before painting, for example after Application of the usual Dipcoating (KTL). The KTL coated but still unpainted body surfaces guarantee better adhesion. In these cases no primer is necessary and some of the taping costs are saved. The de-preservation The acrylate protective layers is quite simple and can, for example at the car dealer respectively. The de-preservation is no more expensive than the distance of wax protection layers. The use of such acrylate surface protective layers is ecological advantageous over the use of solvent-containing Waxes. Sewage pollution during removal is avoided.

Compared to conventional sprayable liquid films provide the acrylate protective layers of the invention considerable advantages. It can protect the entire painted surface, also in the area of edges. The price is lower and it will be moreover a much smaller amount per surface unit needed. To the method according to the invention The costs are much lower than those used previously Adhesive films or protective covers, in addition to the other above Disadvantage. The surface protective layers according to the invention are transparent, while the known liquid films or spray films are opaque and adhesive films or protective covers are white. The latter therefore leave no assessment of under the protective layer lying painted surface to.

The De-preservation to remove the surface protective layer according to the invention is also possible without any problems if protective layers with greater layer thickness applied (for example, overcoats) or when the vehicle bodies to be decontaminated are heavily soiled are. In these cases The bodies go through, for example, the Entkonservierungsanlage several times and / or they become contactless before deconservation pre-washed, for example in conventional car washes, with Help of high pressure / cleaning equipment, steam jets or the like.

object The present invention furthermore relates to a motor vehicle whose Body at least partially a method according to the invention on the painted surface having applied protective layer.

The in the subclaims mentioned features relate to preferred developments of the task solution according to the invention. Further Advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

following The present invention will be described with reference to exemplary embodiments to the accompanying drawings. Show

1 a schematically simplified representation of a vehicle which is de-vacated by hand according to a possible alternative variant of the method according to the invention;

2 a simplified schematic representation of the Entkonservierung an acrylate protective layer in a Entkonservierungsanlage according to a possible exemplary variant of the invention;

3 a basic scheme for illustrating an exemplary process flow for the preservation or de-preservation of painted surfaces according to the present invention.

Subsequently, first on 1 With reference to the drawing sketch, a de-preservation of the surface protective layer to be carried out by hand is explained in more detail. The de-preservation by hand, for example, at dealers in whose operation only a limited number of vehicle bodies must be de-conserved daily, for example, up to ten bodies per day. For this purpose, the to be liberated from the surface coating body 10 on which there is, for example, a coating with a total amount of 60 g of acrylate, preferably initially sprayed. The aforementioned amount of about 60 g of acrylate corresponds approximately to an originally applied amount of 300 g of a wet film, after drying at a solids content of 20% forms a dry film having a total mass of 60 g. The body of the vehicle 10 is preferably positioned so that below the level of the vehicle a catch basin 11 is located in which the used Entkonservierungsmedien and the removed acrylate layer is collected. Preferably, a pH control is carried out with a suitable measuring device 12 in the in the catch basin 11 contained liquid 13 , The catch basin 11 may for example have a capacity of a few cubic meters. The collected de-preservation liquid is alkaline and can be neutralized, for example with calcium acetate. The neutralized medium 13 then can from the catch basin 11 by means of a pump 14 be pumped off via a pipe 15 , In this then preferably a branch is provided so that it branches into a return line 16 and a discharge pipe 17 , By providing appropriate valves 18 . 19 can use de-preservation medium either via the outlet pipe 17 when the valve is closed 18 derived or with the valve open 18 and closed valve 19 may be a return of the treatment medium or parts thereof into the catch basin 11 respectively.

is For example, on a vehicle body a lot of 60 g acrylate and it will, for example, 10 bodies per day Preserved by hand in the manner described, then falls in the sewage a quantity of 600 g of acrylate per day, which is one example Amount of about ten times and thus corresponds to 6000 g of acrylate sludge. For this Handentkonservierung needed for example, an amount of about 200 liters of flushing fluid per body, from what yourself a daily Amount of about 2000 liters of rinsing fluid per day in the treatment of 10 bodies per day. To the first injection process the body surface is soaked with an alkaline cleaning medium, wherein the contact time on the body surface preferably between about 3 and 5 minutes. After that, the body can, for example, with a sharp jet of water preferably rinsed cold or with a high-pressure cleaner or in an existing Car wash or cleaning system.

Hereinafter, with reference to the schematic representation according to 2 describes an exemplary procedure in the de-preservation of vehicle bodies in larger series, as can be carried out, for example, in freight forwarders or other companies that transport, for example, new vehicles, so that a larger number of bodies to de-conserve. In these cases, the use of a separate plant for de-preservation is recommended, but which is less expensive in the inventive method than, for example, a Wachsentkonservierungsanlage, in which the de-preservation takes place at a higher temperature.

The plant includes, for example, according to 2 a spray zone 20 with several spray arches in which the alkaline de-preserving agent is sprayed onto the bodywork. The de-preservative is allowed to act for some time, for example for the period of 3 to 5 minutes. Thereafter, the bodies arrive in a rinsing zone 21 in which over a line 22 Fresh water is supplied, with which the bodies are rinsed. The from this rinse zone 21 Wastewater is added at 23 an alkaline medium, for example, Ca (OH) ₂ added, so that it comes to flocculation of the acrylate contained in the decontainer. The flocculated acrylate 23 then becomes a separation process 24 subjected to, the separator separates the acrylate, which then a disposal facility 25 is supplied. That in the separator 24 Separated water will be over the line 26 returned to the spray zone 20 , The at 24 separated water can thus be used in the circulation and multiple times. Optionally, the spray zone 20 also additional fresh water to be supplied.

The in the spray zone 20 Entkonservierten vehicle bodies then go into the rinsing zone 21 , wherein for the rinsing process preferably fresh water 22 is supplied. Thereafter, the bodies are in a dry-blowing zone 27 transferred, in which the drying follows. After completing the drying process, the vehicle is finally taken off at 28.

The following is with reference to 3 a basic scheme for the preservation and Entkonservierung of vehicle bodies explained by the method according to the invention. For preserving the painted surface of vehicle bodies, an alkaline solution 30 used. During the subsequent drying 31 , For example, for the period of a few minutes three minutes at a temperature of for example, about 60 ° C escape ammonia and water from the previously applied wet film and it is formed on the vehicle body, a protective layer in the form of a film 32 from an acidic acrylic resin. The subsequent de-preservation 33 before transferring the vehicle to the end customer, use an alkaline cleaner and remove the flocculated acrylate (see 2 ) becomes an alkaline solution again 34 receive.

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body

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catch basin

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measuring device

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liquid

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pump

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management

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Return line

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outlet pipe

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Valve

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Valve

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spray zone

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rinse zone

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management

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flocculated acrylate

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separating device

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waste facility

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management

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Trockenblaszone

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vehicle inspection

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alkaline solution

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desiccation

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Movie

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depreservation

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alkaline solution

Claims (21)

Method for applying and removing at least one protective layer provided for a limited period of time for a painted surface, the application taking place in liquid form and after drying giving a film-like protective layer, characterized in that the removal of the protective layer is carried out using at least one liquid de-preserving agent. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the application of the protective layer after painting the preserving surface he follows. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that this for the preservation of painted surfaces of vehicle bodies serves and preservation after painting but before complete completion of the vehicle. Method according to claim 3, characterized that the protective layer applied to the painted surface for the Duration of transport and / or storage of the vehicle on the bodywork surface remains. Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized that the removal of the protective layer of the painted surface only before the handover of the vehicle to the end user. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized the protective layer comprises an acrylate and / or wax. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized the protective layer comprises a hydrowax. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized for de-preservation at least one substantially aqueous Medium is used. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that that for de-preservation of the protective layer, an alkaline aqueous Medium is used. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized that for de-preservation aqueous Media and / or higher-boiling Hydrocarbons are used. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized that the de-preservation in a conventional cleaning or car wash for vehicles carried out becomes. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized that the funds used in the de-preservation funds in the de-preservation be driven in a closed circuit. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized that the protective layer in a layer thickness in the range between about 1 micron and about 20 μm, preferably in a layer thickness between about 5 microns and about 15 microns is applied. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized that the protective layer for a period of more than one month, preferably up to six months or more on the painted surface remains and then de-preserved. Method according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized that the de-preservation with an alkaline Entkonservierungsmittel made is, which is preferably sprayed onto the surface to be de-preserved. Method according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that after an alkaline Entkonservierung the deconserve Surface is rinsed with water. Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized that the effluent from de-preservation is treated the acrylate is separated and the recovered aqueous liquid is recycled. Method according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized that for the preservation of the painted surface to be protected an alkaline acrylate-containing solution is applied and then at least one drying step takes place, whereby a protective layer in the form of an acrylic resin-based film is obtained. On a painted surface applied protective layer, characterized in that these according to a method according to a of claims 1 until 18 was applied. On a painted surface applied protective layer according to claim 19, characterized in that this substantially is transparent. Motor vehicle body, characterized that these at least one applied to the painted surface Protective layer according to claim 19 or 20.