EP1447144A1 - Apparatus for hardening UV-photocurable coatings - Google Patents

Abstract

Coating material(6) is made from natural plant based materials in the form of oils and waxes and contains a photoinitiator. The material additionally cures slowly by oxidation. Curing equipment includes a UV(ultra-violet) emitter(2) which is electronically controlled to produce a variable output giving a wave length of 215-450nm for generating ozone. Coating material(6) is made from natural plant based materials in the form of oils and waxes and contains a photoinitiator. The material additionally cures slowly by oxidation. Curing equipment includes a UV(ultra-violet) emitter(2) which is electronically controlled to produce a variable output giving a wave length of 215-450nm for generating ozone. A drive unit(3,31,32), whose speed is variable, moves the curing equipment(1) or the UV emitter relative to the surface(5) to be coated. The curing equipment includes a moving chassis(3) which when used to coat floors or floor coverings is supported on the latter. The chassis has one or more wheels(32) connected to either a drive motor(31) or caterpillar tracks connected to a drive motor. Alternatively the chassis carries a motor driven system for producing an air cushion to carry the curing equipment. When used to coat walls or ceilings the chassis moves along the floor, but includes a stroking mechanism for raising and lowering a UV emitter(2). Emitter output can be controlled between 20-100% of maximum independent from supply voltage variations to maintain constant output. The UV emitter is a single tubular quartz lamp(21) whose axis is transverse to the movement direction(39) of the curing equipment or stroking mechanism. Swiveling of the lamp around an axis perpendicular to the surface to be cured is possible, preferably through 90[deg]. The lamp has a reflector and output is 100-120W/cm. Working breadth is 0.2-2m, preferably 0.5-0.7m. The lamp and reflector are in a cooled housing(20) which has a diaphragm on the open side. When turned on the lamp is monitored and a signal generated when output temperature is reached. The signal switches on the drive motor(31) and/or a stroking unit. The drive motor moves the curing equipment forwards at 1-20m/min either continuously or in steps. Maximum track width of the chassis is less than the working breadth of the UV emitter. An additional mobile UV emitter(28) may be carried which connects with a control unit(4) via a supply line.

Description

The present invention relates to a curing device for a coating material, the coating material in a liquid initial state to a surface to be coated Surface, in particular of wood or wood-based material, can be applied and then by irradiation with UV radiation is chemically quickly curable and the curing device at least one UV lamp for generating on the applied coating material of directional UV radiation and means for moving the hardening device or at least the UV lamp relative to the one to be cured Has coating material bearing surface.

DE 30 45 077 A1 describes a method for sealing of parquet floors and a device for carrying out known of the procedure. With this sealing process at least two coats are applied in succession, the next coat of paint only after drying of the previously applied varnish. The drying or curing of the paints is carried out by means of a UV lamp, the one at an operator too pushing carriage is arranged. In addition, it usually takes place after applying and curing the second Lacquer layer another lacquer sanding and then either the application of another UV-curing top coat or a conventional polyurethane-based varnish or on an acid-curing basis or on Oil / resin base.

The coating process is clearly very material- and time consuming since at least two, usually even applied more than two layers of paint and must be cured. By moving it by hand Trolley with the UV lamp is also a reliable one and exact dosing of the paint aimed at the paint to be hardened UV radiation is not guaranteed, because at Movement speed of the carriage moved by hand with the UV lamp can experience large fluctuations that to corresponding fluctuations in the UV radiation dose per Guide the unit area of the paint to be hardened. One too rapid movement of the UV lamp leads to an incomplete Curing of the paint; if the movement is too slow it can damage the paint or the paint bearing it Surface due to excessive UV radiation and overheating come.

EP 1 048 362 A2 describes a method for curing known from floor coatings, the long-wave and short-wave ultraviolet radiation is used. Essential is in this process that the two are in their Wavelength distinguishing ultraviolet radiation act on the floor covering one after the other, whereby the irradiation first with the long-wave UV radiation and then with the short-wave UV radiation he follows. For the irradiation of the floor coating becomes a self-propelled device with its own Generator and a driver's seat and controls proposed that is technically very complex and has a large size that can be used in residential and Excludes office space. The one used on the device UV lamp is also technically very complex, because it has its own for each UV wavelength Group of two different UV radiation sources required.

Finally, a method is known from US 4 999 216 which is specifically related to the coating of concrete floors a coating curable by UV radiation. This document is based on known UV radiation curable coatings, but for an immediate coating of concrete floors because of it chemically basic character are not suitable. Therefore become chemically specially composed coating materials suggested that immediately and without order a primer applied to a concrete floor and then can be cured using UV radiation. The chemical composition of the coating materials relatively complex and therefore complex in their Production. Because of their special orientation for they are for the immediate coating of concrete floors other surface, in particular made of wood or wooden material, less suitable.

In all known devices is also a disadvantage to mention that they are not concerned with the problem of a Overheating of the device itself and the irradiated Deal with surface. In addition to UV radiation, UV lamps generate a very large amount of heat that is too high Temperatures of several hundred ° C at least that Guide the UV lamp adjacent parts of the device can what is harmful to the life of the emitter and can be dangerous for the operating personnel. Also to thermal damage to the irradiated surface it can happen.

Therefore, for the present invention Task, a curing device for a coating material specify that compared to the known prior art Has advantages. In particular, the use of the hardening device be physically and chemically safe and the curing device is also intended for use in Living and office space can be well suited. The use of the Hardening device is intended for the workers with are concerned with the curing of the coating, and for that Device itself and no hazards for the irradiated surface cause. In addition, the process of curing should the coating quickly and ensuring one high coating quality. Furthermore, each should depending on the type and thickness of the coating to be cured Hardening device flexible to the respective requirements be customizable.

• daß mit dem UV-Strahler eine UV-Strahlung in einem auf den Beschichtungsstoff abgestimmten und eine Ozonbildung ausschließenden Wellenlängenbereich zwischen 215 und 450 nm erzeugbar ist,
• daß der UV-Strahler mittels einer elektronischen Vorschalteinheit in seiner Strahlungsleistung regelbar und auf einer vorgebbaren Strahlungsleistung haltbar ist,
• daß die Mittel zum Verfahren des Härtungsgeräts oder zumindest des UV-Strahlers relativ zu der den auszuhärtenden Beschichtungsstoff tragenden Oberfläche mindestens einen in seiner Geschwindigkeit regelbaren Bewegungsantrieb umfassen und
• daß die von dem UV-Strahler abgegebene Strahlungsleistung über die Vorschalteinheit so mit der Geschwindigkeit des Bewegungsantriebes gekoppelt ist, daß eine pro Flächeneinheit des Beschichtungsstoffs diesem zugeführte UV-Strahlungsdosis im wesentlichen konstant bleibt.

This object is achieved according to the invention with a hardening device which is characterized in that

• that UV radiation can be generated with the UV lamp in a wavelength range between 215 and 450 nm which is matched to the coating material and excludes ozone formation,
• that the UV lamp can be regulated in terms of its radiation power by means of an electronic ballast unit and can be kept at a predeterminable radiation power,
• that the means for moving the hardening device or at least the UV lamp relative to the surface carrying the coating material to be hardened comprise at least one movement drive which is adjustable in speed and
• that the radiation power emitted by the UV lamp is coupled via the ballast unit to the speed of the movement drive in such a way that a UV radiation dose supplied to the coating material per unit area remains essentially constant.

The formation of for the workers who the coating produce harmful ozone is indicated by the Wavelength of UV radiation excluded. By the control unit of the UV lamp is guaranteed, that this actually has a predetermined radiation power and releases permanently, so that a constant and high Quality of the finished coating is guaranteed. An important contribution to ensuring the high and uniform coating quality finally exists also in that the means for moving the hardening device or at least the UV lamp relative to that surface to be cured coating material include an adjustable motion drive and that the radiation power emitted by the UV lamp via the ballast with the speed of the motion drive is coupled. This allows a given Relationship between speed and radiation power constant even with changes in speed are observed, which means that per unit area the dose of UV radiation acting on the coating is constant is kept at a predetermined value. One too weak or too strong UV radiation with consequential damage for the coating is safely avoided and it is left high-quality coatings even with less experienced or less skilled personnel.

The coating material preferably consists of natural vegetable raw materials in the form of oils and hard waxes. Such a coating material is chemical both for the workers who are coating manufactures, as well as for residents or users of one Room in which the finished coating will be later, harmless.

Overall, the present invention is a curing device tailored to the coating material, that for both the workers who are coating manufacture, as well as for the users of the rooms, which have coated surfaces, Avoids health risks. At the same time, high and uniform quality of the finished coating with little effort for the production of the coating reached.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the hardening device one to be coated on a floor Surface supporting chassis as part of the Movement drive has. When coating a The hardening device can be on the floor itself are moved, only care being taken that the parts of the chassis that are supported on the floor the floor just in with the UV radiation already Touch hardened areas of the coating. This is by a suitable positioning of the UV lamp without any problems to reach.

Regarding the chassis of the hardening device different versions possible. A preferred one Execution provides that the chassis is at least one Wheel that is coupled to a drive motor or can be coupled. Depending on the size and weight of the hardening device can this also several, for example three or have four wheels in its chassis, one of which Wheel or several wheels can be driven.

Alternatively, the chassis can have one or more crawler tracks have, with at least one crawler belt with a drive motor is coupled or can be coupled. A such a caterpillar track or arrangement of several caterpillar tracks has the particular advantage of distributing the weight of the curing device on a larger area, whereby Avoid excessive point loads on a floor can be.

A further embodiment provides that the chassis Means for producing at least a part of the hardening device supporting air cushion, these Means coupled or connectable to a drive motor are. With such an air cushion, the total weight or at least part of the weight of the Hardening device can be added without a mechanical There is contact with the floor. A mechanical one Contact with the floor is only necessary to the extent that than he wanted for ensuring a Direction and speed of movement is needed.

The invention further proposes that the curing device a chassis supported on the floor as Has part of the motion drive and that the curing device a drivable at least carrying the UV lamp Lifting device at least for lifting and lowering of the UV lamp includes. With such a hardening device can be one on a wall surface or on the bottom coating applied to a ceiling surface without any problems and in particular precisely dosed and evenly UV radiation are irradiated and hardened without the operating personnel is physically stressed.

Since different UV-curing coating materials each according to their specific composition and depending on the thickness of your order for their curing a different, need a suitable UV radiation dose, proposes the invention in terms of the curing device further before that the radiation power of the UV lamp on the electronic control gear Predeterminable performance value between 20 and 100% of its maximum Radiant power is adjustable. The applicable one percentage output value of the UV lamp is then either based on theoretical calculations or based on tests and depending on the intended Movement speed of the hardening device determined and regulated by the ballast.

In order to avoid that by experience relatively often occurring voltage fluctuations in the power supply, e.g. from a public network or from a generator, the performance of the UV lamp is unwanted changed, it is further provided that the radiation power of the UV lamp by means of the electronic ballast regardless of supply voltage fluctuations constant at a given power value is durable. This ensures that independent from a fluctuating supply voltage to a constant one UV radiation power is emitted by the UV lamp what for a constant and high quality of curing Coating is essential. It should be noted that fluctuations in the supply voltage without the corresponding Ballast unit disproportionately to the Radiation power would affect, so that even low Fluctuations in the supply voltage to considerable Fluctuations in the UV radiation power and thus too noticeable Would cause fluctuations in the quality of the coating.

For a uniform quality of the hardening of the coating it is also important that the radiation density of UV radiation in the irradiated area of the Viewing is as even as possible. This will be achieved that it is provided according to the invention that the UV lamp formed by a single quartz tube burner is, the longitudinal axis of which in a basic orientation transverse to Direction of movement of the hardening device or its lifting device runs. By using the only one Quartz tube burner as a UV lamp all problems Avoided when using several side by side arranged smaller UV lamps with regard the radiation density and possibly with regard to scattering power of the individual smaller radiators. The specified basic orientation of the quartz tube burner transverse to the direction of movement of the hardening device ensures that a strip of the coating at the Movement of the curing device is irradiated, the length corresponds to the quartz tube burner, so that a quick Irradiation with relatively few passes the coating to be hardened is reached. Also avoids a single burner thermal problems.

Depending on the spatial conditions, that with the basic orientation of the quartz tube burner given above not all areas to be irradiated the coated surface can be achieved. To create an improvement here is another Design provided that the quartz tube burner around a perpendicular to the surface to be irradiated Axis is pivotally supported, the Swivel angle is preferably 90 °. When running with the preferably specified swivel angle of 90 ° can the quartz tube burner from its basic position in be pivoted in a direction in which it is longitudinal to the direction of movement of the curing device. In particular is then appropriate the pivot axis at or near one Front end of the quartz tube burner arranged so that after swiveling the quartz tube burner on one or runs on the other long side of the hardening device. This also means intensive radiation from Edge areas of a coating, for example in the Corners between floor and wall or between wall and Ceiling, guaranteed.

It is preferably further provided that the quartz tube burner a typical maximum radiation power of 100 to 120 W / cm. With a quartz tube burner designed in this way can at reasonable speeds of movement of the Generate the necessary UV radiation dose, for fast curing of the coating material is needed. At the same time stay with this performance design of the quartz tube burner the associated electrical and possibly electronic Components still by their size and weight like this small that they can easily be accommodated on the hardening device and can be moved together with the hardening device are. In addition, the hardening device is operated with one current mains voltage of usually 220 V from one Socket, as it exists in every living room or office is possible.

It is also provided that the UV lamp has a working width between about 0.2 and 2.0 m, preferably between about 0.5 and 0.7 m. With the specified working width, in particular with the preferred working width, the hardening device can easily be used in residential buildings and use office buildings, with passages through doors are still possible. For applications in large rooms, e.g. Halls or sports halls, can even large working widths make sense to get the job done accelerate.

So, if possible, all of the UV radiation generated by the UV lamp gets on the coating to be hardened, the invention further proposes that at the of the radiating surface facing away from the quartz tube burner a reflector is arranged, which is shaped is that from him not directly to that to be irradiated UV radiation reaching the surface of the quartz tube burner over to the surface to be irradiated is reflected. The reflector is advantageously shaped that it does not reflect the UV radiation it reflects reflected on the quartz tube burner, but on this passes over to the surface to be irradiated. hereby good radiation efficiency is achieved, because otherwise the reflected in the quartz tube burner UV radiation for the irradiation of the coated Surface would be lost.

The quartz tube burner runs in its basic orientation with its reflector in one position, if possible just above the surface to be irradiated with the Coating to reduce radiation losses in the one hand Avoid environment and on the other hand a hazard by people in the vicinity of the hardening device exclude scattering UV radiation. For special ones Requirements, especially for the irradiation of Corner or edge areas of floors, walls or Blankets, it may be appropriate that according to another Design of the hardening device for quartz tube burners and its reflector together around a parallel to the Longitudinal axis of the quartz tube burner are pivotable. For example, the Quartz tube burner aligned with its reflector that the UV radiation is no longer just down, Radiation no longer just downwards, but at least sometimes also through a certain way forward or is emitted to the side. With that are also areas can be irradiated by surfaces caused by the curing device not achieved by constricting spatial requirements, such as e.g. Heating niches or similar structural elements.

A similar problem can arise with the movement of the hardening device e.g. parallel to wall surfaces if the curing device can not be performed so that the UV radiation actually to the very edge of the floor surface to be irradiated. For such cases the invention proposes that the reflector at least a reflector end piece on one of its ends has that in order to be parallel to that to be irradiated Surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the quartz tube burner extending axis is pivotable upwards. When the reflector end piece is pivoted upwards, the UV radiation sometimes also to the front of the reflector out so that the radiation is then also effective in peripheral areas, especially in corners between floor and Wall or between two walls or between wall and Blanket.

Because in the operation of the quartz tube burner not only UV radiation but to a significant extent also heat radiation arises, it is further provided that the quartz tube burner and its reflector together in one this receiving, opening in the direction of radiation or opening Housing with an integrated cooling device, in particular with an adjustable cooling fan are. With this configuration of the curing device ensures that the resulting heat is dissipated can that they will not damage the quartz tube burner as well on the coating or on other surfaces around the hardening device.

As is well known, UV radiation is for humans harmful, especially to the eyes. To a high here To achieve security, the invention proposes that on the side of the housing in the direction of radiation one at least between an open and a closed one Position adjustable aperture is arranged. With This aperture creates the possibility of UV radiation completely prevent what is particularly useful in short breaks when the UV lamp remains in operation at low power, long burn-in times before continuing radiation to avoid. In addition, when standing Hardening device overdoses of UV radiation on one small area of the coating can be avoided, without the UV lamp being stopped every time the curing device is stopped should be switched off completely.

The invention further proposes that the UV lamp by means of the electronic ballast unit in one energy-saving standby state is durable which the UV lamp illuminates within a few seconds its maximum radiation power can be increased. With this version will be an energy-saving one hand Operation of the UV lamp and on the other hand a fast Mode of operation, especially when operating the hardening device with shorter breaks.

As is known, UV lamps need a certain burn-in time, those in the range of about a minute or two lies in order from a switched off, cold state an operational state with delivery of a desired one UV radiation power. So that the hardening device not before the operational state is reached is used and so none or only an incomplete one Curing of the coating is provided that by means of the electronic ballast burning in of the UV lamp from its cold Condition can be monitored in its operational state is and that from the electronic ballast The UV lamp is ready for operation an enable signal can be generated.

In a further embodiment is to avoid operating errors provided that the release signal of an operator of the hardening device optically and / or acoustically can be displayed and / or that the drive motor and / or the lifting device from a locked state missing release signal by means of the release signal in a release state can be switched.

Since the curing device according to the invention preferably for is intended for use in living or office spaces usually have a relatively small room size the hardening device expediently by means of the drive motor with a movement speed between about 1 and 20 m / min at least in the forward direction. With this specified range of movement speed sufficient speed of operation of the hardening device reached and at the same time allowed an operator, to guide and steer the hardening device as a pedestrian.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the speed of movement continuously or in several stages is adjustable. This allows the spatial conditions of use of the hardening device are taken into account because large free areas a greater speed of movement allow as smaller or angled surfaces.

It is preferably further provided according to the invention that the hardening device at least one guide handle for guidance and control of the curing device by an operator is provided and that in the field of vision and grip the operator a display and control unit with at least controls for one setting the speed of movement of the hardening device and / or the radiation power of the UV lamp is arranged. The hardening device advantageously requires only a single one Operator for his guidance and guidance. simultaneously the operator has all display and control elements within sight and reach, so that the leadership and Operating the hardening device easily and safely is possible.

In addition, it is provided that in the grip area of the operator Control elements for an optional coupling and decoupling the drive motor from the drivable Part of the chassis and / or for a change in motion or direction of rotation of the drivable part of the Chassis are arranged. In this configuration the hardening device can be operated by the operator without physical Use force in any direction and in the desired direction.

To prevent damage to the coating from the chassis of the Hardening device and damage to the chassis due to UV radiation to avoid, it is further provided that the maximum track width of the chassis is smaller than that Working width of the UV lamp and that the wheels or Crawler tracks of the chassis with an abrasion-resistant, against UV radiation-resistant rubber coating.

The curing device according to the invention is, as already above mentioned, not only for the hardening of a coating of a Suitable for floors, but also for the hardening of Coatings can be used that on wall surfaces or on the Bottom of a ceiling surface are applied. For the the latter applications is intended to be the above already mentioned lifting device by one with the rest Hardener connected lifting column is formed on or with which the UV lamp is opened and closed by means of a lifting drive can be moved downwards. The lifting column can, for example be a telescopic component that between different positions is movable. For the transport of the hardening device, the lifting column can then be at its minimum Bring length so that they are no longer is annoying.

Finally, is for the curing device according to the invention still provided that there was at least one separate, from the smaller, mobile additional UV lamp separated from the UV lamp comprises the one with a supply line with the electronic control unit or one on the hardening device provided own connected ballast or is connectable and can be supplied with electrical energy and the manually guided or using its own bracket can be used fixed. With this separate, mobile Additional UV lamps can cover areas of a coating are irradiated and hardened due to structural conditions not directly from the actual hardening device can be achieved. The additional UV lamp can either manually or using your own Bracket, e.g. fixed with a tripod become.

Figur 1

ein Härtungsgerät in Seitenansicht,

Figur 2

das Härtungsgerät aus Figur 1 in Draufsicht und

Figur 3

das Härtungsgerät aus Figur 1 und Figur 2 in Rückansicht.

An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to a drawing. The figures in the drawing show:

Figure 1

a curing device in side view,

Figure 2

the curing device of Figure 1 in plan view and

Figure 3

the curing device of Figure 1 and Figure 2 in rear view.

As the figure 1 of the drawing shows, the hardening device carries 1 on its front, i.e. in Figure 1 on the right, a UV lamp 2. Furthermore, the curing device 1 a chassis 3 with a total of four wheels 32, 33, of which two wheels 32 by means of a drive motor 31 in Rotation are displaceable.

The hardening device 1 also includes an electronic one Ballast unit 4 for electrical supply and Control of the UV lamp 2 and the drive 31 of the curing device 1 is used.

The UV lamp 2 here has a single quartz tube burner 21, the longitudinal axis of which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing runs. The longitudinal axis of the Quartz tube burner 21 parallel to a floor 5, the with a coating 6 curable by UV radiation its surface or in its surface up to one certain depth.

Above and in front of and behind the quartz tube burner 21 extends a reflector 22. This reflector 22 is shaped so that it discharges from the quartz tube burner 21 Radiation that is not immediately down the coating 6 arrives so that it reflects the quartz tube burner 24 also onto the coating 6 arrives.

The quartz tube burner 21 is together with its reflector 22 housed in a housing 20, the exception its bottom and with the exception of ventilation openings is essentially closed.

The housing 20 and the reflector 22 with the quartz tube burner 21 are pivotable relative to one another. The associated one Pivot axis 24 runs exactly through here Longitudinal axis of the quartz tube burner 21. By means of a The quartz tube burner 24 can swivel lock 25 and its reflector 22 in several different ones Pivotal positions can be fixed relative to the housing 20. In the basic position shown in FIG Quartz tube burner 21 only downwards. Depending on the pivoting A radiation can occur about the pivot axis 24 more or less far forward, i.e. according to FIG. 1 to the right.

The UV lamp 2 is on its back, in Figure 1 on its left side, with a part of the chassis 3 forming base frame 30 connected. With this Base frame 30, the wheels 32, 33 are also connected. How FIG. 1 illustrates the direction of work movement 39 from left to right according to FIG. The UV lamp 2 always runs in front of the wheels 32, 33 non-contact via the coating 6. The wheels 32, 33 thus only come into contact with the coating 6, if this is already due to the UV radiation from the UV lamp 2 is irradiated and thereby hardened.

The curing device 1 is in the illustrated embodiment via a power cord 40 with that required for operation electrical energy available. By means of the electronic Ballast unit 4 is in particular the Quartz tube burner 21 via not specifically shown here electrical lines with the required electrical Energy supplied. In addition, the electronic Ballast unit 4 the performance of the quartz tube burner 21 can be changed, both manually by appropriate Operator input as well as automatic by coupling with the speed of movement of the curing device 1 or the rotational speed of the drive motor 31. In addition, the ballast serves 4, regardless of fluctuations in the cable 40 supplied supply voltage each set Performance of the quartz tube burner 21 without fluctuations to keep.

In the rear, i.e. 1 left area of the hardening device according to FIG 1 two vertical struts 35 are provided, which at the top end turned backwards, i.e. to the left and there over a horizontal, perpendicular to the Drawing plane extending guide handle 34 connected are. An operator can use this guide handle 34 guide and steer the hardening device 1. In the area below of the guide handle 34 is still on the struts 35 a display and control unit 44 is attached, those for the operation and operation of the hardening device Contains 1 necessary displays and controls.

Finally, the illustrated embodiment has the curing device 1 also an additional UV lamp 28, designed as a small, manually manageable spotlight and is via a fixed or detachable supply line 48 connected to the electronic ballast unit 4 is. This additional UV lamp 28 can be used for this are to irradiate areas of the coating 6 if necessary, that of the UV lamp 2 on the front of the curing device 1 due to unfavorable spatial conditions are not reachable.

Figure 2 shows the curing device 1 in plan view. All On the right in FIG. 2, the UV lamp 2 can be seen, the transversely to the direction of movement 39 of the curing device 1 extends. The UV lamp 2 is the only one Quartz tube burner 21 formed inside the reflector 22 lies. The quartz tube burner 21 and the reflector 22 are surrounded by the housing 20 and upwards covered, which is why the quartz tube burner 21 and the reflector 22 in Figure 2 shown in dashed lines are. On the top of the housing 20 is a Cooling fan 23 that for a harmless removal from next to the UV radiation generated by the quartz tube burner 21 provides. The housing 20 thus becomes safe Temperature level maintained and thermal damage to the irradiated surface are avoided.

As already described in Figure 1, the quartz tube burner 21 and its reflector 22 around the with the longitudinal axis of the quartz tube burner 21 coincident pivot axis 24 swiveling.

The working width a of the UV lamp 2 corresponds to that Width of area taken up by quartz tube burner 21 the floor 5 is irradiated.

To the left of the front part of the curing device 1 forming UV lamp is the base frame 30 of the chassis 3 of the curing device 1 recognizable. In this area of the base frame 30 are the two driven wheels 32 arranged above and between which the drive motor 31 is positioned.

The electronic follows further to the left in FIG Ballast unit 4, all electrical and electronic Components for operation and control or Regulation of the UV lamp 2 and the drive motor 31 contains.

Left and right, ie according to Figure 2 above and below, the electronic ballast 4 are the two non-driven wheels 33 of the chassis 3 can be seen. Here, Figure 2 illustrates that the maximum Track width s of the chassis 3 is smaller in any case is as the working width a of the UV lamp 2. Thus can the wheels 32, 33 only with already irradiated and hardened areas of coating 6 on the floor 5 come into contact.

The rear part of the hardening device, that is to the left in FIG. 2 1 form the two vertical struts 35, between the upper rear end of the guide handle 34 is arranged is. Immediately in front of the guide handle 34 the display and control unit 44 in the immediate vicinity Operator's field of vision and grip.

The power cord to supply the curing device 1 with electrical energy as well as the additional UV lamp and the Connection lines required for the operation of the hardening device between the electronic ballast 4, the UV lamp 2 and the drive motor 31 are not shown in Figure 2 for reasons of clarity.

Figure 3 of the drawing finally shows the curing device 1 in rear view. On the one facing the viewer Side of the curing device 1 are now the two vertical struts 35 which pass through the guide handle 34 are interconnected.

The display and control unit is located under the guide handle 34 44. The further down then follows electronic ballast 4. The lower part of the Hardening device 1 is through the chassis 3 with the Base frame 30 and the four wheels 32, 33 are formed.

On the front of the hardening device facing away from the viewer 1 extends across the UV lamp 2 the left and right end of the case visible here 20th

Below the curing device 1 is the floor 5 with the coating 6 applied thereon can be seen.

The curing device 1 is by a single operator by means of the guide handle 34 and by means of the in its proximity arranged display and control unit 44 feasible and operable. The operator can do this at least switch the UV lamp 2 on and off, with a corresponding design of the ballast unit 4 also adjust in performance. In addition, the operator can Influence the drive of the hardening device, by turning the drive motor 31 on or off or changed in speed to a desired one Speed and direction of movement of the hardening device 1 set. The operator also receives all for the operation of the hardening device 1 necessary information about the operating states of the electrical parts of the curing device 1 via the display unit 44 shown, for example via light displays or display instruments.

Claims (27)

Hardening device (1) for a coating material (6), wherein the coating material (6) can be applied in a liquid initial state to a surface (5) to be coated, in particular made of wood or wood material, and can then be chemically cured quickly by irradiation with UV radiation, and wherein the curing device (1) has a UV lamp (2) for generating UV radiation that can be directed onto the applied coating material (6) and means for moving the curing device (1) or at least the UV lamp (2) relative to the one to be cured Has coating material (6) bearing surface (5),
characterized, that UV radiation in a wavelength range between 215 and 450 nm, which is matched to the coating material (6) and excludes ozone formation, can be generated with the UV radiator (2), that the UV lamp (2) can be regulated in terms of its radiation power by means of an electronic ballast unit (4) and can be kept at a predeterminable radiation power, that the means for moving the hardening device (1) or at least the UV lamp (2) relative to the surface (5) carrying the coating material (6) to be hardened comprise at least one movement drive (3, 31, 32) which is adjustable in speed and that the radiation power emitted by the UV lamp (2) via the ballast unit (4) is coupled with the speed of the motion drive (3, 31, 32) in such a way that a UV radiation dose supplied to it per unit area of the coating material (6) essentially remains constant. Hardening device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it has a chassis (3), which is supported on a floor as a surface (5) to be coated, as part of the movement drive. Hardening device according to claim 2, characterized in that the chassis (3) has at least one wheel (32) which is coupled or can be coupled to a drive motor (31). Hardening device according to claim 2, characterized in that the chassis (3) has one or more crawler tracks and that at least one crawler track is coupled or can be coupled to a drive motor (31). Hardening device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the chassis (3) comprises means for producing an air cushion which carries at least part of the hardening device (1), these means being coupled or couplable to a drive motor (31). Hardening device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it has a chassis (3) which is supported on the floor (5) as part of the movement drive and that the hardening device (1) has a drivable lifting device which carries at least the UV lamp (2) at least for Raising and lowering the UV lamp (2) includes. Hardening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiation power of the UV lamp (2) can be regulated to a predeterminable power value between 20 and 100% of its maximum radiation power by means of the electronic ballast unit (4). Hardening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiation power of the UV lamp (2) can be kept constant at a predetermined power value by means of the electronic ballast unit (4), regardless of supply voltage fluctuations. Hardening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the UV lamp (2) is formed by a single quartz tube burner (21), the longitudinal axis of which extends in a basic orientation transverse to the direction of movement (39) of the hardening device (1) or its lifting device. Hardening device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the quartz tube burner (21) is held so as to be pivotable about an axis running perpendicular to the surface (5) to be irradiated, the pivoting angle preferably being 90 °. Hardening device according to claim 10, characterized in that the quartz tube burner (21) has a typical maximum radiation power of 100 to 120 W / cm. Hardening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the UV lamp (2) has a working width between approximately 0.2 and 2.0 m, preferably between approximately 0.5 and 0.7 m. Hardening device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that a reflector (22) is arranged on the side of the quartz tube burner (21) facing away from the surface (5) to be irradiated, which reflector (22) is shaped in such a way that it does not directly adhere to it the UV radiation reaching the surface to be irradiated is reflected past the quartz tube burner (21) onto the surface (5) to be irradiated. Hardening device according to claim 13, characterized in that the quartz tube burner (21) and its reflector (22) can be pivoted together about an axis (24) running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the quartz tube burner (21). Hardening device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the reflector (22) has at least at one of its ends a reflector end piece which extends upwards about an axis running parallel to the surface (5) to be irradiated and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the quartz tube burner (21) is pivotable. Hardening device according to one of Claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the quartz tube burner (21) and its reflector (22) together in a housing (20) which accommodates them, is open in the radiation direction or can be opened and has an integrated cooling device (23), in particular with an adjustable cooling fan. Hardening device according to Claim 16, characterized in that an aperture which is adjustable at least between an open and a closed position is arranged on the side of the housing (20) lying in the radiation direction. Hardening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the UV lamp (2) can be kept in an energy-saving standby state by means of the electronic ballast unit (4), from which the UV lamp (2) can be raised to its maximum radiation power within a few seconds is. Hardening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a burn-in of the UV lamp (2) from its cold state into its operational state can be monitored by means of the electronic ballast unit (4) and that the electronic ballast unit (4) is ready for operation when it is ready for operation State of the UV lamp (2) an enable signal can be generated. Hardening device according to claim 19, characterized in that the release signal of an operator of the hardening device (1) can be indicated optically and / or acoustically and / or that the drive motor (31) and / or the lifting device from a locked state in the absence of a release signal by means of the release signal into one Enable status can be switched. Hardening device according to one of claims 2 to 20, characterized in that by means of the drive motor (31) the hardening device (1) can be moved at least in the forward direction at a movement speed between approximately 1 and 20 m / min. Hardening device according to claim 21, characterized in that the speed of movement can be regulated continuously or in several stages. Hardening device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that at least one guide handle (34) for guiding and guiding the hardening device (1) by an operator is provided on the hardening device (1) and that an indication and Control unit (44) with at least control elements for adjusting the speed of movement of the curing device (1) and / or the radiation power of the UV lamp (2) is arranged. Hardening device according to claim 23, characterized in that in the grip area of the operator controls for an optional coupling and decoupling of the drive motor (31) with the drivable part of the chassis (3) and / or for changing the direction of movement or rotation of the drivable part (32 ) of the chassis (3) are arranged. Hardening device according to one of claims 2 to 24, characterized in that the maximum track width (s) of the chassis (3) is smaller than the working width (a) of the UV lamp (2) and that the wheels (32, 33) or caterpillar tracks of the chassis (3) are provided with an abrasion-resistant, UV-resistant rubber coating. Hardening device according to one of claims 6 to 25, characterized in that the lifting device is formed by a lifting column connected to the other hardening device (1), on or with which the UV lamp (2) can be moved up and down by means of a lifting drive. Hardening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one separate, smaller, mobile auxiliary UV lamp (28) which is separate from the UV lamp (2) and which is connected to the electronic ballast unit (11) via a supply line (48). 4) or a separate control unit provided on the hardening device (1) is connectable or connectable and can be supplied with electrical energy and which can be used manually or fixedly used by means of its own holder.

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