EP1622726A1

EP1622726A1 - Masking means for covering a section of a steel part or iron part in a coating process

Info

Publication number: EP1622726A1
Application number: EP04732964A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Volker Beckord
Original assignee: Pro-Tech Beratungs- und Entwicklungs GmbH
Current assignee: Pro-Tech Beratungs- und Entwicklungs GmbH
Priority date: 2003-05-14
Filing date: 2004-05-14
Publication date: 2006-02-08
Also published as: MXPA05012057A; US20070137564A1; DE10321700A1; WO2004101169A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a masking means for covering a section (12-3) of a steel sheet or iron sheet in a coating process, especially a section of a vehicle body or a housing of an appliance during a lacquering or preservation process. Said masking means is embodied as a quasi endless profiled member or injection-molded part (10-3) that is made primarily of plastic and is provided with a finely distributed magnetic or magnetizable admixture, particularly ferrite particles.

Description

"Masking agent for covering a steel or iron section in a coating process"

description

The invention relates to a masking agent according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such masking agents are provided for the partial covering of steel or iron sections, on which they are to be brought to an adequately secure adhesion at least temporarily, for the duration of a corresponding process step. In particular, this relates to steel / iron sheets, and in particular to automobile bodies or body parts and device or system housings or parts therefor made of sheet steel, which are painted and / or otherwise protected against corrosion or provided with a surface finish for other reasons.

The invention is based on the known prior art, the task of providing a cost-effective and easy-to-use masking agent.

This object is achieved by a masking means with the features of claim 1 or 2; expedient developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

An essential idea of the invention is, the magnetic properties to make the egg ^¬ provided for coating steel or iron sections to use. This is possible because the masking agent used also has magnetic or magnetizable components. Kon ^¬ are kret Two basic embodiments of the inventive sequestering agents conceivable, which are presented in detail below.

Such sequestering agent may on the one hand as predominantly from plastic mate rial ^¬ existing and with a finely divided magnetic or magnetizable additive, in particular ferrite, provided, quasi-continuous profile or Be injection molded part. Alternatively, a masking agent according to the invention can have at least one plastic profile part or plastic injection molded part for covering the surface and a permanent magnetic that can be placed on or inserted into the plastic profile part or plastic injection molded part or connected to it via a force transmission element and holding it by magnetic force on the steel sheet or iron sheet or. have magnetizable fastener.

By utilizing the holding force mediated by the magnetic component (s), the masking component (s) of a masking agent according to the invention can be easily and quickly attached to the steel or iron components and removed again after the coating process. A complicated shaping of the profiles used for masking, in order to attach them to the component by means of molded-on holding means, is dispensed with and the masking means can be produced more cost-effectively.

In one embodiment of the second described masking agent according to the invention, the fastening element has a (plastic) cover essentially on all surfaces that are not in contact with the plastic profile part or plastic injection molded part; masking agents are, after a certain number of coating processes, possibly already one use, no longer usable. The configuration makes it possible to protect the magnetic fastening element during the coating process with regard to a longer period of use, while the other components of the masking agent, such as the plastic cover, are disposed of or recycled. This further reduces the costs when using the masking agent according to the invention.

In an alternative embodiment of the second embodiment, the fastening element is inserted into a cavity of the plastic profile part or plastic injection molded part. This eliminates the need to cover the fastening element as an additional component. Depending on the specific application, this can simplify, for example, automated attachment / removal of the masking agent according to the invention to the steel or iron component to be masked. In a further development of these two configurations, the fastening element can be snapped into the plastic cover, or into the plastic profile part or plastic injection molded part. As a result, the components of the masking agent according to the invention can be assembled particularly easily and quickly. This also applies to the replacement of the plastic components of the masking agent after a certain number of coating processes or the continued use of the fastening element. This can be unlatched by bending or twisting the plastic components and then removed from them.

In a further embodiment, which is based on one of the two basic embodiments described above, a masking agent according to the invention has at least one arcuate curved and / or recessed on a bottom side facing the steel sheet or iron sheet, the side edge of which is turned away from a base body and resiliently against the steel sheet or iron plate is pressed. This embodiment is advantageous in many respects depending on the specific application, for example to span depressions in the masked component or parts protruding therefrom, such as screws, rivets or similar fastening elements.

In further embodiments of the masking agent according to the invention, this has a holding-down device integrated in the profile or injection-molded part or in the plastic cover or connected to it to hold the or a further plastic profile part or plastic injection-molded part. In this way, a masking means can advantageously be used to attach another, for example a conventional masking means. Combinations of masking means are also conceivable, an elongated plastic profile being fastened by two or more fastening means.

In further embodiments of the masking agent according to the invention, it has a heat-resistant and recyclable plastic, in particular up to about 180 ° C., which has a predetermined flexibility, particularly in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the masking agent can advantageously be provided for a wide variety of coating processes, for example with powder coatings to be melted become. Since some components of the masking agent have to be replaced more frequently, the use of recyclable plastic is advantageous for reasons of environmental protection. Depending on the specific application, a given flexibility, for example of the masking plastic profiles, facilitates the attachment according to the contours of the components.

In further embodiments of the masking agent according to the invention, this is designed as an extruded profile. As a result, the plastic components of the masking agent can be produced particularly simply and inexpensively. After the extrusion process, the masking agents can also be cut according to the specific application. If a fastening means is provided, consisting of one or more magnets, these can be inserted after the extrusion or immediately before use.

Appropriate embodiments of the masking agent according to the invention have an average width in the range between 15 and 60 mm, in particular 35 and 40 mm. In this way, the requirements of the masking that occurs most frequently in the automotive industry can be met.

Further aspects, advantages and expediencies of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of masking agents according to the invention with reference to the figures. Of these shows:

1 shows a first embodiment of a masking agent according to the invention,

1A shows a modification of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1,

2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a masking agent according to the invention,

2A shows a modification of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, 3 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a masking agent according to the invention,

4 shows a fourth embodiment of a masking agent according to the invention,

5 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a masking agent according to the invention,

6 shows a sixth embodiment of a masking agent according to the invention,

7 shows a seventh exemplary embodiment of a masking means according to the invention,

8 shows a modification of the masking agent according to the invention shown in FIG. 4,

9 is a plan view of an eighth embodiment of a masking agent according to the invention,

10 is a side view of part of the masking means shown in FIG. 9;

11 is a plan view of a ninth embodiment of a masking agent according to the invention,

Fig. 12 is a bottom plan view of part of the masking means shown in Fig. 11.

In FIGS. 1 to 8, steel or iron parts are hatched with a greater distance and magnetic or magnetizable fastening elements with a smaller distance, plastic parts are dotted with magnetic or magnetizable inclusions and pure plastic parts are shown without any marking of the cut surfaces. provides. Small triangles in the figures symbolize the ability to assemble multi-part masking agents. .

1 shows a schematic sectional view of a masking agent 10-1, which is placed on a steel component 12-1 provided for painting. The masking means 10-1 consists of a plastic profile 14-1, a permanent magnet 16-1 and a plastic cover 18-1. The plastic profile 14-1 is used to mask the component 12-1 during the subsequent painting. The profile 14-1 has been manufactured in an extruder and is made of heat-resistant plastic to withstand the high temperatures that occur during the painting process. After a certain number of painting processes, the profile 14-1 must be replaced and is therefore advantageously made from recyclable plastic.

The plastic profile 14-1 is fixed on the steel component 12-1 by the magnet 16-1. For this purpose, the worker first creates the profile 14-1 on or on the steel component 12-1 and then fixes the profile 14-1 by placing the magnet 16-1. For better handling of the magnet 16-1 and for its protection during the subsequent painting process, the magnet 16-1 is surrounded or inserted into the plastic cover or casing 18-1. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the cover 18 and the magnet 16 can be held together by form-fitting assembly of the two elements. Many other possibilities are obvious to the person skilled in the art. However, the connection between the components 18-1 and 16-1 of the masking agent 10-1 should be releasable, since, like the profile 14-1, the cover 18-1 must also be replaced after a certain number of painting processes. For this purpose, it is advantageous that the cover 18-1 also consists of recyclable plastic.

1A shows a section A 'of an example modified from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the section A' corresponding to the section A in FIG. 1 indicated by the broken line. In the modification, the profile 14-1A does not lie flat on the steel component (not shown in FIG. 1A), but only in a central area on which the magnet is placed, and at the edge over a bead edge 20-1A formed along at least a part of the peripheral edge of the profile 14-1A.

As is also shown in the following figures, various designs are possible in the design of the peripheral edge of the profile 14 depending on the intended use. When the bead edge 20-1A is formed with a sharp edge toward the steel component, as shown in FIG. 1A, a very sharp delimitation of the painted area from the non-painted area on the component is achieved. A spacing of the plastic profile from the component achieved by the bead edge 20-1A (and other designs of such an edge) can also be advantageous if the component is of somewhat complex shape (depressions, grooves or projections) without the masking profile being supposed to follow these contours ,

A masking agent 10-2 according to the invention is shown in FIG. Here, the magnet 16-2 is accommodated in the plastic profile 14-2. A plastic cover as a further component of the masking agent as in the first exemplary embodiment can therefore be omitted here. The magnet 16-2 can be inserted immediately after the profile 14-2 emerges from the extruder. The number of magnets 16-2 to be inserted into the corresponding recess in profile 14-2 is determined by the length of profile 14-2 (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) and the required adhesive effect. For this purpose, tests have to be carried out for each specific application.

The magnets 16-2 can simply be snapped into the profile 14-2 or clamped or clipped in, i.e. the magnets are pressed mechanically or by hand into the cavity provided for this purpose and lock in the cavity. If the profile 14-2 is to be replaced after a certain number of painting processes, the magnets 16-2 can be clipped out of the cavity by simply bending the flexible profile 14-2 and then clipped into a replacement profile.

2A shows a section B 'of an example modified from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the section B' corresponding to the section B in FIG. 2 indicated by the dashed line. In the cutout B and B 'further expedient modifications 20-2 and 20-2A of bead edges of plastic profiles according to the invention (14-2 and 14-2A) are shown.

The width of a plastic profile 14, as in the first and second exemplary embodiments, is approximately 35-40 mm for typical applications, and the thickness (without bead edge) is approximately 0.2-0.5 mm or up to 1 mm (with bead edge).

Fig. 3 shows a masking means 10-3, which is made in one piece. Ferrite particles are added to an extrusion granulate to produce the plastic profile 10-3. After the extrusion process, the finished extruded profile is magnetized. The one-piece profile 10-3 of this example is particularly suitable for automated assembly on the steel component 12-3, for example by a robot. The dismantling of the profile 10-3 after the painting process can advantageously be carried out using a steel tool using the magnetism and can also be automated. The plastic profile 10-3 can be demagnetized before the recycling process.

The profile 10-3 is designed as a hollow profile. As a result, one and the same profile can be used for differently shaped steel components, in particular those that are complexly shaped within the area masked by the masking agent. Protruding components such as e.g. Rivets or screws are easily covered by the masking agent.

Fig. 4 shows a profile 10-4, the plastic material is or is magnetized by admixtures itself. The masking agent 10-4 is to be attached to flanges 12-4 made of sheet steel. Compared to a masking agent according to the prior art, the profile 10-4 according to the invention can be shaped more simply, since no clamping effect of the profile is required for the hold on the components 12-4. Rather, the magnetic force between the parts 12-4 and the profile 10-4 provides the necessary fixation.

In the manufacture of the profile, complicated cutouts or free cuts on the profile 10-4 can thus be avoided. In addition, the profile 10-4 enables a window flange cover for vehicle models with an internally painted flange view area (price- inexpensive equipment without cover). Since no clamping effect has to be achieved, a less expensive plastic material can also be used for the profile 10-4 than for masking agents according to the prior art.

Fig. 5 shows a plastic profile 14-5, which itself is not magnetized, but is held by a magnet 16-5 on a steel or iron component (not shown here). In this example, the cavity for holding the magnet is tubular (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) and thus completely surrounds the magnet or magnets 16-5. A separate plastic cover for the magnet can thus be omitted.

The profile 14-5 is covered on the side facing away from the steel component with a masking tape 22 in the form of an adhesive tape. This is sealing against the application of paint and can be removed and replaced either after each painting process or after a number of painting processes. As a result, the plastic profile 14-5 with the magnet or magnets 16-5 can be used for any number of painting processes. The cover 22 could also be an adhesive film.

Fig. 6 shows a plastic profile 14-6, which is protected not by a masking tape, but by a plastic cover 24 which seals against the application of paint. This is latched or clipped onto the plastic profile 14-6 in a simple manner at the latest before the painting process. The cover 24 is advantageously made of recyclable plastic. After a certain number of painting processes, the cover 24 is then replaced. The parts 24 and 14-6 can be unclipped, for example, by mutual rotation.

Fig. 7 shows a plastic profile 14-7, which is thin (but still thick enough to seal against paint application) and can therefore be adapted particularly flexibly to different contours of a component (not shown). In this exemplary embodiment, the profile also sits particularly firmly on the component.

The magnet 16-7 is protected by the plastic cover 18-7 during the painting process. The cover 18-7 is shaped here as a grip profile to make it simple and to allow quick handling of the magnet 16-7 or the masking agent 10-7 by the worker or an automat. Automatic restocking of the handle profiles 18-7 is also possible in a simple manner.

The cover 18-7 can be clipped into the profile 14-7 and thus offers additional hold for the magnet 16-7 on it. The clipping together can take place either directly after the manufacture of the parts 14-7 and 18-7 or only immediately before the masking agent 10-7 is used, so that transportation and storage of the agent 10-7 are possible in a space-saving manner.

A modification of the masking means shown in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 8. Here, the magnetized or magnetizable plastic profile 10-8 is particularly simple in shape. By saving molding steps in the manufacture of the profile 10-8, the masking agent 10-8 can be produced very inexpensively. This is therefore suitable for use as a disposable item or a masking agent that is to be replaced more frequently.

9 shows a top view of a masking agent 10-9. This has a plastic profile part or special profile 14-9. Comparable to the exemplary embodiment shown in section in FIG. 1, a permanent magnet is placed on this, which is protected by a plastic cover or an interchangeable cap 18-9. Attached to the interchangeable cap 18-9 is a hold-down 26-9 which is shaped at its free end in order to hold down another masking element, namely a corrugated tube 28-9, for masking a body flange of a car.

The interchangeable cap 18-9 of the masking agent 10-9 is shown in a side view in section in FIG. 10. It can be seen here that the interchangeable cap receives the magnet 16-9 and the holding-down device 26-9 is designed as a cantilever arm on the interchangeable cap 18-9. The shape of the hold-down 26-9 is approximately adapted to the diameter or the curvature of the corrugated tube 28-9.

A ninth exemplary embodiment of a masking agent according to the invention is shown schematically in FIG. 11. Here, a plastic profile 14-11 is placed on a complex shaped steel sheet 12-11. On this is a plastic cover 18-11 with integrated magnets (cf. following figure), whereby the profile 14-11 is fixed to the component 12-11. As in the embodiment described above, the plastic cover 18-11 is also simultaneously designed as a hold-down device, which serves to hold down a corrugated tube 28-11.

Both the profile 14-11 and the corrugated tube 28-11 extend over comparatively large distances. They are then advantageously fixed or held down at their ends, not shown in FIG. 11, by a further plastic cover with an integrated magnet.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the plastic cover 18-11 of FIG. 11. The cover 18-11 has a cavity for receiving at least one magnet 16-11. This is fastened by simply pushing it into the cover 18-11. As can be seen from FIG. 12, a second or third magnet can be inserted in order to increase the adhesive effect on the steel sheet 12-11 (see FIG. 11).

As shown by way of example, both embodiments of the masking agent with several components, which are assembled on site by the worker, as well as profile structures, which are assembled immediately after production of the corresponding plastic part, for example after extrusion of a plastic profile, are possible and in this state can be delivered to the coating system.

It goes without saying that a cutting or cutting of extruded plastic profiles (with or without admixtures of magnetic particles) can be provided on site. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention not to fix longer plastic parts to the carrier with a continuous long fastening element but with several individual fastening elements. The assembly on the product to be coated (car body, device housing, etc.) is carried out manually or automatically, e.g. using robots.

In the case of car painting, the proposed masking agent is used in particular for masking window flanges or the body edge sections, in particular in the area of the water tank / windscreen, trunk / rear window, B, C, D pillar and boot lid.

In addition to the embodiments of masking agents according to the invention shown here, numerous further configurations are conceivable, which are adapted to the specific application in each case. In contrast, the scope of the invention is indicated solely by the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCES

10-1, -2, -3, -4, -7, -8, -9, -11 masking agents

12-1, -3, -4, -8, -11 steel component

14-1, -2, -5, -6, -7, -9, -11 plastic profile

16-1, -2, -5, -6, -7, -9, -11 magnet

18-1, -7, -9, -11 plastic cover for magnet

20-1, -1A, -2, -2A bead edge

22 Masking tape for plastic profile

24 Cover for plastic profile

26-9, -11 hold-down device

28-9, -11 corrugated pipe

Claims

claims

Masking agents for covering a steel or iron section in a coating process, in particular a section of a vehicle body or a device housing during a painting or preservation process, are characterized by the design consisting predominantly of plastic material and with a finely distributed magnetic or magnetizable admixture , in particular ferrite particles, provided, quasi-endless profile or injection molded part (10-3, 10-4, 10-8).

Masking agent for covering a steel or iron sheet section in a coating process, in particular a section of a vehicle body or a device housing during a painting or preservation process, ge ke nn ze i ch n et du rch at least one plastic profile part or plastic injection molded part (14-1 , 14-2, 14-5, 14-6, 14-7, 14-9, 14-11) for surface coverage and a plug-in or insertable into the plastic profile part or plastic injection molded part or connected to it via a force transmission member and permanent magnetic or magnetizable fastening element (16-1, 16-2, 16-5, 16-6, 16-7, 16-9, 16-) holding it by magnetic force on the steel sheet or iron sheet (12-1, 12-11) 11).

Masking agent according to claim 2, so that the fastening element has a removable cover (18-1, 18-7, 18. Essentially on all surfaces not in contact with the plastic profile part or plastic injection molded part -9, 18-11), in particular from the plastic material of the profile or injection molded part.

A masking agent according to claim 2, which means that the fastening element (16-2, 16-5, 16-6, 16-7, 16-9, 16-11) is inserted into a cavity of the plastic profile part or plastic injection molded part.

5. Masking agent according to one of claims 2 to 4, so that the fastening element (16-2, 16-7) in the plastic cover (18-7) or in the plastic profile part (14- 2) or plastic injection molded part can be snapped into place.

6. masking agent according to one of the preceding claims, ge ke nn zei ch n et du rc h at least one arcuate curved and / or on a sheet steel or iron sheet facing underside side portion (10-3), whose side edge facing away from a base body resiliently the steel sheet or iron sheet (12-3) is pressed on.

7. Masking agent according to one of the preceding claims, ge ke nn zei chn et du rc h integrated in the profile or injection molded part or in the plastic cover (18-9, 18-11) or connected to this / this hold-down (26-9 , 26-11) for engagement with another plastic profile part or plastic injection molded part (28-9, 28-11).

8. Masking agent according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u rc h g e ken nzei ch n et that it has a, in particular up to about 180 ° C, heat-resistant and recyclable plastic, which has a predetermined flexibility, particularly in the longitudinal direction.

9. masking agent according to one of the preceding claims, g e ke n n zei c h n et d u rc h the execution as an extruded profile.

10. Masking agent according to one of the preceding claims, ge ke nn zei chn et du rc h an average width in the range between 15 and 60 mm, in particular 35 and 40 mm.