EP2055809A2 - Method and device for creating a conversion layer - Google Patents

Method and device for creating a conversion layer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2055809A2
EP2055809A2 EP08105723A EP08105723A EP2055809A2 EP 2055809 A2 EP2055809 A2 EP 2055809A2 EP 08105723 A EP08105723 A EP 08105723A EP 08105723 A EP08105723 A EP 08105723A EP 2055809 A2 EP2055809 A2 EP 2055809A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
substrate
atomizer
conversion medium
conversion
aluminum
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Granted
Application number
EP08105723A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2055809B1 (en
EP2055809A3 (en
Inventor
Torsten Grohmann
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Speira GmbH
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Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmbH
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
    • C25D11/02—Anodisation
    • C25D11/04—Anodisation of aluminium or alloys based thereon
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B5/00—Electrostatic spraying apparatus; Spraying apparatus with means for charging the spray electrically; Apparatus for spraying liquids or other fluent materials by other electric means
    • B05B5/08—Plant for applying liquids or other fluent materials to objects
    • B05B5/14—Plant for applying liquids or other fluent materials to objects specially adapted for coating continuously moving elongated bodies, e.g. wires, strips, pipes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C22/00—Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive liquid, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals
    • C23C22/73—Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive liquid, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals characterised by the process
    • C23C22/76—Applying the liquid by spraying
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
    • C25D11/005—Apparatus specially adapted for electrolytic conversion coating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B12/00—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
    • B05B12/08—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material to be discharged, of ambient medium or of target ; responsive to condition of spray devices or of supply means, e.g. pipes, pumps or their drive means
    • B05B12/12—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material to be discharged, of ambient medium or of target ; responsive to condition of spray devices or of supply means, e.g. pipes, pumps or their drive means responsive to conditions of ambient medium or target, e.g. humidity, temperature position or movement of the target relative to the spray apparatus
    • B05B12/126—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material to be discharged, of ambient medium or of target ; responsive to condition of spray devices or of supply means, e.g. pipes, pumps or their drive means responsive to conditions of ambient medium or target, e.g. humidity, temperature position or movement of the target relative to the spray apparatus responsive to target velocity, e.g. to relative velocity between spray apparatus and target
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C9/00—Apparatus or plant for applying liquid or other fluent material to surfaces by means not covered by any preceding group, or in which the means of applying the liquid or other fluent material is not important
    • B05C9/04—Apparatus or plant for applying liquid or other fluent material to surfaces by means not covered by any preceding group, or in which the means of applying the liquid or other fluent material is not important for applying liquid or other fluent material to opposite sides of the work

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for producing a conversion layer on at least one surface of a substrate comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for applying a conversion medium on at least one surface of an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate having.
  • Conversion layers on aluminum substrates serve to give the substrate a better corrosion resistance and optionally a lower resistance to sweat transfer. Furthermore, conversion layers are suitable for increasing the adhesion of laminating substances, adhesives or paints on the aluminum substrate.
  • the conversion layer is formed by a chemical reaction, in particular by chemical oxidation, between the surface of the substrate and the applied conversion medium.
  • the Rollcoating Kunststoffe For applying a conversion layer generating conversion medium to the surface of a substrate, for example, the Rollcoating vide, so the application by roller application, known.
  • the substrate for example an aluminum strip
  • the rollers are so on one arranged the conversion medium having trough that the not in contact with the tape part of the roller in the tub, and thus in the liquid conversion medium immersed.
  • the conversion medium adhering to the part of the roller is then applied to the surface of the substrate.
  • a disadvantage of the Rollcoater Kunststoff is that it requires a high procedural and device complexity.
  • the space to be provided for the applicator rollers and the tub requires a large amount of space.
  • the tub In the case of a conversion media change, the tub must first be emptied, cleaned and filled with the new conversion medium. This brings a variety of process steps with it and thus increases the time required.
  • there is a high need for reworking when the rolls need to be replaced because the width of the substrate passed through the rolls has changed.
  • the rollers must then be reground and regummed.
  • the accuracy of the layer thickness application is furthermore limited, so that the layer thickness application must be monitored during the process.
  • the process parameters must be adjusted during the process, for example, if the actual thickness of the conversion layer deviates too much from the target thickness of the conversion layer.
  • Conversion layers can also be created by spraying the conversion medium onto the surface of the substrate.
  • this procedure is disadvantageous that after the spraying a squeezing process is required to achieve a homogeneous distribution of the sprayed conversion medium on the surface of the substrate.
  • This in turn increases the procedural and device complexity.
  • the layer thickness application is significantly influenced by the reactivity of the surface of the substrate, which complicates the control of the layer thickness application during spraying and subsequent squeezing.
  • conversion layers may also be formed by immersing the substrate in the conversion medium held in a well. Even with this method, a continuous bath care or bath monitoring is necessary. This results in an increased device complexity. Furthermore, even with the method of diving long set-up times, for example, for cleaning, when the conversion medium is to be replaced. Moreover, during dipping, at least parts of the substrate are in time-extended contact with the liquid conversion medium, so that undesired, in particular chemical, feedback effects can occur between the substrate and the conversion medium located in the tub. Finally, the reactivity of the surface of the substrate also has a substantial influence on the layer thickness application of the conversion medium, which is difficult to control in the tub, during dipping.
  • the present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a method and an apparatus available, with or with the order of Conversion media can be improved on the surfaces of aluminum or aluminum alloy substrates.
  • the object is achieved according to the invention by a method which comprises the following method steps: supplying a liquid conversion medium from a media master to at least one atomizer, atomizing the liquid conversion medium into fine droplets, applying an electrical voltage between the atomizer and the at least one surface of the substrate a power supply, spraying the spray medium having the conversion medium on the at least one surface of the substrate, so that the conversion medium with the at least one surface of the aluminum or aluminum alloy containing substrate chemically reacts and thus a conversion layer is formed.
  • the spraying of the spray ensures that the surface of the substrate is applied uniformly and in a defined manner with the conversion medium. Additional process steps such as distributing the conversion medium on the surface are therefore not necessary. Devices such as dip trays or applicator rollers can therefore be saved. This also eliminates the effort to clean and maintain these devices. Furthermore, the space required, which must be provided for carrying out the method according to the invention is reduced.
  • the liquid conversion medium is atomized into fine droplets.
  • the conversion medium emerging from an outlet opening of the atomizer is electrically charged relative to the substrate.
  • the fine droplets of the spray experience a force in the electric field that accelerates them toward the surface of the substrate.
  • the number of droplets impinging on the surface of the substrate can be increased in such a way, if additionally guiding air for guiding the droplets is used.
  • the number of droplets that are inadvertently sprayed past the surface of the substrate when using lenkluft is reduced.
  • the amount of conversion medium is reduced, which must be used to provide a certain surface portion of the substrate with a conversion layer. This also improves the efficiency of the application of the conversion medium.
  • the conversion medium is charged by the contact with the surfaces of the atomizer or by separate, attached to the atomizer electrodes.
  • the droplets of the atomized conversion medium can be charged, for example, by separate electrodes when they have already emerged from an outlet opening of the atomizer and no longer contact with the surfaces of the atomizer. Nevertheless, the following is always spoken about apply an electrical voltage between the atomizer and the surface of the substrate, even if the separate electrodes are not directly in contact with the atomizer.
  • the two aforementioned techniques for electrical charging can be used in combination. It is important that the conversion medium is charged electrically opposite to the surface of the substrate.
  • the conversion medium is electrically charged.
  • the electrical charge is essentially based on an accumulation of the same electrical charge carriers.
  • the electrical repulsion of the accumulated charge carriers causes the liquid conversion medium to be divided into smaller liquid units, in particular droplets.
  • the fineness of the mist can be reinforced, with a surface of a substrate can be sprayed mainly uniformly.
  • the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate may be grounded. By grounding, excess charge carriers that have come onto the surfaces of the substrate with the charged droplets of the conversion medium can be effectively dissipated.
  • One pole of the voltage supply and the substrate preferably have the same electrical potential level. In particular, it is possible to both the said pole of Voltage supply and the substrate, in particular with the same earth to connect electrically conductive. For some applications, however, it might be sufficient to keep the said pole of the voltage supply and the substrate at the same electrical potential in order to effect the removal of any excess charge carriers.
  • the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate is formed as a band of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
  • the tapes can then be conversion coated in a simple manner. For this it is only necessary to move the bands during coating relative to the spray.
  • the electrical voltage generated by means of the voltage supply to the atomizer, to the electrically conductive connected to the atomizer media template and / or to the electrically conductively connected to the atomizer fluid lines is applied.
  • the time that the conversion medium is exposed to the applied voltage may be increased if the voltage is not applied to the nebulizer but to a device upstream of the nebulizer, such as the media master.
  • the electrically conductive connections of the corresponding component to the atomizer that the electrical voltage also lies between the atomizer and the surface of the substrate.
  • the temporal voltage curve of the electrical voltage can be selected as appropriate for the method.
  • the application of a DC voltage with temporally substantially constant voltage curve is possible.
  • an AC voltage, a low-frequency voltage or a pulsed DC voltage can also be used for the method. It is crucial that by applying the electrical voltage, the droplets of the conversion medium are charged and thus accelerated in the direction of the surfaces of the substrate.
  • the aluminum or an aluminum alloy-containing substrate in particular via a belt roller, grounded.
  • the grounding of the substrate has an advantageous effect on the maintenance of the electrical voltage between the atomizer and the surface of the substrate and thereby on the magnitude of the force with which the droplets of the electrically charged spray are accelerated in the direction of the surface of the substrate.
  • the proportion of conversion medium which would otherwise be sprayed past the surface of the substrate in the course of the process, in particular when using shaping air, can thus be further reduced.
  • the spray having the conversion medium is sprayed on both sides of the substrate.
  • the procedural effort can be kept low, if a substrate almost full surface with a Conversion layer to be provided.
  • this approach is advantageous when the substrate is formed as a band. It is particularly advantageous if the atomizers provided for spraying on both sides are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the guided strip, the outlet openings being aligned with the surfaces of the strip.
  • the amount of the conversion medium sprayed on the surface of the substrate can be monitored.
  • eddy current methods, ultrasonic methods, optical methods or even surface resistance measurements can be used for monitoring.
  • the thickness of the conversion layer on the surface of the substrate can be controlled.
  • the monitoring makes it possible to intervene in the process sequence, for example the change of a process parameter, in order to correct a layer thickness order deviating from the nominal value.
  • the liquid conversion medium is supplied from the media master to at least one metering unit and from the metering unit in metered quantity to the atomizer. In this way, an intervention in the procedure can be avoided. A change of process parameters in the course of the procedure is no longer necessary.
  • the metering unit ensures that only the desired amount of conversion medium is applied to a specific surface portion of the substrate. Thus, the coating thickness order can be controlled very accurately.
  • the rejects to substrate which usually when engaging in the Procedure arises, be reduced.
  • no devices for monitoring the layer thickness order are needed. However, it is also possible to monitor in addition to the dosage of the conversion medium to achieve a double hedge.
  • the electrical voltage generated by means of the voltage supply can also be applied to the dosing unit connected in an electrically conductive manner to the atomizer. This gives a user of the method according to the invention further freedom in the design of the method.
  • a strip of aluminum or a strip of an aluminum alloy is conversion-coated immediately after its production.
  • the conversion coating may take place as part of the manufacturing process, so that the end product is a conversion-coated strip of aluminum or of an aluminum alloy.
  • the stated object is achieved with a device with a media reservoir which provides a liquid conversion medium, with at least one atomizer having an outlet opening, with fluid lines connecting the media reservoir and the at least one atomizer, and with a voltage supply for applying an electrical voltage between the atomizer and the at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the outlet opening of the at least one atomizer is aligned on the at least one surface of the substrate, dissolved.
  • the media master is connected to the atomizer via fluid lines.
  • fluid lines for example, pipes or hoses can be used.
  • the conversion medium is supplied through the fluid conduits to the individual elements of the device.
  • the supply can be effected by an external drive such as a pump.
  • the atomizer preferably has capillary conduits through which the conversion medium can be guided to the outlet opening of the atomizer, where it is then atomized.
  • the conversion medium preferably comprises chromium salts, fluorides, chromium phosphates, zinc phosphates or any combinations thereof in a solution or suspension.
  • compounds for producing the conversion layer which include titanium, zirconium, cerium, manganese, cobalt, organic polymers such as polyaniline or oxoanions such as molybdate, vandate or silicate exhibit.
  • the above-mentioned constituents of the conversion medium have only exemplary character and are not to be regarded as limiting.
  • means for moving the substrate relative to the atomizer are provided.
  • the substrate can be moved so that it is provided over its entire surface with a conversion layer.
  • the atomizer can be designed to be movable. The fluid lines connected to it are then accordingly directionally flexible and length-flexible form.
  • the means for moving the substrate relative to the nebulizer comprise a belt running device.
  • a tape running device may comprise, for example, a decoiler, a take-up reel and guide rollers.
  • At least one atomizer is preceded by a metering unit.
  • the metering unit is integrated in the atomizer.
  • the media master, the at least one metering unit and / or the connecting fluid lines are electrically conductively connected to the at least one atomizer.
  • the electrical power supply can then be connected to the media master, with at least one metering unit, with at least one atomizer and / or with the connecting fluid lines. This achieves a high degree of flexibility with regard to the arrangement of the electrical lines.
  • means for grounding the substrate are provided, wherein these means may in particular comprise a belt roller.
  • Tape rollers are particularly suitable when the substrate to be provided with a conversion layer is a tape.
  • the tape roll is upstream of the nebulizer in the direction of tape travel since the formation of a conversion layer on the surface of the tape reduces the conductivity of the tape. It is possible to put the tape reel as well as one pole of the power supply to the same ground. But it is also possible to keep the tape roller and the said pole of the power supply only at the same electrical potential.
  • two atomizers are provided for applying the conversion medium to the substrate on both sides. It is of course also possible to provide more than two atomizers, if the spray geometry of the atomizers and the dimensions of the tape require it.
  • two media templates can be provided to provide the conversion medium when applied to the substrate on both sides.
  • different conversion media can be applied to different surface areas of the substrate, which gives the user of the device according to the invention greater freedom.
  • a high process reliability can be achieved when applying a predetermined layer thickness to the substrate.
  • the outlet opening of the atomizer is designed such that at least one dimension of the at least one surface of the substrate can be covered by the spray mist.
  • Fig. 1 shows an apparatus 1 for applying a conversion medium on both sides of the surfaces of an aluminum strip 4.
  • the aluminum strip 4 is moved by means of a tape device (not shown) in the direction A, in the representation from right to left, for example, at a substantially constant speed.
  • the strip may have been subjected immediately to, for example, cold-working forming (not shown).
  • the following application of the conversion medium 2 can thus be carried out immediately after the production process of the aluminum strip.
  • two media templates 6, 6 ' are provided, which are similar, liquid Conversion medium 2 included.
  • the conversion medium 2 is first supplied to two metering units 14, 14 '.
  • the supply is made by means of a pump, which is not shown in this diagram.
  • the amount of conversion medium 2 is set, which is supplied via the fluid lines 10 to the two atomizers 8, 8'.
  • the metered amount can be adapted in particular to the speed of the aluminum strip 2 in the strip running direction A. It is particularly preferred if changes in the speed of the belt are detected largely automatically, and the metering units 14, 14 'can accordingly also adjust the amount of conversion medium 2 to be dispensed substantially automatically.
  • a pole of a power supply 12 is connected on both sides of the aluminum strip 4 (dotted lines).
  • the other pole of the power supply is earthed in this embodiment.
  • a constant electrical voltage is applied between the substrate 4 and the atomizers 8, 8 'through the voltage supply 12.
  • time-varying voltage profiles can also be set.
  • the fluid lines 10 are connected in this example with the atomizers 8, 8 'via the metering units 14, 14' electrically conductive. As a result, the conversion medium can be charged electrically.
  • the conversion medium 2 now passes via capillaries (not shown) in the atomizers 8, 8 'to the outlet openings (not shown) of the atomizers 8, 8'.
  • Capillaries are advantageous because they impart a small spatial extent to the liquid conversion medium 2 as it leaves the outlet openings.
  • the outlet openings are advantageously formed transversely to the strip running direction A of the aluminum strip 4 so that the entire width of the aluminum strip 4 can be provided with the conversion medium.
  • the droplets After leaving the liquid conversion medium predominantly in the form of droplets, the droplets can be atomized into even smaller droplets because of the electrical repulsion of accumulated charge carriers of the same name (not shown), so that the spray 18 refines even further.
  • the surfaces of the aluminum strip 4 are applied.
  • the electrically charged fine droplets of the conversion medium are accelerated toward the surfaces of the substrate.
  • the efficiency of the conversion media order can thus be increased. This is particularly advantageous if additionally lenkluft is used to guide the fine droplets.
  • a uniform film of the conversion medium 2 is formed.
  • the formation of the conversion layer on the aluminum strip 4 by chemical reaction begins in the following regions 20, 20 '.
  • the arrangement of the grounded tape roller 16 in the tape running direction A of the aluminum strip 4 in front of the device 1 is advantageous because the formation of a conversion layer affects the conductivity of the aluminum strip 4. If the grounding of the strip roller 16 in the direction of tape travel A of the aluminum strip 4 were carried out behind the device 1, the excess charge carriers in and on the aluminum strip 4 provided with a conversion layer could only be dissipated imperfectly become.
  • the tape roller 16 and a pole of the power supply 12 are on the same ground. But it is also possible to keep the tape roller 16 and the said pole of the power supply 12 only at the same electrical potential.
  • the tape running direction A is substantially horizontal. However, it is also possible to align the tape running direction A vertically or at any angle to the horizontal or vertical.

Abstract

The method for the production of conversion layer on a surface of a substrate consisting of aluminum or aluminum alloy, comprises supplying a fluid conversion medium (2) from a media base (6) to an atomizer (8, 8'), where the fluid conversion medium is led from the media base to a dosing unit (14, 14') and from the dosing unit in dosing quantity to the atomizer, spraying the fluid conversion medium in fine droplet, applying an electric power between the atomizer and the surface of the substrate by a power supply unit, and spraying a spray mist on both sides of the substrate. The method for the production of conversion layer on a surface of a substrate consisting of aluminum or aluminum alloy, comprises supplying a fluid conversion medium (2) from a media base (6) to an atomizer (8, 8'), where the fluid conversion medium is led from the media base to a dosing unit (14, 14') and from the dosing unit in dosing quantity to the atomizer, spraying the fluid conversion medium in fine droplet, applying an electric power between the atomizer and the surface of the substrate by a power supply unit, and spraying a spray mist consisting of the fluid conversion medium on both sides of the substrate, so that the conversion medium with the substrate is chemically reacted and forms a conversion layer. The substrate is formed as band. The electric power is applied on the atomizer, on the dosing unit, on the media base electrically connected with the atomizer and/or on a fluid line (10) electrically connected with the atomizer. The substrate is grounded over a strip roller. The quantity of the conversion medium sprayed on the surface of the substrate is monitored. An independent claim is included for a device for applying a conversion medium on a surface of a substrate.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Erzeugen einer Konversionsschicht auf mindestens einer Oberfläche eines Aluminium oder eine Aluminiumlegierung aufweisenden Substrats. Weiterhin betrifft die Erfindung eine Vorrichtung zum Aufbringen eines Konversionsmediums auf mindestens eine Oberfläche eines Aluminium oder eine Aluminiumlegierung aufweisenden Substrats.The invention relates to a method for producing a conversion layer on at least one surface of a substrate comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for applying a conversion medium on at least one surface of an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate having.

Konversionsschichten auf Aluminiumsubstraten, beispielweise auf den Oberflächen von Aluminiumbändern, dienen dazu, dem Substrat eine bessere Korrosionsresistenz und gegebenenfalls einen geringeren Schweißübergangswiderstand zu verleihen. Ferner sind Konversionsschichten geeignet, die Haftfestigkeit von Schichtungsstoffen, Klebstoffen oder Lacken auf dem Aluminiumsubstrat zu erhöhen. Die Konversionsschicht wird durch eine chemische Reaktion, insbesondere durch chemische Oxidation, zwischen der Oberfläche des Substrats und dem aufgebrachten Konversionsmedium ausgebildet.Conversion layers on aluminum substrates, for example on the surfaces of aluminum strips, serve to give the substrate a better corrosion resistance and optionally a lower resistance to sweat transfer. Furthermore, conversion layers are suitable for increasing the adhesion of laminating substances, adhesives or paints on the aluminum substrate. The conversion layer is formed by a chemical reaction, in particular by chemical oxidation, between the surface of the substrate and the applied conversion medium.

Zum Aufbringen eines die Konversionsschicht erzeugenden Konversionsmediums auf die Oberfläche eines Substrats ist beispielsweise das Rollcoatingverfahren, also das Aufbringen durch Walzenauftrag, bekannt. Dabei wird das Substrat, beispielsweise ein Aluminiumband, durch eine Anordnung von Walzen geführt. Die Walzen sind so an einer das Konversionsmedium aufweisenden Wanne angeordnet, dass der nicht mit dem Band in Berührung stehende Teil der Walze in die Wanne, und damit in das flüssige Konversionsmedium, eintaucht. Durch Drehung der Walze wird dann das an dem Teil der Walze haftende Konversionsmedium auf die Oberfläche des Substrats aufgetragen.For applying a conversion layer generating conversion medium to the surface of a substrate, for example, the Rollcoatingverfahren, so the application by roller application, known. In this case, the substrate, for example an aluminum strip, is guided through an arrangement of rollers. The rollers are so on one arranged the conversion medium having trough that the not in contact with the tape part of the roller in the tub, and thus in the liquid conversion medium immersed. By rotation of the roller, the conversion medium adhering to the part of the roller is then applied to the surface of the substrate.

Nachteilig an dem Rollcoaterverfahren ist, dass es einen hohen verfahrenstechnischen und vorrichtungstechnischen Aufwand erfordert. Der für die Auftragswalzen und die Wanne bereitzustellende Bauraum hat einen hohen Platzbedarf zur Folge. Im Fall eines Konversionsmedienwechsels muss die Wanne erst geleert, gereinigt und mit dem neuen Konversionsmedium befüllt werden. Dies bringt eine Vielzahl von Verfahrensschritten mit sich und erhöht somit den Zeitbedarf. Darüber hinaus ergibt sich hoher Nacharbeitungsbedarf, wenn die Walzen ausgetauscht werden müssen, weil sich die Breite des durch die Walzen geführten Substrats geändert hat. Insbesondere müssen die Walzen dann nachgeschliffen und neu gummiert werden. Bei der Durchführung des Walzenauftrags ist weiterhin die Genauigkeit des Schichtdickenauftrags beschränkt, so dass der Schichtdickenauftrag während des Verfahrens überwacht werden muss. Gegebenenfalls müssen die Prozessparameter während des Verfahrens angepasst werden, beispielsweise wenn die Istdicke der Konversionsschicht zu stark von der Solldicke der Konversionsschicht abweicht.A disadvantage of the Rollcoaterverfahren is that it requires a high procedural and device complexity. The space to be provided for the applicator rollers and the tub requires a large amount of space. In the case of a conversion media change, the tub must first be emptied, cleaned and filled with the new conversion medium. This brings a variety of process steps with it and thus increases the time required. Moreover, there is a high need for reworking when the rolls need to be replaced because the width of the substrate passed through the rolls has changed. In particular, the rollers must then be reground and regummed. When carrying out the roll application, the accuracy of the layer thickness application is furthermore limited, so that the layer thickness application must be monitored during the process. Optionally, the process parameters must be adjusted during the process, for example, if the actual thickness of the conversion layer deviates too much from the target thickness of the conversion layer.

Konversionsschichten können auch erzeugt werden, indem das Konversionsmedium auf die Oberfläche des Substrats gespritzt wird. An dieser Vorgehensweise ist jedoch nachteilig, dass nach dem Aufspritzen ein Abquetschvorgang erforderlich ist, um eine homogene Verteilung des aufgespritzten Konversionsmediums auf der Oberfläche des Substrats zu erreichen. Dies erhöht wiederum den verfahrenstechnischen und vorrichtungstechnischen Aufwand. Weiterhin wird der Schichtdickenauftrag wesentlich von der Reaktivität der Oberfläche des Substrats mitbestimmt, welche die Steuerung des Schichtdickenauftrags beim Aufspritzen und anschließendem Abquetschen erschwert.Conversion layers can also be created by spraying the conversion medium onto the surface of the substrate. However, this procedure is disadvantageous that after the spraying a squeezing process is required to achieve a homogeneous distribution of the sprayed conversion medium on the surface of the substrate. This in turn increases the procedural and device complexity. Furthermore, the layer thickness application is significantly influenced by the reactivity of the surface of the substrate, which complicates the control of the layer thickness application during spraying and subsequent squeezing.

Schließlich können Konversionsschichten auch erzeugt werden, indem das Substrat in das in einer Wanne vorgehaltene Konversionsmedium eingetaucht wird. Auch bei dieser Methode ist eine kontinuierliche Badepflege bzw. Badüberwachung notwendig. Dies hat einen erhöhten vorrichtungstechnischen Aufwand zur Folge. Weiterhin fallen auch bei der Methode des Tauchens lange Rüstzeiten, beispielsweise für die Reinigung, an, wenn das Konversionsmedium ausgetauscht werden soll. Darüber hinaus sind beim Tauchen zumindest Teile des Substrats in zeitlich verlängertem Kontakt mit dem flüssigen Konversionsmedium, so dass sich unerwünschte, insbesondere chemische, Rückkopplungseffekte zwischen dem Substrat und dem sich in der Wanne befindlichen Konversionsmedium einstellen können. Schließlich hat auch beim Tauchen die Reaktivität der Oberfläche des Substrats einen wesentlichen, in der Wanne schwer steuerbaren Einfluss auf den Schichtdickenauftrag des Konversionsmediums.Finally, conversion layers may also be formed by immersing the substrate in the conversion medium held in a well. Even with this method, a continuous bath care or bath monitoring is necessary. This results in an increased device complexity. Furthermore, even with the method of diving long set-up times, for example, for cleaning, when the conversion medium is to be replaced. Moreover, during dipping, at least parts of the substrate are in time-extended contact with the liquid conversion medium, so that undesired, in particular chemical, feedback effects can occur between the substrate and the conversion medium located in the tub. Finally, the reactivity of the surface of the substrate also has a substantial influence on the layer thickness application of the conversion medium, which is difficult to control in the tub, during dipping.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt somit die Aufgabe zu Grunde, ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zur Verfügung zu stellen, mit dem bzw. mit der der Auftrag von Konversionsmedien auf die Oberflächen von Aluminium oder eine Aluminiumlegierung aufweisenden Substraten verbessert werden kann.The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a method and an apparatus available, with or with the order of Conversion media can be improved on the surfaces of aluminum or aluminum alloy substrates.

Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß mit einem Verfahren gelöst, das die folgenden Verfahrensschritte umfasst: Zuführen eines flüssigen Konversionsmediums von einer Medienvorlage zu mindestens einem Zerstäuber, Zerstäuben des flüssigen Konversionsmediums in feine Tröpfchen, Anlegen einer elektrischen Spannung zwischen dem Zerstäuber und der mindestens einen Oberfläche des Substrats mittels einer Spannungsversorgung, Aufsprühen des das Konversionsmedium aufweisenden Sprühnebels auf die mindestens eine Oberfläche des Substrats, so dass das Konversionsmedium mit der mindestens einen Oberfläche des Aluminium oder eine Aluminiumlegierung aufweisenden Substrats chemisch reagiert und somit eine Konversionsschicht ausgebildet wird.The object is achieved according to the invention by a method which comprises the following method steps: supplying a liquid conversion medium from a media master to at least one atomizer, atomizing the liquid conversion medium into fine droplets, applying an electrical voltage between the atomizer and the at least one surface of the substrate a power supply, spraying the spray medium having the conversion medium on the at least one surface of the substrate, so that the conversion medium with the at least one surface of the aluminum or aluminum alloy containing substrate chemically reacts and thus a conversion layer is formed.

Das Aufsprühen des Sprühnebels gewährleistet, dass die Oberfläche des Substrats gleichmäßig und in definierter Weise mit dem Konversionsmedium beaufschlagt wird. Zusätzliche Verfahrensschritte wie das Verteilen des Konversionsmediums auf der Oberfläche sind somit nicht notwendig. Vorrichtungen wie beispielsweise Tauchwannen oder Auftragswalzen können demnach eingespart werden. Damit fällt auch der Aufwand zur Reinigung und Instandhaltung dieser Vorrichtungen weg. Weiterhin verringert sich der Platzbedarf, der zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur Verfügung gestellt werden muss.The spraying of the spray ensures that the surface of the substrate is applied uniformly and in a defined manner with the conversion medium. Additional process steps such as distributing the conversion medium on the surface are therefore not necessary. Devices such as dip trays or applicator rollers can therefore be saved. This also eliminates the effort to clean and maintain these devices. Furthermore, the space required, which must be provided for carrying out the method according to the invention is reduced.

Das flüssige Konversionsmedium wird in feine Tröpfchen zerstäubt. Durch das Anlegen einer elektrischen Spannung zwischen dem Zerstäuber und der mindestens einen Oberfläche des Substrats mittels einer Spannungsversorgung wird das aus einer Austrittsöffnung des Zerstäubers austretende Konversionsmedium gegenüber dem Substrat elektrisch aufgeladen. Die feinen Tröpfchen des Sprühnebels erfahren im elektrischen Feld eine Kraft, die sie in Richtung auf die Oberfläche des Substrats beschleunigt. Beispielsweise kann die Zahl der Tröpfchen, die auf die Oberfläche des Substrats auftreffen, so erhöht werden, wenn zusätzlich Lenkluft zur Führung der Tröpfchen eingesetzt wird. Die Zahl der Tröpfchen, die bei Einsatz von Lenkluft unbeabsichtigt an der Oberfläche des Substrats vorbeigesprüht werden, wird verringert. Somit wird die Menge an Konversionsmedium reduziert, die eingesetzt werden muss, um einen bestimmten Oberflächenanteil des Substrats mit einer Konversionsschicht zu versehen. Damit wird auch die Effizienz der Aufbringung des Konversionsmediums verbessert.The liquid conversion medium is atomized into fine droplets. By applying an electrical voltage between the atomizer and the at least one surface of the substrate by means of a voltage supply, the conversion medium emerging from an outlet opening of the atomizer is electrically charged relative to the substrate. The fine droplets of the spray experience a force in the electric field that accelerates them toward the surface of the substrate. For example, the number of droplets impinging on the surface of the substrate can be increased in such a way, if additionally guiding air for guiding the droplets is used. The number of droplets that are inadvertently sprayed past the surface of the substrate when using lenkluft is reduced. Thus, the amount of conversion medium is reduced, which must be used to provide a certain surface portion of the substrate with a conversion layer. This also improves the efficiency of the application of the conversion medium.

Es ist dabei unwesentlich, ob das Konversionsmedium durch den Kontakt mit den Oberflächen des Zerstäubers oder aber durch separate, am Zerstäuber angebrachte Elektroden aufgeladen wird. Die Tröpfchen des zerstäubten Konversionsmediums können beispielsweise durch separate Elektroden dann aufgeladen werden, wenn sie aus einer Austrittsöffnung des Zerstäubers bereits ausgetreten sind und kein Kontakt zu den Oberflächen des Zerstäubers mehr besteht. Dennoch wird im Folgenden immer davon gesprochen, eine elektrische Spannung zwischen dem Zerstäuber und der Oberfläche des Substrats anzulegen, selbst wenn die separaten Elektroden nicht unmittelbar mit dem Zerstäuber in Kontakt stehen. Es können natürlich auch die beiden vorstehend genannten Techniken zur elektrischen Aufladung in Kombination angewendet werden. Wichtig ist, dass das Konversionsmedium gegenüber der Oberfläche des Substrats elektrisch entgegen gesetzt geladen ist.It is irrelevant whether the conversion medium is charged by the contact with the surfaces of the atomizer or by separate, attached to the atomizer electrodes. The droplets of the atomized conversion medium can be charged, for example, by separate electrodes when they have already emerged from an outlet opening of the atomizer and no longer contact with the surfaces of the atomizer. Nevertheless, the following is always spoken about apply an electrical voltage between the atomizer and the surface of the substrate, even if the separate electrodes are not directly in contact with the atomizer. Of course, the two aforementioned techniques for electrical charging can be used in combination. It is important that the conversion medium is charged electrically opposite to the surface of the substrate.

Es kann sich weiterhin vorteilhaft auf den Grad der Zerstäubung auswirken, dass das Konversionsmedium elektrisch aufgeladen ist. Der elektrischen Aufladung liegt im Wesentlichen eine Anhäufung gleichnamiger elektrischer Ladungsträger zu Grunde. Wenn das Konversionsmedium aus der Austrittsöffnung hinaus tritt, beispielsweise aus Kapillarleitungen an der Austrittsöffnung, wird durch die elektrische Abstoßung der angehäuften Ladungsträger bewirkt, dass sich das flüssige Konversionsmedium in kleinere Flüssigkeitseinheiten, insbesondere Tröpfchen, aufteilt. Somit ist durch diese Teilungen die Feinheit des Nebels noch verstärkbar, mit dem eine Oberfläche eines Substrats vorwiegend gleichmäßig besprüht werden kann.It may also be advantageous to the degree of atomization that the conversion medium is electrically charged. The electrical charge is essentially based on an accumulation of the same electrical charge carriers. When the conversion medium exits the exit opening, for example from capillary ducts at the exit opening, the electrical repulsion of the accumulated charge carriers causes the liquid conversion medium to be divided into smaller liquid units, in particular droplets. Thus, by these divisions, the fineness of the mist can be reinforced, with a surface of a substrate can be sprayed mainly uniformly.

Das Aluminium oder eine Aluminiumlegierung aufweisende Substrat kann geerdet werden. Durch die Erdung können überschüssige Ladungsträger, die mit den aufgeladenen Tröpfchen des Konversionsmediums auf die Oberflächen des Substrats gelangt sind, effektiv abgeführt werden. Ein Pol der Spannungsversorgung und das Substrat weisen vorzugsweise die gleiche elektrische Potentialhöhe auf. Insbesondere ist es möglich, sowohl den besagten Pol der Spannungsversorgung als auch das Substrat, insbesondere mit der gleichen Erde, elektrisch leitend zu verbinden. Für manche Anwendungen könnte es aber ausreichen, den besagten Pol der Spannungsversorgung und das Substrat auf dem gleichen elektrischen Potential zu halten, um die Abführung etwaiger überschüssiger Ladungsträger zu bewirken.The aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate may be grounded. By grounding, excess charge carriers that have come onto the surfaces of the substrate with the charged droplets of the conversion medium can be effectively dissipated. One pole of the voltage supply and the substrate preferably have the same electrical potential level. In particular, it is possible to both the said pole of Voltage supply and the substrate, in particular with the same earth to connect electrically conductive. For some applications, however, it might be sufficient to keep the said pole of the voltage supply and the substrate at the same electrical potential in order to effect the removal of any excess charge carriers.

Vorzugsweise ist das Aluminium oder eine Aluminiumlegierung aufweisende Substrat als Band aus Aluminium oder einer Aluminiumlegierung ausgebildet. Die Bänder können dann auf einfache Weise konversionsbeschichtet werden. Hierzu ist es nur erforderlich die Bänder während des Beschichtens relativ zum Sprühnebel zu bewegen.Preferably, the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate is formed as a band of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The tapes can then be conversion coated in a simple manner. For this it is only necessary to move the bands during coating relative to the spray.

In einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens wird die mittels der Spannungsversorgung erzeugte elektrische Spannung an den Zerstäuber, an die mit dem Zerstäuber elektrisch leitend verbundene Medienvorlage und/oder an die mit dem Zerstäuber elektrisch leitend verbundenen Fluidleitungen angelegt. Dadurch ist es einem Anwender möglich, das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren nach seinen Vorstellungen auszugestalten. Beispielsweise kann die Zeit, die das Konversionsmedium der angelegten Spannung ausgesetzt ist, erhöht werden, wenn die Spannung nicht erst an dem Zerstäuber, sondern an ein dem Zerstäuber vorgelagertes Bauteil, beispielsweise die Medienvorlage, angelegt wird. Durch die elektrisch leitenden Verbindungen des entsprechenden Bauteils mit dem Zerstäuber ist jedoch gewährleistet, dass die elektrische Spannung auch zwischen dem Zerstäuber und der Oberfläche des Substrats anliegt.In a preferred embodiment of the method, the electrical voltage generated by means of the voltage supply to the atomizer, to the electrically conductive connected to the atomizer media template and / or to the electrically conductively connected to the atomizer fluid lines is applied. This makes it possible for a user to design the inventive method according to his ideas. For example, the time that the conversion medium is exposed to the applied voltage may be increased if the voltage is not applied to the nebulizer but to a device upstream of the nebulizer, such as the media master. However, it is ensured by the electrically conductive connections of the corresponding component to the atomizer that the electrical voltage also lies between the atomizer and the surface of the substrate.

Der zeitliche Spannungsverlauf der elektrischen Spannung kann so gewählt werden, wie es für das Verfahren zweckmäßig ist. So ist das Anlegen einer Gleichspannung mit zeitlich im Wesentlichen konstantem Spannungsverlauf möglich. Allerdings können auch eine Wechselspannung, eine niederfrequente Spannung oder eine gepulste Gleichspannung für das Verfahren verwendet werden. Entscheidend ist, dass durch das Anlegen der elektrischen Spannung die Tröpfchen des Konversionsmediums aufgeladen sind und somit in Richtung auf die Oberflächen des Substrats beschleunigt werden.The temporal voltage curve of the electrical voltage can be selected as appropriate for the method. Thus, the application of a DC voltage with temporally substantially constant voltage curve is possible. However, an AC voltage, a low-frequency voltage or a pulsed DC voltage can also be used for the method. It is crucial that by applying the electrical voltage, the droplets of the conversion medium are charged and thus accelerated in the direction of the surfaces of the substrate.

Vorzugsweise wird das Aluminium oder eine Aluminiumlegierung aufweisende Substrat, insbesondere über eine Bandlaufrolle, geerdet. Die Erdung des Substrats wirkt sich vorteilhaft auf die Aufrechterhaltung der elektrischen Spannung zwischen dem Zerstäuber und der Oberfläche des Substrats und dadurch auf die Größe der Kraft auf, mit der die Tröpfchen des elektrisch aufgeladenen Sprühnebels in Richtung auf die Oberfläche des Substrats beschleunigt werden. Der Anteil an Konversionsmedium, der sonst im Zuge des Verfahrens, insbesondere bei der Verwendung von Lenkluft, an der Oberfläche des Substrats vorbei gesprüht würde, kann damit weiter vermindert werden.Preferably, the aluminum or an aluminum alloy-containing substrate, in particular via a belt roller, grounded. The grounding of the substrate has an advantageous effect on the maintenance of the electrical voltage between the atomizer and the surface of the substrate and thereby on the magnitude of the force with which the droplets of the electrically charged spray are accelerated in the direction of the surface of the substrate. The proportion of conversion medium which would otherwise be sprayed past the surface of the substrate in the course of the process, in particular when using shaping air, can thus be further reduced.

In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform wird der das Konversionsmedium aufweisende Sprühnebel beidseitig auf das Substrat gesprüht. Somit lässt sich der verfahrenstechnische Aufwand gering halten, wenn ein Substrat annähernd vollflächig mit einer Konversionsschicht versehen werden soll. Insbesondere ist diese Vorgehensweise vorteilhaft, wenn das Substrat als Band ausgebildet ist. Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn die zum beidseitigen Aufsprühen vorgesehenen Zerstäuber symmetrisch zu beiden Seiten des geführten Bandes angeordnet sind, wobei die Austrittsöffnungen auf die Oberflächen des Bandes ausgerichtet sind.In a further preferred embodiment, the spray having the conversion medium is sprayed on both sides of the substrate. Thus, the procedural effort can be kept low, if a substrate almost full surface with a Conversion layer to be provided. In particular, this approach is advantageous when the substrate is formed as a band. It is particularly advantageous if the atomizers provided for spraying on both sides are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the guided strip, the outlet openings being aligned with the surfaces of the strip.

Es ist möglich, im Zuge des Verfahrens die Menge des auf die Oberfläche des Substrats gesprühten Konversionsmediums zu überwachen. Zur Überwachung können beispielsweise Wirbelstromverfahren, Ultraschallverfahren, optische Verfahren oder auch Oberflächenwiderstandsmessungen verwendet werden. Somit kann die Dicke der Konversionsschicht auf der Oberfläche des Substrats geregelt werden. Die Überwachung ermöglicht das Eingreifen in den Verfahrensablauf, beispielsweise die Änderung eines Prozessparameters, um einen vom Sollwert abweichenden Schichtdickenauftrag zu korrigieren.It is possible to monitor the amount of the conversion medium sprayed on the surface of the substrate during the process. For example, eddy current methods, ultrasonic methods, optical methods or even surface resistance measurements can be used for monitoring. Thus, the thickness of the conversion layer on the surface of the substrate can be controlled. The monitoring makes it possible to intervene in the process sequence, for example the change of a process parameter, in order to correct a layer thickness order deviating from the nominal value.

Es ist jedoch bevorzugt, dass das flüssige Konversionsmedium von der Medienvorlage zu mindestens einer Dosiereinheit und von der Dosiereinheit in dosierter Menge dem Zerstäuber zugeführt wird. Auf diese Weise kann ein Eingriff in den Verfahrensablauf vermieden werden. Eine Änderung von Prozessparametern im Zuge des Verfahrens ist nicht mehr notwendig. Die Dosiereinheit gewährleistet, dass lediglich die gewünschte Menge an Konversionsmedium auf einen bestimmten Oberflächenanteil des Substrats aufgebracht wird. Somit kann der Schichtdickenauftrag sehr genau gesteuert werden. Außerdem kann der Ausschuss an Substrat, der üblicherweise beim Eingreifen in den Verfahrensablauf entsteht, verringert werden. Weiterhin werden keine Vorrichtungen zur Überwachung der Schichtdickenauftrags benötigt. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, zusätzlich zur Dosierung des Konversionsmediums eine Überwachung durchzuführen, um eine doppelte Absicherung zu erreichen.However, it is preferred that the liquid conversion medium is supplied from the media master to at least one metering unit and from the metering unit in metered quantity to the atomizer. In this way, an intervention in the procedure can be avoided. A change of process parameters in the course of the procedure is no longer necessary. The metering unit ensures that only the desired amount of conversion medium is applied to a specific surface portion of the substrate. Thus, the coating thickness order can be controlled very accurately. In addition, the rejects to substrate, which usually when engaging in the Procedure arises, be reduced. Furthermore, no devices for monitoring the layer thickness order are needed. However, it is also possible to monitor in addition to the dosage of the conversion medium to achieve a double hedge.

Die mittels der Spannungsversorgung erzeugte elektrische Spannung kann im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung auch an die mit dem Zerstäuber elektrisch leitend verbundene Dosiereinheit angelegt werden. Dadurch erhält ein Anwender des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens weitere Freiheiten in der Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens.In the context of the present invention, the electrical voltage generated by means of the voltage supply can also be applied to the dosing unit connected in an electrically conductive manner to the atomizer. This gives a user of the method according to the invention further freedom in the design of the method.

Besonders bevorzugt ist es, wenn ein Band aus Aluminium oder ein Band aus einer Aluminiumlegierung unmittelbar nach seiner Herstellung konversionsbeschichtet wird. In diesem Fall kann die Konversionsbeschichtung als Teil des Herstellungsverfahrens erfolgen, so dass als Endprodukt ein konversionsbeschichtetes Band aus Aluminium oder aus einer Aluminiumlegierung vorliegt. Durch diese Vorgehensweise kann vermieden werden, dass die Bänder nach der Fertigung zunächst eingelagert werden, bevor sie dann zur Konversionsbeschichtung wieder einer Bandlaufvorrichtung zugeführt werden müssen.It is particularly preferred if a strip of aluminum or a strip of an aluminum alloy is conversion-coated immediately after its production. In this case, the conversion coating may take place as part of the manufacturing process, so that the end product is a conversion-coated strip of aluminum or of an aluminum alloy. By this procedure, it can be avoided that the strips are first stored after production before they then have to be fed back to a strip running device for the conversion coating.

Gemäß einer weiteren Lehre der vorliegenden Erfindung wird die aufgezeigte Aufgabe mit einer Vorrichtung mit einer Medienvorlage, die ein flüssiges Konversionsmedium bereitstellt, mit mindestens einem eine Austrittsöffnung aufweisenden Zerstäuber, mit die Medienvorlage und den mindestens einen Zerstäuber verbindenden Fluidleitungen, und mit einer Spannungsversorgung zum Anlegen einer elektrischen Spannung zwischen dem Zerstäuber und der mindestens einen Oberfläche des Substrats, wobei die Austrittsöffnung des mindestens einen Zerstäubers auf die mindestens eine Oberfläche des Substrats ausrichtbar ist, gelöst.According to a further teaching of the present invention, the stated object is achieved with a device with a media reservoir which provides a liquid conversion medium, with at least one atomizer having an outlet opening, with fluid lines connecting the media reservoir and the at least one atomizer, and with a voltage supply for applying an electrical voltage between the atomizer and the at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the outlet opening of the at least one atomizer is aligned on the at least one surface of the substrate, dissolved.

Unter einer Medienvorlage ist insbesondere ein Behälter zu verstehen, in dem das Konversionsmedium bevorratet bzw. bereitgestellt wird. Die Medienvorlage ist über Fluidleitungen mit dem Zerstäuber verbunden. Als Fluidleitungen können beispielsweise Rohre oder Schläuche verwendet werden. Allgemein wird das Konversionsmedium durch die Fluidleitungen den einzelnen Elementen der Vorrichtung zugeführt. Die Zuführung kann dabei durch einen externen Antrieb wie beispielsweise eine Pumpe bewirkt werden. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, durch geeignete Wahl der Anordnung bzw. Ausbildung der Elemente der Vorrichtung einen Gravitationsantrieb oder eine Kapillarantrieb oder eine Kombination davon zu verwenden. Insbesondere weist der Zerstäuber bevorzugt Kapillarleitungen auf, durch die das Konversionsmedium zu der Austrittsöffnung des Zerstäubers geführt werden kann, wo es dann zerstäubt wird.Under a media template is particularly to understand a container in which the conversion medium is stored or provided. The media master is connected to the atomizer via fluid lines. As fluid lines, for example, pipes or hoses can be used. Generally, the conversion medium is supplied through the fluid conduits to the individual elements of the device. The supply can be effected by an external drive such as a pump. However, it is also possible to use by suitable choice of the arrangement or design of the elements of the device, a gravitational drive or a capillary drive or a combination thereof. In particular, the atomizer preferably has capillary conduits through which the conversion medium can be guided to the outlet opening of the atomizer, where it is then atomized.

Das Konversionsmedium weist bevorzugt Chromsalze, Fluoride, Chromphosphate, Zinkphosphate oder beliebige Kombinationen davon in einer Lösung oder Suspension auf. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, Verbindungen zum Erzeugen der Konversionsschicht heranzuziehen, die Titan, Zirkonium, Cer, Mangan, Cobalt, organische Polymere wie Polyanilin oder Oxoanionen wie Molybdat, Vandat oder Silicat aufweisen. Die vorstehend genannten Bestandteile des Konversionsmediums haben jedoch nur beispielhaften Charakter und sind nicht als beschränkend anzusehen.The conversion medium preferably comprises chromium salts, fluorides, chromium phosphates, zinc phosphates or any combinations thereof in a solution or suspension. However, it is also possible to use compounds for producing the conversion layer which include titanium, zirconium, cerium, manganese, cobalt, organic polymers such as polyaniline or oxoanions such as molybdate, vandate or silicate exhibit. However, the above-mentioned constituents of the conversion medium have only exemplary character and are not to be regarded as limiting.

In einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Vorrichtung sind Mittel zum Bewegen des Substrats relativ zu dem Zerstäuber vorgesehen. Auf diese Weise kann das Substrat so bewegt werden, dass es vollflächig mit einer Konversionsschicht versehen wird. Es ist natürlich auch möglich, zumindest Teile der Vorrichtung so auszugestalten, dass sie relativ zum Substrat bewegt werden können. Beispielsweise kann der Zerstäuber beweglich ausgebildet sein. Die an ihn angeschlossenen Fluidleitungen sind dann dementsprechend richtungsflexibel und längenflexibel auszubilden.In a preferred embodiment of the device, means for moving the substrate relative to the atomizer are provided. In this way, the substrate can be moved so that it is provided over its entire surface with a conversion layer. Of course, it is also possible to design at least parts of the device such that they can be moved relative to the substrate. For example, the atomizer can be designed to be movable. The fluid lines connected to it are then accordingly directionally flexible and length-flexible form.

Insbesondere umfassen die Mittel zum Bewegen des Substrats relativ zu dem Zerstäuber eine Bandlaufvorrichtung. Diese Ausgestaltung ist besonders geeignet, wenn das Substrat ein Band aus Aluminium oder ein Band aus einer Aluminiumlegierung ist. Eine Bandlaufvorrichtung kann beispielsweise eine Abwickelhaspel, eine Aufwickelhaspel und Führungswalzen umfassen.In particular, the means for moving the substrate relative to the nebulizer comprise a belt running device. This embodiment is particularly suitable when the substrate is a strip of aluminum or an aluminum alloy strip. A tape running device may comprise, for example, a decoiler, a take-up reel and guide rollers.

In einer weitere bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Vorrichtung ist mindestens einem Zerstäuber eine Dosiereinheit vorgeschaltet. Vorzugsweise ist die Dosiereinheit in den Zerstäuber integriert. Dadurch lässt sich der Bauraum, den die Vorrichtung einnimmt, weiter reduzieren. Außerdem lassen sich durch diese Ausgestaltung die anderenfalls notwendigen Abschnitte der Fluidleitungen einsparen.In a further preferred embodiment of the device, at least one atomizer is preceded by a metering unit. Preferably, the metering unit is integrated in the atomizer. As a result, the space occupied by the device can be further reduced. In addition, can be saved by this configuration, the otherwise necessary portions of the fluid lines.

Es ist weiterhin bevorzugt, dass die Medienvorlage, die mindestens eine Dosiereinheit und/oder die verbindenden Fluidleitungen mit dem mindestens einen Zerstäuber elektrisch leitend verbunden sind. Insbesondere kann dann die elektrische Spannungsversorgung mit der Medienvorlage, mit mindestens einer Dosiereinheit, mit mindestens einem Zerstäuber und/oder mit den verbindenden Fluidleitungen verbunden werden. Dadurch wird eine hohe Flexibilität bezüglich der Anordnung der elektrischen Leitungen erreicht.It is further preferred that the media master, the at least one metering unit and / or the connecting fluid lines are electrically conductively connected to the at least one atomizer. In particular, the electrical power supply can then be connected to the media master, with at least one metering unit, with at least one atomizer and / or with the connecting fluid lines. This achieves a high degree of flexibility with regard to the arrangement of the electrical lines.

In einer nächsten bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Vorrichtung sind Mittel zur Erdung des Substrats vorgesehen, wobei diese Mittel insbesondere eine Bandlaufrolle umfassen können. Bandlaufrollen sind besonders geeignet, wenn das mit einer Konversionsschicht zu versehene Substrat ein Band ist. Insbesondere durch den leitfähigen Kontakt zwischen dem Band und der Bandlaufrolle über vorzugsweise die gesamte Breite des Bandes wird gewährleistet, dass das Band als Gegenelektrode gegenüber dem Zerstäuber wirken kann. Vorzugsweise ist die Bandlaufrolle in Bandlaufrichtung dem Zerstäuber vorgelagert, da die Bildung einer Konversionsschicht auf der Oberfläche des Bandes die Leitfähigkeit des Bandes reduziert. Es ist möglich, die Bandlaufrolle als auch einen Pol der Spannungsversorgung an die gleiche Erde zu legen. Es besteht aber auch die Möglichkeit, die Bandlaufrolle und den besagten Pol der Spannungsversorgung lediglich auf dem gleichen elektrischen Potential zu halten.In a next preferred embodiment of the device, means for grounding the substrate are provided, wherein these means may in particular comprise a belt roller. Tape rollers are particularly suitable when the substrate to be provided with a conversion layer is a tape. In particular, by the conductive contact between the tape and the tape roll over preferably the entire width of the tape ensures that the tape can act as a counter electrode relative to the atomizer. Preferably, the tape roll is upstream of the nebulizer in the direction of tape travel since the formation of a conversion layer on the surface of the tape reduces the conductivity of the tape. It is possible to put the tape reel as well as one pole of the power supply to the same ground. But it is also possible to keep the tape roller and the said pole of the power supply only at the same electrical potential.

Vorzugsweise sind zum beidseitigen Aufbringen des Konversionsmediums auf das Substrat zwei Zerstäuber vorgesehen. Es ist natürlich auch möglich, mehr als zwei Zerstäuber vorzusehen, wenn die Sprühgeometrie der Zerstäuber und die Abmessungen des Bandes dies erfordern.Preferably, two atomizers are provided for applying the conversion medium to the substrate on both sides. It is of course also possible to provide more than two atomizers, if the spray geometry of the atomizers and the dimensions of the tape require it.

Weiterhin können zum Bereitstellen des Konversionsmediums beim beidseitigen Aufbringen auf das Substrat zwei Medienvorlagen vorgesehen sein. Damit können gegebenenfalls unterschiedliche Konversionsmedien auf unterschiedliche Oberflächenbereiche des Substrats aufgebracht werden, was dem Anwender der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung größere Freiheit gewährt.Furthermore, two media templates can be provided to provide the conversion medium when applied to the substrate on both sides. Thus, if appropriate, different conversion media can be applied to different surface areas of the substrate, which gives the user of the device according to the invention greater freedom.

Sind gemäß einer nächsten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung Mittel zur Überwachung der auf die mindestens eine Oberfläche des Substrats aufgesprühten Menge des Konversionsmediums vorgesehen, kann eine hohe Prozesssicherheit beim Auftragen einer vorbestimmten Schichtdicke auf das Substrat erzielt werden.If according to a next embodiment of the device according to the invention means are provided for monitoring the amount of the conversion medium sprayed onto the at least one surface of the substrate, a high process reliability can be achieved when applying a predetermined layer thickness to the substrate.

In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Vorrichtung ist die Austrittsöffnung des Zerstäubers so ausgebildet, dass zumindest eine Abmessung der mindestens einen Oberfläche des Substrats mit dem Sprühnebel abdeckbar ist. Durch die Anpassung der Austrittsöffnung an die Geometrie des Substrats, beispielsweise die Breite eines bandförmigen Substrats, wird ein zu wiederholender Sprühauftrag des Konversionsmediums auf die Oberfläche des Substrats vermieden.In a further preferred embodiment of the device, the outlet opening of the atomizer is designed such that at least one dimension of the at least one surface of the substrate can be covered by the spray mist. By adapting the outlet opening to the geometry of the substrate, for example, the width of a band-shaped substrate, a repeated spray application of the conversion medium is avoided on the surface of the substrate.

Hinsichtlich weiterer Vorteile der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung wird auf die Ausführungen zum erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren verwiesen, und hinsichtlich weiterer Vorteile des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens wird auf die Ausführungen zur erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung verwiesen.With regard to further advantages of the device according to the invention, reference is made to the comments on the method according to the invention, and with regard to further advantages of the method according to the invention, reference is made to the comments on the device according to the invention.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert, wozu auf die beigefügte Zeichnung Bezug genommen wird. In der Zeichnung zeigt:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Aufbringen eines Konversionsmediums auf ein Aluminiumband.
The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment, for which reference is made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing shows:
Fig. 1
a schematic representation of an embodiment of the inventive device for applying a conversion medium on an aluminum strip.

Fig. 1 zeigt eine Vorrichtung 1 zum beidseitigen Aufbringen eines Konversionsmediums auf die Oberflächen eines Aluminiumbandes 4. Das Aluminiumband 4 wird mittels einer Bandlaufvorrichtung (nicht dargestellt) in Richtung A, in der Darstellung von rechts nach links, beispielsweise mit im Wesentlichen konstanter Geschwindigkeit bewegt. Das Band kann unmittelbar vorher beispielsweise einer Umformung durch Kaltwalzen (nicht dargestellt) unterzogen worden sein. Das nun folgende Auftragen des Konversionsmediums 2 kann also unmittelbar nach dem Herstellungsprozess des Aluminiumbandes vorgenommen werden. Fig. 1 shows an apparatus 1 for applying a conversion medium on both sides of the surfaces of an aluminum strip 4. The aluminum strip 4 is moved by means of a tape device (not shown) in the direction A, in the representation from right to left, for example, at a substantially constant speed. The strip may have been subjected immediately to, for example, cold-working forming (not shown). The following application of the conversion medium 2 can thus be carried out immediately after the production process of the aluminum strip.

In diesem Beispiel sind zwei Medienvorlagen 6, 6' vorgesehen, die ein gleichartiges, flüssiges Konversionsmedium 2 enthalten. Es ist aber auch möglich, die erste Medienvorlage 6 mit einem bestimmten Konversionsmedium und die zweite Medienvorlage 6' mit einem bestimmten anderen Konversionsmedium zu befüllen, wenn dies für Anwendung zweckmäßig ist. Weiterhin ist es möglich, lediglich eine Medienvorlage 6, 6' zu verwenden, aus der ein Konversionsmedium 2 den beiden Zerstäubern 8, 8' zugeführt wird.In this example, two media templates 6, 6 'are provided, which are similar, liquid Conversion medium 2 included. However, it is also possible to fill the first media master 6 with a specific conversion medium and the second media master 6 'with a certain other conversion medium, if this is expedient for the application. Furthermore, it is possible to use only one media original 6, 6 'from which a conversion medium 2 is fed to the two atomizers 8, 8'.

Durch Fluidleitungen 10 wird das Konversionsmedium 2 zuerst zwei Dosiereinheiten 14, 14' zugeführt. Die Zuführung wird mittels einer Pumpe vorgenommen, die in diesem Schema nicht dargestellt ist. Die Dosiereinheiten 14, 14' sind beidseitig des Aluminiumbandes 4 angeordnet. In den Dosiereinheiten 14, 14' wird die Menge an Konversionsmedium 2 eingestellt, die über die Fluidleitungen 10 den beiden Zerstäubern 8, 8' zugeführt wird. Die dosierte Menge kann insbesondere an die Geschwindigkeit des Aluminiumbandes 2 in Bandlaufrichtung A angepasst sein. Besonders bevorzugt ist es, wenn Änderungen der Geschwindigkeit des Bandes weitgehend automatisch erfasst werden, und die Dosiereinheiten 14, 14' die abzugebende Menge an Konversionsmedium 2 dementsprechend ebenfalls im Wesentlichen selbsttätig anpassen können. Die Dosiereinheiten 14, 14' sind in diesem Beispiel separat von den Zerstäubern 8, 8' angeordnet. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, die Dosiereinheiten 14, 14' in die Zerstäuber 8, 8' zu integrieren, um so den Platzbedarf der Vorrichtung zu verringern.By fluid lines 10, the conversion medium 2 is first supplied to two metering units 14, 14 '. The supply is made by means of a pump, which is not shown in this diagram. The metering units 14, 14 'are arranged on both sides of the aluminum strip 4. In the metering units 14, 14 ', the amount of conversion medium 2 is set, which is supplied via the fluid lines 10 to the two atomizers 8, 8'. The metered amount can be adapted in particular to the speed of the aluminum strip 2 in the strip running direction A. It is particularly preferred if changes in the speed of the belt are detected largely automatically, and the metering units 14, 14 'can accordingly also adjust the amount of conversion medium 2 to be dispensed substantially automatically. The metering units 14, 14 'are arranged separately from the atomizers 8, 8' in this example. However, it is also possible to integrate the metering units 14, 14 'in the atomizers 8, 8' so as to reduce the space requirement of the device.

An die Fluidleitungen 10 ist beidseitig des Aluminiumbandes 4 ein Pol einer Spannungsversorgung 12 angeschlossen (gepunktete Linien). Der andere Pol der Spannungsversorgung ist in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel geerdet. Durch die Spannungsversorgung 12 wird beispielsweise eine konstante elektrische Spannung zwischen dem Substrat 4 und den Zerstäubern 8, 8' angelegt. Grundsätzlich können aber auch zeitlich veränderliche Spannungsverläufe eingestellt werden. Die Fluidleitungen 10 sind in diesem Beispiel mit den Zerstäubern 8, 8' über die Dosiereinheiten 14, 14' elektrisch leitend verbunden. Dadurch kann das Konversionsmedium elektrisch aufgeladen werden.To the fluid lines 10, a pole of a power supply 12 is connected on both sides of the aluminum strip 4 (dotted lines). The other pole of the power supply is earthed in this embodiment. For example, a constant electrical voltage is applied between the substrate 4 and the atomizers 8, 8 'through the voltage supply 12. In principle, however, time-varying voltage profiles can also be set. The fluid lines 10 are connected in this example with the atomizers 8, 8 'via the metering units 14, 14' electrically conductive. As a result, the conversion medium can be charged electrically.

Das Konversionsmedium 2 gelangt nun über Kapillaren (nicht dargestellt) in den Zerstäubern 8, 8' zu den Austrittsöffnungen (nicht dargestellt) der Zerstäuber 8, 8'. Kapillare sind vorteilhaft, da sie dem flüssigen Konversionsmedium 2 beim Austritt aus den Austrittsöffnungen eine geringe räumliche Ausdehnung verleihen. Es können aber natürlich noch weitere Mittel zur Zerstäubung des Konversionsmediums 2 an den Zerstäubern 8, 8' vorgesehen sein. Die Austrittsöffnungen sind vorteilhafterweise quer zur Bandlaufrichtung A des Aluminiumbandes 4 so ausgebildet, dass die gesamte Breite des Aluminiumbandes 4 mit dem Konversionsmedium versehen werden kann.The conversion medium 2 now passes via capillaries (not shown) in the atomizers 8, 8 'to the outlet openings (not shown) of the atomizers 8, 8'. Capillaries are advantageous because they impart a small spatial extent to the liquid conversion medium 2 as it leaves the outlet openings. However, it is of course also possible to provide further means for atomizing the conversion medium 2 at the atomizers 8, 8 '. The outlet openings are advantageously formed transversely to the strip running direction A of the aluminum strip 4 so that the entire width of the aluminum strip 4 can be provided with the conversion medium.

Nach Austritt des flüssigen Konversionsmediums überwiegend in Form von Tröpfchen können die Tröpfchen wegen der elektrischen Abstoßung angehäufter gleichnamiger Ladungsträger in noch kleinere Tröpfchen zerstäubt werden (nicht dargestellt), so dass sich der Sprühnebel 18 noch weiter verfeinert. Mit diesem Sprühnebel 18 werden die Oberflächen des Aluminiumbandes 4 beaufschlagt. Durch das Anliegen der elektrischen Spannung zwischen den Zerstäubern und den Oberflächen des Substrats werden die elektrisch aufgeladenen feinen Tröpfchen des Konversionsmediums in Richtung auf die Oberflächen des Substrats beschleunigt. Die Effizienz des Konversionsmedienauftrags kann so erhöht werden. Dies ist insbesondere vorteilhaft, wenn zusätzlich Lenkluft zur Führung der feinen Tröpfchen verwendet wird. Auf den Oberflächen des Substrats bildet sich ein gleichmäßiger Film des Konversionsmediums 2 aus. Während der Weiterführung des so besprühten Abschnitts des Aluminiumbandes 4 durch die Bandlaufvorrichtung, beginnt in den nachfolgenden Bereichen 20, 20' die Ausbildung der Konversionsschicht auf dem Aluminiumband 4 durch chemische Reaktion.After leaving the liquid conversion medium predominantly in the form of droplets, the droplets can be atomized into even smaller droplets because of the electrical repulsion of accumulated charge carriers of the same name (not shown), so that the spray 18 refines even further. With this spray 18, the surfaces of the aluminum strip 4 are applied. By applying the voltage between the atomizers and the surfaces of the substrate, the electrically charged fine droplets of the conversion medium are accelerated toward the surfaces of the substrate. The efficiency of the conversion media order can thus be increased. This is particularly advantageous if additionally lenkluft is used to guide the fine droplets. On the surfaces of the substrate, a uniform film of the conversion medium 2 is formed. During the continuation of the thus sprayed section of the aluminum strip 4 through the strip running device, the formation of the conversion layer on the aluminum strip 4 by chemical reaction begins in the following regions 20, 20 '.

Das Aluminiumband 4 wird, bevor es die Vorrichtung 1 zum Aufbringen des Konversionsmediums erreicht, über eine geerdete Bandlaufrolle 16 geführt. Überschüssige Ladungsträger können so effektiv abgeführt werden. Die Anordnung der geerdeten Bandlaufrolle 16 in Bandlaufrichtung A des Aluminiumbandes 4 vor der Vorrichtung 1 ist vorteilhaft, da die Ausbildung einer Konversionsschicht die Leitfähigkeit des Aluminiumbandes 4 beeinträchtigt. Würde die Erdung der Bandlaufrolle 16 in Bandlaufrichtung A des Aluminiumbandes 4 hinter der Vorrichtung 1 ausgeführt, könnten die überschüssigen Ladungsträger im und auf dem mit einer Konversionsschicht versehenen Aluminiumband 4 nur unvollkommen abgeführt werden. In dem in Fig. 1 gezeigten, schematischen Ausführungsbeispiel liegen die Bandlaufrolle 16 und ein Pol der Spannungsversorgung 12 an der gleichen Erde. Es ist aber auch möglich, die Bandlaufrolle 16 und den besagten Pol der Spannungsversorgung 12 lediglich auf dem gleichen elektrischen Potential zu halten.The aluminum strip 4, before it reaches the device 1 for applying the conversion medium, passed over a grounded tape roller 16. Excess charge carriers can be removed effectively. The arrangement of the grounded tape roller 16 in the tape running direction A of the aluminum strip 4 in front of the device 1 is advantageous because the formation of a conversion layer affects the conductivity of the aluminum strip 4. If the grounding of the strip roller 16 in the direction of tape travel A of the aluminum strip 4 were carried out behind the device 1, the excess charge carriers in and on the aluminum strip 4 provided with a conversion layer could only be dissipated imperfectly become. In the in Fig. 1 shown, schematic embodiment, the tape roller 16 and a pole of the power supply 12 are on the same ground. But it is also possible to keep the tape roller 16 and the said pole of the power supply 12 only at the same electrical potential.

In dem vorstehend beschriebenen Beispiel verläuft die Bandlaufrichtung A im Wesentlichen horizontal. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, die Bandlaufrichtung A vertikal oder in einem beliebigen Winkel zur Horizontalen oder Vertikalen auszurichten.In the example described above, the tape running direction A is substantially horizontal. However, it is also possible to align the tape running direction A vertically or at any angle to the horizontal or vertical.

Claims (18)

Verfahren zum Erzeugen einer Konversionsschicht auf mindestens einer Oberfläche eines Aluminium oder eine Aluminiumlegierung aufweisenden Substrats, umfassend die folgenden Verfahrensschritte: Zuführen eines flüssigen Konversionsmediums von einer Medienvorlage zu mindestens einem Zerstäuber, wobei das flüssige Konversionsmedium von der Medienvorlage zu mindestens einer Dosiereinheit und von der Dosiereinheit in dosierter Menge zu dem Zerstäuber geführt wird, Zerstäuben des flüssigen Konversionsmediums in feine Tröpfchen, Anlegen einer elektrischen Spannung zwischen dem Zerstäuber und der mindestens einen Oberfläche des Substrats mittels einer Spannungsversorgung, Aufsprühen des das Konversionsmedium aufweisenden Sprühnebels auf die mindestens eine Oberfläche des Substrats, so dass das Konversionsmedium mit der mindestens einen Oberfläche des Aluminium oder eine Aluminiumlegierung aufweisenden Substrats chemisch reagiert und somit eine Konversionsschicht ausgebildet wird. A method for producing a conversion layer on at least one surface of a substrate comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy, comprising the following method steps: Supplying a liquid conversion medium from a media master to at least one atomizer, wherein the liquid conversion medium is fed from the media master to at least one metering unit and from the metering unit in metered quantity to the atomizer, Sputtering the liquid conversion medium into fine droplets, Applying an electrical voltage between the atomizer and the at least one surface of the substrate by means of a voltage supply, Spraying the spray having the conversion medium on the at least one surface of the substrate, so that the conversion medium with the at least one surface of the aluminum or an aluminum alloy containing substrate chemically reacts and thus a conversion layer is formed. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Substrat als Band aus Aluminium oder einer Aluminiumlegierung ausgebildet ist.Method according to claim 1,
characterized in that the substrate is formed as a band of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die mittels der Spannungsversorgung erzeugte elektrische Spannung an den Zerstäuber, an die mit dem Zerstäuber elektrisch leitend verbundene Medienvorlage und/oder an die mit dem Zerstäuber elektrisch leitend verbundenen Fluidleitungen angelegt wird.Method according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the electrical voltage generated by means of the voltage supply to the atomizer, to which the atomizer electrically conductively connected to the media template and / or to the electrically conductively connected to the atomizer fluid lines is applied. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Substrat über eine Bandlaufrolle geerdet wird.Method according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that the substrate is grounded via a belt roller. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der das Konversionsmedium aufweisende Sprühnebel beidseitig auf das Substrat gesprüht wird.Method according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that the spray medium having the conversion medium is sprayed on both sides of the substrate. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Menge des auf die mindestens eine Oberfläche des Substrats gesprühten Konversionsmediums überwacht wird.Method according to one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that the amount of the conversion medium sprayed onto the at least one surface of the substrate is monitored. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mittels der Spannungsversorgung erzeugte elektrische Spannung an die mit dem Zerstäuber elektrisch leitend verbundene Dosiereinheit angelegt wird.Method according to one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized in that the electrical voltage generated by the power supply to the with the atomizer electrically connected dosing unit is applied. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 7,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Band aus Aluminium oder aus der Aluminiumlegierung unmittelbar nach seiner Herstellung konversionsbeschichtet wird.Method according to one of claims 2 to 7,
characterized in that the band of aluminum or of the aluminum alloy is conversion coated immediately after its production. Vorrichtung (1) zum Aufbringen eines Konversionsmediums (2) auf mindestens eine Oberfläche eines Aluminium oder eine Aluminiumlegierung aufweisenden Substrats, mit einer Medienvorlage (6), die ein flüssiges Konversionsmedium (2) bereitstellt, mit mindestens einem eine Austrittsöffnung aufweisenden Zerstäuber (8, 8'), mit die Medienvorlage (6) und den mindestens einen Zerstäuber (8, 8') verbindenden Fluidleitungen (10), wobei mindestens einem Zerstäuber (8, 8') eine Dosiereinheit (14, 14') vorgeschaltet ist, und mit einer Spannungsversorgung zum Anlegen einer elektrischen Spannung zwischen dem Zerstäuber und der mindestens einen Oberfläche des Substrats, wobei die Austrittsöffnung des mindestens einen Zerstäubers (8, 8') auf die mindestens eine Oberfläche des Substrats ausrichtbar ist. Device (1) for applying a conversion medium (2) to at least one surface of a substrate comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy, with a media template (6) providing a liquid conversion medium (2), with at least one atomizer (8, 8 ') having an outlet opening, with the media template (6) and the at least one atomizer (8, 8 ') connecting fluid lines (10), wherein at least one atomizer (8, 8') is preceded by a metering unit (14, 14 '), and with a voltage supply for applying an electrical voltage between the atomizer and the at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the outlet opening of the at least one atomizer (8, 8 ') can be aligned with the at least one surface of the substrate. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Mittel zum Bewegen des Substrats relativ zu dem Zerstäuber vorgesehen sind.Device according to claim 9,
characterized in that means are provided for moving the substrate relative to the atomizer. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 10,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Mittel zum Bewegen des Substrats relativ zu dem Zerstäuber eine Bandlaufvorrichtung umfassen.Device according to claim 10,
characterized in that the means for moving the substrate relative to the nebulizer comprises a belt running device. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Dosiereinheit (14, 14') in den Zerstäuber (8, 8') integriert ist.Device according to one of claims 9 to 11,
characterized in that the metering unit (14, 14 ') in the atomizer (8, 8') is integrated. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 12,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Medienvorlage (6), die mindestens eine Dosiereinheit (14, 14') und/oder die verbindenden Fluidleitungen (10) mit dem mindestens einen Zerstäuber (8, 8') elektrisch leitend verbunden sind.Device according to one of claims 9 to 12,
characterized in that the media original (6), the at least one metering unit (14, 14 ') and / or the connecting fluid lines (10) to the at least one atomizer (8, 8') are electrically connected. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 13,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Bandlaufrolle (16) zur Erdung des Substrats vorgesehen ist.Device according to one of claims 9 to 13,
characterized in that a tape roll (16) is provided for grounding the substrate. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 14,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zum beidseitigen Aufbringen des Konversionsmediums (2) auf das Substrat zwei Zerstäuber (8, 8') vorgesehen sind.Device according to one of claims 9 to 14,
characterized in that for two-sided application of the conversion medium (2) on the substrate two atomizers (8, 8 ') are provided. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 15,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zum Bereitstellen des Konversionsmediums (2) beim beidseitigen Aufbringen auf das Substrat zwei Medienvorlagen (6, 6') vorgesehen sind.Device according to claim 15,
characterized in that for providing the conversion medium (2) when two-sided application to the substrate two media templates (6, 6 ') are provided. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 16,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Mittel zur Überwachung des auf die mindestens eine Oberfläche des Substrats aufgesprühte Menge des Konversionsmediums (2) vorgesehen sind.Device according to one of claims 9 to 16,
characterized in that means are provided for monitoring the sprayed onto the at least one surface of the substrate amount of the conversion medium (2). Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 17,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Austrittsöffnung des Zerstäubers (8, 8') so ausgebildet ist, dass zumindest eine Abmessung der mindestens einen Oberfläche des Substrats mit dem Sprühnebel (18) abdeckbar ist.Device according to one of claims 9 to 17,
characterized in that the outlet opening of the atomizer (8, 8 ') is formed so that at least one dimension of the at least one surface of the substrate with the spray mist (18) can be covered.
EP20080105723 2007-11-02 2008-11-03 Method and device for creating a conversion layer Revoked EP2055809B1 (en)

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DE2151046A1 (en) 1970-10-13 1972-04-20 British Steel Corp Method and device for passivating a metallic surface
DE2623604A1 (en) 1975-06-02 1976-12-23 Metallgesellschaft Ag PROCESS FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALS

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2151046A1 (en) 1970-10-13 1972-04-20 British Steel Corp Method and device for passivating a metallic surface
DE2623604A1 (en) 1975-06-02 1976-12-23 Metallgesellschaft Ag PROCESS FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALS

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013139811A1 (en) * 2012-03-20 2013-09-26 Fmp Technology Gmbh Fluid Measurements & Projects Airless spray method, airless spray device, coating arrangement, and nozzle cap
EP2826887A1 (en) * 2013-07-16 2015-01-21 ThyssenKrupp Rasselstein GmbH Method for applying an aqueous treatment solution to the surface of a moving steel strip

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EP2055809B1 (en) 2014-05-14
DE102007052770A1 (en) 2009-05-07
EP2055809A3 (en) 2012-01-25

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