FR2790212A1 - Mixing table for vehicle body spray paint has work table with shelf and drawers containing dropper bottles of base range paints - Google Patents

Abstract

The mixing table for vehicle body spray paint has a work table (1) with a shelf (6) above it. A drawer (2) is positioned below the table and above a storage area closed by a lockable door (4). A precision digital balance and a mixer are placed on the table. Drop counter bottles (12) filled with base range products are place in the drawers.

Description

Equipment and process for preparing small quantities of products for

  carrying out body painting work The present invention applies in the field of repairing damaged motor vehicle bodies, and more specifically relates to the paint applied at the end of the repair, making it possible to restore the damaged portion to the appearance as close as possible to that

  of the vehicle before accident or incident (vandalism, etc.).

  The problem of the color to apply is not simple, knowing in particular that each manufacturer designs for each new vehicle a specific range of colors, which is added to the ranges corresponding to all the previous models still in circulation. As a result, all manufacturers combined, a considerable number of colors (which also have variants), the formulas of which are available 1 5 on various supports such as microfiches, printed catalogs,

CD-ROMS etc ...

  The bodybuilder responsible for painting on a given vehicle must first identify its color, or its code, then select the variant, then find the formula, before recreating the appropriate mixture in quantity corresponding to the work to be done, by means of a set of basic shades which he holds for this purpose. When the manufacturer code is ignored, use color charts or shade guides classified according to the paint manufacturer, making it possible to search for a

  reference unknown starting from a displayed shade.

  Once the formula has been established, the coachbuilder selects the pots containing the basic colors, which are for example placed in an agitating machine in the form of a gantry provided with shelves on which said pots are aligned. This machine may include a motorized agitator mechanism applying to each pot, via the lids which are, for example, replaced by particular lids fulfilling the following two functions: - connection with an agitator mechanism, consisting for example of a propeller, even connected by a chain or belt type transmission device to a drive motor means; and - integration of a closing and opening device allowing precise pouring of the paint into the container intended for

making a mixture.

  The pouring must indeed be precise, because the mixing is often carried out by volume by measuring the volume poured: the formulas then indicate in percentage the volume of each component to be poured into a graduated container or, alternatively, in which a graduated rule is placed vertically which gives the measure of the volume to be poured. This traditional method is not very precise and requires great attention from the operator, who alone guarantees that the volumes poured are correct. Said operator, due to its position during pouring, inhales the products incorporated into the mixture, that is to say not only the paint itself, but also the additives conventionally

  used in this field: solvent, hardeners, plasticizer, etc ...

  The current trend is to move towards a mixture of shades whose relative proportions are expressed by weight. The components must then be weighed as precisely as possible (to the tenth of

  gram) relative to the final volume to be prepared, using a balance.

  The latest solutions offered by paint manufacturers are described as "intelligent", because the scales offered are coupled to microcomputers memorizing the color formulas, which are able on the one hand to correct errors if operator is wrong

  in its dosage, and on the other hand to manage the stock of basic shades.

  When the operator makes a mistake and pours too much of one of the basic colors, the microcomputer performs a correction calculation indicating the values of the weights, additional or initial, at

  then assign to the other basic shades of the selection.

  The drawback is that the quantity of mixture prepared is then too large for the intended use, the surplus having to, except extremely rare coincidence (work on two identical vehicles and of the same color at the same time) be thrown away or stored, for a period of time however necessarily limited. In the aforementioned hypothesis of a mixture produced from volume proportions using a graduated slide arranged vertically in the container of the mixture, the risks of error are even greater, and the precision of the color obtained leaves sometimes to be desired, because it is less easy to catch up with an error. In the event of error, one results in an excess in quantity often much more important than with the mass solutions, because it is not possible to recover the proportions

  exact mix on a very small volume.

  The quantity of mixture manufactured for painting work is in principle fixed by the car manufacturer, which also gives the values of the intervention times required depending on the elements to be painted. Scales are established on a generally maximalist basis, the principle of which is based on the complete repair of the bodywork parts involved in the impact or in the incident. The times indicated by the manufacturers, as well as the volumes of paint to be prepared and the corresponding costs, listed in the said

  scales are therefore high.

  By way of example, the mixing volumes provided for in the manufacturers' scales, for which the proportions of the components are explicitly given, are: 0.2 1; 0.5 1; 1 I; 1.2 I. The lowest value remains high for a number of small repairs, because body builders do not always adopt the principle of the builders, and carry out work covering the smallest possible area, in particular by using the technique of embedded fitting . This frequently leads to wasting a non-negligible part of the mixtures produced, unless one takes the risk of preparing smaller quantities by interpolating the formula, but with the disadvantage that the means available are not suitable (precision

weighing).

  The present invention applies to the repair of all dimensions, but it is particularly suitable when the work

  for small areas, and when making submerged connections.

  It allows real optimization, since it was specifically designed for small jobs, and it follows a clean schedule. In other words, it is designed for the preparation of small volumes of products. By products is meant not only paint, but also the other products involved in the repair, namely

  mainly primer, varnish, and their possible additives.

  The economic advantage is obvious, because the quantity of mixing carried out corresponds perfectly to the type of connection to be made, and the surpluses, always possible, are extremely reduced. The invention also goes in the direction of the evolution of environmental standards, aiming to reduce the rejection of solvents into the atmosphere, currently too high, since instead of the standard values of product volumes produced (see above) ), we simply produce the quantity strictly necessary, by reducing

  same time the quantities of additives required.

  On average, the invention enables product consumption to be reduced by up to five times compared to existing systems. It also offers a significant saving of time, further increasing its economic interest, and allows a simple implementation, without reorganization of

the paint shop.

  It is however obvious that the implementation of the invention is not limited to the production of smaller quantities, but also requires an adaptation of traditional working habits. The latter in fact never take into account the reduction aspect of product consumption, and conversely lead to work with a view to being able to have the sufficient quantity of products in all circumstances. So we typically use high flow guns,

  Priming is done on the complete elements, etc ...

  To implement the invention, it is necessary in particular - to straighten or repair the composite materials according to traditional techniques, but taking care not to excessively widen the work area; - Carry out minimal sanding, both on the surface and in grain size, and only prime the area of damage, and not the whole of the element, using a spray gun; carry out a flush fitting as small as possible, including for the

  varnish, which will be polished after drying.

  The invention therefore makes it possible to minimize the work of

  smart and clever way in many cases.

  Finally, the safety of the user is markedly improved, in particular at the level of handling and inhalation of the products, due to the

  specific features of the invention, which will now be described.

  Firstly, the present invention relates to equipment for preparing small quantities of products for carrying out body painting work, characterized in that it consists of: - a piece of furniture at support height comprising an intermediate plate forming a work surface, surmounted by at least one shelf, at least one drawer being located under said tray, surmounting a storage volume closed by at least one lockable door; - a precision digital scale and a mixer arranged on said intermediate plate; dropper bottles filled with basic products stored in the drawer (s); empty containers stored in the storage volume; filters and a paint gun placed on or at the level of the shelf; and means of fixing the documents necessary for carrying out the

preparation of the desired product.

  The advantage of the invention is in particular to concentrate on a single piece of furniture all the elements necessary for the operator, and to provide this

  last a space specially designed to promote his work.

  Everything is close at hand, and the dropper bottles, combined with the precision balance, make it possible to obtain small quantities of all the necessary products, namely mainly primer, paint, varnish, with possibly their additives. Said quantities are listed, according to the bodywork to be carried out, in a special scale, easy to use and secure both for the operator and for the consumer. To further improve the ergonomics of the furniture, the shelf includes a gun holder provided for placing the paint gun in a place accessible to the user, for storage or for filling. Said gun is located substantially at the operator's arms when he

  is in front of the furniture of the invention.

  Preferably, the shelf has a removable vertical bottom wall,

  serving in particular as a document holder in a manner which will be specified below

1 5 after.

  This can be dismantled, like the shelf, to be stored in the lower storage volume during possible transport of the furniture, in order to limit the external volume and preserve these elements from all

damage when traveling.

  Said bottom wall, which is actually removable, is a plate which is used in particular for fixing documents such as mixing tables, the sheet containing the color formula to be produced, possibly the scale and / or other documents useful for the operator. This bottom can also be moved so as to be located on or under the shelf, depending on the use

we want to have.

  Preferably, the piece of furniture is moreover made of metal sheets, and the means for fixing the technical documentation are permanent magnets. These magnets are for example stored in contact with the sheet forming the aforementioned bottom, and used each time a new sheet

of information is to hang.

  For also functional reasons, some of the sheets, that is to say

  say at least the horizontal sheets of the cabinet accessible to the operator, are made of stainless metal. The corresponding surfaces are therefore easier to maintain and they can be maintained in a correct state after numerous successive cleanings. It should be noted that the sheet on which the mixing is carried out can in fact be frequently soiled with

  splashes, spills, dried paint stains, etc.

  requiring frequent cleaning.

  The existence of the intermediate tray surmounted by the shelf provides an additional advantage to the user: the working surface is enlarged by an additional area arranged away from the preparation surface. It is thus possible to temporarily store on the shelf the elements usually involved in the still operational process, but not necessarily directly involved in the production of the mixture, or else to store

  in advance of the elements necessary for each operation.

  According to the invention, the dropper bottles containing the paint bases as well as the aforementioned other products are stored in at least one drawer in a classification order defined by the manufacturer of said bases.

  and said products, or by the user.

  At the time of the operation, it is therefore sufficient to take out the bottles necessary for mixing and to arrange them on the intermediate plane in

the order of their use.

  Preferably, the drawers, two in number, are fully open, and may contain additional accessories necessary for the preparation of paint or maintenance of equipment. One of said drawers can more particularly be used for the storage of small equipment, consisting in particular, but not exclusively of - the tare of the balance; - rods for extracting the magnet from the electromagnetic mixer; - micro-spatulas for manually mixing thick solutions; - mixing magnets for said electromagnetic mixer - a repair set for the paint spray gun - needles for cleaning said spray gun;

  - spare bulbs for the dryer; etc ...

  The full opening of the drawers is also to be credited with the overall ergonomics of the assembly, since it prevents the operator from overturning the bottles, for example those located in front, when

  back vials should be removed.

  Each dropper bottle is fitted with several

  stirring acting on the shaking of the bottle to mix the base shade.

  Their storage in accordance with a particular order facilitates their positioning when the drawer opens, as well as their storage,

  respectively at the start and end of the operation.

  The containers in which the mixtures are made are of

  preferably the beaker type with pouring spout.

  When the mixing is carried out, it is poured through a filter into the bucket of the paint gun, the spout being in this respect useful for

  facilitate transfer between the two containers.

  One of the central axes of the invention is the precision of the mixtures which it allows, as mentioned, making it possible to produce small quantities of paint and product. To this end, the digital scale used has a

  precision that reaches a hundredth of a gram.

  This precision corresponds in fact to the storage mode of the basic colors, since the dropper bottles allow a very subtle dosage by the user of the quantity of each basic color added to the mixture: the weighing is indeed carried out to the hundredth of gram, instead of

  tenth of a gram offered by traditional systems.

  According to one possibility, the four feet on which the cabinet rests are adjustable in height. Adaptation to irregular floors is thus made possible without compromising the horizontality of the work plan, which could, if necessary, harm the

balance operation.

  It is also possible to provide said feet with swivel wheels, if the furniture must undergo repeated movements. In this case, at least two of said wheels are provided with brakes ensuring the immobilization of the piece of furniture

  the location allocated to him in the workshop.

  The invention does not only relate to equipment as described above.

  above, but also a process for the preparation of small quantities of products for carrying out body painting work, based on

the above equipment.

  This process, implemented after establishing the shade formula, is characterized by the following steps: - placing an empty container on the scale pan, and dropper bottles containing the selected basic products on the intermediate plate, in the order of their use; - weighing, for each basic product, to the nearest hundredth of a gram, - adding additives also weighed to the nearest hundredth of a gram; - introduction into the container of the mixture of a magnetic bar after placing said container on the plate of an electromagnetic mixer; - Activation of said mixer, at low speed, said speed then being gradually increased; - extraction of the magnet using an extractor; - installation of a filter on the paint gun cup and pouring of the preparation;

  - storage of the dropper bottles used.

  The basic products are those that we presented before

  base colors, primer, varnish, additives.

  Preferably, the duration of action of the electromagnetic mixer is

  between three and five minutes.

  More preferably, and as mentioned before, as an additional step, the dropper bottles are shaken before use, so that the nuts arranged in each bottle can move

and homogenize the liquid.

  1 5 Finally, optionally, an additional agitation of the mixture in the container, after weighing the components, is carried out with a spatula

  when the color bases have a very thick texture.

  The invention, in its two aspects, is therefore characterized by a great simplicity put at the service of ergonomics and adaptability greatly improved compared to the systems of the prior art. The furniture and its mode of use can thus be personalized according to the tasks to be

  perform or personal preferences.

  The invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the figures in the appendix, for which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of the furniture of the invention; and - Figure 2 shows an identical view, the cabinet now being

furnished with its accessories.

  As shown in Figure 1, the cabinet itself has an intermediate tray (1) surmounting two drawers (2, 2 ') and a low storage volume (3) closed by two doors (4, 4'). The assembly rests on four feet (5) adjustable in height by a conventional means within the reach of those skilled in the art (washer terminating a bolt-on threaded rod in a

tube, etc ...).

  Above the work surface consisting of said intermediate plate (1), a shelf (6) occupies the background of said plate (1). This shelf (6) is provided with a removable bottom (7) consisting of a simple plate which can be fixed at the location shown in the figure, or at the bottom of the niche (8) delimited between the shelf (6) and said tray (1). A gun holder (9) appears on the

front edge of the shelf.

  Referring to Figure 2, identical elements have the same

  references, the furniture of the invention being shown in use.

  Thus, a digital precision scale (10) and an electromagnetic mixer (11) equip the worktop (1), as well as dropper bottles (12). There are two sizes corresponding to the frequency of use of the product contained in the bottle. A pearly base is for example less used than white or black. These bottles are in principle arranged in the order of their use. In the drawer, these same bottles are arranged in a particular order, facilitating their location for

Extraction or storage.

  The second drawer can serve as storage space for various accessories as mentioned above, some of which also appear on the shelf (6). It can also be used as storage for another brand or range of products. Its function is in particular to enlarge the work plan while preserving a sheltered area

  any soiling from the operating area itself.

  On this shelf, the user can have accessories of the type

  consumables, in advance for several operations.

  Thus, two types of beakers (13) are stacked at the left end, some offering a capacity of 50 ml while the others have a capacity of 100 ml. The filters (14) intended to filter the mixture at the time of pouring into the gun reservoir are arranged at the right end, and

  easily accessible to the operator.

  A stick extractor (15), a micro-spatula for mixing (16) and a needle (17) for cleaning the gun complete the range of elements likely to be placed within reach of the user. The latter naturally chooses the utensils which he uses most frequently and

  order his workspace at will.

  The bottom (7) of the shelf serves as a support for informative elements such as mixing tables, formulation sheets, etc. detachably fixed with magnets. The lower part (3) not only serves as a storage cabinet for beakers, filters, empty dropper bottles, etc., but also for valuable equipment such as precision scales, electromagnetic mixers, when the station is not used, for example to protect them from theft, since the doors

(4, 4 ') are lockable.

  The detailed description above relates to an exemplary embodiment

  possible of the invention, which can not however be considered as exhaustive thereof. The invention, on the contrary, encompasses variants of shape and structure which are within the reach of those skilled in the art, respond to the problem solved by the invention, and are contained in the field of

  protection traced by the claims placed in appendix.

Claims (19)

  1. Equipment for preparing small quantities of product for carrying out bodywork painting work, characterized in that it consists of: - a piece of furniture at support height comprising an intermediate plate (1) forming a work surface , surmounted by at least one shelf (6), at least one drawer (2, 2 ') being located under said tray (1), surmounting a storage volume (3) closed by at least one lockable door (4, 4' ); - a precision digital scale (10) and a mixer (11)   arranged on said intermediate plate (1); of counting bottles   drops (12) filled with basic products stored in the drawer (s) (2, 2 '); empty containers (13) stored in the storage volume (5); filters (14) and a paint spray gun arranged on or at the level of the shelf (6); and fixing means (7)   documents necessary for achieving the desired shade.   2. Equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelf (6) comprises a gun holder (9) for placing the gun in   painting in a place accessible to the user.   3. Equipment according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that   the shelf (6) has a removable vertical bottom wall (7), serving including document holder.   4. Equipment according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the piece of furniture is made of sheet metal, and the means for fixing the technical documentation are permanent magnets. 5. Equipment according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least the horizontal metal sheets of the cabinet accessible to   The operator are made of stainless metal.   6. Equipment according to any one of the claims   previous, characterized in that the dropper bottles (12) containing the basic products are arranged in at least one drawer (2, 2 ') in a classification order defined by the manufacturer of said products or by The user.   7. Equipment according to any one of the claims   previous, characterized in that the drawers (2, 2 '), two in number, are fully open, one of which can contain additional accessories (15, 16, 17) necessary for the preparation of the products   and / or equipment maintenance.   8. Equipment according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that each dropper bottle (12) is provided with several mixing nuts which act on the shaking of the bottle (12) to brew the basic product.   9. Equipment according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that the containers in which are made   the mixtures are of the beaker type (13) with pouring spout.   10. Equipment according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that the digital scale (10) has an accuracy which reaches the hundredth of a gram.   11. Equipment according to any one of the claims   previous, characterized in that the mixer (11) is electromagnetic, operating with a magnet made mobile inside the liquid filling the container (13) placed on the platform of said   electromagnetic mixer (11).   12. Equipment according to any one of the claims   previous, characterized in that the legs (7) of the cabinet are adjustable in height.   13. Equipment according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that the legs (7) of the cabinet are provided with swivel wheels.   14. Equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that two   at least pivoting wheels (7) are provided with brakes.   15. Equipment according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that the basic products are the shades of   base, primer, varnish and additives.   16. Method for preparing small quantities of product for carrying out body painting work, after having established the color formula, characterized in that it comprises the following stages: - placing of a container (13 ) empty on the scale tray (10), and dropper bottles (12) containing the selected basic products on the intermediate tray (1), in the order of their use; - weighing, for each basic product, to the nearest hundredth of a gram, - adding additives also weighed to the nearest hundredth of a gram; - introduction into the container (13) of the mixture of a magnetic bar after positioning of said container (13) on the plate of an electromagnetic mixer (11); - Activation of said mixer (11), at low speed, said speed then being gradually increased; - extraction of the magnet using an extractor (15) - installation of a filter (14) on the bucket of the paint gun and pouring of the preparation;   - storage of the dropper bottles (12) used.   17. Process for preparing small quantities of products according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the duration of action of the   electromagnetic mixer (11) is between three and five minutes.   18. Method for preparing small quantities of products according to one   of claims 16 and 17, characterized in that the bottles have   1 5 drops (12) are shaken before use, so that several nuts placed in each bottle (12) can move and homogenize the liquid. 19. Method for preparing small quantities of products according to one   claims 16 to 18, characterized in that agitation   additional mixture in the container (13), after weighing the components, is carried out with a spatula (16) when the bases of the   colors have a very thick texture.