WO2007104281A2

WO2007104281A2 - Pressure reservoir arrangement, ready-to-use set, and method for the chemical metal spraying of surfaces

Info

Publication number: WO2007104281A2
Application number: PCT/DE2007/000418
Authority: WO
Inventors: Istvan Horvat
Original assignee: Istvan Horvat
Priority date: 2006-03-10
Filing date: 2007-03-08
Publication date: 2007-09-20
Also published as: DE102006016862A1; WO2007104281A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a ready-to-use pressure reservoir arrangement that can be hand-held and hand-operated, and a ready-to-use set for the chemical metal spraying of surfaces. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

PRESSURE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY, READY TO USE, AND METHOD FOR CHEMICAL SPRAY METALLIZATION

OF SURFACES

The invention relates to a ready-to-use, hand-held and operable pressure vessel assembly and a ready-to-use kit for chemical spray metallization of surfaces. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for chemical spray metallization of surfaces, wherein in particular a pressure vessel arrangement according to the invention or a set according to the invention finds application.

Methods are already known for imparting a metallic coating to any surface, in particular a plastic surface. The desire to combine the processing and economic benefits of plastic with the aesthetic and technical properties of a metal surface has led to the development of various methods of surface refinement through metallization. For example, electroplating and high vacuum vapor deposition are known in the art.

In addition to the above-mentioned methods, the so-called chemical spray metallization (CSM) has recently become more important as a coating method and has proven itself in professional use.

For example, chemical spray metallization is already used in a number of articles, for example in toys, Christmas tree and costume jewelery, souvenirs, advertising materials (for example displays), decorations, photo or picture frames and in general for plastic articles of any kind.

However, the provision of any article with a metal surface also has technical significance, for example. For shielding purposes, to achieve (high) conductivity and, for example, in the metallization of foamed plastics.

In chemical spray metallization, usually two or three components are applied by spraying to the substrate to be treated. In this case, a component usually contains a dissolved metal compound, which immediately forms elemental metal upon contact with the other or the other components, which precipitates on the substrate as a metal surface.

Therefore, it is essential for chemical spray metallization that the (liquid) components needed to form the metal surface are kept strictly separate and fed to the sprayer to prevent premature reaction of the blend partners. In other words, the required components must at the earliest be mixed in a common delivery line immediately before the spraying device, in the spraying device itself or else only on the substrate to be treated.

Because of these problems, chemical spray metallization has so far only been possible in a professional environment, namely in a professionally equipped paint shop. In such a paint shop, the components are stored in larger containers separated from each other or each set in larger quantities fresh.

To apply the components and the resulting metallization, each component must then be successively applied to the workpiece with a professional sprayer ("spray gun") Alternatively, multicomponent spray guns are also available, which can be supplied by two or three feeders, so that mixing occurs the components can accomplish.

However, these known devices and the known professional method for chemical spray metallization are disadvantageous in several respects.

On the one hand, the known devices are usually not accessible to an end user; in any case, an end user usually does not have sufficient expertise to operate such professional painting devices.

Furthermore, it is generally not worthwhile to provide a small surface area or a small workpiece with a chemical spray metallization, since doing so in a paint shop extensive preparation and cleaning work. - -

Finally, in the known method for spray metallization disadvantageous that this high cost, since the spray metallization must be performed by a professional in a professionally equipped paint shop.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a device and a method for chemical spray metallization of surfaces, with or with which anyone can provide a surface of any size with a metallic coating at low cost.

According to the invention the above object is achieved with respect to a device having the features of patent claim 1. After that, a:

Ready-to-use, hand-held and operable pressure vessel assembly for chemical spray metallization of surfaces, the pressure vessel assembly comprising:

at least two compartments for spatially separate recording of components,

at least two components, by the mixing and application of which a metallic surface can be formed on a substrate, wherein each component is accommodated in a compartment, and wherein each compartment has an overpressure or can be acted upon from the outside with an overpressure,

at least one outlet, in particular a spray valve, through which the components are ausbringbar.

According to the invention, it has been recognized that the requirement for spatially separate accommodation of the components can be taken into account by the specified pressure vessel arrangement.

In accordance with the invention, the spatially separate recording of the components is associated with a particularly simple handling. It is one of - -

Hand durable and operable pressure vessel assembly in particular to be understood that results in substantially the size and operability of the end user known aerosol.

Furthermore, it has been recognized according to the invention that even small surfaces or workpieces can be metallized without any preparation and without any cleaning effort by the separate recording of the components and the execution of the pressure vessel assembly in a manageable size. With the help of the specified invention eliminates the need to mix the required components in large containers. Furthermore, the discarding of unneeded residual quantities of the components as well as the time-consuming and environmentally harmful cleaning of the containers used for mixing are eliminated.

Finally, it has been recognized in accordance with the invention that the separately recorded components can be dispensed with the specified pressure vessel arrangement, wherein they only mix immediately before the outlet, in the outlet or on the surface of the substrate to be metallized.

By the pressure vessel assembly according to the invention a long shelf life of the components is achieved. By prevailing in each compartment overpressure or the loading of each compartment with an overpressure, the pressure vessel assembly according to the invention can be used gradually for any number of operations without the components come into contact with the environment. As a result, the pressure vessel arrangement according to the invention is usable as long as it has a certain degree of filling.

Consequently, a device is provided by which anyone can provide a surface of any size with a metallic coating at low cost.

It goes without saying that the invention comprises not only pressure vessel arrangements with two compartments, but also with any number of compartments. Thus, for example, three or even four compartments may be provided, wherein in each case one compartment of a component of the preparation for chemical spray metallization of surfaces can be accommodated. The exact number of compartments of the pressure vessel arrangement according to the invention depends on the one hand on the number of components of the spray preparation and on the other hand on the desired storage stability of the components.

Preferably, the insides of the compartments are made of an electrically non-conductive material. As a result, possibly occurring galvanic effects can be prevented. Consequently, the compartments can be made entirely of a non-conductive material, for example plastic. In a further embodiment, the entire pressure vessel arrangement according to the invention can be made of a non-conductive material, in particular of plastic.

The pressure vessel arrangement can have a metallization solution as a first component.

This metallization solution may comprise an optionally aqueous solution of a metal compound, in particular an aqueous solution of a metal salt, and in particular an aqueous solution of silver nitrate (AgNO ₃ ). A solution of a metal compound is particularly suitable for forming as a reactant of a precipitation reaction a metallic surface on a substrate. Very particularly suitable is an aqueous solution of a metal salt, which can generally be formed by a reduction of a positively charged metal ion or a positively charged metal ion complex elemental metal which forms a metallic coating in a precipitation reaction. The so-called "silver mirror reaction", in which a starting material consists of an aqueous solution of silver nitrate (AgNO ₃ ), is particularly widespread and known, The end product of the silver mirror reaction is formed by a silver coating of the substrate, as is known in particular from mirrors.

The precipitation of elemental silver can be realized, for example, as follows: First, an ammoniacal aqueous silver nitrate solution is formed. A so-called silver diamine complex forms ([Ag (NH ₃ ) 2] ⁺ ). By adding a reducing substance, for example acetaldehyde (CH ₃ CHO), elemental silver is then formed in a precipitation reaction:

CH ₃ -CHO + 2 [Ag (NH ₃ ) ₂ ] ⁺ + 3OH ^" -» CH ₃ -COO- + 2Ag + 4NH ₃ + 2H ₂ O - -

The plating solution of the pressure vessel assembly of the invention may have a silver nitrate content of up to about 20 mass percent (wt%), more preferably from about 1 wt% to about 4 wt%.

In a further embodiment, the pressure vessel arrangement can have an alkaline solution as a second component. By the presence of an alkaline solution, for example, the OH ^" ions required for the silver mirror reaction described above can be provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the alkaline solution comprises an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), i. Sodium hydroxide solution.

In this case, the sodium hydroxide content of the alkaline solution may be up to about 15 wt .-%, more preferably a proportion of about 0.2 wt .-% to about 3 wt .-%.

A particularly advantageous development of the invention can be realized if the metallization solution and / or the alkaline solution has or have dissolved ammonia (NH ₃ ). The dissolved ammonia can be used to prepare an ammoniacal silver nitrate solution which is advantageous for carrying out the silver mirror reaction mentioned above.

The plating solution and / or the alkaline solution may have an ammonia content of up to about 10 mass%, more preferably from about 0.1 mass% to about 2 mass%.

In a further embodiment, the pressure vessel arrangement according to the invention can have a reduction solution as a third component. A reducing agent is particularly advantageous for carrying out the silver mirror reaction.

In this case, a development of the invention is preferred in which the reduction solution comprises an aqueous solution of formaldehyde (CH ₂ O). Here, it is preferable that the reducing solution has a formaldehyde content of up to about 5 mass%, more preferably from about 0.1 mass% to about 1.5 mass%.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the reducing solution may comprise other reducing agents, for example higher-valent aldehydes (cf the abovementioned acetaldehyde) or else sugar solutions.

In a further development, the reduction solution may also include sulfuric acid (H ₂ SO ₄ ). The presence of sulfuric acid or another suitable acid is advantageous for neutralizing a possibly used alkaline solution (for example sodium hydroxide solution).

Thus, the reducing solution may have a sulfuric acid content of up to about 3 mass%, in particular from about 0.1 mass% to about 1.5 mass%.

It should be explicitly pointed out that all the above concentration measures only represent advantageous developments of the invention and that the invention is in no way limited to the stated concentration ranges.

In a preferred development of the invention, the pressure vessel arrangement has two compartments, a metallization solution and an alkaline solution being accommodated together in the first compartment, and a reduction solution being accommodated in the second compartment. Corresponding experiments and observations of the inventor have shown that the mixing of the metallization solution and the alkaline solution and the joint storage in a compartment already leads to a sufficiently long service life of the preparation for many applications. Thus, the resulting preparation of a first, common component (metallization solution and alkaline solution) and a second component (reduction solution) can already be used for several weeks. However, it should always be noted that the reduction solution must be isolated and stored in its own compartment.

However, a development of the invention is particularly preferred in which the pressure vessel arrangement has three compartments, wherein in the first Compartment a metallization, in the second compartment an alkaline solution and in the third compartment a reduction solution is added. In this embodiment of the invention, unwanted reactions between the individual components can be completely avoided. According to the observations made so far, a storage stability of several years is to be expected.

In a further embodiment, an outlet, in particular a spray valve, is assigned to each available compartment. As a result, each component can be applied separately from the pressure vessel arrangement without an undesired mixing of the components occurring within the container arrangement.

In a preferred manner, the spray valves may in this case be arranged such that the spray jets can be mixed after exiting the spray valve and before and / or after impacting the substrate. In other words, in this embodiment, each compartment is associated with a spray valve. The spray valves can now be actuated simultaneously, which may result in a mixing of the spray jets before striking the substrate. Alternatively, the spray valves may also be arranged to give substantially parallel sprays, so that the individual components will run into each other after hitting the substrate to give the desired mixing and precipitation reaction.

In a particularly preferred development, however, all compartments are assigned a common outlet, in particular a spray valve. In this embodiment, all of the existing components, which are separately received within the pressure vessel assembly, are discharged together through an outlet from the assembly whereby the components are already mixed during application.

In a particularly preferred manner, the contents of the compartments can be mixed in a line bridge or delivery line leading to the common outlet and / or in the common outlet. The components are due to the conveying movement already immediately after the mixing from the outlet - -

or the spray nozzle and impinge on the surface of the substrate, after which the precipitation reaction can take place immediately. The common outlet ensures a particularly thorough mixing of the components.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the compartments form closed units which can be produced and filled separately and can be assembled to form the pressure vessel arrangement. In this embodiment, compartments are easily interchangeable. Furthermore, empty compartments can be easily replaced. It is preferred that the compartments join together to form the pressure vessel arrangement, that the pressure vessel arrangement is manually operable and manageable and has substantially the size of a commercially available spray can.

In an alternative embodiment, the compartments may form integral, non-removable units within the pressure vessel assembly, wherein the pressure vessel assembly is substantially configured as a spray or pressure can. In this embodiment, the compartments are already in the production of the pressure vessel assembly, i. the spray or pressure can formed within the can. The compartments are then filled and each receive one or a common outlet. Particularly advantageous is an embodiment in which the compartments have substantially the shape of pie pieces and in their entirety have the shape and size of a commercially available spray can.

A compartment or several compartments within the pressure vessel arrangement may contain a propellant, in particular a propellant gas. Commercially available propellants are usable, for example propane, butane, or a mixture thereof. It is also possible that the walls between the individual compartments are flexible in order to be able to compensate for any pressure differences between the compartments. This embodiment is particularly desirable if an outlet is provided for each compartment.

In an alternative development of the invention, one or more compartments can be a means for acting on an overpressure, in particular a if necessary, have a manual pumping device or a pressure connection. It can be provided, for example, a hand pump with which the components would be manually be applied. Furthermore, the handy pressure vessel arrangement can be connected to an external gas supply via a pressure connection, which is able to pressurize the contents of the arrangement. In this case, it is particularly appropriate to use a substantially inert propellant gas, for example nitrogen. Furthermore, as a propellant gas (pre-cleaned) compressed air can be used. In this case, used compressed air can be periodically replaced by the user by the pressure vessel assembly is repeatedly connected to a compressed air source.

With regard to a device, the object indicated above is additionally achieved by the features of patent claim 25. This claim specifies:

Ready-to-use set for chemical spray metallization of surfaces, wherein the set comprises at least:

a pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 24,

- A pressure or storage container containing an activation solution and is suitable for applying an activation solution to the substrate.

With the set according to the invention, the user of a pressure vessel arrangement as described above is enabled to achieve a particularly good spray metallization result, which meets professional standards.

For this purpose, the set according to the invention contains, in addition to the already mentioned pressure vessel arrangement according to the invention, a pressure or storage tank which contains a suitable activation solution. This activation solution is applied to the (cleaned) surface of the substrate to be metallized. Alternatively, the activating solution may be applied to a pre-painted or primed substrate. The activation solution has the task of reducing the interfacial energy of the substrate surface, so that in a subsequent operation, the actual metallization solution together with any other components can wet the substrate surface particularly well. The activating solution may consist of an aqueous solution of an activating agent and an activating enhancer.

The activating agent may, for example, comprise tin (II) chloride (SnCl ₂ ). The proportion of stannous chloride in the activating solution can be up to 0.5% by mass. Possibly. but also higher proportions of the activating agent are advantageous. In particular, the proportion of stannous chloride may be about 0.05 mass% to about 0.15 mass%.

As activating enhancer, the activating solution may further include hydrochloric acid (HCl). The proportion of hydrochloric acid may be up to about 1 wt .-%, and in particular about 0.5 wt .-%.

In addition to optimum wetting of the metallization preparation, the preceding treatment of the substrate with an activating solution ensures optimum adhesion of the resulting metal film on the substrate surface.

In a preferred development, the set can have at least one pressure or storage container which contains a primer varnish and / or a protective varnish and / or a component of a primer varnish and / or a protective varnish and is suitable for applying the varnish to the substrate. In particular, spray cans are preferred in order to receive in each case a primer varnish or a protective varnish for the finished metal surface and to apply it to the substrate surface at the user's option.

The terms "precursor" and "primer" are used interchangeably herein. A primer or primer may cause a flawless surface on the substrate. Possibly. existing bumps and imperfections can be largely covered. Optionally, the precursor can be formed as a structural or effect paint, which can result in interesting optical effects in conjunction with the metal layer applied thereafter.

The precoating or priming varnish is to be printed in a certain manner for the metal layer to be produced. be receptive sem scope, ie the paint should have a certain water compatibility and wettability.

Furthermore, the set according to the invention can contain a pressure or storage container with a protective lacquer for the resulting metal layer. The protective lacquer can protect the metal layer against chemical and physical influences. This paint application must always be transparent. In a colorless paint, a silver to chrome-like metallic effect is achieved in conjunction with a resulting silver layer. Color effects can be achieved by colored transparent protective lacquers.

Thus, the set according to the invention could also contain several pressure or storage containers for conformal coatings, for example. In colorless tone and / or in any desired metal hue, for example. In brass, gold, copper, etc ..

A particularly good protection of the metal layer can be achieved with protective coatings of two components. Accordingly, the set according to the invention can optionally also have at least two pressure or storage containers for the components of the protective lacquer, for example a lacquer component (for example an alkyd resin or polyurethane lacquer) and a hardener component (for example a polyisocyanate).

In a further preferred embodiment, the set according to the invention further comprises a pressure or reservoir, which contains deionized water and is suitable for applying the deionized water to the substrate. The rinsing of the substrate surface with deionized water is to be aimed in particular for cleaning the surface, for removing the activating solution and for removing residues of the metallization preparation. If a corresponding container with deionized water is already provided in the set, the user does not have to procure the required deionized water separately. Furthermore, a user is prevented from performing a rinsing or cleaning process with water that has too high conductance.

Finally, the above-mentioned object is achieved in terms of a method having the features of claim 28. After that is indicated a: Process for the chemical spray metallization of surfaces, in particular using a pressure vessel arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 24 or using a kit according to one of Claims 25 to 27, the process having at least the steps:

Activation of the surface of the substrate,

- Metallization of the surface.

In accordance with the invention, the user is given the opportunity with the proposed method to produce a perfect metal coating on any surface with a handy, durable and cost-effective device.

The activation step for the surface of the substrate enables optimum wetting of the substrate surface with the metallization preparation. Thereafter, by means of the pressure vessel assembly according to the invention or of the ready-to-use sets according to the invention, a metal coating can be applied by anyone who satisfies professional requirements in every respect.

An embodiment of the method according to the invention is preferred in which the method has a cleaning step for the surface of the substrate. As a result, the adhesion of the pre-primer or primer is guaranteed (wrong) or the metal layer.

In a further development, the method according to the invention has a pre-varnishing and / or a protective varnishing step, to which or, if appropriate, a respective drying step follows. With regard to the advantages of a VorVGrundierlackierung or a protective coating for the resulting metal layer, reference is made to the statements regarding the inventive set.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the method has a rinsing step after the activation and / or after the metallization. As a result, residues of the activating solution used or of the metallizing preparation (which, for example, consists of the components metallizing solution, alkaline solution and reducing solution) are removed. Furthermore, an embodiment of the method is advantageous in which the method has a drying step after the metallization or after the subsequent rinsing step. The resulting metal surface is thus given a period of time to firmly bond to the substrate surface, with the last residues of the aqueous solution being removed by drying.

A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention may have the following steps as a whole (the indicated rinsing or activation periods refer to an area approximately the size of a palm):

a) cleaning of the blank / surface of the substrate to be metallized,

b) Pre-primer coating of the substrate surface (if a glass surface is to be metallized, the pre-coating can optionally be omitted),

c) drying of the forward / primer paint, for example. 60 to 150 min. at 60 ⁰ C to 90 ⁰ C, yield at room temperature, for example. Drying times for a one-component prepainting of about 3 to about 8 hours and for a two-component Pre-varnishing from approx. 28 to approx. 48 hours,

d) Activation of the substrate surface, duration approx. 15 - 30 sec.,

e) rinsing, preferably with deionized water, duration about 5 sec.,

f) application of the metallization preparation or of the components of the metallization preparation (for example metallization solution + alkaline solution + reduction solution), the duration of the metallization process is about 35 to 40 seconds,

g) rinsing, preferably with deionized water, duration about 5 sec.,

h) predrying of the metallized surface, duration approx. 30 min. at approx. 20 ^° C.,

i) application of a protective varnish, j) drying of the resist at a temperature of about 5O ⁰ C to about 6O ⁰ C, duration of about 30 to 60 min ..

It is understood that the method of the invention is not limited to the detailed procedure described above. Rather, it is possible to dispense with individual steps of the method or it is possible to include further, advantageously appearing steps without deviating from the concept of the invention.

There are now various possibilities for designing and developing the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, on the one hand to the subordinate claims, on the other hand, to refer to the following explanation of several preferred embodiments of the pressure vessel assembly according to the invention with reference to the drawings. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are explained. In the drawing show

1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the pressure vessel assembly according to the invention with two integral compartments and a common outlet,

2 shows a second embodiment with three integral compartments and a common outlet,

3 shows a third embodiment with two integral compartments and one outlet per compartment,

4 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment with two separate compartments, which are connected to a common outlet via a pipe bridge and a common delivery line,

5 shows a fifth embodiment with three separate compartments and a common outlet, 6 shows a sixth embodiment with three separate compartments, each having an outlet,

Figure 7 shows a common outlet for a pressure vessel assembly with two compartments, wherein a mixing of the components takes place only after the application, and

Fig. 8 shows a common outlet for a pressure vessel arrangement with three

Compartments.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the pressure vessel assembly according to the invention. The pressure vessel arrangement essentially has the shape and size of a spray or pressure can known to the user and is correspondingly easy to handle and operate. The arrangement comprises two Komparti- mente 1, which are integrally formed in the pressure vessel assembly and can not be removed without destroying the arrangement. In other words, two compartments 1 are formed within a spray or pressure can. The compartments 1 each contain one component of a metallization preparation. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the front compartment 1 contains a first component 2 of the preparation, which is a metallization solution 3. The front compartment 1 further contains a second component 4 of the metallization preparation, which has an alkaline solution 5 in the exemplary embodiment shown. The metallization solution 3 and the alkaline solution 5 are therefore held as a mixture in a common compartment 1.

The rear compartment 1 contains a third component 6 of the metallization preparation and, in the present case, has a reduction solution 7. The reduction solution 7 is therefore spatially separated from the first two components 2, 3, whereby premature reaction of the components is prevented.

The components 2, 4, 6 are in the mixed state ausbringbar from a common outlet 8. This outlet 8 is designed as a spray valve 9. The spray valve 9 is connected via a line bridge 10 with the compartments 1. The line bridge 10 opens into a common line 11, which may result in the line 11 and the spray valve 9, a mixing of the components. Therefore, the components already impinge on the substrate surface as optimally mixed metallization preparation, whereby a particularly uniform metal surface can be formed.

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the pressure vessel according to the invention, wherein three integral compartments 1 are provided in the pressure vessel assembly. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown, each component 2, 4, 6 is accommodated separately in a separate compartment 1. This means that in contrast to the first-mentioned embodiment, the metallization solution 3 and the alkaline solution 5 are recorded separately from each other.

Due to the separate inclusion of the metallization solution 3, the alkaline solution 5 and the reduction solution 7, the service life of the metallization preparation according to the invention is several years.

The compartments 1 are connected via a line bridge 10 and a common delivery line 11 to a common outlet 8, which is designed as a spray valve 9.

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the pressure vessel assembly according to the invention. Here, two integral compartments 1 are provided within the arrangement. The distribution of the components corresponds to that of FIG. 1. In contrast to FIG. 1, each compartment 1 now has its own outlet 8, which is designed as a spray valve 9. Each spray valve 9 is connected to its own delivery line 11 with the respective compartment 1.

In this embodiment, mixing of the components 2, 4, 6 takes place only in the spray jet or on the substrate surface. As a result, a deposition of elemental metal within the pressure vessel assembly is effectively prevented.

Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the pressure vessel assembly. Here are two separately manufacturable and fillable compartments 1 are provided, according to - -

Choice of the user to a pressure vessel assembly are joined together. The distribution of the components 2, 4, 6 in the two compartments 1 corresponds to that of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3. Both compartments 1 are connected to a common outlet 8, which is designed as a spray valve 9. The spray valve 9 is connected via a feed line 11 and a line bridge 10 to the compartments 1.

Due to the design of the compartments 1 as separate units, these are particularly easy interchangeable or combinable. Furthermore, deflated compartments 1 can be exchanged for new compartments 1 particularly easily.

Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment. Here are three separate compartments 1 are provided, which are connected to a common spray valve 9. In order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the statements relating to FIG. 2 with regard to the presence of three compartments and to the explanations relating to FIG. 4 with regard to the separate compartments.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the pressure vessel arrangement. Here, three separate compartments 1 are provided, which can be combined to form a pressure vessel arrangement according to the invention. Each compartment 1 has its own outlet 8, which is designed as a spray valve 9. The embodiment shown achieves an optimum service life of the metallization preparation, blockages or deposits within the arrangement are ruled out and, finally, any combinability or exchangeability of the compartments 1 is made possible.

Fig. 7 shows a common outlet 8 for a pressure vessel arrangement with two compartments. By using such a common outlet further developments of the pressure vessel assembly according to the invention can be produced. The common outlet 8 has a plurality of openings. Each compartment is assigned an opening. Each opening is connected by a spatially separated part of the pipe bridge 10 and the conveying line 11 with the respective compartment and fed through this. Accordingly, the individual components by operating the outlet 8 by their own Openings deployed. As a result, mixing of the components takes place only by crossing the resulting spray jets or on the substrate. As a result, an undesirable precipitation reaction in the line system or in the outlet 8 can be effectively prevented. With the common outlet 8 shown in FIG. 7, alternative embodiments of the pressure vessel arrangements according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 can accordingly be provided.

Fig. 8 shows a common outlet 8, which is designed as a spray valve 9. This common outlet 8 realizes the same idea as the outlet shown in Fig. 7, here three openings are provided for three compartments of the pressure vessel assembly. As a result, alternative embodiments of the pressure vessel arrangements shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 can be provided. In contrast to the examples shown there, with a common outlet according to FIG. 8 mixing of the components does not already take place in the line system or in the outlet 8, but only by crossing the spray jets or on the substrate.

Finally, it should be emphasized that the embodiments described above discuss the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the exemplary embodiments.

Claims

Patent claims

1. A ready-to-use, hand-held and operable pressure vessel assembly for chemical spray metallization of surfaces, the pressure vessel assembly comprising:

at least two compartments (1) for the spatially separate accommodation of components,

at least two components, by the mixing and application of which a metallic surface can be formed on a substrate, wherein each component is accommodated in a compartment (1), and wherein each compartment (1) has an overpressure or can be acted upon from outside with an overpressure,

at least one outlet (8), in particular a spray valve (9), through which the components can be discharged.

2. Pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure vessel arrangement as a first component (2) has a metallization solution (3).

3. Pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the Metailisierungslösung (3) a - optionally aqueous - solution of a metal compound, in particular an aqueous solution of a metal salt, and in particular an aqueous solution of silver nitrate (AgNO ₃ ).

4. Pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the metallization solution (3) has a silver nitrate content of up to about 20 mass% (wt%), in particular from about 1 wt% to about 4 wt% having.

5. Pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pressure vessel arrangement as a second component (4) comprises an alkaline solution (5).

6. Pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the alkaline solution (5) comprises an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

7. A pressure vessel assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the alkaline solution (5) has a sodium hydroxide content of up to about 15% by mass, in particular from about 0.2% by mass to about 3% by mass.

8. Pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the metallization solution (3) and / or the alkaline solution (5) dissolved ammonia (NH ₃ ) comprises or have.

9. Pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the metallization solution (3) and / or the alkaline solution (5) has an ammonia content of up to about 10% by mass, in particular from about 0.1% by mass to about 2 Has or have.

10. Pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the pressure vessel arrangement as a third component (6) has a reduction solution (7).

11. Pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the reduction solution (7) comprises an aqueous solution of formaldehyde (CH ₂ O).

12. A pressure vessel assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the reduction solution (7) has a formaldehyde content of up to about 5 wt .-%, in particular from about 0.1 wt .-% to about 1, 5 wt .-%.

13. Pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the reduction solution (7) comprises sulfuric acid (H ₂ SO ₄ ).

14. Pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that the reduction solution (7) has a sulfuric acid content of up to about 3 wt .-%, in particular from about 0.1 wt .-% to about 1, 5 wt .-%.

15. Pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by two compartments (1), wherein in the first compartment (1) a metallization solution (3) and an alkaline solution (5) are accommodated together and in the second compartment ( 1) a reduction solution (7) is added.

16. Pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by three compartments (1), wherein in the first compartment (1) a metallizing solution (3), in the second compartment (1) an alkaline solution (5) and in the third Compartment (1) a reduction solution (7) is added.

17. Pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that each compartment (1) is associated with an outlet (8), in particular a spray valve (9).

18. A pressure vessel assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the spray valves (9) are arranged so that the spray jets are miscible after exiting the spray valve (9) and before and / or after hitting the substrate.

19. Pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that all compartments (1) is associated with a common outlet (8), in particular a spray valve (9).

20. A pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 19, characterized in that the contents of the compartments (1) in a common outlet (8) leading line bridge (10) or conveying line (11) and / or in the common outlet (8) can be mixed.

21. Pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 19, characterized in that the common outlet (8) has a plurality of openings, wherein each compartment - -

(1) is associated with an opening, and wherein each opening is connected by a spatially separated part of a line bridge (10) and / or a delivery line (11) or by its own line with the respective compartment (1) and fed through this.

22. Pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the compartments (1) form closed units which can be manufactured and filled separately and can be assembled to form the pressure vessel arrangement.

23. Pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the compartments (1) form integral, non-removable units within the pressure vessel arrangement, wherein the pressure vessel arrangement is formed substantially as a spray or pressure can.

24. Pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that one or more compartments (1) contains or contain a propellant, in particular a propellant gas.

25. Pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that one or more compartments (1) has a means for acting on an overpressure, in particular a - possibly manual - pumping device or a pressure connection or have.

26. A ready-to-use kit for chemical spray metallization of surfaces, the kit comprising at least:

a pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 25,

27. Set according to claim 26, characterized in that the set comprises at least one pressure or storage container, a primer and / or - -

contains a protective lacquer or a component of a primer and / or a protective lacquer and is suitable for applying the lacquer to the substrate.

28. Set according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the set comprises a pressure or storage container containing deionized water and is suitable for applying the deionized water to the substrate.

29. A method for the chemical spray metallization of surfaces, in particular using a pressure vessel arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 25 or using a kit according to one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the method comprises at least the steps:

Activation of the surface of the substrate,

- Metallization of the surface.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that the method comprises a cleaning step for the surface of the substrate.

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the method comprises a Vorlackier- and / or a Schutzlackierschritt, followed or to which optionally a respective drying step.

32. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that the method comprises a rinsing step after activation and / or after the metallization.

33. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that the method after the metallization or after the subsequent rinsing step comprises a drying step.