WO2019101738A1

WO2019101738A1 - Method for applying a maintenance product to a vehicle and vehicle treatment system

Info

Publication number: WO2019101738A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/081920
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc Uhr
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Priority date: 2017-11-23
Filing date: 2018-11-20
Publication date: 2019-05-31
Also published as: DE102017127754A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for applying a maintenance product to a surface of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. In order to provide a method with which a maintenance product can be applied to a surface of the vehicle in a more simple and reliable manner, according to the invention, a gas stream directed towards the vehicle surface is provided by at least one blower device of a vehicle treatment system and the maintenance product is introduced into the gas stream. The invention also relates to a vehicle treatment system for carrying out the method.

Description

METHOD FOR APPLYING A CARE TO A VEHICLE AND VEHICLE TREATMENT PLANT

The present invention relates to a method for applying a particular liquid care agent on a vehicle surface of a vehicle.

Moreover, the present invention relates to a vehicle treatment plant, in particular for carrying out the method.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a vehicle treatment system with which a care agent can be applied in a simple and reliable manner to a vehicle surface of the vehicle.

This object is achieved by a method according to the invention for applying a care agent to a vehicle surface of a vehicle, in which method at least one blower device of a vehicle treatment plant provides a gas flow directed onto the vehicle surface and the care agent is introduced into the gas flow.

In the method according to the invention, a gas stream is directed onto a vehicle surface to be treated with at least one blower device of a vehicle treatment system. This gives, for example, the opportunity to detect the vehicle surface over a large area with the gas flow. The care agent to be applied to the vehicle is introduced into the gas flow. As a result, the care product is distributed in the gas flow, carried along by it, and in this way can be distributed in a constructively simple and reliable manner on the vehicle surface.

The method is particularly suitable for applying a liquid care agent. This may be present in the gas stream in the form of drops, the Drops should be as small as possible for extensive application to contiguous surface sections. Alternatively, the method can also be used to apply a care product in solid form. For example, the care product is in powder form.

In the present case, a "care product" is understood to mean, in particular, a protective agent for protecting the vehicle and in particular its paint.

A layer of the care agent applied to the vehicle forms, in particular, a protective layer on the vehicle surface.

The method can be used in particular in motor vehicles, for example passenger cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles. It is also conceivable to use the method for rail-bound vehicles, for example trams and / or trains.

By "gas" is meant in the present case a molecular or elementary gas or a gas mixture.

In a structurally simple implementation of the method, it is advantageous if an air stream is used as the gas stream. In particular, ambient air can be used to pressurize the vehicle.

In another advantageous embodiment of the method, a gas different from air can be used. It is also conceivable to use a protective gas for an ambient atmosphere.

It is advantageous if the care agent via at least one nozzle in the

Gas stream is sprayed. This makes it possible to finely atomize, for example, liquid care products in order to achieve the most homogeneous possible distribution of the care product in the gas stream. The care agent can be sprayed undiluted or diluted with a carrier liquid into the gas stream. In an advantageous implementation of the method, it proves to be advantageous, for example, when a care agent mixed with a carrier liquid is sprayed at a pressure of about 5 bar, wherein a hollow cone nozzle is advantageously used as the nozzle.

In an advantageous implementation of the method, it proves to be advantageous if the care agent by means of at least one injector in the

Gas flow is introduced. The gas stream, preferably within the blower device, can draw in or suck in care agent that can be supplied via the injector. For example, a pumping unit for supplying the care agent can be saved in this way.

It is advantageous if the care product is placed downstream of a gas inlet opening of at least one blower device and upstream of a gas outlet opening of the at least one blower device and introduced into the gas flow. In this way it can be ensured that the care agent is sufficiently well distributed in the gas flow at the outlet from the outlet opening and, if possible, has a homogeneous distribution.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the care agent of a gas inlet opening of the at least one blower device is introduced upstream into the gas stream sucked in by the blower device.

Alternatively it can be provided that the care agent is introduced into the gas flow at a gas outlet opening of the at least one blower device. Alternatively, it can be provided that the care agent of the gas outlet opening is introduced downstream into the gas flow which has leaked out of the at least one blower device.

In order to ensure the most comprehensive and uniform application of the care article to the vehicle surface, it is favorable if the care is introduced into the gas stream such that it is distributed homogeneously or substantially homogeneously in the gas stream at a gas outlet opening of the at least one blower device.

The method according to the invention is suitably suitable for applying the care product to different and very different vehicle surfaces.

For example, it can be provided that the gas flow with the admixed care agent, preferably selectively, is directed to overhead vehicle surfaces, to vehicle side surfaces and / or to the vehicle underbody. Overhead vehicle surfaces include, for example, a hood, a windshield, a roof, a rear window, a trunk lid or a trunk lid of the vehicle. Vehicle side surfaces include, in particular, a left side and a right side of the vehicle and, for example, a front side or a rear side of the vehicle. Nursing and in particular the application of a protective layer on the vehicle underbody are also conceivable.

Preferably, the care agent is applied to coherent surface sections of the vehicle surface, in order to achieve the widest possible and extensive protection of the vehicle surface.

It proves to be favorable if the vehicle is at least partially cleaned before the application of the care product. It has been shown that the care product adheres better to cleaned vehicle surfaces, whereby better and more consistent protection can be achieved. If the method, as explained below, is used, for example, in a vehicle washing installation, the care product is preferably applied to the vehicle surface after a cleaning program and, if appropriate, drying operation of the vehicle. It is favorable if the vehicle is dried after cleaning and before application of the care product, preferably with a gas stream. In practice, it proves to be advantageous for the adhesion of the care agent to the vehicle surface, if it is dry before application of the care product. For drying the vehicle, for example, the Gebläseeinrich- device can be used, the gas stream for drying the vehicle no care agent is mixed. A separate fan device can be saved.

It proves to be advantageous if the vehicle is dried after the application of the care agent, preferably with a gas stream. In this case too, the blower device without admixed care agent is advantageously used for drying the vehicle, as a result of which a separate blower device can be saved. By means of the drying gas flow, for example, excess care product can be blown off the vehicle and recycled or disposed of properly.

As already mentioned, it can be provided that the care agent is diluted with a carrier liquid or introduced undiluted into the gas stream. Depending on the application (for example, protection of existing vehicles after maintenance cleaning or new vehicles before delivery), desired protective effect and / or intensity and / or condition of the care product, various stages of dilution and / or different carrier fluids may be used Use come.

It proves to be favorable if the concentration and / or the amount of the care agent is automatically adjusted or alternatively adapted by a user. The method proves to be particularly versatile. Adjusting means for adjusting the amount of care agent for metering purposes and / or the amount of carrier fluid for influencing the concentration may be provided. As a carrier liquid for the care agent advantageously water is used. The use of filtered and / or at least partially demineralized water is favorable. In particular, demineralized, so-called osmosis water can be used. In practice, for example, it can be shown that the result of the process can be improved and the consumption of care agent can be reduced if the water quality is increased by removing foreign particles and dissolved substances.

Excess care product, if appropriate excess carrier liquid with care agent, is advantageously collected and recycled or disposed of. For example, collected care product, optionally after cleaning, a reservoir supplied again and can be used again for application to the vehicle. Alternatively, care products can be disposed of properly in accordance with environmental regulations.

On the condition of the care product has not been discussed in detail. It is particularly advantageous if the care agent has a hydrophobic constituent. This may in particular be a siloxane content. The siloxane fraction, for example, is colloidally dissolved in a solvent fraction. The colloidally dissolved constituent can attach to the vehicle surface and adhere thereto, for example, by means of electrostatic interaction (eg van der Waals bonding). The hydrophobic component enhances the ability of the vehicle surface to repel water. The wettability of the vehicle surface is reduced. The rejection of the water also reduces the likelihood that dirt particles will settle on the vehicle.

The care agent advantageously has a surfactant component as solubilizer, for example in the form of amphoteric surfactants.

The care agent may further comprise a cleaning portion and / or a solvent portion. It proves to be favorable if the at least one blower device and the vehicle are at least partially moved relative to one another during the application of the care agent, in particular with regard to the alignment of the gas flow with the vehicle. There is the possibility that the vehicle is moved relative to the blower device, for example by means of a conveyor. Alternatively or additionally, the blower device can be moved relative to the vehicle, for example by moving a support device for the blower device relative to the vehicle. Such a relative movement can, for example, be carried out in an at least partially automated vehicle treatment and in particular a vehicle washing system. The alignment of the gas flow to the vehicle ensures that the vehicle surface can be specifically detected by the gas flow in order to improve the process result.

It is favorable if an at least partially automated application of the care agent to the vehicle surface is carried out. In this case, the at least one blower device can preferably be moved relative to the vehicle by means of at least one drive device or at least one adjusting device. It is conceivable that the blower device can be raised and lowered. Advantageously, the fan means can be rotated or pivoted about at least one axis. It proves to be favorable if the blower device can be moved along a contour of the vehicle in order to specifically apply the gas flow to the vehicle along the contour. Contour detection and / or detection of the vehicle type may be provided.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method, it is favorable if the at least one blower device or a gas outlet nozzle thereof is manually guided by an operator. Accordingly, the method is also suitable for use in manual vehicle care performed by an operator. For example, the vehicle treatment includes at least one cleaning tool for manual cleaning of the vehicle, to which the application of the care agent in the gas stream can connect, preferably after drying the vehicle.

In another embodiment, it is favorable if the method is used in a vehicle washing system for cleaning the vehicle, preferably after cleaning the vehicle. As already mentioned, following a cleaning program and advantageously vehicle drying, the care agent can be applied to the vehicle surface via the gas flow.

An advantageous embodiment of the method is used, for example, in a coating installation for applying a protective layer to new vehicles. This can ensure, for example, that from the time of delivery, new vehicles are protected, if possible, for sale up to a week or even months later. Conveniently, the protective layer makes it possible to save a coating of the new vehicles for transport, since the care product ensures adequate protection of the vehicle surface.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method, a gas stream of the at least one blower device with at least one of the following properties is used:

Provided by a slot nozzle of at least one Gebläseeinrich- device. The slot nozzle forms a gas outlet opening. Advantageously, the care agent, in particular via at least one nozzle, the slot nozzle sprayed upstream in the gas stream.

The gas mass flow and in particular the air mass flow is approximately 0.5 kg / s to 1.5 kg / s, with a gas mass flow of approximately 0.75 kg / s to 1.25 kg / s proving to be advantageous. The overpressure of the gas stream relative to the ambient pressure is preferably about 10 mbar to 25 mbar.

As already mentioned, the present invention also relates to a vehicle treatment plant.

The object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a vehicle treatment system according to the invention for carrying out the method of the aforementioned type, comprising at least one fan device with at least one gas outlet opening for providing a gas flow that can be directed onto a vehicle surface and a feed device for introducing a care agent to be applied to the vehicle surface in the gas stream.

The advantages that have already been mentioned in connection with the explanation of the method according to the invention can be achieved with the vehicle treatment system. Reference may be made in this regard to the above statements.

Process features can be implemented according to the device, and structural features of the vehicle treatment system can be implemented according to the method. Also in this regard, reference is made to the above statements.

It is advantageous if the supply device comprises or forms at least one nozzle for spraying the care agent into the gas stream, in particular at least one hollow cone nozzle. Advantageously, the at least one nozzle is positioned so that the care agent downstream of a gas inlet opening and sprayed upstream of a gas outlet opening in the gas flow of Gebläseeinrich- device is sprayed. The feeding device preferably comprises at least one pumping unit in order to pressurize the care product, optionally diluted with a carrier liquid. For example, the care agent diluted with the carrier liquid is sprayed through a nozzle at a pressure of approximately 5 bar.

It is advantageous if the supply device comprises or forms at least one injector for introducing the care agent into the gas stream. The injector is arranged, for example, on the blower device so that the care agent can be sucked in or drawn in by the gas flow between a gas inlet opening and a gas outlet opening. For example, a pump unit can be avoided in a supply line.

It can be provided that the feed device has at least one nozzle and at least one injector for introducing the care agent into the

Gas stream includes or forms.

It can be provided that the at least one blower device comprises or forms a slot-shaped gas outlet opening.

In an advantageous implementation of the vehicle treatment system, at least one fan device of the following type can be advantageously provided: a roof fan device for pressurizing overhead vehicle surfaces with the gas flow; a side blower device for pressurizing a vehicle side surface with the gas flow, wherein advantageously two side blower devices are provided; and / or a fan device for pressurizing the vehicle underbody with the gas flow. In an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle treatment system, the feed device comprises or forms at least one of the following: a carrier fluid supply device for mixing with the care product. The supply device can be designed, for example, for filtering and / or demineralizing the carrier liquid, in particular water.

At least one storage container for the care agent and / or for a mixture of the care agent with a carrier liquid. For example, care product, possibly diluted, is pumped to the at least one nozzle via the abovementioned pump unit.

An adjusting device for adjusting a concentration and / or the amount of the care agent, optionally mixed with the Trägerflüs- sigkeit. An automatic and / or an operator-made setting are conceivable.

A recovery device to collect excess care product, if necessary, excess carrier liquid with care agent.

The recovery device preferably comprises at least one collection container arranged, for example, on an installation surface for the vehicle. The collecting container is for example subjected to rinsing by means of a rinsing device. It can be provided that the collected care agent is rinsed with the carrier liquid from the collecting container and, for example, fed back to the aforementioned storage container.

An advantageous embodiment of a vehicle treatment system according to the invention is a vehicle washing system and has at least one cleaning tool for cleaning the vehicle. As a cleaning tool In particular, at least one body brush is used, for example a side brush for cleaning vehicle side surfaces, a roof brush for cleaning overhead vehicle surfaces and / or a wheel washing brush for wheel cleaning. The cleaning tool may also be or comprise at least one spraying device for spraying a cleaning liquid.

The vehicle washing system may be a gantry washing system in which a portal receiving the cleaning tool and preferably the fan device is moved relative to a stationary vehicle.

Alternatively, the vehicle washing system may be a washing line in which the vehicle is moved by means of a conveyor relative to stationary cleaning tools and a stationary blower device.

An advantageous embodiment of a vehicle treatment system is a coating system for applying a protective layer to new vehicles, as has already been explained above.

It is favorable if the vehicle treatment system comprises at least one drying device for drying the vehicle before and / or after the application of the care agent. By the drying process after cleaning, the care product can adhere better to the vehicle surface. After its application, excess care product can be removed by a further drying process.

It is advantageous if the at least one blower device comprises or forms the at least one drying device. A separate drying device can be saved and the design of the vehicle treatment system can be simplified. In particular, the blower device used for vehicle drying can be used as a vehicle wash system are used to apply the care agent on the vehicle surface.

The vehicle treatment system advantageously comprises at least one drive device or at least one adjusting device for moving the vehicle and the at least one blower device relative to one another, at least during the application of the care agent. There may be a displacement of the at least one blower device in a vehicle longitudinal direction, raising and lowering of the blower device and / or pivoting of the at least one blower device about at least one axis.

Preferably, the vehicle treatment system comprises a detection device for detecting the vehicle contour, wherein the at least one blower device is guided relative to the vehicle as a function of the vehicle contour. This ensures that the gas flow is targeted to the vehicle surface.

As already mentioned, the vehicle treatment system can be at least partially automated, in particular at least one drive device or at least one adjustment device can be automated.

It can be provided that the vehicle treatment installation comprises a fan device or nozzle of the blower device that can be manually guided by an operator. This makes it possible for the operator to apply the care agent manually to the vehicle surface by means of the gas flow. For this purpose, the operator can, for example, guide a nozzle by hand. For example, the nozzle is supplied with gas from a stationary blower to the blower device via a gas hose.

The vehicle treatment system can advantageously comprise a cleaning device with at least one manually guided by the operator. bleeding cleaning tool. This makes it possible to carry out a manual cleaning of the vehicle, in particular before applying the care product.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawings, the detailed explanation of the invention. With the described vehicle treatment systems according to the invention, advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention can be carried out. Show it :

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle treatment system according to the invention and a vehicle to be treated;

Figure 2: a view of the vehicle treatment plant in the direction of the arrow

"2" in Figure 1, without cleaning tools;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of detail A in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the vehicle treatment system from FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a method sequence of a method according to the invention,

performed with the vehicle treatment system of Figure 1;

FIG. 6 shows the method sequence in FIG. 5 in a detailed representation;

FIG. 7: a schematic side view of a further inventive device

Vehicle treatment facility;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of detail B in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic side view of a further inventive device

Vehicle treatment facility; FIG. 10: a plan view of the vehicle treatment system from FIG. 9;

Figure 11: a technical device of the vehicle treatment system

Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a block diagram of the vehicle treatment system of Figure 9;

and

FIG. 13 shows a method sequence of a method according to the invention,

performed with the vehicle treatment system of Figure 9.

FIGS. 1 to 6 relate to a preferred advantageous embodiment of a vehicle treatment system according to the invention and a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention, which is indicated overall by the reference numeral 10. In the present case, the vehicle treatment system 10 is configured as a vehicle washing system 12. The vehicle washing system 12 is a gantry car wash with a

Washing portal 14.

The washing portal 14 is movable by means of a drive device 16 relative to a vehicle 20 stationary and to be treated on a set-up surface 18, wherein the washing portal 12 can be moved back and forth in a vehicle longitudinal direction 22.

In another advantageous embodiment, as a vehicle treatment system according to the invention, a washing line can be provided in which the vehicle can be moved by means of a conveying device relative to stationarily arranged cleaning tools and blower devices of the vehicle washing system. The drawing illustrates the invention using the example of a vehicle to be treated 20 in the form of a passenger car. However, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle 20. The use would also be possible for motor vehicles of a general nature, such as trucks, buses, motorcycles. Other advantageous embodiments serve for the treatment of rail-bound vehicles such as trams or trains.

The washing portal 14 comprises a carrying device 24. Cleaning tools 26 are held on the carrying device 24. The cleaning tools 26 may in particular comprise body brushes in a manner known per se, for example a roof brush 28 and side brushes 30. The cleaning tools 26 comprise, for example, at least one wheel washing brush 32 and preferably at least one spraying device 34 for applying cleaning to the vehicle surfaces, preferably under high pressure - liquid.

By means of a control device 36 of the vehicle washing system 12, at least one drive device 38 can be acted on to move the cleaning tools 26 in a manner known per se to the carrying device 24, for example to lower and raise it in order to pivot at least one axis or to rotate, to approach the vehicle 20 or to remove from this. This makes it possible, for example with the roof brush 28, to clean the front and the rear as well as overhead vehicle surfaces arranged therebetween. With the side brushes 30, the front and the rear and side surfaces of the vehicle can be cleaned. By means of the wheel washing brushes 32 wheels of the vehicle 20 are cleaned.

The control device 36 is also in operative connection with the drive device 16. In addition, the vehicle washing system 12 comprises a detection device 40, which is coupled to the control device 36. The detection device 40 serves to detect the contour of the vehicle 20 and / or the vehicle type. Depending on the detected vehicle contour or For example, the control device 36 can control the cleaning tools 26 such that a contour-guided cleaning of the vehicle 20 can be carried out.

The vehicle washing system 12 comprises at least one fan device 42 for generating a gas flow and in particular air flow, which can be directed to vehicle surfaces of the vehicle 20. For example, four blower devices 42 held on the carrying device 24 are provided in the present case.

In particular, the vehicle washing system 12 can comprise two roof fan devices 44, which are arranged one behind the other in the vehicle longitudinal direction 22 and can act on the vehicle 20 jointly with respective air streams from above over substantially the entire width. Further, two side blowers 46 are disposed on a left side and a right side of the washing porch 14 to impart air currents to left side surfaces and right side surfaces of the vehicle 20, respectively.

The blower devices 42 may in particular be designed identically or structurally identical. In each case, a gas or air inlet opening 48 can be provided, through which air is drawn in by the fan. The accelerated by the fan air is discharged through a gas or air outlet opening 50. The air outlet opening 50 is formed by a nozzle of the blower device 42, which in the present case is a slot nozzle 52.

Other embodiments of the blower devices 42 are conceivable.

The blower devices 42 are preferably held movably on the carrying device 24 and are thus designed to be movable relative to the vehicle 20. To move the blower devices 42, at least one adjusting device 54 coupled to the control device 36 is provided, wherein the Roof blower 44 and the side blower 46 independent adjustment 54 may be assigned.

In particular, it is advantageously possible to raise and lower the roof fan devices 44 by means of the adjusting device 54 (arrow 56) and to pivot about a pivot axis 58 oriented in the transverse direction.

The side blower devices 56 are advantageously pivotable about a pivot axis 60 extending in the vertical direction by means of the at least one adjusting device 54.

The blower devices 42 are, in particular, drying devices in order to dry vehicle surfaces after cleaning and after application of the care agent, which will be explained below.

The vehicle washing system 12 comprises a feed device 62 for feeding a care article to be applied to vehicle surfaces of the vehicle 20. The care product is used for vehicle care and vehicle protection, in particular for existing vehicles after a maintenance cleaning.

For example, the care agent comprises a hydrophobic constituent, in particular a siloxane constituent. Colloidally dissolved siloxanes, for example, can accumulate on vehicle surfaces and adhere permanently to them by means of electrostatic interaction. The vehicle care agent can also have a cleaning component and a solvent component.

In order to increase the effect of the care product, it is favorable if the vehicle 20 is previously cleaned according to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention. FIG. 5 schematically shows a simplified process flow. In a cleaning step 64, the vehicle 20 is cleaned by means of the cleaning tools 26. Subsequently, a drying step 66 is carried out in which vehicle surfaces are dried by means of the blower devices 42. Subsequently, in a treatment step 68, the care agent is applied to vehicle surfaces. The treatment step 68 is followed by another drying step 70, in which vehicle surfaces are dried and excess care agent is removed.

An exemplary method sequence is shown schematically in FIG. 6, in which the directions of movement of the washing portal 14 relative to the vehicle 20 are symbolized by means of arrows. The cleaning step 64 comprises, for example, five individual steps 641 to 645.

In the cleaning step 641, the washing portal 14 moves, for example, from the rear to the front (relative to the orientation of the vehicle 20). By means of the spray device 34 is preferably sprayed alkaline cleaning liquid on the vehicle 20. This serves to rinse off superficial dirt and to dissolve residues of existing care products.

In the subsequent cleaning step 642, the washing portal 14 makes an empty drive from the front to the rear, without the use of a cleaning tool 26.

In the subsequent cleaning step 643, the washing portal 14 proceeds from the rear to the front, wherein the roof brush 28, the side brushes 30 and the wheel washing brushes 32 clean the vehicle surfaces, for example without the addition of further cleaning fluid.

In the subsequent cleaning step 644, the washing portal 14 moves from the front to the rear, with the roof brush 28, the side brushes 30 and the wheel washing brushes 32 cleaning the vehicle 20. Advantageously, acidic cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the vehicle 20 in this cleaning step. This serves to remove residues of the alkaline cleaning liquid applied in the cleaning step 641.

In the subsequent cleaning step 645, the washing portal 14 moves from the rear to the front, the vehicle 20 being flushed with cleaning liquid by means of the spraying device 34. In this case, at least partially demineralized water is used as cleaning liquid, for example osmosis water.

Subsequently, the drying step 66 is carried out, in which the washing portal 14 moves from the front to the rear and vehicle surfaces are dried by means of the blower devices 42.

In the subsequent treatment step 68, the washing portal 14 moves from back to front, while the care agent is applied to the vehicle surfaces. For the purpose of applying, in particular as explained below, the blower devices 42, wherein at least the roof blower device 44 is moved contour-guided along the detected by the detection device 40 vehicle contour during the treatment step 68.

In the subsequent drying step 70, the washing portal 14 moves from the front to the back in order to blow off excess care product from the vehicle 20 and to dry it.

In the vehicle washing system 12, the care agent to be applied to the vehicle 20 is stored in at least one storage container 72. By means of an adjusting device 74, the amount of care products which is applied to the vehicle 20 can be set automatically, controlled by the control device 36, and / or manually by an operator. The adjusting device 74 may in particular be a metering device. In the present case, the care agent is mixed with a carrier liquid, in particular water. In order to keep the consumption of care agent as low as possible and at the same time to increase its efficiency, it is preferred to use filtered and / or at least partially demineralized water, in particular osmosis water.

Osmosis water is provided by means of a provisioning device 76. Via fluid lines 78 and 80, the carrier liquid and the care product are transferred from the supply device 76 or the storage container 72 into a storage container 82. Depending on the setting of the setting device 74, the care agent therein can be stored in the desired concentration with the carrier liquid for the application, also individually for each vehicle 20 to be treated.

Via fluid lines 84, the mixture of care agent and carrier liquid is fed to a respective blower device 42. In the fluid line 84, a pump unit 86 is in each case connected, which can be controlled by the control device 36.

For dispensing the mixture of care agent and carrier liquid, the feed device 62 comprises nozzles 88. Preferably, at least one nozzle 88 is arranged at each blower device 42. In the present case, see in particular FIG. 3, two nozzles 88 are provided on each blower device 42, for example. The nozzles 88 are, for example, hollow cone nozzles.

The nozzles 88 of each blower 42 are in fluid communication with a fluid conduit 84 and thereby can be charged with the mixture of conditioning agent and carrier liquid. For example, the pressure of the mixture is about 5 bar.

The nozzles 88 are favorably arranged on the blower device 42 in such a way that they are located downstream of the air inlet opening 48 and the air outlet Opening 50 are positioned upstream. Blower air passes through the nozzles 88 and then exits the slot 52.

Via the nozzles 88, the mixture of care agent and carrier liquid can be sprayed into the air flow of the blower devices 42. In this case, in particular, a distribution which is homogeneous or essentially homogeneous at least at the slot nozzle 52 can be achieved.

As an alternative or in addition to the nozzles 88, at least one injector can be arranged on the blower device 42, via which care agent can be drawn in by the air flow.

The blower devices 42 are operated, for example, and are dimensioned such that an air mass flow of about 0.5 kg / s to

1.5 kg / s, preferably about 0.75 kg / s to 1.25 kg / s. The overpressure of the air flow at the slot nozzle 52 relative to the ambient pressure is preferably about 10 mbar to 25 mbar.

By practicing the method according to the invention, with the vehicle washing system 12 according to the invention, the care agent, mixed with the carrier liquid, can be applied in a technically simple and reliable manner to the vehicle surfaces to be treated by means of the blower devices 42. It can be seen in practice that, by using the air flow, a surface covering treatment of the vehicle surfaces can be carried out, in order to achieve a surface covering protective layer on the vehicle surfaces. Furthermore, the protective layer proves to be resistant by application with the air flow, so that a lasting protection of the vehicle 20 is possible.

It proves to be advantageous that the blower devices 42 of the vehicle washing system 12 can be used to apply the care agent. Separate dispensing devices are not required. The drying of the vehicle 20 in the drying steps 66 and 70 can be carried out with the blower devices 42. In this case, no care agent is introduced into the airflow.

FIG. 7 shows an advantageous embodiment of a vehicle treatment system according to the invention, designated by the reference numeral 90. The vehicle treatment system 90 is configured as a vehicle washing system 92 for a hand-guided cleaning and care of the vehicle 20 by an operator 94.

The vehicle washing system 90 comprises at least one cleaning tool, in the present case configured as a washing lance 98 of a high-pressure cleaning device 100 of the vehicle washing system 92. The operator 94 can clean the vehicle 20 with the high-pressure cleaning device 100, in which case the washing lance 98 is manually guided in a manner known per se. Dirt can be washed off the vehicle 20.

The vehicle washing system 92 further comprises a blower device 102 with a hand-guided by the operator 94 nozzle 104, which forms a gas and in particular air outlet opening 106. The nozzle 104 is in fluid communication with a fan 108, for example, via an air hose 110. Blower air is supplied to the nozzle 104 via the air hose 110 and can be directed by the operator 94 to the vehicle 20. By means of the blower device 102, the vehicle 20 can be dried after the cleaning process.

In particular, it is also possible to apply the care agent, optionally mixed with a carrier liquid, to the vehicle surfaces via the blower device 102.

For this purpose, the vehicle washing installation 92 comprises a feed device 112 which, for example, comprises a nozzle 114 arranged on the nozzle 104. Care agent can be sprayed into the air stream in front of the air outlet opening 106 via the nozzle 114.

The nozzle 114 is in fluid communication with a reservoir 118 via a fluid conduit 116. Care agent, optionally diluted with the carrier liquid, can be supplied from the storage container 118 to the nozzle 114 by means of a pumping unit 120 and introduced into the air stream.

Also in the vehicle washing system 92 may be provided a supply means for a carrier liquid and an adjusting device to adjust the amount and / or the concentration of the care agent automatically and / or by the operator 94.

Excess care and optionally carrier liquid can be blown off after application with the blower device 102 and thereby the vehicle 20 are dried.

FIGS. 9 to 13 relate to an advantageous embodiment of a vehicle treatment system according to the invention, which is designated by the reference numeral 130, and to a method conducted therewith. In the present case, the vehicle treatment system 130 is configured as a coating system 132 in order to provide new vehicles with a protective layer of the care article prior to delivery.

For identical and equivalent features and components of the vehicle treatment plants 10, 130 identical reference numerals are used. The advantages of applying the care agent, optionally diluted with a carrier liquid, to the vehicle surfaces using a gas and in particular air flow of the at least one blower device can also be achieved in the vehicle treatment system 130. In this regard, reference is made to the above statements. In the coating line 132, vehicles 20 to be treated are moved relative to the stationary coating line 132. For this purpose, for example, a conveyor 134 is provided to move the vehicles 20 along a treatment direction 136. On the carrying device 24, the blower devices 42 are arranged, which also in the coating system 132, roof-mounted blower devices 44 and side blower devices 46. By means of the blower devices 42, the care agent, undiluted or diluted with a carrier liquid, can be applied to the vehicle surfaces.

For this purpose, the vehicle 20 is moved along the treatment direction 136 by means of the conveyor 134 past the blower devices 42. By means of the at least one adjusting device 54, the blower devices 42 can be raised and lowered and / or swiveled, as in the vehicle washing system 10, to ensure comprehensive coverage of the vehicle 20 and complete coating of the vehicle surfaces with the care product sure.

Downstream of the carrying device 24 in the treatment direction 136, a further carrying device 138 is provided, which is designed, for example, identically to the carrying device 24.

On the carrying device 138, blower devices 142 are arranged, which, with the exception of the components of the supply device 62 arranged thereon, are designed to be identical or identical to the blower devices 42. In particular, two roof fan devices 144 and two side fan devices 146 may be provided.

The blower devices 142 are advantageously associated with at least one adjusting device 148 coupled to the control device 36. Via the at least one adjusting device 148, the blower devices 142 as well as the fan means 42 are preferably raised, lowered and / or pivoted about respective pivot axes 150 and 152.

After application of the care product to the vehicle 20, the blower devices 142 serve to dry the vehicle 20 and to remove excess care product and any excess carrier liquid.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic process sequence of an advantageous exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention. In this case, a coating step 154 is carried out, followed by a drying step 156.

In the coating installation 132, a position monitoring device 158 may be provided to monitor the positions of the vehicles 20 to be treated. For example, the position monitoring device 158 comprises a plurality of light barriers 160. FIG. 10 shows positions, occupied schematically by the reference numeral 160, at which light barriers could be arranged.

The coating installation 132 comprises a tunnel or tent-like covering device 162. The covering device 162 covers in particular the carrying devices 24, 138 with the fan devices 42, 142 arranged thereon with a top wall 164. In addition, side walls 166 of the covering device 162 are provided.

About a driveway 168, the vehicle 20 can be retracted or retracted by means of the conveyor 134. Opposite an exit 170 is arranged, through which the vehicle 20 can be extended or pushed out of the coating system 132. To ensure that the least possible care agent exits from the coating system 132, it may have at least one blower device 172 at the entrance 168 and / or at the exit 170. For example, two blower devices 172 are arranged at the entrance 168 and / or the exit 170. The blower devices 172 are, for example, such that an air curtain is provided at the entrance 168 and / or at the exit 170. Intake air can be sucked in below the covering device 162. The air flow is discharged below the cover 162.

The coating system 132 further comprises a recovery device 174 to collect excess care agent and optionally carrier liquid.

The recovery device 174 preferably comprises at least one collecting container 176 underneath the vehicle 20 or laterally next to it on the ground below the mounting surface 18 or the mounting surface 18.

In the present case, two collecting containers 176 are provided at the bottom laterally next to the vehicle 20, the collecting containers 176 extending substantially from the entrance 168 to the exit 170. The collecting containers 176 are designed in the shape of troughs and advantageously each comprise at least one inclined fluid discharge surface 178 in order to collect care agent and / or carrier liquid at a fluid collecting region 180.

By means of at least one fluid line 182, liquid collected from the storage container 82 can be supplied again. A pumping unit 183 may be connected in the fluid line 182. Conveniently, a filter element 184 is connected in the fluid line 182.

The collecting container 176 are advantageously rinsed with a rinsing device. For example, at least one pumping unit 188 delivers over min. At least one fluid line 186 a rinsing liquid into the collecting container 176. As a rinsing liquid, for example, water can be used, preferably osmosis water, or generally a carrier liquid. It is also conceivable that the rinsing liquid is removed from the storage container 82 and supplied to the collecting containers 176.

The recovery device 174 in particular opens up the possibility of using excess care agent and optionally carrier fluid for a renewed coating operation of a subsequent vehicle 20. Since the new vehicles 20 are substantially free of dirt and the dirt entry on the coating equipment 132 is negligible, preferably no further cleaning is required beyond the filtering. Any differences in the concentration of the applied care product and the recovered care product can be compensated for by appropriate control of the adjustment device 74 and appropriate dosing.

It is understood in the case of the coating installation 132 that the feed device 62 and the blower devices 42 are only in operation when a vehicle 20 is to be charged with the care product. The control device 36 activates the blower devices 42 and the feed device 62, for example as a function of a signal from the position monitoring device 158. In a corresponding manner, the blower devices 42 and the feed device 62 are deactivated when the vehicle 20 has passed the carrier device 24, for example.

The blower devices 142 are also activated only when required, for example, depending on a signal from the position monitoring device 158.

The blower devices 172 are advantageously activated as long as at least one vehicle 20 is arranged in the coating installation 132. After the last vehicle 20 has left the coating system 132, the blowers 172 are advantageously deactivated with a time delay.

In order to ensure a reliable function of the coating installation 132, it may be provided that components of the feed device 62 and the recovery device 174 are present redundantly and are, for example, designed in duplicate. Thus, for example, the coating installation 132 has two storage containers 72, and the components of the providing means 76 for obtaining or producing the osmosis water can be embodied in duplicate. In a corresponding manner, fluid lines can be present twice, for example, for flushing the collecting container 176 in the flow and / or return.

In the vehicle treatment systems 10 and 130, it is ensured by an operator and / or automatically by the control device 36 that the quantity and / or concentration of care agent is correctly set. For example, depending on the feed speed of the vehicle 20 in the coating system 132 or the displacement speed of the washing portal 12 in the vehicle washing system 12 influence on the amount and / or concentration are taken so that the applied to the vehicle 20 amount of care products also at different speeds is constant.

Alternatively or additionally, the blower devices 42 can be automatically influenced by the operator and / or the control device 36 in such a way that the correct amount of care agent is always applied to the vehicle 20 via the corresponding control and / or regulation of the air flow , LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 vehicle treatment plant

12 vehicle wash

14 washing portal

16 drive device

18 footprint

20 vehicle

22 vehicle longitudinal direction

24 carrying device

26 cleaning tool

28 roof brush

30 side brush

32 wheel washing brush

34 spraying device

36 control device

38 drive device

40 detection device

42 Blower device

44 Roof blower device

46 side fan device

48 gas inlet opening

50 gas outlet

52 slot nozzle

54 adjusting device

56 arrow

58 pivot axis

60 pivot axis

62 feeder

64 cleaning step

641, 642, 643, 644, 645 Cleaning step 66 Drying step treatment step

drying step

reservoir

adjustment

Supply device fluid line

fluid line

reservoir

fluid line

pump unit

jet

Vehicle treatment system Vehicle washing system

operator

cleaning tool

washing lance

High pressure cleaning device Blower device

jet

Gas outlet

fan

air hose

feeding

jet

fluid line

reservoir

pump unit

Vehicle treatment plant Coating plant

Conveyor

treatment direction

support means blower

Roof blower

Side blower

adjustment

swivel axis

coating step

drying step

Position monitoring device Photocell

cover

ceiling wall

Side wall

entrance

exit

blower

Recovery device collecting container

Fluidableitfläche

Fluid collection area

fluid line

pump unit

filter element

fluid line

pump unit

Claims

1. A method for applying a care agent on a vehicle surface of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, in which method provided with at least one blower device of a vehicle treatment plant a directed to the vehicle surface gas flow and the care agent is introduced into the gas stream.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that an air stream is used as the gas stream.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the care agent is sprayed through at least one nozzle in the gas stream.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the care agent is introduced via at least one injector in the gas stream.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the care means downstream of a gas inlet opening of the at least one blower device and a gas outlet opening of the at least one blower device upstream is introduced into the gas stream.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the care agent is introduced at a gas outlet opening of the at least one blower device in the gas stream or that the care agent downstream of the gas outlet opening in the leaked from the at least one blower gas stream.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the care agent is introduced into the gas stream such that it is distributed homogeneously or substantially homogeneously in the gas stream at a gas outlet opening of the at least one Gebläseein- device.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas stream with the admixed care agent, preferably selectively, is directed to overhead vehicle surfaces, on vehicle side surfaces and / or on the vehicle underbody.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the care agent is applied to contiguous surface sections of the vehicle surface.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle is at least partially cleaned before the application of the care agent.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the vehicle after cleaning and before the application of the care agent, preferably with a gas stream, is dried.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle is dried after the application of the care agent, preferably with a gas stream.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the care agent is diluted with a carrier liquid or introduced undiluted into the gas stream.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the concentration and / or the amount of the care agent is adjusted automatically or by a user.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that water is used as the carrier liquid for the care product, preferably filtered and / or at least partially demineralized water.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that excess care product, optionally surplus carrier liquid with care agent, collected and recycled or disposed of.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the care agent has at least one of the following components: a hydrophobic component, in particular a siloxane content; a surfactant content; a cleaning component; a solvent content.

18. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one blower device and the vehicle are at least partially moved relative to one another during the application of the care agent, in particular with regard to the orientation of the gas flow on the Vehicle.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an at least partially automated application of the care article on the vehicle surface, wherein the at least one Gebläseein- device is preferably moved by means of at least one drive means or at least one adjustment relative to the vehicle.

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one blower device or a

Gas outlet nozzle of the same is manually guided by an operator.

21. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method is used in a vehicle washing system for cleaning the vehicle, preferably after cleaning the vehicle.

22. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method is used in a coating system for applying a protective layer on new vehicles.

23. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a gas stream of the at least one blower device is used with at least one of the following properties: provided by a slot nozzle of the at least one blower device; the gas mass flow is about 0.5 kg / s to 1.5 kg / s, preferably about 0.75 kg / s to 1.25 kg / s; the overpressure of the gas flow to the ambient pressure is approximately 10 mbar to 25 mbar.

24. A vehicle treatment system for carrying out the method according to claim 1, comprising at least one blower device with at least one gas outlet opening for providing a gas flow that can be directed onto a vehicle surface and a feed device ) for introducing a to be applied to the vehicle surface care agent in the

Gas flow.

25. The vehicle treatment system according to claim 24, characterized in that the feed device (62) comprises or forms at least one nozzle (88) for spraying the care agent into the gas stream, in particular at least one hollow cone nozzle.

26. The vehicle treatment system according to claim 24 or 25, character- ized in that the feed device (62) comprises at least one injector or forms for introducing the care agent in the gas stream.

27. Vehicle treatment system according to one of claims 24 to 26,

characterized in that the feeding device (62) comprises at least one pumping unit (86) in order to pressurize the care agent.

28. Vehicle treatment system according to one of claims 24 to 27,

characterized in that the at least one blower device (42) comprises at least one gas inlet opening (48) and that the care means downstream of the at least one gas inlet opening (48) and the at least one gas outlet opening (50) is introduced upstream in the gas stream.

29. Vehicle treatment system according to one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that the at least one blower device (42) comprises or forms a slot-shaped gas outlet opening (50).

30. Vehicle treatment system according to one of claims 24 to 29,

characterized in that at least one blower device (42) of the following type is provided: a roof blower device (44) for charging overhead vehicle surfaces with the gas flow; side blower means (46) for pressurizing a vehicle side surface with the gas stream; and / or a fan device (42) for pressurizing the vehicle floor with the gas flow.

31. Vehicle treatment system according to one of claims 24 to 30,

characterized in that the feeder (62; 112) comprises or forms at least one of the following: a carrier fluid supply means (76) for mixing with the care agent; at least one storage container (72, 82, 118) for the care agent and / or for a mixture of the care agent with a carrier liquid; an adjusting device (74) for adjusting the concentration and / or the amount of the care agent; a recovery device (174) to absorb excess care product, possibly excess carrier liquid with care agent.

32. Vehicle treatment system according to one of claims 24 to 31,

characterized in that the recovery device (174) comprises at least one, for example, on a footprint (18) for the vehicle (20) arranged collecting container (176), preferably a rinsing device for rinsing the at least one collecting container (176).

33. Vehicle treatment system according to one of claims 24 to 32,

characterized in that the vehicle treatment system (10; 90) is a vehicle washing system (12; 92) and has at least one cleaning tool (26; 96) for cleaning the vehicle (20).

34. Vehicle treatment installation according to one of claims 24 to 33,

characterized in that the vehicle treatment system (130) is a coating system (132) for applying a protective coating to new vehicles (20).

35. vehicle treatment system according to one of claims 24 to 34,

characterized in that the vehicle treatment system (10; 90; 130) comprises at least one drying device for drying the vehicle (20) before and / or after the application of the care agent.

36. Vehicle treatment installation according to claim 35, characterized in that the at least one blower device (42; 102) comprises or forms the at least one drying device.

37. Vehicle treatment system according to one of claims 24 to 36,

characterized in that the vehicle treatment plant (10; 90; 130) comprises at least one drive device (16) or at least one adjustment device (54) for moving the vehicle (20) and the at least one blower device (42) relative to one another, at least during the application of the care agent.

38. Vehicle treatment installation according to one of claims 24 to 37,

characterized in that the vehicle treatment system (10;

130) comprises a detection device (40) for detecting the vehicle contour and that the at least one blower device (42) is guided relative to the vehicle (20) as a function of the vehicle contour.

39. Vehicle treatment installation according to one of claims 24 to 38,

characterized in that the vehicle treatment installation (90) comprises a blower device (102) or nozzle (104) of the blower device (102) which can be manually guided by an operator (94).

40. vehicle treatment system according to one of claims 24 to 39,

characterized in that the vehicle treatment installation (90) comprises a cleaning device (100) with at least one cleaning tool (96) which can be manually guided by the operator.