Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a procedure for surface treatment, preferably the painting of rotationally symmetric units, mainly car rims.

Background of the Invention

The invention has been developed with car rims in mind but can be used for processing other types of rotationally symmetric items.

Until now renovating car rims has proven troublesome, especially in relation to painting these. As car rims occupy a paint booth, it thus becomes difficult to have car rims painted in a traditional paint booth for capacity reasons.

This has often caused car rims to be discarded rather than renovated. This is an obvious disadvantage, as there are typically four or eight rims associated with each car, depending on whether one has whole-year or winter- and summer tires for a car.

When renovating rims, these can optionally be prefinished. Such a pre-treatment can entail repairing distortions, for instance through turning of rims, but can likewise entail the removal of old paint, for instance through sandblasting.

Hereafter, the renovation will entail a surface treatment of the rims.

Such a surface treatment will typically entail painting the rims or lacquering the rims with clear lacquer.

To lighten the amount of work using paint booths there is a desire for an alternative solution for surface treatment of the rims rather than traditional paint jobs using paint booths. There is thus a desire to be able to supply the rims with a surface treatment in the form of either painting or coating, regardless of whether the rims at the time of renovation have received a pre-treatment or not, of the variants mentioned above.

Object of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to suggest an apparatus and an approach for use in renovating car rims and other rotationally symmetric items and enable an effective and simple way of providing these with a surface treatment or surface coating.

Description of the Invention

According to the present invention, this is achieved with an apparatus of the introductory described variant, comprising

- a first treatment unit with a fluid tub containing a curable fluid into which the item can be lowered,

- a rotational unit with a pole, equipped with assembly bodies for disengageable securing of the item with the purpose of rotating the item and where at least the assembly bodies are vertically displaceable to be able to displace the item into the fluid and out of the fluid in the tub,

- a turning joint adapted to angle the rotational unit while the item is rotating, and

- a second treatment unit provided with one or more hardening units configured for hardening the curable fluid.

Alternatively, the object of the invention is achieved with an apparatus of the introduc- tory described variant, characterised in that it encompasses

- a first treatment unit with a fluid tub, containing a curable UV fluid into which the item can be lowered,

- a rotational unit with a pole, equipped with assembly bodies for disengageable securing of the item with the purpose of rotating the item and where at least the assembly bodies are vertically displaceable to be able to displace the item into the fluid and out of the fluid in the tub,

- a turning joint adapted to angle the rotational unit while the item is rotating, and

- a second treatment unit provided with UV light sources. Alternatively, the object of the invention is achieved with an apparatus of the introductory described variant, characterised in that it encompasses

- a first treatment unit with a fluid tub, containing a curable IR fluid into which the item can be lowered,

- a rotational unit with a pole, equipped with assembly bodies for disengageable securing of the item with the purpose of rotating the item and where at least the assembly bodies are vertically displaceable to be able to displace the item into the fluid and out of the fluid in the tub,

- a turning joint adapted to angle the rotational unit while the item is rotating, and

- a second treatment unit supplied with IR radiation sources. The method according to the invention is characterised by the method encompassing steps for

- assembling the unit on assembly bodies on a pole connected to a rotational unit,

- lowering of the item into a curable fluid in a fluid tub in a first treatment unit,

- rotation of the unit while it is being lowered into the fluid,

- raising the item out of the fluid while it is still rotating,

- angling the rotating item and increasing rotational speed to hurl excess fluid off the item,

- transferring the item to a chamber of another treatment unit,

- lowering the rotational speed,

- exposing the item to radiation configured to cure the curable fluid, while the item is being rotated in the second treatment unit,

- extracting the item from the second treatment unit, and

- dismounting the item from the assembly bodies.

In an embodiment of the method, the curable fluid is a UV curable fluid and the item is exposed to UV lighting.

In another embodiment of the method the curable fluid is an Infrared (IR) curable fluid, and the item is exposed to Infrared (IR) radiation.

The apparatus according to the invention is a simple construction which can easily be placed inside workshops with modest ventilation requirements and such, as it is common for paint booths. The technical effect which is achieved through the invention is the establishing of a renovated car rim or other rotationally symmetric item, which has undergone a surface treatment in the form of a lacquer or paint which is UV curable.

The same technical effect can be achieved with the invention being adapted with an IR curable fluid and an IR curing unit in place of the lighting unit with UV light as its curing unit.

In the following, the invention is by default being described with the use of curable UV fluid and appertaining lighting source with UV lighting as its curing unit. In a similar fashion and with similar technical effects, the invention can be worked with curable IR fluid and a suitable curing unit, which emits IR radiation, an IR curing unit.

With a curable UV fluid, a faster treatment is achieved, as the time to cure is shortened in comparison to the typical time to cure for other lacquers/paints.

Typically, a time to cure of two minutes can be applied for a car rim.

With a treatment in accordance with the method of the invention, it becomes possible to recycle rims even if these have a poor lacquer-Zpaintjob.

It is possible to apply a new coat of paint or alternatively carry out a lacquering which creates a coating on top of old lacquer/paint.

The apparatus is very simple, as it consists of two treatment units, where the first treatment unit comprises a fluid tub and the second treatment unit comprises a chamber or similar, which is supplied with UV light sources. The apparatus comprises a rotational unit which makes it possible to rotate the item, as it is submerged in the fluid. Thus, the fluid can seep into even the complex structures, which can be located on a rim.

After procuring the fluid onto the rim, it is raised above the fluid surface whereby a rotation can ensure that excess fluid is hurled off the item. This is achieved through an increase in the rotational speed. The rotational speed depends on the item that is undergoing treatment, as well as the type of fluid which is being applied in the surface treatment.

In the present application, the term excess fluid covers fluid that is not necessary for establishing an all-covering painting or coating of the item that is undergoing treatment.

The rotational unit with the item is hereafter transferred to the second treatment unit where the fluid, which is covering the item, is cured by the UV light.

Rotational speed, which is applied during the application of fluid, can be in the magnitude of 0-60 RPM, e.g. 0-10 RPM or 0-5 RPM.

Rotational speed, when the excess fluid is hurled off the item, can be in the magnitude of 10-120 RPM, e.g. 20-120 RPM or 30-60 RPM.

Finally, the rotational speed in the second treatment unit and under the UV light, can be in the magnitude of 0-120 RPM, e.g. 10-30 RPM or 0-20 RPM.

The apparatus and the method are not restricted to the aforementioned rotational speeds but can be adjusted in accordance with the specifications of the curable fluid which is being used. Specifications that can influence the choice of rotational speed in the individual processes are, e.g., the viscosity of the fluid, the desired coating thickness after curing, and the fluid’s required time to cure.

The fluid that is being used can be a curable UV- or an IR fluid, which can be provided in the form of clear lacquers or colours for a desired colouring of the item.

As part of the surface treatment with the curable UV fluid it is significant that the item is rotated and/or angled in relation to the UV lighting. This is especially important for complicated constructions such as car rims, which have many surfaces and holes that can be difficult to reach, if the item is not being rotated and/or angled. Alternatively, it will likewise be possible to place the item in a secured position in a room where UV light sources are rotated around the item. Such a rotation can happen solely around a secured rotational axis or can happen with light sources that are being rotated around a rotational axis that, under the UV light, receives a variable angling in accordance with the item that is undergoing treatment.

According to another embodiment the apparatus is, according to the invention, characterised by that the connecting bodies comprise a cone shaped body, which is meant for engaging with a centre bore in the item.

A centre bore is located on all car rims. By having a cone shaped body in the connecting bodies, a single connecting body can be used on different rims, on which the diameter of the centre bore can vary.

According to another embodiment the apparatus is, according to the invention, characterised by an openable lid provided above the fluid tub.

By providing an openable lid above the fluid tub, the risk of splashes and evaporation from the tub is avoided when the lid is closed.

According to another embodiment the apparatus is, according to the invention, characterised by the rotational unit being assembled above the fluid tub, with the pole fitting through the openable lid.

Hereby it becomes possible to situate the assembly bodies with the thereon assembled body under the lid, while the motor is situated above the lid. The pole connection will thus pass through the opening in the openable lid. When the lid is closed, the risk of fluid splashes hitting the rotational unit is thereby avoided.

According to another embodiment the apparatus is, according to the invention, characterised by the treatment units being provided in chambers that are arranged above one another. Hereby an especially simple construction of the apparatus is achieved. The two treatmentunits can be placed in a pillar, with multiple chambers arranged above one another. In the lowermost chamber the fluid tub will be provided and in an upper chamber the UV light sources will be provided.

The apparatus can thus be provided in one housing.

Hereby, a simple application is achieved, as the rotational unit and the item throughout the various steps are displaced vertically out from the lower placed fluid tub, where fluid is applied onto the item, whereafter the item is displaced upward to a position where the item is free from the fluid surface and where a rotation can be performed to hurl the excess fluid off the item.

A further upward displacement toward an above placed chamber in which the UV light sources are provided can thereafter be performed. Here, the UV treatment of the fluid can be performed.

The item can then be raised out of the upper tub and disconnected from the assembly bodies.

Subsequently, the assembly bodies are ready to be supplied with a new item, whereafter said item is lowered through the upper treatment unit and down into the lower treatment unit, until the item is immersed in the tub’s fluid. Then, a potentially provided lid above the fluid tub is closed, before a rotation of the item in the fluid is initiated.

According to another embodiment the apparatus is, according to the invention, characterized by the second treatment unit comprising a chamber which is supplied with mirrors to reflect the UV light from the light sources in different directions.

To ensure that all surfaces on the rotationally symmetric item are exposed to UV rays it is preferred that the second treatment unit has a chamber supplied with minors. Hereby, it becomes possible to reflect UV light in different directions. The mirrors can as a result be placed with varying angles in accordance with the rotational axis to ensure an exposure to all parts of the rotationally symmetric item when it is rotated throughout the UV light exposure.

According to another embodiment the method is according to the invention characterized by the method comprising that the rotation of the item lowered into the fluid is performed in a largely vertical rotational axis and that the item, after being raised from the fluid, is angled at an angle between 30° and 60°, preferably at around 45° during the increased rotational speed.

It is possible to apply different angles, though it remains expedient for rotation of the item to happen around a vertical rotational axis as the item can thus be held beneath the fluid surface in a tub with limited fluid height.

After fluid has been applied to the item it can, in the position above the fluid surface, be angled at angles between 30° and 60° and preferably to around 45° in relation to the vertical position of the rotational axis. By rotating at such an angling, the risk of so- called runs in the fluid that remain on the item’s surface is either lowered or avoided entirely.

According to another embodiment the method is according to the invention characterized by, that the method comprises the item being angled at 90° during the transfer to the second treatment unit, so that the rotation is performed in a largely vertical rotational axis during the UV exposure.

During the UV exposure the item is angled at 90° in relation to the initial position, so that the rotation is performed around a largely vertical rotational axis. Thus, the risk of gathering of drop-shaped fluids upon the surface is avoided. Yet, it remains possible for the item to be provided in other angles during the UV exposure.

It is likewise possible that the angle of the item is changed relative to the vertical direction during the UV exposure.

It is thus ensured that all parts on the item are struck by the UV lighting, even in complex constructions such as car rims. According to another embodiment the method is according to the invention characterized by, that the method comprises picking a fluid among curable UV paint and curable UV lacquer.

Alternatively, the method can be adjusted to accommodate the use of curable IR fluid and a curable IR curing unit suitable for emitting IR radiation for the purpose of curing; the IR curing unit can thus replace the UV light.

Same technical effects for the method with curable UV fluid and the light unit can be accomplished with the method wherein a curable IR fluid and IR curing unit is used.

As mentioned above fluid can not only be a paint but also a lacquer. The lacquer can be a clear lacquer which is applied on to a painted surface or an abraded surface, so that the surface’s colour is retained. If a different colour is desired, a paint is chosen.

The application will be as follows:

Step 1

The item is assembled on to the assembly bodies.

Step 2

Vertical displacement of the item for lowering of the item into the curable fluid in the fluid tub, and door is locked.

Step 3

The item is rotated.

Step 4

Ventilation begins.

Step 5

Vertical displacement of the item upwards from the curable fluid in the fluid tub, and the item is rotated. Step 6

UV lights are turned on and the curing process begins. It can last around 40 seconds.

Step 7

Ventilation stops and door can be opened.

Step 8

UV lacquer is thoroughly cured. The rim can be removed from the assembly bodies.

Description of the Drawing

The invention will hereafter be described with references to the enclosed schematic drawing, where:

Fig. 1 shows a partial cut through an apparatus according to the invention in a first operating condition for execution of the method,

Fig. 2 shows a partial cut through an apparatus according to the invention in a second operating condition for execution of the method, and

Fig. 3 shows a partial cut through an apparatus according to the invention in a third operating condition for execution of the method.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Fig. 1-3 displays a schematic illustration of an apparatus, where the various figures illustrate different operating conditions during execution of the method.

In the various figures the same part will be supplied with identical reference and an explanation in relation to all construction details in relation to each figure will thus not be provided.

An apparatus 1 for treatment of a rotational symmetric item 2, which in the given example is a rim, is illustrated. The apparatus comprises a first treatment unit 3, wherein a curable UV fluid 4 with a fluid surface 5 appears. The rim 2 is shown immersed in the fluid 4 in fig. 1. The apparatus further comprises a rotational unit 6 in the form of a motor which will preferably be an electricity-driven motor. The motor 6 is connected to connecting bodies

8 via a pole 7, where the rim 2 is assembled. The connecting bodies 8 have a cone part

9 which passes through a centre bore (not shown) in the rim 2. The rotational unit and the pole are suspended in a turning joint 10.

The apparatus comprises a second treatment unit 11 supplied with UV light sources 12.

The rotation of the motor and the item will be performed around a rotational axis 13, which in fig. 1 is illustrated as being vertical, and which in fig. 2 is illustrated in a 45° position compared to vertical, and in fig. 3 is illustrated to be 90° compared to vertical.

In the first treatment unit 3 the lower portion comprises a fluid tub 14. The fluid tub 14 is supplied with a lid 15, which is openable by turning around hinges 16.

Thus, it is possible to bring the lid parts 15 from the closed position illustrated in fig. 1, to the open position illustrated in fig. 2, where the lid parts are turned upward, whereby a rim can be raised or lowered from the first treatment unit 3.

In fig. 1-3, the two treatment units 3 and 11 are illustrated as chambers arranged above one another. A simple construction is thus achieved.

The UV light sources 12, which are provided in the second treatment unit 11, provides exposure from different directions. The light sources are either combined with or integrated with mirrors 17. The mirrors can be angled in different ways, so that a reflection of UV light from the light sources is achieved in different directions. As a result, exposure of even complicated constructions and holes in the rim 2 can be performed.