Device and method for coating bicycle components

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and to a method for coating bicycle components. According to the invention, the device has at least one power supply unit, at least one liquid tank and at least one conveying means for the bicycle components to be coated. On the power supply unit, there are at least two electrodes that are connected to the bicycle components and arranged in the liquid tank. In the liquid tank, there is also a carrier solution having a prescribed proportion of a coating substance, where the electric circuit to the power supply unit is closed when at least one component is at least partially brought into contact with the liquid. The coating substance is deposited at least as a function of a prescribed electric current.

1 . A device to coat bicycle components having at least one power supply unit, at least one liquid tank and at least one conveying means for the bicycle components, 
 wherein the power supply unit is particularly a direct-current unit having at least two electrodes, and    wherein at least the conveying means, particularly the bicycle component as at least a first electrode, and at least the liquid tank, particularly at least a second electrode arranged therein, are connected to the power supply unit, and    wherein the liquid tank holds a carrier solution having a prescribed proportion of a coating substance,    wherein the electric circuit of the device is closed when, under the prescribed conditions, the bicycle components are at least partially brought into contact with the liquid,    characterized in that    the bicycle component is coated by means of deposition of the coating substance dispersed in the liquid at least as a function of the prescribed electric current.    
     
     
         2 . The device for coating bicycle components according to  claim 1 , characterized in that 
 the device serves to coat bicycle components that are made with at least one material from a group of materials comprising metals such as, for instance, aluminum, iron, nickel, zinc, titanium, bronze, metal alloys thereof and the like.    
     
     
         3 . The device for coating bicycle components according to  claim 1 , characterized in that 
 the coating substance is at least partially dispersed in a carrier solution, wherein this carrier solution is selected from among a group of liquids comprising water with or without additives, particularly demineralized water, solvents, auxiliaries such as, for example, surfactants and the like.    
     
     
         4 . The device for coating bicycle components according to  claim 3 , characterized in that 
 the coating substance is selected from a group of materials comprising acrylic-based or epoxy-based paints and the like which exhibit a prescribed particle size distribution and prescribed charging characteristics.    
     
     
         5 . The device for coating bicycle components according to  claim 1 , characterized in that 
 the carrier solution containing the coating substance has a dynamic viscosity between 0.2 and 10 mPa·s, more preferably between 0.3 and 2 mPa·s and particularly preferred between 0.4 and 1 mPa·s.    
     
     
         6 . The device for coating bicycle components according to  claim 1 , characterized in that 
 the device has a plurality of liquid tanks in which the components are pre-treated, coated and rinsed.    
     
     
         7 . The device for coating bicycle components according to  claim 1 , characterized in that 
 prior to being coated, the component is cleaned in at least one additional liquid bath, and particularly impurities such as oil, grease and corrosion residues or the like are removed, at least from the surface.    
     
     
         8 . A method for coating bicycle components that are made at least partially of at least one electrically conductive material, comprising the following steps: 
 pre-treatment of the bicycle components;    electrochemical coating of the components in a dipping bath in which at least one coating substance is deposited onto the component, said coating substance being at least partially dispersed in a carrier solution;    post-rinsing of the components with the carrier solution;    baking of the components in an oven.    
     
     
         9 . The method for coating bicycle components according to  claim 8 , characterized in that 
 the pre-treatment of the bicycle components comprises at least one process step that is selected from a group that comprises cleaning, pickling, activating, post-rinsing, etc. the components, particularly their surfaces.    
     
     
         10 . The method for coating bicycle components according to  claim 8 , characterized in that 
 the coating substance is deposited onto the surface and at least into a prescribed area of the pore structure of the component.    
     
     
         11 . The method for coating bicycle components according to  claim 8 , characterized in that, 
 after the baking of the coated component, a surface structure is created that is at least partially gas-tight and liquid-tight.    
     
     
         12 . The method for coating bicycle components according to  claim 8 , characterized in that, 
 the bicycle components are coated in an essentially continuous process.    
     
     
         13 . The method for coating bicycle components according to  claim 8 , characterized in that at least one heat exchanger is arranged in the flow path of the carrier solution.  
     
     
         14 . Use of the method for coating bicycle components according to one of claims  8  through  13 , wherein the bicycle components belong to a group of bicycle components comprising bicycle forks, bicycle wheel rims, bicycle springs, saddle supports, handlebar fittings, bicycle wheel hubs, bicycle spokes, bicycle frames, bicycle cranks, fenders and the like.  
     
     
         15 . The use of the device for coating bicycle components according to at least one of claims  1  through  7 , wherein the bicycle components belong to a group of bicycle components comprising bicycle forks, bicycle wheel rims, bicycle springs, saddle supports, handlebar fittings, bicycle wheel hubs, bicycle spokes, bicycle frames, bicycle cranks, fenders and the like.  
     
     
         16 . Components, particularly bicycle components, which are coated with a device according to at least one of claims  1  through  7 , wherein the bicycle components belong to a group of bicycle components comprising bicycle forks, bicycle wheel rims, bicycle springs, saddle supports, handlebar fittings, bicycle wheel hubs, bicycle spokes, bicycle frames, bicycle cranks, fenders and the like.  
     
     
         17 . Components, particularly bicycle components, which are coated by means of a method according to one of claims  8  through  13 , wherein the bicycle components belong to a group of bicycle components comprising bicycle forks, bicycle wheel rims, bicycle springs, saddle supports, handlebar fittings, bicycle wheel hubs, bicycle spokes, bicycle frames, bicycle cranks, fenders and the like.