Method for coating the exterior surface of a transport vehicle body and associated vehicle body

Abstract

Method for coating an exterior surface of a transport vehicle body and associated vehicle body. The invention relates to a method for coating an exterior surface (32) of a transport vehicle body (10), in particular a railway vehicle, comprising at least the following steps: - supplying a body (10) made of at least one metallic material, the body (10) comprising a roof (12), a plurality of side walls (14) and a base (16), each side wall (14) comprising an exterior surface (32) extending substantially in a longitudinal direction (X') and an elevation direction (Z'), - sanding the exterior surface (32) of at least one of said side walls (14) in at least two different directions, said directions being non-parallel to each other,- application of a coating to at least one area of ​​the sanded outer surface (32) and - application of a film (40) to the sanded outer surface (32). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2,

Description

Title of the invention: Method for coating the exterior surface of a transport vehicle body and associated vehicle body

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of coating an external surface of a body of a transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle.

[0002] Such a process is generally used to protect the outer surface of the case and to improve its aesthetic appearance.

[0003] Generally, a vehicle comprises a metal body carried by a drive device. In the case of a railway vehicle, the metal body is carried by bogies.

[0004] The body is generally composed of several parts assembled by bolting, welding or riveting and also receives a number of equipment, depending on the intended use of the vehicle, such as windows, electrical cables, seats or interior trim elements.

[0005] The exterior of the assembled metal body receives an external coating which serves to protect the body against corrosion and improve the aesthetics of the vehicle.

[0006] It is known in particular to cover the outer surface of the crate with several layers of paint forming the external protective coating.

[0007] However, such a process is not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, numerous steps are necessary to obtain the final result. In particular, the wall must be cleaned before the paint is applied. Furthermore, it is necessary to apply undercoats, intermediate coats, and topcoats of paint to achieve a satisfactory aesthetic appearance. The application and drying times make the process lengthy and expensive. Moreover, the paints used generally contain compounds and solvents that may pose a risk to the environment and / or to the health of the person applying them.

[0008] One of the aims of the invention is to enable the coating of an external surface of a transport vehicle body in a simplified and economical manner while ensuring good resistance of the coating to external stresses.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a coating process of the aforementioned type comprising at least the following steps:

[0010] - supply of a crate made of at least one metallic material, the crate comprising a roof, a plurality of side walls and a base, each wall lateral comprising an exterior surface extending substantially in a longitudinal direction and an elevation direction,

[0011] - sanding the outer surface of at least one of said side walls according to at least two different directions, said directions not being parallel to each other,

[0012] - application of a coating to at least one area of ​​the sanded outer surface, and

[0013] - application of a film on the sanded outer surface.

[0014] Such a process reduces the time required to coat a vehicle body, as well as the costs associated with this operation. Furthermore, maintenance of the coating is easier compared to a body with painted walls.

[0015] The coating process according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination:

[0016] - the film is applied to the majority of the sanded outer surface of the wall lateral, preferably on at least 75% of the sanded outer surface of the side wall;

[0017] - the coating process includes a step of depositing an adhesive onto the film prior to the step of applying the film to the sanded outer surface;

[0018] - the glue is deposited in the form of a layer of glue exhibiting striations longitudinal;

[0019] - the coating process further comprises a step of depositing an adhesive tape in vinyl along at least part of the film's periphery;

[0020] - the case is made of aluminium.

[0021] The invention also relates to a transport vehicle body, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising a roof, a plurality of side walls and a base, the body being obtained by the coating process as described above.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment, the roof is free of paint and film.

[0023] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising a body as described above.

[0024] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic exploded perspective view of a crate of vehicle according to the invention, the vehicle here being a railway vehicle; and

[0026] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the case of [Fig.1], the box comprising at least one side wall on which a film is applied.

[0027] A transport vehicle body 10 is shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this example, the vehicle is a railway vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle is a road transport vehicle, for example a bus.

[0028] In this description, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right" are defined in relation to the normal direction of movement of the vehicle.

[0029] The body 10 is intended to be carried by bogies (not shown). The bogies carry wheels and, optionally, electric motors responsible for propelling the vehicle.

[0030] The body 10 extends substantially along a longitudinal direction X, corresponding to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, a transverse direction Y, corresponding to the left-to-right direction of the vehicle, normal to the longitudinal direction X, and an elevation direction Z, corresponding to the height of the vehicle, normal to the longitudinal direction X and transverse direction Y.

[0031] The body 10 includes a roof 12, a plurality of side walls 14 and a base 16. The body 10 also includes at its two front and rear ends transverse end walls.

[0032] The casing 10 defines an interior space 18, visible in [Fig. 2], which can accommodate equipment and / or passengers. The interior space 18 accommodates, for example, seats 19.

[0033] The roof 12, the side walls 14 and the base 16 are preferably fitted with equipment. This equipment includes, for example, windows 20 and doors 22 installed in openings in the side walls 14. The equipment also includes electronic equipment, electrical cables and cladding elements for the internal surfaces, as well as a floor covering.

[0034] The casing 10 is made of at least one metallic material. According to a particular embodiment, the casing 10 is made at least partly of aluminum. Advantageously, the casing 10 is made entirely of aluminum.

[0035] In [Fig. 1], the roof 12, the side walls 14 and the underbody 16 are aluminum structures comprising an inner surface 30 oriented towards the interior space 18 and an outer surface 32 oriented towards the exterior of the vehicle. Such structures are generally manufactured by extrusion.

[0036] Preferably, the outer surface 32 of the roof 12 is uncoated, in particular without paint or film. The roof 12 is made of a material with sufficient corrosion resistance and does not require a protective coating.

[0037] Preferably, the exterior surface 32 of the base 16 has a coating. For example, the exterior surface 32 of the base 16 is painted. The costs incurred by coating said exterior surface 32 remain moderate, the requirement aesthetics being low for said exterior surface 32 since the latter is barely visible during the operation of the vehicle.

[0038] In [Fig.1], the box 10 comprises two side walls 14, and in particular a right side wall 14 and a left side wall 14.

[0039] According to a particular embodiment not shown, at least one side wall 14 is formed of a plurality of panels joined together at their edges, for example by welding or riveting.

[0040] In Figures 1 and 2, the side walls 14 are substantially flat. The external surfaces 32 of the side walls 14 extend substantially along a longitudinal direction X' and an elevation direction Z'.

[0041] In figures 1 and 2, the longitudinal direction X' and elevation direction Z' of said external surfaces 32 are substantially coincident with respectively the longitudinal direction X and the elevation direction Z of the casing 10.

[0042] This means that the longitudinal direction X' of the external surfaces 32 of the side walls 14 defines an angle less than or equal to 20° with the longitudinal direction X and that the longitudinal direction Z' of the external surfaces 32 of the side walls 14 defines an angle less than or equal to 20° with the elevation direction Z. It is understood that the side walls may be slightly curved, for example outwards.

[0043] According to a particular embodiment, the side walls 14 have reliefs of conformation, for example hollows or bumps, or curved surfaces, for example at the level of the openings intended to receive the windows.

[0044] At least one of the side walls 14 includes a coating applied to the outer surface 32. Preferably, each side wall 14 includes an outer coating applied to the outer surface 32.

[0045] Preferably, the majority of the outer surface 32 of each side wall 14 is covered by the cladding. For example, at least 75%, preferably at least 90%, of the outer surface 32 of each side wall 14 is covered by the cladding. In one embodiment, at least all areas of the outer surface 32 extending in the plane comprising the longitudinal direction X' and the elevation direction Z' are covered by the cladding.

[0046] The coating comprises a film 40, for example made of at least one polymeric material. Preferably, the film 40 is a cast vinyl film. Alternatively, the film 40 is a calendered vinyl film.

[0047] The film 40 has a thickness between 10 pm and 2 mm, for example between 10 pm and 100 pm, preferably substantially equal to 50 pm.

[0048] The film 40 protects the outer surface 32 against corrosion.

[0049] Preferably, the film 40 has a shape substantially identical to the shape of the side wall 14 and is delimited by a periphery 42, visible on the [Fig.2].

[0050] Preferably, the film 40 has a layer of glue intended to ensure the adhesion of the film 40 to the outer surface 32 of the side wall.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the adhesive layer has striations. In said embodiment, the adhesive layer is non-continuous and is formed of bands spaced apart from each other. Advantageously, the striations are longitudinal striations extending in a mean direction.

[0052] The grooves facilitate the application and retention of the film 40 on the side wall 14.

[0053] For example, film 40 is a Controltac™ 180 micro-comply™ film from the brand 3M ®.

[0054] According to a particular embodiment, an anti-graffiti coating is applied to the film 40. For example, said coating is a film to which paint adheres poorly. The anti-graffiti coating has a thickness of between 10 µm and 2 mm, for example between 10 µm and 100 µm, preferably approximately 50 µm.

[0055] For example, the anti-graffiti protection is a Scotchgard™ 8993 film from the 3M® brand.

[0056] Preferably, the coating further comprises an adhesive tape deposited along at least part of the periphery 42 of the film 40.

[0057] The adhesive tape is preferably a vinyl adhesive tape.

[0058] The adhesive tape prevents delamination of the film 40, particularly when the latter is subjected to significant abrasion stresses due to air. This is the case, for example, when the vehicle is moving at high speed, especially when the vehicle is a high-speed train.

[0059] The metal casing 10 thus coated exhibits good resistance to external conditions, in particular to corrosion, as well as a satisfactory aesthetic appearance.

[0060] Furthermore, the absence of paint on the side walls 14 and coating on the roof 12 reduces the weight of the body 10 compared to that of a fully painted metal body, all other things being equal. Operating costs are therefore lower. Moreover, the absence of paint reduces the use of chemicals that are potentially hazardous to the environment and / or to the health of users. Consequently, less equipment is required for coating the body, such as protective equipment.

[0061] In addition, the use of film 40 offers great freedom in terms of design, with patterns that can be displayed on the case 10.

[0062] Moreover, the external coating operation of the crate 10 is quick and simple, as will now be described.

[0063] The process of coating the outer surface 32 of the case 10 will now be described.

[0064] Said process includes a step of supplying the crate 10.

[0065] The body 10 is provided by assembling the roof 12, the base 16 and the side walls 14.

[0066] Prior to the assembly stage, the side walls 14 are preferably made by extrusion and therefore have extrusion striations on their external surface 32.

[0067] The assembly of the side walls 14 to the roof 12 and the base 16 forms a "tube" intended to be subsequently closed at its two front and rear ends by transverse end walls (not shown).

[0068] The assembly of the roof 12, the base 16, and the side walls 14 is carried out, for example, by longitudinal welding along contact areas between the elements. Alternatively, the assembly of the roof 12, the base 16, and the side walls 14 is carried out by riveting or bolting.

[0069] Then, the process includes a step of sanding the outer surface 32 of at least one of said side walls 14. The sanding step is carried out in at least two different directions to obtain a sanded surface. Said directions are tangent to the outer surface 32.

[0070] The term “different directions” means directions that are not parallel to each other.

[0071] Preferably, the sanding step is carried out at least along the longitudinal direction X' and the elevation direction Z' of said external surface 32.

[0072] Preferably, the sanding step is an "omnidirectional sanding" step, carried out using an orbital sander equipped with P80 to P240 grit sandpaper at a defined rotational speed. For example, the rotational speed is between 1,000 rpm and 24,000 rpm, in particular between 1,000 rpm and 12,000 rpm. Alternatively, the sanding step is carried out using an eccentric orbital sander equipped with P80 to P240 grit sandpaper at a defined rotational speed between 1,000 rpm and 24,000 rpm, in particular between 1,000 rpm and 12,000 rpm, with an oscillation of between 1 mm and 10 mm, for example, 5 mm.

[0073] Preferably, the majority of the outer surface 32 is sanded. For example, at least 75%, preferably at least 90%, of the outer surface 32 is sanded. The sanding is carried out at least in all areas of the outer surface 32 intended to receive a coating.

[0074] The sanding step reduces or even eliminates flatness defects on the outer surface 32, in particular extrusion striations and / or surface defects present on the outer surface 32 of the side wall 14.

[0075] It may happen that the sanded outer surface 32 has locally one or more areas with defects, in particular due to impacts or at the level of weld beads.

[0076] According to a particular embodiment, the coating process then comprises a step of applying a coating to at least one area of ​​the sanded exterior surface 32, and in particular to the area(s) with defects. The coating fills the defective areas smoothly and continuously.

[0077] Preferably, the coating is applied with a knife.

[0078] Preferably, the coating is applied to less than 20% of the sanded exterior surface 32, preferably to less than 10% of the sanded exterior surface 32, most preferably to less than 5% of the sanded exterior surface 32.

[0079] The coating is compatible with film 40 and does not alter the color of said film 40.

[0080] For example, the coating comprises a compound selected from polyesters, epoxy compounds, and / or polyurethanes. For example, the coating is selected from AXSON's APF7 coating, Henkel's TEROSON 6700, or AXSON's SC180.

[0081] The roughness of the external surface of the coating is, for example, substantially equal to the roughness of the area of ​​the external surface that has been sanded and is not covered with coating.

[0082] Then, the process includes a step of applying the film 40 to the sanded and preferably cleaned outer surface 32.

[0083] The film 40 is in direct contact with said sanded outer surface 32, except for each area on which the coating has been applied. In this or these coated areas, the film 40 is in direct contact with the coating.

[0084] Preferably, the film 40 is glued onto the sanded outer surface 32.

[0085] The sanding step and, if applicable, the coating application step ensure a sufficiently smooth surface for the application of the film 40. Since the film 40 generally has a glossy appearance, even the slightest surface defect is revealed. The absence of extrusion lines or defects on the outer surface 32 onto which the film 40 is applied therefore ensures an optimal aesthetic result.

[0086] According to a particular embodiment, the process includes, prior to the step of applying the film 40 to the sanded outer surface 32, a step of depositing an adhesive on said film 40.

[0087] The glue is deposited on one side of the film 40 in the form of a layer preferably having striations.

[0088] The presence of the grooves prevents the formation of air bubbles under the film 40 at the time of its application, by allowing the air to escape between the grooves.

[0089] The narrow width of the grooves limits the infiltration and migration of moisture under the film 40, and therefore the risk of corrosion of the metal walls due to stagnation of water on the metal.

[0090] Preferably, the process then includes a step of depositing an adhesive tape along at least a part of the periphery 42 of the film 40. For example, the tape is a vinyl adhesive tape.

[0091] Preferably, the adhesive tape is applied at the edge areas between the film 40 and the outer surface 32, both on the film 40 and the outer surface 32. The adhesive tape is applied along the periphery 42 of the film 40, preferably over at least 40% of the periphery 42 of the film 40. Preferably, the adhesive tape is applied along the vertical parts of the periphery 42 of the film 40. Advantageously, the adhesive tape is applied over substantially the entire periphery 42 of the film 40.

[0092] The film 40 is suitable for replacement, for example if it is damaged or to change the aesthetic appearance of the case 10. The adhesive tape is then removed and the film 40 is laid down. A new film is then applied to the outer surface 32 of the side wall 14, said outer surface 32 having been previously cleaned and, if necessary, sanded again.

[0093] According to a particular embodiment, the process includes a step of coating the exterior surface 32 of the base 16. Preferably, said coating step includes a step of cleaning the exterior surface 32 of the base 16, and then a step of shot blasting said exterior surface 32.

[0094] Next, at least one coat of paint is applied to said exterior surface 32. Preferably, a single coat of paint is applied to the exterior surface 32 of the base 16, the base 16 being barely visible and having a less important aesthetic appearance than in the case of the side walls 14. Alternatively, the exterior surface 32 of the base 16 is covered with a film. Alternatively, the exterior surface 32 of the base 16 is left uncoated.

[0095] Preferably, the process does not include a step of coating the outer surface of the roof 12, said roof 12 being made of a corrosion-resistant material.

[0096] The method of coating an exterior surface of a vehicle body according to the invention uses simple and quick coating methods, while ensuring an optimal aesthetic result, even for large surfaces.

[0097] The sanding step, and possibly the step of applying a coating, makes it possible to obtain a surface that is sufficiently smooth, even for the application of a smooth 40 film.

[0098] Furthermore, the outer coating is capable of withstanding demanding conditions, including the service constraints of a railway vehicle.

[0099] The absence of paint on the side walls 14 allows a significant time saving, for example of several days, in the manufacture of the crate 10 compared to a fully painted crate, since the times of application of the paint and waiting between the different layers are eliminated.

[0100] The absence of paint also allows for a reduction in logistical costs, by eliminating, for example, the paint booth.

[0101] In addition, the time required for maintenance of the exterior coating is reduced, as the replacement of film 40 is quick to perform, which limits vehicle downtime.

[0102] Other embodiments than those just described are of course conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0103] According to a particular embodiment, the step of assembling the different elements of the box is subsequent to the sanding step, the step of applying the coating and / or the step of applying the film 40. For example, the film 40 is applied to the external surface 32 of at least one side wall 14 prior to the assembly of said side wall 14 with the roof 12 and the base 16.

[0104] According to a particular embodiment, instead of adhesive tape, a sealing varnish is applied to at least part of the periphery 42 of the film 40.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for coating an external surface (32) of a body (10) of a transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising at least the following steps: - supplying a body (10) made of at least one metallic material, the body (10) comprising a roof (12), a plurality of side walls (14) and a base (16), each side wall (14) comprising an external surface (32) extending substantially in a longitudinal direction (X') and an elevation direction (Z'), - sanding the external surface (32) of at least one of said side walls (14) in at least two different directions, said directions not being parallel to each other, - applying a coating to at least one area of ​​the sanded external surface (32), and - applying a film (40) to the sanded external surface (32).

2. Coating method according to claim 1, wherein the film (40) is applied to the majority of the sanded outer surface (32) of the side wall (14), preferably on at least 75%, in particular at least 90%, of the sanded outer surface (32) of the side wall (14).

3. A coating method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, comprising a step of depositing an adhesive on the film (40) prior to the step of applying the film (40) to the sanded outer surface (32).

4. A coating method according to claim 3, wherein the adhesive is deposited in the form of an adhesive layer having longitudinal striations.

5. A coating method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a step of depositing a vinyl adhesive tape along at least a portion of the periphery (42) of the film (40).

6. Coating method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the casing (10) is made of aluminum.

7. Body (10) of a transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising a roof (12), a plurality of side walls (14) and a base (16), the body (10) being obtained by the

8.

9. coating process according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Vehicle body (10) according to claim 7, wherein the roof (12) is free of paint and film. Vehicle, in particular railway, comprising a body (10) according to claim 7 or 8.