Car washing machine and method for washing car

Abstract

To simplify car washing steps to shorten car washing time.SOLUTION: A coating step includes a step of single coating with a coating agent that includes at least one selected from a silicone resin, an amino modified silicone, a block isocyanate, and a hydrocarbon polymer, where the block isocyanate is emulsified by a cationic surfactant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a car washing machine and a car washing method.

Background Art

[0002] In the car washing process by a car washing machine, a coating step of performing a water-repellent coating using a coating agent mainly composed of a silicone resin as a vehicle coating agent with a high water-splashing effect may be included (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in order to obtain a sufficient water-repellent effect, the conventional coating agent as described above requires the application of a base agent having the role of a binder before applying the coating agent, and the coating process has taken a long time.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention simplifies the car washing process and enables shortening of the car washing time by performing the coating process with a single application.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a car washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention is a car washing machine that executes a car washing process, The car washing process includes a coating step of applying a coating agent that imparts water repellency to the vehicle surface. The coating agent includes a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and at least one selected from a blocked isocyanate and a hydrocarbon polymer. The blocked isocyanate is emulsified with a cationic surfactant. In the coating step, the coating agent is applied in a single coat.

[0007] A car washing method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a washing step of washing a vehicle and a coating step of applying a coating agent that imparts water repellency to the surface of the vehicle. The coating agent includes a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and at least one selected from a blocked isocyanate and a hydrocarbon polymer. The blocked isocyanate is emulsified with a cationic surfactant. In the coating step, the coating agent is applied in a single coat.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, by performing the coating step in a single coat, the car washing process can be simplified and the car washing time can be shortened.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention is not limited to each configuration described below, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. Also, embodiments or examples obtained by combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments or examples are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Further, unless otherwise specified in this specification, "A to B" representing a numerical range is intended to mean "A or more and B or less".

[0011] The coating agent according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and at least one selected from a blocked isocyanate and a hydrocarbon polymer, and the blocked isocyanate is emulsified with a cationic surfactant. Further, the coating agent according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used for a vehicle coating agent, particularly a vehicle coating agent used for a car washing process by a car washing machine. Hereinafter, in this specification, the "coating agent according to an embodiment of the present invention" may be referred to as "this vehicle coating agent".

[0012] In this specification, water repellency refers to the property of repelling water, and can be evaluated, for example, by the contact angle. It can be said that the larger the contact angle, the better the water repellency. Also, the flowability (also referred to as water drainage property) refers to the property that water droplets are likely to roll down, and can be evaluated, for example, by the sliding angle which is the angle when the water droplets slide. It can be said that the smaller the sliding angle, the better the flowability.

[0013] 〔Embodiment 1〕 <Outline of the car washing machine> Hereinafter, a car wash machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In Embodiment 1, an exemplary car wash machine 2 that executes a car wash process for washing a vehicle will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic side view 2S of a car wash machine main body 4 and a remote panel 6 provided in the car wash machine 2 according to the present embodiment, and a schematic front view 4F of the car wash machine main body 4. As shown in FIG. 1, the car wash machine 2 according to the present embodiment includes a car wash machine main body 4 that washes a vehicle X that is a vehicle to be washed. The car wash machine 2 further includes a remote panel 6 that acquires the car wash conditions of the vehicle X by the car wash machine main body 4. In the schematic side view 2S, the outer shape of the remote panel 6 is shown by a dotted line in order to indicate that the remote panel 6 is located further back toward the paper surface than the vehicle X.

[0014] As shown in the schematic front view 4F, the car wash machine main body 4 includes, for example, two frames 8 and a ceiling portion 10 that connects the upper ends of the two frames 8. The car wash machine main body 4 has a structure in which the vehicle X can pass through a space 4S surrounded by the frame 8 and the ceiling portion 10 along the entry direction DA of the vehicle X shown in the schematic side view 2S. In this specification, the entry direction DA is defined as the direction from the front surface 4A to the rear surface 4B of the car wash machine main body 4. In the present embodiment, the front surface 4A is, for example, the surface provided with an operation panel 42 described later.

[0015] <Car wash machine main body> The car wash machine main body 4 has wheels 12 at the lower portions of the respective frames 8, and by rotationally driving the wheels 12 by a driving unit (not shown), it relatively moves in the front-rear direction with respect to the vehicle X along a rail R disposed on the ground G. The rail R is formed, for example, along the entry direction DA. Here, while the car wash machine main body 4 relatively moves with respect to the vehicle X, it performs washing on the vehicle X in the space 4S.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, among the moving directions of the car washer main body 4, the direction toward the front surface 4A side is defined as the forward direction D1, and the direction toward the rear surface 4B side is defined as the backward direction D2. Hereinafter, the movement of the car washer main body 4 in the forward direction D1 may be simply referred to as the forward movement of the car washer main body 4, and the movement of the car washer main body 4 in the backward direction D2 may be simply referred to as the backward movement of the car washer main body 4.

[0017] On the car washer main body 4, as one of the cleaning parts, a plurality of brushes that slide on the vehicle X and perform brushing are provided. For example, the brushes included in the car washer main body 4 include a top brush 14, a side brush 16, and a rocker brush 18, each of which is rotated by a rotation motor (not shown). The top brush 14 slides along the upper surface of the vehicle X and cleans the upper surface of the vehicle X. The side brush 16 and the rocker brush 18 clean both side surfaces of the vehicle X.

[0018] On the side part of the car washer main body 4, a tank storage part 20 for storing a plurality of liquid storage tanks (not shown) storing various liquid agents including a detergent or a wax is arranged. Above the tank storage part 20, a distribution pipe part 22 for distributing water containing city water or a liquid agent from each liquid storage tank is provided. From the distribution pipe part 22, a plurality of nozzles described in detail below are respectively led out via solenoid valves (not shown).

[0019] The plurality of nozzles include a first nozzle for injecting a liquid containing city water or a cleaning liquid onto the vehicle X to clean the vehicle X, and a second nozzle for injecting a coating agent containing a water-repellent coating agent or a wax onto the vehicle X to form a coating film on the surface of the vehicle X.

[0020] The first nozzle includes a first clean water nozzle 24, a second clean water nozzle 26, a first detergent nozzle 28, and a second detergent nozzle 30. The first clean water nozzle 24 and the second clean water nozzle 26 are respectively arranged on the front surface 4A side and the rear surface 4B side of each frame 8 of the car washer main body 4, and inject water containing city water onto the vehicle X. The first detergent nozzle 28 and the second detergent nozzle 30 are respectively arranged on the front surface 4A side and the rear surface 4B side of each frame 8, and inject a cleaning liquid containing shampoo or the like onto the vehicle X.

[0021] The second nozzle includes a water-repellent coating nozzle 32 and a wax nozzle 34. The water-repellent coating nozzle 32 and the wax nozzle 34 are arranged on the rear surface 4B of the car washer main body 4. The water-repellent coating nozzle 32 injects a liquid agent of a water-repellent coating agent onto the vehicle X. The wax nozzle 34 injects wax onto the vehicle X.

[0022] Here, a configuration for applying a vehicle coating agent that imparts water repellency and running water properties (water runoff properties) to the vehicle surface in the car washer 2 will be described. In the tank storage section 20, a coating agent tank 20C (stock solution tank) for storing the stock solution of the vehicle coating agent is stored. The vehicle coating agent is injected from the water-repellent coating nozzle 32 via the distribution pipe section 22.

[0023] A pump for sucking the stock solution from the coating agent tank 20C may be provided between the coating agent tank 20C and the distribution pipe section 22. The vehicle coating agent sucked by the pump may be mixed with a solvent in the distribution pipe section 22 and injected from the water-repellent coating nozzle 32. The solvent mixed with the vehicle coating agent may be water including, for example, city water. That is, the car washer main body 4 includes a coating agent tank 20C and a pump for sucking the stock solution from the coating agent tank 20C, and is provided with an injection mechanism for mixing and injecting the stock solution of the vehicle coating agent and water.

[0024] Details of the vehicle coating agent used in the car washer 2 will be described later. The vehicle coating agent can adjust the degree of water repellency and water runoff by adjusting the mixing ratio of, for example, the stock solution and water (solvent). In other words, the vehicle coating agent can adjust the degree of water repellency and water runoff by adjusting the concentration at the time of spraying. In the car washer 2, the adjustment of the vehicle coating agent concentration can be achieved by adjusting the suction amount of the pump that sucks the stock solution from the coating agent tank 20C. The suction amount of the pump means the supply amount (ml / min) of the pump per unit time. In this case, water is supplied from the water tank equipped with the pump at a constant supply amount (supply rate). The water tank may be installed outside the car washer main body 4. Alternatively, the coating agent concentration may be adjusted by keeping the suction amount of the stock solution from the coating agent tank 20C constant and adjusting the supply amount of water from the water tank.

[0025] Furthermore, in the car washer 2, the car washer main body 4 moves relative to the vehicle. Therefore, by changing the moving speed of the car washer main body 4, the contact time with the vehicle coating agent sprayed from the car washer 2 (the required time for the coating process) can be adjusted. That is, the car washer 2 may adjust the degree of water runoff by adjusting the moving speed of the car washer main body 4.

[0026] Also, the car washer main body 4 is provided with a blower 36 that generates an air flow to dry the vehicle X. A top blowing nozzle 38 and a side blowing nozzle 40 are connected to the blower 36. The top blowing nozzle 38 is provided at the upper center of the car washer main body 4 and blows air toward the ceiling surface of the vehicle X. The side blowing nozzle 40 is provided on both sides of the car washer main body 4 and blows air toward the side surface of the vehicle X. The car washer main body 4 dries the washed vehicle X by the blowing of the top blowing nozzle 38 and the side blowing nozzle 40.

[0027] In addition, in FIG. 1, for simplicity of illustration, the illustration of each device for cleaning the vehicle X provided in the car wash main body 4 may be omitted. Further, each device provided in the car wash main body 4 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the car wash main body 4 may be provided with devices for cleaning the vehicle X, including conventionally known configurations in addition to the above-described devices, and devices for assisting such cleaning, on the frame 8 or the ceiling portion 10.

[0028] An operation panel 42 is arranged on the front surface of one frame 8 of the car wash main body 4. The operation panel 42 is provided with operation buttons (not shown) for setting car wash conditions. For example, a user who has gotten out of the vehicle X or other technicians may operate the operation buttons to set car wash conditions and the like.

[0029] <Control Unit and Remote Panel> Furthermore, the car wash 2 is provided with a control unit 44 for controlling the car wash main body 4. In particular, the control unit 44 controls the cleaning of the vehicle X by the car wash main body 4 by controlling the movement of the car wash main body 4 along the rail R and the operations of the respective parts of the cleaning unit. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 44 may be provided in the car wash main body 4, or may be located outside the car wash main body 4. The control unit 44 may transmit and receive information to and from the car wash main body 4 or a remote panel 6 described later through a communication device (not shown) to control the car wash main body 4. The control unit 44 is composed of a processor such as a CPU, for example, and each control is realized by executing a control program stored in a memory on the processor.

[0030] The remote panel 6 is located, for example, on the front side of the car wash main body 4 and is arranged approximately along the moving direction of the car wash main body 4. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front surface of the remote panel 6 is arranged so as to face the side surface of the vehicle X before being cleaned by the car wash main body 4, in other words, before entering the interior of the car wash main body 4. For this reason, in FIG. 1, the back surface of the remote panel 6 is illustrated.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the remote panel 6 includes a housing 46 and a support column 48 that stands on the ground G and supports the housing 46. The remote panel 6 may acquire at least a part of the car wash conditions of the vehicle X by the car wash machine main body 4 through operations such as a touch panel or buttons (not shown) provided on the housing 46. The control unit 44 may control the car wash machine main body 4 based on at least a part of the car wash conditions acquired by the remote panel 6 to wash the vehicle X.

[0032] <Regarding the coating agent> The car wash process of the car wash machine 2 according to the present embodiment includes a step of applying a coating agent that imparts water repellency to the vehicle surface.

[0033] The coating agent used in this coating step is as follows.

[0034] [1. Vehicle coating agent] [1.1] Silicone resin In this specification, silicone resin is intended to mean a resin mainly composed of organopolysiloxane, and includes a silicone oligomer (for example, having a weight average molecular weight of less than 10,000) which is an organopolysiloxane with a small molecular weight having a three-dimensional cross-linked structure, and a silicone resin in the narrow sense which is an organopolysiloxane with a large molecular weight (for example, having a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 or more) having a three-dimensional cross-linked structure. In this specification, the weight average molecular weight is the molecular weight determined using polystyrene as a standard substance by gel permeation chromatography.

[0035] The silicone resin used in the vehicle coating agent may be one or more selected from silicone oligomers and silicone resins in the narrow sense, but it is more preferable to contain silicone resins in the narrow sense, and it is even more preferable to be a silicone resin in the narrow sense. Such silicone resins in the narrow sense are roughly classified into straight resins and silicone-modified organic resins. The former consists of only silicone components. The latter consists of a copolymer of a silicone component and an organic resin. Among them, the straight resin mainly includes DT resin containing D unit (R2SiO 2 / 2 ) and T unit (RSiO 3 / 2 ), and MQ resin (trimethylsiloxysilicic acid) having M unit (R3SiO 1 / 2 ) and Q unit (SiO 4 / 2 ) as main structural units.

[0036] R in the M unit, D unit and T unit is each independently a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The hydrocarbon group may be linear, branched, may contain an alicyclic hydrocarbon group, or may contain an aromatic hydrocarbon group. Also, the hydrocarbon group may be a saturated hydrocarbon group or an unsaturated hydrocarbon group. Preferred examples of R include a methyl group, a phenyl group, etc. It is even more preferable that the silicone resin is an MQ resin having M unit and Q unit as main structural units.

[0037] MQ resin (trimethylsiloxysilicic acid) is represented by the general formula (R3SiO 1 / 2 ) X ·(SiO 4 / 2 ) Y (y / x = 0.1 to 0.9). This uses water glass as the starting material for the Q unit (SiO 4 / 2 ) and is terminated with a trimethylsilyl group (M unit SiO 1 / 2 ).

[0038] The silicone resin may or may not have a functional group in the molecule.

[0039] Further, the silicone resin may be a dispersion liquid, and from the viewpoint of stability during storage and the like, it may be emulsified by a surfactant such as a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, or an amphoteric surfactant.

[0040] Examples of the nonionic surfactant include polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, alkylamine oxide, and the like.

[0041] Examples of the cationic surfactant include quaternary ammonium salts, alkylamine salts, and ethylene oxide adducts thereof, and the like.

[0042] Examples of the amphoteric surfactant include fatty acid amide propyl betaine, imidazoline derivatives, and the like.

[0043] As the silicone resin, commercially available silicone resins can be used. Examples of commercially available silicone resins include those commercially available as dispersion liquids of silicone resins, such as DOWSIL TM 593 Fluid (manufactured by Dow Toray Co., Ltd.), X-52-8005 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), and the like. Also, examples of those commercially available as single silicone resins include BELSIL TMS803 (manufactured by Asahi Kasei Wacker Silicone Co., Ltd.), DOWSIL TM MQ-1600Resin (manufactured by Dow Toray Co., Ltd.), and the like.

[0044] The silicone resin may be used alone or in combination of two or more of the above-mentioned silicone resins.

[0045] [1.2] Amino-modified silicone Examples of the amino-modified silicone include modified silicone oils in which at least one or more amino groups are introduced into the terminals and / or side chains of a dimethyl silicone backbone.

[0046] The at least one or more amino groups can be introduced as amino groups and / or amino group-containing organic groups that bind to silicon atoms constituting the dimethyl silicone backbone. Examples of the amino group-containing organic groups include monoamine-type organic groups such as -R 1 NH2 (where R 1 is an alkylene group.), and diamine-type organic groups such as -R 2 NHR 3 NH2 (where R 2 and R 3 are each independently an alkylene group.). R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are hydrocarbon groups, which may be linear, branched, may contain an alicyclic hydrocarbon group, or may contain an aromatic hydrocarbon group. Further, the hydrocarbon group may be a saturated hydrocarbon group or an unsaturated hydrocarbon group. Preferred examples of R 1 , R 2 and R 3 include a methylene group, an ethylene group, a propylene group, a phenyl group, and the like.

[0047] The amino group and / or the amino group-containing organic group only need to be introduced into the terminals and / or side chains of the dimethyl silicone backbone. In other words, examples of the amino-modified silicone include side-chain type amino-modified silicone in which the amino group and / or the amino group-containing organic group is introduced into the side chain, both-terminal type amino-modified silicone in which it is introduced into both terminals, one-terminal type amino-modified silicone in which it is introduced into one terminal, both-terminal side-chain type amino-modified silicone in which it is introduced into both terminals and the side chain, one-terminal side-chain type amino-modified silicone in which it is introduced into one terminal and the side chain, and the like.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the amino-modified silicone may be a modified silicone oil in which at least one or more amino groups are introduced at the terminal and / or side chain of a skeleton in which a silicone chain and a polyoxyalkylene are linearly bonded alternately.

[0049] The amino-modified silicone may further have other functional groups and / or functional group-containing organic groups other than the amino group and / or the amino group-containing organic group. When having other functional groups and / or functional group-containing organic groups, these groups may be present in a part of the side chain or at the terminal of the main chain of the amino-modified silicone. Examples of other functional groups or functional group-containing organic groups that may be present in a part of the side chain or at the terminal of the main agent include a phenyl group, a polyether group, an epoxy group, a hydroxyl group, and the like.

[0050] Also, the amino-modified silicone may be a dispersion, and may be emulsified by a surfactant such as a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, or an amphoteric surfactant.

[0051] Examples of the nonionic surfactant include polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, alkylamine oxide, and the like.

[0052] Examples of the cationic surfactant include quaternary ammonium salts, alkylamine salts, and ethylene oxide adducts thereof, and the like.

[0053] Examples of the amphoteric surfactant include fatty acid amide propyl betaine, alkyl imidazoline, and the like.

[0054] The surfactant may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0055] As the amino-modified silicone, commercially available amino-modified silicones can be used. Examples of commercially available amino-modified silicones include KF-880 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) and DOWSIL TM 3705 (manufactured by Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd.), etc.

[0056] The amino-modified silicone may be used alone or in combination of two or more of the aforementioned amino-modified silicones.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the amino equivalent of the amino-modified silicone is preferably 300 g / mol to 7000 g / mol, and more preferably 1000 g / mol to 3000 g / mol. If the amino equivalent of the amino-modified silicone is 7000 g / mol or less, the adsorptivity of the vehicle coating agent to the coated surface is excellent, which is preferable. Also, if the amino equivalent is 300 g / mol or more, there is an advantage that the reactivity is not too strong and yellowing of the film does not occur. The amino equivalent of the amino-modified silicone can be obtained by dividing the weight average molecular weight of the amino-modified silicone by the number of nitrogen atoms contained in the amino-modified silicone.

[0058] Also, the kinematic viscosity of the amino-modified silicone at 25°C is 200 mm 2 / s to 5000 mm 2 / s, preferably 500 mm 2 / s to 3000 mm 2 / s, more preferably. If the kinematic viscosity is 5000 mm 2 / s or less, when the vehicle coating agent is spray-coated with, for example, a car wash machine, stains and / or unevenness are less likely to occur on the vehicle surface, and it is preferable because it does not become a factor inhibiting the water flow property, which is a characteristic of the silicone resin. Also, the kinematic viscosity is 200 mm 2If it is / s or more, the film will not become too thin. Therefore, it is preferable because it does not cause a decrease in water flow due to the thin film. The kinematic viscosity of the amino-modified silicone at 25°C can be measured by a known method described in JIS K 2283:2000 (Ubbelohde viscometer) or the like.

[0059] When using a combination of multiple types of amino-modified silicones as the amino-modified silicone, it is preferable that the kinematic viscosity of the mixture is within the above range. The kinematic viscosity is the kinematic viscosity of the amino-modified silicone itself and does not intend the kinematic viscosity of a solution or dispersion.

[0060] [1.3] Block isocyanate The block isocyanate used in this vehicle coating agent is not particularly limited as long as it is obtained by previously reacting the active isocyanate group in the polyisocyanate compound with a blocking agent to inactivate it.

[0061] The polyisocyanate compound is a compound having two or more isocyanate groups per molecule. Examples include various polyisocyanate compounds such as diisocyanate compounds, triisocyanate compounds, tetraisocyanate compounds, pentaisocyanate compounds, and hexaisocyanate compounds. More specific examples of the polyisocyanate include aromatic polyisocyanates such as tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) and diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI); aliphatic isocyanates such as hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI).

[0062] The blocking agent is not particularly limited. For example, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, 2-methoxyethanol; phenols such as phenol, methylphenol, n-propylphenol, iso-propylphenol, iso-butylphenol, t-butylphenol, octylphenol, nonylphenol; active methylenes such as dimethyl malonate, diethyl malonate, methyl acetoacetate, acetylacetone; mercaptans such as butyl mercaptan, dodecyl mercaptan; acid amides such as acetanilide, acetic acid amide, ε-caprolactam, δ-valerolactam, γ-butyrolactam; acid imides such as succinimide, maleimide; imidazoles such as imidazole, 2-methylimidazole; ureas such as urea, thiourea; oximes such as formaldoxime, acetaldoxime, acetoxime, methyl ethyl ketoxime, cyclohexanone oxime, acetophenone oxime, benzophenone oxime; amines such as diphenylamine, diisopropylamine, aniline; imines such as ethyleneimine, polyethyleneimine; pyrazoles such as pyrazole, 3-methylpyrazole, 3,5-dimethylpyrazole; sodium bisulfite and the like can be mentioned.

[0063] The polyisocyanate compound constituting the blocked isocyanate used in the vehicle coating agent may be of one type or a combination of multiple types. Also, the blocking agent may be of one type or a combination of multiple types.

[0064] The blocked isocyanate used in the vehicle coating agent is emulsified with a cationic surfactant. As the cationic surfactant, for example, quaternary ammonium salts, alkylamine salts, and ethylene oxide adducts thereof can be used. More specific examples of the cationic surfactant include, for example, Lipocard 2HT-75, Leomix T-50, Liposcard C / 12 (Lion Corporation), etc.

[0065] Since the blocked isocyanate is a non-adsorptive substance, adsorption by a cationic surfactant is essential. By using a blocked isocyanate emulsified with a cationic surfactant as the blocked isocyanate, when the vehicle coating agent is spray-coated, ionic adsorption of the blocked isocyanate onto the coated surface becomes possible. As a result, the blocked isocyanate forms a film on the coated surface together with the silicone resin contained in the vehicle coating agent. Since the silicone resin has a three-dimensional and high-density cross-linked network-like three-dimensional structure, the water repellency is enhanced by the orientation of CH3 groups on the surface of the film. On the other hand, since the blocked isocyanate has weaker water repellency than the silicone resin with CH3 groups oriented on the surface, a slight difference in water repellency is expected to occur between the silicone resin and the blocked isocyanate on the film surface. Since water droplet slippage is promoted by the formation of a composite surface film having a continuous gradient from a region with strong water repellency to a region with weak water repellency on the same surface, it is presumed that the coating film formed from the silicone resin and the blocked isocyanate is likely to exhibit flowing water properties.

[0066] [1.4] Hydrocarbon polymer The hydrocarbon polymer used in the vehicle coating agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of urethane resins, polyolefin resins, acrylic resins, and fluorine resins. The hydrocarbon polymer may be acid-modified.

[0067] For example, an acid-modified polyolefin resin is lipophilic and has adsorptivity due to being acid-modified. Therefore, the acid-modified polyolefin resin has excellent adhesion and is easily complex-adsorbed with the silicone resin. Thus, together with the silicone resin contained in the vehicle coating agent, it forms a film on the surface to be coated. Since the silicone resin has a three-dimensional and highly crosslinked network-like three-dimensional structure, while the CH3 groups are oriented on the surface of the film, and since the polyolefin also has CH3 groups in the polymer backbone, it is expected that the density of the CH3 groups oriented on the surface of the film will increase. Since the water-repellent CH3 groups form a uniform and smooth coating film without gaps, the water droplet sliding effect is promoted, so it is presumed that the running water property is likely to appear. For urethane resins, acrylic resins, and fluorine resins, it is presumed that the running water property is likely to appear by the same mechanism.

[0068] The hydrocarbon polymer may be added as a dispersion, and may be emulsified by a surfactant such as a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, or an amphoteric surfactant.

[0069] (Urethane resin) The urethane resin is not particularly limited as long as it is a polyurethane resin obtained by reacting a polyol and a polyisocyanate. As a more specific example of the urethane resin, polyurethane resins obtained by reacting polyols such as polypropylene glycol and polyester polyol with polyisocyanates such as diphenylmethane diisocyanate and tolylene diisocyanate can be mentioned.

[0070] As the urethane resin, commercially available urethane resins can be used. Examples of commercially available urethane resins include those commercially available as dispersions of urethane resins, such as Superflex 650 and Superflex E-2000 (manufactured by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.); Adeka Bon Titer HUX-210 and Adeka Bon Titer HUX-895 (manufactured by Adeka Corporation).

[0071] (Polyolefin resin) Examples of the polyolefin resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer, and the like.

[0072] The polyolefin resin is preferably an acid-modified polyolefin resin. Examples of the acid-modified polyolefin resin include acid-modified polypropylene resin, acid-modified polyethylene resin, etc. From the viewpoint of better water flowability, acid-modified polypropylene resin is more preferable.

[0073] Preferable examples of the acid-modified polyolefin include modified polymers obtained by copolymerizing (e.g., graft copolymerizing) a polyolefin with an unsaturated carboxylic acid or its derivative. Examples of the unsaturated carboxylic acid or its derivative include unsaturated carboxylic acids such as maleic acid and fumaric acid, their acid anhydrides, their esters, or their metal salts.

[0074] As the polyolefin resin, commercially available polyolefin resins can be used. Examples of commercially available polyolefin resins include those commercially available as a dispersion of polyolefin resin, such as High-Tech P-5060P (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.). Also, examples of those commercially available as a single polyolefin resin include LICOCENE MA6252 GR (manufactured by Clariant Plastics & Coatings).

[0075] (Acrylic resin) Examples of the acrylic resin include poly(meth)acrylic acid, poly(meth)acrylate, polyacrylamide, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, and the like.

[0076] In this specification, "(meth)acrylic acid" is intended to mean both acrylic acid and methacrylic acid. Examples of the poly(meth)acrylate ester include (meth)acrylate esters with alcohols having an alkyl group with 1 to 18 carbon atoms, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, methoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, butoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, glycidyl (meth)acrylate, allyl (meth)acrylate, ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, and the like.

[0077] As the acrylic resin, commercially available acrylic resins can be used. Examples of commercially available acrylic resins include those commercially available as a dispersion of acrylic resin, such as Polystron 1280 (manufactured by Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd.).

[0078] (Fluororesin) Examples of fluororesins include polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, and the like.

[0079] As the fluororesin, commercially available fluororesins can be used. Examples of commercially available fluororesins include those commercially available as a dispersion of fluororesin, such as Rubron LDW-410 (manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd.).

[0080] [1.5] Other Components This vehicle coating agent preferably contains water. Water can function as a medium for uniformly dispersing and diluting the above-mentioned components contained in this vehicle coating agent. The content of water contained in this vehicle coating agent is not particularly limited. Also, this vehicle coating agent can be appropriately diluted with a car wash machine and used.

[0081] The water used in the vehicle coating agent is more preferably water free of impurities so as not to affect the respective components. For example, distilled water, ion-exchanged water, tap water, etc. can be preferably used.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present invention, the silicone resin, the amino-modified silicone, the blocked isocyanate and the hydrocarbon polymer can be mixed as an aqueous emulsion. The vehicle coating agent may contain water derived from these aqueous emulsions.

[0083] Further, the aqueous emulsions of the silicone resin, the amino-modified silicone, the blocked isocyanate and the hydrocarbon polymer may contain a surfactant. Therefore, the vehicle coating agent may contain a surfactant derived from these aqueous emulsions.

[0084] In addition to the above components, the vehicle coating agent may further contain, as necessary and within a range not disturbing the effects of the present invention, a low-temperature stabilizer, an emulsion stabilizer, a preservative, a pH adjuster, a rust inhibitor, silicone oil, and an organic acid, an inorganic acid, etc. as a neutralizing agent for the amino-modified silicone. Note that the silicone oil is not included in the silicone resin of the present disclosure which is a resin mainly composed of organopolysiloxane.

[0085] [1.6] Vehicle coating agent The vehicle coating agent contains the silicone resin, at least one selected from the amino-modified silicone, the blocked isocyanate and the hydrocarbon polymer, and the blocked isocyanate may be emulsified with a cationic surfactant.

[0086] The content ratio of the solid content of the amino-modified silicone with respect to the total mass of the vehicle coating agent is preferably 1% by mass to 15% by mass, and more preferably 1% by mass to 10% by mass, for example, when the water content is 75% by mass.

[0087] If the content ratio of amino-modified silicone is 1% by mass or more, it is preferable because the coating agent can be sufficiently adsorbed to the vehicle surface. On the other hand, if the content ratio of amino-modified silicone is 15% by mass or less, unevenness is less likely to occur on the vehicle surface. Therefore, it is preferable because it is difficult to inhibit the water repellency of the silicone resin.

[0088] The content ratio of the solid content of the silicone resin to the total mass of this vehicle coating agent is preferably 1% by mass to 20% by mass, more preferably 1% by mass to 10% by mass, for example, when the water content is 75% by mass.

[0089] If the content ratio of the silicone resin is 1% by mass or more, it is preferable because the coating agent exhibits sufficient water repellency. On the other hand, if the content ratio of the silicone resin is 20% by mass or less, the film becomes uniform and unevenness is less likely to occur on the vehicle surface, so it is preferable.

[0090] The content ratio of the solid content of the blocked isocyanate to the total mass of this vehicle coating agent is preferably 0.1% by mass to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.1% by mass to 5% by mass, for example, when the water content is 75% by mass.

[0091] If the content ratio of the blocked isocyanate is 0.1% by mass or more, the blocked isocyanate participates in the film formation on the vehicle surface, and a slight difference in water repellency occurs between the silicone resin on the film surface, which is preferable. As a result, a composite surface film having a continuous gradient from a region with strong water repellency to a region with weak water repellency is formed on the same surface, thereby exhibiting sufficient water repellency. On the other hand, if the content ratio of the blocked isocyanate is 10% by mass or less, unevenness is less likely to occur on the vehicle surface. Therefore, it is preferable because it is difficult to inhibit the water repellency of the silicone resin.

[0092] The content ratio of the solid of the cationic surfactant that emulsifies the blocked isocyanate to the total mass of the vehicle coating agent is preferably 0.1% by mass to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.1% by mass to 5% by mass when the water content is 75% by mass, for example.

[0093] If the content ratio of the cationic surfactant is 0.1% by mass or more, it is preferable because the coating agent (blocked isocyanate) is sufficiently adsorbed to the vehicle surface. If the content ratio of the cationic surfactant is 10% by mass or less, the hydrophilicity of the cationic surfactant itself is not strongly expressed, so it is difficult to inhibit the water flow property, which is a characteristic of the silicone resin.

[0094] The content ratio of the solid of the hydrocarbon polymer to the total mass of the vehicle coating agent is preferably 0.1% by mass to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.1% by mass to 5% by mass when the water content is 75% by mass, for example.

[0095] If the content ratio of the hydrocarbon polymer is 0.1% by mass or more, the coating agent participates in the formation of a film on the vehicle surface and forms a uniform film. Therefore, it is preferable because the water flow property, which is a characteristic of the silicone resin, is exhibited. On the other hand, if the content ratio of the hydrocarbon polymer is 10% by mass or less, the film of the coating agent becomes uniform and unevenness is less likely to occur on the vehicle surface, which is preferable.

[0096] [2. Manufacturing Method of Vehicle Coating Agent] The manufacturing method of the vehicle coating agent is not particularly limited, and it may include a step of mixing the above-mentioned components, and a method commonly used in the art can be appropriately adopted.

[0097] [3. Use of Vehicle Coating Agent] This vehicle coating agent can be suitably used as a coating agent for vehicles such as automobiles and railway vehicles.

[0098] In particular, since this vehicle coating agent does not require the application of a primer and can impart high water repellency and water runoff even with a single application, this vehicle coating agent and the coating agent containing the same can be suitably used as a one-component vehicle coating agent for single application with an automatic car washer.

[0099] <Overview of Vehicle Washing Method> An exemplary washing method of vehicle X using car washer 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the control method of car washer 2.

[0100] The flowchart shown in FIG. 2 shows the steps after the reception step in which the control unit 44 receives a car wash from a user of vehicle X or the like in the car wash process. In the reception step, for example, the control unit 44 may control the remote panel 6 or the operation panel 42 and receive an operation from the user of the car washer 2 such as the remote panel 6 or the operation panel 42. In the reception step, the control unit 44 may receive a course selection for specifying the degree of water repellency regarding the coating. For example, the course selection may be able to select any one of (1) low water repellency finish, (2) medium water repellency finish, (3) super water repellency finish, and (4) super water repellency plus finish. The vehicle surface's water repellency and water runoff after washing improve in the order of (1), (2), (3), and (4) for these courses.

[0101] Next, the control unit 44 may control the speaker of the car washer main body 4 or the monitor of the car washer main body 4 to guide the user inside vehicle X to move vehicle X to a predetermined position and stop it. In the present embodiment, the control unit 44 may guide the user to move vehicle X so as to stop vehicle X on the front side of the car washer main body 4, for example.

[0102] In the reception process according to this embodiment, it is assumed that the car wash machine main body 4 is in the first initial position, which is the position on the most backward direction D2 side within the moving range of the car wash machine main body 4. For example, the first initial position of the car wash machine main body 4 may be a position where the wheels 12 are at the end on the backward direction D2 side of the rail R. The first initial position is the position of the car wash machine main body 4 at the start point of the cleaning process described later.

[0103] <First cleaning process> Subsequent to the reception process, the control unit 44 executes a cleaning process of cleaning the vehicle X with a cleaning liquid as the first forward path process (step S1).

[0104] In the first cleaning process, the control unit 44 moves the car wash machine main body 4 forward from the first initial position to the second initial position. The second initial position may be the position on the most forward direction D1 side of the car wash machine main body 4. For example, the second initial position of the car wash machine main body 4 may be a position where the wheels 12 are at the end on the forward direction D1 side of the rail R. As the car wash machine main body 4 moves forward, the vehicle X passes through the space 4S. The control unit 44 controls each cleaning part of the car wash machine main body 4 to clean the surface of the vehicle X passing through the space 4S.

[0105] Specifically, in the first cleaning process, the control unit 44 controls the injection of the liquid from the first nozzle provided in the car wash machine main body 4 and injects the liquid onto the vehicle X passing through the space 4S. For example, in the cleaning process, the control unit 44 may inject city water from the first clean water nozzle 24 and the second clean water nozzle 26, and inject the cleaning liquid from the first detergent nozzle 28 and the second detergent nozzle 30.

[0106] In the first cleaning process, in addition to the injection of city water and the cleaning liquid, the control unit 44 controls the movement and rotation of each brush provided in the car wash machine main body 4, and slides the surface of the vehicle X passing through the space 4S with the brush to clean the vehicle X.

[0107] <Second cleaning process> Subsequent to the first cleaning step, the control unit 44 executes a second cleaning step as the first return path step (step S2). The second cleaning step may be a step of rinsing and cleaning with water from city water.

[0108] In the second cleaning step, the control unit 44 retracts the car wash machine main body 4 from the second initial position to the first initial position. The control unit 44 controls each of the cleaning parts of the car wash machine main body 4 to perform rinsing and cleaning of the surface of the vehicle X passing through the space 4S. Specifically, in the second cleaning step, the control unit 44 controls the injection of the liquid from the first nozzle provided in the car wash machine main body 4 and injects the liquid onto the vehicle X passing through the space 4S. For example, in the second cleaning step, the control unit 44 may inject city water from the first clean water nozzle 24 and the second clean water nozzle 26 provided in the car wash machine main body 4.

[0109] In the second cleaning step, in addition to the injection of city water, the control unit 44 controls the movement and rotation of each brush provided in the car wash machine main body 4 and slides the brush against the surface of the vehicle X passing through the space 4S, thereby performing rinsing and cleaning of the vehicle X.

[0110] <Coating step> Subsequent to the second cleaning step, the control unit 44 executes a coating step as the second forward path step (step S3). The coating step is a step of applying the vehicle coating agent to the vehicle X.

[0111] In the coating step, the control unit 44 advances the car wash machine main body 4 from the first initial position to the second initial position. The control unit 44 controls each of the cleaning parts of the car wash machine main body 4 to apply the vehicle coating agent to the surface of the vehicle X passing through the space 4S. Specifically, in the coating step, the control unit 44 controls the splash coating nozzle 32 and injects the vehicle coating agent onto the vehicle X passing through the space 4S.

[0112] In the coating process, the control unit 44 may move the car washer main body 4 at a speed of, for example, 3 m / min or more and 16 m / min or less. By moving at a speed of 3 m / min or more and 16 m / min or less, a film of the vehicle coating agent can be formed on the vehicle surface.

[0113] In the coating process, the control unit 44 may control the pump that sucks the stock solution from the coating agent tank 20C and adjust the degree of water repellency and water flowability. Further / alternatively, the control unit 44 may adjust the degree of water flowability by adjusting the moving speed of the car washer main body 4. For example, when a low water-repellent finish is selected in the reception process, the control unit 44 may set the pump suction amount to a very small amount (10 - 29 ml / min) and move the car washer main body 4 at a high speed (9 - 16 m / min). When a medium water-repellent finish is selected, the pump suction amount may be set to a small amount (30 - 49 ml / min) and the car washer main body 4 may be moved at a high speed (9 - 16 m / min). When a super water-repellent finish is selected, the pump suction amount may be set to a medium amount (50 - 74 ml / min) and the car washer main body 4 may be moved at a low speed (3 - 8 m / min). When a super water-repellent finish plus is selected, the pump suction amount may be set to a large amount (75 - 110 ml / min) and the car washer main body 4 may be moved at a low speed (3 - 8 m / min).

[0114] <Drying process> Subsequent to the coating process, the control unit 44 performs a drying process as the second return process (step S4). The drying process is a process for drying the vehicle X.

[0115] In the drying process, the control unit 44 retracts the car washer main body 4 from the second initial position to the first initial position. The control unit 44 controls each part of the car washer main body 4 and performs drying of the vehicle X passing through the space 4S.

[0116] Specifically, in the drying process, the control unit 44 controls the air blowing from the blower 36 to each air blowing nozzle and controls the position of each air blowing nozzle. Thereby, air is blown onto the surface of the vehicle X passing through the space 4S, and the vehicle X is dried.

[0117] In the drying process, when the car wash machine main body 4 moves to the second initial position, the control unit 44 may stop the forward movement of the car wash machine main body 4 and the drying of the vehicle X, and guide the vehicle X to exit. For example, the control unit 44 may guide the user in the vehicle X to exit by voice from the speaker of the car wash machine main body 4 or a signal lamp or the like.

[0118] FIG. 4 is an example of a flowchart showing a car wash method according to the prior art. Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 4, before the coating step (S55) of applying a coating agent, a primer coating step (S54) of applying a primer was required. Therefore, considering the reciprocating operation of the cleaning device, it was common to include six steps: a first cleaning step S51, a second cleaning step S52, a third cleaning step S53, a primer coating step S54, a coating step S55, and a drying step S56. The third cleaning step may be a step of rinsing and cleaning the detergent by washing with city water, similar to the second cleaning step.

[0119] The present invention can shorten the time required for the car wash treatment while imparting water repellency and running water properties by applying the vehicle coating agent in a single application in the coating step.

[0120] (Another example of the washing method) In addition, in the above-described washing method, the washing method in which the car wash machine main body 4 makes two round trips with respect to the vehicle X has been described, but the number of round trips is not limited to two round trips, and may be three round trips or four round trips. Alternatively, the car wash machine main body 4 may make 0.5 round trips, 1.5 round trips, 2.5 round trips, or 3.5 round trips with respect to the vehicle X. For example, in the case of 1.5 round trips, the washing method includes a first washing step, a coating step, and a drying step.

[0121] 〔Embodiment 2〕 Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0122] In Embodiment 2, an embodiment using a car washer that washes a vehicle to be washed while conveying the vehicle by a conveyor will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0123] FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view 200S and a schematic plan view 200P of the car washer 200 according to Embodiment 2, and a schematic side view 100S and a schematic front view 100F of the car washer main body 100 described later according to the present embodiment. In the schematic side view 200S and the schematic plan view 200P of FIG. 1, the vehicle X, which is the vehicle to be washed by the car washer 200, is also shown by a dotted line. In addition, in the schematic side view 200S, each part of the car washer 200 buried on the underground side from the ground G is also shown.

[0124] As shown in the schematic side view 2S or the schematic plan view 2P of FIG. 3, the car washer 2 includes a conveyor 400, a cleaning liquid arch 600, a vehicle shape sensor 800, a car washer main body 100, and a control unit 112. Note that, in the schematic plan view 200P, for simplicity of illustration, the illustration of some members shown in the schematic side view 200S may be omitted. Also, in the schematic plan view 200P, in order to show the positional relationship in more detail, the belt 104 described later is shown passing through the vehicle X, but the portions overlapping the cleaning liquid arch 600 and the car washer main body 100 are shown by dotted lines.

[0125] The conveyor 400 conveys the vehicle X such that the longitudinal direction of the vehicle X is substantially parallel to the conveyance direction DT.

[0126] The cleaning liquid arch 600 has a portal structure through which the vehicle X conveyed by the conveyor 400 can pass inside, and has a plurality of cleaning liquid nozzles (not shown) inside. The car washer 200 sprays the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid arch 600 while conveying the vehicle X by the conveyor 400, thereby spraying the cleaning liquid on the surface of the vehicle X passing inside the cleaning liquid arch 600.

[0127] The vehicle-shaped sensor 800 is a sensor for measuring the outer shape of the vehicle X, and in particular, detects the height of the vehicle X crossing a predetermined point.

[0128] The car wash main body 100 has two frames 108 and a ceiling portion 120 that connects the upper portions of the two frames 108. For this reason, a space 100A is formed between the two frames 108 and the ceiling portion 120. Further, the two frames 108 are fixed so as to sandwich the conveyor 400 in the width direction DW. In particular, the frame 108 is fixed to the ground G via, for example, a fixture 18A, and its position with respect to the ground G is fixed regardless of the conveyance of the vehicle X by the conveyor 400. For this reason, the vehicle X conveyed by the conveyor 400 moves relative to the car wash main body 100 and passes through the space 100A between the frame 108 and the ceiling portion 120.

[0129] The car wash main body 100 has, as brushes, for example, a top brush 114, a side brush 116, and a rocker brush 118.

[0130] The car wash main body 100 has a chemical arch 128 and a water purification nozzle 130 as a plurality of nozzles formed on the chemical arch 128. The chemical arch 128 may be formed in a portal shape across the two frames 108 and the ceiling portion 120, for example, on each of the upstream side and the downstream side in the conveyance direction DT of the car wash main body 100. In FIG. 3, only the upstream side in the conveyance direction DT is shown for simplicity. The chemical arch 128 receives the supply of tap water from, for example, a pump (not shown) and distributes the tap water to each water purification nozzle 130. The water purification nozzle 130 receives the supply of tap water from the chemical arch 128 and injects the tap water inside the chemical arch 128.

[0131] The water purification nozzles 130 are arranged in plurality, for example, so as to sandwich two belts 104 in the vehicle width direction DW in a plan view. For example, the water purification nozzles 130 may be respectively formed at portions of the liquid agent arch 128 located on each frame 108, or a plurality of water purification nozzles 130 may be formed at a portion of the liquid agent arch 128 located on the ceiling portion 120.

[0132] The water purification nozzles 130 may be directed, for example, to inject city water against the vehicle X conveyed by the conveyor 400 and passing through the space 100A. Alternatively, the water purification nozzles 130 may be directed to inject city water against the brushes of the car wash main body 100 in contact with the vehicle X, including the top brush 114, the side brush 116, or the rocker brush 118 in contact with the vehicle X.

[0133] In addition to the water purification nozzles 130, the car wash main body 100 further includes coating nozzles 131 for injecting the vehicle coating agent onto the vehicle X. Similar to the water purification nozzles 130, the coating nozzles 131 may be respectively formed at portions of the liquid agent arch 128 located on each frame 108, or a plurality of coating nozzles 131 may be formed at a portion of the liquid agent arch 128 located on the ceiling portion 120.

[0134] In addition, the car wash main body 100 may have an operation panel (not shown) on the front surface of at least one frame 108. The operation panel may have, for example, a display device for displaying the car wash conditions of the vehicle X by the car wash main body 100, or operation buttons or the like as an operation unit for turning on the power of the car wash main body 100 or for setting the conditions. The car wash main body 100 may have a cover (not shown) covering the periphery of the operation panel on the front surface of at least one frame 108.

[0135] <Overview of the vehicle washing method> An exemplary cleaning method for vehicle X using the car washer 200 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. First, the control unit 112 controls the conveyor 400 to start conveying vehicle X. The conveyance of vehicle X by the conveyor 400 is continuously performed through all the car washing steps.

[0136] While conveying vehicle X by the conveyor 400, the control unit 112 executes a first washing step of washing vehicle X by injecting cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid arch 600.

[0137] After passing through the cleaning liquid arch 600, when vehicle X reaches the position of the vehicle shape sensor 800, the control unit 112 controls the vehicle shape sensor 800 to detect the height of vehicle X.

[0138] After passing through the vehicle shape sensor 800, when vehicle X reaches the car washer main body 100, the control unit 112 controls each part of the car washer main body 100 to execute a second washing step of water-washing vehicle X and a coating step of applying a coating agent to vehicle X.

[0139] In the coating step, the control unit 112 may adjust the degree of water repellency by adjusting the mixing ratio of the undiluted solution of the vehicle coating agent and a solvent such as water in the same manner as in Embodiment 1.

[0140] Since the vehicle coating agent can be coated by single application, it can also be suitably used in a continuous car washer such as the car washer 200 shown in Embodiment 2.

[0141] <Summary> One embodiment of the present invention includes the following configuration.

[0142] [1] A car washer that performs a car washing process, the car washing process including a coating step of applying a coating agent that imparts water repellency to the vehicle surface, the coating agent including a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and at least one selected from a blocked isocyanate and a hydrocarbon polymer, and the blocked isocyanate being emulsified with a cationic surfactant, wherein in the coating step, the coating agent is applied in a single coat.

[0143] By applying the vehicle coating agent in a single coat in the coating step, it is possible to shorten the time required for the car washing process while imparting water repellency.

[0144] [2] The car washer according to [1], further comprising an injection mechanism that mixes and injects a stock solution of the coating agent and a solvent, and adjusts the degree of water repellency in the coating step by adjusting the mixing ratio of the stock solution and the solvent.

[0145] With this configuration, adjustment of water repellency can be achieved by adjusting the mixing ratio of the vehicle coating agent stock solution and the solvent. Also, since the above coating agent can impart very high water repellency, it is possible to achieve water repellency ranging from low to high with a single liquid agent.

[0146] [3] The car washer according to [2], wherein the injection mechanism includes a stock solution tank that stores the stock solution and a pump that sucks the stock solution from the stock solution tank, and adjusts the mixing ratio by adjusting the suction amount of the pump.

[0147] With this configuration, adjustment of the mixing ratio can be achieved by adjusting the suction amount of the pump that sucks the stock solution.

[0148] [4] It is equipped with a car wash machine body that performs the car wash process while moving relative to the vehicle, and by adjusting the moving speed of the car wash machine body in the coating process, the degree of water flowability in the coating process is adjusted. The car wash machine according to [1].

[0149] In a car wash machine equipped with a main body that moves relative to a vehicle, even if the suction amount of the pump that sucks in the stock solution is constant, the water flowability can be adjusted by adjusting the moving speed of the car wash machine body. Since this vehicle coating agent can impart extremely high water flowability, it is possible to achieve from low water flowability imparting to high water flowability with a single agent.

[0150] [5] It includes a washing process for washing the vehicle and a coating process for applying a coating agent that imparts water flowability to the surface of the vehicle. The coating agent includes at least one selected from silicone resin, amino-modified silicone, blocked isocyanate, and hydrocarbon polymer, and the blocked isocyanate is emulsified with a cationic surfactant. In the coating process, the coating agent is applied in a single coat. A car wash method characterized by this.

[0151] By applying this vehicle coating agent in a single coat in the coating process, it is possible to impart water flowability while shortening the time required for the car wash process.

Example

[0152] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0153] [Example 1: Production of a coating agent containing silicone resin, amino-modified silicone, and blocked isocyanate emulsified with a cationic surfactant] 10 parts by mass of amino-modified silicone (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., KF-880) and 3 parts by weight of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether were mixed, and then 60 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added and stirred for emulsification to obtain an amino-modified silicone emulsion. Next, in a separate container, 2 parts by mass of blocked isocyanate (manufactured by Aika Industries Co., Ltd., SC-8B, non-volatile content 67% by mass) and 1 part by mass of quaternary ammonium salt (manufactured by Lion Corporation, Lipocard 2HT-75, non-volatile content 75% by mass) were mixed, 8 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added and stirred for emulsification to obtain an emulsion of blocked isocyanate. The total amount of the obtained emulsion of blocked isocyanate was added to the aforementioned amino-modified silicone emulsion, and further 16 parts by mass of silicone resin (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., X-52-8005, non-volatile content 58% by mass, aqueous emulsion) was added and stirred and dispersed, and then the pH was adjusted to 5 to 7 with citric acid, and the obtained composition was used as a vehicle coating agent (1).

[0154] [Comparative Example 1: Production of a coating agent containing a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and a blocked isocyanate emulsified with an amphoteric surfactant] Instead of mixing 2 parts by mass of blocked isocyanate (manufactured by Aika Industries Co., Ltd., SC-8B, non-volatile content 67% by mass) and 1 part by mass of quaternary ammonium salt (manufactured by Lion Corporation, Lipocard 2HT-75, non-volatile content 75% by mass) and adding 8 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water and stirring for emulsification, 2 parts by mass of blocked isocyanate (manufactured by Aika Industries Co., Ltd., SC-8B, non-volatile content 67% by mass) and 4 parts by mass of fatty acid amide propyl betaine (manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd., Softazoline LPB, non-volatile content 30% by mass) were mixed, 14 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added and stirred for emulsification, and the same operations as in Example 1 were carried out except that the obtained emulsion of blocked isocyanate was used to prepare a composition, which was used as a comparative vehicle coating agent (1).

[0155] [Comparative Example 2: Production of a coating agent containing a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and a blocked isocyanate emulsified with a nonionic surfactant] Instead of mixing 2 parts by mass of blocked isocyanate (manufactured by Aika Kogyo Co., Ltd., SC-8B, non-volatile content 67% by mass) and 1 part by mass of quaternary ammonium salt (manufactured by Lion Corporation, Lipocard 2HT-75, non-volatile content 75% by mass), adding 8 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water and performing stirring and emulsification, 2 parts by mass of blocked isocyanate (manufactured by Aika Kogyo Co., Ltd., SC-8B, non-volatile content 67% by mass) and 1 part by mass of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether were mixed, 8 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added, and stirring and emulsification were performed. A composition was prepared by performing the same operations as in Example 1 except that the obtained emulsion of blocked isocyanate was used, and it was used as Comparative Vehicle Coating Agent (2).

[0156] [Example 2: Production of a Coating Agent Containing a Silicone Resin, an Amino-Modified Silicone, and a Polyolefin-Based Resin] 10 parts by mass of amino-modified silicone (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., KF-880) and 3 parts by weight of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether were mixed, then 67 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added and stirring and emulsification were performed to obtain an amino-modified silicone emulsion. Next, 4 parts by mass of an acid-modified polypropylene resin (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., High-Tech P-5060P, non-volatile content 40% by mass, aqueous dispersion) was added to the obtained amino-modified silicone emulsion and stirred. Thereafter, 16 parts by mass of a silicone resin (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., X-52-8005, non-volatile content 58% by mass, aqueous emulsion) was further added, stirred and dispersed, and the pH was adjusted to 5 - 7 with citric acid, and the obtained composition was used as Vehicle Coating Agent (2).

[0157] [Example 3: Production of a Coating Agent Containing a Silicone Resin, an Amino-Modified Silicone, and a Polyolefin-Based Resin] A composition was prepared by performing the same operations as in Example 2 except that 4 parts by mass of an acid-modified polyethylene resin (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry, High-Tech E-6500, non-volatile content 35% by mass, aqueous dispersion) was added instead of 4 parts by mass of an acid-modified polypropylene resin (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., High-Tech P-5060P, non-volatile content 40% by mass, aqueous dispersion), and it was used as Vehicle Coating Agent (3).

[0158] [Example 4: Production of a coating agent containing a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and a urethane resin] Instead of 4 parts by mass of an acid-modified polypropylene resin (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., High-Tech P-5060P, non-volatile content 40% by mass, aqueous dispersion), 3 parts by mass of a urethane resin (manufactured by Dai-Ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd., Superflex E-2000, non-volatile content 50% by mass, aqueous dispersion) was added, and the same operations as in Example 2 were performed to prepare a composition, which was used as a vehicle coating agent (4).

[0159] [Example 5: Production of a coating agent containing a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and an acrylic resin] Instead of 4 parts by mass of an acid-modified polypropylene resin (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., High-Tech P-5060P, non-volatile content 40% by mass, aqueous dispersion), 5 parts by mass of an acrylic resin (manufactured by Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd., Polystron 1250, non-volatile content 20% by mass, aqueous dispersion) was added, and the same operations as in Example 2 were performed to prepare a composition, which was used as a vehicle coating agent (5).

[0160] [Example 6: Production of a coating agent containing a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and a fluororesin] Instead of 4 parts by mass of an acid-modified polypropylene resin (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., High-Tech P-5060P, non-volatile content 40% by mass, aqueous dispersion), 5 parts by mass of a fluororesin (manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd., Rubron LDW-410, non-volatile content 30% by mass, aqueous dispersion) was added, and the same operations as in Example 2 were performed to prepare a composition, which was used as a vehicle coating agent (6).

[0161] [Comparative Example 3: Production of a coating agent containing a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and a wax] Instead of 4 parts by mass of an acid-modified polypropylene resin (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., High-Tech P-5060P, non-volatile content 40% by mass, aqueous dispersion), 4 parts by mass of paraffin wax (manufactured by Gohsei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Daisit EY, non-volatile content 30% by mass, aqueous dispersion) was added, and the same operations as in Example 2 were carried out to prepare a composition, which was used as Comparative Vehicle Coating Agent (3).

[0162] [Comparative Example 4: Production of a Coating Agent Containing a Silicone Resin, an Amino-Modified Silicone, and a Wax] Instead of 4 parts by mass of an acid-modified polypropylene resin (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., High-Tech P-5060P, non-volatile content 40% by mass, aqueous dispersion), 4 parts by mass of carnauba wax (manufactured by BYK, AQUACER 581, non-volatile content 30% by mass, aqueous dispersion) was added, and the same operations as in Example 2 were carried out to prepare a composition, which was used as Comparative Vehicle Coating Agent (4).

[0163] [Comparative Example 5] A composition was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that an emulsion of blocked isocyanate was not added, and it was used as Comparative Vehicle Coating Agent (5).

[0164] [Evaluation of Vehicle Coating Agents Produced in Examples and Comparative Examples by Laboratory Tests] The surface on the painted side of a 90 mm × 120 mm cationic electrodeposition coated panel was washed with a cleaning agent (Mente Up G, manufactured by Daifuku Co., Ltd.) until it was completely wetted with water. Next, a solution obtained by diluting the vehicle coating agents produced in Examples and Comparative Examples 150-fold by mass with tap water was used to perform spray coating on the painted surface of the washed coated panel. The coated panel subjected to spray coating was washed with water and dried to obtain a test piece. The water runoff property on the spray-coated painted surface of the test piece was visually evaluated, and the sliding angle and contact angle were measured. Also, for the coated panel without vehicle coating agent application (the vehicle coating agent was not applied), the water runoff property on the painted surface was visually evaluated, and the sliding angle and contact angle were measured.

[0165] (Visual evaluation) The test piece was tilted 45° with respect to the horizontal direction so that the painted surface faced upward, and tap water was sprayed onto the painted surface using a hand spray. The state of the water droplets was observed visually. The water repellency of the painted surface was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. 〇: The shape of the water droplet is round, and the flowing speed of the water droplet is fast, with little water remaining. △: The shape of the water droplet is round, but the flowing speed of the water droplet is slightly slow, and there is slightly more water remaining. ×: The shape of the water droplet is uneven, the flowing speed of the water droplet is slow, and there is a lot of water remaining.

[0166] (Measurement of sliding angle) For the test piece, the sliding angle of water was measured using a fully automatic contact angle meter DMo-702 (manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.). Specifically, a syringe filled with ion-exchanged water was fixed, and 50 μL of ion-exchanged water was dropped onto the test piece placed horizontally so that the painted surface faced upward. Then, the test plate was gradually tilted, and the angle of the test piece (sliding angle) when the water droplet began to slide downward was measured. The measurement was performed 5 times, and the average value was taken as the sliding angle. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0167] (Measurement of contact angle) For the test piece, the contact angle of water was measured using a fully automatic contact angle meter DMo-702 (manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.). Specifically, a syringe filled with ion-exchanged water was fixed, and 2.0 μL of ion-exchanged water was dropped onto the test piece placed horizontally so that the painted surface faced upward, and the contact angle was measured. The measurement was performed 10 times, and the average value was taken as the contact angle. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0168]

Table 1

[0169] (Summary) As shown in Table 1, the painted surfaces to which the coating agents of Examples 1 to 6, which contain a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and a blocked isocyanate, a polyolefin resin, a urethane resin, an acrylic resin, or a fluororesin emulsified with a cationic surfactant, were applied were the painted surfaces without the application of the vehicle coating agent, the painted surfaces to which the coating agents of Comparative Examples 3 and 4 containing a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and a wax were applied, and the painted surfaces to which the coating agent of Comparative Example 5 containing only a silicone resin and an amino-modified silicone were applied. In both the laboratory test and the actual vehicle test, they were excellent in water repellency and water runoff property.

[0170] Also, the painted surfaces to which the coating agents of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, which used a blocked isocyanate emulsified with an amphoteric surfactant and a nonionic surfactant, respectively, were applied were inferior in water repellency and water runoff property compared to the painted surface to which the coating agent of Example 1 using a blocked isocyanate emulsified with a cationic surfactant was applied.

[0171] [Demonstration Test: Difference in Water Runoff Property When Inhalation Amount and Car Wash Speed Are Changed] Hereinafter, the test conducted on the difference in water runoff property when the inhalation amount of this vehicle coating agent and the moving speed of the car wash were changed will be described.

[0172] First, the surface of the vehicle was washed with a cleaning agent (Mente Up G, manufactured by Daifuku Co., Ltd.) until it was completely wet with water. Then, a coating agent was applied using the car washer 2 described in Embodiment 1. For the examples of Test Nos. T1 to T4, the vehicle coating agent (2) according to the present disclosure created according to the above Embodiment 2 was applied.

[0173] The moving speed of the car washer in the step of applying the coating agent and the amount of liquid sucked in during the coating process by the pump that sucks the stock solution from the coating agent tank 20C are shown in Table 2 below.

[0174] Then, the vehicle was washed with water using the car washer 2, and the water runoff property (water-shedding property) of the painted surface was visually determined.

[0175] [Table 2] (Results) The determination results for each test are shown in Table 2 above. The evaluation criteria in the evaluation column are as follows. E: There is uneven coating, and it cannot be marketed as a product. D: Water does not form into balls, and water runoff is faster compared to without coating (equivalent effect to conventional car wash wax). C: Water forms into balls, but the shape is uneven, the flow rate is slow, and there are many remaining water droplets (equivalent effect to conventional car wash water repellent). B: The shape of the water droplets is round, but small water droplets remain along the trajectory of the flowing water droplets (equivalent effect to a conventional silicone-based coating agent for car washers with primer coating). A: The shape of the water droplets is round, the size is uniform, and there may be slightly remaining water droplets along the trajectory of the flowing water droplets (effect superior to a conventional silicone-based coating agent for car washers with primer coating).

[0176] From the comparison between, for example, T2 and T3 in the above results, it was demonstrated that the water runoff property can be adjusted by adjusting the moving speed of the car washer.

[0177] Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the water repellency can be adjusted by changing the inhalation amount of the coating agent stock solution based on the change in the inhalation amount between T1 and T2, or the change in the inhalation amount between T3 and T4.

[0178] Furthermore, from the results of T4 and T5, it was demonstrated that the vehicle coating agent (2) according to the present disclosure can achieve an effect equal to or better than that of a conventional silicone-based coating agent for car wash machines, even with a single application or with an undercoat application.

[0179] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope indicated in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Signs

[0180] 2,200 car wash machine 4,100 car wash machine body 20 tank storage section 20C coating agent tank 22 distribution piping section 24 first clean water nozzle 26 second clean water nozzle 28 first detergent nozzle 30 second detergent nozzle 32 splash coating nozzle 34 wax nozzle 36 blower 38 top air supply nozzle 40 side air supply nozzle 44,112 control section 128 liquid agent arch 130 clean water nozzle 131 coating nozzle 400 conveyor 600 cleaning liquid arch

Claims

1. A car wash machine that executes a car wash process, wherein the car wash process includes a coating step of applying a coating agent that imparts water repellency to the surface of the vehicle, the coating agent includes a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and at least one selected from a blocked isocyanate and a hydrocarbon polymer, and the blocked isocyanate is emulsified with a cationic surfactant, A car wash machine characterized in that, in the coating step, the coating agent is applied in a single coat.

2. It is provided with an injection mechanism that mixes and injects the stock solution of the coating agent and a solvent, The car wash machine according to claim 1, wherein the degree of water repellency in the coating step is adjusted by adjusting the mixing ratio of the stock solution and the solvent.

3. The injection mechanism is a stock solution tank for storing the stock solution, a pump for sucking the stock solution from the stock solution tank, and includes The car wash machine according to claim 2, wherein the mixing ratio is adjusted by adjusting the suction amount of the pump.

4. It is provided with a car wash machine body that performs the car wash process while moving relative to the vehicle, The car wash machine according to claim 1, wherein the degree of water flowability in the coating step is adjusted by adjusting the moving speed of the car wash machine body in the coating step.

5. A car wash method including a washing step of washing a vehicle and a coating step of applying a coating agent that imparts water repellency to the surface of the vehicle, the coating agent includes a silicone resin, an amino-modified silicone, and at least one selected from a blocked isocyanate and a hydrocarbon polymer, and the blocked isocyanate is emulsified with a cationic surfactant, A car wash method characterized in that, in the coating step, the coating agent is applied in a single coat.

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