Workpiece holders for electrodeposition coating, pallets for electrodeposition coating, and hangers for electrodeposition coating

Abstract

The present invention provides a workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating, an electrodeposition coating pallet, and an electrodeposition coating hanger that can eliminate or significantly reduce paint adhesion to the metal body and suppress corrosion of the metal body. [Solution] The electrodeposition coating workpiece holder (electrodeposition coating pallet) 1 is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment process, an electrodeposition process, and a baking and drying process, and is used integrally with the workpiece W which is the object to be electrodeposited in at least one process in the electrodeposition coating facility. The electrodeposition coating workpiece holder 1 comprises a metal body portion 10, the metal body portion 10 having a fluororesin coating film 30 on its surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating, an electrodeposition coating pallet, and an electrodeposition coating hanger, which are used in an electrodeposition coating facility and are provided in each process integrally with a workpiece as an object to be electrodeposited.

Background Art

[0002] Electrodeposition coating is a coating method in which paint is adhered to an object to be coated (workpiece) using electricity, and since it is possible to obtain a coating film with a uniform thickness, it is widely used for coating automobiles and industrial equipment (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, etc.). In electrodeposition coating, with the workpiece (object to be electrodeposited) as an electrode, the workpiece is immersed in paint (electrodeposition paint) dissolved in water, and an electric current is passed through the workpiece and the electrodeposition paint, so that the components of the electrodeposition paint (paint particles) adhere to the surface of the workpiece, and a uniform coating film is formed. Electrodeposition coating is roughly divided into two major categories: anion electrodeposition coating and cation electrodeposition coating, depending on the type of charge of the paint. In the former anion electrodeposition coating, negatively charged paint particles move toward the object to be coated that functions as an anode and adhere thereto, and it has been used for many years due to its simplicity and cost efficiency. On the other hand, in the latter cation electrodeposition coating, positively charged paint particles move and adhere to the object to be coated that functions as a cathode. The greatest merit of this method is that it has little impact on the environment and can achieve a high-quality coating film. Since it is excellent in corrosion resistance and durability, it is widely adopted in fields where high-quality coating such as the automotive industry is required. Electrodeposition coating is a coating in which paint particles are adhered by passing an electric current with the object to be coated as an electrode. In the coating process, a holder (workpiece holder) for holding and transferring the workpiece as the object to be electrodeposited is required. Such a workpiece holder is provided in each process in an electrodeposition coating facility integrally with the workpiece as the object to be electrodeposited.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0004] For example, especially with heavy, large workpieces, a large, frame-like metal pallet may be used as a workpiece holder, and the workpiece may be held on such a pallet and immersed together in the electrodeposition tank. In this case, it is unavoidable that paint will adhere to (electrodeposit) the metal pallet, and the removal of such deposits (electrodeposited material) becomes essential. While chemical liquid cleaning and high-temperature kiln cleaning are methods for removing electrodeposited material from metal pallets, for large metal pallets (e.g., those with sides of 1000mm or more), removal of electrodeposited paint is generally done manually by workers due to equipment and environmental reasons. When done manually, tools such as scrapers and sanders are used. Cuts are made in the electrodeposited material with a sander or reciprocating saw, and the material is scraped off using a scraper, chisel, or hammer. After scraping, fine paint residue is removed with a wire brush and the area is cleaned. If cleaning is done approximately once every 1.5 months, the removed electrodeposited material is about 2mm thick (up to 5mm in some areas), and the total weight of the removed electrodeposited material per pallet can be about 5kg. Furthermore, the number of pallets used in an electrodeposition coating facility can be in the tens, requiring a tremendous amount of work to remove the electrodeposited material. Furthermore, there is a problem in that the electrodeposition paint adheres to pallets that are not being painted, resulting in increased waste of the electrodeposition paint (increased usage). Furthermore, the use of various chemicals in electrodeposition coating equipment has led to problems such as corrosion of the metal parts of pallets. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrodeposition coating workpiece holder, an electrodeposition coating pallet, and an electrodeposition coating hanger, which are used in an electrodeposition coating facility and have a metal body that is integrated with the workpiece to be electrodeposited and used in each process, and which can eliminate or significantly reduce paint adhesion to the metal body and suppress corrosion of the metal body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The following will achieve the above objectives: (1) An electrodeposition coating workpiece holder, comprising a metal body, used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment step, an electrodeposition step, and a baking and drying step, and which is used integrally with the workpiece to be electrodeposited in at least one step of the electrodeposition coating facility, The aforementioned metal body is a workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating, having a fluororesin coating film on its surface.

[0006] (2) The workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating described in (1) above, wherein an electric current is conducted on the workpiece contact portion of the metal body portion by an uncoated portion of the fluororesin coating film. (3) The workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the fluororesin coating film comprises a mixture of one or more of PTFE, PFA, and FEP. (4) A workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the thickness of the fluororesin coating film is 100 μm or more. (5) A workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the contact angle of the surface of the fluororesin coating film is 105° or more. (6) A workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the dielectric strength of the fluororesin coating film is 1500V or more. (7) A workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the fluororesin coating film is a powder coating film.

[0007] Furthermore, the following items will achieve the above objectives. (8) An electrodeposition coating pallet, which is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment step, an electrodeposition step, and a baking and drying step, and which is immersed in the electrodeposition tank in the electrodeposition step together with the workpiece to be electrodeposited, comprising a metal pallet body, The pallet body has a fluororesin coating on its surface. An electrodeposition coating pallet in which an electric current is carried by an area where the fluororesin coating film is not formed on the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and on the voltage application means connection portion which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process.

[0008] (9) The electrodeposition coating pallet according to (8) above, wherein the outer dimensions of the pallet body are at least partially larger than 1000 mm. (10) The electrodeposition coating pallet according to (8) or (9) above, wherein the surface area of ​​the portion on the pallet body on which the fluororesin coating film is formed is 1 / 2 or more of the surface area of ​​the workpiece. (11) The electrodeposition coating pallet according to any of (8) to (10) above, wherein the workpiece is a component for a vehicle.

[0009] Furthermore, the following items will achieve the above objectives. (12) An electrodeposition coating hanger, comprising a metal hanger body, used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment step, an electrodeposition step, and a baking and drying step, and which is used integrally with the workpiece to be electrodeposited in at least one step of the electrodeposition coating facility, The hanger body has a fluororesin coating on its surface. An electrodeposition coating hanger wherein the hanger body portion has a workpiece contact portion that directly or indirectly contacts the workpiece, and a voltage application means connection portion that is electrically connected to an external voltage application means during the electrodeposition process, and the workpiece contact portion has an electric current-carrying portion formed by a non-formed portion of the fluororesin coating film.

[0010] Furthermore, the following items will achieve the above objectives. (13) An electrodeposition coating equipment comprising a metal pallet body which is used in an electrodeposition coating facility including a pretreatment step, an electrodeposition step, and a baking and drying step, and which is immersed in an electrodeposition tank in the electrodeposition step together with an automobile frame member as a workpiece which is the object to be electrodeposited, The pallet body has a fluororesin coating on its surface. A pallet for storing automotive frame members for electrodeposition coating, wherein the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process, have energizing portions formed by portions where the fluororesin coating film is not formed. (14) An electrodeposition coating equipment comprising a metal pallet body for storing automotive exterior panel members, which is used in an electrodeposition coating facility including a pretreatment process, an electrodeposition process, and a baking and drying process, and which is immersed in an electrodeposition tank in the electrodeposition process together with an automotive exterior panel member as a workpiece that is to be electrodeposited, The pallet body has a fluororesin coating on its surface. A pallet for storing automotive exterior panel members for electrodeposition coating, wherein the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process, have energizing portions formed by portions where the fluororesin coating film is not formed. (15) An electrodeposition coating equipment that includes a pretreatment step, an electrodeposition step, and a baking and drying step, and is used in an electrodeposition coating facility, and is immersed in an electrodeposition tank in the electrodeposition step together with an automobile undercarriage member as a workpiece which is the object to be electrodeposited, comprising a metal pallet body, The pallet body has a fluororesin coating on its surface. A pallet for storing automotive undercarriage components for electrodeposition coating, wherein the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process, have energizing portions formed by portions where the fluororesin coating film is not formed. (16) An electrodeposition coating equipment comprising a metal pallet body for housing an automotive battery holder, which is used in an electrodeposition coating facility including a pretreatment step, an electrodeposition step, and a baking and drying step, and which is immersed in an electrodeposition tank in the electrodeposition step together with an automotive battery holder, which is a workpiece to be electrodeposited, The pallet body has a fluororesin coating on its surface. A battery holder storage pallet for an automobile used for electrodeposition coating, wherein the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process, have energizing portions formed by portions where the fluororesin coating film is not formed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to this invention has a fluororesin coating film on the surface of its metal main body. This makes it possible to suppress or prevent the adhesion of electrodeposited paint during the electrodeposition process to areas of the metal body where a fluororesin coating film has been formed. It also makes it easier to remove any electrodeposited paint (coating film) that has already adhered. Furthermore, since it is possible to suppress or prevent the adhesion of electrodeposited paint (coating film) to the workpiece holder (metal body), it is possible to reduce the contamination of each piece of equipment in the electrodeposition coating facility (for example, chemical conversion coating equipment, etc.) with electrodeposited paint (components caused by electrodeposited paint). In addition, it is possible to suppress or prevent corrosion of the workpiece holder (metal body) caused by various chemicals used in the electrodeposition coating facility.

[0012] The electrodeposition coating pallet of this invention has a fluororesin coating film on the surface of the metal pallet body. As a result, in the portion where the fluororesin coating film of the pallet main body is formed, the adhesion of the electrodeposition paint in the electrodeposition process can be suppressed or prevented. Also, the removal of the adhered electrodeposition paint (coating film) becomes easy. Further, since the adhesion of the electrodeposition paint (coating film) to the pallet (pallet main body) can be suppressed or prevented, the mixing of the electrodeposition paint (components caused by the electrodeposition paint) into each equipment of the electrodeposition coating equipment (for example, chemical conversion film treatment equipment, etc.) can be reduced. Also, corrosion etc. of the pallet (pallet main body) by various chemicals used in the electrodeposition coating equipment can be suppressed or prevented. Further, in the electrodeposition coating pallet of the present invention, a current-carrying portion formed by a non-formation portion of the fluororesin coating film is formed in the work contact portion of the pallet main body and in the voltage application means connection portion that is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process. As a result, in the electrodeposition process, current can be easily passed to the work through the electrodeposition coating pallet (pallet main body).

[0013] The electrodeposition coating hanger of the present invention has a fluororesin coating film on the surface of a metal hanger main body portion. As a result, in the portion where the fluororesin coating film of the hanger main body is formed, the adhesion of unintended electrodeposition paint in the electrodeposition process (for example, even when the hanger main body itself is not immersed in the electrodeposition paint, a small amount of scattered electrodeposition paint adheres, etc.) can be suppressed or prevented. Also, the removal of the adhered electrodeposition paint (coating film) becomes easy. Further, corrosion etc. of the hanger (hanger main body) by various chemicals used in the electrodeposition coating equipment can be suppressed or prevented. Further, in the electrodeposition coating hanger of the present invention, a current-carrying portion formed by a non-formation portion of the fluororesin coating film is formed in the work contact portion that directly or indirectly contacts the work in the hanger main body portion and in the voltage application means connection portion that is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process. This makes it easy and simple to supply power to the workpiece via the electrodeposition coating hanger (hanger body) during the electrodeposition process.

[0014] In the electroplated automotive frame member storage pallet, electroplated automotive exterior panel member storage pallet, electroplated automotive undercarriage member storage pallet, and electroplated automotive battery holder member storage pallet of the present invention, the surface of the metal pallet body is coated with a fluororesin film. This makes it possible to suppress or prevent the adhesion of electrodeposited paint during the electrodeposition process to areas of the pallet body where a fluororesin coating film has been formed. It also makes it easier to remove any electrodeposited paint (coating film) that has already adhered. Furthermore, by suppressing or preventing the adhesion of electrodeposited paint (coating film) to the pallet (pallet body), it is possible to reduce the contamination of each piece of equipment in the electrodeposition coating facility (for example, chemical conversion coating equipment, etc.) with electrodeposited paint (components caused by electrodeposited paint). In addition, it is possible to suppress or prevent corrosion of the pallet (pallet body) caused by various chemicals used in the electrodeposition coating facility. Furthermore, in the electrodeposition coating automotive frame member storage pallet, electrodeposition coating automotive exterior panel member storage pallet, electrodeposition coating automotive undercarriage member storage pallet, and electrodeposition coating automotive battery holding member storage pallet of the present invention, an energizing portion is formed in the work contact portion of the pallet body and in the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means during the electrodeposition process, by an uncoated portion of the fluororesin film. This allows for easy and convenient energization of the workpiece via the pallet (pallet body) during the electrodeposition process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view (with some components omitted) showing an embodiment of the workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to the present invention (an embodiment of an electrodeposition coating pallet). [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a left side view (some components omitted) of the electrodeposition coating pallet shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a rear view (some components omitted) of the electrodeposition coating pallet shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view (with some components omitted) of the electrodeposition coating pallet shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of section A in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the DD cross-section shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of section B in Figure 4. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the EE cross-section shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of section C in Figure 4. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the FF cross-section shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view illustrating the state in which a workpiece (automobile chassis) is placed on the electrodeposition coating pallet shown in Figure 1. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the left side of Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of section G in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of section H in Figure 12. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a process in an electrodeposition coating facility where the electrodeposition coating pallet shown in Figure 1 is used. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the electrodeposition coating pallet shown in Figure 1 is immersed in the electrodeposition tank as an integral part of the workpiece (automobile chassis) during the electrodeposition process. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a front view (with some components omitted) showing another embodiment of the workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to the present invention (an embodiment of an electrodeposition coating hanger). [Figure 18] Figure 18 is an enlarged longitudinal section diagram of section J in Figure 17. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to this invention (hereinafter also simply referred to as the workpiece holder) will be described using the embodiment shown in the drawings. First, the electrodeposition coating pallet (hereinafter simply referred to as "pallet") used as a workpiece holder according to the present invention will be explained using the embodiment shown in the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 to 16, the electrodeposition coating pallet 1 of the present invention is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment step, an electrodeposition step, and a baking and drying step, and comprises a metal pallet body 10 which is immersed in the electrodeposition tank during the electrodeposition step together with the workpiece W which is the object to be electrodeposited, and the pallet body 10 has a fluororesin coating film 30 on its surface. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the electrodeposition coating equipment is a cationic electrodeposition coating equipment equipped with an electrodeposition device 50 (electrodeposition tank 51, see Figure 16), and the workpiece W is a vehicle chassis (see Figures 11 to 14), which is a component of a vehicle.

[0017] Here, we will briefly describe the cationic electrodeposition coating equipment (catenic electrodeposition coating process) of this embodiment. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the cationic electrodeposition coating equipment (catenic electrodeposition coating process) of this embodiment includes a pretreatment process (pretreatment equipment), an electrodeposition process (electrodeposition equipment), and a baking and drying process (baking and drying equipment). In addition, various known processes (equipment) may be included (provided) before and after each of the processes (equipment) described below in the cationic electrodeposition coating equipment (catenic electrodeposition coating process). Examples of such known processes (equipment) include a washing process (washing equipment), etc.

[0018] The pretreatment process in this embodiment includes a preliminary cleaning process (preliminary cleaning equipment) and a chemical conversion coating process (chemical conversion coating equipment). In the preliminary cleaning process of the pretreatment process, the surface of the workpiece W mounted on the pallet 1 is cleaned (to remove dirt and oil) using an alkaline cleaning solution. Subsequently, in the chemical conversion coating process, a zinc phosphate film is formed on the surface of the workpiece W.

[0019] Next, the electrodeposition process (electrodeposition equipment 50) will be outlined using Figure 16. In the electrodeposition process (electrodeposition equipment 50), the workpiece W, on which a zinc phosphate film has been formed on its surface in the chemical conversion coating process described above, is immersed together with a workpiece holder (pallet 1) in an electrodeposition tank 51 containing electrodeposition paint (solution of electrodeposition paint) 52. The workpiece W (and pallet 1) functions as the cathode, and the electrode member 53 arranged in the electrodeposition tank 51 functions as the anode. By passing electricity through the workpiece W and the electrodeposition paint 52, the electrodeposition paint 52 is deposited onto the surface of the workpiece W.

[0020] As shown in Figure 16, a conveyor 54 for transporting workpiece holders is provided above the electrodeposition tank 51. The conveyor 54 (or a voltage application means connecting member (e.g., a rail member for power supply) provided separately from the conveyor 54 and electrically connecting the workpiece holder and the voltage application means) is connected via a conductive wire to a voltage application means (in this case, a grounding means) not shown. This allows the workpiece W (and pallet 1) to function as a cathode in the electrodeposition process, as will be described in detail later.

[0021] Next, in the baking and drying process (baking and drying equipment), the workpiece W (and pallet 1) on which the electrodeposited paint has adhered to its surface in the electrodeposition process described above is placed in a baking and drying oven (not shown) and baked and dried to harden the electrodeposited paint and form a coating film on the surface of the workpiece W. After the baking and drying process, the workpiece W with the coating film formed on its surface can be removed from pallet 1, and the finished product (workpiece W) can be inspected in the inspection process to confirm its quality.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 to 10, the pallet 1 of this embodiment comprises a metal pallet body 10. The external dimensions of the pallet body 10 of this embodiment may exceed 1000 mm in at least a part of it. In other words, the pallet body 10 may have at least one of its dimensions exceeding 1000 mm: length (left-right dimension in Figure 2), width (left-right dimension in Figure 1), or height (up-down dimension in Figure 1).

[0023] Specifically, the pallet body 10 comprises four metal vertical frames 11, metal front and rear frames 12 connecting the lower parts of opposing vertical frames 11, 11 in the front-to-back direction, and metal horizontal frames 13 connecting the lower parts of opposing vertical frames 11, 11 in the lateral direction (width direction). Overall, it is a large, roughly cubic frame-like structure with sides exceeding 1000 mm. Preferably, the vertical frames 11 and the front and rear frames 12, and the vertical frames 11 and the horizontal frames 13 are connected electrically (electrically) by welding or the like. Furthermore, the form of the pallet body is not limited to the example shown, and additional structures for ensuring (reinforcing) the strength of the pallet may be provided.

[0024] At the top of each vertical frame 11, a conveyor mounting section 14 is provided for attaching (suspending) the pallet 1 to the conveyor 54 described above. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, a cylindrical conveyor mounting section 14 is provided at the top of each vertical frame 11, and as shown in Figure 16, the pallet 1 can be attached (suspended) to the conveyor 54 via a suspension member 55. The conveyor mounting section 14 also functions as a voltage application means connection section. The suspension member 55 can electrically connect the conveyor 54 (or the voltage application means connection member) and the pallet 1 (conveyor mounting section 14 (voltage application means connection section)).

[0025] Pallet 1 is equipped with mounting sections 15 and 16 for placing workpieces W. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, pallet 1 is equipped with two pairs (four) of first mounting sections 15 spaced apart in the vertical direction, and two pairs (four) of second mounting sections 16 spaced apart in the vertical direction, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. As a result, as shown in Figure 12, two workpieces W can be placed on one pallet 1 in two layers. Note that the number of layers on which workpieces can be placed (number of mounting sections) is not limited to the example (two layers). In addition, each mounting section may be provided with fixing means for securing the workpiece (for example, an engagement part with the workpiece or a clamping means for holding the workpiece).

[0026] More specifically, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 13, each first mounting section 15 is equipped with a positioning pin 19 and a cylindrical first mounting section 17. By inserting the multiple (in this case, two) positioning pins 19 into the multiple (in this case, two) positioning holes 61 provided in the workpiece W, the workpiece W can be held in a position where it cannot move or rotate relative to the pallet 1. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 14, each second mounting section 16 is equipped with a rectangular prism-shaped second mounting section 18, and an inclined section 20 extending upward from the outside of the second mounting section 18 guides the workpiece W and prevents it from shifting.

[0027] The pallet body portion 10 has a fluororesin coating film 30. In this embodiment, the pallet 1 (pallet body portion 10) has a fluororesin coating film 30 formed on substantially the entire pallet body portion 10, excluding the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body portion 10 and the voltage application means connection portion which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process, and the energized portion E which is formed by the non-formed portion of the fluororesin coating film 30. As a result, the adhesion of electrodeposited paint during the electrodeposition process can be suppressed or prevented in the areas of the pallet body 10 where the fluororesin coating film 30 is formed. Furthermore, the removal of electrodeposited paint (coating film) that has already adhered becomes easier. In addition, since the adhesion of electrodeposited paint (coating film) to the pallet 1 can be suppressed or prevented, the contamination of each piece of equipment in the electrodeposition coating facility (for example, chemical conversion coating equipment, etc.) with electrodeposited paint (components caused by electrodeposited paint) can be reduced. Furthermore, corrosion of the pallet 1 (metal pallet body 10) caused by various chemicals used in the electrodeposition coating facility can also be suppressed or prevented.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferable that the fluororesin coating film 30 is formed on 80% or more of the surface (total surface area) of the pallet body 10.

[0029] In the pallet 1 of this embodiment, an electrically conductive portion E is formed on the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body portion 10, which is an area where the fluororesin coating film is not formed. In this embodiment, an electrically conductive portion E is formed on each of the mounting portions 15 and 16 for placing the workpiece W, which is an area where the fluororesin coating film is not formed.

[0030] More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, an energizing portion E is formed on the upper surface of the first mounting portion 17 of the first mounting portion 15, where the fluororesin coating film is not formed. In other words, the energizing portion E of the first mounting portion 17, which is the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body portion 10, has an exposed metal part, which allows for electrical conductivity between the workpiece W placed on the first mounting portion 15 (first mounting portion 17) and the pallet body portion 10.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, an energizing portion E is formed on the upper surface of the second mounting portion 18 of the second mounting portion 16, which is an area where the fluororesin coating film is not formed. In other words, in the energizing portion E of the second mounting portion 18, which is the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body portion 10, the metal part is exposed, and as a result, the workpiece W placed on the second mounting portion 16 (second mounting portion 18) and the pallet body portion 10 can conduct electricity.

[0032] Furthermore, in the pallet 1 of this embodiment, an energizing portion E is formed in the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means during the electrodeposition process, by an area where the fluororesin coating film is not formed.

[0033] More specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, an energizing portion E is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical conveyor mounting portion 14 (in this case, the outer circumferential surface portion of the lower half of the conveyor mounting portion 14) by a portion where the fluororesin coating film is not formed. In other words, in the energizing portion E of the conveyor mounting portion 14, which is a voltage application means connection portion that is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the pallet body portion 10, the metal part is exposed, thereby allowing current to flow between the pallet body portion 10 and the external voltage application means.

[0034] Furthermore, in order to form areas on the pallet body 10 where the fluororesin coating film is not formed (electrically conductive areas E), this can be done by applying masking or other means to the contact areas (upper surfaces) of the pallet body 10 (placement sections 15, 16) with the workpiece W, and to the voltage application means connection areas (outer peripheral surfaces of the conveyor mounting section 14) which are electrically connected to external voltage application means during the electrodeposition process, during the fluororesin coating film 30 formation process. Alternatively, after forming the fluororesin coating film 30 over the entire pallet body 10, the coating film 30 formed on the contact areas (upper surfaces) of the pallet body 10 (placement sections 15, 16) with the workpiece W, and to the voltage application means connection areas (outer peripheral surfaces of the conveyor mounting section 14) which are electrically connected to external voltage application means during the electrodeposition process, can be removed.

[0035] The fluororesin coating film 30 on the pallet 1 (pallet body portion 10) preferably contains one or more of PTFE, PFA, and FEP in a mixture. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress or prevent the adhesion of electrodeposited paint to the areas of the pallet body 10 where the fluororesin coating film 30 is formed.

[0036] Furthermore, the thickness of the fluororesin coating film 30 is preferably 100 μm or more. This prevents damage or detachment of the fluororesin coating film 30 on the pallet body 10, and more reliably suppresses or prevents the adhesion of electrodeposited paint to the parts of the pallet body 10 where the fluororesin coating film 30 is formed.

[0037] Furthermore, the contact angle of the surface of the fluororesin coating film 30 is preferably 105° or more, and more preferably 115° or more. As a result, the fluororesin coating 30 effectively repels the electrodeposited paint, thereby more strongly suppressing or preventing the adhesion of electrodeposited paint to the parts of the pallet body 10 where the fluororesin coating 30 is formed.

[0038] Furthermore, it is preferable that the dielectric strength of the fluororesin coating film 30 be 1500V or higher. This prevents damage or detachment of the fluororesin coating 30 on the pallet body 10 due to dielectric breakdown caused by the voltage applied during the electrodeposition process, and more reliably suppresses or prevents the adhesion of electrodeposited paint to the parts of the pallet body 10 where the fluororesin coating 30 is formed.

[0039] Furthermore, the fluororesin coating film 30 is preferably a powder coating film (formed by a powder coating method (particularly an electrostatic spraying method)). Here, the powder coating method is a painting method in which powdered paint for forming a fluororesin coating film is applied to the object (pallet body 10) without using organic solvents, and then melted and baked with heat. The electrostatic spraying method is a method of the powder coating method described above, which utilizes the force of static electricity to efficiently apply paint to the object (pallet body 10). This prevents damage or detachment of the fluororesin coating film 30 on the pallet body 10, and more reliably suppresses or prevents the adhesion of electrodeposited paint to the areas of the pallet body 10 where the fluororesin coating film 30 is formed. Furthermore, according to the powder coating method described above, it is possible to easily form conductive areas E in the areas of the workpiece contact area of ​​the pallet body 10 where the fluororesin coating film is not formed by means such as masking.

[0040] Furthermore, it is preferable that the surface area of ​​the portion of the pallet body 10 on which the fluororesin coating film 30 is formed is at least half the surface area of ​​the workpiece W. This makes it possible to avoid or suppress the adhesion of electrodeposited paint to areas of the pallet body 10 where a fluororesin coating film 30 is formed, thereby reducing the loss of electrodeposited paint due to unintended adhesion of the electrodeposited paint to the pallet body 10.

[0041] As described above, the electrodeposition coating pallet 1 of this embodiment is immersed together with the workpiece W to be electrodeposited in the electrodeposition tank 51, as shown in Figure 16, and is electrodeposited using a known method. At this time, a fluororesin coating film 30 is formed on the surface of the metal pallet body 10 of the pallet 1. This coating film 30 makes it difficult for the electrodeposited paint to adhere (it repels the electrodeposited paint), and in addition, the coating film 30 prevents current from flowing on the surface, so the adhesion of the electrodeposited paint can be eliminated or greatly reduced. Therefore, the work of removing the attached material (paint film) from the pallet 1 can be greatly reduced.

[0042] In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, the metal pallet body 10 has a workpiece contact area 15, 16 on each mounting area, which is an energizing area E formed by the non-coated portion of the fluororesin film. Therefore, the workpiece W can be energized easily and simply.

[0043] Furthermore, when energizing a workpiece W placed on a pallet 1 (pallet body 10) within the electrodeposition tank 51, a separate energizing member, such as a metal chain or wire, can be used. In this case, it is not necessary to form energizing parts E on the pallet body 10 (placement parts 15, 16) that are not coated with fluororesin.

[0044] As described above, this invention eliminates or significantly reduces the amount of electrodeposited paint (coating) adhering to the metal pallet body of the pallet that is immersed in the electrodeposition tank together with the workpiece, thereby greatly reducing the work required to remove the adhering paint (coating) from the pallet. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress contamination of equipment (liquids used) in other processes (for example, the pre-cleaning process (pre-cleaning equipment) and the chemical conversion coating process (chemical conversion coating equipment)) by preventing the adhesion of electrodeposited paint (coating) to the pallet (pallet body).

[0045] In the above-described embodiment, the electrodeposition coating pallet was explained as an electrodeposition coating pallet where the workpiece is a vehicle chassis, which is a component of a vehicle, but it is not limited to this.

[0046] For example, the electrodeposition coating pallet of the present invention may be an electrodeposition coating pallet for storing automotive frame members for electrodeposition coating, which is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment step, an electrodeposition step, and a baking and drying step, and is immersed in an electrodeposition tank in the electrodeposition step together with an automotive frame member, which is the workpiece to be electrodeposited, wherein the pallet body has a fluororesin coating film on its surface, and the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition step, have energizing portions formed by portions where the fluororesin coating film is not formed.

[0047] Furthermore, for example, the electrodeposition coating pallet of the present invention may be an electrodeposition coating pallet for storing automotive exterior panel members for electrodeposition coating, which is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment process, an electrodeposition process, and a baking and drying process, and is immersed in an electrodeposition tank in the electrodeposition process together with an automotive exterior panel member, which is the workpiece to be electrodeposited, wherein the pallet body has a fluororesin coating film on its surface, and the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process, have energizing portions formed by portions where the fluororesin coating film is not formed.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, the electrodeposition coating pallet of the present invention may be an electrodeposition coating pallet for storing automotive undercarriage members for electrodeposition coating, which is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment process, an electrodeposition process, and a baking and drying process, and which is immersed in an electrodeposition tank in the electrodeposition process together with an automotive undercarriage member as a workpiece that is to be electrodeposited, wherein the pallet body has a fluororesin coating film on its surface, and the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and the voltage application means connection portion that is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process have energizing portions formed by portions where the fluororesin coating film is not formed.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, the electrodeposition coating pallet of the present invention may be an electrodeposition coating pallet for housing an automotive battery holder member, which is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment step, an electrodeposition step, and a baking and drying step, and is immersed in an electrodeposition tank in the electrodeposition step together with an automotive battery holder member, which is the workpiece to be electrodeposited, wherein the pallet body has a fluororesin coating film on its surface, and the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition step, have energizing portions formed by portions where the fluororesin coating film is not formed.

[0050] Next, another embodiment of the workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to the present invention (an electrodeposition coating hanger) will be described using the example shown in the drawings. In the following description, components that are substantially the same as those of the workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating (electrodeposition coating pallet) described above will be given corresponding names and reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0051] The electrodeposition coating hanger of the present invention (hereinafter also simply referred to as "hanger") is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment step, an electrodeposition step, and a baking and drying step, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, and is an electrodeposition coating hanger 40 comprising a metal hanger body 41 which is used integrally with the workpiece to be electrodeposited in at least one step of the electrodeposition coating facility, wherein the hanger body 41 has a fluororesin coating film 30 on its surface. In this embodiment, as described above, the electrodeposition coating equipment is cationic electrodeposition coating equipment.

[0052] The hanger 40 (hanger body 41) of this embodiment includes a substantially U-shaped arm portion 42. The arm portion 42 can be formed by bending a metal round bar, pipe, angle material, etc., into a predetermined shape (in this case, a substantially U-shape). In this embodiment, a counterweight 43 is attached to one end of the arm portion 42 (the lower end in Figure 17).

[0053] The upper part of the hanger 40 (hanger body 41) is provided with a conveyor mounting section 44 for attaching (suspending) the hanger 40 to the conveyor 54 described above. The hanger 40 (hanger body 41) is attached (suspended) to the conveyor 54 directly or indirectly at the conveyor mounting section 44. The conveyor mounting section 44 also functions as a voltage application means connection section. That is, the conveyor mounting section 44 can electrically connect the conveyor 54 (or a voltage application means connection member) and the hanger 40 (conveyor mounting section 44 (voltage application means connection section)).

[0054] The lower part of the hanger 40 (hanger body 41) is provided with a workpiece mounting section 45 for attaching (suspending) the workpiece W to the hanger 40. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, the workpiece mounting section 45 is a cylindrical member fixed to the hanger body 41, and a workpiece can be suspended therefrom directly or indirectly. The form of the workpiece mounting section is not limited to the one described above, and it may also have a mechanism for, for example, clamping and fixing the workpiece.

[0055] The hanger body portion 41 has a fluororesin coating film 30. In this embodiment, the hanger 40 (hanger body portion 41) has a fluororesin coating film 30 formed on substantially the entire hanger body portion 41, excluding the energized portion E formed by the non-coated portion of the fluororesin coating film 30, at the workpiece contact portion (workpiece mounting portion 45) and the voltage application means connection portion (conveyor mounting portion 44) which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process. As a result, in the areas of the hanger body 41 where the fluororesin coating film 30 is formed, unintended adhesion of electrodeposited paint during the electrodeposition process (for example, even if the hanger body 41 itself is not immersed in the electrodeposited paint, a small amount of scattered electrodeposited paint may adhere) can be suppressed or prevented. In addition, the removal of electrodeposited paint (coating film) that has already adhered can be made easier. Furthermore, corrosion of the hanger 40 (metal hanger body 41) caused by various chemicals used in the electrodeposition coating equipment can be suppressed or prevented.

[0056] In the hanger 40 of this embodiment, an energizing portion E is formed in the hanger body portion 41 at the workpiece contact portion that comes into direct or indirect contact with the workpiece, by an area where the fluororesin coating film is not formed. In this embodiment, an energizing portion E is formed in the workpiece mounting portion 45 for attaching (suspending) the workpiece W, by an area where the fluororesin coating film is not formed.

[0057] More specifically, as shown in Figure 17, an energizing portion E is formed on the outer circumferential surface (in this case, the entire circumference) of the cylindrical workpiece mounting portion 45, where the fluororesin coating film is not formed. In other words, the energizing portion E of the workpiece mounting portion 45, which is the workpiece contact portion of the hanger body portion 41, has an exposed metal part, which allows for electrical conductivity between the workpiece W attached (suspended) to the workpiece mounting portion 45 and the hanger body portion 41.

[0058] Furthermore, in the hanger 40 of this embodiment, an energizing portion E is formed in the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means during the electrodeposition process, by an area where the fluororesin coating film is not formed.

[0059] More specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, an energizing portion E is formed on a part of the outer surface of the conveyor mounting portion 44, which is an area where the fluororesin coating film is not formed. In other words, in the energizing portion E of the conveyor mounting portion 44, which is a voltage application means connection portion that is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the hanger body portion 41, the metal part is exposed, thereby allowing current to flow between the hanger body portion 41 and the external voltage application means.

[0060] Furthermore, in order to form non-coated areas (electrically conductive areas E) of the hanger body 41, masking or other means can be applied to the contact area (outer surface area) of the hanger body 41 (workpiece mounting area 45) with the workpiece W, and to the voltage application means connection area (outer surface area of ​​the conveyor mounting area 44) which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means during the electrodeposition process, when forming the fluororesin coating 30. Alternatively, after forming the fluororesin coating 30 over the entire hanger body 41, the coating 30 formed on the contact area (outer surface area) of the hanger body 41 (workpiece mounting area 45) with the workpiece W, and to the voltage application means connection area (outer surface area of ​​the conveyor mounting area 44) which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means during the electrodeposition process, can be removed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1. Pallet for electrodeposition coating (workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating) 10. Pallet body (metal body) 14 Conveyor mounting section 15. First mounting section 16. Second mounting section 17. First mounting section 18. Second mounting section 30 Coating film 40. Electrodeposition coating hanger (workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating) 41 Hanger body (metal body) 44 Conveyor mounting section 45 Workpiece mounting section 50 Electrodeposition equipment 51 Electroplating bath 52 Electrodeposition paint 53 Electrode Member 54 Conveyor W Work (Electrostatically coated material) E. Conductive area (area where the fluororesin coating film is not formed)

Claims

1. An electrodeposition coating workpiece holder, comprising a metal body, is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment step, an electrodeposition step, and a baking and drying step, and is used integrally with the workpiece to be electrodeposited in at least one step of the electrodeposition coating facility, The aforementioned metal body portion is characterized by having a fluororesin coating film on its surface, thereby providing a workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating.

2. The workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to claim 1, wherein an electrically conductive portion is formed on the workpiece contact portion of the metal main body, which is an uncoated portion of the fluororesin coating film.

3. The workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluororesin coating film comprises a mixture of one or more of PTFE, PFA, and FEP.

4. The workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the fluororesin coating film is 100 μm or more.

5. The workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to claim 3, wherein the contact angle of the surface of the fluororesin coating film is 105° or more.

6. The workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to claim 3, wherein the dielectric strength of the fluororesin coating film is 1500V or more.

7. The workpiece holder for electrodeposition coating according to claim 3, wherein the fluororesin coating film is a powder coating film.

8. An electrodeposition coating pallet, comprising a metal pallet body, is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment process, an electrodeposition process, and a baking and drying process, and is immersed in the electrodeposition tank in the electrodeposition process, together with the workpiece to be electrodeposited. The pallet body has a fluororesin coating on its surface. An electrodeposition coating pallet characterized in that the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process, have energizing portions formed by portions where the fluororesin coating film is not formed.

9. The electrodeposition coating pallet according to claim 8, wherein the outer dimensions of the pallet body are at least partially larger than 1,000 mm.

10. The electrodeposition coating pallet according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the surface area of ​​the portion of the pallet body on which the fluororesin coating film is formed is 1 / 2 or more of the surface area of ​​the workpiece.

11. The electrodeposition coating pallet according to claim 10, wherein the workpiece is a component for a vehicle.

12. An electrodeposition coating hanger, comprising a metal hanger body, is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment process, an electrodeposition process, and a baking and drying process, and is used integrally with the workpiece to be electrodeposited in at least one process in the electrodeposition coating facility, The hanger body has a fluororesin coating on its surface. An electrodeposition coating hanger characterized in that the hanger body portion has a workpiece contact portion that comes into direct or indirect contact with the workpiece, and a voltage application means connection portion that is electrically connected to an external voltage application means during the electrodeposition process, and the workpiece contact portion has an electric current-carrying portion formed by a non-formed portion of the fluororesin coating film.

13. An electrodeposition coating pallet for storing automotive frame members, comprising a metal pallet body, is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment process, an electrodeposition process, and a baking and drying process, and is immersed in the electrodeposition tank in the electrodeposition process, together with the automotive frame member as the workpiece to be electrodeposited. The pallet body has a fluororesin coating on its surface. A pallet for storing automotive frame members for electrodeposition coating, characterized in that the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process, have energizing portions formed by portions where the fluororesin coating film is not formed.

14. An electrodeposition coating equipment comprising a metal pallet body for storing automotive exterior panel members, which is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment process, an electrodeposition process, and a baking and drying process, and which is immersed in the electrodeposition tank in the electrodeposition process together with the workpiece, which is an automotive exterior panel member to be electrodeposited, The pallet body has a fluororesin coating on its surface. A pallet for storing automotive exterior panel members for electrodeposition coating, characterized in that the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process, have energizing portions formed by portions where the fluororesin coating film is not formed.

15. An electrodeposition coating pallet for storing automotive undercarriage components, comprising a metal pallet body, is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment process, an electrodeposition process, and a baking and drying process, and is immersed in the electrodeposition tank in the electrodeposition process together with the automotive undercarriage component, which is the workpiece to be electrodeposited. The pallet body has a fluororesin coating on its surface. A pallet for storing automotive undercarriage components for electrodeposition coating, characterized in that the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electrodeposition process, have energizing portions formed by portions where the fluororesin coating film is not formed.

16. An electrodeposition coating pallet for housing an automotive battery holder, comprising a metal pallet body, is used in an electrodeposition coating facility that includes a pretreatment process, an electrodeposition process, and a baking and drying process, and is immersed in the electrodeposition tank during the electrodeposition process, together with the automotive battery holder, which is the workpiece to be electrodeposited. The pallet body has a fluororesin coating on its surface. A battery holding member storage pallet for electroplating automobiles, characterized in that the workpiece contact portion of the pallet body and the voltage application means connection portion, which is electrically connected to an external voltage application means in the electroplating process, have energizing portions formed by portions where the fluororesin coating film is not formed.

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