U.S. patent application number 13/638800 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for method for producing a fitting, fitting, domestic appliance and item of furniture.
This patent application is currently assigned to PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO. KG. The applicant listed for this patent is Andre Eckholt, Peter Jahrling, Arthur Krause, Friedrich Meyer, Daniel Rehage, Lars Schrubke, Kathrin Urban. Invention is credited to Andre Eckholt, Peter Jahrling, Arthur Krause, Friedrich Meyer, Daniel Rehage, Lars Schrubke, Kathrin Urban.
Application Number | 20130129265 13/638800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44650242 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130129265 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jahrling; Peter ; et
al. |
May 23, 2013 |
METHOD FOR PRODUCING A FITTING, FITTING, DOMESTIC APPLIANCE AND
ITEM OF FURNITURE
Abstract
A method of producing a fitting for domestic appliances or
furniture. The fitting including a plurality of components
connected to one another. The method includes the steps of
providing the plurality of components by one or more of stamping
and bending metal sheets, assembling the plurality of components to
form a fitting, coating the fitting, at least in sections, by
applying at least one coating, one or both of drying and burning-in
the coating, treating a surface of plurality of components
abrasively before the coating of the fitting, thereby setting a
surface roughness of the plurality of components, and cleaning the
surface of the plurality of components.
Inventors: |
Jahrling; Peter; (Bunde,
DE) ; Rehage; Daniel; (Bielefeld, DE) ; Urban;
Kathrin; (Ravensburg, DE) ; Schrubke; Lars;
(Kirchlengern, DE) ; Krause; Arthur; (Lubbecke,
DE) ; Meyer; Friedrich; (Bohmte, DE) ;
Eckholt; Andre; (Lomimgen, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jahrling; Peter
Rehage; Daniel
Urban; Kathrin
Schrubke; Lars
Krause; Arthur
Meyer; Friedrich
Eckholt; Andre |
Bunde
Bielefeld
Ravensburg
Kirchlengern
Lubbecke
Bohmte
Lomimgen |
|
DE
DE
DE
DE
DE
DE
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO.
KG
Kirchlengern
DE
|
Family ID: |
44650242 |
Appl. No.: |
13/638800 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
April 1, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2011/055125 |
371 Date: |
February 1, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
384/20 ;
29/898.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05D 3/12 20130101; Y10T
29/49641 20150115; B05D 1/322 20130101; B21D 53/10 20130101; B05D
2350/63 20130101; B05D 5/08 20130101; A47B 88/40 20170101 |
Class at
Publication: |
384/20 ;
29/898.03 |
International
Class: |
B21D 53/10 20060101
B21D053/10; A47B 88/04 20060101 A47B088/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 1, 2010 |
DE |
10 2010 016 316.3 |
Aug 24, 2010 |
DE |
10 2010 037 146.7 |
Claims
1. A method of producing a fitting for domestic appliances or
furniture, the fitting including a plurality of components
connected to one another, the method comprising the following
steps: providing the plurality of components by one or more of
stamping and bending metal sheets: assembling the plurality of
components to form a fitting: coating the fitting, at least in
sections, by applying at least one coating: one or both of drying
and burning-in the coating; treating a surface of the plurality of
components abrasively before the coating of the fitting, thereby
setting a surface roughness of the plurality of components; and
cleaning the surface of the plurality of components one of before,
during, and after the step of abrasively treating the surface of
the plurality of components.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of
treating the surface of one of the assembled fitting and the
individual components and by applying at least one porous
basecoat.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the porous basecoat
comprises at least one hard material coating.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the abrasive treatment
is performed by abrasive blasting using one or more of a mineral
and organic blasting medium.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the cleaning of the
plurality of components comprises at least removing the blasting
medium by one of suctioning and flushing.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning of the
plurality of components comprises one or more of alkaline cleaning
and ultrasonic cleaning.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the coating includes at
least one of a polymer, polymer derivative, and a polymer mixture,
selected from a group consisting of: fluoropolymers; polyether
ketones; and inorganic-organic hybrid polymers.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the coating includes
one of a polymer and polymer derivative selected from a group
consisting of: fluoropolymers; polyether ketones; and
inorganic-organic hybrid polymers.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fitting is a
pullout guide, including a guide rail, on which at least one of a
middle rail and a slide rail is mounted and configured to be
movable via roller bodies, the roller bodies being guided along
runways on one or more of the rails, and further comprising a step
of masking of a part of a surface of the pullout guide being
performed before the abrasive treatment step to set the surface
roughness.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the masking includes a
masking on the runways that is performed by covering the runways by
applying a wax-like substance.
11. The method according to claim 1, wherein after one or both of
the drying and the burning-in of the coating, a tempering of the
coated fitting is performed.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the tempering is
performed in an oxygen-poor atmosphere.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the tempering the
oxygen-rich atmosphere is performed at at least 500.degree. C.
14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning step is
performed using one of ultrasound and plasma.
15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the treatment of the
surface is performed by brushes.
16. The method according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning step
includes using brushes and which cleaning step is performed at
least on the outer surfaces of the rails of a pullout guide.
17. The method according to claim 1, wherein an average roughness
depth of the fitting after the abrasive treatment of the surface is
greater than 1.85 .mu.m.
18. A fitting for furniture, the fitting including a coating
applied according to claim 1.
19. A domestic appliance including a fitting according to claim
18.
20. An item of furniture including a fitting according to claim
18.
21. The method according to claim 7, wherein the fluoropolymers
include one or more of perfluoroalkoxyalkanes and polytetra
fluoroethylene, and the polyether ketones include polyether ether
ketones.
22. The method according to claim 8, wherein the fluoropolymers
include one or more of perfluoroalkoxyalkanes and polytetra
fluoroethylene, and the polyether ketones include polyether ether
ketones.
23. The method according to claim 12, wherein the tempering in the
oxygen-rich atmosphere is performed at approximately 650-750
.degree. C.
24. The method according to claim 1, wherein an average roughness
depth of the fitting after the abrasive treatment of the surface is
greater than 2.0 .mu.m.
25. The method according to claim 11, wherein the tempering is
performed in a nitrogen-rich atmosphere.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a national stage of International
Application PCT/EP2011/055125, filed Apr. 1, 2011, and claims
benefit of and priority to German Patent Application Nos. 10 2010
016 316.3, filed Apr. 1, 2010 and 10 2010 037 146.7 filed Aug. 24,
2010, the content of which Applications are incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0002] The present disclosure relates to: a method for producing a
fitting; a fitting; a domestic appliance; and, an item of
furniture.
[0003] EP 1 607 685 B1 discloses a method for producing a
telescopic pullout system, which at least partially has a
polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, coating. This method presumes
that a separate coating of the individual parts of the telescopic
pullout is performed and these parts are subsequently assembled to
form the telescopic pullout guide. The fitting parts must be
transferred after the stamping and bending from the manufacturing
facility to a coating facility, which is typically spatially
separated from the manufacturing facility. However, in this method
additional transport and temporary storage capacities must be
provided for the transport of the individual components.
[0004] DE 10 2009 044 340 A1 discloses that a component is smoothed
before a coating of an inorganic-organic hybrid polymer layer.
Smoothing is made possible, for example, by polishing. The surface
roughness decreases further.
[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an alternative
method for producing a fitting, which fitting operates more
economically.
[0006] The present disclosure thus relates to a method of producing
a fitting for domestic appliances or furniture. The fitting
includes a plurality of components connected to one another. The
method includes the following steps: providing the plurality of
components by one or more of stamping and bending metal sheets;
assembling the plurality of components to form a fitting; coating
the fitting, at least in sections, by applying at least one
coating; treating a surface of the plurality of components
abrasively before the coating of the fitting, thereby setting a
surface roughness of the plurality of components; and cleaning the
surface of the plurality of components one of before, during, and
after the step of abrasively treating the surface of the plurality
of components. The present disclosure also relates to a fitting for
furniture, the fitting including a coating applied according to the
just described method.
[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a
method for producing a fitting, which fitting is assembled from at
least two components that are connected to one another, comprises
the following steps: [0008] i) providing the components, for
example, by stamping and bending metal sheets; [0009] ii)
assembling the components to form a fitting; [0010] iii) at least
sectionally coating the fitting by applying at least one coating;
and [0011] iv) drying and/or burning-in the coating; and before the
coating of the fitting, a treatment of the surface for setting a
surface roughness is performed and at least one step of cleaning
the surface to be coated is performed, which is carried out before,
during, or after the treatment of the surface.
[0012] According to the present disclosure, an improvement of the
adhesion of the coating on the surface of a preassembled fitting
can be performed by a targeted setting of the surface roughness.
This can, therefore, also allow the durability of the fitting by
longer protection from environmental influences.
[0013] Damage to the coating, as is possible during a machine
assembly of coated components, is additionally advantageously
avoided. Assembled fittings occupy less space than individual
components of a fitting during the transport and the temporary
storage upon the transfer from a manufacturing facility into a
coating facility. In addition, a more rapid production rate of
fittings can be achieved based upon the method of the present
disclosure.
[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed herein,
including in the claims.
[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is advantageous if
the surface to be coated of the assembled fitting is brought to a
surface roughness by an abrasive treatment. The surface roughness
can be implemented more or less strongly dependent on the coating
composition and coating thickness. The abrasive treatment can be
performed, among other ways, by grinding, but may, for example, be
done by abrasive blasting methods.
[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the individual
components can also be abrasively treated before they are assembled
to form a fitting. Before the assembly, burrs and other coarse
irregularities can thus also advantageously be removed.
[0017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure abrasive, that
is, material-eroding, methods, setting of the surface roughness can
also be performed by applying at least one porous basecoat to the
assembled fitting and/or the fitting parts. The porous basecoat
advantageously causes the enlargement of the surface area, to which
the coating can be applied in the subsequent step. The basecoat can
be applied both before or after the assembly of the components, but
may, for example, be performed after the assembly of the fitting,
however, to avoid possible damage to the porous basecoat during the
automatic assembly.
[0018] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, at
least one hard material coating is applied to the surface of the
fitting as the porous basecoat. This hard material coating as the
basecoat causes, in addition to the coating applied thereon, an
additional protection of the surface from corrosion and
scratches.
[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,
a further method for the abrasive treatment can be performed in
abrasive blasting using an inorganic and/or organic blasting
medium, since, in such a case, the surface roughness can be
controlled by the impact velocity of the blasting medium on the
surface. The use of sand in a sandblasting method has proven to be
cost-effective, the blasting medium being able to be reused after
appropriate reconditioning.
[0020] It is advantageous if the blasting medium is removed by
being suctioned or flushed off in a cleaning step. That is so that
the fitting is not restricted in its functionality by a remaining
blasting medium and the coating does not have flaws due to the
inclusion of sand grains.
[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,
a further cleaning step after the surface treatment can also
comprise an alkaline cleaning and/or an ultrasonic cleaning,
firmly-adhering dirt residues, oils, or remaining blasting medium
being removed from the surface. An alkaline cleaning can be
performed, for example, after an etching step, for setting the
surface roughness.
[0022] A polymer, polymer derivative, or a polymer mixture having a
fluoropolymer, but, for example, a perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA)
and/or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can, for example, be selected
as the coating to improve the anti-adhesive properties of the
fitting.
[0023] If the fitting is not subjected to enhanced soiling
conditions, the fitting can be coated using a polyether ketone, for
example, a polyether ether ketone (PEEK), which has a lower
anti-adhesive effect than fluoropolymers, but a higher scratch
resistance.
[0024] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,
an inorganic-organic hybrid polymer layer can also be applied as
the coating to the surface of the fitting. Silicon-containing
organic compounds may be preferred, which, in relation to the
above-mentioned fluoropolymers and polyether ketone polymers, have
a higher adhesive strength on the surface, for example, of metallic
fittings, because of their inorganic silicon components.
[0025] Synergy effects can also advantageously be achieved by
combining the various properties of the mentioned polymers in a
polymer mixture with one another. It is advantageous if the
fluoropolymers, the polyether ketones, and/or the inorganic-organic
hybrid polymers are represented in a greater mass proportion than
other components, for example, colorants and the like, in the
composition of a coating.
[0026] It is advantageous if the method of the present disclosure
is applied for coating a pullout guide which has a rail, on which
at least one further rail is mounted so it is movable via roller
bodies. The roller bodies are guided along runways on the rails
and, before the abrasive treatment for setting the surface
roughness. A part of the surface of the pullout guide is masked to
protect the surface from material erosion and roughening.
[0027] In an embodiment of the method according to the present
disclosure, the masking for the runways of the pullout guide is
performed by covering the runways, so as not to negatively
influence the sliding properties of the roller bodies in the
runways. In addition, the coating can be, for example, easily
eroded because of the high mechanical load in the sections of the
runways at this point. In the event of uncontrolled damage of a
coating in a section, the erosion of the coating can
disadvantageously be accelerated, which is prevented by the
protection of the runways.
[0028] After the step of coating and after the drying and/or
burning-in of the inorganic-organic hybrid polymer, additional
tempering of the coated fitting is performed. Organic components
are at least partially oxidized, so that conversion and additional
curing, which is linked thereto, of the hybrid polymer layer are
performed. The tempering can be performed in an oxygen-rich or
oxygen-poor atmosphere, an oxygen-rich atmosphere having a mass
proportion of greater than 15% oxygen in the atmosphere and an
oxygen-poor atmosphere having a mass proportion of less than 15%
oxygen in the atmosphere.
[0029] Tempering in an oxygen-poor atmosphere, and, for example, in
a nitrogen-rich atmosphere, may be preferred, since incomplete
oxidation of the organic components of the hybrid polymer occurs,
so that the surface coating is only partially cured and therefore
can absorb shocks and impacts. Furthermore, better anti-adhesion
properties are thus achieved.
[0030] Higher scratch resistance is achieved by tempering in an
oxygen-rich atmosphere at at least 500.degree. C., or, for example,
approximately 650-750.degree. C., such that the hybrid polymer
layer cures completely. The completely cured hybrid polymer layer
is suitable, for example, for use in ovens having pyrolysis
function.
[0031] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a
fitting has a coating which is produced according methods of the
present disclosure. This fitting is resistant with respect to
corrosion and abrasive influences over a long time. In addition, it
is suitable for mass production.
[0032] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a
domestic appliance or item of furniture has a fitting as just
described. The fitting can be used in all domestic appliances.
These include, among others, refrigerators, washing machines, and
ovens. For use in ovens, a fitting must additionally be resistant
to alternating temperatures up to at least 250.degree. C. and also
meet the specifications of the FDA, or Food and Drug
Administration, regulations for the contact of plastics with foods
and the regulation number 1935/2004 of the European Parliament and
of the Council of 27 Oct. 2004 on materials and articles intended
to come into contact with food, to be suitable for use in the field
of food.
[0033] Other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent
from the following descriptions when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIGS. 1 to 3 show multiple views of an embodiment of a
pullout guide produced using a method according to the present
disclosure.
[0035] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a schematic flow chart and a sequence
diagram of a first embodiment for a method according to the present
disclosure.
[0036] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a schematic flow chart and a sequence
diagram of a second embodiment for a method according to the
present disclosure.
[0037] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a schematic flow chart and a sequence
diagram of a third embodiment for a method according to the present
disclosure.
[0038] FIGS. 10-19 show five schematic flow charts and five
sequence diagrams of additional embodiments according to the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] A pullout guide 1 comprises a guide rail 2, which is fixable
on a side grating in, for example, an oven, a side wall of an oven,
or on a furniture body. A middle rail 3 is mounted so it is movable
via roller bodies 6 on the guide rail 2. The middle rail 3 is used
to mount a slide rail 4. At least two, or, for example, three
runways 9 for roller bodies 6 are on the guide rail 2 and the slide
rail 4 for mounting the rails 2, 3, and 4. The roller bodies 6 are
held as a unit in a roller body cage 7. Furthermore, a total of at
least four runways, or, for example, eight runways 8 for roller
bodies 6 are on the middle rail 3. At least two runways 8 are
assigned to the guide rail 2 and at least two runways 8 are
assigned to the slide rail 4, respectively.
[0040] Two clamps 5 are fixed on the guide rail 2 for fastening the
pullout guide 1 on, for example, a side grating of an oven. Other
fasteners or fastening points can also be provided on the guide
rail 2.
[0041] The pullout guide 1 is provided on the externally accessible
region, that is, on the outer side of the guide rail 2 and the
slide rail 4, with, for example, a PTFE-containing coating, or
polytetrafluoroethylene-containing coating. A frontal stop 10,
which is fastened on the slide rail 4, is also coated on its
externally accessible regions with a PTFE-containing coating, for
example. A holding pin 11 is also equipped with a PTFE-containing
coating, for example. The clamps 5 are also equipped with a
PTFE-containing coating, for example. The inner side of the slide
rail 4 and the guide rail 2, on which the runways 9 for the roller
bodies 6 are implemented, does not have a coating. The middle rail
3, which is arranged completely in the inner region of the pullout
guide 1 when the slide rail 4 is arranged in the retracted
position, also has no coating, at least in the region of the
runways 8. The runways 8 can thus be formed by the material of the
rails 2, 3, and 4. The runways 8 and 9 are typically produced from
a bent steel sheet. Easy cleaning is made possible on the outer
side by, for example, a PTFE-containing coating on the rails 2 and
4 on the outer side. The pullout guide 1 can thus be used in an
oven, a high running quality being achieved over a long service
life. An upper pullout having three rails 2, 3, and 4 is shown in
FIGS. 1 to 3. An embodiment having at least three rails as a
complete pullout is within the scope of the present disclosure. It
is also to implement the pullout guide as a partial pullout having
only two rails, without the middle rail 3, or having more than
three rails.
[0042] In addition to the PTFE-containing coating, the pullout
guide can also have a PEEK-containing coating, a PFA, or
perfluoroalkoxy-containing coating, and/or an inorganic-organic
hybrid-polymer-containing coating.
[0043] The pullout guide shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is first assembled
to form a unit, according to a method of the present disclosure.
Both the assembly method of the present disclosure and also the
coating method can be completely automated.
[0044] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the sequence of a first method, according
to the present disclosure, for producing a pullout guide 1 in the
form of a complete pullout.
[0045] The shaping or provision of a plurality of components
identified with numerical descriptions 2-11, is performed in a
first step 101. This is performed, for example, by stamping and
bending a metal strip.
[0046] This is followed by a step 102, in which a treatment of the
surface is performed by abrasive blasting to set a surface
roughness. This setting can be specified by specifying one or more
fixed parameters. These parameters can, for example, be the
pressure at which the blasting medium leaves a corresponding
blasting nozzle and/or the distance of the blasting nozzle from the
surface to be treated. The blasting medium is not dry snow or
ice.
[0047] An abrasive treatment, among others, such as, for example,
abrasive blasting, in contrast to smoothing, results in the
increase of the surface roughness. Thus, the average and the
maximum roughness depths in relation to an untreated surface, an
overall roughened surface texture is provided and, for example,
protruding corners and burrs are eroded simultaneously.
[0048] The roughening of the surface improves the adhesion of the
coating subsequently to be applied. The coating can "claw" into the
provided surface structure. An intimate connection results between
the surface and the coating, and the risk is therefore reduced that
components or elements of the coating will detach from the surface.
The coating becomes more resistant in relation to mechanical
attacks, for example, by scrubbing pads or sharp objects.
[0049] In step 103, cleaning is performed by removing the blasting
medium from the surface, for example, from the rails 2-4. This may
be performed by suctioning or blowing off the blasting medium. In
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the pullout
guide can also be flushed using a cleaning fluid.
[0050] In step 104, assembly of the individual components, with
numerical designations 2-11, to form the pullout guide 1 is
performed. The individual components 2-11 are plugged together and
subsequently limited in their movement path by introducing notches
or embossments into the rails 2-4.
[0051] Subsequently, the surface is freed of production residues in
a further cleaning step in step 105. This can, for example, be
performed by a cleaning fluid. The cleaning in this step is, for
example, not performed by abrasive cleaning methods, so as not to
cause a change of the surface roughness after step 102. The
non-abrasive cleaning methods include, among others, non-abrasive
blasting methods, ultrasonic cleaning, plasma cleaning, laser
cleaning, steam cleaning, and chemical cleaning. For example, step
105 can be carried out in an alkaline cleaning medium under
ultrasonic action. Furthermore, one or more flushing steps using
demineralized water can follow, until a neutral pH value has
resulted.
[0052] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the
cleaning of the surface in step 105 can be followed by drying of
the pullout guide 1 in step 106. A first decision stage A can
control whether or not drying is necessary as a function of the
cleaning method.
[0053] Following the cleaning according to step 105 or the drying
according to step 106, the coating of the pullout guide 1 is at
least sectionally performed in step 107. Any
high-temperature-resistant plastic comes into consideration, for
example, mixtures containing PFA, PEEK, and/or PTFE. These
solutions can be dispersed in a fluid, for example, water, and
subsequently applied to the surface of the pullout guide 1 by
lacquering or spraying.
[0054] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that an
inorganic-organic hybrid polymer can be applied at least partially
to the surface of the pullout guide 1 in a sol-gel method.
[0055] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that other
modes of application can also be used, depending on the type of the
applied plastics. Thus, for example, mixtures containing PEEK and
PFA can be applied in a spraying method, for example, by plastic
flame spraying.
[0056] The coating is followed in step 108 by drying of the applied
coating, in which the fluid vaporizes and only the dispersed
plastic particles remain on the surface of the pullout guide 1.
[0057] Depending on the type of the applied coating and the
application method, burning-in of the coating material into the
surface of the pullout guide can be performed in a step 109. The
burning-in is carried out at 250-500.degree. C. The burning-in time
lasts a few minutes up to several hours depending on the
temperature. For example, residual moisture is removed and a
homogeneous polymer layer is implemented during the burning in.
[0058] Following the burning in, lubrication or application of
lubricant to the pullout guide 1 is performed in step 110. The
lubricant, like the applied coating composition, has to be
high-temperature-resistant up to a temperature of at least
250.degree. C. for the use of the pullout guide 1 in the field of
ovens. Furthermore, the lubricant must be approved for the field of
food.
[0059] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that step
110, for example, the application of lubricant, can also follow
directly after the drying in step 108.
[0060] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that
tempering can also be performed in step 111 following the drying in
step 108. The tempering may, for example, be performed at a
temperature above 200.degree. C. Tempering according to step 111
may, for example, be performed if an inorganic-organic hybrid
polymer is provided as the coating. Tempering could be performed,
for example, by slow heating to the target temperature over 3 to 7
hours. The target temperature of, for example, 500.degree. C. is
maintained over 30 to 120 min. Slow cooling to ambient temperature
is then performed.
[0061] The tempering can be carried out in a first tempering step
111a in a nitrogen atmosphere, the coating additionally being
compacted. The anti-adhesive effect of the coated surface can
advantageously be improved by the tempering step in an oxygen-poor,
nitrogen-rich atmosphere. Such a surface is additionally more
elastic and can absorb impacts on the pullout guide 1.
[0062] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that
tempering can be performed in an air atmosphere with a mass
proportion of approximately 20-25% O.sub.2 in the air, in a second
tempering step 111b, the coating being at least partially oxidized,
whereby greater hardness and scratch resistance is produced, for
example, in an inorganic-organic hybrid polymer coating.
[0063] This scratch resistance can within the scope of the present
disclosure, be increased, in that a third tempering step 111c is
performed in oxygen-rich atmosphere and having an O.sub.2 mass
proportion greater than 25% in the air, for example, at
approximately 650-750.degree. C.
[0064] The treatment of the coated component after the drying in
step 108 can be controlled. A second decision stage B can be
provided for this purpose, which regulates a step sequence directly
after the drying. Thus, steps 109, 110, and 111a-c can directly
follow step 108.
[0065] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the
second decision stage B can be automated, it being decided at least
on the basis of one measurement parameter after the drying
according to step 108 whether burning-in or a tempering step is
necessary.
[0066] The layer thickness, the hardness, and/or an interfacial
tension can, for example, be ascertained as actual values and
compared to predefined target values. If the actual values
correspond to the target values, the coated pullout guide 1 can,
for example, be provided with lubricant directly in step 110 and
subsequently can be packaged. Otherwise, for example, with
inorganic-organic hybrid polymers, tempering can be performed by
one or more tempering steps 111a-c or, in the case of PEEK, PFA,
and PTFE, burning-in can, for example, be performed according to
step 109.
[0067] The step sequence can be set by a third and a fourth
decision stage C and D in such a manner that the oxygen supply
and/or the temperature are increased step-by-step or continuously.
That is so that the tempering is initially performed in
oxygen-poor, nitrogen-rich atmosphere at approximately 500.degree.
C. over multiple hours and is subsequently performed in oxygen-rich
atmosphere and/or at 700.degree. C. over 10-30 min.
[0068] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the
third and fourth decision stages C and D can also be automated and
can be performed by determination of at least one actual value and
comparison to a target value, for example, the hardness, the layer
thickness, or the interfacial tension. The transition from at least
one oxygen-poor, nitrogen-rich tempering step 111a to one of at
least two oxygen-rich tempering steps 111b, 111c or step 110 of
lubricating the pullout guide is subsequently regulated. In
addition, the decision stages B-D can also regulate the duration of
each tempering step.
[0069] Subsequently, a quality control of pullout guide 1 is
performed in a further step 112. It is within the scope of the
present disclosure that parameters can be ascertained during the
quality control, which can be used to control the tempering and
burning-in steps, for example, the temperature, the duration, and
the oxygen content during the burning-in or tempering of the
coating of the pullout guide 1.
[0070] The pullout guide 1 is subsequently packaged and
shipped.
[0071] FIGS. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of a method sequence, which
differs from the preceding embodiment essentially in that the
treatment of the surface to set the surface roughness according to
step 102 is performed with the pullout guide 1 in the assembled
state.
[0072] After step 101, that is, the provision or shaping of the
components 2-11, the assembly of the pullout guide 1 is performed
in step 104.
[0073] Since the setting of the surface roughness may, for example,
be performed using sandblasting, isolated surfaces of the pullout
guide 1 are initially masked after the assembly. During masking
according to step 113, a protective layer is applied against the
abrasive treatment, for example, over the runways 8 and 9 of the
pullout guide 1. This protective layer can have a wax-like
consistency, for example, which at least damps the velocity of the
blasting medium before it strikes the runways 8, 9 or entirely
prevents the striking, so that erosion of material from the surface
of the runways 8, 9 is no longer possible.
[0074] This is followed by step 102, that is, the setting of the
surface roughness, roughening of the surface being performed by
abrasive blasting using a blasting medium. Step 103 relates to the
removal of the blasting medium from the surface and can
advantageously be combined with step 105, a further cleaning step
for removing production residues. This is followed by optional step
106, the drying of the pullout guide 1.
[0075] The pullout guide 1 is now provided with a coating in step
107 and subsequently processed further similarly to the method
described in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0076] FIGS. 8 and 9 describes an alternative method according to
the present disclosure, in particular for the pre-treatment of the
surface of the pullout guide 1 before coating step 107.
[0077] The shaping of the individual components 2-11 of the pullout
guide 1, the assembly of the pullout guide 1, and finally the
cleaning of the pullout guide 1 are initially performed similarly
to FIGS. 6 and 7 in the method sequence of steps 101, 104, 105.
This method sequence may be already carried out completely
automatically for uncoated pullout guides 1.
[0078] In accordance with the present disclosure, an optional
drying according to step 106 of the pullout guide 1 can be
performed following the cleaning.
[0079] After the cleaning according to step 105 or the drying
according to step 106, the coating of the pullout guide 1 with a
porous basecoat is performed in a step 114. This basecoat increases
the surface roughness. While material-removing or abrasive methods
were described in FIGS. 4-7, a material application is performed in
the preparation for the coating, before step 107, in this
embodiment of a method in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0080] The porous basecoat acts as a type of adhesion promoter
between the actual coating, which is subsequently applied, and the
typically metallic surface of the fitting 1. For example, with
fluoropolymers, such a porous basecoat has proven to be
advantageous and improves the adhesion of PTFE, for example.
[0081] The basecoat can advantageously be implemented as a hard
coating, so that in addition to increasing the surface roughness of
the fitting 1, it also ensures an increase of the scratch
resistance. For example, silicon carbide or silicon nitride are
suitable as porous hard material coatings. They form a suitable
basecoat for a coating using an inorganic-organic hybrid polymer,
since the inorganic-organic hybrid polymer is based on a
silicon-oxygen framework.
[0082] After the application of the basecoat according to step 114,
a cleaning step 115 of the surface of the pullout guide 1 is
optionally performed. This can, for example, be performed by a
cleaning fluid. If this is the case, a step 116 of drying the
surface can, within the scope of the present disclosure, follow
cleaning step 115.
[0083] A sixth decision stage F connected downstream from cleaning
step 115 ascertains the residual moisture of the surface and,
subsequently thereto, supplies the pullout guide 1 either to a
drying facility or directly to a further coating facility, which
applies the actual coating to the surface of the pullout guide 1 in
step 107.
[0084] As needed, cleaning step 115 can be performed or coating 107
can be performed directly. A fifth decision stage E regulates which
of the two method steps is to be carried out after the application
of the basecoat, that is, after step 114.
[0085] Further method steps 108-112, which can be carried out
similarly to the embodiment in FIGS. 4 and 5, follow the coating of
the pullout guide 1 in step 107.
[0086] Within the scope of the present disclosure, as an
alternative to the method described in FIGS. 8 and 9, a surface
roughness can also be preset by abrasive treatment before the
application of a basecoat in step 114. This advantageously
increases the adhesion of the basecoat.
[0087] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a
measurement of the surface roughness is performed after the surface
treatment according to step 102 and/or 114. If the surface
roughness proves to be inadequate, the method step of surface
treatment, for example, the abrasive blasting, is to be
repeated.
[0088] This measurement of the surface roughness can, for example,
be performed in the continuous production method by a laser
measurement.
[0089] FIGS. 10 and 11 show an embodiment of a method sequence in
accordance with the present disclosure which essentially differs
from the preceding embodiment, explained on the basis of FIG. 4, in
that instead of the roughening of the surface by abrasive blasting,
processing of the surface by brushes 117 is performed. Larger
irregularities of the surface are eroded and a surface having a
maximum roughness depth of, for example, less than 7 .mu.m being
able to be produced.
[0090] The method step of cleaning is required during the treatment
of the surface due to the surface treatment by brushing. In
contrast to the case of sandblasting, no foreign materials or
residues, for example, blasting medium, remain on the surface.
Additional wet-chemical cleaning of the surface can, for example,
be performed in addition to the brushing.
[0091] Through the surface treatment, for example, by brushing, the
adhesion of the coating on the surface is improved in relation to
an untreated surface of the same material.
[0092] The brushing 117 may, for example, be performed by
processing by rotating brushes from three sides, for example, by
metal brushes whose contact pressure on the surface is individually
settable. The shape of the brushes may, for example, be concave, in
order to also reach corner regions of a rail profile, for example.
Furthermore, however, no stamping is performed in step 101, the
shaping, so that an endless profile results, which is isolated in a
later processing step (not shown) before the assembly 104 of the
components 2-11 to form the pullout guide 1.
[0093] The brushing is carried out using a brushing machine, in
which one or more brushing stations are arranged. A total of three
brushes, for example, may be used per brushing station.
[0094] The brushing is, for example, performed on the outer
surfaces of the rails 2, 3, 4 of a pullout guide 1, that is, on the
surfaces which are perceived by the observer of a respective rail
2, 3, 4 in the case of a pullout guide 1 in the retracted
state.
[0095] An endless profile is guided in the feed direction through
the brushing station. Two brushes stand opposite to one another in
a brush assembly of the brushing station and allow the surface
processing from diametrically opposite lateral external surfaces of
the endless profile. For example, the brushes each execute a linear
movement toward the endless profile. A third brush for processing
an upper side of the endless profile executes a second linear
movement, for example, perpendicular to the plane of the first
linear movements and the feed direction.
[0096] The brushes are arranged on a shared linear carriage, which
has a defined travel path. The movement of the linear carriage is
performed, for example, via a servomotor, the contact pressure of
each individual brush being individually settable. Multiple brush
assemblies can also be arranged on one linear carriage.
[0097] The speed of the brushes is settable via frequency
rectifiers to implement a uniform profile on all sides of the
endless profile. The brushes are each operated by a separate
drive.
[0098] At least "matte gloss" according to DIN 67530 is ensured on
the surface by the brushing 117.
[0099] During the brushing, the profile is freed of longitudinal
grooves, which can already be present in the starting material and
are only removable with difficulty using means known from the prior
art.
[0100] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that, as an
alternative, the surface is cleaned by treatment with ultrasound
118, a liquid medium being applied to the surface of the components
2-11 and subsequently ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the
liquid medium by an ultrasound generator with the aid of a
sonotrode. These ultrasonic waves result in the formation and
implosion of gas bubbles because of cavity effects in the liquid
medium, whereby adhering contaminants are eroded from the surface
of the component.
[0101] In an embodiment of the present disclosure that includes
cleaning by brushes, the feed velocity of the profile or the
component is at least twice the feed velocity of the brushes.
[0102] A high gloss without brushing and at least matte gloss with
brushing can, within the scope of the present disclosure, be
achieved on the surface by the treatment using ultrasound 118.
[0103] The treatment using ultrasound 118 and the brushing 117 are
performed in a an embodiment of the present disclosure on an
endless profile. The isolation of the endless profile to form
components of a pullout guide 1 (not shown) being performed
subsequently to the treatment using ultrasound 118.
[0104] Such an embodiment is advantageous, since it is easily
possible to guide an endless profile in a manufacturing facility in
the production process.
[0105] The cleaning process in the ultrasound station can be
controlled by ascertaining the profile brilliance. This is
performed by regulating the feed velocity of the profile and the
vibration amplitudes.
[0106] The degree of soiling, a further criterion for the quality
of the cleaning method, can subsequently be determined by a wiping
test.
[0107] A soft cloth is rubbed over the profile surface and the
degree of soiling is determined visually. In embodiments of the
present disclosure, the cloth does not have any perceptible
soiling.
[0108] Improved corrosion resistance, for example, surface
corrosion resistance, in relation to untreated profiles was proven
by a 96 hour salt spray test. An evaluation was performed after 16
hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, and 96 hours.
[0109] Since the components used in the assembly of the components
2-11 to form the pullout guide 1 are already precleaned, for
example, high-gloss components, additional cleaning 105, as shown
in FIGS. 12 and 13, is also possible within the scope of the
present disclosure. According to decision stage G, alternatively to
the cleaning 105 and the optional drying 106, immediate coating 107
can also be performed, for example, if, during the assembly or the
isolation (not shown) of the components 2-11, no chips or other
contaminants are found on the surfaces of the components 2-11.
[0110] The metallic gloss of the profile is, advantageously,
maintained in the case of a transparent coating.
[0111] Different ways of processing for components 2-11 of a
pullout guide 1 are shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The rails of a
pullout guide 1, that is, the slide rail 4, guide rail 2, and
optionally, rail 2 being a metal rail, pass through a surface
treatment in the form of brushing and ultrasonic cleaning to at
least sectionally generate, high-gloss surfaces.
[0112] In further components of the pullout guide 1, for example, a
stop 10, a clamp 5, and/or a roller body 6, after the shaping 119,
roughening of the surface is performed by abrasive blasting 120
using a blasting medium.
[0113] After the assembly of the pullout guide 1, remaining
contaminants on the surface and the runways 8, 9 of the pullout
guide 1 are established in the decision stage G and, if they are
present, a cleaning 105 is carried out, which is optionally
followed by drying 106. If the surface and the runways 8, 9 of the
pullout guide 1 are free of contaminants, a coating step 107 and a
following method sequence, similar to FIG. 4, are performed.
[0114] FIGS. 16 and 17 show a method sequence of the present
disclosure in which the surfaces of rails of a pullout guide are
processed after the shaping 101 either by brushing 117 or by
abrasive blasting 102.
[0115] In a decision step H, in an embodiment of the method
sequence, the surface roughness is measured and subsequently a
method of surface processing is determined as a function of the
degree of the measured surface roughness. Following the brushing
117 or the abrasive blasting 102, a high-gloss surface free of
grease, oil, or other deposits is provided by an ultrasonic
cleaning 118.
[0116] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that in an
alternative embodiment, the rails of the pullout guide 1 are
isolated directly after the shaping 101 and assembled together with
further components by assembly 104 to form the pullout guide 1.
[0117] Further components of the pullout guide 1 are surface
treated similarly to FIG. 14 by abrasive blasting 120 and assembled
to form the pullout guide 1 in step 104. The method sequence
following is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0118] The method shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 differs from the method
in FIGS. 16 and 17 essentially in that instead of the treatment of
the surface using ultrasound 118, or the cleaning by cavity
effects, respectively, cleaning by plasma irradiation 121 is
provided.
[0119] The surface is thus also freed of contaminants.
[0120] In another embodiment according to the present disclosure,
the rails 2-4 of the pullout guide 1, for example, the guide rail 2
and the slide rail 4 and optionally the middle rail 3, at least
sectionally have a brushed surface before the coating. The texture
of the surface has a main orientation direction, in the
longitudinal direction of the rails 2, 3, 4, and includes a
plurality of grooves having low penetration depth of, for example,
less than 7 .mu.m in the surface, which have individual orientation
directions. The mean value of the individual orientation directions
or the direction vectors of the grooves specifies the main
orientation direction of the texture or the surface structure. The
pullout guide 1 is matte gloss. The scatter of the mean roughness
value of the metallic surface after the brushing is decreased in
relation to an unbrushed surface. The scatter of the mean roughness
value of the metallic surface is, for example, less than half of
the scatter of an unbrushed surface. The scatter of the mean
roughness value is an index of whether a surface having homogeneous
roughness is provided or whether a surface has irregularities. An
uneven surface can have channels and tension cracks of a maximum
roughness depth of greater than 7 .mu.m, for example. The brushed
surface extends at least over the entire outer surface of the
respective rail, that is, the surface which is visible to the end
user in the case of a pullout guide 1 in the installed state.
[0121] In addition to the measurement of the mean roughness value
Ra, an ascertainment of the average roughness depth Rz and the
maximum roughness depth Rmax can also be performed, in order to
obtain more detailed specifications on the roughness of the
surface. Metal sheets made of stainless steel, which have been
subjected to an abrasive treatment of the surface to set a surface
roughness, and an untreated metal sheet made of stainless steel are
compared hereafter. The maximum roughness depth and the average
roughness depth for the roughened metal sheet and the untreated
metal sheet were ascertained.
[0122] In the present embodiment, the abrasive treatment is
performed by a brushing procedure. The metallic surface of the
fitting 1 is guided past a brushing station. The brushing station
has brushes which are equipped with special grinding bristles.
Bristles impregnated with abrasive medium as a trimming material
for brushes for finish processing are designated as grinding
bristles. The bristle material can include nylon, for example.
Silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, chromium oxide, diamond, and/or
zirconium may, for example, be used as the abrasive medium. The
grinding effect results through the hard and sharp tips of the
grinding material which is enclosed in the brush material, for
example, nylon. During the processing of workpieces, a specific
quantity of the abrasive medium is always released by the wear of
the brush material.
[0123] The parameters 80, 120, 240, and 2000 therefore correspond
to the grain size of the grinding bristles of the respective brush
trimming with which the surface of a fitting 1 has been roughened
by abrasive treatment. The designation "series" identifies the
surface roughness of an untreated fitting. The designation
"ultrasound" reflects the measured values of the maximum roughness
depth and average roughness depth as parameters of the surface
roughness of a surface of a fitting 1 cleaned using ultrasound.
[0124] The measurement was carried out in the case of the 120 grain
size, the series, and the ultrasound measured values on three
fittings respectively, a triple measurement having been performed
on each of the three different fittings. A total of nine
measurements were thus carried out per measured value.
[0125] A total of six measurements were carried out on the same
fitting in the case of the 80, 240, and 2000 grain sizes. The
measured values in the following table were measured using
stainless steel of the alloy 1.4301 (WNr. 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10),
AISI 304 (V2A)).
TABLE-US-00001 Stainless steel 1.4301 Rmax [.mu.m] Rz [.mu.m] 120
scatter 0.68 0.47 mean value 4.03 3.26 2000 scatter 0.47 0.31 mean
value 3.99 3.08 240 scatter 0.44 0.28 mean value 4.02 3.33 80
scatter 0.73 0.23 mean value 5.12 3.93 Series scatter 0.62 0.20
mean value 2.54 1.60 Ultrasound scatter 1.55 0.41 mean value 3.21
1.42
[0126] The measured values in the following table were measured
employing stainless steel of the alloy 1.4016 (WNr. 1.4016
(X6Cr17), AISI 430).
TABLE-US-00002 Stainless steel 1.4016 Rmax [.mu.m] Rz [.mu.m]
Series scatter 1.61 0.62 mean value 8.72 7.22
[0127] It can be seen, on the basis of the measured values, that
roughening of the surface has occurred as a result of the abrasive
treatment, by brushing here. The measurement of the surface
roughness was performed using a Hommel Tester T1000.
[0128] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the average
roughness depth Rz of the fitting after the abrasive treatment of
the surface is greater than 1.85 or, for example, greater than 2.0
or, for example, greater than 2.7
[0129] The mean value of the average roughness depth Rz of the
fitting from at least six measurements is, for example, 3.0-4.0
.mu.m.
[0130] The mean value of the maximum roughness depth Rmax of the
fitting from at least six measurements is, for example, greater
than 3.3 .mu.m, or, may be greater than 3.5 .mu.m. The mean value
of the maximum roughness depth Rmax from at least six measurements
is, for example, 3.8-5.2 .mu.m.
[0131] In spite of the increased measured values of the average
roughness depth and the maximum roughness depth in relation to the
surface of an untreated fitting, the mean roughness value is, for
example, between 0.3-0.49 .mu.m. A uniformly roughened surface may
therefore be concluded with simultaneously increased roughness
depth.
[0132] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the
surface after the abrasive treatment therefore has a mean roughness
value Ra of less than 2 .mu.m, or, for example, less than 0.8
.mu.m, or, for example, less than 0.5 .mu.m.
[0133] In another embodiment according to the present disclosure,
the outer surfaces of the pullout guide 1 have a high-gloss
surface. This is achieved by a treatment using ultrasound 118. The
mean brilliance of the metallic surface is, with a 60.degree.
geometry, greater than 150, or may be, for example, greater than
200, and is carried out based on DIN 67530 using a measuring device
REFO 60 from Hach-Lange.
[0134] The following table describes the improved gloss behavior of
the fitting 1 due to the cleaning of the surface of the fitting to
be coated, which causes an improvement of the appearance of the
fitting 1 and simultaneously provides a larger surface for applying
the coating.
TABLE-US-00003 Stainless steel 1.4301 measurement series 1
measurement series 2 series mean 117.5 118.4 value 120 mean 117.6
109.7 value ultrasound mean 214.2 231.2 value
[0135] The mean value shown in the table is the ascertained
brilliance of the surfaces before and after cleaning by
ultrasound.
[0136] The measurement of the brilliance was performed using an
REFO 60 portable 60.degree. angle reflectometer, the measured gloss
units being specified according to DIN 67530.
[0137] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, a
metallic surface after the step of cleaning the surface to be
coated according to a method disclosed herein has a brilliance of
at least 120, or, for example, at least 140, or, for example, at
least 190.
[0138] Cleaning of the surface is, for example, performed in a
non-thermal cleaning method in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0139] Measuring methods and definitions are next discussed.
[0140] Roughness Ra
[0141] The surface roughness specified in the context of the
embodiments of the present disclosure relates to the mean roughness
value Ra, or .mu.m, according to DIN 4768. The mean roughness value
Ra is the arithmetic mean value of the absolute values of the
distances y of the roughness profile from the center line within a
measuring section. The roughness measurement is performed using
electrical stylus instruments according to DIN 4772. The
measurement conditions are established according to DIN 4768 T1 for
the measurement of the mean roughness value Ra. The measurement was
performed transversely to the texture of the surface.
[0142] The distance of two parallels to a center line, which
contact the measured actual profile at the highest point and at the
lowest point within an individual measuring section, is designated
as the individual roughness depth Zi.
[0143] The average roughness depth Rz, in .mu.m, is the arithmetic
mean of the individual roughness steps Zi of five equidistant
adjoining individual measuring sections.
[0144] The maximum roughness depth Rmax, in .mu.m, is the greatest
value of five individual roughness depths Z.sub.1 to Z.sub.5.
[0145] Corrosion monitoring
[0146] To monitor the nucleation process and the corrosion
behavior, the electrochemical noise is tracked by electrochemical
measuring apparatus. Stainless steels are enclosed by a protective
passive layer of only approximately 1-20 nm thickness, which can
also partially regenerate itself in the event of damage. This layer
is typically thinner than the wavelength of visible light, so that
it is not perceptible using typical optical microscopes. The
formation, damage, and regeneration of the passive layer is
dependent on the corrosive medium, the metal, and the design. The
design is determined by the surface roughness, the type of joining,
structurally related gaps, and the overall structure. The influence
of the corrosive medium is determined by the concentration of, for
example, corrosion-promoting agents, such as chloride ions, the
temperature, and the flow velocity of the corrosive medium.
Corrosion can occur on stainless steels in the event of the
deviation of parameters, for example, the local oxygen
concentration, the extent of possible nuclei on the surface, and
the achievement of a critical temperature range. Damage to the
passive layer by tension cracks and corrosion of the surface can
possibly also occur as a result of the shaping.
[0147] Dissolving processes and layer formation processes of the
passive layer oppose one another. As a result, the passive layer is
not a constant-thickness cover layer, but rather is subject to a
dynamic equilibrium.
[0148] If a liquid medium is subsequently deposited on a metal
surface, metal ions go into solution. The remaining electron excess
and the potential change are detectable. Corrosion always forms in
energetically preferred regions, for example, local contaminants or
flaws in the layer, such as scratches or upon the processing of
pressed-in foreign bodies. These locally delimited regions are
typically only briefly available, so that the passive layer can
form again. In some cases, however, gap corrosion or progressing
hole corrosion occurs.
[0149] The nuclei and corrosion regions are perceived as a result
of the potential changes as a varying signal sequence, the
so-called electrochemical noise. Causes of electrochemical noise on
passive metals are the activation and repassivation processes of
the passive layer or the variations thus induced of the charge at
the phase interface metal passive layer/electrolyte, respectively.
These charge variations can be measured as current or potential
noise depending on the experimental setup. However, this method is
used in the present embodiments for the quality control of the
surface composition after the cleaning of the pullout guide 1 by
brushing, treatment using ultrasound, and/or treatment using
plasma, in order to ensure the quality of the cleaning and the
presence of a nucleus-free passive layer. Damage to the surface, as
is necessary in other control methods, does not have to be
performed in the present embodiments. In addition, ultrasmall
nuclei which are barely visually perceptible can be detected and
the corresponding cleaning method can be optimized to reduce the
number of these nuclei. The occurrence of an increased
concentration of compounds having chloride ions on the surface, for
example, by salt water spray and the like, is also detectable in
this manner.
[0150] Brilliance
[0151] A mean brilliance indicates the extent to which light is
reflected upon incidence on the fitting 1. The brilliance is
divided in the case of metallic surfaces into high gloss, medium
gloss, and matte gloss and is defined based on DIN 67530. The
brilliance is measured for different geometries, for example,
20.degree., 60.degree., and 85.degree.. The determination of the
brilliance is a standardized measuring method according to DIN
67530. The measurements were carried out based on DIN 67530.
[0152] Although the present disclosure has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that this is
done by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken
by way of limitation. The scope of the present disclosure is to be
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *