DE102010033723A1 - Method for applying material on component, involves applying material in molding tool by application device, where material is applied in molding tool in operation cycle and is molded by molding tool - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves applying the material (2) in a molding tool (4) by an application device (5). The material is applied in the molding tool in an operation cycle and is molded by the molding tool. The material is transferred to predetermined positions on the component (3). The material is applied in an internal tool (4.1) of the molding tool. An independent claim is also included for a device for applying a material on a component.

Description

The invention relates to a method for applying a material to a component, wherein the material is applied by means of an application device in a mold.

The invention further relates to a device for applying a material to a component, wherein a molding tool for forming the material and an application device for applying the material are provided in the mold.

From the US 2008/0063746 A1 is an injection molding apparatus for shortening an injection molding process in which a power supply cable is manufactured as a component known. The injection molding apparatus comprises an injection molding unit, a storage tank and a material supply unit, by means of which an injection molding material can be heated. Furthermore, the injection molding device comprises a conveyor unit for conveying workpieces and a robot arm for receiving and positioning of workpieces to be machined. The injection molding unit, the storage tank and the material supply unit are connected in series and arranged above a conveying path of the conveyor unit. By means of the conveyor unit casting molds are movable so that they can be filled by means of the injection molding unit with injection molding material. Furthermore, the conveyor unit is designed such that different workstations, which are arranged on the conveyor unit for performing various operations on the workpiece, this can edit.

The invention has for its object to provide a comparison with the prior art improved method and an improved device for applying a material to a component.

With regard to the method, the object is achieved by the features specified in claim 1 and in terms of the device by the features specified in claim 4.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

In a method for applying a material to a component, the material is applied by means of an application device in a mold. According to the invention, the material is applied in one operation in the mold, molded by means of the mold and then transmitted from the mold at predetermined positions on the component.

Under the application of the material at predetermined positions is to be understood that the material is selectively applied by the mold only at selected locations on the component, so that a post-processing of the component, in particular a removal of excess adhesive, is not required.

From the method according to the invention advantageously results in the possibility of a continuous shaping process and applying the material and thus the continuous production of the component. Also, different application positions and application techniques, in particular a so-called "wet-on-wet application", can be implemented for applying the material to the component.

Furthermore, from the device according to the invention results in addition to a simplified manufacturability of the component easy handling of the component and the material due to the possibility of an integrated transfer of the material to inserted into the mold workpieces.

In a particularly advantageous manner, it is possible to produce fuel cell components with a small number of steps and a reduction of manual operations or to provide the material. Thus, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and the manufacturing time of membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells and the fuel cells themselves. In this case, fluid-tight regions of the membrane-electrode arrangement can be produced on the basis of the material, which serve for gas sealing of the membrane-electrode arrangement to the bipolar plate and to the active region of the fuel cell and for gas sealing of an ion-conducting region of the ion exchange membrane. Due to the production of these sealing elements by means of the method according to the invention, combinations with other sealing concepts and the production of the sealing elements with different materials are possible in a simple manner.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Showing:

1 schematically a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for applying a material to a component,

2 schematically a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for applying a material to a component,

3 schematically a third embodiment of a device according to the invention for applying a material to a component,

4 schematically a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention for applying a material to a component,

5 schematically a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention for applying a material to a component, and

6 schematically a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention for applying a material to a component.

Corresponding parts are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

In 1 is a first embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 for applying a material 2 on a component 3 shown in a side view and a front view. Furthermore, the component 3 shown in a plan view. The component 3 is formed flat in the illustrated embodiment as a belt or substrate.

The device 1 includes a mold 1.1 , The mold 1.1 is from an interior tool 4.1 and an outside tool 4.2 formed, with the inner tool 4.1 is designed as a rolling body, which rotatably movable in the outer tool 4.2 is arranged. The outside tool 4.2 is as the interior tool 4.1 formed at least partially surrounding partial arc, which has a fixed position and its inner shape with the outer shape of the inner tool 4.1 corresponds.

According to the invention, the inner tool 4.1 such in the outer tool 4.2 arranged that the material 2 in one operation in the mold 4 Applicable, by means of the molding tool 4 moldable and then from the mold 4 at predetermined positions on the component 3 is transferable.

The interior tool 4.1 has two transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 on, which are designed as negative molds and in which the material 2 by means of an application device 5 can be applied. The application device 5 includes a transmission unit 5.1 for the transfer of the material 2 in the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 of the interior tool 4.1 , wherein the transmission unit 5.1 with a storage container 5.2 is coupled, in which the material 2 is stored.

The material 3 is for example an adhesive, silicone or a sealing material and is simply or multiply liquid, pasty or as a melt in the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 The transfer is carried out by spraying, doctoring and / or other suitable methods. These are the transmission unit 5.1 and the reservoir 5.2 trained accordingly. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission unit 5.1 as a nozzle for injecting the material 2 in the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 educated. The introduction takes place from above, when the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 below the transmission unit 5.1 are located. This is the inner tool 4.1 moved continuously or clocked.

The described transfer methods, ie the spraying method and doctor blade method, are characterized in particular by the fact that a simple filling of the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 without the need of injection ports is possible.

In one training, several materials 2 simultaneously or successively in the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 filled. Furthermore, in one embodiment, one or more materials are repeatedly and / or next to each other in the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 filled.

For three-dimensional shaping of the material 2 the interior tool turns 4.1 continue, so that one from the respective transfer area 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 of the interior tool 4.1 and the outside tool 4.2 formed formed and filled with material chamber. Here is the material 2 from the interior tool 4.1 and the outside tool 4.2 completed in the chamber.

To a three-dimensional shaping of the material 2 have the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 and / or the material 2 facing side of the outer tool 4.2 completely or in some areas a geometrically shaped structure, which is characterized by various elevations and depressions. Preferably, the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 and / or the outside tool 4.2 formed such that of the material 2 by means of the molding tool 4 different shapes and / or geometries can be generated.

In the with the outside tool 4.2 sealed chamber are process parameters, such as a temperature, a pressure, in particular a vacuum or an overpressure, an application of infrared radiation and / or UV radiation and / or a residence time of the material 2 adjustable in the chamber, allowing a drying and / or curing of the material 2 can be realized in the chamber. Depending on the training of the material 2 the process parameters are adjusted so that the material 2 mold 4 partially or completely cures and / or partially or completely dries. Also, the properties of the mold 4 ie the inner tool 4.1 and the outside tool 4.1 to which during the molding of the material 2 adapted to prevailing process parameters.

To set the process parameters, any number of heating devices and cooling devices in the mold are not shown in further developments 4 ie in or on the inner tool 4.1 and the outside tool 4.1 , arranged or integrated. In alternative or additional embodiments, the heating and / or cooling takes place in an oven, a heating and / or cooling chamber and / or in a heating and / or cooling tunnel. The heating is electric, inductive, convective, generated by radiant heat or other methods. The cooling takes place via a contact cooling, a convective cooling or indirectly via a cooling medium. Also, any other heating and cooling combinations are possible.

In a particular embodiment, the device 1 arranged partially or in their entirety in an environment in which the process parameters are adjustable for the entire environment. This is the device 1 arranged for example in an oven or a cooling chamber.

To adhesions of the material 2 on the outside tool 4.2 to avoid runs between the outer tool 4.2 and the interior tool 4.1 at least a robust, yet flexible release film 6 ,

For this purpose, the release film 6 from a release liner unwinder 7 unwound, between the outer tool 4.2 and the interior tool 4.1 passed through and on a release film winder 8th wound. For this purpose, Trennfolienabwickler rotate 7 and release winder 8th in the opposite direction to the inner tool 4.1 so that the release film 6 in the same direction as the direction of rotation of the inner tool 4.1 is moved. Furthermore, to guide the release film 6 two pulleys 9 . 10 intended. The movement of the release film 6 takes place in dependence of the transfer of the material 2 in the mold 4 clocked or continuous.

According to a further development, not shown, the release film 4 circulating.

The material of the release film 6 is preferably depending on the material used 2 selected. To realize the flexibility with simultaneous robustness has the release film 6 in particular a solid outer strip and a softer inner strip.

Additionally or alternatively, the external tool 4.2 applied in a manner not shown a formed from one or more release agents coating, which adhesions of the material 2 on the outside tool 4.2 prevented.

To when introducing into the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 excess material 2 ' remove, has the inner tool 4.1 four overflow areas 4.1.3 to 4.1.6 on, in which excess material 2 ' from the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 is directed. This excess material 2 ' comes with the release film 4 dissipated. To ensure adhesion between the excess material 2 ' and the overflow areas 4.1.3 to 4.1.6 to lessen, are the overflow areas 4.1.3 to 4.1.6 in a manner not shown preferably also provided with one or more release agents and / or a release film is in the overflow areas 4.1.3 to 4.1.6 arranged.

When molding the material 2 In one embodiment of the invention, one or more independent components are generated.

After molding, the material becomes 2 at predetermined positions on one side or both sides of the component 3 transmitted, wherein the transmission is clocked or continuous. In a two-sided application, the transfer takes place simultaneously and / or successively.

For the transfer of the shaped material 2 on the component 3 is the interior tool 4.1 formed as a compact, from which an upper pressing force on the component 3 emanates. To generate this pressing force and a lower pressing force is a second compact 11 below the component 3 arranged, which is designed roller-shaped and is movable in the vertical direction. The generated pressing force is variably predetermined. A rotational movement of the second compact 11 takes place in a clockwise direction according to a direction of movement of the component 3 , wherein the rotational movement of the inner tool 4.1 counterclockwise. Depending on the movement of the inner tool 4.1 the movement of the second compact takes place 11 and the component 3 clocked or continuous.

The molded material 2 is by means of the inner tool 4.1 and the compact 11 by pressing on and / or by setting a defined transfer temperature to the component 3 transfer.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the transfer of the material takes place 2 on the component 3 then, if the material 2 not completely dried. In this condition is a liability of the material 2 improved.

The transfer of the material 2 from the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 on the component 3 is in a development by one or more additional adhesives and / or by additional application of the material 2 and / or supported by other materials. The glue, the material 2 and / or the at least one further material are for this purpose in a manner not shown in one or more processes simultaneously or successively on the release film 6 , on the component 3 and / or on the molded material 2 applied and by the set process parameters when pressing between the inner tool 4.1 and the compact 11 activated. The application takes place over the entire surface, as a pattern or strip-shaped. Furthermore, the adhesive and / or the material 2 preferably three-dimensionally structured, ie with different thickness, width and / or height on the release film 6 , on the component 3 and / or on the molded material 2 applied. Thus, different structured components 3 in a simple way with the molded material 2 connectable and it is possible in a simple way tolerance compensation.

The adhesive is in particular a hotmelt adhesive, two-component adhesive, UV adhesive or another material. The adhesive will continue on the component 3 , the material 2 and / or the release film 6 fixed, activated, predried and / or completely dried.

In addition, the transfer of the material takes place 2 on the component 3 based on a chemical activation of the adhesive.

Also, the transfer process of the material takes place 2 on the component 3 Preferably by means of a dryer not shown, an application of infrared radiation, UV radiation and / or microwaves, the setting of the temperature and / or pressure, in particular a vacuum or an overpressure or the transfer is supported by these measures.

Depending on the design of the material 2 and the component 3 on which the material 2 is applied, different transfer times are required. These are by setting different speeds of movement of the inner tool 4.1 , of the compact 11 and / or the component 3 and / or by the arrangement of additional transfer bodies, which are plate-shaped, roll-shaped or band-shaped, feasible.

Both the three-dimensional shaping of the material 2 as well as the transfer of the molded material 2 on the component 3 can be simply or repeatedly next to each other, consecutively and / or successively.

In a particular embodiment, the component 3 applied different materials in combination. In this case, several transmission methods are used in parallel, in which, for example, a hot melt adhesive and a sealant on the component 3 are processed. By means of the sealant, for example, a sealing element, designed as a so-called solid bead, on the component 3 produced.

To support the transfer of the material 2 on the component 3 are not shown in further developments of the device 1 additional bodies, for example, belts and / or film carriers, provided by means of which a transfer time can be extended and / or spatial distances between several systems are bridged.

Such systems preferably close in a manner not shown to the device 1 or are part of this. The plants comprise devices for carrying out cutting processes, assembly processes, transfer processes and / or application processes. In the assembly process, components, arrangements of several components and / or combinations of different components and arrangements on the component 3 assembled. Post-application method, such as pressing and / or drying of the adhesive, material 2 and / or other materials in and / or on the component 3 , are performed by means of a double belt press, a roller press and / or a plate press.

2 shows a second embodiment of the device 1 , In addition to the in 1 illustrated first embodiment of the device 1 is the other release film 12 between the inner tool 4.1 and the material 2 inserted so that buildup of the material 2 on the inner tool 4.1 be avoided.

For this purpose, the release film 12 from a release liner unwinder 13 unwound between the inner tool 4.1 and the material 2 passed through and on a release film winder 14 wound. For this purpose, Trennfolienabwickler rotate 13 and release winder 14 in the opposite direction to the inner tool 4.1 so that the release film 12 in the same direction as the direction of rotation of the inner tool 4.1 is moved. Furthermore, to guide the release film 12 two pulleys 15 . 16 intended. The movement of the release film 12 takes place in dependence of the transfer of the material 2 in the mold 4 clocked or continuous.

The on the inner tool 4.1 arranged release film 12 is flexibly designed to provide a simple shape adaptation of the release film 12 to the transfer Units 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 and / or the overflow areas 4.1.3 to 4.1.6 to achieve. It is also possible that the release film 12 before the introduction of the material 2 into the interior tool 4.1 is molded on this.

The the interior tool 4.1 Protective separating film before adhesion 12 is in a not shown embodiment of the device 1 to a further transport of the shaped material 2 intended. This makes it possible to easily bridge spatial distances between multiple systems, in particular spatial distances between the mold 4 and other facilities. The systems comprise, in particular, devices for carrying out cutting methods, assembly methods, transfer methods and / or application methods and post-application devices.

Alternatively or in addition to the use of the release film 12 are on the interior tool 4.1 , especially in the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 , one or more release agents introduced. Thus, easy release of the molded material 2 from the mold 4 possible.

In 3 is a third embodiment of the device 1 shown, in contrast to in 2 illustrated second embodiment of the outer tool 4.2 is designed as a belt system. This is the outer tool 4.2 from at least three rolling bodies 4.2.1 . 4.2.3 and a band 4.1.4 formed, with the tape 4.1.4 around the rolling elements 4.2.1 to 4.2.3 is guided and by means of a clockwise rotational movement of the rolling body 4.2.1 to 4.2.3 is moved circumferentially.

For shaping the material 2 is the band 4.2.4 to the inner tool 4.1 pressed. The ribbon 4.2.4 preferably has a structure which the shaping of the material 2 serves.

Both between the band 4.2.4 and the interior tool 4.1 or the material 2 as well as between the interior tool 4.1 and the material 2 is in each case a release film 6 . 12 guided, what attachments of the material 2 on the tape 4.2.4 or the inner tool 4.1 prevented.

4 shows a fourth embodiment of the device 1 which differ from the in 3 illustrated third embodiment differs in that the application of the material 2 in the means of the respective transfer area 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 and the outside tool 4.2 formed chamber through a Anspritzstelle A1 takes place. For this purpose, the transmission unit 5.1 formed in particular as a nozzle or screw conveyor, wherein in such a filling, a high degree of filling of the chambers is achieved.

Furthermore, dashed lines show that the application of the material 2 additionally takes place through a second injection point A2. For this purpose, another application device 5 intended.

5 shows a fifth embodiment of the device 1 in a very simplified way. The device 1 corresponds to one of the embodiments 1 to 4.

In contrast to these embodiments, the inner tool 4.1 four transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 . 4.1.7 . 4.1.8 on, which are designed such that in this a workpiece 17 can be arranged, wherein the material 2 on the workpiece 17 can be applied.

The workpiece 17 is positive, force and / or material fit in the respective transfer area 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 . 4.1.7 . 4.1.8 of the interior tool 4.1 arranged, with a fixation of the workpiece 17 in the transfer area 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 . 4.1.7 . 4.1.8 via different adhesion conditions mechanically, pneumatically with underpressure and / or overpressure, chemically and / or magnetically. The fixation continues to take place before, during and / or after the filling of the transfer area 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 . 4.1.7 . 4.1.8 with the material 2 ,

A release of the finished with the material 2 provided workpiece 17 from the transfer area 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 . 4.1.7 . 4.1.8 is by applying different adhesive forces on the workpiece 17 and / or other aids, such as a scraper.

The transfer of the material 2 on the workpiece 17 takes place by setting a predetermined pressure, a predetermined temperature and / or by means of a chemical activation on one side or both sides and simultaneously or successively. The transfer is further preferably by drying the material 2 , Supply of infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation and / or supported by microwaves.

The process parameters can be controlled and regulated individually and / or in combination time and / or sections.

Furthermore, the filling of the transfer area takes place 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 . 4.1.7 . 4.1.8 with the material 2 and the transfer multiple times next to each other, behind each other and / or each other.

Depending on the design of the material 2 and workpiece 17 on which the material 2 applied or which of the material 2 surround is, different transfer times are required. These are by setting different speeds of the mold 4 and / or by the arrangement of additional transfer bodies, which are plate-shaped, roll-shaped or band-shaped, feasible.

At the workpiece 17 For example, it is a fuel cell component, wherein the fuel cell component is an ion exchange membrane, a gas diffusion layer, a frame, a catalyst layer, a bipolar plate or a sealing member.

In the production of a fuel cell, the ion exchange membrane, the gas diffusion layer and the catalyst layer are glued together in a manner not shown to form a membrane-electrode assembly by means of an adhesive. Preferably, furthermore, the frame, in particular an upper and a lower frame part, are glued to the upper side or lower side with the membrane-electrode unit. The frame serves to gas-seal the membrane-electrode assembly to the bipolar plate and the active region of the fuel cell as well as for gas sealing an ion-conductive region of the ion exchange membrane. As an alternative to the arrangement of the frame, fluid-tight regions of the membrane-electrode arrangement are produced, in particular by means of the adhesive, which likewise serve for gas sealing of the membrane-electrode arrangement to the bipolar plate and the active region of the fuel cell and for gas sealing of an ion-conducting region of the ion exchange membrane.

Before bonding the fuel cell components, the adhesive is applied to these at predetermined positions. This is done in particular by means of the device 1 carried out, being used as a material 2 an adhesive is used which can be applied individually or in combination to a plurality of the fuel cell components in a dry, pasty and / or wet manner.

The adhesive is in particular a hotmelt adhesive, two-component adhesive, UV adhesive or another material.

In 6 is a sixth embodiment of the device 1 shown, wherein the device 1 from the in 3 illustrated third embodiment differs in that the device 1 to one between the inner tool 4.1 and the outside tool 4.2 carried out application of the material 2 on a workpiece 18 suitable. The pulley 9 for guiding the release film 6 deleted, with the guide in the area of the rolling body 4.2.3 by means of the tape 4.2.4 he follows.

The workpiece 18 is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a substrate or film and is between the release films 6 . 12 and between the interior tool 4.1 and the outside tool 4.2 guided. The workpiece 18 can deviating also as another part, for example, as a fuel cell component may be formed. The transfer of the material 2 on the workpiece 18 takes place under the between the inner tool 4.1 and the outside tool 4.2 set process parameters.

In an embodiment, not shown, are the transfer areas 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 in addition to receiving an in 5 represented workpiece 17 suitable, so that a common application of the workpiece 17 with the material 2 on the workpiece 18 is possible.

For all illustrated embodiments of the 1 to 6 is that the various embodiments, arrangements and / or directions of movement of the mold 4 , of the component 3 as well as the workpieces 17 . 18 can be combined with each other as desired.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

material

2 '

excess material

3

component

4

mold

4.1

internal tool

4.1.1

transfer area

4.1.2

transfer area

4.1.3

Overflow area

4.1.4

Overflow area

4.1.5

Overflow area

4.1.6

Overflow area

4.1.7

transfer area

4.1.8

transfer area

4.2

outer tool

4.2.1

roll body

4.2.2

roll body

4.2.3

roll body

4.2.4

tape

5

applicator

5.1

transmission unit

5.2

reservoir

6

release film

7

Release film unwinding

8th

Trennfolienaufwickler

9

idler pulley

10

idler pulley

11

compacts

12

release film

13

Release film unwinding

14

Trennfolienaufwickler

15

idler pulley

16

idler pulley

17

workpiece

18

workpiece

A1

first injection point

A2

second injection point

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2008/0063746 A1 [0003]

Claims (7)

Method for applying a material ( 2 ) on a component ( 3 ), the material ( 2 ) by means of an application device ( 5 ) in a mold ( 4 ) is applied, characterized in that the material ( 2 ) in one operation in the mold ( 4 ) is applied by means of the molding tool ( 4 ) and then from the mold ( 4 ) at predetermined positions on the component ( 3 ) is transmitted. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the material ( 2 ) on an interior tool ( 4.1 ) of the molding tool ( 4 ) is applied, wherein the inner tool ( 4.1 ) in an external tool ( 4.2 ) of the molding tool ( 4 ) is rotationally moved in such a way that the material ( 2 ) is shaped three-dimensionally. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the component ( 3 ) between an inner tool ( 4.1 ) and an external tool ( 4.2 ) of the molding tool ( 4 ), the material ( 2 ) on the inner tool ( 4.1 ) and wherein the inner tool ( 4.1 ) in the outer tool ( 4.2 ) of the molding tool ( 4 ) is rotationally moved in such a way that the material ( 2 ) on the component ( 3 ) is applied and formed on this three-dimensional. Contraption ( 1 ) for applying a material ( 2 ) on a component, wherein a molding tool ( 4 ) for forming the material ( 2 ) and an application device ( 5 ) for application of the material ( 2 ) in the mold ( 4 ) are provided, characterized in that the molding tool ( 4 ) an interior tool ( 4.1 ) and an external tool ( 4.2 ), wherein the inner tool ( 4.1 ) in the outer tool ( 4.2 ) is arranged that the material ( 2 ) in one operation in the mold ( 4 ) can be applied, by means of the molding tool ( 4 ) moldable and then from the mold ( 4 ) at predetermined positions on the component ( 3 ) is transferable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the inner tool ( 4 ) at least one transfer area ( 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 . 4.1.7 . 4.1.8 ) on which the material ( 2 ) or in which the material ( 2 ) can be introduced. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the inner tool ( 4.1 ) and / or the outer tool ( 4.2 ) have a structure by means of which the material ( 2 ) is three-dimensionally malleable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the inner tool ( 4.1 ) rotatably movable in the outer tool ( 4.2 ) is arranged.

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