DE102013021796A1 - Apparatus and method for applying adhesive films to surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for applying foils (10) on surfaces (20a) and in particular on surfaces (20a) of motor vehicles (20), with an at least partially encircling frame (2) comprising at least two retaining elements (12a, 12b, 12c ) for holding the film to be applied (10), wherein these holding elements (12a, 12b, 12c) are spaced apart and the film (10) at least partially between these holding elements (12b, 12b, 12c) are arranged and between these holding elements (12a , 12b, 12c), wherein the frame (2) is movable in a first feed direction (Y) in order to attach the film (10) to the surface. According to the invention, the device has a storage device (4) for storing the film (10), and the film (10) clamped between the holding elements (12a, 12b, 12c) is movable in its entirety relative to the surface (20a).

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for applying films to surfaces. The invention will be described with reference to the surfaces of vehicles, in particular to bodies of motor vehicles. It should be noted, however, that the device according to the invention can also be used for other surfaces, for example wing surfaces of aircraft and the like.

When new vehicles are delivered, they are often covered with a film on the outside by their manufacturers for protection. After delivery, motor vehicles may be outdoors for several weeks or months, exposed to weather conditions. From the prior art, it is therefore known that films are glued to the surfaces of the vehicles, for example on the hood or the roof surface, to protect these surfaces. However, it sometimes comes through the sticking process to air pockets between the film and the vehicle. Especially with longer service life of the pasted with the films vehicles, however, these air pockets can be harmful, since they can affect the duration of the paint of the vehicle.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method which permit gluing or application of films to motor vehicles, air inclusions being avoided as far as possible. These objects are achieved according to the invention by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for applying foils to surfaces and in particular to surfaces of motor vehicles has an at least partially encircling frame which has at least two holding elements for holding the film to be applied, or on which at least two holding elements for holding the film to be applied are arranged. In this case, the film can be arranged at least in sections between these holding elements and stretched between these holding elements. The frame is movable in a first feed direction to attach the film to the surface.

An at least partially encircling frame is understood to mean that it can preferably completely surround the film, but need not. Thus, for example, two parallel struts, between which the film can be stretched, represent an at least partially encircling frame.

According to the invention, the device has a storage device for storing the film and a film clamped between the holding elements is pivotable in its entirety (in particular with respect to the vehicle).

Preferably, the film is pivotable in a predetermined plane. This may in particular be a plane which is spanned by a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the above-mentioned feed direction. Preferably, the film is pivotable about a predetermined pivot axis and in particular pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis. Advantageously, the film is pivotable relative to the vehicle or the surface to be bonded in order to attach certain sections of the film in time before other sections on the surface and in particular to adhere to the surface. Preferably, the frame is thus movable or pivotable in the manner described above and in particular the frame with the film clamped therein.

Advantageously, the film is a self-adhesive film or a film which is coated with an adhesive.

The said surface is in particular a surface of a motor vehicle such as the roof of the motor vehicle and / or a hood. The storage device can have a receptacle for a roll on which the film or a supply of film is rolled up. By means of the storage device and the possibility of pivoting the film relative to the motor vehicle, it is possible to attach film to the motor vehicle relatively quickly and preferably also automatically. As mentioned above, the invention is also based on the object bubble-free apply the films and particularly preferably should also be created a way to quickly attach the films on the respective surface. For example, it should be possible to apply the film wrinkle-free or wrinkle-poor and preferably to press it with a defined force.

Furthermore, it would also be possible that the holding elements and the frame member are integrally formed, for example, that the frame member also serves for clamping the film. Advantageously, the film is an elastic film.

It is thus proposed a tenter, which serves to tension the film. Through this Tenter, which is formed by the above-mentioned at least two holding devices, it is possible to apply the film targeted at certain areas of the motor vehicle first and only then in other areas. Instead of the frame can also be used in general a clamping device, that is, the frame must, as mentioned above, not be fully closed.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a sensor device which determines a distance between the film and the surface to be bonded to the film. Depending on this distance, a movement of a drive device can be controlled, or the movement of the frame device and / or the holding elements in the feed direction. Also, a corresponding pivoting movement of the film can be determined as a function of output values of these sensors.

Preferably, the device has a plurality of removal devices, which in this way determine the distances between a plurality of regions of the film and the surface to be bonded thereto. Preferably, the device has at least three distance measuring devices, which preferably determine the removal of at least three points in the region of the film to the surface.

Advantageously, the surface is an at least partially curved surface.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a pressing device, which is movable relative to the holding elements in order to press the film against the surface. By this pressing a smooth or wrinkle-free concern of the film can be achieved on the surface. This pressing device may have a doctor element and / or a roller element, which allows a flat application of the film to the surface. Due to the mobility of the pressing device relative to the holding elements (and thus also with respect to the surface), a smoothing or pressing of the film onto the surface can be achieved in a targeted manner. However, it would also be possible that the pressing device is realized by a plurality of pressing elements, which are preferably at least partially independently controllable, so as to press different areas of the film to the surface. Advantageously, the pressing device is movable relative to the surface and / or the holding elements in two mutually perpendicular directions.

For example, it would be possible for the pressing device to have a plurality of pressing elements, such as lifting cylinders, which are suitable and intended to press different areas of the film against the surface.

Furthermore, it would also be conceivable for the film to be pressed against the surface by application of atmospheric pressure or another gaseous or liquid medium. Thus, for example, nozzle elements could be provided, which are movable relative to the film in order to press them by applying, for example, with compressed air, to different areas of the motor vehicle.

In addition, a heating device could be provided, which is suitable and intended to heat the already applied to the surface film.

Advantageously, the device has a drive device in order to move the pressing device relative to the film and / or with respect to the surface to be bonded to the film. It is possible that the pressing device is movable in at least two different directions.

Furthermore, the device preferably has a loading device, which presses the pressing device or a pressing body against the surface.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a drive device which moves the pressing device. However, it would also be possible for the film to be pressed manually, for example by a user. Advantageously, the pressing device is arranged such that a pressing operation is achieved from a central region of the film to the outer regions. In this way, a blistering can be prevented, or it can also be any resulting bubbles are pressed to the outside.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the pressing device is at least partially movable between the holding elements. Advantageously, the pressing device is movable in a straight direction.

In addition, it would also be possible for a plurality of pressing devices to be provided, which preferably move outward starting from a central region so as to press the film against the surface in all regions.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device or the pressing device has a doctor and / or roller element. It is possible that the film by means of this Squeegee and / or a roll is pressed or smoothed. In addition to other pressing devices, such as any brushes or the like may be provided in addition to the pressing device.

Advantageously, a control device is provided, which controls the pivoting process and / or the feeding process of the frame to the surface to be bonded. In this case, the pressing device or a movement thereof can be matched to a movement of the frame device. Thus, it would be possible that the film is first applied in an edge region of the vehicle and then the complete film is applied with the pressing device and a coordinated further feed movement of the frame or the film.

Furthermore, it may be possible that the entire frame is also moved in a direction of movement of the surface to be acted upon by the film. It is thus possible, for example, for a vehicle to move in a production hall and also for the frame with the film to move with this vehicle. In this case, the movement of the film or of the frame can also be adapted to the movement of the surface to be bonded.

It would be possible that individual elements of the frame are stretched apart, so as to stretch the interposed sheet also. However, it would be alternatively or additionally possible that biasing means are arranged relative to the frame and the holding elements.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has at least one tensioning means in order to tension the film arranged between the holding elements. For example, the retaining elements may be forced apart from the biasing means, such as a spring. However, it would also be possible for a holding element or a plurality of holding elements to be subjected to such a biasing means, so that the film is always tensioned during the application process.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one holding element holds the film along a predetermined line. For example, the film can be clamped along said line and thus stretched along its entire width. Also, the second holding element may be pronounced in this way. It would also be possible for a plurality of holding elements to be provided, for example holding elements which also hold the foil on further sides and thus can tension it.

Advantageously, at least two holding elements with respect to the exciting foil opposite.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a first conveying means, which is suitable and intended to convey the film from the reservoir to at least one holding element. For example, this conveyor can pull off the film from a roll and thereby promote, for example, up to the first holding element. This holding element can then grip the film. However, it would also be possible for a retaining element to grip the film directly and, together with the relevant film end, to remove this film from the reservoir or from the reservoir. Once this is done, a second holding element, which is arranged between the first holding element and the reservoir, the film grip, so that a clamping is possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, such a conveying means can run in at least one and preferably in at least two rails, which preferably extends along the conveying direction. This rail can also have support or holding means for holding the film. It would also be possible that edges of the film are guided in rails.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has at least one release agent for separating the film. This is advantageously a cutting tool which cuts the film along a preferably rectilinear direction, for example along a direction which is perpendicular to the conveying direction.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one retaining element is arranged on the frame via a drive device. Thus, for example, between the frame and the holding element, a drive device, may be provided, for example in the form of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. In addition to these hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, however, other drives, such as electric linear drives, may be provided.

Thus, it would be possible for the holding elements to be arranged by means of two drive devices, such as linear motors or cylinders, on the frame or a carrier of the frame, wherein these holding elements are preferably arranged articulated with respect to these drive elements.

In addition, as mentioned above, advantageously also the frame in its entirety can be pivoted. In this way, an automatic attachment the film, for example on motor vehicle roofs, can be achieved. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, that the frame is arranged on a carrier and is preferably arranged pivotably on this carrier. In this embodiment, the drive means are preferably arranged between the carrier and the frame so as to achieve a defined movement of the frame relative to the carrier.

In addition, however, as mentioned above, other surfaces of the vehicles can be acted upon with the film, such as door surfaces, the hood or the trunk. Advantageously, a frame is adaptable between the holding elements. In this way, a change of the holding elements to different vehicle types is possible. In addition, a lateral distance between the holding elements can be adjusted.

At least three retaining elements are advantageously provided, which surround the films in a circumferential direction. Preferably, the film is stretched from at least four sides, in order to prevent the formation of wrinkles and wrinkles in this way.

Advantageously, the said frame is not only pivotable with respect to an axis, but also with respect to a second axis. This second axis may, for example, be perpendicular to the first axis and also be horizontal. Advantageously, the first axis is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a vehicle to be bonded to the film. Under the longitudinal direction is also understood the usual direction when driving straight ahead of the vehicle.

The present invention is further directed to a method for applying self-adhesive films to surfaces, wherein the self-adhesive film is removed from a storage device and is held by means of at least two holding elements and tensioned between these two holding elements. In this case, the film arranged between the holding elements is brought to the surface and glued to this.

According to the invention, the film stretched between the holding elements is first adhered to the surface thereof only in a first subregion of the surface and then adhered to further sections of the surface by a pivoting movement on the entire film. It is thus possible, for example, for the film initially to be stretched within a frame or with the retaining elements and already brought to the surface to be bonded, but preferably even without touching it. Preference is given already at this time or even before or shortly thereafter, the film opposite the surface to be glued. Subsequently, the film by means of a pressing means sections on the surface, such as a vehicle, are pressed. It can be started in that area in which the film is already closer to the surface.

In a further method step, the pressing device is preferably guided along the film until it is completely arranged on the surface. Advantageously, the film is delivered closer to the surface during this pressing, for example, a tenter, which is located above a vehicle, further lowered.

Due to the maintained distance between the film and the surface does not stick. By pressing the film is further stretched and the formation of wrinkles can be avoided.

If the pressing is done by rolling, the film itself is not stretched, but only pressed.

In a further advantageous method, the film is first pressed against the surface in a central region of the film and subsequently in edge regions.

In a further advantageous method, it is conceivable that the film is rolled up on the surface to be bonded.

Advantageously, a pressing means is moved against the film in a predetermined and in particular straight direction.

Further advantages and embodiments will become apparent from the accompanying drawings.

Show:

1a An illustration of a device according to the invention in a side view;

1b a detail of the presentation 1A ;

2a an illustration of a device according to the invention from the front in the vehicle direction;

2 B a side view of in 2A shown device;

3a a representation of the device according to the invention from above;

3b a detailed representation of in 3A shown device;

4 a perspective view of a device according to the invention;

5 a schematic representation of the operation of the device according to the invention; and

6 a further schematic representation to illustrate the operation of the invention.

1 shows a representation of a device according to the invention 1 for applying foils 10 on surfaces. In this case, a film and in particular a self-adhesive film 10 on a surface 20a of a motor vehicle 20 be dissuaded. It is first possible that the vehicle 20 in the area of the device 1 is spent. It is possible that the vehicle is stationary even during the application of the film, but it would also be possible that the application of the film during movement of the vehicle, in particular in the direction of travel X, takes place. The vehicle can 20 For example, stand on a conveyor belt or the like.

The device 1 has a reservoir 4 on which the foil is on 10 is arranged. This may be, for example, a roller carrier on which a roll with self-adhesive film is arranged. In the area of this reservoir 4 a dispensing device for dispensing foil may be provided. In this case, cutting elements could also be provided, which serve to cut the film, in particular in a direction which to the in 1a shown direction X is vertical.

The reference number 2 denotes a frame or a frame element. It should be noted that this frame does not have to completely surround the film but also, for example, in the form of two lateral struts, as in FIG 1 shown, can be trained. To this frame are several retaining elements 12a . 12b . 12c arranged, which for holding or tensioning the film 10 serve. It is possible that the film 10 these holding elements 12a . 12b . 12c is fed and then stretched by them.

The frame 2 is by means of two movement devices 16 and 18 on a carrier 14 arranged. These two movement devices 16 . 18 , which may also be, for example, hydraulic or pneumatic or electric drives, cause a pivoting of the frame 2 here in the figure plane.

The reference number 6 indicates in its entirety a pressing unit, which for pressing the film to the surface 20a of the vehicle 20 serves.

The reference character Y indicates the direction in which the film or the frame 2 on the vehicle 20 can be delivered. The reference number 82 indicates a rolling device by means of which the entire unit 60 in which also the frame 2 or the carrier 14 is arranged, can be moved in the direction X. The reference numeral 42 indicates a further pressing unit approximately in the form of a roller brush, which after applying the film, this again on the vehicle 20 can press on. This second pressing device 42 can also be moved in the direction Y and in particular also in dependence on the vehicle itself. In this way, this second pressing device 42 be designed similarly as appropriate brushes in car washes.

In addition, however, the entire unit, but also the pressing device 6 also movable in a direction Z, which is perpendicular to the plane of the figure here.

1b shows a representation to illustrate this movement in said direction Z. There are two roller elements 82 . 84 provided, which are arranged above and below a cross member and which thus allow a movement in the direction Z. Show this 1b a partial view of a carriage, which is used for movement in said Y-direction.

2a shows a representation of the device 1 in a view from the front. You can see here again individual holding elements 12a . 12b as well as the dispensing device or the reservoir 4 , In addition, in this figure, the carriage 80 for the movement in the Z direction as well as the mechanism that allow the movement in the direction X, which is perpendicular to the plane of the figure here.

2 B shows a partial view of this device 90 , This also has two roles here 92 and 94 on which is a movement opposite the stationary support 96 enable. Here are the two roles 94 and 92 arranged so that they from two different sides on the carrier 96 abut, so that a shift in the direction Z of this carriage 90 safely prevented. Through an interaction of this trolley 90 and the carriage 80 Any freedom of movement in the XZ plane is possible. On the carriage 80 a drive device is arranged, which allows the movement in the direction Y and thus also a lowering of the film 10 on the motor vehicle 20 ,

3a shows a plan view of the device according to the invention. Again, the Andrückeinrichtung 6 shown, which the film to the surface 20a of the vehicle presses. Next to them are the side supports 61 shown what the movement of the carriage 60 by means of the rollers 62 enable.

The dispenser device 100 allows here in particular a cutting of the films 10 , The reference number 65 indicates a drive device, such as an electric motor, for lifting and lowering the frame element 2 serves.

3b shows an enlarged view of in 3A shown device. In this case, in particular, a central support element 112 recognizable, which here in the direction Y, that is perpendicular to the plane of the figure, can be moved by means of the drive means.

4 shows a perspective view of the device according to the invention. It can be seen that the pressing device 6 here a role element 63 which is suitable for pressing the film. However, it would also be possible for more of the 4 illustrated pressing means may be provided, which may be arranged both side by side and also one behind the other, that is, in the X direction one behind the other.

But it is also possible that the pressing device 6 separately opposite the frame 2 is mobile.

5 shows a schematic representation for illustrating the problem underlying the invention. Here is the slide 10 to the surface 20a pressed by the vehicle, wherein by means of the movement means 16 . 18 a pivotal position of the frame 2 can be changed. After the first pressing, the pressing element 6 , which is movable here in the directions X and Z, a complete pressing of the film to the surface 20a to reach. Advantageously, a pressing in a central area of the film or the vehicle surface is first started here, and then the pressing is continued in the outer areas of the film. In this way, the emergence of bubbles can be safely counteracted.

6 shows another illustration to illustrate the pressing of a film on the surface 20a , Here is a variety of movement facilities 18a . 18b . 18c provided, which also a section-wise delivery of the film to the surface 20a enable. Here is each of these movement facilities 18a . 18b . 18c associated with a holding element which holds the film. Also in this way it would be, as in 6 For example, it is possible to press the film initially in a rear area of the surface and then in the front areas of the surface.

The Applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

Frame / frame element

4

reservoir

6

pressure unit

10

self-adhesive film

12a, 12b, 12c

retaining elements

14

carrier

16, 18

movers

18a, 18b, 18c

Variety of movement facilities

20

motor vehicle

20a

surface

42

further pressure unit

60

carriage

61

side beams

62

roll

63

roller element

65

driving means

80

carriage

82, 84

roller elements

90

carriage

92, 94

roll

96

stationary carrier

100

Dispensing means

112

central carrier element

X

direction of travel

Y

infeed

Z

movement direction

XZ

level

Claims (10)

Contraption ( 1 ) for applying foils ( 10 ) on surfaces ( 20a ) and in particular on surfaces ( 20a ) of motor vehicles ( 20 ), with an at least partially circulating framework ( 2 ), the at least two holding elements ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) for holding the film to be applied ( 10 ), these retaining elements ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) are spaced apart from each other and the film ( 10 ) at least in sections between these holding elements ( 12b . 12b . 12c ) and between these holding elements ( 12a . 12b . 12c ), the frame ( 2 ) in a first feed direction (Y) is movable to the film ( 10 ) to be attached to the surface, characterized the device has a storage device ( 4 ) for storing the film ( 10 ) and between the holding elements ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) clamped film ( 10 ) in their entirety relative to the surface ( 20a ) is movable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a pressing device ( 6 ), which relative to the holding elements ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) is movable to the film to the surface ( 20a ). Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the pressing device ( 6 ) at least in sections between the holding elements ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) is movable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the pressing device ( 6 ) a squeegee element and / or a roller element ( 63 ) having. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) at least one tensioning means in order to the between the holding elements ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) arranged film ( 10 ) to tension. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one holding element ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) the foil ( 10 ) stops along a predetermined line. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) has a first conveying means, which is suitable and intended, the film ( 10 ) from the transport facility ( 4 ) to at least one retaining element ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) to promote. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one holding element ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) via a drive device on the frame ( 2 ) is arranged Method for applying self-adhesive film ( 10 ) on surfaces ( 20 ), the self-adhesive film ( 10 ) from a storage device ( 4 ) and by means of at least two holding elements ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) and between these two holding elements ( 12a . 12b . 12c ), wherein the between the holding elements ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) stretched film ( 10 ) to the surface ( 20a ) and adhered thereto, characterized in that between the holding elements ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) stretched film initially only in a first portion of the surface ( 20a ) is glued to this and then by a pivoting movement of the tensioned film ( 10 ) opposite the surface ( 20a ) on further sections of the surface ( 20a ) is glued. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the film by means of a pressing means ( 4 ) is pressed against the surface.

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