DE102016222619A1 - Laminating device and method for laminating a carrier component with a decorative element - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laminating device (100) for laminating a carrier component (10) with a decorative element (20), comprising a bearing (120) for supporting the carrier component (10) and a compression means (110) for pressurizing the decorative element (20) the carrier component (10) while the decorative element (20) is positioned on the carrier component (10) and the carrier component (10) is mounted on the bearing (120), the compression means (110) having an elastically deformable membrane (112), which is stretched by a tensioning means (111) of the compression means (110), wherein the membrane (112) is designed as a viscoelastic solid and by the membrane (112) for laminating the support member (10) with the decorative element (20) pressure on the decorative element (20) can be applied while the decorative element (20) is positioned on the carrier component (10) and the carrier component (10) is mounted on the bearing (120). The invention further relates to a method for laminating a carrier component with a decorative element by means of a laminating device according to the invention.

Description

The present invention relates to a laminating device and a method for laminating a carrier component with a decorative element.

Various devices and methods for laminating carrier components with various decorative elements are known in the prior art.

So-called press laminating devices and associated methods for press laminating carrier components with decorative elements are known. Press lamination is commonly used in the processing of non-vacuumable materials such as textiles, fabrics with and without foam backing, or non-stretchable cover materials such as leather. In the automotive industry carrier components are provided with a protective and / or decorative decorative layer by press laminating. Press laminating devices basically have fixed and thus contour-bound laminating tools or at least two corresponding tool halves, which are preferably made of steel or aluminum. This requires a separate press lamination tool for each component to be manufactured. For the production of different moldings, the different mold halves must be changed. This takes time and leads to correspondingly high costs.

In addition, so-called membrane lancing devices as well as associated membrane lancing methods are known. A membrane of a membrane laminating device is usually designed as an elastic solid body which, when laminating a carrier component with a decorative element, can at least partially adapt more or less flexibly to a contour of the carrier component. However, such a membrane has only limited degrees of separation. That is, after a certain number of transformations, the elastic material of the membrane can be plastically deformed or damaged or even destroyed.

In addition, from the DE 10 2011 076 120 B4 a combined method is known in which a press lamination is performed together or in addition to a membrane lamination.

Object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved laminating device and an improved method for laminating a carrier component with a decorative element.

The above object is solved by the claims. In particular, the above object is achieved by the laminating device according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 6. Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. In this case, features and details that are described in connection with the laminating device, of course, also in connection with the method according to the invention and in each case vice versa, so that with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always reciprocal reference is or may be.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a laminating device for laminating a carrier component with a decorative element is provided. The laminating device has a bearing for supporting the carrier component. In addition, the laminating device has a compression means for pressurizing the decorative element on the carrier component, while the decorative element is positioned on the carrier component and the carrier component is mounted on the bearing. In addition, the compression means to an elastically deformable membrane, which is stretched by a clamping means of the compression means, wherein the membrane is designed as a viscoelastic solid. In this case, pressure can be applied to the decorative element by the elastically deformable membrane for laminating the carrier component with the decorative element, while the decorative element is positioned on the carrier component and the carrier component is mounted on the bearing.

The compression means and the membrane are arranged and configured such that they are elastically deformable during the lamination of the carrier component with the decorative element by the carrier component or the decorative element at least partially complementary to a surface contour of the carrier component. That is, the elastically deformable membrane can be adapted for laminating the carrier component to a surface contour of the carrier component or of the decorative element on the carrier component. As soon as the carrier component has been laminated with the decorative element and the laminated carrier component has been removed from the laminating device, the membrane can return to its original shape. The membrane has an elongation at break of 500%, preferably of more than 1000%, in particular in a range between 1000% and 2000%. As a result, the membrane can be elastically deformed very frequently without it being worn, damaged or destroyed. Accordingly, the membrane has degrees of extraction of more than 500%, preferably more than 1000%. The degree of separation is the change from an initial state of the membrane to a State of the membrane after a deformation of the same, for example, in the lamination of the support member with the decorative element. Such high degrees of separation are not realized in known membranes, which consist for example of silicone. Due to the high elasticity, it is possible to bend edges even on difficult or complex geometries.

Due to the viscoelastic membrane used, especially due to their viscous properties shares, this can create particularly uniform and with a homogeneous pressurization of the decorative element in the lamination. As a result, the decoration element can be pressed over the cushion in such a uniform manner on the support component that undesired gloss spots on the decorative element surface can be reliably prevented. In the case of solid or less flexible mold halves according to the prior art, a relatively high pressure is locally applied to the decorative element in a region of the decorative element in which it has, for example, a seam. This can lead to the above-mentioned undesirable gloss spots on the decorative element or on the finished component. On the other hand, the viscoelastic gel membrane according to the invention exhibits a viscous behavior similar to that of a liquid. This results in a particularly uniform pressure behavior.

The viscoelastic membrane according to the invention also makes it possible for a fold to be carried out without fixed, mechanical slides.

Under the camp is a holding device for defined positioning of the support member to understand. The carrier component can also be clamped in the bearing and thereby be stored accordingly or positioned accordingly defined.

The membrane is preferably designed in the form of a gel cloth.

The laminating device is preferably configured such that the decorative element is pressed onto the carrier component with pressure. The decorative element can be understood as a decorative or functional cover layer for the carrier component.

According to one development of the present invention, it is possible for the membrane to comprise polyurethane gel, in particular metalloid oxide-filled polyurethane gel. As a result, the deformable membrane is designed to be particularly flexible as well as sufficiently robust for laminating the carrier component. The membrane in this case preferably has a Shore hardness (scale: 000) in a range of 50 to 90, in particular about 60 on. The relatively low hardness of the membrane allows a high separation in moderate pressure ranges. As a result, the carrier component can be laminated in a particularly efficient and correspondingly cost-saving manner. The tensile strength of the membrane is preferably in a range from 1200 kPa to 1800 kPa, in particular at about 1500 kPa.

Furthermore, it is possible that in a laminating device according to the invention, the membrane has a thickness in a range between 1 mm and 10 mm, in particular in a range between 2 mm and 4 mm

Furthermore, it is possible that in a laminating device according to the invention, the compression means is arranged in a housing and divides the housing into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber, wherein the bearing is arranged in the second pressure chamber, and wherein the compression means so movably mounted in the housing in that the membrane can be pressed by an overpressure, which can be generated in the first pressure chamber and / or by a negative pressure, which can be generated in the second pressure chamber, on the decorative element, which is arranged on the carrier component. Due to the generatable overpressure in the first pressure chamber, the membrane can be easily pressed onto or over the decorative element. By the producible negative pressure in the second pressure chamber, the membrane can be easily pulled on or over the decorative element. Due to the pressure and the membrane used, the decorative element can be particularly evenly pressurized. It is particularly advantageous in this case if the negative pressure in the first pressure chamber and the negative pressure in the second pressure chamber can be generated simultaneously. As a result, the decorative element can be pressed particularly firmly onto the carrier component and the lamination can be carried out correspondingly effectively. For generating the overpressure in the first pressure chamber and the negative pressure in the second pressure chamber, the laminating device has a first passage opening for the first pressure chamber and a second passage opening for the second pressure chamber. Via the passage openings, which are preferably in operative connection with a valve, the overpressure or the negative pressure can be generated in the pressure chambers, for example by means of a compressor of the laminating device. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the clamping means is designed as a frame in which the membrane is clamped. The frame can be arranged displaceably in the housing. Further, the frame for movement in the direction of the bearing or for reducing the second pressure chamber and the corresponding simultaneous enlargement of the first pressure chamber and for a movement in the direction away from the camp or to enlarge the second pressure chamber and the corresponding simultaneous reduction of the first pressure chamber in the housing to be designed to be movable by motor. For this purpose, the laminating device may have an actuator. As a result, the membrane can be pressed onto the decorative element with an alternative or additional force, ie, additionally or alternatively to the overpressure and / or the negative pressure.

It may be further advantage within the scope of the present invention if the membrane can be heated by a heating device of the laminating device. As a result, adhesive, which is usually applied to the carrier component for firmly bonding the decorative element to the carrier component, can be heated by the membrane and by the decorative element. In this case, the adhesive can be brought to a desired activation temperature during lamination, which can be achieved for the connection of the decorative element to the carrier component. As a result, the lamination process can be carried out particularly efficiently. The heater is designed in this case, for example, as a resistance heater. The heating device can also be configured as a tempering device, by which the adhesive is not only heated, but after a desired bonding or lamination of the decorative element with the support member can also be cooled. This can lead to a further acceleration of a production process for a laminated component.

• - Bereitstellen des Trägerbauteils auf einem Lager,
• - Anordnen des Dekorelements am Trägerbauteil, und
• - Druckbeaufschlagen des Dekorelements in Richtung des Trägerbauteils durch ein Kompressionsmittel, das eine elastisch verformbare Membran aufweist, die durch ein Spannmittel des Kompressionsmittels gespannt ist, wobei die Membran als viskoelastischer Festkörper ausgestaltet ist und durch die Membran zum Kaschieren des Trägerbauteils mit dem Dekorelement das Dekorelement in Richtung des Trägerbauteils druckbeaufschlagt wird.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for laminating a carrier component with a decorative element by means of a laminating device is provided. The method comprises the following steps:

• Providing the carrier component on a bearing,
• Arranging the decorative element on the carrier component, and
• Pressurizing the decorative element in the direction of the support member by a compression means having an elastically deformable membrane which is stretched by a clamping means of the compression means, wherein the membrane is configured as a viscoelastic solid and through the membrane for laminating the support member with the decorative element, the decorative element in Direction of the support member is pressurized.

Thus, the method according to the invention brings about the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to the laminating device according to the invention. The process can be carried out by means of a laminating device as described in detail above. Arranging the decorative element on the carrier component is to be understood as meaning that the decorative element is arranged at least in sections on the carrier component, adjacent to the carrier component or at least in the vicinity of the carrier component. For example, the decorative element is placed on the carrier component before laminating or laminating. For a better grip, the decorative element can be fixed at least in sections on the carrier component.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible that in one method, the compression means is movably mounted in a housing and divides the housing into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber, wherein the bearing is arranged in the second pressure chamber, and wherein for laminating the Carrier component in the first pressure chamber, an overpressure is generated and / or in the second pressure chamber, a negative pressure is generated. The overpressure and the negative pressure can be generated with a compressor. In the generation of the negative pressure, for example, a vacuum or at least approximately a vacuum is generated in the second pressure chamber, whereby the membrane moves, including the clamping means in which it is clamped, in the direction of the bearing or the decorative element which is located on the support member becomes. The membrane is moved so long in the direction of the decorative element until it has the outer contour of the support member or the decorative element, which is located on the support member, adapted or adapted and thereby builds at least a slight pressure on the decorative element or the support member ,

In the context of the present invention, it is also possible that for the lamination of the support member, an adhesive between the support member and the decorative element is arranged, wherein the adhesive, prior to the pressurization of the decorative element through the membrane, by a first heating device, in particular to an activation temperature for activation of a desired adhesive property of the adhesive is heated. The heater has, for example, infrared emitters, through which the adhesive can be heated particularly efficiently and without contact. By heating the adhesive before pressurization, the specific lamination process can be carried out particularly quickly. The activation temperature is to be understood as meaning a setpoint temperature at which the decorative element can be particularly well connected to the carrier component via the adhesive or a correspondingly good material connection between the carrier component and the decorative element can be produced.

It may be of further advantage if, in a method according to the invention for laminating the carrier component, an adhesive is present between the carrier component and the decorative element wherein the membrane is heated, during the pressurization of the decorative element by the membrane, by a second heating device, in particular to an activation temperature for activation of a desired adhesive property of the adhesive. As a result, the lamination process can be carried out particularly quickly and efficiently. The second heating device can also be designed as a tempering device, so that the adhesive can not only be heated by the membrane and the decorative element, but can also be cooled after a desired bonding or lamination of the decorative element with the support member. This can lead to a further acceleration of a production process for a laminated component.

Further, measures improving the invention will become apparent from the following description of various embodiments of the invention, which are shown schematically in the figures. All of the claims, description or drawings resulting features and / or advantages, including constructive details and spatial arrangements may be essential to the invention both in itself and in the various combinations.

• 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Kaschiervorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform,
• 2 einen Ausschnitt aus der in 1 dargestellten Kaschiervorrichtung in einem ersten Betriebszustand,
• 3 einen Ausschnitt aus der in 1 dargestellten Kaschiervorrichtung in einem zweiten Betriebszustand,
• 4 einen Ausschnitt aus der in 1 dargestellten Kaschiervorrichtung in einem dritten Betriebszustand,
• 5 eine erfindungsgemäße Kaschiervorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform in einem ersten Betriebszustand, und
• 6 die in 5 dargestellte Kaschiervorrichtung in einem zweiten Betriebszustand.

Each show schematically:

• 1 a laminating device according to the invention according to a first embodiment,
• 2 a section of the in 1 illustrated laminating in a first operating state,
• 3 a section of the in 1 illustrated laminating in a second operating state,
• 4 a section of the in 1 illustrated laminating in a third operating state,
• 5 a laminating device according to the invention according to a second embodiment in a first operating state, and
• 6 in the 5 illustrated laminating in a second operating state.

Elements with the same function and mode of action are in the 1 to 6 each provided with the same reference numerals.

In 1 schematically is a laminating device according to the invention 100 for laminating a carrier component 10 with a decorative element 20 shown. The laminating device 100 has a warehouse 120 for supporting the carrier component 10 on. In addition, the laminating device 100 a compression agent 110 for pressurizing the decorative element 20 on the carrier component 10 while the decor element 20 on the carrier component 10 is positioned and the carrier component 10 on the camp 120 is stored on. The warehouse 120 does not have to be plate-shaped. The carrier component 10 can also be in a frame-shaped bearing 120 be clamped or at a warehouse 120 be arranged such that a smaller footprint than the support member 10 having.

The compression agent 110 has an elastically deformable, viscoelastic membrane 112 on, by a frame-shaped clamping device 111 of the compression agent 110 is curious.

In 2 is a viscoelastic membrane according to the invention 112 shown. Through the membrane 112 is for laminating the carrier component 10 Pressure on the decorative element 20 Applicable while the decorative element 20 on the carrier component 10 is positioned and the carrier component 10 on the camp 120 is stored.

With reference to the 2 to 4 Subsequently, a method according to the invention for laminating the carrier component 10 with the decorative element 20 by means of the laminating device 100 described.

For this purpose, first, as in 2 shown, the support member 10 on the camp 120 provided. For laminating the carrier component 10 becomes an adhesive 11 on the carrier component 10 applied. Subsequently, the decorative element 20 on the carrier component 10 positioned. Applying the adhesive 11 and then positioning the decorative element 20 on the carrier component 10 or the adhesive 11 can also be done before the carrier component 10 on the camp 120 is positioned.

After that, the decorative element 20 , as in 3 shown, in the direction of the carrier component 10 through the membrane 112 pressurized. In doing so, the membrane settles 112 to the contour of the decorative element on the support member 10 at.

During the pressurization of the decorative element 20 through the membrane 112 the membrane is passed through a heater 140 (second heater) to an activation temperature for activation of a desired adhesive property of the adhesive 11 heated.

After the carrier component 10 with the decorative element 20 was laminated, the membrane becomes 112 , as in 4 shown removed from the laminated component and this can from the laminating 100 be removed. The membrane 112 can now return to its original form.

In 5 and 6 is a laminating device 100 according to a second embodiment shown in a first and a second operating state. The illustrated compression means 110 is movable in a housing 130 stored. Besides, the compression means divides 110 the housing 130 in a first pressure chamber 131 and a second pressure chamber 132 , The warehouse 120 is located in the second pressure chamber 132 , The membrane 112 is due to an overpressure in the first pressure chamber 131 can be generated and / or by a negative pressure in the second pressure chamber 132 can be generated on the decorative element 20 that on the support component 10 is arranged, squeezable. The overpressure and the negative pressure can via a first passage opening 133 and a second passage opening 134 in the case 130 , which may be connected to a valve system and a compressor generated.

In 5 is an operating state of the laminating device 100 shown in which the compression means 110 by a negative pressure in the second pressure chamber 132 in the direction of the camp 120 is moved. In this case, over the first through hole 133 a pressure equalization in the first pressure chamber 131 carried out. This will be in the first pressure chamber 131 prevents a negative pressure, the movement of the compression means 110 in the direction of the camp 120 would counteract.

In 6 is an operating state of the laminating device 100 shown in which the compression means 110 by an overpressure in the first pressure chamber 131 and a negative pressure in the second pressure chamber 132 in the direction of the camp 120 is moved.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

support component

11

adhesive

20

decorative element

100

laminating

110

compression means

111

clamping means

112

membrane

120

camp

130

casing

131

first pressure chamber

132

second pressure chamber

133

first passage opening

134

second passage opening

140

heater

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

• DE 102011076120 B4 [0005]

Claims (9)

Laminating device (100) for laminating a carrier component (10) with a decorative element (20), comprising a bearing (120) for supporting the carrier component (10) and a compression means (110) for pressurizing the decorative element (20) on the carrier component (10) while the decorative element (20) is positioned on the carrier component (10) and the carrier component (10) is mounted on the bearing (120), characterized in that the compression means (110) has an elastically deformable membrane (112) passing through a clamping means (111) of the compression means (110) is stretched, wherein the membrane (112) is designed as a viscoelastic solid and by the membrane (112) for laminating the carrier component (10) with the decorative element (20) pressure on the decorative element (20 ), while the decorative element (20) is positioned on the carrier component (10) and the carrier component (10) is mounted on the bearing (120). Laminating device (100) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the membrane (112) polyurethane gel, in particular metalloidoxidgefülltes polyurethane gel having. Laminating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the membrane has a thickness in a range between 1 mm and 10 mm, in particular in a range between 2 mm and 4 mm. Laminating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compression means (110) is arranged in a housing (130) and divides the housing (130) into a first pressure chamber (131) and a second pressure chamber (132) the bearing (120) is disposed in the second pressure chamber (132), and wherein the compression means (110) is movably supported in the housing (130) such that the diaphragm (112) is pressurized in the first pressure chamber (131 ) is producible and / or by a negative pressure, which is generated in the second pressure chamber (132), on the decorative element (20) which is arranged on the support member (10), can be pressed. Laminating device (100) after Claim 4 , characterized in that the membrane (112) by a heating device (140) of the laminating device (100) is heated. Method for laminating a carrier component (10) with a decorative element (20) by means of a laminating device (100), comprising the steps: Providing the carrier component (10) on a bearing (120), - Arranging the decorative element (20) on the support member (10), and Pressurizing the decorative element (20) in the direction of the carrier component (10) by a compression means (110) having an elastically deformable membrane (112) which is tensioned by a tensioning means (111) of the compression means (110), the membrane ( 112) is designed as a viscoelastic solid and by the membrane (112) for laminating the support member (10) with the decorative element (20) the decorative element (20) in the direction of the support member (10) is pressurized. Method according to Claim 6 characterized in that the compression means (110) is movably mounted in a housing (130) and divides the housing (130) into a first pressure chamber (131) and a second pressure chamber (132), the bearing (120) in the second Pressure chamber (132) is arranged, and wherein for laminating the support member (10) in the first pressure chamber (131) an overpressure is generated and / or in the second pressure chamber (131), a negative pressure is generated. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 7 , characterized in that for the lamination of the carrier component (10) an adhesive (11) between the support member (10) and the decorative element (20) is arranged, wherein the adhesive, before the pressurization of the decorative element (20) through the membrane (112 ) is heated by a first heater (140), in particular to an activation temperature for activation of a desired adhesive property of the adhesive (11). Method according to one of Claims 6 to 8th , characterized in that for the lamination of the carrier component (10) an adhesive (11) between the support member (10) and the decorative element (20) is arranged, wherein the membrane (112) during the pressurization of the decorative element (20) through the Membrane (112), by a second heating device (140), in particular to an activation temperature for activation of a desired adhesive property of the adhesive (11), is heated.

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