DE102019127858A1 - Method for manufacturing an electrical device - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for producing an electrical device comprises: providing at least one housing part (G) of the electrical device, the at least one housing part (G) having at least one surface section (S, S1, S2) to be designed in terms of color. The method further comprises applying a flat, continuous printing layer (A, B) to the at least one surface section (S, S1, S2, S3) of the at least one housing part (G) by applying a color material in a printing process.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing an electrical device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a method comprises providing at least one housing part of the electrical device. The at least one housing part has at least one surface section to be designed in terms of color.

Housing parts for identification are usually printed with a pad printing process that is suitable for creating high-quality, fine print images, for example in order to apply a label or a barcode. Disadvantages of pad printing are a cumbersome, manual set-up process and the need to prepare a print template in advance. If a housing part is to have a certain color, the material of the housing part usually has to be colored before the production of the housing part (for example by using colored plastic granulate during injection molding), which means that different housing parts are available in a large number of variants - solely because of the different colors required are to be held up.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method with which a housing part can be colored flexibly, efficiently and inexpensively.

This object is achieved by an object with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, a flat, continuous printing layer is applied to the at least one surface section of the at least one housing part by applying a color material in a printing process.

The surface section can thus be designed with any desired colors, which in particular can also include black, white and gray, in a two-dimensional manner. In particular, the color material can be applied pixel by pixel or point by point in a matrix to the surface section for two-dimensional coloring on the housing part.

The method for producing an electrical device can be carried out as part of an assembly of the electrical device. To assemble the electrical device, the at least one housing part can first be formed from a starting material or provided in some other way. Then at least one surface section of the at least one housing part can be designed in color by applying a surface continuous printing layer to the at least one surface section. If necessary, further housing parts can be provided and designed in this way. The electrical device can then be mounted using the at least one housing part. The fully assembled electrical device can thus have at least one housing part with a color-designed surface section.

In one embodiment, the printing method is a non-contact printing method in which only the color material to be applied touches the surface section to be colored. The color material can in particular be applied to the surface section along a pixel grid, at the intersection points of a checkerboard-like pattern or in a matrix-like manner. The printing process can be, for example, inkjet printing. In this case, individual drops of ink can be shot using a drop-on-demand method to apply the color material to the surface section. The printing process can be, for example, drop-on-demand inkjet printing. As a result, compared to other methods, in particular a method in which the color material is applied using a continuous inkjet printing method using a continuous inkjet inkjet printing method, ink can be used more specifically, in different colors, and more economically. Furthermore, a higher resolution can be achieved than with a continuous ink jet ink jet printing process.

The at least one housing part can have any substrate color. In one embodiment, the at least one housing part is natural-colored in an initial state. The at least one housing part can have a color due to the production technology or the type of material. If the at least one housing part is made of plastic, for example, the at least one housing part can be gray or white in the initial state. In a further embodiment, the at least one housing part is colored in an initial state. For example, the at least one housing part can be colored green or anthracite. The flat, continuous printing layer can be applied to the at least one surface section for dyeing. If necessary, the flat, continuous printing layer can cover an already existing coloring of the at least one housing part. By dyeing with the flat, continuous printing layer, the at least one surface section can be completely recolored from the natural color, for example gray, or another substrate color, for example anthracite, to a desired color and optionally a desired pattern, for example yellow-green striped. The natural color of the at least one surface section is not after the color change more visible. Thus, the at least one housing part can be colored by a printing process and not, for example, by painting or foiling.

In one embodiment, several housing parts formed by identical parts are provided. These housing parts can therefore be used unchanged in various products. The housing parts designed as identical parts can in particular be modular terminals of the same shape. For example, the method can be used to apply a printing layer to terminal blocks that form a terminal strip in one work step. The terminal strip can be over a meter long, for example.

The housing parts can be natural color. In order to color a surface section of the housing parts, a two-dimensional, continuous printing layer can in each case be applied to the surface section. It can be desirable for the housing parts designed as identical parts to have surface sections of different colors in order to visually do justice to their functions in the intended installation position. The printing layers of at least two housing parts can therefore differ in color. The printing layer of a first housing part, which is provided for connecting an electrical protective conductor, can be striped yellow-green, for example. The printing layer of a second housing part, which is provided for connecting a neutral conductor, can be blue, for example.

In one embodiment, the application of the colored material includes the application of colored dots of different colors on top of one another and / or next to one another. Color points can be applied to the surface section, for example, pixel by pixel. The application of color dots on top of one another can lead to the color dots at least partially or completely overlapping, so that a combined color impression is created from the overlapping color dots. The application of colored dots next to one another can mean that the colored dots are at most spaced apart by a distance of the size of their double diameter. The distance can in particular be in a range below 500 micrometers, for example between 50 and 500 micrometers or 0.5 micrometers to 5 micrometers. For a viewer of the color-designed surface section, two or more color points arranged next to one another in this way can be combined to form an overall optical impression, which allows a mixed color to arise from the color points. The application of the colored dots of different colors on top of one another and / or next to one another can therefore result in the printing layer representing a mixed color of the different colors in the overall optical impression.

The mixed color can therefore be created directly on the surface section itself through the printing process, in that two color dots that physically touch because they are applied one on top of the other mix. Additionally or alternatively, the mixed color can be created in an overall optical impression of closely spaced colored points.

In one embodiment, the at least one surface section has a large surface area in relation to other sections of the at least one housing part. The at least one surface section is therefore not only extended over a narrowly defined marking surface, but can also be formed over a large area. For example, the at least one surface section can encompass an entire side of the housing part. The at least one surface section can therefore be a significant fraction of a surface area of the at least one housing part. In particular, the at least one surface section can be large in relation to markings applied to the at least one housing part and / or markings contained in the printing layer.

In one embodiment, the at least one surface section comprises a complete side of the at least one housing part that is visible from the outside. The at least one surface section can be a visible surface of the at least one housing part. The method can in particular be used to apply a printing layer to surface sections of the at least one housing part, which form the visible surfaces of the at least one housing part when properly mounted on the electrical device. This makes it possible to avoid unnecessary coloring of surface sections which are not even visible when properly mounted on the electrical device.

In one embodiment, the entire externally visible surface of the at least one housing part is printed with the printing layer. This can optionally include the application of several printing layers to different surface sections and optionally additional changes in the position of the at least one housing part between the application of the several printing layers. Due to the possibility of changes in position between the application of the plurality of printing layers, printing layers can in particular also be applied to edges, corners, depressions and projections of the at least one housing part.

In one embodiment, the electrical device consists of a, in particular technical, Plastic or a metal. The electrical device can be a power supply unit, for example. The at least one housing part can, for example, be a housing of the power supply unit. In one embodiment, the electrical device is a clamping device and / or is suitable for connecting an electrical conductor. The clamping device can, for example, be a series terminal. Electrical conductors that can be connected to the electrical device are, for example, phase conductors, protective conductors and / or neutral conductors. To avoid incorrect connections by a user of the electrical device, at least one connection for an electrical conductor can be color-coded. The colored marking can be achieved, for example, in that at least one housing part that is closest to the electrical conductor in the properly connected state is printed in the color of the electrical conductor. For example, the at least one housing part can be printed green-yellow for marking the protective conductor, blue for marking the neutral conductor, and black or brown for marking the phase conductor. The at least one housing part can therefore in particular have at least one connection for an electrical conductor which is marked or identified with the printing layer. The printing layer can thus simultaneously serve to color the at least one housing part and to mark the at least one connection.

In one embodiment, after a flat, continuous printing layer has been applied to a first surface section of the at least one housing part, the at least one housing part is repositioned. The printing layer can be applied to the first surface section, for example in a first position of the at least one housing part. With the repositioning, the at least one housing part can be transferred into a second position. Another two-dimensional, continuous printing layer can be applied to a second surface section of the at least one housing part. The further flat, continuous printing layer can be applied in the second position. If necessary, the at least one housing part can be transferred into one or more further positions by repositioning the at least one housing part. In any further position, a further flat, continuous printing layer can be applied to a further surface section.

In one embodiment, after a flat, continuous printing layer has been applied to a surface section of the at least one housing part, the at least one housing part is repositioned. The printing layer can be applied to the surface section, for example in a first position of the at least one housing part. With the repositioning, the at least one housing part can be transferred into a second position. The second position can be identical to the first position. The at least one housing part can in particular be repeatedly fed to one position. A further flat, continuous printing layer can then be applied to the surface section of the at least one housing part. The further flat, continuous printing layer can be applied in the second position. If necessary, the at least one housing part can be transferred into one or more further positions by repositioning the at least one housing part. In any further position, a further flat, continuous printing layer can be applied to the surface section. For example, the surface section can thus be printed on by different print heads. A first print head can, for example, apply a primer to the surface section. A second printhead can then apply a color material to the surface portion.

The repositioning of the at least one housing part can be carried out within a device which is set up to carry out the printing process. In particular, the repositioning can be carried out within a carrier body on which the at least one housing part is arranged. In one variant, the at least one housing part is repositioned by manipulation by a user. In this variant, the at least one housing part can be removed from the device for repositioning. In another variant, the at least one housing part is repositioned on a print head that has applied the printing layer to the first surface section before the print head applies the printing layer to the second surface section. After the repositioning, the printhead can apply a further printing layer. In a further variant, after each repositioning, the at least one housing part is fed to a further print head for applying a color material to the further surface section. Multi-sided printing of the at least one housing part can thus be achieved with one or more print heads.

In one embodiment, measurement data of the at least one housing part are generated before the flat, continuous printing layer is applied to the at least one housing part. The measurement data can be obtained on the at least one housing part by any measurement method. In particular, the measurement data can be obtained by evaluating images of the at least one housing part be generated. The measurement data can indicate dimensions, that is to say a length, a width, an arcuate edge or a position of recesses or bulges on the at least one housing part. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement data can indicate a position of the at least one housing part. A position can mean how the at least one housing part is arranged in space.

The measurement data can therefore indicate a spatial position of the at least one housing part. A layer can in particular comprise spatial coordinates of the at least one housing part and / or an angle at which the at least one housing part is arranged. The measurement data can be determined, for example, relative to other housing parts, a carrier body on which the at least one housing part is arranged, or a print head for applying color material to the at least one housing part.

Because the measurement data are generated before the paint material is applied to the at least one housing part, in particular mixed production orders with different housing parts can be processed with the method. In addition, errors in the positioning of the at least one housing part on the carrier body can be compensated for, so that the production of the electrical device can be carried out more efficiently, faster and with constant quality, in particular with regard to a predetermined arrangement of the printing layer on the electrical device.

In one embodiment, a print image is generated as a function of the measurement data, by means of which an optical appearance of the printing layer is specified. The print image is therefore individually adapted to the at least one housing part. Thus, when applying the color material, in particular a spatial position, dimensions and / or a structure (with, for example, a contour of a surface section and introduced recesses that should not be printed) of the at least one housing part can be taken into account.

For example, a control device for controlling a device that carries out the method for manufacturing an electrical device can be provided. The control device can comprise a database in which templates with color designs for the surface section of the at least one housing part are stored. These can, for example, be templates that were made available to an operator of the device by a customer who would like to purchase the at least one housing part from him. The templates can be scalable as desired and their shape can be cut to size, so that a flat, continuous printing layer can be applied to the at least one surface section, which reproduces the desired template in a visually appealing form in its printed image. The print image can therefore in particular be the visual impression that a viewer has of the printing layer.

In one embodiment, the at least one housing part is registered by means of a reading device before the flat, continuous printing layer is applied to the at least one housing part. The at least one housing part can, for example, have an identifier that is read out with the reading device. The at least one housing part can be clearly identified using the identifier, so that when the printing layer is subsequently applied to the housing part, it is known which housing part the printing layer is to be applied to. In particular, depending on the registration, a print image can be generated that individually fits the at least one housing part.

For example, dimensions and / or a shape of the at least one housing part can be known from a database so that this information can be used to generate the print image. In principle, the registration of the at least one housing part with the reading device can also be used to assign and provide previously generated measurement data for applying the printing layer.

In one embodiment, the print image is generated on the basis of information that is made available for the electrical device as part of a production order. Additionally or alternatively, the print image can be generated on the basis of a configuration of the device, for example as a function of the use of a carrier body for the at least one housing part or as a function of equipping the carrier body. The print image can be generated immediately before starting the application of the color material to the at least one housing part. In particular, the print image can be generated immediately before the carrier body equipped with the at least one housing part is fed into the device.

In one embodiment, the at least one housing part is irradiated with light with a light source before and / or after the application of the flat, continuous printing layer for drying. In particular, a first part of the printing layer can be applied, the at least one housing part can be dried and then a second part of the printing layer can be applied. The printing layer can optionally be dried or hardened several times. For example, an adhesion promoter can be applied as a first part of the printing layer, the at least one housing part can be dried and then an image layer can be applied as a second part of the printing layer.

In one configuration, the printing layer comprises a base layer and an image layer. The base layer can be, for example, an adhesion promoter or a white primer. In principle, the base layer can comprise an adhesion promoter layer with the adhesion promoter and a primer layer. The primer layer can be white. With the use of an adhesion promoter it can be ensured that the printing layer adheres permanently to the at least one housing part. To apply the printing layer to the at least one surface section, the base layer is first applied and then the at least one housing part is printed with an image layer. Basically, adhesion promoter, primer and the image layer can be applied with a print head. A print head can, for example, be an assembly which is composed of individual application units for the adhesion promoter, the primer and / or the image layer. The assembly and in particular the individual application units can be coated with an adhesion promoter material, a primer material and / or a color material. The use of different print heads for the base layer and the image layer is also conceivable and possible, in which case, for example, two different print head assemblies can be provided which are each covered with a material for the base layer and a material for the image layer. In particular, a separate print head can be provided for the adhesion promoter layer. The adhesion promoter layer can be irradiated with light, in particular UV light, to activate the adhesion promoter effect, before the primer or the image layer is applied.

In one embodiment, a plurality of housing parts are arranged on a carrier body. The carrier body can be designed, for example, as a rail or trough-like. A printing layer can be applied to a surface section of the plurality of housing parts which are arranged on the carrier body. In principle, the printing layers can be the same for all housing parts. The printing layers can also be individual for each of the housing parts of the plurality of housing parts. In one embodiment, a print image is generated for each of the housing parts. The print image can, for example, as a function of dimensions that are stored in a database for the housing parts and are retrieved for generating the print image, for example from a control device, and / or as a function of measurement data that a measurement device generates by measuring the housing parts on the carrier body , to be generated.

In this way, in particular mixed production orders with different housing parts which are arranged on a carrier body can be processed efficiently.

In one variant, the printing layer is applied to a first surface section of the plurality of housing parts. After the two-dimensional, continuous printing layer has been applied in each case to the first surface section, the majority of the housing parts can be repositioned in the carrier body. On each at least one further surface section of the housing parts, a further, in particular individual, flat, continuous printing layer can be applied.

For repositioning the plurality of housing parts, an adjusting device can be provided on the carrier body, with which the plurality of housing parts can be adjusted in their spatial position. For example, the housing parts can be turned by the adjusting device.

In one embodiment, the colored material is applied directly to the surface section to be colored. In particular, the base layer can be applied directly to the surface section. The image layer can also be applied directly to the surface section or to the base layer.

In a variant, the color material is applied to a film. The film can be arranged on the surface section. In particular, the film can be glued to the surface section. After the color material has been applied, the film can be cut to size depending on the measurement data. Thus, the film can be adapted in particular to the dimensions of the at least one housing part, in particular of the surface section to be designed in terms of color.

The method is particularly suitable for a device for producing an electrical device.

• 1 eine Ansicht einer Vorrichtung und ein zu bedruckendes Gehäuseteil;
• 2 eine Ansicht einer Vorrichtung und einem an zwei Seiten zu bedruckenden Gehäuseteil;
• 3 eine Ansicht einer Vorrichtung und an drei Seiten zu bedruckendes Gehäuseteil;
• 4 eine Ansicht eines Druckkopfes beim Bedrucken eines Gehäuseteils;
• 5 eine Ansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Herstellen von elektrischen Geräten;
• 6 eine Ansicht eines Trägerkörpers mit einer Verstelleinrichtung; und
• 7 schematische Darstellung von Schritten eines Verfahrens zum Herstellen eines elektrischen Gerätes.

The idea on which the invention is based is to be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Show it:

• 1 a view of a device and a housing part to be printed;
• 2 a view of a device and a housing part to be printed on two sides;
• 3 a view of a device and housing part to be printed on three sides;
• 4th a view of a print head when printing on a housing part;
• 5 a view of an apparatus for manufacturing electrical devices;
• 6th a view of a carrier body with an adjusting device; and
• 7th schematic representation of steps in a method for manufacturing an electrical device.

1 shows an embodiment of a method for manufacturing an electrical device. The electrical device can be a device that is suitable for connecting an electrical conductor. A housing part is initially used for the process G of the electrical device provided. In principle, a preassembled assembly made up of several housing parts can also be provided. The housing part G can be a terminal block, for example. It has a surface section to be designed in terms of color S. on. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface section is S. for reasons of clarity, a side surface of a cuboid housing part G . The area segment S. can basically any section on a surface of the housing part G be. The method can also be used for the color design of sections of the surface section S. be suitable. In particular, the surface section S. Have bores, holes, projections and / or depressions.

The area segment S. can be designed in color to the effect that the surface section S. is colored or achromatic after the procedure has been carried out. Colorful can refer to colors such as red, blue, yellow and green, while achromatic includes colors such as white, black or gray. A color design of the area section S. can also include mixtures of chromatic and / or achromatic colors. Colorful and / or achromatic colors can also be placed next to one another, in particular in a pattern, on the housing part G be applied.

In the illustrated embodiment, the surface section is S. in an initial state, natural color, which is represented by a serpentine texture. The natural color of the housing part G can here on an original color of the material from which the housing part G exists, to be due. For example, the housing part G consist of a plastic whose natural color is white or gray. The housing part G can also consist of a metal such as aluminum, the natural color of which is gray. In principle, the housing part G have any substrate color.

On the surface segment S. the process creates a flat, continuous printing layer A. , B. upset. For this purpose, the housing part G through a device 1 passed that the method on the housing part G executes. The printing layer A. , B. is in the illustrated embodiment over the entire surface section to be designed in color S. extends. The printing layer A. , B. thus covers a significant portion of the surface of the housing part that is visible from the outside G from. The printing layer A. , B. can be adapted to bores, holes, openings, projections and / or depressions so that these are not covered, for example to avoid unnecessary application of color material. The cuboid housing part in the example G points to the passage through the device 1 a colored side surface. The side surface is designed in color to the extent that it has a strip-shaped pattern made up of different textures. For example, the different textures can represent different colors. The dotted texture can represent green, for example, and the striped textures yellow.

The dotted texture has larger and smaller points, with the larger points being cyan C. and the smaller dots are yellow Y represent. The application of the color material can therefore include the application of color dots of different colors next to one another. A color impression of the area section S. can then be determined by the mixture of the colors of the color points. The color impression or the overall optical impression of the cyan and yellow color points C. , Y is a green mixed color. In order to achieve this overall visual impression, the colored dots must of course be sufficiently small and close together. In addition, there must be a distance from a viewer of the surface section S. to the area section S. be sufficiently large. In principle, the color dots can also be applied one on top of the other, so that a mixed color in the overall optical impression results from a physical and not just from an optical superimposition of the different color dots due to the distance of the viewer.

The printing layer A. , B. is applied by applying a color material in a printing process such as inkjet printing. With the application of the color material to the housing part G becomes the area segment S. colored. The original color, especially one Natural color or another substrate color of the housing part, optionally predetermined by coloring G , is through the printing layer A. , B. covered, so that only the printing layer A. , B. a color impression of the surface section S. certainly.

Of course, this does not exclude that, for example, within holes or boreholes, within which the printing layer A. , B. is not applied, the natural color or another substrate color of the housing part G is visible even after completing the procedure.

An appearance of the printing layer A. , B. is through a print image D. given. The print image D. is a reproduction of an original produced by the printing process. The template can be defined abstractly. In particular, the template can be made available from a database of templates. In particular, the database can contain a design of the electrical device specified by a customer, for example. For example, in the present exemplary embodiment, the template can be defined by a fixed number of alternating strips of any width and any length. When generating the print image D. the template can then be based on the specific dimensions of the housing part G and in particular the surface section to be colored S. adjusted so that the printed image D. can be generated depending on the specific dimensions. In principle, the template can also be an image for the specific dimensions and / or a shape of the housing part G , in particular of the surface section S. is scaled and / or cropped. It is also conceivable and possible for the template to be attached to a functional element of the housing part G , in particular of the surface section S. , such as a connection for an electrical conductor. For example, the print image D. in this way on the functional element of the housing part G are aligned so that the functional element, for example, with the printing layer A. , B. is optically highlighted, in particular marked or identified, for a viewer or user. Thus there is a marking, namely of the functional element, and coloring for the surface section to be colored S. possible with the printing process in one process step. The color design of the area section S. can include colored patterns, lettering and / or a flat color. Labeling can be made up of text and / or symbols, for example. The method is therefore basically also suitable for labeling.

2 shows a further embodiment of a method for producing an electrical device in which a housing part G of the electrical device is provided, the two surface sections to be designed in color S1 , S2 having. The housing part G is cuboid in the illustrated embodiment. The areas to be colored S1 , S2 are formed by two adjacent side surfaces of the cuboid. The first step is a printing layer A. , B. on a first surface section S1 similar to the previous embodiment with a device 1 appropriate.

Then the housing part G repositioned. The housing part G is rotated around two mutually perpendicular axes in the illustrated embodiment for repositioning for reasons of clarity. In principle, the housing part G for repositioning, of course, they can be rotated around any axes and / or shifted along any axes.

After the repositioning, a flat, continuous printing layer is created A. , B. on a second surface section S2 of the housing part G appropriate. For attaching the printing layer A. , B. on the second surface section S2 also becomes the device 1 used. In principle, a further device can of course also be provided on which the printing layer A. , B. on the second surface section S2 is attached. The second surface section S2 has a smaller area than the first surface section S1 on.

For the print images D1 , D2 of the two surface sections S1 , S2 the same, abstractly defined template is used. Compared to a first print image D1 on the first surface section S1 is a second print image D2 on the second surface section S2 mirrored and scaled down on a central axis. The template can therefore be used to generate the print image D1 , D2 arbitrarily manipulated in order to attach to the housing part G , the specific use or functional elements of the housing part G to be customized.

3 shows an embodiment of the method in which several housing parts G are provided, each of the three color-designed surface sections S1 , S2 , S3 exhibit. In principle, the number of surface sections to be designed in color is of course arbitrary. The housing parts G are formed by identical parts. Their shape and their original color are identical. The housing parts G are cuboid, flat and have a recess on one edge that is used to attach the housing parts G can be provided on a mounting rail. The housing parts G can for example be terminal blocks. To carry out the method, the housing parts G provided such that they are arranged in a row next to each other. Basically, for Carrying out the process, identical parts are not absolutely necessary. The method can in particular also be used on differently shaped housing parts G be performed. In particular, the housing parts G have different sizes, any orientations and different starting colors.

A device is used to carry out the method 1 that used multiple printheads 10a , 10b , 10c having. The printheads 10a , 10b , 10c are intended to provide the color material, by applying it the printing layer A. , B. on the surface sections S1 , S2 , S3 is attached. The printheads 10a , 10b , 10c can in particular be inkjet print heads. A horizontal double arrow shows an example of a relative movement that the print heads 10a , 10b , 10c relative to the substrate to be printed, for example the at least one housing part G , To run. Basically, on the device 1 a single printhead 10a , 10b , 10c be provided with which all surface sections S1 , S2 , S3 the housing parts G can be printed. To increase the efficiency of the method, there are three different surface sections for each in the present embodiment S1 , S2 , S3 the housing parts G three printheads 10a , 10b , 10c on the device 1 intended.

In a first step, a flat, continuous printing layer is created A. , B. each on a first surface section S1 the housing parts G appropriate. The color material comes with a first print head 10a the device 1 upset. The printing layers A. , B. of three of the several housing parts G have the same color, which is indicated by hatching and dots. The printing layers A. , B. the housing parts G that are attached in one step can differ in color from one another. The printing layers can also be A. , B. differ in their shape. In principle, different sections of the respective surface section can also be used S1 , S2 , S3 surface continuous with the printing layer A. , B. be printed. In particular, different templates can be used for generating the respective print images for the different surface sections S1 , S2 , S3 the housing parts G be used. Likewise, different print images can be made from a template for different housing parts G to be generated.

In a second step, the housing parts printed in the first step are made G repositioned. For this purpose, the housing parts G rotated around an axis. The housing parts are expediently G repositioned together. Basically there is a single repositioning of the housing parts G of course, just as conceivable and possible.

In a third step, a flat, continuous printing layer is created A. , B. each on a second surface section S2 the housing parts G appropriate. The color material is printed with a second print head 10b the device 1 upset. The applied printing layer A. , B. is identical to that on the first surface section S1 attached printing layer A. , B. . In principle, the printing layer A. , B. that is on the second surface section S2 is attached in each case, of course just as different from that on the first surface section S1 attached printing layer A. , B. be.

In a fourth step, the housing parts printed in the third step are made G repositioned analogous to the second step by rotating them around an axis, for example by 90 °, further than in the second step, so that now on a third surface section S3 the housing parts G one printing layer each A. , B. can be attached.

In a fifth step, a flat, continuous printing layer is created A. , B. each on the third surface section S3 the housing parts G appropriate. The color material is printed with a third print head 10c the device 1 upset. The applied printing layer A. , B. is identical to that on the first and second surface sections S1 , S2 attached printing layer A. , B. . In principle, the printing layer A. , B. that is on the second surface section S2 is attached in each case, of course just as different from that on the first and second surface section S1 , S2 attached printing layer A. , B. be. It is also conceivable and possible on the first and third surface sections S1 , S3 identical printing layers in each case A. , B. to be attached and on the second surface section S2 each with different printing layers A. , B. to attach.

The housing parts G each have printing layers as a result A. , B. on three surface sections S1 , S2 , S3 on that when attaching the housing parts G on a mounting rail on the recess each visible surfaces for the housing parts G form. Surface sections on which the housing parts G adjoin one another or are at least very close to one another, do not form any visible surfaces, so that the application of a printing layer A. , B. can be dispensed with for cost reasons. Likewise, the surface sections facing the support rail do not form any visible surfaces, so that a printing layer can also be applied here A. , B. is not absolutely necessary. Thus there is one printing layer in each case A. , B. on an entire surface of the housing parts that is visible from the outside G appropriate.

4th Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a printhead 10a when applying a color material to the housing part G in a printing process. The printing process is an inkjet printing process in which the printhead 10a Ink drop T provides. The ink drops T are starting from the printhead 10a on the housing part G upset. By applying the ink drops T becomes a flat, continuous printing layer A. , B. on the housing part G generated.

The printhead 10a represents the CMYK colors cyan C. , Magenta M. , Yellow Y and black K available, from which any color can be obtained by applying drops of ink next to each other and / or on top of each other T can be generated in the CMYK colors. In addition to or instead of the CMYK colors, the print head 10a of course, provide any other color, especially special colors. In addition, the printhead provides 10a a base color W. for applying a base layer A. on the housing part G to disposal. In the present exemplary embodiment, the basic color is white W. . In addition to or instead of the basic color W. can the printhead 10a also provide a primer or adhesion promoter.

On the housing part G When the color material is applied, the base layer is the first A. applied so that a natural color or another substrate color of the housing part G through the base layer A. is covered. On the base layer A. an image layer is then optionally used after intermediate curing B. upset. Base layer A. and picture layer B. together form the printing layer A. , B. . The base layer A. and the image layer B. are layered on top of each other.

5 shows an embodiment of a device 1 for manufacturing an electrical device. The device 1 is particularly suitable for carrying out a method for manufacturing the electrical device. Housing parts required to manufacture the electrical device G will be using a means of transport 12th , in particular a conveyor belt or linear conveyor, in the illustration shown from left to right, through the device 1 passed through. The housing parts G become the means of transport 12th via another means of transport 12 ' , for example from a generating section of the device 1 , supplied, in which the housing parts G be generated.

Several housing parts G are together in a carrier body 2 grouped. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier bodies are 2 to accommodate three housing parts G educated. On the carrier bodies 2 is an identifier each 20th provided for the registration of the carrier body 2 inside the device 1 serves. By registering the carrier body 2 can the carrier body 2 inside the device 1 by a control device 100 can be identified at the registration points provided for this purpose.

The carrier bodies are at a first registration point 2 via the further means of transport 12 ' with housing parts G equipped. A first reading device is at the first registration point 101 provided, which is set up to the identifier 20th read out.

The identifier 20th is present by one on the carrier body 2 arranged barcode. The first reading device 101 reads the identifier 20th with a laser beam. In principle, the identifier 20th be made available by a tag or transponder. It is conceivable and possible, for example, to use technologies such as RFID or NFC for the identifier.

The first reading device 101 is with the control device 100 coupled. After reading out the identifier 20th transmits the first reading device 101 the identifier 20th to the control device 100 . The control device 100 comprises a storage device in which the identifier 20th of the carrier body 2 by the first reading device 101 determined position of the carrier body 2 at the first registration point and optionally a number, a type, a shape or an arrangement of the on the carrier body 2 arranged housing parts G are storable.

Then the dimensions and / or a spatial position of the housing parts G by a surveying facility 102 measured. The surveying facility 102 includes for measuring the housing parts G a camera 1020 . For example, the measuring device 102 a picture of the with the housing parts G equipped carrier body 2 produce. However, it is also conceivable and possible to measure the housing parts G with a laser or other scanner. The surveying facility 102 thus generated, for example, with the camera 1020 , the laser or another scanner data, the dimensions and / or a spatial position of the housing parts G specify. The surveying facility 102 furthermore comprises an evaluation device 1021 with which the data is evaluated in order to generate survey data. For example, the pictures of the with the housing parts G equipped carrier body 2 with the evaluation facility 1021 evaluated to the effect that, in particular with methods of artificial intelligence, housing parts on the images G identified and measured. The evaluation facility 1021 can be coupled to a database for generating the surveying data, which Product specifications such as dimensions of the housing parts G contains.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the measuring device recognizes 102 three flat housing parts G that are spaced from one another in a row on the support body 2 are arranged.

The surveying facility 102 is with the control device 100 for transmitting the measurement data to the control device 100 coupled. In principle, the measuring device 102 be arranged at a further registration point, so that the control device 100 for example, the identifier from a further reading device 20th of the carrier body 2 can get.

The surveying facility 102 may not be necessary under certain circumstances if it is already clear at the first registration point how the housing parts are G on the carrier body 2 are arranged and around which housing parts G it is about. This is particularly the case when housing parts designed as identical parts are produced G conceivable and possible. If a surveying facility 102 is provided, can under certain circumstances on the provision of an identifier 20th on the carrier body 2 be omitted if the housing parts G directly before applying the flat, continuous printing layer A. , B. be measured.

In one embodiment, there is an identifier on the housing parts G arranged. The identifier on the housing parts G can be registered by a reading device and / or a measuring device.

After the measurement, the carrier body 2 promoted to a second registration point. A second reading device is located at the second registration point 103 provided that the identifier 20th of the carrier body 2 reads out. The second reading device 103 is with the control device 100 coupled so that they have the identifier 20th to the control device 100 can transmit. Based on the transmitted identifier 20th can the control device 100 the present carrier body 2 Assign previously recorded survey data that is stored in the database.

Depending on the identifier 20th and / or the measurement data that is sent to the control device 100 from the surveying facility 102 were transmitted, the control device generates 100 a print image D. for the housing parts G . To apply the color material is on the device 1 a printhead 10a provided by the control device 100 is controllable. Basically, on the device 1 several print heads can be provided, which optionally print images on the housing parts at the same time G to generate. The print image D. is for illustration by a flat arrow on the housing parts G educated. For example, the flat arrow can have the color magenta and be depicted on a white background.

For attaching the printing layer A. , B. is the carrier body 2 with the housing parts G on a positioning device 11 for positioning the carrier body 2 arranged. The positioning device 11 is present as a section of the means of transport 12th shown. It is along the three spatial directions x , y , z movable and around the three spatial directions x , y , z is rotatably mounted. The printing layer A. , B. can thus by one by the positioning device 11 caused movement of the carrier body 2 or the housing parts G relative to the printhead 10a be applied over the entire surface. In particular, by adjusting along or around the three spatial directions, it can also be done on curved or edge-shaped sections of the housing parts G a printing layer A. , B. be attached. Additionally or alternatively, the print head can also be 10a relative to the housing components G along the three spatial directions x , y , z or around the three spatial directions x , y , z move. In principle, the housing parts G relative to the printhead 10a within the carrier body 2 be moved.

In any case, at least one housing part leads G and the printhead 10a a relative movement for the areal application of the printing layer A. , B. out. The relative movement can take place continuously or in steps. The printhead 10a in the case of a step-by-step relative movement at predetermined holding positions at which no movement takes place, paint material is applied to the housing part G from. Which positions on the housing part G by the relative movement through the print head 10a are approached and / or at which predetermined positions paint material on the housing part G through the printhead 10a is released, gives the control device 100 depending on the measurement data and / or the identifier 20th in front.

A first source of light 13th , for example a UV lamp, is provided to the housing parts G irradiate with light. In the present embodiment, there are two housing parts G after attachment and a housing part G before applying the flat, continuous printing layer A. , B. to dry the printing layer A. , B. irradiated with light. In principle, the housing parts G of course also together before and / or after the application of the printing layer A. , B. with a light source 104 or a heat source.

A second light source 104 by the first light source 104 is arranged separately, is provided to the housing parts G with light, especially UV light, after the printing layer has been applied A. , B. to irradiate. The second light source 104 is just like the first light source 13th , with the control device 100 coupled, for example, switching on and off and / or a strength of the second light source 104 controls.

Another survey facility 105 which is comparable to the surveying device described above 102 with the control device 100 is coupled, a further evaluation device 1051 and another camera 1050 has, is provided to measure data of the housing parts G to generate so that the control device 100 possibly in the case of printing layers to be applied subsequently A. , B. undesirable deviations in the printed image D. , for example through corrected specifications for the relative movement between the print head 10a and the housing parts G , can correct.

6th shows an embodiment of a carrier body 2 on which a housing part G is arranged. The housing part G is with an adjustment device 21 of the carrier body 2 adjustable in its spatial position. It is shown here that the adjusting device 21 the housing part G can rotate around an axis. In the case of the cuboid housing part shown G are thus four surface sections for applying a printing layer A. , B. by the adjustment device 21 adjustable. The adjustment device 21 can basically provide a shift and / or a rotation along any axes. It is also conceivable and possible that the adjusting device 21 is set up for this purpose, the housing part G relative to a printhead 10a , 10b , 10c to move the printing layer A. , B. on the housing part G attaches.

On the carrier body 2 is also an identifier 20th arranged, which is designed as a barcode.

7th shows an exemplary embodiment of a method for producing an electrical device with a schematic sequence of individual method steps. In a first step 301 a substrate is provided for printing. For example, the substrate can be a housing part G be that for printing the device 1 is fed. The housing part G can be provided as a single part, for example. Alternatively, an arrangement of housing parts G , in particular in a block. In a second step 302 becomes a carrier body 2 provided. For example, the carrier body 2 be designed as a workpiece carrier or goods carrier that of the device 1 is fed. The carrier body 2 can also be positioned and / or indexed. In particular, an identifier 20th attached to the support body 2 is arranged to be registered.

In a third step 303 becomes the housing part G on the carrier body 2 arranged. For example, the substrate can be used in the workpiece carrier for printing. The carrier body 2 can be set up to have any number of housing parts G to record. The housing parts G can be designed as identical parts. It is also conceivable and possible that the housing parts G differentiate geometrically. For example, the lengths of two housing parts G be different. In particular, surface sections S. , S1 , S2 , S3 different housing parts G , on which the flat, continuous printing layer A. , B. is to be attached, lie in different levels. In a fourth step 304 the housing parts arranged in the carrier body are two G measured in order to obtain measurement data, in particular a position and / or a geometry, of the housing parts G to create. In particular, the substrate for printing is measured in this step. In principle, the housing parts G likewise before being arranged on the carrier body 2 be measured. For measuring the housing parts G can take a picture of the case parts G by means of a camera 1020 , 1050 are recorded and then to obtain the required measurement data and in particular the dimensions of the housing parts G be evaluated.

In a fifth step 305 becomes the planned print image D. , D1 , D2 on the basis of the measurement data to each of the housing parts G customized. The planned print image D. , D1 , D2 is in this step in particular the dimensions of the substrate for printing automatically by a control device 100 customized. In the case of several housing parts G , on which the printing layer together in one step A. , B. is to be attached, is a planned print image D. , D1 , D2 for all housing parts G customized. By adapting the planned print image D. , D1 , D2 is in particular the application of a printing layer A. , B. on housing parts G on a carrier body 2 that differ in their shape and / or location are possible. In particular, tolerances in the positioning of the housing parts G on the carrier body 2 be balanced.

In a sixth step 306 the housing parts G , in particular the substrate, fed to a first exposure. This can be, for example done by the fact that the housing parts G equipped carriers 2 is fed to a pretreatment station. In a seventh step 307 the housing parts G pretreated for the first time. The housing parts G can in particular in the carrier body 2 be pretreated. Here, the housing parts G be irradiated with a gas discharge lamp, in particular in the UV range, very particularly in the UV-C range. The initial pretreatment of the housing parts G can be used for surface drying. The sixth and seventh steps are optional and depend on whether a material from which the housing parts G exist or a surface quality of the housing parts G make it necessary.

In an eighth step 308 becomes the carrier body 2 on a printing position in which the at least one base layer A. the printing layer A. , B. on the housing parts G is attached, positioned. The case parts G or carrier body 2 on which the housing parts G are arranged, can also be indexed on the printing position. In particular, an identifier can be used for this purpose 20th attached to the support body 2 is arranged to be registered. In this step the printhead can 10a , 10b , 10c relative to the housing parts G be aligned. Alternatively or additionally, the housing parts G relative to the printhead 10a , 10b , 10c be aligned. The alignment can affect all spatial directions x , y , z and the corresponding angles around the spatial directions x , y , z Respectively. In a ninth step 309 becomes the planned print image adapted in the fifth step D. , D1 , D2 loaded. The adapted planned print image D. , D1 , D2 can depend on the identifier registered in the eighth step 20th of the carrier body 2 getting charged. It can thus be ensured that the carrier body registered and measured in the fourth step 2 is at the printing position.

The housing parts are at the printing position G in a tenth step 310 pretreated for the second time. The housing parts G can use an adhesion promoter to ensure adhesion of the housing parts G improved, printed. The adhesion promoter can be a primer. The adhesion promoter can be a base layer A. the printing layer A. , B. form. In the eleventh step 311 the housing parts G fed to a second exposure. The second exposure can in particular be arranged at the printing position. In a twelfth step 312 the housing parts G exposed to activate the printed adhesion promoter or primer. The printing and exposure with the adhesion promoter can take place at a first printing position. The tenth, eleventh and twelfth steps are optional and depend on whether a material from which the housing parts are made G exist, or a surface quality of the housing parts G make it necessary.

In a thirteenth step 313 the housing parts G on the printing position in which the printing layer A. , B. and in particular an image layer B. the printing layer A. , B. on the housing part G is attached, positioned analogously to the eighth step and, if necessary, indexed. The printing position can be a second printing position that is different from the first printing position.

In a fourteenth step 314 is attached to the housing parts G a flat, continuous printing layer A. , B. appropriate. The printing layer A. , B. is applied by applying a color material in a printing process. The color material can comprise a printing material and / or a colorant. The color material can in particular include white, the CMYK colors and possibly also spot colors. During the application of the color material or between the application of the color material, the printhead 10a , 10b , 10c or the housing parts G moved relative to the other. The printing layer A. , B. can be a base layer A. and an image layer B. include, the base layer A. is formed by a white primer and the picture layer B. through brightly colored or achromatic colored materials. If the coupling agent is used, the coupling agent can be a first base layer A. and form a second base layer A. can be formed by the white primer. A white primer can in particular ensure consistent color fidelity across various housing parts G to ensure. Another possibility of ensuring consistent color fidelity is digital color profiling with respect to a natural color or another substrate color of the housing part G . After the printing layer A. , B. The printing layer is completely finished over the entire surface or at certain time intervals A. , B. intermediate hardened. UV radiation can be used for this purpose. In particular, UV-A radiation can be used.

In a fifteenth step 315 mix on a surface of the housing part G Color materials of various colors including white and / or black when used. It is therefore conceivable and possible for a mixed color to be applied directly to a surface of the housing part directly in the process G arises. In particular, the color materials can be applied to the surface of the housing part G be applied close to each other and / or on top of each other, so that a mixing of the color materials is supported.

In a sixteenth step 316 the housing parts G fed to an exposure for the third time. The exposure can follow with UV light.

In a seventeenth step 317 the housing parts G on the carrier body 2 exposed so that the printing layer A. , B. hardens. In particular, the printed color materials can finally cure under UV light.

In an eighteenth step 318 the housing parts G from one device 1 in which they were printed, in particular a printing cell. After the execution is a check of the print image D. , D1 , D2 on each part of the housing G intended. The control of the print image D. , D1 , D2 can be used, for example, to sort good and bad parts. In particular, the control of the print image D. , D1 , D2 by taking pictures of the housing parts G with a camera 1020 , 1050 be made. The recorded images, that is to say the camera data, can be used to optimize the planned print images on subsequent housing parts G should be applied.

In a nineteenth step 319 finds a further handling of the with print images D. , D1 , D2 printed housing parts G instead of. The housing parts G can be passed on to subsequent process steps in a first variant 320 . For example, additional components can be attached to the housing parts G or the housing parts G can be combined with each other for assembly. Then the housing parts G are fed back to the printing process with the other components. In a second variant, a position of the housing part G be changed and the housing part G are fed back to the printing process 321 . The change in position can, for example, with an adjusting device 21 on the carrier body 2 be made. In particular, an adjustable goods carrier can be used as the carrier body for this purpose 2 be used. In a third variant, the change in position of the housing part G by a user of the device 1 be made. For example, on a carrier body 2 arranged housing parts G on another carrier body 2 be arranged in a changed position.

The illustrated embodiment was based on housing parts G and / or on a carrier body 2 arranged housing parts G described. Basically the procedure is for a single housing part G just as suitable as for several carriers 2 , on each of which several housing parts G are arranged. In the case of a plurality of carrier bodies, each step of the method can be carried out on the plurality of carrier bodies 2 is carried out together. Through the use of several carrier bodies 2 together, in particular, a printing surface, which is the print head 10a , 10b , 10c and / or the plurality of carrier bodies 2 are designed to be swept over in a relative movement or via which the print head 10a , 10b , 10c is extended, can be optimally used.

List of reference symbols

1

contraption

10a, 10b, 10c

Printhead

100

Control device

101, 103

Reading device

102, 105

Surveying facility

1020, 1050

camera

1021, 1051

Evaluation facility

104

Light source

11

Positioning device

12, 12 '

Mode of Transport

13th

Light source

2

Carrier body

20th

Identifier

21

Adjusting device

301-322

Steps of a procedure

A.

Base layer

B.

Image layer

C.

Cyan

D, D1, D2

Print image

G

Housing part

K

black

M.

magenta

S, S1, S2, S3

Area segment

T

Ink drop

W.

White

Y

yellow

x, y, z

Spatial directions

Claims (23)

A method for producing an electrical device, comprising: providing at least one housing part (G) of the electrical device, the at least one housing part (G) having at least one surface section (S, S1, S2) to be designed in color, characterized by : attaching a flat, continuous Printing layer (A, B) on the at least one surface section (S, S1, S2, S3) of the at least one housing part (G) by applying a color material in a printing process. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the printing process is an inkjet printing process. Procedure according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the printing process is a drop-on-demand inkjet printing process. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the at least one housing part (G) has its substrate color in an initial state and the flat, continuous printing layer (A, B) is applied to the at least one surface section (S, S1, S2, S3) for coloring. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several housing parts (G) formed by identical parts are provided, each of which has its substrate color and on each of which a flat, continuous printing layer (A, B) for coloring a surface section (S, S1, S2 , S3) is attached, the printing layers (A, B) of at least two housing parts (G) differing in color. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application of the color material comprises the application of color dots of different colors on top of one another and / or next to one another, so that the printing layer represents a mixed color of the different colors in the overall optical impression. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one surface section (S, S1, S2, S3) has a large surface area in relation to other sections of the at least one housing part (G). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one surface section (S, S1, S2, S3) comprises a complete side of the at least one housing part (G) that is visible from the outside. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entire externally visible surface of the at least one housing part (G) is printed with the printing layer (A, B). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical device is a clamping device and / or is suitable for connecting an electrical conductor. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one housing part (G) has at least one connection for an electrical conductor which is marked or identified with the printing layer (A, B). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after a flat, continuous printing layer (A, B) has been applied to a first surface section (S1) of the at least one housing part (G), the at least one housing part (G) is repositioned and another flat, continuous printing layer (A, B) is applied to a second surface section (S2) of the at least one housing part (G). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that before applying the flat, continuous printing layer (A, B) to the at least one housing part (G), measurement data of the at least one housing part (G) are generated, the dimensions and / or a spatial position specify the at least one housing part (G). Procedure according to Claim 13 , characterized in that a print image (D, D1, D2) is generated as a function of the measurement data, by means of which an optical appearance of the printing layer is specified. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that prior to the application of the flat, continuous printing layer (A, B) to the at least one housing part (G), the at least one housing part (G) is registered by means of a reading device (101). Procedure according to Claim 15 , characterized in that a print image (D, D1, D2) is generated as a function of the registration, by means of which an optical appearance of the printing layer (A, B) is specified. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one housing part (G) is irradiated with light with a light source (104, 13) for drying before and / or after the application of the continuous printing layer (A, B). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for applying the printing layer (A, B) to the a base layer (A) is applied to at least one surface section (S, S1, S2, S3) and the at least one housing part (G) is then printed with an image layer (B). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of housing parts (G) are arranged on a carrier body (2) and in each case on a first surface section (S1) of the housing parts (G) one, in particular for each of the housing parts (G) individual, flat, continuous printing layer (A, B) is applied. Procedure according to Claim 19 , characterized in that the plurality of housing parts (G) are repositioned on the first surface section (S1) in the carrier body (2) after the flat, continuous printing layer (A, B) has been applied and on at least one further surface section (S2) ) the housing parts (G) each have a further, in particular for each of the housing parts (G) individual, flat, continuous printing layer (A, B) applied. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the color material is applied directly to the surface section (S, S1, S2, S3) to be colored. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 20th , characterized in that the color material is applied to a film which, after the color material has been applied, is cut to the dimensions of the surface section (S, S1, S2, S3) to be colored and then on the surface section (S, S1, S2, S3) is arranged. Device (1) for producing an electrical device using a method according to one of the Claims 1 to 22nd .

Images