EP1458934B1 - Method for applying elements to surfaces of constructed objects used for road traffic - Google Patents

Abstract

An environmentally sound method for applying or fixing elements ( 2 ) to constructed objects used for road traffic. The element ( 2 ), which is at least partially made of a material that can be liquefied by mechanical energy, is positioned on the surface, is pressed against the surface, and is simultaneously subjected to a local mechanical stimulation to liquefy the liquefiable material, and the element ( 2 ) binds with the surface upon re-solidifying. A mobile device ( 1 ) for applying elements ( 2 ) of this type, includes device that can travel via rolls or rollers ( 4, 5 ) and that is provided with at least one oscillating unit ( 10 ) including a sonotrode ( 6 ), a converter ( 7 ) and of an amplifier ( 8 ), and with a generator ( 9 ). The element ( 2 ) may be a marking or signaling element to be applied to roads or tunnel walls.

Description

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of the first claim. The method is used for attaching or attaching marking or signaling elements on streets or squares, in garages or car parks or on house or tunnel walls, that is on documents that consist of asphalt or concrete. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method and the attachable with the method elements according to each of the preambles of the corresponding claims.

Known methods, for example, for attaching signaling strips on roads are based essentially on three different methods, namely on thermally induced material bond and on chemically induced material bond and adhesive bonds.

In a method of the first group, thermoplastic strips and the underlying asphalt surface are melted with a gas flame so that the molten materials join together after cooling. Disadvantages of this method are that on the one hand a very large covering volume must be heated and that on the other hand, the process is very time consuming due to the long warm-up and cooling phases. In addition, the energy requirement high and the melting process is difficult to control and therefore not very suitable for automation. The handling of open flames and gas containers is also associated with security risks and therefore also requires additional manipulation effort.

In a process of the second group, solvent-based paints are sprayed onto the desired surface. In this procedure, the substrate must first be cleaned as thoroughly as possible, and then the marking geometries must be covered or appropriate templates applied. However, sprayed-on markings are only superficially applied and usually have only a short service life due to wear and abrasion. In addition, when applying or abrasion of the paint solvent, paint particles and other z.T. harmful substances released to the environment. Prefabricated signaling strips are also glued to the substrate with adhesives, with all the disadvantages as described above.

An example of a method of the third group discloses US 5'772'359, namely an applicator, which applies marking tapes to road surfaces. The marking tapes are coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. So these are self-adhesive tapes.

Furthermore, in the construction industry, various methods of joining elements using ultrasound are known. For example disclosed DE 43 17 621 a device for connecting two components by means of ultrasonic welding with an ultrasonic system, a converter and a sonotrode, wherein metals or thermoplastic materials are welded together. Ultrasonic welding is well known in the art and relates to a process in which at least two parts of the same or fusible materials are liquefied on the surface and joined together so that the molten material of the two parts intermesh mixed and solidified in a fabric bond. Ultrasound is not suitable for melting concrete or asphalt on the surface: Ultrasonic waves coupled into an asphalt or concrete surface would be introduced into deep layers due to the high modulus of elasticity and would not be absorbed at the surface, thereby causing material liquefaction. Accordingly, an ultrasonic welding process is not suitable for the welding of marking bands on a road surface.

An archived Wood Welding Internet site from 2001, http://web.archive.org/web/20010803073306/www.woodweldin.com/content_lidea ...) discloses woodwelding technology for joining parts made of porous materials, As wood and, inter alia, asphalt or concrete by a connecting means of a liquefiable thermoplastic polymer in the form of nails, dowels or paint and sealing material. In this case, the thermoplastic coupling agent is deposited at the one or more parts of the two parts and liquefied using ultrasound, whereupon it penetrates into the porous surfaces of the parts to be joined and these parts together after solidification.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for permanent or temporary attachment of marking or signaling elements on surfaces of road construction objects, ie on documents that consist in particular of asphalt or concrete.

This object is achieved by the invention as defined in the patent claims.

According to the invention, the marking or signaling elements consist at least partially of a material which can be liquefied by mechanical excitation (eg thermoplastic), ie the entire element consists of a material with at least one liquefiable (eg thermoplastic) material. Component or at least one against the pad to be straightened portion of the element consists of such a material. The element is positioned on the surface on which it is to be mounted, and then at least locally pressed against the support and mechanically excited, such that the liquefiable material is at least locally and temporarily liquefied and forms a connection between the base and element after the re-solidification. Due to the mechanical excitation, the surface on which the element is pressed, partially melted. The mechanical excitation is usually based on excitation by sonotrode (piezoelectric excitation for higher frequencies, magnetostrictive excitation for lower frequencies). The excitation is preferably based on mechanical vibrations with a frequency that is in the range of ultrasound, whichever is the case at lower frequencies. The frequencies are chosen according to the field of application. By varying the frequency, it can be determined how much the liquefiable material and optionally surrounding areas (underlay) are liquefied or heated. The degree of liquefaction and heating is influenced by the amplitude, the frequency and the duration of the excitation. Another important aspect is the nature of the coupling of the mechanical vibrations in the element to be attached or in the region to be liquefied thereof. The element can be made, for example, for this coupling to a part of the vibrating body. Due to the partial liquefaction and re-solidification advantageously with simultaneous pressing action, a connection between the element and the substrate is produced.

According to the method according to the invention, the energy used for melting the liquefiable material is introduced in a controlled manner in terms of time and space. Through this spatially and temporally controlled action of energy, the adjacent areas are not unnecessarily heated. This results in various advantages. First, the connection can be made with much less energy. Nevertheless, the resulting compound is very durable and resilient due to the manner in which it is made. The other is the connection be made in much less time, since much less time is required for the introduction of the required energy. In addition, since no other additives such as adhesives, solvents or other bonding agents with loadings are used, the process is also environmentally friendly.

The strength of the connection is influenced by the strength of the mechanical energy (momentum, frequency) and / or the duration of the excitation. Depending on the field of application, it is possible to make connections that are very durable or those that can be easily loosened again. Prolonged excitation time or stronger excitation due to a higher frequency or amplitude will result in a stronger connection resulting, for example, in liquefying more material.

The inventive method is suitable for a variety of uses in the field of road traffic such as in road construction, signaling, and so on. It is suitable, inter alia, for attaching signaling strips or signaling images, which are used, for example, in the form of correspondingly punched films and are applied, for example, to road surfaces or to tunnel walls, for example center or edge strips, arrows or fonts.

However, the method according to the invention is also suitable for attaching signaling elements which are intended to protrude functionally over a surface to which they are attached. By way of example, such protruding signaling elements are understood to mean elements which are mounted in the region of a center line or a borderline of a road and which indicate to a driver, when traveling over vibrations, that a crossing of the same takes place. These elements can be designed to be reflective, if necessary, so that it improves especially in low light are recognizable. In particular, in the case of highways, these elements can be designed in such a way that they have directionally distinguishing properties. By this is meant, for example, an embodiment which reflects white in the direction of travel and red in the opposite direction. This will alert a wrong person to his mistake. Other embodiments are possible.

The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for fastening elements which are fabric-like or based on a film material. These are, for example, middle or side lines on roads, pedestrian strips, stop lines, direction indicators (arrows), etc. The elements can be virtually endless (continuous lines) or limited. The film material of such elements advantageously has a sheet-like or net-like carrier film which, for example, is provided with a coating which can be liquefied by mechanical excitation. This mechanically liquefiable coating is designed to be directed against the substrate to page or has protruding elements that serve as energy directors and lead to a concentration of mechanically exciting energy, such that locally takes place an increased melting.

The to be directed against the base side of the elements to be attached may also be only partially coated with a liquefiable material or it may be provided instead of the coating and three-dimensional areas of the liquefiable material, such as pins, rings or other, for example, regularly with the Base to be joined surface of the element distributed forms. The position of such three-dimensional connection forms are advantageously marked on the opposite side, from which the mechanical vibrations are coupled, so that the mechanical energy can be selectively introduced in the right places.

The compounds which can be prepared by the process according to the invention can be permanent or only temporary. By temporarily, for example, compounds are understood to be present only for a foreseeable period of time. Especially in the field of construction sites, where it is necessary to redirect traffic for a certain time, appropriate connections are useful, which can be easily made and resolved. In the field of construction sites, it is particularly useful to apply temporary markings, which have a film, for example in the form of an endless belt, as a basic structure and which have a coating, which by means of mechanical excitation with the road surface are connectable. Thus, by means of a suitable device, endless or limited signaling elements can be very easily mounted in a continuous process. In order to re-establish a connection, the same device can be used in the reverse manner, namely for re-liquefying, filling and removal. The compounds can also be designed so that the bands can be detached again without special aids. A pretreatment for drying the substrate can be done by preheating, which, for example. A hot roller is better suited than open gas flames. In certain cases, the pre-treatment (drying, priming) is not required. The method can be used for different element thicknesses and element geometries. In contrast to today's reflow methods, the material thickness can be minimized. Preheating reduces the time required for mechanical excitation and improves adhesion. Compounds prepared by the invention disclosed herein are characterized by good adhesion to a wide variety of porous substrates. They show good resistance to specific influences such as weathering, abrasion, etc.

Since the method usually has no influence on the geometry of the element to be fastened, customer-specific geometries, surface structures and colors can be realized. The surface structure can be embossed directly by the application tool or by a subsequent tool. This surface structure can take on additional functions. This may be, for example, that the driver perceives a noise when passing over, which results from the contact between the rotating tire and the surface structure of the signaling element, so that the driver is indicated that he traverses the mark.

• Äusserst einfach durchführbar, mit hoher Leistungsfähigkeit und geringem Bedienungs- und Wartungsaufwand;
• Erhöhte Haftung zwischen dem angebrachten Element und der Unterlage durch die Verdünnflüssigung eines Teils des Materials während dem Befestigungsprozess;
• Verbesserte Haftung gegenüber herkömmlichen Verfahren mit offener Gasflamme dadurch, dass keine Verbrennungen entstehen und keine Russpartikel die Verbindungsflächen verschmutzen;
• Sehr kurze Prozesszeiten (Zeit für mechanische Anregung und Erstarrungs- oder Abkühlzeit)
• Die Vorrichtung zum Anbringen der Elemente führt keine flüssigen, flüchtigen und feuergefährlichen Stoffe mit, was die Arbeitssicherheit wesentlich erhöht.
• Das Verfahren ist zudem umweltschonend, da vor allem keine flüchtigen Werkstoffe und Hilfsstoffe zum Einsatz kommen.

The advantages of the process according to the invention can be summarized as follows:

• Extremely easy to perform, with high performance and low operating and maintenance costs;
• Increased adhesion between the attached element and the substrate by the thinning liquor of a portion of the material during the attachment process;
• Improved adhesion to conventional open-flame processes by preventing burns and soot particles from contaminating interface surfaces;
• Very short process times (time for mechanical excitation and solidification or cooling time)
• The device for attaching the elements does not carry any liquid, volatile and flammable substances, which significantly increases the safety at work.
• The process is also environmentally friendly, since, above all, no volatile materials and auxiliaries are used.

Fig. 1

eine erste Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Anbringen von Markierungsstreifen;

Fig. 2

eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Anbringen von Markierungsstreifen mit einer Gliederkette;

Fig. 3

eine dritte Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Anbringen von Markierungsstreifen mittels einer Sonotrodenwalze;

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt durch eine Sonotrodenwalze;

Figs. 5 bis 8

weitere, beispielhafte Elemente, die mit dem erfindungsgemässen Verfahren auf Oberflächen von Bauobjekten des Strassenverkehrs anbringbar sind.

In connection with the following figures, the method according to the invention and some exemplary embodiments of devices for carrying out the method according to the invention and of elements which can be attached to building objects according to the method are described in greater detail. It shows schematically and greatly simplified:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of a device for applying marker strips;

Fig. 2

a second embodiment of a device for applying marker strips with a link chain;

Fig. 3

a third embodiment of a device for applying marker strips by means of a sonotrode roller;

Fig. 4

a section through a sonotrode roller;

Figs. 5 to 8

further, exemplary elements that can be attached to the surface of building objects of road traffic with the inventive method.

FIG. 1 shows very simplified the essential elements of a first embodiment of a fastening device 1 for attaching an element 2, for example a marking element (broken marker strip) on a road surface, for example, asphalt or concrete. The applied element 2 is strip-shaped and is separated from a belt, wherein the tape is rolled up on a supply reel 3. The element 2 consists, for example, of a carrier material coated at least on one side, for example of a foil of plastic or metal, which is coated with a material which can be melted by mechanical stimulation. This fusible material is, for example, thermoplastic material (for example polypropylene). However, the element 2 may also consist entirely of the fusible material.

As the fastener 1 moves in the direction of operation, the tape for the element 2 is unwound from the supply roll 3 and pressed by a first roller 4 onto the surface (e.g., road surface) on which the element 2 is to adhere. The working direction is shown schematically here by an arrow X. Behind the first roller 4, three sonotrodes 6 can be seen, which are operatively connected to a converter (sound transducer) 7 and a mechanical amplifier 8. The converter 7, which serves to convert electrical into mechanical vibrations, is driven by a generator 9. The converter usually includes piezoelectric elements, which converts electrical oscillations, which are typically above 20 kHz, into corresponding mechanical oscillations. The working range of the converter is chosen according to the application. Normally the frequencies are in the range between 2 kHz and 400 kHz.

The amplifier 8 functions as a mechanical amplifier, transforming vibrations due to its design, concentrating and transferring them to the sonotrode 6. The sonotrode 6 forms, together with the amplifier 8 and the converter 7, a vibration unit 10. The elements of the vibration unit 10 are usually optimized for an application area, respectively a frequency, and preferably resonate. By the oscillating unit 10, the element 2 and optionally the substrate on which the element 2 is to be mounted, is excited to vibrate. Due to the resulting internal and external friction is achieved that the element 2 at least partially and possibly also the substrate are melted. Due to the high shear, a high degree of plasticization is achieved. Advantageously, during the liquefaction and then the element 2 is pressed against the base (roll 5), so that after solidification element and ground are connected to each other. The fastening device 1 shown has three oscillating units 10. These can be controlled individually. It goes without saying that a device can have a different number of oscillating units.

Behind the three oscillating units 10, a second roller 5 is arranged, which presses the element 2 during cooling to the ground. The first and second rollers 4, 5 are preferably used for adjusting the distance between the sonotrodes 6 and the element 2. The fastening device 1 is used for fastening the element 2 in a continuous or discontinuous process.

Behind the second roller 5, a cutting device 11 is arranged. This is used to sever the element 2 when the marker strip to be attached is not continuous as shown. In the illustration shown, this case is shown schematically in that a first element 2 of a marking strip is shown behind the fastening device. Before the first roller 4, a detachment device 12 can be seen, which serves for the possible detachment of an element 2 from a substrate, after it has been liquefied in regions by the oscillating units.

Due to the shape of the sonotrode 6 and the other elements of the oscillating unit, the manner of the vibrations and their coupling is determined in the element 2 to be fastened. Preferred are elongated or cylindrical shapes that extend over the entire width of the element and extend towards the bottom, i. taper towards the element 2 to be processed.

FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of a fastening device 1 for attaching an element 2 on a substrate. The fastening device 1 has here two underlying rollers 13 and two overhead rollers 14, which serve for deflecting a link chain 15. The link chain 15 has on its outer surface an embossed structure 16, which serves for impressing a surface structure 17 in the element 2. A sonotrode 6 is arranged here between the two underlying rollers 13 and serves for the indirect excitation of the element 2 via the link chain 15. The element 2 is arranged during processing between the link chain 15 and the ground. Also in this embodiment, the material for the element 2 is stored on a supply roll 3 and is subtracted therefrom during processing. For separating an element 2 from the material of the supply roll serves a cutting device 11. This can be arranged in front of or behind the link chain 15. By using link chains 15 with different embossing structures 16, the elements 2 can be embossed with different surface structures.

For driving the fastening device 1 preferably electric or hydraulic motors are used (not shown in detail). The fastening device 1 is preferably self-propelled or can be used as part of another machine. For processing differently shaped elements 2, it has a corresponding configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a fastening device 1 for attaching elements 2 on a surface. The fastening device 1 has an oscillating device 10 with a rotating sonotrode 6. The sonotrode 6 is designed here as a sonotrode roller, which is excited by a converter 7 to preferably radial oscillations. The vibrations are transmitted to the element 2 and cause it to be plastified in regions. In the working direction (x-direction) in front of and behind the sonotrode roller 6 are each a roller 4, 5 are arranged. These serve for pressing and pressing the element 2 on and in the surface of the substrate. The rollers 4, 5 serve as needed for leadership and as support rollers. Before and behind the rollers 4, 5, a cutting and a detachment device 11, 12 can be seen, which are formed as blades and which serve for separating and, if activated, for detachment of the element 2.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic section along the axis of the sonotrode roller 6 according to FIG. 3 , As can be seen, the sonotrode roller 6 consists of a series of disks 18, which are connected to one another centrally via thin points 19. The vibrations of the converter 7 are preferably introduced perpendicular to the axis A of the sonotrode roller.

In summary, the invention can be seen as follows: An environmentally friendly and safe working method for attaching elements on surfaces of building objects in the field of road traffic, which is to press the element to be mounted on the surface to which it is to be attached and by liquefying local mechanical excitation during an excitation time, so that the element is locally melted on the side facing the surface and possibly also the surface on which the element is pressed, such that after cooling the element is fixed to the substrate. A mobile device for attaching a marking strip on, for example, a road surface, consists of an over rollers or rollers 4, 5 mobile device with at least one vibration unit 10 consisting of sonotrode 6, converter 7 and amplifier 8 and a generator 9. The mounted on the road surface marker strips In addition to their coloring, they can have a profiling which generates acoustic or various optical signals, such as, for example, white reflection in one, red reflection in the other direction.

FIGS. 5 to 8 show further elements 2, which are attachable to the surface of building objects of road traffic according to the inventive method. These are discrete elements that can not be handled by a supply spool. However, they can be added, for example, in a manner known per se at predetermined time intervals under the oscillating tool to a fastening device moving at a constant speed, for example along a road so that they are placed at constant distances from each other on the road surface. The elements may also be individually attached to a handheld or similar device known from ultrasonic welding.

FIG. 5 shows a flat element 2, which is shown rectangular, but may have any shape. On the side to be directed against the surface on which the element is to be mounted, the element has nubs 20 along the edge. At least these nubs consist of the liquefiable material, possibly the entire edge area or the nub side of the edge area. For attaching the element according to FIG. 5 this is positioned and, for example, pressed with an excited sonotrode at least in the edge region (indicated by arrows) against the surface and excited simultaneously.

The element 2 according to FIG. 6 is disc-shaped and has, for example, in the middle of its facing outward side a reflector. On its side to be straightened against the surface on which the element is to be mounted, the element 2 has a fastening ring 21. In the area of this ring 21, the element is excited from the outside, as illustrated by the arrows, and pressed against the surface, for example with a corresponding tubular sonotrode. The fastening ring 21 can also be formed by a row of pins or nubs arranged along the edge of the element 1. At least the fixing ring 21, or the same purpose serving pins or nubs, optionally the whole element 2 consist of a material liquefiable by mechanical excitation.

FIG. 7 shows a similar disc-shaped element as FIG. 6 , On the surface on which the element 2 is to be mounted, side facing an electronic module 25 is arranged with antenna 26, as they are for traffic control systems be used. By fastening the element by means of fastening ring 21, a hermetically sealed space is created for the electronic module. Of course, the element 2 according to FIG. 7 also have a shape other than disk-shaped.

FIG. 8 shows another element with integrated electronic module 25 with antenna 26. These are positioned between two element parts 2.1 and 2.2, these two element parts, for example, together with the attachment of the whole element are connected together. The directed against the attachment side of the element element part 2.2 consists at least partially of the liquefiable material. The two element parts 2.1 and 2.2 can also be previously connected to each other, for example, with adhesive and only then attached to the designated surface. It is also possible to integrate the electronic module already in the production of the element 2 by casting in the element.

Claims (9)

1. A method for attaching marking elements or signalling elements (2) onto concrete or asphalt, wherein the element consists at least partly of a material which is liquefiable by way of pressing onto the concrete surface or asphalt surface and excitation with mechanical oscillation, and wherein the element is positioned on the concrete surface or asphalt surface and is pressed against the surface, characterised in that the element at least locally is excited with mechanical oscillations with the help of an oscillation unit with a sonotrode (6), with a converter (7) and with a generator (9), in a manner such that the liquefiable material at least in a region facing the concrete surface or asphalt surface is at least partly liquefied and after re-solidification fastens the element on the concrete surface or asphalt surface.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that the mechanical oscillations are produced piezoelectrically or by way of magnetostriction.
3. A method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the mechanical oscillations have a frequency which lies in the region of ultrasound.
4. A method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the element (2) is part of a continuous or interrupted line marking, that it is unreeled as a tape from a supply roll and that it is positioned continuously or with interruptions on the surface and then pressed on and excited.
5. A method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the element (2) is disk-shaped and is excited and pressed, with the help of a tubular sonotrode.
6. A device (1) for attaching marking elements or signaling elements (2) on concrete or asphalt, comprising a device which is displaceable via rollers or rolls (4, 5), characterised by at least one oscillation unit (10) consisting of a sonotrode (6), a converter (7) and selectively an amplifier (8), and with a generator (9).
7. A device according to claim 6, characterised in that a supply roll (3) with a tape-like material for the element (2) is assigned to the displaceable device with the at least one oscillation unit (10).
8. A device according to claim 7, characterised in that a cutting device (11) for separating elements (2) off from the tape-like material is assigned to the displaceable device with the at least one oscillation unit (10).
9. A device according to claim 6 or 8, characterised in that a detachment device (12) is assigned to the displaceable device, for the purpose of the detachment again of the element (2) from the surface.

Images