EP1984191B1 - Process for production of a profile strip - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a profile strip, in particular edge strip, with different decorative elements.

Especially with high-quality furniture elements of metal and wood characterize the appearance. For high-quality kitchens these are, for example, electrical appliances in stainless steel look and wooden body parts or with wood decor. Moldings are used in particular to dress the exposed edges of such furniture. In order to give the piece of furniture a visually and aesthetically high-quality appearance, the profile strip is made the requirement, as far as possible to harmonize optically with the different elements.

From the prior art profile strips of the material mix aluminum and veneer wood are known for this application. Such a profile strip is in Fig. 1 shown. Conventionally, such profile strips are manufactured in a complicated process by first plate-shaped layers of aluminum and veneer wood are glued together. Subsequently, this layered plate is cut into strips. For better processing and fixation, one or two webs can be glued to the back of the edges.

This prior art has the disadvantage that a considerable sawing waste is already produced during production. The edge bands produced in this way are very stiff due to the aluminum and the wood content and can not be rolled. Rounded moldings can be produced theoretically with a large amount of waste according to the conventional production method, but in practice they do not prove to be economical. Even a machine processing is possible only to a very limited extent. The surfaces of these moldings must be ground and calibrated.

In addition, a seal of the surface is usually required so that a sufficient moisture resistance is given. In sum, the production of the profile strip known from the prior art is very complicated and expensive.

The DE 2022048 U1 describes a plastic sheet material for the production of heavy edge of furniture, wherein the plastic sheet material is provided with a decoration, wherein the plastic sheet material is coated with a deodorant material from the group papers, furniture films and aluminum. The plastic is ABS, PVC or polypropylene. The papers are decorative papers, in particular wood decorative papers, printed papers, melaminharzgetränkte papers and / or laminates. Furthermore, furniture films are used in particular flexible or printed films.
The DE 2022048 U1 further discloses that not only can an aluminum optical effect be achieved with the plastic sheet material, but that in fact aluminum flat material is applied.

The DE 552257 C describes a method for coating strips with metal by gluing, wherein instead of sheet metal, a metal foil tape is used, which is continuously provided with adhesive and adhered directly to the strips. This metal foil strip should be designed so that it is on the one hand still thin enough to be easily pressed into the profiling and ornamentation of the strips without affecting their sharpness, but on the other hand is sufficiently strong, so that the use of an adhesive is possible. The metal foil strip is said to have the advantage over sheet metal that it can be shaped, printed and coated with lacquer prior to processing by machine.

The invention has for its object to solve the disadvantages known from the prior art and to produce a profile strip with different decorative elements in a cost effective manner, which is particularly easier to process and has a higher chemical resistance and moisture resistance and scratch resistance.

To achieve this object, the invention provides a method for producing a profile strip, in particular edge strip ready, with the steps: generating a plastic profile as strip core, applying a decorative background on an upper side of the strip core, applying a decorative finish on the decorative background, so that the decoration of the decor Decorative background partially covered and forms with the decoration reason at least a part of the decoration of the profile strip, with a film is applied as a decorative background. Deposited by the plastic strip, the film has the appearance of a solid body, which creates a high-quality impression in the viewer. The film is covered by the method according to the invention of a decorative refinement sections, which can be applied as decorative finish, for example, a color coat or decorative particles, which pick up the basic color of a desired plywood. By partially covering the decoration background with the decoration, a spatial effect is created, which gives the viewer a high-quality impression. The strip core made of plastic gives the profile strip flexible properties and is at the same time inexpensive to produce in a variety of forms. The inventive method is kontlnuierlich feasible Even rounded moldings can be easily made in this way, without elaborate processing is necessary. The film used as a decorative background is inexpensive to produce, flexible and easy connectable to the strip core, so that a flexible profile strip with different decorative elements can be made in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner. In particular, the invention enables the integration of different materials in the profile strip, which can meet the high demands on the appearance of high-quality products The profile strip produced according to the invention is lightweight and flexible, and is therefore easy to transport and very well storable.

In a preferred embodiment, a metal foil is applied as a decorative background. Deposited by the plastic strip, the metal foil has the appearance of a solid metal body, which creates a particularly high-quality impression in the viewer. The profile strip is nevertheless sufficiently flexible. The partial masking of the decorative background with the decorative finish creates a spatial effect which leaves the observer with a similar visual and aesthetic impression, as in the conventional profile strip with alternating layers of metal and wood.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an aluminum foil is applied as the decoration base. The aluminum foil is particularly cost-effective and easy to process.

It proves to be helpful if a fixing layer for fixing the decoration is applied after the application of the decorative base and the decoration finish. As a result, the surface of the profile strip is particularly scratch-resistant sealed, and the moisture resistance and the chemical resistance of the decor is further improved.

For this purpose, it proves to be particularly helpful if a clearcoat is applied as a fixing layer. The clear coat can be applied in a simple manner without affecting the decoration, for example by spray application or by rolling.

It proves to be particularly helpful if a UV-curable clearcoat is applied as the fixing layer. By shortening the curing time for the fixing layer, the manufacturing process can be shortened.

To give the profile strip a spatial structure or a particularly appealing haptic, it proves to be helpful. if the profile strip is subsequently embossed or smoothed.

In order to improve the connection of the strip core with the decoration background, it proves to be helpful if a hot melt adhesive is applied between the strip core and the decoration base.

In order to improve the adhesion of the hotmelt adhesive on the inguinal core, it proves to be helpful if a primer is applied to a surface to be joined to the decorative substrate.

To improve the adhesion of the decorative finish on the decorative background, it proves to be helpful if an adhesive agent is applied between the decorative finish and the decorative base.

In order to attach the profiled strip to a specific substrate, e.g. To facilitate a furniture edge, it proves to be helpful if a bonding agent is applied to the underside of the strip core.

The application of the decorative finish on the decorative surface proves to be particularly simple when a color coating is applied as a decorative finish.

For the application of a color coating as a decorative finish, the processes of flexographic printing and the direct as well as the indirect gravure printing process are particularly suitable because they can be ideally integrated into a continuous, automated manufacturing process. But other printing methods, such. As the digital printing, are suitable.

The visual and aesthetic appearance of the profile strip can be further improved if a plastic profile in the basic color of the decorative background or decor refinement is produced as a strip core. Thus, an optically particularly harmonious transition between the strip core and the decorative base or the decorative finish can be accomplished.

The visual appearance of the profile strip known from the prior art with alternating layers of aluminum and veneer wood can be simulated in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner by applying at least one strip-shaped color layer in the longitudinal direction of the profile strip as decorative finish. Strip-shaped color layers preferably run parallel to one another, are uniformly spaced from each other and have substantially identical widths.

The invention is also directed to a profile strip produced by the process according to the invention. The advantages mentioned above with regard to the process characteristics are analogous with regard to the corresponding product characteristics.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment.

Figur 1

zeigt eine Profilleiste gemäß dem Stand der Technik mit abwechselnden Schichten aus Aluminium und Furnierholz, wobei zwei Stege zur Fixierung der Profilleiste auf deren Rückseite aufgeklebt sind.

Figur 2

zeigt die erfindungsgemäß hergestellte Profilleiste im Querschnitt zur Darstellung des Schichtaufbaus in einem zum Zweck der besseren Darstellung gewählten Maßstab.

Figur 3

zeigt den Ablauf des erfindungsgemäßen Herstellungsverfahrens in schematischer Darstellung.

Show it:

FIG. 1

shows a profile strip according to the prior art with alternating layers of aluminum and veneer, with two webs are glued to fix the profile strip on the back.

FIG. 2

shows the profile strip produced according to the invention in cross-section to illustrate the layer structure in a scale chosen for the purpose of better illustration.

FIG. 3

shows the sequence of the manufacturing method according to the invention in a schematic representation.

In the following description, position-indicating terms such as "top", "bottom", "top", "bottom", etc. are used, which refer to the intended installation state of the profile strip. When used as intended, the profiled strip is intended to be fastened with the underside at reference numeral 2 on a substrate, so that the upper side forms the visible side of the profiled strip at reference numeral 8.

Referring to Fig. 2 the profile strip according to the invention or produced according to the invention will be described in detail. The cross-sectional view of Fig. 2 only serves the symbolic representation of the layer structure of the profile strip. The presentation of the Fig. 2 is not to scale and not binding. In reality, the profile strip produced according to the invention has a thickness of preferably approximately 0 to 4 mm (millimeters), preferably 1.5 mm. The width of the profile strip according to the invention can vary depending on the application and is preferably between 10 and 70 mm.

A plastic strip forms the strip core 1 of the profile strip. Preferably, for the strip core 1, a plastic is selected which can be plastically deformed under the influence of heat, i. a thermoplastic. Particularly suitable plastics are polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS). The strip core 1 can have any desired decoration. Thus, the strip core 1, for example, be transparent or colored in any color and / or have embedded decorative particles. Preferably, the strip core 1 is dyed in a color, so that the basic color of the strip core 1 substantially corresponds to the basic color tone of the decorative background 5 described later or the decorative finish 7 described later. The basic color tone of the decorative base 5 or the decorative finish 7 is, for example, a desired wood tone or a metallic color tone.

At the bottom of the profile strip is below the strip core 1, a bonding agent 2 in preparation for the bonding of the profile strip on a selected surface. Suitable adhesion promoters and methods for preparing the bonding of the profile strip, for example, from DE 38 29 675 A1 known. The bonding agent 2 can also be omitted.

Above the strip core is a primer layer 3 in order to improve the adhesion of an adhesive system on the thermoplastic strip core 1. The primer 3 can also be omitted.

Above the primer layer 3 is a layer of an adhesive system 4, for example, a PU, EVA, PO hot melt adhesive to the decorative base 4 with the strip core 1 firmly and permanently connect.

The decorative base 5 according to the invention is any film, preferably a metal foil and particularly preferably an aluminum foil in decorative quality, with a thickness of 30 to 400 .mu.m, preferably 100 .mu.m. As a decorative background 5 in the context of the invention, for example, a gold foil o. The like. Be used. The decorative base 5 preferably completely covers the underlying layers of the adhesive system 4, the primer 3, the strip core 1 and the adhesion promoter 2 so that they are not visible when viewed from the visible side. The decorative base 5 forms a part of the decoration of the profile strip, which is visible in the intended installation state of the profile strip from the visible side, and has a substantially flat and smooth surface.

Deposited by the strip core 1 made of plastic conveys the film as a decorative background 5 a viewer, when viewed from the visible side, the optically and aesthetically high-quality impression of a solid body.

On the top of the decorative substrate 5, a thin, preferably transparent layer of an adhesive 6 is applied in order to improve the adhesion of the decorative finish 7 on the decorative base 5, if necessary. The adhesive 6 in the sense of the invention is an adhesive which as such is generally accepted as known. The adhesive layer 6 can also be omitted.

As a decoration finish 7 in the context of the invention are any decor designs conceivable, for example, applied layers of paint, applied decorative particles, films or the like. The decorative finish 7 covers certain sections of the underlying decorative background 5, which are thus not visible from the visible side of the profile strip. Preferably, the decorative finish 7 has a color decoration in a color that corresponds, for example, the desired basic color of a plywood. In a preferred embodiment, the decorative finish 7 is colored so that when using the profile strip in a high-quality kitchen, color elements of the kitchen front or kitchen body parts are taken up. The color elements of electrical appliances with stainless steel veneer are picked up in the decorative base 5 or in the foil serving as a decoration base 5. The decorative finish 7 is a strip-shaped color coating, the strip in the longitudinal direction of the profile strip (ie in the representation of Fig. 2 perpendicular to the plane of the page) parallel to each other and are substantially uniformly wide, and are substantially evenly spaced from each other. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the decorative finish 7 are arranged as a color coating in the form of strips, diamonds or similar patterns at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the profile strip, ie transversely. The basic color of the strip-like color coating corresponds to a desired wood tone, so that the profile strip harmonizes optically with both the elements in metal look as well as with the elements in wood look. Together, the decorative finish 7 and the non-hidden by the decorative finish 7 sections of the decorative background 5 at least form part of the visible decoration of the profile strip. The thickness of the decorative finish 7 applied to the decorative base 5 is preferably less than 250 μm, so that the flexibility of the profile strip is not or only insignificantly impaired.

Despite the small thickness, the decorative finish 7 protrudes from the level of the decorative background 5 and creates a spatial impression in the viewer, so that the decorative finish 7 and the decorative base 5 can be perceived as different layers. Such an optical impression is not given in a full-surface printing of the profile strip.

In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the decorative finish 7 and the sections of the decorative base 5 not covered by the decorative finish 7 and thus visible are covered by a transparent fixing layer 8 of a UV-curing clearcoat. The thickness of the fixing layer 8 is preferably between 5 and 100 μm. By the fixing layer 8, the decor of the profile strip is better protected, so that the profile strip has a higher scratch resistance, moisture resistance and chemical resistance. The profile strip, in particular the fixation layer 8, can be subsequently stamped or smoothed if necessary in order to give the profile strip predominantly on the visible side a spatial structure or a spatial / three-dimensional appearance. Thus, by a structuring of the profile strip or the fixation layer 8, a specific haptic control can take place. The fixing layer 8 and the embossing or smoothing are not mandatory.

Referring to Fig. 3 In the following, a device and the method according to the invention for producing the profile strip described above will be described in detail.

Reference numeral 11 designates an extrusion apparatus in which granules of a thermoplastic resin such as PP, ABS, etc. are filled, melted, extruded and calibrated. However, it is also within the scope of the invention, for example, to use calender. The preferably rectangular profile of the strip core 1 is extruded at a temperature between 170 ° C and 280 ° C at a speed of 10 to 50 m / min. In theory, all common extrusion protiles are suitable. The extruded profile of the strip core 1 is also referred to below as extrusion profile 1. It may be curved in cross-section, for example at the top, on the bottom as well as on both sides concave or convex. If necessary, the extrusion profile 1 is tempered by a downstream of the extrusion device 11 cooling device (not shown) for subsequent operations.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a bonding device for adhesion promoter. The application device 12 is symbolically represented by a rotating clockwise roller, which is arranged below the extrusion profile 1. With the application device 12 is - if necessary - the bonding agent 2 with a density of about 5 - 30 g / m ² applied to the underside of the extrusion profile 1. More detailed information regarding a method for preparing the intended for bonding surfaces of moldings are the DE 38 29 675 A1 refer to.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a primer applying device. The application device 13 is represented symbolically by a counterclockwise rotating roller, which is arranged above the extrusion profile 1. With the application device 13 - if necessary - a primer 3 is applied to the top of the extrusion profile 1. The application of the primer 3 on the top of the extrusion profile 1 serves to produce a better connection between the extrusion profile 1 and a subsequently applied adhesive system 4. Primer 3 is not mandatory.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a device for providing the decorative background 5, in this case a supply spool 15 for handling the decorative background 5. Reference numeral 14 denotes an application device 14 for an adhesive system 4, symbolically represented by a rotating clockwise roller on the underside of the decorative base. 5 The film serving as decorative base 5 has a width matched to the width of the extrusion profile 1. From the supply spool 15 serving as decorative background 5 film is unwound and applied to its to be connected to the extrusion profile 1 underside by the application device 14 with an adhesive system 4. The film can also be produced directly - in-line - in the process, for example extruded. The adhesive system 4, in this case a hot-melt adhesive, is processed at 80 to 170 ° C., preferably at 120 ° C., and applied in quantities of between 10 and 100 g / m ² , preferably 30 g / m ^2, to the extrusion profile 1 to be joined Applied bottom side of the film.

Subsequently, the film is applied with the underside acted upon with hot melt adhesive 4 on the pretreated with a primer 3 top of the extrusion profile 1. This can be done by machine by the film 5 is pressed onto the extrusion profile 1. For example, the extrusion profile 1 and the film 5 are led together for this purpose through a nip (not shown) whose size substantially corresponds to the thickness of the extrusion profile 1.

Reference numeral 16 denotes an adhesive agent application device 6. The application device 16 is symbolically represented by a counterclockwise rotating roller disposed above the now film-coated extrusion profile 1. With the application device 16, the top of the decorative base 5 - if necessary - with an adhesive 6, in particular an adhesive applied. The adhesive can be sprayed, for example. The process of applying the adhesive 6 and suitable materials for use as an adhesive, in particular adhesive, are assumed to be known and not explained in detail here.

Reference numeral 17 denotes an application device for the decorative finish 7. The application device 17 is symbolically represented by three counterclockwise rotating rollers, which are arranged above the film-coated extrusion profile 1. In the present embodiment, the application device 17 symbolizes a printing device for applying various printing inks in one or more color layers by direct or indirect gravure printing or a similar printing technique, e.g. Flexographic printing. Alternatively or additionally, decorative particles can be applied to the top of the decorative substrate 5 in order to give the profile strip a decoration with different decorative basic elements. Alternatively or additionally, at least one (semi-) transparent film can also be applied to the decoration base 5 as decoration finish 7. The decorative finish 7 is applied to the decorative base 5, that some sections of the decorative background 5 are hidden and other sections of the decorative background 5 are exposed or at least visible through the decorative finish 7. The decorative finish 7 and the non-hidden by the decorative enhancement 7 sections of the decorative background 5 form at least a toil of visible from the SichtseitenS decor of the profile strip. It goes without saying that the decorative finish 7 can be applied to the decorative substrate 5 before and / or after the decorative substrate 5 is or was applied to the extrusion profile 1.

Reference numeral 18 denotes an attachment device for a fixing means 8 for fixing the decoration of the profile strip. In this case, the fixing agent 8 is a UV-curable clearcoat 8.

The application device 18 is represented symbolically by a counterclockwise rotating roller, which is arranged above the extrusion profile 1 coated with the decorative base 5 and the decorative finish 7. With the application device 18, the UV-curing clearcoat 8 is applied - if necessary - with a thickness between 5 and 100 microns in the roller method on the coated extrusion profile 1 and cured via UV lamps. Alternatively, the clear coat can also be sprayed on. However, the application of the fixing layer 8 is not absolutely necessary.

Reference numeral 19 denotes an embossing device for embossing or smoothing the profile strip, symbolically represented by a rotating counter-clockwise roller, which is arranged above the coated extrusion profile 1. With the embossing device 19, the profile strip is subsequently stamped or smoothed, in particular at the top, as required, in order to give the profile strip a particularly appealing structure. By structuring the profile strip, in particular the fixation layer on the upper side of the profile strip, a targeted haptic control can take place.

Claims (12)

1. Process for producing a profile strip, in particular an edge strip, comprising the steps:

   producing a plastic profile as strip core (1), applying a decorative base (5) to an upper side of the strip core (1), applying a decorative finish (7) to the decorative base (5), so that the decorative finish (7) covers some sections of the decorative base (5) and, with the decorative base (5), forms at least part of the decoration (5) of the profile strip, the decorative base (5) applied being a metal foil, characterized in that the decorative finish (7) is applied as a coloured coating, and a fixing layer (8) is applied in order to fix the decoration.
2. Process according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fixing layer (8) applied is a clear lacquer.
3. Process according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing layer (8) applied is a UV-curable clear lacquer.
4. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative finish (7) applied is a strip-like coloured coating.
5. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative finish (7) is a strip-like coloured coating applied in parallel lines.
6. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative finish (7) is a strip-like coloured coating applied in lines spaced apart uniformly from one another.
7. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative finish (7) applied is a strip-like coloured coating, which is substantially uniformly wide.
8. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative finish (7) is printed on or sprayed on.
9. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative finish (7) is applied in the flexographic process, in the direct or in the indirect gravure printing process, in digital printing and the like.
10. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a contact adhesive (6) is applied between the decorative base (5) and the decorative finish (7).
11. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strip core (1) produced is a plastic profile in the basic colour of the decorative base (5) or the decorative finish (7).
12. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile strip is subsequently embossed or smoothed.

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