EP2062655B1 - Cover film, web with cover films and method of coating a rim - Google Patents

Abstract

The covering film (2) comprises a recess, whose circumference is larger than the outer circumference of a flange (8) of a wheel rim (5). The covering film made of plastic material is formed partly elastic with a size of the recess and an elasticity of the covering film such that the recess is brought on a range of the recess under elastic expansion, where the range of the recess is larger than outer circumference of the flange of the wheel rim. An independent claim is included for a method for painting a wheel rim of a motor vehicle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a rim cover film for painting a rim of a motor vehicle, a web with a plurality of such rim cover sheets and a method for painting a rim of a motor vehicle.

STATE OF THE ART

For visual enhancement, processing or change the appearance of rims these are increasingly painted. In particular, more and more rims made of aluminum, chrome rims or painted rims find use, which should cause a high-quality appearance of the rim. Such rims can be damaged, for example, in tight parking garages or open car parks by contact with other vehicles, road boundary, sidewalks and the like, so that a repainting is desirable. When using an aluminum rim, damage to a clear coat on the aluminum material can result in unsightly stains, so repairing the damaged finish is desired.

For a first or repainting, it is known to perform a painting of the rim, without the tire is removed from the rim, which disassembly costs and costs for reassembly of the tire should be avoided from the rim. A protection of the tire takes place during the coating by adhesive tape and paper: First, adhesive tape is glued around a rim on the tire to the transition area from the rim to the rim Cover tires. Radially outermost areas of the tire are covered with additional tape or paper. Such preparatory work requires a great deal of time and material costs for the adhesive tape and the paper. Before the actual application of the adhesive tape and paper, which must be carried out with great care and precision, care must be taken that the tire is clean. For example, if the tire is not free of dust or oil, the tape will not be sufficiently adhered to the tire and paint may enter gaps between tape and tire in which the tape does not adhere to the tire. Furthermore, the tape leaves adhesive marks on the tire, which must be carefully removed, possibly with the use of chemicals that affect the serviceability of the tire.

While an individualized cover for each combination of rim and tire must be created for the above-described known working method with tape and paper, it is also known to use a rigid insertable template made of cardboard or solid paper, which has a circular recess whose diameter is larger is as the horn of a variety of rims to be processed with such a template. An adaptation of this template to rims of different geometries takes place in that radially inward of the recess between the horn of the rim and stencil adhesive tape is arranged, but from which also the problems mentioned above result. Such a template can be used for painting a plurality of rims. In this case, the stencil will accumulate on the surface with each coat another coat of paint.

If, on the other hand, dismantling of the tire and the rim takes place for painting, protection of the tire against accidental painting need not be taken into account. However, in this case, the inside of the rim flange and the rim base is not protected, so that fine drops of paint can enter this area. In operation of the rim, fine paint particles inside the tire may come loose from the rim base and cause problems such as clogging a valve of the tire. Furthermore, the disassembly and assembly of the tire means an additional overhead, which has a negative effect on the cost of painting.

GB 2 299 553 A discloses a cover sheet of a non-elastic plastic material, which in a half-section U-shaped from the outside via a tire and the outer edge a rim can be put over. In order to contract the inner edge of the plastic film, a kind of circumferential pocket is formed in the radially inner, outwardly pocket-like folded and thus sewn edge of the film, in which an elastic plastic strip is received. The cover film is glued to the rim with a plastic strip from the outside. In this state, a painting process can be performed, in which a portion of the rim, which is arranged radially inwardly of both the cover and the adhesive tape, are painted.

WO 2006/085061 A1 discloses a closed painting circuit in which a part of a motor vehicle can be arranged in the region of a rigid, nozzle-like feeding device. When the motor vehicle part is a rim with a tire, the rigid feeder is inserted into a space between the rim and the tire, wherein the feeder, the interior of the rim and a suction device are part of the closed painting circuit.

DE 85 13 902 U1 and DE 79 34 546 U1 relate to rigid or inherently rigid masking for the painting of wheels.

WO 2005/014374 A1 discloses a tire cover having a U-shaped cross-section wherein the base leg of the U covers the tread of the tire and the side legs of the U cover the sidewalls of the tire. Here, the side legs of the U are sized so that the tire cover leaves the inner edge of the tires, so that there is a possibility that the tire with tire cover is mounted on the rim or disassembled from it. The elasticity of the tire cover is at least partially ensured by constricting means which are inserted in circumferential pockets formed in the end regions of the side legs of the U.

Further prior art is out FR 2 796 316 A1 known.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention has for its object to propose a rim cover sheet, a web with rim cover sheets and a method for painting a rim of a motor vehicle, on the basis of which or a simple, inexpensive and / or efficient, but at the same time clean painting a rim of a motor vehicle is possible.

SOLUTION

The object of the invention is achieved with a rim covering film according to the features of independent claim 1. A further solution of the problem underlying the invention is given by a web according to the features of claim 14. A further solution to the object of the invention provides a method having the features of independent claim 15. Further embodiments of such a method will become apparent according to the features of the dependent claims 16 to 21.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While known masking agents start from the principle that masking means can be adapted individually to a combination of rim and tire or to use a globally applicable masking template which is adapted radially inwardly using an adhesive tape to a respective geometry of a rim, the present invention for the first time paves the way to provide a rim cover film for painting a rim of a motor vehicle with a recess whose circumference in a state of the rim cover film is at most as large as the outer circumference of the rim's horn. For such a design of the rim cover this can come under sealing for the paint used, paint particles or a paint mist radially from the outside to rest on the horn. Preferably, however, the rim cover film can be arranged "behind the horn", that is, on the side facing the rim well of the horn, wherein due to the reduced circumference of the recess, a radial gap between the rim base and the recess of the rim cover outward through the horn is covered. This has the consequence that, for example, in a painting using a directed paint mist flow from the outside can be directed to the rim, the paint mist, which flows radially outward on the horn of the rim, meets downstream of the horn on the rim cover. In this case, a passage of spray through the radial gap between the recess of the rim cover film and the rim well is largely avoided. Depending on the requirements can However, the recess also have such a small circumference that the rim cover sheet engages closely and largely sealingly on a part of the rim adjacent to the horn of the rim, in particular the rim base.

1. a) Die Ausnehmung soll unter elastischer Aufweitung auf einen Umfang gebracht werden können, der größer ist als ein Außenumfang des Horns der Felge. Für einen derart elastisch aufgeweiteten Umfang kann somit die Felgen-Abdeckfolie über das Horn der Felge gestülpt oder gezogen werden, bis sich die Felgen-Abdeckfolie auf der Innenseite benachbart dem Horn der Felge befindet.
2. b) Andererseits soll für eine derart erreichte Position eine elastische Rückstellung der Felgen-Abdeckfolie derart erfolgen, dass diese einen Umfang besitzt, der kleiner ist als der Außenumfang des Horns der Felge. Mit einer derartigen elastischen Rückstellung kann somit die Felgen-Abdeckfolie radial nach innen in Richtung des Felgenbettes rückgestellt werden, so dass sich ein ausreichend kleiner radialer Spalt zwischen der Ausnehmung der Felgen-Abdeckfolie und einem Felgenbett der Felge ergibt, der nach außen durch das Horn der Felge abgedeckt ist, oder so dass sich die Felgen-Abdeckfolie unter elastischer Vorspannung an das Felgenbett anlegt.

In order to allow arranging the rim cover foil behind the horn of the rim, although the recess of the rim cover foil has a circumference which is at most as large as the outer circumference of the rim's horn, the invention proposes that the rim cover foil partially or also completely elastic. An interpretation of the size of the recess on the one hand and the elasticity of the rim cover film takes place under consideration of the following boundary conditions:

1. a) The recess should be able to be brought under elastic expansion to a circumference which is greater than an outer circumference of the horn of the rim. Thus, for such an elastically flared circumference, the rim cover sheet can be slipped or pulled over the horn of the rim until the rim cover sheet is on the inside adjacent the horn of the rim.
2. b) On the other hand, should be carried out for such a position reached an elastic recovery of the rim cover sheet such that it has a circumference which is smaller than the outer circumference of the horn of the rim. With such an elastic return thus the rim cover sheet can be reset radially inwardly in the direction of the rim base, so that there is a sufficiently small radial gap between the recess of the rim cover sheet and a rim of the rim, which outwardly through the horn Rim is covered, or so that the rim cover sheet applies under elastic bias to the rim.

In contrast to the cover according to GB 2 299 553 A eliminated by the inventive elastic design of the rim-cover itself the costly folding over of the inner edge of the plastic film and stitching to form a pocket with arranged in the bag elastic plastic strip. In addition to a simplification of the production, the embodiment of the invention has the further advantage that the rim cover film not - comparable to a correspondingly formed shower cap - constricted and assumes a bulky and folded state for storage and transport. Finally, according to the invention, the rim cover with opposite GB 2 299 553 A reduced component diversity can be made, since in particular a suture and an additional elastic plastic strips can be omitted, which inventively only a recyclability is created or the recyclability is improved.

For an advantageous development of the rim covering film according to the invention, the size of the recess is matched with the elasticity of the rim cover film so that an elastic return to a circumference of the recess is possible, which corresponds approximately to the outer periphery of the rim well adjacent to the horn of the rim or smaller is as this, so that the rim cover sheet can come under sealing and an elastic contact force to the rim to the plant, whereby the radial gap between the boundary of the recess and rim base through which a spray could pass, reduced to zero and an even better sealing effect can be achieved.

According to the invention can thus be used that a coating with a preferred direction, for example, with a flow direction of a paint mist, is generated, wherein a gap between the recess of the rim cover film and the rim is covered in said flow direction by the horn of the rim. Alternatively or cumulatively, any possible turbulence of the paint mist or deviating flow directions can be achieved by sealing the gap between the recess of the rim cover foil and the rim as far as possible or keeping it small or elastically sealed.

Investigations by the applicant have shown that it is advantageous if the rim cover film is reinforced in the vicinity of the recess or a boundary thereof. On the one hand, it has been shown that with the widening of the rim covering film and the slipping over of the rim covering film over the rim, the limitation of the recess is exposed to particular mechanical stresses, which can be accommodated by means of the reinforcement. On the other hand, an enhancement of the elasticity behavior can be selectively effected by reinforcing the rim covering film in the surrounding area, in which the stiffness of the film is reinforced, for example via the reinforcement, so that, for example, the elastic return of the rim covering film or the sealing elastic application of the rim Cover film can be reinforced to the rim.

In the event that a large-area protection of non-painted portions of the rim or the tire arranged on the rim is desired, the invention is supplementary proposed that an outer dimension of the rim cover sheet is greater than an outer diameter of a tire arranged on the rim. Thus, the rim cover sheet may partially "overlap" the tire, wherein overlapping portions may be utilized to provide interconnection of opposing overlapping portions on the rear side of the rim. If the rim cover foil completely overlaps the tire over the entire circumference, it can be fully protected by the rim covering foil of the tire.

According to a further proposal of the invention, at least one securing means is provided, which serves to secure the position of the rim covering foil against the rim and / or the tire. In this case, the securing means can secure a partial area of the rim covering film with respect to the rim or the tire, or different partial areas of the rim covering film against one another, for example, clamp them together. Possible here are (releasable) adhesive agents or coatings of the film on the side facing the tire and the rim, Velcro connections, threads and similar securing means.

Depending on the choice of thickness and the material of the rim cover film, this can be designed as a disposable rim cover film, so for painting only a rim, or as a reusable rim cover, so for painting several rims. In this case, it is also conceivable that lacquer adhering to a rim covering film designed as a reusable rim covering film or a plurality of lacquer layers can be removed so that such a reusable rim covering film could be cleaned again.

For a particular embodiment of the invention, the rim cover film is formed or coated with a material which is paint-adherent. By using such a material it is possible to prevent particles of the paint from flaking off after drying and contaminating the surroundings, for example a painted area of the rim, the rim well, a painting booth or a painting environment.

While in principle the use of any materials for the rim cover film is possible including those that would not normally be referred to as a "foil" in the classical sense or the eigensteif are formed, for example. A fabric, according to another proposal of the invention, the rim cover formed with a plastic material which may be transparent, translucent or opaque and / or shape-variable. in the Contrary to the use of paper for a cover, a film made of a plastic material has the advantage that it has no fibers that could break in use and cause dust particles that could settle on the fresh paint and a rework or a repetition of the Could cause painting.

In principle, it is possible that an individual adaptation of the geometry of the rim-covering film, in particular the design of the recess and the elasticity of the material, is such that an optimum result for a rim of a certain geometry, under certain circumstances, also taking into account to be arranged on the rim Tire, given. According to the invention, however, it was recognized that when using an elastic material, the rim cover film for a wide range of different rims can be used without the desired covering and sealing effect of the rim cover film is impaired during painting. Based on this, the invention proposes to use the rim cover film for rims of different geometries, wherein the interpretation of the circumference of the recess and the elasticity of the material of the rim cover film is such that the circumference of the recess is greater than the circumference of the largest horn of the different rims or is enlargeable on such a scale. Thus, it can be done over all rims of different geometries, a slipping of the rim cover film. On the other hand, the circumference of the recess is smaller than the circumference of the smallest horn or the circumference of the recess can be brought to a circumference which is smaller than the circumference of the smallest horn, so that even for the "limiting case" of a horn with a small diameter, the desired sealing effect (whether by covering a radial gap by the horn or by the elastic application of the rim cover foil to the bed of the rim). Thus, a universally applicable rim cover film can be created.

In the event that a handling of the rim, possibly with the tire and the rim cover film before, during or after painting should take place, it is advantageous if the rim cover film is equipped with at least one carrying or holding elements, which can at least facilitate carrying the rim cover sheet with rim arranged therein or over which the rim can be held, for example in a suitable painting or drying position.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the rim cover film is formed with two partial rim cover sheets, with respect to the choice of material, the layer thickness, the respective Recesses and / or the geometry may be the same or different. The sub-rim cover sheets may each be disposed on one side of the tire and there, as previously discussed, enter the space between the horn and the tire so that the sub-rim cover sheets may cover the tire on both sides. If the partial rim cover sheets extend at least partially beyond the maximum radial extent of the tire, they may be connected to one another radially on the outside of the tire. For this purpose, separate connection means can be used, for example an adhesive strip, a stitching, lacing or the like. It is particularly advantageous if the partial cover strips are already provided with a covered or open adhesive strip, via which then a connection of the two partial rim cover sheets can take place.

A particularly simple production of a rim covering foil results for a further proposal of the invention, when the rim covering foil is formed with a part or section of a half-tube. The half tube forms two identical or different layers, each having a recess. The layers are connected to each other at the outer boundary of the half tube, ie in the region of an edge of the half tube. Such a half-hose can be placed, for example, from above U-shaped on the tire and the rim, wherein preferably said edge comes to rest on the outer circumferential surface of the tire. On both sides of the tire, the rim can each be guided through the recess of a layer and, as explained above, be arranged in the intermediate space. Thus, the rim cover sheet at least partially surrounds the tire in a U-shape. The production of such a "half-hose" is possible in a simple manner, for example. By direct production of the half-hose or by manufacturing a full hose with subsequent separation into two half-tubes. For the use of two different layers of the half or full hose can be formed by the layers are joined together in the region of the edge, for example by an adhesive agent, a welding or the like. To specify individual rim cover foils, the full or half tube is additionally cut or perforated transversely to the longitudinal axis.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the rim cover sheet is formed as a kind of sack. Such a bag has two layers. These layers are connected to each other in the region of a partial circumference. For example, a U-shaped connection of the layers over the partial circumference or a part-circular compound, wherein the diameter of the pitch circle can correlate with the diameter of the tire, for example, 10, 20, 30 or 40% with a tolerance range of ± 2, 5 or 10% greater than this. The remaining, unconnected residual circumference forms an opening through which the rim with the tire can be inserted into the bag. In such an inserted state, the two layers each extend on one side of the tire. The layers each have a recess through which each of the horn can be passed on one side of the rim until each one layer is disposed on one side of the tire between the horn and the tire, wherein the boundary of the recess of the layers in the space between the associated horn and the tire is arranged. For the production of a bag, there are many possibilities. For example, the bag can first be made as a half tube, in which the layers are connected transversely to the longitudinal extent of the tube at a distance with two Verbindungsschweißungen, from which the later diameter of the bag depends. It is also possible to produce the bag from a full tube, which is provided with a transverse weld, which forms the bottom of the bag, and at a distance from the transverse weld, which corresponds approximately to the height of the subsequent bag, cut or perforated.

While it is quite possible that the rim cover sheet is sold as a single article or as a stack of individual rim cover sheets, a favorable sales form is formed when a plurality of rim cover sheets of the type described above is connected to a web which, for example, in the field adjacent rim cover sheets interconnecting perforations can be separated. It is also possible to separate contiguous or bonded rim cover sheets by cutting or tearing.

Another solution to the problem underlying the invention is given by a method for painting a rim of a motor vehicle. In this method, a rim cover film is first "slipped over" or pulled over a horn of a rim. Here, via a suitable auxiliary device or by hand, the diameter of the recess of the rim cover film can be processed so that the horn of the rim can be passed without contact through the recess. It is also possible that the recess is first performed in a partial extent behind the horn of the rim and that the rim cover sheet successively in the circumferential direction, for example, under elastic stretching of the rim cover, stretched and behind the horn of the rim is performed. In a further method step, the rim covering film is arranged on an inner side of the horn of the rim, the rim covering film being at a small distance from the rim Horn of the rim has or even on the inside of the horn rests against this. In this position, then a reduction in the circumference of the recess, whereby the rim cover sheet can constrict radially inward. At the end of this reduction, the recess occupies a circumference which is smaller than the outer circumference of the horn of the rim, whereby the above-described covering effect or sealing effect can be achieved. Now the rim with rim cover foil is prepared for painting the rim. As a result of the method steps according to the invention and the design of the rim cover film can be collected over the horn of the rim outgoing paint, such as a spray, from the rim cover, so that it can not hit the rim base or a tire. If the painting is complete, removal of the film can take place. Finally, a drying step of the paint is to be carried out.

It should be noted that the above-described method steps according to the invention need not necessarily be carried out in the stated order. For example, a drying of the paint can take place, although the rim cover film is still arranged on the rim.

As explained above, a saving of assembly and disassembly steps and ultimately a reduction in costs can take place when painting is done with arranged on the rim tire, wherein the rim cover film at least partially in a space between a radially inner side wall of the tire and the facing inside of the horn of the rim can be arranged.

According to a further proposal of the invention, the method according to the invention can be simplified by partially or completely deflating the tire so that there is a gap between the radially inner wall of the tire and the rim rim or an existing space increases. in which then the rim cover film can be "threaded". Painting the rim can then be done for partially deflated air from the tire. It is also conceivable that when arranged in said space rim cover sheet of the tire is filled with air, so that the rim cover film between the tire and the rim rim is clamped and not only a seal by a radial gap and a radial elastic pressing the recess of the rim cover sheet is made to the rim, but also by axial sealing due to said clamping.

A particularly simple provision of the rim cover film, for example in a workshop area, can take place when it is removed from a web with a plurality of detachably or separably interconnected rim cover sheets, a roll or from a dispenser box.

As already explained above, a method according to the invention may include an elastic widening of the recess of the rim covering foil for "slipping over" the same over the horn of the rim. Alternatively or cumulatively, the rim cover sheet may be looped or folded around the tire, thereby providing supplemental protection to the tire against contamination with paint.

Finally, for a method according to the invention with or without rim covering film, the coating of the rim can be dried in an oven, with an infrared heating device or a dust-free space. It may be advantageous if the rim cover film is heat-resistant for the expected during drying temperatures.

It should be noted that both the outer geometry of the rim cover film and the contour of the recess are arbitrary, for example, according to the following figures - can find a circular recess with a square or rectangular outer contour of the rim cover film use. A rim covering film according to the invention may in this case be formed with a single-layer or multilayer film material and one or more pieces with elastic means, restoring means, protective elements and / or carrying or holding elements.

Advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the description and the drawings. The advantages of features and of combinations of several features mentioned in the introduction to the description are merely exemplary and can come into effect alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention. Further features are the drawings - in particular the illustrated geometries and the relative dimensions of several components to each other and their relative arrangement and operative connection - refer. The combination of features of different embodiments of the invention or of features of different claims is also possible deviating from the chosen relationships of the claims and is hereby stimulated. This also relates to such features which are shown in separate drawings or are mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features of different claims. Likewise, in the claims listed features for further embodiments of the invention can be omitted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine Bahn mit über Perforationen miteinander verbundenen Felgen-Abdeckfolien.

Fig. 2

zeigt einen Schnitt durch eine Felge mit Reifen, wobei in der unteren Halbebene lediglich die Felge dargestellt ist und in der oberen Halbebene die Felge mit darauf angeordnetem Reifen sowie mit der erfindungsgemäßen Felgen- Abdeckfolie dargestellt ist.

Fig. 3

zeigt ein Detail des Kontaktbereichs zwischen einem Horn einer Felge mit der Felgen-Abdeckfolie unter Herbeiführung einer Abdeckwirkung.

Fig. 4

zeigt ein Detail des Kontaktbereichs zwischen einem Horn einer Felge mit der Felgen-Abdeckfolie unter Herbeiführung einer radialen Abdichtwirkung.

Fig. 5

zeigt ein vereinfachtes Blockschaltbild für die Durchführung eines erfindungsge- mäßen Verfahrens zum Lackieren einer Felge eines Kraftfahrzeugs.

Fig. 6

zeigt eine mit zwei Teil-Felgen-Abdeckfolien gebildete Felgen-Abdeckfolie, wobei jede Teil-Felgen-Abdeckfolie auf einer Seite des Reifens angeordnet ist und die beiden Teil-Felgen-Abdeckfolien radial außenliegend von dem Reifen miteinander verbindbar sind.

Fig. 7

zeigt eine von einem Teil eines Halbschlauches gebildete Felgen-Abdeckfolie mit zwei Ausnehmungen in räumlicher Darstellung.

Fig. 8

zeigt die Felgen-Abdeckfolie gemäß Fig. 7 in einem auf die Felge und den Reifen aufgezogenen Zustand.

Fig. 9

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine Bahn mit über Perforationen miteinander verbundenen sackartigen Felgen-Abdeckfolien.

In the following the invention will be further explained and described with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures.

Fig. 1

shows a plan view of a web with over perforations interconnected rim cover sheets.

Fig. 2

shows a section through a rim with tires, wherein in the lower half-plane, only the rim is shown and in the upper half-plane, the rim with arranged thereon tire and with the rim cover according to the invention is shown.

Fig. 3

shows a detail of the contact area between a horn of a rim with the rim cover film to produce a covering effect.

Fig. 4

shows a detail of the contact area between a horn of a rim with the rim cover film to produce a radial sealing effect.

Fig. 5

shows a simplified block diagram for carrying out a method according to the invention for painting a rim of a motor vehicle.

Fig. 6

Figure 4 shows a rim cover film formed with two sub-rim cover sheets, each sub-rim cover sheet being disposed on one side of the tire and the two sub-rim cover sheets being connectable to each other radially outboard of the tire.

Fig. 7

shows a formed by a part of a half-tube rim cover sheet with two recesses in a spatial representation.

Fig. 8

shows the rim cover according to Fig. 7 in a state mounted on the rim and the tire.

Fig. 9

shows a plan view of a web with interconnected via perforations baggy rim cover sheets.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• Fig. 1 shows a section of a web 1, which is formed in one or more layers with a plastic material. The web 1 includes a plurality of successively arranged rim cover sheets 2. A separation of individual rim cover sheets 2 from the web 1 is made possible via introduced into the web 1 perforations 3. Centered in the rim cover sheets 2, a recess 4 is introduced, in which it is for the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment is a circular cutout or a punched with a diameter D. For the illustrated embodiment, the recess 4 is arranged centrally in both the longitudinal and in the transverse direction in the rim cover sheet 2, wherein the rim cover sheet 2 has a rectangular cross-section. Of course, other arrangements and contour shapes of the outer contour of the rim cover 2 and the recess 4 with any shape are possible. For example, the outer contour of the rim cover film 2 may also be circular.
• Fig. 2 shows a rim 5, which is formed with a wheel disc 6, which carries radially outboard a receiving body 7 for the tire. The receiving body 7 is to be roughly designated in a half-section as U-shaped, wherein the radially outwardly oriented side legs of the U each form a horn 8, 9 of the rim 5, during the in the direction of the axis of rotation of the rim oriented base leg of the U forms a rim 10, which may be arbitrarily equipped and - u. U. deviating from the otherwise common nomenclature - may include Felgenschultem. In the upper half-plane according to Fig. 2 is mounted on the rim 5, a tire 11 which is supported with the radially inner end portions of its side walls 12, 13 relative to the rim 5. Here, the side walls 12, 13 in each case in the axial direction with the associated horn 8, 9 a gap 30, since the tire is at least partially emptied. Radially inward lying the side walls 12, 13 on the rim base 10 or form a small radial gap relative to this. In Fig. 2 is formed with a part of the receiving body 7 and the wheel disc 6 on the left side visible in the assembled state side, while the right side for mounting the rim 5 with the tire 11 on a motor vehicle is not visible from the outside.

In the upper half-plane according to Fig. 2 the rim 5 is prepared with tires 11 using a rim cover 2 for painting. For this purpose, the rim cover sheet 2 is slipped or transferred with the recess 4 on the outside, visible horn 8, for which the rim cover 2 is stretched for elastic training of the same so that the recess 4 gets a diameter D1> D, wherein D1 8 is larger than the outer diameter D _H of the horn, it is understood that the change of the diameter D to D 1 must be a concentric expansion not mandatory. Rather, it is crucial that the circumference of the recess 4 changes from π D to at least n D _H. If the rim covering film 2 is guided behind the horn 8, the diameter D _{H is} elastically restored to the diameter D, so that the rim covering film 2 can be moved radially inwards behind the horn 8 in the direction of the rim base 10 in the direction of the rim bed 10 Interspace 30 between tire 11 and horn 8 occurs. Notwithstanding the in Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment, the rim cover sheet 2 can also be supported on the radially outer periphery 14 of the horn 8. Radially outboard portions of the rim cover sheet 2 are as in FIG Fig. 2 represented, wrapped around the tire 11 and folded on the right side in an interior of the rim 5, where also opposing flaps or portions of the rim cover film 2 can be connected to each other via a masking tape. It is also possible that on the right side, the end portions of the rim cover film 2 are fixed to the tire 11, the rim 5 via a masking tape or different holding elements.

A corresponding use of the film is also possible when the tire 11 is deducted from the rim 5, which in the 3 and 4 which also shows details of possible relative arrangements of the rim cover sheet 2 with the rim 5 in the region of the horn 8 and resulting covering and sealing effects:

According to Fig. 3 Although the diameter D of the recess 4 is smaller than the diameter D _{H of} the horn 8, but larger than the outer diameter D _{FB of} the rim well 10 immediately adjacent to the horn 8, ie in the partial area in which the side wall 12 of the tire 11 in fully inflated Condition is arranged. Thus results between the radially inner boundary 15 of the recess 4 of the rim cover film 2 and the Rim bed 10, a radial gap 15 which can partially or completely rotate around the rim 5. In the event that as sketched from the outside with a paint mist individual paint drops 16 are applied in a conveying direction 17 on the rim 5, the gap 15 is as in Fig. 3 seen in the conveying direction 17 covered by the horn 8, so that paint drops 16 can not pass through the gap 15 as far as possible and can contaminate the rim base 10 and / or the tire 11. It is also possible that the boundary 18 of the recess 4 abuts axially on the inside of the horn 8, whereby an additional sealing effect can be achieved. For this purpose, the boundary 18 may be provided with an adhesive agent, so that it can be adhered to the facing inside of the horn 8. Alternatively, the rim cover sheet 2 can be pressed in the region of the boundary 18 to the horn 8, which can be done for example by the tire 11 or a specially provided for this Anpressmittel.

Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment in which the relaxed diameter D is smaller than the diameter D _{FB of} the rim base, so that the boundary 18 so far "schnürrt" that it is pressed radially inwards to the rim base 10, whereby not only the in Fig. 3 shown covering effect is achieved, but a supplementary radial sealing effect.

• In einem Verfahrensschritt 19 wird die Felge zumindest auf Ihrer Außenseite für die Lackierung vorbereitet, insbesondere durch Reinigung, Beseitigung von Fett und/oder Anrauhen der Oberfläche.
• In einem anschließenden Verfahrensschritt 20 wird Luft abgelassen, bis sich zwischen der Seitenwandung 12 des Reifens 11 und dem Horn 8 ein axialer Zwischenraum 30 oder Spalt ausbildet.
• In einem Verfahrensschritt 21 wird eine Felgen-Abdeckfolie 2 von einer Bahn 1 entnommen durch Durchtrennen mindestens einer Perforation.
• In einem weiteren Verfahrensschritt 22 wird der Durchmesser D aufgeweitet auf einen Durchmesser, der größer ist als der Durchmesser D_H.
• In einem Verfahrensschritt 23 wird die Felgen-Abdeckfolie 2 über das Horn 8 der Felge 5 gestülpt, so dass das Horn 8 durch die erweiterte Ausnehmung 4 hindurchtreten kann.
• In einem Verfahrensschritt 24 erfolgt eine Verringerung des Umfangs der Ausnehmung 4, welche für eine elastische Abdecktfolie 2 durch elastische Rückstellung erfolgen kann. Für das in Fig. 4 dargestellte Ausführungsbeispiel kommt mit diesem Verfahrensschritt die Felgen-Abdeckfolie 2 radial innen liegend zur Anlage an das Felgenbett 10.
• In einem Verfahrensschritt 25 erfolgt ein Abdecken des Reifens 11 durch die Felgen-Abdeckfolie 2, beispielsweise durch Umschlagen der Felgen-Abdeckfolie um den Reifen.
• In einem Verfahrensschritt 26 erfolgt ein Sichern der Felgen-Abdeckfolie 2 durch zusätzliche Verbindungsmittel, beispielsweise gegenüber dem Reifen 11, der Felge 5 und/oder anderen Teilbereichen der Felgen-Abdeckfolie 2.
• In einem Verfahrensschritt 26 erfolgt die Lackierung der Außenseite der Felge, wobei der Lack vorrangig auf die Außenseiten von Radscheibe 6, Felgenbett 10 und Horn 8 sowie dessen Umfang 14 aufgebracht wird.
• In einem Verfahrensschritt 28 erfolgt eine Trocknung des Lacks, beispielsweise in einem Ofen, mit einem Infrarotgerät oder über Nacht in einem staubfreien Raum.
• Schließlich wird in einem Verfahrensschritt 29 die Felgen-Abdeckfolie 2 entfernt. Damit ist der Lackiervorgang beendet und die Felge kann mit einem Kraftfahrzeug montiert werden.

In Fig. 5 FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram for a method according to the invention for painting a rim 5:

• In a method step 19, the rim is prepared for painting at least on its outside, in particular by cleaning, removal of grease and / or roughening of the surface.
• In a subsequent method step 20, air is discharged until an axial gap 30 or gap is formed between the side wall 12 of the tire 11 and the horn 8.
• In a method step 21, a rim covering film 2 is removed from a web 1 by severing at least one perforation.
• In a further method step 22, the diameter D is widened to a diameter which is greater than the diameter D _H.
• In a method step 23, the rim cover film 2 is slipped over the horn 8 of the rim 5, so that the horn 8 can pass through the widened recess 4.
• In a method step 24, a reduction of the circumference of the recess 4, which can be done for elastic cover sheet 2 by elastic recovery. For the in Fig. 4 illustrated embodiment comes with this process step, the rim cover 2 radially inward lying to rest on the rim base 10th
• In a method step 25, the tire 11 is covered by the rim covering film 2, for example by wrapping the rim covering film around the tire.
• In a method step 26, the rim covering film 2 is secured by additional connecting means, for example with respect to the tire 11, the rim 5 and / or other subregions of the rim covering film 2.
• In a process step 26, the painting of the outside of the rim, whereby the paint is applied primarily on the outer sides of the wheel disc 6, rim 10 and horn 8 and the circumference 14 takes place.
• In a method step 28, the paint is dried, for example in an oven, with an infrared device or overnight in a dust-free room.
• Finally, in a method step 29, the rim cover film 2 is removed. Thus, the painting is completed and the rim can be mounted with a motor vehicle.

It is understood that the rim covering film 2 according to the invention, the web 1 and the method according to the invention can be used for rims of any configuration, for example deep-bed rims, flat-bed rims or inclined-shoulder rims. It is also possible to carry out the method according to the invention when the rim with the tire is still on a motor vehicle.

In the in Fig. 2 shown half-section, the rim cover 2 is guided relatively loose around the tire. It is understood that the rim cover sheet 2 may also be stretched around the tire or may be tightly attached or glued to it.

Not shown is a protective element, which after application of the paint on the rim 5, the rim on the in Fig. 2 can support the left side. For this purpose, another film covering this freshly painted page, which, for example. Radially outward lying on the in Fig. 2 visible film supports. It is also conceivable that the in Fig. 2 represented slide after the Applying the paint is folded back to the left side, where this is summarized in the region of the axis of rotation of the rim 5, so that from the rim and the film a largely closed space is formed, in which the fresh paint is.

Finally, in the figures supporting or holding elements are not shown, which are attached to the rim cover sheet 2 as part of the same and over which a holding, aligning and / or carrying the rim, possibly with arranged thereon tire, can take place.

According to the invention, a protective element can also be provided, via which a valve of the tire can be clad or covered for protection during painting. This protective element can be created, for example, from the film area punched out to produce the recess or from a film area which can be held detachably in the web via a perforation or weakening of the material.

For the in FIG. 6 illustrated embodiment, the rim cover sheet 2 with two partial rim cover sheets 31, 32 is formed, each having a recess 4 and may be formed, for example, according to the previously described rim cover sheets. The sub-rim cover sheets 31, 32 are respectively disposed on one side of the tire 11, that is, the sub-rim cover sheet 31 in the space 30 between the horn 8 and the side wall 12 and the sub-rim cover sheet 32 in the space between the side wall 13 and the horn 9. Radially outboard of the tire 11, the partial rim cover sheets 31, 32 can be joined together, for example glued, folded, stapled or knotted together. For the in FIG. 6 illustrated embodiment, at least a partial rim cover sheet 31 is provided with an adhesive strip 33 which may be covered with a strip prior to the connection of the partial rim cover sheets 31, 32. By compressing the partial rim cover sheets 31, 32 in the region of the adhesive strip 33, the connection of the partial rim cover sheets 31, 32 can take place. Here, the adhesive strip 33 may extend only over a partial circumference of the tire or over the entire circumference, whereby an arrangement of a plurality of adhesive strips 33 in individual partial circumferential areas is possible.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the rim cover sheet 2 with two partial rim cover sheets 31, 32, which are formed by a half-hose 34. Accordingly, the partial rim cover sheets are 31, 32 in the region of the dividing plane of the hose opposite edge 35 connected to each other. This connection can be created directly in the manufacture of the hose. It is also possible that the partial rim cover sheets 31, 32 are formed with the same or different layers and in the region of the edge 35, a connection of the layers, for example by welding takes place. From an endless tube material extending along a longitudinal axis 36-36, the full tube in the region of the dividing plane which runs through the longitudinal axis can be separated into two half tubes 34, of which FIG FIG. 7 only one is shown. In the FIG. 7 shown lateral boundaries of the rim cover sheet 2 and the partial rim cover sheets 31, 32 can be generated by transverse to the longitudinal axis 36-36 oriented cuts. It is also possible that only perforations are introduced into the half-tube, so that a web is created by a plurality of rim-covering foils 2 connected by perforations.

In FIG. 8 is mounted with a tire 11 and a rim 5 rim cover 2 according to FIG. 7 shown. It will be appreciated that the rim cover sheet can be slipped over the tire 11 from above and inserted into the spaces 30 on both sides of the tire. The closed edge 35 encloses above the tire 11, the tire, while the sub-rim cover sheets 31, 32 are not connected to each other at the bottom and sides. In addition, a connection can be created here if in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 at least one of the partial rim cover sheets 31, 32 is provided in the region of the lower edge and / or the lateral edges with a connecting means, in particular an adhesive strip.

For the in FIG. 9 illustrated embodiment, a rim cover 2 made of a full hose 37, are closed for the side edges 38, 39 anyway. The full hose forms in FIG. 9 an upper layer 40 and a lower layer 41, which are each provided with a recess 4, which for the embodiment according to FIG. 9 have the same dimensions and are arranged in alignment with each other. From an endless full hose 37, a web 1 with rim cover sheets 2 can be produced by producing a weld 42, which is oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis 43-43 of the full hose 37 and which is formed in the transverse direction, which supports the layers 40 , 41 connects with each other. Immediately adjacent to the weld 42 a parallel to this oriented perforation 44 is introduced into the solid tube 37. Such pairs one Weld 42 and a perforation 44 are introduced at a distance in the full tube 37, which correlates with the diameter of the tire, in particular, for example, 10, 20, 30 or 40% with a tolerance range of ± 2, 5 or 10% greater than this , For the in FIG. 9 illustrated embodiment thus rim cover sheets 2 are formed in the flattened state, as this in FIG. 9 is shown are square. Of course, any other geometries, such as a rectangular shape, also possible. Furthermore, it should be noted that the contour of the weld 42 may be arbitrary. In particular, this may be formed approximately semicircular, so that here the contour of the tire is modeled. If a rim cover 2 from the web according to FIG. 9 removed by punching through the perforation 44, the rim cover sheet 2 forms a bag which is closed in the region of the edges 38, 39 and the weld 42, while in the region of the perforation 44, an opening 46 is provided through which the bag 45 via a can be slipped on a rim 5 arranged tires. On both sides of the tire, the horns 8, 9 are then guided through the recesses 4 of the layers 40, 41, until the layers 40, 41 can enter the intermediate spaces 30 on both sides of the tire 11. The created in the perforation 44 opening 46 can remain free during painting, rest on a floor and sealed so. Alternatively, the opening can be closed by a suitable closure element, in particular an adhesive strip. For the rectangular formation of the rim covering film 2, a folding or re-crimping of the layers 40, 41 can also take place in the region of the perforation 44 for closing the opening.

In the illustrated embodiments of the invention, the recess 4 is formed as an edge-closed recess. Quite possible, the formation of the recess 4 as open-edged recess. For example, a slot can open into the recess 4, which can emanate from an outer boundary of the rim cover film 2. About this slot, the recess 4 can be opened for insertion into the gap 30, so that the rim cover film between the horn 8, 9 and 11 tires can be arranged easily. With closing of the slot, the recess 4 is then closed around the rim 5. The slot 4 can be held in the closed state by suitable connecting elements.

Different configurations can be used for the layers and materials used for the rim covering film. By way of example only, reference is made to the following design options:

According to a first embodiment, a mono-film is used, which in particular has a thickness of 30-80 microns. The recipe of the material for the mono-film is composed as follows: 40-80% Ethylene-vinyl acetate (VA) or ethylene-butyl acrylate (BA) copolymer having moderate to high comonomer contents (alternatively, a polyolefin plastomer (POP) or polyolefin elastomer (POE) may also be used), 20-60% LDPE, 0.1-0.5% natural or synthetic antiblocking additive (SiO2), 0.0-0.1% Lubricant additive (GL types: erucic acid amide (ESA), oleic acid amide (ÖSA) or an amide wax),

Also possible is the use of a multi-layer film, for example, with a total film thickness of 20-80 microns.

Here, the layer portion of the inner layer is about 15-30% of the total thickness. The recipe is for example as follows: 10-90% LDPE, 10-90% LLDPE, 0.1-0.5% natural or sysnthetic antiblock additive (SiO2), 0.0-0.3% Lubricant additive (GL types: erucic acid amide (ESA), oleic acid amide (ÖSA) or an amide wax).

The layer portion of the middle layer is about 40-70% of the total thickness. The following recipe can be used for this: 60-100% Ethylene-vinyl acetate (VA) or ethylene-butyl acrylate (BA) copolymer having moderate to high comonomer contents (alternatively, a polyolefin plastomer (POP) or polyolefin elastomer (POE) may also be used), 0-40% LDPE or LLDPE.

The layer portion of the outer layer is about 15-30% of the total thickness, the following recipe can be used: 10-90% LDPE, 10-90% LLDPE, 0.1-0.5% natural or sysnthetic antiblock additive (SiO2), 0.0-0.3% Lubricant additive (GL types: erucic acid amide (ESA), oleic acid amide (ÖSA) or an amide wax).

• Aktivierung der Oberfläche durch elektrische Spannungen,
• Aktivierung der Oberfläche durch Beflammung der Oberfläche,
• Aktivierung der Oberfläche durch chemische Ätzung,
• Füllung der Rezeptur mit mineralischen Füllstoffen wie z.B. CaCO₂, MgO₂.

The surface of the outer layer should be paint-adherent, ie the paint should not flake off after drying, which would lead to the risk that chipped particles contaminate the next coat. For this purpose, the outer surface should be equipped with suitable adhesive coating procedures. The wettability should be above 40 dynes / cm and also remain for a period of 6 months to a year. For this purpose, the recipe must be designed so that no additives are used which migrate to the surface and reduce the wettability. Suitable methods for treating the surface to prevent adhesion of paint are:

• Activation of the surface by electrical voltages,
• Activation of the surface by flaming the surface,
• Activation of the surface by chemical etching,
• Filling the recipe with mineral fillers such as CaCO ₂ , MgO ₂ .

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

train

2

Wheel cover

3

perforation

4

recess

5

rim

6

wheel disc

7

receiving body

8th

horn

9

horn

10

rim

11

tires

12

sidewall

13

sidewall

14

Circumference of the horn

15

gap

16

paint drops

17

conveying direction

18

limit

19

Process step Clean

20

Discharge process step

21

Process step Remove

22

Process step expansion

23

Step over slipping

24

Process step reduction

25

Cover process step

26

Process step Save

27

Process step varnishing

28

Process step drying

29

Remove process step

30

gap

31

Part-rim cover

32

Part-rim cover

33

tape

34

half tube

35

edge

36

longitudinal axis

37

full hose

38

edge

39

edge

40

location

41

location

42

welding

43

longitudinal axis

44

perforation

45

bag

46

opening

D _H

Diameter horn of the rim

D

Diameter recess

D _F

Diameter rim bed

Claims (21)

1. Rim covering foil or film (2) (in the following "foil") for painting a rim (5) of a vehicle, the rim covering foil (2) comprising a recess (4) having a perimeter being smaller than the outer perimeter (n D_H) of a rim flange (8) of the rim (5), wherein the rim covering foil (2) is at least partially elastically and wherein a size of the recess (4) and an elasticity of the rim covering foil (2) is characterized by

   a) the recess (4) being ready for being brought by an elastic widening solely of the rim covering foil (2) to a perimeter of the recess (4) which is larger than the outer perimeter (π D_H) of the rim flange (8) of the rim (5) and an elastic retraction solely of the rim covering foil (2) being possible to a perimeter (π D) of the recess (4) which is smaller than the outer perimeter (π D_H) of the rim flange (8) of the rim (5) or

   b) the recess (4) being ready for being guided with a partial circumferential region behind the rim flange (8) of the rim (5) and the rim covering foil (2) being adapted for being further tightened or stretched successively in circumferential direction under elastic elongation or expansion of the rim covering foil (2) and for being guided behind the rim flange (8) of the rim (5).
2. Rim covering foil (2) of claim 1, wherein the rim covering foil (2) is elastic with a size of the recess (4) and an elasticity of the rim covering foil (2) such that an elastic retraction to a perimeter (π D) of the recess (4) is possible, which approximately corresponds to the outer perimeter (π D_FB) of the rim well (10) adjacent to the rim flange (8) of the rim (5) or is smaller than this outer perimeter (π D_FB).
3. Rim covering foil (2) of one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the rim covering foil (2) is reinforced in the region of a limiting region or margin (18) of the recess (4).
4. Rim covering foil (2) of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer dimension of the rim covering foil (2) is larger than an outer diameter of a wheel (11) located on the rim (5).
5. Rim covering foil (2) of claim 4, wherein the rim covering foil (2) is at least over a part of the circumference foldable around a wheel (11) located on the rim (5).
6. Rim covering foil (2) of one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one securing means is provided for securing the position of the rim covering foil (2) with respect to the rim (5) and/or the wheel (11).
7. Rim covering foil (2) of one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rim covering foil (2) is built with a material attracting or adhering paint or is covered or coated with such material.
8. Rim covering foil (2) of one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rim covering foil (2) is built with a plastic material.
9. Rim covering foil (2) of one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the perimeter of the recess (4) as well as the elasticity of the material are chosen such that the rim covering foil (2) is usable for rims (5) having different geometries by

   a) providing that it is possible to increase the perimeter of the recess (4) to a perimeter which is larger than the perimeter of the largest rim flange (8) of the different rims (5) and

   b) providing that it is possible to bring the perimeter of the recess (4) by an elastic retraction to a perimeter which is smaller than the perimeter of the smallest rim flange (8) of the different rims (5).
10. Rim covering foil (2) of one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one supporting or holding element is provided.
11. Rim covering foil (2) of one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the rim covering foil (2) is built with two equal or different rim covering foil parts (31, 32) each being built with a recess (4), said rim covering foil parts (31, 32)

    a) being designed for being arranged each on one side of the wheel (11) between a rim flange (8, 9) and the wheel (11) when the rim (5) extends through the recess (4) and

    b) being connectable with each other radially outside from the wheel (11).
12. Rim covering foil (2) of one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the rim covering foil (2) is built with a part of a semi-tube (34) comprising two layers or rim covering foil parts (31, 32) each comprising a recess (4), wherein

    a) the layers or rim covering foil parts (31, 32) are connected with reach other in the region of an edge or outer region (35) of the semi-tube (34) and

    b) for the rim (5) extending through the recesses (4) a layer or rim covering foil part (31, 32), respectively, being adapted for being located each on one side of the wheel (11) between the rim flange (8; 9) and the wheel (11), wherein the outer region or edge (35) is positioned radially outside from the wheel (11).
13. Rim covering foil (2) of one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the rim covering foil (2) is built as a bag (45) having two layers (40, 41), wherein the layers (40, 41)

    a) are linked with each other in a region of a part of the circumference,

    b) build an opening (46) over the remaining circumference and

    c) each comprise a recess (4) and

    d) wherein for the rim (5) extending through the recesses (4) a layer (40, 41), respectively, being adapted for being located each on one side of the wheel (11) between the rim flange (8;9) and the wheel (11).
14. Web (1) with a plurality of detachable or separatable linked elastic rim covering foils (2) of one of claims 1 to 13.
15. Method for painting a rim (5) of a vehicle, comprising the following method steps:

    a) putting an elastic rim covering foil (2) comprising a recess (4) according to one of claims 1 to 13 with an elastic widening over a rim flange (8) of a rim (5),

    b) locating the rim covering foil (2) on an inner side of the rim flange (8) of the rim (5) with a small distance from the rim flange (8) of rim (5) or in contact with the rim flange (8) of the rim (5),

    c) decreasing the perimeter of the recess (4) to a perimeter which is smaller than the outer perimeter (π D_H) of the rim flange (8) of the rim (5),

    d) painting the rim (5), wherein paint passing the rim flange (8) of the rim (5) is caught by the rim covering foil (2),

    e) removing the rim covering foil (2) and

    g) drying or curing the paint.
16. Method of claim 15, wherein the painting is done when a wheel (11) is located on the rim (5).
17. Method of claim 16, wherein air is de-aerated from the wheel (11) and the rim covering foil (2) is placed in an intermediate space (30) between the wheel (11) and the rim (5) resulting from or increasing by de-aerating air.
18. Method of one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the rim covering foil (2) is taken from a web (1) with a plurality of detachable or separatable linked rim covering foils (2), from a roll or from a dispensing box.
19. Method of one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the recess (4) or the rim covering foil (2) is elastically widened by putting the rim covering foil (2) over the rim flange (8) of the rim (5).
20. Method of one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the rim covering foil (2) is wrapped around the wheel (11).
21. Method of one of claims 1 to 20, wherein with or without the rim covering foil (2) the paint of the rim (5) is dryed or cured in an oven, with an infrared heating device or in a dusk-free space.

Images