EP4230306A1 - Device for applying a sealing agent and method for applying a sealing agent - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for applying sealing agent to a side surface (2) of a floor element (4), with an application device and with a smoothing device (30) which is arranged and set up in such a way that the sealing agent applied by means of the transfer wheel (20) is smoothed and with a conveyor device (40) for conveying the floor element in a conveying direction (F) along the application device and along the leveling device (3), the leveling device (30) having at least one first and one second nozzle (31, 32), by means of which a gas or gas mixture is applied to the Side surface (2) can be blown, the first nozzle (31) being set up to deliver the gas or gas mixture in a conveying direction (F) pointing in the first direction (R1) and the second nozzle (32) being set up to discharge the gas or to deliver a gas mixture in a second direction (R2) pointing counter to the conveying direction (F).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for applying a sealant to a side surface of a floor element, in particular a floorboard. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for applying a sealing agent to a side surface of a floor element, in particular a floorboard. Another object of the invention is a production line for manufacturing a floor element.

Such floor elements typically have a decorative surface that forms the upper side of the floor covering when laid. In addition, it is customary to provide the edge between the decorative side and the side surfaces of the floor elements with a chamfer or joint. When laying a floor covering formed from such floor elements, it is usually necessary to seal connecting areas between the floor elements in order to prevent unwanted penetration of liquids between the laid floorboards. For example, without such a seal, there is a risk that water that has run out will penetrate the floor covering at a joint between two floor elements or even penetrate to the underside of the installed floor elements. As a result, the floor can swell, exposing the swollen area to an increased risk of damage. Mold can also form in the connection area and/or underneath the floor elements.

It is known in the prior art to provide the floor covering with a sealing agent in the area of a side surface of the floor elements. In this case, however, sealing defects can occur in the area of breakouts or defects in the side surface. Such imperfections in the sealing can allow the undesired ingress of water into the particular flooring element.

A device for applying a sealing agent with an application device and a leveling device, which is arranged and set up in such a way to level the sealing agent applied by means of the application device, is known, for example DE 93 18 650 U1 known.

Against this background, the task is to increase the quality of the sealing of the side surfaces of floor elements.

• eine Verschlichtungseinrichtung, die derart angeordnet und eingerichtet ist, das mittels der Auftragseinrichtung, insbesondere mittels des Transferrads oder der Vakuum-Auftragseinrichtung oder einer Sprüh-Auftragseinrichtung, aufgetragene Versiegelungsmittel zu verschlichten, und
• eine Fördereinrichtung zum Fördern des Fußbodenelements in einer Förderrichtung entlang der Auftragseinrichtung und entlang der Verschlichtungseinrichtung,
• wobei die Verschlichtungseinrichtung mindestens eine erste und eine zweite Düse aufweist, mittels derer jeweils ein Gas oder Gasgemisch, insbesondere Luft, auf die Seitenfläche geblasen werden kann, wobei die erste Düse dazu eingerichtet ist, das Gas oder Gasgemisch in einer in Förderrichtung weisenden ersten Richtung abzugeben und die zweite Düse dazu eingerichtet ist, das Gas oder Gasgemisch in einer entgegen der Förderrichtung weisenden zweiten Richtung abzugeben.

To solve the problem, a device for applying a sealing agent to a side surface of a floor element, in particular a floorboard, with the features of claim 1 is proposed. This device comprises an applicator, in particular a rotatable transfer wheel for picking up the sealant from a bath and for applying the sealant to the side surface of the floor element, or a vacuum applicator or a spray applicator, and

• a leveling device which is arranged and set up in such a way that the sealing agent applied by means of the application device, in particular by means of the transfer wheel or the vacuum application device or a spray application device, is leveled, and
• a conveying device for conveying the floor element in a conveying direction along the application device and along the smoothing device,
• wherein the leveling device has at least one first and one second nozzle, by means of which a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, can be blown onto the side surface, wherein the first nozzle is set up to discharge the gas or gas mixture in a first direction pointing in the conveying direction and the second nozzle is set up to deliver the gas or gas mixture in a second direction pointing counter to the conveying direction.

The application device can be designed, for example, as a transfer wheel or as a vacuum application device or as a spray application device. Even if the main focus is on a configuration of the application device as a transfer wheel, these statements also apply analogously to other configurations of application devices.

The sealing agent can be picked up from a bath by means of the transfer wheel and applied to the side surface. During application, defects in the sealing can occur due to breaks or defects in the side surface, for example in the form of areas in which no sealing agent is present. It is also possible that the application causes an uneven distribution of the sealing agent on the end face. The leveling device provided according to the invention makes it possible to distribute the sealing agent, ie to level it, in order to compensate for such non-uniform distributions. In addition, the arbitration device, sealing means spend in such areas where there is no sealant after application, especially by the transfer wheel. Consequently, the probability of the occurrence of sealing defects on the side surface can be reduced and the quality of the sealing of the side surface can thus be increased.

The sealing agent is preferably in liquid form, for example as a solvent-based sealing agent and/or a non-water-based sealing agent. The transfer wheel can have a surface that is aligned parallel to the side surface on which the application takes place. The side surface is preferably aligned vertically, ie parallel to the local direction of the gravitational force. The side surface can include or represent a joint surface over which the floor element can be joined to other floor elements. The floor element is preferably a floorboard, in particular a floorboard with a decorative surface which is arranged essentially perpendicular to the side surface. The layer thickness of the sealing agent on the transfer wheel can be adjusted using a scraper. The transfer wheel, in particular the surface, is preferably spaced apart from the side surface by a gap when the sealing agent is applied to the side surface of the floorboard. The application of the sealing agent from the transfer wheel to the side surface preferably takes place via adhesive forces. After application and sizing, the sealant preferably does not form a layer on the side surface. Rather, the sealing agent or non-volatile components of the sealing agent are drawn into the floor element. In this respect, the floor element is impregnated with the sealing agent at least in the area of the side surface.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the sealing agent is layer-forming, i.e. that it forms a layer on the side surface after application and smoothing.

According to the invention, it is provided that the device has a conveying device for conveying the floor element in a conveying direction along the application device, in particular the transfer wheel, and along the smoothing device. By means of the conveying device, the floor element can first be brought to the application device, in particular the transfer wheel, and then to the sizing device. The conveyor can be designed as a conveyor belt or conveyor chain or as a roller conveyor. The conveyor can include several conveyor modules, for example several conveyor belts, conveyor chains or roller conveyors. The conveyor modules can be arranged in series and/or in parallel. It is preferably provided that the conveyor has a first conveyor module and a second Having conveyor module, which are arranged in parallel. The first conveyor device module is particularly preferably arranged in a fixed manner and the second conveyor device module is arranged so that it can be moved transversely to the conveyor device, so that a distance can be set transversely to the conveying direction between the first and the second conveyor device module in order to adapt the conveyor device to the width of the respective floor element.

According to the invention, it is provided that the leveling device has at least one nozzle, by means of which a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, can be blown onto the side surface. The nozzle is preferably designed as a flat jet nozzle. The nozzle is preferably arranged in such a way that the gas or gas mixture strikes the end face at an angle of incidence in the range from 85° to 90°, in particular at an angle of incidence of 90°. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when the merging device includes exactly one nozzle, or when the merging device with exactly one nozzle is assigned to exactly one transfer wheel. Alternatively, it can be provided that the nozzle is arranged in such a way that the gas or gas mixture strikes the end face at an angle of incidence in a range from 10° to 85°, for example at an angle of incidence in a range from 45° to 75°. By selecting the angle in this way, a preferred direction can be specified in which the sealing agent applied by means of the transfer wheel is blown onto the end face. The nozzle is particularly preferably designed in such a way that the impact angle can be adjusted by a user of the device and/or automatically, so that the leveling device can be adapted to different floor elements. Provision is particularly preferably made for the nozzle to be configured in such a way that blowing is carried out exclusively with a blowing pressure in the range from 0.01 bar to 1 bar, for example in the range from 0.05 bar to 0.5 bar, in particular in the range from 0. 1 bar to 0.25 bar. Choosing such a low blowing pressure can reduce the risk of the sealing agent being blown off the side surface undesirably into the environment.

According to the invention, it is provided that the leveling device has a plurality of nozzles, by means of which a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, can be blown onto the side surface. The smoothing device can have, for example, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or even more such nozzles. The gas or gas mixture can be blown onto different areas of the side surface through the plurality of nozzles, so that different areas of the side surface can be acted on at the same time.

Provision is preferably made for the plurality of nozzles to be able to be controlled independently of one another, with the blowing pressure of the nozzles being able to be set independently of one another in particular. The nozzles may be independently adjustable such that they can be independently activated, i.e. turned on, and/or deactivated, i.e. turned off. Alternatively or additionally, the nozzles can be independently adjustable in such a way that a blowing pressure of the nozzles can be adjusted independently of one another. If the orientation of the nozzles can be adjusted automatically, it can be provided that the orientation of the nozzles can be adjusted independently of one another.

According to the invention, it is provided that the leveling device has at least a first and a second nozzle, by means of which a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, can be blown onto the side surface, the first nozzle being set up for the gas or gas mixture in an in Dispense the first direction pointing in the conveying direction and the second nozzle is set up to discharge the gas or gas mixture in a second direction pointing opposite to the conveying direction. The first direction does not necessarily have to be parallel to the conveying direction and the second direction does not necessarily have to be anti-parallel to the conveying direction. Rather, it is sufficient if the first direction encloses an angle in the range between -90° and 90° with the conveying direction and the second direction encloses an angle in the range between 90° and 270° with the conveying direction.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the leveling device has a plurality of first and a plurality of second nozzles, by means of which a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, can be blown onto the side surface, the first nozzles being set up for the gas or gas mixture in a pointing in the conveying direction and the second nozzle are set up to release the gas or gas mixture in a second direction pointing counter to the conveying direction. The plurality of first nozzles are preferably arranged spaced apart from one another in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. Preferably, the plurality of second nozzles are spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The plurality of first nozzles are preferably arranged in such a way that the first streams of gas or gas mixture discharged from the first nozzles at least partially overlap. The plurality of second nozzles are preferably arranged in such a way that second streams of gas or gas mixture discharged from the second nozzles at least partially overlap. In this way, it is possible to finish over a larger contiguous area of the edge than is possible with just a single nozzle.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the device comprises a control unit which is set up to control, in particular to activate, the first nozzle in such a way that when a starting edge of the floor element arranged transversely to the conveying direction moves relative to the first nozzle, sealing means is brought through the first nozzle from the side surface to the starting edge and to control, in particular to activate, the second nozzle in such a way that, when an end edge of the floor element arranged transversely to the conveying direction moves relative to the second nozzle, sealing agent is sprayed through the second nozzle from the side surface the end edge is spent.

It is advantageous if the device has a detection device connected to the control unit for detecting a position of the floor element relative to the leveling device. By detecting the position of the floor element, the leveling device, in particular the nozzle(s) of the leveling device, can be controlled as a function of the position of the floor element. In particular, the leveling device can be controlled in which the leveling device, in particular the nozzle(s), is activated when a floor element is located in the area of the leveling device and deactivated when there is no floor element in the area of the leveling device. The detection device is preferably set up to detect a position of the starting edge and/or the end edge of the floor element. The position relative to the first nozzle and/or relative to the second nozzle is preferably detected. By detecting the starting edge and/or ending edge, it is possible to control the leveling device, in which the first nozzle, which is aligned in the conveying direction of the floor element, is activated before the starting edge passes through the first nozzle and in which the second nozzle, which is oriented counter to the conveying direction, remains activated until the trailing edge has passed the second nozzle. Such control makes it possible to drive sealing agent through the leveling device from the side surface onto the leading edge and the trailing edge of the floor element.

The control unit is preferably set up to activate the first nozzle or leave it activated when the initial edge is detected. The second nozzle can be activated or deactivated upon detection of the leading edge. The control unit is preferably set up to activate the second nozzle or leave it activated when the end edge is detected. The first nozzle can be activated or deactivated upon detection of the trailing edge.

Alternatively, the control unit may be configured to keep the first nozzle and the second nozzle continuously activated.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the arbitration device comprises more than two nozzles, with a first set of nozzles having an identical first alignment and a second set of nozzles having an identical second alignment that deviates from the alignment of the nozzles of the first set. Preferably, the more than two nozzles are arranged in a row, with one nozzle of the first set being arranged adjacent to two nozzles of the second set. In this respect, the nozzles are arranged alternately with two different orientations. The nozzles are preferably arranged in a row which is aligned parallel to the conveying direction of the floor element.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the application device, in particular the rotatable transfer wheel or the vacuum application device or the spray application device, is additionally configured for applying the sealing agent to a bevel of the floor element, in particular a bevel between the side surface and a decorative side of the floor element. With such a configuration, the side surface and bevel can be coated with the same transfer wheel.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the device has a further application device, in particular a further transfer wheel or a further vacuum application device or a further spray application device, for applying the sealing agent to a bevel adjoining the side surface. In such an embodiment, the sealing agent can be applied to the side face and the bevel with two separate application devices, in particular transfer wheels or vacuum application devices or spray application devices.

• zwei Auftragseinrichtungen, insbesondere zwei drehbare Transferräder zum Aufnehmen des Versiegelungsmittels aus einem jeweiligen Bad oder zwei Vakuum-Auftragseinrichtungen oder zwei Sprüh-Auftragseinrichtungen, zum Auftragen des Versiegelungsmittels auf jeweils eine von zwei sich gegenüberliegenden Seitenflächen des Fußbodenelements aufweist und
• zwei Verschlichtungseinrichtungen, die jeweils derart angeordnet und eingerichtet sind, das mittels eines der beiden Auftragseinrichtungen aufgetragene Versiegelungsmittel zu verschlichten. Durch eine derartige Ausgestaltung der Vorrichtung wird es möglich, zwei sich gegenüberliegende Seiten des Fußbodenelements gleichzeitig zu versiegeln.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the device

• has two application devices, in particular two rotatable transfer wheels for picking up the sealing agent from a respective bath or two vacuum application devices or two spray application devices, for applying the sealing agent to one of two opposite side surfaces of the floor element and
• two smoothing devices, which are each arranged and set up in such a way that the sealing agent applied by means of one of the two application devices smooth out Such a configuration of the device makes it possible to seal two opposite sides of the floor element at the same time.

A further object of the invention is a production line for manufacturing a floor element with at least one device for applying a sealing agent as described above.

The production line can include a milling device upstream of the device for applying the sealant, in which the floor element, in particular one side surface or the opposite side surfaces of the floor element, is/are processed before it is fed to the device for applying the sealant. The milling device is preferably set up to produce a coupling element in the respective side surface of the floor element. Optionally, it can be provided that the milling device is set up to produce a chamfer between a decorative surface and the side surface of the floor element. If a chamfer is produced, a coating device for coating the chamfer with a layer-forming coating agent can also optionally be provided. This optional coating device is preferably arranged between the milling device and the device for applying the sealing agent, so that the coating agent can be applied to the bevel before the sealing agent is applied to the side surface and possibly additionally to the bevel.

The production line preferably includes a drying device for drying the floor element. The drying device is preferably arranged in such a way that a floor element processed in the device for applying the sealing agent is fed to the drying device. In this respect, the drying device is connected downstream of the device for applying the sealing agent.

Preferably, the production line comprises a first device for applying the sealing agent to one or more first side surfaces of the floor element and a second device for applying the sealing agent to one or more second side surfaces of the floor element. The first device can apply the sealing agent, for example, to the side surfaces of a longitudinal direction of the floor element and the second device can apply the sealing agent to the side surfaces of a transverse direction of the floor element. Between the first and second device for applying the sealing agent there is preferably a device for changing the conveying direction of the floor element and/or for changing an orientation of the Floor element provided opposite the conveying direction. A milling device is preferably arranged in the production line in front of the first and the second device for applying the sealing agent, so that the side surface(s) can be processed first and then the processed side surface(s) can be sealed. A drying device is particularly preferably arranged in the production line after the first and the second device for applying the sealing agent, so that the floor element can be dried in the area of the respective side surface after application.

The production line preferably has a first device for applying the sealing agent to one or more first side surfaces of the floor element and a second device for applying the sealing agent to one or more second side surfaces of the floor element, the first device having one or more first smoothing device(s) and the second device has one or more second arbitration device(s). It is preferably provided that the first smoothing device(s) have a nozzle which is arranged in such a way that the gas or gas mixture impinges on the face hits. Preferably, the second leveling device(s) comprise a plurality of nozzles, which are arranged in such a way that the gas or gas mixture strikes the end face at an angle of incidence in a range from 10° to 85°, for example at an angle of incidence in a range of 45 ° to 75°.

• wobei - in einem Auftragsschritt - ein Versiegelungsmittel mittels einer Auftragsvorrichtung auf die Seitenfläche des Fußbodenelements aufgetragen wird, insbesondere mittels eines drehbaren Transferrads aus einem Bad aufgenommen und auf die Seitenfläche des Fußbodenelements aufgetragen wird oder mittels einer Vakuum-Auftragseinrichtung oder mittels einer Sprüh-Auftragseinrichtung, und
• wobei - in einem dem Auftragsschritt nachfolgenden Verschlichtungsschritt - das mittels des Auftragseinrichtung aufgetragene Versiegelungsmittel verschlichtet wird,
• wobei das Fußbodenelement mit einer Fördereinrichtung in einer Förderrichtung entlang der Auftragseinrichtung und entlang der Verschlichtungseinrichtung gefördert wird,
• wobei die Verschlichtungseinrichtung mindestens eine erste und eine zweite Düse aufweist, mittels derer jeweils ein Gas oder Gasgemisch, insbesondere Luft, auf die Seitenfläche geblasen werden kann, wobei die erste Düse dazu eingerichtet ist das Gas oder Gasgemisch in einer in Förderrichtung weisenden ersten Richtung abzugeben und die zweite Düse dazu eingerichtet ist, das Gas oder Gasgemisch in einer entgegen der Förderrichtung weisenden zweiten Richtung abzugeben.

In order to achieve the object mentioned at the outset, a method for applying a sealing agent to a side surface of a floor element, in particular a floorboard, is also provided.
suggested

• wherein - in an application step - a sealing agent is applied to the side surface of the floor element by means of an application device, in particular picked up from a bath by means of a rotatable transfer wheel and applied to the side surface of the floor element or by means of a vacuum application device or by means of a spray application device, and
• wherein - in a smoothing step following the application step - the sealing agent applied by means of the application device is smoothed,
• wherein the floor element is conveyed with a conveying device in a conveying direction along the application device and along the smoothing device,
• wherein the sizing device has at least one first and one second nozzle, by means of which a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, is applied to the Side surface can be blown, wherein the first nozzle is set up to deliver the gas or gas mixture in a first direction pointing in the conveying direction and the second nozzle is set up to deliver the gas or gas mixture in a second direction pointing counter to the conveying direction.

The same advantages that have already been discussed in connection with the device according to the invention can be achieved with the method.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, it is provided that a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, is blown onto the side surface by means of the nozzles, the blowing being carried out with a blowing pressure in the range from 0.01 bar to 1 bar, for example in the range from 0. 05 bar to 0.5 bar, in particular in the range from 0.1 bar to 0.25 bar. Choosing a blowing pressure in the range mentioned can reduce the risk of the sealing agent being blown off the side surface into the surroundings in an undesired manner.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, is blown onto the side surface by means of the first and second nozzle, with the first and second nozzle being activated and deactivated independently of one another. Such an embodiment of the method makes it possible to subject different areas of the side surface to different blowing pressures. For example, the area exposed to the first nozzle may not receive blowing pressure (first nozzle is deactivated), and the area exposed to the second nozzle (second nozzle is activated) may receive a predetermined blowing pressure. Alternatively, a different blowing pressure can be exerted through the first nozzle than through the second nozzle. If the first and second nozzles have different orientations, the independent activation of the first and second nozzles can selectively apply blowing pressure in the direction of the orientation of the first nozzle and/or in the direction of the orientation of the second nozzle on the side surface.

According to the invention, it is provided that the leveling device has at least a first and a second nozzle, by means of which a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, can be blown onto the side surface, the first nozzle being set up to spray the gas or gas mixture in a in the first direction pointing in the conveying direction and the second nozzle is set up to discharge the gas or gas mixture in a second direction pointing counter to the conveying direction, with the first nozzle being activated preferably when an initial edge of the floor element arranged transversely to the conveying direction arrives in the region of the leveling device, and when an end edge arranged transversely to the conveying direction runs out Floor element from the area of the adjustment device, the second nozzle is activated. Such a configuration makes it possible to smooth the sealing agent applied on the side surface onto the leading edge and the trailing edge. Since the first nozzle of the leveling device is activated when the leading edge enters, this first nozzle can drive sealing agent from the side surface onto the leading edge. The second nozzle is activated when the trailing edge runs out and can thereby drive sealing agent from the lateral surface onto the trailing edge.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the leveling device has a plurality of first and a plurality of second nozzles, by means of which a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, can be blown onto the side surface, the first nozzles being set up for the gas or gas mixture in a pointing in the conveying direction and the second nozzle are set up to release the gas or gas mixture in a second direction pointing counter to the conveying direction. The plurality of first nozzles are preferably arranged at a distance from one another in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and parallel to the side surface of the floor element. The plurality of second nozzles are preferably arranged at a distance from one another in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and to the side surface of the floor element. The plurality of first nozzles are preferably arranged in such a way that the first streams of gas or gas mixture discharged from the first nozzles at least partially overlap. The plurality of second nozzles are preferably arranged in such a way that second streams of gas or gas mixture discharged from the second nozzles at least partially overlap. In this way, it is possible to finish over a larger contiguous area of the edge than is possible with just a single nozzle.

The position relative to the first nozzle and/or relative to the second nozzle is preferably detected. Particularly preferably, the first nozzle aligned in the conveying direction of the floor element is activated before the leading edge passes the first nozzle and the second nozzle aligned counter to the conveying direction remains activated until the trailing edge has passed the second nozzle. Such control makes it possible to drive sealing agent through the leveling device from the side surface onto the leading edge and the trailing edge of the floor element.

Alternatively, the first nozzle and the second nozzle can be continuously activated.

As an alternative or in addition to the advantageous configurations explained above, the advantageous configurations and features explained in connection with the device according to the invention for applying a sealing agent can be used in the method.

Fig. 1

einen Fußbodenbelag in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Fig. 2A/B

Seitenflächen eines beispielhaften Fußbodenelements in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 3

einen Verbindungsbereich zweier Fußbodenelemente in einer Schnittdarstellung.

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer Seitenfläche eines Fußbodenelements während des Aufbringens des Versiegelungsmittels;

Fig. 5

ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm zur Erläuterung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Auftragen eines Versiegelungsmittels auf eine Seitenfläche eines Fußbodenelements;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung zum Auftragen eines Versiegelungsmittels auf eine Seitenfläche eines Fußbodenelements;

Fig. 7

eine Linie zum Herstellen eines Fußbodenelements gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einem Blockdiagramm; und

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung zum Auftragen eines Versiegelungsmittels auf eine Seitenfläche eines Fußbodenelements.

Further details and advantages of the invention are to be explained below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Herein shows:

1

a floor covering in a perspective view;

2A/B

Side faces of an exemplary floor element in a side view;

3

a connection area of two floor elements in a sectional view.

4

a schematic representation of a side surface of a floor element during the application of the sealing agent;

figure 5

a schematic flowchart to explain an embodiment of a method according to the invention for applying a sealing agent to a side surface of a floor element;

6

a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a device for applying a sealing agent to a side surface of a floor element;

7

a line for manufacturing a floor element according to an embodiment of the invention in a block diagram; and

8

a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a device for applying a sealing agent to a side surface of a floor element.

The representation in 1 shows a floor covering 5, which is formed from several floor elements designed as floor boards. The floor elements 4 are arranged on a subsurface so that they rest against one another in such a way that their decorative sides point upwards. The floor elements 4 can be made of wood, for example, or of a laminate comprising wood or a wood-based material. The floor elements 4 are in Connection areas 1 connected to each other. In the connection areas 1 a side surface of a first floor element 4 is in contact with a side surface of a second floor element 4 .

The representations in Figures 2A and 2B show two side views of side surfaces 2 of an exemplary floor element 4. A first side surface 2 is designed in the manner of a spring side, cf. Figure 2A . A second side surface 2, which is arranged opposite the first side surface on the floor element 4, is designed in the manner of a groove side, cf. Figure 2B . A chamfer 3 is provided in each case between the side surfaces 2 and the decorative sides of the floor elements 4 .

In order to form the floor covering, the floor elements 4 are arranged on the subsurface in such a way, that is to say “laid”, that in each case a tongue side is brought into contact with a groove side. A sectional view of a corresponding connection area 1 with a groove side and a tongue side is shown in 3 shown. It can be seen that the side surfaces 2 are in contact with one another. The side surfaces 2 each have a chamfer 3 on an upper edge, so that a joint between two floor elements 4 lying against one another is formed at the edge between the decorative side 6 and the side surface 2 .

The representation in 4 shows a side surface 2 of a floor element 4, which has a mechanical coupling element, for example a click-connection coupling element. When contacting these coupling elements, ie when arranging the floor elements 4 on a subsurface, a non-positive connection of two coupling elements can be formed in the connection area 1 . The 4 shows the floor element 4 applying a sealant by a transfer wheel. Here, the top surface 6 of the floor element is oriented downwards in the direction of gravity. The side surface 2 is vertical.

An exemplary embodiment of a method for applying a sealing agent to a side surface 2 of a floor element 4 according to the invention will be explained below.

In the figure 5 1 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for applying a sealant according to the invention. Here, in a provision step 11, a floor element 4, in particular a floorboard, is first provided. This floor element 4 includes a decorative side 6 and a plurality of side surfaces 2 . On the edges between the decorative side 6 and the side surfaces 2 can optionally a chamfer 3 can be provided. To provide the floor element 4, a preliminary product can be processed with a milling tool.

In the preparation step 11, a tongue element and/or a groove element can also be produced on the side surfaces 2 of the floorboard 4, for example using a milling tool. Alternatively, mechanical coupling elements 7, for example by a milling tool, can be produced on the side surfaces 2, which are designed to be connected to corresponding coupling elements of other floor elements.

The floorboard 4 can be conveyed in a conveying direction F during the entire process by means of a conveying device, for example having one or more conveyor belts and/or conveyor chains and/or roller conveyors.

In an application step 12 following the preparation step 11, a sealing agent is applied to the side surface 2—the joining edge. The sealing agent is preferably not water-based and impregnates the side face 2 against water penetration. The sealant is applied with an in 4 shown, rotatable about an axis of rotation D, transfer wheel 20, which receives the sealing agent from a bath and applies it to the side surface 2. The transfer wheel 20 is spaced apart from the side face 2 by a gap during application. The sealing agent is applied to the side surface 2 via adhesive forces. The sealing agent is applied at least in a section of the end face 2 which is adjacent to the decorative surface 6 or a chamfer 3 . A further section of the side face, for example a section comprising a coupling element 7, can remain free of sealing agent. Alternatively, the sealing agent can be applied completely to the side surface 2.

If the floor element, as in 2 shown, has a chamfer 3 between the decorative surface 6 and the side surface 2, the sealing agent can be applied to the chamfer with the same transfer wheel 20. Alternatively, a further transfer wheel can be provided, which applies the sealing agent to the bevel 3.

In a smoothing step 13 following the application step 12, the sealing agent applied by means of the transfer wheel 20 is smoothed in order to eliminate any coating defects on the side surface and thus to increase the quality of the side surface sealing.

In an optional drying step 14, which follows the application step 12 and the sizing step 13, the sealing agent can be dried. For this purpose, the floor element 4 is guided past a drying device.

The representation in 6 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention for applying a sealant to a side surface 2 of a floor element 4, in particular a floorboard, with a rotatable transfer wheel 20 for receiving the sealant from a bath and for applying the sealant to the side surface 2 of the floor element 4 and with a smoothing device 30, which is arranged and set up in such a way that the sealing agent applied by means of the transfer wheel 20 is smoothed. Furthermore, the device according to the exemplary embodiment comprises a conveyor device 40 for conveying the floor element in a conveying direction F along the transfer wheel 20 and along the leveling device 3. In the exemplary embodiment, the conveyor device 40 is designed as a conveyor belt or conveyor chain or roller conveyor, which has two conveyor device modules that are parallel are arranged to each other. Alternatively, a conveyor can be provided with only one conveyor module.

The leveling device 30 comprises a plurality of nozzles 31, 32, via which a gas or gas mixture, for example air, can be blown onto the side surface. The nozzles 31, 32 are oriented in different directions R1, R2. According to the exemplary embodiment, a first nozzle 31 is aligned in a first direction R1, which points in the conveying direction F. In this case, however, the first direction R1 is not necessarily parallel to the conveying direction F, but encloses an angle with the conveying direction F in the range between −90° and 90°. A second nozzle 32 is aligned in a second direction R2, which points opposite to the conveying direction F. In this case, the second direction R2 is not necessarily anti-parallel to the conveying direction F, but encloses an angle with the conveying direction F in the range between 90° and 270°. The nozzles 31, 32 can be controlled independently of one another. This means that the nozzles 31, 32 can be activated and deactivated independently of one another, and that a blowing pressure of the nozzles can be adjusted independently of one another.

A further component of the device, in particular of the sizing device 30, is a control unit 33, via which the nozzles 31, 32 of the sizing device 30 can be controlled. The control unit 33 is connected to a detection device 34 which can detect the position of the floor element 4 relative to the leveling device 30, in particular relative to the nozzles 31, 32.

During operation of the sizing device, the blowing pressure of the nozzles 31, 32 is in a range from 0.01 bar to 1 bar, for example in the range from 0.05 bar to 0.5 bar, in particular in the range from 0.1 bar to 0.25 bar, set so that the applied sealant is not blown off or removed from the side surface 2.

The floor element 4 comprises a starting edge 4.1 arranged transversely to the conveying direction F and an end edge 4.2 also arranged transversely to the conveying direction F. In order to also provide these starting and end edges 4.1, 4.2 with a coating or sealing, the nozzles 31, 32 of the smoothing device are controlled as follows. When the leading edge 4.1 enters the region of the smoothing device 30, the first nozzle 31, which blows in the conveying direction, is activated in order to blow sealing agent on the side surface 2 onto the leading edge 4.1. This activation can preferably take place before the leading edge 4.1 passes the first nozzle 31. When the end edge 4.2 leaves the area of the smoothing device 30, the second nozzle is then activated 32 in order to blow sealing agent from the side surface 2 onto the end edge 4.2. If the second nozzle has already been activated beforehand, the second nozzle 32 is left activated at least until the end edge 4.2 has passed the second nozzle 32.

The representation in 7 shows an embodiment of a production line 100 according to the invention. The production line 100 comprises a total of two devices for applying sealing agent to the respective side surfaces, first sealing one or two side surfaces in a longitudinal direction of the floor element and then one or two side surfaces in a transverse direction of the floor element. In this respect, either the device for applying the sealing agent figure 6 or a device for applying the sealing agent, which will be explained later, according to FIG 8 find use.

The production line 100 comprises a first milling device 101 for milling a first side surface in a longitudinal direction or two opposite first side surfaces in the longitudinal direction. During milling, a coupling element can be formed in the first side surface or surfaces. Optionally, a chamfer can be created between a decorative surface and the first side surface. It can also optionally be provided that the bevel is coated in a first coating device 102, for example with a paint.

In the production line 100 behind the first milling device 101 and the optional first coating device 102, a first transfer wheel 103 is provided, via which sealing agent is applied to the side surface. Optionally, two first Transfer wheels 103 may be provided for applying sealant to two opposite side surfaces of the floor element. A first smoothing device 104 for smoothing the sealing agent is arranged behind the transfer wheel or wheels 103 . Optionally, two first leveling devices 104 for leveling sealing agent can be provided on two opposite side surfaces.

A first drying device 105, in which the first side faces are dried, is optionally arranged after the first smoothing device or devices 104.

After the first leveling device(s) 104 and the optional drying device 105, a device 110 for changing the conveying direction of the floor element and/or for changing an orientation of the floor element with respect to the conveying direction F is provided. This can be designed, for example, as a chute magazine.

Following the device 110 for changing the conveying direction of the floor element and/or for changing an orientation of the floor element with respect to the conveying direction F, a further sequence of devices 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 is provided. These include a second milling device 111 for milling a second side surface in a transverse direction or two opposite second side surfaces in the transverse direction. A coupling element can be formed in the one or more second side surfaces during milling. Optionally, a chamfer can be created between a decorative surface and the second side surface. It can further optionally be provided that the bevel is coated in a second coating device 112, for example with a lacquer.

In the production line 100 behind the second milling device 111 and the optional second coating device 112, a second transfer wheel 113 is provided, via which sealing agent is applied to the second side surface. Optionally, two second transfer wheels 113 can be provided for applying sealing agent to two opposite second side surfaces of the floor element. A second smoothing device 114 for smoothing the sealing agent is arranged behind the second transfer wheel or wheels 113 . Optionally, two second leveling devices 114 can be provided for leveling sealing agent on two opposite side surfaces.

A second drying device 115, in which the second side faces are dried, is optionally arranged downstream of the second smoothing device or devices 114.

The representation in 8 shows a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for applying a sealing agent to a side surface 2 of a floor element 4, in particular a floorboard. The device according to the second embodiment corresponds to that in 6 shown device according to the first embodiment with the difference that the sealing agent can be applied and smoothed simultaneously on two opposite side surfaces 2 of the floor element 4. For this purpose, the device comprises two rotatable transfer wheels 20 for picking up the sealing agent from a respective bath and for applying the sealing agent to one of the two opposite side surfaces 2 of the floor element 4. The device also comprises two smoothing devices 30, which are each arranged and set up in such a way that by means of one of the two transfer wheels 20 applied sealing agent. The function and design of the elements of the device correspond to those of the device according to the first exemplary embodiment, so that reference is made to the explanations relating to the first exemplary embodiment.

The device according to the second exemplary embodiment comprises two control devices 33 via which the nozzles 31, 32 of the respective smoothing device 30 can be controlled. The respective control unit 33 is connected to a detection device 34 which can detect the position of the floor element 4 relative to the smoothing device 30, in particular relative to the nozzles 31, 32. Deviating from this configuration, it can be provided that the two arbitration devices 30 are controlled via a common control unit and/or only a common detection device is provided.

The device after 8 may be related to both at the figure 5 described method as well as in accordance with a line 7 find use.

References:

1

connection area

2

side face

3

Chamfer to form a joint

4

floor element

5

floor covering

6

decor side

7

coupling element

11

deployment step

12

order step

13

arbitration step

14

drying step

20

transfer wheel

30

arbitration facility

31

jet

32

jet

33

control unit

34

detection device

100

production line

101

milling device

102

coating device

103

transfer wheel

104

arbitration facility

105

drying device

110

Device for changing the conveying direction of the floor element and/or for changing an orientation of the floor element

111

milling device

112

coating device

113

transfer wheel

114

arbitration facility

115

drying device

D

axis of rotation

f

conveying direction

Claims (14)

Device for applying a sealing agent to a side surface (2) of a floor element (4), in particular a floorboard, with an application device, in particular a rotatable transfer wheel (20) for picking up the sealing agent from a bath and for applying the sealing agent to the side surface (2) of the floor element (4) or a vacuum application device or a spray application device, and with a smoothing device (30) which is arranged and set up in such a way that the sealing agent applied by means of the application device, in particular by means of the transfer wheel (20) or the vacuum application device or a spray application device, is smoothed, and with a conveying device (40) for conveying the floor element in a conveying direction (F) along the application device and along the smoothing device (3), wherein the leveling device (30) has at least one first and one second nozzle (31, 32), by means of which a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, can be blown onto the side surface (2), the first nozzle (31) being set up for this purpose is to deliver the gas or gas mixture in a first direction (R1) pointing in the conveying direction (F) and the second nozzle (32) is set up to deliver the gas or gas mixture in a second direction (R2) pointing counter to the conveying direction (F). . Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the nozzles (31, 32) can be controlled independently of one another, with the blowing pressure of the nozzles (31, 32) in particular being adjustable independently of one another. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control unit (33) which is set up to to control, in particular to activate, the first nozzle (31) in such a way that when a starting edge (4.1) of the floor element (4) arranged transversely to the conveying direction (F) moves relative to the first nozzle (31), sealing agent flows through the first nozzle (31 ) is brought from the side surface (2) to the starting edge (4.1) and to control, in particular to activate, the second nozzle (32) in such a way that when an end edge (4.2) of the Floor element (4) relative to the second nozzle (32) sealing agent is brought through the second nozzle (32) from the side surface (2) to the end edge (2). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a detection device (34) connected to the control unit (33) for detecting a position of the floor element (4), in particular a position of the starting edge (4.1) and/or end edge (4.2) of the floor element (4 ), relative to the smoothing device (30), in particular relative to the first and/or second nozzle (31, 32). Device according to one of Claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the control unit is set up to activate or leave activated the first nozzle (31) upon detection of the leading edge (4.1) and/or the second nozzle (32) can upon detection of the trailing edge (2) to activate or leave activated. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application device, in particular the rotatable transfer wheel (20) or the vacuum application device or the spray application device, is additionally configured for applying the sealing agent to a bevel (3) of the floor element (4). , In particular a chamfer (3) between the side surface (2) and a decorative side (6) of the floor element (4). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a further application device, in particular a further transfer wheel (20) or a further vacuum application device or a further spray application device, for applying the sealing agent to a bevel (3) adjoining the side surface (2). . Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device two application devices, in particular two rotatable transfer wheels (20) for picking up the sealing agent from a respective bath or two vacuum application devices or two spray application devices for applying the sealing agent to one of two opposite side surfaces (2) of the floor element (4). and two smoothing devices (30), which are each arranged and set up in such a way that the sealing agent applied by means of one of the two application devices is smoothed. Production line for manufacturing a floor element (4) with at least one device for applying a sealing agent according to one of the preceding claims. Method for applying a sealing agent to a side surface (2) of a floor element (4), in particular a floorboard, wherein - in an application step (12) - a sealing agent is applied to the side surface (2) of the floor element (4) by means of an application device, in particular by means of a rotatable transfer wheel (20) taken from a bath and applied to the side surface (2) of the floor element ( 4) applied or by a vacuum applicator or by a spray applicator, and wherein - in a smoothing step following the application step - the sealing agent applied by means of the application device is smoothed,
wherein the floor element (4) is conveyed with a conveying device (40) in a conveying direction (F) along the application device and along the smoothing device (3), wherein the leveling device (30) has at least one first and one second nozzle (31, 32), by means of which a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, can be blown onto the side surface (2), the first nozzle (31) being set up for this purpose the gas or gas mixture is delivered in a first direction (R1) pointing in the conveying direction (F) and the second nozzle (32) is set up to deliver the gas or gas mixture in a second direction (R2) pointing counter to the conveying direction (F). Method according to Claim 10, characterized in that a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, is blown onto the side surface by means of the nozzles (31, 32), the blowing being carried out with a blowing pressure in the range from 0.01 bar to 1 bar, for example in Range from 0.05 bar to 0.5 bar, in particular in the range from 0.1 bar to 0.25 bar. Method according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, is blown onto the side surface (2) by means of the first and second nozzles (31, 32), the first and second nozzles (31, 32) being independent activated and deactivated by each other. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the first nozzle (31) is activated when a starting edge (4.2) of the floor element (4) arranged transversely to the conveying direction (F) arrives in the area of the leveling device (30), and the second nozzle (32) is activated when an end edge (4.2) of the floor element (4) arranged transversely to the conveying direction (F) leaves the area of the leveling device (30). Method according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the first nozzle and the second nozzle are operated continuously activated.

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