Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C51/08—Deep drawing or matched-mould forming, i.e. using mechanical means only
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
  • B29C45/1418—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles the inserts being deformed or preformed, e.g. by the injection pressure
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
  • B29C45/14688—Coating articles provided with a decoration
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C63/00—Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C63/22—Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor using layers or sheathings having a shape adapted to the shape of the article
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C45/0053—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor combined with a final operation, e.g. shaping
  • B29C2045/0079—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor combined with a final operation, e.g. shaping applying a coating or covering
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
  • B29C45/1418—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles the inserts being deformed or preformed, e.g. by the injection pressure
  • B29C2045/14237—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles the inserts being deformed or preformed, e.g. by the injection pressure the inserts being deformed or preformed outside the mould or mould cavity
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
  • B29C45/14688—Coating articles provided with a decoration
  • B29C2045/14737—Coating articles provided with a decoration decorations printed on the insert by a digital imaging technique
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C2791/00—Shaping characteristics in general
  • B29C2791/001—Shaping in several steps
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C2791/00—Shaping characteristics in general
  • B29C2791/004—Shaping under special conditions
  • B29C2791/006—Using vacuum
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C2945/00—Indexing scheme relating to injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould
  • B29C2945/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
  • B29C2945/76003—Measured parameter
  • B29C2945/761—Dimensions, e.g. thickness
  • B29C2945/76103—Dimensions, e.g. thickness shrinkage, dilation, dimensional change, warpage
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C2945/00—Indexing scheme relating to injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould
  • B29C2945/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
  • B29C2945/76003—Measured parameter
  • B29C2945/76153—Optical properties
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C2945/00—Indexing scheme relating to injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould
  • B29C2945/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
  • B29C2945/76177—Location of measurement
  • B29C2945/7629—Moulded articles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C2945/00—Indexing scheme relating to injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould
  • B29C2945/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
  • B29C2945/76344—Phase or stage of measurement
  • B29C2945/76421—Removing or handling ejected articles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C2945/00—Indexing scheme relating to injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould
  • B29C2945/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
  • B29C2945/76451—Measurement means
  • B29C2945/76461—Optical, e.g. laser
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C2945/00—Indexing scheme relating to injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould
  • B29C2945/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
  • B29C2945/76494—Controlled parameter
  • B29C2945/76498—Pressure
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C2945/00—Indexing scheme relating to injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould
  • B29C2945/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
  • B29C2945/76494—Controlled parameter
  • B29C2945/76568—Position
  • B29C2945/76575—Position end position
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C2945/00—Indexing scheme relating to injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould
  • B29C2945/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
  • B29C2945/76655—Location of control
  • B29C2945/76792—Auxiliary devices
  • B29C2945/76802—Auxiliary devices pre-treatment devices
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C2945/00—Indexing scheme relating to injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould
  • B29C2945/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
  • B29C2945/76822—Phase or stage of control
  • B29C2945/76826—Pre-treatment
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C45/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C45/76—Measuring, controlling or regulating
  • B29C45/768—Detecting defective moulding conditions
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C51/10—Forming by pressure difference, e.g. vacuum
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C51/12—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor of articles having inserts or reinforcements
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C51/14—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor using multilayered preforms or sheets
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C51/16—Lining or labelling
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
  • B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
  • B29K2995/0018—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds having particular optical properties, e.g. fluorescent or phosphorescent
  • B29K2995/0026—Transparent

Definitions

• This invention relates to a method for decorating products.
• the invention relates in particular to a method for decorating at least one at least partly double-curved, at least three-dimensionally defined face of a plastic product.
• Decoration should herein be understood to mean at least both providing patterns in different colors or shades and coloring surfaces in one or more colors.
• products which are to have a plain color are colored by addition of a dye to the material from which the products are formed, or the products are dipped in a color bath. It will be clear that in this way only substantially plain-colored products can be obtained, while the dipping method moreover often leads to the same disadvantages as spraying the products.
• the invention contemplates a method of the type described in the opening paragraph hereof, in which the above-mentioned drawbacks of the known methods have been avoided, while maintaining the advantages thereof.
• a method according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.
• a decoration is provided on a foil prior to bonding the foil to a relevant part of the product.
• the foil moreover, prior to being bonded to the product, is deformed with the aid of a preform, such that the foil at least partly obtains the shape corresponding to a surface of the product to which the foil is to be bonded. Only after that is a fixed bond of the foil to the product effected.
• any desired decoration of the product can be obtained, both plain, at least monochrome, as well as in a variety of preselected patterns in one or more colors and/or shades.
• a foil according to the invention moreover provides the advantage that the product obtains a particularly pleasing appearance, while spraying mists and the like are avoided. In this way, a finish of a particularly high-grade quality is obtained.
• the foil can be simply made of mat or glossy design and leads to a particularly pleasing appearance.
• the appearance can be individually determined by the use of a foil with a product-specific printing.
• the foil is preferably provided with a printing while in substantially flat condition, prior to deformation of the foil. As a consequence, any desired printing technique is applicable.
• the deformation of the foil is preferably three-dimensional, at least matching a double-curved surface, and preferably occurs through stretching of the foil in at least two directions extending approximately at right angles to each other.
• the product or a portion thereof can be used, but it is often preferred that an element is used which, as to shape, corresponds at least largely, but not completely so, to the product or a portion thereof to be decorated.
• the " same preform can then be reused every time, while during bonding of the foil to the product, a slight further stretching occurs, so that a particularly taut bond is obtained.
• a method according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 6.
• products, at least parts thereof, are formed, for instance through injection molding, deep-drawing, pressing or the like, whereafter the foil, preformed separately therefrom, is arranged over the respective products or parts thereof and is heated such that the foil is fixedly bonded to the product.
• a method according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 7.
• the deformed foil at least the deformed part thereof, is placed in or near a mold cavity of an injection mold, whereafter plastic is introduced into the mold cavity for forming the desired product or portions thereof.
• plastic is introduced into the mold cavity for forming the desired product or portions thereof.
• adhesion will occur between the foil and the respective plastic, so that a fixed bond is obtained.
• a decorated product, or portion thereof can be obtained in a particularly simple manner.
• the foil, while being jointed to the product is stretched out slightly further. As a result, a complete fit between the foil and the product is obtained, while moreover creasing and the like are simply prevented.
• the foil can be supplied in sheets but it is preferred that the foil be supplied in the form of a web and a series of deformations are provided in the web. This enables a continuous production process even more readily.
• a method according to the invention is furthermore characterized by the features of claim 13.
• the decoration is provided in such a manner that, when the foil has been completely deformed, that is, in the condition where the foil has been applied fittingly on the respective product, the decoration has the desired appearance.
• the decoration will, for instance, be pressed on the flat foil, such that after the deformation of the foil through elongation in the different directions, the decoration on the product at least in plan view has the desired appearance.
• the printing will therefore be more compressed in the flat plane than after deformation.
• an appropriate algorithm is used to compute in advance, on the basis of the elongations to be expected, the nature and extent of deformation of the foil, the necessary deformation of the decoration to be applied and, on the basis thereof, to control a printing device.
• a method according to the invention is furthermore characterized by the features of claim 15.
• recognition means as part of the printing provides the advantage that with the aid of reading means, for instance pattern recognition means, it can be simply determined whether the desired decoration has been obtained on the product formed. Specifically on the basis of the relative position of the recognition elements it can then be established, with the aid of the reading means, whether any deviations have remained within desired margins, and there can be feed-back to the computing unit, so that the deformation of the decoration preceding deformation of the foil can be adapted.
• a self-regulating system can be obtained, readily enabling, for instance, small variations in properties of the foil to be overcome.
• a method according to the invention is furthermore characterized by the features of claim 18.
• deformations can be provided in a foil in a simple manner, without necessitating relatively complex retaining means for keeping the foil taut during deformation thereof.
• use is made of partial vacuum and adhesion and cohesion between foil and liquid, with the liquid performing the function of a stripper plate.
• the invention further relates to an apparatus for decorating products, characterized by the features of claim 21 or 22.
• Such an apparatus is suitable in particular for practicing a method according to the invention.
• the invention additionally relates to a product, characterized by the features of claim 25.
• Such a product which can be simply manufactured with a method and apparatus according to the invention, has a particularly pleasing appearance, while moreover variations in that appearance can be provided particularly simply.
• exemplary embodiments of a method, apparatus and product according to the invention will be further elucidated with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:
• FIG. 1 schematically shows a decorating apparatus according to the invention, in a first embodiment
• Fig. 2 schematically shows a decorating apparatus according to the invention, in a second embodiment
• Fig. 2a shows on an enlarged scale a portion of a deforming apparatus according to the invention
• Figs. 3 and 4 show, in top plan view, two portions of foil webs with printing, before and after deformation
• Fig. 5a schematically shows in side elevation an injection mold with deformed foil web
• Fig. 5b shows in cross section a product formed with a mold according to Fig. 5a, directly after demolding
• Fig. 5c shows a product according to Fig. 5b, with cut-off edges
• Fig. 6 shows a foil web in top plan view, in undeformed condition (right) and in deformed condition (left);
• Fig. 7 shows a foil web in top plan view, in undeformed condition (right) and deformed condition (left), with priorly deformed decoration
• Fig. 8 schematically shows deforming means combines with an injection mold for use in a method according to the invention.
• Fig. 9 shows a computer mouse with a decoration provided in accordance with the invention.
• Fig. 1 schematically shows a decorating apparatus 1 according to the invention, in a first exemplary embodiment.
• a foil web 2 is supplied from a roll 3, successively along deforming means 4, positioning means 6 and heating means 8.
• the deforming apparatus 4 comprises a receptacle 10 with a liquid therein, for instance water.
• the receptacle 10 is filled up to the upper longitudinal edge 12.
• the foil web 2 is disposed on the liquid surface 14 and the longitudinal edges 12, such that the receptacle 10 is covered entirely and the foil 16 is in full contact with the liquid 13.
• Set up in the receptacle 10 is a preform 18 which is movable between a lower position, as shown in Fig. 1, and an upper position, as basically shown in Fig. 2a.
• the preform 18 extends at least partly above the liquid surface 14, thereby deforming the foil 16 at that point.
• the foil 16 is retained by the liquid 13, while the foil 16 is deformed at that point by the preform 18 by stretching of the foil in different directions.
• the foil 16 will follow the preform 18 with a close fit, with the liquid 13 in fact functioning as stripper plate.
• the deformation 20 remains behind in the foil web 20, at least substantially so.
• the preform 18 is supported by a cylinder-piston assembly 22 for the displacement thereof.
• the preform 18 is pressed against the foil 16 from the underside, that is, from the side proximal to the liquid 13. It is also possible, however, to press a comparable preform against the foil 16 from the opposite side, whereby the deformation 20 will be formed downwards, into the liquid 13. Also, deforming means cooperating on opposite sides of the foil web 2 may be used. After providing the desired deformation and withdrawing the preform
• the foil web 2 is transported further in the direction T, to positioning means 6, which, in the embodiment shown, comprise a conveyor belt 24 on which product parts 26 to be decorated have been placed, preferably in uniformly spaced apart relation, corresponding to the distance between two successive deformations 20.
• the foil web 2 is positioned over the conveyor belt and the product parts 26 disposed thereon, such that in each case a deformation 20 overlies a product part 26.
• the foil web with the thus covered product parts 26 is transported further, to a point under the heating means 8, for instance a radiation heater, with which the foil 16 and the product parts 26 are heated such that, as a result of the heat, these are fixedly bonded to each other.
• Product part 26 and foil 16 cannot subsequently be separated from each other anymore without damage.
• the foil web 2 with the product parts 26 fixedly included therein is transported further, outside the heating means 8, whereafter the thus formed product part 26 with foil 16 can be cut loose from the foil web 2 and can be finished further, for instance by cutting off excess foil material or removing this by die-cutting.
• the thus formed product part 26 is provided with a foil on which a printing has been provided which can have any desired shape. This will be further discussed hereinafter.
• the product part 26 can be a finished product but may also be a component of a product yet to be assembled.
• Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a decoration apparatus 1 according to the invention, in which the deforming means 4 are designed as described in Fig. 1.
• the foil web 2 with the deformations 20 is guided between two mold halves 28, 30 of an injection mold 32, such that a deformation 20 is received in a mold cavity 34 of the mold part 28.
• the mold 32 is closed, whereafter plastic is introduced into the mold cavity 34 with the aid of supply means 36, known per se.
• the foil 16 at least the deformed part 20 thereof, will, due to the supplied plastic and the pressure and temperature increase in the mold cavity 34, be fixedly bonded to the plastic to form one whole, as shown in Fig.
• Figs. 3 and 4 show two embodiments thereof.
• a first printing 38A is shown, in flat condition, directly after printing. This printing can be applied to the foil 16, for instance, with an ink suitable for the purpose and a printer, screen-printing device or other suitable printing device.
• the printing 38A and the subjacent foil 16 are flat there.
• a second printing 38B is shown, during or after deformation of the foil web 2.
• Shown around the printing 38B is the contour of the deformation 20.
• the printing 38 is stretched on all sides during deformation, so that the printing (a flower in the embodiment shown) is enlarged and can change slightly in shape, depending on the extent and nature of deformation.
• Fig. 4 shows a comparable deformation, but with a check pattern provided as printing 38.
• the undeformed printing 38A is shown, with rectangular checks.
• Fig. 4 at the top a slightly convex deformation 20 is shown, having a slightly oval contour 21. This clearly shows that the printing 38B originally applied as rectangular checks has been deformed, with the deformations adjacent the contour 21 being less strong than those adjacent the center. With such deformations 20 with printings 38, products or product parts having a pleasing appearance can be manufactured.
• foils 16 that are of plain and/or monochrome design, with which products 26, or at least parts thereof, can be uniformly colored.
• products can also be provided with a metal or metal-colored covering layer, for instance by the use of a foil with a chrome finish.
• a method according to the present invention is also advantageous in that it enables products to be provided with a metal appearance, for instance chromed, at least provided with a chromed appearance, without entailing the known disadvantages of chrome-plating products, such as undesired environmental pollution, manufacture of special, product-related chrome-plating racks and the like.
• a specific manner of manufacturing printings 38 for foil according to the invention will be discussed hereinafter with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.
• Fig. 5a schematically shows, enlarged, a mold 32 for use according to the invention, having therein a foil 16 with deformation 20.
• the deformation 20 is slightly dented at a central part 21, while the deformation 20 is less strong than is necessary for the deformation 20 to abut against the inside of the mold cavity 34 formed in the upper mold part 28.
• the deformation 20 is, for instance, between 60 and 95%, more particularly between 70 and 85% of the deformation needed for the abutment mentioned.
• the foil 16, in particular the part thereof that constitutes the deformation 20 will be stretched still further, as a result of the filling pressure and possibly after- pressure of the plastic to be introduced into the mold cavity.
• a foil web 2 is shown, provided with a printing 38 in the form of a check pattern as shown and described with reference to Fig. 4.
• the checks 39 are formed by lines 40 extending at right angles to each other.
• preform 18 from the underside, a sphere is pressed into the foil web 2, such that a deformation 20 of the foil web 2 occurs as shown in Fig. 6 on the left-hand side.
• the foil 16 on the preform 18 has thereby been stretched, so that the initially parallel lines 40 will no longer extend parallel to each other on the deformation 20, neither in the longitudinal direction of the foil web nor at right angles thereto.
• the lines 40 on the deformation 20 exhibit curvatures.
• a flat foil web 2 is shown, having thereon a printing 38 in the form of a slightly oval contour 21, having inside of it a pattern of lines 40a, 40b.
• the first series of lines 40a has a main direction extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the foil web 2, while the second series of lines 40b extends substantially transversely thereto.
• the lines 40a, 40b that extend through the center C of deformation are approximately straight in the exemplary embodiment shown, while the other lines 40a, b are curved, with a convex side facing the center C.
• the curvature of the lines 40a, b located closer to the contour 21 is less than that of the lines 40a, 40b located closer to the center C.
• This pattern of lines 40a, 40b has been computed with the aid of a computing unit with a suitable algorithm, on the basis of inter alia the stretch behavior of the foil 16 and the desired nature and extent of deformation thereof, in such a manner that given the complete deformation 20, the printing 38, in top plan view, that is, at right angles to the plane of the foil web 2, yields an appearance as shown in Fig. 7 on the left-hand side.
• the lines 40a, 40b extend at right angles to each other, with the lines 40a extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the foil web 2, and the second lines 40b at right angles thereto.
• the effect contemplated has been shown with reference to a line pattern.
• any printing can be provided in a pre-computed deformed condition in order to obtain the desired appearance on a double-curved surface.
• this can also be done with a printing which comprises, for instance, lettering.
• Algorithms that can be used for this purpose are included, for instance, in 3D CAD programs for graphic or technical applications, suitable making developed drawings.
• reading means 60 are set up, coupled to a computing unit 62 and arranged for pattern recognition. With these, the deformation 20 is viewed and it is determined if it has the correct form. To that end, recognition means on the foil, as part of the printing, are used, for instance two or more intersections 40C of lines 40a, 40b in Fig. 7. The deformation can be read from the relative position of such intersections 40C. In Fig. 1 the reading means 60 are arranged directly after the deforming means 4. As a consequence, with the aid of the computing unit 62, adjustment can be effected relatively fast, through adaptation of the printing and/or the deformation.
• Fig. 8 schematically shows an apparatus 40 for application within a method according to the invention, where deforming means 4 cooperate with a mold 32 as described earlier, at least with the upper part 28 thereof.
• the upper mold part 28 is provided, around the mold cavity 34, in the land face 33, with vacuum cavities 42 connected via ducts 44 with a vacuum pump 46, represented schematically.
• a foil web 2 can be secured against the land face 33 with the aid of the vacuum cavities 42, in flat condition.
• a deforming means 4 is pressed against the side of the foil web 2 remote from the mold cavity 34, thereby creating a deformation 20 as described earlier.
• the deforming apparatus 4 comprises a block 48 with a preform 18 thereon.
• the block 48 is preferably designed such that it includes a land face 83a which can cooperate with the land face 33 of the upper mold half 28. In this manner, during deformation, the foil web 2 is retained still better.
• the preform 18 can be movable relative to the block 48, so that the block 48 can clamp the foil first, prior to the deformation with the preform 18.
• the deforming apparatus 4 is removed and replaced with a lower mold half 30, as described earlier.
• the lower mold half 30 can optionally comprise cutting means 52, with which the deformation 20 can be cut loose along the longitudinal edge of the mold cavity 34. However, this can also be effected later, after taking out the product 26.
• plastic under a relatively high pressure and heat is charged to the cavity 34 via the supply means 36, for forming the product 26, thereby possibly stretching the foil 16, at least the deformation 20, further as far as the wall of the mold cavity 34.
• FIG. 9 schematically shows a computer mouse 54, provided with a double-curved face 37 with printing 38, applied with a method according to the invention.
• This printing 38 extends over the entire upper part 56 of the mouse 54 and comprises a substantially even portion 38A and a lettering 38B which follows at least partly a contour and profiling of the mouse 54.
• the lettering 38B is provided, deformed, on a flat foil 2, such that after deformation of the foil and bonding same to the double-curved surface 37 the lettering 38B is properly legible and has been brought into the desired position and shape.
• this mouse 54 is only an example of a product formed with a method and apparatus according to the invention, shown here merely by way of illustration. Parts of letters can serve as recognition means for the reading means 60.
• foils can be used having a variety of properties, in particular barrier properties, for instance suitable for foods, resistant to chemicals, liquids, acids and bases, and the like, low or high temperatures or other ambient influences, or provided with reflective properties or for high-grade finishing of the product.
• deformations in a foil web can be provided in a different suitable manner, for instance through the use of a mold and countermold, between which the foil is clamped, optionally utilizing temperature elevation, vacuum means as in vacuum forming techniques or the like.
• a method according to the present invention both single- and double-curved surfaces can be finished.
• the plastic is applied against the foil 16 from the back, that is, on the side remote from the printing.
• foils with printings that are sufficiently heat-resistant, such that the printings are locked between the plastic and the foil. Used for this purpose are transparent or opaque types of foil. It will be clear, naturally, that both closed foils and apertured foils can be used, monolayer as well as multilayer.
• two or more foil layers can be applied one over the other, for instance to protect the printing.
• both uniform, identically printed products and varying products can be manufactured.
• a printing apparatus controlled by the computing unit for each product individually, a printing can be applied to the foil web, to be subsequently attached to the respective product or product part. This affords particularly great freedom in design.
• the computing unit can be controlled on-line, for printing on demand.
• the products or parts thereof can be manufactured in any suitable manner, for instance through injection molding, deep-drawing, vacuum forming, material- removing operations, combinations thereof and the hke.
• inserts can be placed in a mold cavity in the practice of a method according to the present invention.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
• Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

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Cited By (5)

Citations (12)

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• 2000
  • 2000-12-01 NL NL1016773A patent/NL1016773C2/nl not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2001
  • 2001-12-03 WO PCT/NL2001/000877 patent/WO2002043946A1/nl not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2001-12-03 AU AU2002217619A patent/AU2002217619A1/en not_active Abandoned

Patent Citations (12)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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