WO2007102085A2 - Bonding of sealing, trimming or guiding strips - Google Patents

Bonding of sealing, trimming or guiding strips Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007102085A2
WO2007102085A2 PCT/IB2007/000647 IB2007000647W WO2007102085A2 WO 2007102085 A2 WO2007102085 A2 WO 2007102085A2 IB 2007000647 W IB2007000647 W IB 2007000647W WO 2007102085 A2 WO2007102085 A2 WO 2007102085A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
strip
heating
heat
sheet
end faces
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2007/000647
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2007102085A3 (en
Inventor
Norbert Heller
Horst Dragon
Original Assignee
Gdx North America Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0604685A external-priority patent/GB0604685D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0604890A external-priority patent/GB0604890D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0609895A external-priority patent/GB2435852A/en
Application filed by Gdx North America Inc. filed Critical Gdx North America Inc.
Publication of WO2007102085A2 publication Critical patent/WO2007102085A2/en
Publication of WO2007102085A3 publication Critical patent/WO2007102085A3/en

Links

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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
    • B29C66/114—Single butt joints
    • B29C66/1142—Single butt to butt joints
    • 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
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
    • B29C65/1429—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the way of heating the interface
    • B29C65/1432—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the way of heating the interface direct heating of the surfaces to be joined
    • 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
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
    • B29C65/1429—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the way of heating the interface
    • B29C65/1464—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the way of heating the interface making use of several radiators
    • B29C65/1467—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the way of heating the interface making use of several radiators at the same time, i.e. simultaneous welding
    • 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
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/34—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement"
    • B29C65/36—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction
    • B29C65/3604—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the type of elements heated by induction which remain in the joint
    • B29C65/3644—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the type of elements heated by induction which remain in the joint being a ribbon, band or strip
    • 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
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/4805—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding characterised by the type of adhesives
    • B29C65/481—Non-reactive adhesives, e.g. physically hardening adhesives
    • B29C65/4815—Hot melt adhesives, e.g. thermoplastic adhesives
    • 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
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/4855—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding characterised by their physical properties, e.g. being electrically-conductive
    • 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
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/50—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like
    • B29C65/5057—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like positioned between the surfaces to be joined
    • 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
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/78—Means for handling the parts to be joined, e.g. for making containers or hollow articles, e.g. means for handling sheets, plates, web-like materials, tubular articles, hollow articles or elements to be joined therewith; Means for discharging the joined articles from the joining apparatus
    • B29C65/7841—Holding or clamping means for handling purposes
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/52—Joining tubular articles, bars or profiled elements
    • B29C66/524—Joining profiled elements
    • B29C66/5241—Joining profiled elements for forming coaxial connections, i.e. the profiled elements to be joined forming a zero angle relative to each other
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/725—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being hollow-walled or honeycombs
    • B29C66/7252—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being hollow-walled or honeycombs hollow-walled
    • B29C66/72523—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being hollow-walled or honeycombs hollow-walled multi-channelled or multi-tubular
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9141—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9141—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature
    • B29C66/91411—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature of the parts to be joined, e.g. the joining process taking the temperature of the parts to be joined into account
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9141—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature
    • B29C66/91421—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature of the joining tools
    • B29C66/91423—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature of the joining tools using joining tools having different temperature zones or using several joining tools with different temperatures
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9161—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux
    • B29C66/91651—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux by controlling or regulating the heat generated by Joule heating or induction heating
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/919—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux characterised by specific temperature, heat or thermal flux values or ranges
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/94—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the time
    • B29C66/944—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the time by controlling or regulating the time
    • 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
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
    • B29C65/1403—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the type of electromagnetic or particle radiation
    • B29C65/1425—Microwave radiation
    • 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
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/34—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement"
    • B29C65/36—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction
    • B29C65/3672—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the composition of the elements heated by induction which remain in the joint
    • B29C65/3676—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the composition of the elements heated by induction which remain in the joint being metallic
    • 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
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/50—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like
    • B29C65/5092—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like characterised by the tape handling mechanisms, e.g. 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9141—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature
    • B29C66/91411—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature of the parts to be joined, e.g. the joining process taking the temperature of the parts to be joined into account
    • B29C66/91413—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature of the parts to be joined, e.g. the joining process taking the temperature of the parts to be joined into account the parts to be joined having different temperatures
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/94—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the time
    • B29C66/949—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the time characterised by specific time values or ranges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/001—Profiled members, e.g. beams, sections
    • B29L2031/003—Profiled members, e.g. beams, sections having a profiled transverse cross-section
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/26—Sealing devices, e.g. packaging for pistons or pipe joints

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sealing, trimming or guiding strip, apparatus for forming such a strip, and a corresponding method.
  • the strips are particularly, though not exclusively, for use on motor vehicle bodies such as the sealing around door openings, boot or trunk openings, or other closable openings of a vehicle.
  • a sealing, trimming or guiding strip having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material, wherein at least one the heat-bonding sheet of material and the strip is heated by at least one of inductive heating, capacitive heating, the application of an electric field, the application of a magnetic field and the application of a microwave radiation.
  • heating may be achieved without conventional convection heating, or with reduced conventional heating.
  • a sealing, trimming or guiding strip comprising a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member, the strip having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material, wherein the heat- bonding sheet of material is bonded to the rigid member.
  • the rigid member (or “carrier”) present at each of the two end faces are coupled to opposite sides of the heat-bonding sheet of material.
  • the flexible material is also bonded to the heat-bonding sheet of material.
  • Such an arrangement may provide improved bonding between the two end faces of the strip because the relatively rigid member is bonded to the heat- bonding sheet of material. This is in contrast to the prior art described above where only the flexible material is bonded to the heat-bonding material.
  • the member comprises metal
  • the strip may form a loop.
  • the sheet of heat-bonding material may have one or more perforations therein, and these perforations allow the passage of air therethrough.
  • the heat-bonding material advantageously comprises thermoplastic material and/or polyolef in - for example polyethylene.
  • the strip in the embodiment includes a channel-shaped gripping or mounting section for mounting the strip to a mount or flange of a body, such as a vehicle body.
  • the strip may be formed by extrusion.
  • the end faces of the strip are joined by the sheet of heat-bonding material such that corresponding parts of the end faces are aligned with one another. If the relatively rigid members of each of the end faces are aligned with one another and bonded to opposite sides of the heat-bondable sheet of material, this will increase the strength and rigidity of the strip.
  • apparatus for forming a sealing, trimming or guiding strip, the strip having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material, the apparatus including locating means for positioning the end faces of the strip and means for heating at least one the heat-bonding sheet of material and the strip by at least one of inductive heating, capacitive heating, the application of an electric field, the application of a magnetic field and the application of a microwave radiation.
  • apparatus for forming a sealing, trimming or guiding strip comprising a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member, the strip having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material, the apparatus including locating means for positioning the end faces of the strip and means for heating the reinforcing member, the arrangement being such that the member is bonded to the sheet of material.
  • the heating means is operable to heat the reinforcing member by exposing the member to an electrical or magnetic field.
  • the heating means may comprise an inductive heater or a capacitive heater.
  • the heating means may apply microwave radiation to the reinforcing member.
  • the heating means is operable to heat the member to 120 0 C or more.
  • a method for forming a sealing, trimming or guiding strip including locating the end faces of the strip in position, providing the sheet of material in the region of the end faces of the strip, and heating at least one the heat-bonding sheet of material and the strip by at least one of inductive heating, capacitive heating, the application of an electric field, the application of a magnetic field and the application of a microwave radiation.
  • a method for forming a sealing, trimming or guiding strip comprising a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member and having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material, the method including locating the end faces of the strip in position, providing the sheet of material in the region of the end faces of the strip, and heating the reinforcing member, the method being such that the member is bonded to the sheet of material.
  • a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for strengthening a sealing, trimming or guiding strip comprising a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member and having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material, the method including heating the reinforcing member such that the member is bonded to the sheet of material.
  • the invention also provides a new use for a sheet of heat-bondable material.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective cut-away view of a sealing, trimming or guiding strip
  • Figure 2 is an overhead plan view of a sealing strip having two end faces coupled together;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a heat-bondable sheet of material used for bonding the end faces of the strip together;
  • Figure 4 is an overhead plan view of apparatus for coupling the end faces of the strip together;
  • Figure 5 is a front and overhead perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 is an overhead and side perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 4.
  • Figure 7 is a overhead and side perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 4 with the apparatus in a different configuration
  • Figure 8 is an overhead plan view of the apparatus of Figure 4 in which a strip is positioned;
  • Figure 9 shows an overhead and side perspective view of an alternative form of bonding apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 10 shows a side elevational view of a modified version of the bonding apparatus of Figure 9.
  • FIG. 1 shows a sealing strip 13.
  • the sealing strip 13 comprises a body formed of extruded, flexible, resiliently deformable plastics or rubber or similar material (e.g. TPE or EPDM) defining a channel 17 which, in. use, embracingly grips a flange (not shown) of a vehicle body.
  • the extruded material preferably defines integral gripping lips 19 extending across the interior of the channel 17 from opposite facing sidewalls thereof, these lips 19 frictionally contacting the flange in use to help secure the strip 13 in position thereon.
  • the extruded material defining the channel 17 is reinforced by a channel- shaped embedded resilient core or carrier 21, as made of metal or other suitable rigid material.
  • the sealing strip 13 carries a relatively soft sealing part 20 having a hollow chamber 23 extending from the outside of the base and one sidewall of the channel 17 and also defining a mouth 24.
  • this sealing part 20 is positioned so as to be partially compressed by a closing door or boot/trunk lid, thus providing a weather seal around the opening closed by the door or boot trunk lid.
  • a so-called "cosmetic lip” 25 may extend over the outside of the opposite sidewall of the channel 8 for hiding the edge of a trim panel received in space 26, although typically such a cosmetic lip 25 will not be provided for a boot/trunk seal (but will typically be provided for a door seal).
  • the cosmetic lip maybe provided with a flocked surface 27.
  • Figure 2 shows in more detail the region of the sealing strip 13 where a foil 15 joins the opposite ends 13A, 13B thereof.
  • the opposite ends 13A,13B have identical configurations. Seals in the form of loops are supplied to vehicle manufacturers for fitting to flanges around door and boot/trunk openings during the manufacture of vehicles. It is advantageous to join the opposite ends 13 A, 13B of the seal 13 by foil 15, in contrast to an arrangement where the ends are not joined but simply abut one another or lie adjacent to one another, because this provides a more effective weather seal and an improved appearance.
  • the foil 15 may be of any suitable type for ensuring an effective bond between the opposite ends 13 A and 13B of the seal 13, taking into account the material and characteristics of the flexible material from which the body of the sealing strip is formed and the material from which the carrier is formed. It may, for example, have a melting point of between 120 and 13O 0 C.
  • FIG 3 shows a form that the foil 15 may take.
  • the foil is generally planar (and may be stored and supplied from a reel around which it is wound).
  • the foil 15 advantageously has one or more slits 15A formed therethrough. This enables, in the finished joint, air to pass from one side of the foil 15 to the other side as shown by arrows X and Y in Figure 3. Therefore, the slits 15 A prevent a build up of pressure across the foil 15 in the event of compression of the strip 13. Such compression may take place during the fitting of the strips onto the vehicle body and/or in use when the strip is compressed by the closing door or boot/trunk lid. Any such build-up in pressure could tend to cause bursting of the foil 15 and rupture of the joint.
  • the slits reduce the risk of this by allowing air to pass from one side of the foil 15 to the other.
  • the provision of one or more slits 15 A is not essential to the present invention.
  • these slits 15 A are formed (only) in the region of the hollow chamber 23.
  • the carrier 21 present at the ends 13A and 13B of the strip 13 are coupled at corresponding positions to opposite sides of the foil 15.
  • the bonding of the carrier 21 to the foil 15 is in addition to the bonding between the flexible material of the ends 13 A and 13B of the sealing strip 13 to the foil 15 (such bonding between the flexible material of the strips and the foil being disclosed in WO-A-Ol 89810).
  • the carrier 21 In order to bond the carrier 21 to the foil 15 the carrier 21 is heated to approximately 12O 0 C or more.
  • the temperature may be approximately 18O 0 C or 300 0 C, for example.
  • WO-A-0189810 discloses a foil that has a melting point of between 120 and 13O 0 C. The temperature to which the carrier 21 is heated is not stated, and will be less than 120 0 C - typically 80°C.
  • the bonding of the ends 13A and 13B of the strip 13 may be performed by the following steps:
  • the ends 13A and 13B of the seal 13 are aligned by mounting them on a flange of a heat bonding apparatus (to be described in more detail below).
  • the foil 15 is located between the ends 13A and 13B.
  • the ends 13 A and 13B are brought together (preferably pressed together) against the intermediate foil 15.
  • the seal 13, foil 15 and bonding apparatus are placed in an oven for between approximately 2 and 10 minutes at a temperature of substantially 300 0 C.
  • the oven heats the seal 13, foil 15 and bonding apparatus primarily by convection.
  • the strips 13, foil 15 and bonding apparatus are removed from the oven and allowed to cool. 6. Preferably, excess foil 15 material around the edges of the sealing strip 13 is removed while it is still hot from the oven.
  • the high temperature in the oven causes the flexible material of the sealing strip 13 and the relatively rigid material of the carrier 21 to bond to the foil 15 at either side thereof.
  • the temperature of 300°C and time of 2 to 10 minutes are given by way of example only.
  • the oven may be heated to a temperature of between substantially 14O 0 C and 200°C for approximately 20 minutes.
  • An oven temperature of 180°C will heat the carrier 21 to approximately 150 0 C.
  • Temperatures of between 14O 0 C and 200 0 C are advantageous because they do not damage the flexible material of the sealing strip 13.
  • the ends 13A and 13B of the seal 13 are aligned by mounting them on a flange of the heat bonding apparatus.
  • the foil 15 is located between the ends 13 A and 13B.
  • the ends 13A and 13B are brought together (preferably pressed together) against the intermediate foil 15.
  • the carrier 21 is exposed to electromagnetic radiation (for example microwave radiation), or to a magnetic or electrical field to cause inductive or capacitive heating of the carrier 21.
  • electromagnetic radiation for example microwave radiation
  • the radiation may be applied for thirty seconds at a power of 900 watts. Applying such radiation or a magnetic or electrical field causes heating of the carrier 21. Simultaneously or contemporaneously heat is applied to the seal 13, foil 15 and bonding apparatus using, for example, the oven described above.
  • excess foil 15 material around the edges of the sealing strip 13 is removed while it is still hot from the oven.
  • the microwave radiation or the magnetic or electrical field
  • the inductively/capacitively heated carrier 21 will in turn heat the flexible material of the strip 13 (by conduction) close to the carrier 21 but may not heat sufficiently parts more distant from the carrier 21.
  • conventional heat in addition to the electromagnetic radiation, or a magnetic or electrical field
  • the whole of the flexible material of the strip 13 can be brought to the required temperature to allow the flexible material of the strip 13 to bond to the foil 15.
  • the electromagnetic radiation or magnetic or electrical field heats the carrier 21 to a temperature sufficient for the carrier 21 to bond to the foil 15, which temperature is generally higher than the temperature that is required or used to bond the flexible material of the strip 13 to the foil 15.
  • the carrier 21 is formed of a material that can be heated by inductive or capacitive heating.
  • a suitable metal may be used - for example steel.
  • hot air could be supplied from a hot air source.
  • the conventional heat may be applied for approximately three minutes, for example.
  • the embodiment described causes the carrier 21 to bond to the foil 15 in addition to the flexible material of the strip 13 bonding to the foil 15. This provides a stronger bond between the ends 13A and 13B of the strip 13.
  • the bonding apparatus 30 comprises a generally planar base 32 to which a flange 34 is fixed.
  • the flange 34 extends substantially perpendicularly to the base 32.
  • the flange 34 comprises two spaced apart sections, leaving a gap 36 therebetween.
  • the flange 34 is configured to be accommodated in the channel 17 of the sealing strip 13.
  • the gripping lips 19 press against the walls of the flange 34.
  • Support 38 is spaced apart from and extends generally parallel to the flange 34.
  • the support 38 is fixed to the base 32 and extends substantially perpendicularly thereto.
  • the support 38 has a gap 40 therein, which is aligned with the gap 36 of the flange 34.
  • the support 38 supports contour member 42 which is fixed to the distal end thereof, for example by a bolt.
  • the contour member 42 comprises two identical parts, one of which is fixed to the support 38 each side of the gap 40, thereby leaving a space between the contour members 42 aligned with the gaps 40 and 36.
  • the contour member 42 is configured to pass into the mouth 24 of the strip 13 as the flange 34 passes into the channel 17 of the strip 13.
  • the wall 44 Fixed to the base 32 on the opposite side of the flange 34 to the support 38 is wall 44.
  • the wall 44 extends generally perpendicularly with respect to the base 32 and generally parallel to the flange 34 (and support 38).
  • the wall 34 has a gap 46 formed in the middle thereof, which is aligned with the gap 38 of the flange 34 and the gap 40 of the support 38.
  • the wall 44 is configured to slide into the space 26 formed between the outer wall of the channel 17 and the cosmetic lip 25 as the channel 17 is mounted on the flange 34.
  • First and second shielding members 50 are pivotally coupled to the base 32 for movement about axis X-X ( Figure 7).
  • a rod 52 passes through the foot 54 of the shielding member 50.
  • the opposite ends of the rod 52 are located and fixed in position with respect to the base 32 by mounting blocks 56 which include an aperture 58 therein for accommodating the rod 52.
  • the shielding members 50 comprise a planar limb 60 which extends from the foot 54. Attached to the opposite end of the limb 60 to the foot 54 is cover member 62 which has a curved configuration to substantially match the curvature of the outer surface of the sealing part 20, and the entire non- flocked surface, of the sealing strip 13.
  • the length of the rod 52 extending between the inner faces 64 of the mounting blocks 56 is greater than twice the width W of each of the shielding members 50.
  • the shielding members 50 are located with respect to the rod 52 to slide along the axis X-X of the rod 52 (in addition for pivotting about the axis X-X of the rod 52). This allows the space 66 between the shielding members 50 to be adjusted.
  • four magnetic members 68 are fitted in the region of the base 32 between the support 38 and the mounting blocks 56. Of course, more or fewer than four magnetic members 68 could be provided.
  • the magnetic members 68 are configured and arranged to magnetically attract the limbs 60 of the shielding members 50 when the shielding members 50 are pivotted into their closed position as shown in Figures 5,6 and 8 (when the limbs 60 extend generally parallel to the surface of the base 32).
  • the shielding members 50 are moved into their open position as shown in Figures 4 and 7.
  • One end 13 A of the sealing strip is positioned over the flange 34 to the lefthand side of the gap 36 (when viewed in the direction shown in Figure 5) and the other end 13B of the strip 13 is placed over the flange 34 on the righthand side of the gap 36 (as viewed in Figure 5).
  • a gap is present between the ends 13A and 13B that is substantially aligned with the gap 36 in the flange 34 (and the gap 40 in the support 38).
  • the foil 15 is then positioned in the gap 36,40 between the ends 13A and 13B of the strip 13.
  • the ends 13 A and 13B of the strips are then pushed together so that they contact the foil 15.
  • the shielding members 50 are then pivotted about the axis X-X so that they more into the closed position as shown in Figures 5,6 and 8.
  • the cover members 62 overlie and contact the outer surface of the sealing part 20, and the entire non-flocked surface, of the strip 13.
  • Part of the foil 15 (an "excess part") may extend between the gap 66 between the shielding members 50.
  • the shielding members 50 are then pressed together against the excess part of the foil 15. The excess part of the foil 15 is present because the foil 15 is generally cut into rectangular sections taken from a reel.
  • the strip 13, foil 15 and the bonding apparatus 30 are then placed in an oven and heated in the manner described above and/or are subjected to electromagnetic radiation or a magnetic or electrical field to provide inductive or capacitive heating as described above.
  • the heating and/or application of radiation causes the foil 15 to lose its semi-rigid form (present at ambient room temperature) and to become very soft and flexible - or to melt.
  • the presence of the cover members 62 prevents the soft or melted excess part of the foil from bonding to the exterior (outer) surface of the strip 13 and spoiling its appearance.
  • the cover members 62 could additionally extend over the cosmetic lip 25 but it has been found that the foil does not adhere to the flocked surface 27 of the cosmetic lip 25.
  • the cover members 62 have a PTFE coating.
  • the coating may be applied over all the surfaces of the cover members 62, or just over the outer surface and the edges that come into contact with the foil 15.
  • the PTFE coating helps prevent the melted material of the foil 15 adhering to the cover members 62.
  • the shielding members 50 After heat and/or electromagnetic radiation (or a magnetic or electrical field) has been applied in a sufficient quantity, the shielding members 50 are moved into their open position (as shown in Figures 4 and 7) and the sealing strip 13 may then be removed from the bonding apparatus 30. Due to the application of the heat and/or electromagnetic radiation (or a magnetic or electrical field) the flexible material of the sealing strip 15 and the carrier 21 are bonded to respective side surfaces of the foil 15, thereby firmly bonding the ends 13A and 13B of the sealing strip together. The foil material present around the outer periphery of the sealing strip, including the excess part, can then be removed. Preferably such removal is done while the foil is still warm from the application of heat/electromagnetic radiation or a magnetic or electrical field.
  • the sealing strip 13 may be provided with a surface coating.
  • the heating can cure this coating simultaneously with bonding the ends 13 A and 13B of the strip to the foil 15.
  • the bonding apparatus 30 may be formed of a material that is not heated significantly during the heating process in the oven or the application of electromagnetic radiation or magnetic or electrical field (which causes inductive or capacitive heating of the carrier 21). If such heating of the bonding apparatus did occur, it may be wasteful of energy.
  • the strip 13 is mounted on the bonding apparatus with the foil 15, and that this assembly is then moved to an oven or electromagnetic inductive/capacitive heating apparatus.
  • the bonding apparatus 30 may be fixed in position in an oven or electromagnetic irradiating apparatus and the sealing strip 13 and heat- bonding foil may be positioned on the bonding apparatus 30 at the heating/irradiating device.
  • the bonding apparatus 30 and the heating/irradiating device may be portable so that the ends 13A and 13B of the sealing strip can be bonded together when the sealing strip is in situ on the vehicle body - for example as described in United Kingdom Patent Publication No. GB 2428215 ("Portable Tool").
  • the bonding apparatus 30, strip 13 and foil 15 may be positioned within a coil in order to inductively heat the carrier 21.
  • a source of high frequency electricity is used to drive a large alternating current through the coil.
  • Such a coil is known as the work coil.
  • the passage of current through the coil generates a very intense and rapidly changing magnetic field in the space within the work coil.
  • the alternating magnetic field induces a current flow in the conductive carrier 21.
  • the arrangement of the work coil and the carrier 21 can be thought of as an electrical transformer.
  • the work coil is like the primary where electrical energy is fed in, and the carrier 21 is like a single turn secondary that is short-circuited. This causes large eddy currents to flow through the carrier 21.
  • the high frequency used in induction heating applications may give rise to a phenomenon called skin effect.
  • This skin effect forces the alternating current to flow in a thin layer towards the surface of the carrier 21.
  • the skin effect increases the effective resistance of the metal to the passage of the large current. Therefore it greatly increases the heating effect caused by the current induced in the carrier 21.
  • a strip having the flexible material of its ends joined together by a foil in accordance with WO-A-Ol 89810 could (subsequently) be subjected to inductive or capacitive heating of its carrier as described above in order to heat the carrier sufficiently to bond the carrier to the foil and thereby improve the strength of the bond between the ends of the strip.
  • the application of heat by a conventional oven or by hot air blowing, causing heating primarily by convection, is not a requirement of the invention.
  • the heating may be applied solely by inductive heating and/or capacitive heating.
  • the bonding apparatus 30 is formed of a material that is heated by capacitive and/or inductive heating.
  • the capacitive/inductive heating heats the bonding apparatus 30 in addition to the carrier 21. It has already been mentioned above that some heat from the carrier 21 (which is heated by inductive/capacitive heating) will heat the flexible material of the sealing strip 13 in the region close to the carrier 21. If the bonding apparatus 30 is also heated by inductive/capacitive heating, this will in turn cause heating of the sealing strip 13 where the bonding apparatus is proximate the sealing strip 13.
  • the secondary heating (by conduction/convention) caused by the bonding apparatus 30 and/or the carrier 21 may be sufficient to heat the flexible material of the sealing strip 13 to cause bonding of the flexible material to the foil 15, without requiring a separate conventional heat source such as an oven or hot air supply.
  • a separate conventional heat source such as an oven or hot air supply.
  • the shielding members 50 may be so heated, and particularly the cover members 62 thereof.
  • the elements of the bonding apparatus 30 that are heatable by inductive/capacitive heating may, for example, comprise carbon - for example graphite.
  • the foil 15 may be adapted to be heatable by a capacitive and/or inductive heating.
  • the foil may comprise carbon (for example, graphite) or the like. This renders the foil 15 heatable by inductive/capacitive heating. Inductive/capacitive heating applied to the ends 13A and 13B of the seal 13 and to the foil 15 may cause the foil 15 to be heated and to bond to the ends 13 A and 13B of the strip 15.
  • Inductive and/or capacitive heating can be used to bond the ends 13 A and 13B of the strip 13 when the carrier 21 is not present by providing for the foil 15 to be heated inductively/capacitively, by providing for the flexible material of the sealing strip to be heated conductively/capacitively (for example by the application of carbon/graphite thereto), and/or by making elements (particularly the shielding members 50) of the bonding apparatus 30 heatable by conductive/capacitive heating.
  • the heating of any of these components by inductive/capacitive heating may be sufficient to bond the ends 13 A and 13B of the sealing strip 13 together without a conventional separate heat source.
  • Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of bonding apparatus. This bonding apparatus corresponds in many respects to the bonding apparatus disclosed in WO-A-01 89810.
  • the bonding apparatus comprises two retaining devices 118,120 for receiving and clamping the profile sections 13A,13B.
  • the retaining devices 118, 120 can be opened to receive the profile sections 13A,13B and then closed to clamp the profile sections in position.
  • the retaining devices 118,120 are mounted on slides or similar mechanism (not shown) so as to be slidable in the directions of the arrows A and B to bring the ends of the clamped profile sections 13A,13B towards and away from each other.
  • a roll 122 of the foil or film 15 mounted between and above the two retaining devices 118,120 by supporting means (not shown).
  • the foil 15 can be drawn off the roll 122 as shown. Alternatively, the foil 15 can be supplied pre-cut.
  • a respective pair of conventional heaters 126,128 and 130,132 is positioned, the four heaters 126 to 132 being mounted on a movable heating unit 134, the heater unit 134 being movable to and fro in the directions of the arrows C and D so that the heaters 126 to
  • the two profile sections 13A,13B are clamped in the retaining devices 118 and 120 so that the ends to be joined protrude towards each other from the retaining devices.
  • a length of the foil 15 is unwound from the roll 122, or otherwise provided, generally into the position shown in Figure 9.
  • the heater unit 134 is moved in the direction of the arrow C so as to position the heaters 126 to 132 in the positions shown in the Figure.
  • the heaters are then activated.
  • the two outermost heaters 126 and 132 cause heating (by convection, conduction and/or radiation) of the ends of the profile sections 13 A and 13B while the two innermost heaters 128 and 130 heat the foil 15 (by convention, conduction and/or radiation).
  • the heater unit 134 is then withdrawn in the direction D so that the heaters 126 to 132 are clear of the spaces between the retaining devices 118,120 and the foil 15.
  • the retaining devices 118,120 are then caused to move towards each other so as to bring the ends of the profile sections 13A,13B into contact with opposite sides of the foil 15 with a predetermined amount of pressure.
  • the heated foil 15 thus thermally bonds the two ends of the profile sections 13A and 13B firmly together, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the retaining devices 118,120 are then opened to release the joined profile sections.
  • the foil 15 and the ends of the profile sections 13A,13B are heated to the required temperature levels. Because the heaters 126 and 132 for heating the ends of the profile sections 13A,13B are separate from the heaters 128 and 130 for heating the foil 15, a different amount of different amounts of heat may be applied to the ends of the profile sections than is applied to the foil. Thus, for example, the heaters 126,130 can apply heat at a temperature which is different from that of the heat applied by the heaters 128,132. Instead, the heaters 126,130 could apply heat at the same temperature as the heaters 128,132 but for a different time period, taking into account the different masses of the foil and the ends of the profile sections. Each part can thus be heated to the appropriate temperature for effective bonding.
  • the heaters 126 and 130 apply heat directly and substantially only to the ends of the profile sections, the risk of damage to the profile sections by such heating may in principle be minimised.
  • both heaters 126 and 132 may be required, it may be possible to use only one heater 128 or 130 for heating the foil. It may also be possible to replace each pair of heaters 126,128 and 130,132 with a single heater which is arranged to radiate respectively different amounts of heat to the adjacent profile section end and to the foil, so as to achieve the required different temperature levels.
  • the bonding apparatus thus far described corresponds to that disclosed in WO-A-Ol 89810. As discussed above, this known arrangement satisfactorily bonds the foil 15 to the flexible material of the strips 13A,13B but does not bond the foil 15 to the carrier 21, because the carrier 21 is not heated to a sufficient temperature.
  • the apparatus shown in Figure 9 additionally includes further heaters 136,138.
  • Each of the heaters 136,138 includes a U-shaped part 140, 142, which extend around the top and side surfaces of the respective retaining devices 118,120.
  • the inwardly facing end 144 of the U-shaped member 140 is aligned with the end face 146 of the retaining device 118.
  • the inwardly facing in face of the U-shaped member 138 is aligned with the inwardly facing end face of the retaining device 120.
  • the U-shaped parts 140,142 are connected at their upper surface to coupling parts 148,150 respectively.
  • coupling parts 148,150 are coupled to movement apparatus (not shown) for moving the coupling parts 148,150 (and the attached respective U-shaped parts 140,142 in the vertical direction shown by arrows E and F in Figure 9. It should be understood that, although the further heaters 136,138 have U- shaped parts 140, 142, those parts could have a different configuration. For example, the parts could be of curved configuration.
  • the further heaters 136,138 are configured and arranged to apply electromagnetic radiation (for example microwave radiation), and/or to apply a magnetic or electrical field, to cause the inductive or capacitive heating of the carrier 21 in particular (but not necessarily exclusively).
  • the further heaters 136,138 may heat the carrier 21 in the same manner as the work coil described above.
  • the carrier 21 may be heated to a temperature sufficient for the carrier 21 to bond to the foil 15, in addition to the flexible material of the strips 13A,13B bonding to the foil 15. Therefore, a stronger bond between the ends of the strips 13A,13B is formed by the apparatus shown in Figure 9.
  • the further heaters 136,138 may be moved away from the retaining devices 118,120 (in the direction of arrow E) at the same time as the heating unit 134 (and consequently the heaters 126 to 132) are retracted in the direction of arrow C.
  • the foil material present around the outer periphery of the sealing strip, including the excess part can be removed.
  • the foil material present around the outer periphery of the sealing strip, including the excess part can be removed.
  • such removal is done while the foil is still warm from the application of the heat/electromagnetic radiation or the magnetic or electric field.
  • the retaining devices 118,120 may preferably be formed of a material that is not heated significantly by the application of electromagnetic radiation or magnetic or electrical field (which causes inductive or capacitive heating of the carrier 21). If such heating of the retaining means 118,120 did occur, it may be wasteful of energy. Also, it may apply unnecessary and/or damaging heat to the outer surface of the strips 13A,13B in this way.
  • the retaining devices 118,120 may be formed from a material other than metal, for example.
  • the retaining devices 118,120 may be some arrangements where some heating of the retaining devices 118,120 by the application of electromagnetic radiation or magnetic or electrical field is desired and advantageous.
  • the material from which the retaining devices 118,120 will be selected according to the amount (if any) of electromagnetic radiation or magnetic or electrical field heating required of the retaining devices 118,120).
  • Figure 10 shows an alternative arrangement.
  • the sealing strips 13A,13B are conventionally heated by the heaters 126,132 in the manner described in relation to Figure 9.
  • the heaters 126,132 are then withdrawn by moving them in the direction of arrow D in Figure 9.
  • the ends of the sealing strips 13A,13B are then pressed together by bringing the retaining devices 118,120 towards each other.
  • a further heater 136 A is then moved from the storage position into the heating position shown in Figure 10.
  • the additional heater 136 A is moved in the direction of arrow G into the heating position.
  • the additional heater 136 A then causes heating of the carrier 21 by applying electromagnetic radiation (for example microwave radiation), or a magnetic or electrical field, to cause inductive or capacitive heating of the carrier 21. As in the Figure 9 arrangement, this causes the carrier 21 to bond to the foil 15, in addition to the flexible material of the sealing strips 13A,13B bonding to the foil 15.
  • electromagnetic radiation for example microwave radiation
  • a magnetic or electrical field to cause inductive or capacitive heating of the carrier 21.
  • the additional heater 136A can then be retracted into the storage position by moving it in the direction of arrow H.
  • conventional heaters 126 to 132 are not provided.
  • the retaining devices 118,120 are formed entirely or partly from metal, or from another material that is heated by the application of electromagnetic radiation or an electrical magnetic field.
  • the retaining means 118,120 clamp the sealing strips 13A,13B in the same manner as shown in Figures 9 and 10, although, in the present embodiment, this clamping may be such that the retaining devices 118,120 press against the outer surface of the strips 13A,13B in order to provide a good and firm contact between the material of the retaining devices 118,120 and the strips 13A,13B.
  • the retaining means then move together by moving them in the direction of arrow A ( Figure 9) so that the ends 13A,13B are pressed against respective sides of the foil 15 positioned between them.
  • An additional heater 136 A of the type described in relation to Figure 10, is then moved into position (also as described in relation to Figure 10) around the retaining devices 118,120.
  • the additional heater 136 A then heats the retaining devices 118,120 by application of electromagnetic radiation or electric or magnetic field.
  • the heating of the retaining devices 118,120 heats the flexible material of the sealing strips 13A,13B primarily by conduction.
  • the flexible material of the sealing strips 13A,13B is heated indirectly by the application of electromagnetic radiation or electric or magnetic field from the further heater 136 A.
  • the flexible material of the sealing strips 13A,13B may be heated sufficiently to bond the flexible material to the foil 15.
  • the foil 15 may be formed of a material which is also heated by the application of electromagnetic radiation or electrical magnetic field from the further heater 136 A, so that the foil, too is also heated by the electromagnetic radiation or electric or magnetic field from the further heater 136 A. If the foil 15 is such that the further heater 136 A does not directly heat it, the foil 15 may be indirectly heated by the heating of the retaining devices 118,120 and the heated material of the sealing strips 13A.13B.
  • the sealing strips 13A,13B may or may not have a carrier 21. If the carrier 21 is present, the heating applied by the further heater 136 A may be sufficient to bond the carrier 21 to the foil 15. However, as explained above in relation to the prior art, the duration for which heat would have to be applied to the sealing strips 13A,13B in order to bond the carrier 21 to the foil 15 may damage the flexible material of the sealing strip.
  • the apparatus of Figure 9 is modified so that the outer heaters 126,132 are not provided. Therefore, no heater is provided to directly heat the ends of the strips 13A,13B.
  • the inner heaters 128,130 are provided and heat the foil 15. When the foil 15 has been sufficiently heated, the heaters 128,130 are retracted by moving them in the direction of arrow
  • FIG 9) which is positioned as shown in Figure 10 over the pressed together ends of the sealing strips 13A,13B.
  • the further heater 136 A is then energised in order to apply electromagnetic radiation or electric or magnetic field to heat the retaining devices 18,20 - which, in this embodiment, are made of material that is heated by the application of electromagnetic radiation or electric or magnetic field.
  • the sealing strips 13A,13B are therefore heated by the retaining devices 118,120, so that the separately heated foil 15 bonds to the indirectly inductively/capacitively heated flexible material of the sealing strips 13A,13B.
  • a carrier 21 may or may not be present in this embodiment. If the carrier is present, it may be bonded to the foil 15. However, as discussed above, to heat the carrier 21 to a temperature sufficient for it to bond the foil 15 may damage the flexible material of the sealing strips 13 A, 13B .

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Abstract

A sealing strip (13) has two ends (13A) and (13B) which are bonded together by heat-bonding foil (15). Electromagnetic radiation/a magnetic or electrical field and/or heat are applied to the sealing strip (13) and the foil (15) so as to cause the flexible material of the sealing strip (13) and the relatively rigid material of the carrier (21) embedded within the strip (13) to bond to the foil (15). This provides a strong bond between the ends (13A) and (13B) of the strip (13). The electromagnetic radiation/magnetic or electrical field causes inductive or capacitive heating of the carrier (21), which is formed from e.g. metal. An apparatus (30) for facilitating the bonding operation is also disclosed.

Description

BONDING OF SEALING, TRIMMING OR GUIDING STRIPS
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a sealing, trimming or guiding strip, apparatus for forming such a strip, and a corresponding method. The strips are particularly, though not exclusively, for use on motor vehicle bodies such as the sealing around door openings, boot or trunk openings, or other closable openings of a vehicle.
Background Art
It is known to provide pre-formed loop-shaped sealing strips for fitment around closable openings of a vehicle such as around a door opening or a boot or trunk opening. Such strips include a main body of flexible material, such as rubber in which often is at least partially embedded a relatively rigid member or carrier, formed of metal. The ends of the strips are joined together by a heat-bonding sheet of material. Such an arrangement is disclosed in WO-A-01 89810 ("Butt Joint"), which is hereby fully incorporated by reference. In this document the ends of the sealing strip to be joined and the heat-bondable sheet of material are heated by a conventional heater so that the sheet of material thermally bonds to the extruded flexible material of the sealing strips. In the document the heat- bondable material has a melting point between 120 and 130 degrees C.
Summary of the Invention It is an object of embodiments of the invention to be described to improve the strength of the coupling between the ends of the sealing strip.
It is another object of embodiments of the present invention to provide coupling between the ends of the sealing strip without using applied conventional heating (or with reduced conventional heating). According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sealing, trimming or guiding strip having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material, wherein at least one the heat-bonding sheet of material and the strip is heated by at least one of inductive heating, capacitive heating, the application of an electric field, the application of a magnetic field and the application of a microwave radiation.
Thus, heating may be achieved without conventional convection heating, or with reduced conventional heating.
The heating types of inductive heating, capacitive heating, the application of an electric field, the application of a magnetic field and the application of a microwave radiation each provide distinct advantages. The inclusion in a
single list should not be taken to imply that all the heating types are equivalent.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a sealing, trimming or guiding strip comprising a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member, the strip having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material, wherein the heat- bonding sheet of material is bonded to the rigid member.
Thus, the rigid member (or "carrier") present at each of the two end faces are coupled to opposite sides of the heat-bonding sheet of material. Preferably, the flexible material is also bonded to the heat-bonding sheet of material. Such an arrangement may provide improved bonding between the two end faces of the strip because the relatively rigid member is bonded to the heat- bonding sheet of material. This is in contrast to the prior art described above where only the flexible material is bonded to the heat-bonding material.
In the embodiment the member comprises metal.
The strip may form a loop.
The sheet of heat-bonding material may have one or more perforations therein, and these perforations allow the passage of air therethrough.
The heat-bonding material advantageously comprises thermoplastic material and/or polyolef in - for example polyethylene.
The strip in the embodiment includes a channel-shaped gripping or mounting section for mounting the strip to a mount or flange of a body, such as a vehicle body. The strip may be formed by extrusion. Preferably the end faces of the strip are joined by the sheet of heat-bonding material such that corresponding parts of the end faces are aligned with one another. If the relatively rigid members of each of the end faces are aligned with one another and bonded to opposite sides of the heat-bondable sheet of material, this will increase the strength and rigidity of the strip.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for forming a sealing, trimming or guiding strip, the strip having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material, the apparatus including locating means for positioning the end faces of the strip and means for heating at least one the heat-bonding sheet of material and the strip by at least one of inductive heating, capacitive heating, the application of an electric field, the application of a magnetic field and the application of a microwave radiation.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for forming a sealing, trimming or guiding strip comprising a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member, the strip having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material, the apparatus including locating means for positioning the end faces of the strip and means for heating the reinforcing member, the arrangement being such that the member is bonded to the sheet of material.
In the embodiment the heating means is operable to heat the reinforcing member by exposing the member to an electrical or magnetic field. The heating means may comprise an inductive heater or a capacitive heater. The heating means may apply microwave radiation to the reinforcing member.
In the embodiment the heating means is operable to heat the member to 1200C or more.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for forming a sealing, trimming or guiding strip, the method including locating the end faces of the strip in position, providing the sheet of material in the region of the end faces of the strip, and heating at least one the heat-bonding sheet of material and the strip by at least one of inductive heating, capacitive heating, the application of an electric field, the application of a magnetic field and the application of a microwave radiation.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a sealing, trimming or guiding strip comprising a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member and having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material, the method including locating the end faces of the strip in position, providing the sheet of material in the region of the end faces of the strip, and heating the reinforcing member, the method being such that the member is bonded to the sheet of material.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for strengthening a sealing, trimming or guiding strip comprising a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member and having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material, the method including heating the reinforcing member such that the member is bonded to the sheet of material.
The invention also provides a new use for a sheet of heat-bondable material.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Sealing, trimming or guiding strips embodying the invention, apparatus for forming such a strip and a method of forming such a strip will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: -
Figure 1 is a perspective cut-away view of a sealing, trimming or guiding strip;
Figure 2 is an overhead plan view of a sealing strip having two end faces coupled together;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a heat-bondable sheet of material used for bonding the end faces of the strip together; Figure 4 is an overhead plan view of apparatus for coupling the end faces of the strip together;
Figure 5 is a front and overhead perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is an overhead and side perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 4;
Figure 7 is a overhead and side perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 4 with the apparatus in a different configuration;
Figure 8 is an overhead plan view of the apparatus of Figure 4 in which a strip is positioned;
Figure 9 shows an overhead and side perspective view of an alternative form of bonding apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 10 shows a side elevational view of a modified version of the bonding apparatus of Figure 9.
In the Figures like elements are generally designated with the same reference numerals.
Detailed Description of Example Embodiments
Figure 1 shows a sealing strip 13. The sealing strip 13 comprises a body formed of extruded, flexible, resiliently deformable plastics or rubber or similar material (e.g. TPE or EPDM) defining a channel 17 which, in. use, embracingly grips a flange (not shown) of a vehicle body. The extruded material preferably defines integral gripping lips 19 extending across the interior of the channel 17 from opposite facing sidewalls thereof, these lips 19 frictionally contacting the flange in use to help secure the strip 13 in position thereon. The extruded material defining the channel 17 is reinforced by a channel- shaped embedded resilient core or carrier 21, as made of metal or other suitable rigid material. The sealing strip 13 carries a relatively soft sealing part 20 having a hollow chamber 23 extending from the outside of the base and one sidewall of the channel 17 and also defining a mouth 24. When the sealing strip 13 is mounted on the flange, this sealing part 20 is positioned so as to be partially compressed by a closing door or boot/trunk lid, thus providing a weather seal around the opening closed by the door or boot trunk lid. A so-called "cosmetic lip" 25 may extend over the outside of the opposite sidewall of the channel 8 for hiding the edge of a trim panel received in space 26, although typically such a cosmetic lip 25 will not be provided for a boot/trunk seal (but will typically be provided for a door seal). The cosmetic lip maybe provided with a flocked surface 27.
Figure 2 shows in more detail the region of the sealing strip 13 where a foil 15 joins the opposite ends 13A, 13B thereof. The opposite ends 13A,13B have identical configurations. Seals in the form of loops are supplied to vehicle manufacturers for fitting to flanges around door and boot/trunk openings during the manufacture of vehicles. It is advantageous to join the opposite ends 13 A, 13B of the seal 13 by foil 15, in contrast to an arrangement where the ends are not joined but simply abut one another or lie adjacent to one another, because this provides a more effective weather seal and an improved appearance. In the embodiment, the foil 15 may be of any suitable type for ensuring an effective bond between the opposite ends 13 A and 13B of the seal 13, taking into account the material and characteristics of the flexible material from which the body of the sealing strip is formed and the material from which the carrier is formed. It may, for example, have a melting point of between 120 and 13O0C.
Figure 3 shows a form that the foil 15 may take. The foil is generally planar (and may be stored and supplied from a reel around which it is wound). The foil 15 advantageously has one or more slits 15A formed therethrough. This enables, in the finished joint, air to pass from one side of the foil 15 to the other side as shown by arrows X and Y in Figure 3. Therefore, the slits 15 A prevent a build up of pressure across the foil 15 in the event of compression of the strip 13. Such compression may take place during the fitting of the strips onto the vehicle body and/or in use when the strip is compressed by the closing door or boot/trunk lid. Any such build-up in pressure could tend to cause bursting of the foil 15 and rupture of the joint. The slits reduce the risk of this by allowing air to pass from one side of the foil 15 to the other. However, it should be appreciated that the provision of one or more slits 15 A is not essential to the present invention.
Advantageously, these slits 15 A are formed (only) in the region of the hollow chamber 23.
According to an important (but not essential) feature of the embodiment, the carrier 21 present at the ends 13A and 13B of the strip 13 are coupled at corresponding positions to opposite sides of the foil 15. The bonding of the carrier 21 to the foil 15 is in addition to the bonding between the flexible material of the ends 13 A and 13B of the sealing strip 13 to the foil 15 (such bonding between the flexible material of the strips and the foil being disclosed in WO-A-Ol 89810).
In order to bond the carrier 21 to the foil 15 the carrier 21 is heated to approximately 12O0C or more. The temperature may be approximately 18O0C or 3000C, for example. WO-A-0189810 discloses a foil that has a melting point of between 120 and 13O0C. The temperature to which the carrier 21 is heated is not stated, and will be less than 1200C - typically 80°C.
The bonding of the ends 13A and 13B of the strip 13 may be performed by the following steps:
1. The ends 13A and 13B of the seal 13 are aligned by mounting them on a flange of a heat bonding apparatus (to be described in more detail below).
2. The foil 15 is located between the ends 13A and 13B.
3. The ends 13 A and 13B are brought together (preferably pressed together) against the intermediate foil 15.
4. The seal 13, foil 15 and bonding apparatus are placed in an oven for between approximately 2 and 10 minutes at a temperature of substantially 3000C. The oven heats the seal 13, foil 15 and bonding apparatus primarily by convection.
5. The strips 13, foil 15 and bonding apparatus are removed from the oven and allowed to cool. 6. Preferably, excess foil 15 material around the edges of the sealing strip 13 is removed while it is still hot from the oven.
The high temperature in the oven causes the flexible material of the sealing strip 13 and the relatively rigid material of the carrier 21 to bond to the foil 15 at either side thereof.
The temperature of 300°C and time of 2 to 10 minutes are given by way of example only. Alternatively, the oven may be heated to a temperature of between substantially 14O0C and 200°C for approximately 20 minutes. An oven temperature of 180°C will heat the carrier 21 to approximately 1500C. Temperatures of between 14O0C and 2000C are advantageous because they do not damage the flexible material of the sealing strip 13.
An alternative arrangement for bonding the ends 13 A and 13B of the strip 13 together is as follows:
A. The ends 13A and 13B of the seal 13 are aligned by mounting them on a flange of the heat bonding apparatus.
B. The foil 15 is located between the ends 13 A and 13B.
C. The ends 13A and 13B are brought together (preferably pressed together) against the intermediate foil 15.
D. The carrier 21 is exposed to electromagnetic radiation (for example microwave radiation), or to a magnetic or electrical field to cause inductive or capacitive heating of the carrier 21. For example, the radiation may be applied for thirty seconds at a power of 900 watts. Applying such radiation or a magnetic or electrical field causes heating of the carrier 21. Simultaneously or contemporaneously heat is applied to the seal 13, foil 15 and bonding apparatus using, for example, the oven described above.
E. The strips 13, foil 15 and bonding apparatus are removed from the oven and allowed to cool.
F. Preferably, excess foil 15 material around the edges of the sealing strip 13 is removed while it is still hot from the oven.
It may be preferable (but is not essential) that conventional heating is applied in addition to the microwave radiation or a magnetic or electrical field because the microwave radiation (or the magnetic or electrical field) will generally only directly heat the carrier 21. The inductively/capacitively heated carrier 21 will in turn heat the flexible material of the strip 13 (by conduction) close to the carrier 21 but may not heat sufficiently parts more distant from the carrier 21. By applying conventional heat in addition to the electromagnetic radiation, or a magnetic or electrical field, the whole of the flexible material of the strip 13 can be brought to the required temperature to allow the flexible material of the strip 13 to bond to the foil 15. The electromagnetic radiation or magnetic or electrical field heats the carrier 21 to a temperature sufficient for the carrier 21 to bond to the foil 15, which temperature is generally higher than the temperature that is required or used to bond the flexible material of the strip 13 to the foil 15.
The carrier 21 is formed of a material that can be heated by inductive or capacitive heating. A suitable metal may be used - for example steel.
As an alternative to positioning the strip 13, foil 15 and bonding apparatus in an oven, hot air could be supplied from a hot air source. Whatever mechanism applies the conventional heat, the conventional heat may be applied for approximately three minutes, for example.
The embodiment described causes the carrier 21 to bond to the foil 15 in addition to the flexible material of the strip 13 bonding to the foil 15. This provides a stronger bond between the ends 13A and 13B of the strip 13.
Because of the stronger bond, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the flexible material if desired. For example, thick walls of the channels 17 and sealing part 20 are not required in order to provide a strong bond between the ends 13A and 13B of the strip 13 - significant bonding strength between the ends 13A and 13B of the strip being provided by the bond between the carrier 21 and the foil 15 on opposite sides of the foil 15.
The bonding apparatus will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 4,5,6,7 and 8.
The bonding apparatus 30 comprises a generally planar base 32 to which a flange 34 is fixed. The flange 34 extends substantially perpendicularly to the base 32. The flange 34 comprises two spaced apart sections, leaving a gap 36 therebetween. The flange 34 is configured to be accommodated in the channel 17 of the sealing strip 13. The gripping lips 19 press against the walls of the flange 34.
Support 38 is spaced apart from and extends generally parallel to the flange 34. The support 38 is fixed to the base 32 and extends substantially perpendicularly thereto. The support 38 has a gap 40 therein, which is aligned with the gap 36 of the flange 34. The support 38 supports contour member 42 which is fixed to the distal end thereof, for example by a bolt.
The contour member 42 comprises two identical parts, one of which is fixed to the support 38 each side of the gap 40, thereby leaving a space between the contour members 42 aligned with the gaps 40 and 36. The contour member 42 is configured to pass into the mouth 24 of the strip 13 as the flange 34 passes into the channel 17 of the strip 13.
Fixed to the base 32 on the opposite side of the flange 34 to the support 38 is wall 44. The wall 44 extends generally perpendicularly with respect to the base 32 and generally parallel to the flange 34 (and support 38). The wall 34 has a gap 46 formed in the middle thereof, which is aligned with the gap 38 of the flange 34 and the gap 40 of the support 38. The wall 44 is configured to slide into the space 26 formed between the outer wall of the channel 17 and the cosmetic lip 25 as the channel 17 is mounted on the flange 34.
First and second shielding members 50 are pivotally coupled to the base 32 for movement about axis X-X (Figure 7). A rod 52 passes through the foot 54 of the shielding member 50. The opposite ends of the rod 52 are located and fixed in position with respect to the base 32 by mounting blocks 56 which include an aperture 58 therein for accommodating the rod 52. The shielding members 50 comprise a planar limb 60 which extends from the foot 54. Attached to the opposite end of the limb 60 to the foot 54 is cover member 62 which has a curved configuration to substantially match the curvature of the outer surface of the sealing part 20, and the entire non- flocked surface, of the sealing strip 13.
The length of the rod 52 extending between the inner faces 64 of the mounting blocks 56 is greater than twice the width W of each of the shielding members 50. The shielding members 50 are located with respect to the rod 52 to slide along the axis X-X of the rod 52 (in addition for pivotting about the axis X-X of the rod 52). This allows the space 66 between the shielding members 50 to be adjusted. In the region of the base 32 between the support 38 and the mounting blocks 56, four magnetic members 68 are fitted. Of course, more or fewer than four magnetic members 68 could be provided. The magnetic members 68 are configured and arranged to magnetically attract the limbs 60 of the shielding members 50 when the shielding members 50 are pivotted into their closed position as shown in Figures 5,6 and 8 (when the limbs 60 extend generally parallel to the surface of the base 32).
In order to bond the ends 13A and 13B of the seal 13 using the apparatus shown in Figures 4 to 8, the shielding members 50 are moved into their open position as shown in Figures 4 and 7. One end 13 A of the sealing strip is positioned over the flange 34 to the lefthand side of the gap 36 (when viewed in the direction shown in Figure 5) and the other end 13B of the strip 13 is placed over the flange 34 on the righthand side of the gap 36 (as viewed in Figure 5). At this point a gap is present between the ends 13A and 13B that is substantially aligned with the gap 36 in the flange 34 (and the gap 40 in the support 38).
The foil 15 is then positioned in the gap 36,40 between the ends 13A and 13B of the strip 13. The ends 13 A and 13B of the strips are then pushed together so that they contact the foil 15.
The shielding members 50 are then pivotted about the axis X-X so that they more into the closed position as shown in Figures 5,6 and 8. The cover members 62 overlie and contact the outer surface of the sealing part 20, and the entire non-flocked surface, of the strip 13. Part of the foil 15 (an "excess part") may extend between the gap 66 between the shielding members 50. The shielding members 50 are then pressed together against the excess part of the foil 15. The excess part of the foil 15 is present because the foil 15 is generally cut into rectangular sections taken from a reel.
As described above, the strip 13, foil 15 and the bonding apparatus 30 are then placed in an oven and heated in the manner described above and/or are subjected to electromagnetic radiation or a magnetic or electrical field to provide inductive or capacitive heating as described above.
The heating and/or application of radiation (or a magnetic or electrical field) causes the foil 15 to lose its semi-rigid form (present at ambient room temperature) and to become very soft and flexible - or to melt. The presence of the cover members 62 prevents the soft or melted excess part of the foil from bonding to the exterior (outer) surface of the strip 13 and spoiling its appearance. The cover members 62 could additionally extend over the cosmetic lip 25 but it has been found that the foil does not adhere to the flocked surface 27 of the cosmetic lip 25.
Preferably, the cover members 62 have a PTFE coating. The coating may be applied over all the surfaces of the cover members 62, or just over the outer surface and the edges that come into contact with the foil 15. The PTFE coating helps prevent the melted material of the foil 15 adhering to the cover members 62.
After heat and/or electromagnetic radiation (or a magnetic or electrical field) has been applied in a sufficient quantity, the shielding members 50 are moved into their open position (as shown in Figures 4 and 7) and the sealing strip 13 may then be removed from the bonding apparatus 30. Due to the application of the heat and/or electromagnetic radiation (or a magnetic or electrical field) the flexible material of the sealing strip 15 and the carrier 21 are bonded to respective side surfaces of the foil 15, thereby firmly bonding the ends 13A and 13B of the sealing strip together. The foil material present around the outer periphery of the sealing strip, including the excess part, can then be removed. Preferably such removal is done while the foil is still warm from the application of heat/electromagnetic radiation or a magnetic or electrical field.
The sealing strip 13 may be provided with a surface coating. Advantageously, the heating can cure this coating simultaneously with bonding the ends 13 A and 13B of the strip to the foil 15.
The bonding apparatus 30 may be formed of a material that is not heated significantly during the heating process in the oven or the application of electromagnetic radiation or magnetic or electrical field (which causes inductive or capacitive heating of the carrier 21). If such heating of the bonding apparatus did occur, it may be wasteful of energy.
In the embodiments it has been indicated that the strip 13 is mounted on the bonding apparatus with the foil 15, and that this assembly is then moved to an oven or electromagnetic inductive/capacitive heating apparatus. Alternatively, the bonding apparatus 30 may be fixed in position in an oven or electromagnetic irradiating apparatus and the sealing strip 13 and heat- bonding foil may be positioned on the bonding apparatus 30 at the heating/irradiating device.
In some instances it will be advantageous for the bonding apparatus 30 and the heating/irradiating device to be portable so that the ends 13A and 13B of the sealing strip can be bonded together when the sealing strip is in situ on the vehicle body - for example as described in United Kingdom Patent Publication No. GB 2428215 ("Portable Tool"). The bonding apparatus 30, strip 13 and foil 15 may be positioned within a coil in order to inductively heat the carrier 21. A source of high frequency electricity is used to drive a large alternating current through the coil. Such a coil is known as the work coil. The passage of current through the coil generates a very intense and rapidly changing magnetic field in the space within the work coil. The alternating magnetic field induces a current flow in the conductive carrier 21. The arrangement of the work coil and the carrier 21 can be thought of as an electrical transformer. The work coil is like the primary where electrical energy is fed in, and the carrier 21 is like a single turn secondary that is short-circuited. This causes large eddy currents to flow through the carrier 21.
In addition to this, the high frequency used in induction heating applications may give rise to a phenomenon called skin effect. This skin effect forces the alternating current to flow in a thin layer towards the surface of the carrier 21. The skin effect increases the effective resistance of the metal to the passage of the large current. Therefore it greatly increases the heating effect caused by the current induced in the carrier 21.
For ferrous metals like iron and some types of steel, there is an additional heating mechanism that takes place at the same time as the eddy currents mentioned above. The intense alternating magnetic field inside the work coil repeatedly magnetises and de-magnetises the iron crystals. This rapid flipping of the magnetic domains causes considerable friction and heating inside the material of the carrier 21 if it is made from an appropriate material. Heating due to this mechanism is known as Hysteresis loss. This can be a large contributing factor to the heat generated during induction heating, but only takes place inside ferrous materials. For this reason ferrous materials lend themselves more easily to heating by induction than non-ferrous materials. In a further embodiment of the invention, a strip having the flexible material of its ends joined together by a foil in accordance with WO-A-Ol 89810 could (subsequently) be subjected to inductive or capacitive heating of its carrier as described above in order to heat the carrier sufficiently to bond the carrier to the foil and thereby improve the strength of the bond between the ends of the strip.
It should be appreciated that the application of heat by a conventional oven or by hot air blowing, causing heating primarily by convection, is not a requirement of the invention. The heating may be applied solely by inductive heating and/or capacitive heating.
In a further embodiment of the invention the bonding apparatus 30 is formed of a material that is heated by capacitive and/or inductive heating. When the capacitive/inductive heating is applied it heats the bonding apparatus 30 in addition to the carrier 21. It has already been mentioned above that some heat from the carrier 21 (which is heated by inductive/capacitive heating) will heat the flexible material of the sealing strip 13 in the region close to the carrier 21. If the bonding apparatus 30 is also heated by inductive/capacitive heating, this will in turn cause heating of the sealing strip 13 where the bonding apparatus is proximate the sealing strip 13. The secondary heating (by conduction/convention) caused by the bonding apparatus 30 and/or the carrier 21 may be sufficient to heat the flexible material of the sealing strip 13 to cause bonding of the flexible material to the foil 15, without requiring a separate conventional heat source such as an oven or hot air supply. It should be appreciated that not all the components of the bonding apparatus 30 need to be readily heatable by inductive/capacitive heating. For example, the shielding members 50 may be so heated, and particularly the cover members 62 thereof. The elements of the bonding apparatus 30 that are heatable by inductive/capacitive heating may, for example, comprise carbon - for example graphite.
The foil 15 may be adapted to be heatable by a capacitive and/or inductive heating. For example, the foil may comprise carbon (for example, graphite) or the like. This renders the foil 15 heatable by inductive/capacitive heating. Inductive/capacitive heating applied to the ends 13A and 13B of the seal 13 and to the foil 15 may cause the foil 15 to be heated and to bond to the ends 13 A and 13B of the strip 15.
It should also be appreciated that the invention is applicable to the bonding of strips that do not include a carrier 21. Inductive and/or capacitive heating can be used to bond the ends 13 A and 13B of the strip 13 when the carrier 21 is not present by providing for the foil 15 to be heated inductively/capacitively, by providing for the flexible material of the sealing strip to be heated conductively/capacitively (for example by the application of carbon/graphite thereto), and/or by making elements (particularly the shielding members 50) of the bonding apparatus 30 heatable by conductive/capacitive heating. The heating of any of these components by inductive/capacitive heating may be sufficient to bond the ends 13 A and 13B of the sealing strip 13 together without a conventional separate heat source.
Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of bonding apparatus. This bonding apparatus corresponds in many respects to the bonding apparatus disclosed in WO-A-01 89810.
The bonding apparatus comprises two retaining devices 118,120 for receiving and clamping the profile sections 13A,13B. The retaining devices 118, 120 can be opened to receive the profile sections 13A,13B and then closed to clamp the profile sections in position. The retaining devices 118,120 are mounted on slides or similar mechanism (not shown) so as to be slidable in the directions of the arrows A and B to bring the ends of the clamped profile sections 13A,13B towards and away from each other. A roll 122 of the foil or film 15 mounted between and above the two retaining devices 118,120 by supporting means (not shown). The foil 15 can be drawn off the roll 122 as shown. Alternatively, the foil 15 can be supplied pre-cut.
On each side of the path of the foil 15, a respective pair of conventional heaters 126,128 and 130,132 is positioned, the four heaters 126 to 132 being mounted on a movable heating unit 134, the heater unit 134 being movable to and fro in the directions of the arrows C and D so that the heaters 126 to
132 can be moved in the direction C into the position shown in Figure 9 and moved in the direction D so that they are clear of the space between the two retaining devices 118 , 120.
In use, the two profile sections 13A,13B, the ends of which are to be joined, are clamped in the retaining devices 118 and 120 so that the ends to be joined protrude towards each other from the retaining devices. A length of the foil 15 is unwound from the roll 122, or otherwise provided, generally into the position shown in Figure 9. The heater unit 134 is moved in the direction of the arrow C so as to position the heaters 126 to 132 in the positions shown in the Figure. The heaters are then activated. The two outermost heaters 126 and 132 cause heating (by convection, conduction and/or radiation) of the ends of the profile sections 13 A and 13B while the two innermost heaters 128 and 130 heat the foil 15 (by convention, conduction and/or radiation).
The heater unit 134 is then withdrawn in the direction D so that the heaters 126 to 132 are clear of the spaces between the retaining devices 118,120 and the foil 15. The retaining devices 118,120 are then caused to move towards each other so as to bring the ends of the profile sections 13A,13B into contact with opposite sides of the foil 15 with a predetermined amount of pressure. The heated foil 15 thus thermally bonds the two ends of the profile sections 13A and 13B firmly together, as shown in Figure 2. The retaining devices 118,120 are then opened to release the joined profile sections.
In order to achieve bonding, it is of course necessary for the foil 15 and the ends of the profile sections 13A,13B to be heated to the required temperature levels. Because the heaters 126 and 132 for heating the ends of the profile sections 13A,13B are separate from the heaters 128 and 130 for heating the foil 15, a different amount of different amounts of heat may be applied to the ends of the profile sections than is applied to the foil. Thus, for example, the heaters 126,130 can apply heat at a temperature which is different from that of the heat applied by the heaters 128,132. Instead, the heaters 126,130 could apply heat at the same temperature as the heaters 128,132 but for a different time period, taking into account the different masses of the foil and the ends of the profile sections. Each part can thus be heated to the appropriate temperature for effective bonding.
Because the heaters 126 and 130 apply heat directly and substantially only to the ends of the profile sections, the risk of damage to the profile sections by such heating may in principle be minimised.
Various modifications may be made. For example, although both heaters 126 and 132 may be required, it may be possible to use only one heater 128 or 130 for heating the foil. It may also be possible to replace each pair of heaters 126,128 and 130,132 with a single heater which is arranged to radiate respectively different amounts of heat to the adjacent profile section end and to the foil, so as to achieve the required different temperature levels. The bonding apparatus thus far described corresponds to that disclosed in WO-A-Ol 89810. As discussed above, this known arrangement satisfactorily bonds the foil 15 to the flexible material of the strips 13A,13B but does not bond the foil 15 to the carrier 21, because the carrier 21 is not heated to a sufficient temperature.
It has been found that, if the apparatus of WO-A-Ol 89810 were modified to conventionally heat the ends of the profiles 13A,13B by the heaters 126 to 132 by a sufficient amount for the carrier 21 to bond to the foil 15, the flexible material of the strips 13A,13B is damaged - for example, the flexible material cracks. To heat the ends of the strips 13A,13B to a sufficient temperature for the carrier 21 to bond to the foil 15, it will typically be necessary to heat the profile ends for approximately two minutes or more.
The apparatus shown in Figure 9 additionally includes further heaters 136,138. Each of the heaters 136,138 includes a U-shaped part 140, 142, which extend around the top and side surfaces of the respective retaining devices 118,120. The inwardly facing end 144 of the U-shaped member 140 is aligned with the end face 146 of the retaining device 118. Similarly, the inwardly facing in face of the U-shaped member 138 is aligned with the inwardly facing end face of the retaining device 120. The U-shaped parts 140,142 are connected at their upper surface to coupling parts 148,150 respectively. These coupling parts 148,150 are coupled to movement apparatus (not shown) for moving the coupling parts 148,150 (and the attached respective U-shaped parts 140,142 in the vertical direction shown by arrows E and F in Figure 9. It should be understood that, although the further heaters 136,138 have U- shaped parts 140, 142, those parts could have a different configuration. For example, the parts could be of curved configuration.
The further heaters 136,138 are configured and arranged to apply electromagnetic radiation (for example microwave radiation), and/or to apply a magnetic or electrical field, to cause the inductive or capacitive heating of the carrier 21 in particular (but not necessarily exclusively). The further heaters 136,138 may heat the carrier 21 in the same manner as the work coil described above.
By heating the sealing strip 13A,13B by the further heaters 136,138, in addition to heating of the strips 13A,13B and the foil 15 by the conventional heaters 126 to 132, the carrier 21 may be heated to a temperature sufficient for the carrier 21 to bond to the foil 15, in addition to the flexible material of the strips 13A,13B bonding to the foil 15. Therefore, a stronger bond between the ends of the strips 13A,13B is formed by the apparatus shown in Figure 9.
The further heaters 136,138 may be moved away from the retaining devices 118,120 (in the direction of arrow E) at the same time as the heating unit 134 (and consequently the heaters 126 to 132) are retracted in the direction of arrow C.
As in the previous embodiment, after the ends of the strips 13A,13B have been pressed together, the foil material present around the outer periphery of the sealing strip, including the excess part, can be removed. Preferably, such removal is done while the foil is still warm from the application of the heat/electromagnetic radiation or the magnetic or electric field. The retaining devices 118,120 may preferably be formed of a material that is not heated significantly by the application of electromagnetic radiation or magnetic or electrical field (which causes inductive or capacitive heating of the carrier 21). If such heating of the retaining means 118,120 did occur, it may be wasteful of energy. Also, it may apply unnecessary and/or damaging heat to the outer surface of the strips 13A,13B in this way. The retaining devices 118,120 may be formed from a material other than metal, for example.
However, there may be some arrangements where some heating of the retaining devices 118,120 by the application of electromagnetic radiation or magnetic or electrical field is desired and advantageous. The material from which the retaining devices 118,120 will be selected according to the amount (if any) of electromagnetic radiation or magnetic or electrical field heating required of the retaining devices 118,120).
Figure 10 shows an alternative arrangement. In this arrangement the sealing strips 13A,13B are conventionally heated by the heaters 126,132 in the manner described in relation to Figure 9. The heaters 126,132 are then withdrawn by moving them in the direction of arrow D in Figure 9. The ends of the sealing strips 13A,13B are then pressed together by bringing the retaining devices 118,120 towards each other. When the sealing strips 13A,13B and retaining devices 118,120 are in this position, as shown in Figure 10, a further heater 136 A is then moved from the storage position into the heating position shown in Figure 10. The additional heater 136 A is moved in the direction of arrow G into the heating position. The additional heater 136 A then causes heating of the carrier 21 by applying electromagnetic radiation (for example microwave radiation), or a magnetic or electrical field, to cause inductive or capacitive heating of the carrier 21. As in the Figure 9 arrangement, this causes the carrier 21 to bond to the foil 15, in addition to the flexible material of the sealing strips 13A,13B bonding to the foil 15.
After the application of electromagnetic radiation or magnetic or electrical field by the additional heater 136 A to heat the carrier 21 to a sufficient temperature, the additional heater 136A can then be retracted into the storage position by moving it in the direction of arrow H.
In an alternative arrangement, conventional heaters 126 to 132 are not provided. In this embodiment the retaining devices 118,120 are formed entirely or partly from metal, or from another material that is heated by the application of electromagnetic radiation or an electrical magnetic field. The retaining means 118,120 clamp the sealing strips 13A,13B in the same manner as shown in Figures 9 and 10, although, in the present embodiment, this clamping may be such that the retaining devices 118,120 press against the outer surface of the strips 13A,13B in order to provide a good and firm contact between the material of the retaining devices 118,120 and the strips 13A,13B. The retaining means then move together by moving them in the direction of arrow A (Figure 9) so that the ends 13A,13B are pressed against respective sides of the foil 15 positioned between them. An additional heater 136 A, of the type described in relation to Figure 10, is then moved into position (also as described in relation to Figure 10) around the retaining devices 118,120. The additional heater 136 A then heats the retaining devices 118,120 by application of electromagnetic radiation or electric or magnetic field. The heating of the retaining devices 118,120 heats the flexible material of the sealing strips 13A,13B primarily by conduction. Thus, the flexible material of the sealing strips 13A,13B is heated indirectly by the application of electromagnetic radiation or electric or magnetic field from the further heater 136 A. By providing an appropriate amount of heating by the further heater 136A, the flexible material of the sealing strips 13A,13B may be heated sufficiently to bond the flexible material to the foil 15. The foil 15 may be formed of a material which is also heated by the application of electromagnetic radiation or electrical magnetic field from the further heater 136 A, so that the foil, too is also heated by the electromagnetic radiation or electric or magnetic field from the further heater 136 A. If the foil 15 is such that the further heater 136 A does not directly heat it, the foil 15 may be indirectly heated by the heating of the retaining devices 118,120 and the heated material of the sealing strips 13A.13B.
In such an arrangement the sealing strips 13A,13B may or may not have a carrier 21. If the carrier 21 is present, the heating applied by the further heater 136 A may be sufficient to bond the carrier 21 to the foil 15. However, as explained above in relation to the prior art, the duration for which heat would have to be applied to the sealing strips 13A,13B in order to bond the carrier 21 to the foil 15 may damage the flexible material of the sealing strip.
In yet another embodiment, the apparatus of Figure 9 is modified so that the outer heaters 126,132 are not provided. Therefore, no heater is provided to directly heat the ends of the strips 13A,13B. The inner heaters 128,130 are provided and heat the foil 15. When the foil 15 has been sufficiently heated, the heaters 128,130 are retracted by moving them in the direction of arrow
D (Figure 9). The ends of the sealing strips 13A,13B are then pressed together by moving the retaining devices 118,120 towards each other in the direction of arrow A (Figure 9). In this embodiment a single further heater
136A is provided (rather than the two further heaters 136,138 shown in
Figure 9) which is positioned as shown in Figure 10 over the pressed together ends of the sealing strips 13A,13B. The further heater 136 A is then energised in order to apply electromagnetic radiation or electric or magnetic field to heat the retaining devices 18,20 - which, in this embodiment, are made of material that is heated by the application of electromagnetic radiation or electric or magnetic field. The sealing strips 13A,13B are therefore heated by the retaining devices 118,120, so that the separately heated foil 15 bonds to the indirectly inductively/capacitively heated flexible material of the sealing strips 13A,13B. A carrier 21 may or may not be present in this embodiment. If the carrier is present, it may be bonded to the foil 15. However, as discussed above, to heat the carrier 21 to a temperature sufficient for it to bond the foil 15 may damage the flexible material of the sealing strips 13 A, 13B .

Claims

1. A sealing, trimming or guiding strip (13) having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material (15), wherein at least one of the heat-bonding sheet of material (15) and the strip (13) is heatable by inductive heating.
2. A sealing, trimming or guiding strip (13) having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material (15), wherein at least one the heat-bonding sheet of material (15) and the strip (13) is heatable by at least one of inductive heating, capacitive heating, the application of an electric field, the application of a magnetic field and the application of a microwave radiation.
3. The strip of claim 1 or 2, comprising a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member (21), wherein the heat-bonding sheet of material (15) is bonded to the rigid member (21).
4. A sealing, trimming or guiding strip (13) comprising a body of flexible material (15) that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member (21), the strip (13) having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat- bonding sheet of material (15), wherein the heat-bonding sheet of material (15) is bonded to the rigid member (21).
5. The strip of claim 3 or 4, wherein said rigid member (21) comprises metal.
6. The strip of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the strip (13) forms a loop.
7. The strip of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said sheet of material (15) has one or more perforations (15A) therein.
8. The strip of any one of claims 1 to 7, including a hollow chamber.
9. The strip of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heat-bonding sheet of material (15) comprises thermoplastic material.
10. The strip of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the strip (13) includes a channel-shaped gripping or mounting section (17) for mounting the strip to a mount or flange of a body, such as a vehicle body.
11. The strip of any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the heat-bonding sheet of material (15) is bonded to the flexible material.
12. The strip of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the strip (13) is formed by extrusion.
13. The strip of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the end faces of the strip (13) are joined by the sheet of material (15) such that corresponding parts of the end faces are aligned with one another.
14. The strip of claim 13, when dependent of claim 7 and 8, wherein the hollow chambers at the end faces are aligned with one another, the perforation (15A) allowing the passage of air between the respective hollow chambers.
15. The strip of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the sheet of material (15) includes carbon or graphite.
16. The strip of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the flexible material includes carbon or graphite.
17. Apparatus for forming a sealing, trimming or guiding strip, the strip (13) having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material (15), the apparatus including locating means (34) for positioning the end faces of the strip (13) and means for heating at least one the heat- bonding sheet of material (15) and the strip (17) by at least one of inductive heating, capacitive heating, the application of an electric field, the application of a magnetic field and the application of a microwave radiation.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the strip (13) comprises a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member (21), wherein the heat-bonding sheet of material (15) is bonded to the rigid member (21).
19. Apparatus for forming a sealing, trimming or guiding strip comprising a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member (21), the strip (13) having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat-bonding sheet of material (15), the apparatus including locating means for positioning the end faces of the strip (13) and means for heating the reinforcing member, the arrangement being such that the member (21) is bonded to the sheet of material (15).
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the heating means is operable to heat the reinforcing member (21) by exposing the member (21) to an electrical or magnetic field.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the heating means comprises an induction heater.
22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the heating means comprises a capacitive heater.
23. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the heating means applies microwave radiation to the rigid member (21).
24. The apparatus of any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the heating means is operable to heat the member to 120°C or more.
25. The apparatus of any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the heating means heats the locating means which in turn heats the strip and/or sheet.
26. The apparatus of any one of claims 17 to 24, including means (62) for preventing the sheet of material (15) from bonding to the exterior surface of the strip (13).
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the heating means heats the preventing means (62) which in turn heats the strip (17) and/or sheet (15).
28. The apparatus of any one of claims 17 to 21, including additional heating means for heating the strip (13) and/or the heat-bonding sheet of material (15) by convention, conduction and/or radiation.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the additional heating means is adapted to apply a different amount of heat to the sheet (15) and to the ends of the strips (13).
30. The apparatus of claim 28 or 29, wherein the additional heating means comprises first heating means for heating the ends of the strips and second, separate, heating means for heating the sheet, the first and second heating means being adapted to apply different amounts of heat to the sheet and to the ends of the strips.
31. A method for forming a sealing, trimming or guiding strip, the method including locating the end faces of the strip (13) in position, providing the sheet of material (15) in the region of the end faces of the strip (13), and heating at least one the heat-bonding sheet of material (15) and the strip (13) by at least one of inductive heating, capacitive heating, the application of an electric field, the application of a magnetic field and the application of a microwave radiation.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the strip comprises a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member, wherein the heat-bonding sheet of material is bonded to the rigid member.
33. A method for forming a sealing, trimming or guiding strip comprising a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member (21) and having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat- bonding sheet of material (15), the method including locating the end faces of the strip (13) in position, providing the sheet of material (15) in the region of the end faces of the strip (13), and heating the reinforcing member (21), the method being such that the member is bonded to the sheet of material.
34. The method of claim 33, including heating the reinforcing member (21) by exposing the member (21) to an electrical or magnetic field.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein said heating comprises inductive heating.
36. The method of claim 34, wherein said heating comprises capacitive heating.
37. The method of any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein said heating applies microwave radiation to the rigid member (21).
38. The method of any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein said heating heats the member (21) to 12O0C or more.
39. The method of any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the heating means heats the locating means which in turn heats the strip (13) and/or sheet (15).
40. The method of any one of claims 31 to 39, including providing means (64) for preventing the sheet of material (15) from bonding to the exterior surface of the strip (13).
41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the heating means heats the preventing means (64) which in turn heats the strip (13) and/or sheet (15).
42. A method for strengthening a sealing, trimming or guiding strip comprising a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member (21) and having two end faces that are coupled together by a heat- bonding sheet of material (15), the method including heating the reinforcing member (21) such that the member (21) is bonded to the sheet of material (15).
43. Use of a heat-bonding sheet of material for being heated by at least one of inductive heating, capacitive heating, the application of an electric field, the application of a magnetic field and the application of a microwave radiation to bond together two end faces of a sealing, trimming or guiding strip.
44. Use according to claim 43, wherein strip comprises a body of flexible material that is reinforced by a relatively rigid member.
45. Use according to claim 43 or 44, wherein said heating by at least one of inductive heating, capacitive heating, the application of an electric field, the application of a magnetic field and the application of a microwave radiation is indirect heating.
46. Use according to claim 45, wherein the rigid member is heated directly by said heating and wherein said rigid member heats the sheet of material.
47. Use according to claim 42,43,44,45 or 46, wherein the foil includes carbon.
48. Use according to any one of claims 43 to 47, wherein the foil comprises polyolefin - for example, polyethylene.
PCT/IB2007/000647 2006-03-08 2007-03-08 Bonding of sealing, trimming or guiding strips WO2007102085A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0604685A GB0604685D0 (en) 2006-03-08 2006-03-08 Bonding of sealing, trimming or guiding strips
GB0604685.8 2006-03-08
GB0604890A GB0604890D0 (en) 2006-03-10 2006-03-10 Bonding of sealing, trimming or guiding strips
GB0604890.4 2006-03-10
GB0609895.8 2006-05-18
GB0609895A GB2435852A (en) 2006-03-08 2006-05-18 Bonding of sealing, trimming or guiding strips

Publications (2)

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WO2007102085A2 true WO2007102085A2 (en) 2007-09-13
WO2007102085A3 WO2007102085A3 (en) 2008-03-27

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EP2502726A3 (en) * 2011-03-22 2014-09-03 MHF GmbH Method and device for gluing profiled elements

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US4618387A (en) * 1985-03-08 1986-10-21 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Splicing methods for an extruded handrail
DE3906278A1 (en) * 1989-02-28 1990-08-30 Muetsch Adolf Process and apparatus for bonding profiles
GB2362602A (en) * 2000-05-24 2001-11-28 Draftex Ind Ltd Joining profile sections
WO2001089810A1 (en) * 2000-05-24 2001-11-29 Gencorp Property Inc. Methods of and apparatus for joining profile sections
WO2004106039A1 (en) * 2003-05-28 2004-12-09 Semperit Aktiengesellschaft Holding Splicing construction for longitudinal profiles

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IT1078629B (en) * 1975-11-19 1985-05-08 Tokyo Shibaura Electric Co GASKET FOR REFRIGERATOR DOORS, REFRIGERATOR EQUIPPED WITH SUCH GASKET AND PROCEDURE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF THE GASKET ITSELF
US4618387A (en) * 1985-03-08 1986-10-21 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Splicing methods for an extruded handrail
DE3906278A1 (en) * 1989-02-28 1990-08-30 Muetsch Adolf Process and apparatus for bonding profiles
GB2362602A (en) * 2000-05-24 2001-11-28 Draftex Ind Ltd Joining profile sections
WO2001089810A1 (en) * 2000-05-24 2001-11-29 Gencorp Property Inc. Methods of and apparatus for joining profile sections
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2502726A3 (en) * 2011-03-22 2014-09-03 MHF GmbH Method and device for gluing profiled elements

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