Device and m.

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR LAMINATING A LAMINATION SHEET ELEMENT IN A COMPONENT, DEVICE AND METHOD FOR APPLYING ADHESIVE, LAMINATING SYSTEM, COMPONENT TO BE LAMINATED WITH A LAMINATION SHEET ELEMENT AND USE OF A SIDE OF A DEPARTMENT LAMINATION SHEET

The invention relates to a device for laminating a lamination sheet element onto a component having a profiled lamination plane by using a lamination tool, whereby the lamination sheet element is laminated onto the component , the rolling tool comprising a first half of the tool and a second half of the tool.

The invention also relates to a device for applying the adhesive onto a surface of a laminating sheet element for laminating an automotive coating component with an application device for applying the adhesive to the surface of the laminating sheet element in one plane application, which has a transport unit for generating relative movement between the application device and the lamination sheet element.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for laminating a component with a laminating foil element, comprising a device for laminating the laminating foil element on the component and comprising a transport unit for transporting the foil element. lamination to the lamination device.

The invention further relates to a method of laminating a laminating sheet element onto a component.

The invention also relates to a method of applying the adhesive onto a surface of a laminating sheet element to laminate a component, in particular an automotive coating component, wherein the application device for a flat extension of the adhesive and the surface of the laminating sheet element are brought into effective contact with each other in an application plane, and wherein the application device and the lamination sheet element move relative to each other for flat application of the adhesive on the surface.

The invention also relates to a component to be laminated with a lamination sheet element, the component having at least one area to be permanently laminated, over which the lamination sheet element can be permanently laminated in a

RQH L Ln / R ίΠΖ / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ rolling plane, in particular in a profiled rolling plane.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to the use of a reservoir foot to keep a laminating sheet element ready.

In particular, such generic devices, devices for laminating a component with a foil element, as well as methods implemented in this manner, in particular for applying the adhesives on a component to make a higher value component laminated with a foil element or the like, in particular an automotive coating component, are known from the state of the art.

With conventional devices and methods for laminating the laminating foil elements into the components, a complete laminating foil element is often applied, which often requires more effort for subsequent steps of the method.

In particular, in the devices and methods currently used to apply the adhesive on a surface of a laminating foil element, for example, an automotive coating component, as well as in generic devices for laminating a component with an element of lamination sheet, the adhesive is applied on the entire sheet. In other words, adhesive is applied to the entire surface area of ​​the face of the laminating sheet element which is brought into effective contact with the component.

To laminate the areas of a component, on which no sheet has been applied, without adhesive, a substantial subsequent effort is required in terms of engineering and process construction, whereby it can be ensured that the predetermined areas of the lamination component they are not laminated or at least not permanently laminated, in other words that the lamination sheet element is partially removed from certain areas of the lamination sheet element.

In general, this increases the costs of the tools used by approximately 40%, where in addition, the adhesive applied to the non-laminated areas of the component is wasted, which further increases the manufacturing costs of laminated components, in particular the components of automotive coating. This waste of adhesive also puts additional pressure on the environment.

It is the aim of the invention to overcome at least the aforementioned disadvantages and further develop generic devices and methods accordingly.

According to a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a device for laminating a laminating sheet element into a component with a lamination plane.

Aon L LÍVA LAZ / Β / ΥΙΛΙ profiled by means of a rolling tool, whereby the rolling sheet element is rolled onto the component, the rolling tool comprising a first half of the tool and a second half of the tool and the device comprising a deflection arrangement for deflecting the portions of the rolling sheet element out of the profiled rolling plane.

Advantageously, the deflection arrangement for deflecting the portions of the lamination sheet element out of the profiled lamination plane makes it possible that even the portions of the lamination sheet element provided with adhesive do not come into effective contact with the component or only with a non-critical extension, at least temporarily.

Advantageously, in this way, the areas of the component that are not to be laminated do not come into contact, or not permanently, with a lamination sheet element, for example, until after an adhesive has lost a substantial amount of its adhesive strength.

In this context, it is useful if at least one of the two halves of the tool comprises the deflection arrangement, wherein a deflection cavity of the deflection arrangement is located in at least one half of the tool. In this way, contact between the non-laminated component areas and the lamination sheet element, as desired according to the invention, can be temporarily avoided by simple constructive means.

It is particularly advantageous if the deflection cavities of the deflection arrangement have at least partially corrugated or lattice-shaped walls.

This helps to achieve, first of all, an enlargement of the surface of the tool and, in particular, also of the laminating sheet element, which in turn achieves a more effective cooling of the adhesive present in these areas.

Second, this significantly reduces the risk of unintended adhesive bonding of the lamination sheet element and carrier element in areas of the component that are not intended to be laminated.

Furthermore, this helps to achieve a better inherent stability of the laminating sheet element. For better and faster cooling of the adhesives, it is advantageous for the deflection cavities of the deflection arrangement to be cooled.

Therefore, an improved embodiment provides, cumulatively or alternatively, a fluid flushing unit in the device whereby the spaces between the carrier part or component to be laminated and the lamination sheet element can be flushed with a fluid, preferably with air. This helps to achieve even more effective cooling of the adhesive.

AQA L LA / A LA7 / B / YIAI

The deflection cavities can be separated from the surrounding areas by simple constructive means if the deflection cavities of the deflection arrangement are spatially separated from the rolling contact areas by means of sealing elements.

If the deflection cavities of the deflection arrangement are incorporated as vacuum cavities, the laminating sheet element can be very easily deflected within the meaning of the invention.

It is understood that the diversion provision can have very different modalities. The deflection arrangement may very well be integrated into the device here if there is a pressure difference unit in the device or in a corresponding rolling tool, the rolling tool is designed so that, by means of the pressure difference unit At least part of the component may deviate from a rolling plane, in particular from a profiled rolling plane, of the rolling tool into the deflection cavity.

In a second aspect of the invention, the object of the invention is achieved by a device for applying an adhesive on a surface of a laminating sheet element to laminate a component, in particular an automotive coating component, with an applicator device. to apply · the adhesive on the surface of the lamination sheet element in an application plane, having a transport unit for generating relative movement between the application device and the laminating sheet element, wherein the device comprises a deflection arrangement for deflecting the portions of the laminating sheet element out of the plane of application.

By means of such a deflection arrangement, one, preferably more than one, portions of a laminating sheet element may deviate from the actual sheet plane of the respective laminating sheet element so that the application device cannot access these deflected portions. while the adhesive is applied.

In this way, a geometric gap will be created between the application device and the portions of the respective laminating sheet element.

In other words, the deflected portions will remain free of adhesive.

Therefore, areas to be laminated without adhesive, i.e. areas of a laminating sheet element that are free of adhesive, such as, for example, sheet terminations formed by a tool, can be created outside of a tool. of a laminating device.

This process already takes place advantageously during the actual application of the adhesive on a

AQA L LA / A LA7 / B / YIAI lamination sheet element, resulting in a substantially simplified plant construction and a much simpler process method.

Therefore, advantageously, on the one hand, lamination can take place in a well-known manner with a conventional standard lamination tool and, on the other hand, a portion of the lamination sheet element which is left free of adhesive can be laminated onto the carrier component or foot in a non-adhesive manner, which does not create or only creates a negligible bond with the carrier part or the component to be laminated, respectively.

Therefore, these remaining adhesive-free portions of the laminated lamination sheet element can at a later time be easily removed from the laminated component as sheet debris, in particular after an adapted punching process.

It should be emphasized already at this point that the application device can be characterized by different types of application means in terms of construction. A suitable application device for implementing the present invention may comprise, for example, an application roller element that rolls on the surface of the respective lamination sheet element and transfers the adhesive that adheres to the application roller element to the surface of the laminating sheet element.

The term "application plane" designates a plane, preferably a substantially horizontal plane, in which an adhesive is applied to a surface of a laminating sheet element.

In other words, the surface of the laminating sheet element facing the applicator device is located in or parallel to this applicator plane. Preferably, in this application plane, the application means of the application device are in effective contact with the respective lamination sheet element.

The term "adhesive" here designates the means of adhesion with which a particularly close effective contact or connection can be established between the lamination sheet element to be applied and a carrier component or part, respectively.

Such means of adhesion can be of very different types, for example, special adhesives to preferably establish the adhesive bond of plastics, but also as thermally activatable adhesives or the like.

In the context of the invention, the term laminating sheet element designates an element that can be laminated onto a component to produce a product that gives a high value impression in both optical and haptic terms, such as a coating component

Aon L LA / A LAZ / Β / ΥΙΛΙ automotive or similar. That is, the lamination sheet element is a decorative layer for renovating a component. Typically, such a lamination sheet element is provided in the form of a sheet web and preferably as a precast sheet.

Accordingly, the term component designates the actual carrier portion that ultimately supports the laminating sheet element and is generally a finished product obtained after lamination, such as, specifically, an automotive coating component.

In the context of the invention, the term transport unit designates any unit by means of which the device and the components of the application, in particular the elements of the lamination sheet, can be moved among themselves to transfer the adhesive from the device of application to the components, in particular the lamination sheet elements, in a flat manner. It has proved useful to move the components, in particular the lamination sheet elements, in the direction of application by means of the transport unit to translate the adhesive on the components, in particular on the lamination sheet elements. With a respective design of the transport unit, it is also possible, cumulatively or alternatively, to move the application device with respect to the components, in particular the rolling elements.

Deviations of the lamination sheet element during the application of the adhesive can be initiated very easily by means of construction, by arranging the deviation arrangement and the application device at least partially on different sides of the application plane and the sheet material element. lamination respectively. This makes deflection of the lamination sheet element out of the application device very simple with respect to a construction.

Furthermore, the application device is not constructively in conflict with the diversion arrangement, since the diversion arrangement is positioned opposite to the application device.

Therefore, it is advantageous that the application plane is arranged between the application device and the components of the deflection arrangement. In this way, clearly defined functional spaces are created for the application device, which can further simplify the construction of the application device.

Advantageously, in this way, even existing plants for laminating a component with a laminating sheet element can easily be adapted by means of the proposed application device.

In accordance with the invention, the deflection arrangement can be implemented by various

ROA L LA / A LAZ / Β / ΥΙΛΙ technical means to deflect the lamination sheet element out of the lamination plane. Some possibilities are contact clamps or suction devices or the like.

A preferred embodiment provides that the deflection arrangement comprises a pressure difference pump to create a vacuum to lift portions of the surface of the lamination sheet element from the application means of the application device.

It has been shown that by means of a vacuum, relatively precisely defined portions can be created in the lamination sheet element that can deviate far enough from the plane of application to create particularly well defined regions free of adhesive on the surface of the laminating sheet element. lamination.

In order to create at least some such portions in the lamination sheet element, it is advantageous if the deflection arrangement comprises at least one deposit part for depositing a lamination sheet element, the deposit part comprises at least one concave cavity , preferably a plurality of concave cavities, to absorb a portion of the lamination sheet element.

By means of these concave cavities, the portions of the laminating sheet element can deviate particularly easily and with operational safety from the normal sheet plane or from the application plane, respectively, by dragging the portions of the sheet sheet element. lamination towards the respective cavity.

Advantageously, a suitable pressure difference pump can be used to create a vacuum or partial vacuum in the concave cavity, by dragging at least the portions of the lamination sheet element into the cavity.

If the depth of a cavity with respect to a deposit surface for depositing the lamination sheet element is greater than 0.5 mm or 1 mm, preferably 2 mm, and in particular less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, the element Lamination sheet may advantageously be deflected to securely create adhesive-free portions on the lamination sheet element.

If a depth of more than 0.5 mm or more than 1 mm, preferably more than 2 mm, is provided, the laminating sheet element may be deflected in these portions away from the application device to a degree that is sufficient to ensure that the application of the application device can no longer come into contact with the lamination sheet element in these portions.

If the depth is less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, the risk of

AQA L LAZA LAZZBZYIAI a plastic deformation of the lamination sheet element, which in any other way could affect the surface quality of the lamination sheet element.

Furthermore, with the proposed dimensions, the lamination sheet element is still flat enough that the present invention can also be used normally in existing plants for lamination of a component, as long as they have been modified accordingly.

Alternatively, the deflection arrangement can be further developed when it comprises at least one reservoir part for depositing a laminating sheet element, the reservoir part comprises at least one opening, preferably a plurality of openings, to absorb a portion of the sheet element lamination.

In addition to a cavity, an opening according to the invention can be a complete through hole in a tank part, so that the tank part will have a substantially flat two-dimensional shape.

The cavity, on the other hand, preferably has only a small vacuum opening, preferably in a concave wall of the reservoir part, so that a vacuum can be created in the cavity.

The cavity forms a recess in the surface that faces the application device. Therefore, such a reservoir part will have an at least partially three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, the portions of the lamination sheet element that are free of adhesive can have almost any flat geometric shape since the cavities or openings provided in the reservoir part can have almost any type of contour.

If desired, cavities and openings may also be provided in combination.

Furthermore, a deposit paite according to the invention can be implemented in many different ways. For example, it may comprise an endless conveyor belt with concave openings or cavities.

Alternatively, the dimensions of the reservoir part may approximately correspond to the dimensions of one or more lamination sheet elements to be applied.

Advantageously, at least one reservoir part comprises a tray, preferably a heated tray.

In preferably heated trays used as reservoir parts, the wall portions of the tray by means of which sheet-free areas will be created in the component to be laminated, can be placed deeper than other wall portions of the respective tray,

AQA L LAZA LAZZBZYIAI and cavities can be evacuated in this way. Those portions of the lamination sheet element that are not supposed to receive adhesive are dragged down, away from the application device and into the cavity, and are not coated with adhesive when they pass through the application means, in particular the application roller, as previously described. The trays can be trays according to the state of the art that have been simply modified by providing one or more openings according to the invention.

In any other way, they can be completely new designed, especially in the case of the new optional cavities.

The trays can preferably always be transported back to a basic position by means of a separate transport system or the present transport unit, to collect the rolling foil elements again and move them with respect to the application device.

Regardless of the preferred embodiment of the deposit part, the deposit part in any case has a deposit surface on which a flat sheet rolling element can be deposited for transportation and processing according to the present invention.

Another preferred embodiment provides for the device to be characterized by a positioning unit, in particular a footprint system, for the precise positioning of the lamination sheet element with respect to the deflection arrangement, in particular with respect to a part of tank for depositing the lamination sheet element.

With the positioning unit proposed here, the adhesive can be applied even more precisely, and therefore more securely, to those places on the lamination sheet element where the adhesive will take effect during and after lamination.

On the contrary, this also means that the adhesive-free portions can be located very precisely on the laminating sheet element, saving a maximum of adhesive material.

In order to accurately position the lamination sheet element, an already employed part printing system can preferably be used whereby the device can be equipped with a suitable positioning unit in a particularly economical manner.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the object of the invention is also achieved by a system for laminating a component with a laminating sheet element, comprising a device for laminating the laminating sheet element on the component and

ROA L LA / A LAZ / Β / ΥΙΛΙ comprising a transport unit for transporting the laminating sheet element to the laminating device, the system characterized by a laminating device and / or applying the adhesive on a surface of a lamination sheet element according to one of the characteristics described here.

If the lamination system is equipped with the present device for application, the components can be more advantageously laminated with lamination sheet elements.

Preferably, the transport unit for transporting the lamination sheet element to the lamination device and the transport unit for causing relative movement between the application device and the lamination sheet element are the same, which substantially helps reduce the construction effort required to provide the system and in particular the adhesive application device.

Furthermore, the system can also be characterized by a perforation device integrated in the lamination device or by a downstream perforation device suitable for perforating the laminated lamination sheet element.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the task of the invention is also accomplished by a component.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention, the task of the invention is also accomplished by a method of laminating a laminating sheet element on a component, wherein a designated portion of the component on the laminating sheet element, which is sheet-free, with respect to an area of ​​the component that must be sheet-free and with respect to other surrounding areas of the rolling sheet part, is deflected in a rolling tool so far, such that during the lamination of the lamination sheet element on the component, this portion hardly comes into contact with the component, so that after lamination of the lamination sheet part, this part can be more easily removed from the others surrounding portions of the lamination sheet part.

In this way, a sheet-free area can be created in a laminated component in any other way, both safely and economically, in terms of process engineering as well as device engineering, the area of ​​which, as a result, will not be laminated with the piece of lamination sheet.

In particular, a type of preferred method is proposed wherein the portion of the lamination sheet part with respect to the designated sheet-free area is delimited for printing from other surrounding portions of the lamination sheet part, whereby with this method this portion

AQA L LAZA LAZZBZYIAI delimited is deflected during lamination into an additional material recess of a tool half of a lamination tool by means of a vacuum, so that this portion during lamination of the lamination sheet element does not enter contact with the component, or only enter insufficiently, such that it is easier to remove from the component after lamination.

The designated sheet-free portion is preferably delimited from the surrounding portions of the laminating sheet element as a separate vacuum circle.

For this purpose, additional sealing elements are used in a conventional lamination tool, in particular in a vacuum lamination tool.

Preferably, the portion bounded by the separate vacuum circle is deflected within an upper mold of the rolling tool during rolling.

In this way, an additional geometric gap is produced between the portion of the lamination sheet element and the component to be laminated, which avoids lamination in this area. In other words, by means of a further deviation, the actual contact of the adhesive between the adhesive coated lamination sheet element and the component is avoided.

Preferably, a suitable tool for this purpose, in particular an upper mold, has a surface enlargement structure, for example a lattice structure, in this portion for better cooling.

It is particularly advantageous that the first half of the tool is cooled, especially in the recess portion of additional material, so that an adhesive applied to the laminating sheet element in this region loses its adhesive power at least to a substantial degree.

This helps to further ensure effectively that this portion does not combine with the component so that it can be easily removed from the component, by creating a sheet-free area in the final laminated component.

In order to implement the method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention without problems, it is advantageous for a rolling tool to have a deflection cavity within which portions of a rolling sheet element can be deflected before or during rolling in a carrier part or component.

The diversion can take place by means of a vacuum or partial vacuum of a pressure difference pump in the diversion cavity.

Furthermore, even without the other features of the invention, it is advantageous for the gaps between a carrier part or component to be laminated and the sheet element

AQA L LA / A LAZ / Β / ΥΙΛΙ lamination are rinsed with a fluid, in particular with air, allowing for faster and therefore more effective cooling of an adhesive, so that unwanted adhesive contact between the lamination sheet element and the carrier element.

This is especially advantageous with a closed lamination tool, which causes almost no delay in the course of the process.

Furthermore, according to a sixth aspect of the invention, the object is also achieved by means of a method of applying adhesive on a surface of a laminating sheet element to laminate a component, in particular an automotive coating component, where an application device for the flat application of adhesive and the surface of the laminating sheet element are brought into effective contact with each other in an application plane, and where the application device and the lamination sheet element move relative to each other for a flat application of the adhesive on the surface of the lamination sheet element, with portions of the surface of the lamination sheet element deviating from the plane of application so that the adhesive is only applied to some portions of the surface of the laminating sheet element.

In this way, an extraordinarily simple processing method is provided whereby the desired portions of the laminating sheet element can be left adhesive free with respect to a component.

In this way, the consumption of adhesive and the cost, therefore, can be minimized with respect to other techniques used in the state of the art.

In particular, the portions to be laminated without an adhesive, that is, portions of a lamination sheet element to be left free of adhesive, can be created outside of a lamination device.

Therefore, another important advantage, in addition to saving adhesive, since the portions of a laminating sheet element are not coated with adhesive, is a substantial simplification of the construction of, in particular, lamination tools. This helps build such tools much more easily, so that the risk of failure of currently used lamination systems can also be substantially reduced.

Adhesive consumption can be further reduced if there are even fewer areas coated with adhesive in a laminating sheet element by also leaving spaces between the cavities and / or openings, as well as outlets, which are free of adhesive.

The solutions to apply the adhesive on a laminating sheet element that are proposed

Aon L LÍVA LAZ / Β / ΥΙΛΙ in the present description can also be used in standard laminations, since the adhesive in the intermediate spaces and outlets can be left and saved if the method or the device is adapted accordingly.

In general, in a system currently employed for laminating a component with a laminating foil element, (at least) approximately 50% of the amount of adhesive can be saved. For example, assuming a format size of 800mm x 2,000mm for a laminating sheet element and approximately € 7 per 1kg of adhesive, 1,000 cars per day, 220 business days per year, and 7 years run time (0.8 mx2 mx 50% x 1,000 cars x 220 days x 7 years), you can save approximately € 862,400.00.

At the same time, the tools used also become cheaper due to the simpler construction, resulting in even more cost advantages.

It is also advantageous if the surface of the laminating sheet element is deflected out of the plane of application so that the portions of the surface of the laminating sheet element are free of adhesive, these portions are located especially within or in boundary areas of the element of lamination sheet.

In this way, the portions both inside and outside the lamination sheet element can be left free of adhesive so that these portions can be removed from the laminated component and removed quite easily after a lamination process without these separate portions of the lamination element lamination sheet become contaminated with adhesive

Portions of the adhesive-free lamination sheet element can be produced, especially at the boundaries of the adhesive sheet element, i.e. specifically at a sheet exit of a tool, if the surface of the lamination sheet element deviates partially from the plane of application so that the adhesive-free regions occur on the surface of the lamination sheet element, bordering on an adhesive layer produced on the surface. Cumulatively or alternatively, the adhesive-free portions can also be produced without any problem within the surface of the laminating sheet element if the surface of the laminating sheet element partially deviates from the plane of application, so as to produce portions free of adhesive on the surface of the lamination sheet element which is surrounded at least partially or entirely by adhesive.

If the portions of the surface according to the invention deviate from the plane of application, adhesive-free portions can be created as desired in a very simple way in the respective lamination sheet element.

AQA L LAZA LAZZBZYIAI

Advantageously, the lamination sheet element is already partially lifted from the application device before or during the application of the adhesive, to provide the surface of the lamination sheet element only partially with an adhesive layer. In this case, the lamination sheet element has been partially moved away from the application device during the application of the adhesive, the partial portions of the surface of the lamination sheet element can only be partially covered with an adhesive layer, while the portions directly Adjacent to the lamination sheet element remains adhesive free.

It has been shown that a deflection according to the invention can be performed very easily, by subjecting the roll sheet element to little deformation, if the roll sheet element is partially absorbed during the application of the adhesive to provide the surface only partially an adhesive layer.

By partially sucking the laminating sheet element, the portions of the laminating sheet element will be moved away from the application device, which will no longer be reached by the application means of the application device, creating the portions on the surface of the lamination sheet element which are free of adhesive

Other portions of the laminating sheet element that are directly adjacent to the aforementioned portions, on the other hand, in fact with the present method effectively come into contact with the application means of the application device, so that in those areas, the adhesive is transferred to the laminating element.

Therefore, both adhesive and non-adhesive portions can be produced on the lamination sheet element, the process of which is simplified by a pressure difference pump.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the invention, the object is also achieved by a component for lamination with a lamination sheet element, the component having at least one area to be permanently laminated, over whose area the element sheet mill can be permanently laminated in a rolling plane, in particular in a profiled rolling plane, the component temporarily having at least one differently structured area incorporated so that only portions, or preferably none, come into effective contact with the lamination sheet element. In this way, an adhesive force between the lamination sheet element and the carrier part can be partially avoided.

In particular, higher removal rates can be achieved.

Advantageously, the at least one differently structured portion has a surface or

AQA L LA / A LA7 / B / YIAI different surface texture of the at least one portion to be permanently laminated, so that, in particular, better cooling can be achieved in the differently structured portion.

If the at least one differently structured portion has a honeycomb shape, the cooling effect can be substantially increased by a significantly larger cooling surface.

Such a honeycomb or corrugated structure is characterized by recesses that traverse the surface of the laminating sheet element.

Advantageously, the at least one differently structured portion is formed by at least two honeycomb elements, preferably a set of honeycomb elements, which makes it possible to achieve good stability and enlargement of the surface of the laminating sheet element.

If the at least one portion structured differently from the rolling plane is disposed at least temporarily next to the at least one portion to be permanently laminated, the component and the rolling sheet element, respectively, may be provided with a very stable contour, which further improves the handling of the component. In particular, higher removal rates can be achieved.

The same applies if at least two differently structured portions are separated from each other at least temporarily by at least one portion to be permanently laminated with respect to the rolling plane.

The object of the invention is also achieved by using a reservoir part to provide a lamination sheet element in a lamination system to laminate an automotive coating component or the like to create adhesive free portions on a surface of this element. of lamination sheet.

Especially by means of a reservoir part adapted accordingly, as already explained above, the adhesive-free portions can very easily be created in a laminating sheet element.

In addition to the objects claimed in the claims already explained above, there should also be advantageously mentioned a method for producing a flat adhesive layer in a semi-finished product, in which an adhesion medium, such as, for example, a suitable adhesive, is transfers to a surface of the semi-finished product by means of an application device, in particular an application roller for the application of bonding means; where the application device and the surface of the semi-finished product come into contact

AQA L LA / A LAZ / B / YIAI mutual effective, for which purpose the semi-finished product is placed in a warehouse; and where the application device for the flat application of the adhesion means and the semi-finished product are subsequently moved towards and in relation to each other; and wherein the surface of the semi-finished product is only partially brought into effective contact with the bonding means by displacing the portions of the semi-finished product into the cavities or through the openings of the reservoir foot.

At this point, it should also be explicitly pointed out that, in terms of both process engineering and device engineering, it is extremely easy with the present invention to modify and adapt a system for laminating a component with a laminating sheet element, or for producing a laminated automotive coating component, respectively, for laminating other components, since basically the deviation arrangement has to be modulated differently for this purpose; in particular, only differently designed tank parts should be used to adapt the system to new components.

By means of the proposed device and system, the alternative methods can be advantageously carried out.

It is understood that the characteristics of the solutions described above or in the claims can also be combined, if desired, for the cumulative implementation of the advantages and effects that can be achieved.

In any case, the present invention is also characterized in that, by means of a deflection arrangement, the portions of a laminating sheet element deviate from an application plane in which adhesive is applied to the lamination sheet, and / or outside a lamination plane defined by a carrier foot profile, in which plane a lamination sheet element is laminated onto a carrier part or component, so that leaf-free areas can be produced in a very simple way in the component.

At this point, it should also be mentioned that within the framework of the present patent application, the wording in particular should always be understood as indicating an optional and preferred feature. It should not be understood specifically in the sense of the word.

Furthermore, it should be noted that, within the framework of the present application, indefinite articles and numbers such as one, two, etc., should normally be understood as indicating a minimum, that is, at least one, At least two, etc. , unless it is clear from the context that it can only address exactly one, exactly two, etc.

AQA L LA / A LA7 / B / YIAI

Furthermore, other features, effects and advantages of the present invention are explained by means of the attached figure and the subsequent specification, where both a device for applying the adhesive on a surface of a laminating element and a device are shown and described. for laminating a laminating sheet element.

The components shown in the drawings whose functions are at least substantially identical can be indicated by the same reference numbers, where the components do not need to be indicated and explained in all the figures.

In the Figures:

Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a device for applying the adhesive on a surface of a laminating element, having a deflection arrangement for deflecting portions of the laminating sheet element out of an application plane in which the adhesive is transferred to the surface of the lamination element by an application device;

Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of the device in Figure 1;

Figure 3 schematically shows a top view of the device in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 schematically shows a detailed view of the application device in Figures 1 to 3; and

Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of a component to be laminated with a laminating sheet element, that is, of the laminating sheet with the component arranged below it, respectively;

Figure 6 schematically shows a partially cutaway view of a device for applying a lamination sheet element with an open lamination tool, comprising a deflection arrangement for deflecting the lamination sheet element out of a profiled lamination plane;

Figure 7 schematically shows another partially cut away view of the device in Figure 6 with a closing lamination tool;

Figure 8 schematically shows another partially cut away view of the device in Figures 6 and 7 with a closed rolling tool;

Figure 9 schematically shows a view of the lamination sheet element shown in Figures 6 to 8, formed with the lamination tool and applied, positioned in the upper half of the lamination tool; and

Figure 10 schematically shows a view of the laminated component with the device in

AQA L LA / A LAZ / B / YIAI Figures 6 to 9, with differently structured areas already separated.

In this exemplary embodiment, the device 1, shown in Figures 1 to 4, for applying the adhesive 2 to a surface 3 of a laminating sheet element 4 (indicated here by way of example only) for laminating a component 5 is simply one of several processing stations 6 (not shown) of a single schematically indicated system 7 for laminating a component 5 with a respective lamination sheet element 4. In total, according to Figure 1, four such lamination sheet elements 4 are shown.

Component 5, shown only illustratively in the context of the present invention, can be any component 5 that can be used in many different ways. Preferably, the present component 5 is an automotive coating component, in particular an interior automotive coating component, to be enhanced by the lamination sheet element 4.

Therefore, the lamination sheet element 4 can be a decorative layer (not referenced again) to give a higher value impression, in optical terms, but generally also in haptic terms.

Viewed in the machine direction 7, i.e. in the transport direction of the laminating sheet element 4, the device 1 for applying the adhesive 2 is arranged before a device (not shown) for laminating the sheet element lamination 4 on component 5 of system 7.

The device 1 comprises an application device 10 for applying the adhesive 2 on the surface 3 of the laminating sheet element 4, where to apply the adhesive 2, application means 11 are provided, incorporated in this specific example of embodiment by a application roller element 12.

The application device 10 further comprises an adhesive reservoir 13 containing the adhesive 2.

The adhesive reservoir 13 is positioned on the application means 11 and the application roller element 12 thereof, so that the application roller element 12 can be loaded with adhesive 2 by the force of gravity.

The application roller element 12 forms the lower end of the adhesive reservoir 13.

Device 1 is further characterized by an application plane 15 (see especially Figure 2) opposite application device 10. More precisely, application plane 15 is located below application device 10.

In this application plane 15, the adhesive 2 is transferred from the

AQA L LA / A LA7 / B / YIAI application 12 to the surface 3 of the laminating sheet element 4 facing the application device 10.

In this exemplary embodiment, the application plane 15 is constructed substantially by a transport unit 18 by means of which individual laminating sheet elements 4 are transported through the device 1 and in particular through the system 7.

The transport unit 18 allows, specifically in the device 1, a relative movement between the laminating sheet element 4 and the application device 10 located above it.

For this purpose, the transport unit 18 has an endless circulation transport belt 19; in this exemplary embodiment, advantageously, the conveyor belt 19 of a DMY conveyor (not separately referenced) of system 7. This helps keep the construction of the present device 1 simpler.

In particular, the device 1 according to the invention is further characterized by a deflection arrangement 20 by means of which the respective lamination sheet element 4 can be partially deflected from the application device 10 with a deflection direction 21, the deflection direction 21 away from the application device 10.

In particular, a deviation movement 22 of the areas 25, 26, 27, etc. is foreseen. of the lamination sheet element 4 in the deviation direction 21 transverse to the machine direction 7 or of the application plane 15 to implement these areas 25, 26, 27 etc. without adhesive.

In Figures 1 to 4, areas 25, 26, 27, etc. they are marked, that is, they are surrounded by contour edge lines, for better visibility.

Therefore, areas 25, 26, 27, etc. They very precisely indicate the contours 28 (indicated by way of example only) of the areas 29 (indicated by way of example only) on the lamination sheet element 4 which are free of adhesive.

With the device 1 described here, the surface 3 of the laminating sheet element 4 is deflected in such a way outside the plane of application 15 in which the adhesive 2 is only applied in portions of the surface 3 of the laminating sheet element 4 .

In this way, the application device 10 applies, that is, produces, an adhesive layer 31 on the lamination sheet element 4 only in those portions 30 that deviate or not from the application plane 15 according to the invention.

The application plane 15 is arranged between the application device 10 and the deflection arrangement 20.

AQA L LA / A LAZ / Β / ΥΙΛΙ

Therefore, the deflection arrangement 20 and the application device 10 are located on different sides 33 and 34 of the application plane 15 or the lamination sheet element 4, respectively; the application device 10 is positioned on the application plane 15 on the first side 33 and the deflection arrangement 20 on the second side 34 of the application plane 15 which is opposite the first side 33.

Substantially on the side 34 of the application plane 15 that is opposite the application device 10, a pressure difference pump 35 is located by means of which a vacuum or a partial vacuum can be created on the surface 36 of the sheet metal element lamination 4 which is opposite to the application device 10, such that the surface 3 of the lamination sheet element 4 can be deviated in portions from the application means lio from the application roller element 12 of the application device 10, respectively.

To allow the vacuum to act on the lamination sheet element 4 in an even more specific way, the deflection arrangement 20 further comprises tank parts 40 (reference is made here only by way of example) for depositing the sheet sheets elements lamination 4, the reservoir parts 40 each having at least one concave cavity 41 which is only suggested in the drawing and which is substantially consistent with areas 25, 26, 27, etc., that later they will be free of adhesive; such that these areas 25, 26, 27, etc., are introduced into cavities 41 at least to some extent by means of partial vacuum.

In this way, the lamination sheet element 4 deviates from the plane of application 15 at least above the provided cavities 41.

For this purpose, a depth 42 (see Figure 4) of about 2 mm is already sufficient for a vacuum or partial vacuum space, such as, for example, the cavity 41 or a through opening (not shown) in the tank part 40 which has some other form.

This depth 42 is preferably measured in the deflection direction 21 from a deposit surface 43 to deposit the lamination sheet element 4 in the deposit part 40.

For the most accurate alignment possible of the lamination sheet parts 4, with their designated areas 25, 26, 27, etc. free of adhesive, with the cavities 41 of the deposit parts 40, the device 1 also has a positioning unit that is not shown here in detail, which is implemented in this example of embodiment by means of a part printing system that has already been knows and works reliably enough.

In Figure 5, the above-mentioned component 5 with the lamination sheet element 4, which has been partially laminated on the component, is shown by way of example, with this

AQA L LA / A LAZ / Β / ΥΙΛΙ mode example showing an automotive interior trim component (not referenced separately).

The laminating sheet element 4, which has been partially applied, has the portions 50 (only referenced by way of example) permanently laminated onto the component 5, which are substantially smooth, as well as other non-laminated portions 51 on component 5 that are structured differently.

In this exemplary embodiment, it is easy to recognize the portions 50 (reference is made only by way of example) of component 5 on which the adhesive-coated portions of lamination sheet element 4 are to be permanently laminated.

It is also easy to recognize other portions 51 with different structures (reference is made only by way of example) of component 5, or of lamination sheet element 4 laminated thereon, respectively, to be incorporated as sheet-free areas 52. In other words, the areas 52 of the component 5 that are free of sheets will later be located at the positions corresponding to the differently structured portions 51 when the latter have been removed.

The differently structured portions 51 have been produced by deflecting or dragging, respectively, these differently structured portions 51 in one half of the lamination tool that is provided with a deflection cavity to avoid or minimize effective adhesive contact between the component surface and adhesive surface of laminating sheet element 4.

Cumulatively or alternatively, according to one of the present aspects, portions 25, 26, 27 etc. Adhesive-free lamination sheet element 4 can be made congruent to the differently structured portions 51 of component 5 during lamination.

Component 5 defines a profiled rolling plane 53 on which the rolling sheet element 4 is to be permanently laminated at the end while leaving the areas 52 free of sheet.

In another embodiment or method, which is also particularly advantageous, it can be envisaged that all component 5, that is, both (text missing)

Advantageously, component 5 shown only by way of example in Figure 5 can be produced substantially in accordance with any of the aspects on which the invention is based.

RQH L Ln / R ίΠΖ / Β / ΥΙΛΙ

At this point, it should also be mentioned that at the positions of the differently structured portions 51 depicted herein, a so-called handrail field 55, a door middle field 56, a loudspeaker field 57 or the like may be located later.

In Figures 6 to 8, a device 60 for applying a lamination sheet element 4 and a component 5 laminated therewith is shown (see Figure 8).

Figure 6 shows device 60 with an open rolling tool 61 comprising a first half of tool 62 (half of the upper tool) and a second half of tool 63 (half of the lower tool).

The tool halves 62 and 63 are arranged in the device 60 in such a way that they can move towards and away from each other in the closing and opening direction 66 by means of hydraulic cylinders 64 and 65.

In the second half of tool 63, a carrier part 5A is formed which forms the final laminated component 5 together with the laminated sheet element 4.

The lamination sheet element 4 is fed to the lamination tool 61 in the machine direction 8 as a flat sheet element (not referenced separately), the machine direction 8 in this embodiment example goes from left to right.

The device 60 has a deflection arrangement 70 for deflecting the portions of the lamination sheet element 4 out of the profiled lamination plane 53.

In this exemplary embodiment, the profiled rolling plane 53 extends along with the surface of the carrier part 5A, with the tool halves 62 and 63 comprising the respective mold elements 71 (referenced only in the first half of tool 62), which also correspond to the profiled rolling plane 53.

In this exemplary embodiment, deflection arrangement 70 comprises deflection cavity sheaths 72, 73 and 74 whose openings (not shown here) preferably extend in or parallel to the profiled rolling plane 53, in particular with their diameter contours opening.

Deflection cavities 72, 73 and 74 (shown only schematically) are bounded by at least partially corrugated or reticular shaped walls 75 (reference is made only by way of example).

These at least partially corrugated or lattice-shaped walls 75 are created by the first half of the tool 62 and its mold element 71, respectively.

Also, lamination tool 61 has sealing elements 77, 78, 79 (only shown at

RQH L Ln / R ίΠΖ / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ exemplary) in the form of sealing struts or the like to seal the deflection cavities 72, 73 and 74 with respect to the rolling portions 80, 81 and 82 by differential pressure, at less in a closed or nearly closed state of the rolling tool 61.

The sealing elements 77, 78, 79 are wall-shaped in the form of sealing struts or the like, but are shown in a cross-sectional view and are therefore only shown as lines.

The sealing elements form sealing edges 83 (see Figure 9 by way of example) in the deflection cavities 72, 73 and 74 and in the lamination sheet element 4, respectively, the edges having a thickness of more than 1.5 mm, in particular approximately 3.5 mm. The edges can then be used as pattern edges to cut the laminating sheet element

Four. The thickness of the sealing edges 83 is preferably less than 10 mm.

In any case, by means of the deflection cavities 72, 73 and 74 that are spatially separated in this way, portions that cannot be laminated are produced, preferably in the form of differently structured portions 51, in particular on the sheet element lamination 4.

To produce the additional pressure difference specifically within the deflection cavities 72, 73 and 74, the device also has a suitable pressure difference unit 85 which refers to its individual components only indicated schematically in Figure 6.

In Figure 7, the rolling tool 61 has already been largely closed by means of differential pressure, the rolling sheet element 4 has already been previously absorbed in the first half of tool 62; in particular, it has been absorbed in the upper mold element 71 and, with a view to the portions that are not to be rolled, it has subsequently also been absorbed in the deflection cavities 72, 73 and 74.

In this way, the differently structured portions 51 are produced which cannot permanently come into effective contact with the carrier part 5A by adhesion.

This effect is reinforced by a cooling unit 86 to cool these differently structured portions 51 and any adhesive applied thereto, so that this adhesive cools very quickly, losing its adhesive effect.

Advantageously, device 60 further comprises a fluid flushing unit 90 (air flushing unit; see only Figure 6) for flushing an intermediate space 91 (see Figure 9) between carrier part 5A or component 5, respectively, to be laminated, and the lamination sheet element 4, preferably with the lamination tool 61 closed and at least the

AQA L LA / A LA7 / B / YIAI portions of the lamination sheet element 4 pressed onto the carrier part 5A, as is the case shown in Figure 8.

Figure 9 shows a bottom view of the first half of the tool with the laminating sheet element 4 shown therein, but without the carrier part 5A.

It is easy to see the differently structured portions 51 (reference is made only by way of example) with their corrugated structure, which form the unlaminated areas 93.

Figure 10 shows component 5 with the lamination sheet element 4 laminated thereon, all the differently structured portions 51 that have been removed, whereby unlaminated areas 93 with visible carrier portion 5A of component 5 may clearly recognized.

At this point, it is explicitly stated that the characteristics of the solutions described above, in the Claims and / or in the Figures, can also be combined, as desired, for the cumulative implementation of the characteristics and the achievement of the explained effects and advantages. .

It is understood that the example explained above is only a first embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. The implementation of the invention is not limited to this example. All the features described in the application documents are claimed as essential for the invention, as long as they are individually or in combination with respect to the state of the art.

List of part numbers adhesive device surface component lamination sheet element

5A carrier part processing station machine steering system

The application device application means application roller element

AQA L LA / A LAZ / Β / ΥΙΛΙ adhesive deposit application plane transport unit transport belt deviation arrangement deviation direction deviation movement first portion without adhesive second portion without adhesive third portion without adhesive contour areas portions with adhesive adhesive layer first face of the application plane second face of the application plane pressure difference pump opposite surface tank parts cavities depth surface of tank portions differently structured portions leafless areas rolling plane profiling handrail field door middle field speaker field

The laminating device laminating tool first half of the tool or upper half respectively

AQA L LA / A LAZ / B / YIAI second half of the tool or lower half, respectively upper hydraulic cylinder lower hydraulic cylinder closing and opening direction deflection direction mold elements first deflection cavity second deflection cavity third deflection cavity walls first sealing element second sealing element third sealing element first rolling portion second portion of lamination third portion lamination sealing edges pressure difference unit cooling unit fluid flushing or air flushing unit, respectively gap between unlaminated portions