Contamination protection for a rib membrane

Abstract

The present invention relates to a contamination protector (10) for the edge of a ribbed membrane (2) bonded to a surface (1) and having ribs (4) and an adhesive layer, the ribs being formed on the top side (3') of a membrane layer (3) and the adhesive layer on the bottom side. The contamination protector (10) includes edge protectors (11, 12) formed directly on the ribbed membrane (2) bonded to the surface (1) such that the edge protectors (11, 12) cover the adhesive layer (5) of the ribbed membrane (2) but do not protrude beyond the top side (3') of the ribbed membrane (2).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a contamination protection element for the edge of a ribbed membrane (ribbed membrane, grooved membrane) bonded to a surface.

[0002] Rib structures are known from the prior art. The corresponding rib structure is a surface microstructure designed to reduce the frictional resistance—i.e., so-called wall friction—of fluid flowing along the surface. This structure is advantageous in principle for applications where wall friction represents a significant proportion of the total resistance associated with the flow. Therefore, rib structures have been found, for example, on the outer surfaces of aircraft, on the rotor blades of wind turbines, on the outer skin of ships, or on the outer surfaces of high-speed trains. Such structures are also used, for example, on the inner surfaces of pipes.

[0003] Therefore, the corresponding rib structure reduces wall friction and thus overall air resistance in flight, resulting in lower fuel costs. This applies in a similar way to other applications of rib structures.

[0004] In the prior art, various possible rib structures are known to be applicable to existing structures, such as the painted skin of an aircraft. For example, a rib structure in the form of a self-adhesive ribbed membrane can be applied to the structure. A ribbed membrane with ribs on one side and an adhesive layer on the other side can, in principle, be bonded to any surface. In this case, the ribbed membrane can be cut to the required size. In addition to the membrane layer with the rib structure disposed thereon and the adhesive layer, the ribbed membrane can further include other layers. For example, a membrane layer that initially has no adhesive layer and includes rib structures with double-sided adhesive strips can be applied to the surface, thereby adding another carrier layer and an inner adhesive layer to the two layers mentioned above. Possible structures of the ribbed membrane can also include a layered adhesive layer, a carrier membrane, an adhesive layer, and a coating in which the rib structure is embossed.

[0005] It has been found that the edges of pleura that adhere to the surface due to dirt discolor over time, making the outline of the pleura very prominent. This is generally undesirable.

[0006] Similar contamination can be observed with decorative films spilling onto surfaces. To reduce this contamination and the associated negative visual impression, so-called edge-sealing machines are known, in which the edges of the film are coated with a curable gel that can be removed with a solvent, thus creating a seamless transition between the surface and the film. However, edge-sealing machines also cause the film to expand, which is acceptable for decorative films, but for aerodynamic functional films such as ribbed films, their efficiency is reduced due to the overflow interruption caused by the edge-sealing machine.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a contamination protection element suitable for the edge of a ribbed membrane bonded to a surface.

[0008] This objective is achieved by a pollution protection element according to one aspect of the invention and an application device for precisely controlling the pollution protection element according to another aspect of the invention.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention relates to a contamination protector for the edge of a ribbed membrane, the ribbed membrane being bonded to a surface, the ribbed membrane having ribs and an adhesive layer, the ribs being formed on the upper side of the membrane layer and the adhesive layer being on the lower side, the contamination protector including an edge protector formed directly on the ribbed membrane bonded to the surface in such a way that the edge protector covers the adhesive layer of the ribbed membrane but does not protrude beyond the upper side of the ribbed membrane.

[0010] The present invention has recognized that for the accumulation of dirt at the edges of a ribbed membrane on a surface over which it flows (such as the outer skin of an aircraft), there is no obvious step or edge necessarily provided by the ribbed membrane relative to the surface to which it is adhered; rather, an adhesive layer configured to adhere the membrane to the edges of the ribbed membrane is exposed, allowing dirt particles to permanently bind thereto. This also applies to any other internal adhesive layer of the ribbed membrane that is also exposed at the edges of the ribbed membrane. However, for readability, only the adhesive layer used to secure the ribbed membrane to the surface is mentioned below. However, corresponding embodiments are also applicable in a similar manner to any additional adhesive layer that can be covered together with the aforementioned adhesive layer.

[0011] According to the present invention, by providing an edge protector adjacent to and covering the adhesive layer of the rib membrane at its edge, dirt is prevented from adhering to the adhesive layer. Furthermore, the edge protector according to the present invention—compared to edge sealing machines known in the prior art—does not protrude beyond the upper side of the rib membrane, and in particular, does not extend to the upper side of the membrane layer. Therefore, the flow on the rib membrane and its efficiency are not substantially impaired.

[0012] The preferred edge protector is formed from small particles to powder particles that adhere to the adhesion layer of the fin membrane. Therefore, ultimately, the relationship that causes dirt to adhere to the edge of the fin membrane in the prior art is used to fix the particles to the edge of the fin membrane. If the adhesion layer is completely covered by particles at the edge of the fin membrane, the dirt particles can no longer adhere there.

[0013] As an alternative to using particles, the edge protector can also be formed by a curing fluid that has sufficient adhesion to the adhesion layer of the finned membrane for bonding to the membrane. In this example, the curing fluid can act as a membrane on the exposed side of the adhesion layer at the edge of the finned membrane, thus preventing undesirable adhesion of dirt particles. In this example, the edge protector formed by the curing fluid does not protrude beyond the upper side of the finned membrane and, in particular, does not adjoin the upper side of the membrane layer of the finned membrane. This can be preferably ensured by the fluid, at least in its fluid state, having little or no adhesion to the membrane layer itself, such that the fluid itself does not adhere to the membrane layer during curing, or at least can be easily removed from the membrane layer itself after curing is complete.

[0014] The fluid can be selected in such a way that it binds not only to the adhesive layer of the finned membrane but also to the surface to which the finned membrane is bonded. In principle, the stepped transition from the surface to the finned membrane can then be aerodynamically improved by filling the inner angle at the transition point from the surface to the side of the finned membrane. In this example, the edge protector still does not protrude beyond the upper side of the finned membrane.

[0015] Regardless of how the edge protection according to the invention is formed, it is preferably transparent; for this purpose, for example, the particles or fluid in the cured state can be transparent. Since the edge protection itself is transparent, it can be formed on ribs of different colors without compromising the visual appearance of the ribs bonded to the surface.

[0016] To apply the edge protection element according to the invention, an application device can be used, which can be guided along the edge of the rib and has a supply opening for the edge protection material. For example, the edge protection material can be small particles to powder particles or a curable fluid.

[0017] In this example, a height limitation is preferred, by which the maximum height of the edge protection material on the surface during application is limited to a height less than or equal to the height of the upper side of the rib, or limited to the thickness of the adhesive layer of the rib. Due to the corresponding height limitation, when applying the edge protection according to the invention, it can be ensured that the edge protection does not protrude beyond the rib in the formed state.

[0018] In addition, a removal unit for excess edge protection material can be included in the application equipment. By removing the excess edge protection material, it can be ensured that the excess material does not settle or potentially harden in unwanted locations.

[0019] The application device may also include a curing apparatus, preferably a UV lamp, for curing edge protection materials. Therefore, fluids requiring specific wavelengths of light for curing can be cured directly during application.

[0020] It has been found that, when the edge protector according to the invention is applied to the opposing edges of two adjacent ribs arranged close to each other, the aerodynamic characteristics of the transition between the two ribs can be improved by the gap between the two ribs being at least partially filled by the edge protector.

[0021] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to advantageous embodiments and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a ribbed membrane bonded to a surface is shown.

[0023] Figure 2a , Figure 2b : Showing from Figure 1 A ribbed membrane having a first embodiment of the pollution protection element according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the application device for the contamination protection element from Figure 2 is shown.

[0025] Figure 4a , Figure 4b : Showing from Figure 1 A ribbed membrane having a first embodiment of the pollution protection element according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the application device for the contamination protection element from Figure 4 is shown; and

[0027] Figure 6 Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the pollution protection element according to the invention in two ribs arranged close to each other.

[0028] Figure 1 A ribbed membrane 2 bonded to surface 1 is shown. In this case, the ribbed membrane 2 includes ribs 4 formed on the upper side 3' of the membrane layer 3, while an adhesive layer 5 is disposed on the lower side of the membrane layer 3 to apply the ribbed membrane 2 to surface 1 in a material-bonded manner. Figure 1 As can be seen, the adhesion layer 5 is exposed at the edge of the pleura 2.

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates the method according to the invention for... Figure 1 The first embodiment of the contamination protection element 10 of the pleura 2. Figure 2a In this case, a schematic isometric view is shown, while Figure 2b A schematic cross-section is shown.

[0030] The contamination protection element 10 includes an edge protector 11 formed by powdered transparent particles. In this case, the particles are formed on the ribbed membrane 2 in such a way that they adhere to and completely cover the adhesive layer 5. In this case, the connection is simply achieved due to the adhesive effect of the adhesive layer 5—the particles themselves are not adhesive. Since the adhesive layer 5 is completely covered by particles in this embodiment, no contaminants can bind to the adhesive layer 5. At the same time, in this embodiment, the edge protector 10 does not protrude beyond the upper side 3' of the membrane layer 3, and therefore does not protrude beyond the ribbed membrane 2.

[0031] Figure 3 A possible application device 20 for generating the contamination protection element according to Figure 2 is shown. In this case, the application device 20 is applied along a direction indicated by arrow 90, such as... Figure 1 In this example, the edge of the ribbed membrane 2 is guided. In this instance, particles are introduced into the working space 22 through the first opening 21, which is further defined by the surface 1 and the edge of the ribbed membrane 2 when the application device 20 is in use. Within the working space 22, the particles thus come into contact with the adhesion layer 5 of the ribbed membrane 2 and adhere at that location. Particles that are not bonded to the adhesion layer 5 during the slow movement of the application device 20 along the edge of the ribbed membrane 2 are removed via the opening 23 and, for example, can be reused.

[0032] Figure 4 illustrates the method according to the present invention for... Figure 1 The second embodiment of the contamination protection element 10 of the pleura 2. In this case... Figure 4a , Figure 4b The view in the middle corresponds to Figure 2a , Figure 2b The view.

[0033] In this embodiment, the contamination protector 10 includes an edge protector 12, which is formed by a curable fluid—in the illustrated embodiment, a UV-curable adhesive. In this case, the edge protector 12 completely covers the adhesion layer 5 of the ribbed membrane 2 and also slightly overlaps with the membrane layer 3 (see [link to original text]). Figure 4b Nevertheless, the edge protector 12 does not protrude beyond the upper side 3' of the film layer 2, and therefore does not protrude beyond the ribbed film 2. The edge protector 12 also has a shape that promotes flow and is transparent, at least in the cured state.

[0034] Figure 5 An exemplary application device 20 for the contamination protection element 10 according to FIG4 is shown. In this example, the application device 20 applies the contamination protection element 10 along a direction indicated by arrow 90, such as... Figure 1For example, the edge of the pleated membrane 2 is guided, so that the working space 22 is formed by the application device 20, the surface 1, and the edge of the pleated membrane 2, exhibiting the negative form of the required edge protection 12, thereby also creating a height restriction from the surface 1 to the location where liquid may accumulate. The fluid to be cured is introduced into the working space 22 through the supply opening 21, and is guided through the curing device 24—a UV lamp—integrated in the application device 20 by moving the application device 20 in direction 90, so that the fluid is cured in a predetermined form.

[0035] Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates how to protect the edges of two directly adjacent fins 2 on surface 1 from contamination. In the illustrated embodiment, the area between the two fins 2 is filled with the same material as the edge protector 12 shown in Figure 4, wherein the edge protector also covers the corresponding adhesive layer 5 of the fins 2, but does not protrude beyond the upper side 3' of the fins 2. The transition flow between the two fins 2 can also be improved by partially filling the intermediate space between them with the edge protector 12.

Claims

1. A contamination protector (10) for the edge of a ribbed membrane (2), the ribbed membrane being adhered to a surface (1), the ribbed membrane (2) having a membrane layer (3), ribs (4) and an adhesive layer (5), the ribs being formed on the upper side (3') of the membrane layer (3), the adhesive layer being on the lower side of the membrane layer (3), the contamination protector (10) including edge protectors (11, 12). in, The edge protectors (11, 12) are formed directly on the rib (2) bonded to the surface (1) in such a way that the edge protectors (11, 12) cover the adhesive layer (5) of the rib (2) but do not protrude beyond the upper side (3') of the membrane layer (3). Its features are, The edge protector (11) is formed by small particles to powder particles, the particles of which adhere to the adhesion layer (5) of the rib membrane (2).

2. The pollution protection component (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The edge protection elements (11, 12) are transparent.

3. A contamination protector (10) for the edge of a ribbed membrane (2), the ribbed membrane being adhered to a surface (1), the ribbed membrane (2) having a membrane layer (3), ribs (4) and an adhesive layer (5), the ribs being formed on the upper side (3') of the membrane layer (3), the adhesive layer being on the lower side of the membrane layer (3), the contamination protector (10) including edge protectors (11, 12). in, The edge protectors (11, 12) are formed directly on the rib (2) bonded to the surface (1) in such a way that the edge protectors (11, 12) cover the adhesive layer (5) of the rib (2) but do not protrude beyond the upper side (3') of the membrane layer (3). Its features are, The edge protector (12) is formed by a curing fluid that has good adhesion to the adhesion layer (5) of the rib membrane (2) and has no adhesion to the membrane layer (3) at least in the fluid state.

4. The pollution protection component (10) according to claim 3. Its features are, The curing fluid adheres to the surface (1).

5. The pollution protection component (10) according to claim 3. Its features are, The edge protection elements (11, 12) are transparent.

6. An application device (20) for applying the contamination protection member (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the application device being guided along the edge of a rib (2) to apply the contamination protection member (10), and the application device having a supply opening (21) for edge protection material.

7. The application device (20) according to claim 6. Its features are, A height limit is provided, by means of which the maximum height of the edge protection material on the surface (1) during application is limited to a height less than or equal to the height of the upper side (3') of the rib (2), or is limited to the thickness of the adhesion layer (5) of the rib (2).

8. The application device (20) according to claim 6. Its features are, It is equipped with a removal unit for excess edge protection material.

9. The application device (20) according to claim 7. Its features are, It is equipped with a removal unit for excess edge protection material.

10. The application device (20) according to any one of claims 6 to 9. Its features are, A curing device (24) is provided for curing the edge protection material.

11. The application device (20) according to claim 10. Its features are, The curing device (24) is a UV lamp.

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