Roll, film application device, and film application method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a roller including a core portion having a cylindrical shape, a support portion located on a central axis of the core portion and configured to rotatably support the core portion, a foam body covering an entire circumference of the core portion and including a flat outer circumferential surface, an operation portion configured to operate the foam body, and a fixing portion configured to fix the support portion and the operation portion, wherein at least one of end portions of the outer circumferential surface is curved toward a direction of the central axis.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to rollers, film application apparatus, and film application methods. Background Technology

[0002] In related fields, as a technique for adhering decorative films with colors, patterns, etc., to a target object such as the roof of a vehicle, the film application device described in JP 2020-196154 A and the application device described in JP 3220260 U are known. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Here, the roller that presses the membrane onto the target object by applying a load has a cylindrical shape extending in a specified axial direction. When the length of the roller in the direction of its rotational axis is shorter than the width of the membrane, the roller presses a portion of the membrane, and subsequently, the roller needs to move in the axial direction and press that portion of the membrane again. In this case, strain and deformation defects in the adhesive layer of the membrane occur at the end portions where the roller and membrane contact each other. Due to these strain and deformation defects, an aesthetic problem known as impact lines appears on the surface of the membrane, impairing the design of the membrane's aesthetic appearance after adhesion.

[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, a roller includes a core portion having a cylindrical shape; a support portion located on the central axis of the core portion and configured to rotatably support the core portion; a foam body covering the entire circumference of the core portion and including a flat outer peripheral surface; an operating portion configured to operate the foam body; and a fixing portion configured to fix the support portion and the operating portion, wherein at least one end portion of the end portion of the outer peripheral surface is bent toward the central axis.

[0005] In the other type of roller, the air bubbles on the outer peripheral surface may have a diameter of less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0006] In another type of roller, the value of the outer peripheral surface of the foam body, measured by using an Asker C hardness tester, is greater than or equal to C7 and less than or equal to C20.

[0007] In another type of roller, the bent end portion may have a radius greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0008] In the roller according to another method, the fixed part may include a weight capable of adjusting the load used to press the foam body.

[0009] In the roller according to another aspect, the weight may include a plurality of weights, and each of the plurality of weights may be disposed at or near the support portion.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, a film application apparatus is a film application apparatus for adhering a film to a target object, the film application apparatus comprising: a roller configured to adhere the film to the target object; and a control unit configured to control movement of the roller, wherein the roller comprises: a core portion having a cylindrical shape; a support portion located on a central axis of the core portion and configured to rotatably support the core portion; a foam body covering the entire circumference of the core portion and including a flat outer peripheral surface; an operating portion configured to operate the foam body; and a fixing portion configured to fix the support portion and the operating portion, at least one end portion of the outer peripheral surface being bent toward the central axis, and the control unit performing six-axis control on the roller.

[0011] According to another aspect of the film application device, a sensor may also be included, which is configured to sense the load for pressing the roller, and the control unit may apply the load to the roller based on the data from the sensor.

[0012] In another membrane application device, the load can be greater than 0.4 N / cm and less than 1.8 N / cm.

[0013] According to another aspect of the film application apparatus, the target object may include a protruding portion or a recessed portion, the film application apparatus may include a local pressing tool configured to adhere the film to the root portion of the protruding portion or the recessed portion, and the control unit may independently perform six-axis control on the roller and the local pressing tool.

[0014] In another type of film application device, the value of the pressing surface of the local pressing tool, measured by using an Asker A hardness tester, can be greater than or equal to A20.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, a film application method is a method of adhering a film to a target object using a roller, the roller comprising: a core portion having a cylindrical shape; a support portion located on a central axis of the core portion and configured to rotatably support the core portion; a foam body covering the entire circumference of the core portion and including a flat outer peripheral surface; an operating portion configured to operate the foam body; and a fixing portion configured to fix the support portion and the operating portion, at least one end portion of the end portion of the outer peripheral surface being bent toward the central axis, and the film application method may include: adhering a portion of the film using the roller; moving the roller to a position where the outer peripheral surface of the foam body is located at the portion of the film and a position where the outer peripheral surface of the foam body is located at another portion of the film adjacent to the portion of the film; and pressing the portion of the film and the other portion of the film with the outer peripheral surface of the foam body.

[0016] In another membrane application method, the load used to press the roller can be set to a range greater than 0.4 N / cm and less than 1.8 N / cm.

[0017] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a film application method is a method of adhering a film to a target object including the recessed portion or the protruding portion by using a roller and a local pressing tool for pressing the root portion of the recessed portion or the protruding portion. The roller includes: a core portion having a cylindrical shape; a support portion located on the central axis of the core portion and configured to rotatably support the core portion; a foam body covering the entire circumference of the core portion and including a flat outer peripheral surface; an operating portion configured to operate the foam body; and a fixing portion configured to fix the support portion and the operating portion. At least one end portion of the end portion of the outer peripheral surface is bent toward the central axis. The film application method may include: adhering the film to the target object excluding the root portion by using the roller; and adhering the film to the root portion by using the local pressing tool.

[0018] According to this disclosure, even when the roller moves in the axial direction and presses the film again, the occurrence of impact lines is prevented, and the design of the film's aesthetic appearance after adhesion is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1A This is a front view showing a roller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing a roller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2A This is a front view showing the foam body according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view showing the foam body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3A This is an illustrative front view of a membrane application method (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3B This is an illustrative perspective view of a membrane application method (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4A This is an illustrative front view of a membrane application method (2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4B This is an illustrative perspective view of a membrane application method (2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5A This is an illustrative front view of a membrane application method (3) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5B This is an illustrative perspective view of a membrane application method (3) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6A This is a top perspective view showing a roller including an adjustable weight according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6B This is a bottom perspective view showing a roller including an adjustable weight according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 7A This is a front view of a local pressing tool (1) illustrating an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 7B This is a perspective view showing a partial pressing tool (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8A This is a front view of a local pressing tool (2) illustrating an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8B This is a side view showing a partial pressing tool (2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram of a membrane application apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 10 This is an illustration of a membrane according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the target object to which the membrane is adhered.

[0037] Figure 11 This is an illustration of a six-axis controllable roller and a local pressing tool according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a view showing the operating direction (1) of a six-axis controllable roller and a local pressing tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a view showing the operating direction (2) of a six-axis controllable roller and a local pressing tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a view showing the operating direction (3) of a six-axis controllable roller and a local pressing tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 15 This is a view showing the operating direction (4) of a six-axis controllable roller and a local pressing tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 16A This is a view illustrating a modified example of the rounding of the foam body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 16B This is a view showing another modified example of the rounding of the foam body according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 16C This is a view showing yet another modified example of the rounding of the foam body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0045] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the following description, identical or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of these parts will be omitted.

[0046] Reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2A and Figure 2B To describe the configuration of the rollers according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a view showing a roller according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A It is the front view, and Figure 1B This is a perspective view. Roller 100 is a roller for adhering a decorative film (hereinafter referred to as film) to a target object, and may also be referred to as a film attachment roller.

[0047] The film used in the embodiments of this disclosure is a decorative film whose back surface includes an adhesive portion (the portion to which an adhesive (e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive) is applied) and is endowed with color, pattern, etc. Decorative films are used as paint substitutes in applications where, for example, an adhesive film is used instead of a paint coating. Any adhesive target object can be used, as long as the designed surface needs to be formed within the adhesive target object.

[0048] In the case of decorating the exterior of vehicles such as automobiles, the target objects to which the film is adhered are the roof portion (also referred to as the roof), side surface portions, pillar portions, hood portions, trunk lid portions, rear door portions, etc. The roof portion is substantially flat and includes curved surfaces with gentle slopes from a horizontal surface. The roof portion may have partially uneven shapes. In embodiments of this disclosure, the portions of the roof portion other than those with uneven shapes are referred to as substantially flat surfaces. Additionally, the side surface portions and pillar portions each include elongated, projecting curved surfaces with steep slopes.

[0049] Roller 100 includes: a core portion 110 having a cylindrical shape; support portions 121 and 122 located on the central axis AA' of the core portion 110 and configured to rotatably support the core portion 110; a foam body 130 covering the entire circumference of the core portion 110 and including a flat outer peripheral surface 135; an operating portion 140 configured to operate the foam body 130; and a fixing portion 150 configured to fix the support portions 121 and 122 and the operating portion 140. At least one of the end portions 131 and 132 of the outer peripheral surface 135 is bent toward the central axis AA'. Both end portions are bendable toward the central axis AA'.

[0050] The core portion 110 has a cylindrical shape. The core portion 110 may be located on the central axis AA'. The core portion 110 may penetrate the foam body 130. In addition, the core portion 110 may protrude from the end portions 131, 132 of the foam body 130.

[0051] Support portions 121 and 122 rotatably support the core portion 110 located on the central axis AA'. For example, each of the support portions 121 and 122 has a hole on the central axis AA'. The two ends of the core portion 110 are fitted into the holes, and thus the core portion 110 becomes rotatable.

[0052] The foam body 130 covers the entire circumference of the core portion 110. The outer peripheral surface 135 of the foam body 130 is flat. At least one of the end portions 131 and 132 of the outer peripheral surface 135 is bent toward the central axis AA'. Both end portions are bent toward the central axis AA'. Regarding the dimensions of the foam body having a cylindrical shape, for example, the outer diameter (outer diameter) is about 50 mm, the inner diameter (inner diameter) is about 10 mm (corresponding to the diameter of the core portion 110), and the length in the direction of the central axis AA' is about 80 mm. Here, there is no specific limitation on the length in the direction of the central axis AA', and it is, for example, 110 mm in the case of a roller that includes an adjustable weight as described below. In addition, if the target object does not include the ribs described below, the length in the direction of the central axis AA' can also be approximately the vehicle width.

[0053] The operating part 140 operates the foam body 130. When the operator grasps the roller 100 to adhere the film to the target object, the operating part 140 acts as a handle and facilitates the work step of adhering the film to the target object. Additionally, the operating part 140 also serves as an attachment part for attachment to the robotic arm described below.

[0054] The operating portion 140 can operate the roller 100 in six axial directions. Additionally, the operating portion 140 also serves as an attachment portion for attaching to the robot arm described below.

[0055] When the target object to which the film is adhered is the roof of a car, the roof does not include a two-dimensional flat surface that is widened only in the vehicle's length and width directions, but rather a gently curvatured three-dimensional surface with a small curvature in the vehicle's height direction. When adhering the film to such a roof including the curved surface, firstly, the periphery of the film is pulled from a position separated from the roof in the vehicle's height direction by a predetermined distance. Then, the operating part 140 is lowered from this position, and while the foam body 130 presses the film onto the roof by applying a predetermined load to the film and the roof, the operating part 140 is moved, for example, in the vehicle's length direction, causing the foam body 130 to rotate. Next, the operating part 140 is operated in the vehicle's height direction to move the roller to a position separated from the film, and the roller returns to the position corresponding to the start of the pressing, and moves a predetermined distance from that position in the vehicle's width direction (corresponding to the direction of the central axis AA'). Then, the operating part 140 is lowered in the vehicle height direction, and while pressing is performed by applying a specified load to the foam member 130, the operating part 140 again moves in a direction parallel to the direction of the immediately preceding pressing and moving operation, causing the foam body 130 to move rotationally. This movement can be repeated on the roof portion, which includes a gently curving three-dimensional surface.

[0056] Fixed part 150, fixed support parts 121, 122 and operating part 140.

[0057] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a view showing the foam body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A This is a front view of the foam body 130, and Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view of the foam body 130 taken along line BB' as viewed from the direction of the arrow.

[0058] The outer peripheral surface 135 of the foam body is flat. Here, the outer peripheral surface 135 can be smooth. The outer peripheral surface 135 can be referred to as a smooth surface skin layer. Bubbles 136 can be present on the outer peripheral surface 135. There is no specific limitation on the number of bubbles 136, and multiple bubbles 136 can exist. Bubbles 136 preferably have a diameter less than or equal to 1.5 mm. When the diameter exceeds 1.5 mm, the shape of the bubble 136 may transfer to the film. Additionally, without compromising the flexibility of the foam body 130, a thin non-foamed layer may also be provided on the outer peripheral surface 135 of the foam body 130.

[0059] The hollow portion 139, indicated by the dashed line, is large enough that the core portion 110 penetrates it. The end portion 131 of the outer peripheral surface 135 is bent toward the hollow portion 139. The entire circumference of the end portion 131 is, for example, chamfered and formed with a radius (R) of 5 mm. There are no particular limitations on the forming method, but methods such as molding, machining, or polishing can be used. Polishing is preferable from a mass production perspective. With this chamfer, the end surfaces of the foam body 130 (including the end surfaces formed into the hollow interior by the hollow portion 139) and the outer peripheral surface 135 are connected via a curved surface with a radius of 5 mm. The radius of the curved surface can be greater than or equal to 5 mm. Depending on the radius of the chamfer, the connection with the end surface can be discontinuous, and the chamfer can include all end portions, and the chamfered area can be directly connected to the core portion 110. Note that when the radius of the chamfer is less than 5 mm, impact lines may occur.

[0060] like Figure 2B As shown, the foam body 130 covering the entire circumference of the hollow portion 139 comprises multiple air bubbles, and many of these air bubbles are independent. For example, air bubble 137 is independent of air bubble 138. It should be noted that even when some air bubbles are continuous with each other, there is essentially no problem.

[0061] The raw material of the foam body 130 is a foaming polyurethane resin. When the raw material is polyurethane, the surface skin layer corresponding to the outer peripheral surface 135 is thin and soft. In this disclosure, the roller 100 may be referred to as a soft roller. Alternatively, the raw material of the foam body 130 may be nitrile rubber (NBR), silicone, chloroprene rubber (CR), or ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM).

[0062] The value of the outer peripheral surface 135 of the foam body 130, measured using an Asker C hardness tester, can be greater than or equal to C7 and less than or equal to C20. When the value is less than C7, the film may adhere to the roller 100 due to the adhesive effect of the foam body 130 when the foam body 130 (used as a pressing part) presses the film by applying a load to the film. When the value exceeds C20, impact lines may appear when the film adheres to the target object. Here, the Asker C hardness tester is a hardness tester defined by JIS standard K 7312.

[0063] Reference Figures 3A to 5B The operation and action of the roller according to embodiments of this disclosure are described. Here, a film application method will be described, which includes rotating the roller in a pressing state by applying a load to the roller and adhering the film. A portion of the roller is shown to illustrate the load F applied to the roller and the movement M of the roller.

[0064] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is an explanatory diagram of the membrane application method (1) according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3A It is a front view of a portion of the roller, and Figure 3B This is a perspective view of this part of the roller.

[0065] Before the adhesion film 300 is applied, the outer periphery of the film 300 is pulled to prevent the outer circumference of the film 300 from contacting the target object (here, the roof of a vehicle) 200, and the outer circumference of the film 300 remains raised from the target object 200. The film 300 includes an adhesive layer 310 bonded to the target object 200 and a film surface layer 320 endowed with color, pattern, etc.

[0066] like Figure 3A As shown, the outer peripheral surface 135 of the foam body is pressed with a load F in a direction perpendicular to the target object 200 via the fixing portion 150 and the supporting portions 121, 122. In this state, the outer peripheral surface 135 rotates, and thus, the target object 200 and the adhesive layer 310 bond together, and the target object 200 is given color, pattern, etc. by the film surface layer 320. Here, the asterisk indicates the boundary between the area of ​​completed adhesion below the outer peripheral surface 135 of the foam body and the non-adhesive area below the end portion 131. The non-adhesive area refers to the area where the adhesive layer 310 is not bonded to the target object 200, that is, the area where the adhesive layer 310 is raised from the target object 200.

[0067] Figure 3B This is a perspective view, taken from an obliquely upward angle, of a portion of the membrane being bonded to the target object via rollers. Track line 322 virtually indicates the path followed by the movement of the asterisk (the boundary between the outer peripheral surface 135 of the foam body and the end portion 131). No trace such as track line 322 is left in the membrane surface layer 320, but one side of track line 322 is bonded to the target object 200 while the other side is not. Therefore, the boundary between the adhered and non-adhesive areas temporarily appears as a line at a location substantially the same as that of track line 322 due to the effect of light, and the boundary is not an impact line.

[0068] Similarly, trajectory line 321 virtually indicates the trajectory along which the boundary between the outer peripheral surface 135 and the other end 132 of the foam body moves. No trace like trajectory line 321 is left in the membrane surface layer 320, but one side of trajectory line 321 is bonded to the target object 200, while the other side is not. Therefore, trajectory line 321 is a line temporarily visible due to the effect of light and is not an impact line.

[0069] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is an explanatory diagram of the membrane application method (2) according to the embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4A It is a front view of a portion of the roller, and Figure 4B This is a perspective view of this part of the roller.

[0070] For reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B After the portion of the film adhered by the roller passes through, the roller moves in the direction of M and re-adheres that portion of the film. D represents the distance the roller moves in the direction of M. The distance D can be within the length of the outer peripheral surface 135 in the direction of M. The roller can move to a position where it crosses the boundary line between the adhered and non-adhesive areas, and this boundary line is located at a position substantially the same as the position of the trajectory line 322. Here, the position where the roller crosses the boundary line is a position through which the outer peripheral surface 135 can pass.

[0071] Here, positioning in the height direction of the roller is performed after movement in the M direction, either while the roller is in contact with the membrane without applying a load to the membrane 300, or while the roller is separated from the membrane. Alternatively, water-based adhesion can be performed, in which the surface of the target object 200 is wetted with water, and then the membrane 300 is adhered to the surface of the target object 200. This water-based adhesion may be necessary for temporary adhesion and air release. If the target object does not include the ribs described below, the membrane can be adhered once in the vehicle width direction, and then, where appropriate, in the vehicle length direction.

[0072] Figure 4B This is a view taken from diagonally above, showing how a portion of the membrane is bonded to the target object by rotating the roller twice. Figure 4B In the middle, located with Figure 3B The boundary line between the adhered and non-adhesive regions at essentially the same location as the trajectory line 322 shown is not visible. This is because... Figure 3B The boundary lines shown are joined to the target object 200 on both sides. Note that trajectory lines 321 and 323 are temporarily visible due to the effect of light and are not as shown in the reference. Figure 3B The aforementioned impact line.

[0073] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is an illustration of the membrane application method (3) of the embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5A This is a front view of the film 300 adhered to the target object 200, and Figure 5B This is a perspective view of the film 300 adhered to the target object 200. As can be seen, when the film is adhered by a roller according to an embodiment of this disclosure, no impact lines appear in the film surface layer 320.

[0074] refer to Figures 3A to 5B This describes an example of adhesion beginning at the center of film 300 via a roller. However, when the roller... Figure 4AWhen moving in the direction of M, adhesion of the membrane 300 begins at the end of the membrane 300 and the membrane 300 adheres from one end to the other, as long as Figure 3A The end portion 131 is chamfered and formed around the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the foam body, so that no impact line appears even when the end portion 132 is not chamfered and formed.

[0075] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a view illustrating a roller comprising an adjustable weight according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6A It is a top perspective view, and Figure 6B It is a bottom perspective view. Figure 6A and Figure 6B rollers and Figure 1A and Figure 1B The difference between the rollers is that, Figure 6A and Figure 6B The roller includes a weight capable of adjusting the load used to press the foam body 130. Components with the same function are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0076] To provide space for placing heavy objects, support sections 121 and 122 are... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The support sections 121 and 122 are wider. Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the foam body 130, the weight 161 on the support portion 121 side is larger and heavier than the weight 162 on the support portion 122 side. Therefore, in the foam body 130, the load on the support portion 121 side is higher than the load on the support portion 122 side.

[0077] By using such an adjustable weight, for example, even when the target object includes inclined surfaces with different heights, by rotating the foam member 130 when it is positioned higher than the support position side, a load of an appropriate range can be applied to the roller described below to press and adhere the film to the target object.

[0078] By using this load-adjustable weight, the optimal load value for adhering the target object and the film can be determined experimentally. Furthermore, during the mass production stage of adhesion, the roller 100 can have an appropriate weight. For example, the weights of the support portions 121 and 122, the operating portion 140, and the fixing portion 150 can be adjusted to an appropriate weight. This allows for pre-adjustment of the weight in the case of so-called manual adhesion where the operator moves the roller 100 by hand. Additionally, when a work robot operates the operating portion 140 of the roller 100, load control is unnecessary, and only six-axis coordinate control can be performed.

[0079] The weights include multiple weights, such as weights 161 and 162, and after adjustment, the weights are respectively positioned near or at the support portions 121 and 122. Therefore, when the target object includes a curved surface, a suitable range of load can be applied to the foam body 130 by moving the roller 100 along the curved surface. Here, "near or at the support portions 121 and 122" can refer to the area on the extension of the axis of the core portion 110 supported by the support portions 121 and 122.

[0080] The target object to which the film adheres may include protruding or recessed portions. (Refer to...) Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 8A and Figure 8B This describes a local pressing tool configured to adhere a film to the root portion of a protrusion or recess. Here, the root portion of a protrusion or recess refers to the boundary between an inclined surface connecting a first substantially flat surface located at a relatively low position and a second substantially flat surface located at a relatively high position, and the first substantially flat surface. Specifically, the root portion of a protrusion refers to the peripheral portion of all protrusions, and the root portion of a recess refers to the peripheral portion of the surface corresponding to the bottom of the recess.

[0081] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a view showing a local pressing tool (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7A It is the front view, and Figure 7B This is a perspective view. When the target object to which the film is adhered is the roof of a car, multiple rows of reinforcing ribs (protruding or recessed ribs, hereinafter simply referred to as ribs) can be arranged at intervals to impart rigidity to the roof panel, which has a large area. As an example of a local pressing tool configured to adhere the film to the root portion of the protruding or recessed portion of the ribs, a rib roller 400 will be described.

[0082] The rib roller 400 includes: a core portion 410 having a cylindrical shape; a support portion 420 located on the central axis CC' of the core portion 410 and configured to rotatably support the core portion 410; a pressing portion 430 covering the entire circumference of the core portion 410; an operating portion 440 configured to operate the pressing portion 430; and a fixing portion 450 configured to fix the support portion 420 and the operating portion 440.

[0083] The pressing portion 430 does not include the portion corresponding to the outer peripheral surface 135 of the foam body 130, but instead includes two end portions 431, 432, which are rigid. When viewed from the front (in the direction in which the pressing portion 430 performs adhesion during rotation), the long sides of the two trapezoids overlap each other, and the two ends of the pressing portion 430 are bent toward the central axis CC'. Since the pointed ends of the two end portions 431, 432 are pointed in the circumferential direction, as described above, the film can adhere to the root portion of the protruding or recessed portion of the rib. Here, the value of the pressing surface of the pressing portion 430, measured using an Asker A hardness tester, is preferably greater than or equal to A20. Here, the Asker A hardness tester is the hardness tester defined in JIS K 6253-3.

[0084] Similar to the operating portion 140 of the roller 100, the operating portion 440 can be used as a handle when the operator holds the rib roller 400 by hand, and the operating portion 440 can also be used as an attachment portion to be attached to the robot arm.

[0085] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a view showing a local pressing tool (2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8A It is the front view, and Figure 8B This is a side view. As an example of a local pressing tool configured to adhere a membrane to the root portion of a protruding or recessed portion of a rib, a scraper 500 will be described.

[0086] The scraper includes a main body portion 510 having a thin rectangular trowel shape, a lower fabric 520 covering the lower surface portion of the main body portion, and an upper fabric 530 covering the upper surface portion of the main body portion. The lower and upper surface portions of the main body portion 510 include curved surfaces, and the curvature of the lower surface portion is less than that of the upper surface portion. Therefore, the lower fabric 520 is suitable for adhering the film when the root portion of the protruding or recessed portion of the rib is thin or deep.

[0087] Regarding the raw materials of the scraper 500, the main body 510 is made of wood, and the lower fabric 520 and upper fabric 530 are made of felt. Here, the values ​​of the pressing surfaces of the lower fabric 520 and upper fabric 530, measured using an Asker A hardness tester, are preferably greater than or equal to A20. Alternatively, a sponge sheet having A20 can be used as the lower fabric 520 and upper fabric 530.

[0088] Reference Figures 9 to 15This section describes a film application method when eight protruding ribs (four in the front and four in the rear) are attached to the roof of an automobile vehicle. Here, the case using a six-axis control unit with roller 100 (soft roller) and local pressing tool 400 (rib roller) will be described. However, a similar application method can also be used in the case of manual control.

[0089] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram of a membrane application apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A robotic arm 600, acting as a control unit capable of controlling the soft roller 100 and the rib roller 400 in six axial directions, operates in cooperation with a control circuit or control program capable of performing six-axis control. In other words, the membrane application apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a robotic arm 600 and soft roller 100 and / or rib roller 400.

[0090] The robotic arm 600 has an attachment portion 620 that attaches to the upper side (Z-axis) of the workspace in which the vehicle is mounted. Alternatively, the attachment portion 620 can be attached to a table located near or on the ground within the workspace. In any case, six-axis control can be performed with reference to the position of the attachment portion 620. Here, the six axes refer to the Z-axis in the same direction as the vehicle height, the rotation axis γ of the Z-axis, the X-axis orthogonal to the Z-axis, the rotation axis α of the X-axis, the Y-axis orthogonal to both the Z-axis and the X-axis, and the rotation axis β of the Y-axis.

[0091] When the roof of a vehicle is large, the attachment portion 620 of the robotic arm 600 is movable, allowing the film to adhere to the large roof portion. Furthermore, multiple robotic arms 600 can be installed, and multiple robotic arms can be used to adhere the film to the large roof portion.

[0092] The tip of the robotic arm 600 may be equipped with a dual gripper 610 as an end effector. The dual gripper 610 secures (or clamps) the operating portions of the soft roller 100 and the rib roller 400. This allows each axis of rotation in the rotation axis to be tilted without changing the weight of the soft roller 100 and the rib roller 400.

[0093] When using the flexible roller 100, the robot arm 600 can be controlled in six axial directions, and the angle of the robot arm 600 can be adjusted to move the reinforcing roller 400 to a position where the reinforcing roller 400 does not interfere with the flexible roller 100. Alternatively, the dual gripper 610 can move the reinforcing roller 400 to a position where the reinforcing roller 400 does not interfere with the flexible roller 100. When using the reinforcing roller 400, similarly, the angle of the robot arm 600 can be adjusted, or the dual gripper 610 can be moved.

[0094] In the tip portion of the robotic arm 600 or the dual gripper 610, sensors configured to sense loads, such as pressure sensors, can be provided at each of the locations where the operating portions of the flexible roller 100 and the rib roller 400 are fixed. Sensors configured to sense loads on the flexible roller 100 and the rib roller 400 are provided, and feedback control is performed based on data from the sensors that have sensed loads, thus allowing the robotic arm 600 to adjust the loads on the flexible roller 100 and the rib roller 400. Alternatively, the sensors can be configured to sense physical quantities other than pressure (e.g., load, strain, resistance, displacement, etc.). Here, the load applied to the roller has a value equivalent to the load per unit length in the axial direction of the roller.

[0095] The lower limit of the load applied to the soft roller 100 is preferably greater than 0.4 N / cm. This is because when the load is less than the lower limit, the film may not adhere properly to the target object. Furthermore, the upper limit of the load can be less than 1.8 N / cm. This is because the generation of impact lines, etc., can be suppressed. Moreover, the upper limit of the load is more preferably less than or equal to 0.9 N / cm. This is because a further stable impact line suppression effect can be expected immediately after adhesion.

[0096] Figure 10 This is an illustration of a membrane according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a target object to which the membrane is adhered. The membrane 300 is placed on the target object 200 (the roof portion of a vehicle) (in the vehicle height direction), and the membrane 300 is stretched in the vehicle length and width directions. The target object 200 has four protruding ribs 211, 212, 213, and 214 at the front and four recessed ribs 221, 222, 223, and 224 at the rear.

[0097] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram of a six-axis controllable roller (soft roller 100) and a local pressing tool (rib roller 400) according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Reference Figure 11 This will describe the part of the target object 200 (the roof of the vehicle) that is pressed by the soft roller 100 and the stiffening roller 400.

[0098] The soft roller 100 presses on the substantially flat surface (the portion without ribs 213, 214) 200(a) of the roof portion 200 and the protruding flat surfaces 200(b), 200(c) of the ribs 213, 214. Each of the protruding flat surfaces comprises a substantially protruding curved surface with a gentle curvature, or each has a generally gentle protruding shape comprising a combination of a substantially protruding curved surface with a gentle curvature and a flat surface, and the protruding flat surfaces are adapted to be pressed by the soft roller 100.

[0099] The protruding flat surfaces 200(b) and 200(c) refer to the portions of ribs 213 and 214 excluding the root portions 200(d), 200(e), 200(f), and 200(g). Since the soft roller 100 is six-axis controllable and soft, and rotates with the foam body slightly concave, the protruding flat surfaces 200(b) and 200(c) can rotate rotatably when a load is applied.

[0100] On the other hand, regarding the root portion of the protruding or recessed ribs (in... Figure 11 In this case, the root portions 200(d), 200(e), 200(f), and 200(g) of the protruding ribs are pressed by the rib roller 400. The soft roller 100 and the rib roller 400 can be controlled to freely perform adhesion in six axial directions (three coordinate axes and three rotational axes), and the soft roller 100 and the rib roller 400 can move when pressing on the complex curved surface of the roof portion 200.

[0101] Here, because the rib roller 400 is a hard roller, no impact lines appear in the film. However, it should be noted that because the load is applied to the root portion of the protruding or recessed ribs (in... Figure 11 In the case of 200(d), 200(e), 200(f), 200(g), even if an impact line is generated in such a perimeter, unlike a basically flat surface, the impact on the appearance of the target object 200 is smaller.

[0102] Figure 12 This is a view showing the operating direction (1) of the roller (soft roller 100) and the local pressing tool (rib roller 400) as an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 Arrows 1 to 9 indicate the direction of movement of the flexible roller 100. Here, since there are four protruding front ribs and four protruding rear ribs, the adhesive film is first applied to the area between the front and rear ribs by the flexible roller 100 (arrow 1). Next, the flexible roller 100 applies a load to the substantially flat surface of each front rib in the outward direction of the roof portion (arrows 2 to 5). Additionally, the flexible roller 100 applies a load to the substantially flat surface of each rear rib in the outward direction of the roof portion (arrows 6 to 9).

[0103] Figure 13 This is a view showing the operating direction (2) of the roller (soft roller 100) and the local pressing tool (rib roller 400) as an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13Arrows 10 to 25 indicate the direction of movement of the reinforcing roller 400. First, the reinforcing roller 400 applies a load to the root portion of the protruding part of each front reinforcing rib in the outward direction of the roof section (arrows 10 to 17). Therefore, with respect to the front reinforcing ribs, the film can be adhered to the roof section without leaving air bubbles. Next, the reinforcing roller 400 applies a load to the root portion of the protruding part of each rear reinforcing rib in the outward direction of the roof section (arrows 18 to 25). Therefore, with respect to the rear reinforcing ribs, the film can be adhered to the roof section without leaving air bubbles.

[0104] Figure 14 This is a view showing the operating direction (3) of the roller (soft roller 100) and the local pressing tool (rib roller 400) as an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 Arrows 26 to 35 indicate the direction of movement of the flexible roller 100. First, the flexible roller 100 applies a load (arrows 26 to 30) to the substantially flat surface between the front ribs in the outward direction of the roof section. Therefore, with respect to the substantially flat surface between the front ribs, the film can be adhered to the roof section without leaving air bubbles. Next, the flexible roller 100 applies a load (arrows 31 to 35) to the substantially flat surface between the rear ribs in the outward direction of the roof section. Therefore, with respect to the substantially flat surface between the rear ribs, the film can be adhered to the roof section without leaving air bubbles.

[0105] Here, when the width between the ribs is substantially equal to the width of the soft roller as in (a), only one stroke is required. On the other hand, when the width between the ribs is greater than the width of the soft roller as in (b), two strokes or more are required. By using the soft roller 100, impact lines can be prevented during the first and second strokes or during subsequent strokes.

[0106] Figure 15 This is a view showing the operating direction (4) of the roller (soft roller 100) and the local pressing tool (rib roller 400) as an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15Arrows 36 and 37 indicate the direction of movement of the flexible roller 100. Arrows 38 and 39 indicate the direction of movement of the rib roller 400. First, the flexible roller 100 applies a load to the substantially flat surface of the front portion of each front rib in the outward direction of the roof section (arrow 36). Therefore, with respect to the substantially flat surface in the front portion of each front rib, the film can be adhered to the roof section without leaving air bubbles. Additionally, the flexible roller 100 applies a load to the substantially flat surface of the rear portion of each rear rib in the outward direction of the roof section (arrow 37). Therefore, with respect to the substantially flat surface in the rear portion of each rear rib, the film can be adhered to the roof section without leaving air bubbles. Subsequently, the rib roller 400 applies a load to the portions of the roof molding corresponding to the two sides of the roof section (arrows 38 and 39).

[0107] As described above, when a load is applied in the outward direction on the roof section, the soft roller 100 and the rib roller 400 move, thus preventing impact lines from appearing in the film at locations corresponding to the flat surface of the roof section while properly performing air release of the adhesive layer of the film. Furthermore, the film can reliably adhere to the root portion of the protruding portion of the rib where impact lines are not obvious and to the roof molding portion.

[0108] The order, direction, etc., of membrane application described above may be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the embodiments of this disclosure. For example, when the distance between the ribs is wide, the area between the ribs is first compressed by the soft roller, and then the root of each rib is compressed by the rib roller. However, when the distance between the ribs is narrow, the root portion of each rib may be compressed by the rib roller first, and then the area between the ribs may be compressed by the soft roller.

[0109] In addition, if each rib of the roof section 200 is a recessed rib, the load can be applied by the rib roller 400 only to the root portion of the recessed portion of the rib, and the load can be applied by the soft roller 100 to the substantially flat portion except for the root portion.

[0110] Figure 16A , Figure 16B and Figure 16C This is a view showing a modified example of the rounding of the foam body 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16A The case where R is 5 mm (R1) is shown. There is no specific upper limit to R, and R can be large enough to allow R to reach the core portion 110. Figure 16C The radius (R3) is shown when R reaches the core portion 110. Of course, R can have intermediate values. Figure 16B The case of intermediate R (R2) is shown. In addition, R on the outer peripheral surface 135 side can be larger than R of the core portion 110.

[0111] It should be noted that in the implementation scheme described above, the target object to which the membrane is applied is described as a vehicle, as an example. However, the target object to which the membrane is applied is not limited to vehicles and can be any target object used to install the membrane. Examples of such target objects may include trains, airplanes, furniture, and appliances.

[0112] List of reference numerals

[0113] 100 rolls (soft rolls)

[0114] 200 target objects

[0115] 300 membrane

[0116] 400 rib roller

[0117] 500 scraper

Claims

1. A roller, comprising: The core portion has a cylindrical shape; A support portion, located on the central axis of the core portion and configured to rotatably support the core portion; A foam body that covers the entire circumference of the core portion and includes a flat outer peripheral surface; The operation section is configured to operate the foam body; and The fixing part is configured to fix the support part and the operating part, wherein At least one end portion of the outer peripheral surface is bent toward the central axis, and the bent at least one end portion has a radius greater than 5 mm. The entire end portion of the bent at least one end portion is rounded so that the rounded area extends from the outer peripheral surface to the core portion.

2. The roller according to claim 1, wherein the air bubble in the outer peripheral surface has a diameter of less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

3. The roller according to claim 1, wherein the value of the outer peripheral surface of the foam body, measured by using an Asker C hardness tester, is greater than or equal to C7 and less than or equal to C20.

4. The roller of claim 1, wherein the fixing portion includes a weight capable of adjusting the load used to press the foam body.

5. The roller of claim 4, wherein the weight comprises a plurality of weights, and each of the plurality of weights is disposed at or near the support portion.

6. A membrane application apparatus for adhering a membrane to a target object, the membrane application apparatus comprising: A roller configured to adhere the film to the target object; and A control unit configured to control the movement of the roller, wherein the roller includes: The core portion has a cylindrical shape; A support portion, located on the central axis of the core portion and configured to rotatably support the core portion; A foam body that covers the entire circumference of the core portion and includes a flat outer peripheral surface; The operating section is configured to operate the foam body; and A fixing portion, configured to fix the support portion and the operating portion. At least one end portion of the outer peripheral surface is bent toward the central axis, the bent at least one end portion having a radius greater than 5 mm, and the entire end portion of the bent at least one end portion is rounded such that the rounded area extends from the outer peripheral surface to the core portion. The control unit performs six-axis control on the roller.

7. The membrane application apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a load for pressing the roller, wherein... The control unit applies a load to the roller based on data from the sensor.

8. The membrane application device according to claim 7, wherein the load is greater than 0.4 N / cm and less than 1.8 N / cm.

9. The membrane application apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The target object includes protruding or recessed portions. The membrane application device includes a local pressing tool configured to adhere the membrane to the root portion of the protrusion or the depression, and The control unit independently performs six-axis control on the roller and the local pressing tool.

10. The film application device according to claim 9, wherein the value of the pressing surface of the local pressing tool, measured by using an Asker A hardness tester, is greater than or equal to A20.

11. A film application method for adhering a film to a target object using a roller. The roller includes: The core portion has a cylindrical shape; A support portion, located on the central axis of the core portion and configured to rotatably support the core portion; A foam body that covers the entire circumference of the core portion and includes a flat outer peripheral surface; The operation section is configured to operate the foam body; and A fixing portion, configured to fix the support portion and the operating portion. At least one end portion of the end portion of the outer peripheral surface is bent toward the central axis, the bent at least one end portion has a radius greater than or equal to 5 mm, and the entire end portion of the bent at least one end portion is rounded such that the rounded area extends from the outer peripheral surface to the core portion. The film application method includes: A portion of the film is adhered using the roller; The roller is moved to a position where the outer peripheral surface of the foam body is located at the portion of the membrane and the outer peripheral surface of the foam body is located at another portion of the membrane adjacent to that portion; and Press the outer peripheral surface of the foam body against the portion of the membrane and the other portion of the membrane.

12. The membrane application method of claim 11, wherein the load used to press the roller is set to a range greater than 0.4 N / cm and less than 1.8 N / cm.

13. A film application method for adhering a film to a target object including the recessed portion or the protruding portion by using a roller and a local pressing tool for pressing the root portion of a recessed or protruding portion of a target object. The roller includes: The core portion has a cylindrical shape; A support portion, located on the central axis of the core portion and configured to rotatably support the core portion; A foam body that covers the entire circumference of the core portion and includes a flat outer peripheral surface; The operation section is configured to operate the foam body; and A fixing portion, configured to fix the support portion and the operating portion. At least one end portion of the outer peripheral surface is bent toward the central axis, the bent at least one end portion having a radius greater than or equal to 5 mm, and the entire end portion of the bent at least one end portion is rounded such that the rounded area extends from the outer peripheral surface to the core portion. The membrane application method includes: The film is adhered to the target object, excluding the root portion, by using the roller; as well as The membrane is adhered to the root portion by using the local pressing tool.

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