METHOD FOR INTRODUCING AN APPLICATION MEDIUM INTO A WEAKNESSING GAP OF A COVER AND PREFERRED APPLICATION DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for introducing an application medium (liquid or solid (e.g., as a powder)) into a weakening gap of a cover / flat workpiece, such as a cover film / decorative film or cover skin / decorative skin. The cover itself is preferably designed for use in a motor vehicle, in particular in a vehicle instrument panel, for example, as an outer cover of an airbag facing the vehicle occupant. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for forming a weakening gap in a cover.

[0002] For certain applications, it is necessary to introduce weakening gaps into flat elements, for example in the form of weakening cuts that define a predetermined breaking point. One application is the production of instrument panels for motor vehicles with an integrated airbag. When the airbag is deployed, the instrument panel is broken open at the designated location, particularly at the weakened points, allowing the airbag to deploy.

[0003] The terms "film" or "skin" used here refer to plastic skins, films, or similar flat workpieces where the goal is to cut the material from one side in such a way that a defined residual wall thickness is created, independent of any locally fluctuating wall thickness and the tolerances of a relative movement from tool to workpiece carried out by a robot or other automated motion devices, such as CNC machines. High cutting accuracy, high process reliability, and good process documentation are particularly important when introducing a weakening into the skins of automotive instrument panels in the area of ​​airbags, which are considered safety components.

[0004] The introduction of separating media / application media is always necessary when it must be assumed that the film base material is subject to a self-healing effect. This means that the weakened cut closes again under the influence of environmental factors such as temperature, aging, or chemical reactions, or even without external influences. This effect can occur very quickly, i.e., within a short time after the separation process, or it can take years. Polyurethane and PVC-based covers / films are particularly affected.

[0005] To prevent this effect of the weakening gap closing again, the edges of the cut are often coated with a release agent. This agent acts as a spacer between the cut edges. Another reason for using a release agent can be to prevent the adhesion of the PU material used in instrument panel construction. Because the cut edges are coated with the release agent, the PU material used cannot adhere to these cut edges and in the immediate vicinity of the weakened gap, nor can it cause the cut edges to stick together, thereby influencing the weakening effect (predetermined breaking point effect) of the cut.

[0006] Equally, however, the present method could also be used to seal the weakened cut. This means that no release agent is used, but rather a targeted bonding process using a suitable adhesive or sealing varnish. This is applicable when the invention is primarily intended to prevent the penetration of PU material into the weakened cut in the subsequent process step of the instrument panel assembly.

[0007] The prior art of this type is already well known. In this context, DE 10 2005 050 940 B3, for example, discloses a device for cutting a weakening line into a film. The device comprises a blade with a blade tip pointing in the cutting direction, a blade holder, and a channel for supplying a liquid behind the blade tip into the weakening line.

[0008] A device designed solely for making a weakening cut in a film or skin is known from DE 10 2006 034 287 B3.

[0009] Furthermore, WO 2008 / 141877 A1 discloses a method and a device for weakening a workpiece and DE 20 2007 017 917 U1 discloses a cutting tool.

[0010] Furthermore, JP 2008-284653 A discloses a method and a device with an application device for introducing an application medium into a weakening gap of an airbag.

[0011] From US 2 207 100 A a method for producing tread strips is known which are provided with cuts into which an application medium is introduced.

[0012] JP4 939167 B2 describes a method and a device with an application device for introducing an application medium into a weakening gap, in particular of an airbag.

[0013] A prior art method for introducing a release agent is therefore designed such that the release agent is applied during the cutting process via the cutting blade or dosing tubes attached to the cutting head in the area of ​​the immediate cutting process. This means that the cutting blade or the cutting head with the dosing tube is used directly as an applicator of the release agent.

[0014] However, it has proven disadvantageous that the release agent application is directly linked to the cutting process. This arrangement means that any disturbances resulting from the release agent application have a direct impact on the cutting process and the component's evaluation. Furthermore, the weakening gap can only be wetted with release agent if the medium is applied via the blade in conjunction with the cutting process. This results in disadvantages in process monitoring options, process control, and application programming, as well as a more error-prone dispensing technology.

[0015] It is therefore the object of the present invention to eliminate the disadvantages known from the prior art and in particular to improve the process stability when applying an application medium into a weakening gap of a cover.

[0016] This is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, wherein a method for introducing an application medium into a weakening gap of a cover, such as a cover film or cover skin, is claimed, wherein a cover is provided which already has a weakening gap completely formed along its length on a first side, an application device (prepared for applying the application medium) is positioned towards the first side, at a distance from the cover and above the weakening gap, and a support is arranged in a supporting manner on a second side of the cover facing away from the application device, and the cover is applied to the support in such a way that the weakening gap opens up locally in the direction of the application device in a section which is opposite a support area applied to the support,and the application medium is applied by the application device into the weakening gap, wherein the support has a rolling element in the form of a rolling ball, with which it is pressed against the cover during the introduction of the application medium and with which the cover is in rolling contact during the introduction of the application medium.

[0017] Thus, the application process is clearly separated from the process of introducing the weakening gap, so that the two processes do not directly influence each other. The application of the application medium is clearly decoupled from the cutting process. This allows for a separate operation, independent of the cutting process, yet still feasible within a single system. Furthermore, the cover is guided particularly gently along the support. This significantly improves process stability.

[0018] Further advantageous embodiments are claimed in the subclaims and explained in more detail below.

[0019] In the implemented process, the following states can thus exist simultaneously: The cover, processed by a (completed) cutting process, is present. Furthermore, an application head is arranged above the cover, on the first side of the cover, i.e., the side of the weakening gap. At the same time, the support is moved to the cover on the (second) side facing away from the weakening gap, so that the weakening gap opens. If these three conditions are met, the release medium can be applied via the application head. This state is maintained over the entire path of the weakening gap and moved forward along the weakening path by the automatic motion controller or another feed unit.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if the cover is applied to the support (preferably under prestress / prestressed) in such a way that the weakening gap, in a section opposite a support area applied to the support, locally opens up / expands towards the application device (so that the application medium is applied / sprayed into the opened weakening gap / onto the flanks of the opened weakening gap). In other words, the cutting gap (weakening gap) created by the preceding cutting process is automatically opened up with a tool (application device) in such a way that the application medium can be introduced, such as sprayed, into the weakening gap. This ensures that the weakening gap is largely completely wetted by the application medium.In principle, it is possible to provide the support and the application device in a single application device, and to also raise the cover by appropriately raising the entire application device, for example, using an automatic movement device. The cover is then preferably fixed in a device / product holder so that the weakening gap opens slightly. However, other types of holders are conceivable in principle.

[0021] In one variant, the application device can be designed as an application head, for example, a spray head. The application device or application head can have an application nozzle, for example, a spray nozzle.

[0022] It is particularly useful if the discharge of the application medium is monitored (measured) by a drop monitoring system after the application medium emerges from an application nozzle of the application device designed as an application head.

[0023] If the support is pressed elastically against the second side of the cover, the cover can be prestressed as evenly as possible in the area of ​​the weakening gap with a predetermined force.

[0024] If the application medium is a release agent or an adhesive that temporarily at least partially, more preferably completely, reseals the weakened gap, which is particularly preferably designed for subsequent re-separation, the application medium is particularly suitable for use in a predetermined breaking point.

[0025] With regard to the support, it is also advantageous if the support has a sliding or rolling bearing with which the cover is in rolling / sliding contact during the introduction of the application medium. According to the invention, the support has a rolling element in the form of a rolling ball with which it is pressed against the cover during the introduction of the application medium and with which the cover is in rolling contact during the introduction of the application medium. This guides the cover particularly gently on the support. In this regard, however, it is also possible in principle to use other supports, such as surfaces formed integrally with a support table, preferably convex surfaces, or spatially movable blocks.

[0026] It is also advantageous if the cover is displaced relative to the application device and / or the application device is displaced relative to the cover in such a way that a distance between the application device and the cover is kept constant in a displacement path along the weakening gap. Accordingly, a method is provided with a device by means of which the distance between the application device and a support along the weakening gap / cutting axis is kept constant. If the distance between the support and the application device is constant and the cover is continuously supported against the support, this leads to a particularly constant application width of the medium on the cover. A contactless application of the application medium through an application process is thus realized. The process control is thereby significantly improved.

[0027] If a control and / or regulation device is present that keeps the distance between the application device and the cover constant in the displacement path along the weakening gap, the distance can be controlled particularly reliably.

[0028] In this context, it is also advantageous if the control and / or regulating device detects a position of the application device as well as a position of the support and, depending on this position, adjusts the application device relative to the support while maintaining a predetermined distance between the cover and the application device. This allows for particularly effective control / regulation of the distance.

[0029] It is also advantageous if the application device is directly or indirectly connected / coupled to the support during the application of the application medium, or if it is fixed relative to the support. This makes it easy to keep the distance between the application device and the cover constant.

[0030] In this regard, it is particularly expedient if the application device is coupled to the support mechanically, preferably via a bracket-like connecting device (e.g., a C- or U-frame). In this context, it is further preferred to design the connecting device in several parts. The application device is then mounted on a first component of the connecting device, whereas the support is attached to a second component of the connecting device. Further preferably, these two components are displaceable and / or pivotable relative to one another. Furthermore, it is also advantageous in this context if the two components are displaceable and / or pivotable relative to one another by electric motor, hydraulically, and / or pneumatically.

[0031] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for processing a cover, such as a cover film or cover skin, wherein firstly a weakening gap is completely introduced on a first side of the cover by means of a separating tool, and then, after removing the separating tool from the cover, the method is carried out according to one of the previously described embodiments.

[0032] The invention will now be explained in more detail below with reference to figures in conjunction with various embodiments.

[0033] They show: Fig. 1 a side view of an application device according to a first embodiment, which is already arranged on a cover for carrying out a method according to the invention for introducing an application medium into a weakening gap, wherein a support of the application device is pressed against a (second) side of the cover facing away from an application head, so that a weakening gap is opened up on a (first) side of the cover facing the application head, Fig. 2 a side view of the arrangement of application device and cover according to Fig. 1 , whereby the arrangement is not as in Fig. 1in a representation plane perpendicular to the weakening gap, but in a representation plane along the weakening gap, Fig. 3 a side view of an application device for carrying out the method according to the invention according to a second embodiment, wherein two components of a connecting device of the application device coupling the application head to the support are articulated to one another, Fig. 4 a side view of an application device for carrying out the method according to the invention according to a third embodiment, wherein a component of the connecting device receiving the support is pneumatically displaceable relative to a component of the connecting device receiving the application head, Fig.5 a side view of an application device for carrying out the method according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment, wherein a component of the connecting device receiving the application head is pneumatically displaceable relative to a component of the connecting device receiving the support, Fig. 6 a side view of an arrangement comprising an application device and a support formed separately from the application device for carrying out a method not according to the invention, wherein the application device now only has an application head attached to a movement machine and the support is designed in the form of a convexly curved surface of a support table, and Fig.7 a side view of an arrangement comprising an application device and a support formed separately from the application device for carrying out a method not according to the invention, wherein the application device in turn has only an application head attached to a movement machine and the support is designed in the form of a displaceable support block. .

[0034] The figures are merely schematic in nature and serve solely to facilitate understanding of the invention. The same elements are provided with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the individual features of the different embodiments can be freely combined with one another.

[0035] In Fig. 1a preferred arrangement for carrying out a method according to the invention is illustrated. The arrangement has an application device 1 / an application tool according to a preferred exemplary embodiment. In addition to the application device 1, the arrangement has a base holder 10 in which a cover 4 is received / clamped. The cover 4 forms a thin-walled, flat workpiece. The cover 4 is therefore also alternatively referred to as a cover film / decorative film or cover skin / decorative skin. The cover 4 is preferably designed as a component of an instrument panel of a motor vehicle, for example as the outer cover of an airbag. The cover 4 is made of a plastic. The cover is particularly preferably made at least partially from a polyurethane (PU) and / or PVC, although in principle other materials can also be used.

[0036] Furthermore, the cover 4 processed in the method according to the invention, as also shown in Fig. 1 As can be clearly seen, it already has a weakening gap 5 extending along a first side 6 / surface. The weakening gap 5 is preferably cut into the cover 4, so that the weakening gap 5 is also referred to as a weakening cut.

[0037] The application device 1 itself can preferably be attached to a movement robot 11 and, in this exemplary embodiment, also to an arm 12 of the movement robot 11, which is only shown in section here for the sake of clarity. The movement robot 11 can be designed as an articulated robot. Alternatively, the movement robot 11 can, in principle, be replaced by any other feed unit. The application device 1 has a device 2, which in the present embodiment is designed as an application head 2 and is therefore also referred to as such below. The application head 2 has, in particular, an application nozzle 13 / spray nozzle, by means of which the application medium to be dispensed is introduced into the weakened gap 5 of the cover 4. Thus, the application medium is preferably applied under pressure through the application nozzle 13 (cross-sectional constriction).In this regard, however, it should be noted that the application can be carried out in different ways. In other versions, it is also possible to apply the product without pressure, for example by dripping it in.

[0038] Furthermore, as an alternative to the spaced application of the application medium, such as by spraying, a contact application of the application medium can take place. Preferably, in a further embodiment, not shown in detail here for the sake of clarity, an application tube or an application rail (with or without contact with the cover 4) is provided instead of the application nozzle 13 or the application nozzle 13 downstream or even instead of the entire application head 2. The application rail can have a C-, V- or U-shaped cross-section (like a profile). The application tube or the application rail is then guided over the surface along the weakening gap 5. That is, at the point at which in the Fig. 1In the embodiment shown, where the application head 2 is located, there could also be an application tube or an application rail, which is guided through the automatic movement device 11 without contact or, preferably, as a drag tube or drag rail with contact over the surface with the weakening gap 5. The drag tube or drag rail has the advantage over trickling that no drop formation occurs with deposition of a large quantity drop when the critical detachment quantity is reached on the application tube or on the application rail (discontinuous dispensing). Instead, a continuous dispensing takes place via a drag track of the application medium on the surface of the cover 4 along the course of the weakening line. In this alternative embodiment, the application medium can be dispensed without pressure or as a pressure jet.The outlet opening on the tube or rail can be round or designed with a different geometry (e.g., flat, square, V-, C-, U-, or O-shaped) to optimally influence the wetting of the weakening gap with the application medium and achieve the desired geometric shape. This described tube application or rail application can, in principle, be implemented with all support variants, especially the examples described below.

[0039] The application medium is preferably in the form of a release medium, but can alternatively also be in the form of an adhesive.

[0040] In order to supply the application nozzle 13 with the application medium, the application head 2 is further connected to a pump or a fluid tank by means of a supply line (not shown here for the sake of clarity), so that the application nozzle 13 is continuously supplied with the application medium when the application medium is introduced into the weakening gap 5.

[0041] A bow-like / bow-like connecting device 9 of the application device 1 extends away from the application head 2. The connecting device 9 is shown here only in a simplified manner. The connecting device 9 extends spatially in such a way that it extends around the base holder 10 in which the cover 4 is received. A support 3 is attached to an end of the connecting device 9 facing away from the application head 2. The support 3 is intended to be applied / pressed onto the cover 4. The connecting device 9 extends around the base holder 10 and the cover 4 in such a way that the application head 2 is ultimately in application mode according to Fig. 1is arranged on a first side 6 of the cover 4, above the weakening gap 5, while the support 3 is arranged on a second side 7 opposite / opposite the first side 6. The connecting device 9 is designed here to be rigid / as a rigid coupling, so that the support 3 and the application head 2 are arranged at a fixed distance relative to one another and are directly coupled to one another. In other words, a mechanical coupling, in particular a rigid mechanical coupling, is thus formed between the application head 2 and the support 3. The support 3 and the application head 2 are thus connected to one another directly or indirectly via a mechanical construction formed by the connecting device 9, wherein - apart from elastic effects - no change in distance can occur between the two relevant parts, namely the support 3 and the application head 2.Such a coupling is achieved by means of a bracket in the form of the connecting device 9, which bracket directly or indirectly connects the application head 2 and the support 3. The support 3 has a rolling element in the form of a rolling ball 24, with which it is pressed against the cover 4 during the introduction of the application medium. In particular, the rolling ball 24 in this embodiment is according to . Fig. 1 is elastically preloaded relative to the connecting device 9 (by means of a spring device). For this purpose, a pressure device 8 (not shown in detail in the structure) serves to elastically press the rolling ball 24 against the cover 4. The pressure device 8 has a spring element that is clamped between the connecting device 9 and the rolling ball 24.

[0042] Thus, a device is always provided that ensures a continuous support of the cover 4 on the support 3. Such a device can be achieved in the form of the pressing device 8 by means of an elastic element, for example a spring, which, for example, prestresses the combination of support 3 and application head 2 or cutting blade against the cover 4 in one direction, so that the cover 4 always rests on the support 3. The cover 4 itself can also be used as the elastic element, as with regard to the exemplary embodiment described below according to Fig. 6 recognizable.

[0043] Finally, the sequence of the method according to the invention for introducing the application medium into the weakening gap 5 of the cover 4, wherein the weakening gap 5 has already been completely introduced (in its length) into the cover 4 before the introduction of the application medium, is also clearly visible. Firstly, the cover 4 is provided in principle. The cover 4 is then already provided with a Fig. 1 a complete weakening gap 5 extending into the plane of the drawing. On the other hand, the application device 1 is arranged around the cover 4. The cover 4 is then already on both sides of the weakening gap 5 ( Fig. 1) is firmly attached / clamped in the base holder. The support 3 is placed against the second side 7 and pressed in such a way that two opposing flanks 14a and 14b of the weakened gap 5 fold open above a support area 22, i.e. they are moved away from each other in a substantially V-shape. Thus, the section of the weakened gap 5 that is directly opposite the support 3 / the support area 22 is always folded open / expanded in the direction of the application head 2. The support 3, together with the application head 2, is arranged in a line with respect to the weakened gap 5. In particular, the application nozzle 13 is directed with its outlet hole as an extension of the support 3.Consequently, when the support 3 is applied / pressed against the second side 7 of the cover 4, the application head 2 with its application nozzle 13 is positioned exactly above the weakened gap 5, i.e., centrally to the folded-up flanks 14a and 14b, on a (first) side of the cover 4 opposite the support 3. In preparation for introducing the application medium, the cover 4 is positioned between the application head 2 and the support 3 such that the application head 2 is positioned on a first side 6 of the cover 4 having the weakened gap 5, and the support 3 supports the cover from the second side 7.

[0044] Subsequently, the application medium is introduced into the weakening gap 5 by means of the application nozzle 13 / the application head 2. The application head 2 and the support 3 are guided along the extension / extension line of the weakening gap 5 in such a way that a relative movement occurs between the cover 4 and the application head 2 and the support 3. During this process, the support 3 always remains pressed against the second side 7, thus opening the weakening gap 5. The application medium is always applied in the section of the weakening gap 5 located above the support 3 by means of the application nozzle 13.

[0045] When introducing the application medium, a distance 15 between the application head 2 and the cover 4 is kept constant. As in Fig. 2As indicated, the distance 15 is the direct distance 15 between an outlet tip 16 of the application nozzle 13 facing the cover 4 and a fixed relative point on the first side 6 of the cover 4. In conjunction with Fig. 2 The guidance of the application device 1 along the weakening gap 5 is also particularly clearly visible. The distance 15 between the outlet tip 16 of the application nozzle 13 and the surface / first side 6 of the cover 4 (seen outside the weakening gap 5) remains constant when the application device 1 is guided along the weakening gap 5. This is made possible in particular by a constant contact force of the support 3 against the second side 7 of the cover 4. In order to apply the necessary counterforce against the contact force of the support 3, the cover 4 is clamped in a base holder 10.

[0046] The weakening gap 5 is thus preferably only fully opened in the section opposite the support 3, whereas the further weakening gap 5 to the side of the support 5 is less opened or is not elastically preloaded at all.

[0047] Of course, the support 3 can also be coupled to the connecting device 9 not in a spring-elastic manner as here, but rigidly.

[0048] Furthermore, it is also advantageous in principle if a control and / or regulating device cooperates with the application head 2 in the method according to the invention, which device maintains the distance 15 between the application head 2 and the cover 4 constant. For example, this device could determine a position of the application head 2 as well as a position of the support 3 or the cover 4. If this measured or determined distance deviates from the predetermined distance, the distance can be adjusted / regulated to the predetermined distance, for example, by appropriately raising or lowering the automatic movement arm 11 directly during application.

[0049] The invention also relates to a method for processing / manufacturing the cover 4, wherein this method comprises the previously described method for introducing the application medium. Prior to this introduction method, the weakening gap 5 is first completely introduced / formed on the first side 6 of the cover 4 using a separating tool in the form of a cutting tool. Only subsequently, and after removing the separating tool from the cover 4, is the method for introducing the application medium implemented as described above.

[0050] In connection with the Figs. 3 to 5 In principle, slightly modified embodiments of the application device 1 are also shown, which in principle are like the application device 1 of the Fig. 1is constructed and functions. In these further embodiments, the support 3 and the multi-part connecting device 9 are always coupled to the application head 2 in fundamentally different ways. In these embodiments, the connecting device 9 is each configured in several parts, with a first component 17, which has the application head 2, being movable / displaceable relative to a second component 18, which accommodates the support 3.

[0051] According to Fig. 3 The two components 17, 18, designed as arms, are preferably pivotally connected to one another via an electrical or mechanical coupling connection / device. The coupling connection / device is in turn a component of the control and / or regulating device, so that during operation, the distance between support 3 and application head 2 can be pivoted by controlling the coupling connection / device / the control and / or regulating device.

[0052] According to Fig. 4 However, it is also possible to provide a fluidic, such as pneumatic or hydraulic, control of the two components 17 and 18. In this case, a pneumatic control cylinder 23 of the control and / or regulating device is mounted between the components 17 and 18, and the components 17 and 18 are guided relative to one another in such a way that the components 17 and 18 are displaced relative to one another upon activation of the control cylinder 23.

[0053] In Fig. 5 the second component 18 which receives the support 3 is different from the embodiment according to Fig. 4 stationary / spatially fixed, ie attached to a spatially fixed component 19.

[0054] In other words, according to the advantageous embodiments of the Figs. 3 to 5The bracket formed by the connecting device 9 is therefore always designed in at least two parts, with a movable coupling device being provided between the two bracket parts / components 17, 18 in order to enable a relative movement (movement, pivoting) of the two bracket parts 17, 18 relative to one another. Such a relative movement can be provided in the form of a pivoting or a displacement. Of course, the two bracket parts 17, 18 can be fixed relative to one another during the application process - i.e. the introduction of the media. In order to achieve an application track, i.e. to apply the application medium along the weakening gap, the application head 2 and cover 4 can be moved relative to one another. In this case, either the application head 2 alone or the cover 4 alone, or both elements 2, 4 can be moved relative to one another at the same time.

[0055] In other words, it is an alternative to the first embodiment of the Fig. 1 and 2, wherein a rigid connection between application head 2 and support 3 is implemented, it is expedient to adjust both elements - application head 2 and support 3, which are preferably adjustable relative to one another - relative to one another by means of the control and / or regulating device so that the above-mentioned predefined distance 15 is always ensured. For this purpose, the position of the support 3 and / or the position of the application head 2 and / or the position of the cover 4 must be recorded in the application axis / spray axis. The two positions are then fed to the control and regulating device, which uses this to determine the distance 15 between the outlet tip 16 and the support 3.According to this signal, a drive can be controlled either for the application head 2 or the support 3 or possibly also for both devices 2, 3 in such a way that the distance to achieve a desired application distance 15 is reliably set in a control process.

[0056] According to Fig. 6, which is not part of the invention, it is in principle also possible to provide the application device 1 for carrying out the method with an application head 2 and a support 3 formed separately from the application head 2. The support 3 is designed as a base plate 20 / support plate of a support table formed separately from the application head 2. The base plate 20 can be directly equipped with the base holder 10. In the present exemplary embodiment, the base plate 20 is directly equipped with the base holder 10. The base plate 20 is also curved / convexly curved. The cover 4 is clamped in the base holder 10 in such a way that it also rests on the base plate 20 with the second side 7, at least in the region of the weakening gap 5.A relative movement of the cover 4 relative to the support 3 preferably does not occur during the application of the application medium, with only the application head 2 being guided along the weakening gap 5 by means of the automatic movement device 11. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to move the base plate 20 relative to the cover 4. Thus, in this embodiment, the cover 4 is already prestressed upon being placed on the support 3 itself.

[0057] Furthermore, as in Fig. 7 , which is not part of the invention, it is also possible to dispense with the base plate 20 and to provide a movable support block 21. The support block 21 can then be moved towards the application head 2 and away from this application head 2. This allows different prestressing states of the cover 4 to be implemented in the area of ​​the weakening gap 5. In the embodiment according to Fig. 7A retractable pusher geometry, based on the support block 21 with a corresponding geometric design, ensures that the weakening gap 5 in the cover 4 is opened in such a way that the weakening gap 5 is bent open / folded over its entire length for the application of the application medium. This pusher geometry can be moved pneumatically or electromechanically into the product receptacle from the A side / second side 7 of the cover 4.

[0058] In other words, in the further non-inventive embodiments of the Fig. 6 and 7 the mechanical coupling of the support 3 with the application head 2 via a tool design is dispensed with.

[0059] Alternatively, as in Fig. 6When implemented, a raised contour may already be included in a product holder into which the cover 4 is inserted. A contour clamping mask in the form of the base holder 10 clamps the cover 4 over the raised contour / bulge / curvature in such a way that the opening effect can be achieved without the use of a vacuum. However, it is more preferred that the cover 4 be clamped using a vacuum in the immediate vicinity of the contour within the product holder, and the weakening gap 5 be opened. List of reference symbols

[0060] 1Application device 2Application device / application head 3Support 4Cover 5Weakening gap 6First side 7Second side 8Pressing device 9Connecting device 10Base holder 11Automatic movement device 12Arm 13Application nozzle 14aFirst flank 14bSecond flank 15Distance 16Outlet tip 17First component 18zSecond component 19Fixed component 20Base plate 21Support block 22Support area 23Control cylinder 24Rolling ball

Claims

1. A method for introducing an application medium into a weakening gap (5) of a cover (4), such as a covering film or covering skin, wherein a cover (4) is provided which already has a weakening gap (5) formed completely over the length thereof on a first side (6), an application arrangement (2) is positioned toward the first side (6), at a distance from the cover (4) and above the weakening gap (5), wherein a support (3) is arranged in a supporting manner on a second side (7) of the cover (4), facing away from the application arrangement (2), and the cover (4) is applied on the support (3) such that the weakening gap (5), in a portion which lies opposite a support region (22) applied on the support (3), opens up locally in the direction of the application arrangement (2), and an application of the application medium into the weakening gap (5) by the application arrangement (2) takes place, characterized in that the support (3) has a rolling body in the form of a rolling ball (24), by which it is pressed against the cover (4) during the introduction of the application medium, and with which the cover (4) is in rolling contact during the introduction of the application medium.

2. The method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the support (3) is pressed resiliently onto the second side (7) of the cover (4).

3. The method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the application medium is a separating medium or an adhesive means temporarily at least partly re-closing the weakening gap (5).

4. The method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cover (4) is displaced relative to the application arrangement (2) and / or the application arrangement (2) is displaced relative to the cover (4) in such a way that a distance is kept constant between the application arrangement (2) and the cover (4) in a displacement path along the weakening gap (5).

5. The method according to Claim 4, characterized in that a controlling and / or regulating arrangement is present, which keeps constant the distance between the application arrangement (2) and the cover (4) in the displacement path along the weakening gap (5).

6. The method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the application arrangement (2) is coupled indirectly or directly with the support (3).

7. A method for processing a cover (4), such as a covering film or covering skin, wherein firstly on a first side (6) of the cover (4) a weakening gap (5) is completely introduced by means of a separating tool, and subsequently, after removal of the separating tool from the cover (4), the method is carried out according to one of Claims 1 to 6.