DEVICE AND METHOD FOR STRETCHING AND / OR SHAPING AND / OR COVERING A FILM ELEMENT, AS WELL AS A COVERING STATION AND PLANT FOR COVERING A COMPONENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for stretching and / or shaping and / or laminating a film element, comprising a support frame for stretching the film element relative to a forming tool or a component to be laminated, and grippers for gripping the film element, which are movably mounted relative to the support frame.

[0002] The invention further relates to a device for stretching and / or shaping and / or laminating a foil element with a support frame for stretching the foil element relative to a forming tool or a component to be laminated.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for stretching and / or shaping and / or laminating a film element, in which the film element is held by means of a support frame relative to a forming tool or a component to be laminated, and in which the forming tool or the component to be laminated is moved through the film plane generated by the film element in order to transfer the contour of the forming tool or the component to be laminated onto the film element.

[0004] The invention also relates to a laminating station for laminating a component with a foil element.

[0005] The invention also relates to a system for laminating a component, in particular an automotive interior trim part, with a film element, wherein the system has a laminating station, and the laminating station comprises a support frame with a plurality of grippers for gripping the film element.

[0006] In particular, devices for stretching and / or shaping and / or laminating a foil element, which have a support frame for stretching the foil element, but also special laminating stations and complex systems for laminating components which are equipped with such devices, are known from the prior art.

[0007] For example, European patent application EP 2 397 308 A2 discloses a generic device for stretching and forming a foil blank, in which this foil blank is clamped between an upper and lower tensioning frame of a clamping frame and thus held against a forming tool. The clamping frame can be adjusted translationally in the x, y, and z directions, i.e., along three spatial axes, and can additionally be rotated about a fixed point, i.e., about exactly one spatial axis, to ensure that the foil blank slides during a forming process.

[0008] From DE 699 09 835 D2, a machine for stretching and vacuum forming a rectangular sheet of plastic material is further known, wherein the machine comprises a clamping frame made of four clamping strips, by means of which one edge of the rectangular plastic sheet can be clamped. Two clamping strips are arranged opposite each other in pairs, with each clamping strip comprising several secondary clamping devices. These secondary clamping devices are mounted on each clamping strip and can move along the length of the respective clamping strip with a low coefficient of friction, being pulled along by the material sheet. In this respect, the secondary clamping devices move proportionally to the movement of the clamping strips in order to counteract edge distortion.

[0009] US 5 843 492 A relates to a method and apparatus applicable to both thermoforming and compression molding of film material, wherein the film material is pre-stretched differently and selectively before the forming step.

[0010] EP 0 920 975 A2 concerns thermoforming machines in which thermoplastic films are first heated in an oven and then transported to a forming station where a heated film is drawn onto tool molds by vacuum and / or air pressure to be formed into an object.

[0011] US 4 744 848 A discloses a method which is particularly suitable for forming a permanently deep-drawn contour in a laminate, such as a self-supporting carpet laminate with a polymer backing, which is used in the automotive industry.

[0012] US 2003 / 017227 A1 relates to a method and apparatus for forming large objects with curved surfaces from plastic film material.

[0013] US 6,382,953 B1 relates to thermoforming machines of the type in which plastic sheets, from which a part is to be formed, are clamped into a frame at a loading station, and the frame with the sheet clamped therein is transported through successive stations in the machine for heating, forming, cooling, unloading, etc. US 3,466,706 A shows a clamping device for securing thermoplastic sheet material in a device for forming objects from such sheet material, comprising a picture-frame-shaped base element having a clamping element on each of its sides.

[0014] US 5,863,568 A relates generally to a device for thermoforming thermoplastic films and in particular to a device of this type which includes an improved frame for supporting a thermoplastic film to be formed.

[0015] DE 203 05 417 U1 shows a device for laminating carrier parts with decorations.

[0016] US 5,207,963 A relates to a method for shaping carpets. In particular, the invention relates to a method for shaping a carpet with a plastic backing into a mold that conforms to the irregular contour of the interior floor surface of a motor vehicle.

[0017] Although existing devices of this type function well, they are reaching their limits due to the increasingly complex contours of finished components and steadily rising quality requirements. This is particularly true in connection with processes where components are to be laminated with a film element, such as vehicle interior trim parts.

[0018] The invention is therefore based on the objective of further developing devices of this type so that, on the one hand, a film element can be more precisely adapted to the contour of a mold or a component to be laminated. A further objective of the invention is to save film material, so that processes of stretching and / or forming and / or laminating can be carried out more economically. Another objective of the invention is to produce higher-quality products.

[0019] The object of the invention is solved on the one hand by a device for stretching and / or shaping and / or laminating a film element with a support frame for clamping the film element relative to a forming tool or a component to be laminated, and with grippers for gripping the film element, which are movably mounted relative to the support frame, wherein the grippers are arranged to be multiaxially adjustable relative to the support frame in order to adapt the film element more precisely to a contour of the forming tool or the component to be laminated and are individually actively controlled for gripping the film element.

[0020] By arranging or attaching at least some of the grippers to the support frame in a way that allows for adjustment along and / or around multiple spatial axes, the film element can be stretched and shaped relatively easily and in a much more targeted manner, depending on the contour or geometry. This allows the film element to conform much more precisely to the contour or geometry of a component or mold, particularly during stretching and forming processes in general, and lamination processes in particular. This significantly improves the quality of the finished product.

[0021] The adjustability or repositionability of the grippers described here refers to an active movement of the respective gripper, which, in contrast to a passive movement, is motor-driven, i.e., caused by a drive. However, not all grippers have to be actively adjustable by a motor drive; some can only be passively adjustable, for example, by moving the film element while a mold or a component to be laminated is brought into contact with the film element, and / or by actively moving the support frame.

[0022] In particular, the desired defined sliding of the foil element is significantly improved, so that the foil element can be treated in a more differentiated way or adapted to a contour, thereby significantly increasing the product quality.

[0023] Advantageously, tension forces, which are used to stretch the foil element in particular, can also be controlled much better.

[0024] In the context of the invention, the term "multiaxial" describes a multifunctional spatial freedom of movement of the gripper, which is defined by several translational degrees of freedom along multiple spatial axes. These translational degrees of freedom can be cumulatively supplemented by one or more rotational degrees of freedom around one or more spatial axes. A translational movement and a rotational movement can share a common spatial axis or have different spatial axes.

[0025] Thus, the grippers of the present device are adjustable three-dimensionally in space, which makes it particularly easy to handle a foil element in accordance with the invention, especially with regard to easy placement on a component to be covered or stretching and / or shaping of the foil element.

[0026] The present invention relates to both general laminating and press laminating or similar processes.

[0027] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "film element" encompasses all types and forms of film, whether as roll material or as pre-cut film blanks, with pre-cut film blanks being preferred in this case. Therefore, the present film element preferably consists of film blanks. The film element can also be a self-rigid plate element or the like. Furthermore, the film element can be made of a wide variety of materials, including, in particular, air-permeable materials.

[0028] In the context of the invention, the term "gripper" describes components or component groups by means of which the foil element, in particular the edges of the foil element, can be gripped and held securely even under high tensile stress.

[0029] For example, grippers can include a suction device to grip the film element in accordance with the present invention.

[0030] The grippers presented here are preferably characterized by at least two gripping surface parts that can be moved relative to each other, by means of which different gripping forces or holding forces can be exerted on the film element to be gripped.

[0031] These gripping surface parts can be designed in a variety of ways, for example as narrower or wider gripping noses.

[0032] The gripper is preferably part of a more compact gripper unit, which as a whole is preferably arranged entirely on the present support frame. Such a gripper unit can include all necessary adjustment devices for adjusting, in particular for spatial adjustment, the gripper, as well as a drive motor or several such drive motors for driving the gripper.

[0033] The gripper preferably comprises at least two gripping surface parts for interacting with the respective film element, i.e., between which the film element can be clamped and thus gripped and held by the gripper.

[0034] In accordance with the invention, the multi-axial adjustability of the grippers can relate at least partially or entirely to the gripper unit, which is then movably arranged on the support frame. Alternatively, the gripper is mounted cumulatively or alternatively in a suitable manner, preferably on or within the gripper unit, so as to be multi-axially adjustable.

[0035] In any case, the foil element can be manipulated in an extremely varied way using the available grippers.

[0036] The object of the invention is, on the other hand, solved by a device for stretching and / or shaping and / or laminating a film element with a support frame for clamping the film element relative to a forming tool or a component to be laminated, wherein the device is characterized by an outer bearing frame part, relative to which the support frame is arranged to be adjustable at least uniaxially, preferably multiaxially, in order to adapt the film element more precisely to a contour of the forming tool or the component to be laminated.

[0037] Because the support frame, which carries the foil element to be stretched and / or formed or applied, is mounted at least uniaxially or preferably multiaxially within the bearing frame part, a forming process or a laminating process can be carried out much more precisely, which further significantly improves the quality of the finished product.

[0038] In the context of the invention, the term "uniaxial" means translational or rotational spatial freedom of movement around a spatial axis, so that, for example, the foil element as a whole can be moved or aligned accordingly relative to the forming tool or the component to be covered.

[0039] In particular, this frame-in-frame solution also makes it structurally easy to move, adjust, or relocate existing grippers in their entirety simultaneously, provided the support frame is equipped with such grippers.

[0040] In general, the proposed frame-in-frame solution allows the movable support frame on the device, in particular on a laminating station or the like, to be exchanged, for example, if the support frame is to be adapted to a special type of film or to different sized molds or components to be laminated or the like.

[0041] The device is therefore characterized by an outer frame and an inner frame, which are arranged to be movable relative to each other.

[0042] Therefore, the present outer bearing frame allows for convenient and quick adjustment of the fixture after a mold or component change, since the support frame mounted in the bearing frame section can be replaced on the fixture much more easily and thus more quickly. Advantageously, the support frame does not need to be removed from its movable mounting for this purpose.

[0043] This significantly reduces disassembly and assembly efforts, thereby increasing the willingness to optimally adapt the support frame, gripper, etc., to potentially changing requirements. As a result, support frames, grippers, or similar components precisely adapted to a specific stretching and forming process can be provided quickly and easily with minimal effort.

[0044] In this context, a preferred embodiment also provides that the outer bearing frame part is mounted in the device in a replaceable manner by means of a change mechanism, which makes replacement even easier and faster.

[0045] While the support frame is attached to the outer bearing frame part in a way that allows movement in one or more ways, the outer bearing frame part can be fixed and thus secured in a frame of the present device by means of significantly simpler bearing devices.

[0046] It goes without saying that such a changing mechanism or quick-change mechanism can be constructed in a variety of ways, so that this need not be discussed further here.

[0047] The quick-change mechanism differs from a conventional fastening system primarily in that the changeover can be carried out without tools. In other words, the bearing frame component, as well as grippers or gripper units, are attached to the device in such a way that they can be inserted or removed using quick-release or quick-clamping devices, for example, when changing formats.

[0048] For example, the present changeover mechanism or quick-change mechanism includes positive locking connections, such as simple plug connections, which are only mentioned as examples.

[0049] However, it should be mentioned at this point that the features of the solutions described here or in the claims can also be combined, if necessary, in order to implement the advantages and effects that can be achieved here in a cumulative manner.

[0050] It is advantageous if the foil element plane of the foil element can be displaced relative to a bearing frame part plane of the outer bearing frame part for supporting the support frame.

[0051] In particular, if the foil element is simply clamped by means of, for example, an upper frame part and a lower frame part of the support frame, the foil element plane spanned by the foil element can be moved relative to the bearing frame part plane created by the outer bearing frame part, allowing the foil element to be adapted more precisely to the contour of a mold or a component to be covered.

[0052] In this context, it is also particularly advantageous if the support frame is spatially adjustable relative to an outer bearing frame part with at least one or more, preferably six, degrees of freedom. This allows all grippers supported by the support frame to be moved, adjusted, or repositioned together in space.

[0053] While one degree of freedom can be realized relatively easily, for example by means of a rotation axis, several degrees of freedom can be realized, for example with several actuators or the like, by means of which the support frame is movably attached to the outer bearing frame part.

[0054] With an increasing number of degrees of freedom, the support frame can be aligned more precisely with the contour of a mold or a component to be covered; however, with an increasing number of degrees of freedom, the complexity of the bearing mechanics also increases with the outer bearing frame part.

[0055] Often, a single degree of freedom of the support frame relative to the outer bearing frame part is sufficient, for example, a rotational movement around a spatial axis, especially if the support frame is cumulatively equipped with multi-axially movable grippers in accordance with the invention.

[0056] However, the requirement for multifunctional spatial freedom of movement of the grippers can be simplified, or kept structurally simple, if the support frame already has two degrees of freedom relative to the outer bearing frame part. For example, the support frame can be moved both translationally along one spatial axis and rotationally about this spatial axis, or the support frame can be rotated about two spatial axes and is mounted on the outer bearing frame part.

[0057] The grippers for grasping the film element are spatially adjustable relative to the support frame with six degrees of freedom, and / or the device has an outer bearing frame part relative to which the support frame is arranged to be adjustable at least uniaxially. It is understood that this allows the film element to conform extremely precisely to a contour, thus enabling particularly complex stretching and forming processes with respect to the film element.

[0058] This complexity can be further increased if grippers for grasping the film element are jointly supported by the carrier frame, with the carrier frame being arranged to be rotatably and / or translationally displaceable in space. This can be achieved particularly simply from a structural point of view if the carrier frame is movably mounted within an outer bearing frame section, as already described above in an example.

[0059] Furthermore, the film element can be adapted with exceptional precision to the contour of a mold or a component to be laminated if grippers for grasping the film element can be individually controlled. The grippers are arranged on the support frame and can be individually controlled.

[0060] The term "actively controllable" describes in this case that grippers are driven by a motor, which distinguishes them from passive grippers, which are moved, for example, only by tensile forces acting on them via the foil element or the like, although this is also possible in this case by means of a suitable "idle function" of a gripper.

[0061] However, thanks to actively controllable grippers, it is possible in this case to move grippers actively in multiple axes, so that grippers with several degrees of freedom can be moved by motor.

[0062] For example, this makes it possible to treat a foil element before the forming tool or the component to be laminated is moved through the foil element plane, so that areas of the foil element in flatter regions of the contour are stretched more than areas of the foil element in regions where the contour is significantly higher, since more foil material should be available in these higher regions than in flatter regions of the contour.

[0063] Particularly with regard to the mass of molded components to be manufactured or components to be laminated, large quantities of foil material can be saved, making the production of such products significantly cheaper.

[0064] Furthermore, higher quality products result because the foil element can be adapted more precisely to the respective contour, as already explained several times above.

[0065] This very good partial adaptability is achieved primarily through significantly improved sliding capabilities due to the individually controllable grippers, especially in combination with the adjustable support frame, which is mounted in a preferably quickly interchangeable outer bearing frame part.

[0066] It is also advantageous if grippers can be individually controlled in relation to other grippers. In particular, grippers can be moved or accelerated at a speed that is coordinated with the movement of other grippers.

[0067] In this context, it is further advantageous if grippers arranged opposite each other, in particular those arranged opposite each other at the head end, can be individually actively controlled, thereby providing further possibilities for individual and partial manipulation of the foil element.

[0068] Furthermore, it is advantageous if grippers can be individually controlled in pairs or groups. This allows even larger areas of the film element to be partially stretched. Alternatively, some grippers can partially stretch the film element while others yield to the tensile forces acting on it.

[0069] Further particularly advantageous manipulation possibilities also arise from the following features.

[0070] Furthermore, it is advantageous if grippers can be individually controlled depending on the spatial orientation of the support frame. This allows grippers to be controlled differently, particularly when the support frame changes position in space, so that, for example, some grippers partially stretch the film element while others yield to the tensile forces acting on the film element.

[0071] It is also advantageous if grippers can be individually controlled depending on the contour or geometry of the mold or the component to be covered.

[0072] Even if grippers can be individually controlled depending on the film material of the film element, advantageous effects can be achieved or enhanced.

[0073] If grippers for gripping the film element can be controlled cumulatively and individually over time, the film element can, for example, be manipulated partially during a forming or laminating process using grippers, so that the film element can be stretched in different areas at different times; for example, if it has already partially conformed to the contour in other areas.

[0074] For example, gripper movements start at different times and / or previously stopped gripper movements resume at different times.

[0075] Improved preparation or adaptation of the film element to a contour can be achieved, for example, if grippers for gripping the film element can be tilted relative to the film element plane.

[0076] This tiltability allows the film element to be partially moved out of the original film element plane using one or more grippers, thus ensuring improved partial adaptation of the film element to a contour.

[0077] Such a tilting of the grippers relative to the plane of the foil element can be easily achieved constructively by arranging the grippers so that they can be tilted or tipped on the support frame, thus also making them tiltable relative to a support frame plane fictitiously spanned by the support frame.

[0078] Furthermore, it is advantageous if grippers for gripping the film element are rotatable relative to the plane of the film element.

[0079] For example, grippers are arranged on the support frame in such a way that they can be rotated about a spatial axis or axis of rotation, where this spatial axis is, for example, parallel, perpendicular, or at some angle to a plane fictitiously defined by the support frame. In this respect, grippers can be tilted relative to this fictitiously defined plane.

[0080] Such rotatability also ensures the partial application of additional tensile forces within the foil element, which, for example, allows it to be stretched better in certain areas.

[0081] Furthermore, it is advantageous if grippers for gripping the film element are individually height-adjustable relative to the film plane, since such individual height adjustability allows the film element to be partially adapted to the specific contours of a mold or component to be laminated.

[0082] For example, grippers are individually or collectively arranged on the support frame in a height-adjustable manner.

[0083] This also results in individual height adjustment of the grippers relative to any existing bearing frame component.

[0084] Furthermore, it is advantageous if grippers for gripping the film element can be individually accelerated, so that the film element can be processed faster or slower in certain areas, or in particular stretched, which allows it to be adapted more precisely to a contour.

[0085] Alternatively, it is also possible to move grippers at different speeds, either cumulatively or in combination, to achieve the desired effects.

[0086] Furthermore, another preferred embodiment provides that the gripping forces generated by the grippers for grasping the film element can be individually generated and modified. For example, this allows the first areas of the film element to be gripped less tightly than other areas, so that the film element can slide at all or only slightly relative to the gripper in the areas with weaker gripping forces, thereby creating or amplifying effects similar to those that occur when the respective gripper is repositioned.

[0087] Advantageously, the device features a multitude of adjustment mechanisms for spatially repositioning grippers and / or the support frame. Having several such adjustment mechanisms allows for high precision, for example, with regard to adjustment processes, etc.

[0088] Adjustment devices for the grippers are arranged on the support frame. Adjustment devices for moving, adjusting, or shifting the support frame relative to the outer bearing frame part can be assigned to either the support frame or the outer bearing frame part.

[0089] The adjustment devices can be designed in a variety of ways, for example using pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, or electric motors or the like.

[0090] It is particularly advantageous if the device is characterized by drive motors for driving grippers and / or the support frame.

[0091] The electric drive motors can also be of a very different nature, for example they can be implemented as linear motors.

[0092] Actuators can be used for step adjustment of grippers or the support frame, but servomotors for stepless control or adjustment of grippers and / or the support frame are also possible.

[0093] It goes without saying that a variety of differently designed adjustment devices or drive motors can be provided in order to achieve the desired degrees of freedom on the grippers or on the support frame.

[0094] Therefore, a wide variety of spatial orientations of the grippers or the support frame can be achieved.

[0095] It goes without saying that each gripper can be equipped with its own drive motor or adjustment device.

[0096] Other concepts, however, may also provide for two or more grippers, especially grippers arranged directly next to each other, to be individually actively controlled by a single drive motor, provided that one or more suitable gearbox units are provided between the respective grippers and the drive motor. In this case, the grippers are not directly connected to an electric drive motor, but indirectly via an interposed gearbox.

[0097] The electric drive motors can be part of a gripper unit, with a preferred embodiment in which the drive motors are arranged on the support frame and preferably mounted in a floating manner. This reduces the complexity of the gripper unit, and the drive motors are also easily accessible from the outside.

[0098] It should also be mentioned at this point that the individual active adjustability disclosed here can also refer to entire gripper units, which include the respective gripper.

[0099] Furthermore, it is advantageous that, in particular by means of the present device, a more uniform expansion of a foil element, especially a heated one, or of a plate element, is possible even in the case of highly complex shapes or components to be covered.

[0100] Thus, according to an additional non-inventive aspect of the invention, a device is cumulatively advantageous which comprises an additional pre-stretching frame that at least partially surrounds the forming tool or the component to be laminated and can be extended vertically beyond the forming tool or the component. This additional pre-stretching frame, which can stretch the heated film element, achieves a much more uniform stretching of that part of the film element which is to be applied to the forming tool or the component only at a later time, in contrast to, for example, pre-blowing.

[0101] The additional pre-stretching frame can also include a sheet metal blade element, whereby the additional pre-stretching frame or the sheet metal blade element can advance from a tool to pre-stretch a specific area of ​​the film element. The grippers available offer even more additional adjustment options for this process.

[0102] An additional pre-stretching frame that only partially surrounds the mold or component is advantageous if protrusions in the mold or in the component to be covered only extend over a partial area.

[0103] In addition to using an additional pre-stretching frame, either a pre-blow box can be provided below the support frame or bearing frame part, or a pre-suction bell can be provided above the support frame or bearing frame part, in order to pre-stretch the film element.

[0104] If, however, such protrusions are distributed across the entire mold or the entire component to be laminated, it is expedient and advantageous for the additional pre-stretching frame to be continuous and closed, completely enclosing the mold or the component. This ensures that the film element is stretched uniformly across the entire surface of the mold or the component.

[0105] Tests in this regard have shown that with the prior art, a film elongation of more than 100% occurred, while with the application of the additional pre-stretching frame, a film elongation of 70-80% was measured.

[0106] Pre-blowing or pre-suction was not used and is often unnecessary.

[0107] Nevertheless, there may be applications where, when using a fully enclosed additional pre-stretching frame, the use of a pre-blow box or a pre-suction bell may be appropriate.

[0108] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a method for stretching and / or forming and / or laminating a film element, in which the film element is held relative to a forming tool or a component to be laminated by means of a support frame, and in which the forming tool or the component to be laminated is moved through the film plane generated by the film element in order to transfer a contour of the forming tool or the component to be laminated onto the film element, wherein the grippers for gripping the film element are individually actively controlled and are displaced translationally along at least three spatial axes and / or rotationally about at least three spatial axes relative to the support frame, and / or the support frame is displaced rotationally about at least one spatial axis and translationally along at least one spatial axis or rotationally about two spatial axes relative to a bearing frame part.to adapt the foil element more precisely to the contour of the mold or the component to be covered.

[0109] It makes no difference whether it is the same spatial axis or different spatial axes.

[0110] In any case, this method allows foil elements to be adapted much more precisely to a wide variety of contours of molds or components to be covered.

[0111] The gripper or the support frame can be actively moved individually at different times during the process.

[0112] A preferred method variant involves moving the gripper and / or the support frame translationally and / or rotationally during and / or after the forming tool or the component to be laminated is moved through the plane of the film element. This allows the film element to be adapted even more precisely to the requirements of the stretching, forming, or lamination process.

[0113] Another particularly advantageous method variant provides that the gripper and / or the support frame can be replaced using the outer bearing frame part, which makes it easier to individually switch between different grippers or different support frames on different film elements or on a wide variety of forming tools or components to be laminated.

[0114] The present method is preferably characterized by the fact that grippers or the support frame are individually actively controlled in order to adapt the film element more precisely to a contour of a molding tool or a component to be laminated.

[0115] As described above, grippers can be individually controlled over time, so that, for example, they move at different times and / or continue moving after a stop, they are accelerated differently and / or they move at different speeds.

[0116] For this purpose, grippers can be moved rotationally as well as translationally around one or more spatial axes, whereby a rotational movement includes not only turning but also tilting of grippers.

[0117] In particular, grippers can traverse a route, especially a predetermined route, in multiple stages to achieve an individual temporal intervention or effect on the foil element.

[0118] Furthermore, it is advantageous if grippers can individually vary their gripping or holding forces; that is, they tighten or loosen their clamping forces or pressing forces acting on the film element between the gripping surface parts of the grippers.

[0119] For example, a spatial axis along which a gripper can be moved translationally or around which a gripper can be moved rotationally runs transversely to the longitudinal axis of a frame part of the support frame on which this gripper is arranged.

[0120] Adjusting individual gripping forces is particularly advantageous for film elements that have a textured surface, so that even film elements with textured surfaces can easily slide between two gripping surface parts of a gripper if gripping forces are reduced accordingly.

[0121] In order to be able to partially manipulate the foil element in a different way, it is advantageous if a gripper or a group of grippers can be individually actively controlled depending on at least one other gripper.

[0122] The foil element can be stretched even more precisely in some sections if grippers are spatially repositioned depending on the position or spatial displacement of the support frame.

[0123] The quality of the finished product can be further improved if grippers are individually and actively controlled depending on the film material of the film element.

[0124] Another preferred method variant provides that grippers are actively controlled individually in such a way that areas of the film element are partially pre-stretched and / or partially slide back, so that the film element can be attached particularly well to a forming tool or to a component to be laminated.

[0125] Furthermore, the present method can be advantageously further developed if the support frame is spatially displaced depending on a spatial displacement of grippers, as this allows the method to be further refined.

[0126] If grippers are individually and actively controlled depending on the contour or geometry of the mold or the component to be laminated, the grippers can manipulate the foil element in a partially improved way, i.e., stretch it in particular.

[0127] The object of the invention is also solved by a laminating station for laminating a component with a foil element, wherein the laminating station is characterized by a device according to one of the features described here.

[0128] By using the present device at a forming station in general, and at the laminating station in particular, components laminated with a film element, especially automotive interior trim parts, can be manufactured with extreme precision and thus with extremely high quality.

[0129] The object of the invention is furthermore also achieved by a system for laminating a component, in particular an automotive interior trim part, with a film element, wherein the system has a laminating station according to one of the features described herein, and the laminating station comprises a support frame with a plurality of grippers for gripping the film element, wherein the system has a controller unit which is operatively connected to at least one of the grippers in such a way that the controller unit controls the at least one gripper with regard to its spatial movement and / or its gripping or holding forces before and / or during the laminating of the component with the film element.

[0130] Because grippers for gripping the film element can be controlled in this way by means of the controller unit, laminating processes on generic systems can be carried out in a much more differentiated, i.e. even more precise, way than before, which in particular results in an optimization with regard to material consumption and laminating quality.

[0131] A suitable controller unit can be designed in a variety of ways, especially by means of a combination of software and hardware.

[0132] This controller unit allows not only the control of active movements of grippers and / or the support frame, but also their complex interrelationships, enabling more differentiated manipulation of the foil element.

[0133] The controller unit also preferably allows menu-driven adjustment to film cutouts when changing over the device, in particular the laminating station or the system, for example when changing formats or similar.

[0134] However, it is also possible to accomplish this menu-driven customization through other suitable computer-aided devices.

[0135] In the context of the invention, menu-controlled adjustment means that a corresponding data set – preset, from the model, via scanner or the like – is loaded, whereby in particular grippers, but also cumulatively or alternatively the carrier frame, automatically adjust to a required or desired format size.

[0136] Alternatively, cutting dimensions or the like can also be manually entered into a control system etc. by an operator via a suitable interface.

[0137] It is understood that the controller unit can be assigned to the device or the laminating station or the system in order to be able to individually control grippers and carrier frames in accordance with the invention.

[0138] It should be noted here that the terms "adjust", "relocate" and "move" are used synonymously in the context of the present invention.

[0139] It should be noted at this point that the invention relates not only to the described device, the described method, the described laminating station and the described system, but also to a product produced with it.

[0140] Such a product could be, for example, bathtubs, refrigerator inner containers, or similar items.

[0141] In this case, corresponding foil blanks (foil elements), which are treated particularly with the aid of vacuum forming, can be stretched biaxially with particular precision before forming, whereby the foil thickness can be made thinner or thicker in particularly precisely defined areas even before forming.

[0142] Particularly in the production of vehicle interior parts, such as instrument panels, door side panels or the like, the degree of extrusion of the surface structure can be influenced with extreme precision.

[0143] In the present case, it is further advantageous if a forming aid is used during the forming process and / or in a subsequent step, which can act on the foil element from the outside, while a forming tool or a component to be covered acts from the inside.

[0144] Furthermore, according to another non-inventive aspect of the invention, it is advantageous if the present method is further developed in that at least one marking of a heated film element within the device or laminating station is detected by a sensor assigned to this marking at the inlet and a sensor assigned to this marking at the outlet of the forming station, whereupon the control signals of the sensors bring about a relative displacement of the film element and the forming tool or the component to be laminated within the device or laminating station, so that in particular working with an inline process, i.e. with a film transported in sections, especially a continuous film, is simplified.

[0145] Advantageously, this allows for even more precise positioning of a two-color cut using the grippers, with particular emphasis on precisely influencing the position of a color separation line using the grippers provided.

[0146] If necessary, the position of the marking can be detected beforehand using a sensor and aligned with a suitably equipped transport device.

[0147] Here, the marking can first be aligned so that the transport device itself achieves a reasonably accurate assignment of the marked film element to the mold or the component to be laminated. In the present device or laminating station, precise alignment is then achieved after the film element has been heated by sensors located at the beginning and end of the device or laminating station, since the heating process can alter the exact assignment of the marking to the mold or the component.

[0148] In the further course of work, the foil element can then be clamped in the actual working area of ​​the device or the laminating station as described above and subjected to a deformation process, whereupon the position of the marking after deformation is monitored by at least one sensor and corrected if necessary.

[0149] In a further advantageous embodiment, the position of the marking can be corrected by holding the foil element in the controlled area and correspondingly displacing the foil element together with holding means, such as the present grippers, while maintaining the clamping position unchanged.

[0150] A shift of the foil element to correct the position of the marking is therefore carried out using the holding means or, in particular, grippers, so that a change of the foil element in its clamped position via the holding means or grippers no longer occurs.

[0151] In a further development of the invention, the position of the marking can be corrected by moving the forming tool or the component to be covered, if this is structurally easier to solve than moving the transport device together with the film.

[0152] To complete the work process, after aligning the marking of the foil element, it can be deformed into a forming tool while maintaining its aligned position, and in the case of a laminating process, the component can be inserted into the preformed foil element and joined with it.

[0153] The procedure described above is always applicable when the foil element is divided into at least two surface areas by the marking. These can be, for example, different color areas separated by a sharp line. The marking can also be a color marking that stands out from the rest of the foil element's color scheme.

[0154] Furthermore, the marking can also be a blind embossing, meaning that the foil element can have a depression or a raised area through which the marking is formed, without any change in color.

[0155] The marking can be continuous across or diagonally to the direction of film travel; however, it is also possible for the marking to be continuous in the direction of film travel.

[0156] The method, supplemented by the additional aspect, can easily be carried out with a device having a transport unit if a control device for detecting the marking and aligning the film element with respect to the transport unit is provided at the beginning of the transport unit, if at least one clamping bar or gripper and one sensor responding to the marking are provided at the inlet and outlet of the device or a forming station, and if actuating devices responding to signals from the sensors are arranged for a relative displacement of the clamped film element with respect to the forming tool or the component to be laminated.

[0157] The accuracy of the marking's position relative to the mold or component is greater the smaller the mold or component to be covered.

[0158] According to another aspect of the invention, the present method can be further developed if, starting from a state where the marking is aligned with the forming tool or the component, the film element is subjected to a deformation process, whereupon the position of the marking is monitored by at least one sensor and corrected if necessary. This process is thus based on a state in which the film element is already aligned with respect to the transport device and in which the film element is also already aligned, at least approximately, with respect to the forming tool or the component to be laminated within the device, forming station, or laminating station. In this case, the correction of the marking takes place before and during a deformation process, i.e., after the heated film element with its marking is already aligned with respect to the forming tool or the component.Therefore, a correction of the position of the marking relative to the forming tool or the component can be effected if a displacement has occurred due to the deformation process.

[0159] A particular advantage is that this allows for simplified insertion of the foil element as well as particularly precise positioning of seams, color areas or the like.

[0160] Preferably, the position of the marking is corrected by holding the film element in the controlled area and correspondingly displacing the film element within itself while maintaining the clamping position. This type of correction is a fine correction in which the marking is moved by utilizing the deformable state of the film element without changing the clamping position. That is, the marking is moved within the film element due to its deformability, without moving the entire film area. This movement was already performed in a previous process step (not shown here) and represents a coarse correction.

[0161] If this shift in itself cannot achieve the desired result, according to another embodiment the correction of the marking's position can be made by shifting the forming tool or the component to be covered, thereby correcting larger errors than by shifting the marking within the film element.

[0162] After this correction, the foil element can be fixed in its position, at least in sections, in order to exclude further influences on the foil element that could lead to a displacement of the marking relative to the mold or the component.

[0163] Once the marking is fixed in its position, the actual forming or laminating process can begin, which consists of deforming the marking into a forming tool while maintaining its aligned and fixed position after it has been aligned and fixed, and in the case of a laminating process, inserting the component into the preformed film element and joining it.

[0164] This procedure is always applicable when the foil element is divided into at least two surface areas by at least one marking, as already explained above with other possibilities that also apply here.

[0165] A device designed to carry out the method according to the other aspect is characterized in particular by the fact that at least one suction device, such as a suction bar, is arranged in the device or forming station above the film element and is height-adjustable, and the device or forming station has a displacement drive that can be controlled by signals from a sensor that responds to the approach of the film element. The height adjustability of the suction device is advantageous, among other things, so that it can follow the deformation of the film element without disturbing the fixed position of the marking.

[0166] To prevent the suction device itself from interfering with the position of the marking during the deformation of the film element, at least one suction device is arranged to be displaceable at an acute or right angle to the longitudinal direction of the film and has a displacement drive that can be controlled by signals from a sensor that responds to the marking. This allows the suction device, which holds the film element and fixes the position of the marking, to follow the deformation of the film element during the forming process to such an extent that a displacement of the marking relative to the forming tool or the component to be laminated is to be avoided.

[0167] Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment, suction devices can be arranged, at least section by section, above the film element in the device or forming station, in a height-adjustable manner and / or displaceable at an acute or right angle to the longitudinal direction of the film. These suction devices ensure that the film element is fixed in position after the marking has been corrected. These suction devices exclusively perform the function of fixing the film element and are therefore preferably arranged at least section by section, since fixing over the entire length or width of the film within the device or forming station is often unnecessary.

[0168] Alternatively, if all suction devices each have a drive for height adjustment and for inclined or perpendicular displacement to the longitudinal direction of the film, whereby the height adjustment and the displacement can be adapted to the deformation speed of the film element during preforming by controlling the drives, it is possible to hold and fix the film element even during the deformation process without any disturbance to the already aligned position of the marking.

[0169] The present invention significantly improves the general stretch- and deformation-free handling of a film element and, in particular, makes partial or selective pre-stretching of film areas of a film element possible with particular precision.

[0170] Therefore, it is particularly advantageous if grippers are designed or controllable for partial pre-stretching or partial post-sliding.

[0171] Furthermore, the invention can be applied not only to pre-cut film blanks, but also to inline processes or inline systems, whereby processing from a roll is also possible instead of pre-cut film blanks. However, pre-cut film blanks can also be inserted into an inline system.

[0172] Further features, effects and advantages of the present invention are explained with reference to the accompanying drawing and the following description, in which an exemplary device for stretching and / or shaping and / or covering a foil element is shown and described, with grippers that are movable multiaxially in space translationally and rotationally relative to a support frame and with a support frame that is additionally movable uniaxially in space rotationally relative to an outer bearing frame part.

[0173] Components which are at least essentially identical in their function in the individual figures may be marked with the same reference symbols, although the components do not have to be numbered and explained in all figures.

[0174] The drawing shows: Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a support frame equipped with spatially multiaxially movable and individually controllable grippers, which is additionally rotatably arranged on a bearing frame part of a device for stretching and / or shaping and / or concealing the application of a film element; Figure 2 schematically shows another perspective view of the in the Figure 1 shown support frame, but without the bearing frame part; Figure 3 schematically shows a side view of one in the Figure 1 and 2 shown gripper unit with gripper; Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective top view of the in the Figure 3shown gripper unit with gripper; Figure 5 schematically shows a top view of the in the Figures 1 to 4 The supporting frame shown, with an exemplary component inserted into the device and to be covered with the foil element; Figure 6 schematically shows a top view of the component in the Figures 1 to 5 The support frame shown, however, can alternatively be fitted with a total of 12 individually controllable grippers in a fully open, symmetrical position; Figure 7 schematically shows another top view of the support frame shown in the Figure 6 shown support frame with grippers shifted to the left; Figure 8 schematically shows an additional top view of the, in particular in the Figure 7 shown support frame with grips additionally extended on both long sides of the support frame; Figure 9 schematically shows an alternative top view of the support frame shown in the Figures 6 to 8 shown support frame with grippers shifted to the right; and Figure 10 schematically a side view of the in the Figures 6 to 9 The support frame shown during a heating process.

[0175] The one in Figure 1 Device 1, shown only partially, for stretching and / or shaping and / or covering a foil element 2 (see example only) Figure 5 ), which here is represented as a foil cutout 3, forms a foil element level 4 and is part of a laminating station 5 not shown in detail here (see only Figure 5 ) as well as Annex 6, which is also not shown in detail here (see only Figure 5 ) for concealing a component 7 (see also only Figure 5 ), wherein in this embodiment the component 7 to be concealed is a motor vehicle interior trim part 8.

[0176] The device 1 is characterized in particular by a support frame 10 for clamping the foil element 2 relative to the component 7 to be laminated or also relative to any other forming tool that can be arranged in the device 1 (not shown here).

[0177] A plurality of grippers 11 (numbered here only as examples) are arranged on the support frame 10 for gripping the film element 2, the grippers 11 each being part of a compact gripper unit 12 (see in particular Figures 3 and 4 ) are.

[0178] The special feature of the device 1 is that the grippers 11 are arranged to be multiaxially adjustable relative to the support frame 10 in order to be able to adapt the foil element 2 more precisely to a contour 7A of the component 7 to be laminated or of a forming tool.

[0179] In particular, a defined sliding of the foil element 2 is achieved particularly well during a forming process with these multi-axially adjustable grippers 11 or gripper units 12.

[0180] The importance of multi-axial adjustability will be discussed later with regard to the [missing information]. Figures 3 and 4 The gripper unit 12, shown in detail, is explained in more detail.

[0181] The support frame 10 has two interconnected longitudinal beams 16 and 17 on its two long sides 15 (numbered only as an example). These first and second longitudinal beams 16 and 17 are connected to each other on the short sides 18 of the support frame 10 by transverse beams 19 to form the support frame 10 itself.

[0182] In this embodiment, the device 1 is characterized, in addition to the multiaxially adjustable grippers 11, also by an outer bearing frame part 20 (only partially and only in the Figure 1 (as shown) in which the support frame 10 is advantageously arranged to be adjustable at least uniaxially about a spatial axis 16 or bearing axis, i.e. pivotable, in order to be able to adapt the foil element 2 more precisely to the contour 7A of the component 7 to be laminated or of a forming tool.

[0183] The outer bearing frame part 20 has two bearing devices 22 (numbered here only as an example), with bearing eyes 23, in each of which a bearing pin 24 (numbered here only as an example) of the support frame 10 is rotatably mounted. The bearing pins 24 are each located on the cross member 19 of the support frame 10, so that the support frame 10 is rotatably or pivotably mounted in the outer bearing frame part 20 about its longitudinal axis, which coincides with the spatial axis 21.

[0184] Through this bearing mechanism, essentially embodied by the bearing devices 22, the support frame 10 has at least in this embodiment one degree of freedom 26, namely rotation about the spatial axis 21, so that all gripper units 12 mounted on the support frame 10 with their grippers 11 can simultaneously and jointly change their spatial position in space 27 and especially relative to the contour 7A of the component 7 to be covered, thereby reducing the control effort on the device 1.

[0185] It should be noted again at this point that the outer bearing frame could also be operated without the bearing mechanism described above in an alternative device or for an alternative application.

[0186] As shown in the presentation after the Figure 2In schematic representation, the device 1 comprises a controller unit 30, by means of which in particular the multi-axial adjustability of the grippers 11 and the support frame 10 can be controlled or regulated.

[0187] The support frame 10 is according to Figure 2 shown without the outer bearing frame part 20 and the bearing mechanism.

[0188] Based on the representations according to the Figures 3 and 4 A gripper unit 12 mounted on the support frame 10 is also schematically shown again with regard to its multi-axial adjustability and the resulting degrees of freedom, whereby, for this purpose, the only available in the Figure 3 The coordinate system 32 shown has been introduced.

[0189] In particular, the gripper 11 can therefore be translationally adjusted or displaced along a first gripper space axis 37 (x-axis), a second gripper space axis 38 (y-axis) and along a third gripper space axis 39 (z-axis), resulting in three translational degrees of freedom, namely a first degree of freedom 41, a second degree of freedom 42 and a third degree of freedom 43 with respect to the gripper 11.

[0190] In addition, the gripper can be rotated or displaced about the respective gripper space axis 37, 38 or 39, resulting in three rotational degrees of freedom with respect to the gripper 11, namely a fourth degree of freedom 44, a fifth degree of freedom 45 and a sixth degree of freedom 46.

[0191] This multi-axial adjustability of the gripper 11 results in an individual gripper action space 50 for each of the grippers 11 on the device 1, which is located in the Figures 3 and4 is shown schematically.

[0192] In this embodiment, each of the grippers 11 has a gripper action space 50 with dimensions of 80 mm x 80 mm x 700 mm, wherein the dimensions of the gripper action space 50 can be selected differently from support frame 10 to support frame 10 and can thus be individually adapted to the respective component 7 or mold (not shown) to be laminated.

[0193] In this embodiment, the gripper 11 is characterized by an upper gripper element 51 and a lower gripper element 52, wherein the upper and lower gripper elements 51 and 52 can be moved towards each other or away from each other by a gripping mechanism not shown here, so that the gripper 11 as a whole can perform a gripping movement towards the film element 2.

[0194] Gripping surface parts 53 and 54 are attached to the gripping elements 51 and 52 in a fixed but detachable and thus interchangeable manner, and are in direct contact with the film element 2 and thus exert gripping forces 55 on the film element 2.

[0195] By means of these interchangeable gripping surface parts, the gripper 11 can be individually adapted to the film material to be processed of the respective film element 2, if necessary.

[0196] In order to enable the high mobility or adjustability or displacement of the respective gripper 11, the device 1 comprises the gripper units 12 with the following structure, the essential functions of which are described below by way of example.

[0197] The gripper unit 12 has an extension and rotation mechanism 60, by means of which the gripper 11 can be moved translationally along the first gripper space axis 37, thereby realizing the first degree of freedom 41.

[0198] On the other hand, the gripper 11 can also be moved rotationally around this first gripper space axis 37 by means of this extension and rotation mechanism 60, i.e. rotated, thereby realizing the fourth degree of freedom 44.

[0199] The fourth degree of freedom 44 ensures that the gripper 11 is rotatable relative to the film element plane 4.

[0200] This extension and rotation mechanism 60 can be designed in a variety of ways and is located in a head section 61 of the gripper unit 12.

[0201] Furthermore, the gripper unit 12 has a horizontal swivel mechanism 62 with a horizontal swivel axis 63, which runs in the direction of the second gripper space axis 38.

[0202] By means of the horizontal swivel mechanism 62, in this embodiment the entire head part 61 and thus also the extension and rotation mechanism 60 of the gripper 11 can be swivelled about the horizontal swivel axis 63, so that the fifth degree of freedom 45 is thereby made possible.

[0203] The translational adjustability or displacement of the gripper 11 is achieved by a lifting / lowering mechanism 64, so that the gripper 11 can be moved or adjusted or displaced translationally along the second gripper space axis 38. In this respect, the previously described second degree of freedom 42 is realized. The second degree of freedom 42 ensures that the gripper 11 can be individually adjusted in height relative to the film element plane 4.

[0204] Furthermore, the gripper unit 12 is connected by means of a slide part 65 (see Figure 4 ) comprising two slide elements 66 and 67 (see Figure 4 ) attached translationally in complementary rails (not shown) of the support frame 10.

[0205] By means of the slide part 13, the gripper unit 12 can be moved or adjusted or displaced translationally along the third gripper space axis 39, thereby formulating the third degree of freedom 43 explained above.

[0206] In this embodiment, the sixth degree of freedom 46 is achieved by the pivotability of the gripper unit 12 about a pivot axis 68 (see Figure 1 ) ensures, for which the gripper unit 12 further includes a vertical swiveling mechanism (not shown here).

[0207] Alternatively, the sixth degree of freedom 46 can also be achieved cumulatively by the rotational movement of the support frame 10 about the spatial axis 21.

[0208] In particular, the sixth degree of freedom 46 ensures that the gripper 11 can be inclined, especially relative to the component 7 to be concealed.

[0209] In this embodiment, the spatial axis 21 or the spatial axis 21 of the support frame 10 and the third gripper spatial axis 39 are aligned or parallel to each other.

[0210] Due to the previously described structure of the gripper unit 12 and its operating principle, a plurality of adjustment devices 70 for spatially adjusting the grippers 11 are provided on the device 1.

[0211] It goes without saying that these adjustment devices can be controlled by a wide variety of motors.

[0212] In this respect, the respective gripper unit 12 can in particular comprise at least one or more electric drive motors for driving the grippers 11, so that these grippers 11 can be adjusted multi-axially, as explained above, and can individually grip the respective foil element 2.

[0213] In particular, the gripping mechanism described above can be designed such that gripping forces 55 can be individually exerted on the film element 2 by means of the grippers 11 in order to enable, on the one hand, a secure holding of the film element 2, but on the other hand, also to enable the film element 2 to slide between the gripping surface parts 53 and 54 when this appears necessary.

[0214] The adjustment devices 70 or the drive motors (not shown here) are in direct operative contact with the controller unit 30, which is connected via a bus system 71 (only shown as an example in the Figures 2, 3 and 4 (quantified) is able to individually control the required movements of all grippers 11 and the support frame 10, so that the foil element 2 can be treated or stretched and reshaped in the desired manner.

[0215] In particular, the gripper 11 can also be individually controlled or accelerated, etc., using the controller unit 30.

[0216] According to the representations according to the Figures 6 to 10 The device 1 is shown in a further configuration in which a double gripper unit 12A is arranged on each of the short sides 18 of the support frame 10 instead of a single gripper unit 12, as in the Figure 1 , 2 and 5 shown.

[0217] According to the presentation after the Figure 6The device 1 is in a maximally open symmetrical position 74, in which a maximum foil element receiving space 75 is created.

[0218] According to the presentation after the Figure 7 The gripper units 12 and 12A, respectively, are moved into the lower left corner area 76 of the foil element receiving space 75, as shown in the illustration. Figure 8 , which are located in gripper units 12 on the long sides 15 of the support frame 10 with respect to their respective first gripper space axes 37 (see example) Figure 3 ) are extended, which makes it clear that almost every area of ​​the foil element receiving space 75 can be reached individually by one of the gripper units 12 or 12 A.

[0219] According to the presentation after the Figure 9The gripper units 12 and 12A have, for example, moved into the lower right corner area 77, with the grippers 11 retracting into the gripper units 12 on the lower long side 15.

[0220] According to the presentation after the Figure 10 The device 1 is, for example, in a heating phase in which the foil element 2 to be stretched and formed or laminated is thermally prepared for the subsequent treatment or for the subsequent lamination process by means of a heating device 80.

[0221] At this point, it should be explicitly pointed out again that the features of the solutions described above or in the claims and / or figures can also be combined, if necessary, in order to implement or achieve the explained features, effects and advantages in a cumulative manner.

[0222] It is understood that the exemplary embodiment described above, particularly with regard to its differing modifications, represents only initial embodiments of the device according to the invention. Therefore, the embodiment of the invention is not limited to this exemplary embodiment.

[0223] All features disclosed in the application documents are claimed to be essential to the invention, provided that they are novel individually or in combination compared to the prior art. List of reference symbols used

[0224] 1 Device 2 Film element 3 Film cut 4 Film element level 5 Laminating station 6 System 7 Component to be laminated 7A Contour 8 Vehicle interior trim part 10 Support frame 11 Gripper 12 Gripper unit 12A Double gripper unit 15 Long sides 16 First longitudinal cross member 17 Second longitudinal cross member 18 Short sides 19 Cross members 20 Outer bearing frame part 21 Spatial axis or22 Bearing axis 23 Bearing devices 24 Bearing eye 26 Bearing pin 26 Degree of freedom of the support frame 27 Space 30 Controller unit 32 Coordinate system 36 Coordinate system 37 First gripper space axis (x-axis) 38 Second gripper space axis (y-axis) 39 Third gripper space axis (z-axis) 41 First degree of freedom 42 Second degree of freedom 43 Third degree of freedom 44 Fourth degree of freedom 45 Fifth degree of freedom 46 Sixth degree of freedom 50 Gripper action space 51 Upper gripper element 52 Lower gripper element 53 First gripping surface part 54 Second gripping surface part 55 Gripping forces 60 Extension and rotation mechanism 61 Head part 62 Horizontal swivel mechanism 63 Horizontal swivel axis 64 Lifting / lowering mechanism 65 Slide part 66 first slide element 67 second slide element 68 swivel axis 70 individual adjustment devices 71 bus system 74 maximum open symmetrical position 75 maximum foil element receiving space 76 left lower corner area 77 right lower corner area 80 heating device.

Claims

1. Device (1) for stretching and / or forming and / or laminating placement of a film element (2), comprising a support frame (10) for clamping the film element (2) relative to a forming tool or a component (7) to be laminated, and comprising grippers (11) for gripping the film element (2), which are mounted movably relative to the support frame (10), wherein the grippers (11) are arranged to be adjustable relative to the support frame (10) in multiple axes in order to adapt the film element (2) more precisely to a contour (7A) of the forming tool or of the component (7) to be laminated, and are actively controlled individually for gripping the film element (2), characterized in that the grippers (11) for gripping the film element (2) are spatially adjustable relative to the support frame (10) with six degrees of freedom (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46).

2. Device (1) for stretching and / or forming and / or laminating placement of a film element (2), comprising a support frame (10) for clamping the film element (2) relative to a forming tool or a component (7) to be laminated, characterized in that the device (1) comprises an outer bearing frame part (20), relative to which the support frame (10) is arranged to be adjustable in multiple axes, in order to adapt the film element (2) more precisely to a contour (7A) of the forming tool or of the component (7) to be laminated.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer bearing frame part (20) is mounted in the device (1) to be interchangeable by means of a change mechanism.

4. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the film element plane (4) of the film element (2) is displaceable relative to a bearing frame part plane of an outer bearing frame part (20) for supporting the support frame (10).

5. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that grippers (11) for gripping the film element (2) are jointly carried by the support frame (10), wherein in particular the support frame (10) is arranged to be displaceable in space (27) in a rotational and / or translational manner.

6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that grippers (11) for gripping the film element (2) are individually controllable with respect to timing.

7. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that - grippers (11) for gripping the film element (2) are tiltable relative to the film element plane (4), and / or - grippers (11) for gripping the film element (2) are rotatable relative to the film element plane (4), and / or - grippers (11) for gripping the film element (2) are individually height-adjustable relative to the film element plane (4).

8. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that grippers (11) for gripping the film element (2) are individually acceleratable and / or displaceable with individual speeds, and / or that gripping forces (55) generatable by the grippers (11) for gripping the film element (2) are individually generatable and variable.

9. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a plurality of adjustment devices (70) for spatially adjusting the grippers (11) and / or the support frame (10).

10. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by electric drive motors for driving the grippers (11) and / or the support frame (10), wherein the drive motors are preferably arranged on the support frame (10) and preferably mounted in a floating manner.

11. Method for stretching and / or forming and / or laminating placement of a film element (2), in which the film element (2) is held by means of a support frame (10) relative to a forming tool or a component (7) to be laminated, and in which the forming tool or the component (7) to be laminated is moved through the film element plane (4) generated by the film element (2) in order to transfer a contour (7A) of the forming tool or of the component (7) to be laminated onto the film element (2), characterized in that grippers (11) for gripping the film element (2) are actively controlled individually and are displaced relative to the support frame (10) translationally along at least three spatial axes (37, 38, 39) and / or rotationally about at least three spatial axes (37, 38, 39) in order to adapt the film element (2) more precisely to the contour (7A) of the forming tool or of the component (7) to be laminated.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that grippers (11) and / or the support frame (10) are displaced translationally and / or rotationally during and / or after the forming tool or the component (7) to be laminated is moved through the plane (4) of the film element (2), wherein preferably grippers (11) are spatially displaced depending on a spatial position or spatial displacement of the support frame (10) and / or the support frame (10) is spatially displaced depending on a spatial displacement of grippers (11).

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that grippers (11) and / or the support frame (10) are exchanged by means of an outer bearing frame part (20).

14. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that a gripper (11) or a group of grippers (11) is actively controlled individually depending on at least one further gripper (11), and / or grippers (11) are actively controlled individually depending on a film material of the film element (2), and / or grippers (11) are actively controlled individually such that regions of the film element (2) are partially prestretched and / or partially allowed to slip.

15. Laminating station (5) for laminating a component (7) with a film element (2), characterized in that the laminating station (5) comprises a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

16. Plant (6) for laminating a component (7), in particular an automotive interior trim part (8), with a film element (2), wherein the plant (6) comprises a laminating station (5) according to claim 15, and the laminating station (5) comprises a support frame (10) with a plurality of grippers (11) for gripping the film element (2), characterized in that the plant (6) comprises a controller unit (30) which is operatively connected to at least one of the grippers (11) such that the controller unit (30), before and / or during the laminating of the component (7) with the film element (2), controls the at least one gripper (11) with respect to its spatial movement and / or its gripping or holding forces (55).