GRIPPER FOR A DRAPING FRAME AND METHOD FOR FORMING AND / OR LAMINATING A FILM ELEMENT

Description

[0001] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a gripper for a draping frame is shown with a gripper chassis and with at least two opposing and mutually movable gripper jaw elements for gripping a film element.

[0002] A further embodiment not according to the invention shows a gripper for a draping frame with at least two opposing and mutually movable gripper jaw elements for gripping a film element.

[0003] The invention relates to a gripper for a device for forming and / or laminating a film element, in particular for a draping frame, with at least two opposing and mutually movable gripper jaw elements for gripping the film element.

[0004] The invention further relates to a draping frame for forming and / or laminating a film element.

[0005] The invention further relates to a device for forming and / or laminating a film element with a plurality of grippers and with a forming tool or a laminating tool, in which the forming tool or the laminating tool comprises a lower tool and an upper tool.

[0006] A further embodiment not according to the invention shows a device for forming and / or laminating a film element with a frame part which comprises a plurality of grips, and with a forming tool or a laminating tool, in which the forming tool or the laminating tool (51) comprises a lower tool and an upper tool.

[0007] A further embodiment not according to the invention shows a device for forming and / or laminating a film element with a tool which comprises an exchangeable lower tool and an exchangeable upper tool which are exchangeable for a product change.

[0008] A further embodiment not according to the invention shows a device for forming and / or laminating a film element on a carrier part to be laminated.

[0009] A further embodiment not according to the invention shows a device for laminating a film element on a carrier part, with grippers for gripping the film element, with a carrier part receptacle for holding the carrier part relative to the film element and with a laminating space in which the film element is laminated onto the carrier part.

[0010] A further embodiment not according to the invention shows a system for producing a shaped and / or laminated component with at least one processing line and with a device for shaping and / or laminating a film element.

[0011] A further embodiment not according to the invention shows a system for producing a shaped and / or laminated component with an input side, with an output side, with at least one processing line between the input side and the output side, and with a device for shaping and / or laminating a film element.

[0012] The invention further relates to a method for forming and / or laminating a film element, in which the film element is placed in open grippers and subsequently gripped by the grippers, and in which the film element is further brought into operative contact with a formed part or with a carrier part to be laminated.

[0013] A further embodiment not according to the invention shows a method for converting a device for forming and / or laminating a film element, in which the tool is exchanged for converting the device to another product, wherein the upper tool train and / or the lower tool are exchanged.

[0014] A further embodiment not according to the invention shows a method for forming and / or laminating a film element on a carrier part, in which the film element and the carrier part are positioned relative to one another for forming and / or laminating.

[0015] A further embodiment not according to the invention shows a method for producing a laminated component from a film element and a carrier part, in which the film element is laminated onto the carrier part on a laminating device, and in which the laminated component is subsequently removed from the laminating device and made available for further processing.

[0016] From the prior art, such as from document EP 2 875 931 A1, devices for forming and / or laminating a film onto a molded part or a carrier part to be laminated are known. Such devices usually comprise a clamping frame, by means of which the film is stretched relative to the molded part or the carrier part to be laminated in a film plane. For example, the molded part or the carrier part to be laminated is subsequently moved through the film plane to form or laminate the film.

[0017] For example, European patent application EP 2 397 308 A2 discloses a device for stretching and forming a film blank using such a clamping frame. This device clamps the film blank between an upper and lower clamping frame of a clamping frame, thereby holding it 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 also be rotated around a fixed point, i.e., around exactly one spatial axis, to ensure the film blank's gliding during the forming process.

[0018] Furthermore, DE 699 09 835 D2 discloses a machine for stretching and vacuum forming a rectangular sheet of plastic material. The machine comprises a clamping frame consisting of four clamping bars, by means of which each edge of the rectangular plastic sheet can be clamped. Two clamping bars are arranged opposite one another in pairs, with each clamping bar comprising several second clamping devices. These second clamping devices are mounted on each clamping bar and can move along the length of the clamping bar with a low coefficient of friction, being pulled along by the material sheet. Thus, the second clamping devices move proportionally to the movement of the clamping bars to counteract edge distortion.

[0019] EP 1 531 036 A1 discloses a method and device for folding flexible materials over a workpiece. For this purpose, in a first step, the workpiece, including a blank of the material, is sucked into a recess of an insert mold, with the edges of the blank positioned perpendicular to the plane of the insert mold. In a second step, the projecting edges of the blank are tilted by an angle using a force directed from the edge of the recess toward the space defined by it. In a third step, the edges of the edge regions of the blank are further bent perpendicular to the recess and pressed against the workpiece.

[0020] With such clamping frames, considerable tensile forces often act on the film, which can lead to unfavorable, undesirable film stretching, particularly in curved, bent or undercut areas of the molded part or the carrier part.

[0021] Such film stretching can lead to significant visual quality losses, particularly in films with high-quality, grained or similar high-quality surfaces.

[0022] To avoid or at least mitigate these disadvantages, there are already clamping frames with individual grippers that grip the film at its edges and then pull it over the molded part or the carrier part to be laminated. Such grippers can counteract the risk of undesirably excessive film stretching.

[0023] The invention is based on the object of further developing generic devices, components, or component groups thereof, or systems comprising such a device, as well as corresponding methods. In particular, the object of the invention is to produce molded and / or laminated components of higher quality or at least equivalent quality, despite saving film material.

[0024] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a gripper for a device for forming and / or laminating a film element, in particular for a draping frame, is shown, comprising a gripper chassis and at least two opposing and mutually movable gripper jaw elements for gripping a film element, wherein the gripper jaw elements are arranged on a gripper head part of the gripper, and wherein the gripper head part of the gripper is mounted so as to be movable relative to the gripper chassis with at least one degree of freedom.

[0025] Due to the gripper head part, which is also movable relative to the gripper chassis, the film element can be positioned even more precisely relative to a molded part or a carrier part to be laminated, thereby significantly reducing the risk of excessive film stretching.

[0026] In other words, this means that the gripper head part can be moved in space, especially in a draping or laminating room, independently of any movement of the gripper chassis.

[0027] This is particularly advantageous with regard to components that are constantly being redesigned and have increasingly complex shapes.

[0028] Especially in the automotive sector, laminated components with increasingly complex designed or shaped surfaces are being created, such as interior door panels, armrests, seat backs, or other vehicle interior trim parts.

[0029] The invention proposed here makes it possible to produce laminated components in particular in a material-saving manner, but still with high quality and at low cost.

[0030] At this point it should be mentioned that the terms "conceal", "laminate", "laminate" or similar are used synonymously in this case.

[0031] In particular, the gripper for gripping the film element can move into a "folding section" of the film element and grip the film element there, whereby a further reduction in the required cutting size of the film element can be achieved.

[0032] In the context of the invention, the term "gripper" describes a device by means of which the film element, in particular edges of the film element, can be gripped and held in a safe manner.

[0033] For secure gripping, the gripper has at least two opposing and mutually movable gripper jaw elements.

[0034] The gripper jaw elements form two gripping surface parts that can be moved relative to one another, by means of which different gripping forces or holding forces can be exerted on the film element to be gripped.

[0035] For example, the grippers may cumulatively or alternatively also comprise a suction device in order to grip the film element in the sense of the present invention.

[0036] However, the present gripper can be particularly characterized by a gripper chassis on which the gripper jaw elements are not arranged directly rigidly except for their gripping movement possibilities, but on which a gripper head part carrying the gripper jaw elements is arranged in an articulated manner, which is interposed between the gripper chassis and the gripper chassis.

[0037] The gripper head part can be arranged in an articulated manner on the gripper chassis in such a way that the gripper head part has at least one degree of freedom relative to the gripper chassis, while the gripper chassis itself is mounted on a frame part or the like with several, preferably six or more, degrees of freedom.

[0038] For example, gripper jaw elements can also perform a rolling movement around their longitudinal axis to drape or position the film element more precisely against the carrier part in certain areas before the actual lamination process begins using differential pressure. This rolling movement can occur independently of any movement of the gripper chassis.

[0039] In this case, the gripper chassis can comprise all necessary adjustment mechanisms for adjusting, in particular for spatial adjustment, the gripper, including translation, rotation, pivot axes or the like, or one or more such drive motors for driving the gripper.

[0040] In particular, the actual gripper jaw elements, which are movable relative to one another, are not attached directly to the gripper chassis, but only indirectly with the inclusion or interposition of the gripper head part.

[0041] This means that the gripper jaw elements, which can move relative to one another, can be mounted on the gripper head part; and the gripper head part can be mounted movable on the gripper chassis.

[0042] In the context of the invention, the term "film element" preferably describes a prefabricated film, i.e. a film blank cut to fit the molded part or the carrier part to be laminated.

[0043] The foil element can also be in the form of an inherently rigid plate element or the like.

[0044] Furthermore, the film element can be realized using a wide variety of materials; in particular, it can also be defined by air-permeable materials, which are also used in particular in press lamination.

[0045] With a suitable embodiment of the present invention, it is also conceivable to use films in the form of a tape from a roll or the like.

[0046] The term "support part" in this case describes a base body that is preferably three-dimensional. Thus, the support part is preferably a three-dimensional structure, allowing the production of three-dimensional components or laminated components.

[0047] At this point, it should also be noted that, in the context of this patent application, indefinite articles and indefinite numerical expressions such as "one...", "two...", etc., should generally be understood as "at least one...", "at least two...", etc., unless it is clear from the context or the specific text of a particular passage that only "exactly one...", "exactly two...", etc., are meant.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the context of this patent application, the term "in particular" should always be understood as introducing an optional, preferred feature. The term should not be understood as "and indeed" or "namely."

[0049] Furthermore, it should already be emphasized here that the present invention with all its embodiments and related structural and process-related objects not only relate to the variations of vacuum lamination, but also to the variations of press lamination or the like.

[0050] The degrees of freedom mentioned here are preferably implemented using motorized drive systems, but they can also be manually adjustable as needed. Depending on customer requirements or the required complexity, individual degrees of freedom can be manually adjustable, while others can be adjusted cumulatively or alternatively by motor, particularly automatically.

[0051] A preferred embodiment provides that the gripper head part of the gripper is movable with respect to at least one spatial axis, which is different from the spatial axes of the gripper chassis, and with respect to the gripper chassis. This allows the degrees of freedom achievable by the gripper to be further increased.

[0052] In this context, it should be considered, for example, that the gripper head part can also be arranged on the gripper chassis of the gripper in a multi-axially adjustable manner.

[0053] The term "multiaxial" in the context of the invention describes a multifunctional or multiaxial spatial freedom of movement of the gripper, or in particular of the gripper jaw elements, which is formulated by several translational and / or rotational degrees of freedom along several spatial axes. A translational movement and a rotational movement can have a common spatial axis or different spatial axes.

[0054] Preferably, the gripper head part can be adjusted three-dimensionally relative to the gripper chassis.

[0055] This allows the gripping and adjustment options of the gripper to be significantly increased with respect to the film element and in particular with respect to the molded part or the carrier part to be laminated.

[0056] In particular, the gripper proposed here allows the film element to be gripped in a more differentiated and effective manner, whereby critical film stretching can be very effectively avoided.

[0057] Furthermore, thanks to the more sophisticated handling, the film element can be cut to extremely small dimensions. This significantly reduces the amount of film waste surrounding the film element that would otherwise be lost, thus saving a considerable amount of film waste overall.

[0058] It is understood that the articulation between the gripper chassis and the gripper head can be achieved in a variety of ways. A structurally simple yet extremely effective implementation of an additional degree of freedom can be achieved by rotating the gripper head around a rotational axis using a rotary drive.

[0059] A rotary drive can be implemented very simply and compactly, for example, using a stepper motor or a servo motor. The corresponding rotary movement can be achieved with extreme precision if the rotary drive features a worm gear.

[0060] A particularly advantageous additional mobility can be achieved on the gripper if the rotation axis is arranged perpendicular to a front surface of the gripper chassis, i.e., around a horizontal axis. This allows a section of a film element to be unwound particularly precisely relative to a carrier part.

[0061] It has been shown that it is advantageous if the gripper head of the gripper can be rotated relative to the gripper chassis about a vertical axis and / or a horizontal axis. This allows a film element to be applied even more precisely to the contour of a carrier part, particularly without stress.

[0062] A horizontal axis can be easily realized by a rotation axis running transversely to a front surface.

[0063] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a gripper for a device for forming and / or laminating a film element, in particular for a draping frame, is shown, comprising at least two opposing and mutually movable gripper jaw elements for gripping a film element, wherein at least one of the gripper jaw elements has tempering means by means of which the at least one gripper jaw element can be at least partially tempered.

[0064] These temperature control devices are preferably implemented as active temperature control devices so that desired target temperatures can be actively controlled and adjusted on the gripper jaw elements.

[0065] Such temperature control devices can be designed in a variety of ways. In particular, the temperature control devices can be designed as heating devices or cooling devices.

[0066] Just as an example, it should be mentioned here that the temperature control media can be operated electrically, for example as heating wires, heating rods or similar.

[0067] However, suitable temperature control means may also comprise fluid channels or the like for a heating fluid or cooling fluid, wherein the fluid channels may also be guided through the individual gripper jaw elements.

[0068] Advantageously, the gripper jaw elements are at least partially cooled, allowing even film elements fully coated with adhesive to be gripped with the gripper jaw elements. This reduces the risk of the grippers, especially the gripper jaw elements, becoming directly contaminated with adhesive residue. This means that grippers cooled in this way also require less frequent cleaning, while still ensuring reliable operation.

[0069] Furthermore, the customer can decide whether he wants to use an adhesive application station for partial adhesive application on the film element, or whether he wants to use the existing grippers with cooled gripper jaw elements in order to be able to save on such an adhesive application station, for example for cost and / or space reasons.

[0070] It is advantageous if at least one of the gripper jaw elements has connection interfaces for temperature control agents, so that the gripper jaw elements can be connected to a cooling and / or heating device.

[0071] For example, a connection interface comprises a cooling hose coupling, by means of which cooling fluid hoses can be connected to fluid channels introduced into the gripper jaw elements.

[0072] In connection with a connection interface for temperature control agents, electrical connectors are also being considered as an alternative in order to be able to supply power to electrical components located in or on gripper jaw elements.

[0073] The risk of adhesion, in particular of adhesive, to temperature-controlled gripper jaw elements of the gripper can be significantly reduced if at least one of the gripper jaw elements has an actively temperature-controlled non-stick contact surface.

[0074] Suitable non-stick contact surfaces can be designed in various ways. Such a non-stick contact surface is preferably designed as a Teflon coating or the like.

[0075] However, other design options can also be considered in this case. For example, a gripper jaw element could be made of a material with anti-adhesive properties, such as ceramics or the like.

[0076] In the context of the invention, the term "non-stick contact surface" essentially describes those areas that can come into active contact with the film element to be gripped.

[0077] In particular, gripping surface parts of gripper jaw elements can be equipped with tempering agents or non-stick contact surfaces.

[0078] The object of the invention is achieved according to a first aspect by a gripper for a device for forming and / or laminating a film element, in particular for a draping frame, with at least two opposing and mutually movable gripper jaw elements for gripping the film element, wherein the gripper has folding means for folding a film edge around an edge of a carrier part laminated with the film element.

[0079] By using such folding tools integrated into the gripper, a manufacturing process for a laminated component can be further streamlined and optimized.

[0080] If the folding means are arranged on the gripper jaw elements with at least two opposing and mutually movable grippers, the grippers for laminating and folding can be constructed very compactly.

[0081] The same applies if the folding means are arranged on a gripper chassis and / or on a gripper head part.

[0082] The grippers in question can be arranged in a variety of ways on a device for forming and / or laminating a film element. For example, grippers can be arranged on a frame of any design. Or on column-like, preferably individually height-adjustable base platforms, on each of which a gripper is mounted. However, grippers can be integrated into generic devices in a particularly simple manner if they are supported by a frame part, such as the draping frame described here.

[0083] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a draping frame for forming and / or laminating a film element is shown, having a draping space and having a plurality of motor-driven grippers for gripping the film element, wherein grippers of the draping frame at least partially have at least seven degrees of freedom.

[0084] The term "draping frame" in the sense of the invention describes a frame part for arranging a plurality of grippers on or in a draping space in such a way that a film element can be brought into operative contact with a shaped part or with a carrier part to be laminated by means of the grippers or at least by means of some of the grippers and can then be simply unwound on this shaped part or on this carrier part to be laminated, whereby unnecessary stretching, in particular longitudinal and / or transverse stretching, of the film element can be avoided.

[0085] In other words, this means that the film element is at least partially no longer stretched or only negligibly stretched with the draping frame according to the invention, as is the case with conventional known stretching frames.

[0086] The present draping frame can differ from conventional tentering frames or laminating frames in that the film element is no longer stretched or extended and thus critically stretched before being subjected to a differential pressure, in particular a vacuum, as was previously the case.

[0087] The draping frame can be designed as an open frame part, for example as a type of tubular lattice frame, or closed with a built-in housing.

[0088] In this case, the draping space can be a work space at least partially enclosed by the draping frame. The draping space is preferably also a laminating space in which a film element can be laminated onto a carrier part.

[0089] By providing at least seven degrees of freedom of the grippers, in particular their gripper jaw elements, it is structurally extremely simple to treat the film element with the present draping frame in such a way that the film element is placed on the molded part or the carrier part to be laminated without tension or with only a small, rather negligible tension.

[0090] These seven degrees of freedom are available, in particular, at the gripper jaw elements. More precisely, the gripper jaw elements can move with seven degrees of freedom relative to the draping frame and, in particular, within the draping space.

[0091] In this context, the term "draping" within the meaning of the invention describes the flat holding of a film element in a draping space of a draping frame and in particular in a draping plane in front of a molded part or a carrier part to be laminated and the at least partial application of the film element, in particular also to curved surfaces of the molded part or the carrier part to be laminated.

[0092] It is particularly advantageous if the gripper has a gripper chassis that is arranged to be multiaxially adjustable relative to the draping frame with at least two or three, preferably six, degrees of freedom, and the gripper comprises a gripper head part that has at least one additional degree of freedom that is different from the degrees of freedom of the gripper chassis. This allows for a very compact design that provides at least seven degrees of freedom for the gripper jaw elements, with the total number of degrees of freedom being achieved by combining the individual degrees of freedom of the gripper chassis and the gripper head part.

[0093] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a draping frame for forming and / or laminating a film element is shown, having a draping space and having a plurality of motor-driven grippers for gripping the film element, wherein the grippers have tempering means by means of which the gripper jaw elements can be at least partially tempered.

[0094] As already indicated above, gripper jaw elements of the draping frame can be cooled, allowing even film elements fully coated with adhesive to be draped with the draping frame in front of a molded part or a carrier part to be laminated without the grippers, especially the gripper jaw elements, becoming critically contaminated with adhesive residue. As a result, grippers cooled in this way also require less frequent cleaning, allowing the draping frame to be used even more reliably.

[0095] Furthermore, the customer can decide whether an adhesive application station for partial adhesive application to the film element should be used in combination with the draping frame, or whether the draping frame should instead be equipped with grippers with cooled gripper jaw elements.

[0096] Furthermore, it is very useful if the draping frame has an at least partially heated draping chamber, so that a film element already draped in the draping chamber can still be heated even when gripped by the grippers. This allows the ideal treatment temperature to be maintained on the film element until shortly before its forming or laminating, thus achieving an improved forming or laminating result.

[0097] In this respect, it is also useful if the laminating room is designed to be heated.

[0098] According to a second aspect, the object of the invention is also achieved by draping frames for forming and / or laminating a film element with a draping space and with a plurality of motor-driven grippers for gripping the film element, wherein the draping frame has folding means for folding a film edge around an edge of a carrier part laminated with the film element.

[0099] If a draping frame is equipped with such folding devices, the manufacturing process for a laminated component can also be further streamlined and optimized.

[0100] A preferred embodiment of the present draping frame provides for the folding means to be arranged on at least one of the grippers, on a gripper chassis of the at least one gripper, and / or on a gripper head part of the at least one gripper, and / or on at least one gripper jaw element of the at least one gripper. This allows the folding means to be integrated into the draping frame extremely easily.

[0101] The same applies if the folding means are arranged on the draping frame or a frame part thereof, whereby the combination of laminating / folding device can also be provided in a very compact design.

[0102] It is understood that the folding means can be designed in a variety of ways, particularly if they are arranged at different locations on the draping frame in question.

[0103] The invention can be implemented in a very simple manner if the folding means comprise at least one folding slider element for folding the film element or the like.

[0104] In any case, the present draping frame can be advantageously further developed using the grippers described here.

[0105] The object of the invention is achieved according to a third aspect by a device for forming and / or laminating a film element with a plurality of grippers and with a forming tool or a laminating tool, in which the forming tool or the laminating tool comprises a lower tool and an upper tool, wherein the device comprises a gripper or a draping frame according to one of the features described here.

[0106] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a device for forming and / or laminating a film element is shown, comprising a frame part which comprises a plurality of grippers, and comprising a forming tool or a laminating tool comprising a lower tool and an upper tool, wherein the frame part comprises a gripper or a draping frame according to one of the features described here.

[0107] If the device for forming a film element on a molded part and / or for laminating a film element onto a carrier part is equipped with the present gripper or draping frame, this device can work much more precisely.

[0108] The grippers or draping frames alone have advantageously further developed generic devices, since the device now allows a film element to be unwound from or onto the molded part or carrier part with virtually no tension, whereby stretching of the film element can be avoided at least partially.

[0109] Advantageously, the device comprises a feeding and / or insertion device for feeding and / or inserting a film element to grippers or into grippers, in particular of a draping frame of the device. This allows for very simple, automated transport of the film element into the laminating chamber or into the draping frame, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the device.

[0110] In particular, the film element can be moved translationally, but also, for example, rotationally around a vertical axis in order to be able to place it in a suitable and advantageous manner in the draping frame and to insert it into open grippers of the draping frame.

[0111] The present device can be advantageously further developed by a draping frame that can be displaced transversely to a feed and / or insertion section for feeding and / or inserting a film element, by means of which the fed or inserted film element can be fed, for example, to a lower tool. This allows the draping frame to be easily displaced between a forming or laminating position and an insertion position.

[0112] A preferred embodiment provides that the device has a heating unit for heating the film element outside a draping space, in particular a draping frame of the device, which heating unit is movable together with a film element along a feed and / or insertion path for feeding or inserting the film element to grippers or into grippers, or to or into a draping space, in particular a draping frame of the device. Such a heating unit makes it possible to heat a moving film element during its feed movement, so that the film element no longer has to remain motionless at a heating unit until a target temperature is reached on the film element. In this respect, the device can be operated even more time-efficiently.

[0113] The device comprises a heating unit for heating the film element, which can be arranged at least partially temporarily within a draping space, in particular a draping frame of the device. Accordingly, the film element can be heated right into the draping frame or draping space, preferably continuously since it is fed to the feed and / or insertion section.

[0114] It is understood that the features with regard to the heating unit described here advantageously further develop a generic device even without the other features of the invention.

[0115] If the device also has a loading station for loading the device with film elements, the degree of automation of the device can be further increased. This allows, in particular, the number of operating personnel on the device to be reduced or used even more effectively.

[0116] A further increase in efficiency can be achieved relatively easily by increasing the degree of automation if the device has an introduction device for introducing a carrier part to be laminated into the device, in particular into a draping space of a draping frame of the device.

[0117] Such an insertion device can be implemented in various ways on the device, for example in the form of linear conveyors or the like. For example, the insertion of the carrier part is accomplished by means of a belt conveyor or the like.

[0118] If the device has a removal device for removing a molded part or a laminated component from the device, in particular from a draping space of a draping frame or a laminating space of the device, the device can be advantageously further developed not only on the input side, but also on the output side, in that finished laminated components can also be removed from the device in an automated manner.

[0119] Such a removal device can also be implemented in various ways on the device. Here, too, appropriate linear conveyor systems, such as belt conveyors or the like, are conceivable.

[0120] The structural complexity of the device in this regard can be significantly reduced if the insertion device and the removal device comprise a common transfer station. This significantly reduces the number of components required for the device. This also significantly reduces the space required for setting up the device.

[0121] It goes without saying that different types of transfer equipment can be used for this purpose. For example, a suitable transfer equipment can be designed as a multi-level conveyor system with different loading and unloading levels.

[0122] However, a preferred design variant provides for the shared transfer station to comprise a shared robot device with a preferably multi-axial movable manipulator. Such a robot device can be implemented very compactly on the present device due to its compact design, flexible movement sequences, etc.

[0123] Irrespective of this, both the insertion device and the removal device can be implemented by such a robot device, if necessary also separately from each other.

[0124] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a device for forming and / or laminating a film element with a tool is shown which comprises an exchangeable lower tool and an exchangeable upper tool, which are exchangeable for a product change, wherein the device is characterized in that the tool comprises a draping frame equipped with a plurality of grippers, which is exchangeable together with the lower tool and / or the upper tool for the product change.

[0125] The draping frame can be part of the tool temporarily used on the fixture and can therefore be replaced together with the lower and / or upper tools if necessary during a product change. This allows the fixture to be converted to a new product much more quickly than with previous solutions, where a frame part of a comparable clamping frame is still part of the fixture itself.

[0126] If the lower tool has a first mold half or a laminating shell part, laminating slide elements or the like and the upper tool has a second mold half or a carrier part receptacle, in particular the carrier part to be laminated can be introduced with the carrier part receptacle from above into the draping space and / or the draping frame, so that, for example, the robot device described above can be used very well.

[0127] If the lower tool has a first mold half or a carrier part receptacle and the upper tool has a second mold half or a laminating shell part, laminating slide elements or the like, in particular the carrier part to be laminated can alternatively be inserted, for example, from below or from the side into the draping space and / or the draping frame.

[0128] In order to be able to control or regulate in particular the individual grippers, devices or the like on the device, it is advantageous if the device has a regulating and / or control device by means of which in particular the grippers for gripping the film element can be controlled individually.

[0129] It is particularly advantageous to have a tensile force measuring device for measuring the tensile forces acting between the film element and the gripper. This allows the grippers to be controlled very precisely. Such a tensile force measuring device can also be part of the control and / or regulation system.

[0130] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a device for forming and / or laminating a film element is shown, comprising a frame part which comprises a plurality of grippers, and comprising a forming tool or a laminating tool comprising a lower tool and an upper tool, wherein the device has tensile force measuring means by means of which tensile forces acting between the film element and the grippers can be measured and monitored.

[0131] Such tensile force measuring devices are particularly effective in reducing the risk of critical film stretching. In particular, they allow for monitoring unwanted tension or film stretching on a film element gripped by the grippers.

[0132] It goes without saying that such tensile force measuring devices can be used in a variety of ways. For example, tensile forces can be measured simply using strain gauges, to name just one example. Such strain gauges can be arranged, for example, on the gripper head.

[0133] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a device for forming and / or laminating a film element on a carrier part to be laminated is shown, wherein the device has a device for folding the film element laminated to the carrier part.

[0134] If the device is equipped with a folding device, a manufacturing process for a laminated component can also be further streamlined and optimized.

[0135] Furthermore, it is advantageous in this context if the folding means of the folding device are arranged on a gripper for gripping the film element, in particular on its gripper chassis, gripper head part, and / or gripper jaw elements, and / or on a draping frame for forming and / or laminating a film element, and / or on another frame or frame part of the laminating station. This results in a wide variety of design possibilities.

[0136] It is further advantageous if the folding means of the folding device comprise at least one folding slider element for folding the film element or the like, whereby the folding means can be provided in a structurally simple manner.

[0137] The invention can be implemented in a very simple manner if the folding means comprise at least one folding slider element for folding the film element or the like.

[0138] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a device for laminating a film element on a carrier part is shown, with grippers for gripping the film element, with a carrier part receptacle for holding the carrier part relative to the film element and with a laminating space in which the film element is laminated onto the carrier part, wherein the device has an introduction device for introducing the carrier part receptacle and / or the carrier part into the laminating space, and wherein the introduction device has at least two degrees of freedom in space, in particular in the laminating space.

[0139] By means of the insertion device with at least two degrees of freedom, the film element and the carrier part, which have to be connected to one another, can be positioned significantly better and more differentiated relative to one another, in particular in certain areas and in particular within a laminating space or a draping space.

[0140] It is advantageous if the introduction device has a multi-axially movable manipulator, in particular a multi-axially movable manipulator within a laminating space or a draping space.

[0141] In the context of the invention, the term "manipulator" describes a device by means of which a robot or robot device physically interacts with its environment and by means of which mechanical work can be performed automatically. In particular, such a manipulator comprises a multi-jointed robot arm part, by means of which multi-axial movements in space are possible.

[0142] The device can be constructed even more effectively if the insertion device is a discharge device for discharging the laminated component. As already described above, this makes it possible, both in terms of design and process technology, to easily handle both a carrier part to be laminated and a laminated carrier part or component.

[0143] In order for the device to also be used without problems for press lamination, it is particularly expedient if the device is characterized by a pressing tool with a first tool half and a second tool half, wherein the first tool half comprises the insertion device, in particular the multi-axially movable manipulator.

[0144] Preferably, the first tool half is designed as an upper tool, so that a carrier part can be introduced into a draping space or laminating space from above by means of the introduction device.

[0145] The second tool half can accordingly be designed as a lower tool, which then comprises a mold shell part or the like.

[0146] Preferably, the device comprises a lifting device for the second tool half, by means of which the mold shell part or the like can be pressed against the carrier part receptacle of the insertion device.

[0147] In order to ensure that the multi-axial insertion device can withstand even higher pressing forces without damage, it is advantageous if the insertion device comprises an additional support device for absorbing pressing forces.

[0148] Such a support device can relieve the load on the manipulator in particular, so that it can be dimensioned "normally" but can still withstand even high pressing forces without being damaged.

[0149] For this purpose, it is advantageous if the manipulator has an interface to a press force dissipation device, such as a hydraulic cylinder ram or the like.

[0150] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a device for forming and / or laminating a film element on a carrier part is shown, comprising grippers for gripping the film element, a carrier part receptacle for holding the carrier part relative to the film element, and a laminating chamber in which the film element is laminated onto the carrier part. The device has a punching device for punching the film element. Because the punching device is directly integrated into the laminating device, the finished laminated component can be freed of excess film residue directly in the laminating device, thereby significantly streamlining the manufacturing process for laminated components.

[0151] In particular, an appropriately equipped system for producing laminated components can dispense with an additional punching station or the like.

[0152] For the purposes of the invention, the term "punching device" describes any device by means of which residual foil material can be separated and removed from the laminated foil element. In this respect, it is irrelevant whether the foil element is punched, cut, and / or torn, or the like.

[0153] An advantageous embodiment in this regard provides for the punching device to have a segmented punching blade with a plurality of punching blade segments. Using such punching blade segments, a separation process on a film element can be carried out successively, which also advantageously reduces the punching forces acting in the laminating device. This is particularly advantageous when the laminated component is held by a manipulator, as this reduces the manipulator's workload and punching forces. This allows the manipulator to be designed with less bulk.

[0154] In addition, different component geometries can be reproduced more easily with a segmented punching knife, so that a segmented punching knife can be used for different laminated components, which can further reduce overall manufacturing costs.

[0155] The device can be constructed particularly compactly if the punching device can be arranged within the laminating space, in particular within a draping space and in particular within a draping frame.

[0156] The device can be made even more compact if the punching device is arranged within a sealing device of a pressure difference device of the device.

[0157] If the punching device is arranged within a vacuum chamber of a pressure difference device of the device, residual film material can be removed immediately after a laminating process in the laminating device.

[0158] If the punching device is arranged opposite a carrier part holder for receiving a carrier part to be laminated, the punching device or its individual punching knife segments can be placed, for example, directly next to a mold shell part or the like.

[0159] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a device is shown for forming and / or laminating a film element on a carrier part, with grippers for gripping the film element, with a carrier part receptacle for holding the carrier part relative to the film element, with a laminating chamber in which the film element is laminated onto the carrier part, and with a pressure difference device for generating a vacuum, wherein the pressure difference device has a segmented sealing device for sealing vacuum regions with a plurality of sealing slide segments. The segmented sealing device allows a vacuum chamber on the laminating device to be made even narrower. This in turn has the positive effect of additional material savings, since a sealing device can be arranged right up to the area of ​​a folding film region of the film element. In this respect, even smaller folding regions orFolded flaps are created on the laminated component.

[0160] Advantageously, the sealing slide segments are arranged in a row, one behind the other, so that the film element can be sealed segment by segment. In particular, this allows a continuous sealing device to be created successively.

[0161] If the sealing slide segments are arranged around a punching device, the device can be made even more compact.

[0162] A segmental sealing of a vacuum chamber can be improved in particular if the sealing slide segments can be controlled and moved individually.

[0163] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a device for forming and / or laminating a film element on a carrier part is shown, comprising grippers for gripping the film element, a carrier part receptacle for holding the carrier part relative to the film element, and a laminating chamber in which the film element is laminated onto the carrier part. The device has a correction device for correcting partial positional deviations of individual film element regions. The correction device can correct positional deviations that may have arisen after positioning, unwinding, or applying the film element relative to the carrier part. This allows laminated components to be manufactured with even greater precision and higher quality. In particular, this can significantly reduce the amount of rejects that would otherwise occur due to defective parts.

[0164] Such positional deviations can occur particularly partially on the film element.

[0165] An advantageous embodiment provides that the correction device has detection means for detecting partial positional deviations. Such detection means can be implemented very simply, for example, using optical sensors. In a very simple embodiment, the correction device can be equipped with a camera that optically records the actual position of the film element and compares it with a desired position of the film element relative to the carrier part.

[0166] Cumulatively or alternatively, it is advantageous if the correction device has detection means for detecting specially designed film element areas. Positional deviations of specially designed film element areas, in particular, are extremely visually disruptive and therefore unacceptable. Such specially designed film element areas can be present, for example, in a blind seam, a 3D seam, two-color film materials, or the like, and are immediately visible, so that a positional deviation in this regard has often led directly to a rejected part.

[0167] For example, an incorrect position of a blind seam is detected by optical detection means, whereby a control unit, for example, controls and moves grippers that grip and hold the film element in such a way that the blind seam is shifted from its incorrect position into the correct position. The actual lamination process can then take place. If necessary, a manipulator, which has a carrier part holder, to which the carrier part is held, can also be manipulated by the present correction device.

[0168] In any case, it is advantageous if the correction device has a control unit for controlling grippers and / or the carrier part holder, so that the position of the film element relative to the carrier part can be changed at least in some areas before lamination.

[0169] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a system for producing a shaped and / or laminated component is shown, comprising an input side, an output side, at least one processing line between the input side and the output side, and a device for shaping and / or laminating a film element, the system comprising a device according to one of the features described here.

[0170] If the system is equipped with a device according to the invention, laminated components in particular can be manufactured more effectively and cost-effectively.

[0171] The present object is achieved in particular by a system for producing a shaped and / or laminated component with at least one processing line and with a device for shaping and / or laminating a film element, wherein the system has a feeding and / or inserting device for feeding and / or inserting a film element to grippers or into grippers of a draping frame of the device, and / or an insertion device for introducing a carrier part to be laminated to a lower tool of the device, and / or a removal and / or provision device for removing or providing a shaped part or a laminated component from the device. Such a system can also ensure very compact production, in particular of laminated components.

[0172] Suitable feeding and / or insertion devices, insertion devices, removal devices have already been explained above.

[0173] According to the invention, a supply device is designed to transfer a laminated component to a subsequent processing station of the system, in which the laminated component can then be further processed.

[0174] The system can advantageously be used to produce almost any shaped and / or laminated components, such as automotive components, in particular instrument panels, interior door panels or the like.

[0175] The system can be constructed particularly simply if the insertion device and removal and / or provision device comprise a common robot device with a preferably multi-axial movable manipulator. In particular, with a corresponding design of the system, a removal device can simultaneously embody an insertion device for carrier parts and a provision device for laminated components, especially if the removal device is configured to grip and hold a carrier part on the designated B-side of the laminated component.

[0176] An advantageous embodiment provides for the system to have a loading station for loading the device with film elements, with the loading station being located inline upstream of the device in the processing line. Such a loading station can further increase the level of automation of the system, allowing laminated components in particular to be manufactured more efficiently.

[0177] A further advantageous embodiment provides for the system to have an adhesive application station for applying adhesive to the film element, with the adhesive application station being located inline upstream of the device in the processing line. This allows the production of laminated components, in particular, to be further compressed in terms of space and time.

[0178] If the adhesive application station is located inline in the processing line downstream of a loading station and / or upstream of a feeding and / or insertion device of the device, it is possible to first place the film elements in an orderly manner on the processing line of the system and then precisely coat the film elements with adhesive using the adhesive application station. This advantageously reduces the dwell time of film elements treated with adhesive before they are further processed in the device's draping frame.

[0179] The processing of the film element can be further streamlined if the system has a heating unit for heating the film element, wherein in particular the heating unit is integrated in a feeding and / or inserting device for feeding and / or inserting a film element to grippers or into grippers of a draping frame of the device.

[0180] A further increase in the degree of automation can be achieved on the system if the system has a transfer station for transferring a molded part or a laminated component, wherein the transfer station is arranged inline in the processing line downstream of the device and inline upstream of another processing station.

[0181] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the system comprises a discharge station for discharging a molded part or a laminated component, wherein the discharge station is arranged inline downstream of the processing line of a trimming station and / or a punching and / or a folding station, whereby the finished components can be automatically removed from the upstream processing stations.

[0182] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a system for producing a shaped and / or laminated component is shown, having an input side, an output side, at least one processing line between the input side and the output side, and having a device for shaping and / or laminating a film element, wherein the device has a device for folding the film element laminated to the carrier part.

[0183] If the device combines a laminating and folding function, a separate folding station with a folding device can be omitted, which allows the system to be built more compactly.

[0184] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a method for forming and / or laminating a film element is shown, in which the film element is placed in open grippers and subsequently gripped by the grippers, and in which the film element is further brought into operative contact with a formed part or with a carrier part to be laminated, wherein the film element is at least partially unwound and / or applied by means of grippers only to the contour of the formed part or the carrier part.

[0185] By means of the proposed method, the film element can be brought into active contact or initial contact with the molded part or carrier part almost or preferably entirely without tensile forces or stresses.

[0186] This is particularly advantageous with regard to three-dimensionally designed support parts.

[0187] In other words, this means that the film element is applied or unwound to the carrier part without tensile forces or tension and thus without stretching by means of the interaction of the grippers and, if applicable, by means of the interaction of a carrier part holder, and only then is the film element permanently connected to the carrier part by applying compressive forces, as will be described below.

[0188] This ensures that the film element is treated in a particularly gentle manner, both in terms of material and surface.

[0189] A tensile force-free, stress-free, or stretch-free unwinding or attachment of the film element to the carrier part can be controlled in particular as a function of path parameters, force parameters, speed parameters, and / or temperature parameters.

[0190] If the film element is brought into operative contact with the molded and / or carrier part by means of a gripper, thereby avoiding any stretching or drawing of the film element, the film element can then be at least partially unwound, in particular by means of a draping frame, more precisely by means of a gripper, without critical tensile forces on the surface of the carrier part to be laminated, in particular before the film element is laminated onto the carrier part with the aid of a differential pressure.

[0191] A particularly advantageous process variant provides for the film element to be applied to the molded part or carrier part at least partially without stretching and / or at least with reduced stretching, with a partial film stretch of less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, particularly before the film element is laminated to the carrier part using differential pressure. This allows critical film stretching to be avoided, particularly before the film element is finally laminated to the carrier part.

[0192] The terms "unwinding," "bringing into operative contact," "placing," and "applying" in the context of the invention each describe the approaching and connecting of the film element to the molded part or carrier component, in particular before the film element is laminated using a further process step, such as vacuum or press lamination. Thus, at least initially, the forces generated by the vacuum or press lamination are avoided.

[0193] If the film element is at least partially applied to the molded part or the carrier part with a partial film stretch of less than 5%, a particularly high optical quality can be achieved if this is required for particularly high-quality products.

[0194] If a maximum film elongation of more than 15% is not exceeded in any effective contact area between the film element and the molded part or the carrier part to be laminated, particularly in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the film element, the film element can be processed particularly gently on the corresponding device and, in addition, a desired appearance can be maintained on the film element.

[0195] In order to be able to process the film element constructively and also in terms of process technology as described above, it is advantageous if grippers and in particular gripper jaw elements thereof are moved on and / or in a draping space, in particular of a draping frame, with up to seven degrees of freedom or more in order to unwind and / or form the film element at least partially on the contour of the molded part or the carrier part.

[0196] The film element can be handled particularly gently when it is inserted into the draping space or, in particular, into the draping frame if the film element is inserted into the open grippers without tension.

[0197] The film element can be transferred to the grippers and inserted in a reliable manner if the grippers are moved into an insertion position before the film element is inserted, in which position the film element is placed on a lower gripper jaw element of the respective gripper.

[0198] If the grippers are closed sequentially after the film element has been inserted, the risk of unwanted distortions or tensions on the film element can be reduced.

[0199] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a method for forming and / or laminating a film element is shown, in which the film element is gripped by grippers in order to bring it into operative contact with a molded part or a carrier part to be laminated, wherein tensile forces acting between the film element and the grippers are measured and monitored by means of tensile force measuring means when the film element is brought into operative contact with the part to be laminated.

[0200] By measuring the tensile forces acting between the film element and the grippers, the risk of critical film stretching can be reduced cumulatively or alternatively, particularly effectively. In particular, this allows for the monitoring of unwanted tension or film stretching on a film element gripped by the grippers. This is particularly advantageous for a three-dimensional carrier part.

[0201] A particularly advantageous method variant provides for the tensile forces acting between the film element and the grippers to be measured and monitored using tensile force measuring devices when the film element is at least partially unwound and / or applied to the contour of the molded part or the carrier part by means of the gripper. This is also particularly advantageous for a three-dimensional carrier part. This enables particularly good preparation, especially for a subsequent lamination process, even before the film element is laminated to the carrier part, for example, using a vacuum.

[0202] For example, the grippers can be addressed depending on the determined tensile forces and by the control and / or regulation device described above.

[0203] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a method for forming and / or laminating a film element is shown, in which the film element is gripped by grippers in order to bring it into operative contact with a molded part or a carrier part to be laminated, wherein the film element gripped by the grippers is heated before and / or during the molding of the film element gripped by the grippers onto the molded part or the carrier part to be laminated.

[0204] This allows the film element itself to be heated in a draping or laminating room, particularly in a draping frame, even when it has already been gripped by the grippers.

[0205] In this way, the foil element, and especially the adhesive applied to it, can be optimally prepared for subsequent lamination. In particular, the foil element can be relieved of tension within the draping space or frame.

[0206] For example, suitable heating devices of a heating unit are positioned above and / or below the grippers arranged within a draping or laminating room.

[0207] In this respect, a suitable method variant provides that a heating device is temporarily arranged above the grippers and / or a heating device is temporarily arranged below the grippers in order to heat the film element gripped by the grippers.

[0208] In particular, such a heating device can also be moved from outside into a draping room or laminating room, in particular into a draping frame, when the film element has already been gripped by the grippers.

[0209] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a method for forming and / or laminating a film element is shown, in which the film element is gripped by grippers in order to bring it into operative contact with a molded part or a carrier part to be laminated, wherein the method is characterized in that the film element is fed to the grippers by means of a feeding and / or inserting movement and the film element is heated during the feeding and / or inserting movement.

[0210] In other words, this means that the film element is heated while it is moved towards a draping space or laminating space, in particular a draping frame.

[0211] This makes it possible to heat the film element already during a feed movement, whereby corresponding heating devices of a heating unit are preferably moved at the film element speed along the feed and / or insertion path.

[0212] A particular advantage here is that the feeding and / or insertion section does not have to be equipped with heating devices over its entire length.

[0213] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, to heat the film element gripped by the grippers, at least one heating device is moved transversely to a feed direction of a lower tool and / or an upper tool, in particular, is introduced into a draping space defined by a draping frame. This makes it possible to heat the film element almost continuously during or after loading into the feed and / or insertion section and, if necessary, into a draping space or laminating space or into the draping frame.

[0214] The present methods can be further optimized if a film element and / or a heating unit are moved relative to grippers and / or a draping frame while a film element is being formed into a molded part or laminated onto a carrier part. In this case, a new film element can already be heated while, for example, another film element is already being laminated onto a carrier part.

[0215] If the film element is pre-tensioned by means of the grippers only during and / or after heating, at least partially without stretching and / or at least with reduced stretching, with a partial film stretch of less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, lower tensile forces need to be absorbed by the film material in order to be pre-stretched.

[0216] The process can be carried out more efficiently in terms of energy if heating elements of a heating device are switched on depending on the size of the foil element.

[0217] The method can be carried out in a more customer-specific manner if the film element is formed or laminated onto the molded part or the carrier part by means of a first feed movement, in particular a vertical lifting movement, of a lower tool and / or a feed movement, in particular a vertical lowering movement, of an upper tool.

[0218] Cumulatively, the carrier part can be advantageously brought closer to the film element by means of an upper tool, in particular with a multi-axial movement.

[0219] If grippers are actively driven in the feed direction of the lower tool and / or against the feed direction of the lower tool and / or transversely to the feed direction when a lower tool is fed to the film element gripped by the grippers, film stretching can be avoided particularly effectively, especially if the grippers are moved depending on measured tensile forces.

[0220] A further increase in efficiency can be achieved if, after being laminated to the carrier part, the foil element is optionally folded at least partially around an edge of the carrier part using a gripper. This allows the foil element to be folded within the draping frame.

[0221] Advantageously, this allows the folding to take place at a time when the film element and / or the adhesive still contains more heat energy than at a later time.

[0222] Since this not only allows for process-related advantages but also for manufacturing-related advantages, for example optical advantages with regard to a folding point, the advantages of folding with grippers of the draping frame are also advantageous without the other features of the invention.

[0223] In this respect, it is advantageous if the film element is at least partially folded around the carrier part within the draping frame.

[0224] The laminated carrier part can be further processed as quickly as possible if the shaped film element or the carrier part laminated with the film element is made available for further processing by means of a removal device on at least one downstream processing device after being released by the grippers.

[0225] Such a processing machine can be, for example, a folding device, a punching device, or the like. This allows the laminated carrier part to be further processed as quickly as possible.

[0226] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a method for converting a device for forming and / or laminating a film element is shown, in which method a tool of the device is exchanged for converting the device to a different product, wherein the upper tool train and / or the lower tool of the tool are exchanged, and in which method in addition to the upper and / or lower tool, a draping frame including a gripper for gripping the film element is also exchanged.

[0227] The draping frame can be part of the tool temporarily used on the fixture and can therefore be replaced together with the lower and / or upper tools if necessary during a product change. This allows the fixture to be converted to a new product much more quickly than with previous solutions, where a frame part of a comparable clamping frame is still part of the fixture itself.

[0228] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a method for forming and / or laminating a film element on a carrier part is shown, in which the film element and the carrier part are positioned relative to one another for forming and / or laminating, wherein the carrier part is moved multi-axially in space, in particular in a draping space and / or a laminating space, for positioning relative to the film element.

[0229] As a result, the film element and the carrier part, which have to be connected to each other, can be positioned significantly better and more differentiated relative to each other, in particular before lamination, in particular in certain areas and in particular within a lamination room or a draping room.

[0230] In this respect, it is advantageous if the carrier part is brought closer to the film element in a multi-axial manner in space, in particular in a draping space and / or a laminating space, for positioning relative to the film element.

[0231] A further improvement in the handling of the film element and the carrier part relative to each other can be achieved if the film element is gripped by grippers for positioning relative to the carrier part, whereby grippers are moved multiaxially in space, in particular relative to the carrier part.

[0232] The carrier part can be moved multiaxially in space in different ways, for example by means of a tool table that can be moved translationally along two axes and on which the carrier part holder is clamped.

[0233] The carrier part holder and thus also the carrier part can be moved particularly flexibly in space and thus positioned relative to the film element if the carrier part is held by means of a multi-axially movable manipulator and moved relative to the film element.

[0234] In this context, it is advantageous if a carrier part holder of a device for laminating a film element onto a carrier part is moved multi-axially in space, in particular in a draping space and / or a laminating space.

[0235] According to a fourth aspect, the object of the invention is also achieved by a method for forming and / or laminating a film element, in which the film element is gripped by grippers in order to bring it into operative contact with a molded part or a carrier part to be laminated, characterized in that the film element gripped by the grippers is heated before and / or during the molding of the film element gripped by the grippers onto the molded part or the carrier part to be laminated, wherein the film element is at least partially folded around an edge of the carrier part by means of grippers after being laminated onto the carrier part.

[0236] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, a method for producing a laminated component from a film element and a carrier part is shown, in which the film element is laminated onto the carrier part on a laminating device, and in which the laminated component is subsequently removed from the laminating device and made available for further processing, wherein the carrier part or the laminated component is held on its B-side by means of a removal device for removal from the laminating device.

[0237] Because the carrier part or the laminated component is held exclusively on its B-side, the risk of damage to the A-side is significantly reduced and can ideally be completely eliminated.

[0238] In particular, a laminated component has an A-side (good side) and a B-side (bad side).

[0239] The B-side can be the back of the laminated component or the carrier part, which is no longer visible when the laminated component is installed and is therefore not fully laminated.

[0240] The A-side, on the other hand, can define the visible area in the installed state of the laminated component.

[0241] In this respect, it is advantageous to grip and hold the laminated component exclusively on its B-side during its manufacturing process.

[0242] Thus, a preferred method variant provides that the carrier part or the laminated component is removed from the laminating device by means of the removal device held at its B-side and is transferred to a subsequent processing station while being held continuously at its B-side, whereby the A-side can be better protected.

[0243] A preferred method variant advantageously provides that the carrier part or the laminated component held on its B-side is continuously held by the removal device during removal from the laminating station, during transfer from the laminating device to a downstream processing station, in particular to a downstream folding device, and / or during insertion into a processing position at the downstream processing station, in particular into a folding processing position at the downstream folding device.

[0244] The handling process of the carrier part up to the laminated component can be further simplified considerably if the carrier part is gripped and held continuously only once by the removal device, namely on its B-side, from its lifting from a provision position, in particular from a carrier part magazine, into a draping position and a laminating position of the laminating device as well as into a processing position of a downstream processing station.

[0245] In this respect, it is advantageous for simple and gentle handling of the carrier part or the laminated component if the carrier part is held on its B-side during the lamination of the film element onto the carrier part.

[0246] All process steps result in the advantage that a large number of previously required handover steps can be omitted.

[0247] Advantageously, the removal device also serves as the insertion device, with these two devices constituting a common transfer device or transfer station, as already described above. This transfer station advantageously comprises a robot device with a multi-axially movable manipulator.

[0248] With the present invention, critical film material stretching can be prevented and film consumption can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the possibility of using highly precise film element cuts allows a previously unattainable level of automation to be achieved in devices for forming and / or laminating a film element and in systems for manufacturing a formed and / or laminated component.

[0249] Furthermore, film material consumption can be significantly further reduced if the film element is partially stretched more in designated areas of a laminated component that will not be visible later than in designated visible areas of the laminated component.

[0250] At this point it should also be mentioned that the present invention is applicable to almost all common laminating processes, such as press laminating, vacuum laminating, in-mould graining processes (IMG processes) or the like.

[0251] In this respect, it is advantageous if the film element, after being unwound from the carrier part or placed on the carrier part, is formed onto the molded part or the carrier part to be laminated by applying a differential pressure.

[0252] The term "differential pressure" in the meaning of the invention describes a wide variety of pressure loadings of the components involved, in particular of the film element, for example by means of a negative pressure or vacuum, whereby the film element can be brought into active contact with the carrier part in a forming manner, either exclusively or in a supporting manner.

[0253] Cumulatively or alternatively, a corresponding pressure application can also be carried out by pressing devices or the like.

[0254] In this respect, the invention disclosed here, with appropriate design of the invention or the structural and process engineering objects, includes not only vacuum lamination, but also press lamination or the like.

[0255] This means that in particular the present device can have a vacuum device with a vacuum tool and / or a pressing device with a pressing tool as a differential pressure generating device.

[0256] By means of the invention proposed here, the forming or laminating of a film element can be carried out particularly flexibly, since the invention results in almost unlimited adjustment and processing possibilities.

[0257] It is understood that features of the solutions described above or in the claims may also be combined if necessary in order to be able to implement the advantages and effects cumulatively.

[0258] In addition, further features, effects and advantages of the present invention are explained with reference to the attached drawing and the following description, in which a draping frame, a gripper, devices and systems of the invention are shown and described by way of example.

[0259] Components which are at least substantially identical in terms of their function in the individual figures can be identified by the same reference numerals, although the components do not have to be numbered and explained in all figures.

[0260] The drawing shows: Figure 1 schematically shows a plan view of a draping frame with a total of ten grippers for gripping a film element, each of the grippers having seven degrees of freedom with respect to the draping frame with regard to its gripping jaw elements; Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view of one of the grippers from the Figure 1; Figure 3 schematically shows an exemplary representation of a development of a film element on a carrier part to be laminated; Figure 4 schematically shows a view of a first test-laminated component with a film elongation of less than 20%; Figure 5 schematically shows a detailed view of the first component from the Figure 4 ; Figure 6 schematically shows a view of a second test-laminated component with a film elongation of less than 20%; Figure 7 schematically shows a detailed view of the second component from the Figure 6 ; Figure 8 schematically shows a view of a third test-laminated component with a film elongation of less than 20%; Figure 9 schematically shows a detailed view of the third component from the Figure 8; Figure 10 schematically shows a first perspective view of a first device for forming and / or laminating a film element with a draping frame, in which the film element is placed in a loading position on a lower heating device of a traveling heating unit; Figure 11 schematically shows a second perspective view of the first device from the Figure 10 with the heating unit moving with the foil element; Figure 12 schematically shows a third perspective view of the first device from the Figures 10 and 11 with the retracted heating unit, which is now arranged congruent with the draping frame; Figure 13 schematically shows a fourth perspective view of the first device from the Figures 10 to 12 with an upwardly moved lower heating device for transferring the film element to grippers of the draping frame; Figure 14 schematically shows a fifth perspective view of the first device from the Figures 10 to 13with heating unit returning to the loading position; Figure 15 schematically shows a sixth perspective view of the first device from the Figures 10 to 14 with a draping frame lowered in the direction of a lower tool and an upper tool arranged above the draping frame on a robot with a carrier part holder which holds the carrier part; Figure 16 schematically shows a seventh perspective view of the first device from the Figures 10 to 15 with a support part lowered onto the film element by means of the robot; Figure 17 schematically shows an eighth perspective view of the first device from the Figures 10 to 16 in a laminating position; Figure 18 schematically shows a ninth perspective view of the first device from the Figures 10 to 17after the laminating process, wherein the laminated carrier part is transferred by means of the robot to a device for trimming the laminated carrier part; Figure 19 schematically shows a tenth perspective view of the first device from the Figures 10 to 18with the heating unit moving along with the film element, in which the robot picks up a new carrier part; Figure 20 schematically shows a perspective view of a first system for producing a shaped and / or laminated component with a device for forming and / or laminating a film element onto a carrier part and with an inline downstream punching and folding station as well as an inline downstream discharge station; Figure 21 schematically shows a perspective view of a second system for producing a shaped and / or laminated component with a device for forming and / or laminating a film element onto a carrier part and with an inline downstream punching and folding device;Figure 22 schematically shows a perspective view of a third system for producing a shaped and / or laminated component with a device for shaping and / or laminating a film element onto a carrier part, comprising two heating units for shortening the cycle time, and with an inline downstream punching and folding device; Figure 23 schematically shows a perspective view of a double system for producing a shaped and / or laminated component with two devices for shaping and / or laminating a film element onto a carrier part and with two inline downstream punching and folding devices; Figure 24 schematically shows a plan view of the system shown in FIG. Figure 23shown double system; Figure 25 schematically shows a perspective view of another system for producing a shaped and / or laminated component with a device for shaping and / or laminating a film element onto a carrier part, with an inline upstream adhesive application station and with an inline downstream punching and folding station; designed as a double system; Figure 26 schematically shows a side view of a device for shaping and / or laminating a film element with a draping frame, wherein the device is equipped, for example, with a device for the automated feeding of film elements; Figure 27 schematically shows a top view of a prefabricated film element; Figure 28 schematically shows a top view of an optimized cutting pattern of a plurality of film elements; Figure 29 schematically shows a top view of a first combined laminating / folding device with folding sliders arranged on a draping frame;Figure 30 schematically shows a top view of a second combined laminating / folding device with folding slides arranged on grippers; Figure 31 schematically shows a top view of a fourth combined laminating / folding device with folding slides arranged at a laminating station; Figure 32 schematically shows a top view of a third combined laminating / folding device with folding slides arranged on a further frame part; Figure 33 schematically shows a top view of an alternative gripper comprising a gripper chassis and a gripper head part with a rotary drive comprising a worm gear; and Figure 34 schematically shows a perspective partial view of a device for forming and / or laminating a film element on a carrier part with segmented punching knife segments and sealing slide segments.

[0261] According to the presentation after the Figure 1By way of example, a draping frame 1 of the invention is shown, which carries a plurality of motor-driven grippers 2.

[0262] The draping frame 1 has a frame part 3 which is surrounded by a housing 8 at least on its four side wall areas 4, 5, 6 and 7.

[0263] The draping frame 1 is at least partially open on the underside 9 and on the top side 10.

[0264] More precisely, the housing 8 of the draping frame 1 is open above and below a centrally arranged draping space 15 of the draping frame 1, with regard to the illustration according to the Figure 1 the upper side of the housing is dismantled to provide a view of the frame part 3 and the grippers 2 movably mounted on it.

[0265] The frame part 3 of the draping frame 1 is characterized by several longitudinal cross members 16 (numbered here only as an example) and transverse cross members 17 (numbered only as an example), on which the grippers 2 are held within the draping frame 1.

[0266] In any case, the individual grippers 2 are each mounted on the draping frame 1 or in the draping space 15 in such a way that the grippers 2 have a total of at least seven degrees of freedom, whereby a film element 20 (see example Figure 3 ) can be grasped in an extremely differentiated manner and can be draped and guided within the draping space 15.

[0267] The draping space 15 is heated by heating devices that can be moved into it (not shown here, see for example from Figure 10 ) can be heated from both the bottom 9 and the top 10.

[0268] Such a heating device can basically be introduced into the draping frame 1 or its draping space 15 from any side area 4, 5, 6 or 7, but the front side area 6 or the rear side area 7 are preferred for this purpose.

[0269] According to the presentation after the Figure 2 a gripper 2 of the draping frame 1 is shown by way of example, wherein the gripper 2 has a gripper chassis 22, on the front side 23 of which a gripper head part 24 is arranged, on which the actual gripper jaw elements 25 and 26 of the gripper 2 are mounted.

[0270] While the gripper chassis 22 is mounted on the draping frame 1 with a total of 6 degrees of freedom, the gripper head part 25 has at least one further degree of freedom relative to the gripper chassis 22, so that in particular the gripper jaw elements 26 and 27 in the draping space 15 have at least 7 degrees of freedom.

[0271] It is understood that, given the design configuration, other combinations of degrees of freedom between the gripper chassis 22 and the draping frame 1 or the gripper head part 25 and the gripper chassis 22 are also possible.

[0272] At least in this embodiment, the gripper head part 25 of the gripper 2 is three-dimensionally adjustable relative to the gripper chassis 22 of the gripper 2, wherein the degrees of freedom achieved at the gripper head part 25 are different from the degrees of freedom of the gripper chassis.

[0273] A further special feature of the gripper 2 is that the gripper 2 has temperature-controlled gripper jaw elements 26 and 27, so that these gripper jaw elements 26 and 27 can adapt to special conditions or requirements in terms of temperature with regard to a film element 20 to be gripped by means of activatable temperature control means 28.

[0274] For example, it is extremely advantageous if at least one of the gripper jaw elements 26 or 27 can be cooled.

[0275] A cooled gripper jaw element 26 or 27 is particularly advantageous when the film element 20 is to be laminated onto a carrier part 30 (see for example Figure 3 ) is provided with adhesive, since the cooled gripper jaw element 26 or 27 can form a less intensive bond with the adhesive, whereby the cooled gripper jaw element 26 or 27 is significantly less contaminated by the adhesive.

[0276] In this embodiment, in particular the lower gripper jaw element 26 can be tempered in the sense of cooling, since only this side of the film element 20 which is coated with adhesive comes into active contact when this film element 20 is inserted into the gripper 2.

[0277] Furthermore, the gripper 2 is equipped with tensile force measuring devices 29, which are arranged on the gripper head part 25. Using the tensile force measuring devices 29, the tensile forces acting between the film part 20 and the gripper 2 can be detected and measured. Depending on the determined tensile forces, the gripper 2 can then be moved within the draping space 15 and relative to the film element 20 in order to avoid critical film stretching in accordance with the invention.

[0278] According to the presentation after the Figure 3 is shown by way of example how it is possible with the gripper 2 which is movable multiaxially in space, in particular in areas of the carrier part 30 without undercuts, to unwind the film element 20 only on the contour 31 of the carrier part 30.

[0279] Preferably, the film element 20 is even unwound completely free of tensile forces onto the contour 31 of the carrier part 30, so that, on the one hand, the film element 20 can be laminated in a particularly gentle manner to the material and surface. On the other hand, the film element 20 can be applied to the carrier part 30 to be laminated by the grippers 2 with their seven degrees of freedom with virtually no stretching or at least with reduced stretching.

[0280] According to the simplified representation according to the Figure 3 In particular, the gripper head part 25 of the gripper and in particular also the gripper jaw elements 26 and 27 pass through an approach curve 32 in order to unwind the film element 20 in the simplest case by a movement of the gripper 2 in the Z and Y directions onto the carrier part in the sense of the invention without any tensile forces.

[0281] It is particularly advantageous if the film element 20 can be brought into operative contact with the carrier part 25 to be laminated at least by means of some of the grippers 2, avoiding any stretching or drawing of the film element 20, so that the film element 20 can stretch only very slightly, if at all, at least when being attached to the carrier part 30 to be laminated with the grippers 2, so that even after the film element 20 has been laminated onto the carrier part 30, there is hardly any distortion on the visible surface thereof.

[0282] This is particularly advantageous for sensitive, visible surfaces 33 or for surfaces which have a structure.

[0283] For this purpose, according to the illustrations according to the Figures 4 to 9 three examples of laminated carrier parts 30 from the automotive sector are shown, on whose visible surfaces 33 a grid 35 is applied as an example.

[0284] Based on grid 35, it is clearly evident that, despite bends and some free-form contours, all automotive components 37, 38, and 39 exhibit hardly any significant distortions at grid 35. Rather, the film stretch is partially limited to 10% to 15%.

[0285] A first embodiment of an advantageous device 50 for forming and / or laminating a film element 20 onto a carrier part 30 is shown by way of example in accordance with the illustrations according to the Figures 10 to 19 shown and explained here, using the individual Figures 10 to 19 different process steps on the device 50 are shown as examples.

[0286] The basic concept of the device 50 is also relevant for the other embodiments. Therefore, the device 50 will also be described by way of example for the other embodiments to avoid repetition.

[0287] The device 50 is primarily characterized by a frame part 3 of a laminating tool 51, which in this embodiment comprises a draping frame 1 with a plurality of motor-driven grippers 2.

[0288] The device 50 is further characterized by further components of the laminating tool 51, which essentially comprises a lower tool 52 and an upper tool 53 (see in particular also from Figure 15 ) include.

[0289] The draping frame 1 and thus also the grippers 2 are mounted in a frame 56 of the device 50 in a height-adjustable manner by means of a displacement mechanism 55, so that the entire draping frame 1 is mounted on the frame 56 in a height-adjustable manner along a vertical displacement axis 57 of the device 50.

[0290] The lower tool 52 is placed below the draping frame 1 on a base part 58 of the frame 56, wherein the lower tool 52 comprises one or more mold shell parts 59, which in turn are arranged on a base 60 of the base part 58.

[0291] The upper tool 53, on the other hand, comprises a carrier part holder 63, by means of which one or more carrier parts 30 to be laminated can be introduced automatically, in particular into the draping frame 1 of the device 50.

[0292] For the automated insertion of the respective carrier part 30, a corresponding insertion device 65 is provided on the device 50, which in this embodiment comprises a robot device 70 with a multi-axial movable manipulator 71.

[0293] However, this robot device 70 with its multi-axial movable manipulator 71 serves not only to introduce the carrier part 30 to be laminated into the device 50, in particular into the draping space 15 of the draping frame 1, but also to remove the finished laminated component 37, 38 or 39 (cf. Figures 4 to 9), so that the robot device 70 also represents a removal device 75 on the device 50.

[0294] Overall, the robot device 70 can be regarded as a common transfer station 78 for the device 50 due to its dual function as an insertion device 65 on the one hand and as a removal device 75 on the other hand.

[0295] In addition, the device 50 also has a feeding and / or insertion device 80, by means of which one or more film elements 20 can be guided into the draping frame 1, in such a way that the film element 20 can be immediately inserted into the open grippers 2, in particular onto the lower gripper jaw elements 26 of the open grippers 2.

[0296] For this purpose, the feeding and / or inserting device 80 has a feeding and / or inserting section 81, along which the respective film element 20 can be conveyed from a feeding position 82 into the draping space 15.

[0297] The feed and / or insertion section 80 or its feed and / or insertion section 81 runs transversely to the vertical displacement axis 57 of the device 50.

[0298] Conversely, this means that the draping frame 1 is arranged to be displaceable transversely to this feed and / or insertion section 81 by means of the displacement mechanism 55.

[0299] In this first exemplary embodiment, the feeding and / or inserting device 80 is characterized in particular by at least one movable heating unit 85 for heating the respective film element 20 outside the draping space 15 of the draping frame 1, which has two heating devices 86 and 87.

[0300] Here, the heating unit 85 is integrated into the feeding and / or inserting device 80 in such a way that the heating unit 85 can be moved continuously, for example, together with the respective film element 20, which is moved along the feeding and / or inserting path 81 in the direction of the draping space 15 of the draping frame 1.

[0301] In this embodiment, the upper heating device 86 and the lower heating device 87 of the heating unit 85 are moved together with the film element 20 along the feed and / or insertion path 81, so that the respective film element 20 can be continuously heated both from above and from below.

[0302] In particular, the lower heating device 87 is designed such that the respective film element 20 can be transported by means of this lower heating device 87 from the loading position 82 to the draping frame 1 of the device 50.

[0303] According to the presentation after the Figure 10 A film element 20 is already placed on the lower heating device 87 and is on its way from the loading position 82 to the draping frame 1 with the help of the movable heating unit 85.

[0304] While the film element 20 is now heated on both sides by means of the upper heating device 86 and the lower heating device 87, it is simultaneously transported along the feed and / or insertion path 81 with the heating devices 86 and 87.

[0305] The draping frame 1 is located in a feed position 89, in which the film element 20 transported by means of the feed and / or insertion device 80 can be transported into the draping space 15.

[0306] Here, the robot device 70 is still in a starting position 90, in which at least one carrier part 30 to be laminated is received in the carrier part holder 63, specifically from a carrier part magazine 100.

[0307] According to the presentation after the Figure 11 the heating unit 85 with the film element 20 is shortly before being fed or inserted into the draping frame 1.

[0308] According to the presentation after the Figure 12 the heating unit 85 together with the foil element 20 heated thereby is completely retracted into the device 50.

[0309] According to the presentation after the Figure 13 the lower heating device 87 moves upwards towards the draping frame 1, so that in this insertion position 103 the heated film element 20 can be transferred to the grippers 2 of the draping frame 1 or inserted into these grippers 2.

[0310] As soon as an adjustable target temperature is reached on the film element 20 or in the draping space 15, the heating unit 85 with its heating devices 86 and 87 moves back to the loading position 82 in order to pick up one or more new film elements 20 there.

[0311] According to the presentation after the Figure 15The draping frame 1 with the film element 20 draped therein now moves downwards towards the lower tool 52, wherein in the meantime the carrier part 30 located on the carrier part holder 63 is positioned above the draping space 15 of the draping frame 1 by means of the manipulator 71 of the robot device 70.

[0312] According to the presentation after the Figure 16 The carrier part 30 to be laminated is now brought further to the film element 20 by means of the manipulator 71 of the robot device 70, so that according to the illustration after the Figure 17 Finally, the actual vacuum lamination process is carried out on the device 50.

[0313] After the successful lamination of the carrier part 30 with the film element 20, the robot device 70 removes the finished laminated component 37, 38 or 39 from the draping frame 1 and places it in a preferably cooled trimming station 104 (only shown as an example in Figure 18indicated), wherein the robot device 70 is in a preparation position 105, in which it prepares the finished laminated component 37, 38 or 39 for further processing or the like on the device 50.

[0314] According to the presentation after the Figure 19 the manipulator 71 of the robot device 70 moves the carrier part holder 63 back to the carrier part magazine 102 in order to pick up the carrier part 30 to be laminated again.

[0315] At the same time, for a new laminating process, a new film element 20 is transported along the feed and / or insertion path 81 in the direction of the draping frame 1 by means of the feed and / or insertion device 80, which is simultaneously heated on both sides by means of the heating unit 85.

[0316] According to the presentation after the Figure 20A first system embodiment is shown with a first system 107 for producing a shaped and / or laminated component 37, 38, or 39, wherein the first system 107 has an alternative, second device 108 integrated for shaping and / or laminating a film element 20. More precisely, the second device 108 is integrated into the processing line 110 of the first system 107, wherein a punching and folding station 114 (not shown) is arranged downstream of the second device 108 inline with the processing line 110.

[0317] The processing line 110 runs from an input side 111 of the first system 107 to an output side 112 of the first system 107.

[0318] The second device 108 has essentially the same structure as the previously described device 50 from the Figures 10 to 19, and the device 108 accordingly comprises the draping frame 1 with the motor-driven grippers 2 movably arranged thereon for gripping the film element 20, the feeding and / or inserting device 80 and the removal device 85 with the robot device 70 as well as the carrier part magazine 100.

[0319] In this first system embodiment, however, the device 108 comprises two heating units 85 on its feed and / or insertion device 80, whereby the cycle times at the alternative device 108 or at the system 107 can be advantageously reduced. For example, the cycle times can be less than 40 seconds.

[0320] In any case, the film elements 20 are alternately inserted from the respective heating unit 85 into the draping frame 1.

[0321] After the respective film element 20 has been laminated onto the carrier part 30, the respective finished laminated component 37, 38 or 39 (cf. Figures 4 to 9 ) is transferred by the robot device 70 to the inline punching and folding station 114 and stored there for further processing.

[0322] Except for the two heating units 85, the alternative device 108 otherwise has the same structure as the one shown in the Figures 10 to 19 described device 50, so that for a more detailed structure and operation of the alternative device 108, reference is made to the description of the device 50.

[0323] In the Figure 21 In the second embodiment shown, a second system 116 for producing a molded part or laminated component 37, 38 or 39 with a processing line 110 is shown.

[0324] In this processing line 110, a third device 117 for forming and / or laminating a film element 20 as well as a punching and folding station 114 downstream of this device 117 are arranged, at which there is additionally a discharge station 119 for discharging the finished laminated components 37, 38 or 39 (cf. Figures 4 to 9 ) with a discharge table 120. By means of the discharge station 119, a higher degree of automation is achieved at the second system 116.

[0325] The third device 117 also has essentially the same structure as the previously described device 50 from the Figures 10 to 19, and the third device 107 accordingly comprises the draping frame 1 with the motor-driven grippers 2 movably arranged thereon for gripping the film element 20, the feeding and / or inserting device 80 and the removal device 85 with the robot device 70 as well as the carrier part magazine 100.

[0326] A third system design example shows the Figure 22 , in which a third system 123 has, in its processing line 110, two feeding and / or insertion devices 80 of a fourth device 124 for forming and / or laminating the film element 20. Accordingly, the fourth device 124 also has two heating units 85, so that an advantageous reduction in cycle time can be achieved here as well.

[0327] This fourth device 124 has essentially the same structure as the previously described device 50 from the Figures 10 to 19. The fourth device 124 comprises the draping frame 1 with the motor-driven grippers 2 movably arranged thereon for gripping the film element 20, the feeding and / or insertion device 80 in duplicate, the removal device 85 with the robot device 70, and the carrier part magazine 100.

[0328] The fourth device 124 is then followed inline by the punching and folding station 114 and the discharge station 119 for discharging the finished laminated components 37, 38 and 39 (cf. Figures 4 to 9 ).

[0329] According to the presentation after the Figure 23 is a fourth system embodiment with regard to a double system 126 for producing a molded part or a laminated component with two processing lines 110, wherein all machines are present twice on the double system 126.

[0330] Thus, the double system 126 has two fifth devices 127, each fifth device 127 having the draping frame 1 with the motor-driven grippers 2 movably arranged thereon for gripping the film element 20, the feeding and / or inserting device 80 and the removal device 85 with the robot device 70 as well as the carrier part magazine 100.

[0331] Furthermore, on the double system 126, two punching and folding stations 114 and two discharge stations 119 are connected downstream of the fifth devices 127 inline of the processing lines 110, whereby the output rate can be doubled in the double system 126.

[0332] According to the representations after the Figures 24 and 25 another double system 130 for producing a molded part or a laminated component 37, 38 or 39 is shown.

[0333] This additional double system 130 also has two processing lines 110, but compared to the first double system 126 from the Figure 23 On the input side 111 of the further double system 130 there is also an adhesive application station 131.

[0334] Due to the two existing processing lines 110, this adhesive application station 131 includes two adhesive application lines 132, whereby these two adhesive application lines 132 are served by a common adhesive application device 133. For this purpose, the adhesive application device 133 is equipped with an adhesive application robot 134 with a corresponding application manipulator 135.

[0335] The adhesive application device 133 with its adhesive application robot 134 is arranged between the two adhesive application lines 132 of the adhesive application station 131, so that both adhesive application lines 132 can be easily reached and operated by the adhesive application manipulator 135.

[0336] Downstream of the adhesive application station 131, according to the dual processing lines 110, there are also two sixth devices 136 for forming and / or laminating a film element 20. The respective sixth device 136 again comprises the feeding and / or insertion device 80 for feeding and / or inserting the film element 20 into the draping frame 1, with the carrier part magazine 100 being assigned laterally to each sixth device 136. Furthermore, the sixth devices 136 each also comprise the removal device 75 in the form of the robot device 70.

[0337] The respective sixth device 136 is again followed by the punching and folding station 114.

[0338] On the output side of the further double system 130, the discharge station 119 is located on each processing line.

[0339] According to the presentation after the Figure 26a fully automated system 140 for producing a molded part or a laminated component 37, 38 or 39 with a processing line 110 and a seventh device 141 for molding and / or laminating a molded element 20 is shown.

[0340] This seventh device 141 again has essentially the same structure as the previously described device 50 from the Figures 10 to 19 .

[0341] The seventh device 141 accordingly comprises the draping frame 1 with the motor-driven grippers 2 movably arranged thereon for gripping the film element 20, the feeding and / or inserting device 80 and the removal device 85 with the robot device 70 as well as the carrier part magazine 100.

[0342] The fully automated system 140 additionally has a feeding station 142 on its input side 111 for feeding the seventh device 141 for forming and / or laminating the mold element 20.

[0343] The feeding station 141 has a gripping device 143 for picking up film elements 20 and depositing these film elements 20 on the feed and / or insertion line 81.

[0344] By means of this feeding station 141, film elements 20 can be transferred to the feeding and / or insertion section 81 of the feeding and / or insertion device 80 of the seventh device 141 largely without operating personnel.

[0345] This means that the fully automated system 140 can operate with an even higher degree of automation.

[0346] It is understood that such a feeding station 141 can also be installed upstream of all the above-described devices 50, 108, 117, 124, 127 and 136 as well as the related systems 111, 116, 123, 126 and 130 in order to save operating personnel there as well.

[0347] However, this feeding station 142 is shown as an example only with regard to the fully automated system 140.

[0348] According to the Figure 27 a prefabricated foil element 20, as can be used in the present invention, is shown schematically, while according to the Figure 28 an optimized pattern 150 with a multitude of designated foil elements 20 is shown.

[0349] These designated film elements 20 can be placed particularly close to one another and thus with very little residual film grid material 151 in between on the optimized cutting pattern 150, since the film elements 20 cut out therefrom can only be reliably gripped by the grippers 2 according to the invention or the draping frame 1 according to the invention.

[0350] This is due, among other things, to the fact that the grippers 2 according to the invention can be moved in the draping space 15 with seven degrees of freedom due to the high multi-axial freedom of movement.

[0351] According to the representations after the Figures 29 to 32 the laminating device is shown with a plurality of folding means 160 or folding sliders, wherein the folding means 160 are provided on a draping space 15 of the device 1.

[0352] In the Figure 29 In the embodiment shown, the folding means 160 are attached to the draping frame 1 next to the grippers 2.

[0353] In the Figure 30 In the embodiment shown, the folding means 160 are arranged on the grippers 2.

[0354] In the Figure 31 In the embodiment shown, the folding means 160 are arranged on a frame (not separately numbered here) of the laminating device.

[0355] And in the Figure 32 In the embodiment shown, the folding means 160 are located on the frame part 3 of the laminating device,

[0356] According to the presentation after the Figure 33 an alternative gripper 170 is shown, which is essentially the same as the gripper 2 from the Figure 2 corresponds.

[0357] The gripper 170 has a gripper chassis 171, on the front side 172 or end face 173 of which a gripper head part 174 is arranged, on which the actual gripper jaw elements 175 and 176 of the gripper 170 are mounted, wherein in the top view only the upper gripper jaw element 176 can be seen.

[0358] The gripper 170 faces a draping space 15 with its gripper head part 174.

[0359] The gripper head part 174 has a degree of freedom 177 and a further degree of freedom 178 relative to the gripper chassis 171.

[0360] The degree of freedom 177 results from the rotational axis 180 of the rotary drive 181, wherein the rotary drive 181 has a worm gear 182. In this respect, the gripper jaw elements 175 and 176 on the gripper head part 174 can be rotated motor-driven and automatically about the rotational axis 180 relative to the gripper chassis 171. The rotational axis 180 is perpendicular to the end face 173, so that this is a horizontal axis (not numbered again).

[0361] The further degree of freedom 178 results around the vertical axis 185, around which the gripper jaw elements 175 and 176 can be pivoted manually.

[0362] Also clearly visible are coolant connections 187 on the rear sides 188 of the gripper jaw elements 175 and 176, to which a temperature control device can be connected in order to allow a coolant to flow through the gripper jaw elements 175 and 176.

[0363] According to the presentation after the Figure 34 is a further device 190 for shaping and / or laminating a film element 20 on a carrier part 30, wherein the device 190 has a plurality of grippers 2 and 170 (not shown here) as well as a carrier part holder 63 (also not shown here), which is attached to a manipulator 71 (not shown, upper tool 53) of a laminating tool 51 (also not shown). The device 190 has a draping space 15 or laminating space 15 in which a lower tool 52 is arranged. In this exemplary embodiment, the lower tool 52 can have a mold shell part 59 (not shown).

[0364] Advantageously, the further device 190 or its lower tool 52 has both punching knife segments 191 (numbered here only as an example) of a punching device 192 and sealing slide segments 194 of a sealing device 195 of a pressure difference device not shown further.

[0365] The punching knife segments 191 and the sealing slide segments 194 are arranged next to one another, whereby all punching knife segments 191 and sealing slide segments 194 can be individually controlled and displaced, whereby on the one hand punching forces on the further device 190 can be advantageously reduced (punching knife segments 191) and on the other hand a sealing device 195 can be positioned more differentiated and closer to the carrier part 30, whereby overall a not insignificant amount of film material can be saved. List of reference symbols used

[0366] 1Draping frame 2Motor-driven grippers 3Frame part 4Left side area 5Right side area 6Front side area 7Rear side area 8Housing 9Underside 10Top side 15Draping space or laminating space 16Longitudinal cross members 17Cross members 20Foil element 22Gripper chassis 24Front side 25Gripper head part 26Lower gripper jaw element 27Upper gripper jaw element 28Temperature control device 29Tensile force measuring device 30Support part 31Contour 32Approach curve 33Visible surface 35Grid 37First automotive component or laminated component 38Second automotive component or laminated component 39Third automotive component or laminated component 50Device 51Laminating tool 52Lower tool 53Upper tool 55Travel mechanism 56Frame 57Vertical displacement axis 58Bottom part 59Mold shell part or mold shell parts 60Base 63Carrier part holder or carrier part holders 65Introduction device 70Robot device 71Manipulator 75Removal device 78Transfer station 80Feeding and / orInsertion device 81 Feed and / or insertion section 82 Loading position 85 Heating unit 86 Upper heating device 87 Lower heating device 89 Feed position 90 Start position 100 Carrier part magazine 103 Insertion position 104 Trimming station 105 Provision position 107 First system 108 Second device 110 Processing line 111 Input side 112 Output side 114 Punching and folding station 116 Second system 117 Third device 119 Discharge station 120 Discharge table 123 Third system 124 Fourth device 126 First double system 127 Fifth devices 130 Further double system 131 Adhesive application station 132 Adhesive application lines 133 Adhesive application device 134 Adhesive application robot 135 Adhesive application manipulator 136 Sixth device 140 Fully automated system 141 Seventh device 142 Feeding station 143 Gripping device 150 Cutting pattern 151 Residual film grid 160 Edge folding device or edge folding pusher 170 Alternative gripper 171 Gripper chassis 172 Front side 173 End side 174 Gripper head part 175 LowerGripper jaw element 176Upper gripper jaw element 177Degree of freedom 178Further degree of freedom 180Rotary axis or horizontal axis 181Rotary drive 182Worm gear 185Vertical axis 187Coolant connections or connection interfaces 188Rear sides 190Further device 191Punching knife segments 192Punching device 194Sealing slide segments 195Sealing device

Claims

1. Gripper (2; 170) for an apparatus (50; 108; 117; 124; 127; 136; 141; 190) for forming and / or laminating a film element (20), in particular for a draping frame (1), having at least two opposing gripper-jaw elements (26, 27; 175, 176), which are movable in relation to one another and are intended for gripping the film element (20), wherein the gripper (2; 170) has folding-over means (160) for folding over a film edge around an edge of a carrier part (30), which is laminated with the film element (20).

2. Gripper (2; 170) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the folding-over means (160) are arranged on the at least two opposing gripper-jaw elements (26, 27; 175, 176), which are movable in relation to one another.

3. Gripper (2; 170) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the folding-over means (160) are arranged on a gripper chassis (22; 171) and / or on a gripper-head part (25; 174).

4. Draping frame (1) for forming and / or laminating a film element (20), having a draping space (15) and having a multiplicity of motor-driven grippers (2; 170) for gripping the film element (20), wherein the draping frame (1) has folding-over means (160) for folding over a film edge around an edge of a carrier part (30), which is laminated with the film element (20).

5. Draping frame (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the folding-over means (160) are arranged on at least one of the grippers (2; 170), on a gripper chassis (22; 171) of the at least one gripper (2; 170) and / or on a gripper-head part (25; 174) of the at least one gripper (2; 170) and / or on at least one gripper-jaw element (26, 27; 175, 176) of the at least one gripper (2; 170).

6. Draping frame (1) according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the folding-over means (160) are arranged on the draping frame (1) or a frame part (3) thereof.

7. Draping frame (1) according to one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the folding-over means (160) comprise at least one folding-over slide element for folding over the film element (20) or the like.

8. Apparatus (50; 108; 117; 124; 127; 136; 141; 190) for forming and / or laminating a film element (20), having a multiplicity of grippers (2; 170) and having a forming tool or a laminating tool (51), in which apparatus the forming tool or the laminating tool (51) comprises a lower tool (52) and an upper tool (53), wherein the apparatus (50; 108; 117; 124; 127; 136; 141; 190) comprises a gripper according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus (50; 108; 117; 124; 127; 136; 141; 190) has a heating unit (85) for heating the film element (20), and at least part of the heating unit can be temporarily arranged within a draping space (15), in particular of the draping frame (1) of the apparatus (50; 108; 117; 124; 127; 136; 141; 190).

9. Apparatus (50; 108; 117; 124; 127; 136; 141; 190) for forming and / or laminating a film element (20), having a multiplicity of grippers (2; 170) and having a forming tool or a laminating tool (51), in which apparatus the forming tool or the laminating tool (51) comprises a lower tool (52) and an upper tool (53), wherein the apparatus (50; 108; 117; 124; 127; 136; 141; 190) comprises a draping frame according to one of Claims 4 to 7, wherein the apparatus (50; 108; 117; 124; 127; 136; 141; 190) has a heating unit (85) for heating the film element (20), and at least part of the heating unit can be temporarily arranged within a draping space (15), in particular of the draping frame (1) of the apparatus (50; 108; 117; 124; 127; 136; 141; 190).

10. Method for forming and / or laminating a film element (20) and in which the film element (20) is gripped by grippers (2; 170) in order to be brought into operative contact with a moulding or a carrier part (30) to be laminated, characterized in that the film element (20) gripped by the grippers (2; 170) is heated before and / or during the operation of the film element (20) gripped by the grippers (2; 170) being formed on the moulding or on the carrier part (30) to be laminated, wherein, following lamination onto the carrier part (30), the film element (20) is at least partially folded over around an edge of the carrier part (30) by means of grippers (2; 170).