Coating device for applying a coating material and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a feed system for a band-type or strip-type material, in particular a coating material for coating a short end, or an adhesive strip, and also relates to a coating device. A method is also provided.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a coating device for ribbon or strip-shaped material according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, a method for feeding ribbon or strip-shaped material according to the preamble of claim 12 is provided. Such a feeding system and such a method are known from document DE 10 2009 010 792 A1. State of the art

[0002] In the prior art, it is known to provide a coating material in roll form for application to a narrow side of a workpiece (also referred to as "edge banding"). To ensure an efficient coating process, for example, trolleys with several rolls are provided for a coating device, which are thus kept in the vicinity of the coating device. Various approaches are known in this area to enable a compact machine system with efficient storage.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2011 006 319 A1 describes a machine system comprising a coating unit and a feeding device for supplying edgebanding material to a magazine unit of the coating unit. Furthermore, a storage unit is provided in which several edgebanding materials can be stored, as well as a transport device for conveying edgebanding material from the storage unit to the feeding device.

[0004] Although the system described in DE 10 2011 006 319 A1 has proven effective, it has been shown that when a roll of coating material is used up, it must be replaced to ensure machine operation. Even if this can be done during a processing cycle, a certain amount of logistics and scheduling is required for a roll change to avoid machine downtime due to a lack of available coating material. Description of the invention

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing a coating device and a method that ensure continuous operation during the coating of workpieces.

[0006] Such a coating device is specified in claim 1, and such a method is specified in claim 12. Dependent claims relate to specific embodiments.

[0007] The feeding system according to the coating device according to the invention comprises a storage unit for receiving multiple material units and a transport unit for moving a ribbon- or strip-shaped material from the storage unit. Each material unit can receive a coating material or an adhesive strip in roll form. The transport unit further comprises a joining device for connecting the end sections of ribbon- or strip-shaped materials. Thus, an endless strip of material can be provided by means of the feeding system.

[0008] An "end section" refers to a section at the beginning or end of a ribbon- or strip-shaped material, in particular a coating material or an adhesive strip.

[0009] In one embodiment, the joining device is configured to glue, staple, press, weld, and / or join end sections of coating materials by positive locking.

[0010] A positive fit can be achieved, for example, through a wedge-shaped or dovetail-like design or a hook-like structure on the strip or ribbon material. This allows the end sections of two strip or ribbon materials to interlock, similar to interlocking puzzle pieces. Alternatively, a cutout can be present on one end section of the strip or ribbon material, into which a complementary section or projection of the end section of another strip or ribbon material engages. Such an end section of the strip or ribbon material can be provided by the manufacturer or created by the user before or during use of the material.

[0011] The joining device may have one or more pressure rollers to press the end sections of the materials together. For bonding the end sections, the joining device may include an adhesive application device and / or an adhesive activation device. For welding, the joining device may include a welding device. To tack coating materials, auxiliary devices such as clamps or similar can be used.

[0012] The measures mentioned can each be applied individually or in combination. For example, a positive locking mechanism and bonding of the end sections can be used.

[0013] The ribbon- or strip-shaped material can be a coating material provided with an activatable or reactivatable adhesive, wherein the adhesive can be brought into an adhesion-promoting state by an activation device. In another embodiment, the ribbon- or strip-shaped material can be an adhesive strip that is applied to a workpiece or a coating material.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the ribbon or strip-shaped material is applied to a surface of a workpiece provided with an adhesive in a coating device, or the ribbon or strip-shaped material is provided with an adhesive in a coating device.

[0015] The ribbon or strip-shaped material can be a veneer strip or a strip-shaped / ribbon-shaped material made of a plastic material, for example PVC.

[0016] To achieve the joining of end sections of ribbon or strip-shaped materials, an energy source can be provided, in particular a hot air source, laser source, infrared source, microwave source, or plasma source. With such an energy source, the end sections of the ribbon or strip-shaped materials, especially the adhesive sections provided in these sections, can be activated so that the adhesive can be used to create a bond.

[0017] It is preferred that a detection device is also provided, in particular a light barrier or a camera, which is configured to detect end sections of ribbon- or strip-shaped materials. In this way, it can be determined, firstly, that an end of a ribbon- or strip-shaped material has been reached. Alternatively or additionally, the position of one or more end sections can be detected in order to determine an overlapping arrangement of the end sections. Thus, joining the end sections in a defined area can be ensured.

[0018] Furthermore, it may be possible to identify an end section of a ribbon or strip-shaped material using a chip, such as an RFID chip, and / or a code, such as a barcode or QR code, or a geometric shape, such as a notch, a cutout, or similar feature. This ensures even more reliable detection of an end section.

[0019] It is preferred that the transport device comprises a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism, wherein the joining device is arranged in the transport direction between the first and second drive mechanisms. This allows successive materials to be advantageously arranged in an overlapping manner.

[0020] It is preferred that the drive mechanisms can be driven individually. This ensures precise positioning of the end sections of two materials to be joined.

[0021] Furthermore, it may be possible to provide a pair of rollers adjacent to the joining device. This allows the end sections of successive materials to be supported adjacent to the joining device.

[0022] It is preferred that the storage device comprises a receiving device for receiving multiple material units, wherein the storage device is configured to feed the material units along the receiving device. For example, the receiving device can be configured as a shaft. The material units, in particular their cores, can be received on the shaft.

[0023] In one embodiment, a pushing device, in particular a spring, is provided, which is arranged such that the pushing device can guide the material units along the receiving device. In particular, the material units can be guided by the pushing device when a coating material or an adhesive strip of one of the material units is consumed.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the receiving device can be oriented in a vertical direction so that the material units are pressed against a holder by gravity.

[0025] Furthermore, the storage unit can be designed as a mobile unit. This allows the storage unit to be exchanged and / or loaded with material units at a different location.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the feeding system comprises a device for transferring an end section of a ribbon- or strip-shaped material from a material unit held in the storage device to the transport device, wherein the device is configured to hold the end section of the material and transfer it to the transport device. For example, the device for transferring an end section can be designed as a robot with a robot arm or a handling device.

[0027] Furthermore, a coating device is provided for applying a band- or strip-shaped material, in particular a strip- or band-shaped coating material and / or an adhesive strip, to a workpiece. The coating device comprises a feeding system, in particular a feeding system according to one of the preceding aspects, and a pressure device, in particular a pressure roller, for pressing the band- or strip-shaped material onto the workpiece. The feeding system includes a joining device for connecting or joining end sections of band- or strip-shaped materials, in particular coating materials or adhesive strips.

[0028] In one embodiment, the coating device can include a control unit configured to transmit control commands to the drive mechanisms of the feeding system. This allows the drive mechanisms to be coordinated in such a way that the joining of end sections of ribbon or strip-shaped materials can be carried out in the shortest possible time.

[0029] It is preferred that, when changing between ribbon or strip-shaped materials, the control device controls the drive mechanisms in such a way that end sections of the materials are positioned in the joining device.

[0030] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method. Within the framework of the method, the feeding system and / or the coating device can be used according to the aspects mentioned above.

[0031] In the step of joining the end sections of the ribbon or strip-shaped materials, the end sections can be glued, stapled, pressed, welded, and / or joined by positive locking.

[0032] A positive fit can be achieved, for example, through a wedge-shaped or dovetail-like design, or through a hook-like structure on the strip or ribbon material. This allows the end sections of two strip or ribbon materials to interlock, similar to interlocking puzzle pieces. Alternatively, a cutout can be present on one end section of the strip or ribbon material, into which a complementary section or projection of the end section of another strip or ribbon material engages. Such an end section of the strip or ribbon material can be provided by the manufacturer or created by the user before or during use of the material.

[0033] Compression can be achieved by applying appropriate force, for example, using a pressure roller. For bonding the end sections, the joining device can include an adhesive application unit and / or an adhesive activation unit. For welding, the joining device can include a welding unit. To tack coating materials, aids such as clamps or similar devices can be used.

[0034] Furthermore, it may be possible to identify an end section of a ribbon- or strip-shaped material by means of a chip, for example an RFID chip, and / or a code, such as a barcode or a QR code, or a geometric shape, such as a notch, a recess, or the like.

[0035] In one embodiment, the connection area (of the end sections) is transferred to a control device so that the position of the connection area can be taken into account during a subsequent coating process. In particular, the connection area can be removed by a cutting unit during further transport.

[0036] Furthermore, a ribbon- or strip-shaped material, in particular a coating material or an adhesive strip, is provided, which has an end section with a connecting structure. For example, this may be a wedge-shaped or dovetail-like design, an adhesive section, a hook-like structure and / or a die-cut on the ribbon- or strip-shaped material.

[0037] Thus, the end sections of two ribbon- or strip-shaped materials can interlock. A cutout may also be present on an end section of the ribbon- or strip-shaped material, into which a complementary section or projection of an end section of another ribbon- or strip-shaped material engages or can engage. Such an end section of the ribbon- or strip-shaped material may be provided by the manufacturer or introduced by the user before or during use of the ribbon- or strip-shaped material. Brief description of the drawings

[0038] Further features and advantages of a system, device, use, and / or method will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings show: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2. Figure 1 first embodiment shown. Description of embodiments

[0039] Identical reference symbols listed in different figures name identical, corresponding, or functionally similar elements.

[0040] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment to describe the invention by means of a clear example.

[0041] The feeding system comprises a storage unit 10 and a transport unit 30. The storage unit 10 can be designed as a stationary storage unit, or it can be arranged to be movable. In the case of a movable storage unit, it is designed, for example, as a movable unit with rollers or similar components.

[0042] According to the embodiment, the transport device 30 is part of a coating device (not shown) with which the coating material is applied to a narrow side of a plate-shaped workpiece W. According to a modification, however, the transport device 30 can also be provided independently of the coating device and, if necessary, arranged adjacent to it or attached to the coating device.

[0043] The storage device 10 comprises a receiving device 11 onto which several coating material units R0-R4 (preferably edgeband rolls) can be received, in particular slid onto the material. Although the embodiment describes material units that receive a coating material, according to a further embodiment, adhesive strips can also be provided with the material units.

[0044] Furthermore, a spring (pressing device) 12 is provided, which is configured to press the coating material units R0-R4 received on the receiving device 11 towards a holder 13. The coating material units R0-R4 each comprise a strip-shaped or band-shaped coating material in roll form, which is provided in particular with an activatable or reactivatable adhesive.

[0045] A coating material B1 is thus removed from the coating material unit R1, which is located adjacent to the holder 13, by unwinding the coating material unit R1. The removal of the coating material B1 is carried out by means of the transport device 30. In particular, the transport device 30 unwinds the coating material B1.

[0046] On the side of coating material unit R1 facing spring 12, further coating material units R2-R4 are provided, each also containing a coating material. On the opposite side to coating material unit R1, a coating material unit R0 is provided, from which the coating material has already been removed. Coating material unit R0, like the other coating material units R1-R4, remains mounted on the receiving device 11; however, coating material unit R0 can be removed from the receiving device 11 as needed.

[0047] The transport device 30 comprises a first pair of rollers 31, a second pair of rollers 33, and a third pair of rollers 34, wherein the first pair of rollers 31 is positioned closest to the storage device 10 in the transport direction of the coating material B1 and thus serves to introduce the coating material. The transfer (or insertion) of the coating material B1 from the coating material unit R1 can be carried out manually or by means of a device such as a robot.

[0048] A drive roller 32 (first drive mechanism) is provided between the first pair of rollers 31 and the second pair of rollers 33, with which the coating material is conveyed in the transport direction. Opposite the drive roller 32, a counter-pressure roller (not shown) may optionally be provided, so that the coating material passes through a conveying gap formed between the drive roller 32 and the counter-pressure roller.

[0049] A joining device 20 is provided between the second pair of rollers 33 and the third pair of rollers 34. This device is designed to join end sections of successive coating materials together. An "end section" refers to a section at the beginning or end of a coating material. The operation and details of the joining device 20 will be described in detail later.

[0050] A second drive roller 35 (second drive mechanism) is arranged downstream of the third pair of rollers 34 in the direction of transport. This second drive roller is designed to feed the coating material to a pressure roller 40. A counter-pressure roller (not shown) may optionally be provided opposite the second drive roller 35, so that the coating material passes through a conveying gap formed between the second drive roller 35 and the counter-pressure roller.

[0051] The pressure roller 40 is used to press the coating material onto a narrow side of a plate-shaped workpiece. In the exemplary embodiment, the pressure roller 40 is part of the coating device; however, according to further embodiments, it can also be part of the transport device 30.

[0052] The first drive roller 32 and the second drive roller 35 are each connected to a control unit. The control unit allows the drive rollers 32 and 35 to be driven synchronously or individually, for example at different speeds.

[0053] The synchronous drive of the drive rollers 32, 35 is particularly suitable for feeding a coating material that is being dispensed from a coating material unit (e.g., coating material unit R1). If a roller change takes place, the drive rollers 32, 35 can each be driven individually, with the second drive roller 35 being able to be stopped if necessary.

[0054] The joining device 20 has a means by which end sections of coating materials can be joined together to create a continuous coating material. The joining device 20 can be configured, in particular, to glue, staple, press, weld, or join the end sections of the coating materials together by means of a positive fit based on the respective geometry of the end sections of the coating materials. These measures can also be carried out in combination.

[0055] The joining of a coating material B1 with a subsequent coating material B2 is shown schematically in Fig. 2 The following is shown. In particular, the end sections of the coating materials B1 and B2 are arranged overlapping and subsequently joined together. However, it is also possible to arrange the coating materials B1 and B2 butt-jointed and connect them in this arrangement. The arrangement of the end sections of the coating materials B1 and B2 is achieved by means of corresponding control commands from the control unit to the drive rollers 32 and 35.

[0056] The following describes a method for bonding coating materials together.

[0057] In the storage device 10, several coating material units R0-R4 are received at the receiving device 11, whereby the coating material B1 is subtracted from a first coating material unit R1.

[0058] When one end, in particular the roller end, of the coating material unit R1 is reached, the end of the coating material B1 is conveyed further by the transport device 30. Since the spring 12 pushes the coating material units towards the holder 13, when one end of the coating material unit R1 is reached, this first coating material unit R1 is disengaged from the holder 13 and is guided by the spring 12 along the receiving device 11 into a position similar to that in which the coating material unit R0 is guided. The coating material unit R0 is pushed further by the coating material unit R1. In the course of this, a second coating material unit R2 comes into contact with the holder 13.

[0059] The coating material B2 provided at the second coating material unit R2 is transferred manually or by means of a device, such as a robot (not shown), to the first pair of rollers 31 and engages with the first drive roller 32.

[0060] The first drive roller 32 thus pulls the second coating material B2 from the second coating material unit R2 and conveys the second coating material B2 into the area of ​​the joining device 20. This feeding of the coating material takes place in such a way that the first coating material B1 (or an end section thereof) is still arranged in the joining device 20, while the second coating material B2 is introduced into the joining device 20.

[0061] The joining device 20 can now perform a joining / joining of the first and second coating materials B1, B2 in order to create an endless coating material.

[0062] The joining device 20 is further configured to detect the position of the joining area between the first and second coating materials B1 and B2 and to transmit this information to the coating device. The coating device then adjusts its operation so that the joining area is not used as coating material for a workpiece, but is cut off by a trimming unit.

[0063] It is evident to a person skilled in the art that individual features described in different embodiments can also be implemented in a single embodiment, provided they are not structurally incompatible. Likewise, various features described within a single embodiment can also be provided individually or in any suitable subcombination in several embodiments.

[0064] In this embodiment, a pressing device 12 is described which is configured to press the material units R0-R4 received on the receiving device 11 towards a holder 13. According to a further embodiment, the receiving device can also be oriented vertically so that the material units are pressed against a holder by gravity.

Claims

1. Coating device for applying a coating material, in particular a strip- or band-formed coating material, to a workpiece (W), comprising a feed system for band- or strip-formed material, in particular a band- or strip-formed coating material or an adhesive strip, comprising: a storage device (10) for housing multiple material units (R0-R4), and a transport device (30) for moving a band- or strip-formed material from the storage device (10), characterised in that the transport device (30) has a joining device (20) for connecting end sections of band- or strip-formed materials, as well as a press-on device (40) for pressing on the band- or strip-formed material.

2. Coating device according to claim 1, wherein the joining device (20) is configured to bond, staple, press, weld, and / or connect in a form-fitting manner, in particular by interlocking, end sections of band- or strip-formed materials.

3. Coating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the joining device (20) has an energy source, in particular a hot air source, laser source, infrared source, microwave source or plasma source.

4. Coating device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a scanning device, in particular a light barrier or a camera configured to scan end sections of band- or strip-formed materials.

5. Coating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (30) comprises a first drive mechanism (32) and a second drive mechanism (35), wherein the joining device (20) is arranged in the direction of transport between the first and second drive mechanism (32, 35).

6. Coating device according to claim 5, wherein the drive mechanisms (32, 35) can be driven individually.

7. Coating device according to one of the claims 5-6, wherein a pair of rollers (33, 34) is in each case provided adjacent to the joining device (20).

8. Coating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage device (10) comprises a housing device (11) for housing multiple material units (R0-R4), wherein the storage device (10) is configured to feed the material units (R0-R4) along the housing device (11). wherein it is preferred that the storage device (10) comprises a pressure device, in particular a spring (12), which is arranged in such a way that the pressure device can feed the material units (R0-R4) along the housing device (11).

9. Coating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage device (10) is designed as a movable unit.

10. Coating device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a device for transferring an end section of a band- or strip-formed material from a material unit housed in the storage device to the transport device (30), in particular a robot or a handling device, wherein the device is configured to hold the end section of the band- or strip-formed material and to transfer it to the transport device (30).

11. Coating device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control device which is configured to transmit control commands to drive mechanisms (32, 35) of the feed system, wherein it is preferred that, when bandor strip-formed materials are changed, the control device controls the drive mechanisms (32, 35) in such a way that end sections of the materials are positioned in the joining device.

12. Method comprising the steps: moving a first band- or strip-formed material (B1) of a first material unit (R1) in a direction of transport by means of a transport device (30), wherein, when an end of the first band- or strip-formed material (B1) is reached, a second band- or strip-formed material (B2) of a second material unit (R2) is moved in the direction of transport, characterised in that the transport device (30) has a joining device (20) for connecting end sections of band- or strip-formed materials, and the end sections of the bandor strip-formed materials are positioned in such a way that the end sections of the materials can be connected in the joining device (20), and pressing the band- or strip-formed material onto the workpiece.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the end sections of the strip or strip-formed materials are bonded, stapled, welded, pressed and / or connected in a form-fitting manner, in particular by interlocking.

Images