Method for sheathing branching regions in strand systems, and application device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for sheathing branching regions (10) in strand systems (12), having the steps of: a) producing or providing a strand system (12) comprising at least one branching region (10) in which an initial strand (14) branches into two or more branch strands (16), b) producing or providing a first adhesive element (18), which comprises a first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive element (20), and c) sheathing the strand system (12) in the branching region (10) using the first adhesive element (18) and the a second adhesive element (20) by means of an application device (26), wherein the sheathing process is carried out such that the first adhesive layer of the first adhesive element (18) contacts the initial strand (14) and the branch strands (16) and such that the second adhesive element (20) contacts the initial strand (14) and the branch strands (16), and the sheathing process is carried out in such a way that the first adhesive element (18) and the second adhesive element (20) are integrally bonded to one another.

Description

[0001] tesa SE

[0002] Norderstedt

[0003] Method for sheathing branch areas in strand systems and application device

[0004] The invention relates to a method for sheathing branching areas in strand systems and an application device usable in a corresponding method for sheathing a branching area in such a strand system.

[0005] Modern vehicles today contain a multitude of electronic devices that must be interconnected via often complex wiring. To arrange the necessary cables inside the vehicle in the most space-saving and secure way possible, as well as to provide protection against mechanical and / or thermal stress, unwanted moisture ingress, and to prevent rattling noises, so-called wiring harnesses are typically used, in which the cables are surrounded by suitable sheathing.

[0006] In the current state of the art, sheathing using adhesive tapes is often still carried out manually, especially with regard to the geometric complexity of the corresponding structures, by rotating one or more adhesive tapes around the cable strand, whereby, for example, a seamless sheathing of the cable strand is achieved by overlapping the windings in the strand direction.

[0007] In theory, at least, forming cable harnesses by essentially wrapping them completely with adhesive tape seems promising. However, manual wrapping is increasingly seen as disadvantageous in terms of time efficiency and the required personnel, especially when such manual tasks have been outsourced abroad for cost reasons and, in times of disruptive global supply chains, the wrapped cable harnesses are not provided on time or are delayed.

[0008] To this end, fully and partially automated solutions have already been proposed for the problem described above, essentially based on the rotary wrapping of the cable harness using an application device or an automated robot. However, this approach has numerous disadvantages. When rotary wrapping cable harnesses with adhesive tapes, the tapes are usually unwound or supplied from tape reservoirs, such as tape rolls. These tape reservoirs must typically be carried along by the automated applicator as it rotates around the cable harness. However, automated application often requires large quantities of tape. Therefore, the large tape reservoirs, which are actually necessary for time-efficient application, are often too heavy for the desired energy-efficient and space-saving automated application.In prior art solutions, the size of the adhesive tape reservoir is usually limited, necessitating frequent replacement of the tape reservoirs. To reduce the setup times required for replacing the tape reservoirs, the prior art describes a method in which the cable harness itself is rotated, thus enabling the use of long rolls.

[0009] Rolled adhesive tapes have long been known in the art. The adhesive tape, which can also be called laminate, can be supplied in fixed lengths, for example, by the meter, or as continuous rolls. There are also disc-shaped tape rolls, which are referred to in technical terms as "pancakes." In this case, the width of the adhesive tape corresponds to the width of the tape roll, since the tape consists of multiple layers and windings that are positioned as precisely as possible on top of each other.

[0010] Alternatively, the adhesive tape can be wound onto a core, similar to a textile yarn, whose length is significantly greater than the width of the tape. By superimposing a rotational movement of the core and an axial movement of the core or the tape guide, the tape initially forms a first, radially innermost layer of helical windings. At the end of the first layer and the transition to the second layer, the orientation of the axial movement is inverted while the rotational movement remains unchanged. At the end of the second layer and the transition to the third layer, the orientation of the axial movement is inverted again, thus reverting to the original orientation, while the rotational movement remains unchanged. The pitch angle remains constant between each of these orientation reversal points. In this way, numerous layers of windings can be formed, with each winding intersecting the others (cross-wound coils).Regarding the terminology of spooling technology, reference should be made to the electronic textbook entitled "Technical Information on the Principles of Spooling" by the author Neal Rothwell, published on the Internet since July 1, 2001 by the company "Double R Controls LTD, England".

[0011] Furthermore, automated application of adhesive tapes using the rotary wrapping method known from the prior art is only efficiently possible for unbranched cable strands. The automated wrapping of branched sections of cable strands, i.e., sections where one or more cables of a cable harness branch off and run in different directions, still presents particular challenges for users of wrapping solutions known from the prior art.

[0012] In current technology, such branch sections, which are common in the automotive industry and sometimes referred to as "branches," are still mostly wrapped manually. This is done, for example, by applying adhesive tape crosswise or alternately to different sides of the branch section and wrapping it around the main strand. This process is repeated until the branch section is completely wrapped. However, this method is often considered disadvantageous because it is labor-intensive and time-consuming due to its poor suitability for automation, and it frequently results in particularly bulky, i.e., cumbersome, branch sections. Furthermore, the method must be individually adapted to each different type of branch section encountered.A reliable and reproducible solution, which would also be applicable to different strand geometries and which can be advantageously automated, is not currently known.

[0013] The primary objective of the present invention was to eliminate or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art described above.

[0014] In particular, it was an object of the present invention to provide a method for sheathing branching areas in strand systems, with which branching areas in strand systems, i.e. complex macrostructures, for example cable harnesses whose cable set plans have a large number of branches, could be sheathed with high reproducibility as well as particularly reliably and precisely.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention was to enable the method to encase different types of branching regions as simply as possible, and to ensure that the method exhibits a high tolerance for deviations from specified branching region geometries.

[0016] It was also the object of the present invention to provide a method which should be particularly time- and cost-efficient and as free from large equipment costs as possible in order to obtain high-performance coatings of branching areas of strand systems, whereby in particular the efficient use of large adhesive reservoirs should be made possible.

[0017] A further objective of the present invention was that the specified method should enable a stable and mechanically resilient coating.

[0018] In this respect, it was also an objective of the present invention that the specified method should be able to be carried out largely automatically.

[0019] In this context, a complementary object of the present invention was to provide an application device, preferably an automated application device, with which the corresponding method can be carried out particularly efficiently.

[0020] The inventors of the present invention have now discovered that the aforementioned problems can be surprisingly solved if, in a method for encasing branch regions in strand systems, at least two adhesive elements are joined together in a specific manner around the branch region using an application device, as defined in the claims, and this can advantageously also be automated. This allows branch regions, which in the prior art could not previously be reliably encased using application devices, particularly not automatically, to be given a potentially high-performance encasement in a time- and cost-efficient manner. Using the method according to the invention, even complex macrostructures with different geometries can be reliably encased with high reproducibility.In the course of developing the invention, it has become apparent that particularly advantageous results can be achieved if adhesive elements, in particular die-cuts, are used for both bonding elements and / or if the shape of the bonding elements is specifically adapted to the shape of the branching areas to be encased, with this embodiment being particularly preferably combined in such a way that the encasement is carried out with two shape-matched adhesive elements, in particular die-cuts.

[0021] The aforementioned problems are thus solved by the subject matter of the invention as defined in the claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following descriptions.

[0022] Such embodiments, which are hereinafter referred to as preferred, are combined in particularly preferred embodiments with features of other embodiments also referred to as preferred. Combinations of two or more of the embodiments hereinafter referred to as particularly preferred are therefore especially preferred. Also preferred are embodiments in which a feature of one embodiment, referred to as preferred to any degree, is combined with one or more further features of other embodiments, which are referred to as preferred to any degree. Features of preferred application devices result from the features of preferred methods.

[0023] The invention relates to a method for encasing branch regions in strand systems, comprising the following process steps: a) producing or providing a strand system comprising at least one branch region in which an initial strand branches into two or more branch strands, b) producing or providing a first adhesive element comprising a first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive element, and c) encasing the strand system in the branch region with the first adhesive element and the second adhesive element with an application device, preferably an automated application device, wherein the encasing is carried out such that the first adhesive element contacts the initial strand and the branch strands with the first adhesive layer, and that the second adhesive element contacts the initial strand and the branch strands, wherein the encasing is carried out such thatthat the first bonding element and the second bonding element are materially bonded to each other.

[0024] In the method according to the invention, a strand system is first manufactured or provided. Such a strand system can, for example, consist of hoses or cables, and a bundle of several of these sub-elements can also be used. The strand system accordingly often comprises at least two, preferably three or more sub-elements. These sub-elements are designed in a strand-like manner, such that they have a significantly larger extent in one dimension than in the other two dimensions. Strand systems can be manufactured, for example, by connecting the strand-like sub-elements. In accordance with the skilled person's understanding, the strand system can therefore be a component of a larger macrostructure, for example, a larger cable harness, which comprises a plurality of unbranched sections connected via branching areas, for example, forks.The method according to the invention is particularly efficient in the manufacture of cable harnesses, especially in the sheathing of the branching areas of cable strands. A preferred method according to the invention is therefore one in which the strand system is a cable harness, preferably a cable harness for a vehicle. An additionally or alternatively preferred method according to the invention is one in which the strand system has a mean diameter in the range of 1 to 80 mm, preferably in the range of 2 to 60 mm, and particularly preferably in the range of 5 to 50 mm.

[0025] Preferably, the cable system is a cable harness.

[0026] A wiring harness is defined as a bundle of electrical wires used to connect various electronic components in a device or vehicle. Due to the ever-increasing number of these components, wiring harnesses are very complex, especially in modern vehicles or large electronic devices.

[0027] A cable harness contains various types of cables, such as power cables, signal cables, data cables, and coaxial cables. Each cable has a specific function and must be selected and integrated according to its requirements.

[0028] A wiring harness has several branches leading to different components. These branches must be carefully planned and executed to ensure that all connections are correct and reliable.

[0029] The cable ends are fitted with plugs or connectors specifically designed for connection to the corresponding components. These must be fitted precisely and securely to ensure a stable electrical connection. The wiring harness must be designed to integrate seamlessly into the device or vehicle. This requires careful planning and adaptation to the available space and the specific requirements of the system.

[0030] A wiring harness extends in all three dimensions of space. For example, in order to be installed in the body of a motor vehicle, the individual cable strands forming the harness are shaped accordingly, sometimes bent by up to 90° or more, so that the cables can be routed through various areas of the body, such as the engine compartment, the interior, and the trunk, through the corresponding openings in the body.

[0031] The manufacture and installation of a cable harness therefore requires careful planning, precise execution and comprehensive knowledge of the electrical and mechanical requirements of the respective system.

[0032] A cable harness comprises a bundle of several cables such as 1 to 1000 cables, preferably 10 to 500 cables, particularly between 50 and 300 cables.

[0033] The wiring harness is wrapped with adhesive tape to protect the cables from mechanical damage, moisture, heat, and other environmental influences. These protective measures increase the lifespan and reliability of the wiring harness.

[0034] Adhesive tapes are used for sheathing; these tapes typically have a ribbon-shaped backing coated on at least one side with an adhesive layer consisting of a self-adhesive substance. The tape is either wrapped around the cable strands in a helical pattern or the cable strands are encased by the tape in an axial direction.

[0035] Preferably, the string system is alternatively a busbar.

[0036] A busbar is a solid, electrically conductive component – ​​usually a flat strip or rod – used to distribute and bundle electrical currents. Its large conductor cross-section provides low electrical resistance, high current-carrying capacity, and good heat dissipation. Busbars serve as central nodes between power sources, switching devices, and loads. Functions and applications include:

[0037] • Power distribution and bundling in switchgear, converters and distribution cabinets

[0038] • Reduction of line losses and contact transitions compared to cable harnesses

[0039] • Mechanical support function and defined connection geometry

[0040] • EMC-optimized power supply (e.g., tightly coupled forward and return conductors as laminate busbar)

[0041] • Short-circuit-proof connection between transformer, circuit breaker, busbar systems

[0042] • Battery systems (for example, EV battery modules, stationary storage systems) for cell and module interconnection

[0043] Typical busbar geometries are flat (rectangle), round, H / T profiles; single rail or multi-layer laminate with insulating foils. The strand system produced or provided within the scope of the inventive method comprises at least one branching section in which an output strand branches into two or more branch strands. In other words, a branching section within the meaning of the present invention exists when the sub-elements guided in the main strand or output strand of the strand system are divided into two or more strands which run in different directions, that is, when at least one of the sub-elements of the strand system is taken off from the output strand and directed in a different direction. The strands of the output strand that run in different directions after the branching point are referred to as branch strands within the scope of the present invention.In particular, if only a small or thin branch strand, comprising only a few cables, is branched off from the main strand (also called the source strand), this branch is referred to in technical jargon as a branch strand, while the remaining strand continues to be called the main strand, from which further branch strands will subsequently extend. In the following, the strand before the branch is referred to as the source strand, and the two strands resulting from the branch are called branch strands. To avoid misunderstandings, this means that an example strand system, which has six sub-elements (i.e., six strands) in its source strand, can have different types of branching areas. In this example, a branching area would exist, for instance, if a branch strand with two sub-elements and a branch strand with four sub-elements were to branch off from the source strand.A branching region within the meaning of the present invention would also exist if the exemplary output strand of six sub-elements were divided into three branch strands, each with two sub-elements. Likewise, a division of the output strand into six branch strands in the branching region would be possible, at least theoretically. However, in most relevant applications, for example in vehicles, the strand system is only divided into two or three branch strands in the branching region. Therefore, a method according to the invention is preferred in which the output strand branches into two or three, preferably two, branch strands in the branching region. Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred in which the branch strands comprise a subset of the cables routed in the output strand.A preferred method according to the invention is, additionally or alternatively, a method wherein the strand system comprises a plurality of branching regions, wherein the method is carried out at least for a part, preferably for the predominant part, and particularly preferably for all, of the branching regions. It is clear to those skilled in the art that in a strand system having a plurality of branching regions, a branch strand of a first branching region can itself form the output strand of a subsequent second branching region.

[0044] It can be seen as an advantage of the method according to the invention that the branching region of the strand system can be designed differently, and yet a large number of different branching regions can be encased within the framework of the method according to the invention without significant adaptation effort. However, the method according to the invention has proven particularly efficient for branching regions in which the starting strand, together with the branch strands, has a T-, an X-, or a Y-shape, whereby, in accordance with the skilled person's understanding, this also includes deformations and slight deviations of these basic structures, such that a person skilled in the art would, for example, consider a "+" to be X-shaped. A method according to the invention is therefore preferred in which the strand system has a T-shaped, Y-shaped, or X-shaped branching in the branching region, preferably T-shaped or Y-shaped, and particularly preferably T-shaped.A preferred or alternative method according to the invention is one in which the branch strands in the branching region enclose a minimum angle with each adjacent branch strand in the range of 1 to 180°, preferably in the range of 10 to 120°, and particularly preferably in the range of 20 to 90°. Preferably, one branch strand diverges from the starting strand at an angle of 90°, while the second branch strand continues in the same line as the starting strand (the "classic" T-shape). The inventors consider it advantageous if the strand system is formed into a predetermined shape before sheathing in order to make sheathing particularly simple and efficient. The predetermined shape can, for example, be specified by a cable harness layout. Forming the strand into the predetermined shape can be achieved, for example, by using one or more support elements that are part of a support structure.In accordance with expert understanding, in such a system the support elements are the parts of the support structure that are in contact with the strand system. The arrangement of the support elements in space brings the strand system, which is arranged within these support elements, into the desired shape, thus enabling particularly precise encasing in the branching area. Advantageously, the support elements can be spaced apart from one another in such a way that the branching area of ​​the strand system does not need to be lifted out of the support elements during encasing. In this respect, the inventors consider forked support elements, i.e., for example, essentially Y-shaped, or retractable support elements to be particularly suitable for use in the inventive method.A preferred method according to the invention is wherein method step a) comprises the following sub-method step: a1) Arranging the strand system in a support structure comprising a plurality of spaced-apart support elements for pre-positioning the strand system in a desired strand structure.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, the inventors propose pre-positioning the corner geometry—that is, the geometry of the strand system relative to its cross-section—before sheathing. This allows for particularly efficient and simple sheathing in the desired cross-sectional shape. Pre-positioning can be achieved, for example, using fork-shaped elements that hold the strand and, in particular, encircle it by 180°, and which can move translationally towards the intersection point of the main strand and the branch strand. These fork-shaped elements can be positioned either on the winding board where the support elements are located or on an end effector, such as one mounted on an industrial robot.This advantageously prevents large gaps from remaining between individual strands or sub-elements of the strand system during sheathing. Such gaps can be detrimental to subsequent fastening of the strand system, for example, when fastening it in cable ducts in a vehicle, which often have a predefined shape and therefore do not allow for any deviation from the standard corner geometry of the strand system. The corner geometry can be secured, for example, by bundling the strand system or its sub-elements or strands together, such as by tying the main strand and separately tying each individual branch strand. This can advantageously be done using adhesive tapes.A preferred method according to the invention is therefore one in which process step a) comprises the following sub-process step: a2) Bundling individual strands, in particular cable strands, of the strand system in the branching area by binding the initial strand and / or binding the branch strands with a binding element. A preferred method according to the invention is also one in which the binding element is selected from the group consisting of cords, cable ties, temporary mechanical fixings and adhesive tapes, preferably adhesive tapes.

[0046] In process step b) of the method according to the invention, two bonding elements are produced or provided, wherein at least the first bonding element comprises an adhesive layer. In other words, this means that the first bonding element is an adhesive element. However, the term "bonding element" in this context merely expresses the suitability of the bonding element for bonding to another bonding element or to other elements. It is therefore clear to those skilled in the art that the second bonding element does not necessarily have to be an adhesive element as well, since a non-adhesive element can also be bonded to the first bonding element, which is designed as an adhesive element. One variant of a bonding element has, in addition to the carrier layer, a double-sided adhesive tape, which is usually applied instead of (or in addition to) the adhesive layer.Double-sided adhesive tape is an adhesive tape that is sticky on both sides. It usually consists of a backing material such as paper, fabric, or plastic, coated on both sides with an adhesive layer. The inventive concept also applies if at least one, several, or all of the bonding elements are initially non-sticky and are only bonded before or during bundling by means of double-sided adhesive tapes inserted or applied between them.

[0047] In most cases, both the first and second bonding elements, regardless of the presence of any adhesive layer, will have a carrier layer which, after the execution of process step c), forms the outer surface of the sheath produced in the inventive method and, at least in the case of the first bonding element, serves as a carrier for the adhesive layer. Within the scope of the present invention, the term "carrier layer" is to be understood broadly and functionally, so that even thinner coatings, for example, a coating with a single layer of lacquer, can be considered carrier layers. Those skilled in the art understand that, within the scope of the invention, at least with regard to the first bonding element, the carrier layer often serves the purpose of reducing, or preferably eliminating, the stickiness of the side facing away from the adhesive side.This serves in particular the purpose of enabling the first adhesive element to be efficiently picked up by the application device on the non-stick carrier layer without bonding to components of the application device. If the second adhesive element is also designed as an adhesive element, it preferably also has a carrier for the same reasons. Therefore, a method according to the invention is relevant in most cases, wherein the first adhesive element comprises a first carrier layer, and / or wherein the second adhesive element comprises a second carrier layer. The carrier layers can be designed with variable colors, so that a clear color separation can be formed between the first and second carrier layers, which, when applied to the strand system, provides a visible indication of the strand system orientation.For example, the first carrier layer of the first adhesive element can be black, and the second carrier layer of the second adhesive element can be blue. It can also be seen as an advantage that the carrier layer can be made from typical materials used in adhesive technology for corresponding carrier layers. Experts understand that multi-layered structures of the adhesive elements are also conceivable. In particular, adhesive elements with multi-layered carrier layers can also be used.

[0048] The inventors have identified two different, equally preferred, designs for the second adhesive element, each of which enables a particularly reliable encapsulation of the branching area and thus meets different application requirements.

[0049] In a first embodiment, the second bonding element is itself non-adhesive and accordingly does not include an adhesive layer. In this embodiment, the material-bonded connection between the first bonding element and the second bonding element produced within the framework of the method according to the invention is, in most relevant applications, effected solely by the adhesive layer of the first bonding element.In this embodiment, in which the material-bonded connection is created by the adhesive layer of the first bonding element, the method according to the invention is advantageously particularly cost-efficient, since the material of the second bonding element can be freely selected from a multitude of possible materials and does not need to be provided with an adhesive layer. Furthermore, the application device used for encapsulation can be designed to be particularly simple if only the first bonding element has an adhesive layer. From a cost perspective, a method according to the invention in which the second bonding element does not include an adhesive layer is therefore preferred. A method according to the invention in which the second bonding element comprises or is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of paper, plastic, or mixtures thereof, preferably plastic, is also preferred.The person skilled in the art selects the appropriate material for the second bonding element from materials known in the art and available on the market, taking into account the respective application requirements.

[0050] As an alternative to making the second bonding element essentially non-adhesive, the inventors propose that the second bonding element preferably also comprises an adhesive layer, namely a second adhesive layer. In other words, a method according to the invention is preferred in which the second bonding element is also designed as an adhesive element. This advantageously allows the strand system to be encased particularly reliably in the method according to the invention, especially in such a way that the sub-elements in the strand system lie next to each other essentially without undesirable gaps, i.e., very closely. According to the inventors, the adhesive layer of both bonding elements, which points towards the strand system, allows the strand system to be fixed particularly well in the branching area.In this respect, the inventive method, if the second bonding element also comprises an adhesive layer, results in a sheathed strand system in which the individual strands of the strand system can be bonded particularly firmly and tightly, and the material-bonded connection between the first bonding element and the second bonding element can be made particularly durable and robust via the mutually contacting adhesive layers. For most applications with regard to the quality of the achievable sheathing, a method according to the invention is therefore preferred in which the second bonding element comprises a second adhesive layer, and in which the sheathing is carried out by applying the first bonding element via the first adhesive layer and the second bonding element via the second adhesive layer to the strand system with the application device.

[0051] With a view to cost-efficiency and advantageous process efficiency, the inventors consider it advantageous with regard to the embodiment of the second adhesive element with a second adhesive layer identified above as preferred if the first adhesive element and the second adhesive element are designed identically, so that they comprise, in particular, the same adhesive compound in their respective adhesive layers. This advantageously allows the adhesive elements to be provided in the application device from the same adhesive element reservoir, for example, a roll of adhesive tape rotatably arranged in the application device or a separate dispenser, within the framework of the method according to the invention.A preferred method according to the invention is wherein the first adhesive element in the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive element in the second adhesive layer comprise the same adhesive compound, and / or wherein the first adhesive element and the second adhesive element are of the same type, and / or wherein the first adhesive element and the second adhesive element are provided from the same adhesive element reservoir.

[0052] In principle, various embodiments of the bonding elements are conceivable, particularly self-adhesive and non-adhesive, in light of the foregoing explanations. For the sake of the simplest possible encapsulation, the inventors consider it preferable in most cases if at least the first bonding element, and preferably both bonding elements, are single-sided adhesive elements. Opposite the adhesive layer, the single-sided adhesive elements therefore do not include an adhesive layer, so that the section of the strand system encapsulated by the first and second bonding elements is correspondingly non-adhesive on the outside. This results in a simple and cost-effective process, and moreover, enables the encapsulation to be carried out with particularly simple application devices.A preferred method according to the invention is one in which the first adhesive element and / or the second adhesive element, preferably both, are single-sided adhesive elements. Alternatively, the inventors propose that the first adhesive element and / or the second adhesive element, preferably at least the first adhesive element, be designed as a double-sided adhesive element. This advantageously allows the sheathed branch section of the strand system to be attached to a strand receptacle, for example in vehicle trim parts, body components, and headliners, by means of an adhesive layer located on the outside of the branch area of ​​the strand system, which is arranged opposite the adhesive layer located radially inside the sheathed strand system.This allows a strand system, which may be designed as a cable harness, for example, to be attached directly to a destination in subsequent process steps particularly easily and potentially even without the use of additional fastening devices, such as snap fasteners. Therefore, a method according to the invention is preferred in some cases, wherein the first adhesive element and / or the second adhesive element, preferably only the first adhesive element, is a double-sided adhesive element, the side facing away from the adhesive layer being formed by an adhesive layer. A method according to the invention is particularly preferred in which a web-shaped release material, preferably a release liner, is arranged on the adhesive layer before the application of the first adhesive element and / or the second adhesive element.Particularly preferred in this case is a method according to the invention, wherein method step c) comprises the following sub-method step: c1 ) At least partial removal of the web-shaped release materials from the respective adhesive layer of the first bonding element and / or the second bonding element to expose the respective adhesive layer.

[0053] When using double-sided adhesive bonding elements, a method according to the invention is generally preferred, wherein the method additionally comprises the following process step: d) fastening the sheathed strand system in a receiving structure provided for receiving the sheathed strand system, preferably a vehicle body, vehicle trim parts, body components and headliners, wherein the fastening is carried out at least partially by bonding the sheathed strand system over the adhesive layer of the sheathing.

[0054] To enable the most efficient possible encapsulation of the strand system in the branching region with the adhesive elements, the inventors propose to design the adhesive as a pressure-sensitive adhesive. This would facilitate easier adhesion to the starting strand or the branch strands and, furthermore, achieve a particularly strong bond due to the contact between the two adhesives. A preferred method according to the invention is therefore one in which the first adhesive element and / or the second adhesive element, preferably both the first and the second adhesive element, are pressure-sensitive adhesive elements.

[0055] In accordance with professional understanding, a pressure-sensitive adhesive is an adhesive that possesses tacky properties, meaning it forms a permanent bond to a substrate even under relatively light pressure. Such adhesive tapes are typically removable from the substrate after use, leaving virtually no residue, and are generally permanently tacky even at room temperature. This means they exhibit a certain viscosity and tackiness, allowing them to adhere to the surface of a substrate even with minimal pressure. The tackiness of a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape results from the use of a pressure-sensitive adhesive as the adhesive compound.Without being bound to this theory, it is often assumed that an adhesive compound can be considered an extremely highly viscous liquid with an elastic component, which consequently exhibits characteristic viscoelastic properties that lead to the permanent inherent tackiness and pressure-sensitive adhesion described above. It is assumed that, in such adhesive compounds, mechanical deformation results in both viscous flow processes and the generation of elastic restoring forces. The viscous flow component serves to achieve adhesion, while the elastic restoring forces component is particularly necessary for achieving cohesion. The relationships between rheology and pressure sensitivity are known in the prior art and are described, for example, in "Satas, Handbook of Pressure Sensitive Adhesives Technology", Third Edition, (1999), pages 153 to 203.To characterize the degree of elastic and viscous components, the storage modulus (G') and the loss modulus (G") are usually used, which can be determined by means of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), for example using a rheometer, as disclosed, for example, in WO 2015 / 189323. Within the scope of the present invention, an adhesive compound is preferably considered to be tacky and thus a pressure-sensitive adhesive if, at a temperature of 23 °C in the deformation frequency range of 10 °C to 10 °C, the following properties are observed: 1 rad / sec G' and G" each at least partially in the range of 10 3 up to 10 7 Pa lie.

[0056] Regardless of any potential tackiness, the inventive method could also utilize an adhesive layer of the first bonding element and, if present, the second bonding element, comprising a curable adhesive. Due to its curing capability, the adhesive then functions as a structural adhesive (see Römpp, Georg Thieme Verlag, document ID RD-19-04489, last updated: September 2012). According to DIN EN 923: 2006-01, structural adhesives are adhesives that form bonds capable of maintaining a defined strength within a structure for a predetermined, extended period (according to the ASTM definition: "bonding agents used for transferring required loads between adherends exposed to service environments typical for the structure involved"). These are therefore adhesives for chemically and physically demanding bonding applications that, in their cured state, contribute to the strengthening of the bonded elements.This allows for the creation of particularly durable and / or stiffened coatings. In preferred embodiments, the curable adhesive can be radiation-cured and / or thermally cured. A radiation-curing adhesive enables direct curing as a result of exposure to electromagnetic radiation. A thermally curing adhesive can, for example, also be cured indirectly by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, which induces a temperature increase in the adhesive or surrounding parts of the adhesive tape, leading to curing. It is fundamentally possible for the curable adhesive used to be both directly radiation-cured and thermally cured. Corresponding radiation-curing and / or thermally curing adhesives, as well as the curing conditions used in each case, are known to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, a method according to the invention is preferred, particularly for high-performance applications, wherein the first bonding element is a reactive adhesive element, wherein the first adhesive layer comprises a reactive adhesive, preferably a radiation-curing or thermally curing adhesive, more preferably a radiation-curing adhesive, and / or wherein the second bonding element is a reactive adhesive element, wherein the second adhesive layer comprises a reactive adhesive, preferably a radiation-curing or thermally curing adhesive, more preferably a radiation-curing adhesive. In this case, a method according to the invention is particularly preferred, wherein the method additionally comprises the following process step: e) Curing the first adhesive layer and / or the second adhesive layer, more preferably the first and the second adhesive layer, preferably using electromagnetic radiation.

[0057] Preferably, the adhesive layer of one or more strip-shaped adhesive elements is coated such that the adhesive element is a single-sided adhesive tape. Alternatively, the adhesive element is coated with the adhesive layer such that it is a double-sided adhesive tape. The adhesive can be applied longitudinally along the tape in the form of a strip that is narrower than the backing. Depending on the application, several parallel strips of adhesive can also be coated onto the backing.

[0058] Preferably, the carrier is coated over its entire surface with the adhesive layer.

[0059] It can be seen as an advantage of the method according to the invention, particularly with regard to precise encapsulation even for branching areas that deviate from a potentially predetermined strand shape, that the bonding elements – at least in simple embodiments – are not limited with respect to their shape, except in that they must be able to contact at least the starting strand and the several branch strands in the resulting encapsulation. In this respect, reliable encapsulation of branching areas can be achieved in the method according to the invention even for branching areas that differ from one another, i.e., with a high tolerance.

[0060] The inventors have recognized that particularly advantageous encased branching areas in strand systems can be achieved with the inventive method if, in at least one of the two bonding elements, preferably in both bonding elements, controlled cracks are introduced which, in the inventors' estimation, enable the branching area to be encased in such a way that, in particular, a close fit can be achieved more easily even with bonding elements that are not adapted to the shape of the branch, and the protruding areas that might otherwise arise from the bonding elements can be minimized by the controlled cracks. This allows the process of the inventive method to be adapted even better to different strand geometries, so that a close encasement without protruding areas is achievable.In this respect, providing predetermined crack points can advantageously facilitate the sheathing process and subsequently increase the flexibility of the sheathed branching area of ​​the strand system. A preferred method according to the invention comprises the first adhesive element and / or the second adhesive element, preferably both the first and second adhesive elements, weakened predetermined crack points, preferably weakened by perforations, which are designed so that the respective adhesive element can tear at the predetermined crack points during sheathing, thus facilitating the sheathing of the strand system.

[0061] It can be seen as an advantage of the method according to the invention that it is suitable for applying a wide range of different bonding elements. In most cases, the method will be one according to the invention, wherein at least the first bonding element comprises an adhesive layer and a carrier layer bonded to the adhesive layer. In the inventors' opinion, the encapsulation with so-called die-cut parts is of particular importance here, wherein the bonding elements are obtained from a larger adhesive composite by singulation, for example by die-cutting the bonding element, so that the adhesive layers or carrier layers of the bonding elements result after the die-cutting process.Alternatively, for a particularly cost-efficient process, the inventors propose that the first and / or the second adhesive element be produced or producible by cutting a section, for example a rectangular one, from a reservoir of adhesive elements, i.e., for example, by cutting individual sections of tape from a roll of adhesive tape. This advantageously eliminates the need for die-cutting, as would be necessary for the die-cut pieces described above, thus significantly simplifying the process. A preferred method according to the invention is one in which the first and / or the second adhesive element are produced or producible by separating them from a larger adhesive element, preferably by die-cutting or cutting, and particularly preferably by die-cutting.A preferred method is additionally or alternatively a method according to the invention, wherein the first bonding element and / or the second bonding element, preferably the first bonding element and the second bonding element, is a die-cut part.

[0062] As explained above, an advantage of the method according to the invention is that the dimensions of the two bonding elements depend solely on the size of the branching area. In other words, it is a method according to the invention in which the first bonding element and the second bonding element are dimensioned such that they can be placed together around the strand system in such a way that they contact each other. Therefore, for the implementation of the method according to the invention, it is often advantageously unnecessary for the first or second bonding element to meet any special size requirements beyond contacting the initial strand and all branch strands.The inventors have recognized, however, that particularly advantageous encapsulations can be achieved if at least the width of the first and / or second bonding element correlates with the strand diameter, especially the initial strand diameter, so that, advantageously, no excessively large overhang areas arise during encapsulation, which also reduces the material requirement for the bonding elements. A preferred method according to the invention is one in which the first and / or second bonding element, preferably both the first and second bonding elements, have a maximum length of 50 cm or less, preferably 40 cm or less, and most preferably 20 cm or less.A preferred method according to the invention is additionally or alternatively a method wherein the first bonding element and / or the second bonding element, preferably the first bonding element and the second bonding element, has an area on the side of the corresponding adhesive layer in the range of 1 to 2500 cm². 2 , preferably in the range of 2 to 1600 cm 2 , especially preferred in the range of 4 to 500 cm 2, exhibits. A preferred or alternative method according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the first adhesive element and / or the second adhesive element, preferably both the first and the second adhesive element, have a width corresponding to the strand diameter, preferably 50 cm or less, particularly preferably 40 cm or less, and most preferably 20 cm or less. The dimensional ranges specified above as preferred can, in the inventors' opinion, be stored particularly well on adhesive element reservoirs designed as long rolls, for example, adhesive tape rolls, and processed directly via the application device. The term adhesive tape is clear to those skilled in the art in the field of adhesive technology. In the present case, the term tape refers to all thin, planar structures, i.e.,Structures with a predominant extension in two dimensions, in particular films, film sections and labels, preferably tapes with extended length and limited width, as well as corresponding tape sections.

[0063] As described above, it is at least fundamentally possible for the bonding elements to be produced as cut sections from a reservoir of bonding elements, for example, as rectangular cutouts from a long roll. As explained above, this is particularly advantageous for cost-effective processes, since efficient processes can also be achieved for different branching areas, even if this may be at the expense of the individual bonding quality.However, the inventors have discovered that the inventive method is particularly well suited to producing precisely encased branching areas if the shape of at least one of the bonding elements, preferably both bonding elements, correlates with the shape of the strand system in the branching area, for example by mimicking the strand geometry in the strand direction in the branching area with at least one of the bonding elements. This advantageously allows for the creation of encased branching areas that can be encased particularly reliably and easily, especially in industrial production, for example by means of an automated end effector.In the branching area, this also minimizes protruding areas of the adhesive elements, which are often considered a disadvantage in subsequent processing of the sheathed strand system according to the invention, particularly if a branching area that is excessively bulky due to protruding areas makes subsequent fastening, for example in a vehicle, more difficult. A preferred method according to the invention is therefore one in which the first adhesive element has a shape corresponding to the branching area, such that the first adhesive element is a branched adhesive element comprising a starting adhesive area and two or more branch adhesive areas, wherein the sheathing is carried out such that the first adhesive element contacts the starting strand with the starting adhesive area and the branch strands each contact a branch adhesive area.A preferred method according to the invention is additionally or alternatively wherein the second adhesive element has a shape corresponding to the branching area, such that the second adhesive element is a branched adhesive element comprising a starting adhesive area and two or more branch adhesive areas, wherein the encasing is carried out such that the second adhesive element contacts the starting strand with the starting adhesive area and the branch strands each with a branch adhesive area.

[0064] By selecting at least one adhesive element that correlates with the branching region, the inventors believe that the encapsulation of complex macrostructures, and in particular the encapsulation of complex branching regions, is made especially reliable and simple. A preferred method for this case of matching the adhesive element to the branching region is a method according to the invention in which the first adhesive element and / or the second adhesive element, preferably both the first and second adhesive elements, comprise an elongated base section that forms the initial adhesive region and a branching adhesive region, wherein one or more, preferably one or two, and particularly preferably exactly one, side sections branch off from the base section, and the side section(s) form the further branching adhesive regions.A preferred method is additionally or alternatively a method according to the invention, wherein the first bonding element and / or the second bonding element, preferably the first bonding element and the second bonding element, comprises exactly as many branch bonding areas as the branching area to be encased comprises branch strands.

[0065] In view of the foregoing statements concerning the correlating shape of at least one of the bonding elements with the branching area of ​​the strand system, the inventors have recognized that a correlation of both bonding elements with the strand system in the branching area is particularly advantageous, especially with regard to cost-efficient process management, since in this case the bonding elements can again be efficiently supplied from the same bonding element reservoir.A preferred method according to the invention is therefore one in which the first bonding element and the second bonding element have a correlating shape, such that the first bonding element and the second bonding element comprise the same number of branch bonding areas, and / or in which the first bonding element and the second bonding element have a correlating shape, such that the first bonding element and the second bonding element can be superimposed in such a way that the difference area between the area of ​​the first bonding element and the second bonding element is less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, particularly preferably less than 5%, most preferably less than 2%, and particularly preferably essentially 0%, based on the area of ​​the smaller bonding element.

[0066] In view of the aforementioned typical shapes of strand systems in branching regions, as well as a preferred shape of the two bonding elements that correlates with the strand system in the branching region, the inventors consider X-shaped, T-shaped, or Y-shaped bonding elements to be particularly suitable for use in the method according to the invention. The use of corresponding, for example, T-shaped, bonding elements is also particularly advantageous because such bonding elements can be produced very easily from individual bonding element sections, which are, for example, cut to length from long rolls. In other words, the above definition of "producing" the bonding elements covers the fact that they are manufactured from two or more subsections, which are referred to as bonding element sections within the scope of the present invention.The manufacturing process can take place before or during the execution of the inventive method. For example, a T-shaped adhesive element can be produced by joining two rectangular adhesive element sections together in a T-shape. This simplifies the process and advantageously eliminates the need for the complex die-cutting of corresponding T-shaped, X-shaped, or Y-shaped adhesive elements.A preferred method according to the invention is therefore one in which the first adhesive element and / or the second adhesive element, preferably both the first and second adhesive elements, can be produced by bonding two elongated adhesive element sections, wherein the adhesive element sections preferably enclose an angle in the range of 1 to 180°, more preferably in the range of 10 to 120°, and particularly preferably in the range of 20 to 90°, so that a T-shaped, Y-shaped, or X-shaped adhesive element most preferably results. A further or alternative preferred method according to the invention is one in which the first adhesive element and / or the second adhesive element, preferably both the first and second adhesive elements, are T-shaped, Y-shaped, or X-shaped, more preferably T-shaped or Y-shaped, and particularly preferably T-shaped.

[0067] In process step c) of the inventive method, the strand system in the branching region is encased with the adhesive elements by bonding the first and second adhesive elements together. In other words, the strand system is encased in the branching region with the two adhesive elements to create an encased branching region. Advantageously, the encasement also protects the inner partial strands. In most cases, the inventive method involves applying the first and second adhesive elements to the strand system from opposite sides in process step c).In most cases, the process is also according to the invention, wherein the encapsulation is carried out such that at least the first adhesive element, preferably the first and second adhesive elements, are partially wrapped around the starting strand and the branch strands. It is clear to those skilled in the art that, in most cases, the encapsulation in the process according to the invention is achieved via the first adhesive layer and, if present, additionally via the second adhesive layer, even though, at least in principle, contributions of further material-bonded connections, for example by fusion, would also be possible. In particularly preferred processes according to the invention, which result in a particularly robust encapsulation, the material-bonded connection is achieved via both the first and second adhesive layers, or via direct contact between the first and second adhesive layers.A preferred method according to the invention is wherein the encasing is carried out in such a way that the first adhesive element and the second adhesive element contact each other via the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer.

[0068] The person skilled in the art understands that the bonding elements are separate elements. In other words, this is a method according to the invention, wherein the first bonding element and the second bonding element are separate bonding elements, and / or wherein the first bonding element and the second bonding element are not connected to each other.

[0069] It can be seen as an advantage of the method according to the invention that it is not limited with regard to the order of application of the two adhesive elements, that is, the first adhesive element and the second adhesive element. However, advantages arise if the application takes place essentially simultaneously, particularly with regard to efficient process control and the possibility of compressing the strand system during application so that the individual strands of the strand system lie as close together as possible, and so that the strand system has the smallest possible diameter in the sheathed state. Accordingly, a method according to the invention is preferred in which the first adhesive element and the second adhesive element are applied essentially simultaneously.

[0070] In view of the advantages associated with the method according to the invention, it is preferred to realize these advantages by using the method according to the invention for many sheathing processes in the strand system. For sheathing several branching areas in a strand system, it is particularly preferred if the adhesive elements are at least partially adapted to the respective branching areas, so that the same adhesive elements are not used throughout.A preferred method according to the invention is therefore, wherein the method for sheathing two or more, preferably five or more, particularly preferably 10 or more, branching areas of the strand system with different numbers and / or arrangements of branch strands is carried out, wherein different first bonding elements, preferably different first bonding elements and second bonding elements, are used for the different branching areas, which differ with regard to the number and / or arrangement of the branch bonding areas.

[0071] This can preferably be achieved in one of two ways. In a configuration optimized with regard to bonding quality, an individual bond can be selected for each branching area. However, to resolve the conflict between bonding quality and process complexity, different pre-assembled bonding elements can also be used. A preferred method according to the invention is therefore one in which 2 to 6, preferably 3 to 5, pre-assembled first bonding elements, preferably first and second bonding elements, are used, which differ with regard to the number and / or the arrangement of the branch bonding areas.Alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein a plurality of first bonding elements, preferably first bonding elements and second bonding elements, are used, individually adapted to the respective different branching areas of the strand system, and which differ with regard to the number and / or the arrangement of the branch bonding areas.

[0072] Even though it would theoretically be conceivable to also encase the unbranched strand sections of the strand system located between the branching regions with die-cut pieces or similar small adhesive elements, it will be advantageous in the vast majority of cases to use a different method for the unbranched strand sections of the strand system, for example, rotary wrapping. Therefore, a method according to the invention is preferred in many cases, wherein the method additionally comprises the following process step: f) Encasing unbranched strand sections of the strand system, wherein the encasing of the unbranched strand sections is preferably carried out by wrapping the unbranched strand sections with a web-shaped adhesive element, preferably an adhesive tape.

[0073] Although a non- or partially automated application device, such as a hand applicator, would be suitable for use in the inventive method, the inventors consider a largely automated application device to be preferable. In this respect, the inventors have developed a particularly suitable application device for applying the first and second bonding elements, which allows even complex branching areas in strand systems to be efficiently encased with high reproducibility and reliability, and which can be operated particularly easily in automated mode, as further disclosed below. A preferred method according to the invention is one in which the encasement is carried out using an application device according to the invention.

[0074] For the application device used in the method according to the invention, the inventors also consider the creation of a releasable connection, for example by means of a vacuum, between the adhesive elements and the receiving elements that receive or apply the adhesive elements to be preferable, even independently of the preferred application device according to the invention, in order to enable a particularly gentle application. Accordingly, a method according to the invention is preferred in which process step b) comprises the following sub-process step: b1) Receiving the first adhesive element with a first receiving element of the application device and receiving the second adhesive element with a second receiving element of the application device, forming a releasable connection.Preferably, or alternatively, a method according to the invention is used, wherein method step c) comprises the following sub-method step: c1) releasing the releasable connection between the first adhesive element and the first receiving element of the application device and releasing the releasable connection between the second adhesive element and the second receiving element of the application device.

[0075] For the provision of the adhesive elements in the application device, the inventors propose dispenser units which provide the adhesive elements, for example, via rotatably mounted adhesive element rollers.

[0076] The dispenser unit can, in principle, be integrated into the application device, for example, in the form of a dispenser roll, such as a dispenser roll for die-cut parts. However, to achieve the lowest possible applicator weight and reduce the installation space, it is preferable to obtain the adhesive elements from a stationary dispenser unit. Large dispenser rolls can also be advantageously used in stationary dispenser units without adversely affecting the weight of the application device, thus maximizing refill intervals. In light of the above, separate dispenser units for the first and second adhesive elements are generally possible. Alternatively, particularly if the first and second adhesive elements are essentially identical, a single dispenser unit may suffice.A preferred method according to the invention is one in which the first adhesive element is provided from a first dispenser unit, and / or in which the second adhesive element is provided from a second dispenser unit. A particularly preferred method according to the invention is one in which the first dispenser unit and / or the second dispenser unit, preferably both the first and second dispenser units, are stationary dispenser units separate from the application device. It is also conceivable that the first dispenser unit and the second dispenser unit are formed from the same dispenser unit.

[0077] When using separate dispenser units, a method according to the invention is generally preferred, wherein the application device for receiving the first adhesive element and the second adhesive element is brought into a receiving position, and / or wherein the application device for receiving the first adhesive element and the second adhesive element is moved to the first dispenser unit and the second dispenser unit.

[0078] With a view to process efficiency, the inventors propose that the process according to the invention be carried out largely automatically. A preferred method is one in which the process is controlled by an electronic control device.

[0079] The invention further relates to an application device for sheathing a branching region in a strand system in which an initial strand branches into two or more branch strands, preferably for use in a method according to the invention, comprising: i) a first receiving element with a first element receptacle, wherein the first element receptacle comprises first means for forming a releasable connection to a bonding element to be received, wherein the first element receptacle comprises a branched first strand receiving recess, which includes a first initial strand receptacle and two or more first branch strand receptacles, and ii) a second receiving element with a second element receptacle, wherein the second element receptacle comprises second means for forming a releasable connection to a bonding element to be received, wherein the application device is configured tothat the application device with the first element receptacle can form a detachable connection to a first bonding element, such that the first bonding element is partially arranged in or above the first at least temporary strand receptacle, wherein the application device is configured to form a detachable connection to a second bonding element with the second element receptacle, wherein the application device is configured so that the first receiving element and the second receiving element can be moved relative to each other to encase the branching area of ​​the strand system in order to bond a first bonding element received with the first element receptacle and a second bonding element received with the second element receptacle around the branching area of ​​the strand system in such a materially bonded manner,that the output strand of the strand system is at least partially arranged in the first output strand receptacle and the branch strands of the strand system are each at least partially arranged in first branch strand receptacles.

[0080] The application device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a method according to the invention. In other words, this means that the features identified as preferred for the method according to the invention also apply to the application device according to the invention and its use in sheathing branching areas in strand systems, and the application device according to the invention is preferably configured to implement preferred methods according to the invention.

[0081] The application device according to the invention is suitable for applying adhesive elements, particularly in industrial manufacturing, for example, in a production line of a vehicle manufacturer or a Tier 1 supplier, i.e., a supplier that delivers products or services directly to the manufacturer. These suppliers are generally responsible for supplying essential components or systems that are integrated into the manufacturer's end products. Although the application device according to the invention could, at least in principle, be implemented as a handheld applicator, the inventors consider a largely automated application device to be preferable. Therefore, an application device according to the invention is preferred in that it is an automated application device.

[0082] For essentially all embodiments, a configuration of the application device according to the invention as an end effector is preferred. In accordance with the skilled person's understanding, an end effector is therefore the executing and / or final element of automated motion units, for example, robot arms. In other words, in the field of robotics, end effectors are the final components of a kinematic chain, which are usually configured to execute a directive specified by an external control device, optionally together with the automated motion unit to which they are attached. An end effector is present, for example, in an industrial robot designed as a cobot, i.e., an industrial robot that is configured to be used in a workstation together with human workers.A preferred application device according to the invention is wherein the application device is an end effector, preferably the end effector of an industrial robot, and / or wherein the application device is arranged on an automated motion system, preferably a robot arm.

[0083] The application device according to the invention comprises a first receiving element and a second receiving element, each configured to receive an adhesive element. The inventors propose that at least one of the receiving elements, preferably both receiving elements, be adjustable, preferably rotatable, so that after receiving an adhesive element in the element receptacle of the receiving element, they can be moved by rotation into a position optimal for application to the branching region of the strand system. This enables the application device according to the invention, when used in a method according to the invention, to achieve a particularly efficient and highly reproducible coating of the branching region.A preferred application device according to the invention is therefore one in which the first receiving element is reversibly and non-destructively adjustable between a receiving position for receiving an adhesive element with the first element receiving and an application position for applying the adhesive element, preferably by means of a first rotation mechanism, and wherein the second receiving element is reversibly and non-destructively adjustable between a receiving position for receiving an adhesive element with the second element receiving and an application position for applying the adhesive element, preferably by means of a second rotation mechanism.Preferably, or alternatively, an application device according to the invention is used, wherein the application device is set up in the application position to apply a first received adhesive element and a second received adhesive element for sheathing the branching area of ​​the strand system via the first receiving element and the second receiving element.

[0084] In principle, the inventors prefer an application device according to the invention, wherein the application device is configured to press a first adhesive element received with the first element holder and a second adhesive element received with the second element holder against each other during encapsulation, preferably with a predetermined application pressure.

[0085] To implement an advantageous application, the inventors propose that at least one of the element receptacles of the receiving elements, preferably both element receptacles in the respective receiving elements, can be designed to be translationally displaceable in order to achieve pressure during encapsulation. This advantageously results in particularly reliable encapsulation, even with complex branch geometries, since the translational displacement enables automated encapsulation by allowing the bonding elements to be pressed together with the element receptacles, for example, from opposite sides. A preferred application device according to the invention therefore includes a first receiving element comprising a first actuator for the translational displacement of the first element receptacle, and / or a second receiving element comprising a second actuator for the translational displacement of the second element receptacle.A preferred application device according to the invention is also one configured such that the first receiving element and the second receiving element can be moved relative to each other by the first actuator and / or the second actuator for encasing the branching area of ​​the strand system. In accordance with the skilled person's understanding, the phrase "moved relative to each other" merely expresses that at least one of the two receiving elements is moved, whereby movement of both receiving elements is also possible and is preferred in this case.

[0086] A preferred application device according to the invention is, in principle, an application device comprising one or more drive units, preferably electric actuators or pneumatic actuators or electropneumatic actuators, wherein the one or more drive units preferably drive the first rotation mechanism, and / or the second rotation mechanism, and / or the first actuator and / or the second actuator.

[0087] It can be seen as an advantage of the application device according to the invention that it is very flexible with regard to the receiving elements used for the final application. According to the invention, both receiving elements are configured to form a detachable connection with an adhesive element, whereby, in the inventor's opinion, a reversibly and non-destructively detachable connection is preferred. To implement this functionality, the person skilled in the art can draw on various solutions known from the prior art. The reversibly and non-destructively detachable connection can, at least in theory, be mediated, for example, by a magnetic arrangement that interacts with a magnetic carrier layer of the adhesive elements. At least theoretically, it is also possible if the reversible and non-destructive solution is achieved against the forces acting upon it that create the connection.For example, it can be exploited that the adhesion of the bonding elements to each other or to the strand system can be significantly greater than the force required for the connection with the receiving element, so that the connection can be made, for instance, against a suction effect when the receiving element is moved away from the strand system. However, due to its high reliability, simple design, and durability, the use of a vacuum-based suction solution, for example, implemented by a suction device on the receiving element, is particularly preferred. Such receiving elements enable a particularly precise and efficient application of the bonding elements.A preferred application device according to the invention is therefore one in which the first means are means for forming a reversibly and non-destructively detachable connection to an adhesive element to be received, and / or in which the second means are means for forming a reversibly and non-destructively detachable connection to an adhesive element to be received.Preferably, or alternatively, an application device according to the invention is also used, wherein the first means for forming a detachable connection to a bonding element to be received comprise a first suction device, wherein the first suction device preferably comprises a device for generating a vacuum and a plurality of suction openings connected to the device, and / or wherein the second means for forming a detachable connection to a bonding element to be received comprise a second suction device, wherein the second suction device preferably comprises a device for generating a vacuum and a plurality of suction openings connected to the device.

[0088] According to the invention, at least the first element receptacle comprises a branched first strand receptacle, which includes a first output strand receptacle and two or more first branch strand receptacles. These are suitable and intended for receiving the output strand and all branch strands, for example, when using the application device according to the invention in a method according to the invention. In particular, in the case already identified above as especially preferred, where both bonding elements are branched bonding elements, a corresponding embodiment of the second element receptacle with a second strand receptacle, which includes a second output strand receptacle and two or more second branch strand receptacles, is also preferred.A preferred application device according to the invention is one in which the second element receptacle comprises a branched second strand receptacle, which includes a second output strand receptacle and two or more second branch strand receptacles, wherein the application device is configured so that the first receptacle element and the second receptacle element can be moved relative to each other to encase the branching area of ​​the strand system, in order to contact a first bonding element received with the first element receptacle and a second bonding element received with the second element receptacle around the branching area of ​​the strand system in such a way that the output strand of the strand system is at least partially arranged in the second output strand receptacle and the branch strands of the strand system are each at least partially arranged in second branch strand receptacles.

[0089] For optimal adaptation to the strand system, an application device according to the invention is generally preferred, wherein the first element holder and / or the second element holder, preferably both the first and second element holders, comprise a deformable structure, preferably a foam structure, wherein the respective at least temporary strand holding recess is preferably formed by the deformable structure. The strand holding recess is particularly temporary in that the deformable structure consists of an elastic material that temporarily deforms upon contact with the strand and can return to its original shape after the strand is removed. As already mentioned, foam-like materials are particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0090] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. These figures show:

[0091] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the process steps a), b) and c) of a method according to the invention for sheathing branching areas in strand systems with a first bonding element and a second bonding element to obtain a sheathing in a first preferred embodiment;

[0092] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a first bonding element and a second bonding element as well as a resulting sheathing in a second preferred embodiment;

[0093] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a first bonding element and a second bonding element as well as a resulting sheathing in a third preferred embodiment;

[0094] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an application device according to the invention for use in methods according to the invention in a receiving position in a preferred embodiment;

[0095] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of the application device according to the invention of Fig. 4 in an application position;

[0096] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the application device according to the invention of Fig. 4 with element mounts shifted relative to each other starting from the application position; and

[0097] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the first receiving element of the application device of Fig. 4 in a schematic representation.

[0098] Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention for sheathing branching sections 10 in strand systems 12. In method step a), a strand system 12 designed as a cable harness with a T-shaped branching section 10 is produced in the example shown. In the strand system 12 shown, an output strand 14 branches into two branch strands 16, each comprising a subset of the cables routed in the output strand 14. The cable harness shown comprises several further branching sections 10 (not shown), which are of different types and can all be sheathed in the method according to the invention. In the method shown, the strand system 12 is arranged in a support structure with retractable support elements in order to pre-position the strand system in the desired strand structure (not shown).

[0099] In process step b), a first adhesive element 18, produced as a die-cut part with a first adhesive layer on one side, and a second adhesive element 20, also produced as a die-cut part and with a second adhesive layer on one side, are manufactured separately from the first adhesive element 18. In the example shown, the first adhesive element 18 and the second adhesive element 20 are designed in the same manner, i.e., each as a branched, T-shaped adhesive element, and each comprises a starting adhesive area 22 and two branch adhesive areas 24a, 24b.

[0100] As shown in the alternative preferred examples of Figs. 2 and 3, the strand system 12 shown in Fig. 1 can also be encased with simpler adhesive elements 18, 20, whereby the shapes of the first adhesive element 18 and the second adhesive element 20 do not necessarily have to correspond, and thus both adhesive elements 18, 20 do not have to have an adhesive layer. A shape corresponding to the branching region 10 of the strand system 12 is therefore not absolutely necessary to successfully encase the branching region 10, even though this is particularly preferred in the inventors' opinion.

[0101] In the example shown in Fig. 2, for instance, the second adhesive element 20 is a section of adhesive tape cut from a roll of adhesive tape, wherein the first adhesive element 18 was produced by applying two cut sections of adhesive tape in a T-shape, which is indicated by dashed lines.

[0102] In the example shown in Fig. 3, however, both bonding elements 18, 20 are rectangular, with the second bonding element 20 having no adhesive layer. In this embodiment, the first bonding element 18 is designed with predetermined crack points 42, which are intended to allow the corresponding bonding element 18 to tear at the predetermined crack points 42 during encasing, in order to facilitate the encasing of the strand system 12.

[0103] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the first bonding element 18 was picked up by a first receiving element 28 of an application device 26 according to the invention, and the second bonding element 20 was picked up by a second receiving element 38 of the application device 26, forming a releasable connection, before the bonding elements 18, 20 were bonded around the branching area. A corresponding application device 26 is shown in a receiving position for receiving the bonding elements 18, 20 in Fig. 4. In this receiving position, the application device 26 can be moved to suitable dispenser units in order to pick up the bonding elements 18, 20 from them.

[0104] In process step c), the strand system 12 is encased in the branching area 10. In the example shown in Fig. 1, this is done by applying the first adhesive element 18 over the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive element 20 over the second adhesive layer to the strand system 12 using the automated application device 26, which is first brought into an application position as shown in Fig. 5.

[0105] For the encapsulation, the first adhesive element 18 is arranged such that it contacts the main strand 14 with the main adhesive area 22 and the branch strands 16 each with a branch adhesive area 24a-b from one side. The second adhesive element 20 is arranged analogously to the first adhesive element 18 so that it contacts the opposite side of the main strand 14 and the branch strands 16. Then, the first adhesive element 18 and the second adhesive element 20 are placed around the main strand 14 and the branch strands 16 so that the first adhesive layer contacts the second adhesive layer. The application occurs essentially simultaneously by moving the first receiving element 28 and the second receiving element 38 relative to each other by corresponding linear actuators, as shown in Fig. 6 (without the encapsulated strand for clarity).

[0106] The releasable connection, for example a connection created by pressure, between the first adhesive element 18 and the first receiving element 28, as well as the releasable connection between the second adhesive element 20 and the second receiving element 38, is released after successful encapsulation. Figures 4, 5, and 6 each show an automated application device 26 according to the invention for use in the method according to the invention in different positions.

[0107] The application devices 26 shown each have a first receiving element 28 with a first adhesive element receptacle 30 and a second receiving element 38 with a second adhesive element receptacle 40, which in the examples shown are identical and each is reversibly and non-destructively rotatable.

[0108] A perspective view of a section of the first receiving element 28 is shown by way of example in Fig. 7. The first element receptacle 30 is equipped with means for forming the detachable connection to the first bonding element 18 to be received, namely, in the example shown, a device for generating a vacuum. The first element receptacle 30 also has a branched first strand receiving recess 32, which, in the example shown in Fig. 7, is formed by a deformable foam structure and comprises a first output strand receptacle 34 and two branch strand receptacles 36. The first element receptacle 30 and the second element receptacle 40 are preferably designed to be mirror-symmetrical to each other. For the realization of the extended shapes of the branches and the resulting use of the geometrically correlated bonding elements, the element receptacle 30 or the second element receptacle 40 is designed to be symmetrical to each other.40 in a preferably square shape (not shown). The receiving elements 28, 38 also each comprise a rotation mechanism and actuators for the translational displacement of the respective element receiving elements 30, 40. The receiving of the adhesive elements 18, 20 takes place, as shown in Fig. 4, in a receiving position, wherein a detachable connection is made between the first element receiving element 30 and the first adhesive element 18 or between the second element receiving element 40 and the second adhesive element 20, so that the adhesive elements 18, 20 are each arranged at least partially in or above the respective strand receiving recesses 32.

[0109] The application of the adhesive elements 18, 20 for encasing the branching area 10 of the strand system 12 takes place in the application position. The transition from the receiving position shown in Fig. 4 to the application position shown in Fig. 5 is effected by a rotation of the first receiving element 28 and the second receiving element 38 induced by the rotation mechanisms. The actual application is carried out by the translational movement of the first receiving element 28 and the second receiving element 38 relative to each other via the respective actuators, as shown in Fig. 6, with a predetermined application pressure.In this process, the first bonding element 18, which is received with the first element receptacle 30, and the second bonding element 20, which is received with the second element receptacle 40, are placed around the branching area 10 of the strand system 12, wherein the output strand 14 of the strand system 12 is at least partially arranged in the respective output strand receptacles 34 and the branch strands 16 of the strand system are each at least partially arranged in the branch strand receptacles 36.

[0110] List of reference signs

[0111] 10 Branching area

[0112] 12-strand system

[0113] 14 Output strand 16 Branch strand

[0114] 18 first bonding element

[0115] 20 second bonding element

[0116] 22 Starting adhesive area

[0117] 24a, 24b Branch adhesive area 26 Application device

[0118] 28 first recording element

[0119] 30 first element recording

[0120] 32 first strand intake recess

[0121] 34 first output strand recording 36a, 36b first branch strand recording

[0122] 38 second recording element

[0123] 40 second element recording

[0124] 42 Controlled crack point

Claims

Claims 1. A method for sheathing branch regions (10) in strand systems (12), comprising the process steps of: a) manufacturing or providing a strand system (12) comprising at least one branch region (10) in which an output strand (14) branches into two or more branch strands (16), b) manufacturing or providing a first bonding element (18) comprising a first adhesive layer, and a second bonding element (20), and c) sheathing the strand system (12) in the branch region (10) with the first bonding element (18) and the second bonding element (20) using an application device (26), wherein the sheathing is carried out such that the first bonding element (18) contacts the output strand (14) and the branch strands (16) with the first adhesive layer, and that the second bonding element (20) contacts the output strand (14) and the branch strands (16) contacted, whereby the sheathing is carried out in such a way,that the first bonding element (18) and the second bonding element (20) are materially bonded to each other.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the strand system (12) has a T-shaped, Y-shaped or X-shaped, preferably T-shaped or Y-shaped, particularly preferably T-shaped, branch in the branching area (10).

3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the second bonding element (20) does not comprise an adhesive layer, or wherein the second bonding element (20) comprises a second adhesive layer, wherein the sheathing is carried out by applying the first bonding element (18) over the first adhesive layer and the second bonding element (20) over the second adhesive layer to the strand system (12) with the automated application device (26).

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first bonding element (18) and / or the second bonding element (20), preferably the first bonding element (18) and the second bonding element (20), have a maximum length of 50 cm or less, preferably 40 cm or less, particularly preferably 20 cm or less.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first adhesive element (18) has a shape corresponding to the branching region (10), such that the first adhesive element (18) is a branched adhesive element comprising an initial adhesive region (22) and two or more branch adhesive regions (24a, 24b), wherein the encasing is carried out such that the first adhesive element (18) contacts the initial strand (14) with the initial adhesive region (22) and the branch strands (16) each contact a branch adhesive region (24a-b), and / or wherein the second adhesive element (20) has a shape corresponding to the branching region (10), such that the second adhesive element (20) is a branched adhesive element comprising an initial adhesive region (22) and two or more branch adhesive regions (24a-b), wherein the The encasing is done in this way,that the second bonding element (20) contacts the output strand (14) with the output bonding area (22) and the branch strands (16) each with a branch bonding area (24a-b).

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first bonding element (18) and the second bonding element (20) have a correlating shape, such that the first bonding element (18) and the second bonding element (20) can be placed on top of each other in such a way that the difference area between the area of ​​the first bonding element (18) and the second bonding element (20) is less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, particularly preferably less than 5%, most preferably less than 2%, and particularly preferably substantially 0%, based on the area of ​​the smaller bonding element.

7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first bonding element (18) and the second bonding element (20) are applied substantially simultaneously.

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein method step a) comprises the following sub-method step: a1) arranging the strand system (12) in a support structure comprising a plurality of spaced-apart support elements for pre-positioning the strand system (12) in a desired strand structure, and / or wherein method step a) comprises the following sub-method step: a2) bundling individual strands, in particular cable strands, of the strand system (12) in the branching area (10), by binding the output strand (14) and / or binding the branch strands (16) with a binding element.

9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the method additionally comprises the following method step: d) fastening the sheathed strand system (12) in a receiving structure provided for receiving the sheathed strand system (12), preferably a vehicle body, a vehicle trim part, body components and headliners, wherein the fastening is effected at least partially by bonding the sheathed strand system to the adhesive layer of the sheathing.

10. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the method further comprises the following process step: e) Curing the first adhesive layer and / or the second adhesive layer and / or the third adhesive layer, preferably the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer and the third adhesive layer, particularly preferably using electromagnetic radiation.

11. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the method additionally comprises the following process step: Sheathing of unbranched strand sections of the strand system, wherein the sheathing of the unbranched strand sections is preferably carried out by wrapping the unbranched strand sections with a web-shaped adhesive element, preferably an adhesive tape.

12. Application device (26) for sheathing a branching region (10) in a strand system (12) in which an output strand (14) branches into two or more branch strands (16), preferably for use in a method according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: i) a first receiving element (28) with a first element receptacle (30), wherein the first element receptacle (30) comprises first means for forming a releasable connection to a bonding element to be received, wherein the first element receptacle (30) comprises a branched first at least temporary strand receiving recess (32) comprising a first output strand receptacle (34) and two or more first branch strand receptacles (36a, 36b), and ii) a second receiving element (38) with a second element receptacle (40), wherein the second element receptacle (40) comprises second means for forming a releasable connection to a bonding element to be received.wherein the application device (26) is configured such that the application device (26) can form a detachable connection with the first element receptacle (30) to a first bonding element (18), such that the first bonding element (18) is partially arranged in or above the first strand receptacle (32), wherein the application device (26) is configured such that the application device (26) can form a detachable connection with the second element receptacle (40) to a second bonding element (20), wherein the application device (26) is configured such that the first receiving element (28) and the second receiving element (38) can be moved relative to each other for sheathing the branching area (10) of the strand system (12),to connect a first bonding element (18) received with the first element receptacle (32) and a second bonding element (20) received with the second element receptacle (40) around the branching area (10) of the strand system (12) in such a materially bonded manner that the output strand (14) of the strand system (12) is at least partially in the first output strand receptacle (34), is arranged and the branch strands (16) of the strand system (12) are each at least partially arranged in first branch strand receptacles (36a, b).

13. Application device (26) according to claim 12, wherein the application device (26) is an automated application device (26).

14. Application device (26) according to one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the first receiving element (28) is reversibly and non-destructively adjustable between a receiving position for receiving an adhesive element with the first element receptacle (30) and an application position for applying the adhesive element, preferably by a first rotation mechanism, and wherein the second receiving element (38) is reversibly and non-destructively adjustable between a receiving position for receiving an adhesive element with the second element receptacle (40) and an application position for applying the adhesive element, preferably by a second rotation mechanism.

15. Application device (26) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first receiving element (28) comprises a first actuator for translational displacement of the first element receiving (30), and / or wherein the second receiving element (38) comprises a second actuator for translational displacement of the second element receiving (40).

16. Application device (26) according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the application device (26) is configured so that the first receiving element (28) and the second receiving element (38) can be moved relative to each other by the first actuator and / or the second actuator for sheathing the branching area (10) of the strand system (12).

17. Application device (26) according to one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the first means for forming a releasable connection to a bonding element to be received a first suction device comprising, wherein the first suction device preferably comprises a device for generating a vacuum and a plurality of suction openings connected to the device, and / or wherein the second means for forming a detachable connection to a bonding element to be received comprises a second suction device comprising, wherein the second suction device preferably comprises a device for generating a vacuum and a plurality of suction openings connected to the device.

18. Application device (26) according to one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the second element receptacle (40) comprises a branched second strand receptacle which includes a second output strand receptacle and two or more second branch strand receptacles, wherein the application device (26) is configured such that the first receiving element (28) and the second receiving element (38) can be moved relative to each other to encase the branching region (10) of the strand system (12) in order to contact a first bonding element (18) received with the first element receptacle (30) and a second bonding element (20) received with the second element receptacle (40) around the branching region (10) of the strand system (12) in such a way as tosuch that the output strand (14) of the strand system (12) is at least partially arranged in the second output strand receptacle and the branch strands (16) of the strand system (12) are each at least partially arranged in second branch strand receptacles.

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