Lacquer transfer device

Abstract

A device for a lacquer transfer includes a frame, transfer roller with a circumferential lateral wall, drive unit for rotating the transfer roller, and slit nozzle with a muzzle end for dispensing lacquer. The slit nozzle includes a first nozzle-part, second nozzle-part and deformation unit. The deformation unit is attached to the first nozzle-part, the lateral wall passing in a rotation direction subsequently the deformation unit and the muzzle end during transfer unit rotation. The lateral wall of the transfer roller is deformed by the deformation unit in the radial direction resulting in a deformation section of the lateral wall in the rotation direction behind the deformation unit, the muzzle end of the slit nozzle arranged for dispensing lacquer into depressions of the lateral wall. The transfer roller can roll with the outside contact surface on a work surface of a work piece for transferring lacquer from the depressions to the work surface of the work piece.

Claims

1. A device for a lacquer transfer, comprising: a frame; a transfer roller, which is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation at the frame and has a circumferential lateral wall that is elastically deformable in a radial direction of the transfer roller, an outside contact surface of the lateral wall comprising several depressions; a drive unit configured to drive the transfer roller in a rotation direction of the transfer roller; and a slit nozzle, which is at least indirectly connected to the frame and comprises: a first nozzle-part; a second nozzle-part; a muzzle end for dispensing lacquer; and a deformation unit, which is attached to the first nozzle-part, such that the lateral wall passes, in the rotation direction, the deformation unit and the muzzle end during a rotation of the transfer roller in the rotation direction and is configured to elastically deform the lateral wall in the radial direction of the transfer roller; wherein the slit nozzle is arranged, such that the lateral wall of the transfer roller is deformed by the deformation unit in the radial direction resulting in a deformation section of the lateral wall in the rotation direction behind the deformation unit, wherein the muzzle end of the slit nozzle is arranged contactless to or in direct contact with the outside contact surface at the deformation section of the lateral wall for dispensing lacquer into respective depressions, and wherein the transfer roller is configured to roll with the outside contact surface on a work surface of a work piece for transferring the lacquer from the depressions to the work surface of the work piece.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the slit nozzle comprises a fluid channel that extends to the muzzle end and is formed by and/or extends between the first nozzle-part and the second nozzle-part of the slit nozzle.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein a minimum distance between a deformation surface of the deformation unit facing the lateral wall and the muzzle end is less than 20 mm.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the deformation surface is arranged within an angular range of less than 40 degree about the axis of rotation.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the slit nozzle is arranged such that the lateral wall is deformed by the deformation unit by less than 15 mm in the radial direction.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the deformation unit protrudes at least 1 mm, beyond the slit nozzle towards the outside contact surface of the lateral wall.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein, when the muzzle end of the slit nozzle is arranged contactless to the outside contact surface of the lateral wall, the slit nozzle is arranged such that a first minimum distance between the muzzle end facing the outside contact surface and the outside contact surface is less than 15 mm.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein: the first nozzle-part is in direct contact with the outside contact surface of the lateral wall; and the second nozzle-part is spaced apart from the outside contact surface.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first nozzle-part protrudes beyond the second nozzle-part in a direction towards the outside contact surface of the lateral wall.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the second nozzle-part is spaced apart from the outside contact surface by a second minimum distance between 0.01 mm and 5 mm, or between 1 mm and 3 mm.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the second nozzle-part is spaced apart from the outside contact surface by a second minimum distance between 0.01 mm and 5 mm.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the transfer roller is an inflated transfer roller.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the deformation unit is configured to deform the lateral wall by between 0.5 mm and 30 mm in the radial direction of the transfer roller.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the deformation unit comprises a pressure roller, which is configured to press, in a rolling manner, on the lateral wall to deform the lateral wall in the radial direction.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the deformation unit comprises a gas pressure unit configured to generate positive gas pressure acting contactless on the lateral wall, which causes the lateral wall to deform in the radial direction.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein: the lateral wall comprises embedded ferromagnetic metal particles; and the deformation unit comprises a controllable electro-magnet configured to exert a magnetic force on the metal particles, which causes the lateral wall to deform in the radial direction.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the deformation unit protrudes at least 3 mm beyond the slit nozzle towards the outside contact surface of the lateral wall.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein, when the muzzle end of the slit nozzle is arranged contactless to the outside contact surface of the lateral wall, the slit nozzle is arranged such that a first minimum distance between the muzzle end facing the outside contact surface and the outside contact surface is between 0.01 mm and 10 mm.

19. The device of claim 9, wherein the second nozzle-part is spaced apart from the outside contact surface by a second minimum distance between 1 mm and 3 mm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further features, advantages and application possibilities of the disclosure herein may be derived from the following description of example embodiments and/or the figures. Thereby, all described and/or visually depicted features for themselves and/or in any combination may form an advantageous subject matter and/or features of the disclosure herein independent of their combination in the individual claims or their dependencies. Furthermore, in the figures, same reference signs may indicate same or similar objects.

(2) FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a part of an aircraft wherein a device arranged for transferring lacquer on an upper wing surface.

(3) FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the device in a cross-sectional view.

(4) FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a part of the lateral wall of the transfer roller in a cross-sectional view.

(5) FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a further embodiment of the lateral wall of the transfer roller in a top view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an aircraft 42, which comprises a fuselage 44 and a wing 46. The air resistance of the aircraft 42 can be reduced, if the upper wing surface 48 of the wing 46 comprises a profile structure. It has been found of advantage, if this profile structure is a microstructure.

(7) FIG. 1 also schematically shows a robot 50, which is seated on a rack 54. The robot 50 comprises a movable robot arm 52. A device 2 is mounted at an end of the robot arm 52, such that the device 2 can be moved by the robot 50.

(8) The device 2 is configured for transferring a lacquer onto a work surface 32 of a workpiece 34. According to the example shown in FIG. 1, the workpiece 34 can be formed by the wing 46 of the aircraft 42. Thus, the upper wing surface 48 can form the work surface 32.

(9) A first embodiment of the device 2 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 in a cross-sectional view. The device 2 comprises a frame 4, a transfer roller 6 with a circumferential lateral wall 8, a drive unit 10, a slit nozzle 12 with a muzzle end 14 for dispensing lacquer, and a deformation unit 16. The transfer roller 6 may also be referred to as a transfer tire. The device 2 can be attached via the frame 4 to the robot arm 52. However, instead of a robot 50 any other handling device may also be used, which is configured to move the device 2 in space. The frame 4 may be adapted to be releasably connected to a handling device, such as the robot 50.

(10) The transfer roller 6 is mounted rotatably, in particular by at least one bearing, about an axis of rotation 22 at the frame 4. An outside contact surface 18 of the lateral wall 8 comprises several depressions 20. The depressions 20 may be evenly or stochastically distributed about the circumference of the lateral wall 8. The FIGS. 3 and 4 show a part of the transfer roller 8 in a cross-section view and a top view, respectively.

(11) As schematically indicated in FIG. 3, the depressions 20 can be formed by recesses arranged at the outside surface 18 of the lateral wall 8 of the transfer roller 6. The depressions 20 can have a predefined size and/or structure. A mean structure size of the depressions 20 can be in the range of 0.1 micrometer to 100 micrometer. In other words, each of the depressions 20 may have a microstructure.

(12) FIG. 4 as an example shows the depressions 20 of a part of the lateral wall 8 of the transfer roller 6 in a top view. Each of the depressions 20 may comprise an elongated extension in a rotation direction K of the transfer roller 6.

(13) Each of the depressions 20 is configured to receive lacquer and to transfer this received lacquer to a work surface 32 of a work piece 34, such as the upper wing surface 48 of a wing 46. Therefore, the several depressions 20 at the outside contact surface 18 of the lateral wall 8 may be arranged and/or formed according to a predefined structure, in particular a microstructure. The lateral wall 8 is preferably made of silicone, such that a damage of the wing surface 48 can be prevented.

(14) If the depressions 20 are filled with a lacquer and if the outside contact surface 18 comes into contact with the work surface 32, in particular the upper wing surface 48, the lacquer previously received in the depressions 20 is transferred to the work surface 32, in particular the upper outside surface 48 of the aircraft 42. This transferred lacquer has a structure, in particular microstructure, corresponding to a structure defined by depressions 20. Thus, the outside contact surface 18 with its depressions 20 is configured for embossing a lacquer-structure, in particular a lacquer-microstructure, on the work surface 32, in particular the upper wing surface 48.

(15) As schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, the slit nozzle 12 is preferably directly connected to the frame 4. Thus, the slit nozzle 12 may be mounted to the frame 4.

(16) The slit nozzle 12 comprises a first nozzle-part 24 and a second nozzle-part 26. Both parts may be mounted together, such that a fluid channel 30 extending to the muzzle end 14 is formed by the nozzle-parts 24, 26. The deformation unit 16 is allocated and/or mounted with the slit nozzle 12, such that the deformation unit 16 is directly connected to the first nozzle-part 24 of the slit nozzle 12. For instance, the deformation unit 16 may be mounted on the first nozzle-part 24 of the slit nozzle 12, in particular by at least one bearing. According to an example, the slit nozzle 12 and the deformation unit 16 may be formed by an integrated unit. But the deformation unit 16 is only indirectly connected to the frame 4 via the slit-nozzle 12.

(17) The device 2 also comprises the drive unit 10. The drive unit 10 is configured to drive the transfer roller 6 in a rotation direction K of the transfer roller 6, such that the lateral wall 8 continuously passed in the rotation direction K through an angular deformation range 13 fixed to the frame 4 around the axis of rotation 22.

(18) The lateral wall 8 of the transfer roller 6 is elastically deformable in a radial direction R of the transfer roller 6. The lateral wall 8 of the transfer roller 6 can be made of an elastomer plastic, a silicone or any other elastically deformable plastic material. Preferably, the lateral wall 8 of the transfer roller 6 is made of a synthetic, elastically deformable silicone. As a result, the lateral wall 8 can be at least section-wise deformed in radial direction R. The deformation unit 16 is configured to deform the lateral wall 8 in the radial direction R of the transfer roller 6.

(19) The deformation unit 16 is arranged, such that the deformation unit 16 elastically deforms the lateral wall 8 resulting in a respective deformation section 28 of the lateral wall 8. The elastic deformation of the lateral wall 8 does not change abruptly. The deformation section 28 of the lateral wall 8 therefore refers to the section of the wall directly following the exert-position in rotation direction K of the transfer roller 8, wherein the exert-position is the position, where a deformation force is applied by the deformation unit 16 for deforming the lateral wall 8 of the transfer roller 6. As a result of the rotation of the transfer roll 6, the lateral wall 8 passes the deformation unit 16. However, the deformation section 28 shall be understood to be the section of the lateral wall 8 always being directly following the exert-position and/or the deformation unit 16 in rotation direction K. Thus, the deformation section 28 of the lateral wall 8 may refer to the section of the lateral wall 8 being limited by the angular deformation range 13, preferably as indicated in FIG. 2.

(20) As schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, the deformation unit 16 may comprise a pressure roller 38, which is arranged outside of the transfer roller 6. Preferably, the deformation unit 16 is formed by the pressure roller 38. Furthermore, the pressure roller 38 is arranged, such that the pressure roller 38 presses rotatably on the outside contact surface 18 of the lateral wall 8 resulting in a deformation of the lateral wall 8 in the deformation section 28. The deformation is a deformation in radial direction R. As exemplarily shown in FIG. 2, the pressure roller 38 presses on the lateral wall 8 towards the center of the transfer roller 6, such that the deformation section 28 is deformed in radial direction R, such that the mean radius of the deformation section 28 is less than a mean radius of the lateral wall 8. The deformation section 28 forms an intermediate section between the exert-position at the lateral wall 8, where the pressure roller 38 applies a deformation force on the lateral wall 8, and an undeformed section of the lateral wall 8 following the deformation section 28 in the rotation direction K of the transfer roller 6.

(21) As an effect and basically resulting from its intermediate section character, the radius and/or orientation of the deformation section 28 can be predefined by the arrangement of the deformation unit 16, in particular of its pressure roller 38. This radius and/or orientation of the deformation section 28 is at least substantially defined by the deformation caused by the deformation unit 16. A possible variance of the radius of the lateral wall 8 of the transfer roller 6 may therefore have almost no or just a very small influence on the radius and/or orientation of the deformation section 28 of the lateral wall 8.

(22) The muzzle end 14 is preferably formed by the ends of the first and second nozzle-parts 24, 26 facing the lateral wall 8. Generally, the muzzle end 14 of the slit nozzle 12 can be arranged contactless to or in direct contact with the outside contact surface 18 at the deformation section 28 of the lateral wall 8 for dispensing lacquer into respective depressions 20.

(23) In particular if the deformation unit 16 is formed by a pressure roller 38, deformation surface 40 of the deformation unit 16 has direct contact with the lateral wall 8 in order to achieve the desired deformation. The deformation surface 40 of the deformation unit 16 facing the lateral wall 8 and the muzzle end 14 are preferably arranged within an angular range a of less than 40 degree about the rotation axis 22 of the transfer roller 6. As the elastic deformation of the lateral wall 8 does not change abruptly, it has been found in practice that arranging the muzzle end 14 within the angular range a achieves a good lacquer distribution and prevents at the same time the slip-stick effect. Further, a minimum distance between the deformation surface 40 of the deformation unit 16 and the muzzle end 14 is preferably less than 20 mm. Similar effects as described before can be achieved.

(24) According to a preferred embodiment of the device 2 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2, the muzzle end 14 of the slit nozzle 12 is spaced apart from the outside contact surface 18 at the deformation section 28 of the lateral wall 8 for dispensing lacquer from the muzzle end 14 into respective depressions 20. The depressions 20 of the lateral wall 8 arranged at the outside contact surface 18 at the second deformation section 28 are therefore filled with lacquer. The transfer roller 6 is driven by the drive unit 10, such that the lacquer is transported via the depressions 20 in rotation direction K such that the outside contact surface 18 with the depressions 20 filled with lacquer roles in direct contact about the work surface 32 for transferring the lacquer to the work surface 32.

(25) Since the deformation unit 16 is connected to the first nozzle-part 24 of the slit nozzle 12, a precise predefined distance and/or space between the muzzle end 14 and the deformation section 28 of the lateral wall 8 can be ensured. This distance and/or space can be configured, such that a desired distribution of lacquer on the lateral wall 8 and a desired thickness of this lacquer can be achieved, while a slip-stick effect can be effectively prevented. This ensures, that the structure, in particular a microstructure, of the depressions 20 at the outside contact surface 18 embosses a predefined lacquer-structure on the work surface 32 of the work piece 34, wherein the predefined lacquer-structure corresponds to the structure of the depressions 20.

(26) The device 2 may also comprise a hardening unit 60. The hardening unit 60 is configured for hardening the lacquer, preferably contactless. The hardening unit 60 can be formed by an UV-light unit. The hardening unit 60 is directly or indirectly connected to the frame 4. Moreover, the hardening unit 60 may be arranged within the interior space 36 formed by the transfer roller 6. For instance, if the hardening unit 60 is formed by an UV-light unit, the lateral wall 8 of the transfer roller 6 may be configured to transmit UV-light-waves. Thus, the lateral wall 8 can be transparent for UV-light. The hardening unit 60 can be arranged, such that UV-light is emitted towards a work surface 32 upon which the lateral wall 8 of the transfer roller 6 can roll. The lacquer may by hardenable via UV-light. Therefore, the device 2 may be configured to control the drive unit 10 and/or the UV-light unit 60, such that lacquer transferred to the work surface 32 is immediately hardened via UV-light emitted by the UV-light unit 60.

(27) As can be seen in FIG. 2, the slit nozzle 12 faces in a nozzle direction N with its muzzle end 14 such that the nozzle direction N results an acute nozzle angle between 5 degree and 60 degree with a straight line (not shown) extending from a center of the transfer roller 6 to the muzzle end 14.

(28) Referring again to FIG. 2, the slit nozzle 12 is schematically illustrated in a preferred embodiment, wherein the slit nozzle 12 comprises the first nozzle-part 24 and a second nozzle-part 26. Both nozzle-parts 24, 26 are connected, in particular releasably connected, with each other. The first nozzle-part 24 protrudes, preferably in the nozzle direction N, beyond the second nozzle-part 26, such that the first nozzle-part 24 is arranged closer to the outside contact surface 18 than the second nozzle-part 26. A fluid channel 30 may be formed between the first nozzle-part 24 and the second nozzle-part 26. The lacquer to be applied to the outside contact surface 18 can be pushed/pressed through the fluid channel 30 so that the lacquer reaches the muzzle end 14 and is dispensed on the outside contact surface 18 of the lateral wall 8. The second nozzle-part 26 can be formed and/or arranged such that a precise application of the lacquer is ensured.

(29) As discussed, the first nozzle-part 24 preferably protrudes beyond the second nozzle-part 26 in the nozzle direction N towards the outside contact surface 18 at the deformation section 28 of the lateral wall 8. The resulting distance between the second nozzle-part 26 and the outside contact surface 18 defines a thickness of an output channel end of the nozzle channel 30 and can therefore at least influence the thickness of the applied lacquer. As a result, a film thickness of the lacquer to be applied on the outside contact surface 18 can be precisely adjusted by the second nozzle-part 26. This can be in particular the case, if the second nozzle-part 26 is displaceable and/or adjustable with respect to the first nozzle-part 24. This may be used to define the thickness of the lacquer film.

(30) As shown in FIG. 2, the slit nozzle 12 is preferably arranged such that a first minimum distance between the muzzle end 14 facing the outside contact surface 18 and this outside contact surface (18) is achieved. This first minimum distance is preferably less than 15 mm, in particular between 0.01 mm and 10 mm. The first minimum distance is preferably the distance in the radial direction R between the outside contact surface 18 and the section of the first nozzle-part 24 which is closest to the outside contact surface 18. The particular small distance according to the first minimum distance ensures a particularly precise and evenly distributed application of the lacquer. At the same time a direct mechanical contact between the outside contact surface 18 of the lateral wall 8 and the first nozzle-part 24 of the slit nozzle 12 is avoided, which prevents wear of the lateral wall 8 of the transfer roller 6 and the slit nozzle 12.

(31) Preferably, the second nozzle-part 26 is spaced apart from the outside contact surface 18 by a second minimum distance between 0.01 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 3 mm. The second minimum distance is preferably the distance in the radial direction R between the outside contact surface 18 and the section of the second nozzle-part 26 which is closest to the outside contact surface 18. This second minimum distance may define the thickness of the lacquer to be applied on the outside contact surface 18. As a further result, the second nozzle-part 26 may be set back by a predefined third distance with respect to the first nozzle-part 24. This third distance may be between 0.01 mm and 5 mm.

(32) It is additionally pointed out that “comprising” does not rule out other elements, and “a” or “an” does not rule out a multiplicity. It is also pointed out that features that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments may also be disclosed as in combination with other features of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be regarded as restrictive.

(33) While at least one example embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the example embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a”, “an” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.