Abstract: A method and a device for the automated application of a self-adhesive paint film to a three-dimensionally curved bodywork part, using a robotic application tool, the paint film being held ready in the form of a multi-layered film composite ready for picking up. After picking up has taken place, a protective strip on the adhesive side is removed from the film section, which is held taut, by means of a contact piece attached to the film composite on the end side and the adhesive side of the film section is thereby exposed. The paint film section is subsequently aligned above the body part to be covered, at a small distance from it, and is progressively pressed onto the bodywork part from the spaced-apart, taut position by means of a roller or doctor moving over the paint film.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing SMC components from an appropriately adapted amount of a fibrous reactive synthetic resin which is provided in the form of defined blanks of prepregs. The prepregs are placed in a defined position into a heated mold of a molding press, the heated resin/fiber mass is flow-molded in the closing mold to form the SMC component, said component is thermally cured and subsequently removed from the mold. Two different approaches are taken, one being intended for introducing the resin mass into the mold as multiple layers and the other for introducing the resin mass as a single layer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automated application of paint film to bodywork parts (1) and to a paint film composite (5) which is suitable for automation. A paint film composite (5) which is suitable for automation is created and adhesively bonded onto the bodywork part (1) in an accurate position and without any bubbles or creases by means of a robot-controlled application tool that is appropriate for this purpose. To securely hold the film composite (5), which has been picked up from a substrate, the suction grippers (30, 31) which grip the ends are angled in mirror-image form, in order in this way to prevent the ends from becoming detached from the suction grippers. The lower protective strip (9) is then at least partially pulled off, thus exposing the adhesive face of the useful part (6) of the paint film. The film composite (5) is aligned in the correct orientation at a short distance from the bodywork part (1) and the useful part (6) of the paint film is wiped onto the bodywork surface (1).

Abstract: An automatic application system for self-adhesive protective film to vehicle bodies is disclosed. Two separate application stations are provided, of which one application station contains two pairs and the other contains one pair of stationary industrial robots arranged opposite each other for the joint handling and application of one piece of film in each case. As a result, it is possible to stick all the body parts simultaneously within the cycle time. In each case, one robot of a pair of robots contains in its application tool the holder for a supply roll and a cutting device, whereas the opposite application robot of this pair of robots carries a suction strip. For the accurate-contour perforation of a stretched-out piece of film, the latter is moved along a stationary perforating tool. Arranged close to the robot is a magazine for a plurality of supply rolls, from which the application robot automatically picks up a supply roll as required.

Abstract: A method and a device for the automated application of a self-adhesive paint film to a three-dimensionally curved bodywork part, using a robotic application tool, the paint film being held ready in the form of a multi-layered film composite ready for picking up. After picking up has taken place, a protective strip on the adhesive side is removed from the film section, which is held taut, by means of a contact piece attached to the film composite on the end side and the adhesive side of the film section is thereby exposed. The paint film section is subsequently aligned above the body part to be covered, at a small distance from it, and is progressively pressed onto the bodywork part from the spaced-apart, taut position by means of a roller or doctor moving over the paint film.

Abstract: A process and a production installation for producing shell-shaped, fiber-reinforced plastic parts are provided. The plastic parts can be produced efficiently, in an automated manner which is flexible with respect to the process and workpiece and is operationally reliable. A blank of the endless fiber mat corresponding to a workpiece is placed in an automated manner by industrial robots onto a clamping frame surrounding the female mold and is taken over by the clamping frame in a clamping manner and in such a way that it can slide after itself against a defined resistance. Wide-ranging accessibility required for this is created by a horizontally movable unit, comprising a female mold and a clamping frame, being temporarily moved completely out from the forming press and moved back again into the forming press after completion of loading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning at least one surface (12) of a component (10), using a cleaning device (14), wherein the surface (12) of the component is cleaned by a cleaning head (18) movable by a positioning device (16), said cleaning head (18) exerting a contact pressure on the component (10). The positioning device (16) has a rough positioning system (20) and a fine positioning system (22), wherein the cleaning head (18) is moved in a force controlled manner by the rine positioning system (22) in at least one direction of movement (24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34). The invention also relates to a corresponding cleaning device for implementing the inventive method.

Abstract: A method and device for automated application of lacquer film, which is integrated into a film composite, to a bodywork part using a robot-guided application tool. An adhesive-side protective strip is removed in a tool integrated manner and the stretched film blank is applied to the bodywork part using a doctor above the application point in the presence of a visible protective strip in a tool integrated manner. In order to exclusively use two-layered film composites and therefore simple application tools, the film composite which is individually and disposed on a hard substrate in a forcibly flat manner is received using an adhesive strip which is stored in a tool integrated manner on a roller and which can be subsequently rolled up after use inside the tool in question whereby it can be applied to the film composite by means of a doctor in a tool integrated manner. The transferred lacquer film blank is then applied to the bodywork part after the adhesive side has been uncovered.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automated application of paint film to bodywork parts (1) and to a paint film composite (5) which is suitable for automation. A paint film composite (5) which is suitable for automation is created and adhesively bonded onto the bodywork part (1) in an accurate position and without any bubbles or creases by means of a robot-controlled application tool that is appropriate for this purpose. To securely hold the film composite (5), which has been picked up from a substrate, the suction grippers (30, 31) which grip the ends are angled in mirror-image form, in order in this way to prevent the ends from becoming detached from the suction grippers. The lower protective strip (9) is then at least partially pulled off, thus exposing the adhesive face of the useful part (6) of the paint film. The film composite (5) is aligned in the correct orientation at a short distance from the bodywork part (1) and the useful part (6) of the paint film is wiped onto the bodywork surface (1).

Abstract: Taping down tool and method for the automated, series application of adhesive tape, in particular on surface parts of vehicle bodies.

Abstract: A device is provided for detaching a finish-molded workpiece, made of a thermoset, from a compression molding tool and for removing the workpiece from the molding press. In order to be able to carefully detach and remove compression molded parts of any desired shape from the compression molding tool, the removing gripper, which is preferably manipulated by an industrial robot, is designed according to the invention as a dimensionally stable suction bell which is adapted to the workpiece, covers the entire workpiece in a true-to-shape manner up to the workpiece edge and, with a contact-side soft-material seating, can be brought to bear in a sealing manner against the workpiece. Pockets which are sealed off from one another and each of which can be subjected individually to a vacuum are incorporated in the soft-material seating. Each of the separate vacuum connections mutually free of reaction is provided with a monitoring device which emits a signal in the event of a drop in vacuum below a threshold value.

Abstract: A method and a device for the automated handling of resin-impregnated mats of differing shape and size during the production of SMC components, utilizes a suction gripper which can be manipulated multiaxially. A plurality of suction bells are distributed in a grid pattern on the suction gripper, each suction bell being actuable individually by a vacuum. The rigid suction bells, which are mounted via a flexible element, have a cup-shaped cross section with an edge that tapers to a point, and can be placed onto and form a seal with the resin-impregnated mats. Rotating brushes are provided for cleaning the suction bells. The suction gripper is combined with pivotable fixing spikes for securing the stack of mats at the uppermost layer of the stack. The suction bells can be raised and lowered to different levels via lifting cylinders and can be fixed in any desired intermediate positions by means of brakes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing SMC components from an appropriately adapted amount of a fibrous reactive synthetic resin which is provided in the form of defined blanks of prepregs. The prepregs are placed in a defined position into a heated mold of a molding press, the heated resin/fiber mass is flow-molded in the closing mold to form the SMC component, said component is thermally cured and subsequently removed from the mold. Two different approaches are taken, one being intended for introducing the resin mass into the mold as multiple layers and the other for introducing the resin mass as a single layer.

Abstract: A method for the automated, series application of a self-adhering protective film to a surface portion of vehicle body includes (1) readying of a film piece, pulled off from a supply roll, in a readying station in a stretched-out, fold-free state by at least one holding element; and (2) pulled off the film piece to the desired length from the supply roll, cutting off the film piece and holding on opposite edges, with the fold-free stretched-out state being retained and being transferred into the application station. The next film piece, which is pulled behind by the film piece is held stretched out in the fold-free state by the at least one holding element of the readying station. The film piece is applied to the body by lowering it in a positionally correct manner, by the at least one application robot, onto an associated surface portion of the body and is pressed onto the portion in a fold-free and bubble-free manner.

Abstract: Taping down tool and method for the automated, series application of adhesive tape, in particular on surface parts of vehicle bodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a production installation for producing shell-shaped, fibre-reinforced plastic parts. According to the invention, it is intended that the plastic parts can be produced efficiently, in an automated manner which is flexible with respect to the process and workpiece and is operationally reliable. For this purpose, the following process steps are provided: a blank of the endless fibre mat corresponding to a workpiece is placed in an automated manner by industrial robots onto a clamping frame surrounding the female mould and is taken over by the clamping frame in a clamping manner and in such a way that it can slide after itself against a defined resistance. Wide-ranging accessibility required for this is created by a horizontally movable unit, comprising a female mould and a clamping frame, being temporarily moved completely out from the forming press and moved back again into the forming press after completion of loading.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for automatically applying self-adhesive protective sheeting to surface parts of vehicle bodies, a specific rectangular piece of protective sheeting in the form of stock roll is grasped on its non-adhesive side, using a robot-controlled tentering frame with suction legs, is drawn off and is cut off. Before the sheeting blank is laid on to the body, in the freely stretched-out state tear-off lines are perforated, preferably from the non-adhesive sheeting side, in the region of accessory parts by means of a perforating device guided along definite contour lines. Thereafter the protective sheeting, which is thus prepared and stretched out so as to be free of creases in the tentering frame, is lowered in the correct position onto the associated part by the handling robot and laid onto the surface part so as to be free of bubbles. The sheetings are subsequently pressed down in a brushing manner under an elastic brushing bar extending over the entire vehicle width.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the conveyance and positioning of a vehicle supported on its own wheels along a production line, the vehicle wheels of each vehicle side are assigned conveying systems, for example apron conveyors or drag-chain conveyors, by means of which the vehicles can be moved further on in strokes. So that the vehicles can be positioned and oriented accurately and efficiently in the longitudinal and transverse directions in an automation-compatible and type-flexible way, in each workstation, the two wheel tracks are assigned in each case a prismatic shaped wheel well which can accept variously sized wheels in the same position. The vehicle wheels are supported transversely displaceably therein. Furthermore, a wheel support is arranged at a distance from the wheel wells and can support the wheels of the other vehicle axle likewise so as to be transversely displaceable. The wheel supports cover the various center distances of all the vehicle types occurring in the production line.

Abstract: Device and method for changing film rolls, with apparatus for holding a first film roll in a working position in which film can be pulled off and separated from the film roll as desired, and holding a second film roll in a standby position. The second film roll can be moved from the standby position into the working position, with the first film roll being removable from the working position by moving the second film roll.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting through protective film in the region of covered-over joints and beads of vehicle bodies includes a freely programmable industrial robot having at least five degrees of motional freedom. An operating arm of the robot has a cutting and pressing tool which includes a knife having a blade for cutting through the protective film in the region of covered-over joints and beads, and the pressing tool comprises a rotary brush or air nozzle for pressing down the cut edges. In another embodiment, an air nozzle which emits a diffuse hot-air current is provided for cutting through the protective film.