Title of Invention	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JOINING NON-TRANSPARENT PARTS BY MEANS OF A RADIATION CURABLE ADHESIVE
Abstract	Proposed is a system and a method for joining non-transparent parts (1, 2) by means of an electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive. The system comprises at least one at least partly transparent element (3) for inserting between the parts (1, 2) to be joined together such that electromagnetic radiation beamed into the element (3) initiates curing of a film of adhesive applied to the element (3) and/or to a non-transparent part (1, 2).

Title of Invention

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JOINING NON-TRANSPARENT PARTS BY MEANS OF A RADIATION CURABLE ADHESIVE

Abstract

Proposed is a system and a method for joining non-transparent parts (1, 2) by means of an electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive. The system comprises at least one at least partly transparent element (3) for inserting between the parts (1, 2) to be joined together such that electromagnetic radiation beamed into the element (3) initiates curing of a film of adhesive applied to the element (3) and/or to a non-transparent part (1, 2).

Full Text	-1A The invention relates to a system for joining non-transparent parts by means of an electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive as it reads from the preamble of claim 1, it also relating to a method for joining non-transparent parts by means of a radiation curable adhesive as it reads from the preamble of claim 16. When parts are to be joined by means of a face coating of an electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive, at least one of the two parts needs to be transparent for the radiation initiating curing so that the adhesive can be activated and cured by the radiation. Known from DE 10 2005 002 076 A1 is a method for producing a metal-framed glass pane component in which a pane of glass is cemented to a frame element by means of a UV curable adhesive. Disposed between the glass pane and the frame element is a bevelled gap which is filled with the adhesive utilizing the capillary effect. Once the gap is filled the adhesive is cured by means of UV irradiation. The invention has the object of proposing a system and method for joining non- transparent parts by means of an electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive achieving fast curing of the adhesive by irradiation even when the adhesive is face coated between the non-transparent parts. For this purpose a system and a method in accordance with the invention are made available as it reads from claim 1 and claim 16 respectively. The gist of the invention is that an at least partly transparent element is inserted between the non-transparent parts to be joined together, by means of which the radiation initiating curing of the adhesive can now be introduced into a layer of the adhesive face coated between the non-transparent parts so that fast curing is now possible when needed. The at least partly transparent element in this arrangement may be configured both as a joining part by it being inserted as a -2- kind of connector between the parts to be joined together and cemented on both sides with each part. In this case such an element must be able to receive the forces to be communicated to the other part. As an alternative, the at least partly transparent element may be configured simply as a kind of radiation distributor which directs the radiation initiating curing of the adhesive to the wanted locations. This system is particularly suitably for fast and durable joining non-transparent parts by means of the cited adhesive once they have been accurately positioned. An example embodiment of the invention will now be detained with reference to the attached drawings in which: FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the components forming the system for joining two non-transparent parts; FIG. 2 is a magnified view of some of the components of the system, and FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section through two components of the system. Referring now to FIG. 1 there are illustrated some of the components of the system for joining two non-transparent parts together. In the present example the parts to be joined together consist of a pallet 1 and a ram 2 made of metal and thus non-transparent to visible or UV light. A salient component of the system is a transparent element 3 in the form of a round disk. This element 3 comprises two planoparallel surfaces and is inserted as a joining element between the two parts to be joined together. Further components of the system are a centering element 4 for centering the ram 2 relative to the pallet 1, as well as an irradiation source 7 which emits light in a wavelength range adapted to an adhesive for photoinitiated curing, for example UV light. The irradiation source 7 depicted in this case simply diagrammatically by two LEDs serves to initiate curing of a coated film of adhesive to cement the parts at the locations intended. The irradiation source 7 is preferably configured such that the emitted electromagnetic radiation is beamed distributed to several locations in the element 3. For example, the irradiation source 7 may comprise a plurality of -3- LEDs preferably arranged in a circle so that the radiation is beamed into the element 3 optimally evenly. The adhesive used is preferably a photoinitiated curing acrylate cement which attains its final strength in just a few seconds by irradiation with UV or visible light. Also evident is an upper and a lower chuck 5, 6. The upper chuck 5 serves to locate accurately positioned the centering element 4 configured as an anvil whilst the lower chuck 6 serves to locate accurately positioned the pallet 1. Preferably both chucks 5, 6 are secured to a frame or, for example, in a press so that at least the one chuck 5 is axially movable relative to the other chuck 6. In the present example it is the upper chuck 5 that is arranged axially movable relative to the lower chuck 6, the means for this purpose not being shown. All that is indicated diagrammatically is the frame 8 serving to support both chucks 5,6. Referring now to FIG. 2 there are illustrated the pallet 1, the ram 2 and the transparent element 3 on a magnified scale, showing how the transparent element 3 is provided with a plurality of through-holes 9 for receiving protuberances 10 applied to the pallet 1. The protuberances 10 feature a flat top surface forming together a surface for mounting the ram 2. But in any case the protuberances 10 are configured somewhat higher than the transparent element 3 so that they protrude from the transparent element 3 when it is cemented to the pallet 1. To secure the ram 2 to the pallet 1 a film of adhesive is applied between the pallet 1 and the transparent element 3 and between the ram 2 and the transparent element 3 each as is detained further on. The final thickness of this film of adhesive is determined by the difference between the height of the protuberances 10 and the height or thickness of the transparent element 3. To achieve an optimum thickness of the adhesive film the protuberances 10 are higher than the transparent element 3 by roughly twice the thickness of the film of adhesive in each case. Preferably the protuberances 10 are approximately 0.1 to 0.5 mm higher than the transparent element 3 so that between the pallet 1 and the flat bottom side of the transparent element 3 and between the ram 2 and the flat top side of the transparent element 3 a film of adhesive in the thickness range of 0.05 to 0.25 mm is applied or can remain in each case. -4- It is furthermore evident that the foot of each protuberance 10 features slanted surfaces 11. These surfaces 11 serves in the present case to deflect part of the light introduced sideways into the transparent element 3 upwards so that the film of adhesive applied between the top side of the transparent element 3 and the bottom side of the ram 2 cures fast when necessary. Instead of, or in addition to, these surfaces 11 the transparent element 3 itself may be configured such that at least part of the UV light beamed thereinto sideways is deflected or dispersed. This may be done either by suitably selecting the material or inclusions may be provided in the materia! which cause the light to be deflected or dispersed. The material eiigibie for this is, for example, polycarbonate (PC), especially makrolon® or polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA). To secure the ram 2 to the pallet 1, preferably the transparent element 3 is first joined to the pallet 1. For this purpose a film of adhesive is applied to the pallet 1, the adhesive preferably being applied only to the flat surfaces 11 of the pallet 1 and/or the bottom side of the transparent element 3 but not to the protuberances 10. Then, the transparent element 3 is located on the pallet 1 such that the protuberances 10 extend into the through-holes 9 of the transparent element 3, after which the adhesive is cured by exposing the film of adhesive via the transparent element 3 to the light initiating curing. If the ram 2 is still to be located on the pallet 1 the light can be beamed into the transparent element 3 top down facewise. Positioning the transparent element 3 on the pallet 1 can be done anywhere, but in any case without the pallet 1 needing to be clamped in the chuck. Prior to positioning the ram 2 on the transparent element 3 the pallet 1 is positioned on the chuck 6 (FIG. 1), however, after which adhesive is applied to the flat top side of the transparent element 3 and/or the bottom side of the ram 2 and the ram 2 placed on the transparent element 3. Because the protuberances 10 protrude slightly beyond the top side of the transparent element 3, the bottom side of the ram 2 comes to rest only on the protuberances 10, but not on the transparent element 3, the ram 2 thereby being precisely positioned relative to the pallet 1 in the Z direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal centerline L. -5- Before curing the adhesive the ram 2 is also aligned accurately positioned in the X and Y direction relative to the pallet 1. For this purpose the centering element 4 is travelled down so that the cylindrically shaped front part 2a of the ram 2 enters into the central anvil opening 4a (FIG. 1) in thereby orienting the ram 2 in the X and Y direction. The adhesive is then cured by beaming the radiation initiating curing sideways into the transparent element 3. Referring now to FIG. 3 there is illustrated a longitudinal section through the pallet 1 and the transparent element 3 cemented thereto. What is particularly evident from this FIG. is how groove-shaped recesses 13 are formed between the protuberances 10 of the pailet 1 and the through-holes 9 in the transparent element 3, each of which surrounds the corresponding through-holes 9 in serving to receive excess adhesive. Such recesses 13 may also be provided, where necessary, on the bottom side of the transparent element 3. Providing a transparent element 3 in this way has the advantage that non- transparent parts can now be joined to each other face coated by means of an adhesive cured by radiation which in being beamed into the transparent element needs to be deflected or dispersed at least partly in the direction of the applied adhesive. But in any case, the radiation achieving or initiating curing can be directed by means of the transparent element to locations which otherwise would not be accessible to the light. Instead of proceeding stepwise as described above in which first the transparent element 3 is cemented to the pallet 1 and then the ram 2 to the transparent element 3, the pallet 1 as well as the ram 2 could also be cemented simultaneously to the transparent element 3. For this purpose the cited three parts - pallet 1, transparent element 3 and ram 2 - would need to be joined together in application of the corresponding films of adhesive and the ram 2 aligned relative to the pallet 1, after which the two films of adhesive, namely the film between pallet 1 and transparent element 3 and the film between the transparent element 3 and ram 2 are cured simultaneously by beaming the light -6- initiating curing into the transparent element 3. In this case all that would need to be assured is that the light beamed sideways into the transparent element 3 is deflected or dispersed to both sides, i.e. in the direction of the pallet 1 as well as in the direction of the ram 2. In speaking of said element being transparent it is to be appreciated that each element is at least partly transparent to the light initiating curing of the adhesive so that the radiation beamed into the transparent element can be supplied via this element to the corresponding film of adhesive, whereas non-transparent parts in this case are to be appreciated as not being so transparent to the radiation initiating curing of the adhesive that the light can be introduced into the coated film of adhesive facewise. In no case is this to be appreciated only as parts absolutely non-transparent to light. Several possibilities exist for deflecting the radiation beamed into the transparent element 3 sideways in the direction of the applied adhesive. One way to achieve this is by a suitable selection of material of the transparent element. Another way is to provide deflecting surfaces as described above on at least one of the two parts to be joined together. Unlike conventional systems in which the ram 2 is secured to the pallet 1 mechanically, the system in accordance with the invention has the salient advantage that locating the ram 2 on the pallet 1 is now very fast and very precise. Contrary to mechnical positioning, cementing now makes it possible to secure the ram 2 practically with no force so that it can now be secured to the pallet 1 fast and with high absolute accuracy. Palletizing the ram 2 in this way now makes it possible to replace it simply and quickly where necessary and located accurately positioned in a press. -7- 1. A system for joining non-transparent parts (1, 2) by means of an electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive, characterized in that the system comprises at least one at least partly transparent element (3) for inserting between the parts (1, 2) to be joined together such that electromagnetic radiation beamed into the element (3) initiates curing of a film of adhesive applied to the element (3) and/or to a non-transparent part (1, 2). 2. The system as set forth in ciaim 1, characterized in that the at ieast partly transparent element (3) is disk-shaped, to the face of which the adhesive is applied. 3. The system as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that the at least partly transparent element (3) comprises two planoparallel surfaces each of which is cemented to a non-transparent part (1, 2). 4. The system as set forth in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least partly transparent element (3) is made of a material which deflects or disperses at least part of a radiation introduced sideways into the element in the direction of a film of adhesive applied to the element (3) and/or a non-transparent part (1, 2). 5. The system as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least partly transparent element (3) is made of glass or plastics material, particularly polycarbonate or polymethylmetacrylate. 6. The system as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least partly transparent element (3) is provided with openings, recesses or through holes (9). 7. The system as set forth in any of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of the parts (1) to be joined together comprises protuberances (10) and the at least partly transparent element (3) is provided with through-holes (9) -8- arranged to correspond with the protuberances (10) into which the protuberances (10) extend in the joined condition of the parts (1, 2). 8. The system as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that protuberances (10) are arranged on one of the two parts (1) to be joined together, the protuberances (10) being higher than the at least partly transparent element (3) and serving as a mount or stop for the other non-transparent part (2). 9. The system as set forth in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the protuberances (10) comprise surfaces (11) configured such that they deflect or disperse at ieast part of a radiation beamed into the at least partly transparent element (3) in the direction of a film of adhesive face coating the element and/or a non-transparent part (1, 2). 10. The system as set forth in any of the claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the at least partly transparent element (3) and/or a non-transparent part (1, 2) is provided with recesses (13) for receiving excess adhesive. 11. The system as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system comprises at least one irradiation source (7) by means of which the radiation initiating curing of the adhesive can be beamed into the at least partly transparent element (3). 12. The system as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that the irradiation source (7) comprises a plurality of LEDs. 13. The system as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system comprises means (4, 4a) for aligning the one non-transparent part (2) relative to the other non-transparent part (1). 14. The system as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the non-transparent parts is a pallet (1) defined by a chuck (6). -9- 15. The system as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the non-transparent parts is a tool (2) or workpiece. 16. A method for joining non-transparent parts (1, 2) by means of a electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive, characterized in that an at least partly transparent element (3) is inserted between the two parts (1, 2) to be joined together and curing of a film of adhesive applied to join the parts (1, 2) is initiated by beaming the radiation initiating curing into the at least partly transparent element (3). 17. The method as set forth in claim 16, characterized in that a film of adhesive is applied to the at least partly transparent element (3) and/or to a non-transparent part (1, 2) to be joined thereto and that then the film of adhesive is cured by introducing the radiation iniating curing into the film of adhesive via the at least partly transparent element (3). 18. The method as set forth in claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the at least partly transparent element (3) is first cemented to a first non-transparent part (1) and that then a film of adhesive is applied to a second non-transparent part (2) and/or to the at least partly transparent element (3) and curing of the film of adhesive initiated by beaming an electromagnetic radiation into the at least partly transparent element (3). 19. The method as set forth in any of the claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the non-transparent parts (1, 2) to be joined together are aligned accurately positioned before beaming the radiation initiating curing of the adhesive. 20. The method as set forth in any of the claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the at least partly transparent element (3) is joined via a first film of adhesive to a first non-transparent part (1) and via a second film of adhesive to a second non-transparent part (2), at least the one of the two films of adhesive not being beamed with radiation via the at least partly transparent element (3) until the two parts (1, 2) to be joined together are aligned accurately positioned. - 10- 21. Use of the system as set forth in any of the claims 1 to 15 for locating accurately positioned a tool (2) or workpiece on a pallet (1) defined by a chuck. Dated this 19th day of December, 2007 Proposed is a system and a method for joining non-transparent parts (1, 2) by means of an electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive. The system comprises at least one at least partly transparent element (3) for inserting between the parts (1, 2) to be joined together such that electromagnetic radiation beamed into the element (3) initiates curing of a film of adhesive applied to the element (3) and/or to a non-transparent part (1, 2).

Full Text

-1A
The invention relates to a system for joining non-transparent parts by means of
an electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive as it reads from the preamble of
claim 1, it also relating to a method for joining non-transparent parts by means
of a radiation curable adhesive as it reads from the preamble of claim 16.
When parts are to be joined by means of a face coating of an electromagnetic
radiation curable adhesive, at least one of the two parts needs to be transparent
for the radiation initiating curing so that the adhesive can be activated and cured
by the radiation.
Known from DE 10 2005 002 076 A1 is a method for producing a metal-framed
glass pane component in which a pane of glass is cemented to a frame element
by means of a UV curable adhesive. Disposed between the glass pane and the
frame element is a bevelled gap which is filled with the adhesive utilizing the
capillary effect. Once the gap is filled the adhesive is cured by means of UV
irradiation.
The invention has the object of proposing a system and method for joining non-
transparent parts by means of an electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive
achieving fast curing of the adhesive by irradiation even when the adhesive is
face coated between the non-transparent parts.
For this purpose a system and a method in accordance with the invention are
made available as it reads from claim 1 and claim 16 respectively.
The gist of the invention is that an at least partly transparent element is inserted
between the non-transparent parts to be joined together, by means of which the
radiation initiating curing of the adhesive can now be introduced into a layer of
the adhesive face coated between the non-transparent parts so that fast curing
is now possible when needed. The at least partly transparent element in this
arrangement may be configured both as a joining part by it being inserted as a

-2-
kind of connector between the parts to be joined together and cemented on
both sides with each part. In this case such an element must be able to receive
the forces to be communicated to the other part. As an alternative, the at least
partly transparent element may be configured simply as a kind of radiation
distributor which directs the radiation initiating curing of the adhesive to the
wanted locations. This system is particularly suitably for fast and durable joining
non-transparent parts by means of the cited adhesive once they have been
accurately positioned.
An example embodiment of the invention will now be detained with reference to
the attached drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the components forming the system for joining two
non-transparent parts;
FIG. 2 is a magnified view of some of the components of the system, and
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section through two components of the system.
Referring now to FIG. 1 there are illustrated some of the components of the
system for joining two non-transparent parts together. In the present example
the parts to be joined together consist of a pallet 1 and a ram 2 made of metal
and thus non-transparent to visible or UV light. A salient component of the
system is a transparent element 3 in the form of a round disk. This element 3
comprises two planoparallel surfaces and is inserted as a joining element
between the two parts to be joined together. Further components of the system
are a centering element 4 for centering the ram 2 relative to the pallet 1, as well
as an irradiation source 7 which emits light in a wavelength range adapted to an
adhesive for photoinitiated curing, for example UV light. The irradiation source 7
depicted in this case simply diagrammatically by two LEDs serves to initiate
curing of a coated film of adhesive to cement the parts at the locations intended.
The irradiation source 7 is preferably configured such that the emitted
electromagnetic radiation is beamed distributed to several locations in the
element 3. For example, the irradiation source 7 may comprise a plurality of

-3-
LEDs preferably arranged in a circle so that the radiation is beamed into the
element 3 optimally evenly. The adhesive used is preferably a photoinitiated
curing acrylate cement which attains its final strength in just a few seconds by
irradiation with UV or visible light.
Also evident is an upper and a lower chuck 5, 6. The upper chuck 5 serves to
locate accurately positioned the centering element 4 configured as an anvil
whilst the lower chuck 6 serves to locate accurately positioned the pallet 1.
Preferably both chucks 5, 6 are secured to a frame or, for example, in a press
so that at least the one chuck 5 is axially movable relative to the other chuck 6.
In the present example it is the upper chuck 5 that is arranged axially movable
relative to the lower chuck 6, the means for this purpose not being shown. All
that is indicated diagrammatically is the frame 8 serving to support both chucks
5,6.
Referring now to FIG. 2 there are illustrated the pallet 1, the ram 2 and the
transparent element 3 on a magnified scale, showing how the transparent
element 3 is provided with a plurality of through-holes 9 for receiving
protuberances 10 applied to the pallet 1. The protuberances 10 feature a flat top
surface forming together a surface for mounting the ram 2. But in any case the
protuberances 10 are configured somewhat higher than the transparent element
3 so that they protrude from the transparent element 3 when it is cemented to
the pallet 1. To secure the ram 2 to the pallet 1 a film of adhesive is applied
between the pallet 1 and the transparent element 3 and between the ram 2 and
the transparent element 3 each as is detained further on. The final thickness of
this film of adhesive is determined by the difference between the height of the
protuberances 10 and the height or thickness of the transparent element 3. To
achieve an optimum thickness of the adhesive film the protuberances 10 are
higher than the transparent element 3 by roughly twice the thickness of the film
of adhesive in each case. Preferably the protuberances 10 are approximately
0.1 to 0.5 mm higher than the transparent element 3 so that between the pallet
1 and the flat bottom side of the transparent element 3 and between the ram 2
and the flat top side of the transparent element 3 a film of adhesive in the
thickness range of 0.05 to 0.25 mm is applied or can remain in each case.

-4-
It is furthermore evident that the foot of each protuberance 10 features slanted
surfaces 11. These surfaces 11 serves in the present case to deflect part of the
light introduced sideways into the transparent element 3 upwards so that the
film of adhesive applied between the top side of the transparent element 3 and
the bottom side of the ram 2 cures fast when necessary. Instead of, or in
addition to, these surfaces 11 the transparent element 3 itself may be
configured such that at least part of the UV light beamed thereinto sideways is
deflected or dispersed. This may be done either by suitably selecting the
material or inclusions may be provided in the materia! which cause the light to
be deflected or dispersed. The material eiigibie for this is, for example,
polycarbonate (PC), especially makrolon® or polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA).
To secure the ram 2 to the pallet 1, preferably the transparent element 3 is first
joined to the pallet 1. For this purpose a film of adhesive is applied to the pallet
1, the adhesive preferably being applied only to the flat surfaces 11 of the pallet
1 and/or the bottom side of the transparent element 3 but not to the
protuberances 10. Then, the transparent element 3 is located on the pallet 1
such that the protuberances 10 extend into the through-holes 9 of the
transparent element 3, after which the adhesive is cured by exposing the film of
adhesive via the transparent element 3 to the light initiating curing. If the ram 2
is still to be located on the pallet 1 the light can be beamed into the transparent
element 3 top down facewise.
Positioning the transparent element 3 on the pallet 1 can be done anywhere,
but in any case without the pallet 1 needing to be clamped in the chuck. Prior to
positioning the ram 2 on the transparent element 3 the pallet 1 is positioned on
the chuck 6 (FIG. 1), however, after which adhesive is applied to the flat top
side of the transparent element 3 and/or the bottom side of the ram 2 and the
ram 2 placed on the transparent element 3. Because the protuberances 10
protrude slightly beyond the top side of the transparent element 3, the bottom
side of the ram 2 comes to rest only on the protuberances 10, but not on the
transparent element 3, the ram 2 thereby being precisely positioned relative to
the pallet 1 in the Z direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal centerline L.

-5-
Before curing the adhesive the ram 2 is also aligned accurately positioned in the
X and Y direction relative to the pallet 1. For this purpose the centering element
4 is travelled down so that the cylindrically shaped front part 2a of the ram 2
enters into the central anvil opening 4a (FIG. 1) in thereby orienting the ram 2 in
the X and Y direction. The adhesive is then cured by beaming the radiation
initiating curing sideways into the transparent element 3.
Referring now to FIG. 3 there is illustrated a longitudinal section through the
pallet 1 and the transparent element 3 cemented thereto. What is particularly
evident from this FIG. is how groove-shaped recesses 13 are formed between
the protuberances 10 of the pailet 1 and the through-holes 9 in the transparent
element 3, each of which surrounds the corresponding through-holes 9 in
serving to receive excess adhesive. Such recesses 13 may also be provided,
where necessary, on the bottom side of the transparent element 3.
Providing a transparent element 3 in this way has the advantage that non-
transparent parts can now be joined to each other face coated by means of an
adhesive cured by radiation which in being beamed into the transparent
element needs to be deflected or dispersed at least partly in the direction of the
applied adhesive.
But in any case, the radiation achieving or initiating curing can be directed by
means of the transparent element to locations which otherwise would not be
accessible to the light.
Instead of proceeding stepwise as described above in which first the
transparent element 3 is cemented to the pallet 1 and then the ram 2 to the
transparent element 3, the pallet 1 as well as the ram 2 could also be cemented
simultaneously to the transparent element 3. For this purpose the cited three
parts - pallet 1, transparent element 3 and ram 2 - would need to be joined
together in application of the corresponding films of adhesive and the ram 2
aligned relative to the pallet 1, after which the two films of adhesive, namely the
film between pallet 1 and transparent element 3 and the film between the
transparent element 3 and ram 2 are cured simultaneously by beaming the light

-6-
initiating curing into the transparent element 3. In this case all that would need
to be assured is that the light beamed sideways into the transparent element 3
is deflected or dispersed to both sides, i.e. in the direction of the pallet 1 as well
as in the direction of the ram 2.
In speaking of said element being transparent it is to be appreciated that each
element is at least partly transparent to the light initiating curing of the adhesive
so that the radiation beamed into the transparent element can be supplied via
this element to the corresponding film of adhesive, whereas non-transparent
parts in this case are to be appreciated as not being so transparent to the
radiation initiating curing of the adhesive that the light can be introduced into the
coated film of adhesive facewise. In no case is this to be appreciated only as
parts absolutely non-transparent to light.
Several possibilities exist for deflecting the radiation beamed into the
transparent element 3 sideways in the direction of the applied adhesive. One
way to achieve this is by a suitable selection of material of the transparent
element. Another way is to provide deflecting surfaces as described above on at
least one of the two parts to be joined together.
Unlike conventional systems in which the ram 2 is secured to the pallet 1
mechanically, the system in accordance with the invention has the salient
advantage that locating the ram 2 on the pallet 1 is now very fast and very
precise. Contrary to mechnical positioning, cementing now makes it possible to
secure the ram 2 practically with no force so that it can now be secured to the
pallet 1 fast and with high absolute accuracy. Palletizing the ram 2 in this way
now makes it possible to replace it simply and quickly where necessary and
located accurately positioned in a press.

-7-
1. A system for joining non-transparent parts (1, 2) by means of an
electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive, characterized in that the system
comprises at least one at least partly transparent element (3) for inserting
between the parts (1, 2) to be joined together such that electromagnetic
radiation beamed into the element (3) initiates curing of a film of adhesive
applied to the element (3) and/or to a non-transparent part (1, 2).
2. The system as set forth in ciaim 1, characterized in that the at ieast partly
transparent element (3) is disk-shaped, to the face of which the adhesive is
applied.
3. The system as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that the at least partly
transparent element (3) comprises two planoparallel surfaces each of which is
cemented to a non-transparent part (1, 2).
4. The system as set forth in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least
partly transparent element (3) is made of a material which deflects or disperses
at least part of a radiation introduced sideways into the element in the direction
of a film of adhesive applied to the element (3) and/or a non-transparent part (1,
2).
5. The system as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the at least partly transparent element (3) is made of glass or plastics
material, particularly polycarbonate or polymethylmetacrylate.
6. The system as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the at least partly transparent element (3) is provided with openings,
recesses or through holes (9).
7. The system as set forth in any of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that
at least one of the parts (1) to be joined together comprises protuberances (10)
and the at least partly transparent element (3) is provided with through-holes (9)

-8-
arranged to correspond with the protuberances (10) into which the
protuberances (10) extend in the joined condition of the parts (1, 2).
8. The system as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that protuberances
(10) are arranged on one of the two parts (1) to be joined together, the
protuberances (10) being higher than the at least partly transparent element (3)
and serving as a mount or stop for the other non-transparent part (2).
9. The system as set forth in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the
protuberances (10) comprise surfaces (11) configured such that they deflect or
disperse at ieast part of a radiation beamed into the at least partly transparent
element (3) in the direction of a film of adhesive face coating the element and/or
a non-transparent part (1, 2).
10. The system as set forth in any of the claims 7 to 9, characterized in that
the at least partly transparent element (3) and/or a non-transparent part (1, 2) is
provided with recesses (13) for receiving excess adhesive.
11. The system as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the system comprises at least one irradiation source (7) by means of which
the radiation initiating curing of the adhesive can be beamed into the at least
partly transparent element (3).
12. The system as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that the irradiation
source (7) comprises a plurality of LEDs.
13. The system as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the system comprises means (4, 4a) for aligning the one non-transparent
part (2) relative to the other non-transparent part (1).
14. The system as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that one of the non-transparent parts is a pallet (1) defined by a chuck (6).

-9-
15. The system as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that one of the non-transparent parts is a tool (2) or workpiece.
16. A method for joining non-transparent parts (1, 2) by means of a
electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive, characterized in that an at least
partly transparent element (3) is inserted between the two parts (1, 2) to be
joined together and curing of a film of adhesive applied to join the parts (1, 2) is
initiated by beaming the radiation initiating curing into the at least partly
transparent element (3).
17. The method as set forth in claim 16, characterized in that a film of
adhesive is applied to the at least partly transparent element (3) and/or to a
non-transparent part (1, 2) to be joined thereto and that then the film of
adhesive is cured by introducing the radiation iniating curing into the film of
adhesive via the at least partly transparent element (3).
18. The method as set forth in claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the at
least partly transparent element (3) is first cemented to a first non-transparent
part (1) and that then a film of adhesive is applied to a second non-transparent
part (2) and/or to the at least partly transparent element (3) and curing of the
film of adhesive initiated by beaming an electromagnetic radiation into the at
least partly transparent element (3).
19. The method as set forth in any of the claims 16 to 18, characterized in
that the non-transparent parts (1, 2) to be joined together are aligned accurately
positioned before beaming the radiation initiating curing of the adhesive.
20. The method as set forth in any of the claims 16 to 19, characterized in
that the at least partly transparent element (3) is joined via a first film of
adhesive to a first non-transparent part (1) and via a second film of adhesive to
a second non-transparent part (2), at least the one of the two films of adhesive
not being beamed with radiation via the at least partly transparent element (3)
until the two parts (1, 2) to be joined together are aligned accurately positioned.

- 10-
21. Use of the system as set forth in any of the claims 1 to 15 for locating
accurately positioned a tool (2) or workpiece on a pallet (1) defined by a chuck.
Dated this 19th day of December, 2007

Proposed is a system and a method for joining non-transparent parts (1, 2) by
means of an electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive. The system comprises
at least one at least partly transparent element (3) for inserting between the
parts (1, 2) to be joined together such that electromagnetic radiation beamed
into the element (3) initiates curing of a film of adhesive applied to the element
(3) and/or to a non-transparent part (1, 2).

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=TtD0ooblgC283y4D4YO1TA==&loc=wDBSZCsAt7zoiVrqcFJsRw==

« Previous Patent

Next Patent »

Patent Number

270164

Indian Patent Application Number

1710/KOL/2007

PG Journal Number

49/2015

Publication Date

04-Dec-2015

Grant Date

30-Nov-2015

Date of Filing

19-Dec-2007

Name of Patentee

EROWA AG

Applicant Address

WINKELSTRASSE 8 CH-5734 REINACH

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	SANDMEIER BRUNO	EGLISWILERSTRASSE 33, CH-5707 SEENGEN

PCT International Classification Number

B22C 9/00; B22F 3/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	00088/07	2007-01-22	Switzerland