Patent ID: 6699346
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: B29C,B29L,B65B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for applying self-adhering, protective film to a surface portion of a vehicle body, comprising:A. pulling off a film piece from at least one supply roll and preparing the film piece in a stretched-out, fold-free state by at least two separately moveable holding elements in a readying station; B. transferring the film piece from the readying station to an application station, wherein the transferring comprises: holding the film piece at one end by a holding element guided by a first application robot; pulling the film piece from the at least one supply roll to a desired length, thereby preparing a second film piece that is behind the film piece, wherein the second film piece is held in a stretch-out, fold-free state by the at least two separately moveable holding elements of the readying station; holding the film piece at another end of the desired length by a holding element guided by the first application robot or a second application robot; cutting the film piece of the desired length held on opposite edges from the second film piece; C. applying the film piece transferred into the application station by lowering the film piece in a positionally correct manner by at least one application robot onto a surface portion of the body; and D. pressing the applied film piece onto the surface portion in a fold-free and bubble-free manner; wherein the film piece is doctored by a doctor blade attached to the robot guiding holding element.