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EP0318230A2 - Méthode pour la coloration d'un objet et la feuille de couleur pour appliquer la méthode - Google Patents

Méthode pour la coloration d'un objet et la feuille de couleur pour appliquer la méthode Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0318230A2
EP0318230A2 EP88311003A EP88311003A EP0318230A2 EP 0318230 A2 EP0318230 A2 EP 0318230A2 EP 88311003 A EP88311003 A EP 88311003A EP 88311003 A EP88311003 A EP 88311003A EP 0318230 A2 EP0318230 A2 EP 0318230A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coloring
film
layer
base film
solid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP88311003A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0318230A3 (fr
Inventor
Ryoichi Yugami
Hiroo Ebisawa
Tetsuharu Tanaka
Hiromi Kitayama
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Honda Motor Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Honda Motor Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Honda Motor Co Ltd filed Critical Honda Motor Co Ltd
Publication of EP0318230A2 publication Critical patent/EP0318230A2/fr
Publication of EP0318230A3 publication Critical patent/EP0318230A3/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
    • B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
    • B44C1/16—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like
    • B44C1/165—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like for decalcomanias; sheet material therefor
    • B44C1/17—Dry transfer
    • B44C1/1733—Decalcomanias applied under pressure only, e.g. provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
    • B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
    • B44C1/16—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like
    • B44C1/165—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like for decalcomanias; sheet material therefor
    • B44C1/17—Dry transfer
    • B44C1/1712—Decalcomanias applied under heat and pressure, e.g. provided with a heat activable adhesive

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for coloring surfaces of solid objects by laying a coloring material thereon.
  • the present invention also relates to a coloring film to be employed in the method.
  • the conventional method for coloring solid objects is to apply by hand a decal, having a transparent or opaque base film and a color layer printed thereon, onto the object.
  • the problem with the conventional method has been that, when the object has a non-planar surface, the sticker does not conform to the surface, and wrinkles which disfigure the appearance are formed on the sticker. This is often the case when the conventional method is utilized for coloring a fairing of a motorcycle, for example, which has a highly curved surface, resulting in the formation of dimples and wrinkles.
  • Another problem has been that, with the conventional method, it is difficult to position the stickers exactly on the fairing so that patterns line up.
  • a colored layer is formed on the surface of a solid object by a method having the following steps: hermetically covering the object with a coloring sheet made of a thermoplastic material having a pattern printed thereon; raising the temperature of the sheet so that the sheet becomes deformable; and close-fitting the color sheet on the object by making the atmospheric pressure between the sheet and the object lower than the outside atmospheric pressure.
  • the problem with this method is that the coloring sheet, which must cover the entire surface of the object so as to hermetically cover the object, remains together with the colored layer, and apertures and openings formed in the object are obstructed by the coloring sheet. Therefore, portions of the coloring sheet obstructing the apertures and openings must be removed after the sheet is fitted. This complicates the manufacturing process, and when remnants of the sheet around the openings and apertures inevitably remain, they spoil the appearance of the object.
  • Another prior technology is the so-called masking method which is mainly used for coloring a solid object with a plurality of colors.
  • the object is first colored with the first color over the entire surface; a mask sheet is then fitted on the colored surface of the object, the mask sheet having openings of a predetermined form; a second color is then laid on the colored surface exposed through the openings of the mask so as to form a second color layer of the predetermined form on top of the first colored layer.
  • a first mask sheet may be used when laying the first color on a predetermined area of the surface. More than two color layers can be formed by repeatedly performing the above-mentioned process.
  • One problem with the masking method is that it requires much delicate hand work in fitting the mask sheet on the object.
  • the above mentioned procedure has to be repeated as many times as the number of colors.
  • it is difficult to close-fit the masking sheet because the masking sheet inevitably has openings and fitting the sheet tight against the surface by virtue of pressure difference as mentioned previously can not be employed in such a case. Therefore, positioning and definition of the pattern is laborious and inexact.
  • the present invention is intended to provide a quick and exact method for applying a colored layer to a solid object.
  • the present invention further provides a method for coloring a solid object with an attractive, weatherproof and abrasion resistant coloring layer.
  • the present invention further provides a coloring film which is to be used in the present method.
  • a method for coloring a solid object comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a coloring film having a base film of a pliant material, a coloring layer having the color to be laid on the solid object, and an adhesive layer laid on the coloring layer; (b) fitting the coloring film on the solid object so that the adhesive layer adheres to the outside surface of the solid object; (c) removing the base film from the coloring layer so that the coloring layer and the adhesive layer remain on the surface of the solid object sticking thereto; and (d) performing a hardening treatment on the coloring layer.
  • a method for coloring a solid object having a non-planar surface, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a coloring film having a base film which includes a pliant, extensible and thermoplastic material, a coloring layer having the color to be laid on the solid object, and an ultraviolet-setting resin; (b) placing the coloring film on the solid object so that the solid object is covered by the coloring film; (c) evacuating the space between the coloring film and the object and the outer space surrounding the coloring film; (d) raising the temperature of the coloring film so that the coloring film becomes pliable to be fitted closely to the surface of the solid object; (e) hermetically sealing the edges of the coloring film to the object; and (f) raising the pressure of the outer space so that the coloring film is pressed to fit closely on the surface of the solid object; (g) removing the base film from the coloring layer; and (h) exposing the coloring layer to ultraviolet light so that the layer is hardened and becomes weatherproof.
  • a coloring film for coloring a solid object comprising: (a) a base film including a pliant material; (b) a peelable layer detachably adhering to the base film; (c) a coloring layer laid on the peelable layer including a coloring matter therein for representing a predetermined pattern; and (d) an adhesive layer laid on the colored layer.
  • FIG. 1 shows a motorcycle 1 having a fairing 11 on which stripes are marked in colors.
  • the motorcycle further comprises a front wheel 5 supported rotatable at the center thereof, front forks 3 supporting the front wheel 5 and being connected to a frame 2 rotatable about an axis thereof, a steering handle 4 attached at the upper end of the front fork 3, a fuel tank 9 disposed on an upper part of the frame 2, a seat 10 disposed behind the reservoir 9, an engine 8 supported by the frame 2 at a central part of the motorcycle 1, rear forks 6 connected to the frame 2 at one end, and a rear wheel 7 supported by the rear forks at the central part thereof and connected operatingly to the engine 8 so as to receive driving force from the engine 8.
  • the fairing 11 is disposed to cover most parts of the motorcycle except the wheels 5, 7 and the steering handle 4 so as to decrease the air resistance of the motorcycle 1 and to improve the driving performance thereof.
  • the fairing is important also from an aesthetic point of view.
  • the fairing 11 has a curved surface, curving sharply and convexly in some portions, and has apertures 12 to lead cooling air to the engine 8 or to a radiator (not shown).
  • the fairing 11 is formed of a synthetic resin such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin or AES (acrylonitrile ethylene stylene) resin, steel plate with a painted layer thereon, or aluminum plate with a painted layer thereon. Paints having an electrostatic polarity and a relatively low drying temperature such as urethane paint are suitable for coloring the steel and aluminum fairing.
  • a coloring film and a method for coloring according to the present invention are described hereinafter by taking as an example the coloring of a fairing.
  • composition of the coloring film is as follows.
  • Figure 2 shows a cross section of the coloring film together with a portion of the fairing.
  • the coloring film comprises a base film F which is later removed and a layer 16 which stays on the surface comprising a peelable layer 13 detachably adhering to the base film F, a coloring layer 14 including a coloring material therein, and an adhesive layer 15 to adhere the coloring layer to the surface of the fairing.
  • a thermosetting material such as vinyl chloride, ABS, fluorine-containing polymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and their compounds may preferably be used.
  • Vinyl-chloride resin is most preferable as a material for the base film because of its extensibility, printability and low cost. The thickness of the base film is determined depending on the deformability required of the film and on the cost.
  • the peelable layer 13 may preferably be composed of polyvinylbutyral, nitrocellulose or chlorinated rubber. Most preferably, polyvinylebutyral is used because of its superior weather resistance and adhesive as shown in Table 1 below. In the experiment, of which the results are shown in Table 1, the peelable layer 13 further includes an antioxidant, a radical-supplementation material, an ultra-violet absorber, ultraviolet setting resin, an optical starter, and an intensifier.
  • the peelable layer 13 acts as a protective layer to improve the abrasion resistance of the coloring layer 16 after the base film is removed.
  • the ultraviolet setting resin is added to the peelable layer 13 so that the coloring layer 16 is protected from abrasion without sacrificing the extensibility property of the coloring film and the peelability characteristics of the peelable layer.
  • a resin having a high abrasion resistance is relatively stiff and, therefore, has poor extensibility. This would limit the extensibility of the coloring film.
  • an ultraviolet setting resin is used in the peelable layer. Since the ultraviolet setting resin which is flexible before being exposed to ultraviolet light, the coloring film can be deformed to close-fit to the surface of the fairing.
  • the peelable layer is exposed to ultraviolet light to be hardened and made abrasion resistant. Additionally, the low viscosity of the ultraviolet setting resin improves the printability of the coloring film.
  • the ultraviolet-setting resin is selected from the group of acrylates consisting of polyester-acrylate, epoxy-acrylate, polyurethane-acrylate, polyether-acrylate and polyolephine-acrylate.
  • the ultraviolet-setting resin should be an acrylate belonging to a functional group equal to or higher than the second functional group. Use of an acrylate belonging to the third functional group or higher further improves the abrasion resistance of the layer.
  • An optical starter may be added to the peelable layer so that the solidification of the ultraviolet-setting resin is accelerated.
  • the optical starter is preferably selected from the organic group consisting of acetophenone, benzophenone, Michler's ketone, benzylic compound, benzoin, benzoin-alkylether, benzil-methyl-ketone and their compounds.
  • the proportion of the optical starter is from 0.01 to 10.0% by weight of the ultraviolet-setting resin.
  • Amines may be utilized as the intensifier.
  • a storage stabilizer or a polymerization depressant such as hydroquinone, may be added to the peelable layer.
  • the colored layer preferably includes a weatherproof pigment, and an acrylic resin in order to assure the extensibility of the coloring film.
  • thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin may be used for the adhesive layer.
  • a thermoplastic resin, especially urethane resin, is preferably used when the fairing is also made of resin because the urethane resin becomes flexible at a relatively low temperature and an excessively high temperature is harmful for the fairing.
  • the peelable layer 13, the colored layer 14 and the adhesive layer 15 are laid on the base film F in this order by means of silk printing, gravure printing, bar coating or knife coating respectively.
  • Silk printing is preferable, especially when a plurality of colors are used, because of its excellent performance at low cost.
  • the above-mentioned coloring film is laid on the fairing 11 so that the adhesive layer 15 is fitted closely to the outer surface of the fairing 11.
  • the fairing 11 and the coloring film wrapping it are then transported into a vacuum chamber and the chamber is evacuated so that both the inner space defined by the coloring film as well as the space around the film, is evacuated.
  • the temperature of the chamber is raised so that the thermoplastic material contained in the base film becomes flexible.
  • the temperature of the chamber is raised to between about 90°C and 150°C. The temperature should be between 100°C to 140°C for best activation of the adhesive layer 15.
  • the pressure of the outer space is raised by opening the outer space to the atmosphere while keeping the inner space defined by the coloring film at low pressure.
  • the coloring film is pressed tightly onto the outer surface of the fairing so that the adhesive layer 15 is fitted closely thereto.
  • the fairing 11 and the coloring film adhering thereon are brought out of the chamber and the base film F is removed from the coloring layer 16.
  • the coloring layer 16 remains on the surface of the fairing fitted closely and adhering tightly thereon.
  • Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the coloring film during the above-mentioned procedure.
  • Figure 3 shows how the coloring film adheres to the fairing 11 around an aperture 12 formed in the fairing 11.
  • the coloring layer 16 is formed on the base film F only where the fairing is to be colored.
  • the base film F covers the entire surface of the fairing including the aperture 12.
  • the peelable layer 13 is exposed. Then, the peelable layer 13 is exposed to ultraviolet light for hardening.
  • the ultraviolet light may be generated by a high tension mercury lamp or a metal halide lamp and the intensity of exposure should preferably be higher than 100 mJ/cm2.
  • the exposure should preferrably be between about 1000 and 2000 mJ/cm2 preferably.
  • the peelable layer 13 is hardened and becomes a physical protection layer protecting the colored layer 14 from the elements and from being abraded.
  • the coloring becomes weather-resistance by virtue of the protection layer and is thereby resistance to harsh conditions such as exposure to temperature extremes, splashes from mud, wind-blown sand, etc.
  • the protective layer is obtained by spreading transparent protection material after the base film has been removed from the coloring layer.
  • bi-two pot mix urethane paint may be used for resin exteriors
  • acrylic melamine baking paint may be used for metallic objects such as the fuel tank.
  • the base film may be fitted to the object by any method provided a close-fitting is realized.
  • the structure or the member on which the coloring layer is formed is a fairing of a motorcycle.
  • the structure it is not necessary that the structure be a fairing. Any other object may be colored by the present method as long as the object is solid. Therefore, the method is applicable to coloring exteriors of motorcycles, cars, off-road vehicles, three-wheeled-cars and boats etc.
  • the present invention it is possible to accurately color a solid object with a precisely arranged pattern.
  • the method also makes it possible to color the complicated non-planar surfaces of an object. Further, a weather resistant and abrasion resistant coloring is obtained by the present invention.
  • the coloring sheet which is initially flat, is extended as the film is close fitted on the object so as not to make wrinkles thereon.
  • the coloring laid on the object tends to be unavoidably thin at the convex portions, denoted by F in figure 6, because the coloring layer is extended and is therefore thinner.
  • the thickness of the coloring layer or density distribution of the color is predetermined so as to compensate the effects of the extension of the coloring film according to a modified embodiment.
  • Figure 7 shows an example of coloring film F wherein density of the color is determined, taking into account how the coloring film is extended, when it is fitted on a surface of the object 21.
  • the coloring film comprises a base film, a peelable layer 23, a coloring layer 24a, a supplementary coloring layer 24b for adjusting the color density so that the color density is as desired on the object, and an adhesive layer 25.
  • Color density of the supplementary coloring layer is determined according to the extension of the base film when it is fitted on the object. Color density is varied by varying the size of color dots comprising the supplementary coloring layer. Color density can also be varied by varying the density of the dots. The size and the density of the dots are calculated given the curvature of the surface of the object. By virtue of the present embodiment, a predetermined color density can be obtained on any curved surface of an object.
  • the thickness of the adhesive layer may be varied according to the curvature of the surface of the object so as to obtain a uniform adhesive strength over the coloring film.
  • the fairing 30 is positioned in a hermetically sealed box 32 supported by a support means 31.
  • the coloring film F is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces the fairing 30.
  • the space within the box 32 is hermetically divided by the coloring film F into an upper compartment 32a and a lower compartment 32b. Both compartments 32a and 32b are evacuated to the same low pressure.
  • the coloring film F is heated by means of a heater 33 disposed in the upper chamber 32a facing downwards towards the coloring film F.
  • the temperature of the film is maintained between about 90°C and 150°C, in the case that polyvinyl chloride is used as the base film.
  • the temperature should be between 100°C and 140°C in order to effectively activate the adhesive contained in the adhesive layer.
  • the fairing is raised by extending legs of the support means 31 so that the coloring film F is pressed against the upper surface of the fairing 31. Then, the pressure in the upper chamber 32a is raised so as to tightly press the coloring film F on the fairing 30 by means of the pressure difference between the upper chamber 32a and the lower chamber 32b. Throughout the above procedure, the coloring film F is closely fitted onto the fairing 30 and the film F sticks thereto by virtue of the adhesive layer. Finally, the fairing 30 is taken out of the box 32 and the base film is removed from the fairing by peeling off the peelable layer.
  • the coloring layer may have a secondary color layer 14a laid between the coloring layer and the adhesive layer, Fig. 11.
  • the secondary color layer preferably contains a coloring material to give a strong white or silver background color or a color the same as the coloring layer so as to effectively mask the effects of the color of the object itself.
  • the silver coloring matter may include, for example, aluminum particles.
  • the adhesive layer 15(14b) may contain the above-­mentioned coloring matter instead of the secondary coloring layer.
  • the secondary coloring layer can be eliminated and the number of layers is reduced by one, Fig. 12.
  • Adjustment of color density according to the curvature of the surface of the object as mentioned above may be performed together with the above-mentioned secondary coloring layer or colored adhesive layer. In such a case, not only the effect of the color of the object but also the effect of the curvature of the object is eliminated from the shade of the color impressed thereon.
  • the colored layer laid on the surface of an object is laster covered with a transparent protective layer 48 in order to protect the colored layer from being abrased, Fig.16.
  • a transparent protective layer 48 in order to protect the colored layer from being abrased, Fig.16.
  • Lacquer or varnish can be used for making the protective layer, but care must be taken because they contain a solvent which can damage the adhesive layer.
  • the appearance of the coloring is disfigured if the adhesive layer is affected. Evenness of the adhesive layer must be strictly maintained and in order to obtain this, the adhesive layer is spread on the coloring layer by means of knife coating or bar coating, according to a modified embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a coloring film containing an adhesive layer laid according to the present embodiment. When the adhesive layer is bar coated on the coloring layer, the adhesive layer is first spread roughly on the coloring layer and then spread by a knife edge running parallel to the coloring layer surface removing the extra thickness from the adhesive layer 15 and making the thickness of the adhesive layer constant, Fig.
  • the problem of the protection-layer solvent damaging the adhesive layer can be solved by placing a barrier layer 49, which is impervious to the solvent, at a position between the adhesive layer 15 and the base film, Figs. 17 and 18. Otherwise, instead of using the protection layer to ensure a good appearance, the coloring layer can be carefully laid on the smoother of the two surfaces of the base film to obtain a similar effect. In this case, the thickness of the adhesive layer becomes uniform by virtue of the even reference surface of the base film. Care must be taken not to print the coloring layer on a damaged surface of the base film, such as a surface which has been produced when a roller for rolling the base film has a scratch, as shown in Fig. 19.
  • the surface of the base film may be intentionally roughened by forming minute irregularities thereon in order to obtain varied effects. For example, coloring film roughened over the whole surface produces a mat surface on the object. Partially roughened coloring film leaves a mat pattern on the colored surface.
  • Fig. 20 illustrates rollers D for rolling a base film F1. A large number of minuscule irregularities on the surface of the rollers produce patterns of unevenness on the base film produced thereby.
  • Fig. 21 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional feature of the base film produced by the present embodiment. Projections D1 and depressions D2 are formed on one side of the film.
  • the converse projections D1 and depressions D2 are formed at the location corresponding to the the depressions D1 and projections D2, respectively.
  • An adhesive layer 13 and the coloring layer 14 which are formed on the uneven base film F by means of silk printing and gravure printing, respectively, have an uneven form as shown in Fig. 22.
  • the smooth surface of the adhesive layer 15 is affixed to the object to be colored. Because the unevenness remains on the surface of the coloring layer 13 as shown in Fig. 23, the surface becomes a mat surface which does not have a luster.
  • the unevenness may be formed only on a prescribed area on the base film.
  • the colored surface is mat in that area, and the rest of the surface is lustrous.
  • marks or figures may be produced as mat surfaces or lustrous surfaces.
  • the coloring layer includes metal particles 54, 55 such as aluminum to make a lustrous surface as shown in Fig. 24, special attention has to be paid so as not to peel off, even partially, the coloring layer. If the coloring layer is partially removed the surface luster will be uneven and the appearance will be degraded.
  • a modified embodiment provides a remedy for this kind of difficulty.
  • the thickness of the peelable layer 13 is made thick enough so that the surface of the coloring layer remains even throughout its surface after the base film F is removed from the coloring layer. Because the surface and the thickness of the coloring layer remaining on the object are even by virtue of the embodiment, the luster of the surface is even and a beautiful finish is obtained.
  • a further modified embodiment shown in Fig.
  • a middle layer 51 is spread between the peelable layer 13 and the coloring layer so as to prevent the coloring layer from being removed when the base film F is removed. In this embodiment, even though the middle layer 51 is partially or fully removed, the coloring layer remains undamaged as long as the peeling does not reach the coloring layer.
  • Marks and patterns illustrated on the surface of a fairing have patterns which may occur on all models of the vehicle, or only on same models.
  • the common patterns are first printed on the fairing and then the varying patterns are printed afterwards.
  • a modified embodiment provides a method for simplifying the procedure as follows.
  • a sticker with the varying pattern is laid on the base film F on the same side thereof as the coloring layer is laid, Fig. 26.
  • the sticker having a two-faced adhesive layer 63, a coloring layer 62, an adhesive layer 64 and a protection sheet 65, is attached to the base film by means of the peelable layer 63.
  • the adhesive layer 64 is covered with a protection sheet 65 for better handling.
  • the covering sheet 65 is removed after the sticker is attached before to the base film F.
  • the sticker may be applied to the base film F whether before the coloring layers 61 are attached thereto or after.
  • the coloring film, on which coloring layers 61 and stickers are attached is attached to the object to be colored 56 and the base film F is removed.
  • the coloring layer 62 of the sticker and the adhesive layer 64 thereof remain attached to the object.
  • Figure 28 shows an example of this type of coloring film.
  • a sticker 62 is laid on the base film F together with the common patterns of stripes. Because the coloring procedure is simplified by virtue of the present embodiment, coloring of the fairing becomes more rapid. Furthermore, coloring becomes precise in positioning because the positioning of the sticker on the fairing by hand is eliminated.
  • the sticker may be replaced by another sticker when necessary.
  • the present embodiment provides a method for simply and quickly printing varied patters on the objects.
  • a hole is made in the coloring film so as to have a surface of the object on which another mark or pattern is printed exposed to open air.
  • the patterns there are two different patterns to be printed on the same object, the patterns having common patterns at some portions and diifferent patterns at other portions.
  • a solution is to print the common pattern on a coloring film and make a hole in it at the location where the different patterns will be located.
  • the coloring film the common pattern is printed on the object leaving the area for the different pattern untouched. It is sufficient to print the different patterns in the remaining area.
  • the coloring procedure is simplified because the same coloring film is used for coloring different patterns.
  • Figs. 44 through 51 show how the blank area is formed on the surface of the object by this embodiment.
  • Fig. 44 shows that a fairing has an area 77 on which the coloring layer should not be laid.
  • Fig. 45 shows that a exfoliation material is laid on the area 77 before the coloring film is affixed on the fairing.
  • a coloring film having no holes and adhesive layer throughout its surface is then attached as shown in Fig. 46.
  • Fig. 48 shows a coloring film on which the adhesive layer is not laid on a predetermined area 79.
  • the coloring film is attached to the object 71 as usual, Fig. 48, and removed therefrom.
  • a portion 71a of the object 71 on which the adhesive layer has not been laid appears when the base film is removed.
  • Fig. 50 shows a coloring film having a hole. The coloring layer 14 is not laid on the object at the hole and consequently this portion of the object remains bare while the other portion is covered by the coloring layer.
  • a further modified embodiment increases the dimension of the pattern printed on the object as follows.
  • the base film F is rolled to an elongated sheet and a predetermined pattern is printed on the base film.
  • the base film F shrinks because of the heat applied to the base film F during the printing procedure.
  • the shrink rate is greater in the longitudinal direction, denoted by A in Fig. 29, than in the transverse direction.
  • Changes in dimension in one direction may be mopre important than in other directions when a pattern is printed on an object. For example, when a portion of a pattern is joined to another portion of the pattern, dimensions are more important in the direction along the joint line than in other directions. In such a case, the pattern is printed on the base film by adjusting the joint line with the transverse direction of the base film.
  • FIG. 30 shows how a pattern is printed on a base film F by adjusting the directions. Same results are obtained by determining the size of the pattern to be printed on the base film so as to cancel the shrinkage of the base film as shown in Figs. 31 and 32. Another embodiment to obtain practically the same result is to laminate a plurality of base films intersecting the longitudinal direction thereof on top of another before printing the coloring layer thereon as shown in Figs. 33 and 34. By this lamination, the shrinkage ratio is reduced and is then similar in any directions.
  • Another preferred embodiment reduces unexpected unevenness in the color caused by the difference in temperature during the heating process for printing the coloring layer on the object.
  • heat is applied to the coloring film by means of an electric heater or an infrared lamp.
  • the temperature of the coloring layer will not be uniform and the resulting color will be uneven.
  • Fig. 35 shows an example wherein the tone of the color is different from the portions 64a and 64b.
  • the base film is uniformly colored in order to avoid this inconvenience according to the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 36. If the base film F is colored, a substantial part of the heat applied to the coloring film will be absorbed by the base film, and the temperature thereof becomes uniform.
  • the coloring film is heated uniformly preventing the unexpected unevenness of color.
  • Any colors may be used for the base film including white and black.
  • the base film may even be translucent.
  • the base film should preferably be a dark color because the dark color will absorb more energy per unit time. If the external color of the film is uniform, the temperature of the coloring film will be uniform throughout the surface when heated by an infrared lamp.
  • a similar effect may be obtained by coloring the adhesive layer uniformly as shown in Fig. 37. This method is most effective when the color of the coloring layer is translucent or when the adhesive layer is colored to the same color as the coloring layer.
  • the base film is composed of a plurality of base films laminated together, similar effects are obtained if one of the laminated base films is colored as mentioned above, Fig. 38.
  • the colored pattern comprises fine stripes
  • the stripes may be deformed or layers comprising the stripes may be displaced when the coloring film is fitted to the object, as shown in Figs. 39 and 40.
  • the stripes are uneven and unsatisfactory, Fig. 40.
  • the peelable layer 13 and the adhesive layer are laid on and around the coloring layer as shown in Fig. 42. Supported by the adhesive layer 15, the coloring layer does not displace horizontally and keeps its predetermined form, Fig. 43.
  • fine patternings are printed exactly on the surface of the object.
  • the procedure for applying the coloring film on the object may be performed in many steps wherein the film is attached to a portion of the object, according to an embodiment.
  • an object having a highly curved surface can be colored without any wrinkles.
  • the process is described with reference to Figs. 52 through 54.
  • a symmetrical pattern is to be printed on a fairing as shown in Fig. 52.
  • the fairing is installed in a hermetically sealed box 82 at the lower part thereof, and is supported by a support means 80.
  • the upper part of the box 82 is separated by means of a coloring film on which coloring layers 16a and 16b are formed.
  • a heater is attached to the inner surface of the top of the box 82.
  • the coloring film is placed so that the coloring layer is positioned above the fairing as shown in Fig. 54 (b).
  • Both upper and lower compartments separated by the coloring film F are evacuated and the fairing is lifted up to contact the coloring film as the film is heated by the heater 85.
  • a thermal insulation material 83 disposed above the coloring layer 16b, which is not attached to the fairing for the time, prevents the coloring layer 16b from being heated Fig. 54(c). Then air is introduced into the upper compartment and the coloring film is fitted onto the fairing by virtue of the pressure difference between the two sides of the film, Fig. 54(d).
  • the base film is removed from the fairing by lowering the fairing, the coloring film is conveyed so that the second coloring layer 16b comes above the fairing and the above-mentioned procedure is repeated to color the other side of the fairing.
  • Fig. 55 a modified embodiment, described as follows, enables the production of a coloring which is highly similar on both surfaces.
  • the coloring film F is not he.ld as shown in Fig. 55 but held as shown in Fig. 56 so that the film F is at an angle to the two surfaces of the object.
  • the angle which is made by the coloring film F and the first surface Wa, and the angle between the film F and the second surface Wb, should be equal.
  • 57(a) through 57(d) illustrate how the present embodiment is actually applied. If the coloring film is kept parallel to one of the surfaces to be colored, the dimensions of the patterns will be least distorted on that surface. In such a case, high precision is obtained on the surface to which the coloring film is kept parallel. The precision at the other surface is less, however.
  • the object is supported by a support means so that the peripheral portions of the object extend out over the support as shown in Figs. 59 through 61.
  • the coloring film can be bent to cover the surface of the object hidden from view from above, and both the upper and the lower surface of the peripheral portion of the object can be covered by the coloring layer, improving both the appearance and the protectiveness of the layer.
  • a fairing 99 is laid on a support means 97 which has a pair of grooves at the edges of the fairing. The edges of the fairing are not touching the support means 97 and are extending out of the portion supporting the fairing 99, Fig. 59.
  • the support 97 moves up and contacts the fairing against the coloring film while the heater 102 is heating the film F, Fig. 60. Air is introduced into the upper compartment and the coloring film is pllied to the fairing. Both sides of the portion of the fairing extending out of the support means are covered by the film.
  • Figs. 62 and 63 show more in detail the extending portion of the fairing when it is covered by the coloring film as mentioned above.
  • Fig. 58 illustrates a fairing seen from a reverse side. The edge portion 95 of the fairing is covered by the coloring layer 95a both on the front and back.
  • a modified embodiment explained as follows a method for allows the coloring layer to conform to the concavity.
  • a through hole for allowing air therethrough is formed in the object at a bottom portion of the concavity.
  • Fig. 64 shows a fairing of a motorcycle 111 which has concave portions 122 and 123.
  • a coloring film in conformity with the fairing is shown in Fig. 65.
  • Stripes 127 are printed on the coloring film.
  • the fairing 120 and the coloring film F is installed in a hermetically sealed box Fig. 66 and the coloring film F is fitted onto the fairing by virtue of the pressure difference between the upper compartment 134 and the lower compartment 135.
  • Fig. 67 shows in detail the concavity whereat through holes are made through the fairing and the support means.
  • the coloring film is fitted on the fairing as shown in Fig. 67 and the coloring layer remains on the fairing after the base film is removed as shown in Fig. 68.
  • Fig. 69 shows an example.
  • the fairing 120 has a plurality of openings and through holes 221 made through the support means 118 communicate the openings to the other side of the support means 118. While the coloring film is conformed to the fairing support by the support means 118 as shown in Fig. 69, the air trapped in the concavity is bled to the other side of the support means through the through holes 221. Therefore, the coloring film F is fitted to the surfaces forming the concavities 123. After removing the base film F from the fairing 120, the coloring layer 14 remains fitted to the curving surface of the fairing as shown in Fig. 70. The same effect may also be obtained by making a through hole in the coloring film at a location corresponding to the concavity of the fairing, as shown in Fig.
  • Fig. 72 shows how the embodiment is applied to a fairing which has three concave portions.
  • the coloring film F is fitted to the fairing as the air trapped in the concave portion is drawn out through the through holes 141.
  • the difference from the above example is that the through hole is formed in a portion on which the coloring layer 14 is laid. In this case, the hole does not leave a blank mark on the colored surface of the fairing.
  • a further modified embodiment described as follows provides more exactness in positioning the marks and patterns on the object.
  • marks such as a star and some stripes shown in Fig. 73 are to be laid on a fairing
  • the marks are first drawn on a reference fairing, Fig. 74.
  • a scale film having a grid thereon is laid on the fairing and the grid is transferred onto the fairing, Fig. 75.
  • coordinates of the marks are measured with respect to the cross stripes printed on the fairing.
  • marks are positioned on a base film with reference to their coordinates with respect to the grid, Fig. 76.
  • the marks are exactly positioned on the base film and printed on the fairing.
  • the first and the second steps may be reversed in order.

Landscapes

  • Decoration By Transfer Pictures (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
  • Adhesives Or Adhesive Processes (AREA)
EP19880311003 1987-11-21 1988-11-21 Méthode pour la coloration d'un objet et la feuille de couleur pour appliquer la méthode Ceased EP0318230A3 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP294709/87 1987-11-21
JP29470987A JPH01135699A (ja) 1987-11-21 1987-11-21 外装部品外表面の絵付方法

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0318230A2 true EP0318230A2 (fr) 1989-05-31
EP0318230A3 EP0318230A3 (fr) 1990-11-28

Family

ID=17811292

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19880311003 Ceased EP0318230A3 (fr) 1987-11-21 1988-11-21 Méthode pour la coloration d'un objet et la feuille de couleur pour appliquer la méthode

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0318230A3 (fr)
JP (1) JPH01135699A (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0751009A3 (fr) * 1995-06-27 1998-04-01 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Produit contenant une image reproduite et méthode pour la fabrication d'une couche à image reproduite
WO1998049017A1 (fr) * 1997-04-25 1998-11-05 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Procede et dispositif permettant l'application d'un film a marques pourvu d'un adhesif autocollant
WO1999064235A1 (fr) * 1998-06-06 1999-12-16 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Element d'application utilise a la place d'une peinture
GB2361439A (en) * 2000-04-20 2001-10-24 Lintec Corp Adhesive decorative film used to colour surfaces
WO2003035412A1 (fr) * 2001-10-24 2003-05-01 Dow Global Technologies Inc. Stratification thermique assistee par depression de substrats tridimensionnels de nature non poreuse et articles stratifies formes avec ceux-ci
EP1658905A1 (fr) * 2004-11-22 2006-05-24 DeMaxZ AG Procédé et appareil pour appliquer une décoration sur un objet

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IL137185A (en) * 2000-07-05 2009-09-01 Asaf Halamish Aerosol inhalation interface
JP5768105B2 (ja) * 2013-10-08 2015-08-26 本田技研工業株式会社 車両用カバー

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS60199700A (ja) * 1984-03-24 1985-10-09 日本写真印刷株式会社 紫外線又は電子線照射用転写箔及びその転写箔を用いた紫外線又は電子線照射絵付け方法
JPS61195900A (ja) * 1985-02-26 1986-08-30 日本写真印刷株式会社 転写シ−ト
WO1988007027A1 (fr) * 1987-03-09 1988-09-22 Dai Nippon Insatsu Kabushiki Kaisha Procede de production d'une couche intermediaire decorative pour du verre feuillete

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0751009A3 (fr) * 1995-06-27 1998-04-01 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Produit contenant une image reproduite et méthode pour la fabrication d'une couche à image reproduite
US6149754A (en) * 1995-06-27 2000-11-21 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Reproduced image product and a method of forming a reproduced image layer
WO1998049017A1 (fr) * 1997-04-25 1998-11-05 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Procede et dispositif permettant l'application d'un film a marques pourvu d'un adhesif autocollant
WO1999064235A1 (fr) * 1998-06-06 1999-12-16 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Element d'application utilise a la place d'une peinture
CN1106280C (zh) * 1998-06-06 2003-04-23 美国3M公司 油漆替代品贴花
GB2361439A (en) * 2000-04-20 2001-10-24 Lintec Corp Adhesive decorative film used to colour surfaces
US6521337B2 (en) 2000-04-20 2003-02-18 Lintec Corporation Adhesive tape for painting
GB2361439B (en) * 2000-04-20 2004-03-24 Lintec Corp Adhesive tape for painting
US6916532B2 (en) 2000-04-20 2005-07-12 Lintec Corporation Adhesive tape for painting
WO2003035412A1 (fr) * 2001-10-24 2003-05-01 Dow Global Technologies Inc. Stratification thermique assistee par depression de substrats tridimensionnels de nature non poreuse et articles stratifies formes avec ceux-ci
EP1658905A1 (fr) * 2004-11-22 2006-05-24 DeMaxZ AG Procédé et appareil pour appliquer une décoration sur un objet
US7703392B2 (en) 2004-11-22 2010-04-27 Demaxz Ag Pressure based method and apparatus for applying a decoration onto an object

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0318230A3 (fr) 1990-11-28
JPH01135699A (ja) 1989-05-29

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