Method for applying elements to surfaces of constructed objects used for road traffic

Abstract

An environmentally sound method for applying or fixing elements ( 2 ) to constructed objects used for road traffic. The element ( 2 ), which is at least partially made of a material that can be liquefied by mechanical energy, is positioned on the surface, is pressed against the surface, and is simultaneously subjected to a local mechanical stimulation to liquefy the liquefiable material, and the element ( 2 ) binds with the surface upon re-solidifying. A mobile device ( 1 ) for applying elements ( 2 ) of this type, includes device that can travel via rolls or rollers ( 4, 5 ) and that is provided with at least one oscillating unit ( 10 ) including a sonotrode ( 6 ), a converter ( 7 ) and of an amplifier ( 8 ), and with a generator ( 9 ). The element ( 2 ) may be a marking or signaling element to be applied to roads or tunnel walls.

1 . A method for attaching elements ( 2 ) to surfaces of construction objects in the field of road traffic, wherein the element ( 2 ) consists at least partly of a material that is liquefiable by being pressed against a surface and by mechanical excitation and wherein the element is positioned on the surface, pressed against the surface and mechanically oscillated at least locally via an oscillation unit comprising a sonotrode ( 6 ), a converter ( 7 ) and a generator ( 9 ), such that the liquefiable material at least in a region facing said surface is at least partly liquefied, and after re-solidification, forms a bond between the element and the surface.  
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical oscillation is generated piezoelectrically or by magnetostriction.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical oscillation has a frequency which lies in a range of ultrasound.  
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the element ( 2 ) is part of a continuous or interrupted line marking, that it is unreeled from a tape being wound on a supply reel and that it is continuously or intermittently positioned on the surfaces pressed against the surface, and excited.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the element ( 2 ) is disk-shaped and is excited and pressed with the help of a tubular sonotrode.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the element ( 2 ) is a marking or signaling element, an element for gap sealing, or a reinforcement element suitable for superficial arrangement.  
   
   
       7 . A device ( 1 ) for attaching elements ( 2 ) on surfaces of construction objects in the field of road traffic, comprising means to travel on rollers or rolls ( 4 ,  5 ), the means further comprising at least one oscillating unit ( 10 ), the oscillating unit comprising a generator ( 9 ), a sonotrode ( 6 ), and a converter ( 7 ).  
   
   
       8 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the traveling means with the at least one oscillating unit ( 10 ) further comprises a supply reel ( 3 ) with a tape-like material for the element ( 2 ).  
   
   
       9 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein the traveling means with the at least one oscillating unit ( 10 ) further comprises a cutting device ( 11 ) for cutting off elements ( 2 ) from the tape-like material.  
   
   
       10 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein, for detaching the element ( 2 ) from the surface, the traveling means further comprises a detaching device ( 12 ).  
   
   
       11 . An element ( 2 ) for being attached with the method according to  claim 1  on surfaces of construction objects of road traffic, said element comprising at least in a surface region, which is to be directed towards said surface, a material that is liquefiable by being pressed against the surface and by being excited through mechanical oscillation.  
   
   
       12 . The element according to  claim 11 , further comprising energy directors in said surface region.  
   
   
       13 . The element according to claim  claim 11 , further comprising pins, nubs or fastening rings consisting of the liquefiable material in said surface region.  
   
   
       14 . The element according to  claim 11 , wherein said element is film-like.  
   
   
       15 . The element according to  claim 14 , wherein said element is strip-like or tape-like.  
   
   
       16 . The element according to  claim 11 , further comprising integrated further function elements.