| 摘要 |
A method and apparatus for joining the ends of two profile sections 5, 6 such as two sealing, trimming or finishing strips for use in motor vehicle body construction, wherein the method comprises holding the profile sections 5, 6 in respective retaining devices 18, 20, positioning heat-responsive connecting material 24 between the end of the profile sections, heating the connecting material and the ends of the profile sections, and moving the profile sections towards each whereby the connecting material bonds the ends of the profile sections together. The connecting material may be a foil-like material 24 unwound from a roll 22 into position and may be made from a polyolefin or other suitable thermoplastic material. The use of separate heaters 26, 28, 30, 32 may allow the connecting material 24 to be heated to a temperature which is different from that of the ends of the profile sections. The heaters 26, 28, 30, 32 may be a non-contact type to avoid contaminating the foil 24 or the ends of the profile sections. As the heaters may be separate from the retaining devices 18, 20 then substantially no heat is applied to any part of the profile sections other than at the ends thereof. |
