WO2004094255A1

WO2004094255A1 - Application device, particularly for liquid or viscous adhesive

Info

Publication number: WO2004094255A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/004270
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthias Rhode
Original assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien
Priority date: 2003-04-24
Filing date: 2004-04-22
Publication date: 2004-11-04
Also published as: DE10318670A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an application device (1; 1'; 1'') for applying either liquid or viscous, particularly gel-type, fluid in points or in lines or in a sheet-like manner to a substrate having a fluid application surface (16), which enables the application, and having a fluid discharge channel (4), which can be moved in a longitudinally axial manner relative to this fluid application surface into a fluid discharging position that enables a point-shaped or linear application or which can brought into contact with said fluid application surface. The aim of the invention is to provide a solution that simplifies a change from a point-shaped/linear application to a sheet-like application and back again. To this end, the fluid discharge channel (4) and/or the fluid application surface (16), while being subjected to the action of spring force, can be moved and/or brought from a first fluid discharge position and into a second fluid discharge position, and the fluid discharge channel (4) and/or the fluid application surface (16) are/is mounted on the application device (1; 1'; 1'') in a manner that enables them/it to be returned into one of the two positions while being driven by spring force.

Description

Application device, in particular for liquid or viscous adhesive

The invention is directed to an application device for the optional application of a liquid or viscous, in particular gel-like, fluid, in particular adhesive in punk, linear or planar form to a substrate with a fluid application surface that enables a flat application and a longitudinally axially relative to this in a one-point or fluid dispensing position of fluid delivery channel that can be moved or brought in line-shaped order.

Application devices for liquid or viscous adhesive (adhesive application devices), with which the user can apply adhesive, either in the form of a point / line or area, to a substrate, for example paper, as desired, while holding the fluid or adhesive container in hand, are found in daily use, for example when tinkering, application. Such adhesive application devices usually have a tube for the punctiform or linear application and a surface element for the flat adhesive application. The tube and the surface element are mounted so that they can move relative to one another on the adhesive application device. Either the tube is fixed in the direction along the axis of the container on an adhesive container and the surface element is movable relative to the tube and the container, or the surface element is fixed in the direction of the axis of the container on an adhesive container, so that the tube is relative to the surface element is movable.

In the case of an application device for liquid or viscous adhesive known from FR 2 352 722 A, the surface element which enables the flat application of adhesive is designed as a screw cap which is guided in a screw-shaped groove in an adhesive container. In this way, the flat fluid or Shift the adhesive application area longitudinally axially to the tube arranged in a fixed position on the adhesive container and having the adhesive outlet channel.

JP 2001047795 A discloses an application device for liquid or viscous adhesive, in which the fluid or adhesive application surface which enables a flat adhesive application is arranged in a stationary manner on an adhesive container. In this device, the tube, which enables the punctiform or linear application of adhesive and is guided longitudinally axially in a channel, can be moved out of the fluid or adhesive application surface with one hand and into it again. In this embodiment, the adjustment from flat to punk linear adhesive application can be carried out with the thumb of one hand.

An application device for adhesives is also known from DE 4022499 A1. This application device has a hood which can be displaced against a fixed adhesive application channel and which has a flat adhesive application surface which is designed to be latchable, the displaceable hood being movable between the use positions by means of a centrally mounted spiral spring.

A generic application device is also known from EP 0 353 043 A2. This application device for liquid or viscous adhesive, like the one according to JP, has a fluid or adhesive application surface, which is arranged in the longitudinal axial direction and is fixed on an adhesive container, for flat application of fluid or adhesive, and a tubular fluid or adhesive outlet channel for the punk, which can be displaced axially Linear fluid or adhesive application. In this embodiment, the tube surrounding the fluid or adhesive outlet channel has a flexible membrane on the inside of the container, which fixes the tube to the fluid or adhesive container with a fastening element. In addition, the outside of the tube has a projection on its outer surface, which protrudes in a bearing bush-like extension of the fluid or adhesive fabric application surface is guided. The fluid or adhesive application surface is arranged as a rotatable cap on the fluid or adhesive container. By rotating the cap, the tube is guided in the helical groove of the screw thread of the bearing bush and thus moved up or down depending on the direction of rotation, so that the fluid or adhesive dispensing opening of the tube can be arranged above or at the level of the fluid or adhesive application surface ,

The application devices provided with screw caps from the prior art have the disadvantage that they have to be grasped by the user with both hands in order to adjust the flat to point / line fluid application. Therefore, an adjustment from flat to point / line fluid application during use, i. H. in the case of a device placed on the substrate to be provided with fluid, for example adhesive, not possible with these devices or only with the risk that the hands are soiled with fluid, which is particularly unpleasant with adhesive. To adjust the type of application, the application device must therefore be lifted off the substrate.

The adhesive application device known from the Japanese script can be changed from one application type to the other with one hand, if necessary also during use, but there is a risk that this will cause the device to slip and thus cause adhesive to get into places that are not intended for gluing.

Another disadvantage of the fluid or adhesive application devices according to the prior art is that, due to the design, a relatively large overall height is necessary in order to be able to realize the axial displacement of the fluid outlet channel or the fluid application surface. The invention has for its object to provide a solution that facilitates a change from punk linear to flat order and back again.

In the case of an application device of the type mentioned at the outset, this object is achieved according to the invention in that the fluid discharge channel can be moved or moved spring-loaded against the fluid application surface from a first fluid delivery position to a second fluid delivery position, and the fluid discharge channel can be reset against the fluid application surface in a spring-driven manner in one of the two positions on the application device / is, and the fluid discharge channel is held and resettable against the fluid application surface by the force of a spring element in its first fluid discharge position and is movable or can be brought into its second fluid discharge position against the force of the spring, the fluid discharge channel being in a to the inside of the application device bearing bushing on the application head is movably guided.

The arrangement of at least one of the elements responsible for the shape of the fluid application, which is resiliently mounted in a position that can be reset in a position, ensures that at least this one of the elements can automatically move back into one of the positions — its respective starting position. This makes it easier for the consumer or user to handle the application device and, in particular, to change from point / line to flat fluid application and back again. Thus, for example, in the exemplary embodiment of an adhesive application device explained later, the fluid or adhesive outlet channel is held in a spring-loaded manner in its position which enables a dot-linear fluid or adhesive application and is repeatedly guided back into it by the spring force. If the consumer now guides such a (fluid or adhesive) application device over the substrate, he can exert force against the force of the spring on the substrate to apply the fluid or adhesive application surface relative to the fluid or Move the adhesive outlet channel and thus cause a change of the fluid or adhesive application device to flat fluid or adhesive application. As soon as the user or consumer withdraws the force applied by him, the position of the fluid or adhesive outlet channel that enables a dot-linear application of fluid or adhesive is restored.

The application device according to the invention does not require the user to carry out any manipulations in order to change from an operating state with point / line-shaped fluid application to an operating state with sheet-like fluid application. Rather, the operating states can be changed even during the ongoing application process, that is to say during a fluid application to a substrate. Furthermore, the spring-loaded guidance and storage of the fluid discharge channel and / or the fluid application surface enables a gentle, spring-loaded guidance and support of the fluid discharge channel, for example as part of a plunger element, and / or the fluid application surface on the substrate during the application process. For example, this avoids scratching on the substrate. Furthermore, the application device according to the invention is distinguished by a lower overall height than the prior art, since, for example, the component comprising the fluid outlet channel can be stored inside the component having the fluid application surface in the closed and stored state, for example with an attached closure cap. Finally, the invention is also characterized by a lower material expenditure or consumption compared to the prior art, which results among other things from the lower overall height.

In an embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the fluid discharge channel is part of a tappet element which is held in its first fluid dispensing position by the force of a spring and is resiliently mounted in this position, driven by the force of the spring, and counter to the force of the spring in its ne second fluid delivery position is movable or can be brought. This will created particularly inexpensive and structurally easy to implement and easy to use embodiment.

For a structurally simple construction, it is advantageous if the first fluid delivery position further enables the punctiform or linear fluid application and the second fluid delivery position enables the flat fluid application, as the invention provides in a further development. This makes a low overall height of the application device possible due to the movable plunger element.

It is expedient according to an embodiment of the invention that the fluid discharge channel in its first fluid discharge position protrudes at least with its fluid discharge opening from the surface of the fluid application surface and can be lowered or brought into its second fluid discharge position with the fluid discharge opening essentially at the level of the fluid application surface.

An application device according to the invention can also be realized in a constructively and structurally favorable manner if the spring not only effects the change from flat to punk linear fluid application, but is also designed to be stable and strong enough in terms of its spring force to place the application device in one of the two application positions to be able to handle. In such a case, locking or locking elements or mechanisms for fixing the application device in one of the two fluid delivery positions are not necessary. For this purpose, the invention provides in a further development that the application device can be moved over the substrate in a first handling position with the fluid discharge channel held by the spring force in its first fluid delivery position when the plunger element is placed on the substrate.

It is also expedient and advantageous if, according to the invention, it is then further provided that the application device is moved into its second fluid delivery position in a second handling position when it is counter to the spring force brought fluid discharge channel with fluid application surface placed on the substrate is movable over the substrate.

An embodiment that is particularly ergonomically manageable for the human user is characterized in that the application device and the fluid discharge channel can be moved into their respective second handling position or second fluid delivery position when the plunger element is placed on the substrate in its first fluid delivery position by a movement of the application device that is oriented toward the substrate or can be brought.

According to a further development of the invention, it is favorable for the configuration of the fluid application area that the fluid application area lies essentially flat on the substrate in the second handling position of the application device and in the second fluid delivery position of the fluid discharge channel.

I

The ergonomically favorable handling of the application device explained above is further supported by the fact that the fluid application channel moves automatically into its first fluid delivery position, driven by the force of the spring, when the fluid application surface is lifted off the substrate.

Of particular advantage is an application device which comprises a preferably elastically deformable container which can be handled by the user with one hand. Such an application device can be easily filled with the fluid to be dispensed and applied, for example adhesive, and can be handled inexpensively by the user in daily use. This favorable manageability of the subject of the invention is supported by the fact that the application device can be moved over the substrate by means of the container, which is also provided by the invention.

It is favorable for the constructive design of the subject matter of the invention if the fluid application surface is arranged in a stationary manner on the application device and in particular is a special component of an application head which, according to a further embodiment of the invention, is fastened to the container, preferably by means of a screw thread connection.

In order to be able to handle the application device equally cheaply and ergonomically both in its position for flat fluid application, in particular adhesive application and in its position for punk linear fluid application, in particular adhesive application, it is also advantageous if the fluid application surface is preferably centrally located in its Surface formed opening in which the fluid discharge channel is movably guided in a manner penetrating the surface. Here, an embodiment of the invention provides that the opening is followed by a channel that extends inside a bearing bushing that forms a guide for the fluid discharge channel into the interior of the application head.

In order to ensure a good seal of the tappet element equipped with a circumferential wall comprising the fluid outlet channel against unintentional and undesired fluid entry from the inside of the application head, the invention provides in a further development that the fluid discharge channel with the outside surface of its tubular peripheral wall is free of play in the opening and / or the channel is guided. The guide can be designed such that the fluid discharge channel is only guided on one side in the opening and / or a molded guide channel.

In order to enable a flat application of fluid, it is advantageous for the formation of the fluid application surface if the fluid application surface is designed as a trough-shaped depression and on the plunger element in the region of the fluid discharge opening of the fluid discharge channel at least one spacer element protruding into the fluid application surface in the second handling position of the application device is arranged, which further provides for the invention. In this case, it is expedient according to the embodiment of the invention if the at least one spacer element as Finn or hemisphere is formed and is arranged on the end face of the peripheral wall. In an advantageous development of the invention, a plurality of spacer elements, preferably uniformly distributed, can also be arranged on the end face of the peripheral wall.

The spring force application of the fluid outlet channel can be implemented in a structurally favorable manner by the spring engaging the force introduction area on the area facing away from the fluid discharge opening, preferably the end, of the circumferential wall and the other end on the inside of the application head or the container or is attached.

In this case, the spring is advantageously arranged directly on the peripheral wall.

For a low overall height, it is advantageous if the spring consists of one or more straight, curved or helical spring arms or is designed as a flat spring element in the form of an elastic membrane. Several elements can also be combined.

The spring can advantageously be produced as a plastic part if it has one or more helical spring arms, which the invention provides in a further development. In this case in particular, an embodiment can be realized which is characterized in that the spring is formed in one piece with the peripheral wall, preferably in the manner of a tappet with an integrated pretensioning spring, in particular injection molded from thermoplastic material. The spring is expediently designed as a compression spring, so that it exerts a compressive force on the circumferential wall in the longitudinal axial direction, which the invention also provides. Alternatively, the spring can also be designed as a helical spring, in which case the invention is characterized in that the spring is a helical spring which engages on the end face of the bearing bush and the peripheral wall on the inside of the application head. Here, a favorable construction can be achieved, in particular with respect to the overall height of the application device, if the spring exerts a tensile force on the peripheral wall in the longitudinal axial direction.

The spring arms are to be formed from elastic material. The spring arms can be straight or curved, but it is also possible to form screw-shaped spring arms. It is also possible to use a flat spring element in the form of a membrane. Different spring elements can also be combined.

In particular in the case of a fluid outlet channel which is formed in a tappet element by means of a peripheral wall and is guided and supported with the peripheral wall in a bearing bush, it is necessary, especially when using the application device for an adhesive, to avoid that in the area between the outer lateral surface of the Circumferential wall and the inside surface of the bearing bushing fluid or adhesive penetrates. If not used, this could otherwise lead to the gluing of these two elements, which would result in the device being inoperative. To avoid this disadvantage and to achieve a safe and reliable sealing of this critical area between the peripheral wall and the bearing bush, the invention provides in a further development that a flexible membrane is formed within the application device, in particular within the application head, which spanned between the peripheral wall surrounding the fluid discharge channel and the inside of the application device, in particular the application head, formed free inner cross-sectional area. In this way, with the exception of the fluid discharge channel, the entire inner cross-sectional area of the application device or of the application head, which otherwise allows the fluid to flow through, except for the The mouth of the fluid outlet channel is sealed and secured against the passage of fluid.

It can be expedient and advantageous if the membrane is designed as a spring. The necessary application of spring force can thus also take place directly through the membrane.

For the desired mode of operation of the application device according to the invention, it is also advantageous, in particular with regard to the sealing provided by play-free guidance of the peripheral wall in the bearing bush, if the spring has a spring force of 0.1 to 5 N, preferably 0.2 to 2 N. has and particularly useful if the spring has a progressively increasing spring characteristic, which the invention also provides. The latter is also particularly advantageous if the application device comprises a closure cap which has a sealing socket which engages in the bearing bush in a sealing manner when the closure cap is placed on the application head, which represents a further development of the application device according to the invention. In this case, due to the progressively increasing spring characteristic curve, a particularly high restoring force arises when the closure cap is in place, which ensures a good seal and which, if the closure cap is removed, may break open fluid bridges, for example adhesive bridges, in the area between the bearing bush and the peripheral wall and thus allows the fluid discharge channel to reach its extended fluid application position. In addition, the end face of the circumferential wall is pressed against the sealing nozzle with a force which seals the fluid discharge opening, which is particularly advantageous in the case of storage of the application device in an overhead position, which is possible according to the embodiment below.

In order to be able to break hardened fluid bridges, for example adhesive bridges, which have occurred in the area of the bearing bush, the invention is distinguished further characterized in that interlocking teeth are formed on the sealing nozzle and in the area of the fluid discharge opening when the closure cap is attached. When the closure cap is removed, for example by means of a rotational movement, the intermeshing teeth achieve a slight rotation of the peripheral wall, which breaks up any hardened fluid bridges.

Finally, the invention provides that the closure cap has a base surface that enables the application device to be stored in the overhead position. The possibility of being able to store the application device in an overhead position between two uses has the advantage that fluid is always present at the fluid discharge opening. In addition, elegant and stylish packaging can be created in this way. In particular, an adhesive application device that can be stored upside down can be realized in this way.

The invention is explained in more detail below using a drawing as an example. This shows in

1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of an application device according to the invention for fluid adhesive in the position for dot-linear ones

Adhesive application,

2 in an enlarged view the area "A" of FIG. 1,

3 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 in the position for flat adhesive application,

4 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 in an upright storage position with an attached closure cap, 5 shows a second embodiment of an application device according to the invention for fluid adhesive in the position for point / line adhesive application,

6 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5 in the position for sheet-like adhesive application,

7 shows a third exemplary embodiment of an application device according to the invention for fluid adhesive in the position for dot-linear adhesive application,

8 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 7 in the position for sheet-like adhesive application and in

Fig. 9 shows the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 in the overhead position with the cap attached.

The exemplary embodiments are application devices 1; 1'; 1 "for liquid or viscous, preferably gel-like and in particular thixotropic adhesive. Therefore, the application devices for such a fluid adhesive as an adhesive application device, the fluid discharge channel 4 as an adhesive discharge channel 4, the fluid discharge opening 7 as an adhesive discharge opening 7, the fluid application surface 16 as an adhesive application surface 16 and the container 18 is referred to as the adhesive container 18. Since the fluid to be applied with the application device of the respective exemplary embodiment is supposed to be adhesive, the term "adhesive" is used and understood in the exemplary embodiment as a synonym for the term "fluid".

In the application device 1; 1'; 1 "fluid to be applied can also be a color, a liquid correction agent Detergents or cleaning agents, especially for stain pretreatment or stain removal, act as a joint sealant or a hair dye. Thus, all fluids, in particular gel-like and preferably thixotropic fluids in the sense of liquids, can be used, which are applied by means of an application device 1; 1'; 1 "should either be applied as a line or as a surface to a substrate.

The adhesive application device, denoted overall by 1, comprises an application head 2 and a plunger element 3 with an adhesive discharge channel 4 formed centrally therein in a longitudinally axially continuous manner 7 of the adhesive discharge channel 4 comprises. On the opposite side, the adhesive discharge channel 4 ends in a disc-shaped end region 8 of the peripheral wall 5. This disc-shaped end region 8 projects beyond the surface 9 of the peripheral wall 5, which surface otherwise forms a cylindrical surface, and forms an annular stop surface 10. Spring arms 12 engage on the side of the disk-shaped end region 8 opposite the stop surface 10, which also forms an annular surface 11. The spring arms 12 are attached to the annular surface 11. The spring arms 12 are fastened to a fastening ring 13 with their second side. The spring arms 12, which are only shown schematically in FIGS. 1 to 6, can be straight, curved or helically rotated spring arms made of elastically deformable plastic, which are injection-molded in one piece with the fastening ring 13 and preferably also the plunger element 3 from a thermoplastic plastic are. The fastening ring 13 is secured against axial displacement on the inside of the application head 2, for example by means of a frictional connection. The plunger element 3 is mounted in a bearing bush 14 projecting into the interior of the application head 2 in the form of a tubular cylinder socket and can be displaced longitudinally axially and is guided over its entire stroke. The bearing bush 14 is in one piece with a wall 15 of the mounting support head 2 formed. In the bearing bush 14, the plunger element 3 is supported without play over its entire stroke, so that even during a movement of the plunger element 3 in the longitudinal axial direction, the outer surface of the circumferential wall 5 always bears against the inner wall of the bearing bush 8 enclosing a through-channel 33. This enables a precise application of adhesive and prevents the penetration of adhesive into this area. The bearing bush 8 is positioned with its passage channel 33 centrally in an adhesive application area 16 formed on the outside of the application head 2, so that the passage channel 33 extends an opening 34 formed centrally in the adhesive application area 16 into the application head 2.

In the position shown in FIG. 1, the spring arms 12 designed as compression spring elements drive or push the plunger element 3 into the bearing bush 14, so that the stop surface 10 of the disk-shaped element 8 comes to rest against the inside end face 23 of the bearing bush 14 , The peripheral wall 5 of the plunger element 3 furthermore has such a longitudinal extent that in this stop position the end face 6 comprising the adhesive dispensing opening 7 projects outward beyond the adhesive application face 16. In this position, the distance between the adhesive application surface 16 and the end surface 6 is preferably approximately 10 mm.

The adhesive application surface 16 is formed on the application head 2 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adhesive discharge channel 4 as a trough-shaped depression. The trough-shaped depression is surrounded by a peripheral edge region 17. The adhesive application surface 16 or the border 17 can be circular, oval, rectangular, square or in some other geometric shape. The only thing that is important is that it has a substantially larger planar extent than the adhesive discharge channel 4 and the end face 6 of the peripheral wall 5 surrounding it. The formation of such an adhesive application surface is of the most varied from the prior art and The specialist is familiar with the products available on the market that enable both flat and point / line adhesive application.

The application head 2 is arranged at the mouth opening of a container 18 that can be grasped and handled by the user with one hand, preferably elastically deformable. The application head 2 is preferably fastened to the container 18 by means of a screw thread formed on its inside, engaging in a counter screw thread formed on the outside of the mouth opening of the container 18. The face of the mouth opening lies in the manner shown in FIG. 1, for example, in the screwed-on position of the application head 2 on the fastening ring 13 and fixes it in its position.

The position shown in FIG. 1 represents the first adhesive dispensing position of the exemplary embodiment of an adhesive application device 1 according to the invention. In this first adhesive application position, the liquid or viscous, in particular gel-shaped, container containing adhesive 18 can pass through the adhesive discharge channel 4 of the plunger element 3 onto the container 18 applied pressure adhesive are conveyed to the adhesive discharge opening 7. Depending on the type of pressure exerted on the container 18 and the movement of the adhesive dispensing device 1 over a substrate, for example a sheet of paper, the adhesive exits the adhesive outlet opening 7 in a line or in a dot or drop shape. A linear application is achieved if, in this first adhesive dispensing position or this first handling position of the adhesive application device 1, the end face 6 of the plunger element 3 or the adhesive dispensing opening 7 of the adhesive outlet channel 4 is moved over the substrate while the pressure exerted uniformly on the container 18. If the pressure is exerted in a pulsating manner in this first adhesive dispensing position or this first handling position of the adhesive application device 1, 4 adhesive drops emerge from the adhesive discharge channel and a punctiform application of adhesive to the substrate is possible. From the first adhesive dispensing position or first handling position of the adhesive application device 1 shown in FIG. 1, the adhesive application device 1 can be moved into the second adhesive dispensing position and the second handling position of the adhesive application device 1 shown in FIG. 3. For this purpose, the user has to move the adhesive application device 1 in its first handling position shown in FIG. 1, for example by grasping it on the container 18 which can be handled with one hand, in the direction of arrow 19 by applying a force counter to the force of the spring arms 12 on the substrate. conditions until the adhesive application surface 16 or the border 17 surrounding it lies on the substrate. This second adhesive dispensing position or second handling position of the adhesive application device 1 is shown in FIG. 3. In this position, the adhesive discharge opening 7 opens at the level of the adhesive application surface 16 and the adhesive application surface 16 can fill with adhesive \. If the adhesive application device 1 with the adhesive application surface 16 is now moved over the substrate, a flat or flat adhesive is applied to the substrate. In order to ensure that adhesive can flow into the trough-shaped recessed adhesive application surface 16 from the adhesive discharge opening 7 of the adhesive outlet channel 4 in this second adhesive discharge position or second handling position, 5 spacer elements 20 are arranged on the end face 6 of the peripheral wall. The spacer elements 20 have a height which corresponds to the height of the border 17, so that in the position of the adhesive application device 1 shown in FIG. 3, the end face 6 ends at the level of the adhesive application surface 16 and adhesive flows into the adhesive application surface 16 between the spacer elements 20 can. The spacer elements 20 are preferably uniformly distributed on the end face 6 and designed as a fin or hemisphere.

As soon as the user ceases to exert pressure or force with the force of the spring arms 12, and the adhesive application device 1 in Moving away from the substrate in the direction of arrow 21, the plunger element 3 is driven by the force of the spring arms 12 and is automatically moved deeper into the bearing bush 14 again until the disk-shaped area 8 strikes with its stop face 10 on the inside end face 23 of the bearing bush 14.

Overall, an adhesive application device 1 is thus created, in which the adhesive discharge channel 4 is arranged and mounted on the application head 2 of the adhesive application device 1 such that it can move relative to the adhesive application surface 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the adhesive discharge channel 4 is movably supported on the adhesive application device 1 by the force of the spring arms 12 in its first adhesive dispensing position in the bearing bush 14 of the application head 2. Contrary to the force of the spring arms 12, the adhesive discharge channel 4 can be brought into its second adhesive dispensing position, shown in FIG. 3. This is done by moving the application head 2 and thus the adhesive application surface 16 with the end surface 6 of the plunger element 3 placed on the substrate in the direction of arrow 19 in the longitudinal axial direction of the glue discharge channel 4 relative to the plunger element 3 and thus bringing the plunger element 3 into its second adhesive dispensing position. From this second adhesive dispensing position of the plunger element 3 shown in FIG. 3, the plunger element 3 or the adhesive material outlet channel 4 is automatically reset or returned to its first adhesive dispensing position shown in FIG. 1 as soon as the user presses the force Adhesive applicator 1 lifts off the substrate. Here, the spring force of the spring arms 12 is dimensioned sufficiently high to allow the user to move the adhesive application device 1 in the adhesive dispensing position shown in FIG. 1, with one hand grasping the container 18, possibly also in a pushing direction of movement over a substrate, without the plunger element 3 moves in the direction of the container 18 into the adhesive application device 1. The force of the spring 12, which comprises the spring arms 12 and is therefore provided with the same reference symbol overall, and the spiral spring 22 according to the embodiment 7 to 9 is 0.1 to 5 N, in particular 0.2 to 2 N. Here, the spring characteristic of the springs 12, 22 is designed to increase progressively, so that they are shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 7 first adhesive dispensing positions of the adhesive discharge channel 4 exert their greatest compressive force (in the spring 12) or tensile force (in the spring 22).

The springs 12 and 22 each engage at one end with their force introduction area on the disk-shaped end area 8 of the peripheral wall 5 and are mounted on the application head 2 with their other end. In the case of the spring 12, this takes place by means of the fastening ring 13 and the spring 22 lies with its other end directly on the end face 23 of the bearing bush 14 on the inside of the application head. Here, the spring 22 is fastened to the end face 23 and the end region 8 in such a way that it can exert a tensile force.

To store the adhesive supply in a non-use position, a closure cap 24 is placed or screwed onto the adhesive application device 1. In the cap 24, a sealing piece 25 is formed, which in the attached position of the cap 24 sealingly engages in the opening 34 of the adhesive application surface 16 and the through channel 33 of the bearing bush 14 and thereby the plunger element 3 according to its longitudinal extension against the force of the spring 12 or 22 displaced into a position within the channel 33 or the guide of the bearing bush 14, in which the end face 6 of the peripheral wall 5 is still within the through-channel 33 of the bearing bush 14. In this position, a sealing mandrel 26, which is formed centrally on the sealing socket 25, engages in the adhesive discharge channel 4 in a sealing manner. Overall, the interior of the container 18 is thus sealed against air entry. In order to facilitate the introduction of the sealing socket 25 into the opening or the through-channel 33 of the bearing bush 14 and the introduction of the sealing dome 26 into the adhesive discharge opening 7 of the adhesive discharge channel 4, they can have chamfered chamfers in their upper areas. At the designated with arrows 27 and 28 th places can be formed on the sealing stub 25 and the adjacent region of the bearing bush 14 and / or on the sealing stub 25 and the adjacent end face 26 of the peripheral wall 5 not shown serrations which engage when the cap 24 is placed on the adhesive application device 1. When loosening, in particular unscrewing, the closure cap 24 from the adhesive application device 1, these teeth then cause a slight twisting or torsion of the tappet element 3 or the bearing bush 14, as a result of which any hardened adhesive bridges which have formed in this area are broken up.

The further exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 5 to 9 will be discussed below, identical or similar elements being provided with identical reference numerals in all FIGS. 1 to 9 in all embodiments.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show an adhesive application device, generally designated 1 ', which essentially corresponds in all its components to the adhesive application device 1 and has an identical mode of operation. In contrast to the adhesive application device 1, the adhesive application device 1 ′ has an elastic, flexible membrane 29. The relatively thin membrane 29 is fastened on the one hand to the disk-shaped end region 8 as an extension of the stop surface 10 and on the other hand to the fastening ring 13. Overall, the membrane 29 thus spans the free inner cross-sectional area otherwise present below the fastening ring 13 within the application head 2. This prevents any adhesive from penetrating into the area below the side 30 of the membrane 29. Overall, in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 5 and 6, the free inner cross-sectional area present inside the application head 2, which is otherwise present between the peripheral wall 5 surrounding the adhesive outlet channel 4 and the inside of the application head 2, is flow-tightly sealed against adhesive entry. This design has the advantage that the storage of the plunger 3 in the bearing bush 14 no longer has to be free of play, since the membrane 29 prevents the adhesive from entering this critical area and there is no need for a seal in this area. In addition, this has the advantage that the membrane 29 acts as a spring element in a corresponding configuration and supports the compressive force of the spring 12 in the first adhesive application position or the first handling position of the adhesive application device 1 '.

The application device 1 "shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 differs from the application device 1 'shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in that, instead of the spring arms 12, a spiral or coil spring 22 is supported which exerts a tensile force on the tappet element in the longitudinal axial direction 3. In addition, in this exemplary embodiment, the membrane 29 is arranged on the annular surface 11 of the disk-shaped end region 8 of the plunger element 3. This embodiment has the particular advantage that the spring 22 is arranged in a region that remains adhesive-free there is no impairment of the function of the spring 22 by adhesive. In the embodiment 1 ", the plunger element 3 is against and while overcoming the force of the flat spring 29 and the tension spring 22 from its first adhesive dispensing position (FIG. 7) to its second adhesive dispensing position ( Fig. 8) bringable.

Another difference is that the closure cap 24 has a base surface 31, so that the adhesive application device 1 ″ can be stored in the overhead position shown in FIG. 9.

Furthermore, in the closure cap having the base area 31 according to FIG. 9, small troughs 32 shown in dashed lines in the sealing connector 25 are formed in an arrangement and configuration analogous to the spacer elements 20, so that these troughs 32 take up the spacer elements 20 when the closure cap 24 is attached. The result of this is that the end face 6 is then flat rests on the corresponding outer surface of the sealing socket 25. At the same time, this embodiment forms a toothed region identified by the arrow 28.

In the exemplary embodiments described above, the springs 12 consist of straight helical spring arms 12 and the spring 22 is designed as a helical spring. But it is also possible to resiliently support the tappet element 3 by means of an annular spring, a plate spring, stacked, also stacked plate springs, in particular the latter also in the form of a bellows, or one or more leaf springs and other conceivable types of springs.

The helical spring arms 12 used and the tension spring 22 are distinguished by a particularly low overall height. The individual components, i.e. H. the application head 2, the plunger element 3 including the spring arms 12 and the fastening ring 13 as well as the container 18 and also the spring 22 can be injection molded from a thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene. In particular if a membrane 29 is provided, it can advantageously consist of polypropylene. For the springs 12 and 22 and the membrane 29, other materials than plastic, for example metals, rubber, silicones or similar elastic spring materials, can also be used.

In particular, the membrane 29 can be sufficiently firm and designed as a spring. In a manner not shown, for example in an embodiment according to FIGS. 5 and 6, the spring arms 12 can be integrated.

In the embodiments having a membrane 29, a ventilation opening penetrating the wall 15 can be formed below the space of the application head 2 covered by the membrane underside 30, for example as a bore, in order to provide a ventilation opening in this area To enable membrane caused ventilation. In this case, the air in this area has a kind of shock absorber effect.

For the sealing mounting of the application device in a sealing cap, the sealing socket 25 can also be formed in a trough-shaped recess in the sealing cap 24, so that in the closed or storage position the plunger element 3 protrudes beyond the adhesive application surface 16 - approximately halfway between it in the figures 1 and 3 shown position - comes in sealing cap with the sealing socket 25. This leads to a gentler rest position of the spring arms 12, since in such a storage position a lower counterforce acts against the prestressed spring arms 12 than in the storage position, as is shown, for example, in FIG. 4.

Even if only the resilient mounting of the plunger element 3 having the application channel 4 is shown in the exemplary embodiment, it is also possible instead to resiliently mount the application surface 16 on an application head. It is also possible to resiliently mount both the adhesive application surface and the adhesive discharge channel.

LIST OF REFERENCES

, 1 ', 1 "application device

gun

follower member

Fluid or adhesive discharge channel

peripheral wall

face

Fluid or adhesive discharge opening disc-shaped end region

Surface 0 stop surface 1 ring surface 2 spring arm; Spring 3 mounting ring 4 bearing bush 5 wall 6 fluid or adhesive application surface 7 border 8 container 9 arrow 0 spacer 1 arrow 2 spring 3 end surface 4 sealing cap 5 sealing socket 6 sealing mandrel 7 toothing gearing

membrane

Membrane underside

stand area

trough

Through channel

opening

Claims

claims

1. Application device (1; 1 '; 1 ") for the optional application of a liquid or viscous, in particular gel-like, fluid, in particular adhesive, in punctiform / linear or flat form to a substrate with a fluid application surface (16) which enables a flat application a fluid discharge channel (4) that can be moved or brought longitudinally axially into a fluid dispensing position that enables a punctiform or linear application, characterized in that the fluid discharge duct (4) as part of a tappet element against the fluid application surface (16) is spring-loaded from a first fluid dispensing position in a second fluid delivery position is movable or can be brought, and the fluid discharge channel (4) is held in its first fluid delivery position against the fluid application surface (16) by the force of a spring element (12; 22; 29) and in this by the force of a spring (12; 22; 29) driven resettable and counter to the force the spring (12; 22; 29) can be moved or brought into its second fluid delivery position, the fluid discharge channel

(4) is movably guided on the application head (2) in a bearing bush (14) located on the inside of the application device.

2. Application device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first fluid delivery position enables the punctiform or linear fluid application and the second fluid delivery position enables the flat fluid application.

3. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the fluid discharge channel (4) in its first fluid discharge position protrudes at least with its fluid discharge opening (7) from the surface of the fluid application surface (16) and into its second fluid discharge position with the fluid discharge opening (7) located essentially at the level of the fluid application surface (16) is.

4. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application device (1; 1 '; 1 ") in a first handling position with the fluid discharge channel (4) held by the spring force in its first fluid delivery position when the plunger element (3) is placed on the substrate. is movable over the substrate.

5. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application device (1; 1 '; 1' ") in a second handling position with the fluid discharge channel (4) moved or brought against the spring force into its second fluid delivery position with onto the substrate attached fluid application surface (16) is movable over the substrate.

6. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application device (1; 1 '; 1 ") and the fluid discharge channel (4) in its first fluid delivery position on the plunger element (3) by a on the substrate the aligned movement of the application device (1; 1 '; 1 ") can be moved or brought into its respective second handling position or second fluid dispensing position.

7. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the fluid application surface (16) lies essentially flat on the substrate in the second handling position of the application device (1; 1 '; 1 ") and in the second fluid delivery position of the fluid discharge channel (4).

8. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid discharge channel (4) automatically moves into its first fluid delivery position when the fluid application surface (16) is lifted from the substrate by the force of the spring element (12; 22; 29).

9. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application device (1; 1 '; 1 ") comprises a preferably elastically deformable container (18) which can be handled by the user with one hand.

10. Applicator according to claim 9, characterized in that it can be moved over the substrate by means of the container (18).

11. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid application surface (16) is arranged stationary on the application device (1; 1 '; 1 ").

12. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid application surface (16) is part of an application head (2).

13. Applicator according to claim 12, characterized in that that the application head (2) is fastened to the container (18), preferably by means of a screw thread connection.

14. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid application surface (16) has a preferably centrally formed in its surface opening (34) as a bearing bush (14) to which as a guide of the fluid discharge channel (4) an inside the Application head (2) extending channel (33) connects, in which the fluid discharge channel (4) is movably guided in a manner penetrating the surface.

15. Application device according to claim 14, characterized in that the fluid discharge channel (4) with the outer lateral surface of its tubular peripheral wall (5) without play in the opening (34) and / or the channel

(33) is performed.

16. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid application surface (16) is designed as a trough-shaped depression and on the plunger element (3) in the region of the fluid discharge opening (7) of the fluid discharge channel (4) at least one in the second handling position of the application device (1; 1 '; 1 ") is arranged in the fluid application surface (16) protruding spacer element (20).

17. Applicator according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one spacer element (20) is designed as a fin or hemisphere and is arranged on the end face (6) of the peripheral wall (5).

18. Applicator according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that a plurality of spacer elements (20), preferably uniformly distributed, are arranged on the end face (6) of the peripheral wall (5).

19. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that within the application device (1; 1 '; 1 "), in particular within the application head (2), a flexible membrane (29) is formed, which between the fluid discharge channel ( 4) surrounding circumferential wall (5) and the inside of the application device (1; V; 1 "), in particular the application head (2), spanned free inner cross-sectional area.

20. Applicator according to claim 19, characterized in that the membrane (29) is designed as a spring.

21. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (12; 22; 29) engages at one end with its force introduction area on the area facing away from the fluid discharge opening (7), preferably the end, of the peripheral wall (5) and with its other end is mounted on the container (18) or the application head (2).

22. Applicator according to claim 21, characterized in that the spring (12; 22; 29) is arranged directly on the peripheral wall (5).

23. Application device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the spring (12; 29) one or more curved or helical

Has spring arms (12).

24. Applicator according to claim 21 to 23, characterized in that the spring (12; 29) is formed in one piece with the peripheral wall (5), preferably in the manner of a plunger (3) with an integrated biasing spring, in particular is injection molded from thermoplastic material.

25. Applicator according to one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the spring (12; 29) exerts a compressive force on the peripheral wall (5) in the longitudinal axial direction.

26. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (22) is a helical spring which acts on the end face (23) on the inside of the application head, the bearing bush (14) and the peripheral wall (5).

27. Applicator according to claim 26, characterized in that the spring (22) exerts a tensile force on the peripheral wall (5) in the longitudinal axial direction.

28. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (12; 22; 29) has a spring force of 0.1 to 5 N, preferably 0.2 to 2 N.

29. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (12; 22; 29) has a progressively increasing spring characteristic.

30. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a closure cap (24) which has a sealing socket (25) which engages sealingly in the bearing bush (14) when the closure cap (24) is placed on the application head (2) ,

31. Applicator according to claim 30, characterized in that interlocking teeth (27, 28) are formed on the sealing nozzle (25) and in the region of the fluid discharge opening (7) when the closure cap (24) is attached.

32. Application device according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the closure cap (24) supports the bearing of the application device (1;

1'; 1 ") in the overhead position enabling base surface (31).