Applicator device and method of filling concealed cavities with adhesives or sealants

Technical field

0001The invention relates to an application apparatus and a method for the Filling of gaps with adhesives or sealants.

State of the art

0002The filling gaps, particularly narrow gaps, with a Sealant or adhesive is very difficult, especially when the gap as possible is to be filled completely clean. If the gap is accessible, is in the Practice of adhesive or sealant in excess, typically by means of a Nozzle, is applied to a gap which is pressed into the gap and then the excess by means of a spatula or a slot die stripped. Since the excess sealant or adhesive often difficult to completely of the surface is to be removed, that is, without impurities remain, so the gap edges are often with adhesive tape covered.

0003A disadvantage of this method is, however, that the gap for the Application of the adhesive, the filling with a spatula and the mounting the cover tape must be accessible. Therefore, this method can not - can be applied or very bad 'if the gap to be filled is obscured. However, there are various cases in the art where such gaps must be bonded or sealed. For example, this may be at the industrial production of an article or at a subsequent repair be needed.

0004This problem of accessibility to prevent filling gap, is often the assembly designed so that the adhesive in front of the Assembly is applied to one of the project partners. this happens typically in the form of an adhesive bead. However, this method involves the Problem in that the adhesive after the assembly through which the Joining resulting gap either does not completely fill or that too much adhesive is present, so that it swells out of the column.

0005A clean backfill is very important if one hand the Sticking- or sealing point is visible. This is for example the case if at least one of the project partners is transparent.

0006On the other hand, it makes sense for economic reasons that the Adhesive or sealant is applied only where it really is required, that is only in the gap is present.

0007A typical recordable for this type of bonding or sealing is to see the construction of windows and doors.

Summary of the Invention

0008Object of the present invention, it was an application device, or a method for filling covert Füllspalten to at the disposal of the overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and allows easy and fast to produce clean stuffed Füllspalten.

0009It has surprisingly been found that this by a Application device is in accordance with claim 1, made possible.

0010Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for Filling of covert Füllspalten with adhesives or sealants, in which the supply line of application equipment in the Feeding gap is inserted, the temporary means for at least Sealing the Füllspaltes in contact with at least one edge, in particular are brought into contact with both edges of Füllspaltes, then the adhesive or sealant through the supply conduit and the opening in the Filling gap is pressed, and the feed line and the means lateral to the Filling gap is pulled along. The invention further provides a The article of claim 16. Further advantageous embodiments of the The invention result from the dependent claims.

0011The inventive application device and method, it is enables hidden columns simple and clean to fill and ensure that the columns are tightly bonded and / or.

Brief Description of Drawing

0012Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments the invention described in greater detail. The same elements are in different Figures with the same reference numerals. The direction of flow Media is indicated by arrows. Show it:<dl tsize="7"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a partial cross section through the arrangement applicator / supply gap / filling gap before pressing the adhesive or Sealant;</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>a partial cross section through the feed gap / Füllspalts by the pressing of the adhesive or sealant;</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>a partial plan view on the plane A of the Füllspaltes:<ul><li>Fig. 3a) at the start of filling</li><li>Figure 3b) during the backfilling.</li></ul></dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>a partial cross section through the arrangement applicator / supply gap / filling gap before pressing the adhesive or Sealant, in one embodiment with an inclined Access gap;</dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>a partial cross section through an arrangement applicator / ZuführungsspaldFüllspalt before pressing the adhesive or Sealant, not in an embodiment with one on the base the feed gap lying filling gap;</dd><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>Partial views of an application device in various Embodiments Fig. 6a) and Fig. 6b) as well as Fig. 6c), a Partial cross-section along the plane XX; </dd><dt>Fig. 7</dt><dd>Partial views of an application device in various Embodiments Fig. 7a) and Fig. 7b), and Fig. 7c) a Partial cross-section along the plane XX;</dd><dt>Fig. 8</dt><dd>a partial cross section through the arrangement applicator / supply gap / filling gap before pressing the adhesive or Sealant one embodiment connected to support surface with the feed line;</dd><dt>Fig. 9</dt><dd>a partial cross section through the arrangement applicator / Zuführungsspait / Füitspatt before pressing the adhesive or Sealant with an embodiment Führung.und bearing surface connected to the guide;</dd><dt>Fig. 10</dt><dd>Partial views of one embodiment of an application device . 10A) and 10b) a partial cross section taken along the plane XX;</dd><dt>Fig. 11</dt><dd>a partial cross section through the arrangement applicator / supply gap / filling gap before pressing the adhesive or Sealant, in one embodiment for filling two Füllspalten;</dd><dt>Fig. 12</dt><dd>a partial cross section through an embodiment of glued window;</dd><dt>Fig. 13</dt><dd>a partial cross-section through a further embodiment of a glued window;</dd><dt>Fig. 14</dt><dd>a schematic plan view of an arrangement Washer / frame after bonding.</dd></dl>

0013There are only for the immediate understanding of the invention substantially Elements shown. Not shown are, for example, static mixer, adhesives or sealant-promoting devices -Dosiergeräte or control devices.

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT OF THE INVENTION

0014The present invention relates to a device for the application Filling of covert Füllspalten with adhesives or sealants. This Application device comprises a feed line, which partly in a Feed aperture is arranged. Furthermore, this supply line a Opening, which is substantially in the direction of filling gap and means for at least temporary seal on the Füllspaltes. The planes of the Supply line and that of Füllspaltes stand here at an angle α to each other.

0015Under "filling gap" is used throughout the present specification, too understood verfüllender gap.

0016The term "feeding gap" is one in the entire present document, understood gap which delimits by the edge of the filling gap Material and the filling gap covering material is formed and in wherein the supply line for the adhesive or sealant at its Application is disposed at least partially.

0017"Overlap" Under is hereby understood that a body of Filling gap is disposed, but not in direct contact with the Füllspaltkante stands, and is separated by this through the feed gap.

0018Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for Filling of covert Füllspalten with adhesives or sealants, in which the supply line of application equipment in the Feeding gap is inserted, the temporary means for at least Sealing the Füllspaltes in contact with at least one edge, in particular are brought into contact with both edges of Füllspaltes then the adhesive or sealant through the supply conduit and the opening in the Filling gap is pressed, and the feed line and the means lateral to the Filling gap is pulled along.

0019Figure 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a concealed filling gap 1, which from a first 11 and a second 12 Füllspaltpartner is limited and has a width and a depth e f. In feed gap 3 the width d a feed line 2 is introduced. The supply line 2 has an opening 4, optionally a feed line end surface 17, and means 5 for at least temporary sealing, the side of the Supply line are attached. The level A of the Füllspaltes 1 and the Level B of the supply line 2 in this case form an angle to one another α. The plane A is taken precisely by longitudinal and depth direction of Füllspaltes be defined in the opening to be filled while the plane B through the longitudinal direction of the feed gap and the mean Longitudinal axis of the supply line is defined within the range of Füllspaltes.

0020The angle α typically has an absolute value between 45 and 135 degrees, in particular between 60 and 120 degrees, on. Preference Values ​​of α between 80 and 100 degrees. Particularly preferably, the Angle α of about 90 degrees.

0021Typical columns are those perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the have in Figure 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11, partial cross-sections illustrated.

0022The filling gap is preferably limited in depth. This can be done a sealing lip take place 9, which from the material of the first or second Füllspaltpartners is or represents a different material, in particular a sealing lip of an elastic material such as rubber, EPDM or other thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Such Sealing lip can be glued or embedded in a groove. The However, the sealing lip can also be a part of a Füllspaltpartners, ie that this Füllspaltpartner already has such a sealing lip, so that Füllstoffpartner and sealing lip are integral. For example, let be such integral components by extrusion or milling to achieve.

0023The gap width e of the Füllspaltes is, in particular in Contact area between supply line 2 and filling gap 1 a value between 0.1 to 10 mm, particularly between 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably 1-3 mm.

0024The Füllspaltpartner 11 and 12 may be of the same material, be or made of different materials. In addition to these his partner in one piece, that means that the Füllspaltpartner with each other are directly connected. In one embodiment, the filling gap 1 except of the gap opening in Füllspaltkante 16, full of this Füllspaltpartner surrounded. In this case, no sealing lip 9 is present. An example of this embodiment, a gap in a covert Concrete wall or a rock. Exemplary materials of the Füllstoffpartner are mineral glasses, ceramics, metals such as aluminum, Steel or brass or plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, ABS, EPDM, PMMA, GRP, PP, PE, Thermoplastic Polyurethanes, cured Polyurethanes, epoxy resins or (meth) acrylates or Kunststoffkompositwerkstoffen, or natural materials such as wood, stone, rock or materials based on cement, such as mortar, concrete or clay-like brick or Bricks. Preferred materials of Füllstoffpartner are PVC, Aluminum, glass or Kunststoffkompositwerkstoffe. Preferably, the filling gap is bounded by two different materials. Particularly preferred at least one of the filling gap limiting material glass.

0025The feed gap 3 has, at least at the level of Füllspaltes 1, d a gap width between 1 mm and 10 cm, in particular between 2 mm and 5 cm, preferably between 2 mm and 1 cm.

0026The supply line is provided with a adhesive or sealant delivery device connected. This can be a caulking gun or a its pumping system. If it is the adhesive is a two-component Adhesive is, are mixed these two components, in particular by means of a static mixer. These elements are for simplicity not shown in the figures. The adhesive or sealant passes through the in the supply conduit and through the opening 4, which in the direction Füllspaltes is directed, in the filling gap where it flows until it reaches the entire section did. To make this possible, the dense Means 5 at this time the areas of the Füllspaltes that immediately adjacent to the opening are, from temporarily. Such a seal is not as absolutely to consider, but it is usually done by pressing a the means 5 at least one Füllspaltkante. In one embodiment of the Invention, the means 5 for sealing of an elastic material manufactured which are designed such that the means 5 a steady pressure on may exercise the Füllspaltkante. With such means, for example, also a backfilling around corners and edges around possible as example occur in the window or door construction in the bonding of glazing.

0027Figure 2 shows a container filled with sealant or adhesive 6 filling gap, after the application device has been removed. The adhesive includes this preferably the gap flush with the Füllspaltkante 16th Preferably, the Filling gap is completely filled, in particular when a sealing lip 9 is available. However, it is certainly also cases be present in where the filling gap is not completely filled. This is particularly the Case when the columns are very deep and it is technically necessary, the filling gap not to completely fill. Preferably located in the supply gap no or no substantial quantities of adhesive or sealant. However, it may well be cases where this supply gap adhesive exists, or it is even filled. In such cases, the adhesive or Sealant be applied in a conventional manner into the feed gap.

0028The adhesive or sealant 6 is typically based on a base of a reactive polymer and can be elastic in the cured state deform. Furthermore, such an adhesive or sealant is preferably a good adhesion to the filling gap to the one delimiting materials 11 and 12, in particular without use of a primer or a anderwärtigen chemical or physical pre-treatment method.

0029Further preferably, the adhesive or sealant 6 is filled and has a thixotropic behavior.

0030Examples of such adhesives or sealants are moisture-6 component polyurethane adhesives and sealants. are especially well suited For example, different types of the series of Sikaflex® -Kleb- and Sealants (available commercially from Sika Switzerland AG, Zurich) or two-component adhesives or sealants based on (meth) acrylates, especially those of SikaFast® series (available commercially from Sika Switzerland AG, Zurich), or as they are known from WO 02/070620, known.

0031Figure 3 shows a partial plan view on the plane A of the Füllspaltes and in the amount of Füllspaltes. Through the opening 4 in the supply line 2, flows of the adhesive or sealant 6 in the filling gap. Furthermore, seal the means 5 the gap temporarily, and does so by making the surface of the contours Füllspaltes 1 bear. This is in particular achieved in that the means 5 can be deformed and with a contact pressure on the Füllspaltkante 16 or the Füllspaltkanten 16 rest. The adhesive or sealant spreads in Filling gap slowly and filled the filling gap at the desired depth. A lateral displacement of applicator along the Füllspaltkante the feed gap and pressing the adhesive or sealant the entire filling gap is clean filled in the desired manner.

0032The displacement and the pressing can gradually or continuously. It is preferred that these two process steps carried out continuously and the speed of the dimensions Füllspaltes and are matched to the degree of filling of the Füllspaltes. A continuous shift, for example, by a Drive device carried. Such driving device may be Circumstances by coupling with the extrusion volume of the adhesive or Sealant for examples with the aid of computer hardware and Software controlled.

0033Figure 4 shows in a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which the feed gap is inclined. The plane C of the feed gap defined strictly speaking is the longitudinal direction of the Supply gap and average depth direction of the feed gap. The average depth direction in turn bisecting the opening angle formed by the edges of the feed gap is formed. The geometry of the Feed line, at least in the area of ​​Füllspaltes, is preferably the Geometry of the arrangement supply gap / filling gap adjusted. A possible Such an adjustment is shown in FIG. 4 Another example of a Such an adaptation would by adapting the shape of the obtain feed line to the feed gap flank geometry.

0034It is clear to the expert that the case shown in Figure 4 is merely an example of inclined feeding column. The edges of the Supply gap can form different angles. ever greater than the opening angle of the feed gap, the less is, however, covers is typically the filling gap. Typically, this is the Feeding flanks formed opening angle is not more than 60 °, preferably not more than 45 °, more preferably it is less than 20 °.

0035Thus, with the Füllspaltebene A feeding nip plane forms a C Angle β. This angle β typically has an absolute value 45-135 degrees, in particular between 60 and 120 degrees, on. Preferred values ​​for β are between 80 and 100 degrees. particular preference the angle β of about 90 degrees.

0036In particularly preferred cases, corresponds to the angle β in substantially to the angle α.

0037In an analogous manner may be the case even when filling gap that the flanks of which are arranged non-parallel.

0038It is to the skilled man to be understood that the gap edges not have to be flat, but also from that shown in the figures Planarity may vary more or less. Such deviations can be specifically introduced or through the material of the gap Partner or due process steps in their production and processing be.

0039Figure 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which is not the filling gap at the bottom of the feed gap. here, the problem that the adhesive or sealant material is not at the end of Supply line can be pressed into the filling gap, because of the filling gap higher than the base of the feed gap. In this embodiment, the opening is not directly at the end of the supply line, but set back by a distance which preferably the height of the offset the basic lines of filling and supply gap corresponds.

0040Figure 6a and 6b each show partial views of a Application device of various exemplary embodiments. The Means 5 can have different embodiments. An advantage of individual configuration of applicator, the opening of 4 triangular, rectangular or circular or ellipses-segment-like shape. Especially advantageous is the maximum amount corresponding to the opening 4 of the Gap width of Füllspaltes 1 in the contact area between supply line 2 and filling gap 1. Further, the means 5 preferably higher than the opening 4 configured. The means 5 may be the side of the supply line 2, or if -As present example in Figure 9 dargestellt- on the guide 7, to be appropriate. they are advantageously aligned in the direction of filling gap with the Additional line attached. The means 5 can in two parts as shown in Figure 6 or 7 be attached to the accessory line 2 or Channel 7, but can also be made in one piece and also the area above the opening 4 or 8 with include. Thereby an optimal sealing is guaranteed. furthermore , the means 5 to preferably a platy and / or wing-like shape, are advantageously made of a highly elastic material. In certain Embodiments, the means 5 of the same material as the Supply line 2 or the guide 7 is made. The width of the means 5 is selected such that the filling gap 1 preferably by the means 5 in a Length of more than twice the depth of the Füllspaltes (1) is sealed. Figure 6 c shows a partial cross section along the plane XX of Figure 6 a or 6 b. The application device may end the supply line an end face have 17 or not. If no feed pipe-end surface 17 is present, it is advantageous that the walls of the supply line 2 are made sufficiently stable, so that a pressure between, on the base the supply gap lying, wall and the base of the Feed gap can be applied, whereby at least temporary seal. This prevents that the adhesive or Sealant below the feed line oozes out and the Supply gap dirty. Supplied with columns whose basic uneven is designed or rough, is the presence of a supply line end face advantageous. Furthermore, this end surface may be made of a material be made or coated with such a, what good is a Sliding properties.

0041The supply line is typically at least in the area the supply gap from a rigid material, in particular of a Plastic or metal.

0042The cross-section of the feed line is at least in the region which in the direct contact with the adhesive or sealant is preferably oval or circular, especially in the area outside the feed gap, or rectangular. The outer cross section of the supply line is preferably in the substantially circular, in particular in the region outside of the Supply gap, or rectangular. Especially in the field of Füllspaltes is the external form highly dependent on the configuration of the means for temporary seal. If this example is not above the extend opening 4 it is important that in this area the outer mold is adapted to the contour of the gap edge.

0043Figures 7a, 7b and 7c show examples of the configuration of a Application equipment in the field filling gap, if the reason of Feed gap 3 is lower than the lower edge of the Füllspaltes 1, applies to an arrangement according to FIG 5. In this case also the above for Figures 6a, b and c predicted.

0044Figure 8 shows a partial cross section of another embodiment an application device. In this embodiment, the supply line 2 connected to a support surface 10 directly and is on the verge of Feed gap 3 or in its vicinity. This bearing surface 10 is advantageously extended in the longitudinal direction of the feed gap 3 and has the Function of a stop. In this bearing surface 10, a driving device to be available. For example, such a drive apparatus a wheel, a roller, a roller or ball bearings include. Advantageously, one such drive device also includes a motor, which moves the applicator in the feed gap. This movement takes place, as already mentioned, advantageously coupled to the supply amount of the Adhesive or sealant.

0045In Figure 9, another aspect is shown, which both Application devices may find application 10 with or without support surface: This embodiment comprises a feed line which by a rigid guide is 7 surrounded. This guidance is in particular of a manufactured millable plastic or metal and has in the region of the opening 4 the supply line is also an opening 8. For example, this a Teflon tube 2 in a guide 7 of aluminum or Plexiglas represent, the guide 7 for example, a tube or a block with a represents on the hose 2 matched bore. This variant is advantageous because the hose is very easy to replace after use and therefore, with frequent use of applicator from financial reasons an advantageous embodiment of the invention.

0046Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of an application device . In this embodiment, the means 5 are integrated part of the guide 7. It is possible that they are up outside the feed gap 3 extend. For example, can be such an embodiment of a Create a block of rectangular cross section, in which a bore for Receiving the supply line 2, in particular a hose 2 drilled and an opening 8 is milled. The channel for accommodating the Supply line 2 in the guide 7 can end the guide 7 also angled or round. Such bending or rounding has the Advantage that, for example, a flexible tube can be used, be introduced which, after cutting into the bore of the guide can, what the elimination of an additional step, namely the Attaching a lateral opening in the tube leads. In a preferred Embodiment, this tube of Teflon or polyethylene or Polypropylene manufactured. Instead of the subsequent hole, the guide 7 also produced such that the guide 7 by casting process, in particular injection molding or RTM process are prepared in which already in this casting process, the recess for the feed line in the mold is provided.

0047Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of an application device. In this embodiment, the same two Füllspalten 1 filled by adhesive or sealant. 6 The supply line 2 is controlled by the Feed gap 3 introduced. The supply line 2 or the guide 7 have means 5 for sealing both Füllspalten. Typically the application device has each separate sealing means for both columns 5. The supply line 2, and the optional guide 7 have two openings 4, which are oriented to the Füllspalten 1 side. The height, shape and cross-sectional area of ​​the respective opening is to the Dimensions and location of Füllspalten toward each determined. Advantageous these parameters are determined so that both simultaneously and Füllspalten can be completely filled.

0048Figure 12 and Figure 13 respectively show cross-sections through part Embodiments of bonded windows or doors, which a with have adhesive concealed filling gap. This embodiments particularly preferred embodiments of the invention represents. The first Füllspaltpartner 11 is in this case formed by a frame 11 '. This Frame may be of metal, such as aluminum, plastic or wood consist. The frame material in turn may be coated or chemically be treated. The second Füllspaltpartner 12 is in this case by a disc, in particular 'is formed by an insulating glass pane 12th The insulating glass pane typically comprises two, possibly three, glass panes 12 " Spacer 13, and an insulating seal 14. The insulating glass pane can cantilevered bonded or covered by a frame, be configured. Particularly preferred are "flush glazing" embodiments in which the Disc are flush glued to the frame.

0049Such a window or a door, for example, by a A method, as follows beschieben be prepared. At a lying Frame 11 'is an insulating glass pane 12' placed so that the disc on a sealing lip 9, which may also be integrated in the frame (see FIG. Fig. 13), and rests by the weight of the disc 12 ', sealing of the Füllspaltes between gap between the frame 11 'and plate 12' is carried out.

0050However, it is also quite possible, additional contact pressure of Disc 12 'to put on sealing lip 9, such as vacuum or other means of application such as clamps, clamps or hydraulic pressure means, whereby the glass panes are not in a horizontal orientation is limited.

0051Through the feed gap 3, the supply line 2 is the Application device inserted. The mounted on the supply line 2 Means 5 seal the filling gap. This is followed by a pressing of the Adhesive under lateral displacement of the Applikatiorisgeräts Supply gap. This ensures that the one part of the filling gap is completely filled and the other part of the feed gap 3 substantially remains free of adhesive and that the adhesive is not between sealing lip 9 and disc 12 'is pushed out. When in the application, as schematically shown for example in Figure 14, arrived in a corner 18 is, either the adhesive supply can be interrupted, the Supply line are removed from the feed gap, moving to the corner and are rotated by 90 ° and re-introduced into the feed gap, and the pressing of the adhesive to be continued. The process filling the Füllspaltes and then adjusted thixotropy of Adhesive conditionally, may thanks to this type of backfill generally a proper filling of the gap will reach around corners. In a Embodiment with especially strong andrückenden and elastic means 5 for Sealing is the removal of the supply line 2 upon reaching the corner 18 unnecessary. There is now sufficient longer simply turning the Supply line 2 in the corner 18 such that by this type a Sealing is achieved around the corner and an additional advantage Interrupting the adhesive supply is no longer necessary. Thereby, the Application process faster and more economically.

0052The skilled person will appreciate that to the figures 1 to 14 emitted remarks, except where this is expressly stated, not are limited to these figures. In particular, will enable certain aspects also combined.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

0053<dl tsize="3" compact="compact"><dt>1</dt><dd>filling gap</dd><dt>2</dt><dd>feed pipe</dd><dt>3</dt><dd>supply gap</dd><dt>4</dt><dd>Opening in the feed pipe</dd><dt>5</dt><dd>Means for sealing</dd><dt>6</dt><dd>Adhesive or sealant</dd><dt>7</dt><dd>guide</dd><dt>8th</dt><dd>Opening lead</dd><dt>9</dt><dd>sealing lip</dd><dt>10</dt><dd>bearing surface</dd><dt>11</dt><dd>first Füllspaltpartner</dd><dt>11 '</dt><dd>frame</dd><dt>12</dt><dd>second Füllspaltpartner</dd><dt>12 '</dt><dd>disc</dd><dt>12 "</dt><dd>Glass</dd><dt>13</dt><dd>spacer</dd><dt>14</dt><dd>insulating seal</dd><dt>15</dt><dd>drive means</dd><dt>16</dt><dd>Füllspaltkante</dd><dt>17</dt><dd>Feed line-end face</dd><dt>18</dt><dd>corner</dd><dt>A</dt><dd>Füllspaltebene</dd><dt>B</dt><dd>Feed line level</dd><dt>C</dt><dd>Supply gap plane</dd><dt>d</dt><dd>Width of the feed gap 3</dd><dt>e</dt><dd>Width of 1 Füllspalts</dd><dt>f</dt><dd>Depth of Füllspalts 1</dd></dl>