Set for Processing a Light-Curing Material

Abstract

A set for dispensing and processing a light-curing material contained in a reservoir of an applicator includes a light source for curing the material dispensed from an outlet opening of the reservoir by the effect of pressure on the reservoir. The set further includes a modeling device having at least one of a smoothing surface and a working edge for processing the dispensed light-curing material. The light source can be fastened detachably or undetachably to the applicator or to the modeling device.

Claims

1. Set for processing a light-curing material with an applicator (7) for the hand-controlled dosing, in particular, of a light-curing material (M) contained in a reservoir (8) of the applicator (7), with at least one light source for curing the material (M) dispensed from the outlet opening (9.1) of the applicator (7) via the effect of pressure on the reservoir (8), wherein at least one light source can be attached to the reservoir (8) of the applicator (7) in a removable or non-removable fashion,

2. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source is designed in the form of an LED (5) or a laser and that the light source is arranged on the applicator (7) in such a way that it provides illumination when actuated in the direction of the outlet opening (9.1) of the dispensing unit (A) or in the direction of the dispensed material (M).

3. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source is arranged in an LED housing (3) and the LED housing (3) can be connected to the applicator (7) directly or via at least one adapter element (13).

4. Set according to claim 3, characterized in that the adapter element (13) is designed in the form of a clip element or a plug-in element or that the LED housing (3) is screwed onto the applicator (7) directly or via the adapter element (13).

5. Set according to claim 3, characterized in that the LED housing (3) can be arranged or formed on a ring-shaped adapter element, wherein the ring-shaped adapter element (13) can be fastened to the applicator (7).

6. Set according to claim 3, characterized in that the adapter element (13) is a part of the LED housing (3).

7. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one LED lamp with its LED housing (3) is designed as one piece along the circumference with the applicator (7) in each case or it is molded along the circumference to the applicator (7).

8. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir (8) is formed in a pen-type applicator (7) and the shape of said reservoir can be changed at least in some areas and the light-curing material (M) is in the reservoir (8) and wherein the reservoir (8) has at least a first opening (8.1) and wherein the applicator (7) is provided with a dispensing unit (A) for the light-curing material with an outlet opening (9.1) and the dispensing unit (A) is connected to the reservoir (8) in such a way that the light-curing material (M) can be dispensed through the first opening (8.1) of the reservoir (8) into the dispensing unit (A).

9. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir (8) has at least one opening for filling/refilling it.

10. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that the dispensing unit (A) can be removed from the reservoir (8) and that the first opening (8.1) of the reservoir (8) in the direction of the dispensing unit (A) serves to fill/refill the reservoir (8) when the dispensing unit (A) is taken off and/or that the reservoir (8) has a second opening (8.2) for filling/refilling, wherein the second opening (8.2) is arranged on the end of the reservoir (8) opposite the first opening (8.1) and can be closed via a closure element (8.3).

11. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure element (8.3) is formed by the adapter element (13).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The instant invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of drawings. The following are shown in the figures:

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a modeling device 1 with a grip element and an LED according to an exemplary embodiment in a front view,

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a modeling device according to an exemplary embodiment in accordance with FIG. 1 as a side view,

[0035] FIGS. 3A-3D show four variants of the structure of the smooth surface of the modeling device,

[0036] FIG. 4 shows four variants of the material M that is modeled with a modeling device and cured,

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a three-dimensional portrayal of an applicator 7 with a clipped-on LED housing 3, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0038] FIG. 6 shows a three-dimensional portrayal of a modeling device with a grip element and a clipped-on LED housing, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0039] FIG. 7 shows a side view of an applicator 7 with a clipped-on LED housing 3 and a modeling device between the LED and the outlet opening, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0040] FIG. 8 shows a side view of an applicator to which the LED housing is attached via a ring-shaped adapter element on the end opposite the outlet opening, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0041] FIG. 9 shows a side view of an applicator in which the adapter element and the LED housing are shown separately,

[0042] FIG. 10 shows a top view of a modeling device with a grip element to which an LED housing can be fastened via an adapter element, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0043] FIG. 11 shows a top view of an applicator to which a modeling element can be fastened opposite the outlet opening via an adapter element,

[0044] FIG. 12 shows the light source attached to the reservoir of the applicator, and

[0045] FIG. 13 shows the adapter element as a part of the LED housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] A modeling device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 that is combined with a grip element 2, an LED housing 3, an on-off switch 4 and LED 5 and that has a working edge or smooth surface 1.1.

[0047] The grip element 2 has a holder 2.1 for the housing 3 that is seated in either a removable or non-removable fashion in the holder 2.1. The LED is arranged in the direction of the back side 1.2 of the modeling device 1. A laser can also be arranged in the LED housing instead of an LED. The grip element 2 holds the modeling device 1 and tapers towards it. The modeling device 1 can be made of a metal or plastic and preferably has a plate-like shape.

[0048] The grip element 2 can likewise be made of a metal or plastic. The material for the modeling device 1 is selected in such a way that it is non-transparent—preferably at least or especially in a wavelength range of 300 to 600 nanometers (nm)—in order to protect the light-curing material that was dispensed from an applicator not shown here against undesired curing via the effect of light on the front side 1.3 of the modeling device 1 (side that the LED 5 is turned away from, see FIG. 2).

[0049] Now if the light-curing plastic/glue (not shown) is put on a surface by means of the applicator 7, the smooth surface 1.1 moves over it. In the process, the light-curing plastic is cured when the smooth surface 1.1 passes over via light of a wavelength suitable for the light-curing plastic.

[0050] In a variant shown here in FIGS. 1 and 2, the grip element 2 has a hollow area 2.2 that can be opened and closed via a closure 2.3 that is opposite the modeling device 1. Light-curing material M that can be filled into the reservoir of an applicator that is not shown here is located in the hollow area.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows the modeling and curing device according to an exemplary embodiment in a side view. It can be seen there that the LED 5 is arranged along with the accompanying LED housing 3 on the back side 1.2 that is opposite the direction of motion (direction of the arrow).

[0052] This ensures that the plastic is only cured when the smooth surface 1.1 is moved over it.

[0053] The smooth surface 1.1 of the smoothing device 1 can have various shapes to create different patterns in the light-curing material.

[0054] The LED housing 3 or a laser has, in addition to the LED lamp 5 or the laser, a battery (not shown), a lamp housing (not shown) and a switch 4 (preferably a pressure switch) for manual activation of the LED lamp, as well as other mechanical and electronic elements. Moreover, an activatable component to switch on continuous operation of the LED lamp can be contained in the LED housing 3.

[0055] The LED housing 3 with the LED lamp 5 is an independent component that can be inserted into the holder 2.1 for the housing 3 (in a removable or non-removable fashion). This has the advantage that all of the components required for the work step of processing the light-curing material are jointly available in a compact set, and they can easily be transported, for instance.

[0056] The LED housing 3 is preferably connected in a removable way, e.g. by insertion, to the holder 2.1 via a snap-in device with two spring elements. The LED housing 3 can be removed by simply pulling it out of this snap-in device.

[0057] It is also possible, in accordance with variants that are not shown, to design the smoothing device 1 and the holder 2.1 with the grip element 2 to be a single piece.

[0058] Four variants a to d of the structure of the smooth surface 1.1 of the modeling device 1 are shown in FIG. 3.

[0059] In Variant a, the smooth surface 1.1 has a semi-circular recess 6.1, so a contour with a corresponding semi-circular bulge made of plastic (not shown) is formed that extends lengthwise and that is cured by the LED when the modeling device 1 is pulled along.

[0060] According to Variant b, the recess 6.2 in the smooth surface 1.1 has a triangular shape. Triangular contours can be created from the plastic applied to the base along the direction of motion and cured via the LED because of that.

[0061] A waveshape is created in the plastic and cured via the LED with a waveform 6.3 in the smooth surface 1.1 in accordance with Depiction c via several essentially semi-circular recesses in the smooth surface.

[0062] Alternatively, a sawtooth-type shape could also be provided in the smooth surface (not shown).

[0063] Variant d shows a version in which two recesses 6.4 with the cross-section of a rail are arranged next to one another. In that case, two lines made of plastic corresponding to a rail are created at a distance from one another.

[0064] Two parallel “beads” in the form of a rail are created via the recesses 6.4 in the smooth surface 1.1 by moving over this with the smoothing device 1. This is an interesting variant for creating a rail for model railroads, especially for model construction.

[0065] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the shapes that can be created on a surface F in the material M with the modeling device and stabilized via curing. They are, for example, a bead 6.1′ with a semi-circular cross-section via a modeling device in accordance with FIG. 3, Depiction a; a bead 6.2′ with a triangular cross-section via a modeling device in accordance with FIG. 3, Depiction b; a waveform 6.3′ via a modeling device in accordance with FIG. 3, Depiction c; and results 6.4′ via a modeling device in accordance with FIG. 3, Depiction d.

[0066] FIG. 5 shows an applicator 7 according to an exemplary embodiment in a spatial representation. A reservoir 8 has a light-curing material/composite material (not shown here). A dispensing unit A that is comprised of a closure unit 9 with an outlet opening 9.1 and a holding unit 10 is connected to the reservoir 8. The closure unit 9 can have shielding on the circumference to protect the light-curing material after it leaves the outlet opening 9.1 from undesired curing because of the light effect of the LED lamp 5 and to consequently prevent clogging of the metering channel 12 in the dispensing unit A during the curing of the light-curing material/composite material that is applied when the radiation of the LED lamp 5 can penetrate the material of the closure unit 9, at least in the area of the outlet opening 9.1. If the dispensing unit A is made of a material that is not penetrated by the light of the LED, the shielding can be eliminated, as is the case here.

[0067] The LED lamp 5 is arranged in an LED housing 3 and preferably connected in a removable way with the reservoir 8 via a snap-in device 11. The LED lamp 5 provides illumination when actuated at an angle in the direction of the outlet opening 9.1 that is tilted towards the longitudinal axis, which is not shown, of the applicator 7. A switch 4 that is integrated into the LED housing 3 serves to turn the LED lamp on and off. The required electronics and a battery (not shown) are also accommodated in the LED housing 3.

[0068] The holding unit 10 and the closure unit 9 can be made of plastic or a metallic material.

[0069] The other components, such as the reservoir 8, are also made of a material that cannot be penetrated by the light of the LED to prevent undesired curing of the material.

[0070] The reservoir 8 in this example is made of a first material, or has a first material of that type, for instance a soft polyethylene (e.g. LDPE—low density polyethylene). The holding unit 10 is preferably comprised of a second material, e.g. a harder polymer, but is in any case made of a material that is harder relative to the first material of the reservoir or has a material of that type.

[0071] When pressure is applied to the reservoir 8, preferably at the circumference, for instance via manual pressure with the fingers from the outside on the reservoir 8, whose shape can change, the light-curing material is transferred or pressed through a first opening 8.1 of the reservoir 8 into the dispensing unit A. The light-curing material goes through the holding unit 10 into the closure unit 9 and is transported via it through a metering channel 12, schematically indicated with dashed lines, through the outlet opening 9.1. The LED lamp 5 can be actuated with the switch 4 during this process, so that the dispensed, light-curing material can be immediately cured. A rotation of the applicator to cure the dispensed, light-curing glue/material can therefore be omitted.

[0072] Because only one processing path is required for the application and simultaneous curing, 50% of the processing time is saved compared to solutions in which the material is first applied over the processing path and the same path is followed once again after that for curing via an LED.

[0073] After being dispensed, the light-curing composite material is cured by light, via LED light in this example in the optical wavelength range between 395 and 470 nanometers (nm). This LED light is provided by the LED lamp 5 integrated into the snap-in device, which can be put in a removable or non-removable way on the reservoir 1.

[0074] It is possible to fill up the reservoir 8 via its first opening 8.1 when the dispensing unit A is removably attachable to the reservoir.

[0075] Alternatively, a second opening 8.2 can also exist in the reservoir 8, for instance at the end opposite the outlet opening 9.1, as shown in FIG. 5. The second opening 8.2 is provided with a closure element 8.3, which can be removed for refilling.

[0076] A variant is shown in FIG. 6 in which the essentially identical snap-in device 11, as it is combined with the applicator 7 in FIG. 5, is clipped with the LED housing 3 and LED lamp 4 onto the grip area 2, which is connected to a modeling device 1.

[0077] The LED housing 3 can be exchanged between the applicator 7 and the grip element 2 because of that. The material can then first be applied to a surface, for instance with the applicator 7 (which does not have an LED or its LED is not switched on) and the material can subsequently be shaped and cured with the modeling device 1 that is combined with the LED 5 and the grip element 2.

[0078] If the grip element 2 serves to hold material that can be refilled in the reservoir 8, it has a closure element 2.3.

[0079] It is advantageous when the reservoir 8 and the grip element 2 have an essentially identical design.

[0080] A further variant of the application of the modeling device 1 is shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the modeling device 1 is arranged on an applicator 7 with an LED housing 3 clipped on via a snap-in device 11 and between the LED 5 and the outlet opening 9.1 or, as the case may be, the area in which the light of the LED 5 strikes an add-on and the outlet opening 9.1.

[0081] FIG. 8 shows the side view of an applicator 7 according to an exemplary embodiment. The LED housing 3 with the LED 5 (as well as electronics, switch and battery) arranged in it are connected to the reservoir 8 of the applicator via a ring-shaped adapter element 13 that is shown in a longitudinal section at the end which is opposite the outlet opening 9.1 of the dispensing unit A.

[0082] FIG. 9 illustrates that the adapter element 13 and the LED housing 3 can be advantageously removed from the reservoir 8 of the applicator 7. The reservoir 8 has a reduced-diameter area 8.4 for this to hold the adapter element 13, which has a first ring-shaped element 13.1 for attachment to the reduced-diameter area 8.4. The adapter element 13 has, in the direction of the LED housing 3, a reduced-diameter area 13.2 that serves to hold the LED housing, which grips over the reduced-diameter area 13.2. Adapter element 13 and reservoir 8 or, as the case may be, LED housing 3 and adapter element 13 can optionally be joinable with one another, preferably in a removable fashion, via a plug-in connection, a clip connection, a screw connection etc.; the form elements required for that will then be provided, of course.

[0083] In a preferred variant, the adapter element 13 is provided in the area of the ring-shaped element 13.1 with an internal thread and the reduced-diameter area 8.4 is provided with an external thread corresponding to that, so the adapter element 13.1 can be screwed onto the reduced-diameter area of the reservoir.

[0084] The reduced-diameter area 13.2 of the adapter element 13 advantageously has an external thread, and the LED housing 3 has an internal thread corresponding to that and is consequently capable of being screwed onto the adapter element 13. An unspecified shoulder of the adapter element constitutes a limit stop for the LED housing.

[0085] Furthermore, the adapter element has a wall or base 13.3 running cross-wise. If the reservoir 8 has a second opening 8.2 to fill/refill light-curing material, in addition to the first opening 8.1 associated with the dispensing unit A, on the end that is opposite the dispensing unit A, the adapter element 13 serves to close up the second opening 8.2 via the screw connection and the wall 13.3. Moreover, the wall 13.3 can serve as a unit for switch contact to actuate the LED 5. If the LED housing 3 is somewhat at a distance to the shoulder/limit stop through the screw connection, the switch contact is open and the LED 5 is switched off.

[0086] If the LED housing 3 as shown in FIG. 8 is screwed down to the limit stop of the adapter element, the switch contact is closed and the LED 5 lights up. The circuit can also be designed in such a way, of course, that the LED is off when the LED housing 3 is at the limit stop and it is switched on when the LED housing is moved away from the adapter element.

[0087] If a first opening 8.1 and a second opening 8.2 are provided, the reservoir can be designed to be symmetric and can also be supplied in the direction of the dispensing unit A with a diameter reduction with a thread, not shown here, onto which the dispensing unit A can be screwed; this diameter reduction is then essentially designed like the diameter reduction 8.4. In this case, attention does not have to be paid to an installation direction for the fastening of the dispensing unit and the adapter element and the production and assembly costs are less because of the symmetrical design and the same end areas of the reservoir. The reservoir can be connected to the dispensing unit at either end and to the adapter element or the LED housing at the other respective end.

[0088] If the dispensing unit is removable, a modeling device 1 can also be connected to the reservoir 8 from the direction of the first opening 8.1 of the reservoir 8 (see FIG. 10); the reservoir 8 then practically serves as a grip element 2. An LED 5, which can also be used as a “replacement LED”, for instance, can then be fastened in the LED housing 3 via an adapter element 13 at the end opposite the grip element 2. An LED 5 in the LED housing 3 for curing the modeled material is attached to the reservoir 8 in the direction of the modeling device 1, for instance via a ring 14 with a holder 14.1 that is essentially identical to 13.2 and also a limit stop, so the LED housing 3 can therefore be connected to it. The modeling device 1 or a closure element (not shown) close up the first opening of the reservoir 8, which is not shown here, in this case.

[0089] FIG. 11 shows a top view of an applicator 7; a modeling device 1 can be attached opposite the outlet opening 9.1 to its reservoir 8 via an adapter element 13. The LED housing 3 is arranged on the adapter element with the LED pointing in the direction of the modeling device 1.

[0090] It is advantageous when the modeling device 1 is exchangeable so that different contours or shapes can be created in the dispensed material.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0091] 1 Modeling device

[0092] 1.1 Smooth surface

[0093] 1.2 Back side

[0094] 1.3 Front side

[0095] 2 Grip element

[0096] 2.1 Holder

[0097] 2.2 Hollow area

[0098] 2.3 Closure/closure element

[0099] 3 LED housing

[0100] 4 On-off switch

[0101] 5 LED

[0102] 6.1 Recess, semi-circular

[0103] 6.2 Recess, triangular

[0104] 6.3 Recess as a waveform

[0105] 6.4 Recesses in rail form

[0106] 6.1′ Bead with a semi-circular cross-section

[0107] 6.2′ Bead with a triangular cross-section

[0108] 6.3′ Waveform

[0109] 6.4′ Rails

[0110] 7 Applicator

[0111] 8 Reservoir

[0112] 8.1 First opening

[0113] 8.2 Second opening

[0114] 8.3 Closure element

[0115] 8.4 Reduced-diameter area

[0116] 9 Closure unit

[0117] 9.1 Outlet opening

[0118] 10 Holding unit

[0119] 11 Snap-in device

[0120] 12 Metering channel

[0121] 13 Adapter element

[0122] 14 Ring

[0123] 14.1 Holder

[0124] A Dispensing unit

[0125] M Material