APPLICATOR

Abstract

An applicator for applying an adhesive film to a surface of an aircraft component includes an adhesive inlet for receiving adhesive from a source of adhesive, adhesive outlets for dispensing of adhesive therethrough, one or more reservoirs for receiving adhesive from a respective adhesive outlet, channels wherein at least two of the channels are configured to facilitate delivery of adhesive from the adhesive inlet to a respective, mutually-different outlet, and one or more adhesive-contacting surfaces for contacting adhesive dispensed from the adhesive outlets into the reservoir and for forming an adhesive film therefrom, the one or more adhesive-contacting surfaces being configured to be maintained in spaced relationship with a surface onto which an adhesive film is to be formed.

Claims

1. An applicator for applying an adhesive film to a surface of a workpiece, the applicator comprising: an inlet for receiving adhesive from a source of adhesive; a plurality of outlets for dispensing of adhesive therethrough; a plurality of channels, at least two of the channels being configured to facilitate delivery of adhesive from the inlet to a respective, mutually-different outlet; one or more reservoirs for receiving adhesive from a respective outlet; one or more adhesive-contacting surfaces for contacting adhesive deposited onto the surface, in a reservoir, as the applicator is moved across the surface, thereby forming a film of adhesive on the surface; and one or more adhesive-contacting surfaces being configured to be maintained in spaced relationship with a surface onto which an adhesive film is to be formed.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises a base, and a depth of the one or more reservoirs relative to the base of the applicator is greater adjacent to the outlets than adjacent to the one or more adhesive-contacting surfaces.

3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the one or more reservoirs normal to a longitudinal axis of the applicator and adjacent to the adhesive outlets is greater than a cross-sectional area of the one or more reservoirs adjacent to the one or more adhesive-contacting surfaces.

4. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein each of the channels is configured to facilitate delivery of adhesive from the adhesive inlet to a respective, mutually-different adhesive outlet.

5. The applicator according to claim 1, comprising rails for retaining the applicator in position relative to a surface onto which an adhesive film is to be formed, optionally wherein the rails define a gap therebetween for receipt of a workpiece, and/or the applicator comprises a base and at least two rails are located either side of the base.

6. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein separation of adjacent outlets is identical for all pairs of adjacent outlets.

7. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the channels are arranged in a splayed or fan arrangement.

8. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the channels are coplanar, optionally wherein the applicator is configured so that the plane is substantially parallel to a surface onto which an adhesive film is to be deposited.

9. The applicator according to claim 1, comprising one, and only one, reservoir.

10. The applicator according to claim 1, comprising a first reservoir configured to receive adhesive from a first set of outlets, and a second reservoir configured to receive adhesive from a second set of outlets.

11. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the one or more reservoirs extend laterally across the applicator, having a width, the width being measured in a direction normal to a direction of intended movement of the applicator, the width of the one or more reservoirs being approximately a same as a width of the adhesive-contacting surface(s).

12. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive-contacting surface(s) is substantially planar, and is configured to be substantially parallel to a surface onto which a film of adhesive is to be deposited.

13. The applicator according to claim 1, comprising a dispenser-receiving portion, and wherein the dispenser-receiving comprises a nozzle-receiving portion.

14. The applicator according to claim 1, comprising a substantially rigid applicator main body, in which one or more of the inlet, outlets, reservoir(s) and adhesive-contacting surface(s) is provided by the applicator main body.

15. An adhesive applicator for forming an adhesive film on a workpiece, the applicator comprising: an inlet for receiving adhesive from a source of adhesive; an applicator main body providing: a plurality of outlets for dispensing of adhesive therethrough; a reservoir for receiving adhesive from the adhesive outlets; a plurality of channels, each of which is configured to facilitate delivery of adhesive from the adhesive inlet to a respective outlet; a base; and one or more adhesive-contacting surfaces for contacting adhesive deposited onto the surface, in a reservoir, as the applicator is moved across the surface, thereby forming a film of adhesive on the surface; the one or more adhesive-contacting surfaces being configured to be maintained in spaced relationship with a surface onto which an adhesive film is to be formed; and rails for retaining the applicator in position relative to a surface onto which a film of adhesive is to be formed, the rails defining a gap therebetween for the receipt of a workpiece.

16. An adhesive dispensing arrangement comprising the applicator according to claim 1 and an adhesive dispenser configured to dispense adhesive via the applicator.

17. The adhesive dispensing arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the applicator is attachable to, and removable from, the adhesive dispenser.

18. The adhesive dispensing arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the applicator is integral with an adhesive dispenser.

19. A method of depositing liquid on to a workpiece surface comprising depositing the liquid using the applicator according to claim 1.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the workpiece is an aircraft component and wherein the liquid is an adhesive.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] Embodiments of the disclosure herein will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

[0073] FIG. 1 shows a perspective transparent view of an adhesive applicator according to a first embodiment of the disclosure herein;

[0074] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the adhesive applicator of FIG. 1, the cross-section taken along line AA;

[0075] FIG. 3 shows a detail of FIG. 1; and

[0076] FIG. 4 shows a perspective transparent view of an adhesive dispensing arrangement according to a further embodiment of the disclosure herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] An embodiment of an applicator according to the disclosure herein will now be described by way of example only with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. The applicator, which is denoted generally by reference numeral 1, comprises an adhesive inlet 2 for receiving adhesive from a source of adhesive and a plurality of adhesive outlets 3A-G for the dispensing of adhesive therethrough. The applicator 1 comprises a plurality of channels 4A-G, each of which is configured to facilitate delivery of adhesive from the adhesive inlet 2 to a respective outlet 3A-G. Adhesive is delivered to adhesive inlet 2 and passes through the seven channels 4A-G to seven outlets 3A-G. A reservoir 5 is provided for receiving adhesive from adhesive outlets 3A-G. The applicator 1 comprises an adhesive-contacting surface 7 for contacting adhesive dispensed from the adhesive outlets 3A-G into the reservoir 5 and for forming an adhesive film therefrom. The applicator 1 is moved in a forwards direction denoted by arrow F in FIG. 4 in order to form a film of adhesive. The adhesive-contacting surface 7 is configured to be maintained in spaced relationship with a surface onto which an adhesive film is to be formed. This ensures that, as the adhesive-contacting surface 7 is moved across the adhesive formerly stored in the reservoir 5 the resulting film of adhesive is of uniform depth.

[0078] The general operation of the applicator 1 will now be described. Source of adhesive 50 is mounted to the applicator 1 so that the source 50 of adhesive is able to deliver adhesive to adhesive inlet 2. The applicator 1 is then placed onto a workpiece WP having a surface S onto which a film L of adhesive will be formed. Adhesive is delivered from the source 50 of adhesive to adhesive inlet 2. Adhesive passes from adhesive inlet 2 to adhesive outlets 3A-G via channels 4A-G. Adhesive passes out of outlets 3A-G into reservoir 5, filling reservoir 5. As the adhesive is being dispensed, the applicator 1 is moved along the workpiece WP in a direction shown by arrow F (this being considered to be a forwards direction with respect to the applicator 1). This movement of the applicator 1 causes the movement of adhesive-contacting surface 7 over adhesive previously located in reservoir 5, causing the formation of a film L of adhesive of the desired thickness and width, as explained further below.

[0079] Adhesive-contacting surface 7 extends across the applicator 1 and has a width W of about 38 mm, the same as the width of reservoir 5, and the same as the width of surface S of the workpiece WP onto which a film L of adhesive is to be deposited. Adhesive-contacting surface 7 is substantially planar and is substantially parallel to base 8 and therefore to surface S onto which a film L is to be deposited. Adhesive-contacting surface 7 extends rearwardly for a distance of about 3 mm, has a height of about 0.6 mm relative to base 8, and therefore has a height of about 0.6 mm relative to surface S onto which a film L is to be deposited. When the applicator 1 is placed on a surface S, adhesive-contacting surface 7 and arms 11A, B form a slot 10 that is moved over adhesive present in reservoir 5. The width and depth of slot 10 determines the width and depth of film L of adhesive that is formed in the surface S of workpiece WP. For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that the width of the slot 10 need not be exactly the same as the width of film L. Similarly, the depth of slot 10 need not be exactly the same as the depth of film L. The provision of an adhesive-contacting surface 7 that extends away from reservoir 5 and that is substantially parallel to base 8 (and therefore the surface S) facilitates the deposition of a uniform film L.

[0080] The applicator 1 comprises seven channels 4A-G, each of which is in fluid communication with adhesive inlet 2. Adhesive delivered to adhesive inlet 2 passes into channels 4A-G. Each channel 4A-G has a sausage-shaped cross-section (i.e. slightly elongate cross-section, with rounded, semi-circular ends), has a cross-sectional height of 1 mm and a cross-sectional width of 2 mm. The channels 4A-G are in a fan formation relative to adhesive inlet 2. This fan formation provides a suitable arrangement for forming a relatively broad film of adhesive from a relatively narrow source of adhesive. The channels 4A-G are planar i.e. they are in a plane. The plane is substantially parallel to the base 8 of the applicator 1, and is therefore substantially parallel to the surface S onto which a film of adhesive is to be deposited. Such an arrangement of channels provides a relatively compact applicator. Each channel 4A-G delivers adhesive to a respective outlet 3A-G. Each outlet 3A-G has a cross-sectional height of 1 mm and a cross-sectional width of 2 mm, and each outlet 3A-G is raised above the base 8 of applicator 1. In this case, the bottom of each outlet 3A-G is about 0.5 mm above base 8. The outlets 3A-G are evenly spaced in a straight line. This facilitates even deposition of adhesive over a relatively broad workpiece WP.

[0081] Applicator 1 comprises a rigid main body 9. Adhesive inlet 2, adhesive outlets 3A-G and channels 4A-G are formed in main body 9. Reservoir 5, surface 6 that forms a surface of reservoir 5 and adhesive-contacting surface 7 are provided by main body 9. The rigidity of main body 9 inhibits unwanted deformation of the applicator 1 and, in particular, keeps adhesive-contacting surface 7 in the desired shape and at the desired spacing from surface S on which film is to be formed.

[0082] As mentioned above, the applicator 1 comprises reservoir 5, which receives adhesive from outlets 3A-G. Reservoir 5 facilitates the collection of a volume of adhesive, which ensures that film L is formed across the entire width W of the workpiece WP and is formed to the desired depth. In this connection, surface 6 that defines reservoir 5 has a mean height relative to base 8 that is greater than the height of the adhesive-contacting surface 7. The height of surface 6 that defines reservoir 5 relative to the base 8 is greater adjacent the outlets 3A-G than adjacent the adhesive-contacting surface. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the reservoir 5 adjacent to the outlets 3A-G and normal to the direction of movement F is greater than the cross-sectional area of the reservoir 5 adjacent to adhesive-contacting surface 7. This provides a decrease in cross-sectional area of the reservoir 5 as the applicator 1 is moved. This ensures that a film L having the desired width and depth is formed.

[0083] The applicator 1 comprises two parallel, elongate lateral rails 12A, B that extend away from the applicator main body 9, thereby defining a gap therebetween for the receipt of workpiece WP. The gap between the rails 12A, B is sufficiently large to accommodate workpiece WP, but is sufficiently small so that rotation and/or lateral movement of the applicator 1 relative to the workpiece WP is inhibited.

[0084] The applicator 1 described above has been found to be particularly effective at depositing a uniform film of adhesive that is about 0.5 mm thick.

[0085] FIG. 4 shows an adhesive dispensing arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure herein, comprising applicator 1 and source 50 of adhesive configured to deliver adhesive to applicator 1.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, applicator 1 comprises a dispenser-receiving portion 13 for receiving a source 50 of adhesive. Dispenser-receiving portion 13 comprises a nozzle-receiving portion 13A that is shaped to receive a nozzle of a source of adhesive. In this case, nozzle-receiving portion 13A comprises a frusto-conical inner surface for receiving a frusto-conical nozzle 52 of a source of adhesive. Nozzle-receiving portion 13A is provided with three inwardly-projecting ribs 14A-C that, in use, positively engage with an inserted nozzle, thereby securely holding the nozzle and inhibiting unwanted removal of the nozzle. Dispenser-receiving portion comprises 13 comprises a portion 13B for receiving a body 51 of a dispenser. When the source 50 of adhesive is correctly inserted in the dispenser-receiving portion 13 of applicator 1, nozzle 52 is located adjacent adhesive inlet 2 so that adhesive may be dispensed from nozzle 52 into adhesive inlet 2.

[0087] It should be noted that the deposited adhesive, prior to contacting the adhesive with an adhesive-contacting surface, is not necessarily in the form of a film. The deposited adhesive is typically in the form of a pool or patch of adhesive. It is the contacting of the adhesive-contacting surface with the adhesive, coupled with the movement of the adhesive-contacting surface over the adhesive that causes the formation of a film of adhesive.

[0088] As described above, the movement of the adhesive-contacting surface is in a forwards direction (the adhesive being deposited in front of the adhesive-contacting surface(s)). This causes the movement of the adhesive-contacting surface over the deposited adhesive. Adhesive is continuously deposited in front of the adhesive-contacting surface and the adhesive-contacting surface is moved continuously until the desired film of adhesive is deposited.

[0089] The adhesive is deposited using an applicator that comprises the adhesive-contacting surface, with the applicator being used to both deposit the adhesive and to form a strip of adhesive from the deposited adhesive. The applicator is applicator 1, which is moved forwards by hand.

[0090] The method described above has proved to be very effective in applying adhesive at high speeds.

[0091] While the disclosure herein has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosure herein lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

[0092] The examples above describe the use of seven outlets through which adhesive is dispensed. Those skilled in the art will realize that a different number of outlets may be used.

[0093] The examples above describe the use of outlets that are sausage shaped in cross-section i.e. slightly elongate with rounded (in this case, semi-circular) ends. Those skilled in the art will realize that other shapes may be used, for example, circular, elliptical, oval, square or hexagonal.

[0094] The examples above describe the channels are being in one plane that is substantially parallel with the base of the applicator. Those skilled in the art will realize that this need not be the case. The channels need not be in one plane, and that plane need not be substantially parallel with the base of the applicator.

[0095] The examples above describe the use of the applicator to deposit adhesive. Those skilled in the art will realize that the applicator may be used to deposit other similar liquids, such as sealants.

[0096] The examples above describe the use of the applicator to deposit adhesive onto a surface of an aircraft components. Those skilled in the art will realize that the applicator is suitable for depositing films of liquid on other surfaces.

[0097] The examples above describe adhesive applicators that are manually-operated. Those skilled in the art will realize that this need not be the case. The adhesive applicators of the disclosure herein may be operated mechanically, for example, using a robot.

[0098] The examples above describe an applicator that is removable from, and attached to, a source of adhesive. Those skilled in the art will realize that the applicator may be integral with a source of adhesive.

[0099] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the disclosure herein, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the disclosure herein that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, while of possible benefit in some embodiments of the disclosure herein, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

[0100] It should be understood that modifications, substitutions, and alternatives of the present invention(s) may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the example embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms comprise or comprising do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms a, an or one do not exclude a plural number. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.