EP4416095A1 - Applicator with indication of sufficient pressing force - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an applicator (1) for bonding two parts to be joined by means of a double-sidedly self-adhesive strip, comprising: a spatially compact handle (2) which is designed and dimensioned for holding the applicator (1) with one or both hands of a user when carrying out an adhesive bonding process, and a pressing edge (3) which is provided at a free distal end of the handle (2) and is designed for applying to a surface of the double-sidedly self-adhesive strip and for pressing same onto a surface of a part to be joined in order to bring about a required adhesive bonding of the adhesive strip to this part to be joined, characterized in that the applicator (1) has a feedback means integrated in the handle (2), the feedback means being designed such that the achievement of a predetermined optimal pressing force with the pressing edge (3) is clearly visually apparent to the user from the outside over the duration of the adhesive bonding process.

Description

Applicant: tesa SE

BF 645

Hugo-Kirchberg-Strasse 1 22848 Norderstedt

Applicator with display of sufficient contact pressure

Description

field of invention

The invention relates to an applicator that can be used as an assembly aid when gluing two parts to be joined, for example a holding body and a wall, by means of a double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip and, for this purpose, a handle for holding the applicator with one or both hands of the user and a suitable pressing edge on one having distal end of the handle. In this context, the invention also relates in particular to an assembly set which, in addition to a double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip, also includes such an applicator, as well as a method for its use when gluing two parts to be joined.

Joining parts to be joined by gluing can be objects that can be used in everyday life, such as framed pictures, picture ledges, hooks and other holders or shelves, on the one hand, and vertical wall surfaces, wall coverings and other underground surfaces to which these objects are to be attached on the other hand. For this purpose, the user is often provided with double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strips, which are first to be attached to a suitable wall surface or other surface of a first joining part, so that the second joining part can then be attached to it.

In this context, it is known to use pressure-sensitive adhesives in double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strips which have permanent tack at room temperature and form adhesion to various surfaces under pressure. The required minimum contact pressure during assembly depends on the application. at high Stress peaks on the adhesive bond, a minimum contact pressure over the entire surface is essential so that the pressure-sensitive adhesive is in close contact with the respective adherend surface and many physical interactions on which the adhesive effect is based can be built up.

State of the art

Self-adhesive objects or objects that can be fastened by means of a double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip for mounting on walls and other surfaces are known in many different designs. Such objects are commercially available, for example, as holding bodies such as hooks or towel holders. Among other things, removable double-sided adhesive strips are also known, which after bonding can be detached from the adhesive joint between the wall and the holding body by stretching in a direction approximately parallel to the wall, so that the holding body can be removed from it again without damaging the substrate. Such adhesive strips are usually glued behind the holding body in such a way that a non-adhesive area that can be gripped by hand remains accessible for the stretching debonding.

For example, US 2008/0135159 A1 discloses the use of a rigid applicator tool, for example in the form of a rectangular wooden or plastic plate, with which the user can press pressure-sensitive adhesive strips over the entire surface, which can be removed again by stretching. For this purpose, it is described that the adhesive strip is first applied to a (joint) surface to which it is to be attached. Then, according to US 2008/0135159 A1, the planar edge of the rigid applicator is to be positioned at a first end of the adhesive strip and pulled along a longitudinal extent of the adhesive strip to its second end. Meanwhile, apply a force to the applicator sufficient to urge the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition contained in the tape into intimate contact with said adherend surface. However, the applicator does not indicate to the user whether sufficient pressure has been applied to bring the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition into intimate contact with the adherend surface. In another area of application, a hand-held device for transferring an adhesive or correction film onto a substrate such as a photograph or paper is known according to DE 10 2006 037 372 A1. The hand-held device has a housing inside which a supply reel is provided, from which the adhesive or correction film is unwound via a delivery point located on the outside of the housing. The dispensing point is used to position the film against the substrate in order to transfer the adhesive or correction layer applied to the film to the substrate. After passing through the delivery point, the used (empty) film is wound onto a take-up spool also contained in the housing. DE 10 2006 037 372 A1 addresses the problem that it can be difficult for the user to apply the correct pressure to the substrate: if the contact pressure is too low, the film is not transferred correctly or not completely to the substrate. However, if the pressure is too high, the substrate can be destroyed, which can be a problem, especially with photographs. The solution proposed is a rotatable device built into the back of the housing to "display" the optimal contact pressure of the delivery point on the substrate, which includes spring elements such as leaf springs etc. arranged inside the housing in particular, as well as suitable stops to protect the device against excessive contact pressure. The means gives the user a mainly haptic or acoustic "indication" and last but not least serves to safely avoid damaging exceeding of a sufficient contact pressure.

This problem does not exist in the present case, because both the double-sided self-adhesive tape and the substrate to which it is attached is much more robust than photographic or correction film or (photo) paper and therefore does not have to be protected against overpressure. In the present case, significantly higher contact pressures are required in comparison to bring about a sufficient adhesive effect and a sufficient pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, because, depending on the application, they have to withstand a lateral weight load of up to a few kilograms for years. Exceeding these contact pressures is neither to be feared nor harmful, in contrast to applying a correction film to paper.

Rather, it is a frequent challenge when attaching devices that are attached to surfaces using double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strips to provide sufficient contact pressure during adhesion, which should also be effective on the entirety of the adhesive main surface of the adhesive strip. In addition, air pockets between the part to be joined and the pressure-sensitive adhesive (“unbonds”) must be avoided. You reduce the Bonding area and thus also the maximum load. Prior art applicators do not indicate to the user what force is sufficient to bring the pressure-sensitive adhesive article into intimate contact with the surface of an adherend.

Task

The object of the invention is to provide an applicator that is as easy to handle and produce as possible, which enables reliable bonding of two parts to be joined, such as a holding body and a wall, for example, by means of a double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip. It is a particular object of the invention to specify an applicator and a method for its use in the bonding process that enable reliable development of a full-surface adhesive effect in the adhesive strip, which can withstand a weight load of up to a few kilograms for several years, depending on the application.

Solution

This object is solved by the invention with the features of the independent claim. Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims and in the subordinate claims referring back to the independent claim. The wording of all claims is hereby made part of the content of this description by reference. The invention also includes all reasonable and in particular all mentioned combinations of independent and/or dependent claims. The description of all features and technical effects that are described with reference to the applicator according to the invention also applies to the assembly set and method according to the invention, and vice versa.

The present invention relates in particular to an applicator for gluing two parts to be joined (such as, for example, the holding body and the wall) by means of a double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip. The applicator has a handle which is designed and dimensioned in its proximal region (ie at its proximal end if the handle is elongated) for holding the applicator with one hand of a user when carrying out a bonding process. A pressing edge is provided on a free distal end of the handle, which is not in the user's hand when the applicator is used as intended. This is designed to lie on a surface of the double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip (which is still protected by a non-adhesive protective strip) and to press the adhesive strip against a surface of the component to be bonded to bring about the necessary bonding of the adhesive strip to this component.

Advantageously, the applicator has feedback means integrated into its handle, which is designed in such a way that the achievement of a predetermined optimum contact pressure of the contact edge on the protective paper of the double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip or joining part is clearly visible to the user over the duration of the entire bonding process is visible from the outside. A protective paper known per se for double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strips or a protective film can be used as the removable, non-adhesive protective layer.

With this applicator, parts to be joined can be sufficiently firmly attached to one another with a double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip. In comparison to the state of the art, the applicator shows the user in a clearly recognizable manner whether the contact pressure is sufficient when gluing over the entire duration of the contact pressure.

Consumer tests without using such an applicator have shown that users usually only press the double-sided self-adhesive strips very lightly and selectively with their thumbs or fingers. The force that is used is on average between 5 and 15 N. The average area of a fingerprint and thumbprint is between 150 and 600 mm ² , which refers to the contact area between the protective paper of the double-sided self-adhesive strip or adherend and fingertip gives a pressure range between 0.01 MPa and 0.10 MPa. However, this pressure range is significantly lower than the minimum contact pressure: A reliable wetting of the parts to be joined by the adhesive of the double-sided self-adhesive strip, especially on rough surfaces, is therefore no longer possible. Depending on the application, the optimal contact pressure is usually between about 0.2 and 1.0 MPa. In particular, the present mechanical and geometrical parameters of the applicator and its feedback means can be selected so that the user can clearly see from the outside that a predetermined contact pressure in the range between 0.2 and 1.0 MPa has been reached over the duration of the bonding process. However, it is also possible to design and dimension the applicator described herein for a predetermined optimum contact pressure that is significantly below or above this range.

The pressing edge can, but does not necessarily have to be, linear (i.e. one-dimensional and straight) or planar (i.e. two-dimensional and flat), even if this corresponds to a geometry that is most suitable and expedient in most applications. In principle, the pressing edge can also have a differently shaped pressing point if this suits the application-specific joining surfaces or required contact pressures better than a straight or flat edge or surface. It can also be designed, for example, as a rounded tip or a rotating sphere or another body of rotation, with a cylindrical roller in turn resulting in a straight or planar pressing edge.

In particular, the applicator and its feedback means can be designed so simply and robustly that it can also be used with a contact pressure that clearly exceeds the optimum contact pressure. In other words, neither the applicator itself nor its feedback means has to be designed to indicate to the user or to prevent the exceeding of the predetermined optimal contact pressure when carrying out a proper bonding process. This can be implemented in particular with all of the embodiments specified below.

For comfortable holding of the handle when pulling the pressure edge along the adhesive strip, the handle can be elongated and flat and preferably provided with indentations and/or corrugated structures on its upper side facing away from the adhesive strip, which offer the user's fingers additional support against slipping. It can be particularly favorable both for production and for use if the applicator has a flat overall structure. In the simplest and at the same time also the most favorable case, the applicator consists only of its handle and the pressing edge formed or attached to its free distal end. The pressing edge has a lateral (overall) extension or length along which it is to be placed on the surfaces to be bonded. The handle has a longitudinal extent in a direction perpendicular to the lateral extent of the pressing edge. A transverse overall dimension (in other words, height) of the applicator in a direction perpendicular to the lateral extension of the pressing edge and to the longitudinal extension of the handle is many times smaller than the lateral extension of the pressing edge and/or the longitudinal extension of the handle. In this case, the width of the handle, which is flat overall, can correspond approximately to the lateral extent of the pressing edge, for example, or it can also be somewhat narrower. Such a flat overall structure also makes it possible, for example, to store the applicator in a holding device to be assembled from the joining parts, such as a cover strip, which has a flat cavity between the joining parts fastened to one another. If the holding device needs to be repositioned at a later date, the applicator for assembly is immediately at hand and does not have to be searched for.

In a specific embodiment, the feedback means comprises a first handle component that is elastically deformable at least in a contact pressure range that reaches up to the optimum contact pressure and at the distal end of which the contact edge is provided. This first handle component is designed in such a way that its deformation when the optimal contact pressure is reached is clearly visually recognizable to the user from the outside. In other words, the technical problem described above is solved here in that the applicator indicates to the user, when pressing the pressure-sensitive adhesive strip onto a part to be joined, directly by mechanically deforming his grip whether the pressing force is sufficient over the pressing period. The deformation is almost ideally elastic, i. H. Spontaneous deformation occurs under load, which also spontaneously and completely regresses when the load is removed.

This type of feedback on sufficient contact pressure is inherently given over the entire duration of contact pressure because it only depends on the contact pressure itself and is clearly reproducible. The mechanical deformation is, for example, by a at least partially elastic bars, but alternatively also by a different type of spring element, which forms the first handle component, can be realized.

For this purpose, the first handle component mentioned, which is directly loaded by the contact pressure during the bonding process, can be arranged and fastened, for example, to a second handle component that is not loaded during the bonding process in such a way that the elastic deformation of the first handle component only becomes clearly visible from the outside when the optimal contact pressure is reached recognizable form fit and/or alignment with the second handle component. Due to the form fit or the alignment of both handle components, the user can be provided with intuitively understandable feedback on the achievement/presence of the optimal contact pressure, which is also easily recognizable to him visually when carrying out the bonding process.

In particular, this form fit of the first handle component with the second handle component can be clearly visually recognizable from the outside because during the bonding process the tops of both handle components that face the user are at an angle to one another when the contact pressure is below the optimum contact pressure and only align with this form fit and have an im Substantially continuously form a flat surface section with each other.

In a specific embodiment that is alternative or further specific to the above embodiment, the feedback means also includes at least one marking visible from the outside on the handle of the applicator, the first part of which is on the first handle component that is directly loaded by the contact pressure and the second part of it on the second handle component that is not loaded by the contact pressure are trained. Both parts of the marking are offset from one another when contact pressures are below the optimum contact pressure and can only be brought together in a clearly recognizable manner through the elastic deformation of the first handle component when the optimum contact pressure is reached, for example by forming a continuous line with one another. This marking can be provided, for example, in the form of one or more notches or lines drawn on the applicator surface. According to a first embodiment, said first handle component is formed as an elastically deformable (flexible) distal end portion of a first beam, and the second handle component is formed as a second beam, which may be rigid or elastic. These two beams are fixed to each other at their proximal ends adapted for the user to hold the applicator, while their free distal ends project from each other by a predetermined transverse distance when the applicator is in an unloaded state. This can be realized by a longitudinal curvature or initial bending that is present in the unloaded state of the first beam and/or by a longitudinal curvature or initial bending of the second beam.

In this embodiment, the pressing edge is formed only at the distal end of the first beam, which is why only this beam is loaded by the pressing force. Both beams can otherwise be of similar design, for example made of the same material. However, this is not mandatory due to their different function.

During the gluing process, the length of the first bar should face the adhesive strip or its protective strip and only be placed against it with the pressing edge and pressed so that the second bar is arranged on an upper side of the handle facing away from the adhesive strip or its protective strip. The transversal distance between the distal ends of both beams is reduced when a contact pressure is applied due to the bending of the first beam and only becomes equal to zero when the optimal contact pressure is reached.

In other words, in this embodiment, the applicator consists of two beams connected at one end. If a force is applied to the free end of the first beam, it deforms. When the loaded and unloaded beam touch, the desired force is reached.

In this and other embodiments, it can be particularly advantageous, in particular with regard to simple manufacture, if the entire applicator is manufactured in one piece (in one piece), in particular by injection molding. In particular, both beams can be connected in the area of their proximal ends by an elastically flexible film hinge made of the same material as the applicator.

A further development of the above first embodiment makes it possible to secure an arrangement, fixation and orientation of both bars parallel to one another, intended for the bonding process, by means of a clip closure in an assembled state of the applicator intended for use. In this case, the clip closure can be based on one or more snap-in hooks, which are formed on one of the two bars, snapping into recesses and/or projections formed on the respective other bar.

In particular, one or both bars can have cavities on their sides facing one another during the bonding process, which are located inside the handle when the applicator is in the assembled state and can be delimited, for example, by stabilizing inner walls/struts. As a result, for example, the weight and material consumption of the applicator can be significantly reduced while maintaining the same mechanical stability.

As an alternative to a clip closure, both bars can be connected in the area of their proximal ends by a rigid web or longitudinal strut made of the same material as the applicator, which stabilizes them together in such a way that when the applicator is pressed with its pressing edge, only the elastically flexible end section of the first bar can be moved can move with respect to the second beam until the form fit is achieved in that the elastically flexible end section of the first beam strikes a free distal end of the second beam.

In a second embodiment, which is an alternative to the first embodiment above, the first handle component transitions at its end opposite the pressing edge into a second handle component which is not loaded by the contact pressure and is designed to be rigid for holding by the user. The attainment of the optimum contact pressure is clearly visually recognizable from the outside in that the tops of both handle components facing the user during the bonding process are pressed at contact pressures below the optimum Contact pressure are arranged at an angle to one another and only align when the optimum contact pressure is reached and preferably form a substantially continuously flat surface section with one another.

As an alternative to the design with a handle component that is elastically deformable, visible from the outside, the feedback means can also have an elastic spring element (leaf spring, spiral spring and/or an elastomer) integrated in the handle, which changes depending on the contact pressure with which the applicator presses against a surface with its contact edge is pressed, reversibly deformed, with only the effect of this deformation on the outer shape of the handle at the optimum contact pressure for the user being visually clearly recognizable from the outside. This can be realized, for example, by a helical spring or an elastomeric spacer, etc., hidden between two rigid elongate beams which are only connected (rotatably) in the proximal area and form the handle of the applicator.

As already mentioned, it is particularly favorable, particularly in the case of flat (planar) surfaces of the parts to be joined and correspondingly flat adhesive strips, for the pressing edge to also be straight (one-dimensional) or planar (i.e. two-dimensional and flat). As a result, the required pressure-sensitive adhesive effect can be achieved in one go with the applicator.

The pressing edge can also be designed in that the applicator comprises a pressure roller which is rotatably mounted at the distal end of the handle and which is used to apply and press on the adhesive strip or its protective strip and to rotate when the applicator is pulled by its handle along the adhesive strip (or its Protective strip) is formed. In this case, that section of the roll surface that is in contact with the adhesive strip or its protective strip forms the contact edge of the applicator. In particular, the pressure roller can be of cylindrical design, so that there is a straight pressure edge along the cylinder axis of the pressure roller.

The present invention also relates to an assembly set which firstly comprises a double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip which is used to attach two parts to be joined (e.g Holding body and wall) is formed together by gluing. For this purpose, the surface of the adhesive strip is formed on both sides by one and the same or a separate pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, which is protected on the outside by a removable, non-adhesive protective strip.

Secondly, the assembly set includes an applicator of the type presented here. This is designed such that the above-mentioned predetermined optimum contact pressure is sufficient contact pressure to develop the adhesive effect of the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the adhesive strip for bonding it to the respective joining part.

Advantageously, the pressing edge of the applicator can be geometrically complementary to the surface of the adhesive strip or one of the parts to be joined. As a result, the pressing edge can be pressed essentially uniformly at once with the predetermined contact pressure against an entire surface of the adhesive strip to be bonded and the associated joining part underneath (in particular in the case of a flat, i.e. two-dimensional pressing edge). Or the pressure edge can (particularly if it is one-dimensional) by pulling in a straight direction along the surface of the adhesive strip to be bonded and the associated joining part underneath it, essentially evenly with the predetermined contact pressure in a single pull or preferably in press several consecutively repeated strokes together over the entire surface.

The assembly set can - but does not have to - also include one or both parts to be bonded together. For example, the assembly set can contain one or more identical or different holding bodies such as wall hooks, etc., all of which have a surface to be joined that corresponds to the enclosed adhesive strip. With this surface, the respective holding body is to be attached to a vertical wall or tile with the aid of the double-sided adhesive strip, which is therefore the second part to be joined.

The present invention also relates to a method for gluing two parts to be joined (e.g. holding body and wall) by means of a double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip Use of an assembly set of the type presented here. The adhesive strip comprises a first strip end and an opposite second strip end with an intermediate longitudinal extension, the area of which corresponds approximately to the surfaces of the two parts to be bonded together.

The method comprises the following steps, which are to be carried out in the order given, although further intermediate steps can also be inserted: First, the protective strip is removed from a first surface of the adhesive strip. This surface is then applied to the surface of the part to be joined of a first part to be joined. Then the applicator is placed with its pressing edge on the first strip end of the adhesive strip on its second surface, which faces away from the first joining part and is still protected by a non-adhesive protective strip during this step.

The applicator is now pulled, starting at the first end of the adhesive strip, along the length of the adhesive strip to its second end, with the contact edge of the applicator being pressed continuously at least with the predetermined contact pressure against the adhesive strip and the first part to be joined underneath. If necessary, this pulling process can be repeated again or even several times in order to extend the total pressing time at each point of the strip and thereby additionally support the creation of the adhesive effect.

The user can always conveniently and clearly visually check that the contact pressure has not fallen below the optimum using the feedback means provided in the applicator. Thereafter, the applicator is removed from that surface of the tape and the second protective strip that was protecting it up to that point is removed. The second surface of the adhesive strip is then glued to the second part to be joined, and depending on the specific geometry of the second part to be joined, etc., the applicator can also be used for this in a similar way.

Further details and features emerge from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the dependent claims. The respective features can be used alone or in combination with one another be realised. The options for solving the task are not limited to the exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary embodiments are shown schematically in the figures, in which case the individual figures can also be understood as true to scale, but do not have to be. The same reference numerals in the individual figures designate elements that are the same or have the same function or that correspond to one another in terms of their functions. Not all elements are provided with reference numbers, in particular the same reference numbers of the same elements are not repeated in each figure. Different views of the same elements could be scaled differently. In detail shows:

1 shows a schematic representation of an unloaded applicator according to a first embodiment of the invention in vertical longitudinal section;

2A is a schematic representation of another example of an applicator according to the first embodiment of the invention in vertical longitudinal section;

FIG. 2B is a schematic plan view of the applicator of FIG. 2A;

Fig. 2C is a schematic front view of the applicator of Fig. 2A

3A shows a schematic perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the applicator with a clip closure in the closed state;

FIG. 3B shows the applicator of FIG. 3A in the open state;

4A shows a schematic perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the applicator with a clip closure in the closed state;

FIG. 4B shows the applicator with the clip closure of FIG. 4A in the open state;

5 shows a schematic perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the applicator with a rigid web or longitudinal strut; and

6 shows a schematic perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the applicator according to a second embodiment. 1 shows a schematic vertical longitudinal section of an embodiment of an applicator 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention described above, in which the applicator 1 is constructed from two beams connected at one end. In the present example, the applicator 1 has a flat overall structure, which can be seen in the vertical direction of the page plane of FIG. 1, in that its overall length exceeds its overall height many times over.

The applicator 1 of FIG. 1 is for bonding two parts to be joined (not shown), such as. B. a holding body and a wall surface, designed by means of a double-sided self-adhesive tape (not shown). For this purpose, the applicator 1 has an elongate handle 2, which is designed and dimensioned in its proximal region on the right in FIG. 1 for holding the applicator 1 with one or two (both) hands of a user when carrying out a bonding process.

A pressing edge 3 is provided on the free distal end of the handle 2 on the left in FIG. 1 . This is to apply to a surface of the double-sided self-adhesive tape (or its non-adhesive backing strip) and press the tape to a substrate surface (in this example a flat wall or tile surface) to effect a required bonding of the tape to that substrate educated. In this example, the pressing edge 3 is therefore designed to be planar or essentially rectilinear, as illustrated and explained below with reference to the further views of a further example of the applicator 1 in FIGS. 2B and 2C.

According to the invention, the applicator 1 has a feedback means integrated in its handle 2, which is designed in such a way that the achievement of a predetermined optimal contact pressure (of approximately 0.15 to 1.0 MPa) with the contact edge 3 on the double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip or Joining part for the user is clearly visually recognizable from the outside over the duration of the entire bonding process.

In this example, this feedback means is given by the fact that the handle 2 of the applicator 1 consists of a first bar 4 arranged at the bottom in FIG. 1 with an elastically flexible distal end section, which contains the pressing edge 3, and a second bar 5 arranged at the top in FIG. 1, which remains unloaded during the bonding process. For this purpose, the bars 4 and 5 are fastened to one another only in the proximal area of the handle 2, in this example by means of screws, two of which can be seen in the sectional view of FIG. The pressing edge 3 is formed at the distal end of the first bar 4, which in the unloaded state of the applicator 1 (ie when it is not applied to the adhesive bond as in FIG. 1) by a predetermined transverse (vertical in FIG. 1) distance from the free distal end of the second beam 5 protrudes.

When the applicator 1 is placed with its contact edge 3 on a surface of the adhesive strip or its protective strip and when the user exerts contact pressure with the hand holding the handle 2 in the proximal area of the applicator, the front (i.e. distal) end section of the first beam 4 elastic and therefore reversible. As a result, its distal end with the pressing edge 3 approaches the free distal end of the second beam 5 until the distal ends of both beams abut one another (form fit).

This form fit, which occurs through an appropriate choice of mechanical and geometric beam parameters when a predetermined optimal contact pressure (whose application-specific value can be between 0.15 and 1.0 MPa) is reached (and exceeded), is shown in Fig. 2A with dashed lines . In Fig. 1 he is not shown.

With the applicator 1 according to FIG. 1, the user can see this form fit particularly well from above, because the flat upper sides 4a and 5a of both bars 4 and 5 facing the user are aligned with one another as a result of this form fit and thereby form an essentially continuous flat surface ( not shown). In order to further visualize for the user whether the optimum contact pressure has been reached or not fallen below, the adapter 1 of Fig. 1 also has markings 6 in the form of straight notches in the distal area of both bars 4 and 5, which only form an uninterrupted straight line when the form closure occurs line up with each other. In FIG. 1 such a composite marking 6 can be seen on a composite long side 4b+5b of the handle 2 lying in the plane of the page, with further markings analogously on the opposite side covered in FIG side of the handle 2 and/or on its composite top 4a+5a.

Furthermore, the applicator 1 in FIG. 1 has a flat recess 7 on its upper side, which enables the user to hold the handle 2 in a non-slip manner when carrying out the bonding process described further below.

FIG. 2A shows a further exemplary illustration of an applicator 1 according to the above embodiment of the invention in a vertical longitudinal section. This can in particular be the applicator 1 of FIG. 1, with the first bar 4 lying underneath being shown in FIG. 2A in a simplified manner compared to FIG. 1 to illustrate its elastic bending and to subsequently explain its mechanical properties selected for this purpose. The direction of the contact force F is illustrated in FIG. 2A by a corresponding arrow, with dashed lines showing the elastically deformed first bar when it touches the second bar with its distal end when the optimal contact pressure is reached (form fit).

Furthermore, FIG. 2B shows a top view of the applicator 1 from FIG. 2A from the user's point of view and FIG. 2C shows its front view, which show the entire length (lateral extension) of the pressing edge 3 from two different viewing directions.

During a bonding process, the planar pressing edge 3 of the applicator 1 of FIG. 1 or 2A-2C is pulled starting at a first end of the double-sided adhesive strip (not shown) along the length of the adhesive strip to its second end. Applicator 1 and protective paper of the double-sided adhesive strip or joining part are in contact and a contact pressure of between 0.15 and 1.0 MPa is exerted.

The planar pressing edge 3 of the applicator 1 has a contact surface which can be between 20 and 80 mm ² in the present case due to the choice of its geometry. In FIG. 2A, the pressing edge 3 is formed for this purpose by an approximately circularly rounded profile with a suitable radius of curvature and has a length (lateral extent) of approximately 22 mm. With a contact surface of 40 mm ² and a contact pressure F of 8 N, a contact pressure of 0.2 MPa is achieved; with a contact area of 20 mm ² and a contact pressure F of 20 N, a contact pressure of 1.0 MPa. The applicator 1 uses the deformation of the first bar 4 to show the user whether the contact pressure F is sufficient over the contact pressure period. The necessary contact pressure F is defined via the beam parameters. Beam parameters are its thickness, width, length and modulus of elasticity of the rectangular substrate of the first beam 4, as well as the length of the unloaded or rigid second beam 5 and the transversal (in Fig. 1 and 2A vertical) distance between the distal ends of the two beams 4 and 5 to each other.

In the present case (in FIGS. 2A and 2B), the first bar 4 can have a length of about 60 mm with a width (measured along the pressing edge 3) of about 20 mm and a height perpendicular thereto of about 4 mm. The length of the rigid second bar 5 is about 50 mm in the example. The vertical distance to be overcome to achieve the optimal contact pressure can be about 5 mm with a modulus of elasticity of about 2346.5 N/mm2 (Young's modulus). The form fit of both beams 4 and 5 is thus achieved with a contact pressure F of approximately 20 N.

The application of pressure by means of a longitudinal pulling movement over the adhesive strip is important because with selective pressure, e.g. with fingers or thumbs, the contact area is typically reduced by a whole order of magnitude and is insufficient for the adhesive effect possible with the adhesive strip, such as representative ones consumer tests show.

The present very narrow (almost one-dimensional straight line) contact surface of the pressing edge 3 of the applicator 1, the pulling movement in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive strip and the visual feedback as to whether the pressure is sufficient over the pressing time, intuitively leads to the exertion of a sufficient pressing force F during the entire pressing time. In this way, the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the adhesive strip is brought into close contact with the surface of the adherends, and the physical interactions required for the creation of the adhesive effect can therefore be fully established. It can be particularly advantageous here, in particular with regard to simple manufacture, if the entire applicator 1 is manufactured in one piece (ie in one piece), for example by injection molding. For this purpose, further exemplary embodiments of the applicator are described below with reference to FIGS. 3A to 6, which accordingly also do not contain any screws.

As shown in FIGS. 3A to 4B, both beams 4 and 5 can be connected in the region of their proximal ends by an elastically flexible film hinge 8 made of the same material as the applicator 1.

3A-3B each show a perspective view of a further development of the above first embodiment of the applicator 1, which makes it possible to secure an arrangement, fixation and orientation of both bars 4 and 5 parallel to one another for the bonding process by means of a clip fastener. In FIGS. 3A-3B, the clip closure is based on several snap-in hooks 9, which in this example are formed on the second beam 5, snapping into recesses 10 designed to match this on the first beam 4. FIG. 3A shows an assembled one intended for the application State of the applicator 1 in which it is closed by the clip closure. 3B shows the open state, in which the two beams 4 and 5 are only connected to one another by the elastically flexible film hinge 8 at their proximal ends. As can also be seen in FIG. 3B, in this example the second bar 5 is equipped with cavities on its side facing the first bar 4 in order to save weight and material. Otherwise, everything described above for FIGS. 1-2C can apply analogously to the applicator 1, so that a repeated description of the corresponding elements is dispensed with here.

4A and 4B each show a perspective view of another example of the applicator 1, which differs from the further development of FIGS. 3A-3B only in the design of the clip closure. Unlike in FIGS. 3A-3B, here the snap-in hooks 9 are arranged in the first beam 4 and are designed as rounded projections. The recesses 10 are formed in the second bar 5 and, in contrast to FIGS. 3A-3B, are hidden in the inner area of the bar so that they cannot be seen from the outside when the applicator 1 is assembled (closed) in FIG. 4A. Incidentally, for the applicator 1, everything described above for FIGS. 1-3B applies analogously, so that a repeated description of the corresponding elements is dispensed with here.

5 shows a perspective view of an alternative to a clip closure, in which both beams 4 and 5 are connected by a rigid web or longitudinal strut 12 in the area of their proximal ends. The web or longitudinal strut 12 can be formed from the same material as the one-piece applicator 1 . It is designed to stabilize the bars 4 and 5 against one another in such a way that when the applicator 1 is pressed with its pressing edge 3, only the elastically flexible end section 13 of the first bar 4 can move with respect to the second bar 5 until the form fit is achieved , that the elastically flexible end section 13 of the first beam 4 strikes a free distal end 14 of the second beam 5. Otherwise, everything described above for FIGS. 1-4B can apply analogously to the applicator 1, so that a repeated description of the corresponding elements is dispensed with here.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an applicator 1 according to an alternative second embodiment to the above first embodiment, in which a first handle component 15 merges at its end opposite the pressing edge 3 into a second handle component 16, which is not loaded by the contact pressure and is used for holding is rigidly formed by the user. At least at the connection point 17 of both handle components 15 and 16, the first handle component 15 is designed to be elastically deformable in the sense described herein. The achievement of the optimal contact pressure is clearly visually recognizable from the outside in that the tops 15a and 16a of both handle components 15 and 16 facing the user during the bonding process are arranged at an angle to each other at contact pressures below the optimal contact pressure (as shown in Fig. 6) and only at Achieving the optimal contact pressure are aligned (not shown) and preferably form a substantially continuously flat surface section with each other. In this example, the non-loaded second handle component 16 has an elevation 18 which, due to its configuration shown, enables the user to intuitively correctly position the finger or thumb when carrying out the bonding process. In particular, it serves to ensure that the user does not rest his or her finger or thumb on the bending beam/respectively. the first handle component 15 rests. For this purpose, the elevation 18 is arranged on the second handle component in front of the connection point 17 . For the rest, for the applicator 1, everything above for Fig. 1-5 described apply mutatis mutandis, so that a repeated description of the corresponding elements is dispensed with here.

Numerous modifications and developments of the exemplary embodiments described can be implemented.

Reference sign

1 applicator

2 handle

3 contact edge

4 first beam (with an elastically flexible distal end portion)

5 second beam (unloaded and/or rigid)

4a top of the first beam facing the user

5a upper side of the second beam facing the user

4b Long side of the first beam

5b long side of the second beam

6 mark

7 recess

8 film hinge

9 snap hooks

10 recesses

12 web or longitudinal brace

13 elastically flexible end portion of the first beam

14 free distal end of the second beam

15 first handle component

16 unloaded second handle component

17 connection point

15a, 16a tops

18 survey

F contact force

Claims

patent claims 1. Applicator (1) for gluing two parts to be joined by means of a double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip, comprising: a spatially compact handle (2) which is designed and dimensioned for holding the applicator (1) with one or both hands of a user when carrying out a gluing process , and a pressing edge (3) provided at a free distal end of the handle (2) and for abutting against a surface of the double-sided self-adhesive tape protected by a non-adhesive protective tape and pressing it against an adherend surface to cause a required bonding of the adhesive strip to this joining part, characterized in that the applicator (1) has feedback means integrated in the handle (2) which are designed in such a way that the achievement of a predetermined optimum contact pressure with the contact edge (3) for the user is clearly recognizable visually from the outside over the duration of the bonding process. 2. Applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the applicator (1) has a flat overall structure, which results from the handle (2) with the contact pressure edge (3) formed at its free distal end, the handle ( 2) has a longitudinal extent that is perpendicular to a lateral extent of the pressing edge (3), and a transverse overall dimension of the applicator (1) is many times smaller than its dimensions perpendicular thereto, which result from the lateral extent of the pressing edge (3) and the longitudinal extent of the handle (2). 3. Applicator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the predetermined optimal contact pressure is in a range between 0.15 and 1.0 MPa. 4. Applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the feedback means in a contact pressure range, which is at least up to the optimum Contact pressure ranges, comprises an elastically deformable first handle component, at the distal end of which the contact edge (3) is provided and which changes depending on the contact pressure 23 reversibly deformed in such a way that its deformation is clearly visually recognizable to the user from the outside when the optimal contact pressure is reached. 5. Applicator (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first handle component is arranged and fastened to a second handle component that is not loaded by the contact pressure in such a way that the elastic deformation of the first handle component only becomes clear from the outside when the optimum contact pressure is reached visually recognizable form fit and/or alignment with the second handle component. 6. Applicator according to Claim 5, characterized in that the reversibly achievable form fit of the first handle component with the second handle component by achieving the optimal contact pressure is clearly visually recognizable from the outside in that the tops (4a, 5a) of both handle components facing the user during the bonding process Contact pressures are arranged at an angle to each other below the optimum contact pressure and only align with this form fit and form a substantially continuously flat surface section with each other. 7. Applicator (1) according to one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the first handle component is attached to a second handle component which is not loaded by the contact pressure; and the feedback means further comprises at least one externally visible marking (6) on the handle (2) of the applicator (1), the first part of which is formed on the first handle component and the second part of which is formed on the second handle component, such that both parts of the marking (6 ) are arranged offset to one another at contact pressures below the optimum contact pressure and can only be brought together in a clearly recognizable manner by the elastic deformation of the first handle component when the predetermined optimum contact pressure is reached. 8. Applicator (1) according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the first handle component is designed as an elastically flexible distal end section (13) of a first beam (4) and the second handle component as a second beam (5); wherein both beams (4, 5) are fastened to one another in the region of their proximal ends, which is designed for holding the applicator (1) by the user, while their free distal ends in an unloaded state of the applicator (1) by a predetermined transverse distance from each other, and the pressing edge (3) is formed only at the distal end of the first beam (4); and wherein during the gluing process the first bar (4) is to be arranged with its longitudinal extent facing the adhesive strip or its protective strip and only the pressing edge (3) is to be placed and pressed on it, so that the second bar (5) rests on one of the adhesive strips or its is arranged on top of the handle (2) facing away from the protective strip and the transverse distance between the distal ends of both beams (4, 5) is reduced by the elastic bending of the distal end section (13) of the first beam (4) when a contact pressure is applied and only when Reaching the optimal contact pressure disappears. 9. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entire applicator (1) is manufactured in one piece (in one piece), in particular by injection molding. 10. Applicator (1) according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that both beams (4, 5) are connected in the region of their proximal ends by an elastically flexible film hinge (8) made of the same material as the applicator (1). 11. Applicator (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that an arrangement, fixation and orientation of both bars (4, 5) intended for the bonding process is secured parallel to one another by a clip closure in an assembled state of the applicator (1) intended for use is; the clip closure preferably being based on one or more snap-in hooks (9) formed on one of the beams (4, 5) snapping into recesses (10) and/or projections formed on the respective other beam (4, 5). 12. Applicator (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that one or both bars (4, 5) have cavities on their sides facing one another during the bonding process, which in an assembled state of the applicator (1) inside the handle ( 2) lie. 13. applicator (1) according to claim 8 and 9, characterized in that both beams (4, 5) are connected in the area of their proximal ends by a rigid web or longitudinal strut (12) made of the same material as the applicator (1), which stabilizes them on one another in such a way that when the applicator (1) is pressed with its pressing edge (3) alone the elastically flexible end section (13) of the first bar (4) can move in relation to the second bar (5) until the form fit is achieved by the elastically flexible end section of the first bar (4) being attached to a free distal end (14) of the second beam (5) strikes. 14. Applicator (1) according to claims 5 and 9, characterized in that the first handle component (15) at its end opposite the contact edge (3) is connected to a second handle component ( 16) transitions; With the achievement of the optimum contact pressure being clearly visible from the outside in that the tops (15a, 16a) of both handle components facing the user during the bonding process are arranged at an angle to one another with contact pressures below the optimum contact pressure and only align when the optimum contact pressure is reached and preferably have an im Substantially continuously form a flat surface section with each other. 15. Applicator (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the feedback means has an elastic spring element which is integrated in the handle (2) and which changes depending on the contact pressure with which the applicator (1) with its contact edge (3) is pressed against a surface, is reversibly deformed in such a way that the effect of this deformation on the outer shape of the handle (2) is clearly visible to the user from the outside when the contact pressure is optimal. 16. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressing edge (3) is straight or planar. 17. applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator (1) comprises a at the distal end of the handle (2) rotatably mounted pressure roller for applying and pressing on the adhesive strip or its protective strip and 26 designed to rotate when the applicator (1) is pulled by its handle (2) along the adhesive strip, so that that section of the roll surface which is in contact with the adhesive strip or its protective strip forms the pressing edge (3). 18. Assembly set, comprising: a double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip, which is designed for attaching two parts to be joined together by gluing, in that its surface is formed on both sides by a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, which is protected on the outside by a removable non-adhesive protective strip; and an applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined optimal contact pressure, the achievement of which with the contact edge (3) of the applicator (1) can be clearly identified visually by the user through the feedback means of the applicator (1), there is sufficient contact pressure to form the adhesive effect of the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the adhesive strip for bonding it to the respective part to be joined. 19. Assembly set according to claim 18, characterized in that the contact edge (3) of the applicator (1) is designed to be geometrically complementary to the surface of the adhesive strip or one of the parts to be joined, such that the contact edge (3) is substantially evenly pressed against a predetermined contact pressure entire surface to be glued of the adhesive strip and the underlying associated joining part can be pressed on at once, or in such a way that the pressing edge (3) pulls in a straight direction along the surface to be glued of the adhesive strip and the underlying associated joining part with them essentially uniformly can press against each other over the entire surface with the predetermined contact pressure. 20. A method for gluing two parts to be joined by means of a double-sided self-adhesive adhesive strip using an assembly set according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the adhesive strip has a first strip end and an opposite second strip end with an intermediate longitudinal extent whose surface corresponds to the surfaces of the parts to be joined of the two parts to be glued together is equivalent to; including the steps: 27 removing the release liner from a first surface of the adhesive strip and then applying that surface to said adherend surface of a first adherend; applying the pressing edge (3) of the applicator (1) to the first strip end of the adhesive strip on its second surface, which faces away from the first joining part and is protected with a non-adhesive protective strip; Pulling the applicator (1) starting at the first strip end of the adhesive strip along its longitudinal extent to its second strip end, the pressing edge (3) of the applicator (1) being pressed continuously during pulling at least with the predetermined contact pressure against the adhesive strip and the first part to be joined underneath becomes; and then removing the second protective strip and adhering the second surface of the adhesive strip to the second adherend. 28