Extended and ergonomic sealant application tool

Abstract

A sealant application tool comprising a gun handle (1) provided with a trigger (2) for actuating a pneumatic dispensing circuit, characterized in that it further comprises: - an extension tube (5) defining a longitudinal pneumatic conduit and mechanically coupling said gun handle (1) to a tube holder (8); - a pneumatic valve (4) interposed in said pneumatic circuit between the gun handle (1) and the tube holder (8), said pneumatic valve (4) being operatively associated with the trigger (2); and - an intermediate support assembly disposed along the extension tube (5), comprising a handle (6) and a tripod (7); - wherein the tube holder (8) is configured to internally house an original gun body (9) that receives a disposable sealant tube (11).

Description

Extended and ergonomic sealant application tool OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an extended tool for applying viscous fluids, such as sealants, of the type used in the industrial and aeronautical sectors for the precise application of said sealant in internal areas of components that are difficult to access with conventional tools. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the manufacturing and assembly of complex components, such as aircraft structures, applying sealant beads is essential to ensure watertightness and structural integrity. An example of this is the sealing of the side compartments of an aircraft's horizontal tail stabilizer (HTP), which often function as fuel tanks and require thorough internal sealing. Pneumatic sealing guns are commonly used for this task. However, these standard tools have a significant limitation: their length is insufficient to reach the deeper or more difficult-to-access areas inside the parts. This forces operators into awkward postures, increasing the risk of injury and reducing process efficiency. As an alternative solution for inaccessible areas, improvised hand tools are used, such as brushes or spatulas attached to rods. While this method allows access to these areas, it is a slow, imprecise process that compromises the final quality of the seal. Furthermore, conventional caulking guns often exhibit a delay in the sealant flow being cut off once the trigger is released, resulting in unwanted drips and wasted material. To date, no tool is known that combines the technical features of extended reach, immediate flow control, and ergonomic support in a single, integrated solution. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The sealant application tool that is the subject of the invention solves the aforementioned problems through a structural solution that physically separates the operator's control interface from the sealant application point. To achieve this, the tool is structured with a proximal drive assembly, which houses the handle and trigger, and a distal applicator assembly to hold a sealant cartridge. Both assemblies are connected by an elongated extension tube that defines an internal pneumatic channel. This configuration allows the operator to control the tool from an ergonomic position while the application point is located in a remote area. A key technical feature is a pneumatic valve, preferably a three-way valve, inserted in the pneumatic circuit. The three-way structure of this valve is configured so that, when the trigger is released, the flow of pressurized air from the source is blocked and, simultaneously, the pressure is released from the distal section of the circuit, precisely stopping the extrusion of the sealant. Another key feature is a support assembly positioned midway along the extension tube. This assembly includes a handle for a second control point and a tripod support attached to the tube via a ball joint, which allows for multi-axis orientation of the tool and provides a support point for its weight. In the preferred embodiment, the tool features a modular architecture that allows the integration of standard components, such as a sealing gun handle via an adapter, and an original gun body at the distal end to house the cartridge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the sealant application tool of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the invention is described in detail below, with reference to the elements numbered in Figure 1. The tool is structured into a proximal drive assembly, an intermediate extension tube (5), and a distal applicator assembly, interconnected by a continuous pneumatic circuit. The proximal drive assembly comprises a pistol grip (1) and a trigger (2). By means of a pistol grip adapter (3), said pistol grip (1) is detachably coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube (5). Interposed in the pneumatic circuit is a pneumatic valve (4), operatively connected to the trigger (2). When the trigger (2) is pressed, the pneumatic valve (4) establishes a fluidic communication that allows the passage of pressurized air through a defined internal channel along the extension tube (5). When the trigger (2) is released, the pneumatic valve (4) switches to interrupt this communication and purge the pressure from the distal section of the channel, resulting in the immediate cessation of the extrusion force on the sealant contained in the disposable sealant (11). The extension tube (5), preferably made of fiber, provides physical separation between the actuation assembly and the applicator assembly. This extension tube (5) defines internally the pneumatic conduit that connects the pneumatic valve (4) to the distal applicator assembly. At an intermediate position of the extension tube (5) is a support assembly comprising a handle (6) and a tripod (7). The tripod (7) is attached to the extension tube (5) by means of a ball joint, allowing orientation of the tool and providing a support point for the weight. The handle (6) provides a second gripping point for bimanual control. The distal applicator assembly comprises a tube holder (8) that internally houses an original gun body (9). This gun body (9) is configured to receive a disposable sealing tube (11), which is retained by a closing strap (10). The gun body (9) receives pressurized air from the pneumatic line and directs it to exert an axial force on the internal piston of the disposable sealing tube (11), producing the extrusion of the material.

Claims

1. A sealant application tool comprising a gun handle (1) provided with a trigger (2) for actuating a pneumatic dispensing circuit, characterized in that it further comprises: - an extension tube (5) defining a longitudinal pneumatic conduit and mechanically coupling said gun handle (1) to a tube holder (8); - a pneumatic valve (4) interposed in said pneumatic circuit between the gun handle (1) and the tube holder (8), said pneumatic valve (4) being operatively associated with the trigger (2); and - an intermediate support assembly arranged along the extension tube (5), comprising a handle (6) and a tripod (7); - wherein the tube holder (8) is configured to internally house an original gun body (9) that receives a disposable sealant tube (11).

2. The sealant application tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the pneumatic valve (4) is a three-way valve. 3.The sealant application tool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension tube (5) is a fiber tube.

4. The sealant application tool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a gun adapter (3) that couples the gun handle (1) to the extension tube (5).

5. The sealant application tool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tripod (7) is coupled to the extension tube (5) by means of a ball joint.

6. The sealant application tool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the original gun body (9) comprises a locking strap (10) for retaining the disposable sealant tube (11).