Applicator, adhesive dispensing device, and method of depositing liquid onto surface of workpiece

Abstract

The invention relates to an applicator, an adhesive dispensing device, and a method of depositing a liquid onto a surface of a workpiece. An applicator for applying an adhesive film to a surface of an aircraft component comprises: an adhesive inlet for receiving an adhesive from an adhesive source; a plurality of adhesive outlets for dispensing the adhesive through the adhesive outlets; one or more reservoirs for receiving the adhesive from the respective adhesive outlets; a plurality of channels, at least two of which are configured to facilitate delivery of adhesive from the adhesive inlet to respective mutually different outlets; one or more adhesive contact surfaces for contacting the adhesive dispensed from the adhesive outlet into the one or more reservoirs and for forming an adhesive film from the adhesive contact surfaces, the one or more adhesive contact surfaces are configured to maintain a spaced apart relationship with a surface on which an adhesive film is to be formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the application of adhesives.

[0002] The present invention relates to the application of adhesive. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to adhesive applicators. The present invention also relates to adhesive dispensing devices. Background Art

[0003] Adhesive is applied to the surface of certain aircraft parts to bond two or more aircraft parts. Traditionally, beads of adhesive are applied to the surface and a scraper is used to spread the beads on the surface. This is a relatively skillful job because it is difficult to achieve a uniform thickness for the entire adhesive strip. This technique is also time-consuming. Rollers can also be used to apply the adhesive, but this is time-consuming and difficult to achieve a uniform thickness strip. In addition, fiber rollers may shed fibers, which may cause foreign matter contamination problems. GB2533313 describes a tool that uses a regulator roller to deposit a uniform thickness adhesive strip. Although this tool performs well, it is complex, relatively expensive, and time-consuming to clean.

[0004] The present invention seeks to alleviate the above problems.Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved adhesive applicator. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides an applicator for applying an adhesive film to a surface of a workpiece, the applicator comprising:

[0006] an inlet for receiving adhesive from an adhesive source;

[0007] a plurality of outlets for dispensing adhesive therethrough;

[0008] a plurality of channels, at least two of the channels being configured to facilitate conveying adhesive from the inlet to respective, mutually distinct outlets;

[0009] one or more reservoirs for receiving adhesive from corresponding outlets; and

[0010] one or more adhesive contact surfaces for contacting adhesive deposited on a surface from a reservoir as the applicator is moved over the surface, thereby forming an adhesive film on the surface;

[0011] The one or more adhesive contact surfaces are configured to be in spaced relationship with the surface on which the adhesive film is to be formed.

[0012] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an adhesive source need not be part of the applicator of the present invention. In use, adhesive or other suitable liquid is dispensed onto a surface from an outlet into one or more reservoirs, and as the applicator is moved (preferably slid) over the surface, one or more adhesive contact surfaces come into contact with the adhesive, wherein the spacing between the surface and the adhesive contact surface determines the thickness of the adhesive film.

[0013] It has been found that embodiments of the applicator of the present invention allow for quick and efficient deposition of adhesive films. Furthermore, embodiments of the applicator of the present invention are simple and relatively inexpensive. Optionally, at least one reservoir, optionally more than one reservoir, and optionally each reservoir can be configured to provide a covered space when the applicator is in contact with the surface on which the adhesive is to be deposited.

[0014] Applicants have discovered that providing a reservoir that provides a covered space for receiving adhesive helps retain the adhesive and prevents it from leaking from the applicator. Furthermore, covering the reservoir allows the applicator to be used in an inverted or other non-upright orientation without the adhesive leaking from the applicator. The shape and size of the reservoir can be configured so that a reasonable amount of adhesive can accumulate in the inlet reservoir, which can be helpful if a larger amount of adhesive than intended is delivered to the reservoir.

[0015] The depth of the reservoir relative to the base of the applicator can be greater adjacent to the adhesive outlet than adjacent to the one or more adhesive contact surfaces. This ensures that sufficient adhesive is provided so that a uniform adhesive film can be formed. Alternatively, the depth of the reservoir varies linearly between the adhesive outlet and the one or more adhesive contact surfaces.

[0016] As described above, the applicator may include a base. The base is optionally substantially planar or flat.

[0017] The cross-sectional area of ​​the reservoir adjacent to the adhesive outlet (the cross-sectional area is optionally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator, which is optionally defined as the intended direction of motion of the applicator) is optionally larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the reservoir adjacent to one or more adhesive contact surfaces. This ensures that sufficient adhesive is provided so that a uniform adhesive film can be formed. Optionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​the reservoir varies linearly between the adhesive outlet and the one or more adhesive contact surfaces.

[0018] At least one reservoir, and optionally each reservoir, may comprise a surface that forms a covered space when the applicator is placed against the surface on which the film is to be formed. The height of the reservoir surface relative to the base of the applicator may be greater adjacent to the outlet than adjacent to the one or more adhesive contact surfaces.

[0019] Preferably, each of the channels is configured to facilitate conveying adhesive from an adhesive inlet to a corresponding, mutually distinct adhesive outlet.

[0020] Preferably, a channel extends between the adhesive inlet and each adhesive outlet.

[0021] The applicator may include a base. The base is optionally configured to contact the surface on which the adhesive film is to be deposited. One or more adhesive contact surfaces may be in a spaced relationship with the base. This facilitates keeping the adhesive contact surface spaced apart from the surface on which the adhesive film is to be formed. The base is preferably flat. The lowest portion of the one or more adhesive contact surfaces may be at least 0.2 mm, optionally at least 0.4 mm, optionally at least 0.6 mm, optionally at least 0.8 mm, and optionally at least 1.0 mm in height relative to the base. The lowest portion of the one or more adhesive contact surfaces may be no more than 5.0 mm, optionally no more than 3.0 mm, optionally no more than 2.0 mm, optionally no more than 1.5 mm, and optionally no more than 1.0 mm in height relative to the base.

[0022] The applicator may include guide rails for holding the applicator in place relative to the surface on which the adhesive film is to be formed. The guide rails may define a gap between the guide rails for accommodating the workpiece. The applicator may include at least two guide rails, each of which may optionally be close to or define an edge of the applicator. At least one guide rail, and optionally each guide rail, may be elongated. At least two guide rails may optionally face each other. In the presence of a base, at least two guide rails may be positioned on both sides of the base. At least one guide rail, and optionally more than one guide rail, may protrude away from the base.

[0023] In use, the applicator can be placed over a workpiece onto which an adhesive film is to be dispensed, with the workpiece received in the gap between the guide rails, where the guide rails are adjacent to the workpiece. The distance between the guide rails and the adjacent workpiece is typically relatively small and will not allow the applicator to have much "play" or rotation relative to the workpiece. The distance between the guide rails and the workpiece will allow the applicator to move along the workpiece so that the adhesive film can be formed on the workpiece.

[0024] The applicator may optionally include at least 3 outlets, optionally at least 4 outlets, optionally at least 5 outlets, optionally at least 6 outlets, and optionally at least 7 outlets.

[0025] The applicator may optionally include no more than 20 outlets, optionally no more than 18 outlets, optionally no more than 16 outlets, optionally no more than 14 outlets, optionally no more than 12 outlets, and optionally no more than 10 outlets.

[0026] Alternatively, the outlets may be regularly spaced apart. For example, the spacing between adjacent outlets may be the same for all pairs of adjacent outlets.

[0027] Alternatively, the outlets may be irregularly spaced apart. For example, the spacing between two adjacent outlets in a first pair of outlets may be different from the spacing between two adjacent outlets in a second pair of outlets, wherein at least one outlet in the second pair of outlets is different from the first pair of outlets.

[0028] The size (eg, cross-sectional area) of the outlets may be the same, or may be different. At least one outlet, optionally more than one outlet, and optionally each outlet may have a cross-sectional area of ​​at least 0.5 mm 2 , optionally at least 1.0 mm 2 , optionally at least 1.5 mm 2 , optionally at least 2.0 mm 2 , optionally at least 2.5 mm 2 , and optionally at least 3.0 mm 2 The cross-sectional area of ​​at least one outlet, optionally more than one outlet, and optionally each outlet may not exceed 10 mm 2 , optionally not exceeding 8.0mm 2 , optionally not exceeding 6.0 mm 2 , optionally not exceeding 5.0 mm 2 , optionally not exceeding 4.0 mm 2 , and optionally not more than 3.0 mm 2 .

[0029] The shapes (e.g., cross-sectional shapes) of the outlets can be the same or different. The cross-sectional shape of at least one outlet, optionally more than one outlet, and optionally each outlet can optionally be elongated, sausage-shaped, circular, elliptical, oval, square, or rectangular. In this regard, "sausage-shaped" means that the cross-section of the outlet is elongated with rounded (e.g., semicircular) ends.

[0030] The outlet may optionally be arranged along a straight line.The outlet may optionally be arranged along a curve.

[0031] The applicator can be configured so that at least one outlet, optionally more than one outlet, and optionally each outlet is in a spaced relationship with the surface on which the adhesive film is to be formed. In the case where the applicator includes a base, at least one outlet, optionally more than one outlet, and optionally each outlet is in a spaced relationship with the base. Applicants have found that it is beneficial for the outlet to be raised relative to the surface on which the adhesive film is to be formed. This arrangement facilitates good control of the deposition of adhesive from the outlet, thereby in turn facilitating good control of the formation of the adhesive film.

[0032] At least one channel, optionally more than one channel, and optionally each channel is substantially linear.

[0033] Optionally, at least one channel, optionally more than one channel, and optionally at least a portion of each channel extends radially from the inlet.

[0034] Optionally, at least one channel, optionally more than one channel, and optionally each channel extends radially from the inlet.

[0035] Optionally, the channels have substantially the same cross-sectional shape as one another.

[0036] Optionally, the channels have substantially the same cross-sectional dimensions as one another. This generally facilitates uniform deposition of the adhesive.

[0037] Alternatively, the channels may be arranged in a fanned-out or fan-shaped arrangement which is convenient and facilitates uniform deposition of the adhesive on the surface.

[0038] Alternatively, the channels are coplanar, i.e., the channels lie in one plane. Alternatively, the applicator may be configured so that the plane is substantially parallel to the surface on which the adhesive film is to be deposited. Where the applicator includes a base, the plane may be substantially parallel to the applicator base.

[0039] The applicator may include one and only one reservoir. The applicator may include more than one reservoir. For example, a first reservoir may be configured to receive adhesive from a first set of outlets, and a second reservoir may be configured to receive adhesive from a second set of outlets.

[0040] Alternatively, the reservoir may extend laterally through the applicator. The reservoir may have a width measured in a direction perpendicular to the intended direction of motion of the applicator. The width of the reservoir may be approximately the same as the width of the adhesive contact surface. The volume of the reservoir may optionally be greater than the volume defined by the adhesive contact surface and the surface on which the adhesive film is to be formed. The average height of the surface forming the reservoir relative to the base of the applicator may optionally be greater than the average height of the adhesive contact surface.

[0041] The applicator may comprise one and only one adhesive contact surface. Alternatively, the applicator may comprise more than one adhesive contact surface. The adhesive contact surface may extend laterally across the applicator.

[0042] The adhesive contact surface can be optionally positioned at the back of the reservoir, and it should be kept in mind that the forward direction is the intended direction of motion of the applicator for depositing the adhesive film. The adhesive contact surface can optionally protrude backward relative to the reservoir. The length of the adhesive contact surface (that is, the size on the direction parallel to the intended direction of motion of the applicator for depositing the film) can be at least 1.5mm, optionally at least 2.0mm, optionally at least 2.5mm, optionally at least 3.0mm and optionally at least 5.0mm. The length of the adhesive contact surface (that is, the size on the direction parallel to the intended direction of motion of the applicator for depositing the film) can be no more than 20mm, optionally no more than 15mm, optionally no more than 10mm and optionally no more than 5.0mm.

[0043] The adhesive contact surface may optionally be substantially planar or flat.

[0044] The adhesive contact surface may optionally be substantially parallel to the surface on which the adhesive film is to be deposited.Where the applicator has a base, the adhesive contact surface may optionally be substantially parallel to the base.

[0045] The applicator may optionally include a dispenser receiving portion. The dispenser receiving portion may include a space for receiving the dispenser. The dispenser receiving portion may include a nozzle receiving portion. The nozzle receiving portion may be configured to receive a cylindrical, conical, or frustoconical nozzle.

[0046] The dispenser receiving portion may be configured to receive the dispenser so that the dispenser is positioned to dispense adhesive to the adhesive inlet. For example, the nozzle receiving portion may be positioned close to the adhesive inlet to facilitate dispensing adhesive to the adhesive inlet.

[0047] The applicator can include an applicator body. One or more of the adhesive inlet, adhesive outlet, reservoir and adhesive contact surface can be provided by the applicator body. The body is optionally substantially rigid. Providing these elements of the applicator by the body (particularly a rigid body) helps to provide an applicator with physical elasticity that is not easily deformed or broken. In the case where the applicator includes a base, the body can include the base.

[0048] The applicator is typically sized for use as part of a handheld dispensing device.

[0049] The applicator may be configured to be pulled to form the adhesive film. Alternatively, the applicator may be configured to be pushed to form the adhesive film.

[0050] The applicator may be configured to deposit an adhesive film having a width of at least 10 mm, optionally at least 15 mm, optionally at least 20 mm, optionally at least 25 mm, optionally at least 30 mm, and optionally at least 35 mm.

[0051] The applicator may be configured to deposit an adhesive film having a width of no more than 150 mm, optionally no more than 125 mm, optionally no more than 100 mm, optionally no more than 80 mm, optionally no more than 60 mm, optionally no more than 50 mm, and optionally no more than 40 mm.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the applicator is suitable for the application of adhesives.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the applicator may be used for the application of liquids other than adhesives.

[0053] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adhesive applicator for forming an adhesive film on a workpiece, the applicator comprising:

[0054] an inlet for receiving adhesive from an adhesive source;

[0055] An applicator body that provides:

[0056] a plurality of outlets for dispensing adhesive therethrough;

[0057] a reservoir for receiving the adhesive from the adhesive outlet;

[0058] a plurality of channels, each channel of the plurality of channels being configured to facilitate conveying adhesive from an adhesive inlet to a corresponding outlet;

[0059] base; and

[0060] one or more adhesive contact surfaces for contacting adhesive from a reservoir that is deposited onto the surface as the applicator is moved over the surface, thereby forming an adhesive film on the surface,

[0061] one or more adhesive contact surfaces configured to be in spaced relationship with the surface on which the adhesive film is to be formed; and

[0062] Guide rails for holding the applicator in position relative to a surface on which the adhesive film is to be formed, the guide rails defining a gap therebetween for receiving a workpiece.

[0063] The applicator of the second aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the applicator of the first aspect of the invention.

[0064] For example, the applicator body may also provide an inlet and / or guide rails.

[0065] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adhesive dispensing device comprising an applicator according to the first and / or second aspects of the present invention and an adhesive dispenser configured to dispense adhesive via the adhesive applicator.

[0066] The applicator can be attached to and removed from the adhesive dispenser. Alternatively, the applicator can be integral with the adhesive dispenser. The adhesive dispenser can, for example, comprise a trigger-activated dispenser.

[0067] It has been found that the applicators according to the first and second aspects of the invention are particularly useful for depositing liquids, such as adhesives, onto aircraft components. Therefore, according to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for depositing a liquid (e.g., an adhesive) onto a workpiece surface (in particular, the surface of an aircraft component), the method comprising depositing the liquid using an applicator according to the first and / or second aspects of the invention.

[0068] For the avoidance of doubt, prior to contacting the adhesive with the adhesive contact surface, the deposited adhesive is not in the form of a deposited strip of well-defined width and thickness. The adhesive is deposited into the reservoir; it is the contact of the adhesive contact surface with the adhesive and the movement of the adhesive contact surface over the adhesive that results in the formation of the strip of well-defined thickness and width.

[0069] The method may include continuously depositing adhesive onto a surface of one or more aircraft components and continuously moving at least one of the adhesive contacting surface and the applicator.

[0070] The method can include manually moving the applicator. Alternatively, the method can include automatically moving the applicator and / or the adhesive contact surface. For example, one or both of the applicator and the adhesive contact surface can be installed to an automatic motion system, such as an automatic machine.

[0071] Of course, it will be understood that features described with respect to one aspect of the invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention, and the apparatus of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the method of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0073] Figure 1 shows a perspective "see-through" view of an adhesive applicator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the adhesive applicator of , the cross section being taken along line AA;

[0075] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 details of; and

[0076] Figure 4 Shown is a perspective "see-through" view of an adhesive dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Now refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 An embodiment of an applicator according to the present invention will be described by way of example only. The applicator, generally indicated by reference numeral 1, comprises an adhesive inlet 2 for receiving adhesive from an adhesive source and a plurality of adhesive outlets 3A to 3G for dispensing the adhesive through the plurality of adhesive outlets 3A to 3G. The applicator 1 comprises a plurality of channels 4A to 4G, each of the plurality of channels 4A to 4G being configured to facilitate conveying the adhesive from the adhesive inlet 2 to the corresponding outlets 3A to 3G. The adhesive is conveyed to the adhesive inlet 2 and reaches the seven outlets 3A to 3G through the seven channels 4A to 4G. A reservoir 5 is provided for receiving the adhesive from the adhesive outlets 3A to 3G. The applicator 1 comprises an adhesive contact surface 7 for contacting the adhesive dispensed from the adhesive outlets 3A to 3G into the reservoir 5 and for forming an adhesive film from the adhesive contact surface 7. The applicator 1 is arranged along a path formed by Figure 4 5. The adhesive contact surface 7 is moved in a forward direction, as indicated by arrow F in FIG. 5, to form an adhesive film. The adhesive contact surface 7 is configured to maintain a spaced relationship with the surface on which the adhesive film is to be formed. This ensures that when the adhesive contact surface 7 is moved over the adhesive previously stored in the reservoir 5, the resulting adhesive film has a uniform depth.

[0078] The general operation of the applicator 1 will now be described. An adhesive source 50 is mounted to the applicator 1 so that the adhesive source 50 is able to deliver adhesive to the adhesive inlet 2. The applicator 1 is then placed onto a workpiece WP having a surface S on which an adhesive film L is to be formed. Adhesive is delivered from the adhesive source 50 to the adhesive inlet 2. The adhesive passes from the adhesive inlet 2 via channels 4A to 4G to the adhesive outlets 3A to 3G. The adhesive exits the outlets 3A to 3G and enters the reservoir 5, thereby filling the reservoir 5. When the adhesive is dispensed, the applicator 1 moves along the workpiece WP in the direction shown by the arrow F (which direction is considered to be the forward direction relative to the applicator 1). This movement of the applicator 1 causes the adhesive contact surface 7 to move on the adhesive previously located in the reservoir 5, thereby causing an adhesive film L having the desired thickness and width to be formed, as further explained below.

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

[0080] Applicator 1 comprises seven passages 4A to 4G, and each passage in these seven passages 4A to 4G is all communicated with adhesive inlet 2 fluid.The adhesive delivered to adhesive inlet 2 enters passage 4A to 4G.Each passage 4A to 4G has sausage-shaped cross section (that is, the slightly elongated cross section with rounded semicircular end), and its cross-sectional height is 1mm, and its cross-sectional width is 2mm.Passage 4A to 4G is fan-shaped form relative to adhesive inlet 2.This fan-shaped form provides suitable arrangement structure, for forming relatively wide adhesive film from relatively narrow adhesive source.Passage 4A to 4G is planar, that is, passage 4A to 4G is in one plane.This plane is roughly parallel to the base 8 of applicator 1, and therefore is roughly parallel to the surface S that will deposit adhesive film thereon.This arrangement structure of passage provides relatively compact applicator.Each passage 4A to 4G delivers adhesive to corresponding outlet 3A to 3G. Each outlet 3A to 3G has a cross-sectional height of 1 mm and a cross-sectional width of 2 mm, and each outlet 3A to 3G is elevated above the base 8 of the applicator 1. In this case, the bottom of each outlet 3A to 3G is approximately 0.5 mm higher than the base 8. The outlets 3A to 3G are evenly spaced along a straight line. This facilitates uniform deposition of adhesive on a relatively wide workpiece WP.

[0081] The applicator 1 comprises a rigid body 9. The adhesive inlet 2, the adhesive outlets 3A to 3G, and the channels 4A to 4G are formed in the body 9. The reservoir 5, the surface 6 forming the surface of the reservoir 5, and the adhesive contact surface 7 are provided by the body 9. The rigidity of the body 9 prevents undesirable deformation of the applicator 1 and, in particular, enables the adhesive contact surface 7 to maintain the desired shape and the desired spacing from the surface S on which the film is to be formed.

[0082] As described above, applicator 1 includes a reservoir 5 that receives adhesive from outlets 3A to 3G. Reservoir 5 facilitates collecting a certain volume of adhesive, thereby ensuring that film L is formed across the entire width W of workpiece WP and to the desired depth. In this regard, the average height of surface 6 defining reservoir 5 relative to base 8 is greater than the height of adhesive contact surface 7. The height of surface 6 defining reservoir 5 relative to base 8 is greater near outlets 3A to 3G than near the adhesive contact surface. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​reservoir 5, adjacent to outlets 3A to 3G and perpendicular to direction of movement F, is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​reservoir 5 adjacent to adhesive contact surface 7. This allows the cross-sectional area of ​​reservoir 5 to decrease as applicator 1 moves. This ensures that film L is formed with the desired width and depth.

[0083] The applicator 1 includes two parallel elongated lateral guide rails 12A, 12B extending away from the applicator body 9, thereby defining a gap between the guide rails 12A, 12B for receiving the workpiece WP. The gap between the guide rails 12A, 12B is large enough to accommodate the workpiece WP, but small enough so that rotation and / or lateral movement of the applicator 1 relative to the workpiece WP is prevented.

[0084] The applicator 1 described above has been found to be particularly effective in depositing a uniform adhesive film of approximately 0.5 mm thickness.

[0085] Figure 4 An adhesive dispensing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown and includes an applicator 1 and an adhesive source 50 configured to deliver adhesive to the applicator 1 .

[0086] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the applicator 1 includes a dispenser receiving portion 13 for receiving an adhesive source 50. The dispenser receiving portion 13 includes a nozzle receiving portion 13A, which is shaped to receive the nozzle of the adhesive source. In this case, the nozzle receiving portion 13A includes a frustoconical inner surface for receiving the frustoconical nozzle 52 of the adhesive source. The nozzle receiving portion 13A is provided with three inwardly protruding ribs 14A to 14C, which, in use, engage with the inserted nozzle in a form-fitting manner, thereby firmly holding the nozzle and preventing the nozzle from being undesirably removed. The dispenser receiving portion 13 includes a portion 13B for receiving the body 51 of the dispenser. When the adhesive source 50 is correctly inserted into the dispenser receiving portion 13 of the applicator 1, the nozzle 52 is positioned adjacent to the adhesive inlet 2 so that adhesive can be dispensed from the nozzle 52 into the adhesive inlet 2.

[0087] It should be noted that the deposited adhesive is not necessarily in the form of a film before the adhesive is brought into contact with the adhesive contact surface. The deposited adhesive is typically in the form of a puddle or sheet of adhesive. It is the contact of the adhesive contact surface with the adhesive and the movement of the adhesive contact surface over the adhesive that causes the adhesive film to form.

[0088] As described above, the movement of the adhesive contact surface is in a forward direction (adhesive is deposited in front of the adhesive contact surface). This causes the adhesive contact surface to move over the deposited adhesive. Adhesive is continuously deposited in front of the adhesive contact surface, and the adhesive contact surface is continuously moved until the desired adhesive film is deposited.

[0089] The adhesive is deposited using an applicator comprising an adhesive contact surface, wherein the applicator is used both to deposit the adhesive and to form an adhesive stripe from the deposited adhesive.The applicator is an applicator 1 that is moved forward by hand.

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

[0091] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically described herein. Some possible variations will now be described by way of example only.

[0092] The above example describes the use of seven outlets for dispensing adhesive. Those skilled in the art will appreciate 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 elongated with rounded (in this case semi-circular) ends. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other shapes may be used, such as circular, elliptical, oval, square or hexagonal.

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

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

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

[0097] The above examples describe a manually operated adhesive applicator. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this need not be the case. The adhesive applicator of the present invention may be mechanically operated, for example using an automated machine.

[0098] The above examples describe an applicator that is removable from and attachable to an adhesive source.One skilled in the art will appreciate that the applicator may be integral to the adhesive source.

[0099] Where the foregoing description mentions wholes or elements that have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims to determine the true scope of the invention, which should be interpreted as encompassing any such equivalents. The reader will also understand that wholes or features of the invention that are described as preferred, advantageous, convenient, etc. are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that such optional wholes or features, while potentially beneficial in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable in other embodiments and, therefore, may not be present.

Claims

1. An applicator for applying an adhesive film to a surface of a workpiece, the applicator comprising: an inlet for receiving adhesive from an adhesive source; a plurality of outlets for dispensing adhesive therethrough; a plurality of channels, at least two of the channels being configured to facilitate delivery of adhesive from the inlets to respective mutually distinct outlets; one or more reservoirs for receiving adhesive from corresponding outlets; as well as one or more adhesive contact surfaces for contacting adhesive in a reservoir that is deposited onto the surface as the applicator is moved over the surface, thereby forming an adhesive film on the surface; One or more of the adhesive contact surfaces are configured to be in spaced relationship with a surface on which an adhesive film is to be formed.

2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein: The applicator includes a base, and the depth of the reservoir relative to the base of the applicator is greater adjacent the outlet than adjacent one or more of the adhesive contact surfaces.

3. An applicator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: A cross-sectional area of ​​the reservoir perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator and adjacent to the outlet is greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the reservoir adjacent to one or more of the adhesive contact surfaces.

4. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein: Each of the channels is configured to facilitate delivery of adhesive from the inlet to a respective, mutually distinct outlet.

5. An applicator according to any preceding claim, comprising guides for holding the applicator in position relative to a surface on which the adhesive film is to be formed.

6. The applicator of claim 5, wherein: The guide rails define a gap therebetween for receiving a workpiece.

7. An applicator according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein: The applicator includes a base, and at least two rails are positioned on either side of the base.

8. An applicator according to any preceding claim, comprising at least 3 outlets and no more than 10 outlets.

9. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein: The spacing between adjacent outlets is the same for all pairs of adjacent outlets.

10. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein The channels are arranged in an expanded arrangement or a fan-shaped arrangement.

11. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein The channels are coplanar.

12. The applicator of claim 11, wherein: The applicator is configured so that the plane is generally parallel to the surface onto which the adhesive film is to be deposited.

13. An applicator according to any preceding claim, comprising one and only one reservoir.

14. The applicator of any one of claims 1 to 12, 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.

15. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein The reservoir can extend laterally across the applicator, the reservoir having a width measured in a direction perpendicular to an intended direction of movement of the applicator, the width of the reservoir being substantially the same as a width of the adhesive contact surface.

16. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein The adhesive contact surface is generally planar and is configured to be generally parallel to a surface onto which the adhesive film is to be deposited.

17. An applicator according to any preceding claim, comprising a dispenser receiving portion, which may include a nozzle receiving portion.

18. An applicator according to any preceding claim, comprising a substantially rigid applicator body, wherein One or more of the inlet, the outlet, the reservoir, and the adhesive contact surface are provided by the applicator body.

19. An adhesive applicator for forming an adhesive film on a workpiece, the applicator comprising: an inlet for receiving adhesive from an adhesive source; An applicator body providing: a plurality of outlets through which adhesive is dispensed; a reservoir for receiving the adhesive from the outlet; a plurality of channels, each of the channels being configured to facilitate conveying adhesive from the inlet to a corresponding outlet; base; as well as one or more adhesive contact surfaces for contacting adhesive deposited on a surface from a reservoir as the applicator is moved over the surface, thereby forming an adhesive film on the surface, one or more of the adhesive contact surfaces are configured to be in spaced relationship with a surface on which an adhesive film is to be formed; as well as Guide rails for holding the applicator in position relative to a surface on which an adhesive film is to be formed, the guide rails defining gaps therebetween for receiving a workpiece.

20. An adhesive dispensing device comprising an applicator according to any preceding claim, and an adhesive dispenser configured to dispense adhesive via the applicator.

21. The adhesive dispensing device of claim 20, wherein: The applicator is attachable to the adhesive dispenser and the applicator is removable from the adhesive dispenser.

22. The adhesive dispensing device of claim 20, wherein: The applicator is integral with the adhesive dispenser.

23. A method of depositing a liquid onto the surface of a workpiece, the method comprising depositing the liquid using an applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The workpiece is an aircraft component, and wherein the liquid is an adhesive.

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