Device for the uniform application of adhesive or similar materials

Abstract

Device for the uniform application of pasty mass, in particular adhesive, to workpieces (3), comprising a base frame (25), at least two sliding rails (1) arranged parallel to one another, and a rake (26), the base frame (25) being rectangular in shape and having legs (32) in the corner regions, characterized in that the at least two sliding rails (1) are arranged such that they can move within a guide profile of at least two guide elements (24) which are arranged transversely to a longitudinal frame of the base frame (25) and the sliding rails (1), one of the sliding rails (1) being arranged on at least one guide element, and furthermore the sliding rails (1) each having a height-adjustable guide plate (2) downstream of which a rake (26) is arranged.

Description

Brief description of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for the uniform application of pasty mass or a similar material, in particular tile adhesive or mortar.

[0002] The device is used in particular for flat workpieces such as tiles, tile-like workpieces, or other flat floor coverings. Laying large-format tiles, in particular, is often difficult because the tiles are not uniformly shaped and sometimes have a curvature that sometimes amounts to a difference of 8.5 mm from the center of the tile to its corner. For the sake of simplicity, the invention is described below in connection with tiles; however, it can also be used for other ceramic, stone, glass, wood, plastic, and / or other panel-shaped floor coverings that can be attached to walls, floors, and / or ceilings.

[0003] Tiles are typically laid using a thin-bed method, whereby the adhesive is manually applied to the surface to be tiled using a notched trowel using the floating method, to the back of the tile using the buttering method, or to the floor and tile using the buttering-floating method. The latter is used for large format tiles. Manual application of the tile adhesive results in an uneven distribution of the tile adhesive. This often leads to a lot of adhesive being found near the edges, whereas relatively little is found in the center of the tile. The result of this uneven distribution is that voids sometimes form, which is undesirable because, in addition to possible hollow sounds, these can in some cases lead to tension within the tile, which manifests itself in cracks or other damage to the covering.Such installation defects can only be remedied by dismantling the entire structure or subsequently filling the voids with injection molding, which involves considerable effort and expense. Therefore, the goal is to minimize or even eliminate voids. Furthermore, the manual processes for applying adhesive to the tiles are laborious and time-consuming.

[0004] Some devices for coating tiles are known from the prior art, but these are generally not practical for daily use at different construction sites because they are too bulky and / or can only be used for floor coverings. One example of this is the device in DE 20 2006 016 922 U1, with which adhesive material, such as glue, is applied to the tiles using a nozzle arrangement. Another example is DE 60 2004 001 380 T2, which shows an adhesive application device consisting of a rectangular housing that is open at the bottom and can therefore distribute the material introduced into the housing, such as the glue, onto the floor by a person pulling the housing across the floor. DE3726841A1 also describes a device for coating a large number of tiles with mortar.The tiles are transported and coated under a container filled with mortar by means of a transport mechanism. Another distribution device is described in WO 2020 / 030658A1, which consists of a base plate and guide elements arranged thereon, the latter having a base surface.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device and a method with which a pasty mass can be applied evenly to tiles or similar workpieces in a simple manner and which is designed to be handy so that it can be easily transported from one construction site to the next. Furthermore, the invention should make it possible to coat different flat workpieces, such as tiles, tile-like workpieces, or other flat floor coverings, and to apply different thicknesses of pasty mass or a similar material to them. Furthermore, the continuous use of a suction lifter when applying adhesive or similar materials to the flat workpieces should be enabled.

[0006] The present invention therefore relates to a device for the uniform application of pasty mass, in particular adhesive, to workpieces, comprising a base frame, at least two parallel sliding rails, and a rake, the base frame being rectangular in shape and having legs in the corner regions. The device is characterized in that the at least two sliding rails are movably arranged within a guide element arranged transversely to the longitudinal frame of the base frame and the sliding rails, and the sliding rails each have a height-adjustable guide plate followed by a rake. The workpiece is preferably a tile.

[0007] The base frame and / or the legs are preferably made of square aluminum tubes. Furthermore, the base frame can be designed to be foldable, with the legs preferably being attached to the base frame by means of movable corner connectors.

[0008] In one aspect, the at least one guide element has a guide profile, wherein the guide element is preferably T-slot profile rails. In a preferred embodiment, two guide elements are arranged on each longitudinal rail of the base frame.

[0009] In a further embodiment, a distance (AB) of 2 cm to 80 cm, preferably 10 cm to 50 cm, can be formed between the guide elements of the two slide rails.

[0010] In one aspect of the invention, the slide rails can be designed as L-profiles and extend over the entire length of the base frame and / or beyond. In a preferred embodiment, one leg of the L-profile of the slide rail points toward the inside of the base frame, and the other leg of the base frame is directed upwards. The distance between the two slide rails can also be continuously adjustable, preferably by sliding within the guide elements. Furthermore, the length of the slide rails is between 50 cm and 400 cm, preferably between 100 cm and 200 cm, and particularly preferably between 120 cm and 150 cm.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the slide rails have at least one protective element, which is particularly preferably a polyamide rod, extending along their entire length. The protective element is preferably positioned in the corner area of the slide rails, and the slide rail has a longer leg length than the protective element is wide.

[0012] A further aspect involves the attachment of the respective guide plate, which is attached to a leg of the respective slide rail. The guide plate is preferably height-adjustable through an interplay of fastening elements, such as fastening screws, a long nut holder and a long nut, a lock nut / knob screw, a corresponding fastening, and a knurled screw, thus enabling adaptation to the tile thickness and / or adhesive thickness.

[0013] The downstream rake of the device is further preferably held by means of a holder, which is particularly preferably a clamp holder. The rake preferably extends in the device between the two parallel slide rails, wherein the rake is particularly preferably made of flat steel and has a wedge-shaped toothing. Furthermore, the rake can be arranged at a support point of the guide plate, which is height-adjustable with respect to the workpiece and the base frame. In one aspect, the rake is attached obliquely to the receiving area, wherein the rake is particularly preferably arranged on the device in an angle-adjustable manner.

[0014] Furthermore, the device may further comprise one or more stabilizing elements that stabilize the construction of the base frame.

[0015] The device can be used for a method for uniformly applying pasty mass, in particular adhesive, to workpieces using a device as described above, comprising the following steps: a) Assemble a base frame by positioning the legs of the device in the correct position; b) Alignment of the slide rails within the guide elements so that a corresponding workpiece can be arranged between the slide rails; c) Adaptation of the respective guide plate of the respective slide rails to the thickness of the workpiece; d) Place the workpiece between the slide rails with the top of the workpiece facing downwards; e) Placing the workpiece in the receiving area between the guide plates; f) applying the pasty mass, adhesive and / or other materials to the workpiece in the area of the receiving area; and g) Passing the workpiece under the rake and distributing the pasty mass, adhesive and / or other materials.

[0016] In one aspect, stabilizing elements can also be arranged on the base frame to stabilize the position of the base frame.

[0017] In one embodiment, a height adjustment can also be used to adjust the guide plate, wherein in particular by operating a grip screw the height of the guide plate is adjusted to different thicknesses of workpieces by moving a long nut within a thread.

[0018] It is also possible to readjust the distance between the two slide rails and / or the guide plates after the workpiece has been inserted.

[0019] The object is further characterized by the embodiments in the claims and described in more detail by the statements in the description, the examples and the drawings. Illustrations Fig. 1 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the device with height and side adjustable guide elements and guide plates (front view). Fig. 2 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the device with height and side adjustable guide elements and guide plates as well as arranged rake (rear view). Fig. 3 Schematic representation of a rake with wedge-shaped teeth. Fig. 4 Detailed view of a preferred embodiment of the device with height adjustment of the guide elements and guide plates, wherein a protective element is arranged within the guide elements. Fig. 5 Side view of a preferred embodiment of the device (without base frame). Fig. 6 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the device with height and side adjustable guide elements and guide plates and suction lifter arranged below the flat workpiece (front view). Fig. 7 Schematic representation of the mobility of the device according to the invention. Fig. 8 Schematic representation of the base frame (top view). Fig. 9 Schematic representation of the adjustment options in height and width of the device. Fig. 10 Schematic representation of the adjustment options in height and width of the device with suction lifter arranged on the flat workpiece. List of reference symbols 1 slide rail 2 guide plates 3 Flat workpiece 4 Height adjustment 5 Recording area 6 protective element 7 Contact area slide rail-tile 8 Distance between flat workpiece guide plate 9 Distance between flat workpiece guide plate 10 Long nut holder 11 Fixing screw 12 Long nut 13 Threaded handle screw 14 Lock nut handle screw 15 Fastening handle screw 16 Washer 17 Handle screw 18 clamping screw 19 clamp holder for the rake 20 Support point for the rake 21 Connecting screw to the guide element 22 Connection 23 Lockable connection 24 Guide element 25 Base frame 26 rakes 27 Fixing screw 28 Long side base frame 29 Broadside base frame 30 Initial area 31 End area 32 legs 33 Stabilizing element AB Distance between the guide elements Detailed description of the invention

[0020] The present invention relates to a device for the uniform application of pasty mass or a similar material to flat workpieces (3).

[0021] In the following, the articles “a” and all derivatives thereof, as used herein, shall generally be understood as “one or more”, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context as the singular form.

[0022] Whenever the terms "includes", "has", "possesses" and the like are used in the description or the claims, these terms should be understood in the same way as the term "comprising" or "having" and are not exhaustive unless explicitly stated.

[0023] Pasty mass or similar materials include, but are not limited to, the following list, adhesives, mortar, cement, silicone and / or acrylic, in particular tile adhesives and bonding mortars for applying tiles to a substrate.

[0024] Flat workpieces (3) according to the present invention include not only floor coverings, such as textile and non-textile coverings, but also wall and ceiling coverings. In addition to textile coverings, such as carpets, the coverings are preferably elastic coverings, hard coverings or mineral coverings. As already stated in the brief description, the invention is described in connection with tiles for the sake of simplicity. Tiles can be used in a wide variety of designs and materials, for example ceramic tiles, cement tiles, stone tiles, carpet tiles, PVC tiles, but also natural stone slabs, glass slabs, wood and synthetic wood tiles, such as parquet and laminate. However, floor or wall tiles made of earthenware, stoneware, terracotta, clinker or porcelain stoneware are particularly preferred, since these entail more difficult installation, particularly gluing, as the size of the tiles increases.Large format tiles have the problem that they are not uniformly formed, which means that when laying them, care must be taken to ensure that the mortar or adhesive applied compensates for these irregularities in the processing of the tiles in order to prevent voids under the tiles.

[0025] However, the conventional manual methods that allow for such installation and processing of tiles, such as the buttering-floating method, are very time-consuming. Simple systems that can be used by any craftsman on a small or large construction site are not available. Therefore, the present invention is intended to provide a way to apply coverings, whether on walls, floors, or ceilings, in a single step. For this purpose, a device is provided for the uniform application of paste-like mass to a flat workpiece (3).

[0026] The device therefore comprises a base frame (25), at least two slide rails (1) and a rake (26), each of which can be individually adapted to the respective workpiece (3) or the use.

[0027] The base frame (25) is designed to be foldable, like the Fig. 7, and preferably has the shape of a rectangle, Fig. 8, wherein the running sides (29) represent the longer sides of the rectangle. The short sides of the rectangle form the beginning (30) and end region (31) of the device. The base frame (25) is preferably made of square aluminum tubes, which form the rectangular frame. Arranged on the rectangular frame in the corner region are additional tubes, which form the legs or feet (32) of the device. In a preferred embodiment, these are also square aluminum tubes. However, as an alternative to the square aluminum tubes as the base frame (25) and legs (32), any other material can be used, such as other metals, such as steel and / or plastics. For a foldable design, the legs (32) are arranged in movable corner connectors on the rectangular frame so that they can be folded in. Alternatively, the legs or feet (32) can also be arranged on the base frame using hinges.

[0028] At least one guide element (24) with a guide profile, preferably T-slot profile rails, is arranged on the rectangular frame in the two longitudinal areas. With the help of the guide element with profile (24), the slide rail (1) can be variably adapted to the different tile widths by guiding the slide rail (1) in the at least one guide element (24). The guide element (24) with profile is in particular a T-slot profile or T-slot rail. The guide element (24) in the form of the T-slot profile rail (24) is therefore arranged such that it is attached transversely to the longitudinal tube of the rectangular base frame (25). In a preferred embodiment, two T-slot profile rails (24) are attached to each longitudinal rail of the base frame (25) so that the slide rail (1) is securely held.To ensure that the slide rail (1) is securely held, a guide element (24), such as a grooved profile rail (24), is located on each of the two longitudinal frame pieces between 0% and 40% from the corner connection, particularly preferably between 10% and 30% from the corner connection. To increase the stability of the guide, more than two guide elements (24) can be arranged. The guide elements (24) are generally made of the same material as the frame (25), but these (24) can also be made of other materials, such as wood, metal and / or plastic. Furthermore, the guide elements (24) can also protrude beyond the width of the base frame (25) in order to offer the possibility of processing flat workpieces (3) with a width greater than the width of the base frame (25) despite a base frame (25) having a smaller width.

[0029] In order to allow the use of suction lifters (27) during the use of the device, such as the Fig. 10 can be removed, the guide elements (24) attached to the device are not continuous from one long side of the base frame (25) to the other side, see for example Fig. 1, 2, 6, 8-10. If the guide elements (24) of the respective slide rails (1', 1'') are arranged on the base frame (25) in such a way that they oppose each other, as shown in Fig. Fig. 1, 2, 6, 8-10 can be removed, the guide elements (24) are attached at a distance (AB) of 2 cm to 80 cm, preferably 10 cm to 50 cm, from one another. Alternatively, the guide elements (24) of the respective slide rails (1) can also be arranged offset from one another, but it must be ensured that a recess is provided in the central surface area of the base frame (25), which makes it possible to transport a suction lifter (27) together with a flat workpiece (3) from the starting area (30) to the end area (31). In order to further simplify such transport of the workpiece (3) together with the suction lifter (27), it can be provided that the guide elements (24) or further elements space the slide rails (1) from the base frame (25), i.e. increase the distance between the slide rails (1) and the base frame (25).Due to the greater distance between the slide rails (1) and the base frame (25), in particular the crossbeam of the base frame (25) in the start and end areas (30, 31), it is already possible to insert the suction lifter (27) or the workpiece (3) together with the suction lifter directly into the device without having to remove the suction lifter (27). This spacing can be achieved using the guide elements (24) themselves, in that they have a certain height, or using additional elements on which the guide elements (24) are arranged in order to increase their fastening area compared to the base frame (25). The spacing between the base frame (25) and the arrangement of the slide rail (1) is preferably between 1 mm and 300 mm, particularly preferably between 10 mm and 100 mm.

[0030] The slide rails (1), which allow the guidance of the flat workpieces (3), in particular tiles or a similar object, are arranged parallel to one another, wherein their arrangement preferably corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the base frame (25). In each case, one slide rail (1') is arranged in the region of one first longitudinal side of the base frame (25) and the other slide rail (1'') is arranged on the opposite longitudinal side of the base frame (25). Although two slide rails (1) are mentioned, it can also be several rails that are fastened one behind the other to form a long slide rail (1). The slide rails (1) can be made of any material, with metal, plastic or wood, in particular aluminum, being suitable for this purpose.Although the slide rails (1) are referred to as rails and described as L-profiles, they can also be angled metals or other suitable elements that allow for the guidance of flat workpieces (3), such as tiles. The slide rails (1) extend the entire length of the base frame (25) and, in some cases, can even extend beyond the base frame (25).

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, as in the Fig. 1-10, two slide rails (1) in the form of an L-profile made of aluminum are used, with one leg of the profile pointing towards the inside of the base frame and the other leg pointing upwards from the base frame (1), such as the Fig. 4. With the slide rails (1), which are designed in the form of an angle profile, the workpiece (3) or the upper side of the workpiece (wear layer) is placed on one of the two angled sides, and the other angled side of the slide rails (1) protrudes from the base frame (25). Consequently, the workpiece (3) should be laterally limited by the two slide rails (1).

[0032] The distance between the two slide rails (1) is continuously adjustable so that it can be adapted to different widths of the flat workpieces (3), such as tiles. The slide rails (1) are movably arranged on the at least one guide element (24) using connecting elements, such as connecting screws. The guide element (24) is arranged transversely to the slide rails (1), so that the latter can change its position when moving within the guide profile of the guide element. If the guide element (24) is designed as a T-slot profile, the slide rails (1) slide within the T-slot profile, whereby the distance between the two slide rails (1) can be changed, for example the Fig. 9 and Fig.10 can be removed. In order to achieve the most stable handling of the device, even though it is formed only from a base frame (25), a slide rail (1) is connected to at least two guide elements (24), as described above. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that only one slide rail (1) is movably arranged on the respective guide elements (24) and the other is fixedly arranged on a longitudinal edge of the base frame (25). Consequently, a distance adjustment transverse to the longitudinal direction of the guide elements (24) would only be possible with the aid of one slide rail (1).

[0033] In order to prevent or reduce unwanted movement of the slide rails (1), the slide rails (1) can be lockable relative to one another. In one embodiment, this is achieved mechanically, for example by means of screws, clamping devices, catches, bolts and / or tensioning devices, the slide rails (1) are locked relative to one another or by each slide rail (1) is locked to the base frame (25). The device is used for tiles or similar workpieces (3) of different sizes; therefore, stepless locking is advantageous in order to enable the most precise adjustment possible. The slide rails (1) have different lengths depending on the tiles or workpieces (5) to be processed. Typically, however, the length of the guide rails (1) is between 50 cm and 400 cm, preferably between 100 cm and 200 cm, particularly preferably between 120 cm and 150 cm.

[0034] In order to prevent or reduce damage to the flat workpieces (3), such as tiles, at least one protective element (6) is preferably arranged along the entire length of the slide rail (1), which protects the surface of the flat workpieces (3). Tiles usually have a glaze layer on their upper side, which should not be damaged. The upper side of the workpiece (3), which is also referred to as the running surface, refers in particular to the layer which forms the upper side and is visible after the workpiece (3) has been laid. As a result of the fact that the underside of the flat workpieces (3), such as tiles, is directed upwards within the device in order to be able to apply adhesive or similar materials to the underside, the upper side with the wear layer, which in some cases has the glaze, is in direct contact with the slide rail (1), since this layer points downwards, i.e. towards the base frame (25).In addition to preventing or reducing damage, the at least one protective element is intended to improve the sliding properties of the workpieces (3) within the device. Plastic, textile fabric, ceramic, or leather, for example, can be used as the protective element (6). A polyamide rod as the protective element (6) has proven particularly preferred in this case. In order not to unnecessarily increase the running resistance, the protective element (6), such as the polyamide rod, preferably has a smaller width than the leg of the slide rail (1) on which the workpiece (3) rests. The rod is preferably a round polyamide profile which is arranged in the corner region of the slide rails. However, the protective element (6) is designed such that the leg of the slide rail (1) has a longer leg length than the protective element (6), such as the round polyamide profile.Consequently, the workpiece (3) rests on the protective element (6) and is spaced from the adjacent leg of the slide rail (1), i.e. the leg directed towards the inside of the base frame.

[0035] In a further aspect of the present invention, the device further comprises at least one height-adjustable guide plate (2) per slide rail (1). This guide plate (2) is mounted on the leg of the slide rail (1) which points upwards away from the base frame (25). Consequently, one leg of the sliding element (1) also serves as a guide for the guide plate (2). The guide plate (2) is located relatively centrally in relation to the slide rails (1) and the base frame (25) and serves as a receiving area (5) for the adhesive or similar materials. The purpose of the guide plate (2) is to facilitate the application of the pasty mass to the workpiece (3), such as the tile, and to prevent the mass from getting between the slide rail and the tile. When applying the pasty mass, it is applied to the workpiece (3) using a trowel or spatula. This often results in several piles of pasty mass.The guide plate (2) is intended to hold the pasty mass in a specific area on the workpiece (3). This area is preferably an area that is located relatively centrally in relation to the length of the respective slide rail (1). In principle, however, the entire area that extends over the entire length from a start area to the end area could have a corresponding guide plate. Usually, however, both slide rails (1) running parallel to one another have the same length and are located parallel to one another in such a way that their start and end areas correspond. Therefore, the guide plates (2) of both slide rails (1) are found in the same section area, namely an opposite area.The initial region of the slide rails (1) constitutes a region of up to 50%, preferably up to 40%, particularly preferably 30% of the total length of the slide rails (1), with an open end of the slide rails (1) marking a beginning and the opposite open end marking the end of the guide rail (1). The middle region of the slide rails (1) preferably denotes a region lying between 10% and 40%, preferably between 20% and 30%, particularly preferably between 25% and 30% of the length of the slide rails (1).

[0036] The guide plate (2) is designed such that it has a distance from the workpiece (9) or the contact area between the slide rail and tile (7) on the side of the workpiece (3), such as the tile. The guide plate (2) is designed to be height-adjustable through an interaction of fastening elements, such as fastening screws (11), a long nut holder (10) and a long nut (12), a lock nut handle screw (14) and a corresponding fastening (16), as well as a handle screw (17). Slide bearings or similar devices can also be used for height adjustment. By operating the handle screw (17), the guide plate (2) can be moved towards or away from the base frame (25), thereby adapting to the tile thickness or adhesive thickness.

[0037] On one side of the guide plate (2), which corresponds to the end region (31) of the device, there is also a holder (19) for a rake (26), which preferably consists of a clamp holder that holds the rake (26) in a support point (19). Thanks to the clamp holder, the rake (26) can be replaced as needed in order to be able to serve as many application areas and workpiece types as possible. In some cases, however, it can also be provided that instead of or in addition to the clamp holder of the rake (26), interchangeability is ensured by any known detachable connection to the slide rails (1) and / or to the base frame (25).These can be known connections, such as, but not limited to, the following soluble connections, which can be separated and reassembled without destroying the connected parts and the connecting element, these include screw connections, clamp connections, Velcro connections and / or magnetic connections. The rake (26) serves to distribute the pasty mass on the workpiece (3) and to scrape off any excess. The rake (26) is arranged in relation to the slide rails (1) such that it is located between the two slide rails (1) and spans the entire area between them. The rake (26) can have different shapes and can, for example, comprise a squeegee or an element with a similar function, and / or a notched spatula.These can have different shapes, such as triangular teeth, triangular pointed teeth, rectangular teeth, and / or round teeth, and can also differ in the size and spacing of the teeth. In a preferred embodiment, the rake (26) is preferably made of flat steel and particularly preferably has wedge-shaped teeth.

[0038] Due to the fact that the rake (26) is arranged at a support point (20) of the guide plate (2), the guide plate (2) and the guide plate (2) are height-adjustable with respect to the workpiece (3), such as the tile, and the base frame (25). The advantage of such height adjustment is that the rake (26) can be adapted to the thickness and height of the tiles as well as to the amount of paste-like material applied. Such height adjustability

[0039] The rake (26) is preferably arranged on the device such that it is directed obliquely to the receiving area. The angle at which the rake (26) is arranged on the device is fixed and is preferably 67 degrees. In an alternative embodiment, an angle adjustment can be provided, which allows the angle to the receiving area (5) to be varied, thereby making the application of the pasty material easier and more uniform. For this purpose, the rake (26) can be pivotably mounted on a bracket.

[0040] In principle, the adjustment of the slide rails (1) to one another, as well as the height of the guide plates (2) and / or the angle adjustment of the rake (26), can also be carried out electrically. A corresponding drive can be provided by a motor, which is driven, for example, by electricity, or where an accumulator provides the required power. With an electrical adjustment, adjustment is also possible using application software (app) on the device itself (internally) or using an external device, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop and / or a computer. For this purpose, the device has an internal or external computer, which can record, forward and / or send the data using wired or wireless transmission options. Examples of wireless transmission connections include wireless LAN, i.e.wireless local area networks, or mobile communications, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) UMTS and / or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). For the data transmission methods, the device has corresponding connections and units that enable such transmission. Such connections and units include, but are not limited to, one or more network connections, such as an RJ-45 socket, a BNC connector, a fiber optic connector, a modem connector, an ISDN card connector, logical network interfaces, software, and / or wireless network interfaces.

[0041] In one aspect of the invention, the device can comprise one or more stabilizing elements (30) which, for example, prevent the base frame (25) from collapsing during use of the device and / or stabilize the structure. The corresponding stabilizing elements (30) can be connecting screws, clamps, or similar elements, as well as rails or tubes, preferably square aluminum tubes. These are preferably arranged on the outer sides of the legs (32), i.e., the sides facing away from the starting and end regions (30, 31), and allow maximum deflection of the legs (32).

[0042] The slide rails (1), guide elements (2), base frame (25), guide plate (2) and / or the rake (26) can, however, also be partially arranged fixedly to one another. This means that their connection to one another can only be separated by destroying at least one component or auxiliary joining parts, such as rivets. In order to ensure easy replacement of the components or parts and thus also easy assembly and disassembly of the device, the individual components or parts are preferably detachably connected to one another. In principle, however, it can also be provided that only certain components are detachably connected to one another and others have a fixed connection to one another.

[0043] The present device can also be used for a method for the uniform application of pasty mass to a flat workpiece (3). For this purpose, the base frame (25) is first constructed by bringing the legs (32) into the correct position and, if necessary, the stabilizing elements (30) holding them in a fixed position. The slide rails (1) are then moved within the guide elements (24) so that the corresponding workpiece (3) can be arranged between the slide rails (1', 1''). If the distance between the slide rails (1', 1'') corresponds to the width of the workpiece (3), the guide plate (2) is then adjusted to the thickness of the workpiece (3). The height adjustment (4) is used for this purpose. The respective guide plate (2) can thus be adjusted in height to suit workpieces (3) of different thicknesses, in particular by operating the grip screw (17).By turning the grip screw (17), a long nut (12) is moved within a thread (13), thus adjusting the height of the guide plate (2) relative to the slide rail (1). In one embodiment, the device can also be adjusted to the workpiece (3) electrically, preferably via app control using an external device.

[0044] Once the device has been prepared for the workpiece, the flat workpiece (3), which is preferably a tile, is placed between the two slide rails (1) with the top side of the workpiece (3) facing downwards. The top side of the workpiece (3), which has the glaze layer or covering layer of the workpieces (3), is referred to as the "downward" laying direction. The workpiece (3) then lies between the slide rails (1) on the protective element (6). The distance between the two slide rails (1) and / or the guide plates (2) can also be readjusted after the workpiece (3) has been placed.

[0045] The workpiece (3) is inserted into the starting area (30), which makes up to 50%, preferably up to 40%, particularly preferably up to 30% of the total length of the slide rail (1) or the base frame (25). The starting area (30) or receiving area is characterized by the rake (26) being located at its end. Behind the rake (26) is referred to as the end area (31). The workpiece (3) can be positioned in the device immediately after being placed in the device in such a way that pasty mass, adhesive or similar materials can be applied. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to bring the workpiece (3) into the area of the guide plate (2) or into contact with the rake (26) by manually pressing the workpiece (3) or transporting the workpiece (3), for example by a conveyor belt.As seen from the starting area (3), there is a guide plate (2) in front of the rake (26) on each of the slide rails, whereby the area between the two opposing guide plates (2) forms the receiving area (5) for the pasty mass, the adhesive or other materials. In the receiving area (5), the pasty mass or the adhesive can be applied to the workpiece (3) without it flowing from the workpiece (3) and is held in the area. The application can be carried out using suitable tools, such as a trowel or a spatula. After the pasty mass has been applied to the workpiece (3), which is applied, for example, in small piles, the workpiece (5) is pushed under the rake (26).As previously described, the workpiece can also be pushed through manually below the rake (26) into the end area (31) or automatically guided by a conveyor belt. As a result, the pasty material is evenly distributed over the workpiece (3), thereby compensating for irregularities in some workpieces (3), such as large-format tiles.

[0046] These and other embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the description and examples and are encompassed by them. The features recited in the above description and in the claims are further combinable in any desired selection, and the combinations of features that are reasonable within the scope of the invention are to be considered as disclosed. Further literature on known materials, methods, and applications that can be used in accordance with the present invention can be retrieved from public libraries and databases, for example, using electronic devices. A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by reference to the figures and examples, which have been provided for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2006 016 922 U1

[0004] DE 60 2004 001 380 T2

[0004] DE 3726841A1

[0004] WO 2020 / 030658A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Device for the uniform application of pasty mass, in particular adhesive, to workpieces (3) comprising a base frame (25), at least two parallel sliding rails (1) and a rake (26), wherein the base frame (25) has the shape of a rectangle and has legs (32) in the corner regions, characterized by in that the at least two slide rails (1) are movably arranged within a guide profile of at least two guide elements (24) which are arranged transversely to a longitudinal frame of the base frame (25) and the slide rails (1), wherein in each case one of the slide rails (1) is arranged on at least one guide element, and wherein furthermore the slide rails (1) each have a height-adjustable guide plate (2) which is followed by a rake (26). [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the rectangle of the base frame (25) and / or the legs (32) are formed from square aluminum tubes and wherein furthermore the base frame (25) is designed to be foldable, preferably wherein the legs (32) are arranged on the base frame (25) by means of movable corner connectors. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a) the at least one guide element (24) has a guide profile, wherein the guide element (24) is preferably a T-slot profile rail; b) two guide elements (24) are arranged on a longitudinal rail of the base frame (25); and / or c) a distance (AB) of 10 cm to 100 cm, preferably 15 cm to 60 cm, is formed between the guide elements (24) of the two slide rails (1). [4] Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a) the slide rails (1) are designed as L-profiles and extend over the entire length of the base frame (25) and / or beyond; b) one leg of the L-profile of the slide rail (1) points towards the inside of the base frame and the other leg is directed upwards from the base frame (1); c) the distance between the two slide rails (1) is continuously adjustable by means of displacement within the guide elements (24); and / or d) the length of the slide rails (1) is between 50 cm and 400 cm, preferably between 100 cm and 200 cm, particularly preferably between 120 cm and 150 cm. [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the slide rail (1), preferably over the entire length, has at least one protective element (6) and a) the protective element (6) is preferably a polyamide rod; and / or b) wherein the protective element (6) is positioned in the corner region of the slide rails (1) and the slide rail (1) has a longer leg length than the protective element (6) is wide. [6] Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the respective guide plate (2) a) is placed on a leg of the respective slide rail (1); and / or b) is designed to be height-adjustable by an interaction of fastening elements, preferably fastening screws (11), a long nut holder (10) and a long nut (12), a lock nut handle screw (14) and a corresponding fastening (16) as well as a handle screw (17), and thus enables adaptation to the tile thickness and / or adhesive thickness. [7] Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the downstream rake (26) a) is held on the guide plate (2) by a holder (19), which is preferably a clamp holder; b) extends between the two parallel slide rails (1) and wherein the rake (26) is preferably made of flat steel and has a wedge-shaped toothing; c) is arranged at a support point (20) of the guide plate (2), which is height-adjustable with respect to the workpiece (3) and the base frame (25); d) is arranged at an angle to the receiving area; and / or e) is arranged on the device in an angle-adjustable manner. [8] Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device further comprises one or more stabilizing elements (30) which stabilize the structure.

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