Sponge attachment tool and sponge attachment method

Abstract

To provide a sponge attachment tool by which, when attaching a planar sponge to a target attachment surface of a target attachment object including a curved surface with a double-sided tape, it is possible to inhibit separation of the sponge even if time passes after attachment thereto.SOLUTION: A sponge attachment tool 10 includes: a curved surface part 10a formed to a surface shape of a target attachment surface 30a of a target attachment object 30; and a bent part 10c that is formed at an outer edge of the curved surface part 10a and is bent at a right angle or approximately a right angle with respect to the curved surface part 10a. The tool is formed so that the planar sponge 20 with a double-sided tape 21 attached to one surface thereof along the curved surface of the curved surface part 10a can be temporarily held by being fitted in while being compressed along a surface direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sponge application tool and a sponge application method using the sponge application tool. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electric power steering device in which a sponge-like resin as a sound absorbing material is fixed (attached) to a gear box with double-sided tape or the like in order to reduce the operating noise of the reduction mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-175616 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, because gearboxes and other such components have complex shapes, when a flat sponge is attached with double-sided tape, peeling can occur over time due to factors such as the curvature of the surface of the gearbox or other such component (the object) to which the sponge is attached and the sponge's restoring force (resilience). This can lead to partial or complete peeling of the sponge. Peeling is particularly likely to occur when the sponge is thick or when the curvature of the surface is small. Molding the sponge to fit the shape of the object's surface can prevent the sponge from peeling, but this increases costs.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a sponge application tool that can prevent the sponge from peeling off even after a period of time has passed since application when a flat sponge is applied to the surface of an object, including a curved surface, with double-sided tape (i.e., prevent the sponge from peeling off over time while preventing an increase in costs), and a method of applying a sponge using the sponge application tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A sponge application tool according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it has a curved portion formed to match the surface shape of the surface to be applied to the object, and is configured so that a flat sponge with double-sided tape applied to one side can be temporarily held in place by fitting it along the curved surface of the curved portion while compressing it along the surface direction.

[0007] According to one aspect of the sponge application tool of the present invention, a flat sponge with double-sided tape attached to one side is temporarily held in place by being compressed along the surface of a curved portion formed to match the surface shape of the object to be applied. During this process, minute wrinkles are created on the surface of the double-sided tape, causing the double-sided tape to adhere to each other (i.e., the two pieces of double-sided tape). This allows the sponge to maintain its curved shape against its restoring force, making it less likely to peel off. Furthermore, the use of a flat sponge and double-sided tape helps prevent costs from increasing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when a flat sponge is attached to a surface of an object, including a curved surface, using double-sided tape, it is possible to prevent the sponge from peeling off even after a period of time has passed since attachment (i.e., it is possible to prevent the sponge from peeling off over time while preventing an increase in costs). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]10A and 10B are diagrams showing the configuration of a sponge application jig according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a view showing a state in which the sponge is fitted into the sponge application jig according to the embodiment (a state in which the sponge is temporarily held). FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a sponge fitted (temporarily held) in a sponge application jig according to an embodiment is applied to an object. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the principle (reason) why a sponge attached by a sponge attachment jig according to an embodiment is difficult to peel off. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining a method of adhering a sponge using an adhering jig for a sponge according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be designated by the same reference numerals. In addition, the same elements will be designated by the same reference numerals in each drawing, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] First, the configuration of a sponge application jig 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sponge application jig 10. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the sponge application jig 10 with a sponge 20 fitted in it (temporarily held). Figure 3 is a diagram showing the sponge 20 fitted in (temporarily held in) the sponge application jig 10 and attached to an object 30. Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the principle (reason) why the sponge 20 attached by the sponge application jig 10 is difficult to peel off.

[0012] The sponge application jig 10 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "application jig 10") is a jig used when applying a flat sponge (urethane foam) 20 to an application surface 30a of an application target 30, which includes a curved surface, using double-sided tape 21. Note that in this embodiment, an example will be described in which the application jig is used as the application target (application target) 30, which is a cover attached to the underside of the mating surface between the engine and transmission (see FIG. 3).

[0013] However, since the cover (attached object) 30 is formed to fit the shape of the engine or transmission case, the shape is complex, and if the flat sponge 20 is simply attached with the double-sided tape 21, peeling may occur over time due to the restoring force (repulsion force) of the sponge 20 (i.e., the sponge 20 may peel off partially or entirely). Peeling is particularly likely to occur when the sponge 20 to be attached is thick or when the curvature of the attached surface 30a is small.

[0014] Therefore, the sponge application jig 10 has the function of preventing the sponge 20 from peeling off even after time has passed since application when a flat sponge 20 is applied to an application surface 30a of a cover (object) 30 including a curved surface using double-sided tape 21 (i.e., preventing the sponge 20 from peeling off over time while preventing an increase in costs).

[0015] Therefore, sponge application jig 10 is mainly configured to have curved portion 10a and bent portion 10c. Curved portion 10a is formed to match the surface shape (curvature) of application surface 30a of application object (application member) 30.

[0016] The bent portions (claw portions) 10c are formed on the outer edge of the curved portion 10a by bending them at a right angle or approximately a right angle to the curved portion 10a so that the sponge 20 can be fitted (temporarily held) reliably and easily while compressing it. The height of the bent portions 10c is set to be equal to or less than the thickness of the sponge 20 to be applied. The angle formed by the curved portion 10a and the bent portions 10c is preferably set taking into consideration, for example, the ease of fitting the sponge 20, the stability of the temporary holding of the sponge 20, and the ease of removing the application jig 10. Note that the bent portions 10c need not necessarily be formed around the entire outer edge of the curved portion 10a as long as they can temporarily hold the sponge 20 while compressing it.

[0017] The surface area of ​​the curved portion 10a is formed smaller (for example, about one size smaller) than the surface area of ​​the flat sponge 20 to be fitted (temporarily held) so that when the sponge 20 is compressed and fitted (temporarily held), minute wrinkles can be generated on the surface of the double-sided tape 21.

[0018] In this way, the sponge application jig 10 is formed so that it can temporarily hold a flat sponge (sponge sheet) 20 with double-sided tape 21 attached to one side along the curved surface of the curved portion 10a, by compressing it along the surface direction and fitting it in, as shown in Figure 2.

[0019] When the sponge 20 is compressed and fitted into the application jig 10, tiny wrinkles are created on the surface of the double-sided tape 21 as shown in Figure 4, and the double-sided tapes 21 stick to each other (together), thereby maintaining the curved shape against the restoring force of the sponge 20 and making it difficult to peel off.

[0020] Here, as the compressibility of the sponge 20 increases, the number (length) and depth of wrinkles formed on the surface of the double-sided tape 21 during compression increases, and the force that maintains the shape (the force that resists the restoring force of the sponge 20) increases. Therefore, the sponge 20 becomes more difficult to peel off. For this reason, it is preferable to adjust (set) the ratio of the surface area of ​​the curved portion 10a to the surface area of ​​the sponge 20 (i.e., the compressibility of the sponge 20) depending on the thickness and hardness of the sponge 20 and the curvature of the attached surface 30a. More specifically, it is preferable to adjust (set) the compressibility of the sponge 20 so that it increases as the thickness and hardness of the sponge 20 increase. Similarly, it is preferable to adjust (set) the compressibility of the sponge 20 so that it increases as the curvature of the attached surface 30a decreases.

[0021] In addition, when comparing the adhesive strength between double-sided tape 21 and object 30, the adhesive strength between double-sided tape 21 and sponge 20, and the adhesive strength between two pieces of double-sided tape 21, the adhesive strength between two pieces of double-sided tape 21 is generally the strongest. Therefore, the adhesive strength at the wrinkled and stuck portion is stronger than the adhesive strength between double-sided tape 21 and object 30, and the ability to maintain the shape is stronger.

[0022] A through-hole 10b large enough for a person's fingertip to fit through is formed in the curved surface portion 10a so that the application jig 10 can be easily removed (made easier to remove) after the sponge 20 has been applied. Therefore, after the sponge 20 has been applied, the application jig 10 can be easily removed from the sponge 20 by inserting a fingertip into the through-hole 10b and pulling the application jig 10 while pressing the sponge 20 toward the object 30.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferable that the curved portion 10a and the bent portion 10c each have elasticity so that the application jig 10 can be easily removed (made easy to remove) after the sponge 20 has been applied. Therefore, it is preferable that the application jig 10 is made of, for example, a resin. It is also preferable that the thickness of the curved portion 10a and the bent portion 10c are set.

[0024] It should be noted that a known material can be used as the sponge (urethane foam) 20. The sponge (urethane foam) 20 is a porous material with many fine holes formed therein, and is used, for example, as a sound absorbing material or a cushioning material. In this embodiment, the sponge 20 is used as a sound absorbing material.

[0025] Here, the thicker the sponge 20, the greater the restoring force when deformed, making it easier to peel off. Therefore, a relatively thick sponge 20 (for example, a sponge having a thickness of 10 mm or more) can enhance the effect of suppressing (preventing) peeling. Furthermore, the harder the sponge 20, the greater the restoring force when deformed, making it easier to peel off. Therefore, a relatively hard sponge 20 can enhance the effect of suppressing (preventing) peeling.

[0026] Also, known double-sided tape can be used for the double-sided tape 21. Suitable double-sided tape 21 includes, for example, a core material made of a resin film, paper, nonwoven fabric, or the like, and adhesive layers made of acrylic, epoxy, silicone resin, or the like formed on both sides of the core material. Note that double-sided tape without a core material (i.e., consisting only of an adhesive layer) may also be used.

[0027] Next, a method of applying a sponge using the sponge application jig 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the method of applying a sponge using the sponge application jig 10.

[0028] When the sponge 20 is attached to the object (cover) 30, first, in the first step, the flat sponge 20 with the double-sided tape 21 attached to one side is attached to the sponge attachment jig 10, and with the release liner of the double-sided tape 21 peeled off, the other side where the double-sided tape 21 is not attached is placed against the curved portion 10a and is fitted (temporarily held) while being compressed along the surface direction. This causes minute wrinkles to form on the surface of the double-sided tape 21, and by sticking to each other (i.e., the double-sided tapes 21 to each other), the curved shape is maintained against the restoring force of the sponge 20.

[0029] In the first step, it is preferable to fit the sponge 20 into the application jig 10 with the release liner of the double-sided tape 21 peeled off, but the release liner of the double-sided tape 21 may be peeled off after the sponge 20 is fitted. By fitting the sponge 20 with the release liner of the double-sided tape 21 peeled off, the surface of the double-sided tape 21 becomes wrinkled more easily and the wrinkles become deeper, thereby improving the shape retention effect. On the other hand, if the release liner of the double-sided tape 21 is peeled off after the sponge 20 is fitted, the workability of the first step can be improved.

[0030] Next, in the second step, the sponge 20 fitted (temporarily held) in the sponge application jig 10 is applied with double-sided tape 21 to an application surface 30a of an application object (cover) 30 including a curved surface.

[0031] Thereafter, in the third step, the sponge application jig 10 is removed from the applied sponge 20. For example, the application jig 10 can be easily removed from the sponge 20 by inserting a fingertip into the through-hole 10b of the curved portion 10a and pulling the application jig 10 while pressing the sponge 20 toward the object 30. In addition, at this time, the application jig 10 can be warped and slightly opened to make removal even easier.

[0032] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the flat sponge 20, with the double-sided tape 21 attached to one side, is compressed along the surface direction and fitted into the curved surface of the curved portion 10a, which is formed to match the surface shape (curvature) of the attachment surface 30a of the attachment object 30, and temporarily held there. During this process, minute wrinkles are formed on the surface of the double-sided tape 21, causing the double-sided tape 21 to adhere to each other (i.e., the double-sided tape 21 adheres to each other). This allows the sponge 20 to maintain its curved shape against its restoring force, making it less likely to peel. Furthermore, since the flat sponge 20 and the double-sided tape 21 can be used, costs can be kept low. As a result, when the flat sponge 20 is attached to the attachment surface 30a of the attachment object 30, including a curved surface, with the double-sided tape 21, peeling of the sponge 20 can be prevented even over time after attachment (i.e., peeling of the sponge 20 over time can be prevented while keeping costs low).

[0033] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the outer edge of the curved surface portion 10a is formed with bent portions (claw portions) 10c that are bent at a right angle or approximately a right angle to the curved surface portion 10a, so that the sponge 20 can be fitted (temporarily held) while being compressed reliably and easily.

[0034] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the surface area of ​​the curved portion 10a is smaller than the surface area of ​​the planar sponge 20 that is to be fitted (temporarily held). Therefore, when the sponge 20 is fitted (temporarily held) while being compressed, minute wrinkles can be appropriately generated on the surface of the double-sided tape 21.

[0035] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a through hole 10b is formed in the curved portion 10a. Therefore, after the sponge 20 is attached, the application jig 10 can be easily removed from the sponge 20 (removal is facilitated) by inserting a fingertip into the through hole 10b and pulling the application jig 10 while pressing the sponge 20 toward the object 30. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the curved portion 10a and the bent portion 10c each have elasticity, so that after the sponge 20 is attached, the application jig 10 can be more easily removed (removal is facilitated).

[0036] According to this embodiment, when a flat sponge 20 is attached to a surface 30a of an object 30 to be attached, which includes a curved surface, using double-sided tape 21, first, the flat sponge 20 with the double-sided tape 21 attached to one side is fitted into a sponge attachment jig 10 while being compressed along the surface direction to be temporarily held (first step), then the sponge 20 fitted into and temporarily held in the attachment jig 10 is attached to the surface 30a of the object 30 to be attached, which includes a curved surface, using the double-sided tape 21 (second step), and then the attachment jig 10 is removed from the attached sponge 20 (third step). Therefore, when a flat sponge 20 is attached to a surface 30a of an object 30 including a curved surface using double-sided tape 21, it is possible to prevent the sponge 20 from peeling off even after time has passed since attachment (i.e., it is possible to prevent the sponge 20 from peeling off over time while preventing an increase in costs).

[0037] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified in various ways. For example, in the above embodiments, the application of the adhesive tape (attachment object) 30 to a cover attached to the underside of the mating surface between the engine and the transmission has been described as an example, but the adhesive tape (attachment object) 30 is not limited to such a cover, and the present invention can be used for various adhesive tape (attachment object).

[0038] Furthermore, the shape, material, size, etc. of the sponge application jig 10 are not limited to the above embodiment, and can be changed as desired depending on, for example, the surface shape of the object 30 (application surface 30a) to which it is applied, the thickness and hardness of the sponge 20, and the required requirements.

[0039] Moreover, instead of the sponge (urethane foam) 20, for example, foamed rubber or the like can be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 10 Sponge application tool 10a Curved part 10b Through hole 10c Bend part 20 sponge 21 double-sided tape 30 Cover 30a Pasted surface

Claims

1. a curved surface portion formed to match the surface shape of the object to be attached; This sponge application tool is characterized in that it is formed so that a flat sponge with double-sided tape attached to one side can be temporarily held by fitting it in along the curved surface of the curved portion while compressing it along the surface direction.

2. 2. The sponge application jig according to claim 1, further comprising a bent portion formed on the outer edge of the curved surface portion and bent at a right angle or approximately a right angle to the curved surface portion.

3. 3. The sponge application jig according to claim 2, wherein the surface area of ​​the curved portion is smaller than the surface area of ​​the flat sponge that is fitted and temporarily held.

4. 4. The sponge application jig according to claim 3, wherein a through hole is formed in the curved surface portion.

5. a first step of temporarily holding a planar sponge having a double-sided tape attached to one side thereof in the sponge attachment jig according to claim 1 while compressing the sponge along the surface direction; a second step of attaching the sponge, which is temporarily held in the sponge attachment jig, to a surface of an object to be attached, including a curved surface, with the double-sided tape; and a third step of removing the sponge application tool from the applied sponge.

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