Apparatus and method for applying adhesive threads

Abstract

To appropriately exhibit an adhesive force of filamentous adhesive so as to enable accurate adhesion on a desired path.SOLUTION: An apparatus for adhering filamentous adhesive includes: a nozzle having a pressing part configured to press filamentous adhesive onto an object; a nozzle displacement part configured to be attached to the nozzle and through displacing in a pressing direction to cause a displacement of the nozzle; and an absorption mechanism configured to absorb the displacement of the nozzle with regard to displacement of the nozzle displacement part in the pressing direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for applying a thread-like adhesive. [Background technology]

[0002] Adhesives such as adhesive sheets and tapes are used for bonding various adherends such as metals, glass, wood, paper, cardboard, plastic materials, etc. For example, in the case of a wound form such as a roll of adhesive tape, a substrate is used in which the back surface that comes into contact with the adhesive surface is subjected to a release treatment in order to facilitate unwinding.

[0003] As an adhesive tape application device, there is an adhesive tape holder that holds a roll of adhesive tape and presses the adhesive tape pulled out from the tip of the holder against an adherend with a peripheral wall surrounding a hole at the tip (see Patent Document 1). This adhesive tape holder pulls out the adhesive tape and applies it to the adherend by moving the holder while the tip is in contact with the adherend. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-119083 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the adhesive tape can be attached by placing the tip of the adhesive tape holder against the object and moving it as if drawing a line. Here, if a thread-like adhesive made of a thread-like core material to which an adhesive is attached is used instead of the adhesive tape, it is necessary to press (press) the tip of the adhesive tape holder against the object to an extent that the thread-like adhesive is appropriately deformed. This is because, unlike an adhesive tape that can be attached with a light pressing force of about its own weight as long as there is an excess length at the beginning of application, a thread-like adhesive exerts its adhesive force by being pressed against the object and deforming, and if the pressing force is too weak, it will not stick, and if the pressing force is too strong, the adhesive will be significantly deformed. If the pressing force is too strong, problems such as glue overflowing (reduced application width accuracy) or uneven height of the thread-like adhesive will occur.

[0006] Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration pressing the adhesive tape to apply it, and further does not take into consideration changing the pressing force to apply it, so there is a risk of the pressing force increasing excessively when trying to apply a thread-like adhesive with the adhesive tape holder of Patent Document 1. An excessive increase in pressing force is likely to occur when the height of the adherend surface of the object changes depending on the precision or when the adherend surface of the object has irregularities, and this may cause the adhesive to deform significantly, resulting in the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a thread-like adhesive application device and a thread-like adhesive application method that can appropriately express the adhesive strength of the thread-like adhesive and accurately apply it to any route. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The thread-like adhesive application device of the present invention comprises a nozzle having a pressing portion that presses the thread-like adhesive against an object, a nozzle displacement portion that is attached to the nozzle and displaces the nozzle by being displaced in a pressing direction, and an absorption mechanism that absorbs displacement of the nozzle in response to displacement of the nozzle displacement portion in the pressing direction.

[0009] In the thread-like adhesive application device of the present invention, for example, the absorbing mechanism is any one of a spring, a damper, and an air cylinder attached between the nozzle displacement portion and the nozzle.

[0010] The thread-like adhesive application device of the present invention, for example, includes a movement control unit that controls the movement of the nozzle displacement unit so as to apply the thread-like adhesive to the object along a predetermined path, and the movement control unit brings the nozzle displacement unit close to the object at at least one of the starting point of the predetermined path, the starting point or end point of a curve included in the predetermined path, and the vertex of an angle included in the predetermined path.

[0011] In the thread-like adhesive application device of the present invention, for example, the nozzle has an inner wall surface that defines a cylindrical internal space, and a tip having a tip opening at one end of the inner wall surface that connects the internal space to the outside, and the pressing portion presses the thread-like adhesive that has passed through the internal space and been guided out to the outside from the tip opening against the object, and multiple points of the circumferential portion surrounding the tip opening at the tip function as the pressing portion.

[0012] The thread-like adhesive application device of the present invention, for example, presses the thread-like adhesive wound on a roll against the object while unwinding it, and further includes an assist mechanism that applies an external force to the thread-like adhesive being unwound from the roll in the unwinding direction, and the pressing section presses the unwound thread-like adhesive against the object.

[0013] The method of the present invention for applying a thread-like adhesive comprises applying the thread-like adhesive to the object using the device of the present invention for applying a thread-like adhesive. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the adhesive strength of the adhesive threads can be appropriately exerted, and the adhesive threads can be attached to any desired path with high precision. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a first embodiment of a thread-like adhesive application device according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram (1) showing a specific example of a transport path of a thread-like adhesive in the thread-like adhesive application device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram (2) showing a specific example of a transport path of a thread-like adhesive in the thread-like adhesive application device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram (3) showing a specific example of a transport path of the thread-like adhesive in the thread-like adhesive application device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram (4) showing a specific example of a transport path of the thread-like adhesive in the device for applying thread-like adhesive of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the periphery of a nozzle in the thread-like adhesive application device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the vicinity of the nozzle when cutting the thread-like adhesive. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a method for measuring the kinetic friction force between the tip of the nozzle and the adhesive surface of the thread-like adhesive. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the nozzle tip. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a manner in which a nozzle of a thread-like adhesive application device moves. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a first example of the extension assist mechanism. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of the extension assist mechanism. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a third example of the extension assist mechanism. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the extension assist mechanism. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the extension assist mechanism. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a sixth example of the extension assist mechanism. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of a thread-like adhesive application device according to the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows examples of the cross-sectional shape of the tip portion as viewed from the tip opening side: (a) a tip portion with a circular cross section, and (b) a tip portion with a rectangular cross section. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a thread-like adhesive application device of the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic front view of the main parts of a thread-like adhesive application device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a problem in creating a pasting start point when the extra length is short. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the nozzle when creating a pasting start point when the extra length is short. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a thread-like adhesive application device of the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a front view showing a state in which the opening and closing frame is open in a thread-like adhesive application device of a fifth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing how the thread-like adhesive is cut at the end of an application operation using the thread-like adhesive application device of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a thread-like adhesive application device of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of a thread-like adhesive used in a thread-like adhesive application device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the thread-like adhesive application device according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0017] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a first embodiment of a thread-like adhesive application device according to the present invention, and Figs. 2 to 5 are diagrams showing specific examples of a transport path of the thread-like adhesive in the first embodiment of the thread-like adhesive application device. Figs. 2 and 4 are views of the thread-like adhesive application device as seen from the rear side, and Figs. 3 and 5 are views as seen from the left side. The arrows shown in Figs. 2 to 8 indicate the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions of the thread-like adhesive application device. The front-rear direction is also referred to as the X-axis direction, the left-right direction (width direction) as the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction (height direction) as the Z-axis direction.

[0018] The thread-like adhesive application device 101 presses a thread-like adhesive 2 against an object (adherend) to apply it, and as shown in Fig. 1, mainly comprises a supply unit AU, a pressing mechanism BU (nozzle), a transport unit CU, and a positioning unit DU. The supply unit AU supplies the thread-like adhesive 2 wound in a roll. The pressing mechanism BU presses the supplied thread-like adhesive 2 against the adherend. The transport unit CU transports the thread-like adhesive 2 from the supply unit AU to the pressing mechanism BU. The positioning unit DU positions the pressing mechanism BU relative to the object.

[0019] (Positioning part DU) The thread-like adhesive application device 101, as part of an example of a positioning unit DU, comprises a table arranged on a base, and a stage that is slidable on the table in the X-axis direction (front-back direction). An object is placed on the upper surface of the stage and attached by suction or the like. The object is moved in the X-axis direction by the stage being moved in the X-axis direction by a driving means. The thread-like adhesive application device 101 also comprises, for example, a pair of support pillars erected on the left and right sides of the table, and a horizontal arm erected above the pair of support pillars along the Y-axis direction (left-right direction) between the pair of support pillars.

[0020] A horizontal movement unit 105 (see FIG. 5) that is slidable along the Y-axis direction is attached to the horizontal arm. The horizontal movement unit 105 is moved in the Y-axis direction by a driving means (not shown). The horizontal movement unit 105 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and holds a lifting body (not shown) provided below so as to be slidable in the Z-axis direction (up and down direction). A nozzle 107 is attached to this lifting body via a mounting plate 106. That is, in the horizontal movement unit 105, the nozzle 107 is moved in the Z-axis direction by a driving means (not shown). The nozzle 107 will be described in detail later.

[0021] The thread-like adhesive application device 101 can position the nozzle 107 relative to the object in the XY plane by means of the stage and horizontal movement unit 105, and can move the nozzle 107 in the Z-axis direction by raising and lowering the lifting body of the horizontal movement unit 105. In other words, the stage and horizontal movement unit 105 function as a positioning section DU.

[0022] (Supply Department AU) The thread-like adhesive application device 101 has a winding body and a winding body holding section as an example of a supply section AU. The winding body has a cylindrical shape like a reel, a paper tube, or a bobbin, and a thread-like adhesive 2, which is a thread-like core material to which an adhesive is attached, is wound around its outer circumferential surface. The winding body can be made of metal, resin, an easily peelable material, or the like. The winding body holding section holds the winding body so that the winding body can rotate as the thread-like adhesive 2 is transported (unwound) while restricting the movement of the winding body in the forward and backward directions near both ends of the winding body around which the thread-like adhesive 2 is wound. The thread-like adhesive 2 is an adhesive body in which the surface of a thread-like core material is coated with an adhesive layer. Details of the thread-like adhesive 2 will be described later.

[0023] The thread-like adhesive application device 101 can supply the thread-like adhesive 2 wound in a roll by means of the winding body and the winding body holding part. In other words, the winding body and the winding body holding part function as a supply part AU.

[0024] (Transportation unit CU) The thread-like adhesive application device 101 has a roller 122 and each pair of rollers 123, 124, 125, 128 as an example of a transport unit CU, and transports the thread-like adhesive 2 unwound from a supply unit AU (winding body) to the nozzle 107. At least the outer circumferential surface (rotation surface) of the roller 122 and each pair of rollers 123, 124, 125, 128 that contacts the thread-like adhesive 2 is made to be a non-adhesive surface. That is, at least the outer circumferential surface of each roller that contacts the thread-like adhesive 2 is made of at least one of, for example, a fluororesin, a silicone resin, and a polyolefin resin. Alternatively, at least the outer circumferential surface of each roller that contacts the thread-like adhesive 2 is non-adhesively treated by, for example, at least one of a fluororesin coat, a silicone coat, a long-chain alkyl coat, and a Tosycal (registered trademark) coat. The treatment by fluororesin coat includes treatment by a fluororesin heat shrink tube and a fluororesin fabric sheet. Alternatively, at least the outer peripheral surface of each roller that comes into contact with the thread-like adhesive 2 may be subjected to various non-adhesive treatments on the base material. For example, the base material may be unevenly formed by blasting, and the recesses may be coated with a non-adhesive substance, or the base material may be treated with PEEK (polyether ether ketone) coating, fluorine composite electroless nickel plating (electroless nickel plating film in which fluororesin particles are dispersed and co-deposited), Byceram (fluororesin coating containing fine ceramic particles), FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics) lining, ultra-high molecular weight PE (polyester) lining, etc.

[0025] The roller 122 and each pair of rollers 123, 124 are attached to the rear side of the frame 111. The frame 111 is installed on the base along the Y-axis direction between a pair of frames that are erected on the left side of the roll holder 121 and the right side of the table, respectively.

[0026] The roller 122 is attached to a rectangular mounting portion 111a extending downward near the left end of the frame 111 so as to be rotatable within a vertical plane (YZ plane). As shown in FIG. 3, the roller 122 is preferably in the form of a bobbin having flanges at both ends. When the thread-like adhesive 2 is unwound from the winding body, the thread-like adhesive 2 moves in the width direction of the body of the roller 122, but the flanges at both ends prevent the thread-like adhesive 2 from falling off the roller 122. The pair of rollers 123 are attached to a rectangular mounting portion 111b extending in the front-rear direction on the right side of the mounting portion 111a of the frame 111 so as to be rotatable within a horizontal plane (XY plane) on the mounting portion 111b. On the mounting portion 111b, the pair of rollers 123 are arranged adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction and spaced apart from each other to such an extent that the thread-like adhesive 2 can pass between them while being guided by the rotating surfaces of the pair of rollers 123 (see FIG. 3). The thread-shaped adhesive 2 is unwound upward from the winding body and passes over the left and upper rotating surfaces (outer peripheral surfaces) of roller 122 as shown in Figure 2, passes between a pair of rollers 123, and reaches a pair of rollers 124, as shown in Figure 3.

[0027] The pair of rollers 124 is attached to the frame 111 to the right of the pair of rollers 123 so as to be rotatable within a vertical plane. The pair of rollers 124 are arranged adjacent to each other on the left and right sides at a distance such that the thread-like adhesive 2 can pass between them while being guided by the rotating surfaces of the pair of rollers 124 (see Figs. 2 and 3). The thread-like adhesive 2 that has passed between the pair of rollers 123 passes through the lower rotating surface of the left roller 124 and the upper rotating surface of the right roller 124, as shown in Fig. 3, to reach the pair of rollers 125. The pair of rollers 123 and the pair of rollers 124 can prevent the thread-like adhesive 2 unwound from meandering when it is unwound from the winding body, but these are not necessarily required, and the rollers 123 and 124 may not be provided.

[0028] The pair of rollers 125 are attached to the lower side of the oil damper 126 extending in the Z-axis direction so as to be rotatable in the vertical plane. The upper end of the oil damper 126 is fixed to a substantially rectangular damper attachment part so as to be rotatable in the vertical plane. The damper attachment part protrudes downward at substantially the center of the frame 111 in the Y-axis direction. The pair of rollers 125 are arranged adjacent to each other along the extension direction of the oil damper at a distance such that the thread-like adhesive 2 can pass between them while being guided by the rotating surfaces of the pair of rollers 125 (see FIG. 4). The thread-like adhesive 2 that has passed between the pair of rollers 124 passes through the right and lower rotating surfaces of the upper roller 125, and passes through the upper and left rotating surfaces of the lower roller 125, as shown in FIG. 5, to reach the pair of rollers 128. The thread-like adhesive 2 guided by the pair of rollers 125 is prevented from sagging by the lower part of the oil damper 126 slowly swinging left and right. It is not necessary to provide the pair of rollers 125 and the oil damper 126. This is because by changing the location where the roll is placed and the moving speed of the positioning unit DU, slack in the thread-like adhesive 2 does not occur, and the slack prevention function provided by the pair of rollers 125 and the oil damper 126 is not required.

[0029] The pair of rollers 128 are attached to the roller attachment portion 106a of the attachment plate 106 arranged in front of the horizontal movement unit 105 so as to be rotatable in a vertical plane. The pair of rollers 128 are arranged adjacent to each other on the left and right sides at a distance such that the thread-like adhesive 2 can pass between them while being guided by the rotating surfaces of the pair of rollers 128. The thread-like adhesive 2 that has passed between the pair of rollers 125 passes between the pair of rollers 128 and reaches the nozzle 107 as shown in FIG. 6. Since the pair of rollers 128 are provided directly above the nozzle 107 attached to the attachment plate 106, the thread-like adhesive 2 is guided by the pair of rollers 128 and enters straight into the cylindrical internal space 107s (see FIG. 7) of the nozzle 107 regardless of the position of the nozzle 107. The pair of rollers 128 may be arranged adjacent to each other on the top and bottom to guide the thread-like adhesive 2 to the position of the nozzle 107 by passing it in an S-shape, or the thread-like adhesive 2 may be guided to the position of the nozzle 107 by another configuration.

[0030] The thread-like adhesive application device 101 transports the thread-like adhesive 2 from the supply unit AU to the pressing mechanism BU by the roller 122 and each pair of rollers 123, 124, 125, 128. That is, the roller 122 and each pair of rollers 123, 124, 125, 128 function as a transport unit CU. Note that the transport unit CU may transport the thread-like adhesive 2 to a unit other than the pressing mechanism BU, for example a pressing unit that presses the thread-like adhesive 2 against an adherend with a roller.

[0031] (Pressing mechanism BU) An example of a pressing mechanism BU provided in the thread-like adhesive application device 101 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Figures 6 to 8 are views showing the periphery of the nozzle 107 of the thread-like adhesive application device 101. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the periphery of the nozzle 107 seen from above the front, Figure 7 is a view including a cross section of the nozzle 107 in the YZ plane along the thread-like adhesive 2, and Figure 8 is a view showing how the thread-like adhesive 2 is cut.

[0032] The thread-like adhesive application device 101 includes a mounting plate 106 and a nozzle 107 as a part constituting an example of a pressing mechanism BU. The mounting plate 106 is attached to the front side of the horizontal movement unit 105 so as to be slidable in the Z-axis direction relative to the horizontal movement unit 105. The mounting plate 106 is a thin metal flat plate formed in a substantially U-shape, and includes a roller mounting part 106a, a nozzle mounting part 106b (nozzle displacement part), and a substantially rectangular connecting part that is long in the Z direction. The roller mounting part 106a is a substantially rectangular part that extends in the Y-axis direction above the connecting part, and a pair of rollers 128 are attached to the front side. The nozzle mounting part 106b is a substantially rectangular part that extends in the Y direction below the connecting part, and the nozzle 107, the air chuck 108, and the air scissors 109 are attached to the front side.

[0033] The nozzle 107 is a member made of aluminum or the like having a shape in which the bottom surface of a cone is connected to the bottom surface of a cube. The nozzle 107 has an inner wall surface 107b that defines a cylindrical internal space 107s extending in the vertical direction, and a tip 107d having a tip opening 107c at the lower end of the inner wall surface 107b through which the cylindrical internal space 107s communicates with the outside. The nozzle 107 is a member made of metal or the like, and the surface of the nozzle 107 including the inner wall surface 107b and the tip 107d is treated to improve slipperiness. In addition, the nozzle 107 has an insertion side opening 107e at the upper end of the inner wall surface 107b through which the cylindrical internal space 107s communicates with the outside. The inner wall surface 107b is formed so that the cylindrical internal space 107s is a funnel shape in which a cylinder having the same diameter as the tip opening 107c extends upward from the tip opening 107c and gradually expands in diameter. The insertion side opening 107e is funnel-shaped with a larger diameter than the tip opening 107c. Note that the inner wall surface 107b only needs to define a cylindrical internal space, and for example, the upper part may not be funnel-shaped but may be a cylinder of the same diameter.

[0034] In addition, a tube 107a made of a poorly adhesive resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) may be provided in the cylindrical internal space 107s of the nozzle 107, which is hollow and extends from the upper end of the nozzle 107 to below the lower end (tip 107d). Alternatively, a surface treatment may be applied to improve the smoothness. The diameter of the lower opening of the tube 107a is, for example, about 1 mm, and the diameter of the thread-like adhesive 2 is, for example, 0.45 mm. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower opening of the tube 107a is preferably about 4.9 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the thread-like adhesive 2. The tube 107a protrudes slightly (for example, about 0.5 to 1 mm) from the lower end of the inner wall surface 107b. The smoothness (dispensability) of the thread-like adhesive 2 is improved by inserting the thread-like adhesive 2 into the tube 107a. In addition, since the insertion side opening 107e has an expanded diameter, the thread-like adhesive 2 can be easily inserted into the nozzle 107. By using a hard-adhesive resin such as PTFE as the material of the nozzle 107 itself, the thread-like adhesive 2 can be prevented from sticking to the nozzle 107. This allows the thread-like adhesive 2 to be smoothly dispensed from the nozzle 107 without getting caught, making the tube 107a unnecessary. In addition, the nozzle 107 is not limited in shape as long as it has a cylindrical internal space and a tip having a tip opening through which the internal space communicates with the outside. In addition, the shape of the tip opening 107c (or the lower opening of the tube 107a) of the nozzle 107 is preferably a circle or a polygon having pentagons or more.

[0035] The nozzle 107 presses the thread-like adhesive 2, which passes through the tube 107a (cylindrical internal space 107s) and is led out from the lower opening (tip opening 107c) of the tube 107a, against the object. More specifically, the entire circumference or any multiple locations of the lower end of the tube 107a, which is the circumferential portion surrounding the tip opening 107c of the nozzle 107, function as a pressing portion that presses the thread-like adhesive 2 against the object. Therefore, the thread-like adhesive can be attached while moving the nozzle 107 in any multiple directions without using a roller or the like as a pressing portion. Therefore, when pressing the adhesive with a roller, problems such as poor attachment accuracy due to the adhesive moving within the roller width and the adhesive coming off the roller depending on the attachment path can be prevented, and the thread-like adhesive can be attached with high accuracy.

[0036] (Relationship between nozzle 107 hole diameter and thread-like adhesive 2 diameter) The hole diameter of nozzle 107 (inner diameter (bore) or hole diameter of tube 107a if tube 107a is provided) is preferably 0.7 to 1 mm when thread-like adhesive 2 has a diameter of 0.45 mm (0.6 mm width when compressed at about 0.3 MPa). If the hole diameter of nozzle 107 is smaller than 0.7 mm, the area of ​​thread-like adhesive 2 in contact with the inside of nozzle 107 becomes large, so that thread-like adhesive 2 does not stick to the adherend. On the other hand, if the hole diameter of nozzle 107 is too large, exceeding 1 mm, thread-like adhesive 2 moves inside nozzle 107, so that the application speed does not increase and application accuracy deteriorates. Therefore, the ratio of the diameter of thread-like adhesive 2 to the hole diameter of nozzle 107 is preferably 0.45:0.7 to 1.

[0037] Furthermore, the nozzle 107 presses the thread-like adhesive 2 against the object while the lower opening (or the tip opening 107c) of the tube 107a slides in contact with the adhesive surface of the thread-like adhesive 2. Specifically, the tip 107d of the nozzle 107 (or the tip of the tube 107a, at least the part that contacts the adhesive surface) may be made of at least one of fluororesin, silicone resin, and polyolefin resin. Alternatively, the tip 107d of the nozzle 107 (or the tip of the tube 107a, at least the part that contacts the adhesive surface) is treated with at least one of fluororesin coating, silicone coating, and long-chain alkyl coating. Alternatively, various slippage improving treatments shown below are performed. The treatment with fluororesin coating includes treatment with a fluororesin heat shrink tube and a fluororesin fabric sheet. The tip portion of the nozzle 107 may have a base material that has been subjected to various treatments to improve slipperiness. For example, the base material may be treated with a PEEK (polyether ether ketone) coating, fluorine composite electroless nickel plating (fine particles of fluororesin are dispersed and co-deposited in an electroless nickel plating film), Byceram (a fluororesin coating containing fine ceramic particles), FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics) lining, ultra-high molecular weight PE (polyester) lining, or the like. This allows the thread-like adhesive 2 to be smoothly attached to the target object.

[0038] If nozzle 107 that comes into contact with the adhesive surface of thread-like adhesive 2 is not poorly adhesive, it is preferable that the kinetic friction force between tip 107d, which is coated / treated for improving slipperiness, and the adhesive surface is 3 N / mm or less. If a poorly adhesive resin tube 107a is inserted into nozzle 107, it is preferable that the kinetic friction force between the lower opening of tube 107a and the adhesive surface of thread-like adhesive 2 is 3 N / mm or less. If nozzle 107 itself is made of poorly adhesive resin such as PTFE (silicone, olefin, etc.), it is preferable that the kinetic friction force between tip opening 107c and the adhesive surface of thread-like adhesive 2 is 3 N / mm or less.

[0039] In this way, due to the shape (details will be described later) and material / surface treatment of the tip portion of nozzle 107, the tip portion of nozzle 107 that comes into contact with the adhesive surface of thread-like adhesive 2 has low friction with the adhesive surface. In addition, because the tip portion of nozzle 107 is made of a material / surface treated to reduce unevenness, the occurrence of abrasion, etc. can be suppressed when the soft thread-like adhesive 2 slides over it. This allows the thread-like adhesive 2 to be applied smoothly. The kinetic friction force between the tip portion of nozzle 107 and the adhesive surface of thread-like adhesive 2 can be measured by the method described below.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 9, the nozzle 107 is placed on a horizontal surface so that the cylindrical internal space 107s extends horizontally, and the thread-like adhesive 2 inserted from the insertion side opening 107e is drawn out from the tip opening 107c. The thread-like adhesive 2 is set so that the angle between the thread-like adhesive 2 passing through the cylindrical internal space 107s and the thread-like adhesive 2 drawn out from the tip opening 107c is 60 degrees. By setting it in this way, the thread-like adhesive 2 is surely in contact with the tip of the nozzle 107. On the insertion side opening 107e side, tension is applied to the thread-like adhesive 2 with a 10 g weight. In this state, the thread-like adhesive 2 drawn out from the tip opening 107c is pulled up vertically upward at 1 mm / sec, and the stress (value when stable) is measured. At this time, the width (thickness) of the thread-like adhesive 2 pressed against the nozzle tip, indicated by a circle in FIG. 9, is, for example, 0.4 mm. The value of the stress when the adhesive threads 2 are moving in this manner is divided by the width of the adhesive threads 2 to obtain the kinetic friction force.

[0041] In this embodiment, the tip portion of nozzle 107 has a kinetic friction force of 3 N / mm or less with respect to the adhesive surface of thread-like adhesive 2, allowing smooth application of thread-like adhesive 2. In addition, the kinetic friction force between the tip portion of nozzle 107 and the adhesive surface of thread-like adhesive 2 is preferably 1 N / mm or less. The kinetic friction force between the tip portion of the nozzle and the adhesive surface of thread-like adhesive 2 is 3 N / mm or less not only when the width (thickness) of thread-like adhesive 2 pressed against the nozzle tip is 0.4 mm, but also when the width (thickness) is 0.2 to 0.45 mm or other sizes.

[0042] Furthermore, when the shape of the tip opening 107c of the nozzle 107 (or the lower opening of the tube 107a) is a circle or a polygon having pentagons or more sides, the application direction can be easily changed.

[0043] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tip 107d of the nozzle 107, showing an example of a nozzle 107 having a different shape from the nozzle 107 described above. The nozzle 107 may be made of a resin with poor adhesion such as fluorine, or may be made of metal with a surface treatment for improving slipperiness. In FIG. 10(a), the tip 107d has a corner, so the thread-like adhesive 2 may get caught and be scraped or cut. In FIG. 10(b), the tip 107d is round, that is, the part that presses the thread-like adhesive 2 is curved, so the thread-like adhesive 2 does not get caught and can be attached well. Note that when the nozzle 107 shown in FIG. 10(b) is made of a resin such as fluorine, the nozzle 107 may be passed through a stainless steel (SUS) guide to protect the nozzle 107.

[0044] Nozzle 107 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction and to have an absorbing mechanism that absorbs the displacement of nozzle 107 caused by the vertical displacement of the base to which nozzle 107 is attached. An example of this configuration is shown below, but the configuration regarding the nozzle displacement is not limited to the following. Nozzle 107 is fixed to a slider 132 that is movable in the vertical direction along a slide rail 133. Slider 132 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and has bulging portions 132a that partially protrude to the left and right sides of each of the left and right sides.

[0045] The slide rail 133 is attached to the front surface of the nozzle mounting portion 106b in the up-down direction. On the left and right sides of the slide rail 133, two bolts 134 and springs 136, 137 arranged between the two bolts 134 are provided in the up-down direction. The bolts 134 are inserted in the up-down direction at the left and right ends of the horizontally long bolt insertion portion 131. The bolt insertion portion 131 extends forward from the upper side and the lower side of the nozzle mounting portion 106b. Nuts 135a, 135b are arranged on the left and right sides above and below the upper bolt insertion portion 131, respectively, and are screwed onto the bolts 134. Nuts 135c, 135d are arranged on the left and right sides above and below the lower bolt insertion portion 131, respectively, and are screwed onto the bolts 134.

[0046] Spring 136 is disposed between nut 135b and the upper part of bulging portion 132a, and spring 137 is disposed between nut 135c and the lower part of bulging portion 132a. The lower end of upper bolt 134 is inserted into the upper side of spring 136, and the lower side of spring 136 is fixed to bulging portion 132a to prevent spring 136 from coming off. The upper side of spring 137 is fixed to bulging portion 132a, and the upper end of lower bolt 134 is inserted into the lower side of spring 137 to prevent spring 137 from coming off.

[0047] The nozzle 107 is fixed to the slider 132, and the nozzle 107 is displaced in accordance with the vertical displacement of the slider 132. In detail, as the lifting body of the horizontal moving unit 105 is lifted (displaced), the nozzle attachment part 106b fixed to the lifting body is lifted (displaced). Here, the slider 132 slidably attached to the nozzle attachment part 106b does not slide and its position on the nozzle attachment part 106b does not change when the springs 136 and 137 are attached above and below and no load is applied to the nozzle 107. On the other hand, when the nozzle 107 is pressed against the object via the thread-like adhesive 2, an elastic force is generated in the springs 136 and 137 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction. That is, the springs 136 and 137 absorb the displacement of the nozzle 107 with respect to the displacement of the nozzle attachment part 106b. This allows the force (pressing force) with which the nozzle 107 presses the thread-like adhesive 2 against the object to be controlled, preventing the pressing force from increasing excessively or suddenly. This prevents problems such as large deformation of the thread-like adhesive 2 caused by too strong a pressing force, i.e., glue overflow (reduced application width accuracy) or uneven height of the thread-like adhesive 2, allowing the adhesive force of the thread-like adhesive to be properly exerted. In addition, the nozzle 107 is prevented from being subjected to excessive load, protecting the device.

[0048] In this way, the springs 136 and 137 function as an absorption mechanism that absorbs the displacement of the nozzle 107 relative to the displacement of the nozzle attachment portion 106b, and gradually change the pressing force. Therefore, even if the height of the attachment surface of the object changes depending on the precision, or the attachment surface of the object is not smooth but has irregularities, the above-mentioned problems can be prevented. Furthermore, even in a portion where the thread-like adhesive 2 overlaps in the attachment path, the function of the springs 136 and 137 allows the thread-like adhesive 2 to be smoothly attached by climbing over the attached thread-like adhesive 2. Note that instead of the springs 136 and 137, an oil damper or an air cylinder may be attached between the nozzle attachment portion 106b and the nozzle 107 to function as an absorption mechanism. The above-mentioned pressing mechanism BU is merely one example. The pressing mechanism BU may have another configuration so that the nozzle 107 is vertically movable and has an absorption mechanism that absorbs the displacement of the nozzle 107 relative to the vertical displacement of the base to which the nozzle 107 is attached.

[0049] An air chuck 108 and air scissors 109 are attached to the nozzle attachment portion 106b on the left and right sides of the nozzle 107, respectively (see Figs. 6 and 7). When application of the thread-like adhesive 2 is completed, the air chuck 108 and air scissors 109 are moved by a driving means from the normal positions shown in Figs. 6 and 7 to the positions shown in Fig. 8. The air chuck 108 is moved diagonally downward and right from the normal position, and chucks the thread-like adhesive 2 immediately below the nozzle 107. The air scissors 109 is moved downward from the normal position, and then moved leftward, and cuts the chucked thread-like adhesive 2 immediately below the air chuck 108. The air chuck 108 and air scissors 109 are attached to the lifting body of the horizontal movement unit 105 via the attachment plate 106 in the same way as the nozzle 107, and therefore can move together with the nozzle 107 while maintaining their positional relationship with respect to the nozzle 107. The air chuck 108 and the air scissors 109 are not limited in shape or driving method as long as they can hold and cut the adhesive thread 2 at a predetermined position. Instead of the air scissors 109, the adhesive thread 2 may be burned off by thermal cutting using a heat cutter or the like.

[0050] The thread-like adhesive application device 101 presses the thread-like adhesive 2 supplied from the supply unit AU against the adherend by the nozzle 107, the springs 136, 137, the lifting body of the horizontal movement unit 105, and the mounting plate 106. In other words, the nozzle 107, the springs 136, 137, the lifting body of the horizontal movement unit 105, and the mounting plate 106 function as a pressing mechanism BU.

[0051] (Operation of the thread-like adhesive application device 101 and thread-like adhesive application method) An operator who applies the thread-like adhesive 2 to an object using the thread-like adhesive application device 101 configured as described above first places the object on the stage. At the start of the operation, the thread-like adhesive 2 supplied to the nozzle 107 from the roll is led out from the tip 107d of the nozzle 107, and the tip is pressed against a predetermined position on the object by the operator. The relative position of the nozzle 107 with respect to the object is controlled by a control device (movement control unit) (not shown) according to a program set in advance. The program includes instructions such as the movement path of the nozzle 107 in the XY plane, the movement speed, and the amount of movement in the Z direction (magnitude of pressing force). When the nozzle 107 starts moving according to the program, the thread-like adhesive 2 is unwound from the roll by the adhesive force of the thread-like adhesive 2 against the object. The nozzle 107 presses the adhesive surface of the unwound thread-like adhesive 2, and while sliding on the adhesive surface, the thread-like adhesive 2 is pressed against the object along a predetermined path and applied (pressed). After the application is completed, the adhesive threads 2 are cut at predetermined positions by an air chuck 108 and air scissors 109.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a manner in which the nozzle 107 moves on the object. The thread-like adhesive application device 101 can apply the thread-like adhesive 2 with high precision not only when the nozzle 107 moves straight as indicated by the arrow L1, but also when the nozzle 107 bends very sharply (at a steep angle) as indicated by the arrow L2. The thread-like adhesive application device 101 can easily change the direction of movement because the entire circumference (any multiple locations within the circumference) surrounding the tip opening 107c at the tip 107d of the nozzle 107 functions as a pressing part that presses the thread-like adhesive 2 against the object. Therefore, the thread-like adhesive application device 101 can apply the thread-like adhesive 2 with high precision along a predetermined application path. The thread-like adhesive application device 101 does not use a roller or the like as a pressing part, and therefore can prevent problems such as poor application precision due to the adhesive moving within the roller width when pressing the adhesive with a roller, and the adhesive coming off the roller depending on the application path.

[0053] When attaching the thread-like adhesive 2 to the object along a predetermined path, the thread-like adhesive application device 101 (movement control unit) may press the nozzle 107 more strongly at the desired location, i.e., increase the amount of downward displacement of the nozzle attachment part 106b in the Z-axis direction (closer to the object). Even if the nozzle attachment part 106b is lowered instantaneously, the nozzle 107 is allowed to slowly descend due to the springs 136, 137 (absorbing mechanism), and the force with which the nozzle 107 presses the thread-like adhesive 2 can be appropriately increased to increase the adhesive strength of the thread-like adhesive 2 at the desired location. The thread-like adhesive application device 101 (movement control unit) may also press the nozzle 107 for several seconds at the desired location, while stopping its movement in the XY plane (fixing the position of the nozzle 107 relative to the object). By pressing the nozzle 107 without moving the planar position of the nozzle 107, the pressure application time of the thread-like adhesive 2 can be increased, thereby increasing the adhesive strength of the thread-like adhesive 2 at the desired location. When applying the thread-like adhesive 2 while unwinding it from the roll 120, the thread-like adhesive 2 is likely to peel off at the start point of the specified path (initial application), the start or end point of a curve included in the specified path, the apex of a corner included in the specified path, etc. Therefore, by lowering the nozzle 107 at these locations or by pressing and stopping the nozzle 107 for several seconds, the adhesive strength of the thread-like adhesive 2 can be increased and peeling can be prevented.

[0054] (Payout assist mechanism) With reference to Figs. 12 to 17, an example in which a feed assist mechanism is provided in the supply unit AU will be described. The feed assist mechanism applies an external force in the feed direction to the thread-like adhesive 2 being fed from the winding body 120. By applying an external force in the feed direction by the feed assist mechanism, even if the thread-like adhesive does not have a separator, the thread-like adhesive 2 can be smoothly fed from the winding body 120 against the self-adhesive force between the thread-like adhesive 2 wound around the winding body 120. Therefore, the thread-like adhesive 2 can be pressed against an object with the tension of the thread-like adhesive 2 reduced. Therefore, the thread-like adhesive 2 pressed against the object can be prevented from being peeled off, cut, or re-attached and tangled due to the tension, and the thread-like adhesive 2 can be smoothly attached.

[0055] The payout assist mechanisms 150A, 150B, 150Ba, and 150C shown in Figures 12 to 15 are provided on the path that transports the thread-like adhesive 2 from the winding body 120 to the pressing mechanism BU, and apply a tensile force (arrows F1 to F3) to the thread-like adhesive 2, clamping it and pulling it in the payout direction.

[0056] The payout assist mechanism 150A shown in FIG. 12 includes a roller 151 (first roller), a roller 152 (second roller), a spring 153 (elastic body), and a spring attachment portion 154. The roller 151 is a payout roller that is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). The roller 152 pinches the thread-like adhesive 2 between itself and the roller 151, and is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the roller 151 to pinch and pull out the thread-like adhesive 2 in the direction of the arrow F1 (rotation direction). The spring 153 is attached between the roller 151 and the spring attachment portion 154, and the spring attachment portion 154 is fixed inside the device. The spring 153 can adjust the tensile force of the rollers 151 and 152. In addition, by controlling the rotation of the roller 151, the thread-like adhesive 2 can be paid out in accordance with the application distance (the movement distance of the nozzle 107). Incidentally, the spring 153 may not be provided, and the rollers 151 and 152 may be configured to be movable in the left-right direction (directions intersecting with the direction of the arrow F1).

[0057] The payout assist mechanism 150B shown in FIG. 13 has a roller 155 (third roller), a roller 156 (fourth roller), and a roller 157 (fifth roller). The rollers 155 and 156 can chuck and unchuck the thread-like adhesive 2 between them. The roller 157 is disposed between the winding body 120 and the rollers 155 and 156, and can be displaced to lengthen the path from the winding body 120 to the rollers 155 and 156 via the roller 157. When the roller 157 is displaced to lengthen this path, the thread-like adhesive 2 is pulled from the winding body 120 in the direction of the arrow F2 and paid out. The paid-out thread-like adhesive 2 is chucked by the rollers 155 and 156 and supplied to the pressing mechanism BU (nozzle 107). When the rollers 155 and 156 are unchucked, the pressing mechanism BU presses the thread-like adhesive 2 against the target object. While the chucking by rollers 155 and 156 is released, roller 157 returns to its original position. By controlling the displacement of roller 157, it is possible to pay out the thread-like adhesive 2 in accordance with the application distance (the movement distance of nozzle 107). Furthermore, if the thread-like adhesive 2 runs short while being applied, rollers 155 and 156 can chuck the thread-like adhesive 2 again and displace roller 157 to pay out the thread-like adhesive 2.

[0058] The payout assist mechanism 150Ba shown in FIG. 14 has rollers 165, 166, 167, 168, and an arm 169. The roller 165 is a payout roller that is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). The roller 166 pinches the thread-like adhesive 2 between itself and the roller 165, and is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the roller 165, pinching and pulling out the thread-like adhesive 2 in the direction of the arrow F2a. The rollers 167, 168 are provided between the rollers 165, 166 and the pressing mechanism BU, and guide the thread-like adhesive 2 pulled out by the rollers 165, 166 to the pressing mechanism BU. The arm 169 has the roller 167 attached to one end and the other end pivoted to the housing of the thread-like adhesive application device 101, and has a potentiometer attached to calculate the position of the roller 167. 14 (displaced so as to lengthen the path from rollers 165, 166 to roller 168), the conveying speed of the adhesive threads 2 decreases. In this way, the adhesive threads 2 are unwound by rollers 165, 166, and the displacement of roller 167 can mitigate any sudden changes in the speed of the unwound adhesive threads 2.

[0059] FIG. 15 shows an example of a thread-like adhesive application device 101A that is held by an operator and is provided with a payout assist mechanism 150C. Members having the same functions as those of the thread-like adhesive application device 101 are given the same reference numerals. The thread-like adhesive application device 101A includes a supply unit AU (winding body 120) and a payout assist mechanism 150C in a housing K1 that is sized and shaped so that the operator can hold it with one hand, and has a nozzle 107A at the tip of the housing K1. The payout assist mechanism 150C includes a roller 158 (first roller), a roller 159 (second roller), a spring 160 (elastic body), and a spring attachment part 161. The roller 158 is exposed to the outside of the housing K1 from a portion thereof that is cut out in the housing K1, and is rotated by the operator's finger M. Roller 159 pinches the thread-like adhesive 2 between roller 158 and itself, and is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of roller 158, pinching and pulling out the thread-like adhesive 2 in the direction of arrow F3 (the direction of rotation). A spring 160 is attached between roller 159 and spring attachment portion 161, and spring attachment portion 161 is fixed to the inner wall of housing K1. The compressive force (degree of crushing) on ​​thread-like adhesive 2 can be adjusted by spring 160.

[0060] The thread-like adhesive 2 pulled and fed by the feed assist mechanism 150C passes through the cylindrical internal space of the nozzle 107A at the tip of the housing K1 with low tension and is discharged to the outside of the housing K1. The nozzle 107A is made of the same material as the nozzle 107, and the tip opening is circular or a polygon having pentagons or more. The nozzle 107A presses the thread-like adhesive 2, which has passed through the cylindrical internal space and been discharged to the outside, against the target at the entire circumference or at any multiple points of the periphery surrounding the tip opening. That is, a worker holding the housing K1 can use the thread-like adhesive application device 101A to apply the thread-like adhesive 2 to the target in any route, as if operating a writing instrument such as a pen, by pressing the nozzle 107A against the target while rotating the roller 158 with the finger M.

[0061] The payout assist mechanisms 150D and 150E shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 apply a pushing force to the adhesive thread 2 to feed out the adhesive thread 2 by rotating the winding body 120 in the payout direction.

[0062] The unwinding assist mechanism 150D shown in FIG. 16 has a surface drive SD and a roll holding rod 162, and holds the roll 120 in place of the roll holding section of the thread-like adhesive application device 101. The surface drive SD contacts the outer peripheral surface of the roll 120 or the thread-like adhesive 2 wound around the roll 120, and holds the roll 120 rotatably. The surface drive SD rotates the roll 120 in the unwinding direction indicated by the arrow F4 by being driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). The roll holding rods 162 are disposed on both ends of the roll 120, and hold the roll 120 held by the surface drive SD so as to be rotatable and to prevent it from falling off the surface drive SD. The unwinding assist mechanism 150D rotates the roll 120 to apply an extrusion force to the thread-like adhesive 2, and supplies the thread-like adhesive 2 to the pressing mechanism BU with low tension.

[0063] FIG. 17 shows an example of a thread-like adhesive application device 101B that is held by an operator and is provided with a payout assist mechanism 150E. Members having the same functions as those of the thread-like adhesive application device 101 are given the same reference numerals. The thread-like adhesive application device 101B includes a supply unit AU (winding body 120) and a payout assist mechanism 150E in a housing K2 that is sized and shaped so that an operator can hold it with one hand, and has a nozzle 107B at the tip of the housing K2. The payout assist mechanism 150E includes a gear 163 and a roller 164. The gear 163 is attached to the supply unit AU (winding body 120) and rotates together with the winding body 120. The gear 163 is exposed to the outside of the housing K2 from a portion K21 that is cut out of the housing K2, and is rotated by the operator's finger M. When the gear 163 is rotated by the finger M, an extruding force is applied to the string-like adhesive 2 . The extruded thread-like adhesive 2 is guided by the roller 164 to reach the nozzle 107B, and passes through the cylindrical internal space of the nozzle 107B with low tension, and is discharged to the outside of the housing K2. The nozzle 107B is configured in the same manner as the nozzle 107A. The nozzle 107B presses the thread-like adhesive 2, which has passed through the cylindrical internal space and been discharged to the outside, against the target object at the entire circumference or at any multiple locations of the periphery surrounding the tip opening. Therefore, a worker holding the housing K2 can draw any path by pressing the nozzle 107B against the target object while rotating the gear 163 with his / her finger M. Therefore, a worker can use the thread-like adhesive application device 101B to apply the thread-like adhesive 2 to the target object in any path (in various shapes) with the feeling of operating a writing instrument such as a pen. 17, the movement of the nozzle 107B (pressure applied by the nozzle 107 to the thread-like adhesive 2) may be transmitted to the core (rotating shaft) of the winding body 120 by a belt made of rubber or the like to assist the winding of the thread-like adhesive 2. Also, the core of the winding body 120 may be directly rotated to assist the winding of the thread-like adhesive 2.

[0064] It is preferable that there is no member such as a roller that applies tension to the thread-like adhesive 2 on the path along which the thread-like adhesive 2 is transported between the payout assist mechanisms 150A, 150B, 150Ba, 150C, 150D, and 150E and the pressing mechanism BU (nozzle 107) and nozzles 107A and 107B. In addition, in the thread-like adhesive application device 101, a tension detector may be provided on the path along which the thread-like adhesive 2 is transported, and the payout assist mechanisms 150A, 150B, and 150D may be controlled according to the detected tension value to pay out the thread-like adhesive 2 so as to maintain a constant tension. In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the thread-like adhesive 2 is attached to an adherend placed on a stage, but for example, by attaching the nozzle 107 to a multi-joint robot arm having six degrees of freedom, the thread-like adhesive 2 can be attached to an adherend having a three-dimensional shape such as a curved surface.

[0065] Second embodiment Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of a thread-like adhesive application device according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 18, a thread-like adhesive application device 100 of this embodiment comprises an axially shaped main body 1 and tip portions 4 removably provided on both ends of the main body 1. The main body 1 is also provided with a grip 3 made of resin or the like.

[0066] An operator holds the thread-like adhesive application device 100 at the grip 3, presses the tip 4 against an object that is to be adhered to the thread-like adhesive 2, and moves it in one direction, thereby dispensing the thread-like adhesive 2. That is, an operator can use the thread-like adhesive application device 100 while holding the shaft-shaped, elongated main body 1 (grip 3) in the same way as operating a writing instrument such as a pen. For example, an operator can operate the thread-like adhesive application device 100 as desired even in a narrow place with many obstacles, enabling the operator to efficiently perform a variety of tasks.

[0067] The main body 1 has a shaft shape extending in one axial direction, and an internal space S of the shaft shape is defined therein as shown in FIG. 18. A tapered tip portion 4 is removably attached to one end (tip) of the main body 1. The shape of the tip portion 4 may be a shape having a cylindrical pipe at the end of the tapered shape, like the tip of a mechanical pencil. A tip opening 4a is formed at the tip of the tip portion 4, and the internal space S of the main body 1 communicates with the outside through the tip opening 4a (cylindrical internal space). The tip portion 4 is defined by the area from position P1 (FIG. 18) where the cross-sectional area is smaller than that of the main body 1 to the tip opening 4a. A winding body capable of winding up the thread-like adhesive 2 is attached to the inside of the other end (rear end) of the main body 1.

[0068] In this embodiment, the tip 4 has a tapered shape in which the cross section becomes smaller toward the tip, thereby improving workability in a narrow space. In addition, when the tip 4 has a cylindrical pipe at the end of the tapered shape, the thinner and longer the pipe is, the better the workability in a narrow space. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the cross section of the tip 4 seen from the tip opening 4a side, (a) shows the tip 4 with a circular cross section, and (b) shows the tip 4 with a pentagonal cross section. Since multiple points among the periphery of the tip opening 4a having a circular or pentagonal or more sectional shape function as pressing parts, the sticking direction can be easily changed. The overall shape of the tip 4 is not particularly limited, and examples include a cone shape, a square pyramid shape, and a fountain pen tip shape (saucer shape). The overall shape of the tip 4 may be an extremely elongated straw type.

[0069] The length of the tip 4 shown in FIG. 18 is desirably 3 mm or more, preferably 10 mm or more. The width W of the tip 4 shown in FIG. 19 is defined by the position where the cross-sectional area of ​​the tip 4 is the smallest, but the width W also corresponds to the inner diameter (diameter) of the tip 4. The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the tip 4 is preferably in the range of 1.2 to 9 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the thread-like adhesive 2. For this reason, for example, when the cross section of the thread-like adhesive 2 is a circle with a diameter of 0.3 mm, the size of the width W of the tip 4 is set in the range of about 0.32 to 0.9 mm. With such a size, improvement in workability is expected. In addition, in the thread-like adhesive application device 100, the unnecessary movement of the thread-like adhesive 2 is restricted by the tip opening 4a of the tip 4. For this reason, without using a roller or the like as a pressing part, an operator can hold the thread-like adhesive application device 100 at the grip 3 and apply the thread-like adhesive 2 while moving the tip 4 in any multiple directions. Therefore, when the adhesive is pressed with a roller, problems such as poor application accuracy due to the adhesive moving within the roller width and the adhesive coming off the roller depending on the application path can be prevented, and the thread-like adhesive can be applied with high accuracy. Furthermore, when the tip 4 has a cylindrical pipe at the end of the tapered shape, the thinner and longer the pipe, the easier it is to work in a narrow space.

[0070] Third embodiment 20 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a thread-like adhesive application device 100 of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, a winding body 5 capable of winding up the thread-like adhesive 2 is attached to the other end (rear end) of the main body 1 so as to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body 1. The thread-like adhesive 2 passes through the internal space S and exits from the tip opening 4a, so that unnecessary movement is restricted. Furthermore, multiple points on the periphery of the tip opening 4a function as pressing parts, so that the application direction can be easily changed.

[0071] (Fourth embodiment) 21 is a schematic diagram showing a front view of the main parts of a fourth embodiment of a thread-like adhesive application device 200. The thread-like adhesive application device 200 differs from the thread-like adhesive application device 101 of the first embodiment in the configurations of the pressing mechanism BU and transport unit CU, and the configuration for reducing the excess length of the thread-like adhesive 2 when cutting. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0072] In the thread-like adhesive application device 200, the pressing mechanism BU and the main part of the transport unit CU are attached to the front surface of a substantially rectangular mounting plate 201, and are positioned by a positioning unit DU.

[0073] (Transport unit CU of thread-like adhesive application device 200) The thread-like adhesive application device 200 has roller 122 (see Figure 5) as an example of a transport unit CU, rollers 202, 203, 204, moving unit 205, arm 206, rollers 207, 208, 209, moving unit 210, roller 211, and moving unit 212, and transports the thread-like adhesive 2 unwound from supply unit AU (roll) to nozzle 107.

[0074] Rollers 202, 203, 204, 207, 208, 209, 211 are configured similarly to roller 122 and the like described above, and are attached rotatably within a vertical plane (YZ plane) directly or indirectly to mounting plate 201. Rollers 202, 203, 204, 207, 208, 209, 211 are arranged, as an example, such that the respective rotating positions are at substantially the same distance from the front side of mounting plate 201 (the front side of the paper in FIG. 21).

[0075] Roller 202 is attached to the upper left corner of mounting plate 201, and guides thread-like adhesive 2 to rollers 203 and 204. To the left of roller 202, in the frame erected to the left of roll holder 121, a roller that can move up and down depending on the tension of the thread-like adhesive 2 being transported, and a roller provided above and to the right of this roller (neither shown) may be arranged. These rollers make it possible to adjust the tension of the thread-like adhesive 2 supplied to roller 202 to a constant value.

[0076] Roller 203 is attached to mounting plate 201 to the right and slightly below roller 202. Roller 203 is a pay-out roller that is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown).

[0077] Roller 204 is disposed to the upper right of roller 203, and is attached to the lower left end of moving part 205, such as an air cylinder, which moves (slides) in the direction of arrow D1 (upper right and lower left) relative to mounting plate 201. When roller 204 is positioned at the lower leftmost position, it is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of roller 203, and thread-like adhesive 2 is pinched between roller 204 and roller 203 and pulled out in the direction of arrow F5.

[0078] Arm 206 is a rod-like body extending in the left-right direction below rollers 202, 203 and moving section 205. Roller 207 is attached to the right end of arm 206, and the vicinity of the left end is rotatably supported by mounting plate 201 via rotating shaft 206a, and a potentiometer for calculating the position of roller 207 is attached to rotating shaft 206a. Arm 206 is rotated in the direction of arrow D2 (approximately up-down direction) by a driving section such as a motor provided on the back side of mounting plate 201, for example. In other words, roller 207 is movable up-down by the rotation of arm 206. At the left end of the arm 206, a shaft 206b is provided that extends along the extension direction of the arm 206 and has a spiral ridge on its outer circumferential surface. One or more weights 206c are attached to the shaft 206b. The weight 206c has a substantially disk shape, and a through hole provided in the center is formed with a groove that screws with the ridge of the shaft 206b. By shifting the position of the weight 206c on the shaft 206b and changing the distance between the weight 206c and the rotation axis 206a (the left end of the arm 206), the ease of movement of the arm 206 can be controlled.

[0079] Roller 208 is attached to the mounting plate 201, to the upper right of roller 207 and to the right of roller 204. Roller 208 is pulled out by rollers 203 and 204, and guides the thread-like adhesive 2 that has passed through roller 207 to a pressing mechanism BU (nozzle 107) provided directly below roller 208.

[0080] When roller 207 moves downward (displaces so as to lengthen the path from rollers 203, 204 to roller 208), the transport speed of the thread-like adhesive 2 decreases. In this way, the thread-like adhesive 2 is unwound by rollers 203, 204, and the displacement of roller 207 can mitigate sudden changes in the speed of the unwound thread-like adhesive 2. In other words, rollers 203, 204, 207, 208 and arm 206 function as unwound assist mechanism 150Ba shown in FIG.

[0081] (Reduction of excess length in thread-like adhesive application device 200) To the right of roller 208, i.e., above nozzle 107, is disposed roller 209 attached to the left end of moving part 210 which moves in the direction of arrow D3 (left-right direction) relative to mounting plate 201. Roller 209 is disposed adjacent to roller 203 so that, when positioned at the leftmost position, roller 209 is able to nip thread-like adhesive 2 between roller 208. Roller 209, provided upstream of nozzle 107, nips (chucks) thread-like adhesive 2 between roller 208 when application of thread-like adhesive 2 is completed and nozzle 107 rises. In this state, thread-like adhesive 2 is cut at a position close to adherend H.

[0082] In the first embodiment, the air chuck 108 chucks the thread-like adhesive 2 below (downstream) of the nozzle 107, whereas in this embodiment, a roller 209 is provided upstream of the nozzle 107, and the thread-like adhesive 2 is chucked between the roller 208 that transports the thread-like adhesive 2. With this configuration, the space below the nozzle 107 for the air chuck 108 can be reduced, and therefore the excess length at the time of cutting (end point) can be reduced.

[0083] The roller 211 is disposed below the rollers 208, 209 and the moving part 210, i.e., above the nozzle 107, and is attached to the left end of the moving part 212 that moves in the direction of the arrow D4 (left-right direction) relative to the mounting plate 201. When the roller 211 is located on the right side, for example, the roller 211 passes the thread-like adhesive 2 and guides it into the nozzle 107, and when the thread-like adhesive 2 is cut, the roller 211 moves to the left to push the thread-like adhesive 2 to the left and move the cut tip (lower end) of the thread-like adhesive 2 upward. After the thread-like adhesive 2 is cut, the lower end of the thread-like adhesive 2 is raised, thereby reducing the surplus length at the start (start point) of the next application of the thread-like adhesive 2. When the thread-like adhesive 2 passes to the right of the roller 211, the roller 211 can be moved to the right to pull the thread-like adhesive 2 to the right and move the lower end of the thread-like adhesive 2 upward.

[0084] The excess length of the thread-like adhesive 2 can be reduced by rotating the rollers 203 etc. in the opposite direction, but this raises concerns that reverse rotation may cause the thread-like adhesive 2 to wrap around the rollers 203 etc., or that it may not be possible to wind it properly around the roll. In this regard, as described above, the excess length at the end and start points can be reduced without the above-mentioned problems by nipping and cutting the thread-like adhesive 2 with rollers 208 and 209, and then raising the lower end of the thread-like adhesive 2 with roller 211.

[0085] A guide rod (not shown) may be provided below the roller 211, standing on the front surface of the mounting plate 201. The guide rod has a non-adhesive surface (outer circumferential surface) and can regulate the displacement of the thread-like adhesive 2 to the left.

[0086] (Pressing mechanism BU of thread-like adhesive application device 200) The thread-like adhesive application device 200 has a nozzle 107, a slider 213, a fixed part 214, and a spring 215 as an example of a pressing mechanism BU, and applies the thread-like adhesive 2 transported to the transport part CU to an adherend H. The pressing mechanism BU is provided on the mounting plate 201 below the roller 211 and the moving part 212.

[0087] The nozzle 107 is fixed to the front surface of the slider 213, and a tip opening 107c can protrude from the lower end of the mounting plate 201. The slider 213 can move up and down relative to the mounting plate 201 by a linear guide or the like.

[0088] A fixed portion 214 is fixed to the attachment plate 201 above the slider 213. The fixed portion 214 holds a spring 215, with a shaft inserted therein, between itself and the upper surface of the slider 213.

[0089] In this manner, the nozzle 107 of this embodiment, like the first embodiment, is movable in the vertical direction and is configured to have an absorption mechanism that absorbs the displacement of the nozzle 107 in response to the vertical displacement of the base to which the nozzle 107 is attached.

[0090] In addition, air scissors 109 (nippers) are disposed on the right side of the pressing mechanism BU on the mounting plate 201. The air scissors 109 is moved diagonally downward and left from its normal position by the driving means, and cuts the thread-like adhesive 2 directly below the nozzle 107. At this time, as described above, the thread-like adhesive 2 is chucked (by rollers 208, 209) above the nozzle 107, making the air chuck 108 unnecessary. This reduces the distance between the nozzle tip 107c and the thread-like adhesive 2 attached to the adherend H, and reduces the excess length at the time of cutting (end point).

[0091] (Tips for attaching with short excess length) 22 and 23, the movement of the nozzle 107 in creating an application start point when the excess length is short will be described. When the excess length is short at the start of application of the thread-like adhesive 2, if the nozzle 107 is lowered vertically in the direction of arrow N1 shown in Fig. 22(a), the thread-like adhesive 2 may slip inside the nozzle 107 as shown in Fig. 22(b), and the start point may not be attached to the adherend H. Therefore, if the nozzle 107 is lowered obliquely (in the direction of arrow N2) from the state shown in Fig. 23(a), the start point can be created without the thread-like adhesive 2 slipping inside the nozzle 107 as shown in Fig. 23(b).

[0092] As described above, the thread-like adhesive application device 200 comprises a payout assist mechanism (rollers 203, 204, 207, 208 and arm 206) and a configuration for reducing excess length (rollers 208, 209 that chuck the thread-like adhesive 2 upstream of the nozzle 107, and roller 211 that pushes / pulls the cut thread-like adhesive 2 upstream of the nozzle 107). In addition to providing the same effects as the first embodiment, this configuration makes it possible to transport the thread-like adhesive 2 with low tension and to reduce excess length at the start and end of application. Therefore, the application of the thread-like adhesive 2 can be performed quickly and without waste.

[0093] Fifth embodiment Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of a thread-like adhesive application device 200A, and Fig. 25 is a front view showing the fifth embodiment of the thread-like adhesive application device 200A with an open / close frame 235 open. The thread-like adhesive application device 200A mainly comprises a main body frame 230, a gripping portion 231, and an open / close frame 235 that holds a winding body 240 capable of winding up the thread-like adhesive 2.

[0094] The main body frame 230 is a vertically extending elongated plate material whose lower portion is bent obliquely to be tapered. The nozzle 107 is fixed to the bent portion of the main body frame 230, and the tapered lower end has a pressure roller 232. As shown in FIG. 25, the nozzle 107 is attached along the axial direction of the main body frame 230. The pressure roller 232 is disposed in front of the tip opening 107c of the nozzle 107 and slightly above the tip opening 107c. The pressure roller 232 is attached to the main body frame 230 so as to be rotatable within a vertical plane. The function of the pressure roller 232 will be described later.

[0095] A motor 233 and a roller 234 driven by the motor 233 are attached to approximately the center of the main body frame 230. The roller 234 is attached to the opening / closing frame 235 so as to be rotatable in a vertical plane, and the thread-like adhesive 2 is sandwiched between the roller 234 and a roller 236 which rotates with the rotation of the roller 234, and the thread-like adhesive 2 is unwound from the winding body 240. In other words, the rollers 234 and 236 function as a unwinding assist mechanism. The motor is provided with a speed volume (not shown) for adjusting the rotation speed of the motor 233, i.e., for manually adjusting the unwinding speed of the thread-like adhesive 2.

[0096] A gripping portion 231 having a substantially rectangular plate shape is provided slightly below the center of the main body frame 230 so as to protrude rearward. The gripping portion 231 is gripped by an operator. The gripping portion 231 is provided with a switch 231A for switching the motor 233 on / off and starting / stopping the feeding of the thread-like adhesive 2. As an example, the switch 231A is provided in a position that is easy for the operator to operate with the index finger while gripping the gripping portion 231, and turns on the motor 233 while it is pressed, and turns off the motor 233 when it is released (i.e., when it is not pressed).

[0097] The opening / closing frame 235 has a roller holding portion 237 that holds the roller 236 rotatably in a vertical plane, and a roll holding portion 238 that holds the roll 240 rotatably in a vertical plane. The opening / closing frame 235 is pivotally supported on the main body frame 230 at the rear of the lower end side, and is openable and closable with respect to the main body frame 230.

[0098] 25, the operator sets the roll 240 in the roll holder 238, and inserts the thread-like adhesive 2 into the nozzle 107 via the rotating surface of the roller 236. Then, the operator rotates the opening / closing frame 235 on which the roll 240 is set backward to close it, and engages the upper end with the main frame 230 to achieve the closed state shown in FIG.

[0099] The worker grasps the gripping portion 231 as shown in Fig. 24 and brings the tip (tip opening 107c) of the nozzle 107 close to the adherend. At this time, if the excess length of the thread-like adhesive 2 is short, the worker can reliably create a starting point without the thread-like adhesive 2 slipping into the nozzle 107 by lowering the nozzle 107 in an oblique direction as shown in Fig. 23.

[0100] When an operator operates switch 231A, motor 233 rotates, and the rotation of motor 233 causes rollers 234, 236 to unwind thread-like adhesive 2 from roll 240. When an operator moves nozzle 107 in any direction above the adherend, the thread-like adhesive 2 unwound from roll 240 can be attached to the adherend along any path.

[0101] Fig. 26 shows how the thread-like adhesive 2 is cut at the end of the application operation using the thread-like adhesive application device 200A. When the application operation is finished, the operator operates (releases) switch 231A to stop the rotation of motor 233. Then, at the end point position, the operator tilts main body frame 230 from the vertical as shown in Fig. 26, and presses the thread-like adhesive 2 against the adherend with pressure roller 232. By pressing down the thread-like adhesive 2 with pressure roller 232, it is possible to prevent the applied portion (end point of the thread-like adhesive 2) from lifting up and peeling off.

[0102] As described above, while holding down the end point with pressure roller 232, the worker cuts off the thread-like adhesive 2 near the end point with scissors 241. Since pressure roller 232 is provided near nozzle 107, the worker can prevent the end point of thread-like adhesive 2 from peeling off by the simple operation of simply tilting thread-like adhesive application device 200A (main body frame 230) while holding it.

[0103] As explained above, according to the thread-like adhesive application device 200A of this embodiment, although the thread-like adhesive application device 100 of the second embodiment is superior in terms of workability in a narrow space, as in the second embodiment, multiple points on the periphery of the tip opening 107c of the nozzle 107 function as pressing parts, making it easy to change the application direction. Therefore, the operator can apply the thread-like adhesive 2 while gripping the gripping part 231 and moving it in any direction.

[0104] Sixth embodiment 27 is a schematic diagram showing a thread-like adhesive application device 200B of the sixth embodiment. The thread-like adhesive application device 200B includes an attachment plate 250, rollers 251, 252 provided on the attachment plate 250, and a nozzle 107, and a winding body 260 capable of winding up the thread-like adhesive 2 is held on the attachment plate 250 so as to be rotatable in a vertical plane. The thread-like adhesive application device 200B is a stationary application device in which the attachment plate 250 is fixedly disposed on a tabletop by a support frame for use, for example.

[0105] Rollers 251 and 252 are disposed on the front side of the mounting plate 250, to the side of the winding body 260 (to the right in FIG. 27). Roller 251 is driven by a motor provided on the rear side of the mounting plate 250. Roller 252 holds the thread-like adhesive 2 between itself and roller 251, and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of roller 251. The rotation of rollers 251 and 252 causes the thread-like adhesive 2 to be unwound from the winding body 260. A nozzle 107 is fixed below (directly below) rollers 251 and 252 at the lower end of the mounting plate 250.

[0106] The operator drives the motor to deliver the adhesive threads 2, places the adherend H against the tip opening 107c of the nozzle 107, and applies the adhesive threads 2 along a desired path while moving the adherend H. When application is complete, the motor drive is stopped and the adhesive threads 2 are cut with scissors or the like.

[0107] In this way, according to the sixth embodiment of the thread-like adhesive application device 200B, an operator can grasp the adherend H and move the adherend H while holding it against the tip opening 107c of the nozzle 107, thereby applying the thread-like adhesive 2 along any desired path to the adherend H, which has a planar or three-dimensional shape.

[0108] (Details of Thread-like Adhesive 2) 28 shows a schematic diagram of a thread-like adhesive 2 used in the thread-like adhesive application devices 100, 101, etc. of the first to sixth embodiments. The thread-like adhesive 2 is constituted by a linear adhesive body made of a linear core material 2a and an adhesive layer 2b that covers the surface of the core material 2a in the longitudinal direction.

[0109] The thread-like adhesive 2 is a long adhesive body that is linear. The term "linear" as used herein is a concept that includes not only straight lines, curved lines, and bent lines, but also a state in which the adhesive can be bent in various directions and angles like a thread (i.e., thread-like). The adhesive layer in this specification also includes linear ones.

[0110] In addition, although the cross-sectional shape of the thread-like adhesive 2 in this configuration example is circular, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the cross-sectional shape can be, in addition to circular, an ellipse, a rectangle such as a square, etc.

[0111] The adhesive layer 2b includes an adhesive formed from an adhesive composition. The adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the above gel fraction and the change in gel fraction, and a known adhesive can be used. For example, an acrylic adhesive, a rubber adhesive, a vinyl alkyl ether adhesive, a silicone adhesive, a polyester adhesive, a polyamide adhesive, a urethane adhesive, a fluorine adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, etc. can be mentioned. Among them, from the viewpoint of adhesion, an acrylic adhesive, a urethane adhesive, a silicone adhesive, a rubber adhesive, or a polyester adhesive is preferable, and an acrylic adhesive is particularly preferable. Note that the adhesive may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. In addition, the adhesive in this embodiment is preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive that has adhesion at room temperature and can attach an adherend to its surface by the pressure generated when the surface of the adhesive and the surface of the adherend come into contact with each other. If it is a pressure-sensitive adhesive, it does not require heating and can be applied to adherends that are weak against heat.

[0112] As the adhesive, either a solvent-based adhesive or a water-dispersed adhesive can be used, and it is preferable that the crosslinking proceeds by drying (solvent volatilization) of the adhesive composition and is quickly completed after drying. This is because new crosslinking is not increased after the surfaces of the adhesive layers come into contact with each other. Here, water-dispersed adhesives are preferable, and water-dispersed acrylic adhesives are more preferable, because they can be applied at high speed, are environmentally friendly, and have little effect (swelling, dissolution) on the substrate or core material due to the solvent.

[0113] Here, in the adhesive body having a core material, the adhesive layer may cover the entire surface of the core material (surface in the longitudinal direction), or may cover only at least a part of the surface of the core material. The adhesive layer is typically formed continuously, but is not limited to such a form, and may be formed in a regular or random pattern such as a dotted or striped pattern. The end surface of the core material may or may not be covered by the adhesive layer. For example, when the adhesive body is cut during the manufacturing process or during use, the end surface of the core material may not be covered by the adhesive layer.

[0114] Examples of the core material used in the thread-like adhesive 2 include resin, rubber, foam, inorganic fiber, and composites thereof. Examples of resin include polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene-propylene copolymer, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET); vinyl chloride resins; vinyl acetate resins; polyimide resins; polyamide resins; and fluorine-based resins. Examples of rubber include synthetic rubbers such as natural rubber and urethane rubber. Examples of foams include polyurethane foam and polychloroprene rubber foam. Examples of fibers include glass fiber, carbon fiber, metal fiber, chemical fiber (recycled fiber, semi-synthetic fiber, synthetic fiber, etc.), and natural fiber (plant fiber, animal fiber, etc.). The cross-sectional shape of the core material is not particularly limited, but it usually has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the adhesive body.

[0115] In addition, the material of the thread-like core material that can be used in the thread-like adhesive 2 can be various polymer materials such as rayon, cupra, acetate, promix, nylon, aramid, vinylon, vinylidene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polychral, ​​polylactic acid, etc., various rubbers such as glass, carbon fiber, synthetic rubbers such as natural rubber and polyurethane, natural materials such as cotton, wool, etc., metals, etc. In addition, the form of the thread-like core material can be, for example, monofilament, multifilament, spun yarn, textured yarn, bulky yarn, stretch yarn, etc., which have been subjected to crimping processing or bulking processing, or a combination of these by twisting them together. In addition, the cross-sectional shape can be not only circular, but also rectangular yarns such as square, star-shaped, elliptical, hollow, etc.

[0116] If necessary, the core material may contain various additives such as fillers (inorganic fillers, organic fillers, etc.), antiaging agents, antioxidants, UV absorbers, antistatic agents, lubricants, plasticizers, colorants (pigments, dyes, etc.), etc. The surface of the core material may be subjected to a known or conventional surface treatment such as a corona discharge treatment, a plasma treatment, or application of a primer.

[0117] The cross-sectional size of the core material is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, when the cross-sectional shape is circular, from the viewpoint of handleability (bending ability, resistance to cutting), the diameter is preferably 1 μm to 2000 μm, and more preferably 10 μm to 1000 μm.

[0118] The thickness of the adhesive layer is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of adhesiveness, it is preferably 1 μm or more, more preferably 3 μm or more. From the viewpoint of thickness unevenness and drying property, it is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 150 μm or less. Furthermore, it can be made thicker by laminating depending on the application.

[0119] In particular, the thread-like adhesive 2 is preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive that has adhesive properties at room temperature and forms the adhesive layer 2b, and that can attach the adherend to its surface by the pressure generated when the surface of the adhesive contacts the surface of the adherend. If it is a pressure-sensitive adhesive, it does not require heating and can be applied to adherends that are sensitive to heat.

[0120] As described above, the shape of the thread-like adhesive 2 is not particularly limited, but the greater the ratio (longest axis among the axes passing through the center of gravity of the cross section) of the length of the long axis (the longest axis among the axes passing through the center of gravity of the cross section) to the length of the short axis (the shortest axis among the axes passing through the center of gravity of the cross section) in the cross-sectional shape of the thread-like adhesive 2 (longest axis / short axis), the flatter the shape of the thread-like adhesive 2 will be. On the other hand, the smaller this ratio is, the closer the cross-sectional shape of the thread-like adhesive 2 will be to a circle, and this ratio will be at its minimum value of 1 when the cross-sectional shape is circular. A minimum value of 1 also includes special shapes such as triangles, stars, etc.

[0121] The thread-like adhesive 2 may have a separator. When the thread-like adhesive 2 has a separator, the separator is peeled off from the adhesive layer before the thread-like adhesive 2 reaches the nozzle 107 or the like, and the adhesive body is attached to the object. When the thread-like adhesive 2 has a separator, the self-adhesive strength of the adhesive can be reduced, so that the thread-like adhesive 2 can be pressed against the object with the tension of the thread-like adhesive 2 reduced. Therefore, the thread-like adhesive 2 pressed against the object can be prevented from being peeled off, cut, or re-attached and tangled due to tension, and the thread-like adhesive 2 can be smoothly attached.

[0122] The embodiments and methods of use of the thread-like adhesive 2 are roughly classified into the following four patterns. The non-adhesive layer here is a layer that covers the surface (surface in the longitudinal direction) of the adhesive body, and includes layers that cover the adhesive body in the initial state before stretching, but are broken by stretching the adhesive body, thereby revealing the adhesiveness of the adhesive body. However, the type, material, etc. of the non-adhesive layer are not particularly limited.

[0123] 1) Adhesive bodies without non-adhesive layers can be directly pressed 2) Adhesive body without non-adhesive layer + separator (separator is peeled off before bonding) 3) Adhesive body covered with a non-adhesive layer 4) Adhesive body covered with a non-adhesive layer + separator (the separator is peeled off before compression)

[0124] Furthermore, the thread-like adhesive 2 of this embodiment is bendable and can be bent in various directions and angles like a thread. In addition to the above-mentioned effects, a bendable adhesive body, particularly a thread-like adhesive body, has the advantage of being easily applicable to complex shapes such as curves, curved surfaces, and unevenness.

[0125] For example, when an adhesive tape is applied to an adherend having a complex shape such as a curve, a curved surface, or an uneven surface, wrinkles or overlaps may occur in the adhesive tape at such a portion, making it difficult to prevent the tape from overhanging and to apply the tape neatly. Furthermore, the wrinkled or overlapped portion may cause a decrease in adhesive strength. In addition, in order to apply the adhesive tape without causing wrinkles or overlaps, it is possible to apply the tape while cutting it into small pieces, but this would significantly deteriorate the workability. On the other hand, if the adhesive body has bendability, particularly if it is a thread-like adhesive body, it can be firmly applied without causing wrinkles or overlaps even when applied to a portion having a complex shape such as a curve, a curved surface, or an uneven surface. Furthermore, since such an adhesive body can be applied to the desired portion at once, i.e., in one process, it is also excellent in workability and can be applied to an automated line.

[0126] Specific examples of applications of the thread-like adhesive include applications for fixing cables such as electric wires and optical fibers, LED fiber lights, optical fiber sensors such as FBG (Fiber Bragg Gratings), various wires (wire-like members) such as threads, strings, and wires, and thin members in a desired form. For example, even when a wire or thin member is fixed to another member in a complex shape, the thread-like adhesive can be used to firmly fix the wire or thin member with excellent workability while suppressing protrusion, wrinkles, and overlaps in accordance with the complex shape that the wire or thin member should have. In addition, when fixing a wire or thin member to another member, the thread-like adhesive can be attached in advance to the surface of the other member in accordance with the form in which the wire or thin member should be fixed, and then the wire or thin member can be attached to the adhesive attached to the surface of the other member to fix it. Alternatively, the thread-like adhesive may be attached to the wire or thin member, and then the wire or thin member may be fixed to the other member in a desired form.

[0127] The thread-like adhesive body can also be suitably used for the purpose of temporarily fixing (temporarily fastening) an article to the surface of another article. More specifically, the thread-like adhesive body is particularly suitably used for the purpose of temporarily fixing (temporarily fastening) an article when manufacturing textile products such as clothes, shoes, bags, and hats, leather products, etc. However, the use is not limited thereto, and the thread-like adhesive body can be suitably used for various purposes where temporary fixing (temporarily fastening) is desired.

[0128] For example, when one article is fixed to the surface of another article, the first article is provisionally fixed to the surface of the other article using a thread-like adhesive to position the article, and then the two articles are fixed (mainly fixed) by a fixing method such as thermocompression bonding or sewing. In this case, if a thread-like adhesive is used, it is easy to provisionally fix the two articles while avoiding the fixing part provided between the two articles. For example, when sewing textile products or leather products, if provisional fixing is performed using a thread-like adhesive, it is easy to provisionally fix the articles while avoiding the sewing part, and it is easy to prevent the adhesive from adhering to the needle.

[0129] Furthermore, as described above, if the adhesive is in the form of a thread, it can be satisfactorily attached to both articles while minimizing overflow, wrinkles, and overlaps, even if the articles have complex shapes such as curves, curved surfaces, or uneven surfaces, and it can be attached in a single process, making it easy to work with.

[0130] Furthermore, even in the case of materials that are easily deformed, such as fabric, cloth, leather, etc. that make up textile or leather products, temporary fixation using a thread-like adhesive can suppress or prevent deformation of the materials due to tension, resulting in good design after fixation (full fixation).

[0131] Furthermore, if the adhesive is a thread-like adhesive, it is easy to remove the thread-like adhesive from between the two fixed (fixed) articles after the two articles are fixed (fixed), as necessary. In this way, the adhesive can be prevented from spilling out, and the deterioration of the design caused by the discoloration of the remaining adhesive over time can be effectively prevented.

[0132] Furthermore, if the adhesive is in the form of a thread, it is possible to combine functions by twisting the adhesive with threads made of other materials to form a combined thread, or by weaving it with threads or cloth (including nonwoven fabrics and sheets) made of other materials.

[0133] Furthermore, the thread-like adhesive 2 attached to a separator (temporary support) can be transferred to an adherend by the device and method for attaching a thread-like adhesive of this embodiment. This method will be described below.

[0134] First, a thread-like adhesive 2 is applied to a temporary support such as a film using the above-described device and method for applying a thread-like adhesive of the present embodiment. In order to apply the thread-like adhesive 2 to an adherend in a desired shape, the thread-like adhesive 2 is applied (drawn) on the temporary support in a shape that is the inverse of the desired shape. Next, the adhesive surface of the thread-like adhesive 2 attached to the temporary support is brought into contact with the adherend, and the thread-like adhesive 2 is pressed against the adherend via the temporary support with a roller, fingers, or the like to adhere it thereto. Thereafter, the temporary support is peeled off and removed from the adhesive threads 2 adhered to the adherend, exposing the adhesive threads 2. In this manner, the adhesive threads 2 are attached to the adherend in a desired shape.

[0135] In order to reliably transfer the thread-like adhesive, i.e., to prevent the thread-like adhesive from peeling off from the adherend and remaining on the temporary support, it is preferable to peel off the temporary support from the adherend by peeling, and the peel angle is preferably 5° or more, more preferably 10° or more, and even more preferably 20° or more. When peeling off by peeling, the temporary support may be peeled off while deforming, the adherend may be peeled off while deforming, or both the temporary support and the adherend may be peeled off while deforming. A suitable peeling method may be selected according to the hardness (ease of deformation) of the temporary support and the adherend.

[0136] As described above, the thread-like adhesive 2 is shaped (drawn) into an inverted shape of a desired shape on a temporary support and then transferred, so that the thread-like adhesive 2 is attached to the adherend in a desired shape. In this way, the thread-like adhesive 2 can be easily attached to the adherend even when the shape to be attached is complex. Due to these characteristics, the method of attaching a thread-like adhesive by transfer is suitable as a method of attaching a thread-like adhesive for fixing, in a desired shape, for example, cables such as electric wires and optical fibers, LED fiber lights, optical fiber sensors such as FBGs (Fiber Bragg Gratings), various wires (linear members) such as threads, strings, and wires, and thin members. Even in cases where a wire or thin member is fixed to another member in a complex shape, the method of attaching a thread-like adhesive by transfer makes it possible to easily attach the thread-like adhesive to the member to which the wire or thin member is to be attached, in accordance with the complex shape that the wire or thin member should have. In addition, for example, if a thread-like adhesive is used for temporary fixing (temporary fastening) when sewing textile products such as clothes, shoes, bags, hats, and leather products, it is easy to temporarily fix the product while avoiding the sewn part, and it is easy to prevent the adhesive from sticking to the needle. If the product to be sewn has a complex shape or is easily deformed, it may not be easy to apply the thread-like adhesive, but even in such cases, the above-mentioned application method using transfer of the thread-like adhesive makes it easy to apply the thread-like adhesive.

[0137] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. In addition, the material, shape, size, numerical value, form, number, arrangement location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary as long as they can achieve the present invention, and are not limited. EXAMPLES

[0138] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples in any way.

[0139] <Example> (Preparation of Coating Fluid) 40 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was placed in a reaction vessel equipped with a cooling tube, nitrogen inlet tube, thermometer, and stirrer, and nitrogen substitution was performed by stirring at 60°C for 1 hour or more while introducing nitrogen gas. 0.1 parts by mass of 2,2'-azobis[N-(2-carboxyethyl)-2-methylpropionamidine]n hydrate (polymerization initiator) was added to this reaction vessel. While maintaining the system at 60°C, the following monomer emulsion A was gradually added dropwise over 4 hours to allow the emulsion polymerization reaction to proceed.

[0140] Monomer emulsion A was prepared by adding 98 parts by mass of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 1.25 parts by mass of acrylic acid, 0.75 parts by mass of methacrylic acid, 0.05 parts by mass of lauryl mercaptan (chain transfer agent), 0.02 parts by mass of γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., product name "KBM-503"), and 2 parts by mass of sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl sulfate (emulsifier) ​​to 30 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water and emulsifying it.

[0141] After the dropwise addition of the monomer emulsion A was completed, the temperature was kept at 60° C. for an additional 3 hours, and the system was cooled to room temperature. Then, the pH was adjusted to 7 by adding 10% aqueous ammonia to obtain an acrylic polymer emulsion (water-dispersed acrylic polymer).

[0142] A tackifier resin emulsion (manufactured by Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd., product name "E-865NT") was added in an amount of 24 parts by mass based on the solid content per 100 parts by mass of the acrylic polymer contained in the acrylic polymer emulsion. Further, ion-exchanged water was added to adjust the solid content concentration to 50% by mass to obtain a coating liquid.

[0143] (Production of thread-like adhesive) As the core material, a multifilament yarn was prepared, which was made by twisting 70 times per meter of seven polyester fibers with a fineness of 1155 dtex and a filament count of 336.

[0144] The viscosity of the coating liquid was 0.4 Pa·s at a shear rate of 100 (1 / s) and 47 Pa·s at a shear rate of 0.1 (1 / s). The core material was coated by dipping using a coating roller rotating at the same speed as the unwinding speed. A tension of 1.3 mN / dtex was applied to the core material. It was then dried at 100°C for 4 minutes to obtain a thread-like adhesive body with a diameter (width in the short direction) of 0.45 mm.

[0145] (Viscosity of coating liquid) The viscosity of the coating liquid was measured when the shear rate was changed from a high rate (viscosity decrease) to a low rate (viscosity recovery).

[0146] Specifically, 1 g of sample (coating fluid) was placed on a measurement plate (MP35 Steel, 18 / 8, sensor: Rotor C35 / 1, Cone with D=35mm, 1° Titan, gap between plates: 0.225mm), and the solution viscosity (Pa·s) of the coating fluid was measured at a shear rate of 0.01 (1 / s) for 10 seconds at 23°C using a viscosity / viscoelasticity measuring device (rheometer, product name "RS-600", manufactured by HAAKE). The shear rate was then changed to 9000 (1 / s) (A) over 20 seconds, and then returned to a shear rate of 0.01 (1 / s) (B) over 20 seconds, during which the solution viscosity (Pa·s) of the coating fluid was measured.

[0147] When the shear rate is changed to 9000 (1 / s) (A), the solution viscosity (Pa s) of the coating fluid at a shear rate of 100 (1 / s) was recorded as the solution viscosity (Pa s) at a shear rate of 100 (1 / s). In addition, when the shear rate is returned to 0.01 (1 / s) (B), the solution viscosity (Pa s) of the coating fluid at a shear rate of 0.1 (1 / s) was recorded as the solution viscosity (Pa s) at a shear rate of 0.1 (1 / s).

[0148] (Core tension) The tension of the core material was measured using a digital force gauge (AD-4932A) during coating. Specifically, the tension between the core material unwinding point and the coating roll was measured by reading the stress applied to the terminal of the force gauge.

[0149] (Evaluation results when nozzle hole diameter is changed) Using the adhesive threads manufactured as described above with a diameter of 0.45 mm and nozzle hole diameters of 1 mm and 2 mm, the adhesive threads were applied at speeds of 1, 10, 20, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mm / sec to draw straight and curved shapes (R = 10 mm, 5 mm, 2 mm, and 1 mm). The experimental results are as follows:

[0150] When the nozzle hole diameter was 1 mm, the adhesive threads were applied accurately at all application speeds except for 200 mm / sec when drawing a straight line. When the adhesive threads were applied to a curved line, they were applied at application speeds of 20 mm / sec or less (10 mm / sec or less when R=1 mm). When the nozzle hole diameter was 2 mm, the adhesive threads were applied accurately at application speeds of 20 mm / sec or less when a straight line was drawn, and when the curved line was drawn, the adhesive threads were applied at application speeds of less than 10 mm / sec when R=10 mm. From the above results, it was found that in the case of a thread-like adhesive having a diameter of 0.45 mm, a nozzle hole diameter of 0.7 mm is preferable. [Industrial Applicability]

[0151] The adhesive thread application device and adhesive thread application method of the present invention allow the adhesive strength of the adhesive thread to be properly exerted, and the adhesive thread can be applied with high precision along any desired path, making them applicable to adhesion work in a variety of fields. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1 Main unit 2. Thread-like adhesive 3 Grip 4 Tip 5, 120 winding body 100, 101, 101A, 101B Thread-like adhesive application device 105 Horizontal movement unit 106 Mounting plate 106a Roller mounting part 106b Nozzle attachment part 107 Nozzle 107d Tip 136, 137 Springs 150A~150E Payout assist mechanism AU supply department BU pressing mechanism CU Transport Unit DU Positioning Unit

Claims

1. A nozzle having a pressing part for pressing the string-like adhesive against an object; a nozzle displacement portion attached to the nozzle and displacing the nozzle by being displaced in a pressing direction; an absorbing mechanism that absorbs displacement of the nozzle in response to displacement of the nozzle displacement portion in the pressing direction.

2. The absorbing mechanism is any one of a spring, a damper, and an air cylinder attached between the nozzle displacement portion and the nozzle.

2. The device for applying thread-like adhesive according to claim 1.

3. a movement control unit that controls movement of the nozzle displacement unit so as to attach the thread-like adhesive to the object along a predetermined path, The movement control unit brings the nozzle displacement unit close to the object at at least one of a start point of the predetermined path, a start point or an end point of a curve included in the predetermined path, and a vertex of an angle included in the predetermined path.

3. The device for applying thread-like adhesive according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The nozzle has an inner wall surface that defines a cylindrical internal space, and a tip having a tip opening at one end of the inner wall surface through which the internal space communicates with the outside, The pressing portion presses the thread-like adhesive that has passed through the internal space and been guided to the outside from the tip opening against the object, A plurality of portions of a peripheral portion surrounding the tip opening at the tip function as the pressing portion.

4. The thread-like adhesive application device according to claim 1.

5. The thread-like adhesive application device is configured to press the thread-like adhesive wound on a roll against the object while unwinding it, The adhesive tape further includes an assist mechanism for applying an external force in a payout direction to the thread-like adhesive being paid out from the winding body, The pressing section presses the drawn out thread-like adhesive against the object.

5. The thread-like adhesive application device according to claim 1.

6. A method for applying a thread-like adhesive, comprising applying the thread-like adhesive to the object using the device for applying a thread-like adhesive according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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