Strip applicator with adjustable coating flow and method for adjusting the coating flow of such an applicator

Abstract

The invention relates to a strip applicator (1) for joining two plaster boards. The applicator comprises a container (4) having an output slot (9) for the strip which has a determined height and is provided with height adjustment means comprising: - a height adjustment plate (16) arranged inside the container, - a securing plate slidably secured against the front wall (13) and comprising a sliding guide provided with an elongate opening, the securing plate comprising a sliding stop (111b) provided with a central hole (115) and cooperating with the sliding guide - a shaft (17) for coupling and clamping the plate, the shaft being engaged in an opening (16a) of the plate, in the elongate opening, and in the central hole - means (116, 117) for tensioning / de-tensioning the coupling and clamping shaft.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Tape applicator with adjustable plaster flow and method for adjusting the plaster flow of such an applicator

[0001] The present invention relates to a tape applicator with adjustable plaster flow and a method for adjusting the plaster flow of such an applicator.

[0002] Such an applicator is intended for the application of a strip of paper or similar material, in roll form, between two adjacent plasterboards, in construction or renovation, by means of a paste-like coating.

[0003] Thus, the plaster fills the space between the two plates and the strip holds everything together.

[0004] Joint tape is applied between two plasterboard panels placed on the same plane or at an angle. Once the joint compound and tape are in place, the user smooths everything with a flat or angled trowel for corners. The tape ensures a perfectly smooth joint between the panels.

[0005] We already know of tape applicators, commonly called "banjo", comprising a reservoir of plaster and a dispenser of a roll of jointing tape to carry out numerous joints, particularly on large construction sites.

[0006] To this end, the reservoir has, with reference to the position of use, a rear wall delimiting an inlet slot for the belt and a front wall delimiting an outlet slot for the belt.

[0007] An application head is generally intended to be fixed to the wall The front of the applicator is positioned above the exit slot to ensure proper tape application, i.e., the tape loaded with joint compound is pulled out of the applicator and pressed firmly against the plasterboard. A final smoothing is then carried out by the user using a spatula.

[0008] Document WO201 1094820 describes an application head shaped to apply a strip between two plasterboards forming an angle between them. The head includes a mounting plate for the applicator, the plate being extended by a fixed arm supporting an angle roller having a V-profile for applying the strip in an angle.

[0009] This head has several drawbacks. It's only suitable for applying tape at an angle, so it must be disassembled to replace it with an application head designed for flat tape application. This requires two separate heads, which is cumbersome and risks losing one of them.

[0010] Furthermore, the plate is designed to be fixed inside the tank and to cooperate with an axis of an external adjusting screw equipped with an eccentric, which allows not only the fixing of the plate, but also its movement along the tank to adjust the height of the band outlet slot, as illustrated in US51 1427.

[0011] However, the plate and adjustment mechanism are in direct contact with the plaster, which clogs and damages the mechanism, as force must be applied to adjust the slit height. Furthermore, since the application head defines the upper edge of the slit, the entire head needs to be replaced regularly, as the upper edge of the slit is subjected to very high abrasion and temperature during repeated passes of the tape.

[0012] An objective of the present invention is therefore to provide a tape applicator equipped with easy-to-implement, robust and precise adjustment means, i.e., not very sensitive to abrasion and heat, and inexpensive, i.e., easily replaceable independently of the application head.

[0013] Document FR3007439 describes a multi-function application head which also has the advantage of not requiring disassembly between the two functions (flat strip application and corner application).

[0014] However, this application head is complex and its structure does not allow adjustment of the height of the strip's exit slot.

[0015] Indeed, the application head of this document includes a plate of fixing equipped with simple fixing holes intended to receive a screw inserted into the front wall of the tool.

[0016] An objective of the present invention is therefore to propose a tape applicator equipped with adjustment means that can be reversibly coupled (to allow independent change) to an application head arranged outside the reservoir to allow simultaneous adjustment of the height of the outlet slot and the position of the application head.

[0017] According to the invention, the sliding function is located outside the reservoir, which reduces the number of parts inside the reservoir and means that only these parts need to be replaced, not the sliding mechanism itself. This also allows the sliding mechanism to be incorporated into the application head, enabling the application head and the adjustment parts located inside the reservoir to slide simultaneously.

[0018] Thus, the invention relates to a jointing tape applicator between two plasterboards, the applicator comprising a dispenser for a roll of jointing tape and a jointing compound reservoir in which the tape is unwound, in use, the reservoir having, with reference to the position of use, an inlet slot for the tape formed between a free end of a rear wall of the reservoir and a first free end of a lower wall of the reservoir, and an outlet slot for the tape formed between a free end of a front wall of the reservoir and a second free end of the lower wall of the reservoir, the reservoir further comprising two side walls, one of which constitutes a removable side cover for access to the inside of the reservoir, the outlet slot having a determined height and being provided with a height adjustment means.

[0019] According to the invention, the adjustment means include: - a height adjustment plate for said outlet slot, said plate being arranged inside the tank against an inner face of the front wall of the tank, - a mounting plate fixed by sliding against an outer contact face of the front wall of the tank, the contact face having a sliding guide of determined length, provided with an oblong opening, the mounting plate having a sliding stop cooperating in sliding with the sliding guide, the sliding stop being longer than the determined length of the sliding guide, and equipped with a central hole; - a coupling and clamping axis for the plate, the axis being engaged in an opening in the plate, in the oblong hole of the sliding guide, and in the central hole of the sliding stop - means of tensioning / de-tensioning the coupling shaft and clamping to allow tightening / loosening of the plate and the plate against the front wall of the tank.

[0020] According to specific modes of implementation: - the plate opening can be polygonal and the coupling and clamping axis includes a polygonal cylindrical portion of complementary shape to the polygonal hole and intended to be inserted into the polygonal hole to prevent rotation of the plate around the coupling and clamping axis; - the plate may have a second orifice, the coupling and clamping axis having a support head against the plate equipped with a locking pin intended to be engaged in the second orifice to prevent rotation of the plate around the coupling and clamping axis; - the fastening means may include a quick clamping lever comprising a cam pivotally and eccentrically fixed to a coupling member fixed to the coupling and clamping axis; - the sliding stop carried by the bearing face of the fixing plate can be constituted by an oblong groove cooperating in sliding with the sliding guide carried by the contact face of the front wall of the tank, the sliding guide being an oblong rib; - the sliding stop carried by the bearing face of the fixing plate can be constituted by an oblong rib cooperating in sliding with the sliding guide carried by the contact face of the front wall of the tank, the sliding guide being an oblong groove; - the plate can be made of stainless steel; - the plate can be a mounting plate for an application head, the mounting plate comprising a fixing core and two sides perpendicular to the fixing core, each having two opposite holes in pairs to receive a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation parallel to each other, the first axis of rotation carrying two toothed rollers belt drive, the application head further comprising: • two connecting rods mounted for free rotation by one end on the second axis of rotation, between a retracted position and an application position, the second end of each connecting rod being mounted for free rotation on a third axis of rotation, on either side of an angle roller itself in free rotation on the third axis of rotation • a spring comprising two support legs against the mounting plate, each extended by an elbow connected to a locking arm equipped with a notch for locking the connecting rods in the operating position, the locking arms extending in a plane intersecting a plane passing through the two legs, the arms being connected to each other by a return hoop extending in a plane intersecting the plane passing through the two locking arms • reversible locking means for the connecting rods in the retracted position, independent of the spring; - the locking means may include at least one locking claw and at least one stop shaped so that at least one connecting rod is held, in the locked position, against the stop by the claw; - the claws and / or connecting rods can be shaped to allow forcible removal of the connecting rods from the claws; and / or - the free end of the rear wall of the tank and the first free end of the lower wall of the tank may include a cylinder with a cross-section greater than a thickness of the wall to which each cylinder is attached, each cylinder being covered by a removable protective sleeve, with an internal cross-section complementary to the cylinder that the sleeve covers, each protective sleeve having a longitudinal opening delimited by two locking edges against the wall carrying the cylinder that the sleeve covers.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the plaster flow rate of a jointing tape applicator between two plasterboards. adjacent, the process comprising the following steps: a) provide a previous jointing tape applicator, the applicator reservoir being filled with jointing compound and the tape being ready for use and including a free end protruding from the tape outlet slot; b) actuate the coupling shaft's energizing / de-energizing means and clamping to allow loosening of the plate and the plate against the front wall of the tank c) slide the plate coupled to the adjustment plate via the coupling and clamping shaft until the output slot of the strip has an operational height corresponding to a set plaster application rate; d) actuate the coupling shaft tensioning / de-tensioning means to allow clamping of the plate and the mounting plate against the front wall of the tank.

[0022] Other features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description below, made with reference to the attached drawings, which represent, respectively:

[0023] [Fig. 1] represents a schematic perspective view of a tape applicator according to the invention in the position of use, i.e. in the position of applying a tape;

[0024] [Fig. 2] represents a schematic perspective view of the tape applicator of figure 1 in which the access cover inside the tank is open;

[0025] [Fig. 3] represents a schematic view in partial exploded perspective from a first angle of view of a first embodiment of the means for adjusting the height of the outlet slot of an applicator according to the invention;

[0026] [Fig. 4] represents a schematic partial perspective exploded view from a second angle of view of the means for adjusting the height of the exit slot of an applicator according to the invention of figure 3 showing the height adjustment plate of the strip exit slot;

[0001] [Fig. 5] a schematic perspective view of an advantageous embodiment of a spring for an application head combinable with height adjustment means according to the invention;

[0002] [Fig. 6] represents a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an applicator according to the invention comprising, in addition, a system for protecting the strip entry slot;

[0003] [Fig. 7] represents a schematic perspective view of an enlargement of Figure 6 centered on the belt inlet slot, which includes abrasion protection sleeves; and

[0004] [Fig. 8] represents a schematic exploded perspective view of figure 7 illustrating the particular structure of the protective sleeves according to the invention.

[0005] An applicator equipped with means for adjusting the height of the outlet slot according to the invention is illustrated in figures 1 and 2.

[0006] The applicator 1 includes a dispenser 2 for a jointing strip in roller 3 (illustrated in dotted line) and a coating reservoir 4 into which the tape is unwound, in use.

[0007] The applicator also includes a gripping handle 5 for transporting or operationally manipulating it during the application of the strip.

[0008] Alternatively or in combination, the applicator may include a gripping strap (not illustrated) allowing the applicator to be grasped from below.

[0009] As illustrated in figure 2, the tank 4 has, with reference to the position of use, an inlet slot 6 of the strip formed between a free end 7a of a rear wall 7 of the tank and a first free end 8a of a lower wall 8 of the tank.

[0010] The reservoir 4 also includes an outlet slot 9 for the band provided between a free end 10a of a front wall 10 of the tank and a second free end 8b of the lower wall 8 of the tank.

[0011] The tank further comprising two side walls 11 and 12, one of which constitutes a removable side cover 11 allowing access to the inside of the tank 4.

[0012] The outlet slot 9 of the belt is formed between a free end 10a of a front wall 10 of the tank and a second free end 8b of the lower wall 8 of the tank. The height H1 of this slot determines the quantity of coating carried by the belt.

[0013] However, it is desirable to be able to modulate this quantity of coating, according to the conditions of use, viscosity of the coating, etc.

[0014] The invention proposes to mechanically couple to a fixing plate 1 10 external to the reservoir 4, a plate internal to the reservoir 4, structurally independent of the plate, and capable of sliding relative to the slot to reduce the resulting height H2 of the slot 9 and, thus, reduce the quantity of coating deposited with the strip.

[0015] The height adjustment means according to the invention are detailed in figures 3 and 4.

[0016] Thus, according to the invention, the adjustment means comprise an adjustment plate 16 of a height H2 of said outlet slot, the adjustment plate 16 being arranged inside the tank, against an inner face 10c of the front wall 10 of the tank.

[0017] The invention provides that the contact face 10b of the front wall 10 includes a sliding guide 14, longitudinal and perpendicular to the outlet slot 9. The sliding guide 14 is provided with an oblong orifice 15. As will be described later, the length of the oblong hole determines the sliding length of the adjustment plate and therefore the resulting height H2 of the outlet slot 9.

[0018] The adjustment means also include a coupling and clamping axis 17 of the plate 16 which is engaged in an orifice 16a of the plate 16 and in the oblong hole 15 of the sliding guide 14.

[0019] The adjustment means also include a fixing plate 1 10 slidably fixed against an outer contact face 10b of the front wall 10 of the tank.

[0020] The plate 1 10 includes at least one fixing core 1 1 1 which includes a bearing face 1 1 1 a intended to bear against the contact face 10b of the front wall 10 of the tank, in the fixing position.

[0021] The plate 1 10 may include other structures than the core 1 11, such as flanks 1 12a-1 12b which may have a support function for at least one application roller of the strip.

[0022] In addition to the sliding guide 14, the bearing face 1 1 1 a of the fixing core includes a sliding stop 11 1 b provided with the hole 1 15 arranged centrally with respect to the sliding stop.

[0023] In use, the sliding stop 1 1 1 b cooperates in sliding with the sliding guide 14.

[0024] The hole 115 is intended to be passed through by the coupling and clamping shaft 17 for fixing the plate 1 10 against the front wall of the tank.

[0025] The fastening means also include means for putting in tension / off to cooperate with the coupling shaft 17 and clamping to allow tightening / loosening of the fixing core 1 1 1 of the plate 1 10 against the front wall 10 of the tank.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the fastening means include a quick-release clamping lever 1 16 comprising a cam 1 16a pivotally fixed about the axis XX and eccentric to a coupling member 1 17 intended to be fixed to the coupling and clamping axis. Advantageously, a washer 1 18 is provided between the coupling member and the retaining web 1 1 1 to protect the latter from friction of the cam 1 16a during the tightening / loosening.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding stop 111b carried by the bearing face 111a of the fixing web 111 is constituted by an oblong groove intended to cooperate with the sliding guide 114 carried by the contact face 10b of the front wall 10 of the tank, the sliding guide 114 being an oblong rib of complementary shape, except in length, to the groove 111b. In this case, the groove carried by the fixing web will have a length L3, and the rib carried by the tank will have a length L2 less than the length L3.

[0028] Of course, it is possible to reverse the volumes, and that the stop of The sliding surface supported by the bearing face of the fixing core is formed by an oblong rib designed to cooperate with the sliding guide carried by the contact face of the tank's front wall, the sliding guide being an oblong groove. In this case, the groove carried by the tank will have a length L3, and the rib carried by the fastening web will have a length L2 less than the length L3.

[0029] To adjust the plaster flow rate during application, the height H2 of the outlet slot is adjusted. The plaster flow rate is the quantity of plaster per unit area of ​​the tape: the higher the slot, the greater the quantity of plaster under the tape, and therefore the greater the plaster flow rate.

[0030] For this purpose, the means for tensioning / untensioning the coupling and clamping shaft 17 are activated to allow loosening of the plate 1 10 and the plate 16 against the front wall 10 of the tank.

[0031] To do this, lever 116 is pivoted to position cam 116a at a smaller distance from the washer. This reduces the clamping force exerted on the coupling and clamping shaft 17.

[0032] Then, the plate 110 coupled to the adjustment plate 16 is slid by means of the coupling and clamping shaft 17, until the exit slot of the band has an operational height H2 corresponding to a set application rate of coating.

[0033] The tensioning / detensioning means for the coupling and clamping shaft 17 are then actuated to allow the mounting plate and the plate to be clamped against the front wall of the tank. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 116 is pivoted so as to position the rotation axis XX of the cam 116a at a greater distance from the washer, which increases the clamping force exerted on the coupling and clamping shaft 17.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the orifice 16a of the plate 16 is polygonal, and the coupling and clamping axis 17 has a polygonal cylindrical portion 17a with a shape complementary to the polygonal hole 16a and intended to be inserted into the polygonal hole 16a to prevent rotation of the plate around the coupling and clamping axis. This easily ensures perfect parallelism of the functional edges of the outlet slot 9 during application.

[0035] Alternatively, the plate may have a second opening, the axis of coupling and clamping system comprising a support head against the plate equipped with a locking pin intended to be engaged in the second orifice to prevent rotation of the plate around the coupling and clamping axis.

[0036] The structure of the adjustment means according to the invention also allows for easier adjustment of the height H2. Indeed, the adjustment is generally made when the applicator is placed on a support, from the lower face 8. In this position, it is generally difficult to see the outlet slot 9 due to the presence of an application head.

[0037] The invention provides that the plate 110 has a straight distal edge 119, that is, at the opposite end of the outlet slot 9, which serves as an adjustment reference point relative to a scale 13 graduated parallel to the straight distal edge 19 and which is mounted on the outer contact face 10b of the front wall 10 of the reservoir. This scale thus directly represents the outlet slot, so that the user can directly visualize, above the locking head, the measurement of the outlet slot opening, which is located below the plate and is not visible when the user adjusts the height of the outlet slot.

[0038] This prevents him from having to turn the applicator over after or during the setting.

[0039] The adjustment means according to the invention therefore allow for adjustment in height of the slot, while being structurally independent of the adjustment plate.

[0040] Thus, if the plate is worn, it is possible to change the plate without having to change the application head fixed to the mounting plate.

[0041] This structure allows for the mounting plate to support a head band application. For example, the structure of the adjustment means and, in particular, the use of an external plate, allows for the carrying of means which ensure a particular band application function such as, in particular, angled application, a band cutting head, etc.

[0042] Furthermore, this allows the use of different materials for the turntable. attachment (and possibly the rest of the application head) and the plate. The latter is advantageously made of stainless steel, which is more heat-resistant and to the abrasion of the coating and the strip than the plastic generally used for the manufacture of application heads.

[0043] An example of an application head that can be advantageously combined with the means for adjusting the height of the outlet slot according to the invention is illustrated in figures 1 and 2.

[0044] In this case, the plate 1 10 is a fixing plate for an application head 100, the fixing plate comprising a fixing core and two sides perpendicular to the fixing core, each having two orifices opposite each other in pairs to receive a first axis of rotation 120 and a second axis of rotation 130 parallel to each other.

[0045] The first axis of rotation carries two toothed rollers 121 for belt drive.

[0046] The application head 100 further includes two connecting rods 131 mounted for free rotation by a first end on the second axis of rotation, between a retracted position and a position of use.

[0047] A second end of each connecting rod is mounted in free rotation on a third axis of rotation, on either side of an angle roller 133 itself in free rotation on the third axis of rotation.

[0048] The application head 100 also includes a spring 140 such as that illustrated in figure 5.

[0049] The spring comprising two legs 141 bearing against the fixing plate, each extended by an elbow 142 connected to a locking arm 143 equipped with a locking notch 144 of the connecting rods in the operating position.

[0050] The locking arms143 thus extend in a plane intersecting a plane passing through the two legs 141, the arms being connected to each other by a reminder arch 146 extending in a plane secant to the plane passing through the two locking arms.

[0051] A spring coil 145 is arranged between the free ends of the support legs 141 and the elbows 142 connecting to the arms 143. This coil 145 performs two functions simultaneously: an elastic return function which allows the entire part constituted by the portion of the legs connected to the elbows 142, the elbows 142, the arms 143 and the hoop 146 pivot together while the portion of the legs bearing their free end remains in contact with the fixing plate 111. The winding also allows the second axis of rotation 130 to be housed, which keeps the spring in position and ensures pivoting of the spring around the axis of rotation 130.

[0052] Finally, the application head 100 includes reversible locking means for the connecting rods in the retracted position, independent of the spring 140. These locking means comprise at least one locking claw 151 and at least one stop 152 shaped so that at least one connecting rod is held, in the locked position, against the stop by the claw. In this case, the claws and / or the connecting rods are shaped to allow the connecting rods to be forcibly released from the claws to move into the position for applying the angled strip.

[0053] The invention also provides means for limiting plaster leakage at the inlet slot 6 of the strip 3. These means, by reducing leakage according to the viscosity of the plaster, allow better control of the plaster flow at the outlet slot 9.

[0054] In addition, these methods allow for effective and inexpensive protection of the belt entry slot against abrasion and temperature increases, with very easy maintenance.

[0055] As illustrated in figures 6 to 8, the free end 7a of the rear wall 7 of the tank and the first free end 8a of the lower wall 8 of the tank each comprise a cylinder, respectively 7a1 and 8a1, of cross-section D1 - greater than a thickness E1 of the wall (respectively 7 and 8) to which each cylinder 7a1 and 8a1 is attached.

[0056] According to the invention, each cylinder, respectively 7a1 and 8a1, is covered by a removable protective sleeve, respectively 201 and 202, with an internal section complementary to the cylinder, respectively 7a1 and 8a1, which the sleeve covers.

[0057] Each protective sleeve 201 and 202 has an opening longitudinal 201 a-202a, delimited by two blocking edges 201 b-202b against the wall (respectively 7 and 8) carrying the cylinder, respectively 7a1 and 8a1, which the sleeve, respectively 201 and 202, covers.

[0058] The sleeves 201-202 are thus self-locking against the wall which carries the cylinders, because the edges 201 b-202b of the longitudinal openings 201 a-202a are arranged at the junction between the wall and the cylinder, a junction which has an inflection point preventing the sleeves from sliding or falling out of the cylinder.

[0059] These sleeves are advantageously made of metal, such as stainless steel. It therefore exhibits a resistance to abrasion and heat far superior to that of the plastic generally used for the manufacture of tape applicators.

[0060] Furthermore, this structure of the free ends of the rear walls and The lower part is very easy to make by molding.

[0061] Changing the sleeves, if they are worn, is very easy.

[0062] [The maintenance procedure for such a strip applicator includes a first step of opening the side wall constituting the removable side cover 1 1 to access the inside of the reservoir 4 and the free ends 7a and 8a of the rear wall 7 and the lower wall 8.

[0063] Then, the worn protective sleeve(s) 201-202 are removed from the free ends 7a and 8a of the rear wall 7 and / or the lower wall 8 of the tank by sliding them along the cylinders 7a1-8a1 carried by said free ends.

[0064] New protective sleeves are then inserted by sliding them along the cylinders 7a1-8a1, which are supported by the free ends of the rear and lower walls of the tank. To do this, the longitudinal opening of each sleeve is aligned with wall 7 or 8, or with the cylinder onto which the sleeve is being slid. The locking edges of the sleeves' longitudinal openings are then positioned at the junction between the wall and the cylinder.

[0065] Finally, the side panel 11, which forms the side cover, is closed. removable.

[0066] Preferably, each cylinder 7a1 -8a1 has a section circular, and each protective sleeve 201-202 has an open circular C-shaped section. This ensures optimal contact with the tape during application, without edges, and prevents the tape from tearing.

[0067] It is then possible to apply the tape very quickly, without fear of the free edges of the rear and lower walls melting, and without risk of tearing the tape thanks to the rounded shape of the sleeves.

[0068] In addition to protection against abrasion, this sleeve structure also allows the applicator to be adapted to the viscosity of the coating used.

[0069] Thus, a user who wishes to use a more fluid plaster than normal will change the sleeves so that the entry slot of the strip is less high, thus limiting plaster leakage.

[0070] To this end, the protective sleeves 201-202 have a thickness such that, when inserted around the cylinders of the free end of the rear wall and the bottom wall, they are spaced at an inlet slot height such that, in use, the tape can pass freely, but not the coating stored in the tank.

[0071] We can then offer a jointing tape application kit between two plasterboards, including a tape applicator and a plurality of protective sleeves of different thicknesses to allow height adjustment of the entry slot according to the viscosity of the plaster to be used.

[0072] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to adjust and adapt very easily the height of the strip inlet and outlet slots, depending on the viscosity of the plaster, and the user's plaster flow practice.

Claims

Demands

1. Jointing tape applicator (1) between two plasterboard, the applicator comprising a dispenser (2) for a roll of jointing tape (3) and a jointing compound reservoir (4) into which the tape is unwound, in use, the reservoir having, with reference to the operating position, an inlet slot (6) for the tape formed between a free end (7a) of a rear wall (7) of the reservoir and a first free end (8a) of a lower wall (8) of the reservoir, and an outlet slot (9) for the tape formed between a free end (10a) of a front wall (10) of the reservoir and a second free end (8b) of the lower wall (8) of the reservoir, the reservoir further comprising two side walls (11-12), one of which constitutes a removable side cover (11) for access to the interior of the reservoir, the outlet slot (9) having a determined height (H1) and being provided with height adjustment means, characterized in that the adjustment means include: a height adjustment plate (16) (H2) for said outlet slot, said plate being arranged inside the tank against an inner face (10c) of the front wall (10) of the tank, a fixing plate (1 10) fixed in a sliding manner against an outer contact face (10b) of the front wall (10) of the tank, the contact face having a sliding guide (14), provided with an oblong orifice (15), the fixing plate (1 10) having a sliding stop (1 1 1 b) cooperating in sliding with the sliding guide (14), and provided with a central hole (1 15); a coupling and clamping shaft (17) of the plate, the shaft being engaged in an orifice (16a) of the plate, in the oblong hole (15) of the sliding guide, and in the central hole (115) of the sliding stop means (1 16-1 17) for tensioning / untensioning the coupling shaft and clamping to allow tightening / loosening of the plate and the plate against the front wall of the tank.

2. Applicator (1) according to claim 1, wherein The orifice (16a) of the plate is polygonal and the coupling and clamping axis (17) has a polygonal cylindrical portion (17a) of the shape complementary to the polygonal hole and intended to be inserted into the polygonal hole to prevent rotation of the plate around the coupling and clamping axis.

3. Applicator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plate has a second orifice, the coupling and clamping axis having a support head against the plate provided with a locking pin intended to be engaged in the second orifice to prevent rotation of the plate around the coupling and clamping axis.

4. Applicator (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the fastening means (116-1 17-1 18) comprise a quick clamping lever (1 16) comprising a cam (1 16a) pivotally and eccentrically fixed to a coupling member (1 17) fixed to the coupling and clamping axis (17).

5. Applicator (1) according to claim 4, wherein the sliding stop carried by the bearing face of the fixing plate is constituted by an oblong groove (111b) of determined length (L3) cooperating in sliding with the sliding guide carried by the contact face of the front wall of the tank, the sliding guide being an oblong rib (14) of determined length (L2) less than the length (L3) of the oblong groove.

6. Applicator (1) according to claim 4, wherein the sliding stop carried by the bearing face of the fixing plate is constituted by an oblong rib of determined length (L2) cooperating in sliding with the sliding guide carried by the contact face of the front wall of the tank, the sliding guide being an oblong groove of determined length (L3) greater than the length (L2) of the oblong rib.

7. Applicator (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the plate is made of stainless metal.

8. Applicator (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the plate is a mounting plate for an application head (100), the mounting plate (110) comprising a * mounting core (111) and two flanks (112a-112b) perpendicular to the mounting core each having two opposite openings in pairs to receive a first axis of rotation (120) and a second axis of rotation (130) parallel to each other, the first axis of rotation carrying two toothed rollers (121) for driving the strip, the application head (100) further comprising: two connecting rods (131) mounted for free rotation by one end on the second axis of rotation, between a retracted position and an application position, the second end of each connecting rod being mounted for free rotation on a third axis of rotation (132), on either side of an angle roller (133) itself for free rotation on the third axis of rotation a spring (140) comprising two support legs (141) against the mounting plate, each extended by an elbow (142) connected to a locking arm (143) equipped with a locking notch (144) for the connecting rods (131) in the operating position, the locking arms extending in a plane intersecting a plane passing through the two legs, the arms being connected to each other by a return hoop (146) extending in a plane intersecting the plane passing through the two locking arms reversible locking means (151-152) of the connecting rods in retracted position, independent of the spring.

9. Applicator (1) according to claim 8, wherein the locking means comprise at least one locking claw (151) and at least one stop (152) shaped so that at least one connecting rod is held, in the locked position, against the stop by the claw.

10. Applicator (1) according to claim 9, wherein the claws and / or connecting rods are shaped to allow forcible release of the connecting rods from the claws [Claim 1 1] Applicator (1 ) according to any one of the Claims 1 to 10, wherein the free end (7a) of the rear wall (7) of the tank and the first free end (8a) of the lower wall (8) of the tank comprise a cylinder (7a1-8a1) of cross-section (D1) greater than a thickness (E1) of the wall to which each cylinder is attached, and wherein each cylinder is covered by a removable protective sleeve (201-202) of an inner cross-section complementary to that of the cylinder. covers, each protective sleeve having a longitudinal opening (201 a~202a) delimited by two blocking edges (201 b-202b) against the wall carrying the cylinder that the sleeve covers.

12. A method for adjusting the plaster flow rate of a jointing tape applicator between two adjacent plasterboards, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) provide a jointing tape applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the applicator reservoir being filled with jointing compound and the tape being ready for use and comprising a free end protruding from the tape outlet slot; b) actuate the coupling shaft tensioning / de-tensioning means and the clamping mechanism to allow the mounting plate and the plate to be loosened against the front wall of the tank c) slide the plate coupled to the adjustment plate by via the coupling and clamping axis, until the output slot of the strip has an operational height corresponding to a set coating application rate; d) actuate the coupling shaft tensioning / de-tensioning means to allow clamping of the plate and the mounting plate against the front wall of the tank.

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