Application head for a tape applicator, tape applicator provided with such a head

Abstract

The invention concerns an application head (100) for an applicator (1) for applying jointing tape between two plaster boards. The application head comprises a fixing core (111) and two sides (112a, 112b) receiving two rotation shafts (120, 130) parallel to each other, two notched rollers (121) being carried by the first rotation shaft (120), two link rods (131a, 131b) being mounted so as to be able to pivot on the second rotation shaft (130), one end of each link rod being mounted so as to be able to rotate freely on a third rotation shaft (132), to either side of a corner roller (133). The application head also comprises: • -a spring (140) comprising two legs bearing against the fixing core, extended by an elbow linked to a blocking arm provided with a notch for immobilising the link rods in the use position, the blocking arms being linked together by a return hoop; • - reversible blocking means (150, 151, 152) for immobilising the link rods in the retracted position, separate from the spring.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Application head for a tape applicator, tape applicator equipped with such a head

[0001] The present invention relates to an application head for a jointing tape applicator between two plasterboards.

[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 typically attached to the front wall above the outlet slot to ensure proper tape application. This involves pulling the compound-loaded tape out of the applicator and pressing it firmly against the plasterboard. The user then smooths the surface with 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 attaching to the applicator, the plate being extended by a fixed arm supporting an angle roller having a V-profile to apply 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 mounting plate is designed to be fixed inside the reservoir and to cooperate with an external adjusting screw shaft equipped with an eccentric. This screw not only secures the plate but also allows it to move along the reservoir to adjust the height of the tape outlet slot, as illustrated in US 51,1427. The mounting plate and the adjustment mechanism are therefore in direct contact with the joint compound, which clogs and damages the mechanism because force must be applied to adjust the slot height. In addition, since the application head defines the upper edge of the slot, the entire head must be replaced regularly because the upper edge of the slot is subjected to very high abrasion and temperature during repeated tape passes.

[0011] One objective of the present invention is therefore to provide a head multi-function application, i.e. allowing the application of the tape flat and the application in a corner, not requiring disassembly between the two functions (the application of the tape flat and the application in a corner), and not requiring change due to wear created by the tape.

[0012] 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).

[0013] However, this application head is complex and its structure does not allow for height adjustment of the strip outlet slot.

[0014] Indeed, the application head comprises a mounting plate including a fixing core equipped with means for fixing the application head against the front wall of the tank, and two sides perpendicular to the fixing core and each presenting two opposite openings in pairs to receive a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation parallel to each other,

[0015] The application head also includes two toothed rollers. The belt drive is supported by the first axis of rotation, and two connecting rods are mounted for free rotation on the second axis of rotation, between a retracted position and an operating position. A second end of each connecting rod is mounted for free rotation on a third axis of rotation, on either side of an angle roller.

[0016] The connecting rods are held elastically in the retracted position and in the operating position by two independent springs, each comprising an upstream arm (close to the plate) and a downstream arm (in elastic support on the first axis of rotation carrying the toothed rollers).

[0017] To move the angle caster from its retracted position to its operating position, the springs must be deactivated and then activated in a complex manner. First, the upstream spring arms must be disengaged from the connecting rods one by one, and then the downstream spring arms must be moved one by one from the outside of the toothed rollers to the inside of the toothed rollers—a four-step process. Finally, the connecting rods are pivoted until they are in contact with the first axis of rotation, placing the angle caster in its operating position. Then, the downstream arms of the springs are activated one by one by positioning them against the connecting rods, and the upstream arms of the springs are activated one by one by positioning them against the sides, representing four more actions. Therefore, a total of nine actions are required to go from the retracted position to the operating position, all while handling small parts, which is not easy on a construction site with hands covered in plaster. Consequently, the risk of the elastic support components of the head becoming clogged is significant.

[0018] An objective of the present invention is to provide an application head allowing simple kinematics and manipulation of transition from the retracted position to the position of use, without having to disassemble the entire head.

[0019] According to the invention, the function of holding the device in the retracted position and the function of holding it elastically in the operating position are ensured by two independent structures, allowing the transition between the two positions in three operations only, while greatly limiting the risks of fouling of the elastic support parts.

[0020] Thus, the invention relates to an application head for a jointing tape applicator between two plasterboard panels, the applicator comprising a dispenser for a roll of jointing tape and a jointing compound reservoir into which the tape is unwound. In use, the reservoir having, with reference to the operating position, 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 comprises two side walls, one of which constitutes a removable side cover for accessing the interior of the reservoir. The application head is intended to be fixed to the front wall above the outlet slot. The application head comprises: - a mounting plate comprising a fixing core equipped with means for fixing the application head against the front wall of the tank, and two sides perpendicular to the fixing core and each having two opposite openings in pairs to receive a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation parallel to each other, - two toothed belt drive rollers carried by the first axis of rotation; - two connecting rods being mounted by a first end in free rotation, on the second axis of rotation, between a retracted position and a position of use, a second end of each connecting rod being mounted in 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; the application head according to the invention comprising: - a spring comprising two support legs against the mounting plate, each support leg being 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 support legs, the locking arms being connected to each other by a return hoop extending in a plane intersecting the plane passing through the two locking arms - means of reversible locking of the connecting rods in the retracted position, independent of the spring.

[0021] According to specific modes of implementation: - 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. - the locking means may include a locking orifice and a locking pin intended to be reversibly inserted into the locking orifice; - in which the anchor arch can be chosen from straight arches or curved arches; - the locking notches may include a lateral locking bead for the connecting rods in the operating position; - the application head may be intended to be fixed against an external contact face of the front wall of the tank, in the fixed position, the contact face comprising a sliding guide having an oblong orifice, the tank further comprising a strip exit slot, an adjustment plate with a height equal to said exit slot, said plate being arranged inside the tank, and a coupling and clamping pin for the plate, the pin being engaged in an orifice of the plate and in the oblong hole of the sliding guide, the fixing core of the application head may comprise a bearing face intended to bear against the contact face of the front wall of the tank, in the fixed position, the bearing face of the fixing core having a sliding stop having a central hole intended to be traversed by the coupling and clamping pin,and wherein the means for fixing the application head against the front wall of the tank are capable of cooperating with the coupling and clamping axis to allow tightening / loosening of the fixing core against the front wall of the tank; - the fastening means may include a quick clamping lever comprising a cam pivotally and eccentrically fixed to a coupling member intended to be fixed to the coupling and clamping axis; - the sliding stop, supported by the bearing face of the fixing core, may consist of an oblong groove designed to cooperate with the sliding guide supported by the contact face of the front wall of the tank, the sliding guide being an oblong rib; and / or - the sliding stop, carried by the bearing face of the fixing core, can be constituted by an oblong rib intended to cooperate with the sliding guide carried by the contact face of the front wall of the tank, the sliding guide being an oblong groove.

[0022] The invention also relates to a spring for a previous application head, the spring comprising two support legs against the fixing plate, each support leg being extended by an elbow connected to a locking arm having 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 support legs, the locking arms being connected to each other by a return hoop extending in a plane intersecting the plane passing through the two locking arms.

[0023] According to specific modes of implementation: - The safety hoop can be chosen from straight or curved hoops; and / or - the locking notches may include a lateral locking bead for the connecting rods in the operating position.

[0024] The invention also relates to a jointing tape applicator between two plasterboards, the applicator comprising a dispenser for a roll of jointing tape and a plaster reservoir into which the tape is unwound, in use, the reservoir having, with reference to the position of use, a rear wall delimiting an entry slot for the tape and a front wall delimiting an exit slot for the tape, characterized in that the front wall of the reservoir carries a previous application head.

[0025] According to specific modes of implementation: - the front wall of the reservoir may include an outer face in contact with a support face of the application head, the contact face having a sliding guide provided with an oblong orifice, the reservoir further comprising an adjustment plate for the height of the outlet slot, said plate being arranged inside the tank, and a coupling and clamping axis for the plate, the axis being engaged in an orifice in the plate and in the oblong hole of the sliding guide, in which the bearing face of the fixing core carries a sliding stop provided with a central hole through which the coupling and clamping axis passes, and in which the means for fixing the application head to the front wall of the tank cooperate with the coupling and clamping axis to allow clamping / loosening of the plate and the adjustment plate against the front wall of the tank; - 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 core may consist of an oblong groove cooperating in sliding motion with the sliding guide carried by the contact face of the front wall of the tank, the sliding guide being an oblong rib; and / or - the sliding stop carried by the bearing face of the fixing core 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.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method for applying a jointing strip between two adjacent plasterboards forming an angle between them, the method 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) if the connecting rods carrying the angle roller are in the retracted position, deactivate the means of fixing the connecting rods to rotate them towards the first axis of rotation; c) pinch the spring by applying a pinching force between the two spring arms and at the level of the return hoop to allow the connecting rods to pivot until they are supported against the first axis of rotation; d) position the locking notches of the spring arms above the connecting rods and then release the spring, so that the connecting rods are in the operating position, elastically pulled back towards the first pivot axis; e) apply the free end of the strip against the two adjacent plasterboards, in the angle formed by the two plasterboards, then apply the head of the applicator against the two plasterboards so that the drive rollers apply the strip against the boards; f) move the applicator so that the drive rollers drive the unwinding strip, carrying the plaster with them, and the corner roller, carried by the connecting rods in the operating position, presses the strip into the corner in all inclination positions of the applicator relative to the plasterboards, thanks to the elastic return of the connecting rods towards the first pivot axis.

[0027] Other features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description below, made with reference to the attached drawings, which represent, respectively:

[0028] [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, and equipped with an application head according to the invention;

[0029] [Fig. 2] represents a schematic perspective view from the rear of the tape applicator of figure 1, one of whose side walls has been raised to show the internal structure of the applicator;

[0030] [Fig. 3] represents a schematic exploded perspective view of an application head according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig. 4] represents a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a spring for an application head according to the invention;

[0032] [Fig. 5] represents a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a spring for an application head according to the invention;

[0033] [Fig. 6] represents a schematic perspective view of an application head according to the invention in the retracted position of the angle roller;

[0034] [Fig. 7] represents a schematic perspective view of an application head according to the invention during the deployment of the angle roller towards the position of use;

[0035] [Fig. 8] represents a schematic perspective view of an application head according to the invention in the angle roller operating position;

[0036] [Fig. 9] represents a schematic exploded perspective view from a first viewing angle of a second embodiment of an application head according to the invention, further comprising a means for adjusting the height of the strip outlet slot of the applicator according to the invention; and

[0037] [Fig. 10] represents a schematic exploded perspective view from a second angle of view of the embodiment of an application head of figure 8 showing the height adjustment plate of the strip outlet slot.

[0038] An applicator equipped with an application head according to the invention is illustrated in Figure 1.

[0039] The applicator 1 includes a dispenser 2 for a roll jointing tape 3 (illustrated in dotted line) and a sealant reservoir 4 into which the tape is unwound, in use.

[0040] The applicator also includes a gripping handle 5 for transport or operational handling during tape application.

[0041] Alternatively or in combination, the applicator may include a gripping strap (not shown) allowing the applicator to be grasped from below.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The tank 4 also includes an outlet slot 9 of the strip 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.

[0044] The tank also includes two side walls 11 and 12, one of which forms a removable side cover 11 allowing access to the inside of the tank 4.

[0045] An application head 100 according to the invention is fixed to the front wall 10 of the tank 4.

[0046] The application head 100, shown in exploded view in Figure 3, comprises a mounting plate 110 including a mounting core 111 and two flanks 112a-112b perpendicular to the mounting core 111. Each flank 112a-112b has two opposite holes 113-114. Thus, the hole 113 of flank 112a is opposite the hole 113 of flank 112b to receive a first rotation axis 120, and the hole 114 of flank 112a is opposite the hole 114 of flank 112b to receive a second rotation axis 130. The rotation axes 120 and 130 are parallel to each other.

[0047] The mounting core 111 is provided with fastening means 115 against the front wall 10 of the tank for securing the application head 100 to the tank. In Figure 3, these fastening means consist of at least one opening 115 that can receive a screw (not shown) for securing it to the tank. Alternatively, as described in relation to Figures 8 and 9, the fastening means can be more elaborate and also allow for adjustment of the height of the outlet slot, again via the opening 115.

[0048] The first rotation axis 120 carries two toothed rollers 121 for driving the belt being applied. Preferably, the toothed rollers 121 are mounted to rotate freely around the rotation axis 120 and outside the flanks 112a-112b, by means of spacers 122. The assembly is held in position by washers 123 and a nut 124.

[0049] Preferably, the first rotation axis 120 also carries a smooth plating roller 125 mounted for free rotation between the two sides 1 12a-1 12b, which serves to press the strip against the plasterboards.

[0050] The application head also includes two connecting rods 131 mounted in free rotation on the second axis of rotation by a first end 131 a, between a retracted position (illustrated in figure 6) and a position of use (illustrated in figure 7).

[0051] A second end 131 b of each connecting rod is mounted in free rotation on a third axis of rotation 132, on either side of an angle roller 133 itself in free rotation on the third axis of rotation 132. The angle roller has a V-shaped rolling edge to apply the strip to plasterboards forming an angle between them.

[0052] According to the invention, the application head 100 comprises a spring 140 (illustrated in more detail in figure 4) comprising two support legs 141 against the fixing plate 111, each support leg 141 being extended by an elbow 142 connected to a locking arm 143 of the connecting rods in the operating position, each locking arm 143 being provided with a locking notch 144.

[0053] The locking arms 143 extend in a plane intersecting a plane passing through the two support legs 141. Preferably, the arms are substantially perpendicular to the fixing plate 11, in the position of use.

[0054] The locking notches have a bearing portion 144a with the flanks 112a-112b or the connecting rods 131 depending on the retracted or operating position. The bearing portion is preferably perpendicular to the flanks 112a-112b or to the connecting rods 131, while the locking arms 143 are substantially parallel to the flanks 112a-112b or to the connecting rods 131.

[0055] The support portion has a length greater than or equal to the sum of the thickness of the flanks 1 12a-1 12b and the thickness of the connecting rods 131.

[0056] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking notches 144 include a lateral locking bead 144b for the connecting rods in the operating position. The bead prevents any accidental lateral disengagement of the connecting rods in the operating position.

[0057] The bead 144b is located at the outer end of the contact portion 144a. What matters is that the bearing portion has a length L1, taken between the arm 143 and the bead 144b, greater than or equal to the sum of the thickness of the flanks 112a-112b and the thickness of the connecting rods 131.

[0058] 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 consisting of the portion of the legs connected to the elbows 142, the elbows 142, the arms 143 and the hoop 146 to pivot together while the portion of the legs bearing their free end remains in contact with the fixing plate 111. The coil also allows the second axis of rotation 130 to be housed, which holds the spring in position and ensures pivoting of the spring around the axis of rotation 130.

[0059] In addition, the locking arms 143 are connected to each other by a return arch 146 extending in a plane intersecting the plane passing through the two locking arms 143.

[0060] This return hoop can be a curved hoop (Figure 4) or a straight hoop 146a (Figure 5). It can be oriented towards the first axis of rotation 120, as shown in the figures. In this case, the spring has a general S-shape when viewed from the side. The hoop can also be oriented towards the second axis of rotation 130 (not shown), in which case the spring has a general C-shape when viewed from the side.

[0061] The return hoop 146 fulfills an unexpected return function which ensures that, when the spring is pinched at the level of said hoop 146, the elbows tend to move closer together, which allows the locking notches 144 to disengage from the sides to allow the connecting rods 131 to pass through when moving between the stowed position and the operating position, and vice versa, as explained with reference to figures 6 to 8. This also allows the elbows 142 to be temporarily locked against the inside of the sides 112a-112b during the transition between the stowed position and the operating position, which avoids having to hold the spring.

[0062] Without a hoop, the elbows 142 tend to spread apart during the pinching, which prevents sufficient clearance of the locking notches 144, and also prevents them from being temporarily inserted between the sides 1 12a-1 12b.

[0063] According to the invention, the application head 100 according to the invention comprises also reversible locking means 150 of the connecting rods 131 in retracted position, independent of the spring.

[0064] A preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figure 3, in which the locking means 150 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, bearing against the stop 152 by the claw 151.

[0065] The stop 152 has a ramp shape, which prevents the corner roller 133 from contacting the reservoir 4 in the retracted position. The claws 151 have a longitudinal portion 151a in the vertical extension of the flanks 1 12a-1 12b, and a shoulder 151 b which ensures a locking and tightening of the connecting rods against the stop 152.

[0066] The claws 151 and / or the connecting rods 131 are shaped to allow a Forced release of the connecting rods from the claws. Thus, when the user wants to move the connecting rods from the retracted position to the operating position, in the direction of arrow F1 (figure 7), they force the connecting rods out of the claws 151. This forced release is made possible by the elasticity of the connecting rods 131 and / or the elasticity of the claws (in particular the longitudinal portion 151a) which allow elastic deformation of the connecting rods and / or the claws.

[0067] When applying joint compound between two plasterboards at an angle, ensure that the compound is firmly pressed into the angle and against the plasterboard. Use a corner roller for this.

[0068] Thus, to apply a jointing strip between two adjacent plasterboards forming an angle between them using an applicator equipped with an application head according to the invention, the following procedure is carried out, illustrated in figures 6 to 8.

[0069] Figure 6 illustrates an application head according to the invention in position Retracted, meaning the corner roller is inactive and cannot come into contact with the tape. In other words, in this position, only the toothed rollers 121 and, possibly, the tack roller 125 are in contact with the tape. This position is used when the tape needs to be applied between two coplanar plasterboard panels.

[0070] In this figure, we can see that the reservoir is full of coating E and the strip B is in the position of use, that is to say that it is positioned in contact with the coating in the reservoir, and that it has a free end B1 protruding from the outlet slot 9.

[0071] In the retracted position (Figure 6), when the connecting rods 131 carrying the angle roller 133 are retracted, the connecting rod fastening means 150 are released to allow them to rotate in the direction of arrow F1 towards the first axis of rotation 120 (Figure 7). In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting rods are forced in the direction of arrow F1 so that they are forcibly released from the claws 151.

[0072] Once the connecting rods 131 are freed from the claws 151, the spring is pinched by applying a pinching force (illustrated by arrows F2 and F3) between the two arms of the spring 140 and at the level of the return arch 145 to retract the locking notches 144 towards the space located between the two flanks 1 12a-1 12b and allow the passage of the connecting rods and their pivoting until they are in contact with the first axis of rotation 120.

[0073] The locking notches 144 of the spring arms are then positioned above the connecting rods 131, and the spring is released (illustrated by arrows F4 and F5), so that the locking notches are in elastic contact with the connecting rods, and so that the latter are, in the operating position, elastically returned towards the first pivot axis. More precisely, the spring is shaped such that, in the operating position, the locking notches are in elastic contact with the connecting rods between the second pivot axis of the connecting rods and the portion of the connecting rods that is in contact with the first pivot axis 120.

[0074] The free end of the strip can then be applied against the two adjacent plasterboards, in the angle formed by the two plasterboards, and then the head of the applicator is applied against the two plasterboards so that the drive rollers apply the strip against the boards.

[0075] The applicator is then moved so that the rollers The drive mechanism propels the unwinding belt, carrying the plaster with it. Simultaneously, the corner roller, supported by connecting rods, is positioned During use, the strip is placed in the corner and against the plasterboard, and this is true in all inclination positions of the applicator relative to the plasterboard, thanks to the elastic return of the connecting rods towards the first pivot axis.

[0076] To return the head to the retracted position, the spring is pinched between the two arms of spring 140 and at the level of the return bracket 145 to retract the locking notches 144 towards the space located between the two sides 112a-1 12b, allowing the connecting rods to pass through and pivot in the opposite direction to arrow F1. Then, the means for locking the connecting rods in the retracted position are activated. In the illustrated embodiment, this is done by forcing the connecting rods against the claws 151 until they come into contact with the stop 152. In this position, the connecting rods are fully passed against the 151 claws which deploy elastically above the connecting rods and block them, preventing them from tilting by gravity.

[0077] The application head according to the invention is therefore versatile and very simple and quick to use. It only requires three movements to move from one position to another, whereas prior art heads require more movements.

[0078] In addition, it allows the band to be pressed down while permitting a wide variety of movements since the connecting rods (and therefore the angle roller) are applied elastically towards the front of the head, i.e. towards the first pivot axis 120.

[0079] Finally, the structure of the application head allows it to carry means of fixing to the tank which also ensure a height adjustment function of the outlet slot 9 of the strip.

[0080] Indeed, the outlet slot 9 of the belt is formed between a free end of a front wall of the tank and a second free end of the lower wall of the tank. The height H1 of this slot determines the quantity of plaster carried by the belt.

[0081] However, it is desirable to be able to modulate this quantity of coating, according to the conditions of use, the viscosity of the coating, etc.

[0082] The invention proposes to mechanically couple to the application head, a plate, structurally independent of the head, and capable of sliding relative to the slot to decrease the resulting height H2 of the slot 9 and, thus, decrease the quantity of coating deposited with the strip.

[0083] This embodiment, illustrated in figures 9 and 10, takes advantage of the structure of the application head according to the invention and in particular, of the fixing plate.

[0084] In these figures, only the elements necessary for understanding this functionality have been illustrated. Of course, the connecting rods, 131, the angle wheel 133, the spring 140 according to the invention, the pivot axes 120-130, the drive rollers 121, etc. can be added.

[0085] The application head 100 according to the invention is intended to be fixed against an external contact face 10b of the front wall 10 of the tank 4, in the fixed position.

[0086] The invention provides that the contact face 10b includes a sliding guide 14 provided with an oblong orifice 15. As will be described later, the length of the oblong hole determines the sliding length of the plate and therefore the resulting height H2 of the exit slot 9.

[0087] The tank further includes an adjustment plate 16 with a height H2 of said outlet slot, the adjustment plate 16 being arranged inside the tank, against the front wall 10 of the tank.

[0088] A coupling and clamping pin 17 of the plate 16 is engaged in an orifice 16a of the plate 16 and in the oblong hole 15 of the sliding guide 14.

[0089] Additionally, the fixing core 1 1 1 of the application head 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.

[0090] The bearing face 11 1 a of the fastening core includes a stop sliding 1 1 1 b equipped with hole 1 15 arranged centrally with respect to the sliding stop.

[0091] Hole 1 15 is intended to be passed through by the coupling and clamping shaft 17 for fixing the application head against the front wall of the tank.

[0092] Additional fastening means are provided to cooperate with the coupling and clamping axis 17 to allow tightening / loosening of the fastening core 111 against the front wall 10 of the tank.

[0093] 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.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding stop 111b carried by the bearing face 111a of the fastening 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 1 14 being an oblong rib of complementary shape, except in length, to the groove 1 1 1 b. In this case, the groove carried by the fixing core will have a length L3, and the rib carried by the tank will have a length L2 less than the length L3.

[0095] Of course, it is possible to reverse the volumes, and that the stop of The sliding surface supported by the bearing face of the fastening 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 core will have a length L2 less than the length L3.

[0096] To adjust the height H2 of the outlet slot, the tensioning / untensioning means of the coupling and clamping shaft are actuated to allow the plate and the plate against the front wall of the tank to be loosened.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] The tensioning / detensioning means for the coupling and clamping shaft are then actuated to allow the plate and the mounting plate to be clamped against the front wall of the tank. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 116 is pivoted 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.

[0100] In an advantageous embodiment, the orifice 16a of the plate 16 is polygonal and the coupling and clamping axis 17 comprises 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 of the coupling and clamping axis. This easily ensures perfect parallelism of the functional edges of the outlet slot 9 during application.

[0101] The structure of the application head 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 difficult to see the outlet slot 9.

[0102] The invention provides that the plate 110 has a distal straight edge 119, that is, at the opposite end of the first axis of rotation, which serves as an adjustment reference point relative to a scale 13 graduated parallel to the distal straight 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 opening of the outlet slot, which is located below the head and is not visible when the user adjusts the height of the outlet slot.

[0103] This prevents him from having to turn the applicator over after or during the adjustment.

[0104] The fixing head 100 according to the invention therefore allows height adjustment of the slot, while being structurally independent of the adjustment plate.

[0105] Thus, if the plate is worn, it can be changed without having to change the application head.

[0106] Furthermore, this allows the use of different materials for the applicator head and the plate. The latter is advantageously made of stainless steel, which is more resistant to heat and abrasion from the coating and the tape than the plastic generally used for manufacturing applicator heads.

[0107] According to alternative or complementary embodiments not illustrated:

[0108] The locking means 150 may include a locking orifice and a locking pin intended to be reversibly inserted into the locking orifice. The locking orifice is, for example, carried by the flanks 112a-112b and the locking pin is carried by the connecting rods. The locking pin (which may be combined with an elastic return means) is then removed from the locking orifice to allow the connecting rods to be pivoted into the operating position.

[0109] - the distal straight edge 1 19 can be beveled to allow easier reading of the outlet slot height setting on the graduated scale 13.

Claims

Demands

1. Application head (100) for a jointing tape applicator (1) between two plasterboards, the applicator comprising a dispenser (2) for a jointing tape (B) in roll (3) and a jointing compound reservoir (4) into which the tape is unwound, in use, the reservoir having, with reference to the position of use, 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 for access to the interior of the reservoir,the application head (100) being intended to be fixed to the front wall (10) above the outlet slot, the application head (100) comprising:, a mounting plate (1 10) comprising a mounting core (11 1) provided with means for fixing the application head against the front wall of the tank, and two sides (1 12a-1 12b) perpendicular to the mounting core and each having two orifices (1 13-1 14) opposite each other in pairs to receive a first axis of rotation (120) and a second axis of rotation (130) parallel to each other, two toothed rollers (121) for driving the belt carried by the first axis of rotation; two connecting rods (131) being mounted by a first end in free rotation, on the second axis of rotation (130), between a retracted position and a position of use, a second end of each connecting rod being mounted in free rotation on a third axis of rotation (132), on either side of an angle roller (133) itself in free rotation on the third axis of rotation; the application head (100) being characterized in that it comprises: a spring (140) comprising two support legs (141) against the mounting plate, each support leg being extended by an elbow (142) connected to a locking arm (143) provided with a notch (144) for locking the connecting rods In the operating position, the locking arms extend in a plane intersecting a plane passing through the two supporting legs, the locking 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 (150, 151-152) of the connecting rods in retracted position, independent of the spring.

2. Application head (100) according to claim 1, 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, bearing against the stop by the claw.

3. Application head (100) according to claim 2, wherein the claws and / or connecting rods are shaped to allow forcible release of the connecting rods from the claws

4. Application head (100) according to claim 1, wherein the locking means comprise a locking orifice and a locking pin intended to be reversibly inserted into the locking orifice.

5. Application head (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the anchor hoop is chosen from straight hoops or curved hoops.

6. Application head (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the locking notches comprise a lateral locking bead (144b) of the connecting rods in the operating position.

7. Application head (100) according to any one of the Claims 1 to 6, intended to be fixed against an external contact face (10b) of the front wall (10) of the tank, in the fixed position, the contact face comprising a sliding guide (14) having an oblong orifice (15), the tank further comprising a height adjustment plate (16) for the outlet slot, said plate being arranged inside the tank, and a coupling and clamping pin (17) for the plate, the pin being engaged in an orifice (16a) of the plate and in the oblong hole (15) of the sliding guide, the fixing core (111) of the application head comprising a bearing face (111a) intended to bear against the face contact of the front wall of the tank, in the fixed position, the bearing face of the fixing soul carrying a sliding stop (1 1 1 b) provided with a central hole (1 15) intended to be crossed by the coupling and clamping axis (17), and in which the means of fixing the application head against the front wall of the tank are able to cooperate with the coupling and clamping axis to allow tightening / loosening of the fixing soul against the front wall of the tank.

8. Application head (100) according to claim 7, wherein the fastening means comprise a quick clamping lever (1 16) comprising a cam (1 16a) pivotally and eccentrically fixed to a coupling member (1 17) intended to be fixed to the coupling and clamping axis (17).

9. Application head (100) according to any one of the claims 7 or 8, wherein the sliding stop, carried by the bearing face of the fixing core, is constituted by an oblong groove intended to cooperate with the sliding guide carried by the contact face of the front wall of the tank, the sliding guide being an oblong rib.

10. Application head (100) according to any one of the claims 7 or 8, wherein the sliding stop, carried by the bearing face of the fixing core, is constituted by an oblong rib intended to cooperate with the sliding guide carried by the contact face of the front wall of the tank, the sliding guide being an oblong groove. [Claim 1 1 ] Spring (140) for an application head (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises two support legs against the fixing plate, each support leg being extended by an elbow connected to a locking arm having 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 support legs, the locking arms being connected to each other by a return arch extending in a plane intersecting the plane passing through the two locking arms.

12. Spring according to claim 11, wherein the return hoop is selected from straight hoops or curved hoops.

13. Spring according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the locking notches comprise a bead of Lateral locking of the connecting rods in the operating position.

14. Jointing tape applicator (1) between two plasterboard, the applicator comprising a dispenser for a roll jointing tape and a jointing compound reservoir into which the tape is unwound, in use, the reservoir having, with reference to the position of use, a rear wall delimiting an entry slot for the tape and a front wall delimiting an exit slot for the tape, characterized in that the front wall of the reservoir carries an application head according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. Applicator (1) according to claim 14, wherein the front wall (10) of the reservoir comprises an outer face in contact with a bearing face of the application head, the contact face having a sliding guide having an oblong orifice, the reservoir further comprising an adjustment plate for the height of the outlet slot, said plate being arranged inside the reservoir, and a coupling and clamping pin for the plate, the pin being engaged in an orifice of the plate and in the oblong hole of the sliding guide, wherein the bearing face of the retaining core has a sliding stop (111b) cooperating in sliding with the sliding guide (14), the sliding stop having a central hole through which the coupling and clamping pin passes, and wherein the means for fixing the application head to the front wall of the reservoir cooperate with the coupling and clamping pin to allow a tightening / loosening the mounting plate and the adjustment plate against the front wall of the tank.

16. Applicator (1) according to claim 15, wherein the fastening means comprise a quick-release clamping lever comprising a cam pivotally and eccentrically fixed to a coupling member fixed to the coupling and clamping axis.

17. Applicator (1) according to claim 15 or 16, 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.

18. Applicator (1) according to any one of the claims 15 or 16, 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.

19. A method for applying a jointing strip between two adjacent plasterboards forming an angle between them, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) provide a jointing tape applicator according to claim according to any one of claims 14 to 18, the reservoir of the applicator being filled with sealant and the strip being ready for use and includes a free end protruding from the strip outlet slot; b) if the connecting rods carrying the angle roller are in the retracted position, disengage the connecting rod fixing means to rotate them towards the first axis of rotation; c) pinch the spring by applying a pinching force between the two arms of the spring and at the level of the return hoop to allow the pivoting of the connecting rods until they are in contact with the first axis of rotation; d) Position the spring arm locking notches above the connecting rods and then release the spring, so that the connecting rods are in the operating position, elastically returned towards the first axis of pivoting; e) Apply the free end of the strip against the two plates of adjacent plasterboards, in the angle formed by the two plasterboards, then apply the applicator head against the two plasterboards so that the drive rollers apply the strip against the boards; f) move the applicator so that the drive rollers drive the unwinding strip, carrying the plaster with them, and the corner roller, carried by the connecting rods in the operating position, presses the strip into the corner in all inclination positions of the applicator relative to the plasterboards, thanks to the elastic return of the connecting rods towards the first pivot axis.

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