Adhesive body attachment device and adhesive body attachment method

Abstract

An adhesive body attachment device (100) for attaching an adhesive body (1) to an object comprises: a body (10); a rotating body (20) that is rotatable with respect to a tip part (11) of the body (10) and functions as a pressing part that presses the adhesive body (1) against the object; and a guide part (30) that restricts the movement range of the adhesive body (1) within the width of the rotating body (20) in the rotation axis direction, and X ≥ Y, where X is the width of the rotating body (20), and Y is the shortest distance between the rotating body (20) and the guide part (30).

Description

Adhesive body application device and adhesive body application method

[0001] The present invention relates to an adhesive substance application device and an adhesive substance application method.

[0002] Adhesives such as adhesive sheets and tapes are used for bonding various adherends such as metal, 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 has been subjected to a release treatment in order to facilitate unwinding.

[0003] There is a device for applying a string-like adhesive, which is an adhesive body. The adhesive delivery device described in Patent Document 1 includes a pivoting unit attached to a main body so as to be pivotable relative to the main body about a first pivot axis, and a pressure-bonding unit. The pressure-bonding unit is attached to the pivoting unit at a predetermined attachment position and is pivotable in conjunction with the pivoting unit to deliver the adhesive body at the predetermined delivery position and apply it to an object while pressing it. The pressure-bonding unit also passes through the attachment position and pivots about a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-104475

[0005] However, there is room for improvement in the technology for attaching adhesive bodies to narrow areas. For example, in the adhesive body delivery device described in Patent Document 1, the pressure-bonding part at the tip is roller-shaped. When attaching to a narrow area, the device needs to be tilted, but because the ring-shaped guide part that forms the trajectory of the adhesive body is fixed, the distance from the guide part to the target object increases, which may result in a deterioration in attachment accuracy.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an adhesive body application device and an adhesive body application method that can prevent deterioration in the application accuracy of an adhesive body.

[0007] The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following configuration: An adhesive body application device for applying an adhesive body to an object, comprising: a main body, a rotating body that is rotatable with respect to one end of the main body and functions as a pressing part that presses the adhesive body against the object, and a guide part that restricts the movement range of the adhesive body to within a width in a rotation axis direction of the rotating body, wherein X is the width of the rotating body and Y is the shortest distance between the rotating body and the guide part, and X≧Y is satisfied.

[0008] An adhesive body applying method, comprising applying the adhesive body to the object using the adhesive body applying device described above.

[0009] According to the present invention, deterioration in the attachment accuracy of the adhesive body can be suppressed.

[0010] The present invention has been briefly described above. The details of the present invention will become clearer by reading the following detailed description of the invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a side view of an adhesive body affixing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, showing the inside of the adhesive body affixing device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tip portion of a first example. FIG. 4 is a side view of the tip portion of the first example. FIG. 5 is a top view of the tip portion of the first example. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the tip portion of the first example. FIG. 7 is an example of a schematic perspective view of a rotating body and a guide unit. FIG. 8 is an example of a schematic side view of a rotating body and a guide unit. FIG. 9 is an example of a schematic bottom view of a rotating body and a guide unit. FIG. 10 is another example of a schematic bottom view of a rotating body and a guide unit. FIG. 11 is a side view of a tip portion of a second example. FIG. 12 is a top view of a tip portion of a second example. FIG. 13 is a side view of a tip portion of a third example. FIG. 14 is a top view of a tip portion of a third example. FIG. 15 is a side view of a tip portion of a fourth example. FIG. 16 is a top view of a tip portion of a fourth example. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a group of gears in a delivery mechanism housed in the main body of the adhesive body application device, Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a second gear included in the group of gears of the delivery mechanism, and Fig. 19 is a schematic view of an adhesive body used in the adhesive body application device.

[0012] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view of an adhesive body application device 100 according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 1 showing the inside of the adhesive body application device 100. The adhesive body application device 100 is a device that delivers an adhesive body 1, such as a thread-like adhesive body, and applies it to an object. For example, an operator can hold the device in his / her hand and slide it over the surface of the object to apply the adhesive body 1 to the object.

[0013] The adhesive body application device 100 has a main body 10 made of, for example, resin, and capable of being held by an operator. One end of the shaft-shaped main body 10 is provided with a tip portion 11 having a rotating body (pressing portion) 20 and a guide portion 30. The rotating body 20 is rotatable relative to the one end of the main body 10, and functions as the pressing portion that presses the adhesive body 1 against an object. The guide portion 30 restricts the movement range of the adhesive body 1 to within the width of the rotating body 20 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0014] 2, the adhesive body application device 100 further includes a battery 13, a motor 15, a microswitch 16, a winding body (bobbin) 17, a guide roller 18, and a feed mechanism 40 inside the main body 10. The battery 13 is a power source that supplies power to the motor 15. The motor is driven and rotated by the power of the battery 13 under the control of the microswitch 16.

[0015] The adhesive body 1 is wound around a winding body 17 rotatably disposed at the other end 12 of the main body 10, and is guided in advance to a feeding mechanism 40. When the motor 15, which is the driving source, is driven, a driving gear 41 of the feeding mechanism 40, which will be described later, rotates, and the adhesive body 1, which has been guided in advance to the feeding mechanism 40, is fed toward one end (tip 11) of the main body 10. When the feeding mechanism 40 is driven, the adhesive body 1 unwound from the winding body 17 is fed along the adhesive body route R.

[0016] The adhesive body 1 sent along the adhesive body route R is guided by the guide roller 18 and sent to the sending mechanism 40, which then sends it to the rotating body 20 and guide portion 30 at one end of the main body 10.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the tip portion 11 of the first example, Fig. 4 is a side view of the tip portion 11 of the first example, Fig. 5 is a top view of the tip portion of the first example, and Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the tip portion of the first example. The tip portion 11 is provided with a rotating body 20 and a guide portion 30. The rotating body 20 is a roller rotatably supported by a support beam portion 14 formed to extend from one end of the main body 10, and functions as a pressing portion that presses the adhesive body 1 against an object.

[0018] The guide part 30 is disposed at the tip part 11 so as to face the rotating body 20, and has an opening shape 36 through which the adhesive body 1 can be inserted. The opening shape 36 of the guide part 30 restricts the movement of the adhesive body 1, and allows the adhesive body 1 to be smoothly fed out.

[0019] Specifically, the guide unit 30 includes a support 32 and a linear member 34. The support 32 is a beam-like member fixed to the tip unit main body and supports the linear member 34. The linear member 34 is a linear member supported by the support 32, includes a straight portion 34a, and is located immediately before the rotating body 20 in the direction in which the adhesive body 1 is sent out. The adhesive body 1 is ultimately in contact with and sliding against the straight portion 34a, and is sent out from the guide unit 30 to the rotating body 20 while being guided by the straight portion 34a.

[0020] In this embodiment, a pair of beam-shaped supports 32 are provided to support both ends of the linear member 34, and an opening shape 36 is defined by the pair of supports 32 and the linear member 34. The adhesive body 1 is fed from the main body 10 (on the right side of FIG. 6 ) in FIG. 6 , passes through the opening shape 36 from top to bottom, i.e., from the back to the front of the page, and comes into contact with the linear member 34.

[0021] That is, the movement range of the adhesive body 1 is restricted by the linear portion 34a of the linear member 34, which ultimately comes into contact and slides, and the opposing portions of the pair of supports 32. Specifically, the linear portion 34a of the linear member 34 and the opposing portions of the pair of supports 32 restrict the movement range of the adhesive body 1 to within the width X in the rotational axis direction of the rotating body 20 shown in Fig. 5. In this example, the distance between the pair of opposing supports 32 is approximately equal to the width X of the rotating body 20. The linear member 34 and the opposing portions of the pair of supports 32 restrict the movement range of the adhesive body 1 to an appropriate range, and the adhesive body 1 can be smoothly fed out.

[0022] Fig. 7 is an example of a schematic perspective view of the rotating body 20 and the guide section 30. Fig. 8 is an example of a schematic side view of the rotating body 20 and the guide section 30. The adhesive body 1 sent out from the main body 10 passes through the support 32 of the guide section 30, and then is sent out from the guide section 30 while making sliding contact with the linear member 34, and is pressed against the object W by the rotating rotating body 20 and attached to the object W.

[0023] 4 and 5 , in this embodiment, when the width of the rotating body 20 is X and the shortest distance between the rotating body 20 and the guide portion 30 is Y, X≧Y holds. That is, the shortest distance Y between the rotating body 20 and the guide portion 30 is set to be equal to or less than the width X of the rotating body 20, and the guide portion 30 is disposed in a position close to the rotating body 20. Therefore, the accuracy with which the guide portion 30 restricts the movement range of the adhesive body 1 can be substantially maintained in the rotating body 20 that ultimately presses and adheres the adhesive body 1, and deterioration in the adhesion accuracy of the adhesive body 1 can be suppressed.

[0024] 9 is an example of a schematic bottom view of the rotating body 20 and the guide portion 30. In this example, the linear member 34 includes a V-shaped portion (or U-shaped portion) 34b supported by the support body 32. The linear member 34 guides the movement of the adhesive body 1, and the V-shaped (or U-shaped) shape allows the adhesive body 1 to be smoothly fed out. Furthermore, because the linear member 34 is stably fixed by the support body 32, the adhesive body 1 can be smoothly fed out.

[0025] Figure 10 is another example of a schematic bottom view of the rotating body 20 and the guide unit 30, and is substantially the same as the examples in Figures 3 to 6. The support body 32 includes a pair of beam-shaped supports 32, and supports both ends of a linear member 34 including a straight portion 34a. The linear member 34 guides the movement of the adhesive body 1, and its linear shape allows the adhesive body 1 to be smoothly fed out. Furthermore, the straight portion 34a of the linear member 34 and the opposing portions of the pair of supports 32 restrict the movement range of the adhesive body 1 to within width X in the rotational axis direction of the rotating body 20.

[0026] In place of the linear member 34, a grooved roller having a groove through which the adhesive body 1 passes may be disposed.

[0027] The material of the guide portion 30 is not particularly limited, and it can be made of resin or the like. The support 32 is made of, for example, a material that can ensure a predetermined strength. The linear member 34 is made of, for example, a material that can suppress friction with the adhesive body 1, as the adhesive body 1 comes into contact and slides thereon. Note that, since the support 32 comes into contact with the object, it may have a shape that is composed of a curved surface without corners, sides, etc.

[0028] The outermost surface of the rotating body 20 has a surface free energy γ of, for example, 40 [mJ / m ２ ] (γ<40 [mJ / m ２ In such a configuration, the surface free energy of the rotating body 20 that presses the adhesive body 1 against the object is smaller than a predetermined value, so that the adhesive body 1 is prevented from adhering to the rotating body 20, and the adhesive body 1 can be smoothly sent out.

[0029] The outermost surface of the rotating body 20 can be formed of at least one of silicone resin, fluororesin, polyolefin resin, and surface-treated metal, for example. In such a configuration, the outermost surface of the rotating body 20 that presses the adhesive body 1 against the target object is formed of a material with a small surface free energy γ, which prevents the adhesive body 1 from adhering to the rotating body 20 and allows the adhesive body 1 to be smoothly fed out.

[0030] The width X of the rotating body 20 is set to, for example, 5 mm or less. This makes it possible to restrict the movement range of the adhesive body 1 to an appropriate range at the position of the rotating body 20.

[0031] 3 and 4, the width X of the rotor 20 is set to, for example, 1.5 mm, and the rotor 20 is made of silicone resin. This configuration allows the rotor 20 to deform in accordance with the shape of the object, making it suitable for pressing the adhesive thread against the object to attach it.

[0032] Fig. 11 is a side view of the tip portion 11 of the second example, and Fig. 12 is a top view of the tip portion 11 of the second example. The width X of the rotor 20 is set to, for example, 0.9 mm, and the rotor 20 is made of a fluororesin material. The rotor 20 is formed thin so that it can fit into a 1 mm wide groove G in the object W, for example, and is made of a material that can ensure strength despite its thinness.

[0033] Fig. 13 is a side view of the tip portion 11 of the third example, and Fig. 14 is a top view of the tip portion 11 of the third example. The width X of the rotating body 20 is set to, for example, 4.0 mm, and the material is silicone resin. The rotating body 20 has a large area, so the adhesive body 1 can be reliably attached to a flat object.

[0034] Fig. 15 is a side view of the tip portion 11 of the fourth example, and Fig. 16 is a top view of the tip portion 11 of the fourth example. The width X of the rotating body 20 is set to 1.5 mm, for example, and the material is silicone resin. In the guide portion 30, similar to Fig. 9, the linear member 34 supported by the support body 32 includes a V-shaped portion 34b.

[0035] The tip portion 11 may be configured to be detachable from the main body 10, and each of the above-mentioned tip portions 11 may be appropriately selected depending on the shape of the object W, etc., and may be attachable to one end of the main body 10.

[0036] In the embodiment, the rotating body 20 is composed of a roller that rotates around one rotation axis, but the rotating body 20 may have other shapes, such as a sphere, as long as it can function as a pressing part that presses the adhesive body 1 against the object.

[0037] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the gear group in the feed mechanism 40 housed in the main body 10 of the adhesive body application device 100. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the second gear 43 included in the gear group of the feed mechanism 40. As described above, the feed mechanism 40 is a mechanism for unwinding the adhesive body wound around the winding body 17. The arrows indicate the rotation direction of each gear.

[0038] The delivery mechanism 40 is made up of a group of gears including a drive gear 41, a first gear 42, a second gear 43, a third gear 44, a fourth gear 45, a fifth gear 46, and a sixth gear 47. The drive gear 41 is rotated by the drive of the motor 15, which is a drive source, and drives other gears by this rotation, so it is positioned as a drive source for the other gears.

[0039] The first gear 42 is disposed on the side of the adhesive body route R through which the adhesive body 1 passes (the lower side in the figure) relative to the drive gear 41, and is directly engaged with the drive gear 41, so that it rotates together with the rotation of the drive gear 41. The second gear 43 is disposed on the opposite side of the adhesive body route R (the lower side in the figure) relative to the first gear 42, and is directly engaged with the first gear 42, so that it rotates together with the rotation of the first gear 42. In other words, the first gear 42 and the second gear 43 engage with each other and rotate with the adhesive body 1 sandwiched between them.

[0040] The third gear 44 is disposed on the upstream side (right side in the figure) of the adhesive body route R through which the adhesive body 1 passes, relative to the drive gear 41, and directly meshes with the drive gear 41, so that it rotates together with the rotation of the drive gear 41. The fourth gear 45 is disposed on the opposite side (lower side in the figure) of the adhesive body route R relative to the third gear 44, and directly meshes with the third gear 44, so that it rotates together with the rotation of the third gear 44. In other words, the third gear 44 and the fourth gear 45 mesh together and rotate with the adhesive body 1 sandwiched between them.

[0041] The fifth gear 46 is disposed on the downstream side (left side in the figure) of the adhesive body route R through which the adhesive body 1 passes, relative to the drive gear 41, and directly meshes with the drive gear 41, so that it rotates together with the rotation of the drive gear 41. The sixth gear 47 is disposed on the opposite side (lower side in the figure) of the adhesive body route R relative to the fifth gear 46, and directly meshes with the fifth gear 46, so that it rotates together with the rotation of the fifth gear 46. In other words, the fifth gear 46 and the sixth gear 47 mesh together and rotate with the adhesive body 1 sandwiched between them.

[0042] The first gear 42 and the second gear 43 engage with each other with the adhesive body 1 sandwiched therebetween and rotate, thereby allowing the adhesive body 1 unwound from the winding body 17 to be sent to the rotating body 20. That is, the first gear 42 and the second gear 43 spontaneously peel the adhesive body 1 from the winding body 17 and unwound the adhesive body 1, allowing the adhesive body 1 to be smoothly sent to the rotating body 20.

[0043] The third gear 44 and the fourth gear 45 also mesh with each other with the adhesive body 1 sandwiched therebetween and rotate, thereby enabling the adhesive body 1 unwound from the winding body 17 to be sent to the rotating body 20. The fifth gear 46 and the sixth gear 47 also mesh with each other with the adhesive body 1 sandwiched therebetween and rotate, thereby enabling the adhesive body 1 unwound from the winding body 17 to be sent to the rotating body 20.

[0044] However, the first gear 42 and the second gear 43 are primarily responsible for transporting the adhesive body 1. The third gear 44 and the fourth gear 45 are primarily responsible for guiding the adhesive body 1 to the correct adhesive body route R. The fifth gear 46 and the sixth gear 47 are primarily responsible for sending the adhesive body 1 along the correct adhesive body route R to the rotating body 20.

[0045] In the embodiment, the first gear 42 is rotated by the driving force from the drive gear 41 and the motor 15, which are the driving sources, but may be rotated manually. The second gear 43 is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the first gear 42, and the first gear 42 and the second gear 43 pinch the adhesive body 1 and pull it in the rotation direction. Since the second gear 43 can be rotated by driving the first gear 42, the adhesive body 1 can be smoothly sent out to the rotating body 20 while maintaining a simple configuration.

[0046] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the second gear 43 included in the gear group of the delivery mechanism. Fig. 20 shows an example of the second gear 43, but at least one of the first gear 42 and the second gear 43 may be, for example, a grooved gear having a groove 48 extending along the rotation direction on its outer circumferential surface. By using such a grooved gear, the adhesive body 1 is delivered to the rotating body 20 while being placed in the groove 48, which prevents the adhesive body 1 from falling off the first gear 42 or the second gear 43 and also prevents the adhesive body 1 from being crushed.

[0047] A grooved gear may be produced, for example, by forming a groove in the center of the gear and placing a member such as a silicone rubber ring therein, or by forming a groove with a U-shaped cross section in the center of the gear.

[0048] At least the bottom surface of the groove 48 of the grooved gear can be formed from at least one of silicone resin, fluororesin, polyolefin resin, and surface-treated metal. At least the bottom surface of the groove 48 of at least one of the first gear 42 and the second gear 43 has a surface free energy γ of 40 [mJ / m ２ ] (γ<40 [mJ / m ２ ]) Therefore, the adhesive body 1 is prevented from adhering to the groove 48 of the first gear 42 or the second gear 43, and the adhesive body 1 can be smoothly sent out.

[0049] The outermost surface of at least one of the first gear 42 and the second gear 43 has a surface free energy γ of 40 [mJ / m ２ In such a configuration, the surface free energy of the outermost surface of at least one of the first gear 42 and the second gear 43 that guide the adhesive body 1 to the target object is smaller than a predetermined value. Therefore, adhesion of the adhesive body 1 to the first gear 42 or the second gear 43 is suppressed, and the adhesive body 1 can be smoothly sent out.

[0050] The shapes and characteristics of the first gear 42 and the second gear 43 described above can also be applied to the fourth gear 45 and the sixth gear 47 .

[0051] For example, a string-like adhesive can be used to attach the adhesive body 1 to the object. Since a string-like adhesive is used as the adhesive, the adhesive body 1 can be smoothly attached even to a narrow portion of the object.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of the adhesive body application device 100 that is held by an operator and operated is shown, but by attaching the rotating body 20 and the guide unit 30 to, for example, an articulated robot arm having six degrees of freedom, the adhesive body 1 can be applied with high precision by an automated machine. Furthermore, by providing the delivery mechanism 40 to, for example, a stationary adhesive body application device, the adhesive body can be applied smoothly.

[0053] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram of the adhesive body 1 used in the adhesive body application device 100 of the above embodiment. As shown in Fig. 19, the adhesive body 1 is a thread-like adhesive body consisting of a linear core material 1a and an adhesive layer 1b covering the longitudinal surface of the core material 1a, and exhibits a long, linear shape. The term "line-like" as used herein is a concept that encompasses not only straight, curved, or bent shapes, but also a state that can be bent in various directions and angles like a thread (i.e., a thread-like shape). Furthermore, the adhesive layer 1b in this specification also encompasses a linear shape.

[0054] Although the cross-sectional shape of the adhesive body 1 in this configuration example is circular, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the cross-sectional shape can be an oval, a rectangle such as a square, etc., in addition to a circle.

[0055] The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1b includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive formed from a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the above-mentioned gel fraction and gel fraction change, and known pressure-sensitive adhesives can be used. Examples include acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives, rubber pressure-sensitive adhesives, vinyl alkyl ether pressure-sensitive adhesives, silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives, polyester pressure-sensitive adhesives, polyamide pressure-sensitive adhesives, urethane pressure-sensitive adhesives, fluorine-based pressure-sensitive adhesives, and epoxy pressure-sensitive adhesives. Among these, acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives, urethane pressure-sensitive adhesives, silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives, rubber pressure-sensitive adhesives, and polyester pressure-sensitive adhesives are preferred in terms of adhesiveness, with acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives being particularly preferred. One type of pressure-sensitive adhesive may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. The pressure-sensitive adhesive in this embodiment is preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive that has adhesive properties at room temperature and can adhere an adherend to its surface by the pressure generated when the pressure-sensitive adhesive surface contacts the adherend. Pressure-sensitive adhesives do not require heating and can be applied to heat-sensitive adherends.

[0056] The adhesive may be either a solvent-based adhesive or a water-dispersed adhesive, and is preferably one in which crosslinking proceeds as the adhesive composition dries (volatilizes the solvent) and is quickly completed after drying. This is to prevent new crosslinking from occurring after the surfaces of the adhesive layer 1b come into contact with each other. A water-dispersed adhesive is preferred, and a water-dispersed acrylic adhesive is more preferred, as it allows for high-speed coating, is environmentally friendly, and has minimal effects (swelling, dissolution) on the substrate and core material 1a due to the solvent.

[0057] Here, in the adhesive body 1 having a core material 1a, the adhesive layer 1b may cover the entire surface (longitudinal surface) of the core material 1a, or may cover only a portion of the surface of the core material 1a. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 1b 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 surfaces of the core material 1a may or may not be covered by the adhesive layer 1b. For example, if the adhesive body 1 is cut during the manufacturing process or during use, the end surfaces of the core material 1a may not be covered by the adhesive layer 1b.

[0058] The core material 1a used in the adhesive body 1 may be, for example, a resin, rubber, foam, inorganic fiber, or a composite thereof. Examples of resins include polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene-propylene copolymer, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET); vinyl chloride resin; vinyl acetate resin; polyimide resin; polyamide resin; and fluorine-based resins. Examples of rubbers 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 1a is not particularly limited, but typically corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the adhesive body 1.

[0059] In addition, materials that can be used for the thread-like core material 1a in the adhesive body 1 include various polymer materials such as rayon, cupra, acetate, promix, nylon, aramid, vinylon, vinylidene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polychlor, polylactic acid, etc.; glass, carbon fiber, various rubbers such as synthetic rubbers such as natural rubber and polyurethane; natural materials such as cotton and wool; and metals. In addition, the form of the thread-like core material 1a can be, for example, monofilament, multifilament, spun yarn, processed yarns that have been subjected to crimping or bulking processes, such as textured yarns, bulky yarns, and stretch yarns, or yarns that are combinations of these by twisting them together. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape can be not only circular but also rectangular, such as square, star-shaped, elliptical, hollow, etc.

[0060] If necessary, the core material 1a may contain various additives such as fillers (inorganic fillers, organic fillers, etc.), antioxidants, antioxidants, UV absorbers, antistatic agents, lubricants, plasticizers, colorants (pigments, dyes, etc.), etc. The surface of the core material 1a may be subjected to a known or conventional surface treatment such as corona discharge treatment, plasma treatment, or application of a primer.

[0061] The cross-sectional size of the core material 1a is not particularly limited and can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. For example, if the cross-sectional shape is circular, from the viewpoint of handleability (flexibility, resistance to tearing), the diameter is preferably 1 μm to 2000 μm, and more preferably 10 μm to 1000 μm.

[0062] The thickness of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1b is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of adhesiveness, it is preferably, for example, 1 μm or more, more preferably 3 μm or more. From the viewpoint of thickness unevenness and drying property, it is preferably, for example, 200 μm or less, more preferably 150 μm or less. Furthermore, it can be made thicker depending on the application by laminating.

[0063] In particular, the adhesive body 1 is preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive body in which the adhesive forming the adhesive layer 1b has adhesiveness at room temperature and can attach an adherend to its surface by the pressure generated when the surface of the adhesive comes into contact with the surface of the adherend. A pressure-sensitive adhesive body does not require heating and can be applied to adherends that are sensitive to heat.

[0064] As described above, the shape of the adhesive body 1 is not particularly limited, but the larger 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 adhesive body 1 (longest axis / short axis), the flatter the shape of the adhesive body 1. On the other hand, the smaller this ratio is, the closer the cross-sectional shape of the adhesive body 1 becomes to a circle, and this ratio has a minimum value of 1 when the cross-sectional shape is circular. A minimum value of 1 also includes special shapes such as a triangle, a star, etc.

[0065] The adhesive body 1 may have a release liner. When the adhesive body 1 has a release liner, the release liner may be peeled off from the adhesive layer 1b before the adhesive body 1 reaches the guide portion 30 or the like, or the release liner may be peeled off after the adhesive body 1 has been attached, and in either case, the adhesive body 1 can be attached to the object W. When the adhesive body 1 has a release liner, the self-adhesive force of the adhesive body 1 can be reduced, and therefore the adhesive body 1 can be pressed against the object W in a state where the tension of the adhesive body 1 is reduced. Therefore, the adhesive body 1 pressed against the object W can be prevented from being peeled off, torn, or re-adhered and tangled due to tension, and the adhesive body 1 can be smoothly attached.

[0066] The embodiments and methods of use of the adhesive body 1 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 1, and includes, for example, a layer that covers the adhesive body 1 in the initial state before stretching, but is broken when the adhesive body 1 is stretched, thereby revealing the adhesiveness of the adhesive body 1. However, the type, material, etc. of the non-adhesive layer are not particularly limited.

[0067] 1) An adhesive body without a non-adhesive layer is directly laminated (pressed) 2) An adhesive body without a non-adhesive layer + release liner (the release liner is peeled off before or after lamination) 3) An adhesive body coated with a non-adhesive layer 4) An adhesive body coated with a non-adhesive layer + release liner (the release liner is peeled off before or after lamination) With regard to 2) or 4) above, an example in which the release liner is peeled off after lamination is when the release liner is peeled off after the adhesive body is attached to a first object and then attached to a second object.

[0068] Furthermore, the adhesive body 1 of this embodiment is bendable and has a filamentous shape that can be bent in various directions and angles like a thread. In addition to the above-mentioned effects, the bendable adhesive body 1, particularly the filamentous adhesive body 1, has the advantage of being easily applicable to complex shapes such as curves, curved surfaces, and unevenness.

[0069] For example, when applying an adhesive tape to an adherend having a complex shape, such as a curve, a curved surface, or an uneven surface, wrinkles and overlaps may occur in the adhesive tape in those areas, making it difficult to apply the tape neatly while preventing overhang. Furthermore, the wrinkles and overlaps may also cause a decrease in adhesive strength. While cutting the adhesive tape into small pieces before applying it is one way to apply the adhesive tape without wrinkles or overlaps, this significantly reduces workability. On the other hand, a bendable adhesive body 1, particularly a thread-like adhesive body 1, can be firmly applied without wrinkles or overlaps even when applied to a complex shape, such as a curve, a curved surface, or an uneven surface. Furthermore, since the adhesive body 1 can be applied to the desired area all at once, i.e., in a single process, it is highly workable and can be applied to automated lines.

[0070] Specific examples of applications of the thread-like adhesive body 1 include applications for fixing 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 in a desired shape. For example, even when fixing a wire or thin member to another member with a complex shape, the thread-like adhesive body 1 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. Note that when fixing a wire or thin member to another member, the thread-like adhesive body 1 can be first attached to the surface of the other member in accordance with the shape in which the wire or thin member is to be fixed, and then the wire or thin member can be attached to the adhesive body 1 attached to the surface of the other member. Alternatively, the thread-like adhesive body 1 may be attached to a wire or a narrow member, and then the wire or narrow member may be fixed to another member in a desired configuration.

[0071] The thread-like adhesive body 1 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 1 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 thereof is not limited thereto, and the thread-like adhesive body 1 can be suitably used for various purposes where temporary fixing (temporarily fastening) is desired.

[0072] For example, when fixing one article to the surface of another article, the first article is temporarily fixed to the surface of the other article using the thread-like adhesive body 1 to position it, and then the two articles are fixed (mainly fixed) by a fixing method such as thermocompression bonding or sewing. In this case, if the thread-like adhesive body 1 is used, it is easy to temporarily fix the two articles while avoiding the fixing part provided between them. For example, when sewing textile products or leather products, if temporary fixing is performed using the thread-like adhesive body 1, it is easy to temporarily fix the articles while avoiding the sewing part, and it is easy to prevent the adhesive from adhering to the needle.

[0073] Furthermore, as described above, if the adhesive body 1 is in the form of a thread, it can be well attached to both objects while minimizing overhang, wrinkles, and overlaps, even if the shapes of the two objects are complex, such as curved, curved surfaces, or uneven surfaces, and it can be attached in one step, making it easy to work with.

[0074] Furthermore, even for materials that are easily deformed, such as fabric, cloth, leather, etc. that make up textile products or leather products, by temporarily fixing them using the thread-like adhesive body 1, deformation of the materials due to tension can be suppressed or prevented, resulting in good design after fixing (full fixation).

[0075] Furthermore, in the case of the thread-like adhesive body 1, after the two articles have been fixed (mainly fixed), it is easy to remove the thread-like adhesive body 1 from between the two fixed (mainly fixed) articles as needed. In this way, it is possible to prevent the adhesive from spilling out and effectively prevent deterioration of the design due to discoloration of the remaining adhesive over time.

[0076] Furthermore, if the adhesive body 1 is in the form of a thread, it can be twisted together with threads made of other materials to form a combined thread, or woven with threads or fabrics (including nonwoven fabrics and sheets) made of other materials, thereby achieving a combination of functions.

[0077] Furthermore, the adhesive threads can be used as a dam material to prevent the adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive from spilling out when applying the adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive to an object to be bonded (adherend). The dam material can be used, for example, to prevent the sealing resin used to bond optical panels from spilling out. When using the adhesive threads as a dam material, the adhesive threads can be peeled off after the adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive has hardened, or they can be left in place.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified, improved, and the like as appropriate. Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, number, and location of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary and not limited as long as they achieve the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the adhesive body application device 100 applies a thread-like adhesive body 1, but the adhesive body is not limited to a thread-like shape. The adhesive body application device 100 may also apply an adhesive body 1 having a long, flat shape. As described above, the greater the ratio of the length of the major axis to the length of the minor axis in the cross-sectional shape of the adhesive body 1, the flatter the shape of the adhesive body 1. A typical example of an adhesive body 1 having a flat shape is an adhesive tape, in which an adhesive layer is provided on one or both sides of a core material. The adhesive tape preferably has a release liner covering at least a portion of the adhesive layer. When an adhesive body having a release liner is used, the release liner is peeled from the adhesive layer before or after the adhesive body is applied to an object.

[0079] Here, the features of the adhesive body sticking device and adhesive body sticking method according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention will be briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to

[10] .

[0080] [1] An adhesive body application device (100) for applying an adhesive body (1) to an object, comprising: a main body (10); a rotating body (20) that is rotatable relative to one end of the main body and functions as a pressing part that presses the adhesive body against the object; and a guide part (30) that restricts the movement range of the adhesive body to within a width in the rotation axis direction of the rotating body, wherein X is the width of the rotating body and Y is the shortest distance between the rotating body and the guide part, and X≧Y is satisfied.

[0081] According to the adhesive body application device described in [1], the shortest distance between the rotating body and the guide part is set to be equal to or less than the width of the rotating body, and the guide part is positioned close to the rotating body. Therefore, the accuracy of the guide part's regulation of the movement range of the adhesive body can be substantially maintained even on the rotating body that ultimately presses and applies the adhesive body, and deterioration of the application accuracy of the adhesive body can be suppressed.

[0082] [2] The outermost surface of the rotating body has a surface free energy γ<40 [mJ / m ２ The adhesive substance application device according to [1],

[0083] According to the adhesive application device described in [2], the surface free energy of the rotating body that presses the adhesive body against the object is smaller than a predetermined value, so that the adhesive body is prevented from adhering to the rotating body and the adhesive body can be smoothly delivered.

[0084] [3] The adhesive body application device according to [1] or [2], wherein the outermost surface of the rotating body is made of at least one of silicone resin, fluororesin, polyolefin resin, and surface-treated metal.

[0085] According to the adhesive application device described in [3], the outermost surface of the rotating body that presses the adhesive body against the object is formed from a material with low surface free energy, which prevents the adhesive body from adhering to the rotating body and allows the adhesive body to be smoothly dispensed.

[0086] [4] The adhesive body application device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the guide portion has an opening shape (36) through which the adhesive body can be inserted.

[0087] According to the adhesive body application device described in [4], the shape of the opening of the guide portion restricts the movement of the adhesive body, and the adhesive body can be smoothly fed out.

[0088] [5] The adhesive body application device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the width of the rotating body is 5 mm or less.

[0089] According to the adhesive body application device described in [5], the movement range of the adhesive body can be restricted to an appropriate range.

[0090] [6] The adhesive body application device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the guide portion includes a linear member (34) having a V-shaped portion (34b), a U-shaped portion, or a straight portion (34a).

[0091] According to the adhesive body application device described in [6], the linear member of the guide portion can guide the movement of the adhesive body, and can smoothly feed out the adhesive body.

[0092] [7] The adhesive substance application device according to [6], wherein the guide portion has the linear member and a support (32) that supports the linear member.

[0093] According to the adhesive substance application device described in [7], the linear member is stably fixed by the support, so that the adhesive substance can be smoothly delivered.

[0094] [8] The adhesive body application device described in [6], wherein the guide portion has the linear member and a pair of supports (32) that support both ends of the linear member, and the linear member and opposing portions of the pair of supports restrict the movement range of the adhesive body to within the width.

[0095] According to the adhesive application device described in [8], the linear member and the opposing portions of the pair of supports can smoothly deliver the adhesive while restricting the movement range of the adhesive to an appropriate range.

[0096] [9] The adhesive body attachment device according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein a thread-like adhesive is attached to the object as the adhesive body.

[0097] According to the adhesive body application device described in [9], since a thread-like adhesive is used as the adhesive, the adhesive can be smoothly applied even to narrow parts of the object.

[0098]

[10] A method for attaching an adhesive body, comprising attaching the adhesive body to the object using the adhesive body attachment device described in any one of [1] to [9].

[0099] According to the adhesive body application method described in

[10] , in the adhesive body application device used, the shortest distance between the rotating body and the guide part is set to be equal to or less than the width of the rotating body, and the guide part is disposed in a position close to the rotating body. Therefore, the accuracy of the guide part in restricting the movement range of the adhesive body can be substantially maintained even in the rotating body that ultimately presses and applies the adhesive body, and deterioration of the application accuracy of the adhesive body can be suppressed.

[0100] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0101] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2023-170249) filed on September 29, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0102] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent deterioration in the accuracy of application of an adhesive body. The present invention can be used as an adhesive body application device that is held by an operator and operated, or as an adhesive body application device using an articulated robot arm or a stationary type, or as an adhesive body application method using such an adhesive body application device.

[0103] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Adhesive body 1a Core material 1b Adhesive layer 10 Main body 11 Tip portion 12 Other end portion 13 Battery 14 Support beam portion 15 Motor 16 Microswitch 17 Winding body 18 Guide roller 20 Rotating body (pressing portion) 30 Guide portion 32 Support body 34 Linear member 34a Straight portion 34b V-shaped portion (U-shaped portion) 36 Opening shape 40 Feed mechanism 41 Drive gear 42 First gear 43 Second gear 44 Third gear 45 Fourth gear 46 Fifth gear 47 Sixth gear 48 Groove 100 Adhesive body application device R Adhesive body route W Target object

Claims

1. An adhesive application device for applying an adhesive to an object, comprising: a main body; a rotating body that is rotatable about one end of the main body and functions as a pressing unit that presses the adhesive against the object; and a guide unit that restricts the range of movement of the adhesive to within a width in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body, wherein X is the width of the rotating body and Y is the shortest distance between the rotating body and the guide unit, and X≧Y is satisfied.

2. The outermost surface of the rotating body has a surface free energy γ<40 [mJ / m ２ The adhesive substance application device according to claim 1 , 3. The adhesive application device according to claim 1, wherein the outermost surface of the rotating body is made of at least one of silicone resin, fluororesin, polyolefin resin, and surface-treated metal.

4. The adhesive body application device according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion has an opening shape through which the adhesive body can be inserted.

5. The adhesive application device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the rotating body is 5 mm or less.

6. The adhesive application device according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion includes a linear member having a V-shaped portion, a U-shaped portion or a straight portion.

7. The adhesive substance application device according to claim 6, wherein the guide portion comprises the linear member and a support that supports the linear member.

8. The adhesive application device of claim 6, wherein the guide portion comprises the linear member and a pair of supports supporting both ends of the linear member, and the linear member and opposing portions of the pair of supports restrict the movement range of the adhesive body to within the width.

9. The adhesive body application device according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive body is a thread-like adhesive that is applied to the object.

10. A method for attaching an adhesive material, comprising attaching the adhesive material to the object using an adhesive material attachment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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