Distribution device and method for a viscous material in the liquid state and injection device comprising such a distribution device

Abstract

Distribution device for distribution of a viscous material internally to a first piece at an internal surface of a cavity for coupling with a second piece, wherein the distribution device comprises a body provided with a seat for coupling with a dispenser of the viscous material, the body comprising at least one internal channel for the transfer of the viscous material towards exit holes which are shaped in the form of nozzles placed on the side surface of the body for distribution of the viscous material, and injection device comprising such distribution device.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] DISTRIBUTION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR A VISCOUS MATERIAL IN THE LIQUID STATE AND INJECTION DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A DISTRIBUTION DEVICE

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a distribution device and method for a viscous material in the liquid state according to the characteristics of the pre-characterizing part of the main claim and it further relates to an injection device comprising such a distribution device.

[0005] Definitions

[0006] In the present description and in the attached claims, the expression “viscous material in the liquid state” is intended to indicate a liquid material having a viscous friction coefficient greater than 0.05 PI.

[0007] Prior Art

[0008] In the field of distribution devices for a viscous material in the liquid state, various solutions are known, which may vary depending on the specific application requiring a distribution of a layer of viscous material in the liquid state.

[0009] Exemplary and non-limiting applications suitable for the use of the distribution device made according to the present invention may include, for example:

[0010] - application of a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a single-component glue inside a first tubular piece in a fastening zone for fastening by means of insertion of a second tubular or solid piece having a cross-section smaller than the crosssection of the first tubular piece;

[0011] - application of a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a two-component glue inside a first tubular piece in a fastening zone for fastening by means of insertion of a second tubular or solid piece having a cross-section smaller than the crosssection of the first tubular piece;

[0012] - application of a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a lubricating oil inside a first tubular piece in a sliding coupling zone where the insertion occurs of a second tubular or solid piece having a cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the first tubular piece;

[0013] - application of a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a lubricating grease inside a first tubular piece in a sliding coupling zone where the insertion occurs of a second tubular or solid piece having a cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the first tubular piece;

[0014] - application of a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a sealing material, such as a silicone sealant, inside a first tubular piece in a coupling zone where the insertion occurs of a second tubular or solid piece having a cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the first tubular piece.

[0015] It will be evident to an expert in the art that the fields of application are not limited to those described by way of example and the distribution device made according to the present invention can be used whenever it is necessary to apply a determined quantity of viscous material in the liquid state inside a first tubular piece for various purposes and for various types of viscous material in the liquid state.

[0016] A first technique used in the prior art, when this need arises in relation to a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of an adhesive or lubricant, usually involves spreading the viscous material in the liquid state, using an oblong tool such as a spatula, on an external portion of the second piece that is suitable for insertion into the first tubular piece, letting the experience and sensitivity of the operator determine both the quantity of viscous material in the liquid state to be applied and the uniform distribution of the same on the external portion of the second piece, for example, by repeatedly rotating the second piece after its insertion into the first tubular piece.

[0017] A second technique used in the prior art, when this need arises in relation to a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of an adhesive or lubricant, usually involves spreading the viscous material in the liquid state, using an oblong tool such as a spatula, on the portion of the first tubular piece where the second tubular or solid piece is subsequently inserted and the operator's experience and sensitivity will determine both the amount of viscous material in the liquid state to apply and the uniform distribution of the same inside the wall of the first tubular piece, for example, by repeatedly rotating the second piece after its insertion into the first tubular piece.

[0018] A third technique used in the prior art involves the use of techniques that exploit both of the methods previously described.

[0019] United States Patent US 3956533 describes the application of a liquid sealant which is applied to threaded parts that are to be connected to each other by screwing or joining together so as to form a hermetic seal against gases or liquids. The sealant is applied so as to form a uniformly thick coating that is allowed to harden, so that the parts can be stored indefinitely before use. The coating is applied using an application tool that has a threaded shape similar to the part to which the coating is to be applied and which is provided with outlet openings on its surface.

[0020] United States Patent US 8905264 describes a nozzle assembly that includes an inner tubular element with a closed end and an opposite open end for receiving fluid from a source, at least one outlet extending radially through the inner tubular element near the closed end. The closed end is configured for insertion into a bore defined by a sidewall in a workspace. The nozzle assembly comprises an outer sleeve which is movable by sliding, the outer sleeve being provided with a distal end. The outer sleeve is arranged around the inner tubular member, wherein the distal end is configured to contact an outer edge portion of the bore. The outer sleeve is typically arranged in a first position that seals at least one outlet from the outside, and the outer sleeve is movable by sliding to a second position that unseals the at least one outlet by contacting the edge portion of the bore when the end of the inner tubular element is inserted into the bore.

[0021] Problems of prior art

[0022] The main disadvantage of the first technique described is that, during the phase of insertion of the second piece into the first tubular piece, the viscous material in the liquid state is partially scraped from part of the outer edge of the first piece during the phase of insertion of the second piece, creating an accumulation at the edge of the first piece, which accumulation will have to be subsequently removed and which will cause soiling of the outer surfaces of both the first piece and the second piece, with also further problems related to a not negligible waste of the excess viscous material in the liquid state applied. Furthermore, this scraping involves the risk of excessive removal of viscous material in the liquid state from some zones of the surface of the second piece, thus compromising the uniformity of the working layer of the viscous material in the liquid state, whether it is an adhesive or a lubricant. Furthermore, this technique does not allow for a zone of application of the viscous material in the liquid state that begins at a determined distance from the outer edge of the first tubular piece, i.e., by applying the viscous material in the liquid state only to a portion internal to the overall overlap zone between the first and second pieces. Indeed, the operation of insertion of the second piece inevitably involves distributing the viscous material in the liquid state on the internal surface along the entire length of the insertion of the second piece within the first piece, i.e., along the entire overall overlap zone between the first and second pieces. In some cases, such as in the case with pieces having a non-circular cross- sectional shape, such as for example oval, triangular, square, rectangular, or polygonal, it is not possible to rotate the second piece within the first piece after insertion, thus preventing a uniform distribution of the viscous material in the liquid state.

[0023] The main disadvantage of the first technique described is the objective difficulty of distributing the viscous material in the liquid state uniformly and in the exact desired quantity, given the complexity of using the appropriate tools or the operator's fingers, particularly in various cases which may occur. A first case in which the second technique is difficult is when the first tubular piece has a small cross-sectional dimension of the insertion cavity of the second piece, comparable to the size of the operator's fingers or the dimensions of the distribution spatula. A second case in which the second technique is difficult is when the application zone of the viscous material in the liquid state must extend to a certain depth within the cavity of the first tubular piece. In some cases, it is not possible to rotate the cylinder inside the tube after insertion, thus losing the effect of improving the homogeneity of the distribution of the viscous material in the liquid state. Furthermore, similarly to what was noted in the previous point, and given the aforementioned likely non-uniform distribution of the viscous material in the liquid state on the internal surface of the cavity of the first tubular piece, there is a concrete risk that the second piece, during its insertion into the cavity, will scrape away a certain amount of viscous material in the liquid state, which will consequently accumulate at the end of the second piece which is inserted into the cavity. As in the previous case, this scraping can significantly compromise the uniformity of the layer of viscous material in the liquid state and leads to a relative waste of the viscous material in the liquid state applied. Furthermore, if the second piece is also a tube, the presence of excess viscous material in the liquid state at its end inserted into the cavity leads to a reduction in the usable internal clearance, especially if the viscous material in the liquid state is an adhesive that hardens inside the cavity.

[0024] In the case of the third technique, which uses both methods previously described, there is inevitably the sum of the disadvantages identified for each of the main techniques.

[0025] Aim of the invention

[0026] The aim of the present invention is to provide a distribution device for a viscous material in the liquid state that allows for effective and uniform distribution of the material inside the cavity of a first tubular piece.

[0027] A further aim of the present invention is to provide an injection device comprising such a distribution device.

[0028] Concept of the invention

[0029] The aim is achieved with the characteristics of the main claim relating to the distribution device, with the dependent claim relating to the injection device comprising such distribution device, and with the dependent claim relating to the method by means of use of the inventive distribution device. The subclaims represent advantageous solutions.

[0030] Advantageous effects of the invention

[0031] The solution in accordance with the present invention, through its considerable creative contribution, the effect of which constitutes an immediate and not negligible technical progress, offers several advantages.

[0032] The distribution device made according to the present invention and the related method allow to avoid unwanted soiling of areas and surfaces other than the specific application zone of the viscous material in the liquid state. This also results in additional advantages in terms of greater cleanness in the execution of the operation.

[0033] An additional advantage is that the viscous material in the liquid state is wasted less thanks to its precise and calibrated application, without unwanted soiling.

[0034] During the dispensing of the viscous material in the liquid state, a perfectly uniform distribution of the viscous material in the liquid state is achieved across the entire internal surface of the cavity in the zone concerned for the application. Therefore, it is not necessary to rotate the second piece relative to the first piece after reciprocal insertion. This allows the distribution device made according to the present invention to be applicable even to noncircular cavity cross-sectional shapes, such as for example elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, while maintaining unchanged the advantages described.

[0035] By preparing the distribution device with an appropriate cross-sectional dimension, it is possible to precisely calibrate the layer of viscous material in the liquid state, precisely obtaining a desired thickness, which is impossible to achieve with prior art techniques. This is very useful in cases where the specific application techniques for the viscous material in the liquid state, especially for adhesives, require a determined optimal thickness. Furthermore, it advantageously significantly reduces the amount of viscous material in the liquid state that could be scraped from the second piece during its insertion into the gluing position, limiting the corresponding disadvantages previously described with reference to prior art solutions.

[0036] By preparing the distribution device with a suitable length and with a predetermined positioning of the respective nozzles, it is possible to apply the viscous material in the liquid state also to just a determined portion of the internal surface of the cavity of the first tubular piece, not necessarily adjacent to the outer edge, which is useful in cases where the gluing zone must be at a determined depth, even considerable, inside the first tubular piece.

[0037] Since the inventive distribution device dispenses, distributes, and spreads the viscous material in the liquid state directly, no other tools such as spatulas, sticks, brushes, rods, or the like are required, making the application process simpler and faster.

[0038] The inventive distribution device can be made in various cross-sectional dimensions and lengths to adapt to any size of first tubular pieces and corresponding second pieces to be connected to each other.

[0039] The inventive distribution device is advantageously designed to be mounted on dispensers normally used with respective injection devices in the form of dispensing guns for the extrusion of the viscous material in the liquid state from prepackaged cartridges or with other types of injection or extrusion devices for viscous material in the liquid state, such as for example adhesives. Therefore, since it can also be easily applied to existing injection or extrusion devices, it offers great versatility thanks to the ability to adapt to most existing extrusion devices.

[0040] The inventive distribution device is economical and simple to use and can be easily applied and removed after use, allowing the operator to use the same devices for other types of applications.

[0041] One embodiment advantageously features a two-part configuration, one of which can be disposable and the other remains available for subsequent operations with further advantages in terms of cost and waste reduction.

[0042] Description of the drawings

[0043] A realization solution is described hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings which are to be considered as a non-limiting example of the present invention, in which:

[0044] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the use of the distribution device made according to the present invention in a decoupled condition with a dispenser and corresponding injection device.

[0045] Fig. 2 is the distribution device of Fig. 1 in a coupled condition with the dispenser and corresponding injection device.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the distribution device made according to the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 3 in which internal characteristics are represented by means of dashed lines.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the distribution device of Fig. 3.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the distribution device made according to the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 7, Fig. 8, and Fig. 9 are perspective views illustrating the mode of use of the distribution device of Fig. 6 together with the dispenser of the injection device.

[0051] Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of the distribution device made according to the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 10.

[0053] Fig. 12 is a top plan view of the distribution device of Fig. 10.

[0054] Fig. 13 is a top perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 10 illustrating the coupling with the dispenser of the injection device.

[0055] Fig. 14 is a bottom perspective view from a first angle of a fourth embodiment of the distribution device made according to the present invention.

[0056] Fig. 15 is a lower perspective view from another angle of the distribution device of Fig. 14.

[0057] Fig. 16 is a top perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 14.

[0058] Fig. 17 is a top perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 14, illustrating the coupling with the dispenser of the injection device.

[0059] Fig. 18 is a top perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the distribution device made according to the present invention.

[0060] Fig. 19 is a lower perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 18.

[0061] Fig. 20 is a top perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 18, illustrating the coupling with the dispenser of the injection device.

[0062] Fig. 21 is a side perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the distribution device made according to the present invention.

[0063] Fig. 22 is a side perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 21 according to a view from the opposite side with respect to the side represented in Fig. 21.

[0064] Fig. 23 is a side perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 21 , illustrating the coupling between two component elements.

[0065] Fig. 24 is a side perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 23, according to a view from the opposite side with respect to the side represented in Fig. 23.

[0066] Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 23, illustrating the coupled condition of the two component elements, in which internal characteristics are represented by means of dashed lines.

[0067] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 23, illustrating the coupled condition of the two component elements.

[0068] Fig. 27 is a top perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the distribution device made according to the present invention.

[0069] Fig. 28 is a top perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 27 illustrating the coupling between two component elements.

[0070] Fig. 29 is a top perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 27 according to a view from the opposite side with respect to the side represented in Fig. 27, illustrating the coupling between two component elements.

[0071] Fig. 30 is a top perspective view of the distribution device of Fig. 27 illustrating the coupled condition of the two component elements.

[0072] Fig. 31 , Fig. 32, Fig. 33, Fig. 34, Fig. 35 are perspective views illustrating a sequence of use of the distribution device made according to the present invention.

[0073] Fig. 36 is a perspective view illustrating the use of an eighth embodiment of the distribution device made according to the present invention.

[0074] Fig. 37 is a plan view illustrating the use of the distribution device of Fig. 3.

[0075] Fig. 38 is a plan view illustrating the use of a possible variant of the distribution device of Fig. 3.

[0076] Fig. 39 is a plan view illustrating the use of the distribution device of Fig. 36.

[0077] Fig. 40 is a perspective view of the distribution device made according to the present invention illustrating a possible alternative configuration for a groove of the distribution device. Description of the invention

[0078] The present invention relates to (Fig. 1 , Fig. 3, Fig. 6, Fig. 10, Fig. 16, Fig. 18, Fig. 21 , Fig. 27, Fig. 37, Fig. 38, Fig. 39, Fig. 40) a distribution device (10) for distribution of a viscous material (17) to be applied internally (Fig. 31 , Fig. 32, Fig. 33, Fig. 34, Fig. 35, Fig. 36, Fig. 37, Fig. 38, Fig. 39) to a first piece (21) at an internal surface (32) of a cavity (29) for coupling with a second piece (22) by means of insertion of at least one portion of the second piece (22) into the cavity (29).

[0079] The viscous material (17) to be applied is a material in the liquid state and, for the purposes of the present invention, it may be either a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a single-component glue, a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a two-component glue, a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a lubricating oil, a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a lubricating grease.

[0080] Indeed, by way of a non-limiting example, the distribution device (10) may be advantageously used for:

[0081] - application of a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a single-component glue inside a first tubular piece in a fastening zone for fastening by means of insertion of a second tubular or solid piece having a smaller cross-section than the cross-section of the first tubular piece;

[0082] - application of a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a two-component glue inside a first tubular piece in a fastening zone for fastening by means of insertion of a second tubular or solid piece having a cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the first tubular piece;

[0083] - application of a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a lubricating oil inside a first tubular piece in a sliding coupling zone where the insertion occurs of a second tubular or solid piece having a cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the first tubular piece;

[0084] - application of a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a lubricating grease inside a first tubular piece in a sliding coupling zone where the insertion occurs of a second tubular or solid piece having a cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the first tubular piece; - application of a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a sealing material such as for example a silicone sealant, inside a first tubular piece in a coupling zone where the insertion occurs of a second tubular or solid piece having a cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the first tubular piece.

[0085] The distribution device (10) comprises (Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 8, Fig. 11 , Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 19, Fig. 23, Fig. 25, Fig. 26, Fig. 30, Fig. 40) a body (3) extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis (6), in which the body (3) is provided with a first end (11) and with a second end (12) opposite to the first end (11) with respect to the longitudinal development of the body (3), the first end (11) and the second end (12) being connected by a side surface (8) of the body (3). The body (3) comprises (Fig. 3, Fig. 5, Fig. 7, Fig. 12, Fig. 17, Fig. 20, Fig. 24, Fig. 28, Fig. 29) a seat (4) at the second end (12) for coupling with (Fig. 2, Fig. 9, Fig. 13, Fig. 17, Fig. 20, Fig. 22) a dispenser (16) of the material (17). The body (3) comprises (Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 7, Fig. 23) at least one internal channel (9) which is in flow communication with the seat (4) for the transfer of the material (17) and the body (3) further comprises exit holes which are in flow communication with the channel (9) for exit of the material (17).

[0086] The seat (4) will preferably be obtained on an interfacing surface (13) which is a head surface of the body (3) of the distribution device (10) present at the second end (12), although it will be evident to an expert in the sector that for particular applications the seat (4) could also be obtained on the side surface (8) in proximity to or at the second end (12) thus having a lateral connection with the dispenser (16) which then dispenses the material (17) into the channel (9) as previously described.

[0087] Advantageously, the exit holes are (Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 37, Fig. 38, Fig. 39) nozzles (5, 5’, 5”, 5”’, 5””) developing along a nozzle axis (7) which is an inclined axis by an angle (A) with respect to the longitudinal axis (6) in such a way that the nozzles (5, 5’, 5”’, 5””, 5””) are placed on the side surface (8) of the body (3) for distribution of the viscous material according to a lateral exit direction (30) at the side surface (8) of the body (3) and inside (Fig. 37, Fig. 38, Fig. 39) a gap (31 ) between the internal surface (32) of the cavity (29) and the side surface (8) of the body (3) when the distribution device (10) is in a condition at least partially inserted inside the cavity (29).

[0088] The number, position and calibre of the dispensing nozzles (5, 5’, 5”, 5”’, 5””) may vary depending on the type of viscous material (17) to be applied. Indeed, for a viscous material (17) having a low or medium density, nozzles (5, 5’, 5”, 5”’, 5””) can be provided having a smaller cross-sectional diameter and in a lower number, such as for example one or two nozzles (5, 5’, 5”’, 5””, 5””), while for a viscous material (17) having a medium or high density, nozzles (5, 5’, 5”’, 5””) can be provided having a larger cross-sectional diameter and in a lower number, such as for example three, four, five, six nozzles (5, 5’, 5”’, 5””, 5””). The number, position and calibre of the dispensing nozzles (5, 5’, 5”, 5”’, 5””) can also vary depending on the quantity of viscous material (17) to be applied, it being possible to provide a greater number and cross-sectional size of the nozzles (5, 5’, 5”’, 5””) in the case in which it is necessary, for the particular application, to use a large quantity of viscous material (17) to be applied or it being possible to provide a smaller number and cross-sectional size of the nozzles (5, 5’, 5”’, 5””) in the case in which it is necessary, for the particular application, to use a small quantity of viscous material (17) to be applied.

[0089] A viscous material (17) having a low density may be for example a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a lubricating oil having a viscous friction coefficient between 0.05 PI and 10 PI.

[0090] A viscous material (17) having a medium density may be for example a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of a lubricating grease having a viscous friction coefficient between 10 PI and 300 PI.

[0091] A viscous material (17) having a high density may be for example a viscous material in the liquid state in the form of an adhesive having a viscous friction coefficient greater than 300 PI.

[0092] Although the figures (Fig. 4, Fig. 5) refer to solutions in which the angle (A) of inclination of the axis of the nozzles (7) with respect to the longitudinal axis (6) is approximately 90 degrees, it will be evident to an expert in the sector that the angle (A) may assume different values, such as for example values between 20 degrees and 160 degrees due to variations in the exit direction (30) of the viscous material (17). For example, an acute angle (A) value between 20 degrees and 89 degrees corresponds to a nozzle configuration (5, 5', 5", 5"', 5"") inclined towards the first end (11), while an obtuse angle (A) value between 91 degrees and 160 degrees corresponds to a nozzle configuration (5, 5', 5", 5"", 5"") inclined towards the second end (11 ). It will be evident to an expert in the sector that it will be possible to use any value within the indicated range, it being important that the inclination is such as to ensure that the nozzle constitutes a connection between the internal channel (9) of the body (3) and the side surface (8). Also in this case, inclinations greater or smaller than 90 degrees can be used depending on the type of viscous material (17) to be applied. For example, for a viscous material (17) having a high density, an acute angle (A) can be used, such as between 20 degrees and 30 degrees, to favor the establishment of a flow path closer to a straight path to provide a lower resistance to the advancement of the material from the seat (4), through the channel (9) and up to the nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5"', 5""). For example, for a viscous material (17) having a low density, an obtuse angle (A) can be used, such as between 140 degrees and 160 degrees, to favor the establishment of a more tortuous flow path to provide a greater resistance to the advancement of the material from the seat (4), through the channel (9) and up to the nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5"", 5"").

[0093] Preferably (Fig. 5, Fig. 9), the distribution device (10) comprises at least one series of nozzles (5, 5’, 5”, 5”’, 5””) in which the nozzles (5, 5’, 5”’, 5””, 5””) of the series are placed one after the other along a direction corresponding to the direction of the longitudinal axis (6), the nozzles (5, 5’, 5”’, 5””, 5””) of the series being connected to the same at least one internal channel (9) for the transfer of the material (17).

[0094] It will be also possible to provide (Fig. 38) solutions, for example in the case of distribution devices (10) with larger cross-sectional dimensions, in which several channels (9) branch off from a single seat (4), such as for example a first channel (9’) connected to a first series of nozzles (5’) placed on a first side of the side surface (8) and a second channel (9”) connected to a second series of nozzles (5”) placed on a second opposite side of the side surface (8). In some embodiments (Fig. 3, Fig. 10, Fig. 17, Fig. 20, Fig. 26, Fig. 30, Fig. 31 , Fig. 37, Fig. 38, Fig. 40), the body (3) has a circular cross-sectional shape and comprises one or more series of nozzles (5, 5’, 5”’, 5””, 5””) placed radially along the side surface (8) of the body (3). Such a shape is suitable for the application (Fig. 31 , Fig. 32, Fig. 33, Fig. 34, Fig. 35, Fig. 37, Fig. 38) of the viscous material (17) to be applied inside a first tubular piece (21) having a circular cavity (29) shape, for coupling with a second piece (22) by means of insertion of at least one portion of the second piece (22) into the cavity (29) in which at least the insertion portion of the second piece (22) into the cavity (29) has a circular cross- sectional shape, in which the circular cross-section of the insertion portion of the second piece (22) has smaller dimensions than the cross-sectional dimensions of the circular cavity (29) of the first piece (21). It will be evident that the first piece (21) can be a circular tubular element along its entire length or a circular solid element provided with the cavity (29) only at one end of the first piece (21) constituting the coupling end with the second piece (22). It will be evident that the second piece (22) can be a circular tubular element along its entire length or a solid element provided with a circular insertion end for the insertion into the cavity (29).

[0095] In this case (Fig. 31 , Fig. 32, Fig. 33, Fig. 34, Fig. 35), the sequence of operations for using the distribution device (10) involves applying (Fig. 31 ) the distribution device (10) on one exit end of a dispenser (16) of an injection device (15) of viscous material (17). Subsequently (Fig. 32) the distribution device (10) is inserted into the cavity (29) of the first piece (21) up to a determined insertion depth corresponding to the desired application zone for the viscous material (17) to be applied. Subsequently (Fig. 33) the injection device (15) is operated so as to cause the release of the viscous material (17) from a reservoir or cartridge of the injection device (15) in such a way that the viscous material (17) penetrates into the at least one channel (9) according to a flow direction (18) oriented from the seat (4) towards the nozzles (5, 5’, 5”, 5”’, 5””). Subsequently the viscous material (17) flows out of the nozzles (5, 5’, 5”, 5””, 5””) in such a way as to be distributed (Fig. 37, Fig. 38) within the gap (31) between the internal surface (32) of the cavity (29) and the side surface (8) of the body (3). By progressively extracting (Fig. 33) the distribution device (10) from the cavity (29) with a rotary movement around the longitudinal axis (6), a uniform distribution of the viscous material (17) is obtained along the entire desired application zone for the viscous material (17). It will be evident that by interrupting the release of the viscous material (17) from the injection device (15) before the distribution device (10) is completely extracted from the cavity (29), it will also be possible to obtain a uniform distribution of the viscous material (17) along an internal portion of the cavity (29) that does not extend to the terminal end of the first piece (21), thus avoiding burrs and leaks of the viscous material (17) when (Fig. 34) the insertion occurs of the second piece (21) into the cavity (29) until (Fig. 35) the coupling condition between the first piece (21) and the second piece (22) is obtained. Such a coupling condition may be fixed in the case of viscous material (17) in the form of an adhesive that reciprocally holds the first piece (21) and the second piece (22) in position. Such a coupling condition may be free in the case of viscous material (17) in the form of a lubricant that reduces the reciprocal friction between the first piece (21) and the second piece (22) in the case in which the first piece (21) and the second piece (22) are pieces that can be rotated with respect to each other or that can slide with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0096] In some embodiments (Fig. 36, Fig. 39), the body (3) has a polygonal cross-sectional shape and comprises one or more series of nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5"', 5"") placed on different sides of the polygonal shape along the side surface (8) of the body (3). Polygonal cross-section is meant to include non-circular cross-sections, such as for example oval, triangular, square, rectangular, or having a number of sides greater than four and not necessarily having a shape corresponding to a regular polygon. In this case, it is not possible to rotate the second piece (22) inside the first piece (21) after insertion to obtain a homogeneous distribution of the viscous material in the liquid state.

[0097] In this case (Fig. 36, Fig. 39), the sequence of operations for using the distribution device (10) is similar to that described for the previous case with the difference that it is not possible to impart a rotary movement around the longitudinal axis (6) of the body (3), as in this case it is necessary to have several series of nozzles (5, 5’, 5”, 5”’, 5””) placed radially along the side surface (8) of the body (3) with one or more series of nozzles (5, 5’, 5”, 5””, 5””) for each side of the polygonal shape. For example (Fig. 39), in the case of a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape, a first series of first nozzles (5”) may be present on a first side, a second series of second nozzles (5”’) on a second side, a third series of third nozzles (5”’) on a third side, a fourth series of fourth nozzles (5””) on a fourth side.

[0098] It will be evident to an expert in the sector that although the injection device (15) for viscous material (17) has been represented as a manually operated dispensing gun, the distribution device (10) can also be applied to automatic injection devices (15) such as for example injection devices (15) in which dispensing occurs by means of an electric or pneumatic actuation.

[0099] In some embodiments (Fig. 10, Fig. 14, Fig. 18), the body (3) comprises a collar (20) placed at the second end (12) in which the collar (20) protrudes externally with respect to the body (3) for limitation of a depth of penetration of the body (3) into the cavity (29) of the first piece (21 ) in such a way that in the inserted condition of the body (3) into the cavity (29) the collar

[0100] (20) is in abutment condition against a perimetrical edge of the cavity (29) of the first piece

[0101] (21 ). This allows, unlike the solutions of the prior art, to precisely define what the depth of the application zone of the viscous material (17) must be. Obviously, different solutions can be envisaged with bodies (3) longer or shorter than the position of the collar (20) to define different depths of penetration of the distribution device (10) into the cavity (29) depending on the application.

[0102] In some embodiments (Fig. 11 , Fig. 15, Fig. 19, Fig. 25, Fig. 30, Fig. 36, Fig. 40) the body (3) comprises on the side surface (8) one or more grooves (19, 19’, 19”) which develop perimetrically around the body (3) for uniform distribution of the material (17). Indeed, the grooves (19, 19’, 19”), during the operation of distribution of the material (17) can contribute to collecting any excess material (17) and then release it along the extraction path of the distribution device (10) from the cavity (29). It will be possible to provide solutions with only one groove (19), solutions with a first groove (19’) and a second groove (19”) spaced apart from each other, solutions with a greater number of grooves or even solutions (Fig. 40) in which one or more of the grooves (19, 19’, 19”) has a helical development around the body (3).

[0103] Although not strictly necessary, it will be possible to provide that the body (3) comprises holes (14) to lighten the weight and / or to save on the amount of material used to make the body (3), which in some cases is of disposable type, this solution also allowing for cost savings. In the case in which the collar (20) described above is present, for example, the holes (14) can be obtained in the collar fixing zone by creating arms (24) to connect the collar, obtaining a significant saving in material and cost.

[0104] In the case of viscous material (17) in the form of an adhesive, the use of the distribution device (10) can continue indefinitely provided that use is continuous in such a way as to prevent the adhesive from drying or hardening inside the channel (9) or the nozzles (5, 5’, 5”, 5”’, 5””). If use is interrupted and the material (17) cannot be effectively removed from the distribution device (10), for example by injecting cleaning air or injecting other nonadhesive material to clean the channel (9) and the nozzles (5, 5’, 5”’, 5””), then the distribution device (10) will have to be replaced with a new one for subsequent operations of applications of the viscous material (17) in the form of an adhesive. For this reason, the distribution device (10) is preferably made of a low-cost material, such as for example plastic material, so that it can be considered a disposable component. It will be evident that plastic materials suitable for subsequent recycling can be used or that the distribution device (10) be made of plastic material coming from a recycling chain. However, it is provided that in some embodiments (Fig. 21 , Fig. 22, Fig. 23, Fig. 24, Fig. 25, Fig. 26, Fig. 27, Fig. 28, Fig. 29, Fig. 30) the distribution device (10) can be made with a body (3) composed of two elements (1 , 2) of which a first element (1) can be used indefinitely and a second element (2) can be easily replaced in the event that the adhesive dries or hardens inside the channel (9) or the nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5"', 5""). This solution thus allows for savings as the first element (1) can be purchased only once and can thus also be made of a more resistant material such as for example a metallic material to prolong its useful life. Furthermore, such a solution also has a further advantage since, for example, it will be possible to provide a second element (2) of standard type and dimensions applicable to several first elements (1) having different dimensions, such as for example a first element (1) having smaller cross-sectional dimensions (Fig. 26) than the cross-sectional dimensions (Fig. 30) of another first element (1) suitable for a different application, leading to further economic benefits in relation to the number of elements to be supplied to cover different types of applications. Furthermore, such a solution also allows for an on-the-fly change in the sense that, for example, once the use of the second element (2) in combination with the first element (1) having smaller cross- sectional dimensions (Fig. 26) has finished, the second element (2) can be extracted from the first element (1) having smaller cross-sectional dimensions (Fig. 26) to be applied to the other first element (1) having larger cross-sectional dimensions (Fig. 30) and suitable for a different application. In this case, therefore, it is provided that the body (3) comprises a first element (1 ) and a second element (2) reciprocally coupled (Fig. 21 , Fig. 22, Fig. 27), the first element (1) comprising a housing (27) for insertion (Fig. 23, Fig. 24, Fig. 28, Fig. 29) of the second element (2) according to a configuration in which the first element (1) and the second element (2) are configurable between two conditions of which a first condition is an extracted condition (Fig. 21 , Fig. 22, Fig. 27) of the second element (2) and a second condition is an insertion condition (Fig. 25, Fig. 26, Fig. 30) of the second element (2) within the housing (27) of the first element (1), the second element (2) comprising the seat (4), the internal channel (9) which is in flow communication with the seat (4) and the nozzles (5, 5’, 5”, 5”’, 5””), the first element (1) being provided with at least one opening (23) passing through the side surface (8) of the body (3), the opening (23) being placed in such a position that in the insertion condition of the second element (2) into the housing (27) of the first element (1 ) the nozzles (5, 5’, 5”’, 5””, 5””) are in a condition of alignment with the opening (23) for the exit of the material (17).

[0105] Preferably, the first element (1) and the second element (2) comprise (Fig. 24, Fig. 28) a reciprocal coupling system (25, 26) for the insertion of the second element (2) into the housing (27) of the first element (1) in a guided condition to obtain the alignment condition between the nozzles (5, 5’, 5”, 5”’, 5””) and the opening (23). For example, by way of a nonlimiting example, the coupling system (25, 26) may comprise at least one guide (25) in the form of a recess and at least one corresponding protrusion (26), in which the guide (25) and the protrusion (26) develop longitudinally according to a reciprocally parallel direction. In the illustrative figures, the guide (25) is obtained on the second element (2) and the protrusion (26) is obtained on the first element (1 ), but it will be evident that an opposite solution can also be used indifferently, in which the guide (25) is obtained on the first element (1) and the protrusion (26) is obtained on the second element (2), this solution being equivalent. It will be evident to an expert in the sector that other reciprocal coupling systems can also be used, such as for example an interlock coupling by means of semi-spherical protrusions that couple with semi-spherical recesses, a wedge coupling, a coupling using a screw, etc.

[0106] In some embodiments (Fig. 27, Fig. 28, Fig. 30), the housing (27) comprises ribs (28) delimiting the housing (27) to lock in the insertion position the second element (2) into the housing (27) of the first element (1 ).

[0107] The present invention also relates (Fig. 31) to an injection device (15) for releasing a material (17) from a reservoir of the injection device (15) towards a dispenser (16) of the injection device (15), wherein the injection device (15) comprises a distribution device (10) as previously described. In some embodiments, the injection device (15) may be directly integrated at one end of the dispenser (16) thus creating a one-piece solution.

[0108] The present invention also relates (Fig. 31 , Fig. 32, Fig. 33, Fig. 34, Fig. 35, Fig. 36) to a method for the distribution of a viscous material (17) to be applied internally to a first piece (21) at an internal surface (32) of a cavity (29) for coupling with a second piece (22) by means of insertion of at least one portion of the second piece (22) into the cavity (29), wherein the method comprises a phase of insertion of a distribution device (10), a phase of injection of the viscous material (17) to be applied and a phase of coupling of the second piece (22) with the first piece (21) by means of insertion of at least one portion of the second piece (22) into the cavity (29) of the first piece (21), the distribution device (10) comprising a body (3) developing longitudinally along a longitudinal axis (6), wherein the body (3) is provided with a first end (11 ) and with a second end (12) opposite to the first end (11) with respect to the longitudinal development of the body (3), the first end (11) and the second end (12) being connected by a side surface (8) of the body (3), the body (3) comprising a seat (4) at the second end (12) for coupling with a dispenser (16) of the material (17), the body (3) comprising at least one internal channel (9) which is in flow communication with the seat (4) for the transfer of the material (17), the body (3) comprising exit holes which are in flow communication with the channel (9) for the exit of the material (17). To apply the method, a distribution device (10) is used as previously described and the distribution phase occurs after or during the insertion phase of the distribution device (10) into a cavity (31) between the internal surface (32) of the cavity (29) and the side surface (8) of the body (3), the distribution phase of the material (17) occurring by means of the viscous material (17) into the gap (31) and simultaneous progressive movement of extraction or insertion of the distribution device (10) with respect to the cavity (29) in such a way that the volume of the gap (31) corresponds to the volume of viscous material (17) to be applied.

[0109] In the case in which the distribution device (10) is made with a body (3) having a circular cross-sectional shape and comprises one or more series of said nozzles (5, 5’, 5”’, 5””) placed radially along the side surface (8) of the body (3), then the distribution phase of the material (17) occurs through the simultaneous progressive extraction or insertion of the distribution device (10) with respect to the cavity (29) with application (Fig. 33) of a reciprocal rotation between the first piece (21) and the distribution device (10) with respect to the longitudinal axis (6) of the body (3).

[0110] The description of the present invention has been made with reference to the attached figures in a preferred embodiment of the same, but it is evident that many possible alterations, modifications and variants will be immediately clear to those skilled in the art in the light of the description which precedes. Thus, it should be emphasized that the invention is not limited by the description which precedes, and includes all alterations, modifications and variants in accordance with the attached claims.

[0111] NOMENCLATURE USED

[0112] With reference to the identification numbers shown in the attached figures, the following nomenclature has been used: 1. First element

[0113] 2. Second element

[0114] 3. Body

[0115] 4. Seat

[0116] 5. Nozzles

[0117] 5’. First nozzles

[0118] 5”. Second nozzles

[0119] 5”’. Third nozzles

[0120] 5””. Fourth nozzles

[0121] 6. Longitudinal axis

[0122] 7. Nozzle axis

[0123] 8. Side surface

[0124] 9. Channel

[0125] 9’. First channel

[0126] 9”. Second channel

[0127] 10. Distribution device

[0128] 11. First end

[0129] 12. Second end

[0130] 13. Interfacing surface

[0131] 14. Hole

[0132] 15. Injection device

[0133] 16. Dispenser

[0134] 17. Application material or viscous material

[0135] 18. Flow direction

[0136] 19. Grooves

[0137] 19’ First groove

[0138] 19”. Second groove

[0139] 20. Collar 21. First piece

[0140] 22. Second piece

[0141] 23. Opening

[0142] 24. Arm 25. Guide

[0143] 26. Protrusion

[0144] 27. Housing

[0145] 28. Rib

[0146] 29. Cavity 30. Exit direction

[0147] 31. Gap

[0148] 32. Internal surface

[0149] A. Angle

Claims

23CLAIMS1. Distribution device (10) for distribution of a viscous material (17) to be applied internally to a first piece (21) at an internal surface (32) of a cavity (29) for coupling with a second piece (22) by means of insertion of at least one portion of the second piece (22) inside the cavity (29), the distribution device (10) comprising a body (3) longitudinally developing along a longitudinal axis (6), wherein the body (3) is provided with a first end (11) and with a second end (12) opposite to the first end (11) with respect to the longitudinal development of the body (3), the first end (11) and the second end (12) being connected by a side surface (8) of the body (3), the body (3) comprising a seat (4) at the second end (12) for coupling with a dispenser (16) of the material (17), the body (3) comprising at least one internal channel (9) which is in flow communication with the seat (4) for the transfer of the material (17), the body (3) comprising exit holes which are in flow communication with the channel (9) for the exit of the material (17), wherein the exit holes are nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5"', 5"") developing along a nozzle axis (7) which is an inclined axis by an angle (A) with respect to the longitudinal axis (6) in such a way that the nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5"', 5"") are placed on the side surface (8) of the body (3) for distribution of the viscous material according to a lateral exit direction (30) at the side surface (8) of the body (3) and inside a gap (31) between the internal surface (32) of the cavity (29) and the side surface (8) of the body (3) when the distribution device (10) is in a condition at least partially inserted inside the cavity (29), characterised in that the body (3) comprises a first element (1) and a second element (2) which are reciprocally couplable, the first element (1 ) comprising a housing (27) for the insertion of the second element (2) according to a configuration in which the first element (1) and the second element (2) are configurable between two conditions a first condition of which is an extracted condition of the second element (2) and a second condition of which is an insertion condition of the second element (2) inside the housing (27) of the first element (1 ), the second element (2) comprising the seat (4), the internal channel (9) which is in flow communication with the seat (4) and the nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5"', 5""), the first element (1 ) being provided with at least one through opening (23) through the side surface (8) of the body (3), the opening (23) being placed in a positionsuch that in the insertion condition of the second element (2) inside the housing (27) of the first element (1) the nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5"', 5"") are in alignment condition with the opening (23) for the exit of the material (17).

2. Distribution device (10) according to the previous claim, characterised in that the volume of the gap (31) corresponds to the volume of viscous material (17) to be applied.

3. Distribution device (10) according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the angle (A) of inclination of the nozzle axis (7) is between 20 degrees and 160 degrees.

4. Distribution device (10) according to the previous claim, characterised in that the angle (A) of inclination of the nozzle axis (7) is equal to 90 degrees.

5. Distribution device (10) according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises at least one series of said nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5"', 5"") in which the nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5"', 5"") of the series are placed one after the other along a direction corresponding to the direction of the longitudinal axis (6), the nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5"', 5"") of the series being connected to the same at least one internal channel (9) for the transfer of the material (17).

6. Distribution device (10) according to the previous claim, characterised in that the body (3) has a circular cross-sectional shape and it comprises one or more series of said nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5"', 5"") radially placed along the side surface (8) of the body (3).

7. Distribution device (10) according to claim 5, characterised in that the body (3) has a polygonal cross-sectional shape and it comprises one or more series of said nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5"', 5"") placed on different sides of the polygonal shape along the side surface (8) of the body (3).

8. Distribution device (10) according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the body (3) comprises a collar (20) placed at the second end (12) wherein the collar (20) protrudes eternally with respect to the body (3) for limitation of a depth of penetration of the body (3) inside the cavity (29) of the first piece (21 ) in such a way that in the inserted condition of the body (3) inside the cavity (29) the collar (20) is in abutment condition against a perimetrical edge of the cavity (29) of the first piece (21 ).

9. Distribution device (10) according to any of the previous claims, characterised in thatthe body (3) comprises on the side surface (8) one or more grooves (19, 19', 19") which peripherically develop around the body (3) for uniform distribution of the material (17).

10. Distribution device (10) according to the previous claim, characterised in that one or more of the grooves (19, 19', 19") has a helical development around the body (3).

11. Distribution device (10) according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the first element (1) and the second element (2) comprise a reciprocal coupling system (25, 26) for the insertion of the second element (2) inside the housing (27) of the first element (1 ) in a guided condition for obtainment of the alignment condition between the nozzles (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") and the opening (23).

12. Distribution device (10) according to the previous claim, characterised in that the coupling system (25, 26) comprises at least one guide (25) in the form of recess and at least one corresponding protrusion (26), wherein the guide (25) and the protrusion (26) develop longitudinally according to a reciprocally parallel direction.

13. Distribution device (10) according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the housing (27) comprises delimitation ribs (28) of the housing (27) for locking in the insertion position the second element (2) inside the housing (27) of the first element (1).

14. Injection device (15) for the release of a material (17) from a reservoir of the injection device (15) toward a dispenser (16) of the injection device (15), characterised in that it comprises a distribution device (10) according to any of the previous claims.

15. Method for the distribution of a viscous material (17) to be applied internally to a first piece (21) at an internal surface (32) of a cavity (29) for coupling with a second piece (22) by means of insertion of at least one portion of the second piece (22) inside the cavity (29), wherein the method comprises an insertion phase of a distribution device (10), an injection phase of the viscous material (17) to be applied and a coupling phase of the second piece (22) with the first piece (21 ) by means of insertion of at least one portion of the second piece (22) inside the cavity (29) of the first piece (21 ), the distribution device (10) comprising a body (3) longitudinally developing along a longitudinal axis (6), wherein the body (3) is provided with a first end (11) and with a second end (12) opposite to the first end (11) with respect to the longitudinaldevelopment of the body (3), the first end (11) and the second end (12) being connected by a side surface (8) of the body (3), the body (3) comprising a seat (4) at the second end (12) for coupling with a dispenser (16) of the material (17), the body (3) comprising at least one internal channel (9) which is in flow communication with the seat (4) for the transfer of the material (17), the body (3) comprising exit holes which are in flow communication with the channel (9) for the exit of the material (17), characterised in that the distribution device (10) is made according to any of the previous claims 1 to 13, the distribution phase occurring after or during the insertion phase of the distribution device (10) inside a gap (31) between the internal surface (32) of the cavity (29) and the side surface (8) of the body (3), the distribution phase of the material (17) occurring by means of injection of the viscous material (17) in the gap (31) and progressive contemporaneous movement of extraction or insertion of the distribution device (10) with respect to the cavity (29) in such a way that the volume of the gap (31) corresponds to the volume of viscous material (17) to be applied.

16. Method for the distribution of a viscous material (17) according to the previous claim, in which the distribution device (10) is made according to claim 6, characterised in that the distribution phase of the material (17) is made by means of progressive contemporaneous extraction or insertion of the distribution device (10) with respect to the cavity (29) with application of a reciprocal rotation between the first piece (21) and the distribution device (10) with respect to the longitudinal axis (6) of the body (3).

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