Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a coating agent (e.g. a blue varnish) to be applied to certain use cases, as shown in the left column "use case" in <FIG>. Such use cases comprise standard screws or screw-heads (use case <NUM>), unused bonding points (use case <NUM>) and studs e.g. at raceways (use case <NUM>).

Currently, the coating agent (such as paint or varnish) is applied via brushes onto the use cases mentioned above. In this regard, there already are very complex machines for applying a coating agent onto rivets, e.g. by means of pressurized air. The disadvantages of such a solution reside in the complexity (e.g. cleaning time and preparation time required), the inability to properly adjust the required amount of coating agent (which leads to excess coating agent dropping down) and a misfit for the operator's requirements for handling, since those machines tend to be quite heavy and require to be connected via air pressure cable (which increases the likelihood of accidents).

<CIT> describes an application brush which applies application materials to an annulus domain centering on the head of a bolt or a nut in an application object to which the bolt and the nut bound tight. A rotation shaft rotates the brush which is constituted by a plurality of hairs disposed around a cavity portion.

<CIT> relates to a sealant applying brush which includes a supporting section having a hole opened in a longitudinal direction and a ring shape on a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. A brush section having hairs is implanted in a surface of the ring shape. By supplying the brush with sealant, and eccentrically rotating the brush such that an inner circumference surface of the hole contacts a prominence of the surface of the workpiece, the sealant can be applied in a circular area around the prominence.

<CIT> discloses a cleaning or application apparatus which comprises a first apparatus with a base and a plurality of stems, each stem having a first end retained by the base and a second end opposite the first end. Each stem is movable between a withdrawn position and an extended position with respect to the base, such that the second end projects from the base when the stem is in the extended position. Flexible tips are attached respectively to the second ends of the stems. A second apparatus includes a storage vessel, a cup dimensioned to receive the flexible tips of the first apparatus, and a dispensing mechanism linking the storage vessel to the cup.

Accordingly, there is a need for an implementation of a scheme that avoids one or more of the problems discussed above, or other related problems.

The present invention relates to an applicator according to claim <NUM>, an applicator according to claim <NUM> and an applicator according to claim <NUM>.

The present invention aims at the following targets:.

In addition, the present invention enables the following advantages:.

There is provided an applicator for punctually applying a coating agent to a surface having one protrusion, the applicator comprising an elongated portion having a finger-gripping portion on the proximal end and a fibre-bundle reception portion on the distal end, the fibre-bundle reception portion having: a plate shape having a proximal face and a distal face, the proximal and distal faces being substantially parallel to one another and enclosing a predetermined angle with a longitudinal axis of the elongated portion; and a plurality of through holes extending between the proximal face and the distal face; and a plurality of sub-applicators inserted one-by-one through a respective one of the plurality of through holes, wherein each sub-applicator respectively has: a plurality of grouped fibers so as to receive the coating agent, the plurality of grouped fibers protruding from the distal face, and a sleeve configured to fix the plurality of grouped fibers, the sleeve protruding from the proximal face. In this way, the above-described advantages can be obtained.

The finger-gripping portion may be dimensioned such that a full <NUM>° rotation about the longitudinal axis is enabled in one single turn. In addition or alternatively, the sleeve of each sub-applicator may comprise plural holes so as to enable forced venting. In this way, easy handling may be augmented. Moreover, the elongated portion and the fibre-bundle reception portion may consist of a plastic material. If so, the elongated portion and the fibre-bundle reception portion may be one integral body formed by an injection moulding process. In this way, easy manufacture may be attained. Further, the coating agent may be one of paint and varnish. In addition, the varnish (e.g. a blue varnish) may be a corrosion protective coating. Further, the colour of the varnish may be a signal colour (such as blue or red) in order to allow easy visual confirmation where the varnish has been already applied.

In one embodiment the surface has one protrusion and the plurality of sub-applicators comprise a central sub-applicator arranged to protrude to the distal end coinciding with the longitudinal axis, wherein the sleeve of the central sub-applicator which protudes into the elongated portion or the sleeve of the central sub-applicator is an integral part of the elongated portion. If so, the sub-applicators different from the central sub-applicator may be arranged on an imaginary circle having its centre point directly on the longitudinal axis. Moreover, the predetermined angle is greater than <NUM>°. Further, the protrusion may be one of the following protruding from the surface: a screw-head, a rivet, a nut, and a bolt. In this way, the special requirements of the above-depicted use case <NUM> can be met. In addition, the applicator comprises a hollow conical-shaped member attached to the fibre-bundle reception portion, the hollow conical-shaped member enclosing the plurality of grouped fibers. In this way, dropping of excess coating agent may be avoided and the painting diameter may be restricted exactly to the protrusion to be painted.

In another embodiment the surface has one hole and the applicator further comprises a centred stopper arranged to protrude to the distal end of the applicator and to coincide with the longitudinal axis, wherein the centred stopper is fixed to the elongated portion and protrudes therefrom or the centred stopper is an integral protrusion of the elongated portion. In that case, the centred stopper may further comprise a tapered portion at its outermost distal end, wherein the tapered portion may gradually reduce its diameter in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end. Further, the predetermined angle may be substantially equal to <NUM>°. Still further, the hole may be an unused bonding point. Finally, each of the sub-applicators may be skewed in relation to the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion. In this way, the applicator is tailored for the special case of painting the surroundings of a hole, such as an unused bonding point.

In another embodiment the surface has one protrusion and the elongated portion further comprises a centred sleeve arranged to be recessed into the elongated portion along the longitudinal axis, wherein the centred sleeve has a cylindrical form and extends from the distal face into the material of the elongated portion. The centred sleeve comprises, at its proximal end, a stopper constituted by the material of the elongated portion. Moreover, the predetermined angle may be substantially equal to <NUM>°. Still further, the protrusion may be one of the following protruding from the surface: a stud and a thread of a screw. Finally, each of the sub-applicators may be skewed in relation to the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion. In this way, the applicator is tailored for the special case of painting the surroundings of a protrusion, such as stud or screw thread.

The embodiments of the technique presented herein are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the technique presented herein. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present technique may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the services, functions and steps explained herein may be implemented using software functioning in conjunction with a programmed microprocessor, or using an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) or general purpose computer. It will also be appreciated that while the following embodiments are described in the context of methods and devices, the technique presented herein may also be embodied in a computer program product as well as in a system comprising a computer processor and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory is encoded with one or more programs that execute the services, functions and steps disclosed herein. This applies especially to the aspect of an automated injection moulding process for manufacturing the applicator of the present disclosure.

<FIG> shows a schematic drawing of a generic example arrangement of the apparatus according to the present disclosure, wherein <FIG> shows the generic example arrangement of the apparatus according to the present disclosure in the assembled state.

As is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an applicator <NUM> for punctually applying a coating agent to a surface is provided. The surface has one protrusion or one hole. The applicator <NUM> comprises an elongated portion <NUM> having a finger-gripping portion <NUM> on the proximal end and a fibre-bundle reception portion <NUM> on the distal end.

Here, the elongated portion <NUM> is shown to be substantially rod-shaped. However, this does not rule out that the elongated portions may have other cross-sections, such as cross-shaped (see e.g. <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>), e.g. for increasing structural stability/rigidity of the applicator as a whole. Likewise, the finger-gripping portion <NUM> is depicted as a series of cylindrical rings, but also other arrangements are possible, such as a single body having a nubby surface.

In turn, the fibre-bundle reception portion <NUM> has a plate-shape having a proximal face 112pf and a distal face 112df. The proximal and distal faces are substantially parallel to one another and enclose a predetermined angle β with a longitudinal axis L of the elongated portion <NUM>. Note that the parallelism and the angle of the proximal and distal faces also allow for a portion-wise definition, such as two portions shown in <FIG>.

The fibre-bundle reception portion <NUM> further comprises a plurality of through holes 112a, 112b, 112c extending between the proximal face 112pf and the distal face 112df. Here, it is not excluded that the through-holes further continue e.g. as guide sheaths on the proximal face 112pf (see e.g. <FIG>).

The applicator <NUM> further comprises a plurality of sub-applicators 12a, 12b, 12c which are inserted (in the assembled state shown in Fig. 2B) one-by-one through a respective one of the plurality of through holes 112a, 112b, 112c.

Each sub-applicator 12a, 12b, 12c respectively has a plurality of grouped fibers 12af, 12bf, 12cf (e.g. brushes) so as to receive the coating agent, the plurality of grouped fibers protruding from the distal face 112df, and a sleeve 12as, 12bs, 12cs configured to fix the plurality of grouped fibers, the sleeve protruding from the proximal face 112pf. The manner of fixing the grouped fibers in the sleeve is not particularly restricted; for instance, the sleeve may be clamped in order to affix the grouped fibers (see e.g. <FIG>).

Still further, the finger-gripping portion may be dimensioned such that a full <NUM>° rotation about the longitudinal axis L is enabled in one single turn (e.g. by a pair of fingers in which the applicator is hold, e.g. index finger and thumb). In addition, the sleeve of each sub-applicator may comprise plural holes so as to enable forced venting (as to improve the ability to absorb coating agent, such as paint or varnish).

Still further, the elongated portion <NUM> and the fibre-bundle reception portion <NUM> may consist of a plastic material, and in particular, they may be one integral body formed by an injection moulding process. In this way, the applicator is manufactured most easily and is also fit for mass-production. The insertion of the sub-applicators 12a, 12b, 12c may be performed manually or in an automated fashion as well.

<FIG> shows an overview of the apparatus 10a according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure related to the first use case, while <FIG> shows a schematic drawing of the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

As noted above, the surface may have one protrusion (e.g. a screw-head, a rivet, a nut or a bolt). Further, the plurality of sub-applicators may further comprise a central sub-applicator 12d arranged to protrude to the distal end coinciding with the longitudinal axis L, wherein the sleeve of the central sub-applicator protrudes into the elongated portion or the sleeve of the central sub-applicator is an integral part of the elongated portion. In this case, the sub-applicators different from the central sub-applicator may be arranged on an imaginary circle having its centre point directly on the longitudinal axis; which may allow for a smooth painting especially of screw-heads and nuts having multiple surfaces.

Still further, the predetermined angle β is greater than <NUM>°. In this way, the focus on one point for applying the coating agent is further increased.

In addition, the applicator 10a comprises a hollow conical-shaped member <NUM> attached to the fibre-bundle reception portion <NUM>, the hollow conical-shaped member <NUM> enclosing the plurality of grouped fibers 12af, 12bf, 12cf. Also this measure allows for increasing focus on one point for applying the coating agent.

<FIG> shows an overview of the apparatus 10b according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure related to the second use case, while <FIG> shows a schematic drawing of the apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Here, the surface has one hole (e.g. an unused bonding point). Further, the applicator comprises a centred stopper <NUM> arranged to protrude to the distal end of the applicator and to coincide with the longitudinal axis L, wherein the centred stopper is fixed to the elongated portion and protrudes therefrom or the centred stopper is an integral protrusion of the elongated portion. Further, the centred stopper <NUM> may further comprise a tapered portion 114t at its outermost distal end, wherein the tapered portion gradually reduces its diameter in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end. In this way, guided motion is further secured and to immersion of the tool too deep into the hole is avoided.

In addition, the predetermined angle may be substantially equal to <NUM>°. Moreover, each of the sub-applicators may be skewed in relation to the longitudinal axis L of the elongated portion. In this way, the application angle (not to be mistaken with the predetermined angle β) for applying the coating agent is made smaller than <NUM>° so as to improve applicability of the coating agent.

<FIG> shows an overview of the apparatus 10c according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure related to the third use case, while <FIG> shows a schematic drawing of the apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure in a symmetric arrangement. <FIG> further shows a schematic drawing of the apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure in a non-symmetric arrangement.

Also here, the surface has one protrusion (e.g. a stud or a thread of a screw).

Further, the elongated portion <NUM> comprises a centred sleeve <NUM> arranged to be recessed into the elongated portion along the longitudinal axis L, wherein the centred sleeve has a cylindrical form and extends from the distal face into the material of the elongated portion. Note that the sleeve <NUM> is most easily and efficiently formed also during the above-mentioned injection moulding process; however, this does not rule out that the sleeve may also be provided e.g. by cutting, drilling or the like.

In this regard, the centred sleeve <NUM> comprises, at its proximal end, a stopper <NUM> constituted by the material of the elongated portion. Also here, guided motion is secured and immersion of the applicator too deep or too far from the stripped surface is avoided.

Moreover, the predetermined angle may be substantially equal to <NUM>°. Finally, as noted above, each of the sub-applicators may be skewed in relation to the longitudinal axis L of the elongated portion, so that the application angle for the coating agent is improved.

<FIG> shows a method which also reflects the interaction between the components of the device embodiment. The following simple method is enabled:.

In addition to the advantages stated above, the present disclosure enables the following advantages:.

Claim 1:
An applicator (<NUM>, 10a, 10b, 10c) for punctually applying a coating agent to a surface having one protrusion, the applicator comprising:
an elongated portion (<NUM>) having a finger-gripping portion (<NUM>) on the proximal end and a fibre-bundle reception portion (<NUM>) on the distal end,
the fibre-bundle reception portion having:
- a plate shape having a proximal face (112pf) and a distal face (112df), the proximal and distal faces being substantially parallel to one another and enclosing a predetermined angle (β) with a longitudinal axis (L) of the elongated portion; and
- a plurality of through holes (112a, 112b, 112c) extending between the proximal face and the distal face;
a plurality of sub-applicators (12a, 12b, 12c) inserted one-by-one through a respective one of the plurality of through holes, wherein each sub-applicator respectively has:
- a plurality of grouped fibers (12af, 12bf, 12cf) so as to receive the coating agent, the plurality of grouped fibers protruding from the distal face; and
- a sleeve (12as, 12bs, 12cs) configured to fix the plurality of grouped fibers, the sleeve protruding from the proximal face; and
a hollow conical-shaped member (<NUM>) attached to the fibre-bundle reception portion (<NUM>), the hollow conical-shaped member (<NUM>) enclosing the plurality of grouped fibers (12af, 12bf, 12cf),
wherein the plurality of sub-applicators further comprises a central sub-applicator (12d) arranged to protrude to the distal end coinciding with the longitudinal axis (L), wherein the sleeve of the central sub-applicator which protrudes into the elongated portion or the sleeve of the central sub-applicator is an integral part of the elongated portion, and
wherein the predetermined angle is greater than <NUM>°.