DE102017128958A1 - Method and setting tool for inserting a piston into a container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for inserting a piston (6) into a container (25), in particular a container (25) of a discharge cartridge. First, the insertion of a piston (6), which is provided at its outer periphery with at least one elastically deformable seal (17), in a setting tool (1), wherein the at least one seal (17) of the piston (6) in the setting tool ( 1) is elastically deformed radially inwardly. Furthermore, the setting tool (1) with the piston (6) received therein is introduced into the container (25), whereby air can escape from the container through at least one vent opening (11), and finally piston (6) within the container (25 ) ejected from the setting tool (1), so that the at least one seal (17) of the piston (6) for expanding against the inside (26) of the container (25) can expand elastically radially.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for inserting a piston into a container, in particular a container of a discharge cartridge, as well as a suitable setting tool.

For storage and transport of materials or mixtures, eg. For dental materials, adhesives and building materials, containers and cartridges are often used, in which the materials are filled and kept closed by a flask. Such cartridges can also be used to discharge the materials. For this purpose, the piston is displaced in the container or the cartridge in the discharge and the material exits from an outlet opposite the piston and can be used directly (one-component system) or mixed with a second component from a second container (two-component system).

Since many materials tend to react with the air remaining after filling the cartridge and inserting the piston in the cartridge, it is endeavored to allow the air to escape as completely as possible from the container. Any air remaining in the container between the piston and the material in the cartridge is also considered to be disadvantageous because the air forms a compressible pad that degrades the accuracy of dosing in discharging the material from the cartridge.

The pistons used must be movably received in the container and close the materials in the container tightly from the environment. For example, pistons are used which have elastic or viscoelastic elements, which have prestressed elements for sealing, wherein the discharge pressure does not exceed the prestressing force, so that leakage during discharge does not occur. The disadvantage is that even with the slow discharge of the components, a high friction occurs. As a result, in particular when the cartridge is manually actuated, the force required for discharging becomes so high that precise metering of the discharged quantity is made more difficult. Usually, therefore, sealing lips and / or elastomeric rings are provided and mounted so that in rest position of the piston only a small contact pressure to the inner wall, but a displacement of the piston on the component mass, and thereby resulting pressure, increases the contact pressure of the seal on the wall. This is usually achieved by the seal projecting laterally from the piston and in the discharge direction. Such pistons will not leak even at very high pressures. Such an arrangement typically fails only when the container is heavily inflated or bursting.

For a substantially air-free insertion of the airtight piston and associated filling of the mass, there are several possibilities.

For example, the piston may first be inserted into the container and advanced to the outlet. Then the material is pressed in through the outlet, pushing the piston away from it. In this method, typically the insertion of the piston and the filling of the material is carried out in a vacuum, otherwise the air in front of the piston is trapped between the material and the piston. For cartridges whose outlet is sealed and which are only opened by the user, a filling of the mass through the outlet is of course not possible, so that the described method for filling the mass excreted for such cartridges.

In another method, the material is first filled into the container and then evacuated the air space in the cylinder and the space behind it to the provided piston. Thereafter, the piston is advanced to the material. As soon as the piston reaches the rear end of the container, it seals. However, with less good vacuum, air between the material and the piston in the container is compressed and remains in the cartridge. The air can only be reduced to an acceptable minimum if the material fills the container so completely that the piston directly touches the material. However, variations in level can cause mass to get on the back of the piston and contaminate the cartridge.

Alternatively, the vacuum is improved in a technically complicated manner such that the compressed air can be neglected. However, a high vacuum can lead to outgassing of contents of the contents and thus blistering in the materials, so that the insertion of the piston creates a negative pressure in the container, which favors the diffusion of ambient air during storage and thus deteriorates the storage stability. In addition, the described outgassing can destabilize the materials, for example, by removing oxygen, which increases the storage stability, especially in polymerizable components. In any case, insertion of the piston and filling of the materials in vacuum are usually associated with a high load on the materials. Furthermore, working in a vacuum is technically complicated and time-consuming, thereby significantly increasing the production costs.

Due to the described problem and the ease of implementation is therefore often worked without vacuum. For this purpose, the material is first filled into the container. In order to insert the piston from the side facing away from the outlet into the container, it is necessary to let the air escape in the container, since this is otherwise trapped, which is to be avoided. For this purpose, it is possible to use pistons whose seals leak under pressure and therefore allow the air to escape when being pushed in. Of course, these pistons can not provide adequate sealing under increased discharge pressure and are unsuitable for longer storage times and air-sensitive materials. Due to the low cost of such pistons are still quite used in very cheap mass products such as one-component grouts and assembly adhesives.

Alternatively, a vent may be provided in the piston itself. Such a piston with vent is, for example, in the WO 2012/055921 A1 disclosed. Although such pistons are sufficiently tight and allow virtually complete venting, however, their construction is quite complex, resulting in relatively high production costs.

Another common solution for the escape of air when inserting the piston is to clamp a wire or a thin tube between the seal of the piston and the inner wall of the container. Due to the resulting leak, however, the air can only escape at certain points during advancement of the piston to the material. If filling material reaches this point, further venting is no longer possible. In most cases, air will be left behind.

After bleeding, the wire or pipe is pulled out. However, while the seal is claimed so that no sufficient seal after pulling out the wire or tube is achieved. Pistons used in this manner are therefore provided with additional seals, for example a rubber ring, which, however, is relatively expensive and generates high friction, which makes it difficult for the user to discharge the materials. Furthermore, the wire or the tube often leaves damage to the inner wall of the container, which leads to a leak and therefore lower storage stability.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and a setting tool for the air-free insertion of a piston, which allow escape of air during insertion and also prevent damage to the container and / or the piston.

This object is achieved by a method according to the invention of claim 1 and a setting tool according to the invention according to claim 12 and is applicable to all known pistons.

The inventive method for inserting a piston into a container, in particular a container of a discharge cartridge, comprises inserting a piston, which is provided on its outer periphery with at least one, in particular elastic or viscoelastic, deformable seal, in a setting tool, in particular as described below , In the setting tool, the at least one seal of the piston, in particular elastically or viscoelastically, is deformed inwards, as a result of which in particular the radial diameter of the seal or of the piston is reduced. In other words, the outer contour of the piston defined by the at least partially defined by the, in particular elastic or viscoelastic, deformable seal is reduced radially. The setting tool is introduced into the container with the piston received therein, whereby air can escape or escape from the container through at least one vent opening. Finally, the piston within the container is ejected from the setting tool, so that the at least one seal of the piston can expand radially to bear against the inside of the container, in particular elastically or viscoelastically.

The inventive method allows an air-free insertion of the piston, so that the disadvantages described above do not occur. The inventive method for the piston is so gentle that no injury or permanent deformation of the seal occurs and therefore a high storage stability of the filled materials and a good seal against the environment is achieved. In particular, the piston is not deformed unevenly at any point. Likewise, the container in which the piston is used, at no point damaged or unevenly loaded, so that there are no leaks. The method according to the invention also makes it possible to use pistons produced in a simpler manner, for example without an additional elastomer ring, without impairing the seal. Accordingly, a significant cost and assembly time reduction can be achieved in the manufacture and the insertion of the pistons, whereby the production costs are reduced.

Another advantage of the method is that the piston is not ejected and placed in the container until the air has already been removed through the at least one vent opening. Therefore, it is not necessary to guide the air past the placed piston. Therefore, the seal of the piston and the piston itself only the fulfill their intended function, in which the seal and especially not the venting is in the foreground. The expansion of the gasket, which takes place only in the desired position within the container, seals the interior of the container from the environment. Therefore, it is provided according to the invention that the seal of the piston in the setting tool, in particular elastically or viscoelastically, is deformed radially inward, which can be achieved in particular by inserting the piston into the setting tool.

A preferred in the process piston has a, in particular cylindrical base body, which comprises a front wall in the discharge direction and one of the front wall opposite, in the discharge, back wall. Both the front and back walls may contain pits and elevations. For the purposes of the application, the dispensing direction is that direction in which material located in the container can be removed from it, for which purpose the piston is displaced in the dispensing direction. In the method according to the invention, the piston is preferably introduced into a container such that the front wall in the dispensing direction and the rear wall are arranged counter to the dispensing direction. For pistons which have an internal mirror plane to this extent and whose front wall is therefore not different from the back wall, the direction in which the piston is inserted into the container, irrelevant.

It is preferred if the seal of the piston comprises a sealing lip in the front direction and a sealing direction in the rear sealing lip, wherein the sealing lips project in the radial direction of the side wall. Particularly preferably, the at least two sealing lips from the unloaded state, in particular when the piston is not mounted in a container, radially projecting from the side wall alignment, in particular elastic or viscoelastic, pivotable in the direction of the front wall, wherein the front sealing lip of the front wall pivoted position, in particular elastic or viscoelastic, is pivotable in the direction of the rear wall. It is preferred if the pivoted position is reached when the piston is mounted in a container.

As an alternative, it is possible to provide only one sealing lip which protrudes in the radial direction from the side wall and from this unloaded state, in particular in which the piston is not mounted in the container, in particular elastically or viscoelastically, is pivotable in the direction of the front wall.

Air-free in the context of the present application is any insertion of a piston into a container in which the volume of air in the container interior sealed off by the piston is below 2%, preferably 1%, more preferably 0.5% and most preferably 0.2%. the volume of the sealed container interior is. This corresponds to a complete escape of the air. The container interior extends from the front, directed in the discharge wall of the piston to the outlet of the container.

The vent opening is formed in the simplest case by a circumferential gap between setting tool and container, which is achieved in that the outer and the inner contour of the setting tool and the container are matched to each other. For a cylindrical basic structure of setting tool and container, therefore, the inner diameter of the container is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the setting tool, so that the setting tool is inserted into the container as described above. Since air is a very low-viscosity medium, roughness and unevenness on the surface of the container and of the setting tool, which are produced as a result of production, are sufficient to form a ventilation opening, so that venting is possible in any case. Excluded are only cases in which insertion of the setting tool is connected to the container with a widening of the container, as could be done by the deformation of the container, a seal between setting tool and container.

In a preferred embodiment, the piston is inserted into the setting tool by means of a separate deformation funnel, which may also consist of several parts (e.g., two jaws). The deformation funnel deforms the at least one seal of the piston, in particular elastically or viscoelastically, radially inwards. This deformation takes place when the piston is pushed into the deformation funnel and is correspondingly achieved by an axial force on the piston in the insertion direction and a radial force resulting from the shape of the deformation funnel. The deformation funnel facilitates insertion of the piston into the setting tool, which speeds up and simplifies the process as a whole.

It is particularly preferred if the piston in a state in which the at least one seal of the piston, in particular elastically or viscoelastically, is deformed radially inwardly, is transferred from the deformation funnel into the setting tool. In other words, when inserting the piston into the deformation funnel, in particular elastically or viscoelastically, the at least one seal is deformed radially inwards and also remains in this position and deformation during the transfer into the setting tool. This is an excessive, especially elastic or viscoelastic, avoiding stress on the seal. Even sensitive elastomer seals are thus not hurt by sharp edges, especially on the setting tool.

In continuation of this idea, it is preferred if the deformation funnel is removed from the setting tool after transferring the piston into the setting tool. This ensures that the deformation funnel can not complicate the handling and insertion of the setting tool in the container. Nevertheless, the piston is still simply inserted into the deformation funnel and transferred into the setting tool, so that the advantages described above are retained.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one seal of the piston before insertion into the setting tool by means of the deformation funnel such, in particular elastic or viscoelastic, deformed radially inwardly, that a sealing lip is folded in a direction that the insertion direction of the setting tool in the container corresponds. The thus folded over the sealing lip projects in the direction of the insertion of the setting tool of the piston and is thus arranged in the discharge of the container. In other words, the seal is deformed so that when discharging the contact pressure of the seal to the container inner wall increases. An advantage of the method according to the invention is that the seal of the piston does not have to be set in such a position in the production process of the piston, but is brought into the corresponding position when inserted into the setting tool. As a result, the piston used can be made cheaper.

In a preferred variant, the deformation funnel is designed in several parts, in particular in two parts, and thus has a plurality of parts, for example jaws, which together form the deformation funnel. In a preferred embodiment, the deformation funnel is divided along the opening for insertion of a piston so that two separable parts are obtained. If the parts of the deformation funnel are removed from each other, the radial cross section of the opening increases, so that the deformation funnel can be mounted very easily, in particular from the side, on the setting tool. Thereafter, the piston is pushed into the setting tool in one go through the deformation hopper mounted on the setting tool. This makes it possible to leave the foremost one, or the front sealing lips of the seal of the piston undeformed, while one or more rear sealing lips in the setting tool are elastically deformed inwardly by the piston only partially in the setting tool and then the deformation funnel is removed sideways. This approach spares these sealing lips, which are then deformed when inserted into the container through the container to the rear, ie opposite to the dispensing direction.

Such protruding over the piston seat of the setting tool sealing lips would first bent when removing a one-piece Verformungstrichters from the setting tool forward and then during assembly in the container to the rear. As a result, the material would be extremely stressed, which can be avoided by a multi-part deformation funnel. In addition, when using a multi-part deformation funnel front non-elastic support rings with a diameter up to the inner diameter of the container possible, the support rings protrude beyond the smaller inner diameter of the piston seat of the setting tool.

Preferably, for ejecting the piston from the setting tool within the container, the piston is held in the axial direction relative to the container and at the same time the setting tool is removed from the container in the axial direction. By holding the piston relative to the container in the context of the present application, any embodiment is understood in which the movement of the piston relative to the container over a distance of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, most preferably less than 0 , 1 mm limited. Thus, the piston can be placed directly on the filled material and held there while the setting tool is withdrawn axially.

In continuation of this idea, it is preferred that the piston for ejection within the container by means of an ejector plunger in the axial direction is held relative to the container. As a result, an easily carried out and easily automatable movement sequence can be achieved, in which the setting tool is removed from the container in the axial direction and therefore moves in the axial direction relative to the ejector ram.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container is filled prior to insertion of the setting tool with a, in particular liquid or pasty, material, wherein the setting tool is inserted so far into the container that the piston touches the liquid or pasty material. As a result, the volume of air between the material and the piston is kept as low as possible and the piston is precisely positioned. In particular, it is provided that, after the complete escape of the air through the at least one venting channel, further advancement of the piston towards the material leads to the material penetrating into the at least one venting opening and thus to the latter closes. The material contained in the at least one vent opening may be removed from the setting tool after ejecting the plunger and removing the setting tool from the container, whereby the setting tool is available for re-insertion of another piston.

In continuation of this idea, it is provided that the reaching of a position of the piston in the container and / or the escape of air from the container is monitored, and that the ejection of the piston from the setting tool takes place only when reaching a position of the piston in the container in which the piston contacts the material and / or the complete escape of air from the container is detected. The monitoring of the position can be effected, for example, contactlessly by means of a magnetizable element provided in the piston and application of an external magnetic field, or by means of an electromagnetic radiation known per se. Another variant provides pressure sensors, which detect an increase in the force applied to advancing the setting tool, as soon as the piston touches the liquid or pasty material and thereby determine the position of the piston. It is advantageous in this embodiment that the insertion of the piston can be automated and monitored, which lowers the cost of production. It is also possible to combine several of the variants described above.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the setting tool is rotated relative to the container prior to ejection of the piston from the setting tool and / or moved in a direction deviating from the axial direction. This facilitates the escape of air, since any roughness on the surface of the container inside can be exploited as supporting vents.

The invention further relates to a setting tool having the features of claim 12. An inventive setting tool for inserting a piston, which has an outer contour defined at least in regions by a, in particular elastic or viscoelastic, deformable seal, into a container having an inner contour, in particular one Container of a discharge cartridge, comprising an insertable into the container insertion portion with an adapted to the inner contour of the container outer contour. In other words, the setting tool can be inserted into the container, since the outer or the inner contour of the setting tool and the container are matched to one another. For this purpose, it is regularly sufficient if the same basic shape, for example cylindrical, are selected for the container and the setting tool and the outer diameter of the setting tool is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the container. Within the insertion section, at least one piston receptacle provided on one side with an opening for inserting and ejecting the piston is provided according to the invention.

The piston receptacle has an inner contour adapted to the outer contour of the piston. It is not necessary that the outer contour of the piston and the outer diameter are smaller or equal to the inner contour and the inner diameter of the piston receiving are configured. Rather, it may be provided that the piston is inserted under a, in particular elastic or viscoelastic, deformation in the piston seat and is thereby compressed in this. This is particularly the case when the piston has a peripheral seal which is deformed radially inwardly in the setting tool, but in an undeformed state protrudes beyond the inner contour of the setting tool.

Finally, the setting tool has a device for generating an axial relative movement between the insertion section and a piston received in the piston receptacle. This allows ejection of the piston within a container.

An inventive setting tool is preferably used in a method described above for inserting a piston. Therefore, the invention preferably also relates to the use of a setting tool according to the invention in a method described above for inserting a piston into a container.

The device for generating an axial relative movement is in the simplest case an ejector plunger, which can eject the piston from the piston receptacle through the insertion section. However, since the piston is placed in a preferred variant on a liquid or pasty material present in the container, it is preferred if the ejector ram holds the piston axially to the container and thus to the material while the insert portion is withdrawn from the container. This movement is facilitated in particular by the fact that, in the case of a manual actuation on the ejector ram and / or on the insertion section, handholds are provided. In the case of automatic actuation, the necessary forces can be transmitted to the ejector in a manner known in the art and per se.

Alternatively, at the Einsetzabschnitt itself means for generating a axial relative movement between the insertion and the piston are provided. For example, it is possible to slide the insertion portion and / or the walls of the piston seat in the axial direction against the insertion direction of the setting tool in the container, and to prevent a movement of the piston by a stop on the setting tool or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the piston seat of the setting tool has a wall thickness of 0.02 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm, in particular 0.15 mm ± 0.05 mm. In particular, the wall thickness is to be selected depending on the material used for the production of the setting tool. With a high stiffness material, such as steel, aluminum, titanium and / or fiber reinforced composites, reduced wall thicknesses can be achieved without distortion of the setting tool when used in a method as described above. At the same time, with small wall thicknesses, in particular in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm, it is advantageous that the piston or its seal is not unnecessarily deformed during insertion into or within the setting tool.

Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred if the wall thickness is selected relative to the inner and outer diameter of the piston receptacle. This allows for the fact that larger setting tools regularly require higher wall thicknesses in order to provide the stability required for the application of the setting tools. In particular, it is therefore preferred if the ratio of the inner diameter to the outer diameter of the piston receptacle 95% to 99.9%, preferably 97% to 99.5%, particularly preferably 99% ± 0.5%. Within these ratios, a balance between the lowest possible wall thickness and the highest possible rigidity of the setting tool is obtained.

It is further preferred that the piston receptacle is limited on the opposite side of the opening in the axial direction by a stop. This stop prevents insertion of the piston in the setting tool beyond the piston seat addition. Therefore, it is particularly preferred if the axial length of the limited by the stopper piston seat is adapted to the axial extent of the piston, so that the piston does not protrude further than necessary in the setting tool. The setting tool can be made more compact.

It is alternatively possible to design the piston receptacle in the axial direction shorter than the axial extent of the piston. In this case, the piston can not be completely absorbed by the piston receptacle, so that a sealing direction in the front sealing lip of the seal of the piston is not deformed in the setting tool, while a rear in the discharge direction sealing lip is deformed in the piston seat of the setting tool.

In a preferred embodiment of the setting tool, the outer contour of the insertion section is adapted to the inner contour of the container such that a vent opening is formed between the outer contour of the insertion section and the inner contour of the container. This embodiment is the simplest variant of a vent opening, which is designed in this way around the insertion section circumferentially. Since only low-viscosity air to be passed through the vent, it is usually sufficient if the setting tool is inserted into the container so that the inner diameter of the container is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the insertion of the setting tool. In this case, the at least one vent opening is formed by roughness and unevenness on the inner contour of the container and / or the outer contour of the setting tool.

In other words, it is sufficient according to the invention that the insertion portion is insertable into the container, whereby at least one vent opening is already formed. Further, but more complex designs due to design, can provide recesses on the outer contour of the insertion, which extend in the axial direction along the Einsetzabschnitts and lead the air from the container. It is further preferred in this context if the setting tool does not produce a widening thereof upon insertion of the insertion section into the container, as this can lead to a deformation of the inner contour of the container and / or the outer contour of the insertion section, resulting in a seal between the container and the insertion section and a vent through the at least one vent opening is difficult.

In a further preferred variant, the setting tool additionally has a deformation funnel which can be moved relative to the insertion section and has a conically tapering opening. In this case, the inner diameter of the deformation funnel is smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the inner contour of the piston receptacle. The tapered opening of the deformation funnel facilitates insertion of the piston into the deformation funnel. It is also ensured that the deformation of the seal of the piston takes place uniformly over the entire circumference. By this vote of the inner diameter of the deformation funnel, in particular the smallest inner diameter of the deformation funnel, to the inner diameter the piston retainer, it is ensured that the piston can be easily transferred from the deformation funnel into the piston receptacle. Furthermore, damage to the seal of the piston during the transition from the deformation funnel is avoided in the piston seat.

In a further development of the deformation funnel, it is preferably provided that the deformation funnel has a stop which is supported behind the piston receptacle, in particular on the thick-walled part, of the setting tool. This can be avoided that high axial forces are transmitted to the thin-walled and therefore knife-like sharp front edge of the piston seat when pushing the piston. This considerably increases the stability of the setting tool. The radial width of the stop preferably corresponds to the wall thickness of the piston receptacle. As a result, the deformation funnel can be easily placed on the piston seat and held axially in one direction.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments and with reference to the drawings. All described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination form the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their combination in the claims or their relationships.

• 1 einen Längsschnitt eines erfindungsgemäßen Setzwerkzeugs und eines darin einsetzbaren Kolbens,
• 2 eine Explosionszeichnung des in 1 gezeigten Setzwerkzeugs,
• 3 einen Längsschnitt eines Verformungstrichters zusammen mit einem Längsschnitt eines darin einsetzbaren Kolbens,
• 4 einen Längsschnitt des Setzwerkzeugs nach 1 mit einem Verformungstrichter nach 3 und darin aufgenommenem Kolben nach 4.
• 5a einen Längsschnitt eines Behälters mit einem Längsschnitt eines darin einsetzbaren Einsetzabschnitt des Setzwerkzeugs beim Einsetzen in einen Behälter,
• 5b einen Querschnitt entlang der Achse A-A durch den Behälter und den Einsetzabschnitt des Setzwerkzeugs nach 5a,
• 5c einen Querschnitt entlang einer Achse A-A wie in 5b gezeigt, mit einer weiteren Variante zur Ausbildung einer Entlüftungsöffnung,
• 6a eine Draufsicht auf einen zweiteiligen Verformungstrichter in einem zusammengefügten Zustand,
• 6b eine Draufsicht auf einen zweiteiligen Verformungstrichter in einem separierten Zustand,
• 6c eine Draufsicht auf einen zweiteiligen Verformungstrichter nach 6b mit einem darin aufgenommenen Setzwerkzeug,
• 6d eine Draufsicht auf einen zweiteiligen Verformungstrichter in einem zusammengefügten Zustand mit einem darin aufgenommenen Setzwerkzeug,
• 7 eine Draufsicht auf eine Montageplatte zum automatisierbaren Einsetzen mehrerer Kolben in ein erfindungsgemäßes Setzwerkzeug und anschließendes Einsetzen der Kolben in mehrere Behälter einer Kartusche,
• 8 einen Längsschnitt eines erfindungsgemäßen Setzwerkzeugs mit Kolben, zweiteiligem Verformungstrichter und Montageplatte,
• 9a bis 9d einen Längsschnitt eines mehrteiligen Verformungstrichters (9a), mit erfindungsgemäßen Setzwerkzeug (9b) und einen darin einsetzbaren Kolben (9d), beim Einsetzen des Kolbens in das Setzwerkzeug mit Hilfe des Verformungstrichters,
• 10a bis 10d einen Längsschnitt des Systems nach den 9a bis 9d mit einem Behälter (10b), beim Einsetzen des Kolbens in den Behälter.

They show schematically:

• 1 a longitudinal section of a setting tool according to the invention and a piston insertable therein,
• 2 an exploded view of the in 1 setting tool shown,
• 3 3 a longitudinal section of a deformation funnel together with a longitudinal section of a piston insertable therein;
• 4 a longitudinal section of the setting tool after 1 with a deformation funnel after 3 and received therein piston after 4 ,
• 5a a longitudinal section of a container with a longitudinal section of an insertable insertion portion of the setting tool inserted therein when inserted into a container,
• 5b a cross section along the axis AA through the container and the insertion portion of the setting tool 5a .
• 5c a cross section along an axis AA as in 5b shown with a further variant for forming a vent opening,
• 6a a plan view of a two-part deformation funnel in an assembled state,
• 6b a plan view of a two-part deformation funnel in a separated state,
• 6c a plan view of a two-part deformation funnel after 6b with a setting tool received therein,
• 6d a plan view of a two-part deformation funnel in an assembled state with a setting tool received therein,
• 7 a plan view of a mounting plate for automated insertion of several pistons in a setting tool according to the invention and then inserting the piston into a plurality of containers of a cartridge,
• 8th a longitudinal section of a setting tool according to the invention with pistons, two-part deformation funnel and mounting plate,
• 9a to 9d a longitudinal section of a multi-part deformation funnel ( 9a) , with setting tool according to the invention ( 9b) and a piston ( 9d) when inserting the piston into the setting tool by means of the deformation funnel,
• 10a to 10d a longitudinal section of the system after the 9a to 9d with a container ( 10b) , when inserting the piston into the container.

1 shows the setting tool according to the invention 1 which can be used in the process according to the invention. The setting tool 1 includes an insertion section 2 with an outer contour 3 , wherein within the insertion section 2 a piston receiver 4 is provided, which is an opening 5 for inserting and ejecting a piston 6 having. The piston receiver 4 has an inner contour 7 , which to the outer contour 8th of the piston 6 is adjusted.

The wall thickness of the piston receiver 4 in the present preferred embodiment is 0.15 mm, with the piston 6 here has an outer diameter of 18.5 mm and an axial extent of 9 mm. The outer diameter of the piston including the sealing lips here is 19.8 mm. The inner diameter of the piston receiver 4 in this case is less than the outer diameter of the sealing lips of the piston 6 , by 1.1 mm. The axial length of the piston receiver 4 is 9 mm.

Should the piston 6 only partially in the piston holder 4 used here not shown washers can be used. Should a front sealing lip of the seal of the piston 6 (S. 3 ) are tilted later in the container against the dispensing direction, ie to the rear, the piston is so far into the piston seat 4 pressed that only the rear sealing lip inside the piston receptacle 4 by tilting forward on the inner diameter of the piston holder 4 is compressed, the front sealing lip remains outside the piston receiving 4 and will not be deformed at first. If later in the container both sealing lips are tilted forward, the piston 6 corresponding deeper into the piston receiving 4 pressed so that both sealing lips within the piston receiving 4 be compressed by tilting forward.

When inserting the piston holder 4 with the piston inside 6 in the container, not shown here, sealing lips, which are located in the piston seat, not changed. Sealing lips, located in front of the piston receiving 4 are therefore not compressed, are compressed by the container and thereby inevitably tilted backwards. When pulling out the piston holder 4 from the container widen the sealing lips, previously in the piston holder 4 strongly upset, radially up to the container inner wall. This is done by reducing the pivoting of the sealing lip forward. For a radially perpendicular protruding of the sealing lips or even a folding over the space within the container is not enough.

On the opening 5 opposite side, the piston receiving points 4 a stop 10 on, the piston receiving 4 limited and a more extensive insertion of the piston 6 prevented. Depending on the positioning of the stop 10 can the piston 6 completely or only partially in the piston receptacle 4 be recorded. The stop 10 is here along the inner contour 7 configured circumferentially, but may also have other forms, for example. In the form of a secant inserted web. In the case shown, the stop 10 formed by the wall thickness of the Einsetzabschnitts 2 im to the piston receiver 4 subsequent area rises to 3.5 mm.

The setting tool 1 preferably has a vent opening 11 on, along the insertion section 2 is formed so that air outside the setting tool 1 can leave the container and this is vented. In the simplest case, is the vent 11 as, for example, circumferential, space between the inner contour of the container (not shown) and the outer contour 3 of the insertion section 2 educated. Alternatively or additionally, the vent 11 also as on the outer contour 3 provided axially extending recess along the Einsetzabschnitts 2 be formed so that the air at the setting tool 1 along the container can escape.

The setting tool preferably has one at the insertion portion 2 provided level 12 which can be adapted so that it can be placed on a preferably provided deformation funnel (not shown). So can the stage 12 in interaction with a corresponding bearing surface of a deformation funnel increased mechanical stability for the insertion of the piston 6 in the setting tool 1 provide.

To the piston 6 In the container (not shown) to eject, according to the invention is a device for generating an axial relative movement between the insertion 2 and the piston 6 intended. This is in the simplest case of a tool for manual handling an ejector plunger 13 that is in a recess 14 within the insertion section 2 can be used. The ejector ram 13 has in the present example a diameter of 12 mm and is dimensioned by its axial length ago, that this through the insertion section 2 through the piston 6 from the piston receiver 4 can throw out. To facilitate ejection, both are on the ejector ram 13 as well as at the insertion section 2 handholds 15 intended. The setting tool 1 is therefore designed so that by squeezing the handles 15 the ejector ram 13 the piston 6 axially fixed within the container, while the insertion portion inserted in the container 2 is pulled out of the container.

For a better understanding of the structure of the setting tool 1 , are those in 1 shown components again in an exploded view in 2 For that reason, the above description of the 1 is referenced.

3 shows a deformation funnel 16 in a longitudinal section and a piston insertable therein 6 , The piston 6 has on its outer circumference a circumferential seal 17 on, preferably at least two deformable sealing lips 18 and two support rings 19 includes. The support rings 19 simplify and stabilize the centering of the piston 6 in the setting tool 1 and inside the container.

The deformation funnel 16 includes an opening 20 that have a conical section 21 preferably, whose largest inner diameter is preferably 22 mm and whose smallest inner diameter is preferably 18.7 mm. The conical shape becomes one in the opening 20 usable piston 6 and its seal 17 , in particular the deformable sealing lips 18 , elastic or viscoelastic, evenly deformed, causing damage to the seal 17 is avoided. At the conical section 21 the opening 20 closes a static section 22 with constant inside diameter. The inside diameter of this section 22 of the deformation funnel 16 is preferably such that it is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the inner contour 7 the piston receiving 4 in 1 is.

Furthermore, the deformation funnel has 16 a step 23 on, whose radial width of the wall thickness 9 the piston receiving 4 equivalent. Preferably, the step is 23 designed so that the stage 23 directly to the section 22 followed. In this case, the inner diameter of the deformation funnel 16 around the radial width of the step 23 be widened so that the piston receiving 4 into a recording area 24 of the deformation funnel 16 used up to the stage 23 can be inserted. Due to the tuning of the radial width of the stage 23 to the wall thickness 9 the piston receiving 4 can the piston 6 from the deformation funnel 16 in the piston receptacle 4 be transferred without causing any steps or edges in the co-formed inner contour of deformation funnel 16 and piston receiving 4 comes. This in turn protects the seal 17 of the piston 6 from damage. To the stage 23 to spare, can the deformation funnel 16 at the stage 12 of the setting tool 1 be supported.

4 shows a setting tool for manual operation 1 , with attached deformation funnel 16 and piston received therein 6 , For a better overview, not all reference signs have been adopted, reference is made to the above detailed descriptions.

The 5a . 5b and 5c should be the training and possible designs of a vent 11 illustrate.

In 5a is the insertion section 2 the setting tool according to the invention 1 inside a container 25 , or when inserting into the container 25 shown. Here is the outer contour 3 of the insertion section 2 such to the inner contour 26 adapted to the container that the Einsetzabschnitt 2 in the container 25 can be used. Between the inner contour 26 of the container 25 and the outer contour 3 of the insertion section 2 At least one vent opening is formed 11 in the simplest case due to unevenness or roughness on the inner contour 26 of the container 25 and / or the outer contour 3 of the insertion section 2 is formed.

5b shows a cross section AA out 5a to the structure of the vent 11 to clarify. Here is this as a circumferential recess or gap between the outer contour 3 of the insertion section 2 and the inner contour 26 of the container 25 educated. In general, it is preferred, the radial width, ie the distance between the outer contour 3 of the insertion section 2 and the inner contour 26 of the container 25 , a vent 11 To keep as small as possible, since thereby the diameter of the piston receiving 4 as large as possible can be designed. This can reduce the mechanical load on the piston 6 or its seal 17 be kept as low as possible and at the same time a good seal between the piston 6 and container inner contour 26 be achieved.

5c shows another way the vent 11 to shape out into the outer contour 3 of the insertion section 2 cuts 27 are provided, which the venting channel 11 form. Through such cuts 27 the venting is simplified. Because the cuts 27 but usually also in the inner contour 7 the piston receiving 4 protrude, is such a variant with increased mechanical stress on the piston 6 or its seal 17 connected, which is why such a configuration only for particularly elastic or viscoelastic piston 6 or piston seals 17 should be used. Regularly, it is also sufficient a single incision 27 on the outer contour 3 of the insertion section 2 provided.

In the 6a to 6d is the structure and operation of a two-part deformation funnel 16 illustrated by a schematic plan view of a corresponding deformation funnel 16 is shown.

A two-part deformation funnel 16 includes a first and a second part 16a or. 16b which are along the arrows 28 displayed directions are displaced. Furthermore, in the preferred variant shown here, the deformation funnel is 16 modified so that two openings 20 for the simultaneous admission of one piston each 6 (not shown) are provided. This allows multiple pistons 6 at the same time in several piston receptacles 4 one or more setting tools 1 be used, which saves a considerable amount of time when inserting pistons 6 in a container means. Further, it is not uncommon to provide a plurality of containers in a cartridge assembly, so that adapted to the number of containers execution of the setting tool 1 and the deformation funnel 16 is preferred.

6a shows a deformation funnel 16 with two openings 20 for inserting a piston 6 in which the parts 16a and 16b are joined together.

In the in 6b shown position are the parts 16a and 16b along the through the arrows 28 illustrated direction shifted from each other, resulting in the radial cross-sectional area of the opening 20 increased.

Subsequently, several setting tools 1 with corresponding piston receptacle 4 , or a setting tool 1 with several piston receptacles 4 , in each enlarged opening 20 be used in what 6c is illustrated.

Finally, the first part 16a and the second part 16b pushed towards each other and joined together, so that the respective piston receptacles 4 from the openings 20 be framed in what 6d is shown. This is a placement of the deformation funnel 16 on the setting tool 1 easier and easier to automate.

In the structurally simplest variant are the parts 16a and 16b formed separately from each other. But it is also conceivable, both parts 16a and 16b connect via at least one stretchable and / or extendible element. In particular, it is preferred the parts 16a and 16b to run on a rail, making a movement along the through the arrows 28 direction is shown and movement along a deviating direction is prevented. An above-described two-part deformation funnel 16 also allows easier automation of the insertion of a piston 6 into a setting tool 1 ,

A further development of the method according to the invention comprises the use of a in the 7 shown disc-shaped mounting plate 29 , The mounting plate 29 has several holes 30 for receiving one piston each 6 on. Further, on the mounting plate 29 a two-part deformation funnel 16 with the parts 16a and 16b envisaged, as he is in terms of 6a to 6d has been explained above. In the mounting plate 29 is also a recording 31 for a cartridge arrangement with two containers arranged side by side. The holes 30 and the deformation funnel 16 are in the axial direction of the mounting plate 29 therefore arranged at different positions or heights.

The holes 30 , the recording 31 as well as the two-part deformation funnel 16 are preferably on the mounting plate 29 arranged that for each of the pistons housed therein 6 a threefold axis of rotation with respect to the center of the mounting plate 29 results. In other words, in the holes 30 recorded pistons 6 by rotation of the mounting plate 29 along the through the arrows 32 shown rotational direction is transferred to that position, that of the openings 20 of the deformation funnel 16 equivalent. This can be done in the holes 30 recorded pistons 6 by rotation of the mounting plate 29 below the openings 20 of the deformation funnel 16 be positioned so that the pistons 6 then into the deformation funnel 16 can be transferred. From the deformation funnel 16 can the pistons 6 in at least one (not shown) setting tool 1 be transferred. Will the mounting plate 29 further twisted in the same direction, the containers are one in the recording 31 received cartridge assembly (not shown) below the at least one setting tool 1 placed and the pistons 6 can be used without air in the container of the cartridge assembly. The exact functioning of the mounting plate 29 when inserting a piston in the setting tool according to the invention is in conjunction with the 8th explained in detail.

8th shows a schematic longitudinal section of a setting tool according to the invention 1 in interaction with a two-part deformation funnel 16 and a mounting plate 29 , each as described above, when inserting a piston 6 in the setting tool 1 ,

For inserting a piston 6 This is first in the hole 30 the mounting plate 29 placed and held there. In the simplest case, the hole 30 so dimensioned that the piston 6 with its outer contour 8th completely absorbed, without causing a deformation of the seal of the piston 6 comes.

In the in 8th Not shown to scale, the piston from above into the mounting plate 29 into the hole 30 used and a stage 33 prevents gravity-induced falling out of the piston 6 out of the hole 30 ,

After the piston 6 in the hole 30 was recorded, the mounting plate rotates 29 at 120 ° and comes below the deformation funnel 16 to a stop. The parts 16a and 16b of the deformation funnel 16 open, leaving the opening 20 is enlarged. Subsequently, the setting tool 1 in the deformation funnel 16 be used, this by joining the parts 16a and 16b closed and the piston 6 first in the deformation funnel 16 and then into the piston receiver 4 of the setting tool 1 be transferred by, for example, the plunger 34 the piston 6 out of the opening 20 of the deformation funnel 16 out into the piston receptacle 4 pushes.

The position of the stage 12 of the setting tool 1 can be so with the position of the stop 35 of the deformation funnel 16 be tuned that the setting tool 1 on the deformation funnel 16 can be supported, whereby the mechanical stability is increased.

After the piston 6 in the piston receptacle 4 is absorbed, the mounting plate 29 further rotated and the recording 31 with cartridge assembly received below the setting tool 1 to a stop. Now the setting tool 1 in the container 25 the cartridge assembly used and up to one in the container 25 driven up filled material. A pressure sensor (not shown) detects an increase in the force required by the ancestor as soon as the setting tool 1 touching the material. Since at the same time in the container 25 located air at the setting tool 1 over from the container 25 is removed, the piston can 6 be placed virtually air-free on the material. The ejector ram 13 gets on the piston 6 drove and the setting tool 1 gets out of the container 25 away. As soon as the piston 6 from the piston receiver 4 was ejected, the seal expands 17 radial and seals to the container inner contour 26 from. The piston 6 is thus placed practically air-free on the material.

The operation of the setting tool 1 in interaction with a two-part deformation funnel 16 in the inventive method for inserting a piston 6 in a container should be based on the 9a to 9d and 10a to 10a be explained. The direction of movement of the individual components is indicated by arrows 28 illustrated.

The 9a to 9d and 10a to 10d show schematic longitudinal sections through a two-part deformation funnel 16 with the parts 16a and 16b , An inventive setting tool 1 , a piston 6 and a container 25 ,

In a first process step ( 9a) lies the deformation funnel 16 in an open position, in which the parts 16a and 16b Positioned spaced apart and so for receiving the setting tool 1 are suitable.

In a second process step ( 9b) becomes the setting tool 1 into the open deformation funnel 16 used and the deformation funnel 16 closed by the parts 16a and 16b be moved towards each other until they are positively against each other ( 9c) , This will be the deformation funnel 16 at the setting tool 1 set and the setting tool 1 from the deformation funnel 16 added. This sequence is also due to the 6a to 6d illustrated.

In a third process step, the piston 6 through the deformation funnel 16 in the setting tool 1 , or its piston receptacle 4 , pushed, as in 9d shown. In the case shown here is the length of the piston receiving 4 so dimensioned that the sealing lip adjoining the front wall 18 remains undeformed, as these on the piston seat 4 of the setting tool 1 stands out as best of the 10b to recognize.

In a fourth process step, the two-part deformation funnel 16 from setting tool 1 removed by removing the parts 16a and 16b moved away from each other, resulting in 10a is illustrated.

In a fifth method step, the setting tool 1 in a container 25 used ( 10b) , Here, the undeformed sealing lip 18 deformed in the direction of the discharge in the rear wall, resulting in 10c and 10d can be seen.

After the setting tool 1 with piston received therein 6 in the container 25 introduced in a sixth step, the piston 6 inside the container 25 are ejected, including the ejector plunger 13 on the piston 6 is pressed to this within the container 25 safe to move. At the same time, the setting tool 1 pulled out of the container as indicated by the arrows 28 indicated.

The 10d shows that in the container 25 placed piston 6 after pulling out the setting tool 1 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

setting tool

2

insertion

3

Outer contour of the insertion section

4

piston receiving

5

Opening of the piston receptacle

6

piston

7

Inner contour of the piston receiver

8th

Outer contour of the piston

9

Wall thickness of the piston holder

10

Stop of the piston holder

11

vent channel

12

Stop of the setting tool

13

ejector

14

recess

15

handholds

16

deformation funnel

16a

first jaw of the deformation funnel

16b

second jaw of the deformation funnel

17

poetry

18

sealing lip

19

supporting rings

20

Opening of the deformation funnel

21

conical section

22

static section

23

Stage of the deformation funnel

24

Receiving area of the deformation funnel

25

container

26

Inner contour of the container

27

cuts

28

arrows

29

mounting plate

30

drilling

31

recess

32

arrows

33

step

34

tappet

35

attack

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2012/055921 A1 [0010]

Claims (19)

Method for inserting a piston (6) into a container (25), in particular a container (25) of a dispensing cartridge, comprising the following steps: - Inserting a piston (6), which is provided at its outer periphery with at least one deformable seal (17), in a setting tool (1), wherein the at least one seal (17) of the piston (6) in the setting tool (1) radially to inside is deformed, - Introducing the setting tool (1) with the piston received therein (6) in the container (25), wherein air can escape from the container through at least one vent opening (11), and - Ejecting the piston (6) within the container (25) from the setting tool (1), so that the at least one seal (17) of the piston (6) for abutment against the inside (26) of the container (25) radially expand can. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the piston (6) by means of a separate Verformstrichter (16) is inserted into the setting tool (1), whereby the at least one seal (17) of the piston (6) is deformed radially inwardly and adapted to setting tool. Method according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the piston (6) in a state in which the at least one seal (17) of the piston (6) is deformed radially inwardly from the deformation funnel (16) in the setting tool (1) is transferred. Method according to one of Claims 2 or 3 , characterized in that the deformation funnel (16) is attached to the setting tool (1) and the piston (6) is then placed through the deformation funnel (16) directly in the setting tool (1). Method according to Claim 2 to 4 , characterized in that the deformation funnel (16) after placing the piston (6) in the setting tool (1) is removed therefrom. Method according to one of Claims 2 to 5 characterized in that the deformation funnel (16) comprises a first and a second part (16a, 16b), the first and second parts (16a, 16b) being assembled to an assembled position for attachment to the setting tool (1) and to Removing the deformation funnel (16) from the setting tool (1) are displaced away from each other. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one seal (17) of the piston (6) during insertion into the setting tool (1) is deformed radially inwardly such that a deformable sealing lip (18) folded in one direction is, which corresponds to the insertion direction of the setting tool (1) in the container (25). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for ejecting the piston (6) from the setting tool (1) within the container (25) of the piston (6) is held in the axial direction relative to the container (25) and at the same time the setting tool (1) is removed in the axial direction from the container (25). Method according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the piston (6) for ejection within the container by means of an ejector plunger (13) is held in the axial direction relative to the container (25). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (25) is filled prior to insertion of the setting tool (1) with a, in particular liquid or pasty, material, wherein the setting tool (1) so far into the container (25). is introduced, that the piston (6) touches the material. Method according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the reaching of a position of the piston (6) in the container (25) and / or the escape of air from the container (25) is monitored, and that the ejection of the piston (6) from the setting tool (1 ) occurs only when reaching a position of the piston (6) in the container (25), in which the piston (6) contacts the material, and / or the complete escape of air from the container (25) is detected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the setting tool (1) before the ejection of the piston (6) from the setting tool (1) relative to the container (25) rotated and / or moves in a direction deviating from the axial direction becomes. Setting tool (1) for inserting a piston (6), which has an outer contour (8) defined at least locally by a deformable seal (17), into a container (25) having an inner contour, in particular a container (25) of a dispensing cartridge in that the setting tool (1) has an insertion section (2) which can be inserted into the container (25) and has an outer contour (3) adapted to the inner contour of the container, wherein within the insertion section (2) one at least on one side with an opening (5) for Insertion and ejection of the piston (6) provided with piston receiving (4) with an outer contours (8) of the piston (6) adapted inner contour (7) is provided, and wherein the setting tool (1) comprises means (13) for generating an axial Relative movement between the insertion portion (2) and a piston in the piston (4) received piston (6). Setting tool (1) after Claim 13 , characterized in that the piston receptacle (4) has a wall thickness (9) of 0.02 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm, in particular about 0.15 mm. Setting tool (1) after Claim 13 or 14 , characterized in that the piston receptacle (4) on the opposite side of the opening (5) in the axial direction by a stop (10) is limited. Setting tool (1) according to one of Claims 13 to 15 , characterized in that the outer contour (3) of the insertion section (2) is adapted to the inner contour of the container (25) that between the outer contour (3) of the Einsetzabschnitts (2) and the inner contour of the container (25) has a vent opening ( 11) is formed. Setting tool (1) according to one of Claims 13 to 16 in that it additionally has a deformation funnel (16) which can be moved relative to the insertion section (2) and has at least one opening (20) and a section (22) whose inner diameter is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the inner contour (7) of the piston seat (4). Setting tool (1) after Claim 17 , characterized in that the deformation funnel (16) has a step (23) whose radial width corresponds to the wall thickness (9) of the piston receptacle (4). Setting tool (1) according to one of Claims 17 or 18 , characterized in that the deformation funnel (16) comprises a first and a second part (16a, 16b) which can be joined together and separated from each other.

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