EP0810164B1 - Apparatus for preparation of a mixture of an active substance and a diluent, as well as a method of filling a cartridge for such an apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for preparation of a mixture of active ingredient with a diluent stored in a vessel (45) is new. The active ingredient (41) is held within a chamber (40) enclosed by the cartridge (10) walls (12, 14). The cartridge (10) is inserted in the vessel (45). The cartridge (10) discharges the active ingredient (41) into the vessel (45) in which it is diluted. The cartridge (10) has a first removable wall section (34) which, to empty the cartridge, is partially lifted from the surrounding second wall section (14). The first wall section (34) is linked (21) to a third wall section (12), which is separated from the first wall section (34) by the second wall section (14). The the linkage (21) is directly joined to the third wall section (12), the third wall section (12) is flexible in the vicinity of the join.

Description

The invention relates to a device for preparing and Spraying a mixture of one active substance and one Diluent, with a container to hold the diluent and with a cartridge to hold the Active substance in an interior enclosed by wall sections the cartridge, the cartridge being insertable into the container and is designed such that the active substance from the Interior can be emptied into the container and there with the diluent is dilutable, the cartridge also has first, releasable wall section which for emptying the Cartridge from a surrounding, second wall section at least can be partially lifted off and the first wall section further an actuator with a third wall section connected by the second wall section from first wall section is separated.

The invention further relates to a method for filling a Cartridge for a device for preparing a mixture from an active substance and a diluent, with one Container to hold the diluent and with the Cartridge for taking up the active substance in one of wall sections enclosed interior of the cartridge, the Cartridge can be inserted into the container and designed in this way is that the active substance from the interior into the container can be emptied and diluted there with the diluent, wherein the cartridge further comprises a first, releasable wall section has, which for emptying the cartridge from a surrounding, second wall section is at least partially liftable and the first wall section also via an actuating device communicates with a third wall section through separated the second wall section from the first wall section is, wherein the actuating device is designed as a tube, that penetrates the first wall section and for spraying the mixture an interior of the container with a riser connects a spray gun that is placed on the cartridge is.

An apparatus and a method of the above Art are known from DE-A1-35 35 986.

Devices of the type mentioned are used around certain active substances, for example cleaning agents, Insecticides, pesticides and the like with one suitable diluents, especially water. ' and distribute the mixture prepared in this way, in particular to spray or spray. The active substance can be a liquid, but also a powder or granules his.

With certain types of such devices, bottle-like Containers used that have a bottle neck with an external thread exhibit. The bottle-like container is first with a predetermined amount of a diluent, for example filled with water. Then in the bottle neck a cartridge of the type mentioned, and finally a head of a spray device is screwed on, which is typically also contains a pump.

When the head is screwed on, the cartridge becomes automatic opened so that the active substance contained in the cartridge emptied into the interior of the container. By shaking the container now becomes the active substance with the diluent mixed. The mixture prepared in this way can be actuated sprayed on the pump.

It is understood that the above-mentioned embodiment and Application example is to be understood only as illustrative, and The scope of the present invention is not restricted.

In the device according to the aforementioned DE-A1-35 35 986 is according to an embodiment described there Approximately cylindrical cartridge used. The cartridge comprises a one-sided open, hollow cylindrical pot, the upper cover plate with a circular passage opening is provided. Through this A piston rod is tightly guided through the opening There is a piston at the free lower end, which is also a piston Closure for the otherwise open bottom of the cylindrical Pot forms.

Closes in a retracted position of the piston rod the plunger down the pot so that it is enclosed on all sides Interior in the pot is created in a first position of use the cartridge is filled with the active substance.

In order to empty the cartridge, the piston rod is down shifted until the piston opened from the bottom End of the cylindrical pot moves out, so that an annular gap between the cylindrical surface of the pot and the Piston rod is created. Through this annular gap Empty the active substance out of the cartridge.

To fill the cartridge, it is positioned upside down, so that the piston mentioned is directed upwards. By The piston rod can now be moved as already mentioned Annular gap and the cartridge when using a liquid active substance using a suitable filling needle be filled according to the intended dose.

The known cartridge has the disadvantage that in two places a seal is required, namely on the one hand at the passage the piston rod and the other on the outer circumference of the piston. This seal must be made reliably because of it the active substances may be aggressive media does not act on the outside before the intended use should penetrate. In addition, the well-known cartridge requires an elaborate production because the corresponding densities Fits must be made and it when assembling the Cartridge is required, the piston with the piston rod to add relative to the pot.

The known method has the disadvantage that the cartridge over an annular gap must be filled, which is an expensive guide requires a filling needle. This is particularly problematic Trap filling with a powder or granules.

A two-chamber vial is known from EP 0 315 440 A2, in which a mixture of two substances is made and then can be spent. The well-known vial is upwards open and closed with a screw cap. At the top Part of the vial is a first room, for example is partially filled with a liquid. The first room is closed at the bottom by an intermediate floor. in the There is a central opening in the intermediate floor in which a Piston is running. Locks in the lower position of the piston this hermetically sealed the intermediate floor. The piston is down through the intermediate floor. It protrudes into a bellows into it, which is attached to the intermediate floor from below and forms a second room with it. The vial is from a bottom part is placed on the bottom, the bellows to the outside closes. After removing the bottom part, the user can Press down on the bellows with your thumb until the bellows Grips the piston and pushes it up. In this way the valve in the intermediate floor is opened and one in the bellows, i.e. agent in the second room becomes in the first Space transferred and with the liquid located there mixed. If the bellows due to its elasticity after a Release automatically returns to its starting position, the displaced piston remains in the upper open position stand. The top of the vial can now be unscrewed the lid open and the mixture, for example a Medicines can be removed.

EP 0 173 547 A2 describes a container for holding two Liquids described, namely for the absorption of mineral water on the one hand and whiskey on the other. According to Art trained a beverage can. The beverage can is through through completed a pot-shaped insert in which the whiskey located. The cup-shaped insert has a top membrane-like hood closed. The hood has one in the center downward-facing extension. If you look at this extension pushes down, it hits the bottom of the insert and breaks it open so that the one contained in the insert Whiskey flows down into the mineral water and settles there mixed into a mixed drink. The entire mission can now be removed from the container by means of a tab so that the mixed drink can be drunk immediately from the container can.

The invention has for its object a device and to further develop a method of the type mentioned at the beginning, that the disadvantages mentioned above are avoided. In particular, it should be simple in structure and handling Cartridge can be made available that is also reliable is. Finally, the procedure for filling the cartridge be simplified so that inexpensive mass production is possible.

This object is achieved in a device of the type mentioned Art solved according to claim 1 in that the actuating device fixed to the third wall section at one attachment point is connected and that the third wall section in Area of the attachment point is flexible.

The object on which the invention is based is achieved in this way completely solved. Because of the training mentioned the sealing problem at the junction between Actuator and third wall section avoided. While in the prior art there the passage of the piston rod is present through the cover plate of the cartridge the relative movement of the actuator relative to the Wall sections according to the present invention thereby achieved that the third wall section in the area mentioned is flexible. The actuator can then must be firmly connected to the third wall section no longer be slidably arranged in this.

In this way, the leakage problems mentioned can be drastically reduced minimize. This is especially true because of the leakage problem not in the area of the passage of a piston rod either by masking with a film or the like can be eliminated. On the other hand, an elaborate Seal, for example an O-ring seal too clear lead to increased manufacturing costs.

In the case of a method of the type mentioned at the beginning, the underlying Object achieved according to claim 13 in that the first Wall section releasably connected to the fastening device and that is free in the absence of the first wall section accessible interior filled with the active substance and then is closed by means of the first wall section.

The underlying task is also done in this way solved because the interior now while filling the Cartridge is freely accessible, i.e. filling devices different types can be used. In contrast to the state of the art it is no longer necessary Fill the interior through a narrow annular gap. Much more can the active substance in the easiest way in the freely accessible Filled interior, for example poured. This enables filling with powder or granulate Active substances under industrial conditions.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention The device is the third wall section in the area of the attachment point trained as bellows.

This measure has the advantage of a large relative movement the actuator in comparison to the wall sections the cartridge is possible without the seal underneath The area of the attachment point suffers.

Alternatively, the third is also possible according to the invention Wall section in the area of the attachment point as stretchable Form membrane.

This measure has the advantage that the third wall section is easier to manufacture.

It is particularly preferred if the third wall section is designed as a snap mechanism that is stable End position assumes when the first wall section from the second Wall section is lifted off.

This measure has the advantage that the first wall section after overcoming the "pressure point" of the snap mechanism automatically changes into an end position that is far removed Position of the first wall section allows. Then the active substance can be rinsed out particularly well because a particularly large annular gap is available. this applies especially when powdered or granular active substances be used.

In further embodiments of the invention are the third Wall section and the actuator are integrally formed. Furthermore, the third wall section and the second wall section can be formed in one piece.

These measures have the advantage that simple plastic injection molding techniques can be used to cover some of the wall sections or all wall sections of the cartridge in one piece to manufacture. This way the manufacturing costs reduced.

In further embodiments of the invention Actuator formed as a tube that the first Penetrates wall section.

This measure has the advantage that additional media through the Actuator can be directed, for example Compressed air from the outside of the container into its interior or the diluted mixture in reverse.

A particularly good effect is achieved when the first Wall section releasably connected to the fastening device is.

This measure has the advantage that in the already mentioned Easier filling of the interior is possible, by the interior in the absence of the first wall section filled and then the first wall section on the fastening device and is attached to the second wall section.

This applies in particular if, according to further training this variant, the first wall section on the actuating device is attached in the snug fit.

This measure has the advantage that the necessary sealing effect between the actuator and the first wall section can be easily manufactured.

It is also preferred according to the invention if in itself known manner, the first wall section in the second wall section is guided in the manner of a piston.

In further embodiments of the invention is one provided a first wall section completely covering film, which is fixed to the second wall section at its peripheral edge connected is. The second wall section can be used for this purpose be extended.

This measure has the advantage that in the case of particularly aggressive Active substances a complete seal of the interior is possible by, for example, an aluminum-clad film welded to the second wall section at its peripheral edge or is stuck on. The film can be activated the actuator then by the leading piston be torn open.

One embodiment is within the scope of the present invention particularly preferred in which the cartridge is essentially one has a cylindrical shape, the first wall section as a base plate, the second wall section as a cylinder jacket and the third wall section is designed as a cover plate.

The cover plate can have a flange on its circumference Attachment to the container.

Further advantages result from the description and the attached drawing.

It is understood that the above and those below Features to be explained not only in each case specified combination, but also in other combinations or can be used alone, without the scope of to leave the present invention.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht, im Schnitt, eines Teils einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, und zwar in einer ersten Gebrauchsstellung;

Fig. 2

die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 1, jedoch in einer zweiten Gebrauchsstellung.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1

a side view, in section, of part of an embodiment of a device according to the invention, in a first position of use;

Fig. 2

the arrangement of FIG. 1, but in a second position of use.

In the figures, 10 denotes a cartridge as it is connected with a container for preparing a mixture of a Active substance and a diluent is used.

The cartridge 10 is of a substantially cylindrical shape. It comprises an upper, essentially circular cover plate 11. The cover plate 11 comprises a central, flat section 12 and an outer circumferential ring flange 13.

The flat section 12 goes in one piece at its outer edge a downward facing cylinder jacket 14, which on a bottom end 15 ends freely.

The cartridge 10 extends along a central axis 20 a tube 21. The tube 21 includes an upper end 22 which after protrudes above the cover plate 11. At the top 22 is followed by an upper section 23, the level Section 12 enforced in a manner to be described. On middle section 24 of tube 21 extends axially parallel to the cylinder jacket 14. A lower end 25 of the tube 21 ends roughly aligned with the lower end 15 of the cylinder jacket 14. The lower end 25 can have an external recess 26 be connected.

As you can clearly see from the figures, the top one stands Section 23 of the tube 21 via a bellows 30 with the middle, flat portion 12 of the cover plate 11 in connection, namely preferably in one piece. This means that the cover plate 11, the cylinder jacket 14 and the entire tube 21 preferably are formed in one piece, in particular as a joint molded plastic part.

A bottom plate 34 is on the lower end 25 of the tube 21 attached. The one already mentioned is preferably used for this Recess 26, which is dimensioned so that the bottom plate 34 in Fit on the lower end 25 of the tube 21 are pushed can and there is a tight connection.

An outer periphery 35 of the substantially circular bottom plate 34 also runs tightly in an inner circumference 36 of the cylinder jacket 14.

The arrangement described is in the first position of use 1 achieves a tight arrangement on all sides, in which the cartridge 10 has an interior 40, which with the active substance 41 can be filled. The cartridge 10 will thereby due to the presence of the tube 21 from one in the Axis 20 extends through channel 42. Through channel 42 a riser pipe 43 is guided.

The cartridge 10 can now be placed on a container 45 be in sections in Fig. 1 like a bottle neck is indicated. For this purpose, the cartridge 10 by means of an external thread, not shown, on the cylinder jacket 14 screwed or inserted or by means of a Bayonet lock are locked, etc. The ring flange 13 serves for the exact positioning of the cartridge 10 on the Container 45.

A spray gun, for example, can then be applied to the overall arrangement be placed, which is indicated in Fig. 1 with 46. The Spray gun 46 is designed so that when it is put on or screwing onto the container 45, the tube 21 in the axial Direction is shifted. The spray gun 46 is with the Riser pipe 43 connected in a manner known per se.

The second position of use produced in this way is shown in Fig. 2. The same elements are the same Provide reference numerals, different positions by Adding an apostrophe are marked.

It can clearly be seen from FIG. 2 that a shutdown of the Spray gun 46 in the position 46 'at the same time an axial Displacement of the tube 21 in a position 21 'causes.

During this movement of the tube 21 to 21 ', the bellows 30 deformed after 30 '. The seal in the transition between the pipe 21 and the cover plate 11 remains unchanged.

The downward moving tube 21 'also serves as an actuator for the base plate 34, which according to 34 'in Fig. 2nd is moved. The base plate 34 acts as a piston in one cylinders formed by the cylinder jacket 14. If so Bottom plate 34 is moved to 34 ', it gets on her Scope out of engagement with the cylinder jacket 14 because it is under whose lower end 15 extends. In this way it is created an annular gap 48 through which the active substance 41 downwards can flow out, as indicated by an arrow 49.

If the bellows 30 is designed as a snap mechanism, can the opening movement of the actuator Tube 21 can be enlarged with the base plate 34. At commercially available spray guns for those interested here Use is the axial path when screwing on the spray gun e.g. only 2 mm. If you transfer this path directly to the movement the bottom plate 34, this means that the bottom plate 34 only a distance of 2 mm in the direction of axis 20 can. At the same time, this limits the thickness of the base plate 34 the width of the annular gap 48. If you look at the bellows 30 trained as a snap mechanism, it can be proportionate small axial movement of the spray gun when screwing it on used to just the "pressure point" of the snap mechanism to overcome, i.e. the neutral point between the two snap end positions.

If the pressure point is overcome in this way, snaps the tube 21 with the bottom plate 34 further down, wherein it with its upper end 22 from the spray gun 46 takes off. The working path of the tube 21 with the base plate 34 is then this snap movement from the pressure point to second, lower and stable end position of the bellows 30 enlarged.

In Fig. 1 it is shown in dashed lines that in a variant of the embodiment shown there the lower end 15 of the cylinder jacket 14 over the position the bottom plate 34 may be elongated, as at 50 indicated. The lower end 25 of the tube 21 is also corresponding extended.

On the preferably extended ends 50 of the cylinder jacket 14 and the tube 21, a protective film 51 can be placed and there are each welded extensively. This causes the Base plate 34 is completely sealed, so that at very aggressive active substances 41 through the same a leak between base plate 34 and cylinder wall 14 or Tube 21 is avoided. The protective film 51 is in the axis 20 provided with an opening through which the riser pipe 43 protrudes through.

When transitioning from the first position of use according to FIG. 1 in the second position of use according to FIG. 2, the protective film 51 torn open automatically by the leading base plate 34.

To the sealing effect on the outer circumference 35 of the base plate 34 too improve, can additionally be provided, there one To attach ring seal 55, which is indicated in Fig. 2.

Claims (13)

1. An apparatus for preparing and for spraying a mixture of an active agent and a diluting agent, comprising a container (45) for receiving the diluting agent, and a cartridge (10) for receiving the active agent (41) within an interior (40) of the cartridge (10) delimited by wall sections (12, 14, 34), the cartridge (10) being adapted to be inserted into the container (45) and being configured such that the active agent (41) may be discharged from the interior (40) into the container (45) and diluted therein with the diluting agent, the cartridge (10), further, having a first, separable wall section which, for discharging the cartridge (10), is adapted to be at least partially disconnected from a surrounding second wall section, the first wall section being connected to a third wall section via an actuator, the third wall section being separated from the first wall section by the second wall section, the actuator being configured as a tube (21) penetrating through the first wall section (34) and, for spraying the mixture, interconnects an interior of the container (45) with an ascending pipe (43) of a spray gun (46) seated on the cartridge (10), characterized in that the actuator is rigidly connected to the third wall section at a fastening point, and that the third wall section is configured flexibly in the area of the fastening point.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the third wall section is configured as a bellows (30) in the area of the fastening point.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the third wall section is configured as an extensible diaphragm in the area of the fastening point.
4. The apparatus of one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the third wall section is configured as a snap mechanism taking a stable end position when the first wall section has been lifted off the second wall section.
5. The apparatus of one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the third wall section and the actuator are configured integrally.
6. The apparatus of one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the third wall section and the second wall section are configured integrally.
7. The apparatus of one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first wall section is disconnectably connected to the actuator.
8. The apparatus of one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first wall section is adapted to be plugged onto the actuator with a snug fit (25, 26).
9. The apparatus of one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first wall section is guided within the second wall section in a piston-type manner.
10. The apparatus of one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a foil (51) is provided, the foil (51) entirely covering the first wall section and being rigidly connected at its periphery with the second wall section.
11. The apparatus of one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cartridge (10) is designed essentially cylindrically, the first wall section being configured as a bottom plate (34), the second wall section being configured as a cylindrical wall (14), and the third wall section being configured as a top plate (11).
12. The apparatus of claim 11, characterized in that the top plate (11) is provided with a flange (13) for securing the top plate (11) to the container (45).
13. A method for filling a cartridge (10) for an apparatus for preparing a mixture of an active agent and a diluting agent, comprising a container (45) for receiving the diluting agent, and the cartridge (10) for receiving the active agent (41) within an interior (40) of the cartridge (10) delimited by wall sections (12, 14, 34), the cartridge (10) being adapted to be inserted into the container (45) and being configured such that the active agent (41) may be discharged into the container (45) and diluted therein with the diluting agent, the cartridge (10), further, having a first, separable wall section adapted to be at least partially disconnected from a surrounding second wall section, the first wall section being connected to a third wall section via an actuator, the third wall section being separated from the first wall section by the second wall section, the actuator being configured as a tube (21) penetrating through the first wall section (34) and, for spraying the mixture, interconnects an interior of the container (45) with an ascending pipe (43) of a spray gun (46) seated on the cartridge (10), characterized in that the first wall section is detachably connected to the actuator, and that the interior (40), being freely accessible in the absence of the first wall section, is filled with the active agent (41) and is thereafter closed by means of the first wall section.

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