EP2138405B1 - Squeezing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has an expelling element (2) with two opposite expelling limbs (6a,6b) for gripping a tube from which the substance is to be expelled and for expelling the substance from the tube. A housing (3) is provided for receiving the expelling element. The expelling limbs of the expelling element are exposed at a lower end, which is opposite to an opening in the tube from which the substance is to be expelled.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for expressing a liquid and / or gelatinous and / or pasty substance from a deformable tube, comprising a push-out element with two opposite Ausdrückschenkeln for gripping the tube to be expressed and pushing out the substance from the tube, and a housing for receiving the Ausdrückelements.

Such ejection devices are known from the prior art. With the aid of these devices is a controlled release of substances from deformable tubes, that is, metal or plastic tubes, which can be compressed to allow the substance from a dispensing orifice.

So will in DE 691 18 524 T2 such a device is described which comprises a squeezing element, consisting of a pair of expressing arms connected to one another in a rotary joint for receiving the tube body, and a housing which contains this squeezing element.

DE 699 05 163 describes a device with a push-out element whose Ausdrückschenkel are attached at one end to a support and connected by this. Furthermore, the said device comprises a housing having both an opening at a base end and at an upper end.

In the Ausdrückvorrichtungen known from the prior art, the Ausdrückschenkel at a lower end are pivotally connected to each other or with a carrier. When inserting a tube to be expressed into the ejection element, the tube to be expressed must be introduced from above, that is to say from the direction of the unconnected ends of the ejector legs into the ejection element.

For example, the prior art ejectors have the disadvantage that the thickness of the tubes to be ejected is limited. Further, integrating the tubes and assembling the individual components is often not easy in the prior art ejectors.

Further, in the prior art expressors in expressing, a relatively high amount of force is needed.

The present invention has for its object to provide an alternative Ausdrückvorrichtung available, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. One goal is to allow easy insertion of a tube to be expressed in the squeezing. Another goal is, for example, to reduce the effort required to express.

The stated objects are achieved by a device for extruding a liquid and / or pasty and / or gelatinous substance from a deformable tube, comprising a push-out element with two opposite Ausdrückschenkeln for gripping the tube to be expressed and pushing out the substance from the tube and a housing for receiving the Ausdrückelements, wherein the Ausdrückschenkel the Ausdrückelements at a lower, the opening of the tube to be expressed opposite end are free.

Free means in particular that the Ausdrückschenkel are not inseparable (for example, via a joint) connected to each other or to a carrier.

The fact that the Ausdrückschenkel the Ausdrückelements are not connected to a lower, the opening of the tube to be expressed opposite end, for example, brings the advantage that a tube to be expressed in a simple manner in the expression can be integrated by these from the lower end the Ausdrückschenkel ago with the tube opening can be inserted into the ejection element. This is not possible, for example, with the devices of the prior art, since in these the Ausdrückschenkel are connected at one end either directly or via a carrier. As a result, this area of the Ausdrückschenkel is closed.

By arranging the Ausdrückschenkel with free lower leg ends, it is also possible to adjust the squeezing in a simple manner to a variety of tube sizes.

The device according to the invention can be used to deliver any substance be used with the behavior of a fluid, gel or pasty substance. In particular, the device according to the invention is suitable for use in dispensing adhesives. It is not easy to dispense sticky substances or glue solely by manipulating a deformable tube containing it, since it is virtually impossible to apply a controlled amount of the substance to the exact point desired.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the Ausdrückschenkel the Ausdrückelements are held in the assembled state, at least in the region of the lower end by means of the housing in position. This in-position holding of the Ausdrückschenkel through the housing replaces a direct articulated connection of the two Ausdrückschenkel, as is known in the prior art. The holding of the Ausdrückschenkel through the housing can be done for example by snap, snap or clamp connections. By these usually releasable connections can also be achieved that the entire Ausdrückelement is held in the housing.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the Ausdrückschenkel are arranged at least in a rest position in the form of a V, the Ausdrückschenkel at the top of the V (lower end) are not, in particular not insoluble, interconnected. However, it is quite possible that the legs touch at the top of the V, but this does not mean that the legs are connected to each other. Preferably, the tip of the V is held together by the above-mentioned means of the housing. This point where the thighs at the top of the V held together by the housing usually functions as a hinge in compressing the legs.

Advantageously, the Ausdrückschenkel, in particular in the region of the lower end, on devices which cooperate with means of the housing to hold the Ausdrückschenkel, in particular in the region of the lower end in position. In general, the facilities of Ausdrückschenkel ribs and / or lugs and / or grooves.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the expressing element comprises actuators, in particular wings, which are connected to the ejector legs, preferably in an upper area, e.g. connected by webs, in particular film hinges, connected, preferably articulated. These actuators preferably act as levers, with a force exerted on the actuators being potentiated and transmitted via the ejector legs to the tube to be expressed. When pressure is exerted on the actuators, in a preferred embodiment webs ensure that the ejector legs are moved toward and simultaneously upwardly (in the direction of the tube opening) to slide under the tube shoulder to completely empty the tube. This arrangement significantly expands the force applied to the actuators.

As a rule, the ejection element has in an upper region a holding device with an opening for receiving and holding the tube to be expressed. This holding device is usually also hingedly connected to the above-mentioned actuators. Such a hinged connection is preferably achieved via thin, flexible connecting strips, which connect the holding device with the actuators.

The housing may be integrally formed. In particular, however, due to a simpler manufacturability, it is preferred that the housing is formed in two pieces. Overall, the device according to the invention is preferably formed in three pieces, wherein the Ausdrückelement preferably in one piece and the housing is preferably formed in two pieces.

The device according to the invention is usually made of plastic. Preferably, the device according to the invention is produced by injection molding. This allows a simple and inexpensive production.

In a specific embodiment of the device according to the invention, housing elements are integrated in the ejection element. This embodiment will be explained in more detail below (figure description).

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the drawings and the dependent claims. In this case, the individual features can be implemented individually or in combination with each other.

• Figur 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform im auseinander gezogenen Zustand;
• Figur 1A eine Seitenansicht des ersten Gehäuseteils der Ausführungsform von Figur 1;
• Figur 1B eine Draufsicht auf das Gehäuseteil von Figur 1a;
• Figur 2 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausdrückvorrichtung im auseinandergebauten Zustand;
• Figur 2A eine Draufsicht auf das Ausdrückelement von Figur 2;
• Figur 2B eine Seitenansicht eines Gehäuseteils der Ausführungsform von Figur 2;
• Figur 3 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausdrückvorrichtung im auseinander gebauten Zustand;
• Figur 3A eine Draufsicht auf das Ausdrückelement der Ausführungsform von Figur 3;
• Figur 4 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausdrückvorrichtung;

In the drawings show:

• FIG. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention in the extended state;
• Figure 1A a side view of the first housing part of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
• FIG. 1B a plan view of the housing part of FIG. 1a ;
• FIG. 2 a perspective view of another embodiment of a squeezing device according to the invention in the disassembled state;
• FIG. 2A a plan view of the Ausdrückelement of FIG. 2 ;
• FIG. 2B a side view of a housing part of the embodiment of FIG. 2 ;
• FIG. 3 a perspective view of another embodiment of a squeezing device according to the invention in the disassembled state;
• FIG. 3A a plan view of the expression of the embodiment of FIG. 3 ;
• FIG. 4 a perspective view of another embodiment of a squeezing device according to the invention;

FIG. 1 Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a squeezing device 1 according to the invention as it would be assembled for use. Device 1 comprises a squeezing element 2 and a housing 3, wherein the housing 3 is composed of a first housing part 4 and a second housing part 5. The ejection element 2 has two opposite Ausdrückschenkel 6a, 6b for gripping a tube to be expressed and pushing the substance out of the tube. In the present representation, no tube has yet been integrated into the ejection element 2.

Expressing element 2 also has oppositely arranged squeezing wings 7a, 7b, which are connected via webs 8a, 8b hingedly connected to the Ausdrückschenkeln 6a and 6b. This special arrangement of the squeezing wings 7a, 7b, which are connected via the webs 8a, 8b, which in turn act as hinges, with the Ausdrückschenkeln 6a and 6b, a leverage effect is achieved, through which a force which is exerted on the squeezing wings , is potentiated and transferred to the expressing tube. When pressure is applied to the squeezing wings 7a, 7b, the webs 8a, 8b ensure that the squeezing legs 6a, 6b are moved towards and towards the top at the same time (in the direction of the tube opening) in order to push under the tube shoulder for complete emptying of the tube.

The ejection element 2 further comprises a holding region 9. The holding region 9 is pivotally connected to the squeezing wings 7a, 7b. Further, the holding portion 9 has an opening 11 through which a nozzle 10 extends in the present case. This nozzle 10 has, not shown here, thread for receiving a discharge opening of a tube.

As already stated above, the housing 3 consists of a first housing part 4 and a second housing part 5. Both housing parts have mutually engaging structures in order to hold the two housing parts 4 and 5 together. In the present case, the housing part 5 ribs for receiving in corresponding grooves in the housing part 4.

The housing part 4 has ribs 13. These ribs 13 hold the V-shaped arranged Ausdrückschenkel 6a and 6b in the assembled state together. By this clamping of the Ausdrückschenkel 6a and 6b by the ribs 13 is achieved that the Ausdrückschenkel 6a, 6b are held in a V-shaped position. The area of the tip of the V, where the two ejector legs are held together, acts as a hinge. At the top of the V, the legs 6a, 6b may touch, but this need not be.

When assembling the device 1, the procedure is as follows. First, a tube to be expressed with the opening in front from below, that is, from the top of the V, between the Ausdrückschenkel 6 a and 6 b pushed, which are previously pressed apart. The tube is then inserted with the opening first through the opening 11 in the holding area 9 to the stop and screwed to the nozzle 10. Now, the expression is pushed with the tube integrated therein in the first housing part 4 until the Ausdrückschenkel 6a and 6b engage with the ribs 13 and clamped. Finally, the second housing part 5 is pushed over the first housing part 4 such that the ribs 12 in the housing part 5 are in engagement with the grooves in the housing part 4.

• Figur 1A zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Gehäuseteils 4 von Figur 1. Hier sind gut die Rippen 13 zu erkennen, welche die Ausdrückschenkel des Ausdrückelements zusammenklemmen.
• Figur 1B zeigt eine Draufsicht auf das Gehäuseteil 4 aus Figur 1.
• Figur 2 zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausdrückvorrichtung 20. Die Ausdrückvorrichtung 20 umfasst ein Ausdrückelement 21 sowie ein Gehäuse 22, welches wiederum ein erstes Gehäuseteil 23 sowie ein zweites Gehäuseteil 24 umfasst. Das Ausdrückelement 21 weist zwei entgegen gesetzt angeordnete Ausdrückschenkel 25a, 25b auf. Ferner weist das Ausdrückelement 21 Ausdrückflügel 26a, 26b auf, die über als Film-Hinges ausgebildete Stege 27a, 27b mit den Ausdrückschenkeln 25a bzw. 25b gelenkig verbunden sind. Die Ausdrückflügel 26a, 26b sind ihrerseits über dünne flexible Verbindungsstreifen gelenkig mit dem Haltebereich 28 des Ausdrückelements 21 verbunden. In der vorliegenden Abbildung ist bereits eine auszudrückende Tube 29 im Ausdrückelement 21 integriert. Hierbei wird die Tube 29 von den Ausdrückschenkeln 25a und 25b seitlich gehalten. Im oberen Bereich der Tube wird diese durch den Haltebereich 28 gehalten. In diesem Bereich erstreckt sich die Tubenöffnung durch eine Öffnung 30 im Haltebereich 28.

By pressing on the squeezing wings 7a, 7b, the squeezing legs 6a and 6b are moved towards each other, the tube contents being pushed out through the opening of the tube and the nozzle 10. Due to the special geometry of the device 1, in particular the arrangement of the legs 6a, 6b and the arrangement of the squeezing wings 7a, 7b with the webs 8a, 8b, a forward movement of the fluid to be expressed in the direction of the tube opening is reached. A hiking the substance to be expressed in the direction of the closed end of the tube is largely prevented.

• Figure 1A shows a side view of the housing part 4 of FIG. 1 , Here are good to see the ribs 13, which clamp together the Ausdrückschenkel the Ausdrückelements.
• FIG. 1B shows a plan view of the housing part 4 FIG. 1 ,
• FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of a squeezing device 20 according to the invention. The squeezing device 20 comprises a squeezing element 21 and a housing 22, which in turn comprises a first housing part 23 and a second housing part 24. The expression element 21 has two oppositely arranged Ausdrückschenkel 25a, 25b. Furthermore, the expression element 21 has ejection wings 26a, 26b, which are articulated to the expression legs 25a, 25b via webs 27a, 27b formed as film hinges. The squeezing wings 26 a, 26 b are in turn connected via thin flexible connecting strips hingedly connected to the holding portion 28 of the Ausdrückelements 21. In the present illustration, a tube 29 to be expressed is already integrated in the ejection element 21. Here, the tube 29 is held laterally by the Ausdrückschenkeln 25 a and 25 b. In the upper region of the tube, this is held by the holding region 28. In this area, the tube opening extends through an opening 30 in the holding area 28.

Also in this embodiment, the Ausdrückschenkel 25a, 25b are arranged in a V-shape, wherein the Ausdrückschenkel 25a and 25b are not connected to each other at the top of the V. As a result, the Ausdrückschenkel 25a, 25b press apart in this area, that is, move away from each other to accommodate the expressing tube 29 between the legs 25a and 25b can.

In the lower region of the Ausdrückschenkel 25a, 25b, that is at the top of the V, ribs 31 are provided. The ribs 31 are arranged to cooperate with ribs 32 in the housing 22 by the ribs 32 of the housing 22, which are arranged one above the other, clamp the Ausdrückschenkel 25 a, 25 b in the region of the ribs 31 between them and hold in position. This ensures that the V of the legs 25a, 25b can only be opened or closed upwards. At the top of the V is formed by the clamping together by the ribs 32 in the housing a joint.

Also in this embodiment, the squeezing wings 26a, 26b are arranged in the upper region of the tube 29 to be expressed. This is the area where the tube is most developed, so most of the effort is needed at that point. The arrangement of the wings 26a, 26b in conjunction with the webs acting as hinges 27a, 27b, in turn, a leverage effect is achieved, which exponentiates an applied force and transmits to the legs 25a, 25b. Upon pressure on the squeezing wings 26a, 26b, the webs 27a, 27b cause the squeezing legs 25a, 25b to move towards and towards the top of each other (towards the tube opening) to push under the tube shoulder to completely empty the tube.

• Figur 2a zeigt das Ausdrückelement 21 von Figur 2 (Seitenansicht), wobei hier noch keine Tube integriert ist.
• Figur 2b zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Gehäuseteils 23 aus Figur 2.
• Figur 3 zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausdrückvorrichtung 40 mit einem Ausdrückelement 41 und einem Gehäuse 42. Das Gehäuse 42 besteht aus einem ersten Gehäuseteil 43 und einem zweiten Gehäuseteil 44. Das Ausdrückelement 41 umfasst zwei V-förmig angeordnete Ausdrückschenkel 45a und 45b. Das Ausdrückelement 41 weist wiederum zwei Ausdrückflügel 46a, 46b auf. Die Ausdrückflügel 46a, 46b sind einstückig über einen gebogenen Verbindungsabschnitt 47 miteinander verbunden. Im Verbindungsabschnitt 47 ist eine Öffnung 48 zum Durchführen einer auszudrückenden Tube vorgesehen.

The two housing parts 23 and 24 receive the ejection element 21 in the assembled state. The two housing parts 23 and 24 can be easily plugged together by mating pins 33 which are integrally connected to the respective housing parts.

• FIG. 2a shows the expression element 21 of FIG. 2 (Side view), whereby here still no tube is integrated.
• FIG. 2b shows a side view of the housing part 23 of Figure 2.
• FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a squeezing device 40 according to the invention with a Ausdrückelement 41 and a housing 42. The housing 42 consists of a first housing part 43 and a second housing part 44. The Ausdrückelement 41 comprises two V-shaped Ausdrückschenkel 45a and 45b. The expression element 41 in turn has two squeezing wings 46a, 46b. The squeezing wings 46a, 46b are integrally connected to each other via a bent connecting portion 47. In the connecting portion 47, an opening 48 for performing a tube to be expressed is provided.

The housing parts 43 and 44 have superimposed ribs 49, which serve to clamp the Ausrückschenkel 45a, 45b in the lower region (top of the V). In the present case, the Ausdrückschenkel 45 a, 45 b at its lower end curved elements 50 a, 50 b, which are integrally connected thereto, on. The bent elements 50a, 50b are clamped in the assembly of the device 40 between the ribs 49, which in turn the Ausdrückschenkel 45a, 45b are held in position in the lower region.

The housing parts 43 and 44 have pins 51 and ribs 52 for insertion into channels 53 or grooves 54 in the ejection element 41. By means of said elements, a simple plugging together of the parts is possible. The housing parts 43 and 44 are formed identically, which simplifies the manufacture of the entire device.

FIG. 3A shows a side view of the Ausdrückelements 41 FIG. 3 , In this illustration, the V-shaped arranged Ausdrückschenkel 45a and 45b are clearly visible. Also in this embodiment, the legs 45a and 45b in the lower region, that is, at the top of the V, are not connected to each other. However, in this area, the legs of this embodiment transition into bent portions 50a, 50b. These bent portions 50a and 50b progress in turn into upwardly extending housing forming portions 55a and 55b. These housing forming members 55a and 55b are largely loaded with reinforcements 56a, 56b. Only in an upper region of the housing forming elements 55a, 55b, which are arranged slightly offset in the direction of the Ausdrückschenkel 45a, 45b, no reinforcements are arranged. In this area, the squeezing wings 46a, 46b are arranged overlying. The staggered arrangement of the upper portions of the housing forming members 55a, 55b prevents the wings 46a, 46b from colliding prematurely with the housing forming members upon compression. The ejection wings 46a and 46b are also connected in this embodiment via connecting webs 57 with the Ausdrückschenkeln 45a, 45b, wherein the connecting webs 57 act as hinges. The Ausdrückflügel 46 a and 46 b are - as already mentioned above - connected via a connecting portion 47. The entire element (wings 46a, 46b and connecting portion 47) is integrally formed, wherein the Wings 46a and 46b are formed elastically to be moved toward each other when squeezing a tube. Here, the Ausdrückschenkel 45a and 45b are also moved toward each other, which in turn has a pressing or expressing an integrated tube result. Again, the transport of a substance to be expressed in the direction of the opening of the tube is ensured by the geometry of the arrangement. Upon pressure on the squeezing wings 46a, 46b, the webs 57, 57 cause the squeezing legs 45a, 45b to move toward and towards the top (towards the tube opening) to push under the tube shoulder to completely empty the tube.

In assembling the device 40, as stated above, the bent portions 50a and 50b of the ejector legs 45a and 45b are clamped between the ribs 49 of the housing 42, thereby pressing the bent portions 50a and 50b together. This is followed by a disassembled gap 58, in which the bent portions 50a and 50b are compressed to abut each other in the region of said gap 58.

In the present embodiment, therefore, housing parts 55a, 55b, 56a, 56b are integrated in the ejection element 41. They form with the housing parts 43 and 44, the overall housing.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a squeezing device 60 according to the invention with a squeezing element 61 and a housing 62. In this embodiment, the housing 62 is integrally formed.

In the present embodiment is already one to be expressed Tube 63 integrated in the device 60. The Ausdrückschenkel 64a, 64b of the Ausdrückelements 61 are also arranged V-shaped and have at their lower end respectively ribs 65a, 65b. In the housing 62, which is shown in this illustration with the side wall removed, are two, respectively profiled plates 66 (in the present figure, only one of the two plates can be seen) integrated. In the front region 66a, the profile plates 66 are cut out in a V-shape, with two shoulders 67 being formed in the rear region. Subsequent to these shoulders 67, a slot 68 closed on one side still adjoins. The shoulders 67 serve to engage the ribs 65a, 65b of the Ausdrückschenkel 64a and 64b. The slot 68 serves to receive the end bead 69 of the tube 63 to be expressed. Otherwise, the arrangement of the ejection wings and the mechanism behind it substantially correspond to the embodiment which is described in US Pat FIG. 2 is shown.

All described embodiments have in common that the Ausdrückschenkel the Ausdrückelemente are arranged in a V-shape and are not connected to each other at the top of the V. In this area, the Ausdrückschenkel are held together by devices in the housing of the devices, thereby preventing the Ausdrückschenkel drift apart in this area. It creates a joint in this area.

One advantage of all embodiments is, inter alia, that the ejector legs can be moved away from the housing in the lower area after removal of the ejection element, whereby a tube to be expressed can be positioned between the legs.

The Ausdrückvorrichtungen described in the embodiments are made of thermoplastic material. It will be understood, however, that other materials (e.g., metal, etc.) may be used.

Claims (10)

1. Device for pressing out a liquid and/or gel-like and/or paste-like substance from a ductile tube (29, 63), comprising a squeezing unit (2, 21, 41, 61) with two opposed squeezing legs (6a, 6b; 25a, 25b; 45a, 45b; 64a, 64b) for picking up the tube to squeezed and pressing out the substance from the tube, and a housing (3, 22, 42, 62) for holding the squeezing unit, characterized in that the squeezing legs of the squeezing unit are free at a lower end opposed to the opening of the tube to be squeezed.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the squeezing legs (6a, 6b; 25a, 25b; 45a, 45b; 64a, 64b) of the squeezing unit (2, 21, 41, 61) are, if assembled, held in their position by attachments of the housing (12, 32, 49, 67) at least in the area of the lower end.
3. Device according to one of the claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the squeezing legs are positioned in at least one rest position having the form of a V, whereby the squeezing legs (6a, 6b; 25a, 25b; 45a, 45b; 64a, 64b) are not interconnected at the lower end of the V (bottom).
4. Device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the squeezing legs (6a, 6b; 25a, 25b; 45a, 45b; 64a, 64b) are, in particular in the area of the lower end, provided with attachments (31, 50a, 50b, 65a, 65b) that work together with attachments (12, 32, 49, 67) of the housing (3, 22, 42, 62) in order to hold the squeezing legs in their position, particularly in the area of the lower end.
5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the attachments of the squeezing legs (6a, 6b; 25a, 25b; 45a, 45b; 64a, 64b) are ribs (31, 65a, 65b) and/or noses and/or slots.
6. Device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the squeezing unit (2, 21, 41, 61) is provided with actuators, in particular blades (7a, 7b; 26a, 26b; 46a, 46b), that are connected, preferably pin-jointed, with the squeezing legs (6a, 6b; 25a, 25b; 45a, 45b; 64a, 64b), preferably in an upper area.
7. Device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the squeezing unit (2, 21, 41, 61) is, in an upper area, provided with a fixture device (9, 28, 47) with an opening (11, 30, 48) for holding and accepting the tube to be squeezed (29, 63).
8. Device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that it is a three-piece unit, whereby the housing (3, 22, 42, 62) is, ideally, a two-piece unit.
9. Device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that it is made by die-casting.
10. Device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the squeezing unit (2, 21, 41, 61) comprises integrated housing components (55a, 55b; 56a, 56b).

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