EP2621639A1

EP2621639A1 - Multichamber container

Info

Publication number: EP2621639A1
Application number: EP11763854.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christoph Geiberger
Original assignee: Scapa Holding GmbH
Current assignee: Scapa Holding GmbH
Priority date: 2010-10-01
Filing date: 2011-09-28
Publication date: 2013-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2031-09-28
Also published as: RU2544813C2; EP2621639B1; CN103201044A; DE202010013855U8; WO2012041495A1; CO6680729A2; MX2013003543A; RU2013114422A; BR112013007638A2; DE202010013855U1; US20130299515A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multichamber container with a container housing (2) comprising at least two chambers (10, 12) arranged one above the other for receiving product components and a dosing element (14), which delivers the product components by means of plungers (4, 8) which are assigned to the chambers (10, 12) and can be moved in the longitudinal axis of the container. The present invention addresses the problem of providing a multichamber container which delivers the product components from the chambers in an improved way. The multichamber container according to the present invention has at least one plunger (4, 8), which is in movable engagement with an element extending in the longitudinal axis of the container.

Description

Multi-chamber container

The present invention relates in particular to a multi-chamber container having a container housing with at least two chambers arranged one above the other for accommodating product components. The multi-chamber container also has a metering element, which conveys the product components by means of the chambers associated with the piston and displaceable in the container longitudinal axis.

A generic multi-chamber container, which is also referred to as a multi-chamber container due to at least two superposed chambers, is known for example from DE 20 2007 004 662 U1.

In the previously known multi-chamber container, a device for generating a first and / or second product component from the respective chamber ausfördernden pressure difference is provided. The device, which is realized here as a pump, generates an overpressure when actuated in the chamber downstream of the pump. This overpressure is passed on to a next downstream chamber, so that the contained product component is discharged from both chambers. After removing the product components, the pump is returned to a starting position via a spring. In this return movement results in a negative pressure in both chambers, whereby the pistons of the chambers are moved in the direction of dosing. By means of a rotatably mounted metering element, it is possible to open or close the discharge openings of the chambers according to the mixing ratio, so that the ratio of the various discharged product components can be varied.

The disadvantages of the prior art are that the vacuum-induced movement of the pistons deteriorates with increasing viscosity of the product components, and no movement is generated at all beyond a certain degree of viscosity. In addition, even with a multi-chamber container having a plurality of chambers, the transferability of the positive / negative pressure from one chamber to the next chamber may decrease.

The present invention has for its object to provide a multi-chamber container, which promotes the product components from the chambers in an improved manner. As a multi-chamber container in the context of this invention, a container with we- at least two, possibly also three or more separate chambers for receiving respectively different product components understood.

To solve this problem, a multi-chamber container with the features of claim 1 is proposed by the present invention. This differs from the generic state of the art in that at least one piston is displaceably engaged with an element extending in the container longitudinal axis element.

With the invention it is possible to also produce product components with very high viscosity. It is also possible to achieve a more accurate metering of the individual product components by the direct engagement of extending in the container longitudinal axis element.

As an intervention in the context of the invention, in particular an arrangement between the piston and the element is understood, with which it is possible to transmit forces from the element to the piston. The engagement is preferably effected positively and / or non-positively. Particularly preferred is a positive connection in the form of a thread or the like is used. Also conceivable are engagement means between the piston and the container longitudinal axis, which cause a certain positive locking due to wedging, which in any case lead to jamming of the piston with the extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the container element, so that only a relative movement of the two elements in one Direction is possible. In particular, means may be used which cut into the material of the cooperation partner of the engagement to position both elements in a predetermined manner relative to one another.

With the present invention, it is possible to displace the pistons arranged in the multi-chamber container in order to discharge the various product components. The displacement of all pistons is preferably carried out by means of extending in the container axis element. This element has a significantly greater spatial extent in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction. Furthermore, the element has sufficient shape and material properties to absorb the tensile and / or compressive forces occurring in the multi-chamber container in order to be able to discharge the product components.

A chamber within the meaning of the invention is understood to mean an optionally also variable space which is suitable for itself or by receiving a bag, which in the multiple Chamber container to be stocked and to be supplied by this amount of product. A chamber is to be understood in particular as a receiving space which is suitable for storing a sufficient amount of the product component, so that product can be removed several times. The stored volume is usually large compared to the volume dispensed during dosing, ie the actuation of the dosing element.

As a metering element is understood in the context of the invention, an element which ausfördert the product components from the chambers when actuated. The metering element is preferably arranged at the head of the multi-chamber container, but may for example also be formed at the bottom of the multi-chamber container. The dosing element preferably additionally comprises the discharge openings of the various chambers. It is also possible to mix individual product components in the metering, and spend as a mixture. The dosing element may be formed, for example, according to the disclosure of DE 20 2007 004 662 U1 of the present applicant, the disclosure content of which is incorporated by reference into this application. Thus, the metering member may be rotatably provided to close one or both discharge ports of channels leading to the different chambers, in whole or in part, thereby to vary the mixing ratio of the individual product components dispensed.

In a preferred embodiment of the multi-chamber container an engagement region located in engagement is formed by a spring washer. This spring washer usually interacts with the outer peripheral surface of the piston and, in relative movement of the piston along the container longitudinal axis intersects in each case parallel to this extending element of the multi-chamber container to hold the piston in engagement with this element. Accordingly, the spring washer cooperates with the elements extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the container in such a way that a relative movement in one direction between the element and the piston is possible, whereas with a reverse relative movement the spring washer digs into the element and prevents relative movement.

The spring disk is preferably provided concentrically to the container longitudinal axis in the engagement region of at least one piston of the multi-chamber container and is preferably by means of injection molding by Umsprit- in the way of making the piston. attached with plastic. The spring washer can be a spring washer made of metal or plastic. Preferably, the spring washer is inserted as an insert in an injection mold and sealed in the manufacture of the piston by injection molding by injection molding with plastic in this. By the spring washer preferably protrudes a push rod which cooperates with the spring washer for transmitting forces to the piston. In the sense of the invention, a push rod is understood to mean, in particular, a rod which, by applying a compressive force in the longitudinal direction of the rod, performs a displacement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the multi-chamber container. The push rod is preferably made of plastic, although other materials such as metal can be used. The surface of the push rod can be formed either smooth or with depressions, for example in the form of a sawtooth profile for latchable engagement of the spring washer in the push rod. The spring washer is preferably bent in the region of the inner diameter in the thrust direction of the push rod. Characterized a substantially translational movement of the push rod is allowed relative to the piston in the thrust direction by the spring washer. In a movement opposite to the thrust direction of the push rod, the spring disc blocks the movement of the push rod, so that the push rod is positively connected to the piston and the piston is taken over the push rod.

For the above-described form-fit occurs by the spring washer, for example, either engages the tooth profile or with a smooth surface of the push rod cuts into the surface. In a further embodiment of the push rod, the push rod may comprise an outer push rod and at least one inner push rod. Preferably, these push rods are coupled in the longitudinal direction, so that all push rods cover the same push paths. But it is also possible to arrange the outer push rod with the at least one inner push rod slidable against each other. This makes it possible to move the piston corresponding to the push rods due to a different deflection of the push rods with different distances.

In order for all chambers to be able to communicate with the dispensing openings in the case of a multi-chamber container, in each case the push rods which pass through one chamber and protrude into the next chamber are formed as a standpipe. For intermeshing push rods of different diameters, usually between the external Ren push rod and the inner push rod formed an annular channel, which acts as a riser.

In an alternative embodiment of the multi-chamber container, the element is formed by a spindle. As a spindle in the context of the invention, a component is understood, which allows a relative rotation to a standing in engagement with the spindle component. This spindle is rotatably mounted relative to the container housing or the piston. The spindle is molded from plastic or metal and preferably has a thread on the outside.

The spindle is driven head or foot side by a drive with a drive sleeve which drives via a run-up slope a driver having a concentric with the axis of rotation formed teeth, which cooperates with a concentric to the rotational axis formed counter teeth. Thus, the rotational or pivotal movement of the driver can be transmitted to the spindle via this engagement.

In a further embodiment of the spindle an additional concentric with the axis of rotation formed toothing is provided, which engages in such a counter-toothing, that a reverse rotation of the spindle is blocked. As a reverse rotation lock also embodiments are possible in which engage one or more spring tongues in a toothing. The drive of the piston in the multi-chamber container according to the invention is preferably carried out such that after the removal of product components from the chambers, a suck-back effect occurs, which pulls the product component from the dispensing opening back into the interior of the container, so that the product component is not present at the dispensing opening or . out of this unintentionally emerges. The suck-back effect usually arises due to the overpressure in the chambers in any case when the spring-back of the piston in the original position preventing means are designed in a corresponding manner. Thus, a certain play in the above-mentioned reverse rotation lock or the previously described spring washer can allow such a suction effect. Also in the preferred provided drive with drive sleeve with teeth and cooperating with the spindle counter teeth may be provided a corresponding clearance, which a certain provision of the piston for retracting the product component in the Multi-chamber container allowed. This back suction effect can also be effected by appropriate design of the toothing or the counter toothing.

The spindle may for example comprise an upper and at least one lower spindle. Also, the spindle may comprise an outer spindle and at least one inner spindle. In the latter arrangement, there is the advantage that each spindle can be assigned a separate drive. These drives can then be designed so that these different spindles are driven at different angular speed.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer spindle with the at least one inner spindle or the upper spindle with the at least one lower spindle is rotationally connected. As a result, a rotational movement in the same dimensions can be transmitted to all spindle.

In the embodiment with the spindle can - as in the embodiment with the push rod - each of the spindle, which passes through a chamber and projects into the next chamber, be formed as a riser. To accommodate the product component from the corresponding chamber, the riser end is provided open. In an embodiment in which a spindle passes through a plurality of chambers, inlet openings may be formed on the circumference of the spindle.

For engagement with the piston, the spindle preferably has a thread which cooperates with the thread of the piston. Also, alternatives are possible in which the spindle has a smooth surface and the pistons comprise self-tapping elements made of, for example, metal, which cut in a form-locking manner on the spindle, for example in the form of a thread. These elements, like the spring washer, are preferably fastened in the production of the piston by injection molding by injection molding with the plastic forming the piston.

Relative movements between the pistons at the same angular velocity of the spindles are possible if the spindles associated with the individual pistons are designed with different thread pitches, as proposed according to a preferred development of the present invention. In this context, the use of left- and right-handed threads is conceivable, for example, to move the pistons in the opposite direction. For this embodiment, for example, example, a spindle with a counter-rotating thread possible. Embodiments are also possible in which segments with different thread pitches are formed in a spindle.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it follows that the outer spindle has an internal thread. With this internal thread, the inner spindle cooperates, which is held in a rotationally fixed end in a piston. By rotation of the outer spindle thus outer spindle and inner spindle can be rotated against each other. Also, a configuration is possible in which the outer spindle is held rotationally fixed end in a piston and the inner spindle is driven by a drive.

Further details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of several embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. In this drawing shows:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the invention

Multi-chamber container,

2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of the multi-chamber container according to the invention,

3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a third embodiment of the multi-chamber container according to the invention,

4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the multi-chamber container according to the invention,

5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the multi-chamber container according to the invention,

6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the multi-chamber container according to the invention,

7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the multi-chamber container according to the invention, 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the multi-chamber container according to the invention,

9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a ninth embodiment of the multi-chamber container according to the invention,

10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a tenth embodiment of the multi-chamber container according to the invention,

11 is a longitudinal sectional view of an eleventh embodiment of the multi-chamber container according to the invention,

12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a twelfth embodiment of the multi-chamber container according to the invention,

Fig. 13 is an exploded side view of the basic structure of a

Spindle drive and

Fig. 14 is an exploded side view of the basic structure of another spindle drive.

1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the first embodiment of a multi-chamber container with a container housing 2, which is closed at the bottom with a slidably received in the container housing 2 lower piston 4 and the upper side of a housing head 6. Between the housing head 6 and lower piston 4, an upper piston 8 is slidably disposed in the multi-chamber container, which divides the multi-chamber container into a lower chamber 10 and an upper chamber 12.

The housing head 6 comprises and forms a metering element 14, which has two discharge openings 16, 18, which are arranged one above the other and communicate with the two chambers 10, 12, so that the two product components from the chambers 10, 12 are dispensed separately.

The pistons 4, 8 have, in a manner known per se, sealing lips which interact with the inner circumferential surface of the container housing 2. In addition, the pistons 4, 8 with a spindle 11 in engagement. The spindle 11 includes an outer spindle 20 for engagement with the upper piston 8 and an inner spindle 22 for engagement with the lower piston θ

4. The outer spindle 20, which is rotationally connected to the inner spindle 22, is additionally formed such that it passes through the upper chamber 12 and that between the outer spindle 20 and inner spindle 22 an annular channel 24 is formed, so that the outer spindle 20, an annular riser 26th for the product component from the lower chamber 10 surrounds. The engagement of the pistons 4, 8 is carried out by self-tapping elements 28, 30 of metal or plastic, which are fixed in the pistons 4, 8 and are shaped so that they cut a thread in the smooth outer peripheral surface of the spindle 11 realized.

To the spindle 11, a drive 31 is provided, which converts due to the actuation of the metering element 14 so effected translational movement of the metering element 14 in a rotational movement of the spindle 11. In FIG. 13, this drive is shown for an exemplary embodiment of a spindle 11 that is an alternative to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. For the following description, it depends solely on the details of the drive.

The drive 31 has a drive sleeve 32, which is rotationally fixed, usually attached to the housing head 6 and formed thereon. The drive sleeve 32 has ramps 34 which are provided on opposite side walls of the drive sleeve 32. The ramps 34 are formed as grooves on the drive sleeve 32. The ramps 34 cooperate with drive cam 36, which are formed on a driver 38 which is rotatably received in the housing head 6 and at least slightly movable in the longitudinal direction of the container. This driver 38 has on its spindle 11 facing end face a Mitnehmerflansch 40, the free annular surface of a toothing 42 is formed.

To this toothing 42, the spindle 11 carries a counter-toothing 44. This counter-toothing 44 is formed on an annular surface 46 of a spindle flange 48 which is surmounted by an integrally formed on the spindle 11 axle projection 50. About this Achsvorsprung 50 of the driver 38 is rotatable, but slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction of the spindle 11.

The exploded view of the spindle drive in Figure 13 also shows a compression spring 52 of the drive 31, which urges the drive sleeve 32 in the direction of the spindle head 6, ie against the gravity of the earth away from the driver 38. The spindle drive shown in Fig. 14 substantially corresponds to the spindle drive of FIG. 13 and differs only by one on the annular surface 46 of the spindle flange 48, the counter teeth 44 opposite, additional counter teeth 51. This counter teeth 51 acts with a further toothing (not shown ) in such a way that a reverse rotation is blocked.

The drive 31 shown in Figure 13 acts in much the same way as the drive of a ballpoint pen. Upon actuation of the dosing head 6, the drive sleeve 32 is moved downwardly in the axial direction, i. pressed in the direction of the spindle 11. This pressure force is imparted via the compression spring 52 to the driver 38, so that the teeth 42 is pressed against the counter teeth 44. At the same time, the positive engagement of the driver cam 36 in the groove-shaped ramps 34 leads to a pivoting movement of the driver 38 relative to the present rotationally held drive sleeve 32. This rotational movement of the driver 38 is on the saw toothing, which is formed on the teeth 42 and the counter teeth 44 , transmitted to the spindle 11. If the housing head 6 is released, then a restoring spring which is supported on the container on the one hand and the housing head 6 on the other hand, which is designated by reference numeral 54 in FIG. 1, causes the housing head 6 to be lifted. As a result, the drive sleeve 32 is relieved. The pressure or return spring 52/54 accordingly pushes the drive sleeve 32 in the longitudinal direction of the container housing 2 upwards. Since no axial resistance acts on the drive sleeve 32, the teeth of the teeth 42 and the counter teeth 44 are disengaged. The driver 38 may follow the imposed rotational movement without the spindle 11 being rotated. Only upon renewed actuation of the housing head 6, the spindle 11 is again subjected to a rotational movement in the manner described above.

It will be understood that this rotation of the spindle causes the pistons 4, 8 to rise, which are engaged with the spindle 11 via a thread 55.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the spindle flange 48 is connected via webs rotationally fixed to the outer spindle 20. The drive sleeve 32 is integrally formed in the embodiment shown on the metering element 14 of the housing head 6. In this case, the drive sleeve also forms the outer boundary walls of channels 56 to the upper chamber 12, which are connected to each other in the upper region of the housing head 6 and lead to the discharge opening 18. For all versions For the rest, the compression spring 52 is formed by the return spring 54, which returns the housing head 6 or a drive element of the multi-chamber container to the starting position.

Hereinafter, some modifications to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 are illustrated with reference to the drawing. Identical components are marked with the same reference numerals with respect to the aforementioned embodiment.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2 has the essential difference that there the spindle 1 1 is provided with a thread 57 with thread pitch, so that the spindle 11 from the outset is a threaded spindle and not only to such by the action of the self-tapping elements 28, 30, as in the embodiment of Figure 1. Also, the embodiment shown in Figure 2 has an outer spindle 20 which acts as a riser 26 and the upper chamber 12 passes through, so that the displaced from the lower chamber 10 product component in the housing head. 6 and can get to the discharge port 16. At the lower end of the outer spindle 20, the inner spindle 22 is held against rotation.

The embodiment shown in Figure 3 represents a modification of the embodiment shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, however, the housing head 6 is connected as a solid housing element with the container housing 2 and has only the channels 56 and 58 for the product components. As in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the inner spindle 22 is realized as a lower spindle, which is provided in the container longitudinal direction below the outer spindle 20, which thus constitutes the upper spindle. Consequently, here too, the upper spindle 20 forms the riser 26, which leads to the channel 58 from.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the drive via a housing bottom 62, which is pressed against the pressure of the compression spring 52 in the container housing 2. This housing bottom 62 integrally forms the drive sleeve 32, which cooperates with the driver 38. The introduction of the force via the end formed on the lower spindle 22 spindle flange 48 which rests against an integrally formed on the container housing 2 annular disc 64 and is centered in a recessed bore therein. The annular disc 64 also serves as an abutment for the pressure or return spring 52. The embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3 each have a lower chamber 10, which is bounded on the upper side of the upper piston 8, so that at the same pitch of the spindle 11, ie the same axial displacement of the upper piston 8 and the lower piston 4 at a predetermined rotation angle of the spindle 11, the volume of the lower chamber 10 is not smaller. Due to the pitch of outer spindle 20 and inner spindle 22 and lower spindle 22 and upper spindle 20 and the respective embodiment of the self-tapping elements 28, 30, the mixing ratio can be adjusted so that at a predetermined rotation angle of the spindle 11 from two chambers 10, 12 a predetermined volume of the product component contained in the respective chambers 10, 12 is discharged.

This is different from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, in which the respective chambers 10, 12 are individually delimited on one side by container-side partitions, of which the upper partition is identified by reference numeral 66 and the lower partition by reference numeral 68. The lower partition 68 also serves as a bearing for the upper spindle 20. This is also formed as a riser 26. The area of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 located above the upper partition 66 corresponds to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Even with the same pitch of the respective thread pitches of the upper spindle 20 and the lower spindle 22 takes place in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, a discharge of product components.

The embodiment shown in Figure 5 represents a modification of the embodiment shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the respective chambers 10, 12 are compressed against a fixed housing wall upon movement of the pistons 4, 8. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the container housing 2 is pot-shaped and formed closed at the bottom. The spindle 11 is formed as a unitary spindle, between the piston 4, 8 shown in Figure 5 in the initial position, the thread pitch of left-hand thread changes to right-hand thread, so that upon rotation of the spindle 11 of the upper piston 8 upwards and the lower piston wanders down. The spindle 1 is formed as a riser 26 and open to the lower chamber 10 close to the ground.

The embodiment shown in Figure 6 has similarities to the embodiment shown in Figure 2. However, a separate drive is provided for each spindle 20, 22. Reference numeral 70 denotes a driver of an inner spindle 22, which is in operative connection with the driver 70 via a shaft 72, which passes through the outer spindle 20. This shaft 72 carries the counter-toothing to the driver 70 of the inner spindle 22. Reference numeral 74, the driver of the outer spindle is characterized, which acts in the manner described above with reference to Figure 1 via a spindle flange 48 on the outer spindle 20. Reference numeral 76 denotes the drive sleeve for driving the inner spindle 22; The two drive sleeves 76, 78 are each integrally formed on the housing head 6 and surround the channels 56, 58. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the metering ratio by the type of toothing between the Driver 70; 74 and the associated counter-toothing can be adjusted. Alternatively or additionally, the mixing ratio of the spindle pitch and / or the configuration of the positive connection between the drive sleeve 76, 78 and driver 70, 74 can be adjusted. FIG. 6 shows a unitary housing head 6. However, it is conceivable to fractionate the housing head 6, so that for each of the two drives a displaceable in the vertical direction against the force of a return spring dosing is provided to selectively act only on a drive.

FIG. 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a multi-chamber container with a container housing 2 and housing head 6 and drive 31 as described above with reference to FIG. Also in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the two pistons 4, 8 are provided in the initial position shown there immediately adjacent to each other and run for compression and for conveying out the product components contained in the chambers 10, 12 in opposite directions. The drive 31 acts on the outer spindle 20. This has on its inner circumferential surface a coiled spindle surface which cooperates with a correspondingly provided thread 57 of the inner spindle 22. Meanwhile, the outer peripheral surface of the outer spindle 20 is provided with an inclination in the opposite direction to the inner peripheral surface of the outer spindle 20. The inner spindle 22 is rotationally connected to the lower piston 4. Upon actuation of the drive 31, the upper piston 8 is displaced translationally within the container housing 2 by rotation of the outer spindle 20, whereas the retained inner spindle 22 rises relative to the outer spindle 20 and thereby pushes the lower piston 4 downwards. This lower piston 4 is adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the container housing 2 by the sealing lips provided on the outer periphery thereof held, so that the inner spindle 22 rotationally fixed in the container housing 2 remains. If necessary, the container housing 2 and the associated pistons 4, 8 can be formed with a non-rotationally symmetric base surface, so that a relative movement of the pistons 4 and 8 about the longitudinal axis of the container housing 2 is avoided by positively locking.

FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment whose drive 31 and spindles 11 essentially correspond to the exemplary embodiment described with reference to FIG. However, the thread surface provided on the outer spindle 20 is realized on the inner circumferential surface as well as on the outer peripheral surface with the same rotational sense. In the starting position shown in Figure 8, the lower piston 4 is located at the lower end of the container housing 2. Also in this embodiment, the inner spindle 22 is rotationally held on the lower piston 4 in the container housing 2. Pressing the housing head 6 leads to the actuation of the drive 31 such that the outer spindle 20 is rotated. The inner spindle is realized as widened head on a spindle rod 80, wherein at the transition between the inner spindle 22 and the spindle rod 80 inlet openings 82 are recessed to the riser 26.

9 shows a further embodiment of the present invention with a continuous spindle 11 having an upper spindle 20 and a lower spindle 22, which have different pitches, so that at a predetermined angular amount of the spindle 11, the upper piston 8 is less translationally moved than the lower piston 4. The spindle 11 is formed as a riser 26 and has at the end of the upper spindle 20 inlet openings 82 for the product component of the lower chamber 10. The spindle 11 is integrally attached to the housing bottom 62 which is fixedly connected to the container housing 2 , Rotatable in the container housing 2 is an inner container 84, which encloses the chambers 10, 12 and receives the pistons 4, 8 in itself. This inner container 84 cooperates with the drive 31 and has the annular surface 46 with the counter teeth 44. Upon actuation of the housing head 6, the inner container 84 is consequently rotated in the container housing 2. The piston 4, 8, which bears against the inner circumferential surface of the inner container 84, are entrained with this rotary movement, so that the pistons 4, 8 rise along the spindle 11. FIG. 10 shows a further exemplary embodiment similar to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, however, the drive is simplified. The spindle 11, which is formed substantially in accordance with the spindle of the embodiment 9, is part of a housing bottom element 62, which is captive in the axial direction, while rotatably mounted on the container housing 2.

FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment whose container housing 2 is similar to the container housing described with reference to FIG. Specifically, the container housing 2 is subdivided by a lower partition 68 which separates the chamber 10 from the chamber 12. Accordingly, the pistons 4, 8 accommodated in the two chambers 10, 12 are respectively displaced against a fixed housing cover 68 or 66. The drive, however, is a different one.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the pistons 4, 8 each have a spring washer 86 at their end facing away from the associated container volume. The provided on the upper piston 8 spring washer 86 cooperates with an outer push rod 88, the lower piston 4 associated spring washer 86 with an inner push rod 90 together. The two push rods 88, 90 are connected to each other at the upper end of the inner push rod 90. The free end of the outer push rod 88 engages over a pipe socket 92, which is integrally formed on the lower partition 68 and this projects clearly in the direction of the housing head 6. The outer push rod 88 engages the pipe socket 92 sealingly. Between the pipe socket 92 and the inner push rod 90, an annular channel 24 is formed as part of the riser pipe 26 in the lower region, which opens into the channel 58, which is formed on the container housing 2. This channel 58 is surrounded by a one piece formed by the housing head 6 pipe piece 94, which is connected end to the outer push rod 88.

The spring washers 86 act only in one direction arresting with the push rods 88, 90 together. Now, when pressed against the restoring force of the return spring 54 when operating the housing head 6, the push rods 88, 90 slide relative to the pistons 4, 8 down and past Krallkanten the spring washers 86. These are slightly inclined downwards, so that upon a return movement of the push rods 88, 90 due to the return spring 54, the spring washer and thus the pistons 4, 8 dig into the outer peripheral surface of the push rods 88, 90 and with these are engaged. The restoring force of the return spring 54 accordingly causes a discharge of product components from the respective chambers 10, 12 by the upwardly moving piston 4, 8. The movement amounts of the two pistons 4, 8 are in this embodiment due to the coupling of the inner and outer push rods 88th , 90 identical.

Finally, Figure 12 shows an embodiment similar to that shown in Figure 2 and discussed with reference to this embodiment. The peculiarity of this embodiment consists in the design of the housing head 6. This comprises a latched with the container housing 2 and in the longitudinal direction of the container housing 2 displaceable cap 96 which surrounds a control head 98, which dispenses with the discharge openings 16, 18, which on the outside of the cap 96 are exposed. The cap 96 is rotationally connected to the actuator head 98, so that rotation of the cap 96 relative to the container housing 2 entrains the actuator head 98. As a result of this rotational movement, the degree of overlap of the discharge openings 16, 18 formed on the adjusting head 98 with transverse bores formed correspondingly on a channel cover 100 and thus the mixing ratio of the individual product components during discharge of the same can be changed. The channel cover 100 engages over a counter-toothing 44 forming a counter-toothed sleeve 102, which rotates sealingly locked in the upper partition 66.

Within the cap, a return bearing member 104 forming an upper abutment surface for the return spring 54 is provided. A depressing operation of the cap 96 entrains this return holding member 104, whereby the return spring 54 is compressed. The restoring retaining element 104 further forms, with its legs extending inwardly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, the drive sleeve 32, which is positively engaged with the driver 38 in order to effect rotational movement of the driver 38 during an axial movement of the restoring element 104.

By the rotational movement of the driver 38, the riser 26 and the rotationally connected thereto spindle 22 is set in rotation, whereby the lower piston 4 is raised. The product mass in the chamber 10 is thus discharged via the riser 26 to the extent permitted by the intersection of the opening 16 and the corresponding transverse bore of the channel cover 100. Accordingly, the application of the product mass from the chamber 12, wherein the compressing piston 8 by advancing the product mass from the chamber 10 in the periphery, as it will allow the overlap of the corresponding opening 18 and the transverse bore of the channel cover 100, is advanced. If the two said openings are not in overlap, the product application from the respective associated chamber 10, 12 is completely eliminated and the entire product quantity is discharged from the respective other chamber.

By the embodiment described above by way of example, it is possible, on the one hand, to specify a special drive in the sense of the present invention, which converts an axial movement of the housing head 6 into a rotational movement of the spindle 11. In addition, the embodiment allows a change in the mixing ratio of the discharged substances from the respective chamber 10, 12th

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

container housing

lower piston

housing head

upper piston

lower chamber

spindle

upper chamber

metering

discharge opening

External spindle / upper spindle

Inner spindle / lower spindle

annular channel

riser

self-tapping element

drive

drive sleeve

approach ramp

driver cams

takeaway

companion flange

gearing

counter teeth

ring surface

spindle flange

Achsvorsprung

additional counter-toothing

Spring / drive

Return spring / housing head

thread channel

thread

channel

housing element

caseback

washer

upper separation

lower partition

Driver of the inner spindle

wave

Driver of the outer spindle

Drive sleeve of the inner spindle

Drive sleeve of the outer spindle

spindle rod

inlet opening

inner container

spring washer

outer push rod

inner push rod

pipe socket

pipe section

cap

Deputy head

channel cover

Counter teeth sleeve

Restoring retaining element

Claims

claims

1. multi-chamber container with a container housing (2) with at least two superimposed chambers (10, 12) for receiving product components and a metering element (14) by means of the chambers (10, 12) associated and displaceable in the container longitudinal piston (4, 8 ), which promotes product components,

characterized,

in that at least one piston (4, 8) is displaceably engaged with an element extending in the container longitudinal axis.

2. multi-chamber container according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one piston (4, 8) forms an engagement region.

3. multi-chamber container according to claim 2, characterized in that the engagement region by a spring washer (86) is formed.

4. multi-chamber container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element is displaceable in the container longitudinal axis

Push rod (88, 90) is.

5. multi-chamber container according to claim 4, characterized in that the push rod an outer push rod (88) and at least one inner

Includes push rod (90).

6. multi-chamber container according to claim 5, characterized in that the outer push rod (88) and the at least one inner push rod (90) are immovably connected to each other.

7. multi-chamber container according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least the outer push rod (88) is formed as a riser (26).

8. multi-chamber container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the element is a spindle (11).

9. multi-chamber container according to claim 8, characterized by a in the container housing (2) rotatably mounted inner container (84) which forms the chambers (10, 12), and wherein the at least one spindle (11) rotationally fixed in the container housing (2) is.

10. multi-chamber container according to claim 9, characterized in that the inner container (84) is formed of metal.

11. multi-chamber container according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by a drive (31) with a drive sleeve (32) which via a run-on slope (34) drives a driver (38) having a concentric with the spindle axis formed teeth (42) has, which cooperates with a on the spindle (11) acting counter-toothing (44).

12. multi-chamber container according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the spindle (11) comprises an outer spindle (20) and at least one inner spindle (22).

13. multi-chamber container according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the spindle (11) comprises an upper spindle (20) and at least one lower spindle (22).

14. multi-chamber container according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that at least two spindles (20, 22) are provided, each associated with a drive (31).

15. multi-chamber container according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the outer spindle (20) with the at least one inner spindle (22) or the upper spindle (20) with the at least one lower spindle (22) is rotationally connected.

16. multi-chamber container according to one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that at least one spindle (20, 22) as a riser (26) is formed.

17. multi-chamber container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement is a self-tapping positive engagement.

18. multi-chamber container according to one of claims 8 to 16, characterized in that the engagement region as a thread (57, 55) is formed.

19. multi-chamber container according to claim 18, characterized in that on the spindle (20, 22) which is rotatably engaged with a piston (4, 8), an external thread is formed.

20. multi-chamber container according to claim 19, characterized in that the outer spindle (20) with at least one inner spindle (22) via a thread (57) is rotatably engaged.

21. Multi-chamber container according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that at least one of the engaged threads (57) has a different pitch.

22. multi-chamber container according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the engagement portion, the spindle (22) which is rotatably engaged with the outer spindle (20) rotatably receives.

23. Multi-chamber container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chambers (10, 12) are separated by a housing separation (68).

24. Multi-chamber container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two pistons (4, 8) in the longitudinal axis of the container perform an opposite movement.

25. Multi-chamber container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one positive-locking element (54) made of metal or plastic.

26. Multi-chamber container according to claim 25, characterized in that the at least one positive locking element (28, 30, 86) is fixed by means of injection molding with plastic.

27. Multi-chamber container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container housing (2) is formed of metal or plastic.