EP2718201B1 - Set of multicomponent cartridges - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a set of multi-component cartridges with at least two multi-component cartridges.

Multi-component cartridges and in particular two-component cartridges are frequently used for storing and discharging multi-component or two-component systems, in which the individual components should first come into contact with one another for the respective application, in order then to cure, for example. For this purpose, two or more separate receiving chambers are provided, each of which includes one of the components. For application, the outlets of the receiving chambers are then typically connected to a static mixer and the components are delivered by pressurizing the rear bottom of the respective receiving chamber, which is usually configured as a movable piston, through the outlet into the mixer, where the components are intimately mixed to then exit at the end of the mixer as a homogeneous mass.

Such multicomponent or two-component systems are used in the industrial sector, in construction, for example in buildings, and also in the dental sector. Some application examples are joint sealants, compounds for chemical dowels or chemical anchors, adhesives, pastes or molding compounds in the dental field. Two-component systems are also used, in particular in the industrial sector, for paints which are used, for example, as functional protective layers, for example for corrosion protection. For this purpose, the two components of the colors are mixed in a static mixer and fed to a spray nozzle, which atomises the mixed components by exposure to a medium such as compressed air and to be treated Transported surface. In addition to the spraying of such coatings, it is also known to apply protective layers or coatings in general by brushing, spreading or filling.

Usually, these multi-component cartridges are made of plastic and are produced in an injection molding process. Especially with the two-component cartridges, it is customary today to design these as so-called side-by-side cartridges, in which the two essentially cylindrical receiving chambers are arranged parallel to one another next to one another. For a production process that is as economical as possible, the two-component cartridges are produced in one piece in a one-step injection molding process so that the two receiving chambers are permanently connected to each other.

To discharge the components from the multicomponent cartridges special discharge devices are used, which are also referred to as dispensers. These discharge devices are designed such that the multi-component cartridges are inserted into specially adapted holders of the discharge device. For discharging the components then plungers are provided which pressurize the bottom of the receiving chamber forming piston, whereby the pistons along the wall of the respective receiving chamber are moved forward and thereby promote the component through the outlet, for example in the mixer. Depending on the system, the drive of the plunger can be done manually, for example via a handle whose operation by means of a translation leads to a forward movement of the plunger. Frequently, however, the discharge devices also have electrically or pneumatically or hydraulically driven tappets that can be activated by an actuator by the user to begin discharging the components.

Depending on the application, the two or more components in different volume ratios must be mixed together to optimally achieve the desired reaction during mixing. The different volume ratios are realized over different volumes of the receiving chambers. Since it is advantageous in practical aspects and for the interaction with the discharge device, the two or more receiving chambers of the multi-component cartridge are designed with the same length, so that the plungers of the discharge device can always be moved synchronously and as a whole. The different volume ratios are then realized by different cross-sectional areas of the receiving chambers. If, for example, a mixing ratio of the two components of 2: 1 is to be achieved in the case of a two-component system, the first receiving chamber with twice the cross-sectional area is designed with the same length of the two receiving chambers as the second receiving chamber.

It has long been established in practice that the multicomponent systems and in particular the two-component systems in different standardized sizes, ie quantities, are offered, with the filling amount always the total amount of both or all receiving chambers is specified. For example, in the case of a two-component cartridge, the size specification "1500 ml" means that the total filling volume of both receiving chambers is a total of 1500 ml. As a result, 1500 ml two-component cartridges vary widely in their external dimensions for different mixing ratios of the components. For example, for a mixing ratio of one to one, the volume of each receiving chamber is 750 ml, while for a mixing ratio of the components of two to one, the first receiving chamber comprises 1000 ml and the second receiving chamber is 500 ml. At a mixing ratio of four to one, the first chamber has a volume of 1200 ml while the second chamber has a volume of 300 ml. Since, as already mentioned, the length of the receiving chambers should be the same for practical reasons, it is inevitable that the outer diameters of both receiving chambers have to be changed in order to realize different mixing ratios. This has the consequence that also different discharge devices must be provided, because the multi-component cartridge must be securely and stably mounted in the discharge device so that sufficient pressure can be applied to the pistons.

The US 2002/0170926 A1 refers to a two-component cartridge system as such for multi-component reactive viscous fluids in which a plurality of syringe members are assembled and dispense their discharge into an outlet member via a corresponding plurality of passageways.

Based on this prior art, it is therefore an object of the invention to propose a set of multi-component cartridges, with the different mixing ratios can be realized and is universally usable than known systems.

The object of the invention solving this object is characterized by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous developments are defined in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, therefore, a set of multicomponent cartridges with at least two multicomponent cartridges is proposed, each multicomponent cartridge comprising at least a first and a second receiving chamber for components to be discharged, wherein each receiving chamber is substantially cylindrical and extends in a longitudinal direction, wherein the receiving chambers are arranged parallel to each other and have the same extent in the longitudinal direction, wherein each multi-component cartridge is made in one piece, so that their receiving chambers are inextricably linked, and wherein the first receiving chamber of each multi-component cartridge of the set has the same outer diameter.

By the measure, with the set of multi-component cartridges in each case to make the outer diameter of the first receiving chamber with the same outer diameter, results in a much more universal applicability of the multi-component cartridge. Since the multi-component cartridge also in one piece is configured so that their receiving chambers are permanently connected to each other, it is sufficient if in the discharge device only one of the receiving chambers is accurately received in a holder. Since the outer diameter of the first receiving chamber is always the same for the entire set of multi-component cartridges, it is possible that all multi-component cartridges of the set can be discharged with the same discharge device. It no longer requires different discharge devices when multi-component cartridges are to be discharged with different mixing ratios. This means a much more universal and flexible use of the inventive set of multi-component cartridges than in previously known systems.

It is particularly preferred if each first receiving chamber has the same volume. This means that in the case of the various multi-component cartridges of one set, the wall thickness of the first receiving chamber and thus also its inner diameter are equal. This has the advantageous effect that the number of different pistons that need to be made available for the multi-component cartridges can be significantly reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, each multi-component cartridge is a two-component cartridge, because this application is in practice a: very important.

It is particularly favorable if each multi-component cartridge is produced by means of an injection molding process. This process is economical, very efficient and has proven itself for multi-component cartridges.

An advantageous measure is when each receiving chamber has a separate outlet through which the component can be discharged from the respective receiving chamber. The fact that the outlets are completely separated from each other, the risk of cross-contamination can be at least reduce between the outlets. If the various components already come into contact with each other at the outlets, this could already lead to hardening, causing the outlets to become clogged.

It is particularly advantageous for the application if, in the case of each multicomponent cartridge, all the outlets are arranged in a common connection piece which is designed to cooperate with an accessory, in particular with a closure cap or with a mixer. Through this common connector, the multi-component cartridge can be operated very easily.

A preferred measure is when the connector has a thread for cooperation with the accessory, because this ensures a secure connection. But there are also other variants feasible, with which the connector with a cap or a mixer is connectable.

Another equally preferred measure is when the connector has a bayonet coupling for cooperation with the accessory. Then, the bayonet joint connector is configured with an accessory such as a mixer or cap. Such a bayonet connection between the multi-component cartridge and a mixer or cap, which is state of the art in itself, is a reliable and very easy-to-use connection.

Preferably, a chamber forming the bottom of the chamber piston is provided for each receiving chamber, with which by pressurizing the component from the respective receiving chamber can be brought out. This embodiment has proven itself in practice.

Because of practical experience, it is preferred if the set comprises a multi-component cartridge in which the volume of the first receiving chamber is equal to the volume of the second receiving chamber, and / or
a multi-component cartridge in which the ratio of the volume of the first receiving chamber to the volume of the second receiving chamber is two to one, and / or
a multi-component cartridge in which the ratio of the volume of the first receiving chamber to the volume of the second receiving chamber is three to one, and / or
a multi-component cartridge in which the ratio of the volume of the first receiving chamber to the volume of the second receiving chamber is four to one.

Further advantageous measures and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Fig. 1:

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Satzes von Mehrkomponentenkartuschen in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 2:

den Satz aus Fig. 1 in einer Ansicht,

Fig. 3:

den Satz aus Fig. 2 in einer Ansicht auf den Boden der Mehrkomponentenkartuschen, und

Fig. 4:

eine der Mehrkomponentenkartuschen des Sates in einer Längsschnittdarstellung,

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments and with reference to the drawing. In the drawing, partly in section:

Fig. 1:

An embodiment of a set of multi-component cartridges according to the invention in a perspective view,

Fig. 2:

the sentence Fig. 1 in a view

3:

the sentence Fig. 2 in a view to the bottom of the multi-component cartridges, and

4:

one of the multi-component cartridges of the Sates in a longitudinal sectional view,

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an inventive set of multi-component cartridges, which is generally designated by the reference numeral 1 and here four multi-component cartridges 2 comprises.

In the following, by way of example, reference will be made to the application that is particularly relevant for practice, in that the multicomponent cartridges 2 are each two-component cartridges 2. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to such embodiments, but may include in mutatis mutandis the same way multi-component cartridges 2 for more than two components.

Fig. 2 shows sentence 1 Fig. 1 in a view from the line of sight, in Fig. 1 represented by the arrow II.

Fig. 3 shows a view of the bottom of the multicomponent cartridges 2, that is, a view from the viewing direction, in Fig. 3 represented by the arrow III.

For a better understanding shows Fig. 4 one of the multi-component cartridges 2 in a longitudinal sectional view along the longitudinal direction A.

Each of the two-component cartridges 2 comprises a first receiving chamber 3 for a first component and a second receiving chamber 4 for the second component. Each of the receiving chambers 3, 4 is of substantially cylindrical design and extends in a longitudinal direction A, which corresponds to the cylinder axis. The two-component cartridges 2 of the set 1 are so-called side-by-side cartridges, that is to say the two receiving chambers 3, 4 of the two-component cartridge 2 are arranged next to each other, so that their cylinder axes, each extending in the direction of the longitudinal direction A, are parallel to one another lie. The length L of the first receiving chamber 3 is the same as the length L of the second receiving chamber 4, with the length L the extension of the respective receiving chamber 3, 4 in the longitudinal direction A is meant.

It is preferred, but not necessarily so, that for all multi-component cartridges 2 of set 1, the length L is always the same. Although in each multi-component cartridge 2, the two receiving chambers 3, 4 always have the same length L, but it is quite possible that this length L is different for different multi-component cartridges 2 of the same set 1.

The first and the second receiving chamber 3 and 4 each have a separate outlet 31 and 41 (see Fig. 4 ), which is provided in each case in the representation of the upper end face of the cylindrical receiving chamber 3.4, and through which the respective component from the receiving chamber can be discharged. Each outlet 31, 41 has a circular cross section and is channel-shaped.

Each two-component cartridge 2 has a common connecting piece 5 which connects the two end faces of the receiving chambers provided with the outlets 31, 41. In this connector 5, the outlets 31 and 41 are arranged. The common connector 5 is designed for cooperation with an accessory.

In the embodiment described here, each multi-component cartridge is shown with a closure cap 6, which cooperates with the connecting part 5. The cap 6 has two pins 61, each of which engages in one of the two outlets 31, 41 in order to close them. The cap 6 has a screw 62, which cooperates with a thread of the connecting piece 5.

Each of the two-component cartridges 2 is made in one piece, so that their receiving chambers 3,4 are each connected to each other inseparably, that is, the two receiving chambers 3, 4 can not destructively from each other be separated. The two storage chambers 3, 4 are connected to one another via a plurality of parts, namely by the common connecting piece 5 on their end faces having the outlets 31, 41, by a connecting web 7 (see FIG Fig. 3 ) at the end remote from the outlets end of the receiving chambers 3, 4 and by a plurality of intermediate webs 8 (see Fig. 4 ) which connect the cylindrical walls of the receiving chambers 3, 4 at different heights with respect to the longitudinal direction A.

Each two-component cartridge 2 is preferably manufactured in an injection molding process. Since the two-component cartridges 2 are integral, they can be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner in a one-step injection molding process.

The multi-component cartridges 2 are made of plastic, all plastics commonly used for cartridges are suitable, for example polyamides (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polyolefins in general.

As this particular in the Fig. 3 and 4 can be seen, the two-component cartridges 2 are each shown with an inserted piston 9 in each receiving chamber 3, 4. This piston 9 is produced separately from the two-component cartridge 2 and is usually used only after the filling of the receiving chambers 3, 4. The two-component cartridges 2 are thus first produced by injection molding and then closed, for example, with the cap 6 at the outlets 31, 41. From the still open in accordance with the bottom end of the receiving chambers 3, 4, the respective components in the first and the second receiving chamber 3 and 4 are then filled. Subsequently, in each case a piston 9 is inserted into the receiving chamber 3 or 4, which then forms the respective chamber bottom and the receiving chamber 3, 4 sealingly closes. Often the pistons 9 are used as valve pistons designed so that when inserting the piston 9, the optionally present between the component and the piston air is easily dissipated.

To use the two-component cartridge 2, this is usually inserted into the holder of a discharge device (dispenser). The cap 6 is removed, unscrewed here, and in its place a mixer is attached to the common connector, in this case with a screw. Frequently, this mixer is a known static mixer, which then has two separate inlets, each with one of the outlets 31, 41 form a flow connection, so that the respective component from the receiving chamber 3 and 4 through the outlet 31 and 41 in gets the mixer. Here, the two components meet and are intimately mixed as they pass through the mixer.

For discharging the components, the discharge device usually has a double tappet or two individual tappets which act on the two pistons 9 in the first and the second receiving chamber 3 bzw.4 with pressure, as in Fig. 4 is indicated by the two arrows with the reference symbol P. By the pressurization, the two pistons 9 slide simultaneously along the inner wall of the first and the second receiving chamber 3 and 4, as shown, upwards, whereby the respective components are discharged into the mixer. After completion of the application, the mixer can be removed again and replaced by the cap 6.

The connection of the common connector 5 with the cap 6 or with the mixer can of course also be done in other ways than with a screw, for example by means of a bayonet connection. Then, the connector 5 in a conventional manner a bayonet coupling which cooperates with a provided on the cap 6 or the mixer or other accessory bayonet coupling such that the two parts are securely connected.

The set 1 of multi-component cartridges 2 according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that in each of the at least two multicomponent cartridges 2, the first receiving chamber 3 has the same outside diameter D1. By this measure, it is possible that all multi-component cartridges 2 of the first sentence can be inserted into the same dispenser. Since the multi-component cartridges 2 are in one piece, ie the two receiving chambers 3 and 4 are rigidly connected to each other - here by the connecting piece 5, the connecting web 7 and the intermediate webs 8 - it is sufficient that the holder in the dispensing device is designed so that she takes the first receiving chamber 3 safely and firmly. The outer diameter D2 of the second receiving chamber 4 can then vary, without endangering the safe and reliable discharge function.

For manufacturing reasons, it is preferred that each first receiving chamber 3 of a set 1 has the same volume. This means for the same length L, that the wall thickness d of the wall of the first receiving chamber 3 for all multi-component cartridges 2 of the set 1 is the same. However, it is also possible and desirable for some applications that the wall thickness d of the wall of the first receiving chamber 3 for two different multi-component cartridges 2, which belong to the same set 1, have different values.

If all the first receiving chambers 3 have the same wall thickness d, then they also have the same inner diameter. This is particularly advantageous, because then the same piston 9 can be used for all first receiving chambers 3, for the first receiving chambers 3 then no piston 9 must be provided with different diameters.

By varying the outer diameter D2 of the second receiving chamber 4, it is thus possible to realize different mixing ratios for the two components. It is meant by the mixing ratio, how many parts of the first Component come on a part of the second component. A mixing ratio of 2: 1 means, for example, that part of the second component has two parts of the first component, parts being parts by volume.

Since the two receiving chambers 3, 4 of the two-component cartridge 2 are the same length and when discharging the two components, the two pistons 9 in the receiving chambers 3.4 are usually pushed synchronously and parallel forward, the mixing ratio on the diameter D2 of the second receiving chamber. 4 to adjust. The mixing ratio is then given by the ratio of the two circular cross-sectional areas of the two receiving chambers 3.4 each perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. Are the wall thicknesses d of the first and the second receiving chamber 3 and 4 equal - which is usually the case - so set the mixing ratio by the ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the first receiving chamber 3 to the outer diameter D2 of the second receiving chamber 4. Even if the wall thickness d of the two receiving chambers 3, 4 is not the same, this statement applies at least approximately.

At the in Fig. 1 Set 1 shown in the four two-component cartridges 2 as shown, from left to right, the following mixing ratios realized: 1: 1; 2: 1; 3: 1 and 4: 1.

Due to the line of sight, the order is in the Fig. 2 and 3 just the other way around. Here, in each case, the leftmost multi-component cartridge 2 has the mixing ratio 4: 1, followed to the right by the mixing ratios 3: 1; 2: 1 and 1: 1.

In the Fig. 4 shown in section multi-component cartridge 2 has the mixing ratio 2: 1.

Since the cross-sectional area of the receiving chambers 3, 4 are circular surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, the ratio of the outer diameter D1 the first receiving chamber 3 to the outer diameter D2 of the second receiving chamber 4 for the mixing ratio 4: 1 the value 2, for the mixing ratio 3: 1 the value root of three and for the mixing ratio 2: 1 the value root of 2. For the mixing ratio 1: 1, the outer diameter D1 of the first receiving chamber 3 is equal to the outer diameter D2 of the second receiving chamber 4.

It goes without saying that the set 1 of multicomponent cartridges 2 may alternatively or additionally also comprise multicomponent cartridges 2 with different mixing ratios.

Claims (14)

1. A set (1) of multicomponent cartridges (2) having at least two multicomponent cartridges (2),
   wherein each multicomponent cartridge (2) comprises at least one first and one second reception chamber (3, 4) for components to be dispensed,
   wherein each reception chamber (3, 4) has a substantially cylindrical design and extends in a longitudinal direction (A), wherein the reception chambers (3, 4) are arranged in parallel with one another and have the same extent (L) in the longitudinal direction (A),
   wherein each multicomponent cartridge (2) is manufactured in one piece so that their reception chambers (3, 4) are non-releasably connected to one another,
   wherein the first reception chamber (3) of each multicomponent cartridge (2) of the set (1) has the same outer diameter (Dl), and wherein at least two of the second reception chambers (4) of the set (1) have different outer diameters (D2).
2. A set in accordance with claim 1,
   in which every first reception chamber (3) of the set (1) has the same volume.
3. A set in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
   in which the wall thicknesses (d) of the first and second reception chambers (3, 4) of the set (1) are the same.
4. A set (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, in which each multicomponent cartridge (2) is a two-component cartridge (2).
5. A set (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   
   in which each multicomponent cartridge (2) is manufactured by means of an injection molding process.
6. A set (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, in which each reception chamber (3, 4) has a separate outlet (31, 41) through which the component can be dispensed from the respective reception chamber (3, 4).
7. A set (1) in accordance with claim 6,
   wherein, in each multicomponent cartridge (2), all outlets (31, 41) are arranged in a common connector piece (5) which is designed for cooperating with an accessory part (6), in particular with a closure cap or with a mixer.
8. A set (1) in accordance with claim 7,
   in which the connector piece (5) has a thread for cooperating with the accessory part (6).
9. A set (1) in accordance with claim 7,
   in which the connector piece (5) has a bayonet coupling for cooperating with the accessory part (6).
10. A set (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    in which, for each reception chamber (3, 4) a piston (9) forming the chamber base is provided by which the component can be dispensed from the respective reception chamber (3, 4) by application of pressure.
11. A set (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, having a multicomponent cartridge (2) in which the volume of the first reception chamber (3) is of the same size as the volume of the second reception chamber (4).
12. A set (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, having a multicomponent cartridge (2) in which the ratio of the volume of the first reception chamber (3) to the volume of the second reception chamber (4) is two to one.
13. A set (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, having a multicomponent cartridge in which the ratio of the volume of the first reception chamber (3) to the volume of the second reception chamber (4) is three to one.
14. A set (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, having a multicomponent cartridge in which the ratio of the volume of the first reception chamber (3) to the volume of the second reception chamber (4) is four to one.

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