EP2872068B1 - Applicator for in particular manually controlled application of a light-curable composite material and arrangement of a light source on the applicator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an applicator for the particularly hand-controlled application of a light-curing composite material according to the preamble of the first claim claim 1 and an arrangement of a light source on the applicator.
By means of an applicator materials of different viscosities are dosed for different purposes. The materials can be liquid or viscous. The applicator can be operated manually depending on the application and purpose.

For applying conventional adhesives, for example, hot glue guns are known, according to DE 102 17 306 A1 may be provided with a lighting for illuminating the work area. However, the curing of the dispensed adhesive takes a long time. Furthermore, there is a risk of injury due to the high temperature of the hot glue gun.
Hand tools for dispensing and mixing viscous liquids are also known, which are used, for example, in the dental sector. Such a solution is in DE 199 35 292 A1 described. To illuminate the treatment area a light guide is provided for illuminating a gun-like handset, which is connectable via a coupling with a source. The light guide is provided with a rotatable optics, which focuses the light on the treatment area. A system comprising an application device for applying liquids to a surface, in the form of an inking roller or spray gun, onto which the liquid can be applied from a working region, is disclosed in US Pat DE 10 2007 060 247 A1 described. The surface 20 is selectively illuminated by means of a lighting unit, which causes a contrast between coated and uncoated surfaces.
The aforementioned solutions are not intended for the application of light-curing material and the lighting means are therefore not intended and also not suitable to cure the discharged material.

From the publication DE 87 09 115 U1 there is known a stick-type dispenser for applying a liquid rust converter having a liquid dispensing part and a cap detachably mountable on the dispensing part. The cap has an abrasive outer surface that allows you to remove loose paint and rust from a surface onto which the rust converter is to be applied. The dispensing member includes elastic walls of polymeric material enclosing an elongate container for holding a reservoir of the rust converter, and a dispensing tip of polymeric material having a housing attached to the reservoir having a passage communicating with an opening leading into the reservoir stands. A valve member in the housing may be tight with its periphery to an inner surface of the same, the one end of the passage forms, with a tip through the outlet end of the passage, when the valve member is close to this inner surface. A biasing means presses the valve member into the sealed seat on the inner surface forming the end portion of the passage and permits movement of the valve member to an open position spaced from the inner surface for rust converter to flow past. The valve element can be brought into its open position by pressing its tip on a surface to be removed from the rust. The flow of the rust converter past the open valve element can be intensified by pressing inwards onto the elastic walls forming the reservoir. If you have then applied a desired amount of liquid, you lift the dispenser from the surface, so that the valve element, the liquid in the container again tightly seals. The cap can now be placed on the output part again so that a cavity in it receives the tip assembly and protects. This solution is not suitable for the application of light-curing material, since the light-curing material is usually used for the connection of components and therefore it is not desired in many cases that is pressed against the components for application with a certain pressure, as in the aforementioned Solution is the case. Furthermore, there is no LED, as this is not required.

A dispenser adapted to deliver flowing liquid adhesive, either in the form of a film or in the form of a series of small dots or lines, the dispenser having a collapsible container body provided with an outlet in the form of an elongated cylindrical nozzle in DE 89 09 092.6 described. The dispenser has a control cap with a coaxial sleeve extending inwardly from the underside of the planar top surface of the control cap and the hole receiving the nozzle. Furthermore, the nozzle is provided with a positioning pin which cooperates with a helical groove in the inner surface of the sleeve such that rotation of the control cap by hand in a direction about the longitudinal axis of the nozzle causes the pin to move along the groove towards that end of the nozzle Groove migrates away from the flat top surface of the control cap, thereby retracting the nozzle into the dispenser until the tip of the nozzle no longer projects beyond the flat top surface, rotation in the opposite direction causing the spigot to pass the groove runs toward the end of the groove closer to the planar top surface, thereby causing the tip of the nozzle to protrude beyond the planar top surface of the control cap. The base of the nozzle is attached to the walls of the container body via a flexible membrane to allow such movement of the nozzle. When the nozzle is in the retracted position in which its tip does not protrude beyond the flat top surface of the control cap, this surface acts as a spreading or spreading tool so that adhesive emerging from the nozzle can be spread into a film. In contrast, when the nozzle is in its advanced position, in which it projects with respect to the flat top surface of the control cap, adhesive from the nozzle tip may be in the form of a fine line or in the form of a number of points. The structural design of this dispenser is relatively expensive. A further disadvantage is that a removable closure cap is required for sealing the dispenser. Even with this solution, a light source is not required, since conventional adhesive and no light-curing material is output.

In the publication DE 10 2010 060 422 A1 For example, a flash device for curing photo-curable materials, a method, and a kit are described. It is thus produced a flash, which can be used in a flexible light guide areas for use. The flash device is designed, for example, in the manner of a ballpoint pen, which can be switched on or off by pressing a button. The flash device may include a reservoir for receiving photo-curable material disposed in a housing. The device can be designed, for example, in the form of a pen with a reservoir for the light-curable material. At the opposite end of the outlet opening of the housing, an LED lamp is provided. After applying the photo-curable material, the housing must be rotated transversely to its longitudinal axis. Turning on the LED lamp will cure the dispensed material.
From the publication DE 20 2011 109 785 U1 a set is known which comprises at least one metering device with light-curing material, which is detachably received in a housing. Furthermore, a light-emitting device for curing the light-curing material in the form of an LED lamp is arranged on the housing. A dosing device for dispensing the light-curing material is detachably connected to the dosing device, wherein the dosing device and / or a dosing channel of the dosing device for dispensing the light-curing material has a releasable closure. The metering channel and the light emitting device are configured or provided at two opposite end portions of the set, the housing having at least one aperture for manually controlled metering of the photohardening material and means for releasably receiving the light emitting device. The disadvantage here is that the reservoir is additionally encased in the form of the metering device by a housing. Another disadvantage of the processing process is that the LED is located at the opposite end of the housing from the dosing channel, since this requires that the set be turned over after the light-curing material has been applied and then the curing process started by actuating the LED.
In the two aforementioned solutions, it can happen that the light-curing material is undesirable before it is cured. Furthermore, an insufficiently precise manual pressure regulation can be realized.
From the publication JP 2005 118207 A an irradiation device for ultraviolet radiation is known, wherein the irradiation device is designed to be portable. The irradiation device is designed in the form of an applicator and has a reservoir in the interior with an outlet opening arranged on an end face of the applicator. On the opposite end of the applicator bulbs for generating the ultraviolet radiation are integrated into the applicator. By means of Ultraviolet radiation curable in the reservoir material is curable.

The application unit and the irradiation unit move alternately to and from the housing.

The application unit moves out of the housing while the irradiation unit is stored in the housing. A main switch is surely in an OFF state while special resin is used using the application unit. Therefore, ultraviolet rays are not emitted while special resin is applied.

A parallel application and curing of the material in the reservoir is therefore not possible. To cure the material, the job step must be interrupted.

The object of the invention is to propose an applicator for hand-controlled application of a light-curing composite material, which has a simple structural design and designed to cure the light-curing material immediately after its application and to provide a lighting device therefor. Furthermore, it should be ensured that a precise manual pressure on the reservoir is ensured to output the hardenable material evenly dosed.

The object of the invention is achieved by an applicator with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

The applicator according to the invention and the arrangement of a luminous means on the applicator are used for applying a light-curing composite material contained in a reservoir, wherein the applicator has a longitudinal axis and at an anterior end an exit opening for the light-curing material and the applicator for manually controlled application of a manually deformable Reservoir having an output device connected to the reservoir with the outlet opening and conveyed by manual pressure application to the reservoir, the light-curing composite material in the output device and output via the outlet opening and that at least one light source on or in the applicator arranged or connectable to the applicator is that the light of the bulb when it is actuated towards the front end of the applicator brightly on the issued light-curing material and curing it t, wherein the at least one light-emitting means is designed as an LED lamp with one or more LEDs and radiates directly in the direction of the outlet opening of the applicator or that adjoins the light source, a light guide, which emits the light emitted by the light source on the output from the applicator Material radiates.

According to the invention, an applicator for applying by means of pressure with the fingers of a light-curing composite material contained in the applicator is thus proposed.

The LED lamp can be brought from a position fastened to the applicator, in which the LED points away from the outlet opening, into a position fastened to the applicator, in which the LED radiates in the direction of the outlet opening or adjoins an optical conductor which connects through the illuminant / the LED emits light emitted on the material dispensed from the applicator. The applicator according to the invention has at least one reservoir. The reservoir is prepared, for example, for releasably receiving a snap-in device with integrated LED lamp when using light-curing composite materials, directly on the reservoir behind the closure unit.

In all of the following, the use of the term "may be" or "may have", etc. is synonymous with "preferably" or "preferably has", etc., and is intended to explain an embodiment of the invention. Further developments of the present invention are the subject of subclaims and embodiments. Embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the features mentioned below. The applicator may comprise a non-releasable closure unit and a receptacle of the closure unit through which the light-curing material is applied or applied. In this case, the receptacle of the closure unit -particularly or preferably wholly or substantially-is made of a first material or has a first material, to which the reservoir is-or preferably completely or substantially-made from or comprises a second material. The second material is different from the first material. The inclusion of the closure unit can be made of a plastic or has such. The reservoir can form the main component of the applicator and can be produced from a material softer than the receptacle of the closure unit or at least comprise a softer material. This embodiment can advantageously contribute or ensure the tightness between the reservoir and the receiving unit of the closure unit as well upon successful elastic deformation of the reservoir, for example when pressure is applied thereto. The reservoir may have a wall thickness in a range from 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 0.9 mm, in at least one region thereof and / or in its lateral surface, or in a main region in each case. These ranges have proven to be particularly suitable, as regards the desired ductility and the required durability and resilience. The reservoir can be light-curable material which cures by means of radiation in a range of 300 to 600 nanometers nm, in particular in a range of 395 to 470 nm.

The reservoir can be made of an opaque material. The opaque material is preferably, at least or in particular opaque to a radiation range of 300 to 600 nanometers (nm), in particular in a range of 395 to 470 nm.

To the reservoir closes by means of a detachable or non-detachable attachment to an output device, which is provided with the closable outlet opening. The dispenser has a receptacle attached to the reservoir. and cooperates with a closure unit having the outlet opening. On the preferably insoluble closure unit, a circumferential ring is provided. The encircling ring serves to shadow the closure unit with respect to the light radiation of the LED lamp. This is intended to prevent hardening of the light-curing plastic on the closure unit and thus also obstruction of the closure unit.

In the embodiment according to the invention, the closure unit and the LED lamp are designed or provided at the same end region of the reservoir or at opposite end regions. The lamp / LED lamp has one or more LEDs. By simply activating the LED lamp, for example by manual operation of a switch with the finger, it can be cured during the application of the light-curing composite material, it is possible to apply both the light-curing composite material with one hand and to cure by means of the LED (one after the other or at the same time). A snap device with an integrated / receivable LED lamp can, for example, be arranged releasably or non-detachably on the reservoir or a housing of the applicator. The permanent attachment can be done for example by gluing, thermal bonding or the like. The reservoir can be prepared accordingly.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the reservoir comprises a device for releasably receiving the integrated LED light snap device; or there is a device on the housing or the reservoir, in which the LED lamp or the LED housing is einclipbar. This device is configured as a snap device in some embodiments of the invention.

The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Figur 1

ein Beispiel eines Dosierstiftes in räumlicher Darstellung mit möglichen Komponenten,

Figur 2

eine weitere Ausführung eines Dosierstiftes in dreidimensionaler Darstellung,

Figur 3

die Seitenansicht gemäß Figur 2,

Figur 4

die Draufsicht gemäß Figur 5,

Figur 5

einen Teillängsschnitt A-A gemäß Figur 3,

Figur 6

Seitenansicht eines Applikators, an dem das LED-Gehäuse über ein ringförmiges Adapterelement an dem Ende befestigt ist, welches der Austrittsöffnung gegenüberliegt,

Figur 7

eine Seitenansicht eines Applikators, bei welcher das Adapterelement und das LED-Gehäuse separat dargestellt sind,

Figur 8

eine dreidimensionale Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführung eines Applikators mit einem Gehäuse,

Figur 9

Applikator gemäß Figur 6 mit adaptierten Lichtleitkabel,

Figur 10

Seitenansicht eines Applikators mit Gehäuse und umsteckbarer LED,

Figur 11

Seitenansicht eines Applikators mit Gehäuse und umsteckbarar LED - kombiniert mit Lichtleitkabel,

Figur 12

eine dreidimensionale Darstellung eines Applikators mit aufgeclipster LED-Lampe,

Figur 13

ein Reservoir 1, welches eine Aufsteckvorbereitung für die Schnappvorrichtung der LED aufweist,

Figur 14

die Aufnahmeeinheit der Ausgabeeinrichtung,

Figur 15

die Verschlusseinheit der Ausgabeeinrichtung,

Figur 16

die Aufnahmeeinheit und die Verschlusseinheit, die zur Ausgabeeinrichtung montiert sind im geschlossenen Zustand (links) und im geöffneten Zustand (rechts),

Figur 17

die Darstellung der Schnappvorrichtung mit der LED,

Figur 18

einen Applikator 100, bei welchem die LED in einem an der Aufnahmeeinheit ausgebildeten LED-Gehäuse angeordnet ist,

Figur 19

einen Applikator 100, bei welchem die LED in einem an dem Reservoir ausgebildeten LED-Gehäuse angeordnet ist,

Figur 20

einen Applikator 100, bei welchem die LED in einem an der Verschlusseinheit ausgebildeten LED-Gehäuse angeordnet ist.

Show it:

FIG. 1

an example of a dosing pen in spatial representation with possible components,

FIG. 2

a further embodiment of a metering pen in three-dimensional representation,

FIG. 3

the side view according to FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4

the top view according to FIG. 5 .

FIG. 5

a partial longitudinal section AA according to FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6

Side view of an applicator to which the LED housing is attached via an annular adapter element at the end, which is opposite to the outlet opening,

FIG. 7

a side view of an applicator, in which the adapter element and the LED housing are shown separately,

FIG. 8

a three-dimensional representation of another embodiment of an applicator with a housing,

FIG. 9

Applicator according to FIG. 6 with adapted optical cable,

FIG. 10

Side view of an applicator with housing and switchable LED,

FIG. 11

Side view of an applicator with housing and reversible LED - combined with fiber optic cable,

FIG. 12

a three-dimensional representation of an applicator with a clipped LED lamp,

FIG. 13

a reservoir 1, which has a Aufsteckvorbereitung for the snap device of the LED,

FIG. 14

the receiving unit of the output device,

FIG. 15

the closure unit of the output device,

FIG. 16

the receiving unit and the locking unit, which are mounted to the dispensing device in the closed state (left) and in the opened state (right),

FIG. 17

the presentation of the snap device with the LED,

FIG. 18

an applicator 100 in which the LED is arranged in an LED housing formed on the receiving unit,

FIG. 19

an applicator 100 in which the LED is arranged in an LED housing formed on the reservoir,

FIG. 20

an applicator 100 in which the LED is arranged in an LED housing formed on the closure unit.

The FIGS. 1 to 8 are not the subject of the invention and are merely for better understanding thereof.

In FIG. 1 a variant of a non-inventive dosing / applicator 100 is shown. The reservoir 1 comprises a chemical composite material (not visible here). In a manual pressure application to the reservoir 1, for example, by actuation with two oppositely peripherally engaging fingers from the outside on the deformable reservoir 1 in an actuating region 16, the light-curing material is conveyed or pressed into the outlet side not shown here dosing of the output device A and output via the outlet opening 3.1. The output device A is firmly connected to the reservoir or designed in one piece with this. It is here a separate cap 4 is provided. A dosing tip 3a of the dispenser A, through which leads in this case the metering channel, not shown, with the outlet opening 3.1, is in the reservoir 1 is inserted and connected to this. For this purpose, various snap devices or types of threads in the reservoir 1 and the metering tip 3a can be provided. The fixation can also be done for example in the form of a press fit or a catch. The dosing tip 3a of the dispensing device A can be made of plastic or a metal. Alternatively, it is possible to form the metering tip 3a in one piece with the reservoir 1.

The reservoir 1 in this embodiment is made of a first material, e.g. a soft polyethylene (for example HDPE high density polyethylene) - or has such. The dosing tip is made of a second material - e.g. a harder polymer, but in any case a relative to the first material harder material - designed or has such. Both the first and second materials may be selected if a chemical composite that cures by light polymerization is used (or processed, eg, by black or other coating or coloring), preferably, at least or in particular in a light wavelength range of 300 to 600 nanometers (nm) - opaque to the light-curable material of the reservoir 1 and the metering tip 3a to prevent accidental curing by exposure to light. The material of the closure cap 4, which is embodied here in the form of a stand closure, is optionally or preferably likewise opaque, in particular in a light wavelength range of 300 to 600 nanometers (nm), in order to prevent the light-curable material from undesired curing before it leaves the outlet opening 3.1 To protect the light. With the cap 4, the outlet opening 3.1 is closed. The locking is preferably done via a snap closure. On the Dosierspitze 3a opposite Aufsteckvorbereitung 11 may optionally an LED lamp 9, a smoothing device 14 in the manner of a spatula or other Aufsteck-tool are plugged. It is also possible to put an adapter element on the slip-on preparation 11, to which the LED lamp 9 and the smoothing device 14 / the spatula can be fastened.

After its application, the chemical photocurable composite material is cured by irradiation with the light of the LED, in this embodiment by LED light in the light wavelength range between 360 and 470 nanometers (nm). This LED light is preferably provided by a commercially available LED lamp 9, which can be detachably attached to the reservoir 1. A photo-curing material, or other chemical composite material may be processed prior to curing by UV radiation from the LED lamp or by self-curing, with the flattening device 14 / the attachable spatula.

The reservoir 1 is elongate, in particular pin-shaped and thus extends along a longitudinal axis L in the X direction. It has an actuating region 16 which has a reduced height H in the Y-direction and is thus formed there in the shape of a trough, so that opposing fingers can grasp this region well and the actuating region can engage in one Preferred direction, here in the Y direction is compressible. This design of the actuating portion 16 ensures secure gripping and accurate dosing.

Another variant of a non-inventive applicator 100 is in the FIGS. 2 to 4 shown. The hollow reservoir 1, which receives the light-curing material, has a substantially circular cross section with a diameter D at both ends. At one end of the reservoir 1, the output unit A connects to the outlet opening 3.1, at the other end of the LED lamp 9 is arranged, which sits in an LED housing 9.1. The dispensing device A is composed here of a closure unit 3 having the outlet opening 3.1 and a receiving unit 13. The closure unit 3 forms a rotary closure with which the outlet opening 3.1 can be opened and closed. This is not a cap as in FIG. 1 required. The LED housing 9.1 is connected to the reservoir 1 via an annular adapter element 6. During a rotational movement of the LED housing 9.1, the LED 9 is switched on or off.
In the actuation region 16, the cross-section of the reservoir 1 in the Y-direction decreases from the diameter D to a height H (see FIG. FIG. 12 ) and the width increases from the diameter D to a width B (see FIG. FIGS. 2 and 4 ). As a result, the reservoir 1 is securely gripped and compressed in a preferred direction in the operating region 16, whereby an accurate dosing is possible. The thick arrows in the FIGS. 2 and 3 indicate the direction of actuation. From the FIGS. 2 to 4 It can be seen that in the actuation region 16, from the region with the height H, two oppositely lying bead-like wall regions 1a extend radially outward, which are bent in a substantially radii-like manner at their opposite outer regions 1b. Reinforcing ribs 1c, which extend in the longitudinal direction and on the one hand increase the stability of the reservoir 1 in the longitudinal direction and on the other hand favor the actuation in the preferred direction transversely thereto, are provided in the radially curved outer areas 1b facing one another.
In FIG. 5 is a partial longitudinal section AA according to FIG. 2 shown in the area of the reduced height H in the operating area 16. It can be seen that the reservoir 1 in the direction of the actuation region 16 can have a wall which reduces from a wall thickness a1 to a wall thickness a2, whereby the successive actuating force F (not shown) of the fingers is reduced.
FIG. 6 again shows the schematic diagram of the side view of an applicator 100, at the reservoir 1, the LED housing 9.1 with the therein arranged LED 9 (and electronics, switches and battery) via an annular adapter element 6, is attached to the end, which the outlet opening of the 3.1 Output device A is opposite.
According to FIG. 7 It is made clear that the adapter element 6 and the LED housing 9.1 are advantageously removable from the reservoir 1 of the applicator 100. The reservoir 1 has for this purpose a diameter-reduced area 8, which serves to receive the adapter element 6, which for applying to the area 8, a first annular element 6.1. The adapter element 6 has a diameter-reduced region 6.2 in the direction of the LED housing 9.1, which serves to receive the LED housing 9.1, which engages over the diameter-reduced region 6.2. Adapter element 6 and reservoir 1 or LED housing 9.1 and adapter element 6 may optionally be connected to one another via a plug connection, a clip connection, a screw connection, etc., preferably releasably, in which case, of course, the requisite elements required for this purpose must be provided. In a preferred variant, the adapter element 6 is provided in the region of the annular element 6.1 with an internal thread and the diameter-reduced region 8 with a corresponding external thread, so that the adapter element 6 can be screwed onto the reduced-diameter region 8 of the reservoir 1.
The diameter-reduced region 6.2 of the adapter element 6 preferably has an external thread and the LED housing 9.1 has a corresponding internal thread and can thus be screwed onto the adapter element 6. An unspecified paragraph of the adapter element 6 forms a stop for the LED housing 9.1. The adapter element 6 furthermore has a transverse wall or a bottom 6.3. If the reservoir 1 has a second opening 1.2 for filling / refilling with light-curable material in addition to the first opening 1.1 connected to the dispensing device A at the end facing the dispensing device A, the adapter element 13 serves to close the second opening 8.2, by means of the screw connection and the wall 13.3. Furthermore, the wall 13.3 can serve as a contact for a switching contact for actuating the LED 5. If the LED housing 3 is slightly spaced via the screw connection to the shoulder / stop, the switching contact is open and the LED 5 is switched off. If the LED housing 3 as in Fig. 6 shown, screwed to the stop of the adapter element 6, the switch contact is closed and the LED 5 lights up. Of course, the circuit can also be carried out so that the LED 5 is located at the end stop LED housing 3 and is switched off when moving away the LED housing from the adapter element or alternatively, a pressure switch can be used.
If a first opening 1.1 and a second opening 1.2 are provided at the two ends of the reservoir 1, the reservoir 1 can be filled after detaching the adapter element from the direction of the second opening 1.2. Furthermore, the adapter element can be designed symmetrically and have a thread at both ends, so that no mounting direction for the attachment of the output unit and the adapter element must be observed.
In this case, a diameter reduction with thread not shown here is then also in the direction of the output device A, on which the output device A is screwed, this diameter reduction is then formed substantially as the diameter-reduced region 8. Since no installation direction for fixing the output unit A and the adapter element 6 must be observed due to the symmetrical design and the same end regions of the reservoir, the manufacturing and assembly costs are reduced. The reservoir 1 can be connected at any end to the output device A and at the other end with the LED housing.

According to the FIGS. 8 to 11 (FIG. 8 is not according to the invention), it is also possible to arrange the reservoir 1 in a housing 20 preferably exchangeable. The housing 20 has two opposing recesses 20.1, through which the reservoir 1 is manually compressible, as in FIG. 8 indicated by the thick arrows. On the housing 20, the output device A is then attached to the outlet opening 3.1. By compressing the reservoir 1, the still liquid or viscous light-curing material received therein is pressed through the outlet opening 3.1. At the end of the housing 20 opposite the outlet opening 3.1, the LED 9 with the LED housing 9.1 is clipped in via a snap device 7 and, as indicated by the double arrow, can be removed therefrom and inserted again. The LED 9 is switched on and off by means of a pressure switch 23. This is illuminated after applying the lichaushärtenden material on this and cured the material by either the applicator 100 is rotated transversely to its longitudinal axis L or the LED 9 is removed from the snap device 7 and lit on the discharged material.
To light up during dispensing on the light-curing material, according to an applicator 100 gem. FIG. 8 be coupled over the range of the LED 9 with a non-designated plug-in device, a light guide 21, which redirects the light emitted by the LED 9 forward towards the outlet opening 3.1, as in the inventive FIG. 9 is shown schematically.
Another variant according to the invention is in FIG. 10 shown. In this case, a second snap device 7.1 is provided on the housing 20 in the direction of the output unit A, which can be closed by a closure cap 4 here. The LED housing 9.1 can now be removed from the snap device 7 and used with the LED 9 facing towards the output unit A in the second snap device 7.1. Now it is possible to shine on the LED 9 during the dispensing of the light-curing material. It is of course also possible immediately in the snap device 7 and in the second snap 7.1 to arrange an LED (with a corresponding LED housing) or to integrate these two LEDs firmly into the housing 1, so that an LED in the direction of the outlet opening 3.1 and an LED lights in the direction away from it.

FIG. 11 shows a variant of an applicator 100 according to the invention, with a housing 20 and a reservoir 1 housed therein, which as in the FIGS. 8 to 10 on the output unit A opposite end has a snap device 7 for releasably clipping an LED housing. According to FIG. 11 was the LED housing 9.1 removed from the snap device (clip device) 7 and inserted into a box-like receptacle 7.2, so that the LED 9 adjacent to a light guide 21. This leads from the LED 9 through the receptacle 7.2 and points with its exit-side end on the outlet opening 3.1. Upon actuation of a switch (not visible here), the LED 9 is turned on and its emitted light radiates via the light guide 21 to the output through the outlet opening 3.1 material. The outlet 3.1 is here closed with a cap 4.
It is also possible to integrate the LED 9 in the housing 20 and to lay from this the light guide 21 in the direction of the outlet opening 3.1 and, if necessary, in addition to the snap device 7 to record an LED 9. The light guide / the light guide cable is preferably a fiber optic cable.

Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of an inventive applicator 100 in a spatial representation with all components. The reservoir 1 has a light-curing composite material (not shown here). The reservoir 1 is adjoined by an output device A, which is composed of a closure unit 3 having an outlet opening 3.1 and a receiving unit 13. The closure unit 3 has on the periphery a shielding ring 15 to protect the photocurable material after exiting the outlet opening 3.1 against accidental curing by the action of light of the LED lamp 9 and thus prevents clogging of existing in the dispensing device A dosing 5 during the curing of the discharged light-curing composite material, when the radiation of the LED lamp, the material of the closure unit 3 can penetrate at least in the region of the outlet opening 3.1. The LED lamp 9 is arranged in an LED housing 9.1 and preferably detachably connected via a snap device 7 to the reservoir 1. The LED lamp 9 lights when actuated by the shield 15 in an inclined to the longitudinal axis of the applicator angle in the direction of the outlet opening 3.1. A switch 23, which is integrated into the LED housing 9.1, serves to switch the LED lamp 9 on and off. The closure unit 3 is connected inseparably to the receiving unit 13 via a snap-action thread. The receiving unit 13 is connected to the reservoir 1 by means of a screw connection. For this purpose, various types of threads in the reservoir 1 and the receiving unit 13 may be provided. Alternatively, it is possible to realize the connection via a snap connection. The fixation can also be done for example in the form of a press fit or a catch.
The receiving unit 13 and the closure unit 3 may be made of plastic or a metallic material.
The reservoir 1 is in this embodiment made of a first material, for example a soft polyethylene (for example LDPE low density polyethylene) - or has such. The receiving unit 13 is preferably made of a second material - for example, a harder polymer, but in any case a relative to the first material of the reservoir harder material or has such.

In a preferably circumferential pressure application to the reservoir 1, for example by manual pressure with the fingers from the outside on the deformable reservoir 1, the light-curing material is conveyed or pressed into the output device A. About the receiving unit 13, the light-curing material enters the closure unit 3 and is conveyed through this by a schematically indicated by dashed dosing 5 through the outlet opening 3.1. During this process, the LED lamp 9 can be operated so that the output light-curing material is immediately cured. Turning over the applicator 100 to cure the output light-curing adhesive / material can be dispensed with. The fact that only one processing path for application and simultaneous curing is required, 50% of the processing time is saved compared to solutions in which only over the processing path, the material is applied and then repeatedly via the same path curing by means of LED.
After its application, the photocurable composite is cured by light, in this embodiment by LED light in the wavelength range between 395 and 470 nanometers (nm). This LED light is provided by the integrated into the snap device LED lamp 7, which can be detachably or permanently attached to the reservoir 1.

In FIG. 13 the reservoir 1 is shown, which has a peripheral Aufsteckvorbereitung 11, to which a snap device 7 (s. Fig. 1 and 6 ) can be clipped with LED lamp 9 integrated in an LED housing 9.1. The reservoir 1 has at one end an opening 1.1 through which exits the light-curing material at peripheral pressure on the reservoir 1 in the output device, not shown here. On the side of the opening 1.1, a thread 17 is provided on which the output device (not shown here) can be screwed.
In FIG. 14 the receiving unit 13 of the output device A is shown in longitudinal section. The receiving unit 13 has a fastening ring 13.1 with an internal thread 19, which can thus be fastened to the reservoir, not shown here, by a screw connection. There are lateral outlet openings 13.2 provided and a massive tip 13.3. For attachment of the closure unit, the receiving unit 13 has an external thread 13.4 with snap closure (not visible here).

According to FIG. 15 the closure unit 3 is formed with a tapered passage opening 3.2, at one end of the outlet opening 3.1 is present. At the opposite end of the outlet opening 3.1 an internal thread 3.3 is formed with locking elements, not shown, which is screwed onto the external thread 13.4 and then inextricably locked, wherein the closure unit 3 is still rotatable and corresponding to the pitch of the thread in the longitudinal direction. The non-designated inner diameter of the discharge opening 3.1 substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the massive tip 13.3 of in FIG. 3 In the assembled state engages in the closed output device A in accordance with the left illustration in FIG. 16 the massive tip 13.3 in the outlet opening 3.1, whereby it is closed and no material can be output. By rotation of the closure unit 3, this is moved to the left due to the pitch of the thread according to the right representation. The massive tip 13.3 thus releases the outlet opening 3.1, whereby 1 light-curable material exits upon actuation of the reservoirs. The farther the closure unit 3 designed in the manner of a rotary closure is opened, the larger becomes the gap between the solid tip 13.3 and the outlet opening 3.1, and the more material can be dispensed, thereby making it possible to do the dispensing of the material to be dispensed.

In FIG. 17 the snap device 7 is shown with the LED 9 and the LED housing 9.1. This is in accordance with the slip-on preparation 11 FIG. 13 attachable.

The FIGS. 18 to 20 show an applicator 100 in a schematic representation, on which the LED 9 is integrated in an LED housing 9.1. On the LED housing 9, a switch, preferably a pressure switch 23 for actuating the LED 9 is present. In all examples acc. Fig. 18 to 20 is the reservoir 1, the output device A, consisting of receiving unit 13 and closure unit 3, respectively. The closure unit 3 is formed in the manner of a rotary closure and has an outlet opening 3.1, which is closed in the closed state by the massive tip 13.3 of the receiving unit ( FIGS. 19 and 20 ) and is released in the open state after rotation of the closure unit 3 by the massive tip 3 ( Fig. 18 ) so that the curable material can escape when the reservoir 1 is compressed by manual operation. A shield is not present here, because this is not required if the light of the LED lamp 9, the closure unit 3 can not penetrate. The closure unit 3 is therefore made of a corresponding opaque plastic or material (eg of metallic material), which prevents the light of the LED lamp 9 from curing the light-curing material before it leaves the outlet opening 3.1.
In a preferred variant is according to FIG. 18 the LED housing 9.1 with the receiving unit 13 in one piece, for example by injection molding, formed.
In this illustration, the closure unit 3 is open. If pressure is exerted on the wall of the reservoir 1, as indicated by the bold arrows, the light-curing material contained therein is conveyed through the opening 1.1 of the reservoir 1 into the receiving unit 13 and the closure unit 3 and can exit through the outlet opening 3.1 (see FIG. dashed arrows), since a gap between the massive tip 13.3 and the outlet opening 3.1 is present.
It is according to FIG. 19 also possible to form the LED housing 9.1 to the wall of the reservoir 1 or thus integrally formed or clipped.
Another variant shows FIG. 20 , In this, the LED housing 9.1 is arranged in the region of the closure unit 3 or integrally formed therewith.

It is also possible to carry out the reservoir 1 refillable. The filling can take place either via the opening 1.1, when the dispensing device A is releasably attached to the reservoir 1. Otherwise, a filling opening can be provided in the wall of the reservoir 1. This may be provided at the opposite end of the dispenser A and is according to FIG. 20 closed for example with a detachable end cap 1.3.

According to non-illustrated exemplary embodiments, the LED lamp 9 with the LED housing 9.1 can also be arranged between output device A and reservoir 1 (for example by a clamping connection), in which case a corresponding material flow has to be ensured.

Furthermore, it is possible that the LED housing 9.1 fastened by a snap connection at least partially surrounds the reservoir 1 and the receiving unit A with the snap device and thus prevents the receiving unit A from inadvertently loosening when it is screwed to the reservoir 1. According to an embodiment, not shown, the LED lamp of the applicator can also be screwed by a screw connection to the reservoir or to the output device.

One or more LEDs are preferably used which generate light in the visible wavelength range. Blue light in the wavelength range from 420 to 490 nm has proved to be particularly advantageous. A big advantage is that the light in the visible wavelength range is harmless to health.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

applicator

1

reservoir

1.1

first opening

1.2

second opening

1.3

endcap

3

shutter unit

3a

Dosierspitze

3.1

outlet opening

3.2

Through opening

3.3

inner thread

4

cap

5

metering

6

adapter element

6.1

annular element

6.2

reduced diameter area

7

snap device

7.1

second snap device

7.2

admission

9

Led lamp

9.1

LED housing

11

Aufsteckvorbereitung

13

recording unit

14

smoothing device

13.1

fixing ring

13.2

Through opening

13.3

massive top

13.4

external thread

15

shielding

16

operating range

17

thread

19

inner thread

20

casing

21

optical fiber

23

pressure switch

A

output device

B

width

F

operating force

H

height

L

longitudinal axis

Claims (14)

1. An applicator and arrangement of a light source on the applicator for application of a light-curable composite material contained in a reservoir (1), wherein the applicator (100) has a longitudinal axis (L), and wherein an outlet opening (3.1) for the light-curable material is provided at a front end, wherein the applicator has a manually deformable reservoir (1) for hand-controlled application, wherein a dispensing unit (A) with the outlet opening (3.1) is joined to the reservoir (1) and the light-curable composite material is conveyed into the dispensing unit (A) and is dispensed via the outlet opening (3.1) by manual pressure application to the reservoir (1), and wherein at least one light source which is formed as an LED lamp (9) having one or more LEDs is arranged on or in the applicator (100) or is connectable to the applicator (100), characterised in that the at least one light source is arranged in such a way that whilst the light-curable material is being dispensed the light of the light source, when the light source is actuated, impinges on the dispensed light-curable material so as to illuminate it in the direction of the front end of the applicator (100), and cures it, and in that the at least one light source radiates directly in the direction of the outlet opening (3.1) of the applicator (100), or in that a light guide (21) is joined to the light source and irradiates the light emitted by the light source onto the material dispensed from the applicator (100).
2. The applicator and arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the LED lamp (9) can be brought from a position secured to the applicator (100) in which the LED points away from the outlet opening into a position secured to the applicator (100) in which the LED radiates in the direction of the outlet opening (3.1) or is joined to a light guide (21) which irradiates the light emitted by the light source/the LED towards the material dispensed from the applicator (100).
3. The applicator and arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one light source can be fastened releasably or non-releasably to the applicator (100).
4. The applicator and arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the reservoir (1) is arranged exchangeably in a housing (20).
5. The applicator and arrangement according to claim 4, characterised in that a device is provided on the housing (20) or on the reservoir (1) of the applicator (1), into which device the LED lamp (9) can be clipped.
6. The applicator and arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the LED housing (9.1) fastened by a snap-action connection at least partially surrounds the reservoir (1) and the dispensing unit (A) by means of the snap-action device.
7. The applicator and arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the LED lamp (9) illuminating in the direction of the outlet opening (3.1) can be fastened releasably or non-releasably to the reservoir (1) and/or to a dispensing unit (A) joined to the reservoir (1) by means of a releasable or non-releasable fastening and is arranged in an LED housing (9.1) and by means of at least one clip element (7) can be fastened circumferentially to the reservoir (1) and/or the dispensing unit (A) or between the reservoir (1) or the dispensing unit (A).
8. The applicator and arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that an LED housing (9.1) is screwed to the reservoir (1) or a dispensing unit (A), or in that the LED lamp (9) with its LED housing (9.1) is formed circumferentially in one piece with the reservoir (1) or the dispensing unit (A) or is circumferentially moulded onto the reservoir (1) or the dispensing unit (A).
9. The applicator and arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that a dispensing unit (A) has a receptacle unit (13), which is connected to the reservoir (1), and a closure unit (3), which has the outlet opening (3.1), wherein the LED lamp (9) with an LED housing (9.1) is fastened to or formed on the receptacle unit (13) or the closure unit (3).
10. The applicator and arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 7 to 9, characterised in that a shielding (15) is arranged between the outlet opening (3.1) and LED lamp (9).
11. The applicator and arrangement according to claim 10, characterised in that the shielding (15) is formed or arranged on the reservoir (1) or the dispensing unit (A) or between the reservoir (1) and dispensing unit (A) or on the closure unit (3) or on the receptacle unit (13).
12. The applicator with an arrangement of a light source according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that with use of a light guide said light guide runs at least in some regions externally along the applicator from the LED in the direction of the outlet opening or reaches through a recess in a housing of the applicator from the LED into the vicinity of the outlet region of the light-curable material.
13. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the LED lamp (9) can be activated selectively by means of a press switch, a contact switch, or a capacitive sensor, and in that the LED lamp (9) has at least one battery for supplying power.
14. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that an electronic controller of the LED lamp (9) is provided.

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