EP3177391B1 - Cartridge holder, multi-chamber cartridges and metering and mixing devices containing same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge holder (1), multi-chamber cartridges (2) and metering and mixing devices comprising them. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for conveying, metering, mixing and / or application of multicomponent systems using the metering and mixing devices according to the invention.

Multi-component systems for the purposes of the present invention are those systems whose individual components are stored separately before application and are mixed together only in the required proportions before the application. Typical multicomponent systems are, for example, room-temperature-crosslinking coating agents, such as, for example, paints, but also many sealants or adhesives. For the purposes of the present invention, however, those systems are also regarded as multicomponent systems whose individual components do not chemically react with one another, but after the mixing of the components changes in physical properties occur. For example, these may be increases in viscosity after mixing two low-viscosity components without having to undergo a chemical reaction.

Therefore, various mixing devices are known from the prior art, which are designed differently for the respective purposes. Thus, mixing devices such as those used in painting processes, in particular spray painting processes, often differ greatly from those used for adhesives and sealing compounds, as are offered, for example, in many home improvement and DIY markets. In these, the material is discharged from the cartridge by plungers, that is to say positively displaceable pistons. Since the mixing devices of the present invention can be used universally, the state of the art for both the spray painting and the adhesive and sealant applications is outlined below.

Spray painting processes are widely used, for example, without electrostatic paint charging in industrial and artisanal paint shops. Above all, the processes are distinguished from other painting methods in that they can be used manually, have high flexibility with regard to the shape, size and materials of the objects to be painted, as well as the choice of paint and the paint change, are mobile in use and entail relatively low investment costs ( H. Kittel, "Lehrbuch der Lacke und Beschichtungen", Second Edition, Volume 9, pp. 26-40; S. Hirzel Verlag Stuttgart Leipzig, 2004 ).

The spray painting processes can be distinguished essentially in compressed air spraying in the high pressure or low pressure method on the one hand and airless spraying, with or without air assistance.

As the first spray painting process, pneumatic atomization or compressed air spraying was developed around 1900. Even today, compressed air atomization is the most frequently used in industry and trade. When high-pressure spraying, also referred to as conventional spraying or pneumatic spraying, is usually worked with an air pressure of about 2 to 7 bar, while the low-pressure spraying, as HVLP spraying ("High Volume, Low Pressure" syringes or Syringes with a high injection volume flow and low pressure), usually working with an air pressure of 0.2 to 0.7 bar (H. Kittel, ibid).

At the atomizing head, the compressed air flows from an annular opening which is formed by a central bore in the air cap and the paint nozzle arranged therein. Further air jets from different air cap holes serve to regulate the jet shape and aid atomization. Due to the compressed air flowing out at high velocity, a negative pressure area is created directly at the paint nozzle orifice, which, especially in the case of the unpressurised paint supply from a so-called suction cup, supports the paint outflow through its suction effect (H. Kittel, ibid).

In addition to the promotion of the paint material from a suction cup, there is also the possibility of the paint material depending on the volume requirement and viscosity by conveyor systems such as flow cup, pressure vessel or circulation systems of Supply spray gun nozzle ( Figures 1A-D ). In Figure 1A the paint supply is represented by Saugbechersystem, it is done as shown above by the suction effect of the spray air. Typical cup contents are volumes up to about one liter. In FIG. 1B a flow cup system is shown, the paint supply is carried out both by the suction effect of the spray air, as well as supported by the Lack-Gefälledruck. Also in this paint delivery system cup volumes of about one liter are usually not exceeded. Also known as Lackfördersysteme the printing system ( Figure 1C ) and the circulation system ( FIG. 1D ). In the printing system, the paint supply from a pressure tank by support with a pressure of 0.5 to 4 bar (usual tank capacity 1 to 250 liters). In the circulation system, paint is pumped from an unpressurized container back into this via piston or turbine pumps via a loop. The required ring line pressure is set via a pressure-maintaining valve (return control valve). Circulating systems typically only find useful use with a daily consumption of more than 100 liters of the paint (H. Kittel, ibid).

Two component (2K) coating agents are predominantly sprayed due to their limited processing time (pot life). In this case, the dosing of base varnish and hardener is the central problem. For small series and individual parts, in particular in the refinish area, such as the automotive refinish area, the 2K material is usually mixed manually in the specified ratio and sprayed like a one-component material. In practice, this means that both the metering and the mixing of the components takes place before filling a flow cup or suction cup or in the flow cup or suction cup itself and thus also the quality and homogeneity of the mixture strongly depends on the manual skills of the painter. Unused material must be discarded after the pot life has expired. On the other hand, a fast drying and curing behavior of the paint film is desired, which is why curing catalysts are often incorporated into the base paint and / or hardener of the 2K or multi-component mixture.

It is therefore precisely when using 2K or multi-component coating compositions, the desire for a long processing or Pot life but at the same time improved drying and rapid development of hardness of the sprayed paint film.

In order to obtain the best possible appearance (appearance) of the cured lacquer film as well as reproducible qualities, it is absolutely necessary to produce as homogeneous as possible consistently high-quality compositions of base lacquer and hardener which have consistent properties over the entire period of application. This is not always the case especially in premixed 2K systems, for example if a short pot life results in the first sprayed material having a low viscosity due to a not yet advanced reaction of the constituents while the later sprayed material residues already contain partially viscosity increasing crosslinking products.

In the production of large quantities, with short pot lives and high quality requirements, highly specialized dosing and mixing systems are used in industry to comply with tolerance limits of the dosing accuracy of +/- 5% of the hardener volume in relation to the base varnish quantity. Further developments aim at pulsation-free dosing and low system wear, for example through the use of diaphragm dosing devices. Paint delivery systems with pressure-controlled gear pumps are also known. In multi-component systems, the flow rates of the individual gear pumps are matched. For mixing static or dynamic systems are used with driven mixing units. In the case of very short pot lives, special guns are also used in which base lacquer and hardener are discharged from separate nozzles and the resulting droplets mix in the spray jet (H. Kittel, ibid).

Especially in small paint shops, however, there is a need for much less expensive conveyor, metering and mixing devices. In particular, it should not be necessary to use the abovementioned special guns or highly specialized metering and mixing units. The simplicity of use of suction cups or fluid cups should be preserved. Delivery, metering and mixing should only be done by applying pressure. An additional external propulsion, metering or mixing drive should not to be required. In particular, no drive by pumps and the like should be necessary. Nevertheless, an almost independent of the pot life processability should be ensured, while homogeneous mixing of the components before they reach the nozzle of the spray gun, preferably the spray gun itself, or another application device. The resulting paint films should have good drying and rapid hardness development and lead to cured films with good appearance.

The WO 93/13872 A1 describes a method for applying a multicomponent refinish coating composition wherein at least two paint components are held in separate containers and at least one component is supplied under pressure to a kinetic dosing system comprising two piston-mounted double-acting cylinders with cylinder rods. The metered components are fed to a mixer, which opens into a paint spray gun. The structure of the metering device is rather complex.

The WO 2013/104771 A1 discloses a device for conveying, metering and mixing liquid paint components, comprising a paint supply device comprising two or more paint reservoirs, each with at least one outlet opening for different paint components to be mixed together; or a paint reservoir comprising two or more chambers for different paint components to be mixed together, each chamber having at least one outlet port. The device further comprises a metering device, which is connected downstream of the paint supply device and has a number of outlet openings of the paint reservoir or the paint reservoir corresponding number of inlet openings for the paint components, wherein the metering device is designed so that the volume flows entering via the inlet openings to be mixed with each other Paint components separated from each other are positively conveyed via serving as dosing units, rotating conveyors and the conveyors are connected together so that their speeds are in fixed proportions to each other, and wherein the metering device has separate outlet openings for the now metered volume flows of the paint components. Furthermore, the device has a static mixing device, the Dosing device is connected downstream and has one of the number of outlet openings of the metering device corresponding number of inlet openings for the metered volume flows, and whose output is designed so that it can be connected to a paint spray gun.

A simple multi - chamber cartridge for the mixing and application of multicomponent adhesives having at least two concentrically arranged chambers is disclosed in US Pat GB 2 276 365 A described.

The DE 30 31 798 A1 also discloses a squeezing device for multi-component masses, in particular Mehrkomponentenklebe-, sealing or leveling compounds with juxtaposed containers, which are separated by extending parallel to the pressing device partitions. Each container has a pressure piece associated therewith, wherein the pressure pieces are connected to each other via a web having a cutting edge which cuts through the partitions of the container during the pressing. The container can be arranged coaxially to each other and the connection of the plungers can be done by a realized as a piston rod web, which can be operated for example via a gas column. A mixing of the components takes place in a chamber, which connects as a tip to the two containers in the pressing direction.

Of a similar construction makes the in EP 2 353 733 A1 described metering gun use, however, wherein the cutting edges spirally cut the partition of the container of the coaxial cartridge. According to the EP 2 353 733 A1 owns the squeezing device DE 30 31 798 A1 the disadvantage that the cut partition could prevent further depression of the piston which should be avoided by the helical cutting.

In the US 2004/0129122 was tried in the EP 2 353 733 A1 addressed problem in other ways, namely by the cut partition is pressed via a baffle to the inner wall of the outer tube.

The US 4,493,436 describes a similar to the two aforementioned devices device but not coaxially arranged chambers.

The British patent application GB 2 246 172 discloses a complex construction of a two-chamber cartridge in which a concertina-like structure of a chamber is realized and the chambers in the pressing direction, a static mixer connects.

The DE 10 2010 019 220 A1 discloses a cartridge system with connected conveyors, in particular for mixing and applying a medical cement. The delivery pistons can be operated with gas pressure. However, a shown in the figures of this document central mixing space is closed on one side and can, if at all, only partially serve the mixing of the components. It does not replace the necessary mixing in the area of the outlet opening of the cartridge or syringe. In addition, the material chambers are very small due to the required path of the delivery piston, so that a poor utilization of the total volume of the device is carried out by the cement components.

It is common to all the above-mentioned devices that they have mixing sections that follow the extrusion direction, which are designed as simple mixing chambers or simple static mixers. All mixing lines are either very short and not suitable for demanding mixing operations such as the mixture of two- or multi-component coatings, especially not for the automotive paint sector or the dosage and mixing is complex. Especially here is an absolutely homogeneous mixing basic requirement for an excellent appearance. However, the attachment of long mixing lines would greatly increase the design of the prior art cartridges, rendering them unwieldy in manual operation.

In the WO 2010/044864 A1 there is described a coating applicator comprising: a nozzle configured to dispense an associated mixture; a mixing device in fluid communication with the nozzle; a plurality of fluid storage reservoirs operatively communicating to meter a plurality of associated fluid components into the mixing device; and an actuator that operatively connected to the plurality of fluid storage reservoirs to convey the associated fluid components from the plurality of fluid storage reservoirs.

There is therefore a demand for metering and mixing devices which ensure precise metering of the components to be mixed, in particular also for the mixing of components of different viscosities, especially for demanding mixing operations. In addition, the metering and mixing devices should have a low construction height with the longest possible mixing section. The operation of the metering and mixing device should be possible without be movable components possible, wherein the promotion of the materials to be mixed by compressed gases, in particular compressed air should be done. The mixing should be superior to the mixing variants known from the prior art, without the mixing section leading to an additional construction height of the cartridges to be used in the metering and mixing device. In addition, the mixing elements of the static mixer of the metering and mixing device should be easy to clean, if possible, even in the whereabouts of the components in the cartridge of the metering and mixing device. However, components that are not completely used up should also be able to be removed from the dosing and mixing device in a simple manner with the cartridge for storage.

The above objects have been achieved by the inventors of the present invention surprisingly by providing a metering and mixing device which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art and which meets the above requirements.

The attached Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D . 2 . 3 and 4 serve to explain the present invention. Here concern the Figures 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D the state of the art. FIG. 2 shows a cartridge holder according to the invention, FIG. 3 a cartridge according to the invention and FIG. 4 a metering and mixing device according to the invention. In the FIGS. 2 to 4 the following reference numbers are used: (1) cartridge holder, (1.1) receptacle for multi-chamber cartridges, (1.1.1) inner wall of the cartridge holder, (1.2) compressed air connection, (1.3) connection for an application device, (1.4) internal tube, (1.5) static mixing elements , (2) multi-chamber cartridge, (2.1) upper section of the multi-chamber cartridge, (2.1.1) directional control valve, (2.2) middle section of the multi-chamber cartridge, (2.2.1) tubular empty space, (2.2.2) and (2.2.3) chambers, (2.2.4) partition between adjacent chambers, (2.2.5) openings of the chambers of the central portion of the multi-chamber cartridge towards the upper portion of the multi-chamber cartridge, (2.2.6) outer wall of the middle portion of the multi-chamber cartridge, (2.3) lower portion of the multi-chamber cartridge, (2.3.1) and (2.3.2) piston, (2.3.3) cutting device, (3) bayonet coupling, (4) connection for flushing media, (A) cutting surface in the dividing wall of two adjacent chambers, (B) cut in the dividing wall two adjacent chambers.

1. i. einen Kartuschenhalter (1), umfassend
   1. (a) einen Aufnahmebehälter (1.1) für Mehrkammerkartuschen (2),
   2. (b) einen Druckluftanschluss (1.2) sowie einen Anschluss (1.3) für eine Applikationsvorrichtung, wobei
   3. (c) der Aufnahmebehälter (1.1) ein koaxial zu den Wänden des Kartuschenhalters (1) angeordnetes, innenliegendes Rohr (1.4) aufweist, welches mit statischen Mischelementen (1.5) ausgestattet ist, und
2. ii.eine Mehrkammerkartusche (2) für den Kartuschenhalter (1) gemäß i., wobei diese folgende Abschnitte umfasst:
   • einen oberen Abschnitt (2.1), umfassend ein Wegeventil (2.1.1);
   • einen mittleren Abschnitt (2.2), dessen Zentrum in Richtung der Längsachse als röhrenförmiger Leerraum (2.2.1) gestaltet ist, und der röhrenförmige Leerraum (2.2.1) von mindestens zwei Kammern (2.2.2 und 2.2.3) umschlossen ist, wobei die Kammern röhrenförmig und in Richtung der Längsachse der Kartusche angeordnet sind und benachbarte Kammern durch eine gemeinsame Trennwand (2.2.4) voneinander getrennt sind und jede Kammer mit dem oberen Abschnitt (2.1) über jeweils mindestens eine Öffnung (2.2.5) verbunden ist; und
   • einen unteren Abschnitt (2.3), der für jede der Kammern einen Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) umfasst, wobei die Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) die Kammern (2.2.2 und 2.2.3) von unten dicht abschließen und miteinander über Schneidvorrichtungen (2.3.3) verbunden sind, und die Schneidvorrichtungen (2.3.3) so angeordnet sind, dass sie die gemeinsame Trennwand (2.2.4) jeweils benachbarter Kammern beim Verschieben der Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) in Richtung des oberen Abschnitts (2.1) zu durchtrennen vermögen,

wobei die Mehrkammerkartusche (2) so im Kartuschenhalter (1) angeordnet ist, dass der röhrenförmige Leerraum (2.2.1) der Mehrkammerkartusche (2) formschlüssig durch das Rohr (1.4) des Kartuschenhalters (1) ausgefüllt wird und die Außenwand (2.2.6) des mittleren Abschnitts (2.2) der Mehrkammerkartusche (2) an der Innenwand (1.1.1) des Kartuschenhalters (1) formschlüssig anliegt.The dosing and mixing device according to the invention comprises

1. i. a cartridge holder (1) comprising
   1. (a) a receptacle (1.1) for multi-chamber cartridges (2),
   2. (B) a compressed air connection (1.2) and a connection (1.3) for an application device, wherein
   3. (C) the receptacle (1.1) has a coaxial with the walls of the cartridge holder (1) arranged, inner tube (1.4), which is equipped with static mixing elements (1.5), and
2. ii.a multi-chamber cartridge (2) for the cartridge holder (1) according to i., comprising the following sections:
   • an upper portion (2.1) comprising a directional control valve (2.1.1);
   • a middle section (2.2) whose center is designed in the direction of the longitudinal axis as a tubular void (2.2.1), and the tubular void (2.2.1) of at least two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3) is enclosed, wherein the chambers are arranged tubular and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and adjacent chambers are separated by a common partition wall (2.2.4) and each chamber is connected to the upper section (2.1) via at least one opening (2.2.5); and
   • a lower section (2.3) comprising for each of the chambers a piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2), wherein the piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) the chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3) from below close tightly and connected to each other via cutting devices (2.3.3), and the cutting devices (2.3.3) are arranged so that they the common partition (2.2.4) each adjacent chambers when moving the piston (2.3.1 and 2.3. 2) in the direction of the upper section (2.1) to be able to cut

wherein the multi-chamber cartridge (2) is arranged in the cartridge holder (1) that the tubular empty space (2.2.1) of the multi-chamber cartridge (2) is positively filled by the tube (1.4) of the cartridge holder (1) and the outer wall (2.2.6 ) of the central portion (2.2) of the multi-chamber cartridge (2) on the inner wall (1.1.1) of the cartridge holder (1) rests positively.

As used herein, a "tubular chamber" means that the chamber is shaped in the shape of a straight hollow cylinder, the cavity forming the chamber. In the simplest case, the cross-sectional area of the chamber is a circular ring, but other cross-sectional surface geometries are conceivable, such as segments of circular rings. Thus, an annular cross-sectional area can also be subdivided into two or more, equal or different sized segments. As boundaries of the segments in this case serve the partitions of adjacent chambers. Of course, almost any other geometries can be realized, for example, can also take the place of the straight hollow cylinder with annular segment-shaped cross-sectional area, individual tubes with a circular cross-sectional area.

1. (a) einen Aufnahmebehälter (1.1) für Mehrkammerkartuschen (2), und
2. (b) einen Druckluftanschluss (1.2) sowie einen Anschluss (1.3) für eine Applikationsvorrichtung, wobei
3. (c) der Aufnahmebehälter (1.1) ein koaxial zu den Wänden des Kartuschenhalters (1) angeordnetes, innenliegendes Rohr (1.4) aufweist, welches mit statischen Mischelementen (1.5) ausgestattet ist.

Another object of the invention is a cartridge holder (1) comprising

1. (A) a receptacle (1.1) for multi-chamber cartridges (2), and
2. (B) a compressed air connection (1.2) and a connection (1.3) for an application device, wherein
3. (C) the receptacle (1.1) has a coaxial with the walls of the cartridge holder (1) arranged, inner tube (1.4), which is equipped with static mixing elements (1.5).

• einen oberen Abschnitt (2.1), umfassend ein Wegeventil (2.1.1);
• einen mittleren Abschnitt (2.2), dessen Zentrum in Richtung der Längsachse als röhrenförmiger Leerraum (2.2.1) gestaltet ist, und der röhrenförmige Leerraum (2.2.1) von mindestens zwei Kammern (2.2.2 und 2.2.3) umschlossen ist, wobei die Kammern röhrenförmig und in Richtung der Längsachse der Kartusche angeordnet sind und benachbarte Kammern durch eine gemeinsame Trennwand (2.2.4) voneinander getrennt sind und jede Kammer mit dem oberen Abschnitt (2.1) über jeweils mindestens eine Öffnung (2.2.5) verbunden ist; und
• einen unteren Abschnitt (2.3), der für jede der Kammern einen Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) umfasst, wobei die Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) die Kammern (2.2.2 und 2.2.3) von unten dicht abschließen und miteinander über Schneidvorrichtungen (2.3.3) verbunden sind, und die Schneidvorrichtungen (2.3.3) so angeordnet sind, dass sie die gemeinsame Trennwand (2.2.4) jeweils benachbarter Kammern beim Verschieben der Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) in Richtung des oberen Abschnitts (2.1) zu durchtrennen vermögen.

The invention also relates to a multi-chamber cartridge (2) for a cartridge holder (1) of the abovementioned type, the following sections comprising:

• an upper portion (2.1) comprising a directional control valve (2.1.1);
• a middle section (2.2) whose center is designed in the direction of the longitudinal axis as a tubular void (2.2.1), and the tubular void (2.2.1) of at least two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3) is enclosed, wherein the chambers are arranged tubular and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and adjacent chambers are separated by a common partition wall (2.2.4) and each chamber is connected to the upper section (2.1) via at least one opening (2.2.5); and
• a lower section (2.3) comprising for each of the chambers a piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2), wherein the piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) the chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3) from below close tightly and with each other via cutting devices (2.3.3) are connected, and the cutting devices (2.3.3) are arranged so that they the common partition (2.2.4) each adjacent chambers when moving the piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) in the direction of the upper portion (2.1) sever power.

• einen oberen Abschnitt (2.1), umfassend ein Wegeventil (2.1.1);
• einen mittleren Abschnitt (2.2), dessen Zentrum in Richtung der Längsachse als röhrenförmiger Leerraum (2.2.1) gestaltet ist, und der röhrenförmige Leerraum (2.2.1) von mindestens zwei Kammern (2.2.2 und 2.2.3) umschlossen ist, wobei die Kammern röhrenförmig und in Richtung der Längsachse der Kartusche koaxial angeordnet sind und benachbarte Kammern durch eine gemeinsame Trennwand (2.2.4) voneinander getrennt sind und jede Kammer mit dem oberen Abschnitt (2.1) über jeweils mindestens eine Öffnung (2.2.5) verbunden ist; und
• einen unteren Abschnitt (2.3), der für jede der Kammern einen Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) umfasst, wobei die Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) die Kammern (2.2.2 und 2.2.3) von unten dicht abschließen und miteinander über Schneidvorrichtungen (2.3.3) verbunden sind, und die Schneidvorrichtungen (2.3.3) so angeordnet sind, dass sie die gemeinsame Trennwand (2.2.4) jeweils benachbarter Kammern beim Verschieben der Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) in Richtung des oberen Abschnitts (2.1) zu durchtrennen vermögen.

Preferably, the multi-chamber cartridge (2) is designed as a coaxial cartridge for a cartridge holder (1) as defined above, comprising the following sections:

• an upper portion (2.1) comprising a directional control valve (2.1.1);
• a middle section (2.2) whose center is designed in the direction of the longitudinal axis as a tubular void (2.2.1), and the tubular void (2.2.1) of at least two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3) is enclosed, wherein the chambers are arranged coaxially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and adjacent chambers are separated by a common partition (2.2.4) and each chamber is connected to the upper portion (2.1) via at least one opening (2.2.5) ; and
• a lower section (2.3) comprising for each of the chambers a piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2), wherein the piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) the chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3) from below close tightly and connected to each other via cutting devices (2.3.3), and the cutting devices (2.3.3) are arranged so that they the common partition (2.2.4) each adjacent chambers when moving the piston (2.3.1 and 2.3. 2) in the direction of the upper portion (2.1) able to cut.

Such a construction can be obtained, for example, by coaxial arrangement of three tubes, in which case the inner tube encloses the tubular empty space (2.2.1). The space between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the middle tube forms, closed towards the lower portion (2.3) by a piston (2.3.1) and towards the upper portion (2.1) through an opening (2.2 .5) to the upper section (2.1), a first chamber (2.2.2). The space between the outer surface of the middle tube and the inner surface of the outer tube, forms towards the lower section (2.3) by a piston (2.3.2) completed and completed in the direction of the upper section (2.1) through an opening (2.2.5) to the upper section (2.1), a second chamber (2.2.3).

The tubular empty spaces (2.2.1) of the aforementioned cartridges serve to receive the inner tube (1.4) of the cartridge holder (1). If the tube-shaped empty space (2.2.1) is enclosed by a tube, it also extends through the lower section (2.3) of the cartridge.

In a particular embodiment, the inner tube (1.4) of the cartridge holder in the cartridge holder (1) may be missing and already integrated into the multi-chamber cartridge (2). That is, in such a case, the cartridge holder (1) does not have to have an inner tube (1.4) and thus is an ordinary cartridge holder, since in this embodiment, the static mixing elements (1.5) are already integrated in the multi-chamber cartridge (2). This has the advantage that a simple cartridge holder without inner tube (1.4) can be used.

1. i. einen Kartuschenhalter (1), umfassend
   1. (a) einen Aufnahmebehälter (1.1) für Mehrkammerkartuschen (2), und
   2. (b) einen angeordneten Druckluftanschluss (1.2) sowie einen Anschluss (1.3) für eine Applikationsvorrichtung, und
2. ii.eine Mehrkammerkartusche (2) für einen Kartuschenhalter (1) gemäß i., wobei diese
   • folgende Abschnitte umfasst:
     • einen oberen Abschnitt (2.1), umfassend ein Wegeventil (2.1.1);
     • einen mittleren Abschnitt (2.2), dessen Zentrum in Richtung der Längsachse als röhrenförmiger mit statischen Mischelementen (1.5) ausgestatteter Raum gestaltet und am unteren Ende vorzugsweise mit einer Dichteinrichtung versehen ist, und der röhrenförmige Raum von mindestens zwei Kammern (2.2.2 und 2.2.3) umschlossen ist, wobei die Kammern röhrenförmig und in Richtung der Längsachse der Kartusche angeordnet sind und benachbarte Kammern durch eine gemeinsame Trennwand (2.2.4) voneinander getrennt sind und jede Kammer mit dem oberen Abschnitt (2.1) über jeweils mindestens eine Öffnung (2.2.5) verbunden ist; und
     • einen unteren Abschnitt (2.3), der für jede der Kammern einen Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) umfasst, wobei die Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) die Kammern (2.2.2 und 2.2.3) von unten dicht abschließen und miteinander über Schneidvorrichtungen (2.3.3) verbunden sind, und die Schneidvorrichtungen (2.3.3) so angeordnet sind, dass sie die gemeinsame Trennwand (2.2.4) jeweils benachbarter Kammern beim Verschieben der Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) in Richtung des oberen Abschnitts (2.1) zu durchtrennen vermögen,

wobei die Mehrkammerkartusche (2) so im Kartuschenhalter (1) angeordnet ist, dass die Außenwand (2.2.6) des mittleren Abschnitts (2.2) der Mehrkammerkartusche (2) an der Innenwand (1.1.1) des Kartuschenhalters (1) formschlüssig anliegt.Such a metering and mixing device according to the invention likewise comprises

1. i. a cartridge holder (1) comprising
   1. (A) a receptacle (1.1) for multi-chamber cartridges (2), and
   2. (B) an arranged compressed air connection (1.2) and a connection (1.3) for an application device, and
2. ii.eine multi-chamber cartridge (2) for a cartridge holder (1) according to i., Wherein these
   • includes the following sections:
     • an upper portion (2.1) comprising a directional control valve (2.1.1);
     • a middle section (2.2) whose center is designed in the direction of the longitudinal axis as a tubular space equipped with static mixing elements (1.5) and preferably provided at the lower end with a sealing device, and the tubular space of at least two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2. 3) is enclosed, wherein the chambers are arranged tubular and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and adjacent chambers separated by a common partition wall (2.2.4) and each chamber is connected to the upper section (2.1) via at least one opening (2.2.5); and
     • a lower section (2.3) comprising for each of the chambers a piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2), wherein the piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) the chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3) from below close tightly and connected to each other via cutting devices (2.3.3), and the cutting devices (2.3.3) are arranged so that they the common partition (2.2.4) each adjacent chambers when moving the piston (2.3.1 and 2.3. 2) in the direction of the upper section (2.1) to be able to cut

wherein the multi-chamber cartridge (2) is arranged in the cartridge holder (1), that the outer wall (2.2.6) of the central portion (2.2) of the multi-chamber cartridge (2) on the inner wall (1.1.1) of the cartridge holder (1) rests positively.

A multi-chamber cartridge (2) suitable for this embodiment thus comprises: an upper section (2.1) comprising a directional control valve (2.1.1);
a central portion (2.2) whose center is designed in the direction of the longitudinal axis as a tubular space provided with static mixing elements (1.5), and the tubular space is enclosed by at least two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3), the chambers being tubular and are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and adjacent chambers are separated by a common partition wall (2.2.4) and each chamber is connected to the upper portion (2.1) via at least one opening (2.2.5); and a lower section (2.3) comprising for each of the chambers a piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2), the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) defining the chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3) of at the bottom and are connected to each other by means of cutting devices (2.3.3), and the cutting devices (2.3.3) are arranged such that they define the common partition (2.2.4) of respectively adjacent chambers during displacement of the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3 .2) in the direction of the upper section (2.1) able to cut.

• einen oberen Abschnitt (2.1), umfassend ein Wegeventil (2.1.1);
• einen mittleren Abschnitt (2.2), dessen Zentrum in Richtung der Längsachse als röhrenförmiger mit statischen Mischelementen (1.5) ausgestatteter Raum gestaltet ist, und der röhrenförmige Raum von mindestens zwei Kammern (2.2.2 und 2.2.3) umschlossen ist, wobei die Kammern röhrenförmig und in Richtung der Längsachse der Kartusche koaxial angeordnet sind und benachbarte Kammern durch eine gemeinsame Trennwand (2.2.4) voneinander getrennt sind und jede Kammer mit dem oberen Abschnitt (2.1) über jeweils mindestens eine Öffnung (2.2.5) verbunden ist; und
• einen unteren Abschnitt (2.3), der für jede der Kammern einen Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) umfasst, wobei die Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) die Kammern (2.2.2 und 2.2.3) von unten dicht abschließen und miteinander über Schneidvorrichtungen (2.3.3) verbunden sind, und die Schneidvorrichtungen (2.3.3) so angeordnet sind, dass sie die gemeinsame Trennwand (2.2.4) jeweils benachbarter Kammern beim Verschieben der Kolben (2.3.1 und 2.3.2) in Richtung des oberen Abschnitts (2.1) zu durchtrennen vermögen.

In a further preferred embodiment of the aforesaid multichamber cartridge (2) with integrated static mixer, it is a coaxial cartridge, comprising the following sections:

• an upper portion (2.1) comprising a directional control valve (2.1.1);
• a central portion (2.2) whose center is designed in the direction of the longitudinal axis as a tubular space provided with static mixing elements (1.5), and the tubular space is enclosed by at least two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3), the chambers being tubular and are arranged coaxially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and adjacent chambers are separated by a common partition (2.2.4) and each chamber is connected to the upper portion (2.1) via at least one opening (2.2.5); and
• a lower section (2.3) comprising for each of the chambers a piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2), wherein the piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) the chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3) from below close tightly and connected to each other via cutting devices (2.3.3), and the cutting devices (2.3.3) are arranged so that they the common partition (2.2.4) each adjacent chambers when moving the piston (2.3.1 and 2.3. 2) in the direction of the upper portion (2.1) able to cut.

For all embodiments of the cartridges, these preferably contain different components to be mixed for use as conveying, metering and mixing units in the individual chambers. In particular, components that can react with one another after they have been mixed or should be stored separately for other reasons. For example, base lacquers and their hardeners can be stored separately in the chambers of the cartridges or low-viscosity liquids which build up a higher viscosity or thixotropy only after they have been mixed. However, differently colored components such as, for example, a black filler component and a white filler component may also be mixed to a gray blend.

Due to the freely selectable in the production of cartridges volumes of the chambers, the components to be mixed can be stored separately in the required proportions for later application. In the preferred coaxial cartridges, the volumes of the chambers are defined by the diameters of the tubes. For all embodiments, the volume flows of the components, such as, for example, the master varnish and hardener, separated from each other as the directional control valve (2.1.1) of the upper section (2.1) are supplied. The directional control valve (2.1.1) is particularly preferably a 3/2-way valve (2.1.1). The directional control valve (2.1.1) or 3/2-way valve (2.1.1), in a preferred embodiment, may also have a premixing chamber integrated in the directional control valve (2.1.1), in which the initially separate volume flows of the components meet one another and themselves can mix. If the directional control valve (2.1.1) is in the "dosing / mixing" position, ie in the working position, the components which are premixed either in the premixing chamber integrated in the directional control valve (2.1.1) or as far as possible in the absence of such a premixing chamber present unmixed, fed to the actual mixing section. The mixing section used is either the inner tube (1.4) located in the cartridge holder (1), which is equipped with static mixing elements (1.5), or the tubular space provided with static mixing elements (1.5) of the variant of a multi-chamber cartridge (2) also described above. In both cases, prior to the first static mixing elements (1.5) located in the mixing section, a region free from static mixing elements (1.5) can be present as premixing path.

The supply of the components for as a directional control valve (2.1.1) via the piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2), which complete the chambers from below. The pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) press pneumatically driven the corresponding components from their chambers in the upper section (2.1) of the multi-chamber cartridge (2). Here, by the cutting device (2.3.3), which connects the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2), the partition wall (2.2.4) is severed between the chambers, whereby only a further emptying of the chambers is possible. In all embodiments, the cutting device (2.3.3) connects the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) serving as the bottom of the chambers, which also ensures that the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) are pressurized when pressurized be moved simultaneously and thus, even with very different viscous components, the extrusion of the components from the chambers in the ratio of the chamber sizes to each other and thus takes place independent of viscosity. The emptying is therefore done in the predetermined by the chamber size volumes and thus in the desired dosage. After an optional premix in the optionally integrated in the above-described directional control valve (2.1.1) Premixing chamber in the upper section (2.1) of the cartridge, the components through the inner tube (1.4) of the cartridge holder (1) or when using a cartridge with integrated static mixer against the extrusion direction of the separated components from the chambers by the static mixing elements (1.5) pressed and mixed homogeneously.

The components stored in the separate chambers can thus either already be in a premixing chamber integrated in the directional control valve (2.1.1) of the upper section (2.1), an optional section between the directional control valve (2.1.1) and the first static mixing elements (1.5) or in contact with the static mixing elements (1.5) come into contact with each other.

In a particular embodiment, the static mixing device consists of a mixing tube with fixed internals. Preferably, so-called mixer rods can be used. Very particularly preferred mixer bars are, for example, from the company Fluitec Georg AG (Neftenbach, Switzerland) under the name CSE-X® mixer or from the company Industra GmbH (Heusenstamm, Germany) under the name "mixing element" with the article number 205059 (76-104 ) available.

The cartridge holder (1) has a compressed air connection (1.2), which is preferably arranged at the bottom of the receptacle (1.1) and a connection (1.3) for an application device. The placement of the compressed air connection (1.2) is such that the compressed air flowing in during operation moves the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) serving as the bottoms of the chamber, so that the components can be forced out of the chambers.

The cartridge holder (1) can be closed in all embodiments of the invention with a lid, which then fixes the multi-chamber cartridge (2) in the cartridge holder (1). For the operation of the metering and mixing device according to the invention in such a case, a multi-chamber cartridge (2) according to the invention in the cartridge holder (1) is used and the cartridge holder (1) is closed with a pressure-tight lid. The type of closure is not relevant here, so for example, a screw thread closure used, or in a particularly preferred embodiment, a bayonet closure (3), in particular a safety bayonet closure. Cartridge holder (1) and multi-chamber cartridge (2) are then adapted to the type of closure of the lid. Thus, in the case of using a screw cap, the cartridge holder (1) has a thread suitable for this purpose or is provided with a corresponding material stiffening when using a bayonet closure (3) for receiving the grooves, wherein the multi-chamber cartridge (2) is equipped with webs for the bayonet closure.

However, it is also possible to operate the metering and mixing devices according to the invention without a lid. The fixation of the multi-chamber cartridge (2) in the cartridge holder (1) is then carried out by the formation of the upper portion (2.1) of the cartridge and the holder, wherein the same types of closure as in the lid variant can be realized.

The cutting device (2.3.3) for cutting through the wall between two adjacent component chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3) is preferably designed as a wedge-shaped gap, similar to an open scissors. Thus, a material compression can be prevented when cutting the partitions and at the same time the Anschneidekraft be reduced.

The connection of the terminal (1.3) at the bottom of the receptacle (1.1) of the cartridge holder (1) with an application device is not a problem and can be done with all common connections, preferably by a screw thread or quick couplings or dovetail connections. It is also possible to integrate static mixing elements (1.5) in the connection (1.3) or the inner tube (1.4) equipped with static mixing elements (1.5) in the cartridge holder (1) through the connection (1.3) or connection area through to the connected one Extend application device.

In principle, any type of application device is suitable as the application device. The application devices are used for applying the mixed components, which are preferably coating agents such as paints, Spatula, sealants or adhesives are on substrates. Thus, for example, come sponges, brushes, rollers, squeegees or nozzles of various kinds, such as flat spray nozzles, wide jet nozzles, slot dies, multi-channel (fan) nozzles or round jet nozzles, while the nozzles can be used with and without atomizing air. A very particularly preferred application device is spray guns, preferably those for spray application of coating compositions.

In principle, all spray guns that are used in compressed air spraying are suitable as spray guns. The connection of the terminal (1.3) at the bottom of the receptacle (1.1) of the cartridge holder (1) with the spray gun is straightforward and can be done with all common compounds, preferably by a screw thread or quick couplings or dovetail connections. Paint spray guns are available, for example, from Sata GmbH & Co. KG (Kornwestheim, Germany) under the name SATAjet®, as HVLP or RP spray guns.

All components and materials of the dosing and mixing device are chosen so that they are designed for the pressures occurring and their intended function and chemically largely inert to the mixed and the mixed components. In particular, find polypropylene for the walls of the chambers or tubes application. As pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) are usually suitable polyethylenes, polycarbonates and / or composite materials and as a material for the cutting device (2.3.3) polycarbonate. However, the metering and mixing device and its components are not limited to these materials. In particular, metals, for example, for the execution of the cutting device (2.3.3) can be used or coated materials, for example, to allow an inert behavior against any chemically aggressive components.

The cleaning of the metering and mixing devices according to the invention can be carried out in a simple way via the directional control valve (2.1.1), wherein the multi-chamber cartridge (2) during cleaning in the receptacle (1.1) may remain. For this purpose, in the upper section (2.1) of the multi-chamber cartridge (2) located directional control valve (2.1.1) moved from its operating position "Dosing / Mixing" into the cleaning position "Rinse". In the "Dosing / Mixing" operating position, the components can be pushed out of the chambers into the directional control valve (2.1.1), with simultaneous shut-off of the flushing connection (4), while in the "Rinse" cleaning position the supply of the components from the component chambers is interrupted and the central mixing channel can be connected to a flushing connection (4). The rinsing is carried out with a rinsing medium, preferably with commercially available solvents and / or water, wherein the rinsing medium may contain, if desired or required, additional detergents and / or other typical cleaning agent additives. The flushing can be done with or without air pulses. The flushing medium should be able to dissolve the components of the multicomponent system and any reaction products as completely as possible. During rinsing, the rinsing medium is passed through the static mixing device, in order in particular to free the static mixing elements (1.5) from the adhering component mixture and optionally already formed reaction products. After cleaning, the multi-chamber cartridge (2) can be easily removed from the dosing and mixing device and stored.

The present invention also relates to a method for conveying, metering and mixing of two or more components, preferably paint components, adhesive components or sealant components, more preferably paint components, which makes use of the metering and mixing device according to the invention.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for coating substrates with 2K or multi-component coating compositions using the metering and mixing device according to the invention in combination with an application device, preferably a paint spray gun. The coating process according to the invention is particularly advantageously carried out purely manually. In particular, the inventive method for coating using small amounts of paint is suitable. Preferably, the process is carried out as a HVLP spraying process. Most preferably, it is used in automotive refinish. The aforementioned method can However, also be used in the context of an OEM OEM, especially in the so-called assembly repair.

The inventive method for coating substrates with 2K or multi-component coating compositions using the metering and mixing device according to the invention in combination with an application device comprises, in a particular embodiment, a rinsing step. In this process variant, the application of the 2-component or multi-component coating agent is interrupted once or several times, the multi-chamber cartridge (2) is cleaned within the interruption of the application and the application is after cleaning the multi-chamber cartridge (2) with the same multi-chamber cartridge (2) or another inventive multi-chamber cartridge (2) continued. During cleaning, the static mixing device of the dosing and mixing device according to the invention is rinsed. In this case, the multi-chamber cartridge (2) according to the invention can advantageously remain in the cartridge holder (1). However, it can also be removed for the rinsing process or after the rinsing process in order to be used again to continue the coating.

When the process is carried out as HVLP spraying, the atomizing pressure is usually 1.5 to 2 bar. In the case of RP guns, work is usually carried out at an atomization pressure of 1.5 to 3 bar.

If two components are used, one component may be, for example, a so-called parent lacquer and the second component may be a hardener tailored to the master lacquer. In the masterbatches are preferably hydroxy-functional polymers such as polyhydroxy-functional poly (meth) acrylates, polyester polyols, polyether polyols, polyurethane polyols or mixed polyester / polyether polyols used. Polythiols, for example, can be used. In the hardener components are usually polyisocyanates such as hexamethylene diisocyanate, tolylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate or diphenylmethane diisocyanate or the dimers, trimers and polymers of the aforementioned isocyanates, and / or aminoplast resins such as melamine resins used. Also usable are epoxy systems, both conventional and aqueous. Of course, it is also possible to use systems which only become reactive at atmospheric humidity (eg aldimines, silanes). In general, however, parent lacquer and hardener have compounds with complementary functional groups. That is, groups that react with each other after mixing the two components. For example, the following complementary groups may be mentioned: amine / isocyanate, hydroxy / isocyanate, thiol / isocyanate, amine / epoxy / isocyanate, amine / epoxy, epoxy / anhydride, amine / Anhydride, anhydride / hydroxy, hydroxy / isocyanate / amine, or carbodiimide / carboxyl, thiol / ene, amine / cyclocarbonate, hydroxyl / cyclocarbonate, amine / hydroxyl / cyclocarbonate , Oxazoline / carboxyl, silane / silane, silane / hydroxyl groups. Usually base lacquer and hardener react after application at temperatures of 0 to 100 ° C, preferably 10 to 80 ° C, that is under conditions conventional refinish conditions.

In the process according to the invention, it is also possible to select those masterbatch hardener combinations which have too short pot lives in the conventional procedure of premixing the components before the paint reservoir is filled. Even with such systems excellent coatings are obtained, which are characterized by short drying and curing times and an excellent appearance.

Claims (15)

1. Metering and mixing device, comprising

   i. a cartridge holder (1), comprising

   (a) a reception container (1.1) for multichamber cartridges (2), and

   (b) a compressed air connection (1.2) and a connection (1.3) for an application device, characterized in that

   (c) the reception container (1.1) has an internal tube (1.4) which is arranged coaxially to the walls of the cartridge holder (1) and which is equipped with static mixing elements (1.5), the metering and mixing device comprising

   ii. a multichamber cartridge (2) for the cartridge holder (1) according to i., said multichamber cartridge comprising the following portions:

   an upper portion (2.1), comprising a directional valve (2.1.1);

   a middle portion (2.2), the center of which is configured in the direction of the longitudinal axis as a tubular empty space (2.2.1), and the tubular empty space (2.2.1) is surrounded by at least two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3), the chambers being arranged in a tubular manner and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, and adjacent chambers being separated from one another by a common partition (2.2.4), and each chamber (2.2.2 and 2.2.3) being connected to the upper portion (2.1) in each case via at least one orifice (2.2.5); and

   a lower portion (2.3) which comprises a piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) for each of the chambers, the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) closing off the chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3), leak-tight, from below and being connected to one another via cutting devices (2.3.3), and the cutting devices (2.3.3) being arranged such that they can sever the common partition (2.2.4) of in each case adjacent chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3) when the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) are displaced in the direction of the upper portion (2.1),

   the multichamber cartridge (2) being arranged in the cartridge holder (1) such that the tubular empty space (2.2.1) of the multichamber cartridge (2) is filled with a form fit by the tube (1.4) of the cartridge holder (1), and the outer wall (2.2.6) of the middle portion (2.2) of the multichamber cartridge (2) bears with a form fit against the inner wall (1.1.1) of the cartridge holder (1).
2. Cartridge holder (1) for a metering and mixing device according to Claim 1, comprising

   (a) a reception container (1.1) for multichamber cartridges (2), and

   (b) a compressed air connection (1.2) and a connection (1.3) for an application device,

   (c) the reception container (1.1) having an internal tube (1.4) which is arranged coaxially to the walls of the cartridge holder (1) and which is equipped with static mixing elements (1.5).
3. Multichamber cartridge (2) for a metering and mixing device according to Claim 1, said multichamber cartridge comprising the following portions:

   an upper portion (2.1), comprising a directional valve (2.1.1);

   a middle portion (2.2), the center of which is configured in the direction of the longitudinal axis as a tubular empty space (2.2.1), and the tubular empty space (2.2.1) is surrounded by at least two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3), the chambers being arranged in a tubular manner and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, and adjacent chambers being separated from one another by a common partition (2.2.4) and each chamber being connected to the upper portion (2.1) in each case via at least one orifice (2.2.5); and

   a lower portion (2.3) which comprises a piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) for each of the chambers, the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) closing off the chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3), leak-tight, from below and being connected to one another via cutting devices (2.3.3), and the cutting devices (2.3.3) being arranged such that they can sever the common partition (2.2.4) of in each case adjacent chambers when the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) are displaced in the direction of the upper portion (2.1) .
4. Multichamber cartridge (2) according to Claim 3, the tubular empty space (2.2.1) being surrounded by at least two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3), the chambers being arranged in a tubular manner and coaxially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.
5. Multichamber cartridge (2) according to Claim 4, this having a tubular empty space (2.2.1) and two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3), and the empty space and the two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3) being formed by a coaxial arrangement of three tubes, an inner tube surrounding the tubular empty space (2.2.1), the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the middle tube forming a first chamber (2.2.2) which is closed off in the direction of the lower portion (2.3) by a piston (2.3.1) and is closed off in the direction of the upper portion (2.1) by an orifice (2.2.5) to the upper portion (2.1), and the outer surface of the middle tube and the inner surface of the outer tube forming a second chamber (2.2.3) which is closed off in the direction of the lower portion (2.3) by a piston (2.3.2) and is closed off in the direction of the upper portion (2.1) by an orifice (2.2.5) to the upper portion (2.1).
6. Multichamber cartridge (2) according to one of Claims 3 to 5, the tubular empty space (2.2.1) serving for receiving the internal tube (1.4) of the cartridge holder (1) according to Claim 1.
7. Multichamber cartridge (2) according to one of Claims 3 to 6, the tubular empty space (2.2.1) being surrounded by a tube, and the tube also extending through the lower portion (2.3) of the multichamber cartridge (2).
8. Metering and mixing device, comprising

   i. a cartridge holder (1), comprising

   (a) a reception container (1.1) for multichamber cartridges (2), and

   (b) a compressed air connection (1.2) and a connection (1.3) for an application device, and characterized by

   ii. a multichamber cartridge (2) for a cartridge holder (1) according to i.,
   said multichamber cartridge comprising the following portions:

   an upper portion (2.1), comprising a directional valve (2.1.1);

   a middle portion (2.2), the center of which is configured in the direction of the longitudinal axis as a tubular space equipped with static mixing elements (1.5), and the tubular space is surrounded by at least two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3), the chambers being arranged in a tubular manner and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, and adjacent chambers being separated from one another by a common partition (2.2.4), and each chamber being connected to the upper portion (2.1) in each case via at least one orifice (2.2.5); and

   a lower portion (2.3) which comprises a piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) for each of the chambers, the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) closing off the chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3), leak-tight, from below and being connected to one another via cutting devices (2.3.3), and the cutting devices (2.3.3) being arranged such that they can sever the common partition (2.2.4) of in each case adjacent chambers when the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) are displaced in the direction of the upper portion (2.1),

   the multichamber cartridge (2) being arranged in the cartridge holder (1) such that the outer wall (2.2.6) of the middle portion (2.2) of the multichamber cartridge (2) bears with a form fit against the inner wall (1.1.1) of the cartridge holder (1).
9. Multichamber cartridge (2) for a metering and mixing device according to Claim 8, comprising:

   an upper portion (2.1), comprising a directional valve (2.1.1);

   a middle portion (2.2), the center of which is configured in the direction of the longitudinal axis as a tubular space equipped with static mixing elements (1.5), and the tubular space is surrounded by at least two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3), the chambers being arranged in a tubular manner and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, and adjacent chambers being separated from one another by a common partition (2.2.4), and each chamber being connected to the upper portion (2.1) in each case via at least one orifice (2.2.5); and

   a lower portion (2.3) which comprises a piston (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) for each of the chambers, the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) closing off the chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3), leak-tight, from below and being connected to one another via cutting devices (2.3.3), and the cutting devices (2.3.3) being arranged such that they can sever the common partition (2.2.4) of in each case adjacent chambers when the pistons (2.3.1 and 2.3.2) are displaced in the direction of the upper portion (2.1).
10. Multichamber cartridge (2) according to Claim 9, the tubular space equipped with static mixing elements (1.5) being surrounded by at least two chambers (2.2.2 and 2.2.3), the chambers being arranged in a tubular manner and coaxially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.
11. Multichamber cartridge (2) according to one of Claims 3 to 7, 9 and 10 or as a constituent of a metering and mixing device according to either one of Claims 1 and 8, the cutting devices (2.3.3) being designed in the form of wedge-shape gaps.
12. Multichamber cartridge (2) according to one of Claims 3 to 7 or 9 to 11 or as a constituent of a metering and mixing device according to either one of Claims 1 and 8, a premixing chamber being integrated in the directional valve (2.1.1).
13. Method for the conveyance, metering and mixing of two or more components, wherein a metering and mixing device according to either one of Claims 1 and 8 is used for carrying out the method.
14. Method for the coating of substrates with two-component or multicomponent coating media, wherein, to apply a coating, the metering and mixing device according to either one of Claims 1 and 8 is connected to a paint spray gun, the components are conveyed pneumatically into the upper portion (2.1) of the metering and mixing device and in the opposite direction by the static mixing elements (1.5) and are intermixed, and subsequently the in this case resulting homogeneous mix of the components is fed to the application device and is applied to the substrate via the latter.
15. Method according to Claim 14, application being interrupted once or more than once, the multichamber cartridge (2) being cleaned during the interruption in application, and, after the cleaning of the multichamber cartridge (2), application being continued with the same multichamber cartridge (2) or with another multichamber cartridge (2), defined as in one of Claims 3 to 7 or 9 to 11.

Images