NL1012240C2 - Sealant gun, uses pressure from fluid to expel sealant from cartridge inside pressurised casing - Google Patents

Abstract

The gun (1) includes a pressurised casing (2) inside which a pressure is built up using a fluid and this pressure is used to expel sealant from a cartridge (28) and out through a nozzle (30).

Description

Title: Apparatus and method for delivering a sealing mass.

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a sealing mass. Such a device is known from practice.

For sealing cable connections, wall feed-through devices for cables and pipes, connections of pipes and the like, use is often made of a sealing mass which is applied in and / or around the connection to be sealed. For this purpose, a first package containing the sealing mass is usually introduced into a printing device. The first package is compressible and is provided with a nozzle which can protrude through a wall of the printing device. The printing device is further provided with a piston with which the first package can be compressed, such that the sealing mass can be displaced via the nozzle from the first package into or on the joints or the like to be sealed. In this known device, the piston is operated manually.

This known device is easy to use, but has the drawback that a user has to manually actuate the piston to displace the sealing mass. This means that the required force must be supplied by the user until the complete first package has been pressed empty. This results in a relatively heavy load for the user, while it is moreover particularly difficult to build up a constant pressure. This can result in irregularly shaped seals, insufficiently long flow paths and, moreover, there is a risk that a relatively large volume of sealing mass will remain in the package. Furthermore, these known devices have the disadvantage that contamination easily occurs, in particular of the printing device, when, for example, too high a pressure is exerted on the first packaging, so that the pressure cannot be reduced quickly by displacing the mass through the nozzle while in addition high mechanical load of the bag-shaped first package occurs, as a result of which it will tear. This causes strong contamination of the dispensing device and the environment.

The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the type described, wherein the drawbacks mentioned are avoided, while retaining the advantages thereof. To this end, a device according to the present invention is characterized by the measures according to claim 1.

Use of a fluid as a pressure medium instead of. mechanical pressure means offers the advantage that pressure can be built up in a regular manner against, at least with respect to the packaging, using the pressure envelope. The fluid pressure will be evenly distributed and can be kept relatively simple during the emptying of the package. It is preferred that the fluid is supplied automatically and that the pressure is maintained by the pressure means.

This means that the pressure medium only has to be initiated and the packaging is automatically emptied. A constant flow of sealing mass can be obtained at a constant pressure, even without the user being continuously present. The fluid offers the advantage that it can simply function as a pressure buffer and that the pressure exerted can be determined relatively easily. A further advantage of a device according to the present invention is that relatively few moving parts are necessary. A device according to the present invention is relatively simple and quick to use, while the seals to be manufactured therewith can be produced particularly well.

In a first advantageous embodiment, a device according to the present invention is further characterized by the measures according to claim 2.

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Use of a pressure envelope surrounding the package, the pressure means being adapted to build up pressure in the space between the package and the pressure envelope, offers the advantage that the packaging is shielded from the environment by the pressure envelope, with only the discharge mouth extending beyond it. reaches. The packaging is hereby protected while leakage of the mass to the environment is prevented, for instance in case of a leaky packaging. Moreover, this achieves the advantage that the package is completely compressed during emptying so that it has a minimum volume afterwards. The fluid can then, if. desired, be removed from the intermediate space. The package can optionally be removed from the pressure envelope and discarded separately while the pressure envelope can be reused. However, it is also possible to design the pressure envelope in such a way that it can be disposed with the packaging or to make the packaging refillable.

Preferably, within a device according to the present invention use is made of a relatively stiff, strong container as a pressure envelope and a relatively flexible container, in particular a flexible foil bag as packaging. The relatively rigid container can withstand the pressure of the fluid, while the foil-shaped packaging can be easily compressed. In addition, such a packaging allows mixing of any components therein to be relatively simple prior to use. Preferably, use is made of an external pressure source, for example a compressor or a gas cartridge, for supplying the pressure fluid. This offers the advantage of increased ease of use for the user, since the packaging and pressure envelope can hereby be made relatively light and simple.

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In an alternative embodiment, a device according to the present invention is characterized by the measures according to claim 8.

In such an apparatus, the pressure envelope will increase in volume during use due to gas evolution resulting from mixing of chemicals therein, thereby reducing the space between the package and the pressure envelope. This will displace the sealing mass through the dispensing mouth.

The invention further relates to a method for applying a sealing mass, characterized by the measures according to claim 11.

The invention further relates to a packaging and a dispensing device for use in a device or in a method according to the present invention.

Further advantageous embodiments are given in the description and the subclaims.

Further embodiments are given in the subclaims.

To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments of a device and method for applying a sealing mass will be described with reference to the drawing. In the drawing: Fig. 1 shows a sectional side view along the line I-I in Fig. 2, a device according to the invention; fig. 2 is a plan view of a device according to fig.

1; and Fig. 3 is a side view, partly in section, of a device according to the invention, in an alternative embodiment; Fig. 4 schematically shows, in partial cross-sectional side view, a device according to the invention in a second alternative embodiment; and 1012240 FIG. 5 is a partly sectioned side view of a device according to the invention in a third alternative embodiment.

In this description, like or corresponding parts have like or corresponding reference numerals.

Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention, for delivering a sealing, highly viscous mass, for instance a two-component resin, suitable for sealing a cable connection. Such cable connections and seals therefor are described, for example, in Dutch Patent Application 1002,859 and Dutch Patent Application 1005261, both in the name of Applicant, which are hereby incorporated by way of example by reference. Such a mass can, for example, also be used in a wall lead-through for cables or pipes, such as for instance known from European patent application 0 244 514, also in the name of applicant, which application is also considered to be included herein. It will moreover be clear that such sealing compositions, for example resins or sealants, are suitable for many applications.

The device 1 comprises a pressure envelope 2 in the form of a relatively rigid, cylindrical container 4, provided with a substantially closed end wall 6 and, on the side remote from the end wall, with a screw lid 8 with which the container 4 can be closed in a gastight manner. . A circular central opening 10 is provided in the end wall 6, provided with two diametrically opposed slot-shaped recesses 12, the purpose of which will be discussed later. A handle 3 is provided on the screw cover 8 with a known per se trigger mechanism 5 for opening and closing a supply of pressure medium.

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In the handle 3 a threaded hole 14 is provided, in which a quick coupling 16 or the like connecting means for a pipe 18 is provided, which closes gas-tight. The line 18 is connected to a compressor 20, represented by a pump 22 and a control unit 24. The device can be connected with the line 18 to this compressor 20 as an external pressure source for feeding a pressure fluid into the inner space 26, in the special air or CO2. , or water or the like.

In the inner space 26, a package 28 in the form of a foil bag is suspended by means of a connecting nipple 30 which extends through the opening 10 and which rests with a washer 32 against the inside of the end wall 15. The nipple 30 forms a nozzle and is provided on two diametrically opposite sides with wings which can be forced to fit through the slot-shaped recesses 12 and which can be rotated through an angle of for instance 90 ° 20 by a nipple 30 around its longitudinal axis above a closed part of the end wall and can bear against it under some pretension. The bias is chosen such that the washer 32 comes to bear sealingly against the end wall. In addition, the washer 32 will be pressed even further by the pressure medium 25 which is fed into the inner space 26.

The foil bag-shaped package 28 is secured to the sealing ring 32, for example by gluing or sealing. The nipple 30 can form an integral part of the package 28, 30, but can also be fixed thereon immediately prior to use of the package, for instance by means of an adhesive layer. A separate nipple, in particular a screw nipple, as known from EP 0 654 419, can also be used for this, which patent application is hereby incorporated by reference. Many variations on this are of course possible.

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In the foil-shaped package, different components can be included, separated in known manner by a temporary closure, which is removed immediately before use, after which the components 5 are mutually mixed, for instance by kneading the foil-shaped package 28. The package is then completely closed . Then the screw cover is loosened and the foil-shaped package is secured in the opening 10 by means of a nipple 30. The screw cap 8 is then screwed back onto the container 4 and the device 1 is connected to the compressor 20. A delivery hose 34 can be fixed on the nipple 30. extension of the nozzle. The nipple 30 is preferably closed before use by a break seal 36, 15 shown in Fig. 1 in the open position. This seal prevents premature and unintentional escape of the sealing mass from the package 28.

An arrangement according to Figures 1 and 2 can be used as follows.

The hose 34 is secured with the open end 36 in or on an inlet piece of a cable connection to be sealed. The compressor 20 is then put into operation, with the control unit 24 setting a desired pressure, for example constant 2 bar (2.10 sPa). As a result, the compressed gas is fed via the pipe 18 and the quick coupling 16 into the inner space 26 between the package 28 and the pressure envelope 2, thereby pressurizing the package 28. This forces the sealing mass into the nipple through the passage 40, forcing the seal 36 to the open position shown in FIG. The sealing mass can then flow out through the hose 34 into the cable connection. As a result of the constant pressure, it is ensured that the sealing mass automatically enters the cable connection 35 sufficiently far without a user having to exert continuous force. Optionally, the compressor 20 can be designed such that when sufficient sealing mass has been introduced into the seal, this is registered by a change in pressure in the inner space, as a result of which the compressor closes and, if necessary, the pressure is released. The seal is then ready and the device 1 can be disconnected. The empty package 28A, as shown in broken lines in Fig. 1, can be detached with the nipple 30 and discarded. If mass remains in the package 28, it can optionally be used for another seal.

When in a package 28 according to the present invention, the nipple 30 is fixed with the foil-shaped package. 28 is connected and sealed by the seal 36, the advantage is achieved that mass cannot unintentionally flow away along the nipple, so that contamination of the environment is prevented even better. The same applies to the use of the previously described screw nipple, in which the fixing ring is fixed on the foil bag and the nozzle can be screwed therein, as long as a seal or such a seal is provided.

Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a device 101 according to the present invention. This device 101 comprises a pressure envelope 102, for example in the form of a stretchable foil bag, received in a packaging 128, for example a relatively rigid container 104. A flexible hose 138 is attached to the container 104 by means of a sealing ring 132, which is attached to the container. the free end is provided with a screwable nipple 142 with which it can be screwed into an inlet opening of a casing for a cable connection 30. The pressure envelope 102 is preferably secured to the container 104, for example, at the end remote from the hose 138, such that it cannot seal the passage 110 in the hose 138.

Chemicals are provided in the pressure envelope 102 with which gas development can be effected. As a result of the gas development, the pressure envelope 102 will increase in volume in 1012240, maximum to the position shown in broken lines in fig. 3, in which it lies almost against the inside of the package 128. As the volume of the pressure envelope 102 increases. sealing mass contained in the space 126 between the wall of the package 128 and the pressure envelope 102 are pressurized and forced through the discharge hose 138 into the envelope of the seal to be sealed, preferably under relatively constant pressure. After the package 128 has been sufficiently emptied, it can be disconnected from the joint and discarded.

Figure 4 shows a second alternative. embodiment of a device according to the invention, provided with a container 204, screwable in a handle 203, in the manner described previously. Provided in the handle is a connection 216 for a pressure conduit 218, which extends through the handle and opens into a bag 211 disposed within the container 204. In a manner previously described, a first package 228 incorporates a sealing mass to be dispensed. is secured in the end wall 206 of the container by means of a nipple 230 connected thereto via a ring 234. In this embodiment, a nut 231 is used. In the initial situation, the bag 211 is almost completely empty and abuts the inner side of the container 204, the further container 204 being filled almost completely by the first package 228. To discharge the sealing mass via the conduit 218, by actuation of the trigger mechanism 205, air or other pressure medium is introduced into the bag 211 such that its volume increases. As a result, the mass from the first package 228 is displaced by the nipple 230, beyond the device 202. The bag 211 is dimensioned and / or stretchable such that it can fill the entire inner space of the container 35 204, so that all the mass can be displaced from the first package 228. In this way a particularly advantageous distribution of the pressure over the first package can be obtained.

Fig. 5 shows a further alternative embodiment of a device 302 according to the invention, in which a container 304 is fixed to the handle 303. In this embodiment, the container 304 is provided with an end wall 306, longitudinal walls (not shown) and a flap 307 which is hingedly connected near the handle 303 via a pivot shaft 309. A somewhat flexible membrane 311, which extends from near the pivot axis 309 to the lower end of the end wall 306 and. is stretched between the side walls. The container 304 is hereby separated into two compartments, which are closed off from one another in a gas and / or liquid-tight manner. In the first compartment 313, which adjoins the valve 307, a first package 328 can be placed, secured in the manner described above with the aid of a nipple 330. The first package 328 thereby rests at least partly on the membrane 311, which abuts against the inside of the container 304, as shown by the bottom dashed-dotted line in Fig. 5. The second compartment 315, located in Fig. 5 below the membrane 311, connects to the handle 303, at least to a conduit 318 located extends through the handle 303 from the second compartment 315 to a connector 316 on which a gas cartridge 320 is secured. With the aid of the trigger mechanism 305, gas can be fed from the gas cartridge 320 into the second compartment 315, such that the membrane 311 is pressed away, while the first package 328 is compressed. The sealing mass is thereby forced out of the first package 328, by the nipple 330. In Figure 5, a number of positions of the membrane 311 are shown by dashed-dotted lines. In such an embodiment, placement of the first package 328 1012246 11 is easily possible through the opening under the valve 307, so that exchange is easily possible.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, instead of a compressor 20 as shown in Fig. 1, a device 1 can be pressurized using, for example, a gas cartridge which can be connected to the quick coupling 16. Also, a pressure envelope 102 as shown in Figure 3 may be contained within the container 4 and used as a pressure means in place of or in addition to a compressor or a previously described gas cartridge.

It will be clear that the different pressure supply means such as gas cartridges and compressors can be used as desired in the different devices, while moreover, as pressure medium, another fluid can be used, such as water, hydraulic fluid or the like. In the exemplary embodiments shown, a trigger mechanism is always shown schematically. Such mechanisms are known from practice. Preferably, 20 trigger mechanisms are used which can be locked in a desired position, such that the pressure medium is always supplied with a desired pressure, even without the trigger mechanism being operated by a user. For this purpose, mechanically or electronically adjustable trigger mechanisms can be used.

The invention is by no means limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the description and the figures. Many variations on this are possible within the scope of the invention, as outlined by the appended claims. Thus, a device according to the present invention can have a different-shaped envelope and can for instance be closed with a different type of lid, for instance with a bayonet closure. Other ways may also be provided for securing the package within the pressure envelope. The package can be secured in the lid, the connection for the pipe at a distance therefrom, for example 1012240 12, being provided in the end wall. The nipple can be designed differently, for example with a screw nut or other fixing element screwable on the outside of the pressure envelope. Optionally, means can be provided for securing the package to the pressure envelope, away from the nipple, so that the package is prevented from being compressed unintentionally and blocking the dispensing opening. Furthermore, all kinds of other means can of course be provided for introducing a pressure gas into the device. These and many variations are understood to fall within the scope of the invention.

1012240

Claims (14)

1. Device for dispensing a sealing mass, in particular a relatively highly viscous mass, provided with a packaging and a pressure envelope, wherein the sealing mass is included in the packaging, wherein pressure means are provided for using a fluid build up pressure in the pressure envelope, such that the sealing mass is displaced from the packaging via a discharge nozzle. 2. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure envelope at least substantially surrounds the packaging, wherein the dispensing mouth extends outside the pressure envelope, the pressure means being adapted for building up pressure in the space between the packaging and the pressure envelope. Device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pressure envelope comprises a relatively rigid container, the packaging mainly consisting of a relatively flexible container, in particular a flexible foil bag. Device as claimed in any of the claims 2 or 3, wherein the pressure envelope is provided with connecting means for the pressure means, which comprise an external pressure source. 5. Device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pressure means are adapted for feeding a pressure gas into the space between the packaging and the pressure envelope with the aid of the pressure source. 6. Device as claimed in any of the claims 2-5, wherein the packaging can be brought into the pressure envelope together with at least a part of the dispensing mouth and can be fixed therein, such that the dispensing mouth extends at least partly outside the pressure casing, wherein during use a completely or partially emptied package can be removed from the pressure envelope 1012240 and can be replaced by another package. 7. Device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the package is fixed in the pressure envelope by means of at least a part of the delivery mouth. 8. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure envelope is included in the packaging, wherein the pressure envelope is at least partly flexible and comprises chemicals for building up pressure in the pressure envelope and increasing its volume, relative to the volume. of the packaging. 9. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the dispensing mouth is sealed before use by a seal which can be broken by building up pressure in the package. 10. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the sealing mass is a multi-component curing mass which can be brought together in the package and mixed before use, in particular prior to pressurization thereof, at least with the aid of the pressure envelope. 11. Method for applying a sealing mass, wherein the mass is pre-processed in a package, in particular mixed, after which the package 25 is placed in a dispenser in the form of a relatively rigid container, such that a dispensing mouth can bring the inner space of the package into communication with the environment of the dispenser, after which pressure is built up in the dispenser 30 with the aid of a pressure source, such that the package is compressed in the dispenser, displacing the mass contained therein, through the delivery mouth to the environment. 12. Packaging for use in an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or in a method according to claim 11. 1 0 1 2 2 4 o 13. Dispensing device, at least pressure envelope for use in a device as claimed in any of the claims 1-10 or in a method as claimed in claim 11. Λ * - '> f J ƒ. fi 1. U £ -i y