CARTRIDGE FOR MULTI-COMPONENT MATERIALS

Abstract

A cartridge for a multi-component material, includes a hollow cylindrical inner body which defines an inner space for receiving a first component, a hollow cylindrical outer body which receives the inner body such that an intermediate space for receiving a second component is formed between an outer wall of the inner body and an inner wall of the outer body, an outlet emanating from the inner body and in a first passage which connects an outlet opening of the outlet to the interior of the inner body is formed, and a second passage connecting the outlet opening of the outlet to the intermediate space present between the outer body and the inner body. An end portion of the inner space that faces the outlet lies at least substantially in the same plane as an end portion of the intermediate space that faces the outlet.

Claims

1. A cartridge for a multi-component material, comprising: a hollow cylindrical inner body defining an inner space configured to receive a first component of the multi-component material; a hollow cylindrical outer body configured to receive the inner body in its an interior thereof such that an outer wall of the inner body and an inner wall of the outer body form an intermediate space configured to receive a second component of the multi-component material; an outlet protruding from the inner body in which a first passage is formed, the first passage connecting which connects an outlet opening of the outlet with the inner space of the inner body, and a second passage connecting the outlet opening of the outlet with the intermediate space disposed between the outer body and the inner body, an end section of the inner space facing the outlet lying at least essentially in a same plane or in the same plane as an end section of the intermediate space facing the outlet.

2. The cartridge in accordance with claim 1, wherein a longitudinal middle axis of the inner body and a longitudinal middle axis of the outer body are arranged coaxially with respect to one another.

3. The cartridge in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner body and the outer body are connected to one another by a form fit or force fit or with material continuity at the outlet side.

4. The cartridge in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner body and the outer body are connected to one another by only one fastening section.

5. The cartridge in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner body and the outer body are connected to one another only at one common axial height with reference to a longitudinal extension axis of the cartridge.

6. The cartridge in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner body and the outer body are connected to one another by means of ultrasonic welding or laser welding.

7. The cartridge in accordance with claim 1, wherein a collar extending radially outwardly with respect to a longitudinal middle axis of the inner body from the outer wall of the inner body which is connected to the outer body at the outlet side.

8. The cartridge in accordance with claim 7, wherein a radially outwardly lying collar section of the outer body facing the outlet.

9. The cartridge in accordance with claim 7, wherein a collar which extends radially inwardly from the inner wall of the outer body with respect to a longitudinal middle axis of the outer body, which is connected with the collar of the inner body which extends radially outwardly extending.

10. The cartridge in accordance with claim 1, wherein the outlet has a fastener configured to fasten at least one further component to the cartridge.

11. The cartridge in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner body are connected to one another by a bayonet connection.

12. The cartridge in accordance with claim 11, wherein the bayonet connection is configured thereby such that the outer body forms a sleeve section which at least partly receives the outlet, and the sleeve section has a component of the bayonet connection and the outlet has a corresponding counter component of the bayonet connection.

13. The cartridge in accordance with claim 12, wherein the sleeve section has a fastener configured to fasten at least one further component to the cartridge.

14. The cartridge in accordance with claim 12, wherein at least one seal is configured between the outlet and the sleeve section.

15. The cartridge in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner space and the intermediate space are each filled with a component of a multi-component material, the inner space is filled with the first component and the intermediate space is filled with the second component of the multi-component material.

16. The cartridge in accordance with claim 15, wherein a piston configured to dispense the first and second components of the multi-component material stored in the inner space of the inner body and in the intermediate space formed between the outer body and the inner body via the outlet upon movement of the piston in a direction of the outlet and a peeling apparatus configured to peel a wall along its length and bounding the inner space with respect to a longitudinal middle axis of the inner body.

17. The cartridge in accordance with claim 1, wherein the outlet is centrically or eccentrically arranged with reference to a longitudinal extension of the cartridge.

18. A dispensing apparatus, comprising: the cartridge in accordance with claim 1; and having a dispensing tip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0051] The invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view through a part of a cartridge in accordance with a first embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of a cartridge of FIG. 1 in which an outlet of the cartridge is sectioned along the plane A-A;

[0054] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a part of a cartridge in accordance with a second embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of cartridge of FIG. 3 in which an outlet of the cartridge is sectioned along the plane B-B;

[0056] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view through a part of a cartridge in accordance with a third embodiment; and

[0057] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of a cartridge of FIG. 5 in which an outlet of the cartridge is sectioned along the plane C-C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Different embodiments of a part of a cartridge 10 for a multi-component material are illustrated in the FIGS. 1 to 6. More precisely, respectively a region of an outlet 12 of the cartridge 10 is shown in the FIGS. 1 to 6. In this connection the FIGS. 1 and 2 show a cartridge 10 in accordance with a first embodiment, FIGS. 3 and 4 show a cartridge 10 in accordance with a second embodiment and FIGS. 6 and 6 show a cartridge 10 in accordance with a third embodiment.

[0059] The cartridge 10 serves for use with a dispensing apparatus not illustrated in the Figures which can have a dispensing tip for the targeted application of the components of the multi-component material dispensed from the cartridge, wherein the dispensing tip can be equipped optionally with a mixer, for example a static mixer, in particular from the company Sulzer Mixpac AG.

[0060] Hence it is evidenced, in particular with reference to the longitudinal sectional views shown in the FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 that it is common for all embodiments of the cartridges 10 that the cartridge 10 has a hollow cylindrical inner body 14, as well as a hollow cylindrical outer body 16. The inner body 14 defines an inner space 18 which serves for the reception of a non-illustrated first embodiment of the multi-component material. The outer body 16 is larger than the inner body 14 and receives the inner body 14 in a state in which they are connected to one another. In this connection, the outer body 16 receives the inner body 14 in such a way that an intermediate space 24 is formed between an outer wall 20 of the inner body 14 and an inner wall 22 of the outer body 16 which intermediate space serves for receiving a non-illustrated second component of the multi-component material. Preferably, the intermediate space 24 surrounds the inner body 14 in a ring-shaped manner respectively in a hollow cylindrical-like manner.

[0061] Moreover, an end section 25 of the inner space 18 facing the outlet 12 is at least essentially present in the same plane E like an end section 27 of the intermediate space 24 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 5) facing the outlet 12. In this connection the respective end section 25, 27 can be displaced with respect to one another in the direction of a longitudinal extension axis N of the cartridge 10 by up to 3 mm, preferably by up to 2 mm. In particular, the spacing from the end section 25 of the inner space 18 to an inner section 27 of the outer space 24 can lie in the same order of magnitude as a thickness of a front wall bounding the inner space 18 respectively the outer space 24. The end section 25 of the inner space 18 facing the outlet 12 can, however also lie in the same plane E like the end section 27 of the intermediate space 24 facing the outlet 12 (FIG. 3).

[0062] The inner space 18 and the outer space 24 are each filled with a component of the multi-component material. In this connection, the inner space 18 is by way of example filled with a first component and the intermediate space 24 is filled with a second component of the multi-component material. For better emphasis, the inner space 18 and the intermediate space 24 are illustrated without first and second components, i.e. in the non-filled state.

[0063] For dispensing the first and second components, a piston, not illustrated in the Figures, can be provided which dispenses the components of the multi-component material stored in the inner space 18 of the inner body 14, as well as in the intermediate space 24 formed between the outer body 16 and the inner body 14 via the outlet 12 on a movement of the piston in the direction of the outlet 12 and a peeling apparatus which separates a wall 21 bounding the inner body 14 with respect to a longitudinal middle axis L of the inner body 14 along its length.

[0064] As can further be recognized with reference to the longitudinal sectional views in the FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 the longitudinal middle axis L of the inner body 14 and a longitudinal middle M of the outer body 16 are arranged coaxially with respect to one another. Due to the coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal middle axis L, M the inner body 14 and/or of the outer body 16 the cartridge 10 is also referred to as a coaxial cartridge.

[0065] Each of the cartridges 10 moreover has an outlet 12 which projects from the inner body 14. The outlet 12 comprises both a first passage as well as a second passage 28. The first passage 26 connects an outlet opening 30 of the outlet 12 to the inner space 18 of the inner body 14, in contrast to which the second passage 28 connects the outlet opening 30 to the intermediate space 24 formed between the outer body 16 and the inner body 14.

[0066] Such that no component of the multi-component material can exit the cartridge in a non-allowed manner in a closed state of the cartridge 10 closed by a closure 42, but also to increase the storage capability in such a way that no gas or humidity can penetrate the cartridge, each of the passages 26, 28 can have a sealing section 31 which cooperates in a sealing manner with the corresponding closure 42 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 3).

[0067] The first passage 26 and the second passage 28 not only serves for dispensing the first and second components, but also for the filling of the inner space 18 of the inner body 14 respectively of the intermediate space 24 present between the outer body 16 and the inner body 14. In this connection the first and second passage 26, 28 are formed in such a way that a nozzle of a filling plant for filling the cartridge 10 with the respective components of the multi-component material can be introduced into these. Following the introduction of the corresponding nozzle associated with the correct passage 26, 28 of the outlet 12, the inner space 18 and the intermediate space 24 of the cartridge 10 can be filled in a simple manner from the outlet side, wherein a piston provided for the dispensing of the components can already be pre-mounted in the cartridge 10.

[0068] In accordance with a first and third embodiment of the cartridge 10, the outlet 12 is centrically aligned with respect to the longitudinal extension axis N of the cartridge 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2 as well as 4 and 5). In contrast to this, the outlet 12 in accordance with the second embodiment of the cartridge 10 is eccentrically aligned with respect to the longitudinal extension axis N of the cartridge 10 (FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0069] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cartridge 10 in accordance with the first embodiment will be explained in more detail.

[0070] As already mentioned, the two longitudinal middle axis L, M of the inner body 14 and of the outer body 16 are coaxially arranged and the outlet 12 is centrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal extension axis N of the cartridge 10. This has the consequence that the intermediate space 24 between the outer body 16 and the inner body 14 are radially displaced with respect to the longitudinal extension axis N of the cartridge 10 radially outwardly. Such that the outlet opening 30 of the outlet 12 can still be in connection with the intermediate space 24, the second passage 28, starting from the outlet opening 30 has an axial section 28a aligned at least approximately in parallel to the longitudinal extension axis N of the cartridge 10, as well as a radial section 28b aligned at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension axis N of the cartridge 10 and opening into the intermediate space 24.

[0071] The inner body 14 and the outer body 16 of the cartridge 10 in accordance with the first embodiment are connected to one another in a shape matching manner and in particular with material continuity by only one fastening section 32. For this purpose, the inner body 14 has a collar 34 extending radially outwardly from the outer wall of the inner body 14 with respect to its longitudinal middle axis L, which collar 34 is connected with a radially inwardly extending collar 36 extending from the inner wall 22 of the outer body 16 by ultrasonic welding at the outlet side. It is understood that the collar 34 of the inner body 14 and the collar 36 of the outer body 16 can also be connected to one another by a different joining method, such as, for example by laser welding.

[0072] The fastening section 32 forms a radial peripheral welding bead with respect to the longitudinal extension axis N of the cartridge 10. As can also be recognized with reference to FIG. 1 the fastening section 32 lies at only one common axial height with reference to the longitudinal extension axis N of the cartridge 10.

[0073] Such that the cartridge 10 can be connected to a further component such as for example a closure, a dispensing tip, a mixing element or the like, the outlet 12 has a means or device 38 for fastening (e.g., a fastener) the further component. The fastening device 38 are illustrated in the embodiment in FIG. 1 in the shape of an outer thread 40 and specifically serves the purpose of connecting a screw closure 42 to the cartridge 10. Following the removal of the screw closure 42 the cartridge 10 can then be connected to a dispensing tip and/or to a mixing element. The fastening device 38, can also be configured in a different way, e.g. in the form of a bayonet closure or of a latching connection.

[0074] In the following, a cartridge 10 in accordance with a second embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0075] The cartridge 10 in accordance with the second embodiment differs from the cartridge 10 in accordance with the first embodiment essentially in the way in which the inner body 14 and the outer body 16 are connected to one another and the way in which the outlet 12 is arranged.

[0076] Specifically, the inner body 14 has a collar 34 extending radially outwardly with reference to the longitudinal middle axis L of the inner body 14 from an outer wall 20 of the inner body 14. The collar 34 having a radially outwardly lying collar section 44, which at the outlet side is connected to a wall section 46 of the outer body 16 facing the outlet 12 in a shape matching manner and in particular in a manner with material continuity, in order to form a common fastening section 32.

[0077] The fastening section 32 is likewise present like the cartridge 10 in accordance with the first embodiment at only one common axial height (FIG. 3). The fastening section 32 of the cartridge 10 in accordance with the second embodiment is a radial circumferential weld bead formed by laser welding. It is naturally understood that the inner body 14 and the outer body 16 can also be connected to one another by ultrasonic welding.

[0078] The outlet 12 of the cartridge 10 in accordance with the second embodiment is eccentrically arranged in contrast to the outlet 12 of the cartridge 10 in accordance with the first embodiment, as can be recognized with particular emphasis with reference to FIG. 3. By way of the eccentric arrangement of the outlet 12, a simple assembly of the cartridge 10 results, as both the inner space 18 of the inner body 14 as well as the intermediate space 24 between the outer body 16 and the inner body 14 are directly connected to the outlet opening 30 of the outlet 12. In this connection, in particular a radial section 28 of the second passage 28 is modifiable. Rather, both the first passage 26 as well as the second passage 38 are merely aligned in the axial direction with reference to the longitudinal extension axis N of the cartridge 10.

[0079] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a cartridge in accordance with a third embodiment. The cartridge 10 in accordance with the third embodiment differs essentially from the cartridge 10 in accordance with the first embodiment in the manner of connection of inner and outer body 14, 16. In contrast to the cartridge 10 in accordance with the first embodiment the inner body 14 and the outer body 16 are connected to one another in a shape matching and in particular in a force matching manner by a bayonet closure 48.

[0080] For the mutual attachment of the inner and outer body 14, 16 by the bayonet closure 48 the outer body 16 forms a sleeve section 50 which completely receives the outlet 12 in the illustrated embodiment. At an inner side of the sleeve section 50 facing the outlet 12, the sleeve section 50 has a first component 48a of the bayonet closure 48 which in the connected state of the inner and outer body 14, 16 cooperates with a corresponding second counter component 48 of the bayonet closure 48 formed at the outlet 12.

[0081] In the connected state of inner and outer body 14, 16, the bayonet closure 48 forms a common fastening section 32 which is present at only one common axial height with reference to the longitudinal extension axis N of the cartridge 10.

[0082] Such that the cartridge 10 in accordance with the third embodiment can be connected to a further component, such as for example a closure, a dispensing tip, a mixing element or the like, the sleeve section 50 has a means or device 38 for fastening (e.g., a fastener) the further component. In the illustrated embodiment the fastening device 38 is present in the form of an outer thread 40 which serves for the fastening of a closure 42 in the form of a screw closure. It is naturally understood that the fastening device 38 can also be configured in the form a bayonet closure or of a snap connection.

[0083] In the following it will be described how the inner body 14 is connected to the outer body 16 in order to form a cartridge 10. Initially, the inner body 14 is introduced in the outer body 16 in such a way that the inner body 14 and the outer body 16 are brought into contact with one another. Then, the inner body 14 and the outer body 16 are correctly aligned with respect to one another. Subsequently, the inner body 14 and the outer body 16 are fixedly connected to one another. This takes place with the cartridge 10 in accordance with the first and second embodiment thereby that the inner body 14 and the outer body 16 are connected to one another by way of laser welding and/or ultrasonic welding in a shape matching manner with material continuity. Having regard to the cartridge 10 in accordance with the third embodiment the inner body 14 and the outer body 16 are rotated with respect to one another about the longitudinal extension axis N of the cartridge 10 in such a way that the bayonet closure 48 is in a latching state.

[0084] Such that components stored in the cartridge 10, in particular the second components stored in the intermediate space 24 between the outer body 16 and the inner body 14 cannot arrive in a non-desirable manner in a gap 52 present between the outlet 12 and the sleeve section 50, a seal 54 is advantageously formed between the outlet 12 and the sleeve section 52. In this connection the bayonet closure 48 can likewise act in the manner of a seal 54.