MULTIPLE-CHAMBER CONTAINER FOR STORING AND MIXING A MULTI-COMPONENT LIQUID COATING OR ADHESIVE SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a multiple-chamber container (1, 1*) for storing and mixing a multi-component liquid coating or adhesive system (M), comprising a first chamber (10) for a first mixing component (B) and at least one other chamber (20) for another mixing component (H), the first chamber (10) and the at least one other chamber (20) being separated by at least one separating wall (30) in liquid-tight fashion and the separating wall (30) comprising a pierceable separating layer (40). The multiple-chamber container further comprises at least one piercing element (50) for piercing the pierceable separating layer (40) in such a way that the first and the one other mixing component (B, H) mix in the first or the at least one other chamber (10, 20). The multiple-chamber container (1, 1*) is characterized in that the at least one other chamber (20) is coaxial to the first chamber (10), the separating layer (40) being partially formed in the separating wall (30). The piercing element (50) is hollow, in particular hollow-cylindrical, and has at least two longitudinally offset openings (51) for introducing either the first or the other mixing component (B, H) into the chamber (10, 20) of the respective other mixing component (H, B).

Claims

1. A multichamber vessel (1, 1*) for storing and mixing a multicomponent liquid coating or adhesive system (M) having a first chamber (10) for a first mixture component (B) and at least one further chamber (20) for a further mixture component (H), where the first chamber (10) and the at least one second chamber (20) are divided from one another in a liquid-tight manner by at least one dividing wall (30), where the dividing wall (30) comprises a penetrable dividing layer (40), and having at least one penetrating element (50) for penetrating the penetrable dividing layer (40) in such a way that the first and further mixture components (B, H) mix in the first or the at least one further chamber (10, 20), characterized in that the at least one further chamber (20) is arranged coaxially relative to the first chamber (10), where the first chamber (10) further takes the form of an outer vessel (1a, 1a*), where the at least one further chamber (20) is designed as an insert in the form of a cup in the outer vessel (1a, 1a*), where the dividing layer (40) forms part of the area of the dividing wall (30), where the penetrating element (50) is in hollow form, especially hollow cylindrical form, and has at least two longitudinally offset openings (51) for introduction of one of the first or further mixture components (B, H) into the chamber (10, 20) of the respective other mixture component (H, B), where the penetrating element (50) is further braced on a curved brace surface (61) which moves from a first location to a second location when a force above a pressure threshold is exerted, in such a way that the penetrating element (50) is moved from a first position to a second position at the transition from the first to the second location, where the penetrating element (50) penetrates the penetrable dividing layer (40).

2. The multichamber vessel (1, 1*) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the volume ratio between the first chamber (10) for the first mixture component (B) and the at least one further chamber (20) for the further mixture component (H) is 1:1 to 9:1, preferably 1:1 to 5:1.

3. The multichamber vessel (1, 1*) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dividing layer (40) is arranged centrally in the dividing wall (30).

4. The multichamber vessel (1, 1*) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the dividing wall (30) surrounding the dividing layer (40) is in conical form.

5. The multichamber vessel (1, 1*) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the multichamber vessel (1, 1*) and the first chamber (10) and/or the at least one further chamber (20) are formed from a transparent or translucent material.

6. The multichamber vessel (1, 1*) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the multichamber vessel (1, 1*) has a closable outflow opening (1d, 1d*) for the mixture (M) formed from the first and further mixture components (B, H).

7. The multichamber vessel (1, 1*) as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that a catalyst capsule (70) containing a catalyst material is disposed at the outflow opening, in such a way that the mixture (M) formed from the first and further mixture components (B, H) comes into contact with the catalyst material as it flows out.

8. The multichamber vessel (1, 1*) as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the multichamber vessel (1, 1*) has a recess for accommodation, especially in a force-fitting manner, of an outflow nozzle (70), where the outflow nozzle is connectable to the outflow opening (1d, 1d*).

9. The multichamber vessel (1, 1*) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first chamber (10) or the at least one further chamber (20) has a guide for the penetrating element (50).

10. The multichamber vessel (1, 1*) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first and/or the at least one further chamber (10, 20) has a closable opening (54) for introducing a solvent.

11. A system for deploying a paint coating or an adhesive, comprising a multichamber vessel (1, 1*) for storing and mixing a multicomponent liquid coating or adhesive system (M) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, and a deployment unit, especially a spray gun (S), releasably connectable to the multichamber vessel (1, 1*).

12. A method of mixing a multicomponent liquid coating or adhesive system in a multichamber vessel (1, 1*) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, comprising the following method steps: providing the first mixture component (B) in the first chamber (10) designed as the outer vessel (1a, 1a*), providing the one further mixture component (H) in the at least one further chamber (20), penetrating the penetrable dividing layer (40) encompassed by the dividing wall (30) by means of the hollow penetrating element (50) braced on the curved brace surface (61), where the penetrating element (50) moves from the first location into the second location and where the first mixture component (B) or the one further mixture component (H) is introduced through the hollow penetrating element into the chamber (10, 20) of the respective other mixture component (H, B), and mixing the first mixture component (B) with the one further mixture component (H), preferably assisted by agitation of the multichamber vessel (1, 1*).

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the volume ratio between the first mixture component (B) in the first chamber (10) and the one further mixture component (H) in the at least one further chamber (20) is 1:1 to 9:1, preferably 1:1 to 5:1.

14. A method of mixing a multicomponent liquid coating or adhesive system in a multichamber vessel (1, 1*) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, comprising the following method steps: providing the first mixture component (B) in the first chamber (10) designed as the outer vessel (1a, 1a*), providing the one further mixture component (H) in the at least one further chamber (20), penetrating the penetrable dividing layer (40) encompassed by the dividing wall (30) by means of the hollow penetrating element (50) braced on the curved brace surface (61), where the penetrating element (50) moves from the first location into the second location and where the first mixture component (B) or the one further mixture component (H) is introduced through the hollow penetrating element into the chamber (10, 20) of the respective other mixture component (H, B), and mixing the first mixture component (B) with the one further mixture component (H), preferably assisted by agitation of the multichamber vessel (1, 1*).

15. The method as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the volume ratio between the first mixture component (B) in the first chamber (10) and the one further mixture component (H) in the at least one further chamber (20) is 1:1 to 9:1, preferably 1:1 to 5:1.

Description

[0041] The invention is elucidated in detail hereinafter by drawing that shows a working example. In the figures:

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a multichamber vessel for storing and mixing a multicomponent liquid coating or adhesive system in perspective view,

[0043] FIG. 2 shows the multichamber vessel of FIG. 1 in transparent form in perspective view,

[0044] FIG. 3 shows the multichamber vessel of FIG. 2 in an exploded view,

[0045] FIG. 4 shows the multichamber vessel of FIG. 2 in lateral longitudinal section,

[0046] FIG. 5 shows the multichamber vessel of FIG. 2 in perspective longitudinal section view,

[0047] FIGS. 6a-c show the mixing of a two-component paint system in a multichamber vessel according to FIG. 1 or 2,

[0048] FIG. 7 shows the multichamber vessel of FIG. 1 in perspective view with an outflow nozzle,

[0049] FIG. 8 shows the multichamber vessel of FIG. 1 in perspective view with an outflow nozzle with integrated catalyst capsule, and

[0050] FIGS. 9a, b show the connection of a multichamber vessel according to FIG. 1 to a spray gun.

[0051] FIG. 1 shows a multichamber vessel 1* for storing and mixing a multicomponent liquid coating or adhesive system M in perspective view. The multichamber vessel 1* comprises an outer vessel 1a* with a slightly conically shaped outer wall 1b* that merges at its lower end into a significantly funnel-shaped wall section 1c*. At its lower end, the multichamber vessel 1* has a lower outflow opening 1d*, closed in the present case by a screw closure 1e*.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows the multichamber vessel 1 of FIG. 1 in a transparent form in perspective view. With regard to the shape, there is no further difference in the multichamber vessels 1*, 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2. As apparent in FIG. 2, the multichamber vessel 1 comprises a first chamber 10 for a first mixture component, for example the binder B of a 2K (two-component) polyurethane lacquer. In addition, the multichamber vessel 1 comprises a second chamber 20 for a second mixture component, for example the curing agent H of the 2K polyurethane lacquer. The first chamber 10 and the second chamber 20 are divided from one another in a liquid-tight manner by a dividing wall 30. The dividing wall 30 comprises a penetrable dividing layer 40 formed over part of the area of the dividing wall 30. In addition, the multichamber vessel 1 comprises a penetrating element 50 for penetrating the penetrable dividing layer 40. This has the function, on actuation, of penetrating the dividing layer 40 in such a way that the mixture components B, H in either the first or second chamber 10, 20 mix in the first chamber 10 in the present embodiment.

[0053] The first chamber 10 is formed in the present case by the outer vessel 1a of the multichamber vessel 1, while the second chamber 20 takes the form of a cup-shaped insert in the outer vessel 1a. In addition, the dividing wall 30 with the penetrable dividing layer 40 is formed by the base of the cup-shaped insert of the second chamber 20. As apparent in the longitudinal section view of FIG. 4 in particular, the dividing wall 30 is in slightly curved or conical form. This facilitates complete runout of the mixture component H present in the second chamber 20. As mentioned, the dividing layer 40 is arranged over part of the area of—and preferably also centrally in—the dividing wall 30 that forms the base of the cup-shaped insert. The second chamber 20 additionally has a cylindrical guide 21 comprising two axially aligned longitudinal holes 22 and arranged centrally in the second chamber 20, in which the penetrating element 50 is guided, as described further down.

[0054] As apparent in the exploded diagram of FIG. 3 in particular, the penetrating element 50 has an essentially cylindrical shape matched to the cylindrical guide 21 as part of the second chamber 20 configured as a cup-shaped insert. The penetrating element 50 is hollow on the inside and has a first opening 53 at the end, a second opening 54 provided at the opposite end from the first end opening 53, and longitudinal holes 51 on the outside. The end opening 53 is surrounded by a cutting edge 52 with which the dividing layer 40 can be penetrated reliably and precisely on axial movement of the penetrating element 50 in the direction of the dividing layer 40. By means of the second end opening 54, it is possible, for example, to add a solvent to the mixture component H in the second chamber 20 if required. In the penetrated state of the dividing layer 40, the opening 54 can also be used to add a solvent for the mixture M prepared. Finally, the second end opening 54 can be closed by a closure 55, for example a screw closure.

[0055] As apparent in FIGS. 2 to 6, the multichamber vessel 1 has a second insert 60 in the form of a cup or dish, which is disposed above the second chamber 20 in the assembled state of the multichamber vessel 1. This insert 60 has a base surface 61 curved inward and a further central cylindrical guide 62 for the penetrating element 50. According to the longitudinal section view of FIG. 4, the multichamber vessel 1 is concluded at the top by means of a lid 63, for example in the form of a film. The penetrating element 50 is braced via the closure 55 on the curved base surface 61, which, when a force above a pressure threshold is expended, moves from a first location to a second location. At the transition from the first to the second location, the penetrating element 50 is moved from a first position to a second position and penetrates the penetrable dividing layer. At the same time, the axial movement of the penetrating element 50 is limited.

[0056] The mixing operation is elucidated hereinafter in association with FIGS. 6a-6c. According to FIG. 6a, the first chamber 10 is partly filled with a first mixture component B, in the present case the binder of a 2K polyurethane lacquer, while the second chamber 20 in the form of a cup-shaped insert is filled with a second mixture component H, in the present case the curing agent of the 2K polyurethane lacquer, in the quantitatively correct ratio relative to the first mixture component. The penetrating element 50 is in its starting position in which the blade 52 is disposed immediately above the penetrable dividing layer 40 which is central with respect to the dividing surface 30, and the longitudinal holes 51 of the penetrating element 50 are in an axially offset arrangement relative to the longitudinal holes 22 of the cylindrical guide 21. The penetrating element 50 is closed at its end opening 54 by a closure 55, the topside of which serves simultaneously as actuation surface for the penetrating element 50.

[0057] By appropriate pressure on the closure 55, the penetrating element is moved axially in the direction of the dividing layer 40, with precise penetration of the dividing layer by the blade 52. The axial movement is limited here in that the curved surface 61 of the second dish-shaped insert 60 is moved preferably by means of a snap motion from the rest position in which the curved surface 61 is curved inward with respect to the second dish-shaped insert 60 (FIG. 6a) to an actuation position in which the curved surface 61 is curved outward (FIG. 6b).

[0058] In the course of this, the longitudinal holes 51 of the penetrating element 50 and the longitudinal holes 22 of the cylindrical guide 21 start to become aligned, so as to result in a liquid-conducting connection between the second chamber 20 and the inner volume of the hollow penetrating element 50, as apparent in FIG. 6b, with flow of the second mixture component H into the inner volume of the penetrating element 50. At the same time, owing to the penetration of the dividing layer 40 (see FIG. 6b), a liquid-conducting connection is likewise established between the inner volume of penetrating element 50 and the first chamber 10, such that the second mixture component H flows into the first chamber 10 and mixes with the first mixture component B. The mixing effect can be intensified by appropriate agitation of the multichamber vessel 1.

[0059] FIG. 6c, finally, shows the multichamber vessel 1 with the mixture M consisting of binder B and curing agent H, which react with one another to produce the 2K polyurethane lacquer, in the first chamber 10. The second chamber 20 has been completely emptied here, which is favored by the slightly conical shape of the dividing wall 30.

[0060] FIG. 7 shows the multichamber vessel of FIG. 1 in perspective view with a separate outflow nozzle that can be screwed on.

[0061] FIG. 8 shows a particularly advantageous configuration in which the separate outflow nozzle 70 that can be screwed on comprises an annular catalyst capsule containing a catalyst material. This makes it possible for the mixture M formed from the first and second mixture components B, H, as it flows out, to come into contact with the catalyst material, which results in a faster chemical reaction, which shortens the processing time of the mixture M, such that the curing of the 2K polyurethane lacquer, for example, is accelerated after deployment.

[0062] FIGS. 9a and 9b show the connection of a multichamber vessel according to FIG. 1 to a spray gun S. The spray gun S may be of conventional design and may be operated with compressed air.