Set of multicomponent cartridges

Abstract

A set of multicomponent cartridges is proposed having at least two multicomponent cartridges (2), with each multicomponent cartridge (2) including at least one first and one second reception chamber (3, 4) for components to be dispensed, with each reception chamber (3, 4) having a substantially cylindrical design and extending in a longitudinal direction (A), with the reception chambers (3, 4) being arranged parallel to one another and having the same extent (L) in the longitudinal direction (A), with each multicomponent cartridge (2) being manufactured in one piece so that their reception chambers (3, 4) are non-releasably connected to one another, and wherein the first reception chamber (3) of each multicomponent cartridge (2) of the set (2) has the same outer diameter (D1).

Claims

1. A set of multicomponent cartridges comprising: at least a first multicomponent cartridge and a second multicomponent cartridge, each of the first and second multicomponent cartridges including at least one first reception chamber and at least one second reception chamber, each of the first and second reception chambers being configured to dispense a component and having a substantially cylindrical structure, the first and second reception chambers further being arranged parallel to one another and having a same length in the longitudinal direction and being non-releasably connected to one another, each of the first reception chambers having a first outer diameter, the first outer diameter of each multicomponent cartridge of the set being the same, each of the second reception chambers having an outer diameter, at least one of the outer diameters of the second reception chambers being different from another one of the outer diameters of the second reception chambers such that at least two multicomponent cartridges in the set are suitable for different mixing ratios.

2. The set in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the first reception chambers of the set has a first volume, each of the first volumes being the same.

3. The set in accordance with claim 2, wherein the first reception chamber of the first multicomponent cartridge has the first volume, the second reception chamber of the first multicomponent cartridge having a second volume, the first and second volumes being the same.

4. The set in accordance with claim 1, wherein each multicomponent cartridge is a two-component cartridge.

5. The set in accordance with claim 1, wherein each multicomponent cartridge of the at least first and second multicomponent cartridges is manufactured by an injection molding process.

6. The set in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the first and second reception chambers has an outlet through which the component can be dispensed.

7. The set in accordance with claim 6, wherein each multicomponent cartridge of the at least first and second multicomponent cartridges includes a common connector piece configured to cooperate with an accessory part, the outlets being arranged in the connector piece.

8. The set in accordance with claim 7, wherein the connector piece has a thread configured to cooperate with the accessory part.

9. The set in accordance with claim 7, wherein the connector piece has a bayonet coupling configured to cooperate with the accessory part.

10. The set in accordance with claim 7, wherein the accessory part is one of a closure cap and a mixer.

11. The set in accordance with claim 6, wherein each of the first and second reception chambers includes a piston forming the chamber base, the piston being configured to dispense the component upon receiving pressure.

12. The set in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first reception chamber of the first multicomponent cartridge has a first volume, the second reception chamber of the first multicomponent cartridge has a second volume, the ratio of the first volume to the second volume being two to one.

13. The set in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first reception chamber of the first multicomponent cartridge has a first volume, the second reception chamber of the first multicomponent cartridge has a second volume, the ratio of the first volume to the second volume being three to one.

14. The set in accordance with claim 1, wherein the reception chamber of the first multicomponent cartridge has a first volume the second reception chamber of the first multicomponent cartridge has a second volume, the ratio of the first volume to the second volume being four to one.

15. The set in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the first and second reception chambers of the at least first and second multicomponent cartridges has a same wall thickness.

16. The set in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the first reception chambers of the at least first and second multicomponent cartridges has a same inner diameter such that each of the first reception chambers has the same volume.

17. A set of multicomponent cartridges comprising: at least a first multicomponent cartridge and a second multicomponent cartridge, each of the first and second multicomponent cartridges including at least one first reception chamber and at least one second reception chamber, each of the first and second reception chambers being configured to dispense a component and having a substantially cylindrical structure, the first and second reception chambers further being arranged parallel to one another and having a same length in the longitudinal direction and being non-releasably connected to one another, each of the first reception chambers having a first outer diameter, the first outer diameter of each multicomponent cartridge of the set being the same, each of the second reception chambers having an outer diameter, at least two of the outer diameters of the second reception chambers being different such that at least two multicomponent cartridges in the set are suitable for different mixing ratios; and a common connector piece configured to receive the outlets of each of the first and second reception chambers of the multicomponent cartridges such that the common connector piece is compatible with each multicomponent cartridge to dispense a component, the common connector piece further being configured to cooperate with a closure cap or a mixer.

Description

(1) The invention will be explained in more detail in the following with reference to embodiments and to the drawing. There are shown in the drawing, partly in section:

(2) FIG. 1: an embodiment of a set of multicomponent cartridges in accordance with the invention in a perspective representation;

(3) FIG. 2: the set of FIG. 1 in a view;

(4) FIG. 3: the set of FIG. 2 in a view of the base of the multicomponent cartridges; and

(5) FIG. 4: one of the multicomponent cartridges of the set in a longitudinal section representation.

(6) FIG. 1 shows in a perspective representation an embodiment of a set of multicomponent cartridges in accordance with the invention which is designated as a whole by the reference numeral 1 and here includes four multicomponent cartridge 2.

(7) In the following, reference is made with exemplary character to the application particularly relevant to practice that the multicomponent cartridges 2 are each two-component cartridges 2. It is, however, understood that the invention is not restricted to such embodiments, but can also include in accordingly the same manner multicomponent cartridges 2 for more than two components.

(8) FIG. 2 shows the set 1 of FIG. 1 in a view from the direction of gaze shown by the arrow II in FIG. 1.

(9) FIG. 3 shows a view of the base of the multicomponent cartridges 2, that is a view from the direction of gaze shown by the arrow III in FIG. 3.

(10) For better understanding, FIG. 4 shows one of the multicomponent cartridges 2 in a longitudinal section representation along the longitudinal direction A.

(11) Each of the two-component cartridges 2 includes a first reception chamber 3 for a first component and a second reception chamber 4 for the second component. Each of the reception chambers 3, 4 is substantially cylindrical in design and extends in a longitudinal direction A which corresponds to the cylinder axis. The two-component cartridges 2 of the set 1 are so-called side-by-side cartridges, that is the two reception chambers 3, 4 of the two-component cartridges 2 are arranged next to one another so that their cylinder axes, which each extend in the direction of the longitudinal direction A, are parallel to one another. The length L of the first reception chamber 3 is the same as the length L of the second reception chamber 4, with the extent of the respective reception chamber 3, 4 in the longitudinal direction A being meant by the length L.

(12) It is admittedly preferred, but not necessarily the case, that the length L is always the same for all multicomponent cartridges 2 of the set 1. The two reception chambers 3, 4 admittedly always have the same length L in each multicomponent cartridge 2, but it is by all means possible that this length L is different for different multicomponent cartridges 2 of the same set 1.

(13) The first and the second reception chambers 3 and 4 respectively have a separate outlet 31 and 41 respectively (see FIG. 4) which is in each case provided in the end surface of the cylindrical reception chamber 3, 4 at the top in accordance with the representation and by which the respective component can be dispensed from the reception chamber. Each outlet 31, 41 has a circular cross-section and is designed in passage form.

(14) Each two-component cartridge 2 has a common connector piece 5 which connects the two end faces of the reception chambers with the outlets 31, 41. The outlets 31 and 41 are arranged in this connector piece 5. The common connector piece 5 is designed for the cooperation with an accessory part.

(15) In the embodiment described her, each multicomponent cartridge is shown with a closure cap 6 which cooperates with the connection part 5. The closure cap 6 has two spigots 61 of which each engages into one of the two outlets 31, 41 to close them. The closure cap 6 has a screw connection 62 which cooperates with a thread of the connector piece 5.

(16) Each of the two-component cartridges 2 is manufactured in one piece so that their reception chambers 3, 4 are each non-releasably connected to one another, that is the two reception chambers 3, 4 cannot be separated from one another in a non-destructive manner. The two storage chambers 3, 4 are connected to one another via a plurality of parts, namely by the common connector piece 5 at its end face having the outlets 31, 41, by a connector bar 7 (see FIG. 3) at the end of the reception chambers 3, 4 remote from the outlets and by a plurality of intermediate bars 8 (see FIG. 4) which connect the cylindrical walls of the reception chambers 3, 4 to one another at different levels with respect to the longitudinal direction A.

(17) Each two-component cartridge 2 is preferably manufactured in an injection molding process. Since the two-component cartridges 2 are in one piece, they can be manufactured in a simple and inexpensive manner in a single-stage injection molding process.

(18) The multicomponent cartridges 2 are composed of plastic, with all plastics usually used for cartridges being suitable, for example polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polybutylene terephthalat (PBT) or polyolefins in general.

(19) As can in particular be recognized in FIGS. 3 and 4, the two-component cartridges 2 are each shown with an inserted piston 9 in each reception chamber 3, 4. This piston 9 is manufactured separately from the two-component cartridge 2 and is usually only inserted after the filling of the reception chambers 3, 4. The two-component cartridges 2 are therefore first manufactured in an injection molding process and then closed, for example, using the closure cap 6 at the outlets 31, 41. The respective components are then filled into the first or second reception chamber 3 and 4 respectively from the still open end of the reception chambers 3, 4 at the bottom in the illustration. Subsequently, a respective piston 9 is inserted into the reception chamber 3 and 4 respectively, said piston then forming the respective chamber base and sealingly closing the reception chamber 3, 4. The pistons 9 are frequently designed as valve pistons so that, on the insertion of the pistons 9, the air which may be present between the component and the piston can be removed in a simple manner.

(20) To use the two-component cartridge 2, it is usually inserted into the holder of a dispensing apparatus (dispenser). The closure cap 6 is removed, unscrewed here, and a mixer is fastened to the common connector piece in its place, here therefore with a screw connection. This mixer is frequently a static mixer known per se which then has two separate inlets which each form a flow connection with one of the outlets 31, 41 so that the respective component moves from the reception chamber 3 and 4 respectively through the outlet 31 and 41 respectively into the mixer. The two components meet one another here and are mixed intimately with one another on passing through the mixer.

(21) For dispensing the components, the dispensing apparatus usually has a double plunger or two individual plungers which apply pressure to the two pistons 9 in the first and second reception chambers 3 and 4 respectively, as is indicated in FIG. 4 by the two arrows with the reference symbol P.

(22) The two pistons 9 simultaneously slide upward in accordance with the presentation along the inner wall of the first or second reception chambers 3 and 4 respectively due to the application of pressure, whereby the respective components are dispensed into the mixer. After ending the application, the mixer can be removed again and can be replaced by the closure cap 6.

(23) The connection of the common connection piece 5 to the closure cap 6 or to the mixer can naturally also take place in another manner than by a screw connection, for example by means of a bayonet connection. The connection piece 5 has a bayonet coupling in a manner known per se which cooperates with a bayonet coupling provided at the closure cap 6 or at the mixer or at another accessory part such that the two parts are reliably connected to one another.

(24) The set 1 of multicomponent cartridges 2 in accordance with the invention is in particular characterized in that in each of the at least two multicomponent cartridges 2, the first reception chamber 3 has the same outer diameter D1. It can be realized by this measure that all multicomponent cartridges 2 of the set 1 can be inserted into the same dispensing device. Since namely the multicomponent cartridges 2 are in one piece, the two reception chambers 3 and 4 respectively are rigidly connected to one anotherhere by the connector piece 5, the connection bar 7 and the intermediate bars 8it is sufficient that the holder in the dispensing device is designed so that it receives the first reception chamber 3 reliably and firmly. The outer diameter D2 of the second reception chamber 4 can then vary without the secure and reliable dispensing function being endangered thereby.

(25) It is preferred for technical manufacturing reasons that every first reception chamber 3 of a set 1 has the same volume. With the same length L, this means that the wall thickness d of the wall of the first reception chamber 3 is the same for all multicomponent cartridges 2 of the set 1. It is, however, also possible and optionally desirable for some applications that the wall thickness d of the wall of the first reception chamber 3 has different values for two different multicomponent cartridges 2 which belong to the same set 1.

(26) If all first reception chambers 3 have the same wall thickness d , they also have the same inner diameter. This is particularly advantageous because then the same piston 9 can be used for all the first reception chambers 3; no pistons 9 with different diameters therefore then have to be provided for the first reception chambers 3.

(27) It is thus possible by the variation of the outer diameter D2 of the second reception chamber 4 to realize different mixing ratios for the two components. In this respect, what is meant by the mixing ratio is how many parts of the first component there are to one part of the second component. A mixing ratio of 2:1 means, for example, that there are two parts of the first component to one part of the second component, with volume parts being meant by parts here.

(28) Since the two reception chambers 3, 4 of the two-component cartridges 2 are of equal length and the two pistons 9 are usually pushed forward synchronously and in parallel on the dispensing of the two components, the mixing ratio can be set via the diameter D2 of the second reception chamber 4. The mixing ratio is then given by the ratio of the two circular cross-sectional surfaces of the two reception chambers 3, 4 in each case perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. If the wall thicknesses d of the first and second reception chambers 3 and 4 respectively are the samewhich is as a rule the casethe mixing ratio is defined by the ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the first reception chamber 3 to the outer diameter D2 of the second reception chamber 4. This statement also applies at least approximately with an unequal wall thickness d of the two reception chambers 3, 4.

(29) In the set 1 shown in FIG. 1, the following mixing ratios are realized in the four two-component cartridges 2 from left to right in accordance with the illustration: 1:1; 2:1; 3:1; and 4:1.

(30) The order in FIGS. 2 and 3 is exactly the opposite due to the direction of gaze. The respective multicomponent cartridge 2 at the extreme left in accordance with the illustration here has the mixing ratio 4:1; the mixing ratios 3:1; 2:1 and 1:1 follow to the right.

(31) The multicomponent cartridge 2 shown in section in FIG. 4 has the mixing ratio 2:1

(32) Since the cross-sectional areas of the reception chambers 3, 4 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A are circular areas in each case, the ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the first reception chamber 3 to the outer diameter D2 of the second reception chamber 4 has the value 2 for the mixing ration 4:1; the value square root of three for the mixing ratio 3:1; and the value square root of 2 for the mixing ratio 2:1. The outer diameter D1 of the first reception chamber 3 is equal to the outer diameter D2 of the second reception chamber 4 for the mixing ratio 1:1.

(33) It is naturally understood that the set 1 of multicomponent cartridges 2 can alternatively or additionally also include further multicomponent cartridges 2 with different mixing ratios.