EP1246765B1 - Adapter, device and method for sampling from a multichamber bag, use of said adapter and bag packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adapter (1), an apparatus for and a method of extracting commodities from the pack compartments (28a, 28b) of a multicompartment sausage pack (10) in which the commodities extracted from the compartments (28a, 28b) are led in the adapter (1) separately in separate through flow channels (11a, 11b). By means of this the commodities can be extracted from the compartments of the multicompartment sausage pack in set proportional amounts without a forced intermixing.

Description

Reference to related applications

This application claims priority from Swiss patent application No. 1999 2315/99, which on December 17, 1999 was filed.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a Adapters, an arrangement and a method for removing substances from multi-chamber tubular bags, a tubular bag packaging and a use of the adapter according to the General terms of the independent claims.

State of the art

Generally, tubular bag packaging used with advantage wherever it comes to liquid to pasty substances in small quantities and with one Pack minimum packaging material. The withdrawal takes place after a deliberate destruction of the outer skin the tubular bag packaging.

The advantages of this packaging technology have resulted in the components of Multicomponent systems, in particular multicomponent adhesive systems, in tubular bag packaging be filled, preferably in such a way that when mixing the packaged in a package and coordinated quantities of the individual components inevitably gives the right mix ratio.

Systems are known in this context, where two single-chamber tubular bags with the components a two-component adhesive system via a connecting part, which is also used as a removal adapter serves and brings the components together, interconnected are. The Hilti HIT system is an example Called HY-150 and those in documents EP 0665063A1 (which discloses an adapter according to the preamble of claim 1) and BE 1008472A3 shown adapters, which are for the removal of substances from several single-chamber tubular bags are provided. All of these systems have the disadvantage to ensure that the coordinated amounts of substance through Not packaged in individual single-chamber tubular bags are captively connected and / or Packages have unfavorable dimensions and it for processing the same special discharge devices with separate squeezing cylinders per tubular bag, whose ejector piston also synchronized with each other must be needed. Such discharge devices are mostly expensive to obtain, heavy and unwieldy.

US 3,323,682 shows two versions of one Disposable cartridge packaging with several chambers, e.g. For the components of two-component adhesive systems, which has two foldable compartments in its interior, the chambers for has the component-forming containers. This Cartridge contains the individual components in the desired proportions and in each other captive form and can also be found in commercially available Hand presses are processed, however, it causes a Multiples of the packaging waste of tubular bag packaging same content.

EP 0754633A2 describes multi-chamber tubular bag packaging known in which the components of a Two-component adhesive in contrast to the previously mentioned Versions compact and captive in separate chambers within a multi-chamber tubular bag be accommodated. For processing one formed by the chambers of the multi-chamber tubular bag End of the same through a central outlet opening pulled through a removal device and then opened so that the from the chambers of the multi-chamber tubular bag conveyed components on exit flow into these chambers. At least for now separate removal of the components or the formation of a Material flow with a certain distribution geometry the removed components, e.g. for feeding the same to a downstream static mixer, is not possible in this way.

Presentation of the invention

It is therefore the task of devices and method for removing substances from multi-chamber tubular bags as well as tubular bag packaging to provide which the aforementioned Do not have disadvantages.

This task is done by the adapter that Arrangement and the method for removing substances from it Multi-chamber tubular bags and the tubular bag packaging solved according to the independent claims.

In one aspect of the invention is the adapter designed to remove substances from Multi-chamber tubular bags, in particular made of Double-chamber tubular bags, in such a way that the Components removed from the chambers in the adapter be performed separately. The adapter points to this at least two channels for the promotion of substances contained in the bag chambers by this through and is designed such that the Inner walls of the passage channels at least at Application of the substances contained in the bag chambers come into direct contact with these substances. Furthermore, the passage channels are at their entry through a footbridge separated from each other, which has a recess in its center for receiving a Closure clips of a multi-chamber tubular bag to be arranged on the adapter having. This gives the advantage that a controlled removal of the substances in the individual chambers without inevitable mixture of these and an unmixed one Provision at different, precisely defined Positions on the adapter for downstream if necessary Systems or elements such as delivery lines, discharge nozzles and / or mixer elements is made possible. Especially at certain static mixing elements is geometrical precise introduction of the components to be mixed often from of great importance for the mixing result. To promote the components from the pouch chambers are different Mechanisms conceivable, especially the funding due to gravity, due to the air pressure during suction and by generating an overpressure in the Bag chambers take place. An easy way to get one Generating overpressure is the tubular bag by hand or with a simple one Squeezing device, e.g. a commercial one Hand press for sealant cartridges, under pressure too put.

The substances removed from the chambers are in the adapter preferably in an essentially axial direction Direction, based on the axis of the one to be connected to the adapter Multi-chamber tubular bag, guided and in brought to exit in the axial direction.

The outlet openings are preferably the passage channels on the multi-chamber tubular bag arranged opposite side of the adapter, such that leakage of those removed from the pouch chambers Components from the adapter on this page essentially in the axial direction with respect to the axis of the Tubular bag can be done. It is also an advantage if the outlet openings are also essentially in are arranged in a central area of the adapter. Especially in applications where the adapter is connected downstream Dispensing nozzles are used in this way a slim arrangement with essentially axial Extension, whereby an application of the to be discharged Guts simplified even in tight spaces becomes.

The adapter advantageously has means to open the tubular bag chambers, creating a targeted opening as a result of puncturing or cutting the outer skin of the tubular bag ensured can be. In a preferred embodiment these means are fixed in the adapter and are preferably configured such that opening the Bag chambers of the tubular bag to the passage channels the adapter during the first targeted pressurization of the tubular bag provided with the adapter takes place or when attaching and pressing the adapter on the tubular bag. Are in another version these means for opening are arranged movably in the adapter, and preferably in such a way that they from the outside in the adapter can be inserted. Are suitable for this for example needle-shaped or dagger-shaped piercing or Cutting tools or those with other shapes. Embodiments in which a essentially opening at least two at the same time Bag compartments for at least two passages can be ensured. This is done with advantage through a mechanical coupling of movable opening means. Especially when used in context with multi-component adhesive systems and the adapter downstream mixing elements, it is the largest Importance that all components from the first moment provided in the correct proportions because there is only a well-defined mix the components to the desired adhesive properties leads.

Should the adapter be used for further processing downstream of the removed substances, so it is advantageous if the adapter connection means for connecting downstream elements or Plant components, in particular mixers and / or Nozzles. These connection means advantageously include Screw connections, but there are also all others known fastening methods conceivable such as Bayonet, Snap locks, non-positive push-on connections or bonds. They can also Connection means also include other functional elements such as. Seals.

In yet another preferred embodiment According to the invention, the adapter is designed such that at least two of those removed from the pouch chambers Components in the adapter in the area of its outlet be merged, and in particular that this Components in this area are mixed.

The adapter is preferably made from a Made of plastic, especially from a plastic with low adhesive strength compared to multi-component adhesives. This has the advantage of being a mechanical one Removing hardened adhesive residues on the Exit of the adapter is simplified. It is too preferred if the adapter is made by injection molding will, since this will reduce the manufacturing costs large quantities are particularly low.

In another aspect of the invention comprises an arrangement for removing substances from tubular bags an adapter as described above and at least one means for merging the from the Components removed from the pouches. This means can, for example, discharge nozzles or mixing elements be, especially static mixers.

In a preferred embodiment, the Arrangement further a squeezing device for the Multi-chamber tube bag. All devices are conceivable here who are able to overpressure in the To create chambers of the tubular bag, e.g. axial Acting cylinder presses with a pressure stamp and a Receiving tube, radially pressing devices or also pressurized containers in which the tubular bag can be introduced.

In yet another aspect of the invention a tubular bag packaging an adapter or a Arrangement as described above and a multi-chamber tubular bag, in particular a double-chamber tubular bag. This tubular bag can be firmly attached to the Adapter, e.g. by gluing or welding. One of the advantages of this is that a manual placement of the adapter on the tubular bag omitted, the adapter cannot be lost on the tubular bag is attached and a possible incorrect positioning of the bag chambers to the passage channels through the User is excluded. Can also be done this way the seal between adapter and tubular bag outer skin, and thus also the seal between the passage channels, be ensured.

In a preferred embodiment the passage channels in the adapter in the unopened state the tubular bag packaging with the bag chambers in Connection, i.e. the pouch chambers are to the passage channels open and the outlet openings of the Passage channels are closed.

This is advantageously done by means of closure means, it is preferred that these closure means are resealable and in particular that these screw caps include, therefore, in the event of an interruption in removal or a change of production the used one Tubular packaging for temporary use Interim storage can be closed again. In particular it is desirable that the resealable one or more Closure means captive with the Adapters are connected.

It is also preferred if the outlet openings of the adapter's through-channels one or more removable or destructible foils, in particular removable metal foils are closed. Combinations of foils and are also conceivable reclosable fasteners, e.g. out a metal foil as a seal for the outlet openings the unused packaging and a screw cap to close the packaging after use.

In another aspect of the invention the adapter described above for filling multi-chamber tubular bags, especially double-chamber tubular bags, used.

A final aspect of the invention relates to a Process for removing substances from multi-chamber tubular bags, especially for removing substances from double-chamber tubular bags, the from the Bag chambers removed substances in an adapter at least two passage channels arranged in the adapter essentially separated from each other by the adapter be passed through and in direct contact with are brought to the inner walls of the passage channels and one end of a multi-chamber tubular bag provided with a closure clip is arranged on the adapter, the locking clip in a recess in a Passage channels in the web separating the entrance area is arranged.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 eine Schnittdarstellung eines erfindungsgemässen Adapters mit zwei Durchtrittskanälen;

Fig. 2 eine Draufsicht auf den Adapter von Fig. 1 von der Eintrittsseite her;

Fig. 3 eine Schnittdarstellung des Adapters von Fig.1 mit fest im Adapter angeordneten Mitteln zum Öffnen der Schlauchbeutelkammern;

Fig. 4 eine Schnittdarstellung des Adapters von Fig.1 mit von aussen her einbringbaren Mitteln zum Öffnen der Schlauchbeutelkammern;

Fig. 5 eine Mehrkammerschlauchbeutelverpackung mit einem nachgeschalteten statischen Mischelement in einer Auspressvorrichtung;

Fig. 6a einen Doppelkammerschlauchbeutel mit zwei nebeneinander angeordneten Beutelkammern im Querschnitt;

Fig. 6b einen Doppelkammerschlauchbeutel mit verschieden grossen, nebeneinander angeordneten Beutelkammern im Querschnitt;

Fig. 6c einen Doppelkammerschlauchbeutel mit verschieden grossen, ineinander angeordneten Beutelkammern im Querschnitt;

Fig. 6d einen weiteren Doppelkammerschlauchbeutel mit verschieden grossen, ineinander angeordneten Beutelkammern im Querschnitt;

Fig. 6e einen Doppelkammerschlauchbeutel mit gleich grossen Beutelkammern angeordnet in einer gemeinsamen äusseren Schlauchhülle im Querschnitt.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the dependent claims and from the description that follows with reference to the figures. Show:

1 shows a sectional illustration of an adapter according to the invention with two passage channels;

Fig. 2 is a top view of the adapter of Fig. 1 from the entry side;

3 shows a sectional illustration of the adapter from FIG. 1 with means arranged in the adapter for opening the tubular bag chambers;

4 shows a sectional illustration of the adapter from FIG. 1 with means that can be introduced from the outside for opening the tubular bag chambers;

5 shows a multi-chamber tubular bag packaging with a downstream static mixing element in a squeezing device;

6a shows a double-chamber tubular bag with two bag chambers arranged next to one another in cross section;

6b shows a double-chamber tubular bag with differently sized, side-by-side bag chambers in cross section;

6c shows a double-chamber tubular bag with differently sized, nested bag chambers in cross section;

6d shows a further double-chamber tubular bag with differently sized, nested bag chambers in cross section;

Fig. 6e a double-chamber tubular bag with bag chambers of the same size arranged in a common outer tubular casing in cross section.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

A preferred embodiment of the invention is in Fig. 1 shown. Like this sectional view too can be seen, the adapter 1 has two separate Passage channels 11a and 11b on axially extend through this and for the separated Transport in the chambers of a double-chamber tubular bag contained substances are provided. How to can be seen, the adapter shown on the Entry side a flange-like formation on which forms an axial shoulder 6. This shoulder can be used as axial stop surface when fastening the adapter 1 in front of the cylinder of a pressing device with the help an axial pressing device, e.g. a cap nut with screw thread or bayonet lock, serve. The adapter 1 has on the outlet side External thread 7 as a fastener for downstream Elements such as Mixers and / or dispensing nozzles on. In addition, the thread runout is designed here in such a way that he has a on the outlet side of the adapter 1 Stub forms the both axial 8 and radial Sealing surfaces 9 are available.

As can also be seen, the Adapter 1 has an edge 12 on the entry side, which on the one hand centering when using a Squeezing device can serve, on the other hand, the end of the Tubular bag covers and with the tubular bag open this end stabilized radially. This border also serves the purpose of sealing the open end to the outside out. Depending on the viscosity of the processed Have materials, this can be sealed by the radial Contact pressure due to pressurization and / or e.g. by gluing or welding. Also certain sealing elements such as radial circumferential rigid or elastic sealing edges or grooves 20 for Use, which improves the sealing effect.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, opens the space enclosed by the edge 12 into the recesses 13a and 13b, which in turn enter the passage channels 11a and 11b open. The depressions 13a and 13b are mutually separated by a web 14, which in its In the middle a further recess 15 for receiving the locking clip has a tubular bag packaging. The Recess 15 ensures that the tubular bag outer skin can rest on the web 14 and thus the depressions 13a and 13b are sealed against each other. Sealing is also carried out here, depending on the viscosity of the materials to be processed through the axial contact pressure due to pressurization and / or e.g. by gluing or welding. Certain sealing elements can also be used here such as. rigid or elastic sealing edges or Noses are used, which improves the sealing effect becomes. In addition, versions are also conceivable which the recesses 13a, 13b through the passage channels 11a, 11b are formed.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, points the adapter 1 with two through channels 11a and 11b different cross sections, which are axially defined by extend through and on the exit side in a central area outlet openings 16a, 16b form a leakage through the passageways 11a, 11b cause guided substances in the axial direction. The targeted formation of the passage cross-sections gives the possibility depending on the viscosities and desired proportions of the in the Bag chambers contain substances when applying the Pressure losses over each passage channel in this way affect that at an equal pressure in the Bag compartments, e.g. by using a commercially available Hand press, getting a discharge with essentially constant Quantity ratios over the entire discharge period results. However, there are also versions with Passage channels 11a, 11b with the same size Cross sections provided. The exit from the Outlet openings 16a and 16b in the axial direction as well their arrangement in the center of the adapter 1 is special advantageous when it comes to a slim arrangement from discharge device, adapter and downstream Elements such as Dispensing nozzle and / or mixer to compile, because this creates an arrangement with essentially axial extension can be realized. On the other hand, should those contained in the bag chambers Substances only removed and / or passed on separately , it can also be an advantage that Outlet openings 16a, 16b spaced further apart to attach to the adapter 1, both in axial as well as in the radial position. It is also conceivable that Adapter 1, possibly with additional ones Elements such as Mixers and / or discharge nozzles, as Single part or as a tubular bag packaging with to provide a multi-chamber tubular bag. In this Case can be tubular bag and adapter 1 firmly Bonding or welding to be connected and form an inseparable unit. This has under another advantage that a manual placement of the Adapter 1 on the tubular bag is omitted and the Adapter 1 captively connected to the tubular bag is. Also an otherwise possible manual incorrect positioning the bag chambers to the passage channels prevents and the desired seal between adapter and tubular bag outer skin, and thus between the Through channels and to the outside, ensured.

Figures 3 and 4 are versions of the Adapters shown in Figures 1 and 2, which means have to open the tubular bag chambers. The Adapter 1 in Fig. 3 has fixedly arranged in the adapter Opening elements 17, which when the Adapters on a bulging tubular bag or when pressurized one arranged with the adapter Puncture or cut through effect the outer wall of the tubular bag.

The adapter 1 in Fig. 4 is movable in Adapter arranged pricking elements 18, which of be axially inserted into the adapter 1 from the outside, causing a puncture of the outer skin one with the Adapter arranged tubular bag can be effected. In the example shown here, the lancing elements are 18th attached to a common support ring 19, whereby the axial insertion of the lancing elements 18 into the adapter 1 for piercing the outer skin of the multi-chamber tubular bag and inevitably opening the chambers done simultaneously. This is especially of of great importance if that from the bag chambers too taking substances the components of a multi-component adhesive system are because it is delayed Opening temporarily to incorrect sticking due to incorrect Mixing ratios of the components can come. To the piercing elements 18 remain until complete emptying of the tubular bag chambers in the Adapters for leakage and / or entry of air through the inlet openings for the To prevent lancing elements.

In the embodiments shown in the figures the passage channels are exclusive arranged so that the individual substances are unmixed and emerge separately from the adapter and then separately to be promoted or subsequently to be brought together and / or mixed. There are but also adapter designs for special applications conceivable in which the from the bag chambers removed substances in the area of the outlet of the adapter be brought together and / or mixed. However, in In this case, make sure that the merging or mixing zone is easily accessible from the outside to to enable easy mechanical cleaning of the same. This is particularly special Importance if the components of curing multicomponent adhesives brought together or be mixed.

5 shows a tubular bag packaging from a double-chamber tubular bag 10 and an arrangement consisting of the adapter 1 according to FIG. 3 and a downstream static mixer 21 with integrated Discharge nozzle 22, which is in an extrusion device 23 is arranged. As can be clearly seen the tubular bag 10 is located in the receiving tube 24 the squeezing device 23 and learns from the stamp 25 of the squeezing device 23 is pressurized. The adapter 1 enters the receiving tube 24 and becomes centered in this by the edge 12. The axial becomes Adapter 1 with a union nut 26 against the receiving tube 24 pressed against which it rests with the shoulder 6. The locking clip 27 of the end on the adapter side of the tubular bag 10 lies in the recess 15 of the Separator 14 and thereby centers the end of the Tubular bag 10 in the adapter inlet. As a result of The tubular bag is pressurized axially the separator 14 and radially against the radial inner surface of the edge 12 and the radial arranged thereon Sealing groove 20 pressed and thereby seals the wells 13a and 13b against each other and against the interior of the receiving tube 24 from. At the same time, the Outer skin of the tubular bag in the recesses 13a and 13b pressed in and thereby by the opening elements 17 pierced so that the connection between the two chambers 28a and 28b of the tubular bag 10 and the passage channels 11a and 11b becomes. The static is connected downstream of the adapter Mixer 21 on a nozzle from which the passage channels 11a, 11b emerge from the adapter, put on is and by means of a union nut 29 on this is attached. The seal between the nozzle and Mixer and the exact positioning of the same to each other is by axial 8 and radial contact surfaces 9 on Thread runout of the socket guaranteed. Now at open bag chambers of the stamp 25 of the squeezing device 23 continues in the direction of the adapter 1 pressed, the result is in the chambers 28a, 28b Tubular bag 10 an excess pressure, which in the Bag chamber 28a located substance in the recess 13a and then enter the passage 11a leaves. The substance in the bag chamber 28b becomes into the recess 13b and then into the passage channel 11b promoted. Takes pressurization then both substances are separated by the passage channels 11a and 11b conveyed through and start a precisely defined radial and axial position the adapter 1 and into the mixer 21. There will be they mixed with each other and then on the am Mixer dispensing nozzle 22 at the desired location applied. Are the removed and mixed substances around the components of a two-component adhesive system, this leads to a longer work break to harden the adhesive in the mixer 21, but not in the adapter 1. For the resumption of the It is then only necessary to discharge the to replace the adapter 1 downstream mixer 21 and remove any hardening at the adapter outlet. Until then, the old mixer can be used as a sealing cap for the intermediate storage of the opened tubular bag packaging used serve. Even if I'm here described example a mixer 21 with an integrated Discharge nozzle 22 as the adapter 1 downstream Element is described, so the above given illustration also for the sole use be transferred to a merging discharge nozzle. Are adapters 1 used, where merging and optionally mixing the components still in their Exit area takes place, they are designed in such a way that after removing a possibly downstream element the merging or mixing zone good for mechanical cleaning is accessible. In this case, one could be cured Graft formed up to its adhesive mechanical removal as a plug for the used tubular bag packaging.

The combination of Figure 5 used a multi-chamber tubular bag 10 and an adapter 1 with fixed opening elements 17 is suitable for both loose adapters and loose tubular bags as well for Tubular bag packaging with firmly attached to the tubular bag attached adapters. It can also be attached to an adapter 1 with movable means for opening 18 the bag chambers 28a, 28b transmitted. It is also conceivable to have one Tubular bag packaging with a multi-chamber tubular bag 10 and an adapter 1 according to FIG. 1 such to design that the recesses 13a, 13b and Passage channels 11a, 11b already in the unopened Condition of the tubular bag packaging with the bag chambers 28a, 28b are connected and an opening of the Packaging by exposing the outlet openings 16a, 16b of the passage channels 11a, 11b on the adapter 1. However, this assumes that tubular bag 10 and adapter 1 are firmly connected and with the bag chambers 28a, 28b communicating spaces sealed against each other as well as against the outside are. This can advantageously be done by gluing or welding, especially what is particularly simple if both adapter 1 and Tubular bag 10 made of a similar material are. Closing the outlet openings 16a, 16b on the adapter 1 of such tubular bag packaging can be done in a variety of ways. Since the Adapter 1 with advantageous fasteners 7 for the Attachment of downstream elements, it makes sense to design the closure elements in such a way that they use these fasteners 7. Screw closures, for example, are particularly advantageous as a closure, as it is resealable are and therefore also the closing of enable used packaging. Also conceivable is the closing of the outlet openings 16a, 16b with one or more foils, which can be opened can be pierced or removed. These point the advantage of having used packaging be clearly distinguished from new packaging can and that a hermetic seal of the unused Packaging is ensured. Furthermore is it is possible that with sealed tubular bag packaging the passage channels 11a, 11b as blind holes in the outlet end of adapter 1 end and through Cutting the outermost part of the same opened become. This would also result in a hermetic seal ensures. A particularly advantageous solution however, a combination of reusable and recyclable destructive closure means, because this is a good shelf life of the in the tubular bag packaging stored goods ensured by hermetic sealing and on the other hand used packaging can be closed again for interim storage. For example, a peelable metal foil in Combination with a screw cap used, so results there is also the advantage that the film during the Transport and storage of the new packaging by the Protected screw cap against accidental damage becomes.

If the tubular bag packaging is carried out that tubular bag 10 and adapter 1 firmly together are connected and the passage channels with the Bag chambers are connected, so it is possible to manufacture unfilled tubular bag packaging and then or later by connection a filling device to the passage channels of the Fill the adapter and then close the adapter closure. This could result in universal packaging are produced, which with simple filling devices can be filled and an economical Enable packaging even in small quantities.

Figures 6a-6e show different embodiments of double-chamber tubular bags that are in its structure also on tubular bags with more than two Have chambers transferred. The in Figures 6a and 6b Multi-chamber tubular bags shown have side by side lying pouches on which a common have a single or double connecting wall. In the FIGS. 6c and 6d are tubular bags shown designed such that the tubular bag chamber with the lower volume essentially in the chamber the larger volume is arranged and the walls of it touch in at least one point. It is also possible that part of the outer wall of the larger pouch chamber at the same time part of the outer wall of the smaller pouch chamber forms or parts of their outer walls together double-walled section of the outer wall of the tubular bag form. The tubular bag in Fig. 6e, however shows two pouch chambers with their own pouch chamber walls, the one another by a common tubular pouch are connected to a unit. In addition to the configurations shown are of course also Combinations of the same with two or more bag compartments possible. All multi-chamber tubular bags is on the other hand, in common that the bag chambers by their adjoining walls to one another are connected, which when pressurized inevitably to a substantially uniform Pressurizing all of the bag compartments does that all Chambers of a tubular bag are essentially the same Have longitudinal extension and that at least one end the tubular bag is essentially centric is closed, e.g. through a metal clip, which as a common closure element for all bag compartments serves. The centrally closed end preferably forms the end of the tubular bag on the adapter side. Like from the Examples can be seen in the multi-chamber tubular bag packaging packaged quantities of substance practically none regarding their quantitative proportions Limits, which makes them different Applications. Even if in the description of the Embodiments an application for multi-component adhesive systems as the preferred area of application for Invention has been discussed, this can be the same for everyone other liquid to pasty substances are used, and preferably for combinations of substances that in certain proportions are provided should and especially for reactive systems. As an an example are conceivable e.g. also food recipes, One-component adhesives with curing accelerators, Coatings or sealants.

While preferred in the present application Embodiments of the invention are described clearly indicate that the invention is not based on this is limited and in other ways within within the scope of the following claims can.

Claims (33)

1. Adapter for removing substances from a multi-chamber tubular bag, in particular for removing substances from a double-chamber tubular bag (10), the substances removed from the chambers (28a, 28b) being guided essentially separately in the adapter (1), the adapter (1) having at least two through-passage channels (11a, 11b), through which the substances contained in the bag chambers (28a, 28b) are conveyed, and being configured such that the inner walls of the through-passage channels (11a, 11b) are in direct contact with the substances contained in the bag chambers (28a, 28b) when these substances are dispensed, characterized in that the through-passage channels (11a, 11b) are separated from one another at their inlet by a crosspiece (14) which has a central depression (15) for accommodating a closure clip (27) for a multi-chamber tubular bag (10) which is to be arranged on the adapter (1).
2. Adapter according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least two through-passage channels (11a, 11b) have different cross sections.
3. Adapter according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the adapter (1), on its inlet side, has a border (12) for enclosing that end of a multi-chamber tubular bar (10) which is to be arranged on the adapter (1), and in particular in that this border (12), on its inside, has an encircling sealing edge or sealing rim (20) for improving the radial sealing between the adapter (1) and tubular bag (10).
4. Adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter is configured such that the substances removed from the chambers (28a, 28b) are guided essentially in the axial direction in the adapter (1) and are discharged in the axial direction.
5. Adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims for emptying tubular bags (10) which have an axis, characterized in that the outlet openings (16a, 16b) of the through-passage channels (11a, 11b) are arranged on that side of the adapter (1) which is directed away from the multi-chamber tubular bag (10), such that the substances removed from the bag chambers (28a, 28b) can be discharged from the adapter (1) essentially in the axial direction in relation to the axis of the tubular bag (10).
6. Adapter (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the outlet openings (16a, 16b) are arranged in a central region of the adapter (1).
7. Adapter (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the adapter (1) has means for opening (17, 18) the chambers (28a, 28b) of the tubular bag (10).
8. Adapter (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the opening means (17) are fixed in the adapter (1), and in particular in that these are configured such that the bag chambers (28a, 28b) of the adapter (1) can be opened as a result of the tubular bag (10) being subjected to pressure or by virtue of the adapter (1) being pressed axially against the tubular bag (10).
9. Adapter (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the opening means (18) are arranged in a movable manner in the adapter (1), and in particular in that they can be introduced into the adapter (1) from the outside, and in particular in that they are configured for piercing the outer skin of the tubular bag (10).
10. Adapter (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the means for opening (17, 18) the bag chambers (28a, 28b) are configured for opening at least two bag chambers (28a, 28b) essentially simultaneously.
11. Adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter (1) has attachment means (7) for the attachment of means arranged downstream, in particular mixers (21) and/or nozzles (22), and in particular in that these attachment means (7) comprise screw connections.
12. Adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured for bringing together in the region of the outlet from the adapter (1) at least two substances removed from the bag chambers (28a, 28b), and in particular in that it has a mixing zone in this region.
13. Adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter (1) is produced from a plastic, in particular from a plastic with a low adhesion force in relation to multi-component adhesives, and in particular in that it is produced by injection moulding.
14. Arrangement for removing substances from multi-chamber tubular bags (10), comprising an adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one means for bringing together the substances removed from the bag chambers (28a, 28b), in particular a static mixer (21).
15. Arrangement according to Claim 14, further comprising a squeezing-out device (23) for a multi-chamber tubular bag (10).
16. Tubular-bag pack comprising an adapter (1) or an arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 15 and a multi-chamber tubular bag, in particular a double-chamber tubular bag (10).
17. Tubular-bag pack according to Claim 16, characterized in that the through-passage channels (11a, 11b) in the adapter (1) are connected to the bag chambers (28a, 28b) when the tubular-bag pack is in the unopened state.
18. Tubular-bag pack according to Claim 17, characterized in that the outlet openings (16a, 16b) of the through-passage channels (11a, 11b) of the adapter (1) are closed by at least one closure means.
19. Tubular-bag pack according to Claim 18, characterized in that the closure means are reclosable, in particular in that they comprise screw-connection closures, and in particular in that the reclosable closure means are connected in captive fashion to the adapter (1).
20. Tubular-bag pack according to either of Claims 18 and 19, characterized in that the closure means comprise removable or destructible sheet materials, in particular draw-off metal foils.
21. Use of the adapter (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 13 for filling multi-chamber tubular bags, in particular double-chamber tubular bags (10).
22. Process for removing substances from multi-chamber tubular bags, in particular for removing substances from double-chamber tubular bags (10), the substances removed from the bag chambers (28a, 28b) being guided essentially separately in an adapter (1) and being guided through the latter in at least two through-passage channels (11a, 11b), the substances being brought into direct contact with the inner walls of the through-passage channels (11a, 11b), characterized in that an end of a multi-chamber tubular bag (10) which is provided with a closure clip (27) is arranged on the adapter (1), the closure clip (27) being arranged in a depression (15) in a crosspiece (14) which separates the through-passage channels (11a, 11b) from one another in the inlet region.
23. Process according to Claim 22, characterized in that the substances removed are guided through at least two through-passage channels (11a, 11b) with different cross sections.
24. Process according to either of Claims 22 and 23, characterized in that, in order to seal between the multi-chamber tubular bag (10) and adapter (1), use is made of a border (12) which encloses the end of the multi-chamber tubular bag (10) and, on its inside, has an encircling sealing edge or sealing rim (20).
25. Process according to one of Claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the substances removed from the bag chambers (28a, 28b) of the multi-chamber tubular bag (10) are guided essentially in the axial direction and are discharged in the axial direction.
26. Process according to one of Claims 22 to 25, the tubular bag (10) having an axis and the substances removed from the bag chambers (28a, 28b) being guided through the through-passage channels (11a, 11b) to outlet openings(16a, 16b) on that side of the adapter (1) which is directed away from the tubular bag (10) in the axial direction.
27. Process according to Claim 26, the substances removed from the bag chambers (28a, 28b) being guided through the through-passage channels (11a, 11b) to outlet openings (16a, 16b) which are arranged in a central region of the adapter (1).
28. Process according to one of Claims 22 to 27, characterized in that the tubular-bag chambers (28a, 28b) are opened by opening means (17, 18) which are arranged on the adapter (1).
29. Process according to Claim 28, characterized in that the bag chambers (28a, 28b) of the tubular bag (10) are opened by virtue of the tubular bag being subjected to pressure or by virtue of the adapter (1) being pressed axially against the tubular bag (10).
30. Process according to Claim 28, characterized in that the bag chambers (28a, 28b) are opened by virtue of the outer skin of the tubular bag (10) being pierced by opening means (18) from the outside.
31. Process according to one of Claims 28 to 30, characterized in that at least two bag chambers (28a, 28b) are opened essentially simultaneously.
32. Process according to one of Claims 22 to 31, means arranged downstream, in particular mixers (21) and/or nozzles (22), being fastened on the adapter (1), and in particular these being screwed to the adapter (1).
33. Process according to one of Claims 22 to 32, at least two of the substances removed from the bag chambers (28a, 28b) being brought together in the region of the outlet of the adapter (1), and in particular the substances being mixed in this region.

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