EP2900391B1 - Discharge device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a discharge device according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the EP 1 968 751 B1 is already a discharge device for the simultaneous discharge of at least two flowable components of a multi-component mass from different storage volume, with at least two pistons which are displaceable for discharging the components from the at least two storage volume along its extension direction, and with a feed unit for moving the piston along its extension direction , known.

The US Pat. No. 3,572,336 A discloses a discharge device according to the preamble of claim 1. Further discharge devices for simultaneously applying two flowable components are known from the WO 98/40115 A1 and the WO 98/40167 A1 known.

The invention is in particular the object of providing a discharge device for a multi-component compound, which allows easy operation. It is achieved by a discharge device according to the invention according to claim 1. Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The invention is based on a discharge device for the simultaneous discharge of at least two flowable components of a multicomponent mass from different storage volumes, with at least two pistons which are displaceable for discharging the components from the at least two storage volumes along their extension direction, and with a feed unit for moving the pistons along its extension direction.

It is proposed that the feed unit has at least one energy storage element which is provided to provide a force for moving the pistons, and has at least one release element which is provided to release the movement of the pistons through the at least one energy storage element. By pushing the pistons through one or more energy storage elements are moved, a force for moving the pistons need not be applied by a user. Thereby, a discharge device for a multi-component mass can be provided, which allows easy operation. A multicomponent composition is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a flowable mass of at least two components, wherein at least one of the components is an activator, by means of which a chemical reaction is triggered after mixing of the components, by which chemical or physical properties of the multicomponent mass change. However, the multicomponent compound can also be embodied, for example, as a cream for application to the skin, in which additional components, such as, for example, vitamins, are mixed in just before the delivery of a base cream. A "component of the multicomponent composition" should be understood to mean, in particular, a flowable material which can be stored unmixed with another component over a period of time which is longer than a period during which the chemical reaction takes place after the components have been mixed. Preferably, the separated components are storable over a period of weeks, months or years, while the multicomponent mass assumes its final properties after mixing the components within a period of seconds, minutes or even hours. An "energy storage element" is to be understood, in particular, as a mechanical component which is intended to store an energy and deliver it in the form of a force acting on the pistons. The at least one energy storage element is preferably designed as a mechanical spring. In principle, however, another embodiment, for example by means of a pressure vessel in which a gas pressure is converted into the force for moving the piston conceivable. A "release element" is to be understood in particular a component which is provided for actuation by a user and which releases the pistons directly or indirectly for movement. In particular, "directly release" should be understood in this context, the release element unlocks the pistons in terms of movement, while the at least one energy storage element constantly exerts a force on the pistons. By "release indirectly" is to be understood in particular that the release element is intended to release the movement of the piston by the at least one energy storage element for a power release unlocks or activates, for example, if the at least one energy storage element is formed by a pressure vessel. By "intended" is intended to be understood in particular specially designed and / or equipped.

It is further proposed that the feed unit has a link element and at least one latching element, which are provided to latch the at least two pistons against the force of the energy storage element. As a result, the force of the at least one energy storage element which acts on the pistons can be supported particularly easily against the housing. In addition, a simple and compact design of the feed unit is possible. A "gate element" is to be understood in particular as a component which is provided for a particularly positive connection with a corresponding latching element, whereby a non-positive connection is also possible. A "locking element" is to be understood in particular a component for engaging in the link element. By "latching" is meant in particular a purely positive connection, which is provided to support the force exerted by the at least one energy storage element and by a relative movement between the locking element and the link element in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to a direction along which the force is oriented acts, can be solved. By "at least substantially perpendicular" is to be understood in particular that the direction in which the force acts, with the direction along which the relative movement takes place, an angle of at least 80 degrees.

The discharge device is designed, for example, to dispense a total of between 0.5 and 5 ml, in particular between 1 and 3 ml, for example in 4 to 8 steps. It is also designed to be used only once and then disposed of.

It is further proposed that the discharge device has a housing, against which the at least one energy storage element designed as a spring is supported. As a result, the at least one energy storage element can be made structurally simple. In principle, a single spring for the at least two pistons can be provided as a common energy storage element. However, it is also conceivable to provide an equal number of energy storage elements, as the discharge device comprises pistons. In particular, in an embodiment as springs thereby an arrangement of the energy storage elements within the piston is conceivable, whereby the discharge can be made very compact. The terms "turned inwards" and "outwardly facing" used below are understood to mean in particular an orientation with respect to the housing. The housing preferably has a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein "turned inwards" preferably corresponds to a radially inwardly oriented with respect to the shape of the housing. Analogously, "outward facing" preferably corresponds to a radially outward orientation with respect to the shape of the housing.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the link element is firmly connected to the at least two pistons, at least in relation to a movement along the extension direction of the pistons. As a result, the pistons can be coupled with one another in terms of motion technology. Further, the two pistons are thereby fixed on the common link element against the force of the at least one energy storage element, whereby only one link element must be provided. In addition, thereby the link element and the piston can be integrally formed, for example as a plastic injection molded part. By such a configuration thus a structurally simple design is possible.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the link element has a latching gate, which provides a feed for the defines at least two pistons for dispensing the components. Thereby, a way by which the pistons are displaced with each actuation of the release element can be determined, whereby a simple, portioned application of the multicomponent mass can be achieved. The portioned application by means of the at least one energy storage element, for example, a handling can be improved.

Preferably, the locking element is firmly connected to the housing. As a result, the feed unit can be made particularly simple. In addition, it can be easily achieved that the force acting on the piston, which is provided by the at least one energy storage element, is again supported against the housing, whereby the pistons can be advantageously secured against movement.

It is further proposed that the feed unit has a further latching element, which is firmly connected to the release element. As a result, a further latching for the link element can be provided which, in alternation with the latching element, which is fixedly connected to the housing, can be provided to displace the pistons by a defined amount each time the release element is actuated.

Preferably, the release element is provided to release a latching connection between the link element and the first latching element. Thereby, the feed unit can be configured particularly simple, especially if the further locking element is provided for a latching connection after releasing the locking connection between the link element and the first latching element. As a result, the locking elements can be alternately brought into engagement with the link element with each actuation of the release element, whereby the feed unit allows a particularly simple operation. In particular, the release element can be provided for actuation by impressions, whereby the discharge device can be handled particularly easily.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the discharge device has a mixing unit which is provided to mix the at least two components during application. As a result, an advantageous mixing of the components can be achieved. Preferably, the mixing unit and the housing are formed separately, whereby the mixing unit has a configuration adapted to the multi-component composition. Depending on the multicomponent mass, the housing comprising the feed unit can then be simply connected to a suitable mixing unit.

Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the figures. In the figures, an embodiment of the invention is shown. The figures, the description of the figures and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Austragvorrichtung in einer Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 2

eine Vorschubeinheit der Austragvorrichtung und

Fig. 3

eine Mischeinheit der Austragvorrichtung.

Showing:

Fig. 1

a discharge device according to the invention in an exploded view,

Fig. 2

a feed unit of the discharge and

Fig. 3

a mixing unit of the discharge device.

The FIGS. 1 to 3 show a discharge device for a multi-component mass. The discharge device serves for the simultaneous discharge of two different flowable components of the multicomponent mass from different storage volumes 10, 11, which are integrated in the discharge device. For discharging, the discharge device comprises a mixing unit 23, by means of which the individual components are mixed with one another during the application. The Mixing unit 23 comprises a static mixing element 24, which mixes the components together solely by movement of the components through the mixing unit 23.

In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge device is provided for a single use. The discharge device comprises a housing 19 and two reservoirs arranged within the housing 19, which clamp the storage volumes 10, 11 for receiving the components. The storage volume 10, 11 are separated from each other. In a delivery state, one of the components is introduced into each of the storage volumes 10, 11. The storage containers, which form the storage volume 10, 11, are fixedly connected to the housing 19. As in the illustrated embodiment, the discharge device is provided for a single use, the reservoir are not provided for an exchange. The reservoir can be formed in principle by the housing 19.

In principle, the discharge device can be provided for a multicomponent mass which has more than two components. In such an embodiment, which is not shown in detail in the figures, the discharge comprises more than the two storage volumes 10, 11. Further, the discharge can also be provided for multiple use, for example by the reservoir are formed separately from the housing 19 and to are provided to be replaced after a complete emptying.

The mixing unit 23 with the mixing element 24 is connected to the housing 19. The mixing unit 23 has, for each of the storage volumes 10, 11, its own inflow 25, 26, through which the corresponding component can flow to the mixing element 24. In a delivery state, the storage volume 10, 11 are closed. In order to open the storage volume 10, 11 and thus to activate the discharge device, a part of the mixing unit 23, which comprises the mixing element 24 and the inlets 25, 26, is displaced in the direction of the housing 19 counter to a discharge direction. The tributaries 25, 26 have lateral Openings that dive when moving into the storage volume 10, 11 and thus the storage volume 10, 11 open (see. FIG. 3 ).

In order to deploy the components from the storage volume 10, 11, the discharge device comprises two pistons 12, 13, which are movably guided within the storage volume 10, 11. The pistons 12, 13 are fixedly connected to each other, whereby they are simultaneously moved together. The pistons 12, 13 are arranged parallel to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage volume 10, 11 and the pistons 12, 13 are each the same size, whereby the components in the applied state, a mixing ratio of 1: 1. In principle, the storage volumes 10, 11 can also have different cross-sectional areas, whereby the mixing ratio can be defined. Regardless of a ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the storage volumes 10, 11, the pistons 12, 13 are moved parallel to each other by the feed unit 15, i. at the same time and with the same feed.

To provide a force for the movement of the pistons 12, 13 along the extension direction 14 of the pistons 12, 13, the feed unit 15 has two energy storage elements 16, 17. The energy storage elements 16, 17 are each formed in the illustrated embodiment in the form of a spiral spring which is disposed within the associated piston 12, 13. In a delivery state, the energy storage elements 16, 17 are biased and fixed by the feed unit 15.

Furthermore, the feed unit 15 comprises a release element 18, by means of which the movement of the pistons 12, 13 through the energy storage elements 16, 17 can be released. The energy storage elements 16, 17 are each operatively arranged between one of the pistons 12, 13 and the housing 19. The formed as springs energy storage elements 16, 17 are supported at one end to the housing 19 and at one end to the respective piston 12, 13 from.

To fix the pistons 12, 13 against the force of the energy storage elements 16, 17, the feed unit 15 comprises a link element 20 and two latching elements 21, 22. The release element 18 partially forms a push button, which is actuated by a user to release the pistons 12, 13 can be. An actuation direction of the release element 18 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the extension direction 14 of the pistons 12, 13.

The housing 19 has a cylindrical shape. The release element 18 is arranged on the outside of the housing 19. For attachment, the release element 18 has two rings which engage around the housing 19. Along the extension direction 14 of the pistons 12, 13, the rings are spaced from each other. The push button is formed by a portion of the release member 18a, which is arranged spatially between the two rings. The push button formed by the release member 18 is turned outward and disposed on one side of the housing 19.

The link element 20 is fixedly connected to both pistons 12, 13 with respect to a movement along the direction of extent 14 of the pistons 12, 13. Perpendicular to the extension direction 14 of the pistons 12, 13, the link element 20 is elastically deformable. The link element 20 forms a detent gate, which is designed in the form of a toothing. The link element 20 is arranged within the housing 19. The detent gate formed by the link element 20 is directed outwards. The link element 20 and the latching elements 21, 22 are provided for latching the pistons 12, 13 and thus against a force of the energy storage elements 16, 17, which permanently acts on the pistons 12, 13.

The detent gate of the link element 20 defines a feed by which the pistons 12, 13 are respectively moved upon actuation of the release element 18. The link element 20 has a plurality of teeth, which form the detent gate. The feed is defined by a distance that the teeth each have with each other. With each actuation of the release member 18, the link element 20 and the with the Gate element movement technically coupled piston 12, 13 further shifted by one tooth. The pistons 12, 13 are fixable by means of the link element 20 in a plurality of intermediate position. A number of the intermediate positions correspond to a number of teeth having the detent gate.

The first latching element 21 is fixedly connected to the housing 19. It is directed inwards and thus faces the link element 20. If the release element 18 is inactivated, the latching element 21 firmly connected to the housing 19 engages in the toothing of the latching backdrop of the sliding element element 20. The latching element 21 latches the pistons 12, 13 against the force of the energy storage elements 16, 17 when the release element 18 is inoperative. The first latching element 21 is designed in one piece with the housing 19.

The second latching element 22 is firmly connected to the release element 18. It is, in accordance with the first latching element 21, also directed inwards and provided for engagement in the latching backdrop of the link element 20. When the first detent element 21 is in engagement with the detent gate, the second detent element 22 is arranged between two teeth of the detent gate. A distance which the two latching elements 21, 22 have relative to one another deviates from a multiple of the distance between two teeth.

By an actuation of the release element 18, the latching element 22 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction 14 of the pistons 12, 13. Upon actuation of the release element 18, the latching element 22 is deflected inwards. The release member 18 is movable perpendicular to the extension direction 14 by a distance which is greater than a depth of the detent gate, whereby upon actuation of the release member 18, the link element 20 is pressed inwards. By the movement of the release element 18, the link element 20 is deflected with the latching gate, whereby the latching connection between the first latching element 21 and the link element 20 is released. The Release element 18 is thus provided to release the latching connection between the first latching element 21 and the link element 20. At the same time during the release, ie before the locking connection between the first locking element 21 and the link element 20 is completely dissolved, the second locking element 22 is moved into the detent gate.

The second latching element 22 is provided for a latching connection after releasing the latching connection between the link element 20 and the first latching element 21. After releasing the latching connection between the first latching element 21 and the link element 20, the pistons 12, 13 are moved by the force of the energy storage elements 16, 17 until the second latching element 22 rests against a tooth of the latching backdrop of the link element 20. One way in which the pistons 12, 13 are moved with the actuation of the release element 18 is smaller than the distance that the teeth have.

If the release element 18 is released again, the detent element 22 connected to the release element 18 is moved out of the detent gate. The pistons 12, 13 are thereby released again for movement, as a result of which the energy storage elements 16, 17 continue to move the pistons 12, 13 until the first latching element 21 bears against the next tooth of the latching guide. The pistons 12, 13 are thus movable by actuation of the release element 18 and the subsequent release of the release element 18 about a path defined by the detent gate, wherein the force for movement of the pistons 12, 13 is provided only by the energy storage elements 16, 17.

The discharge device is essentially made of plastic. In particular, the housing 19 with the first latching element 21, the release element 18 with the second latching element 22 and the pistons 12, 13 and the link element 20 are made of plastic in an injection molding process. The two pistons 12, 13 and the link element 20 are preferably formed integrally. The mixing unit 23 is typically designed separately from the housing 19, wherein the housing 19 can be connected to mixing units 23 of different design.

Claims (9)

1. A dispensing apparatus for the simultaneous dispensing of at least two flowable components of a multicomponent mass from different storage volumes (10, 11), having at least two pistons (12, 13) which can be displaced along their direction of extent (14) for the dispensing of the components from the at least two storage volumes (10, 11), and having a feed unit (15) for moving the pistons (12, 13) along their direction of extent (14),
   wherein
   the feed unit (15) has at least one energy storage element (16, 17), which is provided to supply a force for the movement of the pistons (12, 13), and has at least one release element (18) which is provided to release the movement of the pistons (12, 13) by the at least one energy storage element (16, 17),
   characterized in that
   the feed unit (15) has a track element (20) and at least one latching element (21, 22) which are provided to latch the at least two pistons (12, 13) with respect to the force of the energy storage element (16, 17).
2. A dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 1,
   characterized by
   a housing (19) at which the at least one energy storage element (16, 17), configured as a spring, is supported.
3. A dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
   characterized in that
   the track element (20) is fixedly connected to the at least two pistons (12, 13) at least with respect to a movement along the direction of extent (14) of the pistons (12, 13).
4. A dispensing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the track element (20) has a latched connection which defines a feed for the at least two pistons (12, 13) for dispensing the components.
5. A dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 2,
   characterized in that
   the latching element (21) is fixedly connected to the housing (19).
6. A dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 5,
   characterized in that
   the feed unit (15) has a further latching element (22) which is fixedly connected to the release element (18).
7. A dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 6,
   characterized in that
   the release element (18) is provided to release a latched connection between the track element (20) and the first latching element (21).
8. A dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 7,
   characterized in that
   the further latching element (22) is provided for a latched connection after the release of the latched connection between the track element (20) and the first latching element (21).
9. A dispensing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized by
   a mixing unit (23) which is provided to mix the at least two components with one another during the dispensing.

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