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EP3984912B1 - Application device and method for producing an application device - Google Patents

Application device and method for producing an application device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3984912B1
EP3984912B1 EP20201502.0A EP20201502A EP3984912B1 EP 3984912 B1 EP3984912 B1 EP 3984912B1 EP 20201502 A EP20201502 A EP 20201502A EP 3984912 B1 EP3984912 B1 EP 3984912B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
inner container
outer casing
applicator
application device
outer shell
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP20201502.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3984912A1 (en
Inventor
Karsten Wolf
Peter Rushe
Kai Ruthe-Steinsiek
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Original Assignee
Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to EP20201502.0A priority Critical patent/EP3984912B1/en
Application filed by Henkel AG and Co KGaA filed Critical Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority to PL20201502.0T priority patent/PL3984912T3/en
Priority to ES20201502T priority patent/ES2960992T3/en
Priority to AU2021359671A priority patent/AU2021359671A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2021/076935 priority patent/WO2022078768A1/en
Priority to CA3198651A priority patent/CA3198651A1/en
Priority to MX2023004222A priority patent/MX2023004222A/en
Priority to CN202180079644.2A priority patent/CN116568612A/en
Priority to JP2023522413A priority patent/JP2023546056A/en
Publication of EP3984912A1 publication Critical patent/EP3984912A1/en
Priority to US18/297,170 priority patent/US12138652B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3984912B1 publication Critical patent/EP3984912B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C17/00—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
    • B05C17/005—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes
    • B05C17/00503—Details of the outlet element
    • B05C17/00516—Shape or geometry of the outlet orifice or the outlet element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C17/00—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
    • B05C17/005—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes
    • B05C17/00576—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes characterised by the construction of a piston as pressure exerting means, or of the co-operating container
    • B05C17/00579—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes characterised by the construction of a piston as pressure exerting means, or of the co-operating container comprising means for allowing entrapped air to escape to the atmosphere
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C17/00—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
    • B05C17/005—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes
    • B05C17/00583—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes the container for the material to be dispensed being deformable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/771—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing fluent contents by means of a flexible bag or a deformable membrane or diaphragm
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/04—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles
    • B05B11/047—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles characterised by the outlet or venting means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/04—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles
    • B05B11/048—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles characterised by the container, e.g. this latter being surrounded by an enclosure, or the means for deforming it
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C17/00—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
    • B05C17/005—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes
    • B05C17/00573—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes the reservoir or container being pneumatically or hydraulically pressurized
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F21/00—Implements for finishing work on buildings
    • E04F21/165—Implements for finishing work on buildings for finishing joints, e.g. implements for raking or filling joints, jointers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an application device for applying a viscous material to a substrate.
  • the invention also relates to a method for producing such an application device.
  • Such application devices are known in the prior art as application tools and are used, for example, in industry, in trade or in the DIY sector.
  • sealing compounds can be dispensed with such application devices in order to close joints between components in the sanitary area.
  • adhesives or other viscous materials can also be applied using such application devices.
  • an application device which has a container for receiving a sealing compound and an applicator which can be placed on an opening of the container and latched to the container.
  • the applicator has a dispensing opening for dispensing the sealing compound from the container onto a substrate and is also designed in such a way that, immediately after dispensing, the sealing compound dispensed is smoothed and adjacent surface areas of the substrate are freed from excess sealing compound.
  • the applicator is used both for dosing and for shaping the sealant and for the subsequent cleaning of adjacent areas of the substrate.
  • the sealing compound is dispensed from the container of the application device by a user squeezing the container wall together.
  • a front and a rear actuating surface of the container are moved towards one another in such a way that the internal volume of the container is reduced, as a result of which the sealing compound is pressed into the applicator and dispensed through its dispensing opening.
  • the actuating surfaces can be designed to be flexible or have thin walls in certain areas, in order to enable and facilitate deformation of the container wall.
  • Such an application device has various disadvantages. Because many viscous materials exhibit thixotropic behavior, it is usually necessary to shake the applicator before use to improve the flow of the material and convey it to the dispensing orifice. Particularly in the case of applications on vertically aligned substrates, this process may need to be repeated several times during use in order to ensure the availability of the product at the dispensing opening. However, shaking introduces air into the material, which is disadvantageous for a uniform and bubble-free discharge of the material. As soon as the pressure on the container decreases and the container wall returns to its original shape as a result of the restoring forces, a certain amount of viscous material may build up due to the existing negative pressure Material drawn back into the application device.
  • air is primarily sucked into the container from the outside. This air escapes uncontrollably during subsequent dispensing operations and/or may become trapped in the dispensed material. Such air inclusions can impair the function of the applied material, for example a sealing function or an adhesive function, and the shelf life of the product is reduced due to the ingress of air into the container.
  • an application device which has a receptacle for a pasty mass, a cap with a pouring spout and a deformable cover surrounding the receptacle.
  • the cover has a fold in the manner of a bellows, which promotes squeezing the cover to discharge the pasty mass from the receptacle. This can result in improved emptying of residues, but the problem of air being drawn in and being trapped is also present here.
  • the invention proposes an application device for applying a viscous material to a substrate, comprising an inner container having a dispensing opening for receiving the viscous material, an outer shell surrounding the inner container with a substantially hollow-cylindrical neck area with an inner diameter D1 and one in the neck area formed opening and an applicator connected to the outer shell, wherein the viscous material can be conveyed by pressure on the outer shell from the inner container into the applicator and can be applied by this to a substrate.
  • the application device has a ventilation device, comprising an insert which is connected in an airtight manner to the inner container in the region of the dispensing opening and which is essentially in the form of a hollow cylinder is formed and has an outer diameter D2, wherein the outer diameter D2 of the insert is smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the neck area of the outer casing, and the insert has locking means on its outside, with the aid of which it is locked in the inserted position within the neck area of the outer casing, wherein in this inserted position, due to the different diameters D1 and D2, there is an annular gap between the insert and the neck area of the outer shell, through which air can flow from the outside into the space between the outer shell and the inner container and vice versa, and wherein the connection between the applicator and the outer shell is designed to be air-permeable and the applicator comprises a sealant through which when the applicator is in use, the interior volume of the inner container is sealed airtight and leak-proof relative to the space between the outer shell and the inner
  • the invention proposes integrating a ventilation device into the application device in such a way that when the outer shell is compressed, the air located between the outer shell and the inner container first escapes through the annular gap between the neck area of the outer shell and the insert of the inner container and through the non-airtight final connection area between the applicator and the outer shell, such as a threaded connection, to the outside. Pressure on the outer shell is transferred to the inner container, causing viscous material to be conveyed from the inner container into the applicator and dispensed therefrom onto a substrate.
  • the external appearance of the application device is consistently attractive to a user, since the outer shell always returns to its original shape, while the increasingly deformed inner container is not visible to the user.
  • the lack of air intake in the inner container also extends the durability of the viscous material.
  • the applicator acts as a dosing and shaping system and is connected to the outer shell.
  • the neck area of the outer shell can have an external thread and the applicator can have a corresponding internal thread.
  • the threaded connection can be designed as a right-hand thread, but in particular it can also be designed as a left-hand thread in order to counteract an accidental unscrewing of the applicator from the outer casing by a user.
  • the threaded connection is designed to be air-permeable, so that air can flow through the thread into the space between the inner container and the outer shell, and vice versa.
  • a sealant contained in the applicator seals the inner volume of the inner container against these air flows.
  • the application device according to the invention is equally suitable for the initial application of viscous material, for example sealing material, to a substrate as well as for the subsequent application of material to an already existing material layer that may need to be repaired.
  • the annular gap formed between the insert of the inner container and the neck area of the outer shell has a gap width of 0.4 to 1 mm.
  • This gap width results from half the difference between the inner diameter D1 of the neck area of the outer shell and the outer diameter D2 of the insert.
  • Such a gap width ensures that when the outer shell is compressed, air can quickly escape from the space between the outer shell and the inner container to the outside and that when the pressure on the outer shell decreases, air can flow back into this space from the outside just as quickly.
  • the air is drawn into the gap much faster than any slight withdrawal of the viscous material from the applicator dispensing opening, so that a pressure equilibrium is already restored before the viscous material possibly withdraws slightly from the applicator dispensing opening. In this way, air can be prevented from entering the inner container.
  • the outer shell can have a bottle-like shape.
  • the cross section of the outer shell can be essentially rectangular, such that a front and a rear actuating surface are formed, which are moved toward one another in order to transfer pressure to the inner container.
  • a variant embodiment of the invention provides that the outer shell has a lamellar fold, which makes it easier to compress the outer shell.
  • a folding of the lamellae in the manner of a bellows promotes a compression of the outer shell for the discharge of the viscous material from the inner container.
  • the folding of the lamellae is designed in such a way that the outer shell is compressed essentially in a direction perpendicular to a main direction of flow of the viscous material.
  • a main flow direction of the material is given by a direction from a rear end of the inner container towards the discharge opening arranged at an opposite end of the inner container.
  • the outer shell By folding areas of the outer shell in a direction parallel to this main flow direction, the outer shell can be easily compressed in a direction perpendicular to the main flow direction.
  • one-handed operation of the application device according to the invention is possible in that a user holds the outer shell between the thumb and at least one other finger of the same hand and by moving the thumb and the at least one other finger towards each other the outer shell, favored by the lamella fold, without great effort effort compresses.
  • the pressure exerted on the outer shell is transferred to the inner container and the viscous material is conveyed into the applicator and dispensed therefrom onto a substrate.
  • the good compressibility of the outer shell promotes good residual emptying.
  • the number of folds or lamellae can vary in principle, with a larger number of lamellae making it easier to compress the outer shell, but at the same time being associated with reduced strength and stability of the outer shell.
  • a compromise has to be found between good compressibility on the one hand and sufficient stability of the outer shell on the other.
  • such a compromise is given with a number of 3 to 7 slats.
  • the opening angle between two adjacent slats can be about 30°-55°.
  • the inner container is designed as a film bag.
  • a film bag is generally highly flexible and therefore easily deformable, so that the pressure exerted via the outer shell can be transferred easily and efficiently to the film bag and the viscous material stored therein.
  • the inner container can be formed from an aluminum-based foil.
  • the foil material can be a laminate which comprises at least one aluminum layer.
  • Such materials also have sufficient stability and strength, so that even when forces are applied, such as when the application device falls from a certain height to the ground, the foil bag tears open and the viscous material unintentionally escapes into the space between Inner container and outer shell inside can be prevented. This is all the more important as a user would not immediately notice a leak in the film bag due to the outer shell surrounding the film bag.
  • an aluminum laminate has the advantage of a extensive impermeability to moisture. In this way, water can be prevented from diffusing out of the viscous material through the bag wall and the viscous material already hardening in the application device. This means that the product has a significantly improved shelf life.
  • An exemplary laminate is constructed as a four-layer composite from a PET layer, an aluminum layer, an OPA layer and a PE layer.
  • a variant of the invention provides that the inner container is connected to the insert by welding, the welded connection being pressure-tight to at least 1.5 bar.
  • the connection between the insert and the inner container is designed in such a way that it withstands the effects of force, such as those that occur if the application device falls from a certain height onto the floor, and thus prevents the insert from detaching from the inner container and the viscous material escaping into the Space between the inner container and outer shell can be prevented inside.
  • the insert itself can be made of a thermoplastic material, for example in an injection molding process.
  • the applicator comprises a main body and means for smoothing out the viscous material that is applied and/or means for cleaning adjoining substrate areas.
  • a delta-shaped wing can be formed onto the main body of the applicator, the outer edges of which are used to smooth the material that is applied and to clean the adjoining substrate area.
  • the applicator can also comprise a substantially rectangular wing which has at least one smoothing or cleaning edge. Provision can be made for the applicator to have at least two materials of different rigidity, with the main body being made of a more rigid material than the smoothing means and/or the cleaning means.
  • the outer edges of the wing used for smoothing and/or cleaning can be made of a pliable material, while the main body of the applicator is made of a rigid material, for example a thermoplastic elastomer.
  • the viscous material can be dispensed and shaped in one operation by pressing on the outer shell and simultaneously pulling the application device over the substrate, and excess material can be pulled off the substrate and collected.
  • the inner container In order to insert the inner container into the outer shell, it is necessary to fold the inner container. By filling the inner container with the viscous material, the inner container is finally unfolded again within the outer shell.
  • Essential for the method according to the invention is the U-shaped fold of the inner container, for example a film bag, in which a right flank of the inner container and a left flank of the inner container are placed directly one on top of the other. This distinguishes the U-shaped fold from a so-called Z-shaped fold, in which one lateral flank of the inner container is folded forwards, while the other lateral flank is folded backwards.
  • a U-shaped fold has the advantage of a significantly improved and more reliable unfolding of the inner container when it is filled with the viscous material and thus enables the inner container to be filled more evenly and more completely.
  • the outer shell of the application device can be manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer in an injection blow molding process.
  • a combined injection blow molding process is particularly suitable for forming an outer shell with a lamellar fold.
  • figure 1 shows an applicator device, generally designated 1, for applying a viscous material to a substrate.
  • the application device 1 comprises an outer shell 2 and in the representation of figure 1 invisible inner container 3, which is arranged within the outer shell 2 and the viscous material, such as a sealant, stored.
  • the inner container 3 is later in connection with the Figures 4-7 explained in more detail.
  • the application device 1 comprises an applicator 4 which is connected to the outer shell 2 via a threaded connection.
  • the threaded connection between the applicator 4 and the outer shell 2 is air-permeable.
  • An external pressure exerted on the outer shell 2 is transferred to the inner container 3, as a result of which the viscous material is conveyed from the inner container 3 into the applicator 4 and can then be applied to a substrate.
  • the applicator 4 has a discharge opening 5 through which the viscous material can emerge from the application device 1 .
  • the Figures 2 and 3 show two views of the outer shell 2 of the application device 1 figure 1 .
  • the outer shell 2 comprises a neck area 6 with an opening 7, the neck area 6 being essentially in the form of a hollow cylinder and having an inside diameter D1.
  • the neck area 6 is provided with an external thread 8 which is used to screw the outer shell 2 to the applicator 4 of the application device 1 .
  • the external thread 8 is designed as a left-hand thread.
  • the outer shell 2 has lamellar folds 9 in the manner of a bellows, with the lamellae 10 extending circumferentially, starting from an area below the neck region 6 of the outer shell 2, over the left side 11 of the outer shell 2, over its underside 12 and over the right side 13 in turn extend up to the neck area 6.
  • the folding of the lamellae 9 makes it easier to compress the outer shell 2 .
  • a user can grasp the outer shell 2 with one hand between the thumb and at least one other finger and exert pressure on the two opposite actuating surfaces 14 and 15 in such a way that the two actuating surfaces 14 and 15 are moved towards one another.
  • the lamella fold 9 is designed in such a way that the outer shell 2 is compressed essentially in a direction perpendicular to a main flow direction of the viscous material within the application device 1 .
  • a main direction of flow of the viscous material is in the figures 1 and 3 shown by the arrow 16 and extends from the underside 12 of the outer shell 2 in the direction of the applicator 4 and the opening 7.
  • the direction perpendicular thereto, in which the outer shell 2 is compressed is also indicated by the arrow 17 .
  • the exemplary embodiment shown has five slats, with the opening angle ⁇ between two adjacent slats being approximately 47°.
  • figure 4 shows an inner container 3 of the application device 2.
  • the inner container 3 is designed as a foil bag made of an aluminum laminate with a foil thickness of about 100 ⁇ m by welding at the edges.
  • the inner container 3 serves to store the viscous material and has a discharge opening 18 .
  • an insert 19 is connected to the inner container 3 in an airtight manner by welding.
  • the insert 19 is essentially in the form of a hollow cylinder figure 6 and from figure 11 is better visible.
  • the outer diameter D2 of the insert 19 is smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the neck area 6 of the outer casing 2, see also figure 11 .
  • the insert 19 is part of a ventilation device, which will be explained in more detail below.
  • the inner container 3 is in the application device 1 from figure 1 arranged within the outer shell 2.
  • the inner container 3 is folded in a U-shape, resulting from the Figures 5 and 6 is evident.
  • the right flank 20 is first folded onto the central area of the inner container 3 and then the left flank 21 of the inner container 3 is laid directly over it.
  • figure 6 shows a top view of the arrangement of the flanks 20 and 21 of the inner container 3 in the U-shaped folded state. In this state, the inner container 3 can be inserted through the opening 7 into the interior of the outer shell 2 .
  • the inner container 3 Due to the subsequent filling of the inner container 3 with the viscous material through the opening 18, the inner container 3 gradually unfolds, with an upper region of the inner container 3 initially unfolding, which in figure 7 is indicated before the lower region of the inner container 3 also unfolds completely as it is filled further.
  • the U-shaped fold leads to a particularly reliable unfolding of the inner container 3, which enables a more uniform and more complete filling with viscous material.
  • the inner container 3 introduced into the outer shell 2 is connected to the outer shell 2 via a locking mechanism.
  • the insert 19 connected to the inner container 2 has latching means 22 on its outside, see also FIG figure 8 , which latch in the position of use of the inner container 3 in the outer shell 2 with corresponding latching means on the inside of the neck region 6 of the outer shell 2. Due to the difference between the outer diameter D2 of the insert 19 and the inner diameter D1 of the neck area 6, an annular gap is formed between the insert 19 and the neck area 6 of the outer casing 2 in the inserted position of the insert 19, cf.
  • Figure 11 shows a plan view of a section through the insert 19 along the in figure 5 marked line AB, wherein the insert 19 is inserted into the neck area 6 of the outer shell 2.
  • the annular gap is represented here by a shaded area, but not true to scale. Air can flow through this annular gap into the space between the outer shell 2 and the inner container 3 and vice versa.
  • diameter D1 is approximately 19.3 mm and diameter D2 is approximately 17.8 mm.
  • the annular gap thus has a gap width of about 0.75 mm.
  • figure 9 shows a detail of the connection area of applicator 4, insert 19 and neck area 6 of the outer shell 2 in a schematic, partially sectioned representation.
  • the threaded connection between the applicator 4 and the neck area 6 of the outer shell 2 is air-permeable, so that air from the outside can flow in the direction indicated by the arrow 23 into the area of the threaded connection and can flow through it and finally in the area indicated by the arrow 24 can flow through the annular gap between the insert 19 and the neck area 6 of the outer shell 2 into the space between the inner container 3 and the outer shell 2 .
  • the applicator 4 has a sealing means 25 by which the inner volume of the inner container 3 that is accessible via the dispensing opening 18 is sealed off from the space between the outer casing 2 and the inner container 3 .
  • the sealing means 25 by which the inner volume of the inner container 3 that is accessible via the dispensing opening 18 is sealed off from the space between the outer casing 2 and the inner container 3 .
  • This ventilation device ensures that the viscous material is discharged uniformly and without bubbles from the application device 1 .
  • the air located between the outer shell 2 and the inner container 3 first escapes through the annular gap between the neck region 6 of the outer shell 2 and the insert 19 of the inner container 3 and passes through the air-permeable threaded connection between the applicator 4 and the outer shell 2 to the outside.
  • the pressure on the outer shell 2 is transferred to the inner container 3, as a result of which viscous material is conveyed from the inner container 3 into the applicator 4 and is dispensed through its dispensing opening 5 onto a substrate.
  • figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of an applicator 4.
  • the applicator 4 is off figure 10 formed in a delta shape.
  • the outer edges 26, 27, 28, 29 of the applicators 4 from the figures 1 and 4 serve as a means for smoothing out the viscous material or as a means for cleaning adjoining substrate areas.
  • the main body 30 of the applicator 4 is made from a more rigid material than the means for smoothing and cleaning, which are made from a supple material.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Geometry (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Seal Device For Vehicle (AREA)
  • Confectionery (AREA)
  • Diaphragms For Electromechanical Transducers (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Auftragsvorrichtung zum Auftragen eines viskosen Materials auf ein Substrat. Die Erfindung betrifft darüber hinaus auch ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer solchen Auftragsvorrichtung.The invention relates to an application device for applying a viscous material to a substrate. The invention also relates to a method for producing such an application device.

Derartige Auftragsvorrichtungen sind im Stand der Technik als Auftragswerkszeuge bekannt und kommen beispielsweise in der Industrie, im Handwerk oder im DIY-Bereich zum Einsatz. Beispielsweise können mit derartigen Auftragsvorrichtungen Dichtmassen ausgegeben werden, um Fugen zwischen Bauteilen im Sanitärbereich zu schließen. Alternativ können auch Klebstoffe oder andere viskose Materialen mit Hilfe derartiger Auftragsvorrichtungen appliziert werden.Such application devices are known in the prior art as application tools and are used, for example, in industry, in trade or in the DIY sector. For example, sealing compounds can be dispensed with such application devices in order to close joints between components in the sanitary area. Alternatively, adhesives or other viscous materials can also be applied using such application devices.

Aus der WO2016/166237 ist eine Auftragsvorrichtung bekannt, welche einen Behälter zur Aufnahme einer Dichtmasse sowie einen auf eine Öffnung des Behälters aufsetzbaren und mit dem Behälter verrastbaren Applikator aufweist. Der Applikator weist eine Ausgabeöffnung für die Ausgabe der Dichtmasse aus dem Behälter auf ein Substrat auf und ist darüber hinaus so ausgebildet, dass unmittelbar nach Ausgabe einerseits eine Glättung der ausgegebenen Dichtmasse erfolgt und andererseits angrenzende Oberflächenbereiche des Substrats von überschüssiger Dichtmasse befreit werden. Mit anderen Worten dient der Applikator sowohl der Dosierung als auch der Formung der Dichtmasse sowie der anschließenden Reinigung angrenzender Bereiche des Substrats. Das Ausbringen der Dichtmasse aus dem Behälter der Auftragsvorrichtung erfolgt durch Zusammendrücken der Behälterwandung durch einen Nutzer. Eine vordere und eine rückseitige Betätigungsfläche des Behälters werden dabei so aufeinander zu bewegt, dass eine Reduzierung des Innenvolumens des Behälters bewirkt wird, wodurch die Dichtmasse in den Applikator gedrückt und durch dessen Ausgabeöffnung ausgegeben wird. Die Betätigungsflächen können zu diesem Zweck flexibel oder bereichsweise dünnwandig ausgebildet sein, um eine Deformation der Behälterwandung zu ermöglichen und zu erleichtern.From the WO2016/166237 an application device is known which has a container for receiving a sealing compound and an applicator which can be placed on an opening of the container and latched to the container. The applicator has a dispensing opening for dispensing the sealing compound from the container onto a substrate and is also designed in such a way that, immediately after dispensing, the sealing compound dispensed is smoothed and adjacent surface areas of the substrate are freed from excess sealing compound. In other words, the applicator is used both for dosing and for shaping the sealant and for the subsequent cleaning of adjacent areas of the substrate. The sealing compound is dispensed from the container of the application device by a user squeezing the container wall together. A front and a rear actuating surface of the container are moved towards one another in such a way that the internal volume of the container is reduced, as a result of which the sealing compound is pressed into the applicator and dispensed through its dispensing opening. For this purpose, the actuating surfaces can be designed to be flexible or have thin walls in certain areas, in order to enable and facilitate deformation of the container wall.

Eine derartige Auftragsvorrichtung weist verschiedene Nachteile auf. Da zahlreiche viskose Materialien ein thixotropes Verhalten aufweisen, ist es in der Regel erforderlich, die Auftragsvorrichtung vor Gebrauch zu schütteln, um die Fließfähigkeit des Materials zu verbessern und es zur Ausgabeöffnung zu fördern. Insbesondere bei Applikationen auf vertikal ausgerichteten Substraten ist dieser Vorgang während der Anwendung gegebenenfalls mehrfach zu wiederholen, um die Verfügbarkeit des Produkts an der Ausgabeöffnung zu gewährleisten. Durch Schütteln wird jedoch Luft in das Material eingetragen, was für einen gleichmäßigen und blasenfreien Austrag des Materials von Nachteil ist. Sobald die Druckeinwirkung auf den Behälter nachlässt und die Behälterwandung durch die wirkenden Rückstellkräfte wieder in ihre Ausgangsform zurückgeht, wird aufgrund des bestehenden Unterdrucks unter Umständen eine gewisse Menge an viskosem Material wieder in die Auftragsvorrichtung eingezogen. Darüber hinaus wird vor allem Luft von außen in den Behälter eingesogen. Diese Luft entweicht bei nachfolgenden Dosiervorgängen unkontrolliert und/oder wird möglicherweise in dem aufgetragenen Material eingeschlossen. Derartige Lufteinschlüsse können die Funktion des aufgetragenen Materials, beispielsweise eine Dichtfunktion oder eine Klebefunktion, beeinträchtigen und die Haltbarkeit des Produkts wird durch das Eindringen von Luft in den Behälter herabgesetzt.Such an application device has various disadvantages. Because many viscous materials exhibit thixotropic behavior, it is usually necessary to shake the applicator before use to improve the flow of the material and convey it to the dispensing orifice. Particularly in the case of applications on vertically aligned substrates, this process may need to be repeated several times during use in order to ensure the availability of the product at the dispensing opening. However, shaking introduces air into the material, which is disadvantageous for a uniform and bubble-free discharge of the material. As soon as the pressure on the container decreases and the container wall returns to its original shape as a result of the restoring forces, a certain amount of viscous material may build up due to the existing negative pressure Material drawn back into the application device. In addition, air is primarily sucked into the container from the outside. This air escapes uncontrollably during subsequent dispensing operations and/or may become trapped in the dispensed material. Such air inclusions can impair the function of the applied material, for example a sealing function or an adhesive function, and the shelf life of the product is reduced due to the ingress of air into the container.

Schließlich ist aufgrund des zwar flexiblen aber dennoch vergleichsweise festen Materials der Behälterwandung eine Restentleerung des Behälters kaum möglich, d.h. es verbleiben stets beträchtliche Mengen an viskosem Material in dem Behälter, welche durch Zusammendrücken der Behälterwandung nicht mehr ausgebracht werden können.Finally, due to the flexible but still comparatively strong material of the container wall, emptying the container is hardly possible, i.e. considerable amounts of viscous material always remain in the container, which can no longer be discharged by compressing the container wall.

Aus der DE 20 2015 106 902 U1 ist eine Auftragsvorrichtung bekannt, welche einen Aufnahmebehälter für eine pastenförmige Masse, eine Kappe mit einer Ausgießtülle sowie eine den Aufnahmebehälter umgebende verformbare Umhüllung aufweist. Die Umhüllung weist eine Faltung nach Art eines Faltenbalgs auf, durch welche ein Zusammenquetschen der Umhüllung zum Austrag der pastösen Masse aus dem Aufnahmebehälter begünstigt wird. Hierdurch kann eine verbesserte Restentleerung bewirkt werden, das Problem des Lufteinzugs und Lufteinschlusses besteht hier jedoch gleichermaßen.From the DE 20 2015 106 902 U1 an application device is known which has a receptacle for a pasty mass, a cap with a pouring spout and a deformable cover surrounding the receptacle. The cover has a fold in the manner of a bellows, which promotes squeezing the cover to discharge the pasty mass from the receptacle. This can result in improved emptying of residues, but the problem of air being drawn in and being trapped is also present here.

Aus der EP 0 473 994 A2 ist eine Vorrichtung gemäß dem Oberbegriff des vorliegenden Anspruchs 1 bekannt.From the EP 0 473 994 A2 a device according to the preamble of present claim 1 is known.

Es ist daher die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine Auftragsvorrichtung bereitzustellen, welche die Nachteile des Standes der Technik überwindet und welche auf einfache Weise eine gleichmäßige und vollständigere Ausgabe eines viskosen Materials aus einem Behälter auf ein Substrat ermöglicht. Es ist eine weitere Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer solchen Auftragsvorrichtung bereitzustellen.It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an application device which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and which enables a uniform and more complete dispensing of a viscous material from a container onto a substrate in a simple manner. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for producing such an application device.

Diese Aufgaben werden gelöst durch eine Auftragsvorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 sowie durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 10.These objects are achieved by an application device having the features of patent claim 1 and by a method having the features of patent claim 10.

Gemäß Patentanspruch 1 schlägt die Erfindung eine Auftragsvorrichtung zum Aufbringen eines viskosen Materials auf ein Substrat vor, umfassend einen eine Abgabeöffnung aufweisenden Innenbehälter für die Aufnahme des viskosen Materials, eine den Innenbehälter umgebende Außenhülle mit einem im Wesentlichen hohlzylinderförmigen Halsbereich eines Innendurchmessers D1 und einer in dem Halsbereich ausgebildeten Öffnung sowie einen mit der Außenhülle verbundenen Applikator, wobei das viskose Material durch Druck auf die Außenhülle aus dem Innenbehälter in den Applikator befördert und durch diesen auf ein Substrat aufgebracht werden kann. Die erfindungsgemäße Auftragsvorrichtung weist eine Belüftungsvorrichtung auf, umfassend einen im Bereich der Abgabeöffnung mit dem Innenbehälter luftdicht verbundenen Einsatz, welcher im Wesentlichen hohlzylinderförmig ausgebildet ist und einen Außendurchmesser D2 aufweist, wobei der Außendurchmesser D2 des Einsatzes kleiner ist als der Innendurchmesser D1 des Halsbereichs der Außenhülle, und wobei der Einsatz an seiner Außenseite Rastmittel aufweist, mit Hilfe derer er in Einsatzlage innerhalb des Halsbereichs der Außenhülle verrastet ist, wobei in dieser Einsatzlage aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Durchmesser D1 und D2 ein Ringspalt zwischen dem Einsatz und dem Halsbereich der Außenhülle ausgebildet wird, durch den Luft von außen in den Zwischenraum zwischen der Außenhülle und dem Innenbehälter und umgekehrt strömen kann, und wobei weiterhin die Verbindung zwischen Applikator und Außenhülle luftdurchlässig ausgebildet ist und der Applikator ein Dichtmittel umfasst, durch welches in Einsatzlage des Applikators eine luftdichte und auslaufsichere Abdichtung des Innenvolumens des Innenbehälters gegenüber dem Zwischenraum zwischen der Außenhülle und dem Innenbehälter gegeben ist.According to patent claim 1, the invention proposes an application device for applying a viscous material to a substrate, comprising an inner container having a dispensing opening for receiving the viscous material, an outer shell surrounding the inner container with a substantially hollow-cylindrical neck area with an inner diameter D1 and one in the neck area formed opening and an applicator connected to the outer shell, wherein the viscous material can be conveyed by pressure on the outer shell from the inner container into the applicator and can be applied by this to a substrate. The application device according to the invention has a ventilation device, comprising an insert which is connected in an airtight manner to the inner container in the region of the dispensing opening and which is essentially in the form of a hollow cylinder is formed and has an outer diameter D2, wherein the outer diameter D2 of the insert is smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the neck area of the outer casing, and the insert has locking means on its outside, with the aid of which it is locked in the inserted position within the neck area of the outer casing, wherein in this inserted position, due to the different diameters D1 and D2, there is an annular gap between the insert and the neck area of the outer shell, through which air can flow from the outside into the space between the outer shell and the inner container and vice versa, and wherein the connection between the applicator and the outer shell is designed to be air-permeable and the applicator comprises a sealant through which when the applicator is in use, the interior volume of the inner container is sealed airtight and leak-proof relative to the space between the outer shell and the inner container.

Mit anderen Worten schlägt die Erfindung vor, eine Belüftungsvorrichtung in die Auftragsvorrichtung zu integrieren, derart, dass beim Zusammendrücken der Außenhülle zunächst die zwischen Außenhülle und Innenbehälter befindliche Luft durch den Ringspalt zwischen dem Halsbereich der Außenhülle und dem Einsatz des Innenbehälters austritt und durch den nicht luftdicht abschließenden Verbindungsbereich zwischen dem Applikator und der Außenhülle, beispielsweise eine Gewindeverbindung, nach außen gelangt. Der Druck auf die Außenhülle wird auf den Innenbehälter übertragen, wodurch viskoses Material aus dem Innenbehälter in den Applikator befördert und aus diesem auf ein Substrat abgegeben wird. Sobald der Druck auf die Außenhülle nachlässt, wird wieder Luft von außen durch den Verbindungsbereich zwischen Applikator und Außenhülle in den Zwischenraum zwischen dem Innenbehälter und der Außenhülle eingezogen, um den hier aufgebauten Unterdruck abzubauen und die Außenhülle in ihre ursprüngliche Form zurückzuführen. Gleichzeitig gelangt jedoch keine Luft in den das viskose Material bevorratenden Innenbehälter, da dieser erfindungsgemäß durch ein in dem Applikator angeordnetes Dichtmittel, beispielsweise einen Dichtungsring, gegenüber dem Zwischenraum zwischen Außenhülle und Innenbehälter abgedichtet ist. Die Außenhülle nimmt somit nach jedem Applikationsvorgang durch das Einströmen von Luft wieder ihre ursprüngliche Form an, während der Innenbehälter mit jedem Applikationsvorgang weiter zusammengedrückt und irreversibel deformiert wird.In other words, the invention proposes integrating a ventilation device into the application device in such a way that when the outer shell is compressed, the air located between the outer shell and the inner container first escapes through the annular gap between the neck area of the outer shell and the insert of the inner container and through the non-airtight final connection area between the applicator and the outer shell, such as a threaded connection, to the outside. Pressure on the outer shell is transferred to the inner container, causing viscous material to be conveyed from the inner container into the applicator and dispensed therefrom onto a substrate. As soon as the pressure on the outer shell decreases, air is drawn in from outside again through the connection area between the applicator and the outer shell into the space between the inner container and the outer shell in order to relieve the negative pressure that has built up here and return the outer shell to its original shape. At the same time, however, no air gets into the inner container storing the viscous material, since this is sealed according to the invention by a sealing means arranged in the applicator, for example a sealing ring, from the space between the outer shell and inner container. The outer shell thus resumes its original shape after each application process due to the inflow of air, while the inner container is further compressed and irreversibly deformed with each application process.

Durch die integrierte Belüftungsvorrichtung wird beim Dosieren und beim anschließenden Rückstellen der Außenhülle keine Luft mehr in den das viskose Material bevorratenden Innenbehälter eingezogen. Dadurch ist es nicht mehr notwendig, die Auftragsvorrichtung vor Benutzung zu Schütteln oder "Aufzustocken" und es kann ein luftblasenfreier Auftrag des viskosen Materials auf ein Substrat gewährleistet werden. Da der Innenbehälter mit jedem Applikationsvorgang weiter deformiert wird und diese Deformation nicht reversibel ist, kann das viskose Material nicht in Bereiche des Innenbehälters zurücklaufen, aus denen es erst wieder in Richtung auf die Abgabeöffnung zu bewegt werden müsste. Vielmehr ist das viskose Material in beliebigen Ausrichtungen der Auftragsvorrichtung, beispielsweise auch bei Anwendungen über Kopf, stets unmittelbar verfügbar und kann zuverlässig und blasenfrei ausdosiert werden. Dadurch wird eine deutlich verbesserte Restentleerung erreicht. Das äußere Erscheinungsbild der Auftragsvorrichtung ist dabei für einen Nutzer gleichbleibend attraktiv, da die Außenhülle stets wieder ihre ursprüngliche Form annimmt, während der zunehmend deformierte Innenbehälter für den Nutzer nicht sichtbar ist. Darüber hinaus wird durch den fehlenden Lufteinzug in den Innenbehälter auch die Haltbarkeit des viskosen Materials verlängert.Due to the integrated ventilation device, no more air is drawn into the inner container storing the viscous material during dosing and the subsequent reset of the outer shell. As a result, it is no longer necessary to shake or "top up" the application device before use and air bubble-free application of the viscous material to a substrate can be guaranteed. Since the inner container is further deformed with each application process and this deformation is not reversible, the viscous material cannot run back into areas of the inner container from which it would first have to be moved towards the dispensing opening again. Rather, the viscous material is always immediately available in any orientation of the application device, for example also in applications overhead, and can be dispensed reliably and without bubbles. Through this a significantly improved emptying of residues is achieved. The external appearance of the application device is consistently attractive to a user, since the outer shell always returns to its original shape, while the increasingly deformed inner container is not visible to the user. In addition, the lack of air intake in the inner container also extends the durability of the viscous material.

Der Applikator fungiert als Dosier- und Formsystem und ist mit der Außenhülle verbunden. Zur Verbindung von Applikator und Außenhülle kann der Halsbereich der Außenhülle ein Außengewinde und der Applikator ein korrespondierendes Innengewinde aufweisen. Die Gewindeverbindung kann als Rechtsgewinde ausgebildet sein, sie kann insbesondere aber auch als Linksgewinde ausgebildet sein, um einem versehentlichen Abschrauben des Applikators von der Außenhülle durch einen Nutzer entgegenzuwirken. In jedem Falle ist die Gewindeverbindung luftdurchlässig ausgebildet, so dass Luft durch das Gewinde in den Zwischenraum zwischen Innenbehälter und Außenhülle strömen kann und umgekehrt. Ein in dem Applikator enthaltenes Dichtmittel dichtet das Innenvolumen des Innenbehälters gegenüber diesen Luftströmungen ab.The applicator acts as a dosing and shaping system and is connected to the outer shell. To connect the applicator and the outer shell, the neck area of the outer shell can have an external thread and the applicator can have a corresponding internal thread. The threaded connection can be designed as a right-hand thread, but in particular it can also be designed as a left-hand thread in order to counteract an accidental unscrewing of the applicator from the outer casing by a user. In any case, the threaded connection is designed to be air-permeable, so that air can flow through the thread into the space between the inner container and the outer shell, and vice versa. A sealant contained in the applicator seals the inner volume of the inner container against these air flows.

Die erfindungsgemäße Auftragsvorrichtung eignet sich gleichermaßen zum erstmaligen Aufbringen von viskosem Material, beispielsweise von Dichtungsmaterial, auf ein Substrat wie auch zum nachträglichen Aufbringen von Material auf eine bereits bestehende, aber möglicherweise ausbesserungsbedürftige Materialschicht.The application device according to the invention is equally suitable for the initial application of viscous material, for example sealing material, to a substrate as well as for the subsequent application of material to an already existing material layer that may need to be repaired.

Gemäß einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung weist der zwischen dem Einsatz des Innenbehälters und dem Halsbereich der Außenhülle ausgebildete Ringspalt eine Spaltbreite von 0,4 bis 1 mm auf. Diese Spaltbreite ergibt sich aus der halben Differenz zwischen dem Innendurchmesser D1 des Halsbereichs der Außenhülle und dem Außendurchmesser D2 des Einsatzes. Durch eine solche Spaltbreite wird sichergestellt, dass Luft beim Zusammendrücken der Außenhülle schnell aus dem Zwischenraum zwischen Außenhülle und Innenbehälter nach außen entweichen kann und dass bei nachlassendem Druck auf die Außenhülle Luft ebenso schnell wieder von außen in diesen Zwischenraum einströmen kann. Dabei erfolgt der Lufteinzug in den Zwischenraum deutlich schneller als ein etwaiger geringfügiger Rückzug des viskosen Materials von der Ausgabeöffnung des Applikators, so dass ein Druckgleichgewicht bereits wiederhergestellt ist, bevor sich das viskose Material möglicherweise geringfügig von der Ausgabeöffnung des Applikators zurückzieht. Ein Einzug von Luft in den Innenbehälter kann auf diese Weise verhindert werden.According to one embodiment of the invention, the annular gap formed between the insert of the inner container and the neck area of the outer shell has a gap width of 0.4 to 1 mm. This gap width results from half the difference between the inner diameter D1 of the neck area of the outer shell and the outer diameter D2 of the insert. Such a gap width ensures that when the outer shell is compressed, air can quickly escape from the space between the outer shell and the inner container to the outside and that when the pressure on the outer shell decreases, air can flow back into this space from the outside just as quickly. The air is drawn into the gap much faster than any slight withdrawal of the viscous material from the applicator dispensing opening, so that a pressure equilibrium is already restored before the viscous material possibly withdraws slightly from the applicator dispensing opening. In this way, air can be prevented from entering the inner container.

Die Außenhülle kann eine flaschenartige Gestalt aufweisen. Dabei kann der Querschnitt der Außenhülle im Wesentlichen rechteckig sein, derart, dass eine vordere und eine rückseitige Betätigungsfläche ausgebildet sind, welche zum Übertragen von Druck auf den Innenbehälter aufeinander zu bewegt werden.The outer shell can have a bottle-like shape. In this case, the cross section of the outer shell can be essentially rectangular, such that a front and a rear actuating surface are formed, which are moved toward one another in order to transfer pressure to the inner container.

Eine Ausführungsvariante der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Außenhülle eine Lamellenfaltung aufweist, durch welche ein Zusammendrücken der Außenhülle erleichtert wird. Durch eine Lamellenfaltung nach Art eines Faltenbalgs wird ein Zusammendrücken der Außenhülle zum Austrag des viskosen Materials aus dem Innenbehälter begünstigt. Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführung ist die Lamellenfaltung dabei so ausgebildet, dass ein Zusammendrücken der Außenhülle im Wesentlichen in einer Richtung senkrecht zu einer Hauptflussrichtung des viskosen Materials erfolgt. Eine Hauptflussrichtung des Materials ist dabei gegeben durch eine Richtung von einem hinteren Ende des Innenbehälters hin zu der an einem gegenüberliegenden Ende des Innenbehälters angeordneten Abgabeöffnung. Durch Faltung von Bereichen der Außenhülle in einer Richtung parallel zu dieser Hauptflussrichtung kann die Außenhülle in einer Richtung senkrecht zu der Hauptflussrichtung leicht zusammengedrückt werden. Auf diese Weise ist eine Einhand-Bedienung der erfindungsgemäßen Auftragsvorrichtung möglich, indem ein Nutzer die Außenhülle zwischen Daumen und mindestens einem weiteren Finger der gleichen Hand hält und durch Aufeinanderzubewegen des Daumens und des mindestens einen weiteren Fingers die Außenhülle, begünstigt durch die Lamellenfaltung, ohne großen Kraftaufwand zusammendrückt. Der auf die Außenhülle ausgeübte Druck wird auf den Innenbehälter übertragen und das viskose Material wird in den Applikator befördert und aus diesem auf ein Substrat abgegeben. Durch die gute Zusammendrückbarkeit der Außenhülle wird eine gute Restentleerbarkeit begünstigt.A variant embodiment of the invention provides that the outer shell has a lamellar fold, which makes it easier to compress the outer shell. A folding of the lamellae in the manner of a bellows promotes a compression of the outer shell for the discharge of the viscous material from the inner container. According to a preferred embodiment, the folding of the lamellae is designed in such a way that the outer shell is compressed essentially in a direction perpendicular to a main direction of flow of the viscous material. A main flow direction of the material is given by a direction from a rear end of the inner container towards the discharge opening arranged at an opposite end of the inner container. By folding areas of the outer shell in a direction parallel to this main flow direction, the outer shell can be easily compressed in a direction perpendicular to the main flow direction. In this way, one-handed operation of the application device according to the invention is possible in that a user holds the outer shell between the thumb and at least one other finger of the same hand and by moving the thumb and the at least one other finger towards each other the outer shell, favored by the lamella fold, without great effort effort compresses. The pressure exerted on the outer shell is transferred to the inner container and the viscous material is conveyed into the applicator and dispensed therefrom onto a substrate. The good compressibility of the outer shell promotes good residual emptying.

Die Anzahl der Faltungen bzw. Lamellen kann dabei grundsätzlich variieren, wobei eine größere Anzahl an Lamellen das Zusammendrücken der Außenhülle zwar erleichtert, gleichzeitig jedoch mit einer verringerten Festigkeit und Stabilität der Außenhülle einhergeht. Insofern ist ein Kompromiss zwischen guter Zusammendrückbarkeit einerseits und ausreichender Stabilität der Außenhülle andererseits zu finden. Im Allgemeinen ist ein solcher Kompromiss bei einer Anzahl von 3 bis 7 Lamellen gegeben. Der Öffnungswinkel zwischen zwei benachbarten Lamellen kann dabei etwa 30°- 55° betragen.The number of folds or lamellae can vary in principle, with a larger number of lamellae making it easier to compress the outer shell, but at the same time being associated with reduced strength and stability of the outer shell. In this respect, a compromise has to be found between good compressibility on the one hand and sufficient stability of the outer shell on the other. In general, such a compromise is given with a number of 3 to 7 slats. The opening angle between two adjacent slats can be about 30°-55°.

Gemäß einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist der Innenbehälter als Folienbeutel ausgebildet. Ein Folienbeutel ist im Allgemeinen hochflexibel und damit gut deformierbar, so dass der über die Außenhülle ausgeübte Druck leicht und effizient auf den Folienbeutel und das darin bevorratete viskose Material übertragen werden kann. Beispielsweise kann der Innenbehälter aus einer Folie auf Basis von Aluminium ausgebildet sein. Bei dem Folienmaterial kann es sich um ein Laminat handeln, welches mindestens eine Aluminiumschicht umfasst. Derartige Materialien weisen darüber hinaus eine ausreichende Stabilität und Festigkeit auf, so dass selbst bei Krafteinwirkungen, wie sie beispielsweise bei Herabfallen der Auftragsvorrichtung aus einer gewissen Höhe auf den Boden auftreten, ein Aufreißen des Folienbeutels und damit ein unbeabsichtigtes Austreten des viskosen Materials in den Zwischenraum zwischen Innenbehälter und Außenhülle hinein verhindert werden kann. Dies ist umso wichtiger, als ein Nutzer aufgrund der den Folienbeutel umgebenden Außenhülle nicht unmittelbar Kenntnis nehmen würde von einer Leckage in dem Folienbeutel. Schließlich weist ein Aluminiumlaminat den Vorteil einer weitgehenden Dichtigkeit gegenüber Feuchtigkeit auf. Auf diese Weise kann verhindert werden, dass Wasser aus dem viskosen Material durch die Beutelwand diffundiert und das viskose Material bereits in der Auftragsvorrichtung aushärtet. Damit besitzt das Produkt eine deutlich verbesserte Lagerfähigkeit. Ein beispielhaftes Laminat ist als Vierschichtverbund aus einer PET-Schicht, einer Aluminiumschicht, einer OPA-Schicht sowie einer PE-Schicht aufgebaut.According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner container is designed as a film bag. A film bag is generally highly flexible and therefore easily deformable, so that the pressure exerted via the outer shell can be transferred easily and efficiently to the film bag and the viscous material stored therein. For example, the inner container can be formed from an aluminum-based foil. The foil material can be a laminate which comprises at least one aluminum layer. Such materials also have sufficient stability and strength, so that even when forces are applied, such as when the application device falls from a certain height to the ground, the foil bag tears open and the viscous material unintentionally escapes into the space between Inner container and outer shell inside can be prevented. This is all the more important as a user would not immediately notice a leak in the film bag due to the outer shell surrounding the film bag. Finally, an aluminum laminate has the advantage of a extensive impermeability to moisture. In this way, water can be prevented from diffusing out of the viscous material through the bag wall and the viscous material already hardening in the application device. This means that the product has a significantly improved shelf life. An exemplary laminate is constructed as a four-layer composite from a PET layer, an aluminum layer, an OPA layer and a PE layer.

Eine Ausführungsvariante der Erfindung sieht vor, dass der Innenbehälter mit dem Einsatz durch Verschweißen verbunden ist, wobei die Schweißverbindung eine Druckdichtigkeit bis mindestens 1,5 bar aufweist. Die Verbindung von Einsatz und Innenbehälter ist damit so ausgebildet, dass sie Krafteinwirkungen, wie sie beispielsweise bei Herabfallen der Auftragsvorrichtung aus einer gewissen Höhe auf den Boden auftreten, standhält und so ein Loslösen des Einsatzes von dem Innenbehälter und damit ein Austreten des viskosen Materials in den Zwischenraum zwischen Innenbehälter und Außenhülle hinein verhindert werden kann. Der Einsatz selbst kann aus einem thermoplastischen Kunststoff beispielsweise in einem Spritzgussverfahren hergestellt sein.A variant of the invention provides that the inner container is connected to the insert by welding, the welded connection being pressure-tight to at least 1.5 bar. The connection between the insert and the inner container is designed in such a way that it withstands the effects of force, such as those that occur if the application device falls from a certain height onto the floor, and thus prevents the insert from detaching from the inner container and the viscous material escaping into the Space between the inner container and outer shell can be prevented inside. The insert itself can be made of a thermoplastic material, for example in an injection molding process.

In einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung umfasst der Applikator einen Hauptkörper sowie Mittel zum Glätten des ausgebrachten viskosen Materials und/oder Mittel zum Säubern angrenzender Substratbereiche. An den Hauptkörper des Applikators kann zu diesem Zweck ein deltaförmig ausgebildeter Flügel angeformt sein, dessen Außenkanten dem Glätten des ausgebrachten Materials und der Säuberung angrenzender Substratbereich dienen. Der Applikator kann auch einen im Wesentlichen rechteckig ausgebildeten Flügel umfassen, welcher mindestens eine Glätt- bzw. Säuberungskante aufweist. Dabei kann es vorgesehen sein, dass der Applikator mindestens zwei Materialien unterschiedlicher Steifigkeit aufweist, wobei der Hauptkörper aus einem steiferen Material gefertigt ist als die Mittel zum Glätten und/oder die Mittel zum Säubern. Beispielsweise können die der Glättung und/oder Säuberung dienenden Außenkanten des Flügels aus einem anschmiegsamen Material gefertigt sein, während der Hauptkörper des Applikators aus einem steifen Material, beispielsweise aus einem thermoplastischen Elastomer gefertigt ist. Mit einem solchermaßen ausgebildeten Applikator kann das viskose Material durch Druck auf die Außenhülle und gleichzeitiges Ziehen der Auftragsvorrichtung über das Substrat in einem Arbeitsgang ausgegeben und geformt sowie überschüssiges Material vom dem Substrat abgezogen und aufgefangen werden.In one embodiment of the invention, the applicator comprises a main body and means for smoothing out the viscous material that is applied and/or means for cleaning adjoining substrate areas. For this purpose, a delta-shaped wing can be formed onto the main body of the applicator, the outer edges of which are used to smooth the material that is applied and to clean the adjoining substrate area. The applicator can also comprise a substantially rectangular wing which has at least one smoothing or cleaning edge. Provision can be made for the applicator to have at least two materials of different rigidity, with the main body being made of a more rigid material than the smoothing means and/or the cleaning means. For example, the outer edges of the wing used for smoothing and/or cleaning can be made of a pliable material, while the main body of the applicator is made of a rigid material, for example a thermoplastic elastomer. With an applicator designed in this way, the viscous material can be dispensed and shaped in one operation by pressing on the outer shell and simultaneously pulling the application device over the substrate, and excess material can be pulled off the substrate and collected.

Die Erfindung betrifft auch ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer obengenannten Auftragsvorrichtung, umfassend die folgenden Schritte:

  • Bereitstellen eines Innenbehälters und eines mit dem Innenbehälter verbundenen Einsatzes, einer Außenhülle mit einem Halsbereich und einer Öffnung sowie eines Applikators;
  • U-förmige Faltung des Innenbehälters, indem eine linke Flanke des Innenbehälters und eine rechte Flanke des Innenbehälters unmittelbar übereinandergelegt werden;
  • Einbringen des U-förmig gefalteten Innenbehälters durch die Öffnung in die Außenhülle;
  • Verrasten des Einsatzes des Innenbehälters mit dem Halsbereich der Außenhülle unter Ausbildung eines Ringspaltes zwischen dem Einsatz des Innenbehälters und dem Halsbereich der Außenhülle;
  • Befüllen des Innenbehälters mit dem viskosen Material;
  • Aufbringen des Applikators auf die Außenhülle und Verbinden von Applikator und Außenhülle, wobei die Verbindung von Applikator und Außenhülle luftdurchlässig ist, während der Applikator den Zwischenraum zwischen Außenhülle und Innenbehälter gegenüber dem Innenvolumen des Innenbehälters abdichtet;
  • Gegebenenfalls Aufsetzen einer Schutzkappe auf den Applikator und Verrasten der Schutzkappe mit der Außenhülle.
The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an application device as mentioned above, comprising the following steps:
  • providing an inner container and an insert connected to the inner container, an outer cover with a neck area and an opening, and an applicator;
  • U-shaped folding of the inner container by placing a left flank of the inner container and a right flank of the inner container directly one on top of the other;
  • inserting the U-folded inner container through the opening in the outer shell;
  • Snapping the insert of the inner container to the neck area of the outer shell, forming an annular gap between the insert of the inner container and the neck area of the outer shell;
  • filling the inner container with the viscous material;
  • Applying the applicator to the outer shell and connecting the applicator and the outer shell, the connection between the applicator and the outer shell being permeable to air, while the applicator seals the space between the outer shell and the inner container from the inner volume of the inner container;
  • If necessary, put a protective cap on the applicator and lock the protective cap with the outer shell.

Um den Innenbehälter in die Außenhülle einzubringen, ist eine Faltung des Innenbehälters erforderlich. Durch das Befüllen des Innenbehälters mit dem viskosen Material wird der Innenbehälter innerhalb der Außenhülle schließlich wieder entfaltet. Wesentlich für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ist die U-förmige Faltung des Innenbehälters, beispielsweise eines Folienbeutels, bei welcher eine rechte Flanke des Innenbehälters und eine linke Flanke des Innenbehälters unmittelbar übereinandergelegt werden. Dies unterscheidet die U-förmige Faltung von einer sogenannten Z-förmigen Faltung, bei welcher eine seitliche Flanke des Innenbehälters nach vorne umgelegt wird, während die andere seitliche Flanke nach hinten umgelegt wird. Eine U-förmige Faltung weist gegenüber einer Z-förmigen Faltung den Vorteil einer deutlich verbesserten und zuverlässigeren Entfaltung des Innenbehälters bei Befüllung mit dem viskosen Material auf und ermöglicht damit eine gleichmäßigere und vollständigere Befüllung des Innenbehälters.In order to insert the inner container into the outer shell, it is necessary to fold the inner container. By filling the inner container with the viscous material, the inner container is finally unfolded again within the outer shell. Essential for the method according to the invention is the U-shaped fold of the inner container, for example a film bag, in which a right flank of the inner container and a left flank of the inner container are placed directly one on top of the other. This distinguishes the U-shaped fold from a so-called Z-shaped fold, in which one lateral flank of the inner container is folded forwards, while the other lateral flank is folded backwards. Compared to a Z-shaped fold, a U-shaped fold has the advantage of a significantly improved and more reliable unfolding of the inner container when it is filled with the viscous material and thus enables the inner container to be filled more evenly and more completely.

Gemäß einer Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens kann die Außenhülle der Auftragsvorrichtung in einem Spritzblasprozess aus einem thermoplastischen Elastomer gefertigt werden. Ein kombiniertes Spritzblasverfahren ist in besonderer Weise geeignet zur Ausbildung einer Außenhülle mit einer Lamellenfaltung.According to one embodiment of the method, the outer shell of the application device can be manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer in an injection blow molding process. A combined injection blow molding process is particularly suitable for forming an outer shell with a lamellar fold.

Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen und unter Bezugnahme auf die beigefügten Figuren näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Figur 1:
ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Auftragsvorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
Figur 2:
die Außenhülle der Auftragsvorrichtung aus Figur 1;
Figur 3:
die Außenhülle aus Figur 2 in einer Seitenansicht;
Figur 4:
einen Innenbehälter der Auftragsvorrichtung mit einem Einsatz;
Figur 5:
der Innenbehälter aus Figur 4 in U-förmiger Faltung;
Figur 6:
Ansicht des U-förmig gefalteten Innenbehälters von oben;
Figur 7:
der Innenbehälter aus Figur 5 in einem bereits teilweise entfalteten Zustand;
Figur 8:
ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Einsatzes in einer Ansicht von schräg unten;
Figur 9:
ein Ausschnitt des Verbindungsbereichs von Applikator, Einsatz und Außenhülle in schematischer Darstellung;
Figur 10:
eine alternative Ausgestaltung des Applikators in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
Figur 11:
Draufsicht auf den im Halsbereich der Außenhülle unter Ausbildung eines Ringspalts verrasteten Einsatz in einer schematischen Schnittansicht.
The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the attached figures. Show it:
Figure 1:
an embodiment of an application device according to the invention in a perspective view;
Figure 2:
the outer shell of the applicator figure 1 ;
Figure 3:
the outer shell figure 2 in a side view;
Figure 4:
an inner container of the applicator with an insert;
Figure 5:
the inner container figure 4 in a U-shaped fold;
Figure 6:
Top view of the inner container folded in a U-shape;
Figure 7:
the inner container figure 5 in an already partially deployed state;
Figure 8:
an embodiment of an insert in a view obliquely from below;
Figure 9:
a section of the connection area of applicator, insert and outer shell in a schematic representation;
Figure 10:
an alternative embodiment of the applicator in a perspective view;
Figure 11:
Top view of the insert locked in the neck area of the outer shell, forming an annular gap, in a schematic sectional view.

Figur 1 zeigt eine im Ganzen mit 1 bezeichnete Auftragsvorrichtung zum Aufbringen eines viskosen Materials auf ein Substrat. Die Auftragsvorrichtung 1 umfasst eine Außenhülle 2 sowie einen in der Darstellung der Figur 1 nicht sichtbaren Innenbehälter 3, der innerhalb der Außenhülle 2 angeordnet ist und das viskose Material, beispielsweise eine Dichtmasse, bevorratet. Der Innenbehälter 3 wird später im Zusammenhang mit den Figuren 4-7 noch genauer erläutert. figure 1 shows an applicator device, generally designated 1, for applying a viscous material to a substrate. The application device 1 comprises an outer shell 2 and in the representation of figure 1 invisible inner container 3, which is arranged within the outer shell 2 and the viscous material, such as a sealant, stored. The inner container 3 is later in connection with the Figures 4-7 explained in more detail.

Weiterhin umfasst die Auftragsvorrichtung 1 einen Applikator 4, welcher mit der Außenhülle 2 über eine Gewindeverbindung verbunden ist. Die Gewindeverbindung zwischen Applikator 4 und Außenhülle 2 ist luftdurchlässig ausgebildet. Ein auf die Außenhülle 2 ausgeübter äußerer Druck überträgt sich auf den Innenbehälter 3, wodurch das viskose Material aus dem Innenbehälter 3 in den Applikator 4 befördert wird und sodann auf ein Substrat aufgebracht werden kann. Der Applikator 4 weist zu diesem Zweck eine Ausgabeöffnung 5 auf, durch die das viskose Material aus der Auftragsvorrichtung 1 austreten kann.Furthermore, the application device 1 comprises an applicator 4 which is connected to the outer shell 2 via a threaded connection. The threaded connection between the applicator 4 and the outer shell 2 is air-permeable. An external pressure exerted on the outer shell 2 is transferred to the inner container 3, as a result of which the viscous material is conveyed from the inner container 3 into the applicator 4 and can then be applied to a substrate. For this purpose, the applicator 4 has a discharge opening 5 through which the viscous material can emerge from the application device 1 .

Die Figuren 2 und 3 zeigen zwei Ansichten der Außenhülle 2 der Auftragsvorrichtung 1 aus Figur 1. Die Außenhülle 2 umfasst einen Halsbereich 6 mit einer Öffnung 7, wobei der Halsbereich 6 im Wesentlichen hohlzylinderförmig ausgebildet ist und einen Innendurchmesser D1 aufweist. Der Halsbereich 6 ist mit einem Außengewinde 8 versehen, welches der Verschraubung der Außenhülle 2 mit dem Applikator 4 der Auftragsvorrichtung 1 dient. Das Außengewinde 8 ist als Linksgewinde ausgebildet.The Figures 2 and 3 show two views of the outer shell 2 of the application device 1 figure 1 . The outer shell 2 comprises a neck area 6 with an opening 7, the neck area 6 being essentially in the form of a hollow cylinder and having an inside diameter D1. The neck area 6 is provided with an external thread 8 which is used to screw the outer shell 2 to the applicator 4 of the application device 1 . The external thread 8 is designed as a left-hand thread.

Die Außenhülle 2 weist eine Lamellenfaltung 9 nach Art eines Faltenbalgs auf, wobei die Lamellen 10 sich umlaufend ausgehend von einem Bereich unterhalb des Halsbereichs 6 der Außenhülle 2 über die linke Seite 11 der Außenhülle 2, über deren Unterseite 12 sowie über die rechte Seite 13 wiederum bis an den Halsbereich 6 heran erstrecken. Durch die Lamellenfaltung 9 wird das Zusammendrücken der Außenhülle 2 erleichtert. Ein Nutzer kann dazu die Außenhülle 2 mit einer Hand zwischen dem Daumen und mindestens einem weiteren Finger fassen und Druck auf die einander gegenüberliegenden beiden Betätigungsflächen 14 und 15 ausüben, derart, dass die beiden Betätigungsflächen 14 und 15 aufeinander zu bewegt werden.The outer shell 2 has lamellar folds 9 in the manner of a bellows, with the lamellae 10 extending circumferentially, starting from an area below the neck region 6 of the outer shell 2, over the left side 11 of the outer shell 2, over its underside 12 and over the right side 13 in turn extend up to the neck area 6. The folding of the lamellae 9 makes it easier to compress the outer shell 2 . To do this, a user can grasp the outer shell 2 with one hand between the thumb and at least one other finger and exert pressure on the two opposite actuating surfaces 14 and 15 in such a way that the two actuating surfaces 14 and 15 are moved towards one another.

Die Lamellenfaltung 9 ist dabei so ausgebildet, dass ein Zusammendrücken der Außenhülle 2 im Wesentlichen in einer Richtung senkrecht zu einer Hauptflussrichtung des viskosen Materials innerhalb der Auftragsvorrichtung 1 erfolgt. Eine Hauptflussrichtung des viskosen Materials ist in den Figuren 1 und 3 durch den Pfeil 16 dargestellt und erstreckt sich von der Unterseite 12 der Außenhülle 2 in Richtung auf den Applikator 4 bzw. die Öffnung 7. In Figur 3 ist auch die dazu senkrechte Richtung, in der das Zusammendrücken der Außenhülle 2 erfolgt, durch den Pfeil 17 angedeutet. Das gezeigte Ausführungsbeispiel weist fünf Lamellen auf, wobei der Öffnungswinkel α zwischen zwei benachbarten Lamellen etwa 47° beträgt.The lamella fold 9 is designed in such a way that the outer shell 2 is compressed essentially in a direction perpendicular to a main flow direction of the viscous material within the application device 1 . A main direction of flow of the viscous material is in the figures 1 and 3 shown by the arrow 16 and extends from the underside 12 of the outer shell 2 in the direction of the applicator 4 and the opening 7. In figure 3 the direction perpendicular thereto, in which the outer shell 2 is compressed, is also indicated by the arrow 17 . The exemplary embodiment shown has five slats, with the opening angle α between two adjacent slats being approximately 47°.

Figur 4 zeigt einen Innenbehälter 3 der Auftragsvorrichtung 2. Der Innenbehälter 3 ist als Folienbeutel aus einem Aluminiumlaminat mit einer Foliendicke von etwa 100µm durch randseitiges Verschweißen ausgebildet. Der Innenbehälter 3 dient der Bevorratung des viskosen Materials und weist eine Abgabeöffnung 18 auf. Im Bereich der Abgabeöffnung 18 ist ein Einsatz 19 mit dem Innenbehälter 3 durch verschweißen luftdicht verbunden. Der Einsatz 19 ist im Wesentlichen hohlzylinderförmig ausgebildet, was aus Figur 6 und aus Figur 11 besser ersichtlich ist. Der Außendurchmesser D2 des Einsatzes 19 ist kleiner als der Innendurchmesser D1 des Halsbereichs 6 der Außenhülle 2, vgl. auch Figur 11. Der Einsatz 19 ist Teil einer Belüftungsvorrichtung, was weiter unten noch genauer erläutert werden wird. figure 4 shows an inner container 3 of the application device 2. The inner container 3 is designed as a foil bag made of an aluminum laminate with a foil thickness of about 100 μm by welding at the edges. The inner container 3 serves to store the viscous material and has a discharge opening 18 . In the area of the discharge opening 18, an insert 19 is connected to the inner container 3 in an airtight manner by welding. The insert 19 is essentially in the form of a hollow cylinder figure 6 and from figure 11 is better visible. The outer diameter D2 of the insert 19 is smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the neck area 6 of the outer casing 2, see also figure 11 . The insert 19 is part of a ventilation device, which will be explained in more detail below.

Der Innenbehälter 3 ist bei der Auftragsvorrichtung 1 aus Figur 1 innerhalb der Außenhülle 2 angeordnet. Zum Einführen in die Außenhülle 2 wird der Innenbehälter 3 U-förmig gefaltet, was aus den Figuren 5 und 6 ersichtlich ist. Hierzu wird zunächst die rechte Flanke 20 auf den mittleren Bereich des Innenbehälter 3 gefaltet und sodann die linke Flanke 21 des Innenbehälters 3 unmittelbar darübergelegt. Figur 6 zeigt in einer Ansicht von oben die Anordnung der Flanken 20 und 21 des Innenbehälters 3 im U-förmig gefalteten Zustand. In diesem Zustand kann der Innenbehälter 3 durch die Öffnung 7 in den Innenbereich der Außenhülle 2 eingeführt werden. Durch die nachfolgende Befüllung des Innenbehälters 3 mit dem viskosen Material durch die Öffnung 18 hindurch entfaltet sich der Innenbehälter 3 nach und nach, wobei sich zunächst ein oberer Bereich des Innenbehälters 3 entfaltet, was in Figur 7 angedeutet ist, bevor sich bei weiterer Befüllung auch der untere Bereich des Innenbehälters 3 vollständig entfaltet. Die U-förmige Faltung führt dabei gegenüber anderen Faltungsarten zu einer besonders zuverlässigen Entfaltung des Innenbehälters 3, wodurch eine gleichmäßigere und vollständigere Befüllung mit viskosem Material ermöglicht wird.The inner container 3 is in the application device 1 from figure 1 arranged within the outer shell 2. For insertion into the outer shell 2, the inner container 3 is folded in a U-shape, resulting from the Figures 5 and 6 is evident. For this purpose, the right flank 20 is first folded onto the central area of the inner container 3 and then the left flank 21 of the inner container 3 is laid directly over it. figure 6 shows a top view of the arrangement of the flanks 20 and 21 of the inner container 3 in the U-shaped folded state. In this state, the inner container 3 can be inserted through the opening 7 into the interior of the outer shell 2 . Due to the subsequent filling of the inner container 3 with the viscous material through the opening 18, the inner container 3 gradually unfolds, with an upper region of the inner container 3 initially unfolding, which in figure 7 is indicated before the lower region of the inner container 3 also unfolds completely as it is filled further. Compared to other types of folds, the U-shaped fold leads to a particularly reliable unfolding of the inner container 3, which enables a more uniform and more complete filling with viscous material.

Der in die Außenhülle 2 eingeführte Innenbehälter 3 ist über einen Rastmechanismus mit der Außenhülle 2 verbunden. Hierzu weist der mit dem Innenbehälter 2 verbundene Einsatz 19 an seiner Außenseite Rastmittel 22 auf, vgl. auch Figur 8, welche in Einsatzlage des Innenbehälters 3 in der Außenhülle 2 mit korrespondierenden Rastmitteln auf der Innenseite des Halsbereichs 6 der Außenhülle 2 verrasten. Aufgrund der Differenz zwischen dem Außendurchmesser D2 des Einsatzes 19 und dem Innendurchmesser D1 des Halsbereichs 6 wird in Einsatzlage des Einsatzes 19 ein Ringspalt zwischen dem Einsatz 19 und dem Halsbereich 6 der Außenhülle 2 ausgebildet, vgl. Figur 11. Figur 11 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf einen Schnitt durch den Einsatz 19 entlang der in Figur 5 gekennzeichneten Linie A-B, wobei der Einsatz 19 in den Halsbereich 6 der Außenhülle 2 eingesetzt ist. Der Ringspalt ist hier durch einen schraffierten Bereich, allerdings nicht maßstabsgetreu dargestellt. Durch diesen Ringspalt kann Luft in den Zwischenraum zwischen der Außenhülle 2 und dem Innenbehälter 3 strömen und umgekehrt. Bei dem gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel beträgt der Durchmesser D1 etwa 19,3 mm und der Durchmesser D2 etwa 17,8 mm. Der Ringspalt weist somit eine Spaltbreite von etwa 0.75 mm auf.The inner container 3 introduced into the outer shell 2 is connected to the outer shell 2 via a locking mechanism. For this purpose, the insert 19 connected to the inner container 2 has latching means 22 on its outside, see also FIG figure 8 , which latch in the position of use of the inner container 3 in the outer shell 2 with corresponding latching means on the inside of the neck region 6 of the outer shell 2. Due to the difference between the outer diameter D2 of the insert 19 and the inner diameter D1 of the neck area 6, an annular gap is formed between the insert 19 and the neck area 6 of the outer casing 2 in the inserted position of the insert 19, cf. Figure 11. Figure 11 shows a plan view of a section through the insert 19 along the in figure 5 marked line AB, wherein the insert 19 is inserted into the neck area 6 of the outer shell 2. The annular gap is represented here by a shaded area, but not true to scale. Air can flow through this annular gap into the space between the outer shell 2 and the inner container 3 and vice versa. In the embodiment shown, diameter D1 is approximately 19.3 mm and diameter D2 is approximately 17.8 mm. The annular gap thus has a gap width of about 0.75 mm.

Figur 9 zeigt einen Ausschnitt des Verbindungsbereichs von Applikator 4, Einsatz 19 und Halsbereich 6 der Außenhülle 2 in schematischer, teilweise geschnittener Darstellung. Die Gewindeverbindung zwischen dem Applikator 4 und dem Halsbereich 6 der Außenhülle 2 ist luftdurchlässig, so dass Luft von außen in der durch den Pfeil 23 angedeuteten Richtung in den Bereich der Gewindeverbindung einströmen und durch diesen hindurchströmen kann und schließlich in dem durch den Pfeil 24 angedeuteten Bereich durch den Ringspalt zwischen dem Einsatz 19 und dem Halsbereich 6 der Außenhülle 2 in den Zwischenraum zwischen Innenbehälter 3 und Außenhülle 2 einströmen kann. Gleichzeitig weist der Applikator 4 ein Dichtmittel 25 auf, durch welches das über die Abgabeöffnung 18 zugängliche Innenvolumen des Innenbehälters 3 gegenüber dem Zwischenraum zwischen der Außenhülle 2 und dem Innenbehälter 3 abgedichtet wird. Mit anderen Worten kann zwar Luft in den Zwischenraum zwischen Außenhülle 2 und Innenbehälter 3 strömen, diese Luft kann jedoch nicht in den Innenbehälter 3 hineinströmen. figure 9 shows a detail of the connection area of applicator 4, insert 19 and neck area 6 of the outer shell 2 in a schematic, partially sectioned representation. The threaded connection between the applicator 4 and the neck area 6 of the outer shell 2 is air-permeable, so that air from the outside can flow in the direction indicated by the arrow 23 into the area of the threaded connection and can flow through it and finally in the area indicated by the arrow 24 can flow through the annular gap between the insert 19 and the neck area 6 of the outer shell 2 into the space between the inner container 3 and the outer shell 2 . At the same time, the applicator 4 has a sealing means 25 by which the inner volume of the inner container 3 that is accessible via the dispensing opening 18 is sealed off from the space between the outer casing 2 and the inner container 3 . In other words, although air can flow into the space between the outer shell 2 and the inner container 3 , this air cannot flow into the inner container 3 .

Durch diese Belüftungsvorrichtung wird ein blasenfreies, gleichmäßiges Austragen des viskosen Materials aus der Auftragsvorrichtung 1 gewährleistet. Durch ein Zusammendrücken der Außenhülle 2 durch einen Nutzer in der oben beschriebenen Weise tritt zunächst die zwischen Außenhülle 2 und Innenbehälter 3 befindliche Luft durch den Ringspalt zwischen dem Halsbereich 6 der Außenhülle 2 und dem Einsatz 19 des Innenbehälters 3 aus und gelangt durch die luftdurchlässige Gewindeverbindung zwischen dem Applikator 4 und der Außenhülle 2 nach außen. Der Druck auf die Außenhülle 2 wird auf den Innenbehälter 3 übertragen, wodurch viskoses Material aus dem Innenbehälter 3 in den Applikator 4 befördert und durch dessen Ausgabeöffnung 5 auf ein Substrat abgegeben wird. Sobald der Druck auf die Außenhülle 2 nachlässt, wird wieder Luft von außen durch den Verbindungsbereich zwischen Applikator 4 und Außenhülle 2 in den Zwischenraum zwischen dem Innenbehälter 3 und der Außenhülle 2 eingezogen, um den hier aufgebauten Unterdruck abzubauen und die Außenhülle 2 in ihre ursprüngliche Form zurückzuführen. Gleichzeitig gelangt jedoch keine Luft in den das viskose Material bevorratenden Innenbehälter 3, da dieser durch das an dem Applikator 4 angeordnete Dichtmittel 25 gegenüber dem Zwischenraum zwischen Außenhülle 2 und Innenbehälter 3 abgedichtet ist. Die Außenhülle 2 nimmt somit nach jedem Applikationsvorgang durch das Einströmen von Luft wieder ihre ursprüngliche Form an, während der Innenbehälter 3 mit jedem Applikationsvorgang weiter zusammengedrückt und irreversibel deformiert wird.This ventilation device ensures that the viscous material is discharged uniformly and without bubbles from the application device 1 . When the outer shell 2 is compressed by a user in the manner described above, the air located between the outer shell 2 and the inner container 3 first escapes through the annular gap between the neck region 6 of the outer shell 2 and the insert 19 of the inner container 3 and passes through the air-permeable threaded connection between the applicator 4 and the outer shell 2 to the outside. The pressure on the outer shell 2 is transferred to the inner container 3, as a result of which viscous material is conveyed from the inner container 3 into the applicator 4 and is dispensed through its dispensing opening 5 onto a substrate. As soon as the pressure on the outer shell 2 decreases, air is again drawn in from the outside through the connection area between the applicator 4 and the outer shell 2 into the space between the inner container 3 and the outer shell 2 in order to reduce the negative pressure that has built up here and return the outer shell 2 to its original shape attributed. At the same time, however, no air gets into the inner container 3 storing the viscous material, since this is sealed off from the intermediate space between the outer casing 2 and the inner container 3 by the sealing means 25 arranged on the applicator 4 . The outer shell 2 thus resumes its original shape after each application process due to the inflow of air, while the inner container 3 is further compressed and irreversibly deformed with each application process.

Durch die integrierte Belüftungsvorrichtung wird beim Dosieren und beim anschließenden Rückstellen der Außenhülle 2 keine Luft mehr in den das viskose Material bevorratenden Innenbehälter 3 eingezogen. Dadurch ist es nicht mehr notwendig, die Auftragsvorrichtung 1 vor Benutzung zu Schütteln oder "Aufzustocken" und es kann ein luftblasenfreier Auftrag des viskosen Materials auf ein Substrat gewährleistet werden. Da der Innenbehälter 3 mit jedem Applikationsvorgang weiter deformiert wird und diese Deformation nicht reversibel ist, kann das viskose Material nicht in Bereiche des Innenbehälters 3 zurücklaufen, aus denen es erst wieder in Richtung auf die Abgabeöffnung 18 zu bewegt werden müsste. Vielmehr ist das viskose Material in beliebigen Ausrichtungen der Auftragsvorrichtung 1 stets unmittelbar verfügbar und kann zuverlässig und blasenfrei ausdosiert werden. Dadurch wird zudem eine deutlich verbesserte Restentleerung erreicht. Das äußere Erscheinungsbild der Auftragsvorrichtung 1 ist dabei für einen Nutzer gleichbleibend attraktiv, da die Außenhülle 2 stets wieder ihre ursprüngliche Form annimmt, während der zunehmend deformierte Innenbehälter 3 für den Nutzer nicht sichtbar ist.Due to the integrated ventilation device, no more air is drawn into the inner container 3 storing the viscous material during dosing and the subsequent resetting of the outer shell 2 . As a result, it is no longer necessary to shake or "top up" the application device 1 before use, and air bubble-free application of the viscous material to a substrate can be guaranteed. Since the inner container 3 is further deformed with each application process and this deformation is not reversible, the viscous material cannot flow back into areas of the inner container 3 from which it would first have to be moved towards the dispensing opening 18 again. Rather, the viscous material is always immediately available in any orientation of the application device 1 and can be dispensed reliably and without bubbles. This also achieves a significantly improved emptying of residues. The external appearance of the application device 1 is consistently attractive to a user, since the outer shell 2 always returns to its original shape, while the increasingly deformed inner container 3 is not visible to the user.

Figur 10 zeigt eine alternative Ausgestaltung eines Applikators 4. Gegenüber der im Wesentlichen rechteckigen Gestalt des Applikators 4 aus Figur 1 ist der Applikator 4 aus Figur 10 deltaförmig ausgebildet. Die Außenkanten 26, 27, 28, 29 der Applikatoren 4 aus den Figuren 1 und 4 dienen als Mittel zum Glätten des ausgebrachten viskosen Materials beziehungsweise als Mittel zum Säubern angrenzender Substratbereiche. Dabei ist der Hauptkörper 30 des Applikators 4 aus einem steiferen Material gefertigt als die Mittel zum Glätten und Säubern, welche aus einem anschmiegsamen Material gefertigt sind. figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of an applicator 4. Compared to the essentially rectangular shape of the applicator 4 figure 1 the applicator 4 is off figure 10 formed in a delta shape. The outer edges 26, 27, 28, 29 of the applicators 4 from the figures 1 and 4 serve as a means for smoothing out the viscous material or as a means for cleaning adjoining substrate areas. The main body 30 of the applicator 4 is made from a more rigid material than the means for smoothing and cleaning, which are made from a supple material.

Claims (11)

  1. An application device (1) for applying a viscous material to a substrate, comprising an inner container (3) which is for receiving the viscous material and has a dispensing opening (18), an outer casing (2) which surrounds the inner container (3) and has a substantially hollow-cylindrical neck region (6) of an inner diameter D1 and an opening (7) formed in the neck region (6), and an applicator (4) which is connected to the outer casing (2), it being possible for the viscous material to be conveyed out of the inner container (3) into the applicator (4) by means of pressure on the outer casing (2) and to be applied to a substrate by means of the applicator, the application device (1) having a ventilation device comprising an insert (19) which is connected in an airtight manner to the inner container (3) in the region of the dispensing opening (18) and which is substantially hollow-cylindrical and has an outer diameter D2, the outer diameter D2 of the insert (19) being smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the neck region (6) of the outer casing (2), and the insert (19) having latching means (22) on its outer side, by means of which it is latched in the insertion position within the neck region (6) of the outer casing (2), in this insertion position an annular gap being formed between the insert (19) and the neck region (6) of the outer casing (2) owing to the different diameters D1 and D2, through which gap air can flow from the outside into the intermediate space between the outer casing (2) and the inner container (3), characterized in that air can also flow to the outside from the intermediate space between the outer casing (2) and the inner container (3), and in that the connection between the applicator (4) and the outer casing (2) is air-permeable and the applicator (4) comprises a sealing means (25) by means of which, in the insertion position of the applicator (4), airtight and leak-proof sealing of the inner volume of the inner container (3) with respect to the intermediate space between the outer casing (2) and the inner container (3) is provided.
  2. The application device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular gap has a gap width of 0.4 to 1 mm.
  3. The application device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer casing (2) has a lamella fold (9) by means of which compression of the outer casing (2) is facilitated.
  4. The application device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the lamella fold (9) is designed such that compression of the outer casing (2) occurs substantially in a direction perpendicular to a main flow direction (16) of the viscous material.
  5. The application device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the inner container (3) is in the form of a film bag.
  6. The application device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the inner container (3) is made of an aluminum-based film.
  7. The application device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the inner container (3) is connected to the insert (19) by welding, the welded connection having a pressure tightness up to at least 1.5 bar.
  8. The application device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the applicator (4) comprises a main body (30) and means for smoothing (26, 29) the applied viscous material and/or means for cleaning (27, 28) adjacent substrate regions.
  9. The application device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the applicator (4) has at least two materials of different stiffness, the main body (30) being manufactured from a stiffer material than the means for smoothing and/or the means for cleaning (26, 27, 28, 29).
  10. A method for producing an application device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps:
    - providing an inner container (3) and an insert (19) connected to the inner container (3), an outer casing (2) having a neck region (6) and an opening (7), and an applicator (4);
    - U-shaped folding of the inner container (3) by directly laying a left flank (21) of the inner container (3) and a right flank (20) of the inner container (1) on top of one another;
    - introducing the U-shaped folded inner container (3) through the opening (7) into the outer casing (2);
    - latching the insert (19) of the inner container (3) to the neck region (6) of the outer casing (2) to form an annular gap between the insert (19) of the inner container (3) and the neck region (6) of the outer casing (2);
    - filling the inner container (3) with the viscous material;
    - applying the applicator (4) to the outer casing (2) and joining the applicator (4) and the outer casing (2), wherein the joining of the applicator (4) and the outer casing (2) is air-permeable while the applicator (4) seals the intermediate space between the outer casing (2) and the inner container (3) with respect to the inner volume of the inner container (3);
    - optionally placing a protective cap on the applicator (4) and latching the protective cap to the outer casing (2).
  11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the outer casing (2) is manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer in an injection blow molding process.
EP20201502.0A 2020-10-13 2020-10-13 Application device and method for producing an application device Active EP3984912B1 (en)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL20201502.0T PL3984912T3 (en) 2020-10-13 2020-10-13 Application device and method for producing an application device
ES20201502T ES2960992T3 (en) 2020-10-13 2020-10-13 Application device and method for manufacturing an application device
EP20201502.0A EP3984912B1 (en) 2020-10-13 2020-10-13 Application device and method for producing an application device
PCT/EP2021/076935 WO2022078768A1 (en) 2020-10-13 2021-09-30 Application device and method for producing an application device
CA3198651A CA3198651A1 (en) 2020-10-13 2021-09-30 Application device and method for producing an application device
MX2023004222A MX2023004222A (en) 2020-10-13 2021-09-30 APPLICATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN APPLICATION DEVICE.
AU2021359671A AU2021359671A1 (en) 2020-10-13 2021-09-30 Application device and method for producing an application device
CN202180079644.2A CN116568612A (en) 2020-10-13 2021-09-30 Application device and method for producing an application device
JP2023522413A JP2023546056A (en) 2020-10-13 2021-09-30 Applicable equipment and manufacturing method of applied equipment
US18/297,170 US12138652B2 (en) 2020-10-13 2023-04-07 Application device and method for producing an application device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20201502.0A EP3984912B1 (en) 2020-10-13 2020-10-13 Application device and method for producing an application device

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EP3984912A1 EP3984912A1 (en) 2022-04-20
EP3984912B1 true EP3984912B1 (en) 2023-08-16

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EP20201502.0A Active EP3984912B1 (en) 2020-10-13 2020-10-13 Application device and method for producing an application device

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US (1) US12138652B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3984912B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2023546056A (en)
CN (1) CN116568612A (en)
AU (1) AU2021359671A1 (en)
CA (1) CA3198651A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2960992T3 (en)
MX (1) MX2023004222A (en)
PL (1) PL3984912T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2022078768A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5033647A (en) * 1990-03-09 1991-07-23 Allergan, Inc. Value controlled squeezable fluid dispenser
DE4027539A1 (en) * 1990-08-31 1992-03-05 Kautex Werke Gmbh Squeeze bottle with inner bag
BR0205215B1 (en) * 2001-05-07 2012-08-07 set of containers for withdrawal and application of partial quantities of a liquid product.
WO2014208096A1 (en) * 2013-06-28 2014-12-31 株式会社吉野工業所 Double-walled container
DE102015206652A1 (en) 2015-04-14 2016-10-20 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Applicator for applying a sealant
DE202015106902U1 (en) 2015-12-17 2016-01-14 Werner & Mertz Gmbh applicator

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US12138652B2 (en) 2024-11-12
EP3984912A1 (en) 2022-04-20
WO2022078768A1 (en) 2022-04-21
AU2021359671A1 (en) 2023-06-22
CN116568612A (en) 2023-08-08
AU2021359671A9 (en) 2024-05-02
CA3198651A1 (en) 2022-04-21
US20230338983A1 (en) 2023-10-26
PL3984912T3 (en) 2024-02-19
ES2960992T3 (en) 2024-03-07
MX2023004222A (en) 2023-04-21
JP2023546056A (en) 2023-11-01

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