Static mixer inserts, static mixers, and dispensing systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a static mixer insert (1) for mixing two viscous components in a mixing tube (51) of a static mixer (100). The static mixer insert includes a mixing structure (3) that defines a mixing region having a plurality of consecutive mixing chambers arranged along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the mixing structure when placed in the mixing tube, and two longitudinally extending support bars (5) laterally connected to the outside of the mixing structure. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a static mixer having a mixing tube and the static mixer insert provided in the mixing tube, and to a dispensing system having such a static mixer and / or a static mixer insert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to static mixer inserts, static mixers comprising such static mixer inserts, and dispensing systems comprising such static mixers and / or static mixer inserts.

Background Art

[0002] To date, static mixer inserts having a hybrid structure with an integrally formed support structure inside have been provided to form compact and robust static mixer inserts and corresponding static mixers. Such a configuration enables a very compact static mixer with good mixing characteristics. However, the compactness and mixing characteristics of such prior art configurations are limited due to a negative interaction effect between the structural integrity of such static mixer inserts and their mixing characteristics. In particular, the smaller the static mixer insert, the larger the support structure generally has to be in a relative sense. This results in less free mixing space within the mixing structure and thus a degradation of the mixing characteristics.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a new configuration that enables the formation of static mixers with smaller dimensions and better mixing characteristics.

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a static mixer insert and a static mixer that enable the implementation of smaller dimensions and / or better mixing characteristics, as known from prior art static mixers. This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred modifications can be derived from the dependent claims.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a static mixer insert for mixing two viscous components in a mixing tube of a static mixer includes a mixing structure that defines a mixing region having a plurality of consecutive mixing chambers arranged along the longitudinal axis of the mixing structure when placed in the mixing tube, and two longitudinally extending support bars laterally connected to the outside of the mixing structure.

[0006] The two support bars on the outside of the mixing structure allow for improved structural integrity and robustness of the static mixer insert without restricting the free cross-section of the mixing structure. Therefore, it is possible to form a static mixer insert with smaller overall dimensions and / or an improved mixing structure.

[0007] Preferably, the mixed structure is formed from various parts connected to each other to form a single interconnected component.

[0008] Therefore, the mixed structure forms an integrated part that already possesses a certain basic stability, and is then complemented by two support bars. The support bars are formed not by the mixed structure itself, but by separate elements connected to the mixed structure.

[0009] Preferably, the mixed structure and the support bar are integrally formed, particularly by an injection molding process. This means that they are formed as a single unit.

[0010] While such integrated configurations are very robust, injection molding has been found to be a simple yet reliable method for forming such static mixer inserts.

[0011] Preferably, the mixed structure has a substantially rectangular cross-section, in particular, the ratio of its width to its depth is 0.7 to 1.3, preferably 1.0.

[0012] Such aspect ratios result in an improved, robust configuration with good mixing characteristics.

[0013] Preferably, the mixed structure has a width of 1.0 mm to 4.0 mm, particularly 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably 1.7 mm to 1.9 mm, and particularly 1.8 mm.

[0014] Such a configuration is extremely compact and suitable for highly precise dispensing processes of small amounts of component mixtures. These very small dimensions of the mixing structure are only achievable by the support bars defined above.

[0015] Preferably, the mixed structure is provided in a first plane along the longitudinal axis of the mixed structure and includes a first pair of separating walls connecting two support bars to each other.

[0016] Such a configuration is very robust and allows for very good mixing characteristics.

[0017] Preferably, the mixed structure includes a second set of separation walls provided in a second plane along the longitudinal axis and oriented perpendicular to the first plane. Each of the second set of separation walls connects to each other two separation walls of the first set of separation walls which are continuous along the longitudinal axis of the mixed structure.

[0018] Such a configuration is more robust and allows for even better mixing characteristics.

[0019] Preferably, the separation wall defines a passageway window within the first or second plane. The height-to-width ratio of each of the passageway windows is particularly in the range of 0.5 to 1.0.

[0020] Such passageway windows enable beneficial mixing properties.

[0021] Preferably, the mixed structure includes deflection plates at the upstream or downstream end of each of the passage windows. Each of the deflection plates is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mixed structure by an angle in the range of 60° to 120°, for example, 90°.

[0022] Such a deflector plate results in beneficial flow characteristics of the components along the mixing structure and thus provides good mixing characteristics.

[0023] Preferably, each of the two support bars has at least partially, particularly completely, a polygonal cross-section, for example, preferably a triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal cross-section, at least partially, particularly completely, an elliptical cross-section and / or at least partially, particularly completely, a circular cross-section. Preferably, each support bar includes a tapered portion at one of its longitudinal ends, particularly at its downstream end.

[0024] Said cross-section enables a very robust but very compact configuration of the support bar. Said tapered portion simplifies the introduction of the static mixer insert into the corresponding mixing tube.

[0025] Preferably, the ratio of the thickness to the width of each support bar is within the range of 0.4 to 0.7.

[0026] This configuration enables a static mixer insert that is very compact but still robust.

[0027] Preferably, the ratio of the width of each support bar to the width of the mixing structure is within the range of 0.2 to 0.5.

[0028] This configuration enables a static mixer insert that is very compact but still robust.

[0029] Preferably, the mixing structure includes at least one, particularly a plurality, of the following special elements for optimizing the flow of components and / or the mixing of viscous components when moving along the mixing structure, namely, a guide bar inclined at an angle in the range of particularly 45° to 90°, for example 60°, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mixing structure, a first deflector plate at the downstream end of the passage window, a second deflector plate at the upstream end of the passage window, a separating wall connecting the two deflector plates to each other, an exchange element formed thereby, and an inclined separation auxiliary plate connected to one of the downstream or upstream ends of the separating wall. In particular, the guide bar has a width of 25% or less of the width of the mixing structure, and / or the guide bar is provided along the separating wall of the first set of separating walls described above, or is connected at one end to the separating wall of the second set of separating walls described above and at the other end to one of the support bars. In particular, the separating wall connecting the two deflector plates of one exchange element has a width corresponding to the width of the mixing structure at the position of the separating wall, or a width particularly substantially smaller than the width of the mixing structure at the position of the separating wall.

[0030] Such elements have been proven to provide improved flow and mixing characteristics.

[0031] Preferably, the part of the mixing structure, particularly all parts, has a thickness in the range of 0.10 mm to 0.30 mm, particularly 0.15 mm.

[0032] Such a configuration enables the formation of a very compact but robust static mixer having very good mixing characteristics.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, a static mixer for mixing two viscous components includes a longitudinal mixing tube and one of the above-described static mixer inserts provided in the mixing tube.

[0034] The mixing tube enables the final use of the above-described static mixer insert for the mixing and dispensing process.

[0035] Preferably, the static mixer insert is fixed to the mixing tube by press-fitting and / or ultrasonic welding.

[0036] The press-fit configuration is very simple, while the ultrasonic welding configuration is extremely robust.

[0037] Preferably, the mixing tube includes a longitudinally extending central opening that receives the mixing structure of a static mixer insert, and two longitudinally extending recesses formed along the central opening, each recess receiving one of two support bars.

[0038] These recesses ensure that the static mixer insert is correctly oriented within the mixer tube.

[0039] Preferably, the static mixer insert includes a mixing structure and a head connected to a support bar. The head includes a flat disk portion extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mixing structure and two inlets, one for each viscous component, which are oriented parallel to each other but shifted relative to the longitudinal axis of the mixing structure. The mixing structure is connected to the head such that a first separation wall of the mixing structure is connected to the head and lies within a common extension plane defined by the two inlets, or is oriented perpendicular to the common extension plane.

[0040] The parallel orientation of the first separation wall, as described above, results in direct mixing of the two components upon entering the mixing structure, thus improving the mixing characteristics. The vertical orientation of the first separation wall, as described, ensures reliable prevention of the flow of one component into the other component chamber of a dispensing device connected to a static mixer, through the other inlet.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the dispensing system includes a dispensing outlet having the static mixer insert described above, or a dispensing outlet in the form of the static mixer described above, a valve element, and a cartridge. The cartridge has a cartridge outlet having a longitudinal axis extending along the cartridge outlet. The valve element is slidably positioned at the interface between the cartridge outlet and the dispensing outlet in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. A portion of the dispensing outlet is insertable into the interface, particularly to allow the valve element to slide in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0042] Exemplary embodiments and functions of the present invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] This is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the basic configuration of a static mixer in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is a perspective view of a static mixer insert according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A is a top view of the static mixer insert. [Figure 2C] This is an enlarged view of the left edge of Figure 2B. [Figure 2D] Figure 2A is a longitudinal view of the static mixer insert from the first end of the static mixer insert. [Figure 2E] Figure 2A is a side view of the static mixer insert. [Figure 2F] Figure 2A is a longitudinal view of the static mixer insert from the second end of the static mixer insert. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the first end of a static mixer insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view of the central portion of a static mixer insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A is a top view of the static mixer insert portion. [Figure 5A] This is a perspective view of the central portion of a static mixer insert according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A is a top view of the static mixer insert. [Figure 6A] This is a perspective view of the central portion of a static mixer insert according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] Figure 6A is a top view of the static mixer insert shown. [Figure 7A] This is a perspective view of the central portion of a static mixer insert according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A is a top view of the static mixer insert portion. [Figure 8A] This is a perspective view of the central portion of a static mixer insert according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] Figure 8A is a top view of the static mixer insert. [Figure 9A] This is a perspective view of the central portion of a static mixer insert according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] Figure 9A is a top view of the static mixer insert portion. [Figure 10A] This is a perspective view of the central portion of a static mixer insert according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10B] Figure 10A is a top view of the static mixer insert portion. [Figure 11a] This is a diagram of an exemplary dispensing system that fits the static mixer insert described above. [Figure 11b] This is a diagram of an exemplary dispensing system that fits the static mixer insert described above. [Figure 11c] This is a diagram of an exemplary dispensing system that fits the static mixer insert described above. [Figure 12a] Figure 11 shows the interface of the dispensing system. [Figure 12b] Figure 11 shows the interface of the dispensing system. [Figure 12c] Figure 11 shows the interface of the dispensing system. [Figure 13a]Figure 11 shows a further cross-sectional view of the dispensing system. [Figure 13b] Figure 11 shows a further cross-sectional view of the dispensing system. [Figure 14a] Figure 11 shows the valve elements of the dispensing system. [Figure 14b] Figure 11 shows the valve elements of the dispensing system. [Figure 14c] Figure 11 shows the valve elements of the dispensing system. [Figure 14d] Figure 11 shows the valve elements of the dispensing system. [Figure 14e] Figure 11 shows the valve elements of the dispensing system. [Figure 14f] Figure 11 shows the valve elements of the dispensing system. [Figure 14g] Figure 11 shows the valve elements of the dispensing system. [Figure 14h] Figure 11 shows the valve elements of the dispensing system. [Figure 15a] Figure 11 shows the dispensing outlet of the dispensing system. [Figure 15b] Figure 11 shows the dispensing outlet of the dispensing system. [Figure 15c] Figure 11 shows the dispensing outlet of the dispensing system. [Figure 15d] Figure 11 shows the dispensing outlet of the dispensing system. [Figure 15e] Figure 11 shows the dispensing outlet of the dispensing system. [Figure 15f] Figure 11 shows the dispensing outlet of the dispensing system. [Figure 16a] Figure 11 shows a diagram of the cartridge in the dispensing system. [Figure 16b] Figure 11 shows a diagram of the cartridge in the dispensing system. [Figure 17a] Figure 11 shows a diagram of the cartridge in the dispensing system. [Figure 17b] Figure 11 shows a diagram of the cartridge in the dispensing system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or at least similar elements. The static mixer insert 1 described below is provided, as indicated by the arrow at the end of the longitudinal axis LA, for the flow of components to be mixed along the longitudinal axis LA of the corresponding mixing structure 3.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, an exemplary static mixer 100 according to the present invention includes a static mixer insert 1 and a mixing tube 51. The static mixer insert 1 includes a mixing structure 3 that extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis LA of the mixing structure 3. The mixing structure 3 is received by a longitudinal central passage 53 formed by the mixing tube 51. Furthermore, the static mixer insert 1 includes two longitudinally extending support bars 5 (see in particular the following figures), each received by a longitudinal recess 55 along the central passage 53 of the mixing tube 51. The static mixer insert 1 includes a head 21 including a flat disk portion 23 and two inserts 25 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the mixing structure 3. The head 21 is provided to fluidly connect the mixing structure 3 to the outlet of a dispensing device (not shown) including two chambers, each of which is filled with one of two viscous components, the two viscous components being mixed with each other before application in a desired area. As used herein, the term "component" includes both pure materials and composite materials.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the disk portion 23 of the head 21 is ultrasonically welded to a connecting ring 61 provided around the cover portion 59 of the mixing tube 51, further securing the static mixer insert 1 to the mixing housing 51 in addition to the press-fit fixing formed between the longitudinal support bar 5 of the static mixer insert 1 and the recess 55 of the mixing tube 51. The mixing tube 51 is also provided with a connecting portion 57 for connecting a dispensing tip (not shown). However, such a dispensing tip can also be directly integrated with the mixing tube 51.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the mixing structure 3 is connected to the head 21 in such an orientation that the first separation wall (7, further described below) of the mixing structure 3 is oriented perpendicular to a common extension plane of the two inlets 25 (approximately corresponding to the cross-section in Figure 1). Thus, the two inlets 25 are separated from each other via the first separation wall, preventing any leakage of components from one inlet 25 through the other into the chamber for the other component in the dispensing device. Alternatively, the first separation wall 7 can be located within the common extension plane, resulting in direct mixing of components from the two inlets 25.

[0048] The following describes further details of exemplary embodiments of the static mixer insert 1 according to the present invention. Although not shown herein, each of the static mixer inserts 1 can be complemented by the head 21 or a similar configuration described above.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2A to 2F, the static mixer insert 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a mixing structure 3 formed integrally from various flat elements 7, 9, and 13, for example by an injection molding process, and two support bars 5 having a semicircular cross-section.

[0050] In this embodiment, the mixed structure 3 includes a first pair of separation walls 7 connecting two support bars 5 to each other, a second pair of separation walls 9 connecting consecutive separation walls 7 of the first pair of separation walls 7 to each other, and a deflection plate 13 coupled to the separation walls 7 and 8. The separation walls 7 of the first pair of separation walls 7 are in a first plane along the longitudinal axis LA of the mixed structure 3 (parallel to the image planes of Figures 2B and 2C). The separation walls 9 of the second pair of separation walls 9 are in a second plane along the longitudinal axis LA of the mixed structure 3, but are perpendicular to the first plane of the separation walls 7 of the first pair of separation walls 7 (parallel to the image plane of Figure 2E). The deflection plate 13 is oriented substantially perpendicular to both the first plane of the separation walls 7 of the first pair of separation walls 7 and the second plane of the separation walls 9 of the second pair of separation walls 9 (i.e., parallel to the image planes of Figures 2D and 2F).

[0051] Considering Figure 2B, and as is best seen in Figure 2A, the separation walls 7 and 9 of the two sets of separation walls 7 and 9 are separated from the passage window 11 along the first plane. The passage window 11 is formed with an aspect ratio of 0.5 to 1.0 (i.e., the ratio of the height B to the width F of each of the passage windows 11). In the illustrated embodiment, the deflection plates 13 are provided on the upstream side of each of the passage windows 11 and are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the mixed structure 3. However, the deflection plates 13 can also be located on the downstream side and / or be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis LA by an angle α in the range of 60° to 120° (see Figure 2C).

[0052] The parts 7, 9, and 13 of the mixed structure are dimensioned such that the mixed structure 3 has an aspect ratio, i.e., a substantially rectangular cross-section with a ratio of its width S to its depth T of 0.7 to 1.3, particularly 1.0 (see Figure 2D). The provided support bar 5 allows the mixed structure 3 to have a width S of 1.0 mm to 4.0 mm, particularly 1.8 mm.

[0053] With respect to the support bars 5, it should be noted that they may also be formed with partially or completely polygonal cross-sections, for example, preferably equilateral triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, or octagons, at least partially or completely elliptical cross-sections, and / or other cross-sectional shapes such as partially or completely circular cross-sections. Additionally or alternatively, each support bar 5 may be provided with a tapered portion 5a to facilitate insertion into the corresponding mixing tube 51 for forming the static mixer 100 according to the present invention (see, for example, Figure 2B).

[0054] To ensure desirable structural stability, the ratio of the thickness D to the width C of the support bar 5 is preferably in the range of 0.4 to 0.7, and the ratio of the width C of the support bar 5 to the width S of the mixed structure is preferably in the range of 0.2 to 0.5.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, in contrast to the above configuration in which the separation walls 7 of the first set of separation walls 7 form the first separation wall of the mixed structure 3, the separation wall 9 from the second set of separation walls 9 can also form the first separation wall of the mixed structure 3.

[0056] With respect to the two sets of separation walls 7 and 9 and the deflection plate 13 described above, the two sets of connected separation walls 7 and 9 to which the deflection plate 13 is connected can be considered as a single mixed element, and it can be pointed out that some of these mixed elements, such as 12 as in the illustrated embodiment, or even 24, can form the mixed structure 3.

[0057] These mixing elements can be complemented by one or more of the special elements 15, 17, and / or 19 for optimizing the flow induction and mixing properties of the mixing structure 3. Three examples of such special elements 15, 17, and 19 are described below with reference to Figures 4A to 10B. The special elements 15, 17, and 19 can be combined with and / or with each other in any desired manner.

[0058] A first example of such special elements is a guide bar 15 (see Figures 4A to 6B) that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis LA of the mixed structure and is provided at an angle β in the range of 45° to 90°, for example, 60°. The guide bar is provided with a width W of 25% or less of the width S of the mixed structure 3.

[0059] Such guide bars 15 can be provided along one of the separation walls 7 of the first set of separation walls 7, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Alternatively, the guide bars 15 can connect the separation wall 9 of the second set of separation walls 9 to one of the two support bars 5, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B. Preferably, in the assembled state of the static mixer insert 1 having the corresponding mixing tube 51, these guide bars 15 are positioned so that they extend along the inner surface of the mixing tube 51.

[0060] Such guide bars 15 allow for the separation of component flows from the separation walls 7 and 9 and / or from the inner surface of the mixing tube 51 in order to improve the flow guidance and mixing characteristics of the static mixer 100 that is ultimately formed.

[0061] Naturally, the guide bars 15 of both embodiments described above can be combined with each other, for example, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B. That is the case.

[0062] A second example of such a special element is an exchange element 17 formed from a first deflection plate 13a at the downstream end of the passage window 11, a second deflection plate 13b at the upstream end of the passage window 11, and a separation wall 9 connecting the two deflection plates 13a and 13b to each other. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the corresponding separation wall 9 may preferably have a width E substantially smaller than the width S of the mixing structure 3 at the location of the separation wall 9. Thus, the two flows of the components can be separated within the exchange element 17 while circulating. Alternatively, the corresponding separation wall 9 may have a width E corresponding to the width S of the mixing structure 3 at the location of the separation wall 9, thereby resulting in only circulation within the exchange element 17 but no separation / mixing of the component flows (see Figures 8A and 8B). As can be seen from a comparison between the embodiments in Figures 8A and 8B and those in Figures 9A and 9B, the exchange element 17 can be configured to generate both clockwise circulation (see Figures 8A and 8B) and counterclockwise circulation (see Figures 9A and 9B).

[0063] A third example of such special elements is the inclined separation auxiliary plate 19 connected to the downstream and / or upstream ends of the separation walls 7 and / or 9, as can be seen in particular in Figures 10A and 10B. These separation auxiliary plates 19 help optimize the separation and combination of component flows to improve mixing characteristics.

[0064] The special elements 15, 17, and 19 described can be combined with each other and with any desired number or combination of the standard mixed elements described above. For example, as seen in Figures 5A-6B, 8A-9B, and 10A and 10B, the separation auxiliary plate 19 can be freely combined with the guide plate 15, the replacement element 17, and / or further separation auxiliary plates 19 described above. The same applies to other combinations.

[0065] Preferably, various parts of the mixed structure 3, especially all parts, are provided with a thickness in the range of 0.10 mm to 0.30 mm, particularly 0.15 mm.

[0066] Below, an exemplary dispensing system 10 according to the present invention will be described in general terms with reference to Figures 11 to 17.

[0067] The dispensing system 10 includes a dispensing outlet 12 connected to a cartridge outlet 14 of a cartridge 48. According to the present invention, the dispensing outlet 12 includes a static mixer insert 1 according to the present invention, and in particular is implemented as a static mixer 100 according to the present invention. The dispensing outlet 12 is connected to the cartridge outlet 14 via an interface 18 (see, for example, Figure 2a). The cartridge 46 has two cartridge chambers 42 for storing each of the materials M of a two-component material M, such as a curing agent and a corresponding binder.

[0068] The dispensing outlet 12 includes a mixer housing 22 having an outlet 28 from which one or more materials M stored in the cartridge 46 can be dispensed. To cover the cartridge outlet 14, the dispensing outlet 12 includes a cover disc 32 connected to a collar 34. The collar 34 partially surrounds the cartridge outlet 14. As shown in Figure 1b, the collar 34 can surround three sides of the cartridge outlet 14.

[0069] At its end adjacent to the outlet 26, the mixer housing 22 includes a connector 26 which includes a snap-fit ​​component 30 that can connect, for example, certain types of tips to the dispensing outlet. For example, an intraoral rotating tip (IOR) can be connected to the outlet 28 of the dispensing outlet 12.

[0070] The end of the cartridge 48, away from the cartridge outlet 14, includes two gripping elements 36 that can hold the cartridge 46 during use of the dispensing system 10. As shown in Figure 1b, a plunger 38 is movably positioned within the cartridge 46 to engage with a piston (not shown) to eject the material M from the cartridge 46. During use of the dispensing system 100, the user can grasp the wings with their fingers and apply pressure to the plunger 38 with their thumb to push the material M stored in the cartridge 46 out of the cartridge 46.

[0071] When the dispensing port 12 is positioned in the cartridge 46, the dispensing port 12 moves toward the cartridge outlet 14 along its longitudinal axis A. When the dispensing port 12 contacts the cartridge outlet 14, it then moves in a direction T that transcends the longitudinal axis A, as indicated by the arrows provided on the dispensing port 12 and cartridge 46, for example, as seen in Figure 1c. In this regard, it should be noted that the longitudinal axis A of the dispensing port 12 is coaxial with the outlet 28 of the dispensing port 12.

[0072] As shown in Figures 12a to 12c, the valve element 16 can be received in one or more channels 54 of the cartridge outlet 14. These channels 54 have a shape complementary to the valve element 16 in order to facilitate the sliding motion of the valve element 16 relative to the cartridge outlet 14. The valve element 16 may generally include projections 52 that protrude from the valve element 16 in the direction of the longitudinal axis A.

[0073] As shown in Figure 12a, the projection 52 can be held in place at the cartridge outlet 14, that is, between opposing arms 50 that project from the cartridge wall 74 into the cartridge outlet 14, by a component 50 of the cartridge 46. The arms 50 have convexly curved open ends 84 to receive the cylindrical projection 52 inside when the valve element 16 is in the closed position.

[0074] The projection 52 is accommodable by the dispensing outlet 12 to allow the valve element 16 to slide. The portion of the dispensing outlet 12 configured to accommodate the projection 52 is one of the inlet passages 24, which is also cylindrical and has a portion that can be clamped between the convex opening ends 84 of the arms 50, which are positioned opposite each other in the open position of the valve element 16. Thus, each inlet passage 24 is movable relative to the component 50.

[0075] The valve element 16 includes a projection 56 located on the side opposite to the side having the projection 52. The projection 56 extends parallel to the sliding direction of the valve element 16. Part of the projection 56 is cylindrical.

[0076] Each of the protrusions 54 is received by each of the one or more channels 54. The channels 54 have a shape complementary to the protrusions, thus ensuring a seal between the valve element 16 and the cartridge outlet 14 when the valve element 16 is in the closed position.

[0077] For example, as shown in Figure 12a, the cartridge outlet 14 is provided with two components 50 and two inlet passages 24, and each of the inlet passages 24 is movable relative to each of the components 50.

[0078] In the closed position of the valve element 16, the curved surface of the arm acts as a hook to engage the projection 52. While the projection 52 is clamped between the arms 50, the first web 58 and the second web 60 are clamped between the base of the cartridge outlet 14 and the arms 50, biasing the projection 56 to engage tightly with the channel 54. This interference, so to speak, pushes the valve element 16 toward the cartridge outlet, maintaining the closed position.

[0079] In the open position, the valve element 16 is taken in by the inlet passage 24 of the dispensing outlet 14, causing it to slide laterally against the cartridge outlet 14 and freeing the projection 52 from the "hook" formed by the curved surface of the open end 84 of the arm 50. The cylindrical portion of the inlet passage 24 is then positioned between the open ends 84 of the arm 50 and hooked between them, ensuring the precise positioning of the valve element 16 within the cartridge outlet 14.

[0080] Figures 13a and 13b show further cross-sectional views of an exemplary dispensing system 10. As shown, each inlet passage 24 includes a wing 48, which is configured to engage between a valve element 16 and the arm 50. In this regard, it should be noted that each wing 48 can engage between its respective arm 50 and the valve element 16.

[0081] In this regard, it should be noted that such wings 48 and arms 50 can be provided in all types of the dispensing system 10 shown herein.

[0082] To help introduce each wing 48 to engage under each arm, each wing 48 may include one or more chamfered surfaces 78. These are also provided so that the dispensing outlet 12 can be axially pressed toward the cartridge outlet 14 while the wing 48 is guided under the arm.

[0083] Figures 14a-h are diagrams of the valve element 16, separate from Figure 14c. As shown, the valve element 16 includes an elongated plate 76 having a through hole 40.

[0084] The valve element 16 includes two recesses 80 arranged parallel to the projection 52, and the recesses 80 are configured to receive their respective wings associated with one of the inlet passages 24.

[0085] The positions of these recesses 80 and through holes 40 provide coded alignment means that ensure the correct positioning of the dispensing outlet 12 at the cartridge outlet 14 is in only one direction. This is due to the shape and positioning of each component.

[0086] As shown in Figures 14a and 14c, the through-hole 40 and the cartridge outlet passage 44 are not arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

[0087] As shown in Figures 14b, 14d, 14f, and 14h, the plate-shaped valve element 16 has a projection 46 located on the opposite side from the side of the valve element 16 that has the projection, and the trough hole 40 extends between the two sides.

[0088] Figures 15a to 15f show diagrams of the dispensing outlet 12 of an exemplary dispensing system 10. The inlet passages 24 of the dispensing outlet 12 are similarly not arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis A. They are arranged complementary to the through-hole 40 and the cartridge outlet passage 44 to ensure the precise positioning of the inlet passages relative to the cartridge outlet passage 44 when the valve element is in the open position.

[0089] As shown in various diagrams, the wing 48 protrudes from the entrance passage 24 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0090] Figures 16a, 16b, and 17a, 17b show illustrations of a cartridge 46 of an exemplary dispensing system 10. It is configured to be used with a cartridge outlet 12 as shown in Figure 15, together with a valve element 16 as shown in Figure 14.

[0091] The cartridge 46 includes a cartridge outlet 14, and a valve element 16 can be slidably disposed within it. The valve element 16 can be positioned between the base 72 of the cartridge outlet 14 and an arm 50 that protrudes inward from the outer wall 74 of the cartridge 46.

[0092] Finally, it should be noted that the embodiments described above are provided solely to clarify the subject matter of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can consider various combinations and modifications of the described configurations that fall within the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims, without being expressly described herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Static mixer insert 3 Mixed structure 5 Support bar 5a Tapered section 7. Separation wall of the first set of separation walls 9. Separation wall of the second set of separation walls 10 Dispensing System 11. Corridor window 12-minute dispensing port 13 Deflection plate 13a First deflection plate of replacement element 17 13b Second deflection plate of replacement element 17 14 Cartridge Outlet 15 Guide Bars 16 valve elements 17 Exchange elements 18 Interface 19 Separation support plate 21 heads 23 Disc portion 24 Entrance passage 25 Entrance Exit 28 12 30 Snap-fit 32 Cover Discs 34 Colors 36 Gripping elements 38 Plungers 40 Through holes 42 Cartridge Chamber 44 Cartridge exit passage 46 cartridges 48 Wing 50 Arm 51 Mixing tube 52 Protrusion 53 Central aisle 54 channels 55 recess 56 Protrusion 57 Connecting part 58 The First Web 59 Cover part 60 The Second Web 61 Connecting rings 72 Base 74 Exterior Wall 76 Plates 78 Dispensing devices 80 recess 84 Open end 100 Static Mixer A Longitudinal axis B. Height of corridor window 11 C Support bar width 5 D. Thickness of support bar 5 E Width of separation wall 7 and / or 9 F Width of corridor window 11 M Material S Mixed structure 3 width Directions crossing TA Longitudinal axis of LA mixed structure 3

Claims

1. A static mixer insert (1) for mixing two viscous components in the mixing tube (51) of a static mixer (100), The mixing structure (3), when placed inside the mixing tube (51), defines a mixing region having a plurality of continuous mixing chambers arranged along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the mixing structure (3), Two longitudinally extending support bars (5) are connected laterally to the outside of the aforementioned mixed structure (3) and A static mixer insert (1) including the following.

2. The static mixer insert (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mixing structure (3) is formed from various parts (7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19) connected to one another to form a single interconnecting part.

3. The static mixer insert (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mixed structure (3) and the support bar (5) are integrally formed, particularly by an injection molding process.

4. The static mixer insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mixing structure (3) has a substantially rectangular cross-section having an aspect ratio of 0.7 to 1.3, preferably 1.

0.

5. The static mixer insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mixed structure (3) has a width (S) of 1.0 mm to 4.0 mm, particularly 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably 1.7 mm to 1.9 mm, and particularly 1.8 mm.

6. The static mixer insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mixing structure (3) is provided in a first plane along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the mixing structure (3) and includes a first pair of separating walls (7) connecting the two support bars (5) to each other.

7. The mixed structure (3) includes a second set of separating walls (9) provided in a second plane along the longitudinal axis (LA) oriented perpendicular to the first plane, The static mixer insert (1) according to claim 6, wherein each of the second set of separation walls (9) connects to each other two of the first set of separation walls (7) which are continuous along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the mixing structure (3).

8. The separation walls (7, 9) define a passageway window (11) within the first plane or the second plane. The static mixer insert (1) according to claim 7, wherein the ratio of the height (B) to the width (F) of each of the passage windows (11) is in the range of 0.5 to 1.

0.

9. The mixed structure (3) includes deflection plates (13) at the upstream or downstream end of each passage window (11), The static mixer insert (1) according to claim 8, wherein each deflection plate (13) is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the mixing structure (3) by an angle (α) in the range of 60° to 120°, for example, an angle of 90°.

10. Each of the two support bars (5) has at least partially, and especially completely, a polygonal cross-section, for example, preferably an equilateral triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon or octagon, at least partially, and especially completely, an elliptical cross-section and / or at least partially, and especially completely, a circular cross-section, and / or The static mixer insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each support bar (5) includes a tapered portion at one of its longitudinal ends, particularly at its downstream end.

11. A static mixer insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the ratio of the thickness (D) to the width (C) of each support bar (5) is in the range of 0.4 to 0.

7.

12. The static mixer insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the ratio of the width (S) of the mixing structure (3) to the width (C) of each of the support bars (5) is in the range of 0.2 to 0.

5.

13. The following special elements (15, 17, 19) are provided to optimize the flow of the components and / or the mixing of the viscous components as the mixed structure (3) moves along the mixed structure (3), namely, A guide bar (15) is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the mixed structure (3) by an angle (β) in the range of 45° to 90°, for example, an angle of 60°, and has a width (W) of 25% or less of the width (S) of the mixed structure (3), The guide bar (15) is provided in particular along the separation wall (7) of the first set of separation walls (7) as described in claim 5, or is connected at one end to the separation wall (9) of the second set of separation walls (9) as described in claim 6 and at the other end to one of the support bars (5), An exchange element (17) formed by a first deflection plate (13a) located at the downstream end of the passage window (11) according to claim 7, a second deflection plate (13b) located at the upstream end of the passage window (11), and the separating wall (9, 7) connecting the two deflection plates (13a, 13b) to each other, The separation wall (7, 9) has a width (E) that corresponds to the width (S) of the mixed structure (3) at the location of the separation wall (7, 9), or preferably a width (E) that is substantially smaller than the width (S) of the mixed structure (3) at the location of the separation wall (7, 9), and the exchange element (17) A static mixer insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least one, particularly more than, an inclined separation auxiliary plate (19) connected to one downstream or upstream end of a separation wall (7, 9) according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

14. The static mixer insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the portion (7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19) of the mixed structure (3), in particular all portion (7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19), has a thickness in the range of 0.10 mm to 0.30 mm, particularly 0.15 mm.

15. A static mixer (100) for mixing two viscous components, A longitudinal mixing tube (51), A static mixer (100) comprising a static mixer insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, provided inside the mixing tube (51).

16. The static mixer (100) according to claim 15, wherein the static mixer insert (1) is fixed to the mixing tube (51) by press-fitting or ultrasonic welding.

17. The static mixer (100) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the mixing tube (51) includes a longitudinally extending central passage (53) for receiving the mixing structure (3) of the static mixer insert (1), and two longitudinally extending recesses (54) formed along the central opening (53), each for receiving one of two support bars (5).

18. The static mixer insert (3) includes a head (21) connected to the mixing structure (3) and the support bar (5), The head (21) includes a flat disk portion (23) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the mixed structure (3), and two inlets (25) one for each viscous component, which are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the mixed structure (3) but shifted relative to the longitudinal axis (LA). The static mixer (100) according to claim 17, wherein the mixing structure (3) is connected to the head (21) such that the first separation walls (7, 9) of the mixing structure (3) connected to the head (21) are in a common extension plane defined by the two inlets (25) or are oriented perpendicular to the common extension plane.

19. A dispensing system (10) comprising a dispensing outlet (12), a cartridge (46) having a cartridge outlet (14), wherein the cartridge (46) has a longitudinal axis (A) extending along the cartridge outlet (14), the dispensing system (10) comprising a static mixer insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, or a form of a static mixer (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the valve element (16) is slidably positioned at an interface (18) between the cartridge outlet (14) and the dispensing outlet (12) in a direction (T) transverse to the longitudinal axis (A), and a portion of the dispensing outlet (12) is insertable into the interface (18) in particular to slide the valve element (16) in a direction (T) transverse to the longitudinal axis (A).

Images