Dispenser and method of operating a dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispenser (1) for a cartridge, comprising a handling part (20) and a cartridge part (10) for arranging a cartridge, wherein the handling part (20) comprises a housing (22) and a drive mechanism (30) arranged in the housing (22) for driving a drive rod (14) into a cartridge arranged in the cartridge part (10) in a longitudinal direction (110) for exerting pressure on a medium stored in the cartridge. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of operating a dispenser (1) for a cartridge, in particular the dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a drive mechanism (30) for driving a drive rod (14) of the dispenser (1) into a cartridge arranged in the cartridge part (10) in a longitudinal direction (110) for exerting pressure on a medium stored in the cartridge.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser for cartridges comprising a handling portion and a cartridge portion for arranging a cartridge, wherein the handling portion comprises a housing and a drive mechanism arranged in the housing for driving a drive rod into a cartridge arranged in the cartridge portion in a longitudinal direction to exert a pressure on a medium stored in the cartridge. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of operating a dispenser for cartridges, said dispenser comprising a drive mechanism for driving a drive rod of the dispenser into a cartridge arranged in a cartridge portion in a longitudinal direction to exert a pressure on a medium stored in the cartridge and a cartridge portion for arranging a cartridge. BACKGROUND

[0002] Dispensers for cartridges are known in the prior art. Such dispensers can be used for different cartridges containing a wide variety of materials, such as adhesives or sealing compounds. A cartridge containing the desired medium is arranged in the cartridge portion of the dispenser and subsequently a drive rod is driven into the cartridge. The drive rod can be actuated manually, for example, by a corresponding drive mechanism of the dispenser.

[0003] A toggle lever is a mechanical element for mechanically connecting different elements of a mechanism. For a toggle lever, a first lever arm and a second lever arm are pivotably connected by an articulation therebetween. Thus, during actuation, a linear movement of the respective free end of the lever arms in a first direction results in a movement of the articulation perpendicular to the first direction. At the end of such a movement, when both lever arms are arranged almost collinearly, a large movement of the articulation results only in a small movement of the free ends of the lever arms, resulting in a high power transmission ratio. At the opposite end of the movement, when both lever arms are arranged almost parallel, the toggle lever provides the opposite behavior, a small movement of the articulation results in a large movement of the free ends of the lever arms, resulting in a low power transmission ratio.

[0004] The above described behavior of a toggle lever has shown advantages and disadvantages of the application of such a toggle lever in a drive mechanism of a dispenser. On the one hand, for certain portions of the actuation movement, a high pressure can be exerted on a medium stored in a corresponding cartridge. On the other hand, during the movement of the toggle lever, in particular during the relative movement of the two lever arms, the power transmission ratio changes and thus the pressure exerted on the medium in the cartridge also changes. This effect results in a volume of medium dispensed over time by a corresponding dispenser which is not constant. SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved dispenser and an improved method of operating a dispenser, which do not have the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dispenser having a toggle lever and a method of operating a dispenser having a toggle lever, wherein the toggle lever provides an at least substantially constant power transmission ratio, and further wherein the consistency of the amount of medium provided per time unit and thus the consistency of the flow rate of the medium provided by the dispenser according to the present invention is improved during operation of the dispenser.

[0006] If, in a technical sense, the details and advantages described in relation to the dispenser according to the first aspect of the present invention also apply to the method according to the second aspect of the present invention and vice versa.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a dispenser for a cartridge, the dispenser comprising a handling portion and a cartridge portion for arranging a cartridge, wherein the handling portion comprises a housing and a drive mechanism arranged in the housing for driving a drive rod into a cartridge arranged in the cartridge portion in a longitudinal direction to exert a pressure on a medium stored in the cartridge, the drive mechanism comprising:

[0008] a toggle lever having a first lever part, a hinge part and a second lever part, the first lever part being pivotably mounted in the housing, the second lever part being operatively connected with the drive rod for moving the drive rod, and the hinge part pivotably connecting the first lever part and the second lever part about a hinge axis,

[0009] a trigger mechanism providing a drive force for the movement of the drive rod via the toggle lever, and

[0010] a transfer mechanism arranged between the trigger mechanism and the toggle lever, thereby providing an operative connection between the trigger mechanism and the toggle lever,

[0011] wherein the transfer mechanism comprises an undulating transfer surface having a plurality of prominent catches for contacting the hinge part of the toggle lever for providing the operative connection with the toggle lever, whereby the transfer surface is moved by the trigger mechanism exerting the drive force in a drive direction at least partially substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the prominent catches of the undulating transfer surface repeatedly move the hinge part perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0012] The dispenser according to the present application can be used to apply a medium stored in a cartridge to a surface. Different media, such as adhesives or sealants, are possible, as long as they can be accommodated in a respective cartridge. The dispenser comprises a cartridge portion for arranging the cartridge, wherein preferably the cartridge portion is adapted to be formed into a form fit with at least a portion of the cartridge. Further, a fixation of the cartridge within the cartridge portion is possible, for example by clamping the cartridge into the cartridge portion. The dispenser further comprises a drive rod to exert a pressure on the medium stored in the cartridge arranged in the cartridge portion. To this end, the drive rod is drivable into the cartridge along a longitudinal direction. The drive rod can preferably be arranged centrally with respect to the respective cartridge and thus forms a center rod. Preferably, at an end of the drive rod, a pressure disc is arranged to distribute the exerted pressure over the entire cross section of the cartridge.

[0013] Further, the dispenser according to the present application comprises a handling portion for preferably manually operating the dispenser. The handling portion comprises a housing and a drive mechanism arranged within the housing. The drive mechanism comprises an element for driving the aforementioned drive rod. In particular, the drive mechanism comprises at least a toggle lever mechanically connected to the drive rod, a trigger mechanism providing an underlying driving force and a transmission mechanism transmitting the driving force of the trigger mechanism to the toggle lever and finally to the drive rod.

[0014] The toggle lever comprises a first lever part and a second lever part, wherein both lever parts are pivotably connected via a hinge portion. Preferably, the hinge portion is connected with the end portions of the first and second lever part, respectively. Further, the first lever part, in particular the end portion of the first lever part opposite to the hinge portion, is pivotably mounted in the housing of the dispenser. Thus, a pivoting of the first lever part within the housing is possible, however, is limited. Further, the second lever part, in particular the end portion of the second lever part opposite to the hinge portion, is operatively connected with the drive rod. The discussed operative connection can comprise additional levers, connecting rods, gears or similar elements. In summary, due to the first lever part being pivotably fixed within the housing, a movement of the hinge portion results in a movement of this end portion of the second lever part, which is mechanically connected to the drive rod, preferably in a vertical direction and / or in a longitudinal direction. In other words, a movement of the hinge portion results in exerting a pressure on the medium stored in the cartridge.

[0015] The aforementioned trigger mechanism provides an underlying driving force for operating the dispenser according to the present application. For example, the trigger mechanism can be manually actuated. In particular, the driving force provided by the trigger mechanism is transmitted via the aforementioned toggle lever to result in a movement of the drive rod.

[0016] To this end, a transmission mechanism is arranged between the trigger mechanism and the toggle lever. In particular, the transmission mechanism is mechanically connected to both the trigger mechanism and the toggle lever, respectively, and thus provides an operative connection between these elements. The driving force provided by the trigger mechanism is thus transmitted by the transmission mechanism to the toggle lever and ultimately causes the movement of the drive rod.

[0017] The transmission mechanism is the main inventive element of the dispenser according to the present application. In particular, the transmission mechanism comprises a wavy transmission surface having a plurality of protruding grips. In particular, the protruding grips can form wavy portions of the transmission surface that protrude from an otherwise substantially smooth surface. The protruding grips differ from each other, wherein along the transmission surface, the protruding grips can be arranged spaced apart from each other or directly adjacent.

[0018] The protruding grips provide the operative connection of the transmission portion to the toggle lever by contacting the hinged portion of the toggle lever. In particular, the transmission mechanism is also mechanically connected to the trigger mechanism such that the driving force provided by the trigger mechanism causes a movement of the transmission surface in a driving direction that is at least partially substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. In other words, during the provision of the driving force of the trigger mechanism and the related movement of the transmission surface, the transmission surface and thus the protruding grips move relative to the hinged portion. When the protruding grips protrude from the otherwise smooth transmission surface, the hinged portion is forced in a direction perpendicular to the transmission surface while the protruding grips pass. Since the transmission surface comprises a plurality of protruding grips and the transmission surface moves parallel to the longitudinal direction at least at the point of interaction with the toggle lever, the hinged portion is repeatedly moved perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0019] In summary, during the application of the driving force, the transmission surface moves relative to the toggle lever, in particular relative to the hinged portion. Thus, the plurality of protruding grips pass the hinged portion and each protruding grip moves the hinged portion by a small amount perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0020] After passing the respective protruding grip, the hinged portion moves back to its initial position. In other words, during the application of the driving force, the hinged portion repeatedly moves back and forth the same small distance perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The same distance in turn provides an at least approximately constant power transmission ratio. Furthermore, since the amplification effect of the toggle lever can be utilized more efficiently, the power transmission ratio can also be improved.

[0021] Furthermore, by adjusting the average angle between the first and second lever members, the above-mentioned power transmission ratio can be adjusted, such that a small angle results in a low power transmission ratio and a large angle results in a high power transmission ratio. Preferably, an average angle between the first and second lever members close to 180°, in particular an average angle larger than 170°, can be chosen to provide a particularly high power transmission ratio. Furthermore, the movement of the hinged portion also causes the second lever member, provided by the operative connection to the drive bar, to repeatedly push the drive bar in the longitudinal direction.

[0022] The duration of the movement of the drive bar can be adjusted by the number of repetitions of the movement of the hinged portion. In other words, the more the number of repetitions of the movement of the hinged portion due to the protruding grip passing the conveying surface at the location of the hinged portion is provided, the longer the duration of the substantially constant movement of the drive bar can be provided. The above-mentioned at least approximately constant power transmission ratio results in the drive bar being at least approximately moved in proportion to the drive force, and thus, if an at least approximately constant drive force is provided, an at least approximately constant flow rate of the medium to be dispensed by the dispenser according to the present application can be achieved.

[0023] Furthermore, the dispenser according to the present application can comprise that the operative connection between the second lever member and the drive bar is provided using a pressure plate which is operatively connected to both the second lever member and the drive bar, respectively. The pressure plate is a mechanically particularly simple element for providing the operative connection between the second lever member and the drive bar. For example, the second lever member can be directly pivotably mounted on the pressure plate and / or the drive bar can be arranged in an opening of the pressure plate. Thus, the second lever member causes a rocking movement of the pressure plate which in turn repeatedly pushes the drive bar in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] The dispenser according to the present application can be characterized in that the conveying surface is arranged at a continuous and rotating element, in particular wherein the continuous and rotating element is a belt or a chain. As mentioned above, the at least substantially continuous movement of the drive bar in the longitudinal direction is based on the number of repetitions of the movement of the hinged portion. These movements in turn are caused by the plurality of protruding grips arranged on the conveying surface.

[0025] By using a continuous and rotating element as the conveying surface, each protruding grip arranged at the conveying surface can be reused each time the continuous and rotating element has completed a full rotation. The duration of the substantially constant movement of the drive bar can thereby be prolonged, substantially until the cartridge is completely depleted in use. Furthermore, the continuous and rotating element can easily be adjusted to the limitations of the dispenser according to the present application, which limitations are for example the available space within the housing of the dispenser. Belts and chains are preferred examples of continuous and rotating elements.

[0026] Alternatively, the dispenser according to the application can be characterized in that the conveying surface is arranged at an outer circumferential surface of a rotatable gear. Further, the rotatable gear provides all the advantages already mentioned above with respect to the reuse of each protruding grip of the continuous and rotating element. Unlike the continuous and rotating element, the rotatable gear is solid, thus more robust. This can be particularly advantageous for the dispenser according to the application having a small inner free space.

[0027] As a further alternative, the dispenser according to the application can provide that the conveying surface is arranged at an at least substantially even component, in particular wherein the conveying surface is formed as a rack. Unlike the above-described embodiments, the at least substantially even component does not rotate. Rather, the entire component is moved back and forth, preferably in a longitudinal direction, thereby causing the aforementioned repeated movement of the articulated portion in at least one of the movement directions.

[0028] For example, the component can be moved on a linear path, whereby the back and forth movement of the component preferably coincides. Alternatively, the component can be moved along an elliptical path. The rack is a substantially simple embodiment of such an at least substantially even component.

[0029] Preferably, the dispenser according to the application can be characterized in that the protruding grip is formed as a triangular tooth. The triangular tooth can particularly simply provide the protruding grip, since the base of the triangular tooth can be arranged at a smooth portion of the conveying surface and the two further sides of the triangular tooth form the protruding grip projecting from this surface.

[0030] Further, by selecting the height of the tooth, the distance of the movement of the articulated portion perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can be easily adjusted. Further, the steepness of the sides of the triangular tooth, in particular the side facing the articulated portion during the movement of the conveying portion, influences and thus can be appropriately selected to adjust the force required to move the articulated portion, the greater the required force, the steeper. Thus, the adaptability of the dispenser according to the application with respect to these features can be easily provided.

[0031] In particular, the dispenser according to the application can be improved by the triangular teeth being formed asymmetrically, wherein a first side of the respective triangular tooth inclined forward with respect to the drive direction is steeper than a second side of the respective triangular tooth inclined backward with respect to the drive direction, in particular wherein the second side is perpendicular to the drive direction.

[0032] At the conveying surface moving in the drive direction, the first side of the triangular toothing displaces the articulated part in a first movement perpendicular to the drive direction, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second side thus provides and / or assists an opposite second movement. The first side being less steep relative to the second side allows to provide a dispenser according to the invention, wherein the second movement is performed faster than the first movement. Since only the first movement is related to the pushing of the drive rod, this provides the advantage that interruptions caused by the second movement during the pushing of the drive rod can be reduced. By the second side being perpendicular to the drive direction, the duration of these interruptions and thus the impact of these interruptions can be minimized.

[0033] Furthermore, the dispenser according to the invention can be characterized in that the conveying mechanism comprises two or more different undulating conveying surfaces, each comprising a plurality of protruding grips, wherein only one of the at least two conveying surfaces is active and thus used to provide the operative connection to the toggle lever, and furthermore, the drive mechanism, in particular the conveying mechanism, comprises a switching mechanism to change the active conveying surface, in particular wherein the at least two conveying surfaces are arranged next to each other perpendicularly to the drive direction. In this embodiment, the dispenser according to the invention comprises at least two undulating conveying surfaces.

[0034] In particular, the conveying surfaces are different and thus the respective operative connection to the articulated part provided by the respective conveying surface is also different. For example, the different conveying surfaces can comprise protruding grips having different shapes and / or dimensions.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the distance between the protruding grips can differ on the respective conveying surface along the drive direction between the at least two conveying surfaces.

[0036] Furthermore, a switching mechanism is provided for changing the active conveying surface. In other words, the switching mechanism, which can be provided as part of the drive mechanism, preferably as part of the conveying mechanism, enables the user of the dispenser according to the invention to actively select which conveying surface is to be used and thus which operative connection between the trigger mechanism and the drive rod is to be established. The dispenser according to the invention can be provided as a whole to be adaptable on external limits, for example the medium or flow rate to be applied required according to the current use of the dispenser according to the invention.

[0037] In particular, if the at least two conveying surfaces are arranged next to each other perpendicularly to the drive direction, the switching between the different conveying surfaces can be provided more easily. In this particular embodiment, only the conveying surfaces need to be moved and all other components, in particular the toggle lever and the drive rod, can remain fixed in their installed position within the dispenser according to the invention.

[0038] Preferably, the dispenser according to the present application can comprise a trigger mechanism comprising an electric motor element providing a driving force. In particular, in embodiments of the dispenser wherein the transport surface is arranged at a continuous and rotating element or at an outer peripheral surface of a rotatable gear, by providing the driving force by the electric motor element, an uninterrupted movement of the transport surface, and thus of the driving rod, can easily be provided.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, the dispenser according to the present application can be characterized in that the trigger mechanism comprises a trigger lever pivotably mounted in the housing between a rest position and an actuated position, the trigger lever providing the driving force, wherein in particular a ratchet mechanism provides an operative connection between the trigger lever and the transport mechanism.

[0040] Preferably, the trigger lever can be manually actuated. This provides a more direct influence on the flow rate, as the actuation movement of the trigger lever from its rest position to its actuated position, in particular the speed of this movement, directly influences the driving force, and thus the movement of the driving rod into the cartridge. By implementing a ratchet mechanism, it can be ensured that during a reverse movement of the trigger lever from its actuated position into its rest position, the mechanical connection with the transport mechanism is broken. Thus, the influence of this movement on the movement of the driving rod can easily be suppressed.

[0041] Furthermore, the dispenser according to the present application can be improved in that the transport mechanism comprises a main body having a first operative portion for providing an operative connection with the trigger lever and a second operative portion comprising a transport surface for providing an operative connection with the toggle lever. In other words, the main body comprises two special portions, each of which is dedicated to provide an operative connection suitable for the trigger lever and the toggle lever, respectively.

[0042] By providing different and separate portions of the main body for these tasks, both the first operative portion and the second operative portion can be adapted to the special needs of the respective operative connection, in particular independently from the respective other operative connection.

[0043] Preferably, in a further improved embodiment, the dispenser according to the present application can comprise that the first operative portion comprises a long slot, and the trigger lever comprises a pin engaging the long slot of the first operative portion, in particular wherein a main extension of the long slot is perpendicular or at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and / or the driving direction.

[0044] During the movement of the trigger lever from its rest position to its actuated position, the pin of the trigger lever end moves substantially along a circular path. By the pin engaging the long slot being part of the first operative portion, the action of the trigger lever can be substantially converted into a longitudinal movement of the main body.

[0045] In particular by orienting the main extension of the long slot perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the movement of the body will follow the longitudinal direction. As the conveying surface is arranged on the body as a second operative arrangement, it is easily possible to provide a movement of the conveying portion along the longitudinal direction.

[0046] Furthermore, the dispenser according to the application can be characterized in that the dispenser comprises a cartridge portion designed to receive one of two or more separate cartridges having two or more cartridge chambers or having a corresponding cartridge chamber and two or more drive rods engaging the cartridge chamber accordingly, and furthermore, the drive mechanism comprises a transmission mechanism to provide an operative connection to move the corresponding drive rods.

[0047] In other words, in this embodiment of the dispenser according to the application, more than one medium can be applied simultaneously. In particular, it is also possible to provide a mixture of two or more media which are mixed after application to the surface to be applied or are premixed within a suitable mixing element of the dispenser. Thus, the field of application of the dispenser according to the application can be enlarged.

[0048] In a further improved embodiment of the dispenser according to the application, the transmission mechanism comprises two or more corresponding conveying mechanisms, whereby each conveying mechanism is in operative connection with the trigger mechanism, and wherein the corresponding drive mechanism comprises two or more corresponding toggle levers in operative connection with the corresponding drive rods, in particular via a pressure plate, to move the corresponding drive rods, whereby each toggle lever is in operative connection with a conveying surface of one of the conveying mechanisms. In this embodiment, a single trigger mechanism provides a drive force for a plurality of conveying mechanisms and via the corresponding toggle levers for the corresponding drive rods.

[0049] In particular, the transmission mechanism comprises a corresponding pair of conveying mechanisms and toggle levers for each drive rod to be driven. Corresponding to the limitations of the particular embodiment of the dispenser according to the application, the corresponding final operative connections can be chosen to be identical or different. All features and advantages described above in relation to the single combination of conveying surface and toggle lever can be provided by this particular embodiment of the dispenser according to the application with each corresponding combination of the transmission mechanism comprising two or more combinations of conveying mechanisms and toggle levers.

[0050] An improved embodiment of the dispenser according to the invention can be characterized in that the at least one transfer mechanism comprises two or more transfer surfaces, wherein each transfer surface is in operative connection with at least one toggle lever, in particular wherein at least two transfer surfaces are formed differently to provide different pressure exerted on the medium stored in the respective cartridge. By providing a transfer mechanism comprising at least two transfer surfaces in operative connection with at least two toggle levers, the number of completely independent transfer mechanisms can be reduced. This at the same time helps to reduce the need for space available within the dispenser, the internal complexity of the mechanical components of the dispenser and also the production costs. In particular, by providing two different transfer surfaces, even an adaptation with respect to the medium in the respective cartridge can be provided.

[0051] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of operating a dispenser for cartridges, in particular a dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention, the dispenser comprising a drive mechanism for driving a drive rod of the dispenser in a longitudinal direction into a cartridge arranged in a cartridge portion of the dispenser to exert a pressure on a medium stored in the cartridge, and the drive mechanism comprising a toggle lever in operative connection with the drive rod, in particular via a pressure plate, for moving the drive rod, a trigger mechanism providing a drive force for the movement of the drive rod via the toggle lever, and a transfer mechanism having a wave-like transfer surface with several protruding catches arranged between the trigger mechanism and the toggle lever to provide an operative connection between the trigger mechanism and the toggle lever, characterized by the following steps:

[0052] a) providing a drive force by the trigger mechanism,

[0053] b) driving the wave-like transfer surface by the drive force provided in step a) to move in a drive direction at least partially substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction,

[0054] c) repeatedly displacing a hinged portion of the toggle lever perpendicular to the longitudinal direction by the passage of the protruding catches of the moving transfer surface, and

[0055] d) moving the drive rod via the operative connection of the toggle lever with the drive rod.

[0056] The method according to the second aspect of the invention is in particular intended to be performed by a dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention. Thus, the method according to the second aspect of the invention can provide all features and advantages already described in detail with respect to the dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0057] Generally, the method according to the present application can be applied to a dispenser having a toggle lever. The toggle lever comprises a first lever part and a second lever part, facing ends of the lever parts being pivotably connected at an articulation portion of the toggle lever. A respective other end of the first lever part is pivotably mounted in a housing of the dispenser, a respective other end of the second lever part being operatively connected to a drive rod. Thus, a movement of the articulation portion results in a movement of the respective other end of the second lever part and, thereby, in a pushing of the drive rod in a longitudinal direction. In particular, the operative connection between the second lever part and the drive rod can be provided via a pressure plate.

[0058] In step a) of the method according to the present application, a basic driving force is provided, for example by a manual actuation of a trigger lever and / or by an electric motor element.

[0059] According to the present application, a transfer mechanism is arranged between the trigger mechanism and the toggle lever. The transfer mechanism comprises a wavy transfer surface having a plurality of protruding grips protruding from the transfer surface, wherein the transfer surface is operatively connected to the toggle lever, in particular to the articulation portion of the toggle lever. In step b) of the method according to the present application, the wavy transfer surface is moved by a driving force which is at least partially substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0060] In step c) of the method according to the present application, this movement of the wavy transfer surface results in a repeated displacement (repeated displacement) of the articulation portion. In other words, the protruding grips pass the articulation portion by the movement of the wavy surface and each protruding grip displaces the articulation portion. Since the transfer portion is preferably moved along the longitudinal direction, the displacement (displacement) is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0061] In step d) of the method according to the present application, each repeated displacement of the articulation portion results in a movement of the drive rod, which is provided by the operative connection of the toggle lever to the drive rod, as mentioned above, for example via the pressure plate. Although the size of each displacement is small, the repetition of these displacements results in an arbitrary large movement of the drive rod.

[0062] Further, the repeated displacements are similar, preferably identical. Thus, the displacements always cover the same small distance perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The same distance, in turn, provides an at least approximately constant power transmission ratio. Further, since the amplification effect of the toggle lever can be more efficiently utilized, the power transmission ratio can also be improved. In summary, by operating the dispenser according to the method of the present application, an at least approximately constant flow rate of the medium to be dispensed can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0063] The application will be further described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments shown in the drawings. In all the drawings, elements of the same function are denoted by the same reference signs. In the following, any statements made regarding the orientation of components are made with respect to the position shown in the drawings and can naturally be changed in the position of actual application. The description of the drawings is made by way of detail. The specific features of each aspect of the application and the subsequent drawings can be combined with each other if technically meaningful. The drawings show schematically:

[0064] Figure 1 is a first embodiment of a dispenser according to the application,

[0065] Figure 2 is a second embodiment of a dispenser according to the application,

[0066] Figure 3 is a third embodiment of a dispenser according to the application, wherein the trigger lever of the dispenser is in its rest position,

[0067] Figure 4 is a dispenser embodiment of Figure 3 , wherein the trigger lever of the dispenser is in its actuated position,

[0068] Figure 5 is a fourth embodiment of a dispenser according to the application,

[0069] Figure 6 is a fifth embodiment of a dispenser according to the application, and

[0070] Figure 7 is a sixth embodiment of a dispenser according to the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] With regard to all the drawings, Figures 1 to 7 possible embodiments of a dispenser 1 according to the application are shown schematically. The dispenser 1 comprises a cartridge portion 10 for arranging a cartridge. If shown completely, of the elements of the cartridge portion 10, in particular only the drive rod 14 and the pressure plate 12 are shown. Furthermore, all shown dispensers 1 comprise a handling portion 20. The housing 22 of the handling portion 20 serves as an outer shell and counter support of a drive mechanism 30 of the dispenser 1.

[0072] The drive mechanism 30 is mechanically connected to the pressure plate 12 to drive the drive rod 14 into a cartridge in the cartridge portion 10, to finally exert a pressure on a medium stored in the cartridge. According to the application, it is also possible that the drive mechanism 30 of the pressure plate 12 for providing an operative connection to the drive rod 14 is not present.

[0073] The actual design of the drive mechanism 30 is essential for the distinction between the different embodiments of the dispenser 1 according to the present invention.

[0074] All drive mechanisms 30 comprise a trigger mechanism 80 for providing a driving force 100, a toggle lever 40 operatively connected with the pressure plate 12 for moving the drive rod 14, and a transmission mechanism 50 arranged between the trigger mechanism 80 and the toggle lever 40, which provides an operative connection between the trigger mechanism 80 and the toggle lever 40, wherein the transmission mechanism 50 comprises a wavy transmission surface 52 with several protruding grips 70 for contacting a hinged portion 44 of the toggle lever 40, which pivotably connects a first lever part 42 and a second lever part 46 of the toggle lever 40 about a hinged axis 48.

[0075] In the following, the basic operating principle of the dispenser 1 according to the present invention and the method of operating the dispenser according to the present invention are described with respect to Figure 1 the embodiment shown. However, since all embodiments of the dispenser 1 according to the present invention share common elements, in particular the toggle lever 40 and the transmission mechanism 50 with the wavy transmission surface 52 having several protruding grips 70 for contacting a hinged portion 44 of the toggle lever 40, this description is valid for all embodiments of the dispenser 1 and the method according to the present invention, respectively.

[0076] In the following, the basic operating principle of the dispenser 1 according to the present invention and the method of operating the dispenser according to the present invention are described with respect to Figure 1 the embodiment shown. However, since all embodiments of the dispenser 1 according to the present invention share common elements, in particular the toggle lever 40 and the transmission mechanism 50 with the wavy transmission surface 52 having several protruding grips 70 for contacting a hinged portion 44 of the toggle lever 40, this description is valid for all embodiments of the dispenser 1 and the method according to the present invention, respectively. Figure 1 In the following, the basic operating principle of the dispenser 1 according to the present invention and the method of operating the dispenser according to the present invention are described with respect to

[0077] In the following, the basic operating principle of the dispenser 1 according to the present invention and the method of operating the dispenser according to the present invention are described with respect to

[0078] The duration of the movement of the drive rod 14 can be adjusted by the number of repetitions of the movement of the hinge portion 44. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment of the dispenser 1 according to the invention, wherein the conveying surface 52 is arranged at a continuous and rotating element 54, uninterrupted movement of the conveying surface 52 can be easily provided by the driving force 100 provided by the electric motor element 82, thereby providing uninterrupted movement of the drive rod 14.

[0079] Figure 2 A more detailed illustration shows the dispenser 1 according to the invention and its... Figure 1 Similar embodiments are shown. In particular, also in Figure 2 In one embodiment, the conveying surface 52 is arranged at a continuous and rotating element 54, which is in particular a chain. As stated above regarding... Figure 1 All the features and advantages provided by the continuous and rotating element 54, such as the conveying surface 52, are also effective in this embodiment.

[0080] and Figure 1 In comparison, Figure 2 In the embodiment of the diffuser 1 according to the present invention shown, the triggering mechanism 80 includes a trigger rod 84 as the source of the driving force 100.

[0081] The trigger lever 84 is shown in its rest position 86, from which it can be moved counterclockwise to its actuated position 88, for example, see [reference needed]. Figure 5 Furthermore, the conveying mechanism 50 includes a body 60, which includes a first operating portion 62 for providing an operative connection to the trigger lever 84 and a second operating portion 64 including the conveying surface 52.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the first operating portion 62 includes a ratchet mechanism 90. During the movement of the trigger lever 84 from its rest position 86 to its actuated position 88, the ratchet mechanism 90 ensures rotation of the body 60, and thus ensures movement of the continuously rotating element 54 forming the conveying surface 52. During the reverse movement of the trigger lever 84 back to its rest position 86, the ratchet mechanism 90 prevents movement of the body 60.

[0083] Figure 3 Different embodiments of the dispenser 1 according to the present invention are shown. First, an embodiment of the toggle lever 40 of the drive mechanism 30 used is compared with the reference. Figure 1 The described embodiments are similar. Additionally, in this embodiment, the triggering mechanism 80 further includes a trigger rod 84 as the source of the driving force 100.

[0084] However, the transmission mechanism 50 and Figure 1 and Figure 2The corresponding transmission mechanism shown in the middle is completely different. The transmission mechanism 50 comprises a main body 60 having a first operating portion 62 for providing an operative connection with the trigger lever 84 and a second operating portion 64 comprising the transmission surface 52 for providing an operative connection with the toggle lever 40.

[0085] In the shown embodiment, the first operating portion 62 comprises a long slot 78 and the trigger lever comprises a pin 92 engaging the long slot 78, whereby a main extension of the long slot 78 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 110. During application of the drive force 100, the pin 92 moves essentially along a circular path. By engaging the long slot 78, the movement of the trigger lever 84 can essentially be converted into a longitudinal movement of the main body 60, so that the drive direction 112 of the transmission surface 52 is parallel to the longitudinal direction 110.

[0086] Furthermore, the transmission surface 52 as a part of the second operating portion 64 comprises the protruding grip 70 formed as a triangular tooth 72. In particular, in this embodiment, the triangular tooth 72 is formed asymmetrically, wherein a first side 74 of the respective triangular tooth 72 inclined forward with respect to the drive direction 112 is less steep than a second side 76 of the respective triangular tooth 72 inclined backward with respect to the drive direction 112, in particular, the second side is even perpendicular to the drive direction 112.

[0087] During operation, the transmission surface 52 is moved along the drive direction 112 and the first side 74 of the triangular tooth 72 displaces the articulated portion 44 of the toggle lever 40. After passing the tip of the respective triangular tooth 72 at the end of the first side 74, the articulated portion 44 immediately drops to the base of the next triangular tooth 72 and the next movement of the articulated portion 44 caused by the first side 74 of the next triangular tooth 72 starts without any delay.

[0088] Preferably, the operative connection between the trigger lever 84, in particular the pin 92 at the upper end of the trigger lever 84, and the first operating portion 62 of the main body 60, in particular the long slot 78, can be provided such that during application of the drive force 100, the drive direction 112 of the main body 60 is parallel or at least essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction 110. Thereby, a particularly smooth and uniform actuation of the trigger lever 40 can be provided.

[0089] In addition, the above-mentioned operative connection between the trigger lever 84 and the first operating portion 62 of the main body 60 can be provided such that during the reverse movement of the trigger lever 84 back to its initial position, the main body 60 is slightly vertically displaced downward to lift the operative connection between the second operating portion 64 and the toggle lever 40. Thereby, a movement of the main body 60 opposite to the driving direction 112 can be provided which is associated with the movement of the trigger lever 84 back to its initial position without any influence on the toggle lever 40 and thus on the drive mechanism 30.

[0090] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A further possible embodiment of the dispenser 1 according to the present application is shown which is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 . In particular, Figure 4 and Figure 5 the embodiment differs from the corresponding embodiment of Figure 2 mainly only in the physical form of the transport surface 52 and its protruding grip portions 70 which are arranged at the outer peripheral surface of the rotatable gear wheel 56. The rotatable gear wheel 56 is likewise part of the main body 60 of the drive mechanism 30.

[0091] Similar to the continuous and rotating element 54 shown in Figure 2 , the rotatable gear wheel 56 is rotated in the driving direction 112 when the trigger lever 84 is moved away from its rest position 86 (see Figure 4 ) to its actuated position 88 (see Figure 5 ) under the influence of the driving force 100. By comparing Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the basic operating principle of the dispenser 1 is clearly visible. Due to the driving force 100 provided by the trigger lever 84, the rotatable gear wheel 56 is rotated in the driving direction 112.

[0092] The protruding grip portions 70 of the transport surface 52 arranged at the outer peripheral surface of the rotatable gear wheel 56 follow this movement and by the physical contact of one of the protruding grip portions 70, the articulated portion 44 of the toggle lever 40 is displaced, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 110 of the dispenser 1. Due to the pivotal fixation of the first lever part 42 at the housing 22 and the operative connection between the second lever part 46 and the pressure plate 12, the drive bar 14 is driven in the longitudinal direction 110 to exert a pressure onto the medium arranged in the cartridge in the cartridge portion 10.

[0093] Figure 6A further possible embodiment of a dispenser 1 according to the present application is shown. In this embodiment, the transport mechanism 50 comprises two different undulating transport surfaces 52, each transport surface being provided as a continuous rotating element 54. The difference of the transport surfaces 52 can be, for example, the distance of the respective protruding grips 70 along the drive direction 110, which is indicated by the different hatching of the shown transport surfaces 52.

[0094] In particular, only one transport surface 52 is active and thus used to provide the operative connection with the toggle lever 40. The drive force 100 is provided by an electric motor element 82. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 30, in particular the transport mechanism 50, comprises a switching mechanism 32 to change the active transport surface 52, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 6 .

[0095] To facilitate the switching of the active transport surface 52, the two transport surfaces 52 are arranged next to each other perpendicularly with respect to the drive direction 110. The switching mechanism 32 enables the user of the dispenser 1 to actively select which transport surface 52 is used and thus which operative connection between the trigger mechanism 80 and the drive rod 14 (not shown) is established. The adaptability of the dispenser 1 according to the present application as a whole on external limits, for example the required flow rate of the medium to be applied or the current use of the dispenser 1, can be improved.

[0096] In Figure 7 , an embodiment of a dispenser 1 according to the present application is shown, which comprises a cartridge portion 10 designed to receive one of a multi-component cartridge having two cartridge chambers and a separate cartridge having a respective cartridge chamber. To exert a pressure on the medium stored in each cartridge chamber, three drive rods 14 are provided.

[0097] The drive mechanism 30 comprises a transmission mechanism 34 to provide an operative connection to move each drive rod 14. In particular, in the shown embodiment, the transmission mechanism 34 comprises two respective transport mechanisms 50, wherein the transport mechanism 50 dedicated to the multi-component cartridge comprises two transport surfaces 52 and the other transport mechanism 50 comprises a single transport surface 52.

[0098] Each transport mechanism 50 is in operative connection with the trigger mechanism 80 and each transport surface is in operative connection with a respective toggle lever 40 to actuate a pressure plate 12 (not shown) to move the respective drive rod 14 (not shown). In other words, more than one kind of medium can be applied simultaneously. In particular, a mixture of two or more kinds of medium can also be provided, which is mixed after application to the surface to be applied or pre-mixed within a suitable mixing element of the dispenser 1. By adapting the respective transport surfaces 52 to each cartridge chamber, a separate flow of the respective medium in the cartridge chamber can be provided.

[0099] List of reference signs

[0100] 1 dispenser

[0101] 10 cartridge portion

[0102] 12 pressure plate

[0103] 14 drive rod

[0104] 20 handle portion

[0105] 22 housing

[0106] 30 drive mechanism

[0107] 32 switching mechanism

[0108] 34 transmission mechanism

[0109] 40 toggle lever

[0110] 42 first lever component

[0111] 44 hinged portion

[0112] 46 second lever component

[0113] 48 hinging axis

[0114] 50 transmission mechanism

[0115] 52 transmission surface

[0116] 54 rotating element

[0117] 56 rotatable gear

[0118] 58 flat component

[0119] 60 main body

[0120] 62 first operating portion

[0121] 64 second operating portion

[0122] 70 grip

[0123] 72 triangular tooth portion

[0124] 74 first side

[0125] 76 second side

[0126] 78 long slot

[0127] 80 triggering mechanism

[0128] 82 electric motor element

[0129] 84 trigger lever

[0130] 86 rest position

[0131] 88 actuated position

[0132] 90 ratchet mechanism

[0133] 92 pin

[0134] 100 driving force

[0135] 110 longitudinal direction

[0136] 112 driving direction

Claims

1. A dispenser (1) for a feed cylinder, comprising an operating portion (20) and a feed cylinder portion (10) for arranging the feed cylinder, wherein, The operating part (20) includes a housing (22) and a drive mechanism (30), the drive mechanism being disposed in the housing (22) to drive a drive rod (14) in the longitudinal direction (110) into a cylinder disposed in the cylinder part (10) to apply pressure to the medium stored in the cylinder, the drive mechanism (30) comprising: - An elbow lever (40) having a first lever component (42), a hinge portion (44), and a second lever component (46), the first lever component (42) being pivotally mounted in the housing (22), the second lever component (46) being operatively connected to the drive rod (14) to move the drive rod (14), and the hinge portion (44) being pivotally connected to the first lever component (42) and the second lever component (46) about a hinge axis (48). -A triggering mechanism (80) that provides a driving force (100) for the movement of the drive rod (14) via the toggle lever (40), and A transmission mechanism (50) is arranged between the triggering mechanism (80) and the toggle lever (40) to provide an operative connection between the triggering mechanism (80) and the toggle lever (40). The conveying mechanism (50) includes a wavy conveying surface (52) having a plurality of protruding gripping portions (70) for contacting the hinge portion (44) of the toggle lever (40) to provide operative connection with the toggle lever (40), thereby causing the conveying surface (52) to move along a drive direction (112) at least partially and substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (110) by applying the driving force (100) via the triggering mechanism (80), and the protruding gripping portions (70) of the wavy conveying surface (52) causing the hinge portion (44) to move repeatedly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (110).

2. The distributor (1) according to claim 1, in, The operative connection between the second rod component (46) and the drive rod (14) is provided by a pressure plate (12) which is operatively connected to both the second rod component (46) and the drive rod (14).

3. The distributor (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The conveying surface (52) is arranged at a continuous and rotating element (54).

4. The distributor (1) according to claim 3, in, The conveying surface (52) is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the rotatable gear (56).

5. The distributor (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The conveying surface (52) is arranged on a component (58) that is at least substantially flat.

6. The distributor (1) according to claim 1, in, The protruding gripping part (70) is formed as a triangular toothed part (72).

7. The distributor (1) according to claim 6, in, The triangular teeth (72) are formed asymmetrically, wherein the first side (74) of the corresponding triangular teeth (72) that is tilted forward relative to the driving direction (112) is not as steep as the second side (76) of the corresponding triangular teeth (72) that is tilted backward relative to the driving direction (112).

8. The distributor (1) according to claim 1, in, The conveying mechanism (50) includes two or more different corrugated conveying surfaces (52), each corrugated conveying surface including a plurality of protruding gripping portions (70), wherein only one of the two or more conveying surfaces (52) is active and thus serves to provide operative connection with the toggle lever (40), and the drive mechanism (30) includes a switching mechanism (32) to change the active conveying surface (52).

9. The distributor (1) according to claim 1, in, The triggering mechanism (80) includes an electric motor element (82) that provides the driving force (100).

10. The distributor (1) according to claim 1, in, The triggering mechanism (80) includes a trigger rod (84) pivotally mounted in the housing (22) between a rest position (86) and an actuated position (88), the trigger rod (84) providing the driving force (100).

11. The distributor (1) according to claim 10, in, The transmission mechanism (50) includes a body (60) having a first operating portion (62) for providing operative connection with the trigger lever (84) and a second operating portion (64) including a transmission surface (52) for providing operative connection with the toggle lever (40).

12. The distributor (1) according to claim 11, in, The first operating portion (62) includes a long slot (78), and the trigger rod (84) includes a pin (92) that engages the long slot (78) of the first operating portion (62).

13. The distributor (1) according to claim 1, in, The dispenser (1) includes a barrel section (10) designed to accommodate one of two or more individual barrels having two or more barrel chambers or having a corresponding barrel chamber and two or more corresponding drive bars (14) engaging the barrel chamber. Furthermore, the drive mechanism (30) includes a transmission mechanism (34) to provide an operative connection to move the corresponding drive bar (14).

14. The distributor (1) according to claim 13, in, The transmission mechanism (34) includes two or more corresponding transmission mechanisms (50), each of which is operatively connected to the triggering mechanism (80), and each of the corresponding drive mechanisms (30) includes two or more corresponding toggle levers (40), each toggle lever being operatively connected to the corresponding drive rod (14) to move the corresponding drive rod (14), wherein each of the toggle levers (40) is operatively connected to the transmission surface (52) of one of the transmission mechanisms (50).

15. The dispenser (1) according to claim 14, in, At least one of the conveying mechanisms (50) includes two or more conveying surfaces (52), each of which is operatively connected to at least one of the toggle levers (40).

16. A method of operating a dispenser (1) for a hopper according to any one of claims 1-15, the dispenser (1) comprising a drive mechanism and a hopper portion (10) for arranging the hopper, the drive mechanism being configured to drive a drive bar (14) of the dispenser (1) in a longitudinal direction (110) into the hopper arranged in the hopper portion (10) to apply pressure to a medium stored in the hopper, wherein, The drive mechanism (30) includes a toggle lever (40), a triggering mechanism (80), and a transmission mechanism (50). The toggle lever is operatively connected to the drive rod (14) to move the drive rod (14). The triggering mechanism provides a driving force (100) for moving the drive rod (14) via the toggle lever (40). The transmission mechanism has a wavy transmission surface (52) with a plurality of protruding gripping portions (70) arranged between the triggering mechanism (80) and the toggle lever (40), thereby providing an operative connection between the triggering mechanism (80) and the toggle lever (40). Its characteristics include the following steps: a) A driving force (100) is provided through the triggering mechanism (80). b) The movement of the wavy conveying surface (52) driven by the driving force (100) provided in step a) in a driving direction (112) that is at least partially and substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (110). c) The protruding gripping portion (70) of the moving conveying surface (52) causes the hinge portion (44) of the toggle lever (40) to repeatedly shift perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (110) by passing through the protruding gripping portion (70) of the moving conveying surface (52), and d) Move the drive rod (14) via the operative connection of the toggle lever (40) to the drive rod (14).

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