Improved static mixing tip

Abstract

A static mixing tip (10) is disclosed, comprising a static mixer (100), a housing (110), a headspace (140), a sealing lip (20) on a base (30) of the static mixer (100) providing a seal between the base (30) and the housing (110), and a venting device (150) [e.g. vent (155)] on the sealing lip (20) and / or the housing (110) providing gaseous flow communication between the two sides of the sealing lip, preferably providing a gaseous connection between the headspace (140) and the external ambient atmosphere outside the static mixing tip (10), such that gas trapped in the headspace (140) during normal operation and use can escape to the external ambient atmosphere. The invention also relates to a static mixer (100) suitable for the static mixing tip (10), the use of the static mixing tip (10) and a kit comprising parts of the static mixing tip (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved static mixing tip (static mixing tip) including an exhaust device, a static mixer suitable for use in the static mixing tip, a method of using the static mixing tip to exhaust air to the ambient atmosphere while mixing components, and a parts kit including the static mixing tip. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of applicator systems, static mixing tips suitable for mixing two or more materials (such as liquids or viscous substances containing adhesive or other reactive material components) are known for industrial, construction, and dental applications. For example, EP0584428B1 discloses a helical static mixer, and EP1426099B1, EP0749776B1, and EP0815929B1 disclose various static mixers with a quadratic-based mixing element.

[0003] The components to be mixed and the final mixture are valuable and may be sensitive to and / or irritating to air, and therefore it is undesirable for them to be lost or spilled through leakage from the dispenser system. For this reason, static mixing tips, which are typically available from a variety of manufacturers on the market, usually have a seal that fits tightly with the outlet of the barrel and are themselves tightly sealed except for their outlets.

[0004] While such tightly sealed tips prevent leakage, their tight seal can introduce potential risks. For example, air may be present inside the tip before the material to be mixed enters the static mixing tip. If this air does not exit the outlet of the mixing tip before the mixed material, it will be trapped in the incoming material and cause air bubbles to form within it. Another potential source of air or gas may be the material within the barrel itself. Air bubbles within the barrel container can originate from insufficient venting during barrel filling or can be formed due to subsequent processing of the filled barrel, such as by heating, freezing, sterilization, or irradiation. Such air or gas bubbles are undesirable because their presence inhibits efficient mixing of the material, and the final mixture may have localized inhomogeneities or poor mixed product material properties, such as poor strength or adhesion, or filling defects.

[0005] EP1896192A1 discloses an apparatus and method for venting air trapped within a static mixing tip, based on a valve assembly, off-channel or outlet, and a collection container with a special filtration system, to retain material while allowing air passage. The collection container can even be connected to another suction or vacuum device. This disclosed venting device is complex and requires a significant amount of space, which may not be available when applying material to a small area with limited access and workspace. Furthermore, performing necessary handling operations (such as making and terminating connections, opening and closing valves, or controlling suction devices) can be challenging if the user is wearing gloves or other protective, hygienic, or safety equipment. Moreover, the reaction between the incoming materials to be mixed begins immediately upon contact with each other within the mixing tip, so there is often insufficient time to connect additional (one or more) venting devices to the mixing tip or before the mixing tip, and also insufficient time for additional pre-release venting steps before the mixture begins to harden or must be released. Using the scheme disclosed in EP'192A1, efficient venting is complex, requires special care, and is challenging in the case of fast-reacting adhesives.

[0006] It is difficult to expel the air trapped within the static mixer tip, where no part can move. A possible solution to this problem is disclosed in US5498078, which provides a sloping guide surface that prevents the accumulation of any air or gas and thus supposedly ensures air evacuation and prevents bubble formation. However, this sloping surface increases the length of the static mixer because an additional surface needs to be provided on the static mixer, and it does not help to expel the air trapped in the top space between the static mixer and the housing.

[0007] In the context of the prior art, the present invention provides a static mixing tip that produces a homogeneous mixture without bubbles, without requiring additional venting devices and auxiliary equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Starting from this prior art, the present invention provides a solution applicable to all types of static mixing tips without increasing the length of the mixer. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered a simple and cost-effective solution for expelling trapped air from the static mixing tip by providing vents on the sealing lip and / or housing of the static mixing tip. This solution can be applied to static mixing tips with arbitrary geometries.

[0009] According to the invention, these objectives are achieved by a static mixing tip having one or more venting devices present on the sealing lip and / or housing of a static mixer, wherein the venting devices provide gas flow communication between the two sides of the sealing lip, generally along the axial direction of the mixing tip (e.g., from the outlet toward (one or more) inlets), i.e., one side toward the top space (interior) and the other side toward the exterior. The venting devices are preferably configured to provide a gaseous connection between the top space and the external ambient atmosphere outside the static mixing tip, such that a portion of the gas trapped in the top space between the housing and the static mixer has a path and can escape to the external ambient atmosphere during normal operation. Those skilled in the art will understand that any continuous path will be sufficient to allow gas to pass through easily, even if it is relatively narrow, long, and tortuous. The incoming material flows into the top space between the static mixer and the housing through inlets provided on the static mixer. Air present in the top space is expelled through vents present on the sealing lip and / or housing. After the trapped air has escaped, the vents are thus sealed by the material. The present invention also provides a way to use this static mixing tip in order to achieve these benefits.

[0010] Without wishing to be constrained by any particular mechanism, the inventors believed that a long, tortuous path from the top space to the outside atmosphere along the length of the static mixer base in the axial direction and through a narrow passage on the exhaust device inhibits the outward flow and loss of high-value and irritating substances from the mixing tip, while still allowing easy passage of low-viscosity air from the top space to the outside atmosphere. Therefore, this exhaust mechanism in the claimed invention serves as a filtration system to retain viscous substances in the mixing tip while allowing air to escape easily.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the venting device is an vent that is radially oriented around the sealing lip and / or the housing. This radial orientation advantageously allows the vents to be evenly distributed.

[0012] These vents extend inward and have a depth (D) and width (W), which are the lengths of the vent openings on the surfaces of the sealing lip and / or housing. In some embodiments of the invention, the vents have a depth (D) and / or width (W) of 0.005 mm to 0.1 mm, preferably 0.01 mm to 0.06 mm. These dimensions advantageously allow air to escape while preventing material leakage from the static mixing tip under normal operating pressure.

[0013] In some embodiments of the invention, the exhaust ports may be of equal size, which is easy to manufacture. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the exhaust ports may be of unequal size. The various sizes of the exhaust ports allow for compensation of pressure differences generated in different regions of the static mixing tip. When material enters the static mixing tip through the inlet, it exerts pressure on the air present inside the tip. The air is propelled by the entering material, and the pressure can be unevenly distributed within the tip. For example, the air furthest from the inlet experiences greater pressure than the air closer to the inlet. Therefore, in some preferred embodiments, the exhaust ports closer to the inlet are smaller than those farther from the inlet to compensate for this pressure difference.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the vents may be unequal in size, with vents closer to the region where the two materials to be mixed physically interact being larger than those closer to the inlet. Vents closer to the inlet are the smallest compared to the others, and their size gradually increases such that the size of the vents is largest in the region where the two materials to be mixed physically contact and interact. The region where the two materials first physically contact and interact is determined by the material ratio and therefore by the type of barrel to which the static mixing tip is configured. Barrels with different ratios and static mixing tips have different positions and their corresponding inlet and outlet relative sizes, such that only the correct static mixing tip can be compatible with the correct barrel. For example, as determined by computer modeling or experimentation, if the materials to be mixed are in a 1:1 ratio, the region where the two materials physically interact will be in a central region approximately equidistant from the two inlets. On the other hand, if the materials to be mixed are unequal in ratio, the region where the two materials physically interact will be further away from the center and closer to the inlet of the material with the smaller ratio. For example, if the materials to be mixed are in a 4:1 ratio, the area where the two materials physically interact will be closer to the smaller inlet compared to the larger inlet, for example, within one-third, preferably one-quarter, of the distance between the closest edges of the smaller and larger inlets. Those skilled in the art can easily locate the area where the two materials physically interact based on their ratio; for example, if the materials to be mixed are in a 2:1 ratio, the area where the two materials physically interact will be between the center and the area where the materials in a 4:1 ratio interact. In some embodiments, the exhaust ports gradually increase in size from the one closest to the inlet to the one closest to the area where the two materials to be mixed first physically meet and interact.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, vents may be present on the inner surface of the housing. These vents may be present on the inner surface of the base of the housing, and located on the inner surface of the base such that a portion of the vent overlaps with a portion of the interface between the sealing lip and the housing along the axial direction of the static mixing tip. This overlap will ensure that trapped air finds a path to escape through the vents rather than being blocked by the sealing lip.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the exhaust ports are distributed approximately uniformly, preferably uniformly, around the sealing lip and / or the housing. This uniform distribution ensures that air can escape evenly and from all areas of the mixing tip.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the vent is implemented such that the material entering the static mixing tip expels air from the vent and seals it. The volume of the headspace is relatively large compared to the volume of the vent, and the air escape path is generally narrow and tortuous. Therefore, as air in the headspace shifts during use and is compressed by the incoming material, it will easily escape through the vent. Those skilled in the art will readily understand how the relative geometric parameters of the vent and its passage are determined, such as diameter, length, and degree of tortuosity, so that, depending on the viscosity of the material intended for use at the static mixing tip, the material can remove air and subsequently partially fill and block the vent and its passage. For example, the filter path can be formed by a series of narrow, labyrinthine channels to trap material entering through the air passage openings.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing has a base and a body, wherein the inner surface of the housing connects the base to the body and is substantially truncated conical. The conical geometry smoothly guides the incoming material forward and into the body of the housing, where the material is mixed. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that the truncated conical geometry generates more free volume at the center, providing less flow resistance. This unique feature allows the incoming material to initially occupy the volume providing minimum resistance, which in this case is the center. The resistance faced by the incoming material increases away from the center (which provides minimum resistance) toward the space between the housing and the sealing lip (which provides maximum resistance). This increasing gradient of resistance from the center to the periphery of the housing ensures that the incoming material propagates in a manner that does not trap air present in the top space. Air present in the center is radially pushed towards the periphery by the incoming material and finally towards the sealing lip. Thus, the material propagation provided by the truncated conical geometry advantageously avoids trapping air already present in the static mixing tip within the material.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lateral surface above the sealing lip present on the base of the static mixer can be substantially frustoconical in shape. In other words, this lateral surface between the top of the base of the static mixer and the sealing lip can be substantially frustoconical, such that in this embodiment the diameter of the static mixer increases from the top of the base towards the sealing lip. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that the frustoconical geometry generates more free volume between the tops of the base of the static mixer, which provides less flow resistance. Thus, this frustoconical surface creates an annular gap extending around the circumferential portion of the base, having a substantially inverted triangular cross-section. This inverted triangular cross-section results in an increase in flow resistance in the direction from the top space to the sealing ring, as the annular gap gradually narrows towards the sealing ring. Therefore, the frustoconical lateral surface allows for a decrease in the incremental free volume and thus allows for an increase in resistance. This incremental gradient of resistance from the top of the base of the static mixer to the sealing lip advantageously ensures that the incoming material propagates in a manner that does not become trapped in the top space or in the air present in the annular gap between the base of the housing and the base of the static mixer. The air present in the annular gap between the base of the housing and the base of the static mixer has low viscosity, and is therefore pushed downward toward the sealing lip by the incoming, more viscous material. Thus, the relative material and gas propagation rates provided by the truncated conical geometry advantageously prevent the retention of air already present in the static mixing tip within the material.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing has a base and a body, wherein an outer surface connects the base to the body and has one or more ribs. The ribs may be in the shape of counterforts. Counterforts are structures that extend from the base of the housing and slope towards the body of the housing. Ribs provide better stability to the housing and allow the retaining ring to be "seated" on the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the ribs present on the outer surface of the body connecting the base to the housing are evenly spaced. The uniform spacing of the ribs provides consistent stability to the retaining ring.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the sealing lip and / or housing includes four or more vents. When the four or more vents are evenly distributed around the sealing lip and / or housing, trapped air can flow smoothly from each quadrant and out more quickly in all directions. This uniform outflow of air helps to establish a consistent pressure gradient on all sides and avoids trapping or generating air bubbles.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing has a base and a body, wherein the inner surface of the base of the housing, below the sealing lip and preceding it in the axial flow direction (starting from the barrel before the sealing lip), includes alternating crests and troughs. In one embodiment, the crests and troughs extend axially before the sealing lip but do not overlap with it. In a preferred embodiment, the alternating crests and troughs are uniformly spaced around a circumferential portion of the inner surface of the base of the housing. In some embodiments, the crests have a height between 0.05 mm and 0.35 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, more preferably between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm. In some embodiments, the troughs have a depth between 0.05 mm and 0.35 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, more preferably between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm. In some embodiments, the crests and troughs begin below the portion of the housing that contacts the sealing lip and may have a length in the axial direction between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 3 mm. Without wanting to be constrained by any particular mechanism, the peaks on the inner surface of the housing base below the sealing lip prevent damage to the vents on the sealing lip during the assembly of the mixing tip (inserting the mixer into the housing) and also allow air to escape more easily after passing through the vents. The inner surface of the housing base may have two or more evenly distributed alternating peaks and valleys, preferably five or more, more preferably seven or more. Those skilled in the art will understand that the previously discussed vents in the sealing lip can similarly be composed of peaks and valleys.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the vent is configured such that air can pass through the vent during normal dispensing operations at pressures less than 2 bar, but viscous substances cannot. Viscous substances include adhesives, sealants, impression materials, and their two-component precursors and mixtures, particularly during mixing and dispensing operations. These viscous substances can have a viscosity ranging from 0.1 Pa·s to 100,000 Pa·s at standard room temperature and pressure, or alternatively, a viscosity of at least 0.5, 1, 2, or 10 Pa·s. The incoming material expels air present within the static mixing tip through the vent and seals the vent. Specific locations and geometries (diameter and length) of the vent can be used to ensure that only air can escape and not material at normal pressures. Those skilled in the art will understand that air can easily travel through long, narrow, and tortuous paths, but highly viscous substances cannot. Therefore, customizing the geometry of the vent and escape path allows only air to pass through while preventing material from passing through. Those skilled in the art will understand that these geometric parameters can be readily selected, for example, through computational modeling, based on the viscosity of the material to be retained and the operating pressure. At extremely high pressures of approximately 2 bar or greater, material may leak from the vent. However, these high pressures are difficult to achieve unless intentionally applied, and are therefore generally not of interest. Under normal conditions, such as when dispensing using a manual or battery-operated dispenser, the vent of the present invention functions well and is sealed by the incoming material.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the vent may be substantially conical in shape and may be disposed on a sealing lip and / or a housing. When the vent is present on the sealing lip, the base of the cone is on the surface of the sealing lip, while the tip of the cone is inside the sealing lip. When the vent is present on the housing, the base of the cone is on the inner surface of the housing, while the tip extends within the housing. The inwardly extending conical geometry ensures that only air can pass through the vent. In another embodiment of the invention, the vent may be substantially concave hemispherical or cubic in shape. In some embodiments, the vent may be a combination of the shapes described above.

[0025] In some embodiments of the invention, the vent may be present on both the sealing lip and the housing. The vent on the sealing lip may or may not (not necessarily) coincide with the vent on the base of the housing.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the static mixer of the static mixing tip includes a plurality of mixing elements for separating the material to be mixed into multiple streams and means for connecting them in layers, including a lateral edge and guide walls extending at an angle to the lateral edge, and guide elements arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis and provided with openings. The static mixer includes the lateral edge and subsequent lateral guide walls and at least two guide walls terminating at the separation edge, each guide wall having a lateral end section and at least one bottom section disposed between the guide walls, thereby defining at least one opening on one side of the lateral edge and at least two openings on the other side of the lateral edge. This specific geometry of the static mixer results in high mixing efficiency while simultaneously having reduced dead volume and reduced pressure drop.

[0027] In some embodiments of the invention, the static mixer of the static mixing tip includes a plurality of mixing elements for separating the material to be mixed into multiple streams, wherein each mixing element includes: a first guide wall and a second guide wall having a common lateral edge, a separation edge at an end opposite to the common lateral edge, wherein the guide wall forms a curved and continuous transition between the separation edge and the common lateral edge, wherein the lateral edge separates the material to be mixed, and wherein the first and second guide walls of the mixing element and the common lateral edge divide the material into six flow paths. The common lateral edge prevents clogging of the mixer while reducing pressure drop and dead volume.

[0028] In certain embodiments of the invention, the static mixer of the static mixing tip comprises five or more mixing elements, and these mixing elements are preferably connected to each other via a common bar element. The common bar provides strength to the mixing elements by making them more rigid, and thus the breaking resistance of the mixing elements increases due to the presence of the common bar.

[0029] The static mixing tip of the present invention can have more than one inlet. The inlets allow the material to be mixed to enter the body, which helps to expel air from the exhaust port. The present invention provides a desired solution independent of the number of inlets or the amount of material to be mixed. For example, the static mixing tip can have two or three inlets to mix two or three components, and this does not affect the function of the exhaust ports because they are located on the sealing lip and / or housing and are not affected by the number of inlets.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, a static mixing tip is used to release air trapped within the static mixing tip through a unique vent present on its sealing lip and / or housing in order to dispense a substantially airless mixture.

[0031] The static mixer, housing, and retaining ring of the present invention can be manufactured using standard manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, grouting, compression or blow molding, or alternatively by thermoforming, vacuum forming or casting.

[0032] The static mixer, housing, and retaining ring of the present invention can be made of plastic, metal, or glass, preferably plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the static mixer, housing, and retaining ring of the present invention can be made of thermoplastic plastic, preferably polypropylene (PP). These plastics are rigid in their solid state and can be easily molded into the desired shape. Similarly, they are relatively inexpensive, and therefore these would be preferred materials.

[0033] Those skilled in the art will understand that combinations of the subject matter of the various claims and embodiments of the invention are possible in the invention to the extent technically feasible, and are not limited thereto. In such combinations, the subject matter of any claim may be combined with the subject matter of one or more of the other claims. In such combinations of subject matter, the subject matter of any static mixing tip, static mixer, parts kit, and usage claim may be combined with the subject matter of one or more of the other static mixing tips, static mixers, parts kits, and usage claims. For example, the subject matter of any claim may be combined with the subject matter of any number of other claims without limitation, provided such combinations are technically feasible.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will understand that combinations of the subject matter of the various embodiments of the present invention are similarly possible and not limited in the present invention. For example, subject matter of one of the above-described static mixing tips, static mixers, parts kits, and usage embodiments can be combined with subject matter of one or more of the other above-described static mixing tips, static mixers, parts kits, and usage embodiments, provided it is technically feasible, without limitation. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to various embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the static mixing tip passing through the static mixer, retaining ring, and housing is shown.

[0037] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of a static mixer is shown.

[0038] Figure 2B An enlarged schematic diagram of the base of the static mixer is shown.

[0039] Figure 3A A schematic diagram of the casing is shown.

[0040] Figure 3B A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the casing is shown.

[0041] Figure 3C An isometric view of the casing is shown.

[0042] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the material (dashed arrow) and air (solid arrow) flowing through the static mixing tip.

[0043] Figure 5A A schematic top view of a cross-section through the sealing lip is shown, wherein the vent present on the sealing lip is concave hemispherical in shape.

[0044] Figure 5B A schematic top view of a cross-section through the sealing lip is shown, wherein the vents present on the sealing lip are conical in shape.

[0045] Figure 5C A schematic top view of a cross-section through the sealing lip is shown, wherein the vents present on the sealing lip are cubic in shape.

[0046] Figure 5D A schematic top view of a cross-section through the sealing lip is shown, wherein the vents present on the housing are concave hemispherical in shape.

[0047] Figure 5E A schematic top view of a cross-section through the sealing lip is shown, in which the vents present on the housing are conical in shape.

[0048] Figure 5F A schematic top view of a cross-section through the sealing lip is shown, in which the vents present on the housing are cubic in shape.

[0049] Figure 5G A schematic top view of a cross-section through the sealing lip is shown, wherein the vents present on the sealing lip and the housing are concave hemispherical in shape.

[0050] Figure 5H A schematic top view of a cross-section through the sealing lip is shown, wherein the vents present on the sealing lip and the housing are conical in shape.

[0051] Figure 5I A schematic top view of a cross-section through the sealing lip is shown, where the vents present on the sealing lip and the housing are cubic in shape.

[0052] Figure 6A A schematic enlarged top view of the cross-section through the sealing lip is shown, in which the vents are concave hemispherical in shape and equal in size.

[0053] Figure 6B A schematic enlarged top view of a cross-section through the sealing lip is shown, in which the vents have different sizes, and in which the static mixer is adapted to mix two materials in a ratio (1:1).

[0054] Figure 6C A schematic enlarged top view of a cross-section through a sealing lip on the base of a static mixer is shown, wherein the vents have different sizes, and the static mixer is adapted to mix two materials having unequal proportions (e.g., 4:1).

[0055] Figure 7A Figures 7B and 7C show schematic diagrams of suitable static mixers with different types of mixing elements.

[0056] Figure 8 An enlarged schematic diagram of the top space is shown.

[0057] Figure 9A and Figure 10A Images of X-ray examination and CT scans of beads of two materials mixed using a model static mixing tip, which has no venting device and no conical geometry on the inner surface of the housing, are shown.

[0058] Figure 9B and Figure 10B Images of X-ray examination and CT scans of beads of two materials mixed using a model static mixing tip with an exhaust device and without a conical geometry on the inner surface of the housing are shown.

[0059] Figure 9C and Figure 10C Images of X-ray examination and CT scans of beads of two materials mixed using a model static mixing tip with an exhaust device and a conical geometry on the inner surface of the housing are shown.

[0060] Figure 11 An enlarged schematic diagram of an annular gap is shown, which exists between the base of the housing and the substantially truncated conical lateral surface, above the sealing lip present on the base of the static mixer.

[0061] Figure 12A An enlarged schematic diagram of the inner surface (60′) of the base of the housing is shown, the inner surface including a peak (171) and a valley (172).

[0062] Figure 12B A bottom view of the inner surface (60′) of the base of the housing is shown, the inner surface comprising evenly distributed peaks (171) and valleys (172). Detailed Implementation

[0063] definition

[0064] As used in the specification and claims of this application, the following definitions should apply:

[0065] The exhaust device 150 functions as an auxiliary path for the continuous escape or release of gas trapped in the space. In this case, a gaseous connection or gas flow communication is provided between the two sides of the sealing lip 20 (e.g., through the sealing lip 20), generally along the axial direction of the mixing tip (e.g., from outlet 80 to inlet 50), for example, preferably between the upper cavity or top space 140 of the base 60 of the housing 110 and the external ambient atmosphere, wherein the two sides are one side oriented towards the top space (interior) 140 and the other side oriented towards the outside. The exhaust device 150 may generally be located in and / or around the sealing lip 20, which would otherwise (without the exhaust device 150) seal the upper cavity (top space 140) of the base 60 of the housing 110 and would not allow air to pass through. The exhaust devices (or specifically exhaust ports 155) may be located on the sealing lip 20 and / or the housing 110, for example, they may pass completely or partially through the sealing lip 20 and / or the housing 110. The exhaust device (or specifically the exhaust port 155) thus specifically provides gas flow communication between the two sides of the sealing lip (20).

[0066] External environmental pressure is ordinary atmospheric pressure, for example, 1 atm at sea level, and may decrease with increasing altitude, reaching approximately 0.3 atm. Pressure can also vary based on temperature. Under normal conditions, environmental pressure can be, for example, the pressure inside a building, such as inside a dentist's office, or the pressure on a construction site where the claimed invention may be used.

[0067] Normal operation of a static mixing tip will involve mixing and dispensing fluids, such as those used in industrial, construction, medical, cosmetic, and dental applications, including adhesives, sealants, coatings, impression materials, or other reactive material components, using a manual, battery-operated, or pneumatic dispenser. The normal operating pressure will be the pressure applied by the dispenser, which may also depend on the viscosity of the material to be dispensed. Typical internal pressures of a static mixing tip can range from 2 atm to 25 atm. Typical viscosities of the material to be dispensed range from 0.1 Pa·s to 100,000 Pa·s at standard room temperature and pressure.

[0068] Radial means the direction perpendicular to the flowing material or the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0069] Axial direction means the direction parallel to the flowing material or parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0070] CT scan means computed tomography.

[0071] The words “air” and “gas” are used interchangeably.

[0072] (One or more) peaks mean convex surfaces that protrude from the surface, such as protrusions or bumps.

[0073] (One or more) valleys refer to depressions or hollow spaces that cut into the surface, such as grooves or channels.

[0074] The antecedents “a / an” and “the” can refer to either the singular or the plural (if there is no quantity qualifier before the noun, it can refer to either the singular or the plural), unless the context otherwise indicates.

[0075] The numerical values ​​in this application refer to average values. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical values ​​should be understood to include the same value when reduced to the same number of significant figures, as well as values ​​that deviate from the numerical value by less than the experimental error of the type of conventional measurement technique used to determine the value as described in this application.

[0076] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view through the inlet of the static mixing tip 10. The static mixer 100 is arranged within a mixer housing 110. The housing 110 is received within a retaining ring 120 for providing a connection to a cartridge, such as a cartridge containing material to be mixed and dispensed. The retaining ring 120 may have a bayonet connection and / or other coding mechanism thereon to ensure proper and controlled connection with the intended cartridge.

[0077] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of a static mixer 100 is shown, wherein the static mixer 100 has a sealing lip 20, a base 30, an assembly or mixing body of mixing elements 40, and a flange 130. The mixing body 40 will have a geometry adapted to mix the material entering it. The geometry of the mixing body 40 is not specifically limited and may be, for example, helical or may include multiple components for separating the material to be mixed into multiple streams, wherein each mixing element includes: a transverse guide wall having a transverse edge extending parallel to the longitudinal flow direction of the material to be mixed, and the transverse edge being the edge of the transverse guide wall that separates the material to be mixed; and first and second wall sections to further divide the material into six flow paths, each of the first and second wall sections including a guide wall perpendicular to the transverse guide wall and an end section wall perpendicular to the guide wall, the end section wall being perpendicular to the transverse guide wall, and wherein the first and second wall sections are arranged opposite each other.

[0078] Figure 2BThe base 30 of the static mixer 100 is shown. The base 30 may have one or more inlets 50 to receive incoming material into the static mixer. The material to be mixed passes through the inlets 50 and is released into the housing 110 at the top of the base 30 of the static mixer 100.

[0079] The base 30 has a sealing lip 20 surrounding its circumferential portion. The sealing lip 20 is located at a specific depth from the top of the base 30 of the static mixer 100. The sealing lip 20 may preferably be an integral part of the static mixer 100, or it may be manufactured separately and subsequently attached to the static mixer 100. The sealing lip 20 may be an edge or strip, or any suitable geometry that provides an effective seal to prevent material from leaking back (opposite to the desired material flow direction, e.g., toward the attached cartridge or syringe) from the mixing tip during its normal operation and use. On the sealing lip 20, there are one or more venting devices 150, such as vents 155. The vents 155 are preferably conical, with the tip of the cone extending into the interior of the sealing lip 20. The vents 155 may alternatively be concave hemispherical. The function of the vents 155 is to allow the passage of gas or air between the two sides of the sealing lip 20 (e.g., through the sealing lip) (gas flow communication), but to prevent the passage of viscous materials. Those skilled in the art will understand that this function can be achieved using various geometries, especially narrow or tapered shapes. If there is more than one vent 155 on the sealing lip 20, they can preferably be evenly distributed. At the bottom of the base 30 of the static mixer 100, there is a flange 130 supporting the housing 110. The housing 110 is mounted on this flange 130.

[0080] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A schematic diagram of housing 110 is shown, wherein housing 110 has a base 60 and a body 70. The outer surface of the body 70 of housing 110 may be substantially cylindrical or rectangular. The outer surface of the base 60 of housing 110 may be substantially cylindrical. The outer surface of the base connecting the base 60 to the body 70 may be substantially perpendicular to the body 70 of housing 110.

[0081] Figure 3B A schematic cross-section of the housing 110 is shown. The inner surface 170 of the housing 110, through which the base 60 is connected to the body 70, may be substantially conical. The housing 110 has an outlet 80 through which the mixed material exits the static mixing tip. The surface of the body 70, through which the outlet 80 is connected, may be substantially conical or cylindrical.

[0082] Figure 3CAn isometric view of housing 110 is shown, wherein the outer surface of housing 110 connecting base 60 to body 70 may have one or more ribs 90. Ribs 90 may be inclined surfaces or shaped as buttresses connecting base 60 to body 70 of housing 110. Ribs 90 may be evenly spaced.

[0083] Figure 4 A schematic diagram shows the flow of material (dashed arrow) and air (solid arrow) through the static mixing tip 10. The incoming material (dashed arrow) flows through an inlet 50 provided on the static mixer 100 into a top space 140 between the base 60 and the body 70 of the housing 110. Air present in the top space 140 (solid arrow) is pushed out by the incoming material and downwards through an exhaust port 155 present on the sealing lip 20 and / or the housing 110. The relatively narrow exhaust port 155 is thus sealed by a viscous material. Therefore, a gas flow communication exists between the two sides of the sealing lip 20 (i.e., through the sealing lip 20), but this obstructs or blocks the material flow communication. Therefore, due to the gas flow communication between the two sides of the sealing lip 20, the air present in the top space 140 can escape into the external ambient atmosphere outside the static mixing tip 10. Therefore, the gas flow communication between the two sides of the sealing lip 20 is part of a longer gas flow communication between the top space 140 and the bottom opening of the retaining ring 120. Therefore, any air trapped in the top space 140 can flow to the sealing lip 20 and pass through the venting device 150 (vent 155), over the end of the base of the static mixer 30 and the flange 130, to the base of the housing 60 and the bottom end of the retaining ring 120, which is typically connected to one or more barrel outlets by threads or other mechanical connections. Such threads or other mechanical connections between the barrels (containing one or more materials to be mixed and dispensed) and the static mixing tip 10 are material-sealed but not entirely air-sealed. Thus, air is subsequently expelled to the outside atmosphere via the mechanical connections, partly due to the pressure of the central flow of material from the barrels to the static mixing tip 10. Therefore, the gas flow communication between the two sides of the sealing lip 20 is actually part of a much longer gas flow communication between the top space 140 and the outside atmosphere, thus allowing trapped air in the top space 140 to escape to the outside atmosphere rather than being trapped as bubbles within the dispensed material exiting from the outlet 80.

[0084] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5CThe figures are schematic top views of a cross-section of the sealing lip 20 present on the base 60 of the static mixer 100, illustrating different representative possible embodiments of the invention, wherein the vents 155 are concave hemispherical, conical, and cubic, respectively. As can be seen from these figures, the geometry of the sealing lip and its vents 155 is not particularly limited, as long as it fulfills the function of allowing gas or air to pass through (from one side to the other) while blocking the passage of viscous substances or materials, and one or more vents 155 may be present on the sealing lip 20 and / or the housing 110. The vents 155 may preferably be uniformly distributed around the sealing lip 20 and / or the housing 110. The vents 155 can have various sizes, as long as they achieve a “filtering” function large enough to allow air to pass through but small enough to block viscous materials from passing through them. The figures show that the vents 155 can have arbitrary shapes that allow gas to pass through but block material. Therefore, the cross-sectional area or length can vary as long as they achieve this filtering function.

[0085] If able to Figure 5D , Figure 5E , Figure 5F , Figure 5G , Figure 5H and Figure 5I As seen in the diagram, an vent 155 may be present on the inner surface of the base of the housing 60 such that a portion of the vent 155 overlaps with a portion of the interface 160 between the sealing lip 20 and the housing 110 along the axial direction of the static mixing tip 10. The vent 155 of the sealing lip 20 may or may not (not necessarily) coincide with the vent 155 on the base of the housing 60. Those skilled in the art will understand that the useful and optimal geometry and dimensions of the venting device 150 and specifically the vent 155 can be readily determined by computer modeling and experimentation, and will vary slightly depending on the viscosity of the substance and the operating pressure in the static mixing tip 10.

[0086] Figure 6AA schematic enlarged top view of a cross-section of the sealing lip 20 present on the base 60 of the static mixer 100 is shown. The venting device 150 in these figures is specifically the vent 155. The depth (D) of the vent 155 is the distance between the surface of the sealing lip 20 and the deepest point of the vent. The width (W) is the length of the opening of the vent 155 on the surface of the sealing lip 20. In the case of asymmetrical vents 155, the depth (D) and width (W) refer to the average depth and width. In the current figures, the inlets 50 are of equal size and arranged symmetrically. Similarly, all vents 155 can be of equal size, as shown here. The positions of the vents 155 relative to an imaginary clock can be conceived. The vent 155a closest to the inlet can be located in the area near the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, while the vent 155b furthest from the inlet can be located in the area near the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions.

[0087] Figure 6B A schematic enlarged top view of a cross-section through a sealing lip 20 present on a base 60 of a static mixer 100 is shown, wherein vents 155 have different sizes, and the static mixer 100 is adapted to mix two materials in equal proportions (1:1). Therefore, inlets 50 have equal sizes and are arranged symmetrically. As can be seen from the figures, the vent 155a closest to the inlet is smaller than the vent 155b furthest from the inlet. The size of the vents can gradually increase from the vent 155a closest to the inlet (its smallest) to the vent 155b furthest from the inlet (its largest). The size of the vents and their ability to allow air to pass through and block matter can be easily changed by increasing or decreasing the depth (D) and / or width (W). The vents 155 may have a depth (D) and / or width (W) of approximately 0.005 mm to 0.1 mm, preferably between 0.01 mm and 0.06 mm. The exhaust ports 155 may be of equal size or preferably unequal, wherein the exhaust port 155a closer to the inlet 50 is smaller than the exhaust port 155b farther from the inlet 50. As determined by computer modeling or experimentation, the central region (which is the cross-shaded line in this figure) shows the area where the two materials physically interact when the inlet sizes are equal and the proportions of the two materials to be mixed are equal.

[0088] Figure 6CA schematic enlarged top view of a cross-section through a sealing lip 20 present on a base 60 of a static mixer 100 is shown, wherein vents 155 have different sizes, and the static mixer 100 is adapted to mix two materials having unequal proportions (e.g., 4:1). For mixing two materials in unequal proportions, inlets 50 can have different sizes. For example, relative to an imaginary clock, if a larger inlet 50 is located in the region near the 12 o'clock position, a smaller inlet 50 could be located in the region near the 6 o'clock position. Vents 155a located in the region from 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock and in the region near the 6 o'clock position can be relatively smaller than the remaining vents 155. Vents 155b located in the regions from 4 o'clock to 5 o'clock and from 7 o'clock to 8 o'clock can be larger than the remaining vents 155. The size of the vents 155 can gradually increase from the smallest vent 155a at 12 o'clock, and then increase clockwise until the region between 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock, where the vent 155b is the largest. Subsequently, the size of the vent 155 gradually decreases until it reaches its minimum near the 6 o'clock position. Further clockwise, the size of the vent gradually increases until it reaches its maximum near the 7 to 8 o'clock position. Thereafter, the size of the vent 155 can gradually decrease until it reaches its maximum at the 12 o'clock position. As determined by computer modeling or experiments, the region closer to the smaller inlet (shown as the cross-shaded lines in this figure) indicates the area where the two materials physically interact.

[0089] Figure 7A Figures 7B and 7C are representative schematic diagrams of the geometric configurations of the assembly of the mixing element 40 of the static mixer 100 according to various embodiments. These geometric configurations are disclosed in EP1426099 and EP0815929. For the purposes of this invention, specific embodiments of the assembly of the mixing element 40 are not specifically limited, as they do not significantly impact or affect the operation of the invention as disclosed in this application.

[0090] Figure 8 An enlarged schematic diagram of the top space 140 is shown. As can be seen from the accompanying drawings, the inner surface 170 of the housing 110, which connects the base 60 to the body 70, is substantially frustoconical. A R B and R C R represents the resistance encountered by the incoming material (matter) at different locations within the top space 140. A The resistance, R, is located in the area surrounding the center of the top space 140 (e.g., near the center of the base 30 and / or near the components of the mixing element 40). B It is the resistance at the center, 140 degrees away from the top space. R CThe resistance is in the area above the sealing lip 20 between the base 60 of the housing and the base 30 of the static mixer. Due to the innovative shape of the housing, there is more free volume at the center of the top space, and therefore the incoming material experiences minimal resistance at the center. Therefore, R A At its minimum, this causes the incoming material to initially occupy the area around the center of the top space, thereby pushing the trapped air outward toward the sealing lip 20. The resistance gradually increases from the center toward the periphery of the shell, such that R... B Greater than R A Because the free volume is further reduced, the resistance increases, resulting in a resistance R in the region between the base 60 of the housing and the base 30 of the static mixer (above the sealing lip 20). C Greater than R B This increasing gradient of resistance (R) A <R B <R C This ensures that the incoming material propagates in such a way that it does not trap air present in the top space 140, and that the incoming material is ultimately blocked by the sealing lip 20 and prevented from flowing back through the vent 155, which provides gas flow communication between the two sides of the sealing lip 20 (i.e., through the sealing lip 20). As can be seen from this figure, by using a top space geometry with a smaller cross-section, moving from the central region of the top space toward the lower outer periphery where the sealing lip 20 is located (gradually narrowing), an increasing gradient of flow resistance is easily created. Suitable geometries include substantially conical, substantially triangular pyramidal, substantially square pyramidal (square pyramid), substantially triangular prism, and variations thereof, including truncated shapes, such as substantially truncated cones.

[0091] Figure 11 An enlarged schematic diagram of the annular gap 190 between the base 60 of the housing and the base 30 of the static mixer is shown. As can be seen from the figures, the lateral surface 180 between the top of the base of the static mixer and the sealing lip 20 is substantially frustoconical. D and R E R represents the resistance encountered by the incoming material (substance) at different locations within the annular gap 190. D R is the resistance in the area around the top portion of the annular gap 190 (e.g., near the top of the base 30). E The resistance is located in the region near the sealing lip 20 at the bottom of the annular gap 190. Due to the innovative shape of the lateral surface 180 between the top of the base 30 of the static mixer and the sealing lip 20, there is a larger free volume at the top of the annular gap 190, and therefore a greater free volume at the bottom of the annular gap 190. E In comparison, the incoming material experiences less resistance R at the top.D This forces the trapped air downwards toward the sealing lip 20. The resistance gradually increases from the top to the bottom of the annular gap 190 toward the sealing lip 20. This increasing gradient of resistance (R) D <R E This ensures that the incoming material propagates in such a way that it does not trap air present in the annular gap 190, and that the incoming material is ultimately blocked by the sealing lip 20 and prevented from flowing back through the vent 155, which provides gas flow communication between the two sides of the sealing lip 20 (i.e., through the sealing lip 20). As can be seen from this figure, by using an annular gap geometry with a smaller cross-section, a gradient of increasing flow resistance can be easily created as the annular gap 190 moves towards the sealing lip 20 (gradually narrowing). Suitable geometries include substantially conical, substantially triangular pyramidal, substantially square pyramidal, substantially triangular prism, and variations thereof, including truncated shapes such as substantially truncated cones.

[0092] Figure 12A An enlarged schematic diagram of the inner surface 60′ of the housing base is shown, which includes a peak 171 and a valley 172. The peak 171 and valley 172 are located below the point where the sealing lip 20 contacts the inner surface 60′ of the housing base (before the sealing lip 20 in the direction of flow from the barrel). Due to the presence of the valley 172, some portions of the sealing lip 20 do not contact the inner surface 60′ of the housing base, which prevents the vents 155 on the sealing lip 20 from being contaminated by friction (especially during assembly). Friction can damage the vents 155 and thus they lose their ability to allow air to pass through. The valley 172 allows the vents to remain intact, especially for rigid or hard materials, such as in the case of a brittle mixing tip disclosed, for example, in EP3826704. Therefore, in one embodiment, the mixing tip having vents as well as peaks and valleys is a mixing tip that can be broken by the user to allow an increase in the outlet diameter of the mixing tip.

[0093] Figure 12B A bottom view of the inner surface 60′ of the base of the housing is shown, which includes evenly distributed peaks 171 and valleys 172, so that trapped air can flow out smoothly from all directions and avoid damage around the entire circumferential portion.

[0094] Comparative examples and working examples

[0095] Comparative analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of introducing an exhaust device 150, particularly an exhaust port 155, and the essentially truncated conical geometry of the inner surface 170 of the housing 110 in various static hybrid tips 10, especially above the top space 140.

[0096] X-ray imaging and CT scanner measurements were performed on extruded beads from various different model static mixing tips to determine the size and density of air bubbles. In these examples, a self-adhesive, self-curing resin binder (SpeedCEM Plus from Ivoclar Vivadent AG) was used in a standard 1:1 scale barrel and with a commonly used manual dispenser. TM The standard material composition of the tested models' static mixing tips all had the same mixing element components, such as... Figure 7A As shown in the image.

[0097] Comparative Example 1: The performance of a static mixing tip without an exhaust system and without a shell with a conical inner surface in producing extruded beads on a mixed material was tested. Figure 9A and Figure 10A The images are obtained from X-ray and CT scans of beads made from two materials mixed using a static mixing tip that lacks an exhaust system and has no conical geometry on the inner surface of the shell. Large air bubbles (0.04 mm) are trapped along the entire length of the beads. 3 (or larger volume).

[0098] Comparative Example 2: This example tests a static mixing tip without an venting device but with a housing including a conical inner surface. Beads made of two different materials were used in the static mixing tip, which lacks an venting device but has a substantially truncated conical geometry on the inner surface of the housing. Large air bubbles were observed along the entire length of the bead when X-ray and CT scan images were generated. Therefore, simply providing a conical inner surface to the housing is not effective in preventing air bubble trapping.

[0099] Working Example 1: In this example, a static mixing tip with an exhaust device but without a housing including a conical inner surface is tested. Figure 9B and Figure 10B The images obtained are X-ray and CT scans of beads of two materials mixed using a static mixing tip having an exhaust device according to the invention but without a conical geometry on the inner surface of the housing, specifically as shown in the image. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The exhaust port is shown. As can be seen from the attached diagram, only small air bubbles (with diameters of 0.01 mm) are trapped in one section of the bead. 3 and 0.04mm 3(volume between). Therefore, it is observed that the exhaust device (exhaust port) according to the invention significantly reduces the size and volume of air bubbles trapped in the mixture because it provides a gas flow path between (e.g., through the sealing lip) the two sides of the sealing lip, namely the side facing the top space (inside) and the outlet and the other side facing the outside and (one or more) inlet orientation.

[0100] Working Example 2: In this example, a static mixing tip is tested, which has an exhaust device, specifically an exhaust port, and a housing that includes a substantially truncated conical inner surface. Figure 9C and Figure 10C The images are X-ray and CT scans of beads made from two materials mixed using a static mixing tip having an venting device (such as the vent in Working Example 1) and a conical geometry on the inner surface of the housing. No air bubbles were observed in the beads. Therefore, it was observed that the combination of the venting device and the substantially truncated conical inner surface of the housing resulted in optimal results of minimizing or even eliminating air bubbles. Figure reference numerals in the accompanying drawings and specifications

[0101] 10 Static Mixing Tip

[0102] 20 Sealing Lip

[0103] 30 Static Mixer Base

[0104] 40. Components of hybrid elements

[0105] 50 (one or more) entrances

[0106] 60 Base of the outer casing

[0107] 60′ Inner surface of the base of the outer casing

[0108] 70 Main body of the outer shell

[0109] 80 exports

[0110] 90 (one or more) ribs

[0111] 100 Static Mixer

[0112] 110 casing

[0113] 120 retaining ring

[0114] 130 flange

[0115] 140 top space

[0116] 150 exhaust system

[0117] 155 (one or more) exhaust ports

[0118] 155a The exhaust port closest to (one or more) inlets

[0119] 155b The exhaust port furthest from (one or more) inlets

[0120] 160 at the interface between the sealing lip and the housing

[0121] 170-degree truncated conical inner surface

[0122] The peak on the inner surface of the base of the 171 housing

[0123] The valley on the inner surface of the base of the 172 casing

[0124] 180 on the truncated conical lateral surface of the base of the static mixer

[0125] 190 in the annular gap between the base of the housing and the base of the static mixer

Claims

1. A static mixing tip (10) comprising: - Static mixer (100) with base (30). - The outer casing (110) has a base (60) and a body (70). The top space (140) is located between the outer casing (110) and the static mixer (100). A sealing lip (20) is provided on the base (30) of the static mixer (100) to provide a seal between the base (30) of the static mixer (100) and the housing (110). The feature is that one or more exhaust devices (150) are present in the sealing lip (20) of the static mixer (100). The exhaust device (150) is configured to provide gas flow communication between the two sides of the sealing lip (20) to provide a gaseous connection between the top space (140) and the external ambient atmosphere outside the static mixing tip (10), such that during normal operation and use of the static mixing tip (10), a portion of the gas trapped in the top space (140) between the housing (110) and the static mixer (100) has a path to escape to the external ambient atmosphere.

2. The static mixing tip (10) according to claim 1, wherein one or more exhaust devices (150) are present on the housing (110).

3. The static mixing tip (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the venting device (150) includes an vent (155) radially oriented around the sealing lip (20) and / or the housing (110).

4. The static mixing tip (10) according to claim 3, wherein the inner surface (60') of the base includes a peak (171) and a valley (172) prior to the sealing lip (20) in the axial direction of the flow through the mixing tip (10).

5. The static mixing tip (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the exhaust device (150) includes an exhaust port (155) having a depth (D) and / or width (W) of 0.005 mm to 0.1 mm.

6. The static mixing tip (10) according to claim 5, wherein the vent (155) has a depth (D) and / or width (W) of 0.01 mm to 0.06 mm.

7. The static mixing tip (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the exhaust device (150) includes exhaust ports (155) of equal size.

8. The static mixing tip (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the exhaust device (150) includes exhaust ports (155) of varying sizes.

9. The static mixing tip (10) according to claim 8, wherein the exhaust port (155a) near the inlet (50) of the static mixing tip (10) is smaller than the exhaust port (155b) away from the inlet (50).

10. The static mixing tip (10) according to claim 8, wherein the vent (155b) configured to be close to the region where the two materials to be mixed physically meet and interact is larger than the vent (155a) close to the inlet (50) of the static mixing tip (10).

11. The static mixing tip (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the venting device (150) includes a vent (155) located on the inner surface of the base such that, along the axial direction, a portion of the venting device (150) overlaps with a portion of the interface (160) between the sealing lip (20) and the housing (110).

12. The static mixing tip (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the venting device (150) comprises vents (155) that are approximately uniformly distributed around the sealing lip (20) and / or the housing (110) of the static mixer (100).

13. The static mixing tip (10) according to claim 12, wherein the sealing lip (20) and / or the housing (110) comprises four or more vents (155).

14. The static mixing tip (10) according to claim 12, wherein the inner surface (60') of the base comprises two or more uniformly distributed alternating peaks (171) and valleys (172).

15. The static mixing tip (10) according to claim 14, wherein the inner surface (60') of the base comprises five or more alternating peaks (171) and valleys (172).

16. The static mixing tip (10) according to claim 15, wherein the inner surface (60') of the base comprises seven or more alternating peaks (171) and valleys (172).

17. The static mixing tip (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the venting device (150) includes a vent (155) configured such that material entering the static mixing tip (10) expels air through the vent (155) and seals the vent (155).

18. The static mixing tip (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (110) includes a substantially truncated conical inner surface (170) that connects the base (60) to the body (70).

19. The static mixing tip (10) according to claim 18, wherein the lateral surface (180) existing on the base (30) of the static mixer above the sealing lip (20) is substantially truncated conical in shape.

20. The static mixing tip (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (110) includes an outer surface connecting the base (60) to the body (70), and wherein the outer surface includes one or more ribs (90).

21. The static mixing tip (10) according to claim 20, wherein the outer surface comprises two or more uniformly spaced ribs (90).

22. The static mixing tip (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the venting device (150) includes a vent (155) configured such that air can pass through the vent (155) during normal mixing and dispensing operations at a pressure of less than 2 bar, but viscous substances cannot.

23. The static mixing tip (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the static mixer (100) includes an assembly of mixing elements (40) for separating the material to be mixed into a plurality of streams, wherein each mixing element (40) includes: A first guide wall and a second guide wall having a common lateral edge, a separating edge at an end opposite to the common lateral edge, wherein the guide wall forms a curved and continuous transition between the separating edge and the common lateral edge, wherein the lateral edge separates the material to be mixed, and wherein the first guide wall and the second guide wall of the mixing element, as well as the common lateral edge, divide the material into six flow paths.

24. The static mixing tip (10) of claim 23, wherein the static mixer (100) comprises five or more mixing elements (40') connected to each other via a common bar element.

25. A static mixer (100) suitable for a static mixing tip (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sealing lip (20) in the form of a raised ridge, edge or strip surrounding a circumferential portion of the base (30) of the static mixer (100), wherein the sealing lip (20) comprises one or more radially oriented openings through the sealing lip (20), the openings being configured to allow gas to pass through the sealing lip (20).

26. Use of a static mixing tip (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 24 for mixing two or more components while substantially releasing air trapped inside the static mixing tip (10) to produce a substantially air-free homogeneous mixture.

27. A parts kit comprising a static mixing tip (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 24 and a container for receiving dental, medical, or building materials, wherein the container has an outlet adapted to be connected to an inlet (50) of the static mixing tip (10).

Images