Method for emptying cartridge

Abstract

The invention relates to an alternative method for emptying cartridges to be recycled, in particular cartridge assemblies, to a method for emptying dispenser tips to be recycled, and to a method for refilling at least partially depleted cartridges. The invention also relates to a cartridge, a dispenser tip, a dispenser tip assembly comprising a dispenser tip, a hybrid piston and a hybrid piston assembly comprising a hybrid piston.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an alternative method for emptying a cartridge to be recycled, in particular a cartridge assembly, a method for emptying a dispenser tip to be recycled, and a method for refilling at least partially emptied cartridges. The invention also relates to cartridges, dispenser tips, dispenser tip assemblies including dispenser tips, hybrid pistons, and hybrid piston assemblies including hybrid pistons. Background Art

[0002] In the industrial sector, in the construction industry (e.g., buildings), and in the dental industry, cartridges are often used to store flowable liquids, often substances that are pasty or viscous to highly viscous, and to dispense them as needed for corresponding applications. Examples of such substances are joint sealant compounds, compounds for chemical pins or chemical anchors, adhesives, pastes, or impression materials in the dental industry.

[0003] There is a distinction between single-component systems (where the material to be dispensed consists of only one component) and two-component or multi-component systems (also called "cartridge assemblies"), in which at least two different components are stored in separate chambers of the same cartridge or in separate cartridges, where the components are intimately mixed by means of dynamic or static mixing devices during dispensing. Examples in this regard are two-component adhesives or chemical pins, which harden only after the two components are mixed. Two-component systems are also particularly used in the industrial sector for paints, which are often used to generate functional protective layers, such as for corrosion protection.

[0004] These cartridges are typically made of plastic and are manufactured by an injection molding process. Cartridges filled with the material to be dispensed are generally designed for single use. Due to the nature of most filling materials, especially adhesives, the material will usually never be completely dispensed from the cartridge, and residues will remain inside the cartridge. This also applies to the dispenser tips attached to the cartridges, such that most of the filling material will never be completely dispensed from the tips. Therefore, it is currently common practice to dispose of cartridges and / or dispenser tips that are used only once. This results in a significant amount of waste associated with an increased environmental burden.

[0005] Since cartridges and / or dispenser tips are mainly made of at least one plastic, most of this waste is plastic-based. One way to address the environmental damage caused by this waste is to recycle the plastic. Currently, recycling used cartridges and / or dispenser tips is very challenging because the cartridges and / or dispenser tips are contaminated with residual filling material. Most of these materials are at least irritating and are usually harmful. To comply with environmental regulations, it is not possible to directly prepare used cartridges and / or dispenser tips for recycling, such that these cartridges and / or tips must be discarded as hazardous waste together with the residual material.

[0006] In this context, a method for emptying a cartridge for recycling purposes is needed. A method for emptying a cartridge assembly for recycling purposes is needed. A method for emptying a dispenser tip attached to a cartridge for recycling purposes is also needed. A cartridge is also needed that is configured to remove residual material from the cartridge for recycling purposes. A method for reusing a cartridge is also needed. A reusable dispenser tip is also needed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This need is met by the respective independent claims. In particular, according to independent claims 1, 5, and 9, this need is met by a method for emptying a cartridge to be recycled. The method for emptying a dispenser tip to be recycled according to independent claim 10 further meets this need. The cartridge according to independent claim 13 further meets this need. The method for refilling at least partially depleted cartridges according to independent claim 15 further meets this need. The dispenser tip and dispenser tip assembly according to independent claims 20 and 25 respectively further meet this need. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for emptying a cartridge to be recycled, in particular a cartridge assembly, wherein the method comprises the following steps

[0009] a1) providing a cartridge filled with a volumetric amount of residual material to be removed from the cartridge, the cartridge comprising a rigid head portion having an outlet portion forming an outlet; and

[0010] b1) applying a vacuum to the cartridge by means of a vacuum device so as to remove at least a portion of the residual material from the cartridge.

[0011] As used herein, "rigid head portion of the cartridge", "rigid head portion", or "head portion" refers to the rigid upper portion of the cartridge, which is typically mounted on at least one cartridge chamber for storing a filling material. The head portion is sealingly and typically non-releasably connected to the chamber. The head portion is the portion that sealingly and typically non-releasably covers the upper open end cross-sectional shape of the cartridge chamber.

[0012] As used herein, "cartridge chamber" or "chamber" refers to the generally - but not necessarily - substantially cylindrical body of the cartridge in which a filling material is stored.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cartridge chamber is flexible.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge chamber is rigid and preferably formed of the same material as the rigid head portion. The cartridge chamber and the rigid head portion can be formed as an integral unit by an injection molding process. In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge chamber is rigid and stiff, i.e., not flexible. A cartridge including at least one rigid and thick-walled chamber is particularly preferred because such a cartridge is particularly advantageous with respect to recycling. As used herein, a thick-walled chamber is defined as a cartridge chamber having a wall thickness in the range from 0.3 mm to 3 mm. Exemplary thicknesses are 0.75 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.1 mm, and 2.3 mm. Each of these values is to be understood as covering a tolerance of approximately 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.05 mm. Generally, the wall thickness increases with the volume of the chamber.

[0015] As used herein, "cartridge outlet" refers to a hollow passage formed by a so-called "outlet portion" positioned on top of the rigid head portion of the cartridge, which outlet is configured to dispense the filling material from the cartridge chamber to the outside, preferably from the cartridge chamber to a dispenser tip attached to the cartridge outlet portion.

[0016] In step a1) of the first aspect of the present invention, a cartridge is provided that is filled with a volumetric amount of residual material to be removed from the cartridge. The residual material typically remains at least in the outlet of the cartridge after the cartridge has been used for its intended application.

[0017] In addition to the outlet, the residual material may also remain in the cartridge chamber after the cartridge has been used for its intended application. This may be the case when the intended application of the cartridge requires less filling material than is stored in the cartridge, or when the filling material is particularly viscous and / or adhesive.

[0018] As used herein, "emptying a cartridge to be recycled" refers to at least partially emptying a cartridge to be recycled. Similarly, "emptying a dispenser tip to be recycled" refers to at least partially emptying a dispenser tip to be recycled. In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge and / or the dispenser tip are substantially completely emptied. As used herein, "substantially completely emptied" of a cartridge and / or a dispenser tip refers to the degree of emptying of the cartridge and / or the dispenser tip that is sufficient to subject the entire cartridge and / or the entire dispenser tip to a recycling stream.

[0019] It is to be understood that "emptying the cartridge and / or dispenser tip for reuse" can also mean that at least a part of the cartridge and / or at least a part of the dispenser tip is no longer contaminated accordingly, such that the part can undergo a reuse stream. This implies that emptying the cartridge and / or dispenser tip for reuse means a reduction in the volume of residual material within the cartridge and / or dispenser tip. Even if only a part of the residual material is removed from the dispenser tip and / or the cartridge, the emptied part can undergo reuse. The part, i.e., the non-contaminated (purified) part of the dispenser tip and / or the cartridge, can be easily separated from the remaining contaminated part of the dispenser tip and / or the cartridge, such as by cutting, sawing, or laser. The remaining contaminated part can be treated as (non-)hazardous waste, while the purified part of the dispenser tip can enter the reuse stream.

[0020] As used herein, the term "contaminated" refers to a cartridge and / or dispenser tip that contains residual fill material, i.e., the residual fill material to be removed therefrom. The term is not limited to irritating, toxic, and / or harmful residual materials, but can also be non-irritating, non-toxic, and / or non-harmful residual materials. For example, a contaminated cartridge refers to a used cartridge that is at least partially filled with residual material (irritating, toxic, hazardous, non-irritating, non-toxic, and / or non-hazardous), where the residual substance is intended to be at least partially removed from the cartridge for reuse. For example, a contaminated dispenser tip refers to a used dispenser tip that is at least partially filled with residual material (irritating, toxic, hazardous, non-irritating, non-toxic, and / or non-hazardous), where the residual material is intended to be at least partially removed from the dispenser tip for reuse.

[0021] The degree of emptying (i.e., purification) of the cartridge and / or dispenser tip can depend on the nature of the fill material. In some embodiments, fill materials such as adhesives may be more difficult to remove substantially completely from the cartridge and / or dispenser tip. In such cases, it is preferred to perform the emptying of the cartridge by applying a stronger vacuum in step b1), thereby sucking out the residual material by the stronger vacuum.

[0022] The pressure range required for the vacuum to at least partially remove (i.e., suck out) the residual material from the cartridge and / or dispenser tip (also referred to herein as "sufficient vacuum") can be low vacuum, i.e., from ambient atmospheric pressure (31 kPa to 110 kPa) to 100 Pa, or medium vacuum (i.e., < 100 Pa to 0.1 Pa), as defined in ISO 3529-1:2019. Low vacuum is preferred.

[0023] Accordingly, the vacuum applied in step b1) is less than 100 Pa, particularly less than 75 Pa, preferably less than 50 Pa.

[0024] Any suitable vacuum device can be used to apply a vacuum in step b1) of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, such as a positive displacement vacuum pump.

[0025] The method according to the first aspect of the present invention preferably includes step c1) after step a1) and before step b1), wherein step c1) includes connecting the vacuum device to the outlet portion of the cartridge. This can be carried out by using an adapter that connects the vacuum device to the outlet portion of the cartridge, wherein the adapter (such as a tube) is capable of maintaining a selected pressure range, that is, the adapter is suitable for vacuum applications.

[0026] During or after step b1), based on the total volume of the residual material present in the cartridge in step a1), the volume of the residual material in the cartridge can be reduced by at least 10%. More preferably, based on the total volume of the residual material present in the cartridge in step a1), the volume of the residual material in the cartridge can be reduced by at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95%.

[0027] In another embodiment, the residual material is removed from the cartridge via a dispenser end attached to the outlet portion of the cartridge. That is, the cartridge of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention further includes a dispenser head end that is sealingly and releasably connected to the cartridge, wherein in addition to the cartridge, the dispenser head end can also be at least partially emptied.

[0028] In other words, a method for emptying a cartridge to be recycled and a dispenser head end to be recycled, particularly a cartridge assembly, is preferably provided, wherein the method includes the following steps

[0029] a1-i) providing a cartridge that includes a dispenser head end attached to an outlet portion of the cartridge, wherein the cartridge and the dispenser head end are filled with a certain volume of residual material to be removed from the cartridge and the dispenser head end via the dispenser head end, and the cartridge further includes a rigid head portion having an outlet portion forming an outlet; and

[0030] b1-i) applying a vacuum to the cartridge including the dispenser head end by means of a vacuum device, thereby removing at least a portion of the residual material from the cartridge and removing at least a portion of the residual material from the dispenser head end.

[0031] As used herein, the expression "sealingly and releasably connected" means that there will be no relevant leakage of the cartridge contents during storage or use, and during normal storage and / or use conditions, the cartridge will not become detached from the dispenser head end, but when desired, such as by unscrewing the threaded portion of the dispenser head end, the cartridge will become detached from the dispenser head end, thereby separating the dispenser head end from the cartridge.

[0032] The method according to the first aspect of the present invention preferably includes a step c1) after step a1) and before step b1), wherein step c1) includes connecting a vacuum device to the outlet of the dispenser head, which dispenser head is attached to the outlet portion of the cartridge. This can be achieved by using an adapter that connects the vacuum device to the dispenser outlet, wherein the adapter (such as a tube) is capable of maintaining a selected pressure range, i.e., the adapter is suitable for vacuum applications.

[0033] From the perspective of recycling, it is particularly beneficial to remove residual material not only at least partially from the cartridge but also at least partially from the dispenser head. In particular, a vacuum is applied to the cartridge via the dispenser connected to the cartridge until the cartridge is substantially completely emptied, and the dispenser head is at least partially, preferably substantially completely emptied.

[0034] It is to be understood that when a sufficient vacuum is applied to the cartridge via the dispenser connected to the cartridge, the vacuum initially allows the cartridge to be at least partially emptied before at least partially emptying the attached dispenser head.

[0035] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of emptying a cartridge to be recycled, in particular a cartridge assembly, wherein the method comprises the following steps

[0036] a2) providing a cartridge filled with a volume amount of residual material to be removed from the cartridge, the cartridge including a rigid head portion having an outlet portion forming an outlet, a lower portion opposite the head portion with respect to the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge, and a piston movable through the cartridge, the piston having at least one ventilation opening extending between a surface facing the head portion and a surface facing the lower portion; and

[0037] b2) applying a pressurized fluid through the at least one ventilation opening by means of a pressurized fluid device so as to push and remove the residual material from the cartridge.

[0038] As used herein, the term "lower portion" of the cartridge is the portion located opposite the head portion with respect to the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge. The longitudinal direction (A) is also shown in Figure 1 herein.

[0039] In step a2) of the second aspect of the present invention, a cartridge is provided that is filled with a volume amount of residual material to be removed from the cartridge. As described above with respect to the first aspect of the present invention, the residual material typically remains at least in the outlet of the cartridge or in the cartridge chamber after the cartridge has been used for its intended purpose.

[0040] As used herein, the term "ventilating opening" or "ventilation opening" refers to an opening extending through the piston, such as a ventilation passage. More specifically, an opening is provided between the surface of the piston facing the head portion of the cartridge and the surface of the piston facing the lower portion of the cartridge. Due to the opening, fluid can flow through the piston.

[0041] As used herein, "pressurized fluid" refers to any fluid capable of flowing through the piston and forcing (i.e., pushing) at least a portion of the residual material out of the cartridge, or out of the cartridge and the dispenser tip attached to the cartridge. For example, a pressurized fluid (such as a pressurized gas and / or liquid), can be compressed air, pressurized water, or any suitable pressurized solvent. The pressurized fluid may be capable of pushing out at least a portion of the residual material based on the pressure of the fluid (also referred to herein as "mechanically pushing out the residual material", "mechanical pushing", or "mechanical pressurization"). As an alternative or in addition thereto, the pressurized fluid may be capable of dissolving at least a portion of the residual material, thereby pushing out at least a portion of said material (also referred to herein as "chemically pushing out the residual material", "chemical pushing", or "chemical pressurization").

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the pressurized fluid is compressed air. In another preferred embodiment, the pressurized fluid is a pressurized solvent selected to be a solvent in which at least a portion of the residual material in the cartridge is soluble. In another preferred embodiment, the pressurized fluid is a pressurized solvent, and the selected solvent is a solvent in which at least a portion of the residual material in the cartridge and the residual material in the dispenser tip are soluble.

[0043] The pressurized fluid may preferably have a pressure of at least 0.5 bar or 1 bar and preferably less than 20 bar. In a preferred embodiment, the pressurized fluid has a pressure in the range from 3 bar to 15 bar. In another preferred embodiment, the pressurized fluid has a pressure in the range from 4.5 bar to 12 bar. In another preferred embodiment, the pressurized fluid has a pressure in the range from 5 bar to 10 bar. In another preferred embodiment, the pressurized fluid has a pressure in the range from 6 bar to 8 bar.

[0044] The pressure of the pressurized fluid required to push out at least a portion of the residual material from the cartridge and optionally from the dispenser tip may depend on the nature of the residual material, the choice of the pressurized fluid, and thus the type of pushing of the residual material (mechanical / based on pressure or mechanical and chemical), the geometry of the ventilation opening, the number of ventilation openings in the piston, the size of the piston, etc.

[0045] Any suitable pressurized fluid device can be used to apply the pressurized fluid in step b2) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0046] In step b2), preferably, the vent opening has a form that allows the pressurized fluid to flow efficiently through the piston. For example, the vent opening can preferably be a linear channel. Thus, the length of the vent opening can preferably be equal to the height of the piston along the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge, where the height of the piston extends between the piston surface facing the head portion of the cartridge and the piston surface facing the lower portion of the cartridge.

[0047] The vent opening is preferably the vent opening that is typically used during the filling step of the cartridge.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the residual material is removed from the cartridge via a dispenser end attached to the outlet portion of the cartridge. That is, the cartridge of the method according to the second aspect of the present invention further includes a dispenser end head that is sealingly and releasably connected to the cartridge, where in addition to the cartridge, the dispenser end head can also be at least partially emptied.

[0049] From the perspective of recycling, it is particularly beneficial to remove the residual material at least partially from both the cartridge and the dispenser end head.

[0050] It is to be understood that when a sufficient amount of pressurized fluid and / or a sufficiently pressurized fluid is applied to the cartridge via a dispenser connected to the cartridge, the pressurized fluid initially allows the cartridge to be at least partially emptied before at least partially emptying the attached dispenser end head.

[0051] In another embodiment, the pressurized fluid is applied to at least one vent opening until the cartridge is substantially completely emptied and the dispenser end head is at least partially emptied. In an even more preferred embodiment, the pressurized fluid is applied to at least one vent opening until both the cartridge and the dispenser end head are substantially completely emptied.

[0052] In another preferred embodiment, the method according to the second aspect of the present invention further includes a step c2) after step a2) and before step b2), where step c2) includes connecting a pressurized fluid device to the vent opening of the piston. This can be achieved by using an adapter that connects the pressurized fluid device to at least one vent opening, where the adapter (such as a tube) is capable of maintaining a selected pressure range, that is, the adapter is suitable for pressurized applications.

[0053] The method according to the second aspect of the present invention can be considered as an alternative to the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0054] However, in a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of emptying a cartridge to be recycled and optionally a dispenser tip to be recycled, wherein in addition to the steps of the method according to the first aspect, the method further comprises the steps of the method according to the second aspect of the present invention. By doing so, the degree of emptying of the cartridge to be recycled and optionally the dispenser to be recycled can be efficiently increased.

[0055] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of emptying a dispenser tip to be recycled, wherein the method comprises the following steps

[0056] a3) Provide a dispenser tip attached to an outlet portion of a cartridge, the dispenser tip being filled with a volume of residual material to be removed from the dispenser tip, the cartridge further comprising a rigid head portion having an outlet portion forming an outlet and a lower portion opposite the head portion with respect to the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge, the cartridge further comprising a piston movable through the cartridge;

[0057] b3-1) Pull the piston towards the lower portion of the cartridge, thereby re-moving the residual material from the dispenser tip into the cartridge; and / or

[0058] b3-2) Connect the outlet of the dispenser tip to a pressurized fluid device and apply a pressurized fluid, such as a pressurized gas and / or liquid, through the dispenser tip by the pressurized fluid device, thereby pushing the residual material from the dispenser tip into the cartridge.

[0059] In step a3) of the fourth aspect of the present invention, not only the dispenser tip but also the cartridge attached thereto can be filled with a residual amount of filling material. However, the method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is intended to at least partially empty the dispenser tip. This is because the residual material in the dispenser tip is pressed (i.e., pushed) into the cartridge by means of step b3-1) and / or step b3-2).

[0060] The fourth aspect of the present invention is preferably used in a situation where recycling the dispenser tip is more beneficial, for example when the cartridge has a thin-walled chamber, such as a membrane chamber, or generally when the dispenser tip is formed of a higher amount of plastic than the cartridge. In such a case, recycling the dispenser tip, which represents more plastic waste compared to the cartridge, would be more environmentally friendly. However, the application of the method according to the fourth aspect is not limited thereto.

[0061] The method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention provides a dispenser tip that is at least partially emptied, as already mentioned with respect to the first, second, and third aspects of the present invention. Preferably, the dispenser tip is substantially completely emptied. In this way, the emptied dispenser tip as a whole can be recycled. However, even if only a portion of the residual amount is removed from the dispenser tip, that portion can be subjected to recycling. That portion, i.e., the purified portion of the dispenser tip, can be separated from the remaining contaminated portion of the dispenser tip, such as by cutting, sawing, or laser. The remaining contaminated portion can be treated as (non-)hazardous waste, while the purified portion of the dispenser tip can enter the recycling stream.

[0062] Step b3-1) is an easily implementable way to at least partially empty a dispenser tip that includes a certain volume of residual material, where the way only requires pulling the piston in the cartridge chamber towards the lower part of the cartridge. This can be performed manually or automatically. Preferably, in step b3-1), the piston is airtight so as to create sufficient vacuum in the cartridge, which can suck at least a portion of the residual material from inside the dispenser tip into the cartridge. Step b3-1) can be used in cases where the residual material in the dispenser tip has a low viscosity and / or in cases where the cartridge has a single chamber. In the case of a cartridge assembly, the at least one piston can be pulled simultaneously so as to create sufficient vacuum in the cartridge assembly.

[0063] In an optional or additional step b3-2), the outlet of the dispenser tip is connected to a pressurized fluid device so as to allow pressurized fluid to flow through the dispenser tip. The pressurized fluid and the pressurized fluid device already mentioned with respect to the methods according to the second and third aspects of the present invention can also be applied to the method according to the fourth aspect. It is to be understood that step b3-2) can be more forceful and is particularly preferred relative to step b3-1), or is additionally provided in cases where the residual material in the dispenser tip has a high viscosity and / or in cases where the cartridge has at least two chambers.

[0064] Another advantageous effect of the method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is that when applying the method using a cartridge assembly, the cartridge assembly can at least be treated as non-hazardous waste. That is, the cartridge assembly includes, for example, two chambers or two cartridges, each chamber or cartridge filled with a different material that cures after a predetermined time when mixed, especially when mixed in air. Thus, sucking the mixed material from the dispenser tip into each cartridge chamber or cartridge enables the unmixed material in each cartridge chamber or cartridge to cure. This effect can be enhanced as the amount of mixed material sucked into each cartridge chamber or cartridge from the dispenser tip increases.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge comprises a volume amount of residual material from about 1% to about 50%, preferably from about 3% to about 40%, from about 5% to about 30%, from about 10% to about 20%, or from 13% to about 17% based on the total volume of the cartridge. The volume amount of the residual material refers to the volume amount of the residual material to be removed from the used cartridge. In other words, in steps a1), a1-i), a2) and / or a2-i) of the method described herein, a used cartridge is provided which is filled with a volume amount of residual material from about 1% to about 50%, preferably from about 3% to about 40%, from about 5% to about 30%, from about 10% to about 20%, or from 13% to about 17% based on the total volume of the cartridge.

[0066] In another preferred embodiment, the dispenser tip comprises a volume amount of residual material from about 60% to about 100%, preferably from about 70% to about 95%, from about 80% to about 90%, or from about 83% to about 87% based on the total volume of the dispenser tip. The volume amount of the residual material refers to the volume amount of the residual material to be removed from the used dispenser tip. In other words, in steps a1-i), a2-i) and / or a3) of the method described herein, a used dispenser tip is provided which is filled with a volume amount of residual material from about 1% to about 50%, preferably from about 3% to about 40%, from about 5% to about 30%, from about 10% to about 20%, or from 13% to about 17% based on the total volume of the dispenser tip.

[0067] In another preferred embodiment, the cartridge comprises a volume amount of residual material from about 1% to about 50%, preferably from about 3% to about 40%, from about 5% to about 30%, from about 10% to about 20%, from or 13% to about 17% based on the total volume of the cartridge, and the dispenser tip comprises a volume amount of residual material from about 60% to about 100%, preferably from about 70% to about 95%, from about 80% to about 90%, or from about 83% to about 87% based on the total volume of the dispenser tip.

[0068] In another preferred embodiment, the dispenser tip includes a mixer. This is especially the case when using the cartridge assembly. The mixer can be configured to mix at least two materials from at least two cartridge chambers. Many types of static or dynamic mixers are known and are not described in detail here.

[0069] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge, in particular a cartridge assembly, wherein the cartridge comprises a rigid head portion having an outlet portion forming an outlet and a lower portion opposite the head portion with respect to the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge, the cartridge further comprising a piston movable longitudinally through the cartridge, the piston having a surface facing the head portion and a surface facing the lower portion, the piston comprising a projection extending from the surface facing the head portion, the projection being aligned with the outlet and having a cross-sectional shape matching the cross-sectional shape of the outlet such that it can be inserted into the outlet by the movement of the piston to remove residual material from the outlet portion of the cartridge.

[0070] The cross-sectional shape is preferably circular. Other geometries are conceivable (e.g., rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, etc.).

[0071] The projection extends from the surface facing the head portion of the cartridge, i.e., is located on top of the surface of the piston facing the head portion of the cartridge. For example, the projection can be a pin attached to or formed on the surface of the piston facing the head portion of the cartridge.

[0072] Furthermore, the projection is aligned with the outlet of the cartridge, which is important for the projection to move towards the outlet when the piston is pressed. In this way, the piston can press at least a part of the residual material out of the cartridge, in particular the cartridge chamber.

[0073] Furthermore, the projection has a cross-sectional shape matching the cross-sectional shape of the outlet of the cartridge, which is essential for the projection to fit through the outlet of the cartridge. On the one hand, for fitting into the outlet, the cross-sectional shape of the projection should not be larger than the cross-sectional shape of the outlet. On the other hand, for pushing out as much residual material as possible from the outlet, the cross-sectional shape of the projection should not be much smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the outlet. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the projection is preferably slightly smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the outlet of the cartridge in order to meet the requirements of both aspects: fitting into the outlet and providing sufficient surface to push out as much residual material as possible from the cartridge chamber.

[0074] In the case of a cartridge assembly, each piston preferably has a projection complementary to the respective outlet.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the projection has an extension along the longitudinal direction (A) at least equal to the extension of the outlet of the cartridge. In other words, the extension of the projection, i.e., the height, is configured to extend through the entire extension, i.e., the height, of the outlet of the cartridge. In this way, not only the cartridge chamber but also the outlet of the cartridge can be fully emptied. In another preferred embodiment, the projection has an extension along the longitudinal direction (A) greater than the extension of the outlet of the cartridge.

[0076] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for refilling at least partially emptied cartridges, in particular cartridge assemblies, the method comprising the following steps

[0077] a4) providing at least partially emptied cartridge, the cartridge comprising a predetermined volume of residual material, a hard head portion having an outlet portion forming an outlet and a lower portion opposite the head portion with respect to the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge, the cartridge further comprising a piston movable longitudinally through the cartridge, the piston having a surface facing the head portion and a surface facing the lower portion;

[0078] b4) connecting the outlet portion to a refill system comprising refill material; and

[0079] c4) pulling the piston towards the lower portion so as to suck in the refill material in order to provide a refilled cartridge; and / or pushing the piston towards the lower portion by pressing the refill material into the cartridge in order to provide a refilled cartridge.

[0080] The method according to the sixth aspect of the invention is particularly beneficial for reusing fully functional cartridges which would otherwise need to be disposed of after a single use. The method allows the cartridges to be refilled and reused at least twice, preferably at least 5 times, more preferably at least 10 times

[0081] In step b4) of the method, the at least partially emptied cartridge can be easily connected to a refill system comprising refill material, such as a drum with a docking station. Thus, refilling cartridges according to the said method is particularly advantageous for applications on construction sites where at least one docking station for refilling can be set up so that partially emptied cartridges can be attached and refilled without further effort.

[0082] In step a4), it is important that the partially emptied cartridge comprises a predetermined volume of residual material. This is because the said predetermined volume of residual material allows a refill process without air, i.e. the filling and / or refill material in the cartridge does not comprise or comprises a negligible amount of air, such as air in the form of bubbles. As used herein, "filling material" refers to the material filled into the cartridge during its first use. As used herein, "refill material" is the material stored therein which is filled into the cartridge for its at least second use.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined volume of residual material in the at least partially emptied cartridge is in the range from about 30% to about 1%, from about 20% to about 3%, from about 10% to about 5% based on the total volume of the at least partially emptied cartridge.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, during the process of dispensing the cartridge, by restricting the movement of the piston towards the head portion in the stop position, the partially depleted cartridge is provided with at least a predetermined volume of material in the cartridge. The stop position is preferably the position of the piston in the cartridge where the predetermined volume of the remaining material in the cartridge is in the range of from about 30% to about 1%, from about 20% to about 3%, from about 10% to about 5% based on the total volume of the cartridge.

[0085] For example, in the case where the filling material is at least partially visible through the cartridge chamber, the stop position can be selected by the naked eye. In this case, when the stop position is reached, the movement of the piston towards the head portion of the cartridge can be stopped.

[0086] In another preferred embodiment, by providing a dispenser that receives the cartridge, the movement of the piston is restricted in the stop position, wherein the dispenser includes at least one movable plunger that cooperates with the piston to move the piston in the longitudinal direction (A), and wherein the plunger or the device driving the plunger is designed such that the piston cannot move beyond the stop position.

[0087] The said design of the plunger preferably makes the length of the rod of the plunger less than the length of the cartridge chamber in the longitudinal direction (A). In this way, the plunger does not fully press against the head portion of the cartridge but is stopped before reaching the head portion.

[0088] In another preferred embodiment, the stop position is defined by providing the following. The head portion preferably includes at least one protrusion extending towards the piston, wherein the extension of the at least one protrusion in the longitudinal direction (A) defines the stop position. Alternatively, or in addition, the piston preferably includes at least one protrusion extending towards the head portion of the cartridge, wherein the extension of the at least one protrusion in the longitudinal direction (A) defines the stop position.

[0089] When the protrusion on the head portion or the piston respectively contacts the corresponding piston or head portion, the stop position is reached, thereby restricting the further axial movement of the piston.

[0090] If a cartridge assembly is applied, a dispenser including as many movable plungers as the number of pistons in the said cartridge assembly can be used. For example, a cartridge assembly having two cartridge chambers and thus two pistons preferably also has two movable plungers; each of which cooperates with one of the two pistons to move each piston in the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge, that is, to move the piston towards the head portion and / or the lower portion of the cartridge.

[0091] The plunger is preferably releasably or non - releasably connected to the piston such that pulling the plunger towards the lower part of the cartridge simultaneously causes the piston to be pulled towards the lower part of the cartridge. In the present context, "non - releasably connected" means that under normal storage and use conditions, the plunger will not become detached from the piston.

[0092] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispenser tip including a mixer and a mixer sheath, wherein the mixer includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end relative to the longitudinal axis (B) of the dispenser tip, the second end of the mixer, wherein the mixer sheath circumferentially covers the mixer and is formed of a flexible or thin - walled rigid material.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, if flexible, the material of the mixer sheath is selected from the group including paper and / or polymer film. For example, the polymer film can be a laminated film. Alternatively, the mixer sheath can be thin - walled and rigid. In both cases, the amount of waste associated with the handling of a once - used dispenser tip can be reduced more efficiently. In a preferred embodiment, the wall thickness of the mixer sheath is 500 μm or less and 1 μm or more, preferably 300 μm or less and 5 μm or more, more preferably 100 μm or less and 10 μm or more, even more preferably 70 μm or less and 30 μm or more. Generally, suitable flexible materials typically have a thickness of 70 μm to 150 μm, while the thin - walled rigid sheath can have a thickness of 300 μm to 500 μm. The rigid sheath can be integrally formed with at least one of the components of the tip, particularly with the mixer.

[0094] To increase the mechanical stability of the mixer sheath while restricting its wall thickness for environmental reasons (particularly waste reduction), it is preferred that the mixer sheath (particularly if flexible) includes at least two layers, preferably an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer can face the mixer, while the outer layer can not face the mixer, i.e., the outer layer is positioned on top of the inner layer. In a preferred embodiment, the inner layer is made of a polymer film and the outer layer is made of paper. In this way, sticky or adhesive filling materials can be prevented from sticking to the polymer - film - based mixer sheath, while providing a certain degree of mechanical stability to the environmentally friendly dispenser tip.

[0095] In another preferred embodiment, the tip further includes a connection portion non - releasably or releasably connected to the mixer, the connection portion being configured and adapted to be connected to the outlet portion of the cartridge.

[0096] In the present context, "releasably connected" to the mixer means that during normal storage and / or use conditions, the connection portion will not become detached from the mixer, but when desired, such as by unscrewing the connection portion from the dispenser tip, the connection portion will become detached from the mixer, thereby separating the dispenser tip from the mixer.

[0097] As used herein, "non - releasably connected" to the mixer means that during normal storage and / or use conditions, the connecting portion will not become detached from the mixer. When desired, such as by unscrewing or clip - unlocking, the connecting portion will likewise not become detached from the mixer. The connecting portion and the mixer can be integral elements, for example, formed by injection molding.

[0098] The connecting portion connects the dispenser tip to the mixer and is constructed and adapted to connect to the outlet portion of the cartridge. For example, the connecting portion can be a threaded portion that connects the dispenser tip to the cartridge by screwing the connecting portion onto the outlet portion. It is to be understood that in this example, the outlet portion of the cartridge will have a suitable threaded counterpart. Alternatively, the connecting portion can be part of a clip - lock that connects the dispenser tip to the cartridge by clamping the connecting portion onto the outlet portion. It is to be understood that in this example, the outlet portion of the cartridge will have a suitable clip - lock counterpart. Plug connections are also conceivable. Different types of connections can be combined.

[0099] In another preferred embodiment, the sheath is connected to, in particular non - releasably connected to, the connecting portion.

[0100] As used herein, "non - releasably connected" to the connecting portion means that during normal storage and / or use conditions, the sheath will not become detached from the connecting portion. When desired, such as by unscrewing or clip - unlocking, the sheath will likewise not become detached from the connecting portion.

[0101] In another preferred embodiment, the connecting portion includes at least two separate channels, each channel having an inlet opening associated with either a first outlet opening or a second outlet opening of the outlet portion of the cartridge and having an outlet opening associated with the mixer.

[0102] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispenser tip assembly, wherein the dispenser tip assembly includes a rigid support sleeve that includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end relative to the longitudinal axis (B) of the dispenser tip, and wherein the support sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of the dispenser tip according to the seventh aspect of the present invention that includes the mixer.

[0103] The rigid support sleeve is characterized in that it is not flexible, unlike the mixer sheath which can be flexible and non - rigid. This difference can be affected by changing its wall thickness. In a preferred embodiment, the wall thickness of the mixer sheath is less than the wall thickness of the support sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the wall thickness of the support sleeve is 1000 μm or less and 100 μm or more, preferably 800 μm or less and 200 μm or more, more preferably 600 μm or less and 300 μm or more, and even more preferably 500 μm or less and 400 μm or more.

[0104] The rigid support sleeve provides sufficient mechanical stability to the dispenser tip (which cannot be provided by a flexible or thin-walled rigid sheath) to enable the dispenser tip assembly to be used for its intended application.

[0105] The dispenser tip according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is particularly advantageous for repeatedly using the support sleeve a plurality of times by continuously receiving the dispenser tip including the mixer and the mixer sheath. In this way, the contact area of the material to be dispensed (such as a viscous material or an adhesive) is restricted to the mixer sheath, preferably to the inner layer of the mixer sheath, thereby avoiding contamination of the support sleeve. From an environmental perspective, this is particularly beneficial, especially considering that the support sleeve preferably has a greater wall thickness than the mixer sheath. Since the sleeve preferably does not contact the material contained in the cartridge (assembly), it can be reused without the need to clean it.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the wall thickness of the mixer sheath is 30% less than the wall thickness of the support sleeve, more preferably 50% less, even more preferably 60% less, and still more preferably 80% less than the wall thickness of the support sleeve.

[0107] In another preferred embodiment, the support sleeve is releasably or non-releasably connected to the connecting portion.

[0108] As used herein, "releasably connected" to the connecting portion means that the support sleeve will not detach from the connecting portion during normal storage and / or use conditions, but when desired, such as by unscrewing the support sleeve from the connecting portion or by unlocking a clip, the support sleeve will detach from the connecting portion.

[0109] As used herein, "non-releasably connected" to the connecting portion means that the support sleeve will not detach from the connecting portion during normal storage and / or use conditions. When desired, such as by unscrewing or unlocking a clip, the support sleeve will likewise not detach from the connecting portion.

[0110] In another preferred embodiment, at least one portion of the sheath is disposed, particularly clamped, between the support sleeve and the connecting portion. That is, at least one portion of the sheath is not covered by the support sleeve. The portion is preferably located at the first end and / or the second end of the mixer relative to the longitudinal axis (B). In particular, the portion of the sheath at the second end of the mixer is clamped between the support sleeve and the connecting portion. In this way, the mixer sheath can be conveniently fixed to the dispenser tip assembly without the need for any additional fixing elements.

[0111] In another preferred embodiment, the support sleeve is provided with at least one stop element that cooperates with the mixer and / or the connecting part so as to limit the relative axial movement of the mixer and / or the connecting part during the use of the end piece assembly.

[0112] In another preferred embodiment, the first end of the mixer sheath extends radially inwards from the longitudinal axis (B). By doing so, a smaller outlet of the mixer sheath is provided, such that the material within the mixer sheath can be more precisely dispensed.

[0113] In a more preferred embodiment, the first end of the mixer sheath and the first end of the support sleeve extend radially inwards from the longitudinal axis (B).

[0114] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the hybrid piston comprises a hollow rigid ring portion defining a piston side wall and a head portion defining a piston top surface, the piston side wall being adapted to cooperate with the inner side wall of the cartridge, the head portion being provided on the ring portion, wherein the ring portion and the head portion are sealingly and releasably or fixedly connected to each other, in particular wherein the head portion is at least partially made of a flexible material.

[0115] In use, the top surface of the head portion faces and contacts the material provided in the cartridge.

[0116] The head portion can be rigid or flexible. It is also conceivable that some sections thereof are flexible and some sections are rigid.

[0117] The head portion can form a cap that covers the side of the ring portion facing the interior of the cartridge.

[0118] The ring portion of the hybrid piston can form a hollow body that can at least substantially resemble a hollow cylinder (not necessarily having a circular cross-section) having at least one open end (lower end). The open lower end can be adapted to receive a plunger intended to move the piston within the cartridge.

[0119] The head portion of the hybrid piston covers the upper end of the ring portion, thereby forming the top surface of the piston. The ring portion can have a closed upper end face in contact with the head portion. However, the upper end of the ring portion can be provided with a hole covered by the head portion.

[0120] The ring portion and the head portion are sealingly connected to each other, which means that when the hybrid piston is used in the cartridge, i.e., when the hybrid piston is arranged in a movable manner along the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge within the cartridge chamber, no filling material flows out of the cartridge chamber into the hollow piston. Contamination inside the hybrid piston is prevented by the head portion forming the piston top surface, wherein the head portion is sealingly connected to the rigid portion.

[0121] According to a variant of this aspect, the ring part and the head part are releasably connected to each other. As used herein, this means that when desired, such as by pulling the head part off the ring part, the head part and the rigid part can be separated from each other. However, under normal use and storage conditions, the ring part will not detach or release from the head part.

[0122] The head part and the ring part can be sealingly and releasably connected by any suitable adhesive (such as adhesive tape and / or glue) or any suitable fastener (such as fastening clips and / or fastening rings). A welded connection that allows the head part to be torn or ripped off the ring part is also conceivable.

[0123] The hybrid piston is used with any kind of cartridge (such as a cartridge assembly as described herein). It is used in a similar way to a "conventional" piston that does not have the features claimed herein, in particular not the combination of a ring part and a head part as defined herein.

[0124] By using the hybrid piston in the cartridge, it is achieved that only its head part is in direct contact with the filling material inside the cartridge (chamber). By avoiding direct contact between the filling material and the ring part, the ring part is not contaminated, i.e., it does not get dirty. By doing so, the need to clean the rigid part is avoided, and more importantly, post - use processing, especially after a single use, which is typical for a conventional (non - hybrid) piston. This is especially the case when the filling material cures quickly, making thorough cleaning of a conventional piston complex and / or inefficient after its intended use in the cartridge.

[0125] In other words: The ring part provides the mechanical stability of the hybrid piston, and the head part protects the hybrid piston from the material in the cartridge. Thus, the head part serves as a protective sleeve.

[0126] From an environmental perspective, the hybrid piston is advantageous because at least the ring part can be used multiple times. As indicated above, the hybrid piston claimed herein does not need to be disposed of after a single use. Instead, after using the hybrid piston in the cartridge, its contaminated head part is released from the substantially purified ring part, such as by pulling it off or ripping it off. In a second use step, the same (unpurified) ring part can be used in combination with a new or cleaned head part.

[0127] However, according to another variant of this aspect of the invention, the head part can also be fixedly connected to the ring part. In this case, it is not intended to remove it before processing the hybrid piston.

[0128] The outer surface section of the ring portion can be connected to the inner surface section of the head portion. The larger the contact area between the outer surface of the ring portion and the inner surface of the head portion, the stronger the connection between the two components. A section of the head portion can have an axial extension to cover a section of the outer sidewall of the ring portion.

[0129] The wall thickness of the head portion can be less than the wall thickness of the ring portion, and / or the ring portion is made of a more stable or rigid material than the head portion. Thus, the amount of material required to form the piston is reduced.

[0130] The ratio of the wall thickness of the head portion to the wall thickness of the rigid portion can be 0.5 or less, 0.4 or less, 0.3 or less, 0.2 or less, or even 0.1 or less. However, the ratio can even be lower. Generally, the ring portion can typically have a wall thickness of 500 μm to 1 mm, 2 mm, or even 3 mm, while the head portion can typically have a wall thickness of 50 μm to 500 μm, especially when it is flexible. The rigid head portion can have a greater thickness.

[0131] In other words, the above ratio is 0.5 or much less. This is especially the case when the head portion is any ordinary flexible polymer film (such a film being able to withstand the movement of the hybrid piston towards the filling material inside the cartridge (chamber) in order to dispense the filling material out of the cartridge). For example, the flexible portion can be a piece of plastic packaging.

[0132] More importantly, from an environmental perspective, the hybrid piston is advantageous because of the possibility that the flexible portion stretches and is thus adapted to any shaped plunger that can move through the hollow hybrid piston. This aspect will be described in more detail below.

[0133] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a piston assembly that includes a plunger that can be positioned in the hollow ring portion of a hybrid piston according to the ninth aspect, wherein the plunger includes a leading surface that can contact the surface of the head portion, and the leading surface has a non - flat geometry. The leading surface can be convex. The leading surface can be configured to elastically or plastically deform the head portion of the hybrid piston during the use of the hybrid piston assembly.

[0134] The hybrid piston assembly is used with any kind of cartridge, such as a cartridge assembly, like the cartridge assembly described herein.

[0135] In addition to the advantages described with respect to the hybrid piston, the tenth aspect of the present invention is also beneficial for efficiently emptying the cartridge, such that the cartridge can be reused. This is because the leading surface can preferably be configured to stretch the head portion of the hybrid piston along the longitudinal direction (C), which head portion defines the top surface of the piston. As a result, the leading surface covered by the stretched head portion of the hybrid piston can extend beyond the ring portion of the piston and towards the interior of the cartridge (chamber), thereby pushing a greater amount of the filling material out of the cartridge (chamber). The internal geometry of the head portion of the cartridge can be complementary to the geometry of the leading surface.

[0136] It should be noted that, in this case, the concept of providing a non-flat design (e.g., a dome-shaped design) for the internal geometry of the head portion of the cartridge and a matching raised design for the leading surface of the piston can also be applied to a conventional cartridge-piston assembly.

[0137] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with other aspects of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge, in particular a cartridge assembly, comprising at least one chamber having a head portion, in particular a rigid head portion, the head portion having an outlet portion forming an outlet and a lower portion opposite the head portion with respect to the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge, the cartridge further comprising

[0138] a piston movable longitudinally through the cartridge, the piston comprising at least one sealed chamber containing a viscous or fluid material (or a mixture of materials), such as a reactant and / or a flushing fluid and / or a solvent, and

[0139] an opening device configured to open the chamber such that the material of the chamber can flow into the chamber and vice versa.

[0140] The opening device can be at least one pointed or knife-like element (or a plurality of such elements) provided on the head portion and extending into the chamber. Once the chamber is (almost) emptied, the piston contacts the at least one element, which causes the wall of the sealed chamber facing the chamber to rupture, thereby allowing the material provided in the chamber to enter the chamber (or vice versa).

[0141] The material can be a flushing fluid and / or a solvent, which supports the process of removing the residual material contained in the chamber of the cartridge. It is also conceivable that the material in the chamber contributes to curing the residual material, such that the handling of the emptied cartridge is less problematic.

[0142] The opening device can also be a valve that is passively actuated (e.g., by the movement of the piston) or actively actuated (e.g., by the user pressing a specific section of the cartridge). The device can include a flow-guiding element to enhance the flow of the material into and / or out of the chamber, and / or to facilitate mixing of the materials in the chamber and the chamber.

[0143] The features of the aspects of the present invention and their embodiments described above can be freely combined to obtain the desired effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0144] The present invention is further described by the following embodiments presented in the various figures. These figures show:

[0145] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of an exemplary cartridge known in the prior art;

[0146] Figure 2 : A more detailed piston;

[0147] Figure 3 : A schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method for emptying a cartridge according to a first aspect of the present invention;

[0148] Figure 4 : A schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method for emptying a cartridge and a dispenser tip according to a first aspect of the present invention;

[0149] Figure 5 : A schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method for emptying a cartridge according to a second aspect of the present invention;

[0150] Figure 6 : A schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method for emptying a cartridge and a dispenser tip according to a second aspect of the present invention;

[0151] Figure 6a : A schematic illustration of an embodiment of a cartridge with a piston having a sealed cavity filled with a viscous or fluid material;

[0152] Figure 7 : A schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method for a dispenser tip according to a fourth aspect of the present invention;

[0153] Figure 8 : A schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of a method for a dispenser tip according to a fourth aspect of the present invention;

[0154] Figure 9 : A schematic illustration of an embodiment of a cartridge according to a fifth aspect of the present invention;

[0155] Figure 10 : A schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method for providing a refillable cartridge according to a sixth aspect of the present invention;

[0156] Figure 11 : A schematic illustration of a stop position in an embodiment of a method for providing a refillable cartridge according to a sixth aspect of the present invention;

[0157] Figure 12: Schematic illustration of a stop element in an embodiment of a method for providing a refillable cartridge according to a sixth aspect of the present invention;

[0158] Figure 13 : Schematic illustration of an embodiment of a dispenser tip according to a seventh aspect of the present invention;

[0159] Figure 14 : Schematic illustration of an embodiment of a dispenser tip assembly according to an eighth aspect of the present invention;

[0160] Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a hybrid piston according to a ninth aspect of the present invention; and

[0161] Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a hybrid piston assembly according to a tenth aspect of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0162] Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary cartridge assembly (1) (or simply: cartridge) known in the art. The longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge (1) is also shown. As Figure 1 shown, the cartridge (1) can be used in any of the methods described herein, as a basis for a cartridge according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, or in combination with a dispenser tip (assembly) according to a seventh or eighth aspect of the present invention. Alternatively, a cartridge (1) having one chamber (2) or more than two chambers (not shown) can be used. The cartridge assembly shown herein consists of two cartridge chambers (2, 2'), the volume capacities of which are different from each other. The volume capacity ratio of the two chambers can be, for example, 50:1, 25:1, 10:1, 5:1, 2:1 or 1:1. The ratio and thus the dimensions of each chamber can be selected according to what is required for the intended application of the cartridge assembly. In Figure 1 the cartridge chambers 2 and 2' have a volume capacity ratio of, for example, 25:1.

[0163] The walls of the cartridge chambers 2, 2' can be rigid or flexible. In particular, the two chambers 2, 2' can be rigid or flexible. In some methods of the present invention, the at least one cartridge chamber is rigid. This applies in particular to the method according to the first aspect, where a vacuum is required to empty the cartridge optionally attached to the dispenser tip. With a properly selected vacuum, the walls of the rigid cartridge do not tend to collapse.

[0164] A typical cartridge (1) has a head portion (3) that is sealed and non - releasably mounted on the upper end of the cartridge chamber. Regarding Figure 1The shown barrel assembly, each of the barrel chambers can have a mounted head portion (3, 3'). The head portions (3, 3') can be manufactured integrally. They can also be fixed to each other after separate manufacturing, for example, by snap - locking two separate head portions (3, 3') to each other.

[0165] Since the exemplary barrel assembly or barrel (1) has two chambers (2, 2'), the outlet portion (4) is provided with two outlets (5, 5'). Figure 1 The outlet portion (4) located on top of the head portions (3, 3') is shown, and the outlet portion (4) has two outlets (5, 5') for each filling material to be dispensed within the barrel chambers (2, 2'). It is also possible that a barrel having one chamber (2) has an outlet portion (4) on top of the head portion (3), where the outlet portion has only one outlet (5) for the filling material to be dispensed within the one chamber (2).

[0166] The barrel has a lower portion (6, 6') positioned relative to the longitudinal direction (A) of the barrel and opposite to the head portions (3, 3').

[0167] Figure 1 A plug (7) with pins is also shown, which can be inserted into the outlets (5, 5') to close them during storage. The plug (7) is fixed by a threaded portion (8), and the threaded portion (8) is also used to fix accessory parts (such as a dispenser tip (see below)) to the barrel (1).

[0168] Figure 1 The barrel (1) in... also includes two pistons (9, 9'), one piston for each barrel chamber (2, 2'). A barrel having one chamber (2) can correspondingly have one piston (9). Also shown in Figure 2 The pistons (9, 9') shown have a surface (10) facing the head portion of the barrel (3, 3') and a surface (11) facing the lower portion of the barrel (6, 6'). Usually, a plunger with a rod (not shown) is used to move the pistons (9, 9') through the barrel chambers (2, 2'), that is, to move the pistons (9, 9') along the longitudinal direction (A) towards the head portions (3, 3') of the barrel (1) to dispense the material contained in the chambers (2, 2'). The pistons (9, 9') can have at least one ventilation opening, which may be required to remove air during filling the barrel from the side of the head portion (3, 3'), for example, during filling via the orifice or outlet (5, 5') of the barrel.

[0169] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a method according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown. In Figure 3In the top image, a vacuum device (13) connected to the outlet portion (4) of the cartridge (1) is shown. The cartridge includes a residual volume of filling material (14, 14') in both chambers (2, 2'). This connection can be achieved by using an adapter (13'), such as a plastic tube suitable for vacuum, where the adapter (13') seals the vacuum device (13) and the cartridge (1) via the outlet portion (4). The adapter (13') allows the material to be suctioned separately from the chambers (2, 2'). In this way, it is possible to avoid the interaction of the at least two residual materials (14, 14') with each other and / or their curing when they come into contact with each other in the same adapter (13').

[0170] In Figure 3 the middle image, at least partially emptied cartridges (1) are shown, i.e., the volume of residual material (14, 14') stored in each chamber (2, 2') is at least partially suctioned out of the cartridge (1). It is possible that at least the cartridge chambers (2, 2') are substantially completely emptied, as shown in Figure 3 the middle image. It is also possible that at least one part of the cartridge chambers (2, 2') is purified, i.e., a certain volume of residual material (14, 14') is removed from at least one part of the chambers (2, 2'). It is also possible that the cartridge chambers (2, 2') and the outlets (5, 5') are substantially completely emptied, or as shown in Figure 3 the middle image, the cartridge chambers (2, 2') are substantially completely emptied, while the outlets (5, 5') are at least partially emptied. The degree of purification can depend on various factors, such as the nature of the residual material (such as viscosity, adhesiveness), the pressure range used as vacuum, the evacuation time, the volume of the residual material (14, 14'), etc.

[0171] In Figure 3 the bottom image, a substantially completely emptied cartridge (15) is shown. In this case, the entire cartridge (15) can undergo a recycling process, such as a cleaning and / or refilling process (see below). In another case, where the cartridge (1) includes a part that is not substantially completely emptied, such as at least one part of the outlet portion (4) includes a contaminated outlet (5, 5'), the contaminated outlet can be removed from the purified part of the cartridge, for example, by cutting. Then, the purified part of the cartridge can be recycled, while the contaminated part of the cartridge, such as at least one part of the outlet, can be treated as known, for example, as hazardous waste.

[0172] Figure 4A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a method according to a first aspect of the present invention for emptying a cartridge (1) and a dispenser tip (16) attached to the cartridge. In this embodiment, at least the cartridge (1) is at least partially emptied, and the dispenser tip (16) may optionally be emptied to at least a certain extent. Any known dispenser tip (16) may be used. For example, a dispenser tip (16) including a mixer inside may be used, and the mixer allows at least two filling materials from at least two different cartridge chambers (2, 2') to be mixed inside the dispenser tip (16) before dispensing the mixed material (14 + 14'). Similar to Figure 3 , Figure 4 The top image shows a cartridge (1) filled with a certain volume of residual material (14, 14'). Compared with Figure 3 , Figure 4 The embodiment shown is characterized in that a vacuum device (13) is connected to the outlet (17) of the dispenser tip (16). An adapter (13') similar to that described in connection with Figure 3 may be used (although having a single channel). The vacuum device (13) empties at least a part of the volume of the residual material (14, 14') from the cartridge (1) by suction, and optionally also empties the mixed material (14 + 14') from the dispenser (16).

[0173] Figure 4 The middle image shows a cartridge (15) that is substantially completely emptied, while the dispenser tip (16) is partially emptied and thus still includes a certain volume of residual amount (14, 14').

[0174] It is also possible that the dispenser tip (16) can be additionally substantially completely emptied, thereby providing a substantially completely emptied cartridge and a substantially completely emptied dispenser tip (18), as shown in the bottom image of Figure 4 . This may depend on the factors already described, such as the nature of the residual material (e.g., viscosity, adhesiveness), the pressure range used as the vacuum, the evacuation time, the volume of the residual material (14, 14'), etc.

[0175] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a method for emptying a cartridge (1) according to a second aspect of the present invention. Figure 5The top image shows a cartridge (1) connected to a pressurized fluid device (21, 21') via a plunger (19, 19'), in this case via the rods (20, 20') of the plunger (19, 19'). In this case, the plunger (19, 19') and the rod (20, 20') must be at least partially hollow so that the pressurized fluid (22) can flow out from the device (21, 21') through at least one ventilation opening (12, 12') inside the piston (9, 9'). However, alternative connections or even direct connections of the ventilation opening (12, 12') to the device (21, 21') are conceivable. For example, it is possible that the device (21, 21') is connected to the piston surface facing the lower part (not shown) of the cartridge (11). In this case, the plunger (19, 19') is removed from the cartridge (1) in order to expose the said surface (11). The pressurized fluid device (21, 21') can then be connected to the surface (11) (although with a single channel, such as a tube) by using, for example, Figure 3 the adapter (13') shown. The device (21, 21') supplies a pressurized fluid flow (22) into the cartridge chamber (2, 2').

[0176] The ventilation openings (12, 12') are closed by a plug element (12a, 12a') during use or storage. When pressurized fluid is applied to the openings (12, 12'), the plug element (12a, 12a') partially opens the openings (12, 12'), thus allowing the pressurized fluid to enter the chamber (2, 2').

[0177] Figure 5 The enlarged image of the top image shows an exemplary flow of the pressurized fluid (22) through the ventilation opening (12), which flows from the surface (11) to the surface (10), thus flowing through the piston (9). A similar flow can also be provided in the piston (9') of the cartridge assembly. It is to be understood from Figure 5 that the fluid (22) enters and passes through the at least one ventilation opening (12, 12') substantially along the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge. Herein, "substantially along the longitudinal direction (A)" means that there may be sections of the fluid flow that are not parallel to the longitudinal direction (A), i.e., at an angle to the direction (A), for example orthogonal to it, as shown by the piston (9) in the Figure 5 bottom image. This is because it is possible that the ventilation openings (12, 12') can extend radially within the piston (9, 9'). It can also be divided into at least two radial channels (not shown) inside the piston. In this way, even if only one orifice of the ventilation opening (12, 12') is provided on the surface (11), the pressurized fluid (22) can be distributed. Thus, such a radially extending ventilation opening (12, 12') can have one orifice on the surface (11) and at least two orifices on the surface (10).

[0178] In Figure 5 the bottom image, a cartridge (15) that is substantially completely emptied is shown, which is emptied by using a pressurized fluid (22) that flows forcibly through ventilation openings (12, 12') to push residual material (14, 14') out of the cartridge (1). As already mentioned regarding the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible that the cartridge (1) is at least partially emptied. In this case, the purification part of the cartridge can be separated, for example by cutting, so as to be subjected to a recycling stream.

[0179] Figure 6 A schematic illustration showing an embodiment of a method for emptying a cartridge and a dispenser tip according to a second aspect of the present invention is shown. Similar to the principle described regarding Figure 5 a pressurized fluid device (21, 21') is connected to the cartridge. The ventilation openings (12, 12') are not shown in Figure 6 but correspond to the ventilation openings described regarding Figure 6 The pressurized fluid (22) is squeezed from the vacuum device (21, 21') through the pistons (9, 9'), the chambers (2, 2'), and then through the dispenser tip (16) connected to the cartridge (1). In this way, the residual material (14, 14') in the chambers (2, 2') can be removed via the outlet of the dispenser tip (17). This method provides a cartridge that is at least partially emptied. The dispenser tip (17) can also be at least partially emptied. The efficiency of this process may depend on the aforementioned factors, such as the nature of the residual material (such as viscosity, adhesiveness), the pressure range used as a vacuum, the evacuation time, the volume amount of the residual material (14, 14'), etc. In the case where the cartridge has only one chamber (2), it is easier to provide a cartridge (15) that is substantially completely emptied and a dispenser tip (16) that is substantially completely emptied. This is because when using a cartridge assembly, during the emptying process, the residual material (14, 14') mixes and solidifies inside the dispenser tip (mixed material (14 + 14')). In this case, it is beneficial to use a highly pressurized fluid and / or a pressurized solvent, which allows for a faster and / or more efficient removal of the mixture (14, 14').

[0180] Alternatively, in order to prevent premature curing of the residual material (14) or its mixture (14 + 14’), especially when using a cartridge assembly, it is particularly advantageous to combine the methods according to the first and second aspects of the present invention (not shown). In this case, a vacuum is applied at the outlet of the dispenser tip (17), and at the same time a pressurized fluid (22) is introduced through the ventilation openings (12, 12’) of the cartridge (1). However, such a combined method may also be required in cases where the residual material is particularly sticky, such that it may be difficult to remove the residual material from a cartridge with one chamber when using a single method.

[0181] Figure 6a A schematic illustration of an embodiment of a cartridge with a piston (9) is shown, the piston (9) having a sealed chamber (47) filled with a viscous or fluid material. The term "material" should be interpreted broadly and also encompasses mixtures of two or more substances.

[0182] The material in the chamber can be a reactant and / or a flushing fluid and / or a solvent that supports the process of removing the residual material contained in the cartridge chamber. It is also conceivable that the material in the chamber is a reactant that helps to cure the residual material, such that the process of emptying the cartridge is less problematic. For example, the material in the chamber (47) can be the material in another chamber of the cartridge.

[0183] A cutting element (48) is provided on the head portion (3) of the cartridge (see enlarged detail). It extends into the chamber and cuts the surface of the piston (9) as it approaches the head portion (3). The surface can be provided with a weakened area that facilitates cutting.

[0184] The opening in the surface created by the cutting element (48) allows the material in the chamber (47) to enter the chamber and vice versa. A plurality of elements (48) can be provided, for example arranged in an array and / or having similar or different shapes, to facilitate the flow of the material. The elements (48) can be provided with flow guiding characteristics, such as curved and / or angled sections, that appropriately direct the flow of the material and / or promote mixing of the material in the chamber and the chamber.

[0185] Figure 7 A schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method for a dispenser tip (16) according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is shown. In principle, the method is based on pulling the pistons (19, 19’) back towards the lower part of the cartridges (6, 6’). The pistons (9, 9’) can be pulled back by pulling the rods (20, 20’) of the plungers (19, 19’), where the pistons (9, 9’) are attached to the plungers (19, 19’). The mixed material (14 + 14’) within the dispenser tip (16) can be at least partially pushed into the cartridges; see Figure 7The intermediate image. Pulling the pistons (9, 9') further towards the lower part of the cartridge (6, 6') can provide a dispenser tip (18) that is substantially completely emptied; see Figure 7 The bottom image. The emptied dispenser tip (18) can be recycled as non-hazardous waste. Additionally, since the amount of the already mixed material (14 + 14') pulled into the cartridge (1) from the dispenser tip (16) can cause the residual material (14) and / or (14') in the chamber (2, 2') and / or the outlet (5, 5') to solidify. Figure 7 It should be understood such that the mixed material (14 + 14') provides a top layer on top of the underlying layer containing the residual material (14) or (14'). Depending on the nature of the materials, partial mixing may occur at the interface between the layers.

[0186] Figure 8 Shows a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of a method for a dispenser tip (16) according to a fourth aspect of the present invention. Similar to Figure 7 The embodiment shown, a dispenser tip (18) that is substantially completely emptied can be provided. In Figure 8 The embodiment shown, this can be achieved by attaching a pressurized fluid device (21) to the outlet of the dispenser tip (17) such that the pressurized fluid (22) (such as compressed air or a pressurized solvent) can push the (mixed) material (14 + 14') from the dispenser tip into the cartridge.

[0187] Figure 9 Shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a cartridge according to a fifth aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment, the cartridge (1) has pistons (9, 9'), each piston being provided with a protrusion (23, 23'). The protrusions (23, 23') are positioned below and aligned with the associated outlet (5, 5'). It also has a cross-sectional shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the outlet (5, 5'). In this way, the protrusions (23, 23') can fit into the outlet (5, 5') in order to push the residual material (14, 14') out of the cartridge from the chamber (2, 2') and / or the outlet (5, 5'). This is possible but not necessary for the cartridge according to the fourth aspect of the present invention. In particular, in the case where the pistons (9, 9') have protrusions (23, 23') with a length equal to or greater than the length of the outlet (5, 5'), then a greater volume amount of the residual material (14, 14') can be removed from the cartridge (1), thereby providing a cartridge (15) that is substantially completely emptied; see Figure 9 .

[0188] Figure 10A schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method for providing a refillable cartridge (27) according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is shown. An at least partially exhausted cartridge (26) comprising a predetermined volume amount of residual material can be attached to a refill system (24), such as a drum having a docking station and filled with a desired filling material, by using a filling adapter (25); see Figure 10 the top image. As Figure 10 shown in the middle image, the pistons (9, 9') of the cartridge (26) are then pulled towards the lower part of the cartridge (6, 6') in order to suck a volume amount of filling material into the chamber (2, 2'). They can be pulled manually or by means of a suitable device, for example by pulling the rods (20, 20') of the plungers (19, 19'). Alternatively or additionally, the pistons (9, 9') can be pushed in response to the application of pressurized filling material provided by the refill system (24). These refill methods can be easily carried out at a construction site when a storage tank with the desired material is provided.

[0189] According to the above method and an embodiment not shown in Figure 10 the top image, the at least partially exhausted cartridge (26) to be refilled comprises at least a predetermined volume amount of residual material. In this way, it can be avoided that air bubbles may interfere with the refill process. Providing a cartridge (26) that is not fully dispensed but comprises a predetermined amount of residual material prevents air from filling into the chamber (2, 2') together with the refill material. Such a cartridge (26) can be provided by defining a stop position (28) towards which the pistons (9, 9') can move until the stop position and beyond which the pistons cannot move towards the head part (3, 3') of the cartridge. The stop position is as Figure 11 shown.

[0190] For example, the stop position (28) can be defined by using a piston having a rod (20, 20') the length of which is less than the length of the cartridge chamber (2, 2'), where the length is defined relative to the longitudinal direction (A) (not shown).

[0191] Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a piston having stop elements (29, 30) can be used, such as a protrusion (29) extending from the surface (10) towards the head part (3), and / or a protrusion (30) extending from the head part (3) towards the surface (10) of the piston (9), as Figure 12 shown. The extension of the protrusions (29, 30) can be selected according to the need for a specific volume amount of residual material that is not dispensed from the cartridge. Clearly, the stop elements (29, 30) are preferably not positioned directly below the outlet (5, 5') relative to the longitudinal direction (A).

[0192] Figure 13There is shown a dispenser tip (31) according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the dispenser tip including a mixer (33) and a sheath (32), the sheath covering the mixer (33) in a circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the dispenser tip (B). The sheath is flexible and extends from a second end (34) to a first end (35) of the dispenser tip relative to the axis (B). The mixer (33) is releasably or non-releasably fixed to a connection part (35’), wherein the connection part (35’) can be connected to an outlet part (4) of a cartridge (1). The connection part (35’) includes at least two separate channels, each channel having an inlet opening associated with one of a first outlet opening (5) or a second outlet opening (5’) of the outlet part (4), and having an outlet opening associated with the mixer (33), the mixer also being shown in Figure 1 as shown.

[0193] Figure 14 There is shown a dispenser tip assembly (36) according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the dispenser tip assembly includes a support sleeve (37) and a dispenser tip (31) according to a sixth aspect of the present invention. As Figure 14 can be seen, the wall thickness of the support sleeve (37) is greater than the wall thickness of the mixer sheath (32). The support sleeve (37) mainly serves as a mechanical support for the internal flexible mixer sheath. Compared with the mixer sheath (32), the support sleeve (37) is not in direct contact with the mixing material (14 + 14’) to be dispensed, so that the support sleeve can be reused multiple times. Depending on the content, the flexible mixer sheath can be treated as (non)-hazardous waste. In order to prevent the support sleeve (37) from being contaminated by the material (14 + 14’), the length of the mixer sheath (32) can be greater than the length of the support sleeve (37), wherein the exposed excess length extends from the first end of the dispenser tip (35) so as to cover the first end side (35) of the support sleeve (37), not shown in Figure 14 as shown. In order to fixedly hold the mixer sheath (32) of the dispenser tip assembly (36), it is possible that at least one part of the sheath is exposed at its second end (34) such that it can be clamped between the support sleeve (37) and the connection parts (7, 8), as Figure 14 shown.

[0194] Figure 15 There is shown a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a hybrid piston (38) according to a ninth aspect of the present invention. The hybrid piston includes a rigid ring part (39) defining a piston side wall and a flexible head part (40) defining a piston top surface. The head part (40) forms the top surface (39’) of the piston. In addition, the head part (40) partially covers the piston side wall (overlap part 40’). The ring part is provided with a sealing lip (41), which cooperates with the side wall of the chamber (2, 2’) in use.

[0195] Figure 16 Shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a hybrid piston assembly (42) according to a tenth aspect of the present invention. In Figure 16 the top image, a plunger (19) with a domed leading surface (44) is shown. When the plunger (19) is pushed into the ring portion (39), the leading surface (44) deforms a section of the head portion (40) that is exposed due to the holes (45) in the head face of the ring portion (39). Once the shoulder (46) of the plunger (19) contacts the shoulder (46) of the head portion (40), any further axial movement of the plunger (19) causes axial movement of the piston (38), which ultimately results in the dispensing of the material contained in the corresponding chambers (2, 2').

[0196] Since the head portion (40) protects the ring portion (39) from the material, the ring portion (39) can be reused after the head portion (40) has been removed. Since the head portion (40) does not need to be particularly stable as the mechanical stability of the assembly (42) is provided by the ring portion (39) cooperating with the plunger (19), the head portion can be minimized in terms of its mass in order to reduce the amount of waste.

[0197] The geometry of the chamber head portion of the cartridge that uses the above hybrid piston assembly (42) can be matched to the geometry of the leading surface (44) so as to minimize the amount of residual material in the chamber when the cartridge is completely emptied.

[0198] It should be understood that the hybrid piston concept also applies to a plunger (19) with a substantially flat leading surface (44). Conversely, the concept of providing a piston assembly with a non-flat (e.g., convex) geometry can be used independently of the hybrid piston concept.

[0199] Reference numerals

[0200] 1 Cartridge, cartridge assembly

[0201] 2, 2' Cartridge chambers

[0202] 3, 3' Head portions of the cartridge

[0203] 4 Outlet portion

[0204] 5, 5' Outlets of the cartridge

[0205] 6, 6' Lower portions

[0206] 7 Plug

[0207] 8 Threaded portion

[0208] 9, 9' Pistons

[0209] 10 Piston surface facing the head part of the barrel

[0210] 11 Piston surface facing the lower part of the barrel

[0211] 12, 12’ Ventilation openings

[0212] 12a, 12a’ Plug elements

[0213] 13 Vacuum device

[0214] 13 Adapter

[0215] 14, 14’ Residual material

[0216] 14 + 14’ Mixed material

[0217] 15 Barrel that is basically completely emptied

[0218] 16 Dispenser head

[0219] 17 Outlet of the dispenser head

[0220] 18 Dispenser head that is basically completely emptied

[0221] 19, 19’ Plungers

[0222] 20, 20’ Rods

[0223] 21, 21’ Pressurized fluid device

[0224] 22 Pressurized fluid

[0225] 23, 23’ Protrusions

[0226] 24 Refilling system

[0227] 205 Filling adapter

[0228] 26 Barrel that is at least partially exhausted

[0229] 27 Refilled barrel

[0230] 28 Stop position

[0231] 29 Stop element extending from the piston

[0232] 30 Stop element extending from the head part

[0233] 31 Dispenser head

[0234] 32 Mixer sheath

[0235] 33 Mixer

[0236] 34 Second end

[0237] 35 First end

[0238] 35’ Connecting portion

[0239] 36 Dispenser end head assembly

[0240] 37 Support sleeve

[0241] 38 Hybrid piston

[0242] 39 Ring portion

[0243] 39 Top surface

[0244] 40 Head portion of the hybrid piston

[0245] 40’ Overlap portion

[0246] 41 Sealing lip

[0247] 42 Hybrid piston assembly

[0248] 43 Stretched head portion

[0249] 44 Leading surface of the plunger

[0250] 45 Hole

[0251] 46 Shoulder

[0252] 47 Cavity

[0253] 48 Cutting element

[0254] A Longitudinal direction of the cartridge

[0255] B Longitudinal axis of the dispenser end head

[0256] C Longitudinal direction of the hybrid piston

Claims

1. A method for emptying a reusable cartridge, in particular a cartridge assembly, the method comprising the following steps a1) providing a cartridge filled with a volume of residual material to be removed from the cartridge, the cartridge comprising a rigid head portion having an outlet portion forming an outlet; and b1) applying a vacuum to the cartridge by means of a vacuum device, thereby removing at least a portion of the residual material from the cartridge.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The residual material is removed from the cartridge via a dispenser tip attached to the outlet portion of the cartridge.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The vacuum is applied until the cartridge is substantially completely emptied, in particular, wherein the residual material inside the dispenser tip is at least partially removed by the applied vacuum.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprises step c1) after step a1) and before step b1), wherein Step c1) comprises connecting the vacuum device to the outlet portion of the cartridge or to the outlet of the dispenser tip attached to the outlet portion of the cartridge.

5. A method for emptying a reusable cartridge, in particular a cartridge assembly, the method comprising the following steps a2) providing a cartridge filled with a volume of residual material to be removed from the cartridge, the cartridge comprising a rigid head portion having an outlet portion forming an outlet, a lower portion opposite the head portion with respect to the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge, and a piston movable through the cartridge, the piston having at least one ventilation opening extending between a surface facing the head portion and a surface facing the lower portion; and b2) applying a pressurized fluid through the at least one ventilation opening by means of a pressurized fluid device, thereby pushing and removing the residual material from the cartridge.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The residual material is removed from the cartridge via a dispenser tip attached to the outlet portion of the cartridge.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein The pressurized fluid is applied until the cartridge is substantially completely emptied, in particular, wherein the residual material inside the dispenser is at least partially removed by the applied pressurized fluid.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7 further comprises step c2) after step a2) and before step b2), wherein, Step c2) comprises connecting the pressurized fluid device to the ventilation opening of the piston.

9. A method for emptying a reusable cartridge, in particular a cartridge assembly, the method comprising the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and the steps of the method according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

10. A method for emptying a reusable dispenser tip, the method comprising the following steps a3) providing a dispenser tip attached to the outlet portion of the cartridge, the dispenser tip filled with a volume of residual material to be removed from the dispenser tip, the cartridge further comprising a rigid head portion having an outlet portion forming an outlet and a lower portion opposite the head portion with respect to the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge, the cartridge further comprising a piston movable through the cartridge; b3-1) pulling the piston towards the lower portion of the cartridge, thereby re-moving the residual material from the dispenser tip back into the cartridge; and / or b3-2) Connect the outlet of the dispenser tip to a pressurized fluid device and apply pressurized fluid through the dispenser tip by means of the pressurized fluid device, thereby pushing the residual material from the dispenser tip into the cartridge.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cartridge comprises a volume amount of residual material ranging from about 1% to about 50% based on the total volume of the cartridge, preferably from about 3% to about 40%, from about 5% to about 30%, from about 10% to about 20%, or from 13% to about 17% of the volume amount of residual material; and / or the dispenser tip comprises a volume amount of residual material ranging from about 60% to about 100% based on the total volume of the dispenser tip, preferably from about 70% to about 95%, from about 80% to about 90%, or from about 83% to about 87% of the volume amount of residual material.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The dispenser tip comprises a mixer.

13. A cartridge, in particular a cartridge assembly, comprising a rigid head portion having an outlet portion forming an outlet and a lower portion opposite the head portion with respect to the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge, the cartridge further comprising a piston movable longitudinally through the cartridge, the piston having a surface facing the head portion and a surface facing the lower portion, the piston comprising a projection extending from the surface facing the head portion, the projection being aligned with the outlet and having a cross-sectional shape matching the cross-sectional shape of the outlet, such that the projection can be inserted into the outlet by the movement of the piston to remove residual material from the outlet portion of the cartridge.

14. The barrel, in particular the barrel assembly, according to claim 13, wherein, The projection has an extension along the longitudinal direction (A) that is at least equal to the extension of the outlet of the cartridge.

15. A method of refilling at least partially depleted cartridges, in particular cartridge assemblies, the method comprising the following steps a4) Provide at least partially depleted cartridges, the cartridges comprising a predetermined volume amount of residual material, a rigid head portion having an outlet portion forming an outlet, and a lower portion opposite the head portion with respect to the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge, the cartridges further comprising a piston movable longitudinally through the cartridges, the piston having a surface facing the head portion and a surface facing the lower portion; b4) Connect the outlet portion to a refilling system comprising refilling material; and c4) Pull the piston towards the lower portion, thereby sucking in the refilling material in order to provide a refilled cartridge; and / or push the piston towards the lower portion by pressing the refilling material into the cartridge in order to provide a refilled cartridge.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, During the process of dispensing the cartridge, at least a predetermined volume amount of material in the cartridge is provided to the partially depleted cartridge by restricting the movement of the piston towards the head portion in a stop position.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, By providing a dispenser that receives the cartridge, the movement of the piston is restricted to a stop position, wherein the dispenser includes at least one movable plunger that cooperates with the piston to move the piston in a longitudinal direction (A), and wherein the plunger or the means for driving the plunger is designed such that the piston cannot move beyond the stop position.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The head portion and / or the piston includes at least one protrusion extending respectively towards the piston and / or the head portion, and the extension of the at least one protrusion in the longitudinal direction (A) defines the stop position.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein, The predetermined volume of the residual material in the cartridge is in the range of from about 30% to about 1%, from about 20% to about 3%, from about 10% to about 5% based on the total volume of the cartridge.

20. A dispenser tip includes a mixer and a mixer sheath. The mixer includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end with respect to the longitudinal axis (B) of the dispenser tip. The second end of the mixer, wherein, The mixer sheath covers the mixer in the circumferential direction and is formed of a flexible or thin-walled rigid material.

21. The dispenser tip according to claim 20, wherein, The flexible material is selected from the group including paper and / or polymer film.

22. The dispenser tip according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, The end portion further includes a connecting portion that is non-releasably or releasably connected to the mixer, and the connecting portion is configured and adapted to be connected to the outlet portion of the cartridge.

23. The dispenser tip according to claim 22, wherein, The sheath is connected, particularly non-releasably connected, to the connecting portion.

24. The dispenser tip according to claims 22 to 23, wherein, The connecting portion includes at least two separate channels, each channel having an inlet opening associated with one of a first outlet opening or a second outlet opening of the outlet portion and having an outlet opening associated with the mixer.

25. A dispenser end assembly comprising a rigid support sleeve having a first end and a second end opposite the first end relative to the longitudinal axis (B) of the dispenser end, the support sleeve being configured to receive at least a portion of the dispenser end according to any one of claims 20 to 24 including the mixer.

26. The dispenser tip assembly according to claim 25, wherein, The wall thickness of the mixer sheath is less than the wall thickness of the support sleeve.

27. The dispenser tip assembly according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, The support sleeve is releasably or non-releasably connected to the connecting portion.

28. The dispenser tip assembly according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein, At least one portion of the sheath is provided, particularly clamped, between the support sleeve and the connecting portion.

29. The dispenser tip assembly according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein, The support sleeve is provided with at least one stop element that cooperates with the mixer and / or the connecting portion to limit the relative axial movement of the mixer and / or the connecting portion during use of the end assembly.

30. A hybrid piston, comprising: A hollow rigid ring portion defining the side wall of the piston, the side wall being adapted to cooperate with the inner side wall of the cartridge; And a head portion defining the top surface of the piston, the head portion being disposed on the ring portion, wherein the ring portion and the head portion are sealingly and releasably or fixedly connected to each other, particularly wherein the head portion is at least partially made of a flexible material.

31. The hybrid piston according to claim 30 or 31, wherein, The outer surface section of the ring portion is connected to the inner surface section of the head portion.

32. The hybrid piston according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein, The wall thickness of the head portion is less than the wall thickness of the ring portion, and / or wherein the head portion is made of a material that is more stable or more rigid than the head portion.

33. The hybrid piston according to claim 32, wherein, The ratio of the wall thickness of the flexible part to the wall thickness of the rigid part is 0.5 or less, 0.4 or less, 0.3 or less, 0.2 or less, or even 0.1 or less.

34. A hybrid piston assembly includes a plunger that can be positioned within the hollow ring portion of the hybrid piston according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein, The plunger includes a leading surface that can contact the surface of the head portion, and the leading surface has a non-planar geometry.

35. The hybrid piston assembly according to claim 34, wherein, The leading surface is convex.

36. The hybrid piston assembly according to claim 34 or 35, wherein, The leading surface is configured to elastically or plastically deform the head portion of the hybrid piston during use of the hybrid piston assembly.

37. A cartridge, in particular a cartridge assembly, includes at least one chamber having a head portion and a lower portion, the head portion having an outlet portion forming an outlet, the lower portion being opposite the head portion with respect to the longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge, and the cartridge further includes a piston that is movable longitudinally through the cartridge, the piston including at least one sealed chamber containing a viscous or fluid material, such as a reactant and / or a flushing fluid and / or a solvent, and an opening device configured to open the chamber such that the material of the chamber can flow into the chamber, and vice versa.

Images