Cartridge press and its use for the application of pasty and / or highly viscous masses

Abstract

Cartridge press for applying a pasty and / or highly viscous mass contained in a cartridge (3), comprising a hand compressor (10) and a locking device with a locking tube (1) for receiving the cartridge (3) and a fixing element (2) for fixing the cartridge (3), wherein the locking tube (1) has a wide opening (18) in its front part for receiving the cartridge (3) and a narrower opening (17) at its opposite, rear part for supplying compressed air from the hand compressor (10); the locking tube (1) forms a cavity (14) with the base and side walls of the cartridge for supplying compressed air to the base of the cartridge; the locking tube (1) is fixedly or detachably connected to the compressor (10) at its rear end (9); and a pressure valve (15) is arranged in the outer wall of the locking tube (1) and is connected to the cavity (14) via a passage (16) arranged in the locking tube, characterized in that the fixing element (2) - a clamping ring (6), - a receiving cone (4) with an interior for receiving the clamping ring (6) and - comprises a ring nut (5) with an internal thread (19), wherein the receiving cone (4) and the ring nut (5) are firmly connected to one another and / or form a component.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge press operated with a hand compressor and a method for applying a pasty and / or highly viscous mass contained in a cartridge by means of such a cartridge press. State of the art

[0002] The use of standardized disposable cartridges for highly viscous or pasty materials such as sealants or adhesives is widespread in the trades, particularly in the plumbing and automotive sectors. Commercially available devices are manually operated and apply pressure to the cartridge base, for example, via a threaded rod and / or a tension spring. This forces the material out of the cartridge opening as a strand. With such simple manual devices, the flow rate is not constant, and the highly viscous or pasty material contained in the cartridge is difficult to dose and apply.

[0003] DE 29 13 188 A1 describes a compressed air-operated spraying device for spraying multi-component binders. The use of disposable cartridges is expressly excluded.

[0004] DE 20 2004 002 186 U1 discloses a battery-powered cartridge pump for dispensing adhesive / sealant from a standard cartridge. The required pressure can be generated either by a compressor or by standard CO 2 Cartridges are provided. Inserting and replacing the cartridge is comparatively laborious. The device is also so complex that using it as a one-handed tool is not suitable for every user.

[0005] DE 20 2006 014 073 U1, on the other hand, describes a compressed air gun for ejecting a plastic cartridge. The cartridge is secured to the compressed air gun with a screw ring. To change the cartridge, the front part of the device must be unscrewed. Dosing of the compressed air or pressure relief is not mentioned.

[0006] DE 9 214 966 U1, DE 10 2010 019 224 B3 and US 2017 / 0 157 639 A1 each describe further cartridge presses. Description of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge press that enables simple and quick changing of disposable cartridges of a binder and / or sealant without additional tools and that allows easy and precise application of the pasty and / or highly viscous mass contained in the cartridge. Furthermore, the device should be able to be operated with just one hand without great effort.

[0008] This object is achieved by a cartridge press operated with a hand compressor, in particular with a battery-powered hand compressor, having the features of claim 1. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a cartridge press operated with a hand compressor, in particular with a battery-powered hand compressor, having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the cartridge press according to the invention are described in the subclaims.

[0009] The cartridge press according to the invention comprises a hand compressor and a locking device with a locking tube for receiving the cartridge and a fixing element for fixing the cartridge; the locking tube has a wide opening in its front part to accommodate the cartridge and a narrower opening in its opposite, rear part to accept compressed air from the hand compressor; the locking tube is designed in such a way that it forms a cavity with the base and side walls of the cartridge for pressurising the base of the cartridge with compressed air and; the locking tube is fixedly or detachably connected to the compressor at its rear end and has a pressure valve arranged in the outer wall of the locking tube and connected to the cavity via a passage arranged in the locking tube.

[0010] The handheld compressor used according to the invention can be any compressor suitable for one-hand operation. Typically, such a handheld compressor comprises an electrically operated pump for generating compressed air. This pump is typically built into a handset. The handheld compressor typically has a manually operated switch for metering the compressed air. This is generally a switch that, when operated, switches on the compressor or pump and / or controls its output. Suitable handheld compressors are familiar to those skilled in the art and are commercially available. A handheld compressor with a rechargeable battery, also known as a cordless handheld compressor, is particularly preferred.

[0011] The cartridge press according to the invention has a locking tube which typically connects the cartridge and the hand compressor in such a way that the cavity formed by the cartridge and the locking part is pressurized with compressed air via the compressed air outlet of the compressor when the compressor is actuated.

[0012] According to the invention, the locking tube has a pressure valve. This is arranged in the outer wall of the locking tube such that it is connected to the cavity via a passage arranged in the locking tube. This pressure valve is a valve that serves to regulate, limit, or switch the pressure in the cavity. The pressure valve serves, in particular, to limit or reduce the pressure in the cavity. In particular, the pressure valve allows the pneumatic pressure in the cavity to be reduced to ambient level as soon as the application process is to be terminated. The pressure valve is preferably manually operable and thus allows the application process to be terminated easily.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the cartridge gun according to the invention, the pressure valve is arranged on a side of the locking tube facing away from the cartridge and / or is provided with a pressure relief hose and a valve attached thereto. This arrangement enables easy manual opening of the pressure valve using a pressure valve regulator.

[0014] For this purpose, the pressure valve regulator is particularly preferably located on the handle of the cordless cartridge press. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the switch for activating the compressor and the pressure valve regulator for opening the pressure valve are located in close proximity to one another. This allows the operator to release the switch at the end of the application process, so that no further pressure is applied to the cartridge base, and to release the excess pressure in the cavity simultaneously or immediately thereafter by activating the pressure valve regulator. This quick and easy one-handed operation can effectively prevent the cartridge contents from flowing further.

[0015] The device according to the invention comprises the fixing element - a clamping ring, - a receiving cone with an interior for receiving the clamping ring and - a ring nut with an internal thread.

[0016] The receiving cone and the ring nut are firmly connected to each other and / or form one component.

[0017] According to a likewise preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the cartridge is a substantially cylindrical cartridge. The device according to the invention can have one or more of the following features: - the receiving cone, the ring nut, the clamping ring, the front, wide passage and / or the rear, narrower passage are arranged concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge; - the receiving cone is radially milled on the inside; - the ring nut is radially milled on the inside; - the clamping ring is radially milled on the inside; - the clamping ring has at least one slot; - the compressor has a pressure reducing device.

[0018] The locking tube, the receiving cone, the ring nut, and / or the clamping ring are preferably made of a pressure-resistant material. These components are particularly preferably made of metal, for example, a copper or aluminum material or steel, in particular stainless steel.

[0019] The locking tube can be permanently or detachably connected to the compressor. A detachable connection can be particularly advantageous if cartridges of different dimensions are to be used.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, a joint is located between the part of the hand compressor that accommodates the locking tube and the handle of the hand compressor. A joint connection allows the head of the device to be moved, so that the angle of inclination between the locked cartridge and the handle can be varied, for example, within a range of 5° to 270°, in particular within a range of 10° to 180°.

[0021] The type of pasty and / or highly viscous mass to be applied is of secondary importance. Typically, it is an adhesive and / or sealant. Preferably, it is an adhesive and / or sealant based on a synthetic polymer, in particular a silicone resin or an acrylate resin, or a mixture thereof.

[0022] The cartridge is preferably one commonly used in the trade or automotive sectors. In particular, it is a 310 ml cartridge.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a method for applying a pasty and / or highly viscous medium contained in a cartridge using a cartridge press according to the invention. Such a method is typically carried out as follows: - Insert the cartridge with its base through the fixing element into the locking tube until it stops, - Locking the cartridge in the fixing element, - Pressurising the device with compressed air from the compressor to apply or dose the pasty and / or highly viscous mass and - End the dosing process by switching off the compressor and opening the pressure valve, e.g. by operating the pressure valve regulator.

[0024] If the fixing element has a clamping ring, a receiving cone with an interior for receiving the clamping ring, and a ring nut with an internal thread, the usual procedure is to first insert the clamping ring into the receiving cone, then place the ring nut onto the external thread, and lightly pre-tighten the internal thread with the external thread. Then, insert the cartridge and secure it by tightening the ring nut onto the external thread of the locking tube.

[0025] The cartridge is preferably a cartridge containing an adhesive and / or sealant and / or a cartridge commonly used in the craft or automotive sector, in particular a 310 ml cartridge. Character description

[0026] In the following, the invention is described with reference to Fig. 1 to 3 are explained in more detail, without limiting them to the illustrated embodiments. Reference is made below to a commercially available 310 ml cartridge, although the use of other cartridges is also possible. Fig. 1 shows schematically a device according to the invention in side view. Fig. 2 shows schematically a section through an embodiment of the fixing element according to the invention. Fig. 3 shows schematically various sections through an embodiment of the locking tube according to the invention.

[0027] The following reference symbols are used: 1 locking tube 2 fixing element 3 cartridges 4 Mounting cone 5 ring nut 6 clamping ring 7 slot 8 external threads 9 rear area 10 Compressor 11 Pressure valve regulator 12 switches for operating the compressor 13 Battery 14 Cavity 15 Pressure valve 16 passage 17 rear, narrow opening 18 front, wide opening 19 internal threads

[0028] In Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a cartridge press according to the invention with a cordless hand compressor. A commercially available 310 ml cartridge 3 is placed on a locking tube 1 and locked by means of a fixing element 2. For clarity, the fixing element 2 is shown with its individual components: the receiving cone 4 and the ring nut 5 form one component; the clamping ring 6 has a slot 7 and, when assembled, is located in the interior of the receiving cone 4. The ring nut 5 has an internal thread (19, shown in Fig. 2) and is screwed onto the external thread 9 of the locking tube 1, whereby the cartridge 3 is pressure-tightly mounted on the locking tube 1. The locking tube 1 is fastened to the compressor 10 via a suitable connection in its rear area 9. The connection between the locking tube 1 and the compressor 10 is usually located within a housing and is thus not visible. This can be a fixed or detachable connection. A detachable connection can be particularly advantageous if differently dimensioned cartridges are to be used. Another embodiment is an articulated connection (not shown). An articulated connection enables the locked cartridge 3 to be tilted relative to the housing shaft and thus allows for more diverse handling and easier application in difficult-to-access locations.

[0029] The compressor 10 is supplied with electrical energy via the battery 13. By activating the switch 12, the base of the cartridge 3 in the rear area 9 is pressurized with compressed air. The pressure on the cartridge base and thus the applied flow rate can be manually controlled by pressing the switch 12. The even pressure on the cartridge base allows the sealant or adhesive to be reliably dosed. When the application process is to be ended, the switch 12 is released so that the pressure on the cartridge base is no longer increased. Immediately afterwards, almost simultaneously, the pressure valve regulator is actuated. By actuating the pressure valve regulator, the excess pressure in the area of ​​the cartridge base is released. This not only stops the outflow of the cartridge contents, but also effectively prevents further flow.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows the schematic structure of a fixing element 2 according to the invention. The receiving cone 4 and the ring nut 5 are firmly connected to one another or are one component. They are milled in a ring shape and have an inner diameter corresponding to the wide opening 18 of the locking tube (1, shown in Fig. 3) and is adapted to the diameter of the cartridge 3 to be used. The receiving cone 4 has an interior space for receiving the clamping ring 6. The clamping ring is preferably provided with a slot 7. The ring nut 5 is provided with an internal thread 19 that corresponds to the external thread 8 of the locking tube 1.

[0031] In Fig.3 schematically shows the structure of a locking tube 1 according to the invention. The locking tube 1 essentially consists of a single piece of pressure-resistant tube. The locking tube 1 has a wide opening 18 in its front area, which is dimensioned such that the cartridge 3 to be used can be pushed through, i.e. the inner diameter of the wide opening 18 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cartridge 3. In its middle area there is an external thread 8, onto which the ring nut 5 with its internal thread 19 can be screwed. In its rear area 9 there is a narrower opening 17, through which compressed air from the compressor 10 can reach the cavity 14. In the area of ​​the cavity 14, on the outer wall of the locking tube 1 facing away from the cartridge 3, there is a pressure valve 15, which is connected to the cavity 14 via a passage 16.The pressure valve can be located directly on the outer wall of the locking tube 1 or attached via a valve hose to the outlet of the passage 16. The pressure valve 15 allows the compressed air to escape from the cavity 14 if necessary.

[0032] View AA shows a section through the front part of the locking tube 1 from the perspective of the cartridge tip. The concentric arrangement of the external thread 8, the rear section 9 with the narrow opening 17, and the wide opening 18 relative to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 3 (not shown in this figure) is clearly visible.

[0033] View BB shows a section through the rear section of the locking tube from the compressor side. Here, too, the concentric arrangement of the rear section 9 with the narrow opening 17 and the cavity 14 can be seen. Also shown is the passage 16 from the cavity 14 to the pressure valve 15.

[0034] To insert a cartridge 3 into the cartridge press according to the invention, the clamping ring 6 is inserted into the fixing element 2. The fixing element 2 is placed onto the thread 8 of the locking tube 1 with the ring nut 5 and lightly tightened. The slotted clamping ring 6 is compressed and pushed into the receiving cone 4. The cartridge 3 is then pushed through the pre-assembled fixing element 2 until it stops into the rear part 9 of the locking tube 1. This creates a cavity 14 for pressurization from the compressor 10. To lock the cartridge pressure-tight, the ring nut 5 is finally tightened onto the thread 8. The slotted clamping ring 6 is compressed and grips the outer wall of the cartridge 3 so tightly that no further stabilization of the cartridge 3 is necessary.

[0035] By pressing switch 12, compressed air is applied to cartridge 3. Pressing switch 12 manually controls the dispensing quantity and speed of the sealant or adhesive. To end the application process, release the compressed air switch and operate the pressure valve regulator. The excess pressure is released, and cartridge 3 can be removed or replaced.

[0036] To remove the cartridge 3, loosen the ring nut 5 and pull the cartridge 3 out of the rear part 9 of the locking tube 1 and the fixing element 2 still mounted on it. Inserting a new cartridge 3 is done in a similar way with just a few simple steps.

Claims

[1] Cartridge press for applying a pasty and / or highly viscous mass contained in a cartridge (3), comprising a hand compressor (10) and a locking device with a locking tube (1) for receiving the cartridge (3) and a fixing element (2) for fixing the cartridge (3), wherein the locking tube (1) has a wide opening (18) in its front part for receiving the cartridge (3) and a narrower opening (17) at its opposite, rear part for supplying compressed air from the hand compressor (10); the locking tube (1) forms a cavity (14) with the base and side walls of the cartridge for supplying compressed air to the base of the cartridge; the locking tube (1) is fixedly or detachably connected to the compressor (10) at its rear end (9); and a pressure valve (15) is arranged in the outer wall of the locking tube (1) and is connected to the cavity (14) via a passage (16) arranged in the locking tube, characterized by , that the fixing element (2) - a clamping ring (6), - a receiving cone (4) with an interior for receiving the clamping ring (6) and - comprises a ring nut (5) with an internal thread (19), wherein the receiving cone (4) and the ring nut (5) are firmly connected to one another and / or form a component. [2] Cartridge press according to claim 1, wherein the hand compressor (10) has a manually operated switch for metering the compressed air and the switch for operating the compressor (12) and the pressure valve regulator (11) for opening the pressure valve (15) are located in close proximity to one another, so that the pressure valve (15) can be operated by hand. [3] Cartridge press according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the pressure valve (15) is arranged on the side of the locking tube (1) facing away from the cartridge (3) and / or is provided with a pressure hose and a valve attached thereto. [4] Cartridge press according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge (3) is a cylindrical cartridge, and wherein the cartridge press has one or more of the following features: - the receiving cone (4), the ring nut (5), the clamping ring (6), the front, wide opening (18) and / or the rear, narrow opening (17) are arranged concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge (3); - the receiving cone (4) is milled radially on the inside; - the ring nut (5) is radially milled on the inside; - the clamping ring (6) is radially milled on the inside; - the clamping ring (6) has at least one slot (6); - the compressor (10) has a pressure reducing device. [5] Cartridge press according to one of the preceding claims, in which the locking tube (2), the receiving cone (4), the ring nut (5) and / or the clamping ring (6) are made of a pressure-resistant material, preferably of metal, for example of a copper or aluminum material or steel, in particular of stainless steel. [6] Cartridge press according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pasty and / or highly viscous mass is an adhesive and / or sealing agent. [7] Cartridge press according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge (3) is a cartridge commonly used in the craft or automotive sector, in particular a 310 ml cartridge. [8] Method for applying a pasty and / or highly viscous mass contained in a cartridge (3) using a cartridge press according to one of the preceding claims, comprising - Insert the cartridge (3) with its base through the fixing element (2) into the locking tube (1) until it stops, - Cartridge locking (3), - supplying the device with compressed air from the compressor (10); - Stop applying compressed air and actuate the pressure valve (15) to end the dosing process. [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the cartridge (3) is a cartridge containing an adhesive and / or sealant and / or a cartridge commonly used in the craft or automotive sector, in particular a 310 ml cartridge.

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