Device for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid

Abstract

Device (10) for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid, characterized in that the device (10) has at least a first dosing container (11) and a second dosing container (12), wherein the first dosing container (11) is designed to contain the first liquid and the second dosing container (12) is designed to contain the second liquid, wherein the first dosing container (11) and the second dosing container (12) each comprise a piston rod (17), wherein the device (10) comprises a lever (16), wherein the lever (16) is connected to the piston rods (17) of the dosing containers in such a way that when the lever (16) is actuated, the piston rods (17) are moved synchronously in the direction of a respective outlet side (15) of the dosing containers.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid according to the independent claims.

[0002] It is known from the prior art to mix liquids, such as clear coat with a hardener and, if necessary, other additives, by hand using a mixing scale in a mixing cup or using a scale. However, this approach poses the problem that mixing even the smallest quantities is difficult and complicated. It is also very time-consuming, and filling and pouring using the mixing scale carries a high risk of errors. Furthermore, the use of mixing utensils, such as appropriate mixing cups and a stirring rod, requires increased material expenditure, and process reliability is only partially guaranteed due to manual mixing.

[0003] The present invention is based on the object of developing a device for mixing different liquids in such a way that increased process reliability is ensured, while the mixing process is as error-free and effective as possible.

[0004] The aforementioned object is achieved by a device for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid, which device has a first dosing container and a second dosing container, wherein the first dosing container is designed to contain the first liquid and the second dosing container is designed to contain the second liquid. Particularly preferably, the dosing containers contain the corresponding liquids. The device further comprises a lever which is connected to respective piston rods of the first dosing container and the second dosing container in such a way that, upon actuation of the lever, the piston rods are moved synchronously towards an outlet side of the dosing containers.

[0005] The lever is, in particular, a hand lever, in other words, a lever that is operated manually. The present device thus comprises at least two dosing containers from which liquids to be mixed can be expressed using the corresponding piston rods. In other words, the piston rods are operated via the lever, thus triggering a controlled, synchronous squeezing process that guarantees a reliable mixing ratio.

[0006] In addition to a first and a second dosing container, the device may further comprise a third dosing container, wherein the third dosing container is configured to contain a third liquid. Most preferably, the third dosing container contains the third liquid.

[0007] The lever can also be connected to a corresponding piston rod of the third dosing container in such a way that, when the lever is actuated, the piston rod of all dosing containers is moved synchronously toward the outlet side of the dosing containers. Thus, the liquid is also pressed out of the third dosing container synchronously. The dosing containers can, in particular, be squeezing cylinders. The dosing containers, in particular, have a round cross-section. The piston rods can comprise a plunger head that fills the cylinder, primarily up to the inner wall.

[0008] On the outlet side, there is primarily an outlet opening of the corresponding dosing container. The outlet side can primarily be the underside. Each dosing container can have a lower side with a corresponding end face and an upper side with a corresponding end face, as well as a jacket surface, whereby the piston rod can move from the upper side to the lower side for extrusion. The inlet opening of the dosing container can also be provided in a region of this outlet side, for example, on the side, but preferably in a lower region of the dosing container.

[0009] In particular, the device does not include any electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic drive for the lever and / or piston rods; rather, the pressing occurs purely mechanically via the actuation of the lever. This applies in particular to the entire device, so that it fundamentally does not include any electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic drive.

[0010] Preferably, the first and second liquids are different. The first liquid can be a varnish, especially a clear varnish, while the second liquid can preferably be a hardener. The third liquid can again be different from the first and second liquids. The third liquid can, for example, be an additive, such as a solvent or a thinner. In addition to the solvent, a thinner can also be provided.

[0011] Furthermore, the device can also include a fourth or fifth dosing container, each of which has a respective piston rod and is configured to hold a respective liquid. The liquids can also be pressed out of these dosing containers synchronously using the lever. The first liquid, the second liquid, and / or the third and / or fourth liquid are respective mixing components.

[0012] A particular advantage of the device's lack of an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic drive is its ability to handle solvents, as corresponding safety regulations must be observed, which can be more easily met through purely mechanical operation. This particularly applies to explosion protection.

[0013] The device can comprise a mixing container, wherein the mixing container can be connected to a respective outlet opening of the dosing container via a respective outlet line. In other words, each dosing container has a corresponding outlet opening, to which a corresponding outlet line is connected, wherein the outlet line leads into the mixing container. Thus, after exiting the dosing container, the respective liquid is directed into the mixing container. A line can be designed as a hose or as a channel, e.g., in a block.

[0014] Preferably, the mixing container is a static mixer. This ensures uniform mixing of the respective components, with the flow movement alone causing the mixing. The static mixer therefore has no driven moving parts used for mixing.

[0015] The drain hoses of the dosing containers can be equipped with a check valve to prevent drainage without operating the lever. This prevents premature discharge of the mixing components.

[0016] The device can comprise a respective storage container for each dosing container, wherein the storage container is connected to a respective inlet opening of the dosing container via a respective inflow line. Each dosing container can thus have an inlet opening connected to the storage container via an inflow line. Thus, the respective liquid that can be accommodated in the corresponding dosing container is directed into the dosing container after exiting the storage container.

[0017] The inlet hoses can be equipped with a respective check valve so that the inflow from the storage container to the corresponding dosing container only occurs when the lever is returned.

[0018] The lever can, in particular, assume two positions: a first position and a second position. When the lever is moved from the first to the second position, this application refers to actuation of the lever, while when it is returned from the second to the first position, this is referred to as return. The device is designed such that when the lever is actuated, the respective liquid is squeezed out of the dosing containers, while when the lever is returned, the device is designed such that the corresponding liquid flows from the storage containers into the dosing containers.

[0019] The lever may have a spring-loaded return mechanism that ensures that after the lever is actuated, i.e., after the lever is moved from the first to the second position, it is automatically returned. The return mechanism may, in particular, be a return spring, in particular a return gas spring.

[0020] In particular, the squeezing of the liquid from the dosing containers into the mixing containers when the lever is operated creates a vacuum in the dosing containers, which allows the liquid to flow from the corresponding storage containers when the lever is returned. This vacuum eliminates the need for an additional pump to refill the dosing containers, thus keeping the overall design as simple as possible.

[0021] In particular, each dosing container has a diameter, with the ratio of the diameters of the different dosing containers defining the mixing ratio of the liquids. Thus, the dosing containers determine the mixing ratio of the liquids in the mixing container.

[0022] In particular, the dosing containers can be interchangeable and thus the mixing ratio can be optimally selected by using different dosing containers.

[0023] The device can be made of polyamide, in particular. This applies in particular to the dosing containers and / or the storage containers and / or the hoses used.

[0024] Overall, this device prevents fluctuations in the mixing ratio, which could be due to errors, for example, thus ensuring process reliability. Furthermore, the mixing process is significantly accelerated and enables the mixing of even the smallest quantities. Operation is kept as simple as possible and independent of external power sources, as the entire device functions purely mechanically and is therefore independent of hydraulic, electrical, or pneumatic drive systems. The mixed material is produced in the correct mixing ratio and can even be finished in a ready-to-use state for further processing.

[0025] In particular, the first dosing container and the second dosing container can have aluminum-oxidized inner walls. This serves to improve tightness and lubricity.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the check valves can comprise a closure means movable by gravity. In other words, each check valve can be equipped with a gravity function. For example, gravity ball check valves can be provided. In such a case, the volume flow coming from below can push the ball to the side, allowing it to continue flowing upwards. When the volume flow is interrupted, the ball rolls back into a constriction, thus closing it. The fluid can therefore no longer flow downwards.

[0027] The first dosing container and the second dosing container can comprise a double-lipped seal. This is primarily a seal with two sealing lips. The sealing lips can, in particular, be arranged directly next to each other. For example, the seal can be made of a mixture of polytetrafluoroethylene and graphite. A support ring can also be installed to ensure functionality.

[0028] In addition, the device can have an extendable base to prevent tipping. The base can thus ensure secure stability when extended, while facilitating transport of the device when retracted.

[0029] Furthermore, the storage containers can each include a flat sieve. This can be a so-called base sieve, which is arranged on the bottom, in other words the floor, of the storage container. The flat sieve ensures the functionality of the device by protecting the lines and / or check valves and / or dosing containers from coarse contaminants. Furthermore, the flat sieves can be removable, for example, to clean them. The storage containers can also each be equipped with a lid for quickly refilling the components.

[0030] The mixing container may comprise a receiving element for receiving a nozzle for dispensing a mixture of liquids, wherein the receiving element is preferably designed to be removable. The receiving element may be understood as a receptacle for the nozzle, which preferably represents a wear part, and may be removable, for example, for cleaning purposes or in the event of wear.

[0031] Furthermore, the device can include a timer, such as a timer, to measure the pot life of the nozzle. Pot life is defined as the period of time the nozzle has dispensed the liquid. This can be a mechanical and / or magnetic timer, such as a timer, to read the pot life.

[0032] The first dosing container and the second dosing container can each include a safety valve. This is preferably a pressure relief valve with a corresponding return line to the storage container to prevent failure of the dosing container seals in the event of a blockage and / or a hardened nozzle or a similar blockage.

[0033] The lever can be set to a safety position. For example, it can be folded completely and thus placed in a safety position, for example, when the user wants to transport the device. Additionally, the lever can be adjusted to different positions depending on the user's needs.

[0034] Each dosing container and / or storage container can have a vent valve for the inflow of air. The vent valve can be arranged, in particular, on a side opposite the outlet side, for example, on the top side of the dosing container or on the top side of the storage container. Furthermore, an opening can be provided on the corresponding side for introducing a desiccant. A suitable desiccant can be used to prevent crystallization of one of the liquids, for example, because it reacts to atmospheric humidity.

[0035] Furthermore, each reservoir can include a level indicator that indicates how much liquid is present in a corresponding reservoir, thus preventing it from running dry. The level indicator can be mechanical in nature and, for example, comprise a corresponding dipstick that moves with the liquid level. Thus, the entire device is purely mechanical in nature.

[0036] It shows in a purely schematic representation Fig. 1 a device for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a device 10 for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid.

[0038] The device 10 comprises a first dosing container 11 and a second dosing container 12. Each of the dosing containers has a piston rod 17, which are mechanically connected to a lever 16. Each piston rod has a plunger-shaped head, which can be used to push liquid toward an outlet side 15 of the corresponding dosing container upon actuation of the piston rod.

[0039] A corresponding outlet opening 14 is provided on the outlet side 15, through which liquid can leave the corresponding dosing container. Furthermore, each dosing container comprises an inlet opening 13 through which liquid can enter the corresponding dosing container. The inlet opening is located in Fig. 1 on the side in a lower area of ​​the corresponding dosing container.

[0040] Furthermore, each dosing container comprises a vent valve 24 on a side opposite the outlet side 15, which Fig. 1 as the upper side. The corresponding outlet opening 14 of the dosing containers is connected to a static mixer 18 via a respective drain line 19, optionally via an outlet block 25. The pressed liquids thus flow via the corresponding drain lines 19 into the static mixer 18, where they are mixed in a mixing ratio perfectly determined by the diameter of the dosing containers.

[0041] The lever 16 is designed as a hand lever, i.e., a lever that is driven purely mechanically. When the lever 16 is actuated and thus moved from a first position 16a to a second position 16b, the piston rods 17 are pressed downward, and the corresponding liquid in the dosing containers is pressed out of the outlet openings 14.

[0042] The dosing containers are refilled through the corresponding inlet opening 13, which is connected to the respective storage containers 21 via corresponding supply hoses 20. The storage containers 21 may include a level indicator 22 that indicates the fill level of the liquid in the corresponding storage container.

[0043] Corresponding check valves 23 and a corresponding opening for introducing desiccant can be provided on the upper side of the storage containers. Corresponding check valves 23 can also encompass the inlet hoses 20 and the outlet hoses 19. These prevent premature drainage from the dosing containers or automatic inflow via the inlet hoses when the lever is returned to the first position 16a. When the lever is returned, specifically from the second position 16b to the first position 16a, the return of the piston rod 17 and thus of the plunger leads to the creation of a vacuum in the corresponding dosing containers, which ensures automatic reflow via the inlet hoses 20. The lever 16 is equipped with a spring-loaded return mechanism so that it is automatically returned to the first position 16a after actuation. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10 Device for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid 11 first dosing container 12 second dosing container 13 Entrance opening 14 Exit opening 15 Exit side 16 levers 16a first position 16b second position 17 Piston rod 18 static mixers 19 Drain pipe 20 inflow line 21 storage containers 22 stock indicators 23 Check valve 24 Ventilation valve 25 Exit block

Claims

[1] Device (10) for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid, characterized by , that the device (10) has at least a first dosing container (11) and a second dosing container (12), wherein the first dosing container (11) is designed to contain the first liquid and the second dosing container (12) is designed to contain the second liquid, wherein the first dosing container (11) and the second dosing container (12) each comprise a piston rod (17), wherein the device (10) comprises a lever (16), wherein the lever (16) is connected to the piston rods (17) of the dosing containers in such a way that when the lever (16) is actuated, the piston rods (17) are moved synchronously in the direction of a respective outlet side (15) of the dosing containers. [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the device (10) comprises a third dosing container, wherein the third dosing container is designed to contain a third liquid, wherein the lever (16) is connected to a piston rod (17) of the third dosing container in such a way that when the lever (16) is actuated, the piston rods (17) of all dosing containers are moved synchronously in the direction of a respective outlet side (15) of the dosing containers. [3] Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the device (10) does not comprise an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic drive of the lever (16) and / or the piston rods (17). [4] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first liquid is a varnish, especially a clear varnish. [5] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second liquid is a hardener. [6] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the third liquid is a solvent. [7] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device (10) comprises a mixing container, wherein the mixing container is connected to a respective outlet opening (14) of the dosing container via a respective drain line (19), so that the respective liquid is guided into the mixing container after exiting the dosing container. [8] Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized by that the mixing container is a static mixer (18). [9] Device (10) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by that the drain hoses (19) are equipped with a respective check valve (23) so that no drainage occurs without actuating the lever (16). [10] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device comprises a respective storage container (21) per dosing container, wherein the storage container (21) is connected via a respective inlet line (20) to a respective inlet opening (13) of the dosing container, so that the respective liquid is guided into the respective dosing container after exiting the storage container (21). [11] Device (10) according to claim 10, characterized by that the inlet hoses (20) are equipped with a respective check valve (23) so that an inflow of liquid occurs when the lever is returned. [12] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lever (16) has a spring return mechanism. [13] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each dosing container has a diameter where the ratio of the diameters of the dosing containers defines the mixing ratio of the liquids. [14] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first dosing container (11) and the second dosing container (12) have aluminum-oxidized inner walls. [15] Device (10) according to claim 9, characterized by that the check valves (23) comprise a closure means movable by means of gravity. [16] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first dosing container (11) and the second dosing container (12) comprise a double-lipped seal. [17] Device (10) according to claim 16, characterized by that the seal is made of a mixture of polytetrafluoroethylene and graphite. [18] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (10) comprises an extendable base. [19] Device (10) according to claim 10, characterized by that the storage containers (21) comprise a respective surface sieve. [20] Device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that the mixing container comprises a receiving element for receiving a nozzle for filling a mixture of the liquids, wherein the receiving element is preferably designed to be removable. [21] Device (10) according to claim 20, characterized by that the device (10) comprises a timer, e.g. a timer, to measure a pot life of the nozzle. [22] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first dosing container (11) and the second dosing container (12) each comprise a safety valve. [23] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lever (16) can be brought into a safety position.

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