DEVICE FOR SQUEEZING TUBES

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] In general, the invention relates to a device for emptying tubes. More specifically, the invention relates to a device for squeezing tubes. State of the art

[0002] Many pasty preparations, particularly in the cosmetics sector, such as toothpastes, face creams, or components of hair dyes, but also components in the craft sector such as glue or specialty products, are marketed in tubes. These can be made of metal or plastic, depending on the contents of the tube.

[0003] Consumers strive to empty the tube as completely as possible in order to use the maximum amount of the contents. This is especially true for tubes whose contents are particularly valuable or expensive and / or for commercial consumers who regularly use large numbers of tubes, such as hair salons that use expensive hair coloring components sold in tube form. In these cases, completely emptying the tubes can be a significant cost factor.

[0004] With metal tubes, emptying can often be accomplished by manually rolling them up. This allows the tube to be rolled up from the end of the tube as it becomes emptied, without fear of the coil becoming loose. However, this is time-consuming, which is particularly disadvantageous in commercial settings.

[0005] Another problem with plastic tubes is that, due to the elasticity of the plastic, they unroll to a certain extent, partially drawing the contents back from the tube opening into the interior of the tube. Accordingly, the tube needs to be rerolled when it's used again.

[0006] Therefore, devices are known from the prior art that prevent a plastic tube from unrolling again. For example, DE 43 38 273 A1 describes a winder for plastic tubes that allows the tube to be almost completely emptied and also ensures that the tube ends are rolled up without gaps. This is achieved by combining a winding mandrel with a spring steel construction. The spring steel construction generates the pressure required to compress the tube.

[0007] The European patent application EP 0 047 447 A1 describes a device for squeezing plastic tubes, in which a key-like device for squeezing and rolling up is equipped on the handle with at least one locking pin which prevents the tube from being relaxed and unrolled.

[0008] However, both devices are operated by manual winding, and the corresponding devices remain attached to the tube. Therefore, multiple devices are required for multiple tubes. Furthermore, attaching the devices to the tube and manual operation are time-consuming and labor-intensive, and the sizes of the device and tube must also be coordinated.

[0009] Further devices for squeezing tubes are known from DE 199 23 183 A1, DE 2 138 661 A1 and US Pat. No. 6,966,457 A). Document DE 199 23 183 A discloses a device for emptying tubes comprising a first and a second roller, a housing and an electric motor, wherein the first roller is arranged within the housing above the second roller, the first roller is freely rotatable and the second roller is driven by the electric motor, wherein the two rollers are arranged one above the other such that a tube, which is guided through the opening with the tube fold first between the two rollers, can be drawn in by the rollers and the tube contents can be pressed out of the tube. Document DE 2 138 661 A1 discloses a device with two toothed rollers. Object of the invention

[0010] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device for emptying tubes that is suitable for emptying plastic tubes in particular quickly and almost completely without effort. Furthermore, the device according to the invention should be designed such that it can be used to empty a large number of tubes of different dimensions. Solution to the task

[0011] The object of the invention is already solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous further developments and refinements are the subject matter of the subclaims. Brief description of the invention

[0012] The device according to the invention for emptying tubes comprises at least one housing, a first and a second toothed roller, and an electric motor for driving the second toothed roller. The two toothed rollers are arranged one above the other within the housing. The first toothed roller is mounted for free rotation, and the second toothed roller is driven by the electric motor. In the area of ​​the two toothed rollers, the housing has an opening through which a tube fold can be inserted into the housing.

[0013] The two toothed rollers are spaced apart from one another during operation of the device such that a tube fold introduced into the device through the opening is drawn in by the two toothed rollers. The tube fold is drawn in by the two toothed rollers in particular through static friction. Since, in contrast to devices known from the prior art, the tube fold is not fixed, the tube is not rolled up but simply drawn into the interior of the device by the movement of the toothed rollers. This movement and the pressure of the toothed rollers squeeze the tube contents towards the tube opening so that the tube can be easily emptied. Thus, with the device according to the invention, the tube is not rolled up or wound up in the device. This is advantageous because it allows the tube to be easily removed from the device afterwards.The squeezed-out tube seam can easily be pulled out of the device by hand when the motor is turned off. Disassembly of the device is not necessary. This means the device is quickly ready for use again.

[0014] The first toothed roller is designed as a pressure shaft, while the second toothed roller is driven by the electric motor. Preferably, the first toothed roller is arranged above the second toothed roller. The electric drive of the second toothed roller allows the tube to be squeezed out quickly and effortlessly.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive of the electric motor is transmitted to the second toothed roller via a toothed belt and a synchronizing pulley. In particular, the synchronizing pulley is designed such that the second toothed roller is driven with high torques. According to the invention, the torques are in the range of 15 to 30 Ncm. This ensures a contact pressure that is large enough to push the tube contents toward the tube opening, even with sturdy plastic tubes. At the same time, damage to the tube material, for example, tearing the tube due to excessive torque, is avoided.

[0016] According to a development of the invention, the two toothed rollers are spaced apart from one another when the device is at rest, such that the teeth of the two toothed rollers do not touch. This creates a gap between the toothed rollers, into which the tube fold can be inserted particularly easily. In this development of the invention, the first toothed roller is movably mounted in the device. In particular, the first toothed roller is suspended in the device such that it can move in the y-direction, i.e. vertically. During operation, the first toothed roller is pressed downwards towards the second toothed roller by pressure on the housing, such that the teeth of the two toothed rollers engage with one another and the tube is pushed out by the roller movement. The pressure can be applied manually by the user, for example by pressing on the housing. The pressure applied by the user orThe applied force can be used in addition to the electric motor for the emptying process of the tube. For this purpose, the housing is preferably designed in two parts. The lower housing part is stationary, while the upper housing part can perform a lifting movement relative to the lower housing part. The upper housing part therefore has play. The first toothed roller is attached to the upper housing part. When pressure is applied to the upper side of the housing, for example by a pressing movement of the hand, the upper housing part and thus also the upper roller are pressed downwards.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the toothed rollers have teeth with a flattened profile. In particular, the teeth have a square profile, preferably a rectangular or trapezoidal profile. This particularly advantageously creates a sufficiently high static friction between the tube and the toothed rollers so that the rollers do not spin but transport the tube, thereby pressing the tube contents toward the tube opening. At the same time, the flattened shape of the teeth prevents damage to the tube, for example, by tearing the tube walls.

[0018] The use of toothed rollers whose teeth have a rectangular or largely rectangular profile, with the distance z between the individual teeth being greater than the width b of an individual tooth, has proven particularly advantageous.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the toothed rollers are designed such that, in the case of metal tubes, the roller profile is transferred to the tube. This allows for virtually residue-free emptying of the tube. At the same time, the transferred roller profile seals the squeezed-out portion of the tube, so that the tube contents cannot, or can only with difficulty, re-enter the squeezed-out portion. This is particularly advantageous when the tubes are squeezed out several times during use, for example, to reduce the tube volume and push the remaining contents toward the tube opening.

[0020] The housing of the device has at least one opening at the level of the toothed rollers through which the tube fold or the tube can be pulled in by the toothed rollers. According to a development of the invention, the housing also has a further opening on the opposite side at the level of the toothed rollers. The tube fold can be pushed out of the device again through this second opening by the toothed rollers. This means that even tubes that are longer than the device can be completely emptied. The device can therefore be built very compactly because the depth of the device, i.e. the size of the device in the direction of the transport movement, is only based on the dimensions of the electric motor and the toothed rollers, but not on the dimensions of the tubes used. According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one housing opening has a guide device for inserting the tube fold into the device.Preferably, the guide device is funnel-shaped. An insertion funnel can further simplify the handling of the device, as the tube inserted into the device with the aid of the guide device is automatically positioned correctly so that it is drawn in by the toothed rollers.

[0021] In one embodiment, the width of the device is essentially determined by the length of the toothed rollers used. The length of the toothed rollers used is preferably 5 to 15 cm, preferably 7 to 10 cm. This allows a large number of different tube sizes and types to be emptied with the device.

[0022] The electric motor can be switched on and off using a simple push button switch. However, a further development of the invention provides that the electric motor is switched on by pressing on the housing. For this purpose, in this further development of the invention, the housing is designed in two parts. The lower housing part is stationary, while the upper housing part can perform a lifting movement relative to the lower housing part. The upper housing part therefore has play. When pressure is applied to the top of the housing, for example by pressing the hand, the upper housing part is pushed downwards. At the same time, a switch is actuated and the electric motor is switched on. Operation is intuitive and can be carried out with one hand. The switch can be designed such that the electric motor is only supplied with power as long as the upper housing part is pressed down.

[0023] Alternatively, the device can have an automatic shut-off function for the electric motor. The electric motor is switched off as soon as the tube is completely empty. When the tube is completely empty, it is drawn in by the toothed rollers up to the tube opening. Since the tube opening does not fit through the opening in the housing due to its shape, it gets stuck in front of the opening or the guide device. If the device has a DC motor shut-off function, for example, the end position of the tube and thus of the emptying process can be determined by measuring the motor current. When the tube is completely empty, the tube cannot be drawn in any further due to the geometry of the tube opening. The motor therefore reaches a stop, blocks, and the current consumed increases. The motor is automatically switched off by monitoring the motor current. For this purpose, a current measuring resistor is connected in series with the motor.The current curve is evaluated via a microcontroller, and if the current increases, the motor is switched off.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a counter unit for recording the emptying processes performed by the device. This can be used, for example, to record the number of tubes already emptied.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the device can have a device for dosing the tube contents. In this embodiment, the tube is not completely emptied, but rather a defined amount of the tube contents is squeezed out of the tube with each emptying process. This can be achieved, for example, by switching on the motor and running it for a predetermined time at a predetermined power level, so that a defined amount is squeezed out of the tube with each switching-on process. In a further development of the invention, the device additionally has a device for tube recognition, for example via a barcode or QR code. This makes it possible to automatically set the respective amount of tube contents to be dispensed for each specific tube type.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the device can have a tube recognition device attached to the device housing. This can, in particular, be a tube recognition device using a barcode, a QR code, or an RFID chip. For recognition, the user manually positions the respective tube in relation to the tube recognition device so that the device can read the corresponding code or chip.

[0027] According to a further development of the invention, the tube detection device is connected to a computer or mobile telecommunications device. This can be done via a network cable, Wi-Fi, radio, or Bluetooth. This allows the tube to be detected and the tube inventory to be managed, for example, using a corresponding software program, such as an app. When connected to the Internet, the corresponding software program can automatically reorder the detected tube. Detailed description of the invention:

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures and exemplary embodiments. They show: Fig. 1 a device known from the prior art for emptying tubes, Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b a schematic representation of an embodiment, Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b schematic representations of an embodiment of the invention without housing, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the tooth profile of a toothed roller of an embodiment, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention with a device for tube detection, Fig.6 a schematic representation of a guide element and Fig. 7 a photograph of an empty metal tube.

[0029] Fig. 1shows a device for emptying tubes, as is known from the prior art, as is known from DE 43 38 273 A1. With the device shown, the tube 1 can be largely emptied. This takes place by rolling up the tube end without any gaps from a winding mandrel with a spring steel construction. The device has a mandrel 3, which is driven by hand via the handle 6, and a sleeve 4. The mandrel 3 and the sleeve 4 have a smooth, i.e. profile-free surface. The sleeve 4 is pressed against the mandrel 3 by the spring steel construction 5. This creates the pressure required to compress the tube 1. The tube 1 is rolled up manually with the help of the wing nut 6 and the tube contents are pressed towards the tube opening. The tube 1 typically remains rolled up in the device until it is completely empty. The tube 1 is rolled up in the device up to the tube opening 2.To remove the tube 1 from the device, the mandrel 3 must be turned again by hand using the handle 6, and the tube must be unrolled. This allows both emptying of the tube 1 and the removal of the tube as shown in . Fig. 1 shown device as well as the removal of the completely or partially emptied tube 1 from the device is time-consuming.

[0030] In the Fig. 2a and 2b an embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown. Fig. 2a shows the front of the device, at Fig. 2bThis is a side view of the device. The device has a two-part housing 7, 8. The upper housing part 7 is movable relative to the lower housing part 8, so that when pressure is applied to the upper side 14 of the upper housing part 7, a lifting movement can be carried out in the direction of the lower housing part 8. The lifting movement is symbolized by the arrow 15. The lifting movement starts the electric motor inside the device (not shown here), which drives the second toothed roller 12, so that it executes a rotary movement. In addition, the first toothed roller 11 experiences a movement in the direction of the second toothed roller 12, so that the distance between the rollers 11, 12 is smaller during operation than in idle mode.

[0031] The first toothed roller 11 is freely rotatable and serves as a pressure roller. The upper housing part 7 has two openings 9a, 9b at the level of the rollers 11, 12. The openings 9a on the front of the device are provided with an insertion device 10. The insertion device 10 is funnel-shaped and facilitates the insertion of a tube or a tube fold through the opening 9a. The tube fold inserted into the interior of the device through the opening 9a is moved by the two toothed rollers 11 and 12 towards the opening 9b on the rear of the device. The tube is not rolled up by the rollers, but pressed flat. At the same time, the tube is compressed by the teeth of the rollers 11, 12 and the tube contents are thus pressed towards the tube opening 2. If the tube length is greater than the depth d of the device, the tube fold can leave the device through the housing opening 9b.Opening 9a and insertion device 10 are designed such that the height of opening 9a is smaller than the diameter of the tube opening. Thus, the upper part of the tube with the tube opening cannot be pulled into the device by rollers 11, 12. The motor is arranged in the position shown in . Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b The embodiment shown is provided with an automatic shut-off, so that the motor is switched off as soon as the tube 1 can no longer be drawn in. Furthermore, the device has a counter 27 with which the number of squeezing operations carried out can be determined.

[0032] Fig. 3.a and Fig. 3b show schematic representations of an embodiment of the device according to the invention. Fig. 3bThis is an exploded view. For clarity, the housing is not shown. The device has a pressure bar 16, which presses down the slides 19 and thus flips the toggle switch 18. The toggle switch 18 starts the electric motor 26. In the Fig. 3In the embodiment shown, the electric motor 26 is a DC motor that operates with an operating voltage of 12 V. The electric motor 26 drives a synchronizing pulley 23. The synchronizing pulley 23 is connected to the synchronizing pulley 24 via the synchronizing belt 28. The toothed roller 12 is driven by the synchronizing pulley 24. The synchronizing pulley 24 has a larger diameter than the synchronizing pulley 23, so that the roller 12 is driven with higher torques. Higher torques, in particular torques in the range of 15 to 30 Ncm, have proven particularly advantageous, since they allow the tube to be slowly moved by the rollers 11, 12 with sufficiently high force and to be squeezed out. The roller 11 is mounted so as to be freely rotatable and functions as a pressure shaft.

[0033] Furthermore, the device comprises a guide plate 3 and a hinge bracket 15. These shield the electric motor 26 and thus prevent a tube drawn in by the device from coming into contact with the electric motor 26.

[0034] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 In the embodiment shown, the upper housing part 7 has a width of 120 mm and a depth d of 117 mm. The height of the housing is 119 mm.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows in detail the toothed rollers 11, 12 used. In this exemplary embodiment, the toothed roller has a total length of approximately 77 mm (without suspension 31). Thus, tubes with a fold width of up to 77 mm can be squeezed out with the device shown. The roller profile 32 has trapezoidal teeth 33.

[0036] Fig. 5schematically shows a further development of the invention with a tube recognition device 34. In this further development, the tube recognition device 34 is designed as a scanner and is located on one of the side surfaces of the housing 7. The user can, for example, scan a tube inserted into the device with the tube recognition device after it has been completely emptied. By connecting the tube recognition device to a computer or a mobile telecommunications terminal (not shown), the scanned tube can be managed in a corresponding program. This program can, for example, be designed in such a way that during a scanning process with the tube recognition device 34, the corresponding tube is marked in the program as completely emptied and can be automatically reordered if an internet connection exists.

[0037] The Fig. 6a and 6bshow schematically an insertion device 10 in plan view ( Fig. 6a ) and in cross-section ( Fig. 6b ). The insertion device 10 is designed as a funnel on one side, wherein the front opening 29, i.e. the opening of the insertion device through which the tube fold is inserted into the device, is larger than the rear opening 30. In this embodiment, the front opening 29 of the insertion device 10 has a height of 40 mm and the rear opening 30 has a height of 22 mm. Due to the funnel-shaped design of the insertion device 10 on one side, the tube can be pulled in and squeezed out up to the tube opening.

[0038] Fig. 7 shows a photograph of a metal tube 35, which was emptied using the device according to the invention. The profile of the toothed rollers 11, 12 was transferred to the tube 35, thus compressing it.

Claims

1. A device for emptying tubes, comprising at least a first and a second toothed roller (11, 12), a housing (7, 8) and an electric motor (26); - wherein the housing (7, 8) has at least one opening (9a, 9b) in proximity to the two toothed rollers (11, 12), characterized in that the first toothed roller (11) is arranged within the housing above the second toothed roller (12), the first toothed roller (11) is freely rotatable, the second toothed roller (12) is driven by the electric motor (26), and the torque on the second toothed roller (12) is 15 to 30 Ncm; - wherein the two toothed rollers (11, 12) are arranged one above the other in such a way that a tube which is introduced through the opening with the tube fold first between the two toothed rollers (11, 12) can be drawn in by the toothed rollers (11, 12) and the tube contents can be pressed out of the tube.

2. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second toothed roller (12) is driven by a synchronous belt (28) with a synchronous pulley (24).

3. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (7, 8) has a second opening (9b) and the second opening (9b) is provided on the side of the housing (7, 8) which is opposite the first opening (9a), so that a tube fold which is drawn into the interior of the device by the toothed rollers (11, 12) through the first opening (9a) can be pushed out of the device through the second opening (9b).

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second toothed rollers (11, 12) have teeth with an at least quadrangular profile, preferably with a rectangular or trapezoidal profile.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing opening (9a) comprises an insertion means (10) for introducing the tube fold, preferably a funnel-shaped insertion means (10).

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (7, 8) is formed in at least two parts and comprises an upper and a lower housing part, wherein the upper housing part (7) is capable of performing a stroke movement relative to the lower housing part (8), and wherein such stroke movement switches on the electric motor (26).

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (26) is automatically switched off as soon as the tube has been completely emptied.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a counting means (27) for detecting the number of tubes already emptied.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a means for dosing the tube contents.

10. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein the motor, after having been switched on, runs for a predetermined time at a predetermined power, so that a defined quantity is squeezed out of the tube per switch-on process.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a tube identification means.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the tube identification means is a means for identifying a barcode, a QR code or an RFID chip.

13. The device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the tube identification means is connected to a computer or to a mobile telecommunications terminal.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the connection is established via a network cable, via WLAN or via Bluetooth.

15. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the tube identification means is secured to the housing of the device.