CARTRIDGE SYSTEM

Description

[0001] For applications in construction, but also for DIY projects, viscous materials such as silicone, acrylic, and adhesives are supplied in cartridges equipped with an outlet nozzle for dispensing the material and inserted into a cartridge gun. When the cartridge gun is activated, a plunger presses against the movable base of the cartridge and pushes it forward, forcing the material stored in the cartridge out of the cartridge through the outlet nozzle.

[0002] Such cartridges are typically made of thick-walled plastic and designed for a single refill. Since it is unavoidable that residues of the stored material will adhere to the inner walls of an empty cartridge, emptied cartridges are not permitted for recycling according to the German Packaging Ordinance. This results in a significant amount of plastic waste that must be incinerated and is lost to the recycling cycle. Furthermore, due to the required high barrier properties, recycled plastic material can only be used to a very limited extent in the production of such cartridges.

[0003] Against the backdrop of increased environmental and sustainability awareness, alternative solutions have already been developed. Instead of cartridges, thin-walled tubular bags sealed at both ends are being used to store the viscous materials. These tubular bags are made of thin laminate films with high barrier properties. However, dispensing the material from such tubular bags requires special cartridge guns, so-called full-wall cartridge guns, into which the tubular bag is completely inserted, providing the flexible tubular bag with the necessary external stability on all sides. The tubular bag must be cut open before use.One disadvantage of such full metal jacket cartridge guns is that, due to their more complex design, they are significantly more expensive than conventional cartridge guns and are therefore less suitable for DIY applications where the cartridge gun is used only rarely or even only once.

[0004] DE 103 51 828 A1 discloses a squeezing device for dispensing single- and multi-component masses from tubular bags. The tubular bag(s) are arranged in an outer housing made, for example, of cardboard. The tubular bags comprise a membrane that is destructible under pressure and can be opened by actuating the squeezing device, allowing the material stored in the tubular bags to escape.

[0005] Furthermore, devices for emptying bag packs are known, for example from DE 9 206 256 U1 and DE 10 2007 060 382 A1, in which a tubular bag is inserted into a tube which externally resembles a conventional cartridge. This cartridge-like tube can be used in a conventional cartridge gun. When the cartridge gun is actuated, the tubular bag is pressed against piercing tips arranged on the dispensing side of the tube and is torn open by these, so that the contents of the tubular bag are emptied through a dispensing nozzle. A problem with such devices is that the piercing tips are not able to tear open the tubular bag in a satisfactory and controlled manner, since the tubular bag, due to its flexibility, initially gives way and deforms upon contact with the piercing tips.When piercing the comparatively flexible tubular bag, the piercing tips often only create small holes in the bag film, through which an insufficient amount of material can subsequently escape.

[0006] The present invention therefore has the object of providing a cartridge system which is particularly suitable for DIY applications and which, compared to systems known from the prior art, can be manufactured in a more resource-efficient manner, is more recyclable and, at the same time, is easy and reliable to use even for laypersons.

[0007] This problem is solved by a cartridge system having the features of patent claim 1.

[0008] Specific embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] According to claim 1, the invention is a cartridge system comprising a tubular bag containing a viscous material, a cylindrical sleeve with a sleeve wall that completely surrounds the tubular bag, wherein the sleeve has a dispensing end and a distal end opposite the dispensing end, a closure element that is arranged at the distal end of the sleeve and is detachably connected to the sleeve, and a shoulder element that is arranged at the dispensing end of the sleeve and is detachably connected to the sleeve, wherein the shoulder element comprises a central flow channel and an outlet opening for dispensing the viscous material from the cartridge system and has at least one piercing tip for piercing the tubular bag, wherein the shoulder element has a compression ring,which projects concentrically into an interior space of the sleeve defined by the sleeve wall, and whose outer diameter is reduced relative to the inner diameter of the sleeve such that an annular gap is formed between the sleeve wall and the compression ring, wherein a compression chamber is formed within the compression ring, into which the at least one piercing tip projects. The invention is characterized in that the compression ring projects further into the interior of the sleeve than the at least one piercing tip.

[0010] In other words, the cartridge system according to the invention is a system consisting of several detachably connected individual components, which can be separated from one another and disposed of individually after the tubular bag has been emptied. In particular, the shoulder element, the closure element, and the sleeve can be separated from one another, and the closure element and the sleeve can be recycled according to the materials used. The emptied tubular bag and the shoulder element must still be disposed of with the residual waste due to adhering product residues, although the plastic content is significantly lower than in a conventional cartridge.

[0011] The cartridge system according to the invention is designed, in terms of its dimensions and functionality, to be operated with a conventional cartridge gun. Despite the use of a tubular bag, a special solid-metal-jacket cartridge gun is thus unnecessary.

[0012] The tubular bag of the cartridge system according to the invention can be made from a film tube. For example, after the filling process, the ends of the film tube are sealed like sausage tails. Clamps, clips, or adhesive or welded seams can be used for this purpose. However, other manufacturing processes are also conceivable instead of using a film tube to produce the tubular bag. For example, the tubular bag body can be blow-molded, preferably using a thermoplastic material.

[0013] The cartridge system according to the invention is further characterized in that the shoulder element has at least one piercing tip for piercing the tubular bag and a compression ring which projects concentrically to the sleeve wall into an interior space of the sleeve delimited by the sleeve wall. The outer diameter of the compression ring is smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve, so that an annular gap is formed between the sleeve wall and the compression ring. A compression space is formed within the compression ring, into which the at least one piercing tip projects. According to the invention, the compression ring projects further into the interior of the sleeve than the at least one piercing tip. Particularly preferably, the compression ring projects at least 0.5 to 10.0 mm further into the interior of the sleeve than the at least one piercing tip.Such a design can reduce the risk of the tubular bag being accidentally punctured by a piercing tip, for example, during storage, transport, or if the cartridge system falls from a certain height. The diameter of the tubular bag filled with viscous material is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve, but larger than the outer diameter of the compression ring.

[0014] The function of the compression ring in conjunction with the at least one piercing tip will be explained below. To dispense the viscous material, the cartridge system is inserted into a standard cartridge gun. In contrast to a full-metal jacket cartridge gun, a standard cartridge gun is one that has a receiving body for a cartridge, for example a half-shell, that is at least partially open. Some such cartridge guns are also designed as skeleton guns, in which the receiving body is formed by a thin frame made of plastic or metal. When the cartridge gun is operated, pressure is exerted on the tubular bag inside the sleeve in the direction of the dispensing end of the sleeve.This moves the tubular bag towards the discharge end of the sleeve, with its discharge end initially coming into contact with the compression ring protruding into the interior of the sleeve. Continued pressure on the tubular bag then causes part of its discharge end to be pressed into the interior of the compression ring, known as the compression chamber. The compression ring's diameter, which is smaller than the diameter of the sleeve, means that a higher internal pressure builds up more quickly at the discharge end of the tubular bag than would be the case without the compression ring. The part of the tubular bag pressed into the compression chamber is therefore particularly firm and taut.As a result, as soon as the tubular bag is pressed by continued pressure onto the at least one piercing tip extending into the compression chamber, it is not only pierced at specific points but actually bursts open. The stored and pressurized material exits from the resulting, comparatively large opening in the tubular bag and is conveyed out of the cartridge system through the flow channel and the outlet opening. The cartridge system according to the invention thus enables automatic and reliable opening of the tubular bag, making it a very user-friendly system. In particular, this eliminates the need for an additional tool, such as a knife, to open the tubular bag.

[0015] It can be provided that the shoulder element has several, for example two or three piercing tips, whereby the tubular bag can be torn open even better and more reliably.

[0016] The outer diameter of the compression ring is smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve. This creates an annular gap between the sleeve wall and the compression ring. During the emptying process, portions of the tubular bag film are forced into this annular gap by the pressure acting on the tubular bag. At the same time, this seals the opened tubular bag from the interior of the sleeve, so that if the outlet opening is additionally sealed, the viscous material from an opened tubular bag does not dry out and can be reused at a later time.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical sleeve is made of a material based on plant fibers. For example, the sleeve can be made of cardboard. After separating the shoulder element, closure element, and tubular bag, the sleeve can be recycled and recycled. The sleeve can be made of recycled paper, making the cartridge system an even more sustainable product. The sleeve made of a material based on plant fibers can, in principle, be printed; however, according to one embodiment, it does not contain any additional coating made of another material such as plastic or aluminum to enable efficient recycling. According to an alternative embodiment, the sleeve made of a material based on plant fibers can have a moisture-repellent coating to protect against moisture.

[0018] The shoulder element and the closure element can be manufactured from a thermoplastic, for example, by injection molding. Suitable materials include polyethylene or polypropylene. Since the closure element is generally completely free of contamination from product residues, it can be recycled after the cartridge system has been emptied and separated from the sleeve.

[0019] Overall, such a cartridge system according to the invention comprises up to about 65% less plastic than a conventional cartridge.

[0020] One embodiment of the invention provides that the shoulder element comprises a pressing ring which is formed concentrically to the compression ring and, at the discharge-side end of the sleeve, rests against the sleeve wall from the inside when pressed into the latter, wherein the inner diameter of the pressing ring is larger than the outer diameter of the compression ring, such that the annular gap is formed between the pressing ring and the compression ring. As already described above, portions of the tubular bag film are forced into this gap during the emptying process of the tubular bag by the pressure acting on the tubular bag. According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressing ring projects less far into the interior of the sleeve from the discharge-side end of the sleeve than the compression ring, such that the tubular bag pushed forward within the sleeve first contacts the compression ring and is tensioned by it in the manner described above.The compression ring can have a structure on its outer circumference, such as a ribbed structure or a nubby structure. The outer diameter of the compression ring is matched to the inner diameter of the sleeve so that the compression ring can be pressed under pressure into the dispensing end of the sleeve during manufacture of the cartridge system. Alternatively, the compression ring can have a type of self-tapping thread on its outer circumference that also cuts into the sleeve material. In this way, the shoulder element is firmly but detachably connected to the sleeve. Once the cartridge system has been emptied, the shoulder element can be separated from the sleeve by a user, and both components can be disposed of separately.

[0021] As an alternative to a compression ring pressed into the sleeve and resting against the sleeve wall from the inside, the shoulder element can comprise a locking ring which is designed concentrically to the compression ring and rests against the sleeve wall from the outside. In this case, the shoulder element and sleeve are connected via the locking ring which is pressed onto the sleeve from the outside and rests against the outer sleeve wall and which can have a structure, such as a rib structure or a knob structure, on its peripheral surface facing the sleeve wall. The inner diameter of the locking ring is matched to the outer diameter of the sleeve in such a way that the shoulder element can be pressed under pressure onto the dispensing end of the sleeve by means of the locking ring during manufacture of the cartridge system. In this way, the shoulder element is firmly but detachably connected to the sleeve.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, a circumferential shoulder edge is formed on the shoulder element, which rests on the front edge of the sleeve wall at the discharge end of the sleeve. This prevents the shoulder element from accidentally extending too far into the sleeve.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that an undercut is formed on the inside of the shoulder element adjacent to the circumferential shoulder edge. The displaceable piston, described below, can engage or snap into the recess formed by such an undercut when approaching the dispensing end of the cartridge system, together with the emptied tubular bag, so that a user can remove the shoulder element, together with the emptied tubular bag and the piston as a unit from the sleeve and dispose of it separately from the sleeve. The piston can snap into place, for example, by sealing lips formed on the piston and described in more detail below snapping into the recess in the shoulder element formed by the undercut.Such a design with undercut is possible both for the design of the shoulder element with a press ring and for the design with a locking ring.

[0024] The shoulder element can comprise a dispensing nozzle that is integrally formed with the shoulder element adjacent to the outlet opening. It can also be provided that the shoulder element has an external thread in the region of the outlet opening, via which the shoulder element can be connected to a separate dispensing nozzle. Preferably, a dispensing nozzle is used that has a dispensing opening for applying the viscous material, which has a diameter of at least 3 mm, particularly preferably at least 4 mm.

[0025] One embodiment of the invention provides that the outlet opening is closed by a breakable reclosure part. In other words, a reclosure part can be provided which is initially firmly connected to the shoulder element and closes the outlet opening so that it is protected against the ingress of dust and other contamination. The connection between the reclosure part and the shoulder element can comprise predetermined breaking points which can be broken open by a user before the cartridge system is put into operation in order to separate the reclosure part from the shoulder element. The reclosure part can be conical so that after separation from the shoulder element it can serve either as a closure for the dispensing opening of a dispensing nozzle or as a closure for the outlet opening of the shoulder element by being inserted into the latter in a sealing manner.The conicity of the reclosure part enables the sealing of outlet openings or dispensing openings of different diameters.

[0026] According to one concept of the invention, the closure element arranged at the distal end of the sleeve can comprise a piston which can be displaced in the sleeve and a closure ring which is pressed into the sleeve. The closure ring is arranged directly at the distal end of the sleeve, while the piston is arranged between the closure ring and the tubular bag. In principle, the piston and the closure ring can be designed as two separate parts. However, according to one embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided that the piston and the closure ring are designed as a single piece and are connected to one another via at least one connecting web designed as a predetermined breaking point. In this case, the closure element can thus comprise two components which are initially connected to one another.

[0027] The function of the two components will be explained in more detail below. In order to dispense the material stored in the tubular bag, the cartridge system is inserted into a standard cartridge gun. When the cartridge gun is operated, a rod arranged on the cartridge gun is pressed against the closure element. The rod then penetrates the closure ring and comes into contact with the piston. In the case of a one-piece closure element, the pressure exerted by the rod on the piston initially causes at least one connecting web between the closure ring and the piston to break open and subsequently causes the piston to move towards the dispensing end of the sleeve. The piston thereby exerts pressure on the tubular bag, which is then moved towards the dispensing end of the sleeve in the manner described above.The locking ring pressed into the sleeve remains unchanged in its position at the distal end of the sleeve.

[0028] The closure ring can have a structure on its outer circumference, for example a ribbed structure or a nubbed structure. The outer diameter of the closure ring is matched to the inner diameter of the sleeve so that the closure ring can be pressed into the distal end of the sleeve under pressure during manufacture of the cartridge system. The closure element comprising the closure ring and the piston is thus firmly but detachably connected to the sleeve. The pressed-in closure ring at the distal end of the sleeve and the pressed-in shoulder element at the dispensing end of the sleeve securely prevent the tubular bag from slipping out of the sleeve before and during commissioning of the cartridge system.After the cartridge system has been emptied, the locking ring, the piston and the shoulder element can be separated from the sleeve by a user and all components can be disposed of separately.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one sealing lip can be formed on the circumference of the piston. The sealing lip lies directly against the inside of the sleeve wall and prevents tubular bag film from penetrating the area between the sealing lip and the distal end of the sleeve. It can be provided that two or more sealing lips are provided on the piston, distributed over the height of the piston, thereby providing an even better seal. In this way, it can be reliably prevented that parts of the emptied tubular bag film enter the area between the piston and the locking ring and cause jamming of components of the cartridge gun.At the same time, the design of sealing lips around the circumference of the piston has the advantage that the piston does not rest against the inner wall of the sleeve over its entire height, resulting in less friction between the piston and the inner wall of the sleeve and allowing the piston to be moved more easily within the sleeve. Finally, the slightly flexible sealing lips can compensate for internal dimensional tolerances of the sleeve to a certain extent. The sealing lips can be molded directly onto the piston and, like the piston, made of a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0030] It can be provided that a circumferential shoulder edge is formed on the locking ring, which rests on the front edge of the sleeve wall at the distal end of the sleeve. This can prevent the locking ring from accidentally inserting too far into the sleeve, in the same way as described above for the shoulder element.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, a weakened area can be provided in the sleeve wall in an area adjacent to the discharge-side end of the sleeve. The weakened area can, for example, comprise a weakened line in the form of a perforation, an incision, or a score in the sleeve wall. Such a weakened line can extend over a length of approximately 8 to 25 mm, with the distance between the weakened line and the discharge-side end of the sleeve being approximately 5 to 15 mm. The weakened line preferably extends substantially in the axial direction in the sleeve wall. It can also run in an oblique direction that has directional components in both the axial direction and the circumferential direction. The weakened area can comprise a single weakened line or multiple weakened lines.For example, the weakened area can comprise two crossed weakening lines, each running diagonally within the sleeve wall with respect to an axial direction. The formation of such a weakened area serves to facilitate the tearing open of the sleeve wall during the emptying of the tubular bag, with the aim of better separating the individual components from one another and disposing of them individually. As it advances, the piston compresses the tubular film material in the area of the dispensing end in such a way that the pressure on the sleeve wall increases there. If a pressure threshold value, which can be set by the specific design of the weakened area, is exceeded, the sleeve ultimately tears or bursts open, so that a user can then easily separate the sleeve from the remaining components and dispose of it accordingly.

[0032] The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Figure 1: a cartridge system according to the invention in perspective view; Figure 2: the cartridge system from Figure 1 in an exploded view; Figure 3: the cartridge system from Figure 1 in a sectional view; Figure 4: a closure element in a side view; Figure 5: the closure element from Figure 4 in a sectional view; Figure 6: the distal end of the cartridge system made of Figure 1 before commissioning of the cartridge system in a sectional view; Figure 7: the distal end of the cartridge system from Figure 1 after commissioning of the cartridge system in a sectional view; Figure 8: a shoulder element in a side view; Figure 9: the shoulder element from Figure 8 in a sectional view; Figure 10: the dispensing end of the cartridge system made of Figure 1before commissioning of the cartridge system in a sectional view; Figure 11: the discharge end of the cartridge system from Figure 1 after commissioning of the cartridge system in a sectional view; Figure 12: an embodiment of a cartridge system with a weakened area formed in the sleeve wall; Figure 13: a further embodiment of a cartridge system with a weakened area formed in the sleeve wall; Figure 14: an embodiment of the shoulder element with undercut; Figure 15: a further embodiment of the shoulder element with undercut.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cartridge system according to the invention, designated as a whole by 1. The cartridge system externally resembles a conventional cartridge and can be inserted into a standard cartridge gun.

[0034] From the exploded view of the Figure 2and the sectional view of the Figure 3 The structure of the cartridge system 1 is shown. It comprises a tubular bag 2 containing a viscous material, in this case silicone. The tubular bag 2 is made of a laminate film, also referred to below as tubular bag film, and is closed at both ends by staples 3. Perpendicular to its longitudinal extent, the tubular bag 2 has a substantially circular cross-section, so that the filled tubular bag 2 has a sausage-shaped configuration. The tubular bag 2 is arranged entirely within a cylindrical sleeve 4 made of cardboard, which comprises recycled paper material. The sleeve 4 has a dispensing end 5 and a distal end 6 opposite the dispensing end 5, and comprises a sleeve wall 14.

[0035] The cartridge system 1 further comprises a closure element 7, which is arranged at the distal end 6 of the sleeve 4 and detachably connected to the sleeve 4, and a shoulder element 8, which is arranged at the dispensing end 5 of the sleeve 4 and detachably connected to the sleeve 4. Both the closure element 7 and the shoulder element 8 are manufactured from polypropylene using an injection molding process.

[0036] The structure of the closure element 7 is shown in the Figures 4 to 7 It comprises a piston 9 which is displaceable in the sleeve 4 and a locking ring 10 which is pressed into the sleeve 4. The piston 9 and the locking ring 10 are initially connected to one another via narrow connecting webs 11 which are designed as predetermined breaking points. The described embodiment comprises four such connecting webs 11 which are arranged evenly distributed over the circumference of the locking ring 10, of which Figure 4However, only three connecting webs 11 are visible. When the cartridge system 1 is put into operation by a user using a cartridge gun, the connecting webs 11 are broken open and the piston 9 can then be moved independently of the locking ring 10 within the sleeve 4. As can be seen from the Figures 3 , 6 and 7 As can be seen, the piston 9 lies directly against the distal end of the tubular bag 2, so that the tubular bag 2 is also moved in the direction of the discharge-side end 5 of the sleeve 4 by a movement of the piston 9 in the direction of the discharge-side end 5 of the sleeve 4, cf. Figure 7 . The locking ring 10 remains in its position at the distal end 6 of the sleeve 4.

[0037] The outer diameter of the closure ring 10 is matched to the inner diameter of the sleeve 4 so that the closure ring 10 can be pressed under pressure into the distal end 6 of the sleeve 4 during manufacture of the cartridge system 1. For this purpose, the closure ring 10 has a structure of horizontally arranged ribs 12 on its outer circumference. The pressed-in closure element 7 at the distal end 6 of the sleeve 4 securely prevents the tubular bag 2 from slipping out of the sleeve 4 before and during commissioning of the cartridge system 1. Once the cartridge system 1 has been emptied, the closure ring 10 and the piston 9 can be separated from the sleeve 4 and all components can be disposed of separately.

[0038] On the piston 9, two sealing lips 13 are formed on the circumference, which are made of the same material as the piston 9 itself, in this case polypropylene. As can be seen from the Figures 6 and 7As can be seen, the sealing lips 13 lie directly against the inside of the sleeve wall 14. In this way, it can be reliably prevented that, during the emptying process of the cartridge system 1, parts of the emptied tubular bag film enter the area between the piston 9 and the locking ring 10 and cause components of the cartridge gun to jam. At the same time, the formation of sealing lips 13 on the circumference of the piston 9 has the advantage that the piston 9 does not lie against the inner wall of the sleeve 4 over its entire height, whereby there is less friction between the piston 9 and the inner wall of the sleeve 4 and the piston 9 can be moved more easily within the sleeve 4.

[0039] In the Figures 8 to 11The structure of the shoulder element 8 is shown in more detail. The shoulder element 8 comprises a central flow channel 15 and an outlet opening 16 for dispensing the viscous material from the cartridge system 1. In the area of the outlet opening 16, the shoulder element 8 has an external thread 30, via which the shoulder element 8 can be connected to a separate dispensing nozzle 29.

[0040] The shoulder element 8 further comprises three piercing tips 17, of which only two piercing tips 17 are visible in the figures. At its end facing the sleeve 4, the shoulder element 8 comprises a compression ring 18, which projects into the interior of the sleeve 4, delimited by the sleeve wall 14, concentrically to the sleeve wall 14, see Figure 10The outer diameter of the compression ring 18 is reduced compared to the inner diameter of the sleeve 4 in such a way that an annular gap 19 is formed between the sleeve wall 14 and the compression ring 18. Within the compression ring 18, a compression chamber 20 is formed, into which the piercing tips 17 protrude. Before commissioning the cartridge system 1 - this situation is described in the Figures 3 and 10 shown - the piercing tips 17 may touch the tubular bag 2, but due to the lack of pressure on the tubular bag 2 they do not yet pierce the tubular bag film.

[0041] The shoulder element 8 comprises, in addition to the compression ring 18, a pressing ring 21 which is formed concentrically to the compression ring 18 and, pressed into the sleeve 4, rests against the sleeve wall 14 from the inside. The inner diameter of the pressing ring 21 is larger than the outer diameter of the compression ring 18, so that the annular gap 19 is formed between the pressing ring 21 and the compression ring 18. Portions of the tubular bag film are forced into this annular gap 19 during the emptying process of the tubular bag 2 by the pressure acting on the tubular bag 2, which can be partially explained by Figure 11 can be seen. At the same time, this provides a seal between the opened tubular bag 2 and the interior of the sleeve 4, so that with an additional seal at the outlet opening 16, the viscous material from the tubular bag 2, once opened, does not dry out and can be reused at a later time.

[0042] Starting from the discharge-side end 5 of the sleeve 4, the pressing ring 21 projects less far into the interior of the sleeve 4 than the compression ring 18, so that the tubular bag 2 pushed forward within the sleeve 4 during an emptying process of the cartridge system 1 first contacts the compression ring 18, cf. Figures 10 and 11 The outer diameter of the compression ring 21 is matched to the inner diameter of the sleeve 4 such that the compression ring 21 can be pressed under pressure into the dispensing end 5 of the sleeve 4 during the manufacture of the cartridge system 1. For this purpose, the compression ring 21 has a structure of vertically arranged ribs 22 on its outer circumference. After the cartridge system 1 has been emptied, the shoulder element 8 can be separated from the sleeve 4 by a user, and both components can be disposed of separately.

[0043] The shoulder element 8 has a circumferential shoulder edge 23 which, in the inserted position, rests on the front edge of the sleeve wall 14 at the discharge end 5 of the sleeve 4, see Figures 10 and 11 . In the same way, a circumferential shoulder edge 24 is formed on the locking ring 10, which rests on the distal end 6 of the sleeve 4 on the front edge of the sleeve wall 14, see Figures 6 and 7 .

[0044] The functionality of cartridge system 1 is described below.

[0045] In order to dispense the silicone material stored in the tubular bag 2, the cartridge system 1 is inserted into a standard cartridge gun (not shown in the figures). When the cartridge gun is operated, a rod arranged on the cartridge gun is pressed against the closure element 7. The rod engages through the closure ring 10 and comes into contact with the piston 9. The pressure exerted by the rod on the piston 9 initially leads to a breaking open of the four connecting webs 11 between the closure ring 10 and the piston 9 and subsequently to a movement of the piston 9 towards the dispensing end 5 of the sleeve 4. The piston 9 exerts pressure on the tubular bag 2, which is thereby moved towards the dispensing end 5 of the sleeve 4. The closure ring 10 pressed into the sleeve 4 remains unchanged in its position at the distal end 6 of the sleeve 4, see Figure 7 .

[0046] The advanced tubular bag 2 finally comes to rest with its discharge end on the compression ring 18 projecting into the interior of the sleeve 4, see Figure 11 Continued pressure on the tubular bag 2 then causes a portion of its discharge-side end to be pressed into the interior of the compression ring 18, referred to as the compression chamber 20. The reduced diameter of the compression ring 18 compared to the diameter of the sleeve 4 causes a higher internal pressure to build up more quickly at the discharge-side end of the tubular bag 2 than would be the case without the compression ring 18. The portion of the tubular bag 2 pressed into the compression chamber 20 is therefore particularly taut and tightly stretched, see tubular bag film section 25 in Figure 11This results in the tubular bag 2 being not only pierced at specific points as soon as it is subjected to continued pressure on the piercing tips 17 extending into the compression chamber 20, but actually bursting open. The stored and pressurized silicone material exits from the resulting, comparatively large opening in the tubular bag 2 and is conveyed out of the cartridge system 1 through the flow channel 15 and the outlet opening 16. The cartridge system 1 according to the invention thus enables automatic and reliable opening of the tubular bag 2, making it a very user-friendly system.

[0047] From the Figures 3 , 8 and 9it can be seen that the outlet opening 16 is closed by a breakable reclosure part 26. The reclosure part 26 is initially firmly connected to the shoulder element 8 and closes the outlet opening so that it is protected against the ingress of dust and other contamination before the cartridge system 1 is put into operation. The connection between the reclosure part 26 and the shoulder element 8 comprises four predetermined breaking points, not visible in the figures, which can be broken open by a user to separate the reclosure part 26 from the shoulder element 8. The reclosure part 26 is conical and protrudes with its conical tip 27 into the outlet opening 16. After being separated from the shoulder element 8, the reclosure part 26 can serve as a closure for the dispensing opening 28 of a dispensing nozzle 29 by being inserted into it in a sealing manner.The conicity of the reclosure part 26 enables the dispensing opening 28 to be sealed even if its diameter is increased, for example by cutting off the front area of the dispensing nozzle 29.

[0048] Although the dispensing nozzle 29 is designed separately in the described embodiment, it is captively connected to the shoulder element 8 via a ring 30. Since the external thread 30 is a standard thread, any other standard dispensing nozzle can also be connected to the shoulder element 8.

[0049] The external dimensions of the cartridge system 1 correspond to those of a standard cartridge, which is why the cartridge system 1 can be operated with a standard cartridge gun. In the described embodiment, the filled tubular bag 2 has a diameter in the range of approximately 44.0 to 46.5 mm and a capacity of approximately 300 ml. The sleeve wall 14 has a thickness of approximately 1.0 to 1.5 mm, and the internal diameter of the sleeve 4 is approximately 46.3 - 46.7 mm. The compression ring 18 has an internal diameter of approximately 38.0 to 41.0 mm and, starting from the front edge of the sleeve wall 14, protrudes approximately 11.0 to 13.0 mm into the interior of the sleeve 4. The sealing lips 13 have a thickness of approximately 0.4 mm. In the area of the sealing lips, the piston 9 has a diameter of approximately 46.4 - 46.9 mm, so that it rests with the sealing lips 13 on the inner wall of the sleeve 4.Between the sealing lips 13 there is a gap of approximately 1.0 to 1.5 mm between the piston 9 and the sleeve wall 14.

[0050] In the Figures 12 and 13 In each case, a section of a cartridge system 1 is shown with a weakened area 31 formed in the sleeve wall 14 in the area of the dispensing end 5. In the Figure 12 In the embodiment shown, the weakened area 31 comprises a weakened line 32 formed as an incision in the sleeve wall 14, which has a length of approximately 12 mm and a distance of approximately 8 mm from the dispensing end 5 of the sleeve 4. The weakened line 32 runs in the axial direction, i.e. in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge system 1. Figure 13shows a further embodiment in which the weakened region 31 comprises two diagonally running, crossed weakened lines 33 and 34. The weakened lines are formed as incisions in the sleeve wall 14 and, here too, each have a length of approximately 12 mm and a distance of approximately 8 mm from the discharge-side end 5 of the sleeve 4. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the weakened region 31 to comprise only one of the two diagonally running weakened lines 33, 34.

[0051] The formation of such weakened areas 31 serves to facilitate tearing open the sleeve wall 14, with the aim of better separating the individual components from one another and disposing of them individually. Due to the pressure that builds up in the area of the sleeve wall 14 during the emptying of the tubular bag 2, the sleeve 4 tears or bursts open in the weakened area 31, so that a user can subsequently easily separate the sleeve 4 from the remaining components and dispose of both accordingly.

[0052] The Figures 14 and 15show embodiments of the shoulder element 8 according to the invention, in which an undercut 36 is formed on the inside of the shoulder element 8 adjacent to the circumferential shoulder edge 23. The displaceable piston 9 can engage or snap into the recess formed by the undercut 36 when approaching the dispensing end of the cartridge system 1, together with the emptied tubular bag 2, so that a user can remove the shoulder element 8, together with the emptied tubular bag 2 and the piston 9, as a single unit from the sleeve 4 and dispose of it separately from the sleeve 4. The piston 8 snaps into place here by the sealing lip 13 formed on the piston 8 engaging the recess formed by the undercut 36 in the shoulder element 8.

[0053] In the version according to Figure 14the shoulder element 8 comprises a press ring 21, which is pressed into the sleeve 4 and rests against the sleeve wall 14 from the inside. In contrast, the shoulder element 8 in the embodiment according to Figure 15 a locking ring 35, which rests on the sleeve wall 14 from the outside.

Claims

1. A cartridge system (1), comprising a tubular bag (2) containing a viscous material, a cylindrical sleeve (4) having a sleeve wall (14) which completely surrounds the tubular bag (2), the sleeve (4) having a dispensing-side end (5) and a distal end (6) opposite the dispensing-side end (5), a closure element (7) which is arranged at the distal end (6) of the sleeve (4) and is releasably connected to the sleeve (4), and a shoulder element (8) which is arranged at the dispensing-side end (5) of the sleeve (4) and is detachably connected to the sleeve (4), the shoulder element (8) comprising a central through-flow channel (15) and an outlet opening (16) for dispensing the viscous material from the cartridge system (1) and having at least one piercing point (17) for piercing the tubular bag (2), the shoulder element (8) having a compression ring (18) which protrudes concentrically to the sleeve wall (14) into an interior of the sleeve (4) delimited by the sleeve wall (14), and the outer diameter of which compression ring is reduced compared to the inner diameter of the sleeve (4) such that an annular gap (19) is formed between the sleeve wall (14) and the compression ring (18), a compression chamber (20) being formed inside the compression ring (18), into which compression chamber the at least one piercing point (17) protrudes, characterized in that the compression ring (18) protrudes further into the interior of the sleeve (4) than the at least one piercing point (17).

2. The cartridge system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylindrical sleeve (4) is made of a plant-fiber-based material.

3. The cartridge system (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the shoulder element (8) comprises a press ring (21) which is formed concentrically to the compression ring (18) and is pressed into the sleeve (4) and abuts the sleeve wall (14) from the inside, the inner diameter of the press ring (21) being larger than the outer diameter of the compression ring (18), so that the annular gap (19) is formed between the press ring (21) and the compression ring (18).

4. The cartridge system (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the shoulder element (8) comprises a locking ring (35) which is formed concentrically to the compression ring (18) and abuts the sleeve wall (14) from the outside.

5. The cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a circumferential shoulder rim (23) is formed on the shoulder element (8) and rests on the end-face rim of the sleeve wall (14) at the dispensing-side end (5) of the sleeve (4).

6. The cartridge system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that an undercut (36) is formed on the shoulder element (8) on the inside adjacent to the circumferential shoulder rim (23).

7. The cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the shoulder element (8) has an external thread (30) adjacent to the outlet opening (16), via which thread the shoulder element (8) can be connected to a dispensing nozzle (29).

8. The cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the outlet opening (16) is closed by a breakaway reclosure part (26).

9. The cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the closure element (7) comprises a plunger (9) which is movable within the sleeve (4), and a closure ring (10) which is pressed into the sleeve (4), the plunger (9) and the closure ring (10) being connected to one another via at least one connecting piece (11) designed as a predetermined breaking point.

10. The cartridge system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one sealing lip (13) is formed on the circumference of the plunger (9).

11. The cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that a circumferential shoulder rim (24) is formed on the closure ring (10) and rests on the end-face rim of the sleeve wall (14) at the distal end (6) of the sleeve (4).

12. The cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that its dimensions are selected such that it can be used together with a standard caulking gun.