Fluid container press and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid container press (10, 20), in particular a cartridge press and / or a tubular bag press, comprising a receiving means (1) for a fluid container (2), a press device (3) for pressing the fluid container (2) and for locking the fluid container (2) in the receiving means (1), a supporting handle (4) with which the fluid container press (10, 20) can be supported with a first hand of a user, and a stabilising handle (5) with which the fluid container press (10, 20) can be gripped and stabilised with a second hand of the user, while the user grips the supporting handle (4) with their first hand. The fluid container press (10, 20) comprises an actuation element (6) which can be actuated by the user in order to release the locking of the fluid container (2) in the receiving means (1), such that the fluid container (2) can be removed from the receiving means (1), wherein the stabilising handle (5) is the actuation element (6) or the actuation element (6) is arranged in the region of the stabilising handle (5), such that the user can actuate the actuation element (6) with their second hand while the user grips the stabilising handle (5) with their second hand.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a liquid container press, in particular a cartridge press and / or a tubular bag press, comprising a receptacle for a liquid container and a pressing device for pressing the liquid container to effect the dispensing of liquid contained in the liquid container, wherein the pressing device further serves to lock the liquid container in the receptacle so that the liquid container cannot be removed from the receptacle, further comprising a carrying handle with which the liquid container press can be carried and guided with a first hand of a user in order to position the liquid container press in a desired position when dispensing the liquid, and a stabilizing handle with which the liquid container press can be gripped with a second hand of the user and stabilized during dispensing the liquid.while the user grasps the carrying handle with his first hand.

[0002] US 4,583,934 relates to an extruder for a liquid material comprising a cartridge containing a liquid material and pusher elements for pushing one end of the cartridge to extrude the liquid material.

[0003] WO 01 / 74498 A2 relates to a device for dispensing a substance from a cartridge.

[0004] US 2019 / 0091720 A1 relates to a combination of a dispensing device and a structure for holding a cartridge.

[0005] An object of the invention is to enable quick and easy unlocking of the liquid container.

[0006] This object is achieved by a liquid container press according to claim 1. The liquid container press comprises an actuating element that can be actuated by the user to release the locking of the liquid container in the receptacle, so that the liquid container can be removed from the receptacle. The stabilizing handle serves as the actuating element. The stabilizing handle is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the liquid container press for actuation.

[0007] The user can thus operate the actuating element, for example, the stabilizing handle, while gripping the liquid container press with both hands in the same way the user would normally use the liquid container press to dispense the liquid from the liquid container and apply it to an application area. Therefore, when using the liquid container press as intended, the user does not need to change their grip to unlock the liquid container. Consequently, quick and easy unlocking of the liquid container is possible.

[0008] Further exemplary details and exemplary embodiments are explained below with reference to the figures. Figure 1 shows a side view of a liquid container press according to a first embodiment, Figure 2 shows a side view of a liquid container into which a press element is inserted, Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the liquid container press without an inserted liquid container, Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the liquid container press with an inserted liquid container, Figure 5 shows a side view of a liquid container press according to a second disclosed but not claimed embodiment, Figure 6 shows a sectional view of an attachment, Figure 7 shows a side view of a pressing device of the liquid container press, Figure 8 shows a sectional view of a drive mechanism, Figure 9 shows a further sectional view of the drive mechanism, Figure 10 shows a top view of a drive element, Figure 11 shows a block diagram with a reset device according to a first variant,Figure 12 shows a block diagram with a reset device according to a second variant, Figure 13 shows a block diagram with a reset device according to a third variant, Figure 14 shows a schematic side view of the liquid container press with a non-activated adjustment mechanism, Figure 15 shows a schematic side view of the liquid container press with an activated adjustment mechanism, and Figure 16 shows a flow diagram of a method for operating the liquid container press.

[0009] In the following explanations, reference is made to the orthogonally aligned spatial directions "x-direction," "y-direction," and "z-direction." The x-direction and the y-direction are horizontal directions, and the z-direction is a vertical direction (in a horizontal use position of the liquid container press 10, 20).

[0010] The Figures 1 , 3 and 4show a liquid container press 10 according to a first embodiment. The liquid container press 10 is embodied, by way of example, as a cartridge press. The liquid container press 10 can expediently be embodied as a tubular bag press.

[0011] The liquid container press 10 comprises a holder 1 (see Figure 3 ) for a liquid container 2. The liquid container 2 is designed as a cartridge, for example. The liquid container 2 can conveniently be designed as a tubular bag.

[0012] In the Figures 1 and 5 The liquid container press 10 is shown with a liquid container 2 inserted into the receptacle 1. The liquid container press 10 here includes the liquid container 2. The liquid container press 10 can also be provided without the liquid container 2 inserted.

[0013] The liquid container press 10 comprises a pressing device 3 for pressing the liquid container 2 to dispense the liquid contained in the liquid container. The pressing device 3 also serves to lock the liquid container 2 in the receptacle 1 so that the liquid container 2 cannot be removed from the receptacle 1.

[0014] The liquid container press 10 includes a carrying handle 4. With the carrying handle 4, the liquid container press 10 can be carried and guided with a first hand of a user in order to position the liquid container press 10 at a desired position when dispensing the liquid.

[0015] The liquid container press 10 further comprises a stabilizing handle 5. With the stabilizing handle 5, the liquid container press 10 can be gripped with a second hand of the user and stabilized during the dispensing of the liquid, in particular while the user grips the carrying handle 4 with his first hand.

[0016] The liquid container press 10 further comprises an actuating element 6. The actuating element 6 can be actuated by the user to release the locking of the liquid container 2 in the receptacle 1, so that the liquid container 2 can be removed from the receptacle 1. In particular, upon actuation of the actuating element 6, the locking of the liquid container 2 in the receptacle 1 provided by the pressing device 3 is released.

[0017] According to the invention, the stabilizing handle 5 is the actuating element 6. Thus, by actuating the stabilizing handle 5, the user can cause the locking of the liquid container 2 by the pressing device 3 in the receptacle 1 to be released. In particular, the user can actuate the stabilizing handle 5 with their second hand while gripping the stabilizing handle 5 with their second hand (and gripping the carrying handle 4 with their first hand).

[0018] The Figure 5shows a disclosed but unclaimed liquid container press 20 according to a second embodiment. Except for the differences explained below, the liquid container press 20 is expediently designed like the liquid container press 10, so that the explanations relating to the liquid container press 10 (above and below) also expediently apply to the liquid container press 20. In the liquid container press 20, the actuating element 6 can be arranged in the region of the stabilizing handle 5, so that the user can actuate the actuating element 6 with their second hand while gripping the stabilizing handle 5 with their second hand (and gripping the carrying handle 4 with their first hand). Expediently, in the liquid container press 20, the stabilizing handle 5 is not the actuating element 6.

[0019] Further exemplary details will be explained below.

[0020] First, the basic structure of the liquid container press 10, 20: The basic design of the liquid container press 10, 20 comprises a horizontal section 23 and a vertical section 24. The horizontal section 23 is elongated and aligned with its longitudinal axis parallel to the x-direction. The vertical section 24 is attached to the bottom of the horizontal section 23 and extends downwards, particularly vertically, from the horizontal section 23. The basic design of the liquid container press 10, 20 consists of the horizontal section 23 and the vertical section 24. The liquid container press 10, 20 has a T-shaped basic design.

[0021] The horizontal section 23 comprises the holder 1, the pressing device 3 and / or the stabilizing handle 5. The vertical section 24 comprises the carrying handle 4.

[0022] The liquid container press 10, 20 comprises, by way of example, a shaft section 25. The shaft section 25 is, by way of example, elongated and aligned with its longitudinal axis parallel to the x-direction. The shaft section 25 is part of the horizontal section 23; expediently, the shaft section 25 is the front longitudinal section of the horizontal section 23. The shaft section 25 comprises the receptacle 1, which is arranged in particular on the upper side of the shaft section 25. The stabilizing handle 5 is expediently arranged on the shaft section 25, in particular on the underside of the shaft section 25.

[0023] The liquid container press 10, 20 comprises, by way of example, a drive section 26. The drive section 26 is provided, by way of example, by the vertical section 24. The drive section 26 is particularly designed to drive the pressing device 3. The drive section 26 comprises an electric drive 16, in particular an electric motor, for driving the pressing device.

[0024] By way of example, the liquid container press 10, 20 comprises a screwing and / or drilling device 7. The screwing and / or drilling device 7 is expediently the drive section 26. In particular, a screwing and / or drilling power tool, for example a cordless screwdriver, should be referred to as a screwing and / or drilling device 7. The screwing and / or drilling device 7 is expediently removable from the liquid container press 10, 20 and can be used for screwing and / or drilling (in particular after attaching a tool, for example a drill or a screwdriver blade). In particular, a device to which no tool, in particular no drill or screwdriver blade, is yet attached should also be referred to as a screwing and / or drilling device. The carrying handle 4 is associated with the screwing and / or drilling device 7. The screwing and / or drilling device 7 can also be referred to as a drive device.

[0025] The liquid container press 10, 20 comprises an attachment 8. The attachment 8 expediently comprises the shaft section 25. By way of example, the attachment 8 is the horizontal section 23. The attachment 8 is attached, in particular removably attached, to the drive section 26, in particular the screwing and / or drilling device 7. The stabilizing handle 5 is associated with the attachment 8. The attachment 8 is expediently designed as a cartridge press attachment. The attachment 8 can also be designed as a tubular bag press attachment.

[0026] The drive section 26, in particular the screwdriving and / or drilling device 7, comprises a drive interface 27 for providing a drive rotary movement, which is generated in particular by means of the electric drive 16. The attachment 8 comprises an output interface 28 for receiving the drive rotary movement provided at the drive interface 27. The attachment 8 is connected to the drive interface 27 of the drive section 26 via the output interface 28.

[0027] Preferably, the attachment 8 is rotatable relative to the screwing and / or drilling device 7 about a rotational axis 9 aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the liquid container press 10, 20. For example, the liquid container press 10, 20 comprises a pivot bearing, via which the attachment 8 is mounted on the screwing and / or drilling device 7 so as to be rotatable about the rotational axis 9. The attachment 8 can expediently be rotated relative to the screwing and / or drilling device 7 by means of the pivot bearing within an angular range of at least 100 degrees, in particular at least 140 degrees.

[0028] The receptacle 1 is designed to accommodate the liquid container 2. The receptacle base 29 of the receptacle 1 is shaped, in particular, to correspond to the shape of the liquid container 2. For example, the liquid container 2 has a cylindrical, in particular circular-cylindrical, shape. The receptacle base 29 defines a cylinder-segment-shaped receiving recess that corresponds to the cylindrical shape of the liquid container 2 and into which the cylindrical liquid container 2 can be inserted. The receiving recess is, in particular, groove-shaped. For example, the receptacle 1 is designed as a half-shell, in particular as a half-shell that is open at the top. The receptacle 1 can also be referred to as an open receptacle 1.

[0029] The receptacle 1 comprises a front stop structure 31, which is arranged in particular at the front end 11 of the receptacle 1. The front end 11 of the receptacle is the end of the horizontal section 23 facing away from the drive section 26 in the (negative) x-direction. The front end 11 is located in particular at the front end face of the shaft section 25. The liquid is expediently dispensed from the liquid container 2 at the front end 11. The stop structure 31 serves to support the liquid container 2 and in particular to support the liquid container 2 in the (negative) x-direction and / or in the radial direction. The stop structure 31 is exemplarily annular or ring-segment-shaped, wherein the ring axis is expediently aligned parallel to the x-direction.The stop structure 31 expediently has a recess into which the liquid container 2 can be inserted with the end face of its cylindrical container body 32. The recess is in particular annular or ring-segment-shaped. The stop structure 31 further comprises a central opening 33 through which a dispensing element 34, in particular a dispensing nozzle, of the liquid container 2 protrudes when the liquid container 2 is inserted into the receptacle 1. The stop structure 31 expediently occupies less than 10% of the x-extension of the receptacle 1.

[0030] By way of example, the receptacle 1 (except for the stop structure 31 located at the front end 11) is open upwards (i.e. in the z-direction) and to the sides (i.e. in the positive and / or negative y-direction), in particular completely open. Preferably, the receptacle 1 is delimited only by the receptacle base 29 in an x-range which emanates in the positive x-direction from the stop structure 31 and extends to the rear end (in the positive x-direction) of the receptacle 1, i.e. in particular only downwards, and is otherwise expediently not delimited, in particular not upwards and / or to the sides. Expediently, the receptacle 1 is completely open in this entire x-range, which emanates from the stop structure 31, in an angular range of at least 140 degrees or at least 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 1. The x-extension of the receptacle 1 is expediently at least 20% or at least 30% of the x-extension of the liquid container press 10, 20.

[0031] The Figure 2shows an exemplary embodiment of the liquid container 2. The liquid container 2 comprises a container body 32, which is in particular cylindrical, preferably circular-cylindrical in shape. By way of example, the container body 32 is designed as a hollow cylinder. The longitudinal axis of the container body 32 is aligned parallel to the x-direction. The container body 32 has a front end 38 and a rear end 39, which are expediently each aligned perpendicular to the x-direction. The rear end 39 is expediently designed to be open in the x-direction, so that a receiving space 37 (for receiving a pressing element 12) is accessible via the rear end 39. The receiving space 37 is delimited in the radial direction by a rear hollow-cylindrical body section 41 of the container body 32. Furthermore, the receiving space 37 is delimited in the negative x-direction by a pressing section 36, which is in particular disk-shaped.In the positive x-direction, the receiving space 37 is open. The receiving space 37 is, in particular, cylindrical.

[0032] The liquid container 2 is preferably designed as a cartridge, in particular as a joint sealant cartridge, for example, a silicone or acrylic cartridge. The liquid container 2 comprises a liquid chamber 35 arranged in the container body 32, in which the liquid to be dispensed is located. The liquid is in particular a joint sealant, for example, silicone or acrylic.

[0033] The liquid container 2 comprises a dispensing element 34, which is particularly designed as a dispensing nozzle and is expediently aligned with its longitudinal axis parallel to the x-direction. The dispensing element 34 is arranged on the front end face 38. The liquid container 2 further comprises the pressing section 36, which, when pressed, reduces the liquid space 35 so that the liquid is dispensed from the liquid container 2 through the dispensing element 34. The pressing section 36 is arranged on the rear end face 39 and / or is accessible via the rear end face 39.

[0034] The pressing section 36 is movable, in particular, in the (negative) x-direction to dispense the liquid. The negative x-direction shall also be referred to as the forward direction, and the positive x-direction as the reverse direction. For example, the pressing section 36 is disc-shaped. The pressing section 36 is inserted into the hollow cylindrical container body 32 and is movable in the x-direction relative to the hollow cylindrical container body 32 to reduce the liquid chamber 35. The pressing section 36 can also be referred to as a piston element or as a base, in particular as a cartridge base. On the side of the pressing section 36 facing away from the liquid chamber 35 is the receiving chamber 37 for receiving the pressing element 12 of the pressing device 3.

[0035] The pressing device 3 comprises a pressing element 12, with which the pressing section 36 can be pressed (in the negative x-direction) to effect the discharge of the liquid from the liquid chamber 35. The pressing element 12 also serves to support the liquid container 2 (inserted into the receptacle 1 and placed against the front stop structure 31) in the (positive) x-direction and / or radial direction (in particular the z-direction and / or y-direction) and to lock the liquid container 2 in the receptacle 1; that is, in particular, to fix it in the receptacle 1 in such a way that the liquid container 2 cannot be removed from the receptacle 1.

[0036] The pressing element 12 comprises, for example, a pressing head 42, which can be inserted into the receiving space 37 and / or directly applied to the pressing section 36. The pressing head 42 is designed, for example, as a pressing ram and, in particular, has a disc-shaped end section. A rod section 43 adjoins the pressing head 42 in the (positive) x-direction. The rod section 43 is designed, in particular, as a spindle 18 and expediently has a thread, in particular an external thread. The rod section 43 is aligned with its longitudinal axis parallel to the x-direction.

[0037] The horizontal section 23 of the liquid container press 10, 20 can also be referred to as a pressing section. The horizontal section 23 comprises the shaft section 25 already explained above. The horizontal section 23 further comprises a rear longitudinal section 44 adjoining the shaft section in the (positive) x-direction. For example, the rear longitudinal section 44 extends in the (positive) x-direction behind the drive section 26, in particular behind the carrying handle 4. The rear longitudinal section 44 serves in particular to receive the rod section 43 of the pressing element 12.

[0038] The pressing device 3 further comprises a drive mechanism 51 for driving the pressing element 12. The drive mechanism 51 serves to drive the pressing element 12 in a forward direction to thereby discharge the liquid from the liquid container 2. The drive mechanism 51 is particularly designed to convert the rotary drive movement provided by the drive section 26, in particular the electric drive 16, into a linear movement of the pressing element 12. The linear movement is particularly a forward movement, expediently in the (negative) x-direction.

[0039] In the Figures 6 to 9 An exemplary embodiment of the drive mechanism 51 can be seen. The drive mechanism comprises a drive element 17, which is coupled to the pressing element 12 and serves to drive the pressing element 12.

[0040] The drive element 17 can be set into an output rotary movement based on the drive rotary movement (provided by the drive section 26) and is designed to set the pressing element 12 into a linear movement based on the output rotary movement. By way of example, the drive element 17 has teeth on its outer circumference. Furthermore, the drive element 17 has a central opening with an internal thread. The drive element 17 can also be referred to as a spindle nut 19, a gear, or a spindle nut gear. The spindle 18 of the pressing element 12 runs through the central opening. The spindle 18 engages with its external thread with the internal thread of the drive element 17, so that the spindle 18 is set into a linear movement when the drive element 17 rotates.

[0041] The drive mechanism 51 further comprises a coupling gear 45, via which the drive element 17 is coupled to the drive section 26. The coupling gear 45 engages with the teeth of the drive element 17. The coupling gear 45 has, for example, a smaller diameter than the drive element 17. For example, the coupling gear 45 is arranged below the drive element 17 in the z-direction. The coupling gear 45 is rotationally fixedly coupled to an output shaft 46 of the output interface 27. For example, the coupling gear 45 is arranged coaxially to the output shaft 46. The output shaft 46 is aligned parallel to the x-direction. The output shaft 46 is coupled to the drive section 26, in particular via the output interface 28 to the drive interface 27, and is set into the output rotational movement by the drive rotational movement provided by the drive section 26.The output rotary movement is transmitted to the drive element 17 via the coupling gear 45.

[0042] The liquid container press 10, 20 comprises an operating element 47, via which the drive of the pressing element 12 can be controlled—and thereby the dispensing of the liquid from the liquid container 2. The operating element 47 is designed in particular as a button, expediently as a trigger button or pistol trigger. The operating element 47 is arranged on the carrying handle 4, in particular at the upper end of the carrying handle 4. The operating element 47 can be actuated with the user's first hand, specifically in a state in which the user is gripping the carrying handle 4 with the first hand. The operating element 47 is communicatively coupled to the electric drive 16, for example via a control unit 48, so that actuation of the operating element 47 drives the pressing element 12 by means of the electric drive 16.

[0043] The liquid container press 10, 20 is designed to selectively move the pressing element 12 into a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, the pressing element 12 is located further in the (negative) x-direction than in the release position. In particular, in the locking position, the pressing element 12 is located in the x-region of the receptacle 1 and / or in the receiving space 37 of the liquid container 2. In the release position, the pressing element 12 is expediently not located in the x-region of the receptacle 1 and / or not in the receiving space 37.

[0044] The liquid container press 10, 20 has the drive mechanism 51 for moving the pressing element 12 into the locking position. To move the pressing element 12 into the locking position, the pressing element 12 is moved in the forward direction (i.e., the negative x-direction). Furthermore, the liquid container press 10, 20 has a return device 14 for moving the pressing element 12 into the release position. To move the pressing element 12 into the release position, the pressing element 12 is moved in the reverse direction (i.e., the positive x-direction).

[0045] The reset device 14 can be triggered by actuating the actuating element 6. The Figures 11 to 13 show various possibilities of how the reset device 14 is coupled to the actuating element 6 and / or how the reset device 14 can be designed.

[0046] The Figure 11shows a first embodiment in which the reset device 14 is coupled to the actuating element 6. Preferably, the reset device 14 is mechanically coupled to the actuating element 6, so that the reset device 14 is mechanically triggered by the actuating element 6. The reset device 14 can also be referred to as a reset mechanism. Alternatively, the actuating element 6 and the reset device 14 can also be communicatively coupled. For example, the actuating element 6 is designed to send a control signal, and the reset device 14 is designed to receive the control signal and trigger it based on the control signal to cause the pressing element 12 to be moved into the release position.

[0047] For example, the return device 14 (when triggered) causes the coupling between the drive element 17 and the pressing element 12 to be released and the pressing element 12 to be moved into the release position, in particular by means of a spring element 15. The return device 14 acts here (in particular mechanically) on the drive mechanism 51 in order to release the coupling between the drive element 17 and the pressing element 12.

[0048] The Figure 11 further shows the electric drive 16 and a control unit 48, which is part of the liquid container press 10, 20 and is arranged in particular on the drive section 26. The control unit 48 controls the electric drive 16, so that the electric drive 16 drives the drive mechanism 51 and thereby causes the forward movement of the pressing element 12. In the Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the return device 14 is expediently independent of the control unit 48 and / or the electric drive 16. In order to move the pressing element 12 into the release position, the control unit 48 and / or the electric drive 16 are preferably not required.

[0049] The Figure 12shows a second embodiment in which the resetting device 14 is communicatively connected to the actuating element 6. The resetting device 14 is formed here by the electric drive 16, the drive mechanism 51, and the control unit 48. The actuating element 6 is connected to the control unit 48 by wire or wireless connection and, upon actuation of the actuating element 6, causes the control unit 48 to control the electric drive 16 (by sending a control signal) such that the electric drive 16 drives the drive mechanism 51 such that the pressing element 12 is moved into the release position by the drive mechanism 51. The resetting device 14 here therefore comprises the electric drive 16, which is designed to move the pressing element 12 into the release position.

[0050] The Figure 13shows a third embodiment, which corresponds to the second embodiment in that the pressing element 12 is moved into the release position by the electric drive 16. In the third embodiment, a battery section 49, for example a removable battery module, of the drive section 26 is designed as a communication device and is configured to provide wireless communication, for example Bluetooth communication, to the actuating element 6. Upon actuation of the actuating element 6, wireless communication (of a control signal) takes place from the actuating element 6 to the battery section 49, which in response communicates with the control unit 48 in order to cause (by means of a control command) the pressing element 12 to be moved into the release position via the electric drive 16 and the drive mechanism 51.

[0051] Conveniently, the drive section 26, in particular the electric drive 16, provides the drive rotational movement in a first rotational direction in order to set the pressing element 12 in the forward movement. Furthermore, the drive section 26, in particular the electric drive 16, provides the drive rotational movement in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in order to move the pressing element 12 in the reverse direction.

[0052] The following section will discuss the carrying handle 4 and the stabilizing handle 5 in more detail. The carrying handle 4 and the stabilizing handle 5 are two different handles. The stabilizing handle 5 is provided in addition to the carrying handle 4. The stabilizing handle 5 is arranged at a distance from the carrying handle 4. The stabilizing handle 5 is not the carrying handle 4.

[0053] The carrying handle 4 is, by way of example, part of the vertical section 24, in particular of the drive section 26. The carrying handle 4 is, by way of example, designed as a pistol grip. The longitudinal axis of the carrying handle 4 is oriented vertically, in particular in the z-direction or xz-direction. The carrying handle 4 can be gripped around its longitudinal axis. The carrying handle 4 is arranged in the rear region of the liquid container press 10, 20. The carrying handle 4 is preferably at least 8 cm long (in the direction of its longitudinal axis).

[0054] The stabilizing handle 5 is arranged, for example, further forward (i.e., further in the negative x-direction) than the carrying handle 4. For example, the stabilizing handle 5 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the liquid container press 10, 20 (i.e., in the x-direction) between the carrying handle 4 and the front end 11 of the holder 1, in particular the front end of the liquid container press 10, 20. The stabilizing handle 5 is arranged, in particular, in the front region of the liquid container press 10, 20.

[0055] By way of example, the stabilizing handle 5 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the liquid container press 10, 20 (i.e., in the x-direction) in the same longitudinal region as the receptacle 1. In particular, the stabilizing handle 5 occupies the same x-range as the receptacle 1 and / or the liquid container 2. Preferably, the stabilizing handle 5 is located exclusively in the same x-range as the receptacle 1 and / or the liquid container 2.

[0056] The stabilizing handle 5 is arranged on the horizontal section 23, in particular the shaft section 25. By way of example, the stabilizing handle 5 is arranged at the bottom of the shaft section 25. The stabilizing handle 5 at least partially encompasses the shaft section 25. The stabilizing handle 5 is designed, by way of example, as a fore-end handle. The stabilizing handle 5 is expediently elongated and aligned with its longitudinal axis parallel to the x-direction. The stabilizing handle 5 can be gripped around its longitudinal axis. The stabilizing handle 5 has, by way of example, the basic shape of a hollow cylinder segment; that is, in particular, a hollow cylinder in which a partial circumference is omitted. The stabilizing handle 5 is expediently at least 8 cm long (in the x-direction).

[0057] According to the invention, the stabilizing handle 5 represents the actuating element 6. According to the invention, the stabilizing handle 5 is displaceable for actuation in the longitudinal direction of the liquid container press 10 (i.e., in the x-direction). The stabilizing handle 5 is mounted, in particular, for linear movement on the shaft section 25. The liquid container press 10 comprises a linear bearing that provides the linear movement of the stabilizing handle 5 on the shaft section 25.

[0058] The stabilizing handle 5 can be moved either into an actuated position or a non-actuated position by user actuation. In the actuated position, the stabilizing handle 5 is expediently located further in the positive x-direction than in the non-actuated position. In particular, the stabilizing handle 5 is closer to the carrying handle 4 in the actuated position than in the non-actuated position. To move the stabilizing handle 5 into the actuated position, the stabilizing handle 5 is pulled backward—i.e., in the reverse direction—with the user's second hand, in particular while the user grasps the carrying handle 4 with the first hand.By way of example, the stabilizing handle 5 is preloaded, in particular in the negative x-direction, so that the stabilizing handle 5 automatically pushes into the non-actuated position (e.g., when the user releases the stabilizing handle 5). In response to the actuated position of the stabilizing handle 5, the return device 14 causes the pressing element 12 to be moved into the release position.

[0059] Preferably, in response to the non-actuated position of the stabilizing handle 5, the drive element 17 is coupled to the pressing element 12, so that the pressing element 12 can be driven via the drive element 17 in order to carry out the forward movement.

[0060] As already mentioned above, the actuating element 6 in the second disclosed but not claimed embodiment (see Figure 5) in the area of the stabilizing handle 5. In this case, the stabilizing handle 5 is preferably not the actuating element 6. As shown in the Figure 5 As shown, the actuating element 6 can, for example, be arranged next to the stabilizing handle 5. The actuating element 6 is arranged close enough to the stabilizing handle 5 so that it can be actuated with the user's second hand while the user grips the stabilizing handle 5 with their second hand. The actuating element 6 is embodied, for example, as a button. According to one possible embodiment, the actuating element 6 (embodied in particular as a button) can be arranged on the stabilizing handle 5. In this case, too, the actuating element 6 is arranged in the region of the stabilizing handle 5.

[0061] In the following, with reference to the Figures 6 to 10An exemplary mechanical design of the reset device 14 will be discussed in more detail.

[0062] As already mentioned above, the pressing device 3 comprises the pressing element 12 for pressing and locking the liquid container 2. The restoring device 14 is designed to automatically move the pressing element 12 into the release position in response to the actuation of the actuating element 6, in which the locking of the liquid container 2 is released. In particular, the restoring device 14 is designed to provide the restoring force required to move the pressing element 12 into the release position. The restoring force therefore does not have to be provided by the user. In particular, the user does not have to manually move the pressing element 12 into the release position.

[0063] As in the Figure 6As shown, the return device 14 comprises, by way of example, the spring element 15, the spring force of which serves to move the pressing element 12 into the release position. The spring force of the spring element 15 serves as the return force required to move the pressing element 12 into the release position. By way of example, the spring element 15 is a spiral spring. The spring element 15 is designed in particular as a compression spring. The spring element 15 is aligned with its longitudinal axis parallel to the x-direction. By way of example, the spring element 15 is arranged parallel to the rod section 43, in particular vertically above the rod section 43. The spring element 15 is arranged in particular in the rear longitudinal section 44 of the horizontal section 23.

[0064] For example, the pressing element 12 has a spring support element 52 on which the spring element 15 is supported (particularly when the pressing element 12 is in the locking position). The spring support element 52 is arranged, for example, on the rod section 43, in particular at its rear end (i.e., furthest back in the positive x-direction). The spring support element 52 extends radially from the rod section 43, in particular vertically upward. The rod section 43 is, in particular, the spindle 18.

[0065] The liquid container press 10, 20, in particular the horizontal section 23, has a support structure 53 relative to which the pressing element 12 is movable. The support structure 53 represents, for example, the housing of the horizontal section 23. The support structure 53 comprises a support section 54 on which the spring element 15 is supported. The spring element 15 is arranged, for example, between the support element 52 and the support section 54. When the pressing element 12 moves in the forward direction (i.e., in the negative x-direction), the support element 52 moves with the pressing element 12 toward the support section 54, so that the spring element 15 is compressed between the support section 54 and the support element 52.When (by triggering the return device 14) the pressing element 12 is decoupled from the drive element 17, the spring force acting on the support element 52 causes the pressing element 12 to be moved in the reverse direction (i.e. in the positive x-direction) into the release position.

[0066] As already mentioned above, the liquid container press 10, 20 comprises the drive element 17 coupled to the pressing element 12 for driving the pressing element 12. The return device 14 is designed to release the coupling between the drive element 17 and the pressing element 12 in response to the actuation of the actuating element 6.

[0067] The drive element 17 is, for example, in the Figure 10shown. The drive element 17 is, as already mentioned above, exemplified as a spindle nut 19. The spindle nut 19 comprises, for example, at least one coupling element 21. In response to the actuation of the actuating element 6, the at least one coupling element 21 can be moved from a coupling position, in which the coupling element 21 is engaged with the external thread of the spindle 18, to a decoupling position, in which the coupling element 21 is not engaged with the external thread of the spindle 18.

[0068] The Figure 10shows an exemplary embodiment in which the spindle nut 19 comprises several coupling elements 21—here, for example, three coupling elements 21. Each coupling element 21 is designed as a jaw. The spindle nut 19 has a gear body 55 on which each coupling element 21 is arranged. Each coupling element 21 is fastened to the gear body 55 in such a way that each coupling element 21 rotates with the spindle nut 19 when the latter is set in a rotational movement to drive the pressing element 12.

[0069] Each coupling element 21 has an internal thread portion 56. The internal thread portions 56 together form the internal thread of the spindle nut 19. In the coupling position, each internal thread portion 56 engages with the external thread of the spindle 18. Furthermore, in the uncoupling position, each internal thread portion 56 does not engage with the external thread of the spindle 18.

[0070] Each coupling element 21 is pivotally mounted on the gear body 55 about a respective pivot axis 57. By pivoting about the respective pivot axis 57, each coupling element 21 can be selectively moved into the coupling position or the decoupling position.

[0071] Each coupling element 21 has a guide section 58, which is designed as a guide slot, for example. A respective engagement element 59, which is expediently designed as a bolt, engages in each guide section 58. The pivoting of each coupling element 21 is achieved by moving the respective engagement element 59. Expediently, the engagement elements 59 are part of a decoupling element 61. The decoupling element 61 is designed as a gear and can also be referred to as a decoupling gear. The decoupling element 61 is arranged, for example, coaxially to the spindle nut 19. For example, the decoupling element 61 is arranged directly next to the spindle nut 19 in the x-direction. The decoupling element 61 has an opening, for example a central bore, through which the spindle 18 extends.

[0072] The decoupling element 61 can be set into an unlocking rotational movement relative to the spindle nut 19 in order to set the engagement elements 59 in motion, so that the coupling elements 21 are pivoted into the decoupling position.

[0073] By way of example, each coupling element 21 is spring-loaded so that each coupling element 21 automatically pushes into the coupling position.

[0074] The actuating element 6 is coupled to the coupling elements 21 such that moving the actuating element 6 into the actuated position causes the coupling elements 21 to be moved into the uncoupling position. Furthermore, moving the actuating element 6 into the non-actuated position causes the coupling elements 21 to be moved into the coupling position.

[0075] By way of example, the actuating element 6 is mechanically coupled to the decoupling element 61 via a coupling arrangement such that a movement, in particular a linear movement, of the actuating element 6 into the actuated position is mechanically converted into a rotational movement of the decoupling element 61 relative to the spindle nut 19, so that the coupling elements 21 are moved into the decoupling position.

[0076] According to an alternative embodiment, the actuating element 6 is not mechanically coupled to the return device 14, but communicatively. For example, the actuation of the actuating element 6 is converted by an electrical switch and / or pushbutton into an electrical signal, via which an actuator on the spindle nut 19 and / or the spindle 18 is controlled, in particular to effect decoupling between the spindle nut 19 and the spindle 18.

[0077] The coupling arrangement comprises, by way of example, a first coupling section 62 and a second coupling section 63. The first coupling section 62 is attached to the stabilizing handle 5, in particular in the x-direction. The first coupling section 62 moves with the stabilizing handle 5 during a linear movement of the stabilizing handle 5 in the x-direction. The first coupling section 62 has an inclined surface 64 against which the second coupling section 63 rests. The inclined surface 64 is oriented, by way of example, perpendicular to an xz-direction. By bearing against the inclined surface 64, the second coupling section 63 is displaced into a movement with a z-component, in particular a vertical movement, upwards during a backward movement (in the positive x-direction) of the first coupling section 62.The second coupling portion 63 engages with the teeth of the decoupling element 61, so that the movement of the second coupling portion 63 is converted into a rotational movement of the decoupling element 61, which causes the coupling elements 21 to be moved into the decoupling position. The second coupling portion 63 is designed, in particular, as a locking pawl.

[0078] Conveniently, the liquid container press 10, 20 has an actuating element return spring 65, which urges the actuating element 6, in particular the stabilizing handle 5, into the non-actuated position. The actuating element return spring 65 acts, for example, on the first coupling section 62, specifically in a forward direction, i.e., in the negative x-direction.

[0079] The liquid container press 10 preferably further comprises a coupling portion return spring 66 acting on the second coupling portion 63 and expediently urging the second coupling portion 63 in a downward direction.

[0080] In particular, the coupling portion return spring 66 urges the second coupling portion 63 into a coupling portion release position in which the second coupling portion 63 is not engaged with the decoupling element 61.

[0081] When the user no longer operates the stabilizing handle 5 with their second hand, i.e., in particular, no longer exerts any force on the stabilizing handle 5 in the negative x-direction, the stabilizing handle 5 is moved from the actuated position to the non-actuated position by the actuating element return spring 65. When the stabilizing handle 5 is in the non-actuated position, the inclined surface 64 no longer presses the second coupling section 63 upward, so that the second coupling section 63 is moved downward into the coupling section release position by the coupling section return spring 66. In the coupling section release position, the second coupling section 63 exerts no force on the decoupling element 61, so that the coupling elements 21 are moved into the coupling position due to their spring preload.

[0082] Optionally, in a state in which the lock of the liquid container 2 is released, the actuating element 6 can be actuated by the user to lock the liquid container 2. For example, when actuated, the actuating element 6 (by means of a control signal) causes the control unit 48 to control the electric drive 16 such that the electric drive 16 drives the drive mechanism 51 such that the pressing element 12 is moved into the locking position by the drive mechanism 51. For example, the control unit 48 detects that the pressing element 12 is in the release position and, based on this detection, causes the pressing element 12 to be moved into the locking position upon actuation of the actuating element 6. For example, the pressing element 12 can be moved alternately into the release position and the locking position by actuating the actuating element 6.

[0083] Furthermore, it is possible that actuating the actuating element 6 in the forward direction (i.e., in the negative x-direction) causes the pressing element 12 to move forward until the pressing element 12 locks the liquid container 2. For example, after inserting a partially empty cartridge, the spindle 18 is moved forward after actuating the stabilizing handle 5 (e.g., by pushing it forward) until the pressing head 42 engages the cartridge.

[0084] With reference to the Figures 14 and 15 An optional embodiment will be discussed below, in which the liquid container press 10, 20 comprises an adjusting mechanism 22. The adjusting mechanism 22 can preferably be triggered by actuating the actuating element 6. The adjusting mechanism 22 is designed to adjust the liquid container 2 relative to the receptacle 1 in order to facilitate the removal of the liquid container 2 from the receptacle 1.

[0085] By way of example, the adjusting mechanism 22 comprises an adjusting element 67, which is arranged in particular in or on the receiving base 29, so that the adjusting element 67 is located below the inserted liquid container 2. The adjusting element 67 is expediently designed to exert an upward adjusting force on the liquid container 2, in particular on the rear body section 41. By way of example, the adjusting element 67 is designed as a spring element or is spring-loaded to the receiving element 1 via a spring element in order to provide the adjusting force as a spring force.

[0086] By way of example, the adjusting mechanism 22 further comprises a retaining element 68, which is coupled to the actuating element 6, in particular the stabilizing handle 5, and prevents the adjusting element 67 from exerting the adjusting force on the liquid container 2 as long as the actuating element 6 is in the non-actuated position. The retaining element 68 is designed, by way of example, as a hook, which is coupled to the actuating element 6 via the first coupling section 62 and is thereby guided along with the actuating element 6 in the x-direction. In the non-actuated position of the actuating element 6, the retaining element 68 engages with the adjusting element 67, so that the adjusting element 67 cannot move upward. In the actuated position of the actuating element 6, the retaining element 68 is not in engagement with the adjusting element 67, so that the retaining element 68 does not prevent the upward movement of the adjusting element 67.

[0087] With reference to the Figure 16 A method for operating the liquid container press 10, 20 will be described below. A liquid container 2 is already inserted into the receptacle 1 at the beginning of the process.

[0088] The method comprises the first step S1, in which the pressing device 3 is actuated to dispense the liquid from the liquid container 2. By way of example, in step S1, the operating element 47 is actuated to cause the electric drive 16 to provide the drive rotational movement, on the basis of which the drive element 17 is set in a rotational movement, whereby the spindle 18 is set in a linear forward movement, so that the pressing element 12 moves the pressing section 36 in the forward direction (i.e., in the negative x-direction) to dispense the liquid from the liquid container 2. Conveniently, the user grips the liquid container press 10, 20 with both hands during the first step S1, namely the carrying handle 4 with their first hand and the stabilizing handle 5 with their second hand.The pressing element 12, in particular the pressing head 42, is located in the receiving space 37, so that the liquid container 2 is locked in the receptacle 1 and cannot be removed.

[0089] The method then continues with the second step S2, in which the actuating element 6 is actuated to release the locking of the liquid container 2 by the pressing element 12. For example, the user moves his second hand, with which he grips the stabilizing handle 5, in the backward direction (i.e., in the positive x-direction) to move the stabilizing handle 5 from the non-actuated position into the actuated position. This causes the return device 14 to move the pressing element 12 back in the backward direction, so that the pressing element 12 is no longer located in the receiving space 37 and the liquid container 2 is no longer locked in the receptacle by the pressing element 12. Expediently, the actuation of the actuating element 6 results in an automatic (and in particular complete) movement of the pressing element 12 into the release position.

[0090] The method continues with step S3, in which the user manually removes the unlocked liquid container 2 from the receptacle 1. Preferably, no further action is performed by the user between actuating the actuating element 6 and manually removing the liquid container 2. In particular, the user does not have to manually move the pressing element 12 into the release position.

[0091] The method continues with the optional step S4, in which the user inserts another liquid container 2 into the receptacle. By actuating the operating element 47 (or, if the liquid container press 10, 20 is designed accordingly, by actuating the actuating element 6), the pressing element 12 is moved in the forward direction based on the drive rotational movement provided by the electric drive 16, so that the pressing element 12 moves into the receptacle space 37 to lock the additional liquid container 2 in the receptacle 1 and presses the pressing section 36 in the forward direction to effect the dispensing of the liquid from the additional liquid container 2.

[0092] With the described liquid container press 10, 20, the user can, for example, create a desired joint by dispensing the liquid. If the liquid container 2 is used up or a color change is desired, the user pulls the stabilizing handle 5 (can also be referred to as the ejection handle) towards them. In doing so, the spindle nut 19 (can also be referred to as the spindle coupling) is opened by a mechanical linkage. As soon as the spindle coupling is opened, the spindle 18 is returned to the release position with the aid of the spring force of the spring element 15, and the liquid container 2 is released for removal. The user can now remove the liquid container 2 by changing their grip. Conveniently, while the grip is being changed, the stabilizing handle 5 is simultaneously returned to the non-actuated position with the aid of a spring force (the actuating element return spring), and the spindle coupling is closed.The user can now insert a new liquid container 2 into the liquid container press 10, 20 and continue his work process.

Claims

1. Fluid container press (10, 20), in particular cartridge press and / or tubular bag press, comprising a receptacle (1) for a fluid container (2) and a pressing device (3) for pressing the fluid container (2) to effect dispensing of fluid contained in the fluid container (2), the pressing device (3) further serving to lock the fluid container (2) in the receptacle (1), so that the fluid container (2) cannot be removed from the receptacle, further comprising a carrying handle (4) with which the fluid container press (10, 20) can be carried and guided by a first hand of a user to position the fluid container press (10, 20) at a desired position when dispensing the fluid, and a stabilizing handle (5) with which the fluid container press (10, 20) can be gripped with a second hand of the user and stabilized during dispensing of the fluid while the user grips the carrying handle (4) with his first hand, wherein the fluid container press (10, 20) comprises an actuating element (6) which is actuable by the user to release the locking of the fluid container (2) in the receptacle (1), so that the fluid container (2) can be removed from the receptacle (1), and wherein the stabilizing handle (5) is the actuating element (6), characterized in that the stabilizing handle (5) is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the fluid container press (10, 20) for actuation.

2. Fluid container press (10, 20) according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizing handle (5) is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the fluid container press (10, 20) between the carrying handle (4) and a front end (11) of the receptacle (1).

3. Fluid container press (10, 20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stabilizing handle (5) is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the fluid container press (10, 20) in the same longitudinal region as the receptacle (1).

4. Fluid container press (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing handle (5) is designed as a fore-end handle.

5. Fluid container press (10, 20) according to a preceding claim, wherein the pressing device (3) comprises a pressing element (12) for pressing and for locking the fluid container (2), and the fluid container press (10, 20) comprises a resetting device (14) which is adapted, in response to the actuation of the actuating element (6), to automatically move the pressing element (12) into a release position in which the locking of the fluid container (2) is released.

6. Fluid container press (10, 20) according to claim 5, wherein the resetting device (14) comprises a spring element (15), the spring force of which serves to move the pressing element (12) into the release position.

7. Fluid container press (10, 20) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the resetting device (14) comprises an electric drive (16) adapted to move the pressing element (12) to the release position.

8. Fluid container press (10, 20) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a drive element (17) coupled to the pressing element (12) for driving the pressing element (12), wherein the resetting device (14) is adapted to disengage the coupling between the drive element (17) and the pressing element (12) in response to actuation of the actuating element (6).

9. Fluid container press (10, 20) according to claim 8, wherein the pressing element (12) comprises a spindle (18) and the drive element (17) comprises a spindle nut (19) with which the spindle (18) is coupled and drivable, wherein said spindle nut (19) preferably comprises at least one coupling element (21) displaceable, in response to actuation of the actuating element (6), from a coupling position in which said coupling element (21) is in engagement with a thread of the spindle (18) to a decoupling position in which the coupling element (21) is not in engagement with the thread of said spindle (18).

10. Fluid container press (10, 20) according to a preceding claim, wherein, in a state in which the locking of the fluid container (2) is released, the actuating element (6) is operable by the user to establish the locking of the fluid container (2).

11. Fluid container press (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an erecting mechanism (22) which can be triggered by actuation of the actuating element (6) and is adapted to erect the fluid container (2) relative to the receptacle (1) to facilitate removal of the fluid container (2) from the receptacle (1).

12. Fluid container press (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a screwing and / or drilling device (7) to which the carrying handle (4) belongs, and an attachment device (8) to which the stabilizing handle (5) belongs.

13. Fluid container press (10, 20) according to claim 12, wherein the attachment device (8) is rotatable relative to the screwing and / or drilling device (7) about an axis of rotation (9) aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fluid container press (10, 20).

14. Method of operating a fluid container press (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a fluid container (2) is arranged in the receptacle (1), comprising the steps of: actuating (S1) the pressing device (3) to cause dispensing of the fluid from the fluid container (2), actuating (S2) the actuating element (6) to cause unlocking, manually removing (S3) the unlocked fluid container (2) from the receptacle (1).

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the actuating (S2) of the actuating element (6) causes an automatic movement of a / the pressing element (12) into a / the release position, so that between the actuating (S2) of the actuating element (6) and the manual removing (S3) of the fluid container (2) no further action of the user is required in order to be able to remove the fluid container (2).

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