Cartridge assembly for insertion into a dispenser and a dispenser for dispensing a material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge assembly for insertion into a dispenser, the cartridge assembly comprising a collapsible cartridge (12) having a film cartridge wall (14) and an outlet (16), said film wall (14) bounding a cartridge chamber for a material to be dispensed, said chamber extending along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge (12), the collapsible cartridge (12) further including a first end (12A) having a head portion (18), the head portion (18) defining an outlet (16) for dispensing said material, and a cartridge assembly configured to receive the collapsible cartridge (12). and a support sleeve (20) including a rigid sleeve wall forming a storage area defined by a first and second end (20A, 20B) and a support sleeve axis extending between the first and second ends (20A, 20B), wherein the support sleeve (20) includes two half shells (22) connectable to one another to form a storage area between said support sleeve (20) and the two half shells (22), or the support sleeve further includes connecting means configured to releasably fix the foldable cartridge inside the respective storage area of ​​the support sleeve, in particular by connecting the support sleeve to a dispensing head.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge assembly for insertion into a dispenser, and to a dispenser for dispensing a material that is configured to repeatedly receive a cartridge assembly according to the present invention.

[0002] Dispensers are used to dispense different kinds of materials in different application areas. Cartridges are frequently used in the industrial sector, for example in the automotive, maritime and aviation industries, in the construction industry, for example in buildings and structures, for example bridges, as well as in the dental and medical sector, to store liquid-flowing, frequently pasty or highly viscous substances, such as paints, sealants and adhesives.

[0003] Depending on the need, different types of dispensers are available to dispense the material for the respective application. Examples of such substances are joint sealing compounds, compounds for chemical dowels or chemical anchors, adhesives, pastes or impression materials in the dental field. These cartridges are usually manufactured from plastic and in an injection moulding process.

[0004] A distinction is made between single-component systems, where the material to be dispensed consists of only one component, and two- or multi-component systems, where at least two different components are stored in separate chambers of the same cartridge or in separate cartridges and the components are thoroughly mixed on dispensing by a dynamic or static mixing device. Examples of this are two-component adhesives or chemical dowels that only harden after mixing of the two components. Two-component systems are also used in the industrial sector, in particular for paints that are often used to produce functional protective layers, such as corrosion protection.

[0005] For environmental protection, film bag cartridges are increasingly used. In contrast to normal cartridges, which are entirely manufactured from plastic in an injection molding process, at least a part of the film cartridge is designed as a film. Usually, the cartridge wall that bounds the cartridge chamber is made of a film connected to a head part made of a hard material, e.g. plastic, which contains the dispensing outlet. This has several advantages. On the one hand, the unfilled film cartridge can be stored in a folded state and transported from the cartridge manufacturer to the manufacturer of the filling material (medium), which is then responsible for filling the empty cartridges. Only after being filled, the film cartridge is in an expanded state with a size comparable to that of a normal non-folding cartridge. This means that the folded cartridge is reduced in size compared to a normal non-folding cartridge, and therefore the space required for storage and transportation can be reduced.

[0006] On the other hand, once the cartridge is used, i.e. reduced to its folded state by dispensing the filling material, the cartridge is significantly reduced in size and weight compared to a normal cartridge, and as a result, the disposal costs are also reduced. In either case, the carbon footprint associated with a film cartridge is reduced compared to a plastic cartridge that is fully formed in an injection molding process.

[0007] The materials are stored in cartridges which can be repeatedly replaced in the dispenser once the material stored therein is no longer required for a particular application or is depleted.

[0008] In applications such as the medical or dental field, the dispensers, and therefore also the collapsible cartridges used, are relatively small, so that it is often difficult to effectively replace the cartridge without accidentally rupturing it.

[0009] Furthermore, particularly in the abovementioned fields of application, extremely high quality and hygiene standards are required, so it is also necessary that the dispenser can be effectively cleaned and disinfected after each use, and in particular after every patient.

[0010] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge assembly for insertion into a dispenser which is simple to use with a film bag cartridge and which reduces waste when removing the film bag cartridge. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a corresponding dispenser which can be used with a cartridge assembly according to the invention, thereby allowing particularly easy handling.

[0011] This object is met by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0012] A cartridge assembly for insertion into a dispenser according to the present invention includes a collapsible cartridge having a film cartridge wall and an outlet, said film wall bounding a cartridge chamber for a material to be dispensed, said chamber extending along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, the collapsible cartridge further including a first end having a head portion, and an outlet for dispensing said material formed in the head portion. The cartridge assembly further includes a support sleeve including a rigid sleeve wall forming a receiving area configured to receive the collapsible cartridge, the support sleeve further including first and second ends and a support sleeve axis extending therebetween. The present invention is characterized in that the support sleeve includes two half shells connectable to each other to form the support sleeve and the receiving area therebetween.

[0013] Such a cartridge assembly is suitable for a variety of dispenser applications. Moreover, the amount of waste can be dramatically reduced, since the rigid support sleeve does not need to be replaced once the cartridge is empty. Conversely, the support sleeve can be used repeatedly, since only the collapsible cartridge needs to be replaced once it is empty. Thus, with the cartridge assembly according to the invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of waste.

[0014] Furthermore, by providing a support sleeve formed of two half shells which can be connected to one another, it is particularly simple to replace empty cartridges, since the half shells can simply be detached and therefore removed in order to remove the cartridge from the receiving area.

[0015] Once the cartridge has been replaced and the half shells of the support sleeve are again connected to each other, the entire assembly can be inserted into a suitable dispenser. The insertion process into the dispenser is therefore also made easier, since it is not necessary to insert the collapsible cartridge into the support sleeve through a rather small opening at the rear or front of the support sleeve.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the support sleeve can be disassembled into its two respective parts, so that the two separate parts can be more easily and effectively cleaned, which is particularly important in medical and / or dental applications.

[0017] In some embodiments, the support sleeve and / or the cartridge may include a trumpet-shaped second end, which facilitates the insertion of the piston of the dispenser into the support sleeve, since the piston is typically dimensioned such that none of the material of the collapsible cartridge gets caught between the support sleeve and the piston, which could damage the film wall and thus bring the material stored therein into direct contact with the moving parts of the dispenser, thus affecting its operation.

[0018] Additionally, the shape of the second end of the cartridge and / or the second end of the support sleeve may act as an insertion aid to guide the piston of the dispenser towards the cartridge.

[0019] Furthermore, by appropriate selection of the parts of the cartridge assembly, e.g. the film bag, the head portion and the support sleeve, from, for example, plastic materials, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers and / or thermoplastic polymers, this can be produced in an environmentally friendly manner using known technologies in the most cost-effective manner possible.

[0020] It should be noted that the cartridges described herein may be of several different types, e.g., cartridges of one or more components. For example, if a two-component cartridge is used, it may be formed as a side-by-side cartridge, a coaxial cartridge, or a cartridge formed by joining two single-component cartridges by a "click together" process, e.g., a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0021] In order to hold the cartridge in position at least during dispensing of the material, it may further be possible to axially fix the cartridge to the support sleeve in the dispensing direction, for example by means of a support sleeve engaging a head portion of the cartridge. In this way it can be ensured that during use of the cartridge assembly, the cartridge is held in position and cannot come off the support sleeve, for example when a piston applies pressure to a second end of the cartridge, said second end being located opposite the first end of the cartridge.

[0022] It may also be possible that when the two half shells are connected to one another, the support sleeve clamps the head portion of the cartridge, so that the head portion is held in place until the half shells are separated again.

[0023] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the half shells may be connectable to one another along their respective longitudinal axes, in particular along the support sleeve axis, or along a transverse axis extending perpendicular to said longitudinal axes. In other words, the support sleeve can essentially be cut in half along its longitudinal axis, which is aligned with the support sleeve axis when the cartridge assembly is in use, or along its transverse axis. In the latter case, the two half shells can be separated by moving them away from one another along their longitudinal axes.

[0025] The support sleeve further comprises fastening means configured to releasably fasten the half shells to one another, said fastening means may furthermore be one of a snap-fit ​​connection, a latch connection, a plug-in connection, a clamp connection, a hook connection and / or a combination thereof. Thus, the two half shells may comprise means allowing easy disassembly and dismantling of the two half shells.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the cartridge assembly may further comprise at least one separate connecting element configured to clamp the cartridge assembly, said further connecting element thus being configured to hold some or all components of the cartridge in place when the cartridge assembly is in use.

[0027] In this connection, it may further be possible for said at least one separate connecting element to be configured to clamp the two half shells together by bordering the half shells from at least three sides, i.e. the connecting element may prevent undesired disassembly of the half shells by surrounding them from at least three sides. Such a further connecting element may be used by itself or in conjunction with the fastening means as explained above.

[0028] The connecting element may be, for example, at least one of a clamp, a ring, a ferrule, and / or combinations thereof.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the connecting element may be further configured to connect the head portion to the support sleeve. Thus, the connecting element may be configured to at least axially secure the head portion of the cartridge to prevent the collapsible cartridge from being pushed out of the support sleeve in the dispensing direction during use of the cartridge assembly in a dispenser.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the connecting element may be further connectable to the head portion. In this way, it may be possible for the connecting element to also contribute to connecting the head portion to the cartridge.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the head portion may also be formed by at least two separate headpieces connectable to each other by a click connection. The headpieces may for example be two identical pieces configured to form a headpiece when connected to each other. In some cases, each headpiece may fit one cartridge such that when the two headpieces are connected to each other, a parallel cartridge is formed comprising two cartridges, each cartridge comprising one outlet.

[0032] It may further be possible for one of the cartridge and the support sleeve to include a piston configured to direct the material towards the outlet during dispensing.

[0033] In the case of cartridges including a piston, the piston is usually discarded together with the cartridge when said cartridge has to be replaced, which allows for particularly easy handling.

[0034] In the case of a support sleeve including a piston, it may be possible for the piston to be reusable, so that it remains inside the support sleeve when changing the cartridge. On the one hand, this option may result in slightly more difficult handling than the first case. On the other hand, the amount of waste can be further reduced, since the piston can be reused.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the support sleeve may further comprise connection means configured for releasably fixing the foldable cartridge inside the respective receiving area of ​​the support sleeve, in particular by connecting the support sleeve with the head part. It may be possible to provide further connection means capable of holding the foldable cartridge in a fixed position, i.e. inside its receiving area, to prevent the cartridge from falling out of the support sleeve. This can be done, for example, by fastening means connecting the support sleeve and the head part of the foldable cartridge to each other. Such connection means may be provided in the form of a snap-fit ​​connection, a latch connection, a plug-in connection, a clamp connection, a hook connection, a hinge and / or a combination thereof.

[0036] According to a further aspect, there is provided a cartridge assembly for insertion into a dispenser, the cartridge assembly comprising a collapsible cartridge having a film cartridge wall and an outlet, the film wall bounding a cartridge chamber for a material to be dispensed, the chamber extending along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, the collapsible cartridge further comprising a first end having a head portion, the outlet for dispensing the material being formed in the head portion, the head portion being formed from at least two separate head pieces connectable to each other, in particular by a click connection. The assembly further comprises a support sleeve including a rigid sleeve wall forming a receiving area configured to receive the collapsible cartridge, the support sleeve further comprising a first and second end and a support sleeve axis extending therebetween. The invention is characterized in that the support sleeve further comprises a connection means configured to releasably secure the collapsible cartridge inside the respective receiving area of ​​the support sleeve, in particular by connecting the support sleeve with the head portion.

[0037] According to the invention, the support sleeve further comprises connection means configured to releasably fix the foldable cartridges in their respective receiving spaces, so that the cartridges are prevented from falling out of the support sleeve when the cartridge assembly is in use. This can be done, for example, by fastening means connecting the support sleeve and the head portion of the foldable cartridge to each other. Such connection means can be provided in the form of a snap-fit ​​connection, a latch connection, a plug-in connection, a clamp connection, a hook connection, a hinge, and / or combinations thereof.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, a cartridge assembly for insertion into a dispenser includes a collapsible cartridge having a film cartridge wall and an outlet, said film wall bounding a cartridge chamber for a material to be dispensed, said chamber extending along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, said collapsible cartridge further including a first end having a head portion, said outlet for dispensing said material being formed in the head portion, said head portion being formed from at least two separate head pieces connectable to each other, in particular by a click connection. The assembly further includes a support sleeve including a rigid sleeve wall forming a receiving area configured to receive the collapsible cartridge, the support sleeve further including first and second ends and a support sleeve axis extending therebetween. The invention is further characterized in that the assembly further includes a tray element configured to repeatedly receive the support sleeve.

[0039] Such a cartridge assembly is suitable for a variety of dispenser applications. Moreover, the amount of waste can be dramatically reduced, since the rigid support sleeve does not need to be replaced once the cartridge is empty. Conversely, the support sleeve can be used repeatedly, since only the collapsible cartridge needs to be replaced once it is empty. Thus, with the cartridge assembly according to the invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of waste.

[0040] In both of the above cases, it is also possible to provide a head part formed by at least two separate headpieces that can be connected to each other by a click connection. The headpieces may for example be two identical pieces that are configured to form a headpiece when connected to each other. In some cases, each headpiece may fit one cartridge such that when the two headpieces are connected to each other, a parallel cartridge is formed that includes two cartridges, each cartridge including one outlet.

[0041] In some embodiments, the support sleeve and / or the cartridge may include a trumpet-shaped second end, which facilitates the insertion of the piston of the dispenser into the support sleeve, since the piston is typically dimensioned such that none of the material of the collapsible cartridge gets caught between the support sleeve and the piston, which could damage the film wall and thus bring the material stored therein into direct contact with the moving parts of the dispenser, thus affecting its operation.

[0042] Additionally, the shape of the second end of the cartridge and / or the second end of the support sleeve may act as an insertion aid to guide the piston of the dispenser towards the cartridge.

[0043] Furthermore, by appropriate selection of the parts of the cartridge assembly, e.g. the film bag, the head portion and the support sleeve, from, for example, plastic materials, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers and / or thermoplastic polymers, this can be produced in an environmentally friendly manner using known technologies in the most cost-effective manner possible.

[0044] It should be noted that the cartridges described herein may be of several different types, e.g., cartridges of one or more components. For example, if a two-component cartridge is used, it may be formed as a side-by-side cartridge, a coaxial cartridge, or a cartridge formed by joining two single-component cartridges by a "click together" process, e.g., a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0045] It is noted that in the context of an assembly including a tray element for repeatedly receiving a support sleeve, said tray element can be designed, for example, as an exoskeleton configured to hold the support sleeve and at the same time to connect to the dispenser. Said tray element can be formed as a single piece or can consist of two or more elements fixed to each other.

[0046] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support sleeve may further comprise two half shells connectable to each other to form said support sleeve and a receiving area therebetween.

[0048] By providing a support sleeve formed of two half shells that can be connected to one another, it is particularly easy to replace the empty cartridge, since the half shells can simply be disconnected and therefore removed to remove the cartridge from the receiving area. Once the cartridge has been replaced and the half shells of the support sleeve are again connected to one another, the whole assembly can be inserted into a suitable dispenser. The insertion process into the dispenser is therefore also made easier, since it is not necessary to insert the collapsible cartridge into the support sleeve through a rather small opening at the rear or front of the support sleeve.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the support sleeve can be disassembled into its two respective parts, so that the two separate parts can be more easily and effectively cleaned, which is particularly important in medical and / or dental applications.

[0050] It may further be possible that said half shells may be connectable to one another along their respective longitudinal axes, in particular along the support sleeve axis, or along a transverse axis extending perpendicular to said longitudinal axes, i.e. in other words, the support sleeve may essentially be cut in half along its longitudinal axis, which is aligned with the support sleeve axis when the cartridge assembly is in use, or along its transverse axis. In the latter case, the two half shells may be separated by moving them away from one another along their longitudinal axes.

[0051] The support sleeve further comprises fastening means configured to releasably fasten the half shells to one another, said fastening means may furthermore be one of a snap-fit ​​connection, a latch connection, a plug-in connection, a clamp connection and / or a combination thereof. Thus, the two half shells may comprise means allowing easy disassembly and dismantling of the two half shells.

[0052] According to a further embodiment, the cartridge assembly may further comprise at least one separate connecting element configured to clamp the cartridge assembly, said further connecting element thus being configured to hold some or all components of the cartridge in place when the cartridge assembly is in use.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, the connecting element may be connectable to the head portion. In this way, it may be possible for the connecting element to also contribute to connecting the head portion to the cartridge.

[0054] In particular, the at least one connecting element may be capable of clamping the tray element such that said connecting element connects the tray element and the support sleeve. In this regard, in some preferred embodiments, the connecting element may also be configured to clamp the cartridge assembly to further prevent the cartridge from falling out of the support sleeve during use of the dispenser.

[0055] The at least one separate connecting element may further be configured to clamp the two half shells together by bordering the half shells from at least three sides, i.e. the connecting element may prevent undesired disassembly of the half shells by surrounding them from at least three sides. Such a further connecting element may be used by itself or in conjunction with the fastening means as explained above.

[0056] The connecting element may be, for example, at least one of a clamp, a ring, a ferrule, and / or combinations thereof.

[0057] It may further be possible for one of the cartridge and the support sleeve to include a piston configured to direct the material towards the outlet during dispensing.

[0058] In the case of cartridges including a piston, the piston is usually discarded together with the cartridge when said cartridge has to be replaced, which allows for particularly easy handling.

[0059] In the case of a support sleeve including a piston, it may be possible for the piston to be reusable, so that it remains inside the support sleeve when changing the cartridge. On the one hand, this option may result in slightly more difficult handling than the first case. On the other hand, the amount of waste can be further reduced, since the piston can be reused.

[0060] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the connection means is selected from the group of a snap-fit ​​connection, a plug-in connection, a latch connection, a clamp connection, a hook connection, and / or combinations thereof, i.e., various connection means may be suitable to effectively prevent the foldable cartridge from falling out of its support sleeve when the cartridge assembly is in use.

[0061] According to another aspect of the present invention, a dispenser for dispensing material is provided, comprising a receptacle configured to repeatedly receive a cartridge assembly according to the present invention, a rack connected to a piston and configured to be movable through the receptacle to urge a film cartridge wall toward a dispensing outlet of the cartridge to dispense material stored in the cartridge chamber, and a trigger configured to actuate movement of the rack of the dispenser toward the receptacle.

[0062] Further embodiments of the invention are explained in the following description of the drawings.The invention is explained in detail below by means of embodiments and with reference to the illustrated drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0063] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a cartridge assembly. [Diagram 2] 13A-13C show alternative embodiments of the head portion. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 illustrates a second embodiment of a cartridge assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 illustrates a third embodiment of a cartridge assembly. [Diagram 5] 13A-13C show alternative embodiments of a connecting element. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a cartridge assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows a scheme of a dispenser. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] 1 shows a cartridge assembly 10 according to the present invention having a collapsible cartridge 12 having a film cartridge wall 14 and an outlet 16. The outlet 16 is formed in a head portion 18 of the cartridge 12. The head portion 18 is typically made from a rigid material such as plastic.

[0065] Head portion 18 may be formed of a single piece (as seen in FIG. 1) or at least two separate headpieces 18a, 18b (as seen in FIG. 2).

[0066] The two head pieces 18, 18b shown in FIG. 2 can then be connected together, for example by a click connection as shown, to form the head portion 18.

[0067] Alternatively, further types of connections, such as a press-fit or form-fit connection between the two head pieces 18, 18b, can result in the formation of the head portion 18.

[0068] As can be further seen in FIG. 2, such an embodiment may be particularly advantageous for applications including a cartridge 12 designed as a side-by-side cartridge, thereby including two separate cartridge containers 12a, 12b that can be connected to one another at the head portion 18, i.e. by a click connection in the head portion 18.

[0069] In this regard, it may further be possible for each headpiece 18a, 18b to include one outlet 16a, 16b respectively, thereby resulting in a head portion 18 having two outlets 16a, 16b (see, for example, FIG. 2).

[0070] The cartridge 12 is surrounded by a support sleeve 20 formed from two half shells 22. The support sleeve 20 can also be made from a rigid material such as plastic so that it can function as an exoskeleton for the cartridge 12.

[0071] 1, the half shells 22 can be connected to each other by fastening means 24 formed by hooks 26 and corresponding recesses 28. The fastening means 24 can also be formed by other types of connections, such as snap-fit ​​connections, latch connections, plug-in connections, clamp connections and / or combinations thereof, said connections being relatively easy to open and close in order to ensure a simple and quick way to replace the empty cartridge 12.

[0072] Both the cartridge 12 and the support sleeve 20 include first and second ends 12A, 12B, 20A, 20B, respectively, with the first end 12A of the cartridge 12 aligned with the first end 20A of the support sleeve 20 and the head portion 18 of the cartridge 12 disposed at said first end 12A of the cartridge 12. Thus, the first ends 12A, 20A of the cartridge 12 and the support sleeve 20 correspond to a dispensing end of the cartridge assembly 10, and material stored within the cartridge 12 is dispensed when the cartridge assembly 10 is used.

[0073] The second end 12B, 20B of the cartridge 12 and / or the support sleeve 20 may further include a trumpet shape. The trumpet-shaped second end 12B, 20B facilitates the insertion of the piston of the dispenser 40 (see below) into the support sleeve 20, since said piston is typically dimensioned so that the material of the collapsible cartridge 12 is not trapped between the support sleeve 20 and the piston, which may damage the film wall 14 and thus bring the material stored therein into direct contact with the moving parts of the dispenser 40 and thus affect its operation.

[0074] Another embodiment of the cartridge assembly 10 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows the support sleeve 20 in which the cartridge 12 has not yet been fully inserted. According to this embodiment, the support sleeve 20 is therefore formed from a single piece. The cartridge 12 can therefore be inserted into the support sleeve 20 from its front end, i.e. the first end 20A. In an ordered embodiment (not shown), it may also be possible to load the cartridge from the rear, i.e. the second end 20B. In this case, it may be necessary to provide additional components such as a clamp (see below) configured to fix the cartridge 12 inside the support sleeve 20 during use.

[0075] According to the embodiment of Fig. 3, the support sleeve 20 further includes a connecting means 30 configured to releasably secure the collapsible cartridge 12 inside the respective receiving area of ​​the support sleeve 20. To do so, the connecting means 30 may connect the support sleeve 20 and the head portion 18 of the cartridge 12 to one another such that the cartridge 12 may be held in a fixed position during use of the cartridge assembly 10.

[0076] The connecting means 30 shown in Fig. 3 is designed as a hinge that can be pivoted from an open position (see dotted line) to a closed position, in which the connecting means 30 can engage with the head portion 18, for example by including a hook or the like configured to connect the head portion 18 to the support sleeve 20.

[0077] Generally, a wide variety of connection means 30 can be applied, such as, for example, snap-fit ​​connections, plug-in connections, latch connections, clamp connections, hook connections and / or combinations thereof. The exact type of connection means 30 can thus be chosen freely and / or according to the exact application, for example according to the material that is to be dispensed.

[0078] In this regard, it should also be noted that the embodiments of Figures 1 and 3 can also be combined into another embodiment, in which the cartridge assembly 10 includes a support sleeve 20 made from two half shells 22 and further includes connection means 30 for fixing the cartridge 12 in a fixed position by connecting with the head portion 18 of the cartridge 12.

[0079] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 4, in which the cartridge assembly 10 includes separate connecting elements 32 for clamping the cartridge assembly 10 from at least three sides. In particular, the connecting elements 32 can be configured to clamp two half shells 22 of the support sleeve 20 in order to support the connection of said half shells 22.

[0080] The connecting element 32 can be formed in various ways, examples of which are a clamp, a ring, a ferrule, and / or a combination thereof. Figure 4 shows a figure-eight ferrule 32 including a joint 34 so that it can be opened and closed. To keep the ferrule 32 in a closed position during use, it can further include a closure element (not shown) configured to keep the connecting element 32 in a closed position. Examples of such a closure element can be a magnet, a plug connection, and / or other conventionally used elements.

[0081] The exact shape of the connecting element 32 may also vary depending on the application. For example, as shown in Fig. 3 and 5, a connecting element 32 configured to clamp a side-by-side cartridge 12 is shaped more like an 8, whereas a connecting element 32 designed for a single cartridge would most likely be ring-shaped.

[0082] In this regard, it is noted that figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the connecting element 32. In the example shown, the connecting element 32 is formed by two half shells which, once clicked together, form an 8.

[0083] Each half shell can cover 30%-70%, particularly 40-60%, of the respective cartridge 12 before connection, and after connection of the two half shells covers 100% of the cartridge 12 at the connection point. In the example shown in Figure 5, each half shell covers 50% of the cartridge 12 at the connection point.

[0084] In another example, the connecting element 32 does not completely surround the support sleeve 20. In such a case, said connecting element can be formed, for example, as a clamp. It can thus be seen that a great variety of shapes is possible.

[0085] In some embodiments (see FIG. 5 ), it may be possible for the connecting element 32 to be arranged at the first end 20A of the support sleeve 20 so as not only to clamp the support sleeve 20 but also to clamp the head portion 18 in order to axially fix the cartridge 12 during use. It may therefore be possible to use the connecting element 32 instead of the connecting means 30 as described above. In some cases, for example when high pressure is applied to the cartridge during use, both possibilities, i.e. the connecting means 30 and the connecting element 32, may also be applied to fix the cartridge 12 in place.

[0086] In this connection, attention should further be paid to the embodiments of the figures: Figures 4 and 5 can also be combined with one or all of the embodiments of figures 1 to 3.

[0087] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of a cartridge assembly 10 according to the invention. According to the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge assembly 10 comprises a cartridge 12 (not directly visible in Figure 6), a support sleeve 20 and a tray element 50. As can be seen in Figure 6, the tray element 50 can be designed as a cover configured to receive and hold the support sleeve 20. Said tray element 50 can thus function as an additional support (see dashed line at the bottom of Figure 6).

[0088] The tray element 50 may generally be shaped as a hollow cylinder including a circular or elliptical cross-section, as seen in Figure 6. According to further embodiments, the tray element 50 may also be designed to have other geometries and / or alternative cross-sections, such as, for example, approximately the same shape as the support sleeve 20.

[0089] According to another embodiment, the tray element 50 may be designed as an exoskeleton, i.e., the tray element 50 may not have a continuous outer surface, but rather may be comprised of a number of longitudinal and / or circumferential ribs.

[0090] Tray element 50 may further generally include the same or approximately the same shape as support sleeve 20 such that support sleeve 20 may be easily covered by tray element 50. However, in some embodiments, the shape of tray element 50 may also vary, for example, if a special profile or specific dimensions are needed.

[0091] That is, as seen in FIG. 6, the tray element 50 may also include a trumpet-shaped second end similar to the support sleeve 20 (see particularly the center portion of FIG. 6).

[0092] In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the assembly 10 further comprises a connecting element 32 for clamping the support sleeve 20 and the cartridge 12 (see the top of Fig. 6). It can also be seen that according to this embodiment, the connecting element 32 is arranged at the first ends 12A, 20A of the cartridge 12 and the support sleeve 20, respectively, i.e. near the head portion 18 and the outlet 16 of the cartridge 12. In this way, the connecting element 32 may be suitable for holding the cartridge 12 inside the support sleeve 20 during use, such that further connecting means as shown in Fig. 3 are not required.

[0093] Furthermore, it may be possible for the connecting element 32 to be located outside the tray element 50 to clamp not only the support sleeve 20 and cartridge 12 but also the tray element 50 .

[0094] In general, however, it may also be possible for the connecting element 32 to be located elsewhere on the support sleeve 20' between the first end 12A, 20A and the second end 12B, 20B of the cartridge 12, respectively.

[0095] Thus, in general, the embodiment of Figure 6 may further include connection means 30 configured to connect the head portion 18 of the cartridge 12 with the support sleeve 20 during use.

[0096] To dispense the material stored inside the cartridge 12, a dispenser 40 as shown in Figure 7 can be used. Such a dispenser 40 is configured to receive a cartridge assembly 10 according to the present invention. As can be seen in Figure 7, the dispenser 40 includes a receiving space 42 configured to receive the cartridge assembly 10, i.e. the cartridge 12 and the support sleeve 20 connected thereto.

[0097] Located at the front end of the dispenser 40 is a head plate 41 configured to axially retain the cartridge assembly 10 during dispensing. As can also be seen in Figure 6, said front plate 41 together with a receiving space 42 can be placed in an open position (see dotted lines) to facilitate removal of the cartridge assembly 10, for example when replacing the cartridge 12.

[0098] To dispense the material stored within the cartridge 12, the dispenser 40 further includes a rack 44 connected to a piston (not shown), which may be part of the cartridge 12 or the support sleeve 20. By pressing a trigger 46 located near a handle 48 of the dispenser 40, the rack 44 moves in a forward direction towards the cartridge assembly 10, pressing the piston against the cartridge 12 such that the material stored therein is forced towards an outlet of the cartridge 12 and thus out of the dispenser.

Claims

1. 1. A cartridge assembly for insertion into a dispenser, comprising: a collapsible cartridge (12) having a film cartridge wall (14) and an outlet (16), said film cartridge wall (14) bounding a cartridge chamber for a material to be dispensed, said chamber extending along a longitudinal axis of said cartridge (12), said collapsible cartridge (12) further including a first end (12A) having a head portion (18) in which said outlet (16) is formed for dispensing said material; a support sleeve (20) including a rigid sleeve wall forming a receiving area configured to receive the collapsible cartridge (12), the support sleeve (20) further including first and second ends (20A, 20B) and a support sleeve axis extending between the first and second ends (20A, 20B), A cartridge assembly, characterized in that the support sleeve (20) comprises two half shells (22) connectable to one another, forming the receiving area between the support sleeve (20) and the two half shells (22).

2. the half shells (22) are connectable to one another along their respective longitudinal axes, in particular along the support sleeve axis, or along a transverse axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axes, The cartridge assembly of claim 1 .

3. the support sleeve (20) further comprises fastening means (24) configured to releasably fasten the half shells (22) to one another, the fastening means (24) being one of a snap-fit ​​connection, a latch connection, a plug-in connection, a clamp connection, a hook connection, and / or a combination thereof; A cartridge assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

4. and further comprising at least one separate connecting element (32) configured to clamp said cartridge assembly. A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the at least one separate connecting element (32) is configured to clamp the two half shells (22) together by bordering the half shells (22) from at least three sides; The cartridge assembly of claim 4.

6. the connecting element (32) being at least one of a clamp, a ring, a ferrule, and / or a combination thereof; A cartridge assembly according to claim 4 or 5.

7. the connecting element (32) is further configured to connect the head portion (18) to the support sleeve (20) and / or the connecting element (32) is connectable to the head portion (18); A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. said head portion (18) being formed by at least two separate head pieces connectable to each other by a click connection; A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. one of the cartridge (12) and the support sleeve (20) includes a piston configured to cause the material to be dispensed toward the outlet (16) during dispensing; A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. said support sleeve (20) further comprising connection means (30) configured to releasably fix said foldable cartridge (12) inside the respective receiving area of ​​said support sleeve (20), in particular by connecting said support sleeve (20) to said head portion (18); A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. 1. A cartridge assembly for insertion into a dispenser, comprising: a collapsible cartridge (12) having a film cartridge wall (14) and an outlet (16), said film wall (14) bounding a cartridge chamber for a material to be dispensed, said chamber extending along a longitudinal axis of said cartridge (12), said collapsible cartridge (12) further comprising a first end (12A) having a head portion (18) in which said outlet (16) for dispensing said material is formed, in particular said head portion (18) being formed from at least two separate head pieces connectable to one another by a click connection; a support sleeve (20) including a rigid sleeve wall forming a receiving area configured to receive the collapsible cartridge (12), the support sleeve (20) further including first and second ends (20A, 20B) and a support sleeve axis extending between the first and second ends (20A, 20B), A cartridge assembly, characterized in that the support sleeve (20) further comprises connection means (30) configured to releasably fix the foldable cartridge (12) inside the respective receiving area of ​​the support sleeve (20), in particular by connecting the support sleeve (20) to the head portion (18).

12. 1. A cartridge assembly for insertion into a dispenser, comprising: a collapsible cartridge (12) having a film cartridge wall (14) and an outlet (16), said film wall (14) bounding a cartridge chamber for a material to be dispensed, said chamber extending along a longitudinal axis of said cartridge (12), said collapsible cartridge (12) further comprising a first end (12A) having a head portion (18) in which said outlet (16) for dispensing said material is formed, in particular said head portion (18) being formed from at least two separate head pieces connectable to one another by a click connection; a support sleeve (20) including a rigid sleeve wall forming a receiving area configured to receive the collapsible cartridge (12), the support sleeve (20) further including first and second ends (20A, 20B) and a support sleeve axis extending between the first and second ends (20A, 20B), A cartridge assembly, characterized in that said assembly further comprises a tray element (50) configured to repeatedly accommodate said support sleeve (20).

13. the support sleeve (20) further comprises two half shells (22) connectable to each other to form the receiving area between the support sleeve (20) and the two half shells (22); In particular, the half shells (22) are connectable to one another along their respective longitudinal axes, in particular along the support sleeve axis, or along a transverse axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A cartridge assembly according to claim 11 or 12.

14. the support sleeve (20) further comprises fastening means (24) configured to releasably fasten the half shells (22) to one another, the fastening means (24) being one of a snap-fit ​​connection, a latch connection, a plug-in connection, a clamp connection, and / or a combination thereof. The cartridge assembly of claim 13.

15. the cartridge assembly (10) further includes at least one separate connection element (32) configured to clamp the cartridge assembly (10), and / or the connection element (32) is connectable to the head portion (18); A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

16. the connecting element (32) is configured to bound the half shells (22) from at least three sides, thereby clamping the two half shells (22) together, the connecting element (32) being preferably at least one of a clamp, a ring, a ferrule, and / or a combination thereof; 16. A cartridge assembly as claimed in claim 15.

17. one of the cartridge (12) and the support sleeve (20) includes a piston configured to cause the material to be dispensed toward the outlet (16) during dispensing; A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 16.

18. said connection means (30) being selected from the group of a snap-fit ​​connection, a plug-in connection, a latch connection, a clamp connection, a hook connection, and / or combinations thereof; A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

19. A dispenser for dispensing a material, the dispenser comprising a receptacle configured to repeatedly receive a cartridge assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18; a rack (44) connected to a piston and configured to be movable through the receptacle (42) to urge the film cartridge wall (14) toward the dispensing outlet (16) of the cartridge (12) to dispense the material stored in the cartridge chamber, and a trigger (46) configured to actuate movement of the rack (44) of the dispenser (40) toward the receptacle (42).

Images