Dispensing System and Dispensing Outlet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispensing system (10) comprising a dispensing outlet (110), a cartridge (14), a connector (16), and a plug element (50) disposed within the connector (16) and in the cartridge (14), wherein the connector (16) is disposed on the cartridge (14), the dispensing outlet (110) is separate from the connector (16) and the cartridge (14), and the connector (16) can be locked to the cartridge (14) by rotation of the connector (16) to a use position, and rotation of the connector (16) to the use position causes axial movement of the plug element (50) with respect to the cartridge (14) and with respect to the dispensing outlet (110). The present invention further relates to a dispensing outlet, preferably for use in a dispensing system (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing system comprising a cartridge, a dispense outlet such as a static mixer, and a connector, and to a dispense outlet optionally configured for use in such a dispensing system.

[0002] Dispensing systems exist in a number of forms that can be used in a very wide variety of applications ranging from dental, medical, veterinary to industrial applications.

[0003] A dispensing system generally has an outlet that can be connected to a cartridge to guide the material stored in the cartridge through the outlet to the application point. When dispensing two-component materials such as adhesives, paints, molding materials, impression materials, etc., the outlet portion of the dispensing system generally comprises a mixer for mixing the two components for substantially ideal dispensing purposes.

[0004] Often, dispensing systems are composed of plastic parts, and in particular, the outlet, in other words, the mixer, is a single-use part that is discarded after each use. When the outlet is discarded, the remaining material to be dispensed also becomes a waste.

[0005] For this reason, an object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system through which waste of materials can be reduced both in terms of the amount of plastic in the components and in terms of the materials to be dispensed using the dispensing system.

[0006] This object is met by the subject matter of the respective independent claims.

[0007] Such a dispensing system comprises a dispensing outlet, a cartridge, a connector, and plug elements disposed within the connector and in the cartridge, the connector being disposed on the cartridge, the dispensing outlet being separate from the connector and from the cartridge, and the connector being lockable to the cartridge by rotation of the connector to a use position about a longitudinal axis (A), the rotation of the connector to the use position causing axial movement of the plug elements along the longitudinal axis relative to the cartridge and relative to the dispensing outlet.

[0008] By disposing the connector on the cartridge rather than on the dispensing outlet, the material of the connector is not discarded after use of the dispensing outlet, reducing the plastic waste after use of the dispensing system.

[0009] Moreover, such a dispensing system can be formed with a reduced size of components, leading to further reduction of waste. It should be noted that due to the reduced size and complexity of the dispensing outlet, these can be produced in a more efficient manner.

[0010] Rotation of the connector about the longitudinal axis relative to the dispensing outlet can lock the dispensing outlet to the connector. In this way, the rotation of the connector can perform two functions, namely, a locking function and an activation function.

[0011] Rotation of the connector about the longitudinal axis relative to the dispensing outlet with the installed dispensing outlet can lock the connector to the cartridge. In this way, removal of the connector from the cartridge can be prevented.

[0012] Axial movement of the plug to the use position enables the flow of material from the cartridge to the dispensing outlet.

[0013] The dispense outlet may comprise an outlet opening and respective inlets spaced apart from the outlet opening along the longitudinal axis. Such inlets and outlets enable the flow of material through the dispense outlet during use of the dispensing system.

[0014] The dispense outlet may comprise at least one of an intraoral rotating tip (IOR) and a static mixer. Such a dispense outlet is particularly beneficially used when dispensing multi-component materials.

[0015] The cartridge may be a two-component cartridge, and the static mixer may comprise a distributor for guiding respective flows of material from the cartridge to the mixing elements of the static mixer via the respective inlets. In this way, optimized mixing results can be achieved by guiding the flow of material in the most efficient manner possible to the mixing elements.

[0016] The above-described static mixer may comprise a housing surrounding the mixing element and an inlet, and the housing may comprise at least one, particularly axially extending, locking groove on the inner surface of the housing. Moreover, the connector may comprise at least one, particularly axially extending, locking projection configured to engage with the locking groove of the housing to rotationally fix the housing to the connector. In this way, the housing of the static mixer can function as an operable member that is well accessible for rotating the connector into and out of the use position.

[0017] In such a configuration, the internal components of the static mixer, particularly the inlets of the static mixer, are connected to the housing in an axially fixed but rotationally movable manner. In this way, the rotational movement of the connector is reliably separated from the inlets of the static mixer.

[0018] The housing described above may be configured to be fixed to the cartridge via a further fixing configuration, in particular of snap-in or screw form. In particular, the fixing described above acts axially rather than rotationally. In this way, unintentional removal of the static mixer from the cartridge can be reliably prevented.

[0019] The distributor may preferably have a non-circular outer cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In this way, through the use of a non-circular distributor, coded alignment means for connecting the static mixer to the cartridge can be provided.

[0020] The connector may have an opening formed at the upper end of the connector, the opening having a non-circular inner cross-section and the dispense outlet being insertable into the connector through the opening. In this way, the connector and the static mixer are formed complementary to each other, in other words, the non-circular outer cross-section of the distributor may be formed complementary in shape to the non-circular inner cross-section of the opening.

[0021] The static mixer may comprise a disk arranged in the housing of the static mixer, in which case the disk is arranged at a distance from above the distributor along the longitudinal axis. Such a disk can be used as a protective cover to prevent material from entering and / or leaving the connector during use of the dispensing system. Moreover, such a disk can be used to release the plug-connected connection between the static mixer and the cartridge of the dispensing system.

[0022] The distance between the disk and the distributor may correspond to the wall thickness of the connector at the upper end, and optionally, when the connector rotates with respect to the static mixer, the static mixer is clamped to the cartridge via the connector at the distance between the disk and the distributor. In this way, a part of the connector can be moved into and out of the space formed between the disk of the static mixer and the distributor for locking movement.

[0023] The dispense outlet may comprise a housing having a connection area configured to be received within the receiving portion of the IOR. Forming the connection area on the outer surface of the housing allows for a reduction in the volume occupied by the housing, leading to a reduction in the material left in the dispense outlet after a dispense action and thus also allowing for a reduction in the amount of waste during the use of the dispense system.

[0024] The plug may comprise an external thread that interacts with the internal thread of the connector to effect axial movement of the plug. Such a thread pair can be used to reliably form a quarter turn coupling between the cartridge and the static mixer. The thread can be a single-start thread or a multi-start thread.

[0025] The plug may comprise two, preferably cylindrical, outlets connected to two respective windows that serve as inlets from the cartridge, and in each, a respective seal is disposed downstream of the window along the longitudinal axis. Optionally, a seal provided to avoid fluid communication connection between each cartridge chamber and the corresponding window when the connector is not in the use position. In this way, a minimalist design of the plug can be used, leading to a further reduction in the amount of material used to form the dispense system and its accessories. Such a configuration is highly suitable for an implementation form that is moved in a direction away from the cartridge when the plug element is brought into the use position.

[0026] Alternatively, the plug may comprise two, preferably cylindrical, outlets connected to two respective windows that act as inlets from the cartridge, and in each case a respective seal is arranged at the same height as the window along the longitudinal axis. Optionally, seals are provided to avoid fluid communication connections between each cartridge chamber and the corresponding window when the connector is not in the use position. In this way, a minimalist design of the plug can be used, leading to a further reduction in the amount of material used to form the dispensing system and its accessories. Such a configuration is highly suitable for an implementation form in which the plug element is moved in a direction towards the cartridge when brought to the use position.

[0027] Rotation of the connector to the use position can result in an axial lifting movement of the plug element away from the cartridge along the longitudinal axis towards the dispensing outlet. Such a configuration is very intuitive and easy to implement.

[0028] Alternatively, rotation of the connector to the use position can result in an axial pushing movement of the plug element away from the dispensing outlet towards the cartridge along the longitudinal axis. Such a configuration is extremely compact and robust.

[0029] The inner shape geometry of the housing of the dispensing system can at least partially correspond to the outer shape geometry of the connector, and / or has locking means for creating a mechanical connection for detachably connecting the housing to the connector and for directly transmitting the rotational movement of the housing to the connector to close or open the plug element. Such a configuration is extremely more robust and reliable.

[0030] The plug element can be configured to move in a direction towards the cartridge when axially moved to a use position by rotation to provide fluid communication between the outlet passage of the cartridge, the window of the plug element, and the inlet of the dispense outlet. In particular, the outlet passage of the cartridge can be provided with a seal that closes the window of the plug element in a first position of the plug element and opens the window of the plug element in a second position of the plug element. Such a configuration is highly functional and compact.

[0031] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a dispense outlet configured for use in a dispense system as described herein, comprising at least one of a static mixer and an IOR, wherein the IOR can rotate relative to the static mixer but cannot be axially moved and is attachable outside the housing of the static mixer. In this regard, also, other types of mixers can be used with the IOR, or other types of intraoral tips (IOTs) can be used with the static mixer. Preferably, the static mixer does not comprise a connector and is arranged in a cartridge as described herein.

[0032] The dispense outlet can comprise further features as defined herein. Such a dispense outlet enables correct placement of the dispense outlet at a treatment point, for example, in a dental patient's cavity.

[0033] The IOR can comprise an inner surface having one or more inner ribs disposed therein and an outer housing having one or more outer ribs disposed on the outside. In this way, the IOR can be positioned relative to the housing.

[0034] One or more inner ribs and one or more outer ribs may extend parallel to each other. In this way, the dispense outlet becomes more user-friendly.

[0035] One or more inner ribs may be configured to engage with the one or more outer ribs described above. In this way, the predefined position of the IOR relative to the housing can be maintained during use of the dispense outlet.

[0036] One or more inner ribs and the one or more outer ribs described above may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis. In this way, a dispense outlet that is as compact as possible can be formed.

[0037] The IOR may include an inlet. The inlet may include one or more circumferentially extending ribs, preferably two circumferentially extending ribs. In this way, attachment of the IOR to the housing can be facilitated.

[0038] The inlet may include one or more apertures, preferably two apertures. In this way, a snap-fit connection that is easier to operate during assembly of the dispense outlet can be formed.

[0039] Each of the one or more circumferentially extending ribs is disposed in each of the one or more apertures. In this way, the build size of the dispense outlet can be minimized.

[0040] Each of the one or more apertures may be disposed downstream of the one or more circumferentially extending ribs when viewed from the inlet opening of the inlet of the IOR. In this way, the build size of the dispense outlet can be minimized.

[0041] The inner surface having one or more inner ribs can be arranged at the inlet. In this way, the construction size of the dispense outlet can be minimized.

[0042] The IOR is removably attached to the outer housing, preferably via one or more snap-fit connections, and more preferably via two snap-fit connections. In this way, a connection that is easy to manufacture is used that allows rotation of the IOR relative to the housing while axially fixing the IOR to the housing.

[0043] The outer housing can comprise a circumferentially extending lip. In this way, a dispense outlet that is as compact as possible can be formed through which a snap-fit connection is enabled.

[0044] The static mixer can comprise a positioning grid that cooperates with two or more positioning grooves arranged within the connector of the static mixer. In this way, alignment between the connector and the components of the static mixer can be ensured.

[0045] The housing of the static mixer can comprise an energy carrier, preferably arranged adjacent to the positioning grid. In this way, the assembly of the dispense outlet can be simplified.

[0046] The inlet manifold of the static mixer comprises a ledge. In this way, the assembly of the dispense outlet can be simplified.

[0047] The inlet manifold can be permanently attached to the housing. In this way, a design that is as compact as possible can be ensured even in the case of filigree components.

[0048] The inlet manifold can be permanently attached to the housing via an energy carrier and a ledge. In this way, the assembly of the dispense outlet can be simplified.

[0049] The IOR can comprise an inlet receptacle having a body to which a cannula is attached. By way of example, the cannula can be attached to the body at an angle selected within the range of 15 to 75°, and particularly within the range of 25 to 65°, with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0050] By way of example, the cannula can have a passage with an inner diameter selected within the range of 0.1 to 2 mm. In contrast, the housing of the mixing element disposed at the dispense outlet can have an inner diameter selected within the range of 1 to 12 mm.

[0051] The length of the cannula can be selected within the range of 5 to 100 mm, and particularly within the range of 8 to 60 mm.

[0052] Each IOR of the dispense outlet can further comprise a plate connected to the body of the inlet receptacle. Such a plate enables improved gripping of the dispense outlet.

[0053] The plate can be connected to the body by one or more webs of material. By such a connection, material can be saved and the plate can be formed in a simple manner.

[0054] Each IOR of the dispense outlet can further comprise a plate connected to the body of the inlet receptacle via one or more webs at the portion of the inlet receptacle where the cannula is attached to the body. Such a plate enables improved gripping of the dispense outlet during its use.

[0055] The plate may have a flat outer surface. Such a flat outer surface enables improved gripping of the plate during use of the dispense outlet.

[0056] According to a further aspect, the dispense system comprises a dispense outlet, a cartridge, and a connector. The connector is connected to the cartridge, and the dispense outlet is separate from the connector and from the cartridge. The dispense unit can be engaged with the connector, locked to the connector, and brought into a use position by translational movement of the dispense outlet relative to the cartridge followed by rotational or translational movement. Such a configuration is extremely robust and reliable.

[0057] The connector may be provided within an engagement portion that is non - movably connected to or forms part of the cartridge. Such a configuration is extremely simple and robust.

[0058] The connector may comprise a passageway for receiving a section of the dispense outlet, in particular a distributor or a protective disk, in order to connect the dispense outlet to the connector. Such a configuration is extremely compact and robust.

[0059] The connector may be rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the dispense outlet relative to the cartridge in order to lock the dispense outlet to the cartridge. Such a configuration is extremely robust and easy to handle.

[0060] The connector may be slidable orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the dispense outlet relative to the cartridge in order to lock the dispense outlet to the cartridge. Such a configuration is extremely compact.

[0061] The connector may be rotatable relative to the cartridge about the longitudinal axis of the dispense outlet in order to lock the dispense outlet to the cartridge. Such a configuration is very robust but still handles well.

[0062] Further embodiments of the present invention are described in the following description of the figures. The present invention is explained in detail below by way of embodiments and with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0063]

Fig. 1a-1c

Fig. 2

Fig. 3a-3b

Fig. 4a-4b

Fig. 5a-5b

Fig. 6a-6c

Fig. 7a-7b

Fig. 8a-8b

Fig. 9

Fig. 10a-10d

Fig. 11a-11d

Fig. 12a-12d

Fig. 13a-13c

[0064] Figures 1a - 1c show a dispensing system 10 in different usage states. The dispensing system 10 includes a static mixer 12 that can be connected to a cartridge 14 via a connector 16. The connector 16 includes a closure 18 through which the static mixer 12 can be detachably locked to the cartridge 14.

[0065] The intra-oral rotating tip (IOR) 20 is disposed at an end of the static mixer 12, far from the end to be connected to the connector 16. The IOR 20 rotates freely relative to the housing 28.

[0066] It should be noted in this regard that each IOR 20 of the static mixer 12 may also be referred to as a dispensing outlet 110.

[0067] When connecting the static mixer 12 to the cartridge 14, two inlets 24, 26 of the static mixer 12 are inserted into the openings 36 of the connector 16. The inlets 24, 26 have different sizes in the form of coding and matching means. The different sizes of the inlets 24, 26 are dimensioned complementarily to the sizes of the outlets 40, 42 (see Figure 2) of the dispensing system 10.

[0068] The inlets 24, 26 of the static mixer 12 are connected to a distributor 34 of the static mixer 12. The distributor 34 is configured to guide the respective flows of materials M, M' (see Figure 2) entering the static mixer 12 to the mixing elements 38.

[0069] The outer shape of the distributor 34 is non-circular and is shaped complementary to the shape of the opening 36 as a further type of coding alignment means.

[0070] By means of different types of coding alignment means, the static mixer 12 can be connected to the cartridge 14 only via the connector 16 in one orientation, ensuring that the static mixer 12 is always connected to the cartridge 14 in the correct orientation.

[0071] To connect the static mixer 12 to the cartridge 14, the inlets 24, 26 of the static mixer 12 and the distributor 34 are introduced into the opening 36 of the cartridge 14 by axially pushing the static mixer 12 along the longitudinal axis A shown in FIG. 1a. The inlets 24, 26 are connected to the outlets 40, 42 when the static mixer 12 is inserted into the opening 36. In this connection, it should be noted that the longitudinal axis A extends parallel to the length of the static mixer 12.

[0072] When the inlets 24, 26 of the static mixer 12 and the distributor 34 are received by the connector 16 as shown in FIG. 1b, the closure 18 of the connector 16 can be rotated relative to the static mixer 12 to move the static mixer 12 from the connection position to the use position. This is indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 1c.

[0073] The upper side 44 of the distributor 34 is received within the connector 16 under the wall of the connector 16 that defines the opening 36 such that when the closure 18 is rotated, the static mixer 12 is locked to the connector 16 and can only be removed by rotating the closure 18 in the opposite direction along the arrow B. This is due to the fact that the opening 36 is shaped complementary to the shape of the distributor 24 and that the opening 36 is aligned with the distributor 34 in the connection position and not in the use position.

[0074] If the static mixer 12 is pulled from the locked closure 18 without the closure 18 being rotated, at least one of the connector 16 and the static mixer 12 will be damaged.

[0075] The closure 18 is formed by a retaining ring pivotally supported within two closure mounts 32, 32' by one or more shoulder portions 30 disposed at the lower end 46 of the closure 18. In this way, when the static mixer 12 is connected to the cartridge in the use position, it can be ensured that the closure 18 and the static mixer 12 are tethered to the cartridge 14.

[0076] The retaining ring also includes one or more abutting portions that define the range of movement of the connector 16 between the connection position and the use position of the static mixer 12. In this example, the connector 16 can be rotated 90° relative to the cartridge to move the connector 16 between the connection position and the use position of the static mixer 12.

[0077] It should be noted in this regard that the range of movement of the connector 16 between the connection position and the use position of the static mixer 12 can be selected within the range of 45° to 180°, and particularly within the range of 60° to 120°.

[0078] Furthermore, it should be noted that the shape of the opening 36 and / or the shape of the distributor 34 are elliptical and / or oval, particularly in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0079] Furthermore, it should be noted that both the opening 36 and the distributor 34 are covered in the use position by a protective disk 22. This protective disk 22 at least substantially covers the upper end 48 of the plane reached by the upper end 48 of the connector 16, in other words.

[0080] In this connection, it should be noted that the area covered by the protective disk 22 is selected within the range of 60% to 100%, preferably 75% to 100%, of the area of the upper end portion 48 of the connector 16. In this way, the opening 36 and the lower part of the connector 16 can be protected from contaminants when the static mixer 12 is applied, and vice versa. At the use position, incorrect outflow of the materials M, M" can also be avoided through this protective disk 22.

[0081] Moreover, the protective disk 22 also facilitates the release of the clamping between the static mixer 12 and the connector 16 when the connector 16 is rotated from the use position, because the distributor 34 and so to speak the protective sleeve 22 clamp the upper end portion 48 of the connector 16 therebetween.

[0082] The ratio of the length of the inlets 24, 26 to the height of the distributor 34, in other words, along the longitudinal axis A, is selected within the range of 1 to 4 times, preferably 1.2 to 3 times, and the height of the distributor 34, in other words, the length of the inlets 24, 26, can be up to 4 times the height of the distributor 34.

[0083] The length of the gap between the protective disk 22 and the upper side 44 of the distributor is selected within the range of 1.01 to 1.2 times, preferably 1.02 to 1.1 times, the wall thickness of the upper end portion 48 of the connector 16.

[0084] The static mixer 12 shown above does not have a connector or a threaded portion that can be used for connection purposes, generally in the same way as a static mixer used in the dispensing system 10.

[0085] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view through the dispensing system 10 of FIG. 1c, in other words, the dispensing system 10 in the use position. The plug element 50 is arranged within the connector 16 and cooperates with the inlets 24, 26 to form the outlets 40, 42 of the cartridge 14.

[0086] When the connector 16 is rotated to the use position, the connector 16 carries the plug 50 therewith, thereby lifting the plug 50 axially upward and toward the inlets 24, 26. Through this movement, the outlets 40, 42 of the plug are moved in the outlet passages 52, 54 of the cartridge 14.

[0087] This movement enables each seal 56, 58 present at the outlets 40, 42 to disengage from the outlet passages 52, 54, allowing the flow of materials M, M' into the respective chambers 60, 62 of the outlet passages 52, 54. From these chambers 60, 62, the flow of materials M, M' can enter the inlets 24, 26 through the respective windows 64, 66.

[0088] From the windows 64, 66, the flow of materials M, M' is directed through the distributor 34 toward the mixing element 38, where the materials M, M' are intimately mixed.

[0089] When the plug 50 is rotated from the use position, the static mixer 12 is axially moved relative thereto so that the plug 50 moves away from the static mixer 12, and is held in the same axial position by tightening the connector 16 between the distributor 34 and the disk 22 to ensure the release of the static mixer 12 from the cartridge 14.

[0090] In this example, the mixing element 38 is a so-called spiral mixing element, but may be formed by one of a quadro mixing element, a T mixing element, etc.

[0091] The mixing element 38 is received in the housing 28 of the static mixer 12 between the rear end portion 21 having the distributor 34 disposed therein and the front end portion 19 where the IOR 20 is disposed.

[0092] In the front end portion 19, the housing 28 includes a connection region 68 for connecting the IOR 20 on the outer surface 70 of the housing 28.

[0093] The connection region 68 includes a connection protrusion 72 that extends in the circumferential direction around the housing 28. In the specific example shown, the connection protrusion 72 is formed as a ring-shaped structure. In this regard, it should be noted that other types of connection protrusions 72 can also be used, provided that they allow relative rotation between the IOR 20 and the housing 28.

[0094] The connection shoulder 74 is provided spaced apart from the connection protrusion 72 along the longitudinal axis A and farther from the front end portion 19 than the connection protrusion 72.

[0095] The connection shoulder 74 forms part of the connection region 68 used to connect the IOR to the outer surface of the housing 28 in the front end portion 19.

[0096] In this regard, it should be noted that the distance between the connection shoulder 74 and the connection protrusion 72 is generally selected within the range of 0.005 to 0.2 times, preferably 0.05 to 0.1 times the length of the housing 28.

[0097] Furthermore, it should be noted that the connection protrusion 72 has a height that extends beyond the housing 28 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A by 20 to 150%, preferably 30 to 100% of the wall thickness of the housing 28 between the connection protrusion 72 and the connection shoulder 74.

[0098] The IOR 20 has a complementary-shaped receiving section 76 having a receiving groove 78 and a receiving abutment 80.

[0099] The receiving groove 78 is configured to receive the connection protrusion 72. For this purpose, it should be noted that the receiving groove 78 has a shape complementary to the shape of the connection protrusion 72 and a depth complementary to the height of the connection protrusion in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0100] The receiving abutting portion 80 is configured to fit with the connection shoulder 74, and for this purpose, it is shaped complementarily to the connection shoulder 74.

[0101] The connection region 68 and the receiving section 76 are formed such that the IOR 20 is moored to the static mixer 12 and cannot move axially relative to the static mixer 12 along the longitudinal axis, but relative rotational movement about the longitudinal axis A is enabled.

[0102] In this way, a medical or dental professional, for example, can rotate the IOR 20 relative to the static mixer 12 in a manner that is as simple as possible for the IOR 20 positioned at the intended dispensing point.

[0103] The IOR 20 comprises a cannula 82 for dispensing the mixing materials M, M' at the intended point of dispensing, in other words, into a tooth cavity or the like.

[0104] The cannula 82 is arranged to extend at an angle selected within the range of 0 to 90°, and particularly within the range of 15 to 75° with respect to the longitudinal axis A. In this example, the angle reaches 30° with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

[0105] Figures 3a and 3b show cross-sectional views of the dispensing system 10 of Figures 1b and 1c in the connected position and in the use position of the dispensing system 10.

[0106] The plug 50 can be shown as engaging with the internal thread 84 of the inner surface 86 of the connector 16. The internal thread 84 is used to axially accompany the plug 50 along the longitudinal axis A.

[0107] In the example shown, rotation of the connector 16 results in lifting the plug 50 along the longitudinal axis to the use position shown in Figure 3b away from the cartridge 14 such that the windows 64, 66 are aligned with their respective inlets 24, 26.

[0108] It should be noted that if different directions of the internal thread 84 are used, the plug 50 may be axially pushed towards the cartridge 14 along the longitudinal axis A. Such a configuration is shown in Figure 9 which is further referred to below.

[0109] If this arrangement is selected, the windows 64, 66 will reach into their respective cartridge chambers 92, 94 of the cartridge 14.

[0110] The seals 56, 58 seal each of the outlet passages 52, 54 respectively, thereby avoiding fluid communication connections occurring between the materials M, M' stored in their respective cartridge chambers 92, 94 and the respective windows 64, 66 when the cartridge is not in the use position.

[0111] Pistons (not shown) disposed in their respective cartridge chambers 92, 94 can be used to dispense the materials M, M' in a manner known per se via the outlet passages 52, 54 and then to the static mixer 12 in the use position. Such pistons can be actuated by the plunger rod of the dispenser in a manner known per se.

[0112] Figures 4a and 4b show partial cross-sectional views of components of the dispensing system 10 before connection, i.e., as shown in Fig. 1a and in the use position, i.e., in a situation similar to Fig. 1c, where the static mixer 12 is not installed in the cartridge 14, but the connector 16 is rotated relative to the cartridge.

[0113] The static mixer 12 is a component that is separate from the connector 16 and not only locked when the connector 16 rotates relative to the static mixer 12, but also placed in fluid communication with the outlet passages 52, 54 in the same movement.

[0114] As indicated at the position shown in Fig. 4b, the fluid communication between the cartridge chambers 92, 94 is enabled when the plug 50 is moved from the sealed position in the non-use position to the unsealed position in the use position by lifting the plug 50 along the longitudinal axis A and thereby separating the respective seals 56, 58 from contact with the outlet passages 52, 54 and allowing the materials M, M' to flow into the respective chambers 60, 62.

[0115] From the respective chambers 60, 62, the materials M, M' can flow through the respective windows 64, 66 to the plug 50 and to the inlets 24, 26 of the static mixer 12. In the static mixer 12, the materials M, M' are then mixed by the mixing elements 38 and then output via the cannula 82 of the IOR 20.

[0116] Rotation of the connector 16 locks the connector to the static mixer 12 and to the cartridge 14, and in the unlocked state and when the static mixer 12 is absent, the connector 16 can be removed from the cartridge 14, which can be used with a conventional static mixer (not shown) available from the applicant. When such a conventional static mixer is used, they generally comprise an integrally formed closure consisting of a bayonet type closure that is disposed such that it cannot be removed from the static mixer when the static mixer, which causes waste that generally needs to be disposed of, is discarded. Thus, forming the closure 18 on the cartridge 14 means that less plastic waste is produced than when the closure is integrally present on the static mixer.

[0117] The upper plate of the plug 50 comprises two outlet openings of two outlets 40, 42 connected to two respective windows 64, 66 that function as inlets from the cartridge 14 to the plug 50. Each seal 56, 58 is disposed downstream of the outlet opening and the windows 64, 66 along the longitudinal axis A.

[0118] In a side view, the plug 50 basically has a T-shaped configuration, and in a view orthogonal to this side view, the plug has a C-shaped configuration.

[0119] The outlets 40, 42 of the plug 50 are generally formed as cylindrical channels with an opening formed at one of its ends, and each seal 56, 58 is formed at the opposite end to the respective opening along the longitudinal axis A. The ends of the channels of the outlets 40, 42 having the seals 56, 58 disposed therein are closed, such that a direct flow of the materials M, M' does not reach into the cylindrical channels from the cartridge, rather the windows 64, 66 that form the inlets to the outlets 40, 42 of the plug 50 are each formed such that their openings are disposed orthogonally to the openings of the cylindrical outlets 40, 42.

[0120] The plug 50 can only be moved axially, but cannot rotate due to the fact that each outlet 40, 42 of the plug 50 is disposed within the outlet passages 52, 54.

[0121] The illustrated cartridge 14 is a so-called side-by-side two-component cartridge 14 for storing two different materials M, M' in each of the cartridge chambers 92, 94. The outlet passages 52, 54 fluidly connected to the respective cartridge chambers 92, 94 are disposed parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis A.

[0122] Figures 5a and 5b show a further type of dispense outlet 110. Figure 5a shows a perspective view of the dispense outlet 110 and Figure 5b shows a cross-sectional view taken along section line A:A of Figure 5a.

[0123] The dispense outlet 110 is configured for use in the dispense system 10 shown above. The dispense outlet 110 includes a static mixer 12 disposed in the housing 28 and an IOR 20. The dispense outlet 110 can be attached to a cartridge (not shown) via so-called bayonet connection means 116 well known to those skilled in the art.

[0124] It should be noted in this regard that different or other types of connection means may be employed instead of the bayonet connection means 116.

[0125] The IOR 20 can rotate relative to the static mixer 12, but cannot be moved axially, i.e., cannot be moved along the longitudinal axis A, but can be rotated about the longitudinal axis A and is attached to the outside 112 of the housing 28.

[0126] The IOR20 includes an inlet 118 disposed at an end 19 of the static mixer 12. The end 19 of the static mixer 12 is inserted into the inlet 118 and snap-fitted into place via two snap-fit connections 120.

[0127] The end 19 of the outer side 112 of the housing 28 includes a circumferentially extending lip 122. In the example shown in FIG. 5b, the lip extends completely around the outer side 112 of the housing 28. However, it should be noted that the lip 122 may comprise two or more partial lips (not shown). The function of the lip 122 is to provide part of the snap-fit connection 120 by which the IOR20 is attached to the housing 28. The attachment is selected such that the IOR cannot be removed from the housing 28 during its normal use.

[0128] FIGS. 6a - 6c show views of the intraoral rotary tip 20 of FIGS. 5a and 5b. In FIG. 6a, the IOR20 is attached to the static mixer 12. The end 19 of the outer side 112 of the housing 28 is inserted into the inlet 118.

[0129] The inlet 118 further includes two apertures 124. These apertures 124 form part of the snap-fit connection 120. In this regard, it should be noted that the snap-fit connection may be formed without these apertures 124.

[0130] When viewed from the inlet opening 126 of the inlet 118, the inlet 118 includes two circumferentially extending ribs 128 respectively disposed in one of the apertures 124, and the apertures 124 are disposed downstream of the respective circumferentially extending ribs 128 when viewed from the inlet opening 126.

[0131] When the IOR20 is snap - fitted at a predetermined position of the static mixer 12, the two ribs 128 engage on the opposite side of the circumferential lip 122. The IOR20 is thereby axially fixed to the static mixer 12.

[0132] The inlet 118 of the IOR20 comprises an inner surface 129 having a plurality of inner surface ribs 130 disposed thereon, as shown in FIG. 6b. The inner surface ribs 130 extend parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis A.

[0133] As indicated in FIG. 6c, the static mixer 12 has an outlet 114 that is aligned with the passage 134 (see FIG. 6a) of the IOR20, and the material to be dispensed exits the outlet 114 and then through the passage 134.

[0134] As further indicated in FIG. 6c, the outer side 112 of the housing 28 comprises one or more outer side ribs 132 disposed on the outer side 112. The outer side ribs 132 extend parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis A.

[0135] The inner surface ribs 130 are configured to engage with the outer side ribs 132. In this way, the IOR20 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis A and the static mixer 12. The IOR20 can be positioned relative to the static mixer 12 according to the engagement position.

[0136] In this way, the IOR20 of the dispense outlet 110 can be positioned, for example, on the teeth of a patient to be treated, and the cartridge attached thereto can be rotated, for example, by a dental professional to dispense the material at a desired angle in a convenient manner.

[0137] Figures 7a and 7b show diagrams of the components of the dispense outlet 110 of FIGS. 5a and 5b. The static mixer 12 includes a housing 12 in which a mixing element 38 (see, for example, FIG. 8b) is disposed, and a connector 16. The connector 16 is rotatable about the static mixer 12 to fix the static mixer 12 to the cartridge in a manner known per se.

[0138] To align the static mixer 12 with the connector 16 and to maintain their relative positioning, the static mixer includes a positioning grid 136 that cooperates with two or more positioning grooves 138 disposed within the connector 16.

[0139] For this purpose, the positioning grid 136 includes positioning protrusions 140 configured to engage the grooves 138.

[0140] Figures 8a and 8b show diagrams of further components of the dispense outlet 110 of FIGS. 5a and 5b. The housing 28 of the static mixer 12 includes an energy carrier 142 formed as an elongated strip disposed adjacent to the positioning grid 136 as indicated in FIG. 8a.

[0141] The inlet manifold 146 of the static mixer 12 includes inlets 24, 26 to the static mixer 12 and is integrally formed with the mixing element 38, for example, in an injection molding or additive manufacturing process. The inlet manifold 146 is inserted into the housing 28 such that the inlets 24, 26 are aligned with channels 148 in the housing for guiding the material to be dispensed to the mixing element 38, and the energy carrier 142 is aligned with a ledge 144 of the inlet manifold 146.

[0142] The inlet manifold 146 is inserted into the housing 28 and the two components are joined to each other via the energy carrier 142 and the ledge 144, for example, in an ultrasonic welding process. Thereby, the housing 28 of the static mixer 12 and the inlet manifold are permanently connected to each other in an aligned manner.

[0143] The static mixer 12 described above is used to mix multi-component materials M, M' dispensed from the multi-component cartridge 14. Such mixers 12 are used in a very wide range of applications, from industrial applications such as the use of adhesives for joining structural components to each other or protective coatings for buildings or vehicles, to medical and dental applications, for example for making dental casts.

[0144] The multi-component materials M, M' are, for example, a two-component adhesive comprising a filler material and a hardener. In order to obtain the best possible mixing result, for example an adhesive having the desired bond strength, the multi-component materials M, M' must be mixed well enough.

[0145] The multi-component cartridge 14 can thereby be filled with materials M, M' selected from the group of members consisting of local drug therapies, medical fluids, wound care fluids, cosmetics and / or skin care preparations, dental fluids, veterinary fluids, adhesive fluids, disinfectant fluids, protective fluids, paints and combinations thereof.

[0146] Such materials M, M' and, therefore, the dispensing system 10 can thus be advantageously used in the treatment of target areas such as the nose (e.g., antihistamine cream, etc.), ear, teeth (e.g., mold for implants or oral applications (e.g., aphtha, gum treatment, mouth ulcers, etc.)), eyes (e.g., accurate deposition of medicine on the eyelid (e.g., chalazion, infection, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, etc.)), lips (e.g., herpes), mouth, skin (e.g., antifungal, dark spots, acne, warts, psoriasis, skin cancer treatment, tattoo removal medicine, wound healing, scar treatment, stain removal, itch relief applications, etc.), other dermatological applications (e.g., skin, nails (e.g., antifungal applications, or strengthening prescriptions, etc.)) or cytological applications, etc.

[0147] Alternatively, the materials M, M' and, therefore, the dispensing system 10 can be used in industrial sectors both for the production of products and for the repair and maintenance of existing products, for example, in the construction industry, automotive industry, aerospace industry, such as for wind turbines, in the energy sector, etc. The dispensing system 10 can be used, for example, for the dispensing of building materials, sealants, adhesives, paints, coatings and / or protective coatings.

[0148] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the dispensing system 10 according to the present invention. In principle, the basic structure and functional configuration of this dispensing system 10 correspond to those of the dispensing system 10 described above. Accordingly, a detailed description of any single feature of this dispensing system 10 is omitted. Instead, the main differences are taken up for the sake of brevity.

[0149] The first major difference is that in the configuration shown herein, rotation of the connector 16 results in pushing and pulling the plug 50 along the longitudinal axis A toward or away from the cartridge 14 to or from the use position where the windows 64, 66 are within their respective cartridge chambers 92, 94 of the cartridge 14. Accordingly, the connector 16 has a locking groove (internal thread 84) on the inner surface 97 configured to engage a corresponding locking projection (external thread 88) of the plug 50.

[0150] The seals 56, 58 each seal their respective outlet passages 52, 54, thereby preventing a fluid communication connection from occurring between the materials M, M' housed in their respective cartridge chambers 92, 94 and the respective windows 64, 66 when the cartridge is not in the use position.

[0151] The second major difference is that in the alternative embodiment shown, the static mixer 12 includes a housing 28 that surrounds the mixing element 38 and the inlets 24, 26. Thereby, the housing 28 serves as a protective cap for the mixing element 38 and the inlets 24, 26, preventing contamination thereof. The housing 28 has a plurality of axially extending locking grooves 96 on the inner surface 97 of the housing 28 in the region of the connector 16. The connector 16 has the same number of axially extending locking projections 98, each configured to engage one of the locking grooves 96 of the housing 28 to rotationally fix the housing 28 to the connector 16. Thereby, rotation of the connector 16 to the use position can be caused by rotation of the housing 28.

[0152] This means that, in the case of this embodiment, it is preferable for the connector 16 to have a locking groove 84 on the inner surface 97 of the connector 16 configured to engage with the corresponding locking protrusion 88 of the plug 50. Moreover, the connector 16 has an axially extending locking protrusion 98 on the outer surface of the connector 16, each of which is configured to engage with one of the locking grooves 96 of the housing (protective cap) 28 in order to rotationally fix the housing 28 to the connector 16. To minimize the risk of contamination, the overall configuration should be seamless and smooth, and the housing 28 is connected to the other components 14 and 16 with only inner components and no outer components.

[0153] This enables an overall design with a smooth and seamless or slightly protruding transition from the cartridge 14 to the mixer 12. Such a configuration is particularly preferred for dental and medical applications to reduce the risk of injury and contamination.

[0154] The housing 28 acting as a protective cap can have a circular, oval, rounded triangular or rounded polygonal cross-sectional shape (with vertical grooves).

[0155] In order to be able to separate the rotation of the connector 16 from the inlets 24, 26 of the static mixer 12, in particular, the internal components of the static mixer 12, including the protective disk 22, the inlets 24, 26 and the mixing element 38, are axially fixed but connected to the housing 28 in a rotationally movable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, this connection is achieved via at least one connection protrusion 100 that holds the protective disk 22.

[0156] Finally, the housing 28 of the embodiment of FIG. 9 is configured to be fixed to the cartridge 14 via a further fixing configuration 99, particularly in the form of a snap-in configuration or a screw, to prevent unintentional removal of the static mixer 12 from the cartridge 14.

[0157] Alternatively, internal parts 38, 22, etc. of the mixer 12 can be rotatably fixed in the housing 28 and tightened by the contact pressure generated when the mixer 12 is screwed into the cartridge 14.

[0158] Figures 10a - 10d show a further type of dispensing system 10 in different usage states. Figure 10a shows a perspective view of the dispensing system 10 in the pre - connection position of the corresponding dispensing outlet 110. Figure 10b shows a perspective view of the dispensing system 10 in the connection position of the dispensing outlet 110. Figure 10c shows a perspective view of the dispensing system 10 in the usage position of the dispensing outlet 110, and Figure 10d shows a cross - sectional view taken along the section line A:A of Figure 10c.

[0159] The dispensing system 10 includes a dispensing outlet 110 having a static mixer 12 disposed in a housing 28 and an IOR 20. The dispensing outlet 110 can be attached to the cartridge 14 via a rotational connection configuration 160 described below.

[0160] The above - mentioned connection configuration 160 includes a barrel - shaped non - rotating engagement portion 150 surrounding a pivotable barrel - shaped connector 152. The engagement portion 150 is provided with an opening 150a for inserting the distributor 34 of the dispensing outlet 110. The connector 152 includes a passageway 152a for receiving the distributor 34 of the dispensing outlet 110. As shown in Figure 10a, the opening 150a of the engagement portion 150 and the outlet opening 152a1 of the passageway 152a are aligned with each other in the pre - connection state of the dispensing system 10 such that the distributor 34 can be inserted through the opening 150a into the passageway 152a and proceed through the massive main body 152b of the connector 152 (see arrow B in Figure 10a).

[0161] When the distributor 34 is fully inserted into the message way 152a of the connector 152, the dispense outlet 110 can be rotated with the connector 152 about the rotation axis of the connector 152 that extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis A of the dispense outlet 110 (see arrow B in FIG. 10b). By this rotation, the housing 28 enters into the guide slot 150b in the engaging part 150, which has a width smaller than that of the distributor 34. Thereby, the dispense outlet 110 together with the distributor 34 is fixed to the engaging part 150.

[0162] (In at least the illustrated embodiment) After a 90° rotation, the inlets 24 and 26 of the dispense outlet 110 connected to the distributor 34 are aligned with and connected to the corresponding outlet passages 52 and 54 of the cartridge 14 as seen in FIG. 10d. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the above-described inlets 24 and 26 is provided within the respective inlet opening 152a2 or 152a3 of the message way 152a. The distributor 34 is rotated completely from the opening 150a of the engaging part 150 such that the distributor 34 is held by the engaging part 150 within the message way 152a of the connector 152 (see FIG. 10c). Now, the dispense outlet 110 is in the use position and is ready to dispense the materials M and M' from the cartridge 14.

[0163] FIGS. 11a-11d show another further type of dispense system 10 in different use states. FIG. 11a shows a perspective view of the dispense system 10 in the pre-connection position of the corresponding dispense outlet 110. FIG. 11b shows a cross-sectional view taken along the section line A:A of FIG. 11a in the connection position of the dispense outlet 110. FIG. 11c shows a perspective view of the dispense system 10 in the connection position of the dispense outlet 110. FIG. 11d shows a perspective view of the dispense system 10 in the use position of the dispense outlet 110.

[0164] The dispensing system 10 includes a dispensing outlet 110 having a static mixer 12 disposed in a housing 28 and an IOR 20. The dispensing outlet 110 can be attached to a cartridge 14 via a sliding connection configuration 160 described below.

[0165] The above-described connection configuration 160 includes a flat non-movable engagement portion 150 surrounding a slidable connector 152. The engagement portion 150 is provided with an opening 150a for inserting a protective disk 22 of the dispensing outlet 110. The connector 152 includes a passageway 152a for receiving the protective disk 22 of the dispensing outlet 110. As shown in FIG. 11a, the opening 150a of the engagement portion 150 and the outlet opening 152a1 of the passageway 152a are aligned with each other in the pre-connection state of the dispensing system 10 such that the protective disk 22 can be inserted through the opening 150a into the passageway 152a and proceed through the massive main body 152b of the connector 152 (see arrow B in FIG. 11a). In this state, the inlets 24 and 26 of the dispensing outlet 110 are not aligned with the corresponding outlet passages 52 and 54 of the cartridge 14 as shown in FIG. 11b. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the above-described inlets 24 and 26 is provided within its own inlet opening 152a2 or 152a3 of the passageway 152a.

[0166] When the protective disk 22 is fully inserted into the passageway 152a of the connector 152, the dispensing outlet 110 can be slit with the connector 152 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the dispensing outlet 110 with respect to the engagement portion 150 (see arrow B in FIG. 11c). By this sliding, the housing 28 enters a guide slot 150b of the engagement portion 150 having a width smaller than that of the protective disk 22. Thereby, the dispensing outlet 110 together with the protective disk 22 is fixed to the engagement portion 150.

[0167] After a predetermined amount of sliding movement, the inlets 24 and 26 connected to the protective disk 22 of the dispense outlet 110 are aligned with and connected to the corresponding outlet passages 52 and 54 of the cartridge 14. Moreover, the protective disk 22 is slit for engagement with the engagement portion 150 around the guide slot 150b. Thereby, the protective disk 22 is held by the engagement portion 150 within the passageway 152a of the connector 152 (see FIG. 11d). Now, the dispense outlet 110 is in the use position and is ready to dispense the materials M and M' from the cartridge 14.

[0168] Figs. 12a-12d show a final additional type of dispense system 10 in different use states. Fig. 12a shows a perspective view of the dispense system 10 in the pre-connection position of the corresponding dispense outlet 110. Fig. 12b shows a perspective view of the dispense system 10 in the connection position of the dispense outlet 110. Fig. 12c shows a perspective view of the dispense system 10 in the use position of the dispense outlet 110, and Fig. 12d shows a cross-sectional view taken along the section line A:A of Fig. 12c.

[0169] The dispense system 10 comprises a dispense outlet 110 having a static mixer 12 disposed in a housing 28 and an IOR 20. The dispense outlet 110 can be attached to the cartridge 14 via an alternative rotational connection configuration 160 described below.

[0170] The above connection configuration 160 includes a non-rotating engagement portion 150 surrounding the rotatable connector 152. The engagement portion 150 is provided with an opening 150a for inserting the distributor 34 of the dispense outlet 110. The connector 152 includes a passageway 152a for receiving the protective disk 22 connected to the distributor 34 of the dispense outlet 110. As shown in FIG. 12a, the opening 150a of the engagement portion 150 and the outlet opening 152a1 of the passageway 152a are aligned with each other in the pre-connection state of the dispense system such that the protective disk 22 can be inserted through the opening 150a into the passageway 152a and proceed through the massive main body 152b of the connector 152 (see arrow B in FIG. 12a).

[0171] When the protective disk 22 is fully inserted into the passageway 152a of the connector 152, the dispense outlet 110 can be rotated together with the connector 152 about the rotation axis of the connector 152 corresponding to the longitudinal axis A of the dispense outlet 110 (see arrow B in FIG. 12b). By this rotation, the protective disk 22 is at least partially rotated under the engagement section 150b of the engagement portion 150 having a width smaller than that of the protective disk 22. Thereby, the dispense outlet 110 together with the protective disk 22 is fixed to the engagement portion 150.

[0172] (In at least the illustrated embodiment) After a 90° rotation, the inlets 24 and 26 connected to the protective disk 22 of the dispense outlet 110 are aligned with the corresponding outlet passages 52 and 54 of the cartridge 14 and connected to the corresponding outlet passages 52 and 54 of the cartridge 14 as seen in FIG. 12d. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the above inlets 24 and 26 is provided within its own inlet opening 152a2 or 152a3 of the passageway 152a. Now, the dispense outlet 110 is in the use position and is ready to dispense the materials M and M' from the cartridge 14.

[0173] The IOR20 includes an outlet 164 through which the material is dispensed, and the outlet 164 is at a first end 168 of a cannula 166 of the intraoral rotary tip (IOR) 20. At the first end 168 disposed on the opposite side of the second end 170 of the cannula 166, the cannula 166 is connected to an inlet receptacle 158 of the IOR20 at the second end 170.

[0174] The cannula 166 includes a passage 174 for conducting the material that is dispensed from the cartridge 14 through the static mixer 12 to the IOR20 and through the outlet 164 of the IOR20.

[0175] Figures 13a - 13c show further views of a further type of intraoral rotary tip 20. In Figure 13a, the IOR20 is attached to the static mixer 12. The IOR20 includes an inlet receptacle 138 for attachment of the cannula 166 to the static mixer 12 at each of the dispense outlets 12.

[0176] An end 19 of the outer side 112 of the housing 22 is inserted into the inlet 118.

[0177] The inlet 118 further includes two apertures 124. These apertures 124 form part of a snap - fit connection 30. It should be noted in this regard that the snap - fit connection may be formed without these apertures 124.

[0178] As seen from the inlet opening 126 of the inlet 118, the inlet 118 includes two circumferentially extending ribs 128 respectively disposed in one of the apertures 124, and the apertures 124 are disposed downstream of the respective circumferentially extending ribs 128 when viewed from the inlet opening 126.

[0179] When the IOR20 is snap - fitted in place at the dispense outlet 12 via the inlet receptacle 158, the two ribs 128 engage on the opposite side of the circumferential lip 122. The IOR20 is thereby axially fixed to the dispense outlet 12.

[0180] The inlet 118 of the IOR20 comprises an inner surface 129 having a plurality of inner ribs 130 disposed thereon, as shown in FIG. 6b. The inner ribs 130 extend parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis A.

[0181] As indicated in FIG. 13c, the dispense outlet 12 has an outlet 28 that is aligned with the passage 174 (see FIG. 13a) of the IOR20, and the material to be dispensed exits the outlet 114 and then through the passage 174 via the cannula outlet 164.

[0182] As further indicated in FIG. 13c, the outer side 112 of the housing 22 comprises one or more outer ribs 132 disposed on the outer side 112. The outer ribs 132 extend parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis A.

[0183] The inner ribs 130 are configured to engage with the outer ribs 132. In this way, the IOR20 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis A and the dispense outlet 12. The IOR20 can be positioned relative to the dispense outlet 12 according to the engagement position.

[0184] In this way, the IOR20 of the dispense outlet 12 can be positioned, for example, on the tooth of a patient to be treated, and the cartridge attached thereto can be rotated, for example, by a dental professional to dispense the material at a desired angle in a convenient manner.

[0185] At the portion of the inlet receptacle 158 where the cannula 166 is attached to the main body 160, the plate 156 is connected to the main body 160 of the inlet receptacle 158 via the web 162.

[0186] The plate 156 has a flat outer surface 172 that serves as a finger positioning aid during the dispensing process so that a user can safely hold the IOR 20, for example, during dispensing in a patient's tooth.

[0187] The plate 156 is connected to the main body by one or a plurality of webs 162 of the material, and in this example, has three such webs 162. In this regard, it should be noted that between two and six webs 162 may be provided.

[0188] Finally, it is noted that the above configurations can be modified and / or combined with each other without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Explanation of Signs

[0189] 10 Dispensing system 12 Static mixer 14 Cartridge 16 Connector 18 Closure 19 End 20 Intraoral rotating tip (IOR) 21 End 22 Protection disk 24 Inlet 26 Inlet 28 Housing 30 Shoulder portion 32 Closure mounting base 34 Distributor 36 Opening 38 Mixing element 40 Outlet 42 Outlet 44 Upper side Lower end portion Upper end portion Plug element Outlet passage Outlet passage Seal Seal Chamber Chamber Window Window Connection region Outer surface of 12 Connection protrusion Connection shoulder Receiving section Receiving groove Receiving abutment Cannula Internal thread Inner surface of connector 16 External thread Outer surface of 50 Cartridge chamber Cartridge chamber Lock groove Inner surface of housing 28 Lock protrusion Fixing configuration Connection protrusion Dispense outlet Outer side Outlet of 12 Bayonet connector Inlet Snap - fit connection Lip Aperture Inlet opening Circumferential rib Inner surface Inner surface rib Outer side rib Passage Positioning grid Groove 140 protrusion 142 energy carrier 144 ledge 146 inlet manifold 148 channel 150 engaging part 150a opening 150b guide slot / engagement section 152 connector 152a passageway 152a1 outlet opening 152a2 inlet opening 152a3 inlet opening 152b body 154 end of IOR 156 plate 158 inlet receptacle 160 body of 158 162 web connecting 156 to 160 164 outlet 166 cannula 168 first end of 166 170 second end of 166 172 flat surface 174 passage A longitudinal axis B arrow M, M’ material, material

Claims

1. A dispensing system (10) comprising a dispense outlet (110), a cartridge (14), a connector (16), and a plug element (50) disposed within the connector (16) and in the cartridge (14), wherein the connector (16) is disposed in the cartridge (14), the dispense outlet (110) is separate from the connector (16) and from the cartridge (14), and the connector (16) is lockable to the cartridge (14) by rotation of the connector (16) to a use position about a longitudinal axis (A), and rotation of the connector (16) to the use position effects axial movement of the plug element (50) relative to the cartridge (14) and relative to the dispense outlet (110) along the longitudinal axis (A).

2. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein rotation of the connector (16) locks the dispense outlet (110) to the connector (16).

3. The dispensing system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein rotation of the connector (16) with the installed dispense outlet (110) locks the connector (16) to the cartridge (14).

4. The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the axial movement to the use position enables flow of material (M, M') from the cartridge (14) to the dispense outlet (110).

5. The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dispense outlet (110) comprises an outlet opening and respective inlets (24, 26) spaced from the outlet opening along a longitudinal axis (A).

6. The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dispense outlet (110) comprises at least one of an intraoral rotary tip (IOR, 20) and a static mixer (12).

7. The cartridge (14) is a two-component cartridge (14), and the static mixer (12) comprises a distributor (34) for guiding respective flows of material from the cartridge (14) through respective inlets (24, 26) to a mixing element (38) of the static mixer (12), the dispensing system (10) according to claim 6.

8. The static mixer (12) comprises a housing (28) surrounding the mixing element (38) and inlets (24, 26), the housing (28) comprises at least one, in particular axially extending, locking groove (96) on an inner surface (97) of the housing (28), the connector (16) comprises at least one, in particular axially extending, locking projection (98) configured to engage with the locking groove (96) of the housing (28) to rotationally fix the housing (28) to the connector (16), The dispensing system (10) according to claim 6 or 7.

9. Internal components of the static mixer (12), in particular the inlets (24, 26) of the static mixer (12), are connected to the housing (28) in a manner that is axially fixed but rotationally movable, the dispensing system (10) according to claim 8.

10. The housing (28) is configured to be fixed to the cartridge (14) via a further fixing configuration (99), in particular in the form of a snap-in configuration or a screw, the dispensing system (10) according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The distributor (34) has a non-circular outer cross-section, preferably in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (A), the dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. The connector (16) has an opening (36) formed at an upper end portion (48) of the connector (16), the opening having a non-circular inner cross-section, and the dispensing outlet is insertable into the connector (36) through the opening (36), the dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The dispensing system (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the non-circular outer cross-section of the distributor (34) is formed to be complementary in shape to the non-circular inner cross-section of the opening (36).

14. The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the static mixer (12) comprises a disk (22) disposed in a housing (28) of the static mixer (12), and the disk (22) is disposed at a distance from an upper side (44) of the distributor (34) along the longitudinal axis (A).

15. The dispensing system (10) according to claim 14, wherein the distance between the disk (22) and the distributor (34) corresponds to the wall thickness of the connector (26) at the upper end portion (48), and optionally, when the connector (36) rotates relative to the static mixer (12), the static mixer (12) is clamped to the cartridge (14) via the connector (16) at the distance between the disk (22) and the distributor (34).

16. The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the dispensing outlet comprises a housing (28) having a connection region (68) configured to be received within a receiving portion (76) of the IOR (20).

17. The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the plug (50) comprises an external thread (88) that interacts with an internal thread (84) of the connector (16) to effect the axial movement of the plug (50).

18. The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the plug (50) comprises two outlets (40, 42) connected to two respective windows (64, 66) that function as inlets from the cartridge (14), and respective seals (56, 58) are disposed downstream of the windows (64, 66) along the longitudinal axis (A), and the seals are optionally provided to avoid fluid communication connections between respective cartridge chambers (92, 94) and the corresponding windows (64, 66) when the connector (16) is not in the use position.

19. The plug (50) comprises two outlets (40, 42) connected to two respective windows (64, 66) that function as inlets from the cartridge (14), and in each case a respective seal (56, 58) is arranged at the same height as the window (64, 66) along the longitudinal axis (A), the seal being provided optionally to avoid fluid communication connection between the respective cartridge chambers (92, 94) and the corresponding windows (64, 66) when the connector (16) is not in the use position. The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

20. The rotation of the connector (16) to the use position results in an axial lifting movement of the plug element (50) away from the cartridge (14) along the longitudinal axis (A) towards the dispensing outlet (110). The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The rotation of the connector (16) to the use position results in an axial pushing movement of the plug element (50) away from the dispensing outlet (110) towards the cartridge (14) along the longitudinal axis (A). The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

22. The inner shape geometry of the housing (28) of the dispensing system (10) at least partially corresponds to the outer shape geometry of the connector (16), and / or has locking means for creating a mechanical connection to detachably connect the housing (28) to the connector (16), and for directly transmitting the rotational movement of the housing (28) to the connector (16) to close or open the plug element (50). The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. When the plug element (50) is axially moved in the rotational direction to the use position to provide fluid communication between the outlet passages (52, 54) of the cartridge (14), the windows (64, 66) of the plug element (50), and the inlets (24, 26) of the dispense outlet (110), it is configured to move in a direction towards the cartridge (14). In particular, the outlet passages (52, 54) of the cartridge (14) are provided with seals (56, 58) that close the windows (64, 66) of the plug element (50) at a first position of the plug element (50) and open the windows (64, 66) of the plug element (50) at a second position of the plug element (50). The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. A dispense outlet (110) configured for use in a dispensing system (10), the dispense outlet comprising at least one of a static mixer (12) and an IOR (20), the IOR (20) being attachable outside the housing (28) of the static mixer (12) such that the IOR (20) can rotate relative to the static mixer (12) but cannot be axially moved. Dispense outlet (110).

25. A dispensing system (10) comprising a dispense outlet (110), a cartridge (14), and a connector (152), the connector (16) being connected to the cartridge (14), the dispense outlet (110) being separate from the connector (152) and from the cartridge (14), the dispense unit (110) being engageable with and locked to the connector (152) and being movable to a use position by translational movement of the dispense outlet (110) relative to the cartridge (14) followed by rotational or translational movement. Dispensing system (10).

26. The dispensing system (10) according to claim 25, wherein the connector (152) is provided in an engaging portion (150) that is non - movably connected to the cartridge (14) or forms part of the cartridge (14).

27. The dispensing system (10) according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the connector (152) comprises a passageway (152a) for receiving a section of the dispensing outlet (110), in particular a distributor (34) or a protective disk (22), for connecting the dispensing outlet (110) to the connector (152).

28. The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the connector (152) is rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (A) of the dispensing outlet (110) with respect to the cartridge (14) in order to lock the dispensing outlet (110) to the cartridge (14).

29. The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the connector (152) is slidable orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis (A) of the dispensing outlet (110) with respect to the cartridge (14) in order to lock the dispensing outlet (110) to the cartridge (14).

30. The dispensing system (10) according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the connector (152) is rotatable about the longitudinal axis (A) of the dispensing outlet (110) with respect to the cartridge (14) in order to lock the dispensing outlet (110) to the cartridge (14).

Images