Device and method for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid, said device comprising a first dosing container and a second dosing container, wherein the first dosing container is designed to contain the first liquid and the second dosing container is designed to contain the second liquid, wherein the first dosing container (11) is designed to contain the first liquid and the second dosing container (12) is designed to contain the second liquid, wherein the first dosing container (11) and the second dosing container (12) each comprise a piston rod (17), wherein the device (10) comprises a lever (16), the lever (16) being connected to the piston rods (17) of the dosing containers in such a way that, when the lever (16) is actuated, the piston rods (17) are moved synchronously toward an outlet side (15) of each of the dosing containers.

Description

[0001] Device and method for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid

[0002] The present invention relates to a device and a method for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid according to the independent claims.

[0003] It is known from the prior art to mix liquids, such as clear coat with a hardener and, if necessary, other additives, by hand using a mixing scale in a mixing cup or using a scale. However, this approach poses the problem that mixing even the smallest quantities is difficult and complicated. It is also very time-consuming, and filling and pouring using the mixing scale carries a high risk of errors. Furthermore, the use of mixing equipment, such as appropriate mixing cups and a stirring rod, requires increased material expenditure, and process reliability is only partially guaranteed due to manual mixing.

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of developing a device and a method for mixing different liquids in such a way that increased process reliability is ensured, while the mixing process is as error-free and effective as possible.

[0005] The aforementioned object is achieved by a device for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid, which device has a first dosing container and a second dosing container, wherein the first dosing container is designed to contain the first liquid and the second dosing container is designed to contain the second liquid. Particularly preferably, the dosing containers contain the corresponding liquids. The device further comprises a lever which is connected to respective piston rods of the first dosing container and the second dosing container in such a way that, upon actuation of the lever, the piston rods are moved synchronously in the direction of an outlet side of the dosing containers. The lever is in particular a hand lever, in other words a lever which is to be actuated by hand.The present device thus comprises at least two dosing containers from which the liquids to be mixed can be dispensed using the corresponding piston rods. In other words, the piston rods are operated via the lever, thus triggering a controlled, synchronous dispensing process that guarantees a reliable mixing ratio.

[0006] In addition to a first and a second dosing container, the device may further comprise a third dosing container, wherein the third dosing container is configured to contain a third liquid. Most preferably, the third dosing container contains the third liquid.

[0007] The lever can also be connected to a corresponding piston rod of the third dosing container in such a way that, when the lever is actuated, the piston rods of all dosing containers are moved synchronously toward the outlet side of the dosing containers. Thus, the liquid is also pressed out of the third dosing container synchronously. The dosing containers can, in particular, be squeezing cylinders. The dosing containers, in particular, have a round cross-section. The piston rods can comprise a plunger head that fills the cylinder, primarily up to the inner wall.

[0008] On the outlet side, there is primarily an outlet opening of the corresponding dosing container. The outlet side can primarily be the underside. Each dosing container can have a lower side with a corresponding end face and an upper side with a corresponding end face, as well as a peripheral surface, whereby the piston rod can move from the upper side to the lower side for extrusion. The inlet opening of the dosing container can also be provided in a region of this outlet side, for example, on the side, but preferably in a lower region of the dosing container.

[0009] In particular, the device does not include any electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electro-pneumatic drive for the lever and / or piston rods; rather, the pressing process occurs purely mechanically via the actuation of the lever. This applies in particular to the entire device, so that it fundamentally does not include any electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electro-pneumatic drive.

[0010] Preferably, the first and second liquids are different. The first liquid can be a varnish, especially a clear varnish, while the second liquid can preferably be a hardener. The third liquid can again be different from the first and second liquids. The third liquid can, for example, be an additive, such as a solvent or a thinner. In addition to the solvent, a thinner can also be provided.

[0011] Furthermore, the device can also include a fourth or fifth dosing container, each of which has a respective piston rod and is designed to hold a respective liquid. The liquids can also be pressed out of these dosing containers synchronously using the lever. The first liquid, the second liquid, and / or the third and / or fourth liquid are respective mixing components.

[0012] A particular advantage of the device's lack of an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic drive is its ability to handle solvents, as corresponding safety regulations must be observed, which can be more easily met through purely mechanical operation. This particularly applies to explosion protection.

[0013] Alternatively, the device may comprise an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or electro-pneumatic drive of the lever and / or the piston rods.

[0014] The device can comprise a mixing container, wherein the mixing container can be connected to a respective outlet opening of the dosing container via a respective drain line, especially a drain hose. In other words, each dosing container has a corresponding outlet opening, to which a corresponding drain line is connected, wherein the drain line leads into the mixing container. Thus, the respective liquid is guided into the mixing container after exiting the dosing container. A line can be designed as a hose or as a channel, e.g., in a block.

[0015] The mixing container can preferably be a static mixer. This ensures uniform mixing of the respective components, with the flow movement alone causing the mixing. The static mixer therefore has no driven moving parts used for mixing.

[0016] The drain lines of the dosing containers can be equipped with a check valve to prevent drainage without operating the lever. This prevents premature discharge of the mixing components.

[0017] The device can comprise a respective storage container for each dosing container, wherein the storage containers are connected to a respective inlet opening of the dosing containers via a respective inlet line, especially an inlet hose. Each dosing container can thus have an inlet opening connected to the storage container via an inlet line. Thus, the respective liquid that can be accommodated in the corresponding dosing container is directed into the dosing container after exiting the storage container.

[0018] The inlet hoses can be equipped with a respective check valve so that the inflow from the storage container to the corresponding dosing container only occurs when the lever is returned.

[0019] The lever can in particular assume two positions, a first position and a second position. If the lever is moved from the first to the second position, this application refers to an actuation of the lever, whereas if it is moved back from the second to the first position, this is referred to as a return. The device is designed such that when the lever is actuated, the respective liquid is squeezed out of the dosing containers, whereas when the lever is returned, the device is designed such that a corresponding flow of liquid from the storage containers into the dosing containers occurs. The lever can have a spring-loaded return mechanism which ensures that after actuation of the lever, i.e. after moving the lever from the first to the second position, it is automatically returned.The return mechanism may in particular be a return spring, in particular a return gas spring.

[0020] In particular, the squeezing action from the dosing containers into the mixing containers when the lever is operated creates a vacuum in the dosing containers, which allows the liquid to flow from the corresponding storage containers when the lever is returned. This vacuum eliminates the need for an additional pump to refill the dosing containers, allowing the device to be as simple as possible.

[0021] Each dosing container has a diameter, with the ratio of the diameters of the different dosing containers defining the mixing ratio of the liquids. Thus, the dosing containers determine the mixing ratio of the liquids in the mixing container.

[0022] In particular, the dosing containers can be interchangeable and thus the mixing ratio can be optimally selected by using different dosing containers.

[0023] The device can be made of polyamide, in particular. This applies in particular to the dosing containers and / or the storage containers and / or the hoses used.

[0024] Overall, this device allows for the avoidance of fluctuations in the mixing ratio, which could be caused by errors, for example, thus ensuring process reliability. Furthermore, the mixing process is significantly accelerated and enables the mixing of even the smallest quantities. Operation is kept as simple as possible and independent of external power sources, as the entire device functions purely mechanically and is therefore independent of hydraulic, electrical, or pneumatic drive systems. The mixed material is produced in the correct mixing ratio and can even be finished in a ready-to-use state for further processing.

[0025] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid, wherein the method comprises squeezing a first liquid from a first dosing container and a second liquid from a second dosing container. The first dosing container and the second dosing container each comprise a piston rod, wherein the method comprises actuating a lever connected to the piston rods of the dosing containers in such a way that, upon actuation of the lever, the piston rods are moved synchronously toward an outlet side of the dosing containers.

[0026] In particular, the method uses a device as described above.

[0027] Each dosing container and / or storage container can have a vent valve for the inflow of air. The vent valve can be arranged, in particular, on a side opposite the outlet side, for example, on the top side of the dosing container or on the top side of the storage container. Furthermore, an opening can be provided on the corresponding side for introducing a desiccant. A suitable desiccant can be used to prevent crystallization of one of the liquids, for example, because it reacts to air humidity.

[0028] Furthermore, each reservoir can include a level indicator that indicates how much liquid is present in the corresponding reservoir, thus preventing it from running dry. The level indicator can be mechanical in nature and, for example, comprise a corresponding dipstick that moves with the liquid level. Thus, the entire device is purely mechanical in nature.

[0029] They show in purely schematic representation

[0030] Figure 1 shows a device for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid; and Figure 2 shows a method for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a device 10 for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid.

[0032] The device 10 comprises a first dosing container 11 and a second dosing container 12. Each of the dosing containers has a piston rod 17, which are mechanically connected to a lever 16. Each piston rod has a plunger-shaped head, which can be used to push liquid toward an outlet side 15 of the corresponding dosing container upon actuation of the piston rod.

[0033] A corresponding outlet opening 14 is provided on the outlet side 15, through which liquid can leave the corresponding dosing container. Furthermore, each dosing container includes an inlet opening 13 through which liquid can enter the corresponding dosing container. The inlet opening is located laterally in a lower area of ​​the corresponding dosing container in Figure 1.

[0034] Furthermore, each dosing container includes a vent valve 24 on a side opposite the outlet side 15, which is shown as the upper side in Figure 1. The corresponding outlet opening 14 of the dosing container is connected to a static mixer 18 via a respective drain line 19, optionally via an outlet block 25. The extruded liquids thus flow via the corresponding drain lines 19 into the static mixer 18, where they are mixed in a mixing ratio perfectly determined by the diameter of the dosing containers.

[0035] The lever 16 is designed as a hand lever, i.e., as a purely mechanically driven lever. When the lever 16 is actuated, and thus when the lever 16 is moved from a first position 16a to a second position 16b, the piston rods 17 are pressed downward, and the corresponding liquid in the dosing containers is pressed out of the outlet openings 14. The dosing containers are refilled through the corresponding inlet opening 13, which is connected to the respective storage containers 21 via corresponding supply hoses 20. The storage containers 21 can include a level indicator 22 that indicates the fill level of the liquid in the corresponding storage container.

[0036] Corresponding check valves 23 and a corresponding opening for introducing desiccant can be provided on the upper side of the storage containers. Corresponding check valves 23 can also comprise the inlet lines 20 and the outlet lines 19. These prevent premature outflow from the dosing containers or automatic inflow via the inlet hoses when the lever is returned to the first position 16a. If the lever is returned, specifically from the second position 16b to the first position 16a, the return of the piston rod 17 and thus of the plunger leads to the creation of a vacuum in the corresponding dosing containers, which ensures automatic reflow via the inlet hoses 20. The lever 16 is equipped with a spring-loaded return mechanism so that it is automatically returned to the first position 16a after actuation.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a method 100 for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid. The method 100 comprises squeezing 101 a first liquid from a first dosing container and a second liquid from a second dosing container. A lever 16 connected to corresponding piston rods 17 of the dosing containers is actuated 102. Synchronous movement 103 of the piston rods 17 connected to the lever 16 occurs, thus directing 104 the at least first liquid and the second liquid into a mixing container and mixing 105 the liquids. The lever 16 can be reset 120, which creates a vacuum in the dosing containers 121 and ensures a subsequent flow 122 of corresponding liquids from storage cups into the corresponding dosing containers. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0038] 10 Device for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid

[0039] 11 first dosing container

[0040] 12 second dosing container

[0041] 13 Entrance opening

[0042] 14 Exit opening

[0043] 15 Exit side

[0044] 16 levers

[0045] 16a first position

[0046] 16b second position

[0047] 17 Piston rod

[0048] 18 static mixers

[0049] 19 Drain pipe

[0050] 20 inflow line

[0051] 21 storage containers

[0052] 22 stock indicators

[0053] 23 Check valve

[0054] 24 Ventilation valve

[0055] 25 Exit block

[0056] 100 Method for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid

[0057] 101 Squeezing a first liquid from a first dosing container and a second liquid from a second dosing container

[0058] 102 Confirmation of a lever connected to the piston rods of the dosing containers

[0059] 103 synchronous movement of the piston rods of dosing containers connected to the lever

[0060] 104 Directing at least the first liquid and the second liquid into a mixing container

[0061] 105 Mixing the liquids 120 Resetting the lever

[0062] 121 Creating a vacuum in the dosing containers

[0063] 122 Flow of liquid from storage tanks

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (10) for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid, characterized in that the device (10) has at least a first dosing container (11) and a second dosing container (12), wherein the first dosing container (11) is designed to contain the first liquid and the second dosing container (12) is designed to contain the second liquid, wherein the first dosing container (11) and the second dosing container (12) each comprise a piston rod (17), wherein the device (10) comprises a lever (16), wherein the lever (16) is connected to the piston rods (17) of the dosing containers in such a way that when the lever (16) is actuated, the piston rods (17) are moved synchronously in the direction of a respective outlet side (15) of the dosing containers.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a third dosing container, wherein the third dosing container is designed to comprise a third liquid, wherein the lever (16) is connected to a piston rod (17) of the third dosing container in such a way that when the lever (16) is actuated, the piston rods (17) of all dosing containers are moved synchronously in the direction of a respective outlet side (15) of the dosing containers.

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device (10) does not comprise an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic drive of the lever (16) and / or the piston rods (17).

4. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device (10) comprises an electric and / or hydraulic and / or pneumatic and / or electropneumatic drive of the lever (16) and / or the piston rods (17).

5. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first liquid is a varnish, in particular a clear varnish.

6. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second liquid is a hardener.

7. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third liquid is a solvent.

8. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a mixing container, wherein the mixing container is connected via a respective drain line (19) to a respective outlet opening (14) of the dosing container, so that the respective liquid is guided into the mixing container after exiting the dosing container.

9. Device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the mixing container is a static mixer (18).

10. Device (10) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the drain lines (19) are equipped with a respective check valve (23) so that no drain occurs without actuation of the lever (16).

11. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a respective storage container (21) per dosing container, wherein the storage container (21) is connected via a respective inlet line (20) to a respective inlet opening (13) of the dosing container, so that the respective liquid is guided into the respective dosing container after exiting the storage container (21).

12. Device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the inflow lines (20) are equipped with a respective check valve (23) so that an inflow of liquid occurs when the lever is returned.

13. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (16) has a resilient return mechanism.

14. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each dosing container comprises a diameter, the ratio of the diameters of the dosing containers defining the mixing ratio of the liquids.

15. Method (100) for mixing at least a first liquid and a second liquid, characterized in that the method (100) comprises squeezing (101) a first liquid from a first dosing container (11) and a second liquid from a second dosing container (12), wherein the first dosing container (11) and the second dosing container (12) each comprise a piston rod (17), wherein the method (100) comprises an actuation (102) of the lever (16), wherein the lever (16) is connected to the piston rods (17) of the dosing containers in such a way that upon actuation (102) of the lever (16), the piston rods (17) are moved synchronously in the direction of a respective outlet side (15) of the dosing containers.

16. Method (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that the method (100) uses a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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