Pneumatic dispenser and cartridge

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of suppressing an increase in the weight of a pneumatic dispenser. The pneumatic dispenser includes a cartridge and a holding part for holding the cartridge. The cartridge comprises: a cylinder having a cylindrical part extending in the axial direction and capable of storing a viscous material therein; a cylinder having a discharge port for discharging the viscous material in the cylindrical part; a plunger provided in the cylinder so as to be able to advance and retreat in the axial direction; and a coupling part provided on the cylinder. The holding part includes: a fixing part that is coupled to the coupling part and fixes the coupling part to the holding part; and an introduction port for introducing air for pressing the plunger into the cartridge.

Description

Pneumatic Dispenser and Cartridge

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to pneumatic dispensers.

[0002] A pneumatic dispenser is sometimes used when applying or filling a highly viscous material such as a sealant. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses such a pneumatic dispenser having a cylindrical cylinder and a plunger that is provided so as to be movable back and forth within the cylinder.

[0003] Patent No. 7154550

[0004] The pneumatic dispenser of Patent Document 1 uses a cylindrical cartridge housing that covers the cartridge in order to hold the cartridge. Because the cartridge housing is a member that has approximately the same length as the cartridge, there is a problem in that the use of the cartridge housing tends to increase the weight of the entire pneumatic dispenser.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to propose a technology that can suppress an increase in the weight of a pneumatic dispenser.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a pneumatic dispenser comprising: a cartridge; and a holding part for holding the cartridge. The cartridge comprises: a cylinder having an axially extending cylindrical portion capable of containing a viscous material therein and a discharge port for discharging the viscous material from the cylindrical portion; a plunger provided within the cylinder so as to be able to advance and retreat in the axial direction; and a connecting part provided on the cylinder. The holding part comprises: a fixing part that connects with the connecting part to fix the connecting part to the holding part; and an inlet for introducing air into the cartridge to press the plunger.

[0007] With this configuration, the cartridge can be fixed to the holder using the connecting portion provided on the cartridge, which eliminates the need to use a part shaped to cover the cartridge in order to fix the cartridge to the holder, thereby suppressing an increase in the weight of the pneumatic dispenser.

[0008] In the pneumatic dispenser described above, the coupling portion may have a screw thread formed on the cylinder, and the fixing portion may have a screw thread that can be fitted with the screw thread of the coupling portion.

[0009] With this configuration, the cartridge and the holding part are fixed together by fitting the threads of the coupling part and the threads of the fixing part together, so that the cartridge and the holding part can be firmly fixed together.

[0010] In the above-described pneumatic dispenser, the inlet may be formed at a position where the air can be introduced into the cartridge so as to press the plunger when the threads of the connecting portion and the threads of the fixing portion are engaged with each other.

[0011] With this configuration, by connecting the connecting part and the fixing part, the cartridge is positioned appropriately for introducing air, which simplifies the operation of connecting the air supply path of the holding part for introducing air to the air introduction part of the cartridge.

[0012] In the pneumatic dispenser described above, the coupling portion may have a protruding piece protruding from the cylinder, and the fixing portion may have a groove portion that is a groove that engages with the protruding piece. With this configuration, the cartridge can be fixed to the holder by engaging the protruding piece of the cylinder with the fixing portion.

[0013] The pneumatic dispenser may further include a clip that prevents the connecting portion and the fixing portion from separating from each other when the connecting portion and the fixing portion are in contact with each other. With this configuration, the connecting portion and the fixing portion can be firmly fixed together using the clip.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a cartridge for use in a pneumatic dispenser having a cartridge and a holding part that holds the cartridge. The cartridge includes a cylindrical cylinder extending in an axial direction, the cylindrical cylinder having a cylindrical part capable of containing a viscous material therein and a discharge port for discharging the viscous material from the cylindrical part, a plunger provided within the cylinder so as to be movable forward and backward in the axial direction, and a coupling part provided on the cylinder and configured to be fixed to a fixing part provided on the holding part. The coupling part is fixed to the fixing part, thereby holding the cartridge in the holding part.

[0015] With this configuration, the cartridge can be fixed to the holder using the connecting portion provided on the cartridge, which eliminates the need to use a part shaped to cover the cartridge in order to fix the cartridge to the holder, thereby suppressing an increase in the weight of the pneumatic dispenser.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a cartridge that can be loaded into a pneumatic dispenser, the cartridge including: a cylindrical cylinder extending in an axial direction, the cylindrical cylinder having a cylindrical portion capable of containing a viscous material therein and a discharge port for discharging the viscous material in the cylindrical portion; and a plunger disposed within the cylinder so as to be movable back and forth in the axial direction, the cylinder having a screw thread disposed on an outer surface thereof.

[0017] With this configuration, the cartridge can be fixed to the holder by thread engagement using the threads on the outer surface of the cartridge, which eliminates the need to use a part shaped to cover the cartridge in order to fix the cartridge to the holder, thereby suppressing an increase in the weight of the pneumatic dispenser.

[0018]

[0023] Fig. 1A is a schematic side view showing a state in which a holding part and a cartridge of a pneumatic dispenser of an embodiment are assembled, Fig. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cartridge, and Fig. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the holding part. Fig. 2A is a right side view showing a cartridge of an embodiment, and Fig. 2B is a front view. Fig. 3A is a front view showing a holding part of an embodiment, Fig. 3B is a right side view, and Fig. 3C is a bottom view. Fig. 4A is a right side view showing a cartridge of a modified example, Fig. 4B is a front view, Fig. 4C is a perspective view, and Fig. 4D is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the protruding piece. Fig. 5A is a perspective view showing a holding part of a modified example, Fig. 5B is a front view, and Fig. 5C is a right side view. Fig. 6 is a schematic side view showing a pneumatic dispenser of a modified example.

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. Embodiment] [1-1. Configuration of Pneumatic Dispenser] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1A to 1C, a pneumatic dispenser 1 has a holder 2 and a cartridge 3 detachably held by the holder 2.

[0020] An air pressure supply unit 11 can be connected to the holding unit 2. The air pressure supply unit 11 supplies air into the cylinder 4 of the cartridge 3 fixed to the fixing unit 22, which will be described later. The air here refers to compressed air for driving the device. The air pressure supply unit 11 includes a supply source 12, such as a compressor, that supplies compressed air, and a supply pipe 13 connected to the supply source 12. The supply pipe 13 is connected to the holding unit 2 and supplies air to the cartridge 3 via the holding unit 2. For example, factory air may be used as the air pressure supply unit 11.

[0021] The cartridge 3 is driven by air while held in the holder 2, and discharges the contents from the discharge nozzle 14. The cartridge 3 is configured so that the discharge nozzle 14 can be connected.

[0022] 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, the cartridge 3 includes a cylinder 4, a plunger 5, and a coupling portion 6. The cylinder 4 integrally includes a cylindrical portion 41 and an end wall portion 42. The cylindrical portion 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction Da. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a constant inner diameter in the axial direction Da.

[0023] The end wall portion 42 is formed at an end of the cylindrical portion 41 on a first side Da1 in the axial direction Da. The inner diameter dimension of the end wall portion 42 gradually decreases toward the first side Da1. A cylindrical nozzle attachment portion 43 that protrudes toward the first side Da1 and is smaller than the cylindrical portion 41 is formed at the end of the first side Da1 of the end wall portion 42.

[0024] A discharge port 44 extending in the axial direction Da is formed in the nozzle attachment portion 43. The discharge port 44 connects the interior of the tubular portion 41 of the cylinder 4 with the exterior of the cylinder 4. The discharge nozzle 14 is configured to be attachable to the tip of the nozzle attachment portion 43. An end opening 45 is formed at the end of the second side Da2 of the cartridge 3 opposite the first side Da1.

[0025] Such a cartridge 3 may be made of a synthetic resin material such as PE (polyethylene), POM, etc. The cartridge 3 may also be formed such that the above-mentioned components are integrally formed.

[0026] The cylindrical portion 41 of the cylinder 4 can accommodate a viscous material S inside. The viscous material S is filled into the cylindrical portion 41 through, for example, the discharge port 44. Examples of the viscous material S filled into the cylinder 4 include a sealant material, an insulating material, and an adhesive.

[0027] The plunger 5 is provided in the cylinder 4 so as to be movable back and forth in the axial direction Da. The plunger 5 has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction. Such a plunger 5 may be formed from a synthetic resin material such as PE (polyethylene) or POM. The plunger 5 may be hollow with a space formed inside, but in this embodiment, the plunger 5 is solid with no space inside. The outer surface of the plunger 5 is formed by a smooth curved surface without any irregularities.

[0028] The coupling portion 6 has a thread 6a provided on the outer surface of the cylinder 4. The thread 6a is formed to be a male thread with the cylindrical portion 41 as its axis. The thread 6a is formed near the end of the second side Da2 of the cylindrical portion 41. However, it is disposed at a certain distance from the end of the second side Da2. In other words, a guide portion 6b without a thread is formed at the end of the second side Da2 of the cylinder 4 up to the thread 6a.

[0029] 1A, 1C, and 3A-3C, the holding unit 2 mainly includes a base 21, a fixing unit 22, and a trigger 23. The base 21 includes a supply path 24 and a valve mechanism 25 therein, and holds the trigger 23 in an operable manner. Note that some parts, such as the trigger 23, are not shown in FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0030] The fixing portion 22 is connected to the connecting portion 6 to fix the connecting portion 6 to the holder 2. The fixing portion 22 is provided integrally with the base 21. The fixing portion 22 is a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction Da, and has threads 26 formed on its inner peripheral surface that mate with the threads 6a of the connecting portion 6. The fixing portion 22 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cartridge 3.

[0031] The end opening 45 of the cartridge 3 is covered by the closed surface 27 of the base 21 when the coupling part 6 is fitted into the fixed part 22. An inlet 28 connected to the supply path 24 is formed in the closed surface 27. The inlet 28 introduces air for pressing the plunger 5 into the cartridge 3. In other words, the inlet 28 is formed at a position where air can be introduced into the cartridge 3 so as to press the plunger 5 when the thread 6 a of the coupling part 6 and the thread 26 of the fixed part 22 are fitted together.

[0032] A supply path 24 is formed in the base 21, through which air introduced from the supply pipe 13 passes. The supply path 24 is also provided with a valve mechanism 25. The trigger 23 is used to open and close the valve mechanism 25 provided in the supply path 24. Opening and closing the valve mechanism 25 switches between supplying air to the cartridge 3 and stopping the supply.

[0033] [1-4. Operation of Pneumatic Dispenser 1] In the pneumatic dispenser 1, the viscous material S is previously filled in the cylinder 4 of the cartridge 3 on the first side Da1 in the axial direction Da relative to the plunger 5. A user of the pneumatic dispenser 1 loads this cartridge 3 into the fixing portion 22 of the holder 2. Specifically, by rotating the coupling portion 6 axially relative to the fixing portion 22, the thread 6a of the coupling portion 6 and the thread 26 of the fixing portion 22 are engaged. As a result, the coupling portion 6 is fixed to the fixing portion 22, and the cartridge 3 is held in the holder 2, and loading of the cartridge 3 is realized. Note that, because the guide portion 6b is inserted into the fixing portion 22 before the above-described rotation operation is performed, the thread 6a and the thread 26 are in the appropriate positions, allowing for a smooth rotation operation.

[0034] The trigger 23 is operated by an operator to turn on and off the supply of air through the supply path 24. The trigger 23 also adjusts the amount of air supplied through the supply pipe 13 by adjusting the opening degree thereof through the operator's operation.

[0035] The operator attaches to the nozzle attachment portion 43 a discharge nozzle 14 suitable for applying or filling the viscous material S to a predetermined target area as needed. The operator operates the trigger 23 while holding the discharge nozzle 14 close to or pressed against the target area. Then, air supplied from the supply source 12 is sent into the cylinder 4 of the cartridge 3 through the supply pipe 13 and supply path 24, and the air pressure pushes the plunger 5 to the first side Da1 in the axial direction Da within the cylinder 4. As a result, the viscous material S in the cylinder 4 is pushed out through the discharge port 44 and applied to or filled into the predetermined target area.

[0036] [1-5. Effects] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained: (1a) In the pneumatic dispenser 1 of this embodiment, the cartridge 3 can be fixed to the holder 2 by connecting the connecting portion 6 provided on the cartridge 3 with the fixing portion 22 provided on the holder 2. Therefore, there is no need to use a part that covers the cartridge 3 in order to fix the cartridge 3 to the holder 2, and an increase in the weight of the pneumatic dispenser 1 can be suppressed.

[0037] (1b) In the pneumatic dispenser 1 of this embodiment, the connecting portion 6 has a thread 6a formed on the cylinder 4, and the fixing portion 22 has a thread 26 that can mate with the thread 6a of the connecting portion 6. Therefore, the cartridge 3 and the holding portion 2 are fixed together by fitting the thread 6a of the connecting portion 6 with the thread 26 of the fixing portion 22, thereby making it possible to firmly fix the cartridge 3 and the holding portion 2 together.

[0038] (1c) In the pneumatic dispenser 1 of this embodiment, the cartridge 3 is positioned appropriately for introducing air by performing an operation of fitting the threads of the connecting portion 6 with the threads 26 of the fixing portion 22, that is, by performing an operation of connecting the connecting portion 6 with the fixing portion 22. Therefore, there is no need to perform a separate operation for connecting the air supply path of the holder 2 for introducing air with the air introduction portion of the cartridge 3, and the operation can be simplified.

[0039] [2. Other Embodiments] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] (2a) In the above embodiment, a configuration using threads was exemplified as the coupling portion of the cartridge and the fixing portion of the holder. However, the specific configurations of the coupling portion and the fixing portion are not particularly limited. For example, they may be configured as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D and 5A-5C. The coupling portion 62 of the cartridge 61 shown in FIGS. 4A-4D has two protruding pieces 63 protruding from the outer surface of the cylinder. The two protruding pieces 63 extend in opposite directions from the end of the second side Da2, centered on the central axis A of the cylinder 4. As shown in FIG. 4D, the thickness of each protruding piece 63 in the axial direction gradually changes in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis A. Furthermore, a plurality of locking grooves 64 are formed on the outer periphery of each protruding piece 63 along the axial direction Da.

[0041] Furthermore, the fixing portion 72 of the holding portion 71 shown in FIGS. 5A-5C has two grooves 73 that engage with the two protruding pieces 63. The fixing portion 72 is formed integrally with the base 21. The fixing portion 72 is formed in a partially cylindrical shape extending about the central axis B, and the two grooves 73 are formed on its inner circumferential surface. The two grooves 73 are spaced apart circumferentially. The width of each groove 73 in the axial direction of the central axis B gradually changes along the circumferential direction of the central axis B to correspond to the protruding pieces 63. Furthermore, a plurality of locking protrusions 74 are formed at the bottom of each groove 73 along the axial direction of the central axis B. Note that some components, such as the trigger 23, are omitted from FIGS. 5A-5C.

[0042] With this configuration, the cartridge 61 and the holding portion 71 can be fixed by circumferentially aligning the two protruding pieces 63 with the two grooves 73 and then rotating the cartridge 61 and the holding portion 71 relative to each other in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, with respect to the direction of rotation described above, the protruding pieces 63 are thicker in the axial direction of the central axis B on the side opposite the direction of rotation, and the grooves 73 are narrower in the axial direction of the central axis B on the side opposite the direction of rotation. Therefore, the more rotation is performed, the closer the protruding pieces 63 and the grooves 73 are to each other, and the cartridge 61 is firmly fixed. Furthermore, engagement between the locking grooves 64 and the locking projections 74 prevents the cartridge 61 from rotating and falling off the holding portion 71.

[0043] 6, for example, the cartridge 81 may have a flange-shaped connecting portion 82, the holding portion 91 may have a flange-shaped fixing portion 92, and a clip 101 may be provided to fix the connecting portion 82 and the fixing portion 92 in a state where they are in contact with each other. With such a configuration, the connecting portion and the fixing portion can be firmly fixed using the clip 101. Note that various configurations that can fix the connecting portion and the fixing portion can be used as the clip. Furthermore, various configurations that can be fixed by the clip can be used for the connecting portion and the fixing portion.

[0044] Furthermore, the coupling portion 6 provided on the cartridge 3 and the coupling portion 62 provided on the cartridge 61 may be provided inside the cylinder 4. When the coupling portion is provided inside the cylinder 4, the fixing portion of the holding portion may be configured to be inserted from the end opening 45 of the cylinder 4 and engage with the coupling portion.

[0045] (2b) The specific configuration of the cartridge is not particularly limited. For example, the shapes of the discharge port 44, plunger 5, cylinder 4, etc. are not particularly limited and may take various shapes. The specific configuration of the holding part is also not particularly limited. For example, a grip that an operator holds during operation may be provided. Furthermore, the trigger 23 may be provided in a position away from the holding part, such as the supply pipe 13. Furthermore, the cartridge may be configured to be used without a discharge nozzle attached.

[0046] (2c) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0047] [Technical Ideas Disclosed in the Present Specification] [Item 1] A pneumatic dispenser comprising: a cartridge including a cylinder that is tubular and extends axially, the cylinder having a tubular portion capable of containing a viscous material therein and a discharge port for discharging the viscous material in the tubular portion, a plunger that is provided within the cylinder so as to be able to advance and retreat in the axial direction, and a coupling portion that is provided on the cylinder, and a holding portion that holds the cartridge, the holding portion including a fixing portion that connects with the coupling portion to fix the coupling portion to the holding portion, and an inlet port for introducing air into the cartridge to press the plunger. [Item 2] The pneumatic dispenser according to item 1, wherein the coupling portion has a screw thread formed on the cylinder, and the fixing portion has a screw thread that can be fitted with the screw thread of the coupling portion. [Item 3] The pneumatic dispenser according to item 2, wherein the inlet is formed at a position where the air can be introduced into the cartridge so as to press the plunger when the threads of the coupling portion and the threads of the fixing portion are fitted together. [Item 4] The pneumatic dispenser according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the coupling portion has a protruding piece protruding from the cylinder, and the fixing portion has a groove portion that is a groove that engages with the protruding piece. [Item 5] The pneumatic dispenser according to any one of items 1 to 4, comprising a clip that prevents the coupling portion and the fixing portion from separating when they are in contact. [Item 6] A cartridge used in a pneumatic dispenser having a cartridge and a holding part that holds the cartridge, the cartridge comprising: a cylinder that is tubular and extends axially, the cylinder having a tubular part that can accommodate a viscous material inside and a discharge port that discharges the viscous material inside the tubular part; a plunger that is provided within the cylinder and can advance and retreat in the axial direction; and a connecting part that is provided on the cylinder and configured to be fixed to a fixing part that is provided on the holding part, wherein the cartridge is held by the holding part by fixing the connecting part to the fixing part.[Item 7] A cartridge that can be loaded into a pneumatic dispenser, comprising: a cylinder that is cylindrical and extends in an axial direction, the cylinder having a cylindrical portion that can contain a viscous material therein and a discharge port that discharges the viscous material in the cylindrical portion; and a plunger that is provided within the cylinder so as to be able to advance and retreat in the axial direction, wherein the cylinder has a screw thread provided on its outer surface.

[0048] 1...pneumatic dispenser, 2...holding portion, 3...cartridge, 4...cylinder, 5...plunger, 6...connecting portion, 6a...thread, 6b...guiding portion, 11...air pressure supply portion, 12...supply source, 13...supply piping, 14...discharge nozzle, 21...base, 22...fixing portion, 23...trigger, 24...supply path, 25...valve mechanism, 26...thread, 27...blocking surface, 28...inlet, 41...cylindrical portion, 42...end wall portion, 43...nozzle mounting portion, 44...discharge port, 45...end opening, 61...cartridge, 62...connecting portion, 63...projecting piece, 64...engaging groove, 71...holding portion, 72...fixing portion, 73...groove portion, 74...engaging protrusion, 81...cartridge, 82...connecting portion, 91...holding portion, 92...fixing portion, 101...clip

Claims

1. A pneumatic dispenser comprising: a cartridge including a cylinder that is cylindrical and extends in the axial direction, the cylinder having a cylindrical section capable of containing a viscous material therein and a discharge port for discharging the viscous material in the cylindrical section, a plunger that is arranged within the cylinder so as to be able to advance and retreat in the axial direction, and a connecting section that is arranged on the cylinder; and a holding section that holds the cartridge, the holding section including a fixing section that connects with the connecting section to fix the connecting section to the holding section, and an inlet port for introducing air into the cartridge to press the plunger.

2. A pneumatic dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the coupling portion has a screw thread formed on the cylinder, and the fixing portion has a screw thread that can be mated with the screw thread of the coupling portion.

3. A pneumatic dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the inlet is formed at a position where the air can be introduced into the cartridge so as to press the plunger when the threads of the connecting part and the threads of the fixing part are engaged.

4. A pneumatic dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the coupling portion has a protruding piece that protrudes from the cylinder, and the fixing portion has a groove portion that is a groove that engages with the protruding piece.

5. A pneumatic dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a clip that prevents the connecting portion and the fixing portion from separating when the connecting portion and the fixing portion are in contact with each other.

6. A cartridge used in a pneumatic dispenser having a cartridge and a holding part that holds the cartridge, comprising: a cylinder that is cylindrical and extends axially, the cylinder having a cylindrical part that can contain a viscous material inside and a discharge port that discharges the viscous material inside the cylindrical part; a plunger that is arranged within the cylinder and can move back and forth in the axial direction; and a connecting part that is arranged on the cylinder and is configured to be fixed to a fixing part that is arranged on the holding part, and the cartridge is held by the holding part when the connecting part is fixed to the fixing part.

7. A cartridge that can be loaded into a pneumatic dispenser, comprising: a cylinder that is cylindrical and extends axially, having a cylindrical portion that can contain a viscous material inside and a discharge port that discharges the viscous material inside the cylindrical portion; and a plunger that is arranged within the cylinder so as to be able to advance and retreat in the axial direction, wherein the cylinder has a screw thread formed on its outer surface.

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