Patent Publication Number: US-2011049189-A1

Title: Extrusion tool

Description:
This claims the benefit of German Patent Application DE 10 2009 039 844.9, filed Sep. 3, 2009 and hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     The present invention relates to an extrusion tool for compound-containing containers. The present invention further relates to an extrusion device for such an extrusion tool and to a cartridge for such an extrusion tool. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Such an extrusion tool is used for dispensing compounds which are packaged in containers, such as mortar and sealing compounds, at a site of application. The containers may, for example, include foil bags which are filled with one or more components of the compound to be dispensed and which are inserted in a separate cartridge or in a cartridge attached to the extrusion device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,788,159 describes an extrusion tool for compound-containing containers, including an extrusion device and a cartridge for the container. The extrusion device includes an extrusion mechanism and a holding receptacle for the cartridge, the holding receptacle being bounded at the front end by an end plate and at the rear end by a housing wall of the extrusion mechanism. The cartridge includes a receiving body for insertion of a container or direct placement of the material thereinto. The cartridge is inserted into the holding receptacle of the extrusion device and the compound is extruded therefrom in response to actuation of the extrusion mechanism, the extrusion mechanism including, for example, a piston rod and a thrust member. 
     The drawback of the known approach is that in order to ensure a smooth extrusion process, the separate cartridge must be precisely positioned within the holding receptacle of the extrusion device, which requires multiple manual operations to be performed by the user. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,597 describes an extrusion tool of the above-mentioned type for use with compound-containing containers, including an extrusion device and a cartridge for the container. The extrusion device includes an extrusion mechanism and a holding receptacle for the cartridge. The cartridge is attached to the extrusion device such that it is pivotable about a pivot axis extending perpendicular to the extrusion direction, and is movable from an extrusion position to a loading position. 
     The drawback of the known approach is that the forces occurring during the extrusion of the compound must be taken up by the attachment points for the cartridge on the extrusion device, which define the pivot axis. In order to ensure the usability of the extrusion tool, the attachment points must be of a sufficiently massive construction. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an extrusion tool for compound-containing containers that will overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and is easy to handle. Another alternate or additional object of the present invention is to provide an extrusion device for such an extrusion tool as well as a cartridge for such an extrusion tool. 
     In the extrusion tool according to the present invention, the holding receptacle is bounded at the front end by an end plate and at the rear end by a housing wall of the extrusion mechanism, the pivot axis extending from the end plate to the housing wall. 
     Thus, the pivot axis extends parallel to the longitudinal extent of the holding receptacle and parallel to the extrusion direction of the extrusion device. Advantageously, the pivot axis extends along a side wall or lateral boundary (e.g., a connecting rod) of the holding receptacle which laterally bounds the holding receptacle. The cartridge is at least partially connected to the extrusion device such that it is pivotable with respect thereto, which allows for easy loading by swinging the cartridge into and out of the holding receptacle of the extrusion device. Since the cartridge is connected to the extrusion device, it cannot fall off accidentally during operation or during manipulation of the extrusion tool. 
     When secured in position on the extrusion device, the cartridge has only one degree of freedom in which it is swingable or rotatable. Thus, when the cartridge is in the swung-in position, in which it is located in the extrusion position in the holding receptacle of the extrusion device, it is located in a defined position, which significantly reduces the effort required to load the extrusion tool. 
     A particular feature of the extrusion device is that it is easy to handle. One hand holds the extrusion tool with the cartridge while the other hand holds the container. Advantageously, the hand initially holding the container is then used to swing the cartridge into the extrusion position or into the loading position, respectively. 
     Due to this configuration of the extrusion tool, the bearing arrangement of the cartridge is not exposed to the forces occurring during extrusion, or only to a small fraction of said forces. This allows for a simple and inexpensive design for the bearing of the cartridge on the extrusion device. 
     Preferably, the cartridge is releasably attached to the extrusion device, so that it can be completely removed from the extrusion device as needed. Opened containers that are not yet completely empty may be removed from the extrusion device along with the cartridge and replaced with another cartridge holding a new container. An opened container may be stored until later use in the cartridge that has been removed from the extrusion device. 
     Advantageously, the bearing arrangement of a cartridge which is releasably attachable to the extrusion device is designed such that the cartridge can be removed from the extrusion device only when in a certain angular position. This substantially prevents the cartridge from unintentionally detaching from the extrusion device, for example during swinging movement thereof. 
     Multi-component compounds are packaged in one container in different mixing ratios of components, depending on the requirements to be met by the dispensed compound. Extrusion of the multi-component compounds is accomplished using, for example, a cartridge having a receiving body containing a plurality of parallel receiving chambers. Depending on the geometric configuration of the container, the corresponding cartridge may be secured in position on the extrusion device. The device of the present invention allows compounds to be easily dispensed in different mixing ratios of components. 
     Preferably, a locking device is provided for locking the cartridge in the extrusion position and/or the loading position. This allows the cartridge to be temporarily held in position for ease of handling. Advantageously, the locking device includes a latch means provided on the cartridge and/or on the extrusion device and a mating latch means provided on the extrusion device and/or on the cartridge. This allows the cartridge to be securely held in its respective positions in a simple manner. Also, advantageously, a locking element is provided on the cartridge and/or on the extrusion device which, when actuated, allows the cartridge to be moved, for example, from a locked position to a rotatable position 
     The inventive extrusion device for an extrusion tool includes an extrusion mechanism, a holding receptacle for a cartridge, and attachment means for the cartridge. The holding receptacle is bounded at the front end by an end plate and at the rear end by a housing wall of the extrusion mechanism. The cartridge is attachable to the extrusion device such that it is pivotable about a pivot axis which is defined by the attachment means and about which the cartridge is movable from an extrusion position to a loading position. The attachment means include a first bearing point in the region of the end plate and a second bearing point in the region of the housing wall of the extrusion device. 
     The extrusion device is simple in configuration and provides flexibility with respect to the cartridge to be received. 
     The extrusion mechanism of the extrusion device includes an extrusion means, e.g., a thrust member which acts directly on the container containing the compound to be extruded, or on an extrusion piston provided in the receiving body of the cartridge. The extrusion mechanism may be actuated mechanically, electrically, or by a suitable fluid, such as water, oil, or air. Further, for example, at least one piston rod is provided, which can be moved by the extrusion mechanism relative to the holding receptacle of the extrusion device so as to extrude the compound. 
     Preferably, the first bearing point and/or the second bearing point is/are provided by a spherical element which, after attachment of the cartridge, allows the cartridge to swing in all directions. Preferably, the spherical element takes the form of a pin having a spherical portion. 
     Preferably, the second bearing point and/or the first bearing point is/are provided by a concave receptacle which serves to receive a cylindrical element and which, after attachment of the cartridge, allows swinging movement in one direction only. Advantageously, the concave receptacle has resilient sections which snap over the cylindrical element during the attachment process. This allows the cartridge to be easily attached to and removed from the extrusion device. 
     Particularly advantageously, the first bearing point or the second bearing point is provided by a spherical element and the other bearing point is provided by a concave receptacle, which allows for easy attachment of a cartridge which is releasably attachable to the extrusion device. The cartridge is first positionally secured to the spherical element and then suitably swung into the position in which the cartridge can be positionally secured to the concave receptacle. 
     The inventive cartridge for an extrusion tool has at least one receiving body for the container containing the compound to be extruded, said receiving body having a first end and a second end spaced therefrom. The receiving body is provided with a first bearing point in the region of the first end and a second bearing point in the region of the second end. 
     The cartridge is simple in configuration and provides flexibility with respect to its use. 
     Preferably, the first bearing point and/or the second bearing point is/are provided by a spherical cap-shaped receptacle for receiving a spherical element. This allows the cartridge to be swung in all directions about the spherical element when in a partially attached position. When brought together, the spherical cap-shaped receptacle and the spherical element together form a ball-and-socket joint. 
     Preferably, the second bearing point and/or the first bearing point is/are provided by a cylindrical element to be received in a concave receptacle, so that the cartridge can be swung in only one direction about the cylindrical element when in a partially attached position. Preferably, the cylindrical element takes the form of a pin having at least one cylindrical portion. 
     Particularly advantageously, the first bearing point of the cartridge or the second bearing point of the cartridge is provided by a spherical cap-shaped receptacle and the other bearing point is provided by a concave receptacle, which allows for easy attachment of the releasable cartridge to the extrusion device. The cartridge is first positionally secured to the spherical element of the extrusion device and then suitably swung into the position in which the cartridge can be positionally secured to the cylindrical element. 
     Preferably, a locking element is provided on the cartridge to fix the cartridge in the extrusion position and/or loading position on the extrusion device, which allows for easy positioning and/or loading of the at least partially attached cartridge. When the cartridge is in the extrusion position, in which it is swung into the holding receptacle of the extrusion device, the locking element advantageously prevents undesired displacement of the cartridge within and from the holding receptacle, which could hinder the extrusion operation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment. In the drawing, 
         FIG. 1  is a view of an extrusion tool, shown with the cartridge in a swung-out position; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the extrusion tool of  FIG. 1 , looking at the end plate; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an extrusion device; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a cartridge; and 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of a container for the compound to be extruded. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. 
     Extrusion tool  11  for compound-containing containers  46 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , includes an extrusion device  12  and a cartridge  32  for container  46 , said cartridge being releasably attached to extrusion device  12 . 
     In this example, extrusion device  12 , shown separately in  FIG. 3 , includes a mechanically actuatable extrusion mechanism  13  and a holding receptacle  23  for cartridge  32 . Extrusion mechanism  13  includes two piston rods  14 , only one of which can be seen in the side view and which are each provided with a thrust member  15  at the end facing holding receptacle  23 . An advancing mechanism  17 , shown here only schematically, is disposed in housing  16  and includes, for example, clamping members as advancing elements which can be brought into contacting engagement with piston rods  14 , said advancing mechanism being actuatable by a trigger  18  which is pivotable relative to handle  19  so as to advance piston rods  14  accordingly. 
     Holding receptacle  23  for cartridge  32  is bounded at the front end by an end plate  24  and at the rear end by a housing wall  20  of extrusion mechanism  13 . Further, extrusion device  12  is provided with attachment means  26  for cartridge  32 , said attachment means defining a pivot axis  27 . Cartridge  32  is attachable to extrusion device  12  such that it is pivotable about said pivot axis and movable from an extrusion position to a loading position. Pivot axis  27  extends parallel to the longitudinal extent of piston rods  14 , which define the extrusion direction of extrusion tool  11 , i.e., from end plate  24  to housing wall  20  of housing  16  of extrusion mechanism  13 . Attachment means  26  include a first bearing point  28  in the region of end plate  24  and a second bearing point  29  in the region of housing wall  20 . First bearing point  28  of attachment means  26  includes a spherical element projecting from end plate  24  in a direction toward housing wall  20 . Second bearing point  29  of attachment means  26  includes a concave receptacle which projects from housing wall  20  in a direction toward end plate  24  and which, in the view of  FIG. 3 , is upwardly open. 
     Cartridge  32 , which is shown separately in  FIG. 4 , is formed by a receiving body  33  containing two parallel receiving chambers  34  and  35  for a container  46  and having a first end  36  and a second end  38  spaced therefrom. Receiving body  33  of cartridge  32  is provided with a first bearing point  37  in the region of first end  36 , said first bearing point being configured as a spherical cup-shaped receptacle for receiving the spherical element of first bearing point  28  of extrusion device  12 . Receiving body  33  of cartridge  32  is provided with a second bearing point  39  in the region of second end  38 , said second bearing point being configured as a cylindrical element to be received in the concave receptacle of first bearing point  29  of extrusion device  12 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, one of the bearing points  37  or  39  of cartridge  32  has a spherical element, and the corresponding bearing point  28  or  29  of extrusion device  12  has a spherical cup-shaped receptacle for receiving this spherical element. Also, in a variant embodiment, one of the bearing points  37  or  39  of cartridge  32  may be configured as a concave receptacle for receiving a cylindrical element of the corresponding bearing point  28  or  29  of extrusion device  12 . In a further, but not final, alternative embodiment, bearing points  28  and  29  of extrusion device  12 , or bearing points  37  and  39  of cartridge  32 , are configured as cylindrical elements, and the elements cooperating therewith when extrusion tool  11  is in the assembled state are configured as concave receptacles. 
     Cartridge  32  is provided with a locking element  40  which is pivotable to a limited extent and forms part of a locking device for locking cartridge  32  to extrusion device  12  in the extrusion position and the loading position. Locking element  40  includes a locking portion  41  which, when cartridge  32  is in the swung-in, fixed position, cooperates with or engages behind a portion of second bearing point  29 , for example. Alternatively, a separate pin may be provided which may, for example, projects from housing wall  20  of housing  16  and which provides an interlocking point for locking element  40 ; i.e., for locking portion  41 . Advantageously, locking element  40  locks in one direction and is able to flex in a different direction to allow for easy release. 
       FIG. 5  shows a container  46 , the contents of which can be extruded using the extrusion device. Container  46  has a head portion  47  containing an outlet nozzle  48 , which may have provided therein a static mixer as a device for mixing the compound. Attached to head portion  47  are a first foil bag  51  containing a first component of a multi-component compound and a second foil bag  52  containing a second component of the multi-component compound. 
     In order to extrude the multi-component compound, cartridge  32 , which is releasably attached to the extrusion device, is swung into its loading position (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and container  46  is inserted into receiving body  33  of cartridge  32  from its first end  36 . Upon application of pressure to the locking element  40  of cartridge  32 , the cartridge can be swung about pivot axis  27  of attachment means  26  of extrusion device  12  and into its holding receptacle  23 . Once cartridge  32  is swung entirely into holding receptacle  23  of extrusion device  12 , and is thus in the extrusion position, locking element  40  locks cartridge  32  in this position. The multi-component compound can be dispensed using extrusion tool  11  by actuation of trigger  18 . 
     Alternatively, first, container  46  is inserted into cartridge  32  and then cartridge  32  is attached to extrusion device  12 .