Two component dispensing system

ES 2 316 705 T3

DESCRIPTION

Two component dispensing system.

Field of the invention

This invention relates to dispensing systems for dispensing measured amounts of fluid components. It is disclosed in the context of dispensing systems for dispensing the components, eg resin and catalyst, of a two component system. However, it is believed to be useful in other applications as well, such as systems for mixing other number of components and dispensing of the mixed components.

Background of the invention

Typically, two component materials (hereinafter sometimes 2K), for example resin / catalyst systems, are dispensed using special metering and pumping equipment whose cost is typically in the range of € 5,000 to € 15,000. These kits feed a pressure feed gun through, for example, 35 feet (approximately 11 meters) of hose. After completion of a coating operation, or if the equipment is to be left idle for any length of time, the hose carrying the mixed components must be flushed clean before the mixture cures. The cost of the solvent for flushing cleaning and the waste of mixed components is approximately € 0.5 per foot of hose (approximately US $ 1.65 per meter of hose).

Document US 4,526,191 discloses a multicomponent dispensing system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Disclosure of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, a dispensing system includes a first container, a dispensing device, and at least one flexible container for at least one respective component to be dispensed. The flexible container (s) are adapted to be located within the first container. A respective conduit is coupled between each flexible container and the dispensing device.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the first container is portable.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a second container for a solvent for the various mixed components. Illustratively, the second container is mounted on the dispensing device.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, flexible packages comprise sealable polymer or resin bags.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, flexible packages come prepackaged from a supplier.

Alternatively, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the flexible packages are filled by the operator of the apparatus.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the first container includes a closure having a first connector for each of the various components. Each flexible container includes a second complementary connector to cooperate with the respective first connector to couple the material in a respective flexible container to the dispensing device.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a pumping means for pumping the components from their flexible packages through their respective conduits to the dispensing device.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the means for pumping the components from their flexible packages through their respective conduits to the dispensing device includes a means for pressurizing the first package.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the means for pressurizing the first container includes means for supplying into the first container a gas or gas mixture under pressure.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a valve and a second container. The valve controls the supply of a material from the second container to purge the various components from the dispenser.

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In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a multi-component mixture dispensing system includes a first container, a dispensing device, and second containers for each of the components. The second packages are adapted to be placed inside the first package. Ducts are available to couple the second containers and the dispensing device. The first container is adapted to be held by an operator during dispensing of the multi-component mixture from the dispensing device.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the second packages for each of the components comprise separate flexible packages.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, separate flexible packages comprise sealable polymer or resin bags.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the separate flexible packages come prepackaged from a supplier.

Alternatively, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, separate flexible packages are filled by the operator of the apparatus.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the first container includes a closure having a first connector for each of the various components. Each second container includes a second complementary connector to cooperate with a respective first connector to couple the material in a respective second container to the dispensing device.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes means for pumping the components from their separate second containers through their respective separate conduits to the dispensing device.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the second packages of each of the components comprise separate flexible packages. The means for pumping the components from their separate second containers through their respective separate conduits to the dispensing device includes a means for pressurizing the first container.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the means for pressurizing the first container includes means for supplying into the first container a gas or gas mixture under pressure.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a valve and a second container. The valve controls the supply of a material from the second container to purge the various components from the dispenser.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a multi-component mixture dispensing system includes a dispensing device, first packages of each of the components, and conduits coupled between the respective first packages and the dispensing device. The dispensing device includes a passageway for the passage of each respective component through the dispensing device. Each passage includes a valve. An actuator controls the valves, thus controlling the passage of the respective components through the dispensing device.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, each valve includes a seat and a movable valve member. The actuator controls the position of the movable valve members.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a second container. The first packages comprise separate flexible packages. A means is included for pumping the components from their separate flexible packages through their respective separate conduits to the dispensing device.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the separate packages comprise sealable polymer or resin pouches.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the means for pumping the components from their separate flexible packages through their respective separate conduits to the dispensing device includes a means for pressurizing the first package.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the means for pressurizing the first container includes means for supplying into the first container a gas or a mixture of gases under pressure.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a valve and a second container. The valve controls the supply of a material from the second container to purge the various components from the dispenser

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the second container is portable.

ES 2 316 705 T3

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a multi-component mixture dispensing system includes a dispensing device, a source of each of the components, and conduits coupled between the respective component sources and the dispensing device. A valve means is coupled in the conduits between the respective component sources and the dispensing device. The valve means includes an inlet port for each component, an equal number of outlet ports, and an inlet port for a material for flushing the various components from at least parts of their respective conduits and the various components mixed. dispensing device. The valve means has a first state in which each inlet port of a respective one of the various components is coupled to an outlet port for sending the various components to the dispensing device when the valve means is in the first state. The valve means also has a second state in which the inlet port for the material for flushing the various components of at least parts of the respective conduits and the mixed components of the dispensing device is coupled to the dispensing ports. Exit.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the valve means is mounted on the dispensing device.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the dispensing device includes a handle similar to a pistol grip. The valve means is mounted on the pistol grip.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the dispensing device includes a passageway for the passage of each respective component through the dispensing device. The conduits are coupled between the respective sources of the components and the respective passageways for the passage of each respective component through the dispensing device.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, each passageway includes a valve. An actuator controls the valves, thus controlling the passage of the respective components through the dispensing device.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a multi-component mixture dispensing system includes a first container, a dispensing device, and separate containers for each of the components. The separate packages are adapted to be placed within the first package. The separate container and the dispensing device are coupled by conduits. A pressurizing means is provided to pressurize the interior of the first container, thus exposing the surfaces of the components of the separated containers to the internal pressure of the first container to extract the components through their respective conduits.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the first container is portable.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a second container for a solvent for the various mixed components. The second container is mounted on the dispensing device.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, separate packages are filled with a respective component by a supplier.

Alternatively, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the separate containers are filled by the operator of the apparatus.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the means for pressurizing the first container includes means for supplying into the first container a gas or gas mixture under pressure.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a valve and a second container. The valve controls the supply of a material from the second container to purge the various components from the dispenser.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a component mixture dispensing system includes a flexible outer package, a dispensing device, and separate flexible inner packages for each of the components. Flexible inner packages are adapted to be located within the flexible outer package. The flexible inner packages and the dispensing device are coupled by conduits.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the flexible outer package is portable.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, one of the flexible inner packages is a flexible inner package for a solvent for mixed various components.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, flexible inner packages comprise sealable polymer or resin bags.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, flexible inner packages are filled with respective components by a supplier.

ES 2 316 705 T3

Alternatively, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the flexible inner packages are filled by the operator of the apparatus.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the flexible outer package includes a closure having a first connector for each of the various components. Each flexible inner package includes a second complementary connector to cooperate with a respective first connector to couple the material in a respective flexible inner package to the dispensing device.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes means for pumping the components from their flexible inner packages through their respective conduits to the dispensing device.

Illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the means for pumping the components from their flexible packages through their respective conduits to the dispensing device includes a means for pressurizing the flexible outer package.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the means for pressurizing the flexible outer container includes a means for supplying into the flexible outer container gas or gas mixture under pressure.

Furthermore, illustratively, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a valve and a second container. The valve controls the supply of a material from the second container to purge the various components from the dispenser.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention can be better understood by referring to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings that illustrate the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a plural component dispensing system constructed in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a detail of the system illustrated in Figure 1 in an open orientation;

Figures 2a-b illustrate side views of alternate details to the detail illustrated in Figure 2;

Figures 2c-d illustrate perspective views of alternate details to the details illustrated in Figures 2, 2a and 2b;

Figure 3 illustrates a vertical sectional view of the system illustrated in Figures 1-2, taken generally along section lines 3-3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 illustrates a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of a detail of the system illustrated in Figures 1-3, taken along section lines 4, 5-4, 5 of Figure 1, with the detail illustrated in a first orientation;

Figure 5 illustrates a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of a detail of the system illustrated in Figures 1-3, taken along section lines 4, 5-4, 5 of Figure 1, with the detail illustrated in a second orientation;

Figure 6 illustrates a greatly enlarged view of a detail of Figure 4;

Figure 7 illustrates a greatly enlarged view of a detail of Figure 5;

Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view, from the front and the side, of another embodiment of a component constructed in accordance with the invention;

Figure 9 illustrates a partial sectional side elevation view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 8, taken generally along section lines 9-9 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 illustrates a sectional view of a detail of the component illustrated in Figures 8-9 taken along section lines 10-10 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 illustrates a sectional view of the detail illustrated in Figure 10 taken along section lines 11, 12-11, 12 of Figure 10; and Figure 12 illustrates a sectional view of the detail illustrated in Figures 10-11 taken along section lines 11, 12-11, 12 of Figure 10 in another orientation.

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Detailed descriptions of illustrative embodiments

Referring now to the drawings and especially Figures 1-2, the individual components of a 2K material are supplied from a separate container 20 which may be portable, and fed to a dispensing device 22, hereinafter referred to as a times gun, through separate conduits 24-1, 24-2, such as hoses. The components are mixed in the fluid tip 26 of the gun 22. After spraying, the catalyzed material in the fluid tip 26 is discharged using solvent from a container 28 that can be attached to the gun 22. The solvent can also be dispensed through the gun 22 to mix any dry edges of a spray texture to repair the spray texture. The gun 22 is also provided with air or another gas or combination of compressed gases through an adapter 29. There is a separate control 31, FIG. 9, to control the flow of compressed air from a pair of diametrically opposed horns 33 on the fluid tip 26. This air flow helps to set the texture of the mixed and sprayed components.

The two components, such as, for example, a clear or pigmented resin and an activator, are dispensed from, for example, separate sealable bags 31-2, 32-2 of polymer or resin component. These bags 321, 32-2 can come, for example, prepackaged from the supplier (s) of the components, or they can be filled by the operator in charge of the job. The bags 32-1, 32-2 are attached to the closure 34 of the container 20, for example, by quick connections (connectors) 36. When bags 32-1, 32-2 are loaded into container 20, quick connect 36-1 of container closure 34 drills a hole in a respective quick connect 36-2 of bag 32-1 or 32-2 to attach material from bag 32-1, 32-2 to gun 22. The closure 34 is then secured to the container 20 and the container 20 is pressurized, for example by supplying compressed air or another gas or combination of gases under pressure that are relatively inert to the materials from which the bags 32-1 are made, 32-2. Illustratively, the compressed gas is introduced into the container 20 through an adapter 37 on a carrier handle 39 located on the closure 34. These means are for pumping the components from the flexible packages to the dispensing device.

With reference to Figures 2a-d, other configurations may be employed. For example, and with particular reference to Figures 2a-b, two, three or more components can be placed in open rigid packages 32-1 ', 32-2', ... 32-n '. The open rigid containers 32-1 ', 32-2', ... 32-n 'are then placed inside another rigid container 20'. A closure 34 'of the rigid container 20' is provided with tubes 36-1 ', 36-2', ... 36-n 'of feeds projecting into the rigid containers 32-1', 32-2 ', ... 32-n' open under the surfaces of the various components of the containers 32-1 ', 32 -2 ', ... 32-n' when closure 34 'is sealed on rigid container 20'. The rigid container 20 'is then pressurized through a suitable adapter 37', and the pressure on the surfaces of the container components 32-1 ', 32-2', ... 32-n 'rigid open forces the components through gun 22 when their respective valves in gun 22 open.

In other embodiments illustrated in Figures 2c-d, the packages 32-1 ", 32-2", ... 32-n "for the various components, resin, activator and solvent in Figure 2c and resin and activator in the Figure 2d, are flexible bags that are relatively inert to their respective contents. Flexible bags 32-1 ", 32-2", ... 32-n "are inside another flexible bag, 20" in figure 2c and 20 "'in figure 2d, which is capable of being pressurized from a source of compressed air or another gas or combination of gases under pressure. Pressurizing bag 20 ", 20" 'allows the contents of bags 32-1 ", 32-2", ... 32-n "to be dispensed when their respective valves on a gun 22 are open. Of course, the bags 20 ”, 20” ', 32-1, 32-2, 32-1 ”, 32-2”, ... 32-n "must be durable enough to withstand pressurization to the pressures required to dispense the components contained in bags 32-1, 32-2, 32-1", 32-2 ", ... 32n" in a given app. As illustrated in FIG. 2d, the bags 20 ", 20" 'may be equipped with carrying straps 39'.

Referring now to Figures 3-7, when trigger 40 of gun 22 'is actuated, the compressed gas forces materials from bags 32-1, 32-2 through hoses 24-1, 24-2. to respective passageways 421, 42-2 of fluid tip 26. The two components flow together through fluid tip 26. The components are mixed with the aid of a static mixer 46 at the tip 26. A separate valve 48 is arranged for the solvent.

Passages 42-1, 42-2 located within fluid tip 26 terminate in mixing chamber 50. At ports 52-1, 52-2 of passageways 42-1, 42-2 within mixing chamber 50, each passageway 42-1, 42-2 includes a seat 54-1, 54-2 for a respective ball valve 56-1, 56-2. A valve actuator needle 60, the position of which is controlled by the position of the trigger 40 of the gun 22, controls the positions of the balls 56-1, 562 with respect to their respective seats 54-1, 54-2.

When needle 60 retracts backward, balls 56-1, 56-2 are released to retract from their respective seats 54-1, 54-2, resulting in the dispensing of components from passageways 42-1, 42- 2 into the compressed air stream. Subsequently, once the spraying is finished and the pressure on the trigger 40 is eliminated, the balls 56-1, 56-2 are forced by the movement of the needle 60 forward to return to their seats 54-1, 54-2, closing component flows through ports 52-1, 52-2. When an aerosol gun 22 is fired, the air valve is opened, first to form a flow of spray air. When the trigger 40 is pulled back further, the fluid needle 60 moves back. To spray solvent alone, valve 48 is opened and trigger 40 is pushed back just enough to open the air valve. The air flow lifts the ball 65 from its seat 67 and the solvent is sprayed from the solvent container 28 into the air stream. Yes

ES 2 316 705 T3 thereafter the trigger 40 is pushed back enough to release the balls 56-1, 56-2 from their respective seats 54-1, 54-2, the solvent and components are dispensed together.

Referring now to Figures 8-12, alternatively or in combination with various features of the construction described above, separate conduits 124-1, 124-2, such as hoses, may be connected to ports 52-1, 52-2. from a valve 64 mounted on the grip-type handle 66 of gun 22. Hoses 24-1, 24-2 connect to valve 64 for each component. Valve 64 includes an inlet port 70-1, 70-2 for each component, an equal number of outlet ports 72-1, 72-2, and an inlet port 74 for the solvent. Valve 64 has a first state in which each inlet port 70-1, 70-2 is coupled to a respective outlet port 72-1, 72-2 to send the various components to gun 22 when valve 64 is on. in the first state. Valve 64 also has a second state in which solvent inlet port 74 engages all outlet ports 72-1, 72-2 to couple solvent from a solvent source 76 for flushing the various components of the respective conduits 124-1, 124-2 and the various mixed components of the dispensing device 22.

The valve 64 includes a movable valve plate 82 and a movable valve disc 84 and a fixed valve plate 86 and a fixed valve disc 88. Fixed valve plate 86 and disk 88 are pivotally coupled to valve plate 82 and valve disk 84 movable about valve axis 64 which is the axis of a pivot pin 90. Discs 84, 88 are constructed of highly abrasion resistant materials, for example ceramic, and their facing surfaces are smooth (for example, within 4 Ra = 1 pm) and flat (for example, within a light band) . This avoids the need for gaskets such as O-rings between these surfaces to seal the different ports built into them. The distal end 92 of the pivot pin 90 is threaded to engage threads provided in the movable valve plate 82. The distal end 92 includes an axial passageway 94 and a transverse passageway 96 that form part of the solvent inlet port 74.

Fixed valve disc 88 is fixed relative to fixed valve plate 86. Movable valve disk 84 moves with movable valve plate 82. Inlet ports 70-1, 70-2, 74 are made through movable valve plate 82 and disk 84. The outlet ports 72-1, 72-2 are made through the fixed valve plate 86 and disk 88. Disks 84, 88 seal together to reduce the likelihood of component and solvent leakage through. The movable valve disk 84 further includes a slot 98 that extends diametrically forming a transverse passageway 100 that allows the coupling of the solvent inlet port 74 to both outlet ports 72-1, 72-2 when the valve 64 is in the proper orientation, illustrated in figure 12. O-rings 102 of one or more suitable materials that are relatively inert to components and solvent are also installed in suitable locations on the valve structure 64.

A conduit 68 is installed for coupling solvent from source 76 to valve 64. Valve 64 is movable between its first and second states by operator manipulation of handle 80 located on movable valve plate 82. When valve 64 is in the first state, hoses 24-1, 24-2 for components from their sources 32-1, 32-2 are coupled through respective hoses 124-1, 124-2 from valve 64 to respective valves 54-1, 56-1; 54-2, 56-2. In the second state of valve 64, hoses 24-1, 24-2 for the various components are disconnected from hoses 124-1, 124-2, and solvent conduit 68 is coupled through valve 64 to all hoses 124-1, 124-2.

Therefore, when valve 64 is in this position where solvent conduit 68 is coupled to all hoses 124-1, 124-2, solvent source 76 is coupled through all hoses 124-1 , 124-2 to all valves 54-1, 56-1; 54-2; 56-2. When trigger 40 is actuated with valve 64 in this position, solvent source 76 engages all ports 52-1, 52-2 of fluid tip 26, allowing solvent to flush any amount remaining components from their respective hoses 1241, 124-2 and ports 52-1, 52-2, and flushing all remnants of mixed components from the mixing chamber 50 and elsewhere on the tip 26 fluid.

Although passageways 42-1, 42-2, ports 52-1, 52-2, seats 54-1, 54-2, and balls 56-1, 56-2 are illustrated as being the same size, it should be understood that it may be desirable to mix ratios of the different components to about 1: 1, which would be the ratio with the components illustrated in the drawings. Among the different ways to achieve different ratios is to make different the cross-sectional areas of any one or more of passageways 42-1, 42-2, ports 52-1, 52-2, and seats 54-1, 54- 2 and balls 56-1, 56-2 to achieve the desired proportions. For example, seats 54-1, 54-2 and balls 56-1, 56-2 could be supplied in removable and replaceable kits consistent with the different desired proportions of components to be dispensed through passageways 42-1,42. -2, respectively. Different ratios can also be obtained by (a) flow restrictors in one or more of the hoses 24-1, 24-2, 124-1, 124-2, passageways 42-1, 42-2 and / or ports 52-1, 52-2, or elsewhere in the flow paths of the different components from their sources 32-1, 32-2 to the mixing chamber 50.