STATIC MIXER, DISPENSING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF DISPENSING MULTI-COMPONENT MATERIAL FROM A DISPENSING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

 The present application relates to a static mixer (2) for mixing a multi-component material, the static mixer (2) comprising:
a plurality of first mixing segments (12); and
at least one second mixing segment (29),
wherein the at least one second mixing segment (29) is arranged between two first mixing segments (12) along a longitudinal axis of the static mixer (2),
wherein each of the plurality of first mixing segments (12) comprises at least three elongate inlets (13) arranged at least substantially in parallel to one another and at least three elongate outlets (14) arranged at least substantially in parallel to one another, with a respective elongate inlet (13) being connected to a respective elongate outlet (14) via a respective passage,
wherein the elongate outlets (14) are arranged such that an elongate extent thereof is rotated by at least 45°, preferably by at least substantially 90°,
about the longitudinal axis (A) with respect to an elongate extent of the elongate inlets (13);
wherein at least some of the elongate inlets (13) and of the elongate outlets (14) are configured and arranged to deflect respective part flows of the multi-component material (M, M') from an elongate inlet (13) arranged at an inner region of the static mixer (2) to an elongate outlet (14) arranged at an outer region of the static mixer (2) and from an elongate inlet (13) arranged at the outer region of the static mixer (2) to an elongate outlet (14) arranged at an inner region of the static mixer (2); and wherein the at least one second mixing segment (29) is arranged and configured between said two first mixing segments (12) to deflect said respective part flows of the multi-component material (M, M') in a manner different to the deflection of part flows achieved by the first mixing segment (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a static mixer comprising a plurality of mixing segments for mixing a multi-component material. The invention further relates to dispensing assembly comprising a static mixer and a multi-component cartridge filled with respective materials, as well as to a method of dispensing multi-component material from a dispensing assembly.

[0002] Static mixers respectively mixing tips, as they are also known as, are used to mix multi-component material dispensed from a multi-component cartridge. Such static mixers are used in a plethora of fields of application ranging from industrial applications, such as the use of adhesives to bond structural components one to another, or as protective coatings for buildings or vehicles, to medical and dental applications, for example, to make dental molds.

[0003] The multi-component material is, for example, a two-component adhesive comprising a filler material and a hardener. In order to obtain the best possible mixing result, e.g. an adhesive having the desired bond strength, the multi-component material has to be thoroughly mixed.

[0004] For this purpose the static mixers comprise several mixing segments arranged one after the other that repeatedly divide and re-combine part flows of the multi-component material to thoroughly mix the multi-component material.

[0005] On mixing the multi-component material, the material remaining in the static mixer after the dispensing process is generally discarded as it remains in the static mixer. Depending on the field of application the multi-component material can be comparatively expensive and may only be used for one application at a time. This is particularly true, for example in the dental field, where only part of the multi-component material stored in the cartridge is used for one application/patient at a time with the remaining multi-component material being stored in the multi-component cartridge for future applications. Thus, the excessive use of large volumes of multi-component material remaining in a static mixer after a single use leads to unnecessary cost.

[0006] For this reason it is an object of the present invention to provide a static mixer that guides respective part flows of the multi-component material efficiently through individual mixing segments for a thorough mixing of the multi-component material, that enables a reduction in the amount of mixing material left behind in a static mixer and that can be produced in an as facile manner as possible.

[0007] This object is satisfied by a mixing segment having the features of claim 1.

[0008] Such a static mixer comprises:

a plurality of first mixing segments; and

at least one second mixing segment,
wherein the at least one second mixing segment is arranged between two first mixing segments along a longitudinal axis of the static mixer,
wherein each of the plurality of first mixing segments comprises at least three elongate inlets arranged at least substantially in parallel to one another and at least three elongate outlets arranged at least substantially in parallel to one another, with a respective elongate inlet being connected to a respective elongate outlet via a respective passage, wherein the elongate outlets are arranged such that an elongate extent thereof is rotated by at least 45°, preferably by at least substantially 90°, about the longitudinal axis with respect to an elongate extent of the elongate inlets;
wherein at least some of the elongate inlets and of the elongate outlets are configured and arranged to deflect respective part flows of the multi-component material from an elongate inlet arranged at an inner region of the static mixer to an elongate outlet arranged at an outer region of the static mixer and from an elongate inlet arranged at the outer region of the static mixer to an elongate outlet arranged at an inner region of the static mixer; and wherein the at least one second mixing segment is arranged and configured between said two first mixing segments to deflect said respective part flows of the multi-component material in a manner different to the deflection of part flows achieved by the first mixing segment.

[0009] The use of at least three elongate inlets and elongate outlets provides a plurality of part flow paths along which the multi-component material can flow and be mixed in the first mixing segment. Increasing the number of flow paths within a first mixing segment leads to an improvement of the mixing results achieved, since the respective part flows of the multi-component material are divided and re-combined more frequently into different part flow paths.

[0010] Thus, the static mixer is generally designed in order to achieve the best possible mixing results while using as small a volume of the respective material of the multi-component material as possible in order to limit the waste of multi-component material.

[0011] The changes in direction of extent of the part flows about the angle of rotation within the respective first mixing segment lead to a distribution of flow components being present in each part flow of the multi-component material. One of these components is an outer flow component that comprises flow components flowing in a direction directed at least substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis and that hence arrive faster than other flow components also present in each respective passage of the respective first mixing segment at the next first mixing segment, since they travel the shortest distance along the respective passage of the first mixing segment.

[0012] In this connection it should be noted that the flows of multi-component material generally have the same speed and that the terms fast, faster, slow and slower are used in the context of the present invention to indicate part flows that arrive faster or slower at certain points within the first mixing segments than other part flows. The difference in times of the part flows arriving at points within the first mixing segment are due to the different path lengths present at the passages of the respective first mixing segments. For example, a part flow travelling along an outer side of the first mixing segment essentially along the longitudinal axis will pass through the first mixing segment faster than a part flow that is deflected from an elongate inlet present at an outer side via the passage to an elongate outlet present at an inner region of the first mixing segment.

[0013] The second mixing segment is introduced into the static mixer in order to deflect part flows of multi-component material in a manner that deviates from the deflection provided by means of the first mixing segment. For example, part flows of material including small fractions of unmixed multi-component material, i.e. the outer flow component, are prevented from flowing between the respective elongate inlets and elongate outlets of the first mixing segment without being deflected and consequently from being dispensed from the static mixer without being mixed. This is achieved by deflecting the part flows in the second mixing segment in a manner different from the deflection brought about in the first mixing segment.

[0014] For this purpose the second mixing segments have a design that differs significantly from the design of the first mixing segment. Specific designs of the second mixing segment will be discussed in the following.

[0015] Preferably said at least one second mixing segment has a different number of inlets and/or outlets than the first mixing segment. By forming the second mixing segment such that it has a number of inlets and/or outlets that differs from the number of inlets or outlets of the first mixing segment ensures that the part flow of material are mixed in a different manner to improve a through mixing of the multi-component materials.

[0016] Advantageously said at least one second mixing segment has at least two inlets arranged directly adjacent to the at least three elongate outlets of the directly adjacent first mixing segment, wherein said at least one second mixing segment has at least two outlets arranged adjacent to the at least three elongate inlets of the directly adjacent first mixing segment. In this way the second mixing segment is arranged directly between adjacent first mixing segments and hence can aid in improving the flow of materials present in the directly adjacent first mixing segments. In this connection it is preferable if the outlets of the second mixing segment are arranged either at least substantially in parallel to the inlets of the second mixing segment or are arranged at least substantially transvers to the inlets of the second mixing segment, in order to further enhance the through mixing of the multi-component material.

[0017] It is preferred if the inlets and outlets of the at least one second mixing segment are arranged at least substantially transverse to the elongate inlets and elongate outlets of the respective adjacent first mixing segment arranged adjacent to the second mixing segment. In this way a mixing of the multi-component material takes place along the longitudinal axis of the static mixer in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the static mixer.

[0018] Preferably the second mixing segment has at least two inlets and two outlets arranged at opposite top and bottom sides of the second mixing segment along the longitudinal axis and transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein each inlet present at an outer side of the second mixing segment is connected to one outlet present at an outer side of the second mixing segment in a fluid communicating manner. Such an arrangement deflects the part flows of material in such a way that the length of each part flow is considerably increased, such that a more homogenous mixing result is achieved.

[0019] In this connection it is preferred if one inlet present at a first side of the second mixing segment is connected to the outlet present at a second side of the mixing segment, with the inlet present at the second side of the second mixing segment being connected to the outlet present at the first side of the mixing segment and with the first side being disposed opposite to the second side. In this way the length of the respective flow path within one second mixing segment can be further increased. This increase in length can be designed such that the flow paths of the part flows of multi-component material that have the shortest flow path in the first mixing segment have the longest flow path in the second mixing segment in such a way that the multi-component material of each flow path arrives at the outlet from the second mixing segment at approximately the same time and with approximately the same axial position.

[0020] Moreover, a change in the arrangement of the pattern of arrangement of the elongate inlets of the first mixing segment can be brought about, since the inlets of the second mixing segment are arranged in parallel to the outlets of the second mixing segment, so that the inlets of the mixing segment arranged directly adjacent to the second mixing can be arranged in parallel to the elongate outlets of the first mixing segment also directly arranged adjacent to the second mixing segment albeit on the other side of the second mixing segment.

[0021] Advantageously the second mixing segment comprises a respective transition between each connected inlet and outlet, wherein the transition has a smaller cross-sectional area than an inlet opening of the respective inlet and an outlet opening of the respective outlet. By compressing and subsequently expanding a respective part flow of multi-component material in the second mixing segment a mixing result is further improved.

[0022] Preferably the transition is formed by two walls inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and arranged in parallel to one another, with the two walls extending from the first side of the second mixing segment to the second side of the second mixing segment. In this way the transition is not a point like transition and for this reason enables a smoother transition of the part flows of the multi-component material between the respective inlet and outlet of the static mixer.

[0023] Alternatively the reduction of the cross-sectional area present in the region of the transition is step-like between the outlet opening of the outlet and the transition and between the transition and the inlet opening of the inlet of the second mixing segment. This provides a further design alternative of the second mixing segment that can be manufactured in a comparatively simple fashion e.g. in an injection molding process.

[0024] It is preferred if the second mixing segment comprises first and second partitioning webs, wherein the first and second partitioning webs are arranged substantially transverse to one another, in such manner that they cross one another and subdivide a cross-section of the static mixer perpendicular to the longitudinal axis into at least substantially equally large sub-areas, with some of the respective sub-areas being covered over by deflection discs and areas not being covered by deflection discs forming an opening between the respective inlet and outlet connected to one another by means of a passage. Such shapes are comparatively simple to manufacture, e.g. in an injection molding process and yield comparatively good mixing results.

[0025] Preferably the second mixing segment comprises two first partitioning webs and one second partitioning web, with one of the first partitioning webs being arranged directly adjacent to the outlets of one first mixing segment and the other one of the first partitioning webs being arranged directly adjacent to the inlets of a further first mixing segment. The first and second partitioning webs are preferably arranged to form four at least substantially equal sized sub-areas, two of which are covered by a deflection disc and two of which form the opening. In this way a particularly simple design of second mixing segment can be realized that is cost effective in its manufacture and that enables a deflection of the part flow of materials that is considerably different to the deflection achieved by means of the first mixing segment.

[0026] It is preferred if the static mixer further comprises at least one third mixing segment, in which the third mixing segment is arranged and configured to deflect said respective part flows of the multi-component material in a manner different to the deflection of part flows achieved by the first mixing segment and the second mixing segment. Providing a third type of mixing segment that deflects the flows of multi-component material in yet a different way leads to an even more homogenous mixing result. The third mixing segment is preferably a part helical-shaped mixing segment having two inlets and two outlets. Such third mixing segments are fairly simple to manufacture and lead to good mixing results.

[0027] It is preferred if precisely one third mixing segment is provided as the final mixing segment of the series of mixing segments along the longitudinal axis of the static mixer. In this way the third mixing segment can directly influence the mixing result of the mixed multi-component material shortly before any multi-component material is dispensed from the static mixer.

[0028] Preferably a first extent of the respective passage in a direction in parallel to the elongate extent of the elongate inlet gradually reduces in size between the elongate inlet and a constriction of the passage and a second extent of the respective passage in a direction in parallel to the elongate extent of the elongate outlet gradually increases in size between the constriction and the elongate outlet.

[0029] In this connection it should be noted that the mixing of material present in each flow path is further facilitated by compressing the size of the flow path in the first extent and by the subsequent increase in size of the flow path in the second extent of the first mixing segment. In this way the part flow is not only forced to compress and relax in one respective direction of flow only, but in a plurality of directions of flow in the respective elongate inlet and outlet to further improve the mixing result.

[0030] Advantageously the gradual change in size of one of the first and second extents of the respective passage is formed by two walls of the respective passage that are inclined with respect to one another and with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first mixing segment, with at least a part of the walls inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis being formed by a curved part surface, preferably with the curved part surface being present in the region of the constriction of at least some of the passages. Designing the first mixing segment in this way leads to particularly advantageous mixing results and designs that can be manufactured in a comparatively simple manner, e.g. in an injection molding process.

[0031] Alternatively a change in size of one of the first and second extents of the passage between the elongate inlet and the constriction and/or between the constriction and the elongate outlet can be step like. The first mixing segment can thus have a plethora of kinds of designs.

[0032] The second and/or third mixing segments can be formed separate from the first mixing segments or together with a first mixing segment at at least one of the top and bottom sides of the second and/or third mixing segment.

[0033] In this connection it should be noted that the individual first, second and third mixing segments of the series can be formed separate from one another, but preferably the individual first second and third mixing segments of the series are connected to one another and are especially integrally formed as one mixing element, for example in an injection molding process.

[0034] Advantageously the static mixer further comprises a housing accommodating said plurality of mixing segments, an outlet for dispensing mixed multi-component material, and inlets that are configured to be coupled to outlets of a multi-component cartridge.

[0035] In this connection it should be noted that an inner surface of the housing is complementary shaped to the outer shape of the mixing segments of the static mixer in such a way that the inner surface forms an at least substantially planar boundary of the passages present at the outer sides of the mixing segments.

[0036] It should further be noted that groups of first, second and/or third mixing segments can be combined along the longitudinal axis to form the static mixer or a mixing element of a static mixer. In this case, for example, 2 to 10 such groups each comprising 1 to 5 integrally formed first, second and/or third mixing segments can be combined to form the static mixer. The respective groups of first, second and/or third mixing segments can either be connected to one another or be separate from one another.

[0037] According to a further aspect the present invention further relates to a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly comprises:

• a static mixer as discussed herein,
• the multi-component cartridge filled with multi-component material; and/or
• a dispensing device that can be actuated to dispense said multi-component material via said static mixer.

[0038] The advantages discussed in the foregoing in relation to the static mixer likewise hold true for the dispensing assembly in accordance with the invention.

[0039] The multi-component cartridge can thus be filled with materials selected from the group of members consisting of topical medications, medical fluids, wound care fluids, cosmetic and/or skin care preparations, dental fluids, veterinary fluids, adhesive fluids, disinfectant fluids, protective fluids, paints and combinations of the foregoing.

[0040] Such fluids and hence the dispensing assembly can therefore be expediently used in the treatment of target areas such as the nose (e.g. anti-histaminic creams etc.), ears, teeth (e.g. molds for implants or buccal applications (e.g. aphtas, gum treatment, mouth sores etc.), eyes (e.g. the precise deposition of drugs on eyelids (e.g. chalazion, infection, anti-inflammatory, antibiotics etc.), lips (e.g. herpes), mouth, skin (e.g. anti-fungal, dark spot, acne, warts, psoriasis, skin cancer treatment, tattoo removal drugs, wound healing, scar treatment, stain removal, anti-itch applications etc.), other dermatological applications (e.g. skin nails (for example anti-fungal applications, or strengthening formulas etc.) or cytological applications.

[0041] Alternatively the fluids and hence the dispensing assembly can also be used in an industrial sector, e.g. in the building industry, the automotive industry etc., for example, as adhesives, paints, and/or as protective coatings.

[0042] According to a further aspect the present invention further relates to a method of dispensing multi-component material from a dispensing assembly in accordance with the teaching presented herein. The method comprising the step of:

• actuating the dispensing device to urge the multi-component material stored in said multi-component cartridge into the static mixer and mixing the multi-component material in said static mixer, wherein at least some of one of the part flows of the multi-component material mixed in said static mixer is deflected away in a manner different to the deflection of part flows achieved by the first mixing segment by means of the at least one second mixing segment.

[0043] Further embodiments of the invention are described in the following description of the Figures. The invention will be explained in the following in detail by means of embodiments and with reference to the drawing in which is shown:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a dispensing assembly;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of a mixing element of a static mixer;

Figs. 3a to 3d

respective side views of the mixing element of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of a further mixing element;

Fig. 5

a side view of the mixing element of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of a further mixing element;

Fig. 7

a perspective view of a further mixing element;

Figs. 8a to 8d

perspective views of a further mixing element;

Figs. 9a to 9b

perspective views of a further mixing element; and

Figs. 10a to 10b

perspective views of a further mixing element.

[0044] In the following the same reference numerals will be used for parts having the same or equivalent function. Any statements made having regard to the direction of a component are made relative to the position shown in the drawing and can naturally vary in the actual position of application.

[0045] Fig. 1 schematically shows a dispensing assembly 1 comprising a static mixer 2 and a multi-component cartridge 3. The multi-component cartridge 3 shown in Fig. 1 is a two-component cartridge 3' that is filled with respective two-component materials M, M', for example, a hardener and a binder material.

[0046] The static mixer 2 comprises two inlets 4, 4' at a first end 5 thereof. The two inlets 4, 4' connect to outlets 6, 6' of the two-component cartridge 3'. In the present example the inlets 4, 4' receive the outlets 6, 6' of the two-component cartridge 3'. It should be noted in this connection that other forms of interaction between the inlets 4, 4' and the outlets 6, 6' are possible.

[0047] A housing 7 of the schematically illustrated static mixer 2 further comprises alignment means 8, 8' that enable a correct alignment of the inlets 4, 4' of the static mixer 2 relative to the outlets 6, 6' of the two-component cartridge 3'. The alignment means 8, 8' can for example be configured as bayonet-like connection means (not shown) and hence also act as a kind of attachment means (not shown) to attach the static mixer 2 to the two-component cartridge 3'. Other kind of attachment means (also not shown) such as a locking ring can also be used and are well known to the person skilled in the art.

[0048] The housing 7 further has a dispensing outlet 9 at a second end 10 of the static mixer 2. The mixed multi-component material M, M' is dispensed via the dispensing outlet 9 following its passage through the static mixer 2. The dispensing outlet 9 is arranged at a longitudinal axis A of the static mixer 2. The longitudinal axis A extends from the inlets 4, 4' of the static mixer 2 to the outlet 9 of the static mixer.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a mixing element 11 of the static mixer 2. The mixing element 11 is composed of six first mixing segments 12. The six first mixing segments 12 are arranged in series one after another along the longitudinal axis A of the static mixer 2. Each first mixing segment 12 comprises three elongate inlets 13 and three elongate outlets 14. The elongate outlets 14 of one first mixing segment 12 are arranged next to the elongate inlets 13 of the next first mixing segment 12 of the series.

[0050] In the present example each of the first mixing segments 12 is of identical design. Each next first mixing segment 12 of the series of first mixing segments 12 is rotated by 180° about the longitudinal axis A relative to the directly adjacent first mixing segment 12 of the mixing element 11. The rotation of each first mixing segment 12 by 180° relative to the directly adjacent first mixing segment 12 ensures an improved mixing of the multi-component materials M, M' by way of a corresponding mixing element 11.

[0051] The elongate inlets 13 of the six first mixing segments 12 are arranged in parallel to one another. Likewise the elongate outlets 14 of the six first mixing segments 12 are arranged in parallel to one another.

[0052] A respective elongate inlet 13 of one first mixing segment 12 is connected to a respective elongate outlet 14 of the same first mixing segment 12 via a respective passage 15 to deflect respective part flows of the multi-component material M, M' from said elongate inlet 13 to said elongate outlet 14.

[0053] The elongate outlets 14 are arranged such that an elongate extent thereof is rotated by an angle of rotation of 90° about the longitudinal axis A with respect to an elongate extent of the elongate inlets 13. In this connection it should be noted that the longitudinal axis A extends from the elongate inlets 13 to the elongate outlets 14.

[0054] In this connection it should be noted that slight deviations from a parallel, perpendicular arrangement or arrangements at 90° or 180° respectively discussed in the foregoing are permissible. Slight deviations are deviations that amount to ± 5 to 10° of the precise arrangement described in the foregoing, providing the advantages described in connection with the invention are still achieved by arrangements having such deviations.

[0055] A double headed arrow indicates a first extent I of the respective passage 15 in a direction in parallel to the elongate extent of the elongate inlet 13. The first extent I gradually reduces in size between the elongate inlet 13 and a constriction 16 of the passage 15. A second double headed arrow indicates a second extent O of the respective passage 15 in a direction in parallel to the elongate extent of the elongate outlet 14. The second extent O gradually increases in size between the constriction 16 and the elongate outlet 14.

[0056] In this connection it should be noted that the constriction 16 can be considered as a single point like transition between the first and second extents I, O in a plane extending in parallel to the elongate inlets 13 and elongate outlets 14 in which plane the first and second extents I, O have their respective smallest size.

[0057] Alternatively the constriction can be configured as an overlap region in which both the first extent I and the second extent O respectively change in size in order to reduce and expand the respective part flows of materials in the different directions corresponding to the elongate extents of the respective elongate inlets 13 and elongate outlets 14.

[0058] The gradual change in size of one of the first and second extents I, O of the respective passage 15 is formed by two walls 17 of the respective passage 15 that are inclined with respect to one another and with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the first mixing segment 12. Moreover, the two walls 17 inclined with respect to one another are arranged opposite one another in order to directly face one another.

[0059] The gradual change in size between the other one of the elongate inlet 13 and the constriction 16 and the constriction 16 and the elongate outlet 14 is formed by one wall 17' of the respective passage 15 that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

[0060] When multi-component material M, M' is guided in the respective passage 15, the material M, M' present in each flow path is urged together between the respective elongate inlet 13 and the respective constriction 16 in the first extent I. Subsequently the material M, M' present in each flow path is permitted to relax by the subsequent increase in size of the flow path in the direction of the second extent O. This constriction and expansion of the multi-component materials M, M' takes place in different directions about the longitudinal axis A to improve the through mixing of the multi-component materials M, M'.

[0061] The first extent I and the second extent O are rotated by the same angle of rotation about the longitudinal axis A as is present between each respective elongate extent of the inlet 13 and elongate extent of the elongate outlet 14.

[0062] A transition 18 can further be seen in each passage which is present between walls 17, 17' of the passages 15 directly adjacent to further walls 21, 22 (see also Figs. 3a to 3d in this regard). The transition 18 can be formed by a curved surface 18' as shown or as a recess (not shown). It has namely been found that the provision of a curved surface 18' or a recess as a transition has beneficial effects on mixing and guiding the part flows of multi-component material M, M' between the respective elongate inlets 13 and elongate outlets 14.

[0063] It should further be noted that an imaginary sleeve enveloping each first mixing segment 12 at least generally has the shape of a cuboid. In this way each first mixing segment 12 and hence the mixing element 11 has four sides 19, 19', 19", 19"', as well as a top and a bottom side 28, 28'.

[0064] Figs. 3a to 3d show respective views of the four sides 19, 19', 19", 19'" of the mixing element 11 of Fig. 2. The walls 17, 17' comprise curved part surfaces forming guide walls that are configured to direct the part flows of the multi-component material M, M' from the respective elongate inlet 13 via the respective constriction 16 to the respective elongate outlet 14 of the respective first mixing segment 12.

[0065] The changes in size of each passage 15 lead to a distribution of flow components being present in each part flow of the multi-component material M, M' along the length of each of the six first mixing segments 12 of the mixing element 11. One of these components is an outer flow component 20 (see Figs. 3a to 3d) that comprises flow components flowing in a direction directed at least substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the static mixer 2.

[0066] In this connection it should be noted that the mixing segments 12 shown in Fig. 2 and the following Figs. are generally rectangular cuboids in which the height to side length ratios of the sides 19, 19', 19", 19'" can be selected in the range of 0.7 to 0.9, i.e. for a mixing segment of 8 mm width the height in the longitudinal direction A can be 6.4 mm.

[0067] Figs. 3a to 3d respectively indicate the outer flow component 20 for each of the part flows present at an outer side 19, 19', 19", 19'" of the mixing element 11 by means of a dashed line. The respective outer flow component 20 extends essentially along the inner wall of the housing 7 at the outer side 19, 19', 19", 19'" of the mixing element 11 and is less likely to be subjected to the mixing than the flow components extending through passages 15 present within other parts of the first mixing segment 12.

[0068] Figs. 3a to 3d further show that the respective elongate inlets 13 of each first mixing segment 12 are separated from one another by two walls 21. Likewise the respective elongate outlets 14 of each first mixing segment 12 are separated from one another by two walls 22. The walls 21, 22 project from the body 24 of the first mixing segment 12.

[0069] In this connection it should be noted that an outer boundary of each elongate inlet and elongate outlet present at an outer side 19, 19', 19", 19"' of the first mixing segment 12 is formed by an internal wall (not shown) of the housing 7 of the static mixer 2.

[0070] In this connection it should be noted that a mixing element 11, respectively a mixing segment 12 is preferred that has a quadratic basic shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Basic shapes having a rectangular, slightly curved, oval or round cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A are also possible.

[0071] It should further be noted that a thickness of each of the walls 21, 22 can be selected in the range of 0.12 to 1.5 mm, especially of 0.16 to 1.05 mm. In the examples shown in Figs. 3a to 3d the walls 21, 22 have a thickness that corresponds to 0.52 mm.

[0072] It should further be noted that the walls 21, 22 have a height that projects from the body with said height being able to be selected in the range of 0.4 to 3 mm. In the examples shown in Figs. 3a to 3d the walls 21, 22 have a height that corresponds to 0.8 mm.

[0073] In this connection it should be noted that each of the sides 19, 19', 19", 19"' of the first mixing segments 12 can have a width in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A selected in the range of 4 to 15 mm and in the example shown in Figs. 3a to 3d have a width that corresponds to 8 mm.

[0074] Preferably a wall thickness of each of the walls 21, 22 is selected to be 3 to 10%, preferably of 4 to 7% of the width of the sides 19, 19', 19", 19"'.

[0075] In this connection it should be noted that each of the sides 19, 19', 19", 19'" can have a height in the direction in parallel to the longitudinal axis A selected in the range of 4 to 15 mm and in the example shown in Figs. 3a to 3d have a height that corresponds to 8 mm.

[0076] As indicated in Figs. 3a to 3d the walls 17, 17' forming the walls 17 inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A respectively comprise a curved part surface 17". The curved part surface 17" extends towards the constriction 16 and hence is present in the region of the constriction 16.

[0077] In this connection it should be noted that the radii of curvature of the curved part surface 17" can generally be selected in the range of 0.2 to 0.3 times the width of the mixing segment 12, i.e. for an 8 mm wide mixing segment 12 the radii is selected in the range of 1.6 to 2.4 mm and in the examples of Figs. 3a to 3d have a radius of curvature corresponding to at least approximately 2 mm.

[0078] It is further possible that the curved part surface 17" is formed by a plurality of curved part surfaces 17" each having different radii of curvature. In this event, the curved part surface 17" having the largest radius of curvature is that curved part surface 17" that is present within the respective constriction 16 and forms a transition 23 from the inclined wall 17 to a surface 21', 22' that extends at least substantially in parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The surfaces 21', 22' form part of one of walls 21, 22 of the respective elongate inlets and outlets 13, 14.

[0079] It should be noted in this connection that the walls 17, 17' of the respective passage 15 inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A can comprise at least two gradients if formed by respective straight part surfaces, as for example indicated in Figs. 4 to 5.

[0080] In this connection it should be noted that each of the gradients is selected in the range of 0.176 to 0.577, especially of 0.2 to 0.4. In this connection it should be noted that the gradient of the straight part surface of the wall 17 is defined as the change in height in the longitudinal direction A divided by the change in width of the respective side 19, 19', 19", 19'" of the respective wall 17 and consequently is a dimensionless number.

[0081] The walls 21, 22 forming at least a part of one of the elongate outlets 14 and/or one of the elongate inlets 13 of the first mixing segment 12 respectively project from the body 24 of the first mixing segment 12. The walls 22 projecting from the body 24 and forming at least part of the elongate outlets 14 are arranged perpendicular to the walls 21 projecting from the body 24 that form at least part of the elongate inlets 13.

[0082] The embodiment shown in Fig. 4 shows a further type of mixing element 11' of the static mixer 2 that is formed by six first mixing segments 12. Each of the six first mixing segments 12 has four elongate inlets 13 and four elongate outlets 14. Like in the example of the mixing element 11 shown in Figs. 2 to 3d, the first mixing segments 12 are designed to include a plurality of flow paths for the mixing of the multi-component material M, M'.

[0083] In this connection it should be noted that the mixing element 11 of Fig. 4 comprises first and second types of mixing segments 12, wherein the difference between the configuration and arrangement of the first and second types of mixing segments 12 of the mixing element 11 is that the elongate outlets 14 of each second type of mixing segment 12 are rotated by 180° relative to the elongate outlets 14 of the first type of mixing segment 12 and the respective second type of mixing segment is then mirror imaged at a plane comprising the longitudinal axis A and the normal thereto extending from the side19 of the drawing of Fig 4.

[0084] Some of the walls 21, 22 respectively projecting from the body 24 of the first mixing segment 12 are connected to one another via a further wall 21", 22" at an outer side 19, 19', 19", 19"' of the mixing segments. In this way some of the elongate inlets and outlets have three walls 21, 21", 22, 22" extending from the body 24. The further wall 21", 22" bridging the walls 21, 22 forming the respective planar surface 21', 22' each have a reduced wall thickness in comparison to the other walls 21, 22 of the same elongate inlet or outlet 13, 14. The walls 21", 22" bridging the walls 21, 22 are a part of the respective passage 15.

[0085] A cut-out 25 is respectively present in the region of the elongate inlets and outlets 13, 14 arranged at each of the outer sides 19, 19', 19", 19'" of the first mixing segment 12. The cut-out 25 is respectively provided in order to simplify a mold (not shown) that is used during the injection molding process used to manufacture the respective mixing elements 11.

[0086] In this connection it should be noted that the cut-out 25 is present between the bodies 24 of directly adjacent mixing segments and the walls 21, 22 projecting from said bodies 24.

[0087] As discussed in the foregoing, the changes in size present in each of the passages 15 lead to a distribution of flow components being present in the part flow of the multi-component material M, M'.

[0088] One of these components is the outer flow component 20 that flows at least substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the static mixer 2. In order to prevent small fractions of unmixed multi-component material M, M' from flowing between the inlets 4, 4' and the outlet 9 and consequently being dispensed, the respective passages 15 comprise a deflector plate 26 arranged in the flow path either in the region of the elongate inlet 13 or in the region of the elongate outlet 14.

[0089] The deflector plate 26 is configured to deflect at least some of said outer flow component 20 and further components of the part flow of the multi-component material M, M' in the region of the elongate inlet 13 or in the region of the elongate outlet 14 away from the direction of flow directed at least substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, i.e. in order to deflect part flows traveling the shortest path through the passage 15 of the first mixing segment 12 onto longer flow paths, in order to further improve the mixing results.

[0090] The deflector plate 26 is namely arranged within the respective passage 15 in order to ensure that each part flow of the multi-component material M, M' arrives at a respective elongate outlet 14 at approximately the same time, at approximately the same speed and with approximately the same surface area. Due to the varying geometries present within the respective passage 15 of the first mixing segment 12 each part flow comprises flow components that flow faster than others. The deflector plates 26 are configured and arranged to slow down the faster flow components by guiding these towards longer flow paths such that they arrive at approximately the same time as the other flow components at the respective elongate outlet 14 in such a way that each respective part flow present in the respective passage 15 has a leading edge that extends at least approximately over the complete extent of the elongate outlet 14 and in parallel to the elongate outlet 14.

[0091] It should be noted that the deflector plates 26 are arranged at the outer sides 19, 19', 19", 19"' of the first mixing segments 12. As is visible from the view shown in Fig. 5, each first mixing segment 12 of the mixing element 11 has two deflector plates 26 in the region of its elongate inlets 13 and two-deflector plates 26 in the region of its elongate outlets 14.

[0092] The walls 17 inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A extend from the outer sides 19, 19', 19", 19"' towards the longitudinal axis A as straight part surfaces until they reach the transition 23 formed by a curved part surface 17" that then leads to the planar surfaces 21', 22' formed by the respective walls 21, 22.

[0093] Fig. 5 shows a view similar to the one depicted in Fig. 3a of the mixing element 11' shown in Fig. 4. As can be seen each passage 15 of the first mixing segments 12 comprises two inclined walls 17 that lead to the transition 23 towards the walls 21, 22 forming the planar surfaces 21', 22' present in the region of the elongate inlets and outlets 13, 14.

[0094] In this connection it should be noted that, in dependence on the wall 17, the radii of curvature depicted in the examples of Fig. 5 correspond to 1.6 mm and to 2.4 mm respectively, i.e. each side 19, 19', 19", 19'" comprises one wall 17 having a curved part surface with a radius of 1.6 mm and one wall 17 having a curved part surface with a radius of 2.4 mm.

[0095] In this connection it should be noted that in the example of Fig. 5, i.e. relating to a four way mixing element, each of the inclined walls 17 of each side 19, 19', 19", 19'" have different gradients a first gradient of the first inclined wall 17 of each side 19, 19', 19", 19'" can be selected in the range of 1.19 to 1.73 and a second gradient of the second inclined wall 17 of each side 19, 19', 19", 19'" can be selected in the range of 0.58 to 0.83. In the examples of Figs. 5a to 5d the first gradient corresponds to 1.43 and the second gradient corresponds to 0.7.

[0096] It should further be noted that the thickness of each of the walls 21, 22 in the example shown in Fig. 5 the walls have a thickness that corresponds to 0.52 mm.

[0097] In this connection it should be noted that each of the sides 19, 19', 19", 19"' of the first mixing segments 12 in the example shown in Fig. 5 have a width that corresponds to 8 mm.

[0098] In this connection it should be noted that each of the sides 19, 19', 19", 19'" in the example shown in Fig. 5 have a height that corresponds to 8 mm.

[0099] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a further mixing element 11 that can be inserted into the housing 7 of the static mixer 2. The mixing element 11 comprises first mixing segments 12 having four elongate inlets 13 and four elongate outlets 14 that do not comprise any deflector plates similar to the first mixing segments 12 shown in accordance with the design shown in Figs. 2 to 3d. The mixing element 11 further has first mixing segments 12 that also comprise four elongate inlets 13 and four elongate outlets 14 as well as at least one blocking element 27. In contrast to the design of the first mixing segments 12 illustrated in Figs. 4 to 5, no deflector plates 26 are present at the first mixing segments 12.

[0100] The respective blocking element 27 is arranged and configured to block off at least part of the respective passage 15 so that at least some of said outer flow component 20 of the part flow of the multi-component material M, M' in the region of the elongate inlet 13 or in the region of the elongate outlet 14 is directed away from the direction of flow directed at least substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis A at the four sides 19, 19', 19", 19'" of the mixing element 11 in order to further improve the mixing results achievable therewith.

[0101] In this way the blocking element 27 takes over a similar function as that of the deflector plates 26 illustrated in connection with Figs. 4 to 5, namely to deflect part flows of the multi-component material M, M' away from the direction of flow directed at least substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, by intermittently deflecting the outer flow component 20 and thereby aiding in ensuring that each part flow of the multi-component material M, M' arrives at a respective elongate outlet 14 at approximately the same time and such that the respective part flow has a leading edge that extends approximately over the complete extent of the elongate outlet 14 and in parallel to the elongate outlet 14.

[0102] Thus, the at least one blocking element 27 is arranged at an outer side 19, 19', 19", 19"' of the respective first mixing segment 12 in the region of the elongate inlet 13 or outlet 14 in order to direct a part of the outer flow component 20 of the multi-component material M, M' away from entering one of the directly adjacent elongate inlets 13.

[0103] Some designs are possible that comprise two or more blocking elements 27 at one first mixing segment 12. In this case the two block elements 27 are preferably arranged at opposite sides 19, 19", 19', 19'" of the first mixing segment 12.

[0104] Since the at least one blocking element 27 is arranged at a position within one of the flow paths for the multi-component material M, M' such that it blocks a flow path present along a main direction of flow of the respective part flow of multi-component material M, M', the at least one blocking element 27 is arranged at one of the plurality of first mixing segments 12 that is not the first and/or the last mixing segment of the series of first mixing segments 12 forming the mixing element 11".

[0105] As is further visible in the view of the mixing element 11, the walls 21, 22 of the passages 15 separating the respective elongate inlets 13 and/or elongate outlets 14 at a side of the first mixing segment 12 have a convex shape in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. Such convex shapes enable a more simple tool to be used for the injection mold and hence facilitate the manufacture of the first mixing segments 12 respectively of the corresponding mixing element 11.

[0106] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a further mixing element 11 that can be inserted into the housing 7 of the static mixer 2. In the design depicted in Fig. 7 each first mixing segment 12 has four elongate inlets and four elongate outlets. The respective deflector plate 26' is arranged to extend from one of the walls 21, 22 of the respective passage 15 of the directly adjacent first mixing segment 12. This is achieved by integrally forming the deflector plate 26' with said wall 21, 22 of the passage 15.

[0107] Generally speaking the deflector plates 26, 26' are arranged such that at least one end thereof is arranged such that it is in axial alignment with a center of the constriction 16 arranged closest thereto.

[0108] In the embodiment of Fig. 4 the end remote from the end of the deflector plate 26' projecting from the wall 21, 22 of the passage 15 of the adjacent mixing segment 12' is in axial alignment with the center of the constriction 16 arranged closest thereto.

[0109] In the embodiment of Figs. 2 to 3d both ends of the deflector plate 26 are arranged such that they are in axial alignment with the center of the respective constriction 16 to which they are arranged closest.

[0110] Figs. 8a to 8d show perspective views of a further mixing element 11'. The mixing element 11' comprises twelve first mixing segments 12, two second mixing segments 29 and a third mixing segment 30. Four first mixing segments 12 are arranged at either side of the second mixing segments 29.

[0111] In this connection it should be noted at least two and preferably at least three first mixing segments 12 can be arranged at either side of the second mixing segment 29.

[0112] The second mixing segments 29 are arranged and configured between two first mixing segments 12 to deflect said respective part flows of the multi-component material M, M' in a manner different to the deflection of part flows achieved by the first mixing segment 12. This is because the varying geometries present within the respective passage 15 of the first mixing segment 12 mean that each part flow comprises flow components that arrive faster than others at the respective elongate outlets 14.

[0113] The second mixing segments 29 are configured and arranged to deflect the faster flow components in such a way that at least substantially the complete part flow arrives at approximately the same at respective elongate inlet 13 of the next first mixing segment 12 of the series along the longitudinal axis A and indeed such that the part flow has a leading edge that extends at least approximately over the complete extent of the elongate inlet 13.

[0114] The second mixing segments 29 have a different number of inlets 31 and outlets 32 than the first mixing segment 12. Namely the second mixing segment 29 has two inlets 31 and two outlets 31, whereas the first mixing segment 12 has four elongate inlets 13 and four elongate outlets 14.

[0115] The inlets 31 and outlets 32 of the second mixing segment 29 are arranged in parallel to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. The first mixing segment 12 arranged in series after the second mixing segment 29 in the direction of the longitudinal axis A has its elongate inlets 13 rotated by 90° with respect to the previous first mixing segment 12 of the series in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. This is done to further improve the mixing results achievable by means of such a mixing element 11'.

[0116] The second mixing segment 29 further comprises two sidewalls 33 that extend in parallel to the longitudinal axis A over a height of the second mixing segment 29 between the elongate inlets 13 and elongate outlets 14 of the directly adjacent first mixing segments.

[0117] The second mixing segment 29 comprises two first partitioning webs 34 and one second partitioning web 35. The first and second partitioning webs 34, 35 are arranged substantially transverse to one another, in such manner that they cross one another and subdivide a cross-section of the static mixer 2 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A into at least substantially equally large sub-areas, with some of the respective sub-areas being covered over by deflection discs 36.

[0118] The two sidewalls 33 extend in parallel to the second partitioning web 35 and in this way prevent the outer flow component 20 from propagating along the respective side of the mixing element 11'. By providing two second mixing segments 29 arranged at 90° with respect to one another along the longitudinal axis A, the pairs of sidewalls 33 respectively achieve a similar function to the blocking elements 27 discussed in the foregoing.

[0119] One of the first partitioning webs 34 is arranged directly adjacent to the elongate outlets 14 of the directly adjacent first mixing segment 12 and the other one of the first partitioning webs 34 is arranged directly adjacent to the elongate inlets 13 of the further first mixing segment 12 also arranged directly adjacent to the second mixing segment 29.

[0120] The third mixing segment 30 is arranged and configured to deflect said respective part flows of the multi-component material M, M' in a manner different to the deflection of part flows achieved by the first mixing segment 12 and the second mixing segment 29.

[0121] The third mixing segment 30 is a part helical-shaped mixing segment 30 having two inlets 37 and two outlets 38 that are connected to one another. The respective inlets 37 and outlets 38 are in fluid communication with one another and are directed in the direction of the longitudinal axis A by means of a wall 39 having the helical part shape.

[0122] Precisely one third mixing segment 30 is provided as the last mixing segment of the series of mixing segments 12, 29, 30 along the longitudinal axis A of the mixing element 11' of the static mixer 2. The view depicted in Fig. 8b is a view of the side of the mixing element 11' rotated by 90° about the longitudinal axis A relative to the view shown in Fig. 8a.

[0123] The views shown in Figs. 8c and 8d show enlarged views of the second mixing segment 29 from the same sides as those shown in Figs. 8a and 8d. As indicated in Figs. 8c and 8d the respective deflection disc 36 only extends over a quarter of the cross-sectional area of the second mixing segment 29 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the static mixer 2. An opening 40 is also present via which the multi-component material M, M' can flow from one inlet 31 to the outlet 32. The opening 40 is present in areas not covered by the deflection discs 36. The opening 40 is part of a passage 47 present between the respective connected outlet 32 and inlet 31. The opening 40 has approximately the same cross-sectional size as the deflection disc 36. Each second mixing segment comprises two deflection discs 36 and two openings 40.

[0124] The opening 40 has at least approximately half the size or half the size of the respective inlet opening of the inlet 31. Likewise the opening 40 has at least approximately the size or half the size of the respective outlet opening of the inlet 32 of the second mixing segment 29. Thereby the respective opening 40 forms a transition 41 between each connected inlet 31 and outlet 32, with the transition having a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet opening of the respective inlet and the outlet opening of the respective outlet.

[0125] The reduction of the cross-sectional area present in the region of the transition 41 is step-like between the outlet opening of the outlet 32 and the transition 41 and between the transition 41 and the inlet opening of the inlet 31 of the second mixing segment 29.

[0126] The first and second partitioning webs 34, 35 are arranged to form four at least substantially equal sized sub-areas or equal sized sub-areas respectively, two of which are covered by a deflection disc 36 and two of which form the opening 40.

[0127] Further walls or deflection ribs (not shown) could be present at the second mixing segment 29 in order to aid the flow of the multi-component material M, M' from the respective inlet 31 to the respective outlet 32.

[0128] Figs. 9a to 9b show perspective views of a further mixing element 11". The mixing element 11" comprises 10 first mixing segments 12 and two second mixing segments 29'.

[0129] The second mixing segment 29' has four inlets 31 and four outlets 32. The four inlets 31 are arranged adjacent to the elongate outlets 14 of the directly adjacent first mixing segment 12. The four outlets 32 of the second mixing segment 29' are arranged directly adjacent to the elongate inlets 13 of the further directly adjacent first mixing segment 12. The outlets 32 of the second mixing segment 29' are arranged transverse to the inlets 31 of the second mixing segment 29'.

[0130] The second mixing segment 29' has two inlets 31 arranged at an outer side 19, 19" and two outlets arranged at two further outer sides 19', 19'" of the mixing segment 29' in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. The second mixing segment 29' is hence configured to deflect a part flow of multi-component material M, M' from one outer side 19, 19" of the second mixing segment 29' to a further outer side 19', 19"' of the second mixing segment 29'. The inlets 31 and outlets 32 are arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis A and to one another.

[0131] The inlets 31 present at an inner region of the second mixing segment 29' connect to outlets 32 present at the inner region of the second mixing segment 29' via the passage 46. This is in stark contrast to the design of the passages 15 of the first mixing segments shown e.g. in Fig. 4.

[0132] In the example of Fig. 4 the elongate inlets 13 present at the outer sides 19, 19" direct a part flow of material to the elongate outlets 14 present at the inner region of the first mixing segment 12 and the elongated inlets 13 present at the inner region of the first mixing segment 12 deflect the part flows to the elongate outlets 14 present at the outer sides 19', 19"'. In this way the second mixing segment 29' so to say inverts the part flows of multi-component material M, M' in comparison to the mixing that takes place in the first mixing segments 12.

[0133] In contrast to the second mixing segment 29 shown in connection with Figs. 8a to 8d the second mixing segment 29' has a gradual change in size of the cross-sectional area from the inlet opening of the respective inlet 31 to the transition 41, namely a gradual reduction of the cross-sectional area. A similar gradual increase in size of the cross-sectional area takes place between the transition 41 and the outlet opening of the respective outlet 32.

[0134] The gradual change in size of the outer flow paths is effected by a wall 42 inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A and the respective side 19, 19', 19", 19'" of the second mixing segment 29'.

[0135] The gradual change in size of the inner flow paths is effected by two walls 42 (not visible in the current drawings) inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A and to one another.

[0136] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 9a and 9d, the inclined walls 42 are formed by straight surfaces 42'. In this connection it should be noted that the inclined walls could also be formed by curved surfaces or comprise two gradients.

[0137] A height of the second mixing segment 29' corresponds to the height of the first mixing segment 12, likewise a width of the second mixing segment 29' corresponds to a width of the first mixing segment 12. These parameters were discussed in the foregoing in connection with to the mixing elements 11 discussed relative to Figs. 1 to 7.

[0138] Figs. 10a to 10b show perspective views of a further mixing element 11"'. The mixing element 11"' is composed of 12 first mixing segments and precisely one second mixing segment 29" arranged after 8 first mixing segments 12 of the series in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0139] The second mixing segment 29" has two inlets 31 arranged adjacent to the four elongate outlets 14 of the directly adjacent first mixing segment 12. The second mixing segment 29" further has two outlets 32 arranged directly adjacent to the four elongate inlets 13 of the first mixing segment 12 next in the series. The outlets 32 of the second mixing segment 29" are arranged in parallel to the inlets 31 of the second mixing segment 29".

[0140] The two inlets 31 are separated from one another by a wall 43. The two outlets 32 are separated from one another by a wall 44. The walls 43, 44 project from a body 45 of the second mixing segment 29" in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. Two passages 46 are formed within the body 45 of which only one can be seen in the present view and the other passage 46 is present at the other side 19" of the second mixing segment 29" not visible in Fig. 10a. The respective passage 46 connects one of the inlets 31 to one of the outlets 32. The other respective passage 46 connects the other inlet 31 to the other outlet 32. The inlets 31 and outlets 32 of the second mixing segment 29" are arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0141] The second mixing segment 29" comprises the respective transition 41 between each connected inlet 31 and outlet 32. The transition 41 is formed by two inclined walls 47 of the passage 46. The walls 47 are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A and with respect to the side 19' of the second mixing segment 29". The two walls 47 are arranged in parallel to one another. The transition 41 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet opening of the respective inlet 31 and the outlet opening of the respective outlet 32. The two walls 47 extending from the first side 19"' of the second mixing segment 29" to the second side 19' of the second mixing segment 29".

[0142] One of the two inlets 31 present at a first side 19'" of the second mixing segment 29" is connected to the outlet present at a second side 19' of the second mixing segment 19". The other of the two inlets present at the second side 19' of the second mixing segment 29" is connected to the outlet 32 present at the first side 19"' of the second mixing segment 29". The first side 19'" is disposed opposite to the second side 19'.

[0143] Like the second mixing segment 29, 29' shown in connection with Figs. 8a to 9b the second mixing segment 29" illustrated and discussed in connection with Figs. 10a and 10b is configured to deflect and thereby deviate a part flow of multi-component material M, M' from the general direction of the part flows present in the first mixing segment 12.

[0144] The second mixing segments 29, 29', 29" are respectively arranged to cause the respective part flows of the multi-component material M, M' flowing through the first mixing segment 12 to experience a change in way the part flows are guided so that on arriving at the next first mixing segment 12 flow components present within the respective part flow arrive at approximately the same point in time to ensure a thorough through mixing of the multi-component material M, M'.

[0145] In all of the embodiments shown the elongate inlets 13 and the elongate outlets 14 are arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis A.

[0146] It should further be noted that in accordance with all of the depicted embodiments, that, at least some of (Figs. 2 to 3d), preferably all of (Figs. 4 to 10d) the elongate inlets 13 and of the elongate outlets 14 of the first mixing segment 12 are configured and arranged to deflect respective part flows of the multi-component material M, M' from an elongate inlet 13 arranged at an inner region of the mixing element 11 of the static mixer 2 to an elongate outlet 14 arranged at an outer region of the mixing element 11 of the static mixer 2 and from an elongate inlet 13 arranged at the outer region of the mixing element 11 of the static mixer 2 to an elongate outlet 14 arranged at an inner region of the mixing element 11 of the static mixer 2.

[0147] It should further be noted that each elongate inlet 13 and each elongate outlet 14 shown in the foregoing has an opening having an at least generally rectangular shape respectively a rectangular shape. Similarly the inlets 31 and outlets 32 of the second mixing segments 29, 29', 29" have an at least generally rectangular shape respectively a rectangular shape.

[0148] It is preferred if the respective mixing segments 12, 29, 29', 29" are formed in an injection molding process from a plastic material. Regardless of the method of manufacture of the mixing element 11, 11', 11", 11"' respectively of the first, second and third mixing segments 12, 29, 29', 29", 30 the only space available within each of the first, second and third mixing segments 12, 29, 29', 29", 30 is part of a respective flow path for the multi-component material M, M' introduced into the static mixer 2 from the multi-component cartridge 3, 3' discussed in the foregoing.

[0149] In this way the volume of the multi-component materials M, M' remaining in the static mixer 2 after a dispensing process has taken place can be minimized as the dead space within the static mixers 2 is minimized in comparison to those available in the prior art. Moreover, the specific designs of the first mixing segments 12 have been chosen to bring about an optimized mixing of the multi-component materials M, M', with the second and third mixing segments 29, 29', 29", 30 bringing about a further through mixing at a position in the series of mixing segments 12, 29, 29', 29", 30 of the static mixer 2.

[0150] In this connection it should be noted that the various first mixing segments 12 discussed in the foregoing to form the presented mixing elements 11 can also be mixed with at least one of the second and third mixing segments shown in connection with one of the Figs. 8a to 10b to form a respective mixing element 11, 11', 11", 11"' comprising a mixture of the various first, second and third first mixing segments 12, 29, 29', 29", 30 discussed and shown in the present application.

[0151] The mixing element 11, 11', 11", 11"' may also comprise other forms of mixing segments differing in design to the ones shown in the present application. For example, wave like mixing segments, round mixing segments, rectangular mixing segments, mixing segments of static mixers sold under the trade name T-mixer or Quadro-mixer by Sulzer Mixpac can be used in combination with the mixing segments 12, 29, 30 discussed in the foregoing to form the mixing element 11, 11', 11" 11"'.

[0152] In this connection it should be noted that although the mixing segments 11, 11', 11", 11'" described in the foregoing have a square cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, other kinds of cross-sections can be envisaged, e.g. rectangular, oval, round, square with rounded off edges or rectangular with rounded off edges etc.

List of reference numerals:

[0153] 

1

dispensing assembly

2

static mixer

3, 3'

multi-component cartridge, two-component cartridge

4, 4'

inlet

5

first end

6, 6'

outlet

7

housing

8, 8'

alignment means

9

dispensing outlet

10

second end

11, 11', 11", 11"'

mixing element

12

first mixing segment

13

elongate inlet

14

elongate outlet

15

passage

16

constriction

17, 17', 17"

wall, curved part surface

18, 18'

transition, curved surface

19, 19', 19", 19'"

side

20

outer flow component

21, 21', 21"

wall, surface, wall

22, 22', 22"

wall, surface, wall

23

transition

24

body

25

cut-out

26, 26'

deflector plate

27

blocking element

28, 28'

top side, bottom side

29

second mixing segment

30

third mixing segment

31

inlet

32

outlet

33

sidewall

34

first partitioning web

35

second partitioning web

36

deflection disc

37

inlet

38

inlet

39

wall

40

opening

41

transition

42, 42'

wall, surface of wall 42

43

wall

44

wall

45

body

46

passage

47

inclined wall

A

longitudinal axis

I

first extent

M, M'

material

O

second extent

Claims

1. A static mixer (2) for mixing a multi-component material, the static mixer (2) comprising:

a plurality of first mixing segments (12); and

at least one second mixing segment (29, 29', 29"),

wherein the at least one second mixing segment (29, 29', 29") is arranged between two first mixing segments (12) along a longitudinal axis of the static mixer (2),

wherein each of the plurality of first mixing segments (12) comprises at least three elongate inlets (13) arranged at least substantially in parallel to one another and at least three elongate outlets (14) arranged at least substantially in parallel to one another, with a respective elongate inlet (13) being connected to a respective elongate outlet (14) via a respective passage,

wherein the elongate outlets (14) are arranged such that an elongate extent thereof is rotated by at least 45°, preferably by at least substantially 90°, about the longitudinal axis (A) with respect to an elongate extent of the elongate inlets (13);

wherein at least some of the elongate inlets (13) and of the elongate outlets (14) are configured and arranged to deflect respective part flows of the multi-component material (M, M') from an elongate inlet (13) arranged at an inner region of the static mixer (2) to an elongate outlet (14) arranged at an outer region of the static mixer (2) and from an elongate inlet (13) arranged at the outer region of the static mixer (2) to an elongate outlet (14) arranged at an inner region of the static mixer (2); and wherein the at least one second mixing segment (29, 29', 29") is arranged and configured between said two first mixing segments (12) to deflect said respective part flows of the multi-component material (M, M') in a manner different to the deflection of part flows achieved by the first mixing segment (12).

2. A static mixer (2) in accordance with claim 1, wherein said at least one second mixing segment (29, 29") has a different number of inlets (31) and/or outlets (32) than the first mixing segment (12).

3. A static mixer (2) in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said at least one second mixing segment (29, 29', 29") has at least two inlets (31) arranged directly adjacent to the at least three elongate outlets (14) of the directly adjacent first mixing segment (12), wherein said at least one second mixing segment (29, 29', 29") has at least two outlets (32) arranged adjacent to the at least three elongate inlets (13) of the directly adjacent first mixing segment (12); and, in particular wherein the outlets (32) of the second mixing segment (29, 29', 29") are arranged either at least substantially in parallel to the inlets (31) of the second mixing segment (29, 29") or are arranged at least substantially transverse to the inlets (31) of the second mixing segment (29').

4. A static mixer (2) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
wherein inlets (31) of the at least one second mixing segment (29', 29") are arranged at least substantially transverse to the elongate outlets (14) of the directly adjacent first mixing segment (12); and/or
wherein inlets (31) of the at least one second mixing segment (29) are arranged at least substantially in parallel to the elongate outlets (14) of the directly adjacent first mixing segment (12); and/or
wherein outlets (32) of the at least one second mixing segment (29') are arranged at least substantially transverse to the elongate inlets (13) of the directly adjacent first mixing segment (12); and/or
wherein outlets (32) of the at least one second mixing segment (29, 29") are arranged at least substantially in parallel to the elongate inlets (13) of the directly adjacent first mixing segment (12).

5. A static mixer (2) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the second mixing segment (29, 29', 29") has at least two inlets (31) and two outlets (32) arranged at opposite top and bottom sides (28, 28') of the second mixing segment (29, 29', 29") along the longitudinal axis (A) and transverse to the longitudinal axis (A), wherein each inlet (31) present at an outer side (19, 19', 19", 19"') of the second mixing segment (29, 29', 29") is connected to one outlet (32) present at an outer side (19, 19', 19", 19"') of the second mixing segment (29, 29', 29") in a fluid communicating manner.

6. A static mixer (2) in accordance with claim 5, wherein one inlet (31) present at a first side (19; 19"') of the second mixing segment (29, 29") is connected to the outlet (32) present at a second side (19"; 19') of the second mixing segment (29, 29"), with the inlet (31) present at the second side (19"; 19') of the second mixing segment (29, 29") being connected to the outlet (32) present at the first side (19"; 19') of the second mixing segment (29, 29") and with the first side (19"; 19') being disposed opposite to the second side (19"; 19').

7. A static mixer (2) in accordance with claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the second mixing segment (29, 29', 29") comprises a respective transition (41) between each connected inlet (31) and outlet (32), wherein the transition (41) has a smaller cross-sectional area than an inlet opening of the respective inlet (31) and an outlet opening of the respective outlet (32).

8. A static mixer (2) in accordance with claim 7, wherein the transition (41) is formed by two walls (47) inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (A) and arranged in parallel to one another, with the two walls (47) extending from the first side (19"') of the second mixing segment (29") to the second side (19') of the second mixing segment (29"), or wherein the reduction of the cross-sectional area present in the region of the transition (41) is step-like between the outlet opening of the outlet (32) and the transition (41) and between the transition (41) and the inlet opening of the inlet (31) of the second mixing segment (29, 29').

9. A static mixer (2) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the second mixing segment (29) comprises first and second partitioning webs (34, 35), wherein the first and second partitioning webs (34, 35) are arranged substantially transverse to one another, in such manner that they cross one another and subdivide a cross-section of the static mixer (2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) into at least substantially equally large sub-areas, with some of the respective sub-areas being covered over by deflection discs (36) and areas not being covered by deflection discs (36) forming an opening (40) between the respective inlet (31) and outlet (32) connected to one another by means of a passage (47).

10. A static mixer (2) in accordance with claim 9, wherein the second mixing segment (29) comprises two first partitioning webs (34) and one second partitioning web (35), with one of the first partitioning webs (34) being arranged directly adjacent to the elongate outlets (14) of one first mixing segment (12) and the other one of the first partitioning webs (34) being arranged directly adjacent to the elongate inlets (13) of a further first mixing segment (12); and with the first and second partitioning webs, preferably being arranged to form four at least substantially equal sized sub-areas, two of which are covered by a deflection disc (36) and two of which form the opening (40).

11. A static mixer (2) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one third mixing segment (30), wherein the third mixing segment (30) is arranged and configured to deflect said respective part flows of the multi-component material (M, M') in a manner different to the deflection of part flows achieved by the first mixing segment (12) and the second mixing segment (29, 29', 29"), wherein the third mixing segment (30) is preferably a part helical-shaped mixing segment having two inlets (37) and two outlets (38), in particular wherein precisely one third mixing segment (30) is provided as the final mixing segment of the series of mixing segments (12, 29, 29', 29", 30) along the longitudinal axis (A) of the static mixer (2).

12. A static mixer (2) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a first extent (I) of the respective passage (15) in a direction in parallel to the elongate extent of the elongate inlet (13) gradually reduces in size between the elongate inlet (13) and a constriction (16) of the passage (15) and a second extent (O) of the respective passage (15) in a direction in parallel to the elongate extent of the elongate outlet (14) gradually increases in size between the constriction (16) and the elongate outlet (14); and in particular wherein the gradual change in size of one of the first and second extents (I, O) of the respective passage (15) is formed by two walls (17) of the respective passage (15) that are inclined with respect to one another and with respect to the longitudinal axis (A) of the first mixing segment (12), with at least a part of the walls (17) inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (A) being formed by a curved part surface (17"), preferably with the curved part surface (17") being present in the region of the constriction (16) of at least some of the passages (15).

13. A static mixer (2) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing (7) accommodating said plurality of mixing segments (12), an outlet (9) for dispensing mixed multi-component material (M, M'), and inlets (4, 4') that are configured to be coupled to outlets (6, 6') of a multi-component cartridge (3, 3').

14. A dispensing assembly (1) comprising:

- the static mixer (2) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,

- the multi-component cartridge (3, 3') filled with multi-component material (M, M'); and/or

- a dispensing device that can be actuated to dispense said multi-component material (M, M') via said static mixer (2).

15. A method of dispensing multi-component material (M, M') from a dispensing assembly (1) in accordance with claim 14, the method comprising the step of:

- actuating the dispensing device to urge the multi-component material (M, M') stored in said multi-component cartridge (3, 3') into the static mixer (2) and mixing the multi-component material (M, M') in said static mixer (2),

wherein at least some of each part flow of the multi-component material (M, M') mixed in said static mixer (2) is deflected away in a manner different to the deflection of part flows achieved by the first mixing segment (12) by means of the at least one second mixing segment (29, 29', 29").

Drawing