Patent Application
20240190609
The present invention relates to a closure assembly for a beverage container, especially a beverage can. The present invention further relates to a method for repeatably closing an opening of a beverage container having a closure assembly, especially having the described closure assembly. The closure assembly comprises at least one lid element having an opening and a closure element arranged nonremovably on the lid element for a repeatable, especially a gas-tight closing of the opening. The lid element is formed of metal in particular. The beverage container serves for holding contents, such as a fluid, and the beverage container in the closed state stands under excess pressure.
Especially in beverage cans with carbonated contents, the beverage container may be under an internal pressure of up to 6.2 bar before it is first opened.
For the closing of such beverage containers, both onetime opening and reclosable closure assemblies are known. The advantage of reclosable closure assemblies is obvious. In this way, a beverage container can be closable, even after being partly emptied, in particular gastightly, so that the escaping of the fluid kept in the beverage container and especially in the case of carbonated contents the escaping of the carbonation is prevented. The known reclosable closure assemblies often have complex components or complex methods for the opening and closing of the closure assembly.
In particular, a captive placement of the closure assembly on the lid element or on the beverage container is desired, so that all components of the beverage container can be subjected to a recycling.
From US 2012/248113 A1 there is known a reclosable closure for a beverage can. Here, a tab which is braced on the can cover is pivoted and thereby presses a flap into the beverage container. For the fixing of the closure in an opened position, the tab must then be arranged at least partly in the beverage container.
A reclosable can cover for beverage cans is known from each of DE 10 2016 103 801 A1 and US 2004/0159665 A1.
A closure assembly with a knee lever mechanism is known from the later published DE 10 2020 114 863.1.
The problem addressed by the invention is to solve at least partly the problems existing in relation to the prior art and in particular to provide a closure assembly for a beverage container by which the beverage container is reclosable in a repeatable and in particular gas-tight manner. The closure assembly should have the fewest possible individual parts and/or be lightweight, i.e., it should be producible from the least possible material. Furthermore, the lowest possible stacking height of the closure assemblies should be achieved, so that the logistics for such closure assemblies can be simplified. The closure assembly should furthermore be easy to produce and easy for a consumer to manipulate.
In particular, a closure element of the closure assembly should be arranged or fastened captively on the beverage container.
In particular, even after the first-time opening, a reclosing of the beverage container by the closure assembly should be possible, while assuring a tightness of the beverage container (relative to atmospheric pressure) on the one hand with a low pressure in the beverage container and on the other hand even at a pressure inside the beverage container of up to 6.2 bar.
Moreover, the simplest possible method for the reclosable closure of an opening of a beverage container having a closure assembly is desired.
These problems are solved with a closure assembly according to the features of claim 1 and with a method according to the features of claim 16. Further advantageous embodiments of the closure assemblies and the method are indicated in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the individually mentioned features in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in a technologically meaningful manner and can define further embodiments of the invention. Moreover, the features indicated in the claims are explained and specified more closely in the description, where further preferred embodiments of the invention are presented.
A closure assembly for a beverage container is helpful in this regard. The closure assembly comprises at least one lid element having an opening as well as a closure element for repeatably closing the opening which is disposed on the lid element. The lid element has an outer side and an inner side and the opening has an opening edge and an opening plane formed by the opening edge. The closure element comprises at least one or only one base part, a tab, and a cover. The base part comprises a frame part, which is disposed at the opening edge and has a window. The tab is pivotably connected to the frame part (solely) by a first axis of rotation (about the latter). The cover in a starting position of the closure assembly closes the window and is connected to the frame part pivotably (solely) by a second axis of rotation (and about the latter) or pivotably by a hinge. The tab is connected (directly) to the cover (and in this case) permanently (i.e., when the closure assembly is in a state provided for the intended operation) by a guiding device. Thanks to the guiding device, the cover can pivot by a pivoting of the tab about the first axis of rotation from the starting position about the second axis of rotation or about the hinge to an opening position of the closure assembly which frees up the window and back again to the starting position.
In the case of an axis of rotation, the parts joined in this way constitute in particular a shaft and a bearing. The shaft can turn relative to the bearing. The parts are thus connected to each other through the axis of rotation only by form fitting, but not by a material connection. In the case of the first axis of rotation, the frame part in particular constitutes the fixed bearing and the tab constitutes the shaft rotatable with respect to the bearing. In the case of the second axis of rotation, the frame part in particular constitutes the fixed bearing and the cover constitutes the shaft rotatable with respect to the bearing.
In the case of a hinge, the parts which are movable relative to each other (i.e., the cover and the frame part in this case, for example) are joined permanently (in particular materially) by an elastically deformable connection. This connection is formed, e.g., by an especially thin segment of the parts, which is thus elastically deformable. In the case of a hinge, the rotation occurs about the hinge or an axis of the hinge, but this need not be fixed in its location. In particular, a translatory movement of the parts relative to each other is also possible here, while this translatory movement can be limited to a minimum by its design.
In particular, the lid element is a familiar cover, e.g., of a beverage can, which is connected or can be connected to the beverage can. Preferably, the lid element is connected inseparably (only by destruction) to the beverage container. In particular, the lid element consists of a metal or a metallic alloy.
The inner side of the lid element forms the side of the lid element facing toward the contents of the beverage container, while the outer side of the lid element forms the side of the lid element facing away from the contents.
The opening of the lid element in particular is at the same time the (single) pouring opening for the contents of the beverage container. The shape of the opening is not defined, in particular. The opening in particular is not rotationally symmetrical. Yet a rotationally symmetrical opening can also be closed through the closure element described herein and is thus included in the term opening.
The new condition of the closure element means in particular the condition of the closure element prior to a first-time activation, i.e., pivoting, of the tab.
In the new condition, all of the components of the closure assembly are in the starting position, i.e., the tab in particular is also found in a starting position, i.e., in a nonpivoted condition. When the tab is in the nonpivoted condition, neither is the cover pivoted and thus the window or the opening is closed.
The tab in the starting position is located entirely on the outer side of the lid element. In particular, the frame part and the lid element in the starting position are arranged on both sides of the lid element, i.e., on the inner side and the outer side at the same time, or they extend through the opening or the window and/or are accessible via the opening or the window from the other respective side.
During the pivoting of the tab between the starting position and the end position, the tab crosses over at least partly to the inner side of the lid element via the window and via the opening plane.
The tab and thus also the cover can pivot in particular between the nonpivoted starting position and a pivoted, in particular maximum pivoted, end position. In the end position of the closure assembly, the tab and the cover are each maximally pivoted in particular and the window or the opening are preferably maximally opened. Between the starting position and the end position a number of opening positions are possible, in which the tab and optionally the additional cover are situated in a position pivoted with respect to the starting position, yet not quite in the end position.
In particular, in the starting position the contents of the beverage container are sealed off, especially gas-tight, against the surroundings of the beverage container, in particular against a pressure inside the beverage container of at least 3 bar, preferably at least 5 bar, especially preferably at least 6.2 bar. In particular, however, a sealing also exists when the pressure inside the beverage container corresponds to the pressure of the surroundings.
The closure element is in particular a single piece, i.e., the individual components of the base part, the tab, and the cover are captively joined to each other (by the axes of rotation or the hinge, in particular only by the axes of rotation or the hinge). In particular, these components can be produced independently of each other and joined to each other in the course of an assembly process. In particular, the base part and the cover are materially connected to each other by a hinge and are produced together, i.e., as a single part. In particular, the closure element comprises only the components of the base part, the tab, and the cover. In particular, each of these components is rigid in shape, i.e., not deformable. The only exception are the parts of the components which are joined together as a single piece for example via hinges, e.g., the base part or the frame part and the cover.
In particular, only the components of the base part, the tab, and the cover of the closure element are involved in the (repeatable) opening and closing of the opening of the lid element.
In particular, the closure element also only comprises a covering in addition to the components of the base part, the tab, and the cover.
In particular, the tab and the cover rotate between the starting position and the opening position each time in a common direction of turning about their axes of rotation or about the first axis of rotation and the hinge. Thus, the tab and the cover either rotate together in a first direction of turning or in a second direction of turning, opposite to the first direction of turning.
In particular, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation or the hinge are situated parallel to each other and at a spacing from each other.
In particular, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation or the hinge are each situated (substantially) fixed in place on the closure assembly.
In particular, the frame part is situated fixedly and immovably on the opening edge. By means of the frame part, the tab and the cover are connected to the lid element. The tab and the cover are arranged movably with respect to the frame part.
In particular, the frame part is arranged captively on the opening edge. In particular, the frame part is arranged on the opening edge by a form fitting connection and can only be released from the opening edge by destruction of the frame part. In particular, the frame part is mounted on the opening edge by a plastic deformation of the frame part. The plastic deformation can be produced, e.g., by a heat treatment of the frame part, e.g., by an at least local heating.
In particular, the closure element makes possible a repeatable gas-tight closing of the opening. In particular, the closure element thus makes possible not only a closing or a liquid-tight closing, but also a gas-tight closing of the opening. In this way, especially for carbonated liquids, an effective sealing of the opening can be achieved even after the first-time opening of the closure element.
The frame part forms in particular a frame enclosing the opening and forms the window enclosed by the frame. After placement of the frame part on the lid element, the opening through which a fluid can flow is thus reduced in particular to the window. The tab is situated at least in the area of the first axis of rotation inside the frame. During the pivoting of the tab, at least one portion of the tab is moved from the outer side of the lid element via the window and the opening plane to the inner side of the lid element.
In particular, the frame part and the cover (solely) form a sealing surface closing the window in the starting position. In this way, the tightness is assured even with repeated opening and closing of the beverage container through the repeatedly stressed sealing surface.
In particular, the guiding device comprises at least one guide path situated on the cover and at least one guide pin engaging with the guide path and arranged on the tab. The guide pin is movable along the guide path in the course of the pivoting of the tab and the cover. In particular, the cover has a guide path on each of two opposite sides. In particular, the tab has two guide pins, each guide pin cooperating with one guide path.
The guide pin is in particular an extension of the tab, such as a cylindrical or conical one, extending at least partly into the guide path. The guide pin can also be designed as an element arranged rotatably on the tab, for example of the nature of a wheel. The guide pin in particular is arranged stationarily on the tab.
In particular, the guide paths of the cover are situated between the guide pins of the tab.
The at least one guide path and the at least one guide pin constitute a form fitting connection, in particular with respect to both directions of turning. Hence, a pivoting of the tab about the first axis of rotation can produce and control a pivoting of the cover about the second axis of rotation or about the hinge.
In particular, the at least one guide pin is situated in the starting position in a locking (self-locking) position on the cover. Alternatively or additionally, the guide pin in the starting position forces the cover to take up a self-locking position on the frame part. The guide pin only enters the guide path from the locking position upon pivoting of the tab about the first axis of rotation, e.g., after surpassing an angle range of pivoting of at least 5 angle degrees, preferably at least 10 angle degrees, about the first axis of rotation. The pivoting of the cover about the second axis of rotation or the hinge then occurs only after the entry of the guide pin in the guide path.
In particular, the at least one guide path (preferably both guide paths) extends in a direction transverse to the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation or the hinge. In the starting position and in a projection of the positions of the axes of rotation or the hinge and the at least one guide pin in the opening plane, the first axis of rotation is situated between the second axis of rotation or the hinge and the guide pin as well as the locking position.
The guide pin in a maximally pivoted end position of the tab and in a projection of the positions of the axes of rotation, the hinge, and the at least one guide pin in the opening plane is situated in particular between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation or the hinge, or the second axis of rotation or the hinge is situated between the guide pin and the first axis of rotation.
The projection occurs in particular along a direction transverse to the opening plane. That is, the positions of the axes of rotation/hinge and the guide pin are viewed from a position for example above the opening plane, the line of sight running perpendicular to the opening plane.
In particular, the guiding device dictates, for a first position (i.e., for example, a pivoting about the first axis of rotation relative to the starting position) of the tab, a second position (i.e., for example a pivoting about the second axis of rotation or about the hinge relative to the starting position) of the flap, and vice versa. In particular, the second position for a given first position can vary by at most 20 angle degrees (on account of the play of the different parts between each other). For example, if the tab is pivoted relative to the starting position by around 150 angle degrees, i.e., the first position amounts to 150 angle degrees, then the flap is arranged pivoted by 70 to 90 angle degrees relative to the starting position.
In particular, the base part comprises in addition a covering attached to it, which can be pivoted by the tab relative to the frame part. The covering forms in particular a sheetlike element (fixed in shape, such as a plate, or deformable, such as a foil), which serves primarily to cover the cover pivoted into the beverage container when the closure assembly is opened. This is supposed to prevent a soiling of the side of the cover oriented toward the outer side of the lid element, in particular prior to the first activation of the tab.
Upon activation of the tab for the first time, the covering is contacted in particular by the tab and pivots along with it. Thanks to the maximal pivoting of the tab, the covering is moved into an end position, in particular a self-locking position, in which it remains, in particular, regardless of the further activation of the tab. In particular, the self-locking is produced by an interaction between the covering and the frame part.
The covering can be connected, in particular materially, to the frame part by a (film) hinge. Optionally, the covering and the frame part are formed together as a single piece, i.e., the individual pieces of the frame part and the covering are joined together captively (by a hinge or by a third axis of rotation). In particular, these parts can be produced independently of each other and joined together in the course of an assembly process.
In the case of a hinge, besides a rotary movement a translatory movement of the covering with respect to the frame part is also possible, e.g., in the case of a film hinge. In a film hinge, the covering and the frame part are joined together by an elastically deformable segment.
In particular, the cover can also be connected to the frame part by a hinge, instead of by the second axis of rotation.
In particular, the covering is connected to the base part across a seal element only in a nonpivoted starting position. During a first-time pivoting of the covering, the connection formed through the seal element is destroyed. In particular, when the tab is activated, the destruction of the connection formed through the seal element occurs prior to a movement of the cover. In particular, the destruction occurs, e.g., upon rotating the tab about the first axis of rotation from the starting position by at least one angle degree, in particular by 2 to 4 angle degrees.
In particular, the seal element is formed on the tab and it comprises a material connection between the tab and the base part or between the tab and the cover. When the tab is pivoted for the first time, the connection formed by the seal element is destroyed. In particular, when the tab is activated, the connection formed by the seal element is destroyed only during or after a movement of the cover. In particular, the destruction occurs, e.g., upon rotating the tab about the first axis of rotation from the starting position by at least one angle degree, in particular by 2 to 4 angle degrees.
The seal element serves to identify the condition of the closure element or the beverage container. An undamaged seal element indicates that the closure element has not yet been activated, and so the beverage container has not been opened. A damaged seal element, on the other hand, indicates that the closure element was activated at least once, and so the beverage container was opened at least once.
In particular, the cover is protected by the covering against the surroundings (only) in a (thus far) nonpivoted starting position.
In particular, a first seal running around the opening is situated between the inner side and a bearing surface of the frame part. In particular, the bearing surface is oriented at least partly parallel to a partial surface of the inner side of the lid element. The first seal is situated in particular in the area of this partial surface. In particular, the first seal is fastened to the frame part and is arranged on the lid element at this partial surface in the course of an assembly of the frame part. In particular, the first seal is or can be produced together with the frame part in the course of a two-component injection molding process.
In particular, a second seal running around the window at least in the starting position is situated between the frame part and the cover. This second seal makes possible a sealing of the window or the opening by a tight connection between the cover and the frame part. In particular, the second seal is arranged on the frame part or on the cover. In particular, the second seal is or can be produced together with the frame part, and also optionally with the cover, in the course of a two-component injection molding process.
In particular, the frame part and/or the tab and/or the cover and/or the covering is made from a plastic with an E-modulus of at least 1100 MPa [Megapascal], in particular at least 1300 MPa, preferably at least 1600 MPa.
Preferably, the first seal and/or the second seal are/is made from a plastic having a Shore A-hardness of at most 60, in particular at most 45, preferably at most 35.
In particular, the frame part is arranged captively on the opening edge.
In particular, the closure element makes possible a repeatable gas-tight closing of the opening.
In particular, the closure element, preferably the cover or the frame part, comprises a vent element, and a fluidic connection is formed between the inner side and the outer side through the vent element during the first-time pivoting of the tab. In particular, a venting, i.e., a pressure equalization between the inside of the beverage container and the surroundings of the beverage container can occur through the vent element.
The pivoting of the tab brings about in particular a deformation of the vent element. In particular, the vent element is arranged on the frame part or on the cover. In particular, the vent element is connected as a single piece to the frame part or the cover. In particular, the vent element is or can be produced together with the frame part and/or with the cover in the course of a two-component injection molding process. In particular, the vent element is formed by the second seal or by the first seal.
In particular, the vent element is tubular or channel-shaped and makes possible a fluidic connection between the inside of the beverage container and the surroundings of the beverage container. In particular, the vent element has a preferably constant minimum opening cross section of 1 to 4 mm2 along the tubular or channel-shaped configuration. In particular, this minimum opening cross section is at least locally reduced to zero or closed by another component in the deformed state of the vent element, so that when the tab is situated in the nonpivoted starting position the fluidic connection is blocked and thus no venting is possible through the vent element.
The vent element can alternatively be e.g., rigid in design, so that the tab closes the minimum opening cross section via a closing element of the tab, the closing element being situated in the minimum opening cross section.
In particular, the vent element is formed by a channel in the first seal or in the second seal. In particular, the channel extends through an opening in the frame part arranged flush with it and the first seal, arranged in particular on the frame part, or through an opening in the cover arranged flush with it and the second seal arranged thereon. In particular, the channel or the minimum opening cross section in the first or second seal is closed by a closing element of the tab.
In particular, when the tab is activated, the connection formed by the seal element is destroyed before the venting and before a movement of the cover. In particular, the venting occurs before a movement of the cover. In particular, the venting occurs, e.g., upon rotation of the tab about the first axis of rotation, starting from the starting position, by at least two angle degrees, in particular by at least 5 angle degrees, preferably by up to ten angle degrees.
In particular, the venting through the vent element occurs before the pivoting of the cover, in particular, so that the cover does not have to be moved against the internal pressure possibly present in the beverage container.
Further, a closure element is proposed for the described closure assembly. The closure element comprises at least one base part, a tab, and a cover. The base part comprises a frame part having a window, the tab being pivotably connected to the frame part by a first axis of rotation. The cover in a starting position of the closure assembly closes the window and is connected to the frame part pivotably by a second axis of rotation or by a hinge. The tab is connected permanently to the cover by a guiding device.
In particular, the base part is a single-piece injection molded part, which is formed by at least two materials, namely one material for the at least one seal and/or the vent element and another material for at least one of the frame part and covering and optionally the cover.
In particular, the closure element comprises (solely) three injection molded parts: the base part, the tab, and the cover, these parts being assembled to form the closure element. In particular, these parts are joined together captively (via the axes of rotation, in particular only via the axes of rotation).
In particular, the closure element comprises (solely) two injection molded parts: the base part and the cover as a combined injection molded part connected by a hinge and the tab as a separate injection molded part, these parts being assembled to form the closure element. In particular, these parts are joined together captively (via the axes of rotation/the hinge, in particular only via the axes of rotation/the hinge).
Further, a use of the described closure element for the repeatable, fluid-tight closing (and opening) of a beverage container is proposed, in particular a beverage can.
Moreover, a method is proposed for the repeatable closing of an opening of a beverage container having a closure assembly, in particular having the described closure assembly. The closure assembly comprises at least one lid element having an opening as well as a closure element arranged on the lid element for repeatably closing the opening. The lid element has an outer side and an inner side and the opening has an opening edge and an opening plane formed by the opening edge. The closure element comprises at least (or only) one base part, a tab, and a cover. The base part comprises a frame part having a window, arranged at the opening edge. The tab is pivotably connected to the frame part by a first axis of rotation. The cover is connected to the frame part pivotably by a second axis of rotation or a hinge. The tab is connected permanently to the cover by a guiding device. The method, starting from a starting position in which the window is closed by the cover, involves at least the following steps:
During steps a) to c) the pivoting of the tab is transformed by the guiding device into a pivoting of the cover.
In particular, the guiding device dictates, for a first position of the tab, a second position of the flap and vice versa. In particular, the second position for a given first position can vary by at most 20 angle degrees (on account of a play of the different parts between each other). For example, if the tab is arranged pivoted relative to the starting position by around 150 angle degrees, i.e., the first position amounts to 150 angle degrees, then the flap is arranged pivoted by 70 to 90 angle degrees relative to the starting position.
In particular, the closure element comprises a vent element, and a fluidic connection is formed between the inner side and the outer side through the vent element during a first-time pivoting and in particular also during further pivoting of the tab from the nonpivoted starting position, and thus a pressure equalization occurs for the beverage container and its surroundings. The pivoting of the tab in particular brings about a deformation of the vent element.
In particular, the cover in the nonpivoted starting position of the tab produces a fluid-tight connection to the frame part, and upon pivoting of the tab the fluid-tight connection is broken up by the resulting pivoting of the cover. A flowing out of the contents of the beverage container into the surroundings occurs solely through the elimination of the fluid-tight connection between the cover and the frame part.
The remarks relating to the closure assembly hold equally for the closure element, the use of the closure element, and the method, and vice versa.
The use of indefinite articles (“a”, “an”), in particular in the claims and the corresponding parts of the description, is to be understood as such and not as a numeral. Accordingly, the terms or components so introduced should be taken to mean that they are present at least once, yet in particular can also be present multiple times.
It should be noted, prudentially, that the ordinals used here (“first”, “second”, . . . ) serve chiefly (only) to distinguish multiple similar objects, quantities, or processes, i.e., in particular they do not necessarily indicate any dependency and/or ordering of these objects, quantities, or processes among each other. If such a dependency and/or ordering is necessary, that will be indicated here explicitly or it will be obvious to the person skilled in the art from a study of the particular described embodiment. Insofar as a component can occur multiple times (“at least one”), the description for one of these components can apply equally to all or a portion of the plurality of these components, although this is not necessarily the case.
The invention and its technical setting shall be explained more closely in the following with the aid of the accompanying figures. It should be pointed out that the invention is not to be limited to the indicated exemplary embodiments. In particular, unless otherwise stated explicitly, it is also possible to extract partial aspects from the situations explained in the figures and combine them with other parts and teachings of the present description. In particular, it should be noted that the figures and in particular the depicted size relations are only schematic. There are shown:
The closure assembly 1 comprises a lid element 3 having an opening 4 as well as a closure element 5 for repeatably closing the opening 4, arranged on the lid element 3. The lid element 3 has an outer side 6 and an inner side 7 and the opening 4 has an opening edge 8 and an opening plane 9 formed by the opening edge 8.
The closure element 5 comprises a base part 10, a tab 11, and a cover 12. The base part 10 comprises a frame part 13 having a window 14, arranged at the opening edge 8. The tab 11 is connected to the frame part 13 only by a first axis of rotation 15 which it can pivot around. The cover 12 closes the window 14 in a starting position 16 of the closure assembly 1 and is connected pivotably to the frame part 13 only by a second axis of rotation 17 which it can pivot around. The tab 11 is connected to the cover 12 permanently, i.e., when the closure assembly 1 is in a state provided for the intended operation, by a guiding device 18. Thanks to the guiding device 18, the cover 12 can pivot by a pivoting of the tab 11 about the first axis of rotation 15 from the starting position 16 about the second axis of rotation 17 to an opening position 19 of the closure assembly 1 which frees up the window 14 and back again to the starting position 16.
The tab 11 and thus also the cover 12 can pivot between the nonpivoted starting position 16 and a maximally pivoted end position 25. In the end position 25 of the closure assembly 1, the tab 11 and the cover 12 are each in particular maximally pivoted and the window 14 and/or the opening 4 are maximally opened. Between the starting position 16 and the end position 25 a number of opening positions 19 are possible, in which the tab 11 and optionally the cover 12 in addition are situated in a position pivoted with respect to the starting position 16, yet not quite in the end position 25.
The tab 11 and the cover 12 rotate between the starting position 16 and the opening position 19 each time in a common direction of turning 32 about their axes of rotation 15, 17. Thus, the tab 11 and the cover 12 either rotate together in a first direction of turning or in a second direction of turning, opposite to the first direction of turning.
The first axis of rotation 15 and the second axis of rotation 17 are situated parallel to each other and at a spacing 20 from each other. The first axis of rotation 15 and the second axis of rotation 17 are each situated fixed in place on the closure assembly 1. Instead of the second axis of rotation 17, a hinge 33 can also be provided (see
The frame part 13 forms a frame enclosing the opening 4 and forms the window 14 enclosed by the frame. The tab 11 is situated at least in the area of the first axis of rotation 15 inside the frame. During the pivoting of the tab 11, one portion of the tab 11 is moved from the outer side 6 of the lid element 3 via the window 14 and the opening plane 9 to the inner side 7 of the lid element 3.
The frame part 13 and the cover 12 form a sealing surface 21 closing the window 14 in the starting position 16. In this way, the tightness is assured even with repeated opening and closing of the beverage container 2 through the repeatedly stressed sealing surface 21.
The guiding device 18 comprises two guide paths 22 situated on the cover 12 and two guide pins 23 engaging with the guide paths 22 and arranged on the tab 11. Each guide pin 23 is movable along the respective guide path 22 in the course of the pivoting of the tab 11 and the cover 12. The cover 12 has a guide path 22 on each of two mutually opposite sides. The tab 12 has two guide pins 23, each guide pin 23 cooperating with one guide path 22.
The guide pin 23 is a cylindrical extension of the tab 11, extending at least partly into the guide path 22.
The guide paths 22 of the cover 12 are situated between the guide pins 23 of the tab 11.
The guide path 22 and the guide pin 23 constitute a form fitting connection with respect to both directions of turning 32. Hence, a pivoting of the tab 11 about the first axis of rotation 15 can produce and control a pivoting of the cover 12 about the second axis of rotation 17.
The guide pin 23 is situated in the starting position 16 in a locking position 24 on the cover 12. The guide pin 23 only enters the guide path 22 from the locking position 24 upon pivoting of the tab 11 about the first axis of rotation 15, e.g., after surpassing an angle range of pivoting of at least 5 angle degrees about the first axis of rotation 15. The pivoting of the cover 12 then occurs about the second axis of rotation 17 only after the entry of the guide pin 23 in the guide path 22. Upon pivoting of the cover 12 back to the starting position 16, the guide pin 23 forces the cover 12 into a self-locking position 24 on the frame part 13. Thus, in the back pivoting, shortly before reaching the starting position 16, a local activation maximum needs to be surpassed in order for the cover 12 to “snap in” on the frame part 13. This self-locking position 24 also does not need to be exited until the pivoting of the cover 12 from the starting position 16 and into the opening position 19.
The guide paths 22 extend in a direction transverse to the first axis of rotation 15 and the second axis of rotation 17. In the starting position 16 and in a projection of the positions of the axes of rotation 15, 17 and the guide pins 23 in the opening plane 9, the first axis of rotation 15 is situated between the second axis of rotation 17 and the guide pins 23 as well as the locking position 24.
The guide pins 23 in a maximally pivoted end position 25 of the tab 11 and in a projection of the positions of the axes of rotation 15, 17 and the guide pins 23 in the opening plane 9 are situated between the first axis of rotation 15 and the second axis of rotation 17.
The projection occurs each time along a direction transverse to the opening plane 9. That is, the positions of the axes of rotation 15, 17 and the guide pins 23 are viewed from a position for example above the opening plane 9, the line of sight running perpendicular to the opening plane 9.
The base part 10 comprises in addition a covering 26 attached to it, which can be pivoted by the tab 11 relative to the frame part 13. The covering 26 forms a sheetlike element, which serves primarily to cover the cover 12 pivoted into the beverage container 2 when the closure assembly 1 is opened. This is supposed to prevent a soiling of the side of the cover 12 oriented toward the outer side 6 of the lid element 3, prior to the first activation of the tab 11.
Upon activation of the tab 11 for the first time, the covering 26 is contacted by the tab 11 and pivots along with it. Thanks to the maximum pivoting of the tab 11, the covering 26 is moved into a self-locking end position, in which it remains regardless of the further activation of the tab 11. The self-locking is produced by an interaction between the covering 26 and the frame part 13.
The covering 26 is connected to the base part 10 across a seal element 27 only in a nonpivoted starting position 16. During a first-time pivoting of the covering 26, the connection formed through the seal element 27 is destroyed.
The seal element 27 serves to identify the condition of the closure element 5 or the beverage container 2. An undamaged seal element 27 indicates that the closure element 5 has not yet been activated, and so the beverage container 2 has not been opened. A damaged seal element 27, on the other hand, indicates that the closure element 5 was activated at least once, and so the beverage container 2 was opened at least once.
A first seal 30 running around the opening 4 is situated between the inner side 7 and a bearing surface 29 of the frame part 13. The bearing surface 29 is oriented parallel to a partial surface of the inner side 7 of the lid element 3. The first seal 30 is situated in the area of this partial surface. The first seal 30 is fastened to the frame part 13 and is arranged on the lid element 3 at this partial surface in the course of an assembly of the frame part 13.
A second seal 31 running around the window 14 at least in the starting position 16 is situated between the frame part 13 and the cover 12. This second seal 31 makes possible a sealing of the window 14 or the opening 4 by a tight connection between the cover 12 and the frame part 13.
The cover 12 comprises a vent element 34, a fluidic connection between the inner side 7 and the outer side 6 being formed during a first-time pivoting of the tab 11 by the vent element 34. The vent element 34 is formed by the second seal 31.
The vent element 34 is channel-shaped and makes possible a fluidic connection between the inside of the beverage container 2 and the surroundings 28 of the beverage container 2. Thanks to the vent element 34, a venting, i.e., a pressure equalization can occur between the inside of the beverage container 2 and the surroundings 28 of the beverage container 2. The vent element 34 is designed so that the tab 11 through a closing element 35 of the tab 11 closes the minimum opening cross section of the vent element 34 when the closing element 35 is placed in the minimum opening cross section.
The vent element 34 is formed by a channel 38 in the second seal 31. The channel 38 extends through an opening in the cover 12 arranged flush with it and the second seal 31 arranged thereon. The channel 38 or the minimum opening cross section in the second seal 31 is closed by a closing element 35 of the tab 11.
The frame part 13 forms a frame enclosing the opening 4 of the lid element 3 and forms the window 14 enclosed by the frame. The tab 11 is situated at least in the area of the first axis of rotation 15 inside the frame. During the pivoting of the tab 11, at least one portion of the tab 11 is moved from the outer side 6 of the lid element 3 via the window 14 and the opening plane 9 to the inner side 7 of the lid element 3.
The first axis of rotation 15 and the second axis of rotation 17 are situated parallel to each other and at a spacing 20 from each other. The first axis of rotation 15 and the second axis of rotation 17 are each situated fixed in place on the frame part 13. Instead of the second axis of rotation 17, a hinge 33 can also be provided (only suggested here), by which the components of the frame part 13 and the cover 12 are materially joined to each other.
A first seal 30 running around the opening 4 is situated between the inner side 7 and a bearing surface 29 of the frame part 13. The bearing surface 29 is oriented parallel to a partial surface of the inner side 7 of the lid element 3. The first seal 30 is situated in the area of this partial surface. The first seal 30 is fastened to the frame part 13 and is arranged on the lid element 3 at this partial surface in the course of an assembly of the frame part 13.
The frame part 13 and the cover 12 form a sealing surface 21 closing the window 14 in the starting position 16. In this way, the tightness is assured even with repeated opening and closing of the beverage container 2 through the repeatedly stressed sealing surface 21.
The guiding device 18 comprises two guide paths 22 situated on the cover 12 and two guide pins 23 engaging with the guide paths 22 and arranged on the tab 11 (see
The guide path 22 and the guide pin 23 constitute a form fitting connection with respect to both directions of turning 32. Hence, a pivoting of the tab 11 about the first axis of rotation 15 can produce and control a pivoting of the cover 12 about the second axis of rotation 17.
The guide pin 23 is situated in the starting position 16 in a locking position 24 on the cover 12. The guide pin 23 only enters the guide path 22 from the locking position 24 upon pivoting of the tab 11 about the first axis of rotation 15, e.g., after surpassing an angle range of pivoting of at least 5 angle degrees about the first axis of rotation 15. The pivoting of the cover 12 then occurs about the second axis of rotation 17 only after the entry of the guide pin 23 in the guide path 22. Upon pivoting of the cover 12 back to the starting position 16, the guide pin 23 forces the cover 12 into a self-locking position 24 on the frame part 13. Thus, in the back pivoting, shortly before reaching the starting position 16, a local activation maximum needs to be surpassed in order for the cover 12 to “snap in” on the frame part 13. This self-locking position 24 also does not need to be exited until the pivoting of the cover 12 from the starting position 16 and into the opening position 19. The self-locking is made possible by an elastically deformable locking element 36 on the cover 12.
A second seal 31 running around the window 14 at least in the starting position 16 is situated between the frame part 13 and the cover 12. This second seal 31 makes possible a sealing of the window 14 or the opening 4 by a tight connection between the cover 12 and the frame part 13.
The cover 12 comprises a vent element 34, a fluidic connection between the inner side 7 and the outer side 6 being formed during the first time pivoting of the tab 11 by the vent element 34. The vent element 34 is formed by the second seal 31. The vent element 34 is channel-shaped and makes possible a fluidic connection between the inside of the beverage container 2 and the surroundings 28 of the beverage container 2. Thanks to the vent element 34, a venting, i.e., a pressure equalization can occur between the inside of the beverage container 2 and the surroundings 28 of the beverage container 2. The vent element 34 is designed so that the tab 11 through a closing element 35 of the tab 11 (see
The vent element 34 is formed by a channel 38 in the second seal 31. The channel 38 extends through an opening in the cover 12 arranged flush with it and the second seal 31 arranged thereon. The channel 38 or the minimum opening cross section in the second seal 31 is closed by a closing element 35 of the tab 11.
The tab 11 is U-shaped in configuration. At the ends of the side arms, the tab 11 has respectively inwardly pointing guide pins 23. In the middle of the side arms, the tab has outwardly pointing shafts to form the first axis of rotation 15. These shafts extend in the bearings fashioned as openings on the frame part 13. Further, the tab comprises a closing element 35 for closing the vent element 34.
The covering 26 forms a sheetlike element, which serves primarily for covering the cover 12 pivoted into the beverage container 2 upon opening the closure assembly 1. The covering 26 is materially connected to the frame part 13 through contact points 37. During a first-time activation of the tab 11, the covering 26 is contacted by the tab 11 and pivots along with it. The covering 26 is connected to the base part 10 across a seal element 27 only in a nonpivoted starting position 16. During a first-time pivoting of the covering 26, the connection formed through the seal element 27 is destroyed.
The other closure element 5 of
In the case of the hinge 33, the parts which are movable relative to each other, namely the cover 12 and the frame part 13, are joined permanently to each other, here materially, by an elastically deformable connection. This connection is formed by an especially thin segment of the parts, which is thus elastically deformable. In the case of the hinge 33, the rotation occurs about the hinge 33 or an axis of the hinge 33, but this need not be fixed in its location. In particular, a translatory movement of the parts relative to each other is also possible, while this translatory movement can be limited to a minimum by its design.
In the case of the closure element 5 of
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2021 106 977.7 | Mar 2021 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/057373 | 3/21/2022 | WO |
