DE102022129190A1 - Container, disc element and a method for producing a metallic container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (1) made from a sheet metal material (2), comprising at least at a first end (3) a base region (4) closing the first end (3), followed by a wall region (8) extending along an axial direction (5) to a second end (6) and encircling in a circumferential direction (7), and a cover region (9) at least partially closing the second end (6) with a closure (10); wherein the base region (4), the wall region (8) and the cover region (9) enclose a container volume (11) in a gas-tight manner; wherein a disk element (12) is arranged within the container volume (11), which divides the container volume (11) into a first partial volume (13) and a second partial volume (14).The invention further relates to a disk element (12) for the container (1) and a method for producing the container (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a container made of at least one sheet material, a disc element for the container and a method for producing a metallic container.

The container is in particular a can, in particular a beverage can. The container consists in particular of at least two container parts. A first container part comprises at least a base region and a wall region of the container. A second container part comprises a lid element. The lid element is connected to the first container part, e.g. by a folded connection.

The container comprises, at least at a first end, a base region closing the first end, followed by a wall region extending along an axial direction towards a second end and designed to run all the way around in a circumferential direction, and a lid region closing the second end with a closure (lid element). The base region, the wall region and the lid region enclose a container volume in a gas-tight manner.

At least such first container parts are produced from sheet metal material at least by deep drawing or ironing-sliding along an axial direction.

In particular, a lid element or a lid region can be attached to the second end. The lid element can in particular have a closure via which the contents of the container closed by the lid element can be removed.

The container can be, for example, part of a beverage container, in particular a (metallic) beverage can. The beverage container is used to store a content, e.g. a liquid, whereby the beverage container in the closed state (initial state) can be under an excess pressure compared to the environment or compared to an atmospheric pressure of approximately 1 bar. Especially in the case of beverage cans with carbonated contents, the beverage container can be under an internal pressure of up to 6.2 bar before it is opened for the first time.

The known two-part containers or cans closed by a lid element have a base area that determines the container volume, followed by a cylindrical wall area, which are manufactured in a continuous manner in one operation - i.e. in one piece - by deep drawing and/or ironing-sliding drawing. The wall thickness of the wall area in these containers is, for example, in the order of approx. 0.080 mm [millimeters] to approx. 0.160 mm, with the greatest thickness being in the area of the later connection with the lid element, while the wall thickness of the base area is in the order of approx. 0.220 mm to approx. 0.350 mm. A lid element can be arranged on the side of the (appropriately prepared) wall area opposite the base area. The lid element is connected to the wall area of the container in the usual way, e.g. by means of a so-called double fold. The wall thickness of the cover element in particular has a wall thickness in the order of magnitude of 0.150 mm to approx. 0.30 mm.

Containers of this type are used in significant quantities as disposable packaging, particularly for all types of drinks, with the can material being made largely from recycled material. Given the large market volume, a significant amount of material (particularly tinplate or aluminum) is required. With such containers, particular attention must be paid to using as little other material as possible.

It is, for example, from the EN 10 2018 110 764 A1 and the EN 10 2019 112 818 A1 It is known to arrange a fluid container inside a container. This fluid container stores a fluid (a different fluid than the contents or liquid of the beverage container) that leaks into the contents or liquid of the beverage container, particularly when the beverage container is opened. Such fluid containers are usually made of a plastic material.

The fluid container must be arranged in the container, in particular as stationary as possible. Furthermore, the capacity and thus the size of the fluid container must be tailored to the respective application.

From the GB 2 211 813 A A container is known in which a cup-shaped disk divides the container volume into two parts. The disk is made of sheet metal. The disk can only be inserted into the container in a partially formed state. In this case, a coating that is usually present on the container wall can be damaged as a result of contact between the disk and the container wall. Such a disk is therefore not suitable for large-scale use in the manufacture of beverage containers.

The object of the invention is therefore to improve the existing products with reference to the state of the art. problems at least partially and, in particular, to provide a container that can be produced reproducibly. The container should contain as little foreign material as possible (i.e. material other than sheet metal) and be designed to be suitable for a large number of product applications.

These objects are achieved with a container according to the features of patent claim 1, by a disk element according to the features of patent claim 11 and by a method according to the features of patent claim 13. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent patent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent patent claims can be combined with one another in a technologically expedient manner and define further embodiments of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the patent claims are specified and explained in more detail in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

A container is proposed, made (at least) from a sheet metal material. The container comprises, at least at a first end, a base region closing the first end, followed by a wall region extending along an axial direction to a second end and designed to run all the way around in a circumferential direction, and a lid region closing the second end with a closure. The base region, the wall region and the lid region enclose a container volume in a gas-tight manner. A disk element is arranged within the container volume, which divides the container volume into a first partial volume and a second partial volume. The disk element comprises at least an inner first region and an annular second region running around the first region in the circumferential direction. The disk element contacts the wall region with the second region. The first region and the second region comprise different materials or at least the second region is made of a plastic material.

In particular, the container is filled with a liquid, with a further fluid, in particular nitrogen, also being stored in the container. The liquid and the fluid are in particular arranged (as far as possible) separately from one another in the container. After filling and (immediately) before opening the filled and closed container for the first time, i.e. ready for the intended use, at least 90% by weight of the fluid is arranged in the second partial volume and at least 90% by weight of the liquid is arranged in the first partial volume.

In particular, the first partial volume is larger than the second partial volume.

When the container is in an upright state and ready for intended use, the base region is at the bottom and the lid region is at the top relative to the direction of gravity. In particular, the wall region between the base region and the lid region extends along an axial direction (substantially) parallel to the direction of gravity (when the container is in an upright position) and in a circumferential direction completely around the base region and the lid region.

The container extends in particular from the base region to the lid region along the axial direction. The axial direction preferably runs parallel to the wall region. In particular, the container is essentially cylindrical and has (apart from structures in the lid region, e.g. for opening/closing the container volume) an axis of rotation or axis of symmetry that extends parallel to the axial direction.

The container is usually opened using an operable closure in the lid area. In particular, the opening of the closure that has been opened in this way can be resealed (or alternatively cannot be resealed) and the overpressure that existed in the container in the initial state can only be partially restored by resealing the opening.

In an initial state, the container is in particular under a first pressure that is greater than a second pressure of an environment (in particular, the second pressure is at most 1.1 bar, preferably the first pressure is at least 2.5 bar). As long as the beverage container is in the initial state, the pressure within the partial volumes (first partial volume, second partial volume) is in particular always the same.

In particular, the first partial volume and the second partial volume are fluidically connected to one another via the disk element, e.g. via an opening or a recess in the disk element. The respective fluidic connection has a largest cross-section through which a fluid can flow of at most 0.5 mm ² (square millimeters), in particular of at most 0.1 mm ² . The entirety of the fluidic connections has a largest cross-section through which a fluid can flow of at most 2.0 mm ² (square millimeters), in particular of at most 1.0 mm ² .

Even if a fluid connection is present, there is at least a theoretical separation into two partial volumes. The separation surface between the partial volumes then extends along the plane of the disk element across the fluid connection.

In the initial state, the second partial volume is in particular at least partially filled with a fluid (e.g. a gas) (possibly also partially filled with the liquid, in particular from the second partial volume). When the container is opened and the pressure is equalized with the environment, at least the fluid (possibly also the liquid) from the second partial volume escapes, e.g. via the at least one fluid connection, into the first partial volume or into the liquid arranged there.

The container volume is in particular between 0.1 and 5 litres, preferably at most 3 litres, particularly preferably at most 1.5 litres.

The first partial volume is in particular between 80% and 99%, preferably between 90% and 99%, particularly preferably between 95% and 99% of the container volume. The first partial volume is in particular at most 95% or at most 98% of the container volume

The second partial volume is in particular between 1% and 20%, preferably between 1% and 10%, particularly preferably between 1% and 5%, of the container volume. The second partial volume is in particular at most 5% or at most 2% of the container volume.

After filling and (immediately) before opening the filled and closed container for the first time, i.e. ready for intended use, the second partial volume is in particular filled with the fluid to at least 95%, preferably at least 98% or even 100%.

After filling and (immediately) before opening the filled and closed container for the first time, i.e. ready for the intended use, the first partial volume is in particular at least 95%, preferably at least 98%, filled with a liquid. In particular, the remainder of the first partial volume, in particular at least 1% of the first partial volume, is filled with the fluid or a (different) gas.

A gas, a liquid or a solid, e.g. a powder, can be used as the fluid. The fluid can also be composed of several different fluids, e.g. powdered and gaseous fluids, powdered and liquid fluids, etc. In particular, the state of aggregation of the fluid within the fluid container can change over time. The fluid is preferably nitrogen.

• • Bereitstellen eines ersten Behälterteils umfassend zumindest einen Bodenbereich und einen Wandbereich des Behälters;
• • Anordnen des Scheibenelements in dem ersten Behälterteil;
• • Füllen des ersten Behälterteils (erstes Teilvolumen und zweites Teilvolumen) mit einer Flüssigkeit - aber insbesondere nicht vollständig; alternativ zumindest teilweises Befüllen des zweiten Teilvolumens mit einem Fluid und zumindest teilweises Befüllen des ersten Teilvolumens mit einer Flüssigkeit;
• • Ggf. (Auf-)Füllen des ersten Behälterteils mit dem Fluid, z. B. mit inertem Gas (ggf. zumindest teilweise verflüssigt);
• • Bereitstellen eines zweiten Behälterteils umfassend ein Deckelelement;
• • Verbinden des ersten Behälterteils mit dem zweiten Behälterteil und dabei (gasdichtes) Verschließen des Behälters mit dem Deckelement und bilden des Behälters;
• • Ggf. Umdrehen des Behälters, so dass der Bodenbereich nach oben weist (relativ zur Richtung der Schwerkraft);
• • Ggf. Füllen des zweiten Teilvolumens über die mindestens eine fluidtechnische Verbindung mit dem Fluid, z. B. mit dem inerten Gas, dass durch Erwärmen im geschlossenen Behälter expandiert, bzw. durch Änderung des Aggregatzustandes des inerten Gases und hierdurch resultierende Expansion des inerten Gases.
• • Bereitstellen des Behälters in einem Ausgangszustand.

Filling the container can be done in a basically known way, for example as follows:

• • Providing a first container part comprising at least a bottom region and a wall region of the container;
• • arranging the disc element in the first container part;
• • Filling the first container part (first partial volume and second partial volume) with a liquid - but in particular not completely; alternatively at least partially filling the second partial volume with a fluid and at least partially filling the first partial volume with a liquid;
• • If necessary, filling the first part of the container with the fluid, e.g. with inert gas (possibly at least partially liquefied);
• • Providing a second container part comprising a lid element;
• • Connecting the first container part to the second container part and thereby (gas-tight) closing the container with the cover element and forming the container;
• • If necessary, turn the container over so that the bottom area is facing upwards (relative to the direction of gravity);
• • If necessary, filling the second partial volume via the at least one fluid connection with the fluid, e.g. with the inert gas that expands by heating in the closed container, or by changing the state of aggregation of the inert gas and the resulting expansion of the inert gas.
• • Providing the container in an initial state.

The disk element comprises in particular at least one inner first region and an annular second region that runs around the first region along the circumferential direction. The first region and the second region together form a disk by which partial volumes are separated from one another. The disk element extends in the container essentially in a plane that runs transversely to the axial direction.

The disc element contacts the wall area with the second area. The contact is particularly all-round. However, one or more recesses can also be provided through which the all-round contact is interrupted at least locally. A recess can be used to create a fluidic connection between the partial volumes.

The first region and the second region comprise different materials or at least the second region is made of a plastic material.

In particular, the first region is made of a sheet metal material. In particular, the sheet metal material of the first region corresponds to the sheet metal material of the first container part and/or the second container part. This can improve or simplify recycling of the container. The material of the second region differs in particular from the first material, in particular with regard to an alloy composition and/or the type of material.

The second region is preferably made of a plastic material. This can prevent damage to the surfaces surrounding the container volume when the disk element is arranged in the first container part or in the container.

In particular, all surfaces of a sheet material that can otherwise be contacted by a fluid (or liquid) arranged within the container volume are coated with a coating material. The coating material in particular comprises a plastic. If the second area is made of a plastic material, damage to this coating can be reliably prevented.

In particular, at least the second region can be (elastically) deformed during the insertion of the disk element into the first container part, so that the disk element can also be arranged in the first container part through cross-sectional constrictions of the wall region.

In particular, the wall region has a cross-sectional constriction in the region of the second end, wherein the cover element is then arranged in the cross-sectional constriction.

A material thickness of the first area is in particular between 0.08 and 0.3 millimeters.

In particular, the wall region is cylindrical at a contact point at which the second region contacts the wall region, thus extending in particular parallel to the axial direction.

In particular, the base region has a convex shape as seen from the container volume. A contact surface is formed on a region of this shape that extends furthest into the container volume from the first end along the axial direction, against which the disk element rests or which contacts the disk element.

The contact surface forms a type of stop for the disk element, so that further displacement of the disk element along the axial direction is prevented by the contact surface. This means that a volume value of the second partial volume can be determined by designing the convex shape. A change in the convex shape then also causes a change in the volume value of the second partial volume.

In particular, the disc element contacts the contact surface exclusively with the first area.

In particular, the contact surface has an at least partially curved profile in a cross section of the container running parallel to the axial direction, wherein the disk element has a corresponding (i.e. in the same way) curved profile at least in the region of contact with the contact surface, so that contacting surfaces of the disk element and the contact surface (in particular in all cross sections of the container running parallel to the axial direction) run parallel to one another.

The contact surface is in particular circular or ring (segment) shaped. If the contact surface is circular, the second partial volume extends in a ring around the contact surface, i.e. limited inwards by the contact surface or by the convex shape of the base area and limited outwards by the wall area or the outer wall of the base area.

If the contact surface is ring-shaped (segment-shaped), two second partial volumes are formed. A circular partial volume that is arranged within the contact surface and a ring-shaped partial volume that is limited on the inside by the contact surface or by the convex shape of the base area and limited on the outside by the wall area or the outer wall of the base area. These partial volumes can be connected to one another.

In particular, the disk element is connected to the contact surface via an adhesive material. The position of the disk element within the container volume can be determined via the adhesive material. The adhesive material can be arranged in particular on the disk element and/or on the contact surface. Disk elements can be connected via the adhesive effect of the adhesive material. element and contact surface are connected to each other in a force-fitting manner.

No alternative adhesive material is provided.

In particular, the first partial volume and the second partial volume are fluidically connected to one another via the disk element. The fluidic connection comprises a passage for a fluid (a gas and/or a liquid) across the disk element, so that the fluid can flow from one partial volume into the other partial volume.

In particular, the fluidic connection is formed at least by at least one recess arranged on an outer edge of the second region or by at least one opening arranged exclusively in the second region.

The recess is, for example, an incision or a relief cut at the edge of the second area, so that the fluid can flow along the wall area from one partial volume into the other partial volume. In this case, the passage for the fluid is formed by the wall area and the second area. The at least one recess can also be formed by an increased roughness that is present at least (only) at the edge of the second area. The local maxima of the roughness then contact the wall area, whereby the local minima of the roughness can form the fluid connection.

The opening is, for example, a hole, a channel or a through-hole through which the first partial volume and the second partial volume are fluidically connected to one another. The opening is therefore formed in particular exclusively by the second area.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one opening can be arranged in the first region. If openings are provided in the first region, the (possibly metallic) surfaces of these openings must in particular be covered by a coating material.

The arrangement in the second region is therefore advantageous, especially if this is made of a plastic material, for example, because then a coating of the surfaces of the opening and/or the recess is not necessary.

In particular, the at least one opening is created with a laser, alternatively with a mechanical tool, e.g. a needle.

The opening and/or the recess has a maximum diameter that is as small as possible, in particular of at most 0.3 millimeters, in particular of at most 0.2 millimeters. In particular, the respective fluid connection has a largest flow-through cross-section of 0.1 mm ^2. This means that an exchange of the fluids arranged in the first partial volume and the second partial volume can be prevented (at least largely) as long as there is essentially the same pressure in the partial volumes.

In particular, the first region is formed by a sheet metal material and the second region by a plastic material molded onto the first region. The second region can be produced in particular by an injection molding process, wherein the first region is already arranged in the injection molding tool and is at least partially molded around by the material of the second region.

In particular, at least every surface of the sheet metal material enclosing the container volume or, in addition, every surface of a sheet metal material arranged within the container volume (e.g. the disk element) is coated with a plastic as a coating material. This coating material is intended in particular to prevent physical contact between a liquid to be stored in the container and the metallic surfaces.

A disk element is also proposed which is designed to be suitable for arrangement in the container described. The disk element comprises at least an inner first region and an annular second region which runs around the inner region along the circumferential direction. The first region and the second region comprise different materials or at least the second region is made of a plastic material.

In particular, the disk element has at least one recess arranged on an outer edge of the second region or at least one opening arranged exclusively in the second region.

The statements regarding the container apply equally to the disc element and vice versa.

1. a) Bereitstellen eines ersten Behälterteils des Behälters, zumindest umfassend einen, ein erstes Ende des Behälters verschließenden Bodenbereich sowie einen, sich daran anschließenden und entlang einer axialen Richtung hin zu einem offenen zweiten Ende erstreckenden, in einer Umfangsrichtung umlaufend ausgebildeten Wandbereich;
2. b) Bereitstellen des Scheibenelements;
3. c) Einschieben des Scheibenelements entlang der axialen Richtung über das offene zweite Ende in den ersten Behälterteil hinein und Ausbilden eines zweiten Teilvolumens des Behälters, das zumindest durch den Bodenbereich und das Scheibenelement räumlich begrenzt ist; und
4. d) Bereitstellen eines zweiten Behälterteils des Behälters, zumindest umfassend ein das zweite Ende des Behälters zumindest teilweise verschließendes Deckelelement;
5. e) Anordnen des Deckelements an dem Wandbereich und Verbinden des ersten Behälterteils mit dem zweiten Behälterteil zur Ausbildung des Behälters, z. B. durch eine umlaufende Falzverbindung.

A method for producing the described container is also proposed. The method comprises at least the following steps:

1. a) providing a first container part of the container, comprising at least one, closing a first end of the container A base region and a wall region adjoining thereto and extending along an axial direction toward an open second end and extending circumferentially in a circumferential direction;
2. b) providing the disc element;
3. c) inserting the disk element along the axial direction via the open second end into the first container part and forming a second partial volume of the container which is spatially delimited at least by the base region and the disk element; and
4. d) providing a second container part of the container, at least comprising a lid element at least partially closing the second end of the container;
5. e) Arranging the cover element on the wall region and connecting the first container part to the second container part to form the container, e.g. by means of a circumferential seam connection.

The above (non-exhaustive) classification of the process steps into a) to e) is primarily intended to serve as a distinction and not to force a sequence and/or dependency. The frequency of the process steps can also vary. It is also possible that process steps overlap one another at least partially in time. It is particularly preferred that process steps a) and b) take place before steps c) to e). In particular, steps a) to e) are carried out in the order listed.

In particular, the container is filled between steps c) and d) or between steps c) and e).

In particular, the first container part (first partial volume and second partial volume) is filled with a liquid - but in particular not completely; alternatively, the second partial volume is at least partially filled with a fluid and the first partial volume is at least partially filled with a liquid. In particular, the first container part is then filled with the fluid, e.g. with inert gas (possibly at least partially liquefied).

In particular, after step e), the container is then turned over if necessary so that the bottom area points upwards (relative to the direction of gravity). The second partial volume is then filled via the at least one fluid connection with the fluid, e.g. with the inert gas, which expands by heating in the closed container or by changing the state of aggregation of the inert gas and the resulting expansion of the inert gas.

Finally, the filled container is made available in an initial state (the state of the container ready for its intended use).

In particular, in step c), a predetermined volume value of the second partial volume is set by the extent of the displacement of the disk element along the axial direction.

In particular, the base region has a convex shape as seen from the container volume. Furthermore, the base region has a contact surface in a region of this shape that extends furthest into the container volume from the first end along the axial direction. The disk element contacts the contact surface after step c). In step c), the disk element is deformed by contacting the contact surface, whereby the predetermined volume value of the second partial volume is set in the process or thereby.

During this deformation of the disc element, the base area can be supported from the outside so that it does not deform further. In particular, the disc element at least partially takes on the shape of the base area during the deformation.

Alternatively, the base region can also be deformed by the disk element, so that the degree of deformation of the base region and thus a predetermined volume value of the second partial volume is set by the extent of the displacement of the disk element along the axial direction.

When the contact surface is contacted, the disk element forms the second partial volume. By further displacing the disk element and the resulting deformation of the disk element and/or the base area, the second partial volume can then be reduced (i.e. after the first contact between the disk element and the contact surface) by at least 1%, preferably by at least 5%, particularly preferably by at least 10%, until a predetermined second partial volume is created.

In particular, the disk element has a failure element which, at a pressure difference between the first partial volume and the second partial volume of, for example, less than 0.5 bar, preferably less than 1.0 bar, especially before preferably less than 2.0 bar, which fluidically separates the second partial volume from the first partial volume and which, at a pressure difference between the first partial volume and the second partial volume of, for example, at least 1.0 bar, in particular of at least 2.0 bar, fluidically connects the second partial volume to the first partial volume.

When a container whose second partial volume is filled with a fluid (e.g. with inert gas (possibly at least partially liquefied) and the first partial volume with a liquid and whose container volume has an overpressure compared to the environment is opened, a pressure equalization with the environment takes place. The second partial volume then has an overpressure compared to the first partial volume, e.g. due to the gas contained therein, which can be reduced via the at least one failure element.

The at least one failure element can in particular replace the at least one opening or recess or be used in addition thereto.

The failure element has in particular the function of a pressure relief valve which switches in particular in both directions, i.e. towards the second partial volume and towards the first partial volume (depending on the direction of the pressure difference), when a value of a pressure difference is exceeded and thus forms a fluidic connection.

The failure element can be designed in particular as a predetermined breaking point, e.g. in the first region and/or in the second region, e.g. formed by a wall thickness of the respective material that is only locally reduced or by a slot or an opening that is closed at a low pressure difference and opened at a higher pressure difference. In particular, the at least one failure element is designed in the second region.

Alternatively or additionally, the disk element can also be designed with a shape deviation from the wall area. For example, the wall area is cylindrical and has a circular cross-section transverse to the axial direction. The disk element can then have an elliptical shape, for example, so that the disk element rests against the wall area with a different pressure force along the circumferential direction. This means that when there is a pressure difference, e.g. immediately after the container volume is opened to the environment, the disk element can be rotated around the larger diameter of the ellipse and relative to the container, so that in the gap between the wall area and the disk element in the area of the smaller diameter of the ellipse, a fluid connection is formed between the first partial volume and the second partial volume.

The container is used in particular as a drinks container. As such, it comprises a housing with a base region, a lid region, and a wall region connecting the base region to the lid region. In particular, the drinks container has a core slope running along a circumferential direction (in the base region or) between the base region and the wall region and, if necessary, an additional core slope (in the lid region or) between the lid region and the wall region. The container has a container volume that can be or is at least partially filled with a liquid. In the lid region and along a radial direction running transversely to the axial direction, a closure (if present) is arranged within the core slope, via which the liquid can be removed from the container volume when opened.

The core slope is in particular a groove running around the circumference in the base region (or lid region), wherein a lowest point of the container volume (relative to the direction of gravity) is arranged within the core slope of the base region.

In particular, at least one data processing system is provided which has means which are suitably equipped, configured or programmed to carry out the method or which carry out the method.

In particular, a device provided for carrying out the method comprises a data processing system, e.g. a control device, which has means for carrying out the steps of the method and/or which has means which are suitably equipped, configured or programmed for carrying out the steps of the method or which carry out the method.

The means include, for example, a processor and a memory in which instructions to be executed by the processor are stored, as well as data lines or transmission devices which enable a transmission of instructions, measured values, data or the like between the elements mentioned.

The “means” may in particular comprise one or more of the following components: controller(s), microcontroller, data storage, data connection, display devices (such as a display), counter ler or timer, at least one other sensor, an energy source, etc.

A computer program is further proposed, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the described method or the steps of the described method.

A computer-readable storage medium is also proposed, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the described method or the steps of the described method.

The statements regarding the container are particularly transferable to the method, the disc element, the data processing system and/or the computer-implemented method (i.e. the computer program and the computer-readable storage medium) and vice versa.

The use of indefinite articles ("a", "an", "an" and "another"), particularly in the patent claims and the description reflecting them, is to be understood as such and not as a number. Terms or components introduced accordingly are therefore to be understood as being present at least once and, in particular, can also be present multiple times.

As a precaution, it should be noted that the numerals used here ("first", "second", "third", ...) primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, sizes or processes, and in particular do not necessarily specify any dependency and/or sequence of these objects, sizes or processes in relation to one another. If a dependency and/or sequence is required, this is explicitly stated here or it is obvious to the expert when studying the specific design described.

• 1: einen Behälter in einer Seitenansicht im Schnitt;
• 2: den Behälter nach 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 3: ein Detail der 1;
• 4: das Detail der 3 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 5: ein Scheibenelement in einer Draufsicht;
• 6: das Scheibenelement nach 5 in einer Seitenansicht;
• 7: das Scheibenelement nach 5 und 6 in einer Seitenansicht im Schnitt;
• 8: das Scheibenelement nach 7 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht; und
• 9: das Scheibenelement nach 5 und 6 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description and/or figures. The same reference numerals denote the same objects, so that explanations from other figures can be used in addition if necessary. They show schematically:

• 1 : a container in a side view in section;
• 2 : the container after 1 in a perspective view;
• 3 : a detail of the 1 ;
• 4 : the detail of the 3 in a perspective view;
• 5 : a disc element in a plan view;
• 6 : the disc element after 5 in a side view;
• 7 : the disc element after 5 and 6 in a side view in section;
• 8th : the disc element after 7 in a perspective view; and
• 9 : the disc element after 5 and 6 in a perspective view.

1 shows a container 1 in a side view in section. 2 shows container 1 after 1 in a perspective view. 3 shows a detail of the 1 . 4 shows the detail of the 3 in a perspective view. The 1 to 4 are described together below.

The container 1 is made from a sheet metal material 2. The container 1 comprises, at a first end 3, a base region 4 which closes the first end 3, followed by a wall region 8 which extends along an axial direction 5 towards a second end 6 and is designed to run all the way around in a circumferential direction 7, and a lid region 9 which closes the second end 6 and has a closure 10. The base region 4, the wall region 8 and the lid region 9 enclose a container volume 11 in a gas-tight manner. A disk element 12 is arranged within the container volume 11 and divides the container volume 11 into a first partial volume 13 and a second partial volume 14. The disk element 12 comprises an inner first region 15 and an annular second region 16 that surrounds the first region 15 along the circumferential direction 7. The disk element 12 contacts the wall region 8 with the second region 16. The first region 15 and the second region 16 comprise different materials or at least the second region 16 is made of a plastic material. The first partial volume 13 is larger than the second partial volume 14.

The illustrated disk element 12 can also be arranged in the container 1 in an inverted form. The second region 16 then does not rest against the wall region 8 with a downwardly bent edge 20, as shown here, but with an upwardly bent edge 20.

In the illustrated upright state of the container 1, ready for intended use, the bottom area 4 is opposite the Direction of gravity below and the lid area 9 above. The wall area 8 extends between the base area 4 and the lid area 9 along the axial direction 5 (essentially) parallel to the direction of gravity and in a circumferential direction 7 completely around the base area 4 and the lid area 9. The container 1 is cylindrical and has (apart from structures e.g. in the lid area 9, e.g. for opening/closing the container volume 11) an axis of symmetry 30 which extends parallel to the axial direction 5.

The container 1 is used as a beverage container. As such, it comprises a housing with the base region 4, the lid region 9 and a wall region 8 connecting the base region 4 to the lid region 9. The beverage container 1 also has a core slope 28 running along the circumferential direction 8 (in the base region 4 or) between the base region 4 and the wall region 8 and an additional core slope 28 (in the lid region 9 or) between the lid region 9 and the wall region 8. The container 1 has a container volume 11 that can be or is at least partially filled with the liquid. In the lid region 9 and along a radial direction 27 running transversely to the axial direction 5, the closure 10 is arranged within the core slope 28, via which the liquid can be removed from the container volume 11 when opened.

The core slope 28 is a groove running around the circumference in the base region 4 or cover region 9 in the circumferential direction 7, wherein a lowest point of the container volume 11 (relative to the direction of gravity) is arranged within the core slope 28 of the base region 4.

The container 1 is opened via an operable closure 10 in the lid area 9.

The first partial volume 13 and the second partial volume 14 are fluidically connected to one another via the disk element 12, here via an opening 22 and a recess 21 of the disk element 12. Even when the fluidic connection is present, there is at least a theoretical separation into two partial volumes 13, 14. The separating surface between the partial volumes 13, 14 extends along the plane of the disk element 12 across the fluidic connection.

In the initial state, the second partial volume 14 is at least partially filled with a fluid (e.g. a gas). When the container 1 is opened and the pressure is equalized with the environment, the fluid from the second partial volume 14 exits via the fluid connection into the first partial volume 13 or into the liquid arranged there.

The disk element 12 comprises an inner first region 15 and an annular second region 16 which surrounds the first region 15 along the circumferential direction 7. The first region 15 and the second region 16 together form a disk by which the partial volumes 13, 14 are separated from one another. The disk element 12 extends in the container 1 in a plane running transversely to the axial direction 5.

The disk element 12 contacts the wall area 8 with the second area 16. The contact is all around. A recess 21 is provided through which the all around contact is interrupted at least locally. A fluid connection between the partial volumes 13, 14 is formed via the recess 21.

Preferably, the first region 15 is made of a sheet metal material. The sheet metal material 2 of the first region 15 corresponds to the sheet metal material 2 of the first container part 24 and the second container part 25. This can improve or simplify recycling of the container 1.

The second region 16 is preferably made of a plastic material. This can prevent damage to the surfaces surrounding the container volume 11 when the disk element 12 is arranged in the first container part 24 or in the container 1.

All surfaces of a sheet material 2 that can otherwise be contacted by a fluid (or liquid) arranged within the container volume 11 are coated with a coating material 23. The coating material 23 comprises a plastic. If the second region 16 is made of a plastic material, damage to this coating can be reliably prevented.

(Only) the second region 16 can be elastically deformed during the insertion of the disk element 12 into the first container part 24, so that the disk element 12 can also be arranged in the first container part 24 through the cross-sectional constriction 29 of the wall region 8.

The wall region 8 has the cross-sectional constriction 29 in the region of the second end 6, wherein the cover element 26 is arranged in the cross-sectional constriction 29.

The wall area 8 is at the contact point 17 where the second area 16 the wall area 8, is cylindrical, thus extending parallel to the axial direction 5.

The base region 4 has a convex shape as seen from the container volume 11. In a region of this shape extending furthest into the container volume 11 from the first end 3 along the axial direction 5, a contact surface 18 is formed, against which the disk element 12 rests or which contacts the disk element 12.

The contact surface 18 forms a kind of stop for the disk element 12, so that a further displacement of the disk element 12 along the axial direction 5 is prevented by the contact surface 18. A volume value of the second partial volume 14 can thus be determined by the design of the convex shape. A change in the convex shape then also causes a change in the volume value of the second partial volume 14. The disk element 12 contacts the contact surface 18 exclusively with the first area 15.

The contact surface 18 has a curved profile in a cross section 19 of the container 1 running parallel to the axial direction 5, wherein the disk element 12 has a corresponding (i.e. in the same way) curved profile at least in the region of contact with the contact surface 18, so that contacting surfaces of the disk element 12 and the contact surface 18 run parallel to one another in all cross sections 19 of the container 1 running parallel to the axial direction 5.

The contact surface 18 is circular. The second partial volume 14 extends in a ring shape around the contact surface 18, i.e. limited on the inside by the contact surface 18 or by the convex shape of the base area 4 and limited on the outside by the wall area 8 or the outer wall of the base area 4.

The disk element 12 is connected to the contact surface 18 via an adhesive material 31. The position of the disk element 12 within the container volume 11 can be determined via the adhesive material 31.

The first partial volume 13 and the second partial volume 14 are fluidically connected to one another via the disk element 12. The fluidic connection comprises a passage for a fluid (a gas and/or a liquid) across the disk element 12, so that the fluid can flow from one partial volume 13, 14 into the other partial volume 14, 13.

The fluid connection is formed by a recess 21 arranged on an outer edge 20 of the second region 16 and by an opening 22 arranged exclusively in the second region 16.

The recess 21 is an incision or a relief cut at the edge 20 of the second region 16, so that the fluid can flow along the wall region 8 from the second partial volume 14 into the first partial volume 13. In this case, the passage for the fluid is formed by the wall region 8 and by the second region 16.

Alternatively, the at least one recess 21 can also be formed by a higher roughness present only at the edge 20. Alternatively, the recess 21 or the opening 22 can be designed as a failure element which switches, for example, in both directions, i.e. towards the second partial volume 14 and towards the first partial volume 13 (depending on the direction of the pressure difference), when a value of a pressure difference is exceeded and thus forms a fluid connection.

The failure element can be designed as a predetermined breaking point, e.g. formed by a locally reduced wall thickness of the material or by a slot or a breakthrough that is closed at a low pressure difference and opened at a higher pressure difference.

The opening 22 is, for example, a hole, a channel or a through-bore through which the first partial volume 13 and the second partial volume 14 are fluidically connected to one another. The opening 22 is therefore formed exclusively by the second region 16.

The second region 16 is produced by an injection molding process, wherein the first region 15 is already arranged in the injection molding tool and is at least partially encapsulated by the material of the second region 16.

According to step a) of the method, a first container part 24 of the container 1 is provided, comprising a base region 4 closing a first end 3 of the container 1 and a wall region 8 adjoining thereto and extending along an axial direction 5 to an open second end 6 and designed to run all the way around in a circumferential direction 7. According to step b), the disk element 12 is provided. According to step c), the disk element 12 is pushed along the axial direction 5 over the open second end 6 (i.e. the cover element 26 is not yet arranged on the first container part 24) into the first container part 24 and a second partial volume 14 of the Container 1, which is spatially delimited by the base region 4 and the disk element 12. According to step d), a second container part 25 of the container 1 is provided, comprising a cover element 26 that at least partially closes the second end 6 of the container 1. According to step e), the cover element 26 is arranged on the wall region 8 and the first container part 24 is connected to the second container part 25 to form the container 1 by means of a circumferential fold connection. With the arrangement of the cover element 26, the first partial volume 13 and thus also the container volume 11 are also closed.

Between steps c) and d) or between steps c) and e), the container 1 is filled with a gas (nitrogen) and a liquid, e.g. a drink suitable for consumption. The first container part 24 (first partial volume 13 and second partial volume 14) is filled with a liquid - but in particular not completely; alternatively, the second partial volume 14 is at least partially filled with a fluid and the first partial volume 13 is at least partially filled with a liquid. In particular, the first container part 24 is then filled with the fluid, e.g. with inert gas (possibly at least partially liquefied).

After step e), the container 1 is turned over if necessary so that the bottom region 4 points upwards (relative to the direction of gravity). The second partial volume 14 is then filled via the at least one fluid connection with the fluid, e.g. with the inert gas, which expands by heating in the closed container 1, or by changing the state of aggregation of the inert gas and the resulting expansion of the inert gas.

Finally, the filled container 1 is made available in an initial state (the state of the container 1 ready for the intended use).

In step c), a predetermined volume value of the first partial volume 13 is set by the extent of the displacement of the disk element 12 along the axial direction 5. The disk element 12 contacts the contact surface 18 after step c).

In step c), the disk element 12 can be deformed by contacting the contact surface 18, whereby the predetermined volume value of the first partial volume 13 is then set. During this deformation of the disk element 12, the base region 4 can be supported from the outside so that it does not deform further.

5 shows a disk element 12 in a plan view. 6 shows the disc element 12 5 in a side view. 7 shows the disc element 12 5 and 6 in a side view in section. 8th shows the disc element 12 7 in a perspective view. 9 shows the disc element 12 5 and 6 in a perspective view. The 5 to 9 are described together below. Please refer to the explanations on the 1 to 4 is referred to.

The disc element 12 (also in the 1 to 4 shown) is designed to be suitable for arrangement in the container 1. The disk element 12 comprises an inner first region 15 and an annular second region 16 which surrounds the inner region 15 along the circumferential direction 7. The first region 15 and the second region 16 comprise different materials or at least the second region 16 is made of a plastic material. The disk element 12 has a plurality of fluid connections.

The fluid connections are formed on the one hand by a recess 21 arranged on an outer edge 20 of the second region 16 and on the other hand by an opening 22 arranged exclusively in the second region 16.

The recess 21 is an incision or a relief cut at the edge 20 of the second region 16, so that the fluid can flow along the wall region 8 from the second partial volume 14 into the first partial volume 13. In this case, the passage for the fluid is formed by the wall region 8 and by the second region 16.

The opening 22 is, for example, a hole, a channel or a through-bore through which the first partial volume 13 and the second partial volume 14 are fluidically connected to one another. The opening 22 is therefore formed exclusively by the second region 16.

The second region 16 is produced by an injection molding process, wherein the first region 15 is already arranged in the injection molding tool and is at least partially encapsulated by the material of the second region 16.

List of reference symbols

1

container

2

Sheet metal material

3

first end

4

Floor area

5

axial direction

6

second end

7

Circumferential direction

8th

Wall area

9

Lid area

10

Closure

11

Container volume

12

Disc element

13

first partial volume

14

second partial volume

15

first area

16

second area

17

Contact point

18

Contact surface

19

cross-section

20

edge

21

Recess

22

opening

23

Coating material

24

first container part

25

second container part

26

Cover element

27

radial direction

28

Core slope

29

Cross-sectional narrowing

30

Axis of symmetry

31

Adhesive material

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely to provide the reader with better information. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102018110764 A1 [0009]
• DE 102019112818 A1 [0009]
• GB2211813A [0011]

Claims (15)

Container (1) made from a sheet metal material (2), comprising at least at a first end (3) a base region (4) closing the first end (3), followed by a wall region (8) extending along an axial direction (5) towards a second end (6) and encircling in a circumferential direction (7), and a lid region (9) closing the second end (6) with a closure (10); wherein the base region (4), the wall region (8) and the lid region (9) enclose a container volume (11) in a gas-tight manner; wherein a disk element (12) is arranged within the container volume (11) that divides the container volume (11) into a first partial volume (13) and a second partial volume (14); wherein the disk element (12) comprises at least an inner first region (15) and an annular second region (16) encircling the first region (15) along the circumferential direction (7); wherein the disk element (12) contacts the wall region (8) with the second region (16); wherein the first region (15) and the second region (16) comprise different materials or at least the second region (16) is made of a plastic material. Container (1) after Patent claim 1 , wherein the wall region (8) is cylindrical at a contact point (17) at which the second region (16) contacts the wall region (8). Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base region (4) has a convex shape as seen from the container volume (11) and a contact surface (18) on a region of this shape extending furthest into the container volume (11) from the first end (3) along the axial direction (5); wherein the disk element (12) contacts the contact surface (18). Container (1) after Patent claim 3 , wherein the disc element (12) contacts the contact surface (18) exclusively with the first region (15). Container (1) according to one of the preceding Patent claims 3 and 4 , wherein the contact surface (18) has an at least partially curved profile in a cross-section (19) of the container (1) running parallel to the axial direction (5), wherein the disk element (12) has a corresponding curved profile at least in the region of contact with the contact surface (18), so that contacting surfaces of the disk element (12) and the contact surface (18) run parallel to one another. Container (1) according to one of the preceding Patent claims 3 until 5 , wherein the disc element (12) is connected to the contact surface (18) via an adhesive material (31). Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first partial volume (13) and the second partial volume (14) are fluidically connected to one another via the disk element (12). Container (1) after Patent claim 7 , wherein the fluid connection is formed at least by at least one recess (21) arranged on an outer edge (20) of the second region (16) or by at least one opening (22) arranged exclusively in the second region (16). Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first region (15) is formed by a sheet metal material and the second region (16) is formed by a plastic material molded onto the first region (15). Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least each surface of the sheet metal material (2) enclosing the container volume (11) or additionally each surface of a sheet metal material (2) arranged within the container volume (11) is coated with a plastic as a coating material (23). Disc element (12) for arrangement in a container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least an inner first region (15) and an annular second region (16) encircling the first region (15) along the circumferential direction (7); wherein the first region (15) and the second region (16) comprise different materials or at least the second region (16) is made of a plastic material. Disc element (12) according to Patent claim 11 , at least comprising at least one recess (21) arranged on an outer edge (20) of the second region (16) or at least one opening (22) arranged exclusively in the second region (16). Method for producing a container (1) according to one of the preceding Patent claims 1 until 10 , at least comprising the following steps: a) providing a first container part (24) of the container (1), at least comprising a base region (4) closing a first end (3) of the container (1) and a bottom region (4) adjoining thereto and extending along an axial direction (5) towards a wall region (8) extending to an open second end (6) and formed to run all the way around in a circumferential direction (7); b) providing the disk element (12); c) pushing the disk element (12) along the axial direction (5) over the open second end (6) into the first container part (24) and forming a second partial volume (14) of the container (1) which is spatially delimited at least by the base region (4) and the disk element (12); and d) providing a second container part (25) of the container (1), at least comprising a cover element (26) which at least partially closes the second end (6) of the container (1); e) arranging the cover element (26) on the wall region (7) and connecting the first container part (24) to the second container part (25) to form the container (1). Procedure according to Patent claim 12 , wherein in step c) a predetermined volume value of the first partial volume (13) is set by the extent of the displacement of the disk element (12) along the axial direction (5). Procedure according to Patent claim 13 , wherein the base region (4) has a convex shape as viewed from the container volume (11) and a contact surface (18) on a region of this shape extending furthest into the container volume (11) from the first end (3) along the axial direction (5); wherein the disk element (12) contacts the contact surface (18) after step c); wherein in step c) the disk element (12) is deformed by contacting the contact surface (18) and the predetermined volume value of the first partial volume (13) is thus set.

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