DE19837581A1 - Reclosable plastics pouring element for liquid containers has lower part fixed on container and associated movable upper part whose lower side blocks on upper side of lower part - Google Patents

Abstract

The pouring element has a lower part (14) fixable on the container and an upper part (16) movable relative to the lower part. The upper and lower parts having complementary wedge members which cause the lower side of the upper part to move relative to the upper side of the lower part at a wedge angle so that the lower side is blocked on the upper side in the first operating position where the upper part sits with its lower side fluid tight on the upper side (38) of the lower part.

Description

The invention relates to a reclosable, from Plastic pouring element for liquid containers, with a lower part attachable to a container and a Upper part movable relative to the lower part, the upper part with a bottom in a first operating position liquid fits tightly on an upper side of the lower part, while it in a second operating position essentially from the bottom part is moved away and thereby trained in the lower part Open the opening for pouring the liquid.  

Pouring elements of the type mentioned above are generally be knows (DE 196 10 879 C1). They are usually with drinks kebehältern, especially in such beverage containers sets that are made of cardboard as a folding box and e.g. B. milk, fruit juices and the like. Beyond that from such pouring elements but also in containers for engine oil as well as cleaning and maintenance fluids etc. set.

The problem with such containers is that one After filling the container by the manufacturer, a riverside liquid-tight closure must produce a transport and allows storage of the container without the rivers liquid emerges in an undesirable manner. This applies independently whether the container is in transit or in position tion stands or is even in an upside-down position.

With conventional containers of this type, this is usually the case thereby achieved that the pouring opening in the container is sealed on the side with a film that is in the container ter z. B. is welded or glued. This closure foil completely seals the container for transport and storage down. The first time you open the container, this film will but destroyed, for example pulled off with a tab or demolished. The top of the pouring element, that is Lid part, must now after partial emptying of the container put back on the base to the container to close again liquid-tight. The one achieved However, the sealing effect is often inadequate, even when upper part and lower part of the pouring element with each other mental sealing strips or the like are provided, the ela interlocking.  

Many known pouring elements of this type are made in one piece formed, the movable upper part usually over a Film hinge is connected to the lower part. Then it's skin fig problematic, sufficient sealing in the hinge area produce effect. While the free end of the as Flap formed upper part with com to the lower part complementary sealing strips can be provided, this is in the Be range of the hinge hardly possible for constructional reasons, especially since there is only one upper part when opening or closing traverses very little path in the pan axis of the film hinge becomes zero.

From another subject, namely the area of metalli pouring elements for beverage cans, it is known (DE 91 09 081 U), the usual in such beverage cans To make tear-open tabs resealable. To this The purpose is the pull tab, which is usually by means of a Rivets in the center of the cover of a cylindrical light metal Can is attached to this rivet rotatable. The In the initial state, the pull tab is 180 ° opposite the pouring opening rotated position. The spout Opening itself is still by means of a perfo ration or the like bordered area of the metallic Cover closed. By lifting the pull-up bottle a short, arranged on the opposite side of the rivet Push the lever into the area of the pouring opening from above and opened it. After partially emptying the drink kedose can then twist the pull tab 180 ° and upper be positioned half of the pouring opening. If the tear flap is curved on its underside, it can be pushed into the pouring opening from above to create a  to effect certain closure of the pouring opening. As a result of The fact that all the elements involved are made of metal (Aluminum sheet or the like), only results a limited sealing effect.

The invention is therefore based on the object of a pouring spout to further develop elements of the type mentioned at the beginning, that the disadvantages mentioned above are avoided. In particular in particular, a pouring element should be made available, a perfect sealing effect after reclosing guarantees, so that the need for a separate and the sealing foil to be removed before the first use is omitted in the manufacture of the pouring elements or the container would result in more costs.

This task is ge with a pouring element named type according to the invention solved in that the upper part and the lower part with mutually complementary wedge means are provided, the movement of the bottom relative to Cause top side at a wedge angle such that the Bottom in the first operating position on the top is wedged.

The object of the invention is based on this Wei se completely solved.

In contrast to conventional swiveling or folding According to the invention, tops are proposed according to the Upper part to lend a sliding movement relative to the lower part hen, at the ends of the parts with the facing be are fully wedged. With a corresponding wedge angle  and the corresponding actuating force are assigned to each other send sides of the top and bottom part so tightly together other pressed that with appropriate choice of material and upper surface quality a perfect sealing effect is achieved.

Since this locking mechanism is already manufactured by the manufacturer the first time the container is filled, there is also no need to add a separate Ver to provide the final film, the first time the Container would first have to be removed by the consumer.

In a particularly preferred development of the invention the upper part with the lower part of the first operating position additionally wedged in an edge area.

This measure has the advantage that a simple additional sealing effect can be generated or, otherwise pressed, also a little thinner, d. H. less stable components can be used for the pouring element.

In a first group of embodiments of the invention the upper part can be rotated relative to the lower part.

This measure has the advantage that the pouring opening already with slight twisting of the upper part relative to the lower part is completely free.

In this case it is preferred if the wedge means as a circle arcuate groove or tongue are formed.  

This measure has the advantage that the pouring element in con structurally and thus also in a technically simple manner can be manufactured.

This group of exemplary embodiments is also ahead pulls when the pouring element is substantially circular sector-shaped is trained.

This measure has the advantage that for a specific pouring spout opening only a minimally sized element is required leads to material savings in plastic injection molding.

In a preferred development of this variant, ra the sides of the upper and lower parts run in the direction formed as tongues or grooves in the first operating position are tightly wedged.

This measure has the advantage that the circular sector Upper part of the pouring element in the closed position practically liquid over the entire circumference by means of grooves / tongues is wedged tight.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention pouring element is at the center of the circular arc or Circular sector provided a hinge, the hinge in the second operating position a closing force on the pouring spout element exercises.

This measure has the advantage that the pouring element in the closed position is pressed together at both ends, namely in the area of the circular arc through the existing ones  Wedge means and also in the same way in the area of the swivel, there in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

In a development of this embodiment, this can happen that the upper part has a pivot with a widened head includes that with a first surface a second surface of the lower part rests and also the Surfaces are inclined to a radial plane of the axis of rotation.

This measure has the advantage that white without the need tere constructive elements, namely only through the ge inclined formation of the two surfaces mentioned, also one Wedging in the area of the axis of rotation is reached.

It goes without saying that the aforementioned arrangement also in kinematic reversal can be realized in such a way that the pivot with the widened head is on the lower part det.

In a further development of these variants, the areas are as Screw surfaces formed.

This measure has the advantage that while maintaining a exact rotational movement and without the occurrence of transverse forces required tension also in the area of the axis of rotation reali can be settled.

In a further embodiment of the invention, this includes Swivel a threaded pivot.  

This measure has the advantage that by tightening or Tighten the thread in the second operating position desired contact pressure in the closed closed position of the Pouring element can be realized.

In another group of exemplary embodiments, this is Upper part, however, can be moved linearly relative to the lower part.

This measure has the advantage that a structurally simpler, namely straight structure can be selected can.

In a preferred development of this embodiment are in transverse to the sides of Upper part and lower part tongues or grooves formed in are wedged tightly in the first operating position.

This measure already has the above in view of the Embodiment with rotatable top discussed advantage that additionally in the first operating position, d. H. in the Closed position of the pouring element the narrow sides of the line ar sliding top are tightly wedged. In this way se can also the entire contact pressure in this embodiment pressure between the upper part and lower part can be increased.

In a preferred variant of this development, the in Closing direction front groove-tongue arrangement to the shape of the Adjusted opening, in particular designed in a circular arc.

This measure has the advantage that the (in the closing direction) Provide a pouring aid on the front of the lower part  is because the tongue and groove arrangement off the front edge of the pouring opening can surround like a collar, so that in the container ter contained liquid even better, especially without night drip, can be poured out.

In a preferred development of this embodiment the wedge means are designed as straight tongue and groove guides.

This measure has the advantage that only a slight, d. H. around the wedge angle, inclined tongue and groove provided must become.

In this embodiment of the invention, too marginal, tight wedging in the first operating position be provided, in which preferably the tongue and groove in Direction of displacement is wedge-shaped, such that the Upper part with the lower part in the first operating position in the keyway is tightly wedged.

In this case, too, there is the advantage that the upper part flow with the lower part over the entire length of the long sides is wedge-tight.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the Wedge means with an effective in the second operating position Provide locking.

This measure has the advantage that, on the one hand, in the second Operating position the contact pressure between the bottom and the top can be increased again. In addition, the  Locking in an advantageous manner that the closed Pouring element cannot inadvertently open again. In order to can the pouring element its sealing function z. B. also then ge ensure if the reclosed container z. B. again is transported and exposed to constant vibrations becomes.

In preferred developments of the invention, the sub side and / or the top with a sealing lip his.

This measure has the advantage that the surfaces of the upper otherwise the side or underside is not of very high quality must be carried out if the sealing effect is essential Lichen is achieved through the sealing lip.

In further embodiments of the invention, the end pouring element in a manner known per se with a tearable Tamper evident closure.

This measure has the advantage that manipulation of the container ters before the first use by the consumer is closed or immediately recognizable.

As already mentioned at the beginning, the invention is suitable in be preferred way to use with a as a folding box Cardboard-made containers.

Further advantages result from the description and the at added drawing.  

It is understood that the above and the next Features to be explained not only in the respective given combination, but also in other combinations or can be used alone, without the scope of to leave the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing provides and will he in the description below purifies. Show it:

Figures 1 and 2 extremely schematic, perspective views of a liquid container, which is provided with a first embodiment of the pouring element according to the invention.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are two perspective views of the pouring element of Figure 1 on an enlarged scale, one from above and one from below.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the pouring element shown in Figures 1 to 4, in a further enlarged scale;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the pouring element according to FIG. 5;

Fig. 7 shows a variant of the illustration of FIG 6, partially in section, for a slightly modified embodiment of the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the Ausgießelemen tes invention;

FIG. 9 shows an extremely schematic and partial sectional representation along the line IX-IX of FIG. 8.

In Fig. 1, 10 denotes a container for a liquid. In the example shown, the container 10 is cuboid and preferably made as a folding box from a liquid-tight cardboard. Such liquid containers are primarily known as beverage containers, for example for holding milk, fruit juices and the like. However, containers of this type are also used in technical and other fields, for example to hold motor oils, cleaning agents and care products.

Containers of this type are suitable for holding a quantity of liquid which does not have to be emptied as a whole with each individual consumption. The containers are therefore provided with a reclosable closure element, which is designated by a total of 12 in Fig. 1 to 6.

The closure element 12 comprises a lower part 14 and an upper part 16th The upper part 16 can be rotated relative to the lower part 14 about an axis 18 perpendicular to the main plane of the closure element 12 , as indicated by an arrow 20 .

The closure element 12 is in the example shown in a surface 22 of the container 10 is liquid-tight, for example welded, glued or the like Chen. The surface 22 preferably runs parallel to the main plane of the closure element 12 , so that the axis 18 is also perpendicular to the surface 22 .

In order to facilitate the opening and closing of the closure element 12 , the upper part 16 is provided with a projecting tab 24 .

If the upper part 16 is rotated from the closed position of the closure element 12 shown in FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrow 20 into its open position according to FIG. 2, an opening 26 in the lower part 14 is visible, which leads to the interior of the container 10 .

The closure element 12 is formed in the shape of a sector of a circle in the plan view. The tab 24 is therefore in the region of a front end Ren 28 which is substantially circular arc shaped.

As can be seen particularly well from the views according to FIGS. 3 and 4, a groove 30 is made in the end face 28 . A tongue 32 ( FIG. 5), which forms the lower end of a hook 34 , can engage in the groove 30 . The hook 34 protrudes downward from the front end of the upper part 16 , approximately where the tab 24 also protrudes forward from the upper part 16 .

The upper part 16 has an essentially flat underside 36 , while the lower part 14 has an essentially flat upper side 38 .

The rotational movement of the upper part 16 relative to the lower part 14 about the axis 18 is achieved constructively by a pin 40 ( FIG. 5) which projects downward from the upper part 16 and passes through the lower part 14 . At its free end, the pin 40 is provided with a head 42 which can rotate in a lower recess 44 in the lower part 14 . In this way, the upper part 16 is rotatable in the lower part 14 and at the same time captively gela gert.

From Fig. 5 it can also be seen that the pin 40 can be provided with a Ge thread 41 which runs in a corresponding counter thread (not shown) in the lower part 14 . Alternatively or additionally, the head 42 on its surface 43 pointing upward in FIG. 5 can be designed inclined to a radial plane with respect to the axis of rotation 18 . The lower surface 45 in the region of the recess 44 , on which the upper surface 43 rests, is correspondingly inclined in a complementary manner. The Oberflä surfaces 43 , 45 can, for. B. be designed as screw surfaces.

The closure element 12 consists of injection molded plastic parts, so that numerous variants are possible with regard to the constructive training of the swivel joint, as are known to the person skilled in the art for plastic injection molding.

As can be seen from the illustration according to FIG. 6, the bottom 36 and the top 38 form a first plane 46 . The groove 30 , on the other hand, forms a second plane 48 . The planes 46 , 48 are inclined to each other by a small angle α. The angle α, which acts as a wedge angle, can be, for example, between 1 ° and 10 °.

In order to achieve the wedge effect, either the first plane 46 or the second plane 48 can run parallel to the main plane of the closure element 12 , for example also to the surface 22 , while the other plane is inclined to the angle α.

As a result, this means that when closing the closure element 12 in the closing direction indicated by an arrow 50 in FIG. 6, the underside 36 runs under wedge action onto the upper side 38 and is increasingly wedged on the upper side 38 with increasing closing movement. If the underside 36 and the upper side 38 are sufficiently flat, who they are pressed together with a suitable dimensioning of the wedge angle α together with an actuation force that can be acquired by the consumer so strongly that the opening 26 is absolutely liquid-tightly sealed because the underside 36 and the Top 38 completely surround the opening 26 .

The wedging described above in the region of the hook 34 thus acts primarily on the outer end of the closure element 12 there . To press the bottom 36 with the top 38 but also at the opposite, in Fig. 5 left end of the closure element 12 when the closure element 12 is in the closed position, the hinge formed by the pin 40 can be further developed in the manner described his.

The thread 41 can namely be dimensioned such that it is just tightened when the closure element 12 is closed.

Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding screwing can be effected in that the surfaces 43 , 45 are inclined in the manner described above to a radial plane with respect to the axis of rotation 18 , in particular are formed as screw surfaces.

To further support the sealing effect or to be able to place lower demands on the surface quality of the underside 36 and the top side 38 , it may be appropriate in individual cases to provide the underside 36 and / or the top side 38 with a sealing lip, such as this is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 4. The sealing lip 52 also completely surrounds the opening 26 .

Finally, it can be provided in a manner known per se to provide the closure element 12 with a tamper-evident closure 54 , which is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1. The originality closure 54 prevents the container 10 from being opened unnoticed before it reaches the end user. For this purpose, the tamper-evident closure 54 is glued or welded over the entire closure element 12 in the manner of a hood and can be removed by means of a suitable tear-open tab. Therefore, if the container 10 is opened improperly before reaching the end user, this is immediately apparent from the lack of tamper-evident closure 54 or its condition of damage. The end user can then reject the container 10 at the dealer.

In the variant of the first embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 7, the upper part 16 'is provided with tongues 55 and 56 in the region of the longitudinal edges, ie the radial edges of the circular sector. Complementary to this, the lower part 14 'is provided with grooves 57 and 58 . When the upper part 16 'is brought in the direction of arrow 50 into the first operating position, ie the closed position, the tongues 55 and 56 engage in the grooves 57 and 58 , as shown in FIG. 7. This means that the upper part 16 'is wedged with the lower part 14 ' over the entire length of the radial edges of the circular sector-shaped closing element 12 '. In this Wei se not only the contact pressure in the area of the bottom 36 and top 38 is increased, the fit between the tongues 55 , 56 in the grooves 57 , 58 itself contributes to the sealing effect over a significant part of the circumference of the closure element 12 '.

Fig. 8 finally shows a second embodiment of the closure element 12 according to the invention, in which a linear movement is used instead of the rotary movement shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.

The closure element 60 in turn comprises a lower part 62 and an upper part 64 , the upper part 64 being designed in the manner of a slide in the lower part 62 . The direction of displacement is indicated by an arrow 66 in FIG. 8. The upper part 64 has a grip strip 68 on its upper side for better handling.

In the lower part 62 there is in turn an opening 70 which leads to the interior of the container (not shown).

The upper part 64 is guided in the lower part 62 by means of a straight tongue and groove guide 72 . The tongue and groove guide 72 has an angle α relative to an underside 74 of the upper part 64 and an upper side 76 of the lower part 62 , which corresponds to the wedge angle α in the first exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6.

Also in the closure member 60 of FIG. 8 is therefore achieved that the upper part is in the locking position (not shown) in the 64 in its left end position, the underside 74 of the upper part pressed 64 under strong surface pressure on the top surface 76 of the lower part 62 is, so that the completely surrounding opening 70 is in turn closed liquid-tight.

Even with the closure element 60 , wedging in the edge area can be effected when the closure element 60 is in the closed position. For this purpose, the tongue and groove guide 72 itself must be wedge-shaped in the direction 66 , so that the upper part 64 is wedged with its tongue or tongue at the end of the displacement movement in the direction of arrow 66 in the groove of the lower part 62 in a liquid-tight manner.

With 78 is indicated in Fig. 8 that z. B. a detent 78 may be provided at the front end of the tongue and groove guide 72 . This detent is designed so that the upper part 64 designed as a slide is elastically locked in the front end position. In this way, the upper part 64 is pressed even more strongly in the closed position on the lower part 62 , and it is also achieved that the upper part 64 cannot be unintentionally released again from the closed position.

In FIG. 8, a seal is also indicated at 80 , which can also be provided in a similar form on the underside in the rear area of the upper part 64 and lower part 62 . The seal 80 surrounds the front edge of the opening 70 like a collar and can serve as a pouring aid at this point. If namely the container is poured out, it can be achieved by appropriate design of the seal 80 additionally a pouring without after dripping the liquid.

Fig. 9 shows further details of the seal 80 or the complementary seal 80 'in the rear region of the upper part 64 and lower part 62nd

Similar to the arrangement according to FIG. 7, the lower part 62 is provided with a groove 82 and the upper part 64 with a tongue 83 in the area of the seal 80 . Correspondingly, in the area of the rear seal 80, the lower part 62 is provided with a tongue 86 and the upper part 64 with a groove 85 .

Fig. 9 shows the arrangement in the partially open state. The opening 70 is already partially exposed.

When the upper part 64 is pushed to the left in FIG. 9, the tongues 83 and 86 move into the grooves 82 and 85 . In this way, an improved tightness in the area of the narrow sides of the upper part 64 on the lower part 62 is achieved. The wedge-shaped configuration of the tongues 83 , 86 or grooves 82 , 85 also increases the contact pressure.

Claims (20)

1. Resealable, made of plastic pouring element for liquid containers, with a to a container ( 10 ) attachable lower part ( 14 ; 62 ) and a relatively to the lower part ( 14 ; 62 ) movable upper part ( 16 ; 64 ), the upper part ( 16 ; 64 ) with an underside ( 36 ; 74 ) in a first operating position in a liquid-tight manner on an upper side ( 38 ; 76 ) of the lower part ( 14 ; 62 ), while in a second operating position it essentially rests on the lower part ( 14 ; 62 ) is moved away and thereby releases an opening ( 26 ; 70 ) formed in the lower part ( 14 ; 62 ) for pouring out the liquid, characterized in that the upper part ( 16 ; 64 ) and the lower part ( 14 ; 62 ) with mutually complementary wedge means ( 72) is provided, the movement of the bottom (36;; 30/32 74) relative to the top (38; 76) at a wedge angle (α) cause such a way that the underside (36; 74) in the first operating Stel lung on the top ( 38 ; 76 ) is wedged. 2. pouring element according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper part ( 16 '; 64 ) with the lower part ( 14 '; 62 ) in the first operating position additionally in a Randbe rich ( 55 to 58 ; 80 to 86 ) is wedged. 3. Pouring element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper part ( 16 ) is rotatable relative to the lower part ( 18 ). 4. Pouring element according to claim 3, characterized in that the wedge means are designed as an arcuate groove ( 30 ) or spring ( 32 ). 5. pouring element according to claim 3 or 4, characterized records that it is essentially circular sector shaped forms is. 6. Pouring element according to claim 5, characterized in that the radial sides of the upper part ( 16 ') and lower part ( 14 ') as tongues ( 55 , 56 ) or grooves ( 57 , 58 ) are formed, which in the first Operating position are tightly wedged. 7. pouring element according to one or more of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that a pivot joint ( 40 - 45 ) is provided in the center of the circular arc or the circular sector, and that the pivot joint ( 40-45 ) in the second operating position has a closing force exercises on the pouring element ( 10 ). 8. pouring element according to claim 7, characterized in that the upper part ( 16 ) comprises a pivot ( 40 ) with a widened head ( 42 ) having a first surface ( 43 ) on a second surface ( 45 ) of the lower part ( 14 ) rests, and that the surfaces ( 43 , 45 ) are inclined to a radial plane of the axis of rotation ( 18 ). 9. pouring element according to claim 7, characterized in that the lower part ( 14 ) comprises a pivot pin ( 40 ) with a widened head ( 42 ) having a first surface ( 43 ) on a second surface ( 45 ) of the upper part ( 16 ) rests, and that the surfaces ( 43 , 45 ) are inclined to a radial plane of the axis of rotation ( 18 ). 10. Pouring element according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the surfaces ( 43 , 45 ) are designed as screw surfaces. 11. Pouring element according to claim 4, characterized in that the pivot joint ( 40-45 ) comprises a pivot ( 40 ) provided with a thread ( 41 ). 12. pouring element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper part ( 64 ) relative to the lower part ( 62 ) is linearly displaceable. 13. Pouring element according to claim 12, characterized in that in transverse to the direction of movement ( 66 ) Be th of upper part ( 64 ) and lower part ( 62 ) tongues ( 83 , 86 ) or grooves ( 82 , 85 ) are formed in are wedged tightly in the first operating position. 14. Pouring element according to claim 13, characterized in that the front tongue and groove arrangement in the closing direction ( 82 , 83 ) is adapted to the shape of the opening ( 70 ), in particular is designed in the form of a circular arc. 15. Pouring element according to one or more of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the wedge means are designed as a straight tongue and groove guide ( 72 ). 16. Pouring element according to claim 15, characterized in that the tongue and groove guide ( 72 ) is wedge-shaped in the direction of displacement ( 66 ), such that the upper part ( 64 ) with the lower part ( 62 ) in the first operating position in the tongue and groove guide is tightly wedged. 17. Pouring element according to one or more of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the wedge means ( 72 ) with an effective in the second operating position Ver locking ( 78 ) are provided. 18. Pouring element according to one or more of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the underside ( 36 ) and / or the top ( 38 ) is provided with a sealing lip ( 52 ). 19. Pouring element according to one or more of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it is provided with a tear-off tamper-evident closure ( 54 ). 20. Pouring element according to one or more of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that it is angeord net to a container made of cardboard as a folding box ( 10 ).