EP0885812B1 - Container closure and apparatus for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

On the base(3) of the closure there is a sealing insert(9) with a ring area(11) which lies against the container edge and has a compression zone(13). The ring area includes one or more radial grooves extending from the central area(19) of the insert to the compression zone. An Independent claim is made for a tool for producing the container closure comprising a punch and a surrounding collar. The punch face facing the base(3) of the closure has a peripheral recess and/or peripheral raised area projection facing the ring area(11) of the sealing insert(9) and an annular groove with ribs to form the radial grooves in the closure.

Description

The invention relates to a container closure according to Preamble of claim 1 and also one Device for producing a container closure according to the preamble of claim 5.

Container closures and devices for their manufacture are known. Have closures of this type the disadvantage that they are the container to be closed not safe in all cases with hot filling to lock. It is possible that the container is air pulls. That is, the one filled with hot content Container with a container closure of the type mentioned here is closed after cooling the content none or only one insufficient vacuum. This is because that the sealing insert does not open the mouth closes securely.

DE 196 14 019 A1 describes a sealing insert known that has a sealing lip. This lies in the area of the container mouth on the side wall of the container. The disadvantage is that it Use of this sealing insert to burst of the container can come.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a container closure and a device for producing the same to create that do not have this disadvantage.

The object underlying the invention will solved by a container closure that the in Features mentioned claim 1. The Sealing insert has a larger outside diameter on than the mouth opening to be closed of the container. An area of the gasket insert protrudes laterally over the edge of the Container that surrounds the mouth opening. The sealing insert is in accordance with the invention at least one provided in the peripheral area Provide recess in the inside of the container allow given blow-off, allow gas and liquid to escape, so that the container does not burst becomes. Nevertheless, it is ensured that the container closure locks the container securely. The sealing insert, that spans the edge of the container, fixes the container closure on the container so that the tightness even in the event of side impacts or the completion of the mouth opening is guaranteed. That way you can Air puller, i.e. an unwanted suction of Avoid air at negative pressure in the container become.

Further refinements result from the subclaims.

In addition, there is also a device for production proposed a container closure with whose help closures can be made, the Disadvantages mentioned above do not have.

A device is also used to achieve this object suggested; those listed in claim 5 Features includes. This is characterized by it that the stamp with at least one Projection is provided from the extreme edge of the Stamp arises and essentially parallel runs to the central axis of the stamp. In the preparation of a closure and when embossing the Sealing insert is with the help of the projection in the Circumferential area of the seal created a recess, as explained in detail above has been. So it is possible with the help of this device to create a container closure that a secure closure of the mouth opening of a Allows container.

In a preferred embodiment of the device it is envisaged that several projections in outermost stamp edge are arranged, preferably - seen in the circumferential direction - in uniform Distances from each other.

Figur 1

einen Teilschnitt durch einen Behälterverschluß mit einer Dichtungseinlage;

Figur 2

einen vergrößerten Teilschnitt durch eine abgewandelte Dichtungseinlage;

Figur 3

eine Draufsicht auf eine Dichtungseinlage;

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Teils einer Vorrichtung zur Herstellung eines Behälterverschlusses; und

Figur 5

eine Detailvergrößerung aus Figur 4.

The invention is explained below with reference to a drawing. Show it:

Figure 1

a partial section through a container closure with a sealing insert;

Figure 2

an enlarged partial section through a modified sealing insert;

Figure 3

a plan view of a sealing insert;

Figure 4

a perspective view of part of a device for producing a container closure; and

Figure 5

an enlarged detail of Figure 4.

From the illustration in Figure 1 is a container closure 1 can be seen, which is made of deep-drawn material is made. It comprises a bottom 3, of the mouth opening of one to be closed Covers the container. A circumferential one goes from the floor Side wall 5 out, so that quasi a cup-shaped Container closure is formed.

On the inner surface 7 of the bottom 5, that of the mouth opening facing is an embossed sealing insert 9 provided a revolving Ring area 11 includes. The ring area lies on the rim of the container surrounding the mouth opening on, which is not shown in Figure 1. In the outer peripheral region of the ring region 11 a compression zone 13 provided by at least one, here three wells is formed, which are designed as ring grooves 15.

The ring area 11 can be at an angle to the floor 3 or to its inner surface 7 extending edge 17 be surrounded on the is discussed in more detail below.

In the embodiment shown here Sealing insert 9 is within the ring area 11 a thin-walled central region 19 is provided, which is thinner to save material than the ring area 11.

Figure 2 shows a modified embodiment a sealing insert 9 '. Same parts are with provided with the same reference numbers, so that reference is made to the description of FIG. 1. The Sealing insert 9 'is characterized in that the compression zone 13 is formed in that here a ring bead starting from the ring region 11 21 is provided, which from the bottom 3 or the inner surface 7 of the container closure 1 in the one enclosed by the container closure 1 Interior 23 (Figure 1) protrudes and in the closed Condition of a container with which the Mouth opening surrounding edge of the container in Intervention occurs.

In the illustration according to FIG. 2, the ring bead has 21 has a trapezoidal cross section. However, it is also conceivable, essentially one to provide triangular ring bead, the base of which is formed by the ring region 11 and also can have a rounded tip.

It is still possible to use the compression zone 13 by several concentric annular beads 21 to realize. The representation according to FIG. 2 shows that the compression zone 13 preferably at outer edge of the ring region 11 is arranged.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the sealing insert 9 ", namely on the interior 23 or facing the container to be closed Inside 25. The scale of the representation in Figure 3 is significantly smaller than that in Figure 2. However, the central area 19 is clearly the ring region 11 and the annular bead 21 can be seen.

In Figure 3 it can be seen that the sealing insert 9 '' in the area of the edge 17, the outer diameter is larger than the diameter of the edge of the container to be closed, with at least one, here three recesses can. In the embodiment shown here the sealing insert 9 '' are the side walls 29 and 31 of the recess 27 at a distance from one another arranged and close an acute angle one that faces the outer edge of the sealing insert 9 '' opens. It is also conceivable for the side walls Arranged parallel to each other and quasi-rectangular Provide recesses. The base 33 of the Recess 27 extends essentially to the Compression zone 13 or the ring bead 21 approach.

It is also possible to use the one shown in FIG. 1 Sealing insert with a recess provided and, if necessary, then there to the compression zone to renounce. It is also possible in the sealing insert shown in Figure 3 9 '' without the compression zone 13, if at least one of the recesses 27 is provided is.

However, a container closure is particularly preferred 1, in which the sealing insert 9, 9 'or 9 '' both a compression zone 13 and also at least one, preferably three in the circumferential direction arranged at the same distance from each other Recesses 27 includes.

In the following, the container closure 1 and on the effect of the sealing insert 9, 9 ', 9 "closer received.

The first time you close a container, for example one filled with a hot filling Bottle, the container closes with the bottom placed on the mouth of the container, the side wall 5 the wall of the container encloses, which surrounds the mouth opening. In the outer wall of the container is in this area an external thread. This is now in molded the container closure 1. To do this, this initially with the help of a so-called plunger in its edge area, i.e. in the transition between the bottom 3 and the side wall 5 a deep-drawing process subjected and the bottom 3 with the Sealing insert 9, 9 ', 9' 'pressed firmly against the edge, that surrounds the mouth opening. Doing so the compression zone 13 compresses. Now in the side wall 5 introduced the thread respectively rolled up, then with the external thread cooperates on the container. Now that is Container closure 1 applied.

If the plunger from the container closure 1 is removed, it springs back slightly until the thread on the container finds a firm hold. The compression zone 13 ensures that the seal of the mouth opening also after ensures the spring back of the container closure 1 is.

The compression zone 13 is in that shown in Figure 1 Embodiment of the container closure 1 realized in that the usual Contact pressure values practically incompressible Ring area 11 by one, here three ring-shaped Ring grooves 15 is weakened so that actually compressing the material of the Sealing insert 9 is possible. When the spring springs back Container closure 1 finds decompression of the material of the sealing insert 9 instead, so that this still lies sealingly on the edge of the container. Accordingly, it is possible to use the ring bead 21 of the compression zone 13 in that shown in Figure 2 Press embodiment together. Since the annular bead 21 is essentially measured in the radial direction is narrower than the ring area 11 here less material is available, which corresponds to the contact pressure resist during the deep-drawing process could. The material of the annular bead 21 is therefore with the usual forces during the deep-drawing process compressed and compressed. When losing weight of the plunger, the annular bead 21 expands again and still closes the mouth opening tight.

The advantageous sealing behavior of the container closure 1 results after all from that in the ring area 11 of the sealing insert 9, 9 ', 9 '' a certain compressibility respectively The sealing material is flexible. Because after the completion of the container closure 1 when removing the plunger the container closure springs back somewhat, the compression zone 13 compensate for this travel by using the sealing material expands when the lock springs back. It is provided here that the compression zone 13 through depressions or ring grooves 15 in the ring area 11 or by a ring bead 21 is formed. In both cases it is guaranteed that that under normal pressure forces practically non-compliant material of the sealing insert can be squeezed and then springs back to initial sealing of the container during which Content is still hot. Through this initial conclusion of the container it is possible that suction of air as the contents of the container cool is avoided and a tight seal results.

As can be seen here, the compression zone 13 is easy to manufacture. In particular, can on additional sealing lips that essentially should seal due to their bending effect become. It has been shown that bent sealing lips, on the one hand, costly to produce are, on the other hand, the material requirements Increase the production of the sealing insert. Moreover it is practically impossible to get the spring back properties such a sealing insert on the Movement of the lock when the plunger is lifted optimally set.

The compression zone 13 described here draws is characterized by a compliance, the Spring back travel perpendicular to the surface of the ring area 11 or to the inner surface 7 of the bottom 3 of the container closure 1 runs. For the Springback of the material in the compression zone 13 so no bending forces are required, so that also a very safe function regarding the first sealing behavior is given.

If the container closure 1 with at least one Recess 27 is provided, as is shown in FIG 3 is indicated, can be a lateral Butt on the container closure 1 the sealing insert 9, 9 ', 9' 'so that the Sealing effect is canceled and the container air pulls. Such a shift is at least possible if the sealing insert is not sufficient Has found a stop on the container.

By the edge 17, the sealing insert 9, 9 ', 9 '' securely fixed on the container so that the Ring area 11 and, if provided, its compression zone 13 stay aligned so that too in the event of a side impact, the sealing insert cannot be moved so that with a negative pressure air is drawn into the container.

By fixing the sealing insert 9, 9 ', 9' ' in the correct position over the mouth opening remains a container closure placed on the container 1 tight even with a side impact. This reliably prevents air from being drawn in.

It is readily apparent that a container closure, whose sealing insert is both a compression zone 13 and also has an edge 17, an optimal seal ensures that on the one hand when closing the container Evasion movement of the container closure through compensated for an expansion of the compression zone can be and on the other hand in the event of an impact on the Container closure still a secure fixation of the closure or the sealing insert remains guaranteed.

The container closure described here is after all particularly suitable for a so-called top-side closure, for a container closure, which is a seal of a container exclusively thereby causing the sealing of the container intended area of the sealing insert rests on the edge area of the container that the Mouth opening surrounds, so not on the side wall of the container which is the mouth opening encloses.

Figure 4 shows part of a device for manufacturing a container closure 1, as based on of Figures 1 to 3 has been described.

About the function of the tool, which is basically known the following is only briefly stated:

To produce a container closure 1 with a sealing insert 9, 9 ', 9' 'is placed in a container a predetermined amount of a sealing material applied to the inner surface 7 of the bottom 3. Then the device for manufacturing of the clasp, which is a stamp and a Stamp surrounding sleeve has in the interior of the container lowered.

The sleeve surrounding the stamp becomes complete lowered to the inner surface 7 of the bottom 3, while the stamp is at a distance above the inner surface 7 stops. When lowering the stamp the sealing compound applied to the inner surface 7 embossed and deformed so that it space between the sleeve facing the bottom 3 End face of the stamp and the inner surface 7 of the Bottom 3 completely filled.

Then the stamp can first be removed from the container closure 1 pulled out and finally the Sleeve are removed.

FIG. 4 therefore shows part of a device 35 for producing a container closure 1, namely the stamp 37. In the perspective view is that of the inner surface 7 of the bottom 3 one Container closure 1 facing end face 39 of the stamp clearly visible. The highest area 41 forms during the embossing process the manufacture of the sealing insert 9 whose thin-walled Middle area 19. This area 41 is surrounded by an annular groove 43 which defines the ring area 11 shapes. In the bottom of the annular groove 43 is introduced a circumferential recess 45 which during an embossing process the annular bead 21 arise leaves. Instead of this recess 45 can also at least one, preferably three annular projections can be provided, the annular grooves 15 of the Allow gasket insert 9 (Figure 1).

It is therefore clear that the special design the end face 39 of the stamp 37 die Compression zone 13 can be produced. there can the compression zone due to in Figure 4 not shown annular projections are formed that in the ring area 11th annular depressions or ring grooves 15 are introduced. Of course you can here too, for example, punctiform depressions can be provided to form the compression zone 13. But it is also possible, as with the help of FIG. 3 explains how to form an annular bead 21, in which the recess 45 in the region of the annular groove 43 is provided.

From the previous explanations for Figure 4 clearly as the compression zone 13 of the container closure 1 is manufactured.

In addition or instead of the recess 45 can at least one projection 47 is provided, the arranged in the outer edge region of the stamp 47 is and essentially parallel to an imaginary one Surface normal that is perpendicular to the Surface area 41 or the front side 39 stands. The thickness of the measured in the radial direction Projection 47 is chosen so that its inside approximately coincides with the outer diameter of the recess 45.

In the embodiment shown here in the circumferential direction at substantially the same distance projections 47 arranged relative to one another are provided, their width measured in the circumferential direction very much is much smaller than the entire circumference of the Stamp 37. The projections 47 serve the Recesses 27 (Figure 3) in the edge 17 of the sealing insert bring in.

If the stamp 37 with at least one projection 47 formed, so the stamp in the manufacture a container closure 1 so far in lowered the inside of a container closure, until the end face 49 of the stamp on the inner surface 7 of the bottom 3 of the container closure 1 lies on. This is not only the recess 27 manufactured but also a defined thickness of Sealing insert set in a simple way.

The projections 47 can be molded onto the stamp 37 his. It is also possible to use the tabs as to form separate parts on the stamp 37 in a suitable manner, for example by gluing, Soldering or welding are attached. It is too conceivable, in the circumferential surface 51 of the punch 37 Introduce wells in which the as separate Parts trained projections 47 used and in the manner mentioned, for example with the help be fastened by at least one screw. On this way it is possible in case of damage too to exchange individual projections 47.

The outer shape of the protrusions 47 is determined so that recesses 27 of the desired expression arise: the side walls 53 and 55 of one Projection 47 can be parallel to each other or in to be arranged at an acute angle to one another the essentially trapezoidal shape of the recess 27, as shown in Figure 3 has been.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 4, namely the edge area of the stamp 37 in a side view. It is clearly recognizable that the end face 39 of the stamp has a surface area 41, which is surrounded by the annular groove 43. This goes over one running at an angle of approx. 45 ° Level 57 in the area 41 over.

A partial section in FIG. 5 clearly shows that in the bottom of the annular groove 43 a recess 45th is brought in by two under one pointed Flanks 59 and 61 running at an angle to one another is limited. This recess 45 is essentially Trapezoidal and used for manufacturing of the trapezoidal ring bead 21 and thus the realization of the compression zone 13.

To the outside closes the annular groove 43 under an acute angle to the vertical sloping wall area 63 to that of training the edge 17 is used.

It is also clear from the illustration according to FIG. 5 that that instead of the recess 45 one or more Projections provided on the bottom of the annular groove 43 which can then be used to manufacture the Wells or ring grooves 15 as they were explained with reference to Figure 1, serve. How explained above, can thus by such projections a compression zone at the bottom of the annular groove 43 13 are manufactured.

The container closure described here consists of deep-drawn material to help shape the edge area to be able to carry out the embossing process which is required when closing a container is. Container closures are particularly preferred made of aluminum, at least if these as bottle caps are provided.

Claims (6)

1. Container closure (1), in particular bottle closure, made of deep-drawn metal, with a bottom (3) covering the mouth of the container and with a peripheral side wall (5) and with an embossed sealing insert (9) provided on the inner surface (7) of the bottom directed towards the mouth, said sealing insert (9) having a peripheral ring area (11) which lies on an edge of the container surrounding the mouth when the container is closed, said sealing insert having a greater external diameter than the container mouth which is to be closed, characterized in that the sealing insert (9; 9'; 9'') is provided with at least one recess (27), preferably three recesses (27), arranged in the circumferential area and spaced apart substantially uniformly in the circumferential direction.
2. Container closure according to Claim 1, characterized in that the side walls (29, 31) of the recesses (27) are arranged at a distance from one another and extend substantially parallel to one another or enclose an acute angle which opens outwards.
3. Container closure according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base (33) of the recess (27) is arranged near the outer edge of a compression zone (13) which lies in the ring area (11).
4. Container closure according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a plurality of recesses (27) are provided which are preferably at the same distance from one another in the circumferential direction.
5. Apparatus for manufacturing a container closure (1), in particular a bottle closure, made of deep-drawn metal, with a bottom (3) covering the mouth of the container and with a peripheral side wall (5) and with an embossed sealing insert (9) provided on the inner surface (7) of the bottom (3) directed towards the mouth, said sealing insert (9) having a peripheral ring area (11) which lies on an edge of the container surrounding the mouth when the container is closed, in particular according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the stamp (37) is provided with at least one projection (47) which protrudes from the outer edge of the stamp (37) and extends substantially parallel to a surface normal which extends perpendicular to the end face (39) of the stamp (37).
6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, characterized in that the stamp (37) - preferably viewed in the circumferential direction - comprises projections (47) arranged at a uniform distance from one another.

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