EP0933304A1 - Plastic closure made of one piece - Google Patents

Abstract

The closure consists of a base (1) and a cap (2), connected via a hinge (3). The hinge consists of a moveable part formed as a pressure spring in the central section, and as a length-adjustable traction spring in the side sections. A curved part (43) is located on one side of the part. The material/wall thickness of the moveable part is constant.

Description

The present invention relates to an integrally molded Plastic closure consisting of a lower part and a with a hinge that creates a snap effect connected cap, with the features of the preamble of Claims 1 or 2. Of particular interest here such snap hinge closures, in which the cap and the lower part is curved, preferably circular or oval-cylindrical shaped, in the closed state at least in the hinge area have vertically stacked jacket walls. Such plastic closures, in particular on Plastic containers are applied, differ except in terms of design, essentially in relation to the design of the hinge producing the snap action.

One of the earliest plastic snap hinges is in the US-A-3'135'456 (Palazzolo). So here it is described that a closure from cap and base and a the movable part connecting the two parts in one piece Plastic can be made. The hinge will go out said moving part formed opposite the Cap as well as with respect to the lower part by an arch running film hinge is limited. The two arched Film hinges approach in their course from the Side of the strip-shaped movable part towards the center towards each other and from there to the other lateral boundary of the moving part again. The two arched Film hinges approach the center to each other but do not touch. That leaves a flat moving part between the cap and the lower part, that can be moved via two completely separate swivel axes. While opening or closing the Two independent tilting movements take place, which cause a non-coordinated closing movement. Because of the circular or oval cylindrical shape The moving part is in the middle during the Open collapsed while the longer side movable surfaces are under relatively high tension. Because the jacket walls of the closure are also made of plastic are and of course they are flexible, takes place during the opening or closing of the Closure a deformation of one or both jacket walls the cap or the lower part instead. This one here principle was only later recognized and in various other snap hinge locks again realized.

Such a closure is known from DE-A-19 60 247 (Wolf) shown a container, the jacket wall for Generation of this spring action was specially designed. This unusual snap hinge technology stood in absolute Contrary to the previously common system, in which the closure was formed with a spiral spring element, the Bending spring either spread or open was compressed, with three hinge axes present are. The main joint is the connection between the cap and Lower part, while the spring element over two parallel to the Main hinge running film hinges on the one hand on the Cap and on the other hand was tied to the lower part. One DE-A-18, for example, shows such a film hinge closure 08 875 (American Optical Corporation). This solution makes none of the deformation of the closure jacket walls Use.

On the contrary, EP-A-0'056'469 (W. Wiesinger), in principle the system of US-A-3'135'456 (Palazzolo) was resumed. During Palazzolo the limiting curved film hinges just each other let approximate, Wiesinger reveals the same system in which the bounding film hinges towards the center into a common one Main film hinge converge. So it forms here a snap hinge consisting of two side Tension elements that have an approximately triangular shape and with their tips are directed towards each other and from there into one common main axis continue to run. Because this makes the mobile Part between the cap and lower part to an absolute Minimum is reduced, an exact results Closing movement around the so-called main axis, but inevitably this leads to considerably increased forces in the Snap hinge. The two side triangular ones In principle, expansion elements were too short and accordingly the arched cladding walls had to be relatively strong be deformed. This was how it worked in this Documentation correctly described for the first time.

The tension elements arranged to the side of the main axis were limited by film hinges. The increased tractive forces led that these film hinges at the first Closure of the closure has already been overstretched and then the traction elements arcuate in relation to the jacket walls were arched outwards. This was aesthetically unsatisfactory and always led to defects because the overstretched Film hinges are extremely sensitive to shear movements. Accordingly, further film hinges were developed had drawstrings instead of the triangular lateral tension elements, which are installed in niches and in the open The condition of the closure is arched. These straps went directly into the cap without a film hinge the lower part over. So passed accordingly no film hinges that could be stretched and that Tension straps remained practical even after multiple use running in the plane of the jacket walls. But here too the principle of elastic deformation of the jacket walls during opening and closing of the lock utilized. This system is from EP-A-0'291'457 (Createchnic AG) known.

Finally, EP-A-0'640'167 (Createchnic AG) is one Solution became known, which again on the old system US-A-3'135'456 (Palazzolo). While at Palazzolo the two distant to each other Swivel hinge axes formed by the so-called "curved lines "lead to a closure, its closing movement rationally unpredictable, was in here mentioned in the area between these two distant film hinges distanced the closing movement controlling body attached. This consists of one so-called tilting element with two defined contact surfaces, which in a certain sequence only to the lower part apply, whereupon a first pivoting movement around a first Swivel axis takes place, followed by the second swivel movement happens between support element and cap. At the opening the same thing happens in reverse order. The support element described here leads to a improved movement, but stiffens the closure in the area of the must be deformable jacket walls especially in the critical area. So that the tensile forces on the lateral tension elements increased again. This has the positive consequence of an increased snap effect and the negative As a result, the side tension elements in the Areas of their connection to the lower part or cap tear relatively often. Also cracks along the stiffened Tilting element was found.

Recently, a snap hinge has also emerged from US-A-5,642,824 known according to the Palazzolo 3,135,456 system. In Modification of the variant according to EP-A-640'167 is here Inverting movement of the intermediate element between the two arched film hinges through a bulging contact surface realized on the lower part of the lock. This will achieved that the arched inward in the open state Intermediate element when closing on the bulging contact surface lies on. This same functional effect leads to the same cracks in the central area on both Film hinges.

Starting again from US-A-3'135'456 (Palazzolo) and taking into account the status of the Technology has set itself the task of a Plastic snap hinge closure as from US-A-3'135'456 known to create, in the transition area from movable part to the cap or to the lower part is no longer overstretched and consequently no longer to tear tends.

This task is solved by an integrally formed plastic closure with the features of claim 1.

Thanks to the design of the plastic closure proposed here the snap effect is no longer solely from the Deformation of the jacket walls achieved, such as in the statements according to US-A-3'135'456 and EP-A-0'056'469, however not only from classic spiral springs, such as shown in DE-A-18 08 875, but for the first time a symbiosis of these two systems is shown here.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Drawing and the following description explained.

Figur 1

zeigt einen Kunststoffverschluss im nicht montierten, geschlossenen Zustand in der Seitenansicht mit Blick frontal auf das Schnappscharnier, während

Figur 2

denselben Verschluss in derselben Lage um 90° gedreht zeigt, so dass nur noch das halbe Scharnier erkennbar ist.

Figur 3

zeigt den Verschluss nach den Figuren 1 und 2 im geöffneten Zustand in der Ansicht von oben, wobei die Innenfläche des Schnappscharnieres ersichtlich ist. In

Figur 4

ist eine gestalterische Variante des erfindungsgemässen Verschlusses wiederum in der geschlossenen Lage wie nach Figur 1 dargestellt. In

Figur 5

erkennt man die Innenseite des frei beweglichen Scharnierteiles in einem erheblich vergrösserten Massstab, während

Figur 6

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie A-A,

Figur 7

einen Vertikalschnitt entlang der Linie B-B und

Figur 8

einen ebensolchen Vertikalschnitt entlang der Linie C-C, wie aus der Figur 5 ersichtlich, zeigt. Schliesslich ist in

Figur 9

eine alternative Gestaltung der Querschnittsform des beweglichen Scharnierteiles etwa im Bereich der Schnittlinie A-A dargestellt.

Figur 10

verdeutlicht im Detail eine weitere Gestaltung der Querschnittform des beweglichen Scharnierteiles einmal in Ansicht parallel zum Schnitt im Bereich A-A entsprechend wie bei Figur 5 und

Figur 11

die Variante nach Figur 10 geschnitten im Bereich C-C entsprechend wie bei Figur 5.

It shows:

Figure 1

shows a plastic closure in the unassembled, closed state in the side view with a view of the snap hinge from the front, while

Figure 2

shows the same lock rotated by 90 ° in the same position, so that only half the hinge is visible.

Figure 3

shows the closure according to Figures 1 and 2 in the open state in the view from above, the inner surface of the snap hinge can be seen. In

Figure 4

is a design variant of the closure according to the invention again in the closed position as shown in Figure 1. In

Figure 5

you can see the inside of the freely movable hinge part on a significantly enlarged scale, while

Figure 6

a section along the line AA,

Figure 7

a vertical section along the line BB and

Figure 8

shows such a vertical section along the line CC, as can be seen from FIG. 5. Finally is in

Figure 9

an alternative design of the cross-sectional shape of the movable hinge part is shown approximately in the area of the section line AA.

Figure 10

illustrates in detail a further design of the cross-sectional shape of the movable hinge part, once in a view parallel to the section in the area AA, as in FIGS

Figure 11

10 the section according to FIG. 10 cut in the area CC corresponding to FIG. 5.

Among the integrally molded plastic closures to be discussed here plastic closures are understood, which consist of two parts and a so-called Snap hinge are integrally designed in one piece. This here Integrally molded plastic closure shown has a Lower part 1 and an upper part 2, the following as a lid or cap is called. The two parts 1 and 2 are Can be pivoted in one piece via the snap hinge 3 connected with each other. For the snap hinges realized here it is essential that cap 2 and base 1 at least in the area of the hinge 3, have vertically superimposed jacket walls. Usually these jacket walls are circular or cylindrical oval cylindrical design. With absolutely straight lines Sheath walls are snap hinge locks anyway to realize completely unproblematic and therefore do not form Subject of this application.

The actual snap hinge 3 consists of a continuous, one-piece, movable part 4, which in the Figure 5 is shown separately. The mobile Part 4 is on both sides by side edges 5 limited. The movable part 4 is at the top curved film hinge 6 towards the cap 2 delimited pivotable. Mirror symmetrical to Partition plane T runs at least approximately the same curved film hinge 7, which is the limit between the movable part 4 and the lower part 1 represents. The side edges 5 are freely movable. However, one can advantageously see one in the lower part 1 corresponding niche 8 in front and in the upper part respectively the cap 2 a corresponding niche 9, so that in closed state of the closure of the movable part 4 for the most part within the circumferential contour of the closure comes to lie.

The entire movable part 4 has the overall appearance of a roughly stylized butterfly. Under the The longitudinal direction of the hinge 3 is hereby Longitudinal extension in the same direction as the parting plane is understood. The movable hinge part 4, as Seen butterfly, therefore, has a longitudinal extension that over both "wings" from a side edge 5 to other side edge 5 extends. Though the whole ebeqwegliche Part 4 is only a single element, it has functionally different areas. So one is clear recognizable zone in which during the opening and When the closure is closed, there are mainly compressive forces, the pressure zone 41, and two laterally adjoining it Areas in which the opening and closing of the Closure mainly apply tensile forces, the so-called Train zones 42 can be seen. Because these zones are not physical are clearly not clear Draw boundary lines. The invention has this Subdivision used and accordingly the movable Part 4 designed so that the functionally different Areas 41, 42 are also designed differently. For this For example, the movable part 4 has one on the External surface from one side edge 5 to the other lateral edge 5 continuously extending bulge 43, which can be designed differently. In a preferred embodiment, this bulge is as semi-cylindrical bead designed. But the bulge can also a more rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section exhibit. This cross-sectional design is for the invention practically insignificant. On the other hand, the is significant Changing the material thickness and / or increasing it Bulge. The material thickness increases from the center 44, which lies approximately in the middle of the pressure zone 41, towards the outside both side edges 5 down. The same effect is achieved by increasing the bulge to the Edges 5 increases, so that there are greater strains can take place. This decrease in material thickness takes place preferably successively. This is already in nature the thing because no sharp transitions from pressure to Train areas are noticeable. Where the bulge 43 that Center 44 of the movable part 4 crosses is the Material thickness is preferably equal to the total cross-sectional area the bulge. Another thickening, like this that the material is towards the center of the clasp protrudes is not desirable. Such as the material thickness the bulge 43 from the center 44 to the outer Edges 5 gradually decreases, is particularly in the Figures 6, 7 and 8 can be seen. Figure 8, which a 5 shows a section along the line C-C in FIG. that the bulge 43 in this area as filled, but relatively flat bead is designed. From the center on on the outside towards the lateral edges 5 this bead is now 43 higher but reduced in material thickness by the fact that the bead 43 more and more hollowed out from the inside is. In the outermost area, i.e. where the Section line A-A is drawn, the material thickness is the Bead 43 no longer opposite the adjacent area thickened. That is, the bulge 43 is relative thin-walled spiral spring. The bulge is now corresponding 43 in the area of the pressure zone 41 so that the compressive forces occurring here the zone, a compression spring same, upsetting, but practically no longer one Deformation of the adjacent jacket walls 10 and 20 respectively Guide lower part 1 or cap 2. In the train zones 42 however towards the nearest side wall out the bulge 43 so thin that when occurring Traction forces the bulge 43 stretched like a tension spring can be. This stretchability of the "wings" allows the movable hinge part 4 of the closure considerably enlarge. This has an unprecedented advantage because of this the closure is considerably more stable against torsional forces, relative to the torsion of lower part 1 and cap 2 can occur to each other. These are torsional forces Occurs relatively frequently while using one on a snap hinge closure attached to a container.

So far, this expansion or size design of the movable Hinge part a practically unsolvable optimization task. If you wanted to achieve a strong snap effect, the moving part had to be made as large as possible, but then occurred during the opening and closing of the Closure too high forces on either the container walls excessively deformed or tearing of the movable Part caused in the area of film hinges 6.7. If you reduced the size of the moving part 4, took the Snap action off and the lock tilted in the open Condition very quickly that the two closure parts, namely lower part 1 and cover 2, to each other when opening and Close twisted, which in turn destroyed the Closure led. The present invention now enables for the first time, a snap hinge closure with practical movable part 4 of any size.

The outer contour of the bulge 43 is preferably so shape that bulge over the entire course about looks the same. This is essentially a question of aesthetics. In terms of sizing, there are practical ones just a limiting size, that's the distance of the two curved film hinges 6 and 7 approximately in the area of the center. The minimal occurring here Distance corresponds to the maximum width of the Bulge 43. This width B can be thanks to the special design of the movable part 4 with the Bulge 43 should also be chosen larger than previously the functionality of the closure is considered useful has been. If you compare this in particular with the palazzolo closure, so you can see thanks to the specially designed here Pressure zone area 41 that lower part 1 and cover 2 despite a relatively large distance in the area close to the center effect precise closing movement.

Contrary to the view that is still in older property rights is represented, have the "wing surfaces" 45, which in the Literature are often referred to as intermediate elements, no relevant elastic deformability, which for the Snap effect can be used. The elastic stretchability of the movable part in the outer area of the intermediate element 45 stems only from the bulge 43, which is here thanks to its hollow design it acts practically as a tension spring.

While the execution according to Figures 1,2 and 3 a Closure of conventional design shows in Figure 4 a closure shown as an aesthetic decorative element shows a circumferential thickening 50. With such a The bulge 43 can of course be closed in this way dimension and design that they practically in the Contour of this circumferential ring bead 50 merges. Preferably you will also lay the film hinges 6 and 7 so that these are only visible on the inside. Considered if you do this, you get a lock like him is shown in Figure 4.

In the above-described and illustrated embodiments the invention is based essentially on the physical Design described and explained. In principle, however the inventive solution also described with functional features become. In principle, the moving part 4 include two different functional areas, the centric located pressure range and the following Train areas. Through a correspondingly arched design or Changes in material thickness of these areas can do more or be less stiff and more or less under tension or pressure deformable. A design like the cut along the Line B-B shows is relatively stiff but can go through the slight curvature deforms relatively well under pressure, while the elastic train deformation is barely noticeable is. Such a shape can therefore remain the same over the entire central area.

For an elastic deformation, however, the design be rather thin-walled, and the curvature be relatively larger, so that an extension is possible.

From these more fundamental considerations, one can see that basically a functionally usable snap hinge is also achievable if the bulge instead of after outside is completely laid inside.

Exactly this is the case with the variant according to FIGS. 10 and 11 realized. In addition, the material or Wall thickness of the intermediate element practically above that total extension from one side edge 5 to the opposite Keep page margin 5 constant. Only that The height of the inward bulge 43 'is reduced to the pressure zone 41 so far that in the area in which the closest to the two hinges 6 and 7, none Bulge is present. This area 41 forms a kind compressible leaf spring, which is flexible under pressure deformed. The flexibility in this area, however, must be ensured if cracking should not occur again.

Completely unexpectedly and not exactly explainable, it has been shown that the desired opening angle of a maximum of 180 ° can actually be reached approximately without realizing a "hard" closing closure that tends to defects.
In addition to the step-shaped bulge 43 ′ here inward, a bending groove 46 that concretizes the film hinge is also provided in the film hinges. The bending groove 46 makes the opening and closing movement softer and more flexible.
The choice of the height of the bulge depends essentially on the size of the closure and on the wrap angle of the two "wings" around the closure. Likewise and in the same dependence is the choice of the material thickness or wall thickness of the "wing". Of course, the choice of material also plays a role. However, the designer can carry out this optimization with his specialist knowledge.

Claims (10)

Integrally shaped plastic closure consisting of a lower part (1) and thus one over one Hinge (3) producing snap action Cap (2), the cap (2) and the lower part (1) curved, preferably circular or oval cylindrical shaped, in the closed state at least in Hinge area aligned one above the other Have jacket walls (10, 20), and the hinge (3) from a continuous one-piece moving part (4) there is a continuous thin section or film hinge (7) with the lower part (1) and over a second thin spot or film hinge (6) with the Cap (2) is connected, both thin points or Film hinges (6,7) together such a course have that the thin parts delimiting the part in the middle of the hinge (44) closest to each other from there run away from each other relative to each other, characterized in that the moving part in the central area (41) as a compressible compression spring and in the lateral areas (42) as adjustable in length Tension spring is designed. Integrally shaped plastic closure consisting of a lower part (1) and thus one over one Hinge (3) producing snap action Cap (2), the cap (2) and the lower part (1) curved, preferably circular or oval cylindrical shaped, in the closed state at least in Hinge area aligned one above the other Have jacket walls (10, 20), and the hinge (3) from a continuous one-piece moving part (4) there is a continuous thin section or film hinge (7) with the lower part (1) and over a second thin spot or film hinge (6) with the Cap (2) is connected, both thin points or Film hinges (6,7) together such a course have that the thin parts delimiting the part in the middle of the hinge (44) closest to each other from there run away from each other relative to each other, characterized in that on an area of the movable part (4) one of a side Edge (5) bulge (43) running towards the center (44) is arranged, which in relation to their elevation and / or width from the center (44) of the part to the increases on both side edges (5). Plastic closure according to claim 2, characterized characterized that the material thickness or wall thickness of the movable part (4) at least approximately is constant everywhere. Plastic closure according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer contour of the bulge (43) is constant over the entire course. Plastic closure according to claim 2, characterized in that the bulge (43) in relation to the Direction of travel along the circumference of the closure from the center to the side edges (5) in the Width increases. Plastic closure according to claim 2, characterized in that the material thickness from the center (44) too the lateral edges (5) continuously decreases. Plastic closure according to claim 2, characterized in that the material thickness from the center (44) too the lateral edges (5) gradually decreases. Plastic closure according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer contour of the bulge (43) a radial section through the closure arched is. Plastic closure according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer contour of a radial cut is approximately rectangular due to the bulge (43). Plastic closure according to claim 2, characterized in that the bulge (43 ') in the closed Condition of the closure is directed inwards.

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