EP1341703B1 - Sealing device for drink packages - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealing device (3, 30) for sealing off an opening (5) of a plastic drink package. Said sealing device (3, 30) has a flexible collar (10) that is provided with an inward-facing surface (45) that is subject to the internal pressure. The collar (10), in the closed position of the sealing device (30), is functionally linked with a collar rim (11) of the opening (5) to be sealed off and is adapted to exert a pressure (K) thereon that increases in proportion to the internal pressure (P).

Description

The invention relates to a device for sealing beverage packaging, in particular beverage containers made of plastic which are under internal pressure, according to the preamble of the independent claim.

From the prior art closures for beverage packaging are under Internal pressure, e.g. Pet bottles, known. The closures of these packages require very high closing forces, so that a sufficient tightness between the sealing surfaces is guaranteed. The resulting high operating forces represent a disadvantage. In addition, these closures have a very low Fault tolerance and therefore require a very high precision in the production. The fabrication is therefore associated with very great effort.

Even at high internal pressure sufficient contact pressure and thus sufficient To achieve tightness, the closures known today have a thread on. Only through this it is possible to create the necessary closing forces. At the Opening the shutters is a hindrance to the threads as it obstructs the escaping gas.

Most common closures are made of plastic by injection molding. Today's closures require that they are manufactured to very tight tolerances Need to become.

EP0911273 shows a closure for closing packages for Dry food. The closure has a lower part and an upper part over a joint are connected together. The base is placed on the neck of a package screwed on and has a molded seal. EP0911273 does not disclose Closure suitable for storing pressurized liquids.

US-3,079,023 shows a gasket with a T-shaped cross section for a Screw cap. As the description shows, the seal is used in the Closure of the closure so deformed that it does not when the bottle is closed can slip. In US-3,079,023 there is no indication of a seal, which has an internal pressure-dependent sealing force.

US-3,446,380 shows a metal crown fastener for crimping onto glass bottles suitable is. The seal is a conventional seal used in the Crimping is squeezed together and thereby unfolds a sealing effect. The out US-3,446,380 known closure is intended for single use and is suitable not to reseal the bottle. US-3,446,380 does not disclose the closure of suitable for high internal pressures. In addition, the known from US-3,446,380 Closure comparatively high closing forces.

The object of the invention disclosed herein is to provide a device for Sealing of beverage packaging, in particular beverage packaging Plastic which are under internal pressure to show, which does not have high closing forces requires, but is still tight even at very high Bchälterinnendrücken. The A device for sealing is intended in particular for closures with a hinge and / or a label.

The object is solved by the invention defined in the claims.

The invention consists in a sealing device for sealing an opening of a Beverage Packaging. The sealing device has a sealing means which is designed in this way and arranged to have a sealing force proportional to the internal pressure generated, which acts on an edge region of the opening to be sealed.

The sealing device is designed so that the sealing effect largely independent is of a high initial power. Due to the design, dimensioning and arrangement of the sealant and the internal pressure exposed surface is the sealing effect, resp. -force set.

The sealant is in whole or in part compared to the surrounding elements flexible design, such that it is due to a pressure difference (internal pressure) deformed. The sealing effect is achieved by the deformation of the Is specifically hindered sealant, so that due to the obstruction of a sealing force arises. By injection molding processable materials which are a Shore hardness, which is preferably in the range of 20 to 80. The one for one proper functioning required flexibility of the sealant is dependent from the geometry and mechanical properties of the adjacent areas. Good experiences have been achieved materials that have mechanical properties, which are similar to those of silicone.

The invention disclosed herein is particularly suitable for one or more parts closures made of plastic. The sealant may integrally form part of the closure or be designed as a separate part. If necessary, closures are preferred produced by multi-component injection molding. That's the way it is, for example possible by different choice of material a device with a flexible Sealant in a comparatively little deformable closure to integrate.

Figur 1

eine erste Ausführungsform einer Dichtvorrichtung;

Figur 2

eine Detailansicht auf Fig. 1;

Figur 3

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer geöffneten Stellung;

Figur 4

einen Scharnierverschluss in Schliessstellung;

Figur 5

den Scharnierverschluss gemäss Fig. 4 in Offenstellung;

Figur 6

einen Verschluss mit einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Dichtvorrichtung;

Figur 7

den Verschluss gemäss Figur 6 in einer Frontalansicht;

Figur 8

fünf Ausführungsformen von Dichtmitteln.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. It shows schematically and greatly simplified:

FIG. 1

a first embodiment of a sealing device;

FIG. 2

a detailed view of Fig. 1;

FIG. 3

the device of Figure 1 in an open position.

FIG. 4

a hinge lock in the closed position;

FIG. 5

the hinge closure according to Figure 4 in the open position.

FIG. 6

a closure with a further embodiment of a sealing device;

FIG. 7

the closure according to Figure 6 in a front view;

FIG. 8

five embodiments of sealants.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a closure 1 with a sealing device according to the invention which serves to seal an opening 5. The illustration shows the closure 1 with a closure body 2 and a sealant 3 in a sectional view. The closure 1 is arranged here on a neck 4 of a container, the opening 5 he closes sealing. The sealant 3 is made here a separate element that at least partially with inner surfaces of the closure body 2 corresponds and is supported on these.

The sealant 3 has a collar 10 which in this illustration with a Edge of a neck (henceforth neck edge) 11 of the opening to be closed 5 in one detachable active compound is. The collar 10 is compared to the closure body 2 flexibly formed such that he reinforced at internal pressure on the neck edge 11 supports and closes this sealing.

The collar 10 is designed so that it upon placement of the closure 1 on the Neck 4 a certain deformation through the neck edge 11 undergoes the initial one Sealing effect generated.

The closure body 2 has two laterally arranged arms 6, which in a Open the ring 7. The ring 7 surrounds the neck 4 and has protruding locking elements 8, which are fixed to the ring 7 and in the closed position in engagement with a on the neck 4 radially projecting locking edge 9. As a result, the shutter 1 is safe locked. The shutter 1 can be unlocked by the ring 7 by lateral Pressing is deformed so that it is ovalized and the locking elements. 8 releases.

The closure 1 has means for centering the closure 1 on the neck 4. These means, which are not shown here in detail, can be considered radially inwardly projecting Be formed ribs. They serve to position the collar 10 opposite the edge 11 of the opening 5 in the unloaded state.

Figure 2 shows the detail D of Figure 1. To recognize a part of the closure body 2 and the sealant 3. The collar 10 is in operative connection with the neck edge 11 of the opening 5. The forces acting due to an internal pressure are schematic represented by arrows P. The force acting on the collar 10 internal pressure causes the collar to be pressed with a force K against the neck edge 11, such that the opening 5 is sealed. The size of the resulting Sealing force K is adjustable by the configuration of the collar 10.

The sealing effect can be further increased by the neck edge 11 or the Collar 10 has means which are responsible for a concentration of the sealing effect Forces leads. One or more are suitable in the contact area between Collar 10 and neck edge 11 arranged annularly projecting elements or margins (not shown).

FIG. 3 shows the closure according to FIG. 1 in an open position, such as is recognize, the locking elements 8 are no longer with the locking edge 9 in engagement that the closure is freely removable. When unlocking the shutter 1 is whole Cross-section of the opening to be sealed immediately released, whereby any Gas can escape from the interior of the packaging.

Figure 4 shows a simplified hinge closure 20 made of plastic in a perspective Sectional view. The hinge lock 20, which is closed here is shown, has a lower part 21 and an upper part 22, which via a hinge 23 (Filmschamier) are interconnected. The closure 20 is preferably produced by injection molding of plastic.

The lower part 21 has an opening 5, sealed by a sealing means 3 sealing becomes. The sealant 3 has a collar 10 which is provided with a neck edge 11 of the opening 5 is in operative connection. The sealing means 3 is designed in such a way that it exerts a pressure force proportional to the internal pressure on the edge 11, in such a way that the opening is securely closed. The sealant 3 is also here as a separate Means trained. Of course it can also be in the hinge closure 20 be integrated or form part of it.

The upper part 22 has a hammer-shaped blocking element projecting on an edge 25, which in the closed position with a corresponding groove element 26 of the lower part 21 engages and closes the hinge closure. The blocking element 25 and the groove element 26 are designed such that they are in one Injection mold without additional means such as slides, etc., are demoldable. Of the Closure 20 can be opened by the blocking element 25 relative to the groove element 26 forward, away from the base, is bent.

FIG. 5 shows the closure 20 according to FIG. 4 in the open position. To recognize are the film hinge 23 which connects the lower part 21 with the upper part 22 articulated. In the interior of the upper part 22, the sealant 3 can be seen. The sealant 3 is arranged in a skirt 29 which holds the sealant and its lateral Extension limited. The collar 10 of the sealant 3 is compared to Material of the closure 20 made of a relatively elastic material, such that the Collar 10 is deformable without much effort.

The hammer-shaped blocking element 25 is free from the edge of the closure upper part 22 up. The wall thickness corresponds approximately to that of the upper part 22. The blocking element 25 has a wider area 27 and a narrower area 28. Of the narrower portion 28 is between the wider portion 27 and the upper part 22nd arranged. The groove member 26, which is located at the front of the lower part 21, is such configured such that it can be brought into engagement with the blocking element 25. The blocking element 25 engages with advantage from the outside in the groove element 26 a. This is what it is for example possible by attaching a foil, which after closing the Closure 20 is placed around this and removed before the first opening need to obtain a guarantee seal. The film is thereby around the closure 20, the blocking element 25 and the groove element 26 placed that the engagement between the Locking element 25 and the groove member 26 can not be solved without the foil is removed.

The closure 20 is preferably screwed onto a container to be closed or bounced up.

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of a closure 40 with an inventive device Sealing device 30. The sealing device 30 is part of a closure cap 31 and corresponds to a neck edge 11 of an opening 5. The collar 10th the sealing device 30 is here in an internal angle α with respect to the closure cap 31, respectively the edge 11, arranged. The collar 10 consists of in comparison to the environment flexible material that is well deformable. The sealing device with the collar 10 is part of the cap 31 or is as a separate Element produced and subsequently inserted into the cap 31. The angle α is determined by the requirements of the sealing effect to be achieved Internal pressure, the desired initial sealing force and manufacturability. The Inncnkontur of the collar 10 is preferably chosen so that the collar in a production is easily demolded by injection molding. Depending on the application, the Be formed cylindrical inside surface, as long as the required elasticity of the Collar 10 is guaranteed. The outer angle α '(see Figure 7) is chosen so that the collar 10 is well inserted into the opening 5 and when placed on the Neck edge 11 undergoes a radial deformation, which builds up a ring tension. By The exploitation of these hoop stresses is possible even with very elastic material to produce a sufficient initial force acting on the edge, so that a sufficient initial seal results. Due to the flexibility of the collar 10 will be Inaccuracies compensated for the seal. In contrast to that from the The prior art closures seals the invention even with larger ones Inaccuracies.

The neck edge 11 is here part of a closure part 32, with an internal thread 33. The closure bottom can be screwed onto a conventional PET bottle. Of course, the closure bottom 32 also as part of a Cetränkerverpackung be educated. The closure bottom 32 has two lateral, diametrically opposite partially radially projecting lower closing means 34, the each have a downwardly broadening recess 35. In these recesses 35 engage with attached cap 31 corresponding formed upper closing means 36 a, which via a web 38 on the cap 31st are formed. The upper closing means 36 has at the end of the web 38 a broadening 39, which engages positively in the recess 35. The closing means 34, 36 are designed to be without a slide in an injection mold can be produced. The inner, directed away from the cap 31 edge the recesses 35 has an undercut. In this undercut attacks the widening 39 of the upper closing means 36 and thereby secures the cap 31 against unintentional unlocking.

FIG. 7 shows the closure 40 from FIG. 6 in a frontal view. The geometry the closure 40 is selected so that when placing the cap 31 on the closure bottom 32 of the collar 10 by the operative connection with the neck edge 11 slightly inward, in the direction of arrow A, is deformed. The elastic Material of the collar 10 resists this deformation, resulting in a contact pressure at the neck edge 11 results. This contact causes an initial sealing effect. Internal pressure affects the inner area of the collar 11, thereby extending the collar against the direction of the arrow A. tries. This movement is hindered by the neck edge 11 and causes a Concentration of forces in this area. The collar 10 is designed so that He targeted the forces in the interaction area between the collar 10 and the Neck edge 11 passes and so a sealing force is generated, which increases with increasing internal pressure proportionally increases. The collar 10 may be formed so that it Achievement of a defined maximum pressure with closed cap 31 specifically slips off the neck edge 11 and everting outwards, so that the supercritical Internal pressure is reduced. A dangerous leaking of the closure will thereby avoided. The initial sealing effect can beconflusst by measures which affect the position of the collar 10 with respect to the neck edge 11. These measures include: Variation of the thickness of the bottom of the cap 31; Length of the webs 38; Accumulation of material in the area of the corresponding one another Areas of the lower and upper closing means 35, 36. This is it is possible to selectively adjust the initial sealing effect by simple measures. Shrinkage problems in the curing of plastics in the production can be specifically compensated.

The cap 31 has Gasaustrittsbcreiche 40, the targeted upon opening Gas exhaust cause.

FIG. 8 shows five different embodiments (a to c) of sealing means 30 in FIG a perspective sectional view. In a first sealing means 30 is the Collar 10 is arranged radially inwards. This first sealant essentially corresponds the sealant 3 of Figures 1 to 5.

The second sealing means 30 (b) has an obliquely inwardly extending collar 10 on. The collar 10 has a constant wall thickness and is arranged through the outside Supported ribs 41. This embodiment is suitable for very high internal pressures. The area in which a neck edge rests is indicated by a dashed line 42 indicated. The third sealant 30 (c) substantially corresponds to the sealant from the figures 7 and 8. This third sealing means 30 also has a inwardly inclined collar 10. The collar 10 has a decreasing towards the edge Wall thickness on. The pressure surface 45 exposed to the internal pressure, Collar 10 is hatched.

The fourth sealant 30 (d) substantially corresponds to the third sealant (c). However, this fourth sealant has in the sealing area 42 on it on a Halsrand rests on projecting annular means, which has a concentration of Effect sealing forces.

The fifth sealant 30 has a collar 10 on the one inwardly directed Has kink. The shape of the collar causes an additional concentration of Sealing forces in the sealing area 42. The illustrated sealing means a to e are particularly suitable for hinged closures.

Claims (19)

1. A sealing device (3, 30) for sealing an opening (5) of a drinks packaging by way of a flexible collar (10), which in a closed position of the sealing device (3, 30) is in active connection with a neck edge (11) of the opening to be sealed and which comprises an inwardly directed surface (45) which is subjected to the inner pressure (P), characterised in that the collar (10) is designed in a manner such that a sealing force (K) of the collar (10) on the neck edge (11) is dependent on the inner pressure (P) acting on the surface (45).
2. A sealing device (3, 30) according to claim 1, characterised in that the collar (10) is directed radial inwards.
3. A sealing device (3, 30) according to claim 1, characterised in that the collar (10) is shaped running obliquely inwards at an angle (α, α').
4. A sealing device (3, 30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the collar (10) and/or the neck edge (10) comprise means which effect a concentration of the sealing force (K).
5. A sealing device (3, 30) according to patent claim 4, characterised in that the means is a peripheral, concentrically arranged bead.
6. A sealing device (3, 30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the collar (10) has a variable wall thickness.
7. A sealing device (3, 30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the collar (10) comprises a bend.
8. A sealing device (3, 30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the collar (10) is supported by ribs (41).
9. A sealing device (3, 30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the collar (10) has a hardness which lies in the range of 20 to 80 Shore A.
10. A sealing device (3, 30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the surface subjected to the inner pressure (P) is shaped cylindrically.
11. A closure (1, 20, 40), characterised by a sealing device (3, 30) according to one of the preceding patent claims.
12. A closure (1, 20, 40) according to claim 10, characterised in that the sealing device (3, 30) is formed as a separate part (3).
13. A closure (1, 20, 40) according to patent claim 10, characterised in that the sealing device (3, 30) is formed integrally as part of the closure (1, 20, 40).
14. A closure (1, 20, 40) according to patent claim 12 or 13, characterised in that sealing device (3, 30) consists of a more flexible material than the closure (1, 20, 40).
15. A closure (1, 20, 40) according to one of the claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the closure comprises a lower part (21, 32) and an upper part (22, 31).
16. A closure (1, 20, 40) according to patent claim 15, characterised in that the lower part (21) and the upper part are connected to one another via a hinge (23).
17. A closure (1, 20, 40) according to one of the claims 11 to 16, characterised in that the lower part (21) and the upper part (22) are actively connectable via a hammer-shaped blocking element (25) and a slot element (26).
18. A closure (40) according to patent claim 15, characterised in that the lower part (32) with the upper part (31) comprise diametrically opposite lower and upper closure means (25, 26) which serve for closing the closure (40).
19. A closure (1, 20, 40) according to one of the patent claims 11 to 18, characterised in that the collar (10) of the sealing device (3, 30) is designed in a manner such that on reaching a defined maximum pressure given a closed closure (1, 20, 40), it is turned up outwardly so that the overcritical inner pressure is relieved.

Images