EP2817237A2

EP2817237A2 - Pierceable plastic closure for closing containers

Info

Publication number: EP2817237A2
Application number: EP13706259.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rupert Meinzinger; Michael Neubauer
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2012-02-24
Filing date: 2013-02-25
Publication date: 2014-12-31
Also published as: US9493278B2; WO2013124483A2; CN103796929A; CN103796929B; US20150344195A1; DE102012101509A1; WO2013124483A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a plastic closure (1) for containers (10), comprising an accommodating region for accommodating an opening section (10a) of the plastic container and comprising a puncturing region (2) that is suitable and intended for being pierced and penetrated by a piercing device in a specified piercing direction (L), wherein said puncturing region (2) is arranged on a lid surface (1a) of the plastic closure. According to the invention, the plastic closure (1) has a reinforcing device (20) which is arranged at an offset from the puncturing region (2) in the piercing direction and which is suitable for increasing the force acting opposite the piercing direction during the piercing process due to the puncturing region (2), wherein the plastic closure (1) is preferably designed as a one-piece plastic closure.

Description

Pierceable plastic closure for sealing containers

description

The present invention relates to a closure for sealing containers, and more particularly to a disposable plastic closure. Various containers with different closures are known from the prior art. Usually, these are closures that close the containers and which can be removed to get to the container contents.

The present invention relates in particular to containers which are emptied in commercial or privately used dispensing systems. In particular, therefore, the present invention is also intended for use in taverns.

From DE 10 2007 054 431 a method for removing liquids is known. In this case, a container is compressed by folding over its edge in its longitudinal direction as much as possible that almost the entire container contents can be removed. The subject matter of this application is hereby fully incorporated by reference into the subject of the present application. To open the container different approaches are known. Thus, it is possible that the containers are already provided prior to installation in a tap with a special closure, which in turn is opened by a special opening element. The present invention particularly relates to such devices in which the closure itself is pierced so as to get to the food.

Large containers in the dispenser (so-called kegs) and large containers in the private sector, for example family packs with a volume of 2 liters, 3 liters or larger than PET bottles, have long been known. In the private sector such large containers are usually emptied without tools in drinking glasses, so that the corresponding container usually consist only of the container itself and a conventional screw cap and thus form a very cost-effective packaging variant.

However, the larger the capacity of the container, the more favorable is the ratio of packaging costs to the volume of beverages. In the (professional) serving, however, the volumes are in the range of less than 20 liters to over 50 liters. These containers, so-called keg barrels, are usually sold in the reusable system, because the connection technology is complex and expensive. This connection technology is needed to keep the drink constantly fresh. This is not the case with the unencumbered family pack. In this case, after a long time the C0 ₂ escaped from the drink and this tastes stale. In addition, even without C0 ₂ the durability is greatly reduced. The complex connection technology relates to the container with connection valve in the closure, because in this way the connection valve must be cleaned and filled. For this special machines are necessary. But even the connection mechanism itself, the so-called tap head, has to be laboriously cleaned and maintained by the dispensing machine operator. In particular, this connection technology makes not only the container itself, ie the keg barrel itself and its closure noticeable (the so-called keg fitting), but also the connection mechanism, ie the so-called tap head.

Also known is the use of PET containers (similar to the above-mentioned family packaging, but larger, that is, in volumes below 20 liters, 30 liters and also over 40 liters) for commercial serving. In these containers, attempts are made to inexpensively replicate the reusable barrels for the connection in order to provide a disposable system. These valves with valve function have several components (in particular riser, seal, housing, spring, etc.). However, this increases the cost of the closure, since several parts are provided, the parts are mounted In addition, a logistics must be provided to assemble these parts. In addition, different materials must be recycled.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a closure which is configured in such a way that, in particular in the case of a puncture of this closure, there is also a seal against the respective piercing element, for example a puncture tube. This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

An inventive closure and in particular plastic closure for containers - in particular plastic containers - has a receiving area for receiving a mouth portion of a plastic container, and a piercing portion which is suitable and intended to be pierced and penetrated by a piercing device in a predetermined piercing direction. In this case, this piercing region is arranged on a cover surface of the plastic closure.

According to the invention, the plastic closure has an amplifying device, which is arranged offset in the piercing direction to the piercing region and which is suitable for increasing a counteracting force by the piercing region of the piercing device during the piercing process. The plastic closure is advantageously designed as a disposable product. Preferably, the plastic closure is also formed in one piece. As mentioned, the closure is advantageously a plastic closure. However, it would also be possible for the closure to be made of another material, such as a metal, or even a compound. It is therefore proposed to design a closure in such a way that, in particular, the puncture surface can be pierced comparatively easily, but on the other hand, a reliable seal against the puncture body occurs. This reliable sealing effect is achieved, in particular, by the counterforce achieved by the reinforcing device, which stresses the piercing region against the force acting on it. tet. In this way it can be achieved that the puncture area applies more tightly to the piercing body or the piercing device. Preferably, however, the reinforcing device is arranged in such a way that it does not make even the insertion or insertion of the piercing device difficult.

This reinforcing device can be formed in one piece or in one piece. It would also be conceivable that this reinforcing device is designed in several parts and / or composed of several elements. For example, the reinforcing device could have a material thickening. In addition, the reinforcing device could also have a plurality of elements which increase the above-mentioned counteracting force. At first, it seems unusual to deliberately increase the force counteracting the piercing process. The Applicant has found, however, that this extra force can be accepted for the piercing process if this achieves an improved sealing effect when the piercing element is inserted.

The reinforcing device may have a plurality of wall sections which extend in different directions. Thus, such a wall section could also extend in a longitudinal direction of the container and / or be formed circumferentially. Advantageously, the reinforcing device comprises a plastic or consists of a plastic. The reinforcing device is preferably designed in such a way that the counterforce mentioned is achieved at least also by a cooperation of the reinforcing device or an element of the reinforcing device with a section of the container and in particular a section of the mouth of the container.

This is preferably a closure, in particular a one-piece design, which is designed only by its geometry such that it seals itself against the piercing device during piercing. In this way, the closure is similar in ease of manufacture as closures on standard packages or family packs and thus this closure is nevertheless particularly favorable also for the (especially professional) beverage dispensing.

A corresponding packaging unit preferably has a one-piece closure described here and a, in particular thin-walled, PET bottle. The volume of a For example, such PET bottle may vary between less than 2 liters and up to over 50 liters. With these different sizes and a cost-effective closure, not only the export of drinks can be promoted, but also the serving in the private sector are so cheap that the bulk packaging is cheaper than the same volume in small containers.

The material of the plastic closure advantageously has exactly one specific material, but it would also be conceivable that the material has several material components and that it also has different material components in different sections of the plastic closure.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the piercing region also includes a radial center of the closure. Advantageously, therefore, the piercing device is inserted during use in a central region of the closure.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the plastic closure is designed to be free of material in a projection direction along the piercing direction, with the exception of the piercing region. This means that the puncture device only has to puncture the puncture area and does not puncture further areas of the plastic closure, for example, or subsequently. Also in this way the piercing process is facilitated by the plastic closure.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the piercing region differs from a region of the plastic closure surrounding this piercing region in at least one physical property. This is advantageously a characteristic characteristic of the material (in particular of the plastic), for example a material thickness, a material thickness and the like. Preferably, the piercing region differs from a region immediately adjacent to it. Advantageously, this region surrounding the piercing region directly adjoins the on-piercing region and is particularly preferably connected to it in a particularly circumferential and preferably also closed connection.

In a further advantageous embodiment, this characteristic characteristic for the material or physical property is selected from a group of properties which a wall thickness of the material, a material hardness of the material, the presence of reinforcing elements, in particular, but not exclusively reinforcing ribs, the configuration of reinforcing elements, in particular, but not exclusively reinforcing ribs, the presence of other material components, combinations thereof and the like , In this way, it is possible that the piercing area itself can be severed relatively easily by the piercing device. Advantageously, the piercing region has no reinforcing elements such as reinforcing ribs.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the plastic closure has a first wall element, which can be applied radially on the outside to a mouth section of the container. This means, in particular, that in a closed state of the container, said wall element rests radially on the outside of said mouth section of the container. Advantageously, this wall element circumferentially abuts against the mouth portion of the container. The term "radially outside" is understood to mean that the wall element lies radially outside (the mouth) with respect to a longitudinal direction of the container.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the plastic closure has a second wall element, which can be applied radially on the inside to a mouth section of the container. Advantageously, this second wall element is formed circumferentially. In a further advantageous embodiment, this second wall element (in particular at least under load of the piercing region) is supported relative to the container. This second wall element thus increases the counterforce, which counteracts the piercing direction.

Advantageously, the two wall elements are designed such that they receive the mouth portion of the container between them.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the plastic closure on a third wall element, which (in particular by a movement in the piercing direction or in the longitudinal direction of the container) to an (upper) mouth edge of the container can be applied. Advantageously, this third wall element also determines how far the closure is placed on the container. In a further advantageous embodiment, the plastic closure has at least one thread. This thread is in particular an internal thread, which is particularly preferably screwed onto a corresponding external thread of the container.

The closure described here brings in particular the advantage of a very simple processing, but also a simple production with it. Also, the processing is facilitated by carbon dioxide C0 ₂ purging or closing the container. Furthermore, this closure offers advantages in the later recycling of the container. The cleaning and maintenance of the connection mechanism can be omitted, or make much easier.

Furthermore, even better oxygen values can be achieved with a lower C0 ₂ consumption during rinsing.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the reinforcing element is arranged below the tapping region or, in the case of a state of the plastic closure placed on the container, is arranged closer to the container or the liquid arranged in the container.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the plastic closure still has a sealing element. This sealing element may be above the piercing region, for example, adhesively bonded to this piercing region. This seal can be used to remove any dirt on the connection point or the piercing area. Advantageously, however, this sealing element is designed such that, if it has not been removed, the seal can be pierced without interference with. Advantageously, the sealing element is thereby designed such that it is also pierceable by the puncture device. In a further advantageous embodiment, the plastic closure is to be processed like an ordinary closure.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the container closure has a separate sealing edge. This sealing edge can, for example, at the piercing or on be arranged a cover surface of the closure and after piercing a puncture device, in particular circumferentially, be applied to this puncture device. This will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures. Instead of a peripheral sealing edge, it would also be possible to provide several small edges or sealing lips. It would also be possible for these sealing edges or sealing lips to be reinforced by the reinforcing device in order thus to improve the contact pressure effect on a piercing device.

It is basically possible that such sealing edges or sealing aids are arranged both on the outside of the closure and on the inside. In addition, these sealing aids can be both raised and recessed (each considered with reference to the container). Preferably, the sealing edges are arranged on an inner edge of the closure or its lid surface and preferably protrude into the interior of the container.

As mentioned, the plastic closure to the container can be designed as a screw or snap closure.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is also possible that between the closure and the connection point of the container on the one hand and the container mouth on the other hand an adapter is still present to form the closure itself as small as possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is possible that the mouth, the said adapter or the closure itself are designed as screw or snap connections. Also combinations of the connection types are conceivable.

A seal of the closure towards the mouth of the container or to said optional adapter is conceivable in a conventional manner, such as by using a lip, a double lip, outside sealing, inner sealing, in the form of an O-ring, a flange or the like ,

Preferably, the piercing region is formed within a depression applied in the cover wall of the plastic closure. The present invention is further directed to a plastic container with a plastic closure of the type described above. As mentioned above, a basic idea of this invention is to provide a closure without a valve function having a special area for piercing. This connection point for piercing, ie the above-mentioned piercing region, does not have to be directly recognizable, since this point advantageously differs only by different properties compared with the rest of the closure. As mentioned above, this piercing region can be hardened by other wall thicknesses, other materials, or by the absence of reinforcing ribs, further material components (one or more parts), and the like.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a per se conventional closure is provided, which has the said piercing region, in particular when the attachment mechanism is adapted accordingly. Preferably, however, the above-mentioned compromises or measures are preferably made to ensure the tightness during the piercing operation and to advantageously also keep the tapping force so small that the closure does not buckle. In the closures which are located on the beverage bottles which are customary in the market and which, for example, have a size of 28 mm, puncturing can be carried out in the desired manner. Furthermore, piercing without a special piercing region is also conceivable up to a closure diameter of up to about 38 mm and possibly even slightly above it, but in the case of the size required in particular in the professional field, an appropriate site or a piercing region is advantageously designed, as described above.

Usually, such closures are carried out so stably that they withstand the internal pressure of the large-volume container, so as to achieve that a non-specially created surface can not be pierced and sealed in this way.

The containers to be closed are advantageously disposable containers which, in particular, can also be used as a substitute for the more currently known on the market. steel drums can be used. However, it would also be possible in principle to arrange the closure according to the invention on a reusable drum. The closure is also suitable for home serving, especially if the container volume is about 5 liters.

The present invention is further directed to a container and in particular a plastic container. According to the invention, this container is closed with a plastic closure of the type described above. Advantageously, this container is filled with a flowable medium, preferably with a liquid and more preferably with a drink. However, the liquid could also be a viscous liquid. Advantageously, the plastic closure is detachably arranged on the container. Advantageously, the plastic closure encompasses an opening of the container.

The present invention is further directed to a method of treating containers using a plastic closure of the type described above. Advantageously, the treatment is selected from a group of treatments which include sealing the container, storing the container, transporting the container, tapping the container, withdrawing liquid from the container, filling the container and the like.

It is advantageous in the treatment of the container to the removal of liquid from the container. Advantageously, the plastic closure is pierced by a removal device for the purpose of removing liquid from the container. Advantageously, for the purpose of removing liquid from the container, the plastic closure is deformed at least in sections.

Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings:

Show:

Fig. 1 A container with a closure according to the invention in a first embodiment;

2 shows a container with a closure in a second embodiment; 3 shows the closure of Figure 2 with inserted piercing.

4 shows a container with a closure in a third embodiment;

5 shows a container with a closure in a fourth embodiment; and

6 shows a container with a closure in a fifth embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a container 10, on which an inventive closure 1 is arranged in a first embodiment. In this case, this closure 1 has a piercing region 2, into which a puncture device 40 (only shown schematically) can penetrate. For this purpose, the piercing region 2 is pierced and the puncture device 40 further inserted into the container 10, for example, until the lower end of the puncture device 40 is completely below the liquid level F within the container 10. The reference symbol L denotes a puncture direction for the puncture device 40. This puncturing direction coincides here with the longitudinal direction L of the container.

Reference numeral 12 indicates a region of the plastic container 1 surrounding the puncture region 2. It can be seen that this surrounding region 12 has a thicker wall than the puncture region 2 itself. A transitional segment 22 is arranged between the puncture region 2 and the region 12 surrounding this puncture region 2.

In addition, another region 24 surrounding the piercing region (may be provided as further reinforcement).

It can be seen that the piercing region 2 is thus formed with a thinner wall than other regions of the plastic closure 1. The reference numeral 30 denotes a sealing device, such as a metal foil, which is arranged above the closure 1. As mentioned, this film may be formed such that it is also pierceable by the puncture device 40. Reference numeral 30a denotes a peeling-off member for peeling off the sealing means. A (here peripherally formed) first wall element 4 is here on the outside of the container mouth 10a. A second wall element 6 bears against the mouth section 10a of the container 10 on the inside. In this case, the circumferential orifice is received in sections between these two wall elements 4, 6. The second wall element 6 also contributes to the reinforcement at the same time. When the puncture device 40 is placed on the piercing region 2, this bends at least slightly downwards under the action of the force, and thus the second wall element 6 is also forced onto the inner mouth edge of the mouth 10a. This in turn creates a counterforce F2 on the surrounding area 12 and thus also on the piercing area 2 in a direction opposite to the direction L.

The reference numeral 20 indicates in its entirety the amplifying means for reinforcing the piercing portion. This reinforcing device 20 causes here that during piercing or insertion of the puncture device 40 of this puncturing a counter force is opposed. This counterforce is also generated here by the fact that the wall elements are pressed outwards against the inner wall of the mouth of the container. The reference numeral 8 denotes a third wall element, which rests at the top of the mouth 10a of the container, more precisely at an upper mouth edge 10b.

It can further be seen that the piercing region 2 is lowered relative to a cover plane E of the closure 1 or is arranged in a recess or depression designated 36 in its entirety. The reference numeral 26 denotes a (here designed as a web) sealing element, which is arranged here to the inside, that is projecting towards the container and can invest, for example, to the puncture device 40. In particular, the arrangement shown outside the piercing region also leads to increased stability. This sealing element is also preferably a component of the reinforcing device and counteracts the puncturing movement at least during the puncturing operation. Thus, a higher sealing effect is achieved here by accepting a higher force during insertion. The closure also has an outer peripheral wall 14, which here can engage behind a region of the mouth 10a of the container. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the closure 1 is designed as a snap closure. The reference numeral 1 a denotes a lid surface of the shutter. 1 This cover surface preferably also contains the piercing region 2. The cover surface may be planar, but it would also be possible to provide a funnel-shaped design of this cover surface.

FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of a plastic closure 1 according to the invention. Also, a circumferential first wall element 4 is formed, which bears against an outer side of the container mouth. This circumferential wall element 4 is also designed here with a thread function, so that the closure can be screwed in its entirety onto the container 10. The second wall element 6 is also formed here circumferentially.

Again, it can be seen here the piercing region 2 as well as the surroundings adjacent to this piercing region 2. Also here the piercing area is again arranged in a depression or recess 36. Furthermore, here again an upwardly and downwardly extended web 26 is shown, on which here a circumferential sealing lip 28 is arranged. Also, the web 26 is thus part of a sealing element.

The reference numeral 52 denotes a circumferential reinforcing web, which in turn causes that when piercing the piercing region 2, the wall 6 is pressed against the inner wall of the container mouth 10 a. This reinforcing web 52 is here again a part of the amplification device designated by 20, which causes the opposing force mentioned above counter to the piercing direction.

Fig. 3 shows the container closure of Fig. 2, but with inserted puncturing device. It can be seen that here the circumferential sealing lip abuts circumferentially on the puncture device and this seals further. In this embodiment too, it would be possible that, apart from the piercing region, no further material is provided on the path of the piercing device. However, a lower wall 54 (FIG. 2) is also advantageously provided here, which is also pierced by the piercing device 40. 4 shows a further embodiment of a plastic closure according to the invention. This embodiment is similar in the attachment of the plastic closure to the container largely the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, however, the piercing region is offset further inwards and reinforced by a funnel-shaped reinforcing body 56, which here forms the reinforcing device. Here, too, this funnel-shaped reinforcing body causes a corresponding counterforce to be exerted during a piercing into the piercing region. Unlike shown in Figures 1 and 4, this closure could also be designed as a screw cap. The entire piercing region 2 can also be embodied here as a material composition, ie as an element with two different materials. In this way, however, a secure seal can be ensured.

Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of a plastic closure according to the invention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. However, the sealing effect is ensured here solely by the piercing region 2. Here, the piercing device is designed here such that it does not cut out the piercing region completely, but leaves a certain portion 2a of the piercing region to the closure. This area 2a does not interfere with the removal of the liquid. Furthermore, it can be seen that during piercing a further region 2 b is formed, which at the same time seals against the piercing device 40. The closure 1 shown in Fig. 5 is designed here as a screw cap, but it would also be an education as a snap closure conceivable. The reference numeral 52 again indicates the reinforcing element, which serves to reinforce the piercing region and which increases the sealing effect of the closure with respect to the piercing device even after penetration of the piercing device.

6 shows a further embodiment of a closure 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the closure is formed in two parts and also has an adapter element 60, which is snapped onto the container 10 here. In turn, an optionally conventional closure is screwed onto this adapter element 60. This variant has the advantage of using conventional closures, which in turn can be placed or screwed onto an adapter element which is not necessarily designed as a disposable product. In this embodiment, the adapter element is advantageously (also) designed such that it can counteract a puncturing force. In this case, the adapter element 60, which may also be part of the entire closure here, an inner wall element 6a, which can apply this counterforce. However, the upper part of the closure 1 here also has the piercing region 2 and the region 12 surrounding this piercing region, which at the same time also serves as a reinforcing element and likewise has an inner wall element 6. The advantage of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 is that the closure 1 to be pierced can be made even in smaller diameters. In this embodiment, the adapter element 60 thus also performs the function of the amplification device mentioned above.

The Applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 plastic closure

1 a lid surface

2 plunge area

2a certain proportion of the plunge area

2b further area that arises during grooving

4 first wall element

6 second wall element

6a second wall element of the adapter element

8 third wall element

10 container

10a container mouth

10b mouth edge

12 area surrounding the puncture area

14 outer peripheral wall

20 amplification device 22 transition section

24 further area surrounding the piercing area

26 bridge, sealing element

28 sealing lip

30 sealing device

30a puller

36 recess, trough

40 piercing device

52 circumferential reinforcing web

54 lower wall

56 funnel-shaped reinforcing body

60 adapter element

E lid level

F liquid level

L piercing direction

F1. F2 forces

Claims

Pierceable plastic closure for closing containers. Claims

1 . Plastic closure (1) for containers (10) having a receiving area for receiving a mouth portion (10a) of the plastic container, and with a piercing portion (2), which is suitable and intended, pierced and penetrated by a piercing device in a predetermined piercing direction (L) to be, with this piercing region (2) on a cover surface (1 a) of the plastic closure is arranged

characterized in that

the plastic closure (1) has an amplifying device (20) which is arranged offset in the pricking direction to the piercing region (2) and is suitable for increasing the force counteracting the piercing region (2) of the piercing device during the puncturing process, wherein the plastic closure (1 ) is preferably formed in one piece.

2. plastic closure (1) according to claim

characterized in that

the plastic closure is formed material-free in a projection direction along the piercing direction (L), with the exception of the piercing region.

3. plastic closure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the piercing region (2) differs from a region surrounding this piercing region (2) in a characteristic characteristic of the material.

4. plastic closure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the characteristic characteristic of the material is selected from a group of properties which include a wall thickness of the material, a material hardness of the material, the presence of reinforcing elements such as in particular reinforcing ribs, the configuration of reinforcing elements such as in particular Reinforcing ribs, the presence of other material components, combinations thereof and the like.

5. plastic closure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the plastic closure has a first wall element (4) which can be applied radially on the outside to a mouth section of the container (10).

6. plastic closure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the plastic closure has a second wall element (6) which can be applied radially on the inside to a mouth section (10a) of the container (10).

7. plastic closure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the plastic closure has a third wall element (8) which can be placed against a mouth edge (10b) of the container (10).

8. plastic closure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the plastic closure has at least one thread (12)

9. plastic closure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the amplifying device is formed circumferentially around the piercing region in a projection in the piercing direction.

10. plastic closure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the piercing region is formed within a depression (36) which is fitted in a cover wall of the plastic closure (1).

1 1. Container (10) for storing liquids,

characterized in that this container is closed with a plastic closure according to at least one of the preceding claims.

12. Method for treating containers

characterized in that

the container is treated in a predetermined manner, the treatment being selected from a group of treatments including sealing the container, storing the container, transporting the container, tapping the container, withdrawing liquid from the container Filling the container and the like, wherein the container is provided with a plastic closure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims.