EP3708512A1 - Container closure and container - Google Patents

Abstract

A container and a container closure (100) are described. The container (100) comprises a base body (1) for fastening to a container and a metering unit (2) for the metered delivery of a liquid. The metering unit (2) has a metering body (4) with a discharge opening (21) and a channel (22; 22 ') adjoining the discharge opening (21). The channel (22; 22 ') extends in the direction of the container and forms an annular channel (23; 23') with the metering unit (2). A metering cap (3; 3 ') is arranged on the metering unit (2). The metering cap (3; 3 ') closes the annular channel (23; 23') to form an annular volume (V; V '). The annular volume (V; V ') is connected to the container interior (201) by a first opening (24; 24') and by a second opening (25; 25 ') to the channel (22; 22'). The first opening (24; 24 ') and the second opening are arranged in such a way that all the liquid which flows from the first opening (24; 24') to the second opening (25; 25 ') flows through the annular volume (V; V') ) at least along a portion of the annular volume (V; V ') in a direction around the channel (22; 22').

Description

The present invention relates to a container closure and a container according to the preamble of the independent claims.

Different closures for containers are known from the prior art. A container closure is an element which is suitable for closing a container in which, for example, food is stored. Preferably, the container closures of containers for liquid or pasty foods are designed in such a way that the respective food can be dispensed through these closures. Such container closures are often found on containers for sauces such as ketchup or the like.

A generic container closure is with the DE 201 12 974 U1 known. This utility model discloses a container closure with a closure cap and a discharge opening. An inner cap is arranged inside the closure cap, which has a lateral opening through which the liquid to be discharged reaches the inner cap and is discharged from the inner cap directly through the outlet opening.

To prevent uncontrolled outflow, a sealing lip is arranged in the side opening. The manufacture of this movable sealing lip is complex. Movable sealing lips are also susceptible to incorrect manipulation. As soon as the sealing lip malfunctions, it has to be laboriously cleaned and appropriately repaired so that further discharge of the liquid to be discharged is possible. Sealing lips also require an increased initial pressure in order to release a corresponding opening. A sudden decrease in resistance often leads to undesirably high amounts of liquid being discharged.

From the US 2017/0057709 A1 a container closure for dispensing individual drops of a liquid has become known. This has a labyrinth of channels that is complicated to manufacture, which in turn requires a relatively long or high construction of the container closure and is not particularly suitable for dispensing pasty liquids such as ketchup.

It is the object of the invention to remedy one or more disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a container closure and a container are to be created with which a metered dispensing of a particularly viscous liquid is easily possible and which is particularly easy to manufacture.

This object is achieved by the devices defined in the independent patent claims. Further embodiments emerge from the dependent claims

A container closure according to the invention comprises a base body for attachment to a container and a metering unit for the dosed delivery of a liquid. In other words, the dosing unit comprises those elements which enable dosing. The dosing unit has a dosing body with a discharge opening. The metering unit also has a channel adjoining the discharge opening. This channel extends in the direction of the container and forms an annular channel with the dosing unit. The annular channel is completely formed in the dosing unit. The annular channel is preferably formed in the metering body. A dosing cap is arranged on the dosing body.

The channel is preferably formed by a wall extending in the direction of the container. This wall is preferably designed as a circumferential wall, in particular as a section of a tube, or tubular, educated. In particular, the dosing unit is formed from the dosing cap and the dosing body.

The dosing cap closes the annular channel to form an annular volume. The annular volume is connected with a first opening, in particular directly, with the interior of the container and is connected with a second opening, in particular directly, with the channel.

In this arrangement, the annular volume is thus, in particular completely, formed in the dosing unit and by the elements of the dosing unit, namely the dosing cap and the dosing body, and is thus formed independently and without interaction with a container.

The dispensing opening defines a substantially central axis which extends from the interior of the container through the dispensing opening to the outside. In the case of containers with a circular cross-section, this typically coincides with a longitudinal axis of the container if the dispensing opening is arranged centrally. In the case of a decentralized arrangement of the dispensing opening and / or in the case of containers with non-uniform cross-sections, the central axis runs through the dispensing opening collinear to the container axis.

The first opening and the second opening are arranged such that all of the liquid flowing from the first opening to the second opening, the annular volume at least along a portion of the annular volume in a direction around the channel, in particular on a circular path around the central one Axis, passes through. The liquid passes through the annular volume from the first opening in the direction of the second opening as a whole, in particular in a spiral. In other words, the liquid passes through the dosing unit from its periphery in the direction of the center.

Traversing the annular volume of the liquid has several effects. On the one hand, the liquid is deflected several times between the interior of the container and the discharge opening; on the other hand, this ensures that the liquid runs along an inner surface that defines the volume and is accordingly exposed to a certain amount of friction. This is of particular advantage because the liquid is slowed down accordingly.

This enables simple dosing of the liquid to be dispensed and at least partially prevents the liquid from running out of its own accord from the container.

The liquid is preferably a thick or pasty liquid, in particular ketchup.

The extension of the channel in the direction of the container and the respective references between elements of the container closure and the container relate to directions and references between the container closure and the container in the generic use of the container closure.

The dosing body is preferably arranged on the base body. In such a configuration, the base body, together with the dosing body, forms a closure of the container. This makes it possible to use the same metering body in different base bodies which are each matched to different containers. It can be provided that the dosing body is formed as an integral part of the dosing unit.

Overall, this configuration enables the container closure to be designed with a low structural height.

One or more partition walls for preventing a direct connection between the first opening and the second opening can be arranged in the annular volume.

On the one hand, this increases the resistance to the flow of the liquid, and on the other hand, the path that the liquid has to cover from the first opening to the second opening is increased. This also increases the frictional resistance of the liquid in the container closure. Unintentional or too easy leakage of the liquid from the container can be effectively prevented.

The first opening can be arranged at a distance from the second opening in an axial direction of the channel.

This arrangement also increases the resistance to the flow of the liquid.

The axial direction of the channel is essentially defined by the exit direction of the liquid from the channel. The axial direction of the channel preferably corresponds to the direction from the inside of the container to the container closure.

The second opening can be formed within the channel.

This enables simple and precise production of the second opening.

The first opening can be formed within the dosing body.

The dosing body can be manufactured easily and precisely.

To form the annular groove, the metering body can have a wall.

The manufacture of the container closure is simplified. By forming the channel in or on the dosing body, for example, the container closure can be adapted to the particular good to be dispensed, in other words to the particular liquid to be dispensed, by simply exchanging or correspondingly manufacturing the dispensing body.

The second opening can be formed within the dosing cap.

This enables the dosing body to be manufactured uniformly for different applications since, depending on the application, a corresponding dosing cap can be manufactured with second openings corresponding to the respective application and thus only the dosing cap has to be designed differently.

For the same purpose it can be provided that the first opening is formed inside the metering cap.

The container closure can have a closure cap. This is preferably connected to the base body in an articulated manner. The closure cap can in particular have a closure pin for closing the discharge opening.

This enables the safe and, for example, airtight closure of the container.

The base body and the metering body can be designed in one piece.

This enables simple production, for example as an injection molded part.

The cross section of the second opening and / or the cross section of the first opening is less than 50%, in particular less than 40% and preferably less than 30% of the cross section of the channel.

This ensures that the flow rate of the liquid when the liquid is dispensed from the first and / or second opening decreases downstream in the direction of the channel and correspondingly in the direction of the discharge opening. This makes it easier to dispense the liquid.

In particular, the container closure has no movable or flexible sealing elements and is therefore free of these.

Both the manufacture and the use of the container closure are facilitated.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a container comprising a container closure as described herein.

This makes it possible to provide a container with a closure which is specifically aligned with a corresponding liquid to be filled into the container. In particular, the finished product including the liquid can be provided.

The container is preferably flexible.

This enables the container to be compressed and thus a corresponding metering of the liquid and a corresponding discharge of the liquid.

Figur 1:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Behälterverschlusses;

Figur 2:

den Behälterverschluss gemäss der Figur 1 mit ausgeblendeter Verschlusskappe;

Figur 3:

eine Schnittansicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäss der Figur 1;

Figur 4:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Dosierkörpers;

Figur 5:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Dosierkappe;

Figur 6:

die Dosierkappe gemäss Figur 5 in einer weiteren perspektivischen Ansicht;

Figur 7:

eine Detailansicht aus Figur 3;

Figur 8:

einen Strömungsverlauf der auszugebenden Flüssigkeit innerhalb der Dosiereinheit aus der Figur 5;

Figur 9:

eine Schnittansicht durch eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Dosiereinheit;

Figur 10:

eine weitere Schnittansicht durch die Dosiereinheit gemäss der Figur 9;

Figur 11:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Dosierkörpers aus der Dosiereinheit gemäss der Figur 9.

Several embodiments of a container closure are explained with the aid of figures. It shows:

Figure 1:

a perspective view of a container closure;

Figure 2:

the container closure according to Figure 1 with hidden cap;

Figure 3:

a sectional view of the container closure according to FIG Figure 1 ;

Figure 4:

a perspective view of a dosing body;

Figure 5:

a perspective view of a metering cap;

Figure 6:

the dosing cap according to Figure 5 in a further perspective view;

Figure 7:

a detailed view Figure 3 ;

Figure 8:

a flow profile of the liquid to be dispensed within the dosing unit from the Figure 5 ;

Figure 9:

a sectional view through a second embodiment of a metering unit;

Figure 10:

a further sectional view through the dosing unit according to FIG Figure 9 ;

Figure 11:

a perspective view of a dosing body from the dosing unit according to FIG Figure 9 .

The Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container closure 100. The container closure 100 has a base body 1. A closure cap 5 is arranged on the base body 1 and is connected to the base body 1 in an articulated manner by a joint 101. Opposite the joint 101 there is a projection 102 with which the closure cap 5 can be lifted off the base body 1. The container closure 100 can thus be opened. After opening, the container closure 5 releases a discharge opening 21, as in FIG Figure 2 evident.

The Figure 2 shows the container closure 100 according to FIG Figure 1 with hidden cap. A metering unit 2 is arranged within the base body 1. In the view according to the Figure 2 The discharge opening 21 for discharging a liquid is arranged at the top of the metering unit 2. While using a container with the container closure 100, the discharge opening 21 points downwards, that is in the opposite direction as in FIG Figure 2 shown. In other words, in the generic use, the container closure 100 is in a position upside down to the position as in FIG Figures 1 and 2 shown.

The Figure 3 FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of the container closure 100 according to FIG Figure 1 . The base body 1 has a thread 103 with which the container closure 100 can be screwed onto an opening of a container (not shown here) and thus closes it. The container closure 100 is correspondingly connected to a container interior 201. Central of the Thread 103, the metering unit 2 is arranged in the base body 1. The metering unit 2 is designed as a unit separate from the base body 1 and is arranged on it. Rather, the dosing unit 2 is permanently connected to the base body 1 in a fluid-tight manner. The dosing unit 2 has a dosing body 4 and a dosing cap 3, which is permanently connected to the dosing body 4 in a fluid-tight manner. The discharge opening 21 of the dosing unit 2 is arranged on the dosing body 4 in this embodiment. The discharge opening 21 extends with a channel 22 adjoining this discharge opening 21 in the direction of the container interior 201. The discharge opening 21 is closed with a locking pin 51 which is arranged on the closure cap 5. By opening the closure cap 5, the discharge opening 21 is released. Through the discharge opening 21, liquid such as ketchup can be discharged from the container interior 201 to the outside. This defines the exit direction or also the discharge direction. This discharge direction corresponds to an axial direction R. The channel 22 extends in this axial direction R from the container interior 201 in the direction of the container closure 100.

The Figure 4 FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the dosing body 4 from FIG Figure 3 in a view seen from the inside of the container in the direction of the discharge opening 21. Adjacent to the discharge opening 21 is the channel 22, which extends in the direction of the inside of the container. The channel 22 is essentially tubular or designed as a section of a tube. It has a wall running around a central axis and opens into the discharge opening 21. A wall 41, which is designed as part of the metering body 4, is concentric with this channel 22. The wall 41 and the channel 22 are connected to one another at their ends facing away from the container interior via a further wall and thus form a channel 23. The channel 23 is open in the direction of the container interior and is U-shaped.

The Figure 5 FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the dosing cap 3 from FIG Figure 3 . The metering cap 3 has an inner wall 31 and an outer wall 32. The inner wall 31 and the outer wall 32 are arranged concentrically and connected to one another at one of their ends by means of a connection. The inner wall 31 and the outer wall 32 thus form a U-shaped channel 33. Within this channel 33, two partition walls 26 are arranged, which connect the inner wall 31 and the outer wall 32 within the channel 33. These two partition walls 26 form, with a portion of the outer wall 32, a connecting channel 34 which extends in the from the Figure 3 known axial direction R extends.

A plurality of first openings 24, which extend into the outer wall 32, are also arranged in the connection on the metering cap 3. The partition walls 26 connect the inner wall 31 to the outer wall 32 in such a way that these are only connected in the axial direction R over part of their entire height. In a region of the partition walls 26 which is opposite the first openings 24, these partition walls 26 have second openings 25.

The Figure 6 shows the dosing cap 3 from Figure 5 in another perspective view. The connection between the inner wall 31 and the outer wall 32 is interrupted by three first openings 24. These three first openings 24 each create direct access to the channel 33 of the metering cap 3 Figure 5 known connecting channel 34 is arranged in a region of the metering cap 3 in which no first opening 24 is provided. Accordingly, the connecting channel 34 is not accessible through a first opening 24.

The Figure 7 shows a detailed view from Figure 3 . The dosing unit 2 is shown in an isolated view, only the dosing body 4 and the dosing cap 3, from which the Dosing unit is formed are visible. The inner wall 31 and the outer wall 32 of the metering cap 3 delimit the annular channel 23 of the metering body 4. In this embodiment, the metering cap 3 and the metering body 4 are pressed together in a fluid-tight manner and are inseparable. The ring-shaped channel 23 is covered by a portion of the metering body 4 and thus forms an enclosed, ring-shaped volume V. The ring-shaped volume V forms a torus with a substantially rectangular cross-section shown hatched in FIG Figure 5 known partitions 26 is interrupted. The annular volume V extends essentially along a circular path around the central axis. Through the Figures 5 and 6 known first openings 24, this annular volume V is directly and immediately connected to its surroundings and, in the generic use, to the interior of the container. Through the from the Figure 5 known second openings 25 and from the Figure 5 known connecting channel 34, this annular volume V is also directly and immediately connected to the channel 22.

Figure 8 shows a flow profile of the liquid to be dispensed within the dosing unit 2 from FIG Figure 3 . In the generic use, the dosing unit 2 is arranged inside the container closure 100, which in turn is arranged on a container which provides a container interior 201. Representative is in the Figure 8 the interior of the container 201 is only illustrated as a reference number.

In order to dispense a liquid from the interior of the container 201 through the outlet opening 21 to the outside, the flexible container, not shown here, is deformed so that the volume of the interior of the container 201 is reduced. The liquid flows through the first openings 24 from the container interior 201 directly into the annular volume V. This is illustrated by the arrow P1. All liquid then flows along a section of the annular volume V in a direction around the channel 22. In this example, the liquid flows circularly in the annular volume V around the central axis. This is illustrated by the dashed arrow P2. As soon as the liquid reaches the partition walls 26, it is deflected along the partition walls 26 in the axial direction R. These two movements are partially superimposed. At the end of these partitions, the liquid is deflected and now flows in the connecting channel 34 against the axial direction R in the channel 22. The liquid is deflected again at the end of the channel 22 and now again flows in the axial direction R through the channel 22 and emerges from the Outlet opening 21 from. On the one hand, the liquid is deflected along a circular path in the annular volume V and flows along surfaces of the annular volume V and is thereby decelerated. The liquid is additionally slowed down by the multiple deflections at the partition walls 26 and at the channel 22. This deceleration is constant over the course of the discharge of the liquid. A sudden and undesirable change in the resistance when the liquid is discharged is prevented, in particular because there is no need for a flexible membrane or sealing lip.

The Figure 9 shows a sectional view through a second embodiment of a metering unit 2 '. The dosing unit 2 'has an outlet opening 21' which, with a channel 22 'adjoining this discharge opening 21', extends in the direction of a container interior 201. The channel 22 'is essentially tubular or designed as a section of a tube. It has a wall running around a central axis and opens into the discharge opening 21 '. In contrast to the embodiment of the dosing unit 2 according to FIG Figure 3 the metering unit 2 'has a separately constructed wall 41' which, like the channel 22 ', extends in the direction of the container interior 201. The channel 22 'and the wall 41' form an annular channel 23 ', which is better in Figure 11 can be seen.

The dosing unit 2 'has a dosing cap 3' which is arranged on the dosing body 4 'and surrounds the wall 41' and closes the channel 22 'except for a second opening 25'. Correspondingly, by attaching the metering cap 3 ', the annular channel 23' is closed to form an annular volume V '. The annular volume V 'forms a torus with a substantially rectangular in Figure 9 Cross-section shown in checkered, which is only represented by an in Figure 11 partition 26 'shown is interrupted. The annular volume V 'extends essentially along a circular path around the central axis. This annular volume V 'is with its surroundings, and in the generic use with a container interior, through a first opening 24' (see Figures 10 and 11 ) directly and immediately connected. This annular volume V 'is likewise connected directly and immediately to the channel 22' through the second opening 25 '.

The Figure 10 shows a further sectional view through the dosing unit 2 'according to FIG Figure 9 . The intersection of the Figure 9 is chosen such that the cut extends through the second opening 25 '. The cutting line from the Figure 10 is chosen such that the cut extends through the first opening 24 '. In the sectional view of the Figure 10 it can thus be seen that the annular volume V 'is connected to its surroundings through the first opening 24'. The metering cap 3 ', after being mounted on the metering body 4', leaves an area in the wall 41 'open to form this first opening 24'.

Figure 11 shows a flow profile of the liquid to be dispensed within the dosing unit 2 'from FIG Figure 9 . In the generic use, the dosing unit 2 'is arranged within a container closure 100, which in turn is arranged on a container which is one of the Figure 3 known container interior 201 provides. Representative is in the Figure 11 the interior of the container 201 is only illustrated as a reference number.

For the output of a liquid from the container interior 201 through the Figure 9 Known outlet opening 21 'to the outside, the flexible container, not shown here, is deformed so that the volume of the container interior 201 is reduced. The liquid flows through the first opening 24 'into the annular volume V'. This is illustrated with the arrow P1. All of the liquid then flows along a section of the annular volume V 'in a direction around the channel 22'. In this example the liquid flows in a circular manner in the annular volume V '. This is illustrated by the arrow P2 and in part by the arrow P3. As soon as the liquid reaches the partition 26 ', it is deflected along the partition 26' in the axial direction R. These two movements are partially superimposed. In the area of the partition, the liquid is deflected and flows through the second opening 25 'in the axial direction R into the channel 22' and emerges from the outlet opening 21 '(see FIG Figure 9 ) out. On the one hand, the liquid is deflected along a circular path in the annular volume V 'and flows along surfaces of the annular volume V' and is thereby decelerated. The deflection in the area of the partition 26 'and on the channel 22' also slows down the liquid. This deceleration is constant over the course of the discharge of the liquid. A sudden and undesirable change in the resistance when the liquid is discharged is prevented, in particular because there is no flexible membrane or sealing lip.

Claims (14)

Container closure (100) comprising a base body (1) for attachment to a container, a metering unit (2; 2 ') for the metered delivery of a liquid, wherein the metering unit (2; 2 ') has a metering body (4; 4') with a discharge opening (21; 21 ') and a channel (22; 22') adjoining the discharge opening (21; 21 ') which extends in the direction of the Extends the container and forms an annular channel (23; 23 ') with the metering unit (2; 2'), wherein a dosing cap (3; 3 ') is arranged on the dosing body (4; 4'), characterized in that the metering cap (3; 3 ') closes the annular channel (23; 23') to form an annular volume (V; V '), the annular volume (V; V') having a first opening (24; 24 ') the container interior (201) is connected and with a second opening (25; 25 ') with the channel (22; 22'), wherein the first opening (24; 24 ') and the second opening (25, 25') are so arranged are that all liquid which flows from the first opening (24; 24 ') to the second opening (25; 25'), the annular volume (V; V ') at least along a portion of the annular volume (V; V') in one direction around the channel (22; 22 '), in particular spirally. Container closure (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the annular volume (V; V ') one or more partition walls (26; 66') to prevent a direct connection between the first opening (24; 24 ') and the second opening (25; 25 ') are arranged. Container closure (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first opening (24; 24 ') in a axial direction of the channel (22; 22 ') to the second opening (25; 25') is arranged spaced. Container closure (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second opening (25 ') is formed within the channel (22'). Container closure (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first opening (24; 24 ') is formed within the dosing body (4; 4'). Container closure (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the metering body (4; 4 ') has a wall (41; 41') to form the annular channel (23; 23 '). Container closure (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second opening (25) is formed within the metering cap (3). Container closure (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 3 or 7, characterized in that the first opening (24) is formed inside the metering cap (3). Container closure (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, comprising a closure cap (5) which is hingedly connected to the base body (1) and has a closure pin (51) for closing the discharge opening (21). Container closure (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the base body (1) and the metering body (4) are constructed in one piece. Container closure (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cross section of the second opening (25; 25 ') is less than 50%, in particular less than 40%, preferably less than 30% of the cross section of the channel (22; 22 '). Container closure (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the container closure (100) is free of movable or flexible sealing elements. A container comprising a container closure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. Container according to claim 13, characterized in that the container is flexible.

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