JP2812801B2 - Snap-type hinged closure made of synthetic resin - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a plastics closure comprising a lower part (1) and an upper part (2) connected to each other by a main hinge (3). Located on the closure are tensioning elements (8) whose length varies under the action of a tensile force, thus producing the required snap effect. The tensioning elements (8) are disposed in planes extending between their attachment points (4, 5). Each tensioning element is made up of several sections (10) which produce the change in length. These sections can be C, U or O-shaped. The tensioning elements (8) permit a maximum change in length of about 10-50 %.

Description

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a lower part and a lower part connected thereto via a thin film hinge, wherein the outer wall of the closure extends straight or curved in the area of the hinge. A plastic snap having at least one fastening element integrally connected to said upper and lower parts, said at least one fastening element having a joint at the outer wall of said upper and lower parts indirectly or directly. The present invention relates to a hinged closure device.

(Background technology)

A snap-type hinged closure made of synthetic resin of the type mentioned at the outset is known, for example, from EP 0 147 423 and EP 0 291 457 of the present applicant. In the former publication, the clamping element is injection-moulded via a bracket on the lower part and the outer wall of the lid, and thus is a clamping tape located in one plane, whereas in the latter publication the clamping tape is at least approximately at the outer wall. It is located along the middle or outer wall. In the former case, the fastening tape lies in one plane in the closed state of the closure device, and the junction of the fastening tape is shifted out of the outer wall by the bracket so that it lies parallel to the main axis. In the latter case, the fastening tape extends in two planes which are at an angle to one another. Thus, upon opening, the outer portion of each fastening tape must travel a greater distance than the inner portion of the fastening tape located near the hinge.

In EP-A-0056469 (invention of Wissinga), instead of a fastening tape, a triangular intermediate element with corners transitioning to the main hinge is shown.

Regarding the interpretation of the operation of the various snap-on hinged closures, it is assumed in the two publications that the fastening tape is elastically stretched to perform the snapping action. However, in practice, the synthetic resin used for the synthetic resin closing device does not have the ability to elastically stretch. That is, the snap action is not generated at all by this method.

The operation of the system in EP-A-0056469 is correctly described. It is mentioned here that the action of the snap hinge is based on the elastic deformation of the closing device in the region of the hinge. That is, with each opening and closing of the closing device, the lower part or the lid or the outer wall of the lid are all bent during operation over the dead center and then returned to their undeformed shape.

This, of course, results in undesired synergistic effects due to unpredictable and intricately cooperating forces. The achievement of the snap action can only be obtained empirically and cannot be considered in advance. Rather simple and good foresight can be provided by a snap-operated by a bell crank, one lever extending in the covering surface of the lid and the other lever extending in the outer wall of the lid and the lower part.
In this closure device, the snap action is related to the force required by the deformation of both levers of the bell crank. Such hinges are only applicable to closure devices with small spouts. In the case of this closing device, the lid does not seal on its own by the notch along the lever, so the lid does not close the spout itself, the sealing element present and cooperating with the spout closes it. .

[Disclosure of the Invention]

It is therefore desirable to make a snap-on hinged closure in which snapping occurs independently of the resilient portion of the closure except for the clamping element. The object of the invention is to make a snap-on hinged closure made of synthetic resin as defined in the preamble of the claims, so that the snap-action is achieved by the at least one clamping element itself.

The object is to provide a snap hinged closure made of synthetic resin of the type mentioned at the outset, in which at least one fastening element consists of a plurality of sections, which sections can be completely or repeatedly in the closed state of the closure. The area extends at least approximately in the plane between the joints, and is achieved by the fact that each section undergoes a length change by elastic deformation upon operation of the closure device.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description with reference to the drawings.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 is an illustration of the snap action of a snap hinged closure device according to the invention equipped with a variable length clamping element, FIGS. 2A and 2B each show one or more Fig. 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b show a perspective view of a round snap-type hinged closure device, showing the arrangement of the fastening element with respect to the main hinge. FIGS. 3a, 4a, 3a, 4a, 3a, 4b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4c, 4c, 3d, 3d, 3c, 3c, 3c, 3b, 3c, 3b, 3c, 3b, 3a, 3b, 3a, 3b, and 3 show different embodiments of a clamping element of variable length.
FIG. 5a is a rear view of the hinge with the closure device closed, FIGS. 3b, 4b, 5b are plan views with the snap hinged closure device fully open, FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a snap-type hinged closure device in a small box, FIG. 6b is a vertical sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 6a, FIG. 7 is a round closure of the fastening element in FIG. FIGS. 8a to 8d show in detail the structure of the fastening element in FIGS. 3a and 3b, in which the closing device is used in the device and the closing device is fully opened, FIG. FIG. 8b is a plan view of the fastening element in a fully opened state, FIG. 8b is a plan view of the fastening element in a fully opened state, and FIG. Top view of the clamping element, FIG. 8d shows the clamping element with the closing device completely closed FIG.

[Best mode for carrying out the invention]

The function of the closing device according to the invention will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. In the figure, 1 is the lower part of the closure device, which is for example overlaid on a container. This lower part 1 is covered by the upper part 2 with the closing device closed. Therefore, the upper part is the lower part 1
To form a lid or cap. Upper and lower parts 1,
Numeral 2 is integrally connected via a thin film hinge 3. The thin film hinge forms an axis of rotation, and the upper part 2 can swing about 180 ° with respect to the lower part 1 about this axis of rotation. The thin-film hinge 3 is offset outwardly from the outer wall 6 of the lower part 1 and the outer wall 7 of the upper part 2 which is aligned therewith. To enable the closure device to be injection molded when it is fully open, a thin film hinge 3
Must be located outside the outer wall described above. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 8 denotes a fastening element. This fastening element 8
Are the upper joining points 4 attaching this to the upper part 2
And a lower joining point 5 attached to the lower part 1. Since the axis of rotation formed by the hinge 3 and the upper joint 4 of the clamping element 8 are fixedly arranged on the closing device, the upper joint 4 moves on an arc of radius r about the thin film hinge 3. . But fastening element 8
Is mounted at the lower joining point 5 and not in the area of the rotation axis 3 and can rotate about this point. Thus, when the clamping element 8 cannot be extended, the upper joining point 4 moves on an arc of radius r corresponding to the length of the clamping element. The difference between these two radii necessarily results in a change in the length of the clamping element 8. This change in length is shown as Δl in FIG. This change in length generates the necessary force for the snap action. The following describes how the clamping element is formed to carry out such a length change. The force with which the closure device provides a snap action is related to a very simple geometric design. In the operation described here, little discernible formal change of the closure device itself as compared to the snap-on hinged closure device of the type mentioned at the outset is insignificant. The degree of elasticity is influenced by the shape of the clamping element. The location of the maximum length change Δl and the position of the dead center mainly depend on the arrangement of the joints 4, 5 with respect to the thin film hinge 3. Thus, a great deal of freedom is obtained with respect to the construction of the closure device according to the invention. If, for example, in the embodiment shown, the two joining points 4, 5 are placed further inward while maintaining the length of the clamping element 8, the radius r increases and the corresponding Δl changes, while on the other hand the dead center The angular position changes. Optimization of the snap action can be derived directly from the drawing without experience. If the length change Δl is too large, the tolerances for the arrangement of the joining points of the clamping elements also increase. This is significantly different from the snap hinged closure device of the prior art known from plastics, where only small tolerances are allowed for the geometric design.

FIGS. 2a and 2b each show a different embodiment of a snap hinged closure device in perspective view to illustrate a possible arrangement of the snap hinge. The embodiment in FIG. 2a shows one very thin film hinge 3 via which the lower part 1 is hinged to the upper part 2 and on both sides to the film hinge 3 and so on. The clamping elements 8 are arranged at intervals. In contrast, the embodiment of FIG. 2b shows two thin hinges 3 which are spaced apart from one another and one clamping element 8 which is arranged centrally between the two thin hinges. When constructing non-cylindrical plastic closures, various combinations of one or more thin film hinges and one or more clamping elements are realized.

3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b
The figure shows three variants of the snap-on closure device made of synthetic resin in the embodiment of FIG. 2a, which differ only in the shape of the clamping element 8.

3a showing a rear view of the closure device respectively closed
See FIG. 4, FIG. 4a and FIG. 5a, and see where the fastening elements 8 are joined.
It can be seen that 4,5 extend parallel to each other when the closure device is closed. 3b and 4b
FIG. 5b shows the hinge area of the closure device in the fully opened position. At this position,
5 extend obliquely with respect to each other. When designing the clamping element 8, the clamping element extends in one plane in the fully opened position of the closing device as shown in FIGS. 3b, 4b, 5b, but is completely It can be considered in advance that it is relaxed. This corresponds to the manufacturing position.
When the clamping element is designed in this way, the clamping element is always already slightly extended in the closed state of the closing device. This causes a certain closing force via the clamping element even in the closed state of the closing device. This enhances the snap action on the one hand and the closing movement is maintained to the end during the snap action on the other hand.

In the embodiment shown, the connection points of the clamping elements 8 are each arranged at least approximately flush with the outer wall. But this is not necessary. The joining points 4, 5 can be easily transferred to brackets which are injection molded on the outer wall and project therefrom. This variant is used in particular when the clamping element 8 is to be provided on a round closure device at a great distance from the main hinge 3. However, in this case, a variant is also conceivable in which the joints of the fastening elements extend obliquely to one another. The arrangement of the clamping element with respect to the main hinge 3 and the relative position of the joints 4, 5 influence the choice of the shape of the clamping element or its section.

The embodiment of FIGS. 3a and 3b shows a clamping element 8 consisting of three c-shaped sections. These c-shaped sections form a serpentine tape extending in the plane between the joints 4,5. The length change of the clamping element 8 is effected by the opening of the section 10. The more the clamping element 8 is extended, the more the c-shaped section 10 is opened. In this embodiment, the c-shaped section 10
The opening directions are alternated. But this is not necessary.

4a and 4b show an embodiment in which the clamping elements do not consist of the same section. Joints 4,5
Is a semi-elliptical section element 11, between which a complete elliptical section element 12 is arranged. Of course, the clamping element 8 can also be formed from three such oval, o-shaped section elements. There is only a problem with the definition, since the same rule could have five c-shaped section elements in this form. Here, the more the clamping element 8 changes its length, the more the elliptical section element is stretched into the shape of a circular element.

The embodiment of FIGS. 5a and 5b shows almost the same tightening element as the embodiment of FIGS. 3a and 3b. Here, section 10 is simply changed and arranged.

FIG. 6 shows that the use of the snap hinged closure device according to the invention is not limited to a round closure device for containers, but can also be applied to differently shaped closure devices. Here, the snap hinge according to the invention is provided in a small box 20. The lower part 21 of the small box is connected to the small box lid 22 via the main hinge 23. In the figure, reference numeral 28 denotes fastening elements arranged on both sides of the main hinge 23, respectively. Each clamping element 28 is composed of four u-shaped sections 26. Unlike in the embodiment of the clamping element described above, here the section 26 does not extend in the plane extending between the joints 24, 25, but rather in a harmonica-like manner from the plane between the joints. In the embodiment shown, the clamping element comprises a plurality of u-shaped sections. These u-shaped sections are juxtaposed with one another such that they have an inner rounded area with respect to the closure device and an outer flat area with respect to the closure device row. Flat plane
30 are arranged so that they lie in a plane which is in line with the outer wall when the closure device is closed. However, the rounded area 31 of section 26 projects somewhat into the casket with respect to the outer wall. Such a configuration of the fastening element is suitable not only for small boxes but also for closure devices provided on the container. Also in this embodiment of the clamping element, the length change is effected by opening the u-shaped section 26. Although this is not necessary, the clamping element can form a thin-film hinge 32 in the region of the joints 24,25. This has the advantage that the clamping element 28 always extends in the plane between the two joining points irrespective of the degree of opening of the closing device or lid 22. This in particular simplifies the shape of the injection mold. When such a clamping element 28 is provided in a round closure as shown in FIG. 7, the section 26 forms a sector-shaped variable length tape when the closure is fully open.

FIGS. 8a to 8d show in detail a fastening element 8 corresponding to the embodiment in FIG. 3a. FIG. 8a shows a partial side view of the hinge area of the closure device. This figure corresponds to an injection molding position in which the closing device is fully opened. The lower part 1 is connected to the upper part 2 via a thin film hinge. Here, the clamping element 8 extends completely flat and the connection points 4, 5 are arranged in depressions 14, 15 in the upper or lower part. FIG. 8b shows this state when the fastening tape is viewed from above. The paper surface in the figure is a plane stretched by the joints 4 and 5. When measuring the distance between the center points on the line BB of the two joining points 4,5, it is determined that the distance is the smallest at this position. This distance a is shown here by a factor of 10 and is actually 4.7 mm. In contrast, in FIG. 8c, in which the closing device is shown in its dead center position, the clamping element 8 changes to its maximum length, i.e. the individual section elements are opened to the maximum. Here, the distance a is increased to 6.6 mm. This corresponds to a length increase of about 40%. In the closed position of the closing device shown in FIG.
The spacing between them is still 5.0mm. Therefore the fastening element 8
Is under tension even in the closed state of the closure device. 8a to 8b, the length change is still more than 6%. The change in the maximum elastic length of the clamping element is preferably chosen between 10 and 50%. But this depends greatly on geometric facts. In addition to the rate of change of the length, the tensile force exerted by the clamping element is also important. This is influenced on the one hand by the geometric facts of the clamping element and on the other hand by the material thickness of the section. But,
In order to prevent deformation of the closure device itself, it is important that the thickness of the section is made significantly smaller than the thickness of the outer wall in the region of the joint. If the rate of change of the maximum elastic length is chosen to be small, the snapping action will only take place in the dead center range. It is advantageous to set the lower limit to, for example, a length change in the dead center range of 10%.

[Industrial applicability]

As already shown in the several advantageous embodiments in the accompanying drawings, the shape of the closure device according to the invention can be varied almost without limit. However, this is most advantageous especially for snap hinged closures made of synthetic resin. Manufacturers of cosmetics, foodstuffs or industrial chemicals want their products to have a unique design that is compatible with packaging. With the hinge according to the invention, this can be performed almost without limit.

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A closure device outer wall (6, 7) comprising a lower part (1) and an upper part (2) connected thereto via a thin-film hinge (3), wherein the outer wall (6, 7) is straight or curved in the area of the hinge. And at least one clamping element (8) integrally connected to said upper and lower parts (1, 2);
A hinged closure device made of synthetic resin, in which two fastening elements (8) have joints (4,5) indirectly or directly on the outer wall of the upper and lower parts (1,2); (4,5) consist of thin film hinges, at least one
One clamping element (8) consists of a plurality of extensible sections, which sections, in the closed state of the closure device, extend substantially or at least in a rectilinear range of sections approximately in a straight line connecting the joining points (4, 5). A snap hinged closure made of synthetic resin, wherein each section is adapted to undergo a length change by elastic deformation when the closure is actuated. 2. The closing device according to claim 1, wherein the joint of the at least one clamping element is provided on a bracket projecting from the outer wall. 3. The closing device according to claim 1, wherein the joint of the at least one clamping element extends flush with the outer wall. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein only one fastening element is provided between the two thin-film hinges which hinge the upper and lower parts of the closing device. The closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein one fastening element is provided on each side of a thin-film hinge for hingedly connecting the upper and lower parts of the closing device. A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said sections are mutually transitional curved portions, and these form a tape that snakes in a plane between the two joining points. Closing device. 7. The closing device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one clamping element (8) comprises a section which emerges in a harmonica-like manner from the plane between the two joining points. . 8. The closing device according to claim 5, wherein said section forms a sector tape of variable length.