Mechanism for opening and closing the outlet opening for emptying containers, especially beverage containers.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mechanism for opening and reclosing an outlet opening for emptying a container, particularly a beverage container, the mechanism comprising a latch for opening and reclosing the outlet opening in a container lid, wherein the latch is fitted with a breaking element slidably connected to the container lid, and wherein the lid has a technical means suitable for moving the lid, characterized in that the mechanism comprises at least a pair of sliding surfaces, each sliding surface including at least one convex arched section, wherein when the latch is moved, at least a pair of breaking elements move on the pair of sliding surfaces, and wherein each end of the sliding surface is positioned at a different height relative to the bottom surface of the lid surrounding the opening, such that the end of each sliding surface where the latch begins to move toward opening the outlet opening is positioned higher than its other end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mechanism for opening and reclosing an outlet for emptying containers, particularly beverage containers. Specifically, the mechanism is intended for containers made of plastic. Background Technology

[0002] A reclosing mechanism for containers (particularly beverage containers) is known from patent document WO 2014 / 003586 A2. This mechanism includes means for opening and reclosing a beverage outlet opening, which takes the form of a latch slidably mounted on a guide, wherein the latch contacts the bottom surface of a lid surrounding the opening. At the top, the lid is fitted with a sliding tab, which is hinged to the latch on one side and connected to the latch on the other side via a connector that acts as a seal before the first opening. On one side of the hinge and the front of the tab, the lid has a corresponding resistance surface that determines the initial position of the latch before the first opening.

[0003] A container lid, particularly for beverage cans, is known from patent document WO 2010 / 094793 A2. This lid includes a re-closing mechanism made of elastic material, which is partially integrated with the bottom side of the lid in a manner that prevents the lid from twisting. It has an actuation mechanism mounted on the top side of the lid via an adapter. When the actuation mechanism is actuated, a portion of the re-closing mechanism covering the opening rotates in a plane perpendicular to the lid surface. The opening can be re-closed by actuating the actuation mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the friction problem between mating components when opening and closing the outlet opening for emptying a container by reducing friction; simultaneously, it ensures a tight re-closure of the opening. Reduced friction increases the reliability of the functional mechanism, lowers the risk of damage, and eliminates microparticles generated due to wear on mating surfaces, which could contaminate the container contents, such as beverages.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to reduce the number of structural elements in the mechanism and simplify the technical process of its production and assembly, which will translate into a significant reduction in manufacturing costs.

[0006] This problem has been solved by developing a mechanism structure that will additionally ensure optimal flow of beverage through the outflow opening when the container is emptied.

[0007] A mechanism for opening and reclosing an outlet opening for emptying a container, particularly a beverage container, includes a latch for opening and reclosing an outlet opening in a container lid, wherein the latch is fitted with a hatching element slidably connected to the container lid, and wherein the lid has a technical means for actuating the movement of the latch. According to the invention, the mechanism comprises at least a pair of sliding surfaces, each sliding surface including at least one arched section, wherein when the latch is moved, at least a pair of hatching elements move on said pair of sliding surfaces, and wherein each end of the sliding surface is positioned at a different height relative to the bottom surface of the lid surrounding the opening, such that the end of each sliding surface where the latch begins to move toward opening the outlet opening is positioned higher than its other end, and wherein the latch contacts the bottom surface of the lid surrounding the outlet opening in the closed position and is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the lid in the open position.

[0008] Preferably, the mechanism includes two pairs of sliding surfaces positioned sequentially in the direction of movement of the latch and two pairs of shell-breaking elements, wherein one pair of shell-breaking elements cooperates with one pair of sliding surfaces.

[0009] Preferably, the sliding surface of at least one pair of sliding surfaces consists of two convex arched sections.

[0010] Preferably, longitudinal ribs are formed on the bottom surface of the cover, and an end member is formed on the latch, with the end member positioned between the ribs of the cover, thereby forming a slit between the end members of the cover and the latch.

[0011] Preferably, at least one pair of spacer elements are formed on the bottom surface of the cover, and the latch has at least one spacer element on its bottom surface, wherein the spacer element of the latch cooperates with the pair of spacer elements of the cover.

[0012] Preferably, elements for initiating the movement of the latch are formed on the top surface of the latch.

[0013] Preferably, the latch is equipped with additional sealing and actuating elements connected to the element for initiating the movement of the latch, the additional sealing and actuating elements preferably being in the form of a tongue or cap.

[0014] Preferably, the mechanism is made of plastic.

[0015] The mechanism for opening and reclosing the outlet opening of a container for emptying, according to the invention, is used for its intended purpose. Because the convex arched surface of the guide latch breaker is inclined relative to the bottom edge of the outlet opening when opening and reclosing the outlet opening, the latch immediately moves away from the bottom surface of the cap when the movement of the latch intended to open the outlet opening is initiated. This eliminates the frictional effect between the latch and the bottom surface of the cap, allowing air to be released immediately from the container. This makes the mechanism usable in containers for high-pressure and strongly carbonated beverages. The immediate movement of the latch away from the cap when the movement is initiated facilitates the movement of the latch. The structure of the mechanism simplifies the process of manufacturing and assembling the mechanism, significantly reducing the cost of manufacturing the mechanism.

[0016] Furthermore, the solution according to the invention is characterized by a high level of intuitiveness and ergonomics when opening and closing the outflow opening. All components of the lid can be manufactured from the same material as the container, which is important for the recycling of waste containers.

[0017] The mechanism according to the invention is used for lids of various shapes, including cartons, and can be produced using existing molding and assembly methods. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 A 3D view of the latch with a pair of shell-breaking elements is shown from top.

[0020] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A 3D view of the latch from the bottom;

[0021] Figure 3 A lid with an opening for emptying the container is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A 3D view of the latch section from the top;

[0022] Figure 4 The image shows a lid with an opening for emptying the container. Figure 3 A 3D view of the middle section from the bottom;

[0023] Figure 5 Showing assembly in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The lid is on, in the closed position, including Figure 1 and Figure 2 A 3D view of the latch mechanism from top view;

[0024] Figure 6 Showing the closed position Figure 5A 3D view of the structure from the bottom;

[0025] Figure 7 Showing assembly in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The lid is in the open position, including Figure 1 and Figure 2 A 3D view of the latch mechanism from top view;

[0026] Figure 8 Showing assembly in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The lid is in the open position, including Figure 1 and Figure 2 A 3D view of the latch mechanism from the bottom;

[0027] Figure 9 Showing the closed position Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cross-section of the mechanism along the opening;

[0028] Figure 10 Showing the open position Figure 7 and Figure 8 The cross-section of the mechanism along the opening;

[0029] Figure 11 Showing the closed position Figure 5 and Figure 6 A schematic cross-section of the mechanism in the diagram;

[0030] Figure 12 Showing the open position Figure 7 and Figure 8 A schematic cross-section of the mechanism in the diagram;

[0031] Figure 13 Showing the closed position Figure 5 and Figure 6 3D cross-section of the mechanism in the opening;

[0032] Figure 14 Showing the open position Figure 7 and Figure 8 3D cross-section of the mechanism in the opening;

[0033] Figure 15 The image shows a device in the closed position with an additional seal and an actuating tongue. Figure 5 and Figure 6 A 3D view of the structure from top to bottom;

[0034] Figure 16 Showing the open position Figure 15 A 3D view of the structure from top to bottom;

[0035] Figure 17 The image shows a device in the closed position with an additional rotary seal and actuator cap. Figure 5 and Figure 6 A 3D view of the structure from top to bottom;

[0036] Figure 18 Showing the open position Figure 17 A 3D view of the structure from top to bottom;

[0037] Figure 19 A 3D view of the latch with two pairs of breaking elements is shown from the top.

[0038] Figure 20 Show Figure 19 A 3D view of the latch from the bottom;

[0039] Figure 21 The diagram shows a cover with an outlet opening for emptying the container. Figure 19 and Figure 20 A 3D view of the latch section from the top;

[0040] Figure 22 The diagram shows a cover with an outlet opening for emptying the container. Figure 21 A 3D view of the middle section from the bottom;

[0041] Figure 23 Showing assembly in Figure 21 and Figure 22 The lid is in the closed position, including Figure 19 and Figure 20 A 3D view of the latch mechanism from top view;

[0042] Figure 24 Showing the closed position Figure 23 A 3D view of the structure from the bottom;

[0043] Figure 25 Showing assembly in Figure 21 and Figure 22 The lid is in the open position, including Figure 19 and Figure 20 A 3D view of the latch mechanism from top view;

[0044] Figure 26 Showing assembly in Figure 21 and Figure 22 The lid is in the open position, including Figure 19 and Figure 20 A 3D view of the latch mechanism from the bottom;

[0045] Figure 27 Showing the closed position Figure 23 and Figure 24 The cross-section of the mechanism along the opening;

[0046] Figure 28 Showing the open position Figure 25 and Figure 26 The cross-section of the mechanism along the opening;

[0047] Figure 29 Showing the closed position Figure 23 and Figure 24 A schematic cross-section of the mechanism in the diagram;

[0048] Figure 30 Showing the open position Figure 25 and Figure 26 A schematic cross-section of the mechanism in the diagram;

[0049] Figure 31 Showing the closed position Figure 23 and Figure 24 3D cross-section of the mechanism in the opening;

[0050] Figure 32 Showing the open position Figure 25 and Figure 26 The 3D cross-section of the mechanism in the opening. Detailed Implementation

[0051] according to Figures 1 to 18 The first embodiment of the invention shown includes a mechanism for opening and reclosing the outlet opening 2 for emptying the container, comprising a latch 6 for opening and reclosing the outlet opening 2 in the lid 1 of the container. The latch 6 is fitted with a single pair of breaking elements 7, and the lid 1 has a single pair of sliding elements 3 formed on each of the lateral longitudinal walls of the opening 2 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As shown in the figures), or formed on the top surface of the cover 1 along the longitudinal edges of each top of the opening 2 (not shown in the figures). A pair of breaking elements 7 are slidably mounted on the sliding surface 3, which acts as a guide for the breaking elements 7 when the latch 6 moves. The sliding surfaces 3 are parallel to each other and have a convex arch shape, each sliding surface being formed such that each end of its end is positioned at a different height relative to the bottom surface of the cover 1 surrounding the opening 2, wherein the end 3a where the latch 6 begins to move toward the opening of the outflow opening 2 is positioned higher than the other end 3b of the sliding surface, i.e., inclined downward in the direction in which the latch 6 moves toward the open position. Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, when in the closed position, latch 6 contacts the bottom surface of cover 1 surrounding opening 2, and as... Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 As shown, when in the open position, the latch is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the cover 1. Longitudinal ribs 4 are formed on the bottom surface of the cover 1, with end members 6a of the latch positioned between these ribs, thereby forming a slit 10 between the end members of the cover 1 and the latch 6, and between the ribs 4, for supplying air to the container during venting, such as... Figure 10 As shown. A pair of longitudinal spacer elements 5 extending from the longitudinal rib 4 are formed on the bottom surface of the cover 1, and a pair of transverse spacer elements 9 that cooperate with the pair of longitudinal spacer elements 5 of the cover 1 are formed on the bottom surface of the latch 6.

[0052] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, an element 8 for initiating the movement of the latch is formed on the top surface of the latch, and the latch may be equipped with an additional seal and an actuating tongue 11, on which a clamping rib 11a for positioning the latch in motion is formed, wherein the tongue 11a is fitted onto the element 8, as shown. Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown; optionally, the latch may be fitted with an additional rotary seal and actuating cap 12, on which a clamping rib 12a is formed for positioning the latch in motion and engaging with the element 8 of the latch. Furthermore, as Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the rotating cap 12 has an opening 13 for emptying the container and an opening 14 for supplying air to the slit 10 when the container is emptying.

[0053] exist Figures 19 to 32 In the second exemplary embodiment of the invention shown, the mechanism includes a latch 106 for opening and reclosing the outflow opening 102 in the lid 101 of the container. The latch 106 is fitted with two pairs of shell-breaking elements 107 (such as...). Figure 20 (As shown), and the cover 101 has two pairs of sliding surfaces 103 formed on the lateral longitudinal walls of the opening 102, which serve as guides for the breaking element 107 during the movement of the latch 106. Each particular pair of sliding surfaces 103 is positioned parallel to each other, and these pairs of sliding surfaces 103 are positioned sequentially in the direction of movement of the latch 106, as shown. Figure 21 As shown. Furthermore, the sliding surface 103 in each pair is formed by two convex arched segments 103' and 103" with different radii, as... Figure 21As shown. The ends of each pair of arched surfaces 103 are positioned at different heights relative to the bottom surface of the cover 101 surrounding the opening 102, wherein the end 103a of a pair of arched surfaces where the latch begins to move toward the opening of the outflow opening is positioned higher than the other end 103b of that particular pair, i.e., inclined downwards in the direction in which the latch 106 moves toward the open position, and wherein the end of the arched surface of each arched segment 103', 103" where the latch 102 begins to move toward the opening of the outflow opening 102 is positioned higher than its other end, i.e., at the end of the latch 106... The sliding surfaces 103 are inclined downwards in the direction of movement toward the open position. In each pair of sliding surfaces 103, the arched section 103' in which the latch 106 begins to move toward the open outlet opening 102 is shorter than the immediately following arched section 103", and the radius of the arched section 103' in which the latch 106 begins to move toward the open outlet opening 102 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the immediately following arched section 103". Each pair of breaking elements 107 is slidably mounted on a single pair of said sliding surfaces 103, which serve as guides for these breaking elements 107 during latch movement, such as... Figure 23 and Figure 25 As shown. A pair of shell-breaking elements 107 engage with a pair of sliding surfaces 103. In the closed position, the latch 106 contacts the bottom surface of the cover 101 surrounding the opening, as shown. Figure 27 As shown, in the open position, it is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the cover 101 by a distance such as... Figure 28 As shown. Longitudinal ribs 104 are formed on the bottom surface of the cover 101, and end members 106a of the latch 106 are positioned between the longitudinal ribs, thereby forming a slit 110 between the cover 101 and the end member 106a of the latch 106 and between the ribs 104, for supplying air into the container during container evacuation, as shown. Figure 28 As shown. A pair of longitudinal spacers 105 are formed on the bottom surface of the cover 101, and two transverse spacers 109 are formed on the bottom surface of the latch 106, which cooperate with the pair of spacers 105 of the cover 101. In addition, an element 108 for initiating the movement of the latch is formed on the top surface of the latch 106, which is in the form of a clamping rib.

[0054] In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the container, lid, and mechanism are all made of the same plastic.

[0055] When openings 2 and 102 are opened, latches 6 and 106 move downward toward the interior of the container. When the movement of latches 6 and 106 toward the opening of the outflow openings 2 and 102 is initiated, due to the arched shape of the sliding surfaces 3 and 103 that mate with the shell-breaking elements 7 and 107, the latches immediately move downward toward the interior of the container, and the slits 10 and 110 supplying air into the container open toward openings 2 and 102. Further movement of latches 6 and 106 toward the opening of the outflow openings 2 and 102 causes latches 6 and 106 to move further downward and increases the distance between the top surface of latches 6 and 106 and the bottom surface of the caps 1 and 101 surrounding the opening. The airflow entering the container through slits 10 and 110 ensures laminar flow of the beverage from the container. The sliding surface 103 is shaped into two arched segments 103' and 103" so that the opening 102 can be tightly reclosed. The radius of the first, shorter arched segment 103' of the sliding surface 103 is smaller than the radius of the second segment 103" to ensure that the latch 106 moves downward immediately during the opening of the outflow opening 102 and spaced apart from the bottom surface of the cover 101. The interlocking spacer elements of the cover and latch stabilize the movement of the latch during the opening and reclosing of the outflow opening.

[0056] List of reference numerals

[0057] 1. A portion of the lid having an outlet opening for emptying the container.

[0058] 2. Outflow opening for emptying the container

[0059] 3. Sliding arched surface

[0060] 3a, 3b The ends of the sliding arched surfaces

[0061] 4. Longitudinal ribs of the lid

[0062] 5. Spacer elements of the cover

[0063] 6. Latch

[0064] 6a Latch end component

[0065] 7. Frame breaking element of the latch

[0066] 8. Components for initiating the movement of the latch

[0067] 9. Latch spacer element

[0068] 10 Slits

[0069] 11. Sealing and Actuating Tongue

[0070] 11a Clamping rib for initiating the movement of the latch on the actuating tongue.

[0071] 12 Rotary seal and actuator cap

[0072] 12a Clamping ribs of the rotating cap for initiating the movement of the latch

[0073] 13. The opening in the cap for emptying the container.

[0074] 14. An opening in the cap for supplying air to the container during evacuation.

[0075] 101. A portion of the lid having an opening for emptying the container.

[0076] 102 Openings for emptying containers

[0077] 103 Sliding arched surface

[0078] The ends of the sliding arched surfaces 103a and 103b

[0079] Sections of the 103' and 103" sliding arched surfaces

[0080] 104. Longitudinal ribs of the lid

[0081] 105. Spacer element of the cover.

[0082] 106 latches

[0083] 106a Latch end component

[0084] 107. Frame breaking element of the latch.

[0085] 108 Elements for initiating the movement of the latch

[0086] 109. Latch spacer element

[0087] 110 A slit used to supply air to the container during venting.

Claims

1. A mechanism for opening and reclosing a flow opening for emptying a container, the mechanism comprising a latch for opening and reclosing the flow opening in a container lid, wherein the latch is equipped with a shell-breaking element that is slidingly connected to the container lid, and wherein the container lid has an element formed on the top surface of the latch for initiating movement of the latch, characterized in that, The mechanism includes at least one pair of sliding surfaces (3, 103), each sliding surface including at least one arched section descending relative to the top surface of the container lid (1, 101), wherein when the latch (6, 106) is moved, at least one pair of breaking elements (7, 107) formed on the top surface of the latch (6, 106) moves on the pair of sliding surfaces (3, 103), and wherein each end (3a, 3b, 103a, 103b) of the sliding surfaces (3, 103) is positioned at a different height relative to the bottom surface of the container lid (1, 101) surrounding the outlet opening (2, 102), such that the latch (6, 106) of each sliding surface (3, 103) begins to open the outlet opening (2, 102). 102) The end (3a, 103a) where the movement is located is positioned above the other end (3b, 103b) of the sliding surface relative to the bottom surface of the container lid (1, 101) surrounding the outlet opening (2, 102), and wherein the latch (6, 106) is in contact with the bottom surface of the container lid (1, 101) surrounding the outlet opening (2, 102) in the closed position, and wherein the latch (6, 106) moves downward relative to the bottom surface of the container lid (1, 101) surrounding the outlet opening (2, 102) to the open position, such that in the open position the latch (6, 106) is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the container lid (1, 101) surrounding the outlet opening (2, 102) by a distance.

2. The mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanism includes two pairs of sliding surfaces (103) and two pairs of shell-breaking elements (107), the two pairs of sliding surfaces being positioned sequentially in the direction of movement of the latch (106), wherein one pair of shell-breaking elements (107) cooperates with one pair of sliding surfaces (103).

3. The mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the sliding surfaces (3, 103) consists of two arched sections that descend relative to the top surface of the container lid (1, 101).

4. The mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Longitudinal ribs (4, 104) are formed on the bottom surface of the container lid (1, 101), and end members (6a, 106a) are formed on the latch (6, 106), the end members being positioned between the longitudinal ribs (4, 104) of the container lid (1), thereby forming a slit (10, 110) between the container lid (1, 101) and the end members (6a, 106a) of the latch (6, 106).

5. The mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one pair of spacer elements (5, 105) are formed on the bottom surface of the container lid (1, 101), and the latch (6, 106) has at least one spacer element (9, 109) on its bottom surface, wherein the spacer element of the latch cooperates with the at least one pair of spacer elements (5, 105) of the container lid (1, 101).

6. The mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The latch (6) is equipped with additional sealing and actuating elements connected to the element (8) for initiating the movement of the latch (6).

7. The mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The facility is made of plastic.

8. The mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container is a beverage container.

9. The mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The additional sealing and actuating elements are a tongue (11) or a cap (12).

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