Mechanism for opening and reclosing the outflow opening for emptying the container

Abstract

The present application relates to a mechanism for opening and reclosing the outflow opening for emptying a container, comprising a latch, characterized by means for initiating the movement of the latch, wherein the latch is rotationally connected to a lid, characterized by an outflow opening for emptying a container, characterized in that at least one guide (4) is formed on the bottom surface (1b) of the lid (1), which guide has an arcuate guide surface (4a) extending downward in a helical manner with respect to the bottom surface (1b) of the lid (1), wherein the latch (2) is characterized by at least one hatch (5), which hatch has an arcuate surface (5a) shaped on the bottom surface (2b) of the latch (2), which arcuate surface extends downward in a helical manner with respect to the top surface (2a) of the latch (2), and the hatch (5) is slidingly fitted on the guide (4) such that the arcuate surface (5a) of the latch (2) contacts the arcuate guide surface (4a) of the guide (4). In the closed position, the top surface (2a) of the latch (2) contacts the bottom surface (1b) of the lid (1) at least around the outflow opening (3) for emptying a container, while in the open position, the top surface (2a) of the latch (2) is away from the bottom surface (1b) of the lid (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanism for opening and reclosing the outflow opening for emptying a container, which will be used in particular for containers made of plastic, including bottles. BACKGROUND

[0002] From the patent document WO 2008 / 051099 Al a lid of a container made of plastic is known, which will be used in particular for beverages and consists of a body and a device for opening and reclosing the outflow opening, which is tightly closed before it is opened for the first time and has a valve, which is characterised by having an opening, around which there are at least two clamps, which are rotationally fixed in the fitting holes on the inside of the lid, where the clamps cooperate with the operating lever, which is characterised by having an arm, which ends in a cylindrical element, which on the side surface is fitted with at least one driver and is rotationally fixed in the fitting hole on the outside of the lid. The valve and the operating lever are sealed and fixed in place with a plastic foil. Once the outflow opening is opened, it can be closed back by moving the driving mechanism.

[0003] From the document WO 2016 / 130705 Al a closing device is known, in which the panel covering the opening in the lid is connected with the lid by a rivet, around which the covering panel can rotate, thus closing or opening the opening in the lid. Before the first opening, the above-mentioned components are connected to each other, for example by gluing. The closing device is fitted with a rotating operating lever fixed on the lid and a panel covering the opening, where the operating lever breaks the connection between the elements.

[0004] The pressure exerted by the rotation of the operating lever around the rivet axially enables the panel covering the opening to be disconnected from the lid, thus releasing the pressure from the inside of the container. The elements constituting the closing device are made of metal and plastic.

[0005] Devices (for example caps) that close containers made of plastic, in particular bottles, are known, which constitute a separate element once the container is opened. Due to the mechanical properties required, the weight of the threaded element represents a considerable percentage of the weight of the material with which the container is made (proportional to the volume of the container). According to the standards, the bottle and the cap are made of different materials, which makes their recycling very difficult, as they need to be separated. From the point of view of the implementation required by the so-called circular economy principles (for example under the SUP / Single Use Plastic / EU Directive), it must be emphasized that the heterogeneity of the materials used to make the entire package hinders or even excludes the implementation of the circular economy principles. In the need to eliminate any separable element from the consumption process (for example dictated by the above-mentioned EU Directive), it must be emphasized that many solutions have been invented which involve the hinging of the cap with a further attachment element or film. These solutions, however, are very complex, make the consumer uncomfortable, they do not actually guarantee the inseparability of the cap and most of them make the recycling of the material with which the bottle is made and the possible technologies for using it as a recycled material very complex, which in turn makes the recycling of the material for its reuse even more difficult, sometimes completely excluding it, and in all cases, it will greatly increase the costs of such recycling (flotation process, water consumption), as in the case of the standard cap described above. The inseparable connection of the heterogeneous elements actually excludes the possibility of obtaining such raw material in the recycling process, which can be used to make the same object (for example the cap or the container) obtained in the recycling process, which is the essence of the circular economy. SUMMARY

[0006] One of the problems solved by the invention is the friction between the elements that cooperate in opening and reclosing the outflow opening for emptying the container (by reducing the friction); at the same time, the invention guarantees the tight reclosing of the opening. Reducing the friction increases the reliability of the functional mechanism, reduces the risk of damaging it, is related to the ergonomics of its operation and eliminates the tiny particles that are generated due to the wear of the cooperating surfaces, where the particles can contaminate the contents of the container, for example a beverage.

[0007] In addition, the aim of the invention is to develop a mechanism for opening and reclosing containers, including bottles, characterized by the following features:

[0008] - elimination of separable elements from the consumption process,

[0009] - elimination of the thread, which reduces the weight of the container, in particular the bottle,

[0010] - homogeneity of the material of the mechanism itself and the possibility of fixing the closing mechanism on a container made of the same material,

[0011] - simplicity of production and ergonomics of use, since a single movement (the force of a single finger) is used to open and reclose,

[0012] - reduction in the number of structural elements in the mechanism, simplification of the technical processes in production and simplification of their assembly in existing bottling lines,

[0013] - reduction in production costs.

[0014] According to the invention, a mechanism for opening and reclosing the outflow opening for emptying the container comprises a latch, characterized by means for initiating the movement of the latch, wherein the latch is rotationally connected to a cap, characterized by an outflow opening for emptying the container, characterized in that at least one guide is formed on the bottom surface of the cap, which has an arcuate guide surface extending in a helical manner downward with respect to the bottom surface of the cap, wherein the latch is characterized by at least one hatch, which has an arcuate surface formed on the bottom surface of the latch, extending in a helical manner downward with respect to the top surface of the latch, and the hatch is slidingly fitted on the guide, so that the arcuate surface of the latch contacts the arcuate guide surface of the guide. In the closed position, the top surface of the latch contacts the bottom surface of the cap at least around the outflow opening for emptying the container, while in the open position, the top surface of the latch is away from the bottom surface of the cap.

[0015] Preferably, the means for initiating the movement of the latch is a protrusion on the top surface of the latch, which can be located inside the outflow opening of the cap.

[0016] Preferably, there is an opening in the latch on its rotational axis, and a cylindrical protrusion on the bottom surface of the cap, wherein the protrusion is located inside the opening in the latch.

[0017] Preferably, a guide is formed on the side cylindrical surface of the cylindrical protrusion, and a hatch is formed on the latch at the edge of the opening, which is slidingly fitted on the guide.

[0018] Preferably, there are two guides located parallel to each other on the bottom surface of the cap, and the latch is fitted with two corresponding hatches, which are located parallel to each other and are slidingly fitted on the guides.

[0019] Alternatively, there are two guides located opposite to each other on the bottom surface of the cap, and the latch is characterized by at least one hatch slidingly fitted on the guides.

[0020] Preferably, at least one protrusion is formed on the longitudinal wall of the outflow opening, which is in contact with the protrusion initiating the movement of the latch in the closed position.

[0021] Preferably, there is an opening in the lid to supply air to the container when it is being emptied, wherein in the closed position the opening is in contact with the top surface of the latch and the protrusion that initiates the movement of the latch can be located in said opening on the top surface of the latch.

[0022] Preferably, there is an opening in the latch to supply air to the container when it is being emptied.

[0023] Preferably, there is sealing material between the bottom surface of the lid and the top surface of the latch around the outflow opening and preferably there is sealing material between the bottom surface of the lid and the top surface of the latch around the opening that supplies air to the container when it is being emptied.

[0024] The lid and the latch can be flat or concave towards the inside of the container.

[0025] The solution according to the invention meets the predetermined purpose. In particular, the helical shape of the guide in the lid and the matching hatch in the latch make it possible for the latch to move away from the bottom surface of the lid immediately when the outflow opening starts to open, which significantly reduces the friction between the elements that mate with each other when the outflow opening is opened and reclosed. Moreover, the structure of the mechanism according to the invention makes it possible to use the same material to manufacture the container, the lid and the latch and guarantees that they cannot be separated during the use process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred form embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 a lid in the closed position, viewed from the top, with the latch in place, the tongue arranged in the outflow opening;

[0028] Figure 2 a lid in the open position, viewed from the top, with the latch in place, as in Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 3 a lid in the closed position, viewed from the top, with the latch in place, the tongue arranged in the outflow opening;

[0030] Figure 4 a lid in the open position, viewed from the top, with the latch in place, as in Figure 3 ;

[0031] Figure 5 a lid in the closed position, viewed from the top, with the latch in place, the tongue arranged in the opening that supplies air to the container when it is being emptied;

[0032] Figure 6 represents the lid in the open position from the top, with the latch in place, as in Figure 5 ;

[0033] Figure 7 represents the lid in the closed position from the top, with the latch in place, the tongue in the opening which supplies air to the container when it is emptying;

[0034] Figure 8 represents the lid in the open position from the top, with the latch in place, as in Figure 7 ;

[0035] Figure 9 represents the lid from the bottom, with a single guide;

[0036] Figure 10 , 10A represents the latch from the bottom, matching the lid in Figure 9 ;

[0037] Figure 11 represents the lid in the open position from the bottom, as in Figure 9 , with the latch in place, as in Figure 10 , 10A ;

[0038] Figure 12 represents the lid from the bottom, with two guides parallel to each other and a surface shaped around the outflow opening;

[0039] Figure 13 represents the latch from the bottom, matching the lid in Figure 12 ;

[0040] Figure 14 represents the lid in the open position from the bottom, as in Figure 12 , with the latch in place, as in Figure 13 ;

[0041] Figure 15 represents the lid from the bottom, with two guides positioned opposite each other and a shaped surface around the outflow opening;

[0042] Figure 16 represents the lid from the bottom, with two hatches for the lid, as in Figure 15 ;

[0043] Figure 17 represents the lid in the open position from the bottom, as in Figure 15 , with the latch in place, as inFigure 16 middle;

[0044] Figure 18 , 18A This shows the cover as viewed from the bottom, which has two guides positioned opposite each other;

[0045] Figure 19 , 19A This shows the latch as viewed from the bottom, which has a function for... Figure 18 , 18A A single hatch in the cover;

[0046] Figure 20 The 3D view from the bottom shows the open position, as in Figure 18 The cover, in which the cover is in place, such as in Figure 19 Or in 19A;

[0047] Figure 21 The 3D view from the bottom shows the open position, as in Figure 18A The cover, in which the latch is in place, as in Figure 19 Or in 19A;

[0048] Figure 22 This indicates a side view, such as... Figure 12 The cover in the middle is a concave variation;

[0049] Figure 23 This indicates the latch as viewed from the side, used as in... Figure 22 The lid in the middle;

[0050] Figure 24 This indicates a side view, such as... Figure 18 The cover in the middle is a flat, varied form;

[0051] Figure 25 This indicates the latch as viewed from the side, used as in... Figure 24 The lid in the middle;

[0052] Figure 26 , 26A The view shown in sectional view is of the latch assembled in the cover, which is in a concave variation.

[0053] Figure 27 , 27A The connection between the latch and the cover is shown in sectional views, as in... Figure 26 and 26A middle;

[0054] Figure 28 , 28A The view shown in sectional view is of the latch assembled in the cover, which is in a flat, varied form;

[0055] Figure 29 , 29A The connection between the latch and the cover is shown in sectional views, as in... Figure 28 and 28A middle. Detailed Implementation

[0056] An example mechanism for opening and reclosing the outlet opening for emptying the container includes a latch 2, characterized by having a means for actuating the latch movement, for example, in the form of a protrusion 6 arranged on the bottom surface 2a of the latch 2. The cover 1 is characterized by having an outlet opening 3, which can have different shapes, such as a portion of a ring, as in... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 In the middle, or a triangle, such as in Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The protrusion 6 can be arranged within the outlet opening 3 of the cover 1, such as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this restricts the movement of the latch 2 in the outflow opening 3 from the closed position to the open position and back; alternatively, the protrusion 6 can be arranged within the opening 10, which supplies air to the container when it is emptied, such as... Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the opening 10 restricts the movement of the latch 2 within the opening from a closed position to an open position and back. The latch 2 is rotatably connected to the cover 1 by at least one guide 4 formed on the bottom surface 1b of the cover 1, wherein the guide engages with a hatch 5 formed on the bottom surface 2b of the latch 2. The guide 4 formed on the bottom surface of the cover 1 is characterized by an arcuate guide surface 4a that descends spirally relative to the bottom surface 1b of the cover 1, and the hatch 5 formed on the bottom surface 2b of the latch 2 is characterized by an arcuate surface 5a that descends spirally relative to the bottom surface 2a of the latch 2. The hatch 5 is slidably fitted onto the guide 4 such that the arcuate surface 5a of the hatch 5 contacts the arcuate guide surface 4a of the guide 4.

[0057] In one embodiment variation, the bottom surface 1b of the cap surrounding the outlet opening 3 can be formed as an extended edge, such as... Figure 12 and Figure 15 As shown, in this case, when in the closed position, the top surface 2a of the latch 2 contacts the edge formed on the bottom surface 1b of the cover 1 around the outlet opening 3, while in another variation, such as Figure 9 , Figure 18 , Figure 18AAs shown, the surface around the outlet opening 3 is characterized by the absence of a distinct edge. In this case, in all example embodiments, when in the closed position, the top surface 2a of the latch 2 contacts the bottom surface 1b of the cover 1, while in the open position, the top surface 2a of the latch 2 is away from the bottom surface 1b of the cover 1.

[0058] according to Figures 9 to 11 The example embodiment shown features a cover with a single guide 4 on the bottom surface 1b. Figure 9 Accordingly, the latch 2 is characterized by having a single hatch 5, which is capable of being as in Figure 10 or Figure 10A The hatch 5 is slidably mounted on the guide 4, as described above. Figure 11 Furthermore, the latch 2 is characterized by having an opening 7 on its axis of rotation and a cylindrical protrusion 8 formed on the bottom surface 1b of the cover 1, wherein the protrusion is arranged within the opening 7 of the latch 2. Moreover, the cover 1 is characterized by having an opening 10 that supplies air to the container in the open position when the container is opened. Figure 11 On the other hand, when in the closed position, the opening 10 contacts the top surface 2a of the latch 2.

[0059] According to another example embodiment, such as Figures 12 to 14 As shown, there are two guides 4 positioned parallel to each other on the bottom surface 1b of the cover 1. Figure 12 ), and correspondingly there are two hatches 5 positioned parallel to each other on the latch 2. Figure 13 These two hatches 5 are slidably mounted on the guide 4. Figure 14 As described above. Furthermore, the latch 2 is characterized by an opening 7 on its axis of rotation, and the cover 1 is characterized by a cylindrical protrusion 8 on its bottom surface 1b, wherein the protrusion is arranged within the opening 7 of the latch 2. Additionally, the cover 1 is characterized by an opening 10 that supplies air to the container in the open position when the container is emptied. Figure 14 On the other hand, when in the closed position, the opening 10 contacts the top surface 2a of the latch 2.

[0060] According to another example embodiment, such as Figures 15 to 17 As shown, there are two guides 4 positioned opposite each other on the bottom surface 1b of the cover 1. Figure 15 ), and there are two hatches 5 corresponding to the latch 2 ( Figure 16 These two hatches 5 are slidably fitted onto the guide 4 ( Figure 17 Additionally, the lid 1 is characterized by having an opening 10 to supply air to the container in the open position. Figure 15 ), and the latch 2 is characterized by having a corresponding opening 11 ( Figure 16), to supply air to the container in the open position, with openings 10 and 11 overlapping each other in the open position ( Figure 17 In the closed position, the opening 10 in the cover contacts the top surface 2a of the latch 2.

[0061] According to other variations of the embodiments, such as Figure 18 , 18A As shown in Figures 19, 20, and 21, there are two guide members 4 positioned opposite each other on the bottom surface 1b of the cover 1. Figure 18 , Figure 18A ), and there is a single hatch 5 on the latch 2, which is capable of having such Figure 19 Or the shape shown in 19A, wherein the latch is slidably fitted onto the guide 4, as... Figure 20 , Figure 21 As shown separately. Additionally, there is an opening 10 in cover 1 ( Figure 18 , 18A ), so as to supply air to the container in the open position, and latch 2 ( Figure 19 , 19A The characteristic of ) is that it has a corresponding opening 11 to supply air to the container in the open position, wherein the openings 10 and 11 overlap each other in the open position. Figure 20 , Figure 21 In the closed position, the opening 10 in the cover contacts the top surface 2a of the latch 2.

[0062] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention (not shown in the figures), there may be a guide 4 formed on the side cylindrical surface of the cylindrical protrusion 8, which is formed on the bottom surface 1b of the cover 1. In this case, there is a hatch 5 formed on the bottom surface 2b of the latch 2 at the edge of the opening 7, wherein the hatch is slidably fitted onto the guide 4.

[0063] In all the above example embodiments, one or two protrusions 9 may be formed on the longitudinal wall of the outflow opening 3 or opening 10 (which supplies air to the container in the open position). Figures 1 to 8 In the closed position, the protrusion 9 contacts the protrusion 6 that initiates the movement of the latch 2. Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 ).

[0064] In all the above-described example embodiments, sealing material may be fitted around the outflow opening 3 between the bottom surface 1b of the cover 1 and the top surface 2a of the latch, and around the opening 10 (which supplies air to the container when it is emptied) between the bottom surface 1b of the cover 1 and the top surface 2a of the latch.

[0065] In all the above example embodiments, the cover 1 and the latch 2 can be concave towards the interior of the container, such as... Figure 22 and Figure 23 (For example) Figures 12-14 (Example embodiments in the text) or Figure 26 , 26A , Figure 27 , Figure 27A Example shown; alternatively, cover 1 and latch 2 can be flat, which is... Figure 24 and Figure 25 (For example) Figures 18 to 21 (Example embodiments in) and Figure 28 , 28A Examples are shown in 29 and 29A.

[0066] In all the above example embodiments, the arcuate surface 5a of the hatch 5 can be shaped by a spade to create an abrupt step on the bottom surface 2b of the latch 2, such as... Figure 26 , Figure 27 , Figure 28 , Figure 29 As shown; alternatively, the surface can be molded to be without steps (gradually changing), such as... Figure 26A , Figure 27A , Figure 28A , Figure 29A As shown.

[0067] The latch 2 is fitted into the cover 1 by applying force, the effect of which is that once the latch 2 is initially oriented relative to the cover 1, the hatch 5 slides onto the guide 4, as... Figure 26 , Figure 26A , Figure 28 , Figure 28A As shown in the diagram, the tongue is arranged in the outflow opening 3 or opening 10 (which supplies air to the container when the container is emptied). Figure 27 , 27A , Figure 29 , Figure 29A The diagram illustrates the connection between the latch and the cover after assembly.

[0068] The outflow opening 3 is achieved by shifting the protrusion 6 along the outflow opening 3. Figures 1 to 4 Or by shifting the protrusion 6 along the opening 10 (the opening 10 supplies air to the container when it is emptied) Figures 5 to 8 And then it opens.

[0069] The displacement of the protrusion 6 causes the latch 2 to rotate on the guide 4 of the cover 1, and as the latch 2 rotates, the distance between its top surface 2a and the bottom surface 1b of the cover 1 increases. The outflow opening can then be closed again.

[0070] The cover and latch are made of the same elastic plastic material.

[0071] Reference number list

[0072] 1-Lid

[0073] 1a - Top surface of the cover

[0074] 1b - Bottom surface of the lid

[0075] 2-Lock

[0076] 2a-Top surface of the latch

[0077] 2b - Bottom surface of the latch

[0078] 3- The outlet in the lid

[0079] 4-Guide formed on the bottom surface of the cover

[0080] 4a - Bow-shaped guide surface of the guide

[0081] 5-Hatch with latch

[0082] 5a - Arched surface of the hatch

[0083] 6-Protrusion on the top surface of the latch

[0084] 7-Axial opening in the latch

[0085] 8- Cylindrical protrusion on the bottom surface of the lid

[0086] 9-Protrusion

[0087] 10 - The opening in the lid is used to supply air to the container when it is emptied.

[0088] 11- The opening in the latch is used to supply air to the container when it is emptied.

Claims

1. A mechanism for opening and reclosing an outlet opening for emptying a container, the mechanism comprising a latch having means for actuating latch movement, wherein, The latch is rotatably connected to the cover, the cover having the outflow opening for emptying the container, the cover (1) having at least one guide (4) having an arcuate guide surface (4a) extending downward in a spiral manner relative to the bottom surface (1b) of the cover (1), wherein the latch (2) has at least one hatch (5) having an arcuate surface (5a) formed on the bottom surface (2b) of the latch (2), the arcuate surface (5a) extending downward in a spiral manner relative to the top surface (2a) of the latch (2), the hatch (5) being slidably fitted onto the guide (4) such that the arcuate surface (5a) of the latch (2) contacts the arcuate guide surface (4a) of the guide (4). The feature is that a guide (4) having an arcuate guide surface (4a) is formed on the bottom surface (1b) of the cover (1), wherein the cover (1) and the latch (2) are configured such that: in the closed position, the top surface (2a) of the latch (2) contacts the bottom surface (1b) of the cover (1) at least around the outlet opening (3) for emptying the container, while in the open position, the top surface (2a) of the latch (2) is away from the bottom surface (1b) of the cover (1).

2. The mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device for initiating the movement of the latch (2) is a protrusion (6) located on the top surface (2a) of the latch (2).

3. The mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The protrusion (6) is located inside the outflow opening (3) of the cover (1).

4. The mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The latch (2) has an axial opening (7) on its axis of rotation, and a cylindrical protrusion (8) on the bottom surface (1b) of the cover (1), wherein the cylindrical protrusion is located within the axial opening (7) of the latch (2).

5. The mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: A guide (4) is formed on the cylindrical protrusion (8) and on its side cylindrical surface, and a hatch (5) is formed on the latch (2) and at the edge of the axial opening (7), the hatch (5) being slidably fitted onto the guide (4).

6. The mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom surface (1b) of the cover (1) has two guides (4) positioned parallel to each other, and the latch (2) is fitted with two corresponding hatches (5), which are positioned parallel to each other and slidably fitted onto the guides (4).

7. The mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover (1) has two guides (4) positioned opposite each other on its bottom surface (1b), and the latch (2) has at least one hatch (5) slidably mounted on the guides (4).

8. The mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least one protrusion (9) is formed on the longitudinal wall of the outflow opening (3), which contacts the protrusion (6) in the closed position, thereby initiating the movement of the latch (2).

9. The mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lid (1) has a lid opening (10) to supply air to the container when the container is emptied, wherein, in the closed position, the lid opening is in contact with the top surface (2a) of the latch (2).

10. The mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that: The latch (2) has a latch opening (11) to supply air to the container when the container is emptied.

11. The mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that: The protrusion (6) positioned on the top surface (2a) of the latch (2) for initiating the movement of the latch (2) is located within the lid opening (10) for supplying air to the container when the container is emptied.

12. The mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that: At least one protrusion (9) is formed on the longitudinal wall of the cap opening (10) for supplying air to the container when the container is emptied. The protrusion contacts the protrusion (6) in the closed position so as to initiate the movement of the latch (2).

13. The mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: A sealing material is provided around the outflow opening (3) between the bottom surface (1b) of the cover (1) and the top surface (2a) of the latch (2).

14. The mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that: A sealing material is provided around the bottom surface (1b) of the lid (1) and the top surface (2a) of the latch (2) for supplying air to the container when the container is emptied.

15. The mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The lid (1) and latch (2) are flat or concave towards the inside of the container.

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