Container closure and container

Abstract

The invention relates to a container and a container closure (100). The container closure (100) comprises a base body (1) for securing to a container and a dosing unit (2) for dosing liquid dispensing. The dosing unit (2) has a dosing body (4) with a discharge opening (21) and a channel (22) adjacent to the discharge opening (21). The channel (22) extends in the direction of the container and forms an annular groove (23) with the dosing unit (2). A dosing cap (3) is arranged on the dosing unit (2). The dosing cap (3) closes the annular groove (23) to form an annular volume (V). The annular volume (V) is connected to a buffer volume (27) through a first opening (24) and to the channel (22) through a second opening (25). The first and second openings are arranged in such a way that any liquid flowing from the first opening (24) to the second opening (25) passes through the annular volume (V) at least along a portion of the annular volume (V) in a direction around the channel (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container cap comprising a base for fixing to a container, a metering unit for metering liquid dispensing, wherein the metering unit has a metering body with a discharge opening and a channel adjacent to the discharge opening extending in the direction of the container and forming an annular groove with the metering unit, wherein a metering cap is disposed on the metering body, wherein the metering cap closes the annular groove to form an annular volume, and the present invention relates to a container including such a container cap. Background Technology

[0002] Various lids for containers are known from the prior art. A container lid is a component suitable for sealing a container, for example, a container storing food. Preferably, container lids for containers of liquid or paste-like foods are designed to allow the food to be dispensed through these lids. Such container lids are frequently found on containers holding sauces such as ketchup.

[0003] DE 201 12 974 U1 has become a known universal container cap. This utility model discloses a container cap having a cap and a discharge opening. An inner cap is provided inside the cap, which has a side opening through which liquid to be discharged enters the inner cap and is discharged directly from the inner cap through the discharge opening.

[0004] To prevent uncontrolled outflow, a sealing lip is incorporated into the lateral opening. Manufacturing this movable sealing lip is cumbersome. The movable sealing lip is also prone to misoperation. Once the sealing lip malfunctions, it must be thoroughly cleaned and repaired to allow further dispensing of the liquid to be discharged. The sealing lip also requires increased initial pressure to open the corresponding opening. This sudden decrease in resistance often results in a high volume of unwanted liquid being discharged.

[0005] A container cap for dispensing single drops of liquid is known from US 2017 / 0057709 A1. It has a complex labyrinth of channels, which in turn requires a relatively long or tall container cap to form, and is particularly unsuitable for dispensing paste-like liquids such as ketchup. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is to correct one or more disadvantages of the prior art. Specifically, a container cap and a container will be created that allow for easy and quantitative dispensing of liquids, especially viscous liquids, and are particularly easy to manufacture.

[0007] This objective is achieved by means of the apparatus according to the invention. Further embodiments are derived herein.

[0008] A container cap according to the present invention includes a base for fixing to a container and a metering unit for metering liquid dispensing. In other words, the metering unit includes elements that allow metering. The metering unit has a metering body with a discharge opening. The metering unit also has a channel adjacent to the discharge opening. This channel extends in the direction of the container, that is, in the direction of the interior of the container, and forms an annular groove with the metering unit. The annular groove is formed entirely within the metering unit. Preferably, the annular groove is formed within the metering body. A metering cap is disposed on the metering body.

[0009] The channel is preferably formed by a wall extending along the direction of the container. Preferably, this wall is formed as a circumferential wall, particularly as part of a pipe, or separately formed as a tube. In particular, the measuring unit consists of a measuring cap and a measuring body.

[0010] The metering cap closes the annular groove to form an annular volume. The annular volume is directly connected to the buffer volume, specifically through a first opening, and directly connected to the channel, specifically through a second opening.

[0011] Therefore, in this arrangement, the annular volume, in particular the complete volume, is formed in the metering unit and through the elements of the metering unit, namely the metering cap and the metering body, thus forming independently and not interacting with the container.

[0012] The outlet opening defines a substantially central axis that extends outward from the interior of the container through the outlet opening. For containers with a circular cross-section, if the outlet opening is central, it typically coincides with the container's longitudinal axis. In cases where the outlet openings are distributed, and / or for containers with non-uniform cross-sections, the central axis passes through the outlet opening collinearly with the container axis.

[0013] The first and second openings are arranged such that any liquid flowing from the first opening to the second opening passes through the annular volume at least along a portion of the channel, specifically in a circular path around the central axis. The liquid flows from the first opening to the second opening through the annular volume, particularly in a spiral manner. In other words, the liquid flows from its periphery towards the center through the metering unit.

[0014] Passing through a circular volume of liquid has several effects. On the one hand, the liquid deflects multiple times between the inside of the container and the outlet; on the other hand, this ensures that the liquid runs along the inner surface of the defined volume and is accordingly exposed to a certain amount of friction. This is a particular advantage because the liquid is slowed down accordingly.

[0015] Therefore, it allows for simple metering of the liquid to be discharged and at least partially prevents the liquid from leaking independently from the container.

[0016] The buffer volume ensures a sufficient liquid supply after the first opening. Furthermore, pressure spikes during container use can be reduced by this buffer volume. Therefore, the liquid output from the container is also homogenized.

[0017] The liquid should ideally be thick or pasty, especially tomato sauce.

[0018] In the general use of containers, the extension of channels into the container and the respective relationships between the container lid and the components of the container involve the orientation and relationship between the container lid and the container.

[0019] Preferably, the measuring element is disposed on the substrate. In such a configuration, the substrate and the measuring element together form the end of the container. This allows the same measuring element to be inserted into different substrates, each substrate matching a different container. The measuring element can be provided as a component of the measuring unit.

[0020] Overall, this configuration allows for the creation of container lids with low installation height.

[0021] The buffer volume can be separated from the inside of the container by a measuring cap.

[0022] This makes manufacturing simple and economical.

[0023] To connect the buffer volume to the inside of the container, at least a third opening can be provided in the metering cap.

[0024] Liquid can be filled into the buffer volume from inside the container through the third opening. Preferably, four third openings are provided.

[0025] One or more partitions can be provided in the annular volume to prevent direct connection between the first opening and the second opening.

[0026] This increases resistance to liquid flow and also increases the distance the liquid must travel from the first opening to the second opening. This increases the frictional resistance of the liquid within the container lid. It effectively prevents accidental or excessive leakage of liquid from the container.

[0027] The first opening may be spaced apart from the second opening in the axial direction of the channel.

[0028] This arrangement also increases resistance to liquid flow.

[0029] The axial direction of the channel is essentially defined by the direction in which the liquid exits the channel. Preferably, the axial direction of the channel corresponds to the direction from the inside of the container to the container lid.

[0030] A second opening can be formed within the channel.

[0031] This allows for the simple and precise fabrication of a second opening.

[0032] The first opening can be formed within the metering body.

[0033] Measuring instruments can be manufactured simply and precisely.

[0034] To form an annular groove, the metering body can have walls.

[0035] The manufacturing of container lids is simplified. For example, by forming channels in or on the measuring body, the container lid can be adjusted to suit the specific object to be output, or in other words, the specific liquid to be output, by simply replacing or appropriately manufacturing the measuring body.

[0036] The measuring cap may have a protrusion for engaging with a corresponding recess on the measuring unit, particularly on the measuring body.

[0037] Therefore, the measuring cap can be easily and safely attached to the measuring unit. The protrusions and recesses can be specially shaped for a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0038] The container lid may have a cap. This is preferably hinged to the base. The cap may specifically have a cap pin for closing the discharge opening.

[0039] This allows the container to be sealed safely, for example, airtight.

[0040] The matrix and the metrology can be formed as a single unit.

[0041] This allows for simple manufacturing, such as as injection molded parts.

[0042] The cross-section of the second opening and / or the cross-section of the first opening is less than 50%, particularly less than 40%, and preferably less than 30% of the cross-section of the channel.

[0043] This ensures that the liquid flow rate decreases when it exits downstream in the channel direction from the first and / or second openings and correspondingly exits in the discharge direction. This makes liquid metering easier.

[0044] In particular, the container lid does not have any movable or flexible sealing elements, and therefore lacks such sealing elements.

[0045] Both the manufacture and application of container lids are easy.

[0046] Another aspect of the invention relates to a container including a container lid as described in this example.

[0047] This allows for the provision of containers with caps specific to the corresponding liquid to be filled. In particular, finished products including the liquid can be provided.

[0048] The container should ideally be flexible.

[0049] This allows for the compression of the container, thereby allowing for proper metering and proper discharge of the liquid. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Several embodiments of the container lid will be explained based on the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 A perspective view of the container lid is shown;

[0052] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 The container lid, with the cap open;

[0053] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the container lid;

[0054] Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 1 The lower view of the container lid;

[0055] Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 4 The view shows no measuring cap. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Figure 1 A perspective view of a container lid 100 is shown. The container lid 100 has a base 1. A cap 5 is arranged on the base 1, which is connected to a connector 101 (see...). Figure 2 The cap 5 is hinged to the base 1. Opposite to the connector 101 is a protrusion 102, which allows the cap 5 to be lifted off the base 1. This allows the container cap 100 to be unfolded. Once unfolded, the container cap 5 releases a discharge opening 21, as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0057] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 The container lid 100 is in the unfolded state. A metering unit 2 is provided inside the base 1. The metering unit 2 is located at its top. Figure 2 In the view, a drain opening 21 for draining liquid is provided. During use of the container with the container lid 100, the drain opening 21 points downwards, i.e., as shown... Figure 2 The opposite direction shown. In other words, in normal use, the container lid 100 is in the opposite direction to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The positions shown are opposite. The base 1, cover 5, and metering unit 2 are formed as a single unit.

[0058] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the container lid 100, i.e., according to Figure 2A cross-sectional view through the metering unit 2 is shown. It can be seen that the metering body 4 and the base 1 of the metering unit 2 are formed integrally. The base 1 has threads 103, whereby the container cap 100 can be screwed onto the opening of a container (not shown) to close the opening. Alternatively, a snap-fit ​​connection can be provided. Accordingly, the container cap 100 is connected to the container interior 201. The metering unit 2 is disposed in the base 1 at the center of the threads 103. The metering unit 2 has a metering body 4 integrally formed with the base 1. The metering unit 2 includes a metering cap 3 disposed on the metering body 4, which is particularly fluid-tight and non-removable. In this embodiment, a discharge opening 21 of the metering unit 2 is disposed on the metering body 4. The discharge opening 21 extends into the container interior 201 and has a channel 22 connected to it. The discharge opening 21 is closed by a cap pin 51 disposed on the container cap 5. The discharge opening 21 is released by unfolding the cap 5. Through the discharge opening 21, liquids such as tomato sauce can be discharged from the container interior 201 to the outside. This defines the outlet direction or discharge direction. The discharge direction corresponds to the axial direction R. Channel 22 extends from the interior 201 of the container along this axial direction R toward the container cover 100.

[0059] The metering unit 2 has a discharge opening 21 extending into the container interior 201, and a channel 22 connected to the discharge opening 21. The channel 22 is substantially tubular, or formed as part of a pipe. It has a wall around a central axis and flows into the discharge opening 21. The metering unit 2 has a separately formed wall 41 that extends into the container interior 201 like the channel 22. The channel 22 and the wall 41 form an annular groove 23. Figure 5 This is even more evident in the middle.

[0060] The measuring unit 2 has a measuring cap 3, which is disposed on the measuring body 4 and intersects with the wall 41, closing the channel 22 opposite to the container interior 201. Accordingly, by connecting the measuring cap 3, the annular groove 23 is closed to form an annular volume V. The annular volume V forms an annular surface with a generally rectangular cross-section, which is composed only of... Figure 5 The partition 26 shown is interrupted. The annular volume V extends substantially along a circular track around the central axis. This annular volume V passes through the first opening 24 (see...). Figure 5 It is directly connected to buffer volume 27. The annular volume V is also directly connected to channel 22 through the second opening 25.

[0061] In this example, the measuring cap 3 extends beyond the wall 41, causing a buffer volume 27 to form around the wall 41. The measuring cap 3 is connected to the measuring unit 2. In this example, the protrusion 37 engages with a corresponding recess on the measuring unit 2. The protrusion 37 and the recess are formed as a snap-fit ​​connection. Therefore, the buffer volume 27 opposite to the container interior 201 is closed by the measuring cap 3.

[0062] As previously described, the buffer volume 27 is connected to the annular volume V via a first opening 24. This, in turn, is connected to the channel 22 via a second opening 25. Therefore, liquid to be discharged can be added from the buffer volume 27 into the annular volume V, which then flows through the annular volume V in the direction surrounding the channel 22.

[0063] On one hand, the liquid deflects along a circular trajectory within the annular volume V and flows along the surface of the annular volume V, thus slowing down. The liquid is also slowed down through multiple deflections at the baffle 26 and channel 22. This slowing down is constant during liquid discharge. Sudden and undesirable changes in resistance are prevented as the liquid discharges, especially since there is no flexible membrane or sealing lip.

[0064] In addition, the buffer volume 27 allows the liquid to be buffered before output, and pressure peaks can be reduced through this volume.

[0065] Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 1 The lower view of the container cap 100 shows four third openings 36 in the metering cap 3. Liquid from inside the container 201 can flow into the buffer volume 27 through these third openings 36. This is indicated by arrow P1.

[0066] Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 4 A view without a metering cap to represent the flow in the annular volume V. (e.g.) Figure 4 As shown, buffer volume 27 is filled from inside the container.

[0067] For liquid discharged from inside container 201 through discharge opening 21, the flexible container (not shown) is deformed, reducing the volume of inside container 201. Liquid flows into buffer volume 27 through third opening 36. This is indicated by arrow P1. From buffer volume 27, liquid flows into annular volume V through first opening 24. All liquid then flows along a portion of annular volume V in the direction surrounding channel 22. In this example, the liquid circulates around the central axis in annular volume V. This is indicated by arrow P2. Once the liquid reaches baffle 26, the baffle turns toward the center of the metering unit and then toward the axial direction R. These two movements are partially superimposed. Liquid now flows into channel 22 in the axial direction R and flows out through discharge opening 21.

[0068] On one hand, the liquid is deflected along a circular trajectory within the annular volume V and flows along the surface of the annular volume V, thus slowing it down. The liquid is also slowed down by deflection in the region of baffle 26 and at channel 22. This slowing down is constant during liquid discharge. Sudden and undesirable changes in resistance are prevented as the liquid discharges, especially since there is no flexible membrane or sealing lip. The flow is further homogenized by the buffer volume 27, and pressure peaks can be captured.

Claims

1. A container lid (100), comprising The substrate (1) is used for fixing to the container. Metering unit (2) for measuring liquid dispensing. in, The metering unit (2) has a metering body (4) with a discharge opening (21) and a channel (22) adjacent to the discharge opening (21), which extends along the direction of the container and forms an annular groove (23) with the metering unit (2). A measuring cap (3) is arranged on the measuring body (4). The metering cap (3) closes the annular groove (23) to form an annular volume (V), characterized in that the annular volume (V) is connected to the buffer volume (27) through a first opening (24) and to the channel (22) through a second opening (25), wherein the first opening (24) and the second opening (25) are arranged in such a way that any liquid flowing from the first opening (24) to the second opening (25) passes through the annular volume (V) at least along a portion of the annular volume (V) in a direction surrounding the channel (22), wherein the buffer volume (27) is separated from and closed relative to the container interior (201) by the metering cap (3), and wherein at least a third opening (36) is provided in the metering cap (3) to connect the buffer volume (27) to the container interior (201).

2. The container lid (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Any liquid flowing from the first opening (24) to the second opening (25) spirals through the annular volume (V) at least a portion of it in the direction surrounding the channel (22).

3. The container lid (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, One or more partitions (26) are provided in the annular volume (V) to prevent direct connection between the first opening (24) and the second opening (25).

4. The container lid (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first opening (24) is spaced apart from the second opening (25) in the axial direction of the channel (22).

5. The container lid (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second opening (25) is formed within the channel (22).

6. The container lid (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first opening (24) is formed inside the measuring body (4).

7. The container lid (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In order to form the annular groove (23), the measuring body (4) has a wall (41).

8. The container lid (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The measuring cap (3) has a protrusion (37) for engaging with a corresponding recess on the measuring unit (2).

9. The container cap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a cap (5) hinged to the base (1) and having a cap pin (51) for closing the discharge opening (21).

10. The container lid (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The substrate (1) and the metering body (4) are formed as a single unit.

11. The container lid (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cross-section of the second opening (25) is less than 50% of the cross-section of the channel (22).

12. The container lid (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The cross-section of the second opening (25) is less than 40% of the cross-section of the channel (22).

13. The container lid (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The cross-section of the second opening (25) is less than 30% of the cross-section of the channel (22).

14. The container lid (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The container lid (100) has no movable or flexible sealing element.

15. A container comprising a container lid (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The container according to claim 15, characterized in that, The container is flexible.

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