Tank lid with resealable closure

By designing a resealable closure device on the beverage can lid, the combination of operating elements, closure components and hinges solves the problem that the existing beverage can lid cannot be reclosed, achieving reliable sealing of the can lid and extending the shelf life of the beverage.

CN120035555APending Publication Date: 2025-05-23METX TECHNOLOGIES LLC
View PDF 11 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202480003376.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-08-30
Filing Date
2024-08-29
Publication Date
2025-05-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Once the can lid of the existing beverage can is opened, it cannot be effectively closed, resulting in the beverage being unable to be sealed again after opening, affecting the shelf life and taste of the beverage.

Method used

By designing a resealable closure device on the can cover, the device consisting of an operating element, a closure member and a hinge, the operating element is rotatable about the first rotational axis and connected to the closure member through the hinge to achieve a reliable seal of the can cover.

Benefits of technology

The can lid can be reliably closed after initial opening, ensuring the sealing of the beverage, extending the shelf life of the beverage, and reducing production costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN120035555A_ABST
    Figure CN120035555A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention provides a can lid with a resealable closure, in particular for aluminum or tin cans, comprising a circular, substantially flat can top (15) comprising an upper side (25), an underside (27) and an outlet opening (17) provided on the can top (15). A closure member (23) for opening and closing the outlet opening (17) is provided on the underside (27) of the tank top (15). The closure member (23; 23a) has two parts, one fastening part (29; 23a) fastened to the underside (27) of the tank top (15); 29a), and a flap (31) (31, 31a) hinged to the fastening part by a hinge (39), the flap being rotatable about a first axis of rotation (41) extending substantially parallel to the lower side (27). The operating element (21) (21) can be twisted about an axis of rotation extending substantially perpendicular to the tank top (15) and can be tilted into the outlet opening (17) in a predetermined position in order to open the valve flap (31) (31; 31a). The can lid is further characterized in that the operating element (21; 21a) can be rotated about a second axis of rotation (48) extending parallel to and spaced from the first axis of rotation (41). In addition, the hinge (39) is configured to be extendable and compressible perpendicular to the hinge axis of rotation (41).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a can lid with a resealable closure, in particular for an aluminium can or a tin can according to the preamble of claim 1. Background Art

[0002] Disposable packaging for liquids has long been used in various shapes and sizes. Today, beverage cans made of light metal are particularly common. They are usually made of tin or aluminum and consist of a cylindrical can body and ends (bottom and lid) molded thereon. An outlet opening equipped with a pull-tab closure is provided on the can lid. The pull-tab closure is operated to push the lid portion forming the dispensing opening into the can while still maintaining a fixed connection with the can lid. According to another variant, the pull-tab closure is operated to remove the closure together with the area or lid portion forming the dispensing opening. A disadvantage of these closure systems is that, once opened, they can no longer be effectively reclosed using the lid portion that has been pressed or pushed out. This is considered a particular disadvantage of larger beverage containers because they are usually not completely emptied immediately after initial opening. When carbonated beverages are loaded into cans, once opened, carbon dioxide escapes relatively quickly, causing the beverage to lose its characteristic taste.

[0003] In order to solve this problem, various ways of resealable beverage cans have been proposed. In the utility model document German application DE 0300327 U1, a beverage can is described, which includes an outlet or drinking opening with a cover that can be broken or torn off. After opening or tearing the closure, the outlet or drinking opening can be reclosed with a planar closing element, which is arranged on the package and can be pivoted around a pivot point.

[0004] PCT application WO 2005 / 056400 discloses a beverage can comprising a hollow body with an open end and a lid. The lid comprises a lid region comprising a main portion and a partially or completely removable portion for forming a dispensing opening after disassembly. The lid has a closing element which is located in the container and is movable relative to the lid region. A grip is provided on the closing element which can extend through the dispensing opening and can be selectively moved by a user to close a beverage flow passage through the dispensing opening or to open a passage for dispensing. A sealing element for sealing the dispensing opening is also attached to the closing element.

[0005] PCT application WO 2012010258 discloses another resealable beverage can closed by a lid. The lid has a lid region having an upper side, a lower side, a circumferential edge and an area defined by a circumferential weakened profile for a disassembly opening. The lever tab is fastened to the lid region by a fastening element. The lever tab comprises a closing module at the end, the module comprising a closing collar, which, when the tab is placed on the upper side of a surface, abuts against the upper side of the surface and extends along the opening in a sealed manner.

[0006] In the German application DE 102014211265 A1, a removable cover made of tin is described, which has a central cover area, which includes a predetermined breaking area and a gripping part that can be pivoted around [a gap] and is made of tin. The pivot axis extends at least approximately perpendicular to the cover surface and has an opener part on one side of the pivot axis and a gripping part on the opposite side of the pivot axis. After opening the predetermined breaking area, the gripping part can be rotated about the rotation axis through the opening generated by the opening operation and is surrounded by an outer contour to tightly close the opening. The gripping piece tin plate forming the gripping part has a hole, and an elastic seal is provided on the lower side of the gripping part facing the cover area, which is connected to the gripping part in a form-fitting manner and extends through the hole.

[0007] A metal can lid comprising a resealable opening is known from European application EP 3753863 A1. The can lid consists of a metal cover area in which a circumferential micro-slit or a weak line defines an opening area. The opening area is provided with a sealing frame of plastic material connected to a fixed cover area. An upwardly rotated metal cover area, which is part of a closing unit of plastic material, is located within the micro-slit or weak line. The closing unit is attached to the fixed cover area via a rotating bearing and is provided with a tearing member, which is connected to the closing unit radially opposite to the rotating bearing in an upwardly rotating manner. The sealing frame and the closing unit are sealingly matched by a seal and a locking rib and an associated receiving groove. The seal and the locking rib form a sealing edge with the receiving groove and are configured to interlock when the can lid is raised.

[0008] European application EP 2408683 A1 discloses a resealable container closure device for beverage cans. The container closure device comprises a lid having an upper side, a lower side and an opening, a closure having an integral closure component for opening and closing the opening, and an operating device for operating the closure component. The closure component is integrally attached to the lower side of the cover surface in a non-rotating manner and is connected to an actuating device that passes through the lid and is arranged on the upper side of the cover surface so as to be accessible from the outside. By actuating the actuating device, the closure device can be adjusted from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa. In the open position, a retaining element can cooperate with the lid to keep the closure device in the open position. In the closed position, the actuating device closes the outlet in a liquid-tight manner, and the actuating device can be rotated substantially in a plane parallel to the cover surface. The closure device has a fastening component permanently connected to the cover surface, wherein a hinge is formed between the fastening component and the closure area, and the closure area of ​​the closure device can rotate around the hinge against the restoring force. The disadvantage of this solution is that, in addition to the outlet, another opening must be provided for the actuating device on the cover surface, which in turn may cause sealing problems.

[0009] European application EP 2 555 988 A1 likewise discloses a resealable can lid, comprising a closure member for opening and reclosing a dispensing opening and an operating device for actuating the closure member. Likewise, the closure member is arranged on the underside of the lid and can be rotated about a first axis extending substantially parallel to the underside. The operating device is arranged on the closure member and can be rotated about a second axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first axis and / or the closure member. The dispensing opening can be opened by rotating the operating device to a second position and can be reclosed by rotating it to the first position.

[0010] Purpose of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a can lid with a resealable closure which can be manufactured at low cost and consists of only a small number of parts. Another object of the present invention is that after initial opening, the can body can be reliably sealed from the environment with the resealable can lid. A further object of the present invention is that when the closure is opened, any internal pressure can first be released. A further object of the present invention is that the closure can be locked in the open position. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention that the opening angle of the closure can be limited. Summary of the invention

[0012] According to the invention, according to the preamble of claim 1, the purpose of a resealable can is achieved by the operating element being rotatable about a second rotation axis extending parallel to the first rotation axis and spaced apart therefrom, and by the hinge being configured to be extendable and compressible perpendicularly to the hinge rotation axis. An advantage of the can lid according to the invention is that it can be manufactured from only a small number of parts and is therefore inexpensive. Another advantage of the invention is that the closure device is still able to reliably seal the outlet opening even after repeated opening and closing. Since the hinge is configured to be extendable and compressible perpendicularly to the hinge rotation axis, the rotation axes of the operating element and the closing part do not have to be located at the same position, but can be spaced apart from each other.

[0013] Advantageously, the hinge has one or more hinge parts which are configured as one or more spring elements. The spring elements are designed so that the hinge can extend and compress when the closure is opened and closed. Instead of separate hinge parts, a continuous hinge made of an elastomer can also be used.

[0014] Preferably, the hinge is extendable or compressible by at least 0.1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.3 mm, respectively, during the opening or closing operation. This is generally sufficient to open the closure device without any major stresses. On the other hand, it is sufficient for the hinge to be configured to be extendable and compressible by a maximum of 1.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 1.2 mm, particularly preferably a maximum of 1.0 mm.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the operating element is configured to be able to adopt a latched position when in the open position. For example, this can be achieved when, in the open position, the edge of the outlet opening can engage in a recess on the underside of the operating element.

[0016] An advantageous embodiment provides that the operating element has a recess on the underside which can cooperate with an edge of the outlet opening so that the operating part and the valve flap arranged thereon are locked in the open position.

[0017] Advantageously, the operating element has a gripping portion and a radially opposite radially projecting projection. In the closed position, the projection preferably projects beyond the outlet opening and abuts against the upper side of the tank top. This prevents pressure from being applied to the closure portion arranged below the tank top and prevents possible leakage of the closure device.

[0018] Typically, the operating member can be arranged eccentrically or centrally relative to the outlet opening, with an eccentric arrangement being preferred. Therefore, an advantageous embodiment provides that the operating member is arranged relative to the outlet opening such that in the closed position the projection extends beyond the outlet opening and in the open position is located within the outlet opening.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, a vent is provided in the valve flap which is closed by the operating member in the closed position. This has the advantage that the vent is at least intermittently opened when the operating element is twisted from the closed position to the open position.

[0020] The closing portion may be substantially disc-shaped, wherein the fastening portion and the valve flap may have substantially the same size in plan view and may be semi-circular in shape.

[0021] According to another embodiment, in plan view, the fastening portion is arcuate in shape and the valve flap is substantially semicircular in shape. The larger the valve flap, the larger the outlet opening.

[0022] In order to make the closure seal tight, a seal is provided between the closure portion and the underside of the can top. The seal may be arranged in a groove in the edge of the valve flap or may be considered a molded seal.

[0023] In order to make the closure part tightly fixed relative to the tank top, preferably, one or more centering projections or centering depressions are provided in the fastening part, which can cooperate with complementary structures in the tank top. This has the advantage that the fastening part will not be twisted. In addition, the fastening part can be connected to the tank top by rivets.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably made of plastic, the operating element and the valve flap are connected to each other via a first latching connection, and the operating element and the valve flap are held rotatably relative to each other. The advantage of this embodiment is that rivet connections can be omitted.

[0025] A latching connection can be produced when one or more upwardly protruding latching elements are provided on the upper side of the valve flap, each latching element having an annular ridge protruding radially outwardly, and an annular groove is provided on the lower side of the operating element, the outer wall of which has an undercut for receiving the annular ridge. The interlocking of the operating element and the valve flap is facilitated when the radially inner groove wall is tapered.

[0026] Advantageously, a second latching connection is provided between the operating element and the valve flap and is configured such that a twisting of the operating element out of the 0° position, preferably also out of the 180° position, is counteracted by a resistance.

[0027] This locking connection can be established when one or more protrusions are arranged in the annular groove of the operating part, and in the closed and open positions, can cooperate with one or more recesses on the upper side of the valve flap to form a second locking connection, which resists the rotation of the operating part relative to the valve flap with a predetermined resistance.

[0028] Advantageously, a vent is provided in the valve flap and is closed by a corresponding projection in the closed position, preferably in the open position. The projection and the recess cooperate with each other to resist rotation of the operating member.

[0029] Advantageously, a mass seal is provided on the operating member, which makes the initial opening of the closing device apparent. The mass seal can be provided at the rear or front end of the operating element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a can lid according to the present invention is shown, which includes a resealable closing device in a closed position, preferably made of metal, in a perspective view from above, in which substantially only the operating element of the closing device is visible;

[0032] Figure 2 Shows a can lid including Figure 1 a resealable closing device, in an exploded perspective view from above, the can lid including a fastening member and a lid rotatable relative thereto;

[0033] Figure 3 Shows, in the form of an exploded view, from below, a can lid including Figure 1 a reclosable closing device;

[0034] Figure 4 Shows a cross-section of the can lid taken along line B1 - B1 in Figure 6 wherein the closing device is in an open position;

[0035] Figure 5 Shows a cross-section of the can lid taken along line A1 - A1 in Figure 6 wherein the closing device shown is in a closed position;

[0036] Figure 6 Shows a plan view of a can lid of Figure 5 ;

[0037] Figure 7 Shows a perspective view of the operating element from above;

[0038] Figure 8 Shows a perspective view of the operating element from below;

[0039] Fig. 9 A second embodiment of a can lid according to the present invention is shown, which includes a resealable closing device in a closed position, preferably made of plastic, in which substantially only the operating element of the closing device is visible;

[0040] Fig.10 Shows a top perspective view in the form of an exploded view of a can lid consisting of Fig. 9 a resealable closing device;

[0041] Fig.11 shows a perspective bottom view of a can lid of a resealable closing device of Fig. 9 as seen from below in exploded view;

[0042] Fig.12 shows a cross-section through the can lid along line B1-B1 in Fig.12 wherein the closing device is in the open position;

[0043] Fig.13 shows a cross-section through the can lid along line A1-A in Fig.12 wherein the closing device is in the closed position;

[0044] Fig.14 shows a plan view of the can lid of Fig.11 ;

[0045] Fig.15 shows a perspective bottom view of an operating element according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0046] Fig.16 shows a perspective plan view of an operating element according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0047] Fig.17 shows a longitudinal cross-section through the operating element along line A-A through Fig.14 ;

[0048] Fig.18 shows a perspective view of a closure part according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0049] Fig.19 shows another perspective view of the same operating part;

[0050] Fig. 20 shows a perspective view of the bottom surface of the operating part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figures 1 to 8A first exemplary embodiment of a closure device 13 arranged on or attached to a can lid 11 is shown. The can lid 11 has a substantially flat can top 15, which includes an outlet opening 17 and a folded edge area 19. The closure device 13 includes an operating element 21 and a closure member 23, which cooperates with the operating element 21 and closes the outlet or drinking opening 17 arranged in the can top in the closed position and releases it in the open position so that the medium contained in the can, usually a liquid, can be removed. Although the operating element 21 is arranged on the upper side 25 of the can top 15 and can therefore be reached by the user, the closure member 23 is arranged on the lower side 27 of the can bottom 15 and cannot be reached from the outside. A circular hole 26 with a diameter of 2 to 4 mm is arranged on the can top 15 for accommodating a rivet 81, by which the closure member 23 can be fixed to the can top 15.

[0052] The closing part 23 comprises a fastening part 29 and a movable valve flap 31 arranged thereon, which can reversibly close the outlet opening 17. The valve flap 31 and the fastening part 29 together form a substantially circular disk, the diameter of which is just the right size to abut against the underside 27 of the tank top 15. Therefore, the outer contour 33 of the closing part 23 is embedded in the recess formed by the fold 35 of the tank cover 11, which protrudes downward, that is, extends into the tank. Since the fastening part 29 and the valve flap 31 can abut against the fold 35 with their outer contours, the closing part 23 is effectively prevented from sliding or twisting relative to the tank top 25.

[0053] The valve flap 31 and the fastening member 29 may be configured to have the same size, or Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, it can be configured with different sizes. If the valve flap 31 is configured to have a larger area than the fastening part 29, this has the advantage that the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet opening 17 can also be larger and / or the outlet opening 17 can have different shapes (e.g. oval, rectangular, star-shaped or cross-shaped, etc.). In addition to the known shapes, outlet openings of different designs may represent a recognition value and can be used for marketing. According to a first exemplary embodiment, the valve flap 31 occupies a little more than half of the circular area, and the fastening part 29 has the shape of a circular arc segment (arcuate) 37 in a plan view.

[0054] The fastening part 29 and the valve flap 31 are hingedly connected by a hinge 39 and can rotate relative to each other about a first rotation axis 41. In the present embodiment, the hinge 39 has a plurality of individual hinge parts 43 arranged in a spaced relationship. The particularity of these hinge parts 43 is that they are stretchable and compressible, so that when the closure device is opened, the position of the rotation axis 41 in the plane of the closure part can be translated in the range of 0.2 to about 1.5 mm (arrow 44). This allows differences to exist, and when the valve flap 31 is opened, these differences can be compensated by different positions of the rotation axis of the valve flap 31 and the rotation axis of the operating element 21 (second pivot axis 48).

[0055] In order to achieve the desired extensibility and compressibility of the hinge 39, according to an exemplary embodiment, the hinge 39 is configured in an accordion shape. Specifically, the individual hinge connections 43 have a plurality of windings 45 that protrude perpendicularly from the plane of the closure member and protrude in opposite directions ( Figure 4 These allow not only the valve flap 31 and the fastening element 29 to rotate about the first rotation axis 41, but also the distance between the valve flap 31 and the fastening element 29 to vary by a predetermined amount, in particular at least 0.1, 0.3 or 0.5 mm, during an opening or closing operation. Figure 4 This is necessary because the operating part 21 rotates about the second rotation axis 48 during opening.

[0056] The fastening member 29 has a circular hole 47 ( Figure 2 ) for receiving rivets, by which the fastening member 29 can be permanently fixed to the tank top 15. Two recesses 49 are arranged opposite to each other at a distance from the circular hole 47, for receiving complementary shaped protrusions 51 arranged on the underside 27 of the tank top 25. With the help of these mutually corresponding recesses 49 and protrusions 51, the fastening member 29 can be reliably matched with the tank cover, thereby preventing the fastening member 23 from twisting or sliding.

[0057] Two elongated, radially extending recesses 50 are each arranged at a short distance from the circular hole 47 and opposite to each other for reinforcing the fastening member 29. In addition, a circumferential groove 52 is arranged at a short distance from the outer contour of the fastening member 29 for accommodating a seal 53.

[0058] The valve flap 31 also has a circumferential groove 55 at its edge for accommodating a seal 57. An annular recess 59 for accommodating a cylindrical shoulder 61 of the operating element 21 is located approximately in the center of the valve flap 31, but offset from the circular contour 33 ( Figure 5A vent 63 is located in the annular recess 59, close to the edge of the valve flap 31, through which any existing internal pressure in the tank can be released when the closure device is opened. A sealing element 65 is inserted into the vent 63 in order to seal the closure device from the tank interior in the closed position of the operating element 21.

[0059] The operating element 21 is configured as a circular, substantially flat disc 67 having a cylindrical shoulder 61 protruding from its underside. Two opposing elongated protrusions 69a, 69b are located on the edge of the cylindrical shoulder 61, which, when the operating element 21 is installed, close the vent 63 in both the closed and open positions. However, in the intermediate position of the operating element 21, the vent 63 is unobstructed, allowing air to escape from the tank.

[0060] A hole 68 with a diameter of about 3 mm is provided at the center of the cylindrical shoulder 61 for receiving a rivet 81 ( Figure 1 ), in the finished state, the operating element 21 is connected to the closing part 23 via the rivet 81 so as to be twistable relative to each other.

[0061] A grip 71 is molded onto the operating element 21, by which the operating element 21 can be gripped and rotated. A plurality of radially extending ribs 73 for tactile sensation are provided on the grip 71, by which the grip 71 can be additionally reinforced. A downwardly protruding lug 75 is provided on the distal end of the grip 71, which serves as a support when the operating element is in the closed position. In this position, the lug 75 rests on the tank top 15.

[0062] On its underside, the operating element 21 also has a circumferential ridged edge 76, which, however, is broken at the clamping end 77 by a mass seal 79 consisting of a downwardly protruding tab 81. In the original closed position of the operating element, the tab 81 protrudes into a bead 83 near the can top ( Figure 5 ). When the operating element 21 is now rotated to open the closure, the tab 81 is deformed so that the user can easily see whether the can has been opened before.

[0063] A downwardly protruding bump 82 is provided at the transition between the rounded portion of the operating element 21 and the gripping portion 71. This has the function of fixing the operating element 21 when the valve flap 31 is rotated. When the valve flap 31 is rotated together with the operating element 29, the bump 82, which is initially still placed on the tank top 15, slides under the edge 117 of the outlet opening 17, thereby fixing the valve flap 31 in the open position. When pressure is applied to the gripping portion 71 of the operating element 21 from above, the bump 82 returns to its original position.

[0064] The operating element 21 can be arranged concentrically or eccentrically on the outlet opening 17. The rivet 81 can be used to connect the operating element 21 to the closing part 23 ( Figure 1 ). The eccentric arrangement of the operating element 21 can result in the operating element 21 protruding beyond the outlet opening 17 opposite the grip 71 in the closed position and extending within the periphery of the outlet opening 17 in the open position. This has the advantage that when the part of the operating element 21 that protrudes beyond the outlet opening 17 rests on the upper side 25 of the tank top 15, no pressure is exerted on the closure part 23 in the closed position.

[0065] In order to limit the opening angle of the valve flap 31, at the center of the closing member 23, a rod 84 and a rod 86 are molded on the valve flap 31 and the fastening member 29, respectively. Figure 6 The two rods 84, 86 are oriented relative to each other and are configured to limit the maximum opening angle of the valve flap 31 to about 30° to 35°.

[0066] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Seals 53, 57 and 65 are shown which are arranged on the closure member 23 for sealing the interior of the can from the environment in the closed position.

[0067] Figures 9 to 16 A second exemplary embodiment of a resealable can lid according to the invention is shown, wherein both the operating element and the closing member are slightly different from the first exemplary embodiment. In the following description of the drawings, features that are at least functionally similar to those in the description of the first exemplary embodiment use the same reference numerals.

[0068] The main difference between the first and second embodiments lies in the type of connection between the operating element 21a and the closing part 23a. While in the first embodiment the operating element 21 and the closing part 23 can be connected by a rivet 81, in the second embodiment a snap / latch connection is provided. For this purpose, the operating element 21a has an annular groove 83 on its lower side, the outer groove wall 85 of which has an undercut 87 at the bottom. Its counterpart is provided on the upper side of the valve flap 31, namely an upwardly projecting cylindrical stub 89 which includes a projection in the form of an annular ridge 91 at the upper edge 93. The stub 89 and the annular ridge 91 together form a structure complementary to the annular groove 83 and the undercut 87. In order for the two parts to be safely interlocked, a plurality of incisions 95 are provided in the stub 89 and the stub 89 is divided into a plurality of individual resilient locking elements 97. This design allows the locking elements 97 to be effectively introduced into the undercut 87 since they can initially move radially inwards before engaging the undercut 87. It should be understood that the material properties (elasticity) should be appropriately selected so that the two parts can be safely interlocked. Preferably, once the two parts, namely the operating element 21a and the closing part 23a, are interlocked, they cannot be separated again, or only with considerable effort. Furthermore, the inner groove wall 92 is configured to be tapered ( Fig.15 ). When the operating element 21 and the closing part 23 are connected together, this causes the annular ridge 23 to be pressed into the undercut 87.

[0069] Two spaced-apart depressions 99a, 99b with a thickness of a few tenths of a millimeter are provided in the cylindrical stub 89 in the bottom 90, which can match corresponding projections 101a, 101b on the cylindrical shoulder 61 in the annular groove 61, which also have a height of a few tenths of a millimeter. The matching depressions 99a, 99b and projections 101a, 101b together form a second kind of interlock, however, which only forms a resistance that can be overcome when the operating element 21a is twisted relative to the closing part 23a. In this way, the operating element 21a can be interlocked with the valve flap 31a in the closed position (by definition a 0° rotation) and the open position (a 180° rotation).

[0070] In one of the two depressions, namely depression 99b, a vent 63 is provided. In the closed position, it is closed by the projection 101b, and in the open position, it is closed by the projection 101a. In the intermediate position, the vent 63 is open and the positive pressure present in the tank can escape through the gap between the bottom 90 of the cylindrical stub 89 and the shoulder 61 and the incisions 95. In the second exemplary embodiment, the opposing depressions 99a, 99b and projections 101a, 101b are configured to be mirror images of each other so that they can actively cooperate in the 0° position and the 180° position.

[0071] Figures 10 to 13 and Figures 18 to 20The closure element 23a is shown in a preferred plastic version. Therein, a material thinning or material recess 103 is provided between the fastening element 29a and the valve flap 31a so that the valve flap 31a can move around the rotation axis 41. In addition, an area 105 of increased elasticity is provided between the fastening element 29a and the valve flap 31a and can compress or stretch the fastening element 29a and the valve flap 31a when opening and closing the closure element 23a. The area 105 of increased elasticity can be realized by using a suitable plastic material or by separate spring elements, as in the first exemplary embodiment. These separate spring elements can be retroactively overmolded so that, as in the second exemplary embodiment, they are not visible from the outside.

[0072] On the fastening part 23a, two spaced-apart projections 107 can be seen, which serve to center the fastening part 29a on the underside 27 of the tank top 15. For the second exemplary embodiment, the tank top 15 is not shown in the figures. However, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that it must include a recess that matches the projection 107, into which the projection 107 can engage.

[0073] The groove 109 on the valve flap 31a is arranged at a certain distance from the cylindrical short column 89, and is used to receive the quality seal 111 arranged at the distal end of the operating element 21a in the initial state. The quality seal 111 can be a downwardly protruding tip, which preferably cooperates positively with the groove 109 in the closed position.

[0074] Furthermore, a radially protruding extension 113 is molded on the operating element 21a opposite the grip 71 and projects beyond the outlet opening in the closed position of the closure device, thereby preventing possible leakage of the closure device in the event of external pressure being applied to the operating element 21a.

[0075] Fig.11 and Fig. 20 The underside of the closing part 23a is shown. The ventilation opening 63 and a plurality of reinforcing rods 113 can be seen. Corresponding protrusions can be formed laterally on the hinge, on the side of the valve flap 31a (not shown in the figure), which together limit the opening angle of the valve flap 31a, for example to about 30° to 35°.

[0076] A notch 115 is provided on the lower side of the grip 71. By means of this notch 115, the valve flap 31a and the operating element 29a connected thereto can be fixed in the open position. This is because when the operating element 29a is rotated in the open position, it slides on the edge 117 of the outlet opening, and the edge 117 engages in the notch 115. When the operating element 29a returns to the initial position, the edge 117 jumps out of the notch 115. If a slight impact is applied to the valve flap 31a or the operating element 29a, the valve flap 31 closes by itself. This has a significant advantage that if half or two-thirds of the beverage is poured out, almost no liquid overflows. In this case, when the liquid hits the valve flap 31a when the can is poured, the outlet opening is automatically closed.

[0077] The manufacture and use of the can lid according to the first exemplary embodiment are as follows: the can lid 11 and the closing part 23 can be made of thin aluminum or tin sheets or stainless steel according to established methods. The advantage of using stainless steel is that the cut surfaces do not need to be finished after stamping. During the manufacturing process, an oval disk is first stamped out. In the center of the disk, where the hinge will be located, separate, spaced-apart rods are stamped out, and then the hinge parts 43 are formed from these rods. The stamped rods are initially flat and then folded to make the hinge extendable and compressible. The folded rods can turn the initial oval disk into a round disk.

[0078] The seals 53, 57 and 65 can then be placed in the grooves 53, 55 or can be molded directly thereon. Alternatively, the seals 53, 57 can also be molded on the underside 27 of the tank top 15. The fastening part 29 is then directly connected to the tank top by a first rivet and the operating element 21 is connected to the valve flap 31 by a second rivet 81. However, it is also conceivable to connect the fastening part 29 to the tank top by a clip system or an adhesive device. The grip 71 is in the closed position of the operating element, i.e. the grip 71 extends in the radial direction and the mass seal 79 protrudes into the curling 83. After canning, the tank cover 11 is connected to the tank body by at least one folding part.

[0079] In order to open the closure, the gripping portion 71 of the operating element 21 is gripped and rotated around an axis perpendicular to the tank top. The rotation of the operating element 21 can be clockwise or counterclockwise. After a rotation of 40° to 50°, the vent 63 is opened and the internal pressure in the tank can be released. After a further rotation of 80° to 100°, the vent is reclosed by the second protrusion 69. In the 180° position, the operating element 21 together with the valve flap 31 can be tilted into the tank, wherein the operating element 21 including the recess 115 can engage on the edge of the outlet opening. In order to reclose, some pressure is applied to the operating element 21, whereupon the valve flap 31 returns to its initial position and closes the outlet opening.

[0080] Reference Symbols List

[0081] 11. Jar lid

[0082] 13 Closure device

[0083] 15 Tank Top

[0084] 17 Exit opening

[0085] 19 Marginal Area

[0086] 21 Operating elements

[0087] 23,23a Closing parts

[0088] 25 upper side

[0089] 26 The round holes on the top of the tank are used for rivets

[0090] 27 Lower side

[0091] 29,29a Fastening components

[0092] 31,31a Valve disc (or flap)

[0093] 33 Outer contour of closed part

[0094] 35 Folding part on the can lid

[0095] 37 Arch

[0096] 39 Hinge

[0097] 41 Rotation axis

[0098] 43 hinge parts

[0099] 44 Arrow (translation direction of the rotation axis)

[0100] 45 Winding of hinge parts

[0101] 47 round hole

[0102] 48 Rivets used to secure fasteners to tank tops

[0103] 49 Depression

[0104] 50 Slender concave

[0105] 51 Bump

[0106] 52 Grooves on fastening components

[0107] 52 projection on the lower side 27

[0108] 53 Seals

[0109] 55 Groove on the disc

[0110] 57 Seals

[0111] 59 Depression

[0112] 61 Cylindrical shoulder

[0113] 63 Ventilation

[0114] 65 Sealing element

[0115] 67 disc

[0116] 68 Hole in the center of the operating part

[0117] 69 Annular protrusion

[0118] 71 Grip for operating element

[0119] 73 Ribs

[0120] 75 Bump

[0121] 76 Ridge Edge

[0122] 77 Clamping end

[0123] 79 Quality Seals

[0124] 81 Rivet

[0125] 82 bump on gripping portion 71

[0126] 83 Annular groove

[0127] 84 Lever on disc

[0128] 85 outer tank wall

[0129] 86 Rod on fastening component

[0130] 87 Undercut

[0131] 89 Cylindrical short column

[0132] 90 Short column bottom

[0133] 91 Circular Ridge

[0134] 92 Inner tank wall

[0135] 93 Top Edge

[0136] 95 Cutout on short column

[0137] 97 Locking element

[0138] 99 Depression

[0139] 101 Bump

[0140] 103 Material groove

[0141] 105 Area of ​​increased elasticity

[0142] 107 Bump

[0143] 109 Grooves

[0144] 111 Quality Seals

[0145] 112 Extension

[0146] 113 reinforcement rod

[0147] 115 Notch

[0148] 117Edge of the outlet opening.

Claims

1. A can lid with a resealable closure, particularly an aluminium can or tin can for storing liquid or solid food or supplementary materials, the can lid comprising a circular, substantially flat tank roof (15) comprising an upper side (25), a lower side (27) and an outlet opening (17) arranged on the tank roof (15), - a closure member (23) for opening and closing the outlet opening (17), which is arranged on the underside (27) of the tank top (15), -in, a closure member (23; 23a) having two parts, a fastening member (29; 29a) fastened to the underside (27) of the tank top (15), and a valve flap (31; 31a) hingedly connected to the fastening member by a hinge (39) and rotatable about a first rotation axis (41) extending substantially parallel to the underside (27); and an operating element (21) which can be twisted about a rotation axis extending substantially perpendicularly to the tank roof (15) and which can be tilted into the outlet opening (17) in a predetermined position to open the valve flap (31; 31a), Features: the operating element (21; 21a) is rotatable about a second rotation axis (48), the second rotation axis (48) extending parallel to the first rotation axis (41) and spaced apart therefrom, and The hinge (39) is configured to be extendable and compressible perpendicular to the hinge rotation axis (41).

2. The can cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hinge has one or more hinge components which are configured as one or more spring elements.

3. The can cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The hinge is made of elastomer.

4. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The hinge is extendable and compressible during the opening and closing operation by at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.3 mm, respectively.

5. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The hinge (39) can be extended and compressed by a maximum of 1.5 mm, preferably by a maximum of 1.2 mm, particularly preferably by a maximum of 1.0 mm, respectively, during the opening and closing operation.

6. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The operating element (21; 21a) is configured to adopt a locked position relative to the closing part (23; 23a) in the open position.

7. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The operating element (21; 21a) has a device with a recess (117) or a projection (82) on its lower side, which can cooperate with the edge (117) of the outlet opening (17) so that when the outlet opening (17) is opened, the operating element (21; 21a) and the valve flap (31; 31a) arranged on the operating element (21; 21a) are locked.

8. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The operating element (21; 21a) has a gripping portion (71) and radially opposite radially protruding extensions (112).

9. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The operating element (21; 21a) is arranged eccentrically relative to the outlet opening (17).

10. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The operating element (21; 21a) is arranged relative to the outlet opening (17) such that in the closed position the extension (112) projects out of the outlet opening (17) and in the open position is located within the outlet opening (17).

11. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: A vent (63) is provided on the valve flap (31; 31a), and the vent (63) is closed by the operating component (21; 21a) in the closed position.

12. The can cover according to claim 11, characterized in that: When the operating element (21) is twisted from the closed position to the open position, the ventilation opening (63) is at least intermittently opened.

13. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The closing member (23; 23a) is substantially disc-shaped.

14. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: In a plan view, the fastening member (29; 29a) and the valve flap (31; 31a) are substantially semicircular in shape.

15. The can cover according to claim 14, characterized in that: In a plan view, the fastening member (29; 29a) is arcuate in shape, and the valve flap (31; 31a) is substantially semicircular in shape.

16. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: A corresponding groove (55, 51) and a corresponding seal (57, 53) in each groove (55, 51) are provided at a certain distance from each periphery of the valve flap (31; 31a) and the fastening portion (29; 29a).

17. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that: One or more centering protrusions or centering recesses are arranged on the fastening component (29; 29a) and can cooperate with complementary structures on the tank top (15).

18. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that: Corresponding openings (47, 26) for receiving rivets are provided at corresponding positions on the fastening member (29; 29a) and on the tank top (15).

19. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that: The operating element (21) and the valve flap (31) are connected to each other via rivets.

20. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that The operating element (21a) and the valve flap (31a) are connected to one another via a first locking connection, wherein the operating element (21a) and the valve flap (31a) are rotatable relative to one another.

21. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that One or more upwardly protruding blocking elements (97) are arranged on the upper side of the valve flap (31a), each of which includes an annular ridge (91) protruding radially outwardly.

22. The can cover according to claim 21, characterized in that An annular groove (83) is provided on the underside of the actuating element (21a), the outer groove wall (85) of which has an undercut (87) for receiving the annular ridge (91).

23. The can cover according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that: The radially inner groove wall (92) is tapered.

24. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that: A second latching connection is provided between the operating element (21) and the valve flap (31) to resist a twisting of the operating element (21) from a 0° position, preferably from a 180° position.

25. The can cover according to claim 24, characterized in that One or more protrusions (101a, 101b) are arranged in the annular groove (83) of the operating element (21a), and in the closed position and the open position, the protrusions can cooperate with one or more recesses (99a, 99b) on the upper side of the valve flap (31) to form a second locking connection, which resists the twisting of the operating element (21a) relative to the valve flap (31a) with a predetermined resistance.

26. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that A vent (63) is provided in the valve flap (31; 31a), and the vent (63) is closed by corresponding protrusions (101a, 101b) in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

27. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that: The projections (101a, 101b) and the recesses (99a, 99b) cooperate with each other so that they resist the rotation of the operating element (21a) with resistance.

28. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that: A mass seal (111; 79) is provided on the operating element (21; 21a), which mass seal (111; 79) makes the initial opening of the closure device evident.

29. The can cover according to claim 28, characterized in that A tab is molded on the radial extension (112) of the operating element (21), the tab preferably having a triangular tip, and in the closed position, the tab is received in a complementary groove (109) on the upper side of the valve flap (31a).

30. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that The can lid is made of aluminum or tin plate or stainless steel.

31. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that The valve flap (31), the fastening member (29) and the hinge (39) are made of aluminum or tin plate or stainless steel.

32. The can cover according to any one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that The valve flap (31a) and the fastening part (29a) are made of plastic, and preferably the operating element (21a) is made of plastic.

33. A can cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that: A device is provided on the closing member, the device being configured to limit the maximum opening angle of the valve flap (31; 31a).

34. A can cover as claimed in claims 1 to 32, characterized in that The means are rods (84, 86) which extend from the valve flap (31) and the fastening member (29) respectively, are opposed to each other, and are capable of limiting the opening angle.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Resealable tear-off lid

    DE102014211265A1

  • DE300327A

  • Lid of a container

    EP2408683A2

  • Container closure device, and container having such a container closure device

    EP2555988A1

  • Metallic can lid

    EP3753863A1