Plastic container and forming tool
By setting up an elastically deformable design under the shoulder area of the plastic beverage container, the problem of permanent deformation of the container is easily solved during stacking and transportation, and effective resistance to top and longitudinal loads is achieved, and the pallet is maintained. Stability and brand image.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202323460814.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-12-20
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2033-12-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing plastic beverage containers are prone to permanent deformation during stacking and transportation, resulting in unstable pallets and damage to brand image.
A plastic container that can be elastically deformed is designed, especially a deformation part is arranged below the shoulder area, and the compressibility and stability of the container are achieved by providing grooves and rib structures in this area.
The design is able to effectively resist top and longitudinal loads, prevent permanent deformation of the container, maintain the stability of the pallets and protect the brand image.
Smart Images
Figure CN222452830U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a plastic container for containing liquids, in particular beverages. Background Art
[0002] Such plastic containers have long been known and are now the main beverage packaging in the beverage industry. After manufacturing and filling, these containers are usually stacked on pallets. In order to ensure the stability of the pallets during storage and transportation, and that the bottles remain intact, the containers require a certain "filling, therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a plastic container that can withstand a certain top load or longitudinal load" as a resistance to the vertical forces generated during stacking. For lighter beverage containers, this resistance is generated by vertical compression of the container and a parallel increase in the pressure inside the container. In this case, the areas where the container can be compressed are usually the bottom of the container and possible areas with smaller diameter (clamping) in the middle of the container.
[0003] In this case, due to the smaller diameter of the container, the internal pressure in the vertical direction contributes less to the force that the container can exert. In this case, deformation occurs, which builds up a top load. The shoulder of the container should not normally collapse, because when the load disappears, the deformation will not compensate in turn. The container is deformed in this way, in particular by clamping a mouthpiece at the shoulder.
[0004] When a container is deformed in the bottom area, there is a high probability that the container will tilt after the load disappears. In the case of deformation in the middle of the container, there is also a risk of tilting the container and a risk of permanent design changes that are detrimental to the brand image. In addition, in the case of slender containers, deformation can lead to significant buckling of the container and thus to instability of the pallet. Utility Model Content
[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a plastic container which can withstand a certain top load or longitudinal load. In particular, the container should not be permanently deformed.
[0006] A plastic container for containing liquids, in particular beverages, according to the invention comprises a bottom part, a base body attached to the bottom part, forming a containing volume for containing liquids and extending in the longitudinal direction of the plastic container. In addition, a shoulder region is provided, wherein the cross section decreases in the longitudinal direction, and a mouth region is provided connected to the shoulder region in the longitudinal direction, wherein a mouth is formed through which liquid can be supplied to the container. The shoulder region and the mouth region are arranged at the upper part of the plastic container relative to the longitudinal direction.
[0007] According to the invention, the plastic container has a deformation section above and below the mouth region relative to the longitudinal direction, in particular below the shoulder, wherein the plastic container is deformable and in particular elastically deformable relative to its longitudinal direction.
[0008] Therefore, within the framework of the present invention, it is proposed to provide a deformation of the container in particular in the deformation region, in particular below the shoulder region. In the prior art, this region has not been used as a deformation region.
[0009] Particularly preferably, the container is compressible in its longitudinal direction, in particular via the deformation region.
[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the container is a disposable plastic container.
[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the container is for containing an uncarbonated beverage.
[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the compressibly deformable region is of approximately constant diameter.
[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the compressible deformation area is not of constant diameter, but conical. The ribs present in the section ensure that the section can be stably compressed and does not fold inwards. This is achieved by a corresponding rib geometry, which causes the ribs to support each other when the spring in the section is loaded.
[0014] In one embodiment, the rib geometry produces a defined deformation image.
[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the deformation region has a plurality of grooves. Preferably, at least two of the grooves have different or varying groove depths. Thus, two groups of grooves with different groove depths can be provided, but also several groups of at least three or at least four grooves with different groove depths can be provided. Preferably, these grooves are formed at least partially around the longitudinal direction of the container.
[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment, the container is formed circular or rotationally symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal direction.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the bottom part has a plurality of first ribs, which extend outwards from the center of the bottom part and in particular extend radially outwards. Advantageously, a plurality of second ribs are also arranged, which extend radially but are preferably shorter than the first ribs. Particularly preferably, the first ribs and the second ribs are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the bottom part.
[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, the short ribs extend radially inwards and end before the central region—preferably taper. The injection point of the container, ie the injection point of the plastic preform for producing the container, is particularly preferably arranged in the central region.
[0019] Particularly preferably, the central region and / or the bottom section has a dome-shaped structure.
[0020] Particularly preferably, the mouth has a screw thread, particularly an external screw thread. Specifically, this is a screw thread, on which a container closure can be screwed.
[0021] Such a container closure may be a conventional container closure. However, other types of closures may also be used, such as non-threaded closures. An example of this is a so-called snap-on closure, which has no threads but is pressed onto the container.
[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment, the longitudinal height of the deformation section is smaller than the longitudinal height of the basic body and / or smaller than the longitudinal height of the shoulder region.
[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the deformed portion (with respect to the longitudinal direction and with respect to the upright state of the container) is preferably arranged in the upper half of the container in the upper third of the plastic container. The upper half refers to the upright state of the container.
[0024] Preferably, the plastic container is a blow-molded plastic container, in particular a stretch-blow-molded plastic container.
[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, the deformation is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the plastic container just below the shoulder region.
[0026] In another advantageous embodiment, the deformation portion is located in the longitudinal direction directly above the base body. Preferably, the deformation portion directly connects the base body and the shoulder region.
[0027] Preferably, a conical section is provided between the deformation region and the base body. This conical section preferably tapers towards the mouth of the container. Preferably, the diameter of the container decreases within the conical range by at least 5%, preferably by at least 10%. Preferably, the diameter of the container decreases within the conical range by no more than 50%, preferably by no more than 40%, particularly preferably by no more than 30%. This section serves in particular to prevent the container from "falling" and / or tipping over.
[0028] It is particularly preferred that the deformed portion has a smaller cross-section than the base body, and it is particularly preferred that the cross-sectional area of the deformed portion is between 60% and 98% of the cross-sectional area of the base body, preferably between 70% and 95% of the cross-sectional area of the base body, and preferably between 80% and 95% of the cross-sectional area of the base body.
[0029] In another advantageous embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the deformed portion tapers upward in the longitudinal direction of the container. Preferably, the ratio of the minimum cross section of the deformed portion to the maximum cross section of the deformed portion is between 0.35 and 0.80, preferably between 0.45 and 0.70, and particularly preferably between 0.55 and 0.60.
[0030] In another advantageous embodiment, the substrate has a label region in which the cross section of the container is substantially constant or remains constant in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the label region is formed longitudinally in the substrate, i.e., the label region connects a first portion of the substrate with a second portion of the substrate.
[0031] Particularly preferably, the base body has a smaller cross section in the label region than in the lower and upper regions. Particularly preferably, a groove section having a plurality of grooves overlapping one another and preferably extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction is provided in the longitudinal direction of the container above the label region. Particularly preferably, the grooves have the same cross section. The grooves preferably contribute to the stability of the container in the radial direction of the container.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, at least partially continuous grooves are provided. These improve the grip stability, or they make the diameter more stable. In this case, some of the grooves may be slightly deeper to increase the grip stability.
[0033] In another advantageous embodiment, the plastic container has a first groove, also called a first rib, which is at least partially circumferential in the deformed portion. Preferably, the first rib or the first groove points toward the inner volume of the container. Particularly preferably, the first rib has sections with different radii of curvature and / or different cross sections.
[0034] In a plane containing the longitudinal direction of the container and the direction extending from the longitudinal direction to the groove, the first groove preferably has an outwardly curved region with a radius of curvature of between 1 mm and 2 mm, viewed from the top. Preferably, this region is followed by another inwardly curved radius, which is preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm. Particularly preferably, the first groove also has a straight section, which particularly preferably extends outwardly, from top to bottom.
[0035] In another preferred embodiment, the first groove has a plurality of groove sections which are connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the deformation portion. These groove sections are preferably directly connected together. Particularly preferably, these groove sections are arranged at the same height relative to the longitudinal direction of the container. The groove particularly preferably consists of n repeated equal circumferential segments (n=2 ... 13). Particularly preferably, the groove sections expand from a first starting point and then taper again.
[0036] Particularly preferably, the number of groove sections of the first groove is greater than 2, preferably greater than 3, preferably greater than 4. In a further advantageous embodiment, the number of groove sections of the first groove is less than 13, preferably less than 12, preferably less than 10, preferably less than 7.
[0037] In another advantageous embodiment, the plastic container has an at least partially circumferential second groove, also called a second rib, in the deformation portion, wherein the circumferential second groove is longitudinally offset relative to the first groove. Particularly preferably, the second groove is directly connected to the first groove in the longitudinal direction.
[0038] Particularly preferably, the second groove is formed in a similar manner to the first groove and in particular has a similar cross section.
[0039] Particularly preferably, the second groove in the deformation region has a plurality of groove sections which are connected to one another in the circumferential direction of the deformation section, wherein the groove sections of the second groove are offset and / or twisted in the circumferential direction relative to the groove sections of the first groove. Particularly preferably, the second groove is offset by half the pitch relative to the first groove. Preferably, the number of second groove sections corresponds to the number of first groove sections.
[0040] Particularly preferably, the first groove portion and / or the second groove portion in the circumferential direction of the container comprises an angle of greater than 25°, preferably greater than 40°, preferably greater than 50° and preferably greater than 60°. Particularly preferably, the first groove portion and / or the second groove portion in the circumferential direction of the container comprises an angle of less than 200°, preferably less than 180°, preferably less than 140°, preferably less than 130°, particularly preferably less than 100°.
[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, the plastic container in the deformation region has a third groove which is preferably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the container above the first and second grooves. Particularly preferably, this third groove also has several groove sections. Particularly preferably, the groove sections of the third groove are twisted or offset in the circumferential direction relative to the groove sections of the second groove. Particularly preferably, the groove sections of the third groove are arranged in the same rotational position relative to the groove sections of the first groove.
[0042] In another preferred embodiment, a further rib and / or groove extending in the circumferential direction is formed in the shoulder section. The rib has a uniform cross section and particularly preferably forms a complete surround. Particularly preferably, the further rib is used for unloading plastic containers. Particularly preferably, the further rib has a smaller cross section than the rib in the deformation area.
[0043] Therefore, within the framework of the invention, it is proposed to create a spring-permitting zone just below the shoulder area, which is preferably conical or dome-shaped. This is the deformation mentioned above. As mentioned above, in order to achieve this elastic deformation, a breaking rib, a diameter reduced compared to the main diameter, and a relief rib above the above-mentioned deformation are proposed.
[0044] With the geometric design of the container described here, the deformation required to establish the necessary top load is placed in the upper area of the container and is designed to be reversible. In this way, the top load does not destroy the design. This has benefits both in terms of the stacking of the container and the integrity of the design. As a result, mechanically stable and easily stackable bottles can be produced even at very low container weights.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the plastic container has a holding volume of greater than 100 ml, preferably greater than 300 ml and preferably greater than 400 ml. In another preferred embodiment, the plastic container has a holding volume of maximum 8 L, preferably maximum 2.0 L, preferably maximum 1.5 L.
[0046] The invention is also directed to a forming tool, in particular a blow mould for producing a plastic container of the type described above. Particularly preferably, the blow mould has at least two parts, particularly preferably at least three parts. Particularly preferably, the blow mould has at least two side parts, which have a base corresponding to the plastic container to be produced, or whose inner wall is formed accordingly.
[0047] Particularly preferably, the above-mentioned container is produced by means of a rotary machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] Additional advantages and embodiments are provided by the accompanying drawings:
[0049] in:
[0050] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a plastic container according to the present invention;
[0051] Figure 2a , Figure 2b Two detailed views of the top area of a plastic container are shown;
[0052] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 a front view of the plastic container shown;
[0053] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 Details of B;
[0054] Figure 5 Shows Figure 3 Details of C;
[0055] Figure 6 A top view of a plastic container of the present invention is shown;
[0056] Figure 7 A bottom view of a bottom portion of a plastic container is shown;
[0057] Figure 8 Shows Figure 3 Details of E;
[0058] Fig. 9 Shown in Figure 3 A view of the container in section AA. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] Figure 1 A view of a plastic container 1 according to the invention is shown. This comprises a bottom part 2. A base body 4 of the container is connected to the bottom part 2, which base body 4 forms a significant part of the volume for containing liquids. A label area 42 is arranged in the base body. The reference numeral hG denotes the height of the base body in the longitudinal direction of the container. The reference numeral hB denotes the height of the bottom part (also in the longitudinal direction).
[0060] In the longitudinal direction L of the container, the lower shoulder is connected to the base body and then to the above-mentioned deformation 6 with a height hD. The shoulder region 8 of the container is connected to this deformation 6, which in turn is connected to the mouth region 10 with a height hM.
[0061] It can be seen that the base portion extends to more than half of the entire container height. The height hD of the deformed portion is preferably smaller than the height hS of the shoulder region and also smaller than the height hG of the base.
[0062] Reference numeral 12 relates to a conical region which is preferably arranged between the deformation section and the base body 4 and which particularly preferably tapers upward.
[0063] Figure 2a Shows Figure 1 Detailed view of the container shown.
[0064] It can be seen that in the deformed portion 6, two grooves are provided which are superimposed on each other in the longitudinal direction L, namely, the first groove 62 and the second groove 64. The first groove 62 has three groove parts 62a, 62b and 62c, which are connected to each other and adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The sizes of the bottoms of one groove of these three groove parts are equal. The cross section of the groove part such as the groove part 62b preferably expands from its starting point A to the middle area M, and then gradually tapers to its end part B. Preferably, the groove part is symmetrical with respect to a plane extending through the center of the groove part in the longitudinal direction of the container and running in the radial direction of the plastic container.
[0065] It can be seen that the groove portions 64a and 64b of the second groove are offset by half the distance relative to the groove portions 62a, 62b and 62c of the first groove in the circumferential direction of the container.
[0066] A further groove 82 formed in the shoulder region 8 is arranged next to it (above the first groove 62, the second groove 64). It can be seen that the further groove is formed without interruption.
[0067] Figure 2b A further detailed description of a slightly modified container is shown, which container may preferably be combined with the above-described design.
[0068] It can be seen that in the deformed portion 6, three grooves are provided which are superimposed on each other in the longitudinal direction L, namely, the first groove 62, the second groove 64 and the third groove 66. The first groove 62 has three groove parts 62a, 62b and 62c, which are connected to each other and adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The size of the bottom of one groove of these three groove parts is equal. The cross section of the groove part such as the groove part 62b preferably expands from its starting point A to the middle area M, and then gradually tapers to its end part B. Preferably, the groove part is symmetrical with respect to a plane extending through the center of the groove part in the longitudinal direction of the container and running in the radial direction of the plastic container.
[0069] It can be seen that the groove portions 64a and 64b of the second groove are offset by half the distance relative to the groove portions 62a, 62b and 62c of the first groove in the circumferential direction of the container.
[0070] The third groove 66 also has three groove parts 66a, 66b and 66c. In the rotational position, these are arranged in turn at the same positions as the groove parts 62a, 62b and 62c of the first groove 62.
[0071] A further groove 82 formed in the shoulder region 8 is arranged next to it (above the first groove 62, the second groove 64, the third groove 66). It can be seen that this further groove is formed without interruption.
[0072] Figure 3 2 is shown, with parts A, B, C and E highlighted, in order to explain these parts in more detail below. It can be seen that a large number of recesses are also formed above and below the label area 42.
[0073] Figure 4A detailed view of the grooves arranged in or on the base area is shown. It can be seen that the grooves are connected by a very short groove base. The radius of curvature of the grooves is between 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 1.2 mm and 1.8 mm, and particularly preferably between 1.3 mm and 1.7 mm.
[0074] Figure 5 A detailed view in the region of the top groove 66 (third groove) in the deformed portion is shown. It can be seen that, viewed from the top, the wall has a radius of curvature R1 and below it transitions into an approximately straight section by an inwardly curved radius of curvature R2.
[0075] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 1 is a top view of the container shown. It can be seen that the container is substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal direction L. In addition, the first groove 62, the second groove 64 and the third groove 66 in the deformed portion can be seen from above.
[0076] Figure 7 A bottom view of the bottom part of the container is shown. Here, a total of eight long radially extending ribs 32 can be seen, which end in a central area 34 of the bottom part. Reference numeral 36 denotes the center of the bottom part where the injection point is preferably located.
[0077] Reference numeral 38 denotes a further - but shortened - radial rib between the first reinforcing ribs 32. These second radial ribs 38 also do not extend in the radial direction R to the central region, but end approximately halfway in the bottom section.
[0078] Figure 8 Shown along Figure 3 EE view, that is, in the region of the first groove 62 of the deformed portion. It can be seen that a total of four groove portions 62a, 62b, 62c and 62d are provided here. At each connection point between the groove portions of the first groove 62, the cross section is the largest.
[0079] Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a container according to the invention is shown. A number of diameters D1-D14 are shown here. For example, diameter D3 can be seen here, which is also the diameter of the container surface. The largest cross section D4 and the smallest section D5 are shown in the region of the label section. However, the difference is preferably less than 10%, preferably less than 5%.
[0080] In the upper part of the base body, two diameters D6 and D7 are also shown, but these two diameters are also slightly different.
[0081] Diameters D8-D12 represent individual grooves in the deformed portion 6, namely, the first groove 62, the second groove 64. It can be seen that the diameter of the second groove 64 is smaller than the first groove 62.
[0082] Furthermore, it can be seen that the bottom portion extends slightly inwards, which is indicated by the distance A1 . Reference numeral hE indicates the height of the label portion 42 .
[0083] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents that are essential to the invention, provided that these features are novel individually or in combination compared with the prior art. It is further noted that features that can be advantageous per se are also described in individual figures. It is immediately apparent to a person skilled in the art that a certain feature described in a figure can be advantageous even without the use of other features in the figure. In addition, the skilled person sees that advantages can also be obtained by combining several features shown in a single figure or in different figures.
Claims
1. A plastic container (1) for containing liquids, comprising a bottom portion (2), a base body (4) attached to the bottom portion (2), forming a containing volume for containing liquids and extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the plastic container, a shoulder region (8) connected to the base body in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the cross section decreases in the longitudinal direction (L), and a mouth region (10) connected to the shoulder region (8) in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein a mouth is formed through which liquid can be supplied to the container, wherein The shoulder region and the mouth region are arranged at an upper part of the plastic container relative to the longitudinal direction (L), It is characterized in that The plastic container has a deformation section (6) at the top and below the mouth region (10) relative to the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the plastic container (1) is elastically deformable relative to its longitudinal direction.
2. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The deformed portion (6) is arranged on the upper half of the plastic container.
3. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The deformation portion (6) is located in the longitudinal direction (L) just below the shoulder area (8).
4. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The deformed portion (6) is located in the longitudinal direction (L) directly above the base (4).
5. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The deformation section (6) has a smaller average cross section than the basic body (4) and / or the deformation section (6) has a larger average cross section than the shoulder region.
6. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The base body has a label region (42), wherein the cross section of the container is substantially constant in the longitudinal direction.
7. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The plastic container has a first groove (62) in the deformation portion (6) which is at least partially circumferential.
8. The plastic container (1) according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The first groove (62) has a plurality of groove portions connected to each other along the circumference of the deformed portion.
9. The plastic container (1) according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The number of groove portions of the first groove is greater than two and / or the number of groove portions of the first groove is less than thirteen.
10. The plastic container (1) according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The plastic container has a second groove (64) which is at least partially circumferential in the deformation section (6), wherein the circumferential second groove is longitudinally offset relative to the first groove (62).
11. The plastic container (1) according to claim 10, It is characterized in that The second groove (64) in the deformation region has a plurality of groove portions connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the deformation portion, wherein the groove portions of the second groove (64) are offset and / or twisted in the circumferential direction relative to the groove portions of the first groove.
12. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Another groove extending in the circumferential direction is formed in the base body, the groove being formed on the circumference.
13. A forming tool for producing a plastic container according to claim 1.