Closure unit for connection to a drinking bottle

Abstract

A closure unit (100) for connection to a drinking bottle (200) having at least one pouring element (10) with a pouring rim (12; 12) surrounding at least one pouring opening (15), wherein the pouring opening (15) can be closed by a sealing element (51), wherein an inlet nozzle (11) is provided which surrounds the pouring opening (15) of the pouring element (10) and which adjoins the underside of the pouring element (10), wherein the inlet nozzle (11) has on its inner wall, at least in two diametrically opposite positions, a pair of webs (11.1), between which a fluid-conducting, inwardly open chamber (11.4) is formed, wherein the webs (11.1) extend radially inwardly to the outer circumference of the sealing element (51). characterized in that: - that a base element (20) separate from the pouring element (10) is provided with at least one pouring opening (25), which is to be firmly connected to the drinking bottle (200); - that the pouring element (10) is guided vertically movable in or on the base element (20), wherein the pouring element (10) can be lifted from the base element (20) via a spring element (52); and - that the sealing element (51) closes at least one of the pouring openings (15; 25) when the pouring element (10) is lowered onto the base element (20);

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a closure unit for connection to a drinking bottle, having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] DE 10 2019 128 302 B3 describes a drinking bottle closure for a drinking bottle with a narrow neck. This offers a high degree of leak-tightness thanks to two independent sealing levels. This not only ensures a high degree of leak-tightness when the container is tilted, but also ensures a high degree of leak-tightness for carbonated beverages, which generate high internal container pressure. It also prevents residual liquid from leaking out after the closure has been closed. The disadvantage is that the sealing element of the opened drinking bottle closure is always in the area of ​​the beverage flow when drinking. The liquid must flow past the sealing element through a relatively narrow annular gap; at the same time, air must flow into the drinking bottle. The opposing fluid flows thereby impede each other.The mixing of the outflowing drink and the inflowing air leads to the typical gurgling sound and a gushing, irregular flow of the drink.

[0003] US 11 097 876 B2 discloses a closure unit for connection to a drinking bottle, in which the spout area is formed by two concentric parts. Several ribs are formed in an annular gap formed between them, so that the annular gap is divided into several fluid-conducting channels. However, this creates a spout area with a large diameter, which can also only be closed with a simple screw cap. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a closure unit for connection to a drinking bottle, from which the beverage can flow evenly and, at the same time, opening and closing is facilitated. This object is achieved by a closure unit having the features of claim 1.

[0004] As is common with known closure units for insulated bottles, insulated cups, and drinking bottles for mobile beverage transport, a pouring element with a pouring rim is provided that surrounds at least one pouring opening, wherein the pouring opening can be closed by a sealing element. Furthermore, an inlet nozzle is provided that surrounds the pouring opening of the pouring element and is connected to the underside of the pouring element.

[0005] According to the invention, an inlet nozzle is provided on the closure unit, which extends toward the interior of the drinking bottle when the closure unit is connected to such a drinking bottle, and which has a pair of webs on its inner wall at several, at least two diametrically opposed positions, between which a fluid-conducting chamber is formed. The webs extend radially inward, so that a chamber open towards the center is formed in each case. The sealing element rests against the webs at the edges. This blocks the flow path in the center. Liquid and air must flow through the chambers.Since the drinking bottle with the closure unit is always used horizontally or tilted when drinking, the fluid flows automatically separate due to their density. This means that when drinking, liquid flows through at least one lower chamber, while air continuously flows through at least one other, higher chamber. Due to the separation of the flow paths, the liquid flows out evenly, preventing a spurt of liquid from escaping.

[0006] The pouring element in the closure element according to the invention is not directly connected to the drinking bottle or cup, but rather an additional base element is provided which is arranged between the drinking bottle or cup and is firmly connected to them. The pouring element is movably mounted and guided in the base element so that it can be moved along the central axis of the closure unit or parallel thereto and can thus be lifted off the base element. At least one spring element is provided to lift the pouring element from the base element. This results, among other things, in the advantage that a relatively long inlet nozzle can be provided through which the fluid flows can be separated over a longer path. Due to its length, the inlet nozzle initially projects deep into the cavity of the drinking bottle.Because it is connected to or molded onto the movable spout element, it is lifted upward when the closure unit is opened. A further advantage is that the spout element, which is movable relative to the base element, is guided through the inlet nozzle in the base element.

[0007] In particular, it is provided that the inlet nozzle is formed from several segments, each of which extends through a partial area of ​​the pouring opening of the base element.

[0008] It is also advantageous to provide a releasable, positive-locking connection between at least one of the segments and the base element, which limits the displacement of the spout element. This can be achieved by resiliently connecting at least one segment to the spout element and by molding at least one projection onto the segment, which engages positively in a recess or under a recess on the base element.

[0009] One-handed operation of the locking unit is facilitated by the presence of a pivoting cover that counteracts the high spring force required to ensure tightness, even with a locking unit according to the invention. However, one or more fingers can be conveniently placed on the top of the cover for pivoting, which is easier than axially pressing a central actuating button, especially when simultaneously holding the locking unit with the same hand.

[0010] During the opening movement, the cover slides along the edge of the spring-loaded spout element. Only the sliding friction force must be overcome. During the closing movement, the cover slides back onto the edge of the spring-loaded spout element. In addition to overcoming the sliding friction force, the spring element must also be pre-tensioned. Because the pivoting cover pivots over a large radius and the spring tension, which increases during closing, is held in every intermediate position by the cover, which is firmly mounted on the base element, the one-handed closing movement can also be performed with less force than with a conventional closure unit with a central actuation button.

[0011] The sealing of the pouring opening is achieved by pressing the movable pouring element onto the base element, causing at least one sealing element on the pouring element or the base element to press against at least one pouring opening on the other element. If the pouring element is raised again by the spring force, the seal is also released.

[0012] The sealing element can be arranged firmly in the base element so that when a pouring element is lowered onto the base element, the pouring opening of the pouring element is closed.

[0013] Alternatively, the sealing element can be arranged fixedly in the pouring element, so that when the pouring element is lowered onto the base element, the pouring opening on the base element is closed.

[0014] The user must attach the spout element to the base element by closing the cover against the force of the spring element inserted between them. The spring element is pre-tensioned so that the spout element is automatically lifted from the base element when the cover is later swung away and no further force is applied.

[0015] Therefore, a locking device is also provided to hold the pouring element in the lowered position relative to the base element against the force of the preloaded spring element. Preferably, the locking device is also formed by the cover, which can simultaneously cover the upwardly open area of ​​the pouring element and protect it from contamination.

[0016] The cover preferably comprises a bracket pivotally mounted on the base element, as well as a lid element, which in turn is movably mounted on the bracket. To hold the lid element on top of the closure unit and prevent unintentional pivoting of the bracket, the lid element can have an actuating button with at least one cam on its underside, which is positively secured to the inner edge of the spout rim when the closure unit is in a closed position.

[0017] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides a spring element in the form of a hose section made of an elastomeric plastic, particularly silicone. This allows several advantages to be achieved simultaneously: - When compressed, the silicone spring element stores sufficient spring energy to later lift the spout element off the base element, even if beverage residues cause it to stick together in certain spots. - It is food safe and can come into direct contact with the beverage liquid.

[0018] In particular, such a hose-shaped spring element, which is placed between the base element and the spout element, also forms a sealing tunnel that surrounds the sealing element, the pouring opening of the base element, and the pouring opening of the spout element. The spring element adjoins the underside of the spout element and the top of the base element with its ends, so that a completely closed space is formed within the closure element as soon as the sealing element rests against the pouring opening.

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings. The figures each show a perspective sectional view, unless otherwise stated: Fig. 1 a closure unit with a drinking bottle in the closed position, in perspective view; Fig. 2 the combination of drinking bottle and closure unit in open position, in perspective view; Fig. 3 Parts of the locking unit according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a fully assembled locking unit in the closed position; Fig. 5 the locking unit at the beginning of the opening; Fig. 6 the fully opened locking unit; Fig. 7 the preparation for removing the pouring element from the base element; Fig. 8 the locking unit removed from the base element; Fig. 9 the spout element from below; and Fig. 10 the base element from below.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a closed closure unit 100 designed for a slim drinking bottle 200. The closure unit 100 comprises a base element 20, which is to be connected directly to the drinking bottle 200, and a cover 30. The cover 30 has a bracket 33, which is pivotally connected to the base element 20 via pivot axes 31, and a lid element 32, which in turn is pivotally connected to the bracket 33. An actuating button 34 for unlocking is integrated into the lid element 32.

[0021] Fig. 2 shows, in a further perspective view, the combination of the drinking bottle 200 and the closure unit 100 in an open position. The bracket 33 has been pivoted downward about the pivot axes 31, causing the lid element 32 to be moved away from the top of the base element 20. As a result, a spout element 10 spring-mounted within the base element 20 is no longer held in a form-fitting manner, so that it has been pushed vertically upward due to the force of a spring acting between the base element 20 and the spout element 10. The area surrounded by a spout rim 12 is now exposed. A pouring opening 15 is open therein. A sealing element 51 can be seen therein.

[0022] Fig. Figure 3 shows parts of the alternative closure unit 100 for the slim drinking bottle. The closure unit 100 comprises a base element 20 and a cover 30, which is pivotally mounted on a pivot axis 31. The closure unit 100 also includes a spout element, which is not shown here.

[0023] The base element 20 has a threaded section 29 in its lower region for connection to the slender neck of the drinking bottle. For this purpose, the base element 20 tapers upwards from a threaded section 29 to a pouring opening 25. A support bridge 27 holds a sealing element holder 24 for securing the sealing element 51 in the center of a pouring opening 25. The sealing element 51 has a mushroom head 51.1 on its upper side and a circumferentially enlarged collar 51.2 on the underside of its shaft.

[0024] In the illustrated example of the closure unit 100, a lid region 23 between a pouring edge 22 and the pouring opening 25 is very narrow and is limited to a groove which serves to receive a cylindrical spring element.

[0025] Fig. Figure 4 shows the fully assembled closure unit 100 in the closed position. The lower section shows an upper section of the drinking bottle 200 with the bottle neck 201. The base element 20 is screwed onto the bottle neck 201 with its threaded section 29. A bottle neck seal 55 inserted between the two elements provides a seal.

[0026] In the upper area of ​​the closure unit 100, a cover 30 is placed and covers the area of ​​the pouring element 10 enclosed by the pouring edge 12. The lid element 32 of the cover 30 is mounted on the bracket 33, which in turn is pivotally mounted on the base element 20, as already described above with reference to Fig. 11 was described.

[0027] The cover 30 has an actuation button 34 with a cam 35 on its underside. This button rests on the inner edge of the spout rim 12 and is thus positively secured. Pivoting the bracket 33 is not possible in the position shown, since the cover element 32 presses against the upper edge of the spout rim 22 in a pivoting direction to the left and rests against the spout rim 12 in the opposite direction of the cam 35.

[0028] The sealing element 51 is inserted into the sealing element holder 24. Placed in the space in . This encloses, together with the spout rim 12, a space open at the top, on the underside of which there is a pouring opening, which is in the Fig. 2 is closed by the mushroom head 51.1 of the sealing element 51.

[0029] An elastomeric spring element 52 made of silicone, shaped like a hose section, is inserted between the base element 20 and the spout element 10. Its interior forms a sealing tunnel 53 that encloses the area of ​​the pouring opening in the base element 20 and the inlet nozzle 11 of the spout element 10, thereby sealing the entire space between the base element 20 and the spout element 10 in a fluid-tight manner. For this purpose, both the upper and lower edge regions of the spring element 52 are tightly pressed into annular grooves in the base element 20 and the spout element 10, respectively.

[0030] The inlet nozzle 11 extends through those areas of a pouring opening in the base element 20 that are not blocked by the support bridge 27 for the sealing element 51. To bypass the support bridge 27, the inlet nozzle 11 is divided into several segments, one or more of which extend through a section of the pouring opening.

[0031] Fig. Figure 9 shows the pouring element 10 from below. The pouring opening 15 is located in the center of the base element 20. The inlet nozzle 11 in this case consists of two segments 11.2, 11.3, between which there is a gap on either side in which the support bridge of the base element can be accommodated. While segment 11.2 is rigidly connected to the base element 20, the other segment 11.3 is resiliently attached to the base element so that it can be pressed inwards, towards the center. Webs 11.1 on the inside of segments 11.2, 11.3 extend radially slightly inwards, far enough that the mushroom head of the sealing element can be positioned in the center. A chamber 11.4 is formed between each pair of webs 11.1 and the sealing element in the center. This enables liquid or air to be conducted separately past the mushroom head. Because several chambers 11.4, in particular at at least two diametrically opposed positions, outflowing liquid and inflowing air can be guided in separate flow paths. The typical gurgling sound that occurs when drinking from drinking bottles with a narrow neck, when the liquid flow is interrupted by inflowing air, is avoided with the closure unit 100 according to the invention.

[0032] Fig. Figure 10 shows the base element 20 from the bottom. The pouring opening 25 is divided into two parts by the support bridge 27 and the sealing element holder 24.

[0033] In Fig. Figure 5 shows the beginning of the opening of the closure unit 100. This is initiated by pressing the actuating button 34 downward. This disengages the cam 35 from the spout rim 12, thus unlocking the locking device formed by the cover. The bracket 33 can now be pivoted in the direction indicated by the arrow.

[0034] In Fig. 6 shows the fully opened closure unit 100. The bracket 33 is pivoted downwards to its maximum extent, which simultaneously moves the cover element 32 into a position laterally on the base element 20. By pivoting the cover, the spring element 52 can expand, causing the spout element 10 to be displaced vertically upwards, resulting in an increased distance between the spout element 10 and the base element 20. The movement of the spout element 10 moves the central sealing element 51 with its mushroom head away from the pouring opening 15, thus exposing it.

[0035] Within the spring element 52, a sealing tunnel 53 is formed, which completely seals the area bounded at the top and bottom by the base element 20 and the spout element 10. The inlet nozzle 11 extends through the sealing tunnel 53.

[0036] Fig. Figure 7 shows how the pouring element 10 can be removed vertically upwards. The segments 11.2, 11.3 of the inlet nozzle are pressed against each other. A projection 11.5 is formed on segment 11.3, which engages under the lid area 23. As soon as the projection 11.5 is retracted, the positive locking is released, and the pouring element 10 can be pulled out of the base element 20.

[0037] In the presentation in Fig. 8, the pouring element 10 together with the silicone hose section, which serves as a spring element 52 and forms the sealing tunnel, is removed from the base element 20. Reference symbol: 100 locking unit 10 Pouring element 11 Inlet nozzle 11.1 Bridge 11.2 Segment 11.3 Segment 11.4 Chamber 11.5 Lead 12 Pouring rim 13 Lid area 14 Pouring chamber 15 Pouring opening 16 Ventilation closure element 20 basic elements 21 camps 22 jetty 23 Lid area 24 sealing element holders 25 Pouring opening 26 ventilation nozzles 27 Girder bridge 29 Threaded section 30 Cover 31 swivel axes 32 cover element 33 brackets 34 buttons 35 cams 51 Sealing element 52 spring element 53 sealing tunnels 55 Bottle neck seal 200 drinking bottles 201 Bottleneck

Claims

[1] Closure unit (100) for connection to a drinking bottle (200) with at least one pouring element (10) with a pouring rim (12; 12) which surrounds at least one pouring opening (15), wherein the pouring opening (15) can be closed by means of a sealing element (51), wherein an inlet nozzle (11) is provided which surrounds the pouring opening (15) of the pouring element (10) and which adjoins the underside of the pouring element (10), wherein the inlet nozzle (11) has on its inner wall at least two diametrically opposite positions a pair of webs (11.1), between which a fluid-conducting, inwardly open chamber (11.4) is formed, wherein the webs (11.1) extend radially inwards to the outer circumference of the sealing element (51). characterized by , that: - that a base element (20) separate from the pouring element (10) is provided with at least one pouring opening (25), which is to be firmly connected to the drinking bottle (200); - that the pouring element (10) is guided vertically movable in or on the base element (20), wherein the pouring element (10) can be lifted from the base element (20) via a spring element (52); and - that the sealing element (51) closes at least one of the pouring openings (15; 25) when the pouring element (10) is lowered onto the base element (20); [2] Closure unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the inlet nozzle (11) has webs (11.1) in a star-shaped arrangement at several positions distributed over the inner wall, wherein a fluid-conducting, inwardly open chamber (11.4) is formed between adjacent webs (11.1). [3] Closure unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the inlet nozzle (11) is formed from several segments (11.2, 11.3), each of which extends through a region of the pouring opening (25) of the base element (20). [4] Closure unit (100) according to claim 3, characterized by that at least one segment (11.2, 11.3) is resiliently connected to the spout element (10) and that at least one projection (11.5) is formed on the segment (11.2, 11.3), which projection engages in a recess in the base element (20) or under a recess on the base element (20). [5] Closure unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that: - that a locking device is provided with which the pouring element (10) can be locked against the force of the spring element (52) in the lowered position relative to the base element (20); - that a sealing tunnel (53) is formed between the base element (20) and the pouring element (10), which surrounds the sealing element (51), the pouring opening (25) of the base element (20) and the pouring opening (15) of the pouring element (10) and - that the inlet nozzle (11) extends through the sealing tunnel (26) and the at least one pouring opening (25) of the base element (20). [6] Closure unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing element (51) is fixedly arranged in the base element (20) and that when the pouring element (10) is lowered onto the base element (20), the pouring opening (15) on the pouring element (10) is closed. [7] Closure unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the sealing element (51) is fixedly arranged in the pouring element (10) and when the pouring element (10) is lowered onto the base element (20), the pouring opening (25) on the base element (20) is closed. [8] Closure unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the spring element (52) is formed by a tubular section made of an elastomer and the sealing tunnel (53) is formed within the spring element (52). [9] Closure unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing element (51) has a mushroom head (51.1) on the upper side and a collar (51.2) with an enlarged circumference on the underside of its shaft. [10] Closure unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a cover (30) is provided which comprises a bracket (33) which is pivotally mounted on the base element (20), and a cover element (32) which is movably mounted on the bracket (33). [11] Closure unit (100) according to claim 10, characterized by that the lid element (32) has an actuating button (34) with a cam (35) on the underside, which is positively fixed to the inner edge of the spout edge (12) in a closed position of the closure unit (100).

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