Cap and pressure vessel with cap

Abstract

A sealing cap for a pressure vessel (5) with a valve for dispensing a medium stored in the pressure vessel, comprising a base part (12) designed for attachment to the pressure vessel (5), a cover part (14) rotatably mounted on the base part (12) and rotatable in at least two positions, an open position and a closed position, and an actuating element (14) for activating the valve, wherein the actuating element (14) is accessible from the outside in the open position via a recess (21) in a wall (15) of the cover part (14) to allow activation of the valve, and wherein the actuating element (14) is covered by the wall (15) of the cover part (14) in the closed position, wherein the sealing cap comprises a closure (40) for closing an outlet channel (22) of the valve in the closed position, in which the closure (40) has a closing element, preferably in the form of a closing plate (42).which is coupled with a pivoting mechanism for covering an outlet channel (22) for the valve in the closed position and for releasing the outlet channel (22) in the open position and in which the cover plate (42) is pivotably and slidably mounted off-center to the outlet channel (22) by means of a guide opening (44) on a pin (46) and is movable by means of a pivoting arm (48) projecting to one side from the guide opening (44), which engages in a guide channel (50) of the base part (12), to cover the outlet channel (22) of the valve in the closed position and to release the outlet channel (22) in the open position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cap for a pressure vessel with a valve for dispensing a medium stored in the pressure vessel. The medium can be any medium that flows under pressure and can be dispensed via a valve. It can be, for example, a gaseous, liquid, or pasty medium, such as a liquid, as in an aerosol can. It should be noted here that the term "pressure vessel" is to be understood in the broadest sense. It is irrelevant how the pressure required to dispense the medium is generated or provided.

[0002] The cap can basically be a cover cap with an integrated valve or a twist / spray cap.

[0003] In the simplest case, the medium is dispensed from the pressure vessel using a nozzle head that is attached to an outlet tube of the valve and, for example, activates the valve at low pressures so that the pressurized medium can escape.

[0004] However, this can lead to incorrect activation and dripping of the medium.

[0005] From EP 3 589 561 B1, a cap for a spray housing is known, which is dome-shaped and designed to snap onto a tip of the spray housing, wherein the cap is provided with a lateral opening for access to an actuating button of a valve of the spray housing, wherein the cap is further provided on its tip with an axial opening for access to an axial distributor device which is mounted on an outlet tube of the valve in the extension of a pivot axis of the housing, and wherein the cap is further provided with a protective flap for the lateral opening which is operable between a position to cover the lateral opening and a position with free access to the lateral opening, wherein the two-part cap comprises a base which is provided with a rim which forms a lower part of the dome, and comprises an attached lid.which is mounted on the base in extension of the ring, which forms an upper part of the dome and which includes the axial opening, wherein the lateral opening is at least partly in the lid and at most partly in the ring, and wherein the flap lies inside the cap and is slidably mounted in guide rails at the bottom of the base and at the top of the lid.

[0006] This is intended to enable simple and reliable operation of the valve. However, the design is quite complicated.

[0007] From EP 3 286 106 B1, a closure cap in the form of a dispensing head for an aerosol container equipped with a valve is known, wherein the dispensing head is formed by a cap on which an actuating element provided with a push button is attached, which push button can be moved between an unpressed rest position and a pressed actuating position, wherein the actuating element is provided with a locking element that can pivot about a pivot axis between an unlocked position, in which it does not block the movement of the push button with respect to the cap, and a locked position, in which it blocks the push button in the rest position by preventing it from moving into the actuating position, wherein the push button is provided with a rib that runs parallel to the displacement movement of the push button between the rest position and the actuating position.and wherein the locking element is provided with a contact surface which, in the unlocked position, is not located in the path traveled by the rib when the push button is moved from the rest position to the actuating position, and which, in the locked position, is located in this path such that the rib abuts the contact surface when the push button is moved towards the actuating position without being able to reach that position.

[0008] This method is also intended to enable simple and reliable operation of the valve. However, this design is also quite complicated.

[0009] From FR 3 107 075 B1, a cap for an aerosol can is known, which is shaped like a dome, provided with a circular base covering the top of the aerosol can, with a first opening part for the passage of a diffuser, and comprising a cylindrical mantle inside the dome, which is opened by a second opening part for the passage of the diffuser, connected to the first opening part and provided with a free opening, with a lower circular end, wherein the skirt is provided on the inside of its lower circular end with teeth or hook clips designed to engage under an annular bead formed by widening or crimping a valve holder cup on the top of a dome of the aerosol can, wherein the skirt has at least one slit opening between two of the teeth at the level of the lower circular end of the skirt.

[0010] US 5,659,645 A discloses a cylindrical cap for a pressure can, comprising a base and a lid. The lid is rotatably mounted on the base between an open and a closed position. In the open position, a recess partially formed in the wall and top of the lid provides external access to an actuating element, which is covered by the lid in the closed position. The actuating element is designed as a push button on a spray arm. The spray arm activates a valve on the pressure can and is pivotally mounted on the base via a joint and projection.

[0011] DE 23 55 380 A discloses a cylindrical closure cap for pressure vessels with a valve, actuating element, and lid. The actuating element comprises a push button with a finger section and an axially upward-facing spray nozzle section. The lid has a top wall with an opening for the aerosol exiting the spray nozzle section and a side wall with a side opening. The lid is rotatably mounted on the aerosol spray can such that, in the open position, the actuating element is accessible from the outside, and in any other rotational position, it is covered by the side wall.

[0012] US 3,446,406 A discloses a cylindrical closure cap for pressure vessels comprising a closure, a base, a dispersing device, and a lid. The lid is axially movable and rotatable on the base between an open and a closed position. The base includes a cam with inclined cam surfaces forming a cam track. The lid is guided along this cam track during rotation between the open and closed positions in both the axial and rotatable directions. The lid has an opening in its end wall. Furthermore, the lid includes a pivot pin on the inside of its end wall, facing the base. The closure comprises a closure plate and a pivot point, the pivot pin of the lid engaging in an opening in the pivot point.In the closed position, the pivot point rests on the cam surface. The sealing plate closes the discharge channel of the dispersing device. During rotation, the pivot point is guided along the cam track by the pivot pin, whereby the sealing plate opens the discharge channel of the dispersing device.

[0013] The cap is designed to prevent dispensed product, such as paint, from getting onto the fingers of the operator using the spray can. This design is also quite complex.

[0014] Against this background, the invention is based on the objective of providing a closure cap for a pressure vessel with a valve for dispensing a medium from the pressure vessel, which has the simplest and most reliable design possible and enables a simple and safe operating option for a user.

[0015] This problem is solved according to the invention by a closure cap with a base part designed for attachment to the pressure vessel, with a lid part rotatably mounted on the base part, which is rotatable in at least two positions, an open position and a closed position, and with an actuating element for activating the valve, wherein the actuating element is accessible from the outside in the open position via a recess in a wall of the lid part to allow activation of the valve, and wherein the actuating element is covered by the wall of the lid part in the closed position.The closure cap comprises a closure for closing an outlet channel of the valve in the closed position, wherein the closure has a closure element, preferably in the form of a closure plate, which is coupled with a pivoting mechanism for covering an outlet channel for the valve in the closed position and for releasing the outlet channel in the open position, and wherein the closure plate is pivotably and slidably mounted off-center to the outlet channel by means of a guide opening on a pin, and is movable by means of a pivot arm projecting from the guide opening to one side, which engages in a guide channel of the base part, to cover the outlet channel of the valve in the closed position and to release the outlet channel in the open position.

[0016] The cap is characterized by a particularly simple design. The valve is activated by rotating the cap from the closed position, in which the cap wall prevents activation of the actuating element, to the open position. This exposes the recess in the cap wall to the actuating element, allowing it to be pressed to activate the valve.

[0017] Preferably, the closed and open positions are each understood to be end positions reached by rotating the lid part relative to the base part by a predetermined angle. A locking mechanism may be provided for each end position.

[0018] It is further preferred that activation of the actuating element is blocked in intermediate positions between the closed and open positions. For this purpose, blocking elements can be provided on the cover part, for example, which block actuation of the actuating element in all angular positions except the open position.

[0019] In principle, it would also be conceivable to allow actuation of the actuator in certain intermediate positions before reaching the open position, for example, if there is still an angle of ≤ 20° remaining until the open position is reached. This could be achieved by appropriately limiting the angular position of locking elements that prevent actuation of the actuator.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base part and the lid part are essentially cap-shaped with a circular cross-section, wherein the wall of the lid part has a ceiling surface to which an edge surface adjoins, and wherein the recess on the wall of the lid part extends over a part of the ceiling surface and a part of the edge surface.

[0021] This arrangement of the recess allows for particularly easy access for operation.

[0022] The recess preferably extends over an angular range of 30° to 180°, preferably from 100° to 140°, more preferably from 115° to 125° or about 120°.

[0023] Such a wide angle range results in particularly easy operation, enabling reliable handling even with gloves.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is designed as a push button which is held on the base part.

[0025] This facilitates a simple and reliable setup.

[0026] Preferably, the button is designed to pivot on the base part, preferably by means of a joint.

[0027] In this way, the button can be manufactured together with the base part, for example as a casting, in particular an injection-molded part, as a pressed part, etc., whereby the joint can simply be formed by a flexible section that rests on an associated projection.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the button has an integrity protection feature to indicate initial activation.

[0029] This is advantageous for making the initial activation of the locking cap identifiable. For this purpose, a thin plastic bridge can be provided on the button, which is connected to the base and is destroyed upon initial activation.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the button has a central outflow channel which is adapted to the shape of the valve, wherein the button protrudes from the central outflow channel to one side with a sensing surface to the outside and is pivotably supported on a projection on the opposite side.

[0031] When the button is pressed, the central outflow channel is also moved towards the valve, thereby actuating the valve.

[0032] This design allows for particularly simple and reliable integration of the button into the cap. Valve activation is also exceptionally straightforward. The pivoting support on a projection provides a simple actuating function. This support is positioned as far as possible from the pressure vessel to minimize bending of the valve's outlet tube.

[0033] According to the invention, the closure cap comprises a closure for closing an outflow channel of the valve in the closed position.

[0034] This reduces or, advantageously, completely prevents dripping from the valve. This is particularly beneficial when the dispensed medium is paint or another substance that could contaminate a user's fingers. Furthermore, even if the pressure vessel is dropped with the cap on, unwanted leakage of the medium from the pressure vessel can be reliably prevented.

[0035] According to the invention, the closure has a closure element, preferably in the form of a closure plate, which is coupled to a pivoting mechanism for covering an outflow channel for the valve in the closed position and for releasing the outflow channel in the open position.

[0036] In this way, moving the closure cap into the open position releases the outflow channel.

[0037] According to the invention, the closure part, the closure plate, is pivotably and slidably mounted off-center to the outflow channel by means of a guide opening on a pin and is movable by means of a pivot arm projecting from the guide opening to one side, which engages in a guide channel of the cover part, to cover the outflow channel of the valve in the closed position and to release the outflow channel in the open position.

[0038] In this way, a secure closure of the outflow channel in the closed position and a secure release in the open position are ensured.

[0039] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the pivot arm engages in the guide channel by means of a pin which, when it stops at one end of the guide channel, limits movement of the lid part into the open position and, when it stops at the other end of the guide channel, limits movement of the lid part into the closed position.

[0040] These features limit the attainment of both the open and closed positions by the stop.

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the locking plate has at its end opposite the pivot arm a stop for an associated pin on the base part, which indicates that the closed position has been reached when it strikes the stop.

[0042] This provides an additional safety feature when the closed position is reached.

[0043] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the lid part can be locked at its ends in at least two positions, i.e., both in the open position and in the closed position, preferably by providing locking openings to the pin of the pivot arm at both ends of the guide channel.

[0044] In this way, a user can recognize that both the closed and open positions have been reached not only visually but also haptically.

[0045] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the closing part is designed to lower onto the outflow channel and to close the outflow channel in the closed position.

[0046] This ensures a particularly secure seal of the valve in the closed position.

[0047] The sealing cap can be attached to the pressure vessel in any way. For example, it can be glued, snapped, screwed, pinned, or, depending on the material of the pressure vessel, welded to it. It goes without saying that the pressure vessel can be made of any material, such as metal (e.g., tinplate), plastic, glass, etc.

[0048] Advantageously, fastening elements, e.g. locking elements, can be provided on the base part to allow locking with a pressure vessel, for example in the form of an aerosol can.

[0049] The cap is preferably made of plastic and can be manufactured using injection molding, which allows for cost-effective production in large quantities.

[0050] It is understood that the features of the invention mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the invention.

[0051] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. The individual figures in the drawing are not to scale. They show: Fig. 1 a cap according to the invention in perspective view in a closed position; Fig. 2 the cap according to Fig. 1 in an open position; Fig. 3 a cross-section through the cap according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a cross-section through the cap according to Fig. 3, but with a different cutting pattern; Fig. 5 a perspective view of the closure cap according to Fig. 1 in the closed position from an oblique angle above, although the ceiling surface of the lid part is not shown; Fig. 6 a perspective view of the closure cap according to Fig. 5 in the open position from a diagonal angle above; Fig. 7 an exploded view of the base part and the lid part before assembly with the closure part; Fig. 8 a bottom view of the cap and Fig. 9 a view of the closure cap according to Fig. 1, in which an associated pressure vessel in the form of a spray bottle is also shown.

[0052] A closure cap according to the invention is in Fig. 1 shown in perspective and labelled overall with the number 10. Fig. Figure 9 shows the same cap 10, which is placed on the outer rim of a pressure vessel 5 in the form of an aerosol can and thus locked in place. The pressure vessel 5 has a central valve in a known manner, through which, when actuated, a medium stored under pressure in the pressure vessel 5, e.g., paint, can escape.

[0053] The closure cap 10 according to the invention seals the valve of the pressure vessel 5 against unintentional actuation and provides fall protection. It also prevents the unintentional escape of medium stored in the pressure vessel.

[0054] The closure cap 10 has a base part 12 and a lid part 14, which is rotatably connected to the base part. The lid part 14 is essentially cylindrical and enclosed on the outside by a wall 15. The wall 15 has a top surface 16 to which an edge surface 18 adjoins. A recess 21 is formed in the wall 15 of the lid part 14, extending over part of the top surface 16 and part of the edge surface 18, covering an angular range of approximately 120°. A central recess 20, in the form of a rounded triangle, is provided on the top surface 16 of the lid part 14 and is covered from the inside in the illustrated case.

[0055] The cap is in Fig. Figure 1 shows the valve in a closed position, in which actuation of the pressure vessel 5 is not possible. In this position, the edge recess 21 is closed from the inside by a wall 19 of the base part 12.

[0056] Fig. Figure 2 shows the end cap 10' after the cover part 14 has been rotated by 120°, so that an open position is achieved. The central recess 20 is now accessible from the inside. An actuating element or button 24 with a tactile surface 26 is accessible via the edge recess 21, which enables actuation of the valve on the associated pressure vessel 5, so that in this position a medium stored therein can escape to the outside via an outlet channel 22.

[0057] From the sectional view according to Fig. 3 a locking recess 28 is visible at the outer end on the edge, with which the base part 12 can be placed on the upper edge of an associated pressure vessel 5 and thus locked in place.

[0058] Furthermore, in Fig. 3 of the push button 24 is visible. It extends from the tactile surface 26 on the left side to the center, enclosing the outlet channel 22 adapted to the valve. It then runs parallel to the top surface 16 via a transverse rib 30, and continues via a downwardly projecting support rib 32, which rests on an associated projection 34, thus forming a hinge 36. This hinge allows the push button 24 to be pivoted downwards towards the pressure vessel 5 to actuate the valve. From there, the support rib 32 continues obliquely upwards, then runs parallel to the top surface 16 of the cover part 14 and finally terminates at the outer wall 19 of the base part 12.

[0059] When the button 24 is pressed, the associated outflow channel 22 is simultaneously moved towards the valve of the pressure vessel 5, thereby actuating it.

[0060] Since the joint 36 is offset far towards the pressure vessel 5, the valve is subjected to only minimal bending stress. Furthermore, the length ratios ensure only a relatively small deflection of the valve.

[0061] The valve actuation depends on how far button 24 is pressed. This allows for metering of the emerging spray jet.

[0062] A spray pattern can be influenced by the shape and arrangement of the outflow channel 22.

[0063] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. In the closed position shown in Figure 4, the central recess 20 in the ceiling surface 16 of the cover part 14 is closed from the inside by a closure 40. This prevents unintentional leakage of medium from the pressure vessel 5 when not in use.

[0064] The lid part 14 is rotatably held at its edge surface 18 by means of an inner groove 42 which engages in an associated outer groove 44 on the base part 12.

[0065] Based on the in Fig. 5 and Fig. The structure and function of the shutter 40 are now described in more detail in the 6 illustrations shown.

[0066] In the Fig. In the closed position shown in Figure 5, a closing plate 42 of the closure 40 covers the outer end of the outflow channel 22 (see Figure 5). Fig. 6) extends outwards and closes the central recess 20 on the cover part 14. The closing plate 42 has an approximately rectangular surface that continues into a pivot arm 48, which carries a pin 56 at its outer end. This pin engages in a guide channel 50 of the base part 12 and is additionally connected to the cover part 14. At both ends of the guide channel 50, the pin 56 has a locking opening 50 and 52, in which it can be locked.

[0067] The locking plate 42 is pivotably and slidably held on a pin 46 of the base part 14 by means of an elongated guide opening 44, which is located in the base area of ​​the swivel arm 48.

[0068] Furthermore, a stop in the form of a recess 58 is provided at the end of the locking plate 42 opposite the swivel arm 48, which is located in the Fig. 5 shown closing position engages a pin 60 on the base part 12.

[0069] In the Fig. In the closed position shown in Figure 5, the pin 56 of the swivel arm 48 is engaged in the detent opening 54 of the guide channel 50, thus indicating that the closed position has been reached.

[0070] If the cover part 14 is now rotated relative to the base part 12 towards the open position, the locking plate 42 is pivoted over the pin 56 by means of the swivel arm 48 and moved within the elongated guide opening 44 until finally the Fig. The open position shown in section 6 is reached, in which the pin 56 engages in the detent opening 54.

[0071] Since the pin 46, on which the closure plate 42 is mounted by means of the elongated guide opening 44, is arranged off-center, i.e. slightly offset from the outflow channel 22, the closure plate 42 is moved away from the outflow channel 22 into a position according to this movement Fig.6 moves so that the outflow channel 22 is released.

[0072] In principle, with the embodiment described so far, actuation of the button 24 would already be possible if a sufficient rotation of the cover part 14 relative to the base part 12 in the direction of the open position has taken place, so that the button 24 is accessible from the outside via the edge recess 21, although not completely but at least partially, so that actuation is possible.

[0073] This is preferably prevented by, for example, providing 14 blocking elements (not shown) on the cover part, which block actuation of the button 24 until the desired end position in the open position has been reached. Reference symbol list 5 pressure vessels 10 Cap 12 Basic part 14 Lid part 15 wall 16 ceiling area 18 Edge area 19 Wall 20 central recess 21 edge recess for pushbuttons 22 Outflow channel 24 buttons 26 touch surfaces 28 Raster recess 30 transverse ribs 32 supporting ribs 34 lead 36 joint 40 closure 42 Closure plate 44 Guide opening 46 cones 48 Swivel arm 50 guide channel 52 Locking opening 54 Locking opening 56 cones 58 In-depth study 60 cones

Claims

[1] A sealing cap for a pressure vessel (5) with a valve for dispensing a medium stored in the pressure vessel, comprising a base part (12) designed for attachment to the pressure vessel (5), a cover part (14) rotatably mounted on the base part (12) and rotatable in at least two positions, an open position and a closed position, and an actuating element (14) for activating the valve, wherein the actuating element (14) is accessible from the outside in the open position via a recess (21) in a wall (15) of the cover part (14) to allow activation of the valve, and wherein the actuating element (14) is covered by the wall (15) of the cover part (14) in the closed position, wherein the sealing cap comprises a closure (40) for closing an outlet channel (22) of the valve in the closed position, in which the closure (40) is a closure element, preferably in the form of a closure plate (42), exhibits,which is coupled with a pivoting mechanism for covering an outlet channel (22) for the valve in the closed position and for releasing the outlet channel (22) in the open position and in which the cover plate (42) is pivotably and slidably mounted off-center to the outlet channel (22) by means of a guide opening (44) on a pin (46) and is movable by means of a pivoting arm (48) projecting to one side from the guide opening (44), which engages in a guide channel (50) of the base part (12), to cover the outlet channel (22) of the valve in the closed position and to release the outlet channel (22) in the open position. [2] Cap according to claim 1, wherein the base part (12) and the lid part (14) are substantially cap-shaped with a circular cross-section, wherein the lid part (14) has a wall (15) with a top surface (16) to which an edge surface (18) is attached, and wherein the recess (21) on the wall (15) of the lid part (14) extends over a part of the top surface (16) and a part of the edge surface (18). [3] Cap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recess (21) extends over an angular range of 30° to 180°, preferably from 100° to 140°, more preferably from 115° to 125°. [4] Closure cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (24) is designed as a push button which is held on the base part (12). [5] Closure cap according to claim 4, in which the button (24) is pivotable on the base part (12), preferably by means of a joint (36). [6] A sealing cap according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the button (24) has an integrity protection feature to indicate initial activation. [7] Closure cap according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the button (24) has a central outlet channel (22) which is adapted to the shape of the valve, wherein the button (24) extends outwards from the central outlet channel (22) to one side with a tactile surface (26) and pivotably supports itself on a projection (34) on the opposite side. [8] Closure cap according to claim 1, in which the pivot arm (48) engages in the guide channel (50) by means of a pin (46) engaging the lid part (14), which, when striking at one end of the guide channel (50), limits a movement of the lid part (14) into the open position and, when striking at the other end of the guide channel (50), limits a movement of the lid part (14) into the closed position. [9] Closure cap according to claim 1 or 8, wherein the closure plate (42) has at its end opposite the pivot arm (48) a stop (58) for an associated pin (60) on the base part (12), which indicates when the stop is struck that the closed position has been reached. [10] A closure cap according to one of the preceding claims, which can be locked in at least two positions, preferably by providing locking openings (52, 54) to the pin (56) of the pivot arm (48) at both ends of the guide channel (50) in a closure cap according to claim 8. [11] Closure cap according to claim 1, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the closure is designed to lower onto the outflow channel (22) and close the outflow channel (22) in the closed position. [12] Pressure vessel with a valve for dispensing a medium stored in the pressure vessel, with a closure cap (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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