CLOSURE ARRANGEMENT FOR A BEVERAGE CONTAINER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure arrangement for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can.

[0002] The closure assembly comprises a lid element.

[0003] The lid element has an opening, a folded edge extending circumferentially around the lid surface for connection to the beverage container, and a damping bead extending circumferentially between the folded edge and the lid surface. Furthermore, the lid element has an outer side and an inner side, and the opening has an opening edge and an opening plane formed by the opening edge.

[0004] The closure arrangement comprises the described lid element, with an opening, and a closure element arranged non-releasably on the lid element for repeatable, in particular gas-tight, closure of the opening.

[0005] The lid element is typically made of metal. The beverage container serves to store contents, e.g., a liquid, and is pressurized when closed.

[0006] Especially in the case of beverage cans with carbonated contents, the beverage container can be under an internal pressure of up to 6.2 bar before it is opened for the first time.

[0007] Both one-time opening and resealable closure arrangements are known for closing such beverage containers.

[0008] The advantage of resealable closure systems is obvious. They allow a beverage container to be sealed, particularly gas-tight, even after partial emptying, preventing the fluid stored in the beverage container from escaping and, especially in the case of carbonated contents, preventing the carbonation from escaping.

[0009] In particular, a captive arrangement of the closure arrangement on the lid element or on the beverage container is desired so that all components of the beverage container can be recycled.

[0010] From the subsequently published DE 10 2020 114 863.1 a locking arrangement with a toggle lever mechanism is known.

[0011] A closure for a can is known from US 3 287 053 A.

[0012] DE 10 2016 112 953 discloses all features according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0013] There is a constant need to improve and coordinate beverage containers, their lid elements and closure arrangements.

[0014] The object of the invention is to at least partially solve the problems existing with regard to the prior art and, in particular, to provide a lid element that is designed to be suitable for a resealable closure element. The closure element is intended to provide a closure arrangement for a beverage container, by means of which the beverage container can be repeatedly and, in particular, resealable in a gas-tight manner.

[0015] In particular, a closure element of the closure arrangement should be arranged or fastened to the beverage container in a captive manner.

[0016] Furthermore, it should be possible to reclose the beverage container by means of the closure arrangement even after it has been opened for the first time, whereby the tightness of the beverage container (with respect to atmospheric pressure) is ensured on the one hand at a low pressure in the beverage container and on the other hand even at a pressure within the beverage container of up to 6.2 bar.

[0017] These objects are achieved with a closure assembly according to the features of patent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the closure assembly are specified in the dependent patent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent patent claims can be combined with one another in a technologically expedient manner and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features listed in the patent claims are further specified and explained in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

[0018] A lid element for a beverage container contributes to this. The lid element has at least one lid panel with an opening, a folded edge running around the lid panel along a circumferential direction for connection to the beverage container, and a damping bead running around the panel between the folded edge and the lid panel. The lid element has an outer side and an inner side, and the opening has an opening edge and an opening plane formed by the opening edge. The lid element has a connecting region directly adjacent to the opening edge and running around the opening edge along the circumferential direction, which connecting region extends (at least partially) at an angle of inclination, wherein the angle of inclination can be determined in a cross-section running perpendicular to the opening plane and perpendicular to the opening edge between a tangent applied to the outer side or the inner side at the connecting region and the opening plane.The angle of inclination is more than zero degrees.

[0019] In particular, the lid element is a known lid, e.g. of a beverage can, which is connected or connectable to the beverage can. Preferably, the lid element is inseparably (only destructively) connected to the beverage container or is connected to it for the intended use of the beverage container, in particular via the folded edge. In particular, the lid element consists of a metal or a metallic alloy. The material of the lid element has in particular a material thickness of 0.15 millimeters to 1.0 millimeters, preferably between 0.15 millimeters and 0.3 millimeters. The lid element is produced in particular by forming, e.g. deep drawing. The opening in the lid element is produced in particular by punching.

[0020] The inside of the lid element forms the side of the lid element facing the contents of the beverage container, while the outside of the lid element forms the side of the lid element facing away from the contents.

[0021] The opening of the lid element is, in particular, simultaneously the (only) pouring opening for the contents of the beverage container. The shape of the opening is, in particular, not specified. The opening is, in particular, rotationally symmetrical or non-rotationally symmetrical.

[0022] The lid element is, in particular, a finished, formed sheet metal lid originating from a manufacturing process. It is more than just a shell (the raw form); it is prepared to be combined with a closure element to form a closure assembly, which in combination then resealably closes a body of a beverage container (which will not be further explained here because these bodies are generally known and available as standard).

[0023] The design of a lid element with a folded edge (for connection to the, in particular, cylindrical, body of a beverage container) and a damping bead is generally known. Furthermore, it is known to arrange the opening for accommodating a closure element in the area of ​​the usually flat lid surface. The opening edge extends in a cross-section perpendicular to the opening plane and perpendicular to the opening edge, usually parallel to the opening plane and possibly parallel to the lid surface.

[0024] Here, it is proposed that a connection area, which is provided for connecting the closure element to the lid element, extends at least partially at an angle of inclination. The angle of inclination can be determined in a cross-section running perpendicular to the opening plane and perpendicular to the opening edge between a tangent applied to the connection area on the outside or inside and the opening plane. Thus, the connection area does not extend parallel to the opening plane, but at an angle to it.

[0025] On the one hand, this allows for a reinforcement of the connection area. This reinforcement results in a dimensionally stable lid element, especially in the case of a resealable closure element and the associated repeated actuation of the closure element.

[0026] On the other hand, this ensures that the opening edge extends into the sealing material of the closure element, or that the opening edge is pressed into the sealing material when the closure element is positioned in the opening. This allows the cut edge of the lid element formed by the opening edge to be covered or sealed with the sealing material. The closure element can thus be permanently attached to the lid element with a frame that permanently contacts the opening edge.

[0027] In particular, a cutting edge on the opening edge runs along an axial direction, i.e., along a direction transverse to the radial direction. This cutting edge is formed, in particular, by a punching tool that is moved along the axial direction to form the cutting edge. The cutting edge thus formed is, in particular, further bent after punching, so that the cutting edge runs at an angle from the axial direction toward the radial direction. In particular, the cutting edge runs at a cutting edge angle of at least 20 degrees, preferably at least 30 degrees, relative to the axial direction.

[0028] The cutting edge, which is arranged at an angle to the axial direction, enables the edges of the cutting edge, i.e. the transition between the outside and the cutting edge (first edge) and the transition between the inside and the cutting edge (second edge), to be pressed into the sealing material so that the sealing material also extends beyond the first edge to the outside.

[0029] In particular, there are no areas of the lid element's opening edge that are accessible to the outside or to a user of the beverage container. This applies in particular to any state of a closure element arranged in the lid element's opening.

[0030] The connection area extends from the cover surface surrounding the connection area, which is in particular flat, and towards the opening edge to the inside of the cover element.

[0031] In particular, the angle of inclination is at least 10 degrees, preferably at least 20 degrees, particularly preferably at least 30 degrees. In particular, the smallest angle of inclination of the connection area is at least 10 degrees, preferably at least 20 degrees, particularly preferably at least 30 degrees.

[0032] In particular, the angle of inclination is at most 90 degrees, preferably at most 70 degrees, particularly preferably at most 60 degrees.

[0033] Preferably, the angle of inclination is between less than 90 degrees and 75 degrees, preferably between less than 90 degrees and 85 degrees.

[0034] In particular, the connection area is designed symmetrically along the circumferential direction, ie the course of the connection area is designed the same in all cross sections.

[0035] In particular, in the cross section, a first section of the connection region, adjoining the opening edge along a radial direction, extends at the angle of inclination.

[0036] In particular, the first section has an extension along the radial direction of at least 0.2 millimeters, preferably at least 0.4 millimeters. In particular, the first section has an extension along the radial direction of at most 2.0 millimeters, preferably at most 1.0 millimeters.

[0037] The radial direction extends in every cross-section that is perpendicular to the opening plane and perpendicular to the opening edge, starting from the opening towards the rebate edge.

[0038] In particular, the first section extends, in particular along the radial direction, to a second section, which runs parallel to the opening plane in cross-section. The second section is, in particular, a component of the cover surface.

[0039] The connection area can have, for example, a (further) damping bead between the first section and the second section, possibly running circumferentially in the circumferential direction.

[0040] In particular, the angle of inclination varies in the cross-section and in the first section, but is greater than zero degrees at every position. The first section can, for example, have a curved profile in the cross-section. However, the first section can also have at least partially a straight profile and partially a curved profile.

[0041] In particular, the angle of inclination in the cross section and in the first section of the angle of inclination has a constant angular value.

[0042] The transition between the first section and the second section can be designed as an edge or as a curved course.

[0043] In particular, in the first section, the inclination angle present at a position along the radial direction is constant along the circumferential direction.

[0044] A closure assembly for a beverage container is further proposed. The closure assembly comprises at least the described lid element and a closure element arranged on the lid element for closing the opening. The closure element forms a sealing surface with the opening edge, via which the beverage container can be sealed gas-tight against the environment.

[0045] The closure element comprises, in particular, all components associated with the temporary and repeatable opening and closing of the beverage container. In particular, the closure element comprises, for example, a frame or frame part arranged at the opening. The closure element is permanently attached to the lid element via the frame or frame part. This frame or frame part comprises, in particular, a window through which a fluid can be removed from the beverage container. Furthermore, the closure element comprises, for example, a lid or a flap that can be pivoted relative to the frame / frame part, thus enabling repeatable opening and closing of the beverage container.

[0046] In particular, the opening edge extends into a sealing material, wherein the sealing material is arranged on both the inside and outside of the cover element. The opening edge, together with the sealing material, forms, in particular, the sealing surface.

[0047] The sealing material preferably comprises a plastic with a Shore A hardness of at most 60, in particular of at most 45, preferably of at most 35.

[0048] In particular, the closure element has a stop surface which rests on the inner side and encloses the opening along the circumferential direction, wherein the sealing surface is arranged on the stop surface.

[0049] In particular, the closure element is non-removably attached to the lid element. In particular, the closure element is non-removably attached to the opening edge or to the connection area of ​​the lid element via the sealing material.

[0050] In particular, the closure element can be pre-assembled independently of the lid element and arranged captively on the lid element as a pre-assembled subassembly. The closure element is connected to the lid element exclusively via the connection area. In particular, the closure element is arranged on the lid element from the inside and extends at least partially across the opening to the outside. After arrangement, a designated area of ​​the closure element can be thermally formed, for example, so that the closure element is connected to the opening edge in a form-fitting manner.

[0051] In particular, the closure element enables repeatable gas-tight closure of the opening.

[0052] Furthermore, a use of the described closure arrangement for the repeatable, fluid-tight closing (and opening) of a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, is proposed.

[0053] A method for manufacturing the cover element is further proposed. The opening is formed by a punching process, and the opening edge is subsequently further formed with the cut edge. This allows the cut edge to be arranged at an angle relative to the axial direction.

[0054] The statements regarding the lid element apply equally to the closure arrangement and the use of the closure element and vice versa.

[0055] The use of indefinite articles ("a," "an," "one," and "another"), particularly in the patent claims and the description reproducing them, is to be understood as such and not as a numeral. Terms or components introduced accordingly are therefore to be understood as being present at least once and, in particular, as being able to be present multiple times.

[0056] As a precaution, it should be noted that the numerals used here ("first", "second", ...) primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, quantities, or processes, and therefore do not necessarily specify any interdependence and / or sequence of these objects, quantities, or processes. Should a dependence and / or sequence be required, this is explicitly stated here or will be obvious to the person skilled in the art upon studying the specifically described embodiment. To the extent that a component can occur multiple times ("at least one"), the description of one of these components may apply equally to all or part of the majority of these components, but this is not mandatory.

[0057] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

[0058] It should be noted that the figures, and in particular the proportions shown, are only schematic. They show: Fig. 1: a beverage container with a lid element in a perspective view; Fig. 2: a lid element in a perspective view; Fig. 3: the lid element according to Fig. 2 in section, in a perspective view; Fig. 4: the cover element according to Fig. 3 in a side view; Fig. 5: a first section of the view Fig. 4 ; Fig. 6: a second section of the view Fig. 4 ; and Fig. 7: a closure arrangement in a perspective view in section.

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a beverage container 2 with a lid element 1 in a perspective view. The lid element 1 has an outer side 8 and an inner side 9 as well as an opening 4. The opening 4 has an opening edge 10 and an opening plane 11 formed by the opening edge 10. The lid element 1 is connected or connectable to the body 27 of a beverage container 2. The lid element 1 is inseparably (only destructively) connected to the beverage container 2 via a folded edge 6. The inner side 9 of the lid element 1 forms the side of the lid element 1 facing the contents of the beverage container 2, with the outer side 8 of the lid element 1 forming the side of the lid element 1 facing away from the contents and facing an environment 23. The opening 4 of the lid element 1 is the only pouring opening for a content of the beverage container 2.

[0060] Fig. 2 shows a cover element 1 in a perspective view. Fig. 3 shows the cover element 1 Fig. 2 in section, in a perspective view. Fig. 4 shows the cover element 1 Fig. 3 in a side view. Fig. 5 shows a first section of the view Fig. 4 . Fig. 6 shows a second section of the view Fig. 4 . The Fig. 2 bis 6 are described together below. The explanations regarding the Fig. 1 is referred to.

[0061] The lid element 1 has a lid surface 3 with an opening 4, a folded edge 6 extending around the lid surface 3 along a circumferential direction 5 for connection to the beverage container 2, and a damping bead 7 extending around the lid surface 3 between the folded edge 6 and the lid surface 3. The lid element 1 has an outer side 8 and an inner side 9, and the opening 4 has an opening edge 10 and an opening plane 11 formed by the opening edge 10. The cover element 1 has a connection region 12 which is directly adjacent to the opening edge 10 and runs around the opening edge 10 along the circumferential direction 5 and which extends at least partially at an angle of inclination 13, wherein the angle of inclination 13 can be determined in a cross-section 14 running perpendicular to the opening plane 11 and perpendicular to the opening edge 10 between a tangent 15 applied to the connection region 12 on the outer side 8 or the inner side 9 and the opening plane 11.The angle of inclination 13 is more than zero degrees.

[0062] The lid element 1 is inseparably (only destructively) connected to the beverage container 2 or is connected to the beverage container 2 via the folded edge 6 for the intended use of the beverage container 2.

[0063] The connection area 12 extends from the flat cover surface 3 surrounding the connection area 12 and towards the opening edge 10 to the inside 9 of the cover element 1.

[0064] The angle of inclination is approximately 10 degrees directly at the opening edge 10 and a maximum of 60 degrees in the first section 17.

[0065] The connection area 12 is designed symmetrically along the circumferential direction 5, i.e., the course of the connection area 12 is identical in all cross sections 14. Thus, in the first section 17, the angle of inclination 13 present at a position 19 along the radial direction 16 is constant along the circumferential direction 5.

[0066] In the cross section 14, a first section 17 of the connection region 12, adjoining the opening edge 10 along a radial direction 16, extends at the angle of inclination 13, wherein the first section 17 has an extension 25 along the radial direction 16 of approximately one millimeter.

[0067] The first section 17 extends along the radial direction 16 to a second section 18, which runs parallel to the opening plane 11 in the cross section 14. The second section 18 is part of the cover surface 3.

[0068] In cross-section 14 and in the first section 17, the angle of inclination 13 varies, but is greater than zero at every position 19. The first section 17 has a curved profile in cross-section 14.

[0069] The transition between the first section 17 and the second section 18 is designed as a curved course.

[0070] A cutting edge 28 runs along the opening edge 10 along an axial direction, i.e., along a direction transverse to the radial direction 16. This cutting edge 28 is formed by a punching tool, which is moved along the axial direction to form the cutting edge 28. The cutting edge 28 thus formed is further bent after punching, so that the cutting edge 28 runs from the axial direction toward the radial direction 16 at a cutting edge angle 31 of 20 degrees relative to the axial direction (only in Fig. 5 shown as such).

[0071] The cutting edge 28, which is arranged inclined with respect to the axial direction, enables the edges of the cutting edge 28, i.e. the transition between the outer side 8 and the cutting edge 28 (first edge 29) and the transition between the inner side 9 and the cutting edge 28 (second edge 30), to be pressed into the sealing material 26, so that the sealing material 26 also extends beyond the first edge 29 to the outer side 8.

[0072] Fig. 7 shows a closure assembly 20 in a perspective view in section. The explanations regarding the Fig. 1 bis 6 is referred to.

[0073] The closure arrangement 20 comprises the described lid element 1 and a closure element 21 arranged on the lid element 1 for closing the opening 4. The closure element 21 forms a sealing surface 22 with the opening edge 10, via which the beverage container 2 can be sealed gas-tight against an environment 23.

[0074] The opening edge 10 extends into a sealing material 26, wherein the sealing material 26 is arranged on the inner side 9 as well as on the outer side 8 of the cover element 1. The opening edge 10 forms the sealing surface 22 with the sealing material 26.

[0075] The closure element 21 has a stop surface 24 which permanently rests against the inner side 9 and encloses the opening 4 along the circumferential direction 5, wherein the sealing surface 22 is arranged on the stop surface 24.

[0076] The closure element 21 is non-removably attached to the opening edge 10 or to the connection area 12 of the lid element 1 via the sealing material 26. The closure element 21 enables a repeatable, gas-tight closure of the opening 4. List of reference symbols

[0077] 1Lid element 2Beverage container 3Lid surface 4Opening 5Circumferential direction 6Folded edge 7Damping bead 8Outside 9Inside 10Opening edge 11Opening plane 12Connection area 13Inclination angle 14Cross section 15Tangent 16Radial direction 17First section 18Second section 19Position 20Closure arrangement 21Closure element 22Sealing surface 23Surroundings 24Stop surface 25Extension 26Sealing material 27Body 28Cutting edge 29First edge 30Second edge 31Cutting edge angle

Claims

1. Closure assembly (20) for a beverage container (2), comprising at least a lid element (1) and a closure element (21) arranged on the lid element (1) for closing the opening (4), wherein the lid element (1) has a lid panel (3) with an opening (4), a folded rim (6) extending around the lid panel (3) in a circumferential direction (5) for connecting the lid element (1) to the beverage container (2), and a damping bead (7) extending circumferentially between the folded rim (6) and the lid panel (3); wherein the lid element (1) has an outside (8) and an inside (9), and the opening (4) has an opening rim (10) and an opening plane (11) formed by the opening rim (10); wherein the lid element (1) has a connecting region (12) which directly adjoins the opening rim (10), runs around the opening rim (10) in the circumferential direction (5), and extends at least partially at a slope angle (13), wherein the slope angle (13) can be determined in a cross-section (14), running perpendicularly to the opening plane (11) and perpendicularly to the opening rim (10), between the opening plane (11) and a tangent (15) lying against the outside (8) or the inside (9) at the connecting region (12); wherein the slope angle (13) is more than zero angular degrees; wherein the closure element (21) with the opening rim (10) forms a sealing face (22), via which the beverage container (2) can be sealed gas-tightly against an environment (23); wherein the closure element (21) is arranged on the lid element (1) from the inside (9) and extends at least partially over the opening (4) to the outside (8); characterized in that the connecting region (12), starting from the lid panel (3) surrounding the connecting region (12) and up to the opening rim (10) extends towards the inside (9) of the lid element (1); wherein the opening rim (10) extends into a sealing material (26).

2. Closure assembly (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slope angle (13) is at least 10 angular degrees.

3. Closure assembly (20) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the slope angle (13) is at most 90 angular degrees.

4. Closure assembly (20) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a first portion (17) of the connecting region (12) adjoining the opening rim (10) in a radial direction (16) in the cross-section (14) extends at the slope angle (13), wherein the first portion (17) has an extent (25) of at least 0.2 millimeters in the radial direction (16).

5. Closure assembly (20) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first portion (17) extends up to a second portion (18) which runs parallel to the opening plane (11) in the cross-section (14).

6. Closure assembly (20) as claimed in any of the preceding claims 4 and 5, wherein in the cross-section (14) and in the first portion (17), the slope angle (13) varies but is more than zero angular degrees at every position (19).

7. Closure assembly (20) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 4 to 5, wherein in the cross-section (14) and in the first portion (17), the slope angle (13) has a constant angular amount.

8. Closure assembly (20) as claimed in any of the preceding claims 4 to 7, wherein in the first portion (17), the slope angle (13) present at a position (19) in the radial direction (16) is constant in the circumferential direction (5).

9. Closure assembly (20) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting region (12) is formed symmetrically in the circumferential direction (5), so that the course of the connecting region (12) is the same in all cross-sections (14).

10. Closure assembly (20) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening rim (10) extends into a sealing material (26), wherein the sealing material (26) is arranged on the inside (9) and also on the outside (8) of the lid element (1).

11. Closure assembly (20) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening rim (10) extends into a sealing material (26) of the closure element (21), wherein when the closure element (21) is arranged in the opening (4), the opening rim (10) can be pressed into the sealing material (26).

12. Closure assembly (20) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (21) has a stop face (24) which lies against the inside (9) and contains the opening (4) in the circumferential direction (5), wherein the sealing face (22) is arranged on the stop face (24).

13. Closure assembly (20) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (21) is attached non-releasably to the lid element (1).

14. Closure assembly (20) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (21) allows a repeatable gas-tight closure of the opening (4).