Method for producing a closure element for a container, and a closure arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a closure element (1) for a container (2), wherein the closure element (1) comprises at least a first component (3) and a second component (4); wherein the first component (3) can be arranged on the container (2) and the second component (4) is captively connected to the first component (3) at least via a first connection (5), wherein the components (3, 4) are rotatably connected to one another via the first connection (5) about a first axis of rotation (6); wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a) providing an injection moulding device (7) with a first mould (8) for one of the components (3, 4); b) injecting a first material (9) into the first mould (8) and producing one of the components (3, 4); c) injecting a second material (10) into the first mould (8) and producing the other component (4, 3), the first connection (5) being produced in the process.

Description

[0001] Method for producing a closure element for a container and a closure arrangement

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for producing a closure element for a container and a closure assembly for a container. The container is, in particular, a beverage container, preferably a beverage can.

[0003] The closure assembly comprises at least one lid element with an opening (and, if applicable, the remaining part of the associated container) and a closure element arranged non-removably on the lid element for repeatedly, in particular gas-tight, closing the opening. The lid element is made, in particular, of metal. The beverage container serves to store contents, e.g., a fluid, wherein the beverage container is, in particular, under positive pressure when closed.

[0004] 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.

[0005] For closing such (beverage) containers, both one-time opening and resealable closure assemblies or closure elements are known. The advantage of resealable closure assemblies is obvious. This allows a (beverage) container to be closed, particularly gas-tight, even after partial emptying, thus preventing the fluid stored in the (beverage) container from escaping and, especially in the case of carbonated contents, preventing the carbonation from escaping. The known resealable closure assemblies or closure elements often have complex components or complex methods for opening and closing the closure assembly or closure element.

[0006] In particular, a captive arrangement of the closure assembly on the lid element or on the beverage container is desired, so that all components of the beverage container can be recycled. US 2012 / 248113 A1 discloses a resealable closure for a beverage can. A lever, which rests on the can lid, is pivoted, thereby pressing a flap into the beverage container. To fix the closure in an open position, the lever must then be arranged at least partially within the beverage container.

[0007] A resealable can end for beverage cans is known from DE 10 2016 103 801 A1 and US 2004 / 0159665 A1.

[0008] From the subsequently published DE 10 2020 114 863.1 a locking arrangement with a toggle lever mechanism is known

[0009] The object of the invention is to at least partially solve the problems existing with reference to the prior art and in particular to provide a method for producing a closure element by means of which reproducible product quality can be achieved even with high production runs and at the same time high demands on the precision of the manufactured individual parts. For example, a connection of rotatably connected individual parts is to be realized with as little play as possible so that a (gas-tight) sealing of the container is possible even with repeated actuation of the closure element. Furthermore, a closure arrangement for a beverage container is to be provided by means of which the beverage container can be repeatedly and, in particular, reclosed in a gas-tight manner. The closure arrangement should have as few individual parts as possible and / or be lightweight, i.e. it should be able to be produced from as little material as possible.Furthermore, the stacking height of the closure assemblies should be as low as possible so that logistics for such closure assemblies can be simplified.

[0010] In particular, a closure element of the closure arrangement should be arranged or fastened to the container in a captive manner.

[0011] Furthermore, the closure arrangement should also make it possible to reclose the container after it has been opened for the first time, whereby the container's tightness (relative to atmospheric pressure) is ensured, on the one hand, at a low pressure in the container and, on the other hand, even at a pressure within the container of up to 6.2 bar.

[0012] These objects are achieved by a method for producing a closure element according to the features of patent claim 1 and by a closure arrangement according to the features of patent claim 12. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent 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 claims are further specified and explained in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

[0013] A method for producing a closure element for a container is proposed, in particular for a beverage container, preferably a beverage can.

[0014] The closure element comprises at least a first component and a second component, wherein the first component can be arranged on the container and the second component is captively connected to the first component at least via a first connection. The components are connected to one another via the first connection so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation. The method comprises at least the following steps: a) providing an injection molding device with a first mold for one of the components, e.g. for the first component or for the second component; b) injecting a first material into the first mold and producing one of the components, e.g. the first component or the second component; c) injecting a second material into the first mold and producing the other component, wherein the first connection is produced in the process.

[0015] In particular, the two components are captively connected to each other via the first connection after step c). In this context, reference is made to DE 33 40 122 C2. This describes an injection molding method in which the components produced successively by injection molding are positively connected via a first connection. In particular, this method is now used to produce the closure element described here.

[0016] This provides a method for manufacturing the closure element that enables reproducible product quality even with high volumes while simultaneously meeting high demands on the precision of the manufactured individual parts. This allows for a largely play-free connection of rotatably connected individual parts, thus enabling a (gas-tight) seal of the container even upon repeated actuation of the closure element.

[0017] Using this method, a closure assembly for a (beverage) container can be provided that allows the container to be repeatedly and, in particular, resealable in a gas-tight manner. The closure assembly comprises as few individual parts as possible and is lightweight.

[0018] In particular, the materials used are either different or similar. This allows a specific shrinkage amount to be set or selected, so that the intended fit (clearance fit / press fit / transition fit) for the initial connection can be deliberately achieved.

[0019] The use of the generally known process for the closure element makes it possible, in particular, for the delicate and difficult-to-handle (individual) components of the closure element to be joined together or combined into an assembly (the closure element) during injection molding. Furthermore, damage to the individual components (due to joining) can be avoided, thus enabling large-scale series production with reproducible quality.

[0020] In particular, the term "first mold" here refers to one or more components of the injection molding equipment. For example, one component is manufactured in the first mold, i.e., by injecting the liquid material into the cavity (the negative of the respective component to be manufactured) of the first mold. This component can then remain in the first mold or be removed from it and inserted into another "first mold."

[0021] The cavity required to form the subsequent component can be created by the first mold (or movable inserts of the first mold) or by the other mold. The first mold can also be formed by a mold half or a mold insert in which the component remains. This mold half or mold insert can then be supplemented by another mold half and / or mold inserts to form the cavity of the subsequent component.

[0022] The subsequent component is formed from the second material, with the cavity being at least partially spatially defined by the first-manufactured component, so that the shape of the subsequently manufactured component is at least partially determined by the shape of the first-manufactured component. Due to the successive production of the components, they do not bond together in a form-fitting manner, so that the materials or components are clearly separated from one another or form contacting interfaces.

[0023] The first connection is formed in particular in that the first material encloses the second material (or vice versa) at least at one point, in particular along a circumferential direction completely, for example in the form of a shaft-bearing arrangement.

[0024] The use of multiple molds can accelerate the process, as either a larger number of identical process steps can be performed simultaneously or the individual process steps can be performed more quickly one after the other. In particular, the use of multiple molds can accelerate the cooling and thus the solidification of the material being injection-molded, allowing steps b) and c) to be performed more quickly one after the other.

[0025] In particular, the first connection, at least in one of the components, is formed by a pin element produced during injection molding, which has a smallest diameter of at most three millimeters, preferably at most two millimeters, particularly preferably at most 1 millimeter. The first connection is in particular formed at least partially by a cylindrical and a hollow cylindrical cross-section, which are rotatably connected to one another.

[0026] In particular, in step c), two spatially separated first connections are established. In particular, the first axes of rotation of the first connections are arranged coaxially to one another.

[0027] By creating two initial connections, components of smaller dimensions can also be manufactured and stably connected to each other.

[0028] In particular, the first component comprises at least one frame part with a window (enclosed by a frame of the frame part), and the second component is a lever (or vice versa). The frame part can be arranged in an opening of the container. The lever is connected to the frame part via the at least one first connection. The lever can be connected to a lid via a second connection, by means of which the window and thus the container can be closed in a gas-tight manner. The lever is connected to the frame part in such a way that the lever is arranged within the window and can pivot relative to the frame part about the first connection.

[0029] In particular, the lid can be pivoted with the frame part and (thereby)

[0030] • positively via a second rotation axis or

[0031] • firmly connected via a hinge.

[0032] In particular, the lever is permanently connected to the cover via a guide device forming the second connection, so that the cover, by pivoting the lever about the first axis of rotation, can be pivoted from a closed position that seals the window gas-tight, about the second axis of rotation or about the hinge into an open position that releases the window, and back again into the closed position. In particular, in step b) or c), the cover is manufactured together with the frame part as a one-piece (materially bonded) component.

[0033] In particular, the lid is manufactured as an additional component within the scope of the described method, with the lid being injection-molded separately from the first component and the second component in a separate process, thus creating the positive connection between the lid and the frame part. In this way, the second axis of rotation can be realized in a manner similar to the first axis of rotation, via which the frame part and the lid are then pivotably but positively connected to one another.

[0034] In particular, after step c), in a step d), the lid is placed in the closed position and the lever is pivoted about the first axis of rotation, forming the second connection. In particular, this step d) is performed automatically, e.g., by a robot or other manipulation device (but not manually by a person).

[0035] In particular, the guide device comprises at least one guide track arranged on the cover and at least one guide pin engaging in the guide track and arranged on the lever. The at least one guide pin is transferred outside the guide track prior to step d) and into the guide track during step d). In particular, an elastic deformation of the guide pin or the guide track occurs during step d).

[0036] As a result of the elastic deformation or recovery, a positive connection between the guideway and the guide pin can be achieved. In particular, a ramp or similar feature can be provided to simplify or enable the positioning of the guide pin from outside the guideway into the guideway.

[0037] In particular, in step d) and after arranging the guide pin in the guide track, upon (further) pivoting of the lever about the first axis of rotation, the guide pin is moved along the guide track and the cover is pivoted about the second axis of rotation.

[0038] In particular, immediately after removal from the injection molding device, the closure element comprises at least the frame part, the lid connected to the frame part, and the lever positively connected to the frame part via the first connection. In particular, by automated pivoting of the lever, the at least one guide pin is arranged in the guide track, and the closure element is moved into the closed position (by further pivoting the lever relative to the frame part about the first axis of rotation). In particular, this process occurs immediately after removal of the closure element from the first mold.

[0039] In particular, the process for producing the closure element is terminated after step d).

[0040] The above (non-exhaustive) classification of the process steps into a) to c) and d) is primarily intended to serve as a distinction and does not enforce any order and / or dependency. It is also possible that process steps overlap one another, at least partially. Most preferably, process steps a) to d) are carried out sequentially, and at least steps b) to d) are carried out staggered from one another (i.e., not directly one after the other, but with a temporal interval). In particular, steps a) to d) are carried out in the order listed.

[0041] If necessary, after step d), a material-to-material connection can be created between the lever and the lid, between the lever and the frame part, or between the lid and the frame part. This material-to-material connection can, in particular, serve (exclusively) as a freshness seal, indicating whether the closure element has been actuated after the container has been closed for the first time. This material-to-material connection is, in particular, only created after the closure element has been arranged on a lid element of the container. In this case, at least a partial area of ​​the closure element can be formed, for example as a result of thermal deformation, in such a way that a positive connection is created between the closure element and the lid element and / or the material-to-material connection intended for creating the freshness seal.

[0042] The freshness seal indicates the condition of the closure element or the container. An undamaged freshness seal indicates that the closure element has not been activated yet, meaning the container has not been opened. A damaged freshness seal, on the other hand, indicates that the closure element has been activated at least once, meaning the container has been opened at least once.

[0043] In particular, a (renewed) pivoting of the lever following step d) is only carried out after the closure element has been arranged on a lid element of a container, namely for the (first) opening of the container after it has been filled with a fluid.

[0044] In particular, for the initial or repeated opening of a container, the lever and the lid then rotate between a closed position in which the window is closed by the lid and an open position in which the window is released, each in a common direction of rotation about their axes of rotation or about the hinge.

[0045] In particular, in a step i), a third material is injected into the first mold, which is arranged on a first contact surface of the first component, preferably the frame part, and forms a sealing material that enables a gas-tight connection between the first component and the container.

[0046] In particular, in step i) or in a further step ii), a fourth material is injected into the first mold, which is arranged on a second contact surface of the first component, in particular the lid, and forms a sealing material that enables a gas-tight connection between the first component, in particular the frame part, and a lid, by means of which the container can be resealed in a gas-tight manner. Step i) and / or step ii) is / are carried out in particular before step d), preferably before step c), particularly preferably within the scope of step b) or c), but in any case after step a).

[0047] Steps i) and ii) can be carried out simultaneously or at different times.

[0048] The third material and the fourth material may be the same or different from each other. In particular, the third and fourth materials differ from the first material and the second material.

[0049] If the third material and the fourth material are of the same type, steps i) and ii) can also be carried out simultaneously, with the material being injected into a continuously connected cavity.

[0050] A closure assembly for a container is further proposed. The closure assembly comprises at least one lid element of the container having an opening, as well as a closure element arranged on the lid element for repeatedly closing the opening. 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.

[0051] The closure element (according to step c)) comprises, in particular, at least or exclusively a frame part, a lever, and a lid (possibly also sealing materials). The frame part is arranged at the opening edge of the lid element and has a window. The lever is pivotably connected to the frame part (exclusively) via a first axis of rotation (and about this axis). In a closed position of the closure arrangement, the lid closes the window and is pivotably connected to the frame part via a second axis of rotation or a hinge.The lever is (directly) connected to the lid (and thereby) permanently (i.e. while the closure arrangement is in a state intended for the predetermined operation) via a guide device, so that the lid, by pivoting the lever about the first axis of rotation, starting from the closed position, about the second axis of rotation or about the hinge into an opening position of the closure arrangement which releases the window and back again into the closed position.

[0052] The closure element can be produced or is produced at least partially, particularly completely, by the described method, wherein the first component comprises at least the frame part and the second component comprises the lever (or vice versa).

[0053] In particular, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation or the hinge are arranged parallel to each other and at a distance from each other.

[0054] In particular, the frame part and the cover form a sealing surface that closes the window in the closed position.

[0055] In particular, the closure element enables repeatable gas-tight closure of the opening.

[0056] In a rotary axis, the connected components form, in particular, a shaft and a bearing. The shaft can rotate relative to the bearing. The components are thus only positively connected to one another via the rotary axis, but not firmly bonded. In the first rotary axis, in particular, the frame part forms the stationary bearing, and the lever forms the shaft that can rotate relative to the bearing. In the second rotary axis, in particular, the frame part forms the stationary bearing, and the cover forms the shaft that can rotate relative to the bearing.

[0057] In a hinge, the components that can move relative to one another (here, for example, the lid and the frame part) are permanently (in particular, firmly bonded) connected via an elastically deformable connection. This connection is formed, for example, by a particularly thin section of the components, which is therefore elastically deformable. In a hinge, rotation occurs around the hinge or around an axis of the hinge, which, however, does not necessarily have to be stationary. In particular, a translational movement of the components relative to one another is also possible, whereby this translational movement can be limited to a minimum by design. In particular, the lid element is a known lid of a container, e.g. a beverage can, which is or can be connected to the beverage can. Preferably, the lid element is inseparably (only destructively) connected to the container. In particular, the lid element consists of a metal or a metallic alloy.

[0058] The inside of the lid element forms the side of the lid element facing the contents of the container, while the outside of the lid element forms the side of the lid element facing away from the contents.

[0059] The opening of the lid element is, in particular, simultaneously the (only) pouring or removal opening for the contents of the container. The shape of the opening is not specified. The opening is, in particular, not rotationally symmetrical. However, a rotationally symmetrical opening can also be closed using the closure element described here and is therefore encompassed by the term "opening."

[0060] A new state of the closure element refers in particular to the state of the closure element produced by the method and arranged on the lid element before the lever is then actuated for the first time, i.e. pivoted.

[0061] When new, all components of the locking assembly are in the locked position, meaning the lever is also in the locked position, i.e., in a non-pivoted state. If the lever is in the non-pivoted closed position, the lid is also not pivoted, and thus the window or opening is closed.

[0062] In the closed position, the lever is located entirely on the outside of the cover element. In particular, in the closed position, the frame part and the cover are arranged on both sides of the cover element, i.e., simultaneously on the inside and outside, or extend through the opening or window and / or are accessible from the other side via the opening or window. During the pivoting of the lever between the closed position and the open position, the lever extends at least partially over the window and over the opening plane onto the inside of the cover element.

[0063] The lever and thus also the lid are pivotable, in particular, between the non-pivoted closed position and a, in particular, maximally pivoted open position. In the open position of the locking arrangement, the lever and the lid are each arranged, in particular, with the maximum pivoting, and the window or opening is preferably maximally open. Between the closed position and the open position, a variety of (opening) positions are possible, in which the lever and, if applicable, the lid are arranged in a pivoted position relative to the closed position, but not in the maximally pivoted open position.

[0064] In particular, in the closed position, the contents of the beverage container are sealed, in particular gas-tight, from the environment of the beverage container, in particular against a pressure within the beverage container of at least 3 bar, preferably at least 5 bar, particularly preferably at least 6.2 bar. In particular, however, a seal also exists when the pressure within the beverage container corresponds to the ambient pressure.

[0065] The closure element is in particular designed as a single piece, i.e. the individual components frame part and lever and, if applicable, cover are captively connected to one another (via the axes of rotation or the hinge, in particular only via the axes of rotation or the hinge). In particular, these components, in particular the frame part and cover as a jointly manufactured individual component on the one hand and the lever on the other hand, can be manufactured independently of one another and can be connected to one another within the scope of an assembly process. In particular, the frame part and cover are materially connected to one another via a hinge and are manufactured together, i.e. as a single piece. In particular, the closure element exclusively comprises the components frame part and lever or additionally also the cover. In particular, each of these components is dimensionally stable, i.e. non-deformable. The only exception are components of the components that are connected to one another in one piece, e.g. via hinges, e.g.i.e., the frame part and the lid or, for example, the elastically deformable guide pin. In particular, the (repeatable) opening or closing of the lid element's opening involves exclusively the frame part, lever, and lid of the closure element.

[0066] In particular, the lever and the lid rotate between the closed position and the open position in a common direction of rotation about their axes of rotation, or about the first axis of rotation and the hinge. The lever and the lid thus rotate either together in a first direction of rotation or in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0067] In particular, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation or the hinge are each arranged (essentially) stationary on the closure arrangement.

[0068] In particular, in the closure arrangement, the frame part is fixed and immovable at the opening edge. The lever and the lid are connected to the lid element via the frame part. The lever and lid are arranged so that they can move relative to the frame part.

[0069] In particular, the frame part is arranged captively on the opening edge. In particular, the frame part is arranged on the opening edge via a positive connection and can only be removed from the opening edge by destroying the frame part. In particular, the frame part is mounted on the opening edge via a plastic deformation of the frame part. The plastic deformation can be carried out, for example, by thermal treatment of the frame part, e.g., at least local heating.

[0070] In particular, the closure element enables repeatable gas-tight closure of the opening. In particular, the closure element therefore enables not only closure or liquid-tight closure, but also gas-tight closure of the opening. This allows effective sealing of the opening, especially in the case of carbonated liquids, even after the closure element has been opened for the first time. The frame part in particular forms a frame enclosing the opening and thereby forms the window enclosed by the frame. After the frame part is arranged on the cover element, the opening through which a fluid can flow is thus reduced in particular to the window. The lever is arranged within the frame part at least in the region of the first axis of rotation.During the pivoting of the lever, at least a part of the lever shifts from the outside of the cover element over the window and the opening plane to the inside of the cover element.

[0071] In particular, the frame part and the lid (exclusively) form a sealing surface in the initial position that closes the window. This ensures tightness even when the beverage container is repeatedly opened and closed via the repeatedly stressed sealing surface.

[0072] In particular, the guide device comprises at least one guide track arranged on the cover and at least one guide pin engaging in the guide track and arranged on the lever. As the lever and cover pivot, the guide pin is movable along the guide track. In particular, the cover has a guide track on each of its two opposite sides. In particular, the lever has two guide pins, each guide pin interacting with a respective guide track.

[0073] The guide pin is, in particular, a cylindrical or conical extension of the lever that extends at least partially into the guide track. The guide pin can also be designed as an element rotatably mounted on the lever, e.g., in the manner of a wheel. The guide pin is, in particular, fixedly mounted on the lever.

[0074] In particular, the guideways of the cover are arranged between the guide pins of the lever.

[0075] The at least one guide track and the at least one guide pin form a positive connection, particularly in both directions of rotation of the lever. Thus, pivoting the lever about the first axis of rotation can cause and control pivoting of the cover about the second axis of rotation or about the hinge.

[0076] In particular, the at least one guide pin is arranged in a (self-locking) locking position on the lid in the closed position. Alternatively or additionally, the guide pin forces the lid into a self-locking locking position on the frame part in the closed position. The guide pin only enters the guide track from the locking position when the lever is pivoted about the first axis of rotation, e.g., after exceeding an angular range of pivoting of at least 5 degrees, preferably of at least 10 degrees, about the first axis of rotation. The lid is then pivoted about the second axis of rotation or about the hinge only after the guide pin has entered the guide track.

[0077] In particular, the at least one guide track (preferably both guide tracks) extends in a direction transverse to the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation or the hinge. In the initial position and in a projection of the positions of the axes of rotation or the hinge and the at least one guide pin into the opening plane, the first axis of rotation is arranged between the second axis of rotation / the hinge and the guide pin, as well as the locking position.

[0078] In a maximum pivoted end position of the lever and in a projection of the positions of the axes of rotation or of the hinge and of the at least one guide pin into the opening plane, the guide pin is arranged in particular between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation / the hinge or the second axis of rotation / the hinge is arranged between the guide pin and the first axis of rotation.

[0079] The projection is carried out in particular along a direction perpendicular to the opening plane. This means that the positions of the rotation axes / hinge and guide pin are viewed from a position, e.g., above the opening plane, with the viewing axis running perpendicular to the opening plane. In particular, the guide device specifies a second position (e.g., pivoting about the second rotation axis or about the hinge relative to the closed position) of the lid for a first position (e.g., pivoting about the first rotation axis relative to the closed position) of the lever, and vice versa.

[0080] In particular, a first seal is arranged between the inner side and a first contact surface of the frame part, which seals around the opening and is formed by the third material. In particular, the first contact surface is oriented at least partially parallel to a partial surface of the inner side of the cover element. The first seal is arranged in particular in the region of this partial surface. In particular, the first seal is fastened to the frame part and is arranged on this partial surface during assembly of the frame part to the cover element. In particular, the first seal can be produced or is produced together with the frame part in a two-component injection molding process, in particular during step i) or ii).

[0081] In particular, a second seal is arranged between the frame part and the cover, which at least in the closed position surrounds the window and is formed by the fourth material. This second seal enables the window or opening to be sealed by a sealing connection between the cover and the frame part. In particular, the second seal is arranged on the frame part or on the cover, preferably on the cover. In particular, the second seal can be produced or is produced together with the frame part, and optionally also with the cover, in a two-component injection molding process, in particular in step i) or ii).

[0082] In particular, the first seal and the second seal are integrally connected to each other.

[0083] In particular, the frame part and / or the lever and / or the lid and / or the cover are made of a plastic (or of different plastics) with a modulus of elasticity of (each) at least 1100 MPa [megapascals], in particular of at least 1300 MPa, preferably of at least 1600 MPa. Preferably, the first seal and / or the second seal are made of a plastic with a Shore A hardness of at most 60, in particular of at most 45, preferably of at most 35.

[0084] In particular, the closure element comprises (exclusively) three components, namely the frame part, the lever, and the cover (as well as the seals connected thereto), which are assembled to form the closure element. In particular, these components are captively connected to one another (via the rotation axes, in particular only via the rotation axes).

[0085] In particular, the closure element comprises (exclusively) two components (as well as the seals connected to them), with the frame part and cover being manufactured as a joint injection-molded component connected by a material fit and hinge. The lever is designed as an injection-molded part connected to this component only by a form-fitting connection. In particular, these components are captively connected to one another (via the rotation axes / hinge, in particular only via the rotation axes / hinge).

[0086] The statements regarding the method apply equally to the closure element and the closure arrangement and vice versa.

[0087] 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 appearing at least once and, in particular, as being able to appear multiple times.

[0088] 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 prescribe any interdependence and / or sequence of these objects, quantities, or processes. Should a dependence and / or sequence be necessary, 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 can apply equally to all or part of the majority of these components, but this is not mandatory.

[0089] 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 not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments cited. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description. In particular, it should be noted that the figures, and in particular the proportions shown, are only schematic. They show:

[0090] Fig. 1 : a frame part with lid in a perspective view;

[0091] Fig. 2: the frame part and the cover according to Fig. 1 in a plan view from above;

[0092] Fig. 3: the frame part and the cover according to Fig. 1 and 2 in a plan view from below;

[0093] Fig. 4: the frame part and the cover according to Fig. 1 to 3 in a side view;

[0094] Fig. 5: a lever and sealing materials in a perspective view;

[0095] Fig. 6: a closure element in a perspective view;

[0096] Fig. 7: the closure element according to Fig. 6 in a plan view from above;

[0097] Fig. 8: the closure element according to Figs. 6 and 7 in a plan view from below; Fig. 9: the closure element according to Figs. 6 to 8 in a side view;

[0098] Fig. 10: a closure arrangement in a closed position, in a view from above;

[0099] Fig. 11 : the closure arrangement according to Fig. 10 in a side view in

[0100] Cut;

[0101] Fig. 12: the closure arrangement according to Figs. 10 and 11 in an open position, in a perspective view;

[0102] Fig. 13: an injection molding device with a plurality of first molds in a perspective view; and

[0103] Fig. 14: the injection molding device according to Fig. 13 in a further perspective view.

[0104] Fig. 1 shows a frame part 12 with cover 17 in a perspective view. Fig.

[0105] Fig. 2 shows the frame part 12 and the cover 17 according to Fig. 1 in a top view. Fig. 3 shows the frame part 12 and the cover 17 according to Figs. 1 and 2 in a bottom view. Fig. 4 shows the frame part 12 and the cover 17 according to Figs. 1 to 3 in a side view. Figs. 1 to 4 are described together below.

[0106] The closure element 1 for a container 2 comprises a first component 3 (here the frame part 12 and the lid 17) and a second component 4 (see Fig. 5: the lever 14 and the sealing materials formed by the third material 26 and the fourth material 28), wherein the first component 3 can be arranged on the container 2 (see Fig. 10 to 12) and the second component 4 with the first component

[0107] 3 is captively connected at least via a first connection 5 (see Fig. 6). The components 3, 4 are connected to one another via the first connection 5 so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation 6. In step a), an injection molding device 7 with a first mold 8 for the first component 3 is provided (see Fig. 13). In step b), a first material 9 is injected into the first mold 8 and the first component 3 is produced. In step c), the second material 10, third material 26 or fourth material 28 is injected into the first mold 8 and the second component 4 with the molded-on sealing materials is produced, the first connection 5 being produced by the injection.

[0108] The first connection 5 is formed in that the first material 9 completely encloses the second material 10 at least at one point along a circumferential direction 37, i.e. in the form of a shaft-bearing arrangement.

[0109] The second component 4 is formed by the second material 10, wherein the cavity is spatially delimited by the first component 3 at least in the region of the first connection 5, so that the shape of the second component 4 produced later is at least partially predetermined by the shape of the first component 3 produced first.

[0110] The first component 3 shown in Figs. 1 to 4 comprises exclusively the frame part 12 and the cover 17, which are connected to each other via a hinge 19. The illustrated arrangement of the first component 3 shows the position of the first component 3 in the first mold 8.

[0111] Fig. 5 shows a lever 14 and sealing materials in a perspective view. Reference is made to the explanations for Figs. 1 to 4.

[0112] In step c), the second material 10, third material 26, or fourth material 28 is injected into the first mold 8, and the second component 4 with the molded-on sealing materials is produced, with the first connection 5 already being established by the injection. The illustrated arrangement of the second component 4 and the sealing material shows their position in the first mold 8, with the first component 3 hidden.

[0113] It can be seen that the sealing material is made in one piece, meaning that only one material 26, 28 is used to manufacture the sealing material. The lever 14 is arranged sparingly relative to a closed position 21 (see, for example, Fig. 10), so that there is no undercut in the first mold 8 relative to the first component 3, except in the area of ​​the first connection 5. The first mold 8 or the movable mold inserts, which serve to create the cavity of the lever 14, can thus extend or be fed through the window 13 of the frame part 12.

[0114] The steps i), in which a third material 26 is injected into the first mold 8, which is arranged on a first contact surface 27 of the frame part 12 and forms a sealing material, and ii), in which a fourth material 28 is injected into the first mold 8, which is arranged on a second contact surface 29 of the cover 17 and forms a sealing material, are carried out together with step c).

[0115] Fig. 6 shows a closure element 1 in a perspective view. Fig. 7 shows the closure element 1 according to Fig. 6 in a plan view from above. Fig. 8 shows the closure element 1 according to Figs. 6 and 7 in a plan view from below. Fig. 9 shows the closure element 1 according to Figs. 6 to 8 in a side view. Figs. 6 to 9 are described together below. Reference is made to the explanations for Figs. 1 to 5.

[0116] In step c), the second material 10, third material 26, or fourth material 28 are injected into the first mold 8, and the second component 4 with the molded-on sealing materials is produced, with the first connection 5 already being established by the injection. The illustrated arrangement of the components 3, 4 and the sealing material shows their position in the first mold 8 after step c).

[0117] The third material 26 is arranged on a first contact surface 27 of the frame part 12 and thus enables the (gas-tight) arrangement of the closure element 1 on the lid element 31 (Fig. 11). The fourth material 28 (here corresponding in composition to the third material 26) is arranged on a second contact surface 29 of the lid 17 and enables a gas-tight connection between the frame part 12 and the lid 17, so that the container 2 can be resealed in a gas-tight manner.

[0118] The first connection 5 is formed by cylindrical pin elements 11 of the lever 14, each having a diameter, and correspondingly shaped hollow cylindrical formations in the frame part 12, which are rotatably connected to one another. In step c), two spatially separated first connections 5 are thus produced, with the first axes of rotation 6 of the first connections 5 being arranged coaxially with one another.

[0119] Fig. 10 shows a closure assembly 30 in a closed position 21, in a top view. Fig. 11 shows the closure assembly 30 according to Fig. 10 in a side view in section. Fig. 12 shows the closure assembly 30 according to Figs. 10 and 11 in an open position 22, in a perspective view. Figs. 10 to 12 are described together below. Reference is made to the explanations regarding Figs. 1 to 9.

[0120] The closure assembly 30 comprises a lid element 31 of the indicated container 2 with an opening 15, as well as a closure element 1 arranged on the lid element 31 for repeatedly closing the opening. The lid element 31 has an outer side 32 and an inner side 33, and the opening 15 has an opening edge 34 and an opening plane 35 formed by the opening edge 34.

[0121] The frame part 12 is arranged on the opening edge 34 of the opening 15 of the cover element 31 and has a window 13. The lever 14 is connected to the frame part 12 exclusively via a first pivot axis 6 and can pivot about this axis. The cover 17 closes the window 13 in a closed position 21 of the closure arrangement 30 and is pivotally connected to the frame part 12 via a second pivot axis 18 or a hinge 19. The lever 14 is directly connected to the cover 17 and permanently via a guide device 20, so that the cover 17, by pivoting the lever 14 about the first pivot axis 6, can be pivoted from the closed position 21, about the hinge 19 into an open position 22 of the closure arrangement 30, which opens the window 13, and back again into the closed position 21.

[0122] The first rotation axis 6 and the second rotation axis 18, or the hinge 19, are arranged parallel to each other and at a distance 36. In the closed position 21, the frame part 12 and the cover 17 form a sealing surface 38 that closes the window 13.

[0123] The lever 14 and thus also the cover 17 are pivotable between the non-pivoted closed position 21 and the, in particular, maximally pivoted open position 22 (see Fig. 12). In the open position 22 of the closure arrangement 30, the lever 14 and the cover 17 are each arranged with maximum pivoting, and the window 13 or the opening 15 is maximally open. The lever 14 and the cover 17 rotate between the closed position 21 and the open position 22 in a common direction of rotation 25 about their axes of rotation 6, 18 or about the first axis of rotation 6 and about the hinge 19.

[0124] The frame part 12 is captively arranged on the opening edge 34. The frame part 12 is arranged on the opening edge 34 via a positive connection and can only be detached from the opening edge 34 by destroying the frame part 12 (see Fig. 11). The frame part 12 is mounted on the opening edge 34 by plastic deformation of the frame part 12. The plastic deformation can be carried out, for example, by thermal treatment of the frame part 12, e.g., at least local heating. In this case, a first element 39 and a second element 40 of the frame part 12 are thermally formed after the closure element 1 is arranged on the cover element 31.

[0125] The guide device 20 has two guide tracks 23 arranged on the cover 17 and a guide pin 24 each engaging in the respective guide track 23 and arranged on the lever 14. As the lever 14 and the cover 17 pivot, the guide pin 24 is movable along the guide track 23. The cover 17 has a guide track 23 on each of its two opposite sides. The lever 14 has two guide pins 24, each guide pin 24 interacting with a respective guide track 23.

[0126] The guide pin 24 is a cylindrical extension of the lever 14, which extends at least partially into the guide track 23. The guide tracks 23 and the guide pin 24 form a positive connection with respect to both directions of rotation 25 of the lever 14. Thus, pivoting of the lever 14 about the first axis of rotation 6 can cause and control pivoting of the cover 17 about the second axis of rotation 18 or about the hinge 19.

[0127] In the closed position 21, the guide pins 24 are arranged in a self-locking locking position 41 (see Fig. 9) on the cover 17. In addition, in the closed position 21, the guide pins 24 force the cover 17 into a self-locking locking position 41 on the frame part 12 (see Fig. 11).

[0128] A first seal is arranged between the inner side 33 and a first contact surface 27 of the frame part 12, which surrounds the opening 15 and is formed by the third material 26. The first contact surface 27 of the frame part 12 is oriented at least partially parallel to a partial surface of the inner side of the cover element 31. The opening edge 34 extends into the third material 26, so that, unlike as shown in Fig. 11, it is arranged on the inner side 33 and on the outer side 32 of the cover element 31. The first seal is fastened to the frame part 12 and is arranged on this partial surface during assembly of the frame part 12 on the cover element 31.

[0129] A second seal is arranged between the frame part 12 and the cover 17, which, in the closed position 21, surrounds the window 13 and is formed by the fourth material 28. This second seal enables the sealing of the window 13 or the opening 15 through a sealing connection between the cover 17 and the frame part 12.

[0130] After step c) (see Fig. 9), in a step d), the cover 17 is arranged in the closed position 21, i.e., pivoted about the hinge 19 into this closed position 21, and the lever 14 is pivoted about the first axis of rotation 6, so that the second connection 16 is formed. For this purpose, the guide device 20 has guide tracks 23 arranged on the cover 17 and guide pins 24 engaging in the guide tracks 23 and arranged on the lever 14, wherein the guide pins 24 are transferred outside the guide tracks 23 (see Fig. 9) before step d) and into the guide tracks 23 (see Fig. 12) during step d). In step d), the guide pins 24 are elastically deformed. As a result of the elastic deformation or recovery, a positive second connection 16 can be realized between guideways 23 and guide pins 24. Ramps 42 (see, for example, Fig.8 and 9) are provided on the cover 17, so that the arrangement of the guide pins 24 from outside the guide tracks 23 into the guide tracks 23 is simplified or enabled.

[0131] In step d) and after arranging the guide pins 23 in the guide tracks 24, upon (further) pivoting of the lever 14 about the first axis of rotation 6, the guide pins 24 are moved along the guide tracks 23 and the cover 17 is pivoted about the second axis of rotation 18 or about the hinge 19.

[0132] After step d), a material connection can be established between the lever 14 and the lid 17. This material connection can serve exclusively as a freshness seal 43, which indicates whether the closure element 1 has been actuated after the container 2 was closed for the first time. This material connection is only created after the closure element 1 has been arranged on the lid element 31 of the container 2. As a result of a thermal treatment, a third element 44 of the lid 17 can be heated, creating a material connection with the lever 14.

[0133] Fig. 13 shows an injection molding device 7 with a plurality of first molds 8 in a perspective view. Fig. 14 shows the injection molding device 7 according to Fig. 13 in another perspective view. Figs. 13 and 14 are described together below. Reference is made to the explanations regarding Figs. 1 to 12.

[0134] In this context, reference is made to DE 3340 122 C2. This generally known method is used to manufacture the closure element 1 described here.

[0135] Four first molds 8 are shown here. The four first molds 8 rotate by 90 degrees each between individual process steps (first position 45, second position 46, third position 47, fourth position 48), so that after one rotation of the injection molding device 7, another closure element 1 is produced. In Fig. 13, the first molds 8 are each shown open. In Fig. 14, the first molds 8 are each shown closed, wherein the respective cavities for the components 3, 4 to be produced are formed by the first molds 8 in the closed state.

[0136] In the first position 45 shown below left, the cavity for the first component 3 (the frame part 12 together with the cover 17) is formed in the upper part of the first mold 8. Step b) of the process, the injection molding of the first component, takes place here.

[0137] After step b), the injection molding device 7 rotates so that the first mold 8 is transferred from the first position 45 to the second position 46. This first mold 8 rotates (see arrow) so that in the second position 46, the first component 3 is now arranged in the lower part of the first mold 8.

[0138] From the second position 46, the injection molding device 7 rotates into the third position 47. Here, step c) of the method, i.e. the injection molding of the second component 4, takes place in the lower part of the first mold 8, wherein the first component 3 produced in the first position 45 is already or still arranged in the first mold 8.

[0139] After step c), the injection molding device 7 rotates again, so that the first mold 8 is transferred from the third position 47 to the fourth position 48. Here, the components 3, 4, which are now positively connected via the at least one first connection 6, are removed.

[0140] From the fourth position 48, the injection molding device 7 rotates back to the first position 45. It can be seen that the upper part of the first mold 8 is now used again to produce the first component 3. As a result of the rotation of the first mold 8 in the second position 46, the injection molding of each component 3, 4 takes place in the same part of the first mold 8, i.e. only after a rotation of the injection molding device 7 by 720 angular degrees. This also allows sufficient cooling of the first molds 8. The cavity required for forming the components 3, 4 is realized by the first mold 8, which has movable mold inserts 49 and mold halves 50.

[0141] List of reference symbols

[0142] 1 locking element

[0143] 2 containers

[0144] 3 first component

[0145] 4 second component

[0146] 5 first connection

[0147] 6 first axis of rotation

[0148] 7 Injection molding device

[0149] 8 first form

[0150] 9 first material

[0151] 10 second material

[0152] 11 Pin element

[0153] 12 frame part

[0154] 13 windows

[0155] 14 levers

[0156] 15 Opening

[0157] 16 second connection

[0158] 17 lids

[0159] 18 second axis of rotation

[0160] 19 Hinge

[0161] 20 guidance device

[0162] 21 Locking position

[0163] 22 Opening position

[0164] 23 Guideway

[0165] 24 Guide pin

[0166] 25 Direction of rotation

[0167] 26 third material

[0168] 27 first investment area

[0169] 28 fourth material

[0170] 29 second contact surface

[0171] 30 Locking arrangement

[0172] 31 Cover element 32 Outside

[0173] 33 Inside

[0174] 34 Opening edge

[0175] 35 opening level

[0176] 36 distance

[0177] 37 Circumferential direction

[0178] 38 Sealing surface

[0179] 39 first element

[0180] 40 second element

[0181] 41 locking position

[0182] 42 Ramp

[0183] 43 freshness seals

[0184] 44 third element

[0185] 45 first position

[0186] 46 second position

[0187] 47 third position

[0188] 48 fourth position

[0189] 49 mold insert

[0190] 50 mold halves

Claims

Patent claims Method for producing a closure element (1) for a container (2), wherein the closure element (1) comprises at least a first component (3) and a second component (4); wherein the first component (3) can be arranged on the container (2) and the second component (4) is captively connected to the first component (3) at least via a first connection (5), wherein the components (3, 4) are rotatably connected to one another about a first axis of rotation (6) via the first connection (5); wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a) providing an injection molding device (7) with a first mold (8) for one of the components (3, 4); b) injecting a first material (9) into the first mold (8) and producing one of the components (3, 4); c) injecting a second material (10) into the first mold (8) and producing the other component (4, 3), wherein the first connection (5) is produced in the process.Method according to claim 1, wherein the first connection (5) is formed in at least one of the components (3, 4) by a pin element (11) produced during injection molding, which has a smallest diameter of at most three millimeters. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component (3) comprises at least one frame part (12) with a window (13) and the second component (4) is a lever (14); wherein the frame part (12) can be arranged in an opening (15) of the container (2); wherein the lever (14) is connected to the frame part (12) via the first connection (5); wherein the lever (14) can be connected to a lid (17) via a second connection (16), by means of which the window (13) and thus the container (2) can be closed in a gas-tight manner. Method according to claim 3, wherein the cover (17) is pivotable and positively connected to the frame part (12) via a second axis of rotation (18). or is connected in a materially bonded manner via a hinge (19); wherein the lever (14) is permanently connected to the cover (17) via a guide device (20) forming the second connection (16), so that the cover (17), by pivoting the lever (14) about the first axis of rotation (6), starting from a closed position (21) closing the window (13) in a gas-tight manner, can be pivoted about the second axis of rotation (18) or about the hinge (19) into an open position (22) releasing the window (13) and back again into the closed position (21).

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein after step c) in a step d) the lid (17) is arranged in the closed position (21) and the lever (14) is pivoted about the first axis of rotation (6) so that the second connection (16) is formed.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the guide device (20) has at least one guide track (23) arranged on the cover (17) and at least one guide pin (24) engaging in the guide track (23) and arranged on the lever (14), wherein the at least one guide pin (24) is transferred outside the guide track (23) before step d) and into the guide track (23) during step d); wherein an elastic deformation of the guide pin (24) or the guide track (23) takes place during step d).

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the closure element (1) immediately after removal from the injection molding device (7) has at least the frame part (12), the cover (17) connected to the frame part (12) and the lever (14) positively connected to the frame part (12) via the first connection (5) and is transferred into the closed position (21) by an automated pivoting of the lever (14) and thereby arranging the at least one guide pin (24) in the guide track (23).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims 6 and 7, wherein in step d) and after arranging the guide pin (24) in the Guide track (23) when the lever (14) is pivoted about the first axis of rotation (6), the guide pin (24) is moved along the guide track (23) and the cover (17) is pivoted about the second axis of rotation (18).

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein after step d) the lever (14) and the cover (17) rotate between a closed position (21), in which the window (13) is closed by the cover (17), and an open position (22), in which the window (13) is released, each in a common direction of rotation (25) about their axes of rotation (6, 18) or about the hinge (19).

10. Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in a step i) a third material (26) is injected into the first mold (8), which is arranged on a first contact surface (27) of the first component (3) and forms a sealing material which enables a gas-tight connection between the first component (3) and the container (2). 11 . Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step I) or in a further step II) a fourth material (28) is injected into the first mold (8), which is arranged on a second contact surface (29) of the first component (3) and forms a sealing material which enables a gas-tight connection between the first component (3) and a lid (17), by means of which the container (2) can be resealed in a gas-tight manner.

12. Closure arrangement (30) for a container (2), at least comprising a lid element (31) of the container (2) with an opening (15) and a closure element (1) arranged on the lid element (31) for repeatedly closing the opening (15); wherein the lid element (31) has an outer side (32) and an inner side (33) and the opening (15) has an opening edge (34) and an opening plane (35) formed by the opening edge (34); wherein the closure element (1) has at least one frame part (12), a lever (14) and a lid (17); wherein the frame part (12) is arranged on the opening edge (34) and has a window (13); wherein the lever (14) is pivotable about a first axis of rotation (6) is connected to the frame part (12); wherein the cover (17) closes the window (13) in a closed position (21) of the closure arrangement (1) and is pivotably connected to the frame part (12) via a second pivot axis (18) or a hinge (19); wherein the lever (14) is permanently connected to the cover (17) via a guide device (20), so that the cover (17), by pivoting the lever (14) about the first pivot axis (6), starting from the closed position (21), about the second pivot axis (18) or about the hinge (19) into an open position (22) of the closure arrangement (30) which releases the window (13) and back again into the closed position (21); wherein the closure element (1) is at least partially produced by the method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component (3) comprises at least the frame part (12) and the second component (4) comprises the lever (14).

13. Closure arrangement (30) according to claim 12, wherein the first axis of rotation (6) and the second axis of rotation (17) or the hinge (19) are arranged parallel to one another and at a distance (36) from one another.

14. Closure arrangement (30) according to one of the preceding claims 12 and 13, wherein the frame part (12) and the cover (17) in the closed position (21) form a sealing surface (38) closing the window (13).

15. Closure arrangement (30) according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 14, wherein the closure element (1) enables a repeatable gas-tight closure of the opening (15).

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