Closure system, beverage container and method for producing a closure system for a beverage container

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure system for a beverage container, comprising a lid (102) with a pouring opening (108) through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out, at least one closure element (114) that is substantially translationally movable between an open position and a closed position, and at least one operating element (122) that is connected to the closure element (114) by means of at least one connecting element (128). The operating element (122) has a fastening section (124) that comprises at least part of the connecting element (128), and an actuating section (126) that is movably connected to the fastening section (124).The connecting element (128) is a formed joint (128) comprising at least one locking element (130) formed on the operating element (122) and a counter element (132) formed on the closure element (114) and brought into engagement with the locking element (130) by forming. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a closure system.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure system for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, a method for producing such a closure system and a beverage container with such a closure system.

[0002] Beverage cans have been among the most important retail packaging for beverages for many years. Firstly, beverage cans are lightweight. Furthermore, beverage cans are virtually unbreakable. For these reasons, beverage cans offer advantages for consumers over other beverage containers, such as glass bottles.

[0003] Due to their low weight, transporting beverage cans is less expensive than transporting beverage containers that have a higher weight for the same or comparable volume.

[0004] Furthermore, beverage cans have a high barrier effect against light. This light-protective effect allows for a relatively long shelf life for the contents of the beverage cans. This is particularly advantageous for sensitive products, which would otherwise have a relatively short shelf life.

[0005] Due to their low weight and the relatively long shelf life of the contents of the beverage cans, beverage cans offer relatively high economic efficiency for beverage manufacturers and suppliers.

[0006] Carbonated beverages, especially beer, soft drinks, and energy drinks, are frequently packaged in beverage cans. To extend the shelf life of the contents, the internal pressure of the beverage cans is often set to at least 5 bar or more. Therefore, beverage cans typically have an internal pressure resistance of at least 6.2 bar.

[0007] Beverage cans typically consist of a one-piece, essentially cylindrical container made of aluminum or tinplate and an aluminum lid, which is usually seamed.

[0008] To facilitate opening, the lid usually features an oval score line and a riveted metal tab that, when lifted, leverages the scored oval into the can's interior, creating a drinking opening. This built-in can opener is also called a "stay-on tab."

[0009] The main disadvantage of beverage cans with "stay-on tab" is that they are not yet resealable.

[0010] WO 2020 / 127071 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a resealable closure system. The closure system comprises a lid with a drinking opening and a closure element positioned on the underside of the lid. An operating element for manually opening the drinking opening by a user is arranged on an upper side of the lid. The closure element is connected to the operating element by means of a fastening bolt inserted into a recess. The fastening bolt is fixed in the recess by means of an adhesive or welded connection or by means of barbs. Further designs are known from WO 2020 / 126969 A1 and WO 2020 / 127037 A1, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0011] A disadvantage of the resealable closure system described above is, firstly, the relatively high process complexity required to create such an adhesive or welded joint. Secondly, due to the considerable heat input during welding, there is a risk of distortion of one or more components on the closure, which can impair the closure's functionality. Furthermore, it is difficult to achieve high process speeds in production, especially when bonding.

[0012] In addition, the above-described construction of the connection with barbs known from the state of the art is complex and cost-intensive, especially compared to conventional "stay-on-tab" closures.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved closure system for beverage containers, in particular beverage cans, in particular with a lower structural and / or process engineering outlay.

[0014] This object is achieved by a closure system for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, having the features according to claim 1.

[0015] Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0016] The closure system comprises a lid with a bottom facing the interior of the beverage container and a top facing away from the interior of the beverage container. The lid can be made of metal (e.g., aluminum). The metal (e.g., aluminum) can be coated (e.g., with a polymer layer).

[0017] The lid is designed to at least partially define an upper end of the beverage container. The lid has a pouring opening through which a substance contained in the beverage container can be poured out.

[0018] The closure system also comprises at least one closure element which is arranged on the underside of the lid and is movable substantially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between an open position and a closed position.

[0019] In the closed position, the closure element essentially closes the pouring opening, thereby substantially preventing the substance contained in the beverage container from being poured out. In the open position, the closure element exposes at least a portion of the pouring opening, thereby allowing the substance contained in the beverage container to be poured out.

[0020] In the closed position, the closure element can close the pouring opening in a substantially liquid-tight and / or gas-tight manner. For this purpose, at least one sealing element can be provided between the lid and the closure element. Such a sealing element can be fixed to the lid and / or to the closure element.

[0021] The sealing element can be made of silicone or rubber. The sealing element can be attached to the closure element and / or the lid using known fastening methods, for example, by vulcanization. Alternatively, the sealing element can be glued to the closure element and / or the lid.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element may be a coating, preferably a polymer coating, which can be applied to the closure element and / or to the lid by means of a coating process.

[0023] In particular, the closure element can close the pouring opening in the closed position in a substantially gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner before the pouring opening is opened for the first time, during which the closure element is moved into the open position. For this purpose, the sealing element described above can be provided between the lid and the closure element. Before the pouring opening is opened for the first time, during which the closure element is moved into the open position, the relatively high internal pressure in the beverage container, in particular, can exert a sufficiently high force against the sealing element to effect a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight closure of the pouring opening.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the closure element can have another connection to the lid, which essentially seals the pouring opening in a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner in the closed position, at least prior to the initial opening of the pouring opening, and is irretrievably released upon initial opening of the pouring opening. For example, the closure element can have a material-to-material connection to the lid. The material-to-material connection can be irretrievably released upon initial opening of the pouring opening.

[0025] Such a connection can be provided by the aforementioned coating. The coating preferably covers an underside of the closure element at least partially, in particular a peripheral edge region of the underside of the closure element. Furthermore, the coating preferably covers an area of the underside of the lid surrounding this edge region.

[0026] The closure element can be designed such that, after the pouring opening is opened for the first time, it only closes the pouring opening in the closed position to prevent accidental spillage, but no longer completely gas- and / or liquid-tight. Alternatively, the closure element can close the pouring opening in the closed position in a gas- and / or liquid-tight manner both before and after the pouring opening is opened for the first time.

[0027] The closure system further comprises at least one operating element, which is arranged on the top side of the lid and connected to the closure element by means of at least one connecting element. The operating element is configured to selectively open and close the pouring opening by a manual movement of the operating element by a user.

[0028] Thus, the closure element can be moved by the user by means of the operating element essentially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between the open position and the closed position in order to selectively release and close the pouring opening.

[0029] This allows the user to close the spout even after initial opening, for example, to prevent or at least reduce accidental leakage of the beverage container's contents. Furthermore, contamination of the beverage container's contents by the environment, for example, particles, can be prevented or at least reduced.

[0030] The operating element has a fastening section, which includes at least a portion of the connecting element for connecting the operating element to the closure element, and an actuating section connected to the fastening section. The actuating section is movably connected to the fastening section, so that the actuating section is movable relative to the fastening section.

[0031] The actuating portion can be moved from a stowed position to a gripping position due to the relative mobility provided by the movable connection to the fastening portion. In the gripping position, the actuating portion preferably offers a high degree of ergonomic grip by the user, allowing the user to safely and quickly grasp the actuating portion and move the closure element between the open and closed positions to release or close the pouring opening.

[0032] The movable connection between the actuating section and the fastening section can be realized, for example, by a weakened structure in at least one region of the operating element between the actuating section and the fastening section. Such a weakened structure can, for example, have a smaller cross-section than the adjacent region of the actuating section and / or the fastening section. The movable connection can be designed, for example, as a notch, scored line, or perforation.

[0033] In the stowed position, the actuating portion preferably has increased security against unintentional release of the spout. For example, the actuating portion rests more closely against the lid in the stowed position than in the gripping position.

[0034] The closure system can be configured such that the actuating portion can only be positioned in the stowed position prior to the actuating portion being moved into the gripping position for the first time. In this case, the closure system can prevent the actuating portion from being moved back into the stowed position after the actuating portion has been moved into the gripping position for the first time, or at least from remaining in the stowed position and / or being locked. This can provide a safety feature to signal to the user that the actuating portion has already been actuated and the pouring opening may already have been opened. This can prevent a user from purchasing an already opened beverage can with potentially contaminated contents.

[0035] Alternatively, the actuating section can be moved into both the gripping position and the stowage position after the spout opening has been opened for the first time, preferably several times.

[0036] The connecting element for connecting the operating element to the closure element is a forming joint which has at least one locking element formed on the operating element and a counter element which is formed on the closure element and which is brought into engagement with the locking element by forming.

[0037] A "formed joint" refers to any joint created by forming at least one area of the operating element and / or at least one area of the closure element. Such forming processes include, in particular, collar joining, widening, flanging, folding, lapping, and clinching.

[0038] By reshaping at least one region of the operating element and / or at least one region of the closure element, the locking element can be brought into engagement with the counter element. Preferably, the connecting element is produced at least partially by reshaping a region of the operating element.

[0039] The locking element can be formed integrally on the operating element and / or the counter element can be formed integrally on the closure element.

[0040] Preferably, both the locking element and the counter element are first formed by the reshaping of at least one region of the operating element and / or at least one region of the closure element on the operating element or on the closure element.

[0041] Alternatively, the locking element can already be formed on the operating element prior to the forming of at least one region of the operating element and / or at least one region of the closure element. In this case, the counter element can be formed during the forming of at least one region of the operating element and / or at least one region of the closure element and can be brought into engagement with the locking element already formed prior to the forming.

[0042] Alternatively, the counter element can already be formed on the closure element prior to the forming of at least one region of the operating element and / or at least one region of the closure element. In this case, the locking element can be formed during the forming process and can be brought into engagement with the counter element already formed prior to the forming process.

[0043] Since forming causes little or no heat input into the components of the closure system, distortion of the components of the closure system can be prevented or at least reduced compared to a welded joint. Furthermore, forming eliminates the need for additional materials such as adhesives and welding consumables.

[0044] Connecting the operating element to the closure element using a forming joint enables a fast, cost-effective, and component-friendly connection of the operating element to the closure element. This increases the manufacturing speed of the closure system and reduces the costs of manufacturing the closure system.

[0045] Furthermore, the formed joint exhibits no or at least only a minimal notch effect at the joint, since cutting or drilling through the joining parts, i.e., the operating element and the locking element, is unnecessary. This allows for a relatively high strength of the joint.

[0046] Furthermore, different materials can be joined by a forming joint. For example, the operating element can be made of a plastic and the closure element of a metal. Alternatively, the operating element can be made of a metal and the closure element of a plastic. Other material pairings are also conceivable, such as the pairing of a coated metal (e.g., steel or aluminum) with another coated metal (e.g., steel or aluminum). Such different materials of the operating element and the closure element can be joined together by means of the forming joint.

[0047] Preferably, the forming joint is a clinching joint.

[0048] In clinching, the parts to be joined—in this case, the operating element and the locking element—are pressed into a die by a punch, similar to deep drawing, undergoing plastic deformation. This creates a snap-fastener-like shape that connects the parts to each other in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0049] This enables a secure, cost-effective and process-efficient connection of the operating element and the locking element.

[0050] Clinching is often also called pressure joining, clinching, or press joining. Alternatively, clinching is also called Toxen, in reference to the Toxü brand.

[0051] Preferably, the closure system can comprise a plurality of connecting elements for connecting the operating element to the closure element. At least two of the connecting elements can be arranged in series substantially along the direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position. Preferably, each of the connecting elements can comprise a locking element and a counter element, which are each in engagement with one another.

[0052] By arranging at least two of the connecting elements in series, twisting of the operating element relative to the locking element can be prevented or at least reduced.

[0053] The clinching connection is preferably designed such that a depression is formed in the operating element in the direction of the closure element (i.e., downwards). In other words, the clinching connection has a concave depression on the upper side of the operating element. The concave depression or depression is preferably provided in the recess described below, in particular along a bottom of the recess.

[0054] If at least two connecting elements arranged in a row are provided, these are preferably each designed as a clinching connection, in which a depression is formed in the operating element in the direction of the closure element (i.e., downwards). The at least two depressions of the clinching connections are preferably both formed in the recess, in particular along the bottom of the recess.

[0055] Preferably, the two connecting elements can extend through a slot formed in the lid. When the closure element is moved between the open position and the closed position, the connecting elements can move within and along the slot, such that the operating element and the closure element can be secured against rotation relative to the lid by the connecting elements. The slot can guide the connecting elements at least partially and / or at least in certain areas when the closure element is moved between the open position and the closed position. The slot and the drinking opening can merge into one another and / or be formed as a continuous, common opening.

[0056] Preferably, the operating element may comprise a recess. The locking element(s) may be formed on a surface of the recess. The recess may preferably be concave in a direction extending from the bottom to the top. The surface preferably runs substantially parallel to the top and / or underside of the lid. The recess may be at least partially disposed in the slot formed in the lid. The surface may constitute the bottom of the recess.

[0057] By forming the locking element(s) on a surface of the recess, better access of the forming tools, such as a punch and die, to the forming joint can be enabled. Furthermore, the recess can at least partially protect the forming joint, for example, from damage and / or dirt. Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of the closure system can be enhanced for users, for example, by at least partially concealing the locking element(s).

[0058] The recess can extend essentially in the direction of movement of the closure element. The recess can be longer in the direction of movement of the closure element than it is wide perpendicular to the direction of movement. The side walls of the recess can guide the control element in the slot and provide protection against rotation relative to the lid.

[0059] Preferably, the closure system comprises a coupling which releasably couples the actuating portion to at least one region of the lid such that the coupling must be released for the first time to move the actuating portion relative to the fastening portion.

[0060] Such a detachable coupling of the actuating section with at least one area of the lid can ensure better stowability of the actuating section in the stowed position.

[0061] Furthermore, this can provide a safety feature to signal to the user that the actuating portion has already been actuated and the spout may have already been opened. This can prevent a user from unknowingly purchasing an already opened beverage can with potentially contaminated contents. To provide such a safety feature, the coupling can irretrievably couple the actuating portion to at least one region of the lid. Thus, in this case, the coupling cannot be restored after the initial release of the coupling to signal the initial release of the coupling.

[0062] Alternatively, the coupling can releasably couple the actuating section to at least one area of the lid. This allows the coupling to be restored after it has been released for the first time, for example, to allow the actuating section to be stowed away again after it has been opened for the first time.

[0063] Preferably, the coupling comprises at least one first coupling element formed on the actuating portion and at least one second coupling element formed on the cover. The first coupling element and the second coupling element can be connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner to provide the coupling of the actuating portion to the cover.

[0064] The positive and / or non-positive connection of the first coupling element and the second coupling element can provide a reliable and robust coupling of the actuating section to the cover.

[0065] The first coupling element and the second coupling element can be connected to one another, for example, by means of a positive and / or non-positive plug-in connection, such as a press fit or transition fit. For this purpose, the first coupling element can be a projection and the second coupling element a recess in which the projection can be received. Alternatively, the second coupling element can be a projection and the first coupling element a recess in which the projection can be received.

[0066] Preferably, the coupling has at least one forming connection, preferably a clinching connection, which can be provided by at least partially forming, preferably by clinching, the actuating section and / or the cover.

[0067] Analogous to the forming joint or clinching joint for connecting the operating element to the closure element, a forming joint is understood to mean any joint that can be created by forming at least one area of the actuating portion and / or at least one area of the cover. Such forming processes include, in particular, collar joining, widening, flanging, folding, lapping, and clinching.

[0068] The clinching connection of the coupling preferably has a countersink provided in the cover, which extends toward the operating element (i.e., upwards) into the cover. In other words, the clinching connection has a concave countersink on the underside of the cover.

[0069] Since forming causes little or no heat input into the components of the closure system, distortion of the components can be prevented or at least reduced compared to a welded joint.

[0070] In addition, additional materials such as adhesive components and welding consumables can be dispensed with during forming.

[0071] Connecting the actuating section to the lid using a forming joint enables a quick, cost-effective, and component-friendly connection of the operating element to the lid. This increases the production speed of the locking system and reduces the costs of manufacturing the locking system.

[0072] In addition, the formed joint exhibits no or at least only a minimal notch effect at the joint, as cutting or drilling through the joining parts is eliminated. This allows for a relatively high strength of the joint.

[0073] Furthermore, different materials can be joined using the formed joint. For example, the actuating section can be made of a plastic and the cover of a metal, preferably aluminum. Alternatively, the actuating section can be made of a metal and the cover of a plastic. Other material pairings are also conceivable. Such different materials of the actuating section and the cover can be joined together using the formed joint. In particular, even metallic components (such as those made of steel or aluminum) can be joined together quickly, repeatedly, cost-effectively, and reliably, despite any plastic coating (which can be provided, for example, as corrosion protection).This applies both to the connection of two metallic components (one or both of which have a plastic coating) and to the connection of a metallic component with other materials.

[0074] Clinching is often also called pressure joining, clinching, or press joining. Alternatively, clinching is also called toxing, after the trademark Tox ®<.

[0075] Preferably, the coupling has at least one control element which can be designed such that, in a state after the first movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section, it differs at least visually from a state before the first movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section.

[0076] Such a control element can increase the effectiveness of the coupling as a safety feature. As already described, the safety feature can signal that the actuating section has already been actuated and the spout may therefore already have been opened. Because the control element changes at least visually upon the initial movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section, the user can reliably and intuitively detect the initial movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section. This allows the user to identify early on a possibly already opened beverage can with potentially contaminated contents and avoid purchasing such a beverage can.

[0077] The control element can be, for example, a web, a film, a sticker, a textile element or another, preferably separable, element which can be changed at least optically by the initial movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section, for example by a partial or complete severing of the control element.

[0078] Preferably, the coupling has a predetermined breaking element, preferably a web, which is designed to be severed upon actuation of the actuating section, so that the coupling can be released upon first movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section.

[0079] This makes it possible to determine in advance that the control element is to be severed at the predetermined breaking point in order to visually indicate the first movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section.

[0080] The predetermined breaking element may have a weakened structure, for example a scribe line, a perforation or a reduced cross-section relative to an adjacent cross-section.

[0081] Preferably, the coupling can be designed such that, upon release of the coupling, at least a first region of the actuating portion detaches from a second region of the actuating portion and remains on the cover. Preferably, the first region is formed integrally (i.e., in one piece) with the second region.

[0082] This can increase the visual detectability of a released coupling by the user and thus also the effectiveness of the coupling as a security feature, as already described above. Preferably, a region of the actuating section is severed in order to separate the first region of the actuating section from the second region of the actuating section. The severable region can have a weakened structure, for example, a scored line, a perforation, or a reduced cross-section relative to an adjacent cross-section.

[0083] Preferably, the first coupling element and / or the second coupling element extend substantially in a direction from the bottom to the top, preferably substantially perpendicular to the lid. This can prevent a collision of the first coupling element and / or the second coupling element with the closure element.

[0084] Preferably, the locking element and / or the counter-element extend substantially in a direction from the top side to the bottom side, preferably substantially perpendicular to the cover. Such an arrangement of the locking element and / or the counter-element enables better access of the forming tools, for example a punch and a die, to the forming joint. This allows, for example, forming tools of different sizes to be used, i.e., even larger forming tools, in order to produce more stable forming joints.

[0085] Preferably, the actuating portion is connected to the fastening portion such that the actuating portion is tiltable and / or pivotable relative to the fastening portion. The actuating portion can be connected to the fastening portion via a hinge, in particular a film hinge. A pivot axis of the hinge can extend substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the closure element along the slot and / or substantially parallel to the lid.

[0086] The object described above is also achieved by a method for producing a closure system for a beverage container, preferably designed as a beverage can and / or as a storage container for bulk goods, preferably a closure system according to one of the embodiments described herein, with the features of the corresponding independent method claim.

[0087] The effects and advantages described herein with respect to the device claims apply analogously to the method.

[0088] Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0089] The procedure includes the following steps: Providing a lid with a bottom side facing an interior of the beverage container and a top side facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid is configured to at least partially delimit an upper end of the beverage container, and wherein the lid has a pouring opening through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out; Providing an operating element having a fastening section and an actuating section connected to the fastening section, and a closure element; Arranging the closure element on the bottom side of the lid; Arranging the operating element on the top side of the lid;and providing at least one connecting element by reshaping at least a portion of the operating element and the closure element to connect the operating element to the closure element, such that the closure element is movable between an open position and a closed position by manual movement of the operating element by a user to selectively open and close the pouring opening. ;

[0090] Preferably, the connecting element of the closure element and the operating element is provided by clinching.

[0091] Preferably, a plurality of connecting elements are provided. At least two of the connecting elements can be arranged in series substantially along the direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position.

[0092] Preferably, a coupling which detachably couples the actuating section to at least one region of the cover can additionally be provided by at least one region of the actuating section being connected to at least one region of the cover in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, preferably by at least regionally forming, preferably by clinching, the actuating section and / or the cover.

[0093] It is also an object of the invention to provide a closure system for beverage containers which has increased user-friendliness.

[0094] This object is achieved by a closure system for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, which has a lid with a bottom facing an interior of the beverage container and a top facing away from the interior of the beverage container. The lid can be made of metal (e.g., aluminum). The metal (e.g., aluminum) can be coated (e.g., with a polymer layer).

[0095] The lid is configured to at least partially define an upper end of the beverage container. The lid has a pouring opening through which a substance contained in the beverage container can be poured out. The lid further has a circumferential recess along an outer edge of the lid.

[0096] The closure system also comprises at least one closure element which is arranged on the underside of the lid and is movable substantially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between an open position and a closed position.

[0097] In the closed position, the closure element substantially closes the pouring opening to thereby substantially prevent the substance contained in the beverage container from being poured out. In the open position, it exposes at least a portion of the pouring opening to thereby permit the substance contained in the beverage container to be poured out.

[0098] In the closed position, the closure element can close the pouring opening in a substantially liquid-tight and / or gas-tight manner. For this purpose, at least one sealing element can be provided between the lid and the closure element. Such a sealing element can be attached to the lid and / or to the closure element.

[0099] The sealing element can be made of silicone or rubber. The sealing element can be attached to the closure element and / or the lid using known fastening methods, for example, by vulcanization. Alternatively, the sealing element can be glued to the closure element and / or the lid.

[0100] Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element may be a coating, preferably a polymer coating, which can be applied to the closure element and / or to the lid by means of a coating process.

[0101] In particular, the closure element can close the pouring opening in the closed position in a substantially gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner before the pouring opening is opened for the first time, during which the closure element is moved into the open position. For this purpose, the sealing element described above can be provided between the lid and the closure element. Before the pouring opening is opened for the first time, during which the closure element is moved into the open position, the relatively high internal pressure in the beverage container, in particular, can exert a sufficiently high force against the sealing element to effect a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight closure of the pouring opening.

[0102] Alternatively or additionally, the closure element can have another connection to the lid, which essentially seals the pouring opening in a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner in the closed position, at least prior to the initial opening of the pouring opening, and is irretrievably released upon initial opening of the pouring opening. For example, the closure element can have a material-to-material connection to the lid. The material-to-material connection can be irretrievably released upon initial opening of the pouring opening.

[0103] Such a connection can be provided by the aforementioned coating. The coating preferably covers an underside of the closure element at least partially, in particular a peripheral edge region of the underside of the closure element. Furthermore, the coating preferably covers an area of the underside of the lid surrounding this edge region.

[0104] The closure element can be designed such that, after the pouring opening is opened for the first time, it only seals the pouring opening in the closed position to prevent accidental spillage, but no longer completely gas- and / or liquid-tight (particularly when a coating is used). Alternatively, the closure element can seal the pouring opening in the closed position in a gas- and / or liquid-tight manner both before and after the pouring opening is opened for the first time.

[0105] The closure system further comprises at least one operating element, which is arranged on the top side of the lid and connected to the closure element by means of at least one connecting element. The operating element is configured to selectively open and close the pouring opening by a manual movement of the operating element by a user.

[0106] Thus, the closure element can be moved by the user by means of the operating element essentially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between the open position and the closed position in order to selectively release and close the pouring opening.

[0107] This allows the user to close the spout even after initial opening, for example, to prevent or at least reduce accidental leakage of the beverage container's contents. Furthermore, contamination of the beverage container's contents from the environment, for example, by particles, can be prevented or at least reduced.

[0108] The lid has a bulge formed therein which is designed to lock the closure element in the open position.

[0109] By providing a bulge formed in the lid for locking the closure element in the open position, the closure element and the associated operating element can be held in the open position so that the user can, for example, drink from the spout without the closure element and the operating element inadvertently moving from the open position to the closed position.

[0110] To lock the closure element in the open position, the bulge can cooperate with at least one region of the operating element and / or with at least one region of the closure element in order to fix the operating element and the closure element connected thereto in the open position.

[0111] For example, the operating element and / or the closure element can have a counter-element, such as a projection, which can engage with the bulge in the open position. The operating element or the closure element can be deflected and / or deformed when the counter-element is moved along the region of the bulge. The engagement connection can then result from a reversal of this deflection. The counter-element can be latchable behind the bulge with respect to a direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position in order to lock the closure element in the open position.

[0112] Alternatively, however, such a counter element can be dispensed with. Instead, for example, the operating element and / or the closure element can be deflected and / or deformed by the bulge when the operating element and the closure element are moved from the closed position to the open position in such a way that the operating element and the closure element can be fixed in the open position by this deflection.

[0113] Preferably, the closure element has a bead or edge extending along at least a portion of a circumference of the closure element. The bead or edge can be latched behind the bulge with respect to a direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position in order to lock the closure element in the open position.

[0114] The bead or edge can thus interact with the bulge in such a way that the closure element, and preferably also the operating element connected thereto, can be locked in the open position.

[0115] The closure element can have a bead or edge running along at least a portion of a circumference of the closure element, a protrusion, and an intermediate region arranged between the bead or edge and the protrusion. The intermediate region can be designed such that at least a portion of the intermediate region can engage with the bulge formed in the lid in the open position. For example, the bulge can be at least partially, preferably entirely, received in the intermediate region in order to be able to lock the closure element, and preferably also the operating element connected thereto, in the open position.

[0116] Preferably, the intermediate region is configured to at least partially accommodate the bulge formed in the lid in the open position. This allows the closure element, and preferably also the associated operating element, to be reliably and securely locked in the open position.

[0117] The intermediate region is preferably recessed relative to the elevation and / or the bead or edge. The intermediate region is preferably recessed relative to the elevation and / or the bead or edge by a first distance, which is less than a second distance by which the bulge protrudes from the underside of the lid toward the closure element. This ensures that, even in the open position, when the bulge is accommodated in the intermediate region, the air gap described below remains between the underside of the lid and the aforementioned edge or bead.

[0118] Preferably, the bulge formed in the lid is formed in the direction of the interior of the beverage container, so that the bead or edge is deflected by the bulge when the closure element is moved between the open position and the closed position, preferably away from the underside of the lid.

[0119] Preferably, the deflection of the bead or edge creates an air gap, at least in some areas, between the edge and the underside of the lid. The air gap can provide a connection between the interior of the beverage container and the environment around the beverage container.

[0120] By forming an air gap at least in some areas between the bead or edge and the underside of the lid due to the deflection, the interior of the corresponding beverage container can be vented and / or ventilated.

[0121] Thus, during or preferably before the pouring opening is first opened, the interior of the beverage container can be vented to at least partially reduce the relatively high pressure within the beverage container. This can prevent or at least reduce the risk of the contents of the beverage container accidentally spilling or splashing out of the pouring opening due to a sudden pressure equalization between the relatively high pressure within the beverage container and the ambient pressure via the pouring opening when the pouring opening is first opened.

[0122] In addition, air from the surrounding environment can flow into the interior of the beverage container through the air gap created by the deflection of the edge, preventing or at least reducing negative pressure in the interior of the beverage container by balancing it with the ambient pressure. This can facilitate even pouring of the contents of the beverage can from the spout.

[0123] In the open position, in which the bulge formed in the lid is received in the intermediate region, an air gap can be formed at least partially between the edge and the underside of the lid. The air gap can provide a connection between the interior of the beverage container and the environment around the beverage container. In the closed position, the air gap is preferably closed by the closure element or at least reduced in its cross-section.

[0124] The elevation can be formed centrally in the closure element. The intermediate region can extend in a ring around the elevation.

[0125] An outer edge of the closure element can be crimped and / or flanged at least in sections. This can prevent an uncoated area of the edge from being exposed to the contents of the beverage container during storage. The outer edge can provide the aforementioned edge and / or the aforementioned bead.

[0126] The bulge formed in the lid can be directed toward the interior of the beverage container. The operating element can extend over a first portion of the bulge in the closed position. The operating element can leave a second portion of the bulge free.

[0127] This allows a user to reach into the recess, for example with a finger, and grasp and move the control element to release the pouring opening. This can improve the ergonomics and user-friendliness of the closure system.

[0128] At least one section of the edge, which in the open position and / or in the closed position at least partially rests against the underside of the lid, can have a coating, preferably a polymer coating.

[0129] Such a coating can achieve a liquid-tight and / or gas-tight connection between the edge and the lid, at least in some areas. Compared to a conventional separate sealing element, such as a sealing ring, a coating can be applied cost-effectively and efficiently. The coating can be provided as an alternative to or in addition to such a separate sealing element.

[0130] It is also an object of the invention to provide a closure system for beverage containers which has increased user-friendliness.

[0131] This object is achieved by a closure system for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, which has a lid with a bottom side facing an interior of the beverage container and a top side facing away from the interior of the beverage container.

[0132] The lid is designed to at least partially define an upper end of the beverage container. The lid has a pouring opening through which a substance contained in the beverage container can be poured out.

[0133] The closure system also comprises at least one closure element which is arranged on the underside of the lid and is movable substantially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between an open position and a closed position.

[0134] In the closed position, the closure element essentially closes the pouring opening, thereby substantially preventing the substance contained in the beverage container from being poured out. In the open position, the closure element exposes at least a portion of the pouring opening, thereby allowing the substance contained in the beverage container to be poured out.

[0135] In the closed position, the closure element can close the pouring opening in a substantially liquid-tight and / or gas-tight manner. For this purpose, at least one sealing element can be provided between the lid and the closure element. Such a sealing element can be attached to the lid and / or to the closure element.

[0136] The sealing element can be made of silicone or rubber. The sealing element can be attached to the closure element and / or the lid using known fastening methods, for example, by vulcanization. Alternatively, the sealing element can be glued to the closure element and / or the lid.

[0137] Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element may be a coating, preferably a polymer coating, which can be applied to the closure element and / or to the lid by means of a coating process.

[0138] In particular, the closure element can close the pouring opening in the closed position in a substantially gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner before the pouring opening is opened for the first time, during which the closure element is moved into the open position. For this purpose, the sealing element described above can be provided between the lid and the closure element. Before the pouring opening is opened for the first time, during which the closure element is moved into the open position, the relatively high internal pressure in the beverage container, in particular, can exert a sufficiently high force against the sealing element to effect a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight closure of the pouring opening.

[0139] Alternatively or additionally, the closure element can have another connection to the lid, which essentially seals the pouring opening in a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner in the closed position, at least prior to the initial opening of the pouring opening, and is irretrievably released upon initial opening of the pouring opening. For example, the closure element can have a material-to-material connection to the lid. The material-to-material connection can be irretrievably released upon initial opening of the pouring opening.

[0140] Such a connection can be provided by the aforementioned coating. The coating preferably covers an underside of the closure element at least partially, in particular a peripheral edge region of the underside of the closure element. Furthermore, the coating preferably covers an area of the underside of the lid surrounding this edge region.

[0141] The closure element can be designed such that, after the pouring opening is opened for the first time, it only closes the pouring opening in the closed position to prevent accidental spillage, but no longer completely gas- and / or liquid-tight. Alternatively, the closure element can close the pouring opening in the closed position in a gas- and / or liquid-tight manner both before and after the pouring opening is opened for the first time.

[0142] The closure system further comprises at least one operating element, which is arranged on the top side of the lid and connected to the closure element by means of at least one connecting element. The operating element is configured to selectively open and close the pouring opening by a manual movement of the operating element by a user.

[0143] Thus, the closure element can be moved by the user by means of the operating element essentially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between the open position and the closed position in order to selectively release and close the pouring opening.

[0144] This allows the user to close the spout even after initial opening, for example, to prevent or at least reduce accidental leakage of the beverage container's contents. Furthermore, contamination of the beverage container's contents from the environment, for example, by particles, can be prevented or at least reduced.

[0145] The operating element has a fastening section that includes at least a portion of the connecting element for connecting the operating element to the closure element, and an actuating section connected to the fastening section. The actuating section is movably connected to the fastening section, so that the actuating section is movable relative to the fastening section.

[0146] The actuating portion can be moved from a stowed position to a gripping position due to the relative mobility due to the movable connection and to the fastening portion. In the gripping position, the actuating portion preferably has a high degree of ergonomic grip by the user, allowing the user to safely and quickly grasp the actuating portion and move the closure element between the open position and the closed position to release or close the pouring opening.

[0147] The movable connection between the actuating section and the fastening section can be realized, for example, by a weakened structure in at least one region of the operating element between the actuating section and the fastening section. Such a weakened structure can, for example, have a smaller cross-section than the adjacent region of the actuating section and / or the fastening section. The movable connection can, for example, be designed as a notch, scored line, or perforation. The connection can, in particular, be designed as a hinge, as described above.

[0148] In the stowed position, the actuating portion preferably provides increased security against unintentional opening of the spout. For example, the actuating portion rests more closely against the lid in the stowed position than in the gripping position.

[0149] The closure system can be configured such that the actuating portion can only be positioned and / or secured in the stowed position before the actuating portion is first moved into the gripping position. In this case, after the actuating portion has been first moved into the gripping position, the actuating portion can no longer be moved into the stowed position and / or at least cannot be secured there. This can provide a safety feature to signal to the user that the actuating portion has already been actuated and the spout opening may already have been opened. This can prevent a user from purchasing an already opened beverage can with potentially contaminated contents.

[0150] Alternatively, the actuating section can be moved into both the gripping position and the stowage position after the spout opening has been opened for the first time, preferably several times.

[0151] The actuating portion is releasably coupled to at least one region of the cover by means of a coupling such that the coupling is released when the actuating portion is moved for the first time relative to the fastening portion.

[0152] By providing such a coupling of the actuating portion to at least one region of the lid, a safety feature can be provided to signal to the user that the actuating portion has already been actuated and the pouring opening may have already been opened. This can prevent a user from unknowingly purchasing an already opened beverage can with potentially contaminated contents.

[0153] In addition, the operating section can be locked in the stowed position by the coupling.

[0154] To provide a safety feature, the coupling may irreversibly detachably couple the actuating portion to at least one portion of the cover. Thus, in this case, the coupling cannot be restored after the initial release of the coupling to signal the initial release of the coupling.

[0155] Alternatively, the coupling can releasably couple the actuating section to at least one area of the lid. This allows the coupling to be restored after it has been released for the first time, for example, to allow the actuating section to be stowed away again after it has been opened for the first time.

[0156] The coupling has at least one first coupling element formed on the actuating portion and at least one second coupling element formed on the cover, which engages with the first coupling element.

[0157] The engagement of the first coupling element with the second coupling element is provided by at least partially forming, preferably by clinching, the actuating portion and / or the cover.

[0158] Forming refers to any forming process that can be used to join two elements together. Such forming processes include, in particular, collar joining, widening, flanging, folding, lapping, and clinching.

[0159] By reshaping at least one region of the actuating portion and / or at least one region of the cover, the first coupling element can be brought into engagement with the second coupling element.

[0160] The first coupling element can be formed integrally on the actuating portion and / or the second coupling element can be formed integrally on the cover.

[0161] Both the first coupling element and the second coupling element can only be formed by the partial forming, preferably by clinching, of the actuating section and / or the cover on the actuating section or on the cover.

[0162] Alternatively, the first coupling element can already be formed on the actuating section prior to the partial forming of the actuating section and / or the cover. In this case, the second coupling element can be formed during the forming of the actuating section and / or the cover and can be brought into engagement with the first coupling element already formed prior to the forming.

[0163] Alternatively, the second coupling element can already be formed on the cover prior to forming. In this case, the first coupling element can be formed during forming and engaged with the second coupling element already formed prior to forming.

[0164] Since forming causes little or no heat input into the components of the closure system, distortion of the components of the closure system can be prevented or at least reduced compared to a welded joint. Furthermore, forming eliminates the need for additional materials such as adhesive components and welding consumables. Coupling the actuating section to the lid by forming, preferably clinching, thus enables a quick, cost-effective, and component-friendly coupling of the actuating section to the lid. This increases the production speed of the closure system and reduces the costs of manufacturing the closure system.

[0165] Furthermore, different materials can be joined by forming. For example, the actuating section can be made of a plastic and the cover of a metal. Alternatively, the actuating section can be made of a metal and the cover of a plastic. Other material pairings are also conceivable. By means of forming, preferably clinching, such different materials of the actuating section and the cover can be joined together. Other material pairings are also conceivable, such as the pairing of a coated metal (e.g. steel or aluminum) with another coated metal (e.g. steel or aluminum). By means of the forming joint, in particular clinching, such different materials of the operating element and the closure element can be advantageously joined together.

[0166] The present invention also relates to a beverage container, preferably designed as a beverage can and / or as a storage container for bulk goods, which has at least one closure system according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0167] The present invention also relates in particular to the following aspects: 1. A closure system for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, comprising: a lid with a bottom facing an interior of the beverage container and a top facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid is configured to at least partially define an upper end of the beverage container, and wherein the lid has a pouring opening through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out; at least one closure element arranged on the bottom of the lid and movable substantially translationally, preferably along the bottom of the lid, between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closure element, in the closed position, substantially closes the pouring opening to thereby substantially prevent the substance located in the beverage container from pouring out,and in the open position, releases at least a portion of the pouring opening to thereby allow pouring of the substance in the beverage container; at least one operating element arranged on the top side of the lid and connected to the closure element by means of at least one connecting element, wherein the operating element is configured to selectively release and close the pouring opening by a manual movement of the operating element by a user; wherein the connecting element for connecting the operating element to the closure element is a formed joint comprising at least one locking element and a counter-element engaged with the locking element by forming, wherein the locking element is preferably formed on the operating element, preferably in one piece, and the counter-element is preferably formed on the closure element, preferably in one piece. 2. Closure system according to aspect 1,wherein the operating element has a fastening section, which comprises at least a part of the connecting element for connecting the operating element to the closure element, and an actuating section connected to the fastening section, wherein the actuating section is movably connected to the fastening section, such that the actuating section is movable relative to the fastening section. 3. Closure system according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the forming connection is a clinching connection, wherein the depression of the clinching connection is preferably formed on the operating element. 4. Closure system according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising a plurality of connecting elements for connecting the operating element to the closure element, wherein at least two of the connecting elements are arranged in series, preferably substantially along the direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position,wherein preferably each of the connecting elements has a locking element and a counter element, which are each in engagement with one another, more preferably wherein the at least two connecting elements arranged in series are each a clinching connection, wherein the depressions of the clinching connections are preferably formed on the operating element. 5. Closure system according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the operating element has a recess, wherein the locking element(s) is / are formed on a surface of the recess, wherein the recess is preferably concave with respect to a direction pointing from the bottom to the top, and wherein the surface preferably runs substantially parallel to the top and / or the underside of the lid. 6. Closure system according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising a coupling which releasably couples the actuating section to at least one region of the lid in such a way thatthat the coupling is released upon the first movement of the actuating portion relative to the fastening portion. 7. Closure system according to aspect 6, wherein the coupling comprises at least one first coupling element formed on the actuating portion and at least one second coupling element formed on the lid, wherein the first coupling element and the second coupling element are connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner in order to provide the coupling of the actuating portion to the lid. 8. Closure system according to aspect 6 or 7, wherein the coupling comprises at least one forming connection, preferably a clinching connection, which is provided by at least regionally forming, preferably by clinching, the actuating portion and / or the lid. 9. Closure system according to one of aspects 6 to 8, wherein the coupling comprises at least one control element which is designed such thatthat, in a state after the initial movement of the actuating portion relative to the fastening portion, it differs at least visually from a state before the initial movement of the actuating portion relative to the fastening portion. 10. Closure system according to one of aspects 6 to 9, wherein the coupling has a predetermined breaking element, preferably a web, which is preferably configured to be at least partially severed upon actuation of the actuating portion, so that the coupling releases upon initial movement of the actuating portion relative to the fastening portion. 11. Closure system according to one of aspects 6 to 10, wherein the coupling is configured such that upon release of the coupling, at least a first region of the actuating portion releases from a second region of the actuating portion, and the first region preferably remains on the lid. 12. Closure system according to one of aspects 7 to 11,wherein the first coupling element and / or the second coupling element extends substantially in a direction pointing from the bottom to the top, preferably substantially perpendicular to the lid. 13. Closure system according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the locking element and / or the counter-element extends substantially in a direction pointing from the top to the bottom, preferably substantially perpendicular to the lid. 14. Closure system according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the actuating portion is connected to the fastening portion such that the actuating portion is tiltable and / or pivotable relative to the fastening portion. 15. Method for producing a closure system for a beverage container, preferably designed as a beverage can and / or as a storage container for bulk goods, preferably a closure system according to one of the preceding aspects,comprising the following steps: providing a lid with a bottom facing an interior of the beverage container and a top facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid is configured to at least partially define an upper end of the beverage container, and wherein the lid has a pouring opening through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out; providing an operating element; arranging the closure element on the bottom of the lid; arranging the operating element on the top of the lid; and providing at least one connecting element by reshaping at least a portion of the operating element and the closure element in order to connect the operating element to the closure element, such that the closure element can be moved between an open position and a closed position by a manual movement of the operating element by a user,to selectively open and close the pouring opening. 16. The method according to aspect 15, wherein the connecting element of the closure element and the operating element is provided by clinching, wherein the countersink of the clinching connection is preferably formed on the operating element. 17. The method according to aspects 15 or 16, wherein a plurality of connecting elements are provided, wherein preferably at least two of the connecting elements are arranged in series substantially along the direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position, more preferably wherein the at least two connecting elements arranged in series are each a clinching connection, wherein the countersinks of the clinching connection are optionally formed on the operating element. 18. The method according to any one of aspects 15 to 17,wherein the operating element has a fastening section and an actuating section connected to the fastening section, and wherein preferably additionally a coupling is provided which detachably couples the actuating section to at least one region of the lid, preferably by at least one region of the actuating section being connected to at least one region of the lid in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, preferably by at least partially forming, preferably by clinching, the actuating section and / or the lid, wherein the countersink of such a clinching connection is preferably formed on the lid. 19. A closure system for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, comprising: a lid with a bottom side facing an interior of the beverage container and a top side facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid is configured toto at least partially define an upper end of the beverage container, wherein the lid has a pouring opening through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out, wherein the lid further has a circumferential recess along an outer lid edge; at least one closure element, which is arranged on the underside of the lid and is movable substantially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closure element, in the closed position, substantially closes the pouring opening to thereby substantially prevent pouring of the substance located in the beverage container, and, in the open position, exposes at least a portion of the pouring opening to thereby permit pouring of the substance located in the beverage container; at least one operating element,which is arranged on the top side of the lid and connected to the closure element by means of at least one connecting element, wherein the operating element is configured to selectively open and close the pouring opening by a manual movement of the operating element by a user; wherein the lid has a bulge formed therein which is configured to lock the closure element in the open position. 20. Closure system according to aspect 19, wherein the closure element has a bead and / or edge running along at least a portion of a circumference of the closure element, wherein preferably the bead and / or edge can be latched behind the bulge with respect to a direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position in order to lock the closure element in the open position. 21. Closure system according to aspect 19,wherein the closure element has an edge extending along at least a portion of a circumference of the closure element, a protrusion, and an intermediate region arranged between the edge and the protrusion, wherein the intermediate region is preferably designed such that at least a portion of the intermediate region engages with the bulge formed in the lid in the open position. 22. Closure system according to aspect 21, wherein the intermediate region is configured to at least partially accommodate the bulge formed in the lid in the open position. 23. Closure system according to one of aspects 20 to 22, wherein the bulge formed in the lid is formed in the direction of the interior of the beverage container, so that the edge is deflected by the bulge when the closure element is moved between the open position and the closed position.preferably away from the underside of the lid. 24. Closure system according to aspect 23, wherein the deflection of the edge forms an air gap at least partially between the edge and the underside of the lid, wherein the air gap provides a connection between the interior of the beverage container and the environment around the beverage container. 25. Closure system according to one of aspects 21 to 23, wherein in the open position, in which the bulge formed in the lid is received in the intermediate region, an air gap is formed at least partially between the edge and the underside of the lid, wherein the air gap provides a connection between the interior of the beverage container and the environment around the beverage container. 26. Closure system according to one of aspects 21 to 25,wherein the elevation is formed centrally in the closure element and the intermediate region extends annularly around the elevation. 27. Closure system according to one of aspects 20 to 26, wherein the edge is at least partially crimped and / or flanged. 28. Closure system according to one of aspects 19 to 27, wherein the bulge formed in the lid is formed in the direction of the interior of the beverage container and the operating element extends over a first portion of the bulge in the closed position, preferably wherein the operating element leaves a second portion of the bulge free. 29. Closure system according to one of aspects 19 to 28, wherein at least one portion of a circumferential edge of the closure element, which in the open position and / or in the closed position at least partially rests against the underside of the lid, has a coating, preferably a polymer coating. 30. Closure system for a beverage container,In particular, a beverage can, comprising: a lid with a bottom facing an interior of the beverage container and a top facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid is configured to at least partially define an upper end of the beverage container, and wherein the lid has a pouring opening through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out; at least one closure element arranged on the bottom of the lid and movable substantially translationally, preferably along the bottom of the lid, between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closure element, in the closed position, substantially closes the pouring opening to thereby substantially prevent pouring out of the substance located in the beverage container, and, in the open position, exposes at least a portion of the pouring opening,to thereby allow pouring of the substance contained in the beverage container; at least one operating element arranged on the top side of the lid and connected to the closure element by means of at least one connecting element, wherein the operating element is configured to selectively open and close the pouring opening by a manual movement of the operating element by a user; wherein the operating element has a fastening section having at least a part of the connecting element for connecting the operating element to the closure element, and an actuating section connected to the fastening section, wherein the actuating section is movably connected to the fastening section such that the actuating section is movable relative to the fastening section, and wherein the actuating section is detachably coupled to at least one region of the lid by means of a coupling such thatthat the coupling is released upon the first movement of the actuating portion relative to the fastening portion, wherein the coupling comprises at least one first coupling element formed on the actuating portion and at least one second coupling element formed on the lid, which engages with the first coupling element, wherein the engagement of the first coupling element with the second coupling element is provided by at least partially forming, preferably by clinching, the actuating portion and / or the lid. 31. A closure system for a beverage container according to aspect 1, comprising the further features of the closure system according to aspects 19 to 29 and / or 30. 32. A closure system for a beverage container according to aspects 19 to 29, comprising the further features of the closure system according to aspects 1 to 14 and / or 30. 33. A beverage container, preferably designed as a beverage can and / or as a storage container for bulk goods,comprising at least one closure system according to one of aspects 1 to 14 and 19 to 32. ,

[0168] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. The described embodiment is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a closure system according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows the closure system of Fig. 1in a plan view; Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the closure system from Fig. 2 along the section line AA; Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of the area B from Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of area C from Fig. 3 ; Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of another embodiment of a closure system according to the invention; Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of another embodiment of a closure system according to the invention.

[0169] The Figures 1 to 5 show a closure system 100 for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0170] The closure system 100 has a lid 102 with a bottom 104 and a top 106.

[0171] In the assembled state of the closure system 100 with the corresponding beverage container, the underside 104 faces an interior of the beverage container and the upper side 106 faces away from the interior of the beverage container.

[0172] The lid 102 has a pouring opening 108 through which a substance contained in the beverage container can be poured out.

[0173] In addition, the lid 102 has a bulge 110 which, when assembled with the beverage container, is formed in the direction of the interior of the beverage container.

[0174] A guide slot 112 is additionally formed in the lid 102. The guide slot 112 and the pouring opening 108 are arranged as shown in the illustrations of Figures 1 to 5 formed as a one-piece opening in the cover 102.

[0175] The lid 102 additionally has a circumferential recess 113 along an outer lid edge.

[0176] The closure system 100 additionally has a closure element 114 on the underside 104 of the lid 102. The closure element 114 is essentially movable in a translational manner along the underside 104 of the lid 102 between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position ( Fig. 2 ), the closure element 114 substantially closes the pouring opening 108 to thereby substantially prevent the substance located in the beverage container from pouring out at least from the pouring opening 108. In the open position (ie, displaced along the slot 112), the closure element 114 exposes at least a portion of the pouring opening 108 to thereby permit the substance located in the beverage container to pour out of the pouring opening 108.

[0177] The closure element 114 has a bead or edge 116 that runs along the entire circumference of the closure element 114. The edge 116 may alternatively run only along one or more portions of the circumference of the closure element 114. The edge 116 may serve to engage behind the bulge 110 in the closed position to lock the closure element 114 in the open position.

[0178] The edge 116 has a curved portion 117 that extends in a projection-like manner toward the underside 104 of the lid 102. The edge 116 also has an open end 119 (see Fig. 4 ).

[0179] The closure element 114 also has a substantially central elevation 118 and an intermediate region 120 arranged between the edge 116 and the elevation 118. The intermediate region 120 can serve to at least partially engage the bulge 110 formed in the lid 102 in the closed position. In particular, the intermediate region 120 can at least partially receive the bulge 110 formed in the lid in order to lock the closure element 114 relative to the lid 102.

[0180] In the open position, the bulge 110 is preferably completely overlapped by the closure element 114 on the underside of the lid. In the closed position, the bulge 110 is preferably not overlapped by the closure element. In contrast, in the closed position, the bulge 110 is preferably partially (in particular only partially, but not completely) overlapped by an operating element 122, which is described in more detail below.

[0181] The closure system 100 further includes the operating element 122, which is arranged on the top side 106 of the lid 102. The operating element 122 includes a fastening portion 124 and an actuating portion 126 connected to the fastening portion 124. The actuating portion 126 is movably connected to the fastening portion 124, such that the actuating portion 126 is movable relative to the fastening portion 124.

[0182] The movable connection provides a hinge about which the actuating portion 126 can be pivoted relative to the fastening portion 124. The actuating portion 126 is pivotable, in particular, about an axis that runs substantially parallel to the top side 106 of the cover 102 and / or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slot 112. The hinge is preferably a film hinge.

[0183] This movable connection of the actuating portion 126 relative to the fastening portion 124 can be realized via a notch 127 arranged between the fastening portion 124 and the actuating portion 126.

[0184] However, it is also conceivable to provide a scored line, a perforation or a structure weakened in some other way, for example by providing a cross-section that is at least partially reduced, between the fastening section 124 and the actuating section 126 instead of the notch 127.

[0185] The fastening section 124 of the operating element 122 is connected to the closure element 114 via two forming joints 128. The forming joints 128 each have a locking element 130 formed on the fastening section 124 of the operating element 122 and a counter element 132 formed on the closure element 114. Each locking element 130 is brought into engagement with the respective counter element 132 by forming.

[0186] The operating element 122 further includes a recess 134 that is concave with respect to a direction extending from the bottom 104 to the top 106. The recess 134 has a lower surface 136 that is substantially parallel to the top 106 and / or the bottom 104 of the lid 102 (see Figures 3 and 5 ). The locking elements 130 are formed on the lower surface 136 of the recess 134.

[0187] At least partially when the closure element 114 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the forming joints 128 extend at least partially through the guide slot 112. As a result, the forming joints 128 can be guided through the guide slot 112 at least partially.

[0188] The forming joints 128 preferably extend, as in Figure 5 shown, from the operating element 122 (in particular from its recess 134) in the direction of the closure element 114 (ie downwards).

[0189] The closure system 100 additionally has a coupling 138 which releasably couples the actuating portion 126 to a region of the lid 102 such that the coupling 138 is released upon initial movement of the actuating portion 126 relative to the fastening portion 124.

[0190] The coupling 138 has a first coupling element 140 formed on the actuating portion 126 and a second coupling element 142 formed on the cover 102.

[0191] The first coupling element 140 and the second coupling element 142 are connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner by means of forming, preferably by means of clinching, at least a region of the actuating section 126 and / or the cover 102 in order to provide the coupling 138 of the actuating section 126 to the cover 102.

[0192] The coupling 138 has a control element 144 which is designed such that, in a state after the first movement of the actuating section 126 relative to the fastening section 124, it differs at least visually from a state before the first movement of the actuating section 126 relative to the fastening section 124.

[0193] For this purpose, the control element 144 has several predetermined breaking elements 146, which are Figures 1 to 5 are shown as webs. However, the predetermined breaking elements 146 can also be designed in other ways, for example as foil, kinks, perforations, scored lines, or other separable elements.

[0194] The predetermined breaking elements 146 are arranged distributed around the coupling element 140 and connect the coupling element 140 to the remaining area of the actuating section 126. When the actuating section 126 is actuated, the predetermined breaking elements 146 can be severed so that the coupling 138 can be released when the actuating section 126 is moved for the first time relative to the fastening section 124.

[0195] In the unused, assembled state, the closure element 114 is in the closed position in which the pouring opening 108 is closed in a substantially gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner by means of the closure element 114, and the coupling 138 is unreleased.

[0196] To move the closure element 114 from the closed position to the open position, the user first releases the coupling 138. To do so, the user can, for example, reach with a finger, at least partially into the recess 110 and at least partially under the actuating portion 126. To do so, the actuating portion 126 of the operating element 122 can extend over a first portion of the recess 110 in the closed position. The actuating portion 126 of the operating element 122 can leave a second portion of the recess 110 exposed.

[0197] The user can then pivot the actuating portion 126 relative to the fastening portion 124 about the notch 127. The coupling 138 can be released by severing the predetermined breaking elements 146, and the first coupling element 140 detaches from the remaining part of the actuating portion 126. The first coupling element 140 remains on the cover 102, engaging with the second coupling element 142.

[0198] By means of the actuating portion 126, the user can move the closure element 114 from the closed position to the open position. When moving the closure element 114 from the closed position to the open position, the edge 116 of the closure element 114 interacts with the bulge 110 such that the closure element 114 is deflected substantially away from the underside 104 of the lid 102.

[0199] This deflection can create an air gap, at least in some areas, between the edge 116 and the underside 104 of the lid 102. This can provide a connection between the interior of the beverage container and the environment around the beverage container in order to vent and / or ventilate the interior of the beverage container.

[0200] If the user moves the closure element 114 by means of the actuating section 126, the closure element 114 can be brought into the open position.

[0201] The recess 113 can limit the movement of the closure element 114 from the closed position to the open position by the edge 116 abutting the recess 113 in the closed position.

[0202] The Figures 4 and 5 show enlarged views of the Fig. 3 marked areas B and C to show the connecting elements 128 and the coupling 138 in more detail.

[0203] As also in Figure 4 As can be seen, the bulge 110 can protrude further toward the underside 104 of the lid 102 than the depth of the intermediate region 120. The closure element 114 is thus pushed away from the underside 104 of the lid 102 even after the bead or edge 116 has snapped into place behind the bulge 110 in the open position, so that an air gap exists between the underside 104 and the closure element 114 in the open position.

[0204] The Figures 6 and 7 show two alternative designs of the edge 116 of the closure element 114.

[0205] In contrast to edge 116 of the Figures 1 to 5 shown embodiment, the Figure 6 The edge 216 shown does not have an open end. Instead, the edge 216 is flanged, at least in some areas. This allows for a better sealing effect between the edge 216 and the underside 104 of the cover 102. Furthermore, the edge 216 can be better protected against corrosion.

[0206] The Figure 7 The edge 316 shown in FIG. 1 has, in contrast to the edge 116 of the Figures 1 to 5 The embodiment shown also does not have an open end. Instead, the edge 316 is crimped and crimped to also provide a better seal between the edge 316 and the underside 104 of the lid 102.

[0207] In all three embodiments, a seal (not shown) can be arranged between the edge 116, 216, 316 and the lid 102. The corresponding seal can be made of silicone or rubber and can be firmly connected to the edge 116, 216, 316 of the closure element 110 and / or to the lid 102. For example, the seal can be vulcanized onto the edge 116, 216, 316 or onto the lid 102.

[0208] Alternatively or additionally, the edge 116, 216, 316 and / or the lid 102 can be coated, at least in regions, with a coating (not shown), preferably a polymer coating. This coating can also contribute to a complete or partial liquid-tight or gas-tight seal between the lid 102 and the closure element 114, particularly before initial opening.

Claims

1. A closure system (100) for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, comprising: a lid (102) with a bottom side (104) facing an interior of the beverage container and a top side (106) facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid (102) is configured to at least partially delimit an upper end of the beverage container, and wherein the lid (102) has a pouring opening (108) through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out;at least one closure element (114) which is arranged on the underside (104) of the lid (102) and is movable substantially translationally, preferably along the underside (104) of the lid (102), between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closure element (114) in the closed position substantially closes the pouring opening (108) in order to thereby substantially prevent pouring of the substance located in the beverage container, and in the open position releases at least a region of the pouring opening (108) in order to thereby allow pouring of the substance located in the beverage container;at least one operating element (122) which is arranged on the upper side (106) of the lid (102) and is connected to the closure element (114) by means of at least one connecting element (128), wherein the operating element (122) is configured to selectively open and close the pouring opening (108) by a manual movement of the operating element (122) by a user;wherein the operating element (122) has a fastening section (124) which has at least a part of the connecting element (128) for connecting the operating element (122) to the closure element (114), and an actuating section (126) connected to the fastening section (124), wherein the actuating section (126) is movably connected to the fastening section (124) so that the actuating section (126) is movable relative to the fastening section (124), and wherein the connecting element (128) for connecting the operating element (122) to the closure element (114) is a formed joint (128) which has at least one locking element (130) formed on the operating element (122) and a counter element (132) which is formed on the closure element (114) and is brought into engagement with the locking element (130) by means of forming.

2. Closure system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the forming joint (128) is a clinching joint.

3. Closure system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of connecting elements (128) for connecting the operating element (122) to the closure element (114), wherein at least two of the connecting elements (128) are arranged in series substantially along the direction of movement of the operating element (122) between the open position and the closed position, wherein preferably each of the connecting elements (128) has a locking element (130) and a counter element (132), which are each in engagement with one another.

4. Closure system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the at least two connecting elements are each a clinching connection.

5. Closure system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (122) has a recess (134), wherein the locking element (130) or the locking elements (130) is or are formed on a surface (136) of the recess (134), wherein the recess (134) is concave with respect to a direction pointing from the bottom (104) to the top (106), and wherein the surface (136) preferably runs substantially parallel to the (106) (104) lid (102).

6. Closure system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a coupling (138) which releasably couples the actuating section (126) to at least one region of the lid (102) in such a way that the coupling (138) is released upon the first movement of the actuating section (126) relative to the fastening section (124), wherein the coupling (138) has at least one first coupling element (140) formed on the actuating section (126) and at least one second coupling element (142) formed on the lid (102), wherein the first coupling element (140) and the second coupling element (142) are connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner in order to provide the coupling (138) of the actuating section (126) to the lid (102).

7. The closure system (100) of claim 6, wherein the coupling (138) comprises at least one clinching connection provided by clinching the actuating portion (126) and / or the lid (102).

8. The closure system (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the coupling (138) has at least one control element (144) which is designed such that, in a state after the first movement of the actuating section (126) relative to the fastening section (124), it differs at least visually from a state before the first movement of the actuating section (126) relative to the fastening section (124), wherein the coupling (138) has a predetermined breaking element (146), preferably a web, which is designed to be severed upon actuation of the actuating section (126), so that the coupling (138) is released upon the first movement of the actuating section (126) relative to the fastening section (124).

9. Closure system (100) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the coupling (138) is designed such that when the coupling (138) is released, at least a first region of the actuating portion (126) detaches from a second region of the actuating portion (126) and remains on the lid (102).

10. Closure system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (130) and / or the counter element (132) extends substantially in a direction pointing from the top side (106) to the bottom side (104), preferably substantially perpendicular to the lid (102).

11. A method for producing a closure system (100) for a beverage container, preferably designed as a beverage can and / or as a storage container for bulk goods, preferably a closure system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - providing a lid (102) with a bottom side (104) facing an interior of the beverage container and a top side (106) facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid (102) is configured to at least partially delimit an upper end of the beverage container, and wherein the lid (102) has a pouring opening (108) through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out; - providing an operating element (122) having a fastening section (124) and an actuating section (126) connected to the fastening section (124), and a closure element (114);- Arranging the closure element (114) on the underside (104) of the lid (102); - Arranging the operating element (122) on the top side (106) of the lid (102); and - Providing at least one connecting element (128) by reshaping at least a portion of the operating element (122) and the closure element (114) to connect the operating element (122) to the closure element (114) such that the closure element (114) can be moved between an open position and a closed position by manual movement of the operating element (122) by a user in order to selectively open and close the pouring opening (108).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the connecting element (128) of the closure element (114) and the operating element (122) is provided by clinching.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a plurality of connecting elements (128) are provided, wherein at least two of the connecting elements (128) are arranged in series substantially along the direction of movement of the operating element (122) between the open position and the closed position.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein additionally a coupling (138) which detachably couples the actuating section (126) to at least one region of the cover (102) is provided by at least one region of the actuating section (126) being brought into positive and / or non-positive connection with at least one region of the cover (102), preferably by at least regionally forming, preferably by clinching, the actuating section (126) and / or the cover (102).

15. Beverage container, preferably designed as a beverage can and / or as a storage container for bulk goods, comprising at least one closure system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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