Method for forming a closure assembly for a container
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023822297
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-12-16
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing closure arrangements for beverage containers, especially those with carbonated contents, face challenges in achieving a reproducible, high-quality, and short-cycle-time connection of the closure element to the lid element while ensuring gas-tight reclosure and compatibility with recycling processes, particularly under internal pressures up to 6.2 bar.
A method involving cold forming of a frame part with a window on the opening edge of the lid element, creating a positive connection with the cover element, using a closure element comprising a base part, lever, and cover, with seals made of high-modulus plastic, allowing for repeatable gas-tight closure without heating the material, thus preventing undesired deformation and enabling efficient recycling.
This method enables a high-quality, short-cycle-time connection that maintains gas-tight closure even after the first opening, ensuring the container remains sealed under pressures up to 6.2 bar, while allowing for easy recycling and preventing carbonation loss, with a process that avoids the limitations of hot forming such as low strength and increased cycle time.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Method for forming a closure arrangement for a container
[0002] The present invention relates to a method for forming a closure arrangement for a container, in particular a beverage container, preferably a beverage can.
[0003] The closure assembly comprises at least one lid element with an opening and a closure element arranged non-removably on the lid element for repeatedly, in particular gas-tight, closing the opening. The lid element is made of metal. The container serves to store contents, e.g., a fluid, with the beverage container being pressurized when closed.
[0004] Especially in the case of beverage cans with carbonated contents, the beverage container can be under an internal pressure of up to 6.2 bar before it is opened for the first time.
[0005] Both one-time opening and resealable closure systems are known for sealing such beverage containers. The advantage of resealable closure systems is obvious. This allows a beverage container to be sealed, particularly gas-tight, even after partial emptying, thus preventing the fluid stored in the beverage container from escaping and, especially in the case of carbonated contents, preventing the carbonation from escaping.
[0006] In particular, a captive arrangement of the closure assembly on the lid element or on the container is desired, so that all components of the beverage container can be recycled. Given the high volumes of such containers, a short cycle time and a reproducible process for arranging the closure element on the lid element are desirable.
[0007] From DE 10 2021 106 977 A1 a closure arrangement for a beverage container and a method for repeatably closing a beverage container with a closure arrangement are known.
[0008] From DE 10 2021 106 980 A1 a lid element for a beverage container and a closure arrangement for a beverage container are known.
[0009] From the subsequently published DE 10 2022 123 526 A1, a method for producing a closure element for a container and a closure arrangement are known.
[0010] The object of the invention is to at least partially solve the problems existing with regard to the prior art and in particular to propose a method for forming a closure arrangement for a container, wherein the connection of the closure element to the lid element can be carried out reproducibly with high quality and with a short cycle time.
[0011] In particular, a closure element of the closure arrangement is to be arranged or fastened to the container in a captive manner.
[0012] Furthermore, the closure arrangement should also make it possible to reclose the beverage container after it has been opened for the first time, whereby the container should be leak-tight (with respect to atmospheric pressure) on the one hand at a low pressure in the container and on the other hand even at a pressure within the container of up to 6.2 bar.
[0013] These objects are achieved by a method according to the features of patent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the method are specified in the dependent patent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent patent claims can be combined with one another in a technologically expedient manner and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features listed in the patent claims are further specified and explained in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.
[0014] A method for forming a closure assembly for a container is proposed, wherein the closure assembly comprises at least one lid element with an opening and a closure element arranged on the lid element for repeatedly closing the opening. The closure element comprises a plurality of components movable relative to one another. The lid element has an outer side and an inner side, and the opening has an opening edge and an opening plane formed by the opening edge. The closure element has, as a first component, at least one frame part with a window arranged non-detachably on the opening edge.The method comprises at least the following steps: a) providing the cover element with the opening; b) providing the frame part; c) arranging the frame part in the opening, wherein the frame part extends on both sides of the opening plane; d) plastically deforming at least one partial region of the frame part consisting of a plastic material, so that the frame part encompasses at least part of the opening edge, so that a non-detachable, positive-locking first connection is formed between the frame part and the cover element with respect to an axial direction extending transversely to the opening plane.
[0015] The forming takes place as part of a cold forming process.
[0016] The above (non-exhaustive) classification of the process steps into a) to d) is primarily intended to serve as a distinction and does not enforce any order and / or dependency. The frequency of the process steps can also vary. It is also possible that process steps overlap one another, at least partially. Most preferably, process steps a) and b) take place before step c). In particular, step c) takes place before step d). In particular, steps a) and b) take place simultaneously. In particular, steps a) to d) are carried out in the order listed.
[0017] The closure arrangement can in particular be designed as described in DE 10 2021 106 977 A1 and manufactured as described in DE 10 2022 123 526 A1.
[0018] The closure element comprises, in particular, at least or exclusively a base part (first component), a lever (third component), and a cover (second component). The base part has a frame part arranged at the opening edge and having a window. The lever is connected to the frame part (exclusively) via a first axis of rotation (and pivotable about this axis). In an initial position of the closure arrangement, the cover closes the window and is connected to the frame part (exclusively) via a second axis of rotation (and pivotable about this axis) or pivotable via a hinge. The lever is (directly) connected to the cover (and thereby) permanently (i.e. while the closure arrangement is in a state intended for predetermined operation) via a guide device.The lid can be pivoted by means of the guide device by pivoting the lever about the first axis of rotation, starting from the initial position about the second axis of rotation or about the hinge into an opening position of the locking arrangement that releases the window and back again into the initial position.
[0019] In particular, the first component (frame part) has a seal that seals the connection between the first component and the cover element. This seal extends, in particular, along the opening edge and completely around the opening.
[0020] In particular, a seal is arranged between the first component (frame part) and the second component (cover), which, at least in the initial position, surrounds the window of the frame part. This seal enables the sealing of the window or opening through a sealing connection between the cover and the frame part. In particular, the seal is arranged on the frame part or on the cover.
[0021] In particular, these seals can be manufactured or are manufactured together with the frame part, and if necessary also with the second component, and / or with the third component, using a two-component injection molding process.
[0022] In particular, the first component and / or the second component and / or the third component is made of a plastic with a modulus of elasticity of at least 1100 MPa [megapascals], in particular of at least 1300 MPa, preferably of at least 1600 MPa. The seals are preferably made of a plastic with a Shore A hardness of at most 60, in particular of at most 45, preferably of at most 35.
[0023] The cover element can be designed in particular as described in DE 10 2021 106 980 A1.
[0024] In particular, in step b) not only the frame part but also the closure element is provided.
[0025] In particular, in step c) the frame part is arranged in the opening, wherein the other components of the closure element are also arranged on the cover element via the frame part.
[0026] In particular, steps a) to c) are carried out outside a press, in which step d) is carried out. In particular, the closure assembly, i.e., the lid element and the closure element arranged thereon, are arranged in a press during step d), with the cold forming then taking place in the press.
[0027] Typically, such a frame part is connected to the cover element via a positive first connection that extends along the opening edge and can only be removed from the opening edge by destroying the frame part. Such a frame part is mounted on the opening edge by plastic deformation of the frame part. DE 10 2021 106 977 A1 states that this plastic deformation can be carried out, for example, by thermal treatment of the frame part, e.g., at least local heating. During hot forming (temperature at the tool or in the partial area to be formed, e.g., at least 30 degrees Celsius above ambient temperature), the heat can only reach the material to be formed via mechanical contact. Heating the material to be formed, e.g., via induction, hot air, etc.is disadvantageous because the areas of the component that are not to be formed would also be heated and would be subject to undesirable deformation.
[0028] When heating via mechanical contact, i.e. via the heated tool, the cycle time or the process time for forming the component increases to more than one second.
[0029] Another problem with hot forming is that the formed material of the component has low strength and therefore does not remain in the position changed by the forming process. This would require subsequent forming using a downstream cold tool.
[0030] During the proposed cold forming process, in which no additional heat is introduced into the material, whether through contact with a heated tool or through radiation, it was surprisingly found that no recovery of the formed section occurs. The otherwise typical stress whitening, which occurs with excessive stress during "normal" cold forming, also does not occur.
[0031] In particular, it is possible to create the first connection in just one process step, i.e. with just one tool or one tool stroke, and without heating the material to be formed, whereby a high quality of the first connection and a short cycle time or process time can be achieved. In particular, for example, a travel speed of the forming tool is selected such that heat is generated in the material to be formed during the forming process through the internal friction of the molecular chains. However, this heat does not penetrate measurably to the surface of the formed section, so that a gradual heating of the tool does not occur. The highest temperatures are in the core of the material or section, i.e. at a distance from the surfaces, which promotes the good dimensional stability achieved.
[0032] A key factor in enabling cold forming is that the material undergoes minimal deformation. For example, if the aforementioned post-forming is performed using a cold tool during the hot forming process described above, this post-forming cannot generate the necessary heat generated in the material itself.
[0033] In particular, the forming according to step d) takes place in a press, wherein the cover element together with the closure element are arranged in a receptacle of the press, and the deformation is then carried out by the movement of at least one punch (the tool). The tool thus comprises, for example, a punch of a (forming) press. In particular, several punches can also be provided, by means of which the forming takes place. Furthermore, the press can comprise fixing devices by which the cover element together with the closure element are fixed in the press.
[0034] The at least one punch, by which the forming of at least the partial area takes place, moves in particular exclusively along a straight line, in particular along the axial direction. The cycle time of the forming process here includes in particular the feed movement of the tool and the forming itself, i.e., the movement of the at least one tool (punch) to form the partial area or, if applicable, other areas of the closure element, as well as the return movement of the tool to an initial position.
[0035] In addition to the cycle time, the process time also includes the time required to insert and remove the lid element and the closure element from the press.
[0036] In particular, the partial area to be formed in the forming region has a minimum wall thickness of at most 2.0 millimeters, in particular of at most 1.8 millimeters or of at most 1.5 millimeters. In particular, the partial area to be formed in the forming region has a minimum wall thickness of at least 0.2 millimeters, preferably of at least 0.5 millimeters. In particular, the wall thickness in the forming region is essentially constant.
[0037] In particular, after initial contact with the partial area, the tool used for forming travels a distance along the axial direction of at most 3.0 millimeters, preferably at most 2.5 millimeters, particularly preferably at most 2.0 millimeters, or even less than 2.0 millimeters. The distance is in particular at least 1.0 millimeters, preferably at least 1.5 millimeters.
[0038] The path refers to the distance along the axial direction during which the tool contacts the sub-area. The tool's infeed movement, i.e., from a starting position of the tool to a position where the tool contacts the sub-area, is not included. In particular, the tool used for forming is operated in a path-controlled manner. Path-controlled means, in particular, that the tool is controlled only based on its position along the axial direction. This ensures that the tool travels the predetermined path.
[0039] In particular, the path traveled by the forming tool is limited by a mechanical stop. In particular, the tool moves against a stop and is not slowed down by the closure element or the cover element. The stop is a component of the press and is reused for each new closure arrangement.
[0040] In particular, the forming of the partial area takes place in less than 0.005 seconds, preferably in less than 0.002 seconds, particularly preferably in less than 0.001 seconds. This time corresponds in particular to the cycle time, i.e., it also includes the travel paths of the tool from and back to an initial position.
[0041] In particular, the tool used for forming is moved at least during the forming of the partial area at a travel speed of at least 800 millimeters per second, preferably at least 1,000 millimeters per second, particularly preferably at least 1,200 millimeters per second.
[0042] In particular, the maximum forming force occurring during forming has a value that lies in a range between 2,000 and 10,000 Newtons, especially in a range between 3,000 and 8,000 Newtons. In particular, the material of the partial region is heated (only) locally as a result of the forming, with the highest temperature of the material being present in a region of the material that is spaced apart from a surface of the partial region. In particular, the heating occurs exclusively due to the internal friction of the material caused by the forming.
[0043] In particular, the partial region extends along the opening edge over an angular range of at least 180 degrees, preferably at least 230 or even at least 270 degrees. In particular, the partial region extends along the opening edge over a distance of at least 20 millimeters, preferably at least 25 millimeters, in particular at most 40 millimeters.
[0044] In particular, in step d), several sub-regions of the frame part are formed in parallel. These sub-regions are arranged spatially spaced from one another.
[0045] In particular, the closure element additionally comprises at least one second component that can be pivoted relative to the frame part to open the container. In particular, in step d) a deforming region of the second component or of the frame part is deformed so that at least one positive second connection, which prevents pivoting, is formed between at least two components of the closure element. In particular, this second connection is broken by the initial opening of the closure element, so that the at least one second connection, on the one hand, safeguards against unintentional opening of the closure element and, on the other hand, creates a freshness seal. The freshness seal serves in particular to signal whether a container has already been opened. If the freshness seal is intact, it can be assumed that the container has not been opened again after it was closed for the first time.
[0046] In particular, the forming area is also formed by a punch of a press, in particular by the same punch of the press that is used to form the partial area. In particular, the forming area is formed at least during the same movement of the punch that it performs to form the partial area. In particular, the forming area is formed in parallel or at least partially overlapping with the forming of the partial area.
[0047] In particular, the closure element comprises a third component that can be pivoted relative to the frame part and the second component to open the container, wherein the second connection or at least one second connection is formed between the second component and the third component (e.g., between the lid and the lever). Alternatively or additionally, the second connection or at least one second connection is formed between the first component (frame part or base part) and the second or third component (e.g., the lid or the lever).
[0048] In particular, the lid element is a known lid, e.g., of a beverage can, which is connected or connectable to the beverage can. Preferably, the lid element is inseparably connected (only destructively) to the beverage container. In particular, the lid element consists of a metal or a metallic alloy.
[0049] The inside of the lid element forms the side of the lid element facing the contents of the beverage container, while the outside of the lid element forms the side of the lid element facing away from the contents.
[0050] The opening of the lid element is, in particular, simultaneously the (only) pouring opening for the contents of the beverage container. The shape of the opening is not specified. The opening is, in particular, not rotationally symmetrical. However, a rotationally symmetrical opening can also be closed using the closure element described here and is therefore encompassed by the term "opening."
[0051] In particular, the first component (frame part) is arranged stationary and immovably at the opening edge. The other components of the closure element are connected to the lid element via the frame part. These other components are arranged so as to be movable relative to the first component.
[0052] In particular, the closure element enables repeatable gas-tight closure of the opening. In particular, the closure element enables not only a liquid-tight closure, but also a gas-tight closure of the opening. This allows for effective sealing of the opening, especially with carbonated liquids, even after the closure element has been opened for the first time.
[0053] In particular, at least one data processing system is provided, which has means that are suitably equipped, configured, or programmed to carry out the method or that execute the method. In particular, a production plant comprises a data processing system, e.g., a control unit, that has means for executing the steps of the method and / or that has means that are suitably equipped, configured, or programmed to carry out the steps of the method or that execute the method.
[0054] The production system can, in particular, provide the closure assembly or the lid element and the frame part (or the entire closure element) and arrange them in a press. In particular, the press can also be controlled via the system.
[0055] The means include, for example, a processor and a memory in which instructions to be executed by the processor are stored, as well as data lines or transmission devices that enable the transmission of instructions, measured values, data or the like between the elements mentioned.
[0056] The means may in particular comprise one or more of the following components: controller(s), microcontroller, data memory, data connection, display devices (such as a display), counter or timer, at least one further sensor, an energy source, etc.
[0057] A computer program is further proposed, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the described method or the steps of the described method.
[0058] Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium is proposed, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the described method or the steps of the described method.
[0059] The statements regarding the method are particularly transferable to the data processing system and / or the computer-implemented method (i.e. the computer program and the computer-readable storage medium) and vice versa.
[0060] The use of indefinite articles ("a," "an," "one," and "another"), particularly in the patent claims and the description reproducing them, is to be understood as such and not as a numeral. Terms or components introduced accordingly are therefore to be understood as appearing at least once and, in particular, as being able to appear multiple times.
[0061] As a precaution, it should be noted that the numerals used here ("first", "second", ...) primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, quantities, or processes, and therefore do not necessarily prescribe any interdependence and / or sequence of these objects, quantities, or processes. Should a dependence and / or sequence be necessary, this is explicitly stated here or will be obvious to the person skilled in the art upon studying the specifically described embodiment. To the extent that a component can occur multiple times ("at least one"), the description of one of these components can apply equally to all or part of the majority of these components, but this is not mandatory.
[0062] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments cited. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description. In particular, it should be noted that the figures, and in particular the proportions shown, are only schematic. They show:
[0063] Fig. 1 : a part of the closure element in a perspective
[0064] Opinion;
[0065] Fig. 2: the part according to Fig. 1 in a side view;
[0066] Fig. 3: another part of the closure element in a perspective view;
[0067] Fig. 4: a cover element in a plan view;
[0068] Fig. 5: a detail of the cover element in a perspective view in section;
[0069] Fig. 6: a container with a closure arrangement;
[0070] Fig. 7: the closure arrangement according to Fig. 6 in a perspective view in section;
[0071] Fig. 8: the closure arrangement according to Figs. 6 and 7 in a side view in section;
[0072] Fig. 9: the closure assembly according to Figs. 6 to 8 in a perspective view, after cold forming of the frame part; Fig. 10: the closure assembly according to Fig. 9 in a side view in section;
[0073] Fig. 11: the closure arrangement according to Fig. 6 to 8 in a press, immediately before step d), in a side view in section;
[0074] Fig. 12: a detail of Fig. 11 ;
[0075] Fig. 13: the closure assembly according to Figs. 9 and 10 in a press during step d), in a side view in section; and
[0076] Fig. 14: a detail of Fig. 13.
[0077] Fig. 1 shows a part of the closure element 5 in a perspective view. Fig. 2 shows the part according to Fig. 1 in a side view. Fig. 3 shows another part of the closure element 5 in a perspective view. Figs. 1 to 3 are described together below.
[0078] The closure element 5 has a base part (first component 6), a lever (third component 8), and a cover (second component 7). The base part has a frame part 6 arranged on the opening edge 11 and having a window 13. The lever is connected to the frame part 6 via a first pivot axis 26 and is pivotable about this axis. In an initial position of the closure assembly 1, the cover closes the window 13 and is pivotably connected to the frame part 6 exclusively via a hinge 27. The lever is directly connected to the cover and permanently (i.e., while the closure assembly 1 is in a state intended for predetermined operation) via a guide device 28.Via the guide device 28, the lid can be pivoted by pivoting the lever about the first axis of rotation 26, starting from the starting position about the hinge 27 into an opening position of the closure arrangement 1 which releases the window 13 and back again into the starting position.
[0079] The first component 6 (frame part) has a seal 25 that seals the connection between the first component 6 and the cover element 3 (see Fig. 4). This seal 25 extends along the opening edge 11 completely around the opening 4.
[0080] Between the first component 6 (frame part) and the second component 7 (cover), a seal 25 is arranged that, at least in the initial position, surrounds the window 13 of the frame part 6. This seal 25 enables sealing of the window 13 or the opening 4 by a sealing connection between the cover and the frame part 6. This seal 25 is arranged on the cover.
[0081] These seals 25 are manufactured together with the third component 8 in a two-component injection molding process (see Fig. 3).
[0082] The parts of the closure element 5 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 are joined together to form the closure element 5 and can thus be arranged on the cover element 3 via the frame part 6.
[0083] Fig. 4 shows a cover element 3 in a plan view. Fig. 5 shows a detail of the cover element 3 in a perspective view in section. Fig. 6 shows a container 2 with a closure arrangement 1. Fig. 7 shows the closure arrangement 1 according to Fig. 6 in a perspective view in section. Fig. 8 shows the closure arrangement 1 according to Figs. 6 and 7 in a side view in section. Fig. 9 shows the closure arrangement 1 according to Figs. 6 to 8 in a perspective view, after cold forming of the frame part 6. Fig. 10 shows the closure arrangement 1 according to Fig. 9 in a side view in section. Figs. 4 to 10 are described together below. Reference is made to the explanations for Figs. 1 to 3.
[0084] The closure arrangement 1 comprises a lid element 3 with an opening
[0085] 4 and a closure element 5 arranged on the lid element 3 for repeatedly closing the opening 4. The closure element
[0086] 5 comprises a plurality of components 6, 7, 8 that are movable relative to one another. The cover element 3 has an outer side 9 and an inner side 10, and the opening 4 has an opening edge 11 and an opening plane 12 formed by the opening edge 11. The closure element 5 has, as a first component 6, a frame part 6 with a window 13 that is permanently arranged on the opening edge 11 (see Figs. 9 to 13).
[0087] The frame part 6 has a partial area 14 which is cold-formed as part of the process and thus forms a first connection 16 between the frame part 6 and the cover element 3.
[0088] The partial area 14 extends along the opening edge 11 over an angular area 22 which comprises approximately 300 angular degrees.
[0089] The frame part 6 has several sub-regions 14 that are arranged at a distance from one another. In step d), several sub-regions 14 of the frame part 6 are formed in parallel.
[0090] The closure element 5 additionally comprises a second component 7, which can be pivoted relative to the frame part 6 to open the container 2. In step d), forming regions 23 of the second component 7 and of the frame part 6 are formed, so that several positive-locking second connections 24 (see Fig. 9) are formed between two components 6, 7, 8 of the closure element 5, which prevent pivoting. These second connections 24 are broken by the initial opening of the closure element 5, so that the second connections 24, on the one hand, provide security against unintentional opening of the closure element 5 and, on the other hand, create a freshness seal.
[0091] The closure element 5 comprises a third component 8, which can be pivoted relative to the frame part 6 and the second component 7 to open the container 2, wherein a second connection 24 is formed between the second component 7 and the third component 8 (e.g., between the lid and the lever). Additionally, two second connections 24 are formed between the first component 6 (frame part or base part) and the third component 8 (e.g., the lever).
[0092] Fig. 11 shows the closure assembly 1 according to Figs. 6 to 8 in a press 29, immediately before step d), in a side view in section. Fig. 12 shows a detail of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 shows the closure assembly 1 according to Figs. 9 and 10 in a press 29, during step d), in a side view in section. Fig. 14 shows a detail of Fig. 13. Figs. 11 to 14 are described together below. Reference is made to the explanations for Figs. 1 to 10.
[0093] In step d), the partial regions 14 of the frame part 6, which consist of a plastic material, are plastically deformed so that the frame part 6 encompasses at least part of the opening edge 11, so that a permanent, positive-locking first connection 14 is formed between the frame part 6 and the cover element 3 relative to an axial direction 15 extending transversely to the opening plane 12. The deformation takes place as part of a cold forming process.
[0094] The travel speed of the forming tool 18 is selected such that heat is generated in the material being formed during the forming process through the internal friction of the molecular chains. However, this heat does not measurably penetrate the surface 21 of the formed section 14, thus preventing a gradual heating of the tool 18. The highest temperatures are in the core of the material or section 14, i.e., at a distance from the surfaces 21, which promotes the achieved good dimensional stability.
[0095] The forming process according to step d) takes place in a press 29, wherein the cover element 3 together with the closure element 5 are arranged in a receptacle (not shown) of the press 29, and the deformation is then carried out by the movement of at least one punch (the tool 18). The tool 18 thus comprises a punch of a (forming) press. Several punches can also be provided, by means of which the forming process takes place. Furthermore, the press 29 can comprise fixing devices by which the cover element 3 together with the closure element 5 are fixed in the press 29.
[0096] The press 29 is controlled by the system 30.
[0097] The cycle time of the forming process includes the feed movement of the tool 18 and the forming process itself, i.e., the movement of at least one tool 18 (punch) for forming the partial area 14 or, if applicable, further areas 14, 23 of the closure element 5, as well as the return movement of the tool 18 to an initial position. In addition to the cycle time, the process time also includes, in particular, the time for inserting and removing the cover element 3 and the closure element 5 from the press 29.
[0098] The partial area 14 to be formed has a minimum wall thickness 17 in the forming area. The tool used for forming
[0099] 18 lays a path after the first contact with the sub-area
[0100] 19 along the axial direction 15.
[0101] The path 19 denotes the distance along the axial direction 15 during which the tool 18 contacts the partial area 14 (i.e., between the position of the tool 18 according to Figs. 11, 12 and 13, 14). The feed movement of the tool 18, i.e., starting from an initial position of the tool 18 to a position in which the tool 18 contacts the partial area 14 (see Figs. 11, 12), is not included.
[0102] The tool 18 used for forming is operated in a path-controlled manner. A path 19 traveled by the tool 18 for forming is limited by a mechanical stop 20. The tool 18 thus moves against a stop 20 and is not braked or stopped by the closure element 5 or the cover element 3. The stop 20 is a component of the press 29 and is reused for each new closure assembly 1.
[0103] The forming of the partial areas 14 and the forming areas 23 takes place in less than 0.005 seconds. This time corresponds to the cycle time, i.e., it also includes the travel paths of the tool 18 from and back to an initial position. The tool 18 used for forming is moved at a travel speed of at least 800 millimeters per second, at least during the forming of the partial area 14.
[0104] The maximum forming force occurring during forming has a value that lies in a range between 2,000 and 10,000 Newtons.
[0105] The material of the partial regions 18 and the forming regions 23 is (only) heated locally as a result of the forming process, with the highest temperature of the material being present in a region of the material that is spaced apart from a surface 21 of the partial region 14. The heating occurs exclusively through the internal friction of the material caused by the forming process.
[0106] The partial area 14 extends along the opening edge 11 over an angular area 22 which comprises at least 180 angular degrees (see Fig. 4).
[0107] In step d), several partial regions 14 of the frame part 6 and forming regions 23 of the closure element 5 are formed in parallel.
[0108] List of reference symbols
[0109] 1 locking arrangement
[0110] 2 containers
[0111] 3 cover element
[0112] 4 Opening
[0113] 5 locking element
[0114] 6 first component / frame part
[0115] 7 second component
[0116] 8 third component
[0117] 9 Outside
[0118] 10 Inside
[0119] 11 Opening edge
[0120] 12 opening levels
[0121] 13 windows
[0122] 14 sub-area
[0123] 15 axial direction
[0124] 16 first connection
[0125] 17 wall thickness
[0126] 18 tools
[0127] 19 Way
[0128] 20 stops
[0129] 21 Surface
[0130] 22 angle range
[0131] 23 Forming area
[0132] 24 second connection
[0133] 25 Seal
[0134] 26 first axis of rotation
[0135] 27 Hinge Guide Device Press System
Claims
Patent claims Method for forming a closure arrangement (1) for a container (2), wherein the closure arrangement (1) has at least one lid element (3) with an opening (4) and a closure element (5) arranged on the lid element (3) for repeatedly closing the opening (4), wherein the closure element (5) comprises a plurality of components (6, 7, 8) that are movable relative to one another; wherein the lid element (3) has an outer side (9) and an inner side (10) and the opening (4) has an opening edge (11) and an opening plane (12) formed by the opening edge (11); wherein the closure element (5) has, as a first component (6), at least one frame part (6) that is non-detachably arranged on the opening edge (11) and has a window (13); wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a) providing the lid element (3) with the opening (4); b) providing the frame part (6);c) arranging the frame part (6) in the opening (4), wherein the frame part (6) extends on both sides of the opening plane (12); d) plastically deforming at least one partial region (14) of the frame part (6) consisting of a plastic material, so that the frame part encompasses at least part of the opening edge (11), so that a non-detachable, positive-locking first connection (16) is formed between the frame part (6) and the cover element (3) with respect to an axial direction (15) extending transversely to the opening plane (12); wherein the deformation takes place as part of a cold forming process.
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the partial region (14) to be formed has a minimum wall thickness (17) of at most 2.0 millimeters in the region of the forming.
3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool (18) used for forming travels a path (19) along the axial direction (15) of at most 3.0 millimeters after initial contact with the partial area (14).
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool (18) used for forming is operated in a path-controlled manner.
5. Method according to claim 4, wherein a path (19) travelled by the tool (18) for forming is limited by a mechanical stop (20).
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the forming of the partial region (14) takes place in less than 0.005 seconds.
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool (18) used for forming is moved at a travel speed of at least 800 millimeters per second at least during the forming of the partial region (14).
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a maximum forming force occurring during the forming has a value which lies in a range between 2,000 and 10,000 Newtons. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the partial region (14) is heated locally as a result of the forming, wherein a highest temperature of the material is present in a region of the material that is arranged at a distance from a surface (21) of the partial region (14). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the partial region (14) extends along the opening edge (11) over an angular range (22) that comprises at least 180 angular degrees. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step d) several partial regions (14) of the frame part are formed in parallel.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (5) additionally comprises at least one second component (7) which can be pivoted relative to the frame part (6) for opening the container (2); wherein in step d) a forming region (23) of the second component (7) or of the frame part (6) is formed such that a positive-locking second connection (24) which prevents pivoting is formed between at least two components (6, 7, 8) of the closure element (5). Method according to claim 12, wherein the closure element (5) comprises a third component (8) which can be pivoted relative to the frame part (6) and the second component (7) for opening the container (2), wherein the second connection (24) is formed between the second component (7) and the third component (8).