Packaging tube closure

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a packaging tube closure consisting of a cap element having a shoulder region and a cover element which can be moved relative to the cap element by means of a hinge, said cap element and cover element being integrally formed, the method having the following steps: providing a moulding tool for a compression moulding process, preferably comprising a first and a second mould part; applying and / or introducing a measure of material into a first mould part of the moulding tool; moulding the packaging tube closure by guiding a second mould part of the moulding tool to the first mould part in such a way that the measure of material is distributed in a cavity formed between the mould parts, in particular for the integral formation of the cap element, hinge and cover element; and solidifying and preferably subsequently removing the moulded packaging tube closure.

Description

[0001] Packaging tube closure

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for producing a packaging tube closure, the packaging tube closure that can be produced by the method, and a packaging tube comprising a packaging tube closure according to the invention.

[0003] Packaging closures for tubes or packaging tube closures are well known in the art. These are typically manufactured using injection molding processes, which allows for different shapes and, in particular, more complex geometries. Such a packaging closure comprises a cap element with an outlet opening arranged therein and a shoulder region designed for subsequent attachment to a tube body. The cap element can additionally comprise a lid element formed integrally therewith, which is movably mounted on the cap element by means of a hinge.

[0004] From WO 03 / 057441 A1, it is known to produce a packaging tube closure comprising a cap element, a hinge element, and a lid element made of thermosetting or thermoplastic resin material by means of a compression molding process. The packaging tube closure is molded by bringing a first mold part closer to a second mold part arranged opposite one another in such a way that a material dose arranged between the mold parts is distributed in a cavity formed between the mold parts. The first and second mold parts are arranged opposite one another and are axially movable relative to one another and each have a first surface region for forming the cap or lid element.Closure element, a second surface region for forming the hinge element, and a third surface region for forming the lid element, wherein, before the first and second molded parts are brought together, the material dose is applied in the second, central molded part region of the first molded part, which forms the hinge element. The respective first, second, and third surface regions are laterally adjacent to one another and oriented substantially in a uniform extension direction, in particular substantially orthogonal to an axial advancing direction of the molded parts.

[0005] WO 2005 / 030456 A2 describes a method for molding a container closure, comprising introducing a pellet of thermoplastic material into a mold cavity and subsequently moving mold plates in an upper mold part relative to an opposing lower mold part to form the container closure in the cavity. A lower and upper mold part each have a first surface region for forming the cap or closure element, a second surface region for forming the hinge element, and a third surface region for forming the lid element, wherein the respective surface regions are oriented laterally adjacent to one another substantially in a uniform extension direction. The lower mold part is formed in one piece and the upper mold part is formed in multiple pieces, the latter having three adjacent mold part elements that are movable in the axial direction of advance.

[0006] EP 1 309 439 B1 describes a method for the simultaneous production of a bias-molded plastic container and a lid for closing the plastic container in a blow mold. A continuous lid surface is formed using blow molding techniques, and a hinge element attached laterally to the lid surface for connection to the blow-molded plastic container is formed using compression molding. CH296938 and EP 4 291 501 A1 disclose a method for producing a packaging tube closure comprising a cap element, a hinge element, and a lid element using an injection molding process. The packaging tube closure is directly connected to a packaging tube during its molding process using the injection molding process.

[0007] WO 2010 / 012799 A2 discloses a method for producing a container configured for selective connection to a second container by means of an inner neck portion formed integrally with a container shoulder region. The method comprises producing a hollow container, molding a shoulder region with an integrated neck portion onto the hollow container by introducing a deformable material into a cavity of a mold, and forcibly removing the neck portion from the mold.

[0008] Based on the prior art, the present invention aims to provide an improved manufacturing method for a packaging tube closure, which in particular enables the production of a packaging closure and, further advantageously, a packaging tube comprising the same, which is optimized with regard to the process control.

[0009] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims represent further advantageous embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the subject matter of the invention addresses further objects, as will become apparent from the following description. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the following description, the description of the figures, the figures, and the dependent claims. In order to avoid or minimize unnecessary repetition, all features disclosed with regard to the method shall also be deemed to be correspondingly disclosed and claimable with regard to the product and the device, and vice versa.

[0010] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a packaging tube closure, comprising and preferably consisting of a cap element with a shoulder region and a lid element movable thereto via a hinge, which are formed in one piece, comprising the steps:

[0011] Providing a forming tool for a compression molding process, preferably comprising a first and a second mold part, applying and / or introducing a material dose into a first mold part of the forming tool,

[0012] Forming the packaging tube closure by bringing a second mold part of the forming tool towards the first mold part in such a way that the material dose is distributed in a cavity formed between the mold parts, in particular for the integral formation of the cap element, hinge and lid element, and

[0013] Solidifying the formed or molded packaging tube closure, and preferably subsequently removing the packaging tube closure from the forming tool.

[0014] Contrary to the known prior art, the packaging tube closure, comprising a cap element with a shoulder area, a movable hinge that is not located on the cap edge or in the shoulder area, and a lid element for partially closing the cap element or an outlet opening in the cap element, is now not manufactured by injection molding, but by compression molding. This process has the advantage over the known injection molding process that different material thicknesses and thus a variation of the resulting product, particularly in the cap element and its shoulder area, can be produced with the same tool to adapt a desired barrier in the material. Furthermore, significantly less energy is required during production, particularly because lower pressures and thus less great closing forces are required for compression.In addition, the process is significantly more versatile and can be used, in particular, to simultaneously attach a tube body to the closure or to connect it to it—especially in a single process step. This provides additional advantages, as explained below. Furthermore, the process allows the avoidance of visible injection points, which impair the external appearance of the packaging tube closure and can be detrimental to the feel and / or subsequent application of labels.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the resulting packaging tube closure, in particular of the cap element, is varied in an axial direction of the tube closure by varying the volume of the applied and / or introduced material dose. This allows, in particular, a thickness of the tube closure region extending substantially orthogonally to the axial direction to be adaptively adjusted to a desired configuration. This allows, in particular, a barrier function of the cap element to be adaptively designed according to predefined requirements.

[0016] Furthermore, by varying the volume of the applied and / or introduced material dose, only the thickness of the cap element is adjusted and thus not the thickness of the hinge and / or the lid element. A respective predefined thickness (in the axial direction of the tube closure) of the hinge and the lid element is preferably maintained or kept constant during the process, even if the thickness of the cap element varies. This allows, on the one hand, the thickness and thus a barrier function of the cap element to be adapted, while avoiding a change in the hinge and / or the lid, thus ensuring a consistently optimized closing functionality of the lid element, regardless of the respective design of the cap element. In particular, the barrier function of the cap element can be adjusted differently from material batch to material batch or can be adjusted to the specific material.With a lower raw material quality, as can occur with recycled plastic material, for example, a greater thickness of the cap element can be set, which can optimize the barrier functionality of the molded cap element.

[0017] A variation of the thickness of the cap element can preferably be in a range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, more preferably in a range of 0.8 to 1.3 mm.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the mold parts of the forming tool is resiliently mounted in the compression direction by means of associated spring means and is further advantageously preloaded. Deflection occurs when the compression force is reached. The applied preload force of the spring means can be adjusted depending on requirements and the desired material thickness. The absolute (final) position of the deflection preferably depends on the volume of the applied and / or introduced material dose.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the method may include an adjustment step for achieving a desired thickness by adapting a preload force of a molded part and / or by adapting the applied and / or introduced material dose. In accordance with the preceding description, the desired thickness is advantageously adjusted only for the cap element, while maintaining a constant thickness for the hinge and the lid element.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the cap element, the hinge and the cover element movable relative to the cap element are formed simultaneously in a single process step, and further advantageously in one piece or integrally from the applied and / or introduced material dose, during the shaping, ie during molding.

[0021] In a closed position of the molded parts relative to one another, the molding tool preferably comprises a first cavity section for forming the cap or closure element, a second cavity section for forming the hinge, and a third cavity section for forming the cover element. The cavity sections are formed as a continuous cavity, such that a material dose that can be introduced into one or more cavity sections is distributed throughout the entire cavity and thus into the cavity sections when the molded parts are brought together.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the first cavity section for forming the cap or closure element is formed by corresponding first surface regions of the first and second mold parts. The first cavity section is advantageously located between the first and second mold parts, more preferably extending substantially horizontally or orthogonally to an advancing direction of the first and second mold parts. Advantageously, the first mold part comprises a first surface region for forming a first or lower side of the first cavity section for the cap or closure element, and the second mold part comprises a first surface region for forming a second or upper side of the first cavity section for the cap or closure element.

[0023] The respective surface region forms an inner side or inner contour of the corresponding cavity section and is thus designed to conform to an element of the packaging tube closure that can be formed within the cavity section or its corresponding surface.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the second cavity section for forming the hinge of the packaging tube closure is preferably formed or arranged exclusively within the second mold part. In particular, the second cavity section is arranged between at least two relatively movable elements of the second mold part, which, in the closed position of the forming tool, are arranged adjacent to one another to form the second cavity section. Advantageously, the hinge is formed exclusively by means of the second, in particular upper or outer (relative to an outer side of the cover element), mold part of the forming tool. This further simplifies the process and reduces the complexity of the required forming tool.

[0025] The second cavity section is advantageously arranged in a direction of extension that differs from the direction of extension of the first cavity section. Thus, the second cavity section can advantageously be arranged extending in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first and second molded parts are advanced or parallel to the axial direction of the packaging tube closure to be molded. Furthermore, the second cavity section can advantageously extend or be arranged within an angle α of preferably 0° to 90°, further advantageously from 0° to 70°, further advantageously from 0° to 50°, further advantageously from 0° to 45°, further advantageously from 0° to 30°, relative to the direction in which the first and second molded parts are advanced or relative to the axial direction of the packaging tube closure to be molded.

[0026] Advantageously, the second molded part comprises a surface region, in particular a second and third surface region, for forming opposite sides of the second cavity section for the hinge of the packaging tube closure to be molded. The opposite sides of the second cavity section are advantageously formed by two elements of the second molded part that are movable relative to one another.

[0027] The second molded part is preferably formed in multiple parts, such that individual elements of the second molded part are designed or arranged to be movable relative to one another from an open state to a closed state. The movable elements can be sliding elements, which are advantageously designed to provide undercuts and / or openings during the compression molding process. A further molded part, in particular the aforementioned first molded part, is preferably formed as a substantially one-piece molded part, which is further preferably free of movable parts.

[0028] In contrast to the prior art, this preferred shaping of the hinge of the packaging tube closure, in particular exclusively by means of the second molded part, enables an optimized arrangement of the hinge and thus also of the lid element on the cap or closure element. For example, this enables a central and / or inwardly offset arrangement of the hinge compared to an outer contour of the packaging tube closure and thus a formation of the connection between the lid element and the cap or closure element on a central and / or inner surface of the cap element, whereas the design known from the prior art only enables a radially outermost arrangement of the hinge and thus connection of the lid element to the cap element. In the present case, therefore, a formation of the hinge on the cap element is particularly enabled, which is not on the cap edge orlocated in the shoulder area of ​​the cap element. In addition to an optimized arrangement of the cover element and hinge element relative to the cap element, this also enables significant material savings compared to the state of the art.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the third cavity section for forming the lid element of the packaging tube closure is preferably formed or arranged exclusively within the second mold part. In particular, the third cavity section is arranged between at least two relatively movable elements of the second mold part, which, in the closed position of the forming tool, are arranged adjacent to one another to form the third cavity section. Advantageously, the lid element is formed exclusively by means of the second, in particular upper or outer (relative to an outer side of the lid element), mold part of the forming tool.

[0030] The third cavity section is advantageously arranged in a direction of extension that differs from the direction of extension of the first cavity section. Thus, the third cavity section can advantageously be arranged extending in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first and second molded parts are advanced or parallel to the axial direction of the packaging tube closure to be molded. Furthermore, the third cavity section can advantageously extend or be arranged within an angle α of preferably 0° to 90°, further advantageously 0° to 70°, further advantageously 0° to 50°, further advantageously 0° to 45°, further advantageously 0° to 30°, relative to the direction in which the first and second molded parts are advanced or relative to the axial direction of the packaging tube closure to be molded.

[0031] Advantageously, the second molded part comprises a surface region, in particular a fourth and fifth, for forming opposite sides of the third cavity section for the lid element of the packaging tube closure to be molded. The opposite sides of the third cavity section are advantageously formed by two elements of the second molded part that are movable relative to one another.

[0032] The surface regions for forming opposite sides of the third cavity section for the lid element can be arranged or formed in a first and second element of the second molded part, in which the surface regions for forming the second cavity section for the hinge are also arranged. Alternatively, the second molded part can have further or additional elements, for example a third and / or fourth element, which comprise the respective surface regions for forming the third cavity section for the lid element.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second mold parts, which are arranged in particular so as to be axially movable relative to one another, are designed such that a first cavity section designed for forming the cap element is arranged between the first and second mold parts in the closed state of the molding tool, and a second and / or third cavity section designed for forming the hinge and / or the cover element is arranged exclusively within the second mold part and in particular between elements of the second mold part that are movable relative to one another.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second and / or third cavity section designed for forming the hinge and / or the cover element are aligned or arranged in a direction of extension in the closed state of the forming tool which differs from a substantial direction of extension of the first cavity section.

[0035] Further advantageously, the second and / or third cavity section, in the closed state of the forming tool, extend at an angle ß relative to a direction of extension of the first cavity section, which direction is advantageously arranged substantially orthogonal to a direction of advance of the first and second molded parts or relative to an axial direction of the packaging tube closure to be formed. The angle ß is preferably ß = 90° - angle α, wherein the angle α is preferably 0° to 90°, more advantageously 0° to 70°, more advantageously 0° to 50°, more advantageously 0 to 45°, more advantageously 0° to 30°. The angle β is thus preferably 0 to 90°, more advantageously 20 to 90°, more advantageously 40 to 90°, more advantageously 45 to 90°, more advantageously 60 to 90°.

[0036] In the context of the present invention, the extension direction of the respective cavity section is understood to mean an essential extension direction or an extension direction of an essential part of the respective cavity section, ie a core or main body of the respective cavity section, in particular without side arms and / or recesses or the like extending therefrom.

[0037] Preferably, one molded part, in particular the aforementioned second molded part, is designed in multiple parts, more preferably comprising movable elements, in particular sliding elements for providing undercuts and / or openings during the compression molding process. Another molded part, in particular the aforementioned first molded part, is preferably designed as a one-piece molded part, which is more preferably free of movable parts.

[0038] In one possible embodiment, the forming tool is designed such that an inner contour section of the forming tool designed to form the hinge, in particular providing a taper in the cavity, extends substantially in a plane and / or in an extension direction that runs and / or is arranged in the axial direction of the packaging tube closure. The axial direction is understood to mean a longitudinal direction and / or rotational axis of the tube closure.

[0039] By forming or aligning the hinge in a plane and / or direction of extension that lies essentially in the axial direction or parallel to the axial direction, the compression molding process according to the invention is significantly simplified with regard to process control and, in particular, with regard to the design of the forming tool. In this way, a tapered portion forming the hinge can be provided in the forming tool while simultaneously reducing the complexity of the forming tool, thus enabling, in particular, cost-efficient mass production of the packaging tube closure.Further advantageously, the forming tool is designed such that an inner contour of the forming tool, designed for forming the hinge and the adjoining lid, extends substantially in a plane and / or in a direction of extension that runs and / or is arranged in the axial direction of the packaging tube closure. Further advantageously, the inner contour preferably comprises two opposing contour sections for forming the hinge and the adjoining lid located between these sections, wherein the contour sections extend or run substantially in the axial direction of the packaging tube closure.

[0040] The introduced and / or applied material dose is preferably provided as a substantially annular portion of material. The material dose preferably encloses a free space and / or can be configured to vary in thickness along its circumference. The free space can also be located off-center (relative to the surrounding material). This means that the material dose does not have to be a ring, but can also form a different shape and / or a shape that varies over its circumference, preferably having a through-hole formed therein.

[0041] Advantageously, the introduced and / or applied material dose may comprise a plasticized plastic, a pulp mass, a reactive mixture, a self-polymerizing and / or self-crosslinking system.

[0042] Advantageously, solidifying the packaging tube closure can comprise cooling the heated material, drying a portion of pulp material, and / or crosslinking and / or polymerizing a reactive mass. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a packaging tube closure that can be produced or is produced using the method as described above.

[0043] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a packaging tube closure for a packaging tube, comprising a cap element with a shoulder region and a lid element movable relative to it via a hinge and formed integrally therewith, preferably producible or manufactured using a method as described above. Advantageously, the hinge extends from the cap element from a side of the cap element opposite the shoulder region of the cap element, in particular from an end or head region of the cap element.

[0044] The cap element preferably comprises an outlet opening, which is designed to be closable by the lid element. The cap element is preferably designed as a round or oval element and comprises a preferably flat end-side closure or head region and an outlet opening formed therein. The closure or head region advantageously extends substantially orthogonally to an axial direction Z of the tube closure and further advantageously serves as an end-side tube closure when the packaging tube closure is connected to a tube body.

[0045] The shoulder region is formed integrally or in one piece with the cap element and extends to a side of the packaging tube closure facing away from the head region. The shoulder region preferably forms a region with a diameter that increases in its extension direction to provide a tube shoulder in a manner known per se. The shoulder region further preferably comprises, at the end, a shoulder collar section that is preferably at least partially shaped like a cylindrical segment, which preferably extends at least partially in or parallel to an axial direction of the tube closure and is designed for arrangement or connection to a tube body.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the hinge of the packaging tube closure is arranged such that it extends from an upper surface, preferably in the axial direction Z of the cap element, at the end, in particular an outer surface of the end or head region of the cap element. The hinge preferably extends from the cap element in a side of the cap element facing away from the opposite shoulder region of the cap element, and in particular, the end or head region of the cap element.

[0047] Further advantageously, the cover element connected to the hinge also extends from an upper surface, preferably in the axial direction Z of the cap element, at the end, in particular an outer surface of the end-side closure or head region of the cap element.

[0048] Contrary to the arrangement known from the prior art, the hinge and the lid element arranged thereon thus do not extend laterally of the cap element, i.e., in a radially outward direction or from a radially outermost position of the cap element, in particular a shoulder region of the cap element. This enables an optimized arrangement of the hinge and thus also of the lid element on the cap or closure element.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, the hinge is arranged on the cap element such that it extends from a radially inner position on an outer, in particular end-side surface of the cap element. A radially inner position is understood to mean a position which, in an axial plan view, is arranged radially inwardly offset relative to an outer edge contour of the cap element, in particular an outer circumferential contour. In other words, the hinge extends from a section of the cap element which is radially inwardly offset relative to an outer circumferential contour of the cap element, in particular an end or head region of the cap element. Further advantageously, the cap element preferably extends only within a region of the cap element which is inner in plan view and preferably not into an outer edge contour of the cap element.

[0050] In one possible embodiment, the material web forming the hinge extends substantially in a plane and / or in an extension direction which runs and / or is arranged in an axial direction of the packaging tube closure.

[0051] Advantageously, the cover element is designed for the selective closing of an outlet opening of the cap element, i.e. for the desired closing or reclosing of the outlet opening by manual movement by a user. Further advantageously, the cover element extends in an open position, in which the cover element is preferably also shaped, substantially in a plane and / or in a direction of extension which differs from a direction of extension of the cap element, in particular an end or head region of the cap element. Advantageously, the cover element extends at an angle ß to a direction of extension of the cap element. The angle ß is therefore preferably 0 to 90°, further advantageously 20 to 90°, further advantageously 40 to 90°, further advantageously 45 to 90°, further advantageously 60 to 90°.Alternatively, the lid element in an open position, in which the lid element is preferably also formed, can extend substantially in a plane and / or in an extension direction which runs and / or is arranged in an axial direction of the packaging tube closure.

[0052] Further advantageously, the cover element comprises a closure element extending preferably vertically therefrom, in particular in the form of a plug with a sealing function, for selectively closing an outlet opening of the cap element.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the material web forming the hinge has a thickness or material thickness which is 10% to 50%, more preferably 10% to 40%, further preferably 10% to 30% of the thickness or material thickness of the adjoining components of the cover element and / or cap element.

[0054] Another advantage of the packaging tube closure is that it is free of a particularly visible injection point. This is a decisive advantage over the conventional production of tube closures using injection molding, which, due to the nature of the process, creates a visible injection point or material flow point in the surface of the resulting product. This, however, can be detrimental not only to the appearance and feel, but also to further surface treatment and / or the application of a label.

[0055] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a packaging tube with a tube closure consisting of a cap element with a shoulder region and a lid element movable relative to it via a hinge, preferably comprising the method steps as described above with regard to the production of the tube closure by means of compression molding, and comprising the further step of providing a tube body for connection to the packaging tube closure, preferably in such a way that at least a section of the tube body projects into the cavity of the shaping tool, preferably into a first cavity section for forming the cap element, wherein the tube body is connected to the packaging tube closure during the shaping of the latter, preferably in one method step.

[0056] The production of a packaging tube having a packaging tube closure arranged thereon and formed integrally therewith by means of the compression molding process according to the invention enables a number of advantages over the known injection molding process for producing a packaging tube.

[0057] Firstly, no external components need to be added during production, which can not only lead to disruptions, e.g. due to jamming in the feed rails, but also simplifies storage space and process planning. Furthermore, during compression molding, the tube closure or tube head is formed from the material applied or introduced, in particular from granules / raw material, making the feeding of granules much simpler and more reliable. In this way, any number of geometries and / or different colors can be formed from the same granules. The provision of different colors can be achieved by adding appropriate masterbatches, for which only a small proportion of around 2% of the granules is required, which in turn minimizes storage space and inventory costs.Furthermore, the process according to the invention requires significantly less energy than the known production method using injection molding with subsequent welding of the tube body, since no separate welding or connection step is required after the tube closure has been manufactured; this can be done in a single process step. Furthermore, the process according to the invention does not require a separate flange for the tube closure for subsequent connection to the tube body, which leads to lower material usage and thus additional cost savings in the manufacturing process.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises varying the thickness of the cap element and thus also the shoulder region of the cap element in an axial direction of the tube closure or packaging tube, in particular by varying the volume of the applied and / or introduced material dose, advantageously while maintaining a predefined constant thickness of the hinge and the lid element of the packaging tube closure. This allows the barrier function of the shoulder region as well as the connection between the shoulder region and the tube body to be optimized.

[0059] Furthermore, the packaging tube can be advantageously manufactured in the method according to the invention in such a way that the tube body fits snugly against the (external) molded parts of the tube closure or tube head, creating a virtually seamless transition from the tube body to the head. This is a significant haptic and / or visual / aesthetic advantage over the known production using injection molding processes and subsequent welding of the tube body and tube head, in which the tube body is usually pressed against the inside of a provided flange, which inevitably leads to small shoulders and also poor aesthetics. This is exacerbated when tube bodies of different thicknesses are welded to the tube head.

[0060] Another advantage of the simultaneous production of the tube head and its connection to the tube body is that it ensures the desired tightness and strength of the connection between the tube body and the tube head, particularly since the liquid plastic automatically finds its way into the molded part and fills any gaps. In conventional production using injection molding and subsequent welding of the tube body and tube head, defects often occur during the joining step of the two components, so special leak testing devices are installed downstream for quality assurance, which complicates the process. Another advantage is the lack of an injection point, as already mentioned with regard to the packaging tube closure.

[0061] In summary, the process according to the invention enables significantly simpler process control, since the tube head and the connection between the tube head and the tube body are no longer manufactured separately, but simultaneously in a single process step. Suitable production systems therefore no longer require so-called cappers, i.e., devices for connecting the tube head to the tube body, so that they are significantly smaller and more cost-effective, require significantly less energy, and enable more efficient process control due to fewer process steps. The integration of the lid, hinge, and shoulder elements also leads to further material savings compared to conventional tube closures.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the material dose is applied or applied to an inner part or section of the shaping tool in the form of a preform, for example made of heated or warmed plastic, as described above, preferably in a ring geometry or a donut geometry, before the preferably multi-part shaping tool is closed or transferred into a closed state. Shaping tools are also known that are "upside down" compared to the above embodiment. In this case, the preform is introduced into the outer part of the shaping tool, and the inner part is inserted from above. The orientation of the shaping tool is unimportant for the effectiveness of the present invention.By means of a correspondingly designed cavity in the interior of the forming tool (in the closed state), into which an axial end section of the tube body preferably also projects in the closed state of the forming tool, the preform is formed or formed into the tube head, in particular pressed, and simultaneously connected to the axial end section of the tube body during closing and during the closed state of the forming tool.

[0063] The tube body to be connected to the tube closure can be made of any material, particularly flexible materials. The connection between this and the tube closure is advantageously determined by a suitable choice of material for the material dosage and / or the geometry of the molded parts in the connection area. The variety of combinations is very extensive. In particular, the tube body that can be connected to the tube closure using the method according to the invention can have any configuration that is elastically or non-elastically compressible and has barrier properties appropriate to the packaging contents.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the provided shaping tool comprises an additional mold part, which is designed as a single- or multi-part dome, wherein the further mold parts of the shaping tool are preferably designed as a movable, preferably multi-part die. Preferably, before the respective mold parts are brought together to form the packaging tube closure and the associated tube body, a tube tube or a material section forming the same is guided over the dome, preferably in such a way that a section, in particular an edge section of the tube body, protrudes into the cavity for connection to the packaging tube closure during the molding process when the mold parts are pressed together.

[0065] The connection between the packaging tube closure and the tube body can preferably comprise a connection by welding, gluing, or stamping a form-fit connection. For example, the applied and / or introduced material dose can have a heat which, upon contact with a portion of the tube body, at least partially heats the latter such that it forms a welded or materially bonded connection with the tube closure. Alternatively or additionally, a form-fit connection between the tube closure and the tube body to be connected thereto can be created during the process, in particular by appropriately shaping the surface of the tube body.

[0066] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a packaging tube that can be produced or is produced by the method as described above.

[0067] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a device for carrying out the method for producing a tube closure and / or a packaging tube with a tube closure as described above, comprising a forming tool for a compression molding process, comprising at least a first mold part and a second mold part movable relative thereto.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the forming tool comprises a first mold part and a second mold part movable relative to it in an axial direction of the packaging tube closure and / or the packaging tube to be formed. The second mold part is preferably designed as a multi-part mold part. To avoid repetition, reference is made in this regard to the above explanations regarding the method for producing the packaging tube closure.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, an inner contour section of the forming tool designed to form the hinge of a packaging tube closure, in particular providing a taper in the cavity of the forming tool, extends substantially in a plane and / or in an extension direction which runs and / or is arranged in an axial direction of the resulting packaging tube closure.

[0070] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention are described below by way of example with reference to the schematic drawings. These show:

[0071] Fig. 1 : a perspective side view of a packaging tube closure according to the invention, produced by the method according to the invention

[0072] Fig. 2a, b: schematic sectional views of the packaging tube closure according to Fig. 1;

[0073] Fig. 2c a partial view of the packaging tube closure according to Fig. 2b (section A);

[0074] Fig. 2c is a partial view of the packaging tube closure according to Fig. 2b (section B); Fig. 3a, b is a schematic sectional view of a forming tool for carrying out the method according to the invention; and

[0075] Fig. 4a-c schematic sectional views of further preferred embodiments of the forming tool for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0076] The illustrations are schematic and simplified. Identical elements or features are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0077] A preferred embodiment of a packaging tube closure 1 according to the invention and of the packaging tube 20 according to the invention, preferably manufactured using the method according to the invention, are described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 2c. The geometric and structural design of the tube closure 1 and the packaging tube 20 shown therein are merely schematic and exemplary.

[0078] The tube closure 1 comprises a cap element 2 with a shoulder region 3 and a lid element 4 movable relative to it via a hinge 5. The tube closure 1 comprising or consisting of the aforementioned components is preferably formed in one piece.

[0079] The cap element 2 is preferably designed as a round or oval element and comprises a preferably flat end-side closure or head region 2a and an outlet opening 6 formed therein. The head region 2a serves as the end tube closure when the tube closure 1 is connected to a tube body 10. The hinge 5 of the packaging tube closure 1 is arranged such that it extends from the cap element 2 in a side of the closure or head region 2a of the cap element 2 facing away from the opposite shoulder region 3 of the cap element. Advantageously, the hinge 5 can extend from an outer surface 41 of the end-side closure or head region 2a in the axial direction Z. The lid element 4 attached to the hinge 5 thus also extends correspondingly from a side of the closure or head region 2a opposite the shoulder region 3.

[0080] Furthermore, the hinge 5 is preferably arranged on the cap element 2 such that it extends—as seen in axial plan view along the Z axis—from a section or region 43 of the end or head region 2a of the cap element 2, which section or region is offset radially inward relative to an outer peripheral contour 42. The region 43 is preferably arranged completely spaced from the outer peripheral contour 42 or an edge region of the end or head region 2a, i.e., the hinge 5 preferably does not extend into the edge region 42.

[0081] The shoulder region 3 is formed integrally or in one piece with the cap element 2 and extends to a side of the tube closure 1 facing away from the head region 2a. The shoulder region 3 preferably forms a region with a diameter that increases in its direction of extension to provide a tube shoulder 3a in a manner known per se. The shoulder region 3 further preferably comprises, at the end, a shoulder collar section 3b that is preferably at least partially shaped like a cylindrical section, which preferably extends at least partially in or parallel to the axial direction Z of the tube closure 1 and is designed for arrangement or connection to a tube body 10. The cover element 4 comprises a closure element 7 that preferably extends perpendicular to a direction of extension of the cover element 4, preferably in the form of a protruding plug, more preferably in the form of a protruding cylinder or tube section.A lateral surface 7a of the closure element 7 is preferably designed such that it has a sealing function when closing the outlet opening 6.

[0082] In the open position of the lid element 4, in which the tube closure 1 is preferably also manufactured, the lid element 4 preferably extends in the direction of extension R, which runs in the axial direction Z of the tube closure 1 or parallel thereto.

[0083] Figs. 2a to 2d show various sectional views of the packaging tube closure 1 and the packaging tube 20 according to the invention comprising the tube closure 1. In particular, the latter is formed by connecting a tube body 10 to the tube closure 1. Both the packaging tube closure 1 and the packaging tube 20 comprising the tube closure 1 can be produced using the method according to the invention, as will be described later with reference to Figs. 3a, b.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 2c, the packaging tube 20 comprises a tube body 10. This can be formed in a manner known per se from a single material, for example formed from an extruded plastic tube or a material composite, in particular a laminate comprising several material layers. The tube body 10 comprises a diameter adapted to the shoulder collar section 3b for attachment to the tube closure 1. The tube body 10 further advantageously comprises an end-side connecting section 10a, which is designed to bear against and connect to the tube closure 1, in particular to / with the shoulder collar section 3b, and is preferably connected to the tube closure 1 during the method according to the invention, more advantageously in a single method step together with the production of the tube closure 1.

[0085] In Fig. 2c, a thickness variation in the Z direction of the tube closure 1 is shown by means of a dashed line M. As will be described later, the thickness or material strength of the tube closure components can be adjusted or varied in the Z direction, particularly depending on the amount of material introduced and / or applied to form the component.

[0086] Fig. 2d shows a detailed sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the hinge 5 and the adjoining lid element 4. According to the invention, the hinge 5 is formed by a shaped material web of the finished tube closure 1, which, in particular starting from the cap element 2, preferably extends in an extension direction R that runs or is arranged in the axial direction Z of the packaging tube closure 1. The hinge 5 is here at least partially formed as a substantially linearly extending material web. Further advantageously, the hinge 5 lies in a hinge plane E running in the direction of the axial direction Z or arranged parallel thereto.

[0087] The packaging tube closure 1 further advantageously comprises a recess K extending in the axial direction Z, which is arranged between the lid element 4 and the cap element 2 and directly borders a material taper forming the hinge 5. The recess K is preferably arranged in the axial direction Z or vertically and is free of undercuts. The material web 5 forming the hinge preferably has a thickness or material thickness t which is 10 to 50%, more preferably 10 to 40%, further preferably 10 to 30% of the thickness or material thickness of the adjoining components of the lid element 4 and / or cap element 2.

[0088] A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is described below with reference to Figs. 3a and 3b, which merely schematically show two possible embodiments of a forming tool for carrying out the method. In particular, the manufacturing method for tube production is described. This is also suitable for producing the tube closure (alone), although, in contrast to tube production, no tube body 10 is added to the material mass to be formed.

[0089] A device 30 suitable for carrying out the method comprises a molding tool suitable for performing a compression molding process. This comprises at least a first mold part A and a second mold part B that are movable relative thereto, forming a cavity C therebetween.

[0090] The mold parts A, B are arranged so as to be movable relative to one another and can be brought into at least one open position and one closed position. The mold parts A, B can in this case be at least partially designed in several parts. For example, the mold part A advantageously consists of the partial elements A1, A2, A3, which are arranged so as to be movable relative to one another. The parts A2, A3 can be slide elements, in particular for providing or for forming individual contour regions of the tube closure 1. The mold part B can be designed in one piece. Alternatively, the mold part B can have at least one first, preferably continuous mold block B1, with a slide element B2 movably mounted therein. The mold part A in this case preferably forms a multi-part matrix. The mold part B preferably forms a mandrel ora male mold around which a tube body 10 is arranged and which is positioned during the process such that at least one connecting section 10a projects into the cavity C, for connecting the tube body 10 to the tube closure 1 to be formed.

[0091] The shaping device 30 preferably comprises, in a closed position of the mold parts A, B relative to one another, a first cavity section C1 for forming the cap or closure element 2, a second cavity section C2 for forming the hinge 5, and a third cavity section C3 for forming the cover element 4. The cavity sections C1, C2, C3 are designed as a continuous cavity C, such that a material dose that can be introduced into one or more cavity sections is distributed throughout the entire cavity and thus into the cavity sections C1, C2, C3 when the mold parts A, B are brought together.

[0092] The first cavity section C1 for forming the cap or closure element 2 is formed by corresponding first surface regions 44a, 44b of the first and second mold parts A, B. The first cavity section C1 is advantageously located between the first and second mold parts A, B, more preferably extending substantially horizontally or orthogonally to an approach direction of the first and second mold parts A, B. Advantageously, the first mold part B comprises a first surface region 44a for forming a first or lower side of the first cavity section C1 for the cap or closure element 2 and the second mold part A comprises a first surface region 44b for forming a second or upper side of the first cavity section C1 for the cap or closure element 2. The second cavity section C2 for forming the hinge 5 is preferably formed or arranged exclusively within the second mold part A.In particular, the second cavity section C2 is arranged between at least two elements A1, A3 of the second mold part A, which are movable relative to one another and which, in the closed position of the molding tool, as shown in Fig. 3a, 3b, are arranged adjacent to one another to form the second cavity section C2. The second mold part A comprises a, in particular second and third, surface region or inner contour section 45a, 45b for forming opposite sides of the second cavity section C2 for the hinge 5. These provide, in particular, a taper in the cavity C of the molding tool. The opposite sides of the second cavity section are advantageously formed by two elements A1, A2 of the second mold part, which are movable relative to one another.

[0093] The third cavity section C3 for forming the lid element 4 is preferably formed or arranged exclusively within the second mold part A. In particular, the third cavity section C3 is arranged between at least two elements of the second mold part A1, A3 that are movable relative to one another and that, in the closed position of the forming tool 30, are arranged adjacent to one another to form the third cavity section C3. The second mold part A comprises a, in particular fourth and fifth, surface region 46a, 46b for forming opposite sides of the third cavity section C3 for the lid element 4 of the packaging tube closure to be molded. The opposite sides of the third cavity section 46a, 46b are advantageously formed by two elements A1, A3 of the second mold part A that are movable relative to one another. As shown in Fig.3a, 3b show the second and / or third cavity sections C2, C3, designed for forming the hinge 5 and / or the cover element 4, aligned or arranged in an extension direction E1 in the closed state of the forming tool 30, which differs from a substantial extension direction E2 of the first cavity section C1. For example, the surface region or the inner contour section 45a, 45b is arranged in a plane and / or extends in an extension direction R, which runs and / or is arranged in the axial direction Z of the resulting packaging tube closure.

[0094] In the present case, the extension direction of the respective cavity section is understood to mean an essential extension direction or an extension direction of an essential part of the respective cavity section, ie a core or main body of the respective cavity section, in particular without side arms and / or recesses or the like extending therefrom.

[0095] To form a component, a dose of material is applied and / or introduced into the cavity C and the mold parts A, B are moved towards one another, wherein the cavity formed between the mold parts is shaped such that the applied and / or introduced dose of material assumes the desired shape of the resulting component, in particular the tube closure 1 according to the invention. In the closed final position, solidification takes place followed by subsequent removal of the finished component. By adjusting the amount of the applied and / or introduced dose of material, a thickness variation of the resulting component can be achieved, as also shown, for example, in connection with Fig. 2c. The dose of material is applied or applied in the form of a preform (not shown), for example made of heated or warmed plastic, as described above, preferably in a ring geometry or a donut geometry.

[0096] A possible sequence of movements of the molding tool device shown in Fig. 3a, b can be carried out as follows during the production of the packaging tube 20 according to the invention:

[0097] The molded parts A1-A3 are initially in the pressing position (as shown). The molded parts A and B are then moved vertically toward each other, so that an intermediate cavity C is closed and preferably simultaneously filled with a dose of material. The molded part B2 (Fig. 3b) can deflect in the area of ​​the outlet opening 6 to form the thickness. The molded component is then cooled.

[0098] The molded part A2 can then be retracted so that the molded part A3 can be moved. The molded part A3 can then be pushed to the left in the drawing direction. The molded part A3 can then be moved vertically together with the molded part A1. The molded part blocks A, B can then be moved into the open position. The molded part B can further preferably be moved horizontally relative to the molded part A. The finished, molded packaging tube 20 can then be pulled upwards.

[0099] Subsequently or simultaneously, another male mold B, equipped with a tube 10, can be positioned under the molded part or molded part block A. Subsequently or simultaneously, the molded parts A2, A3 can be returned to the position shown. The molded part A3 can optionally be designed to be spring-loaded. This eliminates the need for the movable molded part or slide element B2 (see Fig. 3b).

[0100] The depicted forming tool is merely an example and may also be oriented differently. In particular, forming tools are also known that are "upside down" compared to the above design.

[0101] Figs. 4a-4c illustrate further preferred embodiments of the forming tool 30 and the tube closure 1 according to the invention that can be produced thereby. The illustrated configuration of the molded parts A, B is merely schematic and exemplary. Thus, in particular, the molded part A, in addition to the illustrated elements A1, A2, A3, A4, can comprise further elements (not shown in detail) for providing the desired shape of the tube closure, and in particular for providing the projections and / or recesses shown only schematically in the figures.

[0102] As already explained above with reference to Figs. 3a, 3b, the forming tool comprises a first mold part B and a second mold part A movable relative to it along an axial movement direction Z.

[0103] As shown in Fig. 4a, 4b, the forming tool 30 can be designed such that the cover element 4 to be formed is arranged in a central position or in a section 43 which is offset radially inwardly with respect to an outer circumferential contour 42 (see also Fig. 1).

[0104] As shown in Fig. 4c, the forming tool 30 can also be designed such that the cover element 4 to be formed is arranged in the region of an outer peripheral contour 42, but preferably not in the outer shoulder region 3a, 3b. Preferably, the hinge 5 and thus also the cover element 4 extend from a side of the end or head region 2a of the cap element opposite the shoulder region 3 of the cap element 2.

[0105] The second and third cavity sections C2, C3 are advantageously arranged in an extension direction E1 that deviates from an extension direction E2 of the first cavity section C1. The second and third cavity sections C2, C3 can extend or be arranged within an angle α of preferably 0° to 90°, more advantageously from 0° to 70°, more advantageously from 0° to 50°, more advantageously from 0° to 45°, more advantageously from 0° to 30°, relative to the advancing direction of the first and second molded parts A, B or relative to the axial direction Z of the packaging tube closure 1 to be molded.

[0106] Further advantageously, the extension direction E1 of the second and / or third cavity section C2, C3 is arranged at an angle ß of 0° to 90°, preferably of 20 to 90°, further preferably of 40 to 90°, further preferably of 45 to 90°, relative to the extension direction E2 of the first cavity section C1.

[0107] List of reference symbols

[0108] 1 tube cap

[0109] 2 cap element

[0110] 2a Head area

[0111] 3 Shoulder area

[0112] 3a Tube shoulder

[0113] 3b Shoulder band section

[0114] 4 cover element

[0115] 5 Hinge

[0116] 6 Outlet opening

[0117] 7 locking element

[0118] 7a Shell surface closure

[0119] 10 tube bodies

[0120] 10a connecting section

[0121] 20 packaging tubes

[0122] 30 forming device

[0123] 41 outer surface cap element

[0124] 42 Circumferential contour

[0125] 43 radially inner section of the end area 2a

[0126] 44a, 44b first surface regions of first and second molded parts

[0127] 45a, 45b second and third surface region of the second molded part

[0128] 46a, 46b fourth and fifth surface region of the second molded part

[0129] C1, C2, C3 cavity sections

[0130] Z axial direction

[0131] R Extension direction of lids, hinge

[0132] E Hinge plane

[0133] E1 Extension direction of cavity sections C2,C3

[0134] E2 Extension direction Cavity section C1 K Recess t Material thickness

[0135] A,B molded parts

[0136] C Cavity

Claims

Claims 1 . A method for producing a packaging tube closure comprising a cap element (2) with a shoulder region (3) and a lid element (4) movable relative thereto via a hinge (5), which are formed in one piece, comprising the steps: - Providing a forming tool (30) for a compression molding process, preferably comprising a first and a second molded part (A, B), - Applying and / or introducing a dose of material into a first mold part of the molding tool, - forming the packaging tube closure (1) by bringing a second mold part (A) of the molding tool towards the first mold part (B) in such a way that the material dose is distributed in a cavity formed between the mold parts, in particular for the integral formation of the cap element (2), hinge (5) and lid element (4), and - Solidification and preferably subsequent removal of the formed packaging tube closure (1 ).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein by varying a volume of the applied and / or introduced material dose, only a thickness of the cap element (2) of the packaging tube closure in an axial direction (Z) of the tube closure (1) can be varied, while maintaining a predefined constant thickness of the hinge (5) and the lid element (4).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the forming tool (30) has a first cavity section (C1) for forming the cap element (2), a second cavity section (C2) for forming the hinge (5) and a third cavity section (C3) for forming the cover element (4), wherein the second and / or third cavity section (C2, C3) are arranged lying in an extension direction (E1) which differs from an extension direction (E2) of the first cavity section (C1).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein an extension direction (E1) of the second and / or third cavity section (C2, C3) is arranged at an angle ß of 0° to 90°, preferably of 20 to 90°, more preferably of 40 to 90°, more preferably of 45 to 90°, relative to an extension direction (E2) of the first cavity section (C1).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaping tool (30) is designed such that a first cavity section (C1) designed for shaping the cap element (2) is arranged between the first and second mold parts (A, B), and a second and / or third cavity section (C2, C3) designed for shaping the hinge (5) and / or the cover element (4) is arranged exclusively within the second mold part (A), in particular between elements (A1, A2, A3, A4) of the second mold part (A) that are movable relative to one another.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaping tool is designed such that an inner contour section (45a, 45b) of the shaping tool designed to shape the hinge (5), in particular providing a taper in the cavity (C), extends substantially in a plane and / or in an extension direction (R) which runs and / or is arranged in the axial direction (Z) of the packaging tube closure (1).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge (5) is formed exclusively by means of a second, in particular upper, mold part (A) of the molding tool.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaping tool (30) is designed such that the hinge (5) extends from the cap element (2) from a side of an end or head region (2a) of the cap element (2) facing away from the opposite shoulder region (3) of the cap element (2).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaping tool (30) is designed such that the hinge (5) extends from a section (43) of the cap element (2) which is offset radially inwards relative to an outer circumferential contour (42) of the cap element (2), in particular an end or head region (2a) of the cap element (2).

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a molded part (A), in particular the second molded part, is designed in several parts, preferably comprising movable elements (A1, A2, A3, A4), in particular with sliding elements for providing undercuts and / or openings during the compression molding process, and / or wherein a further molded part (B), in particular the first molded part, is designed as a one-piece molded part, which is preferably free of movable parts. 11 .Packaging tube closure for a packaging tube (20) comprising a cap element (2) with a shoulder area (3) and a cover element (4) which is movable thereto via a hinge (5) and formed in one piece therewith, preferably producible or produced using a method according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hinge (5) extends from the cap element (2) from a side of the cap element (2) opposite the shoulder region (3) of the cap element (2), in particular an end or head region (2a) of the cap element (2).

12. Packaging tube closure according to claim 11, wherein the lid element (4) is designed to selectively close an outlet opening (6) of the cap element (2).

13. Packaging tube closure according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein a material web forming the hinge (5) has a thickness or material thickness (t) which is 10 to 50%, more preferably 10 to 40%, further preferably 10 to 30% of the thickness or material thickness of the adjoining components of the cover element (4) and / or cap element (2).

14. A method for producing a packaging tube (20) with a packaging tube closure (1) consisting of a cap element (3) with a shoulder region (3) and a lid element (4) movable relative to it via a hinge (5), preferably comprising the method steps according to one of claims 1 to 10, and comprising the further step of providing a tube body (10) for connection to the packaging tube closure (1), preferably in such a way that at least a section (10a) of the tube body (10) projects into the cavity (C) of the shaping tool, wherein the tube body (10) is connected to the packaging tube closure (1) during the shaping of the latter, preferably in one method step.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the provided shaping tool has an additional shaped part (B) which is designed as a single-part or multi-part mandrel, wherein preferably the further shaped parts (A1, A2, A3, A4) of the shaping tool are designed as a movable, preferably multi-part die, and wherein before the respective shaped parts are brought together to form the packaging tube closure (1) and the tube body (10) connected thereto, a tube tube or a material section forming this is guided over the mandrel, preferably in such a way that a section, in particular an edge section (10a) of the tube body (10) projects into the cavity (C) for connection to the packaging tube closure (1) during the shaping when the shaped parts are pressed together.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein by varying a volume of the applied and / or introduced material dose, a variation in the thickness of the shoulder region (3) of the cap element in an axial direction (Z) of the tube closure (1) takes place, while maintaining a predefined constant thickness of the hinge (5) and the lid element (4) of the packaging tube closure (1).

17. Packaging tube (20) producible or produced by the method according to one of claims 14 to 16.

18. Device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or 14 to 16, comprising a forming tool (30) for a compression molding process, comprising at least a first and a second mold part (A, B) movable relative thereto, wherein the shaping tool (30) has a first cavity section (C1) for forming the cap element (2), a second cavity section (C2) for forming the hinge (5) and a third cavity section (C3) for forming the cover element (4), and wherein a first cavity section (C1) designed for shaping the cap element (2) is arranged between the first and second mold parts (A, B), and a second and / or third cavity section (C2, C3) designed for shaping the hinge (5) and / or the cover element (4) is arranged exclusively within the second mold part (A), in particular between elements (A1, A2, A3, A4) of the second mold part (A) that are movable relative to one another.

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