Mixing/closure device for a container and method for dispensing a medium from a closure device

Abstract

A closure device for a container, having a lid element for closing the container opening, a chamber which is arranged on the lid element for storing a medium, and an inner housing. The chamber and the inner housing have corresponding closure means and opening means. A discharge opening paired with the chamber can be released by moving the lid element relative to the inner housing such that a medium can exit the chamber into the container. The chamber and the inner housing each have a corresponding first thread which is formed relative to a winding rotational axis. The first winding which is located on the chamber is arranged so as to point radially outwards when seen from the winding rotational axis.

Claims

1. A closure device (1) for a container (2), in particular a glass container, wherein the closure device (1) has a lid element (4) for closing a container opening (3), the lid element being arranged on a chamber (6) and an inner housing (5), wherein the chamber (6) and the inner housing (5) have corresponding closing means (7) and opening means (9), which interact with one another so that a discharge opening (8) within the chamber (6) can be released by a movement of the lid element (4) relative to the inner housing (5), so that a medium stored in the chamber (6) can exit into the container (2), and the chamber (6) and the inner housing (5) each have a corresponding first thread (10, 10) which is formed relative to a thread axis of rotation (19), wherein the first thread (10) on the chamber (6) is arranged so as to point radially outwards when viewed from the thread axis of rotation (19) wherein a second thread (12) for connection to the container (2) is formed on the lid element (4), wherein the lid element (4) is a plastic part and comprises the second thread (12) or the lid element (4) is an aluminium element and comprises a moulded-on second thread (12), and wherein the second thread (12) of the lid element (4) and the container (2) are separable from one another, while the first threads (10) of the chamber (6) and the inner housing (5) are located in an end position in which said first threads cannot twist further with respect to one another.

2. The closure device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lid element (4) is an aluminium element which can be rolled onto the container (2) for forming the second thread (12), wherein the second thread (12) formed on the lid element (4) corresponds to a second thread (12) of the container (2).

3. The closure device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the inner housing (5) on the side facing away from the first thread (10) has a press seal (11) for bearing against the container (2) in the region of the container opening (3).

4. The closure device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the chamber (6) is welded onto the lid element (4).

5. The closure device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lid element (4) is a plastic element which has the second thread (12), said second thread (12) corresponding to a second thread (12) of the container (2).

6. The closure device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the chamber (6) has an opening (13) with a collar-shaped chamfered edge region (14), wherein a film element (15) for closing the opening (13) is welded on the edge region (14), and wherein the film element (15) is connected to the lid element (4).

7. The closure device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the discharge opening (8) is provided with the closing means (7) which can be opened by means of the opening means (9) arranged on the inner housing (5).

8. A container (2) having a closure device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the container has a second thread (12) in the region of the container opening (3), which is connected in a positively corresponding manner to the second thread (12) of the lid element (4).

9. A method for dispensing a medium from a closure device (1) into a container (2), in particular from a closure device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the closure device (1) has a lid element (4) for closing a container opening (3), the lid element being arranged on a chamber 6 and an inner housing (5), wherein closing means (7) and opening means (9) assigned to the chamber (6) and the inner housing (5) interact with one another during a movement of the lid element (4) relative to the inner housing (5) so that a discharge opening (8) assigned to the chamber (6) is released, so that a medium stored in the chamber (6) exits into the container (2), wherein further during the movement of the lid element (4) the chamber (6) and the inner housing (5) are moved towards one another by means of a corresponding first thread (10) formed on the chamber (6) and inner housing (5), wherein the chamber is moved by means of a radially outwardly pointing first thread (10) when viewed from a thread axis of rotation (18) of the closure device (1), wherein in order to implement a discharge position the lid element (4) and the container (2) are moved away from one another in order to bring about a longitudinal movement between the lid element (4) and the container (2), corresponding second threads (12, 12) formed on the lid element (4) and the container (2) are rotated with respect to one another.

Description

(1) The invention is explained in detail hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments. In the figures:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a closure device according to the invention with an aluminium lid element before rolling onto a container;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a closure device according to the invention with aluminium lid element rolled onto the container in the closed position;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a closure device according to the invention with plastic lid element in the closed position;

(5) FIG. 4 shows the closure device according to FIG. 2 in the discharge position;

(6) FIG. 5 shows the closure device according to FIG. 2 during unscrewing from a container;

(7) FIG. 6 shows the closure device according to FIG. 2 completely separated from the container;

(8) FIG. 7 shows a diagram according to FIG. 1 where however the chamber 6 extends beyond an upper end face of the container 2, in this respect a first embodiment;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a diagram according to FIG. 7, where the [the chamber] extending over the upper end face of the container 2 is further modified.

(10) FIG. 1 shows a closure device 1 according to a first embodiment with an aluminium lid element 4 before rolling onto a container 2. The lid element 4 has no thread in relation to an outer wall to be applied to a container 2.

(11) FIG. 2 shows the closure device 1 according to FIG. 1 after rolling onto a container 2. The closure device 1 is completely pre-assembled and screwed on a container 2 so that a container opening 3 of the container 2 is closed #. In this state the container 2 can be stored for a fairly long time without the contents of the container 2 being able to escape. As a result of the rolling onto the container 2, a second thread 12 is formed on the lid element 4 which corresponds to a second thread 12 of the container 2.

(12) The closure device 1 comprise a lid element 4, a chamber 6 arranged on the lid element 4 as well as an inner housing 5. In the embodiment shown the lid element 4 is an aluminium lid. The lid element 4 is welded onto the chamber 6. The chamber 6 can, for example, be formed of a plastic such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). In order to be able to weld the chamber 6 to the lid element 4 made of aluminium, an aluminium with a lacquer for PBT is recommended for the lid element 4. The chamber 6 has an opening 13 in its region directed in the direction of the lid element 4, which can be used before covering with the lid element 4 in order to mount further elements of the closure device 1. These elements for example comprise closure means 7 and opening means 9 for closure or opening of a discharge opening 8 located in the chamber 6. The discharge opening 8 is advantageously directed away from the lid element 4 (downwards in relation to the closure device 1 shown in FIG. 2).

(13) The chamber 6 has a collar-shaped chamfered edge region 14 in the region of the opening 13. The lid element 4 can be welded onto this edge region 14.

(14) The chamber 6 is connected to the inner housing 5 by means of a corresponding first thread 10, 10. In this case, the first thread formed on the chamber 6 is arranged on the chamber so that it points radially outwards when viewed from a thread axis of rotation 18 of the closure device. This means that the first thread 10 is formed radially outside to the chamber 6 and inside the inner housing 5 in relation to a vertical projection in the direction of the thread axis of rotation 18. The inner housing 5 has a corresponding thread 10. The thread 10 points radially inwards. The inner housing 5 is pressed into the container 2 in the region of the container opening 13 by means of a rotation preventing element configured here as press seal 11. The lid element 4 and the container 2 furthermore have corresponding second threads 12, 12 by means of which the lid element 4 is connected to the container 2.

(15) Furthermore, in a cross-section transverse to the thread axis of rotation 18 the chamber 6 has the flange-like radially outwardly projecting edge region 14 wherein the first thread 10 is formed radially inside in relation to an outer edge of the edge region 14.

(16) The manufacture of the aforesaid closure device 1 and its arrangement on the container 2 is accomplished such that firstly the chamber 6 is fitted with the closure means 7 or opening means 9 which respectively close or open the discharge opening 8 of the chamber 6. In the example shown, closure means 7 and opening means 9 are configured as a stopper element formed in one piece, which is inserted into the opening or closure means of the chamber 6, here given by the discharge opening 8 of the chamber 6. The sub-region pointing in the direction of the lid element 4, i.e. the closure means 7 is formed so that according to the position inside the discharge opening 8 it either closes this discharge opening 8 or releases a discharge channel 16 through which the medium located in the chamber 6 can flow out into the container 2. The opening means 9 which is directed away from the lid element 4 has a discharge channel 16 through which the medium can flow into the container 2. The opening means 9 is connected to the inner housing 5. In the example shown here, an edge region formed on the opening means 9 is over-moulded by the material of the inner housing 5. Alternatively however, this could also involve a press fit.

(17) After preparation of the chamber 6 has been completed, this is connected to the lid element 4, whereby at the same time the opening 13 of the chamber 6 is closed. In this case, the chamfered edge region 14 of the chamber 6 is welded to the lid element 4. In this state, the lid element 4 still comprises a blank which still has no second thread 12 for connection to the container 2. In a following step the inner housing 5 is let into the container 2 via the container opening 3. In this case, the inner housing 5 is pressed into the container opening 3 together with a press seal 11 arranged on the inner housing 5. Finally the chamber 6 with the lid element 4 arranged thereon is introduced into the inner housing 5, wherein chamber 6 and inner housing 5 are screwed together by means of the corresponding first thread 10, 10. During this screw movement at the same time the lid element 4 is rolled onto the second thread 12 of the container 2, whereby a second thread 12 is also formed in the lid element 4.

(18) Alternatively to the previously depicted method of manufacture, the welding of chamber 6 and lid element 4 can be accomplished only when the lid element 4 is screwed to the container 2.

(19) For the connection of chamber 6 and lid element 4 it can additionally be advantageous to form the chamfered edge region 14 in relation to its radial dimension so that this projects over the surface of the container 2 so that a projection 17 is obtained in the region of the container opening 3. During rolling of the lid element 4 onto the container 2, the material of the lid element 4 lays over his projection 17 so that the connection is additionally strengthened by this means.

(20) FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a closure device 1 according to the invention. The lid element 4 of this closure device 1 preferably consists of a plastic, for example, PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene). The fundamental structure of the closure device 1 is similar to that shown in FIG. 1. However, since the lid element 4 does not consist of aluminium but rather of a plastic, it is not possible to roll the lid element 4 onto the container 2.

(21) According to FIG. 3, the chamber 6 is closed in the region of its opening 13 with a film element 15. This film element 15 is advantageously an aluminium film but can however also consist of a plastic material, for example EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer), PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or similar. In the event that the film element 15 consists of aluminium, this is preferably coated on the side pointing in the direction of the chamber 6 with a varnish for the material of the chamber 6, in particular PBT. On the opposite side of the film element 15 pointing in the direction of the lid element 4, a lacquer is advantageously applied which is suitable for connection to the lid element 4. If the lid element 4 consists of PP for example, a lacquer for PP is recommended. In a following process step the film element 15 is welded onto the chamber 6 or the lid element 4. The welding can either be accomplished in a joint process step or in consecutive steps, wherein the film element 15 is, for example, firstly welded onto the chamber 6 and only onto the lid element 4 in a following step.

(22) In addition, the closure device 1 according to FIG. 3 already has a second thread 12 formed on the lid element 4 for connection to the container 2.

(23) The closure devices 1 according to FIGS. 2 and 3 are shown in a closure position. In this case, the container 2 is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the closure device 1, i.e. the closure means 7 are located inside the discharge opening 8 of the chamber 6 so that the medium stored in the chamber 6 cannot flow through the discharge chamber 16 but on the contrary is enclosed in the chamber 6.

(24) The medium enclosed in the chamber 6 is preferably under pressure. For this purpose in the closed state in the case of a liquid medium, a pressurized gas chamber can be formed above a liquid level.

(25) In order to now discharge the medium stored in the chamber 6 into the container 2, it is necessary to bring the closure device 1 into a discharge position. The steps to be undertaken for this are explained in detail in the following.

(26) FIG. 4 shows for example the closure device 1 according to FIG. 2 in a discharge position. Although the discharge position is shown here in relation to FIG. 2, this can be designed precisely as a closure device 1 according to FIG. 3. The closure device 1 according to FIG. 4 therefore only serves as an exemplary embodiment for the discharge position and is in no way restrictive.

(27) As shown in FIG. 4, the lid element 4 and the container 2 should be removed from one another to implement a discharge position. As a result of this longitudinal displacement of lid element 4 and container 2, the chamber 6 arranged on the lid element 4 and the inner housing 5 arranged on the container 2 are displaced with respect to one another at the same time. Since the closure means 7 or the opening means 9 are arranged on the inner housing 5, as a result of the displacement of the chamber 6 relative to the inner housing 5, a displacement of the closure means 7 or the opening means 9 inside the closure and opening means of the chamber 6, here the discharge opening 8 takes place simultaneously. This results in the release of the discharge opening 8 so that the medium stored inside the chamber 6 can flow through the discharge opening 8 and the discharge channel 16 formed inside the opening means 9 into the container 2.

(28) In order to bring about a longitudinal movement between the lid element 4 and the container 2, the corresponding second threads 12, 12 formed on the lid element 4 and the container 2 are rotated with respect to one another. This rotation simultaneously results in a rotation of the chamber 6 inside the inner housing 5. This rotation is made possible by the first threads 10, 10 formed on chamber 6 and inner housing 5. Since the inner housing 5 is firmly pressed in the container 2 by means of the press seal 11, during unscrewing of the lid element 4 from the container 2 or rotation of the chamber 6 inside the inner housing 5 the inner housing 5 is connected to the container 2 in a torque-proof manner. Only when the first thread 10 of the chamber 6 has reached an end region of the first thread 10 of the inner housing 5, does this result in a locking of the corresponding first threads 10, 10 with the result that during a further unscrewing of the lid element 4 from the container 2 with the release of the chamber 6 fastened to the lid element 4 from the container 2, the inner housing 5 is simultaneously released from the container 2. In this case, the press seal arranged on the inner housing 5 is also released from the container 2. The pressing force of the press seal 11 inside the container is overcome.

(29) During the unscrewing process the chamber 6 is firstly moved relative to the inner housing 5 so that the chamber 6 simultaneously moves past the closure means 7 or opening means 9 connected to the inner housing 5. In this case, a sub-region of the discharge opening 8 is opened between closure means 7 and inner housing 5 so that the medium stored in the chamber 6 can flow through the discharge channel 16 of the opening means 9 into the container 2.

(30) FIG. 5 shows a following position: as raising of the chamber 6 advances, the closure means 7 with its upper end region can enter into a position with respect to the discharge opening 8 in which the discharge opening 8 is closed again so that after-dripping of medium from the chamber 6 is prevented. For this purpose the upper end region of the closure means 7 is usually radially expanded with respect to the adjacent regions of the closure means 7. This position is optional. Finally the second threads 12 of the lid element 4 and the container 2 are separated from one another whilst the first threads 10 of the chamber 6 and the inner housing 5 are located in an end position. In this end position chamber 6 and inner housing 5 can twist further with respect to one another.

(31) FIG. 6 finally shows the closure device 1 completely removed from the container 2. The closure means 7 secures the discharge opening 8 of the chamber 6 against after-dripping of the medium from the chamber 6.

(32) In the embodiment of FIG. 7 the chamber 6 is initially formed in two parts. It is divided into an upper dome part 19 and a lower opening part 20. Above an upper end face 21 of the container 2, the opening part 20 goes over into a connection shoulder 22 whilst expanding conically. The connecting shoulder 22 is connected to a dome part 19 which is clearly depicted in a U shape in the cross-sectional view shown. Overall this is a drop-shaped, preferably rotationally symmetrical part, namely formed rotationally symmetrically with respect to the thread axis of rotation 18. The pot base is at the top in the usage state as depicted and the pot edge points downwards. The opening part 20 on the other hand is substantially tubular. Preferably with a larger and a smaller opening. Further preferably, as also shown in the exemplary embodiment, with a larger opening facing the dome part 19 and a smaller opening forming the underside of the discharge opening 8 which receives the closure means 7 in the closed state.

(33) The conically expanding region is supported by means of one or more struts 23 either directly on a chamber flange 23 gripping over the end face 21 and/or on a flange section 24 of the chamber running substantially perpendicular to the thread axis of rotation 18, which also extends ultimately in overlap to the end face 21, but here by means of the flange section 24.

(34) Thus a substantially larger chamber volume can be achieved.

(35) In the embodiment of FIG. 8, fundamentally the same conditions are given, only with the difference that the opening part 20 directly above the chamber flange 23 and in the usage state shown resting thereon, goes over into an expansion section 25 extending perpendicular to the thread axis of rotation 18. In relation to the transverse sectional view, the connecting section 22 adjoins the expansion section 25 radially on the outside, approximately perpendicular thereto.

REFERENCE LIST

(36) 1 Closure device 2 Container 3 Container opening 4 Lid element 5 Inner housing 6 Chamber 7 Closure means 8 Discharge opening 9 Opening means 10 First thread 10 Second thread 11 Press seal 12 Second thread 12 Second thread 13 Opening 14 Edge region 15 Film element 16 Discharge channel 17 Projection 18 Thread axis of rotation 19 Dome part 20 Opening part 21 End face 22 Connecting section 23 Chamber flange 24 Flange section 25 Expansion section