EP4385912A1 - Closure with bridge break accelerator - Google Patents

Abstract

Closure device (1) for a container, wherein the closure device (1) comprises a base element (2), wherein the base element (2) has a pouring channel extending along a closure axis (50) with an inlet opening (11) and a pouring opening (14), wherein the closure device (1) has a closure device (3), wherein the closure device (3) comprises a closure cap (4), wherein the closure cap (4) has a cap cover plate (6) and a cap jacket (7) adjoining the cap cover plate (6) on the circumference, wherein the closure cap (4) closes the pouring opening (14) in a closed state of the closure device (1) and releases it in an open state of the closure device (1), wherein the closure cap (4) is mounted on the base element (2) so as to be rotatable about the closure axis (50) relative to the base element (2) in the closed state of the closure device (1), wherein the base element (2) has a first guide means, wherein the closure device (3) has a second Guide means, wherein the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged such that a first opening rotational movement of the closure cap (4) in the opening rotational direction causes a movement of a movement section (30) of the closure device (3) axially in the direction of the inlet opening (11).

Description

The present invention relates to a closure device for a container, wherein the closure device comprises a base element, wherein the base element has a pouring channel extending along a closure axis with an inlet opening and a pouring opening, wherein the closure device has a closure device, wherein the closure device comprises a closure cap, wherein the closure cap has a cap cover plate and a cap jacket adjoining the cap cover plate on the circumference, wherein the closure cap and the base element are designed and arranged in relation to one another in such a way that the closure cap closes the pouring opening in a closed state of the closure device and releases it in an open state of the closure device, wherein the closure cap is mounted on the base element so as to be rotatable about the closure axis relative to the base element in the closed state of the closure device, so that the closure cap can be rotated in an opening direction relative to the base element in order to bring the closure device into the open state. The present invention also relates to a closure device, a base element and a cardboard packaging with a closure device.

In order to indicate to the consumer whether such a closure device has already been opened for the first time, such closure devices often have tearable webs which connect the closure cap to another component of the closure device and which tear when opened for the first time. Such webs are also referred to as bridges or easily tearable bridges. The webs usually extend parallel to the closure axis, so that an axial tensile force can cause the webs to tear. Such an axial tensile force is achieved in the known closures by the closure cap lifting off when the closure is unscrewed, so that the webs are pulled in the direction of the pouring opening (upwards), with the webs simultaneously being axially fixed at their end facing the inlet opening or restricted in their axial freedom of movement. In order to enable the axial movement of the closure cap required for this, the known closure devices have a thread. Depending on the pitch angle of the thread, a corresponding angle of rotation is therefore required by which the closure cap must be turned until the tensile force required to tear the webs has built up.

It has been shown that this angle of rotation is often so large in known closure devices that a consumer is confused about whether the closure is functioning properly when unscrewing the closure for the first time. In addition, it is particularly important for aseptic closure devices that the bar breaks before a cutting device, which is also driven by the rotation of the closure cap, cuts into the aseptically sealed container. For a bar to break early, it is crucial that the axial relative movement between the two components of the closure, which are initially connected to one another by the bar, is sufficiently large within a not too large angle of rotation range to cause the bar to break.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to enable the greatest possible axial relative movement between two components of a closure within the smallest possible rotation angle range.

This object is achieved by a closure device for a container, wherein the closure device comprises a base element, wherein the base element has a pouring channel extending along a closure axis with an inlet opening and a pouring opening, wherein the closure device has a closure device, wherein the closure device comprises a closure cap, wherein the closure cap has a cap cover plate and a cap jacket adjoining the cap cover plate on the circumference, wherein the closure cap and the base element are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that the closure cap closes the pouring opening in a closed state of the closure device and releases it in an open state of the closure device, wherein the closure cap is mounted on the base element so as to be rotatable about the closure axis relative to the base element in the closed state of the closure device, so that the closure cap can be rotated relative to the base element in an opening rotation direction in order to bring the closure device into the open state, wherein the base element has a first guide means, wherein the closure device has a second guide means, wherein the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged in such a way that a first opening rotation movement of the Closing cap in opening direction Movement of a movement section of the closure device axially in the direction of the inlet opening.

The moving section therefore moves in the direction of the inlet opening when the closure device is opened for the first time. The closure cap can either move simultaneously in the opposite axial direction - i.e. in the direction of the pouring opening, upwards - or keep its axial position unchanged during part of the opening rotational movement. This enables the moving section to move axially away from the closure cap during an opening rotational movement, which enables improved tamper-evident protection.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged such that a first opening rotational movement and also each subsequent opening rotational movement of the closure cap in the opening rotational direction causes a movement of a movement section of the closure device axially in the direction of the inlet opening.

According to an alternative embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged such that only the first opening rotational movement of the closure cap in the opening rotational direction causes a movement of a movement section of the closure device axially in the direction of the inlet opening.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the closure device is designed such that the movement section is mounted so as to be rotatable through a circumferential angle of 360 degrees, preferably freely rotatable.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means and the second guide means are at least temporarily in contact with one another during the first opening rotational movement, wherein the first guide means is preferably in contact with the second guide means in the closed state of the closure device and before the first opening rotational movement. Accordingly, the first and second guide means have contact surfaces or edges that are in contact with one another or are brought into contact during an opening rotational movement. This contact can result in a force transfer and the rotational movement of the closure cap can be converted into an at least partial axial translational movement of the movement section.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the base element comprises a retaining ring for engaging with an anchor ring or guarantee ring, wherein the retaining ring preferably comprises the first guide means. Such a retaining ring is also referred to as a pilfer-proof ring. The first guide means can in particular be the retaining ring as such or a running surface of the retaining ring. The first guide means can also have or be a projection which protrudes axially from the sections of the retaining ring adjacent to the projection in the direction of the inlet opening.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means is arranged axially between the axial position of the inlet opening and an upper side of the retaining ring directed axially towards the outlet opening. In this case, the first guide means can in particular be a projection of the retaining ring.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the retaining ring and an anchor ring of the closure device are designed and arranged such that the anchor ring is in engagement with the retaining ring in the open state of the closure device or can be brought into engagement with the retaining ring in order to connect the anchor ring to the base element, even when the closure cap is in an open state. If the retaining ring is the first guide means and has an axially extending projection, the anchor ring can in particular have a corresponding axially recessed recess as a second guide means, so that the projection is arranged within the recess in the closed state of the closure device and before a first opening rotational movement. The retaining ring can thus be used in an advantageous manner to enable the closure cap and anchor ring to move apart axially as quickly as possible when opening for the first time.

A recess is understood to mean in particular a depression or a groove.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the closure device has an authenticity device, wherein the authenticity device provides a first visible or tactile display in a first state and provides a second visible or tactile display that can be distinguished from the first display in a second state, wherein a change from the first to the second state is preferably brought about by the axial movement of the movement section in the direction of the inlet opening. Such an authenticity device can, for example, be a It can be an easily tearable bar that connects an anchor ring to the cap shell, or an easily tearable bar that connects an anchor ring to a removable guarantee ring. Such a tamper-evident device can advantageously indicate to consumers whether a closure has already been opened beforehand or whether an attempt at tampering has taken place.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the closure device comprises a ring element, in particular an anchor ring or a detachable guarantee ring, wherein the closure device comprises at least one easily tearable web, wherein the at least one easily tearable web connects the ring element to the cap jacket or an anchor ring before the first opening rotational movement has taken place.

Removable guarantee rings are a possible distinctive sign of the first opening of a closure. Such ring elements are preferably connected to an anchor ring or the cap shell via several easily tearable webs, so that the webs tear during the first opening rotation and the guarantee ring detaches. The guarantee ring can have the movement section.

But an easily tearable bar that connects an anchor ring to the cap shell is also a good indicator for the first opening of a closure device. An additional removable guarantee ring can then be provided, but does not have to be. In particular, a closure device that does not have an additional guarantee ring can be manufactured in a particularly resource-efficient manner.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged in such a way that a circumferential position of the movement section coincides with a circumferential position of the easily tearable web. This causes the web to tear very quickly during a first opening rotational movement and consequently provides a particularly reliable sign of the authenticity or non-authenticity of the closure device.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged such that the first opening rotational movement of the closure cap in the opening rotational direction causes the movement of the movement section or a part of this movement before the first opening rotational movement causes the easily tearable web to tear.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the at least one easily tearable web is arranged at the same circumferential position as a portion of the first guide means, in particular a projection or a recess of the first guide means.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the at least one easily tearable web is arranged at a maximum distance of 120 degrees from the first guide means, in particular from a projection or a recess in the first guide means. According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the at least one easily tearable web is arranged at a maximum distance of 90 degrees from the first guide means, in particular from a projection or a recess in the first guide means. According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the at least one easily tearable web is arranged at a maximum distance of 60 degrees from the first guide means, in particular from a projection or a recess in the first guide means. These parameter ranges advantageously allow a significant tensile force to act on the tearable web through the first guide means and the first opening rotational movement, causing it to tear.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the closure device comprises a ring element designed as an anchor ring, wherein the closure device comprises a connecting element, wherein the connecting element connects the anchor ring to the closure cap in a tension-resistant manner, wherein the anchor ring is in engagement with the base element both in the closed state and in the open state of the closure device such that the closure cap is also connected to the base element with the connecting element and the anchor ring in the open state. Space- and material-saving solutions are particularly relevant for such connected closures. In particular, the anchor ring can comprise the movement section. Consequently, the present invention provides the possibility of an accelerated axial relative movement between the anchor ring and the closure cap connected to it compared to conventional closure devices.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the closure device comprises a ring element designed as a detachable guarantee ring, wherein the closure device is designed in such a way that the detachable guarantee ring is connected to the cap shell or an anchor ring before the first opening rotational movement and the first opening rotational movement causes a complete detachment of the guarantee ring from the cap casing or the anchor ring. The initial connection between the guarantee ring and the anchor ring can be made via easily tearable webs.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the closure device comprises an anchor ring, wherein the closure device comprises a connecting element, wherein the connecting element connects the anchor ring to the closure cap in a tension-resistant manner, wherein the anchor ring is in engagement with the base element both in the closed state and in the open state of the closure device such that the closure cap is also connected to the base element with the connecting element and the anchor ring in the open state. According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the closure device has, in addition to the anchor ring, a ring element designed as a detachable guarantee ring, wherein the closure device is designed such that the detachable guarantee ring is connected to the anchor ring before the first opening rotational movement and the first opening rotational movement causes the guarantee ring to be completely detached from the anchor ring. The guarantee ring is preferably arranged below the anchor ring.

According to an alternative embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the closure device does not comprise an additional guarantee ring in addition to the anchor ring and the closure cap.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the ring element comprises the movement section, wherein the ring element comprises the second guide means. The ring element can in particular be the anchor ring, which is connected to the closure cap in a tension-resistant manner via a connecting element. Alternatively, the ring element can also be the removable guarantee ring. Regardless of whether and, if so, what other functionality the ring element has, the ring element is moved at least partially axially in the direction of the inlet opening during the first opening rotational movement. This alone can be used as an indication that the closure device has been opened for the first time.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the ring element has at least one radially inwardly alignable tab for axially supporting the ring element on the base element, wherein the tab is pivotably articulated on the ring element, wherein the tab has the second guide means. In particular, the ring element can be connected via a single radially inwardly alignable tab or alternatively via have several tabs spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction and orientable radially inwards. A ring element designed accordingly with one tab or several tabs is also referred to as a flexible band. The flexible band and in particular the tab can thus fulfil a dual function. On the one hand, the tab supports the anchor ring axially on the retaining ring so that the anchor ring is in engagement with the base element. On the other hand, the tab and the second guide means located on it cause an axial relative movement between the anchor ring and the cap casing so that a tearable web that initially connects the anchor ring to the cap casing tears very early on during the first opening rotational movement, i.e. within a small initial rotation angle range.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the second guide means is an axially recessed recess in the tab or an axially protruding projection in the tab. This makes it easy to convert a rotary movement into an axial relative movement.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first and second guide means are threaded sections that correspond to one another. This also allows a rotary movement to be converted into an axial relative movement.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means has an axially protruding projection, wherein the second guide means has an axially recessed recess, wherein the closure device is preferably designed such that the projection is arranged within the recess before the first opening rotational movement of the closure cap is carried out. With such a combination of projection and recess, the movement of the movement section in the direction of the inlet opening can be realized in a particularly material-saving and thus cost-effective manner. The principle of the combination of projection and recess is based on the projection moving out of the recess during the first opening rotational movement and thereby causing an axial force pointing in the direction of the inlet opening on the movement section. During the first opening rotational movement, the projection slides out of the recess, preferably via a guide bevel, and then slides further on a running surface or running edge that projects axially in the direction of the pouring opening relative to the recess, so that when the projection moves out of the recess, an axial relative displacement occurs between the element which the first guide means, and the element which has the second guide means. According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the retaining ring has the first guide means with a projection, wherein the closure device comprises an anchor ring and this has the second guide means with a recess.

According to an alternative embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means has an axially recessed recess, the second guide means having an axially protruding projection, the closure device being designed such that the projection is arranged within the recess before the first opening rotational movement of the closure cap is carried out. According to an embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the retaining ring has the first guide means with a recess, the closure device comprising an anchor ring and this has the second guide means with a projection.

The projection, the recess or both the projection and the recess can have a guide bevel extending in the circumferential direction. The guide bevel can be designed and arranged in such a way that during the first opening rotational movement, a force is transmitted via the guide bevel between the first and second guide means, so that the movement of the movement section is caused axially in the direction of the inlet opening. The guide bevel makes it easier to turn the closure cap while simultaneously transmitting force to the movement section. This prevents the closure cap from getting caught during the opening rotational movement.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the guide bevel comprises a running surface inclined by the angle α with respect to a surface perpendicular to the closure axis, wherein the angle α is greater than zero and less than 90 degrees.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the angle α of the guide bevel is an angle between 10 degrees and 80 degrees. This guarantees that the rotation of the closure cap is at least facilitated when the projection with the guide bevel is initially arranged in a recess of the first guide means.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the angle α of the lead bevel is an angle between 20 degrees and 60 degrees.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the guide bevel extends over a circumferential angle of at least 3 degrees, preferably of at least 5 degrees and particularly preferably of at least 10 degrees.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the second guide means has a further recess in addition to the first recess, the first recess and the second recess being arranged at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction, the closure device being designed such that the projection of the first guide means is arranged within the first recess in the closed state and before a first opening rotational movement, the projection of the first guide means being able to be arranged within the further recess by rotating the closure cap starting from the closed state in which the projection is arranged within the first recess. The projection of the first guide means can preferably be arranged within the further recess by rotating the closure cap by at least 120 degrees starting from the closed state in which the projection is arranged within the first recess. The projection of the first guide means can particularly preferably be arranged within the further recess by rotating the closure cap by at least 170 degrees starting from the closed state in which the projection is arranged within the first recess. Such embodiments allow the consumer using the closure device to be clearly shown two angle of rotation positions of the closure cap. The first angle of rotation position corresponds to the angle of rotation position of the closure cap in the initially closed state, into which the consumer would prefer to bring the closure cap after opening in order to close the pouring opening again. The second angle of rotation position can in particular be selected such that the closure cap can be pivoted relative to the anchor ring or at least removed in this position - while remaining connected to the anchor ring.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged such that the movement section moves axially by at least 0.1 mm in the direction of the inlet opening when the first opening rotational movement of the closure cap takes place in the opening rotational direction. As a result, a sufficiently large axial tensile force can be exerted on easily tearable webs in order to cause them to tear.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged such that the movement section moves axially by at least 0.15 mm in the direction of the entry opening when the first opening rotation of the closure cap occurs in the opening rotation direction. This exerts a sufficiently large axial tensile force on tearable webs to cause them to tear. In addition, a visible free space is generated which can serve as additional tamper-evident security.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged in such a way that the movement section moves axially by at least 0.2 mm in the direction of the entry opening when the first opening rotational movement of the closure cap takes place in the opening rotational direction. This exerts a sufficiently large axial tensile force on tearable webs in order to cause them to tear. In addition, a very clearly visible free space is generated, which can serve as additional tamper-evident security.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged such that the movement section has moved axially in the direction of the inlet opening when the closure cap has been rotated 180 degrees to open it for the first time. This makes it possible for the tearing of easily tearable webs to be accelerated within the 180 degree rotation, so that a sufficiently early indication of tamper-evident nature occurs.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged in such a way that the movement section has moved axially in the direction of the inlet opening when the closure cap has been rotated to open by 90 degrees for the first time. This makes it possible for the tearing of easily tearable webs to be accelerated within the 90 degree rotation, so that an early indication of tamper-evident nature is provided.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged in such a way that the movement section has moved axially in the direction of the inlet opening when the closure cap has been rotated to open by 45 degrees for the first time. This makes it possible for the tearing of easily tearable webs to be accelerated within the 45 degree rotation, so that a particularly early indication of tamper-evident nature is provided.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the base element has an external thread and the closure cap has an internal thread corresponding to the external thread, wherein the thread pitch is greater than zero. The external thread and the internal thread are designed such that they are engaged when the closure cap is in the closed state and are disengaged by the opening rotational movement.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the base element has a guide channel and the closure cap has a bayonet element that can be guided in the guide channel, preferably a projection that projects radially inwards, wherein the guide channel has a first guide channel section, wherein the first guide channel extends exclusively in a plane that is perpendicular to the closure axis, so that the closure cap can be rotated relative to the base element over an angle of rotation without the closure cap being raised axially.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the guide channel additionally has a ramp section adjoining the first guide channel section in the direction of rotation, wherein the ramp section is designed such that guiding the bayonet element along the ramp section causes the closure cap to be raised axially. The ramp section can thus be designed, for example, as a channel or individual web with a gradient greater than zero relative to a plane perpendicular to the closure axis.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the closure device comprises a cutting device arranged at least partially within the pouring channel with a cutting element, wherein the closure device comprises a driver device, wherein the driver device and the cutting device are designed and arranged such that a first rotation of the closure cap in the opening direction of rotation causes a movement of the cutting element from an initial position of the cutting element in a direction pointing from the pouring opening to the inlet opening, so that the cutting element can be moved at least partially through the inlet opening.

In particular, in the case of such so-called aseptic closure devices, early and reliable tearing of tearable webs is desirable in order to indicate whether an initially aseptically sealed container has already been opened for the first time - even if unintentionally. Preferably, the first and second guide means of an aseptic The closure device is therefore designed in such a way that the first opening rotational movement of the closure cap in the opening rotational direction causes a movement section of the closure device to move axially in the direction of the inlet opening before the cutting element first passes through the inlet opening in sections or before the cutting element first cuts into a container.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the base element comprises a pouring spout and a fastening flange extending radially away from the closure axis for fastening the base element to a cardboard packaging. The fastening flange gives the base element greater stability, so that the risk of the first and second guide means becoming unintentionally disengaged is reduced.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the movement section has an axial distance of at least 0.1 mm from the fastening flange before a first opening rotational movement has taken place. The axial distance described here is to be understood in particular as the distance to be measured in the axial direction between a lower edge of the ring element aligned axially towards the inlet opening and a surface of the fastening flange aligned axially towards the outlet opening. The associated axial play is sufficient to enable axial movement of the movement section and at the same time allows a particularly resource-efficient production of the closure device.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the movement section has an axial distance of at least 0.15 mm from the fastening flange before a first opening rotational movement has taken place. The associated axial play is well suited to enabling an axial movement of the movement section and at the same time allows a resource-saving production of the closure device.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the movement section has an axial distance of at least 0.2 mm from the fastening flange before a first opening rotational movement has taken place. The associated axial play is particularly well suited to enabling an axial movement of the movement section.

According to an embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the movement section has an axial distance of maximum 0.8 mm from the fastening flange, before the first opening rotation has taken place. This makes manipulation of the locking device - for example by applying a lever - more difficult.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the movement section has an axial distance of a maximum of 0.6 mm from the fastening flange before a first opening rotational movement has taken place. This secures the closure even more against possible manipulation.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the movement section has an axial distance of a maximum of 0.4 mm from the fastening flange before the first opening rotational movement has taken place. This secures the closure against possible manipulation and guarantees resource-saving production.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the closure device including the closure cap is mounted on the base element in the closed state of the closure device relative to the base element about the closure axis, so that the closure cap can be rotated relative to the base element in an opening direction of rotation in order to bring the closure device into the open state.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the closure cap and the anchor ring are mounted together on the base element in the closed state of the closure device so that they can rotate about the closure axis relative to the base element, so that a rotation of the closure cap causes a co-rotation of the anchor ring and a rotation of the anchor ring causes a co-rotation of the closure cap.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means and the second guide means are disengaged in the closed state of the closure device and before the first opening rotational movement and are designed such that they come into engagement during the first opening rotational movement.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the retaining ring has a circumferentially extending first portion with a first axial thickness and a circumferentially extending second portion with a second axial thickness, wherein the first axial thickness is smaller than the second axial Thickness, wherein according to a first alternative the first portion of the retaining ring comprises or is the first guide means, or according to a second alternative the second portion of the retaining ring comprises or is the first guide means.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means extends over a circumferential angle of a maximum of 90 degrees. It has been shown that this maximum value enables a particularly stable design of the first guide means.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means extends over a circumferential angle of a maximum of 60 degrees. It has been shown that this maximum value enables a very stable design of the first guide means

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means extends over a circumferential angle of a maximum of 40 degrees. It has been shown that this maximum value enables a stable formation of the first guide means.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means extends over a circumferential angle of at least 2 degrees. It has been shown that this minimum value guarantees a minimum degree of rigidity of the first guide means.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means extends over a circumferential angle of at least 5 degrees. It has been shown that this minimum value guarantees a preferred degree of rigidity of the first guide means.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means extends over a circumferential angle of at least 10 degrees. It has been shown that this minimum value guarantees a particularly preferred degree of rigidity of the first guide means.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means extends over a circumferential angle of a maximum of 90 degrees and a minimum of 2 degrees. According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means extends over a circumferential angle of a maximum of 60 degrees and a minimum of 5 degrees. According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the first guide means over a circumferential angle of maximum 40 degrees and minimum 10 degrees.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the second guide means extends over a circumferential angle of a maximum of 90 degrees. It has been shown that this maximum value enables a particularly stable design of the second guide means.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the second guide means extends over a circumferential angle of a maximum of 60 degrees. It has been shown that this maximum value enables a very stable design of the second guide means

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the second guide means extends over a circumferential angle of a maximum of 40 degrees. It has been shown that this maximum value enables a stable design of the second guide means.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the second guide means extends over a circumferential angle of at least 2 degrees. It has been shown that this minimum value guarantees a minimum degree of rigidity of the second guide means.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the second guide means extends over a circumferential angle of at least 5 degrees. It has been shown that this minimum value guarantees a preferred degree of rigidity of the second guide means.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the second guide means extends over a circumferential angle of at least 10 degrees. It has been shown that this minimum value guarantees a particularly preferred degree of rigidity of the second guide means.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the second guide means extends over a circumferential angle of a maximum of 90 degrees and a minimum of 2 degrees. According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the second guide means extends over a circumferential angle of a maximum of 60 degrees and a minimum of 5 degrees. According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the second guide means extends over a circumferential angle of a maximum of 40 degrees and a minimum of 10 degrees.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the closure device is designed such that the movement of the movement section is caused by the gravity of the earth acting on the movement section when the closure device is aligned such that an imaginary infinite extension of the closure axis runs through the center of mass of the earth and the inlet opening is arranged closer to the center of mass of the earth than the pouring opening.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the closure device consists of plastic, preferably at least components of the closure device consist of PE.

According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the ring element has an axial height of 0.5 mm to 6 mm. According to one embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the ring element has an axial height of 1 mm to 5 mm.

The terms "below" and "above" or "bottom" and "top" are to be understood in the context of the present invention in such a way that "below an element" refers to an arrangement on the side of the corresponding element facing the inlet opening and "above an element" refers to an arrangement on the side of the corresponding element facing the cap cover plate - reference is made to the closed state of the closure device.

For the purposes of the present invention, lists of elements are to be understood exclusively as a differentiation of different elements. Therefore, if, for example, a second section is mentioned, this does not mean that there necessarily have to be two separate sections. A second section can therefore also exist without a first section existing - at least as long as there is no explicit mention of a first section.

The present invention also relates to a base element for a closure device, wherein the base element has a pouring channel extending along a closure axis with an inlet opening and a pouring opening, wherein the base element a retaining ring for engaging with an anchor ring or guarantee ring, the retaining ring comprising a first guide means, the first guide means forming an axially projecting projection or an axially recessed recess of the retaining ring.

Features of the base element which have been described in the preceding paragraphs exclusively in connection with a closure device according to the invention also represent optional features of the base element according to the invention.

The present invention also relates to a closure device with a closure cap and a ring element, wherein the closure cap has a cap cover plate and a cap jacket which adjoins the cap cover plate on the circumference, wherein the ring element has at least one radially inwardly alignable tab for axially supporting the ring element on a base element, wherein the tab has a second guide means, wherein the second guide means is an axially recessed recess of the tab or an axially protruding projection of the tab, wherein the tab is preferably pivotably articulated on the ring element.

Features of the closure device which have been described in the preceding paragraphs exclusively in connection with a closure device according to the invention also represent optional features of the closure device according to the invention.

Embodiments of closure devices, closure means or base elements according to the invention are designed such that they can be used for beverage containers, in particular for beverage carton packaging.

The present invention also relates to a cardboard packaging with a closure device according to one of the embodiments described above.

Fig. 1:

eine Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Verschlussvorrichtung, wobei die Verschlussvorrichtung in einem initial geschlossenen Zustand ist,

Fig. 2:

das Basiselement und der innenliegende Abschnitt des Ankerrings der in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausführungsform in einer Seitenansicht, wobei die Verschlussvorrichtung in einem initial geschlossenen Zustand ist,

Fig. 3:

eine Schnittansicht der in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausführungsform, wobei die Verschlussvorrichtung in dem initial geschlossenen Zustand ist,

Fig. 4:

eine Seitenansicht der in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausführungsform, wobei die Verschlussvorrichtung in einem Zustand ist, bei dem die Verschlusskappe um einen ersten Drehwinkel gegenüber dem Basiselement in die Öffnungsdrehrichtung gedreht ist.

Fig. 5:

das Basiselement und der innenliegende Abschnitt des Ankerrings der in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausführungsform in einer Seitenansicht, wobei die Verschlussvorrichtung in dem in Fig. 4 gezeigten Zustand ist.

Fig. 6:

eine Schnittansicht der in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausführungsform, wobei die Verschlussvorrichtung in dem in Fig. 4 gezeigten Zustand ist.

Fig. 7:

Basiselement und Schneideinrichtung der in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 8:

innenliegender Abschnitt des Ankerrings der in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausführungsform.

Further advantages, features and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the figures described below. They show:

Fig.1:

a side view of an embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, wherein the closure device is in an initially closed state,

Fig. 2:

the base element and the inner section of the anchor ring in the Fig.1 shown embodiment in a side view, wherein the closure device is in an initially closed state,

Fig. 3:

a sectional view of the Fig.1 shown embodiment, wherein the closure device is in the initially closed state,

Fig.4:

a side view of the Fig.1 embodiment shown, wherein the closure device is in a state in which the closure cap is rotated by a first angle of rotation relative to the base element in the opening rotation direction.

Fig.5:

the base element and the inner section of the anchor ring in the Fig.1 shown embodiment in a side view, wherein the closure device in the Fig.4 shown condition.

Fig.6:

a sectional view of the Fig.1 shown embodiment, wherein the closure device in the in Fig.4 shown condition.

Fig.7:

Base element and cutting device of the Fig.1 shown embodiment,

Fig.8:

inner section of the anchor ring in the Fig.1 shown embodiment.

The operation of the present invention is explained by the Figures 1 to 8 particularly clearly.

Fig.1 shows a closure device 1 with a connected closure cap 4. The closure cap 4 forms a component of the closure device 3. The closure device 3 also includes the anchor ring 5 and the connecting element 8. The connecting element 8 connects the closure cap 4 to the anchor ring 5 in a tension-resistant manner and is composed of a retaining band 9 and a hinge element 10.

The retaining band 9 is separated axially from the anchor ring 5 by a weakening line or a cut. Fig.1 In the embodiment shown, the separation is achieved by a cut. In the circumferential direction, the retaining band 9 is connected to the anchor ring 5 on both sides. The retaining band 9 is thus axially displaceable relative to the anchor ring 5, which enables a higher axial mobility of the closure cap 4 is enabled when opening and closing the closure device. This allows a consumer to exercise better control over the closure cap 4 when opening and closing.

In order to bring the closure device 1 into an open state in which the pouring opening 14 is exposed, a consumer turns the Fig.1 shown closure cap 4 rotates around the closure axis 50 in the opening rotation direction - in the illustration shown here, from left to right.

As shown by the Figures 2 and 3 As can be seen, the closure cap has an internal thread with a thread pitch greater than zero. The base element 2 has a corresponding external thread 15. During the opening rotational movement, the rotational movement of the closure cap 4 consequently causes the closure cap 4 to be axially lifted off the pouring spout 19 of the base element 2.

The anchor ring 5, however, is engaged with the base element 2 in such a way that it is not lifted axially from the pouring spout 19 together with the closure cap 4, but remains fixed to the base element 2. In the Figures 1 to 8 In the embodiment shown, the anchor ring 5 has for this purpose an outer anchor ring section and an inner anchor ring section, which here is an inner flexible band section 16, so that the inner anchor ring section is hinged and in the form of an elongated tab on the lower edge of the outer anchor ring section and is folded inwards when the closure device 3 is in engagement with a base element 2. Such a band with an outer section and an inner section is referred to as a flexible band.

Such a flexible band can - as in the Figures 1 to 8 shown - fulfill the function of an anchor ring 5. A flexible band can also be used as an alternative for a completely detachable guarantee ring.

The anchor ring 5 is fixed to the base element 2 by the inner flexible band section 16 axially engaging the retaining ring 20 of the base element 2. The retaining ring 20 extends over the entire circumference of the pouring spout 19, thus over 360 degrees of circumferential angle, and is also referred to as a pilfer-proof ring.

Before the first opening rotation, the Figures 1 to 8 shown embodiment is connected to the anchor ring 5 via two tearable webs 23. The two tearable Bridges 23 are in Fig.1 shown in a non-torn state. Alternatively, only a single tearable web 23 can be arranged between the closure cap 4 and the anchor ring 5, or more than two, for example three or four, tearable webs 23 can be provided between the closure cap 4 and the anchor ring 5.

Due to the axial lifting of the closure cap 4 during the opening rotational movement, axially aligned forces act on the tearable webs 23 during this movement, which ultimately cause the webs to tear when the closure cap 4 has reached a sufficient axial distance from the anchor ring 5. In order to cause tearing even at a small angle of rotation of the closure cap, in the embodiment shown here the opening rotational movement not only lifts the closure cap 4, i.e. moves it axially upwards. Rather, the opening rotational movement simultaneously causes a downward movement of the anchor ring 5 axially opposite to the lifting of the closure cap 4, i.e. in a direction axially away from the closure cap 4. Thus, during the first opening rotational movement, even at a small angle of rotation, preferably less than 80 degrees circumferential angle, an axially aligned force acting on the tearable webs 23 is caused which is sufficient to tear them.

For this purpose, the retaining ring 20 of the base element 2 has a first guide means with a projection 18. The projection 18 can also be referred to as a local axial thickening of the retaining ring 20. As in the Fig.2 As can be seen, the projection 18 is located in the closed state of the closure device 1 and before the first opening rotational movement in a recess 17 of the inner flexible band section 16, which recess 17 corresponds to the projection 18. If the opening rotational movement now occurs, the recess 17 and projection 18 slide relative to each other in the circumferential direction in opposite directions, so that the inner flexible band section 16 - and with it the entire anchor ring 5 - are pressed axially by the retaining ring 20 in the direction of the inlet opening 11 and consequently form the movement section 30 - as in particular in Fig.5 visible.

The Figures 4 , 5 and 6 show a state of the closure device 1 after reaching a rotation angle of 80 degrees during the first opening rotation movement. The rotation angle is measured in relation to a zero point of rotation angle that the closure cap 4 assumes in the initially closed state before the first opening rotation movement. In the Figures 3 and 4 it can be seen that the tearable webs 23 are already torn due to the additional axial movement of the anchor ring in the direction of the entrance opening 11, but the cutting elements 25 of the cutting device in the state shown have not yet been the entrance opening 11. Consequently, the closure device 1 shown ensures that an aseptic cardboard packaging closed with it can only be opened or damaged when the tearable webs 23 are torn. The tamper-evident function of the aseptic closure device 1 is thereby implemented in a particularly safe, advantageous and material-saving manner.

The Figures 3 and 6 show in summary that the driver webs 24 have not yet caused any axial movement of the cutting elements in the direction of the inlet opening 11 within the first rotation through a circumferential angle of 80 degrees. This can be achieved, for example, by the driver webs 24 being designed with a lead, as shown here, so that they only come into engagement with a stop element of the cutting device at an initial angle of rotation of 80 degrees or more in order to drive an axial movement of the cutting elements 25. Alternatively, the cutting elements 25 can also be arranged axially in such a way that even if the cutting elements 25 have already been rotated by the driver webs 24, no cutting element 25 has yet passed through the inlet opening until the initial angle of rotation of 80 degrees is reached.

It should be noted at this point that the initial angle of rotation in the examples described here does not necessarily have to be 80 degrees. In particular, the initial angle of rotation described here can have a value between 30 and 120 degrees.

The sizes of the projection 18 and the recess 17 are based on the Figures 2 and 5 The auxiliary lines 21 indicate the axial position of the lower edge of the retaining ring 20 beyond the projection 18 and the upper edge of the underlying flexible band section 16 beyond the recess 17 in both illustrations. The auxiliary arrows 22 thus indicate the distance between these two axial positions. In the embodiment shown here, this distance is Fig.2 , ie in the initially closed state, 0.2 mm and in the Fig.5 , ie after an initial rotation of the closure cap 4 through an angle of 80 degrees circumferentially, 0.5 mm. The first guide means, the retaining ring 20 with projection 18, and the second guide means, the internal flexible band section with recess 17, consequently cause an axial movement of the anchor ring 5 in the direction of the inlet opening 11 by 0.3 mm within an initial rotation of the closure cap 4 through an angle of 80 degrees circumferentially, when the rotational movement is started from the initially closed state of the closure device 1.

In order to be able to connect the closure device 1 to a cardboard packaging, it has a fastening flange 12. This can be connected to a cardboard packaging, for example, by ultrasonic welding or gluing.

In order to enable a consumer to control the closure cap very well during the opening rotation, the cap casing 7 of the closure cap 4 has a gripping groove 13, which is particularly useful in the Figures 1 and 4 is evident.

In order to ensure a good seal of the pouring spout 19 in the closed state, the closure cap 4 has an internal sealing ring 27 which extends axially from the inside of the cap cover plate 6 and is ring-shaped. This sealing ring 27 presses against the inside of the pouring spout 19 in the closed state of the closure device 1.

The Fig.7 shows the base element 2 without the closure device 3, but together with a fully axially extended cutting device. The cutting element 25 is designed as a cutting ring in the embodiment shown here and has an external thread 28, which interacts with a corresponding internal thread 29 of the cutting device located on the base element in order to convert the rotary movement of the closure cap 4 transmitted by the driver webs 24 into an axial feed movement of the cutting ring.

The Fig.8 shows only the closure device, ie the closure cap 4, the anchor ring 5, the connecting element 8 and the driver device with the driver webs 24 in a sectional view. Here, the recess 17 of the inner flexible band section 16 can be seen particularly well, with which an axial movement of the anchor ring 5 in the direction of the inlet opening 11 is caused during the opening rotation movement.

This inner flexible band section 16 and its recess 17 - i.e. the second guide means - are uniquely positioned in Fig.9 In the example shown there, the recess extends over a circumferential angle of 25 degrees and is set back by 0.15 mm from the upper edge of the inner flexible band section that surrounds it.

List of reference symbols

1

Locking device

2

Basic element

3

Locking device

4

Cap

5

Anchor ring

6

Cap cover plate

7

Cap coat

8th

Connecting element

9

Retaining strap

10

Hinge element

11

Entrance opening

12

Mounting flange

13

Grip grooves

14

Pouring opening

15

External thread

16

Internal flexible band section

17

Recess

18

head Start

19

Pouring spout

20

Retaining ring

21

Guide line

22

Auxiliary arrow

23

Tearable bridge/torn bridge

24

Carrier bar

25

Cutting element

26

inner thread

27

Sealing ring

28

External thread of the cutting device

29

Internal thread of the cutting device

30

Movement section

50

Locking axis

Claims (17)

Closure device (1) for a container, wherein the closure device (1) comprises a base element (2), wherein the base element (2) has a pouring channel extending along a closure axis (50) with an inlet opening (11) and a pouring opening (14), wherein the closure device (1) has a closure device (3), wherein the closure device (3) comprises a closure cap (4), wherein the closure cap (4) has a cap cover plate (6) and a cap jacket (7) peripherally adjoining the cap cover plate (6), wherein the closure cap (4) and the base element (2) are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that the closure cap (4) closes the pouring opening (14) in a closed state of the closure device (1) and releases it in an open state of the closure device (1), wherein the closure cap (4) is mounted on the base element (2) in the closed state of the closure device (1) so as to be rotatable about the closure axis (50) relative to the base element (2), so that the closure cap (4) is rotatable in an opening direction relative to the base element (2) in order to bring the closure device (1) into the open state, wherein the base element (2) has a first guide means, wherein the closure device (3) has a second guide means, wherein the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged such that a first opening rotational movement of the closure cap (4) in the opening rotational direction causes a movement of a movement section (30) of the closure device (3) axially in the direction of the inlet opening (11). Closure device (1) according to claim 1,
wherein the first guide means and the second guide means are at least temporarily in contact with one another during the first-time opening rotational movement, wherein the first guide means is preferably in contact with the second guide means in the closed state of the closure device (1) and before the first-time opening rotational movement. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (2) comprises a retaining ring (20) for engaging with an anchor ring (5) or removable guarantee ring, wherein the retaining ring (20) preferably comprises the first guide means. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure device (3) comprises a ring element, in particular an anchor ring (5) or detachable guarantee ring, wherein the closure device (3) comprises at least one easily tearable web (23), wherein the at least one easily tearable web (23) connects the ring element to the cap casing (7) or an anchor ring (5) before the first opening rotational movement has taken place. Closure device (1) according to the preceding claim,
wherein the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged such that the first opening rotational movement of the closure cap (4) in the opening rotational direction causes the movement of the movement section (30) or a part of this movement before the first opening rotational movement causes the easily tearable web (23) to tear. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5,
wherein the first guide means or the second guide means is arranged circumferentially at a distance of maximum 120 degrees, preferably maximum 90 degrees and particularly preferably maximum 60 degrees from the at least one easily tearable web (23). Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure device (3) comprises a ring element designed as an anchor ring (5), wherein the closure device (3) comprises a connecting element (8), wherein the connecting element (8) connects the anchor ring (5) to the closure cap (4) in a tension-resistant manner, wherein the anchor ring (5) is in engagement with the base element (2) both in the closed state and in the open state of the closure device (1) such that the closure cap (4) is also connected to the base element (2) with the connecting element (8) and the anchor ring (5) in the open state. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure device (3) comprises a ring element designed as a removable guarantee ring, wherein the closure device (1) is designed such that the detachable guarantee ring is connected to the cap jacket (7) or an anchor ring (5) before the first opening rotational movement and the first opening rotational movement causes a complete detachment of the guarantee ring from the cap jacket (7) or the anchor ring (5). Closure device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the ring element comprises the movement section (30), wherein the ring element comprises the second guide means. Closure device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the ring element has at least one radially inwardly alignable tab for axially supporting the ring element on the base element (2), wherein the tab is pivotally connected to the ring element, wherein the tab has the second guide means, wherein the second guide means is preferably an axially recessed recess (17) of the tab or an axially projecting projection of the tab. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide means has or consists of an axially projecting projection (18), wherein the second guide means has or consists of an axially recessed recess (17), wherein the closure device (1) is preferably designed such that the projection (18) is arranged within the recess (17) before the first opening rotational movement of the closure cap (4). Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide means has or consists of an axially recessed recess, wherein the second guide means has or consists of an axially projecting projection, wherein the closure device (1) is designed such that the projection is arranged within the recess before a first opening rotational movement of the closure cap (4). Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged such that the movement section (30) moves axially by at least 0.1 mm, preferably by at least 0.15 mm and particularly preferably by at least 0.2 mm in the direction of the inlet opening when the first opening rotational movement of the closure cap (4) takes place in the opening rotational direction. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the first guide means and the second guide means are designed and arranged such that the movement section (30) has moved axially in the direction of the inlet opening when an opening rotational movement of the closure cap (4) by 180 degrees, preferably by a maximum of 90 degrees and particularly preferably 45 degrees in the opening rotational direction has occurred for the first time. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure device (1) comprises a cutting device arranged at least partially within the pouring channel with a cutting element (25) and wherein the closure device (1) comprises a driver device, wherein the driver device and the cutting device are designed and arranged such that a first rotation of the closure cap (4) in the opening direction of rotation causes a movement of the cutting element (25) from a starting position of the cutting element (25) in a direction pointing from the pouring opening (14) to the inlet opening (11), so that the cutting element (25) is movable at least in sections through the inlet opening (11). Base element (2) for a locking device (1), wherein the base element (2) has a pouring channel extending along a closure axis with an inlet opening (11) and a pouring opening (14), wherein the base element (2) comprises a retaining ring (20) for engaging with an anchor ring (5) or guarantee ring, wherein the retaining ring (20) comprises a first guide means, wherein the first guide means has or forms an axially projecting projection (18) or an axially recessed recess. Closure device (3) with a closure cap (4) and a ring element, wherein the closure cap (4) has a cap cover plate (6) and a cap jacket (7) peripherally adjoining the cap cover plate (6), wherein the ring element has at least one radially inwardly alignable tab for axially supporting the ring element on a base element (2), wherein the tab has a second guide means, wherein the second guide means is an axially recessed recess (17) of the tab or an axially protruding projection of the tab

Images