EP4408762B1 - Container closure and container - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a container closure and a container according to the preamble of the independent claims.

Various types of container closures are known in the prior art. A container closure is an element suitable for closing a container in which, for example, a foodstuff is stored. Preferably, container closures for liquid or pasty foods are designed in such a way that the respective foodstuff can be dispensed through these closures. Such container closures are frequently found on containers for sauces such as ketchup or the like.

A generic container closure is equipped with the DE 201 12 974 U1 This utility model discloses a container closure with a cap and a dispensing opening. An inner cap is arranged inside the cap, which has a lateral opening through which the liquid to be dispensed enters the inner cap and is discharged directly from the inner cap through the dispensing opening.

To prevent uncontrolled outflow, a sealing lip is positioned in the side opening. Manufacturing this movable sealing lip is complex. Furthermore, movable sealing lips are susceptible to mishandling. As soon as the sealing lip malfunctions, it must be painstakingly cleaned and repaired to allow further dispensing of the liquid. Sealing lips also require a high initial pressure to open the opening. A sudden decrease in resistance often leads to undesirably high discharge rates.

A container closure that does without such movable sealing lips is made from the EP 3 708 512 A1 became known.

From the US 2017/0057709 A1 A container closure for dispensing individual drops of a liquid has become known. This closure features a labyrinth of channels that is complex to manufacture, which in turn necessitates a relatively long, or rather tall, design of the container closure and is particularly unsuitable for dispensing pasty liquids such as ketchup.

The object of the invention is to overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a container closure and a container are to be created with which a metered dispensing of a liquid, especially a viscous one, is easily possible and which are particularly easy to manufacture.

This problem is solved by the devices defined in the independent claims. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.
An inventive container closure comprises a base body for attachment to a container and a metering unit for the metered dispensing of a liquid. In other words, the metering unit includes those elements that enable metering. The metering unit has a metering body with a dispensing opening. The metering unit also has a channel adjacent to the dispensing opening. This channel extends towards the container, in other words, towards the interior of the container, and forms an annular groove with the metering unit. The annular groove is formed entirely within the metering unit. Preferably, the annular groove is formed within the metering body. A metering cap is arranged on the metering body.

The channel is preferably formed by a wall extending towards the container. This wall is preferably designed as a circumferential wall, in particular as a section of a pipe, or in a tubular form. In particular, the metering unit is formed from the metering cap and the metering body.

The dosing cap closes the annular channel to form an annular volume. This annular volume is connected to a buffer volume via a first opening, in particular directly, and to the channel via a second opening, in particular directly.

In this arrangement, the annular volume is therefore formed, in particular completely, within the dosing unit and by the elements of the dosing unit, namely the dosing cap and the dosing body, and is thus formed independently and without interaction with a container.

The dispensing opening defines a substantially central axis extending from the interior of the container through the opening to the outside. For containers with a circular cross-section, this axis typically coincides with a longitudinal axis of the container if the dispensing opening is centrally located. With an off-center dispensing opening and/or containers with non-uniform cross-sections, the central axis runs collinearly with the container axis through the dispensing opening.

The first opening and the second opening are arranged such that all fluid flowing from the first opening to the second opening passes through the annular volume, at least along a section of the annular volume, in one direction around the channel, in particular in a circular path around the central axis. The fluid passes through the annular volume from the first opening towards the second opening in a spiral pattern. In other words, the liquid passes through the dosing unit from its periphery towards the center.

The flow of liquid through the annular volume has several effects. On the one hand, the liquid is deflected multiple times between the interior of the container and the discharge opening; on the other hand, this ensures that the liquid flows along an inner surface that defines the volume and is thus subjected to a certain amount of friction. This is particularly advantageous because it slows the liquid down accordingly.

This allows for easy dosing of the liquid to be dispensed and at least partially prevents the liquid from leaking out of the container on its own.

Providing a buffer volume ensures that sufficient liquid is available for dispensing after the first opening. This buffer volume also helps to mitigate pressure spikes during use of the container. Furthermore, it homogenizes the liquid dispensed from the container.

The liquid is preferably a thick or pasty liquid, in particular ketchup.

The extension of the channel towards the container, as well as the respective references between elements of the container closure and the container, each relate to directions and references between the container closure and the container in the generic use of the container closure.

Preferably, the metering element is arranged on the base body. In such a configuration, the base body and the metering element together form a seal for the container. This allows the same metering element to be used in different base bodies, each designed for a different container. are coordinated. It can be designed that the dosing element is an integral part of the dosing unit. Overall, this configuration allows for a container closure with a low profile.

The buffer volume is separated from the inside of the container by the dosing cap.

This enables simple and cost-effective manufacturing.

To connect the buffer volume to the inside of the container, at least a third opening is provided in the dosing cap.

This third opening allows the buffer volume to be filled with liquid from inside the container. Preferably, four third openings are arranged.

Within the ring-shaped volume, one or more partition walls can be arranged to prevent a direct connection between the first opening and the second opening.

This increases the resistance to the flow of the liquid and also lengthens the path the liquid must travel from the first opening to the second. This, in turn, increases the frictional resistance of the liquid within the container's closure. Unintentional or excessively easy leakage of the liquid from the container can thus be effectively prevented.

The first opening can be spaced apart from the second opening in an axial direction of the channel.

This arrangement also increases the resistance to the flow of the liquid.

The axial direction of the channel is essentially defined by the direction in which the liquid exits the channel. Preferably, the axial direction of the channel corresponds to the direction from the inside of the container towards the container closure.

The second opening can be formed inside the channel.

This enables the simple and precise manufacturing of the second opening.

The first opening can be formed within the dosing body.

The dosing body can be manufactured simply and precisely.

The dosing body can have a wall to form the ring-shaped groove.

The manufacturing of the container closure is simplified. By forming the groove in or on the dispensing body, the container closure can, for example, be adapted to the respective product to be dispensed, in other words, to the respective liquid to be dispensed, simply by replacing or appropriately manufacturing the dispensing body.

The dosing cap may have a projection to engage in a corresponding recess on the dosing unit, in particular on the dosing body.

This allows the dosing cap to be easily and securely connected to the dosing unit. The protrusion and recess can be designed as a snap-fit connection.

The container closure may include a cap. This cap is preferably hinged to the base body. The cap may, in particular, include a locking pin for closing the dispensing opening.

This allows for the safe and, for example, airtight sealing of the container.

The base body and the dosing body can be formed in one piece.

This allows for simple manufacturing, for example as an injection-molded part.

The cross-section of the second opening and/or the cross-section of the first opening is less than 50%, in particular less than 40% and preferably less than 30% of the cross-section of the channel.

This ensures that the flow velocity of the liquid decreases as it flows downstream from the first and/or second opening towards the channel and consequently towards the discharge opening. This facilitates the metering of the liquid.

The container closure, in particular, has no movable or flexible sealing elements; it is therefore free of them.

Both the manufacturing and the application of the container closure are simplified.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a container comprising a container closure as described herein.

This allows for the provision of a container with a closure specifically designed for the liquid to be filled into the container. In particular, the finished product, including the liquid, can be provided.

The container is preferably flexible.

This allows the container to be compressed, thus enabling appropriate metering and dispensing of the liquid.

Figur 1:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Behälterverschlusses;

Figur 2:

den Behälterverschluss gemäss der Figur 1 mit geöffneter Verschlusskappe;

Figur 3:

eine Schnittansicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäss der Figur 1;

Figur 4:

eine Unteransicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäss der Figur 1;

Figur 5:

die Ansicht gemäss der Figur 4 ohne Dosierkappe.

Several designs of a container closure are explained using figures. It shows:

Figure 1:

a perspective view of a container closure;

Figure 2:

the container closure according to the Figure 1 with the cap open;

Figure 3:

a sectional view of the container closure according to the Figure 1 ;

Figure 4:

an underside view of the container closure according to the Figure 1 ;

Figure 5:

the view according to the Figure 4 without dosing cap.

The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container closure 100. The container closure 100 has a base body 1. A closure cap 5 is arranged on the base body 1 and connected to a hinge 101 (see Figure 1). Figure 2 ) is articulated with the base body 1. Opposite the joint 101 is a projection 102, which allows the closure cap 5 to be lifted from the base body 1. The container closure 100 can thus be opened. After opening, the container closure 5 exposes a discharge opening 21, as shown in Figure 2 evident.

The Figure 2 shows the container closure 100 according to the Figure 1 in the unfolded state. A dosing unit 2 is arranged inside the base body 1. In the view according to the Figure 2 The dispensing opening 21 for dispensing a liquid is located at the top of the dosing unit 2. When using a container with the container closure 100, the dispensing opening 21 points downwards, i.e., in the opposite direction to that in the Figure 2 As shown. In other words, in its generic use, the container closure 100 is in an upside-down position. Regarding the situation, as in the Figure 1 and 2 shown. The base body 1, the closure cap 5 and the dosing unit 2 are formed together in one piece.

The Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the container closure 100 according to the Figure 1 , namely a sectional view through the dosing unit 2 according to the Figure 2 It is evident that the metering body 4 of the metering unit 2 and the base body 1 are formed integrally. The base body 1 has a thread 103 with which the container closure 100 can be screwed onto an opening of a container (not shown) and thus closes it. Alternatively, a snap connection can be provided. Accordingly, the container closure 100 is connected to a container interior 201. The metering unit 2 is arranged centrally within the base body 1 at the center of the thread 103. The metering unit 2 has a metering body 4 that is formed integrally with the base body 1. The metering unit 2 includes a metering cap 3, which is arranged on the metering body 4, in particular in a fluid-tight and permanently attached manner. In this embodiment, the discharge opening 21 of the metering unit 2 is arranged on the metering body 4. The discharge opening 21 extends towards the interior of the container 201 via a channel 22 connected to it. The discharge opening 21 is closed by a locking pin 51 located on the closure cap 5. Opening the closure cap 5 releases the discharge opening 21. Liquid, such as ketchup, can then be discharged from the interior of the container 201 to the outside through the discharge opening 21. This defines the discharge direction, which corresponds to an axial direction R. The channel 22 extends in this axial direction R from the interior of the container 201 towards the container closure 100.

The dosing unit 2 has a discharge opening 21 which connects to a channel 22 adjoining this discharge opening 21. The channel 22 extends towards the interior of a container 201. The channel 22 is essentially tubular or formed as a section of a pipe. It has a wall that runs around a central axis and opens into the discharge opening 21. The metering unit 2 has a separately formed wall 41, which, like the channel 22, extends towards the interior of the container 201. The channel 22 and the wall 41 form an annular channel 23, which is better described in Figure 5 as is evident.

The dosing unit 2 has a dosing cap 3, which is arranged on the dosing body 4 and overlaps the wall 41, closing the channel 22 from the interior of the container 201. Accordingly, by attaching the dosing cap 3, the annular channel 23 is closed to form an annular volume V. The annular volume V forms a torus with a substantially rectangular cross-section, which is only divided by a Figure 5 The partition wall 26 shown is interrupted. The annular volume V extends essentially along a circular path around the central axis. This annular volume V is connected to a buffer volume 27 by a first opening 24 (see Figure 5 ) directly and immediately connected. Through the second opening 25, this annular volume V is also directly and immediately connected to the channel 22.

In this case, the dosing cap 3 extends beyond the wall 41, so that the buffer volume 27 is formed around the entire perimeter of the wall 41. The dosing cap 3 is connected to the dosing unit 2 via projections 37 that engage in corresponding recesses on the dosing unit 2. The projections 37 and the recesses are designed as a snap-fit connection. The dosing cap 3 thus seals off the buffer volume 27 from the interior of the container 201.

As already explained, the buffer volume 27 is connected to the annular volume V via the first opening 24. The second opening 25 is connected to the channel 22. The liquid to be dispensed can thus be fed from the buffer volume 27 into the annular volume V, passing through this annular volume V in one direction around the channel 22.

The liquid is deflected along a circular path within the annular volume V and flows along surfaces within the annular volume V, thereby slowing down. The multiple deflections at the partition 26 and the channel 22 further decelerate the liquid. This deceleration remains constant throughout the discharge process. Sudden and undesirable changes in resistance during discharge are prevented, particularly because a flexible membrane or sealing lip is not used.

The buffer volume 27 additionally allows the liquid to be buffered before dispensing and pressure peaks to be mitigated by this volume.

The Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the container closure 100 according to the Figure 1 It is evident that four third openings 36 are arranged in the dosing cap 3. Through these third openings 36, the liquid can flow from the interior of the container 201 into the buffer volume 27. This is illustrated by the arrows P1.

The Figure 5 The view shows according to the Figure 4 without a dosing cap, to illustrate the flow in the annular volume V. How to Figure 4 As discussed, the buffer volume 27 is filled from the inside of the container.

To discharge a liquid from the interior of container 201 through the discharge opening 21 to the outside, the flexible container (not shown here) is deformed, thus reducing the volume of the interior of container 201. The liquid flows through The third openings 36 lead into the buffer volume 27. This is illustrated by arrow P1. From the buffer volume 27, the liquid flows through the first opening 24 into the annular volume V. All the liquid then flows along a section of the annular volume V in one direction around the channel 22. In this example, the liquid flows in a circular path around the central axis within the annular volume V. This is illustrated by arrow P2. As soon as the liquid reaches the partition 26, it is deflected towards the center of the metering unit and then in the axial direction R. These two movements partially overlap. The liquid now flows in the axial direction R into the channel 22 and exits the discharge opening 21.

The liquid is deflected along a circular path within the annular volume V and flows along surfaces within this volume, thereby slowing down. Further deceleration occurs due to deflection at the partition 26 and at the channel 22. This deceleration remains constant throughout the discharge process. Sudden and undesirable changes in resistance during discharge are prevented, particularly because a flexible membrane or sealing lip is not used. The buffer volume 27 further homogenizes the flow and absorbs pressure peaks.

Claims (13)

1. A container closure (100) comprising:

   a main body (1) for fastening to a container,

   a metering unit (2) for the metered dispensing of a liquid, wherein

   the metering unit (2) has a metering body (4) having a discharge opening (21) and a channel (22) which adjoins the discharge opening (21) and extends in the direction of the container and forms an annular channel (23) with the metering unit (2), wherein

   a metering cap (3) is arranged on the metering body (4), wherein

   the metering cap (3) closes the annular channel (23) to form an annular volume (V), wherein the annular volume (V) is connected by a first opening (24) to a buffer volume (27) and by a second opening (25) to the channel (22), wherein the first opening (24) and the second opening (25) are arranged such that all liquid which flows from the first opening (24) to the second opening (25) passes through the annular volume (V) at least along a portion of the annular volume (V) in a direction around the channel (22), in particular in a spiral shape, characterized in that the buffer volume (27) is separated from the container interior (201) by the metering cap (3), the buffer volume to the container interior, it can be provided to provide at least one third opening in the metering cap. at least one third opening (36) is arranged in the metering cap (3) for connecting the buffer volume (27) to the container interior (201).
2. The container closure (100) according to any of claims 1 , characterized in that one or more partitions (26) are arranged in the annular volume (V) for preventing a direct connection between the first opening (24) and the second opening (25).
3. The container closure (100) according to any of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the first opening (24) is arranged at a distance from the second opening (25) in an axial direction of the channel (22).
4. The container closure (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second opening (25) is formed inside the channel (22).
5. The container closure (100) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first opening (24) is formed inside the metering body (4).
6. The container closure (100) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the metering body (4) has a wall (41) to form the annular groove (23).
7. The container closure (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the metering cap (3) has a projection (37) for engaging in a corresponding depression on the metering unit (2).
8. The container closure (100) according to any of claims 1 to 7, comprising a closure cap (5) which is connected in an articulated manner to the main body (1) and has a closure pin (51) for closing the discharge opening (21).
9. The container closure (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the main body (1) and the metering body (4) are formed in one piece.
10. The container closure (100) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cross-section of the second opening (25) is less than 50%, in particular less than 40%, preferably less than 30%, of the cross-section of the channel (22).
11. The container closure (100) according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the container closure (100) is free of movable or flexible sealing elements.
12. A container comprising a container closure (100) according to any of claims 1 to 11.
13. The container according to claim 12, characterized in that the container is flexible.