EP0590325A2 - Sealing cap with snap-in hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealing cap (1) with a snap-in hinge (4) and proposes, to achieve a solution which is favourable in terms of construction and in use, that the hinge flap (6) merges via a thin point (10) into a web (8). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a closure cap with a snap hinge, in which a hinge tab engages on at least one side on a free-standing web.

A closure cap of this type is known from DE-OS 31 50 493. There, the closure cover is connected in addition to a central hinge via hinge brackets on both sides. The latter form force storage devices which can be switched in their direction of action and which, after a dead center position has been exceeded, loads the closure cover into the extreme positions, that is to say closing and opening.

In such one-piece injection-molded caps, so-called whitening occurs due to overexpansion of the material sections involved. This is perceived as at least visually disruptive, especially with attractive containers. Depending on the coloring of the plastic material, there is even a protruding coloring.

The object of the present invention is to remedy this situation and to design a generic closure cap with even better spring behavior.

This object is achieved by the invention specified in claims 1 and 2.

The subclaims are advantageous developments.

As a result of such an embodiment, a generic cap is optically and functionally improved. The annoying white coloring practically no longer occurs. This is mainly because when the hinged lid is closed (immediately after spraying) the hinge tabs are no longer stretched as much. To do this, the hinge tab merges into the web via a thin point. This leads to an extremely flexible range of movements that even includes the free-standing bridge. The deforming load is no longer transferred to the immediate vicinity of the hinge bracket, resulting in the disadvantage described. As a mental aid, this can be compared to an elastic whip stick with subsequent highly elastic cord. On a closure cap with a closure lid and a closure housing, the integrally molded closure cap having a snap hinge which connects the closure housing to the closure lid and has at least one hinge tab, it is then proposed that the hinge tab at its ends in a step-shaped recess in the wall of the Closure cover or the closure housing free-standing webs attaches, which can be bent out to avoid overextension of the hinge tab. The free-standing webs rooted in the respective component not only find an outward-facing way out in the folding direction of the closure cover, but also an inward-looking escape zone. This leads to a rather large movement bridge with increased resistance to bending forces in the root area of the web itself and greater ease of movement in the subsequent section of the hinge bracket. Any exceeding in the sense of plastic deformation is eliminated. The spring characteristic becomes more even overall. This also leads to the desired uniform spring action. Above all, springing back into the old, ie basic demolding position is almost completely achieved. As a rule, this is 180 °, that is to say the closure cover in addition to the closure housing in the parallel axis of its center lines. A further development measure is that the thin point has approximately a fraction of the thickness of the hinge plate. This leads to a particularly smooth movement transition. The ratio of thin point to hinge plate can be 1: 2 or 1: 3. It also proves to be advantageous that the hinge tab has a fraction of the thickness of a web. Here too, a ratio of 1: 2 to 1: 3 is expedient in the order mentioned. In addition, there is an advantageous feature of even independent importance that the recess providing the free space of the webs or webs is closed off to the periphery of the closure cover and / or the closure housing by means of a pellicle. The creation of such a screen can be mastered in terms of shape by simply cutting back the core forming the recess relative to the desired lateral surface of the closure cover and / or closure housing. The material bridge remaining between the hinge bracket and the jacket wall even increases the spring force of the hinge bracket, so it still supports the spring force in the alternating directions. The thickness of such a cut is approximately 0.2 mm and practically has a film-like mobility. The cuticle also avoids dirt nests. An additional advantageous means of structure-friendly training is that the hinge flap thickened compared to a thin point continuously decreases in width up to the closest distance between the hinge parts (viewed in the opened state) while essentially maintaining the difference in thickness. This no longer concentrates the formation of a geometric axis on a specific narrow area; rather, the difference in thickness brings there is a partial stiffening which, coming from the hinge brackets forming the actual spring elements, continues into the central hinge. The consequence here is a distribution of the folding zones of the hinge. This brings an even more advantageous "floating" hinge point that is practically self-regulating in terms of strength and avoids partial maximum loads. This even compensates for any unfavorable tolerance pairings or small injection molding deviations. There is practically no committee at all in this regard. It is also advantageous that the hinge tabs have an approximately triangular cross-section, at least in the area of the closest distance. This stiffening rib, which is triangular in cross-section and sits on the hinge bracket, poses no problem at all in terms of injection technology. Its exposed position disappears in the already existing cavities of the closure cap, in that the triangle tip, when the closure cap is closed, points towards the inside thereof.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of eight exemplified embodiments.

The drawings also show that the type of hinge-free hinge found can even be used for the center hinge, although a design that is more tailored to the hinge function is selected here.

Fig. 1

die erfindungsgemäße Verschlußkappe in partieller Wiedergabe gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel, und zwar gegen das Schnappscharnier gesehen, außen gefedert, mit offener Aussparung, bei in Schließstellung befindlichem Verschlußdeckel,

Fig. 2

die Draufsicht auf diese Verschlußkappe bei in 180° aufgeklappter Stellung des Verschlußdeckels, die Aussparung als U-förmige Nuten verdeutlichend,

Fig. 3

den Schnitt gemäß Linie III-III in Fig. 2, stark vergrößert,

Fig. 4

den Schnitt gemäß Linie IV-IV in Fig. 8, ebenfalls deutlich vergrößert,

Fig. 5

die erfindungsgemäße Verschlußkappe gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel in Darstellung wie Fig. 1, jedoch bei durch ein Häutchen verschlossener Aussparung,

Fig. 6

die Draufsicht hierzu in der Stellung mit Stellung wie Fig. 2,

Fig. 7

die erfindungsgemäße Verschlußkappe gemäß drittem Ausführungsbeispiel in Darstellung wie Fig. 1, jedoch mittig gefedert und bei offener Aussparung,

Fig. 8

die Draufsicht hierzu, wiederum in Darstellung wie Fig. 2,

Fig. 9

die erfindungsgemäße Verschlußkappe gemäß dem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel, in Darstellung wie Fig. 1, und zwar eine Weiterbildung des dritten Ausführungsbeispieles dergestalt, daß bei dieser Version die Aussparungen durch ein Häutchen verschlossen sind,

Fig. 10

die Draufsicht hierzu,

Fig. 11

die erfindungsgemäße Verschlußkappe gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel in Darstellung wie Fig. 1, wobei außer dem Mittenscharnier auch die beiden seitlich angeordneten Scharnierlaschen federn; es ist also eine durchgehende Aussparung realisiert, die jedoch nicht geschlossen ist,

Fig. 12

die diesen Sachverhalt noch besser wiedergebende Draufsicht hierzu,

Fig. 13

die erfindungsgemäße Verschlußkappe gemäß sechstem Ausführungsbeispiel, in einer Darstellung wie Fig. 1, außen, also im Bereich der Scharnierlaschen gefedert, aber in einer geraden Anbindung und nicht in der butterfly-artigen, wie bei den voraufgegangenen Ausführungsbeispielen und bei offener Aussparung,

Fig. 14

die Draufsicht hierzu,

Fig. 15

die erfindungsgemäße Verschlußkappe gemäß siebtem Ausführungsbeispiel, in Darstellungsart wie Fig. 1, mit Mittenscharnier-Federung und seitlicher Außenanbindung wiederum über gerade Scharnierlaschen,

Fig. 16

die Draufsicht hierzu,

Fig. 17

die erfindungsgemäße Verschlußkappe gemäß achtem Ausführungsbeispiel, in Darstellung wie Figur 1, mit Mittenscharnier, Federung und seitlicher Anbindung über Scharnierlaschen, stark vergrößert,

Fig 18

die weiter vergrößerte Draufsicht hierzu, jedoch in Öffnungsstellung der Verschlußkappe,

Fig. 19

eine Ansicht in Richtung A in Figur 18,

Fig. 20

den Schnitt gemäß Linie XX-XX in Figur 18 und

Fig. 21

diesen Schnitt in weiterer Vergrößerung.

It shows

Fig. 1

the closure cap according to the invention in partial reproduction according to the first embodiment, as seen against the snap hinge, spring-loaded on the outside, with an open recess, with the closure lid in the closed position,

Fig. 2

the top view of this closure cap when the closure cover is opened in 180 °, illustrating the recess as U-shaped grooves,

Fig. 3

the section along line III-III in Fig. 2, greatly enlarged,

Fig. 4

the section along line IV-IV in Fig. 8, also significantly enlarged,

Fig. 5

the closure cap according to the invention according to the second embodiment in a representation as in FIG. 1, but with a recess closed by a cuticle,

Fig. 6

the top view of this in the position with position as Fig. 2,

Fig. 7

the closure cap according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 1, but sprung in the middle and with an open recess,

Fig. 8

the top view of this, again as shown in FIG. 2,

Fig. 9

the closure cap according to the fourth embodiment, shown as Fig. 1, namely a development of third embodiment in such a way that in this version the cutouts are closed by a cuticle,

Fig. 10

the top view of this,

Fig. 11

the closure cap according to the fifth embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG 1, wherein in addition to the center hinge also the two laterally arranged hinge tabs spring; a continuous cutout is therefore realized, which is however not closed,

Fig. 12

the top view of this state of affairs,

Fig. 13

the closure cap according to the sixth embodiment, in a representation like FIG. 1, spring-loaded on the outside, that is in the area of the hinge tabs, but in a straight connection and not in the butterfly-like manner as in the previous embodiments and with an open recess,

Fig. 14

the top view of this,

Fig. 15

the closure cap according to the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, with central hinge suspension and lateral external connection again via straight hinge tabs,

Fig. 16

the top view of this,

Fig. 17

the closure cap according to the eighth embodiment, shown as in FIG. 1, with a central hinge, suspension and lateral connection via hinge tabs, greatly enlarged,

Fig. 18

the further enlarged top view of this, but in the open position of the closure cap,

Fig. 19

18 shows a view in the direction A in FIG.

Fig. 20

the section along line XX-XX in Figure 18 and

Fig. 21

this cut in further enlargement.

The closure cap 1 that can be assigned to a container (not shown) is made of plastic, preferably PP. The assignment can be of a screw type; A bouncing or a direct molding of the container is also conceivable.

Components of the closure cap 1 are an essentially cylindrical closure housing 2 with an integrally molded closure cover 3, preferably a circular outline. The closure lid 3 has a pot-shaped shape and can carry a centrally or decentrally located stopper element, which seals a congruent lying opening of an outlet spout in the ceiling of the closure housing 2 (not shown).

The snap hinge 4 realized as a film hinge lies in the region of a tangent of the two components which form the closure cap 1.

The snap hinge 4 is composed of a so-called center hinge 5 and two outer drawstrings lying to the side, referred to as hinge tabs 6. Center hinge 5 and hinge brackets 6 thus form the gusset-shaped gap 7 between the two connected parts spanning material bridges. For example, reference is made to FIGS. 2 to 4. The material bridge shown in FIG. 4 is relatively short, but is still significantly wider than the thickness measured in the vertical plane. So there remains a certain ability to self-set up for the "hinge axis formation" of this flap-like bridge zone. It forms the geometric hinge axis x-x. In the area of the hinge brackets 6, this bridge is considerably longer, as can be seen from FIG. 3 and also from the top views, e.g. Figure 2 becomes clear.

Both the material bridge of the center hinge 5 and the material bridge forming the hinge tabs 6 are based on free-standing webs 8. The latter extend parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the rotationally symmetrical components, that is to say the closure housing 2 and the closure cover 3. The webs 8 are small in cross-section and predominantly curved slightly in the circumferential direction. Their length is several millimeters.

All of the webs 8 are rooted in a step-shaped recess 9. The recess 9 is, in particular in the radial direction, of a width 9 such that the free-standing webs 8 can move like a whip like a whip under the action of the hinge forces. Added to this is the even greater flexibility of the bridge-forming or film-forming sections on the central hinge 5 and that of the hinge brackets 6. This has the consequence that practically no so-called whitening occurs at all. The cap keeps its fresh look. The overall vessel remains attractive.

The free-standing webs 8 form a resilient resistance to the folding forces of the snap hinge 4. They have their greatest stability in the root region of the step-shaped recess 9, but this increasingly merges into a flexible end zone, to which the hinge tabs 6 then attach like a whip cord. If additional forces occur transversely to the step-shaped recess 9, they flow into the entire bending supply, which effectively prevents overextension of the bendable hinge plates 6.

The hinge tabs 6 have a thickness which corresponds to a fraction of the thickness of the web 8. The hinge bracket 6 is approximately half as thick as the associated web (s) 8. The hinge bracket 8 connects at least to one web 8.

Either way, it proves to be advantageous in any case that the hinge straps 6 pass into the web or webs 8 via an intermediate thin point 10. This thin point 10 results particularly clearly from FIG. 3. The thin point 10 has approximately a fraction of the thickness of the hinge plate 6. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the thin point 10 is approximately half as thick as the hinge tabs 6 forming the material bridge and embodying the external suspension of such snap hinges 4.

The thin point 10 is arched in the demolding position of the molding shown in FIG. 3. The one in the area of the bisector between the hinge bracket 6, which runs horizontally there, and the one that is vertical The arranged radial web point 8 bears the reference number 11. The inner vertex and outer vertex of the clearly curved thin section 10 run parallel. While the outer curve runs relatively steeply into the upper end edge of the web 8, the other end of this curve merges towards the top of the hinge plate 6 into a notch-preventing flank 12. The slope of this flank 12 is 45 ° to the horizontal extension of the hinge bracket 6.

The recess 9 of both the webs 8 of the center hinge 5 and the hinge brackets 6 is each formed by U-shaped grooves which extend from the upper end edge of the respective part. The groove width corresponds continuously, ie also in the region of its U-legs, to the thickness of the webs 8 or the thickness of the wall 13 of the closure housing 2 and the closure cover 3. The wall 13 therefore assumes an offset in the region of the recess 9. The offset is directed inwards so that the cylindrical jacket wall of both parts, that is to say the closure housing 2 and the closure cover 3, can remain cylindrical. The wall 13 of the closure housing 2, as can be seen particularly clearly from FIG. 17, is designed to be somewhat thicker than that of the closure cover 2. FIG. 17 can also be seen that the wall edges have roundings that are more convenient for demoulding. The bottom of the cutouts 9 also has such like all other corners and edges.

The web 8 of the recess 9 which is adapted to the curvature of the jacket wall of the said parts extends in the first and second exemplary embodiments behind the hinge brackets 6 which provide the lateral suspension, in the third exemplary embodiment they are behind the webs 8 forming part of the central hinge 5. The central suspension acts here.

In contrast, the fifth embodiment shows a mixed form, i. H. the recess 9 extends continuously both behind the webs 8 of the central hinge 5 and behind the webs 8 of the hinge straps 6 lying to the side. Thus, the snap hinge 4 has a total of six resilient legs, formed by the webs 8, three per part.

The sixth and seventh exemplary embodiment differ only in that the recesses 9 and webs 8 are not butterfly-like in the sense of the curvature of the cylindrical jacket wall, but in the shortest way cross-gap the connection to the two parts via parallel folds to axis xx bring. There are therefore straight connections or straight hinge brackets 6 parallel to the space.

The reference numbers are used here mutatis mutandis.

In the seventh exemplary embodiment, however, the above-described curvature of the recess 9 and the webs 8 is the same as that described above. Only the external recesses 9 open parallel to the folding plane y-y of the closure cap 1.

In order to eliminate an unsightly appearance associated with the recess 9 in the case of certain coloring of the plastic, the recesses 9 can be closed to the outside, that is to say to the outer wall of the closure cap 1. This is realized in some of the exemplary embodiments shown, but can also apply to all solutions. In concrete terms, the procedure was such that the recess 9 providing the described clearance of the webs or webs 8 to the periphery, that is to say the outer surface of the closure cover 3 and / or the closure housing 2, are closed off by a skin 14. Its thickness is approximately 0.2 mm. It closes the outwardly facing ends of the U-legs of the U-shaped recess 9, forming a panel. Such a material bridge that closes the jacket wall is highly flexible. It also has a positive effect in the sense of the desired suspension. An opening 15 also separates the material bridges forming the hinge tabs 6 from the material bridge forming the central hinge 5.

The achieved high resilience property of the means bringing the suspension brings a resilience of the closure cover 3 close to the 180 ° demolding position into this position. On the other hand, due to the dead center position, the spring forces act to a high degree in the sense of the closed position of the closure cap 1.

The eighth exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 21 also embodies the basic principle described in detail above. The reference numbers are therefore used analogously, sometimes without repetition of text. The further developing main feature of this solution consists in the fact that the hinge flaps 6 thickened in relation to the thin places 10 are now continuously reduced in width up to a narrowest distance z between the hinge parts 6 (compare unfolded position in FIG. 18). In doing so, they essentially maintain the vertical difference in thickness compared to the thickness of said thin spots 10.

As a result, the material bridge forming the geometric hinge axis becomes partial, ie in the central region stiffened. This leads to two folding centers in the said thin places 10. These folding centers have the reference number 16 and are (in the open position horizontal) in the closest neighborhood position practically forming a double axis in the center of gravity of the upwardly convex thin places 10. When closing, this results in competing or compensating Forces that support the spring behavior, but on the other hand are absorbed gently. The closing lid practically feels in the correct position. In terms of the folding bend, each thin section accounts for 10 90 ° of the 180 ° folding angle. This protects the structure and increases the service life.

Since the center hinge 5 is also converted into a distinct curvature in accordance with the butterfly-like design of the snap hinge 4 together with the hinge tabs 6, there are also cooperating, cheapest usable restoring forces. The course of the curvature can be seen particularly clearly from FIG. 19, here seen from the curvature side which rises on the visible side (view in the direction A). The top zone of the thickening of the hinge flap 16, which reaches its highest point in the opening position on the hinged hinge 4 or more precisely on the central hinge 5, ends at the same height with the joint-forming edge of the walls 13 of the closure housing 2 and the closure cover 3.

In this eighth exemplary embodiment too, the opening 15 described lies between the central hinge 5, which is connected above to the webs 8 described in detail via the thin points 10, and the hinge plates 6 on the outside, which form spring elements.

In plan view 18, the thickening made in relation to the thin areas 10 appears on the hinge tabs 6 as a trapezoidal plateau which tapers continuously in the direction of the folding plane y-y. This trapezoidal plateau then adjoins the front ends of the central hinge 5 in a corresponding manner, but then, with a further reduction in the plateau triangular surface 17 which points out toward y-y, taper into a common tip 18 of a rib 19 which is triangular in cross section. The triangular rib 19 can be equilateral. This means that one side is rooted in the upwardly bulging, mutually directed, flat outer surface portions of the thin spots 10. The other triangular sides, on the other hand, are the extensions of the flanks 12 leading to the cross-sectional trapezoidal shape.

In the closed state of the cap 1, the free triangular tip 18 points to the inside of the cap. There it comes in an already existing space, formed partly by the recesses 9. In the closed state, practically nothing of the hinge mechanism etc. can be seen on the outside of the closure cap 1. Not even the U-leg sections of the recesses 9 are visible here, since in this eighth exemplary embodiment the cuticles 14 closing them are taken into account.

Instead of only connecting the material bridge bringing the central hinge 5 to the vertical webs 8 in the eighth exemplary embodiment, as could be understood from the previous exemplary embodiments, the hinge tabs 6 could also start from such free-standing webs 8, the background of which has the described recess 9.

The entire hinge zone extends over a jacket or circumferential length of the cylindrical cap 1, which corresponds approximately to the radius R of the same. The radius R 'corresponds to the counter-concave arches which bring the butterfly-like structure, defined by the thin points 10, likewise approximately the radius R. The hinged hinge shown can also have a non-circular or oval cross section.

The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, the drawing and the claims can be of importance both individually and in any combination for the implementation of the invention. All the features disclosed are essential to the invention. The disclosure content of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the pre-registrations) is hereby also included in full in the disclosure of the application.

Claims (8)

Closure cap (1) with a snap hinge (4), in which a hinge tab (6) engages on at least one side on a free-standing web (8), characterized in that the hinge tab (6) via a thin point (10) in the web ( 8) passes. Closure cap (1) with a closure cover (3) and a closure housing (2), the integrally molded closure cap (1) having a snap hinge (4) which connects the closure housing (2) to the closure cover (3), and at least one hinge tab (6), characterized in that the hinge bracket (6) at its ends in a step-shaped recess (9) of the wall (13) of the closure cover (3) or the closure housing (2) free-standing webs (8) attaches to Avoid overextension of the hinge tabs (6) or the like are bendable. Closure cap according to or in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thin point (10) has approximately a fraction of the thickness of the hinge tab (6). Closure cap according to or in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge tab (6) has a fraction of the thickness of the web (8). Closure cap according to or in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clearance of the web (s) (8) Providing recess (9) to the periphery of the closure cover (3) and / or the closure housing (2) is closed by a skin (14). Closure cap according to or in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge flap (6) thickened in relation to a thin point (10) widens in width up to the closest distance (z) between the hinge parts (6) (viewed in the unfolded position) Condition) continuously reduced while essentially maintaining the difference in thickness. Closure cap according to or in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge tabs (6) have an approximately triangular cross section at least in the region of the closest distance (z) (rib 19). Closure cap according to or in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the triangular tip (18) points towards the inside of the closure cap (1) when the closure cap is closed.

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