WO2004026721A2

WO2004026721A2 - Self-closing membrane valve

Info

Publication number: WO2004026721A2
Application number: PCT/EP2003/010253
Authority: WO
Inventors: Udo Suffa
Original assignee: Alpla-Werke Alwin Lehner Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2002-09-16
Filing date: 2003-09-16
Publication date: 2004-04-01
Also published as: AU2003273882A8; EP1542910A2; WO2004026721A3; PL374635A1; MXPA05002436A; CA2495137A1; US20060138179A1; CN1681716A; BR0306331A; AU2003273882A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-closing membrane valve (V) comprising a slit membrane (1) and a cap-shaped holding element (2) which is associated with a receiving region (6) of the membrane (1). The aim of the invention is to provide a ready-to-use, pre-mountable membrane valve. To this end, the holding element (2) is connected to the membrane (1) in a positively locking manner or in a material fit, and is formed inside a closing element (7) in order to hold in an overlapping or locking manner on the peripheral outer edge side.

Description

Self-closing diaphragm valve

The invention relates to a self-closing diaphragm valve with a slotted diaphragm and a holder part which is designed in the form of a dome to a receiving area of the diaphragm.

A self-closing diaphragm valve of this type is known from US Pat. No. 1,989,714. It consists of a rubber plate. According to an embodiment, the latter is held clamped against the end face of the neck of a dispensing container by a cup-shaped cap part. An indentation of the central windowed pot bottom of the holding part dent the membrane slightly arched against the direction of discharge of the medium. Close to the edge of the pot-shaped mounting part there is a locking bead projecting on the neck, which engages in a matching groove in the neck. The other versions work together with a special clamping ring that supports the membrane on the edge. In contrast, the holding part is formed directly by the neck, which has a corresponding projection.

Abe the invention is to further use the receiving area in the sense of a pre-assembly of the self-closing diaphragm valve.

This object is achieved first and foremost in a self-closing diaphragm valve with the features of claim 1, the focus being on the fact that the holding part is connected to the diaphragm in a form-fitting or material-locking manner and is designed to form an overlapping holder or latching holder on the circumferential outer edge in a closure part is.

As a result of such a configuration, a ready-to-use pre-assembled diaphragm valve is achieved. The relatively softer membrane sits on the inherently stable leren bracket part. The latter acts like a frame, the periphery of which is of elasticity capable of being clipped, just to achieve the above-mentioned overlapping holder or latching holder on a container-like object. The curvature is further communicated to the entire membrane via the dome-shaped receiving area of the holding part. This can be strictly in the form of a spherical cap. In this case, a same direction rotationally symmetrical bow ^'running achievable, it also to a different, eg. B. weaker, curvature, for example in the central region of the membrane. A cohesive bond includes the cross-linking of the materials. It can grip as well as an ultrasonic solution. Preferably, the cohesive bond does not encapsulate an encapsulation of the membrane.

The subject matter of the further claims are explained below in relation to the subject matter of claim 1, but can also be of importance in their independent formulation. It is furthermore provided that the membrane in any case rests centrally on a plate part. The plate part, which acts as a baffle, supports the central slot area of the membrane. The plate part lifts off the center or forms a gap. The technical design in this regard even favors the deployment of pellet-shaped bodies, in particular the guiding to the outwardly slit area of the membrane. It is further of advantage that the plate part tapers towards the membrane. It can be a trumpet-shaped design. It is also advantageous that the plate part tapers step-like. A step cone is to be thought of here. It even has a loosening effect on the output. It is also advantageous if the membrane rests with prestress on the plate part or vice versa. This requires a willpowerful application force, for example in the sense of handling the usual squeeze bottle as a dispensing container. The object of the invention is further that the holding part as a ring-like flat part is trained. The corresponding flat shape offers a relatively broad-gauge attachment zone or receiving area, especially with regard to the integral connection. It also proves to be advantageous that the cross section of the holding part converges towards its center. This results in a certain resilience with regard to bringing about the overlapping holder or snap-in holder. It is further proposed that the holding part has an outer shape corresponding to a trough section, on which the membrane rests. The membrane is thus shaped like a bowl, with a central region being exposed at the top. According to one version it can be advantageous that the membrane is not encompassed by the holding part. The most important thing to consider here is the integral connection. From a positive-locking aspect, however, a solution is favorable in such a way that the diaphragm is encompassed by the holding part. The periphery of the membrane is thus practically insertable into an annular groove. It proves to be advantageous that the cross-section length of the membrane, which is not encompassed but overlapped with the holding part, is greater than the encapsulated length. This results in a guiding surface which is advantageous in terms of assembly and is located in front of the said groove for the introduction of the edge of the membrane. Furthermore, a type of assignment has proven to be favorable, according to which the membrane is firmly connected to the holding part by means of an adhesion promoter. You can work with TPE. A particularly economical production results from the fact that the membrane is connected to the holding part by two-component injection molding. With regard to the membrane, it is possible to work with quite thin-walled material. There is excellent curvature stability if the radius of curvature of the membrane is between the dimension of the diameter and that of the radius, preferably four fifths of the diameter. In the present application, there is a diameter of approx. 19 mm. The thickness of the membrane, which is preferably made of silicone, is approximately 0.5 mm. A Shore hardness of 60 is reasons. The membrane is also made separately from the mounting part and is designed to be flat before being connected to the mounting part. The dome shape, which is forced from the flat original form, compresses the periphery of such a disk. This can go as far as a macroscopic but undetectable randomization with radial alignment of the crest of the wave crests and the bottom of the wave troughs. The whole thing leads to a characteristic intrinsic tension. The thickening of the periphery of the membrane, which is based on compression, favors, for example, the positive connection explained, due to an expansion clamp.

The invention then relates to a closure for a dispensing container manufactured in the plastic injection molding process, such as a preferably blow-molded bottle, the closure having a self-closing membrane valve which interacts with a holding part, and, in order to achieve an advantageous embodiment, proposes that the closure also be used in the released area dome-shaped membrane is positively or materially connected to the holding part, the holding part being latched in the closure. In terms of assignment, it is advantageous that the closure part, which surrounds the outside of the holding part, acts at the same time in a cutting-like manner in the overlap region to the holding part on the membrane. In order to further prevent the medium from penetrating too forcefully during the dispensing process taking place in the event of a fall, the membrane is underpinned by an impact basket of the closure part having perforations. The openings have a lock-like effect. The part of the membrane lying in the flow center is shielded, as it were, in that a web of the impact basket is assigned to the opening slot of the membrane in a vertical projection. In order to achieve a supply immediately on the output side, the impact basket underpins the membrane at a free distance. Behind the baffle wall is the main or remaining supply of medium to be dispensed, as it were. Subject of invention is also a closure in which the membrane is in any case in the middle of the plate part. It is envisaged that the plate part tapers towards the membrane. This solution is further characterized in that the plate part tapers step-like. A precaution is taken such that the membrane rests with prestress on the plate part or vice versa.

An advantageous development of the closure also consists in that the closure has a closure cover, that a downwardly opening pot is integrally formed on the cover in the overlap area to the membrane and that the free front edge of the pot sits sealingly on the membrane in the closed state, and that below the membrane, the plate part connected via spring arms rests. As a result, a further function is transferred to the valve membrane; it forms a sealing seat surface which interacts with the closing element, here the closure cover. Pressure forces acting on the dispensing container, thermal expansion of the material to be dispensed, fermentation processes etc. do not lead to the dispensing area being passed. On the contrary, the pressure component increases the seal even more, since the membrane is pressed even more firmly against the front edge of the pot. But the slot in the membrane is also blocked due to the plate part. Since the latter is connected to spring arms, it can take part in the movement in the sense of a counter protuberance. However, this counter protuberance is effectively limited. It goes, so to speak, against an "air cushion" enclosed in the pot. The molding of a pot can also be taken into account during the spraying process, also a front edge matched to the spherical shape of the membrane. Even a partial strip-like constraint on membrane material in the application area is effective prevented because the free outer edge of the pot is immediately adjacent to the inner wall of the membrane in the closed state, which can even be achieved go to an additional sealing point if, as further proposed, the outer edge of the pot sealingly abuts the inner edge of the holding part. This second sealing point is reinforced by the fact that the holding part, assigned to the outer edge of the pot, has a sealing profile. This can be a rotationally symmetrical, bead-like ribbing. This can be done in many ways. Then there is provision for the outer edge of the pot to have longitudinal ribs which rest on the holding part in the closed position of the closure. This favors the edge binding of the holding part and also has a favorable effect with regard to the desired seal of the captured membrane. In addition, a configuration can be made in such a way that slots in the membrane project radially outward beyond the plate part. Usually, the slot center is already covered by the plate part, in the sense of a baffle. In addition, the slots themselves, since they run in a bulge zone and the compressive forces come from the zenith, are self-closing until a predetermined pressure threshold is exceeded, below which the spontaneous counter-protrusion of the membrane takes place, which occurs when the material to be dispensed is dispensed with will.

Finally, the invention proposes a closure on which the closure cover is penetrated on the edge side by a latching button of the closure, which can be used for tamper-proofing, the latching button having a rib-like structured surface. Vertical ribs are formed. The ribs take the place of a central locking button cavity, which was misinterpreted by the consumer on the assumption that it was a dispensing opening. Since the bottom of the blind bore-like cavity is closed, a poking tool was used to open the supposed "dispensing spout". In contrast, the rib-like structure does not constitute an incentive for the described handling. Finally, the invention relates to a method for producing a self-closing membrane valve, with a membrane attached in an annular holding part, the membrane consisting of an elastomer, in particular a silicone material. The further feature steps are characterized in that the holding part is first injection molded, and then the elastomer material is added to the holding part received in a mold in a fluid state and the distribution of the elastomer material in the sense of the desired membrane using a countermold -Forming is made. The gift can be implemented in the form of a subset, for example simply by dripping on the elastomer material. Compared to the mounting part, this results in a weld-like connection as well as a partial positive connection. This is used to achieve a new type of geometry, in the sense of an integrally formed curvature that is correspondingly stress-free.

The subject matter of the further method claims are explained below in relation to the subject matter of claim 24, but can also be of importance in their independent formulation. It is thus proposed that the elastomer material, which preferably cures through a crosslinking reaction, is connected to the holding part in a material and / or form-fitting manner, with rear grip areas being formed with respect to the latter. This results in a mechanically extremely stabilized version of a diaphragm valve. The form-fitting areas behind the grip provide a peripheral clamp, as it were. In a structurally simple manner, the procedure is then that the elastomer material is prepared for application by means of an extruder and that a slot is formed in a subsequent processing step in order to achieve a dispensing opening. The slot is also subject to the created, no distorting effect. The diaphragm valve closes safely.

Ultimately, the invention relates to a self-closing diaphragm valve accommodated in an annular holding part produced in a plastic injection molding process and having a diaphragm made of an elastomer material with a slot for forming a dispensing opening when pressurized, and suggests that the diaphragm should be formed on its circumferential edge at its peripheral edge if it is designed without cutting edges Bracket part is positively and / or materially connected.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawing.

It shows:

1 is a top view of a strip of material with removably punched-out membranes, provided on the edge with an adhesion promoter,

2 is a detached membrane in cross section, enlarged,

3 the membrane is assigned to a holding part,

4 shows a closure part that can be fitted with the membrane valve, still unassembled,

5 the same, provided with the self-closing membrane valve,

6 shows a variant of the membrane, in a sectional view like FIG. 2, 7 shows the membrane completed with the holding part, as shown in FIG. 3, using a positive connection between the two basic elements,

8 in turn shows a section through the closure part equipped with this membrane valve,

9 shows a cross section through the holding part in a modified form with respect to FIG. 8! Plug trench profile

10 is an illustration like FIG. 9, again showing a modified trench profile,

11 shows a closure equipped with the membrane with a plate part lying against the membrane, specifically in a bottom view, in the opened position of the closure,

12 shows the section along line XII-XII in FIG. 11,

13 shows an enlargement XIII from FIG. 12,

Fig. 14 shows the closure in representation as in FIG. 12, but in pstellung Zuklap ^', detented,

15 shows a representation like FIG. 14, but with the breaking of an originality assurance,

16 shows an enlargement XVI from FIG. 14, 17 is a perspective representation of the membrane accommodated in a holding part, namely seen on the troughed side,

18 the same, but seen against the back,

19 shows an enlargement of the region of the closure that has the tamper-evident feature,

20 shows a section corresponding to FIG. 16 with the membrane arched outward into the deployment position,

Fig. 21 shows a cross section through the holding part with downward

troughing,

22 the holding part, prefabricated, received in a mold, provided with a partial amount of elastomer material, drop-shaped and in a fluid state,

23 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 22, but with a form-fitting counter shape,

24 is a plan view of the membrane valve after creating a slot to achieve the dispensing opening,

25 shows the section along line XXV-XXV in FIG. 24, 26 shows a closure equipped with the membrane with a modified plate part lying against the membrane, in a top view, in the opened position of the closure,

27 shows a representation like FIG. 26, but with the diaphragm valve not yet assigned,

28 shows the section along line XXVIII-XXVIII in FIG. 26, enlarged,

29 shows a modified embodiment of the plate part, reproduced as a magnifying glass.

The diaphragm valve, designated as a whole by V, consists of a diaphragm or membrane 1 and a holding part 2 carrying it.

The circular, disc-shaped membrane 1 is punched out of a band-like, flat material strip 3. Plastic film, preferably silicone, is used. The thickness is approximately 5 mm. The Shore hardness is 60.

The punching spots placed in a space-saving manner are accordingly closely adjacent. Also punched is a slot 4 that runs in the diametrical direction and forms a lip-like mouth. The slot 4 extends in the central field of the membrane 1 and, unlike shown, can also be realized as a cross slot, so that in this case there are four valve sails a star-shaped opening.

In the periphery of the membrane 1, small connecting webs 5 can be taken into account, so that the cohesion of the punching spots with the surrounding waste grid is maintained, and thus the shape of the storage as Wrap, roll, is also given in the form of a stack, a zigzag arrangement, etc.

The originally flat membrane 1 is assigned to the holding part 2 in the form of a spherical cap. Converted into the corresponding dome-shaped shape, a characteristic residual stress results in the corresponding receiving area 6 of the membrane 1, which continues stabilizing in the rotationally symmetrically curved, unconnected central field of the membrane 1, as it were, stabilizing. The corresponding bulge is opposite to the application direction arrow x (see, for example, FIG. 5).

The diaphragm valve V can be assigned to a closure part 7.

The closure part 7 is realized on a closure 8. It is located in the head region of a dispensing container or container 9. A blow-molded bottle with at least partially collapsible wall sections is conceivable, so that the function of a squeeze bottle is by pressing together the contents of the dispensing container 9, for example a liquid to pasty medium the closure 8, through which self-closing membrane valve V can be brought out in a controlled, targeted manner. When the internal pressure drops, said valve V returns to the closed position due to the inherent restoring force of the membrane 1. Air compensation takes place by opening the slot 4 in the opposite direction to arrow x due to the vacuum.

The ring-shaped mounting part 2 is connected to the membrane 1 in a form-fitting or material-locking manner. The frame-shaped element circumscribing the central field of the membrane 1 can be assigned by overmolding.

If a membrane 1 made of silicone is used, an adhesion promoter 10 is used. Reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2. The adhesion promoter 10 is identified there by dot matrix and shown as a layer in FIG. 2.

In other cases, adhesives can work.

In the case of such diaphragm valves V, which are also produced in the two-component spraying process, care is taken that the diaphragm 1 in the receiving area 6 nestles into the silhouette of the holding part 2 on the underside. As can be seen, the outside of the dome-shaped membrane 1 continues flush into the corresponding outside of the holding part 2. The narrow edge of the membrane 1 thus strikes or ends at a step 11.

In an outward-facing continuation, the holding part 2 is formed in the closure part 7 for its over-grip holder or latching holder on the circumferential outer edge.

The corresponding bondage is achieved by means of a locking lug 13 formed on the outer edge 12 of the holding part 2. It engages under a horizontal locking shoulder 14 of the locking part 7. The locking lug 13 protrudes into a groove 15 which is open towards the membrane 1.

Below the locking shoulder 14, the groove 15 continues into a correspondingly inwardly directed, horizontal flank 16. The flank 16 is further developed in the sense of an anchoring support and, moreover, also acts in terms of sealing technology. This is embodied in that the mounting part 2 ß act like a rip around the closing part 7 and act like a cutting edge in the covering area to the holding part 2 on the membrane 1. A look at Figure 5 makes this clear. The cutting edge bears the reference number 17. It dips into the elastic laminate of the membrane 1. The rotationally symmetrical cutting edge 17 is of course not profiled in a cutting manner. It supports the integral connection of membrane 1 at the base of the membrane cap.

The variant according to FIG. 8 is identical in terms of the actual locking means. Insofar as is necessary for understanding, the reference numbers are used analogously, in some cases without repeated text. Here, however, the nose 13 continues in a vertically aligned annular web 18 of the holding part 2. The latter is seated axially in the container direction on the flank 16 in a defined manner, in the opposite direction tied up by the clip means 13/14.

The ring web 16 providing a material accumulation in the area of the step 11 is used to achieve the positive connection of the membrane 1 with the holding part 2.

If, according to the basic version, the diaphragm 1 is not encompassed by the holding part 2, the variant in FIG. 8, in contrast, provides a gripping of the periphery of the diaphragm 1 by the holding part 2 that covers both broad sides of the diaphragm. By the material of the annular web 16 contributed ^{'Umgriffabschnitt,} however short, which, as has been found, even enough owing to the aforementioned internal stress. The assignment, practically plugging the edge of the membrane 1 can be effected via a ring tappet. The cross-sectional length of the membrane 1, which is not encompassed but overlapped with the holding part 2, is therefore greater than the cross-section encompassed on the underside. fene. The plug-in trench receiving the free end bears the reference number 19. The dome-shaped receiving area 6 of this holding part 2 offers, toward the upper flank of the plug-in trench 19, a relatively long guide surface for carrying out the assembly.

In both cases, the upper side, the concave side of the membrane 1, the receiving area 6, the portion of the holding part 2 which is conspicuously formed as a flat part with an inwardly directed, wedging lip 20. The ends well spaced before the end of the slot 4 or the slots 4. For the arched area of the diaphragm 1 there is also sufficient mobility in the sense of a bulge going in the direction of discharge arrow x, which is done via the dead center line defined by 20. The bulging back occurs from the restoring force of the membrane 1.

The ring-like flat part, ie holder part 2, converges towards the center of the membrane 1. For example, unused, that is, not released from the lip mouth, remaining amount of medium collected in front of the slot 4 can be sucked back into the dispensing container 9 through the slot 4. The corresponding plate-like trough, forming a collection basin as it were, is designated by 21.

With regard to the geometry of the membrane 1, it should still be pointed out that the radius of curvature R of the membrane 1, both of the basic version and of the variant, lies between the dimension of the diameter D and that of the half-diameter of the membrane 1 and is preferably four fifths of the diameter D. The diameter D is 19 mm. The free area takes up half the diameter D. The overall thickness of the diaphragm valve V is approximately a quarter of the diameter D. Even with geometries going in the direction of a shorter radius value, the membrane 1 has a flat surface before being connected to the holding part 2.

^' The closure 8 is manufactured using the plastic injection molding process. Additional functional elements can also be taken into account, such as a closure cover 22 which extends over the dispensing area 23, which can be opened from the dispensing path. The closure cover 22 realized as a hinged cover disappears in the basic position, that is to say in its protective position in a head-side transverse shaft 24 of the ceiling 25 the closure 8.

Likewise, arrow x docking means 26 for connecting the closure 8 with restraining means on the neck of the dispensing container 9 extend from the ceiling 25 against the direction of discharge.

Furthermore, the closure 8 takes into account a baffle basket 27 of the closure part 7 located in front of the convex side of the dome-shaped membrane 1. The flow-insulating part of the baffle basket 27 underpins the membrane 1 with a free vertical distance y. The area of the slot 4 is protected in a special way. A web 28 can be seen associated with the slot 4 of the membrane 1 in a vertical projection. With regard to the web 28, it can be a wall-shaped bottom section of the basket 27. Only at the edge of this web 28 forming a protective shield or a baffle are the passages for the medium to be dispensed. The openings in this regard bear the reference number 29. They open the way to a prechamber 30 of the closure 8 which is justified by the free distance y.

The trench profile variants shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are one

Further development of the form-fitting solution described for FIG. 8. The

Reference numbers are used analogously, some of them without textual repetitions. Thus, the encompassing part of the plug-in trench 19 starts at the outward end of the receiving region 6. The bottom of the trench follows the slightly conical or frustoconical edge of the membrane 1. The corresponding slight tapering results from the curvature of the membrane 1. The flank 31 of the trench 19 facing the underside of the membrane 1 protrudes from said underside. It leaves an annular gap 32. The gap exit is convexly rounded on the flank 31 and merges externally into the annular web 18 via a counter-slant. The transition to the bottom of the trench 19 is also rounded, and is concave.

This configuration favors the plug assignment. Such an annular gap 32 can also be provided in the case of a material connection using the receiving area 6.

The variant Figure 10 is implemented as described to a detail, except that the bottom of the trench plug 19 strictly in the direction of the radius R ¹ runs. The conical edge of the membrane 1 thus lifts off in a wedge shape from the base of the plug-in trench 19 in accordance with the aforementioned frustoconical shape and only attaches to an annular rib 33 on or above the base of the upstream annular gap 33.

The here in the cross-section as it were V-shaped mounting part 2 has the injection point expediently in the V-apex, that is, on the upper edge of the outer edge 12.

The radius R only arises from the molded-on holder part ring. The inside of the concave body forms the compression fiber and the convex outside the expansion fiber, which results in the truncated cone-shaped alignment of the narrow edge of the membrane 1. The closure 8 according to a further development (FIGS. 11 to 20) is basically of the same structure. Insofar as is necessary for understanding, the reference numbers are used analogously, in some cases without repeated text. Thus, a flank 17 also emanates from the flank 16 and circumscribes the application area 23 of the closure 8 in the form of an annular sealing bead. The cutting-like comb of this annular sealing bead is now positioned more in the central region of the receiving region 6 forming the counterhold.

A change is then made with regard to the described impact basket 27. A plate part 34 takes its place. This extends below the membrane 1, ie facing the product 35 to be dispensed. The liquid product 35, for example, which strikes the dispenser 9 in the head of the closure 8 with the dispenser falling, cannot escape. The correct dispensing of a filling quantity of product 35 is normally only possible by squeezing the wall of the dispensing container 9 with emphasis on the will (see FIG. 20).

The plate part 34 is practically on the outer wall 36 of the membrane 1. It is accordingly concavely curved, or designed to be curved to the convex shape of the diaphragm valve V. At most, there is a small light gap between the two curved parts.

The plate part 34 is of the same thickness throughout. Accordingly, the surface facing away from the membrane 1 also takes an adapted convex curvature. This creates a laterally repellent flow component when product 35 impacts. The corresponding flow divider function circumferentially radially outward can also be reinforced by For example, a more intense curvature or curvature course is practiced with respect to the parts mentioned.

The plate part 34 is further connected to the closure part 7 via spring arms 37. The spring arms 37 act as pressure catch springs. A total of three spring arms 37, each arranged at equal angles, are realized in the area of an annular passage 38. Reference is made to FIG. 11.

The spring arms 37 can be seen in a Z-shape. A Z-web 39 follows the central region of the annular passage 38, namely in a concentric course. In the end regions of the Z-web 39, there are radially oriented connecting webs 40. They form the Z-legs, so to speak. An inward connecting web 40 is rooted in the edge of the plate part 34; an outward-pointing connecting web 40 of the same spring arm 37 attaches to the edge 38 of the lowered bottom 41 of the ceiling 25 of the closure part 7 that borders the passage 38 outward. It is an integral connection with the closure 8 and possibly also with the dispensing container 9. For further details, reference is made to the German patent application 10218363. The disclosure content of this application is included in full, also for the purpose of including features of these documents in claims of the present application.

The membrane 1, which is arched in the direction of the product 35, is supported by the closed closure cover 22 in the locked position. This is done according to the above-mentioned precursor by a hold-down device, which is formed on the closure cover 22 in accordance with the course of the slots 4. A single slot is a web-shaped hold-down device and a cross slot is an adapted cross shaft. The hold-down device works accordingly in the closed state in the sense of securing the position with the Membrane together. So there is good transport protection. The whole is also supported from the inside by the plate part / spring arms 34/37, which acts as a pressure catch spring.

The downholder described is used in a further development of the closure 8 for product-protective sealing. For this purpose, the closure lid 22 of the closure 8 has a pot 42. This starts from the inside of the closure cover 22, which is implemented as a hinged cover, and opens downwards, i. H. towards the membrane 1.

The practically cylindrical pot 42 formed in the overlap area of the membrane 1, with its free end edge 43 in the closed state of the closure 8, seals against the corresponding inner wall 44 of the trough 21 of the membrane 1. The unit plate part 34 / spring arms 37 offers an effective spring abutment. To this extent, the material of the membrane 1 can yield elastically to a certain extent, with the overpressure arising in the interior of the dispensing container 9 still favoring the tight closure or the sealing seat of the pot 42 which is turned upside down.

As can be seen in FIG. 16, the end edge 43 is designed to follow the contour of the membrane 1, more precisely the inner wall 44, that is to say it slopes slightly outwardly in the shape of a truncated cone.

In relation to the congruent placement of the pot 42 in relation to the opening 45 of the membrane 1 circumscribed by the lip 20, this also has a centering effect with respect to the holding part 2.

But this also offers a good prerequisite for achieving a second seal between parts 2 and 42, which is embodied in that the free outer edge 46 of the pot 42 lies directly adjacent to the inner wall 44 of the membrane 1 in the closed state, whereby in addition to the correct alignment, the outer edge 46 of the pot 42 lies sealingly against the inner edge 47 of the opening 45 of the holding part 2. The material has a corresponding rubber-elastic character.

In order to increase the sealing effect, the holding part 2, assigned to the outer edge 46 of the pot 42, has a sealing profile 48. This results in a triple seal via the diaphragm valve V, namely via the cutting edge 17, which is pressed into the diaphragm 1, via the stem-and 43, which seals against the diaphragm 1 in the opposite direction, and via the centering point between the outer wall 46 of the pot 42, which cooperates sealingly with the inner wall 47 of the part of the diaphragm valve V forming the holder part 2.

The expansion effect, however caused, merges into a counterturning of the membrane 1 on the pot side, specifically against the resistance of the air enclosed in the pot 42. The corresponding “air cushion” has a resilient, but nevertheless increasingly expansion-inhibiting effect. Leakage losses on product 35 do not occur. This is not the case even if the slot 4 of the membrane 1 is provided projecting radially outward beyond the plate part 34. On the outer wall Rather, the pressure of the diaphragm 1 in the expansion stage described tends to close the slit, which slit 4 only opens when the operationally required actuating pressure is applied.

The closure cover 22 is held in the closed position on the closure part 7 by conventional latching means. The connection is made via a peripheral film Hinge 50. The closure 8 can be connected to the neck of the dispensing container 9 in a tightly closing manner by means of a threaded engagement.

The locking cover 22 is penetrated on the edge side by a locking button 51 of the closure 8. The locking button 51 is also used to ensure tamper-evident. With regard to such arrangements, reference is again made to the aforementioned German patent application. In a further development said locking button 51 is now rib-like on the visible side. The ribs of such a surface have the reference symbol 52. They increase the tactile grip and prevent the manipulations described at the outset with regard to the supposed creation of an exit path.

The detent button 51 is mounted above a tongue on the closure part 7 like a rocker arm. This joint point is designated 54. At the bottom, the locking button 51 is held on the closure part 7 via a predetermined breaking point 55. The detent button 51 extends through the eye of an eyelet 56 of the closure cover 22 so that it can be actuated. Moving out of the locked position, the tamper-evident device 53 is broken. The locking button 51 is then captively tied up. The first use is so noticeable.

The holder part 2 shown in the drawing from FIG. 21 corresponds in shape and design to that according to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, depending on whether a rear grip area 57 is sought or not. The latter runs parallel to the circular arc to the near area 6 and, as a trench 19, represents the contour of the peripheral edge 58 of the membrane 1 to be formed.

The rear grip area 57 as the rotationally symmetrical flank of the insertion trench 19 is significantly shorter than the receiving area 6 parallel to the arc. The membrane 1 is molded in accordance with the specification in FIGS. 21 ff using the plug-in trench 19, now as a shaping element.

The membrane 1 consists of an elastomer, in particular a silicone material, referred to throughout as the elastomer material 59.

The holder part 2 produced in the plastic injection molding process is received in a mold 60. This has a mold cavity 61 which corresponds to the contour of the assignment side of the holding part 2. The latter recognizably takes into account the shape of the flank 16 of the ring land 18, as well as the shape of the locking lug 13 in the area of the outer edge 12 of the holding part 2.

Subsequent to the mold cavity 61, the central region of the mold 60 follows a circular arc line 62 in cross-section. The radius of curvature essentially corresponds to that explained above, but is here designated R '. R passes through the membrane center fiber, R 'is identical to the inner fiber.

The circular arc line 62 and the receiving areas 6 sloping towards the periphery are completely flush on the upper side.

Now the elastomer material 59 is fed to the holding part 2 accommodated in the mold 60, specifically in a fluid state. This is expediently done at the zenith of the spherical area of the shape 60. The corresponding dose is shown as a drop-shaped accumulation of material.

A mold 60 which completes the mold cavity 61 is now fed to the mold 60 thus coated. The latter, when closed, causes the distribution of the elastomer material 59 in the sense of the desired membrane shape. The Fig. 23 shows a closed molding device which is comparable to the waffle iron principle. It works without any gating points.

Any trapped air exits the molding device in the area of the plug-in trench 19, which finally fills up completely, for example via axial transverse channels 64 which are taken into account in the ring web 18 and which connect to downwardly opening pipes 65 of the shape 60.

The congruence of the air-discharging elements can be ensured by observing the markings made (not shown).

The elastomer material 59, which preferably cures by means of a crosslinking reaction, is at least cohesively connected to the contact surfaces on the holder part side. This would correspond to a connection contour, as can be seen in FIG. 3. If, on the other hand, a form-fitting holder is sought, this is effected via the described rear grip areas 57, which provide a wrap that extends over three adjoining sides.

The spherical counter-circular arc line of the concave counterform 63 on the inside bears the reference number 66. Reference is made to FIG. 23.

The elastomer material 59, including the portioning, is brought in by means of an extruder, not shown. The amount of consumption can be precisely defined so that excess leakage is avoided. Any excess quantities can also escape into the transverse channels 64. There they fulfill the plug function, whereby passing through the film forming the membrane 1 in conjunction with the crosslinking achieved is practically eliminated from the start. In addition, in contrast to a punched-out membrane 1, the U edge 58 of the membrane 1 is designed without cutting edges. Rather, the peripheral edge 58 forms a conforming shape, so it responds well to tolerance deviations. In general, the central placement of a drop-shaped amount of elastomer material 59 at the highest point of the concave shape 60 is excellent in terms of good distribution. The distribution conditions are the same radially outwards. They are further favored by the rotationally symmetrically sloping profile of the contour determined by the circular arc line 62.

Overall, there is a self-closing diaphragm valve V which is accommodated in a plastic injection molding process and has a diaphragm 1 made of an elastomer material 59 with a slot 4 to form a dispensing opening which responds when the collapsible wall of the dispenser 9 of the dispenser is pressurized, whereby the membrane 1 is formed form-fitting and / or cohesively connected at its peripheral edge 58 to the holder part 2 with no cutting edges.

The basic structure of the variant in FIG. 26ff corresponds to the basic version detailed above, in particular the configuration in accordance with FIG. 16. The reference numerals are used analogously, in some cases without repeated text.

A structural modification compared to FIG. 16 now consists in that the membrane 1 in any case rests centrally on the underpinning plate part 34.

This results in a central support with slight indentation in the core of the cross recess area. The slot 4 can also be designed differently. The outer wall 36 of the membrane 1 is affected on the membrane side. The plate part 34 tapers centrally to form a flat, disc-shaped stump 67. The upper surface of which is flat. In the case of a dispenser version with closure 8 of the size shown in FIG. 26, the area of the stump is approximately 1 to 2 mm.

The tapering can be carried out in the shape of a trumpet, as can be seen in FIG. 29, that is to say in the direction of the dispensing container 9, or in the manner of a step cone 68 (see FIG. 28).

The latter has a base corresponding to the multiple diameter of the cylindrical stump 67. Said, even disc-shaped base is rooted in the top of the plate part 34, the latter also having a disc shape, from which the spring arms 37 extend in the manner described.

The steps existing overall in a space between membrane 1 and plate part 34 have the reference symbol 69. The latter are concentric with one another. The edge of the plate part 34 also forms a step 69.

The off-center area around the central support is an enlarged annular gap 70. The latter promotes the discharge of, for example, pellet-shaped bodies, in particular the guiding to the outwardly slit area of the membrane 1.

The stages 69 located as baffles in the flow area favor the loosening of the substance to be dispensed. The plate part 34, which resists the membrane 1 to widen the gap and has a projection in the center, can be pre-stressed in the dispensing direction. This can be set up excellently during the spraying process via the connecting bridges 37 designed as spring arms 37 to the floor 41. In addition or instead of this, the membrane 1 can also have a prestressing which promotes support.

When dispensing the dispensed material, the membrane 1 is turned outwards in the manner shown in FIG. 20, the annular gap 70 also widening noticeably beyond the pre-chamber size achieved. The passage of the closure 8 is also designated 38 here. It is composed of the entire free environment of the spring arms 37.

The output substance can nevertheless also be of a liquid nature.

A further development then also exists with respect to the pot 42. This structural modification provides that the outer edge 46 of the pot 42 has longitudinal ribs 71 which rest on the holding part 2 in the closed position of the closure 8. The latter extend almost over the entire height of the outer wall of the cylindrical pot 42. The radially outwardly projecting longitudinal ribs 71 are rooted both in the said outer wall and in the ceiling of the hinged cover 23 of the closure 8.

A look at FIG. 26, for example, illustrates the distribution of the longitudinal ribs 71. Two extend in the diametral of the stopper 42, namely parallel to the film hinge 50 forming the folding axis. A third longitudinal rib is located in the bisector of the angle, namely on the side facing away from the film hinge 50 Side of the pot 42. Figure 28 shows in dash-dotted lines a solution in which a diametrical assignment also applies here. The end face 72 of the longitudinal ribs 71 facing the holding part 2 is cut obliquely following the indentation course of the lip 20 of the holding part 2. The end faces 72 converge towards the membrane 1. The slope is approximately at an angle of 30 ° to 40 ° with respect to a horizontal.

The end faces 72 still extend precisely in the course of the projection of the cutting edge 17. As a result of the downward-pushing effect of the longitudinal ribs 71, an excellent seal is achieved using the elastic material of the membrane 1.

According to the basic version, the pot 42 itself carries out the said hold-down function with its front edge 43. In the variant according to FIG. 28, the corresponding front edge 73 is given by an internal chamfer. This can go as far as a rotationally symmetrical, wedge-like tapering, which gives the edge of the pot 42 in the area of the outer edge 46 a sensitive elasticity with respect to the inner edge 47 of the lip 20. The overpressure occurring in the interior of the pot leads to the material-reduced edge of the pot 42 nestling tightly, which favors the desired sealing closure to the inner edge 47.

In the region of the film hinge 50 8, the closure in question on a latching projection ^• 74th The latter interacts with a corresponding counter-catch 75 of the hinged cover 22. This device comes into effect when the hinged lid 22 is pivoted sufficiently far into its open position. It cannot get in the way of the product to be dispensed; the view of the destination is not impaired either. Latching projection 74 and counter-latching 75 lie in the region of a window-like recess 76 in film hinge 50.

On the cover side in front of the recess 76, the cover 22 has a strip 77. It forms a screen. Since the bar is free-standing, liquid that is still in the dispensing area can run out / dry through the window-shaped recess.

All of the features disclosed are (in themselves) essential to the invention. The disclosure content of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also included in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of including features of these documents in claims of the present application.

Claims

EXPECTATIONS

1. Self-closing diaphragm valve (V) with a slotted diaphragm (1) and a holder part (2) which is designed in the form of a cassette in the form of a receptacle area (6) of the diaphragm (1), characterized in that the holder part (2) with the Membrane (1) is positively or materially connected and is formed in a closure part (7) for the circumferential outer edge-side overlapping holder or latching holder.

2. Self-closing membrane valve according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the membrane (1) in any case rests centrally on a plate part (34).

3. Self-closing membrane valve according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the plate part (34) tapers towards the membrane (1).

4. Self-closing diaphragm valve according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the plate part (34) tapers step-like.

5. Self-closing diaphragm valve according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the diaphragm (1) rests with prestress on the plate part (34) or vice versa.

6. Self-closing diaphragm valve according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the holding part (2) is designed as a ring-like flat part.

7. Self-closing diaphragm valve according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the cross section of the holding part (2) converges towards its center.

8. Self-closing diaphragm valve according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the holding part (2) has an outer shape corresponding to a trough section on which the diaphragm (1) rests.

9. Self-closing diaphragm valve according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the diaphragm (1) is not encompassed by the holding part (2).

10. Self-closing diaphragm valve according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the diaphragm (1) is encompassed by the holding part (2).

11. Self-closing diaphragm valve according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the cross-section length of the diaphragm (1) which is not encompassed but which is covered by the holding part (2) is greater than the encapsulated length.

12. Self-closing diaphragm valve according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that that the membrane (1) is firmly connected to the holding part (2) by means of an adhesion promoter (10).

13. Self-closing diaphragm valve according to one or more of the foregoing. Claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the membrane (1) is connected to the holding part (2) by two-component injection molding.

14. Self-closing membrane valve according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the radius of curvature (R) of the membrane (1) is between the dimension of the diameter (D) and that of the radius, preferably four fifths of the diameter (D).

15. Self-closing diaphragm valve according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the diaphragm (1) is made separately from the mounting part (2) and is flat before the connection to the mounting part (2).

16.1m plastic injection molding manufactured closure (8) for a dispensing container such as a preferably blow-molded bottle, the closure (8) having a self-closing membrane valve (V) which interacts with a holding part (2), characterized in that the free-stretched area, dome-shaped membrane (1) is connected to the holding part (2) in a form-fitting or material-locking manner, the holding part (2) being latched in the closure (8).

17. Closure according to claim 16 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure part surrounding the holding part (2) on the outside (7) acts like a knife in the overlap area to the holding part (2) on the membrane (1).

lδ.Closure according to claims 16 and 17 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the membrane (1) from an opening

(29) having impact basket (27) of the closure part (7).

19. Closure according to claims 16 to 18 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that a web (28) of the impact basket (27) is assigned to the slot (4) of the membrane (1) in a vertical projection.

20. Closure according to claims 16 to 19 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the impact basket (27) underpins the membrane (1) with a free distance (y).

21. Closure according to claim 16 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the membrane (1) in any case rests centrally on the plate part (34).

22. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the plate part (34) tapers towards the membrane (1).

23. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the plate part (34) tapers step-like.

24. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the membrane (1) rests with prestress on the plate part (34) or vice versa.

25. Closure according to claim 16 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure (8) has a closure cover (22), that a downwardly opening pot (42) is formed on the closure cover (22) in the overlap region to the membrane (1) and the free end edge (43) of the pot (42) sits sealingly on the membrane (1) in the closed state, and that below the membrane (1) the plate part (34) connected via spring arms (37) rests.

26. Closure according to claim 25 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the free outer edge (46) of the pot (42) is immediately adjacent to the inner wall (44) of the membrane (1) in the closed state.

Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims 25, 26 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the outer edge (46) of the pot (42) lies sealingly against the inner edge (47) of the holding part (2).

28. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims 25 to 27 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the holding part (2), assigned to the outer edge (46) of the pot (42), has a sealing profile (48).

29 Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims 25 to 27 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the outer edge (46) of the pot (42) on the holding part (2) in the closed position of the closure (8) has longitudinal ribs (71).

30. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims 25 to 28 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that slots (4) of the

Membrane (1) projecting radially outward beyond the plate part (34) are provided.

31. Closure according to claim 16 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure cover (22) is penetrated at the edge by a latching button (51) of the closure (8), which can be used to ensure tamper-evident and that the latching button (51) is one has a rib-like structured surface.

32. Closure according to claim 31, characterized in that vertical ribs (52) are formed.

33. A method for producing a self-closing diaphragm valve (V), with a diaphragm (1) attached in an annular holding part (2), the diaphragm (1) consisting of an elastomer, in particular a silicone material, characterized in that first the Holding part (2) is produced in the plastic injection molding process and then the elastomer material (59) is added to the holding part (2) accommodated in a mold (60) in a fluid state and with the aid of a counter mold

(63) the elastomer material (59) is distributed in the sense of the desired membrane shape.

34.A method according to claim 33 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the elastomer material (59) which preferably cures by means of a crosslinking reaction is materially and / or positively connected, the rear grip areas (57) being formed with respect to the latter, being connected to the holding part (2). that will.

35A method according to one or more of the preceding claims 33, characterized in that the elastomer material (59) is prepared for application by means of an extruder and that in a subsequent processing step a slot (4) is formed in order to achieve a dispensing opening.

36.1n a self-closing diaphragm valve (V) accommodated in an annular holding part (2) produced in the plastic injection molding process, with a diaphragm (1) made of an elastomer material (59) with a slot (4)

Formation of a dispensing opening when pressure is applied, characterized in that the membrane (1) is connected to the holding part (2) in a form-fitting and / or material-locking manner at its peripheral edge (58) with a design without cutting edges.