Self-closing membrane valve comprises an elastomer membrane connected to a holder by mechanical, bonding or other material connection methods

摘要

The valve(V) comprises a membrane(1) with a slit(4) and a hemispherical holder(2). The holder is attached to the membrane either by a material connection, e.g. bonding or ultrasonic method, or by positive mechanical connection. An outer peripheral edge of the holder is held in a closure cap(7) either by wrapping around or engaging(13) with a notch in the cap. The membrane(1) lies centrally on a plate part(34) which tapers in steps towards the membrane. Membrane and plate are pressed against each other. Holders(2) are ring-shaped and flat and have a cross-section converging towards the center. The outside of the holder forms a trough shape on which the membrane lies. The membrane may or may not be enclosed at the edge by the holder. Attachment of the membrane to the holder may be achieved by application of a primer onto the membrane or by two component injection onto the holder. Membrane curvature radius lies between the diameter and the radius, preferably 80% of the diameter. When a membrane and holder are produced separately the membrane is flat before connecting to the holder. In an alternative version the plate is replaced by an impact cage with openings which lies below and at a distance from the membrane and has a rib which aligns with the slit. Independent claims are included for: a) an injection molded closure cap for a container, in particular a blow molded bottle, where the closure cap includes the claimed self-sealing membrane valve(V) whose holder part is mechanically engaged with the closure cap; b) a process for manufacturing the self-sealing valve in which initially the holder is injection molded and then an elastomer is added to the holder in the mold and a further tool part is applied to distribute and shape the elastomer to form a membrane; c) a self-sealing membrane valve produced by molding an elastomer directly onto a holder so that molded edges are mechanically attached to the holder and/or are bonded or welded.