EP1557363A1 - Device for opening a tubular pouch and its use - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has an insertion tube with an opening facing the bag at one end and an outlet opening for the paste material connected to it by a throughflow channel., a blade attached to the insertion tube for perforating the bag with at least one point facing the bag and for cutting the bag with at least one blade connected to the point. The shape of the blade follows the inner wall of the outlet opening for the material contained in the bag. An independent claim is also included a method of manufacturing pre-opened and reclosable bags.

Description

The invention relates to a device for opening a tubular bag and their use.

Particularly in the dental field, pastes of different consistencies are becoming more and more common offered in a tubular bag. It is necessary to have a simple, clean and safe application to ensure the consumer.

For this purpose, the tubular bags are combined with opening mechanisms, as they are already in EP 787 655, EP 1 121 195, EP 1 227 049. Depending on what consistency However, the products in these tubular bags have, but it comes in the known Mechanisms to disadvantages.

In EP 787 655 a device is described in which the bag is pressurized over its original shape before stretching on a device located behind the top plate is bursting. This system has particular multi-component Paste systems have the disadvantage that a paste is provisionally retained until this bag then under z.T. high pressure bursts and especially in flowable pastes this in the Advance surplus until the pressure is balanced. Thus it happens as well as directly after the opening of both components to fluctuating mixing ratios.

For pastes with high viscosities and low flowability is added that a slit-shaped Bag opening (A) - as mentioned in EP 1 227 049 -, too high pressure build-up in the bags leads.

The device described there generates a larger than only slot-shaped opening. When used for pastes with very high toughness and very poor flowability, however, disturbing flow resistance occurs due to the blade 1 mounted in the flow channel (see FIG. 3) in the case of this enlarged bag opening.

The object of the invention is to provide a system for tubular bag that comfortable for the User is ensured from the beginning of a uniform flow rate and even at high Product consistency or viscosity causes the lowest possible flow resistance.

A) einem Einsteckröhrchen mit einer dem Schlauchbeutel zugewandten Öffnung (D) an einem Ende und einer damit durch einen Durchflußkanal verbundenen Austrittsöffnung für das im Schlauchbeutel enthaltene pastenförmige Material am anderen Ende,

B) einer an dem Einsteckröhrchen angebrachten Klinge,

C) bei der die Klinge zum Aufstechen des Schlauchbeutels mit mindestens einer dem Schlauchbeutel zugewandten Spitze und zum Schneiden des Schlauchbeutels mit mindestens einer mit der Spitze verbundenen Schneide ausgestattet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

D) die Form der Klinge der Innenwand der Austrittsöffnung für das im Schlauchbeutel enthaltene Material folgt.

The object is achieved by a device with a blade attached to a Einsteckröhrchen, wherein the knife is adapted for piercing and cutting the tubular bag of the inner wall of the outlet opening for the material contained in the bag. That is, the shape of the blade follows the wall of the opening or represents the wall of the opening. If the outlet opening is cylindrical, then the blade is preferably curved so that it also corresponds to a cylinder. In particular, the invention relates to a device for opening a tubular bag with

A) a push-in tube with a hose bag facing opening (D) at one end and an outlet connected thereto by a flow channel for the paste-like material contained in the tubular bag at the other end,

B) a blade attached to the insertion tube,

C) in which the blade for piercing the tubular bag is provided with at least one tip facing the tubular bag and for cutting the tubular bag with at least one cutting edge connected to the tip, characterized in that

D) the shape of the blade follows the inner wall of the outlet opening for the material contained in the tubular bag.

In an expedient embodiment, one or more webs on the tube prevent in Connecting with a sprocket in the channel twisting the tube when the bag is pierced or is.

Advantageously, the Einsteckröhrchen and the blade made of different materials, and Although a sealing material of the tube and a stable material of the blade .. is advantageous it further, when the blade has at least two peaks, which by an oblique or curved Cutting edge are connected. The blade preferably produces a non-linear opening in the Foil of the tubular bag, whereby the resistance for tough pastes is kept low.

The blade preferably has at least two tips connected by a cutting edge are. In order to ensure the optimal functioning of the blade, it is necessary to make these very pointed, sharp-edged and hard, as it is e.g. With steel or ceramic is possible to shape.

It is possible to make the blade and orifice tube in one piece ("combination part"). Since the blade facing away from the opening tube much more elastic and softer must be easy to plug in and unplug again both as a connector to the mixer as well as being sealing, the "combination part" should consist of at least two different ones Be made of materials. The piercing tubes described in EP 1 121 195 have these material combinations of hard tip and elastic sealing edge and their proper function does not work.

Preferred material for the part sealing part are thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene or polyethylene, and that for the cutting part stainless steel, spring steel, Light metal, ceramics, but also thermoplastics with a high modulus of elasticity, approximately> = 3000 MPa ..

In order to be suitable for very tough, stable pastes, the opening should be in the film is struck, as large as possible, the flow channel with the largest possible cross-sectional area and its product-contacting surface as low as possible to reduce friction be.

Since usually the length and size of the flow channel through the necessary compatibility is given to existing systems, the required properties before All guaranteed by the shape and fit of the opening blade.

Namely, the blade being designed to be part of the flow channel wall and on the other hand in the film causes a continuous, non-linear incision, the frictional resistance of the pastes can be significantly reduced. This represents a crucial one Advantage over blades, which are arranged so that they the flow of the Hinder the product.

The cut piece of film is expediently still connected to the bag, and lays through the flow of product to the wall of the outlet channel.

The cut surface may be L, V, U or semi-circular to nearly circular. The lowest expressing force while avoiding film parts in the product - when the bag is opened is - can be achieved if the incision is ¾ circular.

This allows the expressing force of a paste (viscosity of about 500 Pa s) from 4000 to Lower 5000 N with a linear slot and blade located in the flow channel to approximately 2000 N.

When designing the blade shape, it has proven to be optimal if the blade is at least 2 tips for piercing the film has, by the oblique and / or curved running Blade edge are connected together.

To avoid uncontrolled tearing of the film, the two tips of the blade are advantageous
at the end of the cutting edge
on the side facing away from the cutting edge
with an angle of at least 180 ° to the piercing direction
to design. To act effectively as a point, it must not exceed an angle of 45 °.

The wall thickness of the cutting edge should be kept below 0.5 mm.

If you want to avoid that during or after the piercing of the bag twisted the blade is, a rotation is necessary. This is guaranteed if at the tube at least one or more webs are mounted, which are mounted in a channel in the bag cap Engage sprocket when inserting the tube. Conversely, you can but also the sprocket on the tube, and the web or the webs are arranged in the channel. If there is no rotation, then u.U. in the pierced state by a rotary motion the tube part of the bag film are separated.

For products with extremely high consistencies (kneadable), it has even proved necessary the bag is opened through the outlet channel to the maximum possible diameter is slotted by the bag, pierced and widened the hole or even the foil is punched out. If this is done by the user using a separate tool, However, the system loses the desired comfort. In addition, it can Slide parts into the product.

The opening function may also be coupled with a closing function, so that a device for opening and reclosing a tubular bag with one on a stopper attached blade and a sealing element is created. In this case, the stopper and are preferred the blade of different materials, namely a sealing material of the plug and a stable material of the blade.

As practicable has been found already in the manufacturing process, the plug opening into the outlet stuck, both as an opening mechanism and at the same time as a stopper for the storage time and the transport acts. The end user then only needs the plug remove, and then has an open and ready to use product.

However, since the piercing portion of the bag must always be pointed, sharp and hard, another benefit to the user can be achieved by avoiding the risk of injury from the pointed stopper by piercing the bag during the manufacturing process and then sealing it with a stopper without a tip which can then be withdrawn by the user and safely disposed of. This would completely shift the use of the device according to the invention to the manufacturer.

The invention also relates to the production and use of pre-opened and resealed tubular bags, in which the film of the bag in the region of the outlet channel is pierced before delivery, and until the application with a stopper is closed again; as well as thus pre-opened tubular bag where the foil piece is punched out and removed before the stopper inserted becomes.

Fig. 1 und 2

zeigen den Schlauchbeutel und die Öffnungsvorrichtung vor dem Anstechen und nach dem Anstechen.

Fig. 3

zeigt eine Vorrichtung des Standes der Technik mit einem Messer mit gerader, spitz zulaufender Klinge 1.

Fig. 4

zeigt die erfindungsgemäße Lösung mit einer Klinge 2 auf der Basis einer zylindrischen Form (Draufsicht 10, Dreiviertelkreis) und zwei Spitzen 12, und zwei Stegen (21) am Röhrchen die als Verdrehschutz fungieren.

Fig. 5

zeigt im Detail eine Klinge mit 2 Spitzen (12) in der Draufsicht, Vorder- und Seitensicht

Fig. 6

zeigt im Detail eine Klinge mit 3 Spitzen (12) in der Draufsicht, Vorder- und Seitensicht

Fig. 7

zeigt einen vorgeöffneten Schlauchbeutel mit einem Verschlussteil (19) der aus Klinge (20) und Stopfen (23) besteht.

Fig. 8

zeigt eine Lösung ohne Messer und mit vorgeöffnetem Beutel (C) und Verschlußstopfen (24).

Fig. 9

zeigt in der Seitenansicht im Detail einen im Kanal angebrachten Zahnkranz (25) der als Verdrehschutz fungiert.

Fig. 10

zeigt den Kanal mit Zahnkranz (25) in der Draufsicht.

Fig. 11

zeigt den Schlauchbeutel nach dem Aufstechen, bei dem die Stege (21) in den Zahnkranz (25) eingerastet sind, und das Verdrehen zu verhindern.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 and 2

show the tubular bag and the opening device before piercing and after piercing.

Fig. 3

shows a device of the prior art with a knife with straight, tapered blade. 1

Fig. 4

shows the solution according to the invention with a blade 2 on the basis of a cylindrical shape (top view 10, three-quarter circle) and two tips 12, and two webs (21) on the tube which act as anti-rotation.

Fig. 5

shows in detail a blade with 2 tips (12) in plan view, front and side view

Fig. 6

shows in detail a blade with 3 tips (12) in plan view, front and side view

Fig. 7

shows a pre-opened tubular bag with a closure part (19) of the blade (20) and plug (23).

Fig. 8

shows a solution without knife and with pre-opened bag (C) and stopper (24).

Fig. 9

shows in side view in detail a mounted in the channel sprocket (25) which acts as a twist protection.

Fig. 10

shows the channel with sprocket (25) in plan view.

Fig. 11

shows the tubular bag after piercing, in which the webs (21) are engaged in the sprocket (25), and to prevent twisting.

In Fig. 1 (unopened state) can be seen as a feature 26 a safety spacer, the between the edge of the channel 3 and the wider part of the insertion tube 8 ensures that the device does not open unintentionally.

The blade 2, 6 is introduced (Fig. 4, 5, 6) through the channel 3 (Fig. 2), and then, in contrast to EP 787 655, is arranged clearly in front of the plane 4 of the top plate 5 .

To ensure the optimum function of this blade 2, 6 , it is necessary to make this very sharp, sharp and hard, as it is possible with steel or ceramic, for example.

However, since the other side 8 of this opening tube ( 7, 8, Fig. 4) must be much more elastic and soft to be easily plugged and unplugged as well as a plug connection to the mixer, each tube 7, 8 of at least two be made of different materials. The piercing tubes described in EP 1 121 195 do not exhibit these material combinations of hard tip and elastic sealing edge and their perfect function.

Preferred material for the part 7, 8 are thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene or polyethylene and that for the part 2, 6 stainless steel, spring steel, light metal, ceramic or high modulus thermoplastics.

In order to be suitable for very tough, stable pastes, the opening B , which is engraved in the film, should be as large as possible, the flow channel with the largest possible cross-sectional area and its product-contacting surface to minimize friction minimized.

Since usually the length and size of the flow channel through the necessary compatibility is given to existing systems, the required properties before All guaranteed by the shape and fit of the opening blade.

Namely, the blade being designed to be part of the flow channel wall 9, and secondly in the film is a continuous, non-linear incision caused, the frictional resistance of the pastes can be significantly lower. This constitutes one a decisive advantage over blades which are arranged to control the flow of Hinder product (Fig 3).

The cut surface may be L, V, U, or semi-circular to nearly circular (Figs. 4, B, 10 ).

The least squeezing force and the simultaneous avoidance of film parts in the product of such opened bags can be achieved if their incision B is ¾-circular 10 .

As a result, the ejection force of a paste (viscosity of about 500 Pa s) of 4000 to 5000 N with a linear slot and in the flow channel 11 (Fig. 3) arranged blade 1 to about 2000 N lower.

In the design of the blade shape, it has proven to be optimal if they have at least two tips 12, 13 for piercing the film, which are connected to each other by the obliquely and / or bent blade edge 14 .

In order to avoid an uncontrolled further tearing of the film 15 (FIG. 2), the two tips 12 are advantageously designed at the end of the cutting edge 14 on the side 16 facing away from the cutting edge with an angle 17 of at least 180 ° to the piercing direction. To act as a tip 12, 13 , this must not exceed an angle 18 of 45 °.

The wall thickness of the cutting edge 14 is expedient to keep below 0.5 mm.

If you want to avoid that during or after the piercing of the bag, the blade is twisted, a rotation is necessary. This is ensured when at least one or more webs 21 are attached to the tube 7 , which engage in a mounted in the channel 3 of the bag cap ring gear 25 when the tube is inserted.
Conversely, however, the ring gear on the tube, and the web or webs may be arranged in the channel.
If there is no rotation, a part of the bag film could be separated in the pierced state by a rotary movement of the tube.

For products with extremely high consistencies (kneadable), it has even proved necessary the bag is opened through the outlet channel to the maximum possible diameter is slotted by the bag, pierced and widened the hole or even the foil was punched out.

If this is done by the user using a separate tool, the system goes however lost at the desired comfort. In addition, this can be with the film parts in the Get product.

As practicable has been found already in the manufacturing process part 19 (Fig. 7) stuck in the outlet channel 22 , which acts as an opening mechanism 20 and at the same time as a plug 23 for the storage time and transport. The end user then only has to remove the plug 23 , and then has an open and ready to use product.

However, since the bag piercing portion needs to be pointed, sharp and hard, another user benefit can be obtained by avoiding the risk of injury from the pointed plug by piercing the bag during manufacture and then sealing it with a stopper 24 without a tip. which can then be deducted by the user and safely disposed of.

The insertion tube 7 , 8 and the blade 2, 6 are preferably made of different materials, namely a sealing material of the tube and a stable material of the blade.

The sealing material is thermoplastic material. Blade material can e.g. curved Be steel, light metal or ceramic, but also thermoplastic with a plastic Modulus of elasticity> = 3000 MPa ..

In an expedient embodiment, one or more webs 21 on the tube 7 in conjunction with a sprocket 25 in the channel 3 prevent twisting of the tube when the bag is pierced or is.

The cut piece of film 10 is expediently further connected to the bag 15 , and settles by the flow of product to the wall 9 of the outlet channel 7 .

The opening function may also be coupled with a closing function, so that a device for opening and reclosing a tubular bag 15 with a mounted on a plug 19 blade 2, 6 and a sealing element 23 is formed. In this case, the plug (23) and the blade (2,6) are preferably made of different materials, namely a sealing material of the plug and a stable material of the blade.

The invention also relates to the production and use of pre-opened and resealed tubular bags, in which the film of the bag 15 is pierced in the region of the outlet channel 22 before delivery, and is closed again until it is used with a stopper 24 ; and in such a way
pre-opened tubular bags in which the foil piece is punched out and removed before the stopper plug is inserted.

Claims (17)

Device for opening a tubular bag (15) with A) an insertion tube (7, 8) with an opening (D) facing the tubular bag (15) at one end and an outlet opening (11) connected therewith through a flow channel (0) for the pasty material contained in the tubular bag at the other end, B) a blade (2, 6) attached to the push-in tube (7, 8), C) in which the blade (2, 6) for piercing the tubular bag (15) is equipped with at least one tip (12) facing the tubular bag and for cutting the tubular bag (15) with at least one blade (14) connected to the tip; characterized in that D) the shape of the blade (2, 6) follows the inner wall (9) of the outlet opening (11) for the material contained in the tubular bag. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blade (2, 6) takes the form of a part of a cylinder wall Has. Device according to claim 1, wherein the blade (2, 6) takes the form of three quarters (10) of a Cylinder wall has. Device according to claim 1, in which the blade (2, 6) has at least two tips (12, 13), which are connected by a slanted or curved cutting edge. Device according to claim 1, wherein the insertion tube (7, 8) and the blade (2, 6) are made of are different materials, namely a sealing material of the tube and a stable material of the blade. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the part 7, 8 made of a thermoplastic material and Part 2.6 is made of bent steel. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the part 7, 8 made of a thermoplastic material and Part 2, 6 is made of light metal. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the part 7, 8 made of a thermoplastic material and Part 2, 6 is made of ceramic. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the part 7, 8 made of a thermoplastic material with an E-modulus <= 2000 MPa and part 2, 6 made of thermoplastic material with an E-module > = 3000 MPa. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one or more Webs (21) on the tube (7) and a sprocket (25) in the channel (3) twisting the Tube prevents when the bag is pierced or is. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one or more Webs in the channel (3) and a sprocket on the tube (7) twisting the tube prevents when the bag is pierced or is. Use of a device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cut-out Film piece (10) of the bag (15) is further connected to the bag (15) and by the product flow to the wall (9) of the outlet channel (7) applies. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed as a plug (1) for the outlet opening (11) on which the blade (2,6) is attached to the hose bag 15 facing side. Device according to Claim 14, in which the plug (19) has a separate sealing element (23). For closing the outlet opening (11). Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the plug (19) or the sealing element (23) and the blade (2,6) are of different materials, a sealing material for the plug or the sealing element and a stable material for the blade. Method of making pre-opened and resealed tubular bags using a device according to any one of claims 13 and 14, by the film the bag (15) is pierced in the region of the outlet channel (22) before delivery, and is closed again until the application with a stopper (24). The method of claim 16, wherein the foil piece is punched out and removed before the stopper is inserted.

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