EP1557363B1 - 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 increasingly being offered in tubular bags. It is necessary to ensure a simple, clean and safe application to 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 have been described. Depending on the consistency of the products in these tubular bags, however, there are disadvantages with the known mechanisms.

In EP 787 655 For example, a device is described in which the bag expands under pressure beyond its original shape prior to being burst on a device located behind the top plate. This system has the disadvantage, in particular in multi-component paste systems, that a paste is provisionally retained until this bag then bursts open under some high pressure and, in particular, in the case of readily flowable pastes, advances in excess until the pressure is equalized. Thus, it occurs before and immediately after opening both components to fluctuating mixing ratios.

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

The device described there generates a larger than only slot-shaped opening. When used for pastes with very high toughness and very poor flowability, it comes with this enlarged bag opening to disturbing flow resistance through the mounted in the flow channel blade 1 (cf. Fig. 3 ). The preamble of claim 1 corresponds to this prior art.

US 3,595,448 discloses a blade whose shape follows the inner wall of the exit opening for the material contained in the tubular bag. In this way, a defined piece is separated from the tubular bag.

• H) Die Aufgabe wird durch eine Vorrichtung mit einer an einem Einsteckröhrchen angebrachten Klinge gelöst, bei der das Messer zum Aufstechen und Schneiden des Schlauchbeutels der Innenwand der Austrittsöffnung für das im Beutel enthaltene Material angepaßt ist. D.h. die Form der Klinge folgt der Wandung der Öffnung bzw. stellt die Wandung der Öffnung dar. Ist die Austrittsöffnung zylinderförmig, dann ist die Klinge bevorzugt so gekrümmt, dass sie ebenfalls einem Zylinder entspricht. Zusätzlich ist vorgesehen, dass entweder

mindestens ein oder mehrere Stege (21) am Röhrchen (7) und ein Zahnkranz (25) im Kanal (3) das Verdrehen des Röhrchens verhindert, wenn der Beutel angestochen wird oder ist; oder
mindestens ein oder mehrere Stege im Kanal (3) und ein Zahnkranz am Röhrchen (7) das Verdrehen des Röhrchens verhindert, wenn der Beutel angestochen wird oder ist. The object of the invention is to provide for tubular bag a system that is comfortable for the user, from the beginning ensures a uniform flow rate and even with high product consistency or viscosity causes the lowest possible flow resistance.

• H) The object is achieved by a device with a blade attached to a push-in tube, in which the knife for piercing and cutting the tubular bag is adapted to 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 addition, it is envisaged that either

at least one or more webs (21) on the tube (7) and a sprocket (25) in the channel (3) prevents the twisting of the tube when the bag is pierced or is ; or
at least one or more webs in the channel (3) and a sprocket on the tube (7) prevents the twisting of the tube when the bag is pierced or is.

• 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) dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Klinge zum Aufstechen des Schlauchbeutels mit mindestens zwei dem Schlauchbeutel zugewandten Spitzen und zum Schneiden des Schlauchbeutels mit mindestens einer mit den Spitzen verbundenen schrägen oder gebogenen Schneidkante ausgestattet ist, daß
• D) die Form der Klinge der Innenwand der Austrittsöffnung für das im Schlauchbeutel enthaltene Material folgt, daß
• I) die Klinge die Form eines Teils einer Zylinderwand hat, und daß entweder
• J) mindestens ein oder mehrere Stege (21) am Röhrchen (7) und ein Zahnkranz (25) im Kanal (3) das Verdrehen des Röhrchens verhindert, wenn der Beutel angestochen wird oder ist; oder
• E) mindestens ein oder mehrere Stege im Kanal (3) und ein Zahnkranz am Röhrchen (7) das Verdrehen des Röhrchens verhindert, wenn der Beutel angestochen wird oder ist.

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) characterized in that the blade is provided for piercing the tubular bag with at least two tips facing the tubular bag and for cutting the tubular bag with at least one connected to the tips oblique or curved cutting edge that
• D) the shape of the blade of the inner wall of the outlet opening for the material contained in the tubular bag follows that
• I) the blade has the shape of a part of a cylinder wall, and that either
• J) at least one or more webs (21) on the tube (7) and a sprocket (25) in the channel (3) prevents the twisting of the tube when the bag is pierced or is; or
• E) at least one or more webs in the channel (3) and a sprocket on the tube (7) prevents the twisting of the tube when the bag is pierced or is.

Advantageously, the insertion tube and the blade of different materials, namely a sealing material of the tube and a stable material of the blade. The blade preferably creates a non-linear opening in the film of the tubular bag, thereby minimizing the resistance to tough pastes.

Blade has at least two tips, which are connected by an oblique or curved cutting edge. The blade preferably creates a non-linear opening in the film of the tubular bag, thereby minimizing the resistance to tough pastes.

In order to ensure the optimum functioning of the blade, it is necessary to make it very pointed, sharp and hard, as 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 side of the orifice tube facing away from the blade has to be much more elastic and softer, so as to be easily plugged and unplugged as well as sealing, the "combination part" should be made of at least two different materials. In the EP 1 121 195 described piercing tubes have these material combinations of hard tip and elastic sealing edge and their proper function not on.

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, ceramic, but also high-modulus thermoplastics, about> = 3000 MPa.

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

Since usually the length and the size of the flow channel is given by the necessary compatibility with existing systems, the required properties are ensured mainly by the shape and fit of the opening blade.

Namely, by making the blade part of the flow channel wall and causing a continuous, non-linear incision in the film, the frictional resistance of the pastes can be markedly lowered. This represents a significant advantage over blades arranged to impede the flow of the product.

The cut piece of film is further connected to the bag, and by the flow of product attaches to the wall of the outlet channel.

The cut surface may be L, V, U or semi-circular to nearly circular. The least squeezing power while avoiding film parts in the product - when the bag is opened - can be achieved if the sipe is ¾-circular.

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 disposed in the flow channel blade can be reduced to about 2000 N.

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.

An anti-rotation is ensured by the tube at least one or more webs are mounted, which engage in a mounted in the channel of the bag cap sprocket 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, then u.U. In the pierced state, a portion of the bag film is separated by a rotary movement of the tube.

For products with extremely high consistencies (kneadable), it has even been found necessary to open the bag through the outlet channel to the maximum possible diameter by slitting the bag, piercing and widening the hole, or even punching out the foil. However, if this is done by the user using a separate tool, the system loses the desired level of comfort. In addition, this film parts can get 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 a blade attached to a stopper and a sealing element is formed. In this case, the plug and the blade are preferably made of different materials, namely a sealing material of the plug and a stable material of the blade.

It has proven to be practicable, even during the manufacturing process, to plug the plug into the outlet channel, which functions both as an opening mechanism and at the same time as a stopper for the storage time and transport. The end user then only has to remove the plug, 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 is pierced in the region of the outlet channel before delivery, and until the application with a Closing plug is closed again; as well as thus pre-opened tubular bag in which the foil piece is punched out and removed before the plug is inserted.

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, which ensures between the edge of the channel 3 and the wider part of the Einsteckröhrchens 8 that the device does not open unintentionally.

The blade 2, 6 becomes ( Figs.s 4, 5, 6 ) through the channel 3 (Fig. 2 ) and is then contrary to EP 787 655 arranged clearly in front of the level 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.

Since the other side 8 of this opening tube (7, 8, Fig. 4 ) but must be much more elastic and softer, so as to be easily plugged and unplugged as well as a plug connection to the mixer, each tube 7, 8 must be made of at least two different materials. In the EP 1 121 195 described piercing tubes have these material combinations of hard tip and elastic sealing edge and their proper function not on.

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 is given by the necessary compatibility with existing systems, the required properties are ensured mainly by the shape and fit of the opening blade.

Namely, by making the blade part of the flow passage wall 9 and causing a continuous, non-linear incision in the sheet, the frictional resistance of the pastes can be significantly lowered. This represents a significant advantage over blades arranged to impede the flow of the product (Fig. 3 ).

The cut surface can be L, V, U or semicircular to fast circular (Fig. 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 .

This allows the expressing force of a paste (viscosity of about 500 Pa s) from 4000 to 5000 N with a linear slot and in the flow channel 11th (Fig. 3 Lowered blade 1 to about 2000 N.

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 .

To an uncontrolled tear propagation of the film 15th (Fig. 2 ), the two tips 12 are advantageous at the end of the cutting edge 14 on the side facing away from the cutting edge 16 to make 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.

An anti-rotation is ensured by the tube 7 at least one or more webs 21 are mounted, 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.

As practicable has been proven already during the manufacturing process part 19 (Fig. 7 ) into 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 benefit can be gained by avoiding the risk of injury from the pointed plug by piercing the bag during the manufacturing process and then using a tip Plug 24 is closed without a tip, which can then be removed by the user and disposed of safely.

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.

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 ; as well as thus pre-opened tubular bag in which the foil piece is punched out and removed before the plug is inserted.

Claims (13)

1. Device for opening a tubular pouch (15) comprising an insertion tube (7, 8) with an opening (D) facing the tubular pouch (15) at one end and an outlet opening (11) connected thereto by a throughflow channel (0) for the pasty material contained in the tubular pouch at the other end, and a blade (2, 6) attached to the insertion tube (7, 8), characterised in that the blade (2, 6) is equipped with at least two points (12) facing the tubular pouch to pierce the tubular pouch (15) and with at least one cutting edge (14), which runs obliquely or is bent and connected to the points to cut the tubular pouch (15), in that the shape of the blade (2, 6) follows the inner wall (9) of the outlet opening (11) for the material contained in the tubular pouch, in that the blade (2, 6) has the shape of a part of a cylindrical wall and in that either at least one or more webs (21) on the tube (7) and a toothed ring (25) in the channel (3) prevent the twisting of the tube when the pouch becomes or is pierced; or at least one or more webs in the channel (3) and a toothed ring on the tube (7) prevent twisting of the tube when the pouch becomes or is pierced.
2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the blade (2, 6) has the shape of three quarters (10) of a cylindrical wall.
3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the insertion tube (7, 8) and the blade (2, 6) are made of different materials, specifically from a sealing material of the tube and a stable material of the blade.
4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the part (7, 8) is made of a thermoplastic plastics material and the part (2, 6) is made of bent steel.
5. Device according to claim 3, wherein the part (7, 8) is made of a thermoplastic plastics material and the part (2, 6) is made from light metal.
6. Device according to claim 3, wherein the part (7, 8) is made of a thermoplastic plastics material and the part (2, 6) is made from ceramic.
7. Device according to claim 3, wherein the part (7, 8) is made of a thermoplastic plastics material with a modulus of elasticity of ≤ 2,000 MPa and the part (2, 6) is made of thermoplastic plastics material with a modulus of elasticity of ≥ 3,000 MPa.
8. Use of a device according to any one of the aforementioned claims, wherein the cut-out sheet piece (10) of the pouch (15) continues to be connected to the pouch (15) and owing to the flow of product rests against the wall (9) of the outlet channel (7).
9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it is formed as a closing plug (1) for the outlet opening (11), on which the blade (2, 6) is attached on the side facing the tubular pouch (15).
10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the plug (19) has a separate sealing element (23) to close the outlet opening (11).
11. Device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the plug (19) or the sealing element (23) and the blade (2, 6) are made of different materials, specifically of sealing material for the plug or the sealing element, and a stable material for the blade.
12. Method for producing pre-opened and reclosed tubular pouches using a device according to either of claims 9 or 10, in that the sheet of the pouch (15) is pierced in the region of the outlet channel (22) before delivery and is closed again until use with a closing plug (24).
13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the sheet piece is punched out and removed before the closing plug is inserted.

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