EP3464089B1 - Pouring element for a composite packing and composite packaging with a pouring element - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a pouring element for a composite package, in particular for a beverage carton for liquid food, with a base body having a fastening flange and a pouring tube, a cutting element arranged and guided in the pouring tube, first guide means formed in the pouring tube and second guide means formed on the cutting element, the first and the second guide means interact in a corresponding manner, as well as a composite package, in particular a beverage carton for liquid foodstuffs, with a package gable panel suitable for receiving a pouring element.

In the field of packaging technology, composite packaging has long been part of the current state of the art. For example, beverage cartons consist of various packaging materials, such as paper and plastics, which, when fully assembled and printed, form a packaging laminate. The layer structure can vary depending on requirements, for example, an additional aluminum layer is inserted for aseptic filling goods in order to achieve a good barrier effect against gases and light. Often - but not always - the laminate is cut to the size of the packaging during its manufacture, and so-called packaging blank blanks (blanks) are formed in this way. Alternatively, the packaging laminate is also delivered as a continuous material (rolled goods) and only cut later.

The actual shaping and filling of the packaging and the sealing into a package takes place in a packaging machine, which is often referred to as a form / fill / seal machine based on its main functions. The filling goods are mainly liquid foods such as drinks, Soups or yogurt in question. Stocked, pasty or lumpy products or the like are also conceivable.

Packs of the type mentioned are sometimes also provided with pouring elements. In addition to controlled pouring, these also generally enable the consumer to reclose. It is not uncommon and predominantly for aseptic use that a first opening function is provided for the pack. The previously sealed package is opened for the first time. This can be done for example by means of a pull-ring ("ring-pull") or tab or also by means of a lancing and / or cutting device. Such piercing and / or cutting devices are often designed as sleeve-like cutting elements (cutting rings) which are coupled, for example, to the screw cap via drive means, so that the pack is cut open simultaneously by means of the rotary actuation of the screw cap.

The European application EP 1 396 435 A1 shows for example a three-part pouring element. The base body, screw cap and cutting sleeve are initially individually manufactured in the injection molding process and, when put together, result in a functional pouring element which can be permanently connected to a filled, described above, via a fastening flange on the base body. When the screw cap is actuated by the consumer for the first time, the cutting element moves in the direction of a weakened section specially provided in the composite package and separates it by a large number of cutting teeth.

The conversion of the cap screw movement into a rotationally synchronous and translationally opposite cutting element movement is realized by a corresponding thread pairing on the components. The positive protruding thread flank of the cutting element combs over a larger section in the negative thread flank of the base body. On the one hand, this enables a relatively safe guidance of the components - which is always desired - limits but the kinematics of the cutting element to a constant feed rate. However, this can be disadvantageous, since packs of the type mentioned can lead to a so-called "PE pulling" during the separation process. The polyethylene film stretches in length without separating, which results in a poor or even incomplete opening result, so that the product cannot be poured out in the required manner. The special tooth geometry should help the problem. Furthermore, such parts are relatively complex to produce, since, for example, thread undercuts make it difficult to demould the injection molded parts on the injection molding machine.

An improved three-part pouring element shows the international patent application attributed to the applicant WO 2004/000667 A1 . The invention enables staggered kinematics of the cutting element. This is first pushed in purely axially and the composite pack is pierced by a combined lancing and cutting element. This is followed by a pure rotation that only allows the organ to be cut.

In order to make this special kinematics possible, relatively massive guide and power transmission means are necessary. In addition, strong wall thicknesses of the components must ensure the necessary rigidity and thus also the functional reliability. Such designs result in high material consumption and increase cycle times in injection molding.

In order to improve the injection molding production and the assembly of the parts created in this way, the international patent application dating back to the applicant WO 2009/068671 A1 a one-piece production of the base element, cutting element and screw cap has been proposed. The cutting element is already essentially formed in its starting position in the tube of the base element and the screw cap is connected to the base element via a connecting strap. For the assembly it is sufficient to bounce the injection molded parts. If the consumer now wants to remove the product from the composite package, he presses the button Screw cap of the pouring element now applied to the aforementioned composite package and for the first time cuts through the connecting tab (this also serves as a tamper-evident seal) and sets the cutting element in motion.

The kinematics of the cutting element result from the guide webs formed in the pouring tube, into which guide ribs on the cutting element engage. This initially follows a steeper screwing movement and merges into a flatter one. After the package has been opened, the cutting element is locked in its end position via a recess and a stop. This important function is necessary, otherwise there is a risk that the cutting element could fall into the product.

The European application shows another generic pouring element EP 2 055 640 A1 . If the screw cap is (opened), the rotary movement is transformed into a staggered movement of the cutting element. This is achieved by means of an elaborate construction using a negatively profiled notch on the cutting element and in this running cam, which projects from the inner wall of the pouring tube. The components are relatively complex to manufacture and can only be manufactured with a high cost of materials.

Based on this, it is the object of the present invention to design and develop a pouring element and a composite pack of the type mentioned at the beginning and described in more detail above in such a way that the disadvantages described are overcome. In particular, the production should be optimized in terms of materials and manufacturing technology and the opening function for the composite packaging should be fully guaranteed.

This object is achieved in a pouring element according to the preamble of claim 1 in that the first guide means is a rib which is formed on the inner wall of the pouring tube in a complete revolution and forms a self-contained rib. Such a rib enables extensive Freedom of design for the guide means to achieve the desired cutting element kinematics. In particular, a graduation of the Realize rotary and axial motion components or variable axial feed components. The complete rotation of the rib guarantees safe guidance of the cutting element. In particular, it avoids the risk that the cutting element cannot escape from its positive guidance even under loads, for example under the action of forces and torques of the cutting process, since this does not have any limiting ends. A circumferential rib prevents undercuts (such as in the case of threads), so that the plastic parts that are regularly injection molded can be easily removed from the mold. This enables the mold halves to be designed in a simpler and therefore more cost-effective manner, simplifies the filling of the cavities and thus shortens the injection cycle times, which optimizes production. The restriction to one rib also saves material. A self-contained rib further increases the rigidity and strength of the base body, so that the guide means perform their function and a good and safe opening is made possible. While strength and rigidity are guaranteed, wall thicknesses can also be optimized (i.e. reduced), creating further potential for material savings. Such a lightweight construction is of particular importance in mass production, such as pouring elements.

The object on which the invention is based is also achieved by a composite packing, the packing gable panel having a local packing material weakening and such a pouring element being positioned and permanently connected in such a way that when the pouring element is actuated for the first time, the cutting element can be moved in the direction of the packing material weakening and can thus be severed, that the composite package is ready for emptying. Pouring element and compound packaging must always be closely coordinated. Exact positioning on a packing gable panel provided for this purpose is of crucial importance. On the one hand, the pouring element must remain connected to the composite package, on the other hand, the cutting element should be exactly in the packaging material weakening created for it dig in and cut them open. This is the only way to fully open the package, which is then ready for emptying.

Another teaching of the invention provides that the rib for the starting position of the cutting element has at least one high plateau section. Such a high plateau enables the cutting element to remain securely in place until the composite pack is opened for the first time. However, this is necessary because otherwise there would be a risk that the composite package would be damaged prematurely and would no longer be leakproof, which could spoil the contents prematurely.

According to a further teaching of the invention, the rib for the end position of the cutting ring has at least one deep plateau section. Locking the cutting element in the end position serves for safety, since the cutting element must under no circumstances free itself from the end position and in particular must not fall into the product. If, for example, the cutting element is driven by a closure cap, this should also not be hindered when it is closed again or when it is opened again, which is ensured by the deep plateau.

Further types of embodiments according to the invention provide that the rib has different slopes for different movements of the cutting element and / or that the rib has a further plateau for a pure rotational movement of the cutting element. Different movements of the cutting element may be desirable depending on the material to be cut. If adverse effects such as "PE pulling" are to be prevented, it is advisable to pierce (perforate) the packing material first and then cut by means of a rotational movement, which is ensured by the further plateau.

Another teaching of the invention provides that the rib between the high and low plateau section has a fall protection section for the cutting element. Such a supplementary section closes the rib completely and provides additional security against the cutting element falling out.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the second guide means are formed by cams arranged over the circumference of the cutting element. Such cams run along the first guide means to a stop. In spite of their material-saving design (compared to, for example, webs), local cams are able to fulfill their intended function completely.

In further expedient embodiments, the second guide means are formed as pairs of cams, which are optionally arranged as three pairs of cams distributed over the circumference of the cutting element. Such pairs of cams enclose the rib of the first guide means. This enables an additional restriction of the degrees of freedom of the positive guidance, so that it becomes safer and more precise. If three pairs of cams are arranged distributed over the circumference of the cutting element, an optimal compromise between material consumption and management function has been found.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that at least one cam comes into contact with the rib via a rounded contour. Such a curve is able to gently follow variable inclines and different sections of the rib of the first guide means without tilting or causing large torques.

According to a further teaching of the invention, a closure cap is connected to the base body, which enables a partially consumed composite pack to be reclosed.

In further refinements of the invention, the cutting element can be driven via drive flanks formed on the closure cap, which act on drive elements arranged on the cutting element. In this way, the first-opening rotary movement can be used to drive the cutting element ("single-action"). If the drive is implemented via flanks (on the cap) and webs (on the cutting ring), a particularly advantageous coupling is created.

According to a special embodiment of the invention

Packaging material weakening listed as an overcoated hole. Such a special preparation of the packaging material is particularly suitable for opening through a pouring element that is optimized in terms of material and production technology, since the separation does not have to take place through the solid material of the composite packaging.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Verbundpackung mit Ausgießelement in perspektivischer Ansicht von vorn oben,

Fig. 2

ein erfindungsgemäßes Ausgießelement in perspektivischer Ansicht von oben,

Fig. 3

den Grundkörper des Ausgießelements aus Fig. 2 in perspektivischer Ansicht von oben,

Fig. 4

den Grundkörper aus Fig. 3 in einem Vertikalschnitt entlang der Linie IV-IV,

Fig. 5

den Grundkörper aus Fig. 3 in einem Vertikalschnitt entlang der Linie V-V,

Fig. 6

das Schneidelement des Ausgießelements aus Fig. 2 in perspektivischer Ansicht von oben,

Fig. 7

ein Führungsnockenpaar des Schneidelements aus Fig. 6 in Detailansicht und

Fig. 8

die Verschlusskappe des Ausgießelements aus Fig. 2 in perspektivischer Innenansicht.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing, which merely shows an exemplary embodiment. The drawing shows:

Fig. 1

a composite package according to the invention with pouring element in a perspective view from above,

Fig. 2

a pouring element according to the invention in a perspective view from above,

Fig. 3

the base of the pouring element Fig. 2 in perspective view from above,

Fig. 4

the main body Fig. 3 in a vertical section along the line IV-IV,

Fig. 5

the main body Fig. 3 in a vertical section along the line VV,

Fig. 6

the cutting element of the pouring element Fig. 2 in perspective view from above,

Fig. 7

a pair of guide cams of the cutting element Fig. 6 in detailed view and

Fig. 8

the cap of the pouring element Fig. 2 in perspective interior view.

In the Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of a composite pack P according to the invention shows this as a beverage carton. The composite pack P consists of a packing material that forms a packing laminate from a sequence of flatly joined materials: polymer layers are laminated on both sides of a cardboard carrier layer and an additional aluminum layer shields the product of the composite pack P from undesired environmental influences (light, oxygen).

The composite pack P provides a pack gable panel 1 in the head region, to which a pouring element A, which is also according to the invention, is applied and permanently attached. When the pouring element A is actuated for the first time, a packaging material weakening region, which is covered here by the pouring element A, is severed and the composite package P, which is thus ready for emptying, is opened for the first time. In the exemplary embodiment shown and in this respect preferred, this weakening area is designed as an over-coated hole which is formed during manufacture: a hole is punched out of the cardboard carrier layer so that local weakening occurs after it has been coated.

Figure 2 shows the pouring element A according to the invention, the parts of which are individually assembled (assembled) in the injection molding process: a base body 2, a — here hidden — cutting element 3 (shown in FIG Figure 6 ) and a sealing cap 4. The pouring element A, which is now ready for use, is then applied to the composite package P via a fastening flange 5 and permanently connected by means of hot glue.

If the closure cap 4 is actuated by the consumer for the first time, the unscrewing movement of the closure cap 4 is transferred to that guided in the base body 2 Cutting element 3, which separates the composite package P in the area of the weakening. The product can then be poured out through the opening created in this way.

In the Figure 3 the base body 2 is shown, which in addition to the mounting flange 5 also consists of a pouring tube 6. In the assembly and functional state, the cutting element 3 is arranged in the pouring tube 6 and via first guide means 7 formed on the inner wall of the pouring tube and corresponding second guide means 8 formed on the cutting element 3 (see Figures 6 and 7 ) positively guided. The first guide means 7 are formed by a circumferential and self-contained rib 9.

Figures 4 and 5 show the vertically cut halves of the base body 2 with the respective inner wall of the pouring tube 6, on which the course of the projecting rib 9 is visible. The rib 9 has a high plateau section 10 in the upper region, which forms the guide section for the starting position of the cutting element 3. If the cutting element 3 is now set in motion, it follows the first guide means 7 and is moved from the high plateau section 10 via a section which changes in incline to a low plateau section 11, where the end position of the cutting element 3 has been reached. The actual opening process of the composite package P takes place between the high plateau section 10 and the low plateau section 11. In doing so, the separating members 12 formed on the cutting element 3 pierce and cut (see Figure 6 ) the compound pack P in the area of the over-coated hole.

In the embodiment shown and preferred in this respect, a further plateau 13 is formed on the rib 9 between the high 10 and the low plateau section 11, which causes a pure rotation of the cutting element 3, as a result of which the separating members 12 cut the overcoated hole instead of piercing over this area.

When the cutting element 3 has reached its end position, it should be locked in this. However, in order to prevent unwanted loosening, the rib is 9 formed between its high plateau section 10 and low plateau section 11 as a fall protection section 14.

In Figure 6 cutting element 3 is shown as a single part. The second guide means 8 mentioned are realized as cams 15 which enclose the first guide means 7 of the rib 9 in pairs and thus form a positive guide. Three such pairs of cams 16 are formed distributed over the circumference of the cutting element 3, with which a sufficiently good guidance of the same is ensured. A detailed view of such a pair of cams 16 is shown in FIG Figure 7 to see. The lower cam 15, which comes into contact with the underside of the rib 9, is partially shaped as a rounded contour 17, so that different sections of the rib 9 are passed through as smoothly as possible.

Figure 8 shows the cap 4 as a single part. On the inner surface of the cover surface, drive flanks 18 are formed, which drive elements 19 projecting on the inside of the cutting element 3 (see Figure 6 ) act as webs. Thus, the closure cap 4 is coupled to the cutting element 3 and the desired power and torque transmission can take place.

Claims (16)

1. Pouring element (A) for a composite packaging (P), in particular for a beverage carton for liquid foods, with a basic body (2) comprising a fastening flange (5) and a pouring tube (6), a cutting element (3) arranged and guided in the pouring tube (6), first guide means (7) formed in the pouring tube (6) and second guide means (8) formed on the cutting element (3), wherein the first and second guide means (7,8) cooperate correspondingly,
   characterised in that
   the first guide means (7) is a rib being arranged on the inner wall of the pouring tube (6) over a whole circumference and forming a self-contained rib (9).
2. Pouring element (A) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the rib (9) for the initial position of the cutting element (3) comprises at least one high level section (10).
3. Pouring element (A) according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that
   the rib (9) for the end position of the cutting element (3) comprises at least one low level section (11).
4. Pouring element (A) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in that
   the rib (9) has different pitches for different movements of the cutting element (3).
5. Pouring element (A) according to claim 4,
   characterised in that
   the rib (9) between the high level section (10) and low level section (11) comprises a further level (13) for a pure rotational movement of the cutting element (3).
6. Pouring element (A) according to claim 4 or 5,
   characterised in that
   the rib (9) between the high level section (10) and low level section (11) comprises a section (14) to prevent the cutting element (3) from falling out.
7. Pouring element (A) according to one of claims 1 to 6,
   characterised in that
   the second guide means (8) is formed by cams (15) arranged over the circumference of the cutting element (3).
8. Pouring element (A) according to claim 7,
   characterised in that
   the second guide means (7) is formed by pairs of cams (16).
9. Pouring element (A) according to claim 8,
   characterised in that
   the three pairs of cams (16) are arranged distributed over the circumference of the cutting element (3).
10. Pouring element (A) according to one of claims 7 to 9,
    characterised in that
    at least one cam (14) comes into contact via a rounded contour (17) with the rib (9).
11. Pouring element (A) according to one of claims 1 to 10,
    characterised in that
    a closure cap (4) is connected to the basic body (2).
12. Pouring element (A) according to claim 11,
    characterised in that
    the cutting element (3) can be driven over drive flanks (18) formed on the closure cap (4).
13. Pouring element (A) according to claim 12,
    characterised in that
    the drive flanks (18) act on drive elements (19) arranged on the cutting element (3).
14. Pouring element (A) according to claim 13,
    characterised in that
    the drive elements (19) are formed as webs.
15. Composite packaging (P), in particular a beverage carton for liquid food stuffs, with a packaging gable panel (1) suitable for accommodating a pouring element (A), wherein the packaging gable element (1) has a local packaging material weakness, and a pouring element (A) according to one of claims 1 to 14 is positioned and permanently connected so that during the first actuation of the pouring element (A) the cutting element (3) is movable in the direction of the packaging material weakness and this can be severed so that the composite packaging (P) is ready for emptying the contents.
16. Composite packaging (P) according to claim 15,
    characterised in that
    the packaging material weakness is formed as a prelaminated hole.

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