JP2012532812A5 - - Google Patents

Description

Switchgear

  The present invention relates more generally to the field of filling fluid products.

  More specifically, the present invention relates to an opening / closing device for a flexible material container such as a bag or a sachet for filling a fluid product such as food or medicine.

  The present invention also relates to a package for a fluid product having a flexible container, a switchgear, and a method for filling a liquid product into the package.

  For example, bags and sachets used to fill liquid or semi-liquid foods such as beverages and juices, and solid foods with suitable flow properties such as powdered or granular foods Opening and closing devices for containers made of flexible materials are well known.

  These containers are generally obtained from a sheet (or several sheets) of a suitable flexible material that is folded and sealed along at least the sides, by means of which the bottom, 2 Opposite side walls are formed, an internal space for food is formed between the side walls, and an inlet for injecting a desired food is provided at the upper end of the opposing side walls.

  More specifically, opening and closing devices for flexible containers of the type described above are known and are detachably mounted on a rigid plastic infusion body having a neck for food administration and on the upper end of the neck. An opening and closing element, usually a cap stopper, is provided. If necessary, a screw-on stopper lid is used for turning the cap stopper to attach to the neck and for removing it from the neck.

  Further, the injection body has an appropriate sealing surface, whereby the injection port is sealed by a known technique such as pressing to a facing portion of a flexible container previously filled with food, for hot food. In this case, the opposite portions of the mouth portion are pressed against each other and the sealing surface of the injection port previously provided between the portions.

  However, it is difficult with current technology to suitably seal the above-mentioned type of opening and closing device to the inlet of the open flexible container, that is, liquid tight. Specifically, the inlet is a region close to the end of the sealing surface of the injection body, and here, the wall surfaces of the opposite portions of the injection inlet are coupled to each other and are connected to the sealing surface of the injection body. The material that has been redirected and that is sealed to form the container and the infusion body has good affinity.

  Therefore, when removing food, flexible containers can be used so that air can enter the container, which can degrade the sensory irritation of the food and shorten the shelf life indicated on the label. Often, the desired degree of sealing cannot be obtained.

  This drawback is serious when the flexible container is pre-sterilized and the food is filled in a hygienic (sterile) condition to allow for degradability and extend the shelf life. .

  The aforementioned opening and closing device for a flexible container is also known, and a blade or equivalent cutting means is attached to the lower part of the neck of the device, and the neck is located in the injection body from the position where the blade is removed from the container. The neck is irreversibly blocked, the container is opened by the blade described above, and the food in the container can be moved to a fluid communication position.

  The opening / closing device for the flexible container described above is described in, for example, Patent Document 1 (European Patent Application No. 08012211.2).

  The opening / closing device of the flexible container pre-filled with the necessary food is inserted into the pocket formed by bending the upper end of the wall surface of the flexible container, and the opposing sealant faces each other. The opposing faces of the pocket are joined together in the pocket until the face and the implant are sealed.

  These opening / closing devices are satisfactory in terms of function, but it is sometimes difficult and labor intensive to suitably accommodate the above-described opening / closing device in a special pocket of the flexible container.

  In more detail, because the pocket has a special shape with a curved surface, it is sometimes difficult to insert the injection body until it reaches the lower end of the pocket and to position the injection body substantially longitudinally. is there.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a cap-type closure for a flexible container including an injection body (discharge pipe) having a removable cap and a film-like base portion attached to the injection body. The film 18 has a shape in which the peripheral edge 20 is sealed to the upper part of the container.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a flexible container equipped with a cap-type closure including an injection body (tube 25) having a removable cap and a flat sheet-like film base.

Patent Document 3
(A) supplying the self-holding bag body having a portion that can be opened to fill the upper portion thereof with contents and hold the bag body in a vertical direction;
(B) opening a portion that can open the self-holding bag;
(C) filling the self-holding bag with contents;
(D) An outlet stopper having an outlet with a stopper on a ship-shaped flange is attached to the openable portion ,
(E) comprising a step of sealing the side surface of the ship-shaped flange of the main part of the outlet stopper to the inner side surface of the openable portion of the self-holding flexible container ,
A manufacturing method of a self-holding type package having the outlet stopper, in which each step is performed in the order of (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e), is disclosed.

International Patent Publication No. 2006/103020 German Patent Publication No. 9006744 European Patent Publication No. 0661208

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks in the known technology, and to open and close a flexible container opening and closing device for filling fluid products such as foods and medicines, and these fluid products. It is to provide a method for filling.

According to the invention, the technical problem is that in an opening and closing device for filling a fluid product comprising an injection body and an opening and closing element removably coupled to the injection body, the perimeter of the injection body in a predetermined contour around the parts, substantially flat, and bent, and comprises a sealable base, the bottom of the base, either with a through hole, or is opened, the contents of the injection member of the flexible container The problem is solved by an opening and closing device that is sealed to a predetermined portion of the flexible container that is in fluid communication with an object.

  As used herein, the term “fluid product” is intended to mean a liquid or semi-liquid product, and a fluidity such as a powdered or granular food (a so-called free-flowing solid product). These products include, for example, beverages or juices, as well as pharmaceutical products such as physiological solutions and various drugs.

In one aspect of the switchgear of the present invention, the injecting body includes a neck having a predetermined axis for supplying the fluid product, and the base portion includes an injecting body at a lower portion of the neck or a lower end of the neck. It is integrated, and has a neck coaxial with the through hole of the injection body.

  In another aspect of the switchgear of the present invention, the base has at least one fold line to facilitate folding and sealing of the base around a predetermined external lower portion of the infusion body.

The base includes a first fold line having a shape substantially equal to the outer shape of the peripheral portion of the injection body, and a second fold line disposed outside the shape defined by the first fold line. ing.

The base further includes a third fold line located within the shape defined by the first fold line.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the first fold line is provided close to the outside of the orthogonal projection on the peripheral edge of the injection body on the base.

  In the present invention, the bending line of the base is provided by various known methods, and is preferably a known method, for example, a weakened line formed by cutting.

In one aspect of the present invention, the peripheral portion of the injection body includes a flat flange having a predetermined external shape and a peripheral surface for sealing.

  In another aspect of the invention, the base is integrated with the neck at the lower end of the neck.

  In yet another aspect of the invention, the infusion body includes a collar integrally formed with the base, and the neck has suitable cutting means for opening a predetermined portion of the flexible container. And the neck is rotatably movable between an upper end stop position and a lower end stop position within the collar, and the upper end stop position is determined by the cutting means from the flexible container. It is the farthest position, and the lower end stop position is a position where the cutting means can move forward most to open the flexible container.

  The invention also relates to a package comprising a flexible container and an opening and closing device of the type described above.

In one aspect of the invention, the package comprises a flexible container and an opening and closing device of the type described above, the flexible containers facing each other, sealed along at least a portion of each side edge. The opening and closing device has a first wall and a second wall, and a space between the walls for containing a fluid product, and the opening / closing device seals the inner surface of each upper end of the first wall and the second wall with a base, and the base is bent. And the peripheral portion of the injection body with a predetermined external shape is sealed, the ends of the first wall and the second wall are folded together and the remaining area of the base and the unaffected by coupling with the portion of the injection body A package is provided that is sealed to each other in the area affected by the part.

The invention also relates to a method for filling a fluid product in a package of the aforementioned type. This method includes the following steps.
A first wall and a second wall facing each other and having side surfaces sealed except for the upper ends of the first wall and the second wall, and between the upper ends of the first wall and the second wall; Provide a flexible container that opens along the mouth formed in the
-Providing the aforementioned switchgear,
Filling the open flexible container with a fluid product through the mouth;
The upper ends of the first wall and the second wall are redirected to each other and arranged along a substantially horizontal plane;
-Sealing the base of the switchgear to the ends of the first and second walls;
-Folding the arranged upper end of the base and the first and second walls, sealing the bent base around a predetermined external shape portion of the injection body of the switchgear and / or The folded upper ends of the first wall and the second wall are sealed to each other in a region that is not affected by coupling with the portion of the implant and a region that is affected by the remaining portion of the base.

In another aspect of the present invention, the space between the first and second walls facing each other and the wall containing the fluid product, the sides of which are sealed along at least a portion of the respective side edges. A gusset member extending between upper edges of the first wall and the second wall and sealed at least laterally by the first wall and the second wall at respective upper ends of the first wall and the second wall; And a package for a fluid product comprising the switchgear according to claim 8,
The opening / closing device has a base sealed to the gusset member, the base bent, and sealed around the portion of the injection body having a predetermined external shape , and the first wall and The end portions of the second wall are folded together with the gusset members and are sealed to each other in a region that is not affected by coupling with the portion of the implant and a region that is affected by the rest of the base. Package is provided.

Another aspect of the invention also relates to a method of filling a fluid product into a package of the type described above, which method comprises the following steps.
-The first and second walls, which are laterally sealed, except for their respective ends, facing each other and ending at the respective upper ends of said first and second walls, and said first and second walls; A gusset member extending between the upper edges of the two walls and sealed at least laterally to the first wall and the second wall at each upper end of the first wall and the second wall; and Providing a flexible container that can be opened along the mouth formed between the upper end of the wall and the second wall;
-Providing a switchgear of the type described above;
Filling the open flexible container with a fluid product through the mouth;
-Sealing the opposite end of the mouth to seal the flexible container;
-Changing the orientation of the upper ends of the first and second walls relative to each other to position the gusset member along a substantially horizontal plane;
-Sealing the base of the switchgear on the gusset member;
The base and the ends of the first and second walls are folded together with the gusset member to seal the folded base around a predetermined external shape portion of the injector of the switchgear; And / or the folded upper ends of the first and second walls are sealed together in a region that is not affected by the coupling with the portion of the implant and a region that is affected by the rest of the base. To do.

  In the method of the present invention, the sealing can be performed by a known method such as heat sealing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or use of an adhesive.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of the preferred non-limiting examples given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The perspective view of the whole opening / closing apparatus for flexible containers of 1 aspect of this invention. The perspective view of decomposition | disassembly of the opening / closing apparatus for flexible containers of 1 aspect of this invention. Sectional drawing of the switchgear of FIG.1 and FIG.2. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the opening / closing device of FIGS. 1 and 2. The figure which shows the 1st step which fills the liquid product in the package of this invention provided with the flexible container and opening / closing device of FIG.1 and FIG.2. The figure which similarly shows the 2nd step. The figure which similarly shows the 3rd step. The figure which similarly shows the 4th step. The figure which shows the detail of the filling process illustrated in FIG. The figure which shows the detail of the filling process illustrated in FIG. The figure which shows the package of this invention provided with the flexible container used for the opening / closing apparatus of FIG.1 and FIG.2. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the package when the package of FIG. 9 is opened. The perspective view of the opening / closing apparatus for flexible containers by the other aspect of this invention. Sectional drawing of the switchgear of FIG. The figure which shows the 1st process of filling a liquid product in the package of this invention provided with a flexible container and the opening / closing apparatus of FIG. The figure which similarly shows a 2nd process. The figure which shows a 3rd process similarly. The figure which shows the package of this invention provided with the flexible container used for the opening / closing apparatus of FIG. FIG. 17 is a partial view of the package when the package of FIG. 16 is opened. The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the base of the switchgear of this invention. The figure which shows another aspect similarly.

  1 to 4 show a flexible container opening / closing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The entire switchgear is indicated by 1.

  The opening / closing apparatus 1 includes, as main members, a base 2 that is flat and bent, an injection body generally indicated by 3, and a cap stopper 4 that is coaxial with other members along a longitudinal axis XX.

  The injection body 3 includes a collar 5 integrated with the base 2, and the collar 5 has a channel 8 coaxial with the axis XX serving as a path for a liquid product such as food or medicine. Further, the injection body 3 includes a neck 22 that is rotatably engaged with the channel 8, and the neck 22 is provided with a cutting means for opening the flexible container described below.

The collar 5 has a flat flange 6 at a predetermined distance from the base 2 and having a predetermined external shape and a predetermined thickness in the longitudinal axis XX direction. Extends all around the collar 5. More particularly, the flange 6 is integral with the collar 5 and has a substantially hexagonal perimeter and is disposed oppositely on the flange 6 as will be described in more detail below. 6a and a sealing peripheral surface 7 defined by the thickness of the base 2 for sealing and along the entire outer periphery .

The collar 5 further has an annular band 9 which is integrated with the flange 6 and located close thereto. The annular band 9 has a plurality of teeth 10 formed continuously on the circumference. Its function will be described later.

Instead of the annular band 9 , a ring having a plurality of teeth 10 formed continuously and integrally on the circumference may be used. This ring is fitted and held on the collar 5 by an appropriate bridge.

The flat and bent base 2 is sealed by a flexible container as will be described later, and a second peripheral portion that can be sealed to the central portion 2a as the first portion and the flange 6 of the injection body 3. Peripheral edge 2b. More peripheral sealing surface of the flange 6 in the base 2, located within the collar 5, a through hole 11 forming the channel 8 coaxial, after mounting the flexible container in need, base portion 2 and a fold line for facilitating the fold.

More specifically, the base 2 is substantially rectangular and has an overall shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the flange 6 of the injection body 3 for defining a central portion 2a of the base 2. The first fold line 12 in the second rim 2b of the base 2 that can be sealed to the flange 6 along the first fold line 12 around the through-hole 11 and the peripheral edge 7 for sealing. And a second fold line 13 positioned outside the shape defined by 12.

  As shown in detail in FIG. 4, the first fold line 12 is provided close to the outside of the protrusion of the flange 6 on the base 2, so that the protrusion is connected to the first fold line 12. It is located in the center part 2a of the base 2 divided by.

  In this non-limiting aspect, the second fold line 13 extends longitudinally and / or laterally from the first fold line 12 until it substantially reaches the end of the base 2. .

  In addition, the base 2 includes a third fold line 14 disposed in the central portion 2a of the base 2 having an internal shape defined by the fold line 12. In this aspect, these third fold lines extend substantially laterally between the opposing first fold lines 12.

A channel within the collar 5, along the short axis portion, the inner screw 28 is formed, so that as described below, are engaged rotation engagement on the neck 22. Further, a pair of annular tops, more specifically, an upper annular top 29a and a lower annular top 29b are formed inside the collar 5. The annular top functions as an upper end stopper for the movement of the neck 22 and interacts with a corresponding annular top 29c formed on the neck 22 above the inner screw 28, as described below.

More specifically, in the upper end stop position, the annular top 29c of the neck 22 is located between the upper annular top 29a and the lower annular top 29b of the collar 5. Further, the annular top 29c of the neck 22 preferably interacts with the inner wall of the channel 8, and once the opening and closing device 1 is activated to open the flexible container, the liquid passes through the channel 8 and passes through the channel 8. Prevent leakage.

The neck 22 includes a cylindrical body 30 coaxial with the axis XX. The cylindrical body 30 has an upper end 31 having an external screw 32 along the axial cross section, and a lower end 33 having an outer screw 34 along the axial cross section. And an intermediate portion 35 having no screw between the upper end portion 31 and the lower end portion 33.

The cylindrical body 30 has a channel 40 for passing a liquid product coaxial with the channel 8 of the collar 5, and the channel 40 extends in the axial direction along the upper end portion 31, and includes the lower end portion 33 and the intermediate portion. 35 is open at the lower and upper ends of the neck 22.

  The lower end of the lower end portion 33 of the cylindrical body 30 is provided with a blade 42 for opening the flexible container that is eccentric with respect to the axis XX, and the blade 42 is arranged with respect to the axis XX. It is obtained by cutting the cylindrical body 30 along an inclined cut surface.

The neck 22 has a cylindrical shell 36 integrally formed with the intermediate portion 35 of the cylindrical body 30, and the upper portion of the cylindrical shell 36 protrudes along and along the annular band portion 37. As described above, the plurality of teeth 38 that are continuous in the circumferential direction are substantially formed by the teeth 10 of the collar 5 at the base portion when the flexible container is opened for the first time by the opening / closing device 1 acting on the lower portion. Has an internal annular recess 39 coupled to the.

  The cap stopper 4 is provided with a head 45, an external concavo-convex portion 47, and an internal screw 48. The screw 48, together with the external screw 32 of the upper end portion 31 of the neck 22, is optionally injected. The cap stopper 4 is screwed to the neck 22 of 3 and the screw coupling for removing from the neck 22 is comprised.

  The cap stopper 4 has a guarantee band formed by a ring 49 that is engaged with and held by the annular shell 46 by an appropriate bridge (not shown). The whole (which substantially corresponds to the gear coupling) engaging between the teeth 38 of the cylindrical shell 36 of the part 35 has a plurality of teeth which are known and not shown.

  In this way, the cap stopper 4 is rotatably integrated with the neck 22 of the injection body 3.

The neck 22 is rotatably engaged with the lower end of the collar 5 by a screw connection between the outer screw 34 of the lower end portion 33 and the inner screw 28 of the channel 8 of the collar 5. In particular, the screw connection is such that the blade 42 of the lower end 33 is moved from the upper end stop position located in the channel 18 at the maximum distance from the flexible container by the opening / closing device, and the eccentric blade 42 is said flexible container to form an opening move beyond the through hole 11 of the base 2, an intermediate portion 35 of the inner space of the container, and more particularly, to threaded channel 40 and fluid communication of the neck 22 The inner annular recess 39 can be rotated to a lower end stop position that meshes with the teeth 10 of the collar 5.

  Advantageously, the outer thread 32 of the upper end 31 of the neck 22 and the outer thread 34 of the lower end 33 are cut in substantially opposite directions. This makes it easy for the user to open the cap stopper 4 from the neck 22 by forming an opening in the flexible container on which the opening and closing device 1 acts and subsequently rotating in a single direction. Convenient.

  FIGS. 5-8 show the main steps of the method of operating the opening and closing device 1 on a flexible container, filling the flexible container with a fluid product and thereby forming a package according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the method of the present invention comprises a flexible container 50 consisting of a single multilayer (composite layer) or bag formed of a single layer flexible sheet of a suitable food grade material. Use. The flexible container 50 is formed of a sheet of a metal material that is aluminum, or a composite sheet of a metal and a plastic material for food (not limited thereto). Alternatively, the flexible container 50 can be formed of a plurality of sheets of the aforementioned flexible material.

In more detail, the flexible container 50 is preferably a gasset-type bottom 51, substantially opposite each other and sealed by respective first side edges 52a, 53a and second side edges 52b, 53b. The first wall 52 and the second wall 53 and a space for filling fluid food, liquid or solid (free-flowing) food between the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 are provided.

Side seals between the first wall 52 and second wall 53, the bottom 51, first side edge 52a, 53a and a respective second side edge 52 b, spreads along the 53b, each upper edge of the first wall 52 It reaches the upper end portion 52c of the first wall 52 that ends at the upper edge portion 53d of the portion 52d and the second wall 53, and the corresponding upper end portion 53c of the second wall 53.

The space between the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 is sealed laterally , that is, the first side edges 52a, 53a and the respective second side edges 52b, 53b are arranged at the upper end of the bag body, and the first wall 52 is sealed by a gusset member 55 extending between the upper edge portion 52d of the second wall 53 and the upper edge portion 53d of the second wall 53.

  The gusset member 55 is preferably formed by a bent end of one of the first wall 52 and the second wall 53.

  However, even if the gusset member 55 is another member (for example, another flexible sheet) coupled to one or more flexible sheets forming the first wall 52 and the second wall 53, Alternatively, the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 connected to each other may be formed from the bent portions.

  In the method of the present invention, the flexible container 50 is opened along the mouth 56 formed between the upper ends 52c and 53c of the first wall 52 and the second wall 53. More specifically, in this embodiment, the mouth portion is formed between the free (unsealed) upper edge portion 53d of the second wall 53 and the free end 55a of the gusset member.

  At this point, a predetermined amount of fluid product 58 is filled into the flexible container 50 that is still open by the batcher 59 through the mouth 56 (FIG. 5).

  In order to perform aseptic filling, the flexible container 50 is sterilized by a known method using hydrogen peroxide, for example, before this filling step.

  When the filling is completed, the mouth portion 56 is closed, and the flexible container 50 is hermetically sealed. As shown by an arrow in FIG. 6, this sealing is performed by sealing the free end 55 a of the gusset member 55 to the upper edge portion 53 d of the second wall 53 and closing the mouth portion 56.

In the method of the present invention, at this point, each base 2 of the opening / closing device 1 is sealed to the gusset member 55 of the flexible container 50. This is because the upper end portion 52c of the first wall 52 and the upper end portion 53c of the second wall 53 are changed in direction so that the gusset member 55 is positioned substantially completely on the plane (along the horizontal plane). The base 2 is sealed with the gusset member 55 ( arrow D in FIG. 7).

  In this embodiment, the sealing of the base 2 to the gusset member 55 is preferably performed with the aid of two substantially rigid wedges 60 opposite each other, each block 60 being connected to the first wall. 52, the upper end portion 52c of the second wall 53 and the upper end portion 53c of the second wall 53 are located slightly below the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 so as to approach each other (arrows B and C in FIG. 7). .

  Each of these blocks 60 has a substantially horizontal upper surface 61, on which an upper end 52 c of the first wall 52 and an upper end 53 c of the second wall 53 are held, and the base 2 is a gusset member 55. (E.g., pressed), it is possible to easily perform an efficient seal to the gusset member 55 of the base 2.

After the solid block 60 is separated from the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 (arrow E in FIG. 8), the method of the present invention, the base 2 is connected to the upper end 52c of the first wall 52; The upper end portion 53c of the second wall 53 and the gusset member 55 are bent together, and at least a part of the bent base portion 2 is sealed to the sealing peripheral surface 7 of the flange 6 of the injection body 3 of the switchgear 1 (FIG. 8). And the end region of the gusset member 55 that is not affected by the coupling with the flange 6 and the end region of the gusset member 55 that is affected by the remaining portion of the base 2. The upper ends 52c and 53c of the wall 52 and the second wall 53 are sealed to each other (arrow G in FIG. 8) to obtain the package 70 of the present invention shown in FIG.

The base 2 around the sealing peripheral surface 7 of the flange 6 can be easily bent by the folding lines 12, 13 and 14. In more detail, in FIGS. 8a and 8b, the set base 2 (shown schematically in FIG. 8a) is part of the injection body 3 after it has been applied to the gusset member 55 (shown in FIG. 7). When folded together, part of the central portion 2a of the base 2 in the peripheral area opposite unaffected by through holes 11 that straight is slightly lowered, and a part of the gusset member 55 that is sealed in these areas is lowered. This descent is easily caused by the third fold line 14 (arrow H in FIG. 8b).

Further, when the base 2 is bent, the second peripheral edge 2b of the base 2 having the upper end 52c of the first wall 52, the upper end 53c of the second wall 53, and the rest of the gusset member 55 are raised. To do. This rise is facilitated by at least a portion of the first fold line 12 and the second fold line 13 (especially the second fold line 13 extending in the longitudinal direction).

Further, due to the specific shape of the fold line, once folded, the base 2 forms a pocket whose internal shape is substantially complementary to the external shape of the flange 6, thereby Of the gusset member 55 affected by the end region of the gusset member 55 and the rest of the base 2 which is not affected by the sealing to the sealing peripheral surface 7 of the flange 6 and the coupling with the flange 6. Sealing of the bent upper end portions 52c and 53c of the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 in the end region is performed more easily and accurately.

In order to open the package 70 of the present invention (first opening), the user sets the cap stopper 4 in a predetermined direction (for example, a counterclockwise direction indicated by an arrow H) as a bag body. It is sufficient to rotate until the lower end stop position of the blade 42 corresponding to the maximum advance position of the blade of the conductive container 50 is reached. This rotation, neck 22 has a blade 42, and therewith rotatably integrated cap stopper 4 is moved down, when the blade 42 traverses the through holes 11 of the base 2, the blades are in the gusset member 55 The flexible container 50 is opened. When the neck 22 is lowered from the upper end stop position, a passage is formed in the annular top portion 29c below the lower annular top portion 29b of the collar 5 (the rotational force and the component materials of the upper annular top portion 29a and the annular top portion 29c have sufficient elasticity. By connecting the cylindrical shell 36 with the teeth 10 of the annular band 9 at its inner annular recess 39, it is lowered until the neck 22 reaches the lower end stop position where it is blocked by the collar 5.

  Due to the lowering performed during the filling of the end region of the central portion 2a of the base portion 2, a part of the gusset member 55 located in the straight through hole 11 of the base portion 2 is slightly smaller than these end regions. In the raised position and sufficiently tensioned, thereby facilitating opening of the flexible container 50 by the blade 42.

At this time, when the cap stopper 4 continues to rotate in the same direction, the ring 49 constituting the guarantee band is torn, the cap stopper 4 is detached from the neck 22, and the contents in the flexible container 50 can be taken out. FIG. 10 shows the final result of the first opening of the opening / closing device 1 after the cap stopper 4 is removed.

The opening / closing device 1 can be easily closed again by screwing the cap stopper 4 to the upper end 31 of the neck 22 after the user has taken out the desired amount of fluid product in the flexible container 50. It should be noted that the cap stopper 4 can be strongly held in place by engaging the cylindrical shell 36 with the teeth 10 of the annular band 9 at the inner annular recess 39.

  FIG.11 and FIG.12 shows the other aspect of opening and closing for flexible containers of this invention. The entire switchgear is indicated by 101.

  The members of the switchgear 101 that are structurally and / or functionally equivalent to the corresponding members of the switchgear described above are given the same reference numerals plus 100.

  The opening / closing device 101 includes, as main members, a base portion 102 that is coaxial with each other along a longitudinal axis XX and is flat and bent, an injection body 103 generally indicated by 103, and a cap stopper 104. Yes.

  The infusate 103 includes a substantially cylindrical neck 122 integral with and located on the base 102, the neck 122 being a channel 140 coaxial with the axis XX for passing a fluid product. Inside.

The neck 122 is a flat flange having a predetermined external shape and a predetermined thickness along the longitudinal axis XX at a predetermined distance from the base 102 on the outside thereof. 106, and this flange 106 extends all around the neck 122.

More specifically, the flange 106 is integrally formed with the neck 122, has a substantially hexagonal peripheral shape, and is attached to face the flange 106 , as will be described in more detail below. An object 106a and a sealing peripheral surface 107 defined by the thickness of the base 102 for sealing and along the entire outer periphery .

The neck 122 has a plurality of continuous teeth 138 on the periphery above the flange 106, and an external screw 132 above the teeth 138.

The cap stopper 104 is provided with a head 145, an annular shell 146 provided with a notched unevenness 147 on the outside and a screw 148 on the inside, and this screw 148, together with the external screw 132 of the neck 122, if necessary, an injection body The cap stopper 104 is screwed to the neck 122 of 103, and the screw coupling for removing the cap stopper 104 from the neck 122 is comprised.

The cap stopper 104 has a security band formed by a ring 149 that is engaged and held by an annular shell 146 by a suitable bridge (not shown). There are a plurality of teeth (not shown) engaged between the teeth 138 (substantially corresponding to gear coupling).

The flat and foldable base 102 is sealed to a flexible container as will be described later, and includes a first substantially central portion 102a and a second peripheral portion 102b that can be sealed to the flange 106 of the injection body 103. Have. Further, the base 102 is fitted in the neck 122 with a through hole 111 coaxial with the channel 140 and a flexible container requiring the same, and then a fold line for facilitating the folding of the base 102. Around the sealing surface of the flange 106.

More specifically, the base portion 102 is substantially rectangular and has a first fold line 112 that defines a central portion 102 a of the base portion 102 around the through hole 111. The central portion 102 a of the base portion 102 has an overall shape that is substantially equal to (corresponding to) the shape of the flange 106 of the injection body 103. The base 102 has a second fold line 113 positioned outside the shape defined by the first fold line 112 in the second peripheral edge 102 b of the base 102. The base 102 can be sealed to the flange 106 along each sealing peripheral surface 107.

  The first fold line 112 is formed outside the protrusion of the flange 106 on the base 102 and in close proximity thereto, so that the protrusion is defined by the first fold line 112 of the base 102. Located in the central portion 102a.

  In this non-limiting aspect, the second fold line 113 extends longitudinally and / or laterally from the first fold line 112 until it substantially reaches the end of the base 2. .

Further, the base portion 102 includes a third fold line 114 disposed on the second peripheral edge portion 102b of the base portion 102 having an internal shape defined by the first fold line 112 of the above aspect. In this aspect, these third fold lines 114 extend substantially laterally between the opposing first fold lines 112.

  FIGS. 13 to 15 show the main steps of the method of operating the opening and closing device 101 on a flexible container to fill the flexible container with a fluid product and thereby form a package according to the present invention. .

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in the method of the present invention, a single body composed of a single multilayer (composite layer) or a single layer of flexible sheet made of a suitable material for food is designated as a whole. A flexible container designated 150 is utilized. The container can be formed of, but not limited to, a sheet of metallic material that is aluminum, or a composite sheet of metal and food plastic material. Alternatively, the flexible container 150 can be formed from a plurality of sheets of the aforementioned flexible material.

More specifically, the flexible container 150 is preferably a gusset-type bottom 151, substantially opposite each other and at a respective first side edge 152a, 153a and a respective second side edge 152b, 153b. A sealed first wall 152 and second wall 153 and a space for filling fluid food, liquid or solid (free flowing) between the first wall 152 and the second wall 153 are provided.

  The side seal between the first wall 152 and the second wall 153 extends from the bottom 151 along the first side edges 152a, 153a and the respective second side edges 152b, 153b, each of which is the upper end of the first wall 152. The upper end portion 152c of the first wall 152 and the upper end portion 153c of the corresponding second wall 153 end at the upper edge portion 153d of the portion 152c and the second wall 153.

In the method of the present invention, the flexible container 150 is opened along the mouth 156 formed between the upper ends 152c and 153c of the first wall 152 and the second wall 153, through which the flexible container 150 is flexible. The permeable container 150 is filled with fluid food as previously described with respect to the flexible container 50 described above.

  When the filling is completed, the base 102 of the switchgear 101 is sealed against the upper end 152c and the upper end 153c of the first wall 152 and the second wall 153. This is because the upper end 152c of the first wall 152 and the upper end 153c of the second wall 153 are redirected with respect to each other so that they are substantially completely positioned on a plane (that is, form a flat angle with each other). The base 102 is then applied to the inner surface (visible at the present time) of the upper ends 152c, 153c and sealed (arrow L in FIGS. 13 and 14).

  In this embodiment, sealing to the upper ends 152c, 153c of the base 102 is preferably performed with the aid of the use of two substantially rigid, opposing blocks 160 that are wedge-shaped, The upper end 152c of the first wall 152 and the upper end 153c of the second wall 153 are disposed so as to be close to each other at a position slightly below the first wall 152 and the second wall 153.

  Each of these blocks 160 has a substantially horizontal upper surface 161 on which the upper end 152c of the first wall 152 and the upper end 153c of the second wall 153 are positioned and held, and the base 102 Acts (for example, pressed), so that the base 102d can be easily sealed efficiently.

After the solid block 160 is separated from the first wall 152 and the second wall 153, the base 102 is connected to the upper end 152c of the first wall 152 and the upper end 153c of the second wall 153 in the method of the present invention. Is bent (arrow M in FIG. 15), and at least a part of the bent base 102 is sealed to the sealing peripheral surface 107 of the flange 106 of the injection body 103 and is not affected by the coupling with the flange 106. Also, in the end region that is affected by the rest of the base 102, the upper ends 152c and 153c of the bent first wall 152 and the second wall 153 are sealed together, as shown in FIG. The step of obtaining the package 170 is performed.

The bending of the base 102 around the sealing peripheral surface 107 of the flange 106 is similar to that described for the bending of the base 2 of the device 1, and the first fold line 112, the second fold line 113, and This can be done easily by the third fold line 114. Further, due to the specific shape of the fold line, once folded, the base 102 forms a pocket whose internal shape is substantially complementary to the external shape of the flange 106, thereby causing the base 102 to Sealing the flange 106 on the sealing peripheral surface 107 of the flange 106 and the first wall 152 in the end region not affected by the coupling with the flange 106 and in the end region affected by the rest of the base 102. Further, the folded upper end portions 152c and 153c of the second wall 153 are more easily and accurately sealed.

In order to open the package 170 of the present invention (first opening), it is sufficient for the user to rotate the cap stopper 104 in a predetermined direction, so that the ring 149 constituting the guarantee band can be removed. Then, the cap stopper 104 is detached from the neck 122 and the contents in the flexible container 150 can be taken out. The final form of the first opening of the package 170 after the cap stopper 104 is removed is shown in FIG.

The package 170 can be easily closed again after the user has removed the desired amount of fluid product in the flexible container 150 by screwing the cap stopper 104 to the neck 122.

  18 and 19 illustrate some of the many possible aspects of the base of the switchgear of the present invention.

  Specifically, FIG. 18 shows a flat, foldable base 200 that is generally similar to the aforementioned base 2 and differs in that it is substantially octagonal in shape.

  FIG. 19 shows a flat foldable base 300 similar to the base 2 described above, the absence of the third fold line 14 and the hexagon when the first fold line 12 is the base 2. Rather, it is substantially oval.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Opening / closing device 2,102 Base part 2a, 102a Center part 2b, 102b Peripheral part 3,103 Injection body 4,104 Cap stopper 5 Collar 6,106 Flange 6a Attachment 7,107 Sealing peripheral surface 8 Channel 9 Annular belt 10 Tooth 11, 111 Through-hole 12, 112 First fold line 13, 113 Second fold line 14 Third fold line 18 Channel 22, 122 Neck 28 Inner screw 29a Upper annular top 29b Lower annular top 29c Annular top 30 Cylindrical body 31 Upper end portion 32 External screw 33 Lower end portion 34 Outer screw 35 Intermediate portion 36 Cylindrical shell 37 Annular belt portion 38, 138 Tooth 39 Internal annular recess 40, 140 Channel 42 Blade 45, 145 Head 146 Annular shell 47, 147 Indented unevenness 48 148 Screw 49, 149 Ring 5 0, 150 Flexible container 51 Bottom 52 First wall 53 Second wall 52a, 53a First side edge 52b, 53b Second side edge 52c, 53c Upper end 52d, 53d Upper edge 55 Gusset member 55a Free end 56 Port Part 58 fluid product 59 batcher 60 block 61 upper surface 70 package 101 switchgear

Claims (13)

An opening and closing device (1,101) for a container (50,150) for filling a fluid product made of a flexible material,
The opening / closing device includes a spout body (3, 103), an opening / closing element (4, 104) removably attached to the spout body (3, 103), and a base (2, 102). ,
The flat base (2,102) is folded and sealed around a peripheral edge (6,106) having a predetermined external shape of the spout body (3,103),
The bottom of the base (2, 102) is sealed with the upper end (55, 152c, 153c) of the flexible container (50, 150),
The flexible container (50, 150) comprises a portion that can be opened so that the spout body (3, 103) is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the flexible container (50, 150), or Open
The base (2, 102) has at least one fold line;
The fold line facilitates bending the base (2, 102) along the predetermined external shape of the peripheral edge (6, 106) of the spout body (3, 103), and the base (2 , 102) is bent along the predetermined external shape to form the base (2, 102) at the sealing peripheral surface (7, 107) of the peripheral portion (6, 106) of the spout body (3, 103). Opening and closing device (1, 101) characterized in that it is easy to be sealed . The spout body (3, 103) has a neck (22, 122) capable of fluidly communicating the spout body (3, 103) with the fluid product contained in the flexible container (50, 150). Prepared,
The neck (22, 122) has an axis,
The base (2, 102) is integrally formed with the spout body (3, 103) at the lower end of the neck (22, 122) or below the lower end of the neck (22, 122),
It said base (2, 102), the switchgear (1 according to claim 1 having the neck (22, 122) and coaxial with it through the hole of the spout body (3,103) (11,111) 101). When the base portion (2, 102) is bent, the sealing peripheral surface (7, 107) is formed in an external shape of the peripheral portion (6, 106) of the spout body (3, 103). and There first bending line having as a whole shape as sealed to the base (2) (12, 112), disposed on the outside of the shape defined by said first folding line (12, 112) Opening and closing device (1, 101) according to claim 2 , characterized in that it comprises a second fold line (13, 113). Said first folding line (12, 112) is a neck (22, 122) a substantial central portion of the base portion comprising a through hole (11, 111) coaxial (2, 102) (2a, 102a) Partition
The second fold line (13, 113) is formed by a peripheral edge (2b, 102b) of the base (2, 102),
Peripheral portions (2b, 102b) of the base (2, 102) are peripheral portions (6, 106) of the spout body (3, 103) having a predetermined external shape in the spout body (3, 103). The switchgear (1, 101) according to claim 3 , wherein the switchgear can be sealed. The switchgear (1) according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the base (2, 102) further comprises a third fold line disposed within an outer shape defined by the first fold line (12, 112). 101). Said first folding line (12, 112), said when viewed from the direction of the upper surface of the switchgear (1, 101), the peripheral edge of the base portion (2, 102) on the spout body (3,103) ( made form the outside of the projection (6a) of 6, 106),
Said projection (6a) is a direction parallel to the axis of said neck (22, 122), i.e. any one of claims 3 to 5 extending in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the peripheral portion (6, 106) The opening / closing device (1, 101) described in 1. The peripheral portion (6, 106) of the spout body (3, 103) comprises a flat flange (6, 106) having a predetermined external shape and a peripheral surface for sealing (7, 107). switchgear according to 3 (1, 101). The switchgear (1, 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base (2, 102) is integrated with the neck at the lower end of the neck (122). The spout body (3, 103) includes a collar (5) integrally formed with the base (2), and a predetermined portion of the flexible container (50) is opened at the neck. Cutting means (42) suitable for cutting and the neck (22) is connected to the collar (5) with the cutting means (42) furthest away from the flexible container (50). an upper end stop position located, claims 1 to 7, wherein the cutting means (42) is to be moved while rotating between the lower end stop position can be opened in a position where the maximum advancement and the flexible container (50) The switchgear (1, 101) according to any one of the above. Side edges (152a, 152 b, 153a, 153b) each being circumferentially Hengashi Lumpur along at least a portion, flexible container having a first wall (152) and the second wall (153) facing each other ( 150), a space surrounded by the first wall (152) and the second wall (153) and containing a fluid product therein, and the switchgear (1, 101) according to any one of claims 1-9. )
In the opening / closing device (1, 101), inner surfaces of upper end portions (152c, 153c) of the first wall (152) and the second wall (153) are sealed by the base portion (102),
The base (102) is folded and sealed around the periphery (106) which is a predetermined external shape of the spout body (103),
The upper end portions (152c, 153c) of the first wall (152) and the second wall (153) are bent with respect to each other in the region of the upper end portions (152c, 153c) not sealed to the base portion (102). A package (70) for fluid products, characterized in that they are sealed to each other. Side edges (52a, 52 b, 53a, 53b) each are circumferentially Hengashi Lumpur along at least a portion, flexible container having a first wall (52) and a second wall facing each other (53) ( 50), a space surrounded by the first wall (52) and the second wall (53) and containing a fluid product therein, and an upper edge of the first wall (52) and the second wall (53) ( 52d, 53d) and at least the upper ends (52c, 53c) of the first wall (52) and the second wall (53) with respect to the first wall (52) and the second wall (53). A gusset member (55) sealed in the lateral direction, and the switchgear according to claim 10,
The switchgear is sealed to the gusset member (55) at the base (2),
The base (2) is bent and sealed around the periphery (6) of a predetermined external shape of the spout body (3),
The upper ends (52c, 53c) of the first wall (52) and the second wall (53) are bent together with the gusset member (55) and are not sealed to the base (2) ( 52c, 53c), a package for a fluid product (70), which is sealed to each other. A method of filling a package according to claim 10 with a fluid product comprising:
Providing a flexible container (150) having a first wall (152) and a second wall (153) opposite each other;
Providing the switchgear (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 9;
Filling the flexible container (150) with a fluid product through the mouth (156);
Converting the upper ends (152c, 153c) of the first wall (152) and the second wall (153) to each other so as to be arranged along a substantially horizontal plane;
Sealing the base (102) of the switchgear (101) with the inner surfaces of the upper ends (152c, 153c) of the first wall (152) and the second wall (153);
The upper end (152c, 153c) of the base (102), the first wall (152) and the second wall (153) is bent, and the bent base (102) is spouted of the opening / closing device (101). Sealed around the periphery (106) of a predetermined external shape in the main body (103) and / or the bent upper end portions (152c, 153c) of the first wall (152) and the second wall (153) Sealing each other at the end region of the upper end (152c, 153c) that is not sealed to the base (102) ,
The first wall (152) and the second wall (153) are lateral except for the respective upper ends (152c, 153c) that end at the upper edges of the first wall (152) and the second wall (153). Sealed in the direction
Said flexible container (150), said upper portion (152c, 153c) opening along said opening (156) formed between said first wall (152) and the second wall (153) How to fill fluid products. A method for filling a package according to claim 11 with a fluid product comprising:
A flexible container (50) having a first wall (52) and a second wall (53) facing each other, and upper edges (52d, 53d) of the first wall (52) and the second wall (53) And is sealed at least laterally to the first wall (52) and the second wall (53) at the upper ends (52c, 53c) of the first wall (52) and the second wall (53), respectively. Providing a gusset member (55);
Providing a switchgear (1) according to any one of claims 9 ;
Filling the flexible container (50) with a fluid product through the mouth (56);
Sealing the end of the mouth (56) to seal and close the flexible container (50);
Converting the upper ends (52c, 53c) of the first wall (52) and the second wall (53) to each other so that the gusset member (55) is disposed along a substantially horizontal surface; ,
Sealing the base (2) of the switchgear (1) with the gusset member (55);
Along with the gusset member (55), the upper end (52c, 53c) of the base (2), the first wall (52) and the second wall (53) is bent, and the bent base (2) is Sealing around the peripheral edge (6) of a predetermined external shape in the spout body (3) of the opening / closing device (1) and / or the folding of the first wall (52) and the second wall (53). Sealing the upper end portions (52c, 53c) to each other in the region of the upper end portions (52c, 53c) not sealed to the base portion (2) ,
The side surfaces of the first wall (52) and the second wall (53) are sealed except for the upper end portions (52c, 53c) that end at the upper ends of the first wall (52) and the second wall (53). ,
The flexible container (50) opens along a mouth portion (56) formed between the upper end portions (52c, 53c) of the first wall (52) and the second wall (53). A method of filling a fluid product.