Plastic spout and pouch package

Abstract

A suction nozzle (1,401,601) having a plastic suction nozzle body including an attachment portion (10,410,610) having a vertical first symmetrical plane (M1), a vertical first sealing wall (11,411,611) and an opposing vertical second sealing wall (12,412,612), and having a transverse wall (20) integrally connected to the upper edge of the first sealing wall and the upper edge of the second sealing wall, wherein the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall are each suspended from the transverse wall and each has a bottom edge (114,115,541,515,714,715) away from the upper edge. In the bottom view of the attachment portion, each sealing wall is composed of a first straight portion (111, 121, 511, 521, 711, 721), a central curved portion (113, 123, 513, 523, 713, 723), and a second straight portion (112, 122, 512, 522, 712, 722). The nozzle body has a tubular neck (30) with a hole (31) adjacent to an opening (21) in the transverse wall. The attachment portion also includes curved stabilizing ribs (15, 16, 151, 161, 152, 162) extending between the associated connection points to the opposing straight portions of the sealing wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mouthpiece having a plastic mouthpiece body adapted to be heat-sealed in a non-bonded area between opposing first and second walls made of a heat-sealable film material of a bag.

[0002] The present invention also relates to such a nozzle that is combined with a cap and / or a valve to form a closed assembly.

[0003] The present invention also relates to bag packaging including such a nozzle or closure component, to the use of such a nozzle or closure component, and to a method for manufacturing such bag packaging. Background Technology

[0004] Document DE202006013587 discloses a suction nozzle. Further development of this suction nozzle is disclosed in US2013 / 284769. These prior art documents disclose suction nozzles having attachment portions, wherein each of the sealing walls comprises a first straight portion, a centrally curved portion, and a second straight portion. A vertical plane of symmetry extends through the first and second tips of the attachment portions. A transverse wall forms a horizontal wall connecting the upper edge of the sealing wall. The attachment portion also includes a pair of first stabilizing ribs between the second straight portion of the first sealing wall and the first straight portion of the second sealing wall, and a pair of second stabilizing ribs between the first straight portion of the first sealing wall and the second straight portion of the second sealing wall. Viewed from a bottom view of the suction nozzle, these stabilizing ribs are straight, i.e., vertical, and extend vertically to the vertical plane of symmetry.

[0005] In US document 2013 / 284769, it is discussed that the stabilizing ribs disclosed in document DE202006013587 cannot withstand the loads applied to the nozzle by the jaws during the ultrasonic welding process because the stabilizing ribs break at the connection point adjacent to the sealing wall. Therefore, the US document proposes a rounded transition between the ends of each of the straight stabilizing ribs, wherein the ribs are integral with the corresponding sealing wall.

[0006] Ultrasonic welding of the nozzle to the bag is less common than heat-sealing the nozzle to the non-bonded area of ​​the bag using continuously heated sealing jaws.

[0007] In the field of spout pouch production, pulse heat-sealing devices, such as those supplied by ROPEX Industrie-Elektronik GmbH (Biethigheim-Bissingen, Germany), are also known. In known embodiments of such pulse heat-sealing devices, at least one of the jaws has a single, elongated, pulse-heatable resistor strip extending along the profiled front surface of the jaws and covered by a heat-resistant non-stick coating (e.g., Teflon strip). The device is configured to perform a pulse heat-sealing cycle, wherein an actuator is configured to bring the first and second jaws into a clamping position, with the spout and two pouch walls of heat-sealing film material between them. The sealing device is configured to temporarily pass current through the resistor strip in the clamping position to generate a thermal pulse emitted by the resistor strip. This brief thermal pulse seals or fuses the pouch walls to the attachment portion of the spout and seals the two pouch walls to each other on the left and right sides of the spout to close the entire seam. In cases where this is assisted by the operation of an associated cooling device, the resistor strip cools down after the energization of the resistor strip ceases. The actuator device is configured to move the first and second jaws to the open position after cooling has been achieved. In practical embodiments, the temperature of the resistor band can increase extremely rapidly from room temperature or slightly above to 200°C or much higher (e.g., 300°C, 400°C, or even 500°C), and thus typically increases very quickly to very high temperatures that are maintained for only a very short duration. Pulse sealing methods are discussed, for example, in DE19737471. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a nozzle that improves the quality of the seal obtained between the bag wall and the vertical sealing wall of the nozzle and / or facilitates the execution of the heat sealing process (e.g., in terms of speed, uniformity, etc.).

[0009] The object of this invention is to provide a nozzle that allows the application of pulse heat sealing technology to seal the nozzle between bag walls, for example, to obtain a better quality seal and / or achieve a shorter sealing cycle duration.

[0010] The object of this invention is to provide at least one alternative suction nozzle.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide an enhanced heat seal for the nozzle that enters the bag.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, a suction nozzle is provided, configured to be heat-sealed in a non-bonded region between opposing first and second walls of a bag, comprising a plastic suction nozzle body having channels for filling the bag with a substance and / or for discharging a substance from the bag. The suction nozzle body includes: - The attachment portion has a first vertically symmetrical plane, a vertical first sealing wall, and an opposing vertical second sealing wall, and has a transverse wall integral with the upper edges of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall, wherein the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall each hang from the transverse wall and each has a bottom edge away from the upper edge. Each sealing wall has an external sealing surface, wherein the external sealing surface of the sealing wall is heat-sealed to a corresponding one of the bag walls. In the bottom view of the attachment portion, each sealing wall consists of a first straight portion, a central curved portion, and a second straight portion. Wherein, the second straight portion of the first sealing wall is integrally connected to the first straight portion of the second sealing wall at the first tip of the attachment portion to define an acute angle between them. Wherein, the second straight portion of the second sealing wall is integrally connected to the first straight portion of the first sealing wall at the second tip of the attachment portion to define an acute angle between them. The transverse wall has an opening therein. - A tubular neck having a hole adjacent to the opening in the transverse wall, the tubular neck being integral with and extending upward from the transverse wall, the tubular neck and the opening in the transverse wall together forming the channel. The attachment portion further includes: - At least one first stabilizing rib extends between the second straight portion of the first sealing wall and the associated connection point of the first straight portion of the second sealing wall, and - At least one second stabilizing rib, located between the connection points associated with the first straight portion of the first sealing wall and the second straight portion of the second sealing wall. Its characteristic is that, viewed from the bottom view of the attached portion, - The at least one first stabilizing rib bends toward the first tip between the associated connection points, and - The at least one second stabilizing rib bends toward the second tip between the associated connection points.

[0013] In this document, the attachment portion is implemented such that, viewed from the bottom view of the attachment portion, the at least one first stabilizing rib bends toward a first tip between the associated connection points, and the at least one second stabilizing rib bends toward a second tip between the associated connection points.

[0014] Compared to existing mouthpieces discussed above in this paper, where the stabilizing ribs are straight, curved stabilizing ribs allow for a desired balance between strength on one hand and flexibility on the other. As will be explained in this paper, this design has been found to be particularly advantageous when pulse heat-sealing technology is applied to seal the mouthpiece into a bag.

[0015] Compared to straight ribs, the curvature in stabilizing ribs provides reduced stiffness under load from the sealing jaws, and the curved ribs provide enhanced resilience under the influence of the jaws clamped by the heat-sealing device. This improved behavior allows the shape of the sealing wall (particularly its straight portion) to better conform to the front or contact surface of the complementary shape of the sealing jaws during clamping, resulting in a better seal. It is observed that, preferably, this enhanced conformability does not require any large clamping force. Indeed, it is preferred that during the heat-sealing process using the nozzle design of the invention discussed herein, almost no clamping force is applied by the jaws, as the clamping is effectively used only to bring the bag wall against the outer surface. In particular, it is considered that during pulse heat sealing, the clamping force does not constitute a relevant parameter in the actual sealing process, unlike conventional heat sealing where continuously heated sealing jaws are applied and the seal is based on a combination of temperature, time, and clamping pressure as primary parameters.

[0016] It has been observed that existing designs with straight stabilizing ribs are prone to nonlinear deformation, such as buckling, during the clamping of these ribs. This buckling is a typical example of nonlinear and unstable deformation because the stiffness of the straight ribs is initially very high but suddenly drops, resulting in the collapse and sudden deformation of the clamped attachment.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the invention, the nozzle with flexural stabilizing ribs exhibits a significant improvement in gradual and stable deformation under clamping load, which translates into improved sealing quality between the nozzle and the bag wall.

[0018] During clamping by means of the jaws, the first and second stabilizing ribs will become further bent or folded. As a result of this bending, the connection point of these ribs is subjected to a resultant force vector in the plane of the sealing wall and in the direction away from the corresponding tip, which is the result of the overall balance of forces acting on the stabilizing ribs. When at least one first stabilizing rib bends, its connection point is effectively pressed away from the first tip. This resultant force subjects the second straight portion of the first sealing wall and the first straight portion of the second sealing wall to tensile stress. When at least one second stabilizing rib bends, its connection point is pressed away from the second tip. This resultant force also subjects the second straight portion of the second sealing wall and the first straight portion of the first sealing wall to tensile stress. These tensile stresses in the sealing wall are considered to have a beneficial effect, namely, that the straight portions of the sealing wall become elongated and straightened, and of course, with small amplitudes, thereby achieving enhanced conformability of the sealing wall to the corresponding portions of the sealing jaws, and thus achieving an improved seal.

[0019] Furthermore, when a relatively light clamping load is applied to the sealing wall, placing these curved ribs between the opposing sealing walls helps to distribute the mechanical load more evenly across the sealing wall.

[0020] When sealing a nozzle between bag walls using pulse heat sealing, the curved shape of the stabilizing ribs is considered particularly advantageous. Preferably, the outer sealing surface of the sealing wall is smooth to achieve a full-surface seal or fusion between the outer sealing surface and the bag wall. Therefore, the outer sealing surface is preferably free of any weld lines or any other relief thereon; even when a very light clamping force is applied by the sealing jaws, there should be no protrusions that could lead to air trapping between the bag wall and the outer sealing surface of the sealing wall, as is preferred. This behavior of the nozzle due to the curved ribs helps to avoid trapped air. During pulse heat sealing, trapped air is observed to affect heat transfer in an undesirable manner. Instead of using high clamping forces to combat air trapping, it is proposed, as an example, that no significant clamping force is applied for the pulse heat sealing of the nozzle discussed herein. It has been observed that, in order to achieve a high-quality seal between the nozzle and the bag wall, it is quite important to obtain complete surface contact between the sealing jaws and the nozzle of the pulse heat sealing device (with the bag wall between them) so that the heat pulse can be uniformly transmitted across the sealing surface of the nozzle. As mentioned above, known nozzles with straight stabilizing ribs are considered to have too much local rigidity, thus failing to achieve the desired conformity to the shape of the sealing jaws, resulting in insufficient seal quality.

[0021] In practical embodiments, as in the aforementioned prior art, each of the stabilizing ribs hangs vertically downward from the transverse wall, and the stabilizing rib is integral with the transverse wall. For example, the nozzle is manufactured as a single piece using an injection molding process.

[0022] In a practical embodiment, the attachment portion has a second vertical plane of symmetry, which passes through the tip and through the center of the opening in the transverse wall perpendicular to the plane of symmetry.

[0023] In an embodiment, the at least one first stabilizing rib includes or is composed of the following components: - The internal first stabilizing rib, located adjacent to the channel, - An external first stabilizing rib, which is positioned closer to the first tip, and Wherein, the at least one second stabilizing rib includes or is composed of the following parts: - An internal second stabilizing rib, located adjacent to the channel. - An external second stabilizing rib, which is positioned closer to the second tip.

[0024] In a practical embodiment, the nozzle has a pair of first internal and external stabilizing ribs and a pair of second internal and external stabilizing ribs. The two curved stabilizing ribs positioned between the opposing straight sections allow for resilient stability of the straight sections while clamping, and enhance the uniformity of contact between the external sealing surface and the bag wall.

[0025] For larger nozzles, three or four first stabilizing ribs and three or four second stabilizing ribs can be envisioned.

[0026] In an embodiment, at least one first stabilizing rib (e.g., an internal first stabilizing rib) and at least one second stabilizing rib (e.g., an internal second stabilizing rib) are arranged near the opening in the transverse wall and connect to the straight portion near the joint to the corresponding central bend of the sealing wall. During a sealing cycle, under the influence of a preferably light clamping force of the jaws, this arrangement results in tensile stress in the straight portion between the tip and the point of connection between the stabilizing rib and the straight portion. This leads to straightening of the clamped straight portion, improving the sealing quality, for example, by avoiding uneven contact between the straight portion and the bag wall.

[0027] In an embodiment, the radius of curvature of at least one first stabilizing rib (e.g., each first stabilizing rib) and at least one second stabilizing rib (e.g., each second stabilizing rib) is greater than the radius of the circular opening in the transverse wall. The benefit of the relatively large radius of curvature is that the curved stabilizing ribs provide a desired combination of flexibility and strength to absorb the clamping forces applied to the attachment portion by the sealing jaws during heat sealing.

[0028] In another embodiment, the attachment portion of the nozzle includes a first connecting rib extending between an outer first stabilizing rib and an inner first stabilizing rib, and a second connecting rib extending between an outer second stabilizing rib and an inner second stabilizing rib, wherein the first and second connecting ribs each extend in a plane passing through the first and second tips. These connecting ribs form a connection between the respective inner and outer stabilizing ribs, causing the stabilizing ribs to function as a resilient whole under load from the sealing jaws. The provision of connecting ribs further contributes to enhancing the uniformity of contact between the straight portion and the bag wall. Preferably, the connecting ribs do not extend between the outer stabilizing ribs and adjacent tips.

[0029] The tubular neck extends upward from the transverse wall and does not extend downward between the sealing walls. Because the tubular neck does not protrude below the transverse wall, there is no undesirable "dead zone" in which material would otherwise remain due to the inability to vent.

[0030] In one embodiment, the nozzle is made of a plastic single material, such as a polyolefin material like polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).

[0031] In this embodiment, the outer sealing surfaces of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall are smooth outer sealing surfaces.

[0032] In the embodiment, the outer sealing surfaces of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall are smooth outer sealing surfaces, and each of these outer sealing surfaces is adjacent to the inwardly recessed bottom edge of the sealing wall.

[0033] The recessed bottom edge extends over a small portion of the height of the sealing wall.

[0034] The bottom edge has a vertical surface that tapers inward from the smooth outer sealing surface of the sealing wall.

[0035] The inwardly recessed bottom edge of the sealing wall creates a groove with an initial bottom opening between the inwardly recessed bottom edge and the bag wall at the bottom edge of the sealing wall of the nozzle when the nozzle and bag wall are clamped together in the sealing jaws during a sealing cycle. No clamping force is applied at the height of this groove because the corresponding vertical surface of the recess is spaced apart from the bag wall. When heat is applied during a sealing cycle, such as in a pulse heat seal, the smooth outer sealing surfaces of the sealing wall and the bag wall partially melt and fuse together due to the applied heat. Due to the melting of the contact area between the nozzle and the bag wall, some molten plastic material will attempt to flow away, for example, under the influence of the applied clamping force, and will flow into the groove initially formed by the inwardly recessed bottom edge of the sealing wall.

[0036] It should be noted that the smooth design of the outer sealing surface enhances this flow toward the inwardly recessed bottom edge and does not provide any other location where molten material attempting to flow away might be collected. Preferably, the front surface of the jaws of the sealing device is equally smooth.

[0037] It has been observed that, with an appropriately designed and sized inwardly recessed bottom edge, this flow of molten material will fill the recess or groove at the bottom edge of the sealing wall, and preferably, upon hardening, will even form a beaded edge of plastic material protruding below the bottom edge of the sealing wall, which is fused to the bag wall and the bottom edge. This beaded edge, or fillet weld (preferably extending around the entire lower periphery of the sealing wall), has been observed to provide improved mechanical properties of the seal between the nozzle and the bag wall. In particular, the beaded edge allows for enhanced resistance to sudden impact loads acting on the seal, which may be caused by a sudden increase in pressure inside the bag, such as when the filled bag is accidentally dropped and / or subjected to a drop test.

[0038] In this embodiment, the sealing wall has a height of approximately 6 mm.

[0039] For pulse heat sealing of the nozzle, a smooth outer sealing surface of the sealing wall is particularly advantageous. Such pulse heat sealing involves the smooth outer sealing surfaces and the bag wall being preferably lightly clamped by the jaws, and then a brief heat pulse is generated that is transferred from the front of the sealing jaws through the heat-sealable film material of the bag wall to the interface between the bag wall and the smooth outer sealing surface. Due to the full surface contact between the outer sealing surface and the bag wall, and preferably also between the front or contact surface of the sealing jaws and the bag wall, trapped air, even in very small volumes, is avoided in this heat transfer path, which would otherwise compromise the uniformity of the pulsed heat transfer. As explained, the structure of the attachment portion contributes to this effect. Additionally, during the pulse sealing process, cooling is achieved after the heat pulse but before the sealing jaws of the sealing device are opened. The provision of a smooth outer sealing surface enables enhanced heat conduction from the nozzle toward cooling features in the sealing jaws (e.g., cooling liquid through one or more coolant channels in the sealing jaws), ensuring that the nozzle and the resulting weld to the bag are rapidly cooled. In the absence of a smooth external sealing surface, such as when the external sealing surface would include a protruding weld line as explained in US2013 / 284769, there are tiny cavitations between the bag wall and the bag's sealing wall, which act as insulators for heat conduction and also reduce the rate at which the nozzle can be cooled after sealing.

[0040] In one embodiment, the recessed bottom edge extends vertically over a small portion of the height of the sealing wall (e.g., between 5% and 20% of the height of the sealing wall). In a practical embodiment, the height of the recessed bottom edge may be between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, for example, 1 mm, while the total height of the attachment portion may be between 5 mm and 20 mm, for example, 6 mm. Vertically, the recessed bottom thus spans only a small portion of the height, for example, between 5% and 20% of the height. Therefore, the remaining portion of the height of the sealing wall (e.g., between 80% and 95%) is occupied by the smooth outer sealing surface that will seal to the bag wall.

[0041] In one embodiment, viewed in a side view, a straight step defines a transition between the outer sealing surface and the inwardly recessed bottom edge. In an alternative embodiment, the transition is not straight in the side view. For example, the step forming the transition may be undulating or wavy in the side view. For example, a non-linear embodiment of the stepped transition may be sought to avoid undesirable localized shrinkage of the bag wall in the area. Similarly, the lower profile of the inwardly recessed bottom edge may be straight, typically referred to as horizontal, or alternatively undulating or wavy.

[0042] In one embodiment, each of the sealing walls extends downward by a bag wall spacer portion, each located below the recessed bottom edge of the respective sealing wall. The bag wall spacer portion forms a continuation of the respective recessed bottom edge, for example, a downward continuation in the direction opposite to the transverse wall of the nozzle. The bag wall spacer portion is integrally connected to the respective recessed bottom edge.

[0043] The bag wall spacers in the sealing wall are configured to prevent inward deformation of the bag wall. This deformation can occur during the emptying of a bag with a nozzle. However, it can also occur through localized contraction during the sealing process of the nozzle between the bag walls. During this process, when the sealing jaws are in their clamping position, such as during the inductive pulse sealing and clamping cooling phases, the bag wall spacers become positioned in the area between the bag walls and below the sealing jaws. During the sealing process, the bag wall is not clamped onto these portions.

[0044] The bag wall spacers prevent localized inward deformation of the bag wall, where the nozzle would otherwise be located. This deformation could result from localized shrinkage of the foil in the bag wall and / or from the beaded edge between the inwardly recessed bottom edge of the nozzle and the bag wall cooling at a rate different from that of the bag wall and / or the nozzle itself. Because these bag wall spacers prevent such deformation, the bag can have fewer or no wrinkles in the area after sealing, and the bag wall can extend straight (e.g., in a vertical plane).

[0045] The thickness of the bag wall spacer portion may substantially correspond to the thickness of the recessed bottom edge, for example, at least in the region adjacent to the recessed bottom edge.

[0046] The bag wall spacer portions (e.g., their lower portions) may have outer surfaces that taper inward in a downward direction. Therefore, the outer surfaces of these lower portions can taper inward, while the inner surfaces of these lower portions can be substantially straight. Alternatively, the thickness of the lower portions of the bag wall spacers may gradually decrease because their inner surfaces taper outward and because their outer surfaces are substantially straight. The thickness of the bottom of the bag wall spacers may be less than the thickness of the top, as they may contribute less to preventing bag wall deflection. In this way, less plastic can be used for the nozzle while still maintaining good properties, such as in preventing bag wall deflection.

[0047] The bag wall spacer portion may be located primarily below the central curved portion of the corresponding sealing wall. Below the central curved portion, the lower profile of the bag wall spacer portion may have a curved shape, for example, when viewed in the horizontal direction, and may have a height similar to the nominal height of the corresponding sealing wall. Below the straight portion, for example adjacent to the central curved portion, the lower profile of the bag wall spacer portion may curve upward to merge with the inwardly recessed bottom edge.

[0048] Alternatively, the bag wall spacer portion may extend across the entire bottom periphery of the sealing wall and may have a straight (e.g., horizontal) lower profile. The bag wall spacer portion then exists below the first straight portion, the central curved portion, and the second straight portion. The bag wall spacer portion can then be configured to prevent the bag wall from deforming inward along the entire bottom periphery of the sealing wall during sealing of the nozzle between the bag walls. With these straight bag wall spacer portions, it is possible to maintain even larger portions of the bag wall more straight after sealing.

[0049] The height of these straight bag wall spacer portions can be substantially constant along the entire width of the attachment portion. However, at one side of the attachment portion, such as at its first tip, the lower profile of the bag wall spacer portion may curve slightly upward, so that the height of the bag wall spacer portion is slightly smaller here. At this raised portion, the nozzle may include its injection point, at which plastic material has already been injected into the mold during the injection molding process.

[0050] In this embodiment, the section of the sealing wall above the recessed bottom edge is defined as the nominal section of the sealing wall. The sealing wall at the recessed bottom edge has a thickness less than the nominal thickness of the nominal section of the sealing wall. According to this embodiment, it is preferred that the sealing wall is therefore thinner at the recessed bottom edge than in the nominal section of the sealing wall. The recessed bottom edge does not bear the load generated by clamping forces, but is instead configured to receive and be filled with some flow of molten plastic during sealing, preferably to form a beaded rim below the bottom edge as discussed herein. At the recessed bottom edge, the sealing wall may be thin to save weight for the nozzle and reduce the amount of plastic required to form the nozzle.

[0051] In an embodiment, the nominal thickness of the nominal portion of the sealing wall may be between 1 mm and 2 mm, for example, 1.5 mm, wherein the inwardly recessed bottom edge may have a surface offset inward between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm (e.g., 0.1 mm) relative to the outer surface of the nominal thickness portion of the sealing wall.

[0052] In an embodiment, the sealing wall may have a nominal thickness between 0.8 mm and 2.2 mm.

[0053] In this embodiment, the stabilizing ribs do not extend downward beyond the nominal section of the sealing wall. For example, these ribs have a height corresponding to the nominal height of the sealing wall.

[0054] Preferably, the stabilizing rib is directly connected only to the interior of the nominal section of the sealing wall and not directly to the inwardly recessed bottom edge. As mentioned above, this can be particularly advantageous due to the fact that only the nominal section of the sealing wall is subjected to clamping force.

[0055] The second aspect of the invention will now be discussed, which has already been discussed above in the context of an embodiment of a suction nozzle according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0056] A second aspect of the invention also attempts to provide a nozzle that improves the quality of the seal obtained between the bag wall and the vertical sealing wall of the nozzle, and / or facilitates the execution of the heat-sealing process.

[0057] A second aspect of the present invention aims to provide a nozzle that allows the application of pulse heat sealing technology to seal the nozzle between bag walls, for example, to obtain a better quality seal and / or achieve a shorter sealing cycle duration.

[0058] It has been observed, for example, that the nozzles implemented as disclosed in DE202006013587 and US2013 / 284769 are not ideally suited for pulse heat sealing technology and / or do not provide optimal sealing quality.

[0059] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a suction nozzle based on US2013 / 284769, which is adapted to be heat-sealed in a non-bonded area between opposing first and second walls of a bag, comprising a plastic suction nozzle body having channels for filling the bag with a substance and / or for discharging a substance from the bag. The suction nozzle body includes: - The attachment portion has a first vertically symmetrical plane, a vertical first sealing wall, and an opposing vertical second sealing wall, and has a transverse wall integral with the upper edges of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall, wherein the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall each hang from the transverse wall and each has a bottom edge away from the upper edge. Each sealing wall has an external sealing surface, wherein the external sealing surface of the sealing wall is heat-sealed to a corresponding one of the bag walls. In the bottom view of the attachment portion, each sealing wall consists of a first straight portion, a central curved portion, and a second straight portion. Wherein, the second straight portion of the first sealing wall is integrally connected to the first straight portion of the second sealing wall at the first tip of the attachment portion to define an acute angle between them. Wherein, the second straight portion of the second sealing wall is integrally connected to the first straight portion of the first sealing wall at the second tip of the attachment portion to define an acute angle between them. The transverse wall has an opening therein. - A tubular neck having a hole adjacent to the opening in the transverse wall, the tubular neck being integral with and extending upward from the transverse wall, the tubular neck and the opening in the transverse wall together forming the channel. The first sealing wall and the second sealing wall are characterized in that the outer sealing surfaces of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall are smooth, and the outer sealing surfaces of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall are respectively adjacent to the inwardly recessed bottom edge of the corresponding sealing wall.

[0060] Therefore, the second aspect envisions the presence of smooth external sealing surfaces, and these surfaces adjacent to the inwardly recessed bottom edge along their lower periphery; however, there may be no stabilizing ribs, or there may be one or more stabilizing ribs between the opposing straight portions of the attachment, but not necessarily stabilizing ribs implemented according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0061] As explained above, the inwardly recessed bottom edge of the sealing wall causes a groove with an initial bottom opening to exist at the bottom edge of the sealing wall of the nozzle, between the inwardly recessed bottom edge and the bag wall, when the nozzle is clamped (preferably gently) with the bag wall during a sealing cycle. No significant clamping force is applied at the height of this groove because the corresponding vertical surface of the recess is spaced apart from the bag wall. When heat is applied during a sealing cycle, such as in a pulse heat seal, the smooth outer sealing surfaces of the sealing wall and the bag wall partially melt and fuse together due to the applied heat. Due to the melting of the contact surfaces of the nozzle and the bag wall, some molten plastic material will attempt to flow away under the applied clamping force and will flow into the groove initially formed by the inwardly recessed bottom edge.

[0062] It should be noted that the smooth design of the outer sealing surface enhances this flow towards the bottom edge and does not provide any other location where molten material might collect. Preferably, the front or contact surface of the jaws of the sealing device is equally smooth.

[0063] It has been observed that, with an inwardly recessed bottom edge of appropriate design dimensions, this flow of molten material will fill the recess or groove at the bottom edge of the sealing wall, and preferably, upon hardening, even form a beaded edge of plastic material protruding below the bottom edge of the sealing wall, which engages with the bag wall and the bottom edge. This beaded edge (preferably extending around the entire lower periphery of the sealing wall) has been observed to provide improved mechanical properties for the seal between the nozzle and the bag wall. In particular, the beaded edge allows for enhanced resistance to sudden impact loads acting on the seal, which may be caused by a sudden increase in pressure inside the bag, such as when the filled bag is accidentally dropped and / or subjected to a drop test.

[0064] In one embodiment, viewed in a side view, a straight step defines a transition between the outer sealing surface and the inwardly recessed bottom edge. In an alternative embodiment, the transition is not straight in the side view. For example, the step forming the transition may be undulating or wavy in the side view. For example, a non-linear embodiment of the stepped transition may be sought to avoid undesirable localized shrinkage of the bag wall in the area. Similarly, the lower profile of the inwardly recessed bottom edge may be straight, typically referred to as horizontal, or alternatively undulating or wavy.

[0065] In one embodiment, each of the sealing walls extends downward by a bag wall spacer portion, each located below the recessed bottom edge of the respective sealing wall. The bag wall spacer portion forms a continuation of the respective recessed bottom edge, for example, a downward continuation in the direction opposite to the transverse wall of the nozzle. The bag wall spacer portion is integrally connected to the respective recessed bottom edge.

[0066] The bag wall spacers in the sealing wall are configured to prevent inward deformation of the bag wall. This deformation can occur during the emptying of a bag with a nozzle. However, it can also occur through localized contraction during the sealing process of the nozzle between the bag walls. During this process, when the sealing jaws are in their clamping position, such as during the inductive pulse sealing and clamping cooling phases, the bag wall spacers become positioned in the area between the bag walls and below the sealing jaws. During the sealing process, the bag wall is not clamped onto these portions.

[0067] The bag wall spacers prevent localized inward deformation of the bag wall, where the nozzle would otherwise be located. This deformation could result from localized shrinkage of the foil in the bag wall and / or from the beaded edge between the inwardly recessed bottom edge of the nozzle and the bag wall cooling at a rate different from that of the bag wall and / or the nozzle itself. Because these bag wall spacers prevent such deformation, the bag can have fewer or no wrinkles in the area after sealing, and the bag wall can extend straight (e.g., in a vertical plane).

[0068] The thickness of the bag wall spacer portion may substantially correspond to the thickness of the recessed bottom edge, for example, at least in the region adjacent to the recessed bottom edge.

[0069] The bag wall spacer portions (e.g., their lower portions) may have outer surfaces that taper inward in a downward direction. Therefore, the outer surfaces of these lower portions can taper inward, while the inner surfaces of these lower portions can be substantially straight. Alternatively, the thickness of the lower portions of the bag wall spacers may gradually decrease because their inner surfaces taper outward and because their outer surfaces are substantially straight. The thickness of the bottom of the bag wall spacers may be less than the thickness of the top, as they may contribute less to preventing bag wall deflection. In this way, less plastic can be used for the nozzle while still maintaining good properties, such as in preventing bag wall deflection.

[0070] The bag wall spacer portion may be located primarily below the central curved portion of the corresponding sealing wall. Below the central curved portion, the lower profile of the bag wall spacer portion may have a curved shape, for example, when viewed in the horizontal direction, and may have a height similar to the nominal height of the corresponding sealing wall. Below the straight portion, for example adjacent to the central curved portion, the lower profile of the bag wall spacer portion may curve upward to merge with the inwardly recessed bottom edge.

[0071] Alternatively, the bag wall spacer portion may extend across the entire bottom periphery of the sealing wall and may have a straight (e.g., horizontal) lower profile. The bag wall spacer portion then exists below the first straight portion, the central curved portion, and the second straight portion. The bag wall spacer portion can then be configured to prevent the bag wall from deforming inward along the entire bottom periphery of the sealing wall during sealing of the nozzle between the bag walls. With these straight bag wall spacer portions, it is possible to maintain even larger portions of the bag wall more straight after sealing.

[0072] The height of these straight bag wall spacer portions can be substantially constant along the entire width of the attachment portion. However, at one side of the attachment portion, such as at its first tip, the lower profile of the bag wall spacer portion may curve slightly upward, so that the height of the bag wall spacer portion is slightly smaller here. At this raised portion, the nozzle may include its injection point, at which plastic material has already been injected into the mold during the injection molding process.

[0073] Further advantageous embodiments of the suction nozzle according to the second aspect of the invention are discussed herein in the context of the first aspect of the invention.

[0074] The second aspect also relates to a nozzle suitable for heat-sealing in a non-bonded area between opposing first and second walls of a bag, comprising a plastic nozzle body having channels for filling the bag with a substance and / or for discharging a substance from the bag. The nozzle body includes: - The attachment portion has a vertical first symmetrical plane, a vertical first sealing wall, and an opposing vertical second sealing wall, each of the sealing walls having an upper edge and a bottom edge away from the upper edge. Each sealing wall has an external sealing surface, which is heat-sealed to a corresponding one in the bag wall. - A tubular neck having a perforation, the tubular neck being integral with and extending upward from the attachment portion, the tubular neck forming at least a portion of a channel. Its features The outer sealing surfaces of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall are smooth. Furthermore, the outer sealing surfaces of the first and second sealing walls are adjacent to the inwardly recessed bottom edges of the sealing walls.

[0075] It will be appreciated that the measures according to the first aspect of the invention and the measures according to the second aspect of the invention can be readily combined, for example in embodiments of the nozzle that are optimal for applying a pulse heat seal (e.g., an induction-based pulse heat seal) to the nozzle in the non-bonded area between the opposing walls of the bag.

[0076] The present invention also provides a closure assembly comprising a mouthpiece as described herein and a closure device, such as a cap and / or a valve, such as a self-closing valve, mounted to the neck of the mouthpiece. For example, the cap is a nut, a bayonet cap, or a flip cap.

[0077] The present invention also relates to a bag package configured to contain or enclose a substance, comprising: - A collapseable bag comprising opposing first and second walls made of a heat-sealable film material, defining the interior of the bag between the walls, and - As described in this article, the suction nozzle The nozzle is positioned at the non-bonded edge region between the opposing first and second walls of the bag, with its attachment portion, wherein the first bag wall is heat-sealed to the outer sealing surface of the first sealing wall of the attachment portion, and wherein the second bag wall is heat-sealed to the outer sealing surface of the second sealing wall of the attachment portion.

[0078] In an embodiment of the pouch packaging of the spout according to a second aspect of the invention, the groove initially defined by the inwardly recessed bottom edge of the sealing wall is then filled with a hardened molten plastic material before fusion. More preferably, for example, considering the strength of the filled pouch in a drop test, there is a beaded edge of hardened molten plastic material beneath the filling groove initially formed by the inwardly recessed bottom edge of the sealing wall, which engages with the bottom edge and the corresponding pouch wall.

[0079] In this embodiment, the heat-sealable film material of the bag wall has no metal layer therein. This embodiment is advantageous in combination with the first and / or second aspects of the invention because a seal can be achieved at low clamping forces, thus eliminating the need for a metal layer that typically provides strength in the bag wall to prevent damage due to said clamping forces. This is particularly suitable for use in pulse heat-sealing processes.

[0080] In this embodiment, the heat-sealable film material of the bag wall is a plastic monolithic material, such as a polyolefin material, such as polyethylene (PE) (preferably linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). According to this embodiment, the film material is made entirely of a single type of polymer. Using only a single polymer improves the bag's recyclability. The film material may comprise multiple layers of the same polyolefin material, exhibiting slightly different properties, for example, due to slight variations in the treatment and / or composition of the layers.

[0081] In one embodiment, the nozzle body is made of the same plastic material as the film of the bag wall, for example, both are composed of polyolefin materials (e.g., polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP)). When the nozzle is injection molded from the same polymer as the bag wall, the recyclability of the packaging is further improved.

[0082] The present invention also provides the use of a nozzle in a bag as described herein for forming a channel for filling and / or discharging a substance from the bag.

[0083] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a bag package configured to contain or contain a substance, the method comprising the following steps: - The nozzle, as described herein, is positioned using its attachment portion in the non-bonded edge region between the opposing first and second walls of the bag, the bag walls being made of a heat-sealable film material (preferably a plastic single-material film material). - A heat-sealing device comprising a first jaw and a second jaw is used to heat-seal the bag wall to the outer sealing surface of the nozzle sealing wall, wherein the heat sealing comprises clamping a first bag wall to the outer sealing surface of the first sealing wall using the first jaw of the sealing device and clamping a second bag wall to the outer sealing surface of the second sealing wall using the second jaw, wherein the heat-sealing device is operated to provide heat from each of the jaws in order to heat-seal the bag wall to the outer sealing surface of the sealing wall.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the heat sealing involves a pulsed heat sealing cycle in which: Initially, the first and second jaws are in their open position, spaced apart from the non-attached area of ​​the bag, where the nozzle has been inserted using its attachment portion. During operation of the actuator system, the first and second jaws are moved to contact the corresponding bag walls and enter a clamping position, such that the bag walls are clamped (preferably gently) on the respective outer sealing surfaces of the first and second sealing walls. - Generates a thermal pulse emitted from each of the first and second jaws, which causes the outer sealing surfaces of the bag wall and the nozzle to fuse together. - After the heat pulse generation ends, the jaws remain in the clamped position, allowing cooling of the nozzle and bag wall. Preferably, this cooling fluid circulation continues throughout all steps of the pulse heat-sealing cycle as the cooling fluid circulates through a conduit in the jaws. - After the cooling process, the first and second jaws move away from each other into an open position, allowing the bag with the nozzle to be moved to another processing station, such as a processing station for filling and / or capping.

[0085] In one embodiment, the suction nozzle is implemented according to a first aspect of the invention, wherein the clamping of the first and second jaws by means of a heat-sealing device causes the bending of the stabilizing rib.

[0086] In an embodiment, the suction nozzle is implemented according to a second aspect of the invention, wherein the inwardly recessed bottom edge of the sealing wall causes a groove with a bottom opening to initially exist at the bottom edge of the sealing wall of the suction nozzle, between the inwardly recessed bottom edge and the bag wall, when the suction nozzle is clamped together with the bag wall between the first and second jaws. When a thermal pulse is generated, the outer sealing surfaces of the sealing wall and the bag wall partially melt and fuse together. As the contact surfaces of the nozzle and the bag wall melt, some molten plastic material flows away and enters the groove initially formed by the inwardly recessed bottom edge. The flow of the molten material fills the groove initially formed by the inwardly recessed bottom edge. Preferably, the flow of the molten material, upon hardening, also forms a beaded edge of plastic material protruding below the bottom edge of the sealing wall, which joins the bag wall and the bottom edge.

[0087] In this embodiment, the first and second jaws each include: - A recessed contact surface portion defining a recess shaped to complement half of the attachment portion of the mouthpiece received therein. Preferably, the recessed contact surface portion includes a straight surface portion and a centrally curved surface portion to match the shape of the attachment portion, wherein the first and second bag walls are clamped in the clamping positions of the first and second jaws by means of the recessed portion abutting against the sealing wall of the attachment portion. - A coplanar portion, which is on the opposite side of the corresponding recessed portion and adjacent to the recessed portion, wherein the first and second bag walls are clamped together by means of the coplanar portion in the clamping position of the first and second jaws.

[0088] In one embodiment, a pulse heat-sealing device is used, wherein each of the first and second jaws includes: - At least one sensor element comprising a conductive material extends along a recessed portion and a coplanar portion of the contact surface of the jaws and is covered by a heat-resistant non-stick coating for contacting the first and second bag walls in the clamping positions of the first and second jaws. - An inductor electrically insulated from a corresponding sensor element, wherein the inductor preferably includes an elongated inductor section extending along the rear side of at least one corresponding sensor element. The sealing device is constructed and operated to perform a sealing cycle. With the first and second jaws in their clamped positions, a high-frequency current source of the pulse sealing device is operated to temporarily feed a high-frequency current into the inductor of each jaw, thereby generating a high-frequency electromagnetic field. This high-frequency electromagnetic field induces eddy currents in the corresponding sensor elements and generates thermal pulses emitted by the sensor elements. These thermal pulses seal the first and second walls to the external sealing surfaces of the attachment portions of the suction nozzle, sealing them against each other on opposite sides of the attachment portions. After the high-frequency electromagnetic field terminates, cooling is performed, for example, by circulating cooling liquid through one or more conduits in the jaws, while the jaws remain in the clamped position.

[0089] Induction-based pulse heat sealing of the nozzle is preferably performed using a nozzle with an attachment portion having a sealing wall having a smooth outer sealing surface.

[0090] Induction-based pulsed heat sealing is based on generating a high-frequency electromagnetic field using an inductor associated with each jaw of the sealing device. This electromagnetic field induces eddy currents in the corresponding sensor elements of the jaws, thereby generating a heat pulse emitted by the sensor elements.

[0091] In an embodiment, at least one elongated inductor segment extends behind, preferably immediately adjacent to, at least one sensor element of the jaws, which extends along the contoured contact surface of the jaws. This allows heat development on the extension at the front of the jaws to occur in an attractive manner, particularly in a fairly uniform manner. The elongation of the inductor segment contributes to the uniformity of current density within the inductor segment, for example, compared to a coiled or otherwise rather irregular shape of the inductor segment. This uniformity translates into uniformity of the high-frequency field, and thus, uniformity of the pulsed heating of the sensor element. The latter contributes to a reliable and effective heat seal. The uniformity of the heat seal and the pulsed process allows for relatively low clamping forces, which can be effectively used only to ensure tight surface contact between the bag wall and the attached portion, for example, to exclude the presence of any cavitation between the surfaces that will be joined by the heat seal.

[0092] In one embodiment, the at least one elongated inductor segment is a solid cross-section metal or other (preferably high-conductivity material) inductor segment, made, for example, preferably copper. For example, compared to an internally hollow inductor segment, this arrangement allows for the avoidance of inappropriate variations in current density within the inductor segment, and thus avoids undesirable variations in the generated field. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one elongated inductor segment is a multi-strand Litz wire (or stranded wire). It has been observed that in such an embodiment, heating the Litz wire can become problematic, and cooling is difficult.

[0093] In an embodiment, the at least one elongated inductor segment has a constant cross-section, preferably a solid cross-section, along its length on the profiled front surface of the corresponding jaw. This design avoids inappropriate variations in current density within the inductor segment that might otherwise occur at locations where the cross-section changes, and thus avoids unwanted variations in the generated field.

[0094] In one embodiment, viewed from above on the jaws, the elongated inductor segment with a uniform cross-section has a shape corresponding to the contoured front surface of the jaws, and maintains a uniform distance between the sensor element and the elongated inductor segment. This arrangement enhances the uniformity of heat development within the sensor element.

[0095] In one embodiment, the inductor of the jaw includes a plurality of elongated inductor segments parallel to each other.

[0096] In one embodiment, the clamp-on inductor comprises a plurality of elongated inductor segments that extend horizontally and are parallel to each other, and are vertically spaced apart from each other by horizontal slits (e.g., air slits or slits filled with electrically insulating material). In another embodiment, there is only one pair of elongated inductor segments that are parallel to each other and vertically spaced apart from each other by horizontal slits arranged near the rear side of the inductor element.

[0097] In an embodiment, the slit between adjacent inductor segments arranged vertically to each other has a height between 0.01 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

[0098] In one embodiment, the inductor of the jaw includes a pair of parallel inductor segments disposed on the rear side of the sensor element, one inductor segment above the other and spaced apart from each other by an elongated slit (e.g., an air slit or a slit filled with an electrically insulating material). In a practical embodiment, only one pair of inductor segments are present in the jaw, positioned one above the other.

[0099] The presence of a slit between parallel, elongated inductor segments allows for the desired concentration of the field generated by the jawed inductor. In an embodiment, viewed from the front surface of the jaws, the sensor element extends above the horizontal slit between the parallel inductor segments.

[0100] In an embodiment, viewed from the front of the jaws, the sensor element extends over the slit between the parallel elongated inductor segments and overlaps with each of the parallel inductor segments in the view.

[0101] In one embodiment, the sensor element is implemented as a strip that extends over a slit between parallel elongated inductor segments and overlaps with each of the parallel inductor segments in the view.

[0102] In an embodiment, the strip-shaped sensor element has an upper edge and a lower edge defining the height of the strip, preferably the height corresponding to the height of the outer sealing surface of the attachment portion of the nozzle.

[0103] Preferably, the height of the strip is at least 50% of the height of the single pair of inductor segments including the slit, for example, between 75% and 125% of the height, such as about 100% of the height, and the pair of inductor segments are arranged vertically to each other at the rear of the strip.

[0104] In an embodiment, the strip-shaped sensor element has an upper and lower edge defining the height of the strip, wherein the clamping inductor includes a plurality of (e.g., multiple) inductor segments, each extending along the rear side of the sensor element. Hereinafter, the height of the strip is preferably at most the same as the height of a plurality of one or more inductor segments, and preferably the upper and lower edges of the strip do not protrude above or below the height of one or more inductor segments.

[0105] In an embodiment, the inductor of the clamp is configured such that current flows through a pair of adjacent and parallel inductor sections arranged on the rear side of the sensor element in the same direction.

[0106] In an embodiment, the inductor of the clamp is configured such that current flows through a pair of adjacent and parallel inductor sections arranged on the rear side of the sensor element in opposite directions.

[0107] In one embodiment, the clamp inductor includes a C-shaped inductor element having parallel first and second inductor segments interconnected in series, for example by a bend, wherein the free ends of the inductor segments have terminals for electrical connection to a current source.

[0108] In one embodiment, the first and / or second jaws are provided with a C-shaped inductor element having parallel horizontal first and second elongated inductor sections that are interconnected vertically and in series with each other, wherein the free ends of the inductor sections have terminals for electrical connection to a current source.

[0109] In one embodiment, the inductor of the jaw includes a C-shaped inductor element having first and second inductor sections that are interconnected in series and arranged vertically to each other, wherein the inductor sections are separated by horizontal slits (e.g., air slits or slits filled with electrical insulating material).

[0110] In one embodiment, the clamp inductor comprises a plurality (e.g., only two) elongated inductor segments arranged parallel to each other and arranged vertically behind the inductor element.

[0111] In one embodiment, the sensor element has a height, and the clamping inductor includes a plurality of inductor segments arranged parallel to each other and arranged vertically behind the sensor element.

[0112] In an embodiment, the inductor of the jaw has a generally U-shaped inductor element when viewed from above, wherein each of its first and second elongated inductor segments has a constant cross-section along its length, preferably a solid cross-section, and wherein, when viewed from above in the view, each of the first and second inductor segments has a shape corresponding to the contoured front surface of the respective jaw.

[0113] In an embodiment, viewed perpendicular to the front surface of the jaws, the at least one elongated inductor segment has a thickness between 1.0 mm and 4.0 mm (e.g., between 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm). The limited thickness of the inductor element enhances the cooling of the jaws (including the conductors of the jaws), for example, because one or more cooling fluid conduits are preferably arranged close to the rear side of the at least one inductor element.

[0114] In one embodiment, the at least one elongated inductor segment has a rectangular cross-section, the height of which is greater than the thickness of the inductor segment. This arrangement allows for thickness limitation, which in turn allows for efficient cooling.

[0115] Each jaw may be provided with one or more cooling fluid conduits, for example, the cooling fluid is a cooling liquid such as water, for example, a pump assembly is used to pass through the cooling fluid conduits, for example, the cooling fluid circuit is a closed circuit including a heat exchanger configured to remove heat from the cooling fluid.

[0116] In embodiments, or in combination with cooling by means of a cooling liquid, the jaws may be air-cooled. However, cooling by means of a cooling liquid is preferred due to capacity considerations. Preferably, the cooling liquid passes close to the inductor of the jaws, for example, immediately behind one or more elongated inductor sections. Preferably, no cooling fluid passes through the region between the inductor and the sensor, as this would unduly increase the distance between them and would impair the effectiveness of the pulsed heating induced by the field. It will be appreciated that, given the very close proximity of the desired sensor element to the front surface of the jaws, there is practically no space for any cooling conduits in this region. Therefore, in practical embodiments, cooling of the jaws is preferably accomplished using a controlled flow of a cooling fluid (e.g., a liquid) through one or more conduits arranged behind and preferably close to the inductor sections.

[0117] In one embodiment, at least one cooling fluid conduit extends along the at least one conductor segment, which extends along the rear side of the sensor element.

[0118] Preferably, the sealing device is configured such that cooling of the jaws is active throughout the entire pulse sealing cycle, and therefore also during the generation of a thermal pulse, which occurs so rapidly that it is generally not attenuated by cooling. In another configuration, cooling may be interrupted or reduced near the moment of the thermal pulse.

[0119] Preferably, the jaw cooling can be configured to cause cooling of the heat-sealed area of ​​the bag wall before the jaws are opened, for example, the film material and the nozzle are cooled to below 60°C, for example, to below 40°C before opening.

[0120] Preferably, the jaw cooling can be configured to cause cooling of the heat-sealed edge region before the jaws open, for example, the film material and the nozzle are cooled below the crystallization temperature of the polymer material involved in the engagement.

[0121] The benefit of cooling is that the bag area will gain greater strength and stiffness before being released from the jaws than it would without such cooling. This can, for example, allow for increased machine production speeds, where higher forces can be applied to the bag walls, for example, considering the conveying of a bag or a string of interconnected bags through the machine. By using the invention disclosed herein, excessive stretching of the bag, such as in the nozzle area, can be largely prevented.

[0122] In one embodiment, the sensor element is made of a metallic material, such as a metal or metal alloy, for example, a thin metal strip.

[0123] For example, the sensor element is made of or includes aluminum, nickel, silver, stainless steel and / or nickel-chromium alloy.

[0124] In one embodiment, the receptor element is implemented as a strip having opposing front and rear principal surfaces that define the thickness of the strip between them. In another embodiment, the thickness of the receptor element strip is constant along the extension of the strip.

[0125] In an embodiment, the receptor element is implemented as a planar strip, and most preferably, the jaw has a single planar strip receptor element.

[0126] In embodiments, the sensor element comprises a paramagnetic, diamagnetic, or ferromagnetic material. Such a magnetic material may be influenced by an electromagnetic field to induce the aforementioned rapid heating eddy currents in the pulse sealing technique.

[0127] In an embodiment, the sensor element is a strip of metal (e.g., aluminum) having a height between 3 mm and 10 mm, for example, between 4 mm and 8 mm. Preferably, the strip has a constant height along its length.

[0128] Preferably, the receptor element strip lacks orifices on its extension.

[0129] In one embodiment, the jaws are provided with a single, continuous sensor element, which is implemented, for example, as a strip of metal.

[0130] In embodiments, the sensor element, for example implemented as a strip, has a thickness between 0.01 and 5 mm, preferably between 0.05 and 2 mm, more preferably between 0.08 and 0.8 mm, for example between 0.3 and 0.5 mm. Generally, considering the desire for rapid cooling of the jaws, including the inductor and sensor, after the thermal pulse ends, it is desirable to have a sensor element with minimal thickness. A thin design of the sensor contributes to this desire. It should be noted that, unlike the pulse sealing device proposed in the introduction, no current from a current source passes through the sensor, therefore it is not necessary to design a cross-section to handle such current.

[0131] In one embodiment, the jaws are provided with a single, continuous sensor element, which is implemented as, for example, a metal strip with a height between 3 mm and 10 mm, for example, between 4 mm and 8 mm, and a thickness between 0.08 mm and 0.8 mm, for example, between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. For example, the strip is made of aluminum.

[0132] In this embodiment, the frequency of the AC current supplied to the inductor is between 250 kHz and 750 kHz.

[0133] In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism is configured such that the high-frequency electromagnetic field generated by the inductor causes very rapid heat development within the frontal skin layer of the sensor element, primarily due to the so-called skin effect. The skin effect refers to the distribution of alternating current within a conductor such that the current density is maximized near the surface of the conductor and decreases exponentially with increasing conductor depth. At high frequencies, the skin depth becomes even smaller. If the field frequency is 350 kHz, this depth could be, for example, 0.15 mm for an aluminum sensor element. It is conceivable that the thickness of the sensor element is greater than this skin depth, but not significantly so for the reasons described herein.

[0134] In another embodiment of the pulse heat sealing device, as described in the introduction, pulse heat sealing involves temporarily passing an electric current through a resistor strip in each of the jaws of the sealing device to generate a pulse of heat emitted by the resistor strip.

[0135] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing a bag package, wherein a suction nozzle is heat-sealed in a non-bonded area between opposing first and second walls of the bag, the suction nozzle comprising a plastic suction nozzle body having channels for filling the bag with a substance and / or for discharging a substance from the bag. The nozzle body includes: - The attachment portion has a first vertically symmetrical plane, a vertical first sealing wall, and an opposing vertical second sealing wall, and has a transverse wall integral with the upper edges of the first and second sealing walls, wherein the first and second sealing walls each hang from the transverse wall and each has a bottom edge away from the upper edge. Each sealing wall has an external sealing surface, which is heat-sealed to a corresponding one in the bag wall. In the bottom view of the attachment portion, each sealing wall consists of a first straight section, a central curved section, and a second straight section. The second straight portion of the first sealing wall is integrally connected to the first straight portion of the second sealing wall at the first tip of the attachment portion to define an acute angle between them. The second straight portion of the second sealing wall is integrally connected to the first straight portion of the first sealing wall at the second tip of the attachment portion to define an acute angle between them. The transverse wall has an opening therein. - A tubular neck having an opening adjacent to an opening in the transverse wall, the tubular neck being integral with and extending upward from the transverse wall, the tubular neck and the opening in the transverse wall together forming a channel. The heat-sealing device, comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, performs a heat seal on the outer sealing surface of the bag wall to the nozzle sealing wall. The heat seal includes clamping a first bag wall to the outer sealing surface of the first sealing wall using the first jaw and clamping a second bag wall to the outer sealing surface of the second sealing wall using the second jaw. The heat-sealing device is operated to provide heat from each jaw to heat-seal the bag wall to the outer sealing surface of the sealing wall. Its features Using an induction-based pulse heat sealing device, wherein each of the first and second jaws includes: - Includes at least one sensor element made of conductive material, for example, a sensor element sized to correspond to the outer sealing surface of the sealing wall, such as as a single elongated metal strip, the sensor element extending at least along a recessed surface portion (the recessed contact surface portion including a straight surface portion corresponding to the recess of the attachment portion and a central curved surface portion), and preferably also extending along a coplanar surface portion at the front of the jaws, and the sensor element is covered by a heat-resistant covering for contacting the first and second bag walls in the clamping positions of the first and second jaws. - An inductor electrically insulated from a corresponding sensor element, wherein, preferably, the inductor includes an elongated inductor segment extending along the rear side of at least one corresponding sensor element. Furthermore, the inductive pulse heat sealing device is constructed and operated to perform a sealing cycle, wherein, with the first and second jaws in their clamped positions, the high-frequency current source of the pulse sealing device is operated to temporarily feed a high-frequency current into the inductor of each jaw, thereby generating a high-frequency electromagnetic field using each of the inductors, thereby inducing eddy currents in the corresponding sensor elements using the high-frequency electromagnetic field, and generating a thermal pulse emitted by the sensor elements, which seals the first and second walls to the outer sealing surface of the attachment portion of the nozzle, and preferably also seals them to each other on opposite sides of the attachment portion, for example in the top seam of the bag, and wherein, after the high-frequency electromagnetic field ends, cooling is achieved, for example, by circulating cooling liquid through one or more conduits in the jaws while the jaws remain in the clamped position, and wherein, once cooling is complete, the jaws are brought into the open position.

[0136] The third aspect of the invention is based on the understanding that the described induction-based pulse heat sealing is advantageous for sealing a mouthpiece with a so-called diamond-shaped attachment portion between the bag walls. In particular, considering the desire to achieve uniform full-surface contact between the jaws and the bag walls, especially in the region of the sensor element, and between the outer sealing surfaces of the attachment portion of the bag wall and the mouthpiece, the presence of a straight portion in the sealing wall of the mouthpiece and a recessed portion of complementary shape in the front of the jaws, which also has a straight surface portion and a central curved surface portion, is advantageous. Preferably, the contoured front surfaces of the two jaws and the outer sealing surfaces of the attachment portion of the mouthpiece are smooth. In particular, this method avoids air trapping, even when the clamping force of the jaws is low or even minimal, thus providing the relevant benefits discussed herein. Induction-based pulse heat sealing allows for optimal uniformity of heat generated in the sensor element. This is especially true for designs in which the inductor extends along the rear of the sensor element.

[0137] It will be appreciated that, in the context of the third aspect of the invention, it is possible or even preferred to include one or more of the measures described elsewhere herein, according to the first and / or second aspects of the invention. For example, the heat-sealable film material is preferably a single polymer.

[0138] A third aspect of the invention also relates to an induction-based pulse heat sealing device configured to perform the above-described method. Attached Figure Description

[0139] The present invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0140] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 An embodiment of the suction nozzle according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2A It shows from another perspective Figure 1 The mouthpiece, Figure 2B It shows Figure 1 The attachment part of the nozzle and part of the neck, Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A bottom view of the suction nozzle. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The illustrations show a suction nozzle with straight stabilizing ribs and a simulation of applying clamping force to it. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The diagrams show the diagrams respectively. Figure 1 The simulation of the suction nozzle and the clamping force applied to it. Figure 6A It shows the Figure 1 Bottom perspective view of the nozzle. Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A A magnified view of the circled area AA in the image. Figure 7A The second aspect of the invention is illustrated in cross-sectional view. Figure 7B Shown at a larger scale Figure 7A Details Figure 7C Shown at a larger scale Figure 7A Another detail, Figure 8 The illustration shows an embodiment of the induction-based pulse heat sealing device according to the present invention. Figure 9 schematically shown Figure 8 Sensor elements and inductors, Figure 10 Schematic illustration of the work by Figure 8 The electromagnetic field generated by the jaws and its interaction with the receptor elements, Figure 11 The operation of the continuous motion pulse heat sealing device is illustrated schematically. Figure 12A An alternative embodiment of the suction nozzle according to the invention is shown in isometric view. Figure 12B It shows the Figure 12A Front view of the suction nozzle. Figure 12C It shows the Figure 12A A cross-sectional view of the nozzle. Figure 12D In corresponding Figure 12C The view shows alternative embodiments, Figure 13A Another alternative embodiment of the suction nozzle according to the invention is shown in an isometric view. Figure 13B It shows the Figure 13A Front view of the suction nozzle. Figure 13C It shows the Figure 13A A cross-sectional view of the nozzle. Figure 14A Yet another embodiment of the suction nozzle according to the present invention is shown. Figure 14B As shown below Figure 14A The mouthpiece, Figure 14C This shows the plane offset from the midplane of the suction nozzle in the vertical section. Figure 14A The mouthpiece, Figure 14D It shows Figure 14A The horizontal and vertical cross-sections of the suction nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0141] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding parts or parts with corresponding functions.

[0142] The figure shows an embodiment of the suction nozzle according to the invention, indicated by reference numeral 1. The suction nozzle 1 is adapted to be heat-sealed in a non-bonded area between the opposing first and second walls of a collapsible bag.

[0143] The nozzle 1 has a single plastic nozzle body manufactured by injection molding, for example, polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) material.

[0144] The nozzle body is generally composed of an attachment part and a tubular neck.

[0145] When viewed from below, the attachment portion 10 has an outer profile that is generally recognized as a so-called "diamond" shape. This structure will be discussed in more detail below.

[0146] The attachment portion 10 has a first vertical symmetry plane M', a vertical first sealing wall 11 and an opposing vertical second sealing wall 12, and a transverse wall 20 integral with the upper edge of the first sealing wall 11 and the upper edge of the second sealing wall 12. The first sealing wall and the second sealing wall each hang from the transverse wall 20 and each has a bottom edge 114 away from the upper edge.

[0147] Each sealing wall 11, 12 has an external sealing surface 110, 120. These external sealing surfaces 110, 120 of the sealing wall will be heat-sealed to a corresponding one in the bag wall.

[0148] In a practical embodiment, as illustrated, each external sealing surface 110, 120 forms a continuous elongated region having preferably parallel upper and lower boundaries extending from one tip 13 of the attachment portion 10 to the other tip 14.

[0149] In the bottom view of the attachment portion 10, each sealing wall 11, 12 is composed of a first straight portion, a central curved portion, and a second straight portion. More specifically, the first sealing wall 11 is composed of a first straight portion 111, a central curved portion 113, and a second straight portion 112 integrally interconnected end-to-end. Similarly, the second sealing wall 12 is composed of a first straight portion 121, a central curved portion 123, and a second straight portion 123 also integrally interconnected end-to-end.

[0150] The second straight portion 112 of the first sealing wall 11 is integrally connected to the first straight portion 121 of the second sealing wall 12 at the first tip 13 of the attachment portion 10 to define an acute angle between them.

[0151] The second straight portion 122 of the second sealing wall 12 is integrally connected to the first straight portion 111 of the first sealing wall 11 at the second tip 14 of the attachment portion 10 to define an acute angle between them.

[0152] The transverse wall 20 extends generally horizontally (and therefore generally perpendicular to walls 11, 12). The transverse wall 20 has a rhomboid shape corresponding to the shape of the sealing walls 11, 12.

[0153] The transverse wall 20 has an opening 21 located at the center between the opposing curved portions of the sealing wall. In a practical embodiment, such as here, the opening 21 is circular.

[0154] In a practical embodiment, as shown here, the attachment portion 10 has a second vertical symmetry plane M'' perpendicular to the first symmetry plane M'. As shown here, preferably, the second plane M'' extends through the center of the opening 21.

[0155] The relative dimensions of the curved portions 113 and 123 can be changed, for example, made smaller, so that the straight portions of the sealing wall become relatively longer.

[0156] The nozzle body also has a tubular neck 30 in which an opening 31 is provided. The opening 31 in the neck 30 is adjacent to an opening 21 in the transverse wall 20. The tubular neck 30 is integral with and extends upward from the transverse wall 20. The opening 31 of the neck, together with the opening 21 in the transverse wall, forms a channel P for filling the bag with material and / or for discharging material from the bag.

[0157] The central vertical axis CC of the tubular neck 30 is arranged here on the intersection line between the first symmetry plane M' and the second symmetry plane M''.

[0158] The tubular neck 30 extends only in the upward direction V away from the transverse wall 20, and does not extend between the first sealing wall 11 and the second sealing wall 12, i.e., below the transverse wall 20.

[0159] The illustration here shows that the neck 30 is provided with threads 32 to accommodate a nut thereon, for example, as shown in WO2018194454. Other designs for the closure assembly including the inventive nozzle are also contemplated, such as snap caps, bayonet caps as in WO2018034562, or more complex embodiments as disclosed in WO2017053228 and WO2017135824.

[0160] As shown in the diagram, the attachment portion 10 also includes: - At least one first stabilizing rib 15, here ribs 151 and 152, extends between the connection points associated with the second straight portion 112 of the first sealing wall 11 and the first straight portion 121 of the second sealing wall 12, and - At least one second stabilizing rib 16, here rib 161, 162, is located between the connection points associated with the first straight portion 111 of the first sealing wall 11 and the second straight portion 122 of the second sealing wall 12.

[0161] As shown in the diagram, in Figure 3 In the bottom view of the attachment portion, the at least one first stabilizing rib 15 bends toward the first tip 13 between the associated connection points, and the at least one second stabilizing rib 16 bends toward the second tip 14 between the associated connection points.

[0162] Here, the at least one first stabilizing rib 15 consists of an inner first stabilizing rib 151 disposed near the opening 21 and an outer first stabilizing rib 152 disposed near the first tip 13.

[0163] Here, the at least one second stabilizing rib 16 consists of an inner second stabilizing rib 161 disposed near the opening 21 and an outer second stabilizing rib 162 disposed near the second tip 14.

[0164] As discussed, the number of bending stabilizing ribs can vary, for example, there may be only one bending stabilizing rib between the opposing straight sections of the sealing wall, or there may be three or four such ribs instead of the two depicted.

[0165] The illustration shows that the curved stabilizing ribs 15, 151, 152, 16, 161, and 162 are the only stabilizing elements formed between the opposing sealing walls 11 and 12.

[0166] The internal stabilizing ribs 151 and 161 have continuous bends along their length, curving toward the first tip 13 and the second tip 14, respectively. This means that the central portions of the internal stabilizing ribs 151 and 161 are not located on a straight line between their respective connection points with the first sealing wall 11 and the second sealing wall 12. Additionally, the external stabilizing ribs 152 and 162 bend toward their respective tips 13 and 14.

[0167] The stabilizing rib is integral with the transverse wall 20 at its upper end.

[0168] As shown in the figure, in the actual embodiment, the curved stabilizing rib has a height greater than its thickness.

[0169] As optionally illustrated, the radii of curvature of the outer stabilizing ribs 152 and 162 are greater than those of the inner stabilizing ribs 151 and 162. Differences in curvature between the ribs in each set of stabilizing ribs can be provided to achieve relative rigidity of the outer stabilizing ribs under the clamping load of the sealing jaws compared to the inner stabilizing ribs.

[0170] As is practically preferred, the illustration shows that the radius of curvature of all stabilizing ribs is greater than the radius of the circular opening 21 in the transverse wall 20, for example, at least in the non-deformed state of the suction nozzle 1 when no clamping force is applied thereto.

[0171] The attachment portion 10 of the nozzle 1 also includes a first connecting rib 153 extending between an inner first stabilizing rib 151 and an outer first stabilizing rib 152. Specifically, the first connecting rib 153 connects to the central portions of the inner first stabilizing rib 151 and the outer first stabilizing rib 152. Similarly, the attachment portion 10 includes a second connecting rib 163 connecting to the central portions of the inner second stabilizing rib 161 and the outer second stabilizing rib 162. The two connecting ribs 153 and 163 are located in a first plane of symmetry M', and therefore lie on a straight line between the first tip 13 and the second tip 14.

[0172] As shown in the figure, in the actual embodiment, the upper ends of the connecting ribs 153 and 163 are integral with the transverse wall.

[0173] As illustrated, in the actual embodiment, the connecting ribs 153 and 163 have a lower height than the stabilizing ribs.

[0174] It should be noted that in embodiments having only one first bending stabilizing rib and only one second bending stabilizing rib (e.g., an internal stabilizing rib), a connecting rib may be present, which connects to the central portion of the bending rib and the transverse wall to provide additional support at the center of the bending rib.

[0175] Reference Figures 4A to 5B The working principle of the bending stabilizing rib according to the first aspect of the present invention is discussed.

[0176] Figure 4A A portion of the attachment portion and the neck of the nozzle 201 is shown, presented here to illustrate an embodiment in which the stabilizing ribs are straight, similar to the mentioned prior art design. The attachment portion of the nozzle has a so-called rhomboid shape and has two sealing walls 211, 212. The nozzle 201 also includes straight stabilizing ribs 215, 216 between the opposing straight portions of the sealing walls 211, 212.

[0177] The nozzle 201 was modeled using finite element analysis (FEA). Figure 4A The clamping forces F and F' are indicated, which will be applied by the jaws of the heat-sealing device and are modeled as acting on the two sealing walls of the nozzle 201.

[0178] exist Figure 4B The figure illustrates the deformation of the sealing wall of the nozzle 201. It is evident that significant differences in the degree of deformation occur within each straight section of the sealing wall. Reference numerals 202, 203, 204, and 205 denote areas where almost no deformation occurs under clamping loads (preferably relatively light), while the remaining portion of the sealing wall, indicated by 206, shows a considerable degree of deformation. These significant localized variations in the deformation of the sealing wall due to clamping are undesirable because they lead to uneven sealing between the nozzle's sealing wall and the bag wall. Furthermore, these variations in deformation can cause localized stress concentrations, which can lead to nozzle failure.

[0179] exist Figure 5A middle, Figure 1 The attachment portion and part of the neck of the suction nozzle 1 have been modeled, and the same clamping forces F and F' have been modeled on them. Figure 5B As shown, the corresponding deformation of the sealing wall is almost uniform across the entire outer sealing surface, including its straight portions. Only very small areas 250, 251 show no deformation. Therefore, most of the outer surface of the sealing wall of the nozzle according to the first aspect of the invention is uniformly deformed, as indicated in red.

[0180] As explained in this article, Figure 5B The effect shown is the result of the resilient bending of the curved stabilizing ribs under the influence of clamping force. As a result of this bending, the connection points of these ribs bear a resultant force both in the plane of the sealing wall and in the direction away from the corresponding tips. Figure 5A The diagram shows these resultant forces R. These resultant forces R affect the tensile stress in the sealed wall and result in the lengthening and straightening of the straight sections.

[0181] As shown in the figure, the outer sealing surfaces of the first sealing wall 11 and the second sealing wall 12 are each implemented as smooth outer sealing surfaces, so there are no protrusions that would trap air, such as no weld lines.

[0182] These smooth external sealing surfaces 110, 120 are adjacent to the inwardly recessed bottom edges 114, 115 of the sealing walls 11, 12 along their lower peripheries. The vertical surfaces of the edges 114, 115 are stepped inward from the vertical external sealing surfaces 110, 120.

[0183] As shown, the inwardly recessed bottom edges 114, 115 extend together along the entire bottom periphery of the two sealing walls 11, 12 to form the inwardly recessed bottom edges of the periphery of the attachment portion 10.

[0184] As shown, the inwardly recessed bottom edges 114, 115 extend in the vertical direction over a small portion of the height of the respective sealing walls 11, 12. For example, edges 114, 115 extend at a height between 5% and 20% of the height of the sealing wall and / or at a height between 0.5 mm and 2 mm (e.g., at about 0.8 to 1.5 mm).

[0185] The portion of each of the sealing walls 11 and 12 above the inwardly recessed bottom edge 114 is defined as the nominal portion 116 of the sealing wall. For example, in Figure 6B As shown, each sealing wall has a thickness "t" of its inwardly recessed bottom edge, which is less than the nominal thickness "T" of the nominal segment 116 of the sealing wall. In this embodiment, the thickness "t" of the inwardly recessed bottom edge 114 is between 80% and 95% of the nominal thickness "T".

[0186] The illustration shows that the thickness “t” of the inwardly recessed bottom edge of the sealing wall is between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm smaller than the nominal thickness “T” (e.g., approximately 0.1 mm).

[0187] The illustration shows that the at least one first stabilizing rib 15 and the at least one second stabilizing rib 16 do not extend downward beyond the nominal section 116 of the sealing walls 11, 12.

[0188] exist Figure 6B In, it is shown Figure 6A A magnified view of the circled area AA in the image. Figure 6B A portion of the first sealing wall 11 of the attachment portion 10 is shown. Specifically, Figure 6B The central curved portion 113 of the first sealing wall 11 is shown.

[0189] exist Figure 6BAs shown, the first sealing wall 11 has an inwardly recessed bottom edge 114. The second sealing wall 12 has a similar inwardly recessed bottom edge, although this is not visible in the figure.

[0190] The inwardly recessed bottom edge 114 extends over a portion h' of the total height H of the first sealing wall 11. As preferably and illustrated, this portion h' is located between 5% and 20% of the total height H, for example, having a height between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, while the total height H may be between 5 mm and 20 mm.

[0191] Furthermore, the portion h of the height of the first sealing wall 11 above the inwardly recessed bottom edge 114 is defined as the nominal segment 116 of the first sealing wall 11 that forms the outer sealing surface 110. In this embodiment, the height h of the nominal segment 116 is between 75% and 95% of the total height H of the first sealing wall 11.

[0192] Viewed from the outer sealing surface 110 of the nominal section 116 of the first sealing wall 11, the inwardly recessed bottom edge 114 is positioned in the inward direction.

[0193] At the inwardly recessed bottom edge 114, the first sealing wall has a thickness t that is less than the nominal thickness T at the nominal section 116 of the first sealing wall 11.

[0194] refer to Figure 6A As shown, ribs 151, 152, 153, 161, 162, and 163 do not extend over the entire height of sealing walls 11 and 12, but only over nominal sections of sealing walls 11 and 12. The stabilizing ribs here have a height corresponding to the nominal height h of the sealing walls 11 and 12.

[0195] Figures 14A to 14D The illustration shows an embodiment of the inventive suction nozzle, wherein the suction nozzle 1' and its attachment portion 10' have a greater... Figure 1 The nozzle shown is large in size, with an additional intermediate stabilizing rib between each pair of internal and external stabilizing ribs.

[0196] Attachment 10' has the same basic features as those discussed herein with reference to Attachment 10.

[0197] The at least one first bending stabilizing rib here consists of an inner first stabilizing rib 151' disposed adjacent to the opening 21, an outer first stabilizing rib 152' disposed closer to the first tip 13, and an intermediate first stabilizing rib 155 located between ribs 151' and 152'.

[0198] The at least one second bending stabilizing rib here consists of an inner second stabilizing rib 161' disposed adjacent to the opening 21, an outer second stabilizing rib 162' disposed closer to the second tip 14, and an intermediate first stabilizing rib 165 located between ribs 161' and 162'.

[0199] The illustration shows the curved stabilizing rib formed as the sole stabilizing element between the opposing sealing walls 11' and 12'.

[0200] These internal stabilizing ribs have continuous bends along their length, curving toward the first tip 13 and the second tip 14, respectively.

[0201] The stabilizing rib is integral with the transverse wall 20 at its upper end.

[0202] The first connecting rib 153' extends between the inner first stabilizing rib 151' and the outer first stabilizing rib 152', and connects the central portions of all three first stabilizing ribs. Similarly, the second connecting rib 163' connects the central portions of all three second stabilizing ribs. The two connecting ribs 153' and 163' are located in a first vertical plane of symmetry passing through the tip of the attachment portion 10'.

[0203] As illustrated, in the actual embodiment, the upper ends of the connecting ribs 153' and 163' are integral with the transverse wall.

[0204] As illustrated, in the actual embodiment, the connecting ribs 153' and 163' have a lower height than the stabilizing ribs.

[0205] Now let's discuss Figures 7A to 7C In particular, this is to illustrate the second aspect of the invention.

[0206] Figure 7A The nozzle 1 is shown in cross-section, here in the second plane of symmetry M''. The first bag wall 101 and the second bag wall 102 are also depicted, but with exaggerated thicknesses. Figure 7A The illustration also shows two sealing jaws 210, 220 of a heat-sealing device applied to heat-seal the bag wall to the attachment portion 10 of the nozzle.

[0207] For the purposes of the following discussion, Figure 7A On the left and Figure 7B The enlarged view shows that the first sealing wall 11 has not yet come into contact with the first bag wall 101, but is gently clamped by the jaws 210. Figure 7A On the right and Figure 7C The enlarged view shows that the second sealing wall 12 has abutted against the second bag wall 102 and sealed.

[0208] For the purposes of discussion, and preferably, this document assumes that the sealing device is a pulse heat sealing device. In contrast to a conventional heat sealing device with continuously heated jaws, the jaws 210, 220 are constructed and operated to generate a brief heat pulse and subsequent cooling when the jaws 210, 220 are in the clamping position.

[0209] Figure 7C and Figure 7A The left portion of the illustration shows the clamping position (preferably lightly clamped) of the jaws 210, 2020, wherein the inwardly recessed bottom edge 114 defines an initially present groove "G" directly below the smooth outer sealing surface. This groove "G" is effectively formed between the inwardly offset vertical surface of the edge 114 and the bag wall 101, which is in full surface contact with the smooth outer sealing surface of the sealing wall.

[0210] As discussed, and preferably, the front or contact surfaces of the sealing jaws 210, 220 have complementary shapes to achieve tight, full-surface contact between the jaws and the bag wall, and between the bag wall and the smooth outer sealing surface.

[0211] Generally, when a heat pulse is generated by means of the jaws 210 and 220, the outer sealing surfaces of the sealing wall and the bag wall partially melt and fuse together. Due to the melting of the contact surfaces between the nozzle and the bag wall with the aid of the clamping force, some molten plastic material flows away and enters the groove "G" initially formed by the inwardly recessed bottom edge 114.

[0212] This flow of molten material fills the groove “G” initially formed by the inwardly recessed bottom edge 114. Figure 7C The illustration shows that, preferably, in this document, this outflow of molten material during hardening also forms a beaded edge 103 of plastic material that protrudes below the bottom edge 114 of the sealing walls 11, 12. The beaded edge 103 is shown to engage with both the bag wall and the bottom edge 114.

[0213] As explained, the formation of the bead edge 103 contributes to the strength of the seal, for example, when tested in a drop test of a liquid-filled bag.

[0214] As explained, when the structure of the first aspect of the invention is applied in a mouthpiece, Figures 7A to 7C The effect illustrated in the diagram is enhanced, but this is not necessary. As discussed, this effect can also be achieved when the nozzle has an alternative design with one or more stabilizing ribs (e.g., straight as in the mentioned prior art). One can even envision entirely different structures for the attachment portion, provided that the sealing walls 11, 12 have a smooth outer sealing surface adjacent to the inwardly recessed bottom edge.

[0215] As discussed, jaws 210, 220 may include an elongated, pulse-heatable resistor strip extending along the profiled front surface of the jaws and covered with a heat-resistant, non-stick coating (e.g., a Teflon strip). A thermal pulse is then generated by briefly passing an electric current through the strip, which is done while the jaws are in the clamped position. Cooling is then permitted or forced, for example, by passing coolant through one or more conduits 216 in the jaws. The coolant can circulate continuously through the jaws, as this does not impair the generation of the thermal pulse.

[0216] exist Figure 7A In the embodiment illustrated in the figure, a pulse heat-sealing device is used, wherein each of the first and second jaws includes: - At least one sensor element 212, 222, comprising a conductive material, extending along the contact surface or front recessed and coplanar portions of the jaws 210, 220, and covered by a heat-resistant non-stick cover 213, 223 for contacting the first and second bag walls in the clamping positions of the first and second jaws. - Inductors 211, 221, which are electrically insulated from corresponding sensor elements 212, 222, wherein, preferably, the inductors include an elongated inductor section extending along the rear side of at least one corresponding sensor element.

[0217] The sealing device is constructed and operated to perform a sealing cycle in which, with the first jaw 210 and the second jaw 220 in their clamped positions, a high-frequency current source of the pulse sealing device is operated to temporarily feed a high-frequency current to the inductors 211, 221 of each jaw, thereby generating a high-frequency electromagnetic field using the inductors. This high-frequency electromagnetic field induces eddy currents in the corresponding sensor elements 212, 222 and generates a thermal pulse emitted by the sensor elements. This thermal pulse seals the first wall 101 and the second wall 102 to the external sealing surface of the attachment portion 10 of the nozzle and seals them to each other on opposite sides of the attachment portion 10 (e.g., in the top seam of the bag). After the high-frequency electromagnetic field ends, cooling is performed, for example, by circulating cooling liquid through one or more conduits 216 in the jaws, while the jaws 210, 220 remain in the clamped positions.

[0218] exist Figure 8 The image shows, in a partially exploded view, a schematic embodiment of an induction-based pulse heat-sealing device 200, a bag 100, and a nozzle 1 already sealed in the upper edge region of the bag 100.

[0219] The sealing device 200 includes: -First jaw 210 and second jaw 220, - An actuator device, having an actuator 201 for jaws 210 and an actuator 202 for jaws 220, configured to move the first jaws 210 and the second jaws 220 relative to each other between an open position and a clamping position. - Cooling device 300, configured to cool each of the first jaw 210 and the second jaw 220.

[0220] The first jaw 210 has a first profiled front surface that forms an edge region of the corresponding first wall 101 of the bag.

[0221] The second jaw 220 has a second profiled front surface that forms an edge region of the corresponding second wall 102 of the bag.

[0222] The first and second contoured front surfaces each have a recessed surface portion defining a recess R, wherein the recess R is configured to receive half of the attachment portion 10 of the nozzle 1 therein.

[0223] The first and second contoured front surfaces are each defined on opposite sides of the respective recessed surfaces and adjacent to the coplanar portion of the recessed surfaces.

[0224] The recessed surface is shaped to match the attachment portion 10 of the nozzle 1, and is composed of a central curved surface portion between adjacent straight surface portions.

[0225] Each of the first jaws 210 and the second jaws 220 includes a single, elongated pulse-heatable member 212, 222 at its respective contoured front surface, the pulse-heatable member 212, 222 extending along the recessed and coplanar portions of the respective front surface and covered by a heat-resistant non-stick coating (not shown for clarity). Figure 8 (As shown in the image) Coverage.

[0226] The device is configured to perform a pulse sealing cycle as discussed herein, such that the nozzle 1 is sealed in the upper edge region, and preferably, the entire upper edge region of the bag 100 is airtightly sealed.

[0227] In this cycle, actuator devices 201 and 202 are configured to bring the first jaw 210 and the second jaw 220 into a clamping position, such that in the edge region, the first wall 101 and the second wall 102 are clamped against the attachment portion 10 by the recessed surfaces in front of the first and second jaws, and such that in the edge region, the first wall 101 and the second wall 102 on opposite sides of the suction nozzle 1 are clamped against each other by the coplanar surfaces of the first jaw 210 and the second jaw 220.

[0228] Each pulse-heatable component is a sensor element 212, 222 comprising conductive material. Each sensor element has a rear side with a corresponding contoured front surface facing away from the jaws.

[0229] Each of the first jaws 210 and the second jaws 220 includes inductors 211, 221, which are electrically insulated from corresponding sensor elements 212, 222. Each inductor includes an elongated inductor segment, here a pair of inductor segments, extending along a corresponding profiled front surface at the rear side of the corresponding sensor element.

[0230] The induction-based heat-sealing device also includes a high-frequency alternating current source 250, which is connected to inductors 211 and 221 of each of the first jaw 210 and the second jaw 220. In an embodiment, both inductors 211 and 212 are connected to the same source 250.

[0231] The device is configured to perform a pulse sealing cycle. Once the jaws 210, 220 have been moved to the clamping position indicated above, the current source 250 is operated to temporarily feed a high-frequency current to the inductors 211, 221. This generates a high-frequency electromagnetic field by means of the inductors. Subsequently, the high-frequency electromagnetic field induces eddy currents in the corresponding sensor elements 212, 222, generating brief and intense thermal pulses emitted by the sensor elements 212, 222. These thermal pulses seal the edge regions of the walls 101, 102 to the sealing surface of the attachment portion 10, and seal each other in portions of the upper edge regions.

[0232] Therefore, the device temporarily powers the sensor elements 212 and 222 based on induction to generate thermal pulses emitted by each of the elements 212 and 222.

[0233] The first jaw 210 and the second jaw 220, at least their sensor elements 212, 222, are cooled therein by the operation of the cooling device 300 after the power-on is finished.

[0234] Actuator devices 201 and 202 are configured to move the first jaw 210 and the second jaw 220 to the open position after cooling has occurred in a satisfactory manner.

[0235] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in each jaw 210, 220, there is only a pair of elongated inductor segments 221a, 221b, which extend horizontally, are parallel to each other, and are perpendicularly spaced apart from each other by a horizontal slit 221c. The pair of inductor segments are arranged near the rear side of the sensor element.

[0236] In the embodiment, the elongated inductor sections 221a and 221b are made of metal (e.g., copper).

[0237] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the at least one elongated inductor section 221a, 221b is a solid cross-section metal or other preferably highly conductive material inductor section (e.g., preferably made of copper). For example, compared to an internally hollow inductor section, this arrangement allows for the avoidance of inappropriate variations in current density within the inductor section, and thus avoids undesirable variations in the generated field.

[0238] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the at least one elongated inductor segment 221a, 221b has a constant cross-section, preferably a solid cross-section, along its length along the contoured front surface of the respective jaw. This design avoids inappropriate variations in current density within the inductor segment that would otherwise occur at locations where the cross-section changes, and thus avoids unwanted variations in the generated field.

[0239] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown in the top view over the jaws, the elongated inductor segments 221a and 221b with uniform cross-sections have shapes corresponding to the contoured front surfaces of the jaws, and maintain a uniform distance between the sensor element 222 and the elongated inductor segments 221a and 221b. This arrangement enhances the uniformity of heat development in the sensor element.

[0240] The horizontal slit 221c can be an air slit or a slit filled with electrically insulating material.

[0241] In an embodiment, the slit 221c between adjacent inductor segments 221a and 221b arranged vertically to each other has a height between 0.01 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

[0242] The presence of a slit 221c between the parallel, elongated inductor sections 221a and 221b allows for the desired concentration of the field generated by the clamping inductor on the sensing element 222. This in Figure 10 The diagram is shown in the image.

[0243] exist Figure 11 In this process, pulse heat sealing is schematically shown in steps (a)-(e) at the edge regions of the first bag wall 101 and the second bag wall 102, with a suction nozzle 1 between them.

[0244] In the illustrated embodiment, the heat-sealing device 200 includes a first jaw 210 and a second jaw 220. During the production of the spouted bag, the bag, or the bag wall to be formed into the bag, is... Figure 11It moves continuously in the left-to-right transport direction (TR).

[0245] In the depicted embodiment, the jaws of the device 200 are configured to move together with the bag walls 101, 102 in the delivery direction (TR) at least during the sealing cycle.

[0246] The sealing cycle begins in step (a), as follows: Figure 11 As shown on the upper left side. The first jaw 210 and the second jaw 220 are initially in the open position and spaced apart from the bag walls 101, 102. These walls have a non-binding area (here, the upper area) between them, in which the nozzle 1 has been inserted into the open area using its attachment portion 10.

[0247] When the first actuator device 201 operates, the first jaw 210 moves toward its clamping position, wherein the first jaw 210 contacts the first bag wall 101 and preferably lightly clamps the wall onto the corresponding outer sealing surface. Similarly, the second jaw 220 moves toward its first contact position via the second actuator device 202, such that the second jaw 220 contacts the second bag wall 102 and preferably lightly clamps the wall onto the corresponding outer sealing surface. The suction nozzle 1 is now preferably lightly (because no significant pressure is involved in the pulse heat sealing process) clamped between the first bag wall 101 and the second bag wall 102, and clamped within the contoured recess in the front of the jaws.

[0248] Next, during step (b), the jaws 210, 220 remain in the clamped position and move together with the bag walls 101, 102. Step (b) is a pulse sealing step, during which a thermal pulse is generated. Here, preferably, an electromagnetic field is generated by means of a first inductor 211 and a second inductor 221 to induce eddy currents in the sensor elements 212, 222, which generate corresponding thermal pulses emitted by these elements 212, 222.

[0249] Under the influence of a brief heat pulse, the first bag wall 101 and the second bag wall 102 are partially fused together, and there is a suction nozzle 1 between them, so as to heat seal the bag walls 101, 102 to the suction nozzle attachment portion 10, and to make the adjacent portions 10 of the bag walls 101, 102 abut against each other and fuse together.

[0250] During step (c), the thermal pulse terminates when the inductor is no longer energized, but the jaws 210, 220 remain in their clamped positions. Coolant is circulating through conduit 216 in the jaws 210, 220. Preferably, this supply of coolant continues throughout all steps (a)-(e) of the process. Therefore, heat is also removed from the fusion zone.

[0251] During step (d), once the cooling is sufficient, the first jaw 210 and the second jaw 220 are moved away from each other into the open position.

[0252] Accordingly, the bag 100 with the suction nozzle 1 can be taken over by another processing device to allow for further processing, such as filling the bag and / or sealing the bag by applying a closure to the neck of the suction nozzle. As they are moved away from each other, the jaws 210, 220 again become spaced apart.

[0253] Finally, during step (e), the first jaw 210 and the second jaw 220 move backward toward their initial positions. This movement can occur in the opposite direction to the conveying direction (T) so that the jaws 210, 220 become arranged in their initial positions, similar to the beginning of step (a).

[0254] After moving the jaws 210, 220 backward during step (e), the pulse heat sealing cycle is repeated again starting from step (a).

[0255] It will be recognized that the paths of jaws 210 and 220 can have any suitable shape, such as circular, oval, straight, etc.

[0256] exist Figures 12A to 12C The image shows another embodiment of a suction nozzle 401, which has a plastic suction nozzle body that is formed into a single piece by injection molding of a material such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).

[0257] The attachment portion 410 of the nozzle 401 has a first vertical plane of symmetry M' between a vertical first sealing wall 411 and an opposing vertical second sealing wall 412. The first sealing wall 411 and the second sealing wall 412 each hang downward from the transverse wall and each has a bottom edge 514, 515 away from the upper edge.

[0258] The attachment portion 410 has a second vertical symmetry plane M'' perpendicular to the first symmetry plane M'. Figure 12C The image shows a cross-sectional view in the second vertical symmetry plane M''.

[0259] The 401 suction nozzle is roughly similar to Figure 1 The nozzle 1 is implemented in the bag. Each sealing wall 411, 412 has an external sealing surface 510, 520. These external sealing surfaces 510, 520 of the sealing walls 411, 412 will be heat-sealed to a corresponding one in the bag wall. As shown, the external sealing surfaces 510, 520 of the first sealing wall 411 and the second sealing wall 412 are each implemented as smooth external sealing surfaces, so there are no protrusions that would cause air trapping, such as weld lines, ribs, etc.

[0260] The first sealing wall 411 is composed of a first straight portion 511, a central curved portion 513, and a second straight portion 512 that are integrally interconnected end to end. Similarly, the second sealing wall 412 is composed of a first straight portion 521, a central curved portion 523, and a second straight portion 523 that are also integrally interconnected end to end.

[0261] The smooth outer sealing surfaces 510 and 520 are adjacent to the inwardly recessed bottom edges 514 and 515 of the sealing walls 411 and 412 along their lower peripheries, respectively. The vertical surfaces of the edges 514 and 515 are stepped inward from the adjacent vertical outer sealing surfaces 510 and 520.

[0262] As shown, the inwardly recessed bottom edges 514, 515 extend together along the entire bottom periphery of the two sealing walls 411, 412 to form the inwardly recessed bottom edge of the periphery of the attachment portion 410.

[0263] and Figure 1 In contrast to the nozzle 1 shown, the nozzle 401 does not have a straight, horizontal lower periphery with bottom edges 514, 515. Instead, each of the sealing walls 510, 520 also includes a corresponding bag wall spacer portion 518, 519 located below the recessed bottom edges 514, 515 of the sealing walls 510, 520. The bag wall spacer portions 518, 519 each form a continuation of the recessed bottom edges 514, 515 and are integrally connected to the recessed bottom edges 514, 515.

[0264] The bag wall spacers 518 and 519 serve to prevent localized inward deformation of the bag wall, for example, below the inwardly recessed bottom edges 514 and 515, as a result of cooling during the sealing process of the nozzle 401 between the bag walls. The bag wall spacers 518 and 519 prevent inward bending of the bag wall, which counteracts inappropriate localized shrinkage of the foil in the bag wall.

[0265] The thickness of the bag wall spacer portions 518, 519 preferably corresponds substantially to the thickness of the recessed bottom edges 514, 515, for example, at least adjacent to the recessed bottom edges 514, 515. This thickness is less than the nominal thickness of the nominal section 516 of the sealing wall, so as to obtain a step between the nominal section 516 and the recessed bottom edges 514, 515.

[0266] exist Figure 12BAs best shown, the bag wall spacer portion 518 of the first sealing wall 411 is generally arranged in the region below the central curved portion 513 of the sealing wall 411, and is arranged only minimally below the straight portions 511, 512. The same applies to the second sealing wall 412, where the bag wall spacer portion 519 is located in… Figure 12B It is not visible in the middle.

[0267] The lower contour of the bag wall spacer portion 518 has a curved shape, for example in Figure 12B Viewed horizontally, with the lowest point in plane M''. Below the straight sections 511, 512, the lower profile of the bag wall spacer section 518 curves upward to merge with the inwardly recessed bottom edge 114.

[0268] Preferably, the wall spacer portion 518 has a height Q similar to the height h of the nominal portion 516 of the sealing wall 411.

[0269] In an actual embodiment of the mouthpiece, the semi-circular shape of each of the portions 518, 519 that engage with the associated sealing wall, including the bottom edge, is designed to accommodate the fingers of a user holding the bag for gripping the bag, for example, by placing the thumb on one side and the index finger on the other. This is advantageous, for example, when the user drinks directly from the bag via the mouthpiece.

[0270] In a practical embodiment, the length between the sharp ends of the attachment portion is 21 mm, and the height Q is between 2.5 mm and 4.5 mm, approximately 3.5 mm.

[0271] exist Figure 12C As best shown, the thickness of the top of the bag wall spacer portions 518, 519 substantially corresponds to the thickness of the inwardly recessed bottom edges 514, 515, but the lower portions of the guide portions 518, 519 gradually taper inward. Therefore, the outer surfaces 518', 519' of these lower portions can gradually taper inward, while the inner surfaces 518', 519' of these lower portions remain substantially straight.

[0272] The bottom thickness of the bag wall spacers 518, 519 can be made smaller than the top thickness because they can contribute less to preventing bag wall deflection. In this way, less plastic can be used for the nozzle 401 while still maintaining good properties, such as in preventing bag wall deflection. The bag wall spacers 518, 519 can also have one or more holes therein to save plastic material.

[0273] Figure 12D In corresponding Figure 12C The view shows the reference above. Figures 12A to 12CAlternative embodiments of the suction nozzle discussed. Corresponding features of this suction nozzle are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0274] The nozzle 401 does not have a straight, horizontal lower periphery with bottom edges 514, 515. Instead, each of the sealing walls 510, 520 also includes a corresponding bag wall spacer portion 518, 519 located below the recessed bottom edges 514, 515 of the sealing walls 510, 520. The bag wall spacer portions 518, 519 each form a continuation of the recessed bottom edges 514, 515 and are integrally connected to the recessed bottom edges 514, 515.

[0275] To achieve reduced thickness and enhanced flexural behavior in the bag wall spacer portions 518, 519, portions 518, 519 have a cross-section that tapers towards the lower edge. Preferably, the outer surfaces of these portions 518, 519 point inward toward the lower end, for example, forming an inward angle with the vertically arranged surfaces of the bottom edges 514, 515. As a further reduction in thickness, the inner surface of each of portions 518, 519 is offset outward from the associated inner surface of the sealing walls 510, 520, as shown.

[0276] Preferably, the lower edges of parts 518 and 519 are rounded.

[0277] Preferably, the thickness substantially corresponds to the thickness of the recessed bottom edges 514, 515, for example, at least adjacent to the recessed bottom edges 514, 515. This thickness is less than the nominal thickness of the nominal section 516 of the sealing wall, so as to obtain a step between the nominal section 516 and the recessed bottom edges 514, 515.

[0278] Figure 12D The illustration also shows that the heat seal from the bag wall 101 to the nozzle has resulted in hardened molten plastic material existing in the groove initially formed by the inwardly recessed bottom edge of the sealing wall. This material is fused to the bottom edge 514 and the corresponding bag wall 101.

[0279] exist Figures 13A to 13C The image shows another different embodiment of the nozzle 601, which has a plastic nozzle body that is formed into a single piece by injection molding of, for example, polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) material.

[0280] Figures 13A to 13C The suction nozzle 601 is implemented as similar to Figures 12A to 12CThe suction nozzle 401 also includes an attachment portion 610 having two sealing walls 611, 612, each of which has a corresponding inwardly recessed bottom edge 714, 715 away from its upper edge. Each sealing wall 611, 612 has an outer sealing surface 710, 720, preferably, each of the outer sealing surfaces 710, 720 is implemented as a smooth outer sealing surface.

[0281] The sealing walls 611 and 612 are each formed by a first straight portion 711, 721, a central curved portion 713, 723, and a second straight portion 712, 722, which are integrally interconnected from end to end. Smooth outer sealing surfaces 710, 720 are each adjacent to the inwardly recessed bottom edges 714, 715 of the sealing walls 611 and 612 along their entire bottom periphery.

[0282] Each of the sealing walls 710, 720 of the suction nozzle 601 includes a corresponding straight bag wall spacer portion 718, 719. Similar to... Figures 12A to 12C The nozzle 401 has bag wall spacer portions 718 and 719 located below the inwardly recessed bottom edges 714 and 715 of the sealing walls 710 and 720, integrally connected to the inwardly recessed bottom edges 714 and 715, and forming a continuation of the inwardly recessed bottom edges 714 and 715.

[0283] The bag wall spacer portions 718 and 719 of the nozzle 601 extend across the entire bottom periphery of the sealing walls 611 and 612 and each has a straight horizontal lower profile. The bag wall spacer portions 718 and 719 are located below the first straight portions 711 and 721, the central curved portions 713 and 723, and the second straight portions 712 and 722. Therefore, the bag wall spacer portions 718 and 719 are configured to prevent the bag walls from deforming inward along the entire bottom periphery of the sealing walls 611 and 612 due to cooling during the sealing of the nozzle 601 between the bag walls. With these bag wall spacer portions 718 and 719, it is possible that even larger portions of the bag walls can deform less and remain straighter after sealing.

[0284] exist Figure 13BAs best shown, the bag wall spacer portion 718 has a height R similar to the height h of the nominal portion 716 of the sealing wall 611. The height R of the bag wall spacer portion 718 is substantially constant along the entire width of the attachment portion 610. However, at one side of the attachment portion 610, for example at its first tip 613, the lower profile of the bag wall spacer portions 718, 719 curves slightly upward, such that the height R' of the bag wall spacer portions 718, 719 is slightly smaller here. At this raised portion, the nozzle 601 may include its injection point 717, at which molten plastic material has been injected into the mold during the injection molding process.

[0285] The thickness of the top of the bag wall spacer portions 718, 719 substantially corresponds to the thickness of the inwardly recessed bottom edges 714, 715, for example, adjacent to the inwardly recessed bottom edges 714, 715. This thickness is less than the nominal thickness of the nominal segment 716 of the sealing wall, so as to obtain a step between the nominal segment 716 and the inwardly recessed bottom edges 714, 715. Figure 13C As best shown, the thickness of the lower portions of the bag wall spacers 718, 719 gradually decreases because the inner surfaces 718'', 719'' of these lower portions gradually taper outwards, while the outer surfaces 718', 719' of these lower portions remain substantially straight.

Claims

1. A suction nozzle configured to be heat-sealed in a non-bonded region between opposing first and second bag walls of a bag, comprising a plastic suction nozzle body having channels for filling the bag with a substance and / or for discharging a substance from the bag. in, The suction nozzle body includes: - The attachment portion has a first vertically symmetrical plane, a vertical first sealing wall, and an opposing vertical second sealing wall, and has a transverse wall integral with the upper edges of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall, wherein the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall each hang from the transverse wall and each has a bottom edge away from the upper edge. Each of the first and second sealing walls has an external sealing surface, wherein the external sealing surfaces of the first and second sealing walls are heat-sealed to a corresponding one of the first and second bag walls. In the bottom view of the attachment portion, each of the first and second sealing walls is composed of a first straight portion, a central curved portion, and a second straight portion. Wherein, the second straight portion of the first sealing wall is integrally connected to the first straight portion of the second sealing wall at the first tip of the attachment portion to define an acute angle between them. Wherein, the second straight portion of the second sealing wall is integrally connected to the first straight portion of the first sealing wall at the second tip of the attachment portion to define an acute angle between them. The transverse wall has an opening therein. - A tubular neck having a hole adjacent to an opening in the transverse wall, the tubular neck being integral with and extending upward from the transverse wall, the tubular neck and the opening in the transverse wall together forming the channel. The attachment portion further includes: - At least one first stabilizing rib extends between the connection point associated with the second straight portion of the first sealing wall and the first straight portion of the second sealing wall, and - At least one second stabilizing rib, located between the connection points associated with the first straight portion of the first sealing wall and the second straight portion of the second sealing wall. Its characteristic is that, viewed from the bottom view of the attached portion, - The at least one first stabilizing rib bends toward the first tip between the associated connection points, and - The at least one second stabilizing rib bends toward the second tip between the associated connection points.

2. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, The external sealing surface is a smooth external sealing surface, designed to seal to a corresponding one of the first bag wall and the second bag wall.

3. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one first stabilizing rib includes or is composed of the following: - An internal first stabilizing rib, which is disposed adjacent to the channel. - An external first stabilizing rib is disposed near the first tip, and Wherein, the at least one second stabilizing rib includes or is composed of the following parts: - An internal second stabilizing rib, which is disposed adjacent to the channel. - An external second stabilizing rib, which is positioned closer to the second tip.

4. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, At least one first stabilizing rib and at least one second stabilizing rib are arranged near the opening in the transverse wall and are connected to the straight portion near the joints to the respective central curved portions of the first and second sealing walls.

5. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, The radius of curvature of the at least one first stabilizing rib and the radius of curvature of the at least one second stabilizing rib are greater than the radius of the circular opening in the transverse wall.

6. The suction nozzle according to claim 3, further comprising a first connecting rib extending between the outer first stabilizing rib and the inner first stabilizing rib, and a second connecting rib extending between the outer second stabilizing rib and the inner second stabilizing rib, wherein, The first connecting rib and the second connecting rib each extend in the first vertical plane of symmetry.

7. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, The outer sealing surfaces of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall are each implemented as smooth outer sealing surfaces, and wherein each smooth outer sealing surface is adjacent to the inwardly recessed bottom edge of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall.

8. The suction nozzle according to claim 7, wherein, The recessed bottom edge extends vertically over a portion of the height of one of the first and second sealing walls.

9. The suction nozzle according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall is defined as a nominal segment of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall above the inwardly recessed bottom edge, and wherein each of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall has a thickness at its inwardly recessed bottom edge that is less than the nominal thickness of the nominal segment of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall.

10. The suction nozzle according to claim 7, wherein, The recessed bottom edge extends along the entire bottom periphery of the first and second sealing walls and forms a peripherally recessed bottom edge.

11. A closure assembly comprising a nozzle according to claim 1 and a closure device mounted to a tubular neck of the nozzle.

12. A bag package configured to contain or contain a substance, comprising: - A collapseable bag comprising opposing first and second bag walls made of a heat-sealable film material, defining the interior of the bag between the first and second bag walls, and - The suction nozzle according to claim 1. The nozzle is positioned with its attachment portion in the non-bonded area between the opposing first and second bag walls of the bag, wherein the first bag wall is heat-sealed to the outer sealing surface of the first sealing wall of the attachment portion, and wherein the second bag wall is heat-sealed to the outer sealing surface of the second sealing wall of the attachment portion.

13. The packaging according to claim 12, wherein, The nozzle is implemented according to claim 7, wherein the groove initially defined by the inwardly recessed bottom edge of each of the first and second sealing walls is filled with hardened molten plastic material.

14. The packaging according to claim 13, wherein, Beneath the filled groove initially formed by the inwardly recessed bottom edges of the first and second sealing walls lies a beaded edge of hardened molten plastic material, wherein the beaded edge is fused to the bottom edge and a corresponding one of the first and second bag walls.

15. The packaging according to claim 12, wherein, The heat-sealable film material of the first and second bag walls is a plastic single material.

16. The packaging according to claim 15, wherein, The nozzle body is made of the same plastic material as the thin film of the first and second bag walls.

17. The use of the nozzle according to claim 1 in a bag for forming a channel for filling the bag with a substance and / or for discharging a substance from the bag.

18. A method for manufacturing a bag package configured to contain or contain a substance, the method comprising the steps of: - The nozzle according to claim 1 is positioned, by means of its attachment portion, in a non-bonding region between opposing first and second bag walls of the bag, the first and second bag walls being made of a heat-sealable thin film material. - A heat-sealing device comprising a first jaw and a second jaw is used to heat-seal the first bag wall and the second bag wall to the outer sealing surfaces of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall of the nozzle, wherein the heat sealing comprises clamping the first bag wall to the outer sealing surface of the first sealing wall using the first jaw of the sealing device, and clamping the second bag wall to the outer sealing surface of the second sealing wall using the second jaw, wherein the heat-sealing device is operated to provide heat from each of the jaws in order to heat-seal the first bag wall and the second bag wall to the outer sealing surfaces of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Heat sealing involves pulsed heat sealing cycles, in which: Initially, the first and second jaws are in their open position, spaced apart from the non-bonded area of ​​the bag, and the suction nozzle has been inserted into the non-bonded area using its attachment portion. - During operation of the actuator system, the first jaw and the second jaw are moved to contact with a corresponding one of the first bag wall and the second bag wall and enter a clamping position, such that the first bag wall and the second bag wall are gently clamped onto the respective outer sealing surfaces of the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall. - Generates a thermal pulse emitted from each of the first and second jaws, the thermal pulse causing the outer sealing surfaces of the first and second bag walls and the nozzle to fuse together. - After the generation of the thermal pulse ends, the jaws remain in the clamping position, thereby achieving cooling of the nozzle and the first and second bag walls. - After cooling, the first and second jaws move away from each other and enter the open position.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The suction nozzle is the suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the clamping of the first jaw and the second jaw by means of the heat-sealing device causes the bending of the first stabilizing rib and the second stabilizing rib.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The suction nozzle is the suction nozzle according to claim 7, wherein the inwardly recessed bottom edges of the first and second sealing walls cause the groove of the bottom opening to initially exist at the bottom edges of the first and second sealing walls of the suction nozzle, between the inwardly recessed bottom edges and the first and second bag walls, when the suction nozzle is clamped together with the first and second bag walls between the first and second jaws. Furthermore, when a heat pulse is generated, the first and second sealing walls melt and fuse together with the outer sealing surfaces of the first and second bag walls. As the contact surfaces of the nozzle and the first and second bag walls melt, some of the molten plastic material flows away and enters the groove initially formed by the inwardly recessed bottom edge. The flow of molten material fills the groove initially formed by the inwardly recessed bottom edge.

Images