Dumping element for paperboard / plastic composite packaging

Abstract

The utility model relates to a pouring element for paperboard / plastic composite packaging. The pouring element comprises a nozzle body, a cutting element and a spiral cover. The nozzle body is provided with a circumferential fastening flange and a pouring pipe. The at least one external threaded element of the pouring tube includes a groove proximate an end of the at least one threaded element, and the screw cap includes at least one closing cam that engages in the groove when the screw cap is in a tightened position, and / or that closes the at least one external threaded element of the pouring tube when the screw cap is in a tightened position. The at least one internal threaded element of the screw cap includes a groove proximate an end of the at least one threaded element, and the pouring tube includes at least one closing cam that engages in the groove when the screw cap is in the tightened position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a tipping element for cardboard / plastic composite packaging, comprising a nozzle body, a cutting element, and a screw cap; wherein the nozzle body has a circumferential fastening flange for fastening the nozzle body to the composite packaging and a tipping tube; wherein the tipping tube includes at least one external threaded element and at least one internal guide element; wherein the cutting element is designed to cut the closure layer and includes at least one external guide element that interacts with at least one internal guide element of the tipping tube, and includes at least one drive element; wherein the screw cap includes at least one internal threaded element and at least one drive cam, the at least one internal threaded element being screwed onto at least one external threaded element of the tipping tube, the at least one drive cam being engaged with the at least one drive element to move the cutting element toward the closure layer upon initial loosening of the screw cap from the tipping tube. Background Technology

[0002] For a long time, cardboard / plastic composite packaging has been used to package beverages and other foods, and consists of various packaging materials in the form of a packaging laminate, including a cardboard layer and an outer layer, which is typically a thermoplastic layer, such as polyethylene (PE). The cardboard provides sufficient stability to form packaging that is easy to handle and stack. The plastic layer prevents the cardboard from getting damp and prevents the product (especially food) from absorbing harmful substances from the packaging material. Additionally, extra layers can be provided, such as a diffusion protective layer to prevent oxygen and other gases from diffusing through the packaging material; an aluminum layer may also be available if necessary.

[0003] Cardboard / plastic composite packaging is preferably formed from a packaging sleeve that is open at its opposite longitudinal ends and is made from packaging material blanks, particularly by sealing the longitudinal edges of the packaging material blanks together. The packaging sleeve is folded and sealed at its longitudinal bottom end. This results in a semi-finished package body open on one side, which is then filled with a product such as food. Subsequently, the filled package body is folded and sealed at the top end.

[0004] Before filling the packaging or after sealing it, a pouring element can be attached to the packaging material, allowing the pourable product to be easily and conveniently poured out of the packaging. This avoids the hassle of opening the packaging. The pouring element typically includes a nozzle body with a circumferential fastening flange for securing the nozzle body to the composite packaging and a pouring tube for pouring the pourable contents from the composite packaging. The fastening flange is positioned perpendicular to the pouring tube and extends outward from the pouring tube, which is closed by a screw cap at its upper end. The screw cap can be loosened from the pouring tube to pour the product. For this purpose, the screw cap includes an internal thread that is screwed onto the external thread of the pouring tube.

[0005] The screw cap may also have a drive cam for actively engaging with the drive element of a cutting element disposed in the pouring tube. The external thread of the cutting element screws into the internal thread of the pouring tube. Alternatively, the cutting element and / or the pouring tube may include multiple cams as guide elements. When the screw cap is loosened from the pouring tube, the drive cam of the screw cap actively engages with the corresponding drive element, rotating the cutting element and the pouring tube about their respective central axes. Due to the engagement of the drive cam of the screw cap with the drive element of the cutting element, the cutting element moves out of the pouring tube when the screw cap is loosened. The cutting blade of the cutting element cuts through the closure layer, thereby allowing the product to be poured out through the central pouring channel. The closure layer may be part of the pouring element and subsequently used with it. However, the closure layer may also be formed by packaging material or a barrier layer sealed in an opening of the packaging material. When the closure layer is provided by the pouring element, the pouring element is preferably applied to the opening of the packaging material. The closure layer cut by the cutting element is positioned below the pouring tube before the pouring element is initially opened.

[0006] In practice, packaging can sometimes be opened prematurely due to the accidental turning of the screw cap, which can lead to product leakage and compromise the sterility of the filled product. In almost all of these cases, the screw cap is not accidentally turned by the end user, but rather during transportation or when the packaging is being handled, before the product is even sold to the end customer. Utility Model Content

[0007] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to design and further develop a tipping element of the type mentioned at the beginning and explained in more detail above, so as to prevent premature opening of the packaging due to accidental rotation of the screw cap.

[0008] The objective is achieved by a pouring element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein at least one external threaded element of the pouring tube includes a groove near the end of at least one threaded element, and the screw cap includes at least one closing cam that engages in the groove when the screw cap is in the screwed-on position; and / or, wherein at least one internal threaded element of the screw cap includes a groove near the end of at least one threaded element, and the pouring tube includes at least one closing cam that engages in the groove when the screw cap is in the screwed-on position.

[0009] If a low to medium force is applied to the screw cap in the opening direction, the screw cap will not engage with the cutting element in a way that would damage the closure layer, because the closing cam engages in the corresponding groove of the corresponding threaded element. When the user applies appropriate force to the screw cap in the opening direction, the closing cam disengages from the groove, and the closure layer can be opened normally. The closure layer can be part of the pouring element and subsequently used with it. However, the closure layer can also be formed from packaging material or a barrier layer sealing an opening in the packaging material. When the closure layer is provided by the pouring element, the pouring element is preferably applied to the opening in the packaging material. The closure layer cut by the cutting element can be positioned below or inside the pouring tube before the initial opening of the pouring element.

[0010] In this regard, preferably, in most cases, the groove is formed in the external threaded element of the pouring tube, and the closing cam is provided at the screw cap. However, it is also possible, alternatively or additionally, that the groove is formed in the internal threaded element of the screw cap, and the corresponding closing cam is formed on the outside of the pouring tube.

[0011] Because the groove is positioned near the end of at least one threaded element, loosening the screw cap is only affected at the very beginning of loosening, and tightening the screw cap is only affected at the very end of tightening. This even adds the further benefit that the user receives clear feedback that the screw cap is fully closed when the closing cam re-engages the groove. For this purpose, it is preferable that the groove is provided in the external threaded element of the pouring tube and that the groove is near the upper end of the threaded element. In the case where the groove is formed in the internal threaded element of the screw cap, the groove is preferably positioned near the lower end of the threaded element. The same applies to the corresponding closing cam of the pouring tube, because in the closed state of the pouring element with the screw cap tightened, the closing cam must engage in the corresponding groove.

[0012] If only one corresponding threaded element, such as at least one internal threaded element of a screw cap or at least one external threaded element of a pouring tube, forms a relatively short guide element that interacts with at least one corresponding threaded element, that is sufficient. In this case, the threaded element does not need to extend at least once around the entire circumference. It is also possible that the threads of the pouring element, the screw cap, and / or the cutting element are formed by more than one threaded element, which together form a thread with multiple starting points. If the screw cap and / or the pouring element forms such a thread with multiple starting points, then only one threaded element, several threaded elements, or all threaded elements may include grooves. For example, a pouring element with a three-threaded external thread may have grooves at the ends of one, two, or all three threaded elements. The same applies to the corresponding closing cam. Preferably, each groove is equipped with a closing cam.

[0013] The closing cam is designed to allow easy opening of the tipping element, i.e., opening the closure layer while the screw cap is loosened. The purpose of this invention is not to prevent the user from loosening the screw cap or to prevent loosening altogether. Rather, it provides a certain amount of resistance to prevent accidental activation of the cutting element during normal packaging handling due to partial loosening of the screw cap.

[0014] Furthermore, the pouring element is preferably designed to reseal the packaging applied by the pouring element. For this purpose, the screw cap can be loosened to pour out the product, and then the screw cap can be screwed back onto the pouring tube of the nozzle body. This can be advantageous when pouring out small amounts of food over a longer period.

[0015] In a first particularly preferred embodiment, the pouring element is configured such that, upon initial opening of the screw cap, the cutting element cannot engage with the closure layer if the closing cam does not disengage from the groove. This prevents accidental activation of the cutting element, which could lead to accidental opening of the closure layer. However, to intentionally open the closure layer, the screw cap must be rotated from its initial tightened position by a sufficiently large angle to disengage the closing cam from the groove. The cutting element cannot be activated while the closing cam is still engaged with the groove. Disengagement from the groove simply means that the closing cam has rotated further than the outer boundary of the groove. The closing cam can disengage from the groove in the opposite direction, depending on the rotation direction of the screw cap. In each case, the closing cam rotates further than one of the two opposing outer boundaries of the groove. In contrast, the closing cam is positioned within these boundaries during engagement. Where the closure layer in the pouring element is provided by the packaging itself, the pouring element can preferably be configured such that, upon initial opening of the screw cap, the cutting element cannot leave the pouring tube if the closing cam does not disengage from the groove.

[0016] To further prevent accidental activation of the cutting element, the tilting element can be configured such that, upon initial opening of the screw cap, if the closing cam does not rotate 5° or more, preferably 10° or more, in the circumferential direction after disengaging from the groove, the cutting element cannot engage with the sealing layer. Therefore, the activation of the cutting element does not occur simultaneously with the disengagement of the closing cam from the groove. The screw cap in the initially tightened position must rotate at least 5° to disengage the closing cam from the groove.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, when the screw cap is in the closed position (where the closing cam engages in the corresponding groove of the corresponding threaded element), at least one drive cam of the screw cap is spaced apart from at least one drive element of the cutting element. This position can be considered the initial tightened position of the screw cap. Therefore, if the screw cap is slightly loosened (which may happen unintentionally), the cutting element will not be activated. Even in this case, the packaging remains closed, and the sterility of the product contained within the packaging, such as food, can be ensured. When the closing cam engages in the groove in the initial closed position, the at least one drive cam can be spaced apart from at least one drive element by an angle of at least 2°, preferably at least 4°, and particularly at least 6° in the circumferential direction.

[0018] Alternatively or in combination, the blade component of the cutting element can be configured to be spaced a distance from the closure layer in the axial direction. This distance corresponds to rotating the screw cap by at least a few degrees, since the cutting element moves only through the screw cap when used correctly. Taking these factors into account, the total rotation of the screw cap is most preferably in the range of 10° to 25° before the cutting element begins to damage the closure layer, but can even be as low as, for example, 5°. Therefore, the tipping element can be configured such that if, upon initial opening of the screw cap, the closing cam does not rotate another 5° or more, preferably another 10° or more, in the circumferential direction after disengaging from the groove, the cutting element cannot engage with the closure layer. Alternatively or additionally, the tipping element can be configured such that the so-called idling of the screw cap when the closing cam is initially engaged in the groove does not drive the cutting element to engage or contact the closure layer. Typically, the cutting element can be actuated by the screw cap through engagement of at least one drive cam of the screw cap with at least one drive element of the cutting element, wherein, preferably, the at least one drive cam actively engages with the at least one drive element.

[0019] To ensure that the loosening and tightening of the screw cap are only affected by the cam when the screw cap begins to loosen and is finally screwed onto the pouring tube, the inner end of the groove facing away from the corresponding end of the corresponding threaded element makes an angle of less than 60° with the corresponding threaded element in the circumferential direction. If the angle between the inner end of the groove facing away from the corresponding end of the corresponding threaded element and the corresponding end of the corresponding threaded element in the circumferential direction is preferably less than 50°, and particularly less than 40°, the corresponding damage will be further reduced. In this case, the groove is even closer to the end of the threaded element.

[0020] For the same reason, the angle between the end of the groove facing the corresponding end of the corresponding threaded element and the corresponding end of the corresponding threaded element in the circumferential direction is within 30°, preferably within 20°, and particularly within 10°. Therefore, the closing cam engages with the corresponding groove and the corresponding threaded element only over a very short distance.

[0021] With a large gap when the closing cam engages with the corresponding groove, the tipping element can be easily manufactured at a lower cost. In this case, manufacturing tolerances are not an issue, and the screw cap can rotate slightly relative to the tipping element without causing any damage to the tipping element or the packaging. Therefore, preferably, the width of the groove is at least 1.5 times the width of the closing cam, more preferably at least two times, and particularly even at least three or four times. In each case, the widths are measured in the circumferential direction. However, the widths can also be measured in the direction of the corresponding threaded element, which extends substantially in the circumferential direction.

[0022] It has been found that it is advantageous for the groove to extend at an angle of at least 6° in the circumferential direction. More advantageously, the groove extends at an angle of at least 10°, particularly at least 18°, in the circumferential direction. The circumferential direction can also be understood as the direction of the corresponding threaded element being substantially circumferential. Alternatively or additionally, the depth of the groove is preferably at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 0.7 mm, and particularly at least 0.9 mm. This allows for reliable reception of the closing cam within the groove. However, it is also preferred that the depth of at least one groove is at most 1.8 mm in the radial direction to achieve a compact tilting element. More preferably, the depth of at least one groove in the radial direction is at most 1.5 mm, and particularly at most 1.2 mm.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the closing cam may extend at an angle of at least 1° to 6° in the circumferential direction. In this case, at least a portion of the closing cam can be suitably accommodated in the groove. However, regardless of the actual value of the angle mentioned above, it is generally preferred that the angle at which the groove extends in the circumferential direction is 1° to 12° larger than the angle at which the closing cam extends in the same direction, preferably 6° to 10° larger. This difference is close to the idle time, during which the closing cam engages in the corresponding groove, which is available in the screw cap in its initial configuration. Therefore, if there are multiple closing cams arranged side by side in the same groove, the angle between the outermost surfaces of two or more closing cams can be considered to represent the extension angle of the closing cam in the aforementioned sense.

[0024] To ensure adequate resistance when the closing cam disengages from the groove during the initial loosening of the screw cap, the closing cam engages in the groove radially toward the central longitudinal axis, with an engagement amount between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, preferably between 0.25 mm and 0.35 mm. In this case, a radial overlap of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, preferably 0.25 mm to 0.35 mm, is provided between the inner end of the closing cam and the outer end of the external thread. Comparative tests have shown that these numerical ranges produce optimal results regardless of the size of the pouring element. Alternatively or additionally, the aforementioned advantages are particularly beneficial when the radius of at least one external threaded element of the pouring tube is approximately 9.5 mm, approximately 11 mm, approximately 13 mm, or approximately 16 mm.

[0025] When the closing cam extends at an angle of at least 1°, preferably at least 2°, and particularly at least 3° in the circumferential direction, the closing cam can be reliably fitted into the groove, especially with a certain amount of clearance, to absorb sufficient force simultaneously. Here, similarly, the direction of the corresponding threaded element can be considered as the circumferential direction. For the same reason, the height of the closing cam can be at least 0.25 mm, preferably at least 0.35 mm, and particularly at least 0.45 mm. Due to the required space, the height of the closing cam in the radial direction can be limited to at most 0.75 mm, preferably at most 0.65 mm, and particularly at most 0.55 mm. Therefore, the dimensions of the closing cam and the corresponding groove can be coordinated.

[0026] At least one groove includes opposing side portions, both facing opposite directions of the corresponding threaded element. The groove side that functions when loosening the screw cap (i.e., the side facing the opening direction) can be steeper than the groove side that functions when screwing the screw cap back onto the pouring tube (i.e., the side facing the closing direction). In other words, the side of the groove closer to the corresponding end of the threaded element is steeper than the side of the groove further away from the corresponding end of the threaded element on the pouring tube. This is particularly relevant when the screw cap is screwed onto the pouring tube to such an extent that a certain amount of resistance is generated as the closing cam disengages from the corresponding groove and thus slides along the groove's side facing the closing direction. This resistance should preferably be quite low so that the user does not mistakenly interpret it as a stop, which could prevent the user from properly closing the cap. However, a greater amount of resistance is generated when loosening the screw cap, as the closing cam disengages from the corresponding groove in the opening direction. This greater resistance ensures that the packaging is not accidentally cut open, but never prevents the user from opening the packaging.

[0027] Therefore, alternatively or additionally, the grooved side that functions when loosening the screw cap may have an angle of at least 20°, preferably at least 25°, and particularly at least 30° with the circumferential direction. To ensure that the screw cap can be easily and conveniently loosened from the pouring tube, the grooved side that functions when loosening the screw cap may have an angle of up to 45°, preferably up to 40°, and particularly up to 35° with the circumferential direction. In other words, the side of the groove closer to the corresponding end of the threaded element may have an angle of 20° to 45° with the circumferential direction.

[0028] For the reasons mentioned above, the recessed side that functions when screwing the cap onto the pouring tube can have a relatively small angle, for example, at least 5°, preferably at least 8°, and particularly at least 12°. To ensure that the resistance to be overcome when the closing cam engages with the side facing the closing direction is appropriate, the recessed side can have an angle of up to 30°, preferably up to 25°, and particularly up to 20° with respect to the circumferential direction. In other words, the side of the recess further away from the corresponding end of the threaded element can have an angle of at least 5° and at most 30° with respect to the circumferential direction.

[0029] As an alternative to or supplement to the aforementioned groove design, the side of the closing cam that functions when loosening the screw cap can be steeper than the side of the closing cam that functions when screwing the screw cap onto the pouring tube. This may be preferred in order to provide greater resistance when loosening the screw cap than when screwing the screw cap back onto the pouring tube.

[0030] Therefore, the side of the closing cam that functions when the screw cap is loosened may have an angle of at least 60°, preferably at least 70°, and particularly at least 80° with the circumferential direction. Alternatively or additionally, it has been found, more preferably, that the closing cam that functions when the screw cap is loosened may have an angle of at most 120°, more preferably at most 110°, and particularly at most 100° with the circumferential direction.

[0031] To properly adjust the resistance provided by the engagement between the closing cam and the recessed side that functions when the screw cap is screwed onto the pouring tube, the side may have an angle of at least 30°, preferably at least 35°, and particularly at least 40° with respect to the circumferential direction. For the same reason, the recessed side that functions when the screw cap is screwed onto the pouring tube may have an angle of at most 60°, preferably at most 55°, and particularly at most 50° with respect to the circumferential direction.

[0032] To allow proper handling of the tipping element and safe re-closure of the tipping element after initial loosening of the screw cap, the tipping element can be configured such that the screw cap can be screwed on until the closing cam disengages from the groove, and rotated at least 5° after the closing cam disengages from the groove.

[0033] To prevent the risk of the screw cap losing after being loosened from the pouring tube, an anchoring ring can be securely held on the pouring tube in an axial direction toward the upper end of the tube. This anchoring ring can be closed by the screw cap in the tightened position. To securely hold the screw cap in the loosened position to the anchoring ring, the anchoring ring can be connected to the screw cap via at least one hinge element. This hinge element allows the screw cap to be rotated to one side of the pouring tube, thus not obstructing the dispensing of the product from the packaging.

[0034] If the anchoring ring is connected to the screw cap via two hinged elements, particularly two hinged elements positioned on substantially opposite sides of the pouring tube, the screw cap can be made more convenient to use. In this case, one hinged element connects the retaining member of the anchoring ring to the screw cap. When the screw cap is in the tightened position, the retaining member extends at least substantially circumferentially and is connected to the remainder of the anchoring ring via the other hinged element. Thus, the retaining member can pivot about one hinged element relative to the remainder of the anchoring ring, while the screw cap in the loosened position can pivot about the other hinged element relative to the retaining member, thereby stably spaced the screw cap from the pouring opening of the pouring tube. Hinged elements with a wider circumferential extension, such as those with an extension width greater than 90° or 120°, can provide separate hinges at their outer edges.

[0035] The screw cap can be easily and reliably attached to a pouring pipe with an anchoring ring via a weakening line that extends substantially circumferentially. The weakening line may have, for example, a reduced wall thickness, a perforation, or at least one slit. Another weakening line may be provided between the retaining member and the remainder of the anchoring ring. When the screw cap is loosened, at least one weakening line is torn open, thereby allowing the screw cap to rotate about at least one hinged member and / or at least one retaining element.

[0036] The pouring element can have an initial configuration and an opening configuration. In the initial configuration, the screw cap is in its initially tightened position. In the opening configuration, the closure is opened, the screw cap is fully loosened and removed from the pouring element, allowing the product to be poured out of the packaging. Furthermore, the pouring element can be in a first intermediate configuration, where the screw cap is partially loosened to the point that the closing cam is precisely positioned at the edge of the groove. Essentially, this is the moment the closing cam disengages from the groove. In a second intermediate configuration, the cutting element first engages with the closure. If the closure is part of the composite packaging, the second intermediate configuration is constituted when the lower end of the cutting element and the lower end of the pouring tube are at the same height. The cutting element typically cannot contact the closure until its lower end reaches the lower end of the pouring tube. However, if the closure is part of the pouring element, the second intermediate configuration is defined as the moment when the cutting element and the closure first contact during the opening process. The closure can be located at the lower end of the pouring tube or within the pouring tube. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate examples of various embodiments. The drawings show:

[0038] Figures 1A to 1C These are perspective views, top views, and side views of the first tilting element according to this utility model;

[0039] Figures 2A to 2D The screw cap, nozzle body, and cutting element of the tilting element in Figure 1 are shown in different perspective views.

[0040] Figures 3A to 3C This is a cross-sectional view of the tilting element in Figure 1 along a plane passing through the central longitudinal axis of the tilting element, and an enlarged detailed cross-sectional view of the tilting element in Figure 1;

[0041] Figures 4A to 4B The tipping element in Figure 1 is shown along its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the center of the tipping element. Figure 1C Sectional view and enlarged detailed view of the IVA-IVA plane;

[0042] Figures 5A to 5B With similar Figure 4B The perspective and sectional views show the second tilting element according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] exist Figures 1A to 1C Figure 1 illustrates a pouring element 1 for cardboard / plastic composite packaging containing a pourable food such as a beverage. The pouring element 1 includes a nozzle body 2 with a screw-on cap 3 at its top. The nozzle body 2 includes a circumferential fastening flange 4 for securing the nozzle body 2 to the cardboard / plastic composite packaging, wherein the fastening flange 4 extends substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the pouring element 1. The fastening flange 4 of the pouring element 1 shown in Figure 1, for example, has flange surfaces 5 facing four different sides of the fastening flange 4, which are substantially square when viewed from above. Furthermore, the flange surfaces 5 are tapered relative to the central longitudinal axis A, substantially forming a truncated pyramid shape. However, in alternative embodiments, the fastening flange 4 of the nozzle body 2 may also consist only of a portion extending substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the pouring element 1 and applied to a similarly flat portion of the packaging.

[0044] As shown in the figure, the nozzle body 2 and the screw cap 3 are made of thermoplastic plastic by injection molding. The screw cap 3, the anchoring ring 6, and the two retaining members 7 are injection molded together. In each case, each retaining member 7 is partially separated from the screw cap 3 and from the remainder of the anchoring ring 6 by hinge elements 8 and 9, and partially separated by weakening lines 10 and 11. The anchoring ring 6 is reliably held at the nozzle body 2 such that when the screw cap 3 is loosened from the nozzle body 2, the weakening lines 10 and 11 adjacent to the retaining members 7 are torn open.

[0045] Weakening lines 10 and 11 can be defined by circumferential walls of reduced thickness or perforations. However, the weakening lines 10 and 11 of the pouring element 1 shown in FIG. 1 are defined by slits interrupted or bridged by at least one bridging member 12, which connects the retaining member 7 to the screw cap 3 or to the remainder of the anchoring ring 6. Even if the weakening lines 10 and 11 are torn apart by loosening the screw cap 3 from the nozzle body 2 and ultimately destroying the bridging member 12, the screw cap 3 is still connected to the anchoring ring 6 via the hinge element 9 connecting the screw cap 3 to the retaining member 7 and via the hinge element 8 connecting the retaining member 7 to the anchoring ring 6. The hinge element 8, which connects the retaining member 7 to the remainder of the anchoring ring 6, is relatively wide in the circumferential direction, such that the hinge element 8 can provide a hinge at each outer end of the hinge element 8.

[0046] exist Figures 2A to 2B The screw cap 3 is shown separately in different perspective views. For example... Figure 2C As shown, the screw cap 3 operates together with the pouring tube 13 of the nozzle body 2 extending upward from the fastening flange 4; as Figure 2D As shown, the screw cap operates in conjunction with a cutting element 14 for cutting the bottom of the nozzle body 2 below the pouring tube 13. The cutting element 14 includes two blade members 15 located on approximately opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis A of the pouring element 1. These blade members 15 are disposed at the lower end of the cutting element 14, protruding downward from a circumferential annular member 16 of the cutting element 14, and an outer guide element 17 in the form of a threaded element is provided outside the circumferential annular member 16, the outer guide element 17 forming a thread with several starting points. The outer guide element 17 of the cutting element 14 corresponds to an inner guide element 18 of the pouring tube 13, the inner guide element 18 being formed as a threaded element, the threaded element forming a thread with several starting points.

[0047] The cutting element 14 also includes two drive elements 20 located on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis A of the pouring element 1, connected to the upper part of the annular member 16 and protruding inward. Each drive element 20 has a face member 21 for engaging with a corresponding face member 22 of the drive cam 23, which is attached to the cap portion 24 of the screw cap 3 and protrudes downward. The drive cam 23 is located on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis A of the pouring element 1. When the screw cap 3 is loosened from the pouring tube 13, the face member 22 of the drive cam 23 engages with the corresponding face member 21 of the drive element 20 of the cutting element 14.

[0048] When the screw cap 3 is loosened from the pouring tube 13, the rotation of the screw cap 3 forces the cutting element 14 to rotate relative to the pouring tube 13, causing the cutting element 14 to be twisted downwards and at least partially twisted out of the pouring tube 13. The rotation of the cutting element 14 translates into the rotation of the two opposing blade members 15 of the cutting element 14 to cut the composite package, specifically cutting the sealing layer 25 of the nozzle body 2. The cutting element 14 and the pouring tube 13 are essentially formed as hollow cylinders, so that once the sealing layer 25 of the nozzle body 2 is cut open, the product contained in the composite package can be poured out.

[0049] The screw cap 3 also includes an internal thread element 27 on the inner surface 26 of its circumferential wall, which corresponds to the external thread element 28 of the pouring tube 13. Therefore, the screw cap 3 can be screwed onto the pouring tube 13, thereby closing the pouring tube opening at the upper end of the pouring tube 13. An inwardly projecting closing cam 30 is provided on the inner surface 26 of the circumferential wall of the screw cap 3. The closing cam 30 is located close to the upper end 29 of the internal thread element 27 of the screw cap 3 and is located between the internal thread element 27 and the cap portion 24. The corresponding external thread element 28 of the pouring tube 13 has a groove 31 close to the upper end 32 of the external thread element 28. The groove 31 is designed to receive the closing cam 30 of the screw cap 3 when the screw cap 3 is screwed onto the pouring tube 13 and is in the initial tightened position.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the end of the groove 31 facing away from the corresponding end 32 of the corresponding threaded element 28 forms an angle of approximately 60° with the corresponding end 32 of the corresponding threaded element 28 in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the end of the groove 31 facing the corresponding end 32 of the corresponding threaded element 28 forms an angle of approximately 30° with the corresponding end 32 of the corresponding threaded element 28 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the distance between the end of the groove 31 facing away from the corresponding end 32 of the corresponding threaded element 28 and the corresponding end 32 of the corresponding threaded element 28 is greater than the distance between the end of the groove 31 facing the corresponding end 32 of the corresponding threaded element 28 and the corresponding end 32 of the corresponding threaded element 28.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide elements 17, 18 of the pouring tube 13 and the cutting element 14, and the threaded elements 27, 28 of the pouring tube 13 and the screw cap 3, in each case, extend at least a substantial portion around the entire circumference of the corresponding portion and are helical. The helices formed by the guide element 17 of the cutting element 14 and the inner guide element 18 of the pouring tube 13 are each steeper than the helices formed by the inner threaded element 27 of the screw cap 3 and the outer threaded element 28 of the pouring tube 13. This allows the cutting element 14 to open the package with relatively little rotation of the screw cap 3.

[0052] exist Figure 3A In the image, the tilting element 1 is shown in an assembled state and secured to the composite package 33, with the flange surface 5 facing outwards. Figures 3B to 3C In, with Figure 3A A slightly different cross-sectional view shows enlarged details of the pouring element 1. Since the pouring element 1 is part of the gable of the package 33, the package 33 is enclosed by the sealing layer 25 of the nozzle body 2. A cutting element 14 is disposed within the pouring tube 13, and the screw cap 3 is fully screwed onto the pouring tube 13 of the nozzle body 2. In this fully assembled position, the inwardly extending protrusion 34 of the anchoring ring 6 actively engages below the retaining edge 35 of the pouring tube 13. Therefore, even if the screw cap 3 is loosened from the pouring tube 13, the anchoring ring 6 remains in place. The anchoring ring 6 includes a retaining member 7 connected to the screw cap 3. Below the screw cap 3 and below the retaining member 7 are weakening lines 10, 11 provided by a series of circumferentially extending slits. A bridging member 12 and hinge elements 8, 9 are provided between these slits, or these slits are bridged by the bridging member 12 and hinge elements 8, 9, thereby causing the bridging member 12 to tear open upon initial loosening of the screw cap 3. Then, the screw cap 3 remains firmly held on the pouring tube 13, and due to the action of the hinge elements 8 and 9, the screw cap 3 is rotated away from the pouring tube 13.

[0053] In the initial state of the tilting element 1, that is, in the initial tightened position of the screw cap 3, as follows: Figures 3A to 3C As shown, the face member 22 of the drive cam 23 of the screw cap 3 is spaced apart from the corresponding face member 21 of the drive element 20 of the cutting element 14 in the circumferential direction, for example, by 6°. Furthermore, the blade member 15 of the cutting element 14 is spaced apart from the sealing layer 25 of the nozzle body 2. The central longitudinal axis A of the tilting element 1 is at least substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis A of the screw cap 3, the nozzle body 2, the tilting tube 13, and the cutting element 14.

[0054] exist Figure 4A In the figure, a cross-sectional view of the tilting element 1 is shown in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A. Figure 4B yes Figure 4AThe enlarged detail view shows the engagement of the closing cam 30 of the screw cap 3 with the groove 31 of the external thread element 28 of the pouring tube 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove is approximately five times wider than the closing cam 30 when viewed circumferentially. Furthermore, the groove 31 extends at an angle α of approximately 20° in the circumferential direction and has a depth in the radial direction approximately twice the height of the closing cam 30.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the closing cam 30 extends at an angle β of approximately 3° in the circumferential direction. The groove includes opposing sides 36, 37, one side facing the upper end 32 of the corresponding threaded element 28, and the other side facing the lower end of the corresponding threaded element 28. The side 36 facing the upper end 32 of the corresponding threaded element 28 is substantially steeper than the side 37 facing the lower end of the corresponding threaded element 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper side 36 includes an angle γ1 of approximately 40° with the circumferential direction, while the lower side 37 has an angle γ2 of approximately 15° with the circumferential direction.

[0056] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the closing cam 30 has two opposing sides 38, 39, one of which is steeper than the other. The side 38 of the closing cam 30 that functions when loosening the screw cap 3 (i.e., the side 38 facing the upper end 32 of the threaded element 28) is steeper than the side 39 of the closing cam 30 that functions when screwing the screw cap 3 onto the pouring tube 13 (i.e., the side 39 facing the lower end of the threaded element 28). The side 38 of the closing cam 30 facing the direction in which the screw cap 3 is loosened includes an angle δ1 of approximately 90° with respect to the circumferential direction, while the side 39 of the closing cam 30 facing the direction in which the screw cap 3 is screwed on includes an angle δ2 of approximately 45°.

[0057] The closing cam 30 and the groove 31 do overlap to some extent in the radial direction. The radial overlap between the inner end of the closing cam 30 and the outer end of the external thread 28 of the tilting tube 13 is between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, preferably between 0.25 mm and 0.35 mm. In other words, the difference between the radius R1 of the inner surface of the wall of the screw cap 3 and the height H of the closing cam exceeds the radius R2 of the outer surface of the external thread of the tilting tube by approximately 0.3 mm.

[0058] (R1 – H) – R2 = - 0.3 mm

[0059] Figure 5AA perspective view of another embodiment of the pouring element 40 is shown, which has a screw cap 41 with two wings 42 on opposite sides. The screw cap 41 is attached to a retaining member 43 by a hinge element 44 and spaced apart from the retaining member 43 by a weakening line 45 in the form of a gap. The retaining member 43 is also connected to an anchoring ring 46 via another hinge element 47 and spaced apart from the anchoring ring 46 by a weakening line 51 in the form of a gap. The anchoring ring 46 is reliably held at the pouring tube 48 of the nozzle body 49, on which the screw cap 41 has been screwed. A circumferentially extending fastening flange 50 is provided at the lower end of the nozzle body 49 to attach the pouring element 40 and its underside to a portion of a cardboard / plastic composite package, the portion of the composite package being flat, at least substantially parallel to the fastening flange 50, and including a sealing layer. Figure 5A The tilting element 40 shown is functionally and designally equivalent to the tilting element 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0060] Figure 5B It shows something similar to Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the pouring element 40. The screw cap 41 provides a drive cam 52 to engage with the cutting element 53, thereby opening the closure layer by loosening the screw cap 41. A groove 55 is provided in the external threaded element 54 of the pouring tube 48 to receive the closing cam 56 of the screw cap 41 in the initial tightened position. The closing cam 56 is firmly held in the groove 55, but when a force sufficient to loosen the screw cap 41 is applied to the screw cap 41, the closing cam 56 disengages from the groove 55. At this point, the resistance provided by the closing cam 56 is overcome as the closing cam 56 disengages from the groove 55.

[0061] Reference Symbol List

[0062] 1. Tilting element; 29. ​​Upper end of threaded element.

[0063] 2. Nozzle body 30. Closing cam

[0064] 3. Screw cap 31. Groove

[0065] 4. Fastening flange 32. Upper end of threaded element.

[0066] 5. Flange surface 33. Composite packaging

[0067] 6 Anchoring rings with 34 protrusions

[0068] 7. Retain component 35. Retain edge.

[0069] 8, 9 Hinge elements; 36, 37 Side of the groove

[0070] 10, 11 Weakening lines; 38, 39 Side view of closed cam.

[0071] 12 Bridging components 40 Tilting elements

[0072] 13 Pour pipe 41 Screw cap

[0073] 14 Cutting element 42 Wing

[0074] 15 Blade component 43 Retaining component

[0075] 16 Ring-shaped component 44 Hinge element

[0076] 17. External guide element for cutting components; 45. Weakening line.

[0077] 18. Inner guide element of the tilting pipe; 46. Anchor ring.

[0078] 20 Driving elements 47 Hinge elements

[0079] 12, 22 surface components 48 tilting pipe

[0080] 23 Drive cam 49 Nozzle body

[0081] 24 Cover portion 50 Fastening flange

[0082] 25 Closure layer 51 Weakening line

[0083] 26 Inner surface 52 Drive cam

[0084] 27. Internal threaded element of screw cap; 53. Cutting element.

[0085] 28 External threaded element of the tilting pipe; 54 Threaded element.

[0086] 55 Groove

[0087] 56. Closed cam.

Claims

1. A tipping element (1, 40) for cardboard / plastic composite packaging (33), comprising a nozzle body (2, 49), a cutting element (14, 53) and a screw cap (3, 41); wherein The nozzle body (2, 49) has: a circumferential fastening flange (4, 50) for fastening the nozzle body (2, 49) to the composite packaging (33), and a pouring tube (13, 48); The tilting tubes (13, 48) include at least one external threaded element (28, 54) and at least one internal guide element (18); The cutting elements (14, 53) are designed to cut open the closure layer (25), and the cutting elements (14, 53) include at least one outer guide element (17) that interacts with at least one inner guide element (18) of the pouring tube (13, 48), and include at least one drive element (20). The screw cap (3, 41) includes at least one internal threaded element (27) and at least one drive cam (23). The at least one internal threaded element (27) is screwed onto at least one external threaded element (28, 54) of the pouring tube (13, 48). The at least one drive cam (23) is used to engage with the at least one drive element when the screw cap (3, 41) is initially loosened from the pouring tube (13, 48) to move the cutting element (14, 53) toward the sealing layer (25). Its features are, At least one external threaded element (28, 54) of the pouring tube (13, 48) includes a groove (31, 55) near the end of the at least one threaded element (28, 54), and the screw cap (3, 41) includes at least one closing cam (30, 56) that engages in the groove (31, 55) when the screw cap (3, 41) is in the tightened position, and / or, At least one internal threaded element (27) of the screw cap (3, 41) includes a groove (31, 55) near the end of the at least one threaded element (28, 54), and the pouring tube (13, 48) includes at least one closing cam (30, 56) which engages in the groove (31, 55) when the screw cap (3, 41) is in the tightened position.

2. Pouring element according to claim 1, characterized in that The pouring elements (1, 40) are configured such that when the screw cap (3, 41) is initially opened, the cutting elements (14, 53) cannot engage with the sealing layer (25) and / or the cutting elements (14, 53) cannot leave the pouring tube if the closing cam (30, 56) is not disengaged from the groove (31, 55).

3. Pouring element according to claim 2, characterized in that The tipping elements (1, 40) are configured such that when the screw cap (3, 41) is initially opened, the cutting elements (14, 53) cannot engage with the sealing layer (25) without rotating 5° or more or 10° or more in the circumferential direction after the closing cam (30, 56) disengages from the groove (31, 55).

4. Pouring element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The angle between the end of the groove (31, 55) facing the corresponding end of the threaded element (28, 54) and the corresponding end of the threaded element (28, 54) in the circumferential direction is within 30°.

5. Pouring element according to claim 1, characterized in that The width of the groove (31, 55) in the circumferential direction is at least 1.5 to 2 times the width of the closed cam (30, 56) in the circumferential direction.

6. Pouring element according to claim 1, characterized in that In the circumferential direction, the grooves (31, 55) extend at an angle of at least 6° and at most 18°, and the closing cams (30, 56) extend at an angle of at least 1° and at most 6°, such that the difference between the two angles is between 1° and 12°, or between 6° and 10°.

7. Pouring element according to claim 1, characterized in that The closed cams (30, 56) engage in the grooves (31, 55) in a radial direction toward the central longitudinal axis (A), with an engagement amount between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, or between 0.25 mm and 0.35 mm.

8. Pouring element according to claim 1, characterized in that The side (36) of the groove (31, 55) closer to the corresponding end of the threaded element (28, 54) is steeper than the side (37) of the groove (31, 55) further away from the corresponding end of the threaded element (28, 54).

9. Pouring element according to claim 1, characterized in that The grooves (31, 55) are closer to the corresponding ends of the threaded elements (28, 54) on the side (36) and have an angle of 20° to 45° with the circumferential direction.

10. Pouring element according to claim 1, characterized in that The grooves (31, 55) are further away from the corresponding ends of the threaded elements (28, 54) and have an angle of at least 5° and at most 30° with the circumferential direction.

11. Pouring element according to claim 1, characterized in that The side (38) of the closing cam (30, 56), which functions when loosening the screw cap (3, 41), is steeper than the side (39) of the closing cam (30, 56), which functions when screwing the screw cap (3, 41) onto the pouring tube (13, 48).

12. Pouring element according to claim 1, characterized in that The side (38) of the closing cam (30, 56), which functions when the screw cap (3, 41) is loosened, has an angle of at least 60° and at most 120° with the circumferential direction.

13. Pouring element according to claim 1, characterized in that The tilting elements (1, 40) are configured such that the screw cap (3, 41) can be screwed on until the closing cam (30, 56) disengages from the groove (31, 55), and rotated at least 5° after the closing cam (30, 56) disengages from the groove (31, 55).

14. Pouring element according to claim 1, characterized in that An anchoring ring (6) is held axially at the tipping tube (13, 48) and toward the upper end of the tipping tube (13, 48) which is closed by the screw cap (3, 41), wherein the anchoring ring (6) is securely connected to the screw cap (3, 41) via at least one retaining member (7) and / or hinge element (8, 9).

15. Pouring element according to claim 14, characterized in that The anchoring ring (6) and the screw cap (3, 41) are also connected via a weakening line (10, 11) extending in the circumferential direction, wherein the weakening line (10, 11) is designed to be torn open when the screw cap (3, 41) is loosened from the pouring tube (13, 48), but only after the closing cam (30, 56) has disengaged from the groove (31, 55).

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