Outflow element for a composite packaging for liquid food

Abstract

The invention relates to an outflow element (1, 1', 1'', 1''') for a composite packaging with a base element (2, 2', 2'', 2''') with a central outflow channel (5) and a flange element (4, 4', 4''; 4''') surrounding same for connecting to the composite packaging and a closure element (3, 3', 3'', 3'''), wherein the closure element (3, 3', 3'', 3''') comprises a cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') and an anchoring element (7, 7') which is formed as an integral part with the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') and which is connected to the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') via two spaced-apart and pivoting connections (8, 8'), wherein the cap can be controlled via the pivoting connections (8, 8') between at least two configurations: a closed configuration, in which the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') closes the outflow channel (5); and an open configuration in which the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') is pivoted via the pivoting connections (8, 8') from the closed configuration, about at least 90°, and thereby releases the outflow channel (5). According to the invention, in order to improve the known outflow elements (1, 1', 1'', 1''') and simplify the assembly, in the open configuration, the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') is abutted against the outflow channel (5) and / or the anchoring element (7, 7') between the two spaced-apart, pivoting connections, and the base element (2,2', 2'', 2''') can be deformed such that, with the abutting of the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') in the open configuration, the diameter of the outflow channel (5) is smaller than the same diameter with the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') in the closed configuration by at least 1.5%.

Description

[0001]December 15, 2023 Pouring element for a composite package for liquid foodstuffs The invention relates to a pouring element for a composite package for liquid foodstuffs, comprising a base element with a central pouring channel and a flange element running around it for connection to the composite package and a closure element, wherein the closure element comprises a cap and an anchor element formed integrally with the cap, which anchor element is connected to the cap via two spaced-apart pivotable connections, wherein the cap can be controlled between at least two configurations via the pivotable connections: - a closed configuration in which the cap closes the pouring channel, and - an open configuration in which the cap is pivoted open by at least 90° from the closed configuration via the pivotable connection, thereby exposing the pouring channel.Such pouring elements are integrated into the composite packaging as part of the gable to simplify handling during pouring and to enable resealing of composite packaging. The pouring element has pivoting connections that, in the closed configuration, can rest against the pouring channel or at least be located close to it. This can prevent damage to the usually thin pivoting connections because they do not protrude further, as is usually the case in known pouring elements. In addition, this also allows the pivot axis of the pivoting connection to be positioned as close as possible to the pouring channel, or even partially within the wall of the pouring channel due to its curvature. In principle, it would also be possible to design the pivoting connection as a single connection extending over at least 45° of the cap circumference.Ideally, such a wider element would have a curve along the circumference of the pouring channel in the closed configuration. When the cap is now moved into the open configuration, the pivoting connection snaps into a second stable position. Such a snapping action can preferably be achieved by a so-called 'butterfly' hinge, in which the pivoting connection terminates at the cap and the anchor element in a circular arc-shaped projection, which are arranged closer together in the central region of the connection and further apart in the outer regions. If the pivoting connection extends to the top of the cap, the curvature of the cap can also serve as a replacement for the upper arc-shaped projection of the pivoting connection, enabling a comparable snapping effect despite the 90° rotation.However, if two spaced-apart pivoting connections are provided according to the invention, material can be saved due to the generally narrower connections, and the intermediate area between the two spaced-apart pivoting connections opens up new design freedom. In the open configuration, the cap can rest on the pouring channel and / or the anchor element between the two spaced-apart pivoting connections. Additional ribs could be added there, for example, to better hold the cap in the open configuration or to more precisely adjust the stable opening angle by which the cap is pivoted away. Regardless of the exact design, the cap's rest is used to build tension via the pivoting connections between the cap and the anchor element, which holds the cap stably in the open configuration.Such pouring elements are known and are used primarily, but not exclusively, in aseptic packaging. In this case, previously sterilized food products are poured under aseptic conditions into equally sterilized packaging. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023, to obtain so-called aseptic packages. Apart from the issue of asepticity, there are various types of composite packages into which a pouring element according to the invention can be integrated. In a first type, the pouring element is an integral component of the composite package, which is introduced during its manufacturing process. Usually, blanks made of composite material, which are first formed into package sleeves by sealing the longitudinal seam, are first connected to the pouring element in a so-called "form-fill-seal" (FFS) packaging machine. These semi-molds, which are open on one side, are then filled with the contents and then sealed. The first step can be provided in different ways: For example, the flange can be connected to one side of the package sleeve by another plastic element that is injection-molded directly in the packaging machine.The flange can also be welded directly to the package sleeve or even glued to it without using an additional plastic element. The flange can be either the same size as the opening in the package sleeve or smaller to save plastic. In the case of a smaller flange, the surfaces of the package sleeve must be folded together and then placed and welded to the flange. The composite package preferably then has polyhedral gable surfaces that are connected to the polyhedral flange of the pouring element in a corresponding manner, with the polyhedral flange essentially corresponding to a truncated pyramid. In a second method, a completely sealed composite package is initially produced, with a punched hole in the composite package, usually in the gable area, into which a pouring element is inserted.The pouring element is usually inserted by welding its flange to at least one layer of the composite material of the composite packaging; alternatively, these parts can also be glued. This second type of composite packaging is characterized primarily by the fact that the pouring element can be inserted without any effort. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 can be independent of the production of the composite pack. The production of the hole and the insertion of the pouring element can therefore take place before, during, or after the production of the composite pack itself. Both steps are preferably carried out before production in order to avoid unnecessarily complicating the packaging machines themselves. This arrangement of production steps also represents the simplest way to insert the pouring element into the punched hole from the inside. Such a composite pack, in turn, is normally produced in one of two types of packaging machines: In a first alternative, a continuous web of sterilized composite material is formed into a tube and sealed, after which it is filled with the likewise sterilized contents and sealed and cut transversely at regular intervals (through the contents).The resulting "pack cushions" are then formed into parallelepiped packs along the pre-folded edges. The sealing seam created in the gable area during transverse sealing is commonly referred to as a gable seam. The second alternative uses blanks made of composite material, which are first formed into pack sleeves by sealing the longitudinal seam and then formed on mandrels of the packaging machine into one-sidedly open pack bodies, then sterilized, filled, and finally sealed and finally formed. The gable area can be designed in various ways, for example, as a surface parallel to the base (flat gable pack), as a surface at least partially inclined to the base (sloped gable pack), or as a gable roof with two opposing, inclined surfaces ("gable-top" pack).The exact layer structure of the composite material can vary depending on requirements, but consists at least of a cardboard carrier layer and plastic cover layers. Additionally, a barrier layer, such as aluminum (Al), polyamide (PA), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), or other plastic barriers, may be necessary to ensure a safe packaging for aseptic products. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 increased barrier effect against gases and, in the case of aluminum, also light. Therefore, such composite packaging is also referred to as cardboard / plastic composite packaging. If the pouring element is integrated as part of the composite packaging, it should have a barrier effect against gases and light similar to that of the composite material used. At the same time, inexpensive materials that are easy to recycle together should be used. This also applies in particular to the materials of the pouring elements used. As mentioned above, the barrier effect against light in particular often cannot be guaranteed in the pouring area, and therefore the simplest and most cost-effective solution is to supplement the pouring element, if desired, with a masterbatch so that it has a comparable barrier effect.The entire sealed pouring element then allows a light transmission of less than 1% in a wavelength range of 350 to 550 nm. Such a light barrier is particularly useful for light-sensitive products, such as milk. Damage to such products occurs primarily in the wavelength range of 350 to 550 nm, which is why light should be absorbed particularly there. Any spectrophotometer can be used for the measurement, such as a Specord 250 Plus from Analytik Jena or a Perkin-Elmer LAMBDA 850+, following the manufacturer's instructions. The individual components of the pouring element are manufactured using the injection molding process (often referred to as injection molding or injection molding), which is a primary forming process used, as in this case, particularly in plastics processing.In this process, the material is liquefied (plasticized) using an injection molding machine and injected under pressure into a mold, the injection molding tool. Such a tool usually consists of two tool halves, which together form the negative mold for the molded part. At least one tool half is movable and is opened at the end of the injection molding process to eject the molded parts. In the tool, the material undergoes cooling or a T. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023. The curing reaction causes the material to revert to the solid state and, after the mold is opened, is removed or ejected as a finished part. The cavity of the mold determines the shape and surface structure of the finished part. Injection molding takes place in cycles, with the essential basic operations being as follows: plasticizing, injection, holding pressure, cooling, and demolding. Plastic is plasticized in a screw for the following cycle. The free-flowing molding compound is fed in the form of granules via a hopper into a rotating screw in a heated cylinder. The molding compound is conveyed to the screw tip and melted by heat conduction and friction. A cushion of molten material forms in front of the screw tip, pushing the screw backward against the applied back pressure.If the resulting melt cushion is sufficient to create the molded part, the screw rotation is stopped and the plasticizing process is completed. The plasticizing process can also occur partially during subsequent processes. By advancing the screw in the cylinder of the plasticizing unit, the melt is injected into the mold through the nozzle and sprue. A non-return valve ensures that no melt can flow back into the screw channel during injection. After the mold has been completely filled with melt, the cooling melt begins to contract. This is compensated for by additional post-pressing to minimize sink marks and warpage. High pressure is applied until the melt is sealed in the sprue. As mentioned, the melt begins to cool as soon as it spreads within the mold.After the end of the holding pressure, the cooling phase begins, which lasts until the molded part is dimensionally stable enough to be ejected. The (steel) tools are usually cooled with a cooling liquid in appropriate cooling channels to keep this phase as short as possible. To ensure the dimensionally stable molded part can be demolded safely, ejector devices are often used. These are usually metal pins that push the molded part out of the mold. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023. Eject the mold half. In a method according to the invention, this final step can either be omitted for the first element or replaced, for example, by part removal. Typically, the individual parts of a multi-part pouring element are manufactured separately and later assembled together. This generally results in simpler and therefore cheaper manufacturing processes, but it requires more processes and machines overall. This results in a significantly more complex system, viewed as a whole, which often requires significantly more floor space. Obviously, various machines must be purchased and maintained, which can quickly lead to higher overall costs.Furthermore, each process step introduces potential sources of error. For example, there could be jams in the product flow, or individual parts could be damaged during transport between the injection molding machine and the assembly line, which is particularly critical for the tamper-evident seal. Furthermore, each additional process step potentially generates rejects, for example, due to imperfectly adjusted machines or the aforementioned damage. Pivoting connections on existing pouring elements often lack a clearly defined and stable position in the open configuration. While it is possible to create such a stable position using the aforementioned 'butterfly'-like pivoting connection, this requires more complex production tools. This automatically limits the choice of production methods.Such pivoting connections can only be manufactured using tools with sliders or, alternatively, if the cap and anchor element are produced in an open configuration and then laboriously assembled. werden. Based on this, the present invention is based on the object of designing and developing the pouring element mentioned at the outset and described in more detail above in such a way that the disadvantages described are overcome. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 This problem is solved by a method having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1 in that the cap in the open configuration rests between the two spaced-apart pivotable connections on the pouring channel and / or the anchor element, and the base element is designed to be deformable such that, due to the cap in the open configuration, the diameter of the pouring channel is at least 1.5%, in particular at least 2%, smaller than the same diameter with the cap in the closed configuration. In order to be able to measure the diameter meaningfully and comparably, the outer diameter (at the upper edge) is measured above the contact point of the cap in the open configuration to the opposite point of the pouring channel. The comparison measurement in the closed position can also be carried out on an individual base element after the cap has been completely removed.Due to the flexibility and deformation of the base element, the measured, now smaller diameter also means that the diameter transverse to it tends to be larger. This flexibility, which would not be possible, for example, on the neck of a PET bottle, further increases the stability of the open configuration and thus keeps the pouring channel clear in any case. The cap's contact is used to build tension via the pivoting connections between the cap and anchor element, which holds the cap stably in the open configuration. This tension exists between the two pivoting connections and the contact point between the cap and base element and leads to the desired deformation of the flexible base element. This deformation, in turn, reinforces the hold in the desired cap position in the open configuration. A further preferred teaching of the invention provides that the anchor element is designed to be completely circumferential.This is particularly useful if the anchor element is to be able to rotate around the tube of the base element in order to be able to change the position of the raised cap.T. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pivotable connections rest against the pouring channel of the base element in the closed configuration. This allows the pivot axis of the cap to be arranged very close to the edge of the pouring tube. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the cap in the open configuration is pivoted upwards by 180° to 270°, preferably by 210° to 250°, from the closed configuration via the pivotable connection. This ensures that the pivoted-open cap does not disturb the consumer while drinking. Of course, this only makes sense if the composite pack is designed to allow this movement, for example, by positioning the pivotable connection close to a pack edge or a generally open design of the composite pack, as is the case with a gable area with polyhedral surfaces.In a further embodiment according to the invention, the pouring channel of the base element is designed as a hollow cylinder. In principle, uniformly shaped shapes are particularly well suited to eliminating problems with tightness and sterility as effectively as possible: a circular base element with a hollow cylinder as the pouring channel. Of course, certain negative consequences regarding sealing and sealing could also be accepted in exchange for improving other aspects. The pouring channel could, for example, be oval or teardrop-shaped. The narrow constriction on the pouring side (front) and the wider opening behind it can enable targeted pouring behavior, with sufficient air still being able to enter the package through the wide opening behind it. In a further embodiment of the invention, a radially outwardly projecting snap-in component is arranged on the cap between the two pivot connections.Alternatively, the cap can also be used in the area of ​​the two T. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023, a radially recessed locking component can be arranged on the pivot connections. In both cases, the cap is able to better build up the required tension to hold it stably in the open configuration. The radially recessed locking component is particularly useful for pouring elements that are pivoted open by more than 180° and lock into place there. Another preferred embodiment attaches a complementary locking component to the anchor element and / or the pouring channel. This particularly reinforces the effect of the aforementioned locking component of the cap and leads to a clearly defined interaction between the two components. In a further embodiment, the two pivotable connections are spaced apart by 35° to 70°, preferably by 40° to 55°, in the circumferential direction. The center of the two pivotable connections in the circumferential direction is used to measure the distance.The aforementioned angular range is particularly well suited to building up sufficient tension between the fully opened cap, the pivoting connections, and the remaining pouring element to securely lock the cap in the open configuration. In a further expedient embodiment, the anchor element is rotatably held axially on a retaining element of the pouring channel. In the closed configuration, the closure element is rotatable. Due to the inventive deformation of the pouring channel in the open configuration, the rotation of the closure element is inhibited at least to such an extent that the cap does not shift when pouring from the composite package. However, by gently pulling on the cap, the closure element can also be rotated as desired from the open configuration.Once the cap is released, the closure element returns to its original open configuration and the diameter of the pouring channel is again at least 1.5% smaller than the same diameter with the cap in the closed configuration, which in turn builds up the previously discussed tension and makes possible rotation difficult. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 In a further embodiment of the invention, it is alternatively also conceivable for the anchor element to be immovably attached to the base element and thereby bear directly against the base element. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the anchor element bears directly against an outer wall of the pouring channel and is immovably anchored. Alternatively or additionally, the anchor element can bear directly against the circumferential flange element and be immovably anchored. In all variants, the primary objective is to create a stable pivot axis through the pivotable connections connecting the anchor element and cap. The anchor element should be designed so that it remains stable in position when the cap is moved from the closed to the open configuration (and back). This can also be ensured in particular if the anchor element is designed to be completely circumferential, according to a further teaching of the invention.The design options range from a simple band around the pouring channel, which can absorb the stresses generated by its shape and position, to complex circumferential elements that run from the pouring channel over the flange element and are additionally held in place, for example, with positive locking mechanisms. In addition to the previously mentioned advantages regarding the assembly of the multi-piece pouring element, such a strongly anchored closure element also offers various other advantages. A cap that is swung open in the open configuration can quickly become a nuisance to the consumer while drinking, especially if such a cap can still rotate around the base element while drinking. The immovable anchor element opens up the possibility of optimally aligning the pouring element during the production of the composite pack, so that the swung open cap will not disturb the consumer while drinking.In addition, this combination also allows the length ratios and arrangements of the individual elements to be precisely selected to enable specific open configurations that could otherwise not be reliably achieved due to moving parts.T. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 According to the invention, the pouring channel can also have an upper edge opposite the circumferential flange element, with the cap resting at least along the upper edge over the entire surface and adhering prior to initial opening. Such a multi-part pouring element, on the one hand, offers a circumferential surface on which the base element and closure element rest, thus ensuring a complete seal. On the other hand, the two elements adhere to each other prior to initial opening, in order to convey to the consumer, upon first opening the pouring element and thus the composite pack, a clear feeling that a previously sealed package has been opened. The combination of these two effects also results in a significantly stronger seal on the unopened pack than would have been possible, for example, with assembled closures.Because this sealing surface is the upper edge, integrity can be guaranteed even when compressive loads occur on stacked composite packages. Adhesion can also be understood to mean that an initial breaking of the connection requires greater forces than those occurring during subsequent opening after the closure element is first reclosed. When the cap is subsequently opened, the elements still adhere due to their fit, but the adhesion is lost. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the cap has a circumferential seal, the outer side of which rests against the inner wall of the pouring channel and adheres before the initial opening. The circumferential seal and the inner wall of the pouring channel can each have an undercut.Such a seal can be designed, for example, as a single element projecting downwards from the cap cover or as part of a downwardly extending cap cover (see exemplary embodiments) with possibly an additional protruding element. It is always important that the seal is circumferential and that its outer side rests against the inner wall of the pouring channel, thus creating a seal. In addition to the advantages already mentioned, which are also enhanced by this improvement, an internal circumferential seal ensures H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 Sealing also ensures that the cap seals the pouring element properly even after the first re-closing if the circumferential seal and the inner wall of the pouring channel each have an undercut, which causes the cap to snap into its original position. A circumferential undercut is most easily achieved by forming a circumferential rib on the inner wall of the pouring channel as a combined sealing and retaining element. On the side of the cap seal, a corresponding sealing and retaining element is formed directly below it, so that the two elements must press past each other during each opening or closing process of the cap. Such a pouring element offers, on the one hand, a circumferential surface on which the base element and closure element rest, thus ensuring a complete seal.On the other hand, the two elements adhere to each other before initial opening to give the consumer a clear feeling when opening the pouring element and thus the composite pack for the first time that a previously sealed package has been opened. The combination of these two effects also results in a significantly stronger seal on the unopened pack than would have been possible with mounted closures, for example. Because this sealing surface is the upper edge, integrity can be guaranteed even when compressive loads occur on stacked composite packs. Adhesion can also be understood to mean that an initial breaking of the connection requires greater forces than those occurring during subsequent opening after the first reclosure of the closure element. When the cap is subsequently opened, the elements still adhere due to their fit, but the adhesion is missing.In another embodiment, the cap has an at least partially circumferential cap skirt, the inner side of which rests against the outer wall of the pouring channel and adheres to it before initial opening. The expansion of the aforementioned sealing surface naturally further enhances the aforementioned advantages. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023. Furthermore, after initial opening, the cap skirt ensures that the cap can be placed neatly centered on the base element during reclosing and remains securely in place. It is also possible for the cap to have a circumferential seal, the outer side of which rests against the inner wall of the pouring channel and adheres to it before initial opening. Such a seal can be designed, for example, as a single element protruding downwards from the cap cover or as part of a downwardly extending cap cover (see also the exemplary embodiments) with possibly an additional protruding element. It is always important that the seal is circumferential and that its outer side rests against the inner wall of the pouring channel, thus creating a seal.In addition to the advantages already mentioned, which are also enhanced with this improvement, an internal circumferential seal also ensures that the cap seals the pouring element properly even after the first re-closure. This is especially true when the circumferential seal and the inner wall of the pouring channel each have an undercut, which causes the cap to snap into its original position. A circumferential undercut is most easily achieved by forming a circumferential rib on the inner wall of the pouring channel as a combined sealing and retaining element. A corresponding sealing and retaining element is formed directly below the cap seal side, so that the two elements must press past each other during each opening or closing of the cap.A design with a circumferential ridge on the inner wall of the pouring channel is also possible, which directly adjoins the circumferential seal of the cap, whereby the circumferential ridge and the seal have the same inner diameter, at least in the contact area. On the one hand, the circumferential ridge serves as an ideal mold end for the adjacent seal in a manufacturing process according to the invention, and on the other hand, the smooth transition from ridge to T ensures a smooth seal. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 Cap seal for an aseptically unproblematic surface that can be easily sterilized as part of the inner surface of the composite package. The bond between the base element and the cap, which adheres prior to initial opening, can also serve as a tamper-evident seal. This has the advantage that no additional complex tamper-evident elements need to be added to the design of the pouring element, because the bond already provides a consumer with haptic feedback ("tamper proof") with the same information. If a visible tamper-evident seal is also desired, in one embodiment, the cap and the base element can each have a tamper-evident seal firmly attached to each other, with either the tamper-evident seal of the cap being connected to the cap via a breakable connection, or the tamper-evident seal of the base element being connected to the base element via a breakable connection.This results in the tamper-evident seal with the breakable connection detaching from the original component and remaining attached to the other. Especially if the base element and closure element were manufactured in different colors, this provides an additional visual indicator after initial opening. The tamper-evident seals are preferably located outside the upper edge (further away from a central axis of the pouring channel) so that the pouring channel is not compromised by the broken-out element. Furthermore, the base element can consist primarily of a first material, preferably polyethylene, and the closure element of a polymer blend of a second material, preferably polypropylene, and 1–30 wt.% of the first material. This enables the adaptation of the adhesive forces that exist between the base element and the closure element before initial opening, according to the invention.These forces tend to be weaker when different materials are used and stronger the more similar the material selection is. It has been shown that mixing ratios in this regard. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023, results in ideal adhesion, but the elements can still be separated from each other with moderate force. It should be understood that a base element consisting primarily of a first material consists of a single material with the possible addition of masterbatches in small quantities. It is also possible for the entire pouring element to be made of renewable raw materials. Polyolefins are usually produced from fossil raw materials such as ethane, liquefied petroleum gas, or petroleum. Recently, there has been an increasing search for alternatives to obtain more sustainable products. Using bioethanol, which is produced from starch-, sugar-, or cellulose-containing raw materials, for example, instead of the well-known fossil raw materials, has proven to be a viable option. Preference is given to raw materials that do not require intensive agricultural cultivation and also grow on poor soils.A polyolefin can then be produced from this bioethanol using conventional processes. In this case, all components of the pouring element are made of polyolefins and can therefore be manufactured with relatively little effort, even from the same renewable raw materials. It is also conceivable that a blowing agent is added to the closure element. As previously noted, shrinkage during the manufacturing process can certainly lead to problems. By adding a blowing agent to the material of the closure element, it can be ensured that contact surfaces between the base element and the closure element remain clean and adhere as desired. Even small amounts of blowing agent trigger slight foaming and thus an increase in volume in the closure element in order to compensate for the shrinkage in certain areas. This is particularly useful when the closure element is manufactured as a second element in a process according to the invention.H / lh 221163WO December 15, 2023 At least the upper edge of the base element can also be surface-activated. If there are additional adjacent surfaces between the two elements, such as on the cap skirt or cap seal, the corresponding surfaces on the base element are preferably also surface-activated. Surface activation can be achieved by plasma treatment or by flaming the surfaces. Here, too, the adhesion of the two elements can be adjusted and optimized better than would be possible by simply injection molding two components. This is particularly useful if the base element is manufactured as the first element in a method according to the invention. wird.Another design of the pouring element comprises an anchor element that surrounds the pouring channel and is connected to the cap via at least one pivotable connection. The anchor element is immovably attached to the base element and rests directly against the base element. In addition to the previously mentioned advantages regarding assembly of the multi-part pouring element, such a strongly anchored closure element also enables various other advantages. A cap that is pivoted away in the open configuration can quickly become in the way of the consumer while drinking, especially if such a cap can still rotate around the base element during drinking. The immovable anchor element opens up the possibility of optimally aligning the pouring element during the production of the composite package, so that the pivoted-open cap will not disturb the consumer while drinking.In addition, this combination also allows the length ratios and arrangements of the individual elements to be precisely selected to enable specific open configurations that could otherwise not be reliably achieved due to moving parts. A composite package for liquid foodstuffs can also be designed such that a pouring element according to the invention is integrated into the gable area of ​​the composite package. There are various ways to manufacture such a composite package, such as T. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023, as already explained above. Often, the pouring element primarily serves to close the opening in the gable area and has a rather secondary effect with regard to the dimensional stability of the composite package. Likewise, a composite package can be designed such that a pouring element according to the invention is integrated into the gable area of ​​the composite package, wherein the gable area has polyhedral gable surfaces that are correspondingly connected to a polyhedral flange of the pouring element. As already described, this combination allows a bottle-like composite package to be formed without the need for additional components. As an alternative to a conventional manufacturing process, either the base element or the closure element could be manufactured first and serve at least partially as a mold for the other element in a subsequent injection molding process.The combined production of such a pouring element makes it possible to completely eliminate the assembly systems otherwise required, and thus also the corresponding transport routes between the individual injection molding machines and the assembly line. Such manufacturing processes are usually called multi-component injection molding or, as specifically referred to here, two-component injection molding. There are various versions of this technology that are suitable for the manufacturing process according to the invention. The manufacturing process is preferably carried out using a cube mold. The first mold half is formed by a centrally positioned cube, which, together with a conventional mold half, forms the cavity for the first of the elements (base element, closure element). After the first manufacturing step, the central cube body is rotated, usually by 90° around the central vertical axis of the cube.The first manufactured element remains in the tool half on the cube body. After the first rotation, elements are again manufactured in the original position using the same tool half, while the previously produced elements are either further processed or, as shown here, cooled in the second position. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023. This is followed by another rotation of the cube body with identical actions in the first two positions. In the third position, the mold half with the first produced elements is now coupled with another conventional mold half to produce the second of the two elements. According to the invention, the mold half on the cube body and the first produced element serve partly as a mold for the second element to be produced. After another rotation, all of the aforementioned steps are repeated, and in the last position, the finished pouring element is either removed or ejected. There are also various modifications of the previously described process or equivalent alternatives that can also carry out such a manufacturing process.For example, another element could be injection-molded in the second position if a three-piece pouring element is desired. Instead of a cube-shaped body with four mold halves, only two can be installed for cost and space reasons, so that in the first and third, either an element is only injection-molded every other time, or cooling and removal take place at these same positions, and the empty positions are then omitted. Instead of a central cube-shaped body that is rotated (stack turning mold technology), a so-called rotation technology could also be used, in which the mold halves are shifted or rotated in a plane, thus changing positions (rotation technology). If the injection molding tools themselves are to be kept simpler, two separate tools can be provided for the two production steps, ideally directly next to each other.With this transfer technology, a robotic arm can then remove the parts from the first mold and place them directly into the second (English: transfer technology). Finally, this could also be achieved with a single variable mold, in which the first element is first produced. The mold core is then retracted and adjusted using a slider, creating a new cavity that allows the second element to be molded with the T. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023, adapted tool and the already produced first element as a mold (English: Core-Back Technology). However, the basic process steps remain comparable or even identical in all of the processes mentioned. This involves a pouring element with interactions between the two elements that can hardly be achieved meaningfully through assembly. The contact of two parts means that no cavities arise between the individual surfaces, as is the case, for example, when the elements of a pouring element are injection-molded directly onto one another. In a first embodiment of a manufacturing process, the closure element is produced first, and then the base element is cast onto the already solidified closure element. This variant is particularly advantageous if the pouring element is sealed from the inside into the subsequent composite package.Both elements can be molded from the same side, so that the injection points later face the interior of the package, enabling a flat and optimal sealing surface on the opposite side of the surrounding flange element. Furthermore, this mold design allows for simple and relatively uncomplicated pouring element elements that do not require additional auxiliary elements and are therefore inexpensive to produce. können. A second version involves a manufacturing process in which the base element is first manufactured, and then the closure element is cast onto the already solidified base element. Despite the somewhat more complex tool design, this variant enables a comparatively better pouring element. During the cooling phase of the injection molding process, plastic parts shrink, which is used, among other things, to make the finished parts easier to eject. This is T H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 relatively small volume changes of, for example, 2%. This shrinkage occurs evenly across the entire component. However, if one element serves as part of the mold for the second element, the first element has already solidified and thus already completely shrunk. The material of the second element is thus plasticized (melted) onto the already solidified element and only begins to shrink during this second cooling phase; it shrinks onto the previously solidified element, resulting in a tight fit and adhesion of the two parts. If the second produced element is the closure element, as in this design, this results in significantly greater design diversity with closure elements that also adhere cleanly before initial opening and are safe from an aseptic point of view.The perfectly aligned elements remain adhered to each other even if the second element, in this case the closure element, shrinks away from the first in certain areas of this contact zone. This is due to various factors, such as the aforementioned ideal fit in the contact zone, but also chemical bonds and physical interlocks at the microscopic level. In particular, the microscopic bonds can be further optimized. The base element can be molded onto an auxiliary element, which is connected to the rest of the base element via at least one breakable element. Normally, the liquid plastic is poured through a single nozzle, and during ejection, the solidified plastic part separates from the remaining plastic still in the nozzle. Of course, this separation can also occur before ejection via the nozzle itself.In all cases, a visible and usually protruding unevenness in the surface of the plastic part develops, commonly referred to as the injection point. Filling with liquid plastic occurs more slowly the more material has to be forced through narrow spaces. In addition to the melt speed, shorter paths to completely fill the mold also lead to shorter times until the negative mold is completely filled, which is usually achieved by a centrally selected injection point. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 injection point is reached, as is possible here with the auxiliary element. The auxiliary element can also be seen as a cold runner gate, which, however, remains in the component during further production. The breakable elements can expediently be arranged evenly distributed around the circumference if two or more breakable elements are present, as shown in a later embodiment of the invention. This enables a uniform melt flow due to the better distribution. Auxiliary elements with exactly three breakable elements have proven to be a good compromise between good melt flow and low material consumption as well as low opening forces. With this type of process, one possibility would be for the auxiliary element to be firmly attached to the closure element by means of a positive fit.This allows for simultaneous opening of the closure element and removal of the auxiliary element, which would otherwise have to be manually removed in an additional step. This form-fitting connection is further reinforced by the aforementioned shrinkage of the closure element. The contraction of the closure element causes the part of the auxiliary element intended to be held by the form-fitting connection to be additionally clamped and thus held more firmly. Of course, more complicated ways of attaching the closure element and auxiliary element to one another are also conceivable, for example, by adding a metal-containing masterbatch and subsequently induction welding the two. Elemente.For example, the auxiliary element could be designed as a sealing membrane and the frangible element as a thin, circumferential section. This offers the advantage of a base element that already completely seals the composite package, resulting in increased barrier properties for the entire package. Additional masterbatches could also be easily added to the base element material to specifically increase the light and / or oxygen barrier without having to make changes to the closure element. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 Furthermore, the auxiliary element can also be further adapted specifically for the opening process of the closure element. It is particularly important to consider that breaking the breakable elements requires additional force each time, which must be specifically optimized throughout the entire initial opening process. In a further embodiment of the invention, the closure element therefore has a pivotable connection, and the individual breakable connections all have a different angular distance from the center of the pivotable connection, measured in the circumferential direction, with the differences between the individual angular distances preferably always being at least 10°. The center here refers to the central axis of the pivotable connection, viewed in the circumferential direction. This ensures that two breakable elements never have to be broken simultaneously during the initial opening of the pouring element.A consumer begins the opening process by grasping the closure element at the (front) edge, which is diametrically opposite the pivoting connection, or any gripping aid. The closure element is then torn upwards from this side and then pivoted away, with the breakable elements breaking one after the other during the tearing process. Preferably, all angular distances are between 25° and 155°. Therefore, there are no breakable elements directly at the pivoting connection or at the opposite end of the closure element, which the consumer must grasp. This ensures that the individual elements are exposed to a higher proportion of shear forces because they are arranged on the sides of the pouring element, as seen from the pivoting connection.In the ranges from -25° to +25° and -155° to +155°, the proportion of tensile forces is significantly higher, resulting in less controllable and generally higher opening forces. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing illustrating only four preferred embodiments. In the drawing. zeigen T H / lh 221163WO 15 December 2023 Fig.1 a pouring element according to the invention in a perspective view,Fig. 2 the pouring element according to the invention in a view from the right front in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 the pouring element according to the invention in a view from the left front in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 shows the pouring element according to the invention in plan view, Fig. 5 shows the pouring element according to the invention in a vertical section along the line VV in Fig. 4, Fig. 6 shows the pouring element according to the invention in bottom view, Fig. 7 shows the pouring element according to the invention in a perspective view of unten,Fig. 8 shows a second embodiment of a pouring element according to the invention in vertical section along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 4, Fig. 9 shows the pouring element from Fig. 8 in a bottom view, Fig. 10 shows the pouring element from Fig. 8 in a perspective view from below, Fig. 11 shows a third embodiment of a pouring element according to the invention in vertical section along the line XI-XI in Fig. 4, Fig. 12 shows the pouring element from Fig. 11 in a bottom view, Fig. 13 shows the pouring element from Fig. 11 in a perspective view from below, T H / lh 221163WO December 15, 2023Fig. 14A shows a fourth embodiment of a pouring element in a perspective view from above,Fig. 14B shows the pouring element from Fig. 14A in a rotated perspectiveA nsicht von oben undFig. 15 is a schematic representation of a pouring element according to the invention in a plan view with the cap open. The drawing shows four preferred embodiments of a pouring element 1, 1', and 1'' according to the invention. Fig. 1 shows a first pouring element 1 in the closed state without a composite package. The two-part pouring element 1 comprises a base element 2 and a closure element 3. A circumferential flange element 4 of the base element 2 for connection to the composite package can be seen, followed by a pouring channel 5 that is partially concealed by the closure element 3. The closure element 3 comprises a cap 6, which closes the pouring channel 5 and can be released after an initial opening to allow the contents of the composite package to be poured out. In the lower region of the pouring channel 5, the anchoring part of the closure element 3 is designed as an anchor element 7, which is immovably attached to the base element 2.On the one hand, this permanently connects the opened cap 6 to the composite package (not shown), and on the other hand, it allows the orientation of the closure element 3, which was carefully selected during application of the pouring element, to be maintained. Fig. 2 shows the same pouring element 1 from behind. Clearly visible here are the two pivot connections 8 that connect the cap 6 and anchor element 7 and allow the cap 6 to be pivoted away when opening and closing the pouring element 1. Snap-in components 9 and 10 ensure that... H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 that the cap 6 can be held open. Preferably, the two components are located on the cap 6 and the anchor element 7 between the two pivot connections 8. Alternatively, the locking components 9 and 10 could also be attached laterally or on the pouring channel 5 instead of the anchor element 7. In the side view of Fig. 3, the previously described parts for pivoting away and fixing the cap are again at least partially visible. Also prominently visible here are some breakable elements 11, which connect the anchor element 7 and the cap 6 to each other and break open at the beginning of the initial opening process; this break-open action then clearly signals to a consumer that the pouring element 1 has already been opened.In this embodiment, the anchor element 7 is immovably attached to the base element 2, which is why a tamper evident guarantee cannot be indicated by falling down in the axial direction, as is often the case with common guarantee bands. A grip aid 12 makes it easier for a consumer to grasp and open the. Kappe 6.Fig. 4 shows the same pouring element 1 in a top view, in which the snap-in component 10 and the gripping aid 12 of the cap 6 can be clearly seen again. Additionally, an energy director 13, which supports the welding to the composite packaging, is clearly visible here. The section line through the central axis of the pouring element defines the sectional view of Figs. 5, 8, and 11. There, it is clearly visible how the cap 6 and the anchor element 7 rest against the pouring channel 5 because one of the components served at least partially as a mold for the other in the injection molding process. This creates a material pairing without air pockets or cavities between them. A circumferential retaining rib 14 can be seen between the anchor element 7 and the pouring channel 5, which completely fills the cavity on the other component due to the multi-component injection molding.The anchoring of the anchor element 7 to the base element 2 is based on the tension that is built up by the immovable contact and complete T. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023. The anchor element 7 extends around the base element 2 and the aforementioned retaining rib 14. The pouring channel 5 has an inlet opening at the end of the circumferential flange element 4, i.e., on the composite package side, and an outlet opening at the opposite end. The pouring channel 5 ends on the outlet opening side with an upper edge 15, with the cap 6 abutting and adhering along the entire upper edge 15 before the initial opening. In addition, the wall of the cap abutting the inner wall of the pouring channel 5 defines a seal 16, which also abut and adhere closely to one another before the initial opening. A combined sealing and retaining element 17 interacts with a second sealing and retaining element 18 of the pouring channel 5, each of which defines an undercut and complements one another precisely in their shapes due to the manufacturing method. Even after initial opening, these elements are still in contact with each other, even if they are no longer adhered.At the lower end of the seal 16, on the inner wall of the pouring channel 5, there is an inwardly projecting closure element 19, which on the one hand closes the seal 16 and on the other hand, together with the inner walls of the cap 6, offers a uniform surface to simplify the sterilization of the package interior. Said sterilization is also promoted because the seal 16 of the cap 6 and the closure element 19 rest against each other, adhere, and form a clean seal towards the interior without a projection. Figures 6 and 7 show the same pouring element 1 in an (isometric) bottom view. Here, too, the uniform surface without undercuts for improved sterilization can be seen. Since the pouring element 1 is sealed into the package from the inside, the underside of the circumferential flange element 4 can also be flat and uniform.Figures 8 to 10 show a second embodiment of a pouring element 1' according to the invention, which is particularly advantageous when inT. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 Manufacturing method: the base element 2' is manufactured first and serves at least partially as an injection mold for the closure element 3'. Only the differences from the first exemplary embodiment are described below; the remaining features are identical. An auxiliary element 20', which is manufactured as part of the base element 2', enables a centrally positioned injection point for the base element 2'. On the one hand, this ensures a uniform melt distribution from this central point during the injection molding process. On the other hand, it is significantly simpler and the most sensible solution for the base element 2' and the closure element 3' to be injected from the same side in the injection mold, i.e., the nozzles for the melt, which ultimately create the injection point in the plastic part, to be positioned on the same side.The term 'side' always refers to a mold half with respect to the positioning and alignment of the pouring element 1' to be produced, which, for example, later defines the inlet or outlet opening of the base element 2'. The base element 2' is expediently molded from the side of the outlet opening. This, in turn, allows the side of the inlet opening to remain firmly in the mold, so that a mold half of the closure element 3' can be attached to it. In this second process, the closure element 3' can now be molded from the side of the outlet opening, so that openings 21' in the auxiliary element 20' are filled with cap material and anchored to an undercut. The auxiliary element 20' is connected to the rest of the base element 2' via three breakable elements 22' evenly distributed around the circumference.When the cap 6' is first opened, the auxiliary element 20' is then broken out of the remaining base element 2' and pivoted away together with the cap 6'; the pouring channel 5' is then completely exposed. Figures 11 to 13 show a third embodiment of the pouring element according to the invention, which is particularly useful when the base element 2'' is produced first in the manufacturing process and serves at least partially as an injection mold for the closure element 3''. In the following, only the differences are explained. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023, for the first and second embodiments; the remaining features are identical. Here, six smaller openings 21'' are located in the auxiliary element 20'' to better distribute the forces during the initial opening. The three arms and thus the breakable elements 22'' of the auxiliary element 20'' are no longer evenly distributed over the circumference of the pouring channel 5''. Fig. 12 shows the position of the gripping aid 12'' where a consumer grasps the cap 6''. The breakable elements 22'' are arranged laterally, so that no additional breakable elements 22'' would have to be broken either at the start position (gripping aid 12'', left in the image) or at the opposite end position (pivoting connection 8'', right in the image) of the opening movement. The initial tearing of the adhesive connection requires increased force, especially at the start and end of the opening movement. This positioning therefore balances these forces throughout the entire process.In addition, the breakable elements 22'' do not break simultaneously, but one after the other (in Fig. 12: top left, bottom, top right), because the angular distances from the pivoting connection 8'' to the individual breakable elements 22'' are different. The angular distances are always measured between the legs from the central vertical axis to the aforementioned points. Figures 14A and 14B each show a perspective view from above of a fourth embodiment of a pouring element 1''' according to the invention. This pouring element 1''' has a base element 2''', an opening element 3''', a circumferential flange 4''', and a non-visible pouring channel, which is closed by a cap 6'''. The cap is articulated to a circumferential anchor element 7' by means of two pivoting connections 8'.In addition, the cap 6''' has a gripping aid 12''', which visually signals to the consumer that the cap 6''' can be swung open for opening. The anchor element 7' is rotatably held axially on a retaining element (not shown) of the base element 2'''. Furthermore, a cap skirt 23 is visible, which extends in the axial direction toward the flange element 4'''. H / lh 221163WODecember 15, 2023 and is connected to the anchor element 7' via breakable connections before initial opening. Finally, Fig. 15 shows how the inventive deformation of the pouring element (in the example 1") takes place in the region of the pouring channel when the cap 12" is pivoted open. For better clarity in the schematic drawing, the deformation is shown slightly exaggerated. Here, too, the shape of the cap 6" from Figures 11 and 12 is used as an example, which has a gripping aid 12" on one side and a locking component 10" on the opposite side. In order to visualize the interaction of the locking component 10" of the cap 6" and the anchor element 7, the cap 6" is shown broken open in the central region. It can be clearly seen that the pivoted-up locking component 10'' presses against the anchor element 7 and causes a deformation of the anchor element 7 and thus also of the pouring channel 5.Due to the protruding cap 6'' in the open configuration, the diameter of the pouring channel 5 is at least 1.5% smaller than the same diameter in the closed configuration of the cap 6''. Furthermore, the shape of the combined sealing and retaining element 17 of the cap 6'' is clearly visible in this illustration. The deformation according to the invention with the cap in the raised position, shown schematically in Fig. 15, applies to all embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the cap 6'' is shown here merely as an example pivoted open at an angle of 90° compared to the closed configuration. Depending on the distance and length of the two pivotable connections 8, as well as the design of the locking components 9 and 10'', this angle can also be configured up to 270° as required without deviating from the invention. H / lh 221163WO December 15, 2023

Claims

December 15, 2023Patent claims1. Pouring element (1, 1', 1'', 1''') for a composite package with a base element (2, 2', 2'', 2''') with a central pouring channel (5) and a flange element (4, 4', 4''; 4''') running around it for connection to the composite package and a closure element (3, 3', 3'', 3'''), wherein the closure element (3, 3', 3'', 3''') comprises a cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') and an anchor element (7, 7') which is integrally formed with the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') and is connected to the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') via two spaced pivotable connections (8, 8'), wherein the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') via the pivotable connections (8, 8') controllable between at least two configurations ist:- a closed configuration in which the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') closes the pouring channel (5) and - an open configuration in which the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') is pivoted open by at least 90° from the closed configuration via the pivotable connection (8, 8') and the pouring channel (5) is thereby exposed, characterized in that the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') in the open configuration rests between the two spaced pivotable connections (8, 8') on the pouring channel (5) and / or the anchor element (7, 7') and the base element (2, 2', 2'', 2''') is designed to be deformable such that the diameter of the pouring channel (5) is reduced by at least 1.5% smaller than the same diameter with the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') in the closed configuration.

2. Pouring element according to claim 1, - 2 - characterized in that s due to the protrusion of the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') in the open configuration, the diameter of the pouring channel (5) is at least 2% smaller than the same diameter with the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') in the closed configuration.

3. Pouring element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that s the anchor element (7, 7') is designed to be completely circumferential.

4. Pouring element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that s the pivotable connections (8, 8') bear against the pouring channel (5) in the closed configuration.

5. Pouring element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') in the open configuration is pivoted open by 180° to 270°, preferably by 210° to 250°, from the closed configuration via the pivotable connections (8, 8').6.Pouring element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the pouring channel (5) of the base element (2, 2', 2'', 2''') is designed as a hollow cylinder.

7. Pouring element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a radially outwardly projecting snap-in component (10, 10', 10'') is arranged on the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') between the two pivotable connections (8, 8').T. H / lh 221163WO December 15, 2023 - 3 -8. Pouring element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a radially recessed latching component is arranged on the cap in the region of the two pivotable connections.

9. Pouring element according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a complementary latching component (9) is attached to the anchor element (7) and / or to the pouring channel (5).

10. Pouring element according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the two pivotable connections (8, 8') are spaced apart by 35° to 70°, preferably by 40° to 55°, in the circumferential direction.

11. Pouring element according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the anchor element (7') is axially held rotatably on a retaining element of the pouring channel (5).12.Pouring element according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the anchor element (7) is immovably attached to the base element (2, 2', 2'', 2''') and bears directly against the base element (2, 2', 2'', 2''').

13. Pouring element according to claim 12, characterized in that the anchor element (7) bears directly against an outer wall of the pouring channel (5) and is immovably anchored.T. H / lh 221163WO December 15, 2023 - 4 -14. Pouring element according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the pouring channel (5) has an upper edge (15) opposite the circumferential flange element (4, 4', 4''; 4'''), wherein the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') bears against the entire surface at least along the upper edge (15) and adheres before the initial opening.

15. Pouring element according to claim 14, characterized in that the cap (6, 6', 6'', 6''') has a circumferential seal (16) which bears with its outer side against the inner wall of the pouring channel (5) and adheres before the initial opening, wherein the circumferential seal (16) and the inner wall of the pouring channel (5) each have an undercut.T H / lh 221163WO December 15, 2023

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