Pour element with protective cutting element guide

Abstract

A spout element (1) for a laminated package is shown and described, comprising a body (4) having a dispensing tube (15) and a circumferential fastening flange (16), a hollow cylindrical cutting element (3) arranged concentrically with the dispensing tube (15) and movably guided within the dispensing tube (15), and a reclosable screw cap (2). The cutting element (3) can be driven by the screw cap (2) for the initial opening of the laminated package. At least two guide ribs (17) formed on the dispensing tube (15) correspond to transmission means formed on the inside of the cutting element (3) so that an opening path is plotted first by at least one primarily axially piercing segment and then by a linear segment rotating about the longitudinal axis (A) of the dispensing tube (15). The cutting element (3) is arranged so that it can be guided along the opening path. To ensure increased safety during the guiding of the cutting element (3), the dispensing tube (15) has at least two first safety elements (18) which, together with the at least two guide ribs (17), are configured to provide bilateral guidance for the transmission means of the cutting element (3) along the piercing and / or rotating segments of the opening path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pouring spout element for a laminated package, comprising a body having a pouring tube and a circumferential fastening flange, a hollow cylindrical cutting element arranged concentrically with the pouring tube and guided movably within the pouring tube, and a resealable screw cap. The cutting element is drivable by the screw cap for the first opening of the laminated package, and at least two guide ribs formed on the inner side of the pouring tube and transmission means formed on the outer side of the cutting element cooperate correspondingly such that the opening path is plotted first by segments that penetrate at least mainly axially and then by segments that rotate purely about the longitudinal axis of the pouring tube, and the cutting element is arranged so as to be guided along the opening path.

Background Art

[0002] Such pouring spout elements are attached to respective packages in order to simplify handling during pouring and to enable resealing of the laminated package. The hollow cylindrical cutting element first opens the package, which has hitherto been airtight, and thus forms a pouring outlet. The screw cap enables resealing of the opened laminated package. The attachment of these pouring spout elements is usually carried out either by a separate machine, either by means of a hot melt adhesive or by welding the body to an outer plastic coating layer. In both variants, a circumferential fastening flange is used for this attachment process.

[0003] The exact layer structure of the laminate is variable depending on the requirements, but is at least composed of a cardboard carrier layer and a plastic coating layer. In addition, a barrier layer (e.g., aluminum, polyamide, or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) may be required to reliably enhance the barrier effect against gases for sterile products and further against light for aluminum. Thus, such a laminated package is also referred to as a cardboard / plastic laminated package.

[0004] Such laminated packaging is typically produced using one of two types of packaging machines. In the first option, an endless web made of sterilized laminate is formed into a tube and sealed, then filled with similarly sterilized filler material, sealed, and cut at regular intervals along its transverse direction. The resulting "packaging pads" are then formed into a parallelepiped packaging along the creased folds. The sealing seams formed in the gable region during transverse sealing are usually referred to as gable seams. The other option uses a blank made of laminate. The blank is first formed into a packaging sleeve by sealing the longitudinal seams, then formed into a packaging with one end open on a mandrel, and finally sterilized, filled, and sealed to form the final product.

[0005] Laminated materials are extremely difficult to separate thanks to their stable layered structure, and laminated packaging is usually adapted to the situation. The spout element may also have sufficient stability to easily cut through the entire layer of the laminate by its cutting element. However, this is usually unattractive for cost reasons. Therefore, it is common to provide an opening area such that a vulnerable area is formed in the opening area. This is known in two main different embodiments. On the one hand, a so-called weakening line is introduced into the outer layer of the laminate. This weakening line allows for easy separation depending on the shape and size of the cutting element used. On the other hand, the vulnerable area can be designed as a so-called "laminated hole" (German: ueberbeschichtetes Loch, English: laminated hole). The first option has the disadvantage that multiple edges are created in the opened carton, which come into direct contact with the filling material during pouring. This can cause cardboard fibers to enter the product, as well as alter the taste of the product. Therefore, a laminated hole is usually preferred as a solution.

[0006] As described in Patent Document 1 of the present applicant, the thin-layer holes are formed during the manufacturing of the laminate. Since holes are punched out of the cardboard carrier layer, localized weakening occurs in the laminate after coating with the plastic coating layer. In other words, the thin-layer holes are composed of all the layers of the normal laminate other than the cardboard carrier layer lost due to punching, i.e., multiple plastic coating layers, a barrier layer if necessary, and further lamination and bonding agents if necessary.

[0007] Patent Document 2 describes a general spout element. A body having a dispensing cylinder and a circumferential fastening flange, a screw cap, and a cutting element together form the spout element. When first operated, this spout element cuts a large area of ​​a thin-layer hole to form a spout, pushing aside the uncut portion of the thin-layer hole. In this case, the movement of the cutting element is guided by a screw thread formed on the outside of the dispensing cylinder of the body and driven by the screw cap. Because the cutting element is guided on the screw thread, the assembly, i.e., the configuration consisting of individual components, is found to be complex due to undercuts in the screw thread, and although it can be manufactured by injection molding, there are limitations in the selection of materials and / or the structure of the tool. This constraint on a constant feed in the screw motion of the cutting element results in slow insertion into the thin-layer hole. This means that the cutting element is dragged on the thin-layer hole at the corresponding angle. This promotes so-called "PE stretching." The polyethylene film stretches in length at the front end of the cut body of the cutting element and between the cut bodies. The film stretched in this manner results in an aperture that is not clean, or even imperfect.

[0008] These problems are solved in the applicant's Patent Documents 3 and 4 by performing a thrust-and-cutting motion. This thrust-and-cutting motion involves first thrusting downward at a steep angle or purely axially, and then transitioning to a purely horizontal rotational motion. This is made possible by individual guide ribs provided on the dispensing cylinder of the main body. These guide ribs change and guide the direction of movement of the cutting element. These guide ribs also make the assembly of the spout element much easier. On the other hand, this one-sided guidance only allows for relatively uncertain and unstable guidance of the cutting element. The cutting element is also held in place within the main body by its hollow cylindrical fit and the forces acting between the screw cap, the cutting element, and the thin-layer hole. Therefore, the safety provided by this form of guidance for the cutting element is insufficient, especially if the process deviates from the above. Excessive external force on the plastic part can cause the cutting element to deviate from its intended path, or the assembled cutting element may shift, become immobile, or even fall out completely in various ways before being attached to the packaging. During the opening process, various inaccurate operations can cause the cutting elements to tilt. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2 528 731(A1) [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 1 088 765(A1) [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 1 509 456(B1) [Patent Document 4] European Patent No. 1 513 732(B1) [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Based on the above, the fundamental objective of the present invention is to design and further develop the spout element mentioned at the beginning and described in detail earlier, so as to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks. This objective is to enhance safety. On the one hand, when the spout element is handled as intended, the known and desired opening behavior should be guaranteed, but even in the case of mishandling by the consumer, its function should be maintained. In particular, the cutting element must be prevented from being detached or falling off the main element, and in some cases from being swallowed as a result.

[0011] This objective is achieved, in the case of a spout element having the features of the premise portion of claim 1, by having at least two first safety elements. These two first safety elements, together with at least two guide ribs, are configured to provide on both sides guidance for the means of transmitting the cutting element along the piercing segment and / or rotating segment of the opening path. These first safety elements can also ensure the operation of the cutting element during the opening process by preventing any undesirable tilting of the cutting element.

[0012] Since the transmission mechanism can now only move freely to one side within the main body, even if, for example, the screw cover of a lock (German: Verschlusses, English: lock) that is not yet fully opened is unscrewed, the cutting element cannot be moved to an unintended position. Even if excessive force is applied to the spout element, the transmission mechanism keeps the cutting element in place as a guide.

[0013] Another teaching of the present invention assumes that each guide rib forms an angle (α) of 90° to 120°, preferably 90°, with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the dispensing cylinder. The rib is a reinforcing portion formed longitudinally in the constituent structure. In this case, such a rib protrudes from the inner wall of the dispensing cylinder of the main body to guide the cutting element. Thus, an angle is also measured at the side edge of the rib that guides the corresponding guide means of the cutting element. The special case where the angle is 90° corresponds positively to the description in the above Patent Document 4 of the present applicant, as well as to the exemplary embodiments described in detail in this specification.

[0014] In several further advantageous embodiments, the first guide means is formed as at least two transmission ribs extending circumferentially in the first portion. The circumferential, i.e., horizontal, portions of these transmission ribs are used for safe guidance during pure rotation, i.e., on the pure rotation segment of the opening path. In contrast, during thrusting, the front sides of these transmission ribs travel along the corresponding guide ribs.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention assumes that the height of each transmission rib, measured axially, is 90-99% of the internal axial distance between the guide rib and the corresponding first safety element. These distances should be kept small to guide each transmission rib as safely as possible in its horizontal rotational motion, but a certain amount of clearance is always necessary to prevent the transmission ribs, guided on both sides, from becoming immobile or stuck in an undesirable manner.

[0016] According to another teaching of the present invention, at least two transmission ribs should have a second portion at each end located at the front end in the rotational direction. The second portion extends from the first portion toward the circumferential fastening flange at an angle of 90° to 120°, preferably 90°. Here again, this angle is measured at the leading edge of the rib portion, and the special case of 90° corresponds to the exemplary embodiment described above. However, since the second portion needs to be inserted between the guide rib and the first safety element during the piercing process, it is preferable that both sides of the second portion taper acutely toward each other from top to bottom. In such cases, the average angular dimension of the leading and trailing edges can also be used to adjust this alignment.

[0017] In a further, convenient embodiment, each of the second parts has a width measured circumferentially. This width is 90-99% of the circumferentially measured internal distance between the guide rib and the corresponding first safety element.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, at least two first safety elements are designed as longitudinal ribs arranged axially. After the opening process, each longitudinal rib is surrounded laterally by two of the at least two horizontal transmission ribs of the cutting element. These longitudinal ribs serve several purposes. On the one hand, these ribs allow the second portion to be guided on both sides over a longer piercing path. On the other hand, after they have completed their rotation in the circumferential direction, the next auxiliary element in the direction of rotation, in the case of two, simply the other one, provides a stopping point for the transmission means, or its second portion. The termination point of this rotation is, of course, also defined in several other embodiments, but the longitudinal ribs arranged axially provide a more stable position.

[0019] Another teaching of the present invention assumes that a rotational segment of the opening path also exists downstream of the axial segment. This final movement along this additional axial segment, ending in a so-called parking position, typically does not occur until the already open lid is resealed. The respective force transmission elements between the screw lid and the cutting element move in opposite directions when viewed axially, and therefore move away from each other during the initial opening. Thus, at the end of the rotational movement in the circumferential direction, these force transmission elements can no longer perform their respective functions, and the cutting element remains in this position for a while. During resealing, these force transmission elements slide inward, avoiding the force transmission elements of the cutting element. This movement occurs only during reopening, and the cutting element is moved to the parking position. Thus, in most embodiments, the packaging is already fully opened before the entry of this axial segment.

[0020] In one specific embodiment, three corresponding guide ribs and three first safety elements are formed for every three transmission ribs, which serve as transmission means evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. On the one hand, mounting at three evenly distributed points ensures improved stability. On the other hand, the number of elements also defines the maximum rotation angle of the horizontal rotational movement of the cutting element. Here, this maximum rotation angle is defined as (360° / number of elements), i.e., 120°. This rotation angle influences how the teeth of the lower edge of the cutting element should be positioned around the circumference to cleanly cut thin-layer holes.

[0021] According to another teaching of the present invention, at least one second safety element is mounted in a region of the dispensing cylinder located far from the circumferential fastening flange. In the initial position after assembly, the transmission means is further held from above and on both sides. Otherwise, the transmission means is merely resting on at least two guide ribs. This prevents the cutting element from falling out or tilting at various stages of manufacturing and use. For example, otherwise, the cutting element could fall out even during assembly, resulting in a package being delivered with the main element and screw cap but without the cutting element. Similarly, without the second safety element, the cutting element could tilt in the assembled position and subsequently become immobile during the initial opening and / or remain detached within the main element. In particular with respect to these further functions, such a second safety element may also be positioned so that the transmission means is supported therefrom. This also ensures the centering and, consequently, the fixing of the cutting element. To stabilize the cutting element, at least one separate second safety element is required, although in practice, the number of guide ribs, transmission means, and safety elements are usually the same.

[0022] Another teaching of the present invention assumes that at least one side of at least one second safety element, opposite to the circumferential fastening flange, is chamfered. This upper side of the second safety element is not related to function and is therefore designed for simplified assembly so that the cutting element can be introduced from above with as little resistance as possible, without the need to incorporate the rotation of the cutting element into the assembly process. In the above case, when the transmission means is mounted on at least one second safety element, this teaching of the present invention nevertheless allows the passage of the cutting element along the opening path without disproportionately increasing the opening force. For this purpose, the proportion occupied by such second safety elements should be less than approximately 80% of the radial extensions of at least two guide ribs.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, an additional pure rotation segment is upstream of the opening path. In this case, the cutting element is arranged such that the cutting element is further securely held in the initial holding position by a second safety element.

[0024] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail by referring to the drawings which merely show a preferred exemplary embodiment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] The pouring spout element according to the present invention is shown in a perspective view. [Figure 2] The pouring spout element according to the present invention is shown as an exploded perspective view from below. [Figure 3A] One step of the opening process of the pouring spout element according to the present invention is shown in a perspective view from below. [Figure 3B] One step of the opening process of the pouring spout element according to the present invention is shown in a view from below. [Figure 3C] The first and second guiding means and the safety element according to the present invention are shown in a vertical projection view. [Figure 4A] One step of the opening process of the pouring spout element according to the present invention is shown in a perspective view from below. [Figure 4B] One step of the opening process of the pouring spout element according to the present invention is shown in a view from below. [Figure 4C] The first and second guiding means and the safety element according to the present invention are shown in a vertical projection view. [Figure 5A] One step of the opening process of the pouring spout element according to the present invention is shown in a perspective view from below. [Figure 5B] One step of the opening process of the pouring spout element according to the present invention is shown in a view from below. [Figure 5C] The first and second guiding means and the safety element according to the present invention are shown in a vertical projection view. [Figure 6A] One step of the opening process of the pouring spout element according to the present invention is shown in a perspective view from below. [Figure 6B]A diagram showing one step of the opening process for the spout element according to the present invention is shown from below. [Figure 6C] The first and second guide means and safety elements according to the present invention are shown in a vertical projection diagram. [Figure 7A] A perspective view from below shows one step of the opening process for the spout element according to the present invention. [Figure 7B] A diagram showing one step of the opening process for the spout element according to the present invention is shown from below. [Figure 7C] The first and second guide means and safety elements according to the present invention are shown in a vertical projection diagram. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Figure 1 shows an external perspective view of the spout element 1 according to the present invention. In this case, the spout element 1 is in the assembly position, i.e., the position when it is also attached to the laminated packaging. The individual components of the spout element 1 are better shown in the exploded view of Figure 2. The screw cap 2 is attached to the main body 4 together with the hollow cylindrical cut element 3.

[0027] The lower part of the screw cover 2 is designed as an anchoring 5. The anchoring 5 serves to reliably prevent the removal of the screw cover 2 from the body 4, or the laminated packaging containing the body 4, after the opening process. For this purpose, the screw cover 2 and the anchoring 5 are hinged to each other. This hinge is formed by two weakening zones 6 positioned above and below each other. Both of these weakening zones 6 extend only to a portion of the entire circumference of the screw cover 2 and are typically formed by a series of consecutive cuts. In addition to the weakening zones 6, an indicator element 7 also serves as a reliability seal. The indicator element 7 is designed so that, as can be seen in Figures 6A and 7A, it is visually apparent that the indicator element 7 has already broken before the cutting element 3 damages the thin-layer hole during the piercing process. This function is not necessarily guaranteed by the weakening zones 6 alone.

[0028] On the inside of the screw cover 2, multiple screw pitches of the female thread 8 are visible. These screw pitches allow the opening and closing of the spout element 1 by the helical motion of the screw. A force transmission element 9 is also visible. The force transmission element 9 acts on the force transmission element 10 of the cutting element 3 to drive the cutting element 3 during the screw motion of the screw cover 2 and move the cutting element 3 along the intended path. The effective area of ​​the force transmission element 9 forms an angle between 30° and 60° with respect to the cover surface. This effective angle allows the cutting element 3 to be driven in thrusting and rotational motion. At the lower end of the force transmission element 9, another part helps to better guide the cutting element 3 during horizontal rotational motion. The force transmission element 10 has two corresponding surfaces to optimally absorb the force of the rotational motion of the screw cover 2.

[0029] Two of the three circumferentially extending transmission ribs 11 are visible on the upper edge of the cutting element 3. Each of these transmission ribs has a second portion 12 at its front end in the direction of rotation, designed at a 90° angle to the transmission rib 11. A plurality of incisors 13, 12 in this exemplary embodiment, are provided on the lower edge of the cutting element 3. These incisors 13 have a shape with a tip optimized for the piercing process and a cutting edge located at the front end in the direction of rotation that cuts open the thin layer hole during pure rotational motion. In addition, these teeth are arranged in succession such that a notch is formed between each pair of incisors 13. This allows for the separation of longitudinally stretched polyethylene threads that may result from "PE stretching". The angle region without incisors 13 needs to be smaller than the maximum rotation angle of the cutting element 3 so that it can first cleanly separate the thin layer hole and then easily push aside any unseparated areas. A gap 14 for draining residual liquid is also formed in this empty region. This ensures that, after the opening process is complete, and especially after the first resealing, there are no protruding elements in the laminated packaging, at least in this portion of the dispensing channel. This also makes it possible to empty the last remaining residue of the filling material from the laminated packaging through this gap.

[0030] At the bottom of this exploded view, the dispensing cylinder 15 is visible, and a circumferential fastening flange 16 is visible on its lower edge. The dispensing cylinder 15 and the circumferential fastening flange 16 together form the main body 4. To fasten the spout element 1 to the laminated packaging, the circumferential fastening flange 16 is either glued to the outermost plastic layer of the laminated packaging or directly welded to it. Multiple guide ribs 17, as well as the first safety element 18 and the second safety element 19, are visible on the inner wall of the dispensing cylinder according to the present invention. The screw pitch of the male thread 20 is also visible on the outside of the dispensing cylinder. These screw pitches are mating to the female thread 8 of the screw cap 2. Multiple centering elements 21 are visible on the lower edge of the main body 4. These centering elements 21 not only further center the cutting element 3, but also form the end portion on the thin-layer hole side. The longitudinal axis A of the dispensing cylinder 15 and the hollow cylindrical cutting element 3 is also visible. The dispensing cylinder 15 and the hollow cylindrical cutting element 3 are arranged concentrically. Therefore, the longitudinal axis A also serves as the axis of rotation for the cutting element 3 during the opening process.

[0031] Figure 3A shows the spout element 1 in its assembled position, in the same bottom perspective as in Figure 2. This figure makes it particularly easy to see how the force transmission elements 9 and 10 are combined. It is also clearly visible that the tips of each cutting tooth 13 of the cutting element 3 are kept at a sufficient distance from the underside of the circumferential fastening flange 16, and consequently from the thin-layer hole if the spout element is attached to the laminated packaging. This prevents premature damage to the thin-layer hole. Figure 3B shows the same situation from a bottom view. The force transmission element 9 of the screw cover 2 is hidden to ensure a better view. In this figure, the rear ends of the horizontal transmission ribs 11 are visible on both sides of the guide ribs 17. This is because they are hidden in this figure as they rest on top of each other.

[0032] Figure 3C shows an unfolded view of the cylinder. Only the interlocking elements inside the dispensing cylinder 15 and the interlocking elements outside the cutting element 3 are depicted. For example, it is easy to see that the angle α formed by the guide rib 17 with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the dispensing cylinder 15 corresponds to the angle β formed by the second part 12. In this exemplary embodiment, since both of these angles are approximately 90°, these two ribs are slidable along their respective equally aligned surfaces. It is also clear how the transmission rib 11 rests on the guide rib 17 in the assembled position, and how it supports the cutting element 3 in a stable position. At the same time, the transmission rib 11 is held in place from above by the second safety element 19 (not shown in this figure).

[0033] Figures 4A to 4C show the spout elements at the start of the piercing motion. For the piercing motion, the screw cap 2 and the cutting element 3 need to be rotated slightly to move away from their initial stable positions. This rotational motion is indicated by arrows in all the partial figures. Figure 4B shows how the cutting element 3 is rotated so that the transmission rib 11 contacts the guide element 17. Figure 4C further shows how the second portion 12 of the transmission rib 11 can be guided flat along the guide element 17 even before the engagement of the first safety element 18. Figures 4A and 4B further show the longitudinal axis A of the pouring cylinder 15 of the spout element 1. The piercing motion along this axis and the rotational motion around this axis are performed as part of the cutting process.

[0034] In Figures 5A to 5C, as indicated by the respective directional arrows, further rotation of the screw cover 2 initiates the piercing motion of the cutting element 3 along the opening path. Although only a small portion of the overall opening process has been completed, as these two elements are far apart from each other, it is easily recognizable that the force transmission elements 9 and 10 have already advanced to their respective relative positions. It is also visible how the tips of the cutting teeth 13 protrude beyond the lower edge of the circumferential flange element 16 and thus pierce the thin-layer hole of the attached spout element 1. When angles α and β are 90° as shown in this exemplary embodiment, the diagrams in Figures 4B to 6B are exactly the same. This is because the cutting element 3 is inserted purely axially. Figure 5C clearly shows how the second portion 12 of the transmission rib 11 is inserted between the guide rib 17 and the first auxiliary element 18. For this purpose, the width of the second section 12, shown as X1 in this figure and measured horizontally, must be smaller than the internal distance between the guide rib 17 and the first safety element 18, also shown as X2 and measured horizontally. In practice, X1 and X2 should be selected such that there is still enough clearance for the second section 12 to be guided, but without any problems, and to allow for precise sliding. From this figure, it can also be seen that the legs of the second section 12 are slightly tapered toward each other to facilitate insertion into a gap of width X2.

[0035] Figures 6A to 6C show the spout element 1 at the end of the piercing process, and consequently, at the transition to the horizontal rotation motion. At this point, the incisors 13 protrude significantly, with all cutting edges acting on the thin-layer hole (not shown in this figure). During piercing, the thin-layer hole stretches as an elastic layer, so at this position, polyethylene flakes are usually still present between each tooth. These flakes are then separated only during the horizontal rotation motion. There are also continuously intact sections of the thin-layer hole between the foremost and rearmost ends of these incisors 13. The remaining portion of the thin-layer hole is attached there and can be pushed aside by the cutting element 3. At this point, it can also be seen that each force transmission element 9 is connected to the force transmission element 10 by the portion formed at its lowest vertical end. From this point onward, only the screw cap 2 moves axially by a flat unscrew motion, so this vertically formed portion is somewhat smaller than the rest of the force transmission element 9.

[0036] Next, Figure 6C shows the second function of the first auxiliary element 18. During rotational motion, the transmission rib 11 is clearly guided on both sides. In the prior art, the cutting element 3 was supported only by the force acting on the thin-layer hole from below from this point in the cutting process. This figure clearly shows the improved safety due to this support function. It also shows how the axially measured height Y1 can be made less than or equal to the internal distance, shown as Y2 in this figure, between the axially measured guide rib 17 and the first safety element 18, so that horizontal rotational motion can be performed. Here again, lengths Y1 and Y2 are selected so that the horizontal transmission rib 11 is barely guided, while still having enough clearance to allow for accurate sliding without problems. The second part 12, shown by the dashed line, particularly clearly shows how the transmission rib 11 of the cutting element 3 moves forward during rotational motion.

[0037] Finally, Figure 7A shows how the cutting element 3 is rotated approximately 120° around the axis of the spout element 1. As can be seen from Figures 7b and 7C, the screw cover 2 is still screwed up sufficiently high during the screwing motion so that the force transmission elements 9 and 10 can be pushed together when the cutting element 3 is in contact with the respective next first safety elements 18 via the second portion 12 of the transmission rib 11. After this pushing, the screw cover 2 no longer directly contacts the cutting element 3, and the cutting element 3 is held between the screw cover 2 and the body 4 only by the screw pair. Depending on the length and pitch of this screw pair, the screw cover 2 is screwed up by a different length. It has been found that consumers consider a total rotation angle of 360° to 450° to be optimal. In this exemplary embodiment, the total rotation angle of the screw cover 2 is 410°, but the cutting element is driven only approximately 120° so as to ensure full opening of the thin-layer hole before the screw cover 2 is removed from the body 4.

[0038] In Figures 7B and 7C, it is readily apparent that the second portion 12 is in contact with the following first safety element 18, respectively, when viewed in the rotational direction. These figures show the terminal position of the cutting element 3 after the initial opening. From approximately this point onward, the force transmission element 9 no longer actively contacts the force transmission element 10. When the spout element 1 is resealed, each force transmission element 9 behind each force transmission element 10 is pushed inward and disengaged, so the force transmission element 9 passes by the force transmission element 10. During reopening, these elements engage with each other, and consequently the cutting element 3 is displaced again axially toward the packaging. Depending on the precise design and arrangement of each element, this interruption between the first operation and the operation during the second opening can naturally occur at different points. Therefore, in several other embodiments, it may be possible that part of this second axial movement of the cutting element 3 has already occurred during the initial opening, or that the final part of the rotational movement about the longitudinal axis A occurs only during reopening.

[0039] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments presented, and can be extended to various configurations without departing from the underlying concepts of the invention. For this purpose, further preferred embodiments are provided in the dependent claims.

[0040] In this context, ribs in particular should not be overlooked. As mentioned above, ribs are reinforcing portions formed along the longitudinal direction of the constituent structure. Such ribs, in this case, project from the inner wall of the main body's dispensing cylinder to guide the cutting element. Of course, most of the functions of the present invention can also be performed by, for example, at least two smaller elements projecting from the wall of the dispensing cylinder. These elements may have different forms and may be arranged linearly. In other words, this would be a rib into which multiple gaps are introduced.

Claims

1. A spout element (1) for a laminated package, comprising: a body (4) having a spout tube (15) and a circumferential fastening flange (16); a hollow cylindrical cutting element (3) arranged concentrically with the spout tube (15) and movably guided within the spout tube (15); and a reclosable screw cap (2), wherein the cutting element (3) can be driven by the screw cap (2) for the initial opening of the laminated package, and the spout element (1) comprises at least two guide ribs (17) formed inside the spout tube (15) and a transmission means formed outside the cutting element (3). a spout element (1) in which firstly a piercing segment that pierces at least mainly in the axial direction, which pierces the tip portion of the cutting element (3), and then a rotating segment that rotates about the longitudinal axis (A) of the spout tube (15), which rotating segment corresponds to the cutting edge portion of the cutting element (3), are arranged in such a way that an opening path is plotted and the cutting element (3) can be guided along the opening path, The spout element (1) is characterized in that the spout (15) has at least two first safety elements (18) which, together with the at least two guide ribs (17), are designed to provide guidance on both sides for the transmission means of the cutting element (3) along the piercing segment and / or the rotating segment of the opening path.

2. A spout element as described in claim 1, characterized in that each of the at least two guide ribs (17) forms an angle (α) of 90° to 120° circumferentially with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) of the spout tube (15).

3. 3. A spout element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmission means on the cutting element (3) are designed as at least two transmission ribs (11) extending circumferentially on the upper edge of the cutting element (3).

4. 4. A spout element according to claim 3, characterized in that each transmission rib (11) has a height (Y1), measured in the axial direction, which is 90 to 99% of the clearance distance (Y2), measured in the axial direction, between the guide rib (17) and the corresponding first safety element (18).

5. 5. A spout element according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the at least two transmission ribs (11) have, at their respective ends located at the front end in the direction of rotation, a portion (12) extending from the transmission rib (11) towards the circumferential fastening flange (16) at an angle (β) of between 90° and 120°.

6. 6. A spout element according to claim 5, characterized in that each of the portions (12) of the at least two transmission ribs (11) extending from the transmission rib (11) towards the circumferential fastening flange (16) at an angle (β) of between 90° and 120° has a width (X1) measured in the circumferential direction, said width (X1) being 90-99% of the clearance distance (X2) measured in the circumferential direction between the guide rib (17) and the corresponding first safety element (18).

7. 7. A spout element according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the at least two first safety elements (18) are designed as axially arranged longitudinal ribs, and that after the opening process, each longitudinal rib is surrounded laterally by two of the at least two transmission ribs (11) of the cutting element (3).

8. 8. A spout element according to claim 7, characterized in that an additional piercing segment is arranged downstream of the rotating segment of the opening path.

9. A spout element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that for every three transmission ribs (11) as transmission means evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, three corresponding guide ribs (17) and three first safety elements (18) are formed.

10. At least one second safety element (19) is attached to the inside of the dispensing tube (15), 10. The spout element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second safety element (19) is positioned axially above the transmission means of the cutting element (3), which rests on the at least two guide ribs (17), in an initial position after assembly of the spout element (1).

11. 11. Spout element according to claim 10, characterized in that said at least one second safety element (19) is chamfered on at least one side opposite said circumferential fastening flange (16).

12. 12. A spout element according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that an additional rotating segment is upstream of the opening path and the cutting element (3) is arranged such that the cutting element (3) is further held in an initial holding position by the second safety element (19).

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