Opening device for a package, and package

Abstract

An opening device (100) for a package, comprising a base (110), a cap (120), a cutter (130), a driving connection device, and a guide device. The cutter (130) is at least partially provided in an opening (215) of the base (110). The driving connection device connects the cutter (130) to the cap (120), and when the cap (120) is initially unscrewed to open the opening (215), the cap (120) drives the cutter (130) to move to cut a sealing layer of the package. The guide device guides the cutter (130) to move along a predetermined path under the driving of the cap (120). The predetermined path comprises a first starting spiral section and a second subsequent spiral section, and when the cutter (130) moves along the two sections, the cutter (130) rotates about the axis (X) while moving along the axis (X). In response to the cap (120) being rotated by a specific angle, the distance of movement of the cutter (130) in the direction of the axis (X) when the cutter (130) moves along the first starting spiral section is greater than the distance of movement thereof in the direction of the axis (X) when the cutter (130) moves along the second subsequent spiral section, but the angle of rotation of the cutter (130) about the axis (X) when the cutter (130) moves along the first starting spiral section is less than the angle of rotation thereof about the axis (X) when the cutter (130) moves along the second subsequent spiral section.

Description

Opening device for packaging and packaging Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an opening device for a package, and more particularly to a reclosable opening device. Background Art

[0002] The outlet of some packages (e.g., beverage packaging) is sealed with a sealing layer, such as a pierceable film. An existing opening device for such packages includes a cutter capable of cutting the sealing layer. The cutter can be moved toward the sealing layer under the action of a twist-off cap to cut the sealing layer, so that the contents of the package can be poured out from the opening.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides an opening device for a package, comprising a base, a cap, a cutter, a drive connection, and a guide. The base defines an opening having an axis. The cap is threadedly connected to the base to close and open the opening. The cutter is cylindrical and has a cutting portion disposed at its distal end. The cutter is at least partially disposed in the opening of the base. The drive connection couples the cutter to the cap and is configured such that, when the cap is initially loosened to open the opening, rotation of the cap drives the cutter to move to cut the sealing layer of the package. The guide couples the cutter to the base and is configured to guide the cutter along a predetermined path under the drive of the cap. The predetermined path comprises a first initial spiral segment and a second subsequent spiral segment, and as the cutter moves along the first initial spiral segment and the second subsequent spiral segment, the cutter rotates about the axis while moving along the axis. In response to the cap being rotated a specific angle, the distance the cutter moves in the axial direction when moving along the first starting spiral segment is greater than the distance the cutter moves in the axial direction when moving along the second subsequent spiral segment, but the angle the cutter rotates around the axis when moving along the first starting spiral segment is less than the angle the cutter rotates around the axis when moving along the second subsequent spiral segment.

[0005] According to the opening device of the first aspect mentioned above, the guide device includes at least one guide groove and at least one guide slider accommodated in the at least one guide groove, at least one guide groove is arranged on the inner surface of the base, and at least one guide slider is arranged on the outer surface of the cutter.

[0006] According to the opening device of the first aspect, the guide chute includes a first chute section and a second chute section connected to each other, the first chute section forming a first initial spiral section, and the second chute section forming the second subsequent spiral section. When viewed from the axial direction, the first chute section is steeper than the second chute section.

[0007] The opening device according to the first aspect further includes at least one stop. The at least one stop is disposed in the first chute section of the at least one guide chute and near the starting point of the at least one guide chute. The at least one stop is configured to cooperate with the at least one guide slider to constrain the cutter to its initial position when the cutter is not driven by the cap, and to allow the at least one guide slider to pass over the at least one stop to cut the sealing layer of the package when the cutter is driven by the cap.

[0008] According to the opening device of the first aspect, the at least one limiting portion is at least one limiting protrusion.

[0009] The opening device according to the first aspect further comprises at least one stopper, which is arranged in the second chute section of the at least one guide chute and defines an end position of the at least one guide chute.

[0010] According to the opening device of the first aspect, the at least one guide chute includes four guide chute segments, the first chute segments of the four guide chute segments being evenly arranged about the axis. The at least one guide slide includes four guide slide segments, the four guide slide segments being evenly arranged about the axis on the outer surface of the cutter and respectively received in the four guide chute segments.

[0011] According to the opening device of the first aspect, at least one guide slider protrudes from the outer surface of the cutter and gradually contracts as it moves away from the cutter.

[0012] According to the opening device of the first aspect, the cutting portion of the cutter includes a plurality of cutting teeth, each of which includes a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge located on opposite sides of the cutting tooth. In the direction of rotation of the cutter, the first cutting edge is located in front of the second cutting edge, and the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge intersect to form a tip. The first cutting edge includes a first cutting edge head portion proximal to the tip and a first cutting edge tail portion distal to the tip. Viewed from the axial direction, the first cutting edge head portion is steeper than the first cutting edge tail portion.

[0013] According to the opening device of the first aspect, the second cutting edge comprises a second cutting edge head portion close to the tip and a second cutting edge tail portion away from the tip, wherein the second cutting edge head portion and the second cutting edge tail portion together form a shape protruding away from the first cutting edge.

[0014] According to the opening device of the first aspect, the driving connection device includes a propulsion column provided on the cap and a joint provided on the cutter. The propulsion column cooperates with the joint so that the movement of the cap drives the cutter to move toward the sealing layer.

[0015] According to the opening device of the first aspect, two cap threads are provided on the inner surface of the cap for threadedly connecting the cap to the base, and the starting points of the two cap threads are 180 degrees apart.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a package, which includes a packaging box and the opening device according to the first aspect, wherein the base of the opening device is connected to the packaging box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG1A is a diagram showing an opening device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure being used on a package;

[0018] FIG1B is an exploded view of the opening device shown in FIG1A ;

[0019] FIG2A is a perspective view of the base of the opening device shown in FIG1A as viewed from the front to the rear;

[0020] FIG2B is a perspective view of the base of the opening device shown in FIG1A as viewed from the rear to the front;

[0021] FIG2C is a side view of the base shown in FIG2A ;

[0022] FIG2D is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG2C ;

[0023] FIG3A is a perspective view of the cap of the opening device shown in FIG1A when viewed from bottom to top;

[0024] FIG3B is a perspective view of the cap of the opening device shown in FIG1A from a second perspective when viewed from bottom to top;

[0025] FIG4A is a perspective view of the cutter of the opening device shown in FIG1A viewed from below;

[0026] FIG4B is a top view of the cutter shown in FIG4A;

[0027] FIG4C is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG4B ;

[0028] FIG5A is a perspective view of the opening device shown in FIG1A in a closed state;

[0029] FIG5B is a cross-sectional view of the opening device shown in FIG1A in a closed state;

[0030] FIG6A is a perspective view of the opening device shown in FIG1A in the opening process;

[0031] FIG6B is a cross-sectional view of the opening device shown in FIG1A during the opening process;

[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the opening device shown in FIG. 1A in an open state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Various specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification. It should be understood that although directional terms such as "front," "back," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are used in this disclosure to describe various example structural parts and elements of the present disclosure, these terms are used herein for convenience of description only and are determined based on the example orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Because the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure can be arranged in different orientations, these directional terms are intended to be illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0034] 1A and 1B illustrate the overall structure of an opening device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein FIG. 1A is a view of the opening device 100 in use in a package 1 , and FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the opening device 100 .

[0035] As shown in FIG1A , an opening device 100 is used to open and close an outlet (not shown) on a packaging box 10 of a package 1. The top of the packaging box 10 is provided with an outlet, which is encapsulated with a sealing layer (not shown) that can be cut open so that the contents of the packaging 1 can be poured out from the outlet. The opening device 100 is made of, for example, a plastic material. The shape of the packaging box 10 can be other than that shown in FIG1A .

[0036] As shown in FIG1B , the opening device 100 includes a base 110, a cap 120, a cutter 130, and an anti-fouling ring 140. The base 110 is arranged around the sealing layer on the outlet of the packaging box 10 and is located above the sealing layer. The cap 120 is threadedly connected to the base 110 and can be loosened from the base 110 or tightened again on the base 110. The anti-fouling ring 140 is integrally formed with the cap 120, and the two are interconnected by a dot-shaped weakened connection portion 145, and the anti-fouling ring 140 is fixedly connected to the base 110. When the cap 120 is first loosened relative to the base 110, the weakened connection portion 145 breaks, so that the cap 120 is separated from the anti-fouling ring 140. The cutter 130 is arranged between the cap 120 and the base 110. When the cap 120 is first loosened from the base 110, the cutter 130 can move toward the sealing layer under the drive of the cap 120 to cut the sealing layer. To this end, the opening device 100 further includes a drive connection device for coupling the cap 120 to the cutter 130, so that movement of the cap 120 can drive the cutter 130 toward the sealing layer. The opening device 100 further includes a guide device that couples the cutter 130 to the base 110 and is used to guide the cutter 130 along a predetermined path under the drive of the cap 120, thereby cutting the sealing layer in the following desired manner.

[0037] Specifically, the predetermined path includes a first starting spiral segment and a second subsequent spiral segment. When moving along the first starting spiral segment and the second subsequent spiral segment, the cutter 130 moves along the axis X of the base 110 while rotating around the axis X. In addition, in response to the cap 120 rotating a specific angle, the distance moved by the cutter 130 in the direction of the axis X when moving along the first starting spiral segment is greater than the distance moved in the direction of the axis X when moving along the second subsequent spiral segment, but the angle of rotation of the cutter 130 around the axis X when moving along the first starting spiral segment is smaller than the angle of rotation around the axis X when moving along the second subsequent spiral segment.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the drive connection device includes a push column 370 (see Figures 3A and 3B) provided on the cap 120 and an engagement portion 420 (see Figures 4A and 4B) provided on the cutter 130. The guide device includes a guide slot 252 (see Figures 2A and 2D) provided on the inner surface of the base 110 and a guide slider 453 (see Figures 4A-4C) provided on the outer surface of the cutter 130. This will be described in detail below. Figures 2A-2D illustrate the specific structure of the base 110, wherein Figure 2A is a perspective view of the base 110 viewed from the front to the rear, Figure 2B is a perspective view of the base 110 viewed from the rear to the front, Figure 2C is a side view of the base 110, and Figure 2D is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2C.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the base 110 has an axis X. The base 110 includes a cylindrical neck 220 centered around the axis X and a flange 230 arranged at an axial end of the neck 220. The neck 220 defines an opening 215 for pouring the contents (e.g., beverages) of the package 1. The flange 230 extends outwardly around the neck 220 and away from the axis X for connecting the base 110 to the top of the packaging box 10. The base 110 is arranged around the sealing layer on the packaging box 10 so that when the sealing layer is cut, the outlet on the packaging box 10 covered by the sealing layer communicates with the opening 215 of the base 110 so that the contents of the package 1 can be poured out through the opening 215 of the opening device 110.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B , two base threads are provided on the outer surface of the neck 220 of the base 110, namely a first base thread 260 and a second base thread 270. The first base thread 260 and the second base thread 270 are configured to engage with threads on the cap 110 to threadably connect the cap 120 to the base 110. The cap 120 can thus be rotated about the axis X to be tightened or loosened from the base 110, thereby closing or opening the opening 215 of the base 110.

[0041] The first base thread 260 and the second base thread 270 are two independent threads, and the two are staggered. In addition, the angle at which the first base thread 260 and the second base thread 270 extend around the base 110 is less than 360 degrees. As shown in FIG2A , the first base thread 260 has a head end 261 and a tail end 263, and in the axial direction of the base 110, the head end 261 is located above the tail end 263. As shown in FIG2B , the second base thread 270 has a head end 271 and a tail end 273, and in the axial direction of the base 110, the head end 271 is located above the tail end 273. The head end 261 of the first base thread 260 and the head end 271 of the second base thread 270 are staggered 180 degrees along the circumferential direction.

[0042] By providing two independent threads and staggering them by 180 degrees, the cap 120 can be opened at a smaller screwing angle while ensuring sufficient thread connection strength, while also reducing the space occupied by the threads in the axial direction of the base 110. Therefore, compared to a single thread, the threaded cap 120 using this arrangement rises a greater distance when rotated at the same angle, making the cap 120 easier to open.

[0043] Still as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, four guide slots 252 are provided on the inner surface of the base 110, two of which can be seen in Figure 2A, and the other two can be seen in Figure 2B. These four guide slots 252 have substantially the same configuration.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2C and 2D, each guide chute 252 includes a first chute segment 254 and a second chute segment 256 that are interconnected. The first chute segment 254 is further from the flange 230 of the base 110 than the second chute segment 256. Therefore, the starting and ending points of the guide chute 252 are located at the distal ends of the first and second chute segments 254, 256, respectively. The first chute segment 254 cooperates with the guide slider 453 disposed on the outer surface of the cutter 130 to define a first initial spiral segment in the predetermined path. The second chute segment 256 cooperates with the guide slider 453 disposed on the outer surface of the cutter 130 to define a second subsequent spiral segment in the predetermined path. Viewed from the direction of axis X, the first chute segment 254 is steeper than the second chute segment 256. In some embodiments, the paths formed by the first and second chute segments 254, 256 are both involutes. In other embodiments, the paths formed by the first and second chute segments 254, 256 may also be other types of curves. The first slide groove section 254 and the second slide groove section 256 are configured so that, in response to the cap 120 rotating a specific angle, the distance the cutter 130 moves in the direction of the axis X when moving along the first starting spiral section (under the guidance of the first slide groove section 254) is greater than the distance it moves in the direction of the axis X when moving along the second subsequent spiral section (under the guidance of the second slide groove section 256), but the angle at which the cutter 130 rotates around the axis X when moving along the first starting spiral section (under the guidance of the first slide groove section 254) is less than the angle at which the cutter 130 rotates around the axis X when moving along the second subsequent spiral section (under the guidance of the second slide groove section 256).

[0045] 2A and 2D , the first chute section 254 extends a shorter length on the inner surface of the base 110, while the second chute section 256 extends a longer length on the inner surface of the base 110. The first chute sections 254 of the four guide chute grooves 252 are evenly arranged on the inner surface of the base 110 around the axis X.

[0046] A stopper 257 is provided in the first chute section 254 of each guide chute 252. The stopper 257 is positioned near the starting point of the guide chute 252, where the chute entrance 251 is located. A retaining space is formed between the stopper 257 and the chute entrance 251 to accommodate the guide slider 453 (shown in FIG4A ) on the outer surface of the cutter 130. The stopper 257 is a stopper protrusion protruding from the first chute section 254. When the cutter 130 is not yet driven by the cap 120, the stopper 257 engages with the guide slider 453 on the outer surface of the cutter 130, retaining the guide slider 453 in the retaining space between the stopper 257 and the chute entrance 251, thereby maintaining the cutter 130 in its initial position. Furthermore, the stopper 257 is configured to allow the cutter 130 to pass over the stopper 257 and move along the guide chute 252 when the cap 120 drives the cutter 130. To this end, the height of the limiting portion 257 protruding from the first slide groove section 254 is set so that when the cutter 130 has not yet been driven by the cap 120, the guide slider 453 on the outer surface of the cutter 130 contacts each other with a certain friction force, and when the cutter 130 is driven by the cap 120, the driving force can overcome the friction force, so that the cutter 130 can pass over the limiting portion 257.

[0047] As shown in FIG2D , a stopper 259 is provided in the second chute section 256 of each guide chute 252. The stopper 259 defines the end position of the guide chute 252. The stopper 259 is a component protruding from the second chute section 256. When the cutter 130 moves in the guide chute 252 until the guide slider 453 on its outer surface hits the stopper 259, the cutter 130 reaches its end position. The stopper 259 can maintain the cutter 130 at its end position.

[0048] Figures 3A-3D illustrate the specific structure of the cap 120. Figure 3A is a perspective view of the cap 120 of the opening device 100 shown in Figure 1 from a first perspective, viewed from the bottom up. Figure 3B is a perspective view of the cap 120 from a second perspective, viewed from the bottom up, with Figure 3B rotated relative to Figure 3A. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the cap 120 has an axis A. When the cap 120 is installed on the base 110, the cap 120 and the base 110 are coaxially arranged, that is, the axis A of the cap 120 coincides with the axis X of the base 110. The cap 120 includes a circular top cover 310 and a cylindrical sidewall 320 that surrounds the edge of the top cover 310 and extends along the axis A. The inner surface of the sidewall 320 is provided with threads 383 for engaging with the threads 240 on the base 110. The cap 120 further includes a propulsion post 370 that extends from the top cover 310 toward the base 110 along the axis A. The propulsion post 370 is at least partially accommodated in the accommodation space formed by the cylindrical sidewall 320. The propulsion post 370 is radially spaced a certain distance from the sidewall 320 so that the neck 220 of the base 110 can be accommodated therebetween. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the cap 120 includes three propulsion posts 370, which are symmetrically arranged relative to the axis A. Each propulsion post 370 also extends in a circumferential direction, and the three propulsion posts 370 extend along the same circumference. In other embodiments, the number of propulsion posts is not limited to three, and can be two, for example.

[0049] As shown in FIG3B , the push rod 370 is generally sheet-shaped and includes a driving edge 372. The driving edge 372 includes a first edge 373 proximal to the top cover 310 and a second edge 375 distal to the top cover 310, with the second edge 375 connected to the first edge 373. Both the first edge 373 and the second edge 375 extend obliquely relative to the axis A, but the inclination of the second edge 375 is less than that of the first edge 373. The driving edge 372 engages with the engagement portion 420 on the cutter 130 (see FIG4A ), enabling the cutter 130 to be driven to perform a cutting operation by loosening (rotating) the cap 120. In which, when the first section edge 373 of the driving edge 372 drives the cutter 130, the cutter 130 moves under the guidance of the first slide groove section 254 of the guide slide groove 252 of the base 110, and when the second section edge 375 of the driving edge 372 drives the cutter 130, the cutter 130 moves under the guidance of the second slide groove section 256 of the guide slide groove 252 of the base 110.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, two cap threads 383 are provided on the inner surface of the cap 120. The setting of these two cap threads 383 corresponds to the setting of the two base threads (i.e., the first base thread 260 and the second base thread 270) on the outer surface of the base 110 to achieve threaded engagement between the two.

[0051] 4A-4C illustrate the specific structure of the cutter 130. Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the cutter 140 viewed from below, and also includes a partially enlarged view showing a single cutting tooth. Fig. 4B is a top view of the cutter 130, and Fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Fig. 4B.

[0052] As shown in FIG4A , the cutter 130 includes a cylindrical cutter body 410 having an axis L. When the cutter 130 is installed in place in the base 110, the axis L of the cutter body 410 coincides with the axis X of the base 110. The cutter 130 includes a cutting portion 435 disposed at one axial end of the cutter body 410. The cutting portion 435 includes a plurality of cutting teeth 460 for cutting the sealing layer of the packaging box 10. The plurality of cutting teeth 460 are arranged on the same circumference, but the circumference is not completely covered with cutting teeth 460. Instead, a separation space 480 is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG4A , the cutter 130 includes seven cutting teeth 460, which are arranged adjacent to each other, with the separation space 480 provided between the first and last cutting teeth 460. The seven cutting teeth occupy approximately three-quarters of the circumference, while the separation space 480 occupies approximately one-quarter of the circumference. By providing the separation portion 480 , the sealing layer can still be partially connected to the packaging member after the cutting operation is completed, rather than being completely cut off.

[0053] Each cutting tooth 460 has a tip 462 facing the sealing layer, and a first cutting edge 463 and a second cutting edge 465 located on opposite sides of the tip 462, wherein the first cutting edge 463 and the second cutting edge 465 intersect to form the tip 462. In the rotation direction J1 of the cutter 130, the first cutting edge 463 is located in front of the second cutting edge 465. In addition, the first cutting edge 463 and the second cutting edge 465 are arranged so that the tip 462 points forward in the rotation direction J1 of the cutter 130.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4C, the first cutting edge 463 includes a first cutting edge head 471 near the tip 462 and a first cutting edge tail 472 away from the tip 462, and the two are connected to each other. From the direction of the axis L, the first cutting edge head 471 is steeper than the first cutting edge tail 472. The first cutting edge head 471 and the first cutting edge tail 472 together form a first cutting edge 463 that is recessed toward the second cutting edge 465. The second cutting edge 465 includes a second cutting edge head 476 near the tip 462 and a second cutting edge tail 477 away from the tip 462, and the two are connected to each other. The second cutting edge head 476 and the second cutting edge tail 477 have different inclinations relative to the axis L, and together form a second cutting edge 465 that protrudes away from the first cutting edge 463. The tip 462 formed by the first cutting edge 463 and the second cutting edge 465 thus arranged points to the front (in the rotation direction J1 of the cutter 130).

[0055] As shown in Figures 4A-4C, an engagement portion 420 is provided on the inner surface of the cutter 130 for engaging with the push post 370 on the cap 120, so that the cap 120 can drive the cutter 130 to perform a cutting operation when it is loosened. The engagement portion 420 is a rib-like structure protruding from the inner surface of the cutter 130. The engagement portion 420 has a leading edge 422 (see Figure 4B) that engages with the driving edge 372 (shown in Figure 3B) of the push post 370 of the cap 120. In some embodiments, the leading edge 422 forms an acute angle with the inner surface of the cutter 130 to facilitate better engagement of the leading edge 422 with the driving edge 372.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4A-4C, the outer surface of the cutter 130 is provided with guide sliders 453. The number of guide sliders 453 is the same as the number of guide slots 252, and each guide slider 453 engages with a corresponding guide slot 252. The four guide sliders 453 are evenly arranged on the outer surface of the cutter 130 around axis J. Each guide slider 453 extends in a direction perpendicular to axis J (and axis X) and gradually tapers as it moves away from the cutter 130. Therefore, each guide slider 453 has a generally frustoconical shape. The guide slider 453 is positioned near the end of the cutter 130 that is away from the cutting portion 435.

[0057] 5A and 5B illustrate the matching relationship between the various components when the opening device 100 shown in FIG1A is in a closed state, wherein FIG5A is a stereoscopic view of the opening device 100 in a closed state, and FIG5B is a cross-sectional view of the opening device 100 in a closed state.

[0058] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, when the opening device 100 is in the closed state, the cap 120 is in the initial position that has not been initially loosened, the root of the driving edge 372 on the pushing column 370 of the cap 120 that is connected to the top cover 310 of the cap 120 contacts the front edge 422 of the joint 420 of the cutter 130, and the guide slider 453 of the cutter 130 is located in the first slide groove section 254 of the guide slide groove 252 of the base 110 and is maintained in its initial position by the limiting portion 257.

[0059] When the package 1 has not been opened, its sealing layer is in an uncut state, and the sealing layer seals the outlet of the packaging box 10. In order to open the outlet of the packaging box 10, the cap 120 of the opening device 100, which is in a closed state (as shown in Figures 5A and 5B), must first be initially loosened from the base 110 along the direction J1 until the cap 120 can be separated from the base 110. While the cap 120 is being loosened, the cap 120 drives the cutter 130 to move toward the sealing layer. The process of loosening the cap 120 from the base 110 is divided into two parts. In the first part, the cutter 130 moves along the first starting spiral segment in the predetermined path under the drive of the cap 120. In the second part, the cutter 130 moves along the second subsequent spiral segment in the predetermined path under the drive of the cap 120.

[0060] During the first portion of the process of loosening cap 120 from base 110, cap 120 rotates and simultaneously moves away from base 110 along axis X. As cap 120 moves, the first edge 373 of driving edge 372 on thrust rod 370 gradually contacts leading edge 422 of engagement portion 420 in the top-to-bottom direction shown in FIG5A . In other words, leading edge 422 of engagement portion 420 moves along first edge 373 in the top-to-bottom direction shown in FIG5A . Consequently, driven by cap 120 and guided by the guide mechanism (guide slider 453 and guide slot 252), cutter 130 moves along a first, initial spiral segment of a predetermined path. In this first, initial spiral segment, cutter 130 rotates about axis X in direction J1 while simultaneously moving linearly along axis X toward the sealing layer. This causes the tips 462 of cutting teeth 460 of cutter 130 to puncture a small hole in the sealing layer. Furthermore, as the cutter 130 linearly and rotates, the first cutting blade head 471 and the second cutting blade head 476 of the cutting tooth 460 continue to pierce and cut the sealing layer, thereby expanding the hole. Because the first chute section 254 of the guide chute 252 is set relatively steeply (i.e., the inclination relative to the axis X is relatively small), in the first initial spiral section, the cutter 130 linearly moves along the axis X toward the sealing layer with a large amplitude, while the amplitude of its rotation about the axis X is relatively small.

[0061] During the second portion of the process of loosening the cap 120 from the base 110, the leading edge 422 of the engaging portion 420 engages the second edge 375 of the driving edge 372 on the push rod 370, and the guide slider 453 of the cutter 130 moves within the second chute section 256 of the guide slot 252 of the base 110. As the cap 120 is further loosened, the second edge 375 of the driving edge 372 on the push rod 370 gradually contacts the leading edge 422 of the engaging portion 420 in the top-to-bottom direction shown in FIG5A . In other words, the leading edge 422 of the engaging portion 420 moves along the second edge 375 in the top-to-bottom direction shown in FIG5A . Thus, driven by the cap 120 and guided by the guide device (guide slider 453 and guide slot 252), the cutter 130 moves along a second, subsequent helical segment of the predetermined path. In this second, subsequent helical segment, the cutter 130 continues to rotate about the axis X in the direction J1 while moving linearly along the axis X toward the sealing layer. Because the second chute section 256 of the guide chute 252 is relatively gently arranged (i.e., with a greater inclination relative to the axis X), in the second subsequent spiral section, the cutter 130 moves linearly along the axis X toward the sealing layer with a smaller amplitude, while rotating about the axis X with a larger amplitude. Consequently, the tail portion 472 of the first cutting edge 463 and the tail portion 477 of the second cutting edge 465 of the cutting tooth 460 further cut the sealing layer until the threaded engagement between the cap 120 and the base 110 reaches the end of the stroke, i.e., the state shown in Figures 6A and 6B is reached.

[0062] Since the first cutting edge 463 is located ahead of the second cutting edge 465 in the rotation direction J1 , the first cutting edge 460 mainly plays a role in puncturing and cutting the sealing layer.

[0063] Figures 6A and 6B show the opening device 100 in the process of opening, wherein Figure 6A is a perspective view of the opening device 100 in the process of opening, and Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the opening device 100 in the process of opening. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the opening device shown in Figure 1A in the open state.

[0064] 6A and 6B , when the threaded engagement of the cap 120 with the base 110 reaches the end of the stroke, the leading edge 422 of the engaging portion 420 also moves to the end of the second edge section 375 of the driving edge 372 , and the cap 120 can be removed from the base 110 (as shown in FIG. 7 ).

[0065] As the opening device 100 moves from the state shown in Figures 5A and 5B to the state shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the cutter 130 gradually cuts through the sealing layer and gradually enters the package 10, folding the cut sealing layer toward the outside. Because the sealing layer is connected to the package at a short distance and is blocked outside the cutter 130, the sealing layer will not fall into the package and will not block the contents of the package from being poured out of the outlet.

[0066] The inventors of this application have discovered that there are three schemes for driving the cutter in the existing opening device, as follows: in the first scheme, when the cutter cuts the sealing layer, it first performs a pure linear motion and then a pure rotational motion; in the second scheme, when the cutter cuts the sealing layer, it first performs a spiral motion and then a pure rotational motion; in the third scheme, when the cutter cuts the sealing layer, it first performs a pure linear motion and then a spiral motion.

[0067] After observation and research, the inventors of the present disclosure have found that the above-mentioned existing cutter movement methods have shortcomings. The reason is that the process of cutting the sealing layer is divided into two stages: (1) the stage of puncturing the sealing layer with the cutter, and in this stage, it is hoped that the punctured sealing layer has a wider puncture opening to facilitate the next step of cutting, and in this stage, it is hoped that the cutter has a larger downward (axial) force to make the cutting at this stage easier; (2) the stage of using the cutter to cut the sealing layer from the punctured part in the direction of rotation. Although the cutter has different functions in these two cutting stages, a downward (axial) force is required, especially considering that the cutting portion of the cutter is provided with generally triangular cutting teeth along its circumference.

[0068] The inventor now specifically analyzes the defects of the three driving schemes in the prior art as follows:

[0069] The first solution has the following drawbacks: (i) when the cutter is used to puncture the sealing layer, the cutter can only move linearly downward in the axial direction without any rotational motion. As a result, the punctured portion of the sealing layer is relatively small, and the cutting teeth cannot fully function. (ii) when the cutter is used to cut the sealing layer in the rotational direction from the punctured portion, the cutting resistance is relatively large because the cutter only performs pure rotational motion and does not perform linear motion linearly downward in the axial direction.

[0070] The defects of the second solution include: (i) it does not take into account the need to apply downward force in both the puncture stage and the cutting stage, and (ii) in a simple horizontal rotation, the cutting resistance is large because no downward force is applied.

[0071] The defects of the third solution include: (i) it does not take into account the need to apply downward force in both the puncture stage and the cutting stage, and cannot optimize the entire sealing layer cutting process.

[0072] In order to overcome the defects of the above three solutions in the prior art, the technical solution of this application is as follows:

[0073] The disclosed solution, by providing a guide groove on the base, divides the predetermined motion trajectory of the cutter into two segments, namely, a first initial spiral segment and a second subsequent spiral segment. When moving along the first initial spiral segment and the second subsequent spiral segment, the cutter simultaneously moves along the base axis X and rotates about the axis X. Furthermore, in response to the cap rotating a specific angle, the distance the cutter moves in the direction of the axis X when moving along the first initial spiral segment is greater than the distance it moves in the direction of the axis X when moving along the second subsequent spiral segment, but the angle of rotation of the cutter about the axis X when moving along the first initial spiral segment is less than the angle of rotation about the axis X when moving along the second subsequent spiral segment.

[0074] By adopting the above technical solution, the present disclosure overcomes the shortcomings of the above-mentioned prior art because the configuration of the present disclosure adapts to the different needs of the sealing layer puncture stage and the cutting stage, and optimizes the sealing layer cutting process. Specifically, during the stage of primarily puncturing the sealing layer (i.e., the movement of the cutter along the first initial spiral segment), the cutter not only performs linear motion along the axis toward the sealing layer, but also performs rotational motion about the axis, with the amplitude of the linear motion being larger and the amplitude of the rotational motion being smaller. Therefore, the driving force of the cap is primarily used to drive the cutter's linear motion to facilitate the puncture operation. However, since the cutter also performs rotational motion, it is easier to puncture the sealing layer. During the stage of primarily cutting the sealing layer (i.e., the movement of the cutter along the second subsequent initial spiral segment), the cutter not only performs rotational motion about the axis, but also performs linear motion along the axis toward the sealing layer. The amplitude of the rotational motion is larger and the amplitude of the linear motion is smaller. Therefore, the driving force of the cap is primarily used to drive the cutter's rotational motion to facilitate the cutting operation. However, since the cutter also performs linear motion, it is easier to cut the sealing layer.

[0075] In addition, the present disclosure sets the cutting edge of each cutting tooth so that the head of the first cutting edge located in front of the rotation direction is steeper and the tail is relatively flat, which is more conducive to the cutting teeth performing puncture and cutting operations. This is because, in the stage of mainly puncturing the sealing layer (i.e., the movement of the cutter along the first starting spiral segment), the head of the first cutting edge plays a major role, and the first cutting edge head is set to be steeper to make the puncture operation easier. In the stage of mainly cutting the sealing layer (i.e., the movement of the cutter along the second subsequent starting spiral segment), the tail of the first cutting edge plays a major role, and the tail of the first cutting edge is set to be relatively flat to make the cutting operation easier. In addition, the second cutting edge of the present disclosure is set to be convex away from the first cutting edge, so that the cutting teeth can still maintain a certain strength when the first cutting edge is concave toward the second cutting edge.

[0076] Although the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with the examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and / or substantial equivalents, whether known or now or foreseeable in the near future, may be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, the technical effects and / or technical problems described in this specification are exemplary and not restrictive; so the disclosures in this specification may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects and / or may solve other technical problems. Therefore, the examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure set out above are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to include all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and / or substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. An opening device (100) for a package, characterized in that include: a base (110) defining an opening (215) having an axis (X); a cap (120) threadably connected to the base (110) to close and open the opening (215); a cutter (130), the cutter (130) being cylindrical and having a cutting portion (435) disposed at a distal end thereof, the cutter (130) being at least partially disposed in the opening (215) of the base (110); a drive connection device, the drive connection device connects the cutter (130) to the cap (120) and is configured so that when the cap (120) is initially loosened to open the opening (215), the rotation of the cap (120) drives the cutter (130) to move to cut the sealing layer of the package; a guide device, the guide device connects the cutter (130) to the base (110) and is configured to guide the cutter (130) to move along a predetermined path under the drive of the cap (120); wherein the predetermined path comprises a first starting spiral segment and a second subsequent spiral segment, and when moving along the first starting spiral segment and the second subsequent spiral segment, the cutter (130) moves along the axis (X) and rotates around the axis (X); and In which, in response to the cap (120) rotating a specific angle, the distance moved by the cutter (130) in the direction of the axis (X) when moving along the first starting spiral segment is greater than the distance moved in the direction of the axis (X) when moving along the second subsequent spiral segment, but the angle of rotation of the cutter (130) around the axis (X) when moving along the first starting spiral segment is smaller than the angle of rotation around the axis (X) when moving along the second subsequent spiral segment.

2. The opening device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide device comprises at least one guide slot (252) and at least one guide slide block (453) accommodated in the at least one guide slot (252), wherein the at least one guide slot (252) is arranged on the inner surface of the base (110), and the at least one guide slide block (453) is arranged on the outer surface of the cutter (130).

3. The opening device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide chute (252) comprises a first chute section (254) and a second chute section (256) connected to each other, the first chute section (254) forming the first starting spiral section, and the second chute section (256) forming the second subsequent spiral section; Wherein, viewed from the axis (X) direction, the first slide groove section (254) is steeper than the second slide groove section (256).

4. The opening device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that Also includes: At least one limiting portion (257), the at least one limiting portion (257) being arranged in the first slide groove section (254) of the at least one guiding slide groove (252) and close to the starting position of the at least one guiding slide groove (252); Wherein, the at least one limiting portion (257) is configured to cooperate with the at least one guide slider (453) to limit the cutter (130) to its initial position when the cutter (130) has not been driven by the cap (120), and is configured to allow the at least one guide slider (453) to pass over the at least one limiting portion (257) to cut the sealing layer of the package when the cutter (130) is driven by the cap (120).

5. The opening device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The at least one limiting portion (257) is at least one limiting protrusion.

6. The opening device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that Also includes: At least one stop portion (259), wherein the at least one stop portion (257) is arranged in the second slide groove section (256) of the at least one guide slide groove (252) and defines an end position of the at least one guide slide groove (252).

7. The opening device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The at least one guide slot (252) comprises four guide slots (252), and the first slot sections (254) of the four guide slots (252) are evenly arranged around the axis (X); The at least one guide slider (453) includes four guide sliders (453), and the four guide sliders (453) are evenly arranged on the outer surface of the cutter (130) around the axis (X) and are respectively accommodated in the four guide slots (252).

8. The opening device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The at least one guide slide (453) protrudes from the outer surface of the cutter (130) and gradually contracts as it moves away from the cutter (130).

9. The opening device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cutting portion (435) of the cutter (130) comprises a plurality of cutting teeth (460), each cutting tooth (460) comprising a first cutting edge (463) and a second cutting edge (465) located on opposite sides of the cutting tooth (460), the first cutting edge (463) being located in front of the second cutting edge (465) in the rotation direction of the cutter (130), and the first cutting edge (463) and the second cutting edge (465) intersecting to form a tip (462); Wherein, the first cutting blade (463) includes a first cutting blade head (471) close to the tip (462) and a first cutting blade tail (472) away from the tip (462), and wherein, viewed from the axis (X) direction, the first cutting blade head (471) is steeper than the first cutting blade tail (472).

10. The opening device (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second cutting blade (465) includes a second cutting blade head (476) close to the tip (462) and a second cutting blade tail (477) away from the tip (462), wherein the second cutting blade head (476) and the second cutting blade tail (477) together form a shape protruding away from the first cutting blade (463).

11. The opening device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving connection device includes a propulsion column (370) arranged on the cap (120) and a coupling portion (420) arranged on the cutter (130), and the propulsion column (370) cooperates with the coupling portion (420) so that the movement of the cap (120) drives the cutter (130) to move toward the sealing layer.

12. The opening device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two cap threads (383) are provided on the inner surface of the cap (120) for threadedly connecting the cap (120) to the base (110), wherein the starting points of the two cap threads (383) differ by 180 degrees.

13. A package (1), characterized in that include: Packaging box (10); as well as According to the opening device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, the base (110) of the opening device (100) is connected to the packaging box (10).

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