Spout, and container with spout

Abstract

The invention relates to a spout for pouring liquids out of a container (5), having a channel (1) extending between an inflow end (1a) and an outflow end (1b), particularly in an axial direction of a centre axis (2) of the channel (1), wherein a check valve arrangement (6) is fastened at the outflow end (1b) of the channel (1), which check valve arrangement is covered by a cap (3) having a cover region (3a) and a wall region (3e), wherein the cover region (3a) has a through-opening (3b). The invention further relates to a container (5) comprising such a spout.

Description

[0001] Pour spouts and containers with pour spouts

[0002] The invention relates to a spout for pouring liquids from a container, comprising a channel extending between an inlet end and an outlet end, particularly in an axial direction, specifically corresponding to the direction of extension of the channel about a central axis of the channel. The inlet end points towards the interior of a container, and the outlet end towards the external environment, at least when the spout is attached to the container.

[0003] Such a spout can be connected to a container, e.g. molded onto a container neck, or at least be connectable, and in the latter case form an arrangement separate from the container until the connection is made.

[0004] The invention further relates to a container with such a spout. Such a container can be, for example, a bottle or a pouch container.

[0005] Pourers of this type, in particular those which can also be subsequently connected to a container, e.g. a bag container, are generally known in the prior art, e.g. from publication EP 0 773 893 B1 of the same applicant.

[0006] Such spouts can be connected to pouch containers, for example by welding, so that the product containing the container, such as a liquid or a paste, can be dispensed through the spout. Standard spouts, especially those of the aforementioned type, are closed with a cap, such as a screw cap, when no product is currently being dispensed. With normal, self-supporting containers, such as bottles, and also with pouch containers that have little or no natural resilience, the problem arises that air can enter the container through the spout after product has been dispensed. In some cases, this air can lead to faster spoilage of the product in the container after it has been opened for the first time.

[0007] Furthermore, standard pouch containers with a normal cap cannot be used upside down in a simple way because the cap must always be unscrewed first, and then the product immediately leaks out of the upside-down container without any compression being applied to the container, especially because pouch containers are not inherently stable but collapse, so that a product can leak out simply due to gravity when the cap is removed.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to improve a spout and a container with a spout of the type mentioned above in such a way that a container can also be used upside down and that uncontrolled leakage of a product from the container, in particular a pouch container, is effectively prevented. Preferably, in at least some embodiments, air ingress after product dispensing should also be effectively prevented. It is also preferably an object to make existing spouts retrofittable so that a spout according to the invention can be obtained. Furthermore, it is an object to enable the spouts and containers with them to be easily recycled.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by attaching a check valve arrangement to the outlet end of the channel, which is covered by a cap with a cover area and a wall area, wherein the cover area has a passage.

[0010] In a first preferred embodiment, the cap is attached to the outside of the channel, particularly to the outer surface of the channel, for example by screwing or snapping. Such a cap can, for example, be slid or pushed onto the channel over at least one snap-on element on the outside of the channel for the purpose of corrosion protection. An internal thread on the wall engages with an external thread on the outer surface of the channel. In this first embodiment, the check valve assembly is clamped between an axial annular end face of the outlet end of the channel and an inner surface of the cap's cover area. This axial annular end face surrounds the opening of the channel at the axial end of the outlet.

[0011] In a second preferred embodiment, the check valve assembly, in particular its housing, has a wall section with which it is attached to the outer surface of the channel at its outlet end. Here, too, an internal thread can be formed on the wall section of the check valve assembly, which interacts with an external thread on the channel's surface, or at least one detent projection on the wall section can interact with at least one corresponding connecting element on the channel's surface.

[0012] The wall area of ​​the check valve assembly is preferably designed to function identically to a wall area of ​​a conventional cap used to close the channel. In this embodiment, the cap according to the invention is attached to the check valve assembly, particularly to its housing, preferably to a tubular section of the housing, especially through which the contents of a container escape during use. The cap according to the invention is preferably attached to the housing of the check valve assembly by clamping, corrosion protection, or by screwing.

[0013] Preferably, in all embodiments, the aforementioned passage is further provided that it is coaxial with the channel or its central axis. This allows a product exiting through the channel and the check valve assembly to also exit directly through the passage in the cap.

[0014] According to the invention, the cap in question does not primarily serve to close the channel in the spout, but in the first embodiment forms a fastening means to clamp the check valve assembly to the spout and in the second embodiment forms at least one element for arranging the passage therein, which is preferably separate from the housing of the check valve assembly, but in particular can also be formed integrally with the housing of the check valve assembly.

[0015] The invention has the advantage that existing spouts can also be retrofitted with a check valve arrangement by clamping it between the outwardly facing axial ring end face of the channel and the inner surface of the cover area of ​​the cap, or by itself having a fastening means to be attached to the channel.

[0016] Preferably, in the check valve arrangement, the valve element is designed such that a sealing area of ​​the valve element, which interacts sealingly with the valve seat of the check valve arrangement, exerts a force closing the check valve arrangement in the direction of the valve seat and in the direction of the inlet end of the channel. This further offers the advantage that, for product removal, a force compressing the container must be applied to overcome the closing force of the check valve arrangement. Therefore, the container cannot accidentally empty due to gravity when it is positioned upside down.

[0017] Furthermore, the advantage is realized that, after the removal of a force compressing the container, the check valve is automatically closed again by the aforementioned closing force, provided the check valve is still permeated by product within the container. In a possible preferred embodiment, this reliably prevents air from entering the container, particularly if such air is not required for pressure equalization within the container.

[0018] A further advantage arises from the fact that the product can exit directly through the opening in the cap. A user therefore does not necessarily have to remove a lid or cap from the container to dispense the product. Furthermore, due to the self-closing property of the check valve arrangement, no manual closing is required after product dispensing, as this is done automatically by the check valve arrangement. A container with a spout according to the invention can thus remain permanently open at the opening. At most, the product is exposed to the ambient air in an area corresponding to the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening. However, the invention can also provide for the arrangement of an additional lid on the cap, particularly on / at the opening.

[0019] The invention further provides the possibility of storing a container, particularly a pouch container, upside down without the risk of the product escaping from the container's interior through the spout, because the check valve assembly securely seals the container. Specifically, it is provided that the closing force is greater than the weight force exerted by the product on the valve element or its sealing area. For this purpose, the closing force can preferably be selected to be greater than the volume of the container multiplied by the density of water, preferably multiplied by a safety factor greater than 1. The safety factor can also account for situations where the product does not consist predominantly of water but has a higher density than water.

[0020] A structurally preferred further development of all possible embodiments provides that the check valve arrangement has a housing with a first section which is arranged in the channel of the spout and with a second, in particular tubular, section which is arranged outside the channel, in particular wherein the second section is clamped between the inner surface of the cover area and the annular end face of the channel or wherein the wall area with which the check valve arrangement is attached to the outer shell surface of the channel is arranged on the second section.

[0021] This also allows for the secure retrofitting of a check valve assembly to existing spouts.

[0022] Furthermore, this advantageously ensures that a portion of the check valve arrangement does not contribute to the overall height, because this part lies in the channel of the spout.

[0023] Preferably, the first section has an outer cross-section that is smaller than the inner cross-section of the channel at the outlet end. Preferably, the second section has an outer cross-section that is larger than the inner cross-section of the channel at the outlet end; in particular, the second section has an outer cross-section that is the same size as the outer cross-section of the channel at the outlet end. The second section and the channel can thus preferably be aligned along their outer surfaces. However, this is not mandatory. For example, it can also be provided that a tubular area in the second section of the housing of the check valve assembly, in particular from which contents of a container exit during use, has an outer cross-section that is smaller than the outer cross-section of the channel.

[0024] Preferably, the second section has an annular end face, in particular one located radially outside the first section, which rests on the annular end face of the channel at its outlet end. This preferably creates a step on the annular end face between the two sections, up to which the check valve assembly can be inserted into the channel. This step preferably forms a transition zone between the first and second sections. In particular, in the aforementioned second preferred embodiment, the wall area of ​​the check valve assembly can be arranged / attached to this step or at least in the region of this step.

[0025] The invention more preferably provides that a valve element of the check valve arrangement has a sealing area which is subjected to force by at least one spring element in the direction of a valve seat of the check valve arrangement, wherein the end of the at least one spring element facing away from the sealing area is supported directly or via a ring to which the ends facing away from all spring elements are attached, on the inner surface of the cover element of the cap, or is supported on a radially inwardly projecting collar of a tubular section of the housing of the check valve arrangement, in particular on a collar at the end of the second tubular section of the housing facing the cap or on a collar at a region of the second section of the check valve arrangement facing the first section.

[0026] The closing force mentioned at the beginning is generated by means of at least one spring element, which acts on the sealing area of ​​the valve element in the direction of the valve seat.

[0027] Preferably, at least three spring elements, in particular as resilient arms, are provided, which are attached to a region of the valve element that interacts sealingly with the valve seat on the side of the valve element facing the cap, preferably at the outer edge of this region, particularly integrally, and more preferably also integrally, which are attached at the other end to the ring. Preferably, the valve element is thus an element made of a single plastic material, which has a sealing region interacting with the valve seat and at least one spring element, preferably the at least three spring elements, and preferably the ring. For example, the valve element is a plastic injection-molded part, preferably, as are the spout channel and the cap, as well as the housing of the check valve assembly.It is particularly preferred that the at least one spring element, in particular the at least three resilient arms, extends axially and at least partially in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the channel, in particular that the respective spring element runs helically, spirally or snail-shaped relative to the central axis.

[0028] This design allows the sealing area of ​​the valve element, which interacts with the valve seat, to be easily lifted axially from the valve seat, particularly by axially displacing and / or compressing the at least one spring element. Due to its orientation around the central axis, the sealing area of ​​the valve element rotates around the central axis in certain sections when lifted from the valve seat.

[0029] It is further preferably provided that the check valve assembly, in particular its housing, has a valve seat whose sealing surface area is annular and decreases in diameter in the axial direction towards the inlet end, particularly wherein the sealing surface area is conically segmented. The sealing surface area can preferably coaxially surround the channel center axis of the spout.

[0030] In particular in the aforementioned embodiment, but also in general, the invention preferably provides that a sealing area of ​​the valve element, which interacts sealingly with the sealing surface area of ​​the valve seat, in particular as described above, is at least partially surrounded by the sealing surface area, and in particular is arranged completely or at least predominantly in the aforementioned first section.

[0031] This ensures that the valve element contributes only minimally to the axial height of the check valve assembly.

[0032] Preferably, the sealing area of ​​the valve element, which interacts with a sealing surface area / valve seat of the housing of the check valve assembly (in particular with the sealing surface area / valve seat described above), is designed in a dome shape, and in particular is domed or partially spherical. In particular, this sealing area is designed as a hollow shell on its side facing the outlet end of the channel, which allows for material savings in this area.

[0033] In conjunction with the sealing surface area of ​​the valve seat, in particular the one described above, it follows that the sealing is achieved by an annular contact, in particular a line contact.

[0034] A further preferred embodiment provides that the valve seat of the check valve arrangement, in particular a valve seat as previously described, is surrounded radially on the outside by a tubular section.

[0035] In one possible embodiment, this tubular section is preferably part of the first aforementioned section of the check valve arrangement; in particular, it is located in the channel.

[0036] This tubular section alone reduces the area through which the container contents can act on the clamping connection, thus minimizing sealing problems. Preferably, the outer diameter of this tubular section corresponds to the inner diameter of the channel in the area of ​​the outlet end. This ensures that the tubular section and the channel fit snugly against each other.

[0037] The invention can also provide that a radial gap, in particular an annular gap, exists between the tubular section and the inner wall of the channel. In this case, it is preferably provided that a sealing element, preferably a gasket, is located between the tubular section and the inner wall of the channel, in particular one that is at least partially embedded in an annular groove on the outside of the tubular section. Thus, in this embodiment as well, the area of ​​the clamping connection is completely separated from the influence of the container contents by the sealing element.

[0038] In another possible embodiment, this tubular section preferably comprises the wall area with which the check valve arrangement, in particular its housing, is attached to the outer surface of the channel, in particular wherein the wall area is attached to the second section, in particular in the area of ​​the end of the first section and extends from there over the first section and coaxially surrounds it.

[0039] In this embodiment, it is particularly preferred that a further annular or tubular region is arranged axially in front of the valve seat, in particular surrounding the at least one spring element, preferably the at least three spring elements, which is part of the first section of the housing and is also located inside the channel, in particular either abutting the inner channel wall closely or being spaced apart from it by an annular gap. In the latter case, a seal could also be arranged in the annular gap.

[0040] The invention more preferably provides that the opening in the cap is formed by a channel. Preferably, this opening channel has at least one cross-sectional reduction in its axial extent. In particular, several cross-sectional reductions are provided which, in the direction of product flow through the channel of the opening, follow one another at intervals during extraction and progressively reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening.

[0041] Preferably, a cross-sectional narrowing is provided approximately in the middle of the channel of the passage, in particular a further narrowing is provided at its open end facing the environment or in the end region, in particular designed as a collar pointing radially inwards.

[0042] By designing the passage as a channel, and in particular by at least one such reduction in cross-section, the dripping out of container contents that remain as residue between the check valve assembly and the cap can be prevented.

[0043] A preferred embodiment provides that the channel forming the passage is offset, at least partially, preferably predominantly, and more preferably completely, in the axial direction towards the inflow end of the channel below the outer surface of the cap's cover area. In particular, such an embodiment can be provided in which the free end of the channel forming the passage, facing the external environment, projects beyond the outer surface of the cap's cover area, is flush with the outer surface of the cap's cover area, or lies below the outer surface of the cap's cover area.

[0044] This reduces the volume of the space between the cap and the check valve assembly, so that less container contents can remain in it.

[0045] Preferably, by such a displacement of the channel forming the passage, at least the beginning of the passage channel lies below the outer surface of the cover area of ​​the cap.

[0046] The channel forming the passage is further preferably designed to be double-walled at least in certain areas by offsetting, wherein the interior of the double-walled area is open in the axial direction, in particular to the outside.

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention provides that the channel forming the passage is closed with a lid. This lid preferably has a lid plate, in particular one that also offers an outer surface for placing a container with such a spout upside down on it.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, a plug element is arranged on the cover plate, which is inserted into the interior of the channel forming the passage. This plug element can, for example, be detachably fixed at a cross-sectional reduction, preferably a cross-sectional reduction designed as a collar.

[0049] Alternatively, a sleeve can be arranged on the cover plate, which can be inserted over the channel of the passage or screwed onto it.

[0050] The cover plate can additionally be attached to the spout by a hinge or a retaining strap. In a preferred embodiment, the cover plate extends into at least two arms, preferably two opposing arms, which extend beyond the wall area of ​​the cap, preferably surrounding at least part of the wall area. Each of these arms can thus preferably have a section that extends axially and parallel to the wall area of ​​the cap.

[0051] In all possible embodiments, the invention preferably provides that the spout has a fastening area at its inlet end, in particular a welding area, in particular a welding area which tapers radially outwards in cross-section perpendicular to the axial channel extension, preferably a boat-shaped welding area, with which it can be welded between two layers of film of a film bag.

[0052] The invention preferably further provides that the check valve assembly, in particular its housing, preferably has at least one pressure equalization opening in a collar extending radially outwards and arranged on the valve seat, preferably having a diameter of less than or equal to 1.5 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 1 mm, and even more preferably less than or equal to 0.5 mm. This collar is preferably arranged on the valve seat at the point with the largest cross-sectional area.

[0053] Alternatively or cumulatively, it can also be provided that at least one pressure equalization channel extending towards the outlet is arranged in the valve seat, particularly in the sealing surface area of ​​the valve seat that interacts with the sealing area of ​​the valve element, preferably with a width and / or depth that increases towards the outlet. Several such pressure equalization channels are preferably arranged at equal angular intervals from one another. It can be provided that the width and / or depth, in particular the maximum width and / or the maximum depth of each such pressure equalization channel, is less than or equal to 2 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 1.5 mm, and more preferably less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0054] Such a design is particularly suitable when the spout is attached to a container, especially one that can be described as self-supporting, such as a bottle, which, after compression of its container wall for product dispensing, develops a restoring force and must draw in air in order to subsequently dispense the product again through compression. Air can thus flow back into the container through at least one pressure equalization opening or channel. However, the small diameter or cross-section prevents significant quantities of the product from escaping through such a pressure equalization opening or channel, especially if the product is a paste.

[0055] Furthermore, it is preferably provided for all possible embodiments that all individual elements of the spout, in particular the channel, the cap, the housing of the check valve assembly and the valve element of the check valve assembly, are made of the same plastic or at least of different plastics of the same type, in particular wherein different plastics differ only by different chain polymerizations of the same monomer.

[0056] Preferably, different plastics are understood to be formed from the same type of plastic if they differ by different chain polymerizations of the same monomer, in particular exclusively by different chain polymerizations of the same monomer.

[0057] Preferably, the different chain polymerizations of the same monomer can differ with respect to molar mass and / or crystallinity and / or the degree or type of branching of the polymer chains. Although such different plastics are of the same type in terms of polymer chains of the same monomer, they can differ significantly with respect to their specific properties, e.g., mechanical, thermal, or chemical properties, in particular with respect to the Young's modulus value and thus with respect to stiffness / deformability / elasticity.

[0058] For example, it may be provided that the valve element, which comprises the at least one spring element, is formed from a chain polymerization of the same type of plastic, which has a different, in particular higher, modulus of elasticity than the chain polymerizations of the same type of plastic in the other elements of the spout.

[0059] By using the same type of plastic for all elements of the spout, it is advantageously achieved that there is no mix of different types of plastic in the spout, so that a spout according to the invention is materially uniform or made of so-called mono-material, so that no separation of the parts into different recycling fractions is necessary during later disposal.

[0060] Preferably, the same type of plastic is selected for the elements of the spout as for the container into which the spout is to be integrated. In this case, the spout and container are based on chain polymerizations of the same monomer.

[0061] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0062] Figure 1: shows a top view of a central section of the spout according to the invention in a first embodiment;

[0063] Figure 2: shows a perspective view of the section of Figure 1;

[0064] Figure 3: shows a top view of a central section of only this channel

[0065] Spout; Figure 3a: shows a perspective exterior view of the channel of this spout;

[0066] Figure 4: shows a top view of a central section of the

[0067] Check valve arrangement of this design;

[0068] Figure 5: shows a central section of the valve seat of the

[0069] Check valve arrangement of this design;

[0070] Figure 6: shows the section of Figure 5 in perspective view;

[0071] Figure 7: shows a central section through the valve element of the

[0072] Check valve arrangement of this design;

[0073] Figure 8: shows a perspective overall view of the valve element of this

[0074] Execution;

[0075] Figure 9: shows a top view of the valve element of this design parallel to the channel center axis;

[0076] Figure 10: shows a central section through the cap of this version;

[0077] Figure 11: shows the section of Figure 10 in perspective view;

[0078] Figure 12: shows the inventive spout of this embodiment on an upside-down bag container;

[0079] Figure 13: shows a top view of a central section of the spout according to the invention in a second embodiment

[0080] Figure 14: shows a top view of a central section of the check valve arrangement of this second embodiment with the valve element inserted;

[0081] Figure 15: shows only the housing of the check valve assembly of this second embodiment; Figure 16: shows only the cap of this second embodiment;

[0082] Figure 17: shows the check valve arrangement of this second design with cap and passage, which is closed with a cover element.

[0083] Figure 18: shows the housing of the check valve assembly with pressure equalization channels.

[0084] All figures 1 to 12 show the same first embodiment of the invention and are described together below.

[0085] A spout according to the invention comprises a channel 1 with an inlet end 1a and an outlet end 1b, which extends longitudinally along the central axis 2. The outlet end 1b may have an external thread or snap-on projections for attaching a cap 3 by screwing or snapping. The channel 1 is shown separately in Figures 3 and 3a. At the inlet end 1a, the channel 1 has a fastening area 4 with which it can be fastened between two layers of film in a bag container 5, e.g., by welding. This principle is known in the prior art. Figure 12 shows such a bag container 5 with a spout according to the invention.

[0086] In the spout according to the invention, the housing 6a of a check valve assembly 6 is inserted into the channel 1 at its outlet end 1b in the axial direction of the central axis 2. The housing 6a of the check valve assembly 6 comprises a first section 6a1 and a second section 6a2, wherein only the first section 6a1 is inserted into the channel 1 and the second section 6a2 rests with an annular stepped surface 6a3 on the annular end face 1c at the outlet end 1b of the channel 1. The annular end face 6a4 of the housing 6a of the check valve assembly 6 is contacted by the inner surface of the cover area 3a of the cap 3 and is subjected to a force in the axial direction of the central axis 2, so that the housing 6a of the check valve assembly 6 is clamped to the channel 1 by the cap 3.At the open end of the second section 6a2 of the housing 6a of the check valve arrangement 6 a collar 6a5 is arranged, which extends radially inwards from the tubular wall of the second section 6a2, in particular forming the end face 6a4 to the outside.

[0087] The housing 6a has a valve seat 6a6 in the first section 6a1, which in this embodiment is conically segmented and coaxial with the central axis 2, tapering in the axial direction of the central axis 2 towards the inlet end 1a of the channel 1. In this first section 6a1, the valve seat 6a6 is coaxially surrounded by a tubular section 6a7, the outer surface of which is in contact with the inner surface of the channel 1 at its outlet end 1b. The free end of the tubular section 6a7 has chamfers to facilitate insertion into the opening at the outlet end 1b of the channel 1. Preferably, the valve seat 6a6 is extended at its tapered end by a cylindrical tube section beyond the chamfers of the tubular section 6a7.

[0088] A valve element 6b is arranged between the aforementioned collar 6a5 and the sealing surface of the valve seat 6a6, some of which are shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9. A ring 6b1 of the valve element 6b rests against the collar 6a5, and in this embodiment, three spring elements 6b2 are attached to this ring. These spring elements exert a closing force on a sealing area 6b3 of the valve element 6b in the direction of the valve seat 6a6. The sealing area 6b3 is spherical in shape, preferably as a spherical shell section, with the spring elements 6b2 acting on the circular rim of the spherical shell. The spring elements 6b2 extend helically or spirally around the central axis 2. When the valve element 6b is inserted into the housing 6a, these two connected elements form the check valve assembly 6.

[0089] The cap 3, which serves to clamp the check valve assembly 6 (comprising the housing 6a and the valve element 6b), has a channel-shaped opening 3b in the cover region 3a, the majority of which is offset below the cover region 3a. This results in an additional wall 3c around the channel of the opening 3b, which runs at least substantially parallel to the channel of the opening 3b. This effectively double-walled opening 3b reduces the volume enclosed between the cap 3 and the check valve assembly 6. The interior of the double-walled section of the opening 3b is open axially to the environment. The opening 3b has two cross-sectional reductions 3d in this area, which progressively decrease the cross-section of the opening 3b in the outflow direction.

[0090] The spout according to the invention prevents uncontrolled flow of a product from a container because the check valve assembly 6 only opens after deliberate force is applied to the container 5 and then closes immediately. A product trapped in the volume between cap 3 and check valve assembly 6 remains in this space because it cannot flow out through the reduced-cross-section passage 3b due to the closed check valve assembly 6.

[0091] All figures 13 to 17 show the same second embodiment of the invention and are described together below.

[0092] In this second embodiment, the spout is preferably arranged on a container that is not a pouch container, in particular a bottle, wherein the channel 1 of the spout transitions into the container neck at its inlet end, e.g., integrally. Unless otherwise specified, the remaining features described for Figures 1 to 12 also apply to the second embodiment, even if these features are not explicitly described again.

[0093] As in the first embodiment, the housing 6a of the check valve assembly 6 has a first section 6a1, which is inserted into the channel 1, and a second section 6a2, which lies outside the channel 1. A valve seat 6a6 is located in the first section 6a1, as described previously. The first section 6a1 and the second section 6a2 transition into each other at a stepped surface 6a3, which rests on the annular end face 1c of the channel 1.

[0094] In this first section 6a1, the valve seat 6a6 is coaxially surrounded by a tubular section 6a7, which, unlike in the first embodiment, is not located inside the channel 1, but forms a wall area 6a7 that surrounds the channel 1 externally and is intended to connect the housing 6a to the channel 1, e.g., by screwing. In this embodiment, the cap 3 therefore does not serve to fasten the housing 6a of the check valve assembly 6, but rather the assembly has its own fastening means.

[0095] The wall section 6a7, which surrounds the first section 6a1, is attached here to the second section 6a2, specifically to its area facing the first section 6a1. It is attached to a transition area between the first and second sections, in which the aforementioned annular step surface 6a3 is also formed. The first section 6a1 here has an annular / tubular section 6a8 located in the channel 1; however, this section does not surround the valve seat 6a6, but is arranged axially in front of it in the direction of the cap 3. In this embodiment, it is spaced from the inner wall of the channel 1 by an annular gap, but in another embodiment (not shown) it can also contact the inner wall.

[0096] Valve element 6b is not shown separately for the second version. It corresponds in all features to valve element 6b of the first version, as shown in the figures there.

[0097] In the second embodiment, the ring 6b1 of the valve element 6b is also supported on a collar 6a5 of the housing 6a, but preferably this collar 6a5 is positioned in the area of ​​the transition between the first section 6a1 and the second section 6a2, in particular wherein the second section 6a2 is a tubular area from which the collar 6a5 projects radially inwards.

[0098] This second section 6a2 advantageously, but not necessarily, has chamfers at its free end, which faces the cap 3, to facilitate the fitting of the cap 3, e.g., by clamping, screwing, or snapping. Except for its attachment to the housing 6a instead of the channel 1, the cap 3 otherwise has the same features as previously described.

[0099] Figures 16A and 16B show that, with respect to the cap 3, the free end of the channel forming the passage 3b, which points towards the outside environment, projects beyond the outer surface of the cover area of ​​the cap 3 according to Figure 16A, and, according to Figure 16B, in another embodiment, lies below the outer surface of the cover area 3a of the cap 3. These alternatives can also be implemented in the cap 3 according to Figures 10 and 11, i.e., in the first embodiment, as can a level alignment (not shown) between the open end of the passage 3b and the outer surface of the cover element 3a of the cap 3.

[0100] Figure 15 further illustrates that in the check valve assembly 6, here in particular in its housing 6a, preferably in a collar extending radially outwards on the valve seat 6a6, at least one pressure equalization opening 6a9 is arranged, preferably having a diameter of less than or equal to 1.5 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 1 mm, and even more preferably less than or equal to 0.5 mm. This serves for pressure equalization, as described above.

[0101] Figure 17 shows a cover 7 attached to the cap 3, which closes the channel forming the opening 3b. Here, the cover 7 has a cover plate 7a, on which, in the illustrated embodiment, a plug element 7b is arranged and inserted into the interior of the channel forming the opening. The cover 7 can also be attached to the opening 3b in a different way, for example, with a sleeve that surrounds the opening 3b.

[0102] Furthermore, the cover plate 7a preferably extends in all possible embodiments into two opposing arms 7c, which extend beyond the wall region 3e of the cap 3, and in particular are also guided along the wall region 3e of the cap 3 in the axial direction of the central axis 2 in certain areas, and at least partially surround it. This cover 7, shown here for the second embodiment, can also be provided with the same features for the cap 3 of the first embodiment.

[0103] Figure 18 further illustrates that in the check valve assembly 6, here in particular in its housing 6a, preferably in the valve seat 6a6, and more preferably in the sealing surface area of ​​the valve seat 6a6 that interacts with the sealing area 6b3 of the valve element 6b, several pressure equalization channels 6a10 are arranged, each of the pressure equalization channels 6a10 extending towards the outlet end 1b. The pressure equalization channels 6a10 are preferably spaced at an angle to each other. More preferably, they open at their end facing the outlet end 1b into the collar adjoining the valve seat 6a6.

[0104] Even if the sealing area 6b3 of a valve element 6b rests on the sealing surface area of ​​the valve seat, an opening remains at the location of each pressure equalization channel 6a10 between the elements, in particular one that corresponds at least substantially to the cross-section of the pressure equalization channel, preferably so that pressure equalization is possible inside a container when closed.

[0105] The design of the housing 6a of the check valve assembly 6 according to Figure 15 with pressure equalization openings 6a9 or according to Figure 18 with pressure equalization channels 6a10 can be used in any possible embodiment of the invention. In particular, the design according to Figure 18 can be used as an alternative to Figure 15 in the embodiments shown in Figures 13, 14 and 17.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Pouring spout for pouring liquids from a container (5) with a channel (1) extending between an inlet end (1a) and an outlet end (1b), in particular in an axial direction of a central axis (2) of the channel (1), characterized in that a check valve arrangement (6) is attached to the outlet end (1b) of the channel (1), which is covered by a cap (3) with a cover area (3a) and a wall area (3e), wherein the cover area (3a) has a passage (3b).

2. Spout according to claim 1, characterized in that a. the cap (3) is attached to the outer surface of the channel (1) at its outlet end (1b) with its wall region (3e), in particular by means of an internal thread formed on the wall region (3e) or by detent projections on corresponding connecting elements of the outer surface, and the check valve assembly (6) is clamped between an axial annular end face (1c) of the outlet end (1b) of the channel (1) and an inner surface of the cover region (3a) of the cap (1), or b. the check valve assembly (6), in particular its housing (6a), has a wall region (6a7) with which it is attached to the outer surface of the channel (1) at its outlet end (1b), in particular by means of an internal thread formed on the wall region (6a7) or by detent projections on corresponding connecting elements of the outer surface is attached and the cap (3) is attached to the check valve assembly (6), in particular to its housing (6a).

3. Spout according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the check valve arrangement (6) has a housing (6a) with a first section (6a1) which is arranged in the channel (1) of the spout and with a second section (6a2), in particular a tubular section (6a2) which is arranged outside the channel (1), in particular wherein the second section (6a2) is clamped between the inner surface of the cover area (3a) and the annular end face (1c) of the channel (1) or wherein the wall area (6a7) is arranged on the second section (6a2) with which the check valve arrangement (6) is attached to the outer shell surface of the channel (1).

4. Pourer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a valve element (6b) of the check valve arrangement (6) has a sealing area (6b3) which is acted upon by at least one spring element (6b2) in the direction of a valve seat (6a6) of the check valve arrangement (6), wherein the end of the at least one spring element (6b2) facing away from the sealing area (6b3) is supported directly or via a ring (6b1) to which the ends facing away from all spring elements (6b2) are attached, a. on the inner surface of the cover element (3a) of the cap (3), or b. is supported on a radially inwardly pointing collar (6a5) of a tubular section of the housing (6a) of the check valve assembly (6), in particular on a collar (6a5) at the end of the second tubular section (6a2) of the housing (6a) facing the cap (3) or on a collar (6a5) on a side facing the first section (6a1) area of ​​the second section (6a2) of the check valve arrangement (6) is supported.

5. Pourer according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one spring element (6b2) extends axially and at least partially in the circumferential direction around the central axis (2) of the channel (1), in particular the spring element (6b2) runs helically, spirally or snail-shaped relative to the central axis (2).

6. Spout according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the check valve arrangement (6), in particular its housing (6a), has a valve seat (6a6) whose sealing surface area is annular and decreases in diameter in the axial direction towards the inlet end (1a), in particular wherein the sealing surface area is cone-shaped.

7. Spout according to claim 6, characterized in that a sealing area (6b3) of the valve element (6b), in particular of a valve element (6b) according to claim 4 or 5, which interacts sealingly with the sealing surface area, is at least partially surrounded by the sealing surface area, in particular is arranged completely or at least predominantly in the first section (6a1) according to claim 3.

8. Pourer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing area (6b3) of the valve element (6b) cooperating with a sealing surface area A / valve seat (6a6) of the housing (6a) of the check valve arrangement (6), in particular with a sealing surface area A / valve seat (6a6) according to claim 6 or 7, is designed in a dome shape, in particular in a dome shape or in a semi-spherical shape.

9. Spout according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve seat (6a6) of the check valve arrangement (6), in particular a valve seat (6a6) according to claim 6, is surrounded by a tubular section (6a7) which a. is part of the first section (6a1) according to claim 3, in particular wherein a sealing element, preferably a gasket, is located between the tubular section (6a7) and the inner wall of the channel (1), or b. forms the wall area (6a7) with which the check valve arrangement (6), in particular its housing (6a), is attached to the outer surface of the channel (1), in particular wherein the wall area (6a7) is attached to the second section (6a2), in particular in the region of the end of the first section (6a1) and extends from there over the first section (6a1) and surrounds it coaxially.

10. Pourer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passage (3b) in the cap (3) is formed by a channel, preferably having at least one cross-sectional reduction (3d) in its axial extent.

11. Pourer according to claim 10, characterized in that the channel forming the passage (3b) is offset at least partially, preferably predominantly, further preferably completely in the axial direction to the inflow end (1a) of the channel (1) below the outer surface of the cover area (3a) of the cap (3).

12. Pourer according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the channel forming the passage (3b) is closed with a cover (7), in particular wherein the cover (7) has a cover plate (7a), preferably on which a plug element (7b) is arranged which is inserted into the interior of the channel forming the passage (3b), and / or wherein the cover plate (7a) extends into at least two arms (7c), preferably into two opposing arms (7c), which extend beyond the wall area (3e) of the cap (3), preferably surrounding the wall area (3e) at least partially.

13. Pourer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fastening area (4), in particular a welding area, is arranged at the inlet end (1 a), in particular a welding area which tapers radially in cross-section perpendicular to the axial channel extension, preferably a boat-shaped welding area which can be welded between two layers of film of a film bag (5).

14. Spout according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the check valve arrangement (6), in particular its housing (6a), a. preferably in a collar arranged on the valve seat (6a6) extending radially outwards, has at least one pressure equalization opening (6a9), preferably the diameter of which is less than or equal to 1.5 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 1 mm, and even more preferably less than or equal to 0.5 mm, and / or b. in the valve seat (6a6), in particular in the sealing surface area of ​​the valve seat (6a6) cooperating with the sealing area (6b3) of the valve element (6b), at least one pressure equalization channel (6a10) extending towards the outlet end (1b) is arranged, preferably the width and / or depth of which increases towards the outlet end (1b).

15. Pourer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all individual elements of the pourer, in particular the channel (1), the cap (3), the housing (6a) of the check valve assembly (6) and the valve element (6b) of the check valve assembly (6), are made of the same plastic or at least of different plastics of the same are formed of plastic types, in particular where different plastics differ only by different chain polymerizations of the same monomer.

16. Container (5) comprising a spout according to one of the preceding claims.

Images