Device for automatically opening containers and system for automatically opening containers provided with sealing elements on the mouths thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and a system for automatically opening containers provided with mouths having a sealing element firmly attached to the rim thereof, said system being provided with piercing means that eliminate the need to perform multiple operations, in order to remove the sealing element from the rim of the mouth, which are usually required to carry out removal of the sealing element and release dispensing of the product stored therein. The system for automatically opening a container according to the invention makes it unnecessary for users to remove a cap from the container in order to enable dispensing of the product stored therein.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC OPENING OF CONTAINERS AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC OPENING OF CONTAINERS PROVIDED WITH SEALING ELEMENTS IN THEIR NOZZLES

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] (001) The present invention relates to a device and a system for the automatic opening of containers fitted with nozzles with a sealing element firmly fixed to their rim, said system being provided with piercing means that eliminate the need to perform multiple operations to remove the sealing element from the rim of the nozzle which are usually necessary to remove the sealing element and release the product stored therein. The automatic container opening system according to the invention makes it unnecessary for users to remove a lid from the container to release the product stored therein.

[0004] RELATED TECHNIQUE

[0005] (002) The use of sealing elements in containers intended to store products such as food condiments, soups, liquid or paste products, medicines, cosmetics and other products is well known. Normally the sealing element is firmly attached to the rim of the opening through which the product can be removed from the container.

[0006] (003) Usually some closing element is provided in the pouring nozzle, normally a cap, which is often provided with an internal thread to engage with an external thread provided in the pouring nozzle. The cap will only have the function of sealing the container after a consumer removes the sealing element on the edge of the nozzle.

[0007] (004) Several types of sealing elements are known for the dispensing nozzles of these containers, whose characteristics vary according to the type of product contained in the container. Usually, the sealing elements comprise a multilayer material, which can be manufactured from plastic materials, paper, aluminum films, etc. Patents US6277478, US6461714, US7648764 and US8080118 disclose some types of sealing elements.

[0008] (005) There are several reasons for sealing the container using sealing elements applied to the nozzle opening, and among them are the need to provide barriers against light, odors, aromas, moisture, oxygen, etc., factors that can compromise the quality and integrity of the product stored in the container. For this reason, sealing elements can usually be manufactured in layers of different materials, each one meeting specific needs.

[0009] (006) Sealing elements can also be a means of extending the shelf life of products stored in containers, as there are cases where sales to the end consumer occur a considerable time after the manufacturing date. In some cases, sales may occur more than a year after manufacturing.

[0010] (007) The sealing elements also serve as an indication to the consumer that the contents of the container have not been tampered with. If the sealing element shows any sign of tampering when the lid is removed, this will signal to the consumer that the container has been tampered with and the product may have suffered some type of contamination and, therefore, should not be used.

[0011] (008) For this reason, container lids with sealing elements at the opening are often not equipped with anti-vandalism devices, as the sealing element itself serves this purpose. This makes it possible for consumers, when choosing a product to buy, to remove the lids from the products, unscrewing them to check if the sealing element is intact. (009) In these situations, consumers may inadvertently damage the sealing element, which would make the product contained in the container unfit for sale. To avoid this possibility, it is common for sealing elements to be manufactured with layers of materials thicker than would be necessary to serve as a barrier element, which increases manufacturing costs.The provision of thicker sealing elements further increases their strength, which can prevent the sealing element from tearing when the removal operation is performed. (010) There is a drawback to using thick sealing elements due to the great resistance they have to being removed by users. It is often necessary to use a sharp, pointed object to remove thick sealing elements, which causes a certain risk to users if they cut themselves. And it is not uncommon for the region of the thick sealing elements adhered to the rim of the nozzle to remain intact after the sealing element has been cut by users.

[0012] (011) A major disadvantage observed in these sealing devices is the need to perform a three-step operation to be able to pour out the product stored inside the container, which comprises (i) unscrewing the closing device from the nozzle, to remove it, (ii) manually removing the sealing element and then (iii) screwing the closing device back onto the nozzle of the container, to allow the product stored inside the container to be poured out.

[0013] (012) A solution to this problem is proposed in document GB2440525A, which discloses a closing device comprising:

[0014] - a container 1 provided with a nozzle with a circumferential rim 4 that provides an opening in the upper region of the nozzle, a thread 3 in the outer region of the nozzle, a circumferential flange 6 that extends around the nozzle, below the thread 3 and that projects radially above the thread 3, and a sealing element 5 adhered to the rim 4;

[0015] - a closing device 8 comprising a circular skirt 9 provided with a longitudinally ribbed outer surface 10, the circular skirt 9 being provided with a thread 11 in the inner region for being partially screwed onto the thread 3 of the nozzle, an opening 15 being located in the upper region of the closing device 8 to allow drinking or pouring liquid through the closing device 8 after opening the container 1; and

[0016] - a cutting element 18 for cutting the sealing element 5. The closing device 8 is provided with a tamper-evident ring 33, which is connected to the lower region of the circular skirt 9 by means of rupture elements 34.

[0017] (013) In the initial position, the closing device 8 is partially screwed into the nozzle, in its initial operating position. The cutting element 18 is incorporated in a single piece inside the circular skirt 9, at a height above the thread 11, so that, in use, when the closing element 8 is screwed into a fully engaged position on the nozzle of the container, this operation causes the cutting element 18 to rotate, causing the sealing element 5 to be cut.

[0018] (014) For the cutting element 18 of the nozzle to cut the sealing element 5, it is necessary to apply a clockwise rotation to the closing element 8. Initially the rupture elements 34 break and the side wall 9 is pushed into the tamper-evident ring 33, in a telescopic manner, as the closing device 8 is screwed onto the nozzle.

[0019] (015) During this rotational movement of the closing element 8, the cutting element 18 makes a cut in the sealing element 5, until the closing element 8 is in the fully screwed position in the nozzle. In the meantime, the sealing element 5 is cut by the cutting element 18, and the contents of the container can be poured out, passing through the nozzle.

[0020] (016) The device of the invention disclosed in document GB2440525A represented a significant change in the state of the art, as it eliminates the need to perform the three steps mentioned above to open the container, namely, (i) unscrewing the closing device from the container nozzle, (ii) manually removing the sealing element, and (iii) screwing the closing device back onto the container nozzle.

[0021] (017) However, the closing device disclosed in document GB2440525A can only solve some of the problems mentioned above, as it is only applied to standardized threaded nozzles, which always have right-hand threads. This characteristic causes a major limitation for the use of said device, especially in situations where containers with such devices applied to their necks are stored in shipping boxes that are stacked.

[0022] (018) Depending on the number of levels of shipping boxes stacked, it may happen that the weight of the shipping boxes stacked on the higher levels exerts such pressure on the devices of the containers stored in the shipping boxes packed on the lower levels of the stack. This may cause the rupture of said rupture elements 34.

[0023] (019) Consequently, the closing devices 8 applied to the containers in the boxes located on the lower levels of the stack may become fully entangled with the nozzles of the containers. This will cause the cutting elements 18 to cut the sealing elements 5 adhered to the nozzles of these containers. Consequently, the containers must be discarded.

[0024] (020) Another disadvantage of the invention disclosed in document GB2440525A is that it only provides for the use of right-hand threads in the nozzle and in the closing device 8. As the closing device 8 is partially screwed into the nozzle in its initial operating position, users tend to always apply a counterclockwise rotary motion to unscrew caps applied to nozzles, as is usually the case.

[0025] (021) If users initially perform such a counter-clockwise rotary motion on the locking device 8, this will cause an undesirable total unscrewing of the locking device 8. Obviously, this situation will cause difficulties for users, who will have to screw the locking device back onto the container nozzle.

[0026] (022) In this attempt to reattach the closing device to the container nozzle, damage may occur to the elements comprising the closing device, rendering it inoperable.

[0027] (023) This problem is solved by the invention disclosed in patent EP3760554, the content of which is incorporated into the present application, in which various embodiments of the invention that solve the problems mentioned above are disclosed.

[0028] (024) More specifically, some embodiments of the invention disclosed in patent EP3760554 utilize left-hand threads and, consequently, when a user applies a movement to the closing device, the internal mechanisms of the closing device will operate in such a way as to cause the cutting of the sealing element adhered to the nozzle of the container, opening it. With this, the product stored inside the container can be poured out.

[0029] (025) An exemplary embodiment of the invention of patent EP3760554 comprises a system for automatic opening of a container which includes a device for automatic opening of a container 1 and a nozzle 12 of a container 20, wherein:

[0030] - the nozzle 12 comprises an elongated cylindrical body 13 whose outer region is provided with a lower ring 17, a sealing element 19 being fixed to the edge of the nozzle 12;

[0031] - an external thread 14 with at least one entry is provided in the elongated cylindrical body 13 of the nozzle 12, said external thread 14 comprising a lower thread 14a and an upper thread 14b, a shaft 15 being formed between these two threads 14a-14b, the upper thread 14b of the external thread 14 having an upper end 21;

[0032] - the automatic opening device 1 comprises at least one base element lb, a cutting device 3 and a locking device 6; - the base element lb comprises an elongated body forming a first side wall 11 whose edges are joined to a top element 10 provided with a passage hole 2a;

[0033] - the inner portion of the first side wall 11 is provided with an internal thread 5 with at least one entry that coincides with said external thread 14 of the nozzle 12, the internal thread 5 being provided with an entry end 5a;

[0034] - the locking device 6 comprises an elongated body having on its upper edge a plurality of upper breaking elements 6a which are connected to a lower edge of the elongated body of the base element lb, the lower region of the locking device 6 having a locking means for locking the automatic opening device 1 in the nozzle 12 by means of inserting the locking means between the lower ring 17 and the intermediate ring 18;

[0035] - the cutting device 3 comprises a protruding hollow body whose upper portion is connected to the lower region of said top element 10 and surrounds said passage hole 2a, the lower portion of the cutting device 3 being provided with at least one cutting element 3a;

[0036] - the nozzle 12 is additionally provided with an intermediate ring 18, located above said lower ring 17, and an upper ring 16, located above the intermediate ring 18, said thread 14 being located between the intermediate ring 18 and the upper ring 16, the diameter of the upper ring 16 being smaller than the diameter of the intermediate ring 18, and the diameter of the intermediate ring 18 being smaller than the diameter of the lower ring 17;

[0037] - the aforementioned internal thread 5 of the elongated body of the base element lb and the aforementioned external thread 14 of the nozzle 12 are selected from the group comprising right-hand threads and left-hand threads;

[0038] - the upper end 21 of the upper thread 14b of said external thread 14 extends beyond the upper ring 16 of the nozzle 12 and the lower thread 14a has its upper end flush with the lower portion of the upper ring 16;

[0039] - the upper breaking elements 6a of the locking device 6 are designed to break upon rotation of the base element lb, and consequently the entry ends 5a of the flanking internal thread 5 will be able to travel along the upper face of the ring 16 until they meet the upper end 21 of the upper fillet 14b of the external thread 14.

[0040] (026) Reference is made to patent EP3760554 for further details regarding the operation of the various embodiments disclosed in that patent.

[0041] (027) When handling containers fitted with closure devices disclosed in both document GB2440525A and patent EP3760554, users will no longer have to perform three-step operations to manually remove the sealing elements in order to open the container, as such closure devices make it unnecessary to apply thick sealing elements to the edges of the container nozzles.

[0042] (028) Thus, since there is no such need, thin sealing elements can be used, which reduces costs and makes it possible for rotary cutting to be carried out without the need to exert a large torque on the closing element, to rotate it while rotary cutting the sealing element is carried out, which would not occur if the sealing element were very thick, as is the case today, in situations where users have to carry out operations in three stages to remove the sealing elements.

[0043] (029) The embodiments of the invention disclosed in document GB2440525A and the invention disclosed in patent EP3760554 are based on the rotary cutting of the sealing elements adhered to the edges of the nozzles to enable the opening of the container, that is, cutting the sealing element makes it possible for the product stored inside the container to be poured through the nozzle, without the impediment of the sealing element.

[0044] (030) Although this is an efficient mode of operation, in some situations the use of rotary cutting elements to cut the sealing elements may cause some difficulties. As the sealing elements contain plastic layers, these layers, due to the characteristic resilience of the plastic material of their composition, tend to cause a reaction to the cutting performed by the cutting elements.

[0045] (031) This resistance to shear causes the need to apply a greater torque so that the cutting element can cut the plastic layers. If the sealant also contains paper in its composition, this resistance will be even greater, and will require the application of more torque so that the action of cutting the sealant can be performed.

[0046] (032) The closure devices disclosed in document GB2440525A and in invention patent EP3760554 can be used in containers that contain products that are poured through relatively small openings in the closure devices, such as, for example, condiments such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise.

[0047] (033) Because the sealing element is cut flush with the rim of the container nozzle, along almost its entire circular length, when a user uses the product for the first time, situations may occur in which the sealing element blocks the passage of the product through the opening of the closing device, especially when the container still has a large quantity of product stored inside.

[0048] (034) This would cause great inconvenience for users, as well as damaging the product manufacturer's image with consumers.

[0049] (035) One solution to this situation would be to use a rotating cutting element with external dimensions much smaller than the internal diameter of the container nozzle. However, this solution has the disadvantage of requiring more effort from users when rotating the automatic container opening device, so that the rotating cutting element can cut the sealing element adhered to the edge of the nozzle, as will be shown in more detail later.

[0050] (036) The present invention, by providing a cutting element that fully or partially punctures the sealing element to break it, provides a substantial advantage over the rotary cutting elements disclosed in documents GB2440525A and EP3760554, by requiring the application of much less intense torque to break the sealing elements. Even thick sealing elements can be broken by the punching devices disclosed in the present invention.

[0051] (037) These and other advantages will become quite apparent through the detailed description of the invention that will follow.

[0052] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] (038) The invention that is the subject of this application will be better understood through the detailed description that follows, with the aid of the attached drawings, in which:

[0054] Figure 1 is a top perspective view depicting an embodiment of a device for automatically opening containers according to the concepts of the invention;

[0055] Figure 2 is a top side perspective cutaway view of the automatic container opening device depicted in Figure 1, said cutaway being made as indicated by the cutaway line A-A in Figure 1;

[0056] - Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the automatic container opening device depicted in Figure 1, where the closing element of the automatic opening device is in an open position; - Figure 4 depicts a front view of the automatic container opening device of Figure 1 applied to a container, where the automatic container opening device is shown in section, as indicated by the section line A - A of Figure 1;

[0057] Figure 5 depicts a lower side perspective view of the automatic opening device of Figure 1, in section, the section made as indicated by the section line A - A of Figure 1;

[0058] Figure 6 depicts a lower side perspective view of the automatic opening device of Figure 1, in section, the section made as indicated by the section line A - A of Figure 1;

[0059] Figure 7 depicts a top side perspective view of a second embodiment of the automatic container opening device applied to a container, in which the automatic opening device is shown in cross-section;

[0060] - Figures 8A, 8B and 8C depict front cutaway views of a device for automatic opening of containers known in the prior art, which is provided with a rotating cutting element located in the central part of the internal region of the device for automatic opening of containers;

[0061] Figures 9A and 9B show a cross-section of a container fitted with a nozzle, depicting a cross-sectional element of a device for automatically opening containers whose external dimension is slightly smaller than the diameter of the nozzle's inner wall.

[0062] Figures 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a container fitted with a nozzle, depicting a cutting element of a device for automatically opening containers in which the external dimension of the rotating cutting element is much smaller than the diameter of the inner wall of the nozzle.

[0063] The technical problem solved by the invention.

[0064] (039) Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, comments will be made with reference to Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B.

[0065] (040) Figures 8A, 8B and 8C depict front cutaway views of a device for automatic opening of containers 50 known in the state of the art applied to a container 52.

[0066] (041) As can be seen in Figure 8A, the automatic container opening device 50 is provided with a rotating cutting element 51, located in the central part of the internal region of the automatic container opening device 50.

[0067] (042) The container 52 is provided with a nozzle 53, and a sealing element 54 is adhered to the rim of the nozzle 53. Note in Figure 8A that the outer wall of the rotating cutting element 51 is positioned at a distance "a" from the inner wall of the nozzle 53.

[0068] (043) Figure 8B depicts an instant immediately after a user has initiated the rotation application of the automatic container opening device 50, whereby the rotating cutting element 51, in addition to performing a rotational movement, also performs a downward vertical movement, as indicated by arrow W in Figure 8B.

[0069] (044) When the cutting elements at the lower end of the rotary cutting element 51 touch the sealing element 54, since the latter has a certain flexibility due to the presence of plastic layers in its composition, the cutting elements of the rotary cutting element 51 cannot immediately start cutting the sealing element 54, due to this characteristic of the plastic layers of the sealing element 54 having a certain flexibility.

[0070] (045) That is, this greater flexibility of the plastic layers causes them to be less stressed, due to the distance "a" between the rotating cutting element 54 and the inner wall of the nozzle (046) As a result, the sealing element 54 assumes a substantially concave shape in relation to the rotating cutting element 51, as depicted in Figure 8B. This situation creates difficulties for the cutting elements of the rotating cutting element 51 to cut the sealing element.

[0071] (047) With continued rotation, the cutting elements of the rotating cutting element 51 will exert pressure on the sealing element 54, but in this situation there will be greater resistance to cutting on the plastic layers of the sealing element 54, compared to what occurs when the rotating cutting element is flush with the inner wall of the nozzle.

[0072] (048) Consequently, the user will need to apply a greater torque to the automatic container opening device 50 so that the cutting elements of the rotating cutting element 51 can finally start cutting the sealing element 54.

[0073] (049) This need for the user to apply more torque to the automatic container opening device 50 arises from the distance "a" between the rotating cutting element 51 and the inner wall of the nozzle 53. The greater this distance, the greater the torque that the user must apply so that the rotating cutting element 51 can cut the sealing element 54, so that the product contained inside the container 52 can be poured, as indicated by the arrows Y in Figure 8C.

[0074] (050) To make clearer this aspect of the distance of the rotating cutting element from the inner wall of the nozzle causing difficulties in cutting the sealing element, observe Figure 9A, which depicts a situation in which a rotating cutting element 63 is situated very close to the inner wall of a nozzle 61 of a container 60. A sealing element 62 is adhered to the rim of the nozzle 61.

[0075] (051) In this situation, as soon as the rotating cutting element 63 begins its rotational movement, the cutting elements of the rotating cutting element 63 will encounter less resistance to cutting the plastic layers of the sealing element 62, since the small distance between the rotating cutting element 63 and the inner wall of the nozzle 61 does not create the possibility of the sealing element assuming the concave shape depicted in Figure 8B.

[0076] (052) Instead, as soon as a user starts applying torque to the automatic opening device, the sealing element 62 will be stretched as soon as it is touched by the cutting elements of the rotating cutting element 63, due to the proximity of the latter to the inner wall of the nozzle 61. (053) Consequently, the cutting elements of the rotating cutting element 63 will be able to easily start cutting the sealing element 62, until the cut is fully made, as shown in Figure 9B.

[0077] (054) Figure 10A depicts a situation in which a rotating cutting element 73, similar to the rotating cutting element of Figures 8A, 8B and 8C, has a diametrical dimension much smaller than the diameter of the inner wall of a nozzle 71 of a container 70, a sealing element 72 being adhered to the rim of the nozzle 71.

[0078] (055) In this condition, exactly what was described previously in relation to Figure 8B will occur, that is, the cutting elements of the rotating cutting element 73 will have difficulty immediately cutting the sealing element 72, since the latter assumes a concave configuration as soon as the cutting elements of the rotating cutting element 73 come into contact with the sealing element 72, which is not properly tensioned, which, if it occurred, would facilitate the cut. See Figure 10B.

[0079] (056) The tensioning of the sealing element 72 will only occur after the rotating cutting element 73 is rotated a little further. However, during the transition of the sealing element 72 from a low tension state to a high tension state, the plastic layers of the sealing element 72 will create difficulties for the elements contained in the rotating cutting element 73 to perform the cutting of the sealing element 72. (057) And this means the need to apply more torque to the rotating cutting element 73, in a magnitude greater than would occur if the rotating cutting element 73 were flush with the inner wall of the nozzle 71.

[0080] (058) Therefore, in order for the cutting elements of the rotating cutting element to be able to cut the sealing element, it will be necessary to apply a greater torque than would usually be required if the rotating cutting element were positioned flush with the inner wall of the nozzle.

[0081] (059) Thus, in the situation where the rotating cutting element is away from the inner wall of the nozzle, there will always be a need to apply a greater torque to the rotating cutting element so that its cutting elements can overcome the resistance of the low-tension plastic layers to cut the sealing element.

[0082] (060) The present invention solves this technical problem arising from the need to apply more torque to a device for automatic container opening when there is a substantial gap between the rotating cutting element of this device for automatic container opening and the inner wall of the container nozzle. This will be clearly perceived from the description of the invention that will be given below.

[0083] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0084] (061) In the description that follows, terms such as "superior," "inferior," "vertical," and "horizontal" refer specifically to the position in which elements, parts, portions, regions, etc., are depicted in the Figures. The terms "longitudinal" and "transversal," when used in reference to objects, parts, components, etc., depicted in the Figures, should be understood in a sequence of visualization from the superior region to the inferior region, and from the left to the right of the Figure, respectively. The term "anterior" should be related to what is visible in the Figure, and the term "posterior" should be related to what is in the opposite region of the Figure.

[0085] (062) The terms "automatic container opening device", "automatic opening device", "automatic container opening device" and "automatic opening device" may be used interchangeably, all meaning a closing device applied to the mouth of a container, said device being provided with means enabling the user to cut or break a sealing element adhered to the rim of the container mouth when the user applies a rotational movement to said device.

[0086] (063) Figures 1 and 2 are top perspective views depicting a device for automatic opening of containers 1 according to the features of the present invention. In Figure 1, the automatic opening device 1 is depicted in an initial configuration, ready to be applied to a container nozzle. Figure 2 depicts the automatic opening device 1 with a cut made along a cutting line A - A shown in Figure 1.

[0087] (064) As depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the automatic container opening device 1 comprises a closing element 1a, a base element 1b, a punching device 3 and a locking device 6.

[0088] (065) In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the closing element la is in a closed position, engaged with the base element lb, as shown in Figure 1, and both are connected to each other by means of a tilting connection element, not shown in the Figures. Figure 3 is a top perspective view showing the automatic container opening device 1 with the closing element la in an open position, disengaged from the base element lb.

[0089] (066) As depicted in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the base element lb comprises a side wall 7, in the form of an elongated cylindrical body, and a top element 10, of circular shape and whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the side wall 7. A through hole 13 is provided in the top element 10. Preferably, in the upper region of the top element 10 there is a protruding ring 2 that surrounds the through hole 13. The protruding ring 2 is optional, since the present embodiment of the invention can be carried out without this element.

[0090] (067) In the present embodiment, the device for automatic opening of containers 1 is provided in its internal region with an inner skirt 12, which comprises a cylindrical body that projects downwards from the top element 10 of the base element lb, as can be seen in Figure 2.

[0091] (068) The closing element 1a comprises a second side wall 9 in the form of an elongated cylindrical body and an upper element 11, circular in shape and whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the second side wall 9.

[0092] (069) Preferably, the automatic container opening device 1 is designed so that the second side wall 9 of the closing element 1a and the side wall 7 of the base element 1b have substantially equal external diameters when closed, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. For this to occur, the top element 10 of the base element 1b must be provided with a recess in the region of its edge where it connects to the side wall 7, as observed in Figures 2 and 3, so as to form an annular interlocking region.

[0093] (070) This feature is intended only to facilitate the handling of the automatic container opening device 1 by users, but is not essential for the functionality of the device. The embodiments of the closing element la and the base element lb may differ from those shown in Figures 1 and 2, without, however, altering the functionality of these components for the proper operation of the automatic container opening device 1.

[0094] (071) The automatic container opening device 1 can be manufactured without the closing element la, however, even so, the automatic container opening device 1 will operate normally without this closing element, which can be replaced by other types of closing elements. Therefore, the closing element la is optional, as other types of closing elements can be used.

[0095] (072) In the present embodiment, internal thread segments 5 are provided in the inner region of the outer skirt 12 of the base element lb. It is noted that the use of internal thread segments is optional instead of a continuous internal thread fillet. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the internal thread segments 5 comprise a left-handed internal thread with three starts.

[0096] (073) However, the internal thread segments 5 may comprise a thread with any number of starts, as well as being able to comprise a right-hand thread. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the use of an internal thread 5 with three starts, oriented to the left.

[0097] (074) It is relevant to note that one of the three internal thread segments 5 is depicted in Figure 4, located in the inner region of the inner skirt 12 of the base element lb, in the region that was cut according to the cutting line A - A shown in Figure 1, which would not appear in the cutaway view, having been represented only for the purpose of showing how the threading of this internal thread segment 5 into the external thread 17 of the nozzle 4 occurs.

[0098] (075) As mentioned earlier, the use of internal thread segments 5 is optional, instead of a thread that extends along the entire inner region of the inner skirt 12 of the lb base element. Thus, the use of internal thread segments is merely a technical option that, among other aspects, facilitates threading and makes it possible to reduce costs, and therefore cannot be considered a limitation of the invention.

[0099] (076) A punching device 3 is provided in the inner region of the top element 10, which comprises a protruding hollow body that tapers downwards, in the present embodiment in the form of an inverted cone, whose upper region is connected to the inner lower region of the top element 10, in the region where the passage hole 13 is located, the latter being a continuation of the hollow part of the punching device 3. As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the lower region of the punching device 3 is provided with a punching element 3a. The punching device 3 is also provided with lateral passages 3b.

[0100] (077) The locking device 6 comprises a substantially cylindrical elongated body, the upper edge of which is provided with a plurality of upper breaking elements 6a, which are interconnected to the lower end of the base element lb, as can be seen in more detail in Figures 1 and 3. The inner region of the lower edge of the locking device 6 is provided with a plurality of lower locking elements 6b, distributed circularly along this lower edge of the locking device 6.

[0101] (078) The lower locking elements 6b comprise circularly distributed and spaced tongues, the lower region of each tongue being joined to the inner region of the edge of the lower region of the locking device 6. The body of each tongue is inclined towards the geometric axis of the locking device 6. The lower locking elements 6b are designed so as to be able to undergo small radial bends towards the inner region of the locking device 6.

[0102] (079) Other embodiments of the lower locking elements 6b may be used and, consequently, the invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in Figure 2. The function of the upper breaking elements 6a and the lower locking elements 6b will be well understood below, in the description that will be given of the operation of applying the device for automatic opening of containers 1 to a container.

[0103] (080) In Figure 3 the closing element 1a of the automatic container opening device 1 is depicted in the open position. Note a shutter element 18, which comprises a protruding body that projects from the upper element 11 and serves to block the passage hole 13 of the top element 10, when the closing element 1a is in the closed position. (081) Figure 4 shows the device for automatic opening of containers 1 after being applied to a threaded nozzle 4 of a container 14. The threaded nozzle 4 is provided with an outer lower ring 15, located above the region where the nozzle 4 is joined to the container 14, and an outer upper ring 16, located below the rim of the nozzle 4, the diameter of the outer lower ring 15 being greater than the diameter of the outer upper ring 16. The outer region of the threaded nozzle 4 is provided with an external thread 17, located between the outer lower ring 15 and the outer upper ring 16.A sealing element 19 is firmly adhered to the edge of the threaded nozzle 4.

[0104] (082) In this embodiment, the external thread 17 comprises a three-start thread, oriented to the left. However, the invention is not limited to the use of this specific type of thread, since threads with a different number of starts or with a right-hand orientation can be used, provided that the internal thread segments 5 of the automatic container opening device 1 can be screwed onto the external thread 17.

[0105] (083) Note that one of the flanks of the external thread 17 extends beyond the upper outer ring 16, in order to facilitate the fitting of the segments of the internal thread 5 of the automatic container opening device 1 into the external thread 17, as will be seen later.

[0106] (084) The application of the automatic container opening device 1 to the threaded nozzle 4 is done by pressing the automatic container opening device 1 against the threaded nozzle 4, as indicated by arrow X in Figure 4. At the end of the pressing movement of the automatic container opening device 1 against the threaded nozzle 4, the lower locking elements 6b will have already passed the lower outer ring 5, to lock the automatic container opening device 1 to the threaded nozzle 4. (085) Note that after the automatic container opening device 1 has been locked to the threaded nozzle 4, the punching element 3a of the punching device 3 will be located very close to the sealing element 19 adhered to the edge of the threaded nozzle 4, as can be seen in Figure 4.

[0107] (086) When it is necessary to open container 14 to pour out the product contained therein, simply apply a rotary motion to the automatic container opening device 1, in this embodiment a counterclockwise rotary motion, as indicated by the curved arrow R in Figure 4, given that the external thread 17 of the threaded nozzle 4 and the internal thread segments 5 comprise left-hand threads.

[0108] (087) If the external thread 17 and the internal thread segments 5 comprised right-hand threads, the said rotary motion applied to the automatic container opening device 1 would be clockwise.

[0109] (088) Applying this rotary motion to the automatic container opening device 1 will initially cause the upper rupture elements 6a of the locking device 6 to break. Then, with the continuation of said rotary motion, the internal thread segments 5 will begin to screw into the external thread 17 of the threaded nozzle 4.

[0110] (089) Next, the punching element 3a of the punching device 3 performs the perforation of the sealing element 19. With the continued rotary motion of the automatic container opening device 1, and the consequent displacement of the internal thread segments 5 in the external thread 17 of the threaded nozzle 4, the punching device 3 will simultaneously perform a rotational and a downward motion.

[0111] (090) With this, the punching device 3 will continuously penetrate the sealing element 19, and its concomitant rotational movement will consequently cause the widening of the area that was initially perforated in the sealing element 19 by the action of the punching element 3a.

[0112] (091) The internal thread segments 5 will continue to screw onto the external thread 17 of the threaded nozzle 4 until the top element 10 hits the sealing element 19, thus ceasing the rotary movement of the automatic container opening device 1.

[0113] (092) At the end of the rotary motion, the entire punching device 3 will have fully penetrated the sealing element 19, as can be seen in Figure 5. Consequently, the product stored inside the container 14 will be ready to be poured, simply by the user applying pressure to the flexible body of the container 14, or simply turning the upper part of the container downwards, so that the product passes through the side passages 3b of the punching device 3 and then passes through the passage hole 13 of the base element lb, as indicated by arrows Z1 and Z2 in Figure 5.

[0114] (093) This embodiment of the automatic container opening device 1 of the present invention is indicated for use in containers that are stored in a position where the container rests on the closing device, in an inverted position relative to what normally occurs, aiming to facilitate the flow of pasty or semi-pasty products stored inside the container, such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise.

[0115] (094) Consequently, it becomes necessary for the automatic container opening device 1 to have much larger dimensions than it could otherwise have, in order to be screwed onto the external thread 17 of the threaded nozzle 4.

[0116] (095) For this reason, the automatic container opening device 1 is provided with an inner skirt 12 having a diameter sufficiently larger than the diameter of the threaded nozzle 4, which makes it possible for the internal thread segments 5 to be provided in the inner region of the inner skirt 12, in order to enable the automatic container opening device 1 to be screwed onto the external thread 17 of the threaded nozzle 4. (096) Figure 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention, relating to an automatic container opening device 31 applied to a threaded nozzle 34 of a container 48.

[0117] (097) The threaded nozzle 34 is provided with an outer lower ring 45 and an outer upper ring 46, with an external thread 47 being provided between the outer lower ring 45 and the outer upper ring 46. In the present embodiment, the external thread 47 comprises a left-hand thread. However, the invention is not limited to the use of a left-hand thread, and a right-hand thread may be used.

[0118] (098) The automatic container opening device 31 comprises a closing element 31a, a base element 31b, a locking device 36 and a punching device 33.

[0119] (099) In essence, the automatic container opening device 31 comprises almost all the elements of the automatic container opening device 1 previously described, with the exception of the inner skirt 12.

[0120] (0100) Thus, the characteristics of the elements of the automatic container opening device 31 similar to the elements of the automatic container opening device 1 previously described will not be described in detail here.

[0121] (0101) The automatic container opening device 31 of this second embodiment is not suitable for use as a support to keep the container in an inverted position, as its dimensions are only sufficient to screw onto an external thread 47 of the container nozzle 34, as shown in Figure 6.

[0122] (0102) The base element 31b comprises a side wall 37, in the form of an elongated cylindrical body, and a top element 40, of circular shape, whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the side wall 37 of the base element 31b.

[0123] (0103) In the upper region of the top element 40 there is a protruding ring surrounding a passage hole, not shown in Figure 6, which are similar to the protruding ring 2 and the passage hole 13 previously described in relation to the automatic container opening device 1 previously described. The protruding ring is optional, since the present embodiment of the invention can be carried out without this element.

[0124] (0104) The closing element 31a comprises a second side wall 39 in the form of an elongated cylindrical body and an upper element 41, circular in shape and whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the second side wall 39.

[0125] (0105) Preferably, the automatic container opening device 31 is designed so that the side wall 39 of the closing element 31a and the side wall 37 of the base element 31b have substantially equal outside diameters when closed, as shown in Figures 6.

[0126] (0106) For this to occur, the top element 40 of the base element 31b must be provided with a recess in the region of its edge where it connects to the side wall 37, as observed in Figure 6, in order to form an annular interlocking region.

[0127] (0107) This feature is intended only to facilitate the handling of the automatic container opening device 31 by users, but is not essential for the functionality of the automatic container opening device 31. The embodiments of the closing element 31a and the base element 31b may differ from those shown in Figure 6, without, however, altering the functionality of these components for the proper operation of the automatic container opening device 31.

[0128] (0108) The automatic container opening device 31 can be manufactured without the closing element 31a, but even so the automatic container opening device 31 will operate normally without this element, which can be replaced by other types of closing elements. Therefore, the closing element 31a is optional, as other types of closing elements can be used.

[0129] (0109) In the present embodiment, internal thread segments 35 are provided in the internal region of the base element 31b. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the internal thread segments 35 comprise a left-handed internal thread with three starts.

[0130] (0110) However, the internal thread segments 35 may comprise a thread with any number of starts, and may also comprise a right-hand thread. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the use of an internal thread 35 with three starts, oriented to the left.

[0131] (0111) The use of internal thread segments 35, instead of a thread extending along the entire internal region of the base element 31b, is optional. Thus, the use of internal thread segments is merely a technical option which, among other aspects, facilitates threading and makes it possible to reduce costs, and therefore cannot be considered a limitation of the invention.

[0132] (0112) It is relevant to comment that the orientation of the internal thread segments 35 must be the same as the orientation of the external thread 47 of the threaded nozzle 34, so that the internal thread segments 35 can be screwed into the external thread 47.

[0133] (0113) As depicted in Figure 6, one of the flanks of the external thread 47 extends beyond the upper outer ring 46, in order to facilitate the fitting of the segments of the internal thread 35 of the automatic container opening device 31 into the external thread 47, as will be seen later.

[0134] (0114) It is relevant to note that one of the three internal thread segments 35, located on the part of the base element 31b that was cut, is depicted in Figure 6, solely for the purpose of showing the threading of this internal thread segment 35 into the external thread 47 of the nozzle 34.

[0135] (0115) The use of internal thread segments 35, instead of a thread extending along the entire internal region of the base element 31b, is optional. Thus, the use of internal thread segments is merely a technical option which, among other aspects, facilitates threading and makes it possible to reduce costs, and therefore cannot be considered a limitation of the invention.

[0136] (0116) The punching device 33 is provided in the inner region of the upper element 40 of the base element 31b, which comprises a protruding hollow body, in the shape of an inverted cone, whose upper region is connected to the inner lower region of the top element 40, in the region where the passage hole is located, the latter being a continuation of the hollow part of the punching device 33.

[0137] (0117) As can be seen in Figure 6, the lower region of the punching device 33 comprises a punching element 33a. The punching device 33 is also provided with lateral passages 33b. (0118) The locking device 36 comprises an elongated and substantially cylindrical body, the upper edge of which is provided with a plurality of upper breaking elements 36a, which are interconnected to the lower end of the base element 31b, as can be seen in more detail in Figure 6.

[0138] (0119) The inner region of the lower edge of the locking device 36 is provided with a plurality of lower locking elements 36b, distributed circularly along this lower edge of the locking device 36.

[0139] (0120) The lower locking elements 36b comprise circularly distributed and spaced tongues, the lower region of each tongue being joined to the edge of the lower region of the locking device 36, and the body of each tongue being inclined towards the geometric axis of the locking device 36. The lower locking elements 36b are designed so as to be able to undergo small radial bends towards the inner region of the locking device 36. (0121) Other embodiments of the lower locking elements 36b may be used and, consequently, the invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in Figure 6. The function of the upper breaking elements 36a and the lower locking elements 36b will be better understood below, in the description that will be given of the operation of applying the device for automatic opening of containers 36a to a container 48.

[0140] (0122) The operation for opening a container by means of the automatic container opening device 31 is identical to the operation that was previously described in relation to the use of the automatic container opening device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] (0123) Thus, the application of the automatic container opening device 31 to the threaded nozzle 34 is done by pressing the automatic container opening device 31 against the threaded nozzle 34. At the end of the pressing movement of the automatic container opening device 31 against the nozzle 34, the lower locking elements 36b will have already passed the lower outer ring 45, to lock the automatic container opening device 31 to the threaded nozzle 34.

[0142] (0124) After the automatic container opening device 31 has been locked to the threaded nozzle 34, the punching element 33a of the punching device 33 will be located very close to the sealing element 49 adhered to the edge of the threaded nozzle 34, as can be seen in Figure 6.

[0143] (0125) When it is necessary to open the container 48 to pour out the product contained therein, simply apply a rotary motion to the automatic container opening device 31, in this embodiment a counterclockwise rotary motion, as indicated by the curved arrow T in Figure 6, given that the external thread 37 of the threaded nozzle 34 and the internal thread segments 35 comprise left-hand threads.

[0144] (0126) If the external thread 47 and the internal thread segments 35 comprised right-hand threads, the said rotary motion applied to the automatic container opening device 35 would be clockwise.

[0145] (0127) Applying this rotary motion to the automatic container opening device 31 will initially cause the upper rupture elements 36a of the locking device to break. Then, with the continuation of said rotary motion, the internal thread segments 35 will begin to screw into the external thread 47 of the threaded nozzle 34.

[0146] (0128) Next, the punching element 33a of the punching device 33 performs the perforation of the sealing element 49. With the continued rotary motion of the automatic container opening device 31, the punching device 33 continuously penetrates the sealing element 49, thus widening the area that was initially perforated by the action of the punching element 33a in the sealing element 49. (0129) With this, the punching device 33 will continuously penetrate the sealing element 49, thus widening the area that was initially perforated in the sealing element 49 by the action of the punching element 33a.

[0147] (0130) The internal thread segments 35 will continue to screw onto the external thread 47 of the threaded nozzle 34 until the top element 40 hits the sealing element 49, thus ceasing the rotary movement of the automatic container opening device 31.

[0148] (0131) At the end of the rotary motion, the entire punching device 33 will have penetrated the sealing element 49. Consequently, the product in the container will be ready to be poured from inside the container 48, simply by the user applying pressure to the container 48 so that the product passes through the side passages 33b of the punching device 33 and then through the passage hole of the base element 31b.

[0149] (0132) The embodiments of the invention described above are best suited for use in situations where it is only necessary to make a small hole in the center of the sealing elements adhered to the edges of container nozzles, for example, when the products placed in the containers are pasty or semi-pasty, for example, condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard and the like. (0133) The reason for this is that the initial action of making a rotary cut of smaller diameter, which is more concentrated in the center of the sealing element, requires much more effort to perform, since in this region the sealing element is less tensioned, being a region away from the inner wall of the nozzle.

[0150] (0134) As seen previously, if a rotary cut is made in the center region of the sealing element, the plastic layers of the sealing element will cause great resistance to the action of the rotary cutting elements of a cutting device.

[0151] (0135) Consequently, when it is necessary to make a cut in the central region of sealing elements, the initial perforation of the sealing element is the best approach to break a sealing element, since the initial force will be concentrated in the central region of the sealing element, which facilitates perforation. That is, all the torque applied to the automatic container opening device is converted into force applied only to the center of the sealing element, which causes the immediate rupture of the latter.

[0152] (0136) Subsequently, the continued rotary motion of the automatic container opening device will cause the reamer device to widen the initial perforation made in the nozzle sealing element, so as to allow it to completely pass through the sealing element, as described above.

[0153] (0137) The proposal of an initial perforation concentrated in the center of the sealing element allows even the perforation of sealing elements with high resistance to rupture, which can facilitate the rapid use of the device for automatic opening of containers object of the invention in containers of products currently equipped with these types of sealing elements with high resistance to rupture.

[0154] (0138) Consequently, there will be no increase in costs for transitioning to the automatic opening device of the invention, replacing the currently used lids, which can be done in a short time, requiring only minor adaptations.

[0155] (0139) As can be seen from the descriptions of the embodiments of the invention, the opening of the containers is carried out by means of an operation in which the devices for automatic opening of containers are screwed onto the nozzles, and during this screwing process the punching devices provide the initial rupture, by perforation, of the sealing elements adhered to the edges of the container nozzles, and subsequent widening of this rupture point, consequently opening a passage so that the products stored inside the containers can be poured out.

[0156] (0140) Therefore, the cooperation of the automatic packaging opening devices that are the subject of the invention, together with the threaded nozzles of the containers, forms a system for automatically opening containers, to break the sealing elements adhered to the edges of said nozzles.

[0157] (0141) The distinctive feature of the embodiments of the automatic package opening devices of the present invention is the use of a punching device provided with a punching element which initially perforates the sealing element of the nozzle, so that the rotary movement of the body of the punching element then causes an enlargement in the perforation initially made.

[0158] (0142) Thus, it can be mentioned that the automatic packaging opening devices of the present invention perform a piercing rupture and subsequent rotary widening of this initial piercing rupture performed on the sealing elements adhered to the container nozzles, something quite distinct from the simply rotary cut performed by the container opening devices known in the art. (0143) In short, the automatic packaging opening devices of the present invention solve the technical problem concerning the difficulty for a user to automatically perform a rotary cut in the central region of the sealing elements adhered to the containers, when the user performs a rotation operation of the automatic container opening devices for the first time, as previously mentioned.

[0159] (0144) As can be seen from the descriptions of the embodiments of the automatic container opening device that is the subject of the invention, the fundamental characteristic of all of them is the existence of an automatic container opening device which, in addition to serving as a lid for the container, is equipped with a means to perform a piercing break followed by rotary widening of the sealing elements adhered to the container nozzles, thus creating a passage that allows the product contained in the container to be poured out.

[0160] (0145) This solution is not known in the state of the art relating to container closing devices that allow an initial perforation of sealing elements adhered to the edge of the nozzles of these containers, and the subsequent widening of this initial rupture, carried out by widening elements of the cutting device of said device for automatic opening.

[0161] (0146) As previously mentioned, the aforementioned rotary motion applied by a user to the automatic container opening devices can be performed in either a counter-clockwise or clockwise direction, depending on whether the internal threads, applied to the automatic container opening devices, and the external threads, applied to the threaded nozzles, are oriented to the left or to the right, respectively.

[0162] (0147) Devices for automatic opening of containers may be provided with means to lock them in position at the end of the screwing operation to the nozzles, after the sealing elements have been broken. This serves to prevent the containers from being refilled with products of inferior quality to the products originally stored in the containers.

[0163] (0148) In conclusion, the embodiments of the present invention, in addition to eliminating the need for users to perform the three operations of (i) unscrewing and removing the cap, (ii) manually removing the sealing element and (iii) screwing the cap back onto the container nozzle, provides a means of breaking the sealing elements with less effort, and without the risk of any part of the sealing element obstructing the passage of the product when it is poured, something that can occur if a rotary cut is made in the sealing element flush with the edge of the threaded nozzles.

[0164] (0149) The present invention has been described in a non-limiting manner with respect to preferred embodiments. Changes in form, component substitutions or other modifications may be made without altering the inventive concept of the present invention, such as performing a rotary-piercing rupture of the sealing elements adhered to the edges of container nozzles.

[0165] (0150) In this sense, if one wishes to use a standardized container with right-hand threaded nozzles, in conjunction with one of the automatic packaging opening devices of the present invention, then a nozzle adapter similar to those disclosed in patent EP3760554 may be used to serve as an interface between the standardized threaded nozzle of the container and the automatic packaging opening device of the present invention.

[0166] (0151) Obviously, the nozzle adapter must be configured so that the internal thread of the part that will serve as an interface for connection to the threaded nozzle of the container is compatible with the thread of that nozzle, as well as the external thread of the part that will serve as an interface for connection to the automatic package opening device is compatible with the internal thread segments of that automatic package opening device.

[0167] (0152) Thus, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, being limited only to the content of the claims accompanying this application. LIST OF COMPONENTS

[0168] 1 device for automatic opening of container la closing element lb base element

[0169] 2 upper protruding ring

[0170] 3 punching device 3a punching element

[0171] 3b side passage

[0172] 4 threaded nozzle

[0173] 5 internal thread segment

[0174] 6 locking device 6a upper breaking element

[0175] 6b lower locking element 7 side wall

[0176] 9 second side wall

[0177] Top 10 element

[0178] 11 upper element

[0179] 12 inner skirt

[0180] 13 passage hole 14 container

[0181] 15 lower outer ring 16 upper outer ring

[0182] 17 external thread 18 shutter

[0183] 19 sealing element 31 device for automatic opening of container

[0184] 31a closing element 31b base element 33 punching device 33a punching element

[0185] 33b side passage 34 threaded nozzle 35 internal thread segment 36 locking device

[0186] 36a upper break elements 36b lower locking elements 37 side wall 39 second side wall 40 top element

[0187] 41 upper element 45 lower outer ring

[0188] 46 outer upper ring 47 external thread

[0189] 48 container 49 sealing element

Claims

CLAIMS 1) System for automatic opening of container (14,48) comprising a nozzle (4,34) firmly attached to the container (14,48) and a device for automatic opening of containers (1,31) which comprises a base element (lb,31b), a locking device (6,36) and a means for breaking sealing elements, wherein: the nozzle (4,34) comprises the provision of: an outer lower ring (15,45) in the lower region of the nozzle (4,34), above the region where the nozzle (4,34) is joined to the container (14,48) and an outer upper ring (16,46) located in the upper region of the nozzle (4,34), below the rim of the nozzle (4,34), the diameter of the outer lower ring (15,45) being greater than the diameter of the outer upper ring (16,46); an external thread (17,47) with at least one start, with orientation defined between right-hand and left-hand orientation, located between the lower outer ring (15,45) and the upper outer ring (16,46);and a sealing element (19,49) firmly adhered to the edge of the threaded nozzle (4,34); the base element (lb,31b) of the automatic container opening device (1,31) comprises: a side wall (7,37) and a top element (10,40), whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the side wall (7,37), a passage hole (13) being provided in the top element (10,40); and a means for providing the screwing of the automatic container opening device (1,31) to the external thread (17,37) of the nozzle (4,34); the locking device (6) comprises an elongated body provided with: means for joining its upper region to the lower region of the base element (lb,31b) in such a way that this union can be broken; and means for locking the locking device (6,36) to the nozzle (4,34);the system for automatic opening of container (14,48) being characterized by: said means for breaking sealing elements comprising a punching device (3) provided in the internal region of the top element (10,40), which comprises a protruding hollow body that tapers in a downward direction, whose upper region is connected to the internal lower region of the top element (10,40), in the region where the passage hole (13) is located, the latter being a continuation of the hollow part of the punching device (3); the lower region of the punching device (3) being provided with a punching element (3a); and the body of the punching device (3) also being provided with lateral passages (3b).

2. System for automatic opening of container (14, 48) according to claim 1, characterized by: said means for providing the threading of the device for automatic opening of containers (1, 31) to the external thread (17, 37) of the nozzle (4, 34) comprises an internal thread (5, 35) applied to a region defined by the group comprising the internal region of the base element (31b) and the internal region of an internal skirt (12), which comprises a cylindrical body projecting downwards from the top element (10) of the base element (1b), said internal thread chosen from the group comprising a continuous internal thread and internal thread segments; the means for joining the upper region of the locking device (6, 36) to the lower region of the base element (1b, 31b), such that this union can be broken, comprise a plurality of upper breaking elements (6a, 36a), applied to the upper region of the locking device (6, 36), the upper breaking elements (6a, 36a) being interconnected to the lower end of the base element (lb, 31b); said means for locking the locking device (6, 36) to the nozzle (4, 34) comprising a plurality of lower locking elements (6b, 36b) provided in the inner region of the lower edge of the locking device (6, 36), the lower locking elements (6b, 36b) being distributed circularly along said lower edge of the locking device (6, 36). 3) System for automatic opening of container (14,48) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized by being provided with a closing element (1a, 31a) comprising a second side wall (9,39) and an upper element (11,41) whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the second side wall (9,39). 4 Device for automatic opening of containers (1,31) which operates in cooperation with a nozzle (4,34) firmly attached to the container (14,48), the device for automatic opening of containers (1 31) comprises a base element (lb,31b), a locking device (6,36) and a means for breaking sealing elements, wherein; the nozzle (4,34) comprises: an outer lower ring (15,45) in the lower region of the nozzle (4,34), above the region where the nozzle (4 34) is joined to the container (14,48) and an outer upper ring (16,46) located in the upper region of the nozzle (4 34), below the rim of the nozzle (4,34), the diameter of the lower outer ring (15,45) being greater than the diameter of the upper outer ring (16,46); an external thread (17,47) with at least one entry, with orientation defined between right-hand and left-hand orientation, located between the lower outer ring (15,45) and the upper outer ring (16,46); and a sealing element (19,49) being firmly adhered to the rim of the threaded nozzle (4,34); the base element (lb,31b) of the automatic container opening device (1,31) comprises: a side wall (7,37) and a top element (10,40), whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the side wall (7,37), a passage hole (13) being provided in the top element (10,40); and a means for providing the screwing of the automatic container opening device (1,31) to the external thread (17,37) of the nozzle (4,34);the locking device (6) comprises an elongated body provided with means for joining its upper region to the lower region of the base element (11,31b) in such a way that this union can be broken and means for locking the locking device (6,36) to the nozzle (4,34); the device for automatic opening of containers (1,31) characterized by: said means for breaking sealing elements comprising a punching device (3) provided in the internal region of the top element (10,40), which comprises a protruding hollow body that tapers in a downward direction, whose upper region is connected to the internal lower region of the top element (10,40), in the region where the passage hole (13) is located, the latter being a continuation of the hollow part of the punching device (3); the lower region of the punching device (3) being provided with a punching element (3a); and the body of the punching device (3) also being provided with lateral passages (3b);whereby, when the automatic container opening device is turned for the first time; (1 31 this turning motion will initially cause the upper breaking elements (6a) of the locking device to break, and the continuation of the turning motion of the automatic container opening device (1,31) will cause the internal thread segments (5,35) to become entangled in the external thread (17,37) of the threaded nozzle (4,34).

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