EP4116217A1 - Packaging unit for at least two button cells and method - Google Patents

Abstract

In the case of a packaging unit (100; 200; 300; 400) for at least two button cells (50), the packaging unit comprises a separate individual compartment (10) for each of the button cells, which encloses the button cells. The individual compartments (10) are each formed from a separate deep-drawn plastic hood (11) and a rear plastic film (12) fixed to it. The individual compartments (10) are designed in such a way that they cannot be opened without tools. Furthermore, the packaging unit comprises a carrier (20) on which the individual compartments (10) are attached, the individual compartments being spaced apart from one another on the carrier. The invention also includes a method for producing such a packaging unit.

Description

The present invention relates to a childproof packaging unit for at least two button cells. In particular, the packaging unit is packaging of the blister card type.

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND PRIOR ART

The great demand for button cells inevitably makes the packaging of this mass-produced article an important factor. On the one hand, it must be economical, but on the other hand, it must also have an attractive appearance in order to encourage buying interest. Sales and storage packs of the blister card type are particularly widespread, ie a card-shaped visual packaging in which the button cells are packed in plastic film molded parts.

From the EP 259574 A2 an example of a sales and storage pack for button cells of the blister card type is known, in which the packaging consists partly of a tear-resistant, preferably transparent film made of PVC or polyvinylidene chloride with cup-shaped features for receiving the button cells and partly of a smooth-surfaced seal Sealing foil made of aluminum is formed. To remove a button cell, it only needs to be pushed through the easily tearable aluminum foil from the outside.

However, this process can be carried out very easily, even by a small child if necessary. In order to minimize the risk that a small child could unintentionally remove and swallow a button cell, childproof packaging units are already known which cannot easily be opened by a small child. Such packaging is intended to ensure better security and in particular to prevent a child from accidentally removing a button cell.

For example, from the DE 20 2019 101 861 U1 a sales and storage pack of the blister card type is known, in which a plastic molded part is fixed to a carrier which is formed, for example, from a cardboard blank. The plastic molded part comprises at least one deep-drawn depression which, together with the carrier, forms a closed receptacle with a circular-cylindrical basic shape for the cylindrical button cell. Furthermore, the receptacle comprises a side space, preferably designed as a bulge in the central space, which is designed in such a way that it cannot be filled by the button cell. In this configuration of the packaging, the side space be opened with a scissors cut in order to be able to remove the button cell from the packaging. A tool-free opening is not easily possible, so that an accidental opening by a small child is prevented in terms of child safety. Furthermore, the side space is designed in such a way that the button cell is not touched with the scissors during the scissor cut, since the size of the button cell does not protrude into the side space. This avoids a short circuit or damage to the button cell.

Another aspect of child safety is the accidental ingestion of a button cell, with the risk of serious burns in the esophagus from discharging the button cell and other serious problems in the gastrointestinal tract.

TASK AND SOLUTION

Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide an improved packaging unit for two or more button cells which, on the one hand, takes into account the important aspects of child safety and, on the other hand, enables a visually appealing and flexible sales presentation. Furthermore, a particularly economical production of the packaging units should be possible.

This problem is solved by a packaging unit with the features of claim 1. Particularly advantageous configurations of the packaging unit result from the claims dependent on claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for producing such a packaging unit according to the further independent claim. Preferred configurations of the method emerge from the further, dependent claims.

1. a. die Verpackungseinheit umfasst für jede der Knopfzellen ein separates Einzelkompartiment, das die Knopfzellen umschließt, und
2. b. die Einzelkompartimente sind jeweils aus einer separaten tiefgezogenen Kunststoffhaube und einer daran fixierten rückwärtigen Kunststofffolie gebildet, und
3. c. die Einzelkompartimente sind derart ausgebildet, dass sie nicht werkzeugfrei zu öffnen sind, und
4. d. die Verpackungseinheit umfasst einen Träger, auf dem die Einzelkompartimente angebracht sind, und
5. e. die Einzelkompartimente sind auf dem Träger voneinander beabstandet.

The packaging unit according to the invention for at least two button cells is characterized by the following features:

1. a. the packaging unit includes a separate individual compartment for each of the button cells, which encloses the button cells, and
2. b. the individual compartments are each formed from a separate deep-drawn plastic hood and a rear plastic film fixed to it, and
3. c. the individual compartments are designed in such a way that they cannot be opened without tools, and
4. i.e. the packaging unit comprises a carrier on which the individual compartments are attached, and
5. e. the individual compartments are spaced apart from one another on the carrier.

According to the invention, each button cell of the packaging unit is enclosed in a separate individual compartment and the individual compartments are spaced apart from one another on the carrier. The packaging unit according to the invention thus allows a number of button cells to be packaged, with each individual button cell being encapsulated separately. The individual components are formed by the deep-drawn plastic hood and the plastic film attached to it, so that each button cell is tightly sealed and encapsulated. The fixing of the rear plastic film to the plastic hood is designed in such a way that this fixing cannot be easily detached, ie in particular cannot be pulled off or torn off. Rather, a tool, for example scissors or a knife, is required to open the individual compartment, so that an infant cannot usually open the individual compartment or the capsule. The solid encapsulation ensures that even if the button cell enclosed in the individual compartment is swallowed, the button cell does not pose any significant danger, since in particular the button cell cannot cause chemical burns in the esophagus or in the gastrointestinal tract. The button cell would also remain within the individual compartment during a passage through the gastrointestinal tract and would usually be excreted again together with this as a unit.

In addition, by enclosing the button cells within the individual compartments, an association of button cells with sweets or the like is avoided, so that even a small child is prevented from swallowing such an individual compartment with the button cell contained therein.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the individual compartments have a certain minimum size, which prevents an infant from swallowing.

Another particular advantage associated with the individual compartments for the individual button cells is of a manufacturing nature. Blisters for button cells traditionally differ depending on the number of button cells in a packaging unit. A packaging unit for two cells required a different blister than one for three, four or five button cells. A separate tool was required to produce each blister. Completely different according to the present invention: here, regardless of the number of button cells, from a packaging unit should be included, always the same individual compartments are used. The only differences are in the number and arrangement of the individual compartments on the carrier.

The distance between the individual compartments on the carrier means that the button cells can be removed individually from the respective individual compartments in a particularly user-friendly manner without, for example, an adjacent individual compartment being accidentally damaged.

A button cell is generally understood to mean an electrochemical energy storage cell with a cylindrical housing whose overall height is less than its diameter.

The button cells of the packaging unit according to the invention can in particular be lithium button cells, which pose a relatively great risk if swallowed. However, the button cells can also be energy storage cells of a different type, for example alkaline button cells or silver oxide button cells or zinc-air button cells.

1. a. zur Anbringung der Einzelkompartimente auf dem Träger ist eine Anbringung, insbesondere eine Verklebung oder Verschweißung, der rückwärtigen Kunststofffolie der Einzelkompartimente an dem Träger vorgesehen.

With regard to the attachment of the individual compartments with the button cells on the carrier, the packaging unit is characterized in preferred configurations by the following feature:

1. a. In order to attach the individual compartments to the carrier, attachment, in particular gluing or welding, of the rear plastic film of the individual compartments to the carrier is provided.

Fastening the entire surface of the rear plastic film, ie the entire rear of the individual compartment, to the carrier ensures that the individual compartments are held securely on the carrier. Gluing or welding can take place in a manner known per se; thermal sealing, which can preferably be carried out with the support of a sealing lacquer on the carrier surface, is particularly suitable.

The packaging unit is in particular a sales pack and/or storage pack.

In particular, the carrier of the packaging unit is a flat material, as is common in the field of blister packs for button cells or batteries in general or for energy storage cells.

1. a. der Träger ist eine Trägerkartonkarte,
2. b. der Träger umfasst zumindest anteilig Sekundärfaserkarton, insbesondere recycelten Zellstoff.

In a particularly preferred manner, the packaging unit is characterized by at least one of the following features with regard to the carrier:

1. a. the carrier is a carrier cardboard card,
2. b. the carrier comprises at least a proportion of secondary fiber cardboard, in particular recycled cellulose.

Preferably, the aforementioned features a. and b. implemented in combination.

The carrier is preferably designed as a cardboard blank. Such cardboard blanks are widespread in such blister packs. The use of recycled material for the carton blank (and also for the production of the individual compartments) is particularly preferred in order to reduce the environmental impact. It can be provided that at least one side of the carton blank is printed in color and is in particular provided with information about the product. The printed side is in particular the side on which the individual compartments are attached. In principle, however, the carrier can also consist of another material, for example a plastic, or can consist of different materials, for example a composite material made of cardboard and plastic.

1. a. die tiefgezogene Kunststoffhaube bildet eine napfförmige Vertiefung mit kreisförmigem Umriss zur Aufnahme der Knopfzelle,
2. b. der kreisförmige Umriss der napfförmigen Vertiefung weist in einem Teilkreisbereich eine randständige Aufweitung auf,
3. c. die randständige Aufweitung erstreckt sich über maximal 25 %, insbesondere maximal 20 %, des kreisförmigen Umrisses der napfförmigen Vertiefung,
4. d. die tiefgezogene Kunststoffhaube weist eine umlaufende plane Fläche auf, an der die rückwärtige Kunststofffolie fixiert ist.

In a particularly preferred manner, the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized by at least one of the following features:

1. a. the deep-drawn plastic cover forms a bowl-shaped indentation with a circular outline to accommodate the button cell,
2. b. the circular outline of the cup-shaped indentation has a peripheral widening in a partial circle area,
3. c. the widening at the edge extends over a maximum of 25%, in particular a maximum of 20%, of the circular outline of the cup-shaped depression,
4. i.e. the deep-drawn plastic hood has a flat surface all the way around, to which the rear plastic film is fixed.

In a particularly preferred manner, the aforementioned features a. and b. or a. and b. and c., or very particularly preferably the aforementioned features a. until d. realized together.

Due to the circular outline of the cup-shaped indentation in the plastic hood, the receptacle can be optimally adapted to the shape and size of the respective button cell. The circular outline of the receptacle is expediently slightly larger than the button cell, so that there is a certain amount of leeway for inserting the button cell during the packaging process and for removing it.

The marginal widening according to the aforementioned feature b. is intended for a user-friendly opening of the packaging by the user to remove the individual button cells while at the same time being child-safe. The marginal widening or bulge (side space) represents a starting point for opening the individual compartment with a scissor cut or a knife cut. Since this opening requires a tool, this represents a very advantageous embodiment in terms of child safety of the packaging unit according to the invention.

The widening at the edge is preferably in accordance with the aforementioned feature c. designed to be only a quarter or less of the circular outline so that the button cell cannot slip into the flare within the single compartment. This can also be further supported by the widening having a lower height than the rest of the cup-shaped indentation, so that the button cell is reliably prevented from slipping in the direction of the widening at the edge.

Furthermore, it can be provided that there is at least one scissor cut marking on the carrier in the area of the marginal widening of the respective individual compartment, which leads through the widening and thus gives the user precise instructions on how to open the individual compartment.

Furthermore, according to the aforementioned feature d. very advantageous if the plastic hood forms a circumferential flat surface for fixing the rear plastic film. As a result, a sealing edge is provided, so to speak, which provides a good contact surface for fixing the rear plastic film and thus enables a particularly secure closure or sealing of the individual compartment.

The bowl-shaped recess preferably has a flat bottom and a peripheral wall. The bottom is aligned parallel to the carrier. The distance between the floor and the carrier defines the height of the slot for the button cell.

As already mentioned, the receptacle is expediently adapted to the shape and dimensions of the button cell inserted therein. The receptacle preferably has a diameter which exceeds the diameter of the button cell by a factor of 1.05 to 1.3. In further preferred embodiments, the receptacle has a height which exceeds the height of the button cell by a factor of 1.01 to 1.2.

Without the widening at the edge, which forms a side space of the receptacle, the indentation and thus also the receptacle would be strictly circular-cylindrical. The presence of the side room provides a departure from a strictly circular-cylindrical geometry. According to the invention, the shape of the side space is not important, so the widening at the edge can, for example, be rounded or have one corner or several corners. However, the side space should advantageously be designed in such a way that it cannot be filled by the button cell. The side space therefore preferably comprises at least a partial area into which the button cell cannot penetrate, even if it should have limited mobility within the widening, at least not without destroying or deforming the widening.

Particularly preferably, the side space has a lower height than the rest of the receptacle, in particular a lower height than the button cell. This can make the paper cut easier. In addition, this is a particularly simple way of effectively preventing the button cell from penetrating into the side space.

1. a. das Material der Kunststoffhaube weist eine größere Stärke als das Material der rückwärtigen Kunststofffolie auf.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the individual compartments, the following feature is provided:

1. a. the material of the plastic hood has a greater strength than the material of the rear plastic film.

The different strengths of the materials for the plastic hood and for the rear plastic film means that the rear film is more flexible than the front plastic hood. Furthermore, due to the greater flexibility of the rear plastic film, a particularly stable fixing or fastening of the rear plastic film of the individual compartment on the carrier is possible. In this context, the material of the plastic hood is preferably chosen such that a stable shape for accommodating the button cell is achieved.

1. a. das Material der Kunststoffhaube weist eine Folienstärke in einem Bereich von 250 - 350 µm, insbesondere 300 µm, auf,
2. b. das Material der rückwärtigen Kunststofffolie weist eine Folienstärke in einem Bereich von 150 - 250 µm, insbesondere 200 µm, auf.

With regard to the material for the individual compartments, the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized in a particularly preferred manner by at least one and preferably both of the following features a. and b. the end:

1. a. the material of the plastic hood has a film thickness in a range of 250 - 350 µm, in particular 300 µm,
2. b. the material of the rear plastic film has a film thickness in a range of 150-250 μm, in particular 200 μm.

In principle, the material, in particular for the plastic hood, can consist of any deep-drawable plastic, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene, in particular low-density polyethylene (PE-LD).

In a particularly preferred manner, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used as the material for the plastic hood and preferably also for the material of the plastic film. If PET is used both for the plastic hood and for the rear plastic film, the individual compartments can be closed particularly tightly, so that the encapsulation of the button cells is particularly secure, especially with regard to possible swallowing of an individual compartment with an enclosed button cell. It is particularly preferred if the PET film for the plastic hood has the above-mentioned film thickness in a range of 250-350 μm, in particular 300 μm, and the PET material of the rear plastic film has a film thickness in a range from 150-250 μm. in particular 200 μm.

It is particularly preferred if the material of the plastic hood and preferably also the material of the rear plastic film are each transparent. This measure makes it possible to produce particularly attractive optical appearances and packaging units that can be designed flexibly, since the optical appearance of the packaging unit is then essentially shaped by the design of the carrier.

The carrier, for example the cardboard blank, can also be provided with a reinforcing film, for example a film made from polyethylene terephthalate, from polyolefin and/or from PVC. The film can have a thickness, for example, in a range from 5 μm to 50 μm. As an additional security measure, the backing is made tear-resistant by the reinforcing film. The carrier and in particular the cardboard blank can be used over the entire surface or only in certain areas be covered with the intensifying film. For example, only the area of the carrier that is equipped with the individual compartments for the button cells can be covered with the reinforcing film. Additionally or alternatively, the back of the carrier or the side of the carrier facing away from the individual cells can also be covered with the reinforcing film and/or the edges of the carrier can be shielded and reinforced by the reinforcing film.

For example, the backing sheet may have a tensile strength in a range of about 1000 kg/cm ² to 3500 kg/cm ² according to ASTM D882, preferably in a range of 1200 kg/cm ² to 3300 kg/cm ² according to ASTM D882 .

1. a. die Einzelkompartimente weisen einen rautenförmigen Umriss mit abgerundeten Kanten auf.

In a particularly preferred manner, the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized by the following additional feature:

1. a. the individual compartments have a diamond-shaped outline with rounded edges.

The diamond-shaped shape or the diamond-shaped outline with rounded edges in the individual compartments allows a very flexible design of the packaging unit according to the invention. The individual compartments can, for example, be arranged next to one another or in the form of a grid or in the form of a circle on the carrier. The diamond shape allows a very space-saving arrangement on the carrier. For example, two or four or five individual compartments per packaging unit can be provided in a very appealing manner. For example, a double pack with 2 x 5 button cells is also possible. Of course, other arrangements and numbers of the individual compartments on a carrier are also possible.

Furthermore, perforations can be provided on the carrier in order to be able to easily separate individual sections of the carrier. For example, sections each having an individual compartment for separation can be provided in this way.

Overall, the packaging of the button cells in the form of individual compartments allows for very flexible use in the packaging process and great flexibility in the design of the packaging unit with regard to the number of button cells per packaging unit and also with regard to the visual appearance and the geometric arrangement of the individual compartments on the Carrier. The individual compartments can be produced very easily in large quantities and then in principle attached to the carrier in any number and arrangement.

Due to the shape and the small parts of the deep-drawn plastic hood, an optimal use of the plastic can be achieved during deep-drawing, so that unnecessary plastic waste (punched grid) is largely avoided.

The use of PET, for example, and in particular 100% PET for the individual compartments, is also very environmentally friendly, since it can easily and simply be fed into a potential recycling process.

The packaging unit according to the invention can thus be designed to be very environmentally friendly overall, since both the carrier can be made from recycled and/or recyclable material and the individual components can be made from recycled and/or recyclable material. The carrier is, for example, an environmentally friendly carrier cardboard card, which can consist, for example, of at least 90% recycled secondary fiber cardboard. For example, 80% PET recyclate can be used as the plastic material for the plastic hood and the rear plastic film. In addition, the plastic material requirement is significantly lower than in conventional blister card-type packaging, in which the entire front surface of the carrier is usually provided with plastic.

Overall, therefore, the packaging unit according to the invention can be produced in a particularly environmentally friendly manner, above all due to the low requirement for plastics.

1. a. es werden mindestens zwei tiefgezogene Kunststoffhauben mit jeweils einer napfförmigen Vertiefung bereitgestellt, und
2. b. in jede napfförmige Vertiefung wird jeweils eine Knopfzelle eingebracht, und
3. c. jede Kunststoffhaube wird jeweils mit einer Kunststofffolie unter Ausbildung eines Einzelkompartiments verschlossen, und
4. d. mindestens zwei Einzelkompartimente werden auf einem Träger zur Ausbildung der Verpackungseinheit angebracht, wobei die Einzelkompartimente voneinander beabstandet sind.

The invention also includes a method for producing a packaging unit for at least two button cells. This method, with which a packaging unit described above can be produced, comprises the following steps:

1. a. at least two deep-drawn plastic hoods, each with a cup-shaped depression, are provided, and
2. b. a button cell is placed in each cup-shaped indentation, and
3. c. each plastic hood is closed with a plastic film to form an individual compartment, and
4. i.e. at least two individual compartments are attached to a carrier to form the packaging unit, the individual compartments being spaced apart from one another.

1. a. das Verschließen der Kunststoffhaube mit der Kunststofffolie erfolgt durch Verschweißung oder Verklebung,
2. b. das Verschließen der Kunststoffhaube mit der Kunststofffolie erfolgt durch thermisches Siegeln,
3. c. das thermische Siegeln zum Verschließen der Kunststoffhaube erfolgt unter Regelung der Parameter Zeit, Druck und Temperatur.

With regard to the closing of the plastic hood, the method according to the invention is characterized in particular by at least one of the following features a. to c. the end:

1. a. the plastic hood is closed with the plastic film by welding or gluing,
2. b. the plastic hood is closed with the plastic film by thermal sealing,
3. c. the thermal sealing to close the plastic hood takes place under control of the parameters time, pressure and temperature.

By welding or gluing the rear plastic film to the plastic hood, a secure closure of the individual compartments is achieved, which cannot easily be opened without tools. This ensures that the individual compartments form a hermetically sealed space for the button cells, which, for example, does not open if the individual compartments in the esophagus or in the gastrointestinal tract are accidentally swallowed.

In order to ensure that the individual compartments cannot be opened without tools, it is particularly preferred that in each of the individual compartments the rear plastic film is fixed to the separate deep-drawn plastic hood by means of welding and that the rear film and the plastic film are each made of a film material, which, like the backing sheet, preferably has a tensile strength in a range from about 1000 kg/cm ² to 3500 kg/cm ² according to the ASTM D882 standard, preferably a tensile strength in a range from 1200 kg/cm ² to 3300 kg/cm ² according to the ASTM D882 standard.

In a particularly preferred manner, thermal sealing is carried out to close the individual compartments. By regulating the parameters of time, pressure and temperature, this can be integrated into the manufacturing process for the packaging units in a very advantageous manner and can be controlled very well.

1. a. Der Träger wird vor Anbringung der Einzelkompartimente mit einem Siegellack versehen,
2. b. die Anbringung der Einzelkompartimente auf dem Träger erfolgt durch thermisches Siegeln.

In a particularly preferred manner, the method according to the invention is further characterized by at least one of the following additional features, preferably by a combination of features a. and b.:

1. a. The carrier is provided with a sealing wax before the individual compartments are attached,
2. b. the individual compartments are attached to the carrier by thermal sealing.

The attachment of the individual compartments to the carrier can be further strengthened and secured by the sealing wax, in particular in preparation for a thermal sealing process. In addition, the use of a sealing wax allows a particularly favorable production process.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. The individual features can each be implemented individually or in combination with one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

schräge Aufsicht auf ein Einzelkompartiment einer erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungseinheit mit eingeschlossener Knopfzelle;

Fig. 2

Aufsicht auf ein Einzelkompartiment der erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungseinheit mit Schraffierung der Siegelfläche;

Fig. 3

Aufsicht auf ein Einzelkompartiment der erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungseinheit mit zwei Schnittansichten;

Fig. 4

Aufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Verpackungseinheit mit zwei separaten Einzelkompartimenten;

Fig. 5

Aufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Verpackungseinheit mit vier separaten Einzelkompartimenten;

Fig. 6

Aufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Verpackungseinheit mit fünf separaten Einzelkompartimenten; und

Fig. 7

Aufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Verpackungseinheit mit fünf in Reihe angeordneten separaten Einzelkompartimenten.

In the figures show:

1

oblique view of a single compartment of a packaging unit according to the invention with an enclosed button cell;

2

Top view of an individual compartment of the packaging unit according to the invention with hatching of the sealing area;

3

Top view of an individual compartment of the packaging unit according to the invention with two sectional views;

4

Top view of a packaging unit according to the invention with two separate individual compartments;

figure 5

Top view of a packaging unit according to the invention with four separate individual compartments;

6

Top view of a packaging unit according to the invention with five separate individual compartments; and

7

Top view of a packaging unit according to the invention with five separate individual compartments arranged in a row.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

1 shows a separate individual compartment 10 for a packaging unit according to the invention, with two or more such individual compartments 10 being attached to a carrier. The individual compartment 10 encloses a button cell 50, for example a lithium button cell. The individual compartment 10 is formed by a deep-drawn plastic hood 11 with a cup-shaped depression and a rear plastic film 12 fixed thereto. The cup-shaped indentation has a largely circular outline for accommodating the button cell. Furthermore, a peripheral widening 13 is provided in the cup-shaped depression. The dimensions of the widening 13 at the edge are selected in such a way that the button cell 50 enclosed in the interior of the individual compartment 10 cannot, or at least not completely, slide into the widening 13 at the edge.

The individual compartment 10 or the deep-drawn plastic hood 11 forming the individual compartment 10 and the rear plastic film 12 are preferably made of a plastic material, preferably PET. It is preferred here that the plastic hood 11 is made from a more dimensionally stable material, in particular from a thicker plastic film than the rear plastic film. Through the use of PET to PET when sealing the individual compartments, a particularly childproof encapsulation of the button cells is obtained, which does not dissolve or separate even if the individual compartments are accidentally swallowed.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the material of the plastic hood 11 is PET with a thickness of 300 μm. In particular, a recyclate can also be used here, for example an 80% recyclate. The rear plastic film 12 preferably also consists of PET; a film thickness of 200 μm is particularly preferred, optionally also from a recyclate, preferably an 80% recyclate.

In order to open the individual compartment 10, it is provided that the user makes a scissors cut or a knife cut in the area of the peripheral widening 13 of the plastic hood 11, so that an intervention possibility is created to open the individual compartment and the button cell 50 can be removed. This opening of the individual compartment 10 is therefore only possible with the aid of a tool.

The cup-shaped indentation of the deep-drawn plastic hood 11 is appropriately adapted to the size of the button cells to be packaged. For example, a cup-shaped indentation with a diameter of 20.9 mm can be used for button cells whose diameter is up to 20 mm. The diameter of the bowl-shaped depression 11 can be adjusted accordingly for larger or smaller button cells.

2 shows the individual compartment 10 with the button cell 50 enclosed therein in plan view. The cup-shaped depression of the plastic hood 11 is surrounded by a circumferential flat surface 14, which forms a sealing surface for the rear plastic film fixed to it. In the area of the sealing surface 14, the deep-drawn plastic cover 11 and the rear plastic film are firmly connected to one another, so that the button cell 50 located inside the individual compartment 10 is hermetically sealed from the outside. The button cell 50 is therefore securely encapsulated in the individual compartment 10, so that there is generally no danger even if the individual compartment 10 is accidentally swallowed.

The sealing surface 14 defines the outer outline of the individual compartment 10, the outline being diamond-shaped with rounded edges in this preferred exemplary embodiment. This form allows different and in particular space-saving arrangements of several individual compartments 10 on a carrier. Of course, other forms of the individual compartments can also be provided.

3 shows a further top view of an individual compartment 10, with the corresponding sections along the section lines AA and BB also being shown.

The section BB makes it clear that the button cell 50 lies within the receptacle of the individual compartment 10 with a certain amount of play. However, the button cell cannot slip into the widening 13 at the edge of the cup-shaped depression, as illustrated by section A-A, since the widening extends over less than a quarter of the circumference of the cup-shaped depression.

4 1 illustrates a packaging unit 100 according to the invention with two individual compartments 10 attached thereto, each of which includes a button cell. Details of the individual compartments 10 result from the preceding description. The individual compartments 10 are glued or welded with their rear plastic film to a carrier 20, in particular a cardboard blank. Thermal sealing is particularly suitable for this. To improve the attachment of the individual compartments 10 to the carrier 20, the carrier can be provided with a sealing wax, particularly in the area of the individual compartments 10 to be attached. A hanging loop 21 is expediently stamped into the upper area of the carrier 20, so that the packaging unit 100 can be hung up on a sales stand.

The carrier 20 is a rectangular carrier. The carrier 20 can be provided with different color and graphic designs.

The packaging unit 100 can be used in particular as a sales pack, but also as a storage pack, for example.

figure 5 shows a further packaging unit 200 according to the invention, in which a total of four individual compartments 10, each with an enclosed button cell, are provided. The individual compartments 10 are arranged in two rows of two individual compartments each. Comparable with the packaging unit 100 4 a hanging loop 21 is also provided in the rectangular support 20 here.

6 shows another sales unit 300 according to the invention. In this case, a total of five individual compartments are attached to the rectangular carrier 20. FIG. The individual compartments 10 are attached to the carrier 20 in a space-saving manner, but each at a distance from one another.

7 shows a further packaging unit 400 according to the invention. Here too, a total of five individual compartments 10, each with a button cell, are attached to the carrier 20. The individual compartments 10 are arranged in a row from top to bottom. A perforation 22 is provided on the carrier between the individual individual compartments 10, so that the corresponding sections of the carrier can each be separated with an individual compartment or with a button cell. A configuration of the packaging unit 400 with the possibility of tearing off sections each with a button cell is also referred to as a tear-off .

Not shown in the figures is a possible scissor-cut marking that can run through the widening 13 at the edge of the individual compartments 10 . Such scissor cut markings can make it clear to the user the possibility of opening the individual compartments 10 by means of a scissor cut in the area of the widening 13 .

During the manufacture of the individual compartments and the packaging unit according to the invention, the individual compartments are preferably sealed by thermal sealing, which is controlled by three sealing parameters (time, pressure and temperature). In this way, the plastic hood can be welded very securely to the rear plastic film. The individual compartments themselves can also be applied to the carrier by thermal sealing, in which case the carrier is preferably provided with a sealing wax on the front side, which ensures that the individual compartments adhere very well.

A particular advantage of the packaging units according to the invention is that production can be carried out in an automated manner. In particular, a packaging machine with automated button cell feed and automatic intermediate and shipping packaging is used here.

Claims (12)

Packaging unit (100; 200; 300; 400) for at least two button cells (50) with the following features: a. the packaging unit comprises a separate individual compartment (10) for each of the button cells (50), which encloses the button cells, and b. the individual compartments (10) are each formed from a separate deep-drawn plastic hood (11) and a rear plastic film (12) fixed to it, and c. the individual compartments (10) are designed in such a way that they cannot be opened without tools, and i.e. the packaging unit comprises a carrier (20) on which the individual compartments (10) are attached, and e. the individual compartments (10) are spaced apart from one another on the carrier (20). Packaging unit according to claim 1 with the following additional feature: a. to attach the individual compartments (10) to the carrier (20), attachment, in particular gluing or welding, of the rear plastic film (12) of the individual compartments (10) to the carrier (20) is provided. Packaging unit according to claim 1 or claim 2 with at least one of the following additional features: a. the carrier (20) is a cardboard carrier card, b. the carrier (20) comprises at least a proportion of secondary fiber cardboard, in particular recycled cellulose. Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims with at least one of the following additional features: a. the deep-drawn plastic hood (11) forms a bowl-shaped depression with a circular outline for receiving the button cell (50), b. the circular outline of the cup-shaped indentation has a peripheral widening (13) in a partial circle area, c. the peripheral widening (13) extends over a maximum of 25%, in particular a maximum of 20%, of the circular outline of the cup-shaped depression, i.e. the deep-drawn plastic hood (11) has a circumferential flat surface (14) to which the rear plastic film (12) is fixed. Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims with the following additional feature: a. the material of the plastic hood (11) is thicker than the material of the rear plastic film (12). Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims with at least one of the following additional features: a. the material of the plastic hood (11) has a film thickness in a range of 250 - 350 µm, in particular 300 µm, b. the material of the rear plastic film (12) has a film thickness in a range from 150 to 250 μm, in particular 200 μm. Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims with at least one of the following additional features: a. the material of the plastic hood (11) and the material of the plastic film (12) is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), b. the material of the plastic hood (11) and the material of the rear plastic film (12) are transparent. Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims with the following additional feature: a. the individual compartments (10) have a diamond-shaped outline with rounded edges. Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims with the following additional feature: a. the packaging unit (100; 200; 300; 400) comprises two or four or five individual compartments (10) for one button cell (50) each. Method for producing a packaging unit (100; 200; 300; 400) for at least two button cells (50) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: a. at least two deep-drawn plastic hoods (11) are provided, each with a cup-shaped depression, and b. a button cell (50) is placed in each cup-shaped depression, and c. each plastic hood (11) is closed with a plastic film (12) to form an individual compartment (10), and i.e. at least two individual compartments (10) are spaced apart from one another and attached to a carrier (20) to form the packaging unit. Method according to claim 10 with at least one of the following additional features: a. the plastic hood (11) is closed with the plastic film (12) by welding or gluing, b. the plastic hood (11) is closed with the plastic film (12) by thermal sealing, c. the thermal sealing for closing the plastic hood (11) takes place under control of the parameters time, pressure and temperature. Method according to claim 10 or claim 11 with at least one of the following additional features: a. the carrier (20) is provided with a sealing wax before the individual compartments (10) are attached, b. the individual compartments (10) are attached to the carrier (20) by thermal sealing.

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