EP4368382A1 - Device and method for forming a packaging element - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for forming a packaging element (2, 13) which consists at least partially of a fiber-based packaging material, at least comprising:- a die (3) with at least one mold cavity (4);- at least one stamp (5) with which the packaging element (2, 13) can be drawn into the at least one mold cavity (4) to form at least one formation (6.1, ..., 6.6);- at least one hold-down device (7, 8) for holding down the packaging element (2, 13) in a gap (9); and- at least one fixing element (10) with which, in at least one region of the gap (9), a further flow of the packaging element (2, 13) during the formation of the at least one formation (6.1, ..., 6.6) can be at least reduced, wherein the at least one fixing element (10) extends at least partially through the gap (9).In addition, a method for forming a packaging element (2, 13) which consists at least partially of a fiber-based packaging material is proposed using such a device (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a device and a method for forming a packaging element. The packaging element can be used in particular for producing a packaging for packaging a packaged item. The packaging can be used in particular for packaging a large number of portions of the packaged item in receiving cavities that are separate from one another.

The packaged goods can be, for example, a medication, for example in the form of at least one tablet. The packaged goods can in particular be removed individually from the packaging. It can be advantageous if further portions of the packaged goods remain in the packaging and are still protected by the packaging even after individual portions of the packaged goods have been removed. Such packaging is also regularly referred to as "blisters" or "blister packaging". The packaging can also be clamshell packaging, for example for packaging at least one toothbrush.

Known packaging can, for example, have a plastic structure in which receiving cavities for the packaged goods are formed by forming. The receiving cavities can be closed with a film, for example a metallic one, through which the packaged goods can be pushed to remove them from the receiving cavities. Alternatively, packaging can also be made at least partially from a fiber-based packaging material, such as paper or cardboard, for example to make it easier to recycle the packaging. A disadvantage of the fiber-based packaging material, however, is its lower formability, especially during deep drawing. The fiber-based packaging material therefore reduces the design freedom of the packaging element because the packaging material must not be stretched beyond a permissible yield point in order to avoid cracks.

The EN 10 2013 107 931 A1 discloses a device for forming a flat material blank made of natural fibers in particular, such as paper or cardboard. The device comprises a die with a mold cavity and a punch with which the material blank can be pulled into the mold cavity. In addition, the device comprises a hold-down device for holding the material blank down during forming.

The WO 2007/106 367 A2 discloses a device for producing a tray for foodstuffs, which consists of a cardboard body which is enclosed in a plastic frame. The device comprises a mold with a nose unit and an embossing unit. When the mold is closed, a bottom section of a blank between the nose unit and the embossing unit is first embossed and then side flaps of the blank are bent by the mold along fold lines so that the cardboard body is created. When the mold is closed, pins of the mold hold (flange sections of the cardboard body (70) in a defined position during a casting process to produce the plastic frame.

EN 10 2016 104 375 A1 discloses a device for clamping, holding and/or guiding sheet material made of natural fibers during three-dimensional forming. The device comprises a die with a mold cavity and a punch with which the sheet material can be drawn into the mold cavity. The device also comprises a hold-down device.

The US 2015/0 008 621 A1 discloses a device for deep-drawing a paper blank, which comprises a die with a mold cavity and a punch with which the paper blank can be drawn into the mold cavity. The device also has a hold-down device.

Based on this, it is the object of the present invention to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and in particular to provide a device for forming a packaging element, which enables greater degrees of deformation of the packaging element. In addition, a method for forming a packaging element is to be specified which enables greater degrees of deformation of the packaging element.

These objects are achieved with a device and a method according to the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and in the description and in particular in the description of the figures. It should be noted that the person skilled in the art can combine individual features in a technologically meaningful way and thus arrive at further embodiments of the invention.

• eine Matrize mit zumindest einer Formkavität;
• zumindest einen Stempel, mit dem das Verpackungselement zur Ausbildung zumindest einer Formung in die zumindest eine Formkavität ziehbar ist;
• zumindest einen Niederhalter zum Niederhalten des Verpackungselements in einem Spalt; und
• zumindest ein Fixierungselement, mit dem in zumindest einem Bereich des Spalts ein Nachfließen des Verpackungselements beim Ausbilden der zumindest einen Formung zumindest reduzierbar ist, wobei sich das zumindest eine Fixierungselement zumindest teilweise durch den Spalt erstreckt.

This is achieved by a device for forming a packaging element which consists at least partially of a fibre-based packaging material, which device has at least the following:

• a matrix with at least one mold cavity;
• at least one stamp with which the packaging element can be drawn into the at least one mold cavity to form at least one shape;
• at least one hold-down device for holding the packaging element in a gap; and
• at least one fixing element with which a further flow of the packaging element can be at least reduced in at least one region of the gap during the formation of the at least one formation, wherein the at least one fixing element extends at least partially through the gap.

The (formed) packaging element can be used in particular to produce a packaging for packaging a packaged product. The packaging can be designed, for example, in the form of a blister pack, a blister pack, a multi-cavity pack and/or a clamshell pack. The packaged product can be, for example, a medication, a laboratory utensil, a spice, etc. The packaged product can be portioned, for example, in the form of at least one tablet and/or at least one capsule. The packaging may comprise at least one packaging element, for example at least one first packaging element and/or at least one second packaging element.

The device can be a production machine for producing the packaging, a processing station for a production machine for producing the packaging and/or a deep-drawing press. The production machine is preferably designed with various processing stations that can process a fiber-based packaging material, in particular provided from a roll (possibly as continuous material) or as a cut, in order to produce the packaging from it. The production machine can preferably be set up to fill the packaging with the packaged goods during its production.

The packaging element consists at least partially or completely of a fiber-based packaging material. The packaging element can (before forming) be flat and/or level in particular. For example, the fiber-based packaging material can have a material thickness of 0.1 mm to 2 mm. The fiber-based packaging material of the packaging element can have a coating made of at least one other material and/or be impregnated with at least one other material. The coating can be formed, for example, on an inner side and/or an outer side of the packaging element. The fiber-based packaging material of the packaging element can have a barrier layer in particular on the inner surface (oriented towards at least one receiving cavity of the packaging).

The barrier layer can comprise, for example, a polymeric coating, a varnish, a glaze or a similar treatment of the surface of the fiber-based packaging material, which is applied to the inner surface of the packaging element. The barrier layer can form the inner surface of the packaging element. The barrier layer can be formed over the entire inner surface of the packaging element or form the entire inner surface of the packaging element.

The fiber-based packaging material is in particular a paper or a cardboard. Depending on the strength/thickness and structure, it is also referred to as a packaging cardboard or a packaging paper. The term "cardboard" refers to a flat material that consists essentially of fibers (in particular fibers of plant origin). In particular, it is a material made of cellulose fibers. Such a material is preferably formed by dewatering a fiber suspension. A "cardboard" has, in particular, increased mechanical strength compared to paper. The "cardboard" preferably has a minimum weight per square meter of cardboard surface of 130 g/m ² [grams/square meter]. Materials with a lower weight per surface are often referred to as paper. A cardboard can also be a composite material made of several layers of paper with a weight per surface of less than 130 g/m ² [grams/square meter]. If necessary, such a composite material can also contain air and, for example, be made with a corrugated paper layer. Such a flat material can also be made from a fiber composite or comprise a fiber composite that is not compact but encloses open or closed pores of air. Fiber-based packaging materials generally have considerable advantages over packaging made from plastic materials in terms of environmental compatibility and recycling options.

The device has a die with at least one mold cavity. The die is in particular a metal mold. The die can at least partially form a negative of a mold or an outer shape of the packaging element (to be produced and/or formed). The at least one mold cavity can be designed in the manner of an opening, drawing opening and/or trough. The at least one mold cavity can be formed in an upper side of the die. The upper side of the die can be flat. The at least one mold cavity can, for example, have a depth of 1 mm [millimeters] to 50 mm, preferably 5 mm to 20 mm, a width of 5 mm to 200 mm, preferably 5 mm to 50 mm, and/or a length of 5 mm to 200 mm, preferably 5 mm to 50 mm. The depth can in particular be orthogonal to the upper side. The width can be measured in particular parallel to the top side and/or orthogonal to the length. The length can be measured in particular parallel to the top side and/or orthogonal to the width. The width and/or the length of the at least one mold cavity can at least partially decrease from the top side to a bottom of the at least one mold cavity. The at least one mold cavity can at least partially taper from the top side of the die to the bottom of the at least one mold cavity.

The die can have a plurality or a large number of mold cavities. The individual mold cavities can be identical. The mold cavities can be arranged in rows and/or lines. For example, the mold cavities can be arranged in the manner of a matrix and/or in a checkerboard pattern. The mold cavities can be spaced apart from one another, in particular parallel to the top of the die. The distance can be, for example, 1 mm to 20 mm.

The device comprises at least one stamp with which the packaging element can be drawn, in particular partially, into the at least one mold cavity to form at least one shape. The at least one shape can be produced by deep drawing and/or by drawing the packaging element into the at least one mold cavity, in particular by plastically deforming the packaging element. The at least one shape can be formed in a shell-shaped, bowl-shaped or pot-shaped manner. The packaging element can (in particular as a result of the plastic deformation) in the region of the at least one shape at least partially have a (first) material thickness that is less than a (second) material thickness of the at least one first packaging element outside the at least one shape. The at least one mold cavity can form a negative of the shape of the at least one shape. The at least one stamp can be designed in the manner of a male mold, a deep-drawing stamp or an embossing die. A stamp shape of the at least one stamp can be at least partially adapted to a shape of the at least one mold cavity. The at least one stamp can be electrically, hydraulically and/or pneumatically be drivable or adjustable. The at least one stamp is adjustable in particular relative to the matrix. The at least one stamp can be aligned with the at least one mold cavity. The device can have a plurality or a multiplicity of stamps. The individual stamps can be identical. The stamps can be arranged in rows and/or lines. For example, the stamps can be arranged in the manner of the matrix and/or in a checkerboard pattern. A number of stamps can correspond to a number of mold cavities.

The device comprises at least one hold-down device. The at least one hold-down device can consist at least partially of metal. The at least one hold-down device can be at least partially designed in the manner of a plate or a ring. The at least one hold-down device has in particular at least one stamp opening for the at least one stamp, through which the at least one stamp can be at least partially adjusted into the at least one mold cavity of the die. The at least one hold-down device can have a hold-down surface. The hold-down surface is in particular flat. The at least one hold-down device or the hold-down surface of the at least one hold-down device at least partially delimit a gap in which the packaging element can be arranged. The gap extends in particular around the at least one mold cavity. The gap extends in particular in a flat gap plane. The gap plane runs in particular parallel to the hold-down surface of the at least one hold-down device. The gap can be formed at least partially between the at least one hold-down device and the die. The device can have an upper hold-down device and a lower hold-down device. The gap can be formed in particular between the upper hold-down device and the lower hold-down device and/or between the upper hold-down device and the die.

The at least one hold-down device is in particular adjustable between a hold-down position and a release position. The at least one hold-down device can be adjusted electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically between the hold-down position and the release position. The at least one hold-down device is in particular adjustable relative to the die and/or independently of the at least one punch. The upper hold-down device and the lower hold-down device can be adjustable relative to the die and/or independently of the at least one punch. Alternatively, the lower hold-down device can be attached to the die or formed in one piece with the die. In the release position, the packaging element can be arranged in the gap. The packaging element can be arranged in the gap, for example, by a (particularly automatic) feed. In the hold-down position of the at least one hold-down device, the at least one hold-down device holds the packaging element down in the gap, so that when the at least one shape is formed by the at least one punch, the packaging element can slide or flow in the direction of the at least one mold cavity, but cannot form folds. In the hold-down position of the at least one hold-down device, the gap (particularly orthogonal to the gap plane) can have a gap width that can in particular (essentially) correspond to a material thickness or thickness of the packaging element. The gap width can be, for example, 0.1 mm to 2 mm. The gap width can be variable in the hold-down position and/or when forming the at least one shape. This allows different forces to be exerted on the packaging element, for example depending on the position of the stamp. This allows the continued flow of the packaging element to be varied or controlled (in a targeted manner) when forming the at least one shape.

The device comprises at least one fixing element, with which the flow of the packaging element during the formation of the at least one shape can be at least reduced in at least one region of the gap. This can mean in particular that the packaging element can be clamped and/or fixed in the gap by the at least one fixing element, in particular in the region of the at least one fixing element, so that the packaging element during the formation of the at least one shape can flow at least less strongly (or not at all) in the direction of the at least one mold cavity in the region of the at least one fixing element than in at least one other region of the gap, in particular one remote from the at least one fixing element. gap. "Flowing on" can be understood in particular as flowing or sliding of the packaging element through the gap in the direction of the at least one mold cavity when forming the at least one shape. The flowing on occurs in particular as a result of the packaging element being pulled by the at least one stamp into the at least one mold cavity. The flowing on of the packaging element when forming the at least one shape can be controlled in at least one region of the gap, in particular locally and/or variably, by the at least one fixing element. The at least one fixing element does not extend completely around the at least one mold cavity. The at least one fixing element is in particular not formed in the region of the at least one mold cavity. The at least one fixing element can border on the at least one mold cavity or be at a distance from the at least one mold cavity (in particular parallel to the gap plane). The distance can be, for example, 1 mm to 50 mm. The at least one fixing element in particular does not pierce through the packaging element. The device can have a plurality or multiplicity of fixing elements. The fixing elements can be arranged in rows and/or columns, for example in the manner of a matrix and/or checkerboard. The fixing elements can be of identical design.

The at least one fixing element extends at least partially through the gap. The at least one fixing element can extend completely through the gap, in particular in the hold-down position of the at least one hold-down device (in particular orthogonal to the gap plane).

The at least one fixing element allows the flow behavior of the packaging element in the gap to be specifically influenced or controlled, so that in particular the at least one formation can be formed with a greater degree of deformation and/or a plurality of formations can be formed with a smaller distance from one another in the packaging element. In addition, the at least one fixing element can prevent cracks in the packaging element in the region of the at least one fixing element, which would otherwise be the case without the at least one fixing element. a fixing element would be created by exceeding the yield strength of the packaging element.

The device can be used to form at least one first packaging element and/or at least one second packaging element for the packaging. The at least one first packaging element and the at least one second packaging element can be connected to one another in a connecting plane during the production of the packaging. The connecting plane is preferably flat. At least one connecting region is formed in the connecting plane, in which the at least one first packaging element and the at least one second packaging element are connected to one another or fastened to one another. In particular, in the at least one connecting region, a first inner surface of the at least one first packaging element and a second inner surface of the at least one second packaging element are connected to one another or fastened to one another. The at least one connecting region can be formed, for example, by an adhesive or an adhesive. However, it is preferred that the at least one connecting region is formed without additional materials. For example, the at least one connecting region can be formed by a material connection between the fiber-based packaging material of the at least one first packaging element and the at least one second packaging element. The at least one connection area can be formed by sealing the at least one first packaging element and/or the at least one second packaging element. The seal can be produced, for example, using a (known) sealing method for fiber-based materials or using a paper sealing method, for example under the influence of moisture, pressure and/or heat. The at least one connection area can be peelable. The at least one connection area can be detachable in a non-destructive manner (i.e. without destroying the at least one first packaging element and/or the at least one second packaging element). The at least one connection area can extend in the connection plane around at least one receiving cavity of the packaging. In particular, in the connection plane around each A connecting region, in particular in a ring shape, can extend from the receiving cavity. The connecting regions can be spaced apart from one another. To form the at least one connecting region, a joining medium, a sealing layer and/or varnish can be applied (in advance) to the at least one first packaging element and/or the at least one second packaging element.

The packaging comprises at least one receiving cavity for the packaged goods, which is formed by at least one (first) shaping of the first packaging element and/or by the at least one (second) shaping of the at least one second packaging element. In the at least one receiving cavity, the packaged goods are in particular completely surrounded by the at least one first packaging element and the at least one second packaging element. The at least one receiving cavity can in particular be designed to be fluid-tight, gas-tight and/or airtight.

The at least one first formation and the at least one second formation can be formed or curved in opposite directions starting from the connecting plane. The at least one first formation and/or the at least one second formation are preferably designed as (locally limited) bulges. Such bulges preferably have walls that adjoin a peripheral edge region and a base that forms the deepest point of the bulge.

The at least one first packaging element and the at least one second packaging element are in particular connected to one another in such a way that (in each case) a first formation forms a (single) receiving cavity with (in each case) a second formation. For example, each first formation can form a (single) receiving cavity with (in each case) a second formation. The at least one first formation and the at least one second formation can overlap at least partially or completely so that they form the at least one receiving cavity. The at least one first formation and/or the at least one second formation can correspond to one another. "Correspond" can be understood as that in each case exactly one first formation of the at least one first packaging element is assigned to exactly one second formation of the at least one second packaging element. Each first formation of the at least one first packaging element can have a corresponding second formation of the at least one second packaging element, by means of which the at least one receiving cavity is formed. A first number of the at least one first formation can correspond to a second number of the at least one second formation.

It can be provided that (only) the at least one first packaging element has at least one first shape and the at least one second packaging element has no second shape. Alternatively, it can be provided that the at least one first packaging element has no first shape and (only) the at least one second packaging element has at least one second shape. It can also be provided that the at least one first packaging element has at least one first shape and the at least one second packaging element has at least one second shape.

The packaging can have a plurality or multiplicity of receiving cavities. The receiving cavities can be arranged in a plurality of rows and/or columns. The receiving cavities can be arranged in the manner of a matrix and/or in a checkerboard pattern. The matrix or the checkerboard pattern preferably means a uniform arrangement of rows and columns of receiving cavities or formations.

The packaged goods can be pushed through the at least one first packaging element and/or the at least one second packaging element, for example, in order to be removed from the at least one receiving cavity. The at least one first packaging element and/or the at least one second packaging element can tear and/or break in the region of the at least one formation.

The at least one fixing element can be formed on the at least one hold-down device or fastened to the at least one hold-down device. The at least one fixing element can be formed in one piece and/or integrally with the at least one hold-down device. Alternatively, the at least one fixing element can be fastened in a receptacle of the at least one hold-down device. The at least one fixing element can be formed on the upper hold-down device and/or lower hold-down device or fastened to the upper hold-down device and/or lower hold-down device. The at least one fixing element is in particular movable with the at least one hold-down device. The at least one fixing element can protrude from the hold-down surface of the at least one hold-down device (in particular orthogonal to the hold-down surface of the at least one hold-down device and/or the gap plane of the gap) with a length that can be, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm. The at least one fixing element can protrude from the first hold-down surface of the upper hold-down device and/or from the second hold-down surface of the lower hold-down device with the length.

The at least one fixing element can be formed on the die or fastened to the die. The at least one fixing element can be formed as one piece and/or integrally with the die. Alternatively, the at least one fixing element can be fastened in a receptacle of the die.

The at least one fixing element can be formed on the at least one hold-down device and/or on the die. The at least one fixing element can be fastened to the at least one hold-down device and/or the die.

The at least one fixing element can be designed in the manner of a pin, a bolt or a pin. The at least one fixing element can have a round, oval, square, rectangular or polygonal cross-section (in particular parallel to the hold-down surface of the at least one hold-down device and/or the gap plane of the gap). The at least one fixing element can have a round, oval, square, rectangular or polygonal cross-section (in particular parallel to the hold-down surface of the at least one hold-down device and/or the gap plane of the gap) have a diameter of, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm. The diameter can be constant along the at least one fixing element.

The device can have at least one recess into which the packaging element can be pressed by the at least one fixing element. The packaging element can be fixed or clamped by the at least one fixing element, in particular in the at least one recess. The at least one fixing element can extend into the at least one recess, in particular in the hold-down position of the at least one hold-down device. The at least one recess can be designed as a notch or bore, for example. The at least one recess can have (in particular orthogonal to the hold-down surface and/or the gap plane) a recess depth of, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm and/or (in particular parallel to the hold-down surface and/or the gap plane) a recess diameter of, for example, 2 mm to 12 mm. One recess can be provided for each fixing element. The at least one fixing element and the at least one recess can be aligned with one another and/or coaxial with one another, in particular orthogonal to the gap plane.

If the at least one fixing element is formed or fastened to the upper hold-down device, the at least one recess can be formed in the lower hold-down device. If the at least one fixing element is formed or fastened to the lower hold-down device, the at least one recess can be formed in the upper hold-down device.

The at least one recess can be formed in the die.

The at least one depression can be smaller than the at least one mold cavity. In particular, the depression depth of the at least one depression can be smaller than the depth of the at least one mold cavity and/or the depression diameter of the at least one depression can be smaller than the width and/or length of the at least one mold cavity. A first volume of the at least one depression can be smaller than a second volume of the at least one mold cavity. For example, the first volume can correspond to a maximum of 20% of the second volume.

At least one plastic deformation can be formed in the packaging element by the at least one fixing element. The at least one plastic deformation can be formed in particular by pressing the packaging element into the at least one recess by the at least one fixing element, in particular when the at least one hold-down device is adjusted from the release position to the hold-down position. The at least one hold-down device can thus not only serve to hold the packaging element down in the gap, but also to reshape the packaging element. A (first) degree of deformation of the packaging element in the at least one plastic deformation can be smaller than a (second) degree of deformation of the packaging element in the at least one formation. The at least one plastic deformation can be formed in a shell-shaped, bowl-shaped or pot-shaped manner. The at least one plastic formation can serve as an alignment aid for aligning the at least one first packaging element with the at least one second packaging element during the production of the packaging. The at least one plastic deformation can increase the stability of the packaging element, for example in the manner of a stability bead. The at least one plastic deformation can serve as a tear-out tab with which the at least one receiving cavity of the packaging can be opened.

1. a) Niederhalten des Verpackungselements in einem Spalt der Vorrichtung mit einem Niederhalter;
2. b) Ausbilden zumindest einer Formung in dem Verpackungselement, indem das Verpackungselement mit zumindest einem Stempel in zumindest eine Formkavität einer Matrize gezogen wird; und
3. c) zumindest Reduzieren eines Nachfließens des Verpackungselements in zumindest einem Bereich des Spalts mit zumindest einem Fixierungselement beim Ausbilden der zumindest einen Formung, wobei sich das zumindest eine Fixierungselement zumindest teilweise durch den Spalt erstreckt.

According to a further aspect, a method for forming a packaging element which consists at least partially of a fiber-based packaging material using a device according to the invention is also proposed, which method comprises at least the following steps:

1. a) holding down the packaging element in a gap of the device with a hold-down device;
2. b) forming at least one shape in the packaging element by drawing the packaging element with at least one punch into at least one mold cavity of a die; and
3. c) at least reducing a further flow of the packaging element in at least one region of the gap with at least one fixing element when forming the at least one formation, wherein the at least one fixing element extends at least partially through the gap.

Steps a) to c) can be carried out at least partially simultaneously and/or with temporal overlap.

It should be noted that the advantages and features described in connection with the device are also applicable and transferable to the method. Therefore, for further details on the method, reference is made in full to the description of the device.

Fig.1:

eine Teilansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Umformen eines Verpackungselements in einem Querschnitt;

Fig. 2:

eine Verpackung in einem Querschnitt; und

Fig. 3:

die Verpackung in einer Draufsicht.

The invention and the technical environment of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show a preferred embodiment to which the invention is not limited. It should be noted in particular that the figures and in particular the proportions shown in the figures are only schematic. They show, by way of example and schematically:

Fig.1:

a partial view of a device for forming a packaging element in a cross section;

Fig. 2:

a package in a cross-section; and

Fig. 3:

the packaging in a top view.

Fig.1 shows a partial view of a device 1 for forming in the Fig. 2 and 3 shown packaging elements 2, 13 in a cross section. The device 1 comprises a die 3, an upper hold-down device 7, a lower hold-down device 8 and a plurality of punches 5, of which in the Fig.1 only one can be recognized.

The upper hold-down device 7 has a first hold-down surface 14 and the lower hold-down device 8 has a second hold-down surface 15. The first hold-down surface 14 and the second hold-down surface 15 are flat and lie parallel to one another. Between the upper hold-down device 7 and the lower hold-down device 8 or between the first hold-down surface 14 and the second hold-down surface 15, a gap 9 is formed which extends along a flat gap plane 16. The gap plane 16 runs parallel to the hold-down surfaces 14, 15 of the hold-down devices 7, 8. The gap 9 has a gap width 20 orthogonal to the gap plane 16. The lower hold-down device 8 is fastened to the die 3 so that the second hold-down surface 15 of the lower hold-down device 8 is flush with an upper side 17 of the die 3. The upper hold-down device 7 is arranged in a direction of movement 18 perpendicular to the first hold-down surface 14, the second hold-down surface 16 and/or the gap plane 16 between a Fig.1 shown hold-down position 19 and one in the Fig.1 The upper hold-down device 7 is adjustable independently of the die 3, the lower hold-down device 8 and the punch 5. In the hold-down position 19, the gap width 20 corresponds (essentially) to a gap width Fig.2 shown material thickness 21 of one of the packaging elements 2, 13.

The upper hold-down device 7 comprises a plurality of fixing elements 10, of which Fig.1 only one is visible. The fixing element 10 is designed here in the manner of a pin. The fixing element 10 is fastened in a receptacle 22 of the upper hold-down device 7, which is designed here as a bore. The fixing element 10 extends orthogonally to the first hold-down surface 14 of the upper hold-down device 7. The fixing element 10 protrudes from the first hold-down surface 14 (orthogonal to the first hold-down surface 14) with a length 23 and has a diameter 24 (parallel to the first hold-down surface 14). All fixing elements 10 can be designed identically.

In the holding-down position 19 of the upper holding-down device 7, the fixing element 10 extends into a recess 11 of the lower holding-down device 8. The lower holding-down device 8 has a plurality of recesses 11, of which in the Fig.1 only one is visible. The recess 11 is formed in the second hold-down surface 15 in the manner of a bore. The recess 11 has a recess depth 25 from the second hold-down surface 15 (orthogonal to the second hold-down surface 15) and a recess diameter 26 (parallel to the second hold-down surface 15). All recesses 11 can be formed identically.

In the release position of the upper hold-down device 7, the fixing element 10 does not extend into the recess 11, so that the Fig. 2 and 3 shown packaging element 2, 13 can be arranged in the gap 9. After arranging the packaging element 2, 13 in the gap 9, the upper hold-down device 7 can be adjusted to the hold-down position 19, so that the packaging element 2, 13 is clamped between the upper hold-down device 7 and the lower hold-down device 8 and/or between the upper hold-down device 7 and the die 3. The fixing elements 10 press the packaging element 2, 13 into the recesses 11, so that in the packaging element 2, 13 the Fig.3 recognizable plastic deformations 12.1, ..., 12.8 are formed. The fixing elements 10 in particular do not pierce through the packaging element 2, 13.

The die 3 has a plurality of mold cavities 4, of which in the Fig.1 only one is visible. The mold cavity 4 and the stamp 5 are in the Fig.1 only partially shown. The mold cavity 4 is formed in the top side 17 of the die 3. The mold cavity 4 has a depth 27 from the top side 17 (orthogonal to the top side 17) and a width 28 (parallel to the top side 17). All mold cavities 4 can be formed identically.

The stamp 5 can be moved through a stamp opening 29 of the upper hold-down device 7 into the mold cavity 4, so that the packaging element 2, 13 can be pulled from the gap 9 or from the gap plane 16 through the stamp 5 into the mold cavity 4.

As a result, in the packaging element 2, 13 in the Fig. 2 and 3 recognizable first formations 6.1, ..., 6.6 can be formed. When the packaging element 2, 13 is pulled into the mold cavity 4, the flow of the packaging element 2, 13 from the region of the gap 9 in which the fixing element 10 is located into the mold cavity 4 can be at least reduced by the fixing element 10 in comparison to a region of the gap 9 in which no fixing element 10 is located. The fixing element 10 can fix the packaging element 2, 13 in the recess 11 so that the packaging element 2, 13 can only flow into the mold cavity 4 from other regions of the gap 9.

Fig.2 shows a package 30 in a cross section along a Fig.3 shown section line II-II. The packaging 30 has a Fig.1 shown device 1 and a (lower) second packaging element 13 formed with the device 1. The first packaging element 2 comprises a plurality of first formations 6.1, ..., 6.6 (see also Fig.3 ) and the second packaging element 13 has a corresponding number of second formations 45.1, 45.2. The first formations 6.1, ..., 6.6 are designed in the manner of protuberances, so that the first formations 6.1, ..., 6.6 protrude from a first base plane 31 of the first packaging element 2. The second formations 45.1, 45.2 are also designed in the manner of protuberances, so that the second formations 45.1, 45.2 protrude from a second base plane 32 of the second packaging element 13.

The first packaging element 2 and the second packaging element 13 are connected to one another in a connecting plane 33, so that a first formation 6.1, ..., 6.6 forms a receiving cavity 34 for a packaged item 35 with a second formation 45.1, 45.2. The individual receiving cavities 34 can be separated in a subsequent process, for example by punching. The separated receiving cavities 34 can then serve as independent packaging 30. The first packaging element 2 has a first inner surface 36 and the second packaging element 13 has a second inner surface 37, with which the packaging elements 2, 13 lie against one another or contact one another. For connection of the first packaging element 2 and the second packaging element 13, a connecting region 38 is formed in the connecting plane 33 or between the inner surfaces 36, 37, which extends in the connecting plane 33 around the receiving cavities 34.

Fig.3 shows the packaging 30 in a plan view looking at an outer surface 39 of the first packaging element 2, so that the second packaging element 13 connected to the first packaging element 2 in the Fig.3 is not visible. The receiving cavities 34 or the first formations 6.1, ..., 6.6 and the Fig.2 recognizable second formations 45.1, 45.2 are formed in a plurality of rows 40 and columns 41, for example in the manner of a matrix or in a checkerboard pattern.

The following can be seen in the Fig.3 which are fixed in the packaging elements 2, 13 by the fixing elements 10 (see Fig.1 ) formed plastic deformations 12.1, ..., 12.8. By means of the fixing elements 10 or the plastic deformations 12.1, ..., 12.8, more material of the packaging elements 2, 13 could be drawn out of the first areas 42 of the packaging elements 2, 13 (not shown in dotted lines) in the direction of the mold cavities 4 (see Fig.1 ), the first formations 6.1, ... 6.6 and/or the second formations 45.1, 45.2 (see Fig. 2 ) than from the second areas 43 (shown in dotted lines) of the packaging elements 2, 13. This is shown in the Fig.3 with corresponding arrows 44.

The invention enables greater degrees of deformation of the packaging element 2, 13.

List of reference symbols

1

contraption

2

first packaging element

3

die

4

Mold cavity

5

Rubber stamp

6.1, ..., 6.6

first formation

7

upper hold-down

8th

lower hold-down

9

gap

10

Fixing element

11

deepening

12.1, ..., 12.8

plastic deformation

13

second packaging element

14

first hold-down surface

15

second hold-down surface

16

Column level

17

Top

18

Direction of movement

19

Hold down position

20

Gap width

21

Material thickness

22

Recording

23

length

24

diameter

25

Depth of recess

26

Recess diameter

27

depth

28

Width

29

Stamp opening

30

Packaging

31

first basic level

32

second ground level

33

Connection level

34

Recording cavity

35

Packaged goods

36

first inner surface

37

second inner surface

38

Connection area

39

Exterior surface

40

Row

41

Split

42

first area

43

second area

44

Arrow

45.1, 45.2

second formation

Claims (10)

Device (1) for forming a packaging element (2, 13) which consists at least partially of a fibre-based packaging material, at least comprising: - a die (3) with at least one mold cavity (4); - at least one stamp (5) with which the packaging element (2, 13) can be drawn into the at least one mold cavity (4) to form at least one mold (6.1, ..., 6.6); - at least one hold-down device (7, 8) for holding down the packaging element (2, 13) in a gap (9); and - at least one fixing element (10) with which a further flow of the packaging element (2, 13) during the formation of the at least one formation (6.1, ..., 6.6) can be at least reduced in at least one region of the gap (9), wherein the at least one fixing element (10) extends at least partially through the gap (9). Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fixing element (10) is formed on the at least one hold-down device (7, 8) or is fastened to the at least one hold-down device (7, 8). Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fixing element (10) is formed on the die (3) or fastened to the die (3). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fixing element (10) is designed in the manner of a pin, a bolt or a pin. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one recess (11) into which the packaging element (2, 13) can be pressed by the at least one fixing element (10). Device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one recess (11) is formed in the at least one hold-down device (7, 8). Device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one recess (11) is formed in the die (3). Device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the at least one recess (11) is smaller than the at least one mold cavity (4). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one plastic deformation (12.1, ..., 12.8) can be formed in the packaging element (2, 13) by the at least one fixing element (10). Method for forming a packaging element (2, 13) which consists at least partially of a fibre-based packaging material, with a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least the following steps: a) holding down the packaging element (2, 13) in a gap (9) of the device (1) with a hold-down device (7, 8); b) forming at least one formation (6.1, ..., 6.6) in the packaging element (2, 13) by drawing the packaging element (2, 13) with at least one punch (5) into at least one mold cavity (4) of a die (3); and c) at least reducing a further flow of the packaging element (2, 13) in at least one region of the gap (9) with at least one fixing element (10) when forming the at least one formation (6.1, ..., 6.6), wherein the at least one fixing element (10) extends at least partially through the gap (9).

Images