EP1463670A1

EP1463670A1 - Method for producing a combined packing container and a device for carrying out said method

Info

Publication number: EP1463670A1
Application number: EP03729239A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Walter Schellenberg
Original assignee: Rundpack AG
Current assignee: Rundpack AG
Priority date: 2002-01-10
Filing date: 2003-01-10
Publication date: 2004-10-06
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-10
Also published as: US20040154156A1; EP1463670B1; AU2003215535A1; ATE306431T1; DE50301355D1; US7117579B2; WO2003057577A1

Abstract

As part of a method for producing a combination packaging container ( 28 ), which combination packaging container ( 28 ) comprises a beaker-shaped plastic inner part ( 15 ) and a casing-type outer part ( 14 ) surrounding the plastic inner part ( 15 ) and retained on the external face of the plastic inner part ( 15 ) in an interlocking arrangement, and by which method the two parts ( 14, 15 ) are pushed one in the other in an interlocking arrangement, the assembly process is improved due to the fact that the outer part ( 14 ) is retained in a holder ( 13 ) and the plastic inner part ( 15 ) is introduced into the outer part ( 14 ) retained in the holder ( 13 ) and then pushed down into the outer part ( 14 ) so as to interlock.

Description

Method for producing a combination packaging container and device for carrying out the method

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of packaging technology. It relates to a method for producing a combination packaging container according to the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus for carrying out the method.

STATE OF THE ART

From the earlier application WO-Al-98/13270 by the applicant, a combination packaging container is known in which a cup-shaped plastic inner part and a jacket-shaped outer part (eg made of cardboard) are first manufactured separately and then pushed together and snapped together to form the final container get connected. The main problem here is the process of snap-in connection, which is associated with a deformation of the relatively thin-walled plastic inner part. The deformation is related to the fact that an excess bead arranged on the bottom of the plastic inner part has to be pressed through the outer part, which is narrowing downwards, in order to snap behind it.

In the assembly processes used so far, the prefabricated outer part was gripped with pliers and pushed over the plastic inner part held in a receptacle. However, such a procedure is not without problems: on the one hand, a movable gripper is complicated in structure and prone to failure. The gripping process can also easily damage the mostly high-quality printed image applied to the outside of the outer part. On the other hand, an assembly process carried out with a gripper only allows a comparatively limited number of cycles, so that several identical stations have to be operated in parallel at great expense to ensure a high throughput.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for producing snap-fit combination packaging containers, which can be achieved with reduced system costs. wall can be realized and, at the same time, high functional reliability enables high throughput, as well as specifying a device for carrying it out.

The object is achieved by the entirety of the features of claims 1 and 21. The essence of the invention is to hold the outer part in a receptacle and to first insert the plastic inner part into the outer part held in the receptacle, in particular to insert it loosely and then to push it into the outer part, preferably with the plastic inner part and outer part towards the floor - in other words in the normal position of use, taper downwards. Depending on the selected mounting position, the plastic inner part e.g. can be inserted into the outer part from above or below.

A further advantageous procedure is achieved when the plastic inner part is loosely inserted into the outer part held in the receptacle in a first station and the loosely inserted plastic inner part is pressed into the outer part in a second station. This enables an even higher number of cycles for production to be achieved, since the insertion process and the subsequent snap-in process are carried out in different workstations.

Furthermore, a particularly preferred embodiment of the method is characterized in that the pushing-in movement of the plastic inner part into the outer part is carried out in the same station as the insertion movement of the plastic inner part into the outer part. This can save an additional workstation, which can save system costs.

It is also advantageous if, during the insertion movement of the plastic inner part into the outer part held in the receptacle, the outer part is moved relative to the plastic inner part in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the plastic inner part, since the parts move towards one another due to the shorter distances, with a lower absolute speed of movement have the same relative movement speed to each other during the joining process and so the number of cycles is not adversely affected.

A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the plastic inner part has an essentially flat bottom, and that Plastic inner part is held on the floor when it is inserted loosely into the outer part, the plastic inner part preferably being detachably held on the outside of the floor by a holding device which extends through the outer part from below and drawn into the outer part. The holding device removably holds the plastic inner part by means of a suction cup. As a result, a secure drive connection between the plastic inner part and the holding device is achieved during the pulling-in movement, as a result of which a trouble-free and, above all, safe pre-positioning of the plastic inner part within the outer part is achieved.

It is also advantageous in this method if latching means are provided for holding or latching the plastic inner part and outer part on the plastic inner part, and a first latching means is formed in the area of the open end face of the plastic inner part by the sealing flange and if another latching means is in the area of the bottom at least one bead extending at least in regions over the circumference of the plastic inner part is formed. It is particularly advantageous if the bead is formed all around the circumference of the plastic inner part. In this way, a support function of the plastic inner part can be achieved by the outer part and relatively high axial stacking forces can be introduced into the combination packaging without the inner plastic part being damaged and the medium stored in its receiving space unintentionally escaping or being spoiled by an increased air supply.

Another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that, before or during the pressing of the plastic inner part into the outer part, an outer circumference of the further latching means is reduced by a predeterminable deformation of the base to such an extent that it has an inner diameter of the outer part corresponds in the area of the smaller dimension and thus significantly reduced resistance can be fully inserted into the outer part. Due to the reduction in the outer circumference or cross-section of the latching means, the passage of the inner plastic part is facilitated by the smallest inner dimension of the outer part and thus a predeterminable deformation is achieved without any damage to the inner plastic part. Because of the predeterminable deformation of the floor, disadvantageous deformation and possible damage to the plastic inner part associated therewith is avoided in this area.

Another advantageous procedure according to the method is achieved when the bo- which is arched elastically in the direction of a receiving space of the plastic inner part in a predetermined manner during the pressing in by a force acting on it. This predeterminable force can be generated by means of a separate pressure stamp and / or by building up a negative pressure in the area of the receiving space of the plastic inner part. This also causes a predeterminable deformation of the plastic inner part in the area of the base and so reduces the outer circumference of the further latching means to such an extent that the insertion or pushing-in process can in turn be carried out without great effort or significantly reduced resistance.

It is also advantageous if the outer part with its larger inner dimension is held down in the receptacle and if the plastic inner part and outer part taper conically towards the floor and that the plastic inner part is inserted into the outer part from below. In this way, a simple prepositioning of the plastic inner part on an insert element can be carried out and the two parts can thus be connected to one another in a snap-in manner even without a prepositioning of the plastic inner part in the outer part.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that when the inner plastic part is pressed in at the second station, the inner plastic part at the same time on its upper edge and in the region of the bottom with a

Force acting force is applied. This reliably prevents undesired deformation and wrinkling of the plastic inner part. A secure and error-free latching results if a circumferential bead is provided in the region of the bottom for latching the plastic inner part and outer part, and if the bottom is bulged outwards in a predetermined manner in a predetermined manner by the pressing force acting on it.

Irrespective of this, however, the object of the invention can also be achieved by a device which is characterized by a receptacle for holding the outer part and a first station for pushing the plastic inner part into place

Recording held outside part. The receptacle holds the outer part pre-positioned in a predetermined position and the plastic inner part is then pressed into place. As a result, the combination packaging container is assembled into a unit in a simple manner. A preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the plastic inner part and outer part are designed to taper conically in the direction of the floor - in the normal position of use, and in that the receptacle has a retaining ring with an inner contour tapering downwards includes, in which the outer part is held clamped.

Damage to the outer part is reliably avoided if the inner contour of the retaining ring in a lower section is adapted to the conically tapered shape of the outer part, if the inner contour increases in diameter above the lower section, and if the holding ring is made of a dimensionally stable material with low sliding friction , in particular a plastic, preferably an acetal homopolymer (polyoxymethylene POM).

The parts are handled particularly gently if the first station comprises an indentation which is displaceably mounted in the insertion direction and which engages

Pressing the plastic inner part into the outer part exerts a force acting on the plastic inner part in the pushing-in direction, the indenter being designed such that the force exerts a force both on the bottom and on the upper edge of the plastic inner part during the pressing-in.

It has proven particularly useful if the press-in device comprises a flange-like upper part for placing on the upper edge of the plastic inner part and a piston-like lower part adjoining it in the pressing-in direction for placing on the bottom of the plastic inner part, the distance between the underside of the upper part and the underside of the lower part of the indentor, preferably a few millimeters, in particular about 5 mm, is greater than the distance between the upper edge and the bottom of the plastic inner part.

A further improved protection of the parts results from the fact that the press-in device is moved in the first station by drive means which can be displaced in the press-in direction, and that the drive means engage with the press-in device via a spring.

However, it is also possible for the first station to be preceded by a second station in which the plastic inner part is loosely inserted into the outer part held in the receptacle and if the second station comprises holding and transport means which hold the plastic inner part releasably and from a transport or feed device in the in the Transport receptacle held outside. It is particularly advantageous if the holding means comprise a suction cup and that the transport means comprise a linkage which is movable in the insertion direction by means of a pneumatic cylinder and extends through the outer part held in the receptacle. This creates an assembly station or press-in station that is separate from the insertion station, and thus the plastic inner part is pressed into the outer part independently of it in a simple manner. By dividing it into different and spatially separated work stations, the number of cycles can be increased on the one hand and final assembly less prone to malfunctions can be carried out on the other.

According to other design variants, it is provided that the plastic part and the outer part are designed to be conically tapered in the direction of the floor and that the receptacle comprises a retaining ring with an inner contour that tapers in the direction of the floor, the tapering seen in the vertical direction is directed towards each other at the top. It is also advantageous if the inner contour of the retaining ring in an upper section is adapted to the conically tapered shape of the outer part and that the inner contour increases in diameter below the upper section. This creates a receptacle in which the outer part can be inserted easily and the conically tapering inner contour ensures that the outer part is positioned clearly and thus fixed in position relative to the receptacle.

According to another advantageous development, provision is made for holding means to be assigned to the receptacle for holding the outer part, since this prevents the unintentional detachment of the outer part from the receptacle.

However, it is also possible for the plastic inner part to be assigned an insertion element for insertion and / or pressing into the outer part, which partially protrudes into the receiving space of the plastic inner part and if the cross section of the insert element is adapted to the internal dimensions of the plastic inner part. On the one hand, this creates an exact positioning of the plastic inner part in relation to the outer part in the axial direction. Furthermore, by adapting the outer surface of the insert element to the inner dimensions of the plastic inner part, good support is achieved and, with a corresponding tolerance, a tight and tight contact of the inner wall of the plastic inner part with the insert element is achieved. However, it is also possible if at least one suction line is arranged in the insert element, which opens into the free space or space formed between the bottom of the plastic inner part and the insert element and the suction line is connected to a vacuum generator. In this way, with a correspondingly constructed suppression, the bottom area of the plastic inner part can be drawn in or arched in the direction of its receiving space, as a result of which the outer cross-sectional dimension of the latching means in the bottom area can be reduced to such an extent that the plastic inner part can be easily pushed in and pushed through by the smallest diameter or dimension of the outer part is possible.

Finally, it is also possible for the suction line to protrude above the insert element and to reach the bottom of the plastic inner part up to a predeterminable distance, since a predeterminable dimension can thus be easily determined for the retraction of the bottom and by the suction line serving as a stop when the bottom is sucked in the same an additional fixation in the axial direction is possible.

(Further embodiments result from the dependent claims.)

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments in connection with the drawing.

Show it:

Figure 1 is a greatly simplified side view of a suction station for loose insertion of the plastic inner part in the outer part held in a receptacle according to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention.

2 in different partial figures (FIGS. 2a-c) different views of a retaining ring for the receptacle according to FIG. 1;

Fig. 3 in a greatly simplified side view of an assembly station for snapping

Pressing the plastic inner part into the outer part according to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention; 4 shows a detailed view of the bottom area of the combination packaging container with the plastic inner part rusted in the outer part;

5 shows different phases of the indentation process in the assembly station according to FIG. 3 in different partial figures (FIGS. 5a-c);

6 shows a further possible assembly station in a side view, partially in section and a simplified schematic illustration;

FIG. 7 shows the fully assembled combination packaging container according to FIG. 6 in a side view and a simplified, schematically enlarged illustration;

Fig. 8 shows another possible embodiment of the assembly station according to Fig. 6 and 7, 6 in side view and simplified, schematic enlarged view.

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The method according to the invention is based on a combination packaging container as described in detail in the applicant's earlier applications (see, for example, CH-A5-690431 or WO-Al-98/13270). Such a combination packaging container, which is suitable, for example, for packaging yogurt or other food, is composed of a cup-shaped plastic inner part and a jacket-shaped outer part (e.g. made of cardboard), which are first manufactured separately and then pushed together and snapped together to form the final container get connected. This composite structure has the advantage that plastic can be saved in the inner cup without loss of stability, that the packaging can be separated and disposed of after the contents have been used up, and that the outer part can be printed easily and with high quality and stored in a space-saving manner. Further details are given in the above. older applications, the disclosure content of which is expressly to be part of the present application.

In the introduction it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component designations, the disclosures contained in the entire description correspondingly transferring to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component designations can be. The position information selected in the description, such as, for example, top, bottom, side, etc., are based on the figure described and illustrated immediately, and are to be transferred analogously to the new position when the position changes. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

The snap-in connection between the inner plastic part and the outer part of the cardboard box is achieved in the case of the parts tapering downwards in that the outer part is held between the upper edge of the plastic inner part, which is designed as a sealing flange, and a bead arranged in the base area. A drawback above the bead creates a resilient bottom, which ensures that a force acting in the longitudinal direction is safely introduced via the bead into the relatively rigid outer jacket made of cardboard.

To connect the two parts, namely plastic inner part 15 and outer part 14, the outer part 14 is held according to the invention in a suitable receptacle (13 in Fig. 1, 3 or 5) and the plastic inner part 15 is inserted into the outer part 14 held in the receptacle 13 and then pressed into the outer part 14 into place. An essential part of the receptacle 13 is a retaining ring 19, which is shown in FIG. 2 in longitudinal section (FIG. 2a) and in a top view from above (FIG. 2c). The retaining ring 19 is made of a dimensionally stable material with low sliding friction, in particular a plastic, preferably an acetal homopolymer (polyoxymethylene POM), such as is available from DuPont under the trade name Delrin ^® for example. The retaining ring 19 has a special inner contour 20 which tapers correspondingly in a lower section 21 (FIGS. 2a, b) to the outer part (14 in FIG. 2b) (same inclination as the outer part 14). As a result, the outer part 14 - as shown in FIG. 2b - is held in a clamping manner in the retaining ring 19 without being fixed. It can therefore be easily lifted out of the retaining ring 19 after being connected to the plastic inner part 15. Above the lower section 21, the inner contour 20 widens in a funnel shape with increasing diameter. As a result, the insertion of the outer part 14 in the retaining ring 19 in the automatic and with high

Clock number working insertion station (10 in Fig. 1) facilitated and increased functional reliability. The retaining ring 19 should be at least 20 mm high in order to ensure that the outer part 14 is held securely and stably. The inner diameter of the retaining ring 19 should be selected such that the outer part 14 protrudes at least 10 mm below the retaining ring 19, so that when the plastic inner part 15 is pressed in, the one arranged in the base area Bead 29 is not damaged.

The introduction of the plastic inner part 15 into the outer part held in the receptacle 13

14 takes place in the insertion station 10 already mentioned, which is reproduced in a very simplified side view in FIG. 1. In the insertion station 10, external parts 14 are continuously seated in associated receptacles 13 by a laterally arranged first transport or feed device 16. Correspondingly, plastic inner parts 15 are fed in by a second transport or feed device 17 arranged at the same clock rate. In the insertion station 10, a holding and transfer device is installed in a fixed position, which comprises a linkage 12 which can be moved in the vertical direction by means of a pneumatic cylinder 11 and at the tip of which a suction cup 18 is arranged. Are several plastic inner parts

15 inserted simultaneously into associated outer parts 14, a plurality of pneumatic cylinders and linkages operating in parallel are arranged one behind the other.

To insert the plastic inner parts 15, the outer parts 14 seated in the receptacles 13 are first positioned in the insertion station 10 such that their longitudinal axes essentially coincide with the axis of the linkage 12. The linkage 12 then drives - driven by the pneumatic cylinder 11 - with the exposed suction cup 18 from below through the outer part 14 upwards, sucks a plastic inner part 15 onto its base 32 by means of the suction cup 18 and pulls the plastic inner part adhering to the suction cup 18

15 down into the outer part 14 below. If the plastic inner part 15 is immersed sufficiently far into the outer part 14, the suction cup 18 detaches from the bottom 32 of the plastic inner part 15 and the linkage 12 moves downward out of the outer part 14. The plastic inner part 15 now sits loosely in the outer part 14 and protrudes with a section several millimeters long from the outer part 14, as is shown in the lower part of FIG. 5a. A further slipping of the plastic inner part 15 into the outer part 14 is prevented by the fact that the outer diameter of the bead (29 in FIG. 5a) is larger than the smallest inner diameter of the outer part 14. After that the outer part 14 with the loosely inserted plastic inner part 15 from the axis of the linkage 12 has been transported out and a new empty outer part 14 takes its place, the above-described insertion process begins again.

The outer parts 14 held in the receptacles 13 with the plastic inner parts 15 loosely inserted in the insertion station 10 are transported from the insertion station 10 to a downstream assembly station 22, as is greatly simplified from the side in FIG. 3 seen is reproduced. In the assembly station 22, the plastic inner part 15 is pressed into the outer part 14 in a special manner and thus securely connected to the outer part 14 to form the desired combination packaging container 28. For this purpose, the plastic inner part 15 must be pressed into the outer part 14 so that the outer part 14 engages with the lower edge behind the bead 29 of the plastic inner part 15 near the bottom, as shown in FIG. 4 in the enlarged detail view.

In order to press in the plastic inner part 15, a special press-in device 27 is used in the assembly station 22, which is arranged in a frame 23 at the lower end of a vertically standing and displaceably mounted guide rod 24. The movement of the

The indentor 27 is effected by a vertically displaceable, driven drive sleeve 26, which concentrically surrounds the guide rod 24 above the indentor 27 and acts on the indentor 27 via an intermediate spring 25.

The pusher 27 itself comprises a flange-like upper part 30 for placement on the upper edge (sealing flange 34) of the plastic inner part 15 and a piston-like lower part 31 adjoining it in the pressing-in direction for placement on the bottom 32 of the plastic inner part 15 (see also FIGS. 5a and b). As a result, when the inner plastic part 15 is pressed in, a force is exerted both on the bottom 32 and on the upper edge (sealing flange 34) of the inner plastic part 15. A peculiarity is that the distance

Ll between the underside of the upper part 30 and the underside of the lower part 31 of the indentor 27 is greater than the distance L2 between the upper (sealing flange 34) and the bottom 32 of the plastic inner part 15 (see FIG. 3). The difference between L1 and L2 is preferably a few millimeters. In practice, around 5 mm have proven particularly useful.

The difference between the lengths L1 and L2 ensures that when the indentation 27 is pressed in with the indentation 27 in the assembly station 22, the lower part 31 first sits on the floor 32 and bulges or presses it outwards (FIG. 5b). The bulge (overpressure) of the base 32 simultaneously reduces the outer diameter of the bead 29, so that the plastic inner part 15 can be pushed completely into the outer part 14 with significantly reduced resistance. This happens when the bottom 32 has bulged outwards by the difference (L1-L2) when the pusher 27 is further shut down and the pusher 27 with the flange-like upper part 30 rests on the sealing flange 34 of the plastic inner part 15. The plastic inner part 15 is so bulged Bottom 32 is pressed into the end position shown in FIG. 5c, the indenting forces being exerted simultaneously on the bottom 32 and the sealing flange 34. This prevents the relatively thin-walled plastic inner part 15 from deforming during the pressing in. The intermediate spring 25 has the effect that excessive forces on the two parts 14 and 15 and also folds on the two parts 14 and 15 are avoided.

When the plastic inner part 15 has reached the end position, the indentor 27 can be pulled out in that the drive sleeve 26 moves upward and takes the guide rod 24 with it via a stop 33. The compressed spring 25 then relaxes, the elastically curved bottom 32 springs back and the bead 29 regains its original outside diameter, which leads to a latching of the two parts according to FIG. 4.

5, in which the bottom 32 of the plastic inner part 15 is pressed over in order to ensure that the two parts 14 and 15 can be easily pushed into one another and snapped into one another, but can also be used advantageously in the context of a different procedure, which to a certain extent represents a "kinematic reversal" of the process shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the plastic inner part 15 is slipped over a corresponding mandrel and then the outer part 14 is pushed over it, the bottom 32 of the plastic inner part 15 being curved outwards. This can advantageously be achieved in that the mandrel is equipped with an extendable, curved base plate which presses the base 32 outwards. The outer part 14 is pushed over the plastic inner part 15 seated on the mandrel and locked with it. The extendable base plate on the mandrel ensures that the base 32 of the plastic inner part 15 is curved outwards during the process and makes the connection process easier or even possible at all.

Overall, the invention provides a method and a device for producing a combination packaging container, which are characterized by the following characteristic properties:

When assembling the plastic inner part and outer carton part, the bottom of the plastic inner part is first pressed over so that the bead on the plastic inner part can be pressed through the outer part and does not injure it; at the same time, the indentor presses on the sealing flange of the plastic inner part; this prevents the plastic inner part from deforming during assembly; the whole press-in device is cushioned,

- to avoid wrinkles on the outer part and plastic inner part.

Of course, it is also possible, however, to carry out the previously described joining process of the plastic inner part 15 with the outer part 14 in any other axial orientation than in the vertical arrangement shown and described here with respect to one another. In the device shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 and the one described

The plastic inner part 15 is always positioned or aligned in its later position of use, in which the bottom 32 always forms the lowest area of the combination packaging container 28.

As already described above, according to the invention, the outer part 14 is held in a suitable receptacle 13 and the plastic inner part 15 is inserted into the outer part 14 held in the receptacle 13 and then pressed into the outer part in a snap-in manner. Both the prepositioning of the plastic inner part 15 within the outer part 14 and the subsequent pushing-in or attachment process of the plastic inner part 15 on the outer part 14 can be carried out in a single station as well as in the previously mentioned divided assembly system, namely the insertion station 10 and the assembly station 22 This depends on the selected process sequence and the number of cycles that can be achieved for the final assembly. Of course, it is also possible to operate several of them at the same time side by side or in parallel in the non-separate insertion and assembly station in order to achieve an increased output.

6 and 7 show a further possible and possibly independent solution according to the invention for combining the two prefabricated components, namely the plastic inner part 15 and the outer part 14, again using the same reference numerals or component designations as in FIGS previous Figs. 1 to 5 are used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, reference is made to the detailed description of the preceding FIGS. 1 to 5. Furthermore, it is shown here in a simplified manner that both the prepositioning of the plastic inner part 15 in the outer part 14 and the final assembly - that is, the complete pressing into the outer part 14 is carried out in a single assembly station. Regardless, it is also possible, as already mentioned in the description of FIGS. 1 to 5, upstream of the final assembly station a further Vo ositionierungsstation, in which the plastic inner part 15 is inserted into the outer part 14 and supplied in the not yet locked position of the station for locking becomes. For the sake of clarity, the corresponding facilities have not been shown.

In contrast to the previously described and shown embodiments, the outer part 14 is in turn held in its own receptacle 13, but the outer part 14, which has already been described above, but which has a truncated cone-shaped outer jacket and its smaller dimension 35, is arranged at the top and seen in the vertical direction with its larger lower dimension 36 is held down in the receptacle 13.

In contrast to the process sequence described above and the assembly system shown in simplified form, in which the outer part 14 was held in the receptacle 13 by geometry due to the different smaller and larger dimensions 35, 36 by itself without any aids in the receptacle 13, due to the exactly reversed outer part 14 - this of course also applies to the design of the receptacle 13 - may require additional and not shown here holding means with which the outer part 14 can be held relative to the receptacle 13. These holding means can be, for example, vacuum slots, suction cups, mechanical stops or the like.

The plastic inner part 15 is also shown in FIG. 6 in a position or position in which the bottom 32, viewed in the vertical direction, is the highest region of the

Plastic inner part 15 represents, that is arranged above. In the process sequence for assembly shown here in simplified form, both the plastic inner part 15 and the outer part 14 are designed to taper conically in the direction of the bottom 32, the plastic inner part 15 being inserted into the outer part 14 held in the receptacle 13 from below, viewed in the vertical direction becomes.

The plastic inner part 15 has latching means 37, 38 for latching or holding on the outer part held in the receptacle 13, with the first latching means 37 in the region of an open end face 39 of the plastic inner part 15 and the further latching means 38 in the region of the bottom 32 in this exemplary embodiment is arranged or provided. In doing so, As is already known, the first latching means 37 can be formed by the sealing flange 34. The further latching means 38 in the area of the base 32 can be formed by at least one bead 29 which extends at least in regions over the circumference of the plastic inner part 15, but which can also be provided all around the circumference of the plastic inner part. If the further latching means 38 or the bead 29 is arranged only in regions over the circumference of the plastic inner part 15, for example the condensate formed during a temperature change or a rapidly occurring temperature difference between the outer part 14 and the plastic inner part 15 can run off or sit unhindered in this region , whereby there is a longer service life without adversely affecting the outer part 14.

As can already be seen from the preceding description, the outer part 14 is held in the receptacle 13 and the plastic inner part 15 is introduced or introduced with approximately the same axial alignment and then the plastic inner part 15 via the latching means 37, 38 with the outer part 14 for combination - Packaging container 28 united. In addition, it is also possible for the outer part 14 to be moved relative to the plastic inner part 15 in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the plastic inner part 15 during the insertion movement of the plastic inner part 15 into the outer part 14 held in the receptacle 13. This combined movement means that the plastic inner part 15 cannot be moved over the entire adjustment path for the final assembly, but because of the combined and opposite movement of the outer part 14 towards the plastic inner part 15, a shortening or division of this movement distance can be achieved, which means that the necessary movement speed is always lower Adjustment paths can be covered at the same time. This additional movement of the outer part 14 in the direction of the plastic inner part 15 is, of course, also within the scope of the insertion station 10 previously described in FIGS. 1 to 5 in connection with the assembly station 22 both in the course of the separate assembly and the combined insertion. and assembly station possible.

In this simplified method sequence shown here in FIG. 6, the plastic inner part 15 is assigned a simplified insertion element 40, which has an outer angle 41 in the area of its outer jacket which corresponds almost exactly to an inner cone angle 42 of the plastic inner part 15. Likewise, however, is also a cross section or diameter of the insert element 40 to the inner dimensions of the plastic inner part 1, in particular in the region of the open end face 39 to the end of the Insert element 40, adapted so that the insert element 40 can be introduced or inserted into the plastic inner part 15 until the sealing flange 34 of the plastic inner part 15 comes into contact with a support element 43 arranged on the insert element 40. At the same time, however, the relatively thin wall of the plastic inner part 15 also bears against the insert element 40, as can best be seen from FIG. 7. Likewise, the complete latching of the plastic inner part 15 on the outer part 14 can be seen in FIG. 7, in which the insert element 40 is still completely in the receiving space 44 formed by the plastic inner part 15.

6 and 7, it can be seen in a simplified manner that at least one suction line 45 is arranged within the insert element 40 and opens into the space or intermediate space formed between the bottom 32 of the plastic inner part 15 and the insert element 40. For this purpose, a length or height H _{K of} the plastic inner part 15, measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis, between the base 32 and the open end face 39 is greater than a length or height H _{E of} the insert element 40. Due to the above-described dimensional difference or adjustment of the Insert element 40 with respect to the inner plastic part 15 can be built up via the suction line 45 due to the previously described height or length difference between the inner plastic part 15 and the insert element 40. Thus, starting from the sealing edge 34, the insert element 40 protrudes only partially towards the bottom 32. This can reduce the outer circumference of the latching means 38, so that the final latching and pushing of the plastic inner part 15 in the area of the further latching means 38 to be able to perform through the smaller smaller dimension 35 of the outer part 14.

This is achieved in the previously described FIGS. 1 to 5 in that the base 32 is elastically bulged outwards in a predetermined manner during the pressing in by the pressing force acting on it, that is to say on the side facing away from the receiving space 44. This reduction in the outer circumference or the outer dimension or cross-section of the further latching means 38 can be carried out by predeterminable deformation of the plastic inner part 15 in the region of its base 32 to such an extent that the outer

The circumference or the outer dimension or cross section corresponds approximately to an inner diameter 46 of the outer part 14 in the region of its smaller dimension 35.

In the embodiment shown here in FIGS. 6 and 7, in contrast to the previously described FIGS. 1 to 5, the floor 32 is not turned to that facing away from the receiving space 44 Side, but by a force acting on it in a predetermined manner elastically curved in the direction of the receiving space 44 of the plastic inner part. This bulging and the associated reduction in the cross-sectional dimension or scope of the further latching means 38 can take place, for example, on account of the vacuum build-up via the suction line 45 and vacuum generators, such as vacuum pumps, not shown here. Irrespective of this, however, it is also possible to generate this force acting on it by means of its own pressure stamp 47, which is shown schematically in a simplified manner in FIG. 7. The application of the force can be achieved either only by the build-up of the negative pressure via the suction line 45 or only by the pressure ram 47 alone, but also by any combination of these two process sequences described above.

If, for example, the plastic inner part 15 is formed from a relatively thin-walled component, the application of the deformation force to the floor 32 can only take place via the negative pressure built up in the receiving space 44. Are thicker wall parts of the

Deform plastic inner part 15, this can be done either only by the or the pressure stamp 47 alone or also to achieve a better position fixation of the plastic inner part 15 on the insert element 40, a combined application.

In FIG. 8, similar to FIG. 7, the suction line 45 is shown in simplified form, which, however, reaches close to the bottom 32. As a result, depending on the selected distance between the end of the suction line 45 and the bottom 32, a predefined deformation thereof can be determined. This distance can be between a few millimeters, e.g. 2 to 6 mm, down to the centimeter range, e.g. 1.0 to 1.5 cm or more. When the negative pressure builds up, the entire receiving space 44 is first suctioned off and, with a corresponding deformation of the base 32, the latter is moved in the direction of the suction line 45 and sucked in thereon and thus held fixed in this position. The suction line 45 forms the shape of a suction cup. As a result, the previously described reduction of the outer circumference or cross section of the further latching means 38 in cooperation with the base 32 is achieved and the previously described latching process of the further latching means 38 behind the edge of the outer part 14 in the region of its smaller dimension 35 can thus be carried out. This in turn fixes the position of the outer part 14 between the two locking means 37, 38.

Furthermore, the floor 32 which is arched in the direction of the receiving space 44 is simplified in FIG Dashed lines are shown, with an additional attempt being made to show the reduction in diameter of the further locking means 38 - in the present case of the bead 29 - associated with this in the case of a round plastic inner part 15.

At this point it should be mentioned that the arching of the base 32 described here into

Direction of the receiving space 44 can of course also be used in the systems previously described in FIGS. 1 to 5 and the orientation of the outer part 14 and plastic inner part 15 corresponds to that in the usual position of use. Likewise, the arrangement and orientation of the outer part 14 and the plastic inner part 15 according to FIGS. 6 to 8 can also be turned through 180 ° - that is, they correspond to the normal position of use.

In order to avoid detachment or unwanted swelling of the outer part 14, which is usually made of recycled cardboard, from the plastic inner part 15, it can prove to be advantageous if a layer which absorbs or binds moisture, at least in regions, is arranged on the side of the outer part 14 facing the plastic inner part 15 which may be formed by a hydrogel or the like, for example. However, this hydrogel also serves to absorb or bind possible condensation or condensation formation in the event of a temperature difference between the medium stored and filled in the receiving space 44, for example yogurt etc., and the external environment, without adversely affecting the material of the Outside part 14 is possible. The absorption of moisture can cause the cardboard material to swell, as a result of which the positional fixation between the two latching means 37, 38 is no longer completely present and the outer part 14 is unwantedly detached from the plastic inner part 15. At the same time, this detachment is also a reduction in the supporting function of the outer part 14 for the plastic inner part 15, which is thus partially or completely lost.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure of the combination packaging container, these or its components have been shown partly to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

The object on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description. Above all, the individual in FIGS. 1; 2; 3, 4; 5; 6, 7; The embodiments shown form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The relevant tasks and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 40 insert element 2 41 outside angle

3 42 cone angle

4 43 support element

5 44 receiving space 6 45 suction line

7 46 inside diameter

8 47 Print stamp 9

10 insertion station

11 pneumatic cylinders

12 rods

13 recording

14 outer part 15 plastic inner part

16 Transport or feed device

17 Transport or feed device

18 suction cup

19 retaining ring

20 inner contour

21 lower section 22 assembly station

23 frame

24 guide rod

25 spring 26 drive sleeve

27 impressors

28 combination packaging containers

29 bead

30 top

31 lower part

32 bottom

33 stop

34 Seal flange Ll distance

L2 distance

35 smaller dimensions

36 larger size 37 locking means

38 locking means

39 end face

Claims

Patent claims

1. A method for producing a combination packaging container (28), which combination packaging container (28) has a cup-shaped plastic inner part (15) and a jacket-like outer part surrounding the plastic inner part (15) and latching on the outside of the plastic inner part (15) (14), in which method the two parts (14, 15) are pushed into one another, characterized in that the outer part (14) is held in a receptacle (13), and in that the plastic inner part (15) is inserted into the Receiving (13) inserted outer part (14) is inserted and then pressed into the outer part (14).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the plastic inner part (15) is loosely inserted in a first station (10) into the outer part (14) held in the receptacle (13), and that the loosely inserted plastic inner part (15) in a second station (22) is pressed into the outer part (14).

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pushing-in movement of the plastic inner part (15) into the outer part (14) is carried out in the same station as the insertion movement of the plastic inner part (15) into the outer part (14).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that simultaneously during the insertion movement of the plastic inner part (15) into the outer part (14) held in the receptacle (13), the outer part (14) in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the plastic inner part (15) relative to the plastic inner part (15) is moved.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner plastic part (15) and outer part (14) taper downwards, and that the inner plastic part (15) is inserted from above into the outer part (14).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic inner part (15) has a substantially flat bottom (32), and that the plastic inner part (15) is held on the bottom (32) when it is inserted loosely into the outer part (14) becomes.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the plastic inner part (15) by a through the outer part (14) from below through holding device (11, 12, 18) on the outside of the bottom (32) detachably held and in the outer part ( 14) is drawn in.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the holding device (11, 12, 18) detachably holds the plastic inner part (15) by means of a suction cup (18).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when pressing the plastic inner part (15) in the second station (22) the plastic inner part (15) simultaneously on its upper edge (34) and in the region of the bottom (32) is acted upon by a force acting in the direction of insertion.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that locking means (37, 38) are provided for holding or latching the plastic inner part (15) and outer part (14) on the plastic inner part (15).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that a first locking means (37) in the region of an open end face (39) of the plastic inner part (15) is formed by the sealing flange (34).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a further locking means (38) is formed in the region of the bottom (32) by at least one bead (29) extending at least in regions over the circumference of the plastic inner part (15).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the bead (29) over the circumference of the plastic inner part (15) is formed all around.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that before or during the pressing of the plastic inner part (15) into the outer part (14) an outer circumference of the further latching means (38) by a predeterminable deformation of the bottom (32) reduced so far is that this corresponds approximately to an inner diameter (46) of the outer part (14) in the region of the smaller dimension (35) and can thus be pushed completely into the outer part (14) with significantly reduced resistance.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom (32) is bulged elastically outwards in a predetermined manner during the pressing in by the pressing force acting on it.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the

Floor (32) is elastically curved in a predetermined manner in the direction of a receiving space (44) of the plastic inner part (15) during the pressing in by a force acting on it.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the acting on it

Force is generated by means of its own pressure stamp (47).

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the force acting on it is generated by building up a negative pressure in the region of the receiving space (44) of the plastic inner part (15).

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 6, 9 to 18, characterized in that the outer part (14) with its larger inner dimension (36) is held down in the receptacle (13).

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the plastic inner part (15) and outer part (14) taper towards the bottom (32), and that the plastic inner part (15) is inserted from below into the outer part (14) ,

21. The apparatus for performing the method according to claim 1, characterized by a receptacle (13) for holding the outer part (14) and a first station (22) for pushing the plastic inner part (15) into the outer part held in the receptacle (13) ,

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that plastic inner part

(15) and outer part (14) are conically tapered downwards, and that the receptacle (13) comprises a retaining ring (19) with an inner contour (20) tapering downwards, in which the outer part (14) clamps is held.

23. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that the inner contour (20) of the retaining ring (19) in a lower section (21) is adapted to the conically tapered shape of the outer part (14), and that the inner contour (20) increases in diameter above the lower section (21).

24. Device according to one of claims 22 or 23, characterized in that the retaining ring (19) consists of a dimensionally stable material with low sliding friction, in particular a plastic, preferably an acetal homopolymer (polyoxymethylene POM).

25. The device according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the first station (22) comprises a presser (27) which is displaceably mounted in the press-in direction and which for pushing the plastic inner part (15) into the outer part (14) in the press-in direction exerts force on the plastic inner part (15).

26. The device according spoke 25, characterized in that the indenter (27) is designed so that the force exerts a force both on the bottom (32) and on the upper edge (34) of the plastic inner part (15) when pressed.

27. The device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the impressor (27) has a flange-like upper part (30) for placement on the upper edge (34) of the plastic inner part (15) and a piston-like lower part (31 ) for placing on the bottom (32) of the plastic inner part (15).

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that the distance (Ll) see between the underside of the upper part (30) and the underside of the lower part (31) of the indenter

(27), preferably a few millimeters, in particular about 5 mm, is greater than the distance (L2) between the upper edge (34) and the bottom (32) of the plastic inner part (15).

29. Device according to one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that the pusher (27) in the first station (22) is moved by drive means (26) which can be displaced in the direction of the pusher, and that the drive means (26) with the pusher (27 ) are engaged via a spring (25).

30. Device according to one of claims 21 to 29, characterized in that the first station (22) is preceded by a second station (10) in which the plastic inner part (15) is loosely inserted into the outer part (14) held in the receptacle (13).

31. The device according to claim 30, characterized in that the second station (10) comprises holding and transport means (18; 11, 12) which detachably hold the plastic inner part (15) and from a transport or feed device (17) in transport the outer part (14) held in the receptacle (13).

32. Device according to spoke 31, characterized in that the holding means comprise a suction cup (18) and that the transport means comprises a linkage (14) which can be moved in the insertion direction by means of a pneumatic cylinder and extends through the outer part (14) held in the receptacle (13). 12) include.

33. Device according to one of claims 21, 24 or 30, characterized in that the plastic inner part (15) and the outer part (14) are conically tapered towards the bottom (32), and that the receptacle (13) comprises a retaining ring (19) with an inner contour (20) tapering towards the bottom (32), the taper being directed towards one another as seen in the vertical direction.

34. Device according spoke 33, characterized in that the inner contour (20) of the retaining ring (19) in an upper portion (21) of the conically tapered shape of the outer part (14) is adapted, and that the inner contour (20) is below the upper section (21) increasingly expanded in diameter.

35. Device according to one of claims 21, 24, 30, 33 or 34, characterized in that holding means are assigned to the receptacle (13) for holding the outer part (14).

36. Device according to one of claims 21, 24, 30, 33 to 35, characterized in that the plastic inner part (15) for inserting and / or pressing into the outer part (14) is assigned an insert element (40) which is in the receiving space (44) of the plastic inner part (15) partially protrudes.

37. Device according to spoke 36, characterized in that the insert element (40) is adapted in its cross section to the inner dimensions of the plastic inner part (15).

38. Device according to spoke 36 or 37, characterized in that in the insert element (40) at least one suction line (45) is arranged, which opens into the space or space formed between the bottom 32 of the plastic inner part 15 and the insert element (40).

39. Apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that the suction line (45) is connected to a vacuum generator.

40. Apparatus according to spoke 38 or 39, characterized in that the suction line (45) projects beyond the insert element (40) and to the

Bottom (32) of the plastic inner part 15 reaches.