EP2700583B1 - Blank for producing packaging or the like and method for producing such a blank - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a blank for producing a three-dimensional structure, in particular a package, a display or the like. according to claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a blank according to claim 6. Such blanks are well known from the general state of the art. Such a blank comprises at least one layer which is formed from paper, cardboard, in particular corrugated cardboard, or plastic. The layer has on at least one side at least one folding groove, which may be formed as a fold line, creasing, scratching or crease line. Along this folding groove, the blank can be folded or folded, thereby producing a three-dimensional structure. Such a three-dimensional structure can be a package, a so-called display or the like. be. A display is a so-called display or advertising display, which is used for product or product presentation, for example, in supermarkets.

Conventionally, the blanks are produced by means of punching blades in a stamping machine. For the production of fold lines so-called score lines or scoring knives and a corresponding counter-groove, a so-called groove channel are used, by means of which the fold line is introduced into the blank. This is done for example by means of a rotary tool or by means of a flatbed tool. For the production of packaging or the like (or the like.) Accordingly, a specific for this three-dimensional structure tool is required, which on a respective layout, ie on a respective geometry of the blank and must be aligned with a respective arrangement of Faltnuten (fold lines). In the manufacture of the blank resulting waste and resulting edges, ie residues are removed mechanically with the aid of special tools.

This production of blanks is therefore very complex and therefore time consuming and costly.

Of the DE 10 2008 027 357 A1 a package is known to remove, which comprises a carrier layer of paper, cardboard or cardboard. The carrier layer is coated on one side with a decorative layer and has a carrier layer partially severing the predetermined bending line, ie a folding groove. The predetermined bending line divides the packaging into adjacent packaging regions, which in the folded state enclose a predefinable bending angle with one another.

In this case, an extended in the direction of the predetermined bending line wedge-shaped material recess is provided in the carrier layer, which has a wedge angle which is equal to the bending angle. The material recess is produced by means of two laser beams, ie by means of laser beam energy. The two laser beams are aligned with each other so that they enclose the wedge angle with each other. In this case, a piece of material is cut out of the carrier layer by means of the laser beams, to thereby produce the material recess.

A disadvantage of this method is that the piece of material must be removed. Thus, at least one additional process step is required, so that the package or its blank is very expensive and therefore time-consuming and costly to produce.

From the DE 10 2010 041663 A1 a blank and a method according to the preambles of claims 1 and 6 is known.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a particularly time-consuming and cost-effectively manufacturable blank, and a particularly timely feasible method for producing such a blank.

This object is achieved by a blank having the features of patent claim 1, and by a method having the features of patent claim 6. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims, wherein advantageous embodiments of the blank are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the inventive three-dimensional structure. Likewise, advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the blank or the three-dimensional structure and vice versa.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a blank for producing a three-dimensional structure, in particular a packaging, a display or the like. The blank comprises at least one layer of paper, cardboard, in particular corrugated cardboard, or plastic. The at least one layer has at least one folding groove, which is produced by means of laser beam energy. In addition, an outer contour and an inner contour of the blank are also cut by means of laser beam energy.

In order to produce the blank particularly time-consuming and cost-effective, it is provided according to the invention that the at least one folding groove is bounded by wall regions of the at least one layer, wherein between the wall regions a material region of the at least one layer is removed by applying the laser beam energy to the entire material region.

Since the entire material area is acted upon by laser beam energy and thereby removed, no residual material of the layer is produced during the production of the at least one folding groove, which would have to be removed in the course of at least one further process step. Such a process step can thus be omitted.

Preferably, the at least one folding groove, at least in a partial region of its extension - based on an unfolded state of the blank - a

Cross-section, which has a different shape of a wedge shape. So that, for example, the packaging can be filled with at least one product, in particular by machine, it is necessary that restoring forces act on the blank in its folded or bent state along the at least one folding groove. These restoring forces ensure that the blank and thus the packaging erect at defined locations and can be filled in the sequence.

It has been found that a wedge-shaped folding groove, i. a folding groove with a wedge-shaped cross-section, the blank and thus the packaging weakens so that the restoring forces are no longer sufficient or lost, so that the above-described, in particular mechanical and thus fast filling or gluing and / or bonding is no longer possible. In such a wedge-shaped folding groove is then a so-called dead grooving. A wedge-shaped folding groove is therefore unsuitable in the field of the automatic production of blanks and packages as well as the automatic filling of the packages.

A further disadvantage of a wedge-shaped folding groove is that on one of the side on which the folding groove is arranged, the further side of the blank facing away can cause damage, in particular cracks, in the region of the folding groove when the blank is folded along the folding groove. Due to such damage, packaged goods received in the packaging can escape from the packaging. Furthermore, the further side is a visible side of the packaging visually perceptible by a user of the packaging, so that such damage adversely affects the visual impression of the packaging.

A folding groove with a cross section which has a different shape from a wedge shape, in contrast, allows the representation of predefinable and advantageous restoring forces, so that a machine filling is possible. In addition, the blank can also be folded several times along the folding groove, without causing damage on the visible side.

This is particularly advantageous for cardboard with a mass occupancy, a so-called grammage from 100 grams per square meter (g / m ² ), as it can come in such cardboard qualities to high tensile and compressive forces during folding.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the folding groove - preferably at least in an unfolded state of the blank - an arcuate, in particular round, at least in a partial area, on. By such a cross section particularly advantageous restoring forces can be formed as needed. Furthermore, in such a cross section, a particularly advantageous course of forces or an advantageous distribution of forces during folding can be realized, wherein force peaks can be avoided or at least minimized. As a result, the blank can also be folded several times along the at least one folding groove, without resulting in undesired damage, in particular on the visible side. Under cross section is to be understood in each case the sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the folding groove.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if a groove base of the at least one folding groove is arc-shaped, in particular round or elliptical, or has a substantially flat extension. At the bottom of the groove close the folding groove laterally bounding wall portions of the layer, wherein the groove bottom comprises the lowest point of the folding groove. This means that the layer is weakened most strongly by the folding groove at the groove bottom, since the groove bottom is adjoined in the depth direction of the folding groove by only a very small residual wall thickness of the layer.

Therefore, the layer or blank is conventionally particularly susceptible to damage in the region of the groove bottom, in particular on the visible side, when the blank is bent. Since now the groove base arcuate, in particular round or elliptical, is formed or has a planar extension, forces and force peaks arising during folding can be kept particularly low. This does not cause damage even if the blank is folded several times along the folding groove. In addition, the restoring forces can be adjusted particularly needs-based by these embodiments of the groove bottom.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one folding groove has a step-shaped cross section, at least in a partial region. In other words, the cross-section of the folding groove has at least one step, by means of which a first partial region of the cross-section is set back relative to a second partial region of the cross-section adjoining thereto. As a result, the behavior of the blank when folding and the restoring forces can be set particularly well and adapted to specifiable requirements.

To realize a particularly advantageous folding behavior of the blank, it is provided in the invention that the at least one folding groove has an asymmetrical cross section. In this way, in particular, the force distribution arising during folding in the region of the folding groove can be adjusted in a targeted manner.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the at least one folding groove has a groove depth which lies in a range of from 5% to 75% inclusive, in particular in a range from 40% to 60% inclusive of a wall thickness of the layer. In other words, the removal of the material region caused by the laser beam energy is 5% to 75%, in particular 40% to 60%, of the original wall thickness of the layer which has the layer, for example, in regions adjacent to the folding groove. Thus, the layer is weakened by the folding groove with respect to the original wall thickness of the layer, ie, by 5% to 75%, in particular by 40% to 60%, prior to the manufacture of the folding groove. Such a folding groove allows a defined folding or a defined and advantageous bending of the material of the layer along the folding groove, so that the effect of a creasing arises. As a result, the resulting restoring forces can be adjusted in a targeted manner and damages the blank when folding.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a blank for a three-dimensional structure, in particular a packaging, a display or the like, in which on at least one side of at least one of paper, cardboard, especially corrugated cardboard, or plastic formed layer of the blank at least one folding groove of the at least one layer is produced by means of laser beam energy.

In order to realize a particularly simple, time-consuming and economical implementation of the method, it is provided according to the invention that a material region between the wall regions of the at least one layer delimiting at least one folding groove is removed by applying the laser beam energy to the entire material region. This means that the material region is not cut out of the layer by means of laser beam energy, ie it is separated from the remaining layer, so that the material region remains as residual material and has to be removed. In contrast, the entire material area is subjected to thermal energy with laser beam energy and thereby removed, wherein the entire material area is burned or evaporated. After the production of Faltnut consuming residues to be removed can be avoided. Advantageous embodiments of the first two aspects of the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the third aspect of the invention and vice versa.

By the removal of material, it is possible in the method according to the invention, the folding groove with a particularly exact, predetermined or predefined contour, i. Shape and / or topography to design, so as to adjust the folding behavior of the blank as well as the external shape of the three-dimensional structure as needed.

In contrast to an initially mentioned, mechanical production of the folding groove, for example by pressing, occur during manufacture of the folding groove in the context of the method according to the invention no stresses on the folding groove. This means that in the method according to the invention previously used for the production of Faltnuten tools are no longer necessary, so that set-up times omitted. Furthermore, mechanical deformation of the blank at the folding groove is avoided so that damage to fibers from which the blank is optionally produced is also avoided. Furthermore, a fiber direction must be taken into account in the mechanical production of folding grooves, which is less important in the production by means of laser beam energy. This results in great freedom in the design possibilities of Faltnut.

In addition, a predefined course of the folding groove can be made particularly quickly and easily. In particular, for example, based on the longitudinal extension of the folding groove, at least two adjoining longitudinal regions of the folding groove can be produced in a simple manner, which enclose a different angle from 0 ° and 180 °.

Furthermore, the folding groove itself can be made particularly accurate, so that the folding behavior of the blank can be set exactly. In particular, it is possible to set bending stiffnesses and / or the restoring forces defined so as to produce a desired behavior of the blank when folding. This adjustment takes place, in particular, depending on the shape of the groove and / or on the groove depth. Compared to the conventional production of Faltnuten it is possible to set the restoring forces very precisely.

In the method, it can be provided that the material region is removed by means of at least one laser beam, which is operated in continuous wave mode. In other words, the at least one laser beam is applied to the entire area of the material by means of a laser in continuous wave mode, i. generated by means of a continuous wave laser. Such a continuous wave laser, which is also commonly referred to as a cw laser, is a laser which, in contrast to pulsed lasers, emits at least one continuous light wave as a laser beam.

It can be provided that the entire material region is acted upon by only a continuous wave laser beam, so that the material region can be removed very quickly.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the at least one folding groove is produced by a pulsed operation of the at least one laser beam, which is also referred to as intermittent operation. In this case, the at least one laser beam impinges intermittently on the layer and carries off the material region successively so as to produce the folding groove. As a result, a particularly precise shaping and a particularly needs-based embodiments of the folding groove are possible. Preferably, the folding groove is configured with a cross-section which has a different shape from a wedge shape, at least in a partial region of the longitudinal extent of the folding groove. In contrast to the continuous wave laser, a pulsed laser generates pulsed radiation with a predeterminable pulse duration of the at least one laser beam.

During the production of the folding groove, for example, the laser beam impinges on the material area in a pulsating manner in order to remove it successively. Depending on the groove depth, the laser beam may hit the same spot several times. In order to produce a corresponding length and / or width of the folding groove, the laser beam strikes at least once at different points of the folding groove or the material area to be removed.

The restoring force of the folding groove, which has the great influence described above on the filling and packing behavior of the packaging in automatic packaging machines, depends on the laser-introduced shape, groove depth and width of the folding groove and on a distance and a possible overlap of at least two, if appropriate layer formed folding grooves. By means of the laser, the at least one folding groove can be specified product-specifically and exactly formed and adjusted.

In order to produce the blank particularly quickly within the scope of the method according to the invention, provision is made for the blank, in particular also an outer contour and an inner contour of the blank, to be cut by means of laser beam energy. For this purpose, preferably the same laser or the same laser beam is used, which is also used to act on the material area.

The blank can thus be cut very accurately and quickly. In particular, it is possible to specify cutting angles of the blank and to cut them particularly precisely and quickly. Furthermore, edges of the blank can be cut precisely and in a short time by means of laser beam energy. This makes it possible to cut off the blank in a particularly short time from a sheet and / or from a not to be used for cutting residual material. The laser is thus capable of both all contours and folding grooves of the blank without tools, i. non-mechanically produce.

In the method according to the invention, it is advantageously provided that the production of all folding grooves of the blank as well as all cutting operations relating to the blank in order to cut the blank and / or introduce cuts into the blank are carried out in-line, ie in one operation by means of laser beam energy. As part of the cutting operations, for example, material can be separated from the blank. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to introduce at least one cut in the blank as part of the cutting operations, ie to score the blank without material being separated from the blank.

Thus, the blank need not be put into different tools to form the folding grooves and to cut the blank. Rather, it is possible to cut the blank in one operation, i. to cut its outer and / or inner contour and / or introduce cuts in the blank, as well as produce all Faltnuten the blank. This allows the entire blank to be made very quickly.

The blank according to the invention and the blank produced by means of the method according to the invention can be used for all types of packaging, for example also for cigarette packaging. The blank can be used for three-dimensional structures such as packaging or displays made of paper, plastic, cardboard and corrugated board. The blank can be used in particular for three-dimensional structures such as packaging or displays made of paper, cardboard and natural fiber corrugated board. This means that the layer is at least substantially formed of natural fibers, which are particularly easy to machine by means of the laser. The blank can also be used for three-dimensional structures made of corrugated board of all kinds. The blank may further comprise at least one further layer which is, for example, a coating of the first layer and / or a lamination.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations, or in isolation, without the frame to leave the invention.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Draufsicht eines Zuschnitts zur Herstellung einer dreidimensionalen Struktur, insbesondere einer Verpackung, eines Displays o.dgl., mit einer Schicht aus Karton, welche eine Vielzahl von Faltnuten aufweist, die mittels Laserstrahlenergie hergestellt sind, wobei die jeweilige Faltnut durch korrespondierende Wandungsbereiche der Schicht begrenzt ist, zwischen welchen ein jeweiliger Materialbereich der Schicht durch Beaufschlagen des gesamten Materialbereichs mit Laserstrahlenergie abgetragen ist;

Fig. 2

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts im Bereich einer der Faltnuten;

Fig.3

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Perspektivansicht der Faltnut gemäß Fig. 2;

Fig.4

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts, wobei anhand von Fig. 4 eine Faltung des Zuschnitts entlang einer der Faltnuten veranschaulicht ist;

Fig. 5

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Draufsicht einer der Faltnuten;

Fig. 6

ausschnittsweise eine weitere schematische Draufsicht der Faltnut;

Fig. 7

ein Schaubild zur Veranschaulichung einer Topographie der Faltnut gemäß Fig. 6 entlang einer in Fig. 6 gezeigten Linie;

Fig. 8

ausschnittsweise eine weitere schematische Draufsicht einer der Faltnuten;

Fig. 9a

eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer Ausführungsform einer der Faltnuten des Zuschnitts;

Fig. 9b

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts, wobei anhand von Fig. 9b ein Falten des Zuschnitts entlang der Faltnut gemäß Fig. 9a veranschaulicht ist;

Fig. 10a

eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer der Faltnuten des Zuschnitts;

Fig. 10b

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts, wobei anhand von Fig. 10b ein Falten des Zuschnitts entlang der Faltnut gemäß Fig. 10a veranschaulicht ist;

Fig. 11a

eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer der Faltnuten des Zuschnitts; Fig. 11b ausschnittsweise eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts, wobei anhand von Fig. 11b ein Falten des Zuschnitts entlang der Faltnut gemäß Fig. 11 a veranschaulicht ist;

Fig. 12a

eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform des Zuschnitts, welcher zwei nebeneinander angeordnete Faltnuten aufweist;

Fig. 12b

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts, wobei anhand von Fig. 12b ein Falten des Zuschnitts entlang der Faltnuten gemäß Fig. 12a veranschaulicht ist;

Fig. 13a

eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform des Zuschnitts, welcher zwei nebeneinander angeordnete Faltnuten aufweist;

Fig. 13b

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts, wobei anhand von Fig. 13b ein Falten des Zuschnitts entlang der Faltnuten gemäß Fig. 13a veranschaulicht ist;

Fig. 14

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform des Zuschnitts mit mehreren Ausführungsformen von Faltnuten;

Fig. 15a

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform des Zuschnitts, welcher entlang zweier Faltnuten gefaltet ist;

Fig. 15b

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts gemäß Fig. 15a, wobei in Fig. 15b ein in Fig. 15a gekennzeichneter Bereich A vergrößert dargestellt ist;

Fig. 16a

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform des Zuschnitts, welcher entlang mehrerer Faltnuten gefaltet ist;

Fig. 16b

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts gemäß Fig. 16a, wobei in Fig. 16b ein in Fig. 16a gekennzeichneter Bereich B vergrößert dargestellt ist;

Fig. 17a

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform des Zuschnitts mit zwei Faltnuten;

Fig. 17b

eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts gemäß Fig. 17a, welcher entlang der Faltnuten gefaltet ist,

Fig. 17c

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts gemäß Fig. 17b, wobei in Fig. 17c ein in Fig. 17b gekennzeichneter Bereich C vergrößert dargestellt ist;

Fig. 17d

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts gemäß Fig. 17a, wobei in Fig. 17d ein in Fig. 17a gekennzeichneter Bereich D vergrößert dargestellt ist;

Fig. 18a

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform des Zuschnitts mit einer Faltnut;

Fig. 18b

eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts gemäß Fig. 18a, welcher entlang der Faltnuten gefaltet ist,

Fig. 18c

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts gemäß Fig. 18b, wobei in Fig. 18c ein in Fig. 18b gekennzeichneter Bereich E vergrößert dargestellt ist;

Fig. 18d

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Seitenansicht des Zuschnitts gemäß Fig. 18a, wobei in Fig. 18d ein in Fig. 18a gekennzeichneter Bereich F vergrößert dargestellt ist;

Fig. 19

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Draufsicht einer der Faltnuten;

Fig. 20

ausschnittsweise eine weitere schematische Draufsicht der Faltnut gemäß Fig. 19;

Fig. 21

ein Schaubild zur Veranschaulichung einer Topographie der Faltnut gemäß Fig. 20 entlang einer in Fig. 20 gezeigten Linie;

Fig. 22

ausschnittsweise eine weitere schematische Draufsicht einer der Faltnuten;

Fig. 23

eine schematische Draufsicht mehrerer Ausführungsformen des Zuschnitts;

Fig. 24

eine schematische Draufsicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Zuschnitts; und

Fig. 25

eine schematische Draufsicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Zuschnitts.

The drawings show in:

Fig. 1

a schematic plan view of a blank for producing a three-dimensional structure, in particular a packaging, a display or the like., With a layer of cardboard, which has a plurality of Faltnuten made by laser beam energy, wherein the respective folding groove is delimited by corresponding wall regions of the layer between which a respective material region of the layer has been removed by applying laser beam energy to the entire material region;

Fig. 2

a detail of a schematic side view of the blank in the region of one of the Faltnuten;

Figure 3

a schematic perspective view of the folding groove according to FIG Fig. 2 ;

Figure 4

a fragmentary schematic side view of the blank, with reference to Fig. 4 a folding of the blank along one of the folding grooves is illustrated;

Fig. 5

a schematic plan view of one of the Faltnuten;

Fig. 6

a detail of another schematic plan view of the folding groove;

Fig. 7

a diagram illustrating a topography of the folding groove according to Fig. 6 along an in Fig. 6 shown line;

Fig. 8

a detail of another schematic plan view of one of the Faltnuten;

Fig. 9a

a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the folding grooves of the blank;

Fig. 9b

a fragmentary schematic side view of the blank, with reference to Fig. 9b a folding of the blank along the folding groove according to Fig. 9a is illustrated;

Fig. 10a

a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the folding grooves of the blank;

Fig. 10b

a fragmentary schematic side view of the blank, with reference to Fig. 10b a folding of the blank along the folding groove according to Fig. 10a is illustrated;

Fig. 11a

a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the folding grooves of the blank; Fig. 11b a fragmentary schematic side view of the blank, with reference to Fig. 11b a folding of the blank along the folding groove according to Fig. 11 a is illustrated;

Fig. 12a

a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the blank, which has two juxtaposed folding grooves;

Fig. 12b

a fragmentary schematic side view of the blank, with reference to Fig. 12b a folding of the blank along the Faltnuten according to Fig. 12a is illustrated;

Fig. 13a

a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the blank, which has two juxtaposed folding grooves;

Fig. 13b

a fragmentary schematic side view of the blank, with reference to Fig. 13b a folding of the blank along the Faltnuten according to Fig. 13a is illustrated;

Fig. 14

a schematic side view of an embodiment of the blank with several embodiments of Faltnuten;

Fig. 15a

a schematic side view of an embodiment of the blank, which is folded along two folds;

Fig. 15b

in sections, a schematic side view of the blank according to Fig. 15a , where in Fig. 15b a in Fig. 15a marked area A is shown enlarged;

Fig. 16a

a schematic side view of an embodiment of the blank, which is folded along a plurality of Faltnuten;

Fig. 16b

in sections, a schematic side view of the blank according to Fig. 16a , where in Fig. 16b a in Fig. 16a indicated area B is shown enlarged;

Fig. 17a

a schematic side view of an embodiment of the blank with two Faltnuten;

Fig. 17b

a schematic side view of the blank according to Fig. 17a which is folded along the folding grooves,

Fig. 17c

in sections, a schematic side view of the blank according to Fig. 17b , where in Fig. 17c a in Fig. 17b indicated area C is shown enlarged;

Fig. 17d

in sections, a schematic side view of the blank according to Fig. 17a , where in Fig. 17d a in Fig. 17a indicated area D is shown enlarged;

Fig. 18a

a schematic side view of an embodiment of the blank with a folding groove;

Fig. 18b

a schematic side view of the blank according to Fig. 18a which is folded along the folding grooves,

Fig. 18c

in sections, a schematic side view of the blank according to Fig. 18b , where in Fig. 18c a in Fig. 18b marked area E is shown enlarged;

Fig. 18d

in sections, a schematic side view of the blank according to Fig. 18a , where in Fig. 18d a in Fig. 18a marked area F is shown enlarged;

Fig. 19

a schematic plan view of one of the Faltnuten;

Fig. 20

in sections, a further schematic plan view of the folding groove according to Fig. 19 ;

Fig. 21

a diagram illustrating a topography of the folding groove according to Fig. 20 along an in Fig. 20 shown line;

Fig. 22

a detail of another schematic plan view of one of the Faltnuten;

Fig. 23

a schematic plan view of several embodiments of the blank;

Fig. 24

a schematic plan view of another embodiment of a blank; and

Fig. 25

a schematic plan view of another embodiment of a blank.

Fig. 1 shows a blank 10 for producing a three-dimensional structure, in particular a packaging, a display or the like .. The blank 10 comprises a layer 12, which is presently formed from cardboard. Cardboard has a mass occupancy, ie a grammage of at least one hundred grams per square meter. The blank 10 may also consist of corrugated cardboard.

The layer 12 and thus the blank 10 have eight folding grooves 14 in the present case. To the Faltnuten 14 in Fig. 1 To differentiate better from body edges and / or edges of the blank 10, the Faltnuten 14 are shown in dashed lines. It is understood that this is not meant to mean that the folding grooves 14 are interrupted, ie formed intermittently. The respective Faltnuten 14 are in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 continuous, ie formed without interruption. The blank 10 is folded along the respective folding grooves 14 to thereby produce a three-dimensional structure, for example, a package such as a cigarette package from the blank 10.

The respective folding groove 14 is - as in synopsis with Fig. 2 can be seen - made by laser beam energy, wherein the respective folding groove 14 is bounded by wall regions 16, 18, 20 of the layer 12. The wall region 20 is a so-called groove base 22 which forms the lowest point of the respective folding groove 14 and comprises the lowest point of the respective folding groove 14. The wall regions 16, 18 close to the groove base 22 and limit the respective folding groove 14 laterally.

Between the wall portions 16, 18, 20 is an in Fig. 2 very schematically illustrated material region 24 of the layer 12 removed by applying the entire material region 24 with laser beam energy. This means that a laser is used to produce the respective folding groove 14, which emits at least one laser beam. This laser beam is - in relation to the manufactured state of the three-dimensional structure - directed to an inner side 26 of the layer 12. By means of the laser beam, which, for example, impinges on the layer 12 in a pulsed manner, the entire material region 24 is thermally beauchfschlagt and thereby burned and / or vaporized and thereby removed. Thus leaded in the folding groove 14 no residual material of the layer 12, which would have to be removed time and cost consuming.

The layer 12 has a wall thickness t in areas 30 adjoining the folding groove 14, which has the layer 12 also in the area of the folding groove 14 before its manufacture or has exhibited. When fabricating the respective folding groove 14, a material removal is carried out in a range of 5% to 75% inclusive, in particular in a range of 40% to 60% inclusive, based on the wall thickness t. That is, the folding groove 14 has a groove depth nt ranging from 5% inclusive to 75% inclusive, more preferably within a range of 40% inclusive including 60%, the wall thickness t is. In other words, at the lowest point of the folding groove 14, toward a side 26 of the layer 12 facing away from the inside 26, a residual wall thickness of the layer 12 adjoins, which ranges from 25% up to and including 95%, in particular within a range of 40% up to and including 60%, the wall thickness t is.

As in Fig. 2 is indicated by a directional arrow 28, the folding groove 14 allows a defined bending or folding of the blank 10 along the folding groove 14 against a pressure side, so that the effect of scoring occurs. A restoring force of the groove or of the folding groove 14, which presses and / or pulls the blank 10 folded along the folding groove 14 back into its initial state, has a significant influence on an automated filling of a packaging produced at least partially from the blank 10.

This restoring force is dependent on a contour, i. a shape of the respective folding groove 14, the groove depth nt and a width of the folding groove 14, i. from a distance of the wall portions 16, 18 transverse to the longitudinal extent of the folding groove 14. If a plurality of folding grooves 14 are provided, then the restoring force also depends on a respective distance of the folding grooves from each other and of any mutual overlap of the folding grooves 14.

The laser or the laser beam makes it possible, the respective folding groove 14 in terms of their contour, groove depth nt and width needs and very precise and particularly fast and non-mechanical, i. without tools. Here, the material of the layer 12 is spared. In addition, different courses of the folding grooves 14 with respect to their respective longitudinal extension can be configured as required and, for example, changed between two blanks 10, without having to retool mechanical tools.

The contour of the folding groove 14 according to Fig. 2 is also very good Fig. 3 to recognize. The folding groove 14 has a cross section 34, which has a different shape from a wedge shape. In the present case, the folding groove 14 has an at least arcuate cross section, which may be formed at least substantially circular arc segment-shaped or parabolic. It is also the groove bottom 22 of the folding groove 14 arcuate, in particular at least substantially arcuate segment-shaped or parabolic, formed. As a result, the risk of cracks or similar damage occurring when the blank 10 is folded along the folding groove 14 on the outside 32 can be kept particularly low. The blank 10 can also be folded several times along the folding groove 14 without causing damage, in particular on the outside 32. The outer side 32 represents a visually perceivable by a user of the packaging visible side, wherein damage to the visible side would affect the visual impression of the packaging. This can be avoided by the advantageous embodiment of the respective folding groove 14.

Alternatively, the cross-section 34 may be formed at least in a partial region also step-shaped, elliptical or other, different from a wedge shape type. In the present case, the cross section 34 is at least substantially symmetrical, in particular axially symmetrical, with respect to an imaginary axis running perpendicular to the inside 26 and the outside 32. Alternatively, the cross section 34 may also be asymmetrical.

Based on Fig. 4 the function of the folding grooves 14 is illustrated. The blank 10 is in its state prior to folding in Fig. 4 shown in dashed lines. The blank 10 is shown in its folded along the folding groove 14 state with solid lines. The folding along the folding groove 14 is illustrated by means of a directional arrow 36. As can be seen, as a result of the folding, the folding groove 14, which is open at the top in the unfolded state, may at least partially close. Furthermore, there is no damage on the outside 32 due to folding.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the folding groove 14 in a respective plan view in different sub-areas of their indicated by a directional arrow 38 longitudinal extent. Fig. 6 shows a line 40 along which a topography of the folding groove 14 in a in Fig. 7 shown graph 42 is illustrated. On the abscissa 44 of the graph 42, the path along the line 40 in the transverse direction of the folding groove 14 in the unit millimeter is plotted, while on the ordinate 46, the topography in the Unit mm is applied. A course 47 illustrates the topography of the folding groove 14.

How out Fig. 7 can be seen, the folding groove 14 by means of the laser beam is particularly accurate to produce, the topography of the folding groove 14 is not or only slightly different from the topography of the adjoining the folding groove 14 areas 30 of the inside 26. This allows a defined contour (shape), width and groove depth of the folding groove 14 are made very precisely, so that the restoring forces can be adjusted as needed.

Fig. 8 shows another plan view of the folding groove 14 to illustrate their embodiments.

Fig. 9a and 9b illustrate a further embodiment of the folding groove 14. Based on direction arrows 48, 50, the ratio of the width to the groove depth nt is illustrated. According to Fig. 9a and 9b the folding groove 14 is substantially deeper than wide, wherein its cross-section 34 has a different shape from a wedge shape and based on the unfolded state of the blank 10 is formed at least substantially axially symmetrical. How out Fig. 9b can be seen, this embodiment of the folding groove 14 causes the blank 10 in the folded state in a folding groove 14 opposite region 52 on the outside 32 has a corner or edge.

10a and 10b illustrate another embodiment of the folding groove 14, wherein - as can be seen from the directional arrows 48, 50 - their width is greater than their groove depth nt. Furthermore, its cross-section 34 is arcuate and, based on the unfolded state of the blank 10, is symmetrical, in particular axially symmetrical. In the region 52, this embodiment of the folding groove 14 leads to a rounded edge of the folded blank 10. In the folded state, the cross-section 34 can then be asymmetrical.

It can be seen that the folding groove 14 can be configured in shape as needed, whereby the outer shape and thus the appearance of the folded blank 10 and the three-dimensional structure can be adjusted can. In particular, it is possible to avoid undesired deformations of the folded blank 10 resulting from the restoring forces, for example bulges or bulges. Thus, exact outer shapes of the three-dimensional structures can be produced, so that they can be stowed and / or transported, for example, to save space.

Fig. 11a and 11b show a further embodiment of the folding groove 14, whose ratio of width to groove depth nt is even greater than that of the folding groove 14 according to 10 and 10b , Further, the cross-section 34 in the unfolded state is symmetrical and arcuate, in this case formed out of round. In the folded state, the cross section 34 is particularly asymmetrical. This leads to a particularly large bending radius of the region 52, in which the blank 10 has a rounded edge or corner.

Based on Fig. 12a and 12b a further embodiment of the blank 10 is illustrated, which has at least two in close proximity juxtaposed and at least substantially parallel to each other extending folding grooves 14. The Faltnuten 14 can according to the Faltnut 14 according to Fig. 9a and 9b be configured, wherein the Faltnuten 14 according to Fig. 12a and 12b can be symmetrical to each other. Furthermore, the folding grooves 14 themselves or their respective cross-section 34 are formed axially symmetrical. The Faltnuten 14 each have a greater width than the groove depth nt.

By juxtaposed folding grooves 14 a double channel is formed, which allows two folds by 90 degrees. On the basis of a directional arrow 54, a first of the convolutions is 90 degrees along the relative to the respective image plane of Fig. 12a and 12b illustrated on the left folding groove 14, while using a directional arrow 56, the second convolution by 90 degrees along with respect to the respective image plane of Fig. 12a and 12b right folding groove 14 is illustrated. As a result, respective partial regions of the layer 12 folded along the respective folding groove 14 run in the folded state at least substantially parallel to one another. With only a 90 degree convolution, the subregions would enclose an angle of at least substantially 90 degrees with each other and, accordingly, would be at least substantially perpendicular to each other.

In the region 52 on the outer side 32, a rounded edge of the folded blank 10 is formed. By means of the folding grooves 14, it is thus possible to realize large bending angles without damaging the outer side 32.

As in synopsis with Fig. 13a and 13b can be seen, determines the distance of the Faltnuten 14 to each other, the contour of the folded blank 10 on the outer side 32 in the region of the grooving (Faltnuten 14), ie in the area 52nd Fig. 13a and 13b are the Faltnuten 14 in the transverse direction, ie transverse to the respective longitudinal direction further spaced from each other than according to Fig. 12a and 12b , The two folds along the respective fold groove 14 then do not lead to a rounded edge in the region 52. In the present case, an at least substantially straight transition region is formed, which extends obliquely to the respective, folded partial regions of the blank 10 or the layer 12. The folded blank 10 in this case has two edges in the region 52 on the outside 32. The respective cross section 34 of the Faltnuten 14 according to Fig. 13a and 13b is at least substantially arcuate and - formed in the folded state - asymmetric. In the unfolded state, the respective cross section 34 may be symmetrical, in particular axially symmetrical.

Fig. 14 illustrates different geometries, overlaps and groove depths nt of folding grooves 14 of a blank 10th

Fig. 15a and 15b show another embodiment of the blank 10, the layer 12 has two overlapping Faltnuten 14 along which the blank 10 is folded. By the overlapping Faltnuten 14 in the present case, the shape of a W's is formed. How out Fig. 15b can be seen, the Faltnuten 14 are open in the folded state. Furthermore, it can be seen that, based on the unfolded state of the blank 10, the wall region 18 of one folding groove 14 and the wall region 16 of the other folding groove 14 extend to the same height, wherein they extend to a lower height level than the wall region 16 of a folding groove 14 and the wall portion 18 of the other folding groove. Here, the wall portion 16 of a folding groove 14 and the wall portion 18 of the other folding groove 14 extend to a common height.

Fig. 16a and 16b illustrate another embodiment of the blank 10, which in a region B has a large number of Faltnuten 14 along which the blank 10 is folded. Due to this large number of folding grooves 14, the blank 10 can be folded over a particularly large area, so that the area 52 on the outside 32 has a particularly large radius.

Out Fig. 17a-d a further embodiment of the blank 10 can be seen. The layer 12 has two relatively widely spaced folding grooves 14, which are arranged without overlapping to each other and at least substantially symmetrical to each other. In the present case, the folding grooves 14 or their respective cross-section 34 in the unfolded state are symmetrical and curved, in particular parabolic. The folding grooves 14 each have a width of 0.6 millimeters and a relative groove depth of 50%.

The relative groove depth refers to the ratio of the groove depth nt to the wall thickness t, ie the extent of material removal. As with the blank 10 according to Fig. 13a and 13b the large distance of the Faltnuten 14 leads to the formation of two edges in the region 52 and to the formation of the transition area, which in Fig. 17b denoted by 58. The folded blank 10 thus has at least in the region 52 an edged outer contour.

The respective regions 30 of the layer 12 adjoining the respective folding groove 14 represent the partial regions of the blank 10 or of the layer which are folded along the respective folding groove 14. The areas 30 each include an angle α with each other, which in Fig. 17b on the basis of the image plane of Fig. 17b left and middle portion 30 is illustrated. The angle α between the left and the central region 30 is presently 135 degrees, for example. Since the Faltnuten 14 are formed symmetrically to each other, the angle between the middle and the right portion 30 is also 135 degrees. By a corresponding, mutually different configurations of the respective Faltnuten 14 also different angles can be generated from each other.

How out Fig. 17c can be seen, the respective cross-section 34 in the folded state in contrast to the reference to Fog. 17d illustrated unfolded state formed asymmetrically, wherein the wall portion 16 projects beyond the opposite wall portion 18.

Fig. 18a-d 12 shows a further embodiment of the blank 10. The layer 12 has a folding groove 14 which is at least substantially angular in partial areas or has arcuate, in particular round, terminations 60 in the partial areas of an angular inner contour and in further partial areas. The folding groove 14 has a width of 0.6 millimeters and in a middle region 62 between the two-sided seals 60 a relative groove depth of 50%. In the area of the round terminations 60, the folding groove 14 has a maximum relative groove depth of 75%.

The angular contour of the folding groove 14 is off Fig. 18d very recognizable. Based on the unfolded state, the wall regions 16, 18 adjoining the groove base 22 each have an at least substantially straight first length region 64 adjoining the groove base 22 and one, at least substantially straight, second one adjoining the first longitudinal region 64 Length range 66 on. The length regions 64, 66 now each enclose an angle β with one another, which is different from 0 degrees and from 180 degrees. The length regions 64, 66 thus run at an angle to one another.

How out Fig. 18c can be seen, the cross section 34 thereby in the folded state, two stages 68, which are formed by the respective length regions 64, 66.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show another of the Faltnuten 14 of the blank 10 according to Fig. 1 in a respective plan view in different sub-areas of their indicated by a directional arrow 38 longitudinal extent. In Fig. 20 a line 70 is shown along which a topography of the folding groove 14 in an in Fig. 21 shown graph 72 is illustrated. On the abscissa 74 of the graph 72, the path along the line 70 in the transverse direction of the folding groove 14 in the unit millimeter is plotted, while on the ordinate 76, the topography in the unit millimeter is plotted. A course 78 illustrates the topography of the folding groove 14.

How out Fig. 21 can be seen, the folding groove 14 by means of the laser beam is particularly accurate to produce, the topography of the folding groove 14 is not or only slightly different from the topography of the adjoining the folding groove 14 areas 30 of the inside 26.

Fig. 22 shows another plan view of the folding groove 14 to illustrate their embodiments.

Fig. 23 shows by means of the laser or its laser beam, the blank 10, in particular at its outer edges and / or inner contours, are cut so that thereby also an outer contour of the blank 10 by means of Laser beam can be tailored to demand, accurate and fast. In particular, it is possible to define obliquely mutually extending and thus a different angle of 0 degrees and 180 degrees angle with each other enclosing lengths of the outer contour and produce precise.

In order to illustrate that, in principle, any shape of a blank can be produced in the described manner FIGS. 24 and 25 Further embodiments of a blank 10, which in the present case for producing a three-dimensional structure, in particular a packaging, a display or the like .. The respective blank 10 comprises a layer 12, which is presently formed from cardboard. Cardboard has a mass occupancy, ie a grammage of at least one hundred grams per square meter. The blank 10 may also consist of corrugated cardboard.

The respective layer 12 has folding grooves 14. As in Fig. 1 the Faltnuten 14 are shown in dashed lines to better distinguish them from body edges and / or edges of the blank 10 can. It is understood that this is not intended to mean that the Faltnuten 14 are interrupted, ie formed intermittently. The respective Faltnuten 14 are also in the respective embodiment according to FIGS. 24 and 25 continuous, ie formed without interruption.

On the respective blank 10 according to FIGS. 24 and 25 can the previously described, in particular with regard to the production of a respective outer contour, with regard to the production of the Faltnuten 14 and in terms of performing cutting operations for scribing the blank 10 and / or for producing the outer contour, readily transferred, so that the respective blank 10th according to FIGS. 24 and 25 can be produced time and cost. In particular, it is possible to perform the respective blank 10 cutting operations and the production of Faltnuten 14 in-line, ie in one operation by means of laser energy.

In Fig. 24 are respective distances L and B of the Faltnuten 14 illustrated from each other. Furthermore, a length H of the folding grooves 14 is shown. If the blank 10 is folded along the respective folding grooves 14, an at least substantially parallelepipedic packaging is formed, in which, for example, cards of a card game can be received.

If the blank 10 according to Fig. 25 folded, this results in a three-dimensional, polygonal and multi-surface packaging, which has a shape significantly different from a cuboid shape.

Claims (8)

1. Blank (10) for producing a three-dimensional structure, in particular a pack, a display or the like, having at least one layer (12) of paper, cardboard, in particular corrugated board, or plastics material, which has at least one folding groove (14) which has been produced by laser beam energy, wherein the at least one folding groove (14) is bordered by wall regions (16, 18, 20) of the at least one layer (12), between which a material region (24) of the at least one layer (12) has been removed by the entire material region (24) being acted on by laser beam energy,
   characterized in that
   the at least one folding groove (14) has an asymmetrical cross section (34).
2. Blank (10) according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the at least one folding groove (14) has a cross section (34) that is arcuate, in particular round, at least in one subregion.
3. Blank (10) according to either of Claims 1 and 2,
   characterized in that
   a groove bottom (22) of the at least one folding groove (14) is configured in an arcuate, in particular round or elliptical, manner or has a two-dimensional extent.
4. Blank (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the at least one folding groove (14) has a stepped cross section (34) at least in one subregion.
5. Blank (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the at least one folding groove (14) has a groove depth (nt) which is in a range of 5% to 75%, inclusive, in particular in a range of 40% to 60%, inclusive, of a wall thickness (t) of the layer (12).
6. Method for producing a blank (10) for a three-dimensional structure, in particular a pack, a display or the like, in which at least one folding groove (14) of at least one layer (12), formed from paper, cardboard, in particular corrugated board, or plastics material, of the blank (10) is produced by means of laser beam energy on at least one side (26) of the at least one layer (12), wherein a material region (24) is removed between wall regions (16, 18, 20), bordering the at least one folding groove (14), of the at least one layer (12) by the entire material region (24) being acted on by laser beam energy,
   characterized in that
   the at least one folding groove (14) is formed such that it has an asymmetrical cross section (34).
7. Method according to Claim 6,
   characterized in that
   the at least one folding groove (14) is produced by pulsed operation of the at least one laser beam.
8. Method according to either of Claims 6 and 7,
   characterized in that
   the blank (10), in particular an external contour and/or an internal contour of the blank (10), is also cut by means of laser beam energy at least in one subregion.

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