WO2018072892A1

WO2018072892A1 - Multipart packaging

Info

Publication number: WO2018072892A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/060522
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc Domning
Original assignee: Marbach Werkzeugbau Gmbh
Priority date: 2016-10-18
Filing date: 2017-05-03
Publication date: 2018-04-26
Also published as: DE102016119818B3

Abstract

The invention relates to multipart packaging (10) comprising a cup (20) and a lid (40). The cup (20) comprises a cup base (21) and a cup wall (22) with a circumferential seal edge (29) and multiple first undercut segments (26), wherein the seal edge (29) forms a cup (20) end face opposite the cup base (21), and the multiple first undercut segments (26) are formed between the seal edge (29) and the cup base (21) in the circumferential direction of the cup wall (22) and in a specified cup wall section. The lid (40) comprises a lid base (42) with a laterally attached outer wall (44) on which multiple second undercut segments (48) are formed, and the lid (40) is dimensioned so as to be insertable into an opening (15) of the cup (20) and be rotatable relative to the cup (20). By rotating the lid (40) by a specified rotational angle, the second undercut segments (48) engage into the first undercut segments (26), whereby the lid (40) is locked to the cup (20). The invention also relates to a thermoforming tool and a thermoforming process for producing the aforementioned packaging (10).

Description

Multi-part packaging

Technical area

The present invention relates to a multi-part package with a rotatable closure system. State of the art

For the food industry, different packages are known from the prior art. Such packaging can be constructed in two parts and have a cup and a lid. The lid is provided to cover the cup opening and usually coupled to the cup via a Verschlüsseinrichtung. For foodstuffs, such packaging will become weaker

Removal of the contents usually disposed of. The packaging is therefore often designed as disposable plastic packaging. Plastic packaging can be produced particularly cost-effectively by thermoforming of plastic film.

The closure device can be realized in the form of snap-on or snap-in connection elements formed on the packaging. As a rule, the lid is provided with one or more elastically deformable latching elements which can snap in or engage in closure elements mounted on a cup outer side. To close the cup opening, the lid only has to be pressed against the end face of the cup rim surrounding the cup opening. Under pressure, the locking elements are spread until they reach a position in which engage the locking elements provided on the cup outer side closure elements or engage behind.

The partially projecting on the cup outer wall closure elements not only increase the packaging in the circumferential direction and thus the storage space requirement of the package, but also limit the general handling, such as the tangibility of the packaging. Furthermore, the release is such Snap or snap connections for opening the package often unwieldy and also carries the risk that the contents of the packaging during the

Opening process can escape or even be touched, which can pose a hygienic problem, such as in the catering trade. In addition, the realized on the outside of the cup snap or locking connections are completely unprotected against external influences, such as heat or pressure. They can therefore be easily destroyed or deformed, whereby the closure function is completely or at least partially destroyed.

From the prior art packaging with screw caps are also known. For example, from DE 10 2011 051 402 A1 a packaging produced by means of thermoforming with a container, a container lid and a

Rotary lock known. The container has in the region of its sealing edge on several radially outwardly projecting threaded or Knaggensegmente, which can engage in a suitably designed container lid. To produce the threaded or Knaggensegmente by thermoforming, however, an expensive special tool with a specially made punching contour is required. Conventional thermoforming tools with round punching contours, as used for example for the production of ordinary cups with round sealing edge, then can not be used. From DE 10 2004 039 814 A1, a package with screw cap is also known. The packaging has a container which has a plurality of radially outwardly projecting threaded or Knaggensegmente in the region of its sealing edge, as described in connection with DE 10 2011 051 402 A1 above. Furthermore, the package comprises a lid with a plurality of circumferentially formed threads. For the production of the lid with threads a special tool is necessary, which allows a corresponding demolding movement for the thread. Such Entformbewegungen are known in the field of injection molding in the production of lids, such as for PET bottles. The production of the cover by means of a cost-effective thermoforming process is not appropriate here, since the provision of a thermoforming mold with a corresponding demolding movement is very complicated and also correspondingly complex with regard to maintenance and the production process. Furthermore, the thread Connection again realized on the outside of the cup, whereby the radial extent of the cup and thus the radial space requirement of the cup increases.

From DE 10 2015 116 527 B3 also known by thermoforming plastic cup is known, which has at an upper end an edge portion on the outside in the circumferential direction holding elements of a rotary closure are formed. The closure cap is designed as a cam rotary closure lid.

The closure devices described above have in common that the lid completely covers the cup and the closure elements attached to the outside of the cup. Through the lid and the closure elements, the volume and thus the space requirement of the packaging increases overall. The externally mounted closure elements also appear visually very strong. They decisively shape the appearance of the packaging, which significantly limits the design freedom and form finding of the packaging. The externally mounted closure elements are also susceptible to external pressure and heat.

The object of the present invention is to provide a multi-part packaging in which the above-mentioned problems with regard to production of the packaging, closure security and closure robustness of the packaging as well as handling of the packaging are completely or at least largely overcome.

Short outline

According to a first aspect, a multi-part package with a cup and a lid is provided. The cup comprises a cup bottom and a cup wall having a circumferential sealing edge and a plurality of first undercut segments, wherein the sealing edge forms a cup end opposite the cup bottom, and wherein the plurality of first undercut segments in the circumferential direction of the cup wall and in a given Becherwandungsabschnitt between the sealing edge and the cup bottom are formed. The lid comprises a lid bottom with a laterally mounted outer wall tion, on which a plurality of second undercut segments are formed, wherein the lid is dimensioned such that it can be inserted into an opening of the cup and rotatable relative to the cup, wherein by rotation of the lid by a predetermined angle of rotation, the second undercut segments in the first undercut segments engage, whereby the lid is locked to the cup.

The first undercut segments on the cup and the second undercut segments on the lid can each be designed and arranged in such a way that the angle of rotation for locking the lid lies in an angle range between 30 ° and 60 °. In this way, a quick and easy locking (and unlocking) of the lid on the cup allows. A locking of the lid on the cup can be achieved when the lid inserted in the cup is rotated in a first rotational direction by a predetermined angle of rotation. By rotation in the first direction of rotation, the second undercut segments of the lid can be engaged with the corresponding first undercut segments of the cup. The result is a positive connection between the respective first and second undercut segments. The lid thus locked on the cup can in turn be unlocked by turning the lid in a direction opposite to the first direction of rotation second rotational direction by the same predetermined angle of rotation relative to the cup. The cup and the lid may each have at least two undercut segments. According to a variant, two circumferentially opposite, first undercut segments and on the cover two circumferentially opposite, second undercut segments may be provided on the cup. According to another variant, in each case more than two undercut segments can be arranged on the cup and on the lid, which are arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction at equidistant intervals. For example, three, four, five, six or more than six first and second undercut segments may be provided.

The at least two first and second undercut segments may each have a relative to the wall related undercut angle, which is in the range of 0.5 ° to 15 °. According to a variant, the undercut angle can be in the range of 3 ° to 10 °. The undercut angle may in this case describe an angle by which the undercuts of the respective first and second undercut segments are inclined with respect to the respective undercut-free wall (ie the outer wall of the lid or the beaker wall). In other words, the undercut angle may indicate the degree of axial inclination of an undercut area formed in the respective first and second undercut segments relative to the outer wall of the lid and the cup wall, respectively. The above-described axial inclination of the undercut surfaces in the range of 0.5 ° to 15 ° may be sufficient to achieve a secure locking of the lid to the cup.

The beaker wall can furthermore have a plurality of undercut-free segments in the section of the first undercut segments. In each case an undercut-free segment can be arranged between two adjacent undercut segments. The undercut-free segments may be provided to receive the second undercut segments of the lid during insertion of the lid into the cup. The second undercut segments can thus be accommodated after insertion of the lid in the cup in the adjacent to the first undercut segments undercut-free segments. Only by rotation of the cover in the first direction of rotation can the second undercut segments be brought into engagement with the corresponding first undercut segments of the cup.

The beaker wall section with the undercut segments can be arranged in the vicinity of the sealing edge. In other words, the beaker wall section with the undercut segments may be an upper beaker wall section adjacent to the sealing edge (and surrounding the cup opening). The beaker wall section with the undercut segments may be substantially circular in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, the beaker wall can take any shape in a portion between the first undercut segments and the cup bottom (lower beaker wall portion). The beaker wall may further include a stacking shoulder. This can allow stacking of empty, unsealed cups. Is the Cup configured as a head stacker, the stacking shoulder may be formed in the upper cup wall portion comprising the undercut segments. The undercut segments can then be formed on the beaker wall between the stacking shoulder and sealing edge. If, on the other hand, the cup is designed as a bottom stacker, the stacking shoulder can be formed in the lower cup wall portion in the vicinity of the cup bottom, whereas the undercut segments are formed in the upper cup wall portion.

The lid inserted in the cup may be dimensioned such that it does not protrude through a plane formed by the sealing edge of the cup. In other words, the cover can be dimensioned in the axial direction such that it is completely insertable in a cup section facing the cup opening. Furthermore, the cover can be dimensioned and configured in the radial direction such that it closes the cup. According to an implementation, in the inserted and locked state, the lid can close the cup flush with the plane formed by the sealing edge of the cup. According to an alternative implementation, the lid can be countersunk or recessed in the cup when inserted and locked. The lid thus does not increase the volume of packaging.

According to a variant, the cover may be configured such that the lid locked on the cup and the sealing edge of the cup have a flat sealing surface

(Signet ring surface) form. At the sealing surface then a sealing foil can be attached, whereby the cup and lid are sealed at the same time. Cups and lids can thus be hermetically sealed to the outside by means of the sealing foil.

According to an alternative variant, the cover can be designed and dimensioned such that it partially or completely overlaps the sealing edge in the locked state. In this case, the lid can be dimensioned in such a way that it overlaps the sealing edge only at the edge upper side, but does not protrude beyond the circumferential edge of the sealing edge.

The lid can also be designed such that it comes in self-sealing and inserted in the inserted state in contact with the cup. The self-sealing effect can be formed by a continuously formed in the circumferential direction Contact between an inside of the beaker wall and a lid section done. The self-sealing contact between the cup and lid can be achieved by rotational movement of the lid in the locking position. Due to the self-sealing contact, the contents stored in the cup can be substantially hermetically sealed by the environment. An additional sealing of the cup with a sealing foil can then be omitted. According to an alternative variant, instead of forming a self-sealing contact, a separate sealing element may be provided. This can be arranged in the closure region between the lid and the cup.

The cover may further comprise at least one gripping element, on which a rotational movement in the first direction of rotation for locking the lid can be introduced. By means of this rotational movement of the positive connection between the respective first and second undercut segments (and the self-sealing contact of the lid on the inside of the beaker wall) can be generated. In addition, the unlocking of the lid on the cup can be performed by means of a rotary element introduced into the second direction of rotation of the handle element. After unlocking the lid can be removed by means of the handle element from the cup. In order to avoid over-rotation of the lid and thus damage to the first and / or second undercut segments, the cup may further comprise at least one end stop. The number of end stops can correspond to the number of first undercut segments. The end stop may in this case be arranged in the circumferential direction of the cup at one end of a first undercut segment. If an end stop is provided for each of the first undercut segments, then this can be arranged at one end of the respective first undercut segment. The at least one end stop arranged at the end of the undercut segments is designed as a protrusion projecting towards the interior of the cup. He is thus designed to limit the rotational movement.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the at least one end stop is formed on the lid. Analogous to the above-described embodiment of the end stop on the cup, the at least one end stop may be formed at one end of the second undercut segment formed on the lid, in order to be able to rotate the end stop. to limit movement. The at least one end stop is in turn designed as a projection provided at one end of the second undercut segment which protrudes outwards from the outer wall (ie towards the beaker wall when the lid is inserted in the cup). In one implementation, a single end stop may be provided at one end of a second undercut segment. According to an alternative implementation, for every second

Undercut segment be provided an end stop, which is arranged in each case at one end of the corresponding undercut segment.

The packaging may further comprise at least one latching mechanism which is designed on the package such that the lid inserted on the cup can be latched onto the cup. The locking mechanism may be configured such that the lid used on the cup by movement of the inserted in the cup

Cover can be brought in the first direction of rotation in a locking position. In the latching position, the lid can be locked on the cup. The cover can be released from this locking position by rotational movement in the opposite direction to the first direction of rotation second direction of rotation again. To solve the locking connection in this case a predetermined torque (minimum torque) may be required.

The locking mechanism may be formed as a spring-groove device. to

Realization of the spring-groove device may be formed on the cover at least one detent spring (projection) and at least one corresponding thereto designed locking groove on the cup. Alternatively, the at least one detent spring may be formed on the cup and the at least one locking groove corresponding thereto configured on the lid. The at least one latching groove and corresponding thereto at least one latching spring can be arranged on the respective first undercut segments or second undercut segments of the cup and lid.

According to a variant can be provided for each of the first undercut segments a locking groove or detent spring and for each of the second undercut segments a correspondingly formed and arranged detent spring or detent groove. But it is also conceivable that only one locking groove or detent spring on one of the plurality of first undercut segments and a corresponding locking groove or Detent spring is provided on one of the plurality of second undercut segments. Regardless of the number of arranged on the cup and lid locking grooves and detent springs, the detent springs may be formed on or in the vicinity of the formed on the lid or cup end stops. According to a second aspect, there is provided a thermoforming tool for making the cup of the multi-piece package of the invention. The thermoforming tool comprises an upper tool part and a lower tool part, which are movable relative to each other; and a molding device that can be mounted on the upper tool part or lower tool part and that is designed to shape the cup. Furthermore, a thermoforming tool for producing the lid of the multi-part packaging according to the invention is provided. The thermoforming tool comprises an upper tool part and a lower tool part, which are movable relative to each other; and a mold device mountable on the upper tool part or lower tool part, which is designed to form the cover.

The provided thermoforming tools can have rounded punched contours. Tools with specially prefabricated punching contours for the formation of arranged in the frontal region of the cup Knaggensegmenten are therefore not necessary. For the production of the cup, a combined forming and punching tool with shear cut or knife cut can be used. For the manufacture of the lid, a combined forming and punching tool with knife cut or shear cut can be used. Both types of tools can be readily used to make other products with the same punching size.

To assist in forming, the thermoforming tool for forming the cup may further include one on the upper tool part or lower tool part

arranged pre-stretchers include. This can be provided to the

To push plastic film into the first or second mold space to preform the plastic film. Further, the thermoforming tool may be coupled to a venting system or vacuum system to assist in forming the film in the mold space. According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing the multi-part package described above. To produce the packaging is a thermoforming tool with an upper tool part and a lower

Tool part and arranged on the upper tool part or lower tool part molding device for molding the cup or the lid provided. When the thermoforming tool is open, a deformable plastic film is first positioned between the upper tool part and the lower tool part. Thereafter, the thermoforming mold is then closed by successive movements of the upper tool part and lower tool part to form the cup or the lid, wherein during the thermoforming of the cup a cup bottom and a cup wall with a circumferential

Sealing edge and a plurality of first undercut segments are formed, wherein the plurality of first undercut segments are formed in the circumferential direction of the beaker wall and in a predetermined Becherwandungsabschnitt between the sealing edge and the cup bottom ;, and wherein formed during thermoforming of the lid a plurality of the first undercut segments corresponding second undercut segments on the lid become.

The plastic film positioned between the upper tool part and the lower tool part may be heated prior to positioning between the upper tool part and the lower tool part to make the supplied plastic film deformable. Furthermore, the heated plastic film with the help of a

Vorstreckers be preformed.

The method may be further adapted to form a stacking shoulder in the beaker wall.

Brief description of the figures

Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. Show it: FIGS. 1 a-1 c are views of a multi-part package according to the present invention;

FIGS. 2a-2c are sectional views of the multi-part packaging according to FIGS. 1 a-1 c;

Fig. 3 is a partial sectional view of another multi-part packaging; 4 shows a partial sectional view of a further multipart packaging;

Fig. 5 is a partial sectional view of another multi-part packaging;

6a-6c are views of another multi-part packaging;

Fig. 7a-7c views of a further multi-part packaging; and

Fig. 8 shows a thermoforming mold for producing the packages according to the present invention.

Detailed description

In the Fign. 1 a-1 c three-dimensional views of a multi-part package 10 according to the invention are shown. The multi-part package 10 comprises a cup 20 with a cup opening 15 (see FIG. 1 a), a lid 40 for closing the cup opening 15 (see FIG. 1 b) and a locking device for locking the lid 40 on the cup 20 Cup 20 with the cup 20 inserted and locked lid 40 is shown in Fig. 1 c. FIG. 1 c thus represents the packaging 10 according to the invention in the closed state.

The locking device is realized in the form of first undercut segments 26 formed on the cup 20 and second undercut segments 48 formed on the cover 40. The cup 20 with the first undercut segments 26 and the lid 40 with the second undercut segments 48 can each be made of plastic film. The preparation of cup 20 and cover 40 can with Help a thermoforming process can be realized inexpensively. A thermoforming process will be described in connection with FIG. 8 below. The package 10 may be used for the portioned filling of food (such as margarine, butter, yoghurt, quark, fruit, sausage, etc.), but also for storage or storage of other products.

With reference to Fig. 1 a, the cup 20 of the package 10 is described in more detail. The cup 20 comprises a cup bottom 21, a cup wall 22 with the first undercut segments 26 and a circumferential sealing edge 29 adjoining the cup wall 22. The sealing edge 29 forms an end face of the cup 20 opposite the cup base 21. A sealing film (eg a sealing foil) can be attached to it Metal foil or plastic foil) for hermetically sealing the cup interior against the environment (eg welded) be. The cup sealing by means of a sealing foil is shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 c not shown. The cup wall 22 further includes a circumferential stacking shoulder 23 provided for stacking empty, unlocked cups 20. Since the cup 20 shown in Fig. 1a is a head stacker, the stacking shoulder 23 is formed near the sealing edge 29 , The stacking shoulder 23 forms a transition between a lower beaker wall section and an upper beaker wall section 24. The upper beaker wall section 24 extends in the axial direction from the stacking shoulder 23 to the sealing rim 29. The upper beaker wall section 24 thus surrounds an upper cup region opening into the cup opening 15 16. The upper Becherwandungsabschnitt 24 is also in the circumferential direction in

Essentially circular in shape and provided for receiving the lid 40. The lid receptacle in the cup 20 is illustrated in Fig. 2a, which shows a cross section of the packaging 10 shown in Fig. 1 c.

The upper beaker wall portion 24 has four first in the circumferential direction

Undercut segments 26 on. These are spaced apart in the circumferential direction at an angular distance of 90 °. The four first undercut segments 26 are separated from each other by four undercut-free segments 25. The upper cup wall portion 24 thus comprises in the circumferential direction in each case four alternately arranged undercut segments 26 and undercut-free segments 25.

The four first undercut segments 26 are identical. They each include a first wall portion 27 (or first undercut surface) which is inclined relative to the wall portions of the undercut-free segments 25 (and thus relative to the upper cup wall portion 24) by a predetermined angle inwardly (ie in the direction of the cup interior). As can be seen from the cross-sectional view in Fig. 2a, the first wall portion 27 extends in the axial direction of the stacking shoulder 23 to the sealing edge 29, wherein the wall portion 27 is viewed from the stacking shoulder 23 in the axial direction inclined inwardly. The axial inclination of the wall portion 27 may be measured to the upper cup wall portion 24 between 0.5 ° to 15 °, preferably between 3 ° to 10 °. The first wall section 27 thus projects more and more towards the sealing rim 29 into the interior of the cup (see FIG. 2 a). Back to Fig. 1 a. Further, as shown in FIG. 1 a, each first undercut segment 26 is further configured to open circumferentially at a first end 28 a into an adjacent undercut-free region 25 and in an opposite second end 28 b from the undercut-free region 25 (and thus from upper beaker wall portion 24) projects inwardly. This wedge-shaped formation of the first undercut segments 26 in the circumferential direction can be achieved, for example, by making the first wall section 27 (in the circumferential direction) slightly more curved than the upper wall section 24 of the cup.

As a result of the embodiment of the first wall sections 27 described here, wedge-shaped first undercut segments 26 are formed that protrude differently from the upper beaker wall section 24 both at their ends 28a, 28b which are opposite in the circumferential direction and at their ends opposite in the axial direction.

The cover 40 of the packaging 10 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. The lid 14 has a lid bottom 42 and a cover bottom 42 surrounding Outer wall 44 with four arranged in the circumferential direction of the outer wall 44 second undercut segments 48 on. The outer wall 44 further has four undercut-free segments 46, which are each formed between two adjacent second undercut segments 48. As further shown in Fig. 1 b, the cover 40 may also include a handle member 50 and an annular edge portion 49 which is disposed at an end facing away from the lid bottom 42 of the outer wall 44.

The lid bottom 42 is formed substantially circular. At his

Lid edge joins the substantially circular outer wall formed 44. Overall, the cover 40 is formed and dimensioned in the radial and axial directions such that it can be inserted into the cup region 16 surrounding the upper cup wall section 24, thereby closing the cup opening 15 (see FIG. 1 c). In particular, the cover 40 is dimensioned in the axial and radial directions such that it is completely receivable in the cup region 16, so that the cover 40 does not project through an end face defined by the sealing edge 29 (see FIG. 2 a).

The four second undercut segments 48 are in turn formed identically. They are formed and arranged on the outer wall 44 of the lid 40 in such a way that, when the lid 40 is inserted in the cup 20, they can form a positive connection with the first undercut segments 26 (see FIG. 2 a). For this purpose, the second undercut segments 48 each have a second wall section 47 (or second undercut surface) which is inclined relative to the outer wall 44 (and thus relative to the undercut-free segments 46 of the outer wall 44) by a predetermined angle. Concretely, the second wall portion 47 extends in the axial direction from the cup edge portion 49 to the cup bottom 42, wherein viewed from the cup edge portion 49 from the second wall portion 47 is formed inclined axially outwardly. The second undercut segments 48 thus protrude outwardly from the lid outer wall 44. The axial inclination of the second wall section 47 measured against the cover wall section 44 can again be between 0.5 ° and 15 °, preferably between 3 ° and 10 °. In any case, the axial inclination of the second corresponds

Wall portion 47 substantially the axial inclination of the first wall portion 27, so that when the package 10 is closed, the second undercut segment 48 engages in a corresponding first undercut segment 28, the second wall section 47 abutting against the inside of the first wall section 27.

The second wall section 47 of each second undercut segment 48 may also have a wedge-shaped configuration corresponding to the first undercut segments 28 in the circumferential direction. This can be achieved, for example, by making the second wall section 47 more curved in the circumferential direction (slightly) than the cover outer wall 44

Curvature of the second wall section 47 in this case essentially corresponds to the curvature of the first wall section 27.

In connection with FIGS. 2a to 2c, the closure device and the closure mechanism will be further described. Fig. 2a shows a cross section of the package 10 in the closed state (ie with the cup 20 inserted and locked lid 40). FIG. 2 b shows the cutout region 500 of the packaging 10 marked in FIG. 2 a in an enlarged form. FIG. 2 c shows the same cutout region 500, but with the cover 40 unlocked.

As in Figs. 2a and 2b, the second undercut segments 46 of the cover 40 are in the closed state of the package 10 in registration with the first undercut segments 26. The second wall sections 47 of the second undercut segments 46 are in contact with corresponding first wall sections 27 of the first undercut segments 26 Since both wall sections 27, 47 are inclined inwardly, viewed from the stacking shoulder 23, the cover 40 remains firmly locked in the axial direction. It can not be raised axially upward, since the two wall sections 27, 47 are arranged wedged in the axial direction to each other. An inclination of the wall sections 27, 47 in the range between 0.5 ° to 15 °, preferably between 3 ° to 10 °, relative to the wall 24, 47 may be sufficient to achieve a robust locking of the lid 40 on the cup 20. On the other hand, it can be ensured by the choice of low angles of inclination that the realized undercut segments 26, 46 can be demoulded from a forming device without problems during manufacture. The

Locking in the circumferential direction may further by the wedge-shaped in the circumferential direction Embodiment of the first and second undercut segments 26, 46 as described above (see three-dimensional representation in FIGS.

As further shown in FIG. 2b, the cup base 42 rests against the stacking shoulder 23 of the cup 20. Likewise, the lid 40 rests with its lid edge 49 on the sealing edge 29. So that the lid edge 49 does not protrude beyond the sealing edge 29, in the present embodiment, the sealing edge 29 has a recess 29a formed towards the wall. This recess 29a extends in the circumferential direction of the sealing edge 29 and is adapted to receive the lid edge 49 when the lid 40 is mounted. The closed state of the package 10 is achieved by moving the lid 40 axially in the direction of the cup opening 15. Since the first undercut segments 26 run inward toward the sealing edge 29 and thus constrict the cup region 16 locally, the cover 40 must first be brought into coincidence with the undercut-free segments 25 of the cup 20 with its second undercut segments 46 protruding outward on the outer wall 44. Since four equal undercut-free segments 25 for receiving the second undercut segments 46 are provided in the cup 20 in the circumferential direction, which are each arranged at angular intervals of 90 ° from each other, the lid 40 must be rotated relative to the cup 20 by a maximum of 90 ° to an insertion position to find. Subsequently, the lid 40 can be inserted into the cup portion 16 until the lid 40 comes into abutment with the stacking shoulder 23. The second undercut segments 48 in this case slide along the undercut-free segments 25 of the cup 20. The lid 40 thus inserted in the cup 20 is not yet locked. The locking takes place by rotation of the lid 40 relative to the cup 20 in a predetermined direction. By rotation, the second undercut segments 48 attached to the outer wall 44 of the lid 40 and projecting outwardly can be brought into coincidence with the respective first undercut segments 26. The second wall portions 47 come into contact with the respective first wall portions 27 at the first end 28a and slide along the first wall portions 27 in the circumferential direction until they abut on the protruding second end 28b. As a result of the rotation, the second undercut segments 46 are thus brought into engagement with the respective first undercut segments 26. Since the first undercut segments 26 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 c shown cup design taper in the circumferential direction counterclockwise wedge-shaped, the locking of the lid 40 is achieved by a rotational movement of the cover 40 in a clockwise direction. By a corresponding rotational movement in the counterclockwise direction, the lock can be released again and the second undercut segments 48 can be brought into coincidence with the undercut-free segments 25 of the cup 20. In this position, the lid 40 can be raised axially upward from the cup 20. The unlocking position of the lid 40 is shown in Fig. 2c. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to four first and second undercut segments 26, 48 for realizing a closure device. A stable locking of the lid 20 on the cup 40 can also be achieved with only two circumferentially spaced from each other arranged first and second undercut segments 26, 48. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that three or more than four circumferentially spaced from each other arranged first and second undercut segments 26, 48 are provided. However, providing a greater number of first and second undercut segments 26, 46 may be advantageous to minimize the degree of lid twist relative to the cup 20 for latching and unlatching the lid 40. It is further understood that the closure mechanism described above need not be limited to cup designed as a head stacker. Rather, the closure mechanism described above can also be implemented in cups designed as a bottom stacker, in which the stacking shoulder 23 is formed in the lower beaker wall portion in the vicinity of the bottom. The first undercut segments 26 in this case remain in an upper beaker wall section in the vicinity of the sealing edge 29. The stacking shoulder 23 in this case does not function as a lid support in the axial direction. The axial cover storage can rather be done on the lid edge 49, which rests on the sealing edge 29. As an axial abutment but also the inside of the cone-shaped tapered cup wall 22 is conceivable, with which the lid 40 (or lid bottom 42) may come into contact. In connection with FIG. 3, a further package 10a will be described. Fig. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the package 10a, which differs from that shown in FIGS. 1 a to 2 c described packaging 10 only in the embodiment of the lid 40 a. The lid 40a differs from the lid 40 only in providing sealing functionality. This sealing functionality is realized by a cone-shaped lid region 43 arranged between the lid base 42 and the outer wall 44 and extending in the circumferential direction. The cone-shaped lid portion 43 protrudes when mounted lid 40a in the underlying below the stacking shoulder 23 lower cup area. Because of the cone-shaped

Lid region 43 fits tightly against the inside of the beaker wall 22, the interior of the cup 20 is sealed by the lid 40. All other packaging features are identical in function and structure to the features of the package 10. It is to be made to the corresponding description in connection with FIGS. 1 a-2 c referred to above. In connection with FIG. 4, a further package 10b is shown. Fig. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the package 10b, which differs from that shown in FIGS. 1a to 2c differs only in minor modifications of the sealing edge 29b of the cup 20b and the edge portion 49b of the lid 40b. All other features are identical to the packaging 10 and are therefore provided with the same reference numerals. The sealing edge 29b is formed as a smooth annular surface which is covered by the edge portion 49b of the lid 40b when the lid 40b is mounted. In this packaging variant, a sealing of the front side of the cup after mounting the lid 40b is not possible.

Referring to Fig. 5, another package 10c is shown. Fig. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the package 10c, which differs from that shown in FIGS. 1 a-2c only differs in the embodiment of the lid 40c and the sealing edge 29b of the cup 20b. All other features are identical to the packaging 10 and are therefore provided with the same reference numerals. It should be noted in this context to the description of Figs. 1 a-2 c referred to above. The sealing edge 29b is formed as a smooth annular surface. Furthermore, the cover 40c has an outer wall 44 with second undercut segments 48 and undercut-free segments 46 (in FIG. 5, due to the sectional view only an undercut surface 47 of a second undercut segment 48 indicated), which are dimensioned in the axial direction such that the cover 40c sunk in the inserted and locked state in the cup or is inserted. In connection with FIGS. 6a-6c, a further package 10d is shown, wherein in FIG. 6a the cup 20d, in FIG. 6b the associated lid 40d and in FIG. 6c in the form of a schematic plan view the locking of the lid 40d on the cup 20d is shown. The cup 20d illustrated in FIG. 6a differs from the cup 20 shown in FIG. 1a only in that, for each first undercut segment 26, there is additionally provided an end stop 72 which is designed to limit the rotational movement. All other features of the cup 20d correspond to the features of the cup 20 and are provided with the same reference numerals. In this regard, reference should be made to the associated description of FIG. 1 a. Of the

End stop 72 of each undercut segment 26 is formed on the second end 28b of the respective undercut segment 26. The end stop 72 of each undercut segment 26 is in this case formed as a projection, which extends inwards (ie in the direction of the center of the cup). The projection 72 is formed such that it also acts as a detent spring 74, which engages in a corresponding detent groove 75 on the cover 40d.

FIG. 6b shows the lid 40d associated with the cup 20d. The cover 40d differs from the cover 40 in FIG. 1b only in that a latching groove 75 is additionally provided on each of the second undercut segments 48. All other features of the lid 40d correspond to the features of the lid 40 and are provided with the same reference numerals. Reference is made in this regard to the associated description of FIG. 1 b. The latching groove 75 is in each case arranged on the right-hand ends of the second undercut segments 48 shown in FIG. 6 b. Each detent groove 75 on the lid 40d is adapted to receive a corresponding detent spring 74 of the cup 20d and thus to lock the lid 40d circumferentially on the cup 20d. The function of this locking mechanism will be further described in connection with Fig. 6c. By inserting the lid 40d into the cup 20d and turning the lid 40d clockwise, the second undercut segments 48 engage the first undercut segments 26, thereby locking the lid 40d to the cup 20d. At the same time, each locking groove 75 of the cover 40d is brought into overlap with one of the detent springs 74 by the rotational movement, each of the detent springs 74 engaging in a corresponding detent groove 75. By this intervention, the lid 40d is additionally locked in the direction of rotation. A mere counter-clockwise rotation is insufficient to unlock the lid 40d and release it from the cup 20d. Rather, an initial minimum torque is required to solve the additional latching connection described here in the direction of rotation.

In connection with FIGS. 7a-7c, another implementation of a multi-part package 10e is shown, FIG. 7a showing the cup 20e, the associated lid 40e in FIG. 7b, and the locking of the lid 40e on the cup 20e in the form of a schematic top view in FIG. 7c , The package 10e in turn has a latching mechanism, in which case the

Latching mechanism in the form of a locking knob 76 on the cup 20e and a corresponding locking recess 77 on the cover 40e is formed.

The cup 20e shown in FIG. 7a differs from the cup 20 shown in FIG. 1a only in that for each first undercut segment 26 there is additionally provided a latching nub 76. All other features of the cup 20d correspond to the features of the cup 20 and are provided with the same reference numerals. In this regard, reference should be made to the associated description of FIG. 1 a. The formed on each first undercut segment 26 detent 76 is formed as a substantially circular projection which extends towards the cup interior.

The associated substantially circular locking recesses 77 are formed on the second undercut segments 48 of the lid 40 e. The cover 40e shown in FIG. 7b corresponds structurally and functionally to the cover 40 of FIG. 1a and differs only in the additional training of the above-mentioned locking recesses 77 for receiving the locking knobs 76th

The function of the locking recesses 77 and

Locking nubs 76 realized latching mechanism will be further described with the aid of Fig. 7c. By inserting the lid 40e into the cup 20e and turning the lid 40e clockwise, the second undercut segments 48 engage the first undercut segments 26, thereby locking the lid 40e to the cup 20e. Due to the rotational movement of each locking recess 77 of the lid 40 e comes into overlap with one of the locking knobs 76, each of the

Locking nubs 76 engages in a corresponding latching recess 77. By this intervention, the lid 40e is additionally locked in the direction of rotation. A mere counterclockwise rotation is thus not sufficient to unlock the lid 40e again and release it from the cup 20e. Rather, an initial minimum torque is required to solve the additional latching connection described here in the direction of rotation.

Referring to Fig. 8, a thermoforming tool 100 for making the cups 20, 20b, 20d, 20e and lids 40, 40a-40e of heated plastic film described above will be described. 5 shows, in the form of a cross-sectional view, the structure of such a thermoforming tool 100. The thermoforming tool 100 comprises an upper tool part 110 and a lower tool part 120, which are movable relative to one another.

The thermoforming mold 100 further comprises at least one molding device 130, a cooling device 140 thermally coupled to the at least one molding device 130, and an ejecting device 150 having at least one ejection rod 152 and ejection strip 154. The at least one molding device 130 may be located in the lower tool part 120 or upper tool part 110 be included. In the variant shown in FIG. 1, the molding means 130 are arranged in the lower tool part 120, wherein only two molding means 130 arranged in parallel are shown. It is understood that the thermoforming tool 100 may also include more than two molding devices 130. Each forming device 130 comprises a mold insert or mold ring 132 and a mold bottom 134, which together form a mold space 136 for forming the cups 20, 20b, 20d, 20e or covers 40, 40a-40e. The mold bottom 132 of each mold 130 is mechanically coupled to the eject bar 152 and the ejector bar 154 of the ejector 150.

The thermoforming tool 100 further comprises a pre-stretching device 190 with at least one pre-stretcher 192, a pre-stretching rod 194 and pre-stretcher plate 196 coupled to the at least one pre-stretcher 192, at least one hold-down device (or short hold-down) 200 with a cavity 210 for receiving the pre-stretcher 192, at least one recess The at least one recess 170 and the hold-down device 200 received therein are arranged opposite the at least one forming device 130 and in the upper tool part 110 or lower tool part 120 educated. In FIG. 5, two mutually parallel recesses 170 with hold-down devices 200 are shown by way of example, which are arranged parallel to one another in the upper tool part 110. It is understood that the thermoforming tool 100 may also include more than two recesses 170 with hold-down 200.

Hereinafter, a molding process for manufacturing the cups 20, 20b, 20d, 20e described above will be further described. In the molding process, a plastic film is first brought to the forming temperature by means of a heating device (not shown in FIG. 5). The heated plastic film is then inserted between the lower and upper tool parts 110, 120. Subsequently, the thermoforming tool 100 is closed, for example by means of a lifting movement, the lower tool part 120 is moved against the upper tool part 110 or by means of a lowering the upper tool part 110 is moved against the lower tool part 120.

By closing the thermoforming mold 100, the at least one cavity 210 and the at least one mold cavity 136 are sealed off from the environment, so that a compressed-air molding operation described in more detail below Vacuum forming process can be performed. Further, when closing the thermoforming mold 100, the plastic film is cut and the sealing edge of the cup 20, 20 b, 20 d, 20 e embossed and fixed by means of the blank holder 200. The holding-down device 200 is thus a shaping component for the cups 20, 20b to be formed.

After fixing the sealing edge / cup edge, the pre-expander 192 located in the cavity 210 is displaced into the mold space 136 by actuation (lowering) of the precompression plate 196. By displacing the pre-stretcher 192, the heated plastic film below the pre-stretcher 192 is pressed into the mold space 136, whereby a mechanical preforming of the cup 20, 20b, 20d, 20e is effected. The final shape of the cup 20, 20b, 20d, 20e is achieved by the preformed plastic film by means of compressed air supplied via the ventilation system 180 in the cavity 210 and mold space 136 further compressed to the inner walls of the molding device 130 (ie to the through the mold bottom 134th and mold insert 132 formed walls of the mold cavity 136) is pressed. This forming process is also called compressed air forming. Alternatively, the preformed plastic film may be pressed against the inner walls of the former 130 by creating a negative pressure in the mold space area bounded by the preformed plastic film, mold bottom 134, and mold insert 132. This forming process is called vacuum forming.

The film resting on the inner walls of the molding device 130 is cooled by means of the cooling device 140, whereby the necessary strength of the molded

Bechers 20, 20b, 20d, 20e is achieved. After forming and cooling, the two tool parts 110, 120 are separated again. The pre-stretcher 192 is moved back into the cavity 210 by lifting the pre-stretcher plate 196. Subsequently, the fully formed cup 20, 20b, 20d, 20e located in the former 130 is ejected by operating the ejector 150. The ejection process involves a jerky lifting of the

Auswerfleiste 154, whereby the over the Auswerfstange 152 coupled to the Auswerfleiste 154 mold bottom 134 is lifted jerkily, so that the cup 20, 20b, 20d, 20e from the mold bottom 134 and the mold insert 132 dissolves and is ejected. Alternatively, the demolding of the cup 20, 20b, 20d, 20e also be realized by connecting webs to the Restfoliengitter, so-called holding films. In this case, there is no need for an ejector bar or ejector bar. After ejection of the molding, the thermoforming tool 100 stands for a new

Forming process ready again.

The thermoforming of the covers 40, 40a-e described above takes place analogously, with the exception that the covers are generally not preformed mechanically by means of the pre-stretching device. For certain lid geometries, a pre-stretching device is also used. The multipart package 10 described herein has a number of advantages over known packages. Firstly, the lid 40 is completely received in the cup 20, thereby allowing a compact packaging design that is dictated solely by the shape and dimension of the cup 20. *** " The inserted lid 40 does not increase the volume of the package 10. By the full inclusion of the lid 40 in the cup 20, the cup 20 and the lid 40 can be sealed in a simple manner by a sealing film is welded to the sealing edge 29 of the cup. Furthermore, the closure device arranged in the interior of the cup 20 is better protected against external forces. In addition, the opening and closing of the cup 20 is considerably simplified by the described closure device. A simple plug-in rotary movement is sufficient to attach the lid 40 to the cup 20 and to lock or to solve and remove. Characterized in that a plurality of identical first undercut segments on the cup 20 and corresponding second undercut segments are provided on the lid 40, a circumferentially uniform locking of the lid 40 on the cup 20 can be achieved without the cover 40 must be rotated relative to the cup 20 strong. Turns in the range between 30 ° to 60 ° are sufficient to bring about the locking. In particular, a plurality of equivalent attachment positions are realized by the undercut-free segments 25 arranged between the undercut segments 26.

Further, since the closure device is housed on the wall of the cup and lid, the sealing edge of the cup and the edge of the lid can be circular be educated. Thus, conventional mold and punching tools can be used for producing the packaging, which have rounded punching contours. Tools with specially prefabricated punching contours for forming in the front region of the cup arranged Knaggensegmenten or other closure elements are therefore not necessary. Furthermore, the cup and lid remain easily demoulded by the closure device according to the invention. The use of special Entformbewegungen, such as rotary Entformbewegungen, during thermoforming of the packaging can thus be omitted.

Claims

claims

1 . A multi-part package (10, 10a-e) comprising a cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) and a lid (40, 40a-40e), wherein

the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) comprises a cup bottom (21) and a cup wall (22) with a circumferential sealing edge (29) and a plurality of first undercut segments (26), the sealing edge (29) forming a cup bottom (21). opposite end face of the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) is formed, and wherein the plurality of first undercut segments (26) in the circumferential direction of the beaker wall (22) and in a predetermined Becherwandungsabschnitt between the sealing edge (29) and the cup bottom (21) are formed ; and

the lid (40, 40a-40e) has a lid bottom (42) with a laterally mounted outer wall (44) on which a plurality of second undercut segments (48) are formed, wherein the lid (40, 40a-40e) is dimensioned such that it can be inserted into an opening (15) of the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) and is rotatable relative to the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e), wherein rotation of the lid (40, 40a-40e) by a predetermined Rotation angle the second undercut segments (48) engage in the first undercut segments (26), whereby the lid (40, 40a-40e) on the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) is locked.

The package (10, 10a-e) of claim 1, wherein the first undercut segments (26) on the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) and the second undercut segments (48) on the lid (40, 40a-40e), respectively are formed and arranged that the angle of rotation for locking the lid (40, 40a-40e) is in an angular range between 30 ° to 60 °.

A package (10, 10a-e) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) and the lid (40, 40a-40e) each have at least two

Undercut segments (26, 48).

4. Packaging (10, 1 Oa-e) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second undercut segments (26, 48) each have a relative to the wall-related undercut angle, which is in the range of 0.5 ° to 15 °, preferably in the range from 3 ° to 10 °.

5. Packaging (10, 1 Oa-e) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beaker wall (24) in the portion of the first undercut segments (26) a plurality between the first undercut segments (26) arranged undercut-free segments (25).

A package (10, 10a-e) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup wall (22) may take any shape in a portion between the first undercut segments (26) and the cup bottom (21).

A package (10, 10a-e) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup wall (22) is substantially circular in the portion of the first undercut segments (26) in the circumferential direction.

A package (10, 10a-e) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup wall (22) has a stacking shoulder (23), the stacking shoulder (23) being located in an upper cup wall portion near the sealing edge (29) or in one lower beaker wall portion in the vicinity of the cup bottom (21) is formed.

9. Packaging (10, 1 Oa-e) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the in the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) inserted lid (40, 40a-40e) does not penetrate through the sealing edge (29) formed plane ,

10. Packaging (10, 10a-e) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the in the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) inserted lid (40, 40a-40e) the sealing edge (29) of the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) completely covered.

11. Packaging (10, 1 Oa-e) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (40, 40a-40e) comes into self-sealing contact with the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) in the inserted and locked state.

A package (10, 10a-e) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (40, 40a-40e) further comprises at least one gripping member (50) on which a rotational movement for locking the cup (20, 20b, 20d , 20e) can be introduced.

13. Packaging (10, 10a-e) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) or the lid (40, 40a-40e) comprises at least one end stop to prevent over-rotation of the lid (40 , 40a-40e).

14. Packaging (10, 10a-e) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the package (10, 10a-e) comprises at least one latching mechanism which is arranged on the package (10, 10a-e) and configured such that the lid inserted on the cup can be latched in the direction of rotation on the cup.

A thermoforming tool (100) for manufacturing the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) of the package (10, 10a-e) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising:

an upper tool part (110) and a lower tool part (120) which are movable relative to each other; and

a forming device (130) which can be mounted on the upper tool part (110) or lower tool part (120) and which is designed to form the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e).

16. Thermoforming tool for producing the lid (40, 40a-40e) of

A package (10, 10a-e) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 comprising:

a molding device which can be mounted on the upper tool part (110) or lower tool part (120) and which is designed to form the cover (40, 40a-40e).

17. A method for producing the packaging (10, 1 Oa-e) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 14,

wherein for the production of the package (10, 10a-e) a thermoforming tool (100) with an upper tool part (1 10) and a lower tool part (120) and a forming device arranged on the upper tool part (110) or lower tool part (120) for shaping the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) or the lid (40, 40a-40e) is used,

firstly, with the thermoforming tool (100) open, between the upper tool part (110) and the lower tool part (120), a plastic film is fed, and then the thermoforming tool (100) by successive Zubewegen upper tool part (1 10) and lower tool part (120 ) is closed to form the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) or the lid, wherein during the thermoforming of the cup (20, 20b, 20d, 20e) a cup bottom (21) and a cup wall (22) with a circumferential sealing edge (29) and a plurality of first undercut segments (26) are formed, wherein the plurality of first undercut segments (26) in the circumferential direction of the beaker wall (22) and in a predetermined Becherwandungsabschnitt between the sealing edge (29) and the cup bottom (21) are formed; and

wherein during thermoforming of the lid (40, 40a-40e) a plurality of second undercut segments (48) corresponding to the first undercut segments (26) are formed on the lid (40, 40a-e).