WO2021018997A1

WO2021018997A1 - Device having a punch tool forming a transport path

Info

Publication number: WO2021018997A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/071481
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernd Böker; Christoph Wirtz
Original assignee: Sig Technology Ag
Priority date: 2019-07-31
Filing date: 2020-07-30
Publication date: 2021-02-04
Also published as: DE102019211474A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device, comprising the following as components: a) a first punch tool which is designed and arranged such that it can rotate about a first axis of rotation in a first rotation direction; and b) another punch tool which is designed and arranged such that it can rotate about another axis of rotation in another rotation direction opposite the first rotation direction; wherein the other punch tool has a punch die for punching at least one hole into a flat substrate; wherein the first punch tool has a matrix; characterised in that the first punch tool has a first hollow space, wherein the matrix forms a first inlet opening of the first hollow space, wherein the first punch tool also has a first outlet opening of the first hollow space, which is designed and arranged such that a punched-out piece of the flat substrate received by the matrix can be transported along a transport path running through the first hollow space and the first outlet opening. The invention also relates to methods for punching a flat substrate and for producing a container and corresponding method products; a container prototype and a container; and applications of the device, an extraction device and a flat substrate.

Description

DEVICE WITH A PUNCHING TOOL FORMING A TRANSPORT PATH

The present invention relates to a device included as components

a) a first punching tool which is arranged and designed to be rotatable about a first rotational axis in a first direction of rotation; and

b) a further punching tool which is arranged and designed to be rotatable about a further axis of rotation in a further direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation;

wherein the first axis of rotation extends longitudinally in a first direction; wherein the further punching tool includes a punch for punching at least one hole in a sheet-like substrate; wherein the first punching tool includes a die which is designed as a counterpart to the punch; characterized in that the first punching tool includes a first cavity, the die forming a first inlet opening of the first cavity, the first punching tool additionally including a first outlet opening of the first cavity, which is arranged and designed so that a punching slug received by the die of the sheet-like substrate can be transported along a transport path that runs through the first cavity and the first exit opening. The invention also relates to methods for punching a sheet-like substrate and for producing a container, as well as corresponding process products; a container precursor and a container; and uses of the device, a suction device and a sheet-like substrate.

Food has been preserved for a long time, be it food for human consumption or also animal food products, in which these are stored either in a can or in a jar closed with a lid. Cans and jars have a number of disadvantages. For example, cans and glasses have a considerable weight, which leads to increased energy consumption during transport. In addition, for The production of glass, tinplate or aluminum, even if the raw materials used for this come from recycling, requires quite a lot of energy. In the case of glasses, there is also an increased transport effort. The glasses are mostly prefabricated in a glassworks and then have to be transported to the food-filling company using considerable transport volumes. In addition, glasses and cans can only be created with considerable effort or with the help of tools and are therefore rather awkward to open. In the case of cans, there is also a high risk of injury from sharp edges that arise when opening. With glasses it happens again and again that when the filled glasses are filled or opened, glass splinters get into the food, which in the worst case can lead to internal injuries when consuming the food. In addition, both cans and glasses must be affixed with labels to identify and advertise the food's contents. The glasses and cans cannot easily be directly printed with information and advertising. In addition to the actual print, a substrate for it, a paper or a suitable film, as well as a fastening means, an adhesive or a sealing means are necessary.

Other packaging systems are known from the prior art, in order to store food for a long period of time with as little damage as possible. These are containers made from sheet-like composites - often also referred to as laminates. Such sheetlike composites are often made up of a thermoplastic plastic layer, a carrier layer usually made of cardboard or paper, which gives the container dimensional stability, an adhesion promoter layer, a barrier layer and another plastic layer, as in WO 90/09926, among others A2 disclosed. Since the carrier layer gives the container made of the laminate dimensional stability, these containers, in contrast to foil bags, are to be seen as a further development of the aforementioned glasses and cans. Based on this, the invention relates to the technical field of dimensionally stable food containers. More precisely, the invention relates to the production of a laminate for the production of dimensionally stable food containers and here particularly to the punching of holes in the carrier layer of such a laminate. Such holes are often provided to make it easier to open the finished container. So that the container has a sufficient tightness despite the hole in the carrier layer, the hole with the other Layers of the laminate covered as perforated cover layers. The container can then often be opened by piercing the hole cover layers with a drinking straw or destroyed with a construction called an opening aid that is connected to the container in the area of the hole. In this case, the formation of a clearly bordered hole, which closes cleanly with a drinking straw or, in the case of a pouring hole, has no polymer beads protruding into the hole or polymer threads spanning the hole, is desirable. If a drinking straw does not close cleanly with the hole, liquid can escape from the side of the drinking straw, which can have unpleasant consequences for the consumer. If a pouring hole has the noses or threads described above, the pouring can be unclean, especially in the case of beverages containing pulp. When the holes are punched in the carrier layer, punching slugs and, especially in the case of a paper or cardboard layer as carrier layer, naturally arise, dust. The presence of the slugs and dust in the production line of laminates for food containers can create significant problems. If slugs or dust are trapped in the laminate, this can lead to durability problems in addition to visual and haptic problems with the laminate or container. Furthermore, the opening properties of the container can be adversely affected, so that no clearly bordered hole is obtained when it is opened.

In general, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome a disadvantage arising from the prior art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for punching drinking straw and / or pouring holes in the production of dimensionally stable food containers, the device being characterized by the longest possible maintenance interval, in particular its punching tools. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a device for punching drinking straw and / or pouring holes in the production of dimensionally stable food containers, which light allows the least possible waste production. Another object of the invention is to provide a device for punching drinking straw and / or pouring holes in the production of dimensionally stable food containers as long as possible. Another object of the invention is to provide a direction for punching drinking straw and / or pouring holes in the production of dimensionally stable food containers with the most advantageous opening properties possible.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a device for punching drinking straw and / or pouring holes in the production of dimensionally stable food containers that is as easy to maintain as possible. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a device for punching drinking straw and / or pouring holes in the production of dimensionally stable food containers, which allows a volume change of the container to be produced with as little effort as possible. A further object of the invention is to provide a device for punching drinking straw and / or pouring holes in the production of dimensionally stable food containers, which allows punching slugs to be removed from the production process as reliably as possible.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a device for punching drinking straw and / or pouring holes in the production of dimensionally stable food containers that shows at least one of the above advantages even at the highest possible processing speed or when punching the largest possible holes or both.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a dimensionally stable food container which is at least partially formed from a laminate and which has the highest possible shelf life or the best possible opening properties or both.

A contribution to the at least partial fulfillment of at least one, preferably several, of the above tasks is made by the independent claims. The dependent claims provide preferred embodiments which contribute to at least partially fulfilling at least one of the tasks.

Embodiment 1 of a device, including as components, makes a contribution to fulfilling at least one of the tasks according to the invention

a) a first punching tool which is arranged and designed to be rotatable about a first rotational axis in a first direction of rotation; and b) a further punching tool which is arranged and designed to be rotatable about a further axis of rotation in a further direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation;

wherein the first axis of rotation extends longitudinally in a first direction; wherein the further punching tool includes a punch for punching at least one hole in a sheet-like substrate; wherein the first punching tool includes a die which is designed as a counterpart to the punch; characterized in that the first punching tool includes a first cavity, the die forming a first inlet opening of the first cavity, the first punching tool additionally including a first outlet opening of the first cavity, which is arranged and designed so that a punching slug received by the die of the sheet-like substrate can be transported along a transport path that runs through the first cavity and the first exit opening.

In an embodiment 2 according to the invention, the device is designed according to its embodiment 1, wherein the first and the further axis of rotation, the first and the further punching tool as well as the die and the punch are arranged and designed so that an at least partially between the first and the further punching tool is flat substrate by rotating the first punching tool around the first axis of rotation in the first direction of rotation and rotating the other punching tool around the further axis of rotation in the further direction of rotation of the punch brought into engagement with the die and so the at least one hole in the sheet-like substrate can be punched.

In an embodiment 3 according to the invention, the device is designed according to its execution form 1 or 2, the first punching tool being cylindrical. The die is preferably arranged on a cylindrical surface of the first punching tool. Here, the die can for example sit on the cylinder jacket surface of the first punching tool or be embedded in the first punching tool in such a way that the matrix is essentially flush with the cylinder jacket surface. In the latter case, the first input opening is preferably an opening in the cylindrical surface of the first punching tool. In an embodiment 4 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its previous embodiments, the further punching tool being cylindrical, the punch being arranged on a cylindrical surface of the further punching tool.

In an embodiment 5 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its preceding embodiments, the first axis of rotation running through the first output opening.

In embodiment 6 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its previous embodiments, the first cavity and the first outlet opening being arranged and designed such that the transport path in the first cavity runs at least partially along the first direction.

In an embodiment 7 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its preceding embodiments, the first outlet opening being arranged in an end face of the first punching tool pointing in the first direction. An end face is preferably a non-curved, more preferably essentially flat, surface of an upper surface of a geometric body. In the case of a cylindrical body, its end faces are precisely the areas of its surface that do not belong to the cylinder jacket surface. A distinction must be made between end faces and circumferential faces.

In an embodiment 8 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its preceding embodiments, the device additionally including a first shaft or first axis, the first shaft or first axis being arranged and designed to be rotatable about the first rotational axis in the first rotational direction, wherein the first punching tool is connected, preferably rigidly, to the first shaft or first axis. A connection of the first punching tool to the first shaft or first axis is preferably releasable, more preferably such that the first punching tool can be displaced along the first direction after releasing the connection. In the case of the shaft, the device preferably includes in addition, a drive device which is arranged and designed for rotating the first shaft. A preferred drive device includes a motor.

In an embodiment 9 according to the invention, the device is designed according to its embodiment form 8, the first shaft or first axis being formed in one piece with the first punching tool.

In an embodiment 10 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its preceding embodiments, the device additionally containing a further shaft or further axis, wherein the further shaft or further axis is arranged and designed to be rotatable about the further axis of rotation in the further direction of rotation, wherein the further punching tool is preferably rigidly connected to the further shaft or further axis. A connection of the further punching tool to the further shaft or further axis is preferably releasable, more preferably such that the further punching tool can be displaced along a direction of a longitudinal extension of the further shaft or further axis after the connection has been released. In the case of the shaft, the device also preferably includes a drive device which is arranged and designed to rotate the further shaft. A preferred drive device includes a motor.

In an embodiment 11 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its preceding embodiments, the device additionally including a suction device which is arranged and designed to generate a suction flow along the transport path, the suction device being air-conducting, preferably by means of a suction hose, is connected to the first exit port. A preferred suction flow is a gas flow.

In an embodiment 12 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 8 to 11, wherein the first shaft or first axis contains a further cavity with a further inlet opening and a further outlet opening, the further cavity, the further inlet opening and the further Output opening are arranged and designed so that the punching material received by the die zen of the sheet-like substrate along the transport path, which also runs through the further inlet opening, the further cavity and the further outlet opening, can be transported benefits. For this purpose, the further inlet opening in the direction of the transport path is preferably at least partially, preferably completely, arranged and designed congruently with the first outlet opening. Furthermore, the first cavity is preferably connected to the further cavity in an air-conducting manner.

In an embodiment 13 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 1 to 10, the device additionally containing a rotationally fixed element, the rotationally fixed element including a further cavity with a further inlet opening and a further outlet opening, the further cavity , The further inlet opening and the further outlet opening are arranged and formed so that the punching slug of the sheet-like substrate received by the die can be transported along the transport path that also runs through the further inlet opening, the wider cavity and the further outlet opening . For this purpose, the further inlet opening in the direction of the transport path is preferably arranged and designed at least partially congruent with the first outlet opening. Furthermore, the first cavity is preferably connected to the further cavity in an air-conducting manner. In connection with the rotationally fixed element, "rotationally fixed" means that this element is arranged and designed in such a way that it does not rotate when the at least one hole is punched, especially not around the first axis of rotation. The possibility of moving the non-rotating element, in particular in the first direction, remains unaffected. It is even preferred that the rotationally fixed element is arranged and designed to be displaceable in the first direction.

In one embodiment 14 according to the invention, the device is designed according to its embodiment 13, wherein the rotationally fixed element is arranged in a spatially fixed manner at least one hole is fixed, so essentially does not move in relation to a stationary observer. Here, the fixing of the spatially fixed, rotationally fixed element is preferably releasable, in particular such that the rotationally fixed element is displaceable in the first direction after the fixing has been released.

In one embodiment 15 according to the invention, the device is designed according to its embodiment form 13 or 14, the rotationally fixed element being cylindrical. The rotationally fixed element preferably has the shape of a hollow cylinder. Here, a suction aid such as a suction funnel can be designed in one piece with the rotationally fixed element. A preferred suction aid is arranged and designed for connecting an element provided for guiding punched slugs, preferably a suction hose.

In an embodiment 16 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 13 to 15, the further inlet opening being arranged in an end face of the rotationally fixed element facing the first punching tool.

In an embodiment 17 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 13 to 16, the further outlet opening being arranged in a circumferential surface of the rotationally fixed element. The circumferential surface of the rotationally fixed element preferably points away from the first axis of rotation. In the case of a cylindrical, rotationally fixed element, the circumferential surface is a cylinder jacket surface of the rotationally fixed element.

In an embodiment 18 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 13 to 16, the further outlet opening being arranged in an end face of the rotationally fixed element facing away from the first punching tool.

In one embodiment 19 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 13 to 18, the rotationally fixed element being arranged at a distance from the first punching tool, the distance being in a range from 0.01 to 1 mm, preferably from 0, 05 to 1 mm, more preferably from 0.1 to 0.8 mm, even more preferably from 0.1 to 0.6 mm, most preferably from 0.2 to 0.5 mm. In one embodiment 20 according to the invention, the device is designed according to its embodiment 19, the distance being a distance between an end face of the first punching tool facing white in the first direction and an end face of the rotationally fixed element facing opposite to the first direction.

In one embodiment 21 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 13 to 18, the rotationally fixed element and the first punching tool over at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 98%, most preferably 100%, of a circumference of the transport path between the first exit opening and the further entry opening a distance in a range of 0.01 to 1 mm, preferably 0.05 to 1 mm, more preferably from 0.1 to 0.8 mm, even more preferably from 0.1 to 0.6 mm, most preferably from 0.2 to 0.5 mm.

In an embodiment 22 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 13 to 21, the rotationally fixed element being arranged and designed to be displaceable in the first direction and in the opposite direction. For this purpose, the rotationally fixed element is preferably fixed in a detachable manner.

In an embodiment 23 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 12 to 22, the device furthermore including a suction device which is arranged and designed to generate a suction flow along the transport path, the suction device, preferably by means of a to one Guiding of punched slugs provided element, preferably a suction hose, air-conducting connected to the further outlet opening.

In an embodiment 24 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 12 to 23, the first axis of rotation running through the further hollow space. In an embodiment 25 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 12 to 24, the first axis of rotation running through the further inlet opening or the further outlet opening or both.

In an embodiment 26 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 12 to 25, the first axis of rotation not running through the further outlet opening.

In an embodiment 27 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its preceding embodiments, the first punching tool being arranged and designed to be displaceable in the first direction and opposite thereto. For this purpose, a fixation of the first punching tool is preferably designed to be detachable. Alternatively or additionally, the further punching tool is preferably arranged and designed to be displaceable in a direction of a longitudinal extent of the further axis of rotation. For this purpose, a fixation of the further punching tool is preferably designed to be detachable.

In an embodiment 28 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its preceding embodiments, the sheet-like substrate containing, preferably consisting of, a carrier layer made of a fiber-containing material. A fiber orientation of the fiber-containing material is preferably anisotropic. The fiber alignment preferably has a preferred direction.

In an embodiment 29 according to the invention, the device is designed according to its embodiment 28, the fiber-containing material being one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paper and cardboard, or a combination of at least two thereof.

In an embodiment 30 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its preceding embodiments, the device being a punching machine. A punching machine is also known as a punch. A preferred punching machine is a rotary punching machine. If the device according to the invention contains further components such as a coating system or a transport device, one component is the Device which includes the first punching tool and the further punching tool, preferably a punching machine.

In an embodiment 31 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its preceding embodiments, the device additionally including a transport device, the transport device being arranged and designed to transport the sheet-like substrate in a processing direction. The transport direction preferably includes an unrolling device or a winding device or both in the processing direction in the above order one after the other. A preferred unrolling device is arranged and designed for at least partial unrolling of the sheet-like substrate rolled into a roll. Here, the Entrollein direction is preferably arranged in the processing direction in front of the first and the further punching tool. A preferred roll-up device is arranged and designed for rolling up the stamped sheet-like substrate or a sheet-like composite containing the stamped sheet-like substrate. Here, the roll-up device is preferably arranged in the processing direction after the first and the further punching tool, preferably also after the coating system. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the transport device contains a roller conveyor or a belt conveyor or both.

In an embodiment 32 according to the invention, the device is designed according to its embodiment 31, the device additionally containing a coating system, the coating system

A. is arranged in the processing direction after the first and the further punching tool, and

B. to a two-dimensional superimposition and planar connection of the sheet-like sub strate on a first side with a barrier layer is arranged and formed.

In an embodiment 33 according to the invention, the device is designed according to its embodiment form 32, the coating system also being able to introduce a poly intermediate layer is arranged and formed between the barrier layer and the sheet-like substrate in the case of the sheet-like superimposition with the barrier layer.

In one embodiment 34 according to the invention, the device is designed according to its embodiment 32 or 33, the coating system also being arranged and designed to superimpose and planar connection of the planar substrate on the first side with a polymer inner layer. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the coating system is arranged and designed so that the areal superimposition and areal connection with the polymer inner layer can take place downstream, overlapping in time, or at the same time as the areal superposition and areal connection with the barrier layer. The coating system is preferably arranged and designed for the planar superposition of the barrier layer, which is preferably but not necessarily already superimposed on the planar substrate, on a side facing away from the planar substrate with the polymer inner layer.

In one embodiment 35 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 32 to 34, the coating system also being arranged and designed to superimpose and connect the sheet-like substrate on a side opposite the first side with a polymer outer layer. In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement, the coating system is arranged and designed in such a way that the areal superimposition and areal connection with the outer polymer layer can take place before, temporally overlapping, or at the same time as the areal superimposition and areal connection with the barrier layer.

In an embodiment 36 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 32 to 35, the coating system including an extruder. A preferred extruder includes a pressing device and a nozzle, the pressing device being arranged and designed to press a polymer melt through the nozzle. A preferred pressing device is an extruder piston or an extruder screw. A particularly preferred coating system is a layer extrusion system for melt coating. In one embodiment 37 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its preceding embodiments, the first cavity containing at least one punching slug of the sheet-like substrate. As an alternative or in addition, the further cavity contains the at least one punching slug of the sheet-like substrate.

In an embodiment 38 according to the invention, the device is designed according to its embodiment 37, the punching slug having a diameter in a range from 1 to 40 mm, preferably from 2 to 35 mm, more preferably from 3 to 30 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the punch slug has a diameter in a range from 2 to 20 mm, more preferably from 3 to 15 mm, more preferably from 3 to 10 mm, even more preferably from 3 to 8 mm. In a further preferred embodiment, the punching slug has a diameter in a range from 5 to 40 mm, more preferably from 10 to 35 mm, more preferably from 15 to 35 mm, even more preferably from 15 to 30 mm. In the case of a non-circular punched slug, its diameter is the distance between two points lying on one side of the punched slug along a straight line through the geometric center of an end face of the punched slug that forms this side of the punched slug. In the case of an oval punched slug, its diameter is the distance between two points lying on one side of the punched slug and the maximum distance.

In an embodiment 39 according to the invention, the device is designed according to one of its embodiments 1 to 29, or 31 to 38, the device containing the sheet-like substrate, the sheet-like substrate in a further direction that is perpendicular to the first direction between the first punching tool and the further punching tool is passed through, so that in the sheet-like substrate by rotating the first punching tool around the first axis of rotation in the first direction of rotation and rotating the further punching tool around the further axis of rotation in the further direction of rotation, the at least one hole in the sheet-like substrate can be punched. The sheet-like substrate is preferably arranged and guided in such a way that it can be punched with the stamp by contacting it on a side opposite the first side. Embodiment 1 of a method 1, including method steps, makes a contribution to fulfilling at least one of the tasks according to the invention

a) Provide

i) the device according to the invention according to one of its embodiments 1 to

38, and

ii) the sheet-like substrate;

b) Punching the at least one hole into the sheet-like substrate by means of the first and the further punching tool.

In general, the process steps specified herein take place in the order specified. Successive process steps can take place one after the other, simultaneously or with a temporal overlap. In a preferred embodiment of method 1, the sheet-like substrate preferably has the features described herein in connection with one of the embodiments of the device according to the invention.

In embodiment 2 according to the invention, method 1 is designed according to its embodiment 1, wherein in method step b) the sheet-like substrate is passed between the first punching tool and the additional punching tool in a further direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and by rotating the first punching tool about the first axis of rotation in the first direction of rotation and rotating the further punching tool about the further axis of rotation in the further direction of rotation, the at least one hole is punched into the sheet-like substrate.

In an inventive embodiment 3, the method 1 is designed according to its embodiment 1 or 2, wherein in process step b) a punched slug of the sheet-like substrate is obtained through the punching, the punched slug at least partially along the transport path, preferably the complete one Transport route, moving.

In an embodiment 4 according to the invention, the method 1 is designed according to its embodiment 3, the punched slug being transported by a gas flow at least partially along the transport path, preferably the entire transport path. Here the punching slug is preferably sucked off along the transport path. In embodiment 5 according to the invention, method 1 is designed according to its embodiment 3 or 4, the punching slug having a diameter in a range from 1 to 40 mm, preferably from 2 to 35 mm, more preferably from 3 to 30 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the punch slug has a diameter in a range from 2 to 20 mm, more preferably from 3 to 15 mm, more preferably from 3 to 10 mm, even more preferably from 3 to 8 mm. In a further preferred embodiment, the punching slug has a diameter in a range from 5 to 40 mm, more preferably from 10 to 35 mm, more preferably from 15 to 35 mm, even more preferably from 15 to 30 mm.

In an embodiment 6 according to the invention, the method 1 is designed according to one of its preceding embodiments, with at least one area of the flat substrate located in method step b) between the first and the further punching tool in method step b) at a speed in in a range from 100 to 1000 m / min, preferably from 200 to 1000 m / min, more preferably from 300 to 1000 m / min, more preferably from 400 to 900 m / min, most preferably from 500 to 800 m / min . Here, the at least one area of the sheet-like substrate moves preferably at the stated speed in the further direction. The sheet-like substrate is preferably moved by the transport device.

In an embodiment 7 according to the invention, the method 1 is designed according to one of its preceding embodiments, the method being a method for punching the at least one hole in the sheet-like substrate.

In an embodiment 8 according to the invention, the method 1 is designed according to one of its embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the method according to method step b) includes a flat overlaying and flat connection of the flat substrate on a first side of the flat substrate with a barrier layer, wherein the at least one hole in the sheet-like substrate is covered with the barrier layer when the barrier layer is overlaid. In an inventive embodiment 9, the method 1 is designed according to its embodiment 8, with an intermediate polymer layer being introduced between the planar substrate and the barrier layer when the planar substrate and the barrier layer are superimposed and connected over the area. Preferably, the at least one hole in the sheet-like substrate is covered with the intermediate polymer layer when the latter is introduced.

In an embodiment 10 according to the invention, the method 1 is designed according to its embodiment 8 or 9, the method according to method step b) additionally including a two-dimensional overlaying and connecting the sheet-like substrate on the first side with a polymer inner layer. The overlaying of the inner polymer layer is preferably carried out on the barrier layer, which is preferably but not necessarily already overlaid on the sheet-like substrate, on a side of the barrier layer facing away from the sheet-like substrate. The at least one hole in the planar substrate is preferably covered with the polymer inner layer during the above superimposition.

In an inventive embodiment 11, the process 1 is designed according to its embodiments 8 to 10, the process after process step b) additionally including a two-dimensional overlaying and two-dimensional joining of the sheet-like substrate on a further side opposite the first side with a polymer outer layer . The at least one hole in the sheet-like substrate is preferably covered with the polymer outer layer in the case of the above-existing overlay. The superimposing of the outer polymer layer is preferably carried out before, temporally overlapping, or at the same time as the superimposing and areal joining of the barrier layer.

Embodiment 1 of a sheet-like substrate, obtainable by method 1 according to one of its embodiments 1 to 7, contributes to fulfilling at least one of the objects of the invention. The sheet-like substrate is preferably rolled up into a roll. This punched sheet-like substrate contains in particular the at least one hole. Embodiment 1 of a sheet-like composite, obtainable by method 1 according to one of its embodiments 8 to 11, contributes to fulfilling at least one of the objects of the invention. The sheet-like composite is preferably rolled up into a roll. The sheet-like composite contains the sheet-like substrate with the at least one hole. The sheet-like composite preferably contains the sheet-like substrate and the barrier layer as overlapping layers in the direction from an outside to an inside of the sheet-like composite; more preferably the sheet-like substrate, the barrier layer and the polymer inner layer; more preferably the polymer outer layer, the sheet-like substrate, the barrier layer and the polymer inner layer; most preferably the polymer outer layer, the sheet-like substrate, the polymer intermediate layer and / or an adhesion promoter layer, the barrier layer and the polymer inner layer.

A contribution to the fulfillment of at least one of the tasks according to the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a container precursor, including at least one sheet-like area of the sheet-like substrate according to the invention according to its embodiment 1 or the sheet-like composite according to the invention according to its embodiment 1, where the at least one sheet-like area has at least one hole included in the sheet-like substrate.

In an embodiment 2 according to the invention, the container precursor is designed according to its embodiment 1, the at least one flat area having at least 2, more preferably at least 4, folds.

In embodiment 3 according to the invention, the container precursor is designed according to its embodiment 1 or 2, the at least one sheet-like area of the sheet-like substrate including a first longitudinal edge and a further longitudinal edge, where the first longitudinal edge and the further longitudinal edge have a longitudinal seam of the container precursor is connected to form. A contribution to the fulfillment of at least one of the tasks according to the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a, preferably closed, container containing at least one sheet-like area of the sheet-like substrate according to its embodiment 1 or the sheet-like composite according to the invention according to its embodiment 1, the at least one sheet-like Area which contains at least one hole in the sheet-like substrate.

In embodiment 2 according to the invention, the container is designed according to its embodiment 1, the at least one flat area including a first longitudinal edge and a further longitudinal edge, the first longitudinal edge being connected to the further longitudinal edge to form a longitudinal seam of the container.

In an embodiment 3 according to the invention, the container is designed according to its embodiment 1 or 2, the container containing a food.

An embodiment 1 of a method 2, including method steps, makes a contribution to fulfilling at least one of the tasks according to the invention

A) providing the container precursor according to the invention according to one of its embodiments;

B) shaping a bottom area of the container precursor by folding the at least one sheet-like area;

C) closing the bottom area;

D) filling the container precursor with a food, and

E) Closing the container precursor in a head area to obtain a closed container.

In an embodiment 2 according to the invention, the method 2 is designed according to its embodiment 1, the method being a method for producing a closed container. In an embodiment 3 according to the invention, the method 2 is designed according to its embodiment 1 or 2, the method having a method step

F) connecting the closed container to an opening aid.

In method step F), the at least one hole in the sheet-like substrate is preferably covered at least partially with the opening aid.

Embodiment 1 of a closed container, obtainable by method 2 according to one of its embodiments, makes a contribution to fulfilling at least one of the objects of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the closed container has the features of the container according to the invention according to one of its execution forms.

An embodiment 1 of a use 1 of the device according to one of its embodiments for punching the at least one hole in the sheet-like substrate makes a contribution to fulfilling at least one of the objects of the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the use 1, the sheet-like substrate preferably has the features described herein in connection with one of the embodiments of the device according to the invention.

An embodiment 1 of a use 2 of a suction device for generating a gas flow along the transport path in the device according to the invention according to one of its embodiments makes a contribution to fulfilling at least one of the objects of the invention. The suction device is preferably used to generate the gas flow in method step b) of method 1 according to one of its embodiments. Alternatively or in addition to the above, the suction device is preferably used for suctioning off a punched piece of the sheet-like substrate along the transport path in the device according to one of its embodiments, more preferably in method step b) of method 1 according to one of its embodiments.

An embodiment 1 of a use 3 of a sheet-like substrate, including one, makes a contribution to fulfilling at least one of the objects of the invention Cardboard layer, as the sheet-like substrate of the method 1 according to one of its Ausfüh approximate forms. In a preferred embodiment of the use 1, the sheet-like substrate preferably has the features described herein in connection with one of the embodiments of the device according to the invention.

Features which are described as preferred in a category according to the invention, for example according to the device of the invention, are also preferred in an embodiment of the further categories according to the invention, for example an embodiment of the method 1 according to the invention.

Punching

A cutting process is referred to as punching in which at least one hole is made in a sheet-like substrate, with at least one punching slug being cut out of the sheet-like substrate by shearing to make the at least one hole. The punch is here the material positive to the immaterial hole. In other words, the hole is precisely the absence of the punched socket in the sheet-like substrate.

Punching tools are used for punching. For punching the at least one hole, the device according to the invention contains the first punching tool and the further punching tool. Each punching tool can be designed in one piece. In particular, the first punching tool can be designed in one piece with the die. Furthermore, the further punching tool can be designed in one piece with the punch. However, the first punching tool preferably includes a first tool carrier that carries the die. The die is preferably received in a receptacle in the first tool carrier. Furthermore, the die is preferably fixed to the first tool carrier, preferably by means of at least one fastening means. However, the further punching tool preferably includes a white direct tool carrier that carries the punch. The punch is preferably received in a receptacle of the further tool carrier. Furthermore, the punch is preferably fixed to the wider tool carrier, preferably by means of at least one fastening means. The first punching tool can be used in the device as an upper tool or as a lower tool be arranged the further punching tool.

Punch and die

The punch and the die of the device according to the invention are formed and arranged as counterparts. In this case, the die preferably contains an outer shape, for which the punch contains the matching inner shape. For this purpose, the die preferably contains a through hole or a recess into which at least a part of the punch fits. An edge of the through hole or the recess of the die is preferably defined by an edge. Furthermore, the stamp preferably includes an edge. Preferably, the punch and the die are arranged and designed in such a way that the punching, i.e. the introduction of the at least one hole into the sheet-like substrate, can be carried out by means of shearing an edge of the punch with an edge of the die. Here, the punch preferably engages in the die in such a way that the edge of the punch is inserted into the through hole or the recess of the die. The edge of the stamp preferably, but not necessarily, forms a closed curve.

An edge is here a line-shaped area of a body, with two surfaces of a surface of the body adjoining one another along the edge, so that the two surfaces enclose an edge angle. As the above body, the punch and the die can be used herein. The edge of the punch preferably has a shape of at least part of a circumference, more preferably the entire circumference, of the at least one hole. Furthermore, the edge of the die preferably has a shape of at least part of a circumference, more preferably the entire circumference, of the at least one hole. The through hole of the die is preferably the first inlet opening of the first cavity.

The edge angle is here, for the punch or for the die or both, at least 5 °, more preferably at least 10 °, more preferably at least 20 °, more preferably at least 30 °, more preferably at least 40 °, more preferably at least 50 °, more preferably at least 60 ° before more preferably at least 70 °, even more preferably at least 80 °. A particularly preferred edge angle is in a range from 40 to 140 °, more preferably from 50 to 130 °, more preferably from 60 to 120 °, more preferably from 70 to 110 °, even more preferably from 80 to 100 °, most preferably th from 80 to 90 °, especially for the edge of the die; or from 85 to 95 °, especially for the edge of the punch.

A preferred punch does not include a cutting edge. Furthermore, the die preferably does not contain a cutting edge. Here, a cutting edge is a facet (bevel) that has been ground into a cutting edge. A cutting edge can be ground on one or both sides. Areas of a surface adjoin one another along the cutting edge and enclose a so-called blade angle. The aforementioned surfaces do not belong to the cutting edge and are therefore not ground. A preferred punch does not have a blade angle of less than 5 °, preferably less than 10 °, more preferably less than 20 °, more preferably less than 30 °, more preferably less than 40 °, more preferably less than 50 °, more preferably less than 60 °, more preferably less than 70 °, more preferably less than 80 °.

Transport route

The transport path leads in this direction through the first inlet opening into the first cavity and through the first outlet opening out of the first cavity. Preferably, the transport path continues through the further inlet opening into the further cavity and out of the further cavity through the further outlet opening. Between the first output opening and the further input opening, the transport path preferably leads over a distance between the first punching tool and the rotationally fixed element. After the further exit opening, the transport path can also lead through an element, such as a pipe or a hose, which is provided for guiding punched slugs. The transport route preferably ends in a receptacle for punched slugs. The transport path preferably has a cross-sectional area at each point of its longitudinal extent which has an extent in each direction which is greater than a diameter of a punching slug separated out of the sheet-like substrate during the punching of the at least one hole. This is intended to enable the transport of punched slugs along the entire transport path and to avoid sticking of punched slugs as much as possible. A gas flow, preferably an air flow, preferably prevails along the transport path. The gas flow can be generated by a suction device or else partially or solely by moving components of the device, for example through a rotation of the first punching tool in the first direction of rotation about the first axis of rotation arise. The purpose of the gas flow is to transport slugs along the transport route. The gas flow preferably has a volume flow that is sufficiently large to move a punching slug at least along part of the transport path, preferably along the entire transport path.

Axis of rotation

The first axis of rotation and the further axis of rotation are not components here, but imaginary straight lines in space that are defined by a rotational movement. Thus, the first axis of rotation is defined in that the first punching tool is arranged and designed to be rotatable about the first axis of rotation in the first direction of rotation. Analogously to this, the further axis of rotation is defined in that the further punching tool is arranged and designed to be rotatable about the further axis of rotation in the further direction of rotation.

One selected from the group consisting of the first outlet opening, the further inlet opening and the further outlet opening, or a combination of at least two, preferably all, of which are arranged and configured rotationally symmetrical about the first axis of rotation is preferred. Furthermore, the further cavity is preferably arranged and configured rotationally symmetrically about the first axis of rotation. Alternatively or additionally, the rotationally fixed element is preferably arranged and designed rotationally symmetrically about the first axis of rotation.

Flat substrate

All sheet-like materials that are conceivable within the scope of the invention and appear suitable to the person skilled in the art for the production of dimensionally stable food containers for the production of dimensionally stable foodstuffs can be used as sheet-like substrate. The flat substrate preferably includes a carrier layer. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier layer is superimposed on one side with an application of paint, preferably printed. The sheet-like substrate preferably consists of the carrier layer and the paint application. In another preferred embodiment, the flat substrate consists of the carrier layer. Flat composite

All sheet-like composite materials with several layers which are conceivable within the scope of the invention and appear suitable for the use according to the invention for the production of dimensionally stable food containers are considered as sheet-like composite. Flat composites for the production of food containers are also referred to as laminates. Such sheet-like composites have a sequence of layers superimposed on one another in sheet-like fashion. The sheet-like composites are often built up from a thermoplastic polymer layer, which is referred to herein as the polymer outer layer, a carrier layer usually consisting of cardboard or paper, which gives the container its dimensional stability, a thermoplastic polymer layer which is referred to herein as the polymer intermediate layer and / or an adhesion promoter layer, a barrier layer and a further thermoplastic polymer layer, which is referred to herein as the polymer inner layer, as disclosed, inter alia, in WO 90/09926 A2. The layers of the sheet-like composite that form the layer sequence are preferably connected to one another over a large area. Two layers are bound together if their adhesion to one another exceeds van der Waals forces of attraction. Layers connected to one another are preferably one selected from the group consisting of sealed with one another, glued to one another, and pressed together, or a combination of at least two thereof. Unless stated otherwise, the layers in a layer sequence can follow one another indirectly, that is to say with one or at least two intermediate layers, or directly, that is to say without an intermediate layer. This is particularly the case with the formulation in which one layer is superimposed on another layer. A formulation in which a layer sequence contains enumerated layers means that at least the specified layers are present in the specified order. This formulation does not necessarily mean that these layers immediately follow one another. A formulation in which two layers adjoin one another means that these two layers follow one another directly and therefore without an intermediate layer. However, this formulation does not say anything about whether the two layers are connected to one another or not. Rather, these two layers can be in contact with one another. However, these two layers are preferably connected to one another. Outside

The outside of the sheet-like composite is a surface of a layer of the sheet-like composite which is intended to be in contact with the surroundings of the container in a container to be produced from the sheet-like composite. This is not opposed by the fact that in individual areas of the container the outside of different areas of the composite are folded onto one another or connected to one another, for example sealed onto one another. The outside of a layer of the sheet-like composite or of the sheet-like substrate is a side which, in the sheet-like composite, is the outside of the sheet-like composite or faces it. In method 1 according to the invention, the at least one hole is preferably punched in the direction from the inside of the sheet-like substrate to the outside thereof.

inside

The inside of the sheet-like composite is a surface of a layer of the sheet-like composite, which is intended to be in contact with the contents of the container, preferably a food, in a container to be produced from the sheet-like composite. The inside of a layer of the sheet-like composite or of the sheet-like substrate is a side which, in the sheet-like composite, is the inside of the sheet-like composite or faces it.

Carrier layer

Any material that appears suitable for this purpose to the person skilled in the art can be used as the carrier layer, which has sufficient strength and rigidity to give the container sufficient stability that the container essentially retains its shape when filled. This is in particular a necessary feature of the carrier layer, since the invention relates to the technical field of dimensionally stable containers. Such dimensionally stable containers are basically to be distinguished from bags and sacks, which are usually made of thin films. In addition to a number of plastics, fiber materials based on plants, in particular cellulose, preferably glued, bleached and / or unbleached cellulose, are preferred, paper and cardboard being particularly preferred are. A particularly preferred carrier layer is a cardboard layer. Accordingly, a preferred carrier layer contains a multiplicity of fibers. The basis weight of the carrier layer is preferably in a range from 120 to 450 g / m ² , particularly preferably in a range from 130 to 400 g / m ² and most preferably in a range from 150 to 380 g / m ² . A preferred cardboard box usually has a single or multilayer structure and can be coated on one or both sides with one or more cover layers. Furthermore, a preferred cardboard box has a residual moisture content of less than 20% by weight, preferably from 2 to 15% by weight and particularly preferably from 4 to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the cardboard. A particularly preferred cardboard box has a multilayer structure. Furthermore, the cardboard preferably has at least one, but particularly preferably at least two layers of a top layer on the surface facing the environment, which is known to the person skilled in the art as a “line”. Furthermore, a preferred cardboard has a Scott Bond value (according to Tappi 569) in a range from 100 to 360 J / m ² , preferably from 120 to 350 J / m ² and particularly preferably from 135 to 310 J / m ² . The above-mentioned areas make it possible to provide a composite from which a container can be folded with high tightness, easily and with low tolerances.

The carrier layer is characterized by a bending resistance, which can be measured with a bending measuring device according to ISO 2493-2: 2011 at a bending angle of 15 °. An L&W Bending Tester code 160 from Lorentzen & Wettre, Sweden is used as the bending measuring device. The carrier layer preferably has a flexural resistance in a first direction in a range from 80 to 550 mN. In the case of a carrier layer which contains a plurality of fibers, the first direction is preferably a direction of orientation of the fibers. A carrier layer which contains a multiplicity of fibers furthermore preferably has a bending resistance in a range from 20 to 300 mN in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The samples used to measure the bending resistance with the above measuring device have a width of 38 mm and a clamping length of 50 mm. A preferred sheet-like composite with the carrier layer has a flexural resistance in the first direction in a range from 100 to 700 mN. Furthermore, the aforementioned sheet-like composite preferably has a bending resistance in the second direction in a range of 50 to 500 mN. The samples of the sheet-like composite used for measurement with the above measuring device also have a width of 38 mm and a clamping length of 50 mm.

A preferred carrier layer has a basis weight in a range from 140 to 400 g / m ² , preferably from 150 to 350 g / m ² , more preferably from 160 to 330 g / m ² , more preferably from 160 to 320 g / m ² , even more preferably from 160 to 300 g / m ² , more preferably from 160 to 250 g / m ² , most preferably from 160 to 240 g / m ² . Furthermore, the carrier layer is preferably a solid layer. A solid layer is in particular to be distinguished from a layer with macroscopic cavities, such as corrugated cardboard for folding boxes or folding cartons. Alternatively or in addition, a preferred carrier layer has a Scott Bond value in a range from 100 to 360 J / m ² , preferably from 120 to 340 J / m ² , more preferably from 140 to 320 J / m ² , more preferably from 160 to 300 J / m ² , more preferably from 170 to 280 J / m ² , even more preferably from 180 to 260 J / m ² , most preferably from 190 to 250 J / m ² . Alternatively or additionally, a preferred carrier layer has a first bending resistance in a first bending direction in a range from 70 to 700 mN, preferably from 80 to 650 mN. Alternatively or additionally preferably, the carrier layer has a first bending resistance in a first bending direction and a further bending resistance in a further bending direction perpendicular to the first bending direction, which is less than the first bending resistance, preferably by at least 10 mN, more preferably at least 20 mN, more preferably at least 30 mN, more preferably at least 40 mN, more preferably at least 50 mN, more preferably at least 60 mN, preferably at least 70 mN, more preferably at least 80 mN, more preferably at least 90 mN, even more preferably at least 100 mN, most preferably at least 150 mN. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier layer has a further bending resistance in a further bending direction in a range from 10 to 350 mN, preferably from 20 to 300 mN. The further bending direction is preferably perpendicular to the first bending direction.

The carrier layer preferably contains at least 2, more preferably at least 3, particularly preferably exactly 3 or 5, sublayers, each of which is made of a fiber-containing material, superimposed on one another and connected to one another over a large area. The fiber-containing materials of the individual sub-layers can differ from one another at least partially or they can all be the same. Another particularly preferred carrier layer contains one another Flat overlapping and flat interconnected sub-layers of a sub-layer sequence in the direction from a further side opposite the first side of the carrier layer to the first side a first sub-layer containing a fiber-containing material, a second sub-layer containing a fiber-containing material and a third sub-layer containing a fiber-containing material. The fiber-containing materials of the first to third sub-layers can be the same or different from one another. In this case, the first side of the carrier layer is preferably an inside of the carrier layer which, after the sheet-like substrate has been overlaid with the barrier layer, faces the latter. Furthermore, a preferred carrier layer contains, in addition to the aforementioned layer sequence, at least one cover layer as a further sub-layer. The layer sequence comprising the first to third sublayer is preferably overlaid on the further side of the carrier layer with at least one cover layer as a sublayer. As an alternative or in addition, the sequence of layers comprising the first to third sublayer is superimposed on the first side of the carrier layer with at least one cover layer as a sublayer. Preferably, an average fiber length of the plurality of fibers of the fiber-containing material of the first sub-layer is less than an average fiber length of the plurality of fibers of the fiber-containing material as the third sub-layer, preferably by 0.1 to 3 mm, more preferably by 0.5 to 2, 5 mm, most preferably around 1 to 2.0 mm.

hole

The at least one hole can have any shape known to the person skilled in the art and suitable for removing a food from a dimensionally stable food container which is at least partially formed from a sheet-like composite. The shape is preferably suitable for use with an opening aid or a drinking straw.

Often holes in the top are rounded. The holes can thus be essentially circular, oval, elliptical or teardrop-shaped. With the shape of the at least one hole, the shape of the opening, which is either created by an opening aid connected to the container, through which the container contents are dispensed from the container after opening, or by a drinking straw in the container, is usually predetermined. So that the openings of the opened container often have shapes that are ver comparable or even the same with the at least one hole. The at least one hole is therefore preferably used easier opening of a container formed at least partially from a sheet-like composite containing a region of the sheet-like substrate. The opening of the container produced in this way can be used to release the food located in the container or, in the case of several holes in the area of the sheet-like substrate, also to ventilate the container when the food is released.

In connection with the covering of the at least one hole, it is preferred that the hole cover layers are connected to one another at least partially, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 70% and particularly preferably at least 90% of the area formed by the at least one hole. It is further preferred that the perforated cover layers are connected to one another at the edges of the at least one hole and, preferably connected, lie against the edges in order to achieve an improved tightness via a connection extending over the entire surface of the hole. Often the Lochdeckschich th are connected to one another via the area formed by the at least one hole. This leads to good tightness of the container formed from the composite and thus to the desired long shelf life of the food stored in the container.

Polymer layers

In the following, the term “polymer layer” relates in particular to the polymer inner layer, the polymer intermediate layer and the polymer outer layer. A preferred polymer is a polyolefin. The polymer layers can have further components. The polymer layers are preferably incorporated into or applied to the sheet-like composite material in an extrusion process. The other components of the polymer layers are preferably components that do not adversely affect the behavior of the polymer melt when applied as a layer. The other constituents can be, for example, inorganic compounds, such as metal salts or other plastics, such as other thermoplastics. However, it is also conceivable that the further constituents are fillers or pigments, for example carbon black or metal oxides. Suitable thermoplastics for the further constituents are in particular those that are easy to process due to good extrusion behavior. Among these are polymers obtained by chain polymerization, in particular polyolefins, with cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), polycyclic olefin Co-polymers (POC), in particular polyethylene and polypropylene, are particularly preferred and polyethylene is very particularly preferred. Among the polyethylenes, HDPE (high denomination polyethylene), MDPE (medium density polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) and VLDPE (very low density polyethylene) and mixtures of at least two of these are preferred. Mixtures of at least two thermoplastics can also be used. Suitable polymer layers have a melt flow rate (MFR) in a range from 1 to 25 g / 10 min, preferably in a range from 2 to 20 g / 10 min and particularly preferably in a range from 2.5 to 15 g / 10 min, and a density in a range from 0.890 g / cm ³ to 0.980 g / cm ³ , preferably in a range from 0.895 g / cm ³ to 0.975 g / cm ³ , and more preferably in a range of 0.900 g / cm ³ to 0.970 g / cm ³ . The polymer layers preferably have at least one melting temperature in a range from 80 to 155 ° C, preferably in a range from 90 to 145 ° C and particularly preferably in a range from 95 to 135 ° C.

Polymer inner layer

The inner polymer layer is based on at least one thermoplastic polymer, it being possible for the inner polymer layer to contain a particulate inorganic solid. However, it is preferred that the polymer inner layer contains at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight and particularly preferably at least 95% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the polymer inner layer, one or more thermoplastic polymers. The polymer or the polymer mixture of the polymer inner layer preferably has a density (according to ISO 1183-1: 2004) in a range from 0.900 to 0.980 g / cm ³ , particularly preferably in a range from 0.900 to 0.960 g / cm ³ and most preferably in a range from 0.900 to 0.940 g / cm ³ . Preferably the polymer is a polyolefin, m-polymer, or a combination of both. The inner polymer layer preferably includes a polyethylene or a polypropylene or both. A particularly preferred polyethylene here is an LDPE. The polymer inner layer preferably contains the polyethylene or the polypropylene or both together in a proportion of at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, most preferably at least 50% by weight, each based on the total weight of the polymer inner layer. Additionally or alternatively, the polymer The inner layer is preferably an HDPE, preferably in a proportion of at least 5% by weight, more preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, most preferably at least 20% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the polymer inner layer. In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the aforementioned polymers, the inner polymer layer preferably contains a polymer produced by means of a metallocene catalyst, preferably an mPE. The inner polymer layer preferably contains the mPE in a proportion of at least 3% by weight, more preferably at least 5% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer. Here, the inner polymer layer can contain 2 or more, preferably 2 or 3, of the aforementioned polymers in a polymer blend, for example at least a portion of the LDPE and the mPE, or at least a portion of the LDPE and the HDPE. Furthermore, the inner polymer layer can preferably contain 2 or more, preferably 3, sublayers which overlap one another and which preferably form the inner polymer layer. These sub-layers are preferably layers obtained by co-extrusion.

In a preferred embodiment, the polymer inner layer in the direction from the outside of the sheet-like composite to the inside of the sheet-like composite contains a first sub-layer containing an LDPE in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the first sub-layer; and a further sub-layer containing a blend, the blend being an LDPE in a proportion of at least 30% by weight, preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, even more preferably at least 60% by weight .-%, most preferably at least 65% by weight, and an mPE in a proportion of at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 15% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, most preferably at least 25% by weight, each based on the weight of the blend. The further sub-layer here preferably contains the blend in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, even more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the further underlayer. The further sub-layer particularly preferably consists of the blend. In a further preferred embodiment, the polymer inner layer in the direction from the outside of the sheet-like composite to the inside of the sheet-like composite contains a first sub-layer, containing an HDPE in a proportion of at least 30% by weight, preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, even more preferably at least 60% by weight, most preferably at least 70% by weight, and an LDPE in a proportion of at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 15% by weight %, preferably at least 20% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the first sub-layer; a second sub-layer containing an LDPE in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, even more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the second sub-layer; and a third sub-layer containing a blend, the blend being an LDPE in a proportion of at least 30% by weight, preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, even more preferably at least 60% by weight .-%, most preferably at least 65% by weight, and an mPE in a proportion of at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 15% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, most preferably at least 25% by weight, each based on the weight of the blend. The third sub-layer here preferably contains the blend in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, even more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the third sub-layer. The third sub-layer is particularly preferably composed of the blend.

Polymer outer layer

The polymer outer layer preferably contains a polyethylene or a polypropylene or both. LDPE and HDPE and mixtures of these are preferred as polyethylene. A preferred polymer outer layer contains at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, even more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight, each based on the weight of the polymer outer layer, an LDPE. Polymer interlayer

The intermediate polymer layer preferably comprises a polyethylene or a polypropylene or both. A particularly preferred polyethylene here is an LDPE. The polymer intermediate layer preferably contains the polyethylene or the polypropylene or both together in a proportion of at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the polymer intermediate layer. Additionally or alternatively, the polymer intermediate layer preferably contains an HDPE, preferably in a proportion of at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, preferably at least 50 % By weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight, each based on the total weight of the polymer intermediate layer. In this case, the polymer intermediate layer contains the aforementioned polymers preferably in a polymer blend.

Barrier layer

Any material which is suitable for this purpose and has an adequate barrier effect, in particular with respect to oxygen, can be used as the barrier layer. For this purpose, the barrier layer preferably has an oxygen transmission rate of less than 50 cm ³ / (m ² day atm), preferably less than 40 cm ³ / (m ² day atm), preferably less than 30 cm ³ / (m ² day atm) , more preferably less than 20 cm ³ / (m ² day atm), more preferably less than 10 cm ³ / (m ² day atm), even more preferably less than 3 cm ³ / (m ² day atm), most preferably not more than 1 cm ³ / (m ² day atm). The barrier layer preferably also has a barrier effect against water vapor. Accordingly, the barrier layer is preferably an oxygen barrier layer and further preferably an additional water vapor barrier layer. In addition, the barrier layer preferably has a barrier effect with respect to visible light, that is to say it is also a light barrier layer.

The barrier layer is preferably selected from a. a plastic barrier layer;

b. a metal layer;

c. an oxide layer; or

d. a combination of at least two of a. to c.

Is the barrier layer according to alternative a. a plastic barrier layer, this preferably contains at least 70% by weight, particularly preferably at least 80% by weight and most preferably at least 95% by weight of at least one plastic that is known to the person skilled in the art for this purpose, in particular because of aroma or flavorings suitable for packaging containers. Gas barrier properties is known. As plastics, in particular thermoplastics, plastics bearing N or O come into consideration here, both on their own and in mixtures of two or more. According to the invention it can prove to be advantageous if the plastic barrier layer has a melting temperature in a range from more than 155 to 300 ° C, preferably in a range from 160 to 280 ° C and particularly preferably in a range from 170 to 270 ° C.

More preferably, the plastic barrier layer has a weight per unit area in a range from 2 to 120 g / m ² , preferably in a range from 3 to 60 g / m ² , particularly preferably in a range from 4 to 40 g / m ² and more preferably from 6 to 30 g / m ² . The plastic barrier layer is also preferably obtainable from melts, for example by extrusion, in particular layer extrusion. In addition, the plastic barrier layer can preferably also be introduced into the sheet-like composite via lamination. It is preferred here that a film is incorporated into the sheet-like composite. According to another embodiment, it is also possible to select plastic barrier layers which can be obtained by deposition from a solution or dispersion of plastics.

Suitable polymers are preferably those which have a weight average molecular weight, determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) by means of light scattering, in a range from 3 10 ³ to 1 10 ⁷ g / mol, preferably in a range from 5-10 ³ up to 1 10 ⁶ g / mol and particularly preferably in a range from 6 10 ³ to 1 10 ⁵ g / mol exhibit. Particularly suitable polymers are polyamide (PA) or Polyethylenvi nylalkohol (EVOH) or a mixture thereof.

Among the polyamides, all PAs which appear suitable to the person skilled in the art for the use according to the invention are suitable. PA 6, PA 6.6, PA 6.10, PA 6.12, PA 11 or PA 12 or a mixture of at least two of these should be mentioned in particular, PA 6 and PA 6.6 being particularly preferred and PA 6 also being preferred. PA 6 is commercially available, for example under the trade names Akulon ^®, Durethan ^® and Ultramid ^®. Amorphous polyamides such as MXD6, Grivory ^® and Selar ^® PA are also suitable. It is further preferred that the PA has a density in a range from 1.01 to 1.40 g / cm ³ , preferably in a range from 1.05 to 1.30 g / cm ³ and particularly preferably in a range from 1.08 to 1.25 g / cm ³ . Furthermore, it is preferred that the PA has a viscosity number in a range from 130 to 250 ml / g and preferably in a range from 140 to 220 ml / g.

Any EVOH that appears suitable for the use according to the invention to the person skilled in the art can be considered as EVOH. Examples of this are, inter alia, commercially available under the trade name EVAL ™ from EVAL Europe NV, Belgium in a large number of different versions, for example the types EVAL ™ F104B or EVAL ™ LR171B. Preferred EVOHs have at least one, two, more or all of the following properties:

an ethylene content in a range from 20 to 60 mol%, preferably from 25 to 45 mol%

%;

a density in a range from 1.0 to 1.4 g / cm ³ , preferably from 1.1 to 1.3 g / cm ³ ; a melting point in a range from more than 155 to 235 ° C, preferably from 165 to 225 ° C;

- an MFR value (210 ° C / 2.16kg, if T _{S (} EVOH) <210 ° C; 230 ° C / 2, 16kg, if 210 ° C <TS (EVOH) <230 ° C) in one range from 1 to 25 g / 10 min, preferably from 2 to 20 g / 10 min;

an oxygen transmission rate in a range from 0.05 to 3.2 cm ³ -20pm / (m ² dayatm), preferably in a range from 0.1 to 1 cm ³ -20pm / (m ² dayatm). At least one polymer layer, more preferably the inner polymer layer, or preferably all polymer layers, preferably has a melting temperature below the melting temperature of the barrier layer. This is especially true when the barrier layer is made of polymer. The melting temperatures of the at least one, in particular the inner polymer layer, and the melting temperature of the barrier layer differ preferably by at least 1 K, particularly preferably by at least 10 K, even more preferably by at least 50 K, more preferably at least 100 K. The temperature difference should be preferably only be chosen so high that the barrier layer does not melt, in particular the plastic barrier layer does not melt during folding.

According to alternative b. the barrier layer is a metal layer. In principle, all layers with metals that are known to the person skilled in the art and can create a high level of light and oxygen impermeability are suitable as the metal layer. According to a preferred embodiment, the metal layer can be present as a foil or as a deposited layer, e.g. after a physical vapor deposition. The metal layer is preferably an uninterrupted layer. According to a further preferred embodiment, the metal layer has a thickness in a range from 3 to 20 μm, preferably in a range from 3.5 to 12 μm and particularly preferably in a range from 4 to 10 μm.

Preferred metals are aluminum, iron or copper. A steel layer, for example in the form of a foil, can be preferred as the iron layer. The metal layer also preferably represents a layer with aluminum. The aluminum layer can expediently consist of an aluminum alloy, for example AlFeMn, AlFel, 5Mn, AlFeSi or AlFeSiMn. The purity is usually 97.5% and higher, preferably 98.5% and higher, in each case based on the entire aluminum layer. In a special embodiment, the metal layer consists of an aluminum foil. Suitable aluminum foils have an extensibility of more than 1%, preferably more than 1.3% and particularly preferably more than 1.5%, and a tensile strength of more than 30 N / mm ² , preferably more than 40 N / mm ² and particularly preferably more than 50 N / mm ² . Suitable aluminum foils show in the pipette test a drop size of more than 3 mm, preferably more than 4 mm and particularly preferably more than 5 mm. Suitable alloys for creating aluminum layers or foils are commercially available under the names EN AW 1200, EN AW 8079 or EN AW 8111 from Hydro Aluminum Deutschland GmbH or Amcor Flexibles Singen GmbH. In the case of a metal foil as the barrier layer, an adhesion promoter layer can be provided between the metal foil and a closest polymer layer on one and / or both sides of the metal foil.

Furthermore, as a barrier layer according to alternative c. an oxide layer should be selected. All oxide layers that are familiar to the person skilled in the art and appear suitable for achieving a barrier effect against light, vapor and / or gas come into consideration as oxide layers. A preferred oxide layer is a semimetal oxide layer or a metal oxide layer or both. A preferred semimetal oxide layer is a layer based on one or more silicon oxide compounds (SiOx layer). As metal oxide layers, layers based on the aforementioned metals aluminum, iron or copper, as well as those metal oxide layers based on titanium oxide compounds, are preferred, an aluminum oxide layer (Al Ox layer) being particularly preferred. According to a preferred embodiment, the oxide layer can be present as a deposited layer. A deposited oxide layer is produced, for example, by vapor deposition of the oxide layer on a barrier substrate. A preferred method for this is physical vapor deposition (PVD - physical vapor deposition) or, preferably plasma-assisted, chemical vapor deposition (CVD - chemical vapor deposition). The oxide layer is preferably an uninterrupted layer.

The barrier substrate can consist of any material which appears to the person skilled in the art to be suitable for use as a barrier substrate according to the invention. The barrier substrate is preferably suitable for being coated with an oxide layer. A layer surface is preferably made sufficiently smooth for this. The barrier substrate also preferably has a thickness in a range from 3 to 30 μm, preferably from 2 to 28 μm, preferably from 2 to 26 μm, more preferably from 3 to 24 μm, more preferably from 4 to 22 μm, most preferably from 5 am to 8 pm. Furthermore, the barrier substrate preferably has a barrier effect against oxygen or water vapor or both. A barrier effect of the barrier substrate against permeation of oxygen is preferably greater than a barrier effect of the oxide layer against permeation of oxygen. The barrier substrate preferably has an oxygen transmission rate in a range from 0.1 to 50 cm ³ / (m ² d bar), preferably from 0.2 to 40 cm ³ / (m ² d bar), more preferably from 0.3 to 30 cm ³ / (m ² d bar). A preferred barrier substrate includes, more preferably consists of, cellulose or a polymer or both. A preferred polymer here is an oriented polymer. The oriented polymer is preferably oriented mono-axially or bi-axially. Another preferred polymer is a thermoplastic polymer. The barrier substrate preferably consists of the polymer. The barrier substrate preferably contains a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polycondensate, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyvinyl alcohol, or a combination of at least two of these in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60 % By weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the barrier substrate. More preferably, the barrier substrate consists of the aforementioned polymer. A preferred polypropylene is oriented, in particular stretched longitudinally (oPP) or biaxially stretched (BoPP). A preferred polycondensate is a polyester or polyamide (PA) or both. A preferred polyester is one selected from the group consisting of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polylactide (PLA), and, or a combination of at least two thereof. A preferred vinyl polymer is a vinyl alcohol copolymer or a polyvinyl alcohol or both. A preferred polyvinyl alcohol is a vinyl alcohol copolymer. A preferred vinyl alcohol copolymer is an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer.

Polvolefin

A preferred polyolefin is a polyethylene (PE) or a polypropylene (PP) or both. A preferred polyethylene is one selected from the group consisting of an LDPE, an LLDPE, and an HDPE, or a combination of at least two thereof. Another preferred polyolefin is an m-polyolefin (polyolefin produced by means of a metallocene catalyst). Suitable polyethylenes have a melt flow rate (MFI - melt flow index = MFR - melt flow rate) in a range from 1 to 25 g / 10 min, preferred wise in a range from 2 to 20 g / 10 min and particularly preferably in a range from 2.5 to 15 g / 10 min, and a density in a range from 0.910 g / cm ³ to 0.935 g / cm ³ , preferably in a range from 0.912 g / cm ³ to 0.932 g / cm ³ , and more preferably in a range from 0.915 g / cm ³ to 0.930 g / cm ³ . mPolymer

An mPolymer is a polymer which was produced by means of a metallocene catalyst. A metallocene is an organometallic compound in which a central metal atom is arranged between two organic ligands, such as, for example, cyclopentadienyl ligands. A preferred m-polymer is an m-polyolefin, preferably an m-polyethylene or an m-polypropylene or both. A preferred m-polyethylene is one selected from the group consisting of an mLDPE, an mLLDPE, and an mHDPE, or a combination of at least two thereof. A preferred m-polyolefin is characterized by at least a first melting temperature and a second melting temperature. The m-polyolefin is preferably characterized by a third melting temperature in addition to the first and second melting temperatures. A preferred first melting temperature is in a range from 84 to 108 ° C, preferably from 89 to 103 ° C, more preferably from 94 to 98 ° C. A preferred further melting temperature is in a range from 100 to 124 ° C, preferably from 105 to 119 ° C, more preferably from 110 to 114 ° C.

Adhesion / adhesion promoter layer

An adhesion promoter layer is a layer of the sheet-like composite which contains at least one adhesion promoter in a sufficient amount so that the adhesion promoter layer improves adhesion between layers adjoining the adhesion promoter layer. For this purpose, the adhesion promoter layer preferably contains an adhesion promoter polymer. Accordingly, the adhesion promoter layers are preferably polymeric layers. An adhesion promoter layer can be located between layers of the sheet-like composite which are not directly adjacent to one another, preferably between the barrier layer and the polymer inner layer. As adhesion promoters in an adhesion promoter layer, all plastics come into consideration that are suitable through functionalization by means of suitable functional groups, through the formation of ionic bonds or covalent bonds to a surface to create a fixed connection of each adjacent layer. They are preferably functionalized polyolefins, in particular acrylic acid copolymers, which have been obtained by co-polymerizing ethylene with acrylic acids such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, acrylates, acrylic derivatives or carboxylic acid anhydrides bearing double bonds, for example maleic anhydride, or at least two of them. Among these, polyethylene-maleic anhydride graft polymer (GUCH), ethyl ene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA) or ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers (EMAA) are preferred, which ^®, for example, under the trade names Bynel ^® and Nucrel ^® 0609HSA by DuPont or Escor 6000ExCo of ExxonMobile Chemicals.

Ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymers are also preferred as adhesion promoters. A methyl, ethyl, propyl, i-propyl, butyl, i-butyl or a pentyl group is preferably selected as the alkyl group. The adhesion promoter layer may more preferably have mixtures of two or more different ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymers. Likewise preferably, the ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer can have two or more different alkyl groups in the acrylate function, for example an ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer in which both methyl acrylate units and ethyl acrylate units occur in the same copolymer.

According to the invention, it is preferred that the adhesion between the carrier layer, a polymer layer or the barrier layer to the next layer is at least 0.5 N / 15mm, preferably at least 0.7 N / 15mm and particularly preferably at least 0.8 N / 15mm , carries. In an embodiment according to the invention, it is preferred that the adhesion between a polymer layer and a carrier layer is at least 0.3 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 0.5 N / 15 mm and particularly preferably at least 0.7 N / 15 mm. Furthermore, it is preferred that the adhesion between the barrier layer and a polymer layer is at least 0.8 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 1.0 N / 15 mm and particularly preferably at least 1.4 N / 15 mm. In the event that the barrier layer follows a polymer layer indirectly via an adhesion promoter layer, it is preferred that the adhesion between the barrier layer and the adhesion promoter layer is at least 1.8 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 2.2 N / 15 mm and particularly preferably at least 2.8 N / 15mm. In a special one In the embodiment, the adhesion between the individual layers is so strong that the carrier layer tears during the adhesion test, and in the case of a cardboard carrier layer, what is known as a cardboard fiber tear occurs.

Extrude / extruder

In the context of the inventors, any extruder that is known to the person skilled in the art and appears to him to be suitable for the use according to the invention is suitable as an extruder. An extruder is a device for shaping a mass, preferably a polymer mass, by means of pressing through a shaping opening. A preferred extruder is a screw extruder. Melt extrusion coating is the application of a mass by pressing a melt forming the mass through a shaping opening of an extruder onto a substrate, so that a sheet-like layer overlying the substrate is obtained from the mass. In the case of a polymer composition as a mass, the mass is preferably melted for extrusion coating. During extrusion, the polymers are usually heated to temperatures of 210 to 350 ° C., measured on the melted polymer film below the outlet at the extruder nozzle. The extrusion can be carried out by means of extrusion tools known to the person skilled in the art and commercially available, such as, for example, extruders, extruder screws, feed blocks, etc. At the end of the extruder there is preferably an opening through which the polymer melt is pressed. The opening can be of any shape that allows the polymer melt to be extruded. For example, the opening can be square, oval or round. The opening preferably has the shape of a slot of a funnel. After the melt layer has been applied to the substrate layer by means of the method described above, the melt layer is allowed to cool for the purpose of heat setting, this cooling preferably being carried out by quenching via contact with a surface which is at a temperature in a range from 5 to 50 ° C, particularly preferably in a range of 10 to 30 ° C is kept. Then at least the flanks are separated from the surface. The severing can be carried out in any manner known to the person skilled in the art and appearing suitable in order to sever the flanks quickly, as precisely and cleanly as possible. The separation is preferably carried out by means of a knife, laser beam or water jet, or a combination of two or more thereof, the use of knives, in particular a pot knife, being particularly preferred. Laminating

According to the invention, the barrier layer can be superimposed on the carrier layer as a layer. Here, the prefabricated carrier and barrier layers are connected with the help of a suitable laminating agent. A preferred laminating agent includes an intermediate polymer composition, from which an intermediate polymer layer is preferably obtained.

Folding the sheet-like composite

The sheet-like composite is preferably folded in a temperature range from 10 to 50 ° C, preferably in a range from 15 to 45 ° C and particularly preferably in a range from 20 to 40 ° C. This can be achieved in that the sheet-like composite has a temperature in the above ranges. It is further preferred that a folding tool, preferably together with the sheet-like composite, has a temperature in the above range. For this purpose, the folding tool preferably does not have a heater. Rather, the folding tool or the sheet-like composite or both can be cooled. Furthermore, it is preferred that the folding takes place at a temperature of a maximum of 50 ° C as “cold folding” and the joining takes place at over 50 ° C, preferably over 80 ° C and particularly preferably over 120 ° C as “heat sealing”. The above conditions and in particular temperatures preferably also apply in the vicinity of the folding, for example se in the housing of the folding tool.

According to the invention, "folding" is understood to mean a process in which, preferably by means of a folding edge of a folding tool, an elongated kink forming an angle is produced in the folded sheet-like composite. For this purpose, two adjoining surfaces of a sheet-like composite are often bent more and more towards one another The folding creates at least two adjoining folding surfaces, which can then be connected at least in partial areas to form a container area. According to the invention, the connection can be made by any measure that appears suitable to a person skilled in the art and enables a connection that is as gas- and liquid-tight as possible can be done by sealing or gluing or a combination of both measures. In the case of victory, the connection is created by means of a liquid and its solidification. In the case of gluing, chemical bonds are formed between the interfaces or surfaces of the two objects to be connected, which create the connection. When sealing or gluing, it is often advantageous to press the surfaces to be sealed or glued together.

Connect

Any connection which appears to be suitable for the use according to the invention and by means of which a sufficiently strong connection can be obtained comes into consideration as a connection. A preferred connection is one selected from the group consisting of sealing, gluing, and pressing, or a combination of at least two thereof. In the case of victory, the connection is created by means of a liquid and its stiffness. In the case of gluing, chemical bonds are formed between the interfaces or surfaces of the two objects to be connected, which create the connection. When sealing or gluing, it is often advantageous to press the surfaces to be sealed or glued together. A preferred pressing of two layers is pressing a first surface of a first of the two layers onto a second surface of the second of the two layers facing the first surface for at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%, of the first surface. A particularly preferred connection is sealing. A preferred sealing includes the steps of heating, laying on top of one another and pressing, the steps preferably taking place in this sequence. Another sequence is also conceivable, in particular the sequence of laying one on top of the other, heating and pressing. A preferred heating is heating a polymer layer, preferably a thermoplastic layer, more preferably a polyethylene layer or a polypropylene layer or both. Another preferred heating is heating a polyethylene layer to a temperature in a range from 80 to 140 ° C, more preferably from 90 to 130 ° C, most preferably from 100 to 120 ° C. Another preferred heating is heating a polypropylene layer to a temperature in a range from 120 to 200 ° C, more preferably from 130 to 180 ° C, at the preferably from 140 to 170 ° C. Another preferred heating takes place to a sealing temperature of the polymer layer. Preferred heating can take place by radiation, by hot gas, by solid heat contact, by mechanical vibrations, preferably by ultrasound, by convection, or by a combination of at least two of these measures. A particularly preferred heating is done by exciting an ultrasonic vibration.

food

The sheet-like composite and the container precursor in the context of the invention are preferably designed to produce a, preferably closed, food medium container. Furthermore, the container according to the invention is preferably a, preferably closed, food container. All foods known to the person skilled in the art for human consumption and also animal feed come into consideration as food. Before ferred foods are liquid above 5 ° C, such as dairy products, soups, sauces, non-carbonated drinks.

Container precursors

A container precursor is a preliminary stage of the container which arises in the manufacture of a preferably closed container. In this case, the container precursor contains the flat composite, preferably as a blank. Here, the sheet-like composite can be folded or folded unge. A preferred container precursor is cut to size and designed to produce a single, preferably closed, container. A preferred container precursor, which is tailored and designed for the production of a single container, is also referred to as a jacket or sleeve. In this case, the jacket or sleeve contains the sheet-like composite folded, preferably along at least two longitudinal folds along one longitudinal groove in each case. These longitudinal folds can, but need not, already form longitudinal edges of the container. Furthermore, the jacket or sleeve contains a longitudinal seam and is open into a head area and a bottom area. A typical container precursor that is tailored and configured to produce a variety of containers is often referred to as a hose. A preferred container precursor is formed in one piece from. container

The preferably closed container according to the invention can have a multitude of different shapes, but an essentially cuboid structure is preferred. Furthermore, the container can be formed over the entire area from the sheet-like composite or have a two-part or multi-part structure. In the case of a multi-part structure, it is conceivable that, in addition to the sheet-like composite, other materials are also used, for example plastic, which can be used in particular in the top or bottom areas of the container. In this case, however, it is preferred that at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 70% and, moreover, preferably at least 90% of the area of the container is made up of the sheet-like composite. Furthermore, the container can have a device for emptying the contents. This can for example be formed from a polymer or a mixture of polymers and applied to the outside of the container. It is also conceivable that this device is integrated into the container by “direct injection molding”. According to a preferred embodiment, the container according to the invention has at least one, preferably from 4 to 22 or even more edges, particularly preferably from 7 to 12 edges. In the context of the present invention, edges are understood to be areas that arise when a surface is folded. The elongated contact areas of two wall surfaces of the container, also referred to herein as longitudinal edges, may be mentioned as exemplary edges. In the container, the container walls preferably represent the surfaces of the container framed by the edges. The interior of a container according to the invention preferably contains a food item. The container preferably does not contain a cover or base which is not formed in one piece with the sheet-like composite, or both. A preferred container holds food.

Opening / opening aid

Usually the opening of the container is produced by at least partial destruction of the hole cover layers covering the at least one hole. This destruction can be done by cutting, pressing into the container or pulling out of the container. The destruction can be done by an opening aid connected to the container and arranged in the area of the at least one hole, usually above the at least one hole, for example This can also take place through a drinking straw that is pushed through the perforated cover layers. Furthermore, it is preferred in an embodiment according to the invention that an opening aid is provided in the area of the at least one hole. It is preferred here that the opening aid is provided on the surface of the assembly that represents the outside of the container. Furthermore, the container preferably includes a closure, for example a lid, on the outside of the container. It is preferred that the closure at least partially, preferably completely, covers the hole. The closure thus protects the hole cover layers, which are less robust than the areas outside the at least one hole, from harmful mechanical effects. To open the hole cover layers covering the at least one hole, the closure often includes the opening aid. As such, for example, hooks for tearing out at least part of the perforated cover layers, edges or cutting edges for cutting into the perforated cover layers or spikes for pressing through the perforated cover layers or a combination of at least two thereof are suitable. These opening aids are often mechanically coupled to a screw cap or a cap of the closure, for example via a hinge, so that the opening aid acts on the hole cover layers to open the closed container when the screw cap or cap is actuated. Occasionally, in the specialist literature, such closure systems, including composite layers that cover a hole, are referred to as “overcoated holes” with “applied fittings” via coverable closures with opening aids.

MEASUREMENT METHODS

The following measurement methods were used in the context of the invention. Unless stated otherwise, the measurements were carried out at an ambient temperature of 23 ° C., an ambient air pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm) and a relative humidity of 50%.

Separating individual layers

If individual layers of a laminate - such as the barrier layer - are to be examined here, the layer to be examined is initially described as follows. ben separated from the laminate. Three sample pieces of the sheet-like composite are cut to size. Unless otherwise stated, unfolded and non-grooved areas of the sheet-like composite are used for this purpose. Unless otherwise stated, the sample pieces have the dimensions 4 cm x 4 cm. If other dimensions of the layer to be examined are necessary for the examination to be carried out, sufficiently large sample pieces are cut from the laminate. The sample pieces are placed in an acetic acid bath (30% acetic acid solution: 30% by weight CH3COOH, the remainder to 100% by weight H2O) heated to 60 ° C. for 30 minutes. This separates the layers from one another. If necessary, the layers can also be carefully pulled off each other manually. If the desired layer cannot be removed sufficiently well, new sample pieces are used as an alternative and these are treated in an ethanol bath (99% ethanol) as described above. If there are residues of the carrier layer on the layer to be examined (for example the polymer outer layer or the polymer intermediate layer) (especially in the case of a cardboard layer as the carrier layer), these are carefully removed with a brush. From each of the three foils prepared in this way, a sample of sufficient size for the investigation to be carried out is cut out (unless otherwise stated with an area of 4 cm ² ). These samples are then stored at 23 ° C. for 4 hours and thus dried. The three samples can then be examined. Unless otherwise stated, the test result is the arithmetic mean of the results for the three samples.

M FR value

The MFR value is measured in accordance with ISO 1133-1: 2012, method A (mass determination method), unless otherwise stated at 190 ° C and 2.16 kg).

density

The density is measured according to the ISO 1183-1: 2013 standard.

Scott Bond value

The Scott Bond value is determined according to Tappi 569. Melting temperature

The melting temperature is determined using the DSC method ISO 11357-1, -5. The device is calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions using the following measurements:

Temperature indium - onset temperature,

Heat of fusion indium,

T emperature zinc - Onset temperature.

The recorded measurement curve can have several local maxima (melting peaks), that is to say several melting temperatures. If a melting temperature above a certain value is required here, this condition is met if one of the measured melting temperatures is above this value. If reference is made herein to a melting temperature of a polymer layer, a polymer composition or a polymer, then in the case of several measured melting temperatures (melting peaks), unless stated otherwise, the highest melting temperature is always meant.

Viscosity number of PA

The viscosity number of PA is measured in 95% sulfuric acid in accordance with the DIN EN ISO 307 (2013) standard.

Molecular weight distribution

The molecular weight distribution is measured according to gel permeation chromatography by means of light scattering: ISO 16014-3 / -5 (2009-09).

Moisture content of the cardboard

The moisture content of the cardboard is measured according to the ISO 287: 2009 standard.

liability

To determine the adhesion of two adjacent layers, they are fixed on a 90 ° peel test device, for example from Instron “German rotating wheel fixture”, on a rotatable roller that rotates at 40 mm / min during the measurement. The samples were previously cut into strips 15 mm wide. On one side of the sample, the layers are detached from each other and the detached end is placed in a pulling device pointing vertically upwards clamped. A measuring device for determining the tensile force is attached to the pulling device. When the roller rotates, the force is measured that is necessary to separate the layers from one another. This force corresponds to the adhesion of the layers to one another and is given in N / 15 mm. The individual layers can be separated mechanically, for example, or by targeted pretreatment, for example by soaking the sample for 3 minutes in 30% acetic acid at 60 ° C.

Oxygen transmission rate

The oxygen transmission rate is determined according to the ASTM D3985-05 (2010) standard. Unless otherwise specified, the sample to be examined is taken from a non-grooved and non-folded area of the laminate. Furthermore, the sample to be examined is tested with the side facing outward in the laminate facing the test gas. The area of the sample is 50 cm ² . The measurements are carried out at an ambient temperature of 23 ° C, an ambient air pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm) and a relative humidity of 50%. The test device is an Ox-Tran 2/22 from Mocon, Neuwied, Germany. The measurement is carried out without air pressure compensation. Samples with the ambient temperature are used for the measurements. Further settings and influencing factors for the measurement - in particular the others listed under point 16 of the ASTM D3985-05 (2010) standard - are specified by the measuring device used or by the proper use and maintenance of its according to the manufacturer's manual.

Bending resistance

The bending resistance is determined according to the bending resistance method of the ISO 2493-2: 2011 standard. An L&W Bending Tester code 160 from Lorentzen & Wettre, Sweden is used for the measurement. As described in the standard, the samples which are used to determine the bending resistance of the carrier layer or the sheet-like composite have a width of 38 mm and a clamping length of 50 mm. Only samples without creases, folds or edges are used for the measurement. The samples are taken according to the ISO 186 standard. The bending resistance is determined by deflecting the sample by 15 °. The bending test described in the ISO 2493-2: 2011 standard is a 2-point bending test. For use in this document is a direction in which the carrier layer or the sheet-like composite has a bending resistance, a direction of a straight line that connects the 2 points of application of the 2-point bending test. This is preferably the direction in which the carrier layer or the sheet-like composite bends as a result of the bending. The carrier layer or the sheet-like composite preferably forms a straight fold line perpendicular to the direction of the bending resistance if the sample is deflected far enough to be folded.

Tightness

Crystal Oil 60 from Shell Chemicals with methylene blue is used as a test agent for leak testing. For this test, 250 containers are produced from the laminate to be examined as described below for the examples and comparative examples, filled with water and sealed. The closed containers are then each cut open along their circumference in such a way that an upwardly open container part, including the closed bottom area, is obtained. This part of the container is filled with approx. 20 ml of the test agent and stored for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the container parts on the outside of the bottom area are then checked with the naked eye to see whether the test agent has produced blue discolouration there in the event of a leak in the bottom area.

Determination of the colony-forming units per 100 cm ² (CFU / 100 cm ² ) as a measure of the germination of the laminate surface

The European standard method ISO 8784-1: 2005 and the references given in this test specification are selected as the basis for determining the colony-forming units per gram. The test specifications are used here for the investigation of the CFU exposure of the laminate described for the examples and comparative examples. Insofar as deviations from the cited test specifications are necessary when taking samples and determining the CFU of the packaging material, they are explained below. Sampling and sample preparation:

The laminate samples taken must not be touched with the hands. They are stored in sterile plastic bags.

Required tools:

- Contact Petri dishes (plastic) diameter 5.5 cm (e.g. Greiner Bio-one 629180)

- tweezers

- cutter knife

sterile foil pouch or aluminum foil

- sterilizer

- incubator

- sterile workbench

- Culture media: Plate-Count-Agar (e.g. available as Oxoid No. CM 325, Merck No.

105463, Difco No. 247940)

Execution:

240 cm ^{2 of} laminate surface are examined per sample. A contact Petri dish has an area of 24 cm ² . Therefore, 10 contact dishes per sample must be prepared in order to be able to examine the laminate surface mentioned. Sufficient nutrient medium is added to the sterile Petri dishes so that the agar protrudes over the edge of the Petri dish (curvature), but does not overflow the edge. The prepared, cooled contact trays are pressed onto the surface of the laminate to be examined, sealed and incubated under the specified conditions. Make sure that the sample pieces are only touched with sterile tweezers and that the contact cups do not come into contact with the open edge of the pack. The Petri dishes are placed in the incubator with the lid facing down to prevent condensation. The plate count agar is incubated for 5 days at 30 ° C, with the evaluation taking place afterwards.

Evaluation: All colonies present on the contact plates of a sample are counted. The results are converted to CFU (colony-forming units) per 100 cm ² and documented. The value obtained is converted to the surface of the areas to be examined. The invention is illustrated in more detail below by means of examples and drawings, the examples and drawings not signifying any restriction of the invention. Furthermore, the drawings are not to scale unless otherwise stated.

Laminate structure

In the examples (according to the invention) and comparative examples (not according to the invention) the laminates are produced with the layer structure shown in Table 1 below and food containers of the type and shape shown in FIG. 12 are produced therefrom.

Table 1: Structure of the laminates of the examples and the comparative examples

Laminate production

Punching:

The production of the laminates of the examples and comparative examples is always based on the carrier layer. This is provided as roll goods. The carrier layer is provided with a hole for each container to be produced by means of punching with a punching machine in the direction from the inside of the carrier layer to the outside thereof. A differently constructed punching machine is used for each of the examples and comparative examples. Furthermore, the size of the punched holes and the processing speed during punching differ, i.e. the speeds at which the carrier layer runs through the punching machine during punching.

Comparative example 1:

Here a punching machine of the type shown in FIG. 14 is used for punching. In contrast to the situation shown in FIG. 14, however, the punched slugs are not suctioned off. At a processing speed of 300 m / min, circular drinking straw holes with a diameter of 6 mm are punched.

Comparative example 2:

Here a punching machine of the type shown in FIG. 15 is used for punching. At a processing speed of 300 m / min, circular drinking straw holes with a diameter of 6 mm are punched.

Comparative example 3:

Here, a punching machine of the type shown in FIG. 14 with the extraction of the punching slugs explained in the description of the figures is used. At a processing speed of 300 m / min, circular drinking straw holes with a diameter of 6 mm are punched. Example 1 :

A punching machine of the type shown in FIG. 3 with the extraction of the punched slugs explained in the description of the figures is used here. At a processing speed of 300 m / min, circular drinking straw holes with a diameter of 6 mm are punched.

Example 2:

Here, too, a punching machine of the type shown in FIG. 3 is used with the suction of the punching slugs explained in the description of the figures. In contrast to Example 1, oval pouring holes measuring 22 mm × 24 mm are punched here at a processing speed of 800 m / min.

Example 3:

A punching machine of the type shown in FIG. 4 with the extraction of the punched slugs explained in the description of the figures is used here. At a processing speed of 800 m / min, oval pouring holes measuring 22 mm x 24 mm are punched.

Example 4

Here, a punching machine of the type shown in FIG. 5 is used with the extraction of the punched slugs explained in the description of the figures. At a processing speed of 800 m / min, oval pouring holes measuring 22 mm x 24 mm are punched.

Example 5:

A punching machine of the type shown in FIG. 1 with the suction of the punched slugs explained in the description of the figures is used here. At a processing speed of 800 m / min, oval pouring holes measuring 22 mm x 24 mm are punched. Example 6:

A punching machine of the type shown in FIG. 2 with the extraction of the punched slugs explained in the description of the figures is used here. At a processing speed of 800 m / min, oval pouring holes measuring 22 mm x 24 mm are punched.

Coating:

The laminates are produced using an extrusion coating system from Davis Standard. The extrusion temperature here is in a range from approx. 280 to 330 ° C. After the carrier layer has been provided with holes as described above, the polymer outer layer is extrusion coated onto the outside of the carrier layer. The holes in the carrier layer are covered with the polymer outer layer. Then the barrier layer, together with the first adhesion promoter layer and the polymer intermediate layer, is applied to the carrier layer previously coated with the polymer outer layer, but now on the inside thereof. Again, the holes are covered with the layers mentioned. The further adhesion promoter layer, the further polymer layer and the polymer inner layer are then coextruded onto the barrier layer and the holes in the carrier layer are again covered. To apply the individual layers by extrusion, the polymers are melted in an extruder. When a polymer is applied in a layer, the resulting melt is transferred via a feed block into a nozzle and extruded onto the carrier layer. The color application is also printed onto the polymer outer layer in a gravure printing process. The VB67 coloring system from Siegwerk Druckfarben AG, Siegburg, Germany, is used to create a 4-color decoration that leaves out the holes in the carrier layer. Each color is printed with a standard printing unit from Kochsiek, Germany. The laminate is then creased to make it easier to fold later. For each container to be produced, a creasing pattern is introduced which contains 4 longitudinal creases. Along the 4 longitudinal grooves in the finished container, the longitudinal edges run from the bottom to the top of the container. Container manufacturing

The laminate obtained as described above is cut into blanks for individual containers, each blank containing one of the above holes. A jacket-shaped container precursor of the shape shown in FIG. 11 is obtained by folding along the longitudinal ribs of each blank and heat-sealing overlapping folding surfaces. A closed container of the shape shown in FIG. 12 is produced from this jacket in a filling machine. In the comparative examples and example 1, a CFA 712 filling machine from SIG Combibloc, Linnich, is used. For Examples 2 to 6, a CFA 312 filling machine from SIG Combibloc, Linnich, is used. In the respective filling machine, a bottom area is created by folding and closed by hot air sealing. This creates a cup that is open at the top. The cup is sterilized with hydrogen peroxide. The cup is also filled with water. The head area of the cup, which contains the hole, is closed by folding and ultrasonic sealing, thus obtaining a closed container.

evaluation

In the production described above, for the comparative examples and example 1, the wear of the punching tools, in particular the punch, and the reject production, that is to say the frequency of the occurrence of obvious quality defects, are observed. Furthermore, the contamination of the laminates produced before the container production and the tightness of the containers produced are examined using the above measurement methods. The contamination is determined on the grilled laminates before further processing. The contamination is determined on the inside of the laminate provided for contact with the food to be introduced into the container, that is on the inside of the polymer inner layer. The results are summarized in Table 2. Here, + means a more advantageous result than 0 with regard to the examined criterion, and 0 means a more advantageous result than -.

Table 2: Test results for the comparative examples and example 1

When punching according to Comparative Example 1, it can be observed that punched slugs remain in the die, collect there and thus clog the die. This appears to damage the stamp. Furthermore, punched slugs often fly around between the rotating machine parts and come to rest on the cardboard web, onto which the polymer outer layer is then coated. Cardboard slugs are thus laminated in, which means an obvious quality defect and thus the production of rejects. In addition, the punching process creates dust that contains cardboard fibers. This dust can settle on both sides of the cardboard web. This can lead to contamination problems in container production. In particular, it can be observed that cardboard fibers are laminated on the inside. Longer fibers can protrude through the inner layers of the laminate and create a liquid bridge between the food and cardboard.

With the punching machine of Comparative Example 2, the problem of the die clogging can be largely eliminated. However, the construction of this punching machine requires a tool-less counter-punching cylinder. As a result, the punching cannot be done by shearing edges, so that the punch must be equipped with a ground cutting edge. Such a punch is significantly more susceptible to wear than a punch without a cutting edge. Furthermore, it happens again and again that punched slugs detach themselves from the barbs before the doffer, fly around and are ultimately laminated in. Consequently, the problem of scrap production is reduced, but not solved to a satisfactory degree. In addition, the problem of dust generation becomes clear in Comparative Example 2, but not sufficiently diminished. Since the lack of airtightness of a container and a reduced shelf life due to germs show up directly to the consumer as a quality defect, a small proportion of containers of reduced quality is to be assessed as being very disadvantageous.

These setbacks of Comparative Example 2 are to be countered in Comparative Example 3 by using the punching machine of Comparative Example 1 again, but now the slugs are sucked off from the outside as indicated in FIG. Compared to comparative example 1, clogging of the die can be reduced, but not avoided to a sufficient extent. Thus the punch still wears out due to clogging of the die. Slugs that do not get stuck in the die are largely sucked off and hardly fly around. With regard to the dust generated during punching, however, the suction seems to be less effective. There is also a significant contamination of the laminate, which can reduce the shelf life of the container. However, there are no leaks. Without wishing to be stipulated, one explanation for this can be that larger particles, which, as described above, can lead to leaks when laminating in, are suctioned off more effectively than smaller particles, which can lead to fewer leaks, but can lead to germs. Another factor influencing the contamination can be the increased air movement and thus the increased transport of particles and germs in the air due to external suction.

With the punching machine of Example 1, all of the aforementioned problems can be significantly reduced or even eliminated.

In example 2, the same punching machine as in example 1 is used. However, a higher processing speed is used. Furthermore, a corresponding punch and a corresponding die are used for the significantly larger punch hole. Thus, the resulting cardboard slugs are significantly larger, which makes it more difficult to vacuum them in addition to the increased processing speed. In Examples 3 to 6, the same holes as in Example 2 are punched at the same processing speed. The reliability of the extraction can be checked by counting the completely extracted slugs per product on cycle and inspection of the suction path for debris that have not been suctioned off. The results of the investigations for Examples 2 to 6 are summarized in Table 3. In this, + means a result that is more advantageous than - with regard to the examined criterion.

Table 3: Test results for Examples 2 to 6

In order to maintain the machine, it is necessary to occasionally expand the punching tools, even with reduced wear. Due to the design, the removal of the first punching tool, which contains the die, is very complex in the punching machines of Examples 2 and 3. This effort is significantly reduced in Examples 4 to 6. If the volume of the containers to be manufactured is to be changed in production, the container height must be adjusted. This also changes the position of the holes to be punched on the cardboard track. The punching tools must then be moved along their axis of rotation. This is easily possible in Examples 5 and 6 by loosening fixings on the punching tools. In Examples 2 to 4, this is not possible for the first punching tool with the die due to the design. If the examined criteria are weighed up, example 6 leads to the best overall result. The results of the tightness tests and the contamination are as good for Examples 2 to 6 as for Example 1.

Unless otherwise stated in the description or the respective figure, the following are shown schematically and not to scale: Figures 1 to 5 each a schematic representation of a device according to the invention in cross section;

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method according to the invention for producing a sheet-like composite;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a section of a flat substrate;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a detail of a flat composite;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a section of a further sheet-like substrate;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a section of a further sheet-like composite;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of a container forerunner according to the invention;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of a container according to the invention;

FIG. 13 shows a flow diagram of a method according to the invention for producing a closed container;

FIGS. 14 and 15 each show a schematic representation of a punching machine of the prior art;

FIGS. 16 a) to in each case a schematic cross-sectional view of a punch without d) cutting edge; and

FIG. 16 e) a schematic cross-sectional representation of a punch with a cutting edge.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 100 according to the invention in cross section. The device 100 is a punching machine that includes a first punching tool 101 and a further punching tool 104. The first punching tool 101 is arranged and configured so as to be rotatable in a first direction of rotation 102 about a first axis of rotation 103. The further punching tool 104 is arranged and embodied so as to be rotatable about a further axis of rotation 106 in a further direction of rotation 105 running counter to the first direction of rotation 102. The first axis of rotation 103 is elongated in a first direction 107. The further punching tool 104 includes a punch 108 for punching at least a hole in a sheet-like substrate. The stamp 108 is designed as shown in FIG. 16a). The first punching tool 101 includes a die 109, which is designed as a counterpart to the punch 108. The first 103 and the further axis of rotation 106, the first 101 and the further punching tool 104 as well as the die 109 and the punch 108 are arranged and designed in such a way that in a sheet-like substrate located at least partially between the first 101 and the further punching tool 104 ( not shown) by rotating the first punching tool 101 about the first axis of rotation 103 in the first direction of rotation 102 and rotating the further punching tool 104 about the further axis of rotation 106 in the further direction of rotation 105, the punch 108 is brought into engagement with the die 108 and thus at least a hole can be punched in the sheet-like substrate. For this purpose, the device further includes a first shaft 114, which is arranged and designed to be rotatable about the first axis of rotation 103 in the first direction of rotation 102. The first punching tool 101 is rigid but releasably connected to the first shaft 114. The further punching tool 104 is rigidly but detachably connected to a further shaft 115 which is arranged and designed to be rotatable about the further axis of rotation 106 in the further direction of rotation 105. Furthermore, the first punching tool 101 includes a first cavity 110. The die 109 forms a first inlet opening 111 of the first cavity 110. In addition, the first punching tool 101 includes a first outlet opening 112 of the first cavity 110. The first punching tool 101 is cylindrical. The first input opening 111 is arranged on a cylinder jacket surface of the first punching tool 101, while the first output opening 112 is arranged in an end surface of the first punching tool 101 pointing in the first direction 107. The further punching tool 104 is also cylindrical, with the punch 108 being arranged on a cylinder jacket surface of the further punching tool 104. The device 100 further includes a rotationally fixed element 116, which is cylindrical and is arranged on the first axis of rotation 103, but is not connected to the first shaft 114. The rotationally fixed element 116 is arranged in a spatially fixed manner. Here, the rotationally fixed element 116 is spatially fixed, this fixing being releasable, so that the rotationally fixed element 116 can be displaced in the first direction 107 after the fixing has been released. The rotationally fixed element 116 contains a further cavity 117 with a further inlet opening 118 and a further outlet opening 119. The first inlet opening 118 is in an end face of the rotationally fixed th element 116 is arranged, which faces the first punching tool 101 counter to the first direction 107. First output opening 112 and further input opening 118 are arranged and designed congruently. The further outlet opening 119 is arranged in a cylinder jacket surface of the rotationally fixed element 116. The first axis of rotation 103 runs through the first output opening 112 and the further input opening 118, but not through the further output opening 119. A suction hose (not shown) is connected to the further output opening 119, which leads to a suction device (not shown) which An air flow is generated by means of a motor and a turbine along a transport path 113. The transport path 113 runs from the first inlet opening 111 through the first cavity 110, through the first outlet opening 112, over a distance 120 between the first punching tool 101 and the rotationally fixed element 116, through the further inlet opening 118, the further cavity 117, the further outlet opening 119 , into the suction hose and up to a collecting container (not shown) for punched slugs. A punch generated when punching the at least one hole in the sheet-like substrate is picked up by the air flow from the die 109 and along the transport path 113 through the first inlet opening 111 into the first cavity 110, through the first outlet opening 112, beyond the distance 120 away, through the further A entrance opening 118 into the further cavity 117, through the further exit opening 119 out into the suction hose up to the collecting container. The construction of the punching machine with the rotationally fixed element 116 allows, in particular, a reliable extraction of comparatively large punched slugs at high processing speeds. Furthermore, a spacing 120 adjusted to 0.3 mm between facing end faces of the rotationally fixed element 116 and the first punching tool 101 enables particularly reliable suction of punched slugs. The adjustment can be carried out quite simply by moving the rotationally fixed element 116 along the first direction 107 and, in the opposite direction, after releasing the fixing of the rotationally fixed element 116.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a further device 100 according to the invention in cross section. The device 100 of FIG. 2 is a punching machine which is designed like the device 100 of FIG. Deviating from this, the further outlet opening is not arranged in the cylinder jacket surface of the rotationally fixed element 116, but in an end face of the rotationally fixed element 116 pointing away from the first punching tool 101 in the first direction 107. As a result, the further cavity 117 is arranged and formed rotationally symmetrically about the first axis of rotation 103. As a result, the first axis of rotation 103 runs through the further inlet opening 118 and the further outlet opening 119. Although the centrifugal forces generated during punching should press the punching slugs in the further cavity 117 radially outwards and one would therefore expect an arrangement of the further ones Output opening 119 according to FIG. 1 is more advantageous, the device 100 shown in FIG. 2 surprisingly allows even more reliable suction of punched slugs than the device 100 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a further device 100 according to the invention in cross section. The device 100 of FIG. 3 is a punching machine which is basically designed like the device 100 of FIG. However, the rotationally fixed element 116 is missing here. Furthermore, the first shaft is formed in one piece with the first punching tool 101. The suction hose is connected to the first outlet opening 112 here. Furthermore, the first punching tool 101, since it simultaneously represents the first shaft, cannot be displaced.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a further device 100 according to the invention in cross section. The device 100 of FIG. 4 is a punching machine which is basically designed like the device 100 of FIG. Here, however, the first corrugation 14 and the first punching tool 101 are not formed in one piece. Rather, the first shaft 114 is in two parts and is flanged to opposite end faces of the first punching tool 101. The first shaft 114 contains a further cavity 117 running rotationally symmetrically along a length of the first shaft 114 with a further inlet opening 118 and a further outlet opening 119. The further inlet opening 118 and the first outlet opening 112 are arranged and designed congruently with one another.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a further device 100 according to the invention in cross section. The device 100 of FIG. 5 is a punching machine which is designed like the device 100 of FIG. Here, however, the first shaft 114 is not flanged to the first punching tool 101. Instead, the first punching tool is a hollow cylinder of the first shaft 114 and releasably fixed, so that, after the fixing has been released, it can be displaced in the first direction 107 and in the opposite direction and thus removed from the first shaft 114. This makes it easier to remove the first punching tool 101 for maintenance purposes. However, expansion is also necessary if only the volume of the containers 1200 to be produced is to be changed, since here the congruence of the first output opening 112 and the further input opening 118 to change the position of the die 1098 along the first direction 107 is a different pair of the first Shaft 114 and first punching tool 101 required. In contrast to FIG. 4, the further cavity 117 in the first shaft 114 is not rotationally symmetrical here.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of a method 600 according to the invention for producing a sheet-like composite 800. In method step a) 601, the device 100 of FIG. 2 and the carrier layer 701 given in the above examples are first provided as a sheet-like substrate. In a method step b) 602, for each container 1200 to be produced, a hole is punched in the sheet-like substrate by means of the first 101 and the further punching tool 104 of the device 100. More precisely, the sheet-like substrate is guided in a further direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction 107, at a speed of 600 m / min between the first punching tool 101 and the further punching tool 104 and by rotating the first punching tool 101 about the first axis of rotation 103 in the first direction of rotation 102 and rotating the further punching tool 104 about the further axis of rotation 106 in the further direction of rotation 105, the holes are punched into the sheet-like substrate. The resulting cardboard punched slugs are sucked off by the air flow along the transport path 113 and collected in the collecting container. In further method steps 603 to 605, a polymer outer layer 801, a polymer intermediate layer 802 and a barrier layer 803 and a polymer inner layer 803 are coated onto the carrier layer 701 as explained in detail above for the examples, and finally, in a method step 606, the polymer outer layer 801 is coated with paint 702 printed as described in more detail for the examples.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a section of a planar substrate 700. The planar substrate 700 consists of a carrier layer 701 with a first side 704 and a further side 703 and a color application 702 which is printed on the carrier layer 701 on the further side 703 and which represents a decoration. After punching with a punching machine according to one of FIGS. 1 to 5, the carrier layer 701 has the at least one hole 705.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a section of a sheet-like composite 800 for producing dimensionally stable food containers. The sheet-like composite 800 is formed by coating an outer polymer layer 801 on the paint application 702 on the other side 703 of the carrier layer 701 and an intermediate polymer layer 802, a barrier layer 803, an adhesion promoter layer 804 and an inner polymer layer 805 on the opposite first side 704 of the carrier layer 701 and Covering the at least one hole with the layers mentioned can be obtained from the sheet-like substrate of FIG. 7 after punching. The at least one hole 705 in the carrier layer 701 is not shown here.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a section of a further sheet-like substrate 700. The sheet-like substrate 700 consists of a carrier layer 701 with a first side 704 and an opposite further side 703 with the device according to one of Figures 1 to 5 is available.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a detail of a further sheet-like composite 800. The sheet-like composite 800 can be obtained from the sheet-like substrate 700 of FIG. 9 by means of method steps 603 to 606 of method 600 in FIG. As a result, the sheet-like composite 800 consists of overlapping layers of a layer sequence in the direction from an outside of the sheet-like composite 800 to an opposite inside of a paint application 702 that forms a decoration on another side 703 of a carrier layer 701, a polymer outer layer 801 , the carrier layer 701 and, on the first side 704 thereof, a polymer intermediate layer 802, a barrier layer 803, an adhesion promoter layer 804 and an inner polymer layer 805. The at least one hole 705 in the carrier layer 701 is not shown here. FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of a container precursor 1100 according to the invention. The container precursor 1100 contains a cut of the sheet-like composite 800 of FIG. 10 for producing a single closed container 1200. Accordingly, the container precursor 1100 contains one 705 of the holes in the sheet-like composite 800 covered with the polymer outer layer 801 (not shown), the polymer intermediate layer 802 (not shown), the barrier layer 803, the adhesion promoter layer 804 (not shown) and the polymer inner layer 805 (not shown) as hole cover layers. The container precursor 1100 is jacket-shaped with edges 1101, which are longitudinal edges, ausgebil det. Furthermore, the container forerunner 1100 contains a longitudinal seam 1102 in which a first longitudinal edge and a further longitudinal edge of the sheet-like composite 800 are sealed to one another. A closed container 1200 can be obtained by folding along creases 1105 and connecting fold regions to a head region 1103 and a bottom region 1104 of the container precursor 1100. Such a closed container 1200 is shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of a container 1200 according to the invention. The closed container 1200 is produced from the container precursor 1100 according to FIG. The closed container 1200 contains a food item 1201 and has 12 edges 1101. Furthermore, the closed container 1200 is connected to a lid with an opening aid 1202, which covers the hole 1105 on the outside of the sheet-like composite 800. Here, the lid 1202 contains a cutting tool in its interior as an opening aid.

FIG. 13 shows a flow chart of a method according to the invention for producing a closed container 1200. In a method step A) 1301, the container precursor 1100 according to FIG. 11 is provided. In a method step B) 1302, a bottom region 1104 of the container precursor 1100 is formed by folding the sheet-like composite 800. In a method step C) 1303, the bottom area 1104 is closed by sealing with hot air at a temperature of 300 ° C. In a method step D) 1304, the container precursor 1100 is filled with a food 1201 and in a method step E) 1305 For example, the container precursor 1100 is sealed in a head portion 1103 to maintain the closed container 1200. In a method step F) 1306, an opening aid 1202 is glued onto the closed container 1200.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic representation of a punching machine 1400 of the prior art. This punching machine 1400 has a punching cylinder 1401 with a die and a punching cylinder 1402 with a punch. Both punching cylinders 1401 and 1402 are each arranged on a shaft 1403 so that they can rotate in opposite directions. In FIG. 14, behind the punching cells 1401 and 1402, a suction device 1404 is arranged so that punching slugs can be suctioned off in the lateral direction into the plane of the figure.

FIG. 15 shows a schematic representation of a further punching machine 1500 of the prior art. This punching machine 1500 has a punching cylinder 1501 with a multiplicity of punches 1502, each of which is designed as a hollow cylinder with cutting edges, and a counter-punching cylinder 1505. The stamps 1502 are of the type shown in FIG. 16 e). In each of the stamps there is an elastic element 1504, for example made of polyurethane. A barb 1503 is arranged on the counter-punching cylinder 1505 for each of the punches. When punching with the punching machine 1500, one of the elastic elements 1504 now presses the punch 1506 onto one of the barbs 1503. The punch 1506 is finally removed from the barb 1503 by a pickup 1507, which is designed as a brush, so that the punch 1506 down falls into a collecting container (not shown).

FIG. 16 a) to d) each show a schematic cross-sectional representation of a punch 108 without a cutting edge. The stamps 108 of FIGS. 16 a) to d) are designed as solid bodies and each have a circumferential edge 1601 which has an edge angle 1602 circumferentially (FIGS. 16 a), b) and d)) or in sections (FIG. C)). The stamps 108 shown are not ground. The edge angles 1602 in FIGS. 16 a) and b) are 90 °, in FIG. 16 c) 50 ° and FIG. 16 d) 30 °. FIG. 16 e) shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a further punch 108. The punch 108 is designed as a hollow cylinder which contains a cutting edge 1604, that is to say a ground bevel, on one end face. The unpolished surfaces 1603 which adjoin one another at the cutting edge 1604 (inner and outer circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder) are parallel to one another. In other words, these surfaces do not form an angle, at least not an angle that is greater than 5 °.

LIST OF REFERENCES Device according to the invention

first punching tool

first direction of rotation

first axis of rotation

another punching tool

further direction of rotation

further axis of rotation

first direction

stamp

die

first cavity

first entrance opening

first exit opening

Transport route

first shaft or first axis

another shaft or another axis

rotationally fixed element

another cavity

further entrance opening

further exit opening

distance

method according to the invention

Process step a)

Process step b)

Coating with a polymer outer layer

Coating with polymer interlayer and barrier layer

Coating with polymer inner layer

Printing

flat substrate 701 carrier layer

702 paint application

703 more pages

704 first page

705 holes

800 planar composite

801 polymer outer layer

802 intermediate polymer layer

803 barrier layer

804 bonding agent layer

805 polymer inner layer

1100 container precursor of the invention

1101 edge

1102 longitudinal seam

1103 header

1104 floor area

1105 creasing

1200 container according to the invention

1201 foods

1202 opening aid with lid

1300 method according to the invention for producing a closed container

1301 process step A)

1302 process step B)

1303 process step C)

1304 process step D)

1305 process step E)

1306 process step F)

1400 prior art punching machine

1401 punch cylinder with die

1402 punch cylinder with stamp

1403 wave 1404 suction device

1500 additional prior art punching machines

1501 punch cylinder

1502 stamp with cutting edge

1503 barbs

1504 elastic element

1505 counter-punching cylinder

1506 punched slugs

1507 customers

1601 edge

1602 edge angle

1603 unsanded surfaces

1604 cutting edge

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. A device (100) included as components

a) a first punching tool (101) which is arranged and designed to be rotatable in a first direction of rotation (102) about a first axis of rotation (103); and

b) a further punching tool (104) which is arranged and designed to be rotatable about a further axis of rotation (106) in a further direction of rotation (105) which is opposite to the first direction of rotation (102)

wherein the first axis of rotation (103) extends longitudinally in a first direction (107); wherein the further punching tool (104) includes a punch (108) for punching at least one hole (1105) in a sheet-like substrate (700);

wherein the first punching tool (101) includes a die (109) which is designed as a counterpart to the punch (108);

characterized in that the first punching tool (101) includes a first cavity (110),

wherein the die (109) forms a first inlet opening (111) of the first cavity (110),

wherein the first punching tool (101) additionally includes a first exit opening (112) of the first cavity (110) which is arranged and designed such that a punching slug of the sheet-like substrate (700) received by the die (109) along a transport path (113 ), which runs through the first cavity (110) and the first exit opening (112), can be transported.

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first (103) and the further rotation axis (106), the first (101) and the further punching tool (104) and the die (109) and the punch (108) are arranged and designed in such a way that a sheet-like substrate (700) located at least partially between the first (101) and the further punching tool (104) is inserted into the first by rotating the first punching tool (101) about the first axis of rotation (103) Direction of rotation (102) and rotation of the further punching tool (104) around the further axis of rotation (106) in the further direction of rotation (105) of the punch (108) for engagement with the die (109) brought and so the at least one hole (1105) can be punched in the sheet-like substrate (700);

3. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first axis of rotation (103) extends through the first exit opening (112).

4. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cavity (110) and the first exit opening (112) are arranged and designed so that the transport path (113) in the first cavity (110) at least partially along the first direction (107).

5. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Vorrich device (100) additionally includes a rotationally fixed element (116),

wherein the rotationally fixed element (116) includes a further cavity (117) with a wide Ren inlet opening (118) and a further outlet opening (119), the further cavity (117), the further inlet opening (118) and the further outlet opening (119 ) are arranged and designed in such a way that the punching slug of the sheet-like substrate (700) received by the die (109) along the transport path (113), which also passes through the further inlet opening (118), the white direct cavity (117) and the further Exit opening (119) extends, can be transported.

6. The device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the rotationally fixed element (116) and the first punching tool (101) over at least 50% of a circumference of the transport path (113) between the first output opening (112) and the further input opening ( 118) have a distance in a range of 0.01 to 1 mm.

7. The device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first axis of rotation (103) runs through the further inlet opening (118) or the further outlet opening (119) or through both.

8. A method (600), including as method steps

a) Provide

i) the device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, and

ii) the sheet-like substrate (700);

b) Punching the at least one hole (1105) into the sheet-like substrate (700) by means of the first (101) and the further punching tool (104).

9. The method (600) according to claim 8, wherein the method (600) according to procedural step b) a two-dimensional superimposing and two-dimensional connection of the sheet-like substrate (700) on a first side (704) of the sheet-like substrate (700) with egg contains a barrier layer (803),

wherein the at least one hole (1105) in the sheet-like substrate (700) is covered with the barrier layer (803) when the barrier layer (803) is overlaid.

10. A sheet-like substrate (700) obtainable by the method (600) according to claim 8.

11. A sheet-like composite (800) obtainable by the method (600) according to claim 9.

12. A container precursor (1100) containing at least one sheet-like area of the sheet-like substrate (700) according to claim 10 or of the sheet-like composite (800) according to claim 11,

wherein the at least one sheet-like area contains the at least one hole (1105) in the sheet-like substrate (700).

13. A, preferably closed, container (1200) containing at least one sheet-like area of the sheet-like substrate (700) according to claim 10 or the sheet-like composite (800) according to claim 11, wherein the at least one sheet-like area contains the at least one hole (1105) in the sheet-like substrate (700).

14. A method (1300), including as method steps

A) providing the container precursor (1100) according to claim 12;

B) shaping a bottom region (1104) of the container precursor (1100) by folding the at least one sheet-like region;

C) closing the bottom area (1104);

D) filling the container precursor (1100) with a food (1201), and E) closing the container precursor (1100) in a head region (1103) while keeping a closed container.

15. A closed container obtainable by the method (1300) of claim 14.

16. A use of the device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7 for Stan zen of the at least one hole (1105) in the sheet-like substrate (700).

17. Use of a suction device for generating a gas flow along the transport path (113) in the device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

18. Use of a sheet-like substrate, including a cardboard layer, as the sheet-like substrate (700) of the method (600) according to one of claims 8 or 9.