Packaging unit for at least two button cells and method for producing a packaging unit

Abstract

PACKAGING UNIT FOR AT LEAST TWO BUTTON CELLS. In the case of a packaging unit (100; 200; 300; 400) for at least two button cells (50), the packaging unit comprises, for each of the button cells, a separate individual compartment (10) enclosing the button cell. Each of the individual compartments (10) is formed from a separate thermoformed plastic cover (11) and a plastic backing film (12) attached thereto. The individual compartments (10) are configured in such a way that they cannot be opened without tools. Furthermore, the packaging unit comprises a loader (20) to which the individual compartments (10) are attached, wherein the individual compartments are spaced side by side on the loader. In addition, the invention comprises a method for producing such a packaging unit.

Description

1 / 22 Packaging unit for at least two button cells and method for producing one packaging unit.

[001] The present invention relates to a childproof packaging unit for at least two button cells. In particular, the packaging unit is a blister-type package. Field of Application and Prior Art

[002] The high demand for button cells inevitably also makes the packaging of this mass-produced item an important factor. This packaging must, on the one hand, be economical, but on the other hand, it must also have an attractive appearance in order to stimulate interest in buying. Retail and storage blister packaging is particularly widespread, that is, a visible packaging in the form of a card, in which the button cells are contained in molded plastic film portions.

[003] EP 259574 A2 discloses an example of a blister-type retail and storage packaging for button cells, in which the packaging is formed on one side by a preferably tear-resistant transparent film made of PVC or polyvinylidene chloride with bowl-shaped reliefs to accommodate the button cells, and on the other side by a closing foil made of aluminum which is sealed over it in a smooth surface form. To remove a button cell, the cell only needs to be pushed from the outside through the easily tearable aluminum foil.

[004] However, this process can be performed very easily, possibly even by a small child. In order to minimize the risk that a small child might unintentionally remove a button cell and swallow it, childproof packaging units that cannot be readily removed are used. Petition 870260034123, dated April 13, 2026, page 6 / 66 2 / 22 opened by a small child are already known. Such packaging is proposed to ensure greater safety and in particular to prevent the inadvertent removal of a button cell by a child.

[005] By way of example, DE 20 2019 101 861 U1 discloses a blister-type retail and storage packaging, in which a molded plastic part is fixed onto a carrier that is formed, for example, from a blank piece of cardboard. The molded plastic part comprises at least one thermoformed recess which, together with the carrier, forms a closed receptacle having a basic circular cylindrical shape for the cylindrical button cell. In addition, the receptacle comprises a lateral space which is preferably configured as a bulge of the central space and which is configured in such a way that it cannot be filled by the button cell.In this packaging configuration, the side opening can be cut with scissors to remove the button cell from the packaging. Tool-free opening is not readily possible, which prevents inadvertent opening by a small child for child safety reasons. Furthermore, the side opening is designed in such a way that the button cell is not contacted by the scissors during cutting, as the button cell, due to its size, does not protrude into the side opening. This prevents the button cell from short-circuiting or being damaged.

[006] An additional safety concern for children is the inadvertent swallowing of a button cell, which is associated with the danger of severe burns to the esophagus due to discharge of the button cell and other serious problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Objective and Achievement

[007] In this context, the invention aims to provide an improved packaging unit for two or more cells of Petition 870260034123, dated April 13, 2026, page 7 / 66 3 / 22 button that takes into account important child safety aspects and also enables a visually appealing sales presentation with a flexible design. Furthermore, particularly economical production of the packaging units is intended to be possible.

[008] This objective is achieved by means of a packaging unit having the characteristics of claim 1. Particularly advantageous configurations of the packaging unit emerge from the claims that are dependent on Claim 1. Furthermore, the objective is achieved by means of a method for producing such a packaging unit according to the additional independent claim. Preferred configurations of the method emerge from the additional claims that are dependent on it.

[009] The packaging unit according to the invention for at least two button cells is characterized by the following features:

[010] a. the packaging unit comprises, for each of the button cells, a separate individual compartment enclosing the button cells, and

[011] b. each of the individual compartments is formed of a separate thermoformed plastic cover and a plastic backing film attached to it, and

[012] c. the individual compartments are configured in such a way that they cannot be opened without tools, and

[013] d. the packaging unit comprises a loader to which the individual compartments are attached, and

[014] e. the individual compartments are spaced side by side on the charger.

[015] According to the invention, each button cell of the packaging unit is enclosed in a separate individual compartment, Petition 870260034123, dated April 13, 2026, p. 8 / 66 4 / 22 and the individual compartments are spaced side by side on the charger. The packaging unit according to the invention allows a plurality of button cells to be packaged, with each individual button cell being encapsulated separately. The individual compartments are formed by the thermoformed plastic cover and the plastic film attached thereto, such that each button cell is closed and encapsulated firmly in a separate manner. The attachment of the rear plastic film to the plastic cover is configured in such a way that this attachment cannot be readily released, i.e., in particular it cannot be pulled out or torn. In particular, a tool, for example, scissors or a knife, is required to open the individual compartment, such that a small child generally cannot open the individual compartment or the capsule.What is achieved by tight encapsulation is that even if the button cell enclosed in the individual compartment were swallowed, the button cell would not present a significant danger, since in particular burns caused by the button cell in the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract could not occur. The button cell would also remain within the individual compartment in a gastrointestinal passage, and in general would be excreted together with said individual compartment as a single unit again.

[016] Furthermore, enclosing the button cells within the individual compartments prevents the button cells from being associated with sweets or anything similar, in such a way that, in this manner, a young child is also discouraged from swallowing such an individual compartment with the button cell contained therein.

[017] In addition, provision may be made for individual compartments to have a certain minimum size that Petition 870260034123, dated April 13, 2026, p. 9 / 66 5 / 22 discourage a young child from swallowing them.

[018] A particular additional advantage associated with individual compartments for individual button cells is of a manufacturing nature. Conventionally, blisters for button cells differ depending on the number of button cells in a packaging unit. A packaging unit for two cells required a different blister than one for three, four, or five button cells. A dedicated tool was consequently required to manufacture each blister. This is completely different according to the present invention: In this case, it is possible to always use the same individual compartments regardless of the number of button cells that a packaging unit intends to comprise. There are differences merely in relation to the number and arrangement of the individual compartments on the loader.

[019] What is achieved by the distance between the individual compartments in the charger is that the button cells can be removed individually from their respective individual compartments in a way that is particularly user-friendly, without an adjacent individual compartment being unintentionally damaged, for example.

[020] Generally speaking, a button cell is understood to mean an electrochemical energy storage cell with a cylindrical housing, whose total height is less than its diameter.

[021] The button cells of the packaging unit according to the invention, in particular, may be lithium button cells, which present a relatively high danger if swallowed. However, the button cells may also be energy storage cells of another type, for example, alkaline button cells or silver oxide button cells or cells of Petition 870260034123, dated April 13, 2026, page 10 / 66 6 / 22 zinc-air button.

[022] With reference to the attachment of the individual compartments comprising the button cells to the charger, the packaging unit is characterized, in preferred configurations, by the following feature:

[023] a. in order to fix the individual compartments to the magazine, provision is made for the rear plastic film of the individual compartments to be fixed, in particular joined by means of adhesive or welded, to the magazine.

[024] By fixing the entire surface of the rear plastic film, i.e., the entire rear side of the individual compartment, to the charger, a secure retention of the individual compartments on the charger is guaranteed. The joining by adhesive or welding can be carried out in a way known to you; thermal sealing, which can preferably be carried out with the aid of a sealant on the charger surface, is particularly suitable.

[025] The packaging unit is, in particular, retail and / or storage packaging.

[026] In particular, the packaging unit charger is a material such as foil, as is usual in the field of blister packaging for button cells or batteries in general or for energy storage cells.

[027] In terms of the loader, the packaging unit is preferably characterized in particular by at least one of the following features:

[028] a. the loader is a loading tray,

[029] b. the carrier comprises at least a proportion of secondary fiberboard, in particular recycled pulp.

[030] Features a. and b. mentioned above are preferably implemented in combination with each other. Petition 870260034123, dated April 13, 2026, p. 11 / 66 7 / 22

[031] The loader is preferably configured as a blank piece of cardboard. Such blank pieces of cardboard are widely used in blister packaging of this type. Particular preference is given to the use of recycled material for the blank piece of cardboard (and also for the production of the individual compartments) in order to reduce the environmental impact. Provision in this case may be made for at least one side of the blank piece of cardboard to be printed in colour and in particular for it to be provided with information about the product. The printed side, in particular, is the side on which the individual compartments are attached. However, the loader may, in principle, also be made of a different material, for example, of a plastic, or it may be made of several materials, for example, of a composite material consisting of cardboard and plastic.

[032] The packaging unit according to the invention is preferably characterized in a particular way by at least one of the following features:

[033] a. the thermoformed plastic cover forms a bowl-shaped recess having a circular outline to accommodate the button cell,

[034] b. the circular outline of the bowl-shaped recess has, in a region of part of a circle, a peripheral enlarged part,

[035] c. the enlarged peripheral part extends along a maximum of 25%, in particular a maximum of 20%, of the circular contour of the bowl-shaped recess,

[036] d. the thermoformed plastic cover has a surrounding flat surface to which the backing plastic film is attached.

[037] Preferably, in particular, the characteristics a. and b. or a. and b. and c. mentioned previously, or most preferably in a particular way, the characteristics a. to d. mentioned previously, are implemented with each other in a way Petition 870260034123, dated April 13, 2026, page 12 / 66 8 / 22 of union.

[038] Because of the circular contour of the bowl-shaped recess of the plastic cover, it is possible for the receptacle to be adapted to the shape and size of the respective button cell in an ideal way. The circular contour of the receptacle is conveniently slightly larger than the button cell, with the result that there is a certain amount of clearance for insertion, during the packaging process, and for removal of the button cell.

[039] The enlarged peripheral part according to characteristic b. The aforementioned feature is provided to facilitate user-friendly opening of the packaging in order to remove the individual button cells while simultaneously providing child safety. The enlarged peripheral part or bulge (lateral space) represents an engagement point for opening the individual compartment by means of a cut with scissors or a cut with a knife. Since this opening operation requires a tool, this represents a very advantageous configuration with reference to the child safety of the packaging unit according to the invention.

[040] The enlarged peripheral part is preferably designed in accordance with characteristic c. mentioned above in such a way that it constitutes only a quarter or less of the circular contour, in such a way that the button cell within the individual compartment cannot slide into the enlarged part. This can also be further aided by the enlarged part having a lower height than the rest of the bowl-shaped recess, with the result that sliding of the button cell in the direction of the enlarged peripheral part is safely prevented.

[041] In addition, provision may be made for at least one scissor cut mark to be located on the charger in Petition 870260034123, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, p. 13 / 66 9 / 22 region of the enlarged peripheral part of the respective individual compartment, said scissor cutting marking extending across the enlarged part and thus providing the user with precise guidance as to how the individual compartment should be opened.

[042] Furthermore, in accordance with characteristic d. mentioned above, it is very advantageous if the plastic cover forms a surrounding flat surface for attaching the rear plastic film. This provides a sealing periphery, as it was, which provides a good fitting surface for attaching the rear plastic film and thus enables a particularly secure closure or sealing of the individual compartment.

[043] The bowl-shaped recess preferably has a flat base and a surrounding wall. The base is oriented parallel to the charger. The distance between the base and the charger defines the height of the receptacle for the button cell.

[044] As already mentioned, the receptacle is suitably adapted to the shape and dimensions of the button cell inserted in it. The receptacle preferably has a diameter that exceeds the diameter of the button cell by a factor of 1.05 to 1.3. In further preferred embodiments, the receptacle has a height that exceeds the height of the button cell by a factor of 1.01 to 1.2.

[045] Without the enlarged peripheral part, which forms a lateral space in the receptacle, the recess and thus the receptacle itself would be strictly circular-cylindrical in shape. The presence of the lateral space ensures a deviation from a strictly circular-cylindrical geometry. According to the invention, the shape of the lateral space is not significant; thus, the enlarged peripheral part can be, for example, curved into a round shape or have one or more corners. However, the lateral space should advantageously be configured in such a way that it cannot be filled by the cell. Petition 870260034123, dated April 13, 2026, p. 14 / 66 10 / 22 of button. The lateral space, therefore, preferably comprises at least one sub-region into which the button cell, even if it were to have limited mobility within the enlarged part, cannot penetrate, at least not without destroying or deforming the enlarged part.

[046] The side space preferably has a height lower than that of the rest of the receptacle, in particular a height lower than that of the button cell. This can make cutting with scissors easier. In addition, this is a particularly simple way to effectively prevent the button cell from penetrating the side space.

[047] In a particularly preferred configuration of the individual compartments, the following feature is provided:

[048] a. the plastic cover material is thicker than the plastic backing film material.

[049] What is achieved by means of the different thicknesses of the materials for the plastic cover and for the rear plastic film is that the rear film is more flexible than the front plastic cover. Furthermore, the greater flexibility of the rear plastic film makes it possible to fix or secure the rear plastic film of the individual compartment to the charger in a particularly stable manner. In this context, the material of the plastic cover is preferably selected in such a way that a stable molding for the button cell receptacle is achieved.

[050] With reference to the material for the individual compartments, the packaging unit according to the invention is preferably particularly characterized by at least one, and preferably by both, of the following characteristics a. and b.:

[051] a. the plastic cover material has a film thickness in a range of 250 - 350 µm, in particular 300 µm,

[052] b. the material of the plastic backing film has a film thickness in a range of 150 - 250 pm, in particular 200 pm. Petition 870260034123, dated April 13, 2026, page 15 / 66 11 / 22

[053] In principle, the material in particular for the plastic covering can be composed of any thermoformable plastic, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene, in particular low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

[054] Preferably, in particular, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used in each case as the material for the plastic cover and preferably also for the plastic film material. By using PET for both the plastic cover and the back plastic film, it is possible to achieve particularly tight closure of the individual compartments, and for this reason the encapsulation of the button cells is particularly secure, in particular also with reference to the possible swallowing of an individual compartment comprising an enclosed button cell. It is particularly preferred that the PET film for the plastic cover has the film thickness, which has already been mentioned above, in a range of 250 - 350 µm, in particular 300 µm, and the PET material of the back plastic film has a film thickness in a range of 150 - 250 µm, in particular 200 µm.

[055] It is particularly preferred that the plastic cover material and preferably also the back plastic film material be transparent in each case. This measure makes it possible to produce particularly attractive visual appearances and flexible packaging units, since the visual appearance of the packaging unit is then substantially influenced by the design of the loader.

[056] The carrier, that is, for example, the raw piece of cardboard, may additionally be provided with a reinforcing film, for example, a film composed of polyethylene terephthalate, polyolefin and / or PVC. The film may have a thickness in a range of 5 µm to 50 µm, for example. Instead of the reinforcing film, the carrier may be Petition 870260034123, dated April 13, 2026, page 16 / 66 12 / 22 designed in a tear-resistant mode as an additional safety measure. In this case, the charger, and in particular the cardboard blank, can be covered with the reinforcing film in a full-area mode or only in certain regions. For example, the reinforcing film can cover only that region of the charger that is fitted with the individual compartments for the button cells. In addition or as an alternative, the back side of the charger, or that side of the charger that is facing away from the individual cells, can also be covered with the reinforcing film, and / or the peripheries of the charger can be protected and reinforced by the reinforcing film.

[057] By way of example, the reinforcing film may have a tensile strength in a range of approximately 1,000 kg / cm2 to 3,500 kg / cm2 according to ASTM D882, preferably in a range of 1,200 kg / cm2 to 3,300 kg / cm2 according to ASTM D882.

[058] The packaging unit according to the invention is preferably characterized in a particular way by the following additional feature:

[059] a. the individual compartments have a diamond-shaped outline with rounded edges.

[060] The diamond-shaped design or the diamond-shaped outline with rounded edges in the case of the individual compartments allows for a very flexible design of the packaging unit according to the invention. The individual compartments, for example, can be arranged close to each other or in a grid pattern or in a circular pattern on the loader. The diamond shape in this case makes possible a very space-saving arrangement on the loader. Thus, for example, it is possible to provide two or four or five individual compartments per packaging unit in a Petition 870260034123, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 17 / 66 13 / 22 mode is very attractive. A double pack with 2 x 5 button cells is also possible, for example. Obviously, other arrangements and numbers of individual compartments in a charger are also possible.

[061] In addition, perforations can be provided in the magazine in order to be able to separate individual parts of the magazine in a simple way. By way of example, this makes it possible to provide parts comprising a respective individual compartment for separation.

[062] In addition, the packaging of button cells in the form of individual compartments allows for very flexible use in the packaging process and excellent flexibility in the design of the packaging unit with reference to the number of button cells per packaging unit and also with reference to the visual appearance and geometric arrangement of the individual compartments on the loader. The individual compartments can be produced in large quantities in a very simple way and then fixed essentially in any desired number and arrangement to the loader.

[063] The shape and small size of the thermoformed plastic cover make it possible to achieve optimal use of the plastic during the thermoforming operation, and thus unnecessary plastic waste (skeletal waste) is largely avoided.

[064] In addition, the use of, for example, PET and in particular of Using 100% PET for the individual compartments is very environmentally friendly since it can be easily and simply recycled.

[065] The packaging unit according to the invention can thus be designed in a very environmentally friendly overall manner, since it is possible for both the charger to be produced from material Petition 870260034123, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 18 / 66 14 / 22 Recycled and / or Recyclable, as long as the individual compartments are produced from recycled and / or recyclable material. The charger is, for example, an environmentally friendly charger card, which may be composed, for example, of at least 90% recycled secondary fiberboard. For example, 80% recycled PET material may be used as plastic material for the plastic cover and for the rear plastic film. Furthermore, the requirement for plastic material is significantly less than that in the case of conventional blister-type packaging, where plastic is generally supplied over the entire front surface of the charger.

[066] In addition, the packaging unit according to the invention can therefore be produced in a particularly environmentally friendly way, in particular also because of the low requirement for plastics.

[067] The invention further comprises a method for producing a packaging unit for at least two button cells. This method, by which a packaging unit described above can be produced, comprises the following steps:

[068] a. at least two thermoformed plastic covers having a respective bowl-shaped recess are provided, and

[069] b. a respective button cell is introduced into each bowl-shaped recess, and

[070] c. each plastic cover is closed with a respective plastic film in order to form an individual compartment, and

[071] d. at least two individual compartments are attached to a charger in order to form the packaging unit, in which the individual compartments are spaced side by side.

[072] With regard to the closing of the plastic cover, the method according to the invention is characterized in particular by at least one of the following features a. to c.: Petition 870260034123, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 19 / 66 15 / 22

[073] a. the plastic cover is closed with the plastic film by welding or adhesive bonding,

[074] b. the plastic covering is closed with the plastic film by means of heat sealing,

[075] c. the thermal sealing to close the plastic cover is carried out with control of the time, pressure and temperature parameters.

[076] Welding or adhesive bonding of the back plastic film to the plastic cover achieves a secure closure of the individual compartments, which cannot be readily opened without tools. This ensures that the individual compartments form a hermetically sealed space for the button cells, which, for example, also does not open in the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract in the event of inadvertent swallowing of the individual compartments.

[077] In order to ensure that the individual compartments cannot be opened without tools, it is particularly preferred that the back plastic film be fixed to the separate thermoformed plastic cover by welding in the case of each of the individual compartments, and that each of the back film and the plastic cover be made of a film material which, like the reinforcing film, preferably has a tensile strength in a range of approximately 1,000 kg / cm2 to 3,500 kg / cm2 according to ASTM D882, preferably a tensile strength in a range of 1,200 kg / cm2 to 3,300 kg / cm2 according to ASTM D882.

[078] Preferably, in particular, heat sealing is performed to close the individual compartments. By controlling the time, pressure and temperature parameters, this can advantageously be integrated into the production process of the packaging units and controlled in a very simple way. Petition 870260034123, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 20 / 66 16 / 22 satisfactory.

[079] Preferably, in particular, the method according to the invention is further characterized by at least one of the following additional features, preferably by a combination of features a. and b.:

[080] a. before the individual compartments are fixed, the magazine is fitted with a sealing lacquer,

[081] b. the individual compartments are attached to the charger by means of heat sealing.

[082] The sealing lacquer, particularly in preparation for a thermal sealing operation, makes it possible for the attachment of the individual compartments to the magazine to be consolidated and further secured. The use of a sealing lacquer also enables a particularly favorable production process.

[083] Additional features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments in combination with the drawings. Here, the individual features can be implemented in each case individually or in combination with each other. Brief Description of the Drawings In the figures:

[084] Figure 1 shows an oblique top view of an individual compartment of a packaging unit according to the invention comprising an enclosed button cell;

[085] Figure 2 shows a top view of an individual compartment of the packaging unit according to the invention with the sealing surface in hatched form;

[086] Figure 3 shows a top view of an individual compartment of the packaging unit according to the invention with two sectional views; Petition 870260034123, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 21 / 66 17 / 22

[087] Figure 4 shows a top view of a packaging unit according to the invention comprising two separate individual compartments;

[088] Figure 5 shows a top view of a packaging unit according to the invention comprising four separate individual compartments;

[089] Figure 6 shows a top view of a packaging unit according to the invention comprising five separate individual compartments; and

[090] Figure 7 shows a top view of a packaging unit according to the invention comprising five separate individual compartments arranged in a row. Detailed Description of Exemplary Modalities

[091] Figure 1 shows a separate individual compartment 10 for a packaging unit according to the invention, wherein two or more such individual compartments 10 are attached to a charger. The individual compartment 10 encloses a button cell 50, for example, a lithium button cell. In this case, the individual compartment 10 is formed by a thermoformed plastic cover 11 having a bowl-shaped recess and a rear plastic film 12 attached thereto. The bowl-shaped recess exhibits a broadly circular contour to accommodate the button cell. In addition, a peripheral enlarged part 13 is provided in the bowl-shaped recess. The dimensions of the peripheral enlarged part 13 are selected in this case in such a way that the button cell 50 enclosed in the individual compartment 10 cannot slide into the peripheral enlarged part 13 or at least cannot slide completely into it.

[092] The individual compartment 10 or the thermoformed plastic cover 11 and the rear plastic film 12 that form the Petition 870260034123, dated April 13, 2026, page 22 / 66 18 / 22 individual compartments 10 are preferably made of a plastic material, preferably PET. Here, it is preferred that the plastic cover 11 be made of a more dimensionally stable material, in particular a plastic film thicker than the back plastic film. Because of the use of PET for PET in sealing the individual compartments, a particularly childproof encapsulation of the button cells is obtained, which also does not dissolve or become separated in the event of inadvertent swallowing of the individual compartments.

[093] In particularly preferred embodiments, the plastic cover material 11 is PET having a thickness of 300 µm. In particular, it is also possible to use a recycled material here, for example, an 80% recycled material. The back plastic film 12 is preferably also composed of PET (a film thickness of 200 µm being particularly preferred), possibly also of a recycled material, preferably an 80% recycled material.

[094] In order to open the individual compartment 10, provision is made for the user to make a cut with scissors or a cut with a knife in the region of the enlarged peripheral part 13 of the plastic cover 11, so that a fitting possibility to open the individual compartment is created and the button cell 50 can be removed. This opening of the individual compartment 10 is thus only possible with the aid of a tool.

[095] The bowl-shaped recess of the thermoformed plastic cover 11 is conveniently adapted to the size of the button cell to be packaged. For example, a bowl-shaped recess having a diameter of 20.9 mm can be used for button cells with a diameter of up to 20 mm. For larger or smaller button cells, the diameter of the bowl-shaped recess can be Petition 870260034123, dated April 13, 2026, page 23 / 66 19 / 22 adapted accordingly.

[096] Figure 2 shows a top view of the individual compartment 10 comprising the button cell 50 enclosed therein. The bowl-shaped recess of the plastic cover 11 is surrounded by a flat surrounding surface 14 which forms a sealing surface for the rear plastic film attached thereto. The thermoformed plastic cover 11 and the rear plastic film are firmly connected to each other in the region of the sealing surface 14, with the result that the button cell 50 located within the individual compartment 10 is hermetically sealed from the outside. The button cell 50 is thus securely encapsulated within the individual compartment 10, and thus in general there is no danger in the event of inadvertent swallowing of the individual compartment 10.

[097] The sealing surface 14 defines the outer contour of the individual compartment 10, wherein, in this preferred exemplary embodiment, the contour is of a diamond shape with rounded edges. This shape allows the use of various, and in particular also space-saving, arrangements of multiple individual compartments 10 in a magazine. Obviously, other shapes of the individual compartments can also be provided.

[098] Figure 3 shows an additional top view of an individual compartment 10, in which the corresponding sections along section lines AA and BB are additionally shown.

[099] Section BB illustrates that the button cell 50 sits within the receptacle of the individual compartment 10 with a certain amount of clearance. However, the button cell cannot slide into the enlarged peripheral part 13 of the bowl-shaped recess, as illustrated by section AA, since the enlarged part extends only less than a quarter of the circumference of the recess. Petition 870260034123, dated April 13, 2026, p. 24 / 66 20 / 22 bowl-shaped.

[0100] Figure 4 illustrates a packaging unit 100 according to the invention comprising two individual compartments 10 which are fixed thereto, each enclosing a button cell. Particular features of the individual compartments 10 emerge from the preceding description. The individual compartments 10 are, by means of their rear plastic films, joined by means of adhesive or welded to a carrier 20, in particular a blank piece of cardboard. Thermal sealing is particularly suitable for this. In order to improve the fixing of the individual compartments 10 to the carrier 20, the carrier may be provided with a sealing lacquer, in particular in the regions where the individual compartments 10 will be applied. A suspension hole 21 is conveniently punched in the upper region of the carrier 20, such that the packaging unit 100 may be suspended on a sales support.

[0101] The 20 charger is a rectangular charger. The charger can be provided with various colorful designs and graphics.

[0102] The 100 packaging unit can be used, in particular, as retail packaging, but also, for example, as storage packaging.

[0103] Figure 5 shows an additional packaging unit 200 according to the invention in which a total of four individual compartments 10, each comprising an enclosed button cell, is provided. The individual compartments 10 are arranged in two rows with two individual compartments in each. Similar to the packaging unit 100 of Figure 4, a suspension hole 21 is also provided here in the rectangular loader 20.

[0104] Figure 6 shows an additional packaging unit of 300 Petition 870260034123, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 25 / 66 21 / 22 according to the invention. In this case, a total of five individual compartments are attached to the rectangular charger 20. The individual compartments 10 are attached to the charger 20 in a space-saving manner, but with a distance from each other in each case.

[0105] Figure 7 shows an additional packaging unit 400 according to the invention. Here, too, a total of five individual compartments 10 comprising a respective button cell is fixed to the loader 20. In this case, the individual compartments 10 are arranged in a row from top to bottom. Between the separate individual compartments 10, a respective perforation 22 is provided in the loader, with the result that the corresponding parts of the loader comprising a respective individual compartment or comprising a button cell can be separated. A design of the packaging unit 400 with the possibility of removing parts comprising a respective button cell is also referred to as a removeable design.

[0106] A possible scissor cut mark that may extend along the enlarged peripheral part 13 of the individual compartments 10 is not illustrated in the figures. Such scissor cut marks may indicate to the user the possibility of opening the individual compartments 10 by means of a scissor cut in the region of the enlarged part 13.

[0107] During the manufacture of the individual compartments and the packaging unit according to the invention, the closure of the individual compartments is preferably effected by thermal sealing, which is controlled by means of three sealing parameters (time, pressure and temperature). In this way, very secure welding of the plastic cover to the back plastic film can be achieved. The individual compartments themselves can also be applied Petition 870260034123, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 26 / 66 22 / 22 to the charger by means of thermal sealing, the charger in this case preferably being provided with a sealing lacquer on the front side, said sealing lacquer ensuring that the individual compartments have very good adhesion.

[0108] A particular advantage of the packaging units according to the invention is that production can be carried out in an automated mode. In particular, a packaging machine with automated button cell dispensing and intermediate and shipping automatic packaging is used in this case. Petition 870260034123, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 27 / 66

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Packaging unit (100; 200; 300; 400) for at least two button cells (50), characterized in that it has the following features: a. the packaging unit comprises, for each of the button cells (50), a separate individual compartment (10) enclosing the button cell, and b. each of the individual compartments (10) is formed of a separate thermoformed plastic cover (11) and a plastic backing film (12) attached thereto, and c. the individual compartments (10) are configured in such a way that they cannot be opened without tools, and d. the packaging unit comprises a loader (20) to which the individual compartments (10) are attached, and e. the individual compartments (10) are spaced side by side on the loader (20).

2. Packaging unit according to claim 1, characterized in that it has the following additional feature: a. in order to fix the individual compartments (10) to the charger (20), provision is made for the rear plastic film (12) of the individual compartments (10) to be fixed, in particular joined by means of adhesive or welded, to the charger (20).

3. Packaging unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has at least one of the following additional features: a. the loader (20) is a loader card, b. the loader (20) comprises at least a proportion of secondary fiber board, in particular recycled pulp.

4. Packaging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one of the following additional features: a. the thermoformed plastic cover (11) forms a bowl-shaped recess having a circular contour to accommodate the button cell (50), b. the circular contour of the bowl-shaped recess has, in a region of part of the circle, a peripheral enlarged part (13), c. the peripheral enlarged part (13) extends along a maximum of 25%, in particular a maximum of 20%, of the circular contour of the bowl-shaped recess, d. the thermoformed plastic cover (11) has a surrounding flat surface (14) to which the back plastic film (12) is attached.

5. Packaging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has the following additional feature: a. the plastic cover material (11) has a thickness greater than that of the back plastic film material (12).

6. Packaging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one of the following additional features: a. the plastic cover material (11) has a film thickness in a range of 250 - 350 pm, in particular 300 pm, b. the plastic backing film material (12) has a film thickness in a range of 150 - 250 pm, in particular 200 pm.

7. Packaging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one of the following additional features: a. the material of the plastic cover (11) and the material of the plastic film (12) in each case is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), b. the material of the plastic cover (11) and the material of the plastic film (12) are transparent.

8. Packaging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has the following additional feature: a. the individual compartments (10) have a diamond-shaped outline with rounded edges.

9. Packaging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has the following additional feature: a. the packaging unit (100; 200; 300; 400) comprises two or four or five individual compartments (10) for a respective button cell (50).

10. Method for producing a packaging unit (100; 200; 300; 400) for at least two button cells (50) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a. at least two thermoformed plastic covers (11) having a respective bowl-shaped recess are provided, and b. a respective button cell (50) is introduced into each bowl-shaped recess, and c. each plastic cover (11) is closed with a respective plastic film (12) in order to form an individual compartment (10), and d. at least two individual compartments (10) are fixed spaced side by side to a loader (20) in order to form the packaging unit.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that it has at least one of the following additional features: a. the closing of the plastic cover (11) with the plastic film (12) is effected by means of welding or adhesive bonding, b. the closing of the plastic cover (11) with the plastic film (12) is effected by means of thermal sealing, c. the closing of the plastic cover (11) with the plastic film (12) is effected by means of thermal sealing and the thermal sealing to close the plastic cover (11) is effected with control of the parameters time, pressure and temperature.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it has at least one of the following additional features: a. before fixing the individual compartments (10), the magazine (20) is provided with a sealing lacquer, b. the fixing of the individual compartments (10) to the magazine (20) is effected by means of thermal sealing. Petition 870260034123, dated 13 / 04 / 2026, page 31 / 66

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