Packaging unit for at least two button cells and method

Abstract

In a packaging unit (100; 200; 300; 400) for at least two button cells (50), the packaging unit comprises a separate individual compartment (10) for each button cell, which encloses the button cells. The individual compartments (10) are each formed from a separate deep-drawn plastic cover (11) and a rear plastic film (12) attached thereto. The individual compartments (10) are designed such that they cannot be opened without tools. Furthermore, the packaging unit comprises a carrier (20) on which the individual compartments (10) are mounted, the individual compartments being spaced apart from one another on the carrier. The invention also includes a method for manufacturing such a packaging unit.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging unit containing at least two button cells. In particular, the packaging unit is a blister card type package. SCOPE OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The high demand for button cells inevitably makes the packaging of this mass-produced item an important factor. It must be economical on the one hand, but also visually appealing to stimulate purchase interest. Blister packs, which are card-shaped transparent packaging containing the button cells in molded plastic film inserts, are particularly common.

[0003] From US 9221589 B2, a blister pack for button batteries is known, comprising a blister foil having at least one recess for a button cell and a single closure area for the recess, wherein said closure area receives a closure element, wherein said closure element is removably attached to the closure area.

[0004] WO 2014 / 187552 A2 discloses a bath-shaped packaging unit for pharmaceutical products which can be folded to save space.

[0005] From EP 259574 A2, an example of a sales and storage pack for button cells of the blister card type is known, in which the packaging is formed partly by a tear-resistant, preferably transparent film made of PVC or polyvinylidene chloride with cup-shaped indentations for receiving the button cells, and partly by a sealing foil made of aluminum sealed smoothly onto this film. To remove a button cell, it only needs to be pushed through the easily tearable aluminum foil from the outside.

[0006] This process can be carried out very easily, even by a small child. To minimize the risk of a small child accidentally removing and swallowing a button cell battery, child-resistant packaging is already available that cannot be easily opened by a small child. Such packaging is intended to ensure greater safety and, in particular, to prevent a child from accidentally removing a button cell battery.

[0007] For example, DE 20 2019 101 861 U1 discloses a sales and storage package of the blister card type in which a molded plastic part is fixed to a carrier, which is formed, for example, by a cardboard blank. The molded plastic part comprises at least one deep-drawn recess which, together with the carrier, forms a closed receptacle with a circular cylindrical base for the cylindrical button cell. Furthermore, the receptacle includes a side compartment, preferably designed as a bulge in the central space, which is shaped such that it cannot be filled by the button cell. In this packaging design, the side compartment can be opened with a scissor cut to remove the button cell from the packaging. Opening without tools is not readily possible, thus preventing accidental opening by a small child, in accordance with child safety regulations.Furthermore, the side compartment is designed so that the button cell is not touched by the scissors during cutting, as the button cell is not large enough to protrude into the side compartment. This prevents a short circuit or damage to the button cell.

[0008] Another aspect of child safety is the accidental swallowing of a button cell, which is associated with the risk of serious burns in the esophagus from discharge of the button cell and with other serious problems in the gastrointestinal tract. TASK AND SOLUTION

[0009] Against this background, the invention aims to provide an improved packaging unit for two or more button cells that, on the one hand, takes into account the important aspects of child safety and, on the other hand, enables a visually appealing and flexibly designed sales presentation. Furthermore, the packaging units should be manufactured in a particularly economical manner.

[0010] This problem is solved by a packaging unit having the features of claim 1. Particularly advantageous embodiments of the packaging unit are set forth in the dependent claims. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a method for manufacturing such a packaging unit according to claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the method are set forth in the further dependent claims.

[0011] The packaging unit according to the invention for at least two button cells has the following features: a. The packaging unit comprises a separate individual compartment for each of the button cells, which encloses the button cells, and b. the individual compartments are each formed from a separate deep-drawn plastic hood and a rear plastic film attached to it, and c. the individual compartments are designed in such a way that they cannot be opened without tools, and d. the packaging unit comprises a carrier on which the individual compartments are mounted, and e. the individual compartments are spaced apart from each other on the carrier.

[0012] According to the invention, each button cell in the packaging unit is enclosed in a separate individual compartment, and the individual compartments are spaced apart from one another on the carrier. The packaging unit according to the invention thus allows for the packaging of several button cells, with each individual button cell being separately encapsulated. The individual components are formed by the deep-drawn plastic hood and the plastic film attached to it, so that each button cell is securely sealed and encapsulated. The attachment of the rear plastic film to the plastic hood is designed in such a way that this attachment cannot be easily released, i.e., in particular, cannot be pulled off or torn off. Rather, a tool, for example, scissors or a knife, is required to open the individual compartment, so that a small child is generally unable to open the individual compartment or the capsule.The rigid encapsulation ensures that even if the button cell enclosed in the individual compartment is swallowed, it poses no significant danger, as chemical burns from the button cell in the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract are impossible. Even if the button cell passes through the stomach / intestines, it would remain within the individual compartment and would typically be excreted along with the compartment as a single unit.

[0013] In addition, enclosing the button cells within individual compartments prevents an association of button cells with sweets or similar items, thus also preventing a small child from swallowing such an individual compartment with the button cell contained within.

[0014] Furthermore, it may be provided that the individual compartments have a certain minimum size that prevents a small child from swallowing them.

[0015] Another significant advantage associated with the individual compartments for each button cell is related to manufacturing technology. Traditionally, blister packs for button cells differ depending on the number of cells in a package. A package for two cells required a different blister than one for three, four, or five cells. Each blister required its own tooling. The present invention takes a completely different approach: here, the same individual compartments can always be used, regardless of the number of button cells to be contained in a package. The only differences concern the number and arrangement of the individual compartments on the carrier.

[0016] The spacing between the individual compartments on the carrier ensures that the button cells can be removed individually from their respective compartments in a particularly user-friendly manner, without accidentally damaging, for example, a neighboring compartment.

[0017] Generally, a button cell is understood to be an electrochemical energy storage cell with a cylindrical casing, whose overall height is smaller than its diameter.

[0018] The button cells in the packaging unit according to the invention can be, in particular, lithium button cells, which pose a relatively high risk if swallowed. However, the button cells can also be energy storage cells of another type, for example, alkaline button cells, silver oxide button cells, or zinc-air button cells.

[0019] With regard to the mounting of the individual compartments containing the button cells on the carrier, the packaging unit in preferred embodiments is characterized by the following feature: a. For the attachment of the individual compartments to the carrier, the rear plastic film of the individual compartments is to be attached to the carrier, in particular by gluing or welding.

[0020] By attaching the entire surface of the backing plastic film, i.e., the entire reverse side of the individual compartment, to the substrate, a secure hold of the individual compartments on the substrate is ensured. Bonding or welding can be carried out in a manner known per se; thermal sealing is particularly suitable, preferably with the aid of a sealing lacquer on the substrate surface.

[0021] The packaging unit is in particular a sales and / or storage package.

[0022] In particular, the carrier of the packaging unit is a flat material, as is common in blister packaging for button cells or batteries in general, or for energy storage cells.

[0023] In a particularly preferred manner, the packaging unit is characterized with regard to the carrier by at least one of the following features: a. the carrier is a cardboard carrier card, b. the carrier comprises at least a proportion of secondary fiber cardboard, in particular recycled pulp.

[0024] Preferably, the aforementioned features a. and b. are realized in combination with each other.

[0025] The carrier is preferably designed as a cardboard blank. Such cardboard blanks are widely used in these types of blister packaging. The use of recycled material for the cardboard blank (and also for the production of the individual compartments) is particularly preferred in order to reduce environmental impact. It may be provided that at least one side of the cardboard blank is printed in color and, in particular, contains information about the product. The printed side is specifically the side on which the individual compartments are attached. In principle, however, the carrier can also be made of other materials, for example, plastic, or can consist of different materials, for example, a composite material of cardboard and plastic.

[0026] In a particularly preferred manner, the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized by at least one of the following features: a. The deep-drawn plastic cover forms a cup-shaped depression with a circular outline to receive the button cell, b. the circular outline of the cup-shaped depression has a marginal widening in a partial circular area, c. the marginal widening extends over a maximum of 25%, in particular a maximum of 20%, of the circular outline of the cup-shaped depression, d. the deep-drawn plastic cover has a circumferential flat surface to which the rear plastic film is fixed.

[0027] Particularly preferred are the aforementioned features a. and b. or a. and b. and c., or, most preferably, the aforementioned features a. to d. are realized together.

[0028] The circular shape of the cup-shaped recess in the plastic cap allows the recess to be optimally adapted to the shape and size of the respective button cell. The circular outline of the recess is conveniently made slightly larger than the button cell, providing some leeway for insertion during the packaging process and for removal of the button cell.

[0029] The marginal expansion according to the aforementioned feature b. is designed to allow the user to easily open the packaging for removing individual button cells while simultaneously ensuring child safety. The marginal expansion or bulge (side space) provides a point of leverage for opening the individual compartment with a scissor or knife cut. Since this opening requires a tool, it represents a very advantageous design with regard to the child safety of the packaging unit according to the invention.

[0030] The marginal expansion is preferably designed according to the aforementioned feature c. such that it comprises only a quarter or less of the circular outline, so that the button cell cannot slip into the expansion within the individual compartment. This can be further supported by the fact that the expansion has a lower height than the rest of the cup-shaped depression, so that slippage of the button cell towards the marginal expansion is reliably prevented.

[0031] Furthermore, it may be provided that the carrier has at least one scissor-cut marking in the area of ​​the marginal widening of the respective individual compartment, which leads through the widening and thus gives the user precise instructions on how to open the individual compartment.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the aforementioned feature d., it is very advantageous if the plastic cover forms a continuous flat surface for fixing the rear plastic film. This provides, in effect, a sealing edge, which offers a good surface for fixing the rear plastic film and thus enables a particularly secure closure or sealing of the individual compartment.

[0033] The cup-shaped recess preferably has a flat bottom and a surrounding wall. The bottom is aligned parallel to the support. The distance between the bottom and the support defines the height of the recess for the button cell.

[0034] As already mentioned, the receptacle is advantageously adapted to the shape and dimensions of the button cell inserted therein. Preferably, the receptacle 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.

[0035] Without the peripheral expansion, which forms a side cavity of the recess, the recess and thus the recess itself would be strictly cylindrical. The presence of this side cavity results in a deviation from a strictly cylindrical geometry. According to the invention, the shape of the side cavity is not essential; for example, the peripheral expansion can be curved or have one or more corners. However, the side cavity should advantageously be designed such that it cannot be filled by the button cell. Therefore, the side cavity preferably comprises at least a partial area into which the button cell cannot penetrate, even if it has limited mobility within the expansion, at least not without damaging or deforming the expansion.

[0036] Preferably, the side cavity has a lower height than the rest of the recess, particularly a lower height than the button cell. This can facilitate cutting with scissors. Furthermore, this is a particularly simple way to effectively prevent the button cell from penetrating the side cavity.

[0037] In a particularly preferred configuration of the individual compartments, the following feature is provided: a. The material of the plastic hood is thicker than the material of the backing plastic film.

[0038] The different thicknesses of the materials used for the plastic cover and the backing film result in the backing film being more flexible than the front cover. Furthermore, the greater flexibility of the backing film allows for a particularly stable fixation or attachment of the individual compartment's backing film to the carrier. In this context, the material of the plastic cover is preferably selected to ensure a stable shape for accommodating the button cell.

[0039] In a particularly preferred manner, the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized with regard to the material for the individual compartments by at least one and preferably both of the following features a. and b.: a. the material of the plastic hood has a film thickness in the range of 250 - 350 µm, in particular 300 µm, b. the material of the back plastic film has a film thickness in the range of 150 - 250 µm, in particular 200 µm.

[0040] In principle, the material, especially for the plastic hood, can consist of any thermoformable plastic, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene, in particular low density Polyethylene (PE-LD).

[0041] In a particularly preferred embodiment, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used as the material for both the plastic cover and, preferably, the plastic film. Using PET for both the plastic cover and the backing film allows for a particularly tight seal of the individual compartments, thus making the encapsulation of the button cells especially secure, particularly with regard to the possibility of swallowing an individual compartment containing a button cell. It is particularly preferred if the PET film for the plastic cover has a thickness of 250–350 µm, particularly 300 µm, and the PET material of the backing film has a thickness of 150–250 µm, particularly 200 µm.

[0042] It is particularly advantageous if the material of the plastic cover and preferably also the material of the backing plastic film are both transparent. This allows for particularly attractive visual appearances and flexible packaging designs, since the visual appearance of the packaging unit is then essentially determined by the design of the carrier.

[0043] The substrate, for example the cardboard blank, can also be reinforced with a film, such as a polyethylene terephthalate, polyolefin, and / or PVC film. The film can have a thickness ranging from 5 µm to 50 µm. This reinforcing film provides an additional safety measure by making the substrate tear-resistant. The substrate, and in particular the cardboard blank, can be completely or partially covered with the reinforcing film. For example, only the area of ​​the substrate containing the individual compartments for the button cells can be covered with the reinforcing film. Additionally or alternatively, the back of the substrate, or the side facing away from the individual cells, can also be covered with the reinforcing film, and / or the edges of the substrate can be shielded and reinforced with the film.

[0044] The reinforcing foil can, for example, 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.

[0045] In a particularly preferred manner, the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized by the following additional feature: a. The individual compartments have a diamond-shaped outline with rounded edges.

[0046] The diamond shape or diamond outline with rounded edges of the individual compartments allows for a very flexible design of the packaging unit according to the invention. The individual compartments can, for example, be arranged side by side, in a grid pattern, or in a circle on the carrier. The diamond shape allows for a very space-saving arrangement on the carrier. Thus, for example, two, four, or five individual compartments can be provided per packaging unit in a very attractive manner. A twin pack containing 2 x 5 button cells is also possible, for instance. Of course, other arrangements and numbers of individual compartments on a carrier are also possible.

[0047] Furthermore, perforations can be provided on the carrier to allow individual sections of the carrier to be easily separated. For example, sections with a single compartment each can be provided in this way.

[0048] Overall, packaging the button cells in individual compartments allows for very flexible use in the packaging process and great flexibility in the design of the packaging unit with regard to the number of button cells per unit, as well as the visual appearance and the geometric arrangement of the individual compartments on the carrier. The individual compartments can be easily produced in large quantities and then, in principle, attached to the carrier in any number and arrangement.

[0049] The shape and small size of the deep-drawn plastic hood allow for optimal use of the plastic during deep drawing, thus largely avoiding unnecessary plastic waste (die-cutting grid).

[0050] Furthermore, the use of PET, and especially 100% PET for the individual compartments, is very environmentally friendly, as it can be easily and simply fed into a potential recycling process.

[0051] This allows the packaging unit according to the invention to be designed in a very environmentally friendly way overall, since both the carrier and the individual components can be made from recycled and / or recyclable material. The carrier is, for example, an environmentally friendly cardboard backing card, which can consist of at least 90% recycled secondary fiber cardboard. For the plastic material, 80% recycled PET can be used, for example, for the plastic cover and the backing film. Furthermore, the amount of plastic required is significantly less than in conventional blister card-type packaging, where the entire front surface of the carrier is usually covered with plastic.

[0052] Overall, the packaging unit according to the invention can therefore be manufactured in a particularly environmentally friendly way, especially due to the low requirement for plastics.

[0053] The invention further comprises a method for manufacturing a packaging unit for at least two button cells according to claim 10. This method, by which a packaging unit as described above can be manufactured, comprises the following steps: a. at least two deep-drawn plastic hoods, each with a cup-shaped recess, are provided, and b. a button cell is inserted into each cup-shaped recess, and c. each plastic hood is sealed with a plastic film to form a single compartment, and d. at least two single compartments are mounted on a carrier to form the packaging unit, the single compartments being spaced apart from each other.

[0054] With regard to closing the plastic hood, the method according to the invention is characterized in particular by at least one of the following features a. to c.: a. The plastic hood is sealed with the plastic film by welding or gluing, b. The plastic hood is sealed with the plastic film by thermal sealing, c. The plastic hood (11) is sealed with the plastic film (12) by thermal sealing, and the thermal sealing for sealing the plastic hood is carried out under control of the parameters time, pressure and temperature.

[0055] By welding or bonding the back plastic film to the plastic cover, a secure seal is achieved for the individual compartments, which cannot be easily opened without tools. This ensures that the individual compartments form a hermetically sealed space for the button cells, which will not open, for example, if the individual compartments are accidentally swallowed in the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract.

[0056] To ensure that the individual compartments cannot be opened without tools, it is particularly preferred that the rear plastic film of each individual compartment is fixed to the separate deep-drawn plastic hood by means of welding, and that the rear film and the plastic film are each made of a film material which, like the reinforcing film, preferably has a tensile strength in the range of about 1,000 kg / cm² to 3,500 kg / cm² according to standard ASTM D882, preferably a tensile strength in the range of 1,200 kg / cm² to 3,300 kg / cm² according to standard ASTM D882.

[0057] Thermal sealing is particularly preferred for closing the individual compartments. By controlling the parameters of time, pressure, and temperature, this can be advantageously integrated into the manufacturing process for the packaging units and very well controlled.

[0058] In a particularly preferred manner, 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.: a. The carrier is coated with a sealing lacquer before the individual compartments are attached, b. the individual compartments are attached to the carrier by thermal sealing.

[0059] The use of sealing wax, especially in preparation for a thermal sealing process, further strengthens and secures the attachment of the individual compartments to the substrate. Furthermore, the use of sealing wax allows for a particularly cost-effective production process.

[0060] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. The individual features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] The figures show: Fig. 1 Oblique view of a single compartment of a packaging unit according to the invention with an enclosed button cell; Fig. 2 View of a single compartment of the packaging unit according to the invention with hatching of the sealing area; Fig. 3 View of a single compartment of the packaging unit according to the invention with two sectional views; Fig. 4 View of a packaging unit according to the invention with two separate single compartments; Fig. 5 View of a packaging unit according to the invention with four separate single compartments; Fig. 6 View of a packaging unit according to the invention with five separate single compartments; and Fig. 7 View of a packaging unit according to the invention with five separate single compartments arranged in a row. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION EXAMPLES

[0062] Fig. 1 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 mounted on a carrier. The individual compartment 10 encloses a button cell 50, for example, a lithium button cell. The individual compartment 10 is formed by a deep-drawn plastic cover 11 with a cup-shaped recess and a rear plastic film 12 fixed thereto. The cup-shaped recess has a largely circular outline for receiving the button cell. Furthermore, a marginal expansion 13 is provided in the cup-shaped recess. The dimensions of the marginal expansion 13 are selected such that the button cell 50 enclosed inside the individual compartment 10 cannot, or at least not completely, slip into the marginal expansion 13.

[0063] The individual compartment 10, or the deep-drawn plastic cover 11 forming the individual compartment 10, and the rear plastic film 12 are preferably made of a plastic material, preferably PET. It is preferred that the plastic cover 11 is made of a more dimensionally stable material, in particular a thicker plastic film than the rear plastic film. The use of PET-to-PET for sealing the individual compartments results in a particularly child-resistant encapsulation of the button cells, which will not dissolve or separate even if the individual compartments are accidentally swallowed.

[0064] In particularly preferred embodiments, the material of the plastic cover 11 is PET with a thickness of 300 µm. In particular, a recycled material can also be used, for example, an 80% recycled material. The rear plastic film 12 preferably also consists of PET, with a film thickness of 200 µm being particularly preferred, optionally also of a recycled material, preferably an 80% recycled material.

[0065] To open the individual compartment 10, the user is required to make a scissor or knife cut in the area of ​​the peripheral widening 13 of the plastic cover 11, thus creating an opening for the individual compartment and allowing the removal of the button cell 50. Therefore, opening the individual compartment 10 is only possible with the aid of a tool.

[0066] The cup-shaped recess of the deep-drawn plastic housing 11 is expediently adapted to the size of the button cells to be packaged. For example, a cup-shaped recess with 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 cup-shaped recess 11 can be adjusted accordingly.

[0067] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a top view of the individual compartment 10 containing the button cell 50. The cup-shaped recess of the plastic cover 11 is surrounded by a flat, circumferential surface 14, which forms a sealing surface for the attached rear plastic film. In the area of ​​the sealing surface 14, the deep-drawn plastic cover 11 and the rear plastic film are firmly bonded together, so that the button cell 50 inside the individual compartment 10 is hermetically sealed. The button cell 50 is therefore securely encapsulated in the individual compartment 10, so that even if the individual compartment 10 is accidentally swallowed, there is generally no danger.

[0068] The sealing surface 14 defines the outer outline of the individual compartment 10, the outline being diamond-shaped with rounded edges in this preferred embodiment. This shape allows for various, and in particular space-saving, arrangements of several individual compartments 10 on a carrier. Of course, other shapes of the individual compartments are also possible.

[0069] Fig. 3 shows another top view of a single compartment 10, with the corresponding sections along the section lines AA and BB also shown.

[0070] Section BB illustrates that the button cell 50 lies within the recess of the single compartment 10 with some play. However, the button cell cannot slide into the marginal widening 13 of the cup-shaped recess, as shown in section AA, since the widening extends over less than a quarter of the circumference of the cup-shaped recess.

[0071] Fig. 4 Figure 1 illustrates a packaging unit 100 according to the invention, comprising two individual compartments 10 attached to it, each containing a button cell. Details of the individual compartments 10 are described above. The individual compartments 10 are adhered or welded to a carrier 20, in particular a cardboard blank, by means of their back plastic film. Thermal sealing is particularly suitable for this purpose. To improve the adhesion of the individual compartments 10 to the carrier 20, the carrier can be provided with a sealing varnish, particularly in the area where the individual compartments 10 are to be attached. A hanging loop 21 is advantageously punched into the upper part of the carrier 20 so that the packaging unit 100 can be hung on a display stand.

[0072] The support 20 is a rectangular support. The support 20 can be provided with various colors and graphic designs.

[0073] The packaging unit of 100 can be used particularly as a sales pack, but also, for example, as a stock pack.

[0074] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows another packaging unit 200 according to the invention, in which a total of four individual compartments 10, each containing an enclosed button cell, are provided. The individual compartments 10 are arranged in two rows of two individual compartments each. This is comparable to the packaging unit 100 shown in Figure 1. Fig. 4 A suspension eyelet 21 is also provided in the rectangular support 20.

[0075] Fig. 6 Figure 3 shows another sales unit 300 according to the invention. In this case, a total of five individual compartments are mounted on the rectangular support 20. The individual compartments 10 are attached to the support 20 in a space-saving manner, but each with a distance between them.

[0076] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows another packaging unit 400 according to the invention. Here, too, a total of five individual compartments 10, each containing a button cell, are mounted on the carrier 20. The individual compartments 10 are arranged in a row from top to bottom. A perforation 22 is provided on the carrier between each individual compartment 10, so that the corresponding sections of the carrier, each containing an individual compartment or a button cell, can be separated. A design of the packaging unit 400 with the possibility of tearing off sections, each containing a button cell, is also referred to as Tear-Off designated.

[0077] Not shown in the figures is a possible scissor-cutting mark that can run through the marginal widening 13 of the individual compartments 10. Such scissor-cutting marks can clarify for the user the possibility of opening the individual compartments 10 by making a scissor cut in the area of ​​the widening 13.

[0078] In the production of the individual compartments and the packaging unit according to the invention, the individual compartments are preferably sealed by thermal sealing, which is controlled by three sealing parameters (time, pressure, and temperature). In this way, a very reliable weld between the plastic cover and the backing plastic film can be achieved. The individual compartments themselves can also be applied to the carrier by thermal sealing, the carrier in this case preferably being provided with a sealing lacquer on the front side, which ensures that the individual compartments adhere very well.

[0079] A particular advantage of the packaging units according to the invention is that production can be carried out in an automated manner. In particular, a packaging machine with automated button cell loading and automatic intermediate and shipping packaging is used.

Claims

1. Packaging unit (100; 200; 300; 400) comprising at least two button cells (50), having the following features: a. the packaging unit comprises, for each of the button cells (50), a separate individual compartment (10) which encloses the button cells, and b. the individual compartments (10) are each formed from a separate thermoformed plastics hood (11) and a back plastics film (12) fixed 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 carrier (20) on which the individual compartments (10) are attached, and e. the individual compartments (10) are spaced apart from one another on the carrier (20).

2. Packaging unit according to Claim 1, having the following additional feature: a. in order to attach the individual compartments (10) on the carrier (20), provision is made for the back plastics film (12) of the individual compartments (10) to be attached on, in particular adhesively bonded or welded to, the carrier (20).

3. Packaging unit according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, having at least one of the following additional features: a. the carrier (20) is a carrier cardboard card, b. the carrier (20) comprises at least a proportion of secondary fibreboard, in particular recycled pulp.

4. Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one of the following additional features: a. the thermoformed plastics hood (11) forms a bowl-shaped recess having a circular outline for accommodating the button cell (50), b. the circular outline of the bowl-shaped recess has, in a part-circle region, a peripheral widened portion (13), c. the peripheral widened portion (13) extends over at most 25%, in particular at most 20%, of the circular outline of the bowl-shaped recess, d. the thermoformed plastics hood (11) has an encircling flat surface (14) to which the back plastics film (12) is fixed.

5. Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims, having the following additional feature: a. the material of the plastics hood (11) has a greater thickness than the material of the back plastics film (12).

6. Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one of the following additional features: a. the material of the plastics hood (11) has a film thickness in a range from 250 - 350 µm, in particular 300 µm, b. the material of the back plastics film (12) has a film thickness in a range from 150 - 250 µm, in particular 200 µm.

7. Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one of the following additional features: a. the material of the plastics hood (11) and the material of the plastics film (12) is in each case polyethylene terephthalate (PET), b. the material of the plastics hood (11) and the material of the back plastics film (12) are transparent.

8. Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims, having the following additional feature: a. the individual compartments (10) have a diamond-shaped outline with rounded edges.

9. Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims, having 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) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: a. at least two thermoformed plastics hoods (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 plastics hood (11) is closed with a respective plastics film (12) so as to form an individual compartment (10), and d. at least two individual compartments (10) are attached spaced apart from one another on a carrier (20) in order to form the packaging unit.

11. Method according to Claim 10, having at least one of the following additional features: a. the closing of the plastics hood (11) with the plastics film (12) is effected by welding or adhesive bonding, b. the closing of the plastics hood (11) with the plastics film (12) is effected by thermal sealing, c. the closing of the plastics hood (11) with the plastics film (12) is effected by thermal sealing and the thermal sealing for closing the plastics hood (11) is effected with control of the parameters time, pressure and temperature.

12. Method according to Claim 10 or Claim 11, having at least one of the following additional features: a. prior to attachment of the individual compartments (10), the carrier (20) is provided with a sealing lacquer, b. the attachment of the individual compartments (10) on the carrier (20) is effected by thermal sealing.

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