Method and device for producing a container from a fibre-based base material

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a container (10a-c), in particular a cup-shaped container, from a fiber-based base material, in particular paper or cardboard material, wherein the container (10a-c) has at least one opening (12a-c) and a flange (14a-c) consisting at least partially, preferably completely, of the fiber-based base material and at least partially, preferably completely, surrounding the opening (12a-c), wherein in at least one process step (16a-c) to stiffen the flange (14a-c) at least one partial area of ​​the flange (14a-c) clamped between two jaw elements (22a-c, 24a-c) contacting the flange (14a-c) on opposite sides (18a-c, 20a-c), in particular by at least one of the jaw elements (22a-c, 24a-c), is heated to temperatures of 100°C or more.It is proposed that the flange (14a-c) is pressed by the two jaw elements (22a-c, 24a-c) with a pressing force of 15 N / mm2 or more in the process step (16a-c).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1, a device according to the preamble of claim 9 and a container according to claim 13.

[0002] When sealing cups made of fiber-based materials, flanges are already used and pressed together. However, the purpose of this pressing is merely to tightly close the cups, for example, by smoothing out wrinkles in the flange that can occur during the forming process. The resulting sealed cups have low flange stiffness and can swell when exposed to moisture, which can further reduce the flange stiffness.

[0003] For example, methods and devices for manufacturing a container from a fiber-based base material are already known from DE 10 2023 108 719 A1, DE 10 2023 124 998 A1 and DE 10 2021 109 913 A1.

[0004] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide containers, especially bowls, made of fiber-based base material with improved properties, especially with regard to stability. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1, 9, and 13, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a container, in particular a cup-shaped one, from a fiber-based base material, in particular paper or cardboard material, wherein the container has at least one opening and a flange consisting at least partially, preferably completely, of the fiber-based base material and at least partially, preferably completely, surrounding the opening, wherein in at least one process step to stiffen the flange at least one partial area of ​​the flange, clamped between two jaw elements contacting the flange on opposite (flat) sides, is heated, in particular by at least one of the jaw elements, to temperatures of 100°C or more, preferably 120°C or more, preferably 140°C or more and particularly preferably 160°C or more.

[0006] It is proposed that in this process step, the flange is pressed by the two jaw elements with a pressing force of 15 N / mm² or more, preferably 18 N / mm² or more, more preferably 20 N / mm² or more, and particularly preferably 30 N / mm² or more. Preferably, the pressing force is less than 100 N / mm². The pressurization / pressing force application to the flange by the two jaw elements and the heating of the flange preferably occur at least overlapping in time or simultaneously during the aforementioned process step. The aforementioned pressure values / pressing forces, in combination with the aforementioned temperature values, have yielded the best results in tests. In particular, a temperature of 100°C and a pressure / pressing force of 15 N / mm² already represent a good compromise between manufacturing effort and the resulting stiffening effect.The aforementioned pressure values / pressing forces of 15 N / mm² or more are particularly higher than the pressure / pressing force required solely for forming the container and smoothing any wrinkles that may occur during forming. Preferably, especially in the aforementioned process step, the application of the aforementioned temperature values ​​of 100°C or more to the flange during heating, in combination with the application of the aforementioned pressure values / pressing forces of 15 N / mm² or more by the two jaw elements, stiffens the flange. The process according to the invention advantageously achieves particularly effective bonding of the fiber-based material of the flange. A high flange stiffness can advantageously be achieved.Advantageously, the fibers of the fiber-based material can be bonded together, thus significantly hindering the penetration of moisture into the flange. This effectively prevents flange swelling.

[0007] The container is, in particular, a paper bowl with a single opening at the top. The container is specifically a so-called "paper pod." The container preferably has a round or rectangular, bowl-like shape with an open rim. However, alternative known container shapes with openings bounded by flanges are also conceivable. The container can be used, for example, for storing food, coffee, hygiene products, cosmetics, medical products, cleaning products, etc. The container is preferably made, at least in large part, from one or more papers or from one or more paper-based materials. The container can be formed, at least in part, from a multi-layered base material, which, for example, includes a layer of paper or cardboard, a layer of plastic, an aluminum layer (e.g.,...)The packaging may include a moisture, ambient air, and / or light barrier and / or a sealing layer to increase shelf life. Preferably, the entire paper packaging is made from a single (single- or multi-layer) sheet or tube of paper. The fiber-based base material may be, in particular, pulp, recycled paper, cardboard, kraft paper, and / or specialty paper, e.g., from non-wood-based fiber sources such as bamboo, hemp, jute, bagasse, etc. A flange is preferably a flat, circumferential rim attached to the container around the opening. This flange preferably serves to reinforce the packaging, increase stability, facilitate gripping / handling of the container, and / or facilitate closing the opening.For containers, such as bins or trays, which, for example, have a sealable cover, the flange offers a larger surface area for a secure connection, whether by welding, clamping, or attaching a plate. A jaw element is preferably a machine part / packaging machine part designed to clamp the flange of a container and exert pressure on the flange, preferably while simultaneously applying heat. "Designed" is understood to mean specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is designed for a specific function is understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating condition.

[0008] Furthermore, it is proposed that the heating, and in particular the pressing force generated by the jaw elements, be maintained in the process step until a substantial proportion of all fibers of the fiber-based base material are bonded together in the flange. Advantageously, an optimal high flange stiffness can be achieved. A "substantial proportion" is understood to mean, in particular, more than 50%, preferably more than 60%, preferably more than 80%, and most preferably more than 90%.

[0009] It is further proposed that the flange be heated from both opposite sides during this process step. This advantageously allows for a particularly rapid onset of the bonding process. High production efficiency can also be achieved. Furthermore, this method can advantageously achieve simultaneous sealing of the container.

[0010] Alternatively, it is also preferably proposed that the flange be heated in the process step only from one of the two opposite sides of the flange, wherein the flange is preferably heated only from the side of the two opposite sides of the flange that is different from a closing or sealing side of the flange, which is intended to establish contact, in particular a sealing contact, with a circuit board closing the opening. This advantageously results in a particularly simple process. In addition, it advantageously avoids the influence of the flange-reinforcing heat on any (possibly already existing) seal of a circuit board on the opening. Advantageously, known and proven sealing devices and processes can continue to be used.Preferably, one of the jaw elements is heated during pressing, while the other jaw element remains unheated. In this context, a blank preferably refers to a flat, particularly pre-formed, raw shape or blank made of a fiber-based base material, preferably the same fiber-based base material used to manufacture the container. The blank is often made of paper, cardboard, or a composite material. However, a plastic or metal blank is also conceivable. The blank serves as the starting material, which is preferably further processed in the packaging machine.

[0011] As an alternative to the above, it is proposed that in the process step the flange is heated only from one of the two opposite sides of the flange, wherein the flange is preferably heated only from the side of the two opposite sides of the flange that is identical to the closing or sealing side of the flange, which is intended for establishing contact, in particular the sealing contact, with the circuit board closing the opening. This advantageously allows high efficiency to be achieved. Advantageously, at least some of the heat energy can flow into the sealing of the circuit board.

[0012] If the heat introduced by the heating, preferably only on one side, is sufficient to allow a blank clamped between the two jaw elements above the opening, particularly on a closure or sealing side of the flange, to be sealed onto the flange by the heat, especially simultaneously with a flange stiffening process, then a high manufacturing efficiency, particularly with regard to energy efficiency and / or manufacturing speed, can be advantageously achieved. It is conceivable that heat is introduced from both sides / both jaw elements, with the temperature of the jaw element on the closure or sealing side of the flange being higher than the temperature of the opposite jaw element.For example, the temperature of the jaw element on the closure or sealing side could be 100°C, while the temperature on the other side is 150°C. Preferably, neither jaw element's temperature exceeds 250°C. This advantageously prevents deamination of the container's base material, such as the detachment of a barrier layer.

[0013] In this context, it is proposed that the temperature of the heated jaw element of the two jaw elements, which is brought into contact with the closure or sealing side of the flange during the process step, be significantly lower than the temperature of the other jaw element of the two jaw elements, which is brought into contact with the side of the flange opposite the closure or sealing side during the process step. This advantageously optimizes manufacturing efficiency, particularly with regard to energy efficiency and / or production speed. Furthermore, it advantageously achieves optimized bonding of the flange material in combination with a reliable seal by the blank. "Significantly lower" is understood to mean, in particular, at least 10 K lower, preferably at least 20 K lower, and preferably at least 30 K lower.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for manufacturing a container, in particular a cup-shaped one, from a fiber-based base material, in particular paper or cardboard material, wherein the container has at least the opening and the flange, which consists at least partially, preferably completely, of the fiber-based base material and surrounds the opening at least partially, preferably completely, with the first jaw element and with the second jaw element, which together with the first jaw element forms a flange clamping area, which is provided for clamping at least a partial area of ​​the flange, wherein the device has a stiffening heating unit, which is provided for heating at least a partial area of ​​the flange arranged in the flange clamping area to stiffen the flange at temperatures of 100°C, preferably 120°C or more.Preferably heated to 140°C or more, and particularly preferably to 160°C or more. It is proposed that the stiffening heating unit be designed to press the flange to stiffen it using the two jaw elements with a pressing force of 15 N / mm² or more. This advantageously achieves high flange stiffness. Furthermore, it advantageously achieves the bonding of fibers of the fiber-based material, thus significantly hindering the penetration of moisture into the flange. This also advantageously prevents flange swelling.

[0015] In principle, each of the jaw elements (as described above) can comprise part of the stiffening unit, in particular at least one heating element. However, it is also conceivable that the stiffening heating unit is integrated into only one of the two jaw elements. This advantageously allows for a simple design and / or control of the device.

[0016] If the stiffening heating unit is integrated only into the jaw element of the two jaw elements, which is designed to contact the flange on a side opposite a closure or sealing side of the flange, damage to a seal or to a layer of the fiber-based base material necessary / intended for sealing in the area of ​​the flange (before sealing) can be advantageously prevented. This also advantageously results in high process reliability.

[0017] If the jaw element, lacking a stiffening heating unit, is also free of a sealing unit, a particularly cost-effective manufacturing device can be advantageously achieved, which can nevertheless produce containers with stable flanges and sealed-on plates. Preferably, in this case, the stiffening heating unit also serves as the sealing unit. In particular, the stiffening heating unit is identical to the sealing unit in this case.

[0018] Furthermore, a container, in particular a cup-shaped container, preferably a paper pod, made of a fiber-based base material, preferably with a lid formed by a sheet, is proposed, manufactured using the method and / or the device described above. This allows for the creation of a particularly advantageous container, which in particular exhibits high stiffness, especially flange stiffness, and / or which has flanges with a particularly low tendency to swell.

[0019] The inventive method, the inventive device, and / or the inventive container are not / should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the inventive method, the inventive device, and / or the inventive container may, to achieve a functionality described herein, comprise a different number of individual elements, components, units, and process steps than those specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges stated in this disclosure shall also be considered disclosed and freely usable. drawing

[0020] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate three exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. They show:

[0021] Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a container, Fig. 2 a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing the container, Fig. 3a a schematic view of a device for manufacturing the container with an open flange clamping area for clamping a flange of the container, Fig. 3b a schematic view of the device with a closed flange clamping area, Fig. 4 a schematic view of an alternative device for manufacturing the container, and Fig. 5 a schematic view of another alternative device for manufacturing the container. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0022] The Figure 1Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary container 10a in a perspective view. The container 10a is cup-shaped. The container 10a is a paper pod. The container 10a is made of a fiber-based base material. The fiber-based base material can be, for example, paper or cardboard, particularly food-grade paper or cardboard, which is preferably provided with at least one barrier layer. The container 10a is a paper packaging. The container 10a has a cup-shaped section 40a. The container 10a has an opening 12a. The opening 12a allows access to the cup-shaped section 40a of the container 10a. The container 10a is designed to hold a product 34a, for example, a foodstuff. The product 34a is stored in the cup-shaped section 40a of the container 10a. The container 10a, in particular the cup-shaped section 40a of the container 10a, forms a product receiving area 36a. In the Figure 1In the illustrated example, the product receiving area 36a of container 10a is filled with a spread, e.g., honey, jam, or butter. Container 10a has a flange 14a. The flange 14a is made of the same fiber-based base material as the rest of container 10a. The flange 14a is formed in one piece, specifically monolithically, with the product receiving area 36a of container 10a. The flange 14a surrounds the opening 12a of container 10a. The flange 14a extends parallel to an opening plane of the opening 12a. The flange 14a is a flat flange. The flange 14a is designed to receive a plate 28a. The flange 14a is designed to connect with the plate 28a. The flange 14a forms a sealing area for the formation of a seal seam with the plate 28a. The flange 14a has a closure or seal side 26a.The closure or sealing side 26a is provided for the application / attachment of the circuit board 28a. The container 10a incorporates the circuit board 28a. The circuit board 28a is a flat sheet. The circuit board 28a is made of a fiber-based base material. The circuit board 28a is made of the same fiber-based base material as the flange 14a. Alternatively, the circuit board 28a could also be made of a different fiber-based material or of a non-fiber-based material, which preferably can form a connection with the flange 14a. The circuit board 28a forms a lid for the container 10a. The circuit board 28a forms a lid that seals the product receiving area 36a, preferably in an airtight and / or moisture-tight manner. To remove product 34a from container 10a, a consumer typically opens the product receiving area 36a by pulling / tearing / detaching the cover formed by the circuit board 28a. The [unclear text] Figure 1 The depicted form, size, and function of container 10a are merely exemplary. Container 10a can assume and perform a variety of other forms, sizes, and functions, particularly those known or unknown from everyday life.

[0023] The Figure 2 shows a schematic flowchart of a process for manufacturing container 10a. Figures 3a and 3b as well as the Figures 4 and 5 Figures 44a, 44b, and 44c each show one of three different exemplary devices for manufacturing the container 10a, preferably by means of the method of Figure 2 .

[0024] Figures 4a to 5 show two further embodiments of the device 44a, which can be used for different process sequences of the method. With regard to identically designated components and process steps, in particular with regard to components or process steps with the same reference numerals, reference is generally also made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular the Figures 1 to 3b , referred to. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is the reference numeral of the embodiment in the Figures 1 to 3b The following is a continuation. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4a to 5, the letter a is replaced by the letters b and c.

[0025] In process step 38a, the cup part 40a of the container 10a with the product receiving area 36a and the flange 14a is manufactured (in a known manner). In process step 54a, the product 34a is placed into the container 10a. In process step 42a, the cup part 40a is placed into one of the devices 44a, 44b, 44c (see Fig. 3aDevices 44a, 44b, and 44c each have a first jaw element 22a. Devices 44a, 44b, and 44c each have a second jaw element 24a. The jaw elements 22a and 24a together form a flange clamping area 30a. The flange clamping area 30a is designed to clamp at least a portion of the flange 14a. The two jaw elements 22a and 24a are movable towards each other to reduce the size of the flange clamping area 30a, in particular to clamp the flange 14a. The two jaw elements 22a, 24a are movable away from each other to enlarge the flange clamping area 30a, in particular to release the flange 14a after clamping and / or to allow the cup part 40a to be inserted and / or removed from the device 44a. The first jaw element 22a is designed to contact the flange 14a on a first side 18a of the flange 14a during clamping.The second jaw element 24a is designed to contact the flange 14a on a second side 20a of the flange 14a during clamping. The two sides 18a, 20a of the flange 14a are opposite each other and have opposite normal vectors. The first side 18a is the closing and sealing side 26a of the flange 14a. The second side 20a is different from the closing and sealing side 26a of the flange 14a.

[0026] In at least one process step 16a, 16b, 16c, the flange 14a is clamped between the two jaw elements 22a, 24a which contact the flange 14a on opposite sides 18a, 20a (see Figures 3b , 4 or 5In process steps 16a, 16b, 16c, the flange 14a is pressed by the two jaw elements 22a, 24a with a pressing force of 15 N / mm² or more. For this purpose, one jaw element 22a, 24a exerts the pressing force on the other jaw element 22a, 24a, while the flange 14a is clamped in the flange clamping area 30a, or both jaw elements 22a, 24a each exert a portion of the pressing force.

[0027] In process steps 16a, 16b, 16c, the portion of the flange 14a clamped between the two jaw elements 22a, 24a contacting the flange 14a on opposite sides 18a, 20a is heated to temperatures of 100°C and higher. The heating is performed by at least one or both jaw elements 22a, 24a. The application of pressure / pressing force to the flange 14a by the two jaw elements 22a, 24a and the heating of the flange 14a by at least one or both jaw elements 22a, 24a preferably occur at least temporally overlapping or simultaneously during process steps 16a, 16b, 16c.

[0028] The device 44a includes a stiffening heating unit 32a. The stiffening heating unit 32a is designed to heat at least the clamped portion of the flange 14a, located in the flange clamping area 30a, to temperatures of 100°C and above. The stiffening heating unit 32a is designed to stiffen at least the clamped portion of the flange 14a located in the flange clamping area 30a by heating. The heating and the pressing force generated by the jaw elements 22a, 24a are maintained in process steps 16a, 16b, 16c until a substantial portion of all fibers of the fiber-based base material in the flange 14a are bonded together. The heating and the pressing result in a stiffening of the flange 14a.

[0029] Several approaches are conceivable for heating flange 14a, each distinguished by one of the different methods described in the Figures 3b , 4 and 5 The devices 44a, 44b, and 44c shown can be implemented. Device 44a from the Figures 3a and 3bIn process step 16a, the flange 14a is heated from both opposite sides 18a and 20a of the flange 14a. For this purpose, the stiffening heating unit 32a has a first heating element 46a and a second heating element 48a, wherein the first heating element 46a is integrated into the first jaw element 22a and the second heating element 48a is integrated into the second jaw element 24a. Both heating elements 46a and 48a are designed to heat the flange 14a to temperatures exceeding 100°C. At the same time, the heating temperatures preferably remain below 250°C. The temperatures of the two heating elements 46a and 48a can be equal or nearly equal. Alternatively, the temperature of one of the heated jaw elements 22a, 24a, preferably of its heating element 46a, 48a, can be higher than the temperature of the other of the heated jaw elements 22a, 24a, preferably of its heating element 46a, 48a.For example, the temperature of the second jaw element 24a, preferably the second heating element 48a of the second jaw element 24a, i.e., the jaw element 24a of the two jaw elements 22a, 24a, which is brought into contact with the closure or sealing side 26a of the flange 14a in process step 16a, is significantly lower than the temperature of the first jaw element 22a, preferably the first heating element 46a of the first jaw element 22a, i.e., the jaw element 22a of the two jaw elements 22a, 24a, which is brought into contact with the side 20a of the flange 14a opposite the closure or sealing side 26a in process step 16a. The second heating element 48a can be integrally formed with a sealing unit 50a for sealing the circuit board 28a to the flange 14a or can simultaneously form the sealing unit 50a.In this case, in process step 16a, the circuit board 28a clamped on the closure or sealing side 26a of the flange 14a is sealed onto the flange 14a by the heat of the heating elements 46a, 48a at the same time as the flange stiffening process.

[0030] In an alternative process step 16b, a flange 14b of a container 10b is formed by means of a Figure 4 In the alternative device 44b shown, the flange 14b is heated only from one of two opposite sides 18b, 20b. In the alternative process step 16b, the flange 14b is heated only from side 18b of the two opposite sides 18b, 20b of the flange 14b, which is different from a closing or sealing side 26b of the flange 14b. The closing or sealing side 26b of the flange 14b is provided for making contact, in particular a sealing contact, with a circuit board 28b that closes an opening 12b of the container 10b.

[0031] The alternative device 44b has an alternative stiffening heating unit 32b. The alternative stiffening heating unit 32b is integrated into only one of the two jaw elements 22b, 24b of the alternative device 44b. The alternative stiffening heating unit 32b is integrated into only the jaw element 22b of the two jaw elements 22b, 24b that is intended to contact the flange 14b on a side 18b opposite the closure or sealing side 26b of the flange 14b. In this case, the alternative stiffening heating unit 32b has only one heating element 46b. The heating element 46b of the alternative stiffening heating unit 32b is integrated into a first jaw element 22b of the two jaw elements 22b, 24b. The other (second) jaw element 24b is free of a heating element 46b, 48b. The other (second) jaw element 24b is also free of a separate sealing unit 50b.

[0032] In the alternative process step 16b, the heating on only one side introduces heat sufficient to cause, in addition to the stiffening effect of a fiber-based base material of the flange 14b achieved by the heat, a blank 28b, also clamped between the two jaw elements 22b, 24b above the opening 12b on the closure or sealing side 26b of the flange 14b, is simultaneously sealed onto the flange 14b by the heat during the flange stiffening process. Thus, the alternative stiffening heating unit 32b, in particular the heating element 46b, simultaneously forms a sealing unit 50b.

[0033] In a further alternative process step 16c, a flange 14c of a container 10c is formed by means of a Figure 5In the further alternative device 44c shown, the flange 14c is heated only from one of two opposite sides 18c, 20c. In the further alternative process step 16c, the flange 14c is heated only from side 20c of the two opposite sides 18c, 20c of the flange 14c, which is identical to a closing or sealing side 26c of the flange 14c, which is provided for making contact, in particular a sealing contact, with a circuit board 28c that closes an opening 12c of the container 10c.

[0034] The further alternative device 44c has a further alternative stiffening heating unit 32c. The further alternative stiffening heating unit 32c is integrated only into the jaw element 24c of the two jaw elements 22c, 24c, which is designed to contact the flange 14c on a side 20c that also forms the closing or sealing side 26c of the flange 14c. In this case, the further alternative stiffening heating unit 32c has only one heating element 46c. The heating element 46c of the further alternative stiffening heating unit 32c is integrated into a second jaw element 24c of the two jaw elements 22c, 24c. The other (first) jaw element 24c is free of a heating element 46c, 48c. The other (first) jaw element 24c is also free of a separate sealing unit 50c. The further alternative stiffening heating unit 32c, in particular the heating element 46c, can also perform a function as a sealing unit 50c.

[0035] In at least one further process step 52a, the finished, in particular sealed, container 10a is removed from the respective device 44a, 44b, 44c.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a container (10a-c), in particular a cup-shaped container, from a fiber-based base material, in particular paper or cardboard material, wherein the container (10a-c) has at least one opening (12a-c) and a flange (14a-c) consisting at least partially, preferably completely, of the fiber-based base material and at least partially, preferably completely, surrounding the opening (12a-c), wherein in at least one process step (16a-c) to stiffen the flange (14a-c) at least one partial area of ​​the flange (14a-c), clamped between two jaw elements (22a-c, 24a-c) contacting the flange (14a-c) on opposite sides (18a-c, 20a-c), is heated to temperatures of 100°C or more, in particular by at least one of the jaw elements (22a-c, 24a-c). characterized by the fact thatthe flange (14a-c) in the process step (16a-c) by the two jaw elements (22a-c, 24a-c) with a pressing force of 15 N / mm 2 or is compressed more.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the heating, and in particular a pressing force generated by the jaw elements (22a-c, 24a-c), is maintained in the process step (16a-c) until a substantial part of all fibers of the fiber-based base material are baked together in the flange (14a-c).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that The flange (14a) is heated from both opposite sides (18a, 20a) of the flange (14a) in the process step (16a).

4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that in the process step (16b-c) the flange (14b-c) is heated only from one side (18b-c) of the two opposite sides (18b-c, 20b-c) of the flange (14b-c).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that In the process step (16b), the flange (14b) is heated only from the side (18b) of the two opposite sides (18b, 20b) of the flange (14b), which is different from a closing or sealing side (26b) of the flange (14b), which is provided for making a contact, in particular a sealing contact, with a circuit board (28b) closing the opening (12b).

6. Method according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that In the process step (16c), the flange (14c) is heated only from the side (20c) of the two opposite sides (18c, 20c) of the flange (14c), which is identical to a closure or sealing side (26c) of the flange (14c), which is provided for making a contact, in particular a sealing contact, with a circuit board (28c) closing the opening (12c).

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe heat introduced by the, preferably only one-sided, heating is large enough that, in addition to the stiffening effect of the fiber-based base material of the flange (14a-c) achieved by the heat, a circuit board (28a-c) also clamped between the two jaw elements (22a-c, 24a-c) above the opening (12a-c), in particular on a closure or sealing side (26a-c) of the flange (14a-c), can be sealed onto the flange (14a-c) by the heat, in particular simultaneously with a flange stiffening process.

8. Method according to claim 3 or according to claims 3 and 7, characterized by the fact thata temperature of the heated jaw element (24a) of the two jaw elements (22a, 24a), which is brought into contact with the closure or sealing side (26a) of the flange (14a) in the process step (16a), is significantly lower than a temperature of the other jaw element (22a) of the two jaw elements (22a, 24a), which is brought into contact with the side (20a) of the flange (14a) opposite the closure or sealing side (26a) in the process step (16a).

9. Device (44a-c) for producing a container (10a-c), in particular a cup-shaped container, from a fiber-based base material, in particular paper or cardboard material, preferably by means of a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (10a-c) has at least one opening (12a-c) and a flange (14a-c) consisting at least partially, preferably completely, of the fiber-based base material and at least partially, preferably completely, surrounding the opening (12a-c), comprising a first jaw element (22a-c) and a second jaw element (24a-c), which together with the first jaw element (22a-c) forms a flange clamping area (30a-c) provided for clamping at least a partial area of ​​the flange (14a-c), and a stiffening heating unit (32a-c) provided forto heat at least a partial area of ​​the flange (14a-c) arranged in the flange clamping area (30a-c) to temperatures of 100°C or more to stiffen the flange (14a-c), characterized by the fact that The stiffening heating unit (32a-c) is designed to stiffen the flange (14a-c) by means of the two jaw elements (22a-c, 24a-c) with a pressing force of 15 N / mm². 2 or to compress more.

10. Device (44b-c) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the stiffening heating unit (32b-c) is integrated only into one jaw element (22b-c, 24b-c) of the two jaw elements (22b-c, 24b-c).

11. Device (44b-c) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the fact thatthe stiffening heating unit (32b) is integrated only into the jaw element (22b, 24b) of the two jaw elements (22b, 24b), which is designed to contact the flange (14b) on a side (18b) opposite a closure or sealing side (26b) of the flange (14b).

12. Device (44b-c) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by the fact that the jaw element (22b-c, 24b-c) without stiffening heating unit (32b-c) is also free of a sealing unit.

13. Container (10a-c), in particular cup-shaped container (10a-c), preferably paper pod, made of a fiber-based base material, preferably with a lid formed by a circuit board (28a-c), manufactured by a method according to one of claims 1 to 8 and / or by a device (44a-c) according to one of claims 9 to 12.

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