Pack and method for filling a pack

Abstract

The pack (2) for the product (34) has a bottom layer (4), a middle layer, and a top layer (6) arranged vertically apart from each other and connected to each other. The top layer (6) has a receiving strip (26) having a plurality of recesses (32). The receiving strip (26) can pivot in the direction of the bottom layer (4) around a pivot axis (A) arranged in the area of ​​the top layer (6). In the pivoted receiving state of the receiving strip (26), the entry opening (33) of the recess (32) for inserting the product (34) faces away from the bottom layer (4), and the support portion (35) of the recess (32) for supporting a part of the product (34) forms the boundary of the recess (32) on the opposite side of the entry opening (33). The middle layer (12) has an aperture (30) within the pivot range of the receiving strip (26).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pack and a method for filling the pack. Background Technology

[0002] For example, tray-shaped packs, especially those made of cardboard, are used for product packaging in many industries. Examples of such products include liquid products in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly syringes, ampoules, or vials. The problem to be solved

[0003] The basic objective of the present invention is to provide a pack that is particularly stable and can store products particularly safely. means of solving the problem

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a product pack, particularly a tray, comprises a bottom layer and a top layer arranged vertically apart from each other and connected to each other. The top layer comprises at least one receiving strip, preferably a plurality of receiving strips, each receiving strip comprises a plurality of recesses, and at least one receiving strip is pivotable toward the bottom layer around at least one pivot axis arranged in the area of ​​the top layer. In the pivoted receiving state of the at least one receiving strip, the entry opening of the recess for inserting the product faces away from the bottom layer, and the support of the recess for supporting a part of the product forms the boundary of the recess opposite to the entry opening.

[0005] As a result, the entire pack is stable, and products can be simply placed into the pack and securely positioned in individual recesses.

[0006] The pack further comprises an intermediate layer arranged between the bottom layer and the top layer at a distance from the bottom layer and the top layer and connected to the bottom layer and / or the top layer, wherein the intermediate layer has at least one aperture within the pivot range of at least one receiving strip. Thus, the stability of the pack is further enhanced.

[0007] Generally, three layers, namely the bottom layer, the middle layer, and the top layer, are all connected to each other directly or indirectly, preferably firmly connected.

[0008] The pack can be used for various types of products consisting of a rigid body. It is particularly suitable for products with a main direction (lengthwise) size of at least 20 mm, preferably at least 30 mm, and more preferably at least 40 mm. One specific application example is products for the pharmaceutical industry, in particular syringes, ampoules, and / or vials.

[0009] It is desirable that at least one aperture of the intermediate layer has at least one edge contour, and that a downwardly pivoted receiving strip touches at least one edge contour. In this way, the pivoted receiving strip is further stabilized.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, at least one edge contour is a convex contour or has mutually spaced sections that define a convex contour when virtually connected. As a result, the receiving strip is prestressed and further contributes to stabilization.

[0011] The height of the convex contour at the apex of the convex contour, measured from the intersection line passing through the two endpoints of the convex contour, is preferably 1 to 10 mm, more preferably 3 to 5 mm.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the height of the convex contour at the apex of the convex contour, measured from the intersection line passing through the two endpoints of the convex contour, is preferably 1% to 20%, more preferably 2% to 10% of the width of the convex contour between the two endpoints. Such small convexity has been proven to be optimal for stabilization.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the convex contour preferably has the shape of a circular segment with a radius of curvature of 25 to 2500 mm, more preferably 60 to 600 mm.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate layer has at least one latching lug for a downwardly pivoted receiving strip, preferably two symmetrically arranged latching lugs, at at least one aperture, preferably near the edge contour. Thus, the stability of the pack is further increased because the receiving strip can be rotated back over the latching lugs only when a significant force is applied.

[0015] In the initial state without pivoting, it is preferable that at least one receiving strip and the recess of the receiving strip extend substantially flat with respect to the rest of the body of the top layer. Alternatively, they may also extend obliquely with respect to the body of the top layer at an angle of 30° or less, preferably 20° or less, more preferably 10° or less.

[0016] In the pivoted state, the plane on which the receiving strip is placed intersects the bottom layer at an angle of preferably + / - 65° to 90°, more preferably + / - 75° to 85°.

[0017] delete

[0018] It is desirable that the receiving strip and the main body of the uppermost layer be connected to each other in two opposing areas of the uppermost layer. In this way, a stable pivot of the receiving strip is achieved around two fixed points.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the top layer is provided with two receiving strips pivotable in opposite directions, and the recesses of the receiving strips serve to receive different parts of the same product. This allows a long product to be simply placed within the recesses through simple automatic pivoting.

[0020] The intermediate layer is preferably offset from the receiving strip and has a supporting surface or supporting line for supporting an additional product portion, and / or has an aperture for receiving an additional product portion.

[0021] In particular, if preferred, the pack is formed entirely of cardboard. Specifically, the top layer must be formed of cardboard. However, using other suitable materials or different materials for different elements of the pack may also be considered.

[0022] In addition, it is desirable to form the entire pack as a single pack blank.

[0023] Generally, it is preferable that the pack is substantially a rectangular prism. In this case, it is preferable that the height of the rectangular prism be significantly smaller than the length of the rectangular prism, for example, significantly smaller by at least a multiple of 2 or a multiple of 3. Additionally, it is preferable that the height of the rectangular prism be significantly smaller than the width of the rectangular prism, for example, significantly smaller by at least a multiple of 1.5 or a multiple of 2.

[0024] However, other basic shapes of the pack, preferably shapes having at least six sides, may also be considered. For example, the pack may be configured in a cube shape. Basic shapes with more than six sides, for example, shapes with eight or ten sides, may also be considered.

[0025] In principle, it is advantageous for the side strips of the erected pack to be connected to each other, preferably firmly connected, and particularly preferably adhesively bonded, at least one longitudinal side, preferably two longitudinal sides, to form the main body of the pack. Finally, closing tabs are arranged at both ends of the pack to be folded after filling the pack, thereby ensuring the closure of the pack's ends and a particularly stable shape.

[0026] For example, in the case of a pack produced from a single pack blank, in each case, the bottom layer may already be integrally connected to both the middle layer and the top layer on one side via two connecting strips. Then, in the flat state of the pack blank, two outer side strips of the pack blank originally arranged on the side of the middle layer or the top layer facing away from the bottom layer are used for connection, preferably adhesive bonding, to one of the two connecting strips originally arranged between the bottom layer and the middle layer or between the bottom layer and the top layer in each case. In this way, a stable body shape of the pack can be obtained.

[0027] However, in principle, it is also possible to consider producing the individual layers of the pack as separate elements and connecting them only when assembling the pack.

[0028] The product is placed in the recess of the receiving strip and optionally additionally on the support surface of the intermediate layer. Generally, since the product is placed on the top so that the user can grasp it without additional opening measures, it is preferable not to cover it.

[0029] Overall, the top layer contains multiple webs and at least one receiving strip, but it is advantageous for another wide area of ​​the top layer to represent an aperture.

[0030] The pack is also typically inserted into a folding box and then distributed in this form. However, in addition to these elements of the described pack, an additional covering film may be additionally sealed to the web of the top layer of the pack. In this case, inserting the pack into an additional surrounding folding box may be omitted.

[0031] For example, at least one recess of the receiving strip may have a shape that tapers in the direction of the inlet opening. This allows the product to be reliably protected from falling out of the recess. When the product is introduced, these tapers are each bent short and open due to the elasticity of the material of the receiving strip.

[0032] The recess of at least one receiving strip generally accommodates only a small portion of the product. The range of the recess of at least one receiving strip in the main direction (length direction) of the product is generally 5 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or less. The range of the recess of at least one receiving strip perpendicular to the main direction of the product is generally 100 mm or less, preferably 50 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less.

[0033] The shape of the recess, which is particularly suitable for cylindrical product parts such as syringes, ampoules, and medicine bottles, is substantially circular. The radius of the circle is preferably 100 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less, and particularly preferably 10 mm or less.

[0034] In a receiving strip, individual recesses are arranged adjacent to each other and spaced apart. Generally, all recesses of a receiving strip lie in the same plane. If there are multiple receiving strips, it is desirable for all recesses of all receiving strips to lie in planes extending parallel to each other. This is especially true when different parts of the same product are supported by two or more receiving strips, for example, as in the case of a syringe. In such cases, the pivot axes of the various receiving strips are generally arranged parallel to each other in each case. Therefore, the various receiving strips rotate in the same direction or in opposite directions.

[0035] However, it may also be considered that different receiving strips have recesses that are aligned differently, and / or have pivot axes that are oblique or otherwise particularly perpendicular to each other.

[0036] A preferred method for charging a pack is,

[0037] - A step of providing a pack as described above;

[0038] - A step of pivoting at least one receiving strip toward the lower layer,

[0039] - A step of simultaneously introducing multiple products into the recess of at least one pivoted receiving strip

[0040] Includes

[0041] Therefore, charging is done in a simple way.

[0042] The steps of pivoting at least one receiving strip and introducing multiple products into the recess are preferably performed in a single operation in an automated manner.

[0043] The steps of pivoting at least one receiving strip and introducing a plurality of products into the recess are preferably performed by at least one linear movement of the charging device in the direction of the lower layer. This serves to further simplify the mechanized charging process.

[0044] The charging device can hold and support multiple products firmly but releaseably using, for example, a suction device or a gripper.

[0045] During the charging process, it is preferable for the charging device to first contact at least one receiving strip through a shoulder portion or protrusion, preferably in an area close to the pivot axis, to initiate the pivot process. As the linear movement of the charging device in the direction of the lower layer continues, the front portion of the charging device passes through an aperture within the body of the upper layer together with the product, which becomes fully accessible as the receiving strip pivots, and the pivot process continues to a pivot angle having an absolute value of preferably 65° to 90°, more preferably 75° to 85°. The latter range has proven advantageous, for example, because a short distance between the shoulder portion or protrusion of the charging device and the pivot axis must be maintained to allow for a specific tolerance.

[0046] At the end of the pivot process, at least one receiving strip is preferably weakly prestressed by contacting the preferably convex edge contour of the associated aperture in the intermediate layer. The convex edge contour is an additional boundary condition that requires a pivot angle having an absolute value less than 90° in at least some sections or sections and may further result in slight deviations in the pivot angle in different sections of the receiving strip.

[0047] If a latching lug is present, this lug firmly holds and supports the receiving strip at the pivoted end position. In the case of a convex edge contour of the associated aperture within the intermediate layer, the latching lug preferably supports the prestressing of the receiving strip by engaging on two opposing sides.

[0048] Transferring the product into the receptacle is preferably performed by linearly moving the charging device holding and supporting the product toward the lower layer. In practice, there is no need to clearly distinguish between the pivot process and the charging process; instead, they can proceed with partial overlap.

[0049] After the product is inserted into the recess, the connection between the charging device and the product is canceled, and the empty charging device can move back out of the pack through linear movement away from the bottom layer.

[0050] The described process represents only one preferred possibility for filling the pack. Of course, it is also possible to provide different devices to pivot at least one receiving strip and introduce the product into the recess, and / or to perform the pivoting and filling processes at different times. Of course, one or more or all of these steps can also be performed manually. Then, each product is fed individually.

[0051] In addition to the linear downward movement of the charging device, other movements may occur, for example, linearly moving the charging device at least once more in some other direction before introducing the product into the pack, or linearly accompanying the charging device in the direction of transport of the pack during the charging process when the pack is continuously transported during the charging process. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a pack according to the present invention in an initial state where the receiving strip is not pivoted; FIG. 2 is a plan view of an integral pack blank capable of forming the pack of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the pack of FIG. 1 in a pivoted receiving state of the receiving strip; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pack according to FIG. 3 with the product filled in; FIG. 5 is a perspective view seen from below of an embodiment of a charging device for the pack of FIG. 1; and Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of the edge contour of the large aperture of the intermediate layer in Figure 2. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a pack (2) according to the present invention in an initial state.

[0054] The pack (2) has a rectangular shape having substantially a bottom layer (4) and a top layer (6), with two mutually opposing longitudinal sides (8) and two mutually opposing ends (10) extending between the bottom layer (4) and the top layer (6).

[0055] A basic integrated pack blank (3) is illustrated in the plan view of FIG. 2. In addition to the bottom layer (4) and the top layer (6), the middle layer (12) of the subsequent pack (2) can also be seen here. In the illustrated example, the bottom layer (4) is arranged between the top layer (6) and the middle layer (12) of the pack blank. The bottom layer (4) is connected to the top layer (6) via a first connecting strip (14). The bottom layer (4) is likewise connected to the middle layer (12) via a second connecting strip (16). A first side strip (18) is additionally arranged on the side of the top layer (6) far from the bottom layer (4), and a second side strip (20) is additionally arranged on the side of the middle layer (12) far from the bottom layer (4).

[0056] The connecting strips (14, 16) and side strips (18, 20) are pivotally connected to the associated layers (4, 6, 12), respectively. When the pack blank (3) is erected, the middle layer (12) is first folded inward over the bottom layer (4), and then the top layer (6) is folded over the other two layers (4, 12) by the connecting strip (14) to form the upper boundary of the pack (2). The surfaces of the side strips (18, 20) and connecting strips (14, 16) that meet are preferably bonded to each other.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 2, after the pack (2) is erected, two mutually opposing closing tabs (22) that are seated on the ends (10) of the pack (2) are additionally arranged on the bottom layer (4) and the top layer (6). To create the pack (2), the mutually opposing closing tabs (22) at each end (10) of the pack (2) must be pivoted in opposite directions and then latched together. As a result, the state of the pack (2) illustrated in FIG. 1 is obtained, which is referred to as the initial state below.

[0058] Accordingly, the erected pack (2) has a sandwich configuration consisting of three layers, namely a bottom layer (4), a top layer (6), and an intermediate layer (12) located between them. The three layers (4, 6, 12) are each spaced apart from each other.

[0059] The bottom layer (4) is preferably formed by a continuous closed layer.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the top layer (6) comprises a body (24) formed by a plurality of interconnected webs and three receiving strips (26). Additionally, two larger apertures (28) where the receiving strips (26) are located are provided between the webs of the body (24). In the initial state of the pack (2) illustrated in FIG. 1, the receiving strips (26) extend substantially flat with respect to the body (24) of the top layer (6). Each receiving strip (26) is pivotably connected to the body (24) at two edge regions. A corresponding pivot axis (A) is depicted in FIG. 1. Here, the two centrally arranged receiving strips (26) are pivotable in opposite directions. Each receiving strip (26) has a plurality of recesses (32) for supporting a product (34) (see FIG. 4), where in the pivoted receiving state of the receiving strip (26) (Fig. 3), the entry opening (33) of the recess (32) for inserting the product (34) faces away from the bottom layer (4), and the support portion (35) of the recess (32) for supporting a part of the product (34) forms the boundary of the recess (32) on the opposite side of the entry opening (33).

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate layer (12) includes two apertures (30) in the pivot area of ​​the receiving strip (26), as is most clearly seen in FIG. 2. Each aperture (30) includes one or two edge contours (36), and the downwardly pivoted receiving strip (26) rests on the edge contours in the pivoted receiving state illustrated in FIG. 3. The edge contours (36) are, in each case, convex contours or mutually spaced sections that define a convex contour when virtually connected (Fig. 2). The intermediate layer (12) further includes two symmetrically arranged latching lugs (38) for the downwardly pivoted receiving strip (26), each near the edge contours (36) in each aperture (30). Finally, the intermediate layer (12) is offset from the receiving strip (26) and has a supporting surface or supporting line (40) for supporting additional product portions, or has an aperture (42) for receiving additional product portions.

[0062] In FIG. 6, the edge contour (36) is depicted at an enlarged scale. The height (H) of the convex contour at the apex of the convex contour, measured from the intersection line (S) passing through the two endpoints of the convex contour, is preferably 1% to 10%, more preferably 2% to 6% of the width (B) of the convex contour between the two endpoints (43). The height (H) of the convex contour is, for example, within the range of 2 to 10 mm.

[0063] Finally, FIG. 4 illustrates a pack (2) filled with a product (34). Here, the product (34) is placed in a recess (32) of a receiving strip (26). In the illustrated example, the product (34) is a vial and a syringe, and the syringe is supported on each of the two receiving strips (26) due to the length of the syringe.

[0064] In the pack (2), the product (34) is charged in an automated manner by a charging device (44) (exemplified as an example in FIG. 5) that preferably has a suction device or gripper (45) for the product (34) and performs linear movement in the direction of the bottom layer (4).

[0065] Due to linear movement, preferably by the shoulder portion or protrusion (46) of the charging device (44), the receiving strip (26) is pivoted first toward the lower layer (4). Subsequently, or partially overlapping in time, the linear movement simultaneously introduces a plurality of products (34) into the recess (32) of the pivoted receiving strip (26).

[0066] After the charging process is performed, the charging device (44) releases the product (34), and the empty charging device (44) can be moved again away from the bottom layer (4) by linear movement. Here, periodic charging is preferred. However, moving the charging device (44) together with the moved pack (2) in a direction perpendicular to the linear movement direction can also be considered.

[0067] In addition to the exemplified embodiment of the pack (2), many other embodiments may be considered. For example, the number of receiving strips (26), the arrangement of the receiving strips, and the pivot direction may be changed in any desired way.

Claims

Claim 1 As a pack (2) for a product (34), it comprises a bottom layer (4) and a top layer (6) arranged vertically at a distance from each other and connected to each other, wherein the top layer (6) comprises at least one receiving strip (26) having a plurality of recesses (32), wherein the at least one receiving strip (26) is pivotable in the direction of the bottom layer (4) around at least one pivot axis (A) arranged in the area of ​​the top layer (6), and in the pivoted receiving state of the at least one receiving strip (26), the entry opening (33) of the recess (32) for inserting the product (34) faces away from the bottom layer (4), and the support portion (35) of the recess (32) for supporting a part of the product (34) forms the boundary of the recess (32) on the opposite side of the entry opening (33), and wherein the bottom layer (4) and the top layer (6) are spaced apart from each other. A product pack (2), wherein an intermediate layer (12) is arranged between the lower layer (4) and the upper layer (6), the intermediate layer (12) is connected to the lower layer (4) or the upper layer (6), and the intermediate layer (12) has at least one aperture (30) within the pivot range of at least one receiving strip (26). Claim 2 In claim 1, at least one aperture (30) of the intermediate layer (12) has at least one edge contour (36), and at least one downwardly pivoted receiving strip (26) contacts the at least one edge contour (36), for a product pack (2). Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the product pack (2) is a convex contour or has mutually spaced sections that define a convex contour when virtually connected. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, a product pack (2) wherein the height (H) of the convex contour at the apex of the convex contour, measured from an intersection line (S) passing through the two endpoints (43) of the convex contour, is 1 to 10 mm. Claim 5 In claim 3 or 4, the convex contour has the shape of a circular segment with a radius of curvature of 25 to 2500 mm, for a product pack (2). Claim 6 In claim 1, the intermediate layer (12) has two symmetrically arranged latching lugs (38) for at least one downwardly pivoted receiving strip (26) near the edge contour (36) at the at least one aperture (30), for a product pack (2). Claim 7 In claim 1, in an initial state that is not pivoted, the at least one receiving strip (26) and the recess (32) of the receiving strip (26) are extended flatly with respect to the remaining body (24) of the top layer (6) or obliquely with respect to the body (24) of the top layer (6) at an angle of 30° or less, for a product pack (2). Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A product pack (2) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one receiving strip (26) and the main body (24) of the uppermost layer (6) are connected to each other in two opposing regions of the uppermost layer (6). Claim 10 In claim 1, the uppermost layer (6) is provided with two receiving strips (26) pivotable in opposite directions, and the recesses (32) of the receiving strips (26) serve to accommodate different parts of the same product (34), for a product pack (2). Claim 11 In claim 1, the intermediate layer (12) is offset from at least one receiving strip (26) and has a supporting surface or supporting line (40) for supporting additional product portions, or has an aperture (42) for receiving additional product portions, for a product pack (2).

Images