Device for producing packaging tubes, packaging tube, and method for producing packaging tubes

Abstract

A packaging tube having a tube head, which is preferably produced by compression moulding and which is integrally joined in a shoulder region to a separate tube body, which is preferably produced from a multilayer laminate, wherein an inverted tube cover (11) formed integrally with the tube head (07) [as part of the tube head (07)] is arranged adjoining a tube neck (10) of the tube head (07) in a longitudinal direction (L), the tube neck (10) and the tube cover (11) being connected to one another via a predetermined breaking portion (12) of the tube head (07).

Description

[0001] Device for producing packaging tubes, packaging tube and method for producing packaging tubes

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for producing packaging tubes according to the preamble of claim 1, a packaging tube according to the preamble of claim 8 and a method for producing a packaging tube according to the preamble of claim 11.

[0003] Various technologies for manufacturing packaging tubes are known from the state of the art. One approach is based on producing the entire packaging tube, where possible, using a tool-based manufacturing process such as injection molding. However, this results in limitations regarding the geometries that can be produced. At the same time, this results in particularly high tool costs and particularly demanding tool technology, because foldable or collapsible tools are usually required to enable non-destructive demolding of the packaging tubes.

[0004] An alternative approach involves first producing a tube body, for example, a tubular one, which is then separated from a continuous tube and joined to a tube head. The tube body can be made either from a multilayer laminate, for example, with a longitudinal weld seam that transforms a curved laminate into a tube shape. Alternatively, there are also approaches in which the tube body is extruded.

[0005] In many approaches, the tube head is first manufactured with an open outlet opening, sealed if necessary before filling the packaging tube, and in a further process step, usually before filling the packaging tube, provided with a separately manufactured tube cap and closed.

[0006] The separate production of the tube cap and the connection of the tube cap to the tube head requires additional processing and assembly effort.

[0007] For one-piece injection-molded tubes, CN 217754844 U already teaches a solution in which the tube body and the tube head, together with a tube cap arranged inverted and adjoining it in the longitudinal direction, are produced in an injection-molding process, wherein a predetermined breaking point is formed between the tube head end and the tube cap in the longitudinal direction, so that the tube cap can be removed from the tube head via an irreversible, destructive separation and can be attached to and detached from the tube head in an inverted orientation to form a repeatedly connectable and detachable connection between the tube cap and the tube head.

[0008] The solution known from the state of the art requires, on the one hand, highly complex forming tools and a highly specialized injection molding process in order to form / manufacture the tube including the tube body, tube head and lid in one injection molding step.

[0009] Furthermore, injection-molded tube bodies have the disadvantage that they consist of only one essentially homogeneous material, which also forms the tube head and the tube cap. This, however, only allows for very limited optimization or adaptation of the tube body and the packaging tube to the intended use. However, the intended use may require different functionalities of the tube body, which, for example, necessitate a barrier layer in the tube body and / or tube head. Embedding material components made from renewable or recycled materials without these coming into contact with the packaged product in the packaging tube is also not possible with conventional injection molding processes.

[0010] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to propose a packaging tube, a method for producing a packaging tube and a device for producing a packaging tube, in which the advantages of a tube lid connected in one piece to the tube head and the formation of a predetermined breaking point are combined with the advantages of packaging tubes which, in particular due to their flexibility with regard to the design of the tube body, can be optimally adapted to intended uses and / or environmental protection and sustainability aspects.

[0011] This object is achieved with regard to a device for producing a packaging tube having the features of claim 1.

[0012] With regard to a packaging tube, the problem is solved by the features of claim 8.

[0013] With regard to a method for producing packaging tubes, the object is achieved by the features of method claim 11.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the following description, the description of the figures, the figures, and the dependent claims. To avoid unnecessary repetition, all features disclosed and claimed in the device shall also be deemed to be correspondingly disclosed and claimable in the method, and vice versa.

[0015] The device according to the invention for producing a packaging tube comprises a forming tool for forming a tube head, in particular by pressing a preform while connecting the tube head to a tube body, preferably made of a multi-layer laminate, for producing the packaging tube, wherein the forming tool is equipped in several parts, in particular with a male mold and a multi-part female mold, into which a preform and a tube body can be introduced in an open state, and which forms the tube head from the preform and establishes the connection with the tube body during the transition to a closed state.According to the invention, it is provided that the multi-part forming tool is shaped such that in the closed state a cavity is enclosed which forms an inverted tube cap which is formed integrally with the tube head or as part of the tube head in a longitudinal direction and which adjoins a tube neck of the tube head, wherein the cavity is also shaped such that the tube neck and the tube cap are connected to one another via a predetermined breaking section of the tube head.

[0016] The basic concept of the present invention is accordingly based on a tube head which is connected to a separate tube body produced in parallel or in advance, wherein, as part of the shaping of the tube head and the simultaneous connection to the tube body, an inverted tube cap which is integrally connected to the tube head is also formed, wherein a transition between the tube neck and the tube cap closes the outlet opening of the tube and at the same time forms a predetermined breaking section, so that the integrally formed tube cap can be destructively and irreversibly removed from the tube head, in particular from the tube neck, in order to be connected to and detached from the tube head again and several times in an inverted orientation.

[0017] The invention has surprisingly achieved that demoulding from the forming tool, despite the increased complexity due to the formed tube cap and the greater forces in the longitudinal direction during demoulding from the forming tool, has little or no adverse effects on the still fresh and possibly not yet fully solidified connection between the tube head and the tube body, which connection reacts particularly sensitively or sensitively to corresponding forces in the longitudinal direction, particularly shortly after the connection has been formed by deforming the preform.

[0018] In other words, the surprising finding of the invention is that it is possible to form a tube head with an inverted tube cap formed in one piece and connected via a predetermined breaking section from a preform and, during the forming process, to simultaneously produce the connection to the tube body and to remove this connection from the molding tool within a very short time, without the increased demands on demolding having a negative impact on the connection between the tube body and the tube head.

[0019] According to a first, advantageous embodiment, the die can comprise recesses and projections shaped such that, in the closed state, radially outwardly projecting securing means are formed on the tube neck and radially inwardly projecting securing means are formed in the tube cap. The securing means are preferably designed to be complementary in such a way that they can be used to reversibly secure or fasten the tube cap to the tube neck after the tube cap has been irreversibly and destructively removed from the tube neck and turned over. The securing means can be designed, for example, as a thread, as a bayonet closure means and / or as a locking means or the like. The radially inwardly projecting securing means of the tube cap have a particular influence on the demolding of the packaging tube from the forming tool.Therefore, it is a particular achievement of the invention to form the radially inwardly projecting securing means of the tube cap and to demold the tube cap from the forming tool without causing negative influences, damage or the like on the connection between the freshly formed tube head and the tube body.

[0020] In a further particularly advantageous embodiment, it can be provided in this regard that the part of the die that forms the inner surface of the tube cap, including the radially inwardly projecting securing means, is designed as a single piece and / or is non-collapsible or non-foldable in the radial direction. It has been particularly surprisingly shown that even with such a die design, in which considerable longitudinal forces are necessary and occur for demolding the tube cap, the connection between the tube head and the tube body is surprisingly stable and reliable, allowing demolding to succeed reliably without the connection between the tube body and the tube head being impaired or influenced.

[0021] In this context, it can accordingly be particularly advantageous that the part of the die which forms or shapes the radially inwardly projecting securing means is radially immobile, in particular non-collapsible, and preferably formed in one piece.

[0022] According to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the device, it can be provided that a radially outer part of the die comprises a plurality of tool parts which are connected to a drive in such a way that, when the shaping tool is transferred into an open state, a movement towards the radial outside, in particular at least also a movement towards the radial outside, takes place.

[0023] This particularly advantageously allows a compensating movement of the integrally formed tube cap radially outward to overcome the radially inwardly projecting securing means relative to the complementary contours of the forming tool during a relative longitudinal movement. Surprisingly, this demolding, particularly of the tube cap, takes place without the tube cap being permanently plastically deformed and without excessive force being exerted on the transition between the tube head and the tube body during demolding.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the device comprises a sealing device which is designed to close an open end of the tube lid with a sealing layer, preferably a sealing film, and to connect the sealing layer to the tube lid.

[0025] The sealing layer can particularly advantageously serve to preserve the hygienic and other conditions inside the tube cap, so that there is no risk of the inverted tube cap, with its open end protruding, becoming soiled, contaminated, or otherwise adversely affected after production. The sealing device can either limit the sealing layer to the free end of the tube cap during sealing, in particular by punching, cutting, hot-cutting, or the like, or alternatively, further process pieces of the sealing layer that have already been cut to the dimensions of the free end of the tube cap. In principle, a variety of materials can be used as the sealing layer. For example, a sealing layer can also consist of a single-layer or multi-layer plastic material.Alternatively, a sealing layer can be made of a material made from renewable raw materials, such as paper, cardboard or carton.

[0026] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the device, it can be provided that the sealing device comprises welding means or application means for adhesion promoters and / or activating agents for adhesion promoters, with which the sealing layer is bonded to the tube cap. If there is a gap between the open end of the

[0027] tube cap and the sealing layer, a welded connection can be formed, the welding agents of the

[0028] Sealing equipment can be used. In this case, the sealing layer can also be cut to size by welding, allowing a web-like or strip-like sealing layer to be used, which is cut to the appropriate size by the welding device and simultaneously connected to the open end of the tube cap.

[0029] Alternatively, for example, if non-weldable sealing layers are to be used, the sealing device can comprise activating means for activating the adhesion promoter, for example, if the sealing layer is already partially or completely wetted with an adhesion promoter. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing device can also comprise application means for adhesion promoters, which can be used, for example, to apply an adhesion promoter to the sealing layer and / or to the open end of the tube cap.

[0030] A further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the device can provide for it to comprise a marking unit configured to provide the sealing layer with optical and / or haptic markings. The marking unit can be designed, for example, as a printer, an embossing device, an engraving device, for example, a laser engraving device, or the like.

[0031] As part of the marking process, information, authenticity and validation means, as well as information regarding traceability and quality management during tube production can be written or marked on the sealing layer. Alternatively, markings can also be applied in the form of decorations.

[0032] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the device, it can be provided that it has a filling or inserting device configured to insert an object into the tube lid. The filling or inserting device is arranged in the device for producing a packaging tube, preferably upstream of the sealing device, so that an object, for example a small toy or a tool for using or operating the packaging tube or its contents, can first be inserted into the tube lid and the tube lid can then be sealed with the sealing device or a sealing layer can be applied.The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a packaging tube with a tube head, preferably produced by compression molding, which is integrally connected in a shoulder region to a separate tube body, preferably made of a multi-layer laminate, in that an inverted tube lid, formed integrally with the tube head or formed as part of the tube head, is arranged in a longitudinal direction adjacent to a tube neck of the tube lid, wherein the tube neck and the tube lid are connected to one another via a predetermined breaking section of the tube head. As a result, the packaging tube combines the particular advantages of an individual, preferably multi-layer, tube body and a tube head with a molded-on tube lid, without the special features of the tube head with the molded-on tube lid leading to a technical and / or optical impairment of the connection at the transition between the tube body and the tube head.

[0033] Particularly advantageously, the preform can comprise a co-extrusion of different materials. This ensures that the tube head and / or the tube cap has a multi-layer structure. Particularly preferably, one layer can serve as a barrier layer to prevent or at least minimize diffusion into the tube (e.g., oxygen) or out of the tube. With multi-layer or multi-layer co-extrusion of the preform, it can also be particularly advantageous to ensure that the tube cap also has a corresponding multi-layer structure, preferably including a barrier layer, whereby the properties of the tube cap as a whole can be adapted to the requirements of the product to be packaged.As an alternative to pressing a preform, the tube head including the tube cap can also be manufactured by injecting a tube cap including the tube head onto the tube body and connecting it to the tube body during production.

[0034] In a first, particularly advantageous embodiment of the packaging tube, it can be provided that an open end of the tube lid is closed with a sealing layer, preferably a sealing film. This can prevent dirt, dust, or other foreign matter from penetrating the tube lid before it is destructively separated from the tube head along the predetermined breaking section and applied to the tube head in an inverted orientation. The sealing layer can preferably be designed such that it can be removed manually and / or without tools. For this purpose, the sealing layer can, for example, have a handling section or a tab that preferably projects beyond the tube lid and on which the sealing layer can be engaged. The handling section can also be folded back in a projecting area.

[0035] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the packaging tube, an object, in particular a small toy or a tool, can be inserted within the tube lid, covered by the sealing layer. If useful objects for using the packaging tube or their contents, such as tools, are arranged and stored in the tube lid below the sealing layer, this can result in the packaging tube and the product stored therein being able to be distributed or sold with less packaging material. Additional packaging for storing the tube and the tool can then be avoided.

[0036] Tools that may be provided include, for example, small spatulas, scrapers, brushes, sponges, combs, brushes, or the like, which are necessary or advantageous when using the packaging tube or the product stored in the packaging tube. If appropriate, the tools may also be arranged in a compressed manner in the tube cap below the sealing layer. This can be the case, for example, for wipes or sponges – of natural or synthetic origin. Thus, even a relatively large tool, in particular a sponge or wipe, can be stored on a relatively small tube cap.

[0037] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment, the sealing layer can be provided with a visual and / or haptic marking. This can be used either as a seal of approval or quality, or to document and convey information about the tube contents or the tube itself. For example, information about the manufacturing process, quality management, in particular about relevant dates or time stamps, can be applied as a marking on the sealing layer.

[0038] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the packaging tube, it can be provided that the tube neck has radially outwardly projecting securing means and the tube lid has radially inwardly projecting securing means, so that after the single, destructive separation of the tube lid from the tube head, a repeated or reversible opening and closing of the tube by means of the tube lid is made possible by engaging or disengaging the respective securing means with one another.

[0039] Particularly preferably, the securing means can be designed as a thread, a bayonet closure, a locking means, and / or a clamping means. If the securing means are designed as a thread, it can be particularly advantageous for them to be interrupted, thus providing a securing effect, for example, when pressurized products are stored in the packaging tube.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment of the packaging tube, it can be provided that it has an inlay or insert on an inner side or an inner surface in the area of ​​the tube head. The inlay or insert can be inserted as a shaped body into the tube head from the inside after the connection between the tube head and tube jacket and can be secured there in corresponding recesses. The insert can be designed, for example, as a conical disc. The insert can further improve the stability of the tube head. The insert can also act as a barrier. As an alternative to subsequent arrangement in the packaging tube, it can also be provided that the insert is introduced into the forming tool, preferably onto the male mold, before the preform and is then connected to the tube body by pressing or molding the preform onto the tube head.

[0041] The problem mentioned at the outset is also solved by a method for producing a packaging tube, in which a preform is pressed to form a tube head and thereby also a connection of the tube head to a tube body, preferably made from a multi-layer laminate, is produced, wherein the method comprises a method step of introducing the preform and the tube body into a multi-part shaping tool in an open state and the method comprises the method step of closing the shaping tool, in which during the transition to the closed state the tube head is formed from the preform and the connection to the tube body is produced, wherein it is provided according to the invention that when forming the tube head, a tube neck of the tube cap adjoins in a longitudinal direction and is integral with the tube neck, in particular as part of the tube head,formed tube cap is formed, wherein a predetermined breaking portion of the tube head is formed between the tube neck and the tube cap.,

[0042] As already mentioned above, the tube cap integrally molded onto the tube head is particularly useful for optimizing the manufacturing process, reducing process steps, and saving material. The method according to the invention also makes it possible to combine the advantages of a tube cap integrally molded onto the tube head with the advantages of a tube body specifically or individually adapted to the intended use, in particular a multi-layer tube body, without the special requirements for demolding the tube cap and tube head adversely impairing or making impossible the necessary connection between the tube head and the tube body.

[0043] This allows for the production of much more versatile packaging tubes, which, among other things, also offer a significantly higher degree of sustainability than if the entire packaging tube, including the tube body, tube head, and tube cap, were manufactured using an injection molding process. For example, this process allows the use of tube bodies with material or material layers made from recycled materials, renewable raw materials, or other sustainable raw material sources.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, it can be provided that, during the formation of the tube head, securing means are formed on a radial outer surface of the tube head and on a radial inner surface of the tube cap.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, it can also be provided that, when the tool is transferred into the open state after the tube head has been formed, the securing means on the outer surface of the tube neck are demolded and the securing means on the radially inner surface of the tube head are stripped off, in particular, or a radial collapse of the associated part of the forming tool, in particular an inner part of the die, occurs. This requires correspondingly high forces in the longitudinal direction of the packaging tube to remove, in particular strip, the radially inwardly projecting securing means of the tube cap from the complementary recesses of the forming tool.However, it has been found, particularly surprisingly, that these forces can be applied in the longitudinal direction without impairing or deteriorating the still young and possibly not fully cured tube head and the connection between the tube head and the tube body.

[0046] In a further, particularly advantageous variant of the method, it can be provided that after the tube head has been formed, and preferably after cooling, a sealing layer is applied to an open end of the tube cap and is removably connected to the tube cap or from the tube cap.

[0047] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the method, it can be provided that, prior to applying the sealing layer, an object, preferably a small toy or a tool, is placed in the tube cap or embedded in the tube cap. As already explained above, smaller spatulas, putty knives, brushes, combs, brushes, cloths, or sponges can be used as tools and, according to the advantageous method step, can be placed in the tube cap or inserted and / or compressed into the tube cap.

[0048] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the sealing layer is provided with an optical and / or haptic marking.

[0049] The present invention will be explained below with reference to drawings illustrating purely schematic advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0050] Showing:

[0051] Fig. 1 : a section through a part of an inventive

[0052] Device for producing a packaging tube;

[0053] Fig. 2a: a first perspective view of part of a packaging tube according to the invention;

[0054] Fig. 2b: a second perspective view of part of a packaging tube according to the invention;

[0055] Fig. 3a to

[0056] Fig. 3c: four sectional views illustrating the use of the packaging tube according to the invention; Fig. 4: a perspective view of part of a packaging tube according to the invention in an alternative embodiment;

[0057] Fig. 5: a sectional view of part of a packaging tube according to the invention in an alternative embodiment.

[0058] Fig. 1 shows part of a device 01 for producing a packaging tube. The section of the device 01 shown shows a forming tool 02 in a closed state. The forming tool 02 is formed in several parts and comprises a male mold 03 and a multi-part female mold 04. A tube body 05, preferably formed as a multi-layer laminate, is held by the forming tool 02 and connected to a tube head 07 in an end section 06 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0059] Preferably, in an open position of the shaping tool 02 preceding the illustration in Fig. 1, a preform of the tube head 07, for example in the form of a heated plastic ring, for example in the shape of a donut, can be applied to the male mold 03 before the shaping tool 02 closes or transitions to a closed state. During the transition to the closed state of the shaping tool 03, the tube head 07 is then formed from the preform, for example from heated plastic, and at the same time the connection 08 between the tube head 07 and the tube body 05 is formed. Injection molding of the tube head including the tube cap instead of molding a preform is also a possible embodiment of the present invention. The tube head is shown as a single layer in Fig. 1.By co-extrusion of a multi-layer preform, a multi-layer or multi-layered tube head and / or tube cap can also be produced, with one layer preferably serving as a barrier layer.

[0060] The multi-part die 04 is designed such that it not only forms a shoulder section 09 and a tube neck 10, but also adjoins the tube neck 10 longitudinally and is integrally connected to the tube head 07 or the tube neck 10. As part of the tube head 07, an inverted tube cap 11 is also formed and molded, which is connected to the tube head, preferably to the tube neck, via a predetermined breaking section 12.

[0061] The tube head 07, in particular the tube neck 10, has securing means 14 on an outer surface 13, which protrude radially outward and are formed by correspondingly complementary recesses in the forming tool, in particular the multi-part die. The tube cap 11 has securing means 16 on an inner surface 15, which protrude radially inward and are also formed by complementary recesses in the area of ​​the multi-part die 04.

[0062] After the tube head 07 has been formed and has achieved a corresponding stability and the connection 08 between the tube body 05 and the tube head 07 has also achieved a basic stability, the forming tool 02 is opened and the packaging tube 17 is demolded.

[0063] The directional arrows i to iii in Fig. 1 symbolize the directions of movement and the sequence of movements of the individual parts of the die during the transition from the illustrated closed state to an open state of the forming tool 02. It can be seen in particular that the tool part 18 of the forming tool 02, which forms the inner surface 15 and the securing means 16 of the tube cap 11, is not foldable or collapsible, so that the securing means 15, which project radially inward, and the tool part 18 must slide against each other. This requires a significant amount of force in the longitudinal direction L.Surprisingly, however, this demolding process is possible without adversely affecting the connection 08 between the tube body 05 and the tube head 07 or otherwise damaging or adversely affecting the tube head 07, which is generally not yet completely cooled and / or solidified during the opening of the forming tool 02 and the demolding from the forming tool 02.

[0064] The securing means 14 and 16 can be designed, for example, as a thread or as an interrupted thread.

[0065] The illustrations in Figs. 2a and 2b show a perspective view of an upper part of a packaging tube 17. As can be seen in the illustrations, the inverted tube lid 11 is molded longitudinally directly onto the tube neck 10, with the transition being formed by the predetermined breaking section 12. Additional webs 20 or comparable structures can be provided on the outer surface 19 of the tube lid 11, which can serve as a gripping aid or grasping aid for operating the tube lid 11, both during the initial destructive separation from the tube head 07 and during the subsequent reversible application and removal.

[0066] On the inner surface 15 of the tube cap 11, the securing means 16 can comprise, in addition to the thread, a projection 21 for forming a locking function of the tube cap 11 upon reversible closure of the tube head 07. Likewise, the outer surface 13 of the tube head 07 can have a further projection 22, which, when the destructively severed tube cap 11 is screwed onto the tube head 07, causes the tube cap 11 to lock into place when the tube cap 11 has reached a final position.

[0067] 3a to 3d show by way of example how, after an initial and one-time destructive separation of the tube lid 11 from the tube head 07, the tube lid 11 is connected to the tube head 07 to close the packaging tube 17. In Fig. 3a, the tube lid 11 and tube head 07 are still materially connected to one another via the predetermined breaking section 12. The application of force transverse to the longitudinal direction L or a rotational movement about the longitudinal direction L can, for example, ensure that the predetermined breaking section is separated and thus also the tube lid 11 is separated from the tube head 07. The tube head 07 can have an insert arranged on the inside (not shown in Fig. 3a). The insert can be subsequently arranged in the tube head and mechanically secured there, for example by locking. However, the insert can also be inserted into the forming tool according to Fig.1, for example, in the open state, applied to the male part.

[0068] Subsequently, the tube cap 11 can be rotated approximately 180° in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Fig. 3b. Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 3c, the tube cap 11 can be reconnected to the tube body 07 in the reversed direction, for which purpose the securing means 14 and 16, for example in the form of complementary threads, are preferably partially engaged with one another. In this case, a guide contour 23 of the tube cap 11, for example in the form of a conical plug, can be guided to rest against an inner surface 24 of the tube neck 10.

[0069] When an end position of the securing means 14, 16 is reached, for example, a locking action can take place, for which the projections 21, 22 - not shown in Fig. 3 - are moved past one another.

[0070] The final position is shown in Fig. 3d. The tube cap 11 closes the tube head 07 and its outlet opening 25, in which the inner surface of the tube cap 11 rests against the outer surface of the tube neck 10, and the guide contour 23, together with a base 26 of the tube cap 11, closes and seals the outlet opening 25.

[0071] Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the tube head 07 with a one-piece molded-on tube cap 11. In addition to the webs 20 on the outer surface 19 of the tube cap 11, wings 27 are provided, which also serve as a gripping aid. Bayonet locking means 28 are provided on the inner surface 15 of the tube cap 11. These bayonet locking means 28, together with complementary bayonet locking means 28 on the outer surface 13 of the tube neck 10, enable the reversible opening and closing of the tube head 07 with the tube cap 11.

[0072] In the embodiment of Fig. 5, a sealing layer 30 is applied to an open end 29 of the tube cap 11 and connected to the open end 29 of the tube cap 11. Smaller tools, such as spatulas, putty knives, paintbrushes, sponges, or cloths, can be stored in the cavity 31 enclosed by the sealing layer 30 and the tube cap 11. Alternatively, small toys can be stored. The sealing layer can be glued or welded, for example. The sealing layer can be formed, for example, from paper, cardboard, or plastic. A composite material or a material with multiple layers can also be advantageously realized.

[0073] Markings of an optical and / or tactile nature can advantageously be arranged or applied to the sealing layer 30. These markings, not shown in Fig. 5, can include information about the packaging tube, the contents of the packaging tube, or other information.

[0074] Figure 6 outlines a manufacturing method using an apparatus for producing packaging tubes according to the present invention. In a first method step S1, a continuous tube body can be produced from a multilayer sheet-shaped laminate, for example, by forming it into a tubular shape and welding it along a longitudinal seam. The tube body is then separated or cut to length to form individual tube bodies.

[0075] In a process step S2, tube bodies manufactured in this or a similar manner can be transferred to a forming tool, in which a tube head, including a one-piece molded tube cap, is formed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the tube body and connected to the tube body. For this purpose, process step S2 can, for example, involve pressing a preform or molding a tube head into an injection mold.

[0076] After demolding the tube body connected to the tube head from the corresponding forming tool, the packaging tube can be transferred, preferably automatically, to a filling or inserting device, where an object, such as a tool or a toy, is inserted into the inverted tube lid via the open end of the tube lid. This can take place, for example, in process step S3. At a further processing station of the device, which may include a sealing device, for example, a sealing layer can be applied to the open end of the tube lid in a subsequent process step S4 and this sealing layer can be connected to the open end of the tube lid. For this purpose, the sealing layer can be welded or glued to the tube lid, for example.

[0077] In a further process step S5, the sealing layer can be provided with a haptic and / or optical marking by a marking unit. Subsequently, the packaging tube can be placed in an intermediate packaging unit with many other packaging tubes before the packaging tubes are filled via an open rear end and sealed after filling.

[0078] The steps described above do not necessarily have to take place in the order described. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the filling of the tube cap with an object and the subsequent sealing of the open end of the tube cap, or only the sealing of the open end of the tube cap, takes place at a later time, for example, after filling and closing the packaging tube from the back. In principle, however, it is advantageous if the sealing layer is applied as soon as possible after the tube cap, which is integrally connected to the tube head via the predetermined breaking section, has been formed and connected to the tube cap, in order to prevent soiling or contamination of the interior of the tube cap.

[0079] Reference symbol

[0080] 01 Device

[0081] 02 Shaping tool

[0082] 03 Male part

[0083] 04 Matrix

[0084] 05 Tube body

[0085] 06 Final section

[0086] 07 Tube head

[0087] 08 Connection

[0088] 09 Shoulder section

[0089] 10 Tube neck

[0090] 11 tube caps

[0091] 12 predetermined breaking section

[0092] 13 Exterior surface

[0093] 14 Securing devices

[0094] 15 Interior surface

[0095] 16 securing devices

[0096] 17 Packaging tube

[0097] 18 tool part

[0098] 19 Exterior surface

[0099] 20 jetty

[0100] 21 lead

[0101] 22 lead

[0102] 23 Guide contour

[0103] 24 Interior surface

[0104] 25 Outlet opening

[0105] 26 Floor

[0106] 27 wings

[0107] 28 bayonet locking devices

[0108] 29 open end 30 sealing layer

[0109] 31 Cavity L longitudinal direction

[0110] 51 process step

[0111] 52 process steps

[0112] 53 Process step S4 Process step

[0113] S5 Process step

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for producing a packaging tube (17) with a shaping tool (02) for shaping a tube head (07), preferably by pressing a preform, and connecting the tube head (07) to a tube body (05), preferably made of a multi-layer laminate, for producing a packaging tube (17), with a multi-part shaping tool (02), in particular comprising a male mold (03) and a multi-part die (04), into which, in an open state, a preform and a tube body (05) can be introduced and which, upon transition to a closed state, shapes the tube head (07) from the preform and establishes the connection (08) with the tube body (05), characterized in that the multi-part shaping tool (02) is shaped such that, in the closed state, a cavity is enclosed which is connected in a longitudinal direction (L) to a tube neck (10) of the tube head (07) following,inverted tube cap (11) formed integrally with the tube head (07), wherein the cavity is further shaped such that the tube neck (10) and the tube cap (11) are connected to one another via a predetermined breaking section (12) of the tube head (07).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the die (04) comprises recesses and projections which are shaped so that in the closed state on the tube neck (10) radially outwardly projecting securing means (14) and radially inwardly projecting securing means (16) are formed in the tube lid (11).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the part of the die (04) which forms the radially inwardly projecting securing means (16) is radially immovable, in particular non-collapsible, and is preferably formed in one piece.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a radially outer part of the die (04) comprises a plurality of tool parts (18) which are connected to a drive in such a way that a movement towards the outside takes place when the die is transferred into the open state.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a sealing device which is designed to close an open end (29) of the tube lid (11) with a sealing layer (30), preferably a sealing film, and to connect the sealing layer (30) to the tube lid (11).

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the sealing device comprises welding means or application means for adhesion promoters and / or activating means for adhesion promoters, with which the sealing layer (30) is connected to the tube cap (11).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a filling or inserting device which is designed to introduce an object into the tube lid (11).

8. Packaging tube with a tube head, preferably produced by compression molding, which is materially connected in a shoulder region to a separate tube body, preferably made of a multi-layer laminate, characterized in that an inverted tube lid (11) formed in one piece with the tube head (07) [as part of the tube head (07)] is arranged in a longitudinal direction (L) adjacent to a tube neck (10) of the tube head (07), wherein the tube neck (10) and the tube lid (11) are connected to one another via a predetermined breaking section (12) of the tube head (07).

9. Packaging tube according to claim 8, characterized in that an open end (29) of the tube lid (11) is closed with a sealing layer (30), preferably a sealing film.

10. Packaging tube according to claim 9, characterized in that an object, in particular a tool or small toy, is inserted into the tube lid (11), covered by the sealing layer (30).

11. Method for producing a packaging tube with formation of a tube head by pressing a preform and connecting the tube head with a, preferably made of a tube body made of multilayer laminate, comprising the process steps: Introducing the preform and the tube body into a multi-part shaping tool in an open state - closing the shaping tool, wherein during a transition to a closed state the tube head is formed from the preform and the connection to the tube body is produced, characterized in that during the shaping of the tube head (07) a tube lid (11) is formed which adjoins a tube neck (10) of the tube head (07) in a longitudinal direction (L) and is formed integrally with the tube neck (10) [as part of the tube head (07)], wherein a predetermined breaking section (12) of the tube head (07) is formed between the tube neck (10) and the tube lid (11).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that during the formation of the tube head (07) securing means (14, 16) are formed on a radial outer surface (13) of the tube neck (10) and on a radial inner surface (15) of the tube cap (11).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that when the tool is transferred into the open state after the tube head (07) has been formed, the securing means (16) on the outer surface (13) of the tube neck (10) are demolded and the securing means (16) on the inner surface (15) are stripped off, in particular without a radial collapse of the associated inner part of the die (04).

14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that after the shaping, and preferably after cooling, of the tube head (07) a sealing layer (30) is applied to an open end (29) of the tube cap (11) and is removably connected to the tube cap (11).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that before applying the sealing layer (30) an object, preferably a tool or a small toy, is placed in the tube cap (11).

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