Production and handling of a container made of fibre-based material

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for producing and handling a container (6) made of fibre-based material (2), comprising the following steps: applying a suspension of fibre-containing material (2) into the multi-part mould (4) in order to form a container (6), wherein the mould (4) determines the outer shape of the container (6) to be produced; opening the multi-part mould (4); and holding the formed container (6) by a mould part (5) which is movable relative to one or more other parts of the mould (4) and outputting the movable mould part (5) with the held container (6).

Description

[0001] Manufacturing and handling of a container made of fiber-based material

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a method for manufacturing and handling a container made of fiber-based material, and to a device for manufacturing and handling a container made of fiber-based material according to this method.

[0004] Against the backdrop of the necessary shift away from fossil-based packaging materials, which are based on petroleum products, especially plastics, towards sustainable, renewable packaging materials, the processing of sustainable natural fibers in the manufacture of containers in the food and beverage industry is of particular interest.

[0005] For example, it is known to produce containers from a mixture of water and fibers, e.g., plant fibers or wood fibers. Such a mixture can also be referred to as fiber slurry or pulp, whereby water can constitute the main component of the mixture.

[0006] However, one disadvantage of manufacturing containers from fiber slurry or pulp is that known production methods are very time-consuming. For example, sufficient solidification of the container requires it to remain in the mold to dry until excess moisture has evaporated. Additional, complex drying processes using a pressurized, warm or hot gaseous medium require further time and result in a more complex container manufacturing process.

[0007] Task

[0008] Therefore, one of the objectives of the invention is to provide a device and a method that improve the production of containers from sustainable materials.

[0009] In particular, one of the aims of the invention is to make the production of containers from sustainable materials more efficient and to shorten the process times for the production of containers from sustainable materials.

[0010] Solution

[0011] This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0012] For example, an exemplary apparatus described herein for the manufacture and handling of a container made of fiber-based material may comprise: a multi-part mold, wherein the mold defines the outer shape of the container to be manufactured; a forming device for forming the container made of fiber-based material in the mold, wherein the multi-part mold comprises a mold part movable relative to one or more other parts of the mold, configured to hold the container and to be ejected from the apparatus with the container.

[0013] For example, an exemplary process described herein for the manufacture and handling of a food and beverage industry container made of fiber-based material may include the following steps: applying a suspension of fibrous material into the multi-part mold to form a container, the mold defining the external shape of the container to be manufactured; opening the multi-part mold; holding the formed container by a mold part that is movable relative to one or more other parts of the mold; ejecting the movable mold part with the held container.

[0014] By keeping the container within the movable mold, it can be transferred to a downstream processing step even before it has fully solidified. The container can then be processed further in a subsequent step. The drying process can thus be shifted to later stages, while the container remains securely held within the movable mold. This reduces the time required to manufacture the containers and increases the efficiency and reliability of the production process. Furthermore, transferring the movable mold, including the container, streamlines container handling within the manufacturing process. This saves transfer time, reduces the potential for errors, and increases overall production efficiency.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0016] It can be advantageous if the multi-part mold includes a porous wall that is impermeable to the fibrous suspension, and if the movable part holding the container is at least a section of this porous wall. This allows the suspension to be reliably shaped while excess water can be removed through the porous wall. Furthermore, if the movable part is integrated into the porous wall, no additional component is required within the mold, as the porous wall performs both the shaping and subsequent transport functions. This increases the compactness of the device. Additionally, the porous wall provides a stable yet lightweight section of the mold, thus minimizing the weight of the movable part.

[0017] It can be advantageous if the movable molded part forms a side or bottom section of the mold and includes a holding device for removal from the mold. Depending on the container structure and shape, the movable molded part can be selected to optimize stable transport and drying of the container. The holding device ensures consistent handling of the movable molded part within the mold and in downstream equipment, thus guaranteeing reliable transport and transfer of the part.

[0018] It can be helpful if the movable mold part is configured to hold the container and guide it into at least one downstream treatment station, wherein the downstream treatment station is preferably a drying device for the container being produced or a transport device for the container being produced within the movable mold part. This allows drying to be carried out during a subsequent treatment step or during a transport step, thus reducing the production time per container.

[0019] It can be advantageous if the movable mold part has a holding mechanism configured to actively hold the container, either by suction or electrical adhesion. Such a holding mechanism ensures the container is reliably held against the movable mold part. It can also be actively controlled when the movable mold part releases the container. Furthermore, with multiple movable mold parts, it can be determined which movable mold part is activated to hold the container.

[0020] It can prove advantageous if the movable molded part has a retaining section configured to passively hold the container, preferably via a positive or frictional connection, against indentations in the container. Thus, the shape of the container and the movable molded part alone can guarantee that the container remains within the movable molded part, rather than within the other molded parts. The complexity of the retaining mechanism can be reduced while simultaneously ensuring reliable container retention at high transport speeds.

[0021] It can be helpful if the movable mold part has an adhesive section configured to passively hold the container, with an adhesion parameter of this section differing from that of the rest of the mold. Thus, the structure of the container and the movable mold part alone can guarantee that the container remains within the movable mold part rather than within the rest of the mold. This reduces the complexity of the holding mechanism.

[0022] It can be advantageous if the forming device includes a feed line configured to supply a suspension of fibrous material into the mold and / or a dewatering device configured to supply a pressurized fluid into the mold to dewater the suspension of fibrous material. This allows the container to be formed in the mold. The dewatering device removes excess liquid from the forming suspension, thus accelerating the drying process.

[0023] It can prove useful if the mold and / or the movable part of the mold has additional elements such as plungers, planar grid or woven structures, and / or porous thin walls configured to eject the container from the mold. This facilitates the removal of the container from the mold or the movable part when it needs to be ejected.

[0024] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from combinations of the features disclosed in the description, claims and figures.

[0025] The following figures serve only to illustrate some technical aspects of the previously described process steps and the previously described device(s).

[0026] Fig. 1a: Exemplary process step of applying flowable fiber-based material in a device according to a first embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 1b: Exemplary process step of compressing the material in a device according to a first embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 1c: Exemplary process step of opening the mold in a device according to a first embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 11: Exemplary process step of holding the container in a device according to a first embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 2: Exemplary process step of holding the container in a device according to a second embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 3: Exemplary process step of holding the container in a device according to a third embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 4: Exemplary process step of holding the container in a device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 5: Exemplary process step of holding the container in a device according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 6: Exemplary process step of holding the container in a device according to a sixth embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 7: Exemplary transfer process of handing over the container from a device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0035] Figures 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d show by way of example a device 1 and the method for manufacturing and handling a container made of fiber-based material according to the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 1a shows a process step of applying flowable fiber-based material in a device 1 according to a first embodiment. The device 1 has, for example, a multi-part, e.g., two-part, mold 4, the inner surface 3 of which defines the outer shape of a container 6 to be produced. A first step of the process is the application of flowable sustainable material 2, i.e., pulp, to the inner surface 3 of the multi-part mold 4. The material 2 is applied to the inner surface 3 of the mold 4 to form a container. The flowable fiber-based material 2 is a water-containing suspension, e.g., a pulp, which comprises a mixture of fibers and / or flakes and / or particles and / or other additives. The flowable fiber-based material 2 can, in particular, be renewable and / or recycled natural materials of plant origin, e.g., cellulose-containing materials.Natural fibers such as plant fibers or wood fibers are understood to be the material. However, it is also conceivable that the aforementioned flowable material 2 may also contain proportions of non-sustainable materials, e.g., synthetic fibers or metallic fibers.

[0037] Container 6 can refer specifically to a bottle, for example. However, the term "container" can also encompass general packaging used in the food and beverage industry.

[0038] The device 1 includes, by way of example, a feed line 7. This is optionally used to supply the material 2 to the inner surface 3 of the mold 4. The supply can be carried out with positive pressure in the feed line or with negative pressure in the mold. The supply of compressed air or pressurized gas 16 is used to press the fiber-based material 2 against the inner surface 3 of the mold 4. In doing so, the container 6 is formed and pressed or compressed. Excess liquid can be forced out of the container and the fiber-based material 2 can be dewatered. When applying flowable, sustainable material 2, the multi-part mold 4 is closed except for an opening for the feed line 7. The several parts of the multi-part mold 4 have a flush, closed inner surface 3. The sustainable material 2 is deposited on the inner surface 3 of the multi-part mold 4.

[0039] The multi-part mold 4 is designed such that the inner surface 3 is formed by a porous wall 8. The porous wall 8 defines the outer shape of the container 6 to be produced. After the flowable material 2 or the pulp is applied to the inner surface 3 of the porous wall 8, its water retention allows the pulp to form the container 6. This water retention can be used to press and shape the container and to smooth its surface.

[0040] A channel system 10 is arranged between the porous wall 8 and the outer surface of the multi-part mold 4. The porous wall 8 is configured to be impermeable to the flowable sustainable material 2, but permeable to the water in the suspension. During the drainage step, excess water forced through the porous wall 8 is discharged from the mold 4 through the channel system 10.

[0041] The term compression can be understood to mean, among other things, pressing and / or squeezing together, in particular, for example, pressing or squeezing together the material 2 applied to the inner surface 3 of the form 4.

[0042] It is conceivable that the device 1 has a plurality of supply lines 7 through which sustainable material 2, compressed air and / or pressurized gas can be introduced into the interior of the mold 4 or into the interior of the container 6.

[0043] Figures 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d show the exemplary device 1 in an exemplary orientation that allows containers to be produced in an upside-down orientation, with the flowable, sustainable material 2 being introduced into the mold 4 against the direction of gravity. This can facilitate the collection of excess liquid. However, it is also conceivable that the device 1 can be operated in other orientations, in particular in an orientation in which the flowable, sustainable material 2 can be introduced into the mold 4 along the direction of gravity.

[0044] Reference numeral 13 indicates optional collection devices, e.g., a collection tank or collection screen, for collecting excess liquid and / or excess sustainable material 2, whereby, for example, excess liquid collected via a return line (not shown) can be returned for reuse. The liquid can, for example, be used for the re-dissolution of fibrous materials. The supply line 7 can have a number of valves 14 for regulating the flow of material 2 and / or compressed air or pressurized gas 16 that can flow through said supply line 7. Optionally, a second pulp type, e.g., micro- or nanocellulose, can also be introduced via another valve 14.

[0045] The application of flowable material, in particular fibrous material, to the inner surface 3 of the mold 4 can also include the forming of a preform made of fiber-based material, wherein pressurized gas 16 flows into the preform made of fiber-based material 2, e.g. a pulp preform, via a preform opening, so that the preform expands and is pressed against the inner surface 3 of the mold 4 and the preform wall can be dewatered, for forming the container 6 to be produced.

[0046] Fig. 1b shows the device 1 in an operating state in which compressed air or a pressurized gas 16 flows through the supply line 7 against the material 2 applied to the inner surface 3 of the multi-part mold 4 to form the container 6. The pressurized gas 16 serves to shape the material 2 of the container 6 on the inner surface 3 of the mold 4. The arrows inside the container 6 illustrate the direction of the pressing effect of the incoming gas 16.

[0047] The said shaping of the material 2 applied to the inner surface 3 of the mold 4 by flowing pressurized gas 16 can be carried out by compressed air / gas that is under a pressure of 0.1 to 20.0 bar, preferably 1 to 8 bar.

[0048] Pressurized gas 16 is applied to the inner surface 3 of the mold 4. This shapes the container 6 and results in improved smoothness and quality of the inner surface 3 of the container 6.

[0049] After sufficient, but not complete, dewatering (30 to 85% residual moisture) and / or solidification of the container 6, the multi-part mold 4 can be opened. Fig. 1c shows the device 1 in an operating state in which the container 6 has been formed and the material 2 has partially cured. The device 1 is then moved into an operating state in which the multi-part mold 4 is opened (indicated by arrows). The left part of the multi-part mold 4 is designed as a movable mold section 5. The movable mold section 5 comprises the entire left half of the multi-part mold 4, including the porous wall 8 and channel system 10. To open the multi-part mold 4, as shown in Fig. 1c, the movable mold section 5 of the multi-part mold 4 is moved transversely to the side and away from the right half of the multi-part mold 4. The mold part 5, which is part of the mold 4, is therefore movable relative to the right mold half (another part of the mold 4).It should be noted here that the movable mold part 5 also remains in its position, and the remaining part of the opened mold 4 is moved relative to the movable mold part 5. The present invention provides for a relative movement of the movable mold part 5 with respect to one or more other parts of the mold 4 and is not limited to the movement of only the movable mold part 5.

[0050] The movable mold part 5 has a holding device 11 extending outwards from the mold 4, by which the movable mold part 5 can be held or gripped. The holding device 11 can be a handle, a rod, or the like. The movable mold part 5 is moved, for example, by a transfer device (not shown) that engages with the holding device 11. The opening process is designed such that the container 6 is at least partially exposed and the movable mold part 5, holding the container 6, can move out of the device 1. The opening process is not limited to a transverse movement. The opening process can be carried out by a rotational or folding movement, or the like.

[0051] The movable mold part 5 is designed such that the container 6 remains in the movable mold part 5 when the mold 4 is opened. For this purpose, the movable mold part 5, which is intended to hold the container 6, has an adhesive section 12 on its inner surface 3 that passively holds the container. The adhesive section 12 has a different adhesive parameter compared to the other mold parts of the mold 4. This different adhesive parameter is achieved by embossing or applying contours and meshes to the adhesive section 12. For example, the roughness value Ra of the inner surface 3 of the mold 4 is increased by up to 20% at the adhesive section 12. The size, orientation, shape, and density of the meshes and contours can be specifically varied to define a desired roughness value.Due to the adhesive section 12 on the movable mold part 5, it exhibits a higher adhesive force for the container 6. Thus, when the mold 4 is opened, the container 6 remains attached to the side of the movable mold part 5.

[0052] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, the movable mold part 5 represents one half of the shell of the multi-part mold 4. The movable mold part 5 comprises a large part, in particular half, of the container 6. The movable mold part 5 thus provides a large contact surface for the container 6 during further transport. This allows the container 6 to be transported reliably and gently even early after production and at a low degree of drying, since the shell half of the movable mold part 5 provides sufficient stability to the container 6. This further reduces the production time. Figure 1d shows the movable mold part 5 holding the partially dried container 6. The movable mold part 5 is held and moved by the holding device 11.The movable molded part 5, together with the held container 6, is transported by a transport device, such as an arm robot or a rotary conveyor, to a downstream processing station. The orientation of the container 6 can be changed by rotation and the holding device 11.

[0053] Fig. 1d shows the movable molded part 5 in an operating state that is separate from the device 1. It is conceivable that the movable molded part 5 incorporates means for drying the container 6 during transport. For example, the inner surface 3 of the movable molded part 5 could be heated. A blowing device (not shown) that introduces a heated gaseous medium into the container 6 through an opening in the container 6 is also conceivable. External drying, in which the transport path of the movable molded part 5 is irradiated with hot air, is also conceivable.

[0054] The container 6 can be removed from the movable molded part 5 in one of the downstream processing steps and fed into further subsequent processing steps, such as applying coatings, labeling, or filling with a product, or it can remain in the molded part for these purposes. The container 6 can be transferred to a transport device. For example, a transport device equipped with suction cups can be used to remove the container 6 from the movable molded part 5.

[0055] Fig. 2 shows, by way of example, the process step of holding the container 6 in a movable molded part 5 according to a second embodiment. The basic structure of the surrounding device 1 corresponds to that of the first embodiment, which is why a description of identical parts is omitted. It should be noted, however, that the holding process described above is not limited to being applied to a container 6 during the drying process. Rather, the holding process described above and the holding processes described below can also be applied to a container 6 in its dried state.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows an operating state in which the multi-part mold 4 is closed again and the movable mold part 5 has already transported the container 6 out of the mold. As shown in Fig. 2, the movable mold part 5 is a side section 9a that holds the container 6 on one side. The side section 9a is adapted to the outer contour of the container 6 such that it has a negative form of the container's outer contour. The remaining mold parts, preferably more than two, of the multi-part mold 4 are shaped such that the side section 9a forms a flush inner surface 3 with the other mold parts when assembled and can be moved out of this surface when the mold is open. For this purpose, the multi-part mold 4 has a recess 17 corresponding to the side section 9a, which is flush with the side section 9a when it is positioned in the mold 4.The movable molded part includes the adhesive section 12 described above, which engages with and holds the container 6.

[0057] Mold 4 may have additional elements such as plungers, planar grid or fabric structures and / or porous thin walls (not shown), which serve to eject the container 6 from the mold. The container 6 is gently demolded and pressed out by such elements.

[0058] Fig. 3 shows, by way of example, the process step of holding the container 6 in a movable mold part 5 according to a third embodiment. The basic structure of the framing device 1 corresponds to that of the first embodiment, which is why a description of identical parts is omitted. Fig. 3 shows an operating state in which the multi-part mold 4 is closed again and the movable mold part 5 has already transported the container 6 out of the mold. In this embodiment, the movable mold part 5 is merely the porous wall 8a or a section of the porous wall 8.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 3, the movable mold part 5 is designed as a mold half in the shape of the left porous wall 8a, which holds the container 6 halfway around. The porous wall 8a is shaped such that it holds the container by means of a form and / or force-fit. By the orientation of the mold and the density of the mesh and contours of the porous wall 8a, it can be determined, as explained above, that the partially dried container 6 adheres to the porous wall 8a and can be dispensed from the device 1 by means of the movable mold part 5. The right porous wall 8b remains in the multi-part mold 4.

[0060] Fig. 4 shows, by way of example, the process step of holding the container 6 in a movable mold part 5 according to a fourth embodiment. The basic structure of the framing device 1 corresponds to that of the first embodiment, therefore a description of identical parts is omitted. Fig. 4 shows an operating state in which the multi-part mold 4 is open (left, right) and closed (center). The multi-part mold 4 is designed such that the inner surface 3 is formed by two mold halves with porous walls 8.

[0061] In the fourth embodiment, the container 6 is held in one of the two mold halves by means of electroadhesion. Here, applying a voltage causes electrical charges of opposite signs to accumulate on opposing surfaces, resulting in an electrostatic attraction between the two surfaces. An adhesion component 15 located inside the mold parts of the multi-part mold 4 generates this attractive force on the container 6 and holds it in the mold half. Electroadhesion enables a gentle holding process for the container 6. The adhesion component 15 can also be arranged in several mold parts of the multi-part mold 4. This has the advantage that it is possible to switch between mold parts that attract the container 6. This increases the flexibility in handling the container 6 and allows for repositioning of the container 6.

[0062] By using electro-adhesion, the container can be transported gently without excessive force. This ensures that containers 6, especially those that are not fully cured, retain their shape. Holding and transporting the container using electro-adhesion is not limited to the movable molded part 5, but can also be used for transferring and transporting the container 6. For example, a rotary or linear transport system can use electro-adhesion to pick up the container by generating an attractive force when the container 6 is to be taken over. This enables gentle transfer and handling of the container 6.

[0063] Fig. 5 shows, by way of example, the process step of holding the container 6 in a movable mold part 5 according to a fifth embodiment. The basic structure of the framing device 1 corresponds to that of the first embodiment, which is why a description of identical parts is omitted. Fig. 5 shows an operating state in which the multi-part mold 4 is open and the movable mold part 5 has already transported the container 6 out of the mold. As shown in Fig. 5, the movable mold part 5 is a bottom section 9b that holds the container 6 at its base. The bottom section 9b is adapted to the base contour of the container 6 such that it has a negative form of the outer contour of the base of the container 6. The remaining mold parts, here two further mold parts of the multi-part mold 4, are shaped such that the bottom section 9b forms a flush inner surface 3 with the remaining mold parts when assembled.Here, mold part 5 of mold 4 is movable relative to several other parts of mold 4. Using the base section 9b as a movable mold part 5 allows for quick and easy ejection of the movable mold part 5, along with container 6, from the multi-part mold 4.

[0064] In the fifth embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the container 6 is held against the base section 9b by a holding mechanism operating by means of negative pressure. The holding device 11 has a channel (not shown) extending to one or more openings in the movable molded part 5, through which compressed air is drawn to suction the container 6 to the movable molded part 5 by means of vacuum / negative pressure. The exemplary arrows in Fig. 5 illustrate the direction of the suction effect. The container 6 can have a suction surface with a suitable structure to enhance the suction effect. The base section 9b is preferably designed to seal airtight against the base of the container 6 to enable suction by the holding mechanism. By means of positive pressure, the container 6 can be released from the movable molded part 5 to be transferred to a downstream processing step.The suction power can be regulated depending on the container geometry and its residual moisture. This allows for precise holding of the sensitive container 6. However, it is also conceivable that the base section 9b is designed in such a way that it encloses the container 6 and holds it securely in place.

[0065] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 6, the holding mechanism can be located by means of suction in a movable molded part 5 of the side part of the mold 4. Fig. 6 shows an exemplary process step for holding the container 6 in a device according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 6 shows an operating state in which the multi-part mold 4 is open. The multi-part mold 4 is designed such that the inner surface 3 is formed by two mold halves with porous walls 8.

[0066] In the sixth embodiment, the container 6 is held in the porous wall 8 by a holding mechanism that operates using vacuum. The holding device 11 has a channel (not shown) extending to one or more openings in the movable mold part 5, through which compressed air is drawn to suction the container 6 to the movable mold part 5 by means of vacuum / negative pressure. The exemplary arrows in Fig. 6 illustrate the direction of the suction effect. The container 6 can have a suction surface with a suitable structure to enhance the suction effect. The porous wall 8 is preferably designed to form an airtight seal with the container 6 to allow suction by the holding mechanism. The remaining part of the mold 4 can be removed from the container (see arrow).Additional elements such as plungers, planar grid or fabric structures, and / or porous thin walls on this part of mold 4 can assist the ejection of the container 6 from mold 4. Further modifications analogous to the fifth embodiment are also possible.

[0067] Fig. 7 shows an example of a transfer process for transferring the container 6 from a device according to the sixth embodiment. Here, the container 6 is transferred from the movable mold 5 to a downstream process station. In step A of the transfer process, the mold 4 is closed and a forming process is complete, or a certain degree of dryness of the container 6 has been reached, so that the mold can be opened. In step B of the transfer process, the mold 4 is opened, and the container 6 remains in the movable mold 5 due to a vacuum applied within it. The remaining part of the mold 4 is moved away from the movable mold 5. In step C, the container continues to be held in the movable mold 5 by means of vacuum. At a transfer position to the downstream process station, a movable mold 5' of the downstream process station is positioned opposite the container 6 and moved towards it.The transfer position is, for example, a point of contact between two transport devices arranged tangentially to each other.

[0068] In transfer step D, the movable mold parts 5 and 5' briefly encompass the container 6. In step E, a vacuum is generated in the movable mold part 5' to hold the container 6 within it, while the movable mold part 5 is no longer subjected to vacuum. At this point, it is also conceivable that a positive pressure is generated in the movable mold part 5 to release the container 6 and simplify the transfer. In step E, the movable mold part 5 is removed from the container 6, while the container is held by the movable mold part 5' using vacuum. In step F, another movable mold part 5" is moved towards the container, which, in step G, closes a complete mold together with the movable mold part 5'. In step G, no vacuum is necessary to hold the container 6 within the movable mold parts 5' and 5". Container 6 was completely transferred to the downstream process station.The described transfer process can be applied analogously to the other embodiments, regardless of the holding mechanism.

[0069] Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments for a complete and clear disclosure, the accompanying claims are not to be limited in this way, but are to be interpreted as embodying all modifications and alternative designs that a person skilled in the art could reasonably conceive and which fall within the scope of protection of the claims. In addition, the features of different implementation embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

[0070] As an alternative to the embodiment in which the multi-part mold (4) comprises a mold part (5) that is movable relative to one or more other parts of the mold (4) and is configured to hold the container (6) and to be ejected with the container (6) from the device (1), the disclosure also provides for a separate gripping and / or holding and / or transporting device for holding the container (6) and removing the container from the mold (4). This separate gripping, holding, or transporting device is not part of the mold (4). However, it may have a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the container and can hold and eject it, as described above for the movable mold part (5), i.e., with corresponding features disclosed for holding and ejecting the container.In a method according to the disclosure, such a gripping, holding, and / or transporting device grasps the container after it has been formed in mold 4 and mold 4 has been opened to remove the container 6. The reference numerals are provided as examples below.

[0071] 1 Device for the manufacture and handling of a container

[0072] 2 sustainable material

[0073] 3 inner surface

[0074] 4 Multi-part form

[0075] 5, 5', 5" movable molded part

[0076] 6 containers

[0077] 7 Supply line

[0078] 8, 8a, 8b Porous wall

[0079] Section 9a

[0080] 9b floor section

[0081] 10-channel system

[0082] 11 Holding device

[0083] 12th detention period

[0084] 13 Containment devices

[0085] 14 valve

[0086] 15 Adhesion component

[0087] 16 Compressed air, pressurized gas

[0088] 17 recess

[0089] 18 Shaping device

[0090] 19 Drainage device

[0091] Ra roughness value

Claims

Claims 1. Device (1) for manufacturing and handling a container (6) made of fiber-based material (2), comprising: a multi-part mold (4), wherein the mold (4) defines the outer shape of the container (6) to be manufactured, a forming device (18) for forming a container (6) made of fiber-based material (2) in the mold (4), characterized in that the multi-part mold (4) comprises a mold part (5) that is movable relative to one or more other parts of the mold (4) and is configured to hold the container (6) and to be ejected from the device (1) with the container (6).

2. Device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the multi-part mold (4) comprises a porous wall (8) which is impermeable to the suspension of fibrous material (2) and the movable mold part (5) is at least a section of the porous wall (8).

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the movable mold part (5) forms a side section (9a) or a bottom section (9b) of the mold (4) and has a holding device (11) in order to be able to be removed from the device (1) by means of the holding device (11).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the movable mold part (5) is configured to hold the container (6) and insert it into at least one treatment station downstream of the device (1), wherein the downstream treatment station is preferably a drying device for the container (6) to be produced or a transport device for the container (6) to be produced in the movable mold part (5).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the movable molded part (5) has a holding mechanism (12) configured to actively hold the container (6) by means of negative pressure or electrical adhesion.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the movable molded part (5) has a retaining section (12) configured to passively hold the container (6) by means of positive locking or force locking, preferably at notches in the container (6).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the movable mold part (5) has an adhesive section (12) configured to passively hold the container (6), wherein an adhesion parameter of the adhesive section (12) differs from the adhesion parameter of the rest of the mold (4).

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the forming device (18) comprises a feed line (7) configured to supply a suspension of fibrous material (2) into the mold (4), and / or a dewatering device (19) configured to supply a pressurized fluid into the mold (4) to dewater the suspension of fibrous material (2).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the mold (4) and / or the movable mold part (5) have additional elements such as plungers, planar grid or fabric structures and / or porous thin walls configured to eject the container (6) from the mold.

10. Method for manufacturing and handling a container (6) made of fiber-based material (2) comprising the following steps: Applying a suspension of fibrous material (2) into a multi-part mold (4) to form a container (6), wherein the mold (4) defines the outer shape of the container (6) to be produced; Opening the multi-part form (4); characterized by Holding the formed container (6) by a mold part (5) of the mold (4) which is movable relative to one or more other parts of the mold (4) and ejecting the movable mold part (5) with the held container (6).

11. Method according to the preceding method claim, characterized in that the suspension of fibrous material (2) is applied to a porous wall (8) which for the suspension of fibrous material (2) is impermeable and the container (6) is held and dispensed at least in a section of the porous wall (8).

12. Method according to one of the preceding method claims characterized in that the container (6) is held and ejected in a side section (9a) and / or a bottom section (9b) of the mold (4), wherein the side section (9a) and / or the bottom section (9b) have a holding device (11) by means of which the movable mold part (5) with the held container (6) can be removed.

13. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the container (6) to be produced is held by the dispensed movable mold part (5) in at least one downstream treatment step, wherein the downstream treatment step is preferably a drying of the container (6) to be produced or a transport of the container (6) to be produced in the movable mold part (5).

14. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the container (6) to be produced is actively held in the movable mold part (5) by means of negative pressure or electrical adhesion, or the container (6) to be produced is passively held in the movable mold part (5) by means of positive locking or force locking, preferably at notches in the container (6).

15. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the container (6) to be produced adheres to an adhesive section (12) of the movable mold part (5) when the multi-part mold (4) is opened and detaches from the remaining parts of the multi-part mold (4), wherein an adhesion parameter of the adhesive section (12) differs from the adhesion parameter of the remaining parts of the multi-part mold (4).

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