EP3103740B1 - Blank and three-dimensional structure made from the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a blank for producing a three-dimensional structure of paper, cardboard or plastic, in particular a packaging or the like, comprising at least one folding surface for forming a rounded edge region of the three-dimensional structure in a folded state of the blank, wherein the folding surface by two parallel to each other extending lateral fold lines is limited. The invention further relates to a three-dimensional structure made of paper, cardboard or plastic, a folding box for storing goods, in particular folding box made of cardboard, paper or the like, and a method for producing a blank.

Such blanks, three-dimensional structures and cartons are known in a wide variety. Among other things, these blanks or three-dimensional structures or folding boxes are folding boxes, which are a widely used form of packaging for cigarettes and the like. So describe the DE 43 11 568 A1 , the EP 2 141 090 A1 , the DE 101 06 547 A1 , the US Pat. No. 6,276,600 B1 and the DE 600 28 078 T2 Packaging in the form of a prismatic body along its longitudinal axis, wherein a lid is hinged to a container-like receiving area. From the DE 10 2008 061661 A1 a blank according to the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a carton according to the features of the preamble of claim 11 is known. From the WO 2012/123189 A1 Cartons with rounded edges are known. The rounded edge areas are achieved by a variety of cuts in these areas. The cuts produce a large number of individual surfaces which can be folded into a rounded edge region as a whole. A disadvantage of this known packaging, however, is that a large number of cuts is needed to form the rounded edge regions. The preparation of appropriate Punching tools is extremely time consuming and therefore expensive. A production by means of laser energy is relatively time-consuming and energy-intensive due to the large number of required cutting lines.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a generic blank for producing a three-dimensional structure made of paper, cardboard or plastic, a corresponding three-dimensional structure, a corresponding folding box made of paper, cardboard or plastic and a method for producing said blank, which simply, is fast and inexpensive to produce or feasible.

To solve these objects are a blank with the features of claim 1, a three-dimensional structure with the features of claim 9, a carton with the features of claim 11 and a method having the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention specified in the respective subclaims, wherein advantageous embodiments of the blank are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the inventive three-dimensional structure or the carton according to the invention and the method according to the invention and vice versa.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a blank for producing a three-dimensional structure of paper, cardboard or plastic, in particular a packaging or the like, comprising at least one folding surface for forming a rounded edge region of the three-dimensional structure in a folded state of the blank, wherein the folding surface by two is limited parallel to each other lateral fold lines. According to the invention, the lateral fold lines each extend over the entire area of the fold surface and parallel to one another, wherein at least one score line (68, 70, 72) running at an angle to the lateral fold lines is formed within the fold area. In addition, both ends of the score line intersect or adjoin a corresponding lateral fold line of the fold surface. Again, the configuration of the score line within the fold surface corresponding production and / or design specifications. Surprisingly, it has been found that a rounded edge region of the three-dimensional structure can already be produced in a correspondingly folded state of the blank by means of such a score line. As a result, the time required for the preparation of corresponding punching or scoring tools for the design of this score line can be significantly reduced. In addition, in comparison to known blanks, significantly less laser energy has to be used to produce the creasing line according to the invention and thus to design rounded edge regions of, for example, packaging, in particular cigarette packaging. Known blanks have, for example, five to seven parallel to the folding surface laterally limiting fold lines extending bending lines. Due to the inventive design of the score line within the folding surface, the number of score lines can be significantly reduced. In addition to corresponding cost savings, the production speed between 25 and 75% compared to conventional blanks can be increased. The creasing lines for producing the rounded edge region can thereby be cut lines, that is, cuts that pass completely through the blank or the substrate of the blank or as halfcuts, that is, not completely through the blank or the substrate of the blank line-shaped recesses, be educated. In addition, the score lines can be arranged on the inside and / or the outside of the blank or of the blank in the folded state, namely the resulting folding box. For example, all score lines and / or lateral fold lines are formed on the inside or outside of the blank. But it is also conceivable that different creasing and / or lateral folding lines on different sides, ie a front and / or back of the blank can be arranged and thereby express a particularly memorable pattern on the carton in the folded state of the blank.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the blank according to the invention, the lateral fold lines and the score line are produced by means of laser energy and / or punching. By an exclusive or at least partial use of laser energy for the production of the blank, the corresponding elements the blank are made very accurately and quickly. In addition, changes in the design of individual elements can be carried out particularly simply and quickly, without, for example, having to produce new stamping or embossing tools. In addition, the present invention provides the advantage that even less powerful or slower lasers can be used to produce the score lines according to the invention, resulting in a significant cost advantage in the production of the blank. Due to the much less required creasing lines compared to known blanks for forming a rounded edge region of the three-dimensional structure produced from the blank, nevertheless a significantly higher production and production speed results.

In further advantageous embodiments of the blank according to the invention, the creasing line formed within the folding surface extends between a first end and / or corner region of the folding surface and a second end and / or corner region of the folding surface opposite the first end and / or corner region. But it is also possible that the score line between a first end and / or corner of the folding surface and a region which is spaced from a first end and / or corner opposite the second end and / or corner area extends. In addition, there is the possibility that the creasing line is formed outside of a first end and / or corner region of the folding surface and outside a second end and / or corner region of the folding surface opposite the first end and / or corner region within the folding surface. Due to the refinement of the invention, the most varied courses of the score line within the fold surface are conceivable for the final design of a rounded edge region of the three-dimensional structure. As a result, corresponding design specifications can be easily met.

In further advantageous embodiments of the blank according to the invention, the folding surface is subdivided into at least two subregions by means of the at least one score line, wherein the subregions are each triangular in shape. Due to the triangular shape of the sub-areas are particularly advantageous designed Rounding in the folded state of the blank. In this case, further creasing lines can be formed in at least one of the partial regions, so that further, in particular finer, rounding structures can be formed in these regions.

In further advantageous embodiments of the blank according to the invention, the score line is straight, curved, wave-like, meandering, step-like or of corresponding combinations thereof. In addition, the crease line can be formed as a continuous or interrupted creasing line between the lateral fold lines. Advantageously, this in turn can be met a variety of design requirements.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a three-dimensional structure of paper, cardboard or plastic, which is produced by folding and / or gluing a blank, as has been described above. The design possibilities and advantages of a three-dimensional structure produced in this way result from the design possibilities and advantages of the described blank according to the invention described above also according to the first aspect of the invention. In this case, the three-dimensional structure can be designed as a packaging, in particular as a packaging for the storage of cigarettes.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a carton for storing goods, in particular a carton, paper or the like carton, wherein the carton at least one front wall, at least one rear wall and at least one first and second side wall for connecting the front and rear walls and a bottom construction to the bottom-side closure of the carton and a plurality of folding surfaces for forming a respective rounded edge region of the carton comprises. In this case, according to the invention, at least one folding surface is bounded by lateral folding lines, wherein the lateral folding lines run parallel to each other over the entire area of the folding surface. Within the fold surface is at least one at an angle to the lateral fold lines extending crease line formed. Both ends of the score line intersect or adjoin the corresponding lateral fold lines of the fold surface. Such a carton can be made much cheaper compared to known cartons with rounded edge regions, since only one or at least one formed in the corresponding folding surface crease line must be present for the design of the rounded edge portions of the carton. Both in the mechanical production by punching, grooving or embossing as well as the use of laser energy for the production of the crease line, there are significant time and cost advantages.

In further advantageous embodiments of the folding box according to the invention, the score line can be designed as a score line that passes through or is interrupted between the lateral fold lines. Even with these refinements of the score line within the fold surface, rounded edge regions of the folding box can be produced simply and cost-effectively. In addition, a wide variety of design requirements for these areas of the carton can be dealt with easily. In addition, the score lines can be arranged on the inside and / or the outside of the folding box. For example, all score lines and / or lateral fold lines are formed on the inside or outside of the folding box. But it is also conceivable that different creasing and / or lateral fold lines on different sides, i. can be arranged on the inside and / or back of the carton and thereby express a particularly memorable pattern on the carton.

Further features and their advantages will become apparent from the description of the first and second aspect of the invention, wherein advantageous embodiments of the first and second aspects of the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the third aspect of the invention and vice versa.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method of making a blank as described above. According to the invention, an outer contour of the blank and / or folding lines and / or cutting lines and / or an inner contour of the blank and / or creasing lines by means of Laser energy are generated. Due to the exclusive or at least partial use of laser energy for the production of the blank, the corresponding elements of the blank can be produced very accurately and quickly. In addition, changes in the design of individual elements can be carried out particularly simply and quickly, without, for example, having to produce new stamping or embossing tools.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of two embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations, or in isolation, without the frame to leave the invention.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Zuschnitts gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform; und

Figur 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Zuschnitts gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform.

Show it

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of a blank according to the invention according to a first embodiment; and

FIG. 2

a schematic representation of a blank according to the invention according to a second embodiment.

The FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a blank 10 for producing a three-dimensional structure of cardboard. The three-dimensional structure is a packaging, in particular a folding box. The blank comprises wall and floor elements 12, 14, 16, 26, 28, 30, 32 connected via folding surfaces 50, 52, 54, 56 and fold lines 82, 84 for forming at least one container-like receiving area in the folded state of the blank 10 (FIG. not shown). Furthermore, it can be seen that the rear wall 16 via a bending line 86 with a first cover wall 22, the first cover wall 22 via a bending line 88 with a second cover wall 18 and the second cover wall 18 are connected via a third bending line 90 with a third cover wall 20 for forming a closure cap 92 in the folded state of the blank 10 (not shown). The first cover wall 22 is also connected via the folding surfaces 54, 56 with cover side walls 34, 36. The third cover wall 20 is connected by fold edges 58, 58 'to further cover side walls 38, 40. In addition, adhesive tabs 46, 48 are formed on the lid side walls 34, 36 via bending lines 94, 96, which abut in the folded state of the blank 10 on an inner side of the second lid wall 18 and are glued thereto. On the side opposite the second cover wall 18 side, the third cover wall 20 also has a bending line 92 ', via which it is connected to a further adhesive tab 24.

It can be seen that the folding surfaces 50, 52 are bounded by lateral fold lines 60, 62, 64, 66. Within the fold surface 50, two score lines 70, 72 are formed, each extending at an angle to the lateral fold lines 60, 62. In this case, the score line 70 extends between a first end and / or corner region 120 of the folding surface 50 and a region spaced from a second end and / or corner region 122 opposite the first end and / or corner region 120. This area lies on the lateral fold line 60. In this case, the score line 70 intersects the fold line 60 or adjoins it. On the other hand, the second score line 72 formed in the fold area 50 extends from the second end and / or corner area 122 in the direction of the intersection of the first score line 70 with the lateral fold line 60 and adjoins the corresponding end of the first score line 70. As a result of this embodiment of the score lines 70, 72, three partial areas 106, 108, 110 are formed within the folding area 50. The partial areas are each triangular in shape and result in a rounded edge area when folded in the blank 10. In the also adjacent to the front wall 12 folding surface 52 only a score line 68 is formed. This extends between the first end and / or corner region 120 of the folding surface 52 and the corresponding opposite second end and / or corner region 122 of the folding surface 52. This embodiment results in two likewise triangular-shaped partial surfaces 102, 104 within the folding surface 52 In the folded state of the blank 10, these triangular sections 102, 104 again have a rounded edge region between the front wall 12 and the side wall 28.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the further folding surfaces 54, 56, 58, 58 ', which likewise result in rounded edge regions in the folded state of the blank 10, are characterized by a multiplicity of creasing lines 74 running parallel to the corresponding lateral folding lines 112, 114, 116, 118 , 76, 78, 80 are formed. Such a configuration of the folding surfaces 54, 56, 58, 58 'is known from the prior art. It can be seen that the configuration of the folding or rounding surfaces 54, 56, 58, 58 'differs significantly from those of the folding surfaces 50, 52.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the score lines 68, 70, 72 are formed straight and as continuous lines between the lateral fold lines 60, 62, 64, 66. But other design options of creasing lines 68, 70, 72 are conceivable.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the folded surfaces 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 58 'in the folded state of the blank 10 each have a rounded fold region between the respective wall and floor elements 12, 16, 22, 20 and the adjacent side walls 26, 28, 30, 32 and the cover side walls 34, 36, 38, 40 form. In addition, the corners of the bottom element 14 and the second cover wall 18 are rounded, so that the shape of these two elements adapts to the shape of the folded surfaces in the folded state of the blank 10.

Furthermore, it becomes clear that the side walls 30, 32 have adhesive tabs 46, 48 articulated via respective bending lines 98, 100, the adhesive tabs 46, 48 being glued to an inner surface of the bottom element 14 in the folded state of the blank 10 (not shown). At the adhesive tabs 46, 48 opposite ends of the side walls 30, 32 these are separated by corresponding cut lines of the cover side walls 34, 36. The cutting lines extend up to the respective starting point of the bending line 86, which is formed between the rear wall 16 and the first lid wall 22. The adhesive tabs 46, 48 serve in conjunction with the bottom member 14 to form a bottom structure 90 in the folded state of the Blank 10.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the blank 10. It can be seen that this second embodiment with the in FIG. 1 shown in the first embodiment is almost identical, so that in the description of the figures on the description of FIG. 1 is referenced. In contrast to the first embodiment, the blank 10 according to the second embodiment, another embodiment of the folding surfaces 50, 52. It can be seen that the folding surfaces 50, 52, which in turn in the folded state of the blank 10 form rounded edge regions, initially have two creasing lines 70, 72 extending within the folding surfaces 50, 52 at an angle to the lateral folding lines 60, 62, 64, 66 , The creasing lines 70, 72 intersect in a lying on the side fold lines 60, 64 point. This intersection is arranged in a central region of the folding surfaces 50, 52. As a result of this arrangement of the creasing lines 70, 72, three subareas 106, 108, 110 within the folding surfaces 50, 52 result. The subregions 106, 108, 110 are triangular in this case. Unlike the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment, further creasing lines 124 are formed within two portions 106, 110. The score lines 124 run parallel to the lateral fold lines 60, 62, 64, 66. The configuration of these further score lines 124 results in a particularly pronounced and fine rounding structure. By contrast, the further subregion 108 has no further creasing lines, so that this embodiment too can be produced more cost-effectively and more quickly compared with known blanks having rounded edge regions.

The described blanks 10 for producing three-dimensional structures or folding boxes usually consist of cardboard, paper or plastic. Other suitable materials are conceivable. The blanks 10 can be produced by punching and / or by means of laser energy. Other suitable manufacturing methods are conceivable.

Claims (13)

1. Blank (10) for producing a three-dimensional structure of paper, cardboard or plastic, in particular a packing or the like, including at least one folding surface (50, 52) for forming a rounded edge area of the three-dimensional structure in a folded state of the blank (10), wherein the folding surface (50, 52) is bounded by two lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66) extending parallel to each other,
   characterized in that
   the lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66) each extend parallel to each other across the entire area of the folding surface (50, 52) and within the folding surface (50, 52) at least one creasing line (68, 70, 72) extending at an angle to the lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66) is formed, wherein both ends of the creasing line (68, 70, 72) intersect the corresponding lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66) of the folding surface (50, 52) or adjoin to them.
2. Blank (10) according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66) and the creasing line (68, 70, 72) are produced by means of laser energy and/or punching.
3. Blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the creasing line (68, 70, 72) extends between a first end and/or corner area (120) of the folding surface (50, 52) and a second end and/or corner area (122) of the folding surface (50, 52) opposing the first end and/or corner area (120) or between a first end and/or corner area (120) of the folding surface (50, 52) and an area, which is spaced from a second end and/or corner area (122) opposing the first end and/or corner area (120).
4. Blank (10) according to any one of claims 1 and 2,
   characterized in that
   the creasing line is formed within the folding surface outside of a first end and/or corner area (120) of the folding surface and outside of a second end and/or corner area (122) of the folding surface opposing the first end and/or corner area (120).
5. Blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the folding surface (50, 52) is divided into at least two partial areas (102, 104; 106, 108, 110) by means of the at least one creasing line (68, 70, 72), wherein the partial areas (102, 104; 106, 108, 110) are each triangularly formed.
6. Blank (10) according to claim 5,
   characterized in that
   further creasing lines (124) are formed in at least one partial area (102, 104; 106, 108, 110).
7. Blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the creasing line (68, 70, 72) is formed straight, bent, wave-like, meandering, step-like or combinations thereof.
8. Blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the creasing line (68, 70, 72) is formed as a creasing line continuous or discontinuous between the lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66).
9. Three-dimensional structure of paper, cardboard or plastic, which is produced by folding and/or adhering a blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.
10. Three-dimensional structure according to claim 9,
    characterized in that
    the three-dimensional structure is a packing, in particular a packing for storing cigarettes.
11. Folding box for storing goods, in particular folding box of cardboard, paper or the like, including

    - at least one front wall (12), at least one rear wall (16) and at least each one first and second sidewall (26, 30; 28, 32) for connecting the front and rear wall (12, 16),

    - a bottom construction (90) for bottom-side closure of the folding box, and

    - multiple folding surfaces (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 58') for forming each one rounded edge area of the folding box,

    characterized in that
    at least one folding surface (50, 52) is bounded by lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66) and the lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66) each extend across the entire area of the folding surface (50, 52) parallel to each other, wherein within the folding surface (50, 52) at least one creasing line (68, 70, 72) extending at an angle to the lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66) and both ends of the creasing line (68, 70, 72) intersect the corresponding lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66) of the folding surface (50, 52) or adjoin to them.
12. Folding box according to claim 11,
    characterized in that
    the creasing line (68, 70, 72) is formed as a creasing line continuous or discontinuous between the lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66).
13. Method for producing a blank (10) according to claims 1 to 8,
    characterized by at least the following method steps:

    - forming lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66) each extending parallel to each other across the entire area of a folding surface (50, 52), wherein the folding surface (50, 52) is bounded by the two lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66) extending parallel to each other;

    - forming at least one creasing line (68, 70, 72) extending at an angle to the lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66) within the folding surface (50, 52), wherein both ends of the creasing line (68, 70, 72) intersect the corresponding lateral folding lines (60, 62; 64, 66) of the folding surface (50, 52) or adjoin to them; and

    - generating an outer contour of the blank (10) and/or of the folding lines (60, 62, 64, 66, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100) and/or of cutting lines and/or of an inner contour of the blank (10) and/or of the creasing lines (68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80) by means of laser energy.

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