Packaging apparatus, packaging unit and method for producing packaging unit

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for producing packaging units, and packaging units produced using such a method, comprising at least two substantially identical goods held together by at least one packaging blank (14). In this method, the main surface of the packaging blank (14) is applied to a first end face of a goods group (20) to form a connection between the goods and primary securing means of the packaging blank (14). Here, these primary securing means secure the goods relative to each other within the goods group (20). Subsequently, the side surfaces (24) of the packaging blank (14) are folded over, forming secondary securing means that engage with the sides of the goods. These secondary securing means consist of binding portions that surround defined areas of these sides of the goods group (20) and secure the goods in a substantially parallel orientation. The invention also relates to a packaging apparatus for performing this method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a packaging apparatus for producing packaging units and a method for producing packaging units. Furthermore, this invention relates to a packaging unit. Background Technology

[0002] Besides bottles and cartons, beverage cans are one of the most important and widely produced and used commercial beverage packaging options because they can also be used as drinking vessels. Beverage cans are primarily used for carbonated beverages such as canned beer, as well as soft drinks such as cola, all types of lemonade, and energy drinks. Cans are typically opened for drinking using a pull tab located on the side of the cap.

[0003] Typically, most beverage cans currently in use consist of a cylindrical container made of aluminum or tinplate and an aluminum lid, each with a snap-edge or rolled edge on the upper rim. These cylindrical containers are integrally formed using suitable deep-drawing methods. The aluminum lids have elliptical scoring lines and riveted metal pull tabs. These pull tabs act as built-in can openers; when pulled, the scoring elliptical section is pressed into the can through leverage, thus creating a pouring or drinking opening. In the upper side shell region directly below the lid, the can usually has a tapering diameter. Therefore, the lid also typically has an outer diameter at least slightly smaller than the cylindrical side shell region of the can.

[0004] There are various types of packaging for the processing, assembly, grouping, and packaging of goods (such as canned beverage containers). As such a type of packaging, it is appropriate to combine the goods, i.e., the containers, into portable, relatively convenient bundled units, which are often also considered packaging units. Various possibilities for combining individual cans into larger bundles are also known. That is, for example, beverage containers are often combined or packaged into bundles of four, six, or more containers using heat-shrink film. In many cases, the production of such bundles or packaging units is unavoidable, as they are the most common variations of sales units or packaging units for beverage containers, particularly metal cans, plastic cans, or PET plastic bottles. This is because it is inconceivable to transport large quantities of goods or beverage cans from production and filling to retail and then to the end customer without using so-called secondary packaging and, where appropriate, additional tertiary packaging. Bundles, also considered secondary packaging, are sometimes combined again and / or layered and stacked on pallets for transportation reasons; this is sometimes also referred to as tertiary packaging.

[0005] Producing known types of bundles requires specialized manufacturing steps to process the heat-shrink film commonly used for bundling. These steps require relatively high energy input, primarily due to the shrinkage process of the film under heat. Furthermore, the film used incurs costs related to its production, supply, handling, and subsequent disposal, as it is no longer needed after the goods or containers are sold and unsealed. The machinery used to provide so-called film-wrapping modules and other operating stations also incurs significant investment costs. Finally, providing so-called shrink tunnels, in which hot air is applied to shrink the film surrounding the bundle around the container, also requires relatively high capital investment.

[0006] One variation that, in principle, does not require the use of heat-shrink film is the so-called bundled packaging. In this case, several goods or containers are interconnected and bundled together using so-called strapping tape. In a continuously or periodically operating strapping machine, containers, goods, or bottles are grouped and then bundled together using one or more straps by means of a strapping unit. These straps extend horizontally around the containers or bottles in a reasonable manner and hold them within the bundled composite. Typical arrangements can be, for example, a 1×2 arrangement (two containers in a row), a 2×2 arrangement (four containers in a square or rhombus shape), a 3×2 arrangement, a 4×3 arrangement, or, in principle, a variable n×m arrangement.

[0007] Furthermore, it is known to use so-called gripping cardboard packages or top gripping cardboard packages to combine several items, such as beverage containers, particularly bottles or cans, via the neck area of ​​the goods. A packaging machine for placing such top gripping cardboard packages is described in patent document EP 1 075 419B1. Here, goods are arranged in a box, and a gripping cardboard package is placed from above on at least one item arranged in the box. The box contains a plurality of goods, which are grouped by placing a small number of top gripping cardboard packages, each group combining a portion of the goods arranged in the box.

[0008] In addition, there are known packaging units that combine different types of secondary packaging means and combine multiple goods using first and second packaging means, particularly using first and second packaging means in the form of upper gripping cardboard packages and second packaging means in the form of bundling and / or connecting adjacent and contacting goods by at least one adhesive point.

[0009] Patent document DE 22 06 071 C2 discloses a container package having a support device for holding and transporting a container made of an elastic, deformable plastic material. The support device has an opening for receiving the container and a finger-shaped pull tab for tearing open the support device.

[0010] Publication document DE 25 31 325 A1 describes a container package having a support structure made of plastic film. An upper support includes a first end portion of each container, and a second sheet or film support includes interconnected portions that secure each container assembly.

[0011] Publication document DE 10 2006 028 661 A1 illustrates a packaging unit with bottles and bottle supports, allowing even a large number of packaging units to be safely stacked together. The bottles are combined into packaging units by a support having a support frame and at least one carrying handle.

[0012] Utility model document DE 20 2012 103 324 U1 discloses a bundling template for joining packaging units (particularly beverage bottles) into bundles. The bundling template has recesses for receiving each part of the packaging unit and centrally arranged cutouts for forming handles, wherein these cutouts are symmetrically surrounded by the recesses.

[0013] Furthermore, a bundle containing several bottles is known from DE 1 457 489 A, which are held together in a wrapped form by means of a loop belt. A gripper makes carrying the bundle possible.

[0014] Another bundling arrangement is disclosed in US 57 75 486 A. Three or six rows of bottles or cans are each secured with a cardboard top attachment and joined together to form a larger bundle using strapping.

[0015] As primary packaging for receiving liquid contents, especially beverages, cans of various sizes are now common and commercially available. While cans with corresponding capacities of about one-third or half a liter are traditionally provided, cans with other volumes are now frequently seen, such as 0.15 liters, quarter liters, 0.355 liters, or other different volumes.

[0016] In addition to these different can volumes, different can shapes are known. While the lid of a standard can has a diameter significantly smaller than that of the adjacent can cylinder, in so-called elongated or slender cans, the cylinder diameter and the lid diameter are essentially the same or nearly the same, so that there is no obvious taper in the lid region and / or bottom region compared to the side shell region of the can.

[0017] To consolidate standard cans, top-gripping cardboard packages are known, these packages having multiple passage openings for the standard cans, thus simultaneously defining the position of the cans within the packaging unit. The cardboard packages are pressed from above onto the assembly of the standard cans, allowing the lid areas of the standard cans to pass through their respective passage openings. Preferably, the cardboard packages are anchored below the lid areas of the standard cans, particularly in areas where the cross-section is reduced. Within the resulting packaging unit, the cans are arranged closely adjacent to each other.

[0018] Conversely, using such gripper cardboard packaging is generally not advisable for so-called slender or elongated cans. Because the diameter of the lid area and the cylindrical area are essentially the same for these can shapes, there is insufficient material between the openings in the gripper cardboard, making the remaining narrow area between the openings easily tearable, thus lacking the necessary stability.

[0019] To address these shortcomings, WO 2021 / 043632 A1 proposes a combination of a gripping cardboard package used as a primary packaging method with another packaging method. This other packaging method, referred to as a secondary packaging method, is then installed onto the can already equipped with the gripping cardboard package. As a secondary packaging method, the proposed methods are strapping, adhesive bonding between goods, or heat-shrink film bonding. To equip several goods, such as the so-called slender cans mentioned in particular, with both primary and secondary packaging methods, requires a multi-stage production process, as this inherently involves different packaging types and therefore different mechanical manufacturing and packaging steps. Summary of the Invention

[0020] Given the known types and methods of packaging, this can be considered a primary objective of the invention: to better combine or integrate the necessary process steps to produce packaging units with several different packaging means. Furthermore, an object of the invention is to produce packaging units in an advantageous manner in which multiple goods are combined using both a first and a second packaging means, wherein these means are more closely coordinated than in previously known packaging variations. Finally, an additional, and where appropriate, consideration should be given to providing improved tooling variations, each of which enables faster and better processing of the grouped goods used to produce the packaging units.

[0021] In order to achieve at least some of the mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a packaging apparatus for producing packaging units comprising at least two goods of substantially the same type, wherein the at least two goods are held together by at least one packaging blank using primary and secondary securing means.

[0022] The packaging apparatus according to the invention includes: at least one supplying device for the at least two goods or for grouping at least two goods; and an applying device for applying a main surface of a packaging blank to a first end face of the grouped goods, and for establishing a connection between the goods and a primary fixing means of the packaging blank. This is primarily used to fix the position of the goods relative to each other by means of a primary fixing means.

[0023] The supply device may be, for example, a horizontal conveyor for transporting goods in a disordered flow or several channel guide devices or the like. The application device consists of operating devices, which will be explained in detail below, having complex, interfering, and / or sequential functions and capabilities.

[0024] Furthermore, the packaging apparatus according to the invention includes suitable manipulation and / or forming means for folding at least one side surface of the packaging blank adjacent to the long side of the main surface of the packaging blank to form a secondary fixing means that engages with the side of the product.

[0025] Finally, the device includes a securing mechanism for forming a secondary securing element consisting of strapping portions that surround a defined area on the side of the product and secure the product in a substantially parallel orientation. The strapping portions are composed of parts of a packaging blank that are first folded and then undergo further operational and processing steps.

[0026] In particular, the packaging device may have an operating tool that can be used to fold two side surfaces adjacent to the long side of the main surface of the packaging blank to form a secondary fixing means that engages with the side of the product.

[0027] Optionally, the operating tool may be designed to fold the side surface of the strip portion and to shape the strip portion into a binding portion.

[0028] In addition, in the packaging apparatus, the operating tools may be equipped with means for securing the overlapping end regions of the strip portions to each other and / or to the sides of the product.

[0029] In addition, in the packaging apparatus, the operating tools may include means for shaping, folding and / or indenting the main surface of the packaging blank in the area between adjacent goods.

[0030] Finally, in the packaging apparatus, the means for shaping, folding and / or indenting the main surface of the packaging blank may include a folding plunger capable of descending onto the main surface, which may be a fixed or movable part of the operating tool.

[0031] In addition to the features and characteristics of the packaging device previously mentioned, it is to be emphasized that some or all of the previously mentioned variations or embodiments of the packaging device according to the invention may be selectively combined with each other in a manner that is reasonable to those skilled in the art, in order to at least partially achieve one or more of the objectives set forth above, and / or to obtain the desired effects of the invention.

[0032] Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment, the packaging device according to the invention may be equipped with at least one controllable application head movable within a defined movement space, which performs some of the operation steps mentioned above, relating to applying the packaging blank to the respective product groups provided therefor and forming primary fixing means. Thus, the application head is primarily used to install the packaging blank to each group of at least two products, which will be described in detail below.

[0033] To enable this action, each of the application heads, or each of several application heads, includes a receiving device for receiving at least one packaging blank and for placing the packaging blank on top of the corresponding product group.

[0034] In addition, the application head is equipped with a fixing device for establishing a mechanical connection between the packaging blank and the corresponding packaging blank at the commodity grouping or between the packaging blank and the corresponding commodity group.

[0035] The receiving device of the application head includes at least one suction device capable of applying a controlled and / or variable negative pressure, capable of applying increasing negative pressure to receive and hold the packaging preform, and capable of applying decreasing negative pressure to release the packaging preform held in the application head. Other optional operating tools for the application head will be described in detail below.

[0036] An application head according to the invention, or an application head constituting part of a packaging device according to the invention, may be equipped with at least one application unit for processing one commodity group and equipping it with a packaging blank. However, in particular, the application head, or each of several application heads as appropriate, includes two or more such application units for substantially synchronously processing two or more individual commodity groups and equipping them with packaging blanks accordingly.

[0037] The application head is preferably movable within a storage area of ​​several stacked packaging blanks or within a movement space provided between a location and a corresponding temporary storage point for the commodity group to be processed.

[0038] Furthermore, the application head may be implemented such that each application unit is equipped with a bonding plate that moves vertically between two end positions for bonding with the plane of the respective packaging blank held therein, and is equipped with at least one controllable suction element for holding or releasing the packaging blank held therein by negative pressure under the control of negative pressure.

[0039] Furthermore, each application unit of the application head may be equipped with a forming element for deforming a defined folded area of ​​the packaging blank placed on the corresponding product group. In particular, the forming element may be configured to form a primary fixing means to establish a mechanical connection between the products in the product group and the packaging blank, or to support the formation of the primary fixing means.

[0040] In addition, each application unit of the application head can be selectively equipped with a folding element for folding the side surface of the package blank protruding from the upper side of the product group and preparing for a secondary fixing means between the product group and the package blank.

[0041] Furthermore, for the application head according to the invention, it can be configured such that the movable bonding plate, the suction element capable of applying negative pressure, the folding element, and the forming element of each application unit associated with the application head which can descend onto or rise from the product group can each perform mutually coordinated operating steps to form a primary fixing means and at least prepare for a secondary fixing means.

[0042] Secondary securing methods, especially those consisting of binding parts, can be completed in subsequent operations or process steps, unless the application head is equipped with corresponding tools capable of completing the binding parts, such as the overlapping strips of the adhesive packaging blank.

[0043] The securing device mentioned above in the packaging apparatus according to the invention, namely for forming a secondary securing element consisting of a binding portion, can in particular consist of binding heads suitably and correspondingly provided for this purpose, which ensure that the binding portion is installed and secured to a defined area on the side of the product, so as to secure the product in a substantially parallel orientation. As has been mentioned and explained many times, the binding portion consists of parts of a packaging blank that are first folded and then undergo further operational and processing steps.

[0044] The binding head, in addition to the aforementioned application head, can also be another or additional component of the packaging device according to the invention. This binding head includes at least suitable actuating elements for folding a foldable portion of the packaging blank adjacent to the long side of the main surface of the packaging blank and extending above the product group, such that the foldable portion abuts against the opposite side surface of the product group to prepare and / or form a secondary securing means that interacts with the sides of the product. As mentioned, these secondary securing means consist of binding portions that surround a defined area of ​​the sides of the product and secure the orientation of the products relative to each other.

[0045] However, it should be emphasized that the packaging device or packaging machine may be equipped with multiple such strapping heads, which can be controlled in a coordinated manner to continuously process multiple product groups into packaging units, wherein each of the several strapping heads can act simultaneously on the corresponding number of product groups under synchronous control.

[0046] For a binding head or each of several binding heads, the operating element may be configured to have a molded part capable of elastic deformation for pressing and bonding the overlapping areas of the respective foldable portions of the binding parts.

[0047] A strapping head, which is considered a reasonable additional option for the packaging device according to the invention, may have at least two operating elements that are capable of engaging with the opposing long sides of the product group and being capable of relative feeding, wherein each of these operating elements may be equipped with an elastic molding element that can interact with a portion of the packaging blank folded onto the side of the product group and can shape it into a strapping portion.

[0048] Furthermore, each of the operating elements of the strapping head, together with the molded part disposed at the operating element, can move between two end positions, wherein, for a strapping head placed on a product group, the molded part is at least a very small distance away from the product group when the corresponding operating element is in the first end position, and wherein, when the corresponding operating element is in the second end position, the molded part is in contact with the side surface of the product group and applies a positioning force in the feed direction of the operating element.

[0049] For a binding head or each of several binding heads, the molded part that applies a positioning force in the defined feed direction of the operating element can be elastically deformed, and at least a portion of the binding portion can be placed under a preload.

[0050] In addition, each of the binding heads, or several binding heads, may be equipped with its own chute control device for pre-positioning the feed movement of the operating elements according to their location.

[0051] Specifically, the strapping heads can be guided parallel to a conveyor section in a track system, on which product groups are conveyed along a conveying direction, wherein a chute control device for pre-positioning the feed movement of the operating elements of the strapping heads according to their location can be assigned to at least a portion of the conveyor section. Alternatively, several strapping heads can be guided parallel to a conveyor section in such a track system, on which product groups are conveyed.

[0052] Optionally, the binding head, or each individual binding head among several binding heads, may be equipped with a limited number of molded parts. Therefore, in particular, a total of four elastically deformable molded parts may be provided, with each individual binding head equipped with these four elastically deformable molded parts. Such molded parts may, for example, have a base portion by which the molded part can be anchored in a support of the associated operating element. In the binding head, typically two relative feed supports of the operating element may be provided, each of which anchors two such molded parts.

[0053] In addition, the tool portion can be connected to the base portion of the molded part. The function of the tool portion is to act on the product grouping and to cooperate in such a way that the superimposed strip portions of the side surfaces can be made into a binding portion in a desired manner.

[0054] According to a reasonable implementation variant, the tooling portion of the molded part may in particular have an L-shaped profile with a circular transition between the two legs of the L-shaped tooling portion, wherein the circular area, also referred to as the forming area or elastic forming element, reasonably corresponds to the profile of the product group to be processed in its respective corner area.

[0055] The connection between the tool part and the base part is preferably elastically deformable, so that when the tool part is pressed against the long side of the product group in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the first leg connected to the base part, the defined deformation behavior can be ensured.

[0056] When the support of the operating element moves relative to the molded part fixed therein and forms a binding portion, the preferred material selection of the integrally molded and produced molded part ensures the desired deformability when using the binding head. The molded part may be made of thermoplastic plastic capable of elastic deformation or of a suitable elastomer material (with bonded fiber reinforcement where appropriate).

[0057] The molded part typically does not deform initially, but rather the molding element first adheres only to the product group, the partially folded side surfaces, and the strip portion, through the pure feed movement of the two supports of the operating element that abuts the long side of the product group. During further feed movement, structural deformation begins to occur in the molded part. Specifically, this ensures that the adhesive or glue points are pressed firmly into the overlapping area of ​​the strip portion, thereby allowing a defined preload to be applied to the binding portion of the secondary fixing points thus constructed.

[0058] For example, the feed movement of a relative feed bracket and a molded part fixed thereto, of an operating element located in the strapping head, can be controlled by a suitable chute guide device. Thus, the bracket can be equipped, for example, with suitable guide pins that can be guided in guide chutes located above the product groups conveyed along the conveying plane in the conveying direction, such that the crossbeam with the strapping head is in contact with the guide chutes, which move circumferentially in the lower part of the track guide device. That is, the guide pins move within the guide chutes and are slidably guided therein. The brackets can be fed relative to each other or moved separately, i.e., they can move parallel to the longitudinal extension direction of the respective crossbeam along their respective defined displacement paths, while each bracket moves within the track system.

[0059] In this configuration, the guide pins are controlled via guide slides, each comprising straight and parallel sections with smaller intervals between the guide pins and other straight and parallel sections with larger intervals between the guide pins. These parallel sections are connected by symmetrically converging or diverging curved sections that ensure the corresponding feed movement of the support.

[0060] By utilizing the cyclical movement of the crossbeam and the guide pins thereby guided in the corresponding contour guide grooves, the movement required for the binding head in the strip portion of the folded packaging blank and for forming the binding portion can be generated.

[0061] In addition to the packaging apparatus according to the invention interpreted in different implementation variations and configuration levels, the invention also proposes a method for producing packaging units to achieve at least some of the objectives mentioned above, each packaging unit comprising at least two substantially identical goods, wherein the at least two goods are held together by at least one packaging blank. The method comprises at least the following steps: first, applying a main surface of the packaging blank to a first end face of the grouped goods, wherein a connection is formed between the goods and primary securing means of the packaging blank. These primary securing means initially fix the position of the goods relative to each other.

[0062] Subsequently, in the method according to the invention, at least one side surface adjacent to the long side of the main surface of the packaging blank is folded to form a secondary securing means that engages with the side of the product. The secondary securing means here consists of binding portions that surround a defined area of ​​the side of the product and secure the product in a substantially parallel orientation.

[0063] The method can be selectively configured to fold two side surfaces adjacent to the long side of the main surface of the packaging blank to form a secondary fixing means that engages with the side of the product.

[0064] Furthermore, the method can be configured such that the binding portion of the secondary fixing means is composed of strip portions of the packaging blank, each of which extends the side surface in a direction along the longitudinal extension direction of the side surface.

[0065] An advantage of this method is that the side surfaces and strip portions are folded and shaped into binding portions by means of an operating device, in which overlapping end areas are fixed to each other and / or to the side of the product.

[0066] However, it should be emphasized that securing and / or gluing the strip portion to the side of the product is only an option that can be selectively implemented in practice. Since the packaging blank is already secured to the product when the primary securing means are formed, the cohesion of the bundling structure may be sufficient, and therefore it is not necessary to glue the strip portion to the underlying side of the product.

[0067] However, if the goods are to be wrapped in sections not only with the binding section, but also to be secured to each other in relative positions, it may be reasonable to additionally secure the strips to the sides of the goods when securing the overlapping portions of the strips.

[0068] Furthermore, the method can be configured to form, fold, or indent the main surface of the packaging blank in the area between adjacent goods, wherein adjacent primary fastening means, together with the goods held therein, approach each other, particularly until the adjacent goods come into contact.

[0069] If the application head mentioned above is used, it specifically ensures that flat packaging blanks are received from the storage, supply, or other supply locations. After the packaging blank is received, it is held in the application head and specifically prepared for subsequent process steps.

[0070] Purely introductory, it should be noted that in the method variations described below, an application head may be optionally used, which may comprise at least one application unit, but preferably two, three or more application units of the same type, for simultaneously and particularly synchronously operating several existing product groups. Therefore, references to the operational steps of the application head below are not intended to imply any limiting effect, and thus several such application heads may optionally be present to perform the described method steps.

[0071] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the application head, together with the package blank held therein or prepared, is moved to a previously provided and prepared goods group for the operational steps described herein, the goods group consisting of at least two groups of goods, wherein the application head may descend directly onto the goods group or be positioned initially at a vertical distance above the goods group. For example, if the goods group is not stationary but moves along a conveyor section, it may be reasonable to position the application head at such a vertical distance above the prepared goods group, since in this case, it is reasonable for the application head to move in the same direction as the goods group moving in the conveying direction on the conveyor section, which is often referred to as synchronization.

[0072] If it is guaranteed that the packaging blank is positioned at the desired location related to the product grouping through precise positioning of the application head, the application head can be lowered onto the product grouping. This also requires applying the packaging blank to the upper surface of the product grouping or making it possible to apply the packaging blank to the upper surface of the product grouping. Applying the packaging blank to the upper surface of the product grouping (usually referring to the top cover of the grouped products) implies establishing a mechanical connection between the packaging blank and the product grouping.

[0073] This mechanical connection between the upper surface of a product group or the upper cover or lid area of ​​a product group is also referred to in this context and thereafter as the production, installation, or formation of a primary connection, primary fastening, or primary fastening means. Typically, this refers to the snap-fit ​​connection between a cut-out circular notch in the packaging blank and, particularly, the upper edge portion of a product made of tin beverage cans, as will be described in detail below.

[0074] In order to prepare additional secondary securing means (which are formed by the binding portion of the packaging blank in the packaging unit to be produced here), after establishing a mechanical connection between the packaging blank and the product group, at least one foldable portion of the packaging blank extending above the product group is folded over and brought into contact with the side surface of the product group.

[0075] Typically, the folding involves two foldable portions facing each other along the long side of the main surface of the packaging blank, located on the upper side of the packaged goods, and bringing them into contact with the opposite side surface of the packaged goods. This corresponds to a folding angle of approximately 90 degrees. The folded portions of the packaging blank constitute the binding parts, which will be described in more detail below. These binding parts are also considered and thus referred to as secondary securing means of the packaging unit.

[0076] The primary securing means mentioned above first fix the position of the goods relative to each other, while the secondary securing means formed later additionally fix the angular position between the goods and ensure stronger mechanical cohesion of the goods in the packaging unit.

[0077] After the packaging blank is secured to its respective product grouping to form a primary securing means, at least one side surface adjacent to the long side of the main surface of the packaging blank is folded over to form a secondary securing means that mates with the side of the product. The secondary securing means here consists of binding portions that surround a defined area of ​​the side of the product and secure the product in a substantially parallel orientation. Specifically, the binding portions of the secondary securing means consist of strip portions of the packaging blank, each strip portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the side surface.

[0078] Only after the laterally foldable portion of the aforementioned packaging blank is folded or folded downwards can the application head be lifted from the product group equipped with the packaging blank and mechanically held together by the packaging blank, and then removed from the product group to receive another packaging blank from the supply location or storage section, and the described process steps be repeated at another product group.

[0079] Therefore, the applicator head moves within its travel space, located between the storage or providing position of the packaging preforms and the providing or conveying section where the product groups are located. In this storage or providing position, the packaging preforms are flat and generally not folded, but they already have the required cuts and notches. In this configuration, the applicator head, as a whole, descends onto the product groups along with the respective packaging preforms held therein.

[0080] Receiving the at least one packaging blank from the stockpile or from a suitable and provided location can be particularly accomplished by means of negative pressure or under the support of negative pressure, i.e., by means of suitable suction elements located in the application head and capable of applying negative pressure to receive the flat packaging blank. Preferably, the negative pressure can be turned off to lower the packaging blank. Thus, if the packaging blank is to be placed on the merchandise group after the synchronization and descent of the application head, and pressed and secured thereto to form a primary means of fixation, it is reasonable to turn off the negative pressure applied to the suction elements, which releases the packaging blank and cancels its previous temporary fixation in the application head.

[0081] The release of the packaging blank and its clamping on the upper side of the commodity grouping provided for this purpose can be supported by other components in the application head. Thus, for example, the formation of a primary fixing means can be supported, namely, the descent of the flat bonding plate of the application head while simultaneously closing the negative pressure holding the packaging blank in place by the suction element or suction plunger. These processes can be combined in a reasonable manner, specifically, the bonding plate descends particularly relative to the suction element or suction plunger, which is fixedly positioned within the application head and passes through the bonding plate equipped with corresponding recesses.

[0082] In this way, the packaging preform temporarily held in the application head can be spaced apart and separated from the suction element or suction plunger. The aforementioned bonding plate can be designed to move relative to the application head, particularly by means of a linear guide. In this way, the bonding plate can descend relative to the application head, which is held in position, thereby pressing the packaging preform downward onto the product group in terms of time and / or process technology, followed immediately by the production of primary fixing means.

[0083] During the further production of the packaging unit, and as the bonding plate moves further downward, the packaging blank is connected or snapped to the goods in the product group to form a primary fixing means, for example, by forming a snap connection between the opening or notch in the packaging blank and the upper edge or neck of the goods, that is, for example, by snapping connection with the recessed area of ​​the rolled edge of the goods.

[0084] Furthermore, the method for producing packaging units according to the invention can be configured to, in the area between adjacent goods or between adjacent rows of goods, shape, fold or press out indentations on the main surface of the packaging blank placed on the upper side of the goods group and hereinforcingly fastened or otherwise secured, wherein adjacent primary securing means, together with the goods held therein, approach each other, particularly until adjacent goods come into contact.

[0085] Therefore, in one variation of the method, it can be configured that the packaging blank is operated on and deformed in such a way during, and especially after, the production of the primary fixing means, i.e., between adjacent goods in a product group or between adjacent rows of goods in a product group, the packaging blank is pressed inward at least a little. This practice is particularly reasonable for goods in a product group that have very little material between adjacent goods due to their shape, since the diameter of the upper edge of the goods is not reduced or is only not significantly reduced relative to the diameter of the adjacent cylindrical side shell area.

[0086] If the product groups for the packaging units to be produced are, for example, elongated or slim cans as mentioned above, then due to their special shape, beverage cans, which are formed almost continuously and with a constant diameter from the bottom region to the top lid region into a cylindrical shape, have almost no excess material from the flat packaging blanks between directly adjacent products or cans in the group during the production of the primary fixing means. To compensate for this, the method establishes a sufficient distance between adjacent products or adjacent product rows for the production of the primary fixing means, which are formed by placing and clamping the products or beverage cans into the notches of the flat packaging blanks provided for this purpose. This distance is eliminated in subsequent processing stages by pushing the products or product rows together.

[0087] When referring in this context to adjacent rows of goods that are initially spaced apart from each other, it may specifically mean two, three, or four goods or cans arranged in pairs, thus forming a group of four, six, or eight goods in total. However, the goods in these initially paired rows that are slightly spaced apart from each other are preferably in contact within the row, which is acceptable in terms of the available flat material for the packaging blank, because the mechanical cohesion of the packaging unit to be produced can be ensured not only by means of primary fixing but also by means of secondary fixing, which will be described in detail below.

[0088] After the bonding plate, together with the packaging blank which is bonded to the bottom side of the bonding plate, is lowered onto the top side of the product group, and after the products are secured to the packaging blank (as defined above as a primary means of production fixation), the products or product rows in the corresponding groups, which were at least slightly spaced apart from each other during this process stage, may undergo further operational steps. These operational steps are mainly set to bring the products or product rows in the group closer together until they come into contact, thereby creating a common rectangular arrangement of the groups, which is also consistent with the arrangement within the packaging unit completed later.

[0089] Therefore, in another alternative method step, the method according to the invention can be configured to press a V-shaped or other shaped indentation into the area of ​​the main surface of the packaging blank placed on the upper side of the goods, located between spaced-apart goods or rows of goods, and press inward into the gap between the goods or rows of goods, which can be supported, where appropriate, by folded or bent edges previously provided in the packaging blank. In a rectangular packaging blank, a central strip divides the main surface into two equal halves, which are connected by the central strip, which is to be pressed with a V-shaped or other shaped indentation in this way.

[0090] In this case, if the product group to be processed includes only two products, each half of the main surface of the packaging blank covers one product. Therefore, in a product group with, for example, four or six products, each half of the main surface of the packaging blank covers two or three rows of products.

[0091] This shaping of the packaging blank into a V-shape, and the pressing of the shaped area inward between the goods or rows of goods, can be achieved, in particular, by means of a knife-shaped or sword-shaped forming element fixedly arranged in the application head. This forming element is positioned above the laminating plate and thus covered by the laminating plate when it descends, so that the forming element is not activated when the packaging blank is pressed against the upper side of the goods group and when the first fixing means is formed simultaneously.

[0092] After the primary fixing means is produced, and preferably when the suction element or suction plunger is closed, the blade-shaped or sword-shaped forming element passes through the corresponding recess of the bonding plate and extends downward from the bonding plate by lifting the bonding plate. Thus, when the bonding plate is lifted and the application head is lowered further, the blade-shaped or sword-shaped forming element can press the packaging blank downward into a V-shape between the goods or rows of goods, wherein the V-shaped area of ​​the packaging blank is pressed inward between adjacent goods or rows of goods.

[0093] Since previously spaced-out goods or rows of goods will be pulled toward each other, a suitable guiding device is reasonable so that this approach can occur in a controlled manner. In principle, creating a V-shaped area and making it concave inward between the goods or rows of goods is sufficient to bring them closer together and ensure that they are pulled or pushed toward each other.

[0094] The downward movement of the application head, which uses a knife-shaped or sword-shaped forming element to press the upper main surface of the packaging blank inward, can also be used to fold the side surfaces of the packaging blank located at the edge of the main surface of the packaging blank downward by approximately 90 degrees each, so as to fit them against the side surfaces of the product group. These folding movements can be performed, for example, by means of a lateral folding element fixedly arranged in the application head as the application head further descends in the direction above the product group.

[0095] Folding elements, arranged on both sides of and spaced apart from the bonding plate at the application head, can be constituted by fixing or moving tools. These tools are preferably located in the application head in a position where they can engage with areas of the flat packaging blank defined by bent or folded edges and thus demarcated from the main surface, so that these areas are abutted against the opposing side surfaces of the product grouping. In a simplest embodiment, the folding elements consist of vertically projecting portions designed, for example, in a strip shape, which are anchored to a support plate or support element of the application head, thereby fixing their relative position to the suction element and to the bonding plate, which can be raised and lowered within the application head.

[0096] For example, when a knife-shaped or sword-shaped molding element is activated, the sloping ramp at the folding element can support pushing previously spaced-out items or rows of items together.

[0097] In subsequent process steps, where appropriate, after further operations and / or processing steps of the packaging unit can be taken to complete them, the entire application head is lifted from the product grouping to allow it to be handed over to the next processing, operation, and / or application step. Such steps may in particular include further processing of secondary securing means by folding the binding portions, gluing overlapping portions, and overlapping portions, etc.

[0098] Therefore, an advantageous variation of the method is configured to, by means of a suitable operating device, fold and shape the previously folded side surface and the resulting extended strip portion into a binding portion, wherein the overlapping end regions of these strip portions are fixed to each other and / or fixed to the side of the product.

[0099] However, it should be emphasized that securing and / or gluing the strip portion to the side of the product is only an option that can be selectively implemented in practice. Since the packaging blank is already secured to the product when the primary securing means are formed, the cohesion of the bundling structure may be sufficient, and therefore it is not necessary to glue the strip portion to the underlying side of the product.

[0100] However, if the goods are to be wrapped in sections not only with the binding section, but also to be secured to each other in relative positions, it may be reasonable to additionally secure the strips to the sides of the goods when securing the overlapping portions of the strips.

[0101] Regarding all previously described method variations, i.e., preferably using at least a portion of the application head that implements the process steps mentioned above to produce or prepare packaging units by forming grouped goods and equipping the grouped goods with packaging blanks, in the minimum configuration, the application head may be set to act on exactly one group of goods in the manner described, equip the group of goods with packaging blanks, and form and / or prepare the group of goods for producing primary fixing means and at least preparing secondary fixing means.

[0102] However, selectively or preferably, the application head may also have two, three, or more operating areas of the same type, so as to be able to process two or more groups of goods prepared for this purpose simultaneously and substantially synchronously. Thus, at least two, and optionally three, such modularly constructed application units may be located in a side-by-side arrangement within the application head, thereby enabling the parallel processing or operation of two or three groups of goods of the same type in the manner described.

[0103] Optionally, the four such modularly constructed application units may also be located in a rectangular arrangement of groups within the application head, thereby enabling the processing and / or operation of four identical product groups in parallel processing in a manner described herein, wherein these product groups are positioned and oriented in such a way that the application head descending onto these product groups can utilize the four application units or application modules positioned in the rectangular arrangement to apply four simultaneously detected packaging blanks to the product groups prepared for this purpose, and all further described process steps may also be performed.

[0104] Therefore, when referring to an application head for operating and processing at least one or more product groups herein, it refers to the application head in the minimum configuration mentioned, which is capable of operating or processing only a single product group. However, the application head may also allow for the parallel and synchronous operation and processing of several product groups, and is equipped with a corresponding number of application units or modules. In this case, the corresponding suction elements, movable bonding plates, and other tooling elements of the application head can also be synchronously controlled in a reasonable manner, wherein the bonding plates, capable of being raised and lowered in parallel movement, are typically equipped with separate electric drive units, and a central negative pressure supply device for the common supply of the controllable suction elements is a reasonable option, as the suction elements can be conveniently connected to the common supply line individually via hose lines.

[0105] If it is reasonable to combine them in a manner that is perceptible to those skilled in the art, some or all of the previously mentioned variations or implementations of the method according to the invention and / or the application head according to the invention may be selectively combined to achieve at least in part one or more of the objectives set forth above, and / or to obtain the desired effects of the invention.

[0106] Further method variations explained below can be configured to use at least one binding head to form a secondary securing means. Thus, several method variations that can be combined with each other have been described above: receiving flat package blanks from a storage section or providing location, and in particular using an application head to apply the corresponding main surface of the package blank to the upper side of the prepared product group. In this described manner, mechanical cohesion can be ensured between the products, and a connection can be established between the products and the primary securing means of the corresponding package blank, thereby forming the primary securing means that fix the position of the products relative to each other within the corresponding product group.

[0107] As explained multiple times, the foldable portion of the packaging blank, adjacent to the long side of the main surface of the packaging blank and extending above the product group, is then folded over, and this foldable portion is brought into contact with the opposite side surface of the product group to prepare for secondary securing means that interact with the sides of the products. These secondary securing means consist of binding portions that surround a defined area of ​​the sides of the products and secure the orientation of the products relative to each other.

[0108] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, a strapping head is used to produce and form strapping portions. Each strapping portion includes overlapping areas of foldable parts, which are pressed together and pressed against the product grouping by means of a molded part of the strapping head that is capable of elastic deformation, and are bonded together.

[0109] Furthermore, the method can be further configured such that each of the controllable and relatively feedable operating elements of the strapping head forms a strapping portion constituting a secondary fixing means of the packaging unit, the strapping head having a molded part arranged at the operating element.

[0110] Therefore, in a variant of the method according to the invention, it can also be configured such that, by means of a molding that surrounds the packaging unit from several sides, the foldable portion of the packaging blank of each product group equipped with secondary fixing means is at least temporarily pressed against the side of the corresponding product and formed therein into a binding portion.

[0111] To produce the bundling portion, the method can be configured to lower the bundling head onto a group of goods equipped with a prepared packaging blank, and produce the bundling portion by the feed movement of the operating element and the action of the molding parts arranged at the operating element.

[0112] Optionally, several synchronously controlled strapping heads can act simultaneously on side-by-side product groups to produce strapping portions in a desired manner, respectively. The spatial allocation term "side-by-side product groups" as used herein refers to the arrangement based on the product group transport direction.

[0113] If the strapping heads used are equipped in such a way, or coordinated and interconnected in terms of control technology, that several directly adjacent product groups can be processed simultaneously, whether side-by-side (relative to the conveying direction) or one after the other (relative to the conveying direction), it is conceivable to process several product groups simultaneously, which are conveyed one after the other or consecutively in each case based on the conveying direction. Therefore, the synchronous operation and coordinated control of the strapping heads to be achieved typically involves the multi-line processing and conveying of product groups conveyed side-by-side, which are contacted by side-by-side strapping heads that can operate under corresponding synchronous movement control.

[0114] In various embodiments of the method according to the invention described herein, a packaging blank may be placed on each upper side of a product group to be converted into a packaging unit, and then the portion of the packaging blank provided for this purpose is converted into a secondary fixing means. Therefore, it may be specifically configured such that the main surface of the packaging blank each covers the upper side of the product constituting the product group, while the side surface adjacent to the opposite long side of the main surface and separated here by a bent edge, together with the extension of the strip portion continuing to form a strip portion at the corresponding short side of the main surface, may have already been laterally folded downward in the direction of the side surface of the product group, but not yet fully adhered to the side surface of the product group. This lateral full contact of the side surface and the strip portion with the product group is performed in a subsequent process step, and is preferably achieved using the binding head according to the invention, as explained in detail above in the various embodiments.

[0115] To form a secondary securing means (consisting of various free-tying parts), for example, several consecutively conveyed product groups (each with a packaging blank placed on its upper side) can be fed into the corresponding operating area of ​​a tying head suspended above the conveyed product groups. The packaging blank is placed on the upper side of the product group to form a primary securing means by means of an application head (not specified in detail herein and not described in detail elsewhere), while the secondary securing means can be formed and completed by means of the tying head.

[0116] Each of the strapping heads can be arranged in an area above a conveying plane for conveying product groups back and forth in the conveying direction. These product groups have primary fixing means that are placed on the upper side and preferably have been previously produced or formed, so that each strapping head can contact the product group from above.

[0117] In this case, multiple strapping heads can be selectively guided to move in a circular direction, so that each of the many strapping heads can accurately accompany a group of goods within a limited portion of the corresponding conveying section, and can act on the group of goods to form a secondary fixing means.

[0118] For example, it can be configured such that a limited number of strapping heads are each suspended laterally at a certain distance from each other at crossbeams that move around in a circumferential direction, wherein several crossbeams (each with several strapping heads suspended at each crossbeam) move sequentially at a certain distance from each other in a circumferential direction parallel to the conveying direction of the product groups, and these distances are consistent with the distance between the product groups conveyed in front and behind in each case.

[0119] The circumferential direction naturally extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the corresponding crossbeam. The crossbeam can be guided in a suitable track system and circulate therein, so that, at least within the limited area of ​​the respective conveying section, the strapping heads can be guided at a suitable distance above the conveying plane of the product group so that each strapping head engages with the product group.

[0120] For example, suitable operating elements can be used to form the aforementioned first securing means, which should act to clamp the packaging blank to the upper region of the product group. For example, such operating elements can be composed of an application head correspondingly equipped with suitable devices for holding and / or receiving the packaging blank, for applying the packaging blank to the product group, and, where appropriate, for properly folding the packaging blank in a folding area prepared for this purpose.

[0121] Furthermore, these first operating elements may preferably have suitable means for folding the side surfaces on both sides of the main surface of the packaging blank, thereby preparing the goods group so that the folded side surfaces are fully aligned with the sides of the goods group and shaping the strip portion into a binding portion, thereby forming a secondary fixing means.

[0122] To achieve this purpose, the strapping head may specifically have operating elements capable of relative feeding, which are used to abut against foldable side surfaces of the packaging blank that are adjacent to the long side of the main surface of the packaging blank and extend laterally beyond the upper side of the product group, and to prepare and form secondary fastening means for interacting with the sides of the product. As explained several times above, these secondary fastening means consist of strapping portions consisting of overlapping strip portions of their respective extended side surfaces, which are joined and connected to each other by means of suitable adhesive points (e.g., adhesives), preferably applying a defined preload.

[0123] The operating elements of the strapping head engage with the two long sides of the product group at a height of the side surface (which is folded and conforms to the side of the product) and can be fed relative to each other. The operating elements can be shaped such that the side surfaces of the contact packaging blanks and the inner sides of the strip portions of these operating elements can conform to and be pressed here against the side of the product. Elastically deformable molding elements can be provided for pressing and creating an adhesive connection between the respective overlapping strip portions to form the strapping portion. To ensure that the strip portions remain adhesive to each other after joining, thereby ensuring a permanent connection of the produced strapping portion, it is preferable to apply appropriate adhesive points to at least one of the respective overlapping strip portions.

[0124] It also applies here to selectively combine some or all of the previously mentioned variations or implementations of the method according to the invention with each other in order to at least partially achieve the objectives set forth above and / or to obtain the desired effects of the invention, provided that such variations or implementations can be reasonably combined with each other from the point of view of someone skilled in the art involved.

[0125] Furthermore, at least some of the objectives mentioned above can be achieved using a packaging unit comprising at least two substantially identical goods held together by at least one packaging blank, wherein the main surface of the packaging blank is applied to a first end face of the grouped goods to form a connection between the goods and the packaging blank by means of a primary fixing means, thereby fixing the position of the goods relative to each other by means of the primary fixing means.

[0126] Furthermore, the packaging blank for the packaging unit according to the invention has an adjacent side surface at at least one long side of the main surface, which is folded and fits against the corresponding side of the product to form a secondary fixing means that engages with the side of the product.

[0127] In addition, the packaging blank has binding parts that constitute a secondary securing means. Each of these binding parts surrounds a defined area on the side of the product, thereby securing the product in a substantially parallel orientation.

[0128] Preferably, in the packaging unit according to the invention, two side surfaces adjacent to the long sides of the main surface of the packaging blank can be folded to form a secondary securing means that engages with the side of the product. In principle, it may be sufficient for only one side surface to be folded and laid or tensioned around the product to form a secondary securing means as a strapping band. However, a symmetrical structure with two folded side surfaces and the resulting strapping portions provides more stable cohesion for the product, making this embodiment preferred in practice.

[0129] One embodiment of the packaging unit is specifically configured such that the binding portions of the secondary securing means are each composed of strip portions of the packaging blank, each strip portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the side surface. These strip portions can be laid or tensioned around the side of the product and connected to each other to form binding portions that securely hold the product in the bundling composite.

[0130] Furthermore, the main surface of the packaging blank can be shaped, folded, or indented in the area between adjacent goods. Thus, particularly for goods with continuous or nearly complete cylindrical sides, it is possible for adjacent primary securing means, along with the goods held therein, to approach each other, particularly forming contact between the respective adjacent goods.

[0131] If they can be reasonably combined in a manner that is reasonable to those skilled in the art, some or all of the previously mentioned variations or embodiments of the packaging unit according to the invention may be selectively combined to at least partially achieve one or more of the objectives set forth above, and / or to obtain the desired effects of the invention.

[0132] The present invention provides an improved possibility for handling goods, beverage containers, or cans that may be difficult to bundle together using conventional cardboard clips or packaging blanks. This is because conventional cardboard clips or packaging blanks typically require a relatively large can diameter at the opening at the upper edge of the can to receive the can, and the upper edge tapers because a certain diameter difference is required between the can edge and the can side to use the teeth.

[0133] Instead, the present invention provides an efficient way to process goods, containers, or cans having a so-called ultra-thin shape, a small diameter, or generally almost continuous cylindrical sides, without a large diameter difference along its longitudinal axis. For example, the diameter difference of such cans can be less than one millimeter, yet they can still be smoothly processed and combined into packaging units.

[0134] It should be explicitly emphasized here that all aspects and embodiments explained in conjunction with the packaging apparatus according to the invention also relate to or may constitute parts of the method for producing packaging units according to the invention. Therefore, if any aspect and / or interrelationship and / or effect is mentioned at any point in the description of the packaging apparatus of the invention, then this also applies to the method of the invention.

[0135] The same principle applies in reverse, thus all aspects and embodiments explained in conjunction with the method for producing packaging units according to the invention also relate to or may be part of the packaging apparatus according to the invention. Therefore, if any aspect and / or interrelationship and / or effect is mentioned at any point in the description of the method of the invention, then this also applies to the packaging apparatus of the invention.

[0136] Furthermore, it should be explicitly stated that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the packaging apparatus or method according to the invention also relate to or may constitute parts of the packaging unit according to the invention. Therefore, if any aspect and / or interrelationship and / or effect is mentioned at any point in this specification, this also applies to the packaging unit according to the invention. The same principle applies in reverse, such that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the packaging unit according to the invention also relate to or may constitute parts of the packaging apparatus according to the invention or the method for producing the packaging unit according to the invention. Therefore, if any aspect and / or interrelationship and / or effect is mentioned at any point in this specification, this also applies to the packaging apparatus according to the invention or the method for producing the packaging unit according to the invention.

[0137] Subsequent implementation plans reiterate certain aspects previously explained in various implementation variations, and concretize certain aspects; however, they should not be considered as contradicting the implementation plans already given, but rather as a summary, and, where in doubt, as more specific implementation variations and / or modifications as appropriate. It should be noted that, instead of the term "packaging unit" used herein, the term "bundle" may also be used. The term "packaging unit" as used herein refers to a complete unit capable of operating as a complete unit, stackable if necessary, and / or purchaseable and used by an end customer in the retail industry, consisting of at least two goods and the means of packaging that mechanically combines them.

[0138] The packaging unit explained herein and which should be considered part of the invention typically comprises an even number of goods. Thus, a packaging unit may have, for example, two, four, six, eight, or more goods of the same type, held together in a rectangular arrangement by flat packaging blanks. These packaging blanks are first placed or applied to the grouping of goods, wherein the main surface covers, for example, the first end face, top face, or cover of the goods grouped in a 2×2 or 3×2 rectangular arrangement.

[0139] By placing the packaging blank and applying it appropriately to the upper side of the prepared product group, i.e., the upper surface of the grouped products, a primary fixing means is formed between the products and the packaging blank. Furthermore, since the dimensions of the main surface of the packaging blank and the position of the fixing means are coordinated with the dimensions of the products and the product group consisting of several products, the primary fixing means secures the positions of the products relative to each other.

[0140] After placing the packaging blank on top of the product group, the side surface can be folded over on the two long sides of the product group and made to fit against the side of the product, without following the curved profile of the side that is usually formed into a cylindrical shape.

[0141] Each side surface constitutes a continuation of the main surface of the packaging blank and is located on one of the two long sides of the main surface. In principle, the packaging blank may also be equipped with only one such foldable side surface, which is equally effective for producing packaging units according to the invention.

[0142] However, in the following description, variations with a generally symmetrical structure and side surfaces arranged on both sides of the main surface will be discussed first. When referring to symmetrical structures and side surfaces arranged on both sides of the main surface, the term "symmetrical" as used herein includes other options for designing the same or different side surfaces, and in particular, other options for having strip portions of the same or different lengths.

[0143] The two side surfaces adjacent to the main surface of the packaging blank, together with the strip portions of the two short sides that extend to form the side surfaces, constitute secondary fixing means. These secondary fixing means cooperate with the side of the product when they are in contact with the side of the product.

[0144] A secondary securing method is achieved by securing the overlapping end regions of the strips to each other and / or to the sides of the product using the binding portions. That is, each binding portion encloses a defined area of ​​the side of the product, specifically on the two opposing short sides of the product group. However, this is not applicable to 1×2 groups, because in this case, the binding portions enclose the long sides, while the side surfaces are folded over the short sides.

[0145] As will be explained in detail below, and particularly in conjunction with the description of different embodiments of the packaging unit according to the invention and their production, the strip portions extending the side surface on each of the two opposing short sides of the side surface to be folded of the packaging blank can be designed to be completely different.

[0146] A side surface is arranged on only one side of the main surface of the packaging blank, and its strip portion must be correspondingly made longer to surround the entire product group. This is a variation already mentioned above and will not be described in detail here. In addition to this variation, some other implementation variations of the packaging blank will also be introduced here.

[0147] Therefore, the strip portions attached to both sides of the short side of the side surface folded towards the side of the product and extending in two directions parallel to the longitudinal extension direction of the side surface can be implemented to be all the same length.

[0148] In another variation, the two strip portions on one side surface may be implemented as shorter, while the two strip portions on the other side surface must be correspondingly longer, so that the strip portions overlapping on the two short sides of the product group can be connected to form a binding portion, which will constitute a secondary fixing means.

[0149] Finally, in a third variation of the packaging blank, the two strip portions on each of the two side surfaces can be implemented as having different lengths. In this case, the strip portions of different lengths at the two short sides of the product grouping each overlap eccentrically with the corresponding short side, but are long enough overall to be connected to form a binding portion, which will constitute a secondary fixing means.

[0150] The goods, secured and held in position by means of the binding parts, can pivot or shift to a minimal extent in the completed state of the packaging unit, thereby securing the goods within the packaging unit with the secondary securing means oriented substantially parallel to each other along the longitudinal central axis of the goods. The binding parts of the secondary securing means are composed of strip portions of the packaging blank, each of which extends the side surface along its two short sides in a direction extending longitudinally along the side surface.

[0151] The goods are particularly suitable as beverage cans. Beverage cans assembled using the packaging unit according to the invention are particularly so-called elongated or slim cans, made of suitable sheet metal, especially suitable aluminum alloy. These beverage cans are formed into a hollow cylindrical shape and are closed on all four sides. Furthermore, each of these beverage cans has a flat or slightly concave circular bottom area at its lower end face and a substantially flat circular top cover area at its opposite end face. This top cover area constitutes the already mentioned upper end face of the goods made of the beverage can. The flat or slightly concave bottom area at the lower end face is generally integrally connected to the cylindrical sides, which is typically achievable in tin cans through a deep drawing process.

[0152] In this text, the upper surface of the corresponding product is also referred to as the upper lid area of ​​the corresponding beverage can. For example, the lid itself can be connected to the upper edge of the cylindrical side shell of the beverage can by a rolled edge, thereby creating a four-sided sealed can. Where appropriate, a tear-off cap or a tear-off seal with a pull tab or the like can be incorporated into the lid, wherein a score line can be present in the metal or aluminum sheet as a predetermined break point, making it possible to open the tear-off seal to remove the liquid from the beverage can.

[0153] In so-called elongated or slim cans, the cylindrical diameter of the cylindrical side region and the outer diameter of the bottom and lid regions of the beverage can are substantially the same or nearly the same, wherein the bottom and / or lid regions may be slightly recessed or taper relative to the cylindrical side regions. Such a can shape, with an almost uniform cylindrical outer profile from bottom to lid, is characteristic of these so-called elongated or slim cans, whereas conventional (standard) cans typically have diameters in the bottom and lid regions that are much smaller than those in their cylindrical side shell regions. Therefore, when referring to cans or beverage cans herein, it generally and in all instances mentioned refers to such elongated or slim cans.

[0154] The so-called top-gripping cardboard package is a package known for assembling standard cans and having several through openings for the standard cans, thus defining the position of the cans within the package unit thus configured. Typically, the gripping cardboard package is pressed onto the assembly of standard cans from above, so that the lid areas of the standard cans each pass through their assigned through openings. The gripping cardboard package is typically anchored below the lid areas of the standard cans, particularly in areas where the cross-section decreases or in narrowing areas immediately below the crimped edge, which allows the lid to be placed on the upper edge of the cylindrical side shell area. Within the package unit thus produced, the cans are arranged closely adjacent to each other, typically with their sides in contact.

[0155] However, it is impractical to use such gripping cardboard packaging in so-called slender or slim cans (as can be achieved with reference to beverage cans). Because for these cans, the diameter in the lid region is almost or not at all different from the diameter in the cylindrical side shell region, there is insufficient material between the gripping cardboard openings, allowing the area between the openings of adjacent cans to tear easily, thus resulting in a lack of necessary stability in the gripping cardboard.

[0156] For this reason, the product or beverage cans used to prepare the product groups for the packaging units to be manufactured are spaced apart from each other at least along one of the horizontal main axes of the product group. That is, it is reasonable or necessary for adjacent product or beverage cans (here: elongated cans or slim cans) to have a defined horizontal distance in a direction parallel to the second main axis of the product group.

[0157] The two main axes of product grouping should be understood as follows: the first main axis extends parallel to the two, three or more product or beverage cans arranged in front and behind each of the two rows, while the second main axis, which is orthogonal to it, extends laterally to these two or three rows (or also laterally to the fourth row, etc.).

[0158] The two main shafts are typically horizontally oriented because, in general, goods are grouped and / or conveyed with packaging blanks, wherein the corresponding bottom areas of beverage cans are erected on a suitable conveying device (e.g., a horizontal conveyor) in a defined conveying direction. Therefore, the first main shaft is parallel to the conveying direction or its orientation is in the direction of the conveying direction, such that the second main shaft is oriented transversely to the conveying direction.

[0159] Therefore, the horizontal distance between rows of cans is also understood to be parallel to the second main axis. In order to ensure that the goods or beverage cans are reliably secured within the prepared, and in particular pre-cut, packaging blanks as desired, although in the elongated or slim cans that constitute beverage cans as explained here and are frequently used, the packaging blanks may not have sufficient space between the top lid areas of adjacent beverage cans, it is necessary to establish a defined distance between two rows of beverage cans parallel to the first main axis in the initial stage of assembling the goods group.

[0160] The arrangement of multiple rows of beverage cans spaced at a horizontal distance makes it possible to press the folded area of ​​the packaging blank inward between the lid areas of multiple pairs of beverage cans initially spaced at this distance, so that the beverage cans approach each other in pairs until their sides make line contact.

[0161] Purely introductory, it should be noted that the described arrangement of multiple rows of beverage cans spaced horizontally apart is not the only variation constituting a bundle. If such transport is not desired, it is also reasonable to use corresponding pre-formed packaging blanks that can be placed directly on the product groups in which adjacent rows of products are already in line contact. In such a variation, it is also reasonable to press the corresponding pre-formed folded areas of the packaging blanks inward between the top lid areas of a pair of unspaced beverage cans, without bringing the cans closer together.

[0162] The folded area is located on the main surface of the packaging blank and divides it into two rectangular halves, which are situated on either side of a vertical interface between two pairs of beverage cans spaced horizontally apart. A first main axis lies within this vertical interface, while a second main axis passes perpendicularly through it.

[0163] The folded area is used to form primary securing means, which hold the product or beverage can in the composite packaging unit once the packaging blank has been shaped, pressed in and folded in sections as described herein, and the secondary securing means have been in place and interconnected in a predetermined manner.

[0164] After placing the main surface of the packaging blank onto the top surface of the goods or beverage cans arranged in a rectangular arrangement within the product group (these goods or beverage cans are still spaced apart from each other in pairs), the side surfaces of the packaging blank that extend laterally beyond the opposite long side of the product group are folded laterally downwards, so that they fit against the corresponding side of the beverage can. In this case, the side surfaces of the packaging blank are folded at approximately 90°.

[0165] In this paper, the extensions of the two side surfaces that extend significantly beyond the main surface in the direction of the two short sides toward the main surface of the packaging blank should also be referred to as strip portions or extended strip portions, because they perform specific functions in the production and formation of secondary fixing elements.

[0166] The strip portion is not typically joined to the side surface, but is an integral part of the side surface. The strip portion, along with all other parts and functional elements of the packaging blank, can be produced from cardboard or similar flat packaging material in a single-stage, or, where appropriate, multi-stage stamping process.

[0167] After the side surface is folded, the packaging blank is further processed in two stages at the longitudinal edge of the main surface of the packaging blank using pre-folded and / or perforated or other predetermined bending edges in a reasonable manner to achieve the final state of the packaging unit. This two-stage further processing includes pressing the main surface of the packaging blank inward along the entire length of the folded area extending through the center of the main surface. This causes the two spaced rows (e.g., two or three rows) to come closer to the beverage can and reduce the distance to near zero. On the other hand, this also causes a section of the upper edge of the beverage can at its top cap area to immerse and / or snap into a prepared groove recess in the main surface.

[0168] For this purpose, the folded area can be pressed down between the beverage cans, for example in a V-shape as shown in the interface between the rows of containers, with the bent edges parallel to the first main axis, wherein the prepared bent edges, perforations or the like can ensure defined folds at the transition edges with the main surface, each of these transition edges being adjacent to the two sides of each groove in the groove recess.

[0169] The folded area, shaped as a V-shape, is pressed downwards in a V-shape between the container rows. The two sides of the folded area, which is centrally divided into two halves pointing towards the main surface, can form an opening angle between each other, which can reasonably be between approximately 80 and approximately 150 degrees. However, these values ​​should not be construed as limiting, as the opening angle of the folded area can be oriented according to the deformability of the planar material used for the packaging blank, the upper edge profile of the product or beverage can, the shape of the can, or other boundary conditions. Other profiles of the folded area are also conceivable; it does not necessarily have to be V-shaped, but can, for example, be a concave bottom with a defined rounded corner radius or a rectangular cross-section profile.

[0170] The recesses on opposite sides each grip the circular segments at the edge of the upper surface of the beverage can, with segment angles ranging from approximately 40° to 60° (selectively slightly larger or smaller). Furthermore, the corresponding transition from the main surface to the side surface can selectively bend twice, each time at 45°, thus creating a total bending angle of 90°. In this way, each forms a cap-shaped transition, containing a recess that can securely hold the beverage can in place.

[0171] After activating the primary securing means in this way and eliminating the corresponding distance between the beverage cans, so that the corresponding contact lines between the previously spaced-apart beverage cans in the two longitudinal rows are exactly at the aforementioned interface, the secondary securing means can be activated. The primary securing means are achieved by the beverage cans being held relatively firmly in the packaging blank, thereby essentially fixing the relative positions of the beverage cans. Since the beverage cans are secured relative to the packaging blank and relative to other beverage cans or goods in the product group, at least at their upper edge portion in the lid area, through their precise positioning within the recess, they will hardly shift thereafter.

[0172] However, since the packaging preforms made of cardboard material typically used for the purposes described generally do not have high bending stiffness, only the positions between the beverage cans are initially fixed. However, this does not necessarily apply to their orientation relative to the corresponding longitudinal central axes of the beverage cans, because due to the flexibility of the packaging preforms, these longitudinal central axes can be tilted relative to each other, with the lower regions, i.e., the bottom regions of the beverage cans, being able to separate from each other.

[0173] To reliably prevent beverage cans from tilting unrestricted in composite product groups equipped with packaging blanks, the present invention provides secondary fixing means, which, like the primary fixing means, can also be constructed by forming the packaging blanks and auxiliary functional elements as integral components thereof.

[0174] The side surfaces of the packaging blank that laterally abut against the side of the beverage can at the long side of the arrangement or product group appear to form flange portions. These flange portions are held at the secondary fasteners when used as intended, and may even be slightly pre-tightened where appropriate. Activation of the secondary fasteners is achieved by folding a strip around the side of the beverage can located at the opposite short side of the product group and by securing the strip portions, which at least slightly overlap, to each other (e.g., by adhesive).

[0175] Adhesion can be achieved, for example, by preparing an adhesive surface at the strip portion. Alternatively, sufficient amount of cold or hot adhesive can be applied to one strip portion or two overlapping areas of overlapping strip portions, which ensures a strong mechanical bond between the strip portions.

[0176] In this way, the strapping sections, which are formed by mutually adhesive strips, hold the bundles or packaging units together and fix the position and orientation of the beverage cans in the bundled composite.

[0177] The typical width of these strapping sections, consisting of strips, depends on several requirements, particularly concerning the stability that the bundle or packaging unit seeks to achieve. Very thin and flexible packaging blanks made of thick paper or thin cardboard often require a flanged section that is pulled further down and some slightly wider strapping sections to ensure the mechanical stability required for the packaging unit. Conversely, sufficiently stable and mechanically resistant cardboard as the packaging blank allows the width of the strapping section to be set to about a quarter or less of the height of the cylindrical sides of the beverage can thus held together.

[0178] To produce the packaging unit according to the invention, different variations of the tool can be used to apply the packaging blank. A first variation of such an operating tool has a base plate serving as a support member, which corresponds to the dimensions of the packaging blank, and particularly, however, to the dimensions of the main surface of the packaging blank. The base plate should at least have the dimensions of the main surface, but may also selectively protrude from the main surface on one or more sides or at several locations.

[0179] Each of the two long sides of the operating tool has a folding tool, which can optionally be composed of a flange-like peeling tool rigidly anchored to the base plate. These peeling tools have sloping lower longitudinal edges. Therefore, the lower longitudinal edges sloping outwards towards the base plate are spaced further apart from each other than the upper flanks of the peeling tools near the base plate.

[0180] The peeling tool has internal distances between its parallel wings, approximately equal to the width of two side-by-side beverage cans. This ensures folding and clamping of the side surfaces when the base plate is lowered onto the packaging blank and / or placed in the (typically vertical) feed direction. Furthermore, the downwardly diverging lower longitudinal edges of these extended wings also ensure smooth folding and precise guidance of the side surfaces when the base plate is near the main surface of the packaging blank or when the base plate is placed.

[0181] Furthermore, a sword-shaped folding plunger may extend or retract from the underside of the base plate. This folding plunger ensures that once the base plate is placed on the packaging blank or within a defined vertical distance above the packaging blank, the folded area is pressed inward into the main surface of the packaging blank. The folding plunger preferably corresponds to the dimensions, and particularly its length, of the folded area extending from the short side of the main surface of the packaging blank to the opposite short side, pressing the packaging blank into a predetermined area / folded area between a row of beverage cans initially spaced horizontally apart. This activates the primary securing means (along with the folding of the side surfaces) and reduces the horizontal distance to zero or near zero, thereby ensuring that the sides of all the beverage cans are in linear contact with each other.

[0182] Optionally, the sword-shaped folding plunger can be rigidly and permanently anchored in the base plate of the operating tool. It is also conceivable that the folding plunger can be moved up and down laterally to the bottom surface of the base plate, thereby allowing the folding plunger to be moved down from the base plate in a defined up and down direction by means of an adjusting rod, so as to press the folding area deeper inward between adjacent tank hulls.

[0183] However, if the folding plunger cannot or should not make any relative movement relative to the base plate in the lifting direction, the adjusting rod can be used to reasonably guide the entire operating tool.

[0184] Other implementation variations of the operating tool are conceivable and reasonably applicable. Thus, for example, the folding tool could also consist of pivot supports hinged to both sides of the base plate and pivotally supported thereon, which, when pivoted downwards, could fold the side surfaces downwards at a folding angle of approximately 90° relative to the main surface of the packaging blank, and bring them into contact with the side of the product or beverage can.

[0185] Two parallel pivot axes (two pivot supports around which each can pivot) are slightly above the plane defined by the packaging blank placed on the upper surface 16 of the goods in the goods group. In addition, the pivot axes extend parallel to the bent edge between the main surface and the side surface, and therefore also parallel to the first main axis mentioned above.

[0186] In all variations of the operating tool, the base plate serves as a guide and bearing for the folding plunger. Typically, the base plate is maintained at a vertical distance from the main surface, rather than resting on it, thereby avoiding frictional effects and other adverse effects when pressing the packaging preform against the upper surface of the beverage can, securing the beverage can in the grooved recess, and folding the side surfaces downwards. Therefore, the vertical distance ensures that the packaging preform can slide on the upper surface of the beverage can within the product grouping throughout all forming processes, and allows for relative movement associated with the forming processes described herein.

[0187] This also applies to activating the sword-shaped folding plunger that passes through the corresponding recess in the base plate. This plunger is pressed onto the folding area in a lifting direction perpendicular to the surface of the base plate and the main surface by operating the adjusting rod, and is pressed inward between two adjacent can rows. This simultaneously presses the opposing sections of the beverage can's top cover area inward into the corresponding grooves on the two long sides of the folding area. These locking processes form part of the primary securing mechanism already mentioned several times.

[0188] In principle, it is feasible to combine the downward pressing sword-shaped folding plunger and the pivoting movement of the pivoting bracket in such a way that the sword-shaped folding plunger pulls the two can rows together and reduces or eliminates the horizontal distance between them when pressing the folding area between them. That is, after the two side surfaces of the packaging blank are folded down, these pivoting brackets feed towards the long side of the product group, so that the pivoting brackets can also help reduce or eliminate the distance between adjacent can rows.

[0189] However, when adjacent can rows are pulled together after the sword-shaped folding plunger is pressed in and the horizontal distance between them is eliminated, small gaps can be selectively created between the pivot support and the side surfaces that fit against the sides of the beverage cans, which thus form the flange portion of the packaging blank.

[0190] Furthermore, different variations of transport modules can be used in the production of packaging units. These transport modules may, for example, each include a base and a tray-type receiving portion placed on the base, for cylindrical goods such as beverage cans. Such transport modules can be conveyed along a defined transport path by means of a preferably flat design at their bottom side and via suitable follow-up recesses, protrusions, or similar elements, during which groups of goods located thereon may be equipped with packaging blanks and may be converted into packaging units or bundles.

[0191] These transport modules, also known as shuttles or transport shuttles, can optionally be supported in a floating manner on the transport path and can be centered and oriented by means of operating tools.

[0192] The pallet-type receiving parts of the transport module can be connected to each other in a suitable manner so that the lower part of the side of the beverage can is received therein in a form-locking manner, wherein the corresponding beverage cans of the left and right rows (relative to the transport direction TR or the first main axis) are in contact with each other by means of line contact of their sides.

[0193] Conversely, the left and right rows are initially separated from each other by a vertical dividing line and a horizontal distance, the vertical dividing line extending longitudinally through the center of the transport module and containing a first main axis. With suitable structural means, the two rows can be moved relative to each other, preferably overcoming elastic restoring forces. However, other variations of such displaceability of the goods' positions within the transport module are also possible, for example, by activation using suitable adjusting rods.

[0194] In another variation of the transport module, goods groups with a total of four, six, or eight cans of goods or beverages are transported in two rows, which are held and guided within the transport aisles. A partition located in the center between the two rows separates the two transport aisles, while outer boundary strips define the width of each of the two transport aisles.

[0195] The distance between the partitions on the two long sides of the transport module and the outer boundary strip defines the width of the transport channel, and is based on the outer diameter of the goods or beverage cans to be handled and transported. Furthermore, the width of the central partition also defines the horizontal distance between the two rows.

[0196] In order to produce packaging units with two adjacent rows of beverage cans, where the horizontal distance is eliminated, the beverage cans must be grouped together, so that there may no longer be a separator at that point; the two previously separate transport channels are brought together to form a common transport track.

[0197] Optionally, the operating tool may also have centering pins, which may be fixed at the front and rear extensions, for example, at the short side of the base plate, and extend vertically from the bottom side of the base plate, such that when the operating tool is used as intended, these centering pins point vertically downward toward the direction of the transport module. The centering pins are each positioned at the extension of the short side of the base plate such that they do not contact or collide with the main surface of the packaging blank arranged between them, i.e., the distance between them is greater than the length of the main surface between the centering pins.

[0198] When the operating tool is lowered onto the transport module to apply the packaging blank to the packaged goods, the centering pin engages with the corresponding receiving hole, allowing the transport module to be precisely positioned and centered relative to the operating tool. Optionally, one or both receiving holes may be formed from elongated holes, which prevents the centering pin in the receiving hole from accidentally getting stuck or tilting when the operating tool is lowered or pulled up again.

[0199] The operating tools may also optionally include folding tools that are parallel to the longitudinal central axis and lateral displacement of the beverage cans in the product grouping. Therefore, during intended use, these folding tools can descend perpendicular to the surface or main surface of the packaging blank, synchronously with the feed direction. In this way, the folding tools ensure that the side surfaces can be folded downwards and brought into contact with the sides of the beverage cans.

[0200] In addition, negative pressure grippers or suction cups may be optionally present, which can be used to grasp and position and hold the packaging blank in the operating tool so that it can be precisely placed at the desired location on the upper side of the merchandise group. By deactivating the suction at the suction cups, the main surface of the packaging blank can be loosened and separated from the base plate of the operating tool as needed, so that subsequent predetermined (and described above) forming and manipulating steps can be performed by lowering the operating tool 56 to form a bundle or packaging unit.

[0201] Even though this text mentions product groups consisting of adjacent rows of beverage cans spaced apart by a certain distance, this is not the only variation in bundled packaging. If such product transport is not desired, pre-formed packaging blanks can be selectively used, which can be placed directly on the product groups where adjacent rows of products are already in line contact. In such a variation, it is also reasonable to press the corresponding pre-formed folded areas of the packaging blanks inward between the top lid areas of a pair of unspaced beverage cans, without bringing the cans closer together. In such a variation, the products in the group may already be in their final position, and these products also occupy that final position in the completed packaging unit.

[0202] In an optional but reasonable variant of the pivotable folding tool, the strip portions (each forming an extension of the side surface at its short side) can be folded immediately upon contact with the side surface of the beverage can, thus preparing a secondary securing mechanism. For this purpose, additional molded parts can be mounted, for example, on the pivot support. These optional molded parts are reasonably positioned at the side edges of the pivot support, so that when fed to the product group, they partially surround the side of the beverage can at the corner, thus securing the strip portions to the short side of the product group upon contact with and folding of the side surface.

[0203] With the aid of additional fixing and / or application tools, overlapping areas of the strip portions can be secured to each other, for example, by bonding after applying a sufficient amount of adhesive. The adhesive may be, for example, cold glue, hot glue, or a self-adhesive surface or other fixing aid at one strip portion.

[0204] An additional stabilization option is to not only bond the strip portions together but also additionally bond them to the sides of the product, for example, using the same adhesive also used to bond the overlapping areas of the strip portions. However, it should be emphasized that bonding the strip portions to the sides of the product in this way is only an additional option that can be selectively implemented or omitted in practice. Such an additional option when forming a secondary securing method can make the bundle more stable when needed.

[0205] To form a secondary fixing means, various folding tools can be used together with related control elements for movement control, such as for controlling the movement of several folding fingers, which in particular can replace the molded parts mentioned above.

[0206] A crossbar, running in a plane above the strip portions to be folded, can be laterally guided in a continuously guided traction device, such as a circulating chain or belt, which forms a binding portion and thus a secondary securing means in its final state of mutual adhesion or fixation. The continuous traction device can be guided, for example, via two spaced-apart guide wheels, at least one of which is driven by a motor. Several pairs of folding fingers can be held and supported at the crossbar, extending downward into the moving plane of the packaging unit and contacting the packaging unit as they move along or against the conveying direction of the packaging unit by means of the crossbar.

[0207] Furthermore, the folding fingers can be fed in pairs relative to each other or can move separately, that is, they can move laterally to the crossbar along their respective defined movement paths, while the crossbar moves in its defined plane of movement along or against the conveying direction of the packaging unit by means of a continuous traction device. This lateral movement of the folding fingers is preferably controlled by guide chutes, each comprising straight and parallel sections of the folding fingers spaced relatively close to each other, and other straight and parallel sections of the folding fingers spaced relatively far apart. These paired parallel sections of the guide chutes are connected by inclined sections, in which the guide chutes are symmetrically spaced apart or symmetrically close to each other. The cyclical movement of the crossbar and the folding fingers thus guided in the corresponding contours of the guide chutes produce the folding movement required for the folding of the strip portion of the packaging blank.

[0208] In the production of packaging units according to the invention, consisting of several commodities, such as beverage cans in particular, these packaging units can first be transferred from a disordered flow to a multi-row conveyor flow in a single diversion module. Further transport of the commodities or beverage cans can be particularly guided by aisles. In this aisle guiding device, grouping is also preferably performed, so that the aisle guiding device can be allocated grouping modules.

[0209] In the subsequent application module, the packaging blank can then be applied in the manner previously described, which means that a primary fixing means is produced by placing the packaging blank and clamping it to the commodity or beverage can or otherwise connecting it.

[0210] In a separate next step, the strap sections can be interconnected and shaped into a bundle, which means producing a secondary fastening means by folding, pre-tensioning, and securing the overlapping strap sections to form a bundle. This shaping can be particularly carried out in a bundling module as mentioned herein, which may be equipped with, for example, folding tools or other tools or combinations of operations. Attached Figure Description

[0211] In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensional proportions of individual elements in the drawings do not always correspond to actual dimensional proportions, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged for better illustration compared to other elements.

[0212] Figures 1A to 1F Different interlocking individual components are shown in schematic view, which can be modified and shaped into packaging units.

[0213] Figures 2A to 2E The process of forming packaging units using operating tools is illustrated in a series of steps.

[0214] Figures 3A to 3C Different variations of the transport module, which can be used in the production of packaging units, are shown in schematic view.

[0215] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the coordination between the transport module and the operating tools to form a packaging unit.

[0216] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Different variations of the operating tools are shown.

[0217] Figure 6 Other components of the operating tool are shown in an alternative implementation scheme.

[0218] Figure 7 The configuration for controlling the folding devices is shown, which can be used when forming packaging units.

[0219] Figures 8A to 8D A different view of an embodiment variant of the application head according to the invention is shown, which is equipped with four application units for applying packaging blanks to a total of four commodity groups.

[0220] Figure 8EA perspective view of a further embodiment of the application head according to the invention is shown, the application head being equipped with three application units for applying packaging blanks to a total of three commodity groups.

[0221] Figure 9 A schematic block diagram is shown to illustrate the method steps for forming a packaging unit.

[0222] Figure 10A A perspective view and a schematic view of two product groups are shown, with packaging blanks placed on the top side of each product group.

[0223] Figure 10B A perspective view and schematic view of several product groups equipped with packaging blanks are shown, with each bundle head contacting the upper side of these product groups.

[0224] Figure 10C The diagram shows individual product groups, packaging blanks placed on them, and strapping heads in contact with them, presented in schematic and perspective views.

[0225] Figure 11A A schematic top view of one implementation variant of the elastic molding is shown, which can be a component of the operating tool for the thus equipped binding head.

[0226] Figure 11B and Figure 11C The schematic top view shows the equipment equipped with... Figure 11A The operation and working method of the binding heads of several molded parts.

[0227] Figure 11D It shows that according to Figure 11A The molding behavior of the molded part when it is used in the binding head.

[0228] Figure 12 An implementation variant of the strapping module with multiple circumferentially guided strapping heads is shown in schematic and perspective views.

[0229] Figure 13A and Figure 13B The configurations for controlling the strapping heads are shown in both schematic and perspective views, which can be used when forming packaging units.

[0230] Figure 14A , Figure 14B and Figure 14C Alternative conveyor sections are shown, in which packaging units can be formed and produced.

[0231] Figures 15A to 15C Different implementation variations of how the packaging blank can be used to produce packaging units are shown in schematic top view form.

[0232] Figure 16A and 16B Several reasonable assemblies of packaging blanks are shown, which can be produced from cardboard or other suitable flat packaging materials during the stamping process.

[0233] 1. A packaging apparatus for producing a packaging unit (10), the packaging unit comprising at least two goods (12) of the same type, the at least two goods (12) being held by at least one packaging blank (14) using primary securing means and secondary securing means (22, 30).

[0234] Together, and the packaging device includes at least:

[0235] - A supply device for the at least two items (12) or a grouping (20) of at least two items (12) each,

[0236] - An application device (176) is used to apply the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) to the first end face (16) of the grouped goods (12), and to establish a connection between the goods (12) and the primary fixing means (22) of the packaging blank (14).

[0237] - A forming device (60, 158) for folding at least one side surface (24) adjacent to the long side of the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) to form a secondary fastening means (30) that mates with the side surface (26) of the product (12), and

[0238] - Fixing devices (178, 180) for forming the secondary fixing means (30) consisting of binding portions (32), the binding portions (32) surrounding the defined area of ​​the side (26) of the product (12) and fixing the product (12) in a mutually parallel orientation.

[0239] The application device (176) is characterized in that it includes at least one application head (130) capable of being controlled and movable within a defined movement space.

[0240] - wherein the application head (130) is capable of equipping each of at least one of the product groups (20) located within and / or moving therein with a packaging blank (14), and applying the packaging blank to the product group (20).

[0241] -The application head (130) of the application device (176) is equipped with a controllable device,

[0242] -and the application head (130) is equipped with a controllable tool.

[0243] 2. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 1, the packaging apparatus includes an operating tool (56) for folding two side surfaces (24) adjacent to the long side of the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) to form a secondary fixing means (30) that cooperates with the side surface (26) of the product (12).

[0244] 3. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 2, wherein the operating tool (56) is designed to fold the side surface (24) of the strip portion (28) and to shape the strip portion (28) into a binding portion (32).

[0245] 4. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 3, wherein the operating tool (56) includes means for securing the overlapping end regions of the strip portions (28) to each other and / or securing them to the side (26) of the commodity (12).

[0246] 5. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 2, wherein the operating tool (56) includes means for shaping, folding and / or indenting the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) in the area between adjacent goods (12).

[0247] 6. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 5, wherein the means for shaping, folding and / or indenting the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) includes a folding plunger (70) capable of descending onto the main surface (18), the folding plunger being a fixed or movable part of the operating tool (56).

[0248] 7. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the application head (130) of the application device (176) is equipped with a controllable means for receiving, holding and releasing the packaging blank (14) and for placing the corresponding packaging blank (14) on the upper side of the corresponding commodity group (20).

[0249] 8. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the application head (130) is equipped with a controllable tool in the form of a fixing device for establishing a mechanical connection between the corresponding commodity group (20) and the packaging blank (14) applied thereto.

[0250] 9. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 7, wherein the receiving device of the application head (130) includes at least one suction device capable of applying a controllable negative pressure, the suction device being capable of applying an increased negative pressure to receive and hold the packaging blank (14), and capable of applying a decreased negative pressure to release the packaging blank (14) held in the application head (130).

[0251] 10. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the application head (130) is equipped with at least one application unit (132) for processing each commodity group (20) and equipping it with a packaging blank (14).

[0252] 11. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 10, wherein the application head (130) includes two or more application units (132) for simultaneously processing two or more individual commodity groups (20) and accordingly equipping them with packaging blanks (14).

[0253] 12. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 10, wherein each application unit (132) of the application head (130) is equipped with a bonding plate (144) that moves vertically between two end positions for bonding with the plane of the corresponding packaging blank (14), and is equipped with at least one controllable suction element (138) for holding or releasing the packaging blank (14) held thereby under negative pressure under the control of negative pressure.

[0254] 13. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 10, wherein each application unit (132) of the application head (130) is equipped with a forming element (202) for deforming a defined folding area (46) of a packaging blank (14) placed on a corresponding commodity group (20).

[0255] 14. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 12, wherein each application unit (132) of the application head (130) is equipped with a forming element (202) for deforming a defined folding area (46) of a packaging blank (14) placed on a corresponding commodity group (20) to form the primary fixing means (22) for establishing a mechanical connection between the commodity (12) of the commodity group (20) and the packaging blank (14).

[0256] 15. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 14, wherein each application unit (132) of the application head (130) is equipped with a folding element (158) for folding the side surface (24) of the packaging blank (14) extending above the product group (20) and preparing a secondary fixing means (30) between the product group (20) and the packaging blank (14).

[0257] 16. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 15, wherein the bonding plate (144) movable within the corresponding application unit (132) of the application head (130) which is associated with the application head (130) which is capable of descending onto or rising from the commodity group (20), the suction element (138) capable of applying negative pressure, the folding element (158) and the forming element (202) are each capable of performing mutually coordinated operating steps to form the primary fixing means (22) and at least prepare for the secondary fixing means (30).

[0258] 17. A packaging apparatus according to one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the fastening device (178) includes at least one controllable binding head (180) for forming the binding portion (32) constituting the secondary fastening means (30) by processing and shaping a foldable portion (24) of the packaging blank (14) adjacent to the long side of the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) and extending above the product group (20), and for contacting the foldable portion (24) with the opposite side surface of the product group (20), wherein the at least one binding head (180) has an operating element (188) equipped with a molded part (190) capable of elastic deformation for pressing and bonding the respective overlapping areas of the foldable portion (24) of the binding portion (32).

[0259] 18. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 17, wherein each of the strapping heads (180) or several strapping heads (180) has at least two operating elements (188) capable of contacting and feeding relative to the opposing long sides of the product group (20), wherein each of the operating elements (188) is equipped with an elastic molding member (190) capable of interacting with the portion (24) of the packaging blank (14) folded onto the side (26) of the product (12) of the product group (20), and capable of shaping it into the strapping portion (32).

[0260] 19. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 17, wherein each of the operating elements (188) of the at least one strapping head (180) is movable together with the molding member (190) disposed at the operating element between two end positions, wherein for the strapping head (180) placed on the product group (20), the molding member (190) is at least a very small distance from the product group (20) when the corresponding operating element (188) is in a first end position, and wherein the molding member (190) is in contact with the side surface of the product group (20) when the corresponding operating element (188) is in a second end position, and wherein a positioning force (D) is applied in the feed direction (C) of the operating element (188).

[0261] 20. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 19, wherein the molding (190) of the strapping head (180) applies a positioning force (D) in the feed direction (C) of the operating element (188) and is capable of placing at least a portion of the strapping portion (32) under a preload.

[0262] 21. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 17, wherein the at least one strapping head (180) cooperates with a chute control device for specifying the feed movement of the operating element (188) in the strapping head (180) according to the position.

[0263] 22. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 21, wherein each of the at least one strapping head (180) or several strapping heads (180) is guided in a track system (210) parallel to a conveying section (230) to convey the commodity group (20) along a conveying direction (TR), wherein the chute control device for pre-positioning the feed movement of the operating element (188) of the strapping head (180) according to position or is assigned to at least a portion of the conveying section (230) in each of the several strapping heads (180).

[0264] 23. The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 17, wherein the packaging apparatus is equipped with several strapping heads (180), the strapping heads being controllable synchronously or by means of a chute control device in a position-dependent manner.

[0265] 24. A method for producing a packaging unit (10), the packaging unit comprising at least two goods (12) of the same type, wherein the at least two goods (12) are held together by at least one packaging blank (14), and wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0266] - The main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) is applied to the first end face (16) of the grouped goods (12) to form a connection between the goods (12) and the primary fixing means (22) of the packaging blank (14), the primary fixing means (22) fixing the position of the goods (12) relative to each other.

[0267] - Fold at least one side surface (24) adjacent to the long side of the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) to form a secondary fastening means (30) that mates with the side surface (26) of the product (12).

[0268] -The secondary securing means (30) wherein the secondary securing means (30) consists of a binding portion (32) that surrounds the defined area of ​​the side (26) of the commodity (12) and secures the commodity (12) in a parallel orientation.

[0269] The feature is that the at least one packaging blank (14) is received from a storage section or from a storage bin (234) by means of an application head (130), prepared in the application head (130), and transferred by means of the application head (130) to a prepared product group (20) so as to apply it to the product group (20) while forming the primary fixing means (22), wherein the application head (130) as a whole, together with the packaging blank (14) held therein, is lowered to the upper side of the product group (20), wherein the packaging blank (14) is applied thereto.

[0270] 25. According to the method of embodiment 24, in the method, two side surfaces (24) adjacent to the long side of the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) are folded to form a secondary fixing means (30) that cooperates with the side surface (26) of the product (12).

[0271] 26. The method according to embodiment 24, wherein the binding portion (32) of the secondary fixing means (30) is composed of a strip portion (28) of the packaging blank (14), each strip portion extending the side surface (24) in a direction along the longitudinal extension direction of the side surface (24).

[0272] 27. The method according to embodiment 26, wherein the side surface (24) and the strip portion (28) are folded and shaped into a binding portion (32) by means of an operating tool (56), wherein the overlapping end regions in the binding portion are fixed to each other and / or fixed to the side (26) of the product (12).

[0273] 28. The method according to embodiment 24, wherein the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) is shaped, folded or indented in the area between adjacent goods (12), wherein adjacent primary fastening means (22) together with the goods (12) held therein are close to each other.

[0274] 29. The method according to embodiment 28, wherein adjacent primary fixing means (22) together with the goods (12) held therein approach each other until the adjacent goods (12) come into contact.

[0275] 30. The method according to embodiment 24, wherein the application head (130) moves within a movement space between the storage section, supply location or silo (234) of the flat package blank (14) and the supply location or conveying section having the commodity group (20) located therein.

[0276] 31. The method according to embodiment 24, wherein at least two modular application units (132) are arranged side by side within the application head (130), thus enabling parallel processing or operation of two commodity groups (20) of the same type, and enabling the provision of packaging blanks (14).

[0277] 32. According to the method of embodiment 31, in order to apply the packaging blank (14) to the product group (20), the flat bonding plate (144) descends in the respective application unit (132) while simultaneously closing the negative pressure at the suction element (138) that fixes the packaging blank (14) in the respective application unit (132), and / or the bonding plate (144) descends relative to the suction element (138) that is fixedly located in the application head (130) in the respective application unit (132), whereby the packaging blank (14) is spaced apart from and detached from the suction element (138).

[0278] 33. According to one of the embodiments 24 to 29, in which the secondary fastening means (30) consisting of the binding portion (32) is applied and formed onto the product group (20) using a binding head (180), wherein the binding portion (32) consisting of the overlapping areas of the respective foldable portions (24) is pressed against each other and against the product group (20) by means of the elastically deformable molded part (190) of the binding head (180), and is bonded together.

[0279] 34. The method according to embodiment 33, wherein the binding portion (32) of the secondary fixing means (30) constituting the packaging unit (10) is formed by means of the controllable and relative feedable operating elements (188) of the binding head (180), the binding head having a molded part (190) respectively arranged at the operating element.

[0280] 35. According to the method of embodiment 33, in the method, by means of the molding (190) surrounding the packaging unit (20) from several sides, the foldable portion (24) of the packaging blank (14) of each product group (20) equipped with the secondary fastening means (30) is at least temporarily pressed against the side (26) of the corresponding product (12) and formed here as the binding portion (32).

[0281] 36. The method according to embodiment 34, wherein the bundling head (180) is lowered onto a group of goods (20) equipped with a prepared packaging blank (14), and the bundling portion (32) is produced by the feed movement of the operating element (188) and the action of the molding parts (190) respectively arranged at the operating element.

[0282] 37. A packaging unit (10), characterized in that the packaging unit is manufactured according to the method described in embodiment 24, the packaging unit comprising at least two goods (12) of the same type, wherein the at least two goods (12) are formed from at least one packaging blank (14).

[0283] They are kept together, and the packaging blank (14) therein is:

[0284] - A main surface (18) is applied to the first end face (16) of the grouped goods (12) to form a connection between the goods (12) and the primary fixing means (22) of the packaging blank (14), wherein the primary fixing means (22) fixes the position of the goods (12) relative to each other.

[0285] - At least one long side of the main surface (18) has an adjacent side surface (24), which is folded and fits against the corresponding side surface (26) of the product (12) to form a secondary fastening means (30) that engages with the side surface (26) of the product (12), and

[0286] - A binding portion (32) constituting the secondary fixing means (30) surrounds a defined area of ​​the side (26) of the product (12) and fixes the product (12) in a parallel orientation.

[0287] 38. According to the packaging unit (10) of embodiment 37, in the packaging unit, two side surfaces (24) adjacent to the long side of the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) are folded to form a secondary fixing means (30) that cooperates with the side surface (26) of the product (12).

[0288] 39. According to the packaging unit (10) of embodiment 37, in the packaging unit, the binding portion (32) of the secondary fixing means (30) is composed of the strip portion (28) of the packaging blank (14), each strip portion extending the side surface (24) in a direction along the longitudinal extension direction of the side surface (24).

[0289] 40. According to one of the embodiments 37 to 39, the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) is shaped, folded or indented in the area between adjacent goods (12), and wherein adjacent primary fastening means (22) together with the goods (12) held therein are close to each other.

[0290] 41. According to the packaging unit (10) of embodiment 40, in the packaging unit, adjacent primary fixing means (22) together with the goods (12) held therein approach each other to form contact between the respective adjacent goods (12). Detailed Implementation

[0291] For elements of the same or the same function as those in this invention, Figures 1A to 16B The same reference numerals are generally used. Furthermore, for clarity, only reference numerals necessary or useful for the description of the corresponding figure are depicted in a single drawing. The embodiments shown are merely examples of how the application head or binding head according to the invention, the packaging device according to the invention, or the method for producing packaging units according to the invention can be configured, and do not represent conclusive limitations.

[0292] according to Figure 1A and Figures 1C to 1F Stereoscopic views and schematic views and Figure 1B The schematic side view should first explain some important principles and guidelines for producing packaging unit 10 by joining several goods 12 and by mechanically merging them with the help of packaging blanks 14.

[0293] It should be clearly emphasized that, Figures 1A to 1FThe diagram illustrates the interlocking of individual components of such packaging unit 10 and their processing as described below. These individual components can be produced, in particular, by means of the method according to the invention and preferably using an operating tool 56, an application head 130, and / or a binding head 180 according to the invention, and / or as intended using a packaging machine according to the invention. In this regard, Figures 1A to 1F The first part only describes a single packaging unit 10 and its components, without presenting the operating tool 56 in more detail (see here for details). Figures 2A to 2E ), apply head 130 (see for details) Figures 8A to 8E ), Bundle head 180 (see for details) Figures 10B to 13B ) and / or packaging machines (see for details) Figures 14A to 14C An exemplary implementation variant of the implementation.

[0294] When referring to packaging unit 10 in this context and in the context of the overall description, the equally common term "bundle" may also be used alternatively. As used herein, "packaging unit 10" refers to a complete unit that can be operated as a complete unit, and which can also be stacked if necessary and / or purchased and used by an end customer in the retail industry, consisting of at least two goods and packaging means that mechanically combine them.

[0295] In the illustrated embodiment, the packaging unit 10, which is combined and manufactured using the production method described below, comprises a total of six identical goods 12, which are held together in a rectangular arrangement by means of flat packaging blanks 14. However, such a rectangular arrangement should not be construed as limiting, so that the packaging unit 10 may also comprise four, eight, or ten identical goods 12, which can be held together in such a rectangular arrangement by means of correspondingly shaped and correspondingly sized packaging blanks 14.

[0296] In the method for producing the packaging unit 10, a packaging blank 14, prepared for this purpose and produced, for example by means of a stamping method, in the shape shown (see...). Figure 1A ) is placed and / or applied to the main surface 18 of the product group 20, which covers the first end face or upper end face 16 or the cover of the product group 12 arranged in a 3×2 rectangle (see Figure 1B and Figure 1C The term “main surface 18” as used herein refers to the rectangular portion of the flat packaging blank 14 that covers the upper surface 16 of the goods 12 arranged in a 3×2 rectangle and grouped into goods group 20.

[0297] In the context of placement and by applying the packaging blank 14 to the upper side of the product group 20, i.e., the upper end face 16 of the grouped product 12, a connection is also formed between the product 12 and the primary fixing means 22 of the packaging blank 14, as thus named. The primary fixing means 22 holds the packaging blank 14 at the product 12.

[0298] Furthermore, since the dimensions of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 and the position of the primary fixing means 22 are coordinated with the dimensions and diameter of the goods 12 and the goods group 20 consisting of several goods 12, the primary fixing means 22, which will be explained in detail below, determines the position of the goods 12 relative to each other.

[0299] The packaging blank 14 is placed on top of the product group 20. Figure 1C After that, and in the context of forming primary fixed means 22, according to Figure 1D The side surfaces 24 of the packaging blank 14 located on the two long sides of the product group 20 are folded over and fitted to the side 26 of the product 12, but not following the curved contour of the side 26.

[0300] The side surfaces 24, arranged in strips along the two long sides of the main surface 18, constitute a continuation of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14. The two side surfaces 24 adjacent to the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14, together with the strip portions 28 that each continues to form the two short sides of the side surface 26, constitute secondary fastening means 30. These secondary fastening means cooperate with the side of the product 12 when they are in contact with the side 26 of the product 12.

[0301] As from Figure 1A and Figure 1C As can be clearly seen, each of the side surfaces 24 is significantly longer than the main surface 18 because the strip portions 28 extend its sides. The total length of the side surfaces 24, together with the strip portions 28 that extend them on the two short sides, is approximately twice the length of the long side of the main surface 18 or slightly less.

[0302] like Figure 1E schematic stereoscopic view and Figure 1F As shown in the three-dimensional detail view, a secondary fixing means 30 is formed by the binding portion 32 by fixing the overlapping end regions of the strip portions 28 to each other and / or fixing them to the side 26 of the product 12. Here, each binding portion 32 surrounds a defined area of ​​the side 26 of the product 12, that is, on the two opposite short sides of the product group 20.

[0303] The goods 12, secured and held in place by means of the strapping portion 32, can be in the state thus completed in the packaging unit 10 (see...). Figure 1EOnly a minimal degree of pivoting or displacement is required, so that the secondary securing means 30 secure the commodity 12 within the packaging unit 10 with the longitudinal central axes of the commodity being substantially parallel to each other.

[0304] As from Figure 1A , Figure 1C and Figure 1D As can be clearly seen in the image, the binding portion 32 of the secondary fixation method 30 (see...) Figure 1E and Figure 1F It is composed of strip portions 28 of the packaging blank 14, each of which extends the side surface 24 on both short sides in a direction along the longitudinal extension direction of the side surface 24.

[0305] The folding of the side surface 24 and the application of the strip portion 28 by means of a suitable operating device to form it into a binding portion 32 (where the overlapping end regions are fixed to each other and / or fixed to the side 26 of the product 12) will be referred to below. Figure 2A The following figures and various embodiments will be explained and described in more detail.

[0306] As observed Figures 1A to 1E As will become clear, product 12 is specifically a beverage can 34, and therefore product 12 referred to herein is also uniformly referred to as reference numeral 34 in the accompanying drawings. The beverage can 34 used herein is specifically a so-called slender can or slim can made of suitable metal sheet, particularly suitable aluminum alloy. However, alternatively, the can or beverage can 34 may also be made of plastic or composite material, particularly multilayer composite material.

[0307] exist Figure 1B The beverage can 34, illustrated in the schematic side view with its typical outline, is formed as a hollow cylindrical shape and closed on all four sides. Furthermore, each of these beverage cans has a flat or slightly concave circular bottom region 36 on its lower end face 38, and a substantially flat circular top lid region 40 on its opposite end face. This top lid region 40 constitutes the previously mentioned upper end face 16 of the product 12 made of the beverage can 34.

[0308] The flat or slightly recessed bottom area 36 at the lower end face can usually be integrally connected with the cylindrical side 26, which can usually be achieved in tin cans through a deep drawing process.

[0309] In the example of beverage can 34, the upper end face 16, also referred to herein as product 12, is the corresponding upper lid area 40 of the beverage can. For example, the lid itself may be connected to the upper edge of the cylindrical side shell of the beverage can 34 by means of a rolled edge, thereby forming a four-sided enclosed can 34. Where appropriate, a smaller tear-off lid or a tear-off seal with a pull tab or the like may be incorporated into the lid surface, wherein a score line may be present in the metal or aluminum sheet as a predetermined break point, making it possible to open the tear-off seal to remove the liquid from the beverage can 34. However, such an optional tear-off lid and the pull tab that is fixed therein are not shown here, as these components are not closely related to the formation of the packaging unit 10.

[0310] As from Figure 1B As can also be clearly seen, the cylindrical diameter in the region of the cylindrical side 26 is substantially the same as or nearly the same as the outer diameter of the bottom region 36 and the lid region 40 of the beverage can 34, wherein the bottom region 36 and / or the lid region 40 may be slightly constricted or tapered relative to the cylindrical side 26.

[0311] Such a jar shape, with a nearly uniform cylindrical outer profile having a substantially constant cylindrical diameter from the bottom 36 to the lid 40, is characteristic of such so-called slender jars or slim jars, whereas conventional (standard) jars typically have a much smaller diameter in the bottom and lid regions than in their cylindrical side shell regions.

[0312] Therefore, if can 34 or beverage can 34 is mentioned in this article, it in principle and in all cases mentioned refers to such a slender can or slim can.

[0313] The upper gripping cardboard package, as it is known here, is a package used to combine standard cans and has several through openings for the standard cans, thus defining the position of the cans within the package unit thus configured. Typically, the gripping cardboard package is pressed onto the assembly of standard cans from above, so that the lid areas of the standard cans each pass through their assigned through openings.

[0314] Typically, the gripping cardboard package is anchored below the lid area of ​​a standard can, particularly in areas where the cross-section decreases or in a narrowing area just below the crimped edge, which is used to place the lid onto the upper edge of the cylindrical side shell area. Within the resulting packaging unit, the cans are arranged closely adjacent to each other, typically with their sides in contact.

[0315] However, it is impractical to use such known or conventionally designed gripping cardboard packaging in so-called elongated or slim cans (as can be achieved with reference to beverage can 34 herein). Because for these cans 34, the diameter in the lid region 40 and the diameter in the cylindrical side shell region 26 are almost or not at all different, there is insufficient material between the openings of the gripping cardboard, allowing the area between the openings of adjacent cans 34 to be easily torn apart, thus resulting in a lack or loss of necessary stability in the gripping cardboard.

[0316] Therefore, the goods 12 or beverage cans 34 of the goods group 20 are at least temporarily spaced apart from each other on one of the horizontal main axes of the goods group 20, with the aim of applying the packaging blank 14 and forming the primary fixing means 22. Figure 1B This describes the defined horizontal distance A between each adjacent item 12 or beverage can 34 (here: elongated can or slim can) in a direction parallel to the second main axis 44 of the item grouping 20 (see [link]). Figure 1C Therefore, the two parallel three-row product groups 12 that together constitute product group 20 are spaced apart from each other by the horizontal distance A.

[0317] Figure 1C Two horizontally oriented or horizontally extending main axes 42 and 44 of the product group 20 are illustrated and each is indicated by a dashed line. Thus, in the embodiment variant of the 3×2 rectangular arrangement of the grouped products 12 or beverage cans 34 shown here, the first main axis 42 extends parallel to the three rows of products 12 or beverage cans 34 arranged one after the other, while the second main axis 44, orthogonal to it, extends laterally to these three rows.

[0318] The two main shafts 42 and 44 are typically horizontally oriented because, under normal circumstances, the product groups 20 are conveyed in the form of the corresponding bottom areas 36 of the beverage cans 34, erected in a defined conveying direction TR on a suitable conveying device (e.g., a suitable horizontal conveyor for this purpose), and are also equipped with packaging blanks 14. Therefore, the first main shaft 42 is parallel to the conveying direction TR. Figure 1C (from the top left to the bottom right) or in the direction of its orientation in the transmission direction, so that the orientation of the second main shaft 44 is transverse to the transmission direction TR.

[0319] Therefore, as Figure 1BAs shown, the horizontal distance A is also drawn parallel to the second principal axis 44. In order to ensure that the goods 12 or beverage cans 34 are reliably secured within the prepared and, in particular, pre-cut packaging blanks 14 as desired when using the primary fixing means 22, although in the elongated or slim cans shown here constituting the beverage cans 34, the packaging blanks do not provide sufficient space between the top lid areas 40 of adjacent beverage cans 34, it is necessary to establish a defined horizontal distance A between the three rows of beverage cans 34 parallel to the first principal axis 42 in the initial stage of assembling the goods group 20.

[0320] exist Figure 1B In the schematic side view, the horizontal distance A between two adjacent beverage cans 34 is shown exemplarily, representing... Figure 1C and Figure 1D Each of the 12 pairs of goods or beverage cans 34 pairs that can be seen transversely to the first main axis 42.

[0321] This arrangement of multiple rows of beverage cans 34 spaced at a horizontal distance A makes it possible to press the folded area 46 of the packaging blank 14 inward between the top cover areas 40 of multiple pairs of beverage cans 34 initially spaced at this distance A, thereby simultaneously bringing these beverage cans 34, or these three rows of beverage cans 34 conveyed back and forth in the conveying direction TR, closer together until their sides 26 are in line contact.

[0322] Folded area 46 is located on the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 and divides it into two rectangular halves (see...). Figure 1A and Figure 1B These two halves are located on either side of a vertical interface (not separately labeled here), which lies between two pairs of beverage cans 34 spaced horizontally apart by a distance A. A first main axis 42 lies within this vertical interface, while a second main axis 44 passes perpendicularly through it.

[0323] The folded area 46, which divides the main surface 18 in a direction parallel to the first main axis 42, is used to form the primary securing means 22. Once the packaging blank 14 is formed, pressed into the folded area 46 and folded in sections as described herein, and the secondary securing means 30 are in place and connected to each other in a predetermined manner, the primary securing means are used to hold the product 12 or beverage can 34 in the composite packaging unit 10.

[0324] When packaging blank 14 (see Figure 1A The main surface 18 is placed on the goods 12 or beverage cans 34 arranged in a rectangular pattern in the goods group 20 (see...). Figure 1C (But these goods or beverage cans are based on...) Figure 1BAfter placing the packaging blank 14 on the upper end face 16 (still paired and spaced apart horizontally by a distance A), fold the side surface 24 of the opposite long side of the product group 20 laterally downwards, so that it fits against the corresponding side 26 of the beverage can 34 (see...). Figure 1D In this case, the side surface 24 of the packaging blank 14 is folded at approximately 90°.

[0325] In this document, the extensions of the two side surfaces 24 that extend significantly beyond the length of the main surface 18 in the direction toward the two short sides of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 are also referred to as strip portions 28 or extended strip portions 28, because they perform specific functions in the production and formation of secondary fixing means 30, as shown in reference. Figure 1E and Figure 1F Explanation.

[0326] The strip portion 28 is not typically separated from and subsequently joined to the side surface 24, but is an integral part of the side surface 24. The strip portion 28, as well as all other parts and functional elements of the packaging blank 14, can be reasonably produced in a single-stage, and where appropriate, multi-stage stamping process from cardboard or similar flat packaging material. This is advantageous in terms of production and manufacturing technology and provides an easy means of processing by which loose goods 12 can be joined and combined into packaging units 10 in the manner described herein.

[0327] According to Figure 1D After folding the side surface 24, the packaging blank can be further processed in two or more stages, wherein pre-folded and / or perforated or other predetermined bending edges can be used at the longitudinal edges of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank in a reasonable manner, in order to... Figure 1E (and according to) Figure 1F (Detailed image) Reaching the final state of packaging unit 10.

[0328] This further processing in two or more stages includes pressing the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 inward along the entire length of the folded area 46 extending through the center of the main surface 18 after the packaging blank 14 is placed on the upper side of the merchandise group 20. This, on the one hand, brings the two spaced-apart three rows closer to the merchandise 12 or beverage can 34 and reduces the distance A to near zero, but on the other hand, it also causes a portion of the upper edge of the beverage can 34 at its lid area 40 to immerse and / or snap into a prepared groove 48 in the main surface 18 (see...). Figure 1F ).

[0329] In principle, the primary fixing means 22 can also be produced and formed in other ways, such as by notches in the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14, which correspond to the diameter of the beverage can 34 in its upper lid area 40, so that the product 12 or beverage can 34 can be pressed inward and locked at the notches when the packaging blank 14 is placed.

[0330] For this purpose, the folded area 46 can be pressed down between the beverage cans 34, for example in a V-shape as shown in the interface between the rows of containers, and the bent edge is parallel to the first main axis 42, wherein the prepared bent edge, perforation or the like can ensure a defined fold at the transition edge with the main surface 18, each of which is adjacent to the two sides of each groove recess 48 in the groove recess.

[0331] The folded area 46, shaped as a V and pressed downward between the container rows, has two side wings on either side of the centrally divided half of the folded area 46 pointing towards the main surface 18. These side wings can form an opening angle α between each other, which can be between approximately 80 and at most nearly 180 degrees within a reasonable range. Figure 1E and Figure 1F In the illustrated embodiment, the value of the opening angle α is approximately 120°.

[0332] However, the value of the opening angle α should not be construed as restrictive, as the opening angle α of the V-shaped folded region 46 can be oriented as appropriate based on the deformability of the planar material used for the packaging blank 14, the upper edge profile of the product 12 or beverage can 34, the can shape, or other boundary conditions. However, other profiles of the shaped folded region 46 are also conceivable; the folded region does not necessarily have to be V-shaped, but could, for example, be a concave bottom with a defined corner radius or a rectangular cross-section profile.

[0333] It is also conceivable to bend the folded area 46 significantly, almost 180 degrees, thereby bringing the material portions together. In this case, these material portions could be pressed slightly deeper inward between the adjacent three rows of goods 12 or beverage cans 34. When manufacturing the packaging unit 10, it could be a useful option to bring the material portions of the folded area 45 inward by a maximum of a few centimeters.

[0334] The recesses 48, located on opposite sides, can each grip the circular segments of the edge at the upper end face 16 of the beverage can 34, with an angle of approximately 40° to 60° (selectively slightly larger or smaller). For example, from... Figure 1E and 1FAs can be seen, the corresponding transition from the main surface 18 to the side surface 24 can be selectively bent twice, each time at 45°, thus producing a total bending angle of 90°. In this way, each forms a top-cap shaped transition 50, with a recess 48 that can respectively lock the beverage can 34 in place.

[0335] After activating the primary fixing means 22 in this way and eliminating the corresponding distance between the beverage cans 34, so that the corresponding contact lines between the beverage cans 34 that were previously spaced apart in the two longitudinal rows are exactly at the mentioned interface, the secondary fixing means 30 can be activated.

[0336] The primary securing means 22 is achieved by beverage cans 34 that are relatively firmly held in the packaging blank 14, thus the relative positions of the beverage cans 34 are essentially fixed. Since the beverage cans 34 are secured relative to the packaging blank 14 and relative to other beverage cans 34 or goods 12 in the goods group 20, at least at their upper edge portions in the lid region 40, by their precise positioning within the recess 48, they will hardly shift therein.

[0337] However, since the packaging blanks 14, which are typically made of thin cardboard material for the purposes described, generally do not have high bending stiffness, only the positions of the beverage cans 34 are initially fixed. However, this does not necessarily apply to their orientation relative to the respective longitudinal central axes of the goods 12 or the beverage cans 34, because due to the flexibility of the packaging blanks 14, these longitudinal central axes can generally be tilted relative to each other, wherein the lower regions, i.e., the bottom regions 36 of the beverage cans 34, can be separated from each other.

[0338] In order to reliably prevent the beverage can 34 from tilting unrestricted within the composite product group 20 equipped with the packaging blank 14, the present invention provides secondary fixing means 30, which, like the primary fixing means 22, can also be formed by the molding of the packaging blank 14 and auxiliary functional elements, as an integral part thereof.

[0339] The side surfaces 24 of the packaging blank 14, which laterally abut against the sides 26 of the beverage can 34 at the two outer long sides of the arrangement or product group 20, appear to form flange portions 52. These flange portions are held at the secondary fasteners 30 when used as intended, and may even be slightly pre-tightened where appropriate. Activation of the secondary fasteners 30 is achieved by folding the strip portions 28 around the sides 26 of the product 12 or beverage can 34 located at the opposite short sides of the product group 20 and by securing the strip portions 28, which at least slightly overlap, to each other (e.g., by adhesive 54).

[0340] exist Figure 1E and Figure 1FThe adhesive 54, which is only schematically represented by discontinuous lines in the overlapping areas of the strip portions 28, can be implemented, for example, by an adhesive surface prepared at the strip portions 28. Alternatively, sufficient amounts of cold glue, hot glue, or another adhesive may be applied to one strip portion of the strip portions 28 or to the two overlapping areas of the overlapping strip portions 28, which ensures a strong mechanical connection between the strip portions 28.

[0341] However, the overlapping strip portions 28 can also be connected to each other in other ways, such as by clamping or by stamping.

[0342] In this way, the strapping portions 32 are formed by the mutually adhesive strip portions 28, which hold the bundles or packaging units 10 together and fix the position and orientation of the beverage cans 34 in the bundle group.

[0343] The typical width of these strapping portions 32, which consist of strip portions 28, depends on several requirements, particularly those concerning the stability that the bundle or packaging unit 10 seeks to achieve. Very thin and flexible packaging blanks 14 made of thick paper or thin cardboard often require a flange portion 52 that is pulled further down and some slightly wider strapping portions 32 in order to ensure the mechanical stability required by the packaging unit 10.

[0344] Conversely, the sufficiently stable and mechanically resistant cardboard of the packaging blank 14 allows the width of the binding portion 32 to be set to approximately one-quarter or less of the height of the cylindrical sides 26 of the beverage can 34 held together in this way, as by means of Figures 1A to 1F The variant illustrated is shown in the example. Here, the width of the binding portion 32 is even less than one-fifth of the corresponding height of the cylindrical side 26 of the beverage can 34.

[0345] according to Figure 1A and Figure 1C In variations of the packaging blank 14, the strip portions 28 are each of the same length, thus making the packaging blank 14 mirror-symmetrical with respect to both the first main axis 42 and the second main axis 44. In principle, in alternative embodiments, the strip portions 28 can be designed with different length specifications. Therefore, for example... Figure 15B and Figure 15C Alternative implementation variants are shown in which the strip portions 28 can be designed with different length specifications from each other.

[0346] Figures 2A to 2C schematic views and stereoscopic views and Figure 2D and Figure 2E Two schematic side views illustrate the use of different tool variations to package the blank 14 (as previously referenced). Figures 1A to 1FAs explained, it is applied to the merchandise arrangement 20, which is composed of a total of six beverage cans 34 arranged in a 2×3 rectangle.

[0347] However, purely in preparation, it should be noted here that Figures 2A to 2E Essentially, only the following steps are shown: placing the packaging blank 14 and its main surface 18 onto the upper end face 16 of the cylindrical product 12 formed by the beverage can 34; folding the side surface 24 of the packaging blank 14; and pressing inward the folded area 46 extending through the upper main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 at the center, thereby forming a primary securing means 22 (see for details). Figures 1A to 1D ).

[0348] Conversely, the operation and formation of the secondary fastening means 30 are not shown; here it is constituted by strip portions 28 that are interconnected as binding portions 32 (see [link]). Figure 1E and Figure 1F The following will refer to... Figures 10A to 13B This formation of the secondary securing means 30 (exemplarily constituted by the binding portion 32) is further explained, wherein the structure, design details and operation of the binding head 180 that can be used for this purpose are also described in these figures.

[0349] therefore, Figure 2A A schematic perspective view of the merchandise arrangement 20, shown from a lower angle, is provided. This arrangement comprises a total of six beverage cans 34 arranged in a rectangular pattern. Above these cans are pre-drilled and unopened packaging blanks 14, which are spaced apart from the upper end faces 16 of the cans 34. Above and spaced apart from the packaging blanks 14 is a first embodiment of an operating tool 56 having a base plate 58 serving as a support member. This base plate corresponds to the dimensions of the packaging blanks 14, and particularly, to the dimensions of the main surface 18 of the packaging blanks 14. The base plate 58 should at least have the dimensions of the main surface 18, but may optionally protrude from the main surface on one or more sides or at several locations.

[0350] In operating tool 56 Figure 2A The variant shown has folding tools 60 on each of its two long sides. These folding tools are formed by flange-like peeling tools 62 rigidly anchored to the base plate 58, and these peeling tools have inclined lower longitudinal edges 64. Therefore, the lower longitudinal edges 64, which are inclined outward toward the base plate 58, are spaced further apart from each other than the side wings 66 of the peeling tools 62 located above them and close to the base plate 58.

[0351] The parallel-oriented side wings 66 of the peeling tool 62 have an internal distance between them approximately equal to the total width of the two side-by-side beverage cans 34. This ensures that when the base plate 58 is lowered onto and / or placed on the upper side of the packaging blank 14, and the operating tool 56 is positioned in the feed direction 68, these side wings ensure the folding and clamping of the side surface 24. Furthermore, the downwardly diverging lower longitudinal edges 64 of the thus extended side wings 66 of the peeling tool 62 also ensure a smooth folding and precise guidance of the side surface 24 when the base plate 58 is near the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 or when the base plate 58 is placed.

[0352] In addition, a sword-shaped folding plunger 70 extends from the bottom side of the base plate 58. This folding plunger ensures that once the base plate 58 is placed on the packaging blank 14 or the base plate is within a defined vertical distance B above the packaging blank 14 (see [reference needed] for this), the system will be in operation. Figure 2D The folded area 46 is then pressed inward into the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14.

[0353] The folding plunger 70 preferably corresponds to the size and, in particular, the length of the folded area 46 extending from the short side of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 to the opposite short side, pressing the packaging blank 14 into a predetermined area, i.e., the folded area 46, between three rows of beverage cans 34 that are initially still spaced apart from each other by a horizontal distance A. This activates the primary fixing means 22 (along with the folding of the side surfaces 24) and reduces the horizontal distance A to zero or near zero, thereby causing the sides 26 of all the beverage cans 34 to come into linear contact with each other.

[0354] Selectively, such as by Figure 2A As indicated, the sword-shaped folding plunger 70 can be rigidly and permanently anchored in the base plate 58 of the operating tool 56. It is also conceivable that the folding plunger 70 can be moved up and down laterally across the bottom surface of the base plate 58, thereby allowing the folding plunger to be moved downward out of the base plate 58 in a defined up and down direction 74 by means of the adjusting rod 72, so as to press the folding area 46 more deeply inward between adjacent tank rows.

[0355] However, if the folding plunger 70 cannot make any relative movement relative to the base plate 58 in the lifting direction 74, the adjusting rod 72 can be used to guide the entire operating tool 56.

[0356] Figure 2B and Figure 2C The same commodity group 20 is shown, which consists of commodity 12 in the form of six beverage cans 34, which can be handled by a second embodiment variant of the operating tool 56 and equipped with a packaging blank 14. Figure 2C A second embodiment variant is shown with the complete operating tool 56 and the merchandise arrangement 20, but the packaging blank 14 is not shown. Figure 2BA package blank 14 is shown placed on the merchandise arrangement 20 with its side surfaces 24 folded, and a portion of a folding tool 60 that is folded or folded onto these side surfaces 24, but other components of the operating tool 56 are not shown.

[0357] Here, the folding tool 60 is hinged to the base plate 58 (see...). Figure 2C The pivot brackets 76 are formed on both sides and can be pivotally supported thereon. These pivot brackets are based on Figure 2B In the downward pivoted state, the side surface 24 can be folded downward at a folding angle of approximately 90° relative to the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14, and made to fit against the side 26 of the product 12 or beverage can 34.

[0358] Two parallel pivot axes 78 (around which each of the two pivot supports 76 is pivotable) are slightly above the plane defined by the packaging blank 14 placed on the upper end face 16 of the product 12 in the product group 20. Furthermore, the pivot axes 78 extend parallel to the bend edge between the main surface 18 and the side surface 26, and therefore also parallel to the first main axis 42 (see for details). Figure 1C ).

[0359] exist Figure 2D Schematic side view and Figure 2E In the side detail view, the corresponding directional arrows indicate that each of the two pivot supports 76 is capable of pivoting 80 to place the side surface 26 around and abut against the side 26 of the product 12 or beverage can 34.

[0360] exist Figure 2B In the perspective and schematic views, almost all components of the second embodiment of the operating tool 56 are omitted, so that only two parts symmetrical to the main surface 18, the aforementioned vertical interface, and the folded area 46 are shown in the figures. Figure 2B The pivot bracket 76, arranged symmetrically (not shown), serves as the main component of the folding tool 60, while Figure 2C The perspective and schematic views show the complete operating tools 56 placed on the merchandise arrangement 20. However, for clarity, the packaging blank 14 is not shown here.

[0361] In addition, from Figure 2C The base plate 58 can also be seen, positioned above the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14. At each of the two opposing long sides of the base plate 58, a pivotable folding tool 60 is supported and held. Figure 2C In and in Figure 2B The same as shown are in the same active working state. Figure 2CIn the working state shown, the two side surfaces 24 of the packaging blank 14 are folded downward by means of the pivot bracket 76 that fits therein, and thus form the flange portion 52 for forming the secondary fastening means 30 or preparing these secondary fastening means 30 (see...). Figure 1E and Figure 1F ).

[0362] exist Figures 2B to 2E In the embodiment variant of the operating tool 56 shown, the base plate 58 also serves as a guide and bearing for the folding plunger 70, as in Figure 2D and Figure 2E This can be seen in the diagram. It is also evident here that the base plate 58 maintains a certain vertical distance B from the main surface 18, rather than being placed on the main surface. This avoids frictional effects and other adverse effects when pressing the packaging preform 14 against the upper end face 16 of the beverage can 34, securing the beverage can in the grooved recess 48, and folding the side surface 24 downwards. Therefore, the vertical distance B ensures that the packaging preform 14 can slide on the upper end face 16 of the beverage can 34 in the product group 20 throughout all molding processes, and allows for relative movement associated with the molding processes described herein.

[0363] This also applies to activating the sword-shaped folding plunger 70 passing through the corresponding recess in the base plate 58, which is pressed onto the folding area 46 in a lifting direction 74 perpendicular to the surface of the base plate 58 and the main surface 18 by operating the adjusting rod 72, and pressing the folding plunger inward between two adjacent tank grates (see...). Figure 2D and Figure 2E This simultaneously presses the opposing sections of the upper lid area 40 of the beverage can 34 inward into the grooves 48 corresponding to the two long sides of the folding area 46. These locking processes form part of the primary securing means 22, which has been mentioned several times before.

[0364] In principle, it is feasible to press down the sword-shaped folding plunger 70 and... Figure 2D and Figure 2E The pivoting movement 80 of the pivoting bracket 76 shown combines with the folding plunger to pull the two can rows together and reduce or eliminate the horizontal distance A between them when pressing the folding area 46 between them. That is, after the two side surfaces 24 of the packaging blank 14 are folded down, these pivoting brackets 76 feed towards the long side of the product group 20, so that the pivoting brackets can also help reduce or eliminate the distance between adjacent can rows.

[0365] However, from Figure 2EAs can be seen, this option is not pursued by the implementation variant of the operating tool 56 shown and the thus performed molding process. Instead, when adjacent tank rows are pulled together after the sword-shaped folding plunger 70 is pressed in and the horizontal distance A between them is eliminated, as by Figure 2E As illustrated in the detailed diagram, a small gap 82 is created between the pivot bracket 76 and the side surface 24 that fits against the side 26 of the beverage can 34, and these side surfaces thus form the flange portion 52 of the packaging blank 14.

[0366] However, the previously spaced-out tank grates are not necessarily pulled together simply by the folding plunger 70 descending in the lifting direction 74, but are also supported or achieved by other means, which will be explained in further detail below.

[0367] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C The schematic and perspective views illustrate the different possibilities for transporting the goods groups 20, ready to be converted into packaging units 10, along the transport direction TR. Figure 3A and Figure 3B A first and second variant of the transport module 84 are shown, which includes a base 86 and a tray-type receiving section 88 placed thereon for cylindrical goods 12, such as beverage cans 34. Figure 3A The image shows an empty transport module 84 that has not yet been loaded, while Figure 3B A very similar transport module 84 is shown, which is loaded with a total of six beverage cans 34, and is therefore fully loaded.

[0368] Figure 3C Another transport module 84 is shown, but its construction is similar. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The transport module 84 shown is different, and its functional principle is also different.

[0369] Transport module 84 (according to) Figure 3A , Figure 3B or Figure 3C The goods can be conveyed in the transport direction TR by means of a preferably flat design on its bottom side and via a suitable follower recess, protrusion or similar element, during which the goods group 20 located on the corresponding transport module 84 can be equipped with a packaging blank 14 (see Figures 1A to 2E It can also be modified into packaging unit 10 (see...) Figure 1E and Figure 1F (or bundled)

[0370] The transport modules 84, also referred to as shuttles or transport shuttles, can optionally be supported in a floating manner on the transport path and can each be equipped with... Figures 2A to 2CThe operation tool 56 shown centers and orients it (see supplementary information for this purpose). Figure 4 ).

[0371] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The tray-type receiving portions 88 of the transport module 84 shown are interconnected such that only the outer plate-like edges 90 conform to the contour of the beverage can 34 to be received. The edges 90 have the contour of several circular segments that are interconnected at both ends. The segment angles of the two central edge segments are approximately 100°, and the segment angles of the four corner edge segments are slightly greater than 120°. These edge segments are interconnected such that the lower, near-bottom area of ​​the side 26 of the beverage can 34 is form-locked therein, wherein the left and right rows (relative to the...) Figure 1C The three beverage cans 34 in each of the conveying directions TR or the first spindle 42) are in contact with each other by means of line contact on their sides 26.

[0372] Conversely, the left and right rows are initially separated from each other by a vertical dividing interface (not shown) and a horizontal distance A, which extends longitudinally through the center of the transport module 84 and contains the first main shaft 42.

[0373] from Figure 3A Two partitions 92 can be seen, each located in the center between four adjacent beverage cans 34 arranged in a square, and initially ensuring that the horizontal distance A between the beverage cans 34 located on either side of the vertical partition is (see [reference]). Figure 1B The method involves using elastically suspended partition wings 94, which are anchored in a columnar manner to the partition plate 92 at the base 86, to press each beverage can 34 against the outer plate-shaped outer edge 90. Additional boundary strips 96 are located at the front and rear (relative to the conveying direction TR) of the product group 20, and these boundary strips are also equipped with such elastically suspended partition wings 94, which press the beverage cans 34 they are in contact with against the outer plate-shaped edge 90.

[0374] The dividing wings 94 extend vertically and are connected to vertically extending springs on the columnar dividing plate 92 and columnar boundary strip 96, elastically yielding inward in the interface direction. When the horizontal distance A is reduced by activating the folding plunger 70, these dividing wings can yield inward and elastically deform into the interface, which presses the folded area 46 into the interface between adjacent three rows of beverage cans 34 in the transport module 84 (see...). Figures 2C to 2E ).

[0375] However, other variations of such displacement of the goods position in transport module 84 are also feasible. Therefore, while reducing the horizontal distance A by activating the folding plunger 70 (which presses the folding area 46 into the interface between adjacent rows of beverage cans 34 in transport module 84), the position of the beverage cans can also be selectively changed via an activatable adjusting lever 98. Figure 3B These adjustment levers are schematically shown in the diagram. The adjustment lever 98 may be located, for example, at the upper end face of the front and rear boundary strips 96, and by pressing it into the boundary strips 96, it triggers or releases a displacement of the product position transverse to the conveying direction TR or transverse to the first main shaft 42.

[0376] According to Figure 3C In another variant of the transport module 84, the goods group 20, having a total of six goods 12 or beverage cans 34, is divided into two three-row transports, which are held and guided in transport channels 100. A partition 102 located in the center between the three rows separates the two transport channels 100, while an outer boundary strip 104 defines the width of each transport channel in the two transport channels 100.

[0377] The distance between the partitions 102 on the two long sides of the transport module 84 and the outer boundary strip 104 defines the width of the transport channel 100, and is based on the outer diameter of the goods 12 or beverage cans 34 to be operated and transported. Furthermore, the width of the central partition 102 also defines the horizontal distance A between the two three-row sections.

[0378] To produce a packaging unit 10 with three adjacent rows of beverage cans 34, where the horizontal distance A is eliminated, the beverage cans 34 must be grouped together, thus eliminating the need for a separator 102 at that location; the two previously separate transport channels 100 are brought together to form a common transport track, as will be described below. Figure 14B and Figure 14C To explain further.

[0379] Figure 4 The schematic 3D diagram illustrates the assembly of some of the components and individual elements already explained above, namely, according to... Figure 3A The transport module 84 has a total of six receiving areas and beverage cans 34 each contained therein, and according to Figure 2C The operating tool 56 has a pivoting folding tool 60 located at a certain distance above the goods group 20 in the transport module 84 and the packaging blank 14 is attached to the bottom side of the base plate 58 and has not yet deformed.

[0380] exist Figure 4In the illustration, an adjusting rod 72 with a folding plunger 70 mounted on its upper bottom side is pulled upward out of a guide device in the base plate 58. This adjusting rod must be inserted vertically into the operating tool 56 to function properly so that it can move downward in the lifting direction 74 during the forming of the packaging blank 14.

[0381] The pivot bracket 76 pivots laterally and is supported in the pivot shaft 78 on the two long sides of the base plate 58. It is located in a raised position so as not to deform or press down the side surface 24 of the packaging blank 14.

[0382] from Figure 4 Two centering pins 106 can also be seen, which are fixed at the front and rear extensions at the short side of the base plate 58 and extend vertically from the bottom side of the base plate 58, so that when the operating tool 56 is used as intended, these centering pins point vertically downward toward the transport module 84. The centering pins 106 are each positioned at the extension of the short side of the base plate 58 such that they do not come into contact with or collide with the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 arranged between them, that is, the distance between them is greater than the length of the main surface 18 between the centering pins 106.

[0383] When the operating tool 56 is lowered onto the transport module 84 to apply the packaging blank 14 to the packaged goods group 20, the centering pin 106 engages with the corresponding receiving hole 108, thereby allowing the transport module 84 to be precisely positioned and centered relative to the operating tool 56. Figure 3A As can be seen, one of the receiving holes 108 may be made of an elongated hole, which prevents the centering pin 106 in the receiving hole 108 from accidentally getting stuck or tilting when the operating tool 56 is pulled up again.

[0384] As from Figure 3A and Figure 3B As can be seen, each of the two receiving holes 108 is located in a base arranged near the short side of the base plate 86. On the inner side of each base away from the short side, there are boundary strips 96 that ensure the guidance of the beverage can 34 that fits therein.

[0385] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A schematic stereoscopic view shows the folding tool 60 ( Figure 5A Other implementation variants of the operating tool 56.

[0386] therefore, Figure 5AFolding tools 60 are shown that are capable of displacement parallel to the longitudinal central axis and side 26 of the beverage cans 34 in the product group 20. These folding tools can thus descend perpendicularly to the surface or main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 and synchronously with the feed direction 68 during intended use. In this way, the folding tools 60 ensure that the side surface 24 can be folded downwards in the manner shown and brought into contact with the side 26 of the beverage can 34.

[0387] In terms of its folding tool 60 being rigidly anchored at the base plate 58, Figure 5B The operating tool 56 shown corresponds to Figure 2A Implementation variations of all the details shown and further explained above.

[0388] In contrast, from Figure 5B Additional components, namely negative pressure grippers or suction cups 110, can be seen, which are used to grasp and position the packaging blank 14 within the operating tool 56 so that it can be precisely placed in an ideal position on the upper side of the merchandise group 20. By deactivating the suction at the suction cups 110, the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 can be loosened and separated from the base plate 58 of the operating tool 56 as needed, so that subsequent predetermined (and described above) forming and manipulation steps can be performed by lowering the operating tool 56 to form a bundle or packaging unit 10.

[0389] from Figure 6 The schematic 3D diagram shows that, according to Figures 2B to 2E and Figure 4 An optional but useful variant of the pivotable folding tool 60. In order to fold the strip portion 28 (which each forms an extension of the side surface 24 at its short side) immediately when the side surface 24 is brought into contact with the side 26 of the beverage can 34, and to prepare the secondary fixing means 30, additional molded parts 112 are respectively mounted at the pivot bracket 76.

[0390] The molded parts 112 are each located on the side edge of the pivot support, so that when fed to the product group 20, these molded parts partially surround the side 20 of the beverage can 34 at the corner, so that during the fitting and folding of the side surfaces 24, these molded parts have already fitted the strip portion 28 with the short side of the product group 20.

[0391] The overlapping areas of strip portion 28 can be secured using additional securing and / or application tools not shown here, for example, by bonding after applying a sufficient amount of adhesive. The adhesive may be, for example, cold glue, hot glue, or a self-adhesive surface or other securing aid at one strip portion of strip portion 28.

[0392] from Figure 7The schematic perspective view shows an imaginary implementation variant of the folding tool 114 together with control elements for controlling the movement of several folding fingers 116, which are particularly replaceable Figure 6 The molded part 112 shown is an example of this.

[0393] A crossbar 118, running in a plane above the strip portion 28 to be folded, is laterally guided in a continuously guided traction device 120, such as a circulating chain or belt. These strip portions, in their final state of being glued or secured to each other, constitute a binding portion 32 and thus a secondary securing means 30. The continuously guided traction device 120 is guided by two spaced-apart guide wheels 122, at least one of which is driven by a motor.

[0394] A total of three pairs of folding fingers 116 are held and supported at the crossbar 118. These folding fingers extend downward into the moving plane of the packaging unit 10 and can contact the packaging unit 10 as they move along or against the conveying direction TR of the packaging unit 10 by means of the crossbar 118.

[0395] Furthermore, the folding fingers 116 can be fed in pairs relative to each other or can move separately, that is, they can move laterally to the crossbar 118 along their respective defined displacement paths, while the crossbar moves along or against the conveying direction TR of the packaging unit 10 in its defined plane of movement by means of a continuous traction device 120. This lateral mobility of the folding fingers 116 is controlled by guide grooves 124, each of which includes straight and parallel portions of the folding fingers 116 spaced relatively close to each other, and other straight and parallel portions of the folding fingers 116 spaced relatively far apart.

[0396] The pairs of parallel portions of the guide chute 124 are connected by inclined portions, in which the guide chute 124 are symmetrically spaced apart or symmetrically close together. The folding movement required to fold the strip portion 28 of the packaging blank 14 can be produced by the cyclic movement of the crossbar 118 and the folding fingers 116 thereby guided in the corresponding contours of the guide chute 124.

[0397] Figures 8A to 8D The schematic perspective view illustrates an implementation variant of the operating tool 56, which here uses an application head 130 having a total of four integrated application units 132 for simultaneously and, in particular, synchronously operating four commodity groups 20, wherein each application unit 132 is configured to apply... Figures 1A to 1F Each of the product groups 20 shown in the example is equipped with a flat packaging blank 14.

[0398] Such as especially Figure 8AAs illustrated in the oblique top perspective view of the application head 130, a total of four application units 132 are anchored to a support frame 134, which is rotatably suspended from a movable arm portion 136. This arm portion 136 (whose vertical portion is only located at...) Figure 8A (Indicated by dashed lines) This makes it particularly possible for the application head 130 to move within a defined, but not detailed, movement space. Therefore, the arm portion 136... Figure 8A The vertical portion shown may be part of a cantilever that is movable within a movement space, and the cantilever may have joints where appropriate, which enable the raising and lowering of the arm portion 136 together with the application head 130 suspended at the arm portion.

[0399] The application head 130, equipped with four application units 132, can move within its movement space by means of a movable cantilever or, where appropriate, a gantry suspension or other type of suspension not shown, located between a storage or supply position (not shown) of a flat and generally undisturbed package blank 14 and a supply position or conveying section with a goods group 20 prepared therein, but which has the required punches and notches.

[0400] The four application units 132, which are rectangularly arranged and anchored at the support frame 134 of the application head 130 in a defined position and at a defined distance from each other, require four prepared product groups 20 to be arranged correspondingly at the same defined distance from each other and in the same defined orientation, so that the four application units 132 can be precisely positioned above the appropriately oriented product group 20.

[0401] At the arm portion 136, which is capable of being raised and lowered, the application head 130, which has four application units 132 thereon, together with the packaging blanks 14 each received and held therein, can be lowered after it is positioned above the merchandise group 20, or can be lowered in a fluid manner after approaching the merchandise group 20 which is prepared in the appropriate position and orientation.

[0402] Such as especially Figure 8D As illustrated in the perspective detail drawing, this perspective detail drawing shows one of the application units 132 without the packaging blank 14 held therein. The packaging blank 14 can be received from a storage stack or from a suitable and equipped supply location, and temporarily held in the corresponding application unit 132 by means of suitable suction elements 138, wherein several suction elements are located in the application head 130 and can each apply negative pressure in order to receive the flat packaging blank 14.

[0403] from Figures 8A to 8DEach of the four application units 132 contains two such suction elements 138, each consisting of a suction plunger 140, resulting in a total of eight such suction elements 138 or suction plungers 140 in the application head 130. Each suction element 138 or suction plunger 140 has a negative pressure line 142 for supplying negative pressure, particularly in a controlled and / or disconnectable manner, via a central supply line (not shown in detail here) in the arm portion 136.

[0404] Optionally, the suction elements 138 or suction plungers 140, each equipped with a separate negative pressure line 142, can be controlled together or separately. In order to receive the packaging blanks 14 in the application head 130 and hold these packaging blanks at the bottom of the application head, the negative pressure at the suction element 138 or suction plunger 140 can preferably be activated, and the negative pressure can be deactivated to release the packaging blanks 14.

[0405] Therefore, if the packaging blank 14 is to be positioned above the merchandise group 20 and / or synchronized with the merchandise group 20 being conveyed or further conveyed, for example on a horizontal conveyor and after the application head 130 has descended, and is pressed and secured thereto form a primary securing means 22 (see...) Figures 1A to 1F If it is reasonable and necessary to close the negative pressure applied to the suction element 138 or the suction plunger 140, thereby releasing the packaging blank 14 held by each of the two suction elements 138 or the suction plunger 140 and canceling its previous temporary holding in the application head 130.

[0406] For example, especially from Figure 8C and Figure 8D As can be seen in the oblique lower view of the application unit 132, the two suction elements 138 or suction plungers 140 of each application unit 132 are diagonally offset from each other and spaced apart from each other at a reasonable distance so that the flat package blank 14 can be received from the stack or reliably held using only two such suction elements 138 or suction plungers 140 until the flat package blank is placed on the commodity group 20 prepared for this purpose.

[0407] The release of the packaging blanks 14 and their corresponding locking on the upper side of the prepared merchandise group 20 are supported by the application head 130 or other components in its application unit 132. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment of the application head 130, the formation of the primary fixing means 22 is supported by flat bonding plates 144 movably arranged in the application unit 132, which can each descend perpendicular to the surface of the packaging blank 14 to which they are bonded, and thus can generally descend in the vertical direction relative to the application unit 132 while closing the negative pressure of the suction element 138 or suction plunger 140 in the respective application unit 132 holding the packaging blank 14.

[0408] As from Figures 8A to 8D As can be seen from each other, the dimensions of the bonding plate 144 are set to be approximately consistent with the size and extent of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14.

[0409] Because the bonding plate 144 has a matching circular recess 146 at the position where it is fixedly anchored in the corresponding application unit 132 to the suction element 138 or suction plunger 140 (see Figure 8C and Figure 8D Therefore, each of the bonding plates 144, together with the packaging blank 14 bonded to that bonding plate (see...), can be bonded together. Figure 8B Together they descend to the upper side of the corresponding product group 20 and preferably press there (see...). Figure 8B (a three-dimensional side view), and at the same time, the suction element 138 or suction plunger 140 passing through the corresponding recess 146 of the bonding plate 144 has no negative pressure, so that the packaging blank 14 can be detached from here with basically no resistance.

[0410] The bonding plate 144, which can move within a defined linear path, can be moved, i.e., raised or lowered, relative to the corresponding application unit 132 of the application head 130 between its end positions, particularly by means of a suitable linear guide and / or a linear motor 148. Figures 8A to 8D As described above, each of the liftable and lowerable bonding plates 144 can be suspended from two pneumatically actuated linear motors 148, with each associated linear motor 148 located at the opposite short side of each bonding plate 144. The linear motors 148 can also optionally be formed from electric motors or linear sliders or similar actuators capable of being actuated in different ways.

[0411] from Figure 8BThe schematic perspective view shows the process of placing the folded packaging blank 14 on top of the product group 20. The negative pressure at the suction element 138 or suction plunger 140 is closed, and the bonding plate 144 is fully lowered relative to the lower frame portion 150 by means of a linear motor 148 anchored to the lower frame portion 150. The lower frame portion 150 constitutes a support element that receives components of a total of four application units 132 and is securely anchored to the upper support frame 134 at a distance from it.

[0412] As previously referred to Figures 1A to 1F As explained, in subsequent production processes of packaging unit 10 and by moving the bonding plate 144 to its lower stop, the packaging blank 14 is connected or secured to the goods 12 of the goods group 20 to form a primary securing means 22. In this context, the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14, which is placed on the upper side of the goods group 20 and is hereby secured or otherwise fixed, deforms in its folded area 46 and is pressed inward between adjacent rows of goods, wherein adjacent primary securing means 22, together with the goods 12 held therein, approach each other, particularly until adjacent goods 12 come into contact.

[0413] from Figure 8B Previous references cannot be seen in the middle. Figure 1B The horizontal distance A is explained, even though this distance A preferably exists between adjacent product rows or can rows shown, because such a distance facilitates the shaping of the folded area 46 by means of the forming device arranged in the respective application unit 132, and helps to shape the packaging blank 14 in a desired and well-defined manner. This issue is particularly important for the elongated or slim cans shown herein and to be processed into packaging units 10.

[0414] After the four bonding plates 144, together with the packaging blanks 14 that are bonded to their bottoms, are preferably lowered simultaneously onto the upper side of the corresponding product group 20, and after the product 12 or can 34 is secured to its respective associated packaging blank 14 (as defined above in the production primary fixing means 22), the corresponding group 20 (distance A, see...) Figure 1B During this process phase, the goods 12 or rows of goods preferably at least slightly spaced apart from each other may undergo further operational steps as described below, which are set up to form the folded area 46 in the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 into a V-shape as explained above, and to bring the rows of goods in the group 20 closer together until they contact each other, thereby producing the common rectangular arrangement of the group 20, which is also consistent with the arrangement in the packaging unit 10 completed later.

[0415] In the embodiment variant of the operating tool 56 or the applying head 130 shown here, the forming of the packaging blank 14 is achieved by pressing the V-shaped portion, as explained above, between the previously spaced product rows, using knife-shaped or sword-shaped forming elements 152, which are positionally fixed in the corresponding applying units 132 of the applying head 130. These knife-shaped or sword-shaped forming elements should also be referred to here, according to their function, as folding swords 154. When the bonding plate 144 has been lowered, these folding swords 154 are each located horizontally above the bonding plate 144 and are therefore covered by it, so that each of the folding swords 154 may be ineffective when pressing the packaging blank 14 onto the upper side of the product group 20 and simultaneously forming the first fixing means 22.

[0416] from Figure 8B This process stage can be seen in which the molding element 152 or folding sword 154 is anchored in the lower frame portion 150 and extends vertically downward, and these molding elements or folding swords are clearly spaced apart from each other when the bonding plate 144 has been lowered.

[0417] The process stage immediately following the placement of the packaging blank 14 onto the product group 20 is configured such that, after the production of the primary fixing means 22 and while reasonably continuing to close the suction element 138 or the suction plunger 140, the bonding plate 144 is raised, but... Figures 8A to 8D This is not described in this form when the application unit 132 acts on the commodity group 20.

[0418] If each is free Figure 8C Stereoscopic view and Figure 8D As can be seen from the three-dimensional detail view, when the bonding plate 144 is lifted against the lower frame portion 150, the knife-shaped or sword-shaped molding element 152, which is composed of folding swords 154, passes through the corresponding groove-shaped recess 156 of the bonding plate 144, so that when the bonding plate 144 has been lifted, the knife-shaped or sword-shaped molding element protrudes downward from the bonding plate 144 and can take effect in the desired manner.

[0419] When the bonding plate 144 is raised to the lower frame portion 150, the applying head 130 can be lowered further until the folded sword 154 reaches the packaging blank 14 and presses the packaging blanks downward into a V-shape between the product rows in the corresponding folding areas 46, wherein the deformation of the corresponding packaging blank 14 into a V-shape is pressed inward between adjacent product rows in the folding areas 46.

[0420] Since previously spaced-out goods or rows of goods will be pulled toward each other, a suitable guiding device is reasonable so that this approach can occur in a controlled manner. In principle, pressing the V-shaped folded area 46 of the packaging blank 14 and making it recessed inward between the goods 12 or rows of goods is sufficient to bring them closer together and ensure that they are pulled or pushed toward each other.

[0421] The simultaneous feed movement of the entire application head 130 and the resulting four application units 132 (where each of the application units has an adhesive plate 144 raised relative to the lower frame portion 150 at its upper stop) makes it possible to press the exposed knife-shaped or sword-shaped molding element 152 or folded sword 154 into the upper main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 along the corresponding folded area 46 located therein.

[0422] Furthermore, this downward movement of the applicator head 130 is used to fold the side surfaces 24, separated from the two long sides of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 by creases, downward at folding angles of approximately 90° each, and to bring them into contact with the corresponding side surfaces 26 of the merchandise group 20. In the illustrated embodiment, these folding movements are performed by means of lateral folding elements 158 that are positioned or rigidly anchored in the applicator head 130, which become active and engage with the packaging blank 14 as soon as the applicator head 130 descends in the direction above the merchandise group 20.

[0423] In the illustrated embodiment, folding elements 158 arranged at the lower frame portion 150 of the corresponding application unit 132 of the application head 130, facing the two long sides of each height-adjustable bonding plate 144 and spaced slightly apart from these two long sides, are constituted by rigid tools or folding tools 160. These folding tools are located in the corresponding application unit 132, in which they can engage with the side surfaces 24 of the flat packaging blank 14 defined by bent or folded edges and thus demarcated from the main surface 18, so that these areas can be fitted with the opposite sides 26 of the product group 20. Thus, the folding elements 158 are constituted by folding tools 160, which are anchored at the lower frame portion 150 and extend vertically downward from its underside and are designed in a strip shape. These folding tools are fixed in their constant relative position with respect to the suction element 138 and with respect to the bonding plate 144, which can be raised and lowered in the application unit 132, due to their anchoring in the corresponding application unit 132.

[0424] When the blade-shaped or sword-shaped forming element 152 is activated, the ramp-like slope 162 at the folding tool 160 can support the previously spaced-apart items 12 or product rows being pushed together. This is the case when the applicator head 130 descends, so that the lower end face of the folding tool 160 first rests on the side surface 24 of the packaging blank 14. As the folding process continues with further descent of the applicator head 130, the side surfaces 24 of the packaging blank 18 that are bent downwards by means of the folding tool 160 slide along the ramp-like slope 162 on the inner side of the folding tool 160 facing the side surfaces 24 until these side surfaces are completely folded downwards and fit against the side surfaces 26 of the corresponding product groups 20.

[0425] Conversely, the vertical surfaces of the upwardly adjacent ramp-like slope 162 of the lateral folding element 158 ​​are spaced approximately at a distance equal to the width of the two rows of goods in the product grouping 20 that are pushed toward each other, wherein the previously existing distance A between the product rows (see [reference]). Figure 1B ) was eliminated.

[0426] In subsequent process steps, after the application head 130 is lifted from the product group 20 equipped with the packaging blank 14, these product groups are preferably subject to further operations and / or processing steps, which allow for further measures to complete the packaging unit 10. Such steps may specifically involve further processing of the secondary securing means 30 by folding the binding portion 32 and adhesively overlapping and superimposing the strip portions 28 (see [reference needed] for this). Figure 1E and Figure 1F And the explanation below Figure 10A (and its subsequent accompanying figures).

[0427] Figure 8E The perspective view shows another embodiment of the application head 130 according to the invention, which is equipped with three application units 132 arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other for equipping packaging blanks 14 for a total of three commodity groups 20.

[0428] Compared with the previously shown variant ( Figures 8A to 8D In contrast, the support frame 134, which is rotatably held at the vertical arm portion 136 (see for details) Figure 8A The frame portion 150, which is anchored at the bottom to the support frame 134 to receive the three application units 132, is modified so that the three application units 132 are arranged side by side. The remaining structural and functional principles of the application units 132 are preferably no different from the previously explained variant having four application units 132 grouped in a rectangular arrangement in the application head 130.

[0429] like Figure 8EThe application head 130 shown in the example is suitable for processing three product groups 20 conveyed side by side, or for processing three product groups 20 conveyed in front and behind simultaneously.

[0430] Figure 9 The schematic flowchart should exemplarily illustrate the sequential method steps in producing packaging units 10, which consist of several goods 12, such as, in particular, beverage cans 34. Figures 14A to 14C As shown in more detail, these goods first transition from a disordered flow to a multi-column conveyor flow in the diversion module 170. Further transport of the goods or beverage cans 34 can be specifically guided by aisles, which here should generally be represented by the aisle guide device 172. In this aisle guide device 172, grouping is preferably also performed, so that the aisle guide device 172 may also be allocated a grouping module 174.

[0431] Within the grouping module 174, in particular, the formation of a 3x2 rectangular arrangement of the product groups 20 according to the previously shown embodiment can be ensured (see [link]). Figures 1A to 1F And it can ensure the spacing and arrangement of the four such commodity groups 20 corresponding to the size and positioning of the application unit 132 in the application head 130 (see...). Figures 8A to 8D ).

[0432] In the subsequent application module 176, the packaging blank 14 is applied in the manner previously described, which means that the primary fixing means 22 are produced by placing the packaging blank 14 and by clamping or otherwise connecting it to the goods 12 or beverage cans 34 of the corresponding goods group 20.

[0433] In a separate next step, the strip portions can be interconnected and shaped into a binding portion 32, which means folding, pre-tightening, and securing the overlapping strip portions 28 and shaping them into a binding portion 32 (see [link to next step]). Figure 1E and Figure 1F ), producing secondary fixing means 30. This forming can be particularly carried out in the strapping module 178 mentioned herein, which may be equipped with, for example, according to Figure 7 Folding tool 114, folding element 158 ​​or folding tool 160 (see Figures 8A to 8E (or other combinations of tools or operations.)

[0434] Figure 10A A schematic perspective view from above is shown of two consecutively conveyed product groups 20, each with a packaging blank 14 placed on its upper side, as shown in... Figure 1CAs can be seen in the detailed illustrations. Therefore, the main surfaces 18 of the packaging blank 14 each cover the upper side of the goods 12 or cans 34 that constitute the goods group 20, and although the side surfaces 24, which are adjacent to the long sides of the main surfaces 18 and separated by the bent edges, together with the extensions of the strip portions 28 that continue to form at the corresponding short sides of the main surfaces, have been folded laterally downward in the direction toward the side surfaces of the goods group 20, they have not yet been completely attached to the side surfaces of the goods group 20.

[0435] This complete lateral fit between the side surface 24 and the strip portion 28 should only be achieved in subsequent method steps using another embodiment of the operating tool 56 according to the invention, which is here constituted by a binding head 180. The binding head 180 is essentially used to produce a secondary fastening means 30, which is formed by the interconnected overlapping areas of the strip portions 28, which are shaped into binding portions 32 using the binding head 180 and by supplementary application of these binding heads. Reference will be made below. Figures 10B to 13B Explain these operational steps.

[0436] In the Figure 1C and Figure 1D When the illustration is modified, the strip portions 28 of the short sides of adjacent side surfaces 24 are each shorter on one side surface and longer on the other side surface, whereas the opposite is true in the packaging blanks 14 of subsequent or adjacent product groups 20. Figure 10A The packaging blank 14 placed on the product group 20 on the left has a partially folded-down side surface 24 in the foreground, with two shorter strip portions 28-k at the opposite short side of the side surface, while the opposite side surface 24 in the background has two longer strip portions 28-l at its opposite short side.

[0437] On the contrary, Figure 10A The packaging blank 14, placed on the right-hand side of the product group 20, has a partially folded-down side surface 24 in the foreground. Two longer strip portions 28-l are located on the opposite shorter sides of this side surface, while the opposite side surface 24 in the background has two shorter strip portions 28-k on its opposite shorter sides. Therefore, in the consecutively transported product groups 20, the shorter strip portions 28-k are each aligned with the longer strip portions 28-l, preventing these strip portions from colliding or contacting each other in closely packed product groups 20.

[0438] Figure 10BA schematic perspective view from a lower angle is shown of four consecutively conveyed product groups 20, each with a packaging blank 14 placed on its upper side. The product groups 20, conveyed sequentially and spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction TR, arrive at the operating area of ​​a strapping head 180 suspended above the conveyed product groups 20. The packaging blank 14 can be placed on the upper side of the product group 20 using an operating tool 56 (not shown in detail here) or an application head 130 (see for details). Figures 8A to 8E ) Forming primary fixed means 22 (see Figures 1C to 1F ), while secondary fixation method 30, as further described above and with reference to Figure 1E and Figure 1F As explained, it can be done by means of Figure 10B The binding head 180 is schematically shown in the diagram as being formed and completed.

[0439] Each of the strapping heads 180 is arranged in an area above a conveying plane for transporting product groups 20 back and forth in the conveying direction TR. These product groups have primary securing means 22, each positioned on its upper side and preferably previously manufactured or formed, so that the strapping heads can each contact the product group 20 from above. This treatment of the first two product groups 20 transported in... Figure 10B The diagram schematically shows that one strapping head 180 has been fully placed on the right side, i.e., on the first item group 20 conveyed in the conveying direction TR, while the other strapping head 180 has not yet fully grasped the adjacent item group 20 and surrounded its upper side, but is... Figure 10B The illustration shows the item to be placed there and the product group 20 to be grasped.

[0440] Even from Figure 10B It is not yet visible in the image, but multiple binding heads 180 can be cyclically guided to move in a circle along the circumferential direction UR (see [reference needed] for this). Figure 12 This allows each of the many bundles 180 to accompany exactly one product group 20 within a limited portion of the corresponding conveying section 230 (see for details). Figures 14A to 14C ), and can be applied to the commodity group 20 in a manner to form a secondary fixing means 30, as will be described below.

[0441] exist Figure 10BIn the illustrated embodiment, three strapping heads 180 are each suspended laterally at a certain distance from each other at a crossbeam 182 that runs around the perimeter in the circumferential direction UR. Several crossbeams 182 (each with three strapping heads 180 suspended at it) move sequentially at a certain distance from each other in the circumferential direction UR, parallel to the conveying direction TR. These distances correspond in each case to the distance between the preceding and following product groups 20. The circumferential direction UR naturally extends laterally to the longitudinal direction of the crossbeams 182.

[0442] For clarity, in the three rows of side-by-side conveyed goods groups 20 processed by the three parallel binding heads 180 at each of the crossbeams 182, Figure 10B Only a small portion of the goods group 20 with four front-to-back conveyors in a row is shown.

[0443] Suspension devices 184 with rollers 186 are each located at the two end faces of the crossbeam 182, such that the suspension devices 184 can continuously circle the crossbeam 182 rigidly fixed therein in the track system provided for this purpose, and at least within the aforementioned limited portion of the respective conveying section 230, the strapping heads 180 can be guided at a suitable distance above the conveying plane of the commodity group 20 so that the strapping heads 180 respectively engage with the commodity group 20.

[0444] The track system mentioned for guiding the rollers 186, which are rotatably supported in the suspension device 184, was not included. Figure 10B As shown in the image, but can be found in the image. Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is seen more clearly in the accompanying drawings. The orientation and direction of the track system, and the movement of the circularly orbiting beam 182 along with the straps 180 suspended from the beam, are also clearly visible in these drawings.

[0445] Figure 10C The most important components of the strapping head 180 are shown in schematic perspective, along with their engagement with the product group 20, on the upper side of which is a packaging blank 14. The main surface 18 of the packaging blank rests flat on the upper side or upper end face 16 of the product 12 or beverage can 34 constituting the product group 20, and is thus secured therein, preferably forming a primary securing means 22. The opposing long sides of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14, separated here by the bent edges of the main surface 18, have each been pivoted downwards by approximately 45° to 60°. Figure 10C The illustration does not yet show the corresponding side 26 of the product 12 or beverage can 34 that constitute the product group 20.

[0446] exist Figure 10C In the diagram, the binding head 180 is located relative to... Figure 10B The still tilted strapping head 180 is at the same angle position as it was shortly before being placed on the second merchandise group 20 from the right, a position consistent with the position of the crossbeam 182, where the strapping head 180 is held, at the exit of the guide beam 182's track system deflection (see...). Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 13B Since the track system describes 180° deflections before and after the section extending straight and parallel to the transport direction TR, in which the strapping head 180 is located just above the corresponding product group 20, the strapping head 180 in the deflection section tilts down and becomes flatter and flatter from above to the upper side of the product group 20, and is also raised again from the other 180° deflection point at an angle that is first flat and then becomes steeper.

[0447] Figure 10C The perspective view illustrates the stage where the bundle head 180 gradually descends to the upper side of the product group 20 assigned to it, wherein the circumferential direction UR of the bundle head 180 in this section deflects outward following a track system not shown here. In this case, the bundle head 180 is still tilted at approximately 45°, which means that the tangent corresponding to the direction of movement of the bundle head 180 in the circumferential direction UR forms an angle of approximately 45° with the transport direction TR.

[0448] In order to form Figures 1C to 1F The first securing means 22 shown, which lock the packaging blank 14 to the upper region of the product group 20, can be used with first operating elements, as referred to herein but not shown in the figures. These first operating elements can be, for example, operating tools 56 correspondingly equipped with their own suitable devices (see for details). Figures 2A to 6 ) or correspondingly equipped with an application head 130 with its own suitable device (see for details) Figures 8A to 8E These devices are configured to hold and / or receive the packaging blank 14, to apply the packaging blank 14 to the merchandise group 20, and, where appropriate, to perform a V-folding of the packaging blank 14 in a folding region 46 disposed in the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14.

[0449] Furthermore, these first operating elements may preferably have suitable means for folding the side surfaces 24 on both sides of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14, thereby enabling... Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10C The product group 20 is prepared in the manner shown so that the folded side surface 24 is fully fitted against the side of the product group 20, and the strip portion 28 is shaped into a binding portion 32, thereby forming a secondary fixing means 30.

[0450] Based on this chosen concept and system, the illustrated strapping head 180 includes another or second actuating elements 188, each feedable relative to the other, for engaging with a foldable side surface 24 of the packaging blank 14 adjacent to the long side of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 and extending laterally beyond the upper side of the product group 20, and for preparing and forming secondary securing means 30 that interact with the sides of the product 12. Figure 1E and Figure 1F As already described, these secondary fastening means 30 are composed of binding portions 32, which are composed of overlapping strip portions 28 of their respective extended side surfaces 24, which are joined and connected to each other by means of suitable adhesive points (e.g., adhesive members 54), preferably to apply a defined preload.

[0451] An operating element 188, which holds the two long sides of the product group 20 at the height of the folded side surface 24 that is in contact with the side surface 26 of the product 12 and is feedable relative to it, is formed such that its contact side surface 24 and the inner side of the strip portion 28 are in contact with and pressed against the side surface 26 of the product 12. An elastically deformable molding element 190 is provided for pressing and creating an adhesive connection between the respective overlapping strip portions 28 to form a binding portion 32. To ensure that the strip portions 28 remain adhesive to each other after engagement, thereby permanently connecting the produced binding portion 32, appropriate adhesive points or adhesive elements 54 are applied to at least one of the overlapping strip portions 28, as explained above.

[0452] The following will refer to Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 11C and Figure 11D The design of the operating element 188 and the contour and deformation behavior of the elastically deformable molded part 190 arranged therein, the feed movement of the operating element 188, and the working method of the strapping head 180 when it is in conjunction with the product group 20 are explained in detail.

[0453] therefore, Figure 11A A top view of one of four elastically deformable molded parts 190 is shown, each of the individual strapping heads 180 being equipped with these elastically deformable molded parts. The molded part 190 has a base portion 192 by which the molded part can be anchored in a bracket 194 of the associated operating element 188. Figure 10C In the perspective view, two feedable supports 194 of the operating element 188 can be seen, each of which is anchored with two such molded parts 190.

[0454] In addition, the tool portion 196 is connected to the base portion 192. The tool portion acts on the product group 20 and is matched such that the binding portion 32 can be formed by the superimposed strip portion 28 of the side surface 24 in a desired manner.

[0455] exist Figure 11A In the top view shown, the tool portion 196 of the molded part 190 has an L-shaped profile with a circular transition between the two legs 198 and 200 of the L-shaped tool portion 196. The circular area, hereinafter also referred to as the strip portion 28 of the packaging blank 14 and the forming area, forming element 202, or elastic forming element 202 facing the product group 20 it covers, reasonably corresponds to the profile of the product group 20 to be processed in its respective corner area. That is, the fillet radius of the forming element 202 of the tool portion 196 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of one of the products 12 constituting the product group 20 or one of the beverage cans 34.

[0456] The main body of the tool portion 196 is segmented and resembles a hollow body because the second leg 200, at least not facing the base portion 192, is not made of solid material but is composed of a cardboard-shaped body 204 with open end faces. This, combined with the rational selection of the material as an elastic plastic material, gives the entire tool portion 196 of the molded part 190 deformability transversely to the outer wall of the body 204. The outer wall of the body 204 constituting the second leg 200 of the tool portion 196 preferably has sufficient height, which makes the body 204 resistant to torsion and allows it to deform essentially only transversely to the outer wall. The thickness or strength of the strip-shaped outer wall is preferably significantly less than the height of the strip, which gives the body 204 the required torsional resistance.

[0457] As from Figure 11A As can be clearly seen, the strip-shaped outer wall of the body 204 of the second leg 200 forms an elongated cavity 206, which widens slightly in the direction toward the first leg 198 and narrows in the direction toward the free end of the second leg 200. The free end of the second leg 200 has the maximum distance between the tool portion 196 and the base portion 192.

[0458] The connection between the tool portion 196 and the base portion 192 is not made of solid material, but is made by several connecting strips 208. These connecting strips preferably each have the same height as the body 204 of the tool portion 196, but the walls of these connecting strips 208 are formed to be relatively thin relative to their height.

[0459] When the tool portion 196 is pressed against the long side of the product group 20 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the first leg 198 connected to the base portion 192, the orientation of the two, three, or four spaced-apart connecting strips 208 that connect the first leg 198 of the tool portion 196 to the base portion 192 ensures the defined deformation behavior (see for details). Figure 11B and Figure 11C ).

[0460] As from Figure 11A As can also be seen, three parallel and spaced-apart connecting strips 208 are arranged between the base portion 192 and the first leg 198, each of which is inclined at approximately 45° relative to the longitudinal extension direction of the base portion 192 or the first leg 198.

[0461] When the two supports 194 of the second operating element 188 are fed relative to the molded part 190 fixed therein and the binding portion 32 is formed in this way, the material selection of the molded part 190, which is preferably integrally molded and produced, ensures the deformability desired when using the binding head 180. The molded part may be made of thermoplastic plastic capable of elastic deformation or of a suitable elastomeric material (where appropriate, it is equipped with bonded fiber reinforcement).

[0462] Because according to Figure 10C Stereoscopic views and based on Figure 11B and Figure 11C A schematic top view shows two such molded parts 190 arranged together with their respective base portions 192 in two supports 194 of the operating element 188, wherein the tool portions 196 of the molded parts 190, together with their concave circular forming elements 202, point towards the corner area of ​​their respective product groups 20 to be operated, and because the two supports 194 of the operating element 188 can be fed relative to each other in a feed direction C perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the supports 194 (see...). Figure 11B Thus, these four molded parts 190 act on the corner areas of the product group 20, so that the side surface 24 can be pressed against the long side of the product group 20 and the strip portion 28 can be pressed against the short side of the product group 20, thereby producing the binding portion 32 (see for details). Figure 1E and Figure 1F ).

[0463] Two supports 194 of the operating element 188, which is attached to the long side of the product group 20, are in the feed direction C ( Figure 11B The pure feed movement on the molded part 190 does not deform, but instead utilizes its molding element 202 to first conform only to the product group 20 and the partially folded side surface 24 and strip portion 28, as if by Figure 11CAs schematically shown. The further feed movement in the feed direction C, where structural deformation of the molded part 190 begins, is illustrated only with reference to such a molded part 190. Figure 11D The diagram illustrates the deformation direction and behavior of individual elements of the molded part 190.

[0464] By laterally pressing the two supports 194 of the operating element 188 against the long side of the product group 20, initially only the molded part 190, whose circular forming element 202 is in contact with the product group 20 (see... Figure 11C Each part deforms, thereby pulling the molded parts toward the short side of the product group 20 at the second leg 200 of its corresponding tool portion 196 that abuts against the short side of the product group 20 and pressing them more forcefully thereon. Thus, the strip portions 28 that are pressed in this way are also pressed more forcefully. These strip portions are equipped with adhesive points 54 formed of hot melt glue, cold glue or self-adhesive material in the overlapping area, which ensures at least a slight preload on the thus formed binding portion 32 after the operating element 188 is released.

[0465] Since the operating element 188 is preferably located in the longer transmission section (see for details) Figure 12 as well as Figure 13A and Figure 13B The relative feed is maintained in the molding process, so that each of the molded parts 190 retains its elastically deformed profile and is pressed against the side surface of the product group 20. Therefore, the adhesive point 54 can be cured and the permanent preload of the secondary fixing point 30 formed by the binding part 32 is ensured (see...). Figure 1E and Figure 1F ).

[0466] Figure 11D The detailed drawings illustrate the structural deformation of different parts of the molded part 190 when it is pressed against the product group 20 in the feed direction C, and when an additional positioning force D acting in the feed direction C is applied. Therefore, the first leg 198, connected to the base portion 192 via the strip portion 208, is pressed back in the direction opposite to the positioning force D, because the sidewalls of the product group 20 yield to or avoid the positioning force D with little or no resistance. Figure 11D In the diagram, arrow E represents the return or avoidance movement of the first foot 198 toward the base portion 192 in the direction opposite to the positioning force D.

[0467] Triggered by the avoidance movement E, the strip portion 208 deforms, causing the first leg 198 to move closer to the base portion 192. In Figure 3D, the parallel pivoting movement of the strip portion 208 in the direction of arrow F is also illustrated by arrow F pointing diagonally downward from the strip portion 208 to the base portion 192. Since these corresponding pivoting movements F of the strip portion 208 simultaneously cause the first leg 198 and, consequently, the entire tool portion 196 to undergo a parallel displacement laterally to the direction of the feed movement C or the positioning force D, indicated by arrows G placed at the first leg 198, which indicate the direction of displacement G, the second leg 200 of the L-shaped tool portion 196 is not only pulled more forcefully towards the product group 20, but its main body 204 also deforms.

[0468] Therefore, the lateral displacement G of the first leg 198 and, consequently, the entire tool portion 196 ensures that the second leg 200 yields approximately in the opposite direction H to the lateral displacement G, which also results in the compression of the body 204 to reduce the width and volume of the cavity 206. The overlapping, avoidance, and deformable movement of the second leg 200 and the body 204 is indicated by arrow H. In particular, this avoidance and deformable movement H of the second leg 200 and the body 204 for a period of time ensures that the adhesive or glue point 54 is pressed into the overlapping area of ​​the strip portion 28, thereby allowing a defined preload to be applied to the binding portion 32 of the secondary fixing point 30 as configured.

[0469] For proper coordination of the successively arranged modules 170 to 178, the following should be referred again. Figure 9 The figure schematically shows the roadway guide device 172 following the diversion module 170, as well as the grouping module 174 and the application module 176, which can be followed by the strapping module 178.

[0470] A portion of such a strapping module 178 is schematically transmitted through Figure 12 The perspective view illustrates this. The strapping module 178 shown here has multiple circulating crossbeams 182, lateral suspensions 184 of these crossbeams, and rollers 186 supported thereon (see [reference]). Figure 10B The items can be guided on both sides of the track system 210 so as to run around in the circumferential direction UR and cooperate with the goods groups 20 conveyed in the transport direction TR in the manner described to form these goods groups into packaging units 10.

[0471] As in Figure 10B As illustrated by example, in Figure 12In the illustrated embodiment, three strapping heads 180 are also suspended laterally at each crossbeam of the crossbeams 182. These crossbeams are guided back and forth in the circumferential direction UR at the track system 210, wherein these crossbeams 182 (each with three strapping heads 180 suspended at each crossbeam) move sequentially at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction UR, these distances in each case corresponding to the distance between the forward and backward transported product groups 20. In this case, the circumferential direction UR extends parallel to the transport direction TR in the lower part of the track system 210, in which the strapping heads 180 engage with the product groups 20. The return movement of the crossbeams 182 (each with strapping heads 180 suspended at each crossbeam) in... Figure 12 It takes place in the upper part of the orbital system 210 shown.

[0472] The two circular tracks of the track system 210 can be arranged and suspended, for example, in the metal plate support 212, as in the same way. Figure 12 As exemplarily shown. Drive motors 214 may also be fixed here, which ensure that the crossbeam 182 is driven in the circumferential direction UR along the track system 210.

[0473] Figure 13A and Figure 13B The schematic perspective view illustrates the chute guide devices used to control the feed movement C of the relative feedable support 194 of the second operating element 188 and the molded part 190 fixed thereon (see...). Figure 11B and Figure 11C The suspension of the bracket 194 in the strapping head 180, which is capable of relative feeding and separate movement, has been... Figure 10C This is to provide an explanation, so that it can be referenced again in the following explanation. Figure 10C The illustration is shown.

[0474] Therefore, two guide pins 216 are visible on the corresponding upper side of the bracket 194, spaced apart from each other and aligned with each other in the longitudinal extension direction of the bracket 194. Preferably, these guide pins 216 are guided in guide grooves 218 located above the commodity group 20 conveyed along the transport plane in the transport direction TR, such that the crossbeam 182, on which the strapping head 180 is arranged, moves in the circumferential direction UR (the direction consistent with the transport direction TR) in the lower part of the track guide device 210, and contacts the guide groove 218.

[0475] In other words, the guide pin 216 moves within the guide groove 218 and is slidably guided there. Figure 13A and Figure 13B The control configuration illustrated in the example is assigned to the strapping module 178 (see [link]). Figure 9 (or it may be part of the bundling module 178. For example, from...) Figure 10C As can be seen, the supports 194 can be fed or moved separately relative to each other, that is, they can move parallel to the longitudinal extension direction of the corresponding crossbeam 182 on their respective defined displacement paths, while these supports move in the track system 210.

[0476] The guide pins 216 are controlled by guide grooves 218, each of which includes straight and parallel sections of the guide pins 216 spaced relatively close to each other, as well as other straight and parallel sections of the guide pins 216 spaced relatively far apart. These parallel sections are connected by symmetrically converging or diverging curved sections 220, which ensure the corresponding feed movement of the support 194.

[0477] By utilizing the cyclic movement of the crossbeam 182 and the guide pin 216 thereby guided in the guide groove 218 of the corresponding profile, the feed movement required to generate the strip portion 28 of the folded packaging blank 14 within the binding head 180 and form the binding portion 32 can be achieved.

[0478] The guide pin 216 sinks into the opening area 222 at the corresponding end of the guide groove 218 or extends out of the guide groove 218 again.

[0479] at last, Figure 14A , Figure 14B and Figure 14C The three schematic top views illustrate possible implementation variations of the transport section 230, which may have... Figure 9 The modules are schematically shown in combination and connection.

[0480] therefore, Figure 14A The first part, which can be constituted by the diversion module 170, is described. Here, the goods 12 or beverage cans 34 are conveyed in the conveying direction TR by means of a horizontal conveying device (not described in detail here) in two parallel aisles, so the diversion module 170 is also combined with the aisle guide device 172. However, it should be mentioned here that the diversion into two parallel aisles has already been done in advance, that is, in Figure 14A The transfer is carried out in the area not shown here, on the left side of a small portion of the transfer section 230 shown.

[0481] In the transmission direction TR (in Figure 14AAdjacent to the diversion module 170 and the aisle guide device 172 (from left to right) is the grouping module 174, where a suitable diversion device, which can be configured here by push rods or other sliding elements 232, groups and diverts the previously continuously transported goods 12 or beverage cans 34 into two parallel three-rows. Thus, a goods arrangement structure or goods grouping 20 is formed in the grouping module 174, which consists of a total of six goods 12 or beverage cans 34 grouped in a rectangular arrangement, as explained several times previously.

[0482] In the subsequent application module 176, each of these commodity groups 20 is equipped in a suitable manner with a packaging blank 14 taken from or otherwise supplied or provided from the warehouse 234, wherein the primary fixing means 22 are typically produced and formed in the application module 176.

[0483] In the subsequent strapping module 178, a secondary securing means 30 is produced specifically by producing the strapping portion mentioned several times above. The packaging unit 10, thus equipped with the primary securing means 22 and the secondary securing means 30 and thus completed, can then be further transported in the transport direction TR, which is not shown in detail here, but is only indicated by the directional arrow at the packaging unit 10 shown on the far right.

[0484] also, Figure 14B This describes a more efficient variant of such a transport section 230, in which grouped goods arrangements 20 are formed and further processed in two parallel transport tracks 146, thereby doubling the processing capacity in the same processing time.

[0485] The conveying section 230 shown further includes a first section, which may be constituted by a diversion module 170. Here, the goods 12 or beverage cans 34 are conveyed in the conveying direction TR by means of a horizontal conveying device (not described in detail here) via two parallel aisles, therefore the diversion module 170 is also combined with the aisle guide device 172. However, from Figure 14B As can be seen, the flow is divided into a total of four parallel lanes, each lane merging in pairs within two spaced-apart but parallel transport tracks 236. The disordered flow 238 of goods 12 or beverage cans 34 can be arranged upstream of the paired lane guide devices 172.

[0486] In the transmission direction TR (in Figure 14BAdjacent to the diversion module 170 (from left to right or bottom to top) and the lane guide device 172, which is repeatedly implemented via two parallel transport tracks 236, is the grouping module 174. At this location, a suitable diversion device, such as a slider 232, groups and diverts the previously continuously transported goods 12 or beverage cans 34 into two parallel three-row sections each, and this occurs on each of the two parallel transport tracks 236. Thus, a goods group 20 is formed in the grouping module 174, which consists of a total of six goods 12 or beverage cans 34 grouped in a rectangular arrangement.

[0487] In the subsequent application module 176, each of these commodity groups 20 is fitted with a packaging blank 14, either retrieved from the stock 234 or otherwise supplied or provided, in a suitable manner, wherein the primary fixing means 22 are typically produced and formed in the application module 176. Again, this is carried out in parallel along two side-by-side transport tracks 236. The application of the packaging blank 14 to the commodity groups 20 being transported in the transport tracks 236 can be performed, for example, by means of an application head 130, which is not shown in detail here.

[0488] In the subsequent strapping module 178, the secondary securing means 30 are produced specifically by means of the strapping head 180, which produces the strapping portion mentioned above several times. The packaging unit 10 thus equipped with the primary securing means 22 and the secondary securing means 30 and thus completed can then be further transported in the transport direction TR, which is not shown in detail here, but is only indicated by two parallel directional arrows at the packaging unit 10 shown on the far right.

[0489] Figure 14C A schematic top view shows the transmission section 230 with Figure 14B The arrangement structure is basically the same. However, the binding module 178 is equipped with a binding head 180, while the application module 176 is only equipped with one application head 130. Therefore, the secondary fixing means 30 is produced here by forming the binding portion only in the binding module 178 with the aid of the binding head 180.

[0490] Here, the packaging unit 10 thus completed can also be further transported in the transport direction TR in a manner not described in detail.

[0491] Figures 15A to 15C A schematic top view illustrates how the packaging blank 14 can be used to produce different implementation variations of the previously shown packaging unit 10. To illustrate the differences between the three illustrated variations, in... Figure 15A The packaging blank 14 is shown again in the image. Figure 1A and Figure 1C The variants shown are included, along with all corresponding reference numerals.

[0492] on the other hand, Figure 15B and Figure 15C This illustrates that the strip portions 28 can be designed in entirely different forms, these strip portions being the side surfaces 24 to be folded on the side 26 of the packaging blank 14 on the side of the product 12 or beverage can 34 (see for details). Figure 1C The side surface 24 is extended to each of the two opposite short sides.

[0493] Selectively, according to Figure 15C The strip portions 28 that are to be attached to the short sides of the side surfaces 24 that are to be folded toward the side 26 of the product 12 or beverage can 34 and extend these side surfaces in two directions parallel to their longitudinal extension direction can be implemented as all being of the same length.

[0494] In the packaging blank 14 Figure 15B In the alternative variant shown in the schematic top view, the strip portion 28 of one side surface 24 can be implemented as shorter, while the two strip portions 28 at the other side surface 24 must be correspondingly longer so that the overlapping strip portions 28 toward the two short sides of the product group 20 can each be connected to a binding portion, which will constitute a secondary securing means (see for this). Figure 1E and Figure 1F ).

[0495] exist Figure 15B In the variant shown, for ease of explanation, the left and right surfaces 24 of the long side of the main surface 18 adjacent to the packaging blank 14 are marked with different reference numerals. In this case, the side surface located to the left of the conveying direction TR is marked with reference numeral 24L, while the right surface is marked with reference numeral 24R.

[0496] In order to distinguish and clearly mark the left surface 24L and the right surface 24R, Figures 15A to 15C Each item is labeled with its conveying direction TR, which points from left to right in the illustration. Additionally, each item is grouped with its corresponding product (see [link to illustration]). Figure 1C The main axes 42 and 44 described above are used to better illustrate the different degrees of symmetry of the differently designed packaging blanks 14.

[0497] The difference between the two side surfaces 24L and 24R lies in the length of the strip portion 28 of the corresponding shorter side of the adjacent side surfaces 24L and 24R. The two strip portions 28 at the left side surface 24L are implemented as being longer than those according to... Figure 15A The stripe portion in the variant is longer, while the two stripe portions 28 at the right surface 24R are implemented as longer than those according to Figure 15A The stripe portion in the variant is shorter.

[0498] Therefore, the longer stripe portion 28 on the left surface 24L is marked with reference numeral 28-l, while the shorter stripe portion on the right surface 24R is marked with reference numeral 28-k. Since the corresponding paired stripe portions 28-l and 28-k on the left surface 24L and the right surface 24R have different lengths, Figure 15B The packaging blank 14 shown is mirror-symmetrical only to the second spindle 44, which passes through the center of the main surface 18 and extends transversely to the transport direction TR. There is no longer a mirror symmetry with the first spindle 42, which passes through the folded area 46 and extends parallel to the transport direction TR.

[0499] On the contrary, according to Figure 15A The first variant of the packaging blank 14 (in which the dimensions of all strip portions 28 are set to be the same) is mirror-symmetrical to both the first spindle 42 and the second spindle 44.

[0500] Finally, in the packaging blank 14 Figure 15C In the third variant shown, the two strip portions 28-k and 28-l of each of the two side surfaces 24L and 24R are implemented to be of different lengths. The difference between the two side surfaces 24L and 24R lies in the length of the strip portion 28 of the corresponding shorter side of the adjacent side surfaces 24L and 24R.

[0501] The front strip portion 28-k at the left surface 24L, pointing in the direction of transmission TR, is implemented as a ratio according to Figure 15A The strip portion in the variant is shorter, while the strip portion 28-l on the left surface 24L pointing in the opposite direction (backward based on the transport direction TR) is implemented as shorter than according to Figure 15A The stripe portion in the variant is longer.

[0502] Furthermore, conversely, the front strip portion 28-k at the right surface 24R, pointing in the direction of transmission TR, is implemented as according to... Figure 15A The strip portion in the variant is longer, while the strip portion 28-k on the right surface 24R, pointing in the opposite direction (backwards based on the transport direction TR), is implemented as longer than according to Figure 15A The stripe portion in the variant is shorter.

[0503] therefore, Figure 15C The packaging blank 14 shown is no longer mirror-symmetric with either of the two spindles 42 and 44.

[0504] According to Figure 15B and Figure 15CIn two variations of the packaging blank 14, the strip portions 28-l and 28-k of different lengths at the two short sides of the product group 20 overlap eccentrically toward their respective short sides, i.e., on the left or right side of the first main axis 42. However, generally, the overlapping strip portions 28-l and 28-k at the connection point are long enough to connect to the binding portions 32, which constitute the secondary securing means 30.

[0505] at last, Figure 16A and Figure 16B Several reasonable assemblies of packaging blanks 14 are shown, which can be produced from cardboard or other suitable flat packaging materials in an economical stamping process without generating an undesirable large amount of waste.

[0506] in this case, Figure 16A Several packaging blanks 14 are shown arranged in adjacent rows, these packaging blanks according to Figure 15B Forming. These packaging blanks 14, each designed to be mirror-symmetrical to the second main axis 44, are rotated 180° relative to each other, such that the left surface 24L of the packaging blank 14 with the longer strip portion 28-l is always aligned with the right surface 24R of the adjacent packaging blank 14 with the shorter strip portion 28-k. This also applies to the other sides, as the packaging blanks 14 are arranged front-to-back along their aligned first main axis 42, and can thus be perforated on larger cardboard or similar flat packaging materials.

[0507] like Figure 16A As shown, such an arrangement is also reasonable for mechanized retrieval from silo 234, as previously referred to Figure 14A , Figure 14B and Figure 14C As explained. In this case, it may also be advantageous to continuously supply the packaging blank 14 to the operating tool 56 or the application head 130 in the manner shown.

[0508] also, Figure 16B Several packaging blanks 14 are shown arranged in adjacent rows, these packaging blanks according to Figure 15C Forming. These packaging blanks 14, each not symmetrical to the first main axis 42 or the second main axis 44, are abutted against each other, such that the left side surface 24L of the packaging blank 14 is always aligned with the left side surface 24L of the adjacent packaging blank 14. The same applies to the other side surfaces 24R, since the packaging blanks 14 are arranged back-to-back with their aligned first main axes 42, and can thus be perforated in larger cardboard or similar flat packaging materials.

[0509] like Figure 16B As shown, this arrangement is also reasonable for mechanized retrieval from silo 234, as previously referred to Figures 14A to 14C As explained. In this case, it may also be advantageous to provide the package blank 14 to the operating tool 56 and / or the application head 130 in the manner shown.

[0510] The following is a supplementary description of the above-described embodiments. Although the embodiments shown in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and their foregoing description are often or generally “schematic” illustrations and views, this in no way implies that the accompanying illustrations and descriptions are secondary to the disclosure of the invention. Those skilled in the art are fully capable of obtaining sufficient information from the schematic and abstractly drawn illustrations to aid their understanding of the invention without being affected, for example, by the dimensional relationships of the parts of the packaging device, its individual parts, or other drawn elements, which may not be exactly to scale. Rather, these drawings enable those skilled in the art, as readers, to better understand the ideas of the invention presented in a more general and / or more abstract manner in the claims and the at least some general parts of the description, by means of specific interpretations of the implementation of the method of the invention and the structure of the packaging device according to the invention.

[0511] List of icon numbers

[0512] 10 packaging units, bundled

[0513] 12 products

[0514] 14 Packaging blanks

[0515] 16. Top surface

[0516] 18 Main Surface (Packaging Blank)

[0517] 20. Product grouping and arrangement, product layout.

[0518] 22. Primary fixing methods, primary connection methods

[0519] 24 Side surfaces (packaging blank)

[0520] 24L Left side surface

[0521] 24R right side surface

[0522] 26. Side view (products, product groups)

[0523] 28 strips

[0524] 28-l Long strip section

[0525] 28-k short strip portion

[0526] 30. Secondary fixing means, secondary connection means

[0527] 32. Bundling section

[0528] 34 Beverage cans, jars

[0529] 36. Bottom area, lower bottom area, bottom of the jar.

[0530] 38 Lower end face

[0531] 40. Lid area, top lid area, jar lid

[0532] 42 (Product grouping) First main axis, first horizontal main axis

[0533] 44 (Product grouping) Second main axis, second horizontal main axis

[0534] 46 Folded area (packaging blank, main surface)

[0535] 48 recess, groove-like recess

[0536] 50. Top-shaped transition section

[0537] 52. Flange section (packaging blank)

[0538] 54 Adhesive components (strip section)

[0539] 56 Operating Tools

[0540] 58 base plate

[0541] 60 Folding Tool

[0542] 62. Peeling tools

[0543] 64 Lower longitudinal edge (peeling tool)

[0544] 66. Side wings (peeling tools)

[0545] 68 Feed direction

[0546] 70 Folding plunger, sword-shaped folding plunger

[0547] 72 Adjusting rod

[0548] 74 Lifting Direction

[0549] 76 Pivoting Stent

[0550] 78 Pivot axis

[0551] 80 Pivoting movement

[0552] 82 gap

[0553] 84. Transportation module, shuttle

[0554] 86 base

[0555] 88 Receiving section, tray-type receiving section

[0556] 90° edge, plate-like edge

[0557] 92. Divider

[0558] 94. Separated Wings

[0559] 96 Boundary strips

[0560] 98 Adjusting lever, adjusting pin

[0561] 100 Transport Roadways

[0562] 102 partition

[0563] 104 Boundary Strips

[0564] 106 Reassuring Selling

[0565] 108 Receiving Holes

[0566] 110 Negative Pressure Gripper, Suction Cup

[0567] 112 Molded parts

[0568] 114 Folding tools

[0569] 116 Folding fingers

[0570] 118 crossbars

[0571] 120 Continuous Traction Device

[0572] 122 guide wheels

[0573] 124 Guide Groove

[0574] 130 Apply head

[0575] 132 Application Unit

[0576] 134 Support Frame (Applying Head)

[0577] 136 arm section

[0578] 138 Suction Element

[0579] 140 suction plunger

[0580] 142 Negative pressure pipeline

[0581] 144 laminated board

[0582] 146 recess, circular recess

[0583] 148 Linear motor, linear drive device

[0584] 150 Lower frame section

[0585] 152 Molding components, knife-shaped molding components, sword-shaped molding components

[0586] 154 Folding Swords

[0587] 156 recess, groove-like recess

[0588] 158 Folding elements, horizontal folding elements

[0589] 160 tools, folding tools

[0590] 162 Inclined surface, sloping surface

[0591] 170 splitter module

[0592] 172 Tunnel Guiding Device

[0593] 174 Grouping Module

[0594] 176 Application Module

[0595] 178 Bundling Module

[0596] 180 Bundle Head

[0597] 182 crossbeams

[0598] 184 suspension

[0599] 186 rollers

[0600] 188 Second Operating Element

[0601] 190 Molded parts, deformable molded parts, elastically deformable molded parts

[0602] 192 Base section

[0603] 194 stents

[0604] 196 Tools Section

[0605] 198 legs, the first leg

[0606] 200 legs, second leg

[0607] 202 Molded components, elastic molded components

[0608] 204 Main Body

[0609] 206 Cavity

[0610] 208 connecting strips

[0611] 210 Orbit System

[0612] 212 Metal Plate Support

[0613] 214 Drive Motor

[0614] 216 Guide Pin

[0615] 218 Guide groove

[0616] 220 Curve Section

[0617] 222 Opening area

[0618] 230 Teleportation Section

[0619] 232 Slider

[0620] 234 Material Warehouse

[0621] 236 Transport Track

[0622] 238 Disordered Flow

[0623] α (opening angle of the formed folded area)

[0624] A. Distance, horizontal distance

[0625] B distance, vertical distance

[0626] C Feed direction

[0627] D Positioning Force

[0628] E Returns to the starting position, avoids movement.

[0629] D Pivot movement

[0630] G represents parallel displacement and lateral displacement.

[0631] H - Avoidance movement, deformable movement

[0632] TR (Transmission Direction)

[0633] UR circumferential direction

Claims

1. A packaging apparatus for producing a packaging unit (10), the packaging unit comprising at least two goods (12) of the same type, the at least two goods (12) being held together by at least one packaging blank (14) using primary and secondary securing means (22, 30), and the packaging apparatus comprising at least: - A supply device for the at least two commodities (12) or a grouping (20) of at least two commodities (12) each. - An application device (176) is used to apply the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) to the first end face (16) of the grouped goods (12), and to establish a connection between the goods (12) and the primary fixing means (22) of the packaging blank (14). - A forming device for folding at least one side surface (24) adjacent to the long side of the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) to form a secondary fastening means (30) that mates with the side surface (26) of the product (12), and - A fixing device for forming the secondary fixing means (30) consisting of a binding portion (32) that surrounds a defined area of ​​the side (26) of the product (12) and fixes the product (12) in a mutually parallel orientation. The application device (176) is characterized in that it includes at least one application head (130) that is controllable and movable within a defined movement space. - wherein the application head (130) is capable of equipping each of at least one of the commodity groups (20) located within and / or moving therein with a packaging blank (14), and applying the packaging blank to the commodity group (20). -The application head (130) of the application device (176) is equipped with a controllable device, -and the application head (130) is equipped with a controllable tool.

2. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, the packaging apparatus comprising an operating tool (56) for folding two side surfaces (24) adjacent to the long side of the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) to form a secondary fixing means (30) that engages with the side surface (26) of the product (12).

3. The packaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operating tool (56) is designed to fold the side surface (24) of the strip portion (28) and to shape the strip portion (28) into a binding portion (32).

4. The packaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the operating tool (56) includes means for securing the overlapping end regions of the strip portions (28) to each other and / or securing them to the side (26) of the commodity (12).

5. The packaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operating tool (56) includes means for shaping, folding and / or indenting the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) in the area between adjacent goods (12).

6. The packaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the means for shaping, folding and / or indenting the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) comprises a folding plunger (70) capable of descending onto the main surface (18), the folding plunger being a fixed or movable part of the operating tool (56).

7. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the application head (130) of the application device (176) is equipped with a controllable device, the controllable device being in the form of a receiving device for receiving, holding and releasing the packaging blank (14) and placing the corresponding packaging blank (14) on the upper side of the corresponding product group (20).

8. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the application head (130) is equipped with a controllable tool, the controllable tool being in the form of a fixing device for establishing a mechanical connection between the corresponding commodity group (20) and the packaging blank (14) applied thereto.

9. The packaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the receiving device of the application head (130) comprises at least one suction device capable of applying a controllable negative pressure, the suction device being capable of applying an increased negative pressure to receive and hold the packaging blank (14), and capable of applying a decreased negative pressure to release the packaging blank (14) held in the application head (130).

10. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the application head (130) is equipped with at least one application unit (132) for processing each commodity group (20) and equipping it with a packaging blank (14).

11. The packaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the application head (130) comprises two or more application units (132) for simultaneously processing two or more individual commodity groups (20) and accordingly equipping them with packaging blanks (14).

12. The packaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each application unit (132) of the application head (130) is equipped with a bonding plate (144) that moves vertically between two end positions for bonding with the plane of the corresponding packaging blank (14), and is equipped with at least one controllable suction element (138) for holding or releasing the packaging blank (14) held thereby under negative pressure under the control of negative pressure.

13. The packaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each application unit (132) of the application head (130) is equipped with a forming element (202) for deforming a defined folding area (46) of a packaging blank (14) placed on a corresponding commodity group (20).

14. The packaging apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each application unit (132) of the application head (130) is equipped with a forming element (202) for deforming a defined folding area (46) of a packaging blank (14) placed on a corresponding commodity group (20) for forming the primary fixing means (22) to establish a mechanical connection between the commodity (12) of the commodity group (20) and the packaging blank (14).

15. The packaging apparatus according to claim 14, wherein each application unit (132) of the application head (130) is equipped with a folding element (158) for folding the side surface (24) of the packaging blank (14) extending above the product group (20) and preparing a secondary fixing means (30) between the product group (20) and the packaging blank (14).

16. The packaging apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the bonding plate (144) movable within the corresponding application unit (132) of the application head (130) associated with each application unit (132) capable of descending onto or rising from the commodity group (20), the suction element (138) capable of applying negative pressure, the folding element (158) and the forming element (202) are each capable of performing mutually coordinated operating steps to form the primary fixing means (22) and at least prepare for the secondary fixing means (30).

17. The packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fastening means comprises at least one controllable binding head (180) for forming the binding portion (32) constituting the secondary fastening means (30) by processing and shaping a foldable portion of the packaging blank (14) adjacent to the long side of the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) and extending above the product group (20), and for contacting the foldable portion with the opposite side surface of the product group (20), wherein the at least one binding head (180) has an operating element (188) equipped with a molded part (190) capable of elastic deformation for pressing and bonding the respective overlapping areas of the foldable portions of the binding portion (32).

18. The packaging apparatus according to claim 17, wherein each of the strapping heads (180) or several strapping heads (180) has at least two operating elements (188) capable of contacting and feeding relative to the opposing long sides of the product group (20), wherein each of the operating elements (188) is equipped with an elastic molding member (190) capable of interacting with the portion of the packaging blank (14) folded onto the side (26) of the product (12) of the product group (20) and capable of shaping it into the strapping portion (32).

19. The packaging apparatus according to claim 17, wherein each of the operating elements (188) of the at least one strapping head (180) is movable together with the molding (190) disposed at the operating element between two end positions, wherein for the strapping head (180) placed on the product group (20), the molding (190) is spaced apart from the product group (20) when the corresponding operating element (188) is in a first end position, and wherein the molding (190) is in contact with the side surface of the product group (20) when the corresponding operating element (188) is in a second end position, and wherein a positioning force (D) is applied in the feed direction (C) of the operating element (188).

20. The packaging apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the molding (190) of the strapping head (180) applies a positioning force (D) in the feed direction (C) of the operating element (188) and is capable of placing at least a portion of the strapping portion (32) under a preload.

21. The packaging apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the at least one strapping head (180) cooperates with a chute control device for specifying the feed movement of the operating element (188) in the strapping head (180) according to its position.

22. The packaging apparatus according to claim 21, wherein each of the at least one strapping head (180) or several strapping heads (180) is guided in a track system (210) parallel to a conveying section (230) to convey the commodity group (20) along a conveying direction (TR), wherein the chute control device for pre-positioning the feed movement of the operating element (188) of the strapping head (180) according to position or is assigned to at least a portion of the conveying section (230) in each of the several strapping heads (180).

23. The packaging apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the packaging apparatus is equipped with several strapping heads (180) that can be controlled synchronously or by means of a chute control device in a position-dependent manner.

24. A method for producing a packaging unit (10), the packaging unit comprising at least two goods (12) of the same type, wherein the at least two goods (12) are held together by at least one packaging blank (14), and wherein the method comprises the following steps: - The main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) is applied to the first end face (16) of the grouped goods (12) to form a connection between the goods (12) and the primary fixing means (22) of the packaging blank (14), the primary fixing means (22) fixing the position of the goods (12) relative to each other. - Fold at least one side surface (24) adjacent to the long side of the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) to form a secondary fastening means (30) that engages with the side surface (26) of the product (12). -The secondary securing means (30) wherein the secondary securing means (30) consists of a binding portion (32) that surrounds the defined area of ​​the side (26) of the commodity (12) and secures the commodity (12) in a parallel orientation. The at least one packaging blank (14) is received from a storage section or from a storage bin (234) by means of an application head (130), prepared in the application head (130), and transferred by means of the application head (130) to the prepared product group (20) so as to apply it to the product group (20) while forming the primary fixing means (22), wherein the application head (130) as a whole, together with the packaging blank (14) held therein, is lowered to the upper side of the product group (20), wherein the packaging blank (14) is applied thereto.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein two side surfaces (24) adjacent to the long side of the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) are folded to form a secondary fastening means (30) that engages with the side surface (26) of the product (12).

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein the binding portion (32) of the secondary fixing means (30) is composed of a strip portion (28) of the packaging blank (14), each strip portion extending the side surface (24) in a direction along the longitudinal extension direction of the side surface (24).

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the side surface (24) and the strip portion (28) are folded and shaped into a binding portion (32) by means of an operating tool (56), wherein overlapping end regions in the binding portion are fixed to each other and / or fixed to the side (26) of the product (12).

28. The method according to claim 24, wherein the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) is shaped, folded or indented in the region between adjacent goods (12), wherein adjacent primary fastening means (22) together with the goods (12) held therein are close to each other.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein adjacent primary fixing means (22) together with the goods (12) held therein approach each other until the adjacent goods (12) come into contact.

30. The method according to claim 24, wherein the application head (130) moves within a movement space between a storage portion of the flat package blank (14) and a conveying portion having the commodity group (20) located thereon.

31. The method according to claim 24, wherein at least two modular application units (132) are arranged side by side within the application head (130), thus enabling parallel operation of two identical product groups (20) and enabling the provision of packaging blanks (14).

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein, in order to apply each packaging blank (14) onto the product group (20), a flat bonding plate (144) descends in the respective application unit (132) while simultaneously closing the negative pressure at the suction element (138) that holds the packaging blank (14) in the respective application unit (132), and / or the bonding plate (144) descends relative to the suction element (138) that is fixedly located in the application head (130) in the respective application unit (132), whereby the packaging blank (14) is spaced apart from and detached from the suction element (138).

33. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein, when the strapping head (180) is applied and used, the secondary fastening means (30) consisting of the strapping portions (32) is applied and formed onto the product group (20), wherein the strapping portions (32) consisting of overlapping areas of foldable portions are pressed together and pressed against the product group (20) by means of the elastically deformable molded part (190) of the strapping head (180), and are bonded together.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the binding portion (32) of the secondary fixing means (30) constituting the packaging unit (10) is formed by means of the controllable and relative feedable operating elements (188) of the binding head (180), the binding head having a molded part (190) respectively arranged at the operating element.

35. The method according to claim 33, wherein, by means of the molding (190) surrounding the packaging unit (10) from several sides, the foldable portion of the packaging blank (14) of each commodity group (20) equipped with the secondary fastening means (30) is at least temporarily pressed against the side (26) of the corresponding commodity (12) and formed here as the binding portion (32).

36. The method according to claim 34, wherein the binding head (180) is lowered onto a group of goods (20) equipped with a prepared packaging blank (14), and the binding portion (32) is produced by the feed movement of the operating element (188) and the action of the molding parts (190) respectively arranged at the operating element.

37. A packaging unit (10), characterized in that, The packaging unit is manufactured according to the method of claim 24, the packaging unit comprising at least two goods (12) of the same type, wherein the at least two goods (12) are held together by at least one packaging blank (14), and wherein the packaging blank (14): - A main surface (18) is applied to the first end face (16) of the grouped goods (12) to form a connection between the goods (12) and the primary fastening means (22) of the packaging blank (14), wherein the primary fastening means (22) fixes the position of the goods (12) relative to each other. - At least one long side of the main surface (18) has an adjacent side surface (24), which is folded and fits against the corresponding side surface (26) of the product (12) to form a secondary fastening means (30) that mates with the side surface (26) of the product (12), and -Having a binding portion (32) constituting the secondary fixing means (30), the binding portion surrounds the defined area of ​​the side (26) of the commodity (12) and fixes the commodity (12) in a parallel orientation.

38. The packaging unit (10) according to claim 37, wherein two side surfaces (24) adjacent to the long side of the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) are folded to form a secondary fixing means (30) that engages with the side surface (26) of the product (12).

39. The packaging unit (10) according to claim 37, wherein the binding portion (32) of the secondary fixing means (30) is composed of a strip portion (28) of the packaging blank (14), each strip portion extending the side surface (24) in a direction along the longitudinal extension direction of the side surface (24).

40. The packaging unit (10) according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the main surface (18) of the packaging blank (14) is shaped, folded or indented in the area between adjacent goods (12), and wherein adjacent primary fastening means (22) together with the goods (12) held therein are close to each other.

41. The packaging unit (10) according to claim 40, wherein adjacent primary securing means (22) together with the goods (12) held therein approach each other to form contact between the respective adjacent goods (12).

Images