Device for applying a packaging additive

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for individually applying packaging accessories (2), preferably tape packaging straws (3), supplied in the form of a continuous tape (5) of packaging accessories to a package (4), in particular a carton composite package, comprising: a separating means (31) for separating the packaging accessories (2) in the continuous tape (5) of packaging accessories, a feeding device (6) for feeding the continuous belt (5) of packaging accessories to the separating member (31), an applying device (9) for applying the separated packaging accessories (2) to the packages (4), and a conveying device (11) for conveying the packages (4) to the applying device (9) along a package conveying path, wherein the continuous belt (5) of packaging accessories has at least one continuous belt (23, 35) and packaging accessories (2) arranged along the at least one continuous belt (23, 35). In order to further reduce the proportion of plastic in the package, it is provided that the continuous belt (23, 35) consists of at least 80% by weight of cellulose and that at least one sensor station (37) is provided, the device is used for respectively detecting the part of the continuous belt (5) with the packaging accessories (2) and the part of the continuous belt (5) without the packaging accessories (2) on the continuous belt (5) which is not separated.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for applying packaging aids supplied in the form of a continuous belt of packaging aids, preferably with packaging straws, individually to a package, in particular a cardboard composite package, the device having a separating member for separating packaging aids in the continuous belt of packaging aids, a feeding device for feeding the continuous belt of packaging aids to the separating member, an applying device for applying the separated packaging aids to the package, and a conveying device for conveying the package along a package conveying path to the applying device, wherein the continuous belt of packaging aids has at least one continuous belt and packaging aids arranged along the at least one continuous belt. The present invention also relates to a method for applying packaging aids supplied as a continuous belt of packaging aids, preferably with packaging straws, individually to a package, in particular a cardboard composite package, the method preferably using a device of the above type.

[0002] In addition to bottles and cans, composite packaging is used when filling and packaging flowable products such as beverages or other foods. Composite packaging consists of packaging materials that are joined together. For example, carton composite packaging contains plastic packaging material in addition to cardboard packaging material. The cardboard and plastic are laminated together to form a so-called packaging laminate. The cardboard layer stabilizes the package and serves as a carrier layer for the plastic layer. The plastic layer acts as a liquid barrier so that the packaged product, such as a free-flowing product (e.g. beverage), can be filled and moisture cannot penetrate the cardboard layer from the outside. The plastic layer can also be used as a thermoplastic layer for sealing. This makes it possible, for example, to achieve a close fit between the materials and to form the package and achieve closure of the package by a sealed seam. The layer structure of the packaging laminate can vary depending on the requirements. For example, for sterile products, additional aluminum layers are inserted to achieve a good gas and light barrier effect. In order to fold the flat packaging laminate, i.e. to enable it to be folded by machine, creases are usually formed in the packaging laminate. The creases predefine the subsequent folding lines. The folds on the package form a package edge and / or enable the formation of a package bottom and / or a package top. The packaging laminate is also typically printed with a design.

[0003] The packaging laminate can be cut to size so that the resulting blank can be further processed into a so-called packaging sleeve blank. The blank is folded and joined by a longitudinal sealed seam to form a packaging sleeve. This packaging sleeve blank forms the actual packaging material of the paperboard composite package. Alternatively, the packaging laminate can be provided as a continuous material, in particular in a roll.

[0004] The actual forming of the package, the filling and the sealing of the filling and packaging material into the package are carried out in the packaging machine. With regard to its main functions, in particular forming the package, filling the package and sealing the package, the packaging machine is often called a forming / filling / sealing machine. The products to be filled are mainly liquid foods, such as beverages, soups or yogurts. Solid, pasty and block products or flowable products with block components are also possible, which can also preferably be foods. In the case of beverages, the carton composite package is also called a beverage carton composite package.

[0005] This type of packaging is sometimes also provided with packaging aids, such as pouring elements and / or straws, also called drinking straws. The latter are usually wrapped in a sealed outer packaging (in order to ensure the necessary hygiene). For example, the packaging aids can be glued to the side wall of the cardboard composite packaging by hot glue. If the consumer wants to drink the product with a straw, he first removes the packaged straw from the side wall of the packaging, especially the cardboard composite packaging, and peels the straw off the outer packaging. The tapered end of the exposed straw can then be pushed into a particularly weak area in the packaging, especially the carton composite packaging, so that the product can be drunk directly through the straw.

[0006] As a mass-produced commodity, packaging aids are usually sold on the market in the form of continuous strips. A continuous strip of packaging aids usually consists of a large number of packaging aids connected to each other in the direction of the strip, from which the packaging aids are separated or separated one by one, and then applied to the package. For example, in the case of a continuous straw strip, it is formed by straws arranged in a direction perpendicular to the strip and shrink-wrapped in a film. The film forms both the outer packaging of each straw and the "continuous" strip formed by the continuous arrangement of the straws.

[0007] For ecological and economic reasons, the plastic content of packaging should generally be as low as possible, but this should not lead to disadvantages in the production of the packaging, the transportation of the packaging or the subsequent handling of the packaging by the end consumer. Therefore, in order to save material, the plastic layers and plastic films used to produce the packaging are generally made as thin as possible.

[0008] It is therefore the object of the present invention to design and further develop a device and a method of the type mentioned at the outset and explained in more detail above in such a way that the plastic content of the packaging can be further reduced.

[0009] This object is achieved by an apparatus according to the general term of claim 1, wherein the continuous band consists of at least 80% cellulose by weight and in each case at least one sensor station is arranged on the continuous band of packing aids that has not yet been separated for detecting a portion of the continuous band of packing aids that has packing aids and a portion of the continuous band of packing aids that does not have packing aids.

[0010] According to claim 16, the problem is further solved by a method for individually applying a packaging accessory supplied in the form of a continuous packaging accessory, preferably a packaging accessory with a straw, to a package, in particular a composite cardboard package, the method particularly using a device according to one of claims 1 to 15.

[0011] By using a continuous tape made of at least 80% by weight of cellulose (i.e., essentially paper) instead of being made entirely of plastic, the plastic content of the package can be reduced. In addition, the packaging accessories arranged along the continuous tape can also be formed essentially of cellulose or paper, for example if the packaging accessory is a straw or the like. However, compared to a continuous tape made of plastic, a continuous tape made of paper has some disadvantages. They are generally more difficult to process and are more prone to tearing. For this reason, when processing a corresponding continuous tape of packaging accessories made of at least 80% by weight of cellulose in a filling machine, malfunctions are expected to occur more frequently and the malfunctions should be kept to a minimum as much as possible.

[0012] In order to rule out such malfunctions or at least be able to detect them in a timely manner, the device for applying the packaging accessories is therefore equipped with a sensor station that can detect different parts of the continuous tape of packaging accessories. This can be achieved by the sensor station identifying or detecting the parts of the continuous tape of packaging accessories with packaging accessories and the parts of the continuous tape of packaging accessories without packaging accessories that are alternately arranged. However, if necessary, it is also sufficient for the sensor station to only identify or detect the parts with packaging accessories or only identify or detect the parts without packaging accessories. If the sensor station does not detect the corresponding part, it can be concluded that the corresponding other part of the continuous tape of packaging accessories has passed the sensor station. If only the parts of the continuous tape of packaging accessories with packaging accessories are detected and there is a long distance in time or space between these parts, the actually expected packaging accessories may be missing at some points on the continuous tape of packaging accessories, or the continuous tape of packaging accessories may tear. If neither the parts of the continuous tape of packaging accessories with packaging accessories nor the parts of the continuous tape of packaging accessories without packaging accessories pass the sensor station, the latter can also be detected. If the continuous tape of packaging accessories does not have a packaging accessory where there should actually be one, or if the continuous tape of packaging accessories tears, then without intervening in the process in an appropriate way, there is a risk of producing defective products, i.e., packages without packaging accessories. For example, the system controller can stop the process and allow the system operator to intervene. The operator can check whether the continuous packaging tape is torn or whether there is no packaging material at certain points as needed.

[0013] In addition, when using a continuous paper tape, especially if the packaging accessory is arranged between two layers of continuous paper tape, it may not be easy to see whether the applied part or the part to be applied of the continuous tape of the packaging accessory actually also has the packaging accessory. This is especially the case if the packaging accessory itself is made of paper, such as in the case of a paper straw. Therefore, there is a risk that packages without the packaging accessory are produced and delivered to consumers without this being noticed in time, resulting in the corresponding packages not being able to be removed from the process as waste or preventing the application of defective parts of the continuous tape of the packaging accessory.

[0014] In order to be able to draw useful conclusions about the state of the continuous tape of the packaging accessory in the area of the sensor station via the sensor station, it is advantageous to know the conveying speed of the continuous tape of the packaging accessory in the area of the sensor station. For this purpose, the conveying speed can be measured, or a drive device can be used to convey the continuous tape of the packaging accessory, with which the conveying speed of the continuous tape of the packaging accessory can be set very precisely. This allows precise conclusions to be drawn about the points along the continuous tape of the packaging accessory: where there is a packaging accessory at these points, or where there is no packaging accessory at these points. In addition, the distance between two packaging accessories can be determined very precisely, for example, whether the distance between the packaging accessories corresponds to a specified distance and / or whether the distance between a plurality of consecutive packaging accessories remains constant.

[0015] In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the device, a feeding device including a rotatable turntable is provided. The turntable has receiving portions arranged around the circumference for conveying the packaging accessory to the separating element and for transferring the separated packaging accessory. The feeding device is arranged for the most reliable and trouble-free handling of the continuous tape of the packaging accessory and for the simple separation of the packaging accessory. Thus, before separation, the packaging accessories are separated by the turntable in a predetermined manner, and after separation, they are held by the turntable in a defined manner. To simplify the separation of the packaging accessory, the turntable may have radial notches between the holding members to accommodate the separating element during the separation process. The separating element is preferably a tool or cutter that can be inserted into the holding members to cut the continuous tape of the packaging accessory at a predetermined point between the packaging accessories. Especially in the case of a rotatable turntable, the sensor station can be used to adjust the circumferential position of the turntable to the position of the packaging accessory along the continuous tape of the packaging accessory. This ensures that the packaging accessory is always reliably picked up into the receiving portion of the turntable. On the other hand, if the receiving portion and the packaging accessory are not synchronized, the packaging accessory may hit the turntable before or after the receiving portion, and thus cannot be picked up into the receiving portion of the turntable as expected.

[0016] In order to simply, reliably and repeatedly detect a continuous packaging tape, it is recommended that the sensor station have a probe for mechanically scanning the continuous tape of the packaging accessory. The probe is at least partially and at least temporarily in contact with the continuous tape of the packaging accessory. Based on the respective contact situation or based on whether contact is detected between the probe and the continuous tape of the packaging accessory, it can be inferred where the packaging accessory is provided and where it is not provided. Alternatively or additionally, the continuous tape of the packaging accessory can be scanned with an ultrasonic sensor. The scanning with the ultrasonic sensor is different from that with the probe, which is scanned by ultrasonic waves and is thus non-contact, which can protect the continuous tape of the packaging accessory and prevent the continuous tape of the packaging accessory from being torn.

[0017] In the case of scanning the continuous tape of the packaging accessory with a probe, the probe can preferably be arranged at a short distance from the turntable. In this way, installation space can be saved, and the continuous tape of the packaging accessory can be detected only shortly before separation. This basically ensures that the continuous tape of the packaging accessory will not change after detection and will thus not be detected again. However, if the sensor station detects that the continuous tape of the packaging accessory deviates from the process specifications, then manual intervention is only possible to a limited extent. For these reasons, it is recommended that the distance between the probe and the turntable measured along the continuous tape of the packaging accessory be less than the distance between 20, preferably 15, particularly preferably 10, and even more particularly preferably 5 consecutive packaging accessories along the continuous tape of the packaging accessory. The shorter this distance, the more directly and less affected the continuous tape of the packaging accessory can be inspected shortly before separation to see if the specifications of the continuous tape of the packaging accessory have actually been met.

[0018] If, during the measurement process, the continuous tape of the packaging accessory abuts against a support on the side opposite to the probe, the accuracy and reproducibility of the measurement can be improved. For simplicity, the support can be a support plate along which the continuous packaging tape is guided and positioned. Alternatively or additionally, when scanning the continuous tape of the packaging accessory, the probe can be in continuous contact with the continuous tape of the packaging accessory. Thus, the sensor is in contact with the continuous tape of the packaging accessory in the part with the packaging accessory and in the part without the packaging accessory. This can also lead to a more reliable measurement. In addition, the part with the packaging accessory and the part without the packaging accessory can be detected separately and independently of other parts. Thus, it can be directly recognized whether the continuous tape of the packaging accessory is torn and thus no more packaging accessories are fed.

[0019] If the probe of a sensor station is designed as a rocker that pivots about a pivot, and the rocker has a probe arm for mechanically scanning the continuous band of the packaging accessory and a probe arm for detecting the position of the probe arm when scanning the continuous band of the packaging accessory, the probe can have a simple, durable and precise design. When the probe arm scans the continuous band of the packaging accessory, the probe arm rotates back and forth about the axis of rotation according to whether the scanned portion of the continuous band of the packaging accessory has a packaging accessory. Similarly, then, the probe arm rotates about the axis of rotation. Then the position of the probe arm can be detected in order to infer the position of the probe arm in the scanned portion of the continuous band of the packaging accessory. If a proximity sensor for detecting the position of the probe arm is provided for the sensor arm, the position of the probe arm can be detected reliably, accurately and easily. If the probe arm is close to the proximity sensor at one position, it will be detected. If the probe arm is far from the proximity sensor at another position, the proximity sensor may not detect the probe arm. However, in principle, both positions can be detected. This can be done with one proximity sensor, but it is particularly easy with two proximity sensors. At one position of the probe arm, it is arranged close to one proximity sensor and detected by this sensor, while at another position of the probe arm, it is close to another proximity sensor and is thus detected by this second proximity sensor.

[0020] To avoid unnecessarily damaging the continuous packaging band due to scanning with the probe, the probe arm can have a scanning roller for scanning the continuous band of the packaging accessory. Then, rolling this scanning roller along the continuous band of the packaging accessory can significantly reduce the risk of damage to the continuous packaging band. This makes measuring the continuous band of the packaging accessory particularly simple and meaningful. This means that it is advantageous to scan the continuous band of the packaging accessory on the side of the packaging accessory. If a scanning roller is provided for the rotation sensor, the rotation sensor can determine whether the scanning roller is rotating. If the continuous band of the packaging accessory is torn, the scanning roller will no longer be driven by the continuous band of the packaging accessory passing by it from a certain point in time and will thus stop rotating. The evaluation device can identify this situation and initiate certain actions, such as shutting down the device or sending a message to the system operator. If a speed sensor is provided for the scanning roller, the speed at which the continuous band of the packaging accessory is guided through the scanning roller can even be measured. If this speed is greater than or less than the desired speed, an impending failure can be indicated, and the evaluation device can report this to the system controller.

[0021] Regardless of whether a scanning roller is used, when scanning a section without packaging accessories, if the probe arm, especially the scanning roller, is spaced apart from the continuous strip of packaging accessories, it helps to protect the continuous strip of packaging accessories. Therefore, the probe only needs to partially contact the continuous strip of packaging accessories. For example, by alternately conveying sections with packaging accessories and sections without packaging accessories, the force acting on the continuous strip of packaging accessories can be reduced. When scanning a section of the continuous strip of packaging accessories without packaging accessories, the probe arm, especially the scanning roller, can partially extend into the gap between the packaging accessories, for example, in the direction of the continuous strip, but does not have to actually contact the continuous strip arranged in this direction. However, actual contact can still be provided.

[0022] If an ultrasonic sensor has an ultrasonic source for irradiating the continuous strip of packaging accessories, an ultrasonic detector for collecting the ultrasonic waves reflected from the continuous strip of packaging accessories, and an evaluation unit for detecting the presence and / or absence of packaging accessories based on the propagation time difference of ultrasonic waves between the ultrasonic source and the ultrasonic detector, then the ultrasonic sensor can be used to scan the continuous strip of packaging accessories in a suitable manner. The ultrasonic source emits an ultrasonic signal in the direction of the continuous strip of packaging accessories, and the ultrasonic signal is partially reflected by the continuous strip of packaging accessories and then picked up by the ultrasonic detector. The ultrasonic source and the ultrasonic detector are connected to the evaluation unit, which determines the propagation time between the signal emission and the signal interception. If the ultrasonic wave encounters a packaging accessory, the signal requires a shorter propagation time, which depends on the relative positions of the continuous strip of packaging accessories and the ultrasonic sensor; if the ultrasonic wave encounters the continuous strip of packaging accessories between two packaging accessories, a longer propagation time is required. Based on the difference in propagation time over time, the evaluation unit can determine at which points on the continuous strip of packaging accessories there are packaging accessories and at which points there are no packaging accessories.

[0023] Regardless of this, the area of the continuous strip of packaging accessories monitored by the ultrasonic sensor can be arranged along the continuous strip of packaging accessories at a distance of at least 300 mm, preferably at least 400 mm, and particularly preferably at least 500 mm from the turntable of the feeding device. This minimum distance allows the system controller to stop the device in time when the continuous strip of packaging accessories tears and this tear is detected by the ultrasonic sensor. Then, only the end of the continuous packaging strip that is still being conveyed is transported to a specific position, so that the torn continuous strip of packaging accessories or a new continuous strip of packaging accessories can be inserted into the device without leaving a gap. It goes without saying that the greater the distance between the area monitored by the ultrasonic sensor and the turntable of the feeding device, the easier this is. However, usually there is little available installation space, or if this distance is too large, in order to be able to insert a new continuous strip of packaging accessories, a long section of the torn continuous strip of packaging accessories may have to be handled.

[0024] The advantage of the above distance is also that in the case of a tear in the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries, the two ends on both sides of the tear can be easily reconnected using a template. To this end, at the points provided for this purpose, the last packaging auxiliary and the two ends are inserted into the template respectively, so that the two ends are aligned and positioned adjacent to each other. In this relative position (the individual packaging auxiliaries are fixed at regular intervals in the template), the ends can be glued to each other in a mezzotint. For this purpose, for example, an adhesive tape can be used. Then the template can be removed and the process can be started again. Depending on the packaging auxiliaries or the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries used, the template must have a certain minimum size so that the larger distance between the area of the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries monitored by the ultrasonic sensor and the turntable of the feeding device allows the use of a larger template.

[0025] For controlling and / or regulating the device, it may be useful to equip the sensor station with an evaluation unit for counting the packaging auxiliaries passing through the sensor station, for detecting the time and / or spatial distance between successive packaging auxiliaries, for detecting the rest state of the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries and / or for detecting a tear in the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries. By counting the packaging auxiliaries, the consumption of packaging auxiliaries can be tracked. However, it is also possible to check whether the number of packaging auxiliaries is the same as the number of packages for which the packaging auxiliaries are provided. The detection of the time and / or spatial distance allows the following conclusions to be drawn: whether the packaging auxiliaries are accidentally missing at certain points along the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries, whether the distance between the packaging auxiliaries along the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries corresponds to a predetermined distance, and / or whether the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries may be torn and thus whether the device should be stopped. However, the sensor station can also directly detect the rest state of the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries in order to be able to stop the device subsequently and avoid unnecessary damage to the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries or the device. If the sensor station detects a tear in the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries, the device can also be stopped in order to reduce waste, for example in the form of packages without packaging auxiliaries.

[0026] If the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries is configured in the form of a blister pack, it is particularly useful for applying the packaging auxiliaries and scanning the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries. The packaging auxiliaries can then be held between two parallel continuous strips, both of which are made of paper if required. Regardless of this, the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries can have an opacity of at least 1 / 2. In other words, only 50% of the transmitted light passes through the continuous packaging strip and can thus be measured according to ISO 2471. This does not affect the sensor station. More precisely, the advantages of the present invention can be significantly demonstrated. This is even more evident if the opacity is at least 4 or at least 6, i.e.: if only 25% or 17% of the light passes through the continuous packaging strip. If the continuous strip of packaging auxiliaries has the opacity as described above and is used in combination with the above-mentioned sensor station, the advantages of the present invention can be significantly demonstrated.

[0027] It is particularly useful for the process and its control and / or regulation if the packaging accessories are arranged at regular intervals along a continuous strip of packaging accessories. Furthermore, if the two continuous strips are made of the same type of paper, it is beneficial for the simplification of the process and equipment.

[0028] In order to be able to better handle the continuous strip of packaging accessories without the continuous strip of packaging accessories being frequently torn, at least one continuous strip of the continuous strip of packaging accessories, especially each continuous strip, can be made of paper with a grammage between 25 g / m 2 and 60 g / m 2 However, in order to prevent the continuous strip of packaging accessories from becoming too stiff, in many cases, if the grammage of the paper is between 25 g / m 2 and 50 g / m 2 or even only between 25 g / m 2 and 40 g / m 2 it may be appropriate. Alternatively or additionally, for the same reason, if at least one continuous strip of the continuous strip of packaging accessories, especially each continuous strip, has a thickness of less than 65 µm, it may be appropriate. If the thickness is less than 55 µm or less than 45 µm, the continuous strip of packaging accessories is softer and uses less raw material. For example, the grammage can be determined according to ISO 536 and the thickness can be determined according to ISO 534.

[0029] In order to ensure that the continuous strip of packaging accessories can also withstand rapid processing on the filling machine, at least one continuous strip of the continuous strip of packaging accessories, especially each continuous strip, can have a tensile strength between 2.5 kN / m and 6 kN / m in the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip. However, in order to ensure that the continuous strip of packaging accessories also provides less processing resistance, a tensile strength between 2.5 kN / m and 5 kN / m, or even only between 2.5 kN / m and 4 kN / m, may be sufficient. In this way, the continuous strip of packaging accessories is more flexible, which can simplify the processing. Alternatively or additionally, for the same reason, at least one continuous strip of the continuous strip of packaging accessories, especially each continuous strip, can have a tensile strength between 0.7 kN / m and 3.5 kN / m in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip. In principle, during processing, the tensile force transverse to the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip tends to be lower than the tensile force in the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip. This can also allow the tensile strength transverse to the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip to be between 0.7 kN / m and 2.5 kN / m, or only between 0.7 kN / m and 2 kN / m, without endangering the processing performance. For example, the tensile strength can be measured according to ISO 1924-3.

[0030] It should also be ensured that the continuous strip of the packaging accessory does not tear frequently, otherwise it will cause the machine to stop. Therefore, it is recommended that at least one continuous strip of the continuous strip of the packaging accessory, especially each continuous strip, has a tensile strength of 150 mN to 600 mN in the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip and / or in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip. However, in the case of a uniformly processed and flexible continuous strip of the packaging accessory, it is also sufficient if the tear strength in the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip and / or in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip is between 150 mN and 500 mN or even only between 150 mN and 400 mN. For example, the tear strength can be measured according to ISO 1974.

[0031] In order to improve the durability, moisture resistance and processability of the continuous strip of the packaging accessory, it may be advantageous that at least one continuous strip of the continuous strip of the packaging accessory, especially each continuous strip, is provided with at least one coating on at least one side, and the coating is preferably made of at least substantially plastic. For ecological reasons, it is also suitable to use at least substantially biodegradable plastic. Alternatively or additionally, at least one continuous strip of the continuous strip of the packaging accessory, especially each continuous strip, can be impregnated with plastic for the same reason. Here, for ecological reasons, it is also suitable if the plastic is biodegradable plastic. However, alternatively or additionally, it can also be plastic in the form of an adhesive.

[0032] Regarding the packaging accessory, it is recommended that these straws be made of paper. In this case, the advantages of the above method are significantly reflected. The paper can have a cellulose content of at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, especially preferably at least 90% by weight. The higher the proportion of cellulose, the more environmentally friendly the straw produced. However, in order to ensure that the straw is suitable for its intended use and sufficiently moisture-resistant, the paper can contain less than 8%, preferably less than 7%, especially preferably less than 6% by weight of plastic, whereby in a preferred embodiment, for ecological reasons, it can be biodegradable plastic. Depending on the characteristics of the straw, it is possible to freely choose whether it is cellulose that is at least partially impregnated with plastic or cellulose that is at least partially coated.

[0033] The present invention has been described above in particular in connection with the claimed apparatus and the possible process steps for individually applying packaging accessories supplied in the form of a continuous packaging accessory to a packaging have also been explained in more detail, these process steps using in particular the above-mentioned apparatus. The present invention should not, therefore, be understood here as being limited to one apparatus. The present invention also relates to a method for individually applying a packaging accessory, preferably a straw with a wrapper, supplied in the form of a continuous packaging accessory to a packaging, in particular a carton composite packaging. This is particularly suitable (but not exclusively) for the case where the method according to the invention is carried out using an apparatus of the above type, even if the method according to claim 16 is only claimed with reference to this apparatus. In principle, the described method can also be carried out independently of an apparatus of the above type. However, preference is given to using an apparatus having at least some of the features of the above-mentioned apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings showing exemplary embodiments, in which:

[0035] Figures 1A to 1C are respectively a plan view of an apparatus for carrying out the method according to the invention, a side view of a part of a continuous packaging accessory processed using this apparatus, and a side view of a packaging with a packaging accessory applied to the packaging by this apparatus;

[0036] Figure 2 is Figure 1A a plan view of the feed device of the apparatus shown, the feed device including a separating member;

[0037] Figure 3 is a detail in a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 along a cutting plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the feed device in the region of the sensor station;

[0038] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are respectively Figure 3 details at two different positions of the sensor station in the Figure 3 views shown; and

[0039] Figure 5 is a detail of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 presented in the Figure 3 view in the region of another sensor station. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Figure 1AThere is shown a device 1 for applying a packaging accessory 2 in the form of a band-packaged straw 3 to a filled and sealed packaging 4 in the form of a carton composite packaging according to a respective application process, where the packaging 4 is designed as a beverage carton composite packaging in the present case. The packaging accessory 2 is pulled into the device 1 by a feed device 6 in the form of a continuous band 5 of packaging accessories, and the feed device 6 feeds the continuous band 5 of packaging accessories to a separating device 7. The separating device 7 separates the continuous band 5 of packaging accessories into individual packaging accessories 2, and these packaging accessories 2 are further transported by the feed device 6 to a transfer device 8, from which the packaging accessories 2 are taken individually and one by one. On the other hand, the packaging accessory 2 is transferred from the transfer device 8 to an application device 9, and thereby the transfer device 8 can be accelerated simultaneously, such that the packaging accessory 2 is transferred to the application device 9 at a significantly higher speed. However, in principle, the transfer device 8 can also be omitted.

[0041] The application device 9 sequentially applies the packaging accessory 2 transferred to the application device 9 from the transfer device 8 to the packaging 4 conveyed past the application position 19 at the application position 19. By means of a conveying device 11, the packaging 4 is conveyed along a packaging conveying path 10 and past the application device 9. The packaging 4 is conveyed past the application device 9, in particular past the application position 19, by the conveying device 11 at a constant speed. For this purpose, the shown and in this regard preferred conveying device 11 has a conveyor belt 14 provided with cams 13, and the conveyor belt 14 extends in the conveying direction of the packaging 4. The individual cams 13 engage form-fittingly with the packaging 4 and move the packaging 4 along the application device 9 at a defined interval and at a defined speed.

[0042] In the shown and in this regard preferred embodiment, the application device 9 is designed as an application wheel 1, and the application wheel 1 has a plurality of applicators 17 that rotate around a rotation axis 16 of the application wheel 15 and are evenly distributed around the circumference of the application wheel 15. Each applicator 17 picks up the packaging accessory 2 at a transfer position 18 and transfers it to the application position 19, thereby applying it to the pre-conveyed packaging 4 at the application position 19.

[0043] In the shown embodiment or example, the connection between the packaging accessory 2 and the packaging 4 is provided by an adhesive connection, but other connections are also conceivable. Hot glue is used as the adhesive, and it is selectively applied to the side 12 of the packaging 4 by an adhesive application device 20 arranged on the packaging conveying path 10, in particular in the form of an adhesive application nozzle. At the application position 19, the packaging accessory 2 is pressed into the hot glue dots. In order to hold the packaging accessory 2 applied in this way in place and to allow the hot glue a certain setting time, when the packaging 4 is conveyed forward, a pressure belt 22 presses the newly applied packaging accessory 2 against the packaging 4 directly starting from the application position 19 for a certain distance.

[0044] The packaging accessory 2 is supplied to the device 1 by means of a continuous belt 5 of packaging accessories (shown in more detail in Figure 1B ), and is applied to the packaging 4 after separation. The packaging accessory 2 is in the form of, for example, a straw 3, which is held between two continuous belts 23, 35. In the illustrated and in this regard preferred device 1, the straw 3 and the continuous belts 23, 35 are made of paper. The portions of the two continuous belts 23, 35 between the plurality of straws 3 are glued together and close to the straw 3, such that the continuous belts form a bag 25 in which the straw 3 is received and held. The straws 3 can have various shapes, but they are in particular at least partially U-shaped or I-shaped straws 3. The illustrated and in this regard preferred continuous belt 5 of packaging accessories includes U-shaped straws 3. In Figure 1C , by way of example, a packaging 4 is shown, which has a packaging accessory 2 applied thereto and separated from the continuous belt 5 of packaging accessories. The packaging accessory 2 is applied approximately diagonally to the relevant side 12 of the packaging 4, but this is not necessary. For example, the packaging accessory 2 can also be arranged parallel to the edge of the packaging 4.

[0045] The illustrated and in this regard preferred packaging 4 contains a flowable foodstuff, in particular a beverage. Furthermore, the packaging 4 is a cardboard composite packaging, and thus a composite beverage cardboard packaging. The packaging is formed from a packaging laminate, which comprises layers of different packaging materials, such as at least cardboard and plastic. The plastic layer is provided on the outer side of the packaging laminate and is formed from a thermoplastic, in particular polyethylene (PE). The packaging 4 is formed and sealed by folding and sealing the packaging laminate. If required, one side of the packaging laminate is printed with a decoration.

[0046] Figure 2 Details of the device 1 shown in Figure 1A are shown, including a feed device 6. The feed device 6 includes a turntable 27 that rotates clockwise about a central axis of rotation 26, the turntable 27 having receiving portions 28 distributed around its circumference for partially receiving the packaging accessory 2. The receiving portions 28 mimic the shape of the straw 3, such that the straw 3 and thus the packaging accessory 2 are held form-fittingly in the receiving portions 28. Stationary side walls 21 are provided around the circumference to ensure that the packaging accessory 2 remains in the holding members 28. A torsion spring-loaded tension plate 30 is provided in the introduction area where the continuous belt 5 of packaging accessories is introduced into the feed device 6, the tension plate 30 guiding the continuous belt 5 of packaging accessories on the circumferential side and pressing the continuous belt 5 of packaging accessories against the turntable 27 and into the holding members 28. When viewed in the conveying direction of the continuous belt 5 of packaging accessories, the tension plate 30 and the side wall 21 are connected. If a new continuous belt 5 of packaging accessories is to be inserted, the tension plate 30 can be pivoted outwards and locked in place, thus simplifying the insertion of the continuous belt 5 of packaging accessories. The illustrated and in this regard preferred feed device 6 consists of a turntable 27 with holding members 28, side walls 21 and a tension plate 30.

[0047] Associated with the feeding device 6 is a separating device 7 which separates the packaging accessory 2 from the continuous strip 5 of packaging accessories by means of a separating member 31. In the illustrated and in this regard preferred device 1, by means of a drive mechanism 32, the separating member 31 moves radially back and forth at least substantially in the direction of the axis of rotation 26 of the turntable 27, as indicated by the double arrow. The separating member 31 is designed as a sharp cutting blade at the edge 33 associated with the continuous strip 5 of packaging accessories and cuts through the continuous strip 5 of packaging accessories in the connection area between two successive packaging accessories 2, whereby the plurality of packaging accessories 2 of the continuous strip 5 of packaging accessories are separated from each other or one by one. In this process, the separating member 31 engages at least partially in a notch 34 which is arranged along the circumference of the turntable 27 between the receiving portions 28 for the packaging accessories 2.

[0048] The turntable 27 operates in a step mode in which the turntable 27 periodically stops and further rotates a circumferential segment corresponding to the width of the packaging accessory 2. For this purpose, the turntable 27 is synchronized with the drive mechanism 32 of the separating device 7 such that when the turntable 27 stops, the separating element 31 moves forward in the direction of the axis of rotation 26 of the turntable 27 and returns again to the starting position. When the separating member 31 moves forward, the separating member 31 cuts through the continuous strip 5 of packaging accessories in the area of the engaging notch 34. Once the separating member 31 disengages again from the engagement with the notch 34, especially when it has returned to the starting position, the turntable 27 continues to rotate to the next position in the next step, as a result of which the separating member 31 is opposite the next notch 34 and can separate the next packaging accessory 2 from the continuous strip 5 of packaging accessories by its forward movement. The separating device 7 is arranged at a fixed position on the feeding device 6 and only the separating element 31 moves back and forth in a straight line and radially with respect to the turntable 27. In the illustrated and preferred separating member 31, there is no periodic adjustment of the separating member 31 in the circumferential direction. The packaging accessories 2 separated in this way are further conveyed in the direction of the receiving position 36 with each additional step of the feeding device 6, from which receiving position 36 the packaging accessories 2 are transferred to and received by the transfer device 8.

[0049] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing details of the device 1 in the region of the sensor station 37 is shown. The illustrated and in this regard preferred sensor station 37 is assigned to the transfer device 8 and is connected upstream of the feeding device 6 in order to reduce the required installation space. The illustrated and in this regard preferred sensor station 37 is also a sensor station with a sensor 38 for mechanically sensing the continuous strip 5 of packaging accessories. The continuous strip 5 of packaging accessories from Figure 335 and is deflected around a deflection roller 39. After the continuous belt 5 for packaging aids has been deflected by the deflection roller 39, the continuous belt 5 for packaging aids is guided along a support 40 in the form of a support plate and the continuous belt 5 for packaging aids rests on the support 40 with the rear side of the continuous belt 35 thereon. Another continuous belt 23 is arranged on the side of the continuous belt 35 for packaging aids facing away from the support 40. In the case of blister packaging, the two continuous belts 23, 35 extend substantially parallel to each other, and the packaging aids 2 in the form of straws 3 are accommodated between the continuous belts 23, 35 at regular intervals. In the device 1 shown and preferred in this respect, the continuous belts 23, 35 are made of paper, as are the packaging aids 2.

[0050] Sensor station 37 comprises probe 38, and this probe 38 contacts with packing auxiliary continuous belt 5 on the side that packing auxiliary continuous belt 5 turns away from support 40.Contact between probe 38 and packing auxiliary continuous belt 5 is realized by scanning roller 41, and scanning roller 41 is arranged at the end of probe arm 42.Probe arm 42 can pivot around pivot axis 43.Probe 38 also has sensor arm 44, and this sensor arm also can pivot around pivot axis 43 of scanner 38.Sensor arm 44 and probe arm 42 are connected with each other in the orientation fixed relative to each other.Therefore, probe arm 42 and sensor arm 44 are arranged around pivot axis 43 in the mode of rocker.The precise relative position of probe arm 42 and sensor arm 44 can be selected in a wide range as needed.In the case of the button 38 shown and preferred in this respect, probe arm 42 and sensor arm 44 are basically arranged relative to each other with respect to pivot axis 43.

[0051] After passing the sensor station 37, the continuous belt 5 of the packaging auxiliary is received by the turntable 27 of the feeding device 6 and moved to the separation device 7, which separates the continuous belt 5 of the packaging auxiliary. Each separated portion 45 of the continuous belt 5 of the packaging auxiliary separated in this way includes a section of two continuous belts 23, 35 and the packaging auxiliary 2 held between them. The separated portion 45 of the continuous belt 5 of the packaging auxiliary is initially held by the turntable 27 of the feeding device 6 and then transferred to the transfer device 8. However, if necessary, the transfer device 8 can also be omitted, and the corresponding independent portion 45 of the continuous belt 5 of the packaging auxiliary can be directly transferred from the feeding device 6 to the application device.

[0052] exist Figures 4A to 4B , a sensor station 37 with a probe 38 is shown in two different positions when scanning the continuous belt 5 of packaging aids, namely: from and according to Figure 3 Therefore, in order to explain more clearly, the conveying direction of the continuous belt 5 of the packaging auxiliary parts is in the direction opposite to the observation direction of the observation direction. Figures 4A to 4B Enter it as an arrow in the Figure 4AIn it, the probe 38 is arranged in the portion of the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory that does not have the packaging accessory 2. The scanning roller 41 does not contact the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory. The scanning roller 41 is held in the initial position by the probe arm 42 and the spring device 46 acting on the probe arm 42. The probe arm 42 can move from this initial position to the sensor position against the restoring force of the spring device 46. In this initial position, the sensor arm 44 is pressed against the stopper 47 by the restoring force of the spring device 46 and is held there. The sensor arm 44 is arranged on the side close to the proximity sensor 48. In this position, the proximity sensor 48 does not detect that the sensor arm 44 is in front of the proximity sensor 48.

[0053] Figure 4B The position of the shown probe 38 is changed. Then, the scanning roller 41 of the probe arm 42 contacts the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory, that is: it contacts in the area of the packaging accessory 2. Thus, in the direction of the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory, the pivot axis 43 of the probe 38 is spaced a certain distance from the contact point between the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory and the scanning roller 41, so that the probe arm 42 is displaced in the direction away from the support 40 by the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory, that is: against the restoring force of the spring device 46. During this process, the probe 38 pivots until the sensor arm 44 of the probe 38 is in front of the proximity sensor 48, so that the proximity sensor 48 senses that the sensor arm 44 is in front of the proximity sensor 18. The proximity sensor 48 is connected to the evaluation unit 49. The evaluation unit 49 uses the signal from the proximity sensor 48 and, if necessary, other parameters and / or measured values to determine the information related to the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory.

[0054] When the packaging accessory 2 moves under the scanning roller 41, the scanning roller 41 moves back to the starting position, in which the sensor arm 44 contacts the associated stopper 47 again. If the next packaging accessory 2 moves past the sensor 38, the adjustment process of the probe 38 moving to the sensor position and then back to the starting position described above is repeated. The scanning roller 41 is arranged along the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory at a certain distance from the turntable 27 of the feeding device 6, and this distance roughly corresponds to the distance between three consecutive packaging accessories 2 along the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory.

[0055] As an alternative to the aforementioned probe 38, if necessary, a scanning roller can also be provided, the diameter of which is chosen to be large enough so that the sensing roller cannot penetrate into the space between the two packaging accessories 2, thereby preventing the scanning roller from contacting the continuous belts 23, 35 between the packaging accessories 2. In this position, the scanning roller centered between two consecutive packaging accessories 2 abuts against the adjacent packaging accessory 2, and in this position, the scanning roller can only penetrate into the space between the packaging accessories 2 to a depth allowed by the diameter of the sensing roller. The scanning roller is preferably larger than the distance between consecutive packaging accessories 2, especially at least 1.25 times larger, and more especially at least 1.5 times larger.

[0056] The ultrasonic sensor 50 of the sensor station 37 is shown in Figure 5 where the distance between the ultrasonic sensor 50 and the turntable 27 of the feeding device 6 is significantly greater than the distance between the probe 38 and the turntable 27. If necessary, the ultrasonic sensor 50 can also replace the probe 38, and vice versa. However, in the illustrated and in this regard preferred device, in addition to the probe 38, an ultrasonic sensor 50 is also provided. Due to the significant distance between the ultrasonic sensor 50 and the probe 38, the measurement results allow conclusions to be drawn regarding whether the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessories is torn. For example, if the probe 38 does not detect any packaging accessory 2 for a period of time, it cannot be reliably inferred from this situation whether the packaging accessory 2 is only accidentally missing at several consecutive points, or whether the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessories is torn and thus no longer any packaging accessory 2 is fed to the probe 38. However, if in this case the ultrasonic sensor 50 simultaneously detects the packaging accessory 2 being guided past the ultrasonic sensor 50, then the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessories will not be torn or will only be torn in a specific area of the device 1 at most.

[0057] The ultrasonic sensor 50 is associated with a guide roller 51, and the continuous packaging belt 5 is guided along the guide roller 51. In order to determine the position of the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessories in the area of the ultrasonic sensor 50, a guide stop 52 is provided, which together with the guide roller 51 encloses a gap 53 that is slightly wider than the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessories in this direction. The continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessories abuts against the guide stop 52 with its rear continuous belt 35, and its front continuous belt 23 is aligned with the packaging accessory 2 in the direction of the ultrasonic sensor 50. As a result, there is at least a substantially determined or at least a substantially constant distance between the rear continuous belt 35 and the ultrasonic sensor 50.

[0058] The ultrasonic sensor 50 includes an ultrasonic source 54 and an ultrasonic detector 55 that are jointly located in a housing 56. The ultrasonic source 54 emits an ultrasonic signal 57 in the direction of the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory. The ultrasonic signal is reflected by the continuous belts 23, 35 of the packaging accessory and then acquired by the ultrasonic detector 55. The guide roller 51 and the guide stop 52 together ensure that the ultrasonic wave impinges on the continuous belt of the packaging accessory as vertically as possible, so as to be reflected back in a determined manner in the direction of the ultrasonic detector 55. The ultrasonic sensor 50 further includes an evaluation unit 58 that determines the propagation time of the ultrasonic signal 57 between transmission and interception. In Figure 5 the shown case, the ultrasonic signal 57 impinges on the continuous belts 23, 35 provided between two adjacent packaging accessories 2 and is reflected therefrom. Compared with the case where the ultrasonic signal impinges on the area of the packaging accessory 2 in the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory, the ultrasonic signal 57 requires a longer propagation time to be acquired by the ultrasonic detector 55. In this case, the distance and propagation time for the ultrasonic signal 57 to be acquired by the ultrasonic detector 55 are shorter. These differences in propagation time can be used to determine whether there is a packaging accessory 2 in the area of the ultrasonic sensor 50 at a specific time. If the ultrasonic detector 50 does not detect more signals, this may be because there is no continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory in the area of the ultrasonic sensor 50, for example because the end of the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory has been reached or because the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory has been torn.

[0059] Not shown in detail is that the device has a discharging device for discharging the packaging 4 without the packaging accessory 2. The discharging device can be controlled by the sensor station 37. If it is recognized that at a certain specific time point, the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory being processed does not have a packaging accessory 2 at certain points, then the packaging 4 without the packaging accessory 2 will be produced with a certain time offset. Since this time offset is known, the corresponding packaging 4 can be discharged from the product flow of the packaging 4 through the discharging device after the corresponding time offset. The same situation also applies when the sensor station 37 detects that there is no continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory being fed to the feeding device 6 at a specific time. Even so, in principle, production can still continue as long as the corresponding packaging 4 without the continuous belt 5 of the packaging accessory is discharged with a corresponding time delay. The discharged packaging 4 does not necessarily have to be disposed of as waste. It is also conceivable that the packaging 4 is subsequently sent back to the device 1 and is provided with the packaging accessory 2 when it passes through the device 1 next time.

[0060] List of reference signs

[0061] 1 Device

[0062] 2 Packaging accessory

[0063] 3 Straw

[0064] 4 Packaging

[0065] 5 Packaging auxiliary continuous belt

[0066] 6 Feeding device

[0067] 7 Separating device

[0068] 8 Transfer device

[0069] 9 Applying device

[0070] 10 Packaging conveying path

[0071] 11 Conveying device

[0072] 12 Side of the package

[0073] 13 Cam

[0074] 14 Conveyor belt

[0075] 15 Applying wheel

[0076] 16 Rotating shaft

[0077] 17 Applicator

[0078] 18 Receiving position

[0079] 19 Applying position

[0080] 20 Adhesive applying device

[0081] 21 Side wall

[0082] 22 Pressure belt

[0083] 23 Continuous belt

[0084] 24 Edge

[0085] 25 Bag

[0086] 26 Rotating shaft

[0087] 27 Turntable

[0088] 28 Accommodating part

[0089] 29 Side wall

[0090] 30 Clamping plate

[0091] 31 Separating device

[0092] 32 Driving mechanism

[0093] 33 Edge

[0094] 34 Notch

[0095] 35 continuous belt

[0096] 36 receiving position

[0097] 37 sensor station

[0098] 38 probe

[0099] 39 guide roller

[0100] 40 support

[0101] 41 scanning roller

[0102] 42 probe arm

[0103] 43 pivot shaft

[0104] 44 sensor arm

[0105] 45 part

[0106] 46 spring device

[0107] 47 stopper

[0108] 48 proximity sensor

[0109] 49 evaluation unit

[0110] 50 ultrasonic sensor

[0111] 51 guide roller

[0112] 52 guide stopper

[0113] 53 gap

[0114] 54 ultrasonic source

[0115] 55 ultrasonic detector

[0116] 56 housing

[0117] 57 ultrasonic signal

[0118] 58 evaluation unit

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for applying a packaging accessory (2) individually to a package (4), the packaging accessory (2) preferably being a packaging straw (3) and being supplied in the form of a continuous strip of packaging accessories (5), the package (4) being in particular a cardboard composite package, the apparatus having: a separating member (31) for separating the packaging accessories (2) in the continuous strip of packaging accessories (5), a feeding device (6) for feeding the continuous strip of packaging accessories (5) to the separating member (31), an applying device (9) for applying the separated packaging accessories (2) to the package (4), and a conveying device (11) for conveying the package (4) along a packaging conveying path (10) to the applying device (9), wherein, The packaging accessory continuous strip (5) has at least one continuous strip (23, 35) and packaging accessories (2) arranged along the at least one continuous strip (23, 35); It is characterized in that the continuous strip (23, 35) is composed of cellulose with a weight percentage of at least 80%; and at least one sensor station (37) is provided for respectively detecting the part of the packaging accessory continuous strip (5) with packaging accessories (2) and the part of the packaging accessory continuous strip (5) without packaging accessories (2) on the packaging accessory continuous strip (5) that has not been separated.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding device (6) has a rotatable turntable (27), and the turntable (27) has receiving parts (28) arranged circumferentially, and the receiving parts (28) are used for conveying the packaging accessories (2) to the separating member (31) and for transferring the separated packaging accessories (2); Preferably, the turntable (27) has radial notches (34) between the receiving parts (28) for accommodating the separating member (31) during separation.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor station (37) has a probe (38) for mechanically scanning the packaging accessory continuous strip (5) and / or an ultrasonic sensor (50) for scanning the packaging accessory continuous strip (5) by ultrasonic waves.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The probe (38) for sensing the packaging accessory continuous strip (5) is formed to be at a distance from the turntable (27) of the feeding device (6) that is less than the distance between 20, preferably 15, particularly preferably 10, and more particularly preferably 5 consecutive packaging accessories (2) along the packaging accessory continuous strip (5).

5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The packaging accessory continuous strip (5) abuts against a support (40) on the side opposite to the probe (38), and the support (40) is especially a support plate; and / or, the probe (38) is in continuous contact with the packaging accessory continuous strip (5) when scanning the packaging accessory continuous strip (5).

6. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that The probe (38) of the sensor station (37) is designed in the form of a rocker arm pivotally mounted around a pivot axis (43), having a probe arm (42) for mechanically sensing the packaging accessory continuous strip (5) and a sensor arm (44) for detecting the position of the probe arm (42) when sensing the packaging accessory continuous strip (5); Preferably, the sensor arm (44) is provided with a proximity sensor (48) for detecting the position of the sensor arm (44).

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The probe arm (42) has a scanning roller (41) for scanning the packaging accessory continuous strip (5); Preferably, the scanning roller (41) is provided with a rotation sensor, especially a speed sensor.

8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The probe arm (42), especially the scanning roller (41), is spaced apart from the continuous strip (23, 35) when sensing the part of the packaging accessory continuous strip (5) without packaging accessories (2); Preferably, the probe arm (42), in particular the scanning roller (41), partially extends into the intermediate space between the packaging accessories (2) along the direction of the continuous belt (23, 35) when scanning the portion of the continuous belt (5) of the packaging accessories that does not have the packaging accessories (2).

9. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the ultrasonic sensor (50) has: an ultrasonic source (54) for irradiating the continuous belt (5) of the packaging accessories, an ultrasonic detector (55) for collecting the ultrasonic waves reflected from the continuous belt (5) of the packaging accessories, and an evaluation unit (58) for detecting the presence and / or absence of the packaging accessories (2) by the propagation time difference of the ultrasonic waves between the ultrasonic source (54) and the ultrasonic detector (55), and / or, the area of the continuous belt (5) of the packaging accessories monitored by the ultrasonic sensor (50) is at least 300 mm, preferably at least 400 mm, particularly preferably at least 500 mm away from the turntable (27) of the feeding device (6) along the continuous belt (5) of the packaging accessories.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The sensor station (37) has an evaluation unit (49), and the evaluation unit (49) is used for: counting the packaging accessories (2) passing through the sensor station (37); detecting the time and / or spatial distance between the corresponding consecutive packaging accessories (2); detecting the stationary state of the continuous belt (5) of the packaging accessories; and / or detecting the tearing of the continuous belt (5) of the packaging accessories.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The continuous belt (5) of the packaging accessories is configured in the form of a blister package, Preferably, the opacity of the continuous belt (5) of the packaging accessories, in particular the opacity measured according to ISO 2471, is at least 2, preferably at least 4, particularly preferably at least 6.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The continuous belt (5) of the packaging accessories has two continuously extending continuous belts (23, 35) and packaging accessories (2) clamped between the two continuous belts (23, 35), in particular regularly spaced apart; Preferably, the two continuous belts (23, 35) are made of paper, in particular the same type of paper.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one continuous belt (23, 35) of the continuous belt (5) of the packaging accessories, in particular each continuous belt (23, 35), is made of paper with a grammage of 25 g / m² to 60 g / m², preferably 25 g / m² to 50 g / m², particularly preferably 25 g / m² to 40 g / m²; and / or at least one continuous belt (23, 35) of the continuous belt (5) of the packaging accessories, in particular each continuous belt (23, 35), has a thickness less than 65 μm, preferably less than 55 μm, particularly preferably less than 45 μm.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that At least one continuous strip (23, 35), in particular each continuous strip (23, 35), of the continuous strip (5) of the packaging accessory has a tensile strength in the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip of 2.5 kN / m to 6 kN / m, preferably 2.5 kN / m to 5 kN / m, particularly preferably 2.5 kN / m to 4 kN / m; and / or At least one continuous strip (23, 35), in particular each continuous strip (23, 35), of the continuous strip (5) of the packaging accessory has a tensile strength in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip of 0.7 kN / m to 3.5 kN / m, preferably 0.7 kN / m to 2.5 kN / m, particularly preferably 0.7 kN / m to 2 kN / m; and / or At least one continuous strip (23, 35), in particular each continuous strip (23, 35), of the continuous strip (5) of the packaging accessory has a tear strength in the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip and / or in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip of 150 mN to 600 mN, preferably 150 mN to 500 mN, particularly preferably 150 mN to 400 mN.

15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: At least one side of at least one continuous strip (23, 35), in particular each continuous strip (23, 35), of the continuous strip (5) of the packaging accessory is provided with at least one layer of coating, which is preferably at least substantially composed of plastic, particularly preferably substantially composed of biodegradable plastic; and / or At least one continuous strip (23, 35), in particular each continuous strip (23, 35), of the continuous strip (5) of the packaging accessory is impregnated with plastic, in particular plastic in the form of an adhesive and / or biodegradable plastic; and / or The packaging accessory (2) is a straw (3) made of paper, and the paper has a cellulose content of at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 85%, particularly preferably at least 90%; and / or The packaging accessory (2) is a paper straw (3), and the paper straw (3) has a plastic content, in particular biodegradable plastic, of less than 8% by weight, preferably less than 7%, particularly preferably less than 6%.

16. A method for applying a packaging accessory (2) individually to a packaging (4), the packaging accessory (2) being preferably a packaged straw (3) and being supplied in the form of a continuous strip (5) of the packaging accessory, the packaging (4) being in particular a cardboard composite packaging, The method particularly uses the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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