Packaging machine and method for producing packaging units

Abstract

A packaging machine (1) and a method for manufacturing a packaging unit (105) are disclosed. The packaging units (105) are each formed by at least two articles (101) which are combined together by means of a strapping (100). The packaging machine (1) comprises a sorting or grouping module (7) for providing groups of articles (103), a magazine for providing a reserve of strapping tape material, and a customization module (4) in which individual strapping pieces (100) are formed with the provided strapping tape material from a reserve or an endless reserve. Furthermore, the packaging machine (1) comprises an application module (5) having means for mechanically combining the groups of articles (103), onto which the prepared bundle (100) is applied in order to form the packaging unit (105).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging machine and method for manufacturing a packaging unit. The packaging unit is formed by two or more articles combined together by a binding member. Background Art

[0002] Packaging machines can be used to perform various packaging tasks, such as manufacturing a packaging unit formed by a plurality of like single-piece goods or individual articles. In principle, the user has various options to combine single articles or single-piece goods units into larger bundles. For example, beverage containers are typically combined and packaged into bundles of four, six, or more beverage containers per pack using heat shrink film. The manufacture of bundles is usually inevitable because the bundle is the most common variant of the sales unit of beverage containers (such as bottles made of PET plastic). For transportation, in some cases, the bundles are combined again and / or stacked and palletized.

[0003] The heat shrink film used for manufacturing common bundle variants requires specific manufacturing steps, and the overall energy consumption demand of these manufacturing steps is relatively high. In addition, the used heat shrink film generates manufacturing, supply, handling, and subsequent waste disposal costs because the heat shrink film is no longer needed after being sold. The essential mechanical equipment for providing a so-called film wrapping module and other operating stations also incurs high investment costs. Finally, providing a so-called heat shrink tunnel also requires a relatively high capital investment, in which the heat shrink film wrapping the bundle is shrunk around the bottle by applying hot air.

[0004] The so-called strapped bundle can be regarded as an alternative technology to the shrink bundle. The strapped bundle is characterized in that the articles are held together by a binding member horizontally tensioned around the outside of a plurality of articles. The binding member is placed around the articles during an uninterrupted conveying process and then fixed in place. The binding strap consists of at least one strap, which is stretched outside the articles and then connected at both ends under a pre-tension force. For example, in a continuously or periodically operating strapping machine, containers, articles, or bottles are grouped, and then strapped together by one or more straps horizontally tensioned around the single-piece goods by means of a strapping unit. Typical combinations can be, for example, a 1×2 layout (two containers in a row), a 2×2 layout (four containers arranged in a square or diamond shape), a 3×2 layout, a 4×3 layout, or in principle, a variable n×m layout.

[0005] For example, the manufacture of such a strapped bundle is described in the patent application document DE 10 2009 040 700 A1.

[0006] However, the disadvantage of the above-mentioned strapped package is that the strapping elements need to be connected into a closed strapping loop on the article. In particular, additional processing time is required to establish a stable connection, which is a significant disadvantage in terms of the necessary production time and the achievable machine performance, especially during continuous processing. In addition, each locking tool function required for manufacturing the closed strapping elements increases the complexity of the packaging process and the strapping and locking tools used. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The object of the present invention is to optimize the packaging process for manufacturing a packaging unit (specifically, a strapped package), in particular to make it cost-effective, safe and fast, even if the strapping tape material used is a relatively difficult-to-process flat material such as paper or cardboard.

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved by a packaging machine and a method for manufacturing a packaging unit, the features of which are shown in the independent claims. Further advantageous designs of the present invention can be found in the dependent claims and the following description of the present invention.

[0009] In practice, it has been proven that when initially forming a closed strapping tape with sufficient pre-tension and mounting it on a prepared group of articles, some uncertainties are encountered because the previously used strapping heads require both precise control of the supply of the strapping tape from the reserve and sensitive handling and guiding of the tape material within the strapping head in order to obtain the desired results when manufacturing the packaging unit or strapped package. In addition, the processing speed in the strapping area of the packaging machine is usually very high, which makes it more difficult to precisely guide the tape and handle the tape segments as a whole within the strapping head.

[0010] Although the existing requirements for using relatively hard plastic materials as strapping tapes are still easily met, and thus tried and tested technical solutions can be adopted for the handling and processing of plastic strapping tape materials, more and more problems are caused by thinner and less rigid materials, which may lead to interruptions in the production process in adverse cases. Especially when using cellulose-based strapping tape materials (such as thinner cardboard or paper materials), some unpredictable problems will also occur during the production process, such as problems caused by changes in environmental temperature, especially the humidity value at the production site is difficult to calculate or fluctuates greatly.

[0011] For these reasons, the present invention proposes that when manufacturing a strapped package, the strapping elements for this purpose are no longer directly formed in the strapping head that is placed around or put on the provided group of articles from above, nor is the tape tension required to stably hold the articles in the strapped package applied there, but these processes are separated both spatially and temporally.

[0012] This means that, although the strapping is selectively formed and prepared as a closed strapping band with a suitable loop length before being applied to the group of articles to be strapped, this manufacturing and / or preparation process does not have to be carried out directly on the group of articles, but can be spatially separated from the place where the group of articles is provided.

[0013] Furthermore, the manufacturing and / or preparation process of the closed strapping band is also preferably not carried out during the application process, i.e., directly on the group of articles, but can also be pre-positioned in time, thus separated from the time of joining the group of articles and the strapping.

[0014] Therefore, the present invention proposes to form a closed strapping loop made of paper, cardboard and / or cellulose-containing strapping material or other suitable strapping material with the required circumference in a packaging machine with corresponding equipment by means of different, newly configured functional modules and by means of correspondingly designed or modified method steps.

[0015] Preferably, the strapping material for the strapping loop can be drawn from a stock unit wound in an endless manner into a roll and processed. In particular, the strapping material is continuously drawn out and then periodically processed, wherein the strapping material is buffered in a so-called "dancing roller".

[0016] The packaging unit made using the packaging machine of the present invention and by the method of the present invention is respectively formed by at least two groups of articles held together mechanically by at least one strapping loop.

[0017] In principle, the strapping loop used in the packaging machine of the present invention and the method of the present invention can be made of any kind of paper material or cardboard material, and can optionally be made of paper-like material, plastic material, composite material or similar material. The strapping loop is wound around the group of articles, wherein the strapping loop is arranged to tightly surround a suitable area of the outer surface of the articles.

[0018] The circumference of the strapping loop can be reasonably selected so that a single paper loop or cardboard loop can be put on a certain number of the provided articles, thereby pressing these articles together to form a compact bale or strapped package. The single strapping loop mentioned here can also be a plurality of strapping loops sleeved and tensioned on a single group of articles at reasonable intervals.

[0019] The strapping band has a reasonable circumference, which can provide sufficient band tension to tighten and stabilize the group of articles.

[0020] Different from the known prior art, the present invention particularly uses a closed strapping loop instead of an open-loop belt section which is processed into a closed loop on a group of articles by gluing, clamping or other means. In other words, in the present invention, it is no longer necessary to create a connection capable of withstanding mechanical loads between the free end regions of the strapping material on the group of articles. Instead, the strapping loops are preferably spliced together at a position separate from the group of articles, particularly prefabricated or prepared in some way so that they can be put on the provided group of articles as finished strapping loops, thereby forming the required packaging unit in this way.

[0021] If in this context, in some places only the articles combined into a packaging unit in a grouped form by a strapping member are mentioned, it is to be noted that the term "article" used can refer to a wide variety of single goods, which are first grouped and, in the grouped state, are combined into a strapped bundle or packaging unit as a group of multiple like articles or single goods.

[0022] Beverage containers, especially those in the form of bottles or cans, are typical examples of like articles or single goods, where the beverage containers can especially be made of PET containers or other plastic containers. Therefore, the articles to be combined can especially be containers filled with a fluid content, such as bottles or cans, especially beverage containers. However, this exemplary enumeration should not be understood as restrictive, because bottles or beverage bottles made of mineral glass can also be combined and strapped in the same way.

[0023] However, bottles, cans or similar containers can also be filled with fluid cosmetics, such as shampoo, etc. Similarly, gable-top cartons or beverage cans made of plastic or thin metal sheets can also be combined into a strapped bundle. Therefore, by definition, articles can also be formed by gable-top cartons (i.e., composite packages) or beverage cans.

[0024] Therefore, when beverage containers are mentioned in many places, it must not be understood as a limitation, because these articles or containers can in principle also be filled with other contents, such as liquid or paste-like foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, etc., or other liquid, paste-like or granular substances can also be selected. In principle, all these or similar filled containers should conceptually be included in the superordinate concept of articles or single goods used herein, and those skilled in the art should also understand it in this way.

[0025] For example, the packaging machine of the present invention may have the following sub-functions, which are based on each other or intervene with each other in a reasonable order in the machine configuration, so as to be configured and combined in a reasonable processing order. In particular, these sub-functions may include a magazine for the strapping material and an intermediate memory (commonly referred to as a dancer roll) downstream of the magazine, which is used to compensate for the further processing speed of the discontinuous or fluctuating strapping material in the material flow. Therefore, such an intermediate memory or dancer roll can compensate for the irregular processing speed of the strapping material in the subsequent conveying and processing sections and ensure the uniform extraction of the strapping material from the roll or other magazine variants.

[0026] In addition, the sub-assemblies of the packaging machine may also include a tape alignment device, a cutting device for cutting a suitable tape segment into a certain length, a tape conveying device for further conveying the tape segment cut into a certain length, etc. The tape conveying device may have a diverter for providing two or more application stations, so that a plurality of groups of articles can be equipped with the cut-to-length and properly configured strapping tapes simultaneously or in a staggered time sequence.

[0027] A feeding device for feeding a suitable winding device may also be provided downstream of the optional diverter or tape conveying device. The feeding device may be selectively equipped with the function of discharging defective or other poor-quality strapping tapes. Inside the winding device, the required strapping tape with an appropriate loop length can be formed, and then it can be glued, stapled or otherwise connected and processed into a closed strapping tape.

[0028] The provision and tensioning (if necessary) of such prefabricated strapping tapes can be carried out in a separate or downstream machine module arranged along the material flow direction, so that the provided groups of articles can be equipped with finished strapping tapes, thereby forming the required strapped packages, especially the finished strapped packages as packaging units.

[0029] If the further equipment of the strapped package is not described in detail at this time, it does not mean that these further equipment should not or cannot be carried out. For example, the strapped package can be equipped with additional handles, which can either be fixed to the articles, such as gluing the corresponding tape segments to appropriate areas on the outer surface of the container, or be connected to the strapping tapes placed around the articles and preferably slightly pre-tensioned, such as by means of buckles, staples, adhesives or similar connection methods.

[0030] To achieve the foregoing object, the present invention provides a packaging machine for manufacturing a packaging unit, wherein the packaging unit is respectively formed by at least two articles combined together by a strapping member. According to the present invention, the packaging machine first includes a sorting or grouping module for providing groups of articles, wherein each of these groups of articles includes at least two articles with a defined quantity and composition, that is, in particular, a defined quantity of grouped articles.

[0031] In addition, the packaging machine further includes a magazine for providing a reserve of strapping material, in particular in the form of an endless reserve, which reserve prepares and provides the strapping material in lengths corresponding to a plurality of individual strapping pieces. If reference is made herein to a defined length of the strapping material, which defined length can be a multiple of the respective strap length of the strapping segments, it should be noted that the length of an individual strap segment is generally greater than the circumference of the group of articles to be strapped, since this takes into account the end overlap regions of the strap segments to be joined.

[0032] Furthermore, the packaging machine preferably further includes a customization module in which individual strapping pieces are formed from the provided strapping material from the reserve or the endless reserve, wherein the circumference of each individual strapping piece corresponds to the circumference of the group of articles or the packaging unit to be formed.

[0033] Here, it should be noted again that the length of an individual strap segment generally must be greater than the circumference of the group of articles to be strapped, since the end overlap regions of the strap segments to be joined are taken into account.

[0034] Finally, the packaging machine further includes an application module which has means for mechanically combining the group of articles and for putting the prepared strapping piece onto the group of articles to form a packaging unit. The application module is not equipped with a conventional strapping head, but rather with means of lower mechanical complexity for handling previously formed strapping pieces or closed strapping loops, where neither strap feeding and guiding nor a complex closing unit for fixing the overlapping strap ends to each other is required.

[0035] The means mentioned here for combining the group of articles by means of a strapping piece must mainly be suitable and correspondingly configured to be able to operate the strapping piece in order to be able to apply and position the strapping piece on the group of articles provided for this purpose.

[0036] In an implementation variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, the magazine for providing the strapping material can have one, two or more magazine units which can be removed from the magazine individually and independently of one another and can be filled with new strapping material consumption units in the removed state, in particular after the previously contained reserve of strapping material has been used up.

[0037] This unloading and / or loading process of one or more magazine units can be carried out selectively manually, automatically or semi-automatically, i.e., with the support of the machine and, if necessary, with the aid of a programmable transporter.

[0038] The strapping material located in at least one magazine unit can, for example, be wound into a roll which is unwound during the operation of the packaging machine in order to supply the connected customization module while continuously consuming the strapping material. Since such a roll is easy to handle both in terms of storage and as a quick-change strap memory within the packaging machine, it is particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0039] In another implementation variant of the packaging machine of the present invention, a buffer can be provided between the magazine and the customization module, which combines the irregular operation, periodic operation, and / or regular or irregular intermittent operation of the customization module with the continuous supply and provision of strapping material from the reserve.

[0040] As described above, such a buffer is also referred to as a dancing roller. The main task of such a material buffer or dancing roller is to be able to continuously convey consumables supplied in an endless or quasi-endless manner from the magazine area or reserve area without processing and further conveying the strip-shaped consumables at the same conveying speed or continuously. Instead, the buffer or dancing roller can combine the discontinuous further conveying and / or further processing of the strip with the continuous or substantially uninterrupted feeding from the magazine area or reserve area.

[0041] In another practical implementation variant of the packaging machine of the present invention, the customization module can be designed and configured to form a single strapping piece in the form of a single prefabricated, especially closed, strapping loop using the strapping material provided in the magazine. This means that in a packaging machine equipped and configured in this way, a technically relatively complex strapping head can be omitted because the strapping loop can be completed separately from the group of articles.

[0042] Furthermore, in another implementation variant of the packaging machine of the present invention, a cutting unit for cutting the strapping segments required for a single strapping piece from the endlessly provided strapping material can be assigned to the customization module or arranged upstream of the customization module along the conveying direction of the strapping material. Such a cutting unit should be arranged at a reasonable position between the individual processing and handling modules in order to cut the strip segments required for a single strapping piece from the endless strapping material provided by the magazine.

[0043] In another implementation variant of the packaging machine of the present invention, the customization module can particularly include a winding device, which is preferably designed to join the strapping segments of the strapping material into a prefabricated closed strapping loop. Among them, the starting area and the ending area where the strapping segments overlap or partially overlap with each other can be bonded together.

[0044] In another implementation, a butt joint connection can be established between the starting area and the ending area of the strapping segment.

[0045] In principle, another suitable machine sub-component can also be provided to replace the above-mentioned winding device, which can manufacture the required closed strapping loop with strip segments cut to a certain length.

[0046] The starting and ending regions of the strap segments that overlap or partially overlap each other can be connected by welding, gluing, binding or other means, provided that the connection points preferably can withstand the same mechanical load as the rest of the strapping loop. In other words, the bonding points should not substantially become the weak points of the strapping loop.

[0047] In another implementation variant of the packaging machine of the present invention, the number of application units in the application module can in particular correspond to the number of winding devices in the customization module, where two or more application units can communicate with the corresponding number of winding devices. As mentioned before, multiple application units in the packaging machine can be combined with each other so as to be able to equip multiple groups of articles with strapping loops simultaneously and further process them into packaging units. Therefore, in order to supply strapping loops to multiple application units at a sufficiently high speed, a corresponding number of winding devices should be provided.

[0048] In another implementation variant of the packaging machine of the present invention, two or more winding devices in the customization module can be fed by a distribution device, which can reasonably be located between the cutting unit and the winding devices so that the distribution device can supply the winding devices with strap segments cut to a certain length as needed.

[0049] Furthermore, in the packaging machine of the present invention, the application module that communicates with the customization module and is provided with prepared strapping elements, especially with prefabricated strapping loops that are especially closed, can have at least one application unit. This application unit is used to equip each of the prepared groups of articles to be provided with at least one strapping element or at least one strapping loop so as to form a finished packaging unit in this way.

[0050] In another implementation variant of the packaging machine of the present invention, at least one application unit can have a tensioning and / or unwinding device for receiving the strapping element or strapping loop, and the tensioning and / or unwinding device is adapted and correspondingly configured to shape the strapping element or strapping loop so that it can engage with the prepared groups of articles to be provided.

[0051] Finally, in another implementation variant of the packaging machine of the present invention, the application unit can be designed as a tool head that can move within a defined movement space and has a controllable manipulation tool. As an alternative, the application unit can be equipped with a tool head that can move within a defined movement space and has a controllable manipulation tool.

[0052] If, from the perspective of those skilled in the art, some or all of the aforementioned changes or implementation variants of the packaging machine of the present invention can be reasonably combined, they can also be optionally combined with each other so as to at least partially achieve the above-mentioned objectives and / or achieve the desired effects of the present invention.

[0053] To achieve the aforementioned object, the present invention further provides a method for manufacturing a packaging unit, which method has the features of an independent method claim, wherein the packaging unit is formed by at least two articles combined together by a tying member. The method includes the method steps mentioned or explained below. In this method, first, a tying tape material is provided from a stock, especially an endless stock, which stock contains and provides tying tape material corresponding to a plurality of individual tying members.

[0054] Furthermore, the method also supplies and especially continuously conveys the tying tape material from the stock or the endless stock to a customization module, in which individual tying members are formed from the provided tying tape material from the stock or the endless stock, wherein the circumference of each individual tying member especially corresponds to the circumference of the article group or the packaging unit to be formed.

[0055] In addition, according to the method of the present invention, the tying members are supplied and further conveyed to an application module, in which a defined number of grouped articles are provided, and the provided tying members are fitted to each of the provided article groups to equip the articles with the prepared tying members to form a packaging unit.

[0056] In an implementation variant of the method of the present invention, the tying tape material is stored as a stock in at least one magazine and is provided to or made available for the customization module, wherein the magazine can have one, two or more magazine units, which magazine units can be individually and independently removed from the magazine and can be filled with new tying tape material consumption units respectively in the state of being removed from the magazine, especially after the tying tape material previously contained therein has been used up.

[0057] Furthermore, in the method of the present invention or an implementation variant of the method, the tying tape material located in at least one magazine can be unrolled continuously or approximately continuously to supply the customization module, and the tying tape material is continuously consumed in the process.

[0058] In another implementation variant of the method of the present invention, variable intermediate buffering of the tying tape material can be carried out between the magazine and the customization module, wherein the intermediate buffering of the tying tape material can combine the irregular operation, periodic operation and / or regular or irregular intermittent operation of the customization module with the continuous and uninterrupted supply and provision of the tying tape material from the stock stored in the magazine.

[0059] In another implementation variant of the method of the present invention, individual tying members in the form of single prefabricated, especially closed tying loops can be formed in the customization module from the tying tape material provided as a stock or an endless stock in the magazine.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the method of the invention, the endlessly available strapping material can be divided into individual strapping segments by length and cut for this purpose, wherein the strapping segments can be processed again into the strapping rings required for the bundled group of objects. The length of the strapping segment is preferably longer than the circumference of the prefabricated strapping by an overlap region. In a closed prefabricated strapping, the overlap region corresponds in particular to the region where the start and end of the strapping segment are connected to each other.

[0061] In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the strapping elements formed in the customized modules can be spliced into a particularly closed prefabricated strapping ring by at least one winding device, and the overlapping or partially overlapping start and end areas of the strapping ring are glued together.

[0062] As an alternative, two or more winding devices in a custom module can be fed by a dispensing device, which can be conveniently located between the cutting unit and the winding devices, wherein the dispensing device can provide the winding devices with strapping sections cut to length as required.

[0063] In another embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, an application module which is connected to the customization module and from which prepared strapping elements, in particular prefabricated strapping rings which are in particular closed, may have at least one application unit for equipping the prepared groups of provided items with at least one strapping element or at least one strapping ring, respectively, in order to form a packaging unit in this way.

[0064] Finally, the method can also tension or expand the prepared strapping element or strapping ring, so that the strapping element or strapping ring is shaped to be able to engage with the prepared group of provided objects.

[0065] As long as they can be reasonably combined with each other from the perspective of a person skilled in the art, some or all of these aforementioned changes or implementation variants of the method of the present invention may also be optionally combined with each other in order to at least partially achieve the above-mentioned purposes and / or achieve the desired effects of the present invention.

[0066] Furthermore, it is explicitly mentioned here that all aspects and implementation variants explained in connection with the packaging machine according to the invention also relate to or can be part of aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or interrelationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the present description or in the claims of the packaging machine according to the invention, this also applies to the method according to the invention.

[0067] The same applies vice versa, such that all aspects and implementation variants explained in connection with the method of the present invention are also equally relevant or can be part aspects of the packaging machine of the present invention. Thus, if at any point in the description of the method of the present invention or also in the claim limitations of the method of the present invention certain aspects and / or interrelationships and / or effects are mentioned, then the same applies to the packaging machine of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0068] In the following, embodiments of the present invention and their advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. The dimensional ratios of individual elements to one another in the drawings do not always correspond to the actual dimensional ratios, since some shapes are represented in a simplified manner and other shapes are represented enlarged compared to other elements for better illustration.

[0069] Figure 1 is a height schematic diagram of some components of an implementation variant of the packaging machine of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 2A is a top plan schematic diagram of another implementation of the packaging machine.

[0071] Figure 2B is Figure 2A a perspective view of an implementation of the shown packaging machine.

[0072] Figures 3A to 3D is different views of a combined customization-application module, which can be Figure 1 and / or Figure 2A and Figure 2B components of the shown packaging machine.

[0073] Figures 4A to 4F is different views of a reserve module, where Figure 4A and Figure 4C in particular show the reserve module in production mode, while Figure 4B and Figures 4D to 4F show the reserve module in switching mode.

[0074] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is Figure 3A to different perspective views of the customization unit of the combined customization-application module shown in FIGS. 3E.

[0075] Figure 6A and Figure 6B is Figure 3A to different perspective views of the cutting device of the customization unit of the combined customization-application module shown in FIGS. 3E.

[0076] Figure 7A and Figure 7B is Figure 3ADifferent perspective views of the vacuum conveying unit of the customization unit of the modular customization - application module shown in FIGS. 3A to 3E.

[0077] Figure 8A and Figure 8B is Figure 3A Different perspective views of the winding and unwinding unit of the customization unit of the modular customization - application module shown in FIGS. 3A to 3E.

[0078] Figure 9A and Figure 9B is Figure 3A Different perspective views of the gluing device of the customization unit of the modular customization - application module shown in FIGS. 3A to 3E.

[0079] Figure 10A and Figure 10B is Figure 3A Different perspective views of the clamping and supply device of the customization unit of the modular customization - application module shown in FIGS. 3A to 3E. Detailed Description

[0080] In Figures 1 to 10B the same reference numerals are used for identical or functionally equivalent elements of the present invention. Additionally, for clarity, only the reference numerals necessary for the description of the respective figures are depicted in a single figure. The embodiments shown are merely examples of how the present invention (specifically, the packaging machine of the present invention or the method of the present invention) can be designed and do not represent an ultimate limitation.

[0081] The embodiments, examples, and variations of the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and figures, including their various views or corresponding individual features, can be used independently of each other or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment apply to all embodiments unless these features are contradictory.

[0082] Figure 1 A schematic structural view of the packaging machine 1 or at least some of its cooperating components or sub - components is shown.

[0083] The packaging machine 1 is used to manufacture packaging units 105 (merely labeled here), where these packaging units 105 are each formed by at least two articles 101 combined together with a binding member 100.

[0084] The packaging machine 1 includes a sorting or grouping module 2, in which at least two articles 101 are combined into an article group 103. The articles 101 to be combined are preferably containers filled with a fluid content, such as bottles 102 or cans, especially beverage containers. However, the bottles 102, beverage containers, cans, or similar containers can also be filled with a fluid cosmetic, such as shampoo, etc. The bottles 102, beverage containers, cans, or similar containers can also optionally contain a granular filling.

[0085] In addition, the packaging machine 1 further includes a feeding area 3 for providing strapping material from a reserve (not shown here). In particular, the reserve can be an endless reserve that contains and provides strapping material corresponding to a plurality of individual strapping pieces 100. For example, the feeding area 3 can be formed by or include a magazine or the like, in which packaging material, especially strip material, is provided.

[0086] A characteristic of an alternative embodiment of the packaging machine 1 is that the feeding area 3 and the reserve of the strapping material provided thereby can communicate with a customization module 4. The feeding area 3 of the customization module 4 can obtain the strapping material from a storage device where the strapping material is ready and is preferably provided to the feeding area 3 in a suitable manner.

[0087] For example, the feeding area 3 and the reserve of the strapping material provided thereby can be formed by or include the magazine 15 described below. Figures 4A to 4F The magazine 15 described in more detail below can have one, two or more magazine units that can be removed from the magazine 15 individually and independently of each other and can be formed, for example, by the magazine drawers 16 described in combination.

[0088] Figures 4A to 4F When the magazine unit is in a state of being removed from the magazine 15, especially after the previously loaded strapping material has been used up, a new strapping material consumption unit can be loaded. Figures 4A to 4F The magazine 15 described in combination can be formed by the magazine drawers 16.

[0089] When the magazine unit is in a state of being removed from the magazine 15, especially after the previously loaded strapping material has been used up, a new strapping material consumption unit can be loaded.

[0090] Preferably, the strapping material is supplied as a reserve in the form of a coil in the magazine 15 and is unrolled during the operation of the packaging machine 1 in order to supply the feeding area 3 of the customization module 4 that communicates therewith while continuously consuming the strapping material.

[0091] An embodiment not shown in detail is that a buffer area for variably intermediate buffering of the strapping material is provided between the feeding area 3 and the customization module 4, which combines the irregular operation, periodic operation, and / or regular or irregular intermittent operation of the customization module 4 with the continuous supply and provision of the strapping material from the reserve stored in the magazine 15.

[0092] In another embodiment, such a buffer area can also be assigned to the magazine 15.

[0093] In the customization module 4, a single strapping piece 100 is formed from the provided strapping material from a reserve or endless reserve in the form of a single prefabricated, in particular closed, strapping loop, wherein the circumference of each single strapping piece 100 corresponds to the circumference of the group of articles 103 or to the circumference of the packaging unit 105 to be formed. The circumference of the group of articles 103 or the circumference of the packaging unit 105 to be formed is in particular related to the number and dimensions of the articles 101 combined in the packaging unit 105 and / or corresponds to the dimensions of the packaging unit 105 to be formed.

[0094] In this case, the strapping material can in particular be made of paper material, cardboard material, paper-like or cardboard-like material, plastic material, composite material or similar material.

[0095] The strapping piece 100 is looped around the group of articles 103, wherein the strapping forming the strapping piece 100 is tensioned around the area of the outer surface of the articles 101. Therein, the circumference of the strapping loop or the strapping piece 100 can provide sufficient belt tension to tighten and stabilize the group of articles 103.

[0096] Different from the known prior art, in particular, a closed strapping loop 104 is formed inside the packaging machine 1 and applied to the group of articles 103, that is, it is no longer necessary to connect the free end regions of the strapping material on the group of articles 103. In particular, in particular the closed strapping loop 104 is formed inside the customization module 4 from a reserve or endless reserve and is thus provided as a prefabricated strapping piece 100.

[0097] Preferably, a cutting unit ( Figure 1 not shown in the figure) is assigned to the customization module 4, which is used to cut out the strapping segments required for a single strapping piece 100 from the endlessly supplied strapping material, or the cutting unit is arranged upstream of the customization module 4 in the conveying direction of the strapping material.

[0098] In such an (should be understood as optional) cutting unit, strapping segments of appropriate length can be formed, wherein the length of each strapping segment should be suitable for forming a strapping piece. The length of the strapping segment is preferably longer than the circumference of the prefabricated strapping piece by an overlapping area. In a closed prefabricated strapping piece, the overlapping area corresponds to the area where the starting point and the ending point of the strapping segment are connected to each other.

[0099] The customization module 4 preferably includes at least one winding device (not shown here either), which is used to join the strapping segments of the strapping material into a prefabricated, in particular closed, strapping loop, wherein the overlapping or partially overlapping starting point and ending point regions of the strapping segments are connected together.

[0100] Furthermore, two or more winding devices in the customization module 4 can be supplied by means of a distribution device, which can reasonably be located between the cutting unit and the winding devices, wherein the distribution device supplies appropriately cut strapping segments to the winding devices as required.

[0101] The packaging machine 1 further includes an application module 5, which is preferably designed and configured to apply a prefabricated strapping member 100, especially a closed one, formed in the customization module 4 to an article group 103 provided therefor.

[0102] The application module 5 is in communication with the customization module 4 and is provided with appropriately prepared strapping members 100 by the latter. The application module 5 includes at least one application unit, such as an application head, which is used to equip the prepared and provided article group with at least one prefabricated strapping member 100, thereby forming the required packaging unit 105.

[0103] Particularly preferably, the packaging machine 1 includes a certain number of application units, wherein the number of application units in at least one application module 5 is equal to the number of winding devices in at least one customization module 4, and wherein two or more application units are in communication with the corresponding number of winding devices.

[0104] The packaging machine 1 preferably includes at least one tensioning and / or unwinding device ( Figure 1 not shown in the figure) for receiving the strapping member or strapping loop, which shapes the strapping member or strapping loop so that it can engage with the prepared and provided article group 103.

[0105] The tensioning and / or unwinding device can move the appropriately shaped strapping member 100 to the application unit. As an alternative, the tensioning and / or unwinding device can also be designed as an integral part of the application unit so as to transform the strapping member 100 into an applicable shape inside the application module 5.

[0106] The application unit can be designed as a tool head, which can move within a defined movement space and has a controllable manipulation tool.

[0107] Therefore, the packaging machine 1 can be used to perform a method including the following steps. In this method, the strapping material is provided in the form of a reserve (especially an endless reserve), which contains and provides the strapping material corresponding to a plurality of individual strapping members 100.

[0108] The strapping material is conveyed from the reserve to the customization module 4. This is preferably accomplished by a continuous conveying process. In the customization module 4, individual strapping members 100 are formed from the provided strapping material, wherein the circumference of each individual strapping member 100 corresponds to the scale, especially to the number of articles to be combined into a packaging unit or to the size of the packaging unit to be formed.

[0109] In the application module 5 mentioned above, the item group 103 provided by the grouping module 2 and the binding element 100 provided by the customization module 4 are mechanically combined, that is, the binding element 100 is put on the item group 103 through the appropriate device or manipulation tool of the application module 5, so as to be fixed on the item 101 of the item group 103. The resulting packaging unit 105 is also referred to as a strapped pack 106.

[0110] For example, the item group 103 can be positioned within the movement and operation space of the application head 11 of the application module 5. At least one prefabricated closed binding loop is inserted into the application head 11 and fixed in a defined position.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the application head 11 includes an outer cover with a variable opening width so that the outer cover can surround the item group 103 from the outside.

[0112] The application head 11 equipped with at least one prefabricated binding element 100 can reach above the item group 103 through a feeding movement, where the feeding movement is substantially parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the item 101. During this feeding movement, the outer cover of the application head 11 contacts the outer side of the grouped items 101 and ensures that the contacted items 101 are at least slightly compressed.

[0113] When the application head 11 moves towards or moves to the item 101, this can mean that the application head 11 equipped with at least one binding element descends above the item 101. Alternatively, it can also mean the relative movement between the application head 11 and the item group 103, which can be achieved by lifting the item group 103 and passing it through the application head 11 from below.

[0114] Preferably, it is set as follows that when the application head 11 descends in a defined manner, the pressure applied to the outer surface of the item 101 increases with the increase of the stroke depth until the required compression degree is reached. The stroke required for this is determined, for example, by performing a compression slope on the profile part of the application head 11. As the downward movement progresses, the binding element inserted into the application head 11 is pushed onto the compressed item group 103.

[0115] Another embodiment is to insert the item group 103 into the stretched binding element 100 from above. Of course, this will also occur if the item group 103 is inserted into the application head 11 by being lifted from bottom to top.

[0116] By the application head 11 that feeds in a defined manner while compressing the item 101, the binding loop is placed at a specified position on the item 101 of the item group 103, such as a handle groove or a similar area. In addition, it can also ensure that the binding element 100 has the necessary or technically reasonable belt tension.

[0117] Particularly preferably, the customization module 4 and the application module 5 can be combined into an integrated customization-application module, wherein, for example, the customization area for forming the prefabricated bundle 100 can be arranged below or beside the conveyor device for the group of articles 103.

[0118] In this case, it can be stipulated that the integrated customization-application module is equipped with at least one application head, which can receive the prefabricated bundle 100 from the customization area and put it on the group of articles 103 arranged on the conveyor device.

[0119] Figure 2A The schematic top view of [FIGURE] shows an embodiment of the packaging machine 1 from above, while Figure 2B shows Figure 2A the perspective view of the packaging machine 1 shown.

[0120] The packaging machine 1 includes a feed module 6, in which the bottles 102 (see Figure 1 ) or other articles 101 (see Figure 1 ) move along the conveying direction TR. In this embodiment, the articles move in multiple rows and are guided by channels. However, it is also possible to choose to convey the articles in an ordered or disordered mass flow or other ways.

[0121] In the grouping module 7 (see Figure 1 ), which is arranged downstream along the conveying direction TR, the supplied articles 101 form groups of articles 103 (see Figure 1 ), each of which includes at least two articles 101. The groups of articles 103 particularly include a certain number of articles 101 arranged in a certain arrangement, and these articles will subsequently be combined into the to-be-formed packaging unit 105 (see Figure 1 ).

[0122] In the combined customization-application module 8, which is arranged downstream along the conveying direction TR, the groups of articles are equipped with bundles 100 (see Figure 1 ), so as to combine them into bundled packages 106 (see Figure 1 ). The illustrated embodiment includes two combined customization-application modules 8-1, 8-2 arranged in sequence in the conveying direction TR, whereby a higher product throughput can be achieved.

[0123] The design of the combined customization-application module 8 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 2A to 10B .

[0124] In Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn the wrapping machine 1 shown, there are also provided two wrapping blank application modules 9, 9-1, 9-2 arranged in sequence in the conveying direction TR. Through these wrapping blank application modules, a gripping cardboard wrapping can also be applied to the strapped bundle 106 to further fix and stabilize the strapped bundle. However, these wrapping blank application modules 9, 9-1, 9-2 are only optional and do not represent an innovative aspect or an essential aspect of the wrapping machine 1.

[0125] The optional wrapping blanks are preferably so-called upper gripping cardboard wrappings. The optional wrapping blanks can preferably be made of paper or cardboard materials, plastic materials, cardboard-plastic composite materials, etc.

[0126] Each optional wrapping blank has respective through-holes for the articles 101 to be combined through the wrapping blank. Among them, these through-holes correspond to the longitudinal central axis of the articles 101 to be combined, receive these articles as required, and can also optionally establish a form-fit connection at the same time.

[0127] The wrapping blanks are respectively mounted on the articles 101 in such a way that the articles 101 partially pass through the through-holes of the wrapping blanks, so as to be held together by the wrapping blanks. In particular, the wrapping blanks are locked with the articles 101 in this way.

[0128] For this purpose, the through-holes of the optional wrapping blanks can respectively have suitable fixing means, which can be formed by fixing tongues, for example. For example, the fixing tongues are formed by cuts extending radially inwards from the through-holes, etc.

[0129] Particularly preferably, in each case, the wrapping blanks are fixed on the articles 101 in such a way that the articles 101 are clamped and held in the upper conical region within the channel openings of the wrapping blanks in each case. In particular, the bottles 102 are clamped below the so-called neck rings, and the cans are clamped below the flanges forming the edges of the cans, thus ensuring an effective locking between the wrapping blanks and the articles 101.

[0130] Figures 3A to 3D The schematic diagram shows different views of a useful implementation variant of the combined customization-application module 8. In particular, Figure 3A shows a first perspective view, while Figure 3B shows a view of the front (service side).

[0131] Figure 3C shows a view of the back (operator side) of the combined customization-application module 8, Figure 3D shows a side view. Figures 3A to 3C shows the conveying direction TR when the article group passes through the combined customization-application module 8. In Figure 3D the conveying direction TR is perpendicular to the drawing plane.

[0132] For simplicity, the combined customization - application module 8 is also referred to hereinafter as the strapping module 10.

[0133] In the illustrated embodiment, the strapping module 10 is designed to process two groups of articles in parallel and for this purpose includes two application heads 11 (see Figure 3D and Figure 3A ), which are arranged, for example, on a tripod 12 (parallel - motion suspension or parallel - motion robot) so that the application heads 11 can be positioned and driven accordingly.

[0134] The equipment of the customization unit 13 pre - forms the strapping elements, and these equipments are arranged on a common base 14, for a detailed description see Figure 5A and Figure 5B .

[0135] The strapping - band material for pre - forming is provided as a reserve by a magazine 15, for a detailed description of the magazine 15 see Figures 4A to 4F .

[0136] In the functional module including the customization unit 13 and the magazine, or in the Figure 1 customization module 4 shown, a closed - loop strapping ring 104 having a desired circumference or a circumference required for manufacturing the packaging unit 105 is formed from the strapping - band material wound in an endless manner into a roll. For example, a closed - loop paper ring having a desired circumference is formed from paper wound in an endless manner into a roll.

[0137] The selected circumference allows a single paper ring to be slipped over a certain number of articles 101 or the like, thereby pressing these articles together to form a compact strapped package 106.

[0138] Figures 4A to 4F Different views of the magazine 15 or the reserve module are shown. Specifically, Figure 4A and Figure 4C show the magazine 15 in the production mode, while Figure 4B and Figures 4D to 4F show the magazine 15 in the switching mode.

[0139] The strapping - band material is preferably provided in the magazine 15 as an endless material. In the embodiment, the magazine 15 includes two magazine drawers 16, 16 - 1, 16 - 2. When inserting a roll of reserve strapping - band material, the magazine drawer 16 to be filled needs to be pulled out. In Figure 4B and Figures 4D to 4F , both magazine drawers 16 - 1, 16 - 2 are pulled out.

[0140] The operator or authorized service personnel prepare the free end of the strapping material and place it on the vacuum suction plate 17 of the magazine 15. For this purpose, each magazine drawer 16-1, 16-2 is assigned its own vacuum suction plate 17-1, 17-2. Specifically, the operator or service personnel cut off the free end of the strapping material, attach double-sided tape, and place it on the relevant vacuum suction plates 17, 17-1, 17-2.

[0141] The magazine 15 has a reasonable width B15, which is at least three times the width B16 of one magazine drawer 16. The magazine drawers 16 can be moved laterally together by the width B16 of one magazine drawer 16, which is indicated by the movement arrow VP in Figure 4A this figure.

[0142] The magazine drawer 16 located at the central position is the effective magazine drawer 16 for production. In Figure 4A and Figure 4C this figure, this effective magazine drawer is the magazine drawer 16-2.

[0143] The strapping material for forming the prefabricated strapping piece 100 (see Figure 1 ) is conveyed from the effective magazine drawer 16-2 located at the central position to the customization unit 13.

[0144] At the same time, the adjacent magazine drawer 16-1 is not in operation and can be reloaded with strapping material. Although in Figure 4B and Figures 4D to 4F this figure both magazine drawers 16 are shown pulled out, it is clear from the above description that the magazine drawers 16 can be pulled out independently of each other. In particular, while one magazine drawer 16 is being filled, the strapping material can be taken out from the other magazine drawer 16.

[0145] If there are the necessary actuators and switching mechanisms, automatic roll change can be optionally carried out within the magazine 15. In this case, the remaining end of the strapping material is cut inside the effective magazine drawer 16-2. The two magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 are now moved laterally until the previously non-operating magazine drawer 16-1 is in the central position.

[0146] The end of the tape on the magazine drawer 16-2 and the starting end of the tape from the magazine drawer 16-1 are pressed together to form an adhesive connection through the applied tape.

[0147] The connection point preferably passes through the packaging machine 1 or at least through the customization unit 13 or the customization module 4 and is discharged at a subsequent or downstream conveying position. This prevents the subsequently formed prefabricated strapping piece 100 from containing this additional connection point.

[0148] A storage device 18 for strapping material, such as a so-called dancing roller 19, is arranged centrally above the magazine 19, in particular centrally above the middle magazine drawer 16-2. With the effective dancing roller 19, the strapping material can be continuously unwound, and the conveyance of the strapping material can be carried out inside the customization unit 13 or the customization module 4, in particular in a periodic or discontinuous manner.

[0149] Downstream of the dancing roller 19, the strapping material is guided by a tape alignment device 20 to a vacuum conveying unit 55, the detailed description of which can be found in Figure 7A and / or Figure 7B , and this vacuum conveying unit adjusts the position of the strapping material to the required target position.

[0150] The magazine 15 can accommodate rolls of strapping material made of various suitable materials, such as paper, plastic, or composite materials. The diameter and width of the rolls can also be flexibly selected, but must not exceed the structure-related maximum value.

[0151] For example, the magazine 15 can accommodate rolls with a diameter ≤ 800 mm and a width of approximately 40 mm to 150 mm. If rolls different from this are to be processed, the dimensions of the magazine 15 must be adjusted accordingly.

[0152] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The schematic diagrams of Figure 3A and the following figures show different perspective views of the customization unit 13 of the combined customization-application module 8 shown.

[0153] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The customization unit 13 exemplarily shown in

[0154] - A cutting device 21 (see Figure 6A and Figure 6B ),

[0155] - A vacuum conveying unit 55, including a belt conveyor device 22 with a diverter 23 (see Figure 7A and Figure 7B ),

[0156] - A supply device 24 with a discharging function (see Figure 7A and Figure 7B ),

[0157] - A winding and unwinding unit 25 (see Figure 8A and Figure 8B ),

[0158] - An adhesive device 26 (see Figure 9A and Figure 9B ), and

[0159] - The clamping and supply device 27 (see Figure 10A and Figure 10B ).

[0160] The strapping material is taken out from the magazine 15 by the storage device 18, guided through the tape alignment device 20, and transferred to the cutting device 21 by the tape feeder 29. For details of the cutting device 21, see Figure 6A and Figure 6B .

[0161] In the cutting device 21, a strapping section of appropriate length is separated. The strapping material is preferably provided with cutting marks, which are recognized by the cutting mark recognizer 30 of the cutting device 21, and then the cutting function is activated.

[0162] Inside the cutting device 21, the strapping material is conveyed to the cutting machine 32 by the tape conveying unit 31. For example, the cutting machine 32 may include a cutting knife (not visible). The reference numeral 60 denotes the gearbox of the cutting machine 32.

[0163] Specifically, the strapping material is drawn out from the magazine 15 by the tape conveying unit. The cut strapping sections are transported out of the cutting device 21 by the tape discharging device 33 and sent for further processing.

[0164] As an alternative, the cutting machine 32 cuts according to a freely defined length unit, where the length is determined by the circumference and the number of revolutions of the tape conveying unit. Other suitable separating devices, such as a perforating knife, a cutting wire, or similar devices, can also be used instead of the cutting machine 32 equipped with a cutting knife.

[0165] The cutting device 21 can cut or perforate the strapping material. If the strapping material is only perforated inside the cutting device 21, the longest closed transportation can be achieved. In this case, the corresponding strapping sections will be formed by pulling at a later time point, especially at the last necessary station.

[0166] Other functions of the cutting device 21 also include creating the necessary cutting partitions to achieve the cutting differences that occur or have occurred, and the synchronization of the bilateral winding stations.

[0167] The cutting machine 32 of the cutting device 21 preferably can process strapping materials of different materials and thicknesses, such as paper, plastic, or composite materials, etc.

[0168] Figure 7A and Figure 7B shows Figure 3A different perspective views of an implementation variant of the vacuum conveying unit 55 of the customization unit 13 of the combined customization - application module 8 shown in

[0169] The strap segments formed in the cutting device 21 are conveyed by the blank supply device 34 and the vacuum belt 28 forming the belt conveyor device 22 to the centrally arranged diverter 23. The diverter 23 includes a deflector for dividing the strap segments. In particular, the diverter 23 alternately distributes the strap segments to two winding and ejection units 25, where one of the two winding and ejection units 25 is arranged on the operating side of the packaging machine 1 and the other of the two winding and ejection units 25 is arranged on the service side of the packaging machine 1.

[0170] In particular, the strap segments are conveyed by suitable belt conveyors 35, 35-1, 35-2 (in particular vacuum conveyors) and other belt feeding devices 38, 38-1, 38-2 in the direction of their respective winding and ejection units 25 ( Figure 7A and Figure 7B not shown in Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 8A and Figure 8B ).

[0171] In this case, defective strap segments can be discharged. For example, when a strap segment with a connection point is recognized, or when a strap segment with other defects is recognized, or when the strap segment is misaligned or the like, this defective strap segment can be discharged before further processing. For example, a blowing device 37 can be provided for this purpose.

[0172] For example, the belt feeding device 38 can be turned over for this purpose so that the defective strap segment is removed from the corresponding belt conveyor 35. Figure 7A and Figure 7B Additional pressure rollers 39, 39-1, 39-2 are also shown, which can be used to press the strap segments against the winding and ejection units 25 for winding.

[0173] The pressure roller 39 can be in different operating states:

[0174] 1. Winding state. In this case, the pressure roller 39 exerts a slight pressure on the reel 40 of the winding and ejection unit 25

[0175] (see Figure 8A and Figure 8B ). The pressure here is small enough not to have too much impact on the power of the rotor.

[0176] 2. Pressurizing state: In order to press out the glue, an increased pressing pressure is applied through the pressure roller 39 so as to press out the glue over as large an area as possible, thereby shortening the cooling time. This can increase the throughput.

[0177] 3. Removal state: The pressing pressure of the pressure roller is reduced, in particular the pressing pressure can be completely cancelled,

[0178] So that the strapping band can be pushed out.

[0179] The above supply device can convey the strapping band segments to the diverter 23 and the winding and pushing-out unit 25, and is preferably adjustable according to the width of the strapping band segments.

[0180] In addition, in this case, from a process perspective, it is best for the two strapping members to be completed as simultaneously as possible so that Figure 3A the two application heads 11 of the combined customization-application module 8 shown in this figure and the following figures apply the strapping members as synchronously as possible. However, it is not mandatory for the synchronously operating application heads 11 to apply the strapping members synchronously, because asynchronous operation can also achieve the desired effect.

[0181] Schematic Figure 8A and 8B show Figure 3A different perspective views of the winding and pushing-out unit 25 of the customization unit 13 of the combined customization-application module 8 shown in this figure and the following figures.

[0182] The free starting area of the strapping band segment is inserted into the reel 40 and clamped by the jaws 41. The reel 40 rotates, and the pressure roller 39 (see Figure 7A and Figure 7B ) ensures that the strapping material of the strapping band segment abuts against the reel 40 and ensures that the diameter of the generated strapping member is consistent with the outer diameter of the reel 40.

[0183] When the free end area of the strapping band segment is about to slide out of the belt feeding device 38 (see Figure 7A and Figure 7B ), the reel 40 stops rotating.

[0184] Optionally, the free end area of the strapping band segment can be clamped in the belt feeding device 38 and coated or adhered with a sufficient amount of adhesive by the gluing device 26 (see Figure 5A and Figure 5B ). The reel 40 continues to rotate, pulling the free end area of the strapping band segment through the pressure roller 39, thereby squeezing out the gluing point and forming a glued connection between the starting area and the ending area of the strapping band segment.

[0185] Now, the reel 40 can be rotated back to the starting position so that the gluing point is squeezed out again by the pressure roller 39 in the opposite direction. Through the optional return movement, a particularly firm and reliable glued connection can be formed between the starting area and the ending area of the strapping band segment.

[0186] Now, the completed prefabricated strapping member can be pushed onto the clamping and supply device 27 by the push rod 42, which will be described in detail in connection with Figure 10A and Figure 10B . In particular, the push rod 42 horizontally pushes the finished strapping member onto the clamping and supply device 27. The clamping and supply device 27 is combinedFigure 1 An embodiment of the described tensioning and / or unwinding device.

[0187] The push rod 42 is preferably driven by electricity, for example by a linear motor 43.

[0188] The reel 40 is, for example, a replaceable format part and can be replaced according to the size of the bundle to be produced, in particular according to the circumference of the required bundle. Depending on the circumference of the required bundle, each selected reel 40 has a specific diameter.

[0189] As an alternative, the reel 40 can also be designed to be adjustable, in particular with an adjustable circumference. The perimeter and / or circumferential shape can be changed. For example, this can be achieved by means of so-called adjustment points so that the size and / or shape of the reel adapts to the size and shape of the item combination to be strapped.

[0190] According to a preferred embodiment, when pushing out the completed prefabricated bundle, the circumference of the reel 40 can preferably be reduced to facilitate the pushing out. For example, jaws 41 can be designed on the reel 40 such that the reel 40 has exactly the nominal circumference of the bundle when the jaws are closed. When the jaws 41 are opened, the circumference of the reel 40 becomes smaller, enabling the completed bundle to be easily pushed out.

[0191] In particular, once the clamping device in the starting area is opened, the circumference of the reel is reduced by a few millimeters due to its design. This enables the completed wound and glued bundle to be pushed off the reel 40.

[0192] The winding and pushing unit 25 is preferably equipped with a height adjustment device 44 so that when the reel 40 is replaced, it can be optimally adjusted according to the supply of the strap section, in particular according to the tape feeding device 38.

[0193] Figure 9A and Figure 9B shows Figure 3A different perspective views of the gluing device 26 of the customization unit 13 of the combined customization - application module 8 shown in and the following figures.

[0194] Once the free end area of the strap section is in the correct, preferably clamped position on the reel 40 (see Figure 8A and Figure 8B ), the glue nozzle 45 travels along a linear axis 46 transverse to the strap section and applies glue application points, such as a glue track or glue dots made of hot melt glue.

[0195] The glue nozzle 45 is connected to a glue reservoir (not shown) via a glue supply line 47.

[0196] The gluing device 26 can be automatically adjusted and adapted according to the type to accommodate different bandwidths of the strapping material. In particular, the size of the gluing point, such as the width of the glue track, can be adjusted, and if necessary, the length of the glue trace can also be adjusted.

[0197] The connection between the free starting area and the free ending area of the strapping segment can alternatively be achieved by other mechanisms, such as:

[0198] - Cold glue,

[0199] - Mechanical crimping or clamping of the strapping material, with or without additional fixation using hot melt glue or cold glue,

[0200] - Combined use of hot melt glue and cold glue,

[0201] - If the strapping material is partially or entirely formed of coated paper (especially paper coated with plastic),

[0202] then ultrasonic welding is used,

[0203] - If the strapping material is formed of paper, then ultrasonic welding is used, especially with the simultaneous addition of moisture,

[0204] - Ultrasonic welding, with the simultaneous insertion of additional material, especially additional material containing plastic components,

[0205] - Thermal welding with partially or entirely coated paper, especially paper coated with plastic,

[0206] - Or thermal welding, with the simultaneous insertion of additional material, especially additional material containing plastic components.

[0207] It should be noted that combinations of two or more of the above connection methods are also conceivable, provided that they are technically feasible and operationally reasonable.

[0208] Schematic Figure 10A and 10B show Figure 3A different perspective views of the clamping and supply device 27 of the customization unit 13 of the modular customization - application module 8 shown in the following figures.

[0209] This module 8 includes a format part 48 with a clamping and supply unit 49. The format part 48 with the clamping and supply unit 49 can be in a first receiving and clamping position AP and a second supply position BP.

[0210] The clamping and supply unit 49 is designed such that its circumference can be adjusted. For example, the corner or side regions of the clamping and supply unit 49 can be moved pneumatically. For example, the corner or side regions of the clamping and supply unit 49 can be separated pneumatically, so that the prefabricated closed bundle becomes the shape of a circumference with a corresponding group of articles or the shape of a circumference with a group of articles that is at least partially compressed, and the bundle is clamped and fixed by a slight overshoot of a pneumatic cylinder.

[0211] In particular, the bundle is received and shaped by the clamping and supply unit 49 in the first receiving and clamping position AP.

[0212] By rotating the clamping and supply unit 49, the format part 48 with the clamping and supply unit 49 is transferred to the second supply position BP. Here, the clamped bundle is moved from the vertical position to the horizontal position, thus preparing it for the application head 11 (see Figures 3A to 3D ). In particular, the rotation is carried out about a rotation axis 50, which forms an angle of approximately 45° with the vertical direction.

[0213] Furthermore, the clamping and supply device 27 can be movably arranged on the guide 51. The clamping and supply device 27 can be moved within the customization unit 13 by the guide 51 in order to be able to approach other structural units of the customization unit 13, for example to approach the winding and unwinding unit 25 to replace the reel 40 or the like.

[0214] As an alternative, the clamping and supply unit 49 can be designed to be adjustable, in particular the circumference can be adjusted. The perimeter and / or the circumferential shape can be changed. For example, this can be achieved by so-called adjustment points, so that the dimensions and / or the shape of the clamping and supply unit 49 are adapted to the dimensions and the shape of the group of articles to be bundled.

[0215] In Figure 2A and Figure 2B the shown packaging machine 1, there are two combined customization-application modules 8, in which two bundles can be formed in parallel inside each combined customization-application module 8 and are fixed to two groups of articles by the application head 11.

[0216] If one of the combined customization-application modules 8 fails or is being serviced, as long as the product flow is not otherwise disturbed, the remaining modules can continue production. This ensures continuous production.

[0217] At this point, the last indication of the description of the implementation variants of the present invention is given, where these description paragraphs refer respectively to the attached drawings. When in the context of the figures and their descriptions the "schematic" figures and views are generally mentioned, this in no way means that the illustrations and their descriptions are considered secondary in the disclosure of the present invention. A person skilled in the art is perfectly capable of obtaining sufficient information from the schematically and abstractly drawn illustrations to simplify his understanding of the present invention, without being affected in his understanding, for example, by the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale dimensional relationships. Thus, these figures enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to better understand the ideas of the present invention put forward in a more general and / or more abstract way in the claims and in the summary part of the description, based on the implementation of the method of the present invention specifically explained and on the functional principle of the packaging machine 1 of the present invention specifically explained.

[0218] The present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that the present invention can be modified or varied without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims.

[0219] List of Reference Signs

[0220] 1 Packaging machine

[0221] 2 Classification or grouping module

[0222] 3 Feeding area

[0223] 4 Customization module

[0224] 5 Application module

[0225] 6 Feeding module

[0226] 7 Grouping module

[0227] 8, 8-1, 8-2 Combined customization-application module

[0228] 9, 9-1, 9-2 Packaging blank application module

[0229] 10 Strapping module

[0230] 11 Application head

[0231] 12 Tripod

[0232] 13 Customization unit

[0233] 14 Base

[0234] 15 Magazine

[0235] 16, 16-1, 16-2 Magazine drawer 17, 17-1, 17-2 Vacuum suction plate

[0236] 18 Storage device

[0237] 19 Jumping roller

[0238] 20 Tape alignment device

[0239] 21 Cutting device

[0240] 22 Belt conveyor

[0241] 23 Diverter

[0242] 24 Feeding device

[0243] 25 Winding and ejecting unit 26 Gluing device

[0244] 27 Clamping and supply device 28 Vacuum belt

[0245] 29 Tape feeder

[0246] 30 Cutting mark identifier 31 Tape conveying unit

[0247] 32 Cutting machine

[0248] 33 Tape discharging device

[0249] 34 Blank feeding device 35, 35-1, 35-2 Belt conveyor

[0250] 37 Blowing device

[0251] 38, 38-1, 38-2 Tape feeding device 39, 39-1, 39-2 Pressure roller

[0252] 40 Reel

[0253] 41 Jaw

[0254] 42 Pusher

[0255] 43 Linear motor

[0256] 44 Height adjustment device

[0257] 45 Glue nozzle

[0258] 46 Linear axis

[0259] 47 Glue supply pipeline

[0260] 48 Format part

[0261] 49 Clamping and supply unit 50 Rotating axis

[0262] 51 Guide

[0263] 55 Vacuum conveying unit

[0264] Gearbox of the 60 cutting machine, 100 binding parts

[0265] 101 Articles

[0266] 102 Bottles

[0267] 103 Group of articles

[0268] 104 Closed binding loop

[0269] 105 Packaging unit

[0270] 106 Binding package

[0271] AP Receiving and clamping position

[0272] BP Supply position

[0273] Width of the B15 magazine

[0274] Width of the B16 magazine drawer

[0275] TR Conveying direction

[0276] VP Movement arrow

Claims

1. A packaging machine (1) for manufacturing a packaging unit (105), the packaging unit (105) being formed by at least two articles (101) combined together by a tying member (100), the packaging machine (1) comprising at least: - A sorting or grouping module (7) for providing groups of articles (103), each group of articles (103) comprising at least two articles (101) defining a quantity and composition, - A magazine (15) for providing a stock of tying material, in particular in the form of an endless stock, the stock preparing and providing the tying material in lengths corresponding to a plurality of individual tying members (100), - A customization module (4) in which individual tying members (100) are formed from the provided tying material from the stock or endless stock, wherein the circumference of each individual tying member (100) corresponds to the circumference of the group of articles (103) or the packaging unit (105) to be formed, - An application module (5) having means for mechanically combining the groups of articles (103), slipping the prepared tying members (100) onto the groups of articles (103) to form the packaging unit (105).

2. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the magazine (15) has one, two or more magazine units which can be removed from the magazine (15) individually and independently of one another and can be filled with new tying material consumption units in the removed state from the magazine (15), in particular after the previously contained stock of tying material has been used up.

3. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tying material located in at least one magazine unit is wound into a roll, the roll being unwound during or being able to be unwound during operation of the packaging machine (1) in order to supply the connected customization module (4) while continuously consuming the tying material.

4. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a buffer or dancer roller (19) is provided between the magazine (15) and the customization module (4), the buffer or dancer roller combining in particular the irregular, periodic and / or regular or irregular intermittent operation of the customization module (4) with the continuous supply and provision of the tying material from the stock.

5. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the customization module (4) is designed and configured to form individual tying members (100) in the form of single prefabricated, in particular closed, tying loops from the tying material provided in the magazine (15).

6. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 5, wherein a cutting unit (25) for cutting off the tying material segments required for forming individual tying members (100) from the endlessly provided tying material is assigned to the customization module (4) or arranged upstream of the customization module along the conveying direction of the tying material.

7. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the customization module (4) includes a winding device (25) which is designed to join the strap segments of the strap material into a prefabricated closed strap loop, in particular by bonding together the starting and ending regions of the strap segments that overlap or partially overlap each other, or by establishing a butt joint connection between the starting and ending regions of the strap segments.

8. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 7, wherein the number of application units in the application module (5) corresponds to the number of winding devices (25) in the customization module (4), wherein, Two or more application units communicate with a corresponding number of winding devices (25).

9. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein two or more winding devices (25) in the customization module (4) are fed by a distribution device or a diverter (23), which is located between the cutting unit (21) and the winding devices (25), and wherein the distribution device or the diverter (23) supplies the winding devices (25) with strap segments cut to a certain length as required.

10. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the application module (5) that communicates with the customization module (4) and is provided with the prepared strapping elements (100) by the customization module, in particular with prefabricated closed strap loops, has at least one application unit for respectively providing at least one strapping element (100) or at least one strap loop for each prepared group of items (103) to be provided, so as to form the packaging unit (105) in this way.

11. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one application unit has a tensioning and / or unwinding device (27) for receiving the strapping element (100) or the strap loop, and the tensioning and / or unwinding device (27) shapes the strapping element (100) or the strap loop so that it can engage with the prepared group of items (103) to be provided.

12. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the application unit is designed as an application head (11) or a tool head which can move within a defined movement space and has a controllable manipulation tool.

13. A method for manufacturing a packaging unit (105), which is respectively formed by at least two items (101) combined together by a strapping element (100), the method comprising the following steps: - providing the strap material from a stock, in particular from an endless stock, which contains and provides the strap material corresponding to a plurality of individual strapping elements (100), - supplying and in particular continuously conveying the strap material from the stock or the endless stock to a customization module (4), in which individual strapping elements (100) are formed from the provided strap material from the stock or the endless stock, wherein the circumference of each individual strapping element (100) corresponds to the circumference of the group of items (103) or the packaging unit (105) to be formed. - Supply and further convey the strapping element (100) to the application module (5), in which a defined number of groups of articles (101) are provided, and equip the articles with the prepared strapping element by slipping the strapping element (100) over each provided group of articles (103) to form the packaging unit (105).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the strapping material is stored as a reserve in at least one magazine (15) and is supplied to the customization module (4), wherein the magazine (15) can have one, two or more magazine units, which can be removed from the magazine (15) individually and independently of one another and can be filled with new strapping material consumption units in the removed state, in particular after the previously contained strapping material has been used up.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the strapping material located in the at least one magazine (15) is unwound, in particular continuously, to feed the customization module (4) and the strapping material is continuously consumed in the process.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein variable intermediate buffering of the strapping material can be carried out between the magazine (15) and the customization module (4), and the intermediate buffering of the strapping material can combine the irregular operation, periodic operation and / or regular or irregular intermittent operation of the customization module (4) with the continuous supply and provision of the strapping material from the reserve stored in the magazine (15).

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein in the customization module (4), a single strapping element (100) in the form of a single prefabricated, in particular closed, strapping loop is formed from the strapping material provided as a reserve or endless reserve in the magazine (15).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the endlessly provided strapping material is divided into individual strapping segments by length and is cut for this purpose.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the strapping elements (100) formed in the customization module (4) are joined together by at least one winding device (25) to form in particular closed prefabricated strapping loops, and the starting and ending regions of the strapping loops that coincide or partially overlap with each other are connected to each other, in particular by bonding the starting and ending regions of the strapping loops that coincide or partially overlap with each other.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein two or more winding devices (25) in the customization module (4) are fed by a distribution device or splitter (23), which is located between the cutting unit (21) and the winding devices (25), and the distribution device or splitter (23) supplies the winding devices (25) with cut-to-length strapping segments as required.

21. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the application module (5) in communication with the customization module (4) and provided with the prepared binding elements (100) by the customization module, in particular for providing a prefabricated binding loop that is especially closed, has at least one application unit for respectively equipping at least one binding element (100) or at least one binding loop to the prepared group of provided articles (103) so as to form the packaging unit (105) in this way.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the prepared binding element (100) or the binding loop is tensioned or unfolded so that the binding element (100) or the binding loop assumes a certain shape enabling it to engage with the prepared group of provided articles (103).

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