Method and device for packaging articles

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a method for packaging articles, preferably containers. The method comprises: bundling a plurality of articles, respectively, to form a plurality of bundled bales (U); and applying a packaging blank (V) onto the plurality of strapping bales (U) to form an integral bale (G).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for packaging articles, preferably containers. The invention also relates to an integral bundle and apparatus for packaging articles, preferably containers. Background Technology

[0002] For the processing, assembly, grouping, and packaging of items such as beverage containers, different types of packaging exist, such as combining items or containers into portable, relatively convenient bundles (bundle units). Different schemes are known for combining individual items into larger bundles. For example, beverage containers are typically combined using heat-shrink film and packaged into bundles of four, six, or more containers. A variation that, in principle, does not use shrink film is the so-called strapping bundle. In this case, containers are combined into a bundle and connected to each other using so-called strapping tape (cable ties). Furthermore, the use of so-called (upper) packaging blanks is known, where, for example, cardboard packaging is used to combine several bottles together through its neck area.

[0003] FR 3 115 272 A1 relates to a compact bundle consisting of at least four grouped products, wherein the products are containers with peripheral walls, distributed in a matrix according to columns and rows. The bundle includes at least one element for holding the at least four products together. This element exists in the form of a closing strip surrounding the products in the bundle.

[0004] DE 10 2021 117 903 A1 relates to a method for manufacturing a packaging unit. Each packaging unit includes a plurality of articles, wherein at least two articles are combined with a first packaging device to form a sub-unit, and wherein at least two sub-units are combined with a second packaging device to form a packaging unit.

[0005] EP 0 715 593 B1 discloses a method to avoid the formation of honeycomb in containers of adjacent multi-packs, wherein each multi-pack has an upper support and is connected to each other by means of strapping, and cardboard or other materials are placed between adjacent surfaces of the cylindrical descriptor in each group before the strapping is applied. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is to provide an improved technique for forming bundles from articles. On the one hand, this technique should preferably be particularly resource-efficient and sustainable. On the other hand, this technique is preferably designed to enable particularly stable and durable bundles.

[0007] This objective is achieved through the features of the independent claims. Advantageous improvements are given in the dependent claims and the specification.

[0008] One aspect relates to a method for packaging articles, preferably containers, for example by means of a packaging device, preferably as disclosed herein. The method includes: separately bundling multiple articles (e.g., by means of strapping tape) to form multiple (e.g., identical) bundles (e.g., by means of a bundling device); and applying (preferably a single) packaging blank to the multiple bundles to form an integral bundle (e.g., by means of an application device).

[0009] This method advantageously allows for the formation of particularly resource-efficient and sustainable, as well as particularly stable and durable, integral bundles. In this case, the techniques of bundling and applying the packaging blank are advantageously used not redundantly, but complementaryly, to ultimately produce integral bundles. Bundled bundles can be produced first by means of bundling. Integral bundles can then be produced from the bundled bundles using the packaging blank. Thus, while bundling holds the individual items together in the bundled bundle, the packaging blank holds the individual bundled bundles together.

[0010] In particular, good stability can be achieved when the bundles are spaced apart from the packaging blanks.

[0011] Specifically, the packaging blanks can be arranged at a distance from the strapping that is at least one-quarter of the overall bundle height.

[0012] Specifically, the packaging blank can be placed above the shoulder of the bundled item.

[0013] In particular, it is preferable that individual packaging blanks can be arranged in the upper third of the overall bundle, and all bundles or individual bundles can be arranged in the middle and / or lower third.

[0014] Specifically, the packaging blank can be placed in the upper quarter of the overall bundle, and the binding can be placed in the lower three-quarters.

[0015] In particular, the packaging blank can be further away from the contact surface of the overall bundle than the bundle itself.

[0016] In particular, bundled packages can be constructed without blank material. In other words, bundled packages have no blank material.

[0017] Specifically, bundled items are held together only by one or more ties. However, in some implementations, some items may be directly connected to each other via adhesive points.

[0018] In particular, the blank may have an area arranged above the article, so that the opening of the article is protected from dust and other factors.

[0019] Specifically, the blank may have areas, for example, in the form of tabs, arranged in the shoulder area of ​​the article, such that the shoulder of the article is laterally covered. In particular, these areas of the blank can be printed.

[0020] Specifically, the overall bundle may contain only a single blank. In other embodiments, the overall bundle may contain two, three, or more blanks.

[0021] In the case of more than one blank, these blanks can be arranged at different heights in the overall bundle, and in each case, all items are secured relative to each other. However, it is also conceivable that one blank only secures the first part of the items relative to each other, while another blank secures another part of the items in the overall bundle. Similarly, it is conceivable that two blanks in the overall bundle overlap in area, so that one or more items in the two blanks are secured, while the other items in the overall bundle are secured by only one blank.

[0022] "Fixed" means to hold or fix, preferably through a through hole in the blank of the item.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be imagined that at least one item of the overall bundle is held on the overall bundle only by its binding of a “partial bundle” rather than the binding of the bundle itself, and the blank only secures the other items of the overall bundle.

[0024] For example, a complete bundle can be formed from two, three, four, five, six or more bundles.

[0025] For example, all bundles of a whole bundle can have the same number of items, such as exactly two, three, four, five, six or more.

[0026] In another implementation, at least two (or all, if appropriate) bundles of a whole bundle can have different numbers of items, for example, two bundles have exactly four items, and two bundles have exactly six items.

[0027] In one embodiment, the packaging blank has at least one defined tear line, which is arranged to preferably (subsequently) divide the overall bundle into multiple bundles and / or multiple items. Thus, it is advantageous to easily divide the overall bundle into bundles or individual items.

[0028] In another embodiment, at least one designated tear line is formed by a weakening of the material in the packaging blank, preferably a perforation or puncture line. In this way, it can be advantageously ensured that the packaging blank actually tears at at least one designated tear line, if desired.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one pre-set tear line is marked on the upper side of the packaging blank for visual identification. Therefore, users can advantageously and more easily use the pre-set tear line, thereby improving ergonomics.

[0030] In another embodiment, at least one pre-set tear line is introduced into the packaging blank before or after application. Therefore, it is advantageous that the pre-set tear line can be flexibly introduced into the packaging blank as needed. When introduced before application, there is advantageously no risk of damage to the article. When introduced after application, there is advantageously no risk of the packaging blank undesirably tearing along the pre-set tear line before or during application.

[0031] In one implementation variation, at least one pre-set tear line is introduced into the packaging blank using a laser device or (e.g., a mechanical) piercing tool (e.g., a punch or roller). Advantageously, in this way, pre-set tear lines can be produced in large quantities in a process-reliable manner at the high power of the packaging apparatus.

[0032] In another embodiment, the method further includes: supplying a packaging material strip from a roll of packaging material using a belt supply device; and cutting a packaging blank from the supplied packaging material strip using a cutting device. Therefore, it is advantageous that the packaging blank can be produced directly in the packaging apparatus, which may be advantageous, for example, in terms of transportation and storage.

[0033] In one embodiment, the same first integral bundle is produced continuously in a first production run, and a second integral bundle, different from the first integral bundle, is produced in a subsequent second production run, for example, in terms of the number of items and / or the number of bundles and / or the size of the items and / or the arrangement of the items and / or the arrangement of the bundles (also referred to as the format).

[0034] The position, length, curvature, and number of perforations in the billet can automatically adapt to the different overall bundling between two production runs.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the billet may be cut to a certain size only shortly before application, and the size of the billet may be changed between two production runs.

[0036] Furthermore, it is conceivable to produce two different whole bundles in a single production run, for example, alternating the production of whole bundles with different quantities of bundles, such as alternating the production of four bundles and six bundles. Additionally, it is conceivable to alternating the production of whole bundles with different bundle sizes, such as alternating the production of bundles consisting of three items and bundles consisting of four items.

[0037] Flexibility can provide an advantage in subsequent palletizing because space on the pallet can be optimally utilized by arranging as many bundles or items as possible in one layer.

[0038] In order to produce different bundles and overall bundles, the components for handling items, bundling, and blanks are preferably automatically adjustable.

[0039] Therefore, tools for applying pre-made strapping (bundling) can have clamping jaws that engage the strapping from the inside and apply it to the item assembly. The distance between the jaws is adjustable. For adjustment, a motor can be installed on the tool, through which the jaws can be adjusted.

[0040] In one embodiment, at least one pre-set tear line is introduced into the corresponding packaging blank before or after cutting it. Therefore, it is advantageous to introduce the pre-set tear line into the packaging blank earlier in the process. Furthermore, when introduced before applying the packaging blank, there is advantageously no risk of article damage.

[0041] In another embodiment, the method further includes: separately bundling multiple bundles to form multiple combined bundles, wherein, preferably, packaging blanks are applied to the combined bundles to form an integral bundle; or preferably, multiple bundles are bundled to form an integral bundle before or after applying the packaging blanks. Therefore, the stability of the integral bundle can be advantageously further improved.

[0042] In one embodiment, the method further includes: processing, preferably rotating and / or moving and / or stacking, multiple bundles of strapping (e.g., on a continuously operating conveyor) (e.g., by means of a processing device), for grouping the multiple bundles of strapping to apply packaging blanks. In this way, a particularly fast and safe packaging process can be advantageously achieved because neither the strapping equipment nor the application equipment needs to group the bundles of strapping. Furthermore, the processing equipment specifically designed for grouping the bundles of strapping can advantageously provide a particularly high degree of flexibility regarding the possible formats of the grouping.

[0043] In another embodiment, when the packaging blank is applied, the multiple bundles are positioned parallel to each other in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions. Alternatively, the multiple bundles may be positioned in a circular manner, for example, when the packaging blank is applied. Thus, relatively dense packaging and relatively high stability of the overall bundle can be advantageously achieved.

[0044] In one implementation variant, the overall bundle is formed by the following:

[0045] - Two bundles, each preferably consisting of two or three items; or

[0046] - Four bundles, each preferably consisting of two or three items; or

[0047] - Six bundles, each preferably consisting of two or three items; or

[0048] - Eight bundles, each preferably consisting of two or three items.

[0049] In another implementation variant, at least one of the following is satisfied:

[0050] -The packaging blank is a cardboard blank or a plastic blank;

[0051] - During application, the packaging blank is pressed onto the article from above, preferably such that the article extends through the openings of the perforation pattern in each case; and

[0052] -The entire bundle or packaged blank has a handle.

[0053] In this way, it is advantageous to obtain a whole bundle with high stability, and in addition, the whole bundle can be handled relatively easily.

[0054] On the other hand, it relates to a complete bundle consisting of multiple items, wherein the complete bundle is manufactured by means of the method according to any one of the preceding claims. Advantageously, the complete bundle can achieve the same advantages already explained with reference to the method.

[0055] On the other hand, a packaging apparatus, preferably a container, for packaging articles, preferably according to the method disclosed herein, is provided. The packaging apparatus has a strapping device configured to strap multiple articles in each case to form multiple bundles (e.g., with strapping tape). The packaging apparatus also has an application device configured to apply packaging blanks to the multiple bundles to form an integral bundle. Preferably, the packaging apparatus may further have at least one of the following:

[0056] - Conveying equipment for conveying items (e.g., via strapping and application equipment);

[0057] - Processing equipment for grouping multiple bundles of strapping applied by the equipment, preferably on the conveying equipment of the packaging device;

[0058] - Laser equipment or (e.g., mechanical) piercing tools (e.g., rollers or punches) for introducing at least one set tear line into the packaging blank;

[0059] - Belt supply equipment for supplying packaging material belts from packaging material rolls;

[0060] - Cutting equipment for cutting packaging blanks from a supplied packaging material belt;

[0061] - Cutting equipment for cutting the strapping from the supplied strapping; and

[0062] - Joining equipment for joining the two ends of cut strapping together, for example, by adhesive and / or stamping.

[0063] The packaging apparatus may include a strapping device, which further includes a tool with clamping claws having contact surfaces for strapping, by which the strapping claws can be used to clamp and close the strap from the inside, and wherein the application device includes a holder (as an application tool) having contact elements for packaging blanks. Preferably, the maximum distance between the two contact elements of the holder is at least 1.5 times, more preferably at least twice, the maximum distance between the contact surfaces of the clamping claws.

[0064] In other words, the binding tool can be smaller than the application tool.

[0065] Advantageously, the same advantages already explained with reference to this method can be achieved by using a packaging device.

[0066] Another aspect relates to container handling equipment (e.g., tempering, manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, sealing, pasteurizing, decorating, labeling, printing, engraving, laser engraving, and / or packaging of containers for liquid or paste-like media, preferably beverages, liquid foods, or products from the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries). Container handling equipment may include the packaging apparatus disclosed herein. Container handling equipment may, for example, be beverage filling equipment.

[0067] In this case, the item is a container. The container can preferably be a beverage container.

[0068] The binding and the blank can be printed separately. Both packaging materials can have cutting marks, which are preferably used to cut them.

[0069] For example, containers can be implemented as bottles, cans, tubes, cartons, glass bottles (flakons), pipes, etc.

[0070] The preferred embodiments and features of the present invention described above can be combined with each other as needed. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Other details and advantages of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0072] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a packaging apparatus according to an embodiment is shown; and

[0073] Figures 2 to 14 A schematic diagram of an exemplary method for packaging items is shown.

[0074] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially corresponding, so similar or identical parts are given the same reference numerals. In order to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of other embodiments or figures. Detailed Implementation

[0075] Figure 1A packaging device 10 for packaging articles is shown. Preferably, the articles are designed as containers, such as bottles or jars.

[0076] For example, a palletizing device for palletizing integral bundles produced by the packaging device 10 can be arranged downstream of the articles in the packaging device 10.

[0077] The packaging apparatus 10 includes a strapping device 14 and a (bulk) application device 18. Preferably, the packaging apparatus 10 may also include a conveying device 12, a handling device 16, a belt supply device 20, a cutting device 22, and / or a laser device 24.

[0078] Articles can be conveyed through packaging device 10 by means of conveying equipment 12. Preferably, conveying equipment 12 can continuously (non-cyclically) convey articles through packaging device 10, for example, under the control of control equipment of packaging device 10.

[0079] During continuous conveying, items can be packaged. Preferably, the conveying device 12 can support the items at the bottom during conveying. For example, the conveying device 12 may include rotating conveying elements, such as a conveyor belt or a pad chain.

[0080] The strapping device 14 is configured to strap multiple items into bundles in each case. Preferably, the strapping device 14 can strap items while they are being continuously transported by the conveyor device 12.

[0081] During the bundling process, a strapping band can be placed around several items in each case, thereby combining the items into a bundle. The bundle can have any shape and any number of items. Preferably, two, three, or four items can be bundled in each case to form a bundle. The strapping band can also be referred to as a band or a tie. For example, a closed or looped strapping band can be used to cover a group of items from above by means of a tool or applicator. The strapping band can preferably be made primarily of paper or cardboard. Alternatively, the strapping band can be made of, for example, plastic, such as a plastic film.

[0082] The processing device 16 may preferably be arranged between the strapping device 14 and the application device 18. Preferably, the processing device 16 may be configured to group the strapping bundles for application device 18 to prepare whole bundles. The processing device 16 may be positioned, for example rotated, moved and / or stacked as needed for grouping.

[0083] For example, the processing device 16 may have movable stops for stacking bundles, at least one pusher element movable laterally in the transport direction for moving the bundles, and / or at least one robot, such as a triangular robot (tripper robot) or a gantry robot, for processing (e.g., stacking, rotating, and / or moving) the bundles. Preferably, the robot may be arranged, preferably suspended, above the conveyor 12. Preferably, the conveyor 12 may continuously convey the bundles as they are grouped by the processing device 16.

[0084] The application device 18 is connected, for example, via the conveying device 12 to the strapping device 14 for receiving the bundles. The application device 18 is configured to apply packaging blanks to multiple bundles in each case to form a single bundle and hold it together. For example, the packaging blanks may be pressed together from above onto multiple bundles or their contents by means of another applicator.

[0085] Preferably, the packaging blank may have a perforation pattern. When the packaging blank is pressed onto the articles, the neck or head of the bundled articles may extend through the perforations of the perforation pattern. Preferably, the packaging blank may surround the articles.

[0086] For example, the packaging preform can be substantially sheet-like or substantially cover-like. The packaging preform can be, for example, a cardboard preform or a plastic preform.

[0087] Preferably, the packaging blank may have a handle, for example, on a lug on the upper side of the packaging blank. Alternatively, for example, the handle may be laterally glued to the article, or it may be threaded through the bottom with a strap.

[0088] The packaging blank can be provided to the application device 18, for example, in at least one cassette or similar of the packaging apparatus 10. For example, the applicator of the application device 18 can, in each case, receive the packaging blank from the cassette, optionally pre-crack it on a die, and apply it to a plurality of bundles to form an integral bundle.

[0089] Similarly, the packaging apparatus 10 may have a belt supply device 20 for supplying packaging material strips from the packaging material roll. For example, the belt supply device 20 may have a packaging material roll support for unrolling the packaging material strip and supplying it to the cutting device 22. The cutting device 22 may cut packaging blanks one by one from the supplied packaging material strip. For example, the cutting device 22 may have a movable blade for cutting the packaging blanks. The cut packaging blanks can then be taken over by the application device 18 and, in each case, applied to multiple bundles to form a complete bundle.

[0090] The laser device 24 is preferably configured to introduce at least one pre-set tear line into the packaging blank. Preferably, the pre-set tear line can be generated by means of perforation or perforation lines or by means of another type of target material weakening of the laser device 24.

[0091] The corresponding packaging blanks can be easily separated along the designated tear lines. Preferably, the designated tear lines can be arranged to divide the overall bundle into multiple bundles and / or multiple items.

[0092] Particularly preferably, at least one designated tear line is marked on the upper side of the packaging blank for visual identification. For example, the packaging blank may have an imprint or another prominent mark as an indication of the at least one designated tear line. For example, the designated tear line may extend onto the packaging blank along a preferably printed dotted line and / or a dotted line.

[0093] The position control of the laser device used to generate the set tear line can also be based on the printing / marking of the set tear line. For example, the sensor system of the packaging device 10 can detect the printing / marking of the set tear line, and the laser device 24 can be operated according to the signal output of the sensor system regarding the detected printing / marking to laser at least one set tear line.

[0094] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the laser device 24 is positioned downstream of the article from the application device 18. Accordingly, after the packaging blank has been applied to the bundling and formed a complete bundle, the laser device 24 can introduce at least one pre-set tear line into the packaging blank. Preferably, the laser device 24 can generate at least one pre-set tear line for each packaging blank as the corresponding complete bundle is continuously transported by the conveyor device 12. Preferably, the laser device 24 can be positioned above or laterally adjacent to the conveyor device 12.

[0095] Optionally, for example, at least one pre-set tear line can be introduced into the packaging blank before it is applied. For example, a laser device 34 can be arranged near the tape supply device 20. Then, before cutting individual packaging blanks by means of the cutting device 22, the pre-set tear line can be introduced directly into the packaging material tape. Optionally, the laser device 34 can be arranged near, for example, the cutting device 22 or the application device 18. Then, after cutting individual packaging blanks by means of the cutting device 22, and preferably before the packaging blanks are applied to the strapping bundles, the pre-set tear line can be introduced into the packaging blanks.

[0096] A pre-set tear line can be introduced into the packaging blank using a technique that replaces laser device 24. For example, packaging apparatus 10 can have a mechanical piercing tool, such as a punch or roller, for introducing at least one pre-set tear line into the packaging blank. The piercing tool can be arranged as described for laser device 24.

[0097] Additional information can also be incorporated into the packaging blank. For example, visual codes, such as barcodes or QR codes, can be printed on the packaging blank, for instance, to identify the entire bundle.

[0098] The packaging device 10 can, for example, package articles in a single-piece manner (bundling and providing packaging blanks). Alternatively, for example, the packaging device 10 can package articles in multiple pieces, such as two pieces (bundling and providing packaging blanks). Multiple paths preferably operate in parallel. Particularly preferably, the packaging device 10 can distribute integral bundles on a first path of the packaging device 10, which are offset relative to the transport direction of the conveying device 12, to integral bundles on a second path of the packaging device 10. For example, integral bundles that are always alternately spaced in the transport direction can be distributed to the first and second paths of the packaging device 10.

[0099] Figures 2 to 14 Exemplary methods and portions thereof for packaging articles are shown. The various features of the proposed methods can be combined with each other as needed. Preferably, these methods can be performed by means of a packaging device 10.

[0100] What these methods have in common is that, in each case, multiple items, preferably containers, are bundled together by a bundling device 14 to form multiple bundles U.

[0101] Another common feature of these methods is that, for example, the packaging blank V is applied to multiple bundles U to form an integral bundle G by means of the application device 18. As previously mentioned, the packaging blank V can be pre-cut from a strip of packaging material supplied by means of the strip supply device 20 by the cutting device 22. In each case, the packaging blank V preferably has the aforementioned hole pattern for inserting individual items.

[0102] Preferably, between bundling and applying the packaging blank V, the bundles U can be processed, for example by means of processing equipment 16, to group the bundles U into whole bundles G. The groups of bundles U can be positioned parallel to each other and in contact with each other, for example, in the longitudinal or transverse direction.

[0103] In addition, Figures 2 to 14 In some methods, such as by means of a laser device 24 or another perforation tool, one or more pre-defined tear lines S can be introduced into the packaging blank V.

[0104] exist Figure 2In the method illustrated as an example, two items can be bundled together in each case to form a bundle U. In this way, two bundles U can be produced. These two bundles U can be grouped such that their longitudinal axes extend parallel to each other, and the two bundles U are adjacent to each other on their opposing longitudinal outer sides. A packaging blank V can be applied to the two bundles U to form a single bundle G.

[0105] Figure 3 The method shown as an example is similar to Figure 2 The method is shown in the figure. Furthermore, a pre-set tear line S can be introduced into the already applied packaging blank V. The pre-set tear line S preferably allows the packaging blank V or the overall bundle G to be divided into two bundles U.

[0106] Figure 4 The method shown as an example is similar to Figure 2 The method is shown in the figure. Furthermore, a tear line S may have been introduced into the applied packaging blank V. The tear line S preferably allows the packaging blank V or the overall bundle G to be divided into two bundles U.

[0107] Figure 5 The method shown as an example is similar to Figure 4 The method shown in the figure. However, it is already possible to introduce two pre-set tear lines S into the applied packaging blank V. The pre-set tear lines S can preferably allow the packaging blank V or the overall bundle G to be separated into individual items.

[0108] exist Figure 6 In the method illustrated as an example, two items can be bundled together in each case to form a bundle U. In this way, four bundles U can be produced. These four bundles U can be grouped in such a way that their longitudinal axes extend parallel, and in each case, two bundles U are adjacent to each other on their opposite longitudinal outer sides. A packaging blank V can be applied to the four bundles U to form a whole bundle G. A pre-set tear line S can be introduced into the applied packaging blank V. The pre-set tear line S preferably allows the packaging blank V or the whole bundle to be divided into two bundles U, whose longitudinal axes extend coaxially.

[0109] Figure 7 The method shown as an example is similar to Figure 6 The method shown in the figure. However, setting a tear line S can preferably allow the packaging blank V or the whole bundle to be divided into two bundles U, whose longitudinal axes extend parallel to each other.

[0110] Figure 8 The method shown as an example is similar to Figure 6The method is illustrated in the diagram. However, in each case, the two bundles U can be re-bundled to produce two combined bundles U, for example, in a format of 2 items × 2 items. The four bundles U or the two combined bundles can be grouped in such a way that they are adjacent to each other, for example, in a format of a total of 2 items × 4 items. Packaging blank V can be applied to the four bundles U or the two combined bundles to form a complete bundle.

[0111] Figure 9 The method shown as an example is similar to Figure 8 The method is shown in the figure. However, the bundles U combined here, in each case, include four items arranged along the longitudinal axis of the respective bundles U. The four bundles U or the two bundles combined can be grouped in such a way that their longitudinal axes extend in parallel, and in each case, the two bundles U are adjacent to each other on the opposite longitudinal outer sides of the two bundles U.

[0112] exist Figure 10 In the method illustrated as an example, two items can be bundled together in each case to form a bundle U. In this way, eight bundles U can be produced. These eight bundles U can be grouped such that their longitudinal axes extend parallel to each other and the bundles U are adjacent to one another. In this way, a format of 4 bundles × 2 bundles or 4 items × 4 items can preferably be produced. A packaging blank V can be applied to the eight bundles U to form a complete bundle. Multiple pre-set tear lines S can be introduced into the applied packaging blank V. The pre-set tear lines S can preferably allow the packaging blank V or the complete bundle G to be separated into individual items.

[0113] exist Figure 11 In the method illustrated as an example, three items can be bundled together in each case to form a bundle U. In this way, two bundles U that are essentially triangular can be produced, for example. An elongated format, such as 1 item x 3 items, can also be imagined. The two bundles U can be grouped such that they are placed close together on opposite sides of each other. A packaging blank V can be applied to the two bundles U to form a complete bundle.

[0114] exist Figure 12In the method illustrated as an example, three items can be bundled together in each case to form a bundle U. In this way, four bundles U, for example, that are substantially triangular, can be produced. These four bundles U can be aligned and grouped along an axis such that two adjacent bundles U are adjacent to each other in each case. A packaging blank V can be applied to the four bundles U to form a complete bundle. Multiple pre-set tear lines S can be introduced into the applied packaging blank V. The pre-set tear lines S can preferably allow the packaging blank V or the complete bundle to be divided into four bundles U.

[0115] exist Figure 13 In the method illustrated as an example, three items can be bundled together in each case to form a bundle U. In this way, six bundles U, for example, that are substantially triangular, can be produced. These six bundles U can be grouped in a circular manner such that, in each case, two adjacent bundles U are adjacent to each other. For example, the six bundles U can be positioned and distributed around a central vertical axis. A packaging blank V can be applied to the six bundles U to form a complete bundle. Multiple pre-set tear lines S can be introduced into the applied packaging blank V. The pre-set tear lines S can preferably allow the packaging blank V or the complete bundle to be divided into six bundles U.

[0116] Figure 14 The method shown as an example is similar to Figure 13 The method is shown in the diagram. However, the six bundles U can be bundled again to prepare or already form a single bundle.

[0117] This invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Instead, numerous variations and modifications are possible, which also utilize the concepts of this invention and thus fall within the scope of protection. In particular, this invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of dependent claims independent of the cited claims. Specifically, each feature of independent claim 1 is disclosed independently of the others. Additionally, the features of dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1. All scope descriptions provided herein should be understood as disclosed, i.e., all values ​​falling within the corresponding scope appear to be individually disclosed, for example, preferably also as narrower outer boundaries of the corresponding scope.

[0118] List of reference numerals

[0119] 10 Packaging Equipment

[0120] 12 Conveying equipment

[0121] 14. Strapping equipment

[0122] 16 Processing equipment

[0123] 18 (Burnt) Application Equipment

[0124] 20 with supply equipment

[0125] 22 Cutting equipment

[0126] 24 Laser equipment

[0127] G Overall Bundle

[0128] S sets the tear line

[0129] U Bundling and packaging

[0130] V. Packaging blank.

Claims

1. A method for packaging articles, preferably in a container, wherein, The method includes: Bundle multiple items together to form multiple bundles (U); and The packaging blank (V) is applied to the plurality of bundles (U) to form an integral bundle (G).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The packaging blank (V) has at least one set tear line (S) which is arranged to preferably divide the overall bundle (G) into the plurality of bundles (U) and / or the plurality of items.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one defined tear line (S) is formed by weakening the material in the packaging blank (V), preferably a perforation or perforation line.

4. The method according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The at least one designated tear line (S) is marked on the upper side of the packaging blank (V) for visual identification.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, Before or after applying the packaging blank (V), at least one pre-defined tear line (S) is introduced into the packaging blank (V).

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The at least one pre-defined tear line (S) is introduced into the packaging blank (V) by means of a laser device (24) or a piercing tool.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: Packaging material tape is supplied from packaging material rolls using a tape supply device (20); as well as The packaging blank (V) is cut from the supplied packaging material belt using a cutting device (22).

8. The method according to claim 7 and any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, Before or after cutting the corresponding packaging blank (V), the at least one pre-defined tear line (S) is introduced into the corresponding packaging blank (V).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: Multiple bundles (U) are individually bundled to form multiple combined bundles (U), wherein, preferably, the packaging blank (V) is applied to the combined bundles (U) to form the overall bundle (G); or Preferably, the plurality of bundles (U) are tied together to form the integral bundle (G) before or after the application of the packaging blank (V).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: The processing, preferably rotating and / or moving and / or stacking the plurality of bundles (U), is used to group the plurality of bundles to apply the packaging blank (V).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the packaging blank (V) is applied, the plurality of bundles (U) are positioned parallel to each other in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions; or When the packaging blank (V) is applied, the plurality of bundles (U) are positioned in a circular manner.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The overall bundle (G) is formed by the following: Two bundles (U), each consisting of two or three items; or Four bundles (U), each consisting of two or three items; or Six bundles (U), each consisting of two or three items; or Eight bundles (U), each consisting of two or three items.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Meet at least one of the following: The packaging blank (V) is a cardboard blank or a plastic blank; During application, the packaging blank (V) is pressed onto the article from above, preferably such that the article extends through an opening in the perforation pattern of the packaging blank (V) in each case; and The integral bundle (G) or the packaging blank (V) has a handle.

14. A bundle (G) consisting of multiple items, wherein, The overall bundle (G) is manufactured by means of the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A packaging apparatus (10) for packaging articles, preferably containers, preferably the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The packaging device (10) includes: A strapping device (14) configured to strap multiple items in each case to form multiple strapping bundles (U); and An application device (18) is configured to apply packaging blanks (V) onto the plurality of bundles (U) to form an integral bundle (G). The packaging device (10) preferably further comprises at least one of the following: Conveying equipment (12) for conveying the articles; Processing device (16) for grouping the plurality of bundles (U) of the application device (18); A laser device (24) or a perforating tool is used to introduce at least one pre-defined tear line (S) into the packaging blank (V); A supply device (20) for supplying packaging material tape from a roll of packaging material; Cutting equipment (22) for cutting the packaging blank (V) from the supplied packaging material strip; Cutting equipment for cutting straps from supplied strapping tape; and Joining equipment for joining the two ends of cut strapping together, for example, by adhesive and / or stamping.

16. The packaging apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The strapping device (14) includes a tool with clamping claws having contact surfaces for strapping, which can be used to clamp and close the strap from the inside, and wherein the application device (18) includes a holder having contact elements for the packaging blank (V), wherein, preferably, the maximum distance between the two contact elements of the holder is at least 1.5 times, more preferably at least twice, the maximum distance between the contact surfaces of the clamping claws.

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