Method and system for packaging piece goods and forming packaging units

Abstract

A system (10) and method for packaging piece goods (12) are disclosed. The system (10) comprises: a packaging machine (16) which is provided for applying a secondary packaging medium (18) to at least one piece of goods (12) in order to form a packaging unit (14) in this manner; a control and / or regulation device (42) which can control or regulate the packaging machine (16) by means of a packaging program control system; and at least one sensor device (46) which is provided and correspondingly equipped for sensing at least one quality parameter (48) of the secondary packaging medium processed in the packaging machine (16) and / or of the packaging unit (14) formed by the packaging machine (16). The packaging control program used by the packaging machine (16) can be adjusted and / or controlled by taking into account the at least one quality parameter (48) detected by the sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and system for forming packaging units by packaging components. Background Technology

[0002] Various methods and packaging variations are available for processing, assembling, grouping, and subsequent packaging articles such as beverage containers. Thus, packaging units or bundles comprising several such articles or beverage containers, held together by means of strapping, are known. Furthermore, it is known to wrap several articles or packages with a film that shrinks under heat. This allows several packages to be bundled together using the shrinkable film. Alternatively, the side surfaces of the articles or packages can be directly glued together, i.e., without the use of additional packaging materials.

[0003] If the items or packages to be bundled together have limited shape stability, such as thin-walled PET beverage containers, it can be meaningful to place such beverage containers, or bundles of several bundled together, on a packaging strip made of cardboard and / or stiff cardboard to prevent accidental damage to the beverage containers or bundles during transport or subsequent handling. This type of packaging strip is also called a tray and has edge areas that fold upwards when packaging the items or beverage containers and hold the respective items in the bundle together.

[0004] Alternatively, folded cardboard, beverage cartons or other wrapped containers, or containers that hold items to be packaged or bundles of several items, can be used, for example, with a greater emphasis on improving stacking and / or pallet palletizing.

[0005] Since all the above-mentioned processes and the various handling and packaging steps in the bundled packaging variations (including secondary packaging and pallet palletizing) are usually carried out in a mechanized manner and at high speeds, it is meaningful to regularly monitor the packaging steps performed and to sample and inspect at least the packaging units manufactured in this way in order to maintain the high quality of the products and packaging.

[0006] If defective or incorrectly manufactured packaging units are discovered during such inspections, it is initially unclear how many units are defective because it is typically impossible to inspect every single unit. Particularly for cardboard packaging, different influencing factors can lead to different or combined defect patterns; for example, poor bonding or insufficient overlap in folded cardboard can result in printing errors on printed cardboard packaging. Other sources of defects may lie in fluctuations in cardboard properties, where such factors can adversely compound other defect patterns, exacerbating existing defects. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the aforementioned exemplary deficiencies, and in order to reduce the risk of defective products, the main objective of the present invention can be considered as improving the quality control methods in the production of packaged goods and packaging units, so as to not only make it possible to reduce the defect rate of packaging units, but also substantially improve the overall product quality.

[0008] This objective of the invention is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous improvements of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a method for forming packaging units by packaging goods using a packaging machine, wherein the packaging machine performs a packaging process and uses secondary packaging media during the packaging process. These secondary packaging media can be made specifically of cellulose-based materials such as cardboard, but can also be selectively made of paper materials, film materials, or composite materials.

[0010] The method is configured to sense and monitor individual, several, but preferably all, manufactured packaging units and / or the secondary packaging media used, and to adjust the packaging process executed and implemented by the packaging machine by taking into account at least one quality parameter detected by the sensors of the manufactured packaging units and / or the secondary packaging media used. This quality parameter may, in particular, be a parameter that affects the stability of the packaging units to be manufactured.

[0011] Quality parameter sensing can be performed at different points. This allows for quality parameter sensing to be performed specifically outside the packaging machine (i.e., directly before loading or secondary packaging). However, quality parameter sensing can also be performed during the secondary packaging process itself. Furthermore, quality parameters can be selectively detected after secondary packaging by monitoring the packaging unit with sensors.

[0012] In this way, at least one quality parameter monitored by sensors can be used to form a regulating variable for the regulated packaging process. Alternatively, several parameters can be sensed and used to form a regulating variable to influence and adjust the regulated packaging process.

[0013] This method can be specifically designed to verify whether a predefined stability parameter exists in the packaging unit formed by the packaging machine. Furthermore, it can be configured to derive a target value from at least one of several stability parameters, wherein the actual value of the sensing detection of the stability parameter is compared with the target value, and then the actual value of the sensing monitoring of the stability parameter can be used to form the adjustment variable of the regulated packaging procedure.

[0014] It should be noted that the terms “quality parameters” and “stability parameters” used here are generally used and understood as synonyms, as sensor devices are typically used to test whether the cardboard under test is suitable to withstand the expected mechanical loads that may be subjected to in subsequent processing.

[0015] If the actual value of a quality or stability parameter monitored by sensors deviates from the target value, a defect signal can be selectively generated, which can be used, for example, to output a defect message. However, it is particularly meaningful to process such defect signals in the packaging machine and use them to adjust machine settings, thereby improving product quality.

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also proposes a method for inspecting and defining quality parameters and adjusting the machine settings of the packaging machine when using secondary packaging media to repackage goods.

[0017] These variable machine settings should be directly or indirectly related to the secondary packaging of goods.

[0018] Secondary packaging media can optionally be cellulose-based materials, such as cardboard or paper packaging materials. Secondary packaging media can also be film materials or composite materials. Since the term "secondary packaging media" as used in this context should be understood fully, secondary packaging media can also be adhesive points used to directly adhere items together, for example, by bonding them to their side surfaces.

[0019] Therefore, packaging machines can be specifically designed as cardboard packaging machines, film processing packaging machines, or packaging machines that produce adhesive bundles.

[0020] In this method, a limited number of pre-grouped items are secondary packaged using a secondary packaging medium (made of packaging material, particularly cellulose-based material, such as cardboard). Furthermore, sensors detect at least one quality parameter of the secondary packaging formed in this manner, particularly a parameter related to stability. This at least one quality parameter monitored by the sensors is processed and evaluated, wherein the processed data (actual value) is compared with a predetermined target value. Based on this comparison of the actual value and the predetermined target value, if a deviation from a predetermined target value is found, at least one actual value can be adjusted to approximate the target value. This is achieved by changing at least one machine setting of the packaging machine, thereby bringing the actual value closer to the target value again.

[0021] Optionally, the method can be configured to adjust specific machine settings of the packaging machine through iterative steps if there is a deviation between the actual value monitored by the sensor and the predetermined target value, until the actual value is at least close to the respective predetermined target value.

[0022] If the predetermined target value has not yet been reached, or if the detected actual value is still outside the predetermined tolerance range, the machine settings can be further adjusted.

[0023] In addition, it can be optionally set that the machine settings remain unchanged as long as the first actual value of the continuously inspected secondary packaging is within the defined tolerance range, or even if the actual value of a predetermined number of inspected secondary packaging is outside the defined tolerance range but within the defined maximum distance from the defined tolerance range.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be meaningful to permanently or periodically evaluate the actual values ​​of the sensor-detected quality parameters and their deviations from predetermined target values, and then apply the information obtained through evaluation to machine learning programs. In particular, defect types and defect variants can be evaluated in more detail through machine learning and artificial intelligence programs in order to achieve a lower deviation between the actual values ​​and predetermined target values ​​when subsequently adjusting machine settings.

[0025] To achieve the above objectives, in addition to the methods described in the various embodiments, a system for packaging a single shipment is proposed. This system includes a packaging machine configured and equipped to apply a secondary packaging medium made of packaging material onto at least one shipment to form a packaging unit in this manner. The packaging material can be, in particular, a cellulose-based material, such as cardboard or paper, but can also be a film or composite material. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the secondary packaging medium can also be formed by adhesive bonding.

[0026] The system according to the invention further includes: a control and / or regulation device capable of controlling or regulating the packaging machine using a packaging process control system; and at least one sensor device configured and correspondingly equipped for sensing at least one quality parameter of the secondary packaging medium processed within the packaging machine and / or the packaging unit formed by the packaging machine.

[0027] The packaging control program utilized by the packaging machine can be adjusted by taking into account at least one quality parameter monitored by the sensors; that is, the packaging control program can be adjusted and / or controlled by taking into account at least one quality parameter monitored by the sensors.

[0028] The system described herein can be specifically used to execute a method according to one of the various method variants described above.

[0029] Using the described system and methods, a self-controlled or self-adjusting, and thus self-configurable, packaging machine can be realized. This machine improves packaging quality and reduces waste through sensing and detecting defined parameters. While previously, the quality and function of secondary packaging were typically sampled or inspected at regular intervals and then reacted to, permanent monitoring is provided in this invention. If poor adhesion, insufficient overlap of adhesive cardboard, or printing errors are found during sampling inspections, it is usually unavoidable to reopen the already packaged and completed bundles, or even discard them as waste, because there is no information indicating which bundles and how many bundles have been affected by the identified defects. In the worst-case scenario, defective packaging may even enter the market undetected, potentially leading to product recalls.

[0030] This invention addresses these problems and drawbacks by continuously monitoring the secondary packaging medium and / or the packaged goods (i.e., the packaging units produced in this manner) that are further packaged using the secondary packaging medium. Specifically, this can be configured to perform sensor-based testing on the strength, mechanical stability, and / or shape stability of the manufactured packaging units or secondary packaging, wherein the data obtained are compared as actual values ​​with predetermined target values.

[0031] For example, the finished packaging units or secondary packages can be removed or lifted from the transport route to identify the strength and / or stability of the packaging units, especially their shape stability, by examining and simulating the gripping or lifting operations commonly encountered at finished packaging units in practice.

[0032] Selectively, tensile tests can be performed on the manufactured packaging units or secondary packaging using a defined force, or tests can be conducted using suitable non-destructive methods, such as ultrasonic testing. Furthermore, different adhesive points can be tested and inspected by mechanical load testing or by ultrasonic testing.

[0033] If the value exceeds the predefined tolerance range, an anomaly may exist, which may allow for the automatic adjustment of the machine settings, such as by adjusting the amount of adhesive applied or by slightly increasing the overlap area of ​​the folded cardboard.

[0034] In principle, the same principle can also be applied to the packaging materials used, namely the secondary packaging media mentioned here. Before processing these secondary packaging media in the packaging machine, continuous and permanent sensing tests are conducted to ensure the presence of target characteristics, allowing the machine settings to be adjusted even if characteristics fluctuate or deviate from target parameters. This allows for sensing, monitoring, and inspection of the moisture content of the cardboard material used as the secondary packaging media using appropriate methods (e.g., by applying microwave technology). In this way, defects or deficiencies in the supplied packaging materials can be identified early, enabling appropriate countermeasures to be initiated automatically, such as increasing the area of ​​the adhesive points, adding additional adhesive points, or pressing the adhesive points more tightly and / or for a longer period. If the actual value deviates too much from the target value to be compensated for in a tolerable manner by appropriate countermeasures, machine downtime can also be meaningful, so that this batch of packaging materials never even enters the processing stage in the first place. This method is essentially equivalent to an incoming inspection of the initial product or the packaging materials to be used.

[0035] Furthermore, by inspecting packaging materials or cardboard awaiting use and processing in the packaging process, incoming material inspection can be achieved without significant complications, thereby significantly improving product quality and streamlining the process. In this way, outgoing inspection results from cardboard production or other secondary packaging media production can be simultaneously used as incoming inspection results in the packaging process, and vice versa. If abnormalities occur during packaging, appropriate countermeasures can be taken within the production process without causing errors or interruptions. For example, in the production process of secondary packaging media, the moisture content can be increased or decreased, or the drying stage can be shortened or extended.

[0036] A particular advantage of this invention lies in the possibility of not only inspecting the quality and function of secondary packaging during the packaging process, but also adjusting machine parameters using sensor measurements. This allows for automated adjustments to the packaging machine to improve the packaging process, for example, by increasing the amount of adhesive used and / or by adjusting the machine to ensure better overlap of adhesive points. Furthermore, if the moisture content of the cardboard material is too high, or if the cardboard material exhibits excessive waviness, the incoming packaging material can be rejected when appropriate, thereby preventing the production of defective secondary packaging.

[0037] In the packaging process performed by means of the packaging method according to the invention, and in the system for packaged goods according to the invention, signal data obtained from the sensors used and, where appropriate, additional external information can be selectively processed and prepared with the aid of AI-supported algorithms, so as to enable progressive improvement of adjustment and / or control commands.

[0038] In this context, while the term “artificial intelligence” (KI) is often used concisely, it refers to an important aspect of machine learning in which sensor data and other signal data are used not only to provide real-time control data for the control and / or regulation of packaging machines to adjust actuator positions and adjust operating parameters or control commands (e.g., changing processing parameters during packaging unit production).

[0039] More importantly, machine learning aims to make it possible to obtain further, more refined sets of data based on old data and due to previous control and / or regulation processes. These sets of data can be used for future control and / or regulation processes to optimize production and processing flows and / or improve the processing or manufacturing results of individual modules or the entire packaging equipment and get closer to the optimal values. This includes avoiding meaningless settings for certain control and / or regulation parameters that may have originated from the evaluation analysis of the results of earlier processes.

[0040] Due to the complex interactions of many varying parameters, some of these machine settings often cannot be covered in user-performed analyses because users may miss some interactions that are not obvious or because they are clearly not reasonable. Therefore, using AI or machine learning can provide better processing and process results, especially when dealing with large amounts of data and complex relationships. This is particularly true in the use case explored in this paper, which evaluates sensor data to assess the product quality of finished product packaging units.

[0041] Because cumulative effects can occur, especially when considering several different sensor values, these cumulative effects are difficult to analyze, and in terms of their impact on the packaging process, they are difficult to influence because they are effects produced on different machine modules. Therefore, AI or machine learning makes it possible to also consider these parameters and effectively influence machine settings in the future, thereby enabling better prediction of the behavior of individual processing modules or machine components when specific effects occur based on long-term assessments of large amounts of data.

[0042] Because long-term assessments based on larger volumes of data can provide very precise insights into equipment behavior, and typically very precise insights into the behavior of individual modules and machine parts, as well as very precise insights into the relationship between this behavior and the changes in the behavior of modules / machine parts over long-term operation, AI, or the machine learning described here, can also be used in particular to make appropriate adjustments and optimizations to machine settings, as data assessments can provide precise instructions for changes in process flow characteristic parameters.

[0043] Such precise control commands also accommodate the possibility of deviations, responding with high accuracy even when the mechanical behavior of packaging materials deviates from their original or expected characteristics due to changes in temperature or environmental conditions. In this case, the comprehensive availability of process data often allows for influencing the packaging process in a way that compensates for deviations in control commands and adjusts controls to suit current conditions.

[0044] Furthermore, with the help of AI variants or AI applications, complaints can be generated, driven, or initiated automatically, for example, by submitting a formatted complaint to a supplier of packaging materials used for secondary packaging. This can be particularly meaningful when packaging materials do not meet set specifications. In this context, processes can be streamlined and the integration of manufacturing and / or packaging for various products can be improved, especially related to the handling of parcels and / or secondary packaging. This is achieved by linking production and / or packaging equipment with the planning, management, and / or operation processes of the equipment, and integrating these processes in this way so that certain defects or deficiencies in the production process and / or packaging operations lead to automatically triggered actions, which are typically considered independent of routine production and / or packaging operations. This is, for example, the complaint process mentioned above, but could also be other processes, such as the ordering process, warehousing processes, and so on.

[0045] Meaningful measurements and / or input parameters that can be processed by AI include, for example, signals from temperature sensors, camera images of unfinished or finished packaging units, and data from all types of inspection devices that inspect packaging units. Sensor signals from optical sensors that detect different characteristics of the film, cardboard, or paper wrappings in the packaging unit can also be used as meaningful measurement parameters. This could be, for example, the transparency characteristics of the film, color changes of the film due to shrinkage, etc.

[0046] All of this data can help enrich the AI's data pool, making it possible for it to make increasingly better decisions. This can also be called AI training, which can ultimately be regarded as a sub-aspect of machine learning.

[0047] Connecting the central control system of machines and / or packaging machines to a virtually unlimited pool of data can offer further advantages in accelerating AI training. This virtually unlimited data pool can be accessed specifically via an internet connection.

[0048] The AI ​​mentioned here can be selectively implemented or considered as a separate building block or module, interacting with the control and / or regulation units of the packaging machine. Therefore, for some equipment, such a building block or module can be effortlessly activated or deactivated, depending on the scope of use stipulated in the contract for the equipment delivered or provided on a usage fee basis. By viewing AI functionality as an equipment module of packaging, handling, and / or processing equipment, the functional scope of the equipment can be configured according to the selected and required equipment in specific circumstances.

[0049] If they can be reasonably combined in a manner that is relevant to those skilled in the art, some or all of the previously mentioned variations or implementations of the methods and / or systems according to the invention may be selectively combined to at least partially achieve one or more of the objectives set forth above, and / or to obtain the desired effects of the invention.

[0050] It should be explicitly stated herein that all aspects and embodiments described in connection with the method of forming a packaging unit by packaging components according to the invention can also relate to or constitute parts of the system according to the invention. Therefore, if any aspect and / or interrelationship and / or effect is mentioned at any point in the definition of the claims of the method according to the invention, this also applies to the system of the invention. Conversely, the same applies, so that all aspects and embodiments described in connection with the system according to the invention can also relate to or constitute parts of the method of forming a packaging unit by packaging components according to the invention. Therefore, if any aspect and / or interrelationship and / or effect is mentioned at any point in the definition of the claims of the system of the invention, this also applies to the method of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0051] In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages will be described in more detail with reference to the single accompanying drawing. The dimensional proportions of individual elements in the drawing do not always correspond to actual dimensional proportions, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged compared to other elements for better illustration.

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic view of a first variant of a system for packaged goods according to the invention is shown, which can be used to perform methods according to the invention for forming packaging units and / or for inspecting defined quality parameters during secondary packaging of goods. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The same reference numerals are used for elements of the same invention or those having the same effect. Furthermore, for clarity, only one appendix is ​​used. Figure 1Only reference numerals necessary or meaningful for the description of the invention are shown. The embodiments shown are merely examples of how a system or method according to the invention can be designed and are not intended to be conclusive or limiting.

[0054] Figure 1 The schematic view illustrates a variant of the system 10 for packaged goods 12 according to the invention that can be meaningfully used in practice, wherein the system 10 can also be used to perform methods according to the invention for forming packaging units 16 and / or for inspecting defined quality parameters during secondary packaging of goods 12.

[0055] so, Figure 1 The packaging machine is shown in a highly abstract form using a basic variant of the system 10 according to the invention, and is generally referred to herein as reference numeral 16. Using this packaging machine 16, the aforementioned packaging unit 14 can be produced, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed from a total of three packages 12 combined together.

[0056] The packaging unit 14, shown only schematically herein, and its three assembled packages 12 are produced using secondary packaging medium 18. The secondary packaging medium 18 may be specifically formed from a secondary package 20, which is made of folded and / or flat packaging material joined along fold lines. This flat packaging material of the secondary package 20 may be specifically made of cardboard, but may also be formed of other packaging materials such as plastics or composites. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary package 20 of the secondary packaging medium 18 may be specifically formed from a cuboid-shaped folded cardboard 22 to accommodate several packages 12, which, together with the packages 12 inserted therein, form the packaging unit 14 to be produced.

[0057] Several or more packaging units (each having a limited number of individual packages 12 contained therein) formed in this way in packaging unit 14 can optionally be combined, stacked and / or palletized into larger composite units, bundles or pallet combinations by means of tertiary packaging media for, for example, storage, transport or otherwise delivery of these packaging units. However, such tertiary packaging is not shown here, mainly because it is understood to be optional.

[0058] The various arrows inside and outside the packaging machine 16 (which is a fundamental component of the system 10 for packaging goods 12 according to the invention) and the various elements beyond its system boundaries, indicated only by dashed outlines, represent conveying motion. Thus, goods 12 are fed into the system 10 from the outside in the transport direction 24, and thus into the packaging machine 16, where they are assembled into packaging units 16 using secondary packaging 20, which is first folded and assembled into cardboard 22 within the packaging machine 16.

[0059] Similarly, the initial material required for producing the secondary packaging 20, namely the flat packaging material of the secondary packaging medium 18, is fed into the packaging machine 16 from the outside and folded into cardboard 22 or secondary packaging 20. Optionally, it can be printed or partially printed before producing the secondary packaging 20 or cardboard 22 in the packaging machine 16. Likewise, the flat packaging material of the secondary packaging medium 18 can be selectively die-cut in the packaging machine 16 to form a cardboard sheet suitable for folding.

[0060] Within the packaging machine 16, the secondary packages 20 are combined with their respective set quantities of goods 12. This is typically accomplished by placing the set quantities of goods 12 into cardboard 22, which are open on at least one side, forming the secondary packages 20. The packaging machine 16 then transfers the packaging units 14 formed in this way to downstream conveying and / or processing modules, such as packaging machines and / or palletizers, not shown in detail here, in the transport direction 26.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the packaging machine 16 here includes: at least one first processing module 28 for receiving at least partially shaped and / or appropriately sized pieces, segments, or sheets of flat packaging material, which form secondary packaging media 18; at least one folding module 30 for shaping and / or processing the pieces, segments, or sheets and unfolding them to form secondary packaging 20 or cardboard 22, and / or splicing them at at least one connection point, connection edge, and / or fold line to form a receiving space for at least two items, parcels 12, and / or bundles to be contained therein.

[0062] The folded sheets 32 of the cardboard 22, which are bent and laid flat on the sides, can be specifically bonded to the lower side, as schematically shown in the figure by the adhesive surfaces 34. These adhesive surfaces 34 can be formed specifically by applying adhesive points within the folding module 30, thereby producing stable and mechanically load-bearing cardboard 22 to accommodate the required number of pieces 12.

[0063] also, Figure 1 The minimum configuration of the packaging machine 16 shown includes at least one second processing module 36 (illustrated only here) for inserting at least two items, parcels 12, and / or bundles into a secondary package 20 formed from cuts, fragments, or sheets of flat packaging material to form and produce a packaging unit 14. As previously described, the first processing module 28, the folding module 30, and the second processing module 36 represent the minimum configuration of the packaging machine 16 shown herein.

[0064] Significantly, modules 28, 30, and 36 shown in the figure can also be arranged in the order shown and mentioned in the figure on the conveying direction 38 of the cut pieces for the secondary packaging medium 18 and / or on the processing and / or conveying direction 40 of the packaging unit 14 to be formed. However, this does not preclude the arrangement of other stations or modules between, upstream of, and / or downstream of the three modules 28, 30, and 36.

[0065] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, system 10 includes a control and / or adjustment device 42 assigned to packaging machine 16, which is equipped and designed to control and / or adjust the packaging machine using packaging program control system 44.

[0066] Control and / or adjustment device 42 is coupled to sensor device 46, which is configured and correspondingly equipped for sensing at least one quality parameter 48 of the secondary packaging medium 18 processed within the packaging machine 16 and / or the packaging unit 14 produced by the packaging machine 16. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, sensor device 46 is assigned to a second processing module 36 to monitor cardboard 22 that is filled with cargo 12, detect a first quality parameter 48, and obtain the corresponding sensor signal 50 therefrom.

[0067] For example, the sensor signal 50 can be determined by performing a mechanical load test on each individual cardboard 22, thereby determining a different first quality parameter 48 for each cardboard 22, which can be represented by different sensor signals 50. To this end, after the cardboard 22 is filled with the package 12, it can be lifted, for example, within the second processing module 36, and the degree of deformation or warping can be measured, represented by the quality parameter 48. As long as the corresponding sensor signal 50 is within the defined bandwidth 52, it is recognized that the actual value of the corresponding quality parameter 48 roughly corresponds to the target value, thus indicating that no readjustment of the machine settings of the packaging machine 16 is required.

[0068] Alternatively, the sensor signal 50 can be determined by means of a correspondingly equipped sensor device 46, such as an ultrasonic or optical signal, and in this way, the shape retention and / or mechanical stability of the individual cardboard 22 can be evaluated. Alternatively, a corresponding quality parameter 48 can also be determined for each cardboard 22 in this manner.

[0069] However, if the actual value of sensor signal 50 is determined to have a bandwidth 52 greater than a specified value, such that at least one cardboard 22 fails to reach the predetermined target value, then the corresponding signals 50 and 52 are processed in the packaging process control system 44 in such a way that specific selected machine parameters can be influenced by at least one control signal 54, which are suitable for influencing the first quality parameter 48 so that sensor signal 50 returns to or approaches the set bandwidth 52.

[0070] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the first control signal 54 influences the folding module 30, where, for example, a larger or more adhesive surfaces 34 can be formed on each folded sheet 32 ​​to be bonded, resulting in greater mechanical stability of the cardboard 22. However, the first control signal 54 can selectively influence other machine parameters in the folding module 30 that are suited to improving the stability of the cardboard 22.

[0071] Optionally, a second control signal 56 can be sent to the first processing module 28 to influence, for example, specific processing parameters of the secondary packaging medium 18. If, through evaluation of quality parameter 48, it is found that the moisture content of the secondary packaging 20 used is too high, additional temperature control can be performed within the first processing module 28, for example, to reduce its moisture content before the secondary packaging 20 is shaped and bonded into cardboard 22 within the folding module 30.

[0072] By evaluating and processing the quality parameter 48 in the packaging process control system 44, and by influencing the various modules 28 and / or 30 of the packaging machine 16 with the aid of control signals 54 and / or 56, an adjustment system is formed that can preferably take into account the quality parameter 48 of each individual packaging unit 14 and correspondingly change and readjust the machine parameters so as to keep the sensor signal 50 within a predetermined bandwidth 52.

[0073] The present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications or variations can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0074] List of reference numerals

[0075] 10. Systems for packaged goods

[0076] 12 items

[0077] 14 Packaging Units

[0078] 16 Packaging Machine

[0079] 18 Secondary Packaging Media

[0080] 20 Secondary Packaging

[0081] 22. Cardboard, Folding Cardboard

[0082] 24 Transportation Directions (Piece Cargo)

[0083] 26. Transportation Direction (Packaging Unit)

[0084] 28 First Processing Module

[0085] 30-fold module

[0086] 32-fold piece

[0087] 34 Adhesive surface, bonding surface

[0088] 36 Second Processing Module

[0089] 38 conveying directions

[0090] 40 Conveying direction

[0091] 42 Control and / or regulating devices

[0092] 44 Packaging Process Control System

[0093] 46 sensor devices

[0094] 48 quality parameters

[0095] 50 sensor signals

[0096] 52 bandwidth, sensor signal bandwidth

[0097] 54 First control signal

[0098] 56 Second control signal

Claims

1. A method for forming a packaging unit (14) by using a packaging machine (16) that performs the packaging process and by using a secondary packaging medium (18), particularly a secondary packaging medium made of cellulose-based material, to package the goods (12). -in, The packaging process executed by the packaging machine (16) is adjusted by taking into account at least one quality parameter (48) sensed by the formed packaging unit (14) and / or the secondary packaging medium (18) used, and -The quality parameter (48) is specifically a parameter that affects the stability of the packaging unit (14) to be formed.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The quality parameters (48) detected by the sensors are used to form the adjustment variables of the regulated packaging process.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The packaging unit (14) formed by the packaging machine (16) is checked to see if there is a predefined quality parameter (48) that contains information about the mechanical stability of the packaging unit (14).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A target value is derived from at least one of several quality parameters (48), wherein the actual value of the sensing detection of the quality parameter (48) is compared with the target value, and wherein the actual value of the sensing detection of the quality parameter (48) is used to form the adjustment variable of the regulated packaging procedure.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The strength, mechanical stability and / or shape stability of the manufactured packaging unit (14) are tested by sensing, wherein the data obtained are compared as actual values ​​with predetermined target values.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, If the actual value of the quality parameter (48) detected by the sensor deviates from the target value, a defect signal is generated.

7. A method for inspecting and defining quality parameters (48) when using a secondary packaging medium (18) to repackage a package (12), said secondary packaging medium being specifically made of a cellulose-based material, and for adjusting the machine settings of a packaging machine (16) directly related to the repackaging of the package (12), said method being configured as follows: -The pre-grouped, limited-quantity shipments (12) are secondary packaged using a secondary packaging medium (18) made of a special cellulose-based material. -The sensor detects at least one quality parameter (48) of the secondary packaging or packaging unit (14) formed in this manner, particularly a parameter related to stability. - Process and evaluate the quality parameters of the sensor detection (48), and compare the processed actual values ​​with predetermined target values. If a deviation from a predetermined target value is found, at least one machine setting of the packaging machine shall be adjusted approximately.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, If the actual value detected by the sensor deviates from the predetermined target value, the machine settings of the packaging machine (16) are adjusted through iterative steps until the actual value is at least close to the respective predetermined target value.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The machine settings of the packaging machine (16) are further adjusted if the predetermined tolerance range of the target value has not been reached, or if the detected actual value is still outside the predetermined tolerance range.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The strength, mechanical stability and / or shape stability of the manufactured secondary packaging or packaging unit (14) are tested by sensing, wherein the data obtained are compared as actual values ​​with predetermined target values.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, The machine settings remain unchanged as long as the first actual value of the continuously inspected secondary packaging or packaging unit (14) is within the defined tolerance range, or even if the actual value of a predetermined number of inspected secondary packaging or packaging unit (14) is outside the defined tolerance range but within the defined maximum distance from the defined tolerance range.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein, The actual value of the quality parameter (48) and its deviation from the predefined target value are evaluated permanently or at periodic intervals, and the information obtained through the evaluation is then applied to a machine learning program.

13. A system (10) for packaging goods (12), the system comprising - Packaging machine (16), which is set up and equipped to apply a secondary packaging medium (18) made of a cellulose-based material to at least one piece of goods (12) so as to form a packaging unit (14). - Control and / or regulating device (42), which is capable of controlling or regulating the packaging machine (16) using the packaging program control system. - At least one sensor device (46) is provided and correspondingly equipped for sensing and detecting at least one quality parameter (48) of the secondary packaging medium processed in the packaging machine (16) and / or the packaging unit (14) formed by the packaging machine (16). -The packaging control program utilized by the packaging machine (16) can be adjusted and / or controlled by taking into account the at least one quality parameter (48) detected by the sensor.

14. The system (10) according to claim 13, wherein the system is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, particularly using the packaging machine (16).

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