Packaging system and method for operating a packaging machine

Abstract

A packaging system is disclosed. The packaging system comprises a packaging machine (3), a control device (S), and at least one horizontal conveying device for transporting a stream of beverage containers to the packaging machine (3), within which stream a residual number of residual beverage containers (5) and other beverage containers (7) follow. The control device (S) is provided, which is configured to manipulate the packaging machine (3) in such a way that the packaging machine (3) performs a switch from a first packaging material (12) to a second packaging material (14), wherein the switch is matched to the residual number of residual beverage containers (5) of the stream of beverage containers. Furthermore, a method for operating a packaging machine is disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a packaging system and a method for operating a packaging machine. Background Technology

[0002] Packaging systems are known from the prior art, in which a beverage container group is initially formed from several beverage containers, which is then packaged to form a bundle comprising multiple beverage containers.

[0003] If a first type, first size, or first weight beverage container is packaged first in a packaging operation, and a second type, second size, or second weight beverage container is subsequently planned for packaging, a switchover of the corresponding production operation is performed in the packaging system. For this purpose, all first beverage containers must first be removed from or taken out of the packaging system before the packaging system can package the second beverage containers. The first beverage containers are typically packaged with first packaging material, while second packaging material is used for the second beverage containers. Therefore, when switching between different production processes, a switchover between different packaging materials is also necessary.

[0004] In existing packaging systems, manual operator intervention is typically required to switch from a first beverage container to a second. The second beverage container may also inadvertently tilt during the switch, as there are no other beverage containers waiting at the front of the packaging machine. This known procedure results in undesirable downtime, which is unacceptable for high throughput in practice, due to the need to process all the first beverage containers first and the time required for the second containers to reach the packaging machine. Furthermore, this method is complex, which is why it is desirable to simplify the transitions between different production processes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a packaging system and a method in which the switching from a first beverage container to a second beverage container can be performed in a highly automated, safe, fast and simple manner.

[0006] This invention relates to a packaging system, including a packaging machine and a control device. The packaging machine may have multiple circumferentially guided impact rods configured to wrap beverage container assemblies with packaging material. The control device may be a computer-aided system.

[0007] The packaging system also includes at least one horizontal conveying device for transporting the beverage container stream to the packaging machine, where a remaining number of surplus beverage containers and other beverage containers follow within the beverage container stream. In this configuration, the beverage containers come into contact with the surfaces of the surplus beverage containers. Therefore, the surplus beverage containers and other beverage containers can abut against each other through their outer sheath surfaces.

[0008] In this scenario, at least one horizontal conveying device may include a first transport section configured to move beverage containers in a disordered mass flow. It is conceivable that the first transport section is configured such that the beverage containers deflect within the disordered mass flow, particularly moving along a curve.

[0009] Furthermore, at least one horizontal conveying device may form a channel transport section adjacent to the first transport section and include multiple channel plates through which beverage containers can move in multiple parallel rows. Additionally, at least one horizontal conveying device may include a third transport section adjacent to the channel transport section, through which beverage containers can move in multiple parallel rows to a separator. The separator may be configured to form beverage container groups, wherein a corresponding beverage container group comprises multiple beverage containers, or wherein a corresponding beverage container group consists of multiple beverage containers. A packaging machine may follow the separator in the flow direction of the beverage containers, wherein, in various embodiments, at least one fourth transport section of at least one horizontal conveying device may be arranged between the separator and the packaging machine, through which beverage container groups can move from the separator to the packaging machine.

[0010] For example, a leftover beverage container may be filled with a beverage of a first type, and other beverage containers may be filled with a beverage of a second type, different from the first type. Alternatively or additionally, the leftover beverage container may differ from the other beverage containers by the volume of the beverage it holds.

[0011] Therefore, for example, a leftover beverage container may have a holding volume of at least about 1 liter for the beverage, while other beverage containers have a holding volume of at least about 0.5 liters for the beverage. Alternatively or additionally, the leftover beverage container may differ from other beverage containers in its geometry or format. The leftover beverage container may also be a beverage can, where other beverage containers are formed from beverage bottles.

[0012] According to the invention, the control device is configured to operate the packaging machine in such a way that the packaging machine performs a switch from a first packaging material to a second packaging material, wherein the switch is matched with the remaining number of beverage containers in the beverage container flow. By taking into account this switch of packaging material based on the number of remaining beverage containers, and through the beverage container flow where other beverage containers have already come into contact with the surfaces of the remaining beverage containers, the packaging operation can rapidly and with a high degree of automation switch from remaining beverage containers to other beverage containers.

[0013] Since other beverage containers are already in contact with the surface of the remaining beverage container, there is no risk, or at least a reduced risk, of unintentionally tilting other beverage containers during the transition. Furthermore, if the packaging system needs to package other beverage containers, there is no need for an operator to remove the remaining beverage container from the packaging system. Therefore, the packaging system can reduce the personnel costs previously required for switching between different production processes. Both the packaging system and the method described below are highly automated.

[0014] The first packaging material and / or the second packaging material may be a thermoplastic packaging film. The packaging machine may form a first retaining mandrel for the first packaging material, configured to receive a roll of the first packaging material thereon. Furthermore, the packaging machine for the second packaging material may form a second retaining mandrel, configured to receive a roll of the second packaging material thereon.

[0015] The first packaging material and / or the second packaging material can also be cellulose-containing packaging blanks. In this case, the packaging machine can have a first hopper for receiving the first type of cellulose-containing packaging blank and a second hopper for receiving the second type of cellulose-containing packaging blank.

[0016] The implementation has proven useful, wherein at least one horizontal conveying device includes a channel transport section within which other beverage containers and remaining beverage containers can move in multiple parallel rows. A control device can be configured to manipulate at least one horizontal conveying device in such a way that another beverage container moves onto the remaining beverage container, simultaneously forming surface contact in a specific area located within the channel transport section.

[0017] At least one horizontal conveying device may further include a channel transport section within which other beverage containers and remaining beverage containers can move in multiple parallel rows. Control devices may be configured to manipulate at least one horizontal conveying device in such a way that other beverage containers move onto the remaining beverage containers, while simultaneously forming surface contact in a specific area arranged upstream of the channel transport section in the flow direction.

[0018] Specifically, it can be a specific area of ​​at least one horizontal conveying device configured to transport beverage containers in a disordered mass flow.

[0019] It has also proven useful if the control device is configured to manipulate at least one horizontal conveyor in such a way that the remaining beverage container stops when other beverage containers move to the remaining beverage container and simultaneously form surface contact in a specific area.

[0020] Optionally, the control device can be configured to manipulate at least one horizontal conveying device in such a way that when other beverage containers move to the remaining beverage container and simultaneously form surface contact in a specific area, the remaining beverage container moves at a conveying speed lower than that of the other beverage containers.

[0021] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the control equipment is configured to operate the packaging machine in such a way that the second packaging material is connected to, in particular welded to, the first packaging material during switching. In such an embodiment, the first and second packaging materials can be thermoplastic packaging films.

[0022] In this configuration, the packaging machine manufactures at least one mixed bundle, which includes at least one remaining beverage container, at least one other beverage container, and an area in the packaging material where a second packaging material is attached to a first packaging material. In this way, waste associated with switching or conversion of bundles can be minimized, as bundles unsuitable for sale, containing the remaining beverage container and other beverage containers, plus a portion of the packaging material forming the attachment point, cannot be used for bundles intended for sale.

[0023] When describing a bundle or mixed bundle in this example, it should be understood as multiple beverage containers, packaging materials or first packaging materials or second packaging materials already arranged on it, and not necessarily shrinking onto the beverage containers or beverage container group.

[0024] If the packaging material is a thermoplastic film, it can be laterally shrunk onto the beverage container or assembly of beverage containers via a shrink tunnel, where the beverage container or assembly of beverage containers has already formed a bundle while the packaging material has been applied to it by the packaging machine. Even after leaving the shrink tunnel, the beverage container or assembly of beverage containers remains bundled together with the packaging material shrunk onto it. In various embodiments, the shrink tunnel can be configured as part of the packaging system and follow the flow direction of the bundle.

[0025] The packaging system may also include a discharge station, wherein the control equipment is configured to operate the discharge station in such a way that the discharge station separates all mixed bundles from the bundle flow discharged by the packaging machine and transfers them to a predetermined target location. An embodiment has proven useful in which the control equipment is configured to operate the discharge station in such a way that, in addition to the mixed bundles, the discharge station also separates at least one additional bundle from the bundle flow and transfers it to a predetermined target location, the at least one additional bundle directly leading the mixed bundles in the flow direction and / or directly following the mixed bundles in the flow direction. In such an embodiment, all bundles that do not meet predetermined set criteria can be separated from the bundle flow with high reliability.

[0026] The discharge station may be configured for palletizing mixed bundles, or the packaging system may include transport equipment, and the discharge station may be configured to deposit mixed bundles onto the transport equipment. The discharge station may include or be formed from an articulated robot. Furthermore, the discharge station may include, for example, a switch, or may be configured as a switch.

[0027] The packaging system may include a shrink tunnel located downstream of the packaging machine in the flow direction. An outlet station may be arranged downstream of the shrink tunnel in the flow direction of the bundles.

[0028] The packaging system may include a shrink tunnel, wherein the shrink tunnel itself is configured as a discharge station, and wherein control equipment is configured to operate the shrink tunnel in such a way that the shrink tunnel receives a stream of bundles discharged from the packaging machine, separates all mixed bundles from the received bundle stream, and transfers the mixed bundles to a predetermined target location. The separation of mixed bundles may take place in the exit area of ​​the shrink tunnel.

[0029] The packaging system may include at least one sensor system connected to a control device, whereby the control device is configured to determine the remaining quantity of beverage containers. The sensor system may be, for example, an optical sensor system, particularly a camera.

[0030] The detection area of ​​at least one sensor system or the detection area of ​​an optical sensor system (especially a camera) connected to the control device may extend at least regionally to the aforementioned first transport section, the aforementioned channel transport section, the aforementioned third transport section and / or the aforementioned fourth transport section.

[0031] As an alternative or supplement, the detection area of ​​at least one sensor system or optical sensor system (especially a camera) connected to the control device may extend at least segmentally into the working area of ​​the aforementioned separator.

[0032] This invention relates to a method for operating a packaging machine, wherein a stream of beverage containers is supplied to the packaging machine via at least one horizontal conveying device, with a remaining quantity of surplus beverage containers and other beverage containers following within the stream. Features already mentioned in various embodiments of the packaging system can also be provided in embodiments of the method according to the invention, and need not be repeated.

[0033] Furthermore, the features described below related to embodiments of the method according to the invention can be provided in previously described embodiments of the packaging system according to the invention.

[0034] The packaging system can be configured to perform an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0035] Furthermore, the embodiments of the method according to the invention described below can be performed together with the previously described embodiments of the packaging system according to the invention.

[0036] In this method, other beverage containers also come into contact with the surface of the remaining beverage containers. A packaging machine is provided to perform a switch from a first packaging material to a second packaging material, and in doing so, to match the number of remaining beverage containers.

[0037] At least one horizontal conveying device may include a channel transport section within which other beverage containers and remaining beverage containers may move in multiple parallel rows, wherein at least one horizontal conveying device is manipulated such that other beverage containers move onto remaining beverage containers in a specific area, thereby forming surface contact in the specific area, which is located within the channel transport section or upstream of the channel transport section in the flow direction.

[0038] It is also conceivable that at least one horizontal conveyor is separately controlled to stop the remaining beverage container at the point when other beverage containers move onto the remaining beverage container.

[0039] The packaging machine can also connect a second packaging material to a first packaging material during switching and produce at least one mixed bundle, which includes at least one remaining beverage container, at least one other beverage container, and an area in the packaging material where the second packaging material has been connected to the first packaging material.

[0040] The first packaging material and the second packaging material can be, for example, thermoplastic packaging film, wherein the second packaging material is attached to the first packaging material by welding the second packaging material to the first packaging material using a packaging machine.

[0041] Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that if all mixed bundles are separated from the bundle stream produced by the packaging machine via a discharge station and transferred to a predetermined target location, the discharge station can either stack the mixed bundles separated from the bundle stream or deposit them onto transport equipment.

[0042] Specifically, the target location can be located on a pallet, so that the discharge station pallets all the mixed bundles when it moves them to the predetermined target location. For example, the discharge station can be a multi-axis robot or a switch.

[0043] It is also conceivable to provide a shrink tunnel, to which the bundled flow generated by the packaging machine is supplied, wherein the shrink tunnel itself is an outlet station, and wherein the shrink tunnel separates all mixed bundles from the supplied bundled flow in the outlet area of ​​the shrink tunnel and transfers them to a predetermined target location.

[0044] Specifically, the control device may include one or more PLCs, wherein a single PLC may be associated with different components of the packaging machine (e.g., sensors, conveyor belts, shrink tunnels, and / or film conveyors). Furthermore, the control device may include higher-level equipment controllers.

[0045] Furthermore, implementations have proven useful in which the shrink tunnel is arranged downstream of the packaging machine in the flow direction, where the discharge station follows the shrink tunnel in the flow direction, and / or, where a palletizing station is provided through which mixed bundles selectively transferred from the discharge station to the transport equipment are stacked on pallets.

[0046] The number of remaining beverage containers can be determined using a sensor system or an optical sensor system. The sensor system may be a discharge station, wherein the detection area of ​​the sensor system extends beyond the aforementioned first transport section, the aforementioned channel transport section, the aforementioned third transport section, and / or the aforementioned fourth transport section.

[0047] In this method, a shrink tunnel following the packaging machine in the flow direction can be provided. In various embodiments, the shrink tunnel can be controlled and / or adjusted according to the number of remaining beverage containers. In particular, the temperature level in the shrink tunnel and / or the conveying speed of the beverage containers moving through the shrink tunnel can be controlled and / or adjusted according to the number of remaining beverage containers. Attached Figure Description

[0048] In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensional proportions of individual elements in the drawings do not always correspond to actual dimensional proportions, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged for better illustration compared to other elements.

[0049] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention is shown, and steps that may be provided in a first embodiment of the method according to the invention are also shown.

[0050] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention is shown, and steps that may be provided in another embodiment of the method according to the invention are also shown.

[0051] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B It shows that it can be based on Figure 1A and Figure 1B Implementation methods and according to Figure 2A and Figure 2B Other aspects provided by the implementation methods. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The same reference numerals are used for elements that are identical or have the same effect in this invention. Furthermore, for clarity, only the reference numerals necessary for the description of the corresponding figure are depicted in a single drawing. The embodiments shown are merely examples of inventive designs and do not represent conclusive limitations.

[0053] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the packaging system 1 according to the present invention is shown, and steps that may be provided in a first embodiment of the method according to the present invention are also shown. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The complete packaging system 1 is not shown separately in Figure 1 and... Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B The complete packaging system 1 and its operating mode can be clearly seen in the combination.

[0054] Figure 1A A horizontal conveyor 2, which is a component of the packaging system 1, is shown, through which the remaining beverage containers 5 are moved to the packaging machine 3 (see Figure 1). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The remaining beverage container 5 is a first-type beverage container, which will be packaged through the first packaging material 12 (see...). Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B Packed in bundles of 24 (see) Figure 4B ).like Figure 1AAs shown, in this case, the remaining beverage container 5 first moves as a disordered mass flow in the area of ​​the first transport section 32 of the horizontal transport device 2, and then reaches the channel transport section 15 of the horizontal transport device 2.

[0055] The remaining beverage containers 5 move to the transport section 15, where they are squeezed into the transport channel and then move forward in several parallel rows. The corresponding channel can be formed by two channel plates oriented parallel to each other, which are not visible in the figure. In practice, there may be blockage pressure on the remaining beverage containers 5 in the area of ​​the first transport section 32.

[0056] The blockage pressure may be caused by the jamming or lack of further processing of the downstream remaining beverage container 5, leading to blockage. Jamming may occur when the remaining beverage container 5 is pushed into the channel. On the transport section 32 preceding the channel transport section 15, similar to the channel transport section, containers may be transported by several parallel conveyor chains, which may (collectively) cause blockage pressure.

[0057] Then, in the area of ​​the channel transport section 15, the movement of the remaining beverage container 5 can occur via at least one cycle-driven conveyor belt. However, alternatively, the remaining beverage container 5 can continue to move forward in the area of ​​the channel transport section 15 by blocking pressure.

[0058] like Figure 1A As schematically shown, remaining beverage containers 5 are moved from the channel transport section 15 in multiple parallel rows to the single divider 40, or supplied to the single divider 40 in multiple parallel rows. The divider 40 forms a beverage container group 42 with a defined number of beverage containers (see [reference]). Figure 3A Then, the corresponding packaging material blank is applied to the corresponding beverage container assembly 42 by the packaging machine 3, such as... Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown and will be described further.

[0059] In addition, the control device S is part of the packaging system 1, which is connected to the separator 40 and the packaging machine 3, and operates the separator 40 and the packaging machine 3.

[0060] Packaging systems known in the prior art are suitable for packaging different beverage containers in a continuous production process. Thus, for example, bundles with a first type of beverage container can be produced first, which has a first packaging material with specific printing. Furthermore, at a later point in time, bundles with a second type of beverage container can be manufactured using the same packaging machine, which has a second packaging material with further specific printing. Moreover, bundles manufactured in different production processes can differ from each other in the number of beverage containers contained in the respective bundles. Furthermore, bundles with multiple beverage bottles can be manufactured first, followed by bundles containing multiple beverage cans. Typically, the transition from one such production process to another involves a necessary changeover of packaging materials. Furthermore, beverage containers initially supplied for the first production process are typically removed or removed from the packaging system. After these beverage containers have been completely removed or removed, a changeover operation may be required for the packaging system. Only after the beverage containers have been removed or removed, and if necessary, after performing the changeover operation, can further beverage containers for subsequent production processes be supplied to the packaging system.

[0061] When switching between different production processes, this type of packaging system with this functional principle results in longer downtime. Using the packaging system 1 of the present invention, as described in this embodiment, prolonged downtime can be avoided.

[0062] Already described Figure 1A and Figure 1B The combination illustrates one aspect of the possible functional modes of the packaging system 1, which can avoid longer downtime. Additional beverage containers 7 have already been supplied to the packaging system 1, while the remaining beverage containers 5 remain contained within it. Therefore, if the production process is switched to package other beverage containers 7, the remaining beverage containers 5 will not be removed from the packaging system 1. As previously described, the remaining beverage containers 5 move as a disordered mass flow within the area of ​​the first transport section 32.

[0063] In the area of ​​the first transport section 32, other beverage containers 7 come into surface contact with the remaining beverage container 5, or in the area of ​​the first transport section 32, other beverage containers 7 move onto the remaining beverage container 5. In this case, for example, the remaining beverage container 5 may remain stationary until the other beverage containers 7 come into contact with it. The remaining beverage container 5 may also move relative to the other beverage containers 7 at a lower transport speed until surface contact is formed between the other beverage containers 7 and the remaining beverage container 5. After surface contact is formed between the other beverage containers 7 and the remaining beverage container 5, the other beverage containers 7 and the remaining beverage container 5 together move as a disordered mass flow together to the channel transport section 15 in the area of ​​the first transport section 32.

[0064] In the area of ​​the transport section 15, the remaining beverage containers 5 and other beverage containers 7 are then squeezed into the transport channel. The remaining beverage containers 5 and other beverage containers 7 then move forward in several parallel rows within the area of ​​the transport section 15. Finally, the remaining beverage containers 5 and other beverage containers 7 are supplied to the separator 40.

[0065] Below Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B The following shows and describes the further process for handling these remaining beverage containers 5 and other beverage containers 7 supplied to the separator 40. Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B Both used according to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The implementation and operation of the packaging system 1 are also used according to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The implementation method and operation of the packaging system 1.

[0066] The difference between other beverage container 7 and remaining beverage container 5 is that the respective beverage is introduced into other beverage container 7 or remaining beverage container 5. However, it is also conceivable that remaining beverage container 5 is a beverage bottle and other beverage container 7 is in the form of a beverage can. Remaining beverage container 5 can also be distinguished by a first volume for holding beverages, and other beverage container 7 has another volume for holding beverages, which is different from the volume of remaining beverage container 5.

[0067] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the packaging system 1 according to the invention is shown, and steps that may be provided in another embodiment of the method according to the invention are also shown. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The packaging system 1 of the embodiment differs in that the control device S has the function or preset of corresponding contact between the remaining beverage container 5 and other beverage containers 7. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The structure of the packaging system 1 according to the embodiment is otherwise similar to that according to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The packaging system 1 of the implementation method has the same structure.

[0068] Such as about Figure 1A and Figure 1B The remaining beverage container 5 moves as a disordered mass flow within the area of ​​the first transport section 32. According to... Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn this embodiment, all remaining beverage containers 5 are first removed from the first transport section 32 and supplied to the channel transport section 15 until the last remaining beverage container 5 arranged in the flow direction is located in the area of ​​the channel transport section 15. Surface contact is only formed between the remaining beverage containers 5 and other beverage containers 7 after all the remaining beverage containers 5 have entered the channel transport section 15. Surface contact occurs between the last remaining beverage container 5 arranged in the flow direction and the other beverage containers 7 arranged at the front of the flow direction.

[0069] In this situation, when other beverage containers 7 come into contact with the remaining beverage container 5, the remaining beverage container 5 may be stationary. Alternatively, the remaining beverage container 5 may move at a reduced transport speed compared to the transport speed of the other beverage containers 7, causing the other beverage containers 7 to move onto the remaining beverage container 5 within the area of ​​the transport section 15. A corresponding preset for pushing the other beverage containers 7 onto the remaining beverage container 5 within the area of ​​the transport section 15 is predetermined by the control device S.

[0070] After surface contact is formed between the remaining beverage container 5 and other beverage containers 7, the remaining beverage container 5 is supplied to the separator 40 in several parallel rows along with the other beverage containers.

[0071] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B It shows that it can be based on Figure 1A and Figure 1B The implementation method of the packaging system 1 and according to Figure 2A and Figure 2B Other aspects provided by the implementation of packaging system 1. Therefore, Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B Can be respectively with Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2A and Figure 2B Let's consider it together.

[0072] As previously mentioned, separator 40 (see...) Figure 2AThe packaging unit is configured such that, in each case, a beverage container group 42 is formed from several beverage containers, onto which packaging material is then applied by the packaging machine 3. Since the remaining beverage containers 5 and other beverage containers 7 are located in the area of ​​the passageway transport section 15 and from there reach the divider 40, in the event of a production process changeover, the divider 40 initially forms multiple mixed groups 43, each formed from at least one remaining beverage container 5 and at least one other beverage container 7. Typically, such mixed groups 43 cannot be used to manufacture bundles suitable for sale. Therefore, these mixed groups 43 must be separated before they are arranged on a pallet designed to hold bundles specifically for sale, before being placed together with the bundles.

[0073] If the beverage container assembly 42, consisting only of the remaining beverage container 5, is still formed by the divider 40, then the beverage container assembly 42 is packaged by the packaging machine 3 using the first packaging material 12. Figure 3B As shown, the first packaging material 12 is wound on a roll. The blank is separated from the continuous strand of the first packaging material 12 and is struck by the packaging machine 3 around the corresponding beverage container group 42, which includes only the remaining beverage containers 5.

[0074] However, after the production process changeover, the other beverage containers 7 must be packaged with a second packaging material 14, which is also wound on a roll. To switch between packaging materials 12 and 14, the free end region of the second packaging material 14 is pulled out, positioned above a portion of the first packaging material 12, and then welded to the first packaging material 12. For this purpose, the packaging machine 3 includes a welding rod that moves downwards in a vertical direction, thereby welding the second packaging material 14 to the first packaging material.

[0075] A blank comprising both the first packaging material 12 and the second packaging material 14, or including a portion of the second packaging material 14 connected to the first packaging material 12, is unsuitable for packaging beverage container sets 42 for sale. Therefore, in the event of a production process changeover, it is necessary to separate those mixed sets 43 comprising remaining beverage containers 5 and other beverage containers 7. It is also necessary to guide at least the packaging blank comprising the connection area where the first packaging material 12 and the second packaging material 14 are welded together.

[0076] In packaging system 1, control device S already knows the number of remaining beverage containers 5 in packaging system 1 during the production process changeover. In practice, for example, control device S can cooperate with a sensor system for this purpose, through which control device S can infer the number of remaining beverage containers 5 still located in packaging system 1. Such a sensor system can be configured, for example, as an optical sensor system, particularly a camera. The detection or detection area of ​​such an optical sensor system or such a camera can extend at least proportionally beyond the area of ​​the first transport section 32 and / or the area of ​​the channel transport section 15.

[0077] The switching from the first packaging material 12 to the second packaging material 14 is predetermined by the control device S, and this switching is matched with the remaining quantity of the remaining beverage containers 5. In this case, the matching is carried out in such a way that the packaging material blanks of the first packaging material 12, which have been welded to the second packaging material 14, are allocated to the mixing group 43. Thus, the mixed bundles 23 are manufactured by the packaging machine 4 (see...). Figure 4B The portion of a first packaging material 12, which has at least one remaining beverage container 5, at least one other beverage container 7, and packaging material, has been welded to a second packaging material 14.

[0078] Because the control device S knows the number of remaining beverage containers 5, it can deduce which first beverage container group 42 includes only other beverage containers 7 that no longer contain remaining beverage containers 5. The control device S can also control the switching from the first packaging material 12 to the second packaging material 14, so that the first beverage container group 42 is already packaged with the second packaging material.

[0079] Figures 3A to 4B This switchover from the first production process to the second production process in the area of ​​packaging machine 3 is shown in sequential order. Figure 3A In the process, the mixed groups 43, already formed by the separator 40, are transported in the direction of the packaging machine 3. Before these mixed groups 43 arrive at the packaging machine 3, Figure 3A The first packaging material 12 and the second packaging material 14 are welded together, wherein, in Figure 3B In this case, a welded connection already exists between the first packaging material 12 and the second packaging material 14.

[0080] exist Figure 4A In the packaging machine 3, the mixing group 43 is now located, wherein a blank having a portion of the first packaging material 12 already welded to the second packaging material 14 is applied to the mixing group 43. Not all mixing groups 43 are suitable for sale. For this reason, a discharge station 45 for separating the mixing groups 43 is provided downstream of the packaging machine 3 in the flow direction.

[0081] For example, packaging system 1 may include a shrink tunnel that shrinks the packaging material blank applied to beverage container assembly 42 onto beverage container assembly 42. Discharge station 45 may be arranged between the shrink tunnel and the packaging machine, such that the mixed assembly 43 is discharged after leaving the packaging machine 3 but before reaching the shrink tunnel. Discharge station 45 may also be arranged downstream of such shrink tunnel in the flow direction.

[0082] Since the control device S knows the number of remaining beverage containers 5 in the packaging system 1 when the production process changes, the control device S can use this information to infer the position and quantity of the mixing group 43 and control the discharge station 45 so that the mixing group 43 is separated, while the beverage container group 42, which only includes the remaining beverage containers 5 or only includes other beverage containers 7, is not affected by the separation of the discharge station 45. However, in practice, it has proven advantageous if the mixed bundle 23 is discharged via the discharge station 45, and if the discharge station 45 also discharges at least one other bundle 24 immediately following and / or immediately preceding the mixed bundle 23 in the flow direction. In this way, it can be ensured with high reliability that the bundles stacked at later points in time have the predetermined properties.

[0083] Furthermore, the packaging system 1 may have a shrink tunnel, not shown in the figure, and this shrink tunnel may be located, for example, in the flow direction between the discharge station 45 and the packaging machine 3. The settings of the shrink tunnel may also need to be adjusted when switching between different production modes. The control device S can then control and / or adjust the shrink tunnel according to the corresponding number of remaining beverage containers 5, thereby further increasing the level of automation.

[0084] List of reference numerals

[0085] 1 Packaging System

[0086] 2 Horizontal Conveying Equipment

[0087] 3 Packaging Machine

[0088] 5. Remaining beverage containers

[0089] 7 Other beverage containers

[0090] 12 First Packaging Materials

[0091] 14 Second Packaging Materials

[0092] 15-channel transportation section

[0093] 23 Mixed bundles

[0094] 24 bundles

[0095] 32 First Transportation Section

[0096] 40 divider

[0097] 42 Beverage Container Sets

[0098] 43 Mixed Group

[0099] 45 discharge station

[0100] S control equipment

Claims

1. A packaging system (1), characterized in that, The packaging system includes: - Packaging machine (3) - Control device (S), and - At least one horizontal conveying device (2) for transporting a flow of beverage containers to the packaging machine (3), in which a remaining number of residual beverage containers (5) and other beverage containers (7) follow, wherein the other beverage containers (7) are in contact with the surface of the residual beverage containers (5), and wherein, The control device (S) is configured to operate the packaging machine (3) in such a way that the packaging machine (3) performs a switch from the first packaging material (12) to the second packaging material (14), wherein the switch is matched with the remaining number of the remaining beverage containers (5) in the beverage container flow.

2. The packaging system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one horizontal conveying device (2) includes a channel transport section (15) in which other beverage containers (7) and remaining beverage containers (5) are movable in a plurality of parallel rows, and wherein the control device (S) is configured to manipulate the at least one horizontal conveying device (2) in such a way that other beverage containers (7) move onto the remaining beverage containers (5) while forming surface contact in a specific area located within the channel transport section (15).

3. The packaging system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one horizontal conveying device (2) includes a channel transport section (15) in which other beverage containers (7) and remaining beverage containers (5) are movable in a plurality of parallel rows, and wherein the control device (S) is configured to manipulate the at least one horizontal conveying device (2) in such a way that other beverage containers (7) move onto the remaining beverage containers (5) while forming surface contact in a specific area arranged upstream of the channel transport section (15) in the flow direction.

4. The packaging system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control device (S) is configured to operate the at least one horizontal conveying device (2) in such a way that the remaining beverage container (5) stops when the other beverage container (7) moves to the remaining beverage container (5) and simultaneously forms surface contact in the specific area.

5. The packaging system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control device (S) is configured to operate the at least one horizontal conveying device (2) in such a way that the remaining beverage container (5) stops when the other beverage container (7) moves to the remaining beverage container (5) and simultaneously forms surface contact in the specific area.

6. The packaging system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The control device (S) is configured to operate the packaging machine (3) in such a way that... - The second packaging material (14) is connected to the first packaging material (12) during switching, wherein, - The packaging machine (3) manufactures at least one mixed bundle (23), the at least one mixed bundle including at least one remaining beverage container (5), at least one other beverage container (7) and an area in which the second packaging material (14) is connected to the first packaging material (12).

7. The packaging system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second packaging material (14) is welded to the first packaging material (12) during switching.

8. The packaging system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The packaging system (1) includes a discharge station (45), wherein the control device (S) is configured to operate the discharge station (45) in such a way that the discharge station (45) separates all mixed bundles (23) from the bundle stream discharged by the packaging machine (3) and transfers them to a predetermined target location.

9. The packaging system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The discharge station (45) is configured to palletize mixed bundles (23), or the packaging system (1) includes transport equipment, and the discharge station (45) is configured to deposit mixed bundles (23) on the transport equipment.

10. The packaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The packaging system (1) includes at least one sensor system connected to the control device (S), whereby the control device (S) is configured to determine the remaining quantity of beverage containers (5).

11. A method for operating a packaging machine (3), characterized in that, Beverage containers are supplied to the packaging machine (3) via at least one horizontal conveying device (2), with the remaining number of beverage containers (5) and other beverage containers (7) following in the beverage container flow, wherein the other beverage containers (7) are in contact with the surface of the remaining beverage containers (5), and wherein the packaging machine (3) is provided to perform a switch from a first packaging material (12) to a second packaging material (14) and in the process match the number of remaining beverage containers (5).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The at least one horizontal conveying device (2) includes a channel transport section (15) in which other beverage containers (7) and remaining beverage containers (5) are capable of moving in multiple parallel rows, wherein the at least one horizontal conveying device (2) is manipulated such that other beverage containers (7) move onto remaining beverage containers (5) in a specific area, while forming surface contact in the specific area, which is located within the channel transport section (15) or upstream of the channel transport section (15) in the flow direction.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The at least one horizontal conveying device (2) is further manipulated such that the remaining beverage container (5) stops at the point in time when the other beverage containers (7) are moved onto the remaining beverage container (5).

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The packaging machine (3) connects the second packaging material (14) to the first packaging material (12) during switching and produces at least one mixed bundle (23), the at least one mixed bundle including at least one remaining beverage container (5), at least one other beverage container (7) and an area in the packaging material where the second packaging material (14) has been connected to the first packaging material (12).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, All mixed bundles (23) are separated from the bundle stream produced by the packaging machine (3) via the discharge station (45) and transferred to a predetermined target location.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The discharge station (45) stacks mixed bundles (23) separated from the bundle stream.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The number of remaining beverage containers (5) is determined by means of a sensor system.

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