Packaging device for packaging or externally packaging groups of articles

Abstract

The utility model relates to a packaging device (1) for packaging or externally packaging an article group (22). In the packaging device, articles (23) are transferred into outer packages (25) which are moved one after the other in a transport direction (TR) along a transport path (30), the outer packages (25) each receive at least one article group (22) formed by a plurality of articles (23) and inserted together into the respective outer package (25). According to the invention, the outer packages (25) are moved continuously and substantially without spacing along the transport path (30), and each of the outer packages (25) receives a group of articles (22) before reaching a loading area (5) adjoining or forming part of the transport path (30), a plurality of outer packages (25) moved one after the other in the transport direction (TR) being spaced apart from one another at least in pairs or in groups. Then, two, three or more outer packages (25), which are spaced apart from one another, are brought together into the loading area (5), while maintaining a distance from one another in the transport direction (TR), and in each case a group of articles (22) is loaded there.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a packaging device for transferring articles into outer packages, and the outer packages move one by one along a conveying path in a transport direction. Background Art

[0002] For transport purposes and for better handling during the process from production, trade and distribution to retail for attraction and supply to the final customer, similar articles, such as those provided by beverage containers, are combined in groupings and convenient containers of four, six or more articles or containers, respectively. Since such containers usually contain no more than six or eight similar articles, and it is usually desirable to combine a large number of articles or beverage containers into a manageable unit, an outer packaging suitable for this purpose can be used, which can, for example, consist of a carton or a receiving box with compartments, etc.

[0003] Although in the case of smaller packaging units or containers, the articles or beverage containers combined therein can be wrapped, for example, by strapping and / or by shrink film packaging, and in this way combined and packaged into containers of four, six or more containers, this type of packaging is difficult to apply to larger article groups with a large number of articles, so it is preferred to use the above-mentioned carton outer packaging or packaging box. These outer packagings, for example, consisting of beverage cartons or beverage boxes, can be grouped, palletized, stacked and packaged into larger units in the same way as strapping or film shrink containers.

[0004] Since outer packaging consisting of thin but sufficiently stable cartons can usually only be recycled in terms of material and is hardly suitable for storage-based recycling systems due to pronounced aging behavior and noticeable wear and tear throughout its handling, carton outer packaging usually generates relatively high waste volumes.

[0005] In contrast, the box packaging with a stable plastic box that is usually used can go through many filling and consumption cycles without problems, because due to its mechanical robustness, it can be used multiple times and can be refilled again and again after washing and cleaning processes. For this reason, especially in the field of beverage container processing and distribution, not only standard sizes of containers have become popular, but also beverage boxes with standardized dimensions, whose return and recycling are facilitated by very extensive and easy-to-handle storage systems.

[0006] Since relatively high machine performance is required not only in the filling of beverages but also in the further processing of such articles, their grouping and their combination in the outer packaging, all of the aforementioned treatments and process steps are carried out in a high-speed and automated sequence in the filling and / or packaging machine. This also applies, for example, to the loading of outer packaging, such as beverage cartons, with prepared article groups.

[0007] The automatic loading of outer packagings with groups of articles, for example beverage boxes or beverage cartons with beverage containers, is usually discontinuous, since in this case the outer packagings or beverage boxes, which are usually transported in an uninterrupted product flow by means of a conveyor belt or other horizontal conveying device, have to be stopped for each loading operation, even if they can be transported at a continuous conveying speed in the remaining process parts.

[0008] Packaging machines designed for automatic loading of outer packaging with groups of articles usually require brief stops of the outer packaging for precise loading, at least for the actual insertion of the group of articles. Of course, this discontinuous loading has the disadvantage of relatively low performance, since the transport of the outer packaging or box must be stopped again and again in order to insert the articles or containers there with the desired accuracy.

[0009] The prior art proposes various ways of reducing these adverse decelerations, for example by quasi-continuously conveying the outer package during its loading, as can be found in WO 96 / 32323 or GB 836 632.

[0010] WO 2020 / 001800 A1 and WO 2020 / 001801 A1 disclose a device and a method for handling and packaging groups of outer packaging articles. The device described here and the proposed packaging method should be able to reduce or, ideally, even completely avoid disruptive discontinuities during the conveying process. In order to achieve this, a controllable restraining device is assigned to the conveying path of the outer packaging of the group of articles to be loaded, by means of which the outer packaging of the articles to be loaded is restrained at least in stages before or during the loading operation, or the transport speed of the outer packaging running in front is slowed down.

[0011] In all packaging modules of this type, in particular those formed by mutually cooperating conveying devices for transporting the outer packaging and handling devices located within their scope for loading the outer packaging with the groupings of articles, a continuous sequence of the conveying and loading processes is sought, which contributes in particular to a smooth flow of articles and thus reduces the risk of interruptions in the conveying flow. Since in many machines without separate handling devices, such as handling robots, the outer packaging is inserted in the corresponding orientation required for the insertion process of the grouping of articles, the continuous conveying process of the outer packaging is questionable. Utility Model Content

[0012] Taking into account the deficiencies and drawbacks that can be identified in the prior art, the main object of the invention may be considered to be to provide a packaging device that is as compact as possible for packaging groups of articles in an outer packaging, in each case a group of articles having a defined number of articles arranged relative to one another in a defined arrangement, which packaging device allows smooth operation of the machine and a high throughput of the articles to be packaged, while at the same time requiring relatively little space for the installation of the machine.

[0013] Another related object of the present invention is to provide a suitable packaging method that can provide a high packaging throughput using relatively few processing steps in a compact space.

[0014] In order to achieve at least some of the above objects, the invention proposes a packaging device for packaging groups of articles in an outer packaging, the groups of articles having in each case a defined number of articles in a defined arrangement relative to one another.

[0015] Articles, also referred to in this context as individual pieces or primary packages, are grouped into several before being transferred into the provided outer packaging and, in this grouped arrangement, are in each case inserted together into one of the provided outer packagings. Articles, also referred to in this context as primary packages, can therefore be formed, for example, by particularly similar liquid containers, bottles, cans, etc., which are in each case combined into a grouping of several individual primary packages by secondary packaging means and / or in a secondary packaging and in this way form a secondary packaging unit or container.

[0016] The outer packaging, also referred to in this context as secondary packaging, can be formed, for example, by a box, carton or the like which is open on one side and which is prepared to receive in each case a group of articles formed from several primary packagings or articles. In order to continue to maintain the grouped arrangement after insertion into the outer packaging, compartments which separate the interior thereof in the form of transverse struts, transverse walls, grid struts or the like can be contained, inserted or anchored in the outer packaging.

[0017] The term "secondary packaging means" or "secondary packaging" as used herein may in principle refer to a film package, a shrink-film package or a carton sheet of several primary packages held together on top thereof, etc. However, the secondary packaging means may also be formed, for example, by a so-called basket or a supporting frame etc. which can receive a defined number of primary packages. A secondary packaging is primarily an outer packaging, for example, as a beverage box, which can receive a defined number of articles or primary packages in order to be able to transport and handle them more easily.

[0018] As part of the packaging method, it is provided that the outer packaging or secondary packaging for receiving the group of articles is initially moved continuously and substantially without spacing along the conveying path. This can optionally be carried out in a single row or multiple rows, for example in two or more conveying paths running in parallel.

[0019] The conveying path of the packaging device is divided into several conveying sections, which follow each other in the transport direction of the outer packaging, as will be explained in detail below. In this case, each conveying section can include its own conveying device. However, in certain areas, conveying devices that extend beyond the conveying sections can also be used.

[0020] The conveying path thus comprises at least one section, here generally referred to as a loading area or loading position, in which the groups of articles are in each case inserted into an outer packaging prepared for this purpose, for which a suitable handling tool or loading device can generally be used. Such a loading device can be formed, for example, by a suction gripper guided over the feed opening, which is able to receive and receive complete groupings of articles from the article feeder, transfer them to a storage location for the outer packaging and release the groupings of articles after insertion into the outer packaging in order to receive new groupings of articles for further loading of empty outer packagings.

[0021] Before reaching the loading position or loading area, the outer packages initially transported one after another along the conveying path are spaced apart from one another at a defined distance, however, this does not concern all outer packages, but only a defined number of two, three or more outer packages transported one after another which are subsequently to be filled or loaded with groups of articles simultaneously in the loading position or loading area. Spacing thus takes place in pairs or groups, in each case a plurality of outer packages moving one after another and following one after another in the transport direction, wherein the number of outer packages to be spaced apart from one another thereby depends on the number of groups of articles to be inserted simultaneously therein.

[0022] After the spacing required for loading the outer packaging with the appropriate number of articles or primary packagings in each case has been created, two, three or more outer packagings spaced apart from one another can be brought together into the loading area while maintaining the spacing previously separating one another in the transport direction and loaded with the article groups there separately.

[0023] In the present context, the area or part of the conveying path which produces the desired spacing between the successively transported outer packs will also be referred to as a deceleration position or deceleration area or cycle forming area, since there the individual outer packs are decelerated relative to the outer packs running in each case in such a way that the desired deceleration and thus the desired spacing between the outer packs is produced. The deceleration area designated here is located upstream of the loading position or loading area in the transport direction.

[0024] For example, the method can provide that the manipulator for generating spacings between outer packs moving one after another on a conveying path comprises a manipulator which engages the outer packs transversely and / or in its conveying path, by means of which the outer packs which have not yet reached the loading area are fixed and moved in a desired manner. In particular, in this case, the outer packs are spaced apart from each other by transverse engagement in the deceleration position or deceleration area. This can be achieved, for example, by manipulators which engage the outer packs on one or both sides.

[0025] The handling devices engaged on both sides can be, for example, mutually pushable gripping devices, clamping claws or similar handling devices, which can accelerate or decelerate the outer packs relative to the conveying flow of the following outer packs and produce the desired deceleration between successively conveyed outer packs.

[0026] The handling device engaged on one side can be formed, for example, by a suction device engaging the side of the outer packaging on one side, which can accelerate or decelerate the outer packaging relative to the conveying flow of the following outer packaging and produce the desired deceleration between the outer packagings conveyed successively. In particular, the suction device engages the side of the outer packaging oriented parallel to the transport direction. The suction device is configured to be movable in the area of ​​one side along the conveying path of the outer packaging so as to produce the desired spacing between the outer packagings in the transport direction. In particular, the number of suction devices corresponds in each case to the number of outer packagings provided for subsequent filling with articles.

[0027] Other holding devices that engage the outer packaging on one side can, for example, engage the opening of the outer packaging and hold it in this way. In addition, it can be preferably provided that the handling device that engages the outer packaging on both sides moves with an oscillating motion along the conveying path between the deceleration position or deceleration area and the supply position or supply area or supply section located upstream of the deceleration position or deceleration area in the transport direction. In this way, it can be ensured that the outer packaging can be connected to and kept in intervals with a single or multiple outer packaging that is conveyed one after another in the transport direction during continuous conveying, and it is not necessary to change its conveying direction or leave its conveying path. The outer packaging that was previously transported in the immediate sequence can also remain arranged aligned relative to each other in the deceleration area, even if it is now further conveyed in the conveying direction at a spacing defined relative to each other.

[0028] An embodiment will be described below by way of example based on a design of a loading cycle with three outer packages. The three outer packages are simultaneously grasped by the manipulator. In particular, it is provided that when forming a loading cycle, the three outer packages grasped simultaneously are moved at least briefly at an increased speed relative to the following outer package in order to create a spacing with the following outer package. This increased speed is in particular caused by the fact that the manipulator is briefly moved at an increased speed relative to the transport speed of the outer packages.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be preferably provided that the manipulators with the gripped outer packages have a speed difference relative to one another, so that during the movement in the transport direction, an additional spacing is respectively formed between three outer packages gripped together by the manipulators of the robot. In particular, the manipulator which is arranged forwardly in the transport direction with the gripped outer package has a higher speed than the subsequent intermediate manipulators with the outer packages.

[0030] Therefore, compared with the handling device with outer packaging that follows in the transport direction, the intermediate handling device with outer packaging has a higher speed. In this way, the spacing between the loading cycle to the subsequent outer packaging and the spacing between the inner and outer packaging of the loading cycle are formed simultaneously.

[0031] According to another variant, it is expedient according to the method that the respective spacing of successive outer packs in the transport direction corresponds to the spacing of simultaneously activated gripper units of the loading device for transferring and inserting groups of objects into the outer packs in a direction parallel to the transport direction of the outer packs.

[0032] One of the most important reasons for the outer packaging to be transported further in the transport direction before being loaded with the articles is that it is simultaneously loaded with groups of articles. When each individual outer packaging is respectively loaded with a group of articles, the spacing to the preceding or following outer packaging is not important. However, for the highest possible packaging speed, it makes sense to load several of the provided outer packagings simultaneously with similar groups of articles in each case. However, it is usually not enough to place the outer packagings side by side and load them with groups of articles without further measures.

[0033] The loading device, formed by suitable handling means, ensures that a defined number of grouped articles can be inserted into each outer packaging located in the loading position and is usually designed so that each grouping of articles can be received by a gripping head equipped for this purpose, transferred to the loading position and placed there into a ready-made outer packaging.

[0034] Such gripping devices or gripping heads have proven to be arrangements such as suction grippers which are able to simultaneously receive larger groupings of items by means of a vacuum-actuated suction bell, wherein the items can be formed by bottles, cans or other containers which can contain in particular liquid beverages as primary packaging.

[0035] Since these gripping heads occupy a certain amount of space on all sides in order to be able to operate without collisions, it is usually not possible to grasp adjacent groups of articles and process them by separate gripping heads without lateral spacing. For this purpose, sufficient lateral spacing must be provided to allow multiple groups of articles to be taken up simultaneously by the synchronously controllable gripping heads of the loading device and inserted into the ready-made outer packaging. These lateral spacings correspond appropriately to the spacings produced between the successively conveyed outer packagings.

[0036] At this point it should be pointed out that for the implementation of the method according to the invention it is not decisive whether the outer packaging is at least briefly stopped during the loading of the group of objects inserted by the synchronously controllable gripping heads and whether it is stationary on the conveying path during the insertion. Although this may be the case, a loading device with two, three or more synchronously controllable gripping heads arranged parallel to one another is fully capable of providing the continuously moving outer packaging with the grouping of objects in the same way as the stationary packaging.

[0037] When the outer package moves in the transport direction, the gripping head can be synchronized with the latter so that it moves together at the same conveying speed as the outer package at least during the actual loading and insertion operation in order to move back again after the group of objects has been deposited.

[0038] If the loading process is to be carried out in a continuous conveying operation of the outer packs, which should not stop during the process, this leads to a corresponding movement control of the loading device and its gripping head, which has an oscillating movement component parallel to the transport direction of the outer packs. This oscillating movement component is necessary in order to compensate the conveying progress of the outer packs moving forward again and again during each new loading operation of the group of objects by a corresponding return stroke movement of the gripping head opposite to the transport direction.

[0039] The utility model provides a packaging device for packaging an article group in an outer packaging. The article group has articles which are arranged in a defined manner and have a defined number relative to each other.

[0040] The packaging device comprises a conveyor path for supplying outer packages, which are moved continuously and substantially without spacing one after the other, and a loading area which adjoins the conveyor path or forms part of the conveyor path in the transport direction. At least one loading device is assigned to the loading area for transferring single or multiple groups of articles simultaneously into corresponding outer packages.

[0041] In addition, the packaging device according to the present invention includes one of the robots assigned to the conveying path and located upstream of the loading area in the transport direction, and is constructed and capable of moving at least in pairs or in groups of multiple outer packages one after another, respectively, and the outer packages conveyed on the conveying path are spaced apart from each other in the transport direction.

[0042] In the packaging device, the loading device can in particular have two or more gripping units for respectively gripping prepared groups of articles, which gripping units are constructed and equipped to grip at least two groups of articles simultaneously and to transfer and insert them into corresponding ready-made outer packagings in the loading area. Since the two or more gripping units of the loading device usually have a defined spacing relative to one another in a direction parallel to the transport direction of the conveying path, in order to load a plurality of outer packagings with corresponding groups of articles simultaneously by means of the gripping units, which usually operate synchronously, it is necessary to bring the outer packagings to an appropriate spacing from one another.

[0043] In order to make the spacing between the clamping units generated by the structure and the reasonable spacing between the outer packages coincide with each other, in the packaging device according to the present invention, it is appropriately provided that these spacings between the clamping units correspond to the spacings between the outer packages that can be generated by means of a robot.

[0044] In the packaging device, it can also be provided that the robot can be activated to generate spacing between outer packs moving one after another on the conveying path in a deceleration area or a cycle forming area upstream of the loading area in the transport direction. The loading area of ​​the packaging device is arranged downstream of the deceleration area or the cycle forming area in the transport direction.

[0045] It can be provided in particular that the robot has a handling device which engages laterally with the outer packs and / or in their conveying path for producing spacings between the outer packs moving one after another on the conveying path, by means of which the outer packs can be fixed and moved in the desired manner.

[0046] In these handling devices which engage the outer packaging on both sides, it is advantageous if these handling devices can be moved in an oscillating motion along a conveying path between a deceleration area and a supply area situated upstream of the deceleration area in the transport direction, so that after each completed loading cycle the outer packaging already loaded with the group of articles and, after its further transport in the transport direction, the subsequently conveyed outer packaging can be brought to the spacing required for cooperation with the loading device.

[0047] The subsequent embodiments summarize some aspects that have been explained previously in different implementation variants, specify some aspects, but should not be regarded as contradicting the embodiments that have been given, but should be regarded as a summary, and if in doubt, should be regarded as more specific implementation variants and / or modifications when appropriate. Thus, as described above, the packaging device according to the utility model can be used for packaging or outer packaging groups of articles, wherein these groups of articles are formed by a limited number of articles in each case. The articles, which are also referred to as primary packaging in this context, are formed, for example, by particularly similar liquid containers, bottles, cans, etc.

[0048] Before transferring the articles into the provided outer packaging, the articles are preferably grouped into several and in this grouped article arrangement or article group, in each case inserted together into one of the provided outer packagings. In particular, the article group is inserted into a box, which preferably has divided compartments, each compartment assigning a defined position to an article within the outer packaging. These outer packagings may also be referred to generally or in this context as secondary packaging.

[0049] The packaging device usually comprises a feed module and a packaging module located downstream of the feed module in the transport or processing direction. The packaging module can also be subdivided into a cycle forming area and a loading area.

[0050] The feed module may include at least one conveying path for supplying outer packaging. In particular, the conveying path is a box feed opening for boxes used as outer packaging. Preferably, the outer packaging initially moves continuously and substantially without spacing on the conveying path. This can optionally be done in a single row or in multiple rows, for example in two or more conveying paths running in parallel.

[0051] The packaging module preferably comprises a loading area which adjoins the conveying path in the transport direction or forms part of the conveying path, to which at least one loading device is assigned for simultaneously transferring single or multiple groups of objects into corresponding outer packagings.

[0052] Furthermore, the packaging device preferably comprises one of the manipulators assigned to the conveying path and located upstream of the loading area in the transport direction, and is configured to be at least in pairs or in groups of multiple outer packages that are moved one after another, respectively, at a distance from each other in the transport direction, and the outer packages that are transported there. In particular, in this case, two, three or more numbers of outer packages that are transported one after another are provided, and in each case the groups of articles are to be filled or loaded simultaneously in the loading area, at a distance from each other in each case. Thus, the spacing occurs in pairs or groups, in each case multiple outer packages that are moved one after another and follow one after another in the transport direction, wherein the number of outer packages to be spaced apart from each other thereby depends on the number of groups of articles that are inserted there simultaneously.

[0053] The manipulator used here can be easily activated to generate spacing between outer packs moving one after another on the conveying path, which are located in the deceleration zone upstream of the loading zone in the transport direction. In this context, the deceleration zone is also referred to as a cycle forming zone.

[0054] To generate the spacing, the packaging device comprises a robot and a conveying device for the outer packaging of the further transport cycle. Optionally, the robot can be configured as a box clamping device.

[0055] In addition, it can be provided that the conveying device and the box feed opening are formed by a continuous conveyor belt. However, an alternative embodiment can also be provided that the box feed opening and the conveying device are formed by aligned conveyor belts that follow each other in the transport direction. Another embodiment can provide the design of the conveying device as a so-called periodic chain. This periodic chain particularly includes a plurality of box seats spaced apart from each other. In each case, a limited spacing is formed between the box seats, which spacing corresponds to the spacing to be arranged between the period boxes of the loading cycle.

[0056] In a given case, the optionally used periodic chain is assigned to the periodic forming area and the loading area of ​​the packaging module and preferably comprises a first length in the periodic forming area which corresponds to a second length of the periodic chain in the loading area within the packaging module.

[0057] The manipulator can have, for example, a manipulator that engages the outer packaging laterally and / or engages its conveying path, by means of which the outer packaging can be fixed and moved in a desired manner. In particular, the box clamping device that optionally forms the manipulator can be designed to be movable in a defined direction parallel to the periodic chain in the periodic forming area and parallel to the box feed opening, that is, for example, in the transport direction and opposite to the defined direction or transport direction. The box clamping device is equipped with a plurality of clamping units, which can also be moved in the box clamping device along a previously defined direction or transport direction and opposite to the defined direction or transport direction.

[0058] In particular, a handling device is provided which engages the outer pack on both sides and can be moved in an oscillating motion along a conveying path between a periodic formation region and a supply region located upstream of the periodic formation region in the transport direction.

[0059] The handling device can be formed, for example, by mutually advancing clamping units, gripping devices, clamping claws or the like, which are able to accelerate the outer packs relative to the conveying flow of following outer packs and to bring about the desired deceleration between successively conveyed outer packs.

[0060] Alternatively, a handling device can be provided which engages the outer packs only on one side, both in conjunction with the cycle-forming chain and in conjunction with another conveying device. For example, a suction device which engages the outer packs on one side is suitable for this purpose, which suction device is designed to be movable along the conveying path and / or the conveying device in the region of one side in order to produce the desired spacing between the outer packs in the transport direction. In particular, the number of suction devices which are optionally provided corresponds in each case to the number of outer packs provided for subsequent filling with articles.

[0061] Another embodiment can provide a handling device, for example, by other suitable holding devices that engage an outer packaging on one side to keep, so as to form a desired deceleration between adjacent outer packagings in a desired manner, thereby forming a desired spacing. For example, an opening that engages an outer packaging can be provided and a holding device that keeps it in this way, etc.

[0062] The box gripper can receive a plurality of closed packages entering the box. For example, the box gripper can receive a package consisting of three boxes, which enter one after the other, and move them in a defined movement direction or in a transport direction toward the packaging module. In particular, during the movement of the three boxes gripped by the box gripper, it can be provided that the three boxes are moved at least briefly at an increased speed relative to the following box in order to create a spacing with the following box.

[0063] Furthermore, it can be provided that the clamping units of the box clamping device have a speed difference relative to each other so that a corresponding spacing is formed between three boxes that are jointly grasped by the box clamping units during the movement in the transport direction. In particular, the clamping unit that is arranged first in the transport direction has a higher speed than the intermediate clamping units that follow. Thus, the intermediate clamping units have a higher speed than the clamping units that follow in the transport direction.

[0064] Before the cassettes are released or placed in the period forming area at the spacing predetermined by the period chain, the cassettes are brought into the desired spacing by a corresponding movement of the clamping unit, thereby forming an arrangement of period cassettes.

[0065] Since there may be process-related small spacings in the box feed opening, which may make it difficult to correctly divide each box from each other, it can be provided that before being caught by the box clamping device, the boxes move against stop elements provided for this purpose and in the process of doing so any gaps that may be present are closed. In order not to have to stop the continuous supply of boxes specifically for this purpose, it can be provided that the stop elements move in the transport direction at least in certain areas at a slightly lower speed than the boxes.

[0066] As soon as a defined number of boxes have been gripped by the box clamping device, the stop element can be moved upwards, downwards or laterally out of the transport path of the boxes in the transport direction so that the boxes can be moved further in the transport direction unhindered and inserted into the cycle chain.

[0067] Alternatively, the conveying path can be formed by two or more parallel conveyor belts, between which each parallel conveyor belt is spaced apart from one another. Thus, the stop element can be arranged between the conveyor belts so that it protrudes upwards beyond the conveying plane formed by the conveyor belts. After the robot grips a cycle of boxes, the stop element is lowered downwards so that the box gripped by the robot can now be moved in the direction of transport at an increased speed in the direction of the loading area.

[0068] Alternatively, a stop element may be provided, for example, arranged directly above the transport surface, and the box caught by the box clamping device is slightly lifted by the latter, thereby lifting above the stop element. Then, when the box is inserted into the cycle chain, the box is lowered accordingly again.

[0069] Furthermore, the packaging device may have an article feed opening through which articles, such as bottles, are supplied. Preferably, the articles are supplied in an orderly manner, such as through a narrow lane.

[0070] In the packaging module, the groups of articles are gripped in the loading area by a loading device with a correspondingly designed gripping device and inserted into the cycle box. To this end, two, three or more outer packagings spaced apart from one another are brought together into the loading area while maintaining the previously created spacing between one another in the transport direction and the groups of articles are loaded there.

[0071] In particular, it can be provided that the loading device has two or more gripping units for respectively gripping the prepared groups of articles. In this way, at least two groups of articles can be gripped simultaneously and transferred into corresponding ready-made outer packagings and inserted into the loading area. The two or more gripping units preferably each have a defined or adjustable spacing in a direction parallel to the transport direction of the conveying path, wherein these spacings between the gripping units correspond to the spacings between the outer packagings produced by means of the robot.

[0072] For example, the gripping device grips three groups of articles, each of which comprises six bottles. During the transfer from the article feed opening to the cycle box, the groups of articles gripped by the gripping device are spaced apart from one another, in particular brought to a spacing corresponding to the cycle box and inserted into the cycle box. The cycle box equipped with the groups of articles in this way can then be transported out of the packaging module in the transport direction and provided for further processing, which, however, is not described in more detail here.

[0073] Furthermore, magazines for baskets or the like assigned to the loading area can be provided, which can be provided for dividing the items to be placed therein into further subgroups within the cycle box. For example, the box can be without partitions. In this case, before inserting the items, for example, baskets or compartments are inserted into the cycle box, and the cycle box is removed from the magazine by a suitable handling device.

[0074] If necessary, the baskets or compartments in the magazine can be provided in a space-saving form and must first be brought into the appropriate shape before being inserted into the cycle box. To this end, the processing device can have suitable means to first open the baskets or compartments etc., for example during transfer in the direction of the cycle box, and bring them into the desired shape.

[0075] When the cycle boxes are filled in the loading area, the box clamping device moves in the opposite direction to the defined direction or in the opposite direction to the transport direction in order to catch another group of three boxes before the boxes enter the packaging module and to separate them accordingly in the cycle forming area. For this purpose, the clamping unit still has to be in a suitable arrangement.

[0076] The advantage here is that no separate module is required to generate the spacing of the boxes, since the cycle chain can be well integrated into the packaging module. By generating the spacing in a defined direction or in the transport direction of the boxes, the entire packaging device saves space, since the footprint of the packaging device can be selected to be smaller. In particular, the arrangement consisting of the cycle chain and the box clamping device is much more expensive than a corresponding arrangement of the boxes, for example by a robot or another handling device known from the prior art.

[0077] One of the most important reasons for the further transport of outer packages in the transport direction at the aforementioned spacing before loading with articles is the described simultaneous loading of two or more outer packages, each with a grouping of articles.

[0078] The loading device is usually designed so that each group of objects can be received by a gripping head equipped for this purpose, transferred to a loading position or loading area and placed there into a ready-made outer packaging. Such gripping devices or gripping heads have proven to be arrangements such as suction grippers, which are able to simultaneously receive larger groups of objects by means of a vacuum-actuated suction bell, wherein the objects can be formed by bottles, cans or other containers which can contain in particular liquid beverages as primary packaging.

[0079] Since these gripping heads occupy a certain amount of space on all sides in order to be able to operate without collisions, it is usually not possible to grasp adjacent groups of articles and process them by individual gripping heads without lateral spacing. Therefore, sufficient lateral spacing must be provided between the outer packs to be loaded simultaneously. These lateral spacings correspond appropriately to the spacing of the successively conveyed outer packs produced in the cycle forming area relative to each other.

[0080] Usually, outer packing can be continuously moved in its transport direction during loading article group.Yet, also can provide the transportation of outer packing optionally at least to stop in a short time, make when article group is inserted into loading area, outer packing is stationary.

[0081] According to another embodiment of the packaging device, it can be provided that the boxes filled with the groups of articles in the loading area are transferred by the removal device to another periodic chain, which is arranged parallel to the first periodic chain, but has a conveying direction opposite thereto. With this arrangement, the length of the packaging device can be reduced, especially in the case of limited available space.

[0082] Instead of the above-described counter-moving or circulating periodic chains, it is also possible to provide a conventional conveyor belt for transporting the outer packages or the outer packages containing the articles.

[0083] The handling device used can engage the outer packaging on both sides or on one side and is formed in particular by a clamping device, a holding device, a suction device or the like.

[0084] It should be clearly stated at this point that all aspects and implementation variants explained in conjunction with the device of the present invention also relate to or may be partial aspects of the method of the present invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or interrelationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the present specification or in the claim definition of the device of the present invention, then this also applies to the method of the present invention. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and implementation variants explained in conjunction with the method according to the present invention also relate to or may be partial aspects of the device according to the present invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or interrelationships and / or effects are mentioned in the description of the method according to the present invention or also at any point in the claim definition of the method according to the present invention, then this also applies to the device according to the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] In the following, embodiments of the present invention and their advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. The size ratios of the individual elements in the drawings do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are enlarged compared to other elements for better illustration.

[0086] Figures 1 to 3 A first embodiment of the packaging device is shown.

[0087] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a packaging device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] The same reference numerals are used for the same or the same effect elements of the present invention. In addition, for the sake of clarity, only the reference numerals necessary for the description of the corresponding figure are depicted in a single figure. The depicted embodiments only represent examples of how the device according to the present invention or the method according to the present invention can be implemented, and do not represent conclusive limitations.

[0089] Figures 1 to 3 The schematic top view of the 2000 shoWs a ?rst embodiment of a packaging device 1 for packing or outer packing a group of articles 22 in an overall view. The group of articles 22 consists in each case of a de?ned number of articles 23. The articles 23, Which are also referred to in this context as primary packages, are formed, for example, of particularly similar liquid containers, bottles 21, cans, etc. (cf. Figure 3 ).

[0090] Before being transferred to the provided outer packaging 25, the objects 23 are grouped into several and, in this grouped object arrangement or object group 22, are in each case inserted together into one of the provided outer packaging 25. In particular, the object group 22 is inserted into a box 20 which preferably has a dividing compartment which assigns a defined position to the objects 23 within the outer packaging 25. The outer packaging 25 is also referred to in this context as a secondary packaging.

[0091] The packaging device 1 comprises a feed module 2 and a packaging module 3. The packaging module 3 is further subdivided into a cycle forming area 4 and a loading area 5.

[0092] The feed module 2 comprises at least one conveying path 30 for supplying outer packs 25. In particular, the conveying path 30 is a box feed 9 for the boxes 20. Preferably, the outer packs 25 initially move continuously and substantially without spacing on the conveying path 30. This can optionally take place in a single row or in multiple rows, for example in two or more conveying paths 30 running in parallel.

[0093] The packaging module 3 comprises a loading area 5 which adjoins the conveying path 30 in the transport direction TR or forms part of the conveying path 30 and to which at least one loading device 11 is assigned for simultaneously transferring single or multiple groups of objects 22 into corresponding outer packagings 25 .

[0094] In addition, the packaging device 1 includes one of the robots 31 assigned to the conveying path 30 and located upstream of the loading area 5 in the transport direction TR, and is configured to move groups of outer packs 25 at least in pairs or one after another, with the outer packs 25 being conveyed there at intervals from each other in the transport direction TR.

[0095] In particular, two, three or more defined numbers of outer packages 25 transported one after the other and in each case to be simultaneously filled or loaded with groups of articles 22 in the loading area 5 are spaced apart from one another. The spacing thus takes place in pairs or groups, in each case of a plurality of outer packages 25 moving one after the other and following one after the other in the transport direction TR, wherein the number of outer packages 25 to be spaced apart from one another thereby depends on the number of groups of articles 22 inserted therein at the same time.

[0096] The robot 31 can be activated to create spacings between outer packs 25 moving one after another on the conveying path 30, which are located in a deceleration zone upstream of the loading zone 5 in the conveying direction TR. The deceleration zone is also referred to as the period formation zone 4 below.

[0097] In order to generate the spacing, the packaging device 1 comprises a robot 31 and a conveying device 17 for further transporting the cyclic outer packaging 25. According to the embodiment shown here, the robot 31 is designed as a box gripper 6.

[0098] One embodiment may provide that the conveying device 17 and the box feed opening 9 are formed by a continuous conveyor belt 18. Another embodiment may provide that the box feed opening 9 and the conveying device 17 are formed by aligned conveyor belts.

[0099] Especially Figures 1 to 3 Another embodiment shown can provide the conveying device 17 as a design of a periodic chain 7. The periodic chain 7 comprises in particular spaced-apart cassette seats 26. In each case, a defined spacing A is formed between the cassette seats 26, which corresponds to the spacing to be provided between the periodic cassettes 20 of the loading cycle.

[0100] The period chain 7 is assigned to the period forming area 4 and the loading area 5 of the packing module 3 and preferably comprises a first length L4 in the period forming area 4 which corresponds to a second length L5 of the period chain 7 in the loading area 5 within the packing module 3 .

[0101] According to one embodiment, the robot 31 comprises a manipulator 32 which engages laterally with the outer package 25 and / or in its conveying path 30 , by means of which the outer package 25 can be fixed and moved in a desired manner.

[0102] In particular, the box clamping device 6 forming the robot 31 is designed to be movable in the periodic forming area 4 in parallel to the periodic chain 7 and in parallel to the box feed opening 9 in the X direction XR or the transport direction TR and in opposition to the X direction XR or the transport direction TR. The box clamping device 6 is equipped with a plurality of clamping units 8, which can also be movable in the box clamping device 6 in the X direction XR or the transport direction TR and in opposition to the X direction XR or the transport direction TR, respectively.

[0103] In particular, a manipulator 32 is provided which engages the outer pack 25 on both sides and can be moved in an oscillating motion along the conveying path 30 between the period formation region 4 and a supply region 16 situated upstream of the period formation region 4 in the transport direction TR.

[0104] The handling device 32 can be formed, for example, by mutually advancing clamping units 8 , gripping devices, clamping claws or the like, which are able to accelerate the outer packs 25 relative to the conveying flow of the following outer packs 25 and to produce the desired deceleration between successively conveyed outer packs 25 .

[0105] Alternatively, a handling device 32 may be provided which engages the outer packaging 25 only on one side, both in conjunction with the periodic forming chain 7 and with the other conveying device 17 .

[0106] For example, suction devices which engage the outer packaging 25 on one side are suitable for this purpose, which suction devices are designed to be movable along the conveying path 30 and / or the conveying device 17 in the region of one side in order to produce the desired spacing between the outer packagings 25 in the transport direction TR. In particular, the number of suction devices corresponds in each case to the number of outer packagings 25 provided for subsequent filling with articles.

[0107] Another embodiment can provide a manipulator 32, for example, held by other suitable holding devices that engage the outer packaging 25 on one side, so as to form a desired deceleration between adjacent outer packagings in a desired manner, thereby forming a desired spacing. For example, a holding device that engages the opening of the outer packaging 25 and holds it in this way, etc., can be provided. The operating mode of the manipulator 31 explained below by means of the box clamping device 6 can be transferred to other suitable manipulators 31 equipped with corresponding manipulators 32 by those skilled in the art in a corresponding manner.

[0108] The box clamping device 6 can receive a plurality of closed packages into the box 20. In particular, Figure 1 The box clamping device 6 shown can receive a package consisting of three boxes 20, which are fed in one after the other and moved in the X direction XR or transport direction TR towards the packaging module 3.

[0109] In particular, during the movement of the three boxes 20 gripped by the box clamping device 6, it can be provided that these three boxes 20 are moved at least briefly at an increased speed relative to the following box 20 in order to create a spacing with the following box.

[0110] Furthermore, it can be provided that the clamping units 8 of the box clamping device 6 have speed differences relative to one another, so that during the movement in the transport direction TR, corresponding spacings are formed between three boxes 20 which are jointly grasped by the box clamping device 6. In particular, the clamping unit 8-1 arranged at the front in the transport direction TR has a higher speed than the following intermediate clamping unit 8-2. Thus, the intermediate clamping unit 8-2 has a higher speed ( ) than the clamping unit 8-3 following in the transport direction TR. Figure 2 ).

[0111] Before the cassettes 20 are released or placed in the period forming area 4 at the spacing predetermined by the period chain 7, the cassettes 20 are brought to the desired spacing ( Figure 2 This forms an arrangement of cycle boxes, which is denoted below by reference numeral 20* ( Figure 2 ).

[0112] Since there may be process-related small gaps in the feed opening of the boxes 20, which would make correct spacing difficult, it can be provided that the boxes 20 are moved against the stop element 10 before being caught by the box clamping device 6 and are accumulated in the process, as a result of which possible process-related gaps are closed. In order not to have to stop the continuous supply of boxes 20 specifically for this purpose, it can be provided that the stop element 10 moves in the transport direction at least in certain areas at a slightly lower speed than the boxes 20.

[0113] Once a defined number of boxes 20 have been caught by the box clamping device 6 , the stop element 10 can be moved upward, downward or laterally out of the transport path of the boxes 20 in the transport direction TR so that the boxes can be moved further in the transport direction TR unhindered and inserted into the periodic chain 7 .

[0114] According to one embodiment, it can be provided that the conveying path 30 is formed by two or more parallel conveyor belts, in each case with a spacing formed between the parallel conveyor belts. The stop element 10 is arranged between the conveyor belts and protrudes upwards beyond the conveying plane formed by the conveyor belts. After the robot 31 has grasped a cycle of boxes 20, the stop element 10 is lowered downwards, so that the box 20 grasped by the robot 31 can now be moved in the transport direction TR at an increased speed in the direction of the loading area 5.

[0115] Alternatively, it can be provided that the stop element 10 is arranged, for example, directly above the transport surface and that the box 20 gripped by the box clamping device 6 is slightly lifted by the latter and thus lifted above the stop element 10. Then, when the box 20 is inserted into the periodic chain 7, the box 20 is lowered accordingly again.

[0116] Furthermore, the packaging device 1 comprises an article feed opening 15, through which articles 23, for example bottles 21 (see Figure 3 ). Preferably, the objects 23 are supplied in an orderly manner, for example through a narrow lane.

[0117] In the packaging module 3 , the groups of objects 22 are gripped in the loading area 5 by a loading device 11 having a correspondingly designed gripping device 12 and inserted into a cycle box 20 *.

[0118] For this purpose, two, three or more outer packagings 25 which are spaced apart from one another are brought together into the loading area 5 while maintaining the previously produced spacing from one another in the transport direction TR and are each loaded with an object group 22 there.

[0119] In particular, it can be provided that the loading device 11 has two or more gripping units for respectively grabbing the prepared groups of articles 22. In this way, at least two groups of articles 22 can be simultaneously grabbed and transferred into corresponding ready-made outer packagings 25 and inserted into the loading area 5.

[0120] The two or more gripping units preferably each have a defined or adjustable spacing in a direction parallel to the transport direction TR of the conveying path 30 , wherein these spacings between the gripping units correspond to the spacings between the outer packs 25 produced by means of the robot 31 .

[0121] For example, the gripping device 12 grasps three groups of articles 22, wherein each group of articles 22 comprises six bottles 21. During the transfer from the article inlet 15 to the cycle box 20*, the groups of articles 22 grasped by the gripping device 12 are spaced apart from one another, in particular brought to a spacing corresponding to the cycle box 20* and inserted into the cycle box 20* ( Figure 3 ).

[0122] The cycle box 20 * equipped with the group of articles 22 in this way can then be removed from the packaging module 3 in the transport direction TR and provided for further processing (not shown).

[0123] Furthermore, magazines 13 for baskets or the like can be provided, which are assigned to the loading area 5 and which can be provided for dividing the items to be placed therein into further subgroups within the cycle boxes 20 *.

[0124] For example, the box 20 may be free of partitions. In this case, before inserting the items, for example baskets or compartments are inserted into the cycle box 20 *, which is removed from the magazine 13 by a suitable handling device 14 .

[0125] If necessary, the baskets or compartments in the magazine 13 can be provided in a space-saving form and must first be brought into the appropriate shape before being inserted into the cycle box 20 *. To this end, the processing device 14 can have suitable means to first open the baskets or compartments etc., for example during transfer in the direction of the cycle box 20 *, and bring them into the desired shape.

[0126] When the cycle boxes 20* are filled in the loading area 5, the box clamping device 6 is opposite to the X direction XR or to the transport direction TR ( Figure 3 ) moves in the opposite direction in order to catch another group of three boxes 20 before the boxes 20 enter the packaging module 3 and to separate them accordingly in the cycle forming area 4. To this end, the clamping unit 8 must still be in the position according to Figure 1 in a suitable arrangement.

[0127] The advantage here is that no separate module is required to create the spacing of the boxes 20, since the periodic chain 7 can be well integrated into the packaging module 3. By creating the spacing in the X direction or in the transport direction TR of the boxes 20, the entire packaging device 1 saves space, since the packaging device 1 has a smaller footprint. In particular, the arrangement consisting of the periodic chain 7 and the box clamping device 6 is much cheaper than a corresponding arrangement of the boxes 20, for example by a robot or another handling device known from the prior art.

[0128] One of the most important reasons for the further transport of the outer packages at the aforementioned distance in the transport direction TR before being loaded with the articles 23 is the described simultaneous loading of two or more outer packages 25 , each with an article grouping 22 .

[0129] The loading device 11 is usually designed such that each group of objects 22 can be received by a gripping head equipped for this purpose, transferred to a loading position or loading area 5 and placed there in a ready-made outer packaging 25 .

[0130] Such a gripping device or gripping head has proven to be, for example, an arrangement of suction grippers which are able to simultaneously receive larger groups of objects 22 by means of a vacuum-actuated suction bell, wherein the objects 23 can be formed by bottles 21, cans or other containers which can contain in particular liquid beverages as primary packaging.

[0131] Since these gripping heads occupy a certain space on all sides in order to be able to operate without collisions, it is usually not possible to grasp adjacent groups of articles 22 and process them by individual gripping heads without lateral spacing. Therefore, sufficient lateral spacing must be provided between the outer packs 25 to be loaded simultaneously. These lateral spacings correspond appropriately to the spacing of the continuously conveyed outer packs 25 produced in the periodic formation area 4 relative to each other.

[0132] Preferably, the outer packaging 25 is further moved continuously in the transport direction TR during loading of the group of objects 22. However, it can also be provided that the transport of the outer packaging 25 is stopped at least for a short time, so that when the group of objects 22 is inserted into the loading area 5, the outer packaging 25 is stationary.

[0133] Figure 4 The schematic top view of shows another embodiment of the packaging device 1. In this case, the boxes of the groups of articles in the loading area 5 are transferred by a removal device 35 to a further periodic chain 36, which is arranged parallel to the periodic chain 7 but has a conveying direction FR opposite thereto.

[0134] With this arrangement, the length of the packaging device 1 can be reduced, especially where the available space is limited.

[0135] Instead of the periodic chain 7 and / or the periodic chain 36 , a conventional conveyor belt for transporting the outer packages 25 or the outer packages 25 with articles can also be provided.

[0136] The handling device 32 can engage the outer packaging on both sides or on one side and is formed in particular by a clamping device, a holding device, a suction device or the like.

[0137] The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and drawings, including their various views or corresponding individual features, can be used independently of each other or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless these features are contradictory.

[0138] Although the drawings and views described in conjunction with the aforementioned figures are generally "schematic", this does not mean that the drawings and their description are secondary to the disclosure of the present invention. A person skilled in the art is fully able to obtain sufficient information from the schematic and abstractly shown representations, which will make it easier for him to understand the present invention without in any way impairing his understanding, for example, the illustrated dimensional ratios of the parts of the outer packaging and / or the device or other elements of the drawings, which may not be accurate ratios. Therefore, these drawings enable a person skilled in the art as a reader to better understand the idea of ​​the present invention presented in a more general and / or more abstract manner in the claims and the general part of the description with the help of the functional principles of the method according to the present invention and the device according to the present invention.

[0139] The present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims.

[0140] List of reference numbers

[0141] 1 Packaging device

[0142] 2 Feed module

[0143] 3 Packaging Module

[0144] 4 Cycle formation area

[0145] 5 Loading area

[0146] 6 Box clamping device

[0147] 7-cycle chain

[0148] 8 Clamping unit

[0149] 8-1 Clamping unit

[0150] 8-2 Clamping unit

[0151] 8-3 Clamping unit

[0152] 9 Box feed port

[0153] 10 Stop element

[0154] 11 Loading device

[0155] 12 Clamping device

[0156] 13. Material Box

[0157] 14 Processing device

[0158] 15. Item inlet

[0159] 16 Supply Area

[0160] 17 Conveying device

[0161] 18 Conveyor belt

[0162] 20 boxes

[0163] 20* Cycle Box

[0164] 21 Flange

[0165] 22 Item Groups

[0166] 23 Items

[0167] 25 Outer Packaging

[0168] 26 Box Seat

[0169] 30 Conveyor Path

[0170] 31 Robot

[0171] 32 Control device

[0172] 35 Remove device

[0173] 36 Period Chain

[0174] A Spacing

[0175] FR Conveying direction

[0176] L4 First Length

[0177] L5 Second length

[0178] TR Transport Direction

[0179] XR X direction.

Claims

1. A packaging device (1) for packaging or outer packaging a group of articles (22), the group of articles (22) having a defined number of articles (23) in an outer packaging (25) in a defined arrangement relative to one another, the packaging device (1) comprising at least: a conveying path (30) for supplying outer packs (25) which are moved continuously and without spacing one behind the other, a loading area (5) adjoining the conveying path (30) in the transport direction (TR) or forming part of the conveying path (30), to which at least one loading device (11) is assigned for simultaneously transferring single or multiple groups of objects (22) into corresponding outer packagings (25), characterized in that: - one of the robots (31) assigned to the conveying path (30) and located upstream of the loading area (5) in the transport direction (TR) is configured to move at least in pairs or in groups of a plurality of outer packs (25) conveyed therein spaced apart from one another in the transport direction (TR).

2. The packaging device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the loading device (11) has two or more gripping units for respectively grasping the prepared groups of articles (22), wherein the gripping units can grasp at least two groups of articles (22) simultaneously and can transfer and insert them into corresponding ready-made outer packagings (25) in the loading area (5), wherein: The two or more gripping units each have a defined spacing in a direction parallel to the transport direction (TR) of the conveying path (30), and wherein these spacings between the gripping units correspond to the spacings between the outer packs (25) that can be produced by means of the robot (31).

3. A packaging device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the robot (31) can be activated to create a spacing between the outer packagings (25) moving one after another on the conveying path (30) in a deceleration area (4) located upstream of the loading area (5) in the transport direction (TR).

4. A packaging device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the robot (31) can be activated to create a spacing between the outer packagings (25) moving one after another on the conveying path (30) in a deceleration area (4) located upstream of the loading area (5) in the transport direction (TR).

5. A packaging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the robot (31) has a manipulation device (32), which is laterally engaged with the outer packaging (25) and / or engaged in its conveying path (30) to create a spacing between the outer packaging (25) moving one after another on the conveying path (30), with the help of the manipulation device, the outer packaging (25) can be fixed and moved in a desired manner.

6. The packaging device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the operating device (32) engaged with the outer packaging (25) on both sides can move in an oscillating motion along the conveying path (30) between a deceleration area (4) located upstream of the loading area (5) in the transport direction (TR) and a supply area (16) located upstream of the deceleration area (4) in the transport direction (TR).

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