Packaging device for mounting packaging member to combination of articles

Abstract

The utility model relates to a packaging device for installing a packaging component (20) to an article combination (30), wherein the article combination comprises at least two articles respectively. The packaging device comprises at least one preparation tool for preparing the packaging member (20). The preparation tool (17) comprises folding means for folding opposite edge regions (23) of a packaging blank forming the packaging member (20). The packaging device further comprises application means for accommodating the prepared packaging blanks (21v) and for applying to the combination of articles (30) such that the packaging members (20) applied to the articles are at least partially arranged between the articles, the packaging members (20) applied to the articles at least partially snap an outer side (36) of the combination of articles (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a packaging device for installing a packaging member to an article combination. Background Art

[0002] In the field of packaging technology, so-called upper gripping carton packaging for carrying multiple articles is known. Such gripping carton packaging is well-known technically and is particularly useful for consumers to transport, store, and pick up a group of articles.

[0003] For cost reasons and for considerations of environmental protection and resource conservation, such gripping carton packaging should use as little material as possible, that is, be composed of as little material as possible, but still meet the necessary requirements in terms of resistance, mechanical stability, and article fastening. Among them, the strength and toughness of the carton material used are important, as well as its suitability for holding and transporting sometimes heavy and large-weight articles. In addition, the mechanical firmness of fastening the articles is also important.

[0004] Known upper gripping article carriers are provided with openings in the carrier plate for receiving and snapping in articles. Usually, multiple articles are arranged in at least two rows. In addition, a handle structure for carrying is usually provided. Such an article carrier has been described, for example, in the patent application publication WO2022 / 011 109A1. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] In view of the known article carriers, the primary task of the utility model is to design the application of the upper gripping carton packaging to the articles more efficiently, so as to form such a stable article group or gripping carton container.

[0006] The solution of the utility model to achieve the above object is a packaging device for installing a packaging member to an article combination described below.

[0007] According to the method, the packaging member of the article applied to the article combination is at least partially pushed between adjacent articles and is at least partially arranged between the articles in such a way, and wherein the packaging member of the article applied to the article combination at least partially encircles the outer side surface of the article combination.

[0008] The articles to be combined together are preferably containers filled with a fluid content, such as bottles or cans, especially beverage containers. However, bottles or cans or similar containers can also be filled with, for example, fluid or paste-like cosmetics, such as shampoo, etc.

[0009] That is, if an article or combination of articles is generally mentioned herein, it may in particular refer to a so-called primary packaging, such as a container, a can, a bottle, etc., which has a content that can be quantified by weight and / or volume, such as a certain liquid volume. These articles or primary packagings are combined and mechanically held together by means of a packaging member serving as a secondary packaging in the manner described below, whereby the container is formed by a plurality of articles or a plurality of articles form the container.

[0010] The packaging member or secondary packaging mentioned herein is in particular formed from a blank. These blanks may preferably be made of paper or cardboard material, plastic material, cardboard-plastic composite material, etc.

[0011] Each of the blanks has a through-hole for the article to be combined by means of the blank, wherein these through-holes correspond to the longitudinal central axis of the combined article, and the article is selectively received locally in such a way as to produce a form-fit connection and / or a snap connection that can be separated by applying a tensile force or a separating force.

[0012] In the method described herein, the packaging member is prepared by folding at least two opposite edge regions of the blank forming the packaging member by approximately 90 degrees. In particular, all four edge regions or edge sections of a generally rectangular blank are folded by approximately 90 degrees.

[0013] In this case, packaging material or a blank can be provided to provide corresponding folding edges, which facilitate the folding process of the lateral edge regions. In this case, the packaging member or the blank reasonably has dimensions such that the main surface covers the combination of articles on the upper side, wherein the articles can optionally extend into the through-holes and / or be snapped into the through-holes, and the folding edges generally correspond to the side contour line of the combination of articles. In this way, the edge regions can be bent at the folding edges and abutted against the sides of the combination of articles.

[0014] The blank prepared in this way is now applied to the combination of articles by means of a downward movement. If a downward movement is mentioned herein and throughout the context of this specification, it is considered that the articles of the combination of articles are usually erected on their lower end sides on a base, such as a support surface or a conveying surface of a horizontal conveying device, during their handling and during the application of the blank, while their upper end sides are available for the application of the blank.

[0015] In this position and orientation of the article and the article assembly, if it is necessary to apply the blank to the combination of articles, the movement of the blank is almost necessarily downward, that is, towards the upper end side of the article.

[0016] Thus, in this text, it can generally be said that the packaging blank moves downward, but it should not be excluded that the article may also move or be prepared in a flat or inclined position, such that the packaging blank does not necessarily move downward when applied to the end side of the article. However, since this positioning of the article in the article combination is not a normal situation but an exceptional case, the above-mentioned expression (downward movement) should be maintained, but it should be understood as a synonym for the direction towards the freely accessible end side of the article in the article combination.

[0017] Within the scope of the method, the packaging blank is respectively mounted on the article in such a way that the article partially passes through the through-hole of the packaging blank, so that the articles are held together by the packaging blank. In particular, the packaging blank is snap-fitted to the article in this way, where this snap connection can be released by applying a tensile force, and in the case where several articles need to be separated from the fastened articles and removed therefrom, the packaging blank may be damaged or impaired as the case may be.

[0018] For this purpose, the through-holes of the packaging blank can respectively have suitable fixing means, which can be formed, for example, by fixing tongues. The fixing tongues are formed, for example, by cuts extending radially from the through-hole towards the center point of the hole.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the packaging blank is fixed to the article in such a way that the article is clamped within the passage opening in the upper conical surface region of the packaging blank. Bottles are particularly clamped below the so-called neck ring or collar, and cans are clamped below the flange forming the edge of the can, thus ensuring an effective snap connection between the packaging blank and the article.

[0020] In addition, within the scope of the method, the folded edge region of the packaging blank at least partially surrounds the outer sides of the article and the article combination. The folded edge region of the packaging blank forms, for example, a collar around the upper region of the outer sheath surface of the article.

[0021] The packaging device that can be used to implement the above method includes at least one preparation tool for preparing the packaging member, and the preparation tool includes at least one folding device, which is adapted to fold at least two opposite edge regions of the packaging blank forming the packaging member by approximately 90 degrees, particularly to fold these edge regions downward.

[0022] However, optionally and reasonably, for preparing the packaging blank, the edge region can be folded at a folding angle less than 90 degrees, and the final folding angle of approximately 90 degrees is only formed when or after the packaging blank is applied to the article combination.

[0023] Furthermore, the packaging device includes at least one application tool, which is adapted to receive the packaging member prepared by folding the edge region, and is applied to the prepared combination of at least two articles by means of a downward movement or by means of a movement in the direction of the freely accessible end side towards the article, such that the packaging member applied to the article is at least partially arranged between the articles or adjacent articles, so that the packaging member applied to the article at least partially encircles the outer side surface of the combination of articles, in particular wherein the folded edge region of the packaging member at least partially surrounds or encircles the outer side surface of the combination of articles.

[0024] Furthermore, during the preparation of the packaging blank applied to the article, through-holes of the packaging blank can be additionally prepared, for example, at least slightly pre-crushed or pre-expanded to reduce at least slightly the mechanical resistance when the article is placed and fastened in the through-holes.

[0025] For example, the fixing device or fixing element corresponding to the through-hole can be pre-folded upwards, and the above-mentioned movement direction aspect (upward pre-folding) should also apply to the downward application direction of the packaging blank to the article assembly. The direction indication "upwards" essentially refers to the direction opposite to the application movement, because this is also the movement direction of the article inserted into the through-hole.

[0026] For this purpose, the preparation tool can include corresponding devices for preparing the through-holes of the packaging blank. In particular, the preparation tool includes an upper die including at least one receiving device or holding device for the packaging blank, and the preparation tool includes a lower die including a plurality of expanding tools.

[0027] The receiving device or holding device can be formed, for example, by a holding bolt or a holding pin that snaps into a suitable receiving hole of the packaging blank. Alternatively, the upper die can also be provided with a suction device, for example, to reliably grasp and hold the packaging blank. The advantage of such a suction device is that its activation and stop schemes are controllable, so that the packaging blank can be grasped and held as needed.

[0028] An embodiment of the preparation tool is described below, which is adapted to fold the edge region of the packaging blank and is adapted to widen the through-holes of the packaging blank.

[0029] The lower die of the preparation tool preferably includes an arrangement of expanding tools, which are also referred to as expanding cones hereinafter. The number and arrangement of the expanding tools correspond to the number and arrangement of the through-holes of the packaging blank.

[0030] The upper die and the packaging blank arranged thereon are placed on the lower die such that the expanding tools at least partially pass through the through-holes of the packaging blank. Since the cross-section of the expanding tools widens downwards, the edge region of the through-hole is pre-crushed and formed based on the preset shape of the expanding tools.

[0031] If the through-hole has a fixing device in the form of a fixing tongue, the fixing tongue is pre-crushed at the incision by an expansion tool and can additionally be folded upwards at least slightly.

[0032] Preferably, the packaging blank is pressed down by the upper die until it reaches the stop at the expansion tool of the lower die.

[0033] The corner regions of the lower die can also form free surfaces for shaping the corners that need to be formed between the foldable edge regions of the packaging blank.

[0034] Of course, for a person skilled in the art, the lower die can also be operatively connected to the upper die by an upward movement.

[0035] Now, the edge regions of the packaging blank are folded. For this purpose, according to the embodiment described herein, the preparation tool further includes a folding element. The folding element has at least partially vertically oriented sides and also has through-holes for the partitions of the first upper die and / or guide sockets for the guide elements of the first upper die.

[0036] The folding element is moved downwards onto the so-called pre-crushing unit formed by the upper die and the lower die. The side edges of the packaging blank that extend out from the side of the pre-crushing unit and are arranged between the upper die and the lower die are folded downwards by the sides of the folding element. In particular, the edge regions are folded by approximately 90 degrees.

[0037] When the folding element is combined with the pre-crushing unit, the partitions of the first upper die are snapped into the through-holes of the folding element, and / or the guide elements of the first upper die are snapped into the guide sockets of the folding element. This enables the reliable guiding of the placement of the folding element on the pre-crushing unit.

[0038] After the folding element is positioned on the pre-crushing unit, the connection between the receiving device of the upper die and the packaging blank prepared by pre-crushing and pre-folding is released, and the folding element is lifted upwards together with the upper die.

[0039] For example, the upwardly protruding partitions of the upper die can be grasped and lifted upwards, and the folding element that is operatively connected to the upper die through the through-holes is forced to move upwards together.

[0040] Alternatively, the lower die can also be moved downwards away from the upper die and the folding element together with the prepared packaging blank lying flat on it.

[0041] Therefore, the upper die, the lower die, and the folding element form components of a feasible embodiment of a preparation tool for preparing a packaging member, the preparation tool including at least one folding device in the form of a folding element, the folding device being adapted to fold at least two opposite edge regions, in particular all four edge regions, of a rectangular packaging blank forming the packaging member by 90 degrees.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the preparation tool is formed by one or more replaceable format parts, which can be replaced when changing production, in particular when changing products. In particular, in the case of a preparation tool formed by an upper die, a lower die and a folding element, these format parts must be adapted to the number, combination, size and / or shape of the articles and packaging blanks used.

[0043] The application tool grabs the packaging blank prepared at least by folding the side edge area to apply it to the corresponding article combination. For this reason, the application tool has a receiving portion for the prepared packaging blank and is also equipped with corresponding receiving devices or holding devices for holding the prepared packaging blank.

[0044] One embodiment of an application tool of a packaging device has a side interface, against which the folded side edge region of the prepared packaging blank bears and is held in its folded position during application to the article.

[0045] Subsequently, the use of packaging blanks for the combination of articles is described, which have been prepared by widening the through-holes and folding the edge regions. A person skilled in the art can also transfer the described principles to packaging blanks prepared only by folding the edge regions.

[0046] The prepared packaging blank can be removed from the lower mold by the second upper mold, in particular by grabbing the prepared packaging blank with a receiving device of the second upper mold, for example by a hook, an air extractor, etc. The second upper mold has a side interface, which, after receiving the prepared packaging blank, extends downward from the downwardly folded side edge region of the prepared packaging blank, so that the folded side edge region is completely covered by the side interface. The side interface in particular keeps the downwardly folded edge region of the prepared packaging blank in a folded state.

[0047] The second upper die is applied to the packaging combination from above with the prepared packaging blank that is grasped. Wherein, the second upper die is placed above the packaging combination so that the upper side of the article passes through the through hole of the prepared packaging blank.

[0048] If the article is formed by a can, the cover area of the can is passed through the through hole of the prepared packaging blank. In particular, the prepared packaging blank is fixed under the flange of the can in that the fixing tongue of the through hole is engaged under the flange of the can. Therefore, after the packaging blank is fixed to the can, the cover area of the can is located above the packaging blank, and the cylindrical can body is located below the packaging blank.

[0049] The folded side edge area of the packaging blank is on the outer side of the cylindrical can body below the buckle flange.

[0050] The packaging blank is arranged and fastened to the article in the aforementioned manner to form a packaging unit. In this packaging unit, the packaging blank engages with the article such that the packaging blank is fixed to the article with a substantially fixed position, and no obvious relative movement or position change can occur between the articles and between the articles and the packaging blank. Therefore, the packaging blank can only be removed from the article of the packaging unit again with increased force consumption and an upward force component, whereby the packaging blank is usually at least partially damaged.

[0051] According to an alternative embodiment, the folding element can include a housing or frame made of vertical guide elements or metal plates, and these guide elements or metal plates also serve as the side interfaces of the second upper die of the application tool in addition to folding. In this case, the correspondingly prepared packaging blank is directly removed from the lower die together with the first upper die and the housing or frame, and the prepared packaging blank can now be directly arranged on the articles of the article combination.

[0052] A preferred embodiment of the method is used to simultaneously mount at least two packaging members to articles to simultaneously form at least two packaging units, wherein the articles are conveyed in an ordered material flow adjacent to each other.

[0053] Under the ordered material flow, the articles are particularly conveyed in an ordered manner in multiple rows, especially in multiple rows with the articles arranged parallel to the conveying direction and multiple rows perpendicular to the conveying direction. Particularly preferably, the articles are conveyed in an edge-to-edge (Stoβ an Stoβ), that is, in a mutually contacting manner, in the ordered material flow.

[0054] The articles are moved, for example, by a conveyor belt. According to an alternative embodiment, the articles can be pushed onto the transfer plate by means of a push rod.

[0055] The outer side of the material flow can be restricted by guide elements (such as path plates). In addition, the inside of the material flow can also be additionally guided by intermediate guide elements in the form of intermediate path plates. In this case, preferably, multiple articles between the intermediate guide element and the outer guide element or multiple articles between two intermediate guide elements are combined into a packaging unit with a packaging member.

[0056] Alternatively, the articles can be grouped in advance, and each group includes a certain number of articles arranged in a corresponding manner. For example, groups of 18, 24, or 32 etc. can be set. In a group of 18, the articles are particularly arranged in three parallel and adjacent rows, with each row including six articles adjacent to each other. In a group of 24, the articles are arranged, for example, in four parallel and adjacent rows, with six articles in each row. In a group of 32, the articles are arranged, for example, in four parallel and adjacent rows, with eight articles in each row, etc.

[0057] The packaging device designed for this purpose includes an application tool which has at least two receiving parts arranged side by side for the prepared packaging blanks, wherein the application tool includes at least one separating device vertically constructed between the at least two receiving parts.

[0058] At least two packaging blanks prepared by folding the edge regions are arranged in the receiving parts of at least one application tool such that the packaging members respectively have a folded edge region abutting against the separating device, and wherein the separating device projects downward beyond the folded edge region of the packaging members.

[0059] In particular, the packaging blanks can be prepared in the above - mentioned manner, for example, with the above - mentioned preparation tool.

[0060] The application tool containing at least two prepared packaging blanks is lowered above the articles conveyed in an ordered material flow, wherein the separating device sinks between the articles in the ordered material flow, and then at least two packaging members are respectively applied to a certain number and combination of articles in the ordered material flow to simultaneously form at least two adjacent packaging units.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the separating device is formed by a vertical guiding surface. According to one embodiment, the lower side edge of the vertical guiding surface has a profiling contour, such as a wave shape. Alternatively, the separating device can be formed by at least one vertical guiding finger, guiding cone, etc.

[0062] Through the separating device, a slight distance is generated at least in the upper region between adjacent articles in the material flow so that the folded edge regions of the packaging members are arranged between the corresponding articles of different article combinations, and the packaging members are respectively applied to the articles forming the article combinations accordingly.

[0063] In addition, the application tool can have side interfaces which, as described above, serve as abutting surfaces for the folded outer side edge regions, especially the edge regions not abutting against the separating device. Similar to the separating device, the side interfaces can also serve as separating devices from other articles in the material flow, and these other articles are combined into packaging units with packaging members in subsequent or previous method steps, wherein in particular, a slight distance is generated at least in the upper region between adjacent articles in the material flow through the side interfaces.

[0064] Subsequently, an exemplary description is given of a specific embodiment of the method and the correspondingly designed packaging device.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the application tool can be formed by two second upper dies which are arranged close to each other after receiving the prepared packaging blanks such that two of the adjacent interfaces are in contact with or almost in contact with each other. Thus, the adjacent interfaces form the separating device between the two receiving parts formed by the two second upper dies.

[0066] The folded edge regions of the two prepared packaging members abut against the corresponding side interfaces, with one edge region of each packaging member abutting against the separating device formed by two adjacent interfaces of the two second upper dies.

[0067] The side interfaces and the separating device project downward beyond the folded edge regions of the two prepared packaging members.

[0068] According to an alternative embodiment, after the packaging blanks are prepared, the two lower dies each containing a prepared packaging blank can be arranged adjacent to each other. The two prepared packaging blanks are grasped by an application tool which includes at least two correspondingly arranged receiving portions for the prepared packaging blanks, with a vertical separating device provided between the two receiving portions. After the prepared packaging blanks are received, the folded edge regions of each packaging member abut against the separating device or the side interface in the aforesaid manner respectively.

[0069] The construction of an application tool for simultaneously applying more than two packaging members to an article to simultaneously form more than two packaging units can be understood by a person skilled in the art analogously to the above embodiments.

[0070] A specific embodiment of simultaneously mounting at least two packaging members to an article combination can be used both for an article combination moving parallel and side by side adjacent to each other in a material flow and for an article combination moving successively one after another in a material flow.

[0071] For example, simultaneously applying four packaging members can form four packaging units, where two leading packaging units are produced parallel and side by side, followed by two other packaging units arranged parallel and side by side.

[0072] By means of a specific embodiment of the said packaging device and the corresponding method, it is particularly possible to produce packaging units from an ordered material flow of articles conveyed edge to edge, and these packaging units are also edge to edge and are further transported in this form.

[0073] In addition, a packaging device for mounting one packaging member to an article combination or a packaging device for simultaneously mounting at least two packaging members to an article to simultaneously form at least two packaging units can be provided with two or more corresponding application tools. These application tools can work parallel and side by side along the transportation mode of the article, or be arranged successively along the transportation direction.

[0074] If at least two application tools are arranged successively along the transportation direction, the first application tool only processes every second article combination or every second article combination cycle, while the subsequent application tools particularly process the intermittent article combinations or article combination cycles not processed by the first application tool.

[0075] By using a plurality of application tools within the packaging device, the efficiency of the packaging device can be improved. In particular, each application tool corresponds to its own preparation tool.

[0076] In this regard, it should be clearly mentioned that all aspects and implementation variants related to the device of the present utility model are equally related to or may be partial aspects of the described method. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or connections and / or effects are mentioned at a certain point in the description of the device of the present invention, the same applies to the described method. In the opposite way, the same applies, so all aspects and implementation variants related to the described method are equally related 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 at any point in the description of the method, the same applies to the device of the present utility model.

[0077] Subsequent embodiments again summarize certain aspects that have been previously explained in different implementation variants, specify certain aspects, but should not be regarded as contradictory to the embodiments already given, but as a summary, and if in doubt, should be regarded as more specific implementation variants and / or modifications where appropriate.

[0078] Therefore, as has been mentioned several times above, the preparation tool is used to accommodate the packaging member. The packaging member is usually formed from a flat packaging blank having through holes through which at least part of the article to be incorporated therewith can pass. In the preparation of the packaging blank, the side edge regions of the packaging blank are usually folded downwards so as to be partially placed on the sides of the article. In the finished packaging unit, these folded-down side edge regions at least partially surround or cover the outer sides of the combination of articles incorporated together with the packaging blank.

[0079] The packaging member can in particular be provided with corresponding folding edges which can assist or simplify the folding process of the side edge regions.

[0080] The preparation tool preferably comprises a first upper die and a lower die. The upper die preferably comprises at least one accommodating device for the packaging blank, such as a holding pin which can be snapped into a suitable accommodating hole of the packaging blank.

[0081] Alternatively, the upper die can also be provided with suction means, for example, to reliably grasp and hold the packaging blank.

[0082] The lower die can also comprise a configuration of expansion tools, which are also referred to hereinafter as expansion cones. The number and configuration of the expansion cones reasonably correspond to the number and configuration of the through holes of the packaging blank.

[0083] The upper die and the packaging blank arranged thereon can be placed on the lower die such that the expansion cone at least partially passes through the through-hole of the packaging blank. Since the cross-section of the expansion cone widens downward, the edge region of the through-hole can be pre-crushed and formed based on the preset shape of the expansion cone.

[0084] The through-hole preferably has suitable fixing means, which can be formed by fixing tongues, for example. The fixing tongues can be formed by cuts extending radially from the opening, for example.

[0085] The fixing tongues are pre-crushed by the expansion cone at the cuts and can be folded at least slightly upward.

[0086] Preferably, the packaging blank is pressed downward by the upper die until it reaches the stop at the expansion cone of the lower die. The corner regions of the lower die preferably also form free surfaces for shaping the corners between the foldable edge regions that need to be shaped of the packaging blank.

[0087] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the lower die can also be brought into operative connection with the upper die by an upward movement, as a supplement or alternative to the downward movement of the upper die.

[0088] The unit in which the upper die and the lower die are in operative connection can also be called a pre-crushing unit.

[0089] Another component of the preparation tool can be constructed as a folding device or a folding element. The preparation tool at least includes an upper die, a lower die, and a folding element. This folding element generally has at least partially vertically oriented sides, and also has through-holes for partitioning of the first upper die and guide sockets for guide elements of the first upper die.

[0090] The folding element is moved downward onto the pre-crushing unit formed by the upper die and the lower die. The side edges of the packaging blank that extend out from the side of the pre-crushing unit and are arranged between the upper die and the lower die are folded downward by the sides of the folding element.

[0091] In addition, the partitioning of the first upper die engages through the through-holes of the folding element, and the guide elements of the first upper die are inserted into the guide sockets of the folding element. This can reliably guide the placement of the folding element on the pre-crushing unit.

[0092] Now, the connection between the receiving device of the upper die and the packaging blank prepared by pre-crushing and pre-folding can be released. In this way, the folding element can be lifted upward together with the upper die. For example, the upwardly protruding partitioning of the upper die can be grasped and lifted upward, and the folding element that is in operative connection with the upper die through the through-holes is forced to move upward together.

[0093] Therefore, the upper mold, the lower mold and the folding element form common components of a possible embodiment of a preparation tool for preparing a packaging component, wherein the preparation tool includes at least one folding device in the form of a folding element, which is suitable for folding at least two opposite edge areas, in particular all four edge areas, of a rectangular packaging blank forming a packaging component by approximately 90 degrees.

[0094] The correspondingly prepared packaging blank remains at least partially lying on the lower mold.

[0095] Subsequently, the prepared packaging blank can be caught by the second upper die of the application tool, which is provided with an interface extending downwardly at the side. Similar to the first upper die, the second upper die is preferably also provided with a receiving device for packaging blanks, particularly for receiving the packaging blanks prepared accordingly.

[0096] The second upper mold is applied to the lower mold on which the prepared packaging blank lies at least partially and the prepared packaging blank is grasped by a receiving device, for example by means of a hook, an air extractor or a similar suitable receiving device.

[0097] The side interface of the second upper mold extends downward to a certain distance so that the folded side edge area of the prepared packaging blank is completely covered by the side interface. The side interface especially keeps the folded side edge area of the prepared packaging blank in a folded state.

[0098] Subsequently, the packaging blank prepared in this way can be mounted on an article combination. This article combination is formed in particular by a plurality of articles. The article or container is preferably a beverage container, in particular a bottle made of PET or other suitable plastics.

[0099] Preferably, article or container also can be made of the can made of materials such as plastics and / or aluminum or other metals.But the application tool described here is also suitable for arranging and fixing the packaging blank prepared accordingly on other suitable articles or containers.

[0100] The application tool, in particular the second upper die, is applied to the packaging combination from above together with the gripped prepared packaging blank. The second upper die is placed over the packaging combination in such a way that the cover area of the can passes through the through hole of the prepared packaging blank. In particular, the prepared packaging blank is fixed under the flange of the can in that the fixing tongues snap into place under the flange.

[0101] After the packaging blank has been fastened to the can, the cover region of the can is therefore located above the packaging blank and the cylindrical can body is located below the packaging blank.

[0102] The folded side edge area of the packaging blank is on the outer side of the cylindrical can body below the buckle flange.

[0103] A packaging unit is formed by arranging and fastening a packaging blank on an article. In this packaging unit, the packaging blank is engaged with the article in such a way that the packaging blank is fixed on the article with a substantially fixed position, and no obvious relative movement or position change can occur between the articles and between the articles and the packaging blank.

[0104] Therefore, only with increased force consumption and an upward force component can the packaging blank be removed from the articles of the packaging unit again, whereby the packaging blank is usually at least partially damaged. The packaging blank is preferably composed of cardboard material, plastic material, cardboard - plastic composite material, etc.

[0105] Therefore, the second upper die forms a feasible embodiment of an application tool, which is adapted to receive the prepared packaging member from the lower die and apply it to the article combination by means of a downward movement, so that the packaging member applied to the articles is at least partially arranged between the articles, so that the packaging member applied to the articles at least partially encircles the outer side surface of the article combination. In particular, this means that at least part of the folded edge area of the packaging member surrounds the outer side surface of the article combination.

[0106] The through - holes of the packaging blank applied to the articles are particularly fixed at the corresponding lid area of the articles. Preferably, the fixing device snaps under the lid area. The folded edge area of the packaging blank forms a collar around the upper area of the outer side surface of the article.

[0107] According to an alternative embodiment, the folding element may include a housing or frame made of vertical metal plates as an alternative to the sides, and these metal plates also serve as the side interfaces of the second upper die in addition to folding. In this case, the correspondingly prepared packaging blank can be directly removed from the lower die together with the first upper die and the housing or frame, and the prepared packaging blank can now be directly arranged on the articles of the article combination.

[0108] Multiple prepared packaging blanks can also be applied to the articles simultaneously using the application tool. For example, four prepared packaging blanks can be applied to the articles simultaneously, especially to the articles conveyed in an orderly material flow.

[0109] In particular, the articles can be moved in an orderly material flow along a defined transport direction. For example, the articles are pushed onto the transfer plate by means of a push rod. The material flow is preferably restricted by guiding elements (such as a path plate or side guide rods, etc.) on the outside.

[0110] In addition, the material flow can also be additionally guided inside by intermediate guiding elements in the form of intermediate path plates or intermediate partition strips. In this case, multiple articles on one side of the intermediate guiding element are combined into a packaging unit with a packaging member.

[0111] In particular, the packaging blanks are prepared as described above. The application tool can for example be formed by four second upper dies, which are arranged close to each other after receiving the prepared packaging blanks, such that the adjacent interfaces contact or almost contact each other and form a separating element or separating device. The upper dies form a receiving portion for the prepared packaging blanks, wherein the folding edge regions of each packaging member respectively abut against a separating device, and wherein the separating device projects downward beyond the folding edge regions of the prepared packaging members.

[0112] Alternatively, four lower dies containing the prepared packaging blanks can also be arranged selectively adjacent to each other. The four prepared packaging blanks are grasped by an application tool, which includes four correspondingly arranged receiving portions for the prepared packaging blanks and includes a separating device vertically constructed between two adjacent receiving portions, wherein the folding edge regions of each packaging member respectively abut against a separating device, and wherein the separating device projects downward beyond the folding edge regions of the prepared packaging members.

[0113] The application tool is adapted to arrange the separating device between the articles conveyed in an ordered material flow and form at least a small distance between the articles, which correspond to different article combinations, since these articles later form different packaging units.

[0114] In particular, four prepared packaging blanks are respectively arranged on the articles by the application tool.

[0115] The articles combined with one packaging blank form corresponding article combinations in the material flow, although the demarcation of these packaging combinations from the adjacent articles within the material flow is not visible.

[0116] The application tool is particularly adapted to simultaneously apply four prepared packaging blanks to a certain number and combination of articles in an ordered material flow to form four packaging units.

[0117] Another embodiment of the packaging device is particularly adapted to mount at least two packaging members to the articles to simultaneously form two, in particular adjacent, packaging units.

[0118] This embodiment of the packaging device can include a conveying transport device, by which the articles are preferably conveyed in an ordered material flow along a defined transport direction. It can for example refer to a transfer plate containing push rods, or a conveyor belt, or other suitable transport devices.

[0119] Among them, in particular, the same articles are processed respectively. The packaging members, which are particularly constructed as packaging blanks, are prepared in a preparation module containing corresponding preparation tools as described above, specifically by folding at least the side edge regions of the packaging blanks. Through holes can also be prepared as appropriate, in particular by pre-breaking.

[0120] For example, packaging blanks are provided in a magazine corresponding to a preparation module. Subsequently, an application tool constructed accordingly receives, for example, two prepared packaging blanks, and applies them to the articles in the material flow in the application module in such a way as to form two adjacent, in particular adjoining, packaging units.

[0121] Therein, the separating device of the application tool slightly pushes apart at least the upper regions of the adjoining articles that will later form different packaging units, so as to arrange the side edge regions of the packaging blanks between the articles.

[0122] The preparation module and the possible magazine can be selectively integrated into the application module.

[0123] The application tool can, for example, include four receptacles for four prepared packaging blanks respectively, and a separating device arranged accordingly between these four receptacles, so that four packaging units can be formed simultaneously in the material flow in one working cycle.

[0124] Alternatively, the application tool can include two receptacles for two prepared packaging blanks respectively, and a separating device arranged between these two receptacles, so that two packaging units arranged side by side can be formed simultaneously in the material flow in one working cycle.

[0125] According to another embodiment, the packaging device uses two application tools simultaneously in the application module. These application tools each include two receptacles for two prepared packaging blanks respectively. Among them, two packaging units arranged in sequence along a defined transport direction can be formed in the material flow in one working cycle by the first of these two application tools, and at the same time two packaging units arranged in sequence along the transport direction can be formed in the material flow in one working cycle by the second of these two application tools.

[0126] In another embodiment of the packaging device, two application modules can be selectively arranged in sequence along the transport direction. In addition, each of the application modules can correspond to a preparation module and a magazine. Alternatively, these two preparation modules can take materials from a common magazine.

[0127] The application modules can be arranged adjacent to each other at a reasonable distance as the case may be. The first application module only processes every second cycle and forms four packaging units during this process. There is a corresponding combination of articles arranged between every two cycles of the four packaging units. Subsequently, four packaging units are formed from this combination of articles in the second application module. By arranging two application modules in sequence, the throughput of the packaging device can be increased.

[0128] Another embodiment of the packaging device is particularly suitable for mounting four packaging members onto a total of sixteen articles to simultaneously form four adjacent packaging units.

[0129] Such a packaging device may, for example, include a grouping module or a partitioning module in which groups of articles each including sixteen articles are formed. The groups of articles are conveyed in the transport direction towards the application module by a transport device for conveying. The transport device may, for example, refer to a transfer plate including push rods, or a conveyor belt, or other suitable transport devices.

[0130] In this case, it is preferably concerned with the same articles that are processed together and combined into a packaging unit with one packaging member.

[0131] The packaging members may be prepared as described above, for example. The application tool may particularly include four receiving portions respectively for four prepared packaging blanks, and a separating device correspondingly arranged between the four receiving portions, so that four packaging units can be simultaneously formed from each of the working groups conveyed to the application module in one working cycle. Each of the four packaging units includes four articles herein. Description of the Drawings

[0132] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention and their advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. The dimensional ratios of individual elements to each other in the drawings do not always correspond to the actual dimensional ratios, because some shapes are represented in a simplified manner, and other shapes are enlarged compared to other elements for better illustration.

[0133] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Different perspective views of receiving a packaging member with a preparation tool.

[0134] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Is the first step of preparing a packaging member with a preparation tool.

[0135] Figures 5 to 7 Showing the side edge region of a folded packaging blank.

[0136] Figures 8 to 10 Showing grasping a prepared packaging blank.

[0137] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Showing mounting a prepared packaging blank onto an article combination.

[0138] Figure 13 Is an application tool for simultaneously applying four prepared packaging blanks to articles.

[0139] Figure 14 Showing conveying articles in an orderly material flow.

[0140] Figures 15 to 18 Show Figure 13 Other views of the application tool shown.

[0141] Figure 19 Show an embodiment of the packaging device.

[0142] Figure 20 Show another embodiment of the packaging device.

[0143] Figure 21 Show another embodiment of the packaging device. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0144] The same reference numerals are used for elements of the present invention that are identical or have the same effect. Additionally, for clarity, only the reference numerals necessary for the description of the respective drawings are depicted in a single drawing. The depicted embodiments merely represent examples of how the device of the present invention or the method of the present invention can be designed and do not represent conclusive limitations.

[0145] Figure 1 And Figure 2 The schematic perspective view of and shows the accommodation of the packaging member 20 by the preparation tool 40.

[0146] The packaging member 20 is formed from a flat packaging blank 21 that has through-holes 22 through which the combined articles pass at least partially. In the preparation of the packaging blank 21, the side edge regions 23 of the packaging blank 21 are folded downwards. In the resulting packaging unit, these folded-down side edge regions 23 at least partially surround the outer sides of the article combination.

[0147] The packaging member 20 can in particular be provided with corresponding folding edges 24 that assist or simplify the folding process of the side edge regions 23.

[0148] The preparation tool 40 includes an upper die 2 and a lower die 3. The upper die 2 includes at least one accommodation device 4 for the packaging blank 21, such as a retaining pin 5 that snaps into a suitable accommodation hole in the packaging blank. Alternatively, the upper die 2 can also be provided with a suction device, for example, to reliably grasp and hold the packaging blank 21.

[0149] The lower die 3 includes an arrangement of expansion tools 6, which are also referred to hereinafter as expansion cones 7. The number and arrangement of the expansion cones 7 correspond to the number and arrangement of the through-holes 22 of the packaging blank 21.

[0150] Figure 3 And Figure 4 The schematic perspective view of and shows the first step of preparing the packaging member 20, in particular Figure 4 Only the lower die 3 containing the packaging blank 21 is shown.

[0151] The upper die 2 and the packaging blank 21 arranged thereon are now placed on the lower die 3 such that the expansion cone 6 at least partially passes through the through-hole 22 of the packaging blank 21. Since the cross-section of the expansion cone 7 widens downward, the edge region of the through-hole 22 is pre-crushed and formed based on the preset shape of the expansion cone 6.

[0152] The through-hole 22 preferably has suitable fixing means 25, which can be formed by fixing tongues 26, for example. The fixing tongues are formed by incisions 27 extending radially from the opening, for example.

[0153] The fixing tongue 26 is pre-crushed at the incision 27 by the expansion cone 7 and can be folded at least slightly upward.

[0154] Preferably, the packaging blank 21 is pressed downward by the upper die 2 until it abuts against the expansion cone 7 of the lower die 3.

[0155] The corner region 8 of the lower die 3 also forms a free surface 9 for shaping the corner that needs to be formed between the foldable edge regions 23 of the packaging blank 21.

[0156] Of course, for those skilled in the art, the lower die 3 can also be operatively connected to the upper die 2 by an upward movement.

[0157] The unit in which the upper die 2 and the lower die 3 are in operative connection is also referred to as the pre-crushing unit 20.

[0158] Figures 5 to 7 The side edge region 23 of the folded packaging blank 21 is shown. Figure 5 In particular, another component 11 of the preparation tool 40 configured as a folding device or folding element 10 is also shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In particular, different perspective sectional views of the preparation tool 40 formed by the upper die 2, the lower die 3, and the folding element 10 are shown.

[0159] The folding element 10 has a side surface 12 that is at least partially vertically oriented, and also has a through-hole 13 for the partition 15 of the first upper die 2 and a guiding socket 14 for the guiding element 16 of the first upper die 2.

[0160] The folding element 10 is moved downward onto the pre-crushing unit 20 formed by the upper die 2 and the lower die 3. The side edge region 23 of the packaging blank 21 extending from the side of the pre-crushing unit 20 between the upper die 2 and the lower die 3 is folded downward by the side surface 12 of the folding element 10.

[0161] In addition, the partition 15 of the first upper die 2 is engaged through the through-hole 13 of the folding element 10, and the guiding element 16 of the first upper die 2 is inserted into the guiding socket 14 of the folding element 10. In this way, the placement of the folding element 10 on the pre-crushing unit 20 can be reliably guided.

[0162] Now, the connection between the receiving device 4 of the upper die 2 and the packaging blank 21 prepared by pre-crushing and pre-folding is released, and the folding element 11 and the upper die 3 are lifted upward together. For example, the upwardly protruding partition 15 of the upper die 3 can be grasped and lifted upward, and the folding element 11 that is in operative connection with the upper die 3 through the through-hole 13 is forced to move upward together.

[0163] Therefore, the upper die 2, the lower die 3, and the folding element 10 form part of a feasible embodiment of a preparation tool 40 for preparing the packaging member 20. The preparation tool 40 includes at least one folding device in the form of the folding element 10, and the folding device is adapted to fold at least two opposite edge regions 23, particularly all four edge regions, of the rectangular packaging blank 21 forming the packaging member 20 by 90 degrees.

[0164] As Figure 8 shown, the correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21, denoted hereinafter by the reference symbol 21v, is at least partially kept lying flat on the lower die 3 here.

[0165] Figures 8 to 10 It is shown that the correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21v is grasped by the second upper die 19 of the application tool 41 provided with the interface 18 extending downward laterally. Similar to the first upper die 3 (see Figures 1 to 3 ), the second upper die 19 is also provided with a receiving device 4 for the packaging blank 21, particularly for receiving the correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21v.

[0166] The second upper die 19 is applied to the lower die 3 on which the correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21v is at least partially lying flat, and the correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21v is grasped by the receiving device 4, for example, with a hook, an air extractor, or a similar suitable receiving device 4. The lateral interface 18 of the second upper die 19 extends downward by a certain distance such that the downwardly folded lateral edge region 23 of the correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21v is completely covered by the lateral interface 18. The lateral interface 18 particularly keeps the downwardly folded edge region 23 of the correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21v in a folded state.

[0167] Figure 11 and Figure 12 It is shown that the correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21v is mounted on the article assembly 30.

[0168] The article combination 30 is formed especially by a plurality of articles 31. The article 31 or the container preferably refers to a beverage container, especially a bottle made of PET or other suitable plastics. Preferably, the article 30 or the container can also be constituted by a can 32 made of materials such as plastics and / or aluminum or other metals. However, the shown application tool 41 is also suitable for arranging and fixing the correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21v on other suitable articles 31 or containers.

[0169] The application tool 31, especially the second upper die 19, together with the grasped and prepared packaging blank 21v, is applied from above to the packaging combination 31. Among them, the second upper die 19 is placed above the packaging combination 31 in such a way that the lid area 33 of the can 32 passes through the through hole 22 of the prepared packaging blank 21v. Especially, the prepared packaging blank 21v is fixed below the flange 34 of the can 32 in such a way that the fixing tongue 26 snaps below the flange 34.

[0170] Therefore, after the packaging blank 21 is fixed on the can 32, the lid area 33 of the can 32 is above the packaging blank 21, while the cylindrical can body 35 is below the packaging blank 21.

[0171] The folded side edge area 23 of the packaging blank 21 encircles the outer side 36 of the cylindrical can body 35 below the flange 34.

[0172] By arranging and fastening the packaging blank 21 on the article 31, a packaging unit (not shown) is formed. In this packaging unit, the packaging blank 21 is engaged with the article 31 in such a way that the packaging blank 21 is fixed on the article 31 with a generally fixed position, and no obvious relative movement or position change can occur between the articles 31 and between the article and the packaging blank 21. Therefore, the packaging blank 21 can be removed from the article 31 of the packaging unit only by increasing the acting force with an upward force component, and the packaging blank 21 is usually at least partially damaged. The packaging blank 21 is preferably constituted by cardboard material, plastic material, cardboard-plastic composite material, etc.

[0173] Thus, the second upper die 19 forms a feasible embodiment of the application tool 41, which is adapted to receive the prepared packaging member 21v from the lower die 3 and apply it to the article combination 30 by means of a downward movement, such that the packaging member 21v applied to the articles 31 is at least partially arranged between the articles 31, so that the packaging member 21v applied to the articles 31 at least partially encircles the outer side surface 36 of the article combination 30, wherein in particular the folding edge region 23 of the packaging member 21v at least partially surrounds the outer side surface 36 of the article combination 31. The through holes 22 of the packaging blank 21 applied to the articles 31 are in particular fixed at the lid region 33 of the articles 31. Preferably, the fixing device 25 snaps under the lid region 33. The folding edge region 23 of the packaging blank 21 forms a collar around the upper region of the outer side surface 36 of the article 31.

[0174] According to an alternative embodiment, the folding element 10 may include a housing or frame made of a vertical metal plate as Figures 5 to 7 an alternative to the shown side surface 12, and these metal plates also perform the function of the side interface 18 of the second upper die 19 in addition to folding. In this case, the correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21v is directly removed from the lower die 3 together with the first upper die 2 and the housing or frame, and the prepared packaging blank 21v can now be directly arranged on the articles 31 of the article combination 30.

[0175] Figure 13 The perspective view of shows the application tool 41 for simultaneously applying four prepared packaging blanks 21 to the articles 31, in particular as Figure 14 shown applied to the articles 31 conveyed in an ordered material flow MS.

[0176] Figures 15 to 18 shows Figure 13 other views of the shown application tool 41, wherein in particular Figure 15 shows a side view, while Figure 16 shows a sectional view. In addition, Figure 17 and Figure 18 exemplarily show the configuration of the application tool 41 on the articles 31.

[0177] In particular, the articles 31 are moved in the transport direction TR in an ordered material flow MS. For example, the articles 31 are pushed onto the transfer plate 51 by means of a push rod 50. The material flow MS is preferably limited on the outside by guide elements 52 (such as a path plate 53). In addition, the material flow MS can also be additionally guided inside by an intermediate guide element 54 in the form of an intermediate path plate 55. In this case, a plurality of articles 31 on one side of the intermediate guide element 52 are combined into a packaging unit with a packaging member 20.

[0178] For example, in combination with Figures 1 to 7The packaging blanks 21 are prepared in the manner described. The application tool 41 is here formed by four second upper dies 19 which are arranged close to each other after receiving the prepared packaging blanks 21v, such that the adjacent interfaces 18 contact or almost contact each other and form a separating element or separating device 60. The upper dies 19 form a receiving portion for the prepared packaging blanks 21v, wherein the folding edge regions 23 of each packaging member 21v respectively abut against a separating device 60, and wherein the separating device 60 projects downwardly beyond the folding edge regions 23 of the prepared packaging members 21v.

[0179] Alternatively, four lower dies containing the prepared packaging blanks 21v (see Figure 3 ) can be arranged adjacent to each other, and the four prepared packaging blanks 21v are grasped by the application tool 41, which includes four correspondingly arranged receiving portions for the prepared packaging blanks 21v and includes a separating device 60 vertically constructed between two adjacent receiving portions, wherein the folding edge regions 23 of each packaging member 21v respectively abut against a separating device 60, and wherein the separating device 60 projects downwardly beyond the folding edge regions 23 of the prepared packaging members 21v.

[0180] The application tool 41 is adapted to arrange the separating device 60 between the articles 31 conveyed in an ordered material flow MS and to form at least one small distance A between the articles 31, which articles 31 correspond to different article combinations 30-1, 30-2, since these articles later form different packaging units.

[0181] In particular, four prepared packaging blanks 21v are respectively arranged on the articles 31 by the application tool 41.

[0182] The articles 31 combined with one packaging blank 21v form corresponding article combinations 30 within the material flow MS, although the demarcation of these packaging combinations 30 from the adjacent articles 31 within the material flow MS is not visible. The hatching used in the figures is only for better understanding.

[0183] The application tool 41 is particularly adapted to simultaneously apply four prepared packaging blanks 21v to a certain number and combination of articles 31 in an ordered material flow MS to form four packaging units.

[0184] Figure 19 An embodiment of a packaging device 80 is shown, which is particularly adapted to mount at least two packaging members 21 to the articles 31 to simultaneously form two particularly adjacent packaging units 70, 70-1, 70-2.

[0185] The packaging device 80 includes a conveying device 81 for conveying, and by means of this conveying device, articles 31 are preferably conveyed along a conveying direction TR in an ordered material flow MS. For example, it may refer to Figure 14 the transfer plate 51 shown including push rods, or a conveyor belt, or other suitable conveying device 81.

[0186] Particularly, it relates to the same articles 31. The articles 31 forming an article combination 30, 30-1, 30-2 are respectively represented by different hatching lines, and these articles are later combined into packaging units 70, 70-1, 70-2 with packaging members.

[0187] Particularly, the packaging members constructed as packaging blanks are prepared in a preparation module 82 including corresponding preparation tools 40 as described in Figures 1 to 18 such a way that at least the side edge regions of the packaging blanks are folded. Depending on the situation, through holes may also be prepared, particularly pre-crushing may be performed.

[0188] For example, the packaging blanks are provided in a magazine 83 corresponding to the preparation module 82. Subsequently, a correspondingly constructed application tool 41 receives, for example, two prepared packaging blanks, and applies them to the articles 31 in the material flow MS in a manner to form two adjacent, particularly adjoining packaging units 70-1, 70-2.

[0189] Among them, the adjacent articles 31 that will later form different packaging units 70-1, 70-2 are at least slightly pushed apart in the upper region by the separating device of the application tool 41 so as to arrange the side edge regions of the packaging blanks between the articles 31.

[0190] According to an embodiment not shown, the preparation module 82 and the possible magazine 83 may be integrated in the application module 84.

[0191] The application tool 41 may, for example, include four receiving portions respectively for four prepared packaging blanks, and separating devices correspondingly arranged between these four receiving portions, so that four packaging units 70 can be simultaneously formed in the material flow MS in one working cycle T1.

[0192] Alternatively, the application tool 41 may include two receiving portions respectively for two prepared packaging blanks, and a separating device arranged between these two receiving portions, so that two side-by-side arranged packaging units 70 can be simultaneously formed in the material flow MS in one working cycle T2.

[0193] According to another embodiment, the packaging device 80 uses two application tools 41 simultaneously in the application module 84. These application tools each include two receiving parts for two prepared packaging blanks. In this case, two packaging units 70 arranged in sequence along the transport direction TR can be formed in the material flow by the first of these two application tools 41 in one working cycle T3, and at the same time, two packaging units 70 arranged in sequence along the transport direction TR can be formed in the material flow MS by the second of these two application tools 41 in one working cycle T4.

[0194] Figure 20 Another embodiment of the packaging device 80 is shown. Two application modules 84, 84-1, 84-2 are arranged in sequence along the transport direction TR here. Each of the application modules 84-1, 84-2 corresponds to a preparation module 82-1, 82-2 and a magazine 83-1, 83-2. Alternatively, these two preparation modules 82-1, 82-2 can take materials from a common magazine.

[0195] The application modules 84-1, 84-2 can be arranged adjacent to each other. They are shown spaced apart for the purpose of illustrating their working mode. The first application module 84-1 only processes every second cycle and forms four packaging units 70 during this process. A corresponding combination of articles is arranged between every two cycles of these four packaging units 70. Subsequently, four packaging units 70 are formed from this combination of articles in the second application module 84-2. By arranging two application modules 84 in sequence, the throughput of the packaging device 80 can be increased.

[0196] Figure 21 Another embodiment of the packaging device 80 is shown, which is particularly suitable for installing four packaging members 21 to sixteen articles 31 to simultaneously form four adjacent packaging units 70, 70-1, 70-2.

[0197] The packaging device 80 includes a grouping module or partitioning module 85. In this grouping module or partitioning module, groups of articles 90 each including sixteen articles 31 are formed. The groups of articles 90 are transported along the transport direction TR to the application module 84 by a transport device 81 for conveying. The transport device 84 can refer to Figure 14 the transfer plate 51 with push rods shown, or a conveyor belt, or other suitable transport device 81.

[0198] In this case, it is also preferably the same articles 31 involved. The articles 31 forming a combination of articles 30, 30-1, 30-2 are respectively represented by different hatching. These articles are later combined into packaging units 70, 70-1 to 70-2 with packaging members.

[0199] For example, similar to Figure 19The packaging member is prepared in the manner of the embodiment, and reference is made to its description herein. The application tool 41 can in particular include four receiving portions respectively for four prepared packaging blanks, and a separating device arranged correspondingly between these four receiving portions, so that four packaging units 70, in particular packaging units 70-1 to 70-4, can be formed simultaneously by each in the working group 90 sent to the application module 84 in one working cycle. Each of the four packaging units 70 includes four articles 31 herein.

[0200] The embodiments, examples and variations of the preceding paragraphs 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. The features described in connection with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless these features are contradictory.

[0201] Although the drawings described in connection with the foregoing are generally "schematic" depictions and views, this in no way means that the drawings and their descriptions are secondary to the disclosure of the present utility model. A person skilled in the art is fully capable of obtaining sufficient information from the schematically and abstractly drawn depictions to simplify his understanding of the present utility model, without being affected in his understanding, for example, by the drawn and possibly not fully to-scale dimensional relationships of the articles and / or device parts or other drawn elements. Therefore, the drawings enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to obtain a better understanding of the inventive concept expressed in the claims, as well as the inventive concept of the present utility model expressed in the general part of the general and / or abstract description, based on the more specific implementation of the described method and the more specific functions of the device of the present utility model.

[0202] List of Reference Signs

[0203] 1 First upper die

[0204] 2 Lower die

[0205] 3 Receiving device

[0206] 5 Holding pin

[0207] 6 Expansion tool

[0208] 7 Expansion cone

[0209] 8 Corner area

[0210] 9 Free surface

[0211] 10 Folding element

[0212] 11 Component

[0213] 12 Side

[0214] 13 Through hole

[0215] 14 Guide socket

[0216] 15 Partition

[0217] 16 Guide element

[0218] 18 Side interface

[0219] 19 Second upper die

[0220] 20 Packaging member

[0221] 21 Packaging blank

[0222] 21v Prepared packaging blank

[0223] 22 Through hole

[0224] 23 Side edge area

[0225] 24 Folding edge

[0226] 25 Fixing device

[0227] 26 Fixing tongue

[0228] 27 Cut

[0229] 30, 30-1, 30-2 Item combination

[0230] 31 Item

[0231] 32 Can

[0232] 33 Lid area

[0233] 34 Flange

[0234] 35 Can body

[0235] 36 Outer side surface

[0236] 40 Preparation tool

[0237] 41 Application tool

[0238] 50 Push rod

[0239] 51 Transfer plate

[0240] 52 Outer guide element

[0241] 53 Passage plate

[0242] 54 Intermediate guide element

[0243] 55 Passage plate

[0244] 60 Partitioning device

[0245] 70, 70-1, 70-2 Packaging units

[0246] 80 Packaging device

[0247] 81 Transport device for conveying

[0248] 82, 82-1, 82-2 Preparation modules

[0249] 83, 83-1, 83-2 Magazine

[0250] 84, 84-1, 84-2 Application modules

[0251] 85 Grouping module / Partitioning module

[0252] 90 Group of articles

[0253] A Distance

[0254] MS Ordered material flow

[0255] TR Transport direction.

Claims

1. A packaging device (80) for mounting a packaging member (20) to an article assembly (30), the article assembly comprising at least two articles (31), characterized in that, The packaging device (80) comprises: - at least one preparation tool (17) for preparing the packaging member, the preparation tool (17) comprising at least one folding device (10) adapted to fold at least two opposite edge regions (23) of a blank (21) forming the packaging member (20) by approximately 90 degrees, and - at least one application tool (41) adapted to receive the prepared blank (21) and, by means of a downward movement, apply it to the item combination (30) such that the packaging member (20) applied to the items (31) is at least partially arranged between the items (31), so that the packaging member (20) applied to the items (31) at least partially encircles the outer side (36) of the item combination (30).

2. The packaging device (80) according to claim 1, characterized in that The folded edge regions (23) of the packaging member (20) at least partially encircle the outer side (36) of the item combination (30).

3. The packaging device (80) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The packaging device (80) is adapted to simultaneously or almost simultaneously mount at least two packaging members (20) to the items (31) to simultaneously or almost simultaneously form at least two packaging units (70), wherein the application tool (41) comprises at least two receiving portions arranged side by side for the prepared blanks (21v), wherein the application tool (41) comprises at least one separating device (60) constructed or oriented vertically between the at least two receiving portions, wherein the folded edge regions (23) of each packaging member (20) respectively abut against the separating device (60), and wherein the separating device (60) projects downward beyond the folded edge regions (23) of the prepared blanks (21v), wherein the application tool (41) is adapted to arrange the separating device (60) between the items (31) conveyed in an ordered material flow (MS) and simultaneously or almost simultaneously apply the at least two packaging members (20) to a certain number and combination of items (31) of the ordered material flow (MS) to form at least two adjacent packaging units (70).

4. The packaging device (80) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The preparation tool (17) further comprises means for preparing the through-holes (22) of the packaging member (20).

5. The packaging device (80) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The preparation tool (17) comprises an upper die (2) comprising at least one receiving device (4) or holding device for the packaging member (20), and wherein the preparation tool (17) comprises a lower die (3) comprising a plurality of expanding tools (6).

6. The packaging device (80) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The preparation tool (17) is formed by replaceable specifications that can be replaced during production changeover.

7. The packaging device (80) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number and configuration of the expanding tools (6) correspond to the number and configuration of the through-holes (22) of the packaging member (20).

8. The packaging device (80) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The preparation tool (17) is formed by replaceable specifications that can be replaced during production changeover.

9. The packaging device (80) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The application tool (41) has a side interface (18) against which the folded side edge region (23) of the prepared packaging blank (21v) abuts and which remains in a folded arrangement or in its folded position when applied to the article (31).

10. The packaging device (80) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The separating device (60) is formed by a vertical guiding surface or, alternatively, the separating device (60) is formed by at least one vertical guiding finger or guiding cone.

Images