Packaging device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a packaging device which is used for processing disposable packages and reusable packages. The packaging device comprises at least one conveying device capable of linearly moving in a segmented mode, and the conveying device used for carrying out segmentation processing on the disposable package comprises a plurality of follow-up elements which can be released or can move. When changing from PM1 to a reusable production mode, at least a portion of the follower element is released from the transport device. When a replacement from the reusable production mode to PM1, the follower element is re-fastened to the transport device. Optionally, at least a portion of the follower element may be removed from the engagement area of the disposable package or the reusable package when changing from the PM1 to the reusable production mode. When changing from the reusable production mode to PM1, the follower element is again brought into the engagement area of the disposable package or reusable package.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a packaging device used for processing disposable packaging and reusable packaging. Background Art

[0002] In the beverage industry, both single-use packaging and reusable packaging are known. Single-use packaging can be a packaging unit such as a thin-walled PET bottle or can made of plastic or aluminum, while reusable packaging can be a packaging unit such as a glass bottle or container made of thick-walled and dimensionally stable plastic.

[0003] Single-use containers are usually assembled into container groups and combined with secondary packaging to form single-use packages or bundles. For example, several single-use containers are combined together by at least one strapping tape, shrink film or upper clamping carton blank.

[0004] The term "disposable package" as used here and in general also includes, for example, a carton containing a bottle of wine, since the outer packaging formed by the carton is usually not reused and is easily damaged.

[0005] Due to their fragility and low stability, single-use packages are typically transported individually or in small groups consisting of only a few single-use packages moving directly in series and adjacent to each other. This type of transport often uses a conveyor system with a so-called clock chain, which moves the single-use packages or groups at regular intervals in a defined transport direction. This type of transport is also known as segmented transport.

[0006] In contrast, reusable containers are usually arranged in sturdy boxes or cartons that are separated by so-called compartments. The packaging unit thus formed is called a reusable package.

[0007] Reusable packaging is usually highly stable and, to achieve high throughput, is often transported in a continuous stream, directly adjacent to each other, i.e. one after the other. This is also known as non-dividing transport.

[0008] Disposable or reusable packaging is usually assembled into layers and palletized as large bales for transport or storage. In this case, the completed disposable or reusable packaging is transported to a subsequent processing module.

[0009] For both non-segmented and segmented transport, the transport equipment for single-use or reusable packages must be designed accordingly. Of course, packaging equipment designed for single-use packages can also be used to handle reusable packages, as long as the transport equipment for scheduled transport has the appropriate reach to receive the reusable packages. However, in this case, the throughput of reusable packages and the performance of the packaging equipment are correspondingly limited. Utility Model Content

[0010] An object of the present invention is to be able to process both disposable and reusable packages in a packaging device.

[0011] The above-mentioned purpose is achieved by the packaging device according to the present invention.

[0012] Firstly, a method for handling disposable and reusable packages in a packaging device and a packaging device according to the invention are described.

[0013] A packaging device suitable for performing the method includes at least one transport device capable of segmented linear movement, wherein the transport device for segmenting disposable packages includes a plurality of releasable or movable follower elements. Such a transport device equipped with follower elements is also called a clock chain.

[0014] The transport device is preferably an endless conveyor device, for example the transport device is formed by one or more endless conveyor chains or conveyor belts.

[0015] The term "splitting" should be understood as the transport of disposable packages individually, spaced apart from one another, in the direction of transport, or as transporting disposable packages in groups of two or more, in particular up to five, disposable packages. Within a group, the disposable packages may be placed one behind the other. However, a distance is provided between the groups. This distance between the groups is intended to prevent the individual disposable packages from being subjected to excessive forces that could damage them.

[0016] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the follower elements are released when switching from a disposable production mode to a reusable production mode, or all follower elements are released from the transport device when switching from a disposable production mode to a reusable production mode.

[0017] If all follower elements are released from the transport device, a non-dividing transport device is thus formed which is suitable for gap-free transport of reusable packages, in particular boxes and the like.

[0018] If only some of the follower elements are released from the transport device, a partially divided transport device is produced, which is also referred to as the second clock chain below. In the case of the second clock chain, the clock area is designed to be larger than in the case of the so-called first clock chain, which is completely equipped with follower elements.

[0019] The second clock chain is suitable for handling single-use packages that have increasing length in the direction of transport. It can also be used to handle small groups of single-use bundles, provided these bundles have the required stability for this purpose. When handling reusable packages, it may also be desirable to group these packages for further processing, so the second clock chain can also be advantageously used for this purpose.

[0020] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the follower element is fastened again to the transport device when changing from the reusable production mode to the disposable production mode.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention, the follower element can be releasably connected to the transport device via a quick-change mechanism. When switching from disposable production mode to reusable production mode, the quick-change mechanism is released from at least a portion of the follower element. Thus, during the switch from reusable production mode to disposable production mode, the follower element is again secured to the transport device via the quick-change mechanism.

[0022] Preferably, when changing from a disposable production mode to a reusable production mode, the follower element can be automatically released from the transport device and, in particular, can be automatically stored in a magazine assigned to the transport device.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferred that the follower element can be automatically removed from a magazine assigned to the transport device and fastened to the transport device.

[0024] For example, the packaging device comprises a changing device configured to release the follower element from the transport device and store it in a magazine assigned to the transport device, and the changing device is configured to automatically remove the follower element from the magazine and fasten it to the transport device.

[0025] The changing device can be a correspondingly programmed robot or the like.

[0026] Alternatively, the switching of the transport device can also be performed manually by an operator of the packaging device by releasing or tightening the follower element.

[0027] According to an alternative second embodiment of the invention, when changing from disposable production mode to reusable production mode, all or at least part of the follower element is removed from the joining region of the disposable or reusable packaging. Furthermore, when changing from reusable production mode to disposable production mode, the follower element is brought back into the joining region of the disposable or reusable packaging.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned second embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the follower element can be arranged on the transport device in a pivotable or foldable manner, in particular wherein the corresponding position of the follower element is fixed on the transport device in production mode, and wherein the fixation is released in replacement mode.

[0029] A preferred embodiment provides that when changing from disposable to reusable production mode, all or at least part of the follower elements can be pivoted or folded laterally so that they are no longer located in the engagement area of ​​the disposable or reusable packaging.

[0030] However, an alternative embodiment variant of the method may also provide that, when changing from a disposable production mode to a reusable production mode, at least a portion of the follower element is pivoted or folded in the direction of travel of the transport device or opposite to the direction of travel of the transport device so that it can be brought out of the joining area of ​​the disposable package or the reusable package.

[0031] Preferably, the securing of the entrainer element to the transport device and the release of the securing of the entrainer element to the transport device are performed automatically or at least partially automatically.

[0032] A fixing device is respectively assigned to the follower elements, wherein in production mode the respective position of the follower elements on the transport device is fixed by the fixing device, and wherein in exchange mode the fixing of the follower elements can be released by the respectively assigned fixing device.

[0033] In summary, the invention is that, as a result of the reorganization of the transport device, the packaging units can be processed either segmented or unsegmented. In this context, the term "segmentation" is to be understood as the handling of the packaging units, wherein a defined distance is maintained between individual packaging units, in particular single-use packages, or between groups of typically two to three packaging units, in particular groups of typically two to three single-use packages. Furthermore, the segmentation process is distinguished by the fact that the product is always guided on the transport device, in particular in this case by a follower element.

[0034] In contrast, non-dividing processing of the packaging units is understood to mean that they are moved and / or processed directly in succession, in particular without any distance between the successively moved packaging units.

[0035] The advantage is that the packaging unit can now be used to process different packaging units, in particular, to alternate between single-use and reusable packaging. This allows for completely different performance levels to be achieved. When processing stable reusable packaging without cutting, significantly higher performance can be achieved within the packaging unit than when processing more unstable single-use packaging.

[0036] The packaging device described above can preferably be part of a beverage packaging plant. Such a beverage packaging plant may, for example, comprise a wet section with a can and / or bottle ejector, a filling module, a closing module assigned to the filling module, and optionally a labeling module. A pasteurizer (or pasteurization module) may be arranged between the filling module and the labeling module or other subsequent processing modules.

[0037] It is also conceivable that the beverage packaging plant comprises a blow-molding module, for example, for producing PET bottles, which are subsequently filled, closed and labeled.

[0038] The beverages in cans or bottles are then combined into packaging units in packaging devices or so-called production modules or produced as breakbulk goods in the form of bundles.

[0039] For example, several items are assembled into item groups, and these item groups are combined with packaging materials.

[0040] These articles are preferably beverage containers, particularly bottles made of PET or other applicable plastics or glass.Preferably, these articles also can consist of the jars made of materials such as plastics, glass, aluminium or other metals.

[0041] The packaging units are subsequently assembled in processing modules designed as grouping modules or layering modules into layers that can be stacked on pallets, and these layers are stacked on pallets in a pallet stacking device.

[0042] Within the beverage packaging plant, articles and packaging units or piece goods are transported from one processing module to the next by means of a suitable transport system, which is optionally equipped with a suitable buffer system.

[0043] The components of the beverage packaging plant are provided as examples only. The present application also encompasses other configurations of the transport path with downstream processing modules described in the context of the present application.

[0044] At this point, it should be explicitly mentioned that all aspects and embodiments related to the apparatus of the present invention also relate to or may be part of the described method. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description of the apparatus of the present invention, this also applies to the described method. Vice versa, all aspects and embodiments explained in conjunction with the method also relate to or may be part of the apparatus according to the present invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description of the method, this also applies to the apparatus of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] In the following, embodiments of the present invention and their advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The size ratios of the individual elements in the drawings do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged compared to other elements for better illustration.

[0046] Figure 1 The transport device of the packaging device is shown in a first production mode.

[0047] Figure 2 The transport device of the packaging device is shown in a second production mode.

[0048] Figure 3 The transport device of the packaging device is shown in a third production mode.

[0049] Figure 4 The transport device of the packaging device is shown in a fourth production mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The same reference numerals are used for elements that are identical or have the same effect in the present invention. For clarity, only the reference numerals necessary for the description of the corresponding figure are depicted in a single figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not constitute definitive limitations.

[0051] The embodiments, examples and variants 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. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless these features are contradictory.

[0052] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of FIG. 1 shows an at least partially linearly movable transport device 2 of a packaging device 1 in a first production mode PM 1 , in particular in a first disposable production mode 31 .

[0053] The transport device 2 is formed, for example, by one or more endless conveyor chains or conveyor belts.

[0054] The transport device 2 is equipped with a plurality of releasable or movably constructed follower elements 3, which are also called push fingers 4, for handling and / or processing the disposable packages 20. Such a transport device 2 equipped with follower elements 3 is also called a clock chain 8.

[0055] In this case, a group of two disposable packages 20 is always moved together in the transport direction 6 within the partition 5 .

[0056] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the size of the partition 5 corresponds in each case to twice the length 21 of the single-use package 20 in the transport direction 6 .

[0057] The follower elements 3 are assigned edge regions of the transport device 2. In particular, two follower elements 3 are arranged opposite one another on opposite edge regions of the transport device in each case and form a follower element pair 35.

[0058] Alternatively, it can be provided that the follower element 3 is configured to extend upwards from below the transport plane 7 formed by the transport device 2 and in this way engage the disposable package 20. In this case, a central arrangement of the follower element 3 relative to the transport device 2 and the transport direction 6 is also possible.

[0059] Figure 1 It is also shown that in each case two follower elements 3 are arranged in pairs on each side and that the partitions 5 for the disposable packages 20 are formed in each case on two pairs 10 of follower elements 3 on each side. In addition, in the edge region of the transport device 2, a further follower element 3 opposite the follower elements 3 of each pair 10 is assigned to each pair 10.

[0060] The separation process is understood to mean that the disposable packages 20 are moved individually in the transport direction 6, spaced apart from one another, or that the disposable packages 20 are transported in small groups of two to a maximum of five disposable packages 20, with the disposable packages 20 arranged one behind the other within the group. A spacing 9 is provided between the individual disposable packages 20 or small groups, which is predetermined by the follower element 3 or by the follower elements 3 arranged in pairs at the edge regions of the transport device 2. The spacing 9 is intended to prevent excessive forces from acting on the individual disposable packages 20, which could damage them.

[0061] Figure 2 Another embodiment shown can provide that the partition spacing has a certain size so that in each case only one disposable package 20 can be arranged in each partition 5 and can be moved in the transport direction 6. In particular, Figure 2 The transport device 2 of the packaging device 1 is shown in a second production mode PM2 , in particular in a second disposable production mode 32 .

[0062] In this case, the follower elements 3 are not arranged in pairs on each side of the transport device 2, but are arranged individually. In this case, each follower element 3 on one side of the transport device 2 is also assigned a counter follower element 3 on the other side of the transport device 2 and forms a follower element pair 35 with the latter.

[0063] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the size of the partitions 5 in this transport device 2 (also called second clock chain 11 ) corresponds in each case to the length 21 of the single-use packages 20 in the transport direction 6 .

[0064] In this case, the spacing 9 formed between the individual disposable packages 20 is defined by the dimensions of the individual follower elements 3 .

[0065] In order to transfer the packaging device 1 from the first production mode PM1 to the second production mode PM2 , the arrangement of the follower elements 3 on the transport device 2 must be adjusted accordingly.

[0066] In this case, the follower element 3 can be released from the transport device 2 and can be arranged again at a new position on the transport device 2. Alternatively, it can be provided that the follower element 3 is slidably arranged on the transport device 2 so that it can be positioned accordingly. The sliding mobility is schematically indicated by the double arrow on the lower right follower element 3.

[0067] Preferably, a so-called change mode can be provided, in which the follower element 3 on the transport device 2 can be moved in or against the transport direction 6. In contrast, in the production mode PM, the position of the follower element 3 must be fixed.

[0068] According to one embodiment, it is possible to release the fixation of the follower element 3 in the change mode and automatically perform the positioning according to the subsequent new production mode PM. In this case, the control device (not shown) of the packaging device 1 controls the corresponding fixation device (see Figure 3 ) and / or positioning device (not shown).

[0069] Figure 3 The schematic diagram shows the transport device 2 of the packaging device 1 in the third production mode PM3, in particular in the first reusable production mode 33, and Figure 4 The transport device 2 of the packaging device 1 is shown in a fourth production mode PM4 , in particular in a second reusable production mode 34 .

[0070] and Figure 1 and Figure 2 compared to, Figure 3 and Figure 4 It shows that when changing from disposable production mode PM1, PM2 to reusable production mode PM3, PM4, all follower elements 3 are released from the transport device 2 ( Figure 3 ), or when switching from disposable production modes PM1, PM2 to reusable production modes PM3, PM4, at least a portion of the follower element 3 is released from the transport device 2 ( Figure 4 ).

[0071] If Figure 3 As shown, all follower elements 3 are released from the transport device 2, resulting in a so-called non-dividing transport element 12, which is suitable for gap-free transport of reusable packaging 25, in particular for gap-free transport of reusable boxes 26 and the like.

[0072] On the contrary, Figure 4As shown, if only a portion of the follower elements 3 is released from the transport device 2, a partially divided transport element 13 is produced, which is also referred to below as the third clock chain 14. In the case of the third clock chain 14, the clock area is significantly larger than the so-called first clock chain 8 for disposable packages 20 ( Figure 1 ) or the second clock chain 11 ( Figure 2 ), which are in each case fully equipped with a follower element 3.

[0073] The third clock chain 14 can be used to process the reusable packages 25 if subsequent processing or treatment of the reusable packages 25 is advantageous, for example by a subsequent processing module, if the reusable packages 25 are provided in groups, each group comprising a defined number of reusable packages 25.

[0074] However, the third clock chain 14 can also be used advantageously to process larger disposable packages 20, in particular disposable packages 20 having an increased length 21 in the transport direction 6. The third clock chain 14 can also be used to process so-called small groups of disposable packages 20, provided they have the necessary stability.

[0075] In order to return from the reusable production mode PM3 , PM4 to the disposable production mode PM1 , PM2 , the follower element 3 released from the transport device 2 must be positioned again and fastened to the transport device 2 .

[0076] In this case, the follower element 3 can be provided, for example, by Figure 2 The quick-change mechanism 15 schematically shown in the figure is releasably connected to the transport device 2. When changing from one production mode PM to another production mode PM, the quick-change mechanism 15 is released from at least a part of the follower element 3. Thus, it is provided that, for example, during a change from a reusable production mode PM3, PM4 to a disposable production mode PM1, PM2, the follower element 3 is again fastened to the transport device 2 via the quick-change mechanism 15.

[0077] Preferably, when changing from one production mode PM to another production mode PM, the follower element 3 can be automatically released from the transport device 2 and, in particular, can be automatically stored in a magazine 16 assigned to the transport device 2 .

[0078] Furthermore, the follower element 3 can preferably be automatically removed from the magazine 16 assigned to the transport device 2 and can be fastened to the transport device 2 .

[0079] For example, the packaging device 1 comprises a changing device 17 configured to release the follower element 3 from the transport device 2 and store it in the magazine 16. Furthermore, the changing device 17 is preferably configured to automatically remove the follower element 3 from the magazine 16 and fasten it to the transport device 2.

[0080] The changing device 17 can be a correspondingly programmed robot 18 or the like.

[0081] Alternatively, the switching of the transport device 2 can also be performed manually by the operator of the packaging device 1 by releasing or tightening the follower element 3 .

[0082] According to an alternative second embodiment of the present invention, when switching from a disposable production mode PM1, PM2 to a reusable production mode PM3, PM4, all or at least a portion of the follower element 3 is removed from the engagement region of the disposable package 20 or the reusable package 25 by folding or pivoting. Furthermore, when switching from the reusable production mode PM3, PM4 to the disposable production mode PM1, PM2, the follower element 3 is returned to the engagement region of the disposable package 20 or the reusable package 25 by folding or pivoting.

[0083] In particular, for this purpose, the follower element 3 is foldably or pivotably arranged on the transport device 2. Preferably, in the production mode PM, the respective position of the follower element 3 is fixed on the transport device 2. However, in the exchange mode, this fixation can be released.

[0084] In this case, the fixing of the entraining element 3 to the transport device 2 and the release of the fixing of the entraining element 3 to the transport device 2 preferably take place in an automated manner.

[0085] In particular, it can be provided that the follower elements 3 are respectively assigned fixing means 19 (at Figure 3 ), wherein, in production mode PM, the corresponding position of the follower element 3 on the transport device 2 is fixed by a fixing device 19, and wherein, in replacement mode, the fixing of the follower element 3 can be released by the corresponding assigned fixing device 19.

[0086] At this point, a final indication is given regarding the description of the implementation variants of the present invention, wherein these description paragraphs refer to the attached drawings, respectively. When “schematic” figures and views are generally mentioned in the context of the figures and their descriptions, this does not mean that the figures and their descriptions are considered to be subordinate in the disclosure of the present invention. A person skilled in the art is fully capable of obtaining sufficient information from the schematic and abstractly drawn illustrations to simplify his understanding of the present invention without being affected in any way in his understanding, for example, by the dimensional relationships that are drawn and may not be entirely to scale. Therefore, the drawings enable a person skilled in the art as a reader to better understand the idea of ​​the present invention as set forth in the claims and in the general and / or more abstractly expressed general parts of the description, through the more specifically explained implementation of the method and the more specifically explained function of the device according to the present invention.

[0087] Reference Signs List

[0088] 1 Packaging device

[0089] 2 Transport device

[0090] 3 Follower element

[0091] 4 Push Finger

[0092] 5 dividers

[0093] 6 Transportation Direction

[0094] 7 Transport Plane

[0095] 8 (First) Clock Chain

[0096] 9 spacing

[0097] 10 pairs

[0098] 11 Second Clock Chain

[0099] 12 No split transport components

[0100] 13 Partially split transport components

[0101] 14 Third Clock Chain

[0102] 15 Quick change mechanism

[0103] 16 Material Box

[0104] 17 Replacement device

[0105] 18 Robot

[0106] 19 Fixtures

[0107] 20 disposable packaging

[0108] 21 Length

[0109] 25 reusable packaging

[0110] 26 reusable boxes

[0111] 31 First one-time production model

[0112] 32 Second one-time production mode

[0113] 33First reusable production model

[0114] 34 Second reusable production model

[0115] 35 Follower element pair

[0116] PM1 first production mode

[0117] PM2 Second production mode

[0118] PM3 third production mode

[0119] PM4 fourth production mode.

Claims

1. A packaging device (1) configured to handle disposable packaging (20) and reusable packaging (25), -in, The packaging device (1) for handling the disposable packaging (20) and the reusable packaging (25) comprises at least one transport device (2) which is linearly movable in sections. For the disposable packaging (20) in a disposable production mode (PM1, PM2) Or the transport device (2) for the splitting of the reusable packaging (25) comprises a plurality of follower elements (3) of releasable or movable construction, - wherein, in the first reusable production mode (PM3), the transport device (2) is not equipped with a follower element (3), or wherein, in the first reusable production mode (PM3), the follower element (3) is arranged on the transport device (2) in such a way that it is located outside the joining area of ​​the disposable package (20) or the reusable package (25), or -Wherein, in the second reusable production mode (PM4), the transport device (2) is equipped with a smaller number of follower elements (3) than in the disposable production mode (PM1, PM2), or wherein, in the second reusable production mode (PM4), a portion of the follower elements (3) are arranged on the transport device (2) in such a way that they are located outside the joining area of ​​the disposable package (20) or the reusable package (25).

2. The packaging device (1) according to claim 1, wherein The packaging device (1) comprises a replacement device (17), the replacement device (17) is configured to release the follower element (3) from the transport device (2) and store it in a magazine (16) assigned to the transport device (2), and The changing device (17) is configured to automatically remove the follower element (3) from the magazine (16) and fasten it to the transport device (2).

3. The packaging device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The follower element (3) is releasably connected to the transport device (2) via a quick-change mechanism (15).

4. The packaging device (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The follower element (3) is pivotably arranged on the transport device (2).

5. The packaging device (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The following elements (3) are each assigned a fixing device (19), wherein, in production mode, the following elements (3) are fixed in a corresponding position on the transport device (2) by the fixing device (19), and wherein, in replacement mode, the fixing of the following elements (3) can be released by the respectively assigned fixing device (19).

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