Packaging device for producing packaging units and application head for use therein

Abstract

The utility model discloses a packaging device for producing a packaging unit and an applying head (60) used in the packaging device. The application head, which can be controlled and moved within a defined movement space, is used to mount packaging blanks to groups of respective at least two items. The application head comprises a receiving device for receiving at least one packaging blank in each case and for placing the packaging blanks at the upper side of the respective commodity group. Furthermore, the application head is equipped with a fastening device for establishing a mechanical connection of the packaging blanks at the product groups. According to the invention, the receiving device of the application head comprises at least one suction device which can apply a controllable and / or variable negative pressure, which can apply an increased negative pressure to receive and hold the packaging blanks, and which can apply a reduced negative pressure to release the packaging blanks held in the application head. The packaging device is equipped with at least one such application head (60).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a packaging device for manufacturing a packaging unit and also relates to an application head which can be controlled and moved within a limited movement space, and is used for installing a packaging blank on a commodity group to produce a packaging unit. Background Art

[0002] Besides bottles and beverage cartons, beverage cans are one of the most important commercial beverage packaging options, producing and consuming the most volume, as they can also double as drinking vessels. Beverage cans are primarily used for carbonated beverages, such as canned beer, as well as soft drinks, such as cola drinks, all types of lemonade, and energy drinks. Drinking from a can is typically done by opening it with a pull tab on the side of the bottle cap.

[0003] Typically, beverage cans currently in use consist of a cylindrical container made of aluminum or tinplate, and an aluminum lid with an undercut or crimped edge on the upper can edge. These cylindrical containers are integral and produced using a suitable deep-drawing process. These aluminum lids feature an elliptical score line and a riveted metal tie bar. This tie bar acts as a built-in can opener: when the tie bar is pulled, the scored elliptical portion is pressed into the can via a lever action, thus forming a pouring or drinking opening. The can typically has a tapering portion in the upper side shell area directly below the lid. Consequently, the lid also typically has an outer diameter that is at least slightly smaller than the cylindrical side shell area of ​​the can.

[0004] In principle, several different types of packaging exist for processing, assembling, grouping, and packaging goods (e.g., canned beverage containers). One such type of packaging is to combine the goods, i.e., containers, into portable, relatively convenient bundles, which are also generally considered packaging units. Various methods are also known for combining individual cans into larger bundles. For example, beverage containers are often combined or packaged into bundles of four, six, or more containers using shrink film. In many cases, producing such bundles or packaging units is unavoidable, as they are the most common form of sales or packaging unit for beverage containers, particularly metal cans, plastic cans, or PET bottles. This is because transporting large quantities of goods or beverage cans from production and bottling to retail and then to the end customer is unthinkable without the use of so-called secondary packaging and, where appropriate, additional tertiary packaging. Bundles, also considered secondary packaging, are sometimes combined and / or layered again for transportation purposes and stacked on pallets, sometimes referred to as tertiary packaging.

[0005] The production of known types of bales requires specialized manufacturing steps to process the heat-shrinkable film typically used for bales. These steps require a relatively high energy input, primarily due to the shrinkage of the film under the influence of heat. Furthermore, the film used incurs costs for production, supply, transportation, and subsequent disposal, as it is no longer needed after the goods or containers have been sold and unpacked. The machinery required to provide so-called film wrapping modules and other handling stations also incurs high investment costs. Finally, the provision of so-called shrink tunnels, in which the film used to wrap the bales is shrunk around the container by applying hot air, also requires a relatively high capital investment.

[0006] One variation that essentially eliminates the use of shrink film is so-called strapping. In this method, several products or containers are connected to one another using so-called strapping tape and combined into a single bundle. In a continuously or periodically operating strapping machine, the containers, products, or bottles are grouped and subsequently strapped together using one or more straps using a strapping unit. These straps extend horizontally around the containers or bottles in a rational manner, securing them in the bundle. Typical combinations include a 1×2 arrangement (two containers in a row), a 2×2 arrangement (four containers in a square or diamond shape), a 3×2 arrangement, a 4×3 arrangement, or, in principle, a variable n×m arrangement.

[0007] Furthermore, it is known to use so-called gripping cardboard packages or upper gripping cardboard packages to combine several products, such as beverage containers, particularly bottles or cans, by their neck regions. Patent document EP 1 075 419 B1 describes a packaging machine for placing such upper gripping cardboard packages. Here, the products are arranged in a box, and the gripping cardboard package is placed from above onto at least one product arranged in the box. In particular, a plurality of products are arranged in the box, and a small number of upper gripping cardboard packages are placed to form groups, each of which combines a portion of the products arranged in the box.

[0008] Furthermore, packaging units are known which combine different types of secondary packaging means and which combine a plurality of articles by means of first and second packaging means, in particular by means of first secondary packaging means in the form of an upper gripping cardboard package and second secondary packaging means in the form of a strap and / or of connecting adjacent and mutually contacting articles by means of at least one adhesive bonding point.

[0009] Publication DE 10 2006 028 661 A1 shows a packaging unit with bottles and bottle holders, so that even a larger number of packaging units can be reliably stacked together. The bottles are combined into the packaging unit by a support body having a support frame and at least one carrying strap.

[0010] Another bundle arrangement is disclosed in US 57 75 486 A. Three or six rows of bottles or cans are each secured with an upper attachment made of cardboard and combined into a larger bundle with the aid of a strapping tape.

[0011] Cans of many different sizes are now common and commercially available as primary packaging for liquid contents, in particular for beverages. Although cans with a corresponding capacity of approximately one-third or half a liter are traditionally available, cans with other volumes, such as 0.15 liters, a quarter liter, 0.355 liters, or even volumes varying therefrom, are now also common.

[0012] In addition to these different can volumes, different can shapes are also known. While the lid of a standard can has a significantly smaller diameter than the adjacent can barrel, in so-called slim or slim cans, the barrel diameter and the lid diameter are essentially identical or nearly identical, so that there is no significant tapering in the lid and / or base region compared to the side shell regions of the can.

[0013] To incorporate standard cans, upper gripping cardboard packaging is known. These upper gripping cardboard packaging features multiple openings for standard cans, thereby simultaneously defining the cans' positions within the packaging unit. The gripping cardboard packaging is pressed onto the assembly of standard cans from above, allowing the lids of the cans to be inserted through the assigned openings. The gripping cardboard packaging is preferably anchored beneath the lids of the cans, particularly in the area of ​​reduced cross-section. Within the resulting packaging unit, the cans are arranged closely adjacent to each other.

[0014] In contrast, the use of such gripper cardboard packaging for so-called slim or slender cans is generally not justified. This is because, for these can shapes, the diameter in the lid area and the diameter in the barrel area are essentially the same, so that there is insufficient material between the through-openings of the gripper cardboard, so that the remaining narrow area between the through-openings can be easily torn, and the gripper cardboard therefore lacks the necessary stability.

[0015] To address these shortcomings, WO 2021 043 632 A1 proposes combining a gripping cardboard package, used as a primary packaging means, with another packaging means. This second packaging means, known as a secondary packaging means, is then attached to the cans already equipped with the gripping cardboard package. The secondary packaging means proposed here include strapping, adhesive connections between the products, or heat-shrink film connections. Equipping several products, such as the so-called elongated cans mentioned in particular, with primary and secondary packaging means requires a multi-stage production process, as this essentially involves different packaging types and, therefore, different mechanical manufacturing and packaging steps. Utility Model Content

[0016] In view of known packaging types and methods, the primary object of the present invention is to better combine or integrate the necessary process steps to produce a packaging unit using several different packaging means. Furthermore, as a further object of the present invention, it is contemplated that packaging units can be advantageously produced in which a plurality of articles are combined, each using a first packaging means and a second packaging means, wherein these packaging means fit more closely together than in the case of previously known packaging variants. Finally, another object is to provide an improved tool that enables faster and better processing of grouped articles to produce packaging units.

[0017] In order to achieve at least some of the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides an application head that can be controlled and moved within a limited movement space, and is used to apply packaging blanks to respective groups of at least two products. The application head includes a receiving device for receiving at least one packaging blank and for placing the packaging blank on the upper side of the corresponding group of products.

[0018] The application head is also equipped with a fixing device for mechanically connecting the packaging blanks at the grouping of products. The receiving device of the application head includes at least one suction device capable of applying a controllable and / or variable negative pressure. The suction device can apply an increasing negative pressure to receive and retain the packaging blanks, and can apply a decreasing negative pressure to release the packaging blanks held in the application head. Optional additional operating tools of the application head will be described in detail below.

[0019] The application head according to the present invention can be equipped with at least one application unit for processing each grouping of goods and for equipping it with a packaging blank. In particular, however, the application head comprises two or more such application units for substantially synchronously processing two or more individual groupings of goods and for equipping them with a packaging blank.

[0020] The application head is preferably movable in a movement space between a storage or supply location of several stacked packaging blanks and a corresponding intermediate storage point for the product groups to be processed.

[0021] In addition, the application head can be implemented in such a way that each of its application units is equipped with a laminating plate that moves vertically between two end positions for laminating with the plane of the packaging blank held therein, and is equipped with at least one controllable suction element for holding or releasing the packaging blank held therein by negative pressure under the control of negative pressure.

[0022] Furthermore, each application unit of the application head can be equipped with a forming element for deforming a defined folding area of ​​a packaging blank placed on the corresponding group of goods. In particular, it can be provided that the forming element is used to form a primary fixing means for establishing a mechanical connection between the goods of the group of goods and the packaging blank, or to support the formation of the primary fixing means.

[0023] Furthermore, each application unit can optionally be equipped with a folding element for folding over the side surface of the packaging blank projecting over the upper side of the grouping of goods and for providing for secondary fixing means between the grouping of goods and the packaging blank.

[0024] Furthermore, the application head according to the invention can be configured such that the movable laminating plate, the suction element capable of applying negative pressure, the folding element, and the forming element of each application unit associated with the application head, which can be lowered onto the grouping of products or raised therefrom, can each perform mutually coordinated operating steps to form the primary securing means and at least prepare for the secondary securing means. The secondary securing means, in particular the secondary securing means consisting of the strapping portion, can then be completed in a subsequent operating or process step, unless corresponding tools are provided in the application head, which are capable of completing the strapping portion, such as gluing the overlapping strips of the packaging blank.

[0025] Furthermore, a method for producing packaging units is described, each of which comprises at least two articles, wherein the at least two articles are held together by at least one packaging blank. The at least two articles of the packaging units produced by this method are in particular similar or identical articles.

[0026] The method comprises at least the steps listed and explained below. First, a flat pack blank is received from a storage, feed or other supply location by an application head. After receiving or accepting the pack blank, the pack blank is held in the application head and is particularly prepared for subsequent process steps.

[0027] The application head, together with the packaging blanks held therein or prepared therein, is moved to a previously provided group of goods prepared for the operating steps described herein, the group of goods consisting of at least two of the aforementioned grouped goods, wherein the application head can be lowered directly onto the group of goods or initially positioned vertically above the group of goods. For example, if the group of goods is not stationary but moves along a conveyor section, then positioning the application head vertically above the prepared group of goods can be expedient, since in this case, the application head can be moved in the same direction as the group of goods moving along the conveyor section in the conveying direction, which is generally also referred to as synchronization.

[0028] If it is ensured that the packaging blank is in the desired position relative to the grouping of goods thanks to the precise positioning of the application head, the application head can be lowered onto the grouping of goods, which also requires or makes it possible to apply the packaging blank to the upper end face of the grouping of goods. Applying the packaging blank to the upper end face of the grouping of goods (usually the upper cover face of the grouped goods) implies that a mechanical connection is established between the packaging blank and the grouping of goods.

[0029] This mechanical connection between the upper end faces of a group of products or the upper cover faces or lid regions of a group of products is also referred to in this context and hereinafter as the primary connection, primary fastening, or the production, installation, or formation of primary fastening means. Typically, this refers to a snap-fit ​​connection between a circular cutout in the packaging blank and the upper edge of the product, in particular a tin beverage can, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0030] In order to prepare the additional secondary fixing means (in the packaging unit to be produced here, these additional secondary fixing means are formed by the strapping parts consisting of parts of the packaging blank), after the mechanical connection between the packaging blank and the product grouping is established, at least one foldable part of the packaging blank that projects beyond the upper side of the product grouping is folded over and brought into contact with the side surface of the product grouping.

[0031] Typically, folding or folding two opposing foldable portions on the long sides of the main surface of the packaging blank covering the upper side of the product grouping and bringing them into contact with the opposing side surfaces of the product grouping corresponds to a folding process with a folding angle of approximately 90 degrees. The folded foldable portions of the packaging blank constitute the binding portions, described in more detail below. These binding portions are also considered and referred to herein as secondary securing means for the packaging unit. These primary securing means primarily secure the products relative to one another.

[0032] Subsequently, at least one side surface adjacent to the long sides of the main surface of the packaging blank is folded over to form a secondary securing means that engages the side surface of the product. The secondary securing means here consist of strapping portions that surround a defined area of ​​the side surface of the product and secure the product in a substantially parallel orientation. In particular, the strapping portions of the secondary securing means consist of strapping portions of the packaging blank, each of which extends the side surface in a direction along the longitudinal extension of the side surface.

[0033] Only after the transversely foldable parts of the packaging blank in question have been folded in or folded downwards is the application head lifted from the group of goods provided with the packaging blank and mechanically held together by it, and can then be removed from the group of goods in order to receive another packaging blank from the supply position or reserve and to repeat the described process steps at another group of goods.

[0034] The application head is thus moved within its movement space, which is located between a storage or supply position for the packaging blanks, where the packaging blanks are flat and usually not yet folded, but already provided with the required cutouts and notches, and a supply position or conveyor section where the product groups are located. In this case, it is provided that the application head is lowered as a whole, together with the packaging blanks held therein, onto the product group.

[0035] Receiving the at least one packaging blank from the storage pile or from a suitable and equipped supply position can be carried out in particular by means of negative pressure, i.e., for example, by means of suitable suction elements located in the application head and capable of applying negative pressure to receive the flat packaging blank. Preferably, this negative pressure can be switched off to lower the packaging blank. Thus, if the packaging blank is to be placed on the grouping of goods after the application head has been synchronized and lowered, and is pressed and clamped there to form a primary securing means, it is advisable to switch off the negative pressure applied to the suction elements, thereby releasing the packaging blank and cancelling its previously temporary securing in the application head.

[0036] The release of the packaging blank and its clamping on the upper side of the product provided for this purpose can be supported by other components in the application head. Thus, for example, the formation of the primary securing means can be supported by lowering the flat laminating plate of the application head while simultaneously deactivating the negative pressure of the suction element or suction plunger that maintains the packaging blank. These processes can be combined in a suitable manner. Specifically, the laminating plate can be lowered relative to the suction element or suction plunger, which is fixed in position in the application head and extends through the laminating plate equipped with a corresponding recess.

[0037] In this way, the packaging blank temporarily held in the application head can be spaced apart from the suction element or the suction plunger and separated. The aforementioned laminating plate can be designed to be movable relative to the application head, in particular by means of a linear guide. In this way, the laminating plate can be lowered relative to the application head while the application head is held in position, thereby allowing the packaging blank to be pressed down onto the product grouping in terms of time and / or process technology, and then the primary fixing means can be produced.

[0038] During the further production of the packaging unit and during the further downward movement of the laminating plate, the packaging blank is connected or clamped to the goods of the product group to form a primary fixing means, for example, by forming a snap connection between the opening or notch in the packaging blank and the neck portion of the goods.

[0039] Furthermore, the method for producing a packaging unit can be configured such that, in the area between adjacent articles or between adjacent rows of articles, a main surface of the packaging blank, which is placed on the upper side of the article grouping and is fixed therein, in particular by clamping or another means, is formed, folded or indented, wherein adjacent primary fixing means together with the articles held therein are brought closer to one another, in particular until the adjacent articles touch.

[0040] Therefore, in the method, it can be provided that the packaging blank is manipulated and deformed only during the production of the primary fixing means, in particular after this, in such a way that it is pressed at least a little inwards between adjacent products of a product grouping or between adjacent rows of products in a product grouping. This approach can be reasonable within a product grouping in particular for such products that, due to their shape, have only little material between adjacent products because the diameter of the upper edge of the products is not reduced or is only insignificantly reduced relative to the diameter of the adjacent cylindrical side shell area.

[0041] If the group of products intended for the packaging unit to be produced consists, for example, of the aforementioned elongated or slim cans, then due to their special shape, the beverage cans are formed almost continuously and cylindrically with a constant diameter from the lower base area to the upper lid area, so that when producing the primary securing means, there is virtually no excess material of the flat packaging blank between directly adjacent products or cans in the group. To compensate for this, the method provides a sufficient distance between adjacent products or rows of products, at least for the production of the primary securing means. These primary securing means are formed by placing and clamping the products or beverage cans into recesses in the flat packaging blank provided for this purpose. This distance is eliminated in a subsequent processing stage by pushing the products or rows of products together.

[0042] When referring to rows of adjacent products that are initially spaced apart from one another, this may in particular refer to two, three, or four products or cans arranged in a row, which are arranged in pairs and thus form a grouping of four, six, or eight products in total. However, the products of these rows that are initially spaced apart from one another in pairs are preferably in contact, which is acceptable in terms of the available flat material for the packaging blank, because the mechanical cohesion of the packaging unit to be produced in this way can be ensured not only by the primary fixing means, but also by the secondary fixing means explained in more detail below.

[0043] After the laminating plate together with the packaging blank adhered to the bottom side of the laminating plate is lowered to the upper side of the product group, and after the products are clamped to the packaging blank (which is defined above as the production of primary fixing means), the corresponding grouped products or rows of products that are at least slightly spaced apart from each other at this stage of the process can be subjected to further operating steps, which are mainly configured to bring the grouped products or rows of products closer until they touch, thereby producing a common grouping rectangular arrangement, which is also consistent with the arrangement in the packaging unit that is completed later.

[0044] Thus, in a further method step, the method can be provided such that the region of the main surface of the packaging blank, which is placed on the upper side of the goods, between the goods or rows of goods spaced apart from one another, is embossed with a V-shaped indentation and pressed inwards into the gaps between the goods or rows of goods, which can be supported, if appropriate, by folded or bent edges previously provided in the packaging blank. In rectangular packaging blanks, a central strip which divides the main surface into two equal halves, which are connected by the central strip, is to be embossed with a V-shaped indentation in this manner.

[0045] In this case, if the group of goods to be processed comprises only two goods, each of the two halves of the main surface of the packaging blank covers one product. Thus, in a group of goods comprising, for example, four or six goods, each of the two halves of the main surface of the packaging blank covers two or three rows of goods, respectively.

[0046] This shaping of the packaging blank into a V-shaped portion and pressing of the shaped area inwards between the goods or rows of goods can be carried out in particular by means of a knife-shaped or sword-shaped shaping element which is fixedly arranged in the application head and which is located above the level of the laminating plate when it is lowered and is therefore concealed by it, so that the shaping element has no effect when the packaging blank is pressed against the upper side of the grouping of goods and when the first fixing means is simultaneously formed.

[0047] After the primary fixing means are produced and preferably when the suction element or the suction plunger is closed, the laminating plate is lifted so that the knife-shaped or sword-shaped forming element passes through the corresponding recess of the laminating plate and extends downward from the laminating plate, whereby when the laminating plate is lifted and the application head is lowered further at the same time, the knife-shaped or sword-shaped forming element can press the packaging blank downward into a V shape between the goods or rows of goods, wherein the V-shaped area of ​​the packaging blank is pressed inward between adjacent goods or adjacent rows of goods.

[0048] Since previously spaced-apart articles or rows of articles are thus pulled towards each other, suitable guide means are necessary to ensure that this approach occurs in a controlled manner. In principle, creating a V-shaped area and recessing it inwards between the articles or rows of articles is sufficient to bring them closer together and ensure that they are pulled or pushed towards each other.

[0049] The lowering movement of the application head, which presses the upper main surface of the packaging blank inwards by means of the knife-shaped or sword-shaped forming elements, can also be used to fold the side surfaces of the packaging blank at the edges of the main surface of the packaging blank downwards by approximately 90 degrees each and to conform them to the side surfaces of the grouping of goods. As the application head is lowered further in the direction of the upper side of the grouping of goods, these folding movements can be performed, for example, by means of transverse folding elements arranged in a fixed position in the application head.

[0050] The folding elements arranged on both sides of the laminating plate at the application head and spaced apart from the laminating plate can be composed of fixed or movable tools, which are preferably located in such a position in the application head that they can contact the areas of the flat packaging blank defined by the bent or folded edges and thus delimited from the main surface, so as to align these areas with the opposite side surfaces of the product grouping. In a simple embodiment, the folding elements are composed of vertically downwardly projecting parts, for example, in the form of strips, which are anchored to the support plate or support element of the application head so that their position relative to the suction element and the laminating plate, which can be raised and lowered in the application head, is fixed.

[0051] For example, when a knife- or sword-shaped forming element is activated, a ramp-like inclined surface at the folding element may support pushing previously spaced-apart articles or rows of articles together.

[0052] In a subsequent method step, if appropriate after further steps have been taken to carry out further manipulation and / or processing steps of the packaging unit, the entire application head is lifted upward from the grouping of goods in order to hand it over to the next processing, manipulation and / or application step. Such a step may in particular include further processing of the secondary fixing means by folding over the strapping parts, gluing overlapping and superimposed parts, etc.

[0053] Therefore, an advantageous method variant provides that the previously folded side surfaces and the extended strip parts formed therefrom are folded over and formed into a bundle by means of a suitable operating device, wherein the overlapping end areas of these strip parts are fixed to each other and / or to the sides of the goods.

[0054] However, it should be emphasized that fastening and / or gluing the strip portions to the sides of the goods is only an option that can be implemented selectively in practice. Since the packaging blank is already fastened to the goods when the primary fixing means are formed, the cohesive forces of the bundle structure may be sufficient, so that gluing the strip portions to the lower sides of the goods is not necessary.

[0055] However, if the goods are not only to be surrounded in sections by the strapping part, but are also to be fixed in relative position to each other, it may be reasonable to additionally fix the strip parts to the sides of the goods when fixing the parts of the strip parts that overlap each other and thus overlap.

[0056] With regard to all previously described method variants, i.e., preferably using at least a part of the application head for implementing the above-mentioned process steps, for producing or preparing a packaging unit by forming grouped goods and equipping the grouped goods with packaging blanks, it can be provided in a minimum configuration that the application head acts on exactly one group of goods in the manner described, equips this group of goods with packaging blanks, and forms and / or prepares this group of goods for producing primary fixing means and for preparing at least secondary fixing means.

[0057] However, the application head preferably has two, three or more operating areas equipped in the same manner, so that two or more groups of goods prepared therefor can be processed simultaneously and essentially synchronously. Thus, at least two, optionally also three, such modularly designed application units can be arranged side by side within the application head, so that two or three groups of goods of the same type can be processed or handled in parallel in the manner described.

[0058] Optionally, four such modularly constructed application units can also be located in a grouped rectangular arrangement within the application head, so that four groups of goods of the same type can be processed and / or operated in parallel processing in the manner described, wherein these groupings of goods are positioned and oriented in such a way that the application head that is lowered onto these groupings of goods can, using four application units or application modules positioned in the rectangular arrangement, apply four simultaneously detected packaging blanks to the groupings of goods prepared therefor, and can also perform all the process steps described further.

[0059] Therefore, if an application head for operating and processing at least one or more commodity groups is mentioned in this document, this refers to an application head in the mentioned minimum configuration, which is capable of operating or processing only a single commodity group. However, in the same way, the application head can also allow parallel and synchronous operation and processing of several commodity groups and be equipped with a corresponding number of application units or application modules. In this case, the corresponding suction elements, movable laminating plates and other tool elements of the application head can also be synchronously controlled in a reasonable manner, wherein the laminating plates that can be raised and lowered in parallel movement are usually equipped with separate electric drive units, and a central negative pressure supply device for jointly supplying the controllable suction elements is a reasonable option, because the suction elements can each be conveniently connected to a common supply line via a hose line.

[0060] If, from the perspective of a person skilled in the art, it is reasonable to combine with one another, some or all of these aforementioned variations or implementation variations of the described method and / or the application head according to the present invention may also be optionally combined with one another in order to at least partially achieve the above-mentioned purposes and / or achieve the desired effects of the present invention.

[0061] It should be explicitly stated that all aspects and implementation variants explained in conjunction with the applicator head of the present invention also relate to or can be part of the described method. Therefore, if a point in the description related to the applicator head of the present invention refers to certain aspects and / or connections and / or effects, this also applies to the described method.

[0062] The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and implementation variants explained in conjunction with the described method also relate to or can be part of aspects of the use and / or assembly of the applicator head according to the invention. Thus, if certain aspects and / or contexts and / or effects are mentioned at a certain point in the description of the described method, this also applies to the applicator head according to the invention. The applicator head can be assembled in such a way that all variants of the above-described method can be carried out.

[0063] The present invention also includes a packaging device for producing packaging units, each of which is composed of at least two products, wherein the at least two products of the packaging units are held together by at least one packaging blank. The packaging device according to the present invention includes at least one conveying device, a transport section, and / or a provisioning location for conveying and / or providing grouped products, and an application device for equipping the product groups with at least one packaging blank, wherein the application device includes at least one application head that can be controlled and moved within a defined movement space.

[0064] In the packaging device according to the present invention, an application head is configured to equip at least one product grouping located in and / or moving within a movement space with a packaging blank and to apply the packaging blank to the product grouping. Furthermore, the application head of the application device is equipped with a controllable device for receiving, holding, and releasing the packaging blank. Furthermore, the application head is equipped with a controllable tool for establishing a mechanical connection between the respective product grouping and the packaging blank applied thereto.

[0065] The packaging device according to the invention can in particular be equipped with an application head, as described above in various embodiment variants.

[0066] Furthermore, the packaging device according to the invention can be prepared and equipped in such a way that it is suitable for carrying out the method according to one of the above-described method variants, in particular using at least one application head according to the above description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] 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.

[0068] Figures 1A to 1F The various individual components that interact with one another and can be reshaped and formed into a packaging unit are shown in schematic illustrations.

[0069] Figures 2A to 2D Different views of an embodiment variant of an application head according to the invention are shown, which is equipped with four application units for equipping a total of four product groups with packaging blanks.

[0070] Figure 2E A perspective view of a further embodiment variant of an application head according to the invention is shown, which is equipped with three application units for equipping a total of three product groups with packaging blanks.

[0071] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram is shown for illustrating the method steps when forming a packaging unit.

[0072] Figure 4 An arrangement is shown for controlling folding devices which can be used when forming packaging units.

[0073] Figure 5 A schematic top view of a transport section is shown in which packaging units can be formed and produced. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] For the same or same function elements of the present invention, Figures 1A to 5 The same reference numerals are generally used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference numerals that are necessary or useful for the description of the respective figure are depicted in the individual figures. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the application head according to the invention, the packaging device according to the invention, or the method for producing packaging units can be configured and do not represent definitive limitations.

[0075] according to Figure 1A and Figures 1C to 1F Stereoscopic and schematic views of Figure 1B With reference to a schematic side view of a packaging unit 10 , some important principles and principles when producing a packaging unit 10 by joining several articles 12 and by mechanically combining packaging blanks 14 should first be explained.

[0076] It should be clearly emphasized that Figures 1A to 1F The individual components of such a packaging unit 10 are shown, which are joined to one another and processed in the manner described below, and which can be produced in particular by means of the method and preferably using the application head 60 according to the invention and / or the packaging machine according to the invention as intended. Figures 1A to 1F Initially, only the individual packaging units and their components are described without further details on the application head 60 (see also Figures 2A to 2D ) or packaging machines (see Figure 5 ) design plan.

[0077] If in the following context and in the context of the overall description a packaging unit 10 is often mentioned, the equally common term "bundle" may alternatively be used instead. The term "packaging unit 10" as used herein refers to a complete unit that can be handled as a complete unit, can also be stacked if necessary, and / or can be purchased and used by an end customer at retail, which unit consists of at least two articles of merchandise 12 and a packaging means for mechanically combining them.

[0078] In the embodiment shown, the packaging unit 10 consolidated and manufactured by means of the production method described below comprises a total of six articles 12 of the same type, which are held together in a rectangular arrangement by a flat packaging blank 14 .

[0079] In the method for producing the packaging unit 10, a packaging blank 14 (see FIG. 1 ) which is prepared for this purpose and has been produced in the shape shown, for example, by means of a punching method is firstly prepared. Figure 1A ) is placed and / or applied to the grouping 20 of goods with its main surface 18 covering the first end face or upper end face 16 or cover face of the goods 12 grouped in a 3×2 rectangular arrangement (see Figure 1B and Figure 1CAs used herein, the term "major surface 18" refers to the rectangular portion of the flat packaging blank 14 that covers the upper end faces 16 of the items 12 that are organized into the item grouping 20 in a 3x2 rectangular arrangement.

[0080] In connection with the placement and by applying the packaging blank 14 to the upper side of the grouping 20 of goods, i.e., the upper end face 16 of the grouped goods 12, a connection is formed between the goods 12 and what are here referred to as primary fixing means 22 of the packaging blank 14. The primary fixing means 22 hold the packaging blank 14 against the goods 12; in addition, since the dimensions of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 and the position of the primary fixing means 22 are coordinated with the dimensions and diameters of the goods 12 and of the grouping 20 of several goods 12, the primary fixing means 22, which will be explained in more detail below, determine the position of the goods 12 relative to one another.

[0081] When the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 is placed on the upper side of the product group 20 ( Figure 1C ) and in connection with forming the primary fixing means 22, according to Figure 1D The side surfaces 24 of the packaging blank 14 located at the two long sides of the product grouping 20 are folded over and made to fit over the side surfaces 26 of the products 12 , without, however, following the curved contour of the side surfaces 26 .

[0082] The side surfaces 24 arranged in strips at the two long sides of the main surface 18 constitute a continuation of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14. The two side surfaces 24 adjacent to the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14, together with the strip portions 28 that respectively continue to form the two short sides of the side surfaces 24, constitute secondary fixing means 30. These secondary fixing means cooperate with the side surfaces of the product 12 when they are in contact with the side surfaces 26 of the product.

[0083] As from Figure 1A and Figure 1C As can be clearly seen in FIG, the side surfaces 24 are each significantly longer than the main surface 18, because the strip portions 28 extend them on both sides. The total length of the side surfaces 24 together with the strip portions 28 extending them on the two short sides can be approximately twice the length of the long side of the main surface 18 or slightly less.

[0084] like Figure 1E Schematic stereoscopic view of Figure 1F As shown in the perspective detail view of FIG, the secondary fixing means 30 is formed by the strapping parts 32 by fixing the overlapping end areas of the strip parts 28 to each other and / or to the side faces 26 of the goods 12. In this case, the strapping parts 32 each surround a defined area of ​​the side faces 26 of the goods 12, namely on two opposite short sides of the grouping 20 of goods.

[0085] The articles 12 fixed and held in their position by means of the strapping portion 32 can be placed in the thus completed state of the packaging unit 10 ( Figure 1E ) is pivoted or displaced only minimally so that the secondary securing means 30 secures the merchandise 12 within the packaging unit 10 in an orientation with the longitudinal centre axes of the merchandise substantially parallel to one another.

[0086] As from Figure 1A 、 Figure 1C and Figure 1D As can also be seen in FIG, the bundling portion 32 of the secondary fixing means 30 (see Figure 1E and Figure 1F ) consists of strip portions 28 of the packaging blank 14, which each extend the side surface 24 on its two short sides in a direction along the longitudinal extension direction of the side surface 24.

[0087] The folding of the side surface 24 and the application of the strip portion 28 by means of a suitable operating device and its formation into the bundle portion 32 (in which the overlapping end regions are fixed to each other and / or to the side surface 26 of the article 12) will be further described below. Figure 2A The following figures provide exemplary explanations and descriptions.

[0088] If observing Figures 1A to 1E As can be clearly seen at this time, the product 12 can be, in particular, a beverage can 34. Therefore, the product 12 indicated here is also uniformly designated herein by the reference numeral 34. The beverage can 34 used here is, in particular, a so-called slim can or slimming can made of a suitable metal sheet, in particular a suitable aluminum alloy. However, the can or beverage can 34 can alternatively be made of plastic or a composite material, in particular a multi-layer composite material.

[0089] exist Figure 1B The beverage cans 34, shown in their typical outline in the schematic side view of FIG, are hollow cylindrical and closed on all four sides. Furthermore, each of these beverage cans has a flat or slightly concave circular bottom area 36 at its lower end face 38 and a substantially flat, circular upper lid area 40 at its opposite end face. This upper lid area 40 forms the already mentioned upper end face 16 of the commercial product 12 formed by the beverage can 34.

[0090] The flat or slightly concave bottom region 36 at the lower end face can usually be connected in one piece to the cylindrical side surface 26 , which in tin cans can usually be achieved by a deep-drawing process.

[0091] In the example of a beverage can 34, what is also referred to herein as the upper end face 16 of the commercial product 12 is the corresponding upper lid area 40 of the beverage can. For example, the lid itself can be connected to the upper edge of the cylindrical side shell of the beverage can 34 by a crimping, so that a can 34 closed on all four sides is formed. If appropriate, a smaller tear-off lid or a tear-off closure with a pull tab or the like can be incorporated into the lid surface, wherein a score line can be present in the metal or aluminum sheet as a predetermined breaking point, which makes it possible to open the tear-off closure to remove the liquid in the beverage can 34. However, this optional tear-off lid and the pull tab fixed thereto, if appropriate, are not shown here, because these components are not closely related to the formation of the packaging unit 10.

[0092] As from Figure 1B As can also be clearly seen in the figure, the cylinder diameter in the area of ​​the cylindrical side 26 and the outer diameters of the bottom area 36 and the lid area 40 of the shown beverage can 34 are essentially the same or nearly the same, wherein the bottom area 36 and / or the lid area 40 can be slightly contracted or tapered relative to the cylindrical side 26.

[0093] Such a can shape with an almost uniform cylindrical outer contour with a substantially constant cylindrical diameter from the bottom 36 to the lid 40 is characteristic of such so-called slender cans or slim cans, whereas conventional (standard) cans usually have a much smaller diameter in the bottom area and the lid area than in the area of ​​their cylindrical side shell.

[0094] Therefore, if a can 34 or beverage can 34 is mentioned in this context, this is in principle and in all mentioned cases also such an elongated can or slim can.

[0095] So-called upper gripping cardboard packages are known for combining standard cans and have several passage openings for these cans, thereby simultaneously defining the position of the cans within the packaging unit thus formed. Typically, the gripping cardboard package is pressed from above onto the assembly of standard cans, so that the lid area of ​​each standard can is passed through the associated passage opening.

[0096] Typically, the gripping cardboard package is anchored below the lid area of ​​a standard can, in particular in the area of ​​reduced cross-section or in the narrowed area immediately below the beaded edge with which the lid rests on the upper edge area of ​​the cylindrical side shell area. In the packaging unit thus produced, the cans are arranged closely adjacent to each other, usually with their sides touching.

[0097] However, the use of such gripping cardboard packaging in so-called slim cans or slim cans, as can be realized here with reference to beverage cans 34, is less sensible. Since, for these cans 34, the diameter in the lid region 40 and the diameter in the cylindrical side shell region 26 differ little or not at all from one another, there is insufficient material between the passage openings of the gripping cardboard, so that the area between the passage openings of adjacent cans 34 can be easily torn apart, and the gripping cardboard therefore lacks the necessary stability.

[0098] Thus, the products 12 or beverage cans 34 of the product grouping 20 are at least temporarily spaced apart from one another in one of the main horizontal axes of the product grouping 20 in order to apply the packaging blank 14 and form the primary securing means 22 . Figure 1B The defined horizontal distance A between adjacent products 12 or beverage cans 34 (here: elongated cans or slimming cans) in a direction parallel to the second main axis 44 of the product group 20 is described (see Figure 1C ). Therefore, the two parallel three-row commodity 12 that together constitute the commodity group 20 are spaced apart from each other by the horizontal distance A.

[0099] Figure 1C Two horizontally oriented main axes 42 and 44 of the product grouping 20 are illustrated and are each indicated by a dashed line. Thus, in the embodiment variant shown here of a 3×2 rectangular arrangement of grouped products 12 or beverage cans 34, a first main axis 42 extends parallel to the three rows of products 12 or beverage cans 34 arranged one behind the other, while a second main axis 44, oriented orthogonally thereto, extends transversely to these three rows.

[0100] The two main axes 42 and 44 are usually oriented horizontally, since, in general, the product groups 20 are transported in the form of the corresponding bottom areas 36 of the beverage cans 34 standing upright in a defined conveying direction TR on a suitable conveying device (e.g. a suitable horizontal conveyor device for this purpose) and are also provided with the packaging blanks 14. Therefore, the first main axis 42 is parallel to the conveying direction TR ( Figure 1C in a diagonal direction from upper left to lower right in the middle) or in a direction in which it runs in the transport direction, so that the second main axis 44 is oriented transversely to the transport direction TR.

[0101] Therefore, if Figure 1BAs shown, the horizontal distance A is also drawn parallel to the second main axis 44. In order to ensure that the products 12 or beverage cans 34 are securely fixed as desired in the packaging blank 14 prepared for this purpose and, in particular, pre-cut, when using the primary fixing means 22, even though the packaging blank does not find sufficient space between the upper lid areas 40 of adjacent beverage cans 34 in the case of the elongated or slim cans shown here that form the beverage cans 34, it is necessary to establish a defined distance A parallel to the first main axis 42 between the three rows of beverage cans 34 during the initial stage of arranging the product grouping 20.

[0102] exist Figure 1B The schematic side view of FIG. 3 shows, by way of example, the horizontal distance A between two adjacent beverage cans 34, which represent Figure 1C and Figure 1D Each of the pairs of products 12 or beverage cans 34 can be seen transverse to the first major axis 42.

[0103] This arrangement with multiple rows of beverage cans 34 spaced apart by a horizontal distance A makes it possible to press the folding area 46 of the packaging blank 14 inwardly between the upper cover areas 40 of multiple pairs of beverage cans 34 initially spaced apart by this distance A, whereby these beverage cans 34 or these three rows of beverage cans 34 transported one after the other in the conveying direction TR are each brought closer together in pairs until their corresponding side faces 26 are in line contact.

[0104] The folding area 46 is located on the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 and divides it into two rectangular halves (see Figure 1A and Figure 1B ), the two halves are located on either side of a vertical dividing surface (not individually labeled herein) between two pairs of beverage cans 34 separated by a horizontal distance A. The first major axis 42 is within the vertical dividing surface, while the second major axis 44 passes vertically through the vertical dividing surface.

[0105] The folding area 46 that divides the main surface 18 in the direction parallel to the first main axis 42 is used to form the primary fixing means 22. Once the packaging blank 14 is formed, pressed into the folding area 46 and folded in sections in the manner described herein, and the secondary fixing means 30 have been positioned and connected to each other in a predetermined manner, the primary fixing means is used to hold the product 12 or beverage can 34 in the composite packaging unit 10.

[0106] When the packaging blank 14 (see Figure 1A ) is placed on the main surface 18 of the product 12 or beverage can 34 arranged in a rectangular shape in the product group 20 (see Figure 1C )(However, these products or beverage cans are subject to Figure 1BAfter the packaging blanks 24 are placed on the upper end faces 16 of the packaging blanks 24 (still spaced apart from each other in pairs by a distance A), the side surfaces 24 of the packaging blanks 24 that extend laterally beyond the opposite long sides of the product groupings 20 are folded laterally downward so that they fit into the corresponding side faces 26 of the beverage cans 34 (see Figure 1D ). In this case, the side surface 24 of the packaging blank 14 is folded over by approximately 90°.

[0107] In this document, the extensions of the two side surfaces 24 that extend significantly beyond the length of the main surface 18 in the direction of the two short sides of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 are also referred to as strip portions 28 or extended strip portions 28, because they fulfil a specific function in the production and formation of the secondary fixing means 30, as described with reference to Figure 1E and Figure 1F Explanatory.

[0108] The strip portion 28 is usually not separate from the side surface 24 and subsequently joined thereto, but is an integral component of the side surface 24, wherein the strip portion 28 and all other components and functional elements of the packaging blank 14 can reasonably be produced from cardboard or similar flat packaging material in a single-stage, if appropriate also multi-stage, punching process, which has advantages in terms of production and manufacturing technology and provides an easily processable auxiliary means with which loose goods 12 can be connected and combined to form a packaging unit 10 in the manner described here.

[0109] In accordance with Figure 1D After folding the side surfaces 24, wherein pre-folded and / or perforated or other predetermined bent edges are used in a suitable manner at the longitudinal edges of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14, the packaging blank can be further processed in two or more stages in order to Figure 1E (and according to Figure 1F Detailed view of the packaging unit 10) reaches the final state.

[0110] This further processing in two or more stages consists in pressing the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 inwards over the entire length of the folding region 46 extending centrally through the main surface 18 after the packaging blank 14 has been placed on the upper side of the group of goods 20, which, on the one hand, brings the two spaced-apart rows closer to the goods 12 or beverage cans 34 and reduces the distance A to a value close to zero, but, on the other hand, also causes a section of the upper edge of the beverage cans 34 at their upper lid region 40 to dip and / or snap into the prepared groove-like recess 48 in the main surface 18 (see Figure 1F ).

[0111] In principle, the primary fixing means 22 can also be produced and formed in other ways, for example by means of notches in the main surface 18 of the packaging blank, which correspond to the diameter of the beverage can 34 in its upper cover area 40, so that the beverage can 34 can be pressed inwards and clamped at the notches when placed.

[0112] To this end, the folding area 46 can be pressed downwards between the beverage cans 34, for example in the form of a V as shown in the boundary surface between the rows of containers and with the bending edges parallel to the first main axis 42, wherein prepared bending edges, perforations or the like can ensure a defined fold at the transition edges to the main surface 18, these transition edges each being adjacent to both sides of each of the groove-shaped recesses 48 in the groove-shaped recesses.

[0113] The flanks of the folding area 46 formed in a V-shape and pressed downwards between the rows of containers, which are directed towards the two halves of the main surface 18 divided centrally by the folding area 46, can enclose an opening angle α between each other, which can reasonably be between about 80 and up to nearly 180 degrees. Figure 1E and Figure 1F In the embodiment shown in FIG. , the value of the opening angle α is approximately 120°.

[0114] However, this value should not be understood as limiting, since the opening angle of the V-shaped folding area 46 can be oriented as required by the actual situation, depending on the deformability of the flat material used for the packaging blank 14, the upper edge contour of the product 12 or the beverage can 34, the can shape, or other boundary conditions. However, other contours of the shaped folding area 46 are also conceivable, and the folding area does not necessarily have to be V-shaped, but can also have, for example, a concave corner base with a defined fillet radius or a rectangular cross-sectional contour.

[0115] It is also conceivable to bend the fold region 46 substantially by almost 180 degrees, thereby bringing the material portions into contact, in which case these can be pressed slightly further inwards between three adjacent rows of articles 12 or beverage cans 34. This intrusion of the contacting material portions of the fold region 45 by a maximum of a few centimeters can be a useful option when producing the packaging unit 10.

[0116] The recess 48 can each grasp a circular segment of the edge of the upper end face 16 of the beverage can 34 at the opposite side, with a segment angle of about 40° to 60° (also selectively slightly larger or smaller). Figure 1E and 1F As can be seen in FIG, the respective transition from the main surface 18 to the side surface 24 can also be optionally bent twice, each time by 45°, thus resulting in a total bending angle of 90°. In this way, a top-shaped transition 50 is formed, in which a recess 48 is provided in which a beverage can 34 can be clamped.

[0117] After the primary securing means 22 have been activated in this manner and the corresponding distances between the beverage cans 34 have been eliminated, so that the corresponding contact lines between the previously spaced-apart beverage cans 34 in the two longitudinal rows lie exactly at the aforementioned dividing surface, the secondary securing means 30 can be activated. In this case, the primary securing means 22 are implemented by the beverage cans 34 being held relatively firmly in the packaging blank 14, so that the relative positions of the beverage cans 34 are essentially fixed. Since the beverage cans 34 are fixed relative to the packaging blank 14 and relative to the other beverage cans 34 or the products 12 in the product group 20 by their precise positioning in the respective recesses 48, at least at their upper edge portions in the lid region 40, they can hardly shift therein.

[0118] However, since the packaging blank 14 made of thin cardboard material that is usually used for the described purpose generally does not have a very high bending stiffness, initially only the position of the beverage cans 34 is fixed. However, this does not necessarily apply to their orientation relative to the respective longitudinal center axes of the goods 12 or beverage cans 34, since these longitudinal center axes can be tilted relative to each other due to the flexibility of the packaging blank 14, wherein the lower regions, i.e. the base regions 36 of the beverage cans 34, can be separated from each other.

[0119] In order to reliably prevent the beverage cans 34 from such unrestricted tilting within the composite commodity group 20 equipped with the packaging blank 14, the present invention provides secondary fixing means 30, which, like the primary fixing means 22, can also be formed by the molding and auxiliary functional elements of the packaging blank 14 as an integral part thereof.

[0120] The side surfaces 24 of the packaging blank 14 that come into transverse contact with the side faces 26 of the beverage cans 34 at the two outer long sides of the arrangement or product grouping 20, as it were, form flange portions 52, which are held against the secondary fixing means 30 when the secondary fixing means 30 are used as intended and, if appropriate, slightly prestressed. The secondary fixing means 30 are activated by folding over the strip portions 28 around the side faces 26 of the products 12 or beverage cans 34 at the opposite short sides of the product grouping 20 and by fixing the at least slightly overlapping strip portions 28 to one another, for example, by means of adhesive 54.

[0121] exist Figure 1E and Figure 1F The adhesive element 54, which is only schematically indicated by a broken line in the overlapping region of the strip parts 28, can be realized, for example, by a prepared adhesive surface on the strip parts 28. Optionally, a sufficient amount of cold glue or hot glue can be applied to one of the strip parts 28 or to the overlapping regions of the two overlapping strip parts 28, which ensures a secure mechanical connection between the strip parts 28.

[0122] However, the overlapping strip parts 28 can also be connected to one another in other ways, for example by clamping, by stamping, etc.

[0123] In this way, the strapping parts 32 are formed from the adhesively bonded strapping parts 28 , which hold the bundle or packaging unit 10 together and fix the position and orientation of the beverage cans 34 in the bundle.

[0124] The typical width of the strapping portions 32 formed by the strip portions 28 depends on certain requirements, in particular with regard to the desired stability of the bundle or packaging unit 10. Very thin and flexible packaging blanks 14 made of thick paper or thin cardboard often require a flange portion 52 that is pulled further downwards and somewhat wider strapping portions 32 in order to ensure the required mechanical stability of the packaging unit 10.

[0125] On the other hand, a sufficiently stable and mechanically resistant cardboard as packaging blank 14 allows the width of the bundle 32 to be set to a value of about a quarter of the height of the cylindrical sides 26 of the beverage cans 34 thus held together or less, as by means of Figures 1A to 1F The variant illustrated by way of example. Here, the width of the strapping portion 32 is even less than one fifth of the corresponding height of the cylindrical side 26 of the beverage can 34.

[0126] according to Figure 1A and Figure 1C The lengths of the strip portions 28 of the variants of the packaging blank 14 are each identical, so that the packaging blank 14 is also designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to the first main axis 42 and the second main axis 44. In principle, in alternative implementation variants, the strip portions 28 can be designed to have different length specifications from one another.

[0127] Figures 2A to 2D The schematic perspective view of FIG illustrates an embodiment variant of an application head 60 according to the invention, which has a total of four integrated application units 62 for simultaneously and in particular synchronously operating four product groups 20, wherein each of the application units 62 is configured to apply a plurality of product groups 20 to the application head 60. Figures 1A to 1F A flat packaging blank 14 is associated with each of the commodity groups 20 shown by way of example.

[0128] As especially Figure 2A As shown in the perspective view obliquely from above on the application head 60, a total of four application units 62 are anchored on a support frame 64, which is rotatably suspended on a movable arm part 66. The arm part 66 (only the vertical part of which is in the vertical direction) is connected to the support frame 64. Figure 2AIn particular, the arm portion 66 can make it possible to move the application head 60 within a defined movement space, which is not shown in detail here. Figure 2A The vertical section shown in the figure can be a component of a boom which is movable in the movement space and which, if appropriate, has joints which enable the arm section 66 together with the application head 60 suspended therefrom to be raised and lowered.

[0129] The application head 60, which is equipped with four application units 62, can be moved by means of a movable cantilever or, if appropriate, by means of a gantry suspension (not shown here) or other type of suspension within its movement space, which is located between a supply section or a supply position (not shown here) of flat and usually not yet unfolded packaging blanks 14 and a supply position or a conveying section with the product groups 20 prepared there, but which are already provided with the required punchings and notches.

[0130] The four application units 62 anchored in a rectangular arrangement at a support frame 64 of the application head 60 in defined positions and at a defined distance from one another require a corresponding arrangement of four prepared product groups 20 at the same defined distance from one another and in the same defined orientation, so that the four application units 62 can each be precisely positioned above the appropriately oriented product group 20.

[0131] At the arm portion 66 which can be raised and lowered, the application head 60 with its four application units 62 and together with the packaging blanks 14 respectively received and held therein can be lowered after it has been positioned above the grouping of goods 20 or can be lowered in a flowing manner after approaching the grouping of goods 20 which has been prepared in a suitable position and orientation.

[0132] As especially Figure 2D As illustrated in the three-dimensional detail view of , which shows one of the application units 62 without a packaging blank 14 held therein, the packaging blank 14 can be received from a storage stack or from a suitable and equipped supply position and temporarily held in the corresponding application unit 62 by means of suitable suction elements 68, several of which are located in the application head 60 and can each apply a negative pressure in order to receive the flat packaging blank 14.

[0133] from Figures 2A to 2DIn each of the four application units 62, two such suction elements 68, each consisting of a suction plunger 70, can be seen, so that a total of eight such suction elements 68 or suction plungers 70 are present in the application head 60. The suction elements 68 or suction plungers 70 each have a vacuum line 72 for supplying vacuum, in particular in a controllable and / or disconnectable manner, which can be supplied to the vacuum line 72 via a central supply line (not shown in detail here) in the arm part 66.

[0134] Optionally, the suction element 68 or the suction plunger 70, each equipped with a separate negative pressure line 72, can be controlled together or individually. In order to receive the packaging blanks 14 in the application head 60 and hold them at the bottom of the application head, the negative pressure at the suction element 68 or the suction plunger 70 can preferably be activated and can be turned off to put down the packaging blanks 14.

[0135] Thus, if the packaging blank 14 is to be placed on the grouping of goods 20 after being positioned above it and / or after being synchronously transported or further transported, for example, on a horizontal conveyor and after the application head 60 is lowered, it is to be pressed and clamped there to form the primary fixing means 22 (see Figures 1A to 1F ), it is reasonable and necessary to turn off the negative pressure applied to the suction element 68 or the suction plunger 70, thereby releasing the packaging blanks 14 each held by the two suction elements 68 or the suction plunger 70 and canceling their previous temporary retention in the application head 60.

[0136] Especially from Figure 2C and Figure 2D As can be seen in the oblique lower view of the application unit 62 in FIG, the two suction elements 68 or suction plungers 70 of each application unit 62 are diagonally offset from one another and spaced apart at a suitable distance from one another, so that a flat pack blank 14 can be taken up from the stack or securely held with only two such suction elements 68 or suction plungers 70 until it is placed on the product group 20 prepared for this purpose.

[0137] The release of the packaging blanks 14 and their corresponding clamping on the upper side of the product group 20 prepared for this purpose are supported by other components of the application head 60 or its application unit 62. Thus, in the embodiment variant of the application head 60 shown, the formation of the primary fixing means 22 is supported by flat application plates 74 arranged movably in the application unit 62, which can each be lowered perpendicularly to the surface of the packaging blank 14 applied thereto and can therefore generally be lowered in the vertical direction relative to the application unit 62, while the vacuum of the suction element 68 or the suction plunger 70, which maintains the packaging blank 14 in the respective application unit 62, is turned off.

[0138] As from Figures 2A to 2D As can be seen, the applicator panel 74 is sized to generally conform to the size and extent of the major surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 .

[0139] Since the lamination plates 74 each have a matching circular recess 76 at the location of the suction element 68 or suction plunger 70 which is anchored in a fixed position in the respective application unit 62 (see Figure 2C and Figure 2D ), so each of the laminating plates 72 together with the packaging blank 14 (see Figure 2B ) together with the upper side of the corresponding product group 20 and preferably presses it there (see Figure 2B 3D side view), while the suction element 68 or the suction plunger 70 passing through the corresponding recess 76 of the laminating plate 74 has no negative pressure, so that the packaging blank 14 can be separated from it basically without resistance.

[0140] The lamination plate 74, which is movable within a defined linear path, can be moved, i.e. raised or lowered, between its end positions relative to the corresponding application unit 62 of the application head 60 in a motor-driven manner, in particular by means of suitable linear guides and / or linear motors 78. Figures 2A to 2D As described above, each of the elevating and lowering laminating plates 74 can be suspended from two pneumatically actuated linear motors 78, wherein each linear motor 78 is located at an opposite short side of each laminating plate 74. The linear motors 78 can also be formed by electric motors.

[0141] from Figure 2B The schematic perspective view of FIG shows the process stage of placing the still unfolded packaging blank 14 on the upper side of the grouping of goods 20. The negative pressure at the suction element 68 or suction plunger 70 is switched off, and the application plate 74 is completely lowered relative to the lower frame part 80 by means of a linear motor 78 anchored to the lower frame part 80. The lower frame part 80 forms a support element that receives the components of a total of four application units 62 and is securely anchored to the upper support frame 64 at a distance therefrom.

[0142] As previously referred to Figures 1A to 1FAs explained, during the subsequent production of the packaging unit 10 and by moving the laminating plate 74 to its lower stop, the packaging blank 14 is connected or clamped to the products 12 of the product grouping 20 to form the primary fixing means 22. In this context, the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14, which is placed on the upper side of the product grouping 20 and is in particular clamped or otherwise fixed here, is deformed in its folding area 46 and pressed inwards between adjacent rows of products, wherein adjacent primary fixing means 22 together with the products 12 held therein are brought closer to one another, in particular until the adjacent products 12 touch.

[0143] from Figure 2B Previous references cannot be seen in Figure 1B The horizontal distance A explained, even if it is preferably present between adjacent rows of goods or cans shown, is such a distance that facilitates the shaping of the folding region 46 by means of the shaping device arranged in the application unit 62 and facilitates shaping the packaging blank 14 in the desired and well-defined manner. This problem is particularly important for the elongated cans or slim cans shown here and to be processed into the packaging unit 10.

[0144] After a total of four laminating plates 74 together with the packaging blanks 14 attached to their bottoms are preferably lowered simultaneously onto the upper side of the corresponding product group 20, and after the products 12 or cans 34 are clamped to the packaging blanks 14 (which is defined above as the production of the primary fixing means 22), the corresponding group 20 (distance A, see Figure 1B ) in this process stage, the goods 12 or rows of goods which are preferably at least slightly spaced apart from each other can be subjected to the further operating steps described below, which are provided to form the folding area 46 in the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 into the V-shape explained above, and to bring the rows of goods of the group 20 closer until they touch, thereby producing a common rectangular arrangement structure of the group 20, which is also consistent with the arrangement structure in the packaging unit 10 completed later.

[0145] The forming of the packaging blank into the V-shaped portion already explained above and its pressing between the previously spaced rows of goods is achieved by means of knife- or sword-shaped forming elements 82, which are arranged in a fixed position in the respective application unit 62 of the application head and are also referred to here, according to their function, as folding blades 84. When the laminating plate 74 has been lowered, each of these folding blades 84 is located above the level of the laminating plate 74 and is therefore concealed by it, so that each of the folding blades 84 can be ineffective in pressing the packaging blank 14 onto the upper side of the grouping of goods 20 and simultaneously forming the first fixing means 22.

[0146] from Figure 2BThis process stage can be seen in FIG, in which the profiled elements 82 or folding swords 84 are anchored in the lower frame part 80 and project vertically downwards, which profiled elements or folding swords are each clearly spaced apart from one another when the lamination plate 74 has been lowered.

[0147] The process phase immediately following the placement of the packaging blank 14 onto the product group 20 is provided such that, after the production of the primary fixing means 22 and while the suction element 68 or the suction plunger 70 is closed, the laminating plate 74 is lifted, but Figures 2A to 2D This is not illustrated in this manner when the application unit 62 acts on the product group 20 .

[0148] If each is free Figure 2C Stereoscopic view and Figure 2D As can be seen from the three-dimensional detail view, when the bonding plate 74 has been lifted against the lower frame part 80, the knife-shaped or sword-shaped forming element 82 composed of the folding sword 84 passes through the corresponding groove-shaped recess 86 of the bonding plate 74, so that when the bonding plate 74 has been lifted, the knife-shaped or sword-shaped forming element protrudes downward from the bonding plate 74 and can take effect in the desired manner.

[0149] When the laminating plate 74 is raised to the lower frame part 80, the application head 60 can be lowered further until the folding sword 84 reaches the packaging blanks 14 and presses these packaging blanks downwards into a V-shape between the rows of goods in the corresponding folding areas 46 in the described manner, wherein the folding areas 46 of the corresponding packaging blanks 14 that are deformed into a V-shape are pressed inwards between adjacent rows of goods.

[0150] Since the previously spaced-apart articles or rows of articles are thus pulled towards each other, suitable guide means are advisable so that this approach can take place in a controlled manner. In principle, it is sufficient to press in the V-shaped folding area 46 of the packaging blank 14 and to recess it inwards between the articles or rows of articles to bring them closer together and ensure that they are pulled or pushed towards each other.

[0151] By the lowering movement of the entire application head 60 and the resulting synchronous feed movement of the four application units 62 (wherein the laminating plate 74 is each lifted relative to the lower frame part 80 at the upper stop of these application units), it is possible to press the knife-shaped or sword-shaped forming elements 82 or folding swords 84 exposed thereby into the upper main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 along the corresponding folding area 46 located there.

[0152] Furthermore, this lowering movement of the application head 60 serves to fold down the side surfaces 24, which are separated from the two longitudinal edges of the main surface 18 of the packaging blank 14 by folds, by an angle of approximately 90° each, and to bring them into contact with the corresponding side surfaces 26 of the grouping 20 of goods. In the embodiment variant shown, these folding movements are carried out by means of transverse folding elements 88 which are fixed in position or rigidly anchored in the application head 60 and which come into contact with the packaging blank 14 as soon as the application head 60 is lowered in the direction of the upper side of the grouping 20 of goods.

[0153] In the illustrated embodiment, the folding elements 88 arranged on the lower frame part 80 of the respective application unit 62 of the application head 60, facing the two longitudinal sides of each height-adjustable laminating plate 74 and at a short distance therefrom, are formed by rigid tools. These folding tools are located in the respective application unit 62 at such positions that they can contact the side surfaces 24 of the flat packaging blank 14, which are defined by the bent or folded edges and thus delimited by the main surface 18, so as to bring these areas into contact with the opposite side surfaces 26 of the grouping of goods 20. The folding elements 88 are thus formed by folding tools 90, which are anchored to the lower frame part 80 and project vertically downward from its underside and are designed in the form of strips. Due to their anchoring in the respective application unit 62, these folding tools are fixed in a constant relative position relative to the suction element 68 and to the laminating plate 74, which can be raised and lowered in the application unit 62.

[0154] When the knife- or sword-shaped forming elements 82 are activated, the ramp-like bevels 92 on the folding tools 90 help push previously separated products 12 or rows of products together. This is the case when the application head 60 is lowered, so that the lower end face of the folding tool 90 first rests on the side surface 24 of the packaging blank 14. As the folding process continues with the further lowering of the application head 60, the side surfaces 24 of the packaging blank 18 that are bent downward by the folding tool 90 slide along the ramp-like bevels 92 on the inner side of the folding tool 90 facing the side surfaces 24 until these side surfaces are completely folded downward and conform to the side surfaces 26 of the corresponding grouping of products 20.

[0155] On the contrary, the vertical surfaces of the transverse folding elements 88 adjoining the ramp-like slope 92 upwards are at a reasonable distance which corresponds approximately to the width of the two rows of products of the product grouping 20 which are pushed towards each other, wherein the distance A previously existing between the rows of products (see Figure 1B ) is eliminated.

[0156] In subsequent method steps, after the application head 60 has been lifted from the product groups 20 provided with the packaging blanks 14, these product groups can preferably be subjected to further handling and / or processing steps, with which further measures can be taken to complete the packaging unit 10. Such steps can in particular be further processing of the secondary fixing means 30 by folding the strapping portion 32 and gluing the overlapping and superimposed strip portions 28 (see in this regard). Figure 1E and Figure 1F ).

[0157] Figure 2E The perspective view of shows another embodiment variant of an application head 60 according to the invention, which is equipped here with three application units 62 arranged side by side and spaced apart from one another for equipping a total of three product groups 20 with packaging blanks 14 .

[0158] Compared to the variant shown previously ( Figures 2A to 2D ) compared to the support frame 64 rotatably held at the vertical arm portion 66 (see Figure 2A ) and the frame part 80, which is anchored at the bottom at the support frame 64 for receiving the three application units 62, are modified so that the three application units 62 are arranged side by side in a row. The remaining construction and functional principle of the application units 62 preferably do not differ from the previously explained variant with four application units 62 grouped in a rectangular arrangement in the application head 60.

[0159] like Figure 2E Such an application head 60 as shown by way of example in FIG. 1 is suitable for processing three commodity groups 20 conveyed side by side or for simultaneously processing three commodity groups 20 conveyed one behind the other.

[0160] Figure 3 The schematic flow chart of FIG. 1 is intended to illustrate by way of example the successive method steps in the production of packaging units 10, which consist of several goods 12, such as, in particular, beverage cans 34. These goods are first transferred from a random flow to a multi-row conveying flow in a diverter module 100, such as Figure 5 The further transport of the goods or beverage cans 34 can in particular be guided by aisles, which are generally represented here by aisle guides 102. In these aisle guides 102, grouping is preferably also performed, so that the aisle guides 102 can also be assigned a grouping module 104.

[0161] In the grouping module 104, in particular, the formation of a 3x2 rectangular arrangement of the product group 20 according to the previously shown embodiment can be ensured (see Figures 1A to 1F ), and the spacing and arrangement of four such commodity groups 20 corresponding to the size and positioning of the application unit 62 in the application head 60 can be ensured (see Figures 2A to 2D ).

[0162] In the subsequent application module 106, the packaging blank 14 is applied in the manner previously described, in particular by Figures 2A to 2D By means of the application head 60 shown by way of example in FIG. 1 , this means that the primary fixing means 22 are produced by placing the packaging blank 14 and by clamping or connecting it to the product 12 or beverage can 34 in some other way.

[0163] In a separate next step, the belt or strap portions 28 can be connected to one another and formed into a bundle 32, which means that the overlapping strap portions 28 are folded over, pre-tightened and fixed and formed into a bundle 32 (see Figure 1E and Figure 1F ), producing the secondary fixing means 30. This shaping can be carried out in particular in the strapping module 108 mentioned here, which can be equipped with a folding element 88 or a folding tool 90 (see Figures 2A to 2D ) or other tools or combinations of operations.

[0164] Since the folding device for producing the strapping portion 30 is no longer part of the application module 106 with the application head 60, Figure 4 In a schematic manner, an arrangement for controlling folding devices which can be used to form a packaging unit 10 after the application module 106 is shown. Therefore, this control arrangement is assigned to the strapping module 108 (see Figure 3 ).

[0165] therefore, Figure 4 The schematic perspective view makes it possible to see conceivable implementation variants of the turning and folding tool 114 and its control elements for controlling the movement of several folding fingers 116, which can be used, for example, to fold the strapping portion 28 and apply it to the front and rear faces of the product group 20.

[0166] A crossbar 118 running in a plane above the strip parts 28 to be folded is guided transversely in a continuously guided continuous traction device 120, such as an endless chain or belt, which, in the final state of being glued or fixed to each other, forms the bundle 32 and thus the secondary fixing means 30. The continuous traction device 120 is guided by two guide wheels 122 spaced apart from each other, at least one of which is driven by a motor.

[0167] A total of three pairs of folding fingers 116 are held and supported on the crossbar 118 for the three-track processing of the product groups 20 transported side by side, which are shown as an example here. These folding fingers extend downward into the movement plane of the product group 20 or the packaging unit 10 to be completed and can contact the product group 20 or the packaging unit 10 when they are moved along or against the conveying direction TR of the product group 20 or the packaging unit 10 by means of the crossbar 118.

[0168] Furthermore, the folding fingers 116 can be fed relative to each other in pairs or can be moved separately, that is, can be moved transversely to the crossbar 118 on a respectively defined displacement path, while the crossbar is moved in a movement plane defined by the continuous traction device 120 along or against the conveying direction TR of the packaging unit 10. This transverse mobility of the folding fingers 116 is controlled by guide chutes 124, each of which comprises a straight and parallel portion in which the folding fingers 116 are spaced relatively close together, and other straight and parallel portions in which the folding fingers 116 are spaced relatively close together.

[0169] These pairs of parallel sections of the guide chutes 124 are each connected by an inclined section in which the guide chutes 124 are symmetrically moved away from each other or symmetrically moved toward each other. The folding movement required for folding the strip section 28 of the packaging blank 14 can be produced by the cyclic movement of the crossbar 118 and the folding fingers 116 guided thereby in the correspondingly contoured guide chutes 124.

[0170] on the contrary, Figure 4 No device for producing the adhesive element 54 is shown (see Figure 1E and Figure 1F ), which adhesive can result in an adhesive connection of the upper and lower superimposed or overlapping areas of the strip portion 28.

[0171] at last, Figure 5 The schematic top view of the transport section 128 shows a possible embodiment variant, which can have a combined and continuous form in the form of Figure 3 The modules are schematically represented in FIG.

[0172] Figure 5 Thus, it is explained that the flow can be divided by the diversion module 100 (see also Figure 3 ) is formed as a first part. Here, the products 12 or beverage cans 34 are transported in a total of four parallel lanes in the conveying direction TR by means of a horizontal conveyor device (not described in detail here). Therefore, the diverter module 100 is also combined with a lane guide device 102. The lane guide devices 102 are implemented in pairs, with two lanes in each case running directly side by side and forming two transport tracks 130 that are spaced apart but guided in parallel.

[0173] In the transmission direction TR ( Figure 5Adjacent to the diverter module 100 and the dual-designed lane guide 102 via two parallel transport rails 130 (see Figure 1) is the grouping module 104. At this location, the previously continuously conveyed products 12 or beverage cans 34 are grouped and diverted into two parallel rows of three by a suitable diverter device, which can be formed here by push rods or other sliding elements 132. Thus, a product arrangement or product group 20 is already formed in the grouping module 104, consisting of a total of six products 12 or beverage cans 34 grouped in a rectangular arrangement, as explained several times previously.

[0174] In the subsequent application module 106, each of these product groups 20 is suitably equipped with a packaging blank 14 taken from a magazine 134 or supplied or provided in another way, wherein the primary fixing means 22 are usually produced and formed in the application module 106. The packaging blank 14 can be applied to the product groups 20 conveyed in the transport track 130, for example, by means of Figures 2A to 2D The application head 60 shown in FIG.

[0175] In the subsequent strapping module 108, the secondary securing means 30 are produced, in particular by producing the strapping parts 32 mentioned several times above. The packaging unit 10 thus equipped with the primary securing means 22 and the secondary securing means 30 and thus completed can then be conveyed further in the conveying direction TR, which is not shown in detail here, but is only indicated by a direction arrow at the packaging unit 10 shown on the far right.

[0176] The following is a supplementary explanation of the above-mentioned embodiment. Although the embodiment variants shown in conjunction with the drawings and the above description are often or generally "schematic" diagrams and views, this does not mean that the drawings, diagrams and descriptions are secondary to 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 diagrams, which helps him understand the present invention without being affected in any way by the drawn and possibly not entirely proportional dimensional relationships of the components of the device, its individual components or other drawn elements. More precisely, these drawings enable the reader, a person skilled in the art, to better understand the concept of the present invention, which is presented in a more general and / or more abstract manner in the claims and the at least some general parts of the specification, with the help of the specifically explained implementation of the described method and the specifically explained structure of the device according to the present invention.

[0177] Reference Signs List

[0178] 10 packaging units, bales

[0179] 12 products

[0180] 14 Packaging blanks

[0181] 16 Upper end surface (commodity)

[0182] 18 Main surface (packaging blank)

[0183] 20 Product grouping, arrangement, product layout

[0184] 22 Primary means of fixing, primary means of connection

[0185] 24 Side surface (packaging blank)

[0186] 26 side (product, product group)

[0187] 28 stripe section

[0188] 30 Secondary fixing means, secondary connection means

[0189] 32 Bundling

[0190] 34 Beverage cans, jars

[0191] 36 bottom area, lower bottom area, bottom of the jar

[0192] 38 lower end face

[0193] 40 lid area, upper lid area, jar lid

[0194] 42 Primary axis, first horizontal axis (product grouping)

[0195] 44 Secondary axis, second horizontal axis (product grouping)

[0196] 46 Folding area (packaging blank, main surface)

[0197] 48 recess, groove-like recess

[0198] 50 Top cover-shaped transition portion

[0199] 52 flange part (packaging blank)

[0200] 54 adhesive part (strip part)

[0201] 60 Application head

[0202] 62 Application Unit

[0203] 64 Support frame (applying head)

[0204] 66 arm part

[0205] 68 suction element

[0206] 70 Suction plunger

[0207] 72 negative pressure pipeline

[0208] 74 plywood

[0209] 76 recess, circular recess

[0210] 78 Linear motor, linear drive

[0211] 80 lower frame part

[0212] 82 forming elements, knife-shaped forming elements, sword-shaped forming elements

[0213] 84 Folding Sword

[0214] 86 recess, groove-like recess

[0215] 88 Horizontal folding element

[0216] 90 Folding Tool

[0217] 92 Sloping slope

[0218] 100 splitter modules

[0219] 102 Lane guide device

[0220] 104 Grouping Module

[0221] 106 Application Module

[0222] 108 strapping module

[0223] 114 Flip Fold Tool

[0224] 116 Folding Finger

[0225] 118 horizontal bar

[0226] 120 Continuous traction device

[0227] 122 guide wheel

[0228] 124 guide chute

[0229] 128 Transportation Section

[0230] 130 transport tracks

[0231] 132 Slide

[0232] 134 Material Warehouse

[0233] α (opening angle of the formed folding area)

[0234] A distance, horizontal distance

[0235] TR Transport direction.

Claims

1. An application head (60) which can be controlled and moved within a limited movement space, for attaching a packaging blank (14) to a group (20) of at least two goods (12), the application head having a receiving device for receiving at least one packaging blank (14) and for placing the packaging blank (14) on the upper side of the group (20) of goods, - wherein the application head (60) is equipped with fixing means for establishing a mechanical connection of the packaging blank (14) at the grouping of goods (20), - and wherein the receiving device of the application head (60) comprises at least one suction device capable of applying a controllable negative pressure, the suction device being capable of applying an increased negative pressure to receive and hold the packaging blank (14) and being capable of applying a decreased negative pressure to release the packaging blank (14) held in the application head (60).

2. The application head (60) according to claim 1, which is equipped with at least one application unit (62) for processing a respective group of goods (20) and for equipping it with packaging blanks (14).

3. The application head (60) according to claim 2, comprising two application units (62) for substantially simultaneous processing of two separate groups of goods (20) and for equipping each of them with a packaging blank (14).

4. The application head according to claim 1, which is movable in a movement space between a storage or supply location of several packaging blanks (14) and a corresponding temporary storage point of the product group (20) to be processed.

5. An application head according to claim 2, in which each application unit (62) is equipped with a laminating plate (74) that moves vertically between two end positions for planar laminating with the corresponding packaging blank (14), and is equipped with at least one controllable suction element (68) for holding or releasing the packaging blank (14) held there by negative pressure under the control of negative pressure.

6. An application head according to claim 2, in which each application unit (62) is equipped with a forming element (82) for deforming a defined folding area (46) of a packaging blank (14) placed onto the corresponding group of goods (20).

7. An application head according to claim 6, in which each application unit (62) is equipped with a forming element (82) for forming a primary fixing means (22) for establishing a mechanical connection between the goods (12) of the group of goods (20) and the packaging blank (14).

8. An application head according to claim 5, in which each application unit (62) is equipped with a forming element (82) for deforming a defined folding area (46) of a packaging blank (14) placed onto the corresponding group of goods (20).

9. An application head according to claim 2, in which each application unit (62) is equipped with a folding element (88) for folding over the side surface (24) of the packaging blank (14) extending above the product group (20) and for preparing a secondary fixing means (30) between the product group (20) and the packaging blank (14).

10. An application head according to claim 5, in which each application unit (62) is equipped with a folding element (88) for folding over the side surface (24) of the packaging blank (14) that extends over the upper side of the product group (20) and for preparing a secondary fixing means (30) between the product group (20) and the packaging blank (14).

11. An application head according to claim 6, in which each application unit (62) is equipped with a folding element (88) for folding over the side surface (24) of the packaging blank (14) extending above the product group (20) and for preparing a secondary fixing means (30) between the product group (20) and the packaging blank (14).

12. An application head according to claim 7, in which each application unit (62) is equipped with a folding element (88) for folding over the side surface (24) of the packaging blank (14) extending above the product group (20) and for preparing a secondary fixing means (30) between the product group (20) and the packaging blank (14).

13. An application head according to claim 8, in which each application unit (62) is equipped with a folding element (88) for folding over the side surface (24) of the packaging blank (14) extending above the product group (20) and for preparing a secondary fixing means (30) between the product group (20) and the packaging blank (14).

14. An application head according to one of claims 3 to 13, in which the moving laminating plate (74), the suction element (68) capable of applying negative pressure, the folding element (88) and the forming element (82) of each application unit (62) associated with the application head (60) that can be lowered onto the commodity group (20) or can be raised therefrom can each perform mutually coordinated operating steps to form the primary fixing means (22) and at least prepare the secondary fixing means (30).

15. A packaging device for producing a packaging unit (10), the packaging unit comprising at least two articles (12) held together by at least one packaging blank (14), and comprising at least: a conveying device, a transport section (128) and / or a provision location for conveying the grouped articles (12) and / or for providing said grouped articles (12), - an application device for equipping the group of goods (20) with each at least one packaging blank (14), wherein the application device comprises at least one application head (60) which can be controlled and moved within a defined movement space, - wherein the application head (60) is capable of equipping at least one commodity group (20) located in the movement space and / or moved therewith with a packaging blank (14) and applying the packaging blank to the commodity group (20), - wherein the application head (60) of the application device is equipped with controllable means for receiving, holding and releasing the packaging blank (14), - and wherein the application head (60) is equipped with controllable means for producing a mechanical connection between the respective grouping of goods (20) and the packaging blank (14) applied thereto.

16. Packaging device according to claim 15, equipped with an application head (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images