Packaging device for producing packaging unit

Abstract

The utility model relates to a packaging device (1) for manufacturing a packaging unit (20) comprising at least two articles (30). In this case, the article (30) is combined with the packaging material (35), regions of the packaging material (35) being fixed to one another by means of an adhesive (40). The packaging device (1) comprises at least a one-piece module (3) configured to form a combination (32) of at least two articles (30), and a packaging module (5) comprising transport means for transporting the combination (32) of articles in a transport direction. The packaging module (5) is configured to arrange a packaging material (35) on a combination (32) of at least two articles (30). The packaging module (5) comprises at least one arrangement (6) comprising at least two applying elements (7) for the adhesive (40) for applying the adhesive (40) to the packaging material (35). The arrangement (6) can be brought into different working positions (AP1, AP2), which are distinguished by different angular positions (alpha).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a packaging device for manufacturing packaging units.

[0002] This utility model relates to a packaging device for manufacturing packaging units, wherein packaging materials are arranged on a group of articles, and wherein sub-regions of the packaging materials are connected to each other by adhesive bonding. Background Technology

[0003] An adhesive applicator head is known from the prior art, in which multiple adhesive applicator modules are arranged adjacent to each other. The minimum distance between the adhesive tracks of the applicator head is defined by the minimum width of the adhesive applicator modules.

[0004] If this type of applicator is used to apply adhesive to a packaging material area with a small width, it may be necessary to discontinue the individual adhesive application module, as only a smaller amount of adhesive can be applied to the packaging material area accordingly. The smaller amount of adhesive applied results in a correspondingly lower bonding strength, and therefore a less stable bond.

[0005] This can be offset by increasing the amount of adhesive applied. However, this is generally undesirable because it increases the thickness of the adhesive coating, and therefore, in particular, increases the curing time of the adhesive coating. Furthermore, applying a large amount of adhesive can cause problems when opening the packaging unit. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing packaging units, which eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art regarding the predetermined distance of adhesive application points.

[0007] The above objective is achieved by a packaging device for manufacturing packaging units according to the present invention.

[0008] In the method described herein, at least two items are assembled into an item group and then combined with at least one packaging material, wherein at least a portion of the packaging material is secured to each other by an adhesive.

[0009] In this configuration, the adhesive is applied to the packaging material via an arrangement comprising at least two application elements for the adhesive. To allow the distance between adhesive applications on the packaging material to be adapted to the specific product in an advantageous manner, the arrangement having at least two application elements is provided to be positioned at different angular angles.

[0010] A packaging apparatus capable of performing this method includes a single-piece module configured to form a combination of at least two articles. In each case, the resulting group or combination of articles specifically comprises a defined number of articles, preferably arranged in a defined configuration within the group. In this case, the number and arrangement of articles within the group correspond to the number and arrangement of articles within the packaging unit to be formed.

[0011] Furthermore, the packaging apparatus includes at least one packaging module having a transport device for transporting the assembly of articles in a transport direction. The packaging module is configured to arrange at least one packaging material on the assembly consisting of at least two articles, and in this case, at least areas of the packaging material are fastened together by an adhesive. For this purpose, the packaging module includes at least one arrangement comprising at least two adhesive application elements that can be brought to different working positions, wherein the different working positions are distinguished by different angular positions.

[0012] Articles to be assembled into packaging units are preferably formed from containers filled with fluid contents, such as bottles or jars, and particularly preferably from beverage containers. However, bottles or jars or similar containers may also be filled with, for example, fluid or paste-like contents, such as cosmetics or shampoos.

[0013] Preferably, in each case, the same items are grouped together; however, the method and packaging apparatus can also be used to manufacture mixed bundles, particularly preferred packaging units, in which several bottles, jars or other containers of the same type with different contents are combined into mixed bundles.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the packaging module can be configured as an application module for securing an upper gripping cardboard package to a corresponding article assembly. Specifically, an upper gripping cardboard package is formed by arranging packaging blanks on the articles such that the packaging blanks are arranged at least between the articles in the article assembly and at least regionally include the upper region of the outer sheath surface of the articles.

[0015] To form a top-gripping cardboard package, a packaging blank is specifically provided as the packaging material. In each case, the latter can preferably be composed of paper or cardboard materials, plastic materials, cardboard-plastic composites, etc.

[0016] Each packaging blank has, in every case, channel openings for articles assembled by the packaging blank, wherein these channel openings specifically correspond to the longitudinal central axis of the articles to be assembled and receive the articles in the area, optionally creating a form-locking connection.

[0017] Within the application module, the packaging blank is applied to the corresponding article group by an outward movement, causing the upper area of ​​the article to pass through the corresponding channel opening. In this case, the packaging blank is arranged in the area between the articles in the article group.

[0018] Furthermore, the edge regions of the packaging blank that protrude laterally beyond the article are folded downwards within the application module. Specifically, the edge regions are folded so as to contact the surface of the outer sheath of the article. For this purpose, the edge regions are specifically folded approximately 90 degrees. In this case, packaging material or packaging blanks can be provided to offer corresponding folded edges that facilitate the folding process of the lateral edge regions.

[0019] Furthermore, the adhesive is applied to the lateral edge region of the packaging blank by means of an arrangement including at least two application elements. In particular, in this case, at least two adhesive dots or adhesive strips are generated arranged above each other. The adhesive dots or adhesive strips arranged above each other should be understood in particular as an arrangement in which the adhesive dots or adhesive strips form different vertical distances relative to the transport or support plane of the packaging device on the packaging material.

[0020] After folding the lateral edge region downwards, the protruding free end region of the folded lateral edge region is folded laterally to the transport direction, such that the free end region now includes the outer sheath surface of the article in the region, which is assigned the side surfaces of the article group that are leading or lagging in the transport direction.

[0021] Particularly preferably, in each case, an overlapping arrangement of two free end regions is formed. In particular, before folding the free end regions, an adhesive is applied to the surface of one of the two free end regions, such that an adhesive bond is formed between the overlapping end regions after the overlapping arrangement is formed.

[0022] The aforementioned arrangement and fastening of the packaging blank on the article forms a packaging unit, wherein the packaging blank is engaged with the article in such a way that the packaging blank is substantially fixed to the article, and the article can no longer make any significant relative movement or positional change relative to each other or relative to the packaging blank. Therefore, the packaging blank can only be removed from the article of the packaging unit under increased force consumption and an upward force component, thereby typically at least partially destroying the packaging blank. Furthermore, in this case, tearing is usually provided in the folded edge area.

[0023] In the top-grabbing cardboard packaging described herein, the packaging blank is attached to the articles in such a way that the articles partially pass through the channel openings of the packaging blank, thereby holding them together with each other through the packaging blank. In particular, the packaging blank is secured to the articles in this manner.

[0024] For this purpose, the through holes of the packaging blank can each have suitable fixing devices, which can be formed, for example, by fixing tongues. The fixing tongues are formed, for example, by slits extending radially from the through holes.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the packaging blank is secured to the article in such a manner that the article in the upper conical region is clamped and held within the channel opening of the packaging blank in each case. In particular, bottles are clamped below the so-called neck ring, and cans are clamped below the flange forming the edge of the can, thereby ensuring effective positioning between the packaging blank and the article.

[0026] Furthermore, in the top-grabbing cardboard packaging described herein, a folded edge region of the packaging blank is provided to at least partially encompass the lateral outer sheath surface of the articles. The folded edge region of the packaging blank forms, for example, a loop surrounding an upper region of the outer sheath surface of the articles.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the packaging module can also be configured as a folding module, which is configured to form an outer packaging around an assembly of articles, particularly cardboard packaging, etc. A packaging blank is provided on which an assembly of articles is arranged, and the packaging blank is folded around the assembly of articles to form a cardboard outer packaging, wherein, during the formation of the cardboard outer packaging, an adhesive is applied to the packaging blank in a specific area to fix the areas of the packaging blank together during the formation of the cardboard outer packaging.

[0028] Outer packaging can be made of materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic, or composite materials.

[0029] According to another embodiment not shown, the packaging module can also be configured as a strapping module, which is configured to place strip straps around the lateral outer sheath surface of the article group and secure the free ends of the straps to each other by adhesive bonding. In particular, the straps are firmly pulled taut around the articles of the article group in order to hold them together.

[0030] Strip strapping can be formed from materials such as paper, cardboard of suitable thickness, plastic, or composite materials. The thickness and stability of the materials used depend on the requirements, namely the desired level of stability of the resulting packaging unit.

[0031] The method described herein specifically provides that the distance between at least two adhesive coatings that can be applied to the packaging material by the application elements of the arrangement can be adjusted or adjusted by adjusting or adjusting the angular position of the arrangement.

[0032] The application elements are arranged on top of each other within the arrangement. In this way, by means of this arrangement, at least two adhesive points or adhesive strips arranged on top of each other can be created on the packaging material. The application elements arranged on top of each other should be understood in particular as an arrangement in which the application elements are arranged at different vertical distances relative to the transport or support plane of the packaging device.

[0033] Due to the predetermined structural conditions of the application elements, when the application elements are arranged directly adjacent to each other, a first defined distance exists in the vertical direction between the nozzles, etc., that deliver the adhesive. This first distance, particularly the first vertical distance, creates a corresponding first defined distance between the respective adhesive dots or adhesive strips formed on the packaging material above each other.

[0034] Due to structural limitations, it is impossible to reduce the distance between the nozzles delivering the adhesive. To achieve a lower adhesive coverage, one nozzle delivering the external adhesive must be deactivated to reduce the number of adhesive dots or bands formed over each other. This is not a wise choice in many cases because it results in a less stable adhesive bond.

[0035] In order to reduce the vertical distance between adhesive dots or adhesive strips arranged above each other and applied to packaging material, the arrangement is provided to occupy different working positions, wherein the different working positions are defined by different angular positions in each case.

[0036] The first working position is specifically defined by the application elements being arranged above each other, such that the nozzles of the application elements for delivering adhesive are arranged above each other, particularly in the vertical direction.

[0037] The second working position is characterized by a change in the angular position of the arrangement, such that the nozzles of the adhesive application element are no longer in a vertical arrangement, but rather in an arrangement that is tilted and offset relative to the vertical direction. Specifically, the angular position relative to the vertical plane is changed. In this case, the angular position can be changed, particularly within a second vertical plane formed parallel to the transport direction.

[0038] A vertical plane specifically refers to a horizontal plane oriented perpendicular to the direction of transport and located within it.

[0039] The angular position of this arrangement is specifically adjusted by pivoting the arrangement within the vertical plane.

[0040] By altering the arrangement in this way, adhesive dots or adhesive strips arranged above each other can be created on the packaging material, forming a second vertical distance between them that is smaller than the first vertical distance described above. Specifically, the vertical distance refers to the vertical distance component between the nozzles of the adhesive delivery elements, which is generated in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, an arrangement is provided that can be brought to a working position at an angle between 0 and 65 degrees relative to a plane formed perpendicular to the transport direction, particularly at an angle of 30 degrees or 45 degrees relative to a plane formed perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0042] In this case, defining the pivoting direction is useful, by means of which the device is brought to an angular position of the second working position. Specifically, the arrangement pivots relative to a first vertical plane, i.e., a vertical plane perpendicular to the transport direction. This relates to articles transported in a horizontal transport direction. Therefore, specifically, the pivoting occurs within a second vertical plane, which is specifically formed by the drawing plane and is configured to be parallel to the transport direction and perpendicular to the first vertical plane.

[0043] Therefore, if the second vertical plane defined in this way is perpendicular to the horizontal transport plane through which the article to be bonded is transported, and if the second vertical plane is also parallel to or includes the horizontal transport direction, then the pivoting from the first working position to the second working position also occurs within the pivoting angle of the second vertical plane defined in this way.

[0044] The angular position can be adjusted manually or electrically using a suitable actuator. In the case of electric adjustment, a suitable drive is assigned to the actuator, such as an electric drive.

[0045] To enable the packaging unit to be easily adapted to different products, the arrangement can also be configured at different heights relative to the conveyor plane used for assembling the items. In this case, the height adjustment can be manual or electric.

[0046] In addition, the packaging device may include at least one control unit configured to manipulate the adjustment of the angular position and / or the control unit configured to manipulate at least two actuating elements of the arrangement.

[0047] Preferably, individual control of the application elements is provided via control valves or the like. Specifically, the amount and / or timing of adhesive delivery by the respective application element can be controlled accordingly. In particular, the time and duration of adhesive delivery through the respective application element can be controlled. Therefore, especially in the case of an inclined angle arrangement, it can be ensured that the adhesive dots or adhesive strips applied to the packaging material are directly positioned above each other and do not have an offset arrangement on the packaging material. In this way, any offset in adhesive application in the transport direction caused by the angular arrangement can be compensated for by correspondingly controlling the individual application elements via software.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the width of the packaging material is detected by a sensor. The detected data is specifically used to calculate and adjust the optimal angular position of the arrangement based on the detected width.

[0049] For this purpose, the packaging apparatus preferably includes at least one detection device, such as a sensor, configured to detect the width of the packaging material. Specifically, in this case, the width of an area of ​​the packaging material is detected, in which an adhesive is applied to bond that area to another area of ​​the packaging material.

[0050] The angle and position of the arrangement are preferably calculated and controlled by a control unit. Therefore, even in the case of a small width, multiple adhesive dots or adhesive strips arranged on top of each other can be advantageously applied to the packaging material.

[0051] Furthermore, based on the detected width and calculated angular position, the activation time and activation duration of the control valve with the applied element can also be calculated and manipulated.

[0052] The detection device or sensor can be, for example, an image recognition sensor. Other physical principles are also conceivable for the sensor system used, such as ultrasonic sensors or simpler optical sensors, which may not necessarily need to be connected to image processing, but may only need to provide brightness and darkness differentiation.

[0053] The above principle is particularly advantageous if an adhesive bond is created by pressing areas of the packaging material together, thereby generating a counter-pressure between the assembled articles. This is especially true for articles with cylindrical bodies, where only a few areas of the outer sheath surface can generate this counter-pressure, thus correspondingly limiting the area available for applying adhesive.

[0054] In this regard, it should be explicitly stated that all aspects and embodiments relating to the apparatus of this invention are equally relevant to or may be parts of the described method. Therefore, if any aspect and / or relationship and / or effect is mentioned at any point in the description of the apparatus of this invention, then this also applies to the method. Conversely, the same applies; therefore, all aspects and embodiments relating to the described method are equally relevant to or may be parts of the apparatus according to this invention. Therefore, if any aspect and / or relationship and / or effect is mentioned at any point in the description of the method, then this also applies to the apparatus of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0055] In the following sections, embodiments of the present invention and their advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensional proportions of individual elements in the drawings do not always correspond to actual dimensional proportions, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged for better illustration compared to other elements.

[0056] Figure 1 The structure of a modified embodiment of the packaging device according to the present invention is shown schematically.

[0057] Figure 2 An implementation of the packaging module is shown.

[0058] Figure 3 and Figure 4 An arrangement including adhesive application elements for use in different working positions is shown.

[0059] Figures 5 to 10 Further embodiments of the packaging module are shown in different views. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The same reference numerals are used for elements of the present invention that are identical or have the same effect. Furthermore, for clarity, only the reference numerals necessary for the description of the corresponding figure are depicted in a single drawing. The depicted embodiments are merely examples of how the apparatus or method of the present invention can be designed and do not represent conclusive limitations.

[0061] Figure 1 The side view schematically illustrates the structure of the packaging equipment or packaging apparatus 1 for manufacturing the packaging unit 20. The packaging unit 20 is specifically formed by at least two articles 30, which are combined with at least one packaging material 35.

[0062] The item 30 to be assembled is preferably a container filled with liquid contents, such as a bottle or jar 31, especially a beverage container. However, the bottle or jar 31 or similar container may also be filled with, for example, a liquid or paste-like cosmetic, such as shampoo.

[0063] In this case, the areas where packaging materials are provided are fixed together with adhesive.

[0064] Packaging material 35 may be, for example, a top-grabbing cardboard package 36. Alternatively, packaging material 35 may also be formed from outer packaging such as cardboard outer packaging or strapping, with the articles 30 arranged therein accordingly.

[0065] The packaging device 1 includes a first transport device 2 through which articles 30 are supplied to a unit module 3 in a disordered mass flow, an ordered mass flow, or other suitable arrangement in the transport direction TR. In the unit module 3, an article combination or article group 32 is formed by at least two articles 30. The corresponding article group 32 contains a defined number of articles 30, which are arranged in a defined arrangement within the article group 32. The number and arrangement of articles 30 in the article group 32 specifically correspond to the number and arrangement of articles 30 in the packaging unit 20 to be formed.

[0066] Article group 32 is supplied to packaging module 5 via second transport device 4. Packaging module 5 is configured to place at least one packaging material 35 on each article group 32.

[0067] In this case, the areas of the packaging material 35 are also secured to each other by adhesive 40.

[0068] For this purpose, the packaging module 5 includes at least one arrangement 6 having a plurality of application elements 7 for adhesive 40, which can be applied to the packaging material 35 by means of the application elements 7.

[0069] This provides an arrangement 6 that can be taken to different work positions, distinguished by different angles. This will be explained in more detail with the following diagram.

[0070] Figure 2 The perspective view illustrates an embodiment of the packaging module 5. The packaging module 5 described herein is configured, for example, to attach and / or form packaging material 35 in the form of an upper gripping cardboard package 35 to and / or form the article group 32. In particular, it is the application module 50.

[0071] The item group 32 is formed, for example, by four cans 31, which are moved through the packaging module 5 via a third transport device 8.

[0072] The first transport device 2, the second transport device 4, and the third transport device 8 can each be formed from a circular conveyor belt or another suitable transport device. Alternatively, the first transport device 2, the second transport device 4, and the third transport device 8 can be formed from a portion of a continuous circular conveyor belt.

[0073] To form the upper gripping cardboard package 36, a packaging blank 37 is provided as packaging material 35. In each case, the latter may preferably be composed of paper or cardboard material, plastic material, cardboard-plastic composite material, etc.

[0074] Each packaging blank 37 has a corresponding channel opening (not visible) for cans 31 assembled by the packaging blank 37, wherein these channel openings correspond to the longitudinal central axis L of the cans 31 to be assembled and receive the cans 31 in the area, optionally creating a form-locking connection.

[0075] Within the packaging module 5, a packaging blank 37 is applied to the article group 32 by a downward movement, wherein the upper region of the cans 31 passes through corresponding channel openings. In particular, the packaging blank 37 is arranged at least partially between the cans 31 of the article group 32.

[0076] Furthermore, the edge region 38 of the packaging blank 37, which protrudes laterally beyond the can 31, is folded downward within the packaging module 5. Specifically, the edge region 38 is folded in such a way that it contacts the outer sheath surface 33 of the can 31. For this purpose, the edge region 38 is specifically folded approximately 90 degrees. In this case, the packaging material 35 or the packaging blank 37 can be provided with corresponding folded edges 39, which facilitate the folding process of the lateral edge region 38.

[0077] Furthermore, the adhesive is applied to the lateral edge region 38 of the packaging blank 37 by means of an arrangement 6 including at least two application elements 7.

[0078] After the lateral edge region 38 is folded downward, the protruding free end region 45 of the folded lateral edge region 38 is further folded laterally in the transport direction, such that the free end region 45 now includes the outer sheath surface 33 of the can 31 in the region, which is distributed with the side surfaces of the article group 32 leading or lagging in the transport direction TR.

[0079] Particularly preferably, in each case, an overlapping arrangement of two free end regions 45 is formed. In particular, before folding the free end regions 45, an adhesive is applied to the surface of one of the two free end regions 45, such that after the overlapping arrangement is formed, an adhesive bond is created between the overlapping end regions 45.

[0080] Through the above arrangement and by fastening the packaging blank 37 to the article 30, especially the can 31, a packaging unit 20 is formed (see also...).Figure 1 In packaging unit 20, packaging blank 37 is engaged with article 30 in such a way that packaging blank 37 is substantially fixed to article 30, and article 30 can no longer make any significant relative movement or positional change relative to each other or relative to packaging blank 37. Therefore, packaging blank 37 can only be removed from article 31 of packaging unit 20 again by increased force consumption and upward force component, thereby packaging blank 37 is usually at least partially destroyed.

[0081] In the upper gripping cardboard package 36 described herein, the packaging blank 37 is attached to the article 30 in such a way that a portion of the article 30 passes through a channel opening in the packaging blank 37, thereby being held together by the packaging blank 37. In particular, the packaging blank 37 is locked to the article 30 in such a way that...

[0082] Therefore, each of the channel openings of the packaging blank 37 can have a suitable fixing device, which can be formed, for example, by a fixing tongue. The fixing tongue is formed, for example, by a slit extending radially from the through hole.

[0083] Particularly preferably, in each case, the packaging blank 37 is secured to the article 30 in such a way that the article 30 is clamped and held within the upper conical region of the channel opening of the packaging blank 37. In particular, the bottle is clamped and held below the so-called neck ring, and the can 31 is clamped and held below the flange edge forming the edge of the can, thereby providing an effective lock between the packaging blank 37 and the article 30 in each case.

[0084] Furthermore, in the upper gripping cardboard package 36 described herein, the folded edge regions 38, 45 of the packaging blank 37 at least partially encompass the lateral outer sheath surface 33 of the article assembly 32. The folded edge regions 38, 45 of the packaging blank 37 form a loop, for example, around the upper region of the outer sheath surface 33 of the article 30.

[0085] Figure 3 and 4 A portion of the packaging module 5 is shown schematically. The packaging module 5 has an arrangement 6 including three application elements 7 for adhesives at different working positions AP 1 and AP 2. Each of the three application elements 7 includes adhesive nozzles 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3. Adhesive reservoirs 10 are distributed to the application elements 7. Furthermore, individual control of the adhesive nozzles 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3 can be provided via a control valve 11.

[0086] Figure 3 One embodiment is shown in which the applying elements 7 are arranged on top of each other in a conventionally known manner to create adhesive dots or adhesive strips arranged on top of each other on the packaging device.Figure 3 and 4 (Not shown in the image). The term "application elements 7 arranged above each other" as used herein refers to these application elements arranged at different vertical distances relative to the transport or support plane (not shown here).

[0087] Due to the structural design, in the case of direct adjacent arrangement, there is a first limiting distance A1 between the glue nozzles 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3 of the three application elements 7. This distance A1 creates a corresponding first limiting distance A1 between adhesive dots or adhesive strips on the packaging material in each case.

[0088] It is now possible to provide that the area of ​​the packaging material to which the adhesive is applied has a width equal to or less than twice the first defined distance A1. Therefore, according to Figure 3 In the first working position, the three glue nozzles 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3 cannot produce three adhesive dots or adhesive strips on top of each other.

[0089] Due to structural limitations, it is impossible to reduce the distance between glue nozzles 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3. Because of the finite volume of each of the three glue nozzles 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3 mounted adjacent to or above each other, the distance between them can be assumed to be at most zero, such that the housings of the corresponding adjacent glue nozzles 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3 are abutted against each other. If the distance were to be further reduced, one of the outer glue nozzles 9-1 or 9-3 would have to be deactivated, so that only two adhesive points or strips of adhesive are applied to the packaging material in this way. Since this would result in a less stable adhesive bond, this is not a wise choice in many cases.

[0090] To further reduce the vertical distance between adhesive dots or adhesive strips arranged above each other on the packaging material, according to a variation of the present invention, arrangement 6 is provided to be brought to at least one second working position AP 2. Figure 4 In this second working position, a second effective (vertical) distance A2 is created between adhesive dots or adhesive strips arranged above each other and applied to the packaging material.

[0091] In this case, the second vertical distance A2 is less than the first defined vertical distance A1. As mentioned above, the vertical distance A2 refers to the vertical distance component between glue nozzles 9-1, 9-2 and 9-3, which is generated in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction TR.

[0092] In order to move arrangement 6 from the first working position AP1 to the second working position AP2, the angular position α of arrangement 6 is changed, in particular the angular position α of the vertical plane VE oriented relative to the vertical direction or the horizontal plane oriented within the vertical plane perpendicular to the transport direction TR.

[0093] Furthermore, it is advantageous to define the pivoting direction, by means of which arrangement 6 is brought to the angular position α in the second working position AP2. Specifically, arrangement 6 pivots relative to the first vertical plane VE, as follows: Figure 4 As shown, this refers to the vertical plane VE formed perpendicular to the transport direction TR. This relates to the case of articles transported in the horizontal transport direction TR. Therefore, in particular, the pivoting occurs within a second vertical plane, which is specifically formed by the plane shown in the figure and is configured to be parallel to the transport direction TR and perpendicular to the first vertical plane VE.

[0094] Therefore, if the second vertical plane defined in this way is perpendicular to the horizontal transport plane through which the articles to be bonded are transported by arrangement 6, and if the second vertical plane is also parallel to or includes the horizontal transport direction TR, then the pivoting from the first working position AP1 to the second working position AP2 also occurs within the second vertical plane defined in this way at a pivoting angle α, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0095] Preferably, arrangement 6 can be at 0 degrees relative to the plane VE formed with respect to the direction of transport TR perpendicular to the plane of transport. Figure 3 Move from the angular position α between 65 degrees to the working positions AP1 and AP2, especially at the angular position α at 30 degrees or 45 degrees relative to the plane VE formed perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0096] The angular position α can be adjusted manually or electrically via actuator 12. In the case of electric adjustment, actuator 12 is equipped with a suitable driver (not shown), such as an electric driver.

[0097] Therefore, by setting different angular positions α, the distance between at least two adhesive coatings on the packaging material can be set, and in particular, changed.

[0098] To enable the packaging device 1 to be easily adapted to different products, the arrangement 6 can be positioned at different heights H relative to the conveying plane formed by the third transport device 8. In this case, the height adjustment can be manual or electric.

[0099] Figure 4An example of a control unit 13 of the packaging module 5 is shown, which is configured to control the actuator 12 in the case of electric adjustment, thereby controlling the adjustment of the angular position α and / or height H of the arrangement 6.

[0100] Furthermore, the control unit 13 can be configured to actuate the three application elements 7 of the arrangement 6, and in particular, the control unit 13 can be configured to actuate the glue nozzles 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3 via the control valve 11. Specifically, the amount of adhesive delivered through the respective glue nozzles 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3 can be controlled.

[0101] Furthermore, the time and duration of adhesive delivery through the corresponding glue nozzles 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3 can be controlled, thus, especially in the case of an inclined angle position α, such as Figure 4 As shown in the example, it is also possible to ensure that the adhesive dots or adhesive strips applied to the packaging material are arranged directly on top of each other and do not have an arrangement on the packaging material that is offset relative to each other.

[0102] exist Figure 4 The system also includes a detection device 14, specifically a suitable sensor 15, which detects the width of the area of ​​the packaging material to which adhesive is to be applied. Based on the detected width, the angular position α of the arrangement 6 is calculated, so that even in the case of a small width, three adhesive points or adhesive strips arranged above each other can be advantageously applied to the packaging material. The control unit 13 then controls the actuator 12 to adjust the calculated angular position α.

[0103] Furthermore, based on the detected width and the calculated angular position α, the activation time and activation duration of the control valves 11 assigned to the glue nozzles 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3 can also be calculated and manipulated.

[0104] Sensor 15 can be, for example, an image recognition sensor.

[0105] Figures 5 to 10 Further embodiments of the packaging module 5 are shown in different views. Each of these arrangements has multiple arrangements 6 for parallel processing of multiple groups of items 32. Figure 6 , 8 Up to 10).

[0106] To describe the naming in the diagram but not combined Figures 5 to 10 The previously known reference numerals are clearly described, see reference . Figures 1 to 4 The description.

[0107] exist Figure 5In the embodiment shown, these arrangements are arranged on a frame element 16 that extends transversely to the transport direction TR, and their angular positions can be adjusted together by manually adjusting an actuator 12 configured as a handle 17.

[0108] Figure 6 A supply conduit 18 is also shown through which the adhesive is supplied to the application element 7 of arrangement 6.

[0109] Figure 2 and 5 Sections 10 to 10 specifically illustrate a packaging module 5 configured as an application module 50. In the application module 5, specifically, in each case, an upper gripping cardboard package 36 is attached to a corresponding article group 32 to assemble the articles of the article group 32. Specifically, the upper gripping cardboard package 36 is formed by arranging a packaging blank on the articles such that the packaging blank is at least partially arranged between the articles of the article group 32, and additionally at least partially includes the upper region of the outer sheath surface of the articles (see also...). Figure 2 (Description).

[0110] According to embodiments not shown, the packaging module can also be configured as a folding module, which is configured to form an outer packaging around an assembly of articles, particularly cardboard packaging, etc. A packaging blank is provided herein on which an assembly of articles is arranged, and the packaging blank is folded around the assembly of articles to form a cardboard outer packaging, wherein, during the formation of the cardboard outer packaging, an adhesive is applied to the packaging blank in a specific area to fix areas of the packaging blank to each other during the formation of the cardboard outer packaging.

[0111] According to another embodiment not shown, the packaging module can also be configured as a strapping module, which is configured to place strip straps around the lateral outer sheath surface of the article group and secure the free ends of the straps to each other by adhesive bonding. In particular, the straps are firmly pulled taut around the articles of the article group in order to hold them together.

[0112] The embodiments, examples, and variations described in the preceding paragraphs, or the descriptions and drawings that follow, including their various views or corresponding individual features, may be used independently or in any combination thereof. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless these features are contradictory.

[0113] Although the foregoing drawings and views are generally “schematic” depictions and views, this in no way implies that the depiction and description of the drawings are secondary to the disclosure of this invention. Those skilled in the art will be fully able to derive sufficient information from the schematic and abstract illustrations to facilitate a better understanding of the invention without in any way impairing their comprehension, for example, from the dimensions shown, and possibly not exactly to scale, of the components or other elements of the articles 30, article assembly 32, and / or packaging device 1. Therefore, these drawings enable those skilled in the art, as readers, to better understand the ideas of the invention presented in a more general and / or more abstract manner in the claims and the general section of the description, by means of the functional principles specifically interpreted according to the method and the apparatus according to the invention.

[0114] List of reference signs

[0115] 1 Packaging equipment

[0116] 2 First transport unit

[0117] 3 Single-piece module

[0118] 4 Second transport device

[0119] 5 Packaging Module

[0120] 6. Arrangement

[0121] 7. Applying element

[0122] 8 Third transport unit

[0123] 9-1, 9-2, 9-3 Glue nozzles

[0124] 10 Adhesive Storage

[0125] 11 Control valve

[0126] 12 Actuators

[0127] 13 Control Unit

[0128] 14. Detection device

[0129] 15 Sensors

[0130] 16 Frame Components

[0131] 17 Handle

[0132] 18 Supply Pipelines

[0133] 20 Packaging Units

[0134] 30 items

[0135] 31 jars

[0136] 32 Item Groups

[0137] 33 Outer sheath surface

[0138] 35 Packaging Materials

[0139] 36. Top gripper for cardboard packaging

[0140] 37 Packaging blanks

[0141] 38. Edge Area

[0142] 39 Folded edges

[0143] 40 Adhesive

[0144] 45 Free end region

[0145] 50 Application Module

[0146] α angle position

[0147] A1 First Limited Distance

[0148] AP1, AP2 working positions

[0149] H height

[0150] L longitudinal center axis

[0151] TR transport direction

[0152] VE: Vertical direction, vertical plane.

Claims

1. A packaging apparatus (1) for manufacturing a packaging unit (20), the packaging apparatus comprising at least two articles (30) in combination with a packaging material (35), wherein, The regions of the packaging material (35) are fixed to one another by means of an adhesive (40), The packaging device (1) comprises at least: a single-piece module (3) which is configured to form a combination (32) of at least two articles (30); and a packaging module (5) comprising a transport device for transporting the combination (32) of articles in a transport direction; The packaging module (5) is configured to arrange a packaging material (35) on the combination (32) consisting of at least two articles (30); wherein the packaging module (5) comprises at least one arrangement (6) comprising at least two application elements (7) for adhesive (40) for applying adhesive (40) to the packaging material (35), The arrangement (6) can be brought into different working positions (AP1, AP2), The different working positions (AP1, AP2) are distinguished by different angular positions (a).

2. The packaging device (1) according to claim 1, wherein The arrangement (6) can be brought into a working position (AP1, AP2) at an angular position (a) of between 0 and 65 degrees relative to a plane (VE) formed perpendicular to the transport direction (TR).

3. The packaging device (1) according to claim 2, wherein The arrangement (6) can be brought into a working position (AP1, AP2) at an angular position (a) of 30 degrees or an angular position (a) of 45 degrees relative to a plane (VE) formed perpendicular to the transport direction (TR). The packaging device (1) comprises at least one control unit (13) which is configured to operate the adjustment of the angular position (a) and / or which is configured to operate the at least two application elements (7) of the arrangement (6).

4. The packaging device (1) according to claim 1, wherein The packaging device (1) comprises at least one control unit (13) which is configured to operate the adjustment of the angular position (a) and / or which is configured to operate the at least two application elements (7) of the arrangement (6).

5. The packaging device (1) according to claim 2, wherein The packaging device (1) comprises at least one sensor (15) for detecting the width of the packaging material (35), and wherein the control unit (13) is configured to calculate and adjust the angular position (a) of the arrangement (6) depending on the detected width.

6. The packaging device (1) according to claim 4, wherein The control unit (13) is configured to individually operate and / or activate the application elements (7) of the arrangement (6).

7. The packaging device (1) according to claim 4, wherein The control unit (13) is configured to activate the application elements (7) of the arrangement (6) in a time-offset manner.

8. Packaging device (1) according to claim 7, wherein The control unit (13) is configured to individually operate and / or activate the application elements (7) of the arrangement (6).

9. The packaging device (1) according to claim 6, wherein The arrangement (6) is assigned at least one actuator for adjusting the angular position (a) and / or the height of the arrangement (6).

10. The packaging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The at least one actuator is electrically powered.

11. Packaging device (1) according to claim 10, wherein The packaging module (5) is configured as a folding module which is configured to form an outer package around the arrangement (32) of articles (30), or 12. The packaging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, ​ wherein said packaging module (5) is configured as an application module (50) configured to attach an upper grab sheet board package (36) to said arrangement (32) of articles (30), said upper grab sheet board package (36) being formed from a packaging blank (37) arranged at least regionally between said articles (30) of said arrangement (32) and comprising at least regionally an upper region of outward sheath surfaces (33) of said articles (30). wherein said packaging module (5) is configured as an application module (50) configured to attach an upper grab sheet board package (36) to said arrangement (32) of articles (30), said upper grab sheet board package (36) being formed from a packaging blank (37) arranged at least regionally between said articles (30) of said arrangement (32) and comprising at least regionally an upper region of outward sheath surfaces (33) of said articles (30). wherein said packaging module (5) is configured as an application module (50) configured to attach an upper grab sheet board package (36) to said arrangement (32) of articles (30), said upper grab sheet board package (36) being formed from a packaging blank (37) arranged at least regionally between said articles (30) of said arrangement (32) and comprising at least regionally an upper region of outward sheath surfaces (33) of said articles (30). wherein said packaging module (5) is configured as an

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