Packaging device for producing packaging unit

Abstract

A packaging device (1) for manufacturing a packaging unit (40) is described. The packaging unit (40) comprises at least two articles (20) on which an at least partially flattened packaging blank (30) is arranged. The packaging blank (30) has at least two channel openings (33) for the at least two articles (20) in the flattening region (32). The channel openings (33) each have an edge region (34) in contact with the respective article (20). The packaging device (1) comprises at least one feed device (2) for articles (20), at least one single-piece device for dividing at least two articles (20) into article groups (22), an application head (10) for applying and fixing packaging blanks (30) to the article groups (22), a magazine (6) assigned to the packaging device (1), in which a plurality of packaging blanks (30) for applying to the article groups (22) are stored, the application head (10) comprises means for pre-treating an edge region of the channel opening (33), or wherein the magazine (6) comprises means for pre-treating an edge region of the channel opening (33). Alternative embodiments may provide a removal head for removing a packaging blank (30) from a magazine (6), the removal head comprising means for pre-treating an edge region of a channel opening (33).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] There are various packaging types for the processing, assembly, grouping, and packaging of items such as beverage containers. A common variation is combining multiple items or containers of the same type into portable, lightweight bundles or packaging units. Different schemes are known for combining individual items or containers into larger bundles. For example, beverage containers are often combined and packaged into bundles of four, six, or more containers using shrink film or strapping. Bundling is often unavoidable, as it is the most common variation of packaging units for beverage containers or bottles made of PET plastic. For transport, bundles are sometimes further combined and / or layered and stacked on pallets.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known to use so-called top-grabbing cardboard packaging, for example, to combine several bottles together by their neck area or cans together by their lid area. A packaging machine for placing such top-grabbing cardboard packaging is described in patent application EP 1075419 B1. In this method, articles or containers are arranged in a box, and the top-grabbing cardboard packaging is placed from above onto at least one article arranged in the box. The box contains a plurality of articles, which are grouped by placing a small number of top-grabbing cardboard packages, each group combining a portion of the articles arranged in the box.

[0004] The arrangement and number of openings in the cardboard gripper correspond to the arrangement and number of items or containers to be assembled. The diameter of the openings is typically slightly smaller than the maximum diameter of the upper area of ​​the items. The cardboard gripper is placed on the items and pressed down, so that the defined upper area of ​​the items passes through the openings. In particular, the upper area with the maximum diameter is pushed through the openings, with the edge of the opening contacting the items below this maximum diameter, thus reliably and securely fixing the cardboard gripper to the items. A relatively high force is required to secure the cardboard gripper to the items in this way, especially to press the items through the openings. Accordingly, the items must provide appropriate resistance to this force to avoid damage during placement of the cardboard gripper.

[0005] Publication document DE10 2019 128 874 A1 describes a packaging apparatus and method for manufacturing a packaging unit configured to reduce the applied force required to secure the cardboard package to an article assembly. This is achieved, for example, by means of a so-called pre-fracture using a stretching die adapted to stretch and / or widen edge regions with at least channel openings. In this case, a packaging blank is removed from a spool and inserted into the stretching die. The prepared packaging blank, with its widened edge regions having channel openings, is then grasped by an application head and applied accordingly to the article assembly by pressing. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a low-cost and space-saving preparation method for this packaging blank.

[0007] The above objective is achieved by a packaging device used to manufacture packaging units.

[0008] This utility model relates to a packaging apparatus for manufacturing packaging units. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing packaging units in such a packaging apparatus is described. When referred to below as a packaging unit, it means a combination comprising at least two articles. A packaging blank, at least partially flattened, is arranged at the combination of articles. The packaging blank has at least two channel openings in the flattened area for the at least two articles, each channel opening having an edge area that contacts the respective article.

[0009] The article or container preferably refers to a beverage container, particularly a bottle made of PET or other suitable plastic. Preferably, the article or container may also consist of a beverage can made of plastic and / or aluminum or other metals. However, this packaging apparatus and method are also suitable for placing and securing the corresponding packaging blank onto other suitable articles or containers.

[0010] Packaging blanks, especially so-called top-grip cardboard packaging. Packaging blanks are preferably composed of cardboard materials, plastic materials, cardboard-plastic composites, etc.

[0011] Preferably, after fixing the packaging blank, the defined upper region of the article is located above the packaging blank, while the defined lower region of the article is located below the packaging blank.

[0012] The at least partially flattened packaging blank may also have a handle opening through which a user can insert his fingers to lift and transport the entire packaging unit. Alternatively, the packaging blank may include another handling device, such as an adhesive handle.

[0013] The packaging apparatus according to the present invention includes at least one feeding device for articles, at least one single device for dividing at least two articles into an article combination or article group, an application head for applying and fixing packaging blanks to the article group, and a material magazine storing multiple packaging blanks for application to the article group.

[0014] After the packaging blank is arranged and secured to the articles, the packaging blank is engaged with the articles in such a way that it is essentially fixed to the articles, and the articles 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 articles of the group of articles again by increased force consumption and upward force components, thereby usually at least partially destroying the packaging blank.

[0015] In this case, the application head includes means for pre-treating the edge region of the channel opening, or the hopper includes means for pre-treating the edge region of the channel opening.

[0016] The device for pre-treating edge regions is specifically configured to reduce resistance in the corresponding edge regions of the channel openings of the packaging blank when the packaging blank is subsequently applied to the article assembly.

[0017] In particular, the pretreatment can at least slightly increase the average diameter of at least one channel opening. As a result, the upper region of the article with the largest diameter can more easily pass through the corresponding channel opening, which is preferably at least slightly larger than the average diameter of the channel opening.

[0018] The term "applied force" specifically refers to the force that presses the packaging blank onto the articles, such that the articles at least partially pass through the channel openings of the packaging blank. Therefore, applied force is the force required to secure the packaging blank to the assembly of articles, such that the upper region of the articles with the largest diameter is positioned above the packaging blank, and the lower region of the articles is positioned below the packaging blank.

[0019] The force required to apply a pre-treated packaging blank with pre-treated edge regions is significantly reduced compared to the force required to attach an untreated packaging blank to an article. Therefore, the risk of damaging the article when applying the packaging blank is also reduced compared to conventional packaging apparatuses and methods. In this case, even articles with smaller wall thicknesses can be used without damage when applying the packaging blank.

[0020] A preferred embodiment may provide a channel opening of the packaging blank with a suitable securing device, which may be formed, for example, by a folded piece. For example, the edge region of the channel opening of the packaging blank used to form the folded piece is equipped with a slit in each case. A suitable device for pretreatment is configured to partially fold the folded piece, resulting in an increase in the diameter of the channel opening.

[0021] One embodiment of the application head with an integrated device for pretreatment may provide that the application head includes an application plate and a pre-crushing plate. The application plate is preferably equipped with a holding device for at least temporarily securing the packaging blank. For example, the application head includes a suction device or a clamping device configured to at least temporarily hold and secure the packaging blank to the application head.

[0022] The pre-crushed plate is preferably equipped with a pre-crushing device. These may be, in particular, mechanical devices that can provide for the preparation of openings and facilitate the application of the packaging blank to the articles to be secured thereto.

[0023] Specifically, the application plate includes a first number of openings. Furthermore, the pre-crushing plate includes a first number of pre-crushing devices extending downwards from the underside of the pre-crushing plate. In this case, the first number of openings in the application plate and the first number of pre-crushing devices in the pre-crushing plate are the same, and specifically correspond to the number of articles combined with the packaging blank to form a packaging unit.

[0024] In a first working position, a first distance is formed between the applying plate and the pre-crushing plate, wherein the first distance is selected such that the pre-crushing plate and the pre-crushing device are arranged above the applying plate. In a second working position, a second distance is formed between the applying plate and the pre-crushing plate, wherein the second distance is selected such that the pre-crushing plate is arranged at a smaller distance above the applying plate. In this case, the pre-crushing device is at least partially arranged within a corresponding opening in the applying plate.

[0025] The opening of the application plate has a first diameter that corresponds at least to the diameter of the channel opening of the packaging blank. In particular, the opening of the application plate has a first diameter that corresponds at least to the diameter of the widened channel opening.

[0026] In the first working position, the application head is configured to receive the packaging blank such that the channel opening of the packaging blank and the opening of the application plate are aligned in each case.

[0027] When the applying head moves from the first working position to the second working position, the lower end region of the pre-crushing device is configured to at least partially fold downward the edge region of the corresponding channel opening of the packaged blank held on the applying plate. Furthermore, when the applying head returns from the second working position to the first working position, the lower end region of the pre-crushing device is configured to at least partially fold upward the downward-folded edge region of the corresponding channel opening of the packaged blank held on the applying plate.

[0028] To form the desired packaging unit, a packaging blank, correspondingly prepared on the application head, having folds protruding upwards from the flattened area, is now applied to the article assembly. Specifically, the prepared packaging blank is secured to the articles of the article assembly by pressing it from above. In this case, the upwardly protruding folds engage below the area of ​​the article with a widened diameter, for example, below the flange ring of a can lid or below the neck ring of a bottle.

[0029] One embodiment of a silo with an integrated pretreatment device may provide that the silo for providing and storing packaging blanks for manufacturing packaging units includes a first pretreatment device configured to at least partially fold upward and / or downward the edge region of the channel opening of the packaging blank disposed at the top of the silo.

[0030] Another embodiment of the silo with an integrated device for pretreatment can be provided, the silo including a second pretreatment device configured to fold at least partially upward or downward over the edge regions of the channel openings of all packaging blanks in the silo, such that all packaging blanks arranged in the silo are equipped with at least partially folded flaps in each case.

[0031] In this case, for example, the second pretreatment device can be configured as a centering mandrel having an upper end region in the form of a cone or a truncated cone with an upwardly pointing tip. Specifically, the centering mandrel is arranged on the lower base plate of the hopper and has a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis orthogonally aligned with the base plate and a defined diameter. The defined diameter preferably corresponds to the diameter of the widened channel opening. The diameter of the base of the cone or truncated cone forming the upper end region preferably corresponds to the defined diameter of the cylinder of the centering mandrel.

[0032] The arrangement and number of centering mandrels in the material warehouse correspond to the arrangement and number of items in the packaging unit. Multiple centering units can also be arranged in the material warehouse, wherein each centering unit is configured to receive a stack of packaging blanks, and each centering unit includes a corresponding number and arrangement of centering mandrels.

[0033] In addition, a method for manufacturing packaging units in the aforementioned packaging apparatus is described.

[0034] If the edge area of ​​the channel opening of the packaging blank is pre-treated by the application head, this is specifically provided to occur between the application head grasping the packaging blank and the application of the packaging blank to the article group.

[0035] One embodiment may provide an application head including an application plate and a pre-crushing plate, which are at different distances from each other in different working positions, wherein the edge region of the channel opening of the packaged blank on the application plate is kept folded downward by decreasing the distance between the application plate and the pre-crushing plate, and wherein the edge region of the channel opening of the packaged blank on the application plate is kept folded upward by subsequently increasing the distance between the application plate and the pre-crushing plate.

[0036] If the edge regions of the channel openings are pre-treated, a possible implementation could be to fold the edge regions of the channel openings of the respective uppermost packaging blanks at least partially upward or downward within the silo using a suitable first pre-treatment device, before removing the uppermost packaging blank from the silo. An alternative implementation could be to fold the edge regions of the channel openings of all stacked packaging blanks within the silo at least partially upward or downward using a suitable second pre-treatment device, as the stack of packaging blanks is introduced into the silo.

[0037] Another embodiment may provide that the packaging device includes an additional removal head, which, in each case, allows at least one packaging blank to be removed from the silo and transferred to a supply location, from which the packaging blank can be received by an application head and applied to the item set.

[0038] In this embodiment, a removal head is provided, including means for pre-treating the edge region of the channel opening, particularly means configured to partially fold the folded sheet in the edge region of the channel opening of the packaging blank, resulting in an increase in the diameter of the channel opening.

[0039] The removal head includes, for example, a suction device or a clamping device, which is configured to at least temporarily hold the packaging blank and secure it to the removal head.

[0040] Furthermore, the removal head includes, for example, a pre-crushing plate, which is preferably equipped with pre-crushing devices. Specifically, the pre-crushing plate includes a plurality of pre-crushing devices extending downwards from its underside. The number of pre-crushing devices on the pre-crushing plate specifically corresponds to the number of articles combined with the packaging blank to form a packaging unit.

[0041] The pre-crushing plate can be constructed in a manner particularly described in conjunction with an application head, which includes an application plate and a pre-crushing plate.

[0042] In the removal head, the suction device or clamping device can move relative to the pre-crushing plate. When at least one packaging blank is received by the suction device or clamping device, the packaging blank is typically not yet in contact with the pre-crushing device of the pre-crushing plate.

[0043] By reducing the distance to the pre-crushing plate, the lower region of the pre-crushing device is guided through the channel opening, resulting in the folding plate being folded downwards at least partially.

[0044] Before or during the placement of the packaging blank in the supply position, the distance between the pre-crushing plate and the packaging blank increases again. In this case, the lower region of the pre-crushing device passes through the channel opening again, whereby the folded sheet, which was at least partially folded downwards at the edge region of the corresponding channel opening, is now at least partially folded upwards.

[0045] Properly prepared packaging blanks are placed at a supply position from which they can be received by a suitably constructed application head for attachment to the article assembly. In this case, a suitable application head can have a simpler structure than the application head described above, which includes an application plate and a pre-crushing plate.

[0046] By integrating the preparation of packaging blanks into the removal head, hopper, or application head using suitable pretreatment or pre-crushing devices, the cycle time in the manufacturing of packaging units can be shortened. Furthermore, since no additional pretreatment module is required, the packaging unit can be constructed to be much smaller.

[0047] 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, that also applies to the described 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, that also applies to the apparatus. Attached Figure Description

[0048] 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.

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a packaging apparatus for manufacturing packaging units is shown above.

[0050] Figure 2 The packaging blank used in a packaging apparatus according to known prior art is shown.

[0051] Figure 3 and Figure 4The application heads with integrated preprocessing are shown separately.

[0052] Figure 5 A first embodiment of a silo with integrated pretreatment is shown.

[0053] Figure 6A and 6B A second embodiment with an integrated pretreatment silo is shown.

[0054] Figure 7 A third embodiment with an integrated pretreatment silo is shown.

[0055] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a packaging apparatus for manufacturing packaging units is shown above. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The same reference numerals are used for elements that are identical or have the same effect in this invention. Furthermore, for clarity, only the reference numerals necessary for the description of the corresponding figure are depicted in a single drawing. The embodiments shown are merely examples of the design schemes of this invention and do not represent conclusive limitations.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Figure 1 A schematic top view shows the packaging device 1 used to manufacture the packaging unit. Figure 2 The schematic top view shows the packaging blank 30 used in the packaging device 1, which is known in particular from the prior art.

[0059] Article 20 is supplied via transport device 2. In this embodiment, article 20 is supplied in separate rows in channels 3 separated from each other by channel plates 4. Article 20 is transferred from channel 3 to conveyor belt 5 of packaging device 1 as article group 22. The division of article group 22 is achieved, for example, by a dividing bar (not shown) between transport device 2 and conveyor belt 5. However, other options can also be used to form article group 22, such as grouping modules, etc.

[0060] Article 20 is preferably a beverage container, particularly a bottle made of PET or another suitable plastic. Preferably, the article may also be formed from a beverage can 21 made of plastic and / or aluminum or another metal. However, the packaging apparatus 1 and method are also suitable for arranging the packaging blank 30, as described below, onto other suitable articles 20 to form corresponding packaging units 40.

[0061] Subsequently, at least partially flattened packaging blank 30 is applied to article group 22.

[0062] The packaging blank 30 is specifically a so-called top-grip cardboard package 31. In the flattening region 32, the packaging blank 30 has at least two channel openings 33 for at least two articles 20 to be assembled together. Each channel opening 33 has an edge region 34. Figure 2 ), which comes into contact with the corresponding item 20 in the finished product packaging unit 40.

[0063] The packaging blank 30 is preferably composed of cardboard material, plastic material, cardboard-plastic composite material, etc.

[0064] Preferably, after the packaging blank 30 is fixed, the defined upper region of the article 20 is located above the packaging blank 30, while the defined lower region of the article 20 is located below the packaging blank 30.

[0065] The packaging device 1 includes at least one hopper 6 in which packaging blanks 30 are held. An application head 10 removes at least one packaging blank 30 from the hopper 6 and applies the grasped packaging blank 30 onto the article group 22.

[0066] It can also be provided that the application head 10 is configured to simultaneously grasp multiple packaging blanks 30, and the grasped multiple packaging blanks 30 are then applied simultaneously or directly and continuously to multiple groups of articles 22.

[0067] After the packaging blank 30 is arranged and secured to the article group 22, the packaging blank 30 is engaged with the article 20 in such a way that it is substantially fixed to the article 20, and the article 20 can no longer make any significant relative movement or positional change relative to each other or relative to the packaging blank 30. Therefore, the packaging blank 30 can only be removed from the article 20 of the article group 22 again with increased force consumption and an upward force component, and the packaging blank 30 is usually at least partially destroyed.

[0068] Furthermore, in the packaging device 1, the application head 10 includes means for the edge region of the pretreatment channel opening 33, or the hopper 6 includes means for the edge region 34 of the pretreatment channel opening 33.

[0069] The device for pre-treating the edge region 34 is specifically configured to reduce the resistance in the corresponding edge region 34 of the channel opening 33 of the packaging blank 30 when the packaging blank 30 is subsequently applied to the article group 22.

[0070] Specifically, through pretreatment, the average diameter d33 of the channel opening 33 can be increased at least slightly. As a result, the upper region of the article 20 with the largest diameter can more easily pass through the corresponding channel opening 33, which is preferably at least slightly larger than the average diameter of the channel opening 33.

[0071] Specifically, as a result of the pretreatment of the packaging blank 30, the force applied to press the packaging blank 30 onto the article 20 is significantly reduced compared to the force required to fix the packaging blank 30 onto the article 20. This results in the upper region of the article 20 being positioned above the packaging blank 30 with its maximum diameter, and the lower region of the article 20 being positioned below the packaging blank 30. Therefore, compared to conventional packaging devices and methods, the risk of damage to the article 20 when applying the packaging blank 30 is also reduced. In this case, even articles 20 with smaller wall thicknesses can be used without damage when applying the packaging blank 30.

[0072] A preferred embodiment may provide that the channel opening 33 of the packaging blank 30 has a suitable fixing device 35, which may be formed, for example, by a folding piece 36. For example, the edge region 34 of the channel opening 33 of the packaging blank 30 is equipped with a cut for forming the folding piece in each case. A suitable device for pretreatment is configured to, for example, partially fold the folding piece 36, resulting in an increase in the diameter of the channel opening 33.

[0073] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The schematic side views show the application head 10 with integrated pretreatment. In particular, the pretreatment of the packaging blank 30 occurs between grasping the packaging blank 30 by the application head 10 and applying the packaging blank 30 to the article group 22 by the application head 10.

[0074] The application head 10 includes an application plate 11 and a pre-crushing plate 13, wherein the application plate 11 is equipped with a holding device 12 for at least temporarily securing the packaging blank 30. For example, the application head 11 includes a suction device or a clamping device as the holding device 12, which is configured to at least temporarily hold the packaging blank 30 and secure it to the application head 11.

[0075] The pre-crushing plate 13 is equipped with a pre-crushing device 14.

[0076] Specifically, the application plate 11 includes a first number of openings. Furthermore, the pre-crushing plate 13 includes a first number of pre-crushing devices 14 extending downwards from the lower side of the pre-crushing plate 13. The first number of openings in the application plate 11 and the first number of pre-crushing devices 14 in the pre-crushing plate 13 are the same here, and specifically correspond to the number of articles 20 combined with the packaging blank 30 to form the packaging unit 40 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 1 ).

[0077] The opening of the application plate 11 has a first diameter, which corresponds at least to the average diameter d33 of the channel opening 33 of the packaging blank 30 (see...). Figure 2 Specifically, the opening of the application plate 11 has a first diameter, which corresponds at least to the diameter of the channel opening 33 widened by pretreatment.

[0078] First working position AP1 (see Figure 3 In the process, a first distance A1 is formed between the application plate 11 and the pre-crushing plate 13, wherein the first distance A1 is selected such that the pre-crushing plate 13 and the pre-crushing device 14 are arranged above the application plate 11.

[0079] Second working position AP2 (see Figure 4 In this configuration, a second distance A2 is formed between the application plate 11 and the pre-crushing plate 13, wherein the second distance A2 is selected such that the pre-crushing plate 13 is arranged at a smaller distance above the application plate 11. In this case, the pre-crushing device 14 is at least partially arranged within the corresponding opening of the application plate 11.

[0080] If necessary, the second distance A2 can be reduced to 0, in which case the upper side of the application plate 11 and the lower side of the pre-crushing plate 13 are in contact with each other.

[0081] In the first working position AP1, the application head 11 is configured to receive the packaging blank 30 in such a way that the channel opening 33 of the packaging blank 30 and the opening of the application plate 11 are aligned in each case.

[0082] When the application head 10 moves from the first working position AP1 to the second working position AP2, the lower end region 15 of the pre-crushing device 14 is configured to at least partially fold downwards the corresponding channel opening 33 of the packaged blank 30 held on the application plate 11 (see...). Figure 2 The edge region 34 of the pre-crushing device 14. Furthermore, when the application head 10 returns from the second working position AP2 to the first working position AP1, the lower end region 15 of the pre-crushing device 14 is configured to at least partially fold upward the downward folded edge region 34 of the corresponding channel opening 33 of the packaged blank 30 held on the application plate 11.

[0083] The packaging blank 30v prepared accordingly on the application head 10 has a partially upwardly folded flap 36, and is now applied to the article assembly 22 to form the desired packaging unit 40. In particular, the prepared packaging blank 30v is secured to the article 20 of the article assembly 22 by pressing it from above onto the article assembly 22. In this case, the upwardly curved flap 36 is advantageously engaged, for example, below the flange edge in the lid area of ​​the can or below the neck ring (neck collar) of the bottle.

[0084] Figure 5 Another schematic side view shows a first embodiment with a silo 6 featuring integrated pretreatment, while Figure 6A and 6B A second embodiment with an integrated pre-treatment silo 6 is shown again in a schematic side view.

[0085] One embodiment of the silo 6 with an integrated pretreatment device may provide the silo 6 including a first pretreatment device 60, wherein packaging blanks 30 for manufacturing packaging units 40 are provided and held (see [link]). Figure 1 ).

[0086] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment of the silo 6 shown, the first pretreatment device 60 includes a conical shape 61 having a downwardly pointing conical tip 62. The packaging blank 30 located at the top of the silo 6 is pretreated by the pretreatment device 60 before removal. For this purpose, the uppermost packaging blank 30 is lifted within the silo 6 and guided against the first pretreatment device 60 such that it passes overhead through the channel opening 33 of the packaging blank 30, and the edge region 34 of the channel opening 33 of the uppermost packaging blank 30 is at least partially folded downwards.

[0087] The prepared packaging blank 30v is then applied to the article group 22 by pressing from above. In this case, the downwardly pre-crushed folded sheet 36 bends upward, requiring less force due to the pretreatment in the hopper 6.

[0088] exist Figure 6A and 6B In the embodiment of the silo 6 shown, the packaging blanks 30 arranged at the top of the silo 6 are pre-treated by a pre-treatment device 60 formed in the silo 6 before removal. For this purpose, the uppermost packaging blank 30 is lifted within the silo 6 and guided by the first pre-treatment device 60 such that it passes over the channel opening 33 of the packaging blank 30 from above, and the edge region 34 of the channel opening 33 of the uppermost packaging blank 30 is at least partially folded downward.

[0089] In addition, according to Figure 6A The pretreatment device 60 is configured such that the folded piece 36 of the edge region 34 of the channel opening 33 of the packaging blank 30 is at least partially folded upward during the subsequent lowering.

[0090] The prepared packaging blank 30v is then applied to the article assembly 22 by pressing from above. This requires a small force as the folding piece 36 folds upwards.

[0091] Figure 7The schematic side view shows a third embodiment of the silo 6 with integrated pretreatment. In this case, a second pretreatment device 63 is provided, which is configured to at least partially fold upward the edge regions 34 of the channel openings 33 of all the packaging blanks 30 arranged in the silo 6, such that all the packaging blanks 30 arranged in the silo 6 are equipped with folding flaps 36 that are at least partially folded upward in each case.

[0092] In this case, for example, the second pretreatment device 63 can be configured as a centering mandrel 64 having a cone 66 or an upper end region 65 in the form of a truncated cone with an upwardly pointing tip 67. Specifically, the centering mandrel 64 is arranged on the lower base plate 70 of the hopper 6 and has a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis L orthogonally aligned with the base plate 70 and a defined diameter. The defined diameter preferably corresponds to the diameter of the widened channel opening 33.

[0093] The diameter of the base of the cone 66 or truncated cone forming the upper region preferably corresponds to the defined diameter of the cylinder of the centering mandrel 64. The arrangement and number of the centering mandrels 64 in the storage bin 6 correspond to the arrangement and number of the items 20 in the packaging unit 40 (see [reference]). Figure 1 ).

[0094] Multiple centering units may also be arranged in the material storage 6, wherein each centering unit is configured to receive a stack of packaging blanks 30, and wherein each centering unit includes a corresponding number and arrangement of centering mandrels 64.

[0095] By integrating the preparation of the packaging blank 30 in the application head 10 or the hopper 6 through a suitable pretreatment device or pre-crushing device 14, 60, 63, the cycle time for manufacturing the packaging unit 40 can be shortened. Furthermore, since no additional pretreatment module is required, the packaging device 1 can be constructed to be much smaller.

[0096] Figure 8 The top view shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the packaging device 1 for manufacturing the packaging unit 40 from above. Only the following discussion focuses on... Figure 1 The implementation methods differ. Therefore, for the description of other reference numerals, please refer to... Figure 1 The above descriptive paragraph.

[0097] The packaging device 1 includes a removal head 50, by means of which at least one packaging blank 30 can be removed from the silo 6 and transferred to the supply position 52 in each case, and the packaging blank 30 can be received from the supply position 52 by the application head 54 and applied to the article group 22.

[0098] In this embodiment, the removal head 50 includes means for pre-treating the edge region 34 of the channel opening 33, and in particular, means configured to partially fold the folding piece 36 in the edge region 34 of the channel opening 33 of the packaging blank 30, resulting in an increase in the diameter of the channel opening 33.

[0099] The removal head 50 includes, for example, a suction device or a clamping device, which is configured to at least temporarily hold the packaging blank 30 and secure it to the removal head 50.

[0100] Furthermore, the removal head 50 includes, for example, a pre-crushing plate, which is preferably equipped with pre-crushing devices. In particular, the pre-crushing plate includes a plurality of pre-crushing devices extending downward from the underside of the pre-crushing plate. The number of pre-crushing devices on the pre-crushing plate specifically corresponds to the number of articles 20 combined with the packaging blank 30 to form the packaging unit 40.

[0101] Removing the first 50 pre-crushed plates can be specifically combined Figure 3 and Figure 4 Constructed in accordance with the manner described in application head 10.

[0102] In the removal head 50, the suction device or clamping device is preferably constructed or arranged to be movable relative to the pre-crushing plate. When at least one packaging blank 30 is received by the suction device or clamping device, the packaging blank 30 is typically not yet in contact with the pre-crushing device of the pre-crushing plate.

[0103] By reducing the distance to the pre-crushing plate, the lower region of the pre-crushing device is guided through the channel opening 33, resulting in the folding plate 36 being folded downwards at least partially.

[0104] Before or during the placement of the packaging blank 30 at the supply position 52, the distance between the pre-crushing plate and the packaging blank 30 increases again. In this case, the lower region of the pre-crushing device passes through the channel opening 33 again, thereby causing the folded sheet 36, which is at least partially folded downwards at the edge region 34 of the corresponding channel opening 33, to now be at least partially folded upwards.

[0105] A properly prepared packaging blank 30v is placed at a supply position 52, from which it can be received by a suitably constructed application head 54 for attachment to the article assembly 22. In this case, the suitable application head 52 can be correspondingly more flexible than the bonding head. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The description of applying Head 10 is simpler.

[0106] At this point, final instructions are given regarding the description of embodiments and variations of the present invention, wherein these descriptive paragraphs refer to the accompanying drawings respectively. When “schematic” diagrams and views are generally referred to in the context of the figures and their description, this in no way implies that the figures and their description are considered subordinate to the disclosure of the present invention. Those skilled in the art are fully capable of obtaining sufficient information from the schematic and abstractly drawn figures to simplify their understanding of the present invention without being affected, for example, by the drawn and possibly not perfectly scaled dimensional relationships. Therefore, these figures enable those skilled in the art, as readers, to better understand the ideas of the present 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 present invention.

[0107] List of reference numerals

[0108] 1 Packaging equipment

[0109] 2. Transport equipment

[0110] 3 channels

[0111] 4-channel plate

[0112] 5. Conveyor belt

[0113] 6. Material Warehouse

[0114] 7 First Pretreatment Unit

[0115] 10 Apply head

[0116] 11 Application plate

[0117] 12 Holding device

[0118] 13 Pre-crushed plate

[0119] 14. Pre-crushing device

[0120] 15 Lower area

[0121] 20 items

[0122] 21 beverage cans

[0123] 22 Item Groups

[0124] 30 Packaging blanks

[0125] Packaging blank prepared at 30V

[0126] 31. Top gripper for cardboard packaging

[0127] 32 Flattened areas

[0128] 33 Channel openings

[0129] 34 Edge Area

[0130] 35 Fixing device

[0131] 36 folded pieces

[0132] 37 Incisions

[0133] 40 packaging units

[0134] 50 Remove head

[0135] 52 Supply Locations

[0136] 54 Apply head

[0137] 60 First Pretreatment Unit

[0138] 61. Conical shape

[0139] 62 Conical tip

[0140] 63 Second Pretreatment Unit

[0141] 64 Centering mandrel

[0142] 65 Upper area

[0143] 66 cones

[0144] 67. Conical tip

[0145] 70 base plate

[0146] A1 First Distance

[0147] A2 Second Distance

[0148] AP1 First working position

[0149] AP2 Second Working Position

[0150] d33 is the average diameter.

Claims

1. A packaging device (1) for producing a packaging unit (40), which packaging unit (40) comprises at least two articles (20) on which at least partially flattened packaging blanks (30) are arranged, which packaging blanks (30) have at least two passage openings (33) for the at least two articles (20) in the flattened region (32), which passage openings (33) each have an edge region (34) in contact with the respective article (20); The packaging device (1) is characterized by • at least one feed device (2) for the articles (20), • at least one singling device for dividing at least two articles (20) into article groups (22), • an application head (10) for applying and fixing the packaging blanks (30) to the article groups (22), • a magazine (6) assigned to the packaging device (1), in which magazine (6) a plurality of packaging blanks (30) for application to the article groups (22) are held, • wherein, the application head (10) comprises a device for pre-treating the edge regions of the passage openings (33), or • wherein the magazine (6) comprises a device for pre-treating the edge regions of the passage openings (33), or • wherein a removal head for removing packaging blanks (30) from the magazine (6) is provided, which removal head comprises a device for pre-treating the edge regions of the passage openings (33).

2. Packaging device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The packaging unit (40) comprises at least two beverage cans (21).

3. Packaging device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The edge regions (34) of the passage openings (33) of the packaging blanks (30) are each equipped with a cutout (37) for forming a folding tab (36), and the pre-treatment device is configured to partially fold the folding tab (36).

4. Packaging device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The application head (10) comprises an application plate (11) and a pre-breaking plate (13), wherein the application plate (11) is equipped with holding devices (12) for at least temporarily fixing the packaging blanks (30), and the pre-breaking plate (13) is equipped with pre-breaking devices (14).

5. Packaging device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The application plate (11) comprises a first number of openings, and the pre-breaking plate (13) comprises a first number of pre-breaking devices (14) extending in a downward direction from the underside of the pre-breaking plate (13).

6. Packaging device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The first number corresponds to the number of articles (20) of the article groups (22).

7. Packaging device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that In a first working position (AP1), a first distance (A1) is formed between the application plate (11) and the pre-breaking plate (13) such that the pre-breaking plate (13) and the pre-breaking devices (14) are arranged above the application plate (11), and in a second working position (AP2), a second distance (A2) is formed between the application plate (11) and the pre-breaking plate (13) such that the pre-breaking plate (13) is arranged above the application plate (11) and the pre-breaking devices (14) are at least partially arranged within the respective openings of the application plate (11).

8. Packaging device (1) according to any one of claims 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that Said openings of said application plate (11) have a first diameter corresponding at least to the diameter (d33) of said passage openings (33) of said packaging blanks (30) and, in said first working position (AP1), said application head (10) is configured to receive said packaging blanks (30) so that the passage openings (33) of said packaging blanks (30) and the openings of said application plate (11) are arranged in each case in register.

9. Packaging device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that When said application head (10) is moved from said first working position (AP1) to said second working position (AP2), said lower end region (15) of said pre-breaking device (14) is configured to at least partially fold down the edge region (34) of the respective passage opening (33) of said packaging blank (30) held on said application plate (11).

10. Packaging device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that When said application head (10) is moved from said second working position (AP2) back to said first working position (AP1), said lower end region (15) of said pre-breaking device (14) is configured to at least partially fold up the folded-down edge region (34) of the respective passage opening (33) of said packaging blank (30) held on said application plate (11).

11. Packaging device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that Said magazine (6) comprises first pre-treatment devices (60) configured to at least partially fold up or fold down the edge region (34) of the passage opening (33) of a packaging blank (30) arranged at the top of said magazine (6).

12. Packaging device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that Said magazine (6) comprises second pre-treatment devices (63) configured to at least partially fold up or fold down the edge region (34) of the passage opening (33) of all packaging blanks (30) arranged in said magazine (6).

13. Packaging device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that Said second pre-treatment devices (63) are configured as centering mandrels (64) having a conical body (66) or an upper end region (65) in the form of a truncated cone with a pointed tip (67) pointing upwards.

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