Packaging system with at least one diverter

Abstract

A packaging system (1) having at least one flow divider (5, 7) for dispensing articles (2) is disclosed. The packaging system (1) comprises a horizontal conveying device (15) for moving the articles (2) distributed on the at least one diverter (5, 7) and at least one industrial robot (14, 14 ') configured to apply packaging material onto the articles (2). The at least one diverter (5, 7) is configured to receive the articles (2) in paths (B1, B1 ') oriented parallel to each other, the number n of paths being n > = 2, and to distribute the articles (2) over a number m of paths. In this case, mgt; n is applied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a packaging system having at least one diverter. Background Technology

[0002] To apply packaging to the items, the items are conveyed on a horizontal conveyor until they reach the work area of ​​the industrial robot. While moving on the horizontal conveyor, the industrial robot can then apply the packaging to the items. The packaging may be, for example, straps or clips that hold the items together and assemble them into bundles.

[0003] Such a packaging system is known from DE 10 2019 113 180 A1. The packaging system includes a manipulating device configured to detect a group of articles and move the group of articles to a target location. Furthermore, the manipulating device includes at least one tool for securing the packaging blank to the articles of the group of articles.

[0004] In the packaging system according to the DE application, the system power can be increased by arranging multiple operating devices one after another. This packaging system is expensive and results in a large system architecture because arranging several operating devices one after another requires significant space. Therefore, there is a need for a packaging system that can further increase power or throughput in a simple manner. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, one object of this invention is to provide a possibility that allows for a simple increase in throughput or power within packaging materials. Another object of this invention is to provide a corresponding possibility that requires minimal space to increase power or throughput.

[0006] This invention relates to a packaging system having at least one distributor for dispensing articles. The articles may be beverage containers, particularly beverage bottles and / or beverage cans.

[0007] The packaging system includes a horizontal conveyor for moving articles distributed on at least one distributor and at least one industrial robot configured to apply packaging material to the articles, the working area of ​​which extends at least proportionally onto the horizontal conveyor. The at least one industrial robot may be, for example, at least one triangular kinematic robot. The at least one industrial robot may also be at least one multi-axis robot or at least one bent-arm robot.

[0008] At least one industrial robot can be configured to apply packaging material to articles, wherein the packaging material is a strapping or binding strap. At least one industrial robot can also be configured to apply packaging material to articles, wherein the packaging material is a packaging blank, each packaging blank forming a plurality of openings corresponding to a plurality of articles, such that a corresponding article can be inserted into a corresponding opening of the corresponding packaging blank. In the region of the corresponding opening, such packaging blank may in each case include a plurality of retaining tongues configured to hold the corresponding article. It is also conceivable that at least one industrial robot is configured to apply packaging material to articles, wherein the packaging material is a packaging blank, wherein...

[0009] - The corresponding packaging blank forms multiple openings in each case, with each opening corresponding to a multiple item, allowing the item to be inserted into the corresponding opening in the packaging blank.

[0010] And the corresponding packaging blanks

[0011] - Additionally, straps may be formed or additional straps may be included.

[0012] At least one diverter is provided to receive items in paths oriented parallel to each other, the number of paths n being n≥2, and to distribute items on paths having a number m, where m>n is applicable.

[0013] This may apply to:

[0014] -n<10 and m<25 or

[0015] -n<5 and m<15 or

[0016] -n<3 and m<10 or

[0017] -n = 2 and m = 4.

[0018] In various implementations, the following formula may be applied: m = n x 2. In such implementations, n < 10, especially n < 5, preferably n < 3, and especially n = 2.

[0019] Since the items or optional groups of items are distributed on at least one industrial robot before the packaging material is applied, the items or groups of items are arranged such that the items or optional groups of items can be provided with the packaging material in a relatively short time when the packaging material is applied. For this reason, this packaging system has relatively high performance in packaging items or groups of items compared to known packaging systems, without requiring a large structure for the packaging system.

[0020] The packaging system may include an inlet having at least one conveyor belt through which at least one soft item or group of items can be supplied. As further described below, the packaging system may include a first distributor and a second distributor. In such an embodiment, the inlet may include at least one conveyor belt through which at least one conveyor belt of the first soft item or group of items can be supplied to a first path, n in number, of mutually parallel oriented paths, and through the same conveyor belt, at least one conveyor belt can also be supplied to a second path, n in number, of mutually parallel oriented paths.

[0021] At least one diverter or a first diverter and / or a second diverter may extend in sections through the entrance or at least one conveyor belt that extends in sections through the entrance, such that items or groups of items have been received in the entrance area by at least one diverter or a first diverter and / or a second diverter.

[0022] It is also conceivable that the packaging system includes a filling machine for filling articles formed from beverage containers with liquids, particularly liquid beverages. The filling machine can be arranged upstream of at least one distributor in the direction of flow of the articles or in the direction of flow of the beverage containers. Therefore, it should be clear that this optional filling machine can be arranged upstream of said at least one distributor.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the packaging system may include a workstation arranged downstream of at least one industrial robot configured to apply packaging material to articles, and, if desired, also arranged downstream of a diverter described below, through which thermoplastic packaging material may be applied to articles or groups of articles.

[0024] If the thermoplastic packaging material is a shrinkable film material that tends to shrink under heat, it may be particularly advantageous to provide a shrink channel downstream of the workstation. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the packaging system may include a shrink channel for shrinking the thermoplastic packaging material applied to articles or groups of articles by heat.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the packaging system may also include a machine for applying an adhesive bond to articles or groups of articles, by which several articles or groups of articles can be secured to each other as bundles.

[0026] The packaging variations mentioned should not be construed as restrictive or final, and stretch winding machines or other packaging modules may be used optionally.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the packaging system may include a grouping station arranged downstream of at least one industrial robot configured to apply packaging material to articles, and, if necessary, also arranged downstream of a diverter described below, through which multiple articles, multiple groups of articles, or multiple bundles can be transferred relative to each other into a relative arrangement that matches a stackable layer to be formed by the multiple articles, multiple groups of articles, or multiple bundles.

[0028] Such a grouping station may include, for example, at least one triangular kinematic robot that transfers items, groups of items, or bundles to a relative arrangement that matches a stackable layer to be formed by the items, groups of items, or bundles.

[0029] It can also be imagined that the packaging system includes a working device that pushes together already formed, relatively arranged items, groups of items, or bundles to form a complete stackable layer.

[0030] The packaging system may also include a palletizing station configured to stack stackable layers onto assigned pallets. In such an embodiment, a feeding device may be provided that partially or fully autonomously supplies the palletizing station with pallets for stacking multiple stackable layers.

[0031] In practice, implementations with n=2 and m=4 for the number of parallel oriented paths n and the number of paths m have proven effective.

[0032] The packaging system may include a control device connected to at least one distributor. The control device may be configured to operate at least one distributor in such a way that the at least one distributor distributes items or groups of items (of which there are n) in each of the parallel paths onto exactly two paths.

[0033] The packaging system may include at least one integrated unit for forming a group of articles, the group of articles being intended for the application of packaging materials via at least one industrial robot. In this case, the at least one integrated unit may be arranged upstream of at least one distributor in the direction of article flow, such that the group of articles or already formed group of articles is received by the at least one distributor.

[0034] Alternatively, at least one integrated unit may be arranged downstream of at least one diverter in the direction of article flow, such that articles can be grouped into groups by means of at least one integrated unit, the articles having been distributed along a number of m paths by at least one diverter.

[0035] At least one diverter may include or may be formed of at least one pivotable baffle. This implementation has proven useful because it allows for the simple distribution of items or groups of items. In a preferred embodiment, the pivot axis of at least one pivotable baffle may have an orientation that is at least approximately vertical.

[0036] In addition, the packaging system may include a first distributor and a second distributor, wherein the first distributor is configured to receive and distribute items or groups of items along a first path that are oriented parallel to each other, the number of which is n.

[0037] Furthermore, the second diverter can be configured to receive and distribute items or groups of items on another first path that are oriented parallel to each other, with a quantity of n.

[0038] The packaging system may include a control device that can operate a first distributor and a second distributor, such that items or groups of items are distributed along multiple different paths via the first distributor and the second distributor, such that the number of items or groups of items provided for the corresponding first path in time is greater than the number of items or groups of items provided for the corresponding second path in time.

[0039] In particular, especially in the embodiments, the packaging system includes a control device configured to operate the first and second diverters in such a way that, in each case, a sequence of three consecutive items or groups of items received by the diverters is distributed via the diverters onto multiple different paths, such that, in each case, two items or groups of items are assigned to the first path and one item or group of items is assigned to the corresponding second path.

[0040] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to manipulate the first and second diverters in such a way that the first diverter transfers a corresponding item or a corresponding group of items onto the second path with a time offset relative to the second diverter.

[0041] It is also conceivable that the control device is configured to manipulate the first and second diverters in such a way that the corresponding items supplied to the second path via the first diverter or the corresponding group of items supplied to the second path via the first diverter are aligned perpendicular to their flow direction with the items supplied to the first path via the second diverter or the group of items supplied to the first path via the second diverter.

[0042] In addition, at least one industrial robot follows a guide in the flow direction, which is positioned and configured such that items or groups of items supplied to the second path via the first diverter are combined with items or groups of items supplied via the second diverter of the second path onto a common third path.

[0043] The packaging system may include at least one first industrial robot and at least one second industrial robot, each configured to apply packaging material to articles or groups of articles, and arranged on opposite sides of a horizontal conveyor. Specifically, on opposite sides of the horizontal conveyor, the packaging system may include at least two industrial robots, each configured to apply packaging material to articles or groups of articles.

[0044] Furthermore, the packaging system may include a control device that coordinates at least one first industrial robot and at least one second industrial robot to apply packaging material to different articles or different groups of articles. The at least one first industrial robot and at least one second industrial robot may be positioned such that the at least one first industrial robot is aligned with the at least one second industrial robot perpendicular to the flow direction of the articles or perpendicular to the flow direction of the group of articles.

[0045] This utility model also relates to the use of the packaging system according to the foregoing embodiments for packaging articles as beverage containers.

[0046] Furthermore, a method for packaging articles is described, wherein the articles are supplied to at least one distributor along parallel paths having a quantity of n, and distributed by the at least one distributor onto paths having a quantity of m greater than the quantity of n, and then moved forward by a horizontal conveyor. While the articles are on the horizontal conveyor, at least one industrial robot applies packaging material to the articles.

[0047] If needed, the packaging system described above can be configured to perform the described methods and the embodiments of those methods described below. Furthermore, the methods and embodiments described below can be performed using the packaging system according to the present invention or by means of embodiments of the packaging system according to the present invention.

[0048] The features already mentioned in the various embodiments of the packaging system can also be provided in this method and will not be repeated. Similarly, the features described below in the various embodiments of the method can be provided in the foregoing embodiments of the packaging system and will not be mentioned again.

[0049] It is permissible that, before or after the items are supplied to at least one distributor, consecutive items can be spaced apart from each other by at least one integral unit, thereby forming an item group comprising multiple items in each case. At least one industrial robot can apply packaging material to the item group, causing the items in the corresponding item group to be bundled together by the packaging material. Consecutive item groups are spaced apart from each other in the flow direction.

[0050] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to provide both a first and a second diverter. The first diverter can receive items or groups of items, numbering n, from a first path of parallel or oriented paths, and can leave items or groups of items on the first path and guide further items or groups of items to the second path for distribution.

[0051] Furthermore, in this case, the second distributor can receive items or groups of items, numbering n, from another first path of paths oriented parallel to each other. The second distributor distributes these received items or groups of items by leaving items or groups of items on the other first path and directing other items or groups of items to another second path.

[0052] Alternatively, the first and second diverters may provide a greater number of items or groups of items to the corresponding first path than they provide to the corresponding second path during the time process.

[0053] It can be imagined that, through the first and second splitters, the sequence of three consecutive items or groups of items received by the respective splitters in each case is distributed on several different paths. In this case, in each case, two items or groups of items are left on the corresponding first path, and in each case, one item or group of items of the same sequence is supplied to the corresponding second path.

[0054] In this implementation, the first distributor can first supply the corresponding item or group of items of the corresponding sequence to the corresponding second path, and then the second distributor supplies the corresponding item or group of items to the corresponding item or group of items of another second path. Therefore, the first and second distributors can supply items to the corresponding second paths in a time-shifted manner.

[0055] The first and second diverters can distribute items or groups of items such that the items or groups of items distributed on the first diverter are aligned perpendicular to the flow direction with the items or groups of items distributed on the second diverter. Specifically, the first and second diverters can distribute items or groups of items in such a way that the items or groups of items distributed on the first diverter are aligned perpendicular to the flow direction with the items or groups of items distributed on the second diverter.

[0056] It can also be imagined that after the packaging material is applied, the items supplied to another second path or the group of items supplied to another second path are combined together and move together along the third path.

[0057] To further increase throughput, embodiments have proven useful in which at least one first industrial robot and at least one second industrial robot are located on opposite sides of a horizontal conveying device, and in each case, packaging material is applied to articles or groups of articles. In this case, at least one first industrial robot and at least one second industrial robot can be positioned such that at least one first industrial robot is aligned with at least one second industrial robot perpendicular to the flow direction of the articles.

[0058] When items or groups of items are on a horizontal conveyor, at least one industrial robot can apply packaging material to the items or groups of items without lifting the items or groups of items and / or without moving the items or groups of items on the horizontal conveyor. Attached Figure Description

[0059] 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.

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the packaging system according to the present invention is shown, and steps that may be provided in various embodiments of the method are also shown.

[0061] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic partial view of an implementation of the packaging system, and illustrates further steps that may be provided in various implementations of the method.

[0062] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 This is another aspect of an embodiment of the packaging system according to the present invention, and other aspects are described.

[0063] Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the cross-section of the packaging system is shown, and further steps that may be provided in various embodiments of the method are illustrated.

[0064] Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates various implementations of the method that can be carried out individually or according to [the specific circumstances]. Figure 5 The combinations and sequences shown provide the steps. Detailed Implementation

[0065] 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 illustrating the relevant figures are shown in each figure. The embodiments shown are merely examples of the design schemes of this invention and do not represent conclusive limitations.

[0066] Figure 1 The embodiment of the packaging system 1 according to the present invention shown includes an inlet 3 through which, in each case, a pre-formed group 8 of articles 2 moves along two parallel paths B1 and B1' in the direction of the first diverter 5 and the second diverter 7. (See below for reference.) Figure 2 As shown in the partial view, the group of items 8 is distributed on the first diverter 5 and the second diverter 7, and then further moved in the flow direction SR by the horizontal conveyor 15. The horizontal conveyor 15 has a circulating drive conveyor belt on which the group of items 8 stands during further movement.

[0067] In practice, this packaging system 1 includes an integrated unit arranged upstream of the inlet 3 in the flow direction SR. Articles 2 arrive at the integrated unit as an article flow, with consecutive articles 2 in surface contact with each other. The integrated unit forms an article group 8 by briefly retaining the articles 2 of the corresponding article flow. As a result, in each case, the two articles 2 forming the corresponding article group 8 can precede the subsequent articles 2, and then form the article group 8, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown. All subsequent item groups 8 of the corresponding item flow continuously formed by the integrated unit are aligned with the preceding item group 8 in the flow direction SR.

[0068] This integrated unit has formed an item group 8 from the two item flows in the manner described, and continues to guide it to the entrance 3 in parallel paths B1 and B1'.

[0069] As previously mentioned, after inlet 3 is a horizontal conveyor 15. Multiple industrial robots 14 and 14' are arranged on opposite sides of the horizontal conveyor 15, wherein, according to... Figure 1In this embodiment, exactly four such industrial robots 14 and 14' are located on corresponding sides of the horizontal conveyor 15. Industrial robots 14 and 14' are triangular kinematic robots.

[0070] The number of industrial robots 14 and 14' and their configuration as triangular kinematic robots are understood as merely illustrative, such that in further embodiments, industrial robots 14 and 14' may also be provided in larger or smaller numbers as components of packaging system 1, or, for example, may be formed by a multi-axis robot or another manipulator in each case. For clarity, in Figure 1 Only two triangular kinematic robots are shown in the image, where, according to Figure 1 The embodiment provides eight triangular kinematic robots.

[0071] Industrial robots 14 and 14' are each configured to apply packaging material to item groups 8. Therefore, multiple items 2 from the respective item groups 8 can be bundled together. Figure 1 As shown, industrial robots 14 and 14' are components of the respective module 9. Module 9 includes additional components for providing and preparing packaging materials. The packaging materials applied to the group of articles 8 by industrial robots 14 or 14' can be configured, for example, as straps.

[0072] In these embodiments, the corresponding module 9 may have a hopper storing multiple straps, from which the corresponding industrial robot 14 or 14' may retrieve straps for application to the corresponding group of articles 8. The corresponding module 9 may also have further components with which the straps 9 for application to the corresponding group of articles 8 have been prepared.

[0073] Furthermore, in various embodiments, industrial robots 14 and 14' can be configured to apply packaging material to the group of articles 8, wherein the packaging material is a packaging blank. For each article 2, this packaging blank has a corresponding opening into which the corresponding article 2 is inserted. In the region of the corresponding opening, the packaging blank forms a plurality of retaining tongues that engage the corresponding article 2 in a closed region, thereby securing the corresponding article to the packaging blank.

[0074] To securely place the packaging blank onto the articles 2, each module 9 includes a mold, on which the corresponding industrial robot 14 or 14' places the packaging blank such that the retaining tongue is bent and positioned so that the packaging blank can be placed onto the articles 8 without any problems. Thus, in such an embodiment, industrial robots 14 and 14' each remove the packaging blank from the hopper that is configured as a component of the corresponding module 9, then place the removed packaging blank onto the mold, and then guide the packaging blank onto the mold through the corresponding articles 8, thereby placing the packaging blank onto the corresponding articles 8 by the corresponding industrial robots 14 and 14'.

[0075] However, according to Figure 1 The present invention and construction scheme are not limited to such implementations, such that industrial robots 14 and 14' can also be configured to apply further packaging material to articles 2 or article groups 8.

[0076] Industrial robots 14 and 14' leave the work area of ​​the bundled items 8 and move further along the flow direction SR on the horizontal conveyor 15 until the bundled items 8 reach the guide 4, where... Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is shown again in detail. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the item group 8 moves along exactly four parallel paths B1, B1', B2, and B2' in the flow direction SR via the horizontal conveyor 15. The guide 4 receives the item group 8 or bundles from the exactly four parallel paths B1, B1', B2, and B2' and connects the item groups 8 from two inner paths together, so that these item groups 8 exit the guide 4 as a one-way flow along the third path B3 (see...). Figure 3 The groups of items 8 or bundles transported along the two external first paths B1 and B1' are not combined into a common one-way flow, but the relative distance between the groups of items 8 or the bundles of the two first paths B1 and B1' is reduced by the guide 4, so that they are brought closer to each other in the area of ​​the guide 4, or so that they are moved toward each other in the area of ​​the guide 4.

[0077] The group of items 8 or bundles exits the guide 4 via three parallel paths. This implementation has proven particularly useful, especially when several bundles of two are subsequently combined into a bundle of six.

[0078] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic partial view of an embodiment of the packaging system 1, and illustrating further steps that may be provided in various embodiments of method 100 (see [link]). Figure 5 ). Figure 2The partial view shown is an enlarged illustration of inlet 3, horizontal conveyor 15, two diverters 5 and 7, and the already... Figure 1 Industrial robots 14 and 14' are described in the text. (As shown in the image) Figure 2 As shown, entrance 3 has a conveyor belt 6, on which the item group 8 is located and transported to diverters 5 and 7 along the flow direction SR.

[0079] Each of the diverters 5 and 7 has multiple guide rails or channel plates that provide lateral support to the group of items 8 as it is transferred from the inlet 3 to the horizontal conveyor 15 and prevent accidental tilting of the group of items 8 during this transfer. Figure 2 It is also shown that the guide rails or channel plates of the first diverter 5 and the second diverter 7 each extend into the inlet 3, such that the item group 8 is already positioned between adjacent guide rails or adjacent channel plates before it moves from the inlet 3 to the horizontal conveyor 15. Specifically, Figure 2 This shows that while the item group 8 is still moving on the corresponding conveyor belt 6 at the entrance 3, the item group 8 is already located between the channel plates or guide rails of the diverters 5 and 7.

[0080] also, Figure 2 The guide rails or channel plates are also positioned in the area where the item group 8 has already moved to the horizontal conveyor 15. Therefore, when the item group 8 begins to be transported via the horizontal conveyor 15, it remains supported and guided by the guide rails or channel plates of the guide rails or diverters 5 and 7. In this way, it can be reliably ensured that the item group 8 arrives at the intended position in the working area of ​​the industrial robot and does not tilt during the commencement of transport via the horizontal conveyor 15.

[0081] The previously mentioned integrated unit forms the item group 8 in such a way that each directly consecutive item group 8 along the corresponding path B1 or B1' has a substantially equal distance from each other, which is also referred to in practice as the separation distance. In this case, the conveying speed of the item group 8 via the inlet 3 and the transport speed of the item group 8 via the horizontal conveyor 15 are configured to be substantially the same. The control of the inlet 3 and the horizontal conveyor 15 is achieved by a control device S, which is connected to both the inlet 3 and the horizontal conveyor 15. The movements of the industrial robots 14 and 14' are also predetermined by the control device S.

[0082] If packaging materials need to be applied by industrial robots 14 and 14', the conveying speed of inlet 3 and the transport speed of horizontal conveyor 15 can also be configured differently. As a result, the separation distance between consecutive groups of items 8 can be selectively increased or decreased when transferring from inlet 3 to horizontal conveyor 15.

[0083] Furthermore, the item groups 8 are formed by an integral unit at such a position and such a separation distance that the item groups 8 moving in the region of inlet 3 in the first path B1 and the item groups 8 moving in the region of inlet 3 in another first path B1' are paired and aligned with each other perpendicular to the flow direction SR. As a result, when the item groups 8 moving in the other first path B1' reach the second diverter 7, the item groups 8 moving in the first path B1 reach the first diverter 5. Moreover, due to this classification of item groups 8, the same number of item groups 8 are supplied to diverters 5 and 7 in the course of time.

[0084] Therefore, the group of items 8 moving in the upper path or the first path B1 is supplied to the upper first distributor shown with reference to reference numeral 5. On the other hand, the group of items 8 moving in the lower path or another first path B1' is supplied to the lower distributor shown with reference numeral 7. In this case, the group of items 8 is thus supplied to distributors 5 and 7 in parallel paths B1 and B1', where, for the number of paths n: n = 2.

[0085] Diverters 5 and 7 are also connected to and actuated via control device S to distribute the received item group 8, thereby leaving it on the first path B1 or B1', or transferring it to the second path B2 or B2'. Figure 2 As shown, the second paths B2 and B2' are offset relative to the first paths B1 and B1' in the central direction of the horizontal conveyor 15. Therefore, the first paths B1 and B1' form two external paths on the horizontal conveyor 15, while the second paths B2 and B2' form two internal paths on the horizontal conveyor 15.

[0086] To distribute the item groups 8 onto the first paths B1 and B1' and the second paths B2 and B2', the diverters 5 and 7 each include pivotable baffles 12 and 13 that, when activated by the control device S, move the item groups 8 back and forth between two predetermined positions about a substantially vertically oriented axis, thereby leaving the respective item groups 8 on the corresponding first path B1 or B1', or supplying them to the second path B2 or B2', respectively. Therefore, each of the diverters 5 and 7 also includes an actuator for moving the respective baffles 12 and 13 to the corresponding positions.

[0087] Figure 2 It is also shown that in a sequence consisting of three consecutive groups of items 8, in each case only a single group of items 8 moves to the second path B2 or B2' via the first diverter 5 and the second diverter 7, respectively. The other two groups of items 8 in the corresponding sequence remain on the first path B1 or B1', respectively, and do not move to one of the second paths B2 or B2', respectively.

[0088] Figure 2 It is also shown that the diverters 5 and 7 are actuated via the control device S in such a way that the movement of item group 8 via the first diverter 5 onto the second path B2 and the movement of item group 8 via the second diverter 7 onto the second path B2' occur with a time offset. Thus, each first arriving item group 8 of the corresponding sequence is moved onto the second path B2 via the first diverter 5, and each second arriving item group of the corresponding sequence is moved onto another second path B2' via the second diverter. Therefore, the item groups 8 located on the second paths B2 and B2' can advantageously be moved via the guide 4 (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 It was pushed onto the third path, B3.

[0089] By distributing the items 8 along multiple paths B1, B1', B2, and B2' and subsequently conveying the items 8 along paths B1, B1', B2, and B2', packaging materials can be applied to the items 8 at high speed via industrial robots 14 and 14'. In this case, for example, industrial robot 14 or 14' may include an application head configured to receive several packaging materials simultaneously and can apply these commonly received packaging materials to several different items 8 simultaneously or at least approximately simultaneously, in which case the items 8 move along different paths B1, B1', B2, or B2'.

[0090] The defined conveying via the horizontal conveyor 15, as described above, achieved by distributing the item groups 8 along paths B1, B1', B2, and B2' via diverters 5 and 7, enables the application head to apply several packaging materials to different item groups 8 at approximately the same time.

[0091] As in accordance with Figure 2 In the embodiments provided, in each case, multiple industrial robots 14 and 14' are located on opposite sides of the horizontal conveyor 15. To apply packaging material to all groups of articles 8, the industrial robots 14 and 14' are operated in a coordinated manner by a control device S. Specifically, the corresponding movements of the respective industrial robots 14 or 14' and the corresponding times at which the respective industrial robots 14 or 14' apply packaging material to the groups of articles 8 are predetermined by the control device S.

[0092] Since industrial robots 14 and 14' must move their respective application heads on the horizontal conveyor 15 to apply packaging material, they must be manipulated in a manner that prevents collisions between the application heads. In the defined conveying of the described group of articles 8 along the horizontal conveyor 15, and through the distribution of the group of articles 8 via diverters 5 and 7, multiple application heads can be positioned above the horizontal conveyor 15 to apply packaging material to the group of articles 8 in each case. These multiple application heads of industrial robots 14 and 14' can even be positioned simultaneously above the horizontal conveyor 15, with the robots 14 and 14' positioned perpendicular to the flow direction on opposite sides of the horizontal conveyor 15.

[0093] Therefore, using packaging system 1, the item group 8 can be packaged with high throughput. Since the distribution of item group 8 is carried out by diverters 5 and 7, which only require one baffle 12 and one 13 respectively for distribution, throughput can be increased in a simple way. Furthermore, it is even possible that the application heads of two industrial robots 14, first and arranged on opposite sides in the flow direction SR, are simultaneously located above the horizontal conveyor 15 and apply packaging material to item group 8 simultaneously or with only a slight time offset.

[0094] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 This describes another aspect of an embodiment of the packaging system 1 according to the present invention, and further details other aspects. In particular, in Figure 3 We can see it again in the middle. Figure 1 The guide 4 shown follows module 9 in the flow direction SR. Module 9 includes industrial robots 14 and 14' and other components for preparing and providing packaging materials.

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown, the corresponding item groups 8 that have moved to the second paths B2 and B2' via the diverters 5 and 7 are moved to the third path B3 via the guide 4. In addition, the item groups 8 that are still located on the first paths B1 and B1' move in the direction toward the third path B3.

[0096] In each case, the three item groups 8 can be combined into six bundles, for example, by applying strapping to the three item groups 8 in each case and / or by connecting the three item groups 8 to each other by further packaging materials or by tertiary packaging.

[0097] Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a cross-section of the packaging system 1, and illustrating further steps that may be provided in various embodiments of method 100 (see [link]). Figure 5 ). Figure 4 Item 2 of the corresponding item group 8 is shown, where item 2 is a beverage container 2'. Therefore, according to Figure 4 The packaging system 1 of the illustrated embodiment is suitable for packaging articles 2 configured as beverage containers 2'. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide 4 is formed of a wedge-shaped guide element 16. This wedge-shaped guide element 16 is interchangeable and can be replaced by another wedge-shaped guide element 16 if the cross-sectional diameter of the beverage container 2' differs from that of the beverage container 2' shown in the packaging system 1, which will be packaged at a later time.

[0098] Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates various embodiments of method 100 that can be implemented individually or according to... Figure 5 The combination and sequence shown provide the steps. In step 110, item group 8 moves along parallel paths and is received by two distributors 5 and 7. In this case, the number n of parallel paths in which item group 8 moves is: n = 2.

[0099] In step 120, the received group of items 8 is distributed via distributors 5 and 7 onto multiple paths B1, B1', B2, and B2', and moves along multiple paths B1, B1', B2, and B2' on the horizontal conveyor 15, thereby reaching the working area of ​​at least one industrial robot 14 or 14'. The number of these paths, m, is m = 4.

[0100] In step 130, at least one industrial robot 14 or 14' applies packaging material to the article group 8, wherein the packaging material is strapping, or wherein the packaging material includes strapping. In this case, the article group 8 continues to move in paths B1, B1', B2, and B2', the number of which m applies: m = 4. Furthermore, during the application of packaging material, the relative positions of the article groups 8 located on the horizontal conveyor 15 do not change, such that all article groups 8 remain in their respective paths B1, B1', B2, and B2'.

[0101] In step 140, the item group 8 consisting of two paths B2 and B2' is combined into a third path B3, for which a guide 4 is provided. The resulting item flow with three parallel rows moves in the direction of the workstation, which in each case combines the three item groups 8 into six bundles through three-level packaging.

[0102] List of reference numerals

[0103] 1 Packaging System

[0104] 2 Beverage containers

[0105] 3 entrances

[0106] 5 splitters

[0107] 6 Conveyor Belts

[0108] 7. Diverter

[0109] 8 Item Groups

[0110] 9 modules

[0111] 12 baffles

[0112] 13 baffles

[0113] 14 Industrial robots

[0114] 14' Industrial Robot

[0115] 15 Horizontal Conveying Device

[0116] 16 Guide elements

[0117] 100 methods

[0118] 110 Method Steps, First Method Steps

[0119] Method 120 steps, second method steps

[0120] Method 130, Step 3

[0121] 140 Method Steps, Fourth Method Step

[0122] B1 path, first path

[0123] B1' path, another first path

[0124] B2 path, second path

[0125] B2' path, another second path

[0126] B3 path, third path

[0127] S control device

[0128] SR flow direction

Claims

1. A packaging system (1) characterized in that, The packaging system comprises at least one diverter (5, 7) for distributing articles (2), a horizontal conveying device (15) for moving the articles (2) distributed on the at least one diverter (5, 7) and at least one industrial robot (14, 14') configured to apply packaging material to the articles (2), the working area of which extends at least proportionally onto the horizontal conveying device (15), wherein the at least one diverter (5, 7) is configured to receive articles (2) in paths (B1, B1') oriented parallel to one another, the number n of which is n > 2, and to distribute the articles (2) on paths (B1, B1', B2, B2') having a number m, with m > n applying.

2. The packaging system (1) according to claim 1, wherein The packaging system comprises at least one integrated unit for forming groups of articles (8) intended for the application of packaging material via the at least one industrial robot (14, 14'), wherein - the at least one integrated unit is arranged upstream of the at least one diverter (5, 7) in the flow direction (SR) of the articles (2) so that groups of articles (8) are received by the at least one diverter (5, 7), or wherein - the at least one integrated unit is arranged downstream of the at least one diverter (5, 7) in the flow direction (SR) of the articles (2) so that groups of articles (8) can be formed from articles (2) by means of the at least one integrated unit, which have been distributed by the at least one diverter (5, 7) on paths (B1, B1', B2, B2') having a number m.

3. The packaging system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one diverter (5, 7) comprises or is formed by at least one pivotable baffle (12, 13).

4. The packaging system (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one diverter (5, 7) comprises or is formed by at least one pivotable baffle (12, 13).

5. The packaging system (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, A first diverter (5) and a second diverter (7) are provided, wherein - the first diverter (5) is configured to receive and distribute articles (2) or groups of articles (8) of a first path (B1) of paths (B1, B1') oriented parallel to one another, the number of which is n, and wherein - the second diverter (7) is configured to receive and distribute articles (2) or groups of articles (8) of a further first path (B1') of paths (B1, B1') oriented parallel to one another, the number of which is n. - the first diverter (5) is configured to receive and distribute articles (2) or groups of articles (8) of a first path (B1) of paths (B1, B1') oriented parallel to one another, the number of which is n, and wherein - the second diverter (7) is configured to receive and distribute articles (2) or groups of articles (8) of a further first path (B1') of paths (B1, B1') oriented parallel to one another, the number of which is n.

6. The packaging system (1) according to claim 5, wherein The packaging system comprises a control device (S) by means of which the first diverter (5) and the second diverter (7) can be operated so that the articles (2) or groups of articles (8) are distributed via the first diverter (5) and the second diverter (7) on a plurality of different paths (B1, B1', B2, B2') in such a way that the number of articles (2) or groups of articles (8) provided in time for the respective first paths (B1, B1') is greater than the number of articles (2) or groups of articles (8) provided in time for the respective second paths (B2, B2').

7. The packaging system (1) according to claim 5, wherein The packaging system comprises a control device (S) which is configured to operate the first diverter (5) and the second diverter (7) in such a way that, in each case, a sequence of three consecutive articles (2) or groups of articles (8) received by the diverter (5, 7) is distributed via the diverter (5, 7) on a plurality of different paths (B1, B1', B2, B2') in such a way that, in each case, two articles (2) or two groups of articles (8) of the sequence of three consecutive articles (2) or three consecutive groups of articles (8) are assigned to a first path (B1, B1') and one article (2) or one group of articles (8) is assigned to a respective second path (B2, B2').

8. The packaging system (1) according to claim 6, wherein The packaging system comprises a control device (S) which is configured to operate the first diverter (5) and the second diverter (7) in such a way that, in each case, a sequence of three consecutive articles (2) or groups of articles (8) received by the diverter (5, 7) is distributed via the diverter (5, 7) on a plurality of different paths (B1, B1', B2, B2') in such a way that, in each case, two articles (2) or two groups of articles (8) of the sequence of three consecutive articles (2) or three consecutive groups of articles (8) are assigned to a first path (B1, B1') and one article (2) or one group of articles (8) is assigned to a respective second path (B2, B2').

9. The packaging system (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The control device (S) is configured to operate the first diverter (5) and the second diverter (7) in such a way that the first diverter (5) transfers a respective one article (2) or a respective one group of articles (8) onto the second path (B2) in a time-offset manner with respect to the second diverter (7).

10. The packaging system (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The control device (S) is configured to operate the first diverter (5) and the second diverter (7) in such a way that the respective article supplied via the first diverter (5) to the second path (B2) or the respective group of articles (8) supplied via the first diverter (5) to the second path (B2) is aligned, perpendicular to its flow direction (SR), with the article supplied via the second diverter (7) to the first path (B1') or the group of articles (8) supplied via the second diverter (7) to the first path (B1').

11. The packaging system (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The control device (S) is configured to operate the first diverter (5) and the second diverter (7) in such a way that the respective article supplied via the first diverter (5) to the second path (B2) or the respective group of articles (8) supplied via the first diverter (5) to the second path (B2) is aligned, perpendicular to its flow direction (SR), with the article supplied via the second diverter (7) to the first path (B1') or the group of articles (8) supplied via the second diverter (7) to the first path (B1').

12. The packaging system (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one industrial robot (14, 14') follows a guide (4) in the flow direction (SR), which is positioned and configured so that the articles (2) or groups of articles (8) supplied via the first diverter (5) to the second path (B2) are combined with the articles (2) or groups of articles (8) supplied via the second diverter (7) of the second path (B2') onto a common third path (B3).

13. The packaging system (1 ) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein, The at least one industrial robot (14, 14') follows a guide (4) in the flow direction (SR), which is positioned and configured so that the articles (2) or groups of articles (8) supplied via the first diverter (5) to the second path (B2) are combined with the articles (2) or groups of articles (8) supplied via the second diverter (7) of the second path (B2') onto a common third path (B3).

14. The packaging system (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The packaging system comprises at least one first industrial robot (14) and at least one second industrial robot (14'), which are respectively configured to apply a packaging material to the articles (2) or groups of articles (8) and are arranged on opposite sides of the horizontal conveyor (15).

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