Device for pre-treating packaging blanks, packaging device for producing packaging units, and pre-crushing station

Abstract

The utility model discloses a device (6) for pretreating packaging blanks (10), a packaging device for producing a packaging unit and a pre-crushing station. The packaging blanks each have a passage opening for receiving articles (12) and forming a packaging unit (18). By means of at least two different drawing dies (44; the at least one channel opening of the packaging blank (10) may each be weakened by the at least one channel opening (44a, 44b, 44c). The drawing dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c) are each equipped with a stretching tool having different opening widths and / or different profiles for correspondingly influencing the degree of weakness of the at least one channel opening. At least one handling robot (70, 88, 90, 108) for transferring the packaging blank (10) to the at least two available drawing dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c) of the plurality of drawing dies (42a, 42b, 44a, 44a, 44b, 44c).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an apparatus for pre-treating packaging blanks. It also relates to a packaging apparatus for producing packaging units consisting of at least two articles and packaging blanks connected thereto. Background Technology

[0002] Different packaging types are available 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. Various possibilities are known for combining several containers into larger bundles, such as combining and packaging four, six, or even more beverage containers using shrink wrap. The production of such bundles is often unavoidable, as bundles are the most common variation of packaging units for beverage containers or bottles made of PET plastic. For transport, these bundles are sometimes further combined and / or layered and stacked on pallets.

[0003] The numerous manufacturing steps involved in using shrink film as a packaging material require relatively high energy inputs, especially since the shrinking process occurs solely under increased heat. Furthermore, the film itself incurs costs related to production, supply, handling, and subsequent disposal, as it is no longer needed after the item or container is sold and unsealed. The machinery used to provide so-called film-wrapping modules and other operating stations also incurs significant investment costs. Finally, providing so-called shrink tunnels, in which hot air is applied to shrink the wrapped film around the container, also requires relatively high capital investment.

[0004] One variation that, in principle, does not require the use of shrink wrap is the so-called bundled packaging. In this case, containers are connected to each other and bundled together using strapping. In a continuously or periodically operating strapping machine, containers, items, or bottles are grouped and then bundled together using one or more straps by a strapping unit. Typical configurations can be, for example, a 1×2 layout (two containers in a row), a 2×2 layout (four containers arranged in a square or rhombus), a 3×2 layout, a 4×3 layout, or, in principle, a variable n×m layout.

[0005] Furthermore, various variations of using packaging blanks to form bundles are also known, whereby these packaging blanks are typically composed of pre-stamped cardboard material. For example, the use of so-called top-grab cardboard packaging is known, which allows for the combination of several bottles together via the bottle neck area, specifically by placing this top-grab cardboard packaging over previously grouped items.

[0006] Such gripping cardboard packages or cardboard packaging blanks typically have an arrangement and number of channel openings corresponding to the arrangement and number of articles or containers to be assembled. The diameter of the channel openings is generally slightly smaller than the maximum diameter of the upper region of the article, where the corresponding channel opening should ultimately be positioned. The gripping cardboard package or packaging blank is placed and pressed onto the article, thereby pushing the defined upper region of the article through the channel openings. In particular, the upper region with the maximum diameter is pushed through the channel openings, and the edge region of the channel openings contacts the article below this maximum diameter, thereby reliably and securely securing the gripping cardboard package or packaging blank to the article.

[0007] However, securing the cardboard package or pre-packaged material to the items in this way, particularly pushing the items through the aisle opening, may require relatively high applied force, especially for larger groups of items to be assembled and packaged in this manner. Correspondingly, the items must be able to withstand this applied force so as not to be damaged when the cardboard package or pre-packaged material is gripped.

[0008] To facilitate these application processes and prepare packaging blanks in a suitable manner, WO 2021 / 043 362A1 proposes a packaging apparatus and a method for producing packaging units in which several items are grouped together by secondary packaging. The secondary packaging here consists of a flat packaging blank, which is applied to the prepared grouping of items in each case as described above. The packaging blank is transformed from a planar storage state to a three-dimensional sales state by molding. However, this molding may also include widening the edge areas of the channel openings, which can be particularly accomplished using molding apparatus suitable for this purpose. As molding apparatus, it is suggested, for example, the use of so-called crushing cones or stretching cones, whose arrangement corresponds to the arrangement of the channel openings of the packaging blank.

[0009] A packaging apparatus and a method for producing packaging units are also known from WO 2020 / 233 943A1. In this case, it is also configured that a packaging blank, which serves as packaging material, is first pretreated before being pressed onto several articles to assemble them. The pretreatment module is equipped with a stretching die designed to reduce resistance in the edge regions of the channel openings of the packaging blank during the subsequent application of the packaging blank onto the articles. In this known stretching die, several stretching cones or breaking cones are again arranged in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the channel openings in the packaging blank.

[0010] All known stretching dies are formatted components; they must be constructed for different items or containers, or, when used for items or containers of different sizes, each should be replaced with a stretching die adapted to the changing requirements.

[0011] However, since such modifications typically result in equipment downtime, consume the time required for modification, and incur certain costs due to the need for manual intervention in packaging equipment, it can be considered that the main purpose of this invention is to reduce or completely eliminate these disadvantages and provide a better possibility of handling different article or container structures and / or different article or container sizes without having to completely replace the corresponding pretreatment tools. Utility Model Content

[0012] To at least partially achieve the above objectives, this invention provides an apparatus for pre-treating packaging blanks. Each packaging blank has at least one channel opening within a planar design area for accommodating at least one item to form a packaging unit, the packaging unit comprising the at least one item and a packaging blank connected thereto. However, in many cases, each packaging blank has at least two channel openings of the same type and, particularly, the same size, within its planar design area for accommodating at least two items of the same type or identical to form a packaging unit, the packaging unit comprising the at least two items and a packaging blank connected thereto.

[0013] When referring here to packaging blanks and packaging units equipped with packaging blanks, it should include both variations in which there is only one item in the corresponding packaging unit and variations in which there are several items combined together in the corresponding packaging unit.

[0014] Each packaging blank may have exactly four, six, or eight channel openings for articles. Preferably, each packaging blank has three or more channel openings for articles.

[0015] Preferably, apart from the curved fixing tongue and / or handle opening, all the material of the packaging blank, when placed on an article, lies on only one plane. The plane does not refer to a mathematical plane, but rather to a planar area having the thickness of the cardboard used to cut or press the blank.

[0016] In other words, the blank holds the items together on only one plane.

[0017] In another embodiment, the blank may have more channel openings than the items in the subsequent bundle, particularly exactly two or three times. Specifically, in this embodiment, the blank holds the items together on two or more planes. In other words, an item, preferably all items, penetrates the blank at least twice.

[0018] In particular, the blank can be folded once or multiple times before being placed onto the item, especially to align the channel opening.

[0019] In particular, the device may have an additional folding tool for this purpose, which may be approached by the same or an additional handling device.

[0020] In another embodiment, the edge region of the blank, which is substantially curved at 90°, surrounds the bundled item from the side. In this variation, the item may penetrate the blank only once, but the wide, surrounding edge remains held together at a greater height.

[0021] The apparatus of this invention, also referred to as a pre-processing module in the context of this invention, is a component of a packaging machine. It includes at least two different stretching dies, each configured and correspondingly equipped to weaken edge areas and, where appropriate, widen at least one or more channel openings of the packaging blank. Each of the at least two stretching dies is equipped with stretching tools having different opening widths and / or different profiles to correspondingly influence the degree of weakening and / or widening of the channel openings.

[0022] Furthermore, the device of this invention is configured to be equipped with at least one handling robot for correspondingly combining the packaging blank with at least one of the at least two available stretching dies.

[0023] Here, the apparatus can be optionally configured such that each of the at least two different stretching dies is assigned at least one separate handling robot for combining the pre-processed packaging blanks with one of the at least two available stretching dies. Each of these handling robots may be configured and correspondingly equipped to remove packaging blanks from the stock and combine them individually with the stretching die assigned to it, i.e., typically pressing them onto the stretching die to widen the channel opening in a desired manner, and to pre-process the packaging blanks so that they can be applied to the provided grouping of articles with reduced bonding force.

[0024] Alternatively, the apparatus can be configured such that the at least two different stretching dies are assigned at least one shared handling robot for combining the pre-processed packaging blanks with one of the at least two available stretching dies. In this case, the cross-functional handling robot can be configured and correspondingly equipped to retrieve packaging blanks from two different stockpiles and combine them individually with the appropriate stretching die, i.e., typically pressing them onto the stretching die to widen the channel opening in a desired manner, and to pre-process the packaging blanks so that they can be applied to the provided grouping of articles with reduced bonding force.

[0025] Typically, each of the at least two stretching dies is equipped with multiple stretching tools, particularly stretching tools of the same type and size, which constitute pretreatment elements for widening and / or stretching the channel openings of the packaging blank pressed onto the stretching die.

[0026] In order to process different types of packaging blanks, the stretching tools of different dies are designed with different dimensions and are configured to pre-process different packaging blanks. That is, the diameter of the stretching tool of the first die can be, for example, larger than the diameter of the stretching tool of the second die, because the packaging blanks can, for example, have channel openings of different sizes for items of different sizes.

[0027] In the apparatus of this invention, each of the at least two different stretching dies can be assigned to a pre-crushing station for pre-processing different packaging blanks, and thus each constitutes part of the pre-crushing station. Optionally, the silos assigned to the respective stretching dies for providing packaging blanks can also be considered part of these pre-crushing stations.

[0028] According to another configuration option, at least one of these pre-crushing stations may be equipped with a pivotable or rotatable tool rack, thereby enabling at least two different stretching dies to engage with the packaged blank as active stretching dies, while in each case, the unwanted stretching dies or several unwanted stretching dies can be removed from the engagement area and prepared for subsequent use.

[0029] According to another configuration variant, the device of this invention may have at least one separate handling robot arranged between the at least two pre-crushing stations and the providing location and / or conveying device having prepared packing blocks located therein, and the handling robot being configured and correspondingly equipped to transfer pre-treated packing blanks in each case to the packing blocks and apply the pre-treated packing blanks to the packing blocks.

[0030] Alternatively, a separate handling robot may be arranged between each of the at least two pre-crushing stations and the providing location and / or the conveying device, which has a pre-prepared group of items located therein. The handling robot is configured and correspondingly equipped in each case to transfer the pre-treated packaging blanks in each case to the group of items and to apply the pre-treated packaging blanks to the group of items.

[0031] It should be noted that each of the aforementioned pre-crushing stations is equipped with at least one stretching die, which is equipped with multiple stretching tools. Furthermore, the stretching die is an integral part of the pre-crushing station as a replaceable component. Therefore, each stretching die can be considered a separate component; they can be selected from multiple stretching dies of different designs and configurations and inserted into the packaging unit to accommodate and adapt to different products to be processed. If a product change is required, either an existing stretching die in the packaging unit can be used as the active stretching die, or a new stretching die can be inserted into the packaging unit first, and then the new stretching die can be used to pre-process the packaging blank.

[0032] All these different stretching dies can also be selectively regarded as components to be supplemented.

[0033] Furthermore, a method for pre-treating packaging blanks is described. Each packaging blank to be pre-treated by this method has at least one channel opening within a planar design area, the channel opening for accommodating at least one item to form a packaging unit, wherein the packaging unit includes the at least one item and the packaging blank connected thereto.

[0034] The method is configured to pre-treat the packaging blank, meaning to weaken the at least one channel opening by using a stretching die, thereby reducing the bonding force when the packaging blank is applied to the at least one article passing through the channel opening. This weakening can also, for example, mean pre-stretching the at least one channel opening at its edges. During the pre-treatment of the packaging blank, the opening width of the channel opening and / or the degree of weakening or widening thereof is predetermined by selecting and using at least one of at least two different dies, each with a different profile and / or stretching dimension. This means selecting at least two available dies for the corresponding stretching or weakening process; however, two dies can be provided simultaneously for each pre-treatment process.

[0035] The method can be configured to combine at least two different stretching dies, each with the pre-processed packaging blank using at least one separate handling robot.

[0036] Alternatively, the method can be configured to combine the at least two different stretching dies, each with a shared handling robot, with the pre-packaged blank to be pre-processed.

[0037] Preferably, each of the at least two stretching dies is equipped with a plurality of pretreatment elements, specifically stretching tools of the same type and size, wherein the plurality of stretching tools of different dies are designed to be of different sizes and configured to pretreatment different packaging blanks.

[0038] Each of the at least two different stretching dies can be assigned to a pre-crushing station for pre-processing different packaging blanks, and thus each constitutes part of the pre-crushing station.

[0039] Furthermore, the method can be configured to transfer pre-processed packaging blanks in each case from the at least two pre-crushing stations to a providing location and / or conveying device by means of at least one separate handling robot, the providing location and / or the conveying device having prepared item groups located there, and applying the packaging blanks to the item groups there, wherein each of the separate handling robots can enter one of the at least two pre-crushing stations, the handling robot being assigned to that pre-crushing station.

[0040] Another conceivable approach is a variation in which pre-processed packaging blanks in each case are transferred from the at least two pre-crushing stations to a providing location and / or conveying device by means of at least one shared handling robot. This providing location and / or conveying device has prepared item groups located there, and the packaging blanks are applied to the item groups there. The shared handling robot may selectively enter one of the at least two pre-crushing stations.

[0041] The method can be optionally configured such that different packaging units can be produced in a single production process, each equipped with different designs and / or pre-treated packaging blanks.

[0042] Alternatively, it can be configured to produce packaging units of the same type in a single production process, each packaging unit being specifically equipped with packaging blanks designed to be of the same type and / or pre-treated packaging blanks in one of several pre-crushing stations.

[0043] Finally, in order to achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a packaging device for producing packaging units, which consists of at least one article and a packaging blank connected thereto, wherein at least some sections of the at least one article pass through a channel opening in a region of the planar design of the packaging blank when connected to the packaging blank.

[0044] The packaging apparatus of this utility model includes at least a feeding device for the at least one article or a combination of several grouped articles, a pretreatment module for pretreating the packaging blank for application to the at least one article, and a packaging module for applying and fixing the pretreated packaging blank to the at least one article.

[0045] Here, the pretreatment module includes at least two stretching dies having stretching tools of different sizes and / or profiles to affect the respective degree of weakening of the channel openings. Each stretching tool is configured and correspondingly equipped for weakening the at least one channel opening of the packaging blank. The pretreatment module includes at least one handling robot for correspondingly combining the packaging blank with at least one of the at least two available stretching dies.

[0046] In a packaging apparatus, the at least one handling robot may specifically constitute an equipment element of the apparatus, or may be assigned to the apparatus.

[0047] Furthermore, in the packaging apparatus, an optical sensing device can be assigned to a positioning and / or conveying device having a group of articles to be fitted with packaging blanks and / or a packaging unit already fitted with packaging blanks therein. This optical sensing device has downstream image analysis capabilities to monitor the process and / or the result of applying the packaging blanks to the group of articles. For example, a camera with corresponding image analysis capabilities would be suitable for this purpose.

[0048] Furthermore, the packaging device of this invention can be connected to or equipped with a control center for controlling various equipment functions and coupled with a data storage device that collects and keeps available sensor data acquired in the packaging device, and can also keep the stored sensor data and / or the operating and equipment parameters of the packaging device available to influence equipment functions. The data storage device may, for example, include a database, which may again be outsourced or partially outsourced to a data cloud. The database can keep a large number of parameters available, such as meaningful angles for the deformation of the tongue at the inside of the input channel opening and / or meaningful force values ​​of motors configured to apply packaging blanks to the grouping of articles. In this case, different bundle types, packaging blank manufacturers and available material data, packaging blank material thickness, etc., can also be considered in each case, from which useful values ​​for setting critical and target values ​​for the packaging equipment can be calculated, as well as useful values ​​for other equipment components. In principle, the principles of machine learning can also be considered when performing all these database accesses and calculations.

[0049] It should be explicitly emphasized here that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the packaging and / or pretreatment apparatus of this utility model can also relate to or constitute parts of the described method for pretreatment of packaging blanks. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description of the packaging or pretreatment apparatus of this utility model, this also applies to the described method. The same principle applies in reverse, such that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the described method for pretreatment of packaging blanks can also relate to or constitute parts of the packaging apparatus and / or pretreatment apparatus of this utility model. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description of the described method, this also applies to the packaging apparatus of this utility model and also to the apparatus of this utility model for pretreatment of packaging blanks.

[0050] The following detailed description is a supplementary summary of some aspects of the present invention that have been explained above through various embodiments, and points out further relationships. Some aspects will be specifically elaborated below, but this should not be considered as contradicting the preceding detailed description, but rather should be understood in conjunction with it, or, if in doubt, as more specific embodiments and / or modifications where appropriate. Therefore, as mentioned several times above, the process steps of pre-processing the produced packaging units performed by means of the method, pre-processing module, and / or packaging device are specifically designed to reduce the applied force required to secure the cardboard package to the group of articles. The packaging unit produced in this application step comprises at least two articles or containers, on which a packaging blank with at least a partially planar design is arranged, wherein the packaging blank has at least one channel opening in the planar design area for at least two grouped articles.

[0051] The articles or containers may be, for example, beverage containers, particularly bottles made of PET or other suitable plastics. Preferably, the articles or containers may also consist of cans made of materials such as plastic and / or aluminum or other metals. However, this packaging device is also suitable for arranging and securing corresponding packaging blanks to other suitable articles or containers.

[0052] Flat packaging blanks can be formed, in particular, from cellulose-containing materials that are recyclable. That is, flat packaging blanks can be formed, in particular, from cardboard and / or paperboard materials that are easily recyclable after use. Furthermore, it is conceivable to form flat packaging blanks from plastics, particularly allowing the use of single-component thermoplastic materials, which are also easily recyclable.

[0053] Alternatively, the flat packaging blank can be configured to have several grooves that, when appropriate, work together to form a handle.

[0054] Optionally, the planar packaging blank may consist of several cellulose-containing layers, or a combination of different materials and different recycled materials.

[0055] Each packaging blank may have exactly four, six, or eight channel openings for articles. Preferably, each packaging blank has three or more channel openings for articles.

[0056] Preferably, apart from the curved fixing tongue and / or handle opening, all the material of the packaging blank, when placed on an article, lies on only one plane. The plane does not refer to a mathematical plane, but rather to a planar area having the thickness of the cardboard used to cut or press the blank.

[0057] In other words, the blank holds the items together on only one plane.

[0058] In another embodiment, the blank may have more channel openings than the items in the subsequent bundle, particularly exactly two or three times. Specifically, in this embodiment, the blank holds the items together on two or more planes. In other words, an item, preferably all items, penetrates the blank at least twice.

[0059] In particular, the blank can be folded once or multiple times before being placed onto the item, especially to align the channel opening.

[0060] In particular, the device may have an additional folding tool for this purpose, which may be approached by the same or an additional handling device.

[0061] In another embodiment, the edge region of the blank, which is substantially curved at 90°, surrounds the bundled item from the side. In this variation, the item may penetrate the blank only once, but the wide, surrounding edge remains held together at a greater height.

[0062] A packaging apparatus for producing a packaging unit includes at least one feeding device for articles to be packaged or for a combination of several articles, a pretreatment module for pre-treating a packaging blank for application to the at least one article, and at least one packaging module for applying and securing the packaging blank to the group of articles. In this case, the pretreatment module is configured to include at least one device designed to reduce resistance in the edge region of at least one channel opening of the packaging blank when it is subsequently applied to the at least one article.

[0063] The smallest variation of a packaging unit produced in this manner consists of at least one article or container equipped with at least one first secondary packaging material in the form of a flat packaging blank. Therefore, all the features described herein relating to such packaging units can be understood in principle as packaging units comprising only one article and a packaging blank disposed thereon. However, all the features described herein relating to such packaging units can also be applied similarly or with corresponding modifications to packaging units comprising two or more articles and packaging blanks disposed thereon. In this case, this may, where appropriate, be a packaging blank designed as a handle blank, which provides a handle, but will not be described in detail here.

[0064] Alternatively, the articles or containers of the packaging unit can be additionally combined together by a second secondary or tertiary packaging material. That is, such a second secondary or tertiary packaging material may, for example, consist of at least one strip or bar-shaped closed binding strap that is stretched horizontally around the outside of the articles or containers and selectively and securely fastened at the point of contact with at least one of the articles.

[0065] Typically, after the packaging blank is fixed, the defined upper region of the article is located above the packaging blank, while the defined lower region of the article is arranged below the packaging blank. In a preferred embodiment, less than one-fifth of the article volume is located above the uppermost (if several) channel openings of the blank. In particular, the article's gating gate is also arranged above the uppermost channel opening.

[0066] As explained in conjunction with this description by means of different implementation variations, the channel opening of the packaging blank is particularly equipped with a suitable fixing device, which may be, for example, composed of a fixing tongue.

[0067] The fixing tongue is formed, for example, by a cut extending radially from the opening.

[0068] After the packaging blank is arranged and secured to the article, the packaging blank engages with the article in such a way that it is fixed in place with its position essentially unchanged, and the article can no longer make any significant relative movement or positional change relative to each other or relative to the packaging blank—this applies within the plane in which the packaging blank lies. If the blank is a thin cardboard blank, what can happen after securing the blank is that the blank itself is flexible, so the article can move relative to it along its longitudinal axis or in the direction of insertion through the channel opening. Rotation of the article about its longitudinal axis and about another axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis can also be feasible as described above. Particularly for the latter, it can be useful to fit another secondary package.

[0069] Packaging blanks can be removed from the items of the group of items again, specifically by means of an increased force having an upward force component, wherein the packaging blanks are typically at least partially or partially damaged.

[0070] The packaging apparatus includes at least one feeding device via which at least one article is fed, typically at least two articles. Preferably, the articles have been pre-assembled into groups of articles in appropriate quantities and arrangements, and these groups of articles are fed into the packaging module via the at least one feeding device. In the packaging module, packaging blanks are applied and secured to the groups of articles. For this purpose, the packaging blanks are removed from a silo and prepared in a pretreatment module for application to at least two articles in the group of articles. The pretreatment module includes at least one device designed to reduce resistance in the edge region of the channel opening of the packaging blank when it is subsequently applied to the at least two articles.

[0071] For this purpose and according to the present invention, the pretreatment module apparatus includes at least one stretching die, and optionally a plurality of stretching dies, which are particularly suitable for stretching and / or widening the edge region of the at least one channel opening in the manner described. In this case, the average diameter of the channel opening is increased at least slightly by pretreatment. 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.

[0072] In particular, compared to the force required to fix the untreated packaging blank onto the article, the force required to press the corresponding packaging blank onto the article, such that the upper region of the article with the largest diameter is positioned above the packaging blank and the lower region of the article is positioned below the packaging blank, can therefore be at least slightly, preferably significantly, reduced. Thus, the risk of damaging the article when applying the packaging blank is also reduced compared to conventional packaging devices and methods. In this case, even articles with smaller wall thicknesses can be used without damage when applying the packaging blank.

[0073] During the pretreatment process, the packaging blank is pressed against the stretching die, causing the stretching tools of the stretching die to partially pass through the channel opening and engage again specifically with the edge area of ​​the channel opening. This results in the edge area of ​​the channel opening being stretched or otherwise altered.

[0074] Specifically, the material in the edge region of the channel opening is weakened. Preferably, the average diameter of the channel opening is increased by a stretching die.

[0075] In particular, during the pre-crushing process, the connections that still exist between the tongues arranged in the edge area of ​​the channel opening can be torn apart or destroyed at least partially and / or partially (some tongue connections, but not all tongue connections) to at least partially.

[0076] Specifically, predetermined break points can be arranged between adjacent tongues during the punching process. This can be achieved, for example, by setting indentations or scoring lines in the billet during the billet production process.

[0077] The tongue is specifically, in fact, basically trapezoidal, wherein one or two sides of the trapezoid may be slightly curved. The curved portion may have the center of the channel opening as the center of the radius.

[0078] The stretching tool of a stretching die can be designed, for example, as a cone or a truncated cone, with the cone tip or the cone surface with a smaller cross-sectional area facing upwards. In this case, the stretching die can be adapted to different article sizes. Depending on the average diameter of the channel opening, the packaging blank can be pressed downwards to a corresponding degree in order to widen the channel opening in the desired manner.

[0079] A stretching tool can be designed such that its cross-section along its longitudinal axis is locally substantially trapezoidal.

[0080] The arrangement, number, and positioning of the stretching tools on the corresponding stretching die correspond to the arrangement, number, and positioning of the channel openings of the packaging blank. Therefore, stretching tools adaptable to each situation can be provided by means of a stretching die that can be replaced and / or activated in each case, allowing the stretching die to be quickly and easily adapted to the product change without requiring complex modifications.

[0081] When pre-treating packaging blanks, it can be specifically configured to increase the average diameter of the opening in each case during the pre-treatment process.

[0082] Specifically, the fixed tongue formed in the corresponding edge region of the opening may be at least partially bent, so that the fixed tongue then extends out from the plane where the opening is located. Attached Figure Description

[0083] 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.

[0084] Figure 1 A schematic view of one embodiment of the packaging apparatus of the present invention is shown, which is used to package articles by using packaging blanks.

[0085] Figures 2A to 2EA schematic view shows a series of sequential process steps performed when packaging blanks are applied to grouped articles.

[0086] Figures 3A to 3E Further schematic views of several process steps in a first variant of pre-processed packaging blanks are shown, which are then applied to grouped articles.

[0087] Figures 4A to 4C A schematic view of additional process steps in a second variant of pre-processing packaging blanks is shown, which are then applied to grouped articles.

[0088] Figures 5A to 5D A schematic view of additional process steps in a third variant of pre-processed packaging blanks is shown, which are then applied to grouped articles.

[0089] Figure 6 A schematic side view of a first variant of a packaging apparatus is shown, which is used to pre-treat packaging blanks and use them to form packaging units.

[0090] Figure 7 A schematic side view of a second variant of the packaging apparatus is shown, which is used to pre-treat packaging blanks and use them to form packaging units.

[0091] Figure 8A A first embodiment of the packaging apparatus is shown, which is equipped with a feeding device for conveying groups of items along a defined conveying direction on a horizontal conveyor provided for this purpose, and in which a first-configuration handling robot is provided.

[0092] Figure 8B A second implementation variant of the packaging device is shown, featuring a second configuration of the handling robot.

[0093] Figure 8C A third implementation variant of the packaging apparatus is shown, featuring a third configuration of the handling robot.

[0094] Figure 9A and Figure 9B Variations of the pre-crushing station are shown, which are based on Figures 8A to 8C The preprocessing module.

[0095] Figure 9C An embodiment of a multi-part stretching die is shown, which has four sides, each of which has a different configuration of stretching tools.

[0096] Figure 9D Another variant of the pre-crushing station is shown, which is based on Figures 8A to 8C The preprocessing module.

[0097] Figure 10 A fourth implementation variant of the packaging device is shown, featuring a fourth configuration of the handling robot.

[0098] Figure 11 A fifth implementation variant of the packaging apparatus is shown, featuring a fifth configuration of the handling robot. Detailed Implementation

[0099] Elements of the same invention or elements having the same function are generally referred to by the same reference numerals in the following description of the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, for clarity, in many cases, only the reference numerals necessary for describing the respective drawings are used in the various figures. The depicted embodiments are merely examples of how the apparatus of the present invention or the described method for pre-treating packaging blanks can be designed, and are not conclusive limitations. Moreover, the features described below should not be construed as closely related to other features of the corresponding embodiments in each case, but are provided or used in a general manner in each case for this purpose.

[0100] according to Figure 1 The schematic diagram should first illustrate the process of producing packaging units and the steps performed to produce the basic components of the packaging units and use these components. For this purpose, a packaging apparatus 2 is used, which can be used to produce packaging units 18, which consist of at least two articles 12 and packaging blanks 10 connected thereto (see...). Figure 2D ), wherein at least some sections of each of the at least two articles 12, when connected to the packaging blank 10, pass through a channel opening 14 within the area of ​​the planar design of the packaging blank 10 (see Figure 2A ).

[0101] The packaging device 2 includes at least one feeding device 4 for the at least two articles 12, wherein the two or more articles 12 may be fed into the packaging device 2, in particular in each case, in the form of a group, i.e., in the form of an article group 20.

[0102] Furthermore, the packaging apparatus 2 includes a pretreatment module 6 for pretreating the packaging blank 10 in order to prepare it for application to at least two articles 12 or article groups 20. To indicate that the packaging blank 10 is prepared in this manner for application to the articles 12, it is labeled with reference numeral 10v in the following description and figures.

[0103] The pretreatment module 6 is equipped with at least two different stretching dies 44a and 44b (see for details). Figures 6 to 11 These stretching dies are configured to widen at least one channel opening 14 of the packaging blank 10, and each is equipped with at least two stretching tools 46 (see also for this). Figures 6 to 11). For example, by using Figure 6 As shown in more detail in the following figures, the at least two stretching tools 46 of each of the at least two different stretching dies 44a and 44b are designed to be of different sizes and / or equipped with different relative positions or different distances between each other to accommodate channel openings 14 that are positioned differently within different types of packaging blanks 10, thereby enabling the pretreatment of different packaging blanks 10 by using one of the at least two existing stretching dies 44a or 44b, which will be explained in detail below.

[0104] Figure 1 The illustration merely shows an option to use one of the existing at least two stretching dies 44a or 44b as the active stretching die 44, which can be used in each case to pre-treat the packaging blank 10, while the other stretching die 44b or 44a remains inactive and can be prepared for later use as the active stretching die 44. In this case, the first stretching die 44a should form the active stretching die 44, while the second stretching die 44b is inactive and therefore indicated by dashed lines.

[0105] exist Figures 8A to 11 The different variations of this option and the devices or robotic arms used for it are described in more detail below. Figures 8A to 11 Describe it.

[0106] Furthermore, the packaging apparatus 2 includes a packaging module 8 for applying and securing the pre-treated packaging blank 10v in each case to at least two items 12 of the corresponding item group 20, thereby assembling these items into packaging units 18 in each case. These packaging units 18, which are typically mass-produced by the packaging apparatus 2 in a continuous production sequence, can then be sent to further processing, such as being packaged again with tertiary packaging materials and / or assembled into a layered arrangement that can be stacked on a pallet.

[0107] In addition, it should be based on Figures 2A to 2E The schematic view first explains the basic principle of assembling the articles into groups 20 by applying the packaging blank 10, and then in the following figures, namely Figures 3A to 11 The following describes further features of this utility model.

[0108] Right now, Figure 2A A schematic top view shows a first embodiment of the packaging blank 10, which can be used to assemble the articles 12 together (see...). Figure 2B Specifically, the side surfaces of these items 12 pass through the corresponding channel openings 14 and are engaged with the edge region 16 of the channel openings 14.

[0109] also, Figure 2B A schematic top view shows an item 12 from above, which can be seen by... Figure 2A The packaging blank 10 is combined with several other items of the same type or consistency 12 to form a packaging unit 18 (see Figure 2D Or a bundle. Figure 2C and Figure 2D A schematic side view schematically illustrates the following based on Figure 2B The process of applying this packaging blank 10 to the assembly of articles 12. This assembly of different sizes is also referred to in this context as an article group 20, wherein the number and arrangement of the articles 12 contained therein are adapted in each case to the packaging blank 10 provided with the articles 12.

[0110] Preferably, article 12 can be a beverage container in the form of a bottle or jar 22 made of plastic and / or aluminum or any other suitable metal or material. However, the packaging apparatus and method for producing packaging unit 18, which will be explained in more detail below, are also applicable to arranging and securing the corresponding packaging blank 10 to other suitable articles 12. In addition to the jar 22 shown in the figure, these articles can also be, for example, mineral glass bottles, PET beverage containers, etc.

[0111] Article 12 typically has an annular widening in its upper region, at which the packaging blank 10 can be secured, particularly by a clamping process. Specifically, can 22 has an annular lid edge 24. Below the lid edge 24, can 22 has at least a slightly tapered portion 26 or constricted portion 26, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the lid edge 24. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different topic.) Figure 2C As can be vaguely seen from the schematic side view, the diameter of the contraction 26 located below the lid edge 24 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the side surface 28 of the corresponding can 22 located below the contraction 26, and also smaller than the diameter of the lid edge 24 located above the contraction 26.

[0112] The can 22 can be, in particular, a beverage can commonly found in the prior art, and in this context, can also be indicated by reference numeral 22.

[0113] Preferably, the packaging blank 10 is fixed to the can 22 in the area of ​​the tapering or contracted portion 26 below the mentioned lid edge 24 after being applied to a combination or group 20 of at least two such cans 22. Therefore, after the packaging blank 10 is applied to the article 12 made of cans 22, a portion of these articles 12 or cans 22 is located above the packaging blank 10, i.e., particularly having a portion of the can 22 below the lid edge 24. Figure 2BThe lid of the can closure 30 is shown in the diagram, while the remaining area of ​​the article 12 or can 22 and its respective side surface 28 are located below the packaging blank 10. Specifically, the packaging blank 10 is fixed in this position by the article 12 or can 22, and conversely, the article 12 or can 22 is also fixed in this position by the packaging blank 10.

[0114] If article 12 is, for example, a bottle with a screw closure made of PET or other suitable plastic material, the bottle has a locally widened portion (not shown here) in the form of a so-called neck ring below the screw closure. Below the neck ring, the diameter of the bottle is again designed to be locally smaller, and widens as it extends downwards from this point to the side areas. Specifically, the packaging preform 10 is fixed below the so-called neck ring of the bottle's closure area after being applied to the bottle assembly. Thus, after the packaging preform 10 is applied to the bottle, the bottle's closure area and neck ring are above the packaging preform 10, while the rest of the bottle is below the packaging preform 10.

[0115] The packaging blank 10 is preferably designed to be substantially planar and has Figure 2A , Figure 2C and Figure 2D A circular channel opening 14 for the article 12 or can 22 can be seen. The packaging blank 10 is designed such that it can be fitted over or pressed onto the article 12 or can 22 from above, wherein the article 12 passes at least partially through the channel opening 14, so that after the packaging blank 10 is secured to the article group 20, the article 12 is partially above and partially below the packaging blank 20.

[0116] After the packaging blank 10 is fixed, the defined upper region of the article 12 or can 22 is located above the packaging blank 10, while the defined lower region of the article 12 or can 22 is located below the packaging blank 10. Specifically, the edge region 16 defining the channel opening 14 is fitted to the outer surface 28 of the article 12 or can 22, as exemplified by a packaging unit 18 configured in this way. Figure 2D As indicated in [the document / document].

[0117] Preferably, the channel opening 14 of the packaging blank 10 can have suitable securing devices, such as the securing tongue mentioned herein. This securing tongue can be formed by a slit extending radially from the channel opening 14, but... Figure 2A It's not displayed. However, it can be seen from... Figures 3A to 3E These fixed tongue plates are clearly visible.

[0118] After the packaging blanks 10 are arranged and fixed to the article 12 consisting of cans 22, the packaging blanks engage with the cans 22 such that the packaging blanks 10 are fixed to the cans 22 in a substantially unchanged position, and the cans 22 can no longer make any significant relative movement or positional change relative to each other or relative to the packaging blanks 10.

[0119] Therefore, the packaging blank 10 can be removed again from the articles 12 or cans 22 of the article grouping 20 by means of an increased force having a force component that is away from the articles 12, i.e. particularly upward, whereby the packaging blank 10 is usually at least partially damaged.

[0120] As shown here, this packaging blank 10 is also referred to as top-grabbing cardboard packaging. In principle, packaging blank 10 can also be regarded as a secondary packaging for combining several primary packages (i.e., cans 22) together.

[0121] Packaging blank 10 is preferably composed of suitable cardboard material, plastic material, cardboard-plastic composite material or similar material, and it is usually processed by stamping process. Figure 2A and Figure 3A The shape shown.

[0122] In order to produce packaging unit 18 (see...) Figure 2D The packaging blank 10 is pretreated in an appropriate manner to reduce resistance within the edge region 16 of the defined channel opening 14 when applied to the at least two articles 12 or cans 22. The pretreated packaging blank 10 will also be indicated hereinafter by the designated reference numeral 10v to indicate that the packaging blank 10 has undergone the pretreatment steps explained below.

[0123] Place the pre-treated packaging blank 10v on corresponding combinations or groups of at least two items 12, and according to Figure 2C By applying a force F at least partially downward or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upright article 12 or can 22, particularly by applying pressure as evenly as possible downward on the upper side of the pre-treated packaging blank 10v, the article 12 of the article group 20 is pressed at least partially onto the article 12 of the article group 20 and simultaneously secured to the article 12 or can 22.

[0124] Due to the pretreatment already mentioned and explained in detail below, and the resulting reduction in resistance, the applied force F can be significantly reduced compared to the pressure required for untreated packaging blank 10. It is also possible to apply packaging blank 10v to articles 12, such as those with lower wall thicknesses, which are therefore less stable under applied pressure and more easily bent. This reduces material consumption for articles 12, as thin-walled articles 12 with poor mechanical stability can also be assembled using such packaging blank 10 or 10v.

[0125] Furthermore, by advantageously reducing resistance and thus reducing the applied force F, it is feasible to simultaneously or almost simultaneously apply several packaging blanks 10v onto larger groups 20 of upright articles 12 or beverage cans 22, and thus improve the machine performance of the associated packaging machine.

[0126] because Figure 2A An exemplary illustration shows a small packaging blank 10, which has only four channel openings 14 stamped here in a rectangular arrangement for assembling a group 20 of items 12 or cans 22 containing only four items 12, thus referring to... Figure 2E It should be noted that this packaging blank 10 can also be much larger, for example, it can be used to combine twenty-four or more items 12 or jars 22 into groups 20 in the manner described.

[0127] Right now, Figure 2E The packaging blank 10 shown has four rows arranged horizontally or vertically in each case, each of the four rows having six channel openings 14, which are also located in a rectangular arrangement, as already shown. Figure 2A As exemplarily shown in the figure. However, this does not preclude other arrangements of the items 12, and thus they may be selectively grouped, for example, in a dense spherical stack or a hexagonal arrangement, wherein the contact lines between the items 12 can be interconnected by triangles in the top view.

[0128] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the packaging blank 10 be designed to be larger than... Figure 2E The example shown is much larger.

[0129] In this context, supplementary references may also be made. Figures 3A to 3E These accompanying drawings have shown the layout of the corresponding packaging blank 10. Figure 3A ) and its application on item group 20 ( Figure 3C The item is grouped into four identical cans 22. These are to be assembled into a packaging unit 18 (see [link]). Figure 2D The jar 22 of item 12 can preferably be with Figure 2B The same as that shown by way of example in the top view. Furthermore, Figures 3A to 3CThe packaging blank 10 shown can also be optionally larger and have more than four channel openings 14, as shown from... Figure 2E As can be seen in the schematic top view, these channel openings are grouped in a rectangular form.

[0130] Right now, Figure 3A The image shows a pre-packaged packaging blank 10 that has not yet undergone pretreatment; it may be cut from cardboard, for example, using a stamping process. Conversely, Figure 3B The top view shows according to Figure 3A The packaging blank 10 has been pre-treated and is therefore indicated by the reference numeral 10v. Figure 3C A packaging unit 18 is shown, which consists of four articles 12 in the form of cans 22, which are assembled together by pre-treated packaging blanks 10v applied to the articles 12 or cans 22.

[0131] Figure 3D and Figure 3E The sectional views also show partial areas of the packaging blanks 10 or 10v, particularly through cross-sectional views showing the contents according to... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The local area of ​​the channel opening 14.

[0132] If it is possible to Figure 3A and Figure 3B As can be seen, the packaging blank 10 has four channel openings 14, each having an average or intermediate diameter d14. Within the edge region 16 that limits each channel opening 14, in each case, a retaining tongue 32, as mentioned herein, is formed. The retaining tongue 32 is specifically configured such that radial cuts 34 are provided extending from the channel opening 14. Each radial cut 34 extends outward from the inner edge region 16 of each channel opening 14, i.e., in a direction with a diameter larger than the actual size d14 of the channel opening 14. Figure 3A As schematically shown, radial cuts 34 can be distributed regularly in greater numbers on the circular channel openings 14.

[0133] When pressing the packaging blank 10 onto the suitable stretching tool 46, as described below Figure 6 and Figure 7 As described above, or by other suitable forming devices, these retaining tongues 32 are at least partially pressed and / or bent to the same orientation as predetermined during subsequent application. Due to the fact that, according to Figure 2C During the application of the packaging blank 10, the fixing tongues 32 are positioned upwards to avoid obstruction, and thus they are also reasonably bent and pre-shaped in the same direction by means of a stretching tool. The pre-shaped and pre-stretched fixing tongues 32 now extend upwards beyond the plane of the packaging blank 10 or 10v (the plane where the channel opening 14 is located), which in... Figure 3EThe cross-sectional view is shown schematically.

[0134] The average diameter of the channel opening 14 pre-treated in this way is increased by pressing upward and / or bending upward to fix the tongue 32, which is indicated by the reference numeral d14v. Specifically, the average diameter d14 of the channel opening 14 of the pre-treated packaging blank 10 is smaller than the average diameter d14v of the channel opening 14v of the pre-treated packaging blank 10v. Therefore, in this context, the channel opening 14 pre-treated or widened in this way is indicated by the reference numeral 14v (see reference numeral 14v). Figure 3E ).

[0135] However, after pretreatment, the increased average diameter d14v of the channel opening 14v pretreated in this way is preferably still at least slightly smaller than the maximum average diameter of the article 12 in its upper region, particularly in the upper region above the packaging blank 10v fixed to the article 12 in the finished packaging unit 18.

[0136] Preferably, in the finished product packaging unit 18, the fixing tongue 32 engages with the bottom surface of the respective lid edge 24 of the can 22 in such a way that the packaging blank 10 is firmly fixed to the can 22 and cannot slip upwards (see also for details). Figure 2D ).

[0137] Alternatively, the packaging blank 10 may also have perforations extending radially from the channel opening 14. These perforations can rupture when the packaging blank 10 is pressed onto the stretching tool, thereby forming corresponding retaining tongues 32, which bend upwards as the packaging blank 10 is further pressed onto the stretching tool. Figure 3E As indicated.

[0138] Furthermore, even without such a fixing tongue 32, or without a corresponding perforation for forming the fixing tongue 32, the packaging blank 10 can be expanded by pressing it against a correspondingly designed stretching tool within the area of ​​the channel opening 14, thus providing the packaging blank with at least a slightly increased average diameter d14v. In this case, the material of the packaging blank 10 is pressed and / or compressed, particularly in the edge region 16 directly adjacent to the channel opening 14.

[0139] Figures 4A to 4C A further schematic top view shows another embodiment variant of the packaging blank 10 (with... Figures 3A to 3E (Slightly different from those in the original), and shows the corresponding pretreatment of this packaging blank 10 and its application to the article group 20. In terms of its layout, the packaging blank 10 is similar to... Figure 2A and Figure 3ASimilar to the packaging blank 10 shown, it has four channel openings 14 for mating with the lid edge 24 of the can 22 designed to fit the corresponding size.

[0140] Right now, Figure 4A The untreated packaging blank 10 is shown, while Figure 4B A pre-treated packaging blank 10v is shown. In this case, during pre-treatment, narrow cuts 36 and / or (micro)perforations are provided in the edge regions 16 of the channel opening 14 to reduce resistance in these areas. Therefore, in Figure 4B In the middle, these corresponding preprocessed edge regions 16 additional landmarks are marked with the attached icon number 16v.

[0141] Specifically, the narrow slits 36, configured in this manner, extend radially from the channel opening 14. When the pre-treated packaging blank 10 is pressed directly onto the article 12 or can 22, a small force is required to press the localized area 38 formed between the slits 36 upwards. In particular, in this embodiment, the localized area 38 is further configured to engage below the largest local article diameter, thereby securely fixing the packaging blank 10 to the article 12 or can 22. Figure 4C The schematic top view shows the packaging unit 18 thus completed, which has four cans 22 held together by means of such packaging blanks 10v.

[0142] Alternatively, the pretreatment can be configured to be performed in at least two stages, wherein in the first pretreatment step, cuts 36 and / or (micro)perforations are made in the packaging blank 10, and in the second process step, the packaging blank 10 pretreated in this manner is pressed onto a stretching tool provided for this purpose, as described below. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As stated above.

[0143] Figures 5A to 5D The schematic top view also shows a third embodiment of the packaging blank 10, and illustrates the process of performing corresponding pretreatment on the packaging blank 10v and applying the pretreated packaging blank to the article group 20.

[0144] In particular, Figure 5A The untreated packaging blank 10 is shown, which in principle corresponds to the packaging blank 10. Figure 4A The packaging blank 10 is no different, because here and there, the edge region 16 of each channel opening 14 each exhibits a continuous circular outline, which can usually be produced by a stamping process. Figure 5BA schematic top view shows the pre-treated packaging blank 10v. This pre-treatment step is configured such that, in each case, the edge regions 16 of the channel openings 14 of the packaging blank 10 are made unstable and flexible by wetting. This pre-treatment method is particularly suitable for packaging blanks 10 made of cardboard material without a waterproof coating.

[0145] By wetting, in which water vapor or other suitable fluid is applied, for example via an evaporation device, to the corresponding area of ​​the packaging blank 10, the material of the packaging blank 10 can be softened at least locally, thereby making it more flexible. In particular, the edge region 16 of the channel opening 14 of the article 12 or can 22 is thus targetedly wetted.

[0146] like Figure 5B As depicted, the change in the diameter d14v of the channel opening 14v during this pretreatment step indicates that the channel opening 14v can be at least slightly widened by such pretreatment. The diameter d14v of the channel opening 14v, changed by the local wetting pretreatment, can be at least slightly larger than the corresponding diameter d14 of the original channel opening 14 in the original state of the packaging blank 10 (see...). Figure 5A and Figure 5B ).

[0147] Now, a smaller force can be used to soften the edge region of the packaging blank by 16V to 10V (see...). Figure 5B Apply to item 12 or jar 22 ( Figure 5C ).

[0148] Furthermore, a drying step may be subsequently provided, in which the pretreated packaging blank 10v applied to the article 12 or can 22 is re-dried by a suitable drying device, such as dry air or a similar device, to remove the wetted edge region 16v. During drying, the edge region 16v recovers its original stability according to the material properties of the packaging blank 10, thereby allowing the packaging blank 10 to be more firmly fixed to the article 12 or can 22 and more securely adhered thereto (see...). Figure 5D ).

[0149] If the packaging blank 10 is made of, for example, a thermoelastic or thermoplastic material, the elastic properties of these heated areas can be improved by localized heating, particularly by heating the edge regions 16 that define the channel openings 14. In the packaging blank 10v having correspondingly pre-treated, particularly heated, edge regions 16e of the channel openings 14 (see...), Figure 5C When applied to the group of articles 18, the edge region 16 of the channel opening 14 fits particularly advantageously against the outer surface of the article 12 or the can 22 during cooling.

[0150] Figure 6 The schematic side view shows a first embodiment of a packaging device 2 having a pre-processing module 6, as referenced above. Figure 1 As described above, the packaging blank 10 is removed from the hopper 42 by means of a suitable clamping head 40 (e.g., a vacuum suction cup 14) and transferred to the pretreatment module 6. The pretreatment module 6 includes the stretching die 44 mentioned several times above, which is necessary for pretreatment of the packaging blank 10.

[0151] Each of the stretching dies 44 mentioned herein is equipped with a number of stretching tools 46, the number of which corresponds to the number of channel openings 14 in the packaging blank 10 to be pre-processed in each case. The arrangement of the stretching tools 46 within the stretching die 44 must also correspond to the arrangement of the channel openings 14 in the packaging blank 10. Thus, the stretching tools 46 are located in a relative arrangement that corresponds to the arrangement of the articles 12 or cans 22 in the finished packaging unit 18.

[0152] In this example, the stretching tool 46 of the stretching die can be formed, for example, by each of the stretching cones 48 mentioned herein. The at least one clamping head 40 that removes the packaging blank 10 from the hopper 42 and transfers it to the pretreatment module 6 can be, for example, a vacuum suction cup 50 or a similar device.

[0153] Each individual packaging blank 10 located at the vacuum suction cup 50 of the clamping head 40 is pressed onto or fitted onto the stretching cone 48, so that each stretching cone 48 passes through each channel opening 14 of the packaging blank 10.

[0154] The packaging blank 10 is pressed downwards onto the stretching cone 48, at least to such an extent that the edge region 16 of the channel opening 14 is stretched by the downwardly widened cross section of the stretching cone 48, thereby at least slightly increasing the diameter of the channel opening 14. The pre-treated packaging blank 10v is then conveyed to the downstream packaging module 8 and applied to the ready-to-use item group 20 by means of the clamping head 40, which still holds the packaging blank 10v.

[0155] Due to the bevel or cone shape of the stretching cone 48, which has an upward-pointing tip in each case, the packaging blank 10 is centered and precisely positioned or aligned. Optionally, in this case, the packaging blank 10 can be at least briefly released from the gripper head 40 for centering. The pre-treated packaging blank 10 can then be precisely gripped by the gripper head 40 and placed on the corresponding combination of articles 12 or cans 22, i.e., the article group 20, and secured to these articles or cans by pressing downwards.

[0156] Figure 7The schematic side view shows a second embodiment of the packaging device 2 having a pre-processing module 6, as referenced above. Figure 1 As described above. In the second embodiment, the packaging blank 10 is completely released from the clamping head 40 within the pretreatment module 6 and pressed onto the stretching cone 48 by means of a suitable tool 52 (e.g., a pressure punch 54) to widen the edge region 16 of the channel opening 14 and thereby reduce the resistance of the packaging blank 10 within the edge region 16 when subsequently applied to the article 12 or the can 22.

[0157] Figure 7 The remaining components of the second embodiment variant of the packaging device 2 shown are essentially the same as... Figure 6 The components of the first embodiment of the packaging device 2 shown correspond to those already described above, even though this is not indicated in each case.

[0158] After the packaging blank 10v is applied to the stretching cone 48 of the stretching tool 46, the packaging blank 10v pretreated in this way is gripped by another clamping head 56, which can also be designed as a vacuum suction cup 58, and is transported from the pretreatment module 6 to the downstream packaging module 8.

[0159] It should be noted here that not only can several regularly arranged stretching cones 48 in a stretching die 44 be selectively inserted together as a combination module into the packaging machine 2 or its pre-processing module 6, but they can also be removed as needed, for example, when changing products, or when processing packaging blanks 10 with different sizes or spacings of channel openings 14 and / or different diameters of channel openings 14, or when processing packaging blanks 10 with different numbers of channel openings 14, etc.

[0160] Regarding the option of mechanically replacing a plurality of drawing cones 48 or a drawing die 44 having a plurality of regularly arranged drawing cones 48, it will be determined according to the following Figures 8A to 11 This is shown in more detail and explained in more detail below. (The following text uses...) Figures 8A to 11 As further explained in the implementation variant, several regular stretching cones 48 arranged within the stretching die 44 of the stretching tool 46 considered herein can be regarded as modular units, and their dimensions and / or relative positions to each other can be changed by replacing the stretching die active in each case. This can be particularly meaningful and considered an option that is an important part of the present invention when changing products, and when processing packaging blanks 10 with different sizes or spacings of channel openings 14 and / or different diameters of channel openings 14, or when processing packaging blanks 10 with different numbers of channel openings 14.

[0161] Figures 8A to 9B and Figures 10 to 11 The schematic diagram illustrates different implementation variations of the packaging device 2 according to the present invention, which is equipped with handling robots of different configurations, particularly in the area of ​​their respective pretreatment modules 6, so as to use different available stretching dies 44 as needed, which may be necessary when pretreatment of different packaging blanks 10.

[0162] Right now, Figure 8A The schematic diagram illustrates a first embodiment of the packaging device 2, which is equipped with a feeding device 4 for conveying article groups 20 along a defined conveying direction on a horizontal conveyor 60 or similar conveyor provided for this purpose. Each article group 20 conveyed on the horizontal conveyor 60 of the feeding device 4 comprises a defined number of articles 12 or cans 22, wherein the number and the arrangement of the articles 12 or cans 22 among themselves in their respective groups 20 may differ. Therefore, it may be necessary to use packaging blanks 10 with different designs for this purpose in order to assemble the groups 20 into packaging units 18.

[0163] Since the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor 60 is perpendicular to the plane of the attached drawing or points outward perpendicular to the plane of the attached drawing, therefore in Figures 8A to 9B In each case, it is not marked separately.

[0164] according to Figure 8A The pretreatment module 6 of the packaging device 2 includes at least one first pre-crushing station 62 and at least one second pre-crushing station 64, the former located to the left of the feeding device 4 and the latter located to the right of the feeding device 4. A first hopper 66 for a first variant of the packaging blanks 10 is adjacent to the first pre-crushing station 62. These packaging blanks have not yet been pretreated, and their channel openings may be stamped in a first arrangement.

[0165] The second silo 68 for the second variant of the packaging blanks 10 is adjacent to the second pre-crushing station 64. These packaging blanks have not been pre-treated, and their channel openings can be stamped in each case according to the second arrangement, wherein the spacing and / or size of the channel openings of the packaging blanks 10 in the first silo 66 can be different from the spacing and / or size of the channel openings of the packaging blanks 10 in the second silo 68. Therefore, the untreated packaging blanks 10 in the first silo 66 are not suitable for pre-treatment using a stretching die 44 that matches the spacing and / or size of the packaging blanks 10 in the second silo 68.

[0166] In order to retrieve the corresponding packaged blank 10 from one of the two silos 66 or 68 and deliver it to the pre-crushing station 62 or 64 located nearby in each case, Figure 8AIn a first embodiment of the packaging apparatus 2 shown, a first handling robot 70 may be provided, preferably a multi-axis movable pivot arm 72 equipped with a gripping head 40 capable of retrieving the packaging blank 10 from one of the two hoppers 66 or 68 and delivering it to the respective required pre-crushing station 62 or 64. After pre-processing at one of the pre-crushing stations 62 or 64, the same first handling robot 70 places the pre-processed packaging blank 10v onto the article group 20, which in each case is ready on the horizontal conveyor 60 of the feeding device 4, so as to form the packaging unit 18, as described in detail above.

[0167] exist Figure 8A In the illustration, a gripping head 40, guided at the pivot arm 72 of the handling robot 70, has a packaging blank 10 or 10v housed therein. Located at the first pre-crushing station 62 shown on the left, the gripping head presses the packaging blank 10 onto the upwardly tapered stretching tool 46 of the first stretching die 44a of the first pre-crushing station 62. Thus, by means of the stretching tool 46, which is composed of a stretching cone 48, the channel opening of the packaging blank 10 is stretched in a desired manner, so that the packaging blank 10v pre-treated in this way can be placed onto the article group 20.

[0168] At this processing stage, the second stretching die 44b located at the second pre-crushing station 64 is not required, nor is the entire second pre-crushing station 64 and its second silo 68 containing the packaged blanks 10 stored there; therefore, the gripper head 40 of the handling robot 70 is shown in dashed lines. This indicates that the first handling robot 70 is preferably designed and configured such that it reaches both pre-crushing stations 62 and 64 of the pretreatment module 6 in the same manner and selects stretching dies 62 or 64 whose stretching dies 44a or 44b are currently required for the grouping of articles 20 to be equipped with pre-treated packaged blanks 10v in each case.

[0169] Even from Figure 8AIt is not clearly shown in the schematic diagram that the first stretching die 44a and the second stretching die 44b differ in at least one of their parameters, namely, either in the diameter or size design of their stretching cone 48 or stretching tool 46, or in their spacing and / or arrangement on the stretching dies 44a or 44b, or in both parameters. Since the articles 12 or cans 22 can differ in their dimensions and their corresponding number in the constituted article group 20, the required packaging blanks 10 in each case can differ in the number of their channel openings, the corresponding diameter of the channel openings, and their relative arrangement to each other. This can be taken into account by the different pre-crushing stations 62 and 64 and their different stretching dies 44a and 44b.

[0170] In some cases, it may be meaningful to enable the gripper head 40 to be replaceable and to provide a tool changer for this purpose, which can be located within the range of the pivot arm 72 of the handling robot 70. However, Figures 8A to 9C This tool replacement library is not shown in the document. Figures 9D to 11 This shows one or more such tool change libraries.

[0171] from Figure 8A The schematic diagram also shows a control center 74, which controls the handling robot 70 and its movement at least when retrieving the packaging blank 10 from one of the two hoppers 66 or 68, when feeding the packaging blank 10 into the pre-crushing station 62 or 64 used in each case, and also when pressing the pre-treated packaging blank 10v from above onto the items 12 or cans 22 of the ready-to-use item group 20 in each case. The control center 74 sends corresponding control signals 76 to the handling robot 70. The data connection between the control center 74 and the handling robot 70 is indicated by a double arrow labeled 76 in the attached diagram, signifying that the handling robot 70 can preferably also send different types of sensor signals to the control center 74 to simplify the control center's precise movement control of the pivot arm 72 and the gripper head 40.

[0172] In addition, from Figure 8A The optional optical sensing device 78 can be seen, which can specifically be a camera 80 with downstream image analysis capabilities. This optional optical sensing device 78 or the camera 80 with downstream image analysis capabilities can be assigned to the horizontal conveyor 60. Its task can specifically be to monitor the completed packaging unit 18 equipped with pre-processed packaging blanks 10v, wherein the image analysis function can be specifically used to check whether all the tongues at the channel openings of the packaging blanks 10 are correctly engaged, and / or whether the packaging blanks are secured to the articles 12 or cans 22 in the set manner and are located on the set horizontal plane.

[0173] Optional optical sensing device 78 or camera 80 may also send image signal 82 to control center 74, which may have image analysis functions suitable for this purpose, in order to obtain desired or required information about the status of the completed packaging unit from the image signal 82.

[0174] Furthermore, the control center 74 can selectively connect to an external data storage device 84, which may be, for example, a data cloud 86. The data 88 exchanged between the external data storage device 84 or the data cloud 86 and the control center 74 is also indicated by double arrows to represent the bidirectional nature of the data exchange.

[0175] Furthermore, the control center 74 can be reasonably coupled with the feeding device 4 and the pretreatment module 6, but this is in Figure 8A The diagram does not show this in the form of a drawing.

[0176] also, Figure 8B The schematic diagram illustrates a second embodiment of the packaging device 2, which is again equipped with a feeding device 4 for conveying the article groups 20 along a defined conveying direction on a horizontal conveyor 60 or similar conveyor provided for this purpose. The article groups 20 are conveyed on the horizontal conveyor 60 of the feeding device 4, wherein the number of articles 12 or cans 22 and their arrangement relative to each other in their respective groups 20 can vary, as has been repeatedly described above. Therefore, it may be necessary to have packaging blanks 10 designed differently for this purpose in order to assemble the groups 20 into packaging units 18.

[0177] according to Figure 8B The pre-processing module 6 of the packaging device 2 includes, in the same manner, a first pre-crushing station 62 and a second pre-crushing station 64, as if already used with Figure 8A As explained, the former is arranged on the left side of the feeding device 4, and the latter is arranged on the right side of the feeding device 4. Again, the two pre-crushing stations 62 and 64 are each equipped with a first hopper 66 and a second hopper 68, each containing different variants of packaged blanks 10.

[0178] In order to retrieve the corresponding packaged blank 10 from one of the two silos 66 or 68 and deliver it to the pre-crushing station 62 or 64 located nearby in each case, Figure 8B In a second embodiment of the packaging apparatus 2 shown, each of the two pre-crushing stations 62 and 64 has its own handling robots 88 and 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the second handling robot 88 is assigned to the first pre-crushing station 62 and its first hopper 66, while the third handling robot 90 is assigned to the second pre-crushing station 64 and its second hopper 68.

[0179] Each of the two handling robots 88 and 90 (i.e., the second handling robot 88 and the third handling robot 90) has a pivot arm 72 preferably capable of multi-axis movement, which is equipped with a gripping head 40. With the aid of the respective gripping head 40, the packaged blank 10 can be removed from the storage bins 66 and 68 in each case and delivered to the pre-crushing station 62 or 64 required in each case.

[0180] After pre-processing at one of the pre-crushing stations 62 or 64, the pre-processed packaging blanks 10v are preferably placed by a handling robot 88 or 90, i.e., a second handling robot 88 or a third handling robot 90, onto the article groups 20, which are prepared on the horizontal conveyor 60 of the feeding device 4, in each case, so as to form packaging units 18, as described in detail above. Figure 8B The range of action of the pivot arm 72 of the transport robots 88 and 90 shown is insufficient to achieve this when appropriate. It may be meaningful when appropriate to make the positions of the two transport robots 88 and 90 variable so that they can be designed as, for example, position-variable transport robots 88 and 90.

[0181] exist Figure 8B In the illustration, a gripping head 40, guided at the pivot arm 72 of the second handling robot 88, holds a packaging blank 10 or 10v located at the first pre-crushing station 62 shown on the left. This gripping head presses the packaging blank 10 onto the upwardly tapered stretching tool 46 of the first stretching die 44a of the first pre-crushing station 62. Thus, by means of the stretching tool 46, which is composed of a stretching cone 48, the channel opening of the packaging blank 10 is stretched in a desired manner, allowing the pre-treated packaging blank 10v to be placed onto the article group 20.

[0182] Furthermore, a gripping head 40, guided at the pivot arm 72 of the third handling robot 90, which has a packaging blank 10 or 10v housed therein, is located at the second pre-crushing station 64 shown on the right, and presses the packaging blank 10 onto the upwardly tapered stretching tool 46 of the second stretching die 44b of the second pre-crushing station 64. Thus, by means of the stretching tool 46, which is composed of a stretching cone 48, the channel opening of the packaging blank 10 is also stretched in the desired manner, allowing the pre-treated packaging blank 10v to be selectively placed onto the article group 20.

[0183] However, at any given time, only one of the two handling robots 88 or 90 is active, while the other remains inactive, depending on the packaging blanks 10 required in each case, which can be used for the prepared grouping of items 20 that are conveyed on the feeding device 4.

[0184] As mentioned above, it has already been used Figure 8A As explained, the first drawing die 44a and the second drawing die 44b differ in at least one of their parameters, namely, either in the design of the diameter or size of their drawing cone 48 or drawing tool 46, or in their spacing and / or arrangement on the drawing die 44a or 44b, or in both of these parameters.

[0185] from Figure 8B The control center 74 can also be seen again. This control center preferably controls the second handling robot 88 and the third handling robot 90 and their movements when retrieving packaging blanks from their respective assigned storage bins 66 or 68, when feeding the packaging blanks 10 into the pre-crushing stations 62 or 64 used in each case, and also when pressing the pre-treated packaging blanks 10v from above onto the items 12 or cans 22 of the ready-to-use item grouping 20 in each case. The control center 74 sends corresponding control signals 76 to the second handling robot 88 and the third handling robot 90. The data connection between the control center 74 and the handling robots 88 and 90 is indicated by a double arrow marked with reference numeral 76, signifying that each of the second and third handling robots 88 and 90 can preferably also send different types of sensor signals to the control center 74 to simplify the control center's precise movement control of the corresponding pivot arm 72 and gripper head 40.

[0186] Figure 8B As can be seen, an optional optical sensing device 78 may be specifically configured as a camera 80 with downstream image analysis capabilities, preferably in conjunction with the aforementioned... Figure 8A The optical sensing device 78 described herein corresponds to this and therefore requires no further explanation here; please refer to the description above. Optional optical sensing device 78 or camera 80 may also reasonably transmit image signals 82 to a control center 74, which may have applicable image analysis functions to obtain desired or required information about the status of the completed packaging unit from the image signals 82.

[0187] Furthermore, the control center 74 can selectively connect to an external data storage device 84, which may be, for example, a data cloud 86. The data 88 exchanged between the external data storage device 84 or the data cloud 86 and the control center 74 is also indicated by double arrows to represent the bidirectional nature of the data exchange.

[0188] The control center 74 can be reasonably coupled again to the feeding device 4 and the pretreatment module 6, but this is in Figure 8B The diagram does not show this in the form of a drawing.

[0189] also, Figure 8C The schematic diagram illustrates a third embodiment of the packaging device 2, which is again equipped with a feeding device 4 for conveying the groupings 20 of articles along a defined conveying direction on a horizontal conveyor 60 or similar conveyor provided for this purpose, such as... Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown in the image.

[0190] according to Figure 8C The pre-processing module 6 of the packaging device 2 includes, in the same manner, a first pre-crushing station 62 and a second pre-crushing station 64, as if already used with Figure 8A and Figure 8B As explained, the former is arranged on the left side of the feeding device 4, and the latter is arranged on the right side of the feeding device 4. Again, the two pre-crushing stations 62 and 64 are each equipped with a first hopper 66 and a second hopper 68, each containing different variants of packaged blanks 10.

[0191] In order to retrieve the corresponding packaged blank 10 from one of the two silos 66 or 68 and deliver it to the pre-crushing station 62 or 64 located nearby in each case, Figure 8C In a third embodiment of the packaging device 2 shown, each of the two pre-crushing stations 62 and 64 has its own handling robots 88 and 90. That is, the second handling robot 88 is assigned to the first pre-crushing station 62 and its first hopper 66, while the third handling robot 90 is assigned to the second pre-crushing station 64 and its second hopper 68.

[0192] Each of the two handling robots 88 and 90 (i.e., the second handling robot 88 and the third handling robot 90) has a pivot arm 72 preferably capable of multi-axis movement, which is equipped with a gripping head 40. With the aid of the respective gripping head 40, the packaged blank 10 can be removed from the storage bins 66 and 68 in each case and delivered to the pre-crushing station 62 or 64 required in each case.

[0193] However, after pre-processing at one of the pre-crushing stations 62 or 64, the pre-processed packaging blanks 10v are not handled by one of the two handling robots 88 or 90 located there. Instead, in each case, the first handling robot 70 receives the packaging blanks and places them onto the item groups 20 that are ready on the horizontal conveyor 60 of the feeding device 4 in each case, so as to form packaging units 18, as described in detail above. In the third embodiment, this process should be handled solely by the first handling robot 70 with its corresponding range of action of pivot arm 72, while the second handling robot 88 and the third handling robot 90 are each specifically responsible for handling the packaging blanks between the respective storage bins 66 or 68 and the pre-crushing stations 62 or 64.

[0194] exist Figure 8C In the illustration, a gripping head 40, guided at the pivot arm 72 of the second handling robot 88, holds a packaging blank 10 or 10v located at the first pre-crushing station 62 shown on the left. This gripping head presses the packaging blank 10 onto the upwardly tapered stretching tool 46 of the first stretching die 44a of the first pre-crushing station 62. Thus, by means of the stretching tool 46, which is composed of a stretching cone 48, the channel opening of the packaging blank 10 is stretched in a desired manner, allowing the pre-treated packaging blank 10v to be placed onto the article group 20.

[0195] Furthermore, a gripping head 40, guided at the pivot arm 72 of the third handling robot 90, which has a packaging blank 10 or 10v housed therein, is located at the second pre-crushing station 64 shown on the right, and presses the packaging blank 10 onto the upwardly tapered stretching tool 46 of the second stretching die 44b of the second pre-crushing station 64. Thus, by means of the stretching tool 46, which is composed of a stretching cone 48, the channel opening of the packaging blank 10 is also stretched in the desired manner, allowing the pre-treated packaging blank 10v to be selectively placed onto the article group 20.

[0196] The gripper head 40 of the first handling robot 70 may optionally be equipped with a suction device that can engage between the handling devices of the gripper head 40 of the second handling robot 88 in a comb-like or rake-like manner.

[0197] As explained above, it is reasonable again that at any given time, only one of the two handling robots 88 or 90 is active while the other remains inactive, depending on the packaging blanks 10 required in each case, which can be used for the prepared grouping of items 20 that are conveyed on the feeding device 4.

[0198] As mentioned above, it has already been used Figure 8A as well as Figure 8B As explained, the first drawing die 44a and the second drawing die 44b differ in at least one of their parameters, namely, either in the design of the diameter or size of their drawing cone 48 or drawing tool 46, or in their spacing and / or arrangement on the drawing die 44a or 44b, or in both of these parameters.

[0199] from Figure 8C The control center 74 can also be seen again. This control center preferably controls the first handling robot 70, the second handling robot 88, and the third handling robot 90 and their corresponding movements when retrieving packaging blanks from their respective assigned storage bins 66 or 68, when feeding the packaging blanks 10 into the pre-crushing stations 62 or 64 used in each case, and also when the first handling robot 70 presses the pre-processed packaging blanks 10v from above onto the items 12 or cans 22 of the item grouping 20 ready in each case. The control center 74 sends corresponding control signals 76 to the first handling robot 70, the second handling robot 88, and the third handling robot 90. The data connection between the control center 74 and the handling robots 70, 88 and 90 is a double arrow marked with reference numeral 76, which is intended to indicate that each of the first handling robot 70, the second handling robot 88 and the third handling robot 90 can preferably also send different types of sensor signals to the control center 74 in order to simplify the control center's precise movement control of the corresponding pivot arm 72 and gripper head 40.

[0200] Figure 8C The optional optical sensing device 78, which can be specifically configured as a camera 80 with downstream image analysis capabilities, is also visible in the above description. Figure 8A and Figure 8B The optical sensing device 78 described herein corresponds to this and therefore requires no further explanation here; please refer to the description above. Optional optical sensing device 78 or camera 80 may also reasonably transmit image signals 82 to a control center 74, which may have applicable image analysis functions to obtain desired or required information about the status of the completed packaging unit from the image signals 82.

[0201] Furthermore, the control center 74 can selectively connect to an external data storage device 84, which may be, for example, a data cloud 86. The data 88 exchanged between the external data storage device 84 or the data cloud 86 and the control center 74 is also indicated by double arrows to represent the bidirectional nature of the data exchange.

[0202] An external data storage device 84 (e.g., which may be a data cloud 86) can be used to input and temporarily store large amounts of data, such as measurements and / or predetermined angles when the tongue is deformed, and / or measurements and / or predetermined force values ​​for pressing the packaging blank onto the article group 20, wherein the type of bundle being processed in each case can be additionally taken into consideration.

[0203] Other relevant data can also be stored here and used by the control center 74, such as information about the manufacturer and / or the material and / or thickness of the packaging blanks used, as meaningful setpoints, thresholds and target values ​​of the packaging device 2 and other equipment components can be obtained and derived from it.

[0204] Furthermore, machine learning principles can be considered for all data exchanged between the control center 74 and the data storage device 84, especially when artificial intelligence is used in addition.

[0205] The control center 74 can be reasonably coupled again to the feeding device 4 and the pretreatment module 6, but this is in Figure 8C The diagram does not show this in the form of a drawing.

[0206] Figure 9A and Figure 9B It shows that according to Figures 8A to 8C A variant of one of the pre-crushing stations 62 or 64 in one or more of the accompanying drawings, wherein a first pre-crushing station 62 is shown here located to the left of the feeding device 4, while a second pre-crushing station 64 (see Figure 64) is shown in the figure. Figures 8A to 8C (Not shown here.) Therefore, it is not the third handling robot 90 shown, but only the second handling robot 88 and the first handling robot 70. The first handling robot 70 is again used to receive the pre-processed packaging blanks 10v from the stretching die 44 by means of the first pre-crushing station 62 and place them on the article groups 20 that are ready on the horizontal conveyor 60 of the feeding device 4. These article groups are each composed of a limited number of articles 12 or cans 22 arranged in a limited manner in each case.

[0207] In this embodiment of the first pre-crushing station 62, two different storage bins 66 and 92 are used by the second handling robot 88: a first storage bin 66 and a third storage bin 92 located near the first storage bin 66. The first storage bin contains larger packaging blanks 10, and the third storage bin prepares smaller packaging blanks 10 for the second handling robot 88 to retrieve. If a larger packaging blank 10 is to be provided for a group of items 20 of a corresponding size or configuration, the larger packaging blank can be retrieved from the first storage bin 66, which is then correspondingly applied to the smaller packaging blank 10 in the third storage bin 92.

[0208] and Figures 8A to 8C Compared to the variant of the first pre-crushing station 62 shown, the first pre-crushing station 62 is improved in that it provides two different stretching dies 44a and 44c there, namely, the first stretching die 44a and the third stretching die 44c according to the above terminology.

[0209] Figure 9A A first drawing die 44a is shown as the active drawing die 44, and a third drawing die 44c is shown as the inactive drawing die 44. The active first drawing die 44a has larger drawing cones 48 as drawing tools 46, which are spaced further apart from each other. In contrast, the inactive third drawing die 44c has smaller diameter drawing cones 48, in which the drawing tools 46 are arranged more closely on the third drawing die 44c.

[0210] According to Figure 9A During the processing stage, the second handling robot 88 removes a larger packaging blank 10 from the first storage bin 66 and presses it onto the upward-facing stretching cone 48 of the first stretching die 44a. The gripper head 40 of the first handling robot 70 is already positioned here to receive the packaging blank 10v pre-processed in this way and transfer it to the article group 20 ready on the horizontal conveyor 60 of the feeding device 4, and press the packaging blank 10v onto the article 12 or can 22 from above.

[0211] Conversely, the third material bin 92, like the third stretching die 44c, is inactive during the processing stage shown in the figure. Its stretching cone 48 faces downwards and has no function. In this way, the gripping head 40 of the second handling robot 88 cannot reach it.

[0212] on the contrary, Figure 9B The diagram shows a third drawing die 44c as the active drawing die 44 and a first drawing die 44a as the inactive drawing die 44. The active third drawing die 44c has smaller drawing cones 48 as drawing tools 46, which are spaced closer together. Conversely, the inactive first drawing die 44a has larger diameter drawing cones 48, with the drawing tools 46 arranged more widely on the first drawing die 44a.

[0213] According to Figure 9B During the processing stage, the second handling robot 88 removes a smaller packaging blank 10 from the first hopper 92 and presses it onto the upward-facing stretching cone 48 of the third stretching die 44c. The gripper head 40 of the first handling robot 70 is already positioned here to receive the packaging blank 10v pre-processed in this way and transfer it to the article group 20 ready on the horizontal conveyor 60 of the feeding device 4, and presses the packaging blank 10v onto the article 12 or can 22 from above.

[0214] like Figure 9B As illustrated, the items 12 ready on the horizontal conveyor 60 are smaller cans 22, so the diameter of the channel openings for the packaging blanks 10 must also be designed to be smaller. Furthermore, because the cans 22 are smaller, the overall arrangement of the item groups 20 is different, so the channel openings must be more compact and the configuration slightly different.

[0215] Conversely, the first material bin 66 is the same as the first stretching die 44a, in Figure 9B The processing stage shown is inactive, with its stretching cone 48 pointing downwards and having no function, and in this way, the gripper head 40 of the second handling robot 88 cannot reach it.

[0216] Figure 9C Furthermore, an embodiment of a multi-part stretching die 44 is shown, which has four sides, each with a stretching tool 46 in a different configuration. By means of rotation about the center of its carrier element 94 by 90°, 180° or 270°, the various stretching tools 46 can be positioned to serve as active stretching dies 44 in the first pre-crushing station 62 or the second pre-crushing station 64.

[0217] That is, from Figure 9C The first stretching die 44a, facing downwards, has three larger stretching cones 48, which, according to the definition herein, constitute the stretching tool 46. A second stretching die 44b, having three upward-facing stretching cones 48 spaced smaller than those of the first stretching die 44a, is opposite the first stretching die 44a. Therefore, by rotating the carrier element 94 180°, selection can be made between the two stretching dies 44a and 44b.

[0218] In addition, from Figure 9C The third drawing die 44c, pointing to the left, can be seen. It has three larger drawing cones 48, which, according to the definition herein, constitute the drawing tool 46. The spacing between the drawing cones 48 can be approximately the same as that of the first drawing die 44a. However, these drawing cones 48 of the third drawing die 44c are shorter, and therefore can be used to pre-treat the channel openings of different diameter variants.

[0219] The fourth stretching die 44c, which has six right-facing stretching cones 48 spaced less than the other three variants 44a, 44b and 44c, is opposite to the third stretching die 44c. Therefore, by rotating the carrier element 94 by 180°, one can choose between the two stretching dies 44c and 44d.

[0220] The arrangement and dimensions of the four stretching dies 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d shown herein should be understood as exemplary only, as should the corresponding number of stretching tools 46. The illustrations are primarily intended to show that interchangeable tools are conceivable, which can be activated or deactivated as needed to make pre-crushing stations 62 and / or 64 more versatile.

[0221] Figure 9D The schematic diagram is basically the same as Figure 9B The first pre-crushing station 62 of the packaging device 2 shown in the figure corresponds to a variant in that the handling robots 70 and 88 shown in the figure are each assigned their own tool changing library 96 and 98, wherein these tool changing libraries 96 and 98 are each used to store and provide different tools 100 for connection to or for equipping the gripping heads 40 of the two handling robots 70 and / or 88.

[0222] The first handling robot 70 is equipped with a first tool changing magazine 96. The first handling robot can reach the magazine using its own pivot arm 72, and various tools 100 can be prepared in the magazine. These tools can be coupled to the gripper head 40 in an automatic or semi-automatic manner so as to reliably grip and handle packaging blanks 10 of different sizes.

[0223] The second handling robot 88 may also be equipped with a tool changing magazine, referred to herein as the second tool changing magazine 98. Similarly, the pivot arm 72 of the second handling robot 88 must be able to reach the second tool changing magazine 98, so that the tools 100 prepared there can be coupled to the gripping head 40 of the second handling robot 88 automatically or semi-automatically. This also ensures that different sizes of packaging blanks 10, for example, taken by the second handling robot 88 from the first magazine 66 or the third magazine 92, can be reliably gripped and transported using different tools 100.

[0224] about Figure 9D For the remaining components and functional elements that can be seen, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 9B The illustration and related explanation.

[0225] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The two schematic top views also show two different embodiments of the packaging device 2 of this utility model, which are similar in certain details to... Figures 8A to 8C The packaging device 2 shown in the illustration has different implementation variations, but is consistent with these implementation variations in many respects, which will be described in detail below.

[0226] In this case Figure 10 This can be considered a fourth embodiment of the packaging device 2 of this utility model, and Figure 11This can be considered a fifth embodiment of the packaging device 2. In both of these embodiments, a feeding device 4 can be seen for conveying the article groups 20 along a defined conveying direction 102 on a horizontal conveyor 60 provided for this purpose. In both figures, the conveying direction 102 of the horizontal conveyor 60 is from bottom to top.

[0227] exist Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the fourth and fifth embodiments shown, the item groups 20 conveyed on the horizontal conveyor 60 of the feeding device 4 each include twenty items 12 or cans 22, which are arranged in a rectangular group and combined together. Therefore, for each of these item groups 20, the corresponding package blanks 10 are prepared and pre-processed so that the groups 20 can be combined into packaging units 18 in the manner described above.

[0228] according to Figure 10 The pretreatment module 6 of the packaging device 2 includes a first pre-crushing station 62 and a second pre-crushing station 64, as shown. The first pre-crushing station is arranged to the left of the feeding device 4, and the second pre-crushing station is also located to the left of the feeding device 4 and below the first pre-crushing station 62 with respect to the conveying direction 102. A first hopper 66 for a first variant of the packaging blanks 10 is adjacent to the first pre-crushing station 62. These packaging blanks have not yet been pretreated, and their channel openings may here be stamped according to a first arrangement (not shown).

[0229] The second silo 68 for the second variant of the packaging blanks 10 is adjacent to the second pre-crushing station 64. These packaging blanks have not been pre-treated, and their channel openings may be stamped in each case according to the second arrangement (also not shown here). The spacing and / or size of the channel openings of the packaging blanks 10 in the first silo 66 are different from the spacing and / or size of the channel openings of the packaging blanks 10 in the second silo 68. Therefore, the untreated packaging blanks 10 in the first silo 66 are not suitable for pre-treatment using a stretching die 44 that matches the spacing and / or size of the packaging blanks 10 in the second silo 68, and vice versa.

[0230] In order to remove the packaged blank 10 from the first hopper 66 of the first pre-crushing station 62 and send it to the first stretching die 44a located nearby in each case, Figure 10 In a fourth embodiment of the packaging device 2 shown, a second handling robot 88 is provided, which preferably has a multi-axis movable pivot arm 72 with a suitably fitted gripper head 40 that can remove the packaging blank 10 from the first hopper 66 and deliver it to the first stretching die 44a that matches this in each case.

[0231] After pre-processing in the first pre-crushing station 62, the pre-processed packaging blanks 10v can be placed onto the article groups 20 that are ready on the horizontal conveyor 60 in each case, by means of the first handling robot 70 located near the horizontal conveyor 60 and entering the first pre-crushing station 62, so as to form packaging units 18, as described in detail above.

[0232] If the groups of articles 20 conveyed along the conveying direction 102 on the horizontal conveyor 60 have different configurations, it may be necessary to take package blanks 10 of different configurations from the second silo 68 so as to use the second pre-crushing station 64 as a whole.

[0233] In order to remove the applicable packaged blank 10 from the second hopper 68 of the second pre-crushing station 64 and send it to the second stretching die 44a located nearby in each case, Figure 10 The fourth embodiment of the packaging device 2 shown is provided with a third handling robot 90, which preferably has a multi-axis movable pivot arm 72 with a properly fitted gripper head 40, which is capable of removing the packaging blank 10 from the second hopper 68 and delivering it to the first stretching die 44b that matches this in each case.

[0234] After pre-processing in the second pre-crushing station 64, the pre-processed packaging blanks 10v can be placed, in each case, onto the article groups 20 that are ready on the horizontal conveyor 60 of the feeding device 4 by means of the first handling robot 70 entering the second pre-crushing station 64, so as to form packaging units 18.

[0235] therefore, Figure 10 The fourth embodiment of the packaging device 2 of the present invention shown is configured such that the first handling robot 70 can enter at least the first pre-crushing station 62 and the second pre-crushing station 64, receive the packaging blank 10v provided and pre-treated there in each case on the corresponding stretching die 44a or 44b, and place it on the article group 20 ready on the horizontal conveyor 60.

[0236] According to the description above (see here for details) Figures 9A to 9D Alternatively, additional stretching dies not assigned here to the first crushing station 62 and / or the second pre-crushing station 64 may be used, namely, in particular the third stretching die 44c and / or the fourth stretching die 44d, for example, alternating with the first stretching die 44a and / or the second stretching die 44b provided in these two pre-crushing stations 62 and / or 64.

[0237] In addition, according to Figure 10The pretreatment module 6 of the packaging device 2 may have an optional third pre-crushing station 104, which may be arranged, for example, to the right of the feeding device 4. A third hopper 106 for a third variant of the packaging blanks 10 may be arranged adjacent to the optional third pre-crushing station 104. These packaging blanks have not yet been pretreated, and their channel openings may here be stamped according to a third arrangement (not shown). In this case, the spacing and / or size of the channel openings of the packaging blanks 10 in the third hopper 106 are different from the spacing and / or size of the channel openings of the packaging blanks 10 in the first hopper 66 and the second hopper 68. Therefore, the untreated packaging blanks 10 in the first and / or second hoppers 66, 68 are not suitable for pretreatment using a stretching die 44 that matches the spacing and / or size of the packaging blanks 10 in the first or second hoppers 66, 68, and vice versa.

[0238] In order to remove the packaged blank 10 from the third silo 106 of the third pre-crushing station 106 and send it to the third stretching die 44c located nearby in each case, Figure 10 The fourth embodiment of the packaging device 2 shown is provided with an optional fourth handling robot 108, which preferably has a multi-axis movable pivot arm 72 with a suitably fitted gripper head 40 that can remove the packaging blank 10 from the third hopper 106 and deliver it to the third stretching die 44c that matches this in each case.

[0239] After pre-processing in the third pre-crushing station 104, the pre-processed packaging blanks 10v can be placed again by means of the first handling robot 70, which is located near the horizontal conveyor 60 and, in this case, also enters the third pre-crushing station 104, onto the article groups 20 that are ready on the horizontal conveyor 60 of the feeding device 4 in each case, so as to form packaging units 18, as described in detail above.

[0240] According to the description above (see here for details) Figures 9A to 9D The fourth stretching die 44d (not shown in detail here) may be used selectively, for example, alternating with the first stretching die 44a and the second stretching die 44b provided in the first pre-crushing station 62 and / or the second pre-crushing station 64, or alternating with the third stretching die 44c provided in the third pre-crushing station 104.

[0241] It should be noted that, Figure 10Each of the first pre-crushing station 62, the second pre-crushing station 64, and / or the third pre-crushing station 104 shown can be considered as an optional or additional pre-crushing station 62, 64, and / or 104. The arrangement and positioning of the pre-crushing stations 62, 64, and / or 104 in each case also depends on the available space at the packaging unit 2, and generally also on the existing space conditions of the packaging unit 2. If two pre-crushing stations 62, 64, and / or 104 can be used, and / or if the stretching dies 44a, 44b, 44c, and / or 44d, for example, are used... Figures 9A to 9D The arrangement shown is designed to be interchangeable or convertible, and at least one of the three pre-crushing stations 62, 64 and / or 104 shown may be omitted selectively.

[0242] In addition, the first handling robot 70 can be selectively assigned to... Figure 10 The first tool changing room 96 shown in the figure is accessible to the first handling robot 70 via its own pivot arm 72, and various tools 100 are prepared in the room. These tools can be coupled automatically or semi-automatically to the gripper head 40 of the first handling robot 70 so as to reliably grip and handle packaging blanks 10 of different sizes, for example.

[0243] exist Figure 10 The tool changing magazine 96, located to the right of the horizontal conveyor 60 and below the fourth handling robot 108 of the optional third pre-crushing station 104, can be designed in a corresponding manner with respect to the first handling robot 70, as described above. Figure 9D As explained.

[0244] Furthermore, a fifth implementation variant of the packaging device 2 will be discussed below, namely... Figure 11 A schematic top view is shown. In this figure, the feeding device 4 can be seen again for conveying the group of articles 20 along a defined conveying direction 102 on a horizontal conveyor 60 provided for this purpose, wherein the conveying direction 102 of the horizontal conveyor 60 is... Figure 11 The diagram shows the figures from bottom to top.

[0245] exist Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the fourth and fifth embodiments shown, the item groups 20 conveyed on the horizontal conveyor 60 of the feeding device 4 each include twenty items 12 or cans 22, which are arranged in a rectangular group and combined together. Therefore, for each of these item groups 20, the corresponding package blanks 10 are prepared and pre-processed so that the groups 20 can be combined into packaging units 18 in the manner described above.

[0246] according to Figure 11The pretreatment module 6 of the packaging device 2 includes a first pre-crushing station 62 and a second pre-crushing station 64, as shown. The first pre-crushing station is arranged to the left of the feeding device 4, and the second pre-crushing station is also located to the left of the feeding device 4 and below the first pre-crushing station 62 with respect to the conveying direction 102. A first hopper 66 for a first variant of the packaging blanks 10 is adjacent to the first pre-crushing station 62. These packaging blanks have not yet been pretreated, and their channel openings may here be stamped according to a first arrangement (not shown).

[0247] The second silo 68 for the second variant of the packaging blanks 10 is adjacent to the second pre-crushing station 64. These packaging blanks have not been pre-treated, and their channel openings may be stamped in each case according to the second arrangement (also not shown here). The spacing and / or size of the channel openings of the packaging blanks 10 in the first silo 66 are different from the spacing and / or size of the channel openings of the packaging blanks 10 in the second silo 68. Therefore, the untreated packaging blanks 10 in the first silo 66 are not suitable for pre-treatment using a stretching die 44 that matches the spacing and / or size of the packaging blanks 10 in the second silo 68, and vice versa.

[0248] In order to remove the packaged blank 10 from the first hopper 66 of the first pre-crushing station 62 and send it to the first stretching die 44a located nearby in each case, Figure 11 In a fourth embodiment of the packaging device 2 shown, a second handling robot 88 is provided, which preferably has a multi-axis movable pivot arm 72 with a suitably fitted gripper head 40 that can remove the packaging blank 10 from the first hopper 66 and deliver it to the first stretching die 44a that matches this in each case.

[0249] Furthermore, the same second handling robot 88 is also configured and positioned accordingly to retrieve the packaged blank 10 from the second hopper 68 of the second pre-crushing station 64 and deliver it to the nearby second stretching die 44b. To enable access to the two pre-crushing stations 62 and 64, the two stretching dies 44a and 44b, and the two hoppers 66 and 68 in the same manner, in Figure 11 In a fifth embodiment variant of the packaging device 2 shown, the second handling robot 88 is preferably positioned between the two pre-crushing stations 62 and 64, as... Figure 11 As illustrated in the schematic diagram. The preferred multi-axis movable pivot arm 72 of the second handling robot 88 also has the gripping head 40, which is capable of removing the packaged blank 10 from the first hopper 66 or the second hopper 68 and delivering it to the first stretching die 44a or the second stretching die 44b that matches this in each case.

[0250] After pre-processing at the first pre-crushing station 62 or the second pre-crushing station 64, the pre-processed packaging blanks 10v can be placed onto the article groups 20 that are ready on the horizontal conveyor 60 in each case, by means of a third handling robot 90 located near the horizontal conveyor 60 and which in this case enters both the first pre-crushing station 62 and the second pre-crushing station 64, so as to form packaging units 18, as described in detail above.

[0251] Therefore, according to Figure 11 In the fifth implementation variant of the packaging machine, the task performed by the third handling robot 90 is the same as that according to Figure 10 The tasks performed by the first handling robot 70 in the fourth implementation variant of the packaging machine are essentially the same. According to... Figure 11 In the variant, the third transport robot 90 is based on Figure 10 The variant of the first transport robot 70 is positioned in the same way.

[0252] Which of the two pre-crushing stations 62 or 64 to enter depends, in each case, on the group 20 of items currently being conveyed along the conveying direction 102 on the horizontal conveyor 60 and its corresponding configuration.

[0253] According to the description above (see here for details) Figures 9A to 9D Alternatively, additional stretching dies not assigned here to the first crushing station 62 and / or the second pre-crushing station 64 may be used, namely, in particular the third stretching die 44c and / or the fourth stretching die 44d, for example, alternating with the first stretching die 44a and / or the second stretching die 44b provided in these two pre-crushing stations 62 and / or 64.

[0254] In addition, the second handling robot 88 can be selectively assigned to... Figure 11 The first tool changing room 96 shown in the diagram allows the second handling robot 88 to access the room using its own pivot arm 72, where various tools 100 can be prepared. These tools can be coupled automatically or semi-automatically to the gripper head 40 of the second handling robot 88 to, for example, reliably grip and handle packaging blanks 10 of different sizes.

[0255] In addition, the third handling robot 90 can be selectively assigned to... Figure 11 The second tool changing room 98 shown in the diagram allows the third handling robot 90 to reach the room using its own pivot arm 72, where various tools 100 can be prepared. These tools can be coupled automatically or semi-automatically to the gripper head 40 of the third handling robot 90 to, for example, reliably grip and handle packaging blanks 10 of different sizes.

[0256] exist Figure 11 The functional and spatial allocation relationship between the first tool changing room 96, located to the left of the horizontal conveyor 60 and below the second pre-crushing station 64, and the second handling robot 88, as well as the functional and spatial allocation relationship between the second tool changing room 98, located near the horizontal conveyor 60, and the third handling robot 90, can be designed in a corresponding manner, as described above. Figure 9D As explained.

[0257] It should be pointed out here that, according to Figures 8A to 8C Optional equipment for the packaging device 2 may include an optical sensor 78, which may in particular consist of a camera 80 with downstream image analysis capabilities, or may be configured according to... Figure 10 and / or Figure 11 The packaging device 2 is present in the fourth and fifth embodiments. This optional optical sensing device 78 or camera 80 with downstream image analysis capabilities can be assigned to the horizontal conveyor 60. Its task may specifically be to monitor the completed packaging unit 18 equipped with pre-processed packaging blanks 10v, wherein the image analysis function may be specifically used to check whether all the tongues at the channel openings of the packaging blanks 10 are properly engaged, and / or whether the packaging blanks are engaged with the articles 12 or cans 22 in the set manner and are located on the set horizontal plane.

[0258] As described above, the optional optical sensing device 78 or camera 80 specifically transmits its image signal 82 to a control center 74, which may have an applicable image analysis function to obtain desired or required information about the status of the completed packaging unit from the image signal 82 (see [link to documentation]). Figures 8A to 8C ).

[0259] In addition, (in Figure 10 and Figure 11 The control center 74 (not shown) can optionally be connected to an external data storage device 84, which may be, for example, a data cloud 86. The above description also applies here; therefore, the control center 74 and the device 84 or 86 connected thereto via data technology can also be based on… Figure 10 and Figure 11 The packaging device 2, as described above, has been used in conjunction with... Figures 8A to 8C As explained.

[0260] List of reference numerals

[0261] 2 Packaging equipment

[0262] 4 feeding device

[0263] 6. Pre-processing module, a device for pre-processing packaging blanks.

[0264] 8 Packaging Modules

[0265] 10 Packaging blanks

[0266] 12 items

[0267] 14. Channel opening

[0268] 14V pre-treated channel opening

[0269] 16 (Channel opening) Edge area

[0270] 16V pre-processed edge area

[0271] 16e heated edge area

[0272] 18 packaging units, bundles

[0273] 20. Item grouping, item combination

[0274] 22 cans, beverage cans

[0275] 24. Lid edge

[0276] 26. Thinning section, contraction section

[0277] 28 side surfaces

[0278] 30. Sealing section, can sealing section

[0279] 32 Fixed tongue plate

[0280] 34 Radial cut

[0281] 36 Narrow incision

[0282] 38 Local area

[0283] 40 clamping head

[0284] 42 Material Warehouse

[0285] 44 Stretch die

[0286] 44a First stretching die

[0287] 44b Second stretching die

[0288] 44c Third stretching die

[0289] 44c Fourth stretching die

[0290] 46 Stretching tools

[0291] 48 Tension cone

[0292] 50 Vacuum suction cups

[0293] 52 tools

[0294] 54 Pressure Punch

[0295] 56 Another clamping head

[0296] 58 Vacuum suction cups

[0297] 60 Horizontal Conveying Device

[0298] 62 First Pre-crushing Station

[0299] 64 Second Pre-crushing Station

[0300] 66 First Warehouse

[0301] 68 Second Material Warehouse

[0302] 70 First Handling Robot

[0303] 72. Pivot arm, a movable pivot arm.

[0304] 74 Control Center

[0305] 76 Control Signals

[0306] 78 Optical Sensing Devices

[0307] 80 cameras

[0308] 82 Image Signal

[0309] 84 Data storage devices

[0310] 86 Data Cloud

[0311] 88 Second Transport Robot

[0312] 90 Third Handling Robot

[0313] 92 Third Warehouse

[0314] 94 Carrier Components

[0315] 96 First Tool Replacement Library

[0316] 98 Second Tool Replacement Library

[0317] 100 tools

[0318] 102 Conveying direction

[0319] 104 Third Pre-crushing Station

[0320] 106 Third Material Warehouse

[0321] 108 Fourth Handling Robot

[0322] F applies force, binding force

[0323] d14 (average diameter of channel opening)

[0324] d14v is the average diameter of the pre-treated channel opening.

Claims

1. An apparatus (6) for pre-treating packaging blanks (10), each packaging blank having at least one channel opening (14) in a planarly designed area for receiving at least one article (12) to form a packaging unit (18), the packaging unit comprising the at least one article (12) and the packaging blank (10) connected thereto, - The device (6) includes at least two different stretching dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d), each stretching die being provided and correspondingly equipped with at least one channel opening (14) for weakening the packaging blank (10). - Each of the at least two stretching dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) is equipped with a stretching tool (46) having a different opening width and / or a different profile, for correspondingly influencing the degree of weakening of the at least one channel opening (14), and - The device (6) includes at least one handling robot (70, 88, 90, 108) for correspondingly combining the packaging blank (10) with at least one of the at least two available stretching dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d).

2. The apparatus (6) according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two different stretching dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) is assigned at least one separate handling robot (88, 90, 108) for correspondingly combining the pre-processed packaging blank (10) with one of the at least two available stretching dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d).

3. The apparatus (6) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two different stretching dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) are assigned at least one common handling robot (70) for correspondingly combining the pre-processed packaging blank (10) with one of the at least two available stretching dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d).

4. The apparatus (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the at least two stretching dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) is equipped with a plurality of stretching tools (46).

5. The apparatus (6) according to claim 4, wherein the at least two stretching dies (44); Each of the stretching dies in 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) is equipped with multiple stretching tools (46) of the same type and size.

6. The apparatus (6) according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of stretching tools (46) of the different molds (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) are designed to be of different sizes and are configured to pre-treat different packaging blanks (10).

7. The apparatus (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the at least two different stretching dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) is assigned to a pre-crushing station (62, 64, 104) for pre-processing different packaging blanks (10), and each constitutes part of the pre-crushing station (62, 64, 104).

8. The apparatus (6) according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the pre-crushing stations (62, 64, 104) is equipped with a pivotable or rotatable tool rack (94) that allows at least two different stretching dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) to engage with the packaging blank (10) as active stretching dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d).

9. The apparatus (6) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the apparatus has at least one separate handling robot (70, 90) arranged between the at least two pre-crushing stations (62, 64, 104) and a providing location and / or conveying device (4, 60) having a prepared packing group (20) located therein, and the handling robot is configured and correspondingly equipped to transfer the pre-treated packaging blank (10, 10v) in each case in the pre-crushing station (62, 64, 104) to the packing group (20) and to apply the pre-treated packaging blank (10v) to the packing group (20).

10. The apparatus (6) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each of the at least two pre-crushing stations (62, 64, 104) is provided with a separate handling robot (88, 90) between the providing location and / or the conveying device (4, 60), the providing location and / or the conveying device having the prepared packing of articles (20) located therein, the handling robot being configured and correspondingly equipped in each case to transfer the pre-treated packaging blanks (10, 10v) pre-treated in different pre-crushing stations (62, 64, 104) in each case to the packing of articles (20) and to apply the pre-treated packaging blanks (10v) to the packing of articles (20).

11. A packaging apparatus (2) for producing a packaging unit (18), the packaging unit comprising at least one article (12) and a packaging blank (10) connected thereto, wherein at least some sections of the at least one article (12) pass through a channel opening (14) in a region of planar design of the packaging blank (10) when connected to the packaging blank (10), the packaging apparatus (2) comprising at least: - A feeding device (4) for at least one item (12) or for a combination of several groups of items (12); - A pretreatment module (6) for pretreating the packaging blank (10) to be applied to at least one article (12); and - A packaging module (8) for applying and securing the pre-treated packaging blank (10, 10v) to at least one article (12), -The pretreatment module (6) includes at least two stretching dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d), each having stretching tools (46) of different sizes and / or profiles to influence the respective weakening degree of the channel openings (14), wherein each stretching tool (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) is respectively provided and correspondingly equipped for weakening the at least one channel opening (14) of the packaging blank (10), and -The preprocessing module (6) includes at least one handling robot (70, 88, 90, 108) for correspondingly combining the packaging blank (10) with at least one of the at least two available stretching dies (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d).

12. The packaging apparatus (2) according to claim 11, wherein the at least one handling robot (70, 88, 90, 108) specifically constitutes an equipment element of the apparatus (2) or is assigned to the apparatus.

13. The packaging apparatus (2) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the packaging apparatus is equipped with the device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or wherein the device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 constitutes an equipment element of the packaging apparatus (2).

14. The packaging apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein an optical sensing device (78) is assigned to the providing position and / or the conveying device (4, 60), the providing position and / or the conveying device having the article group (20) located thereto be equipped with packaging blank (10) and / or the packaging unit (18) already equipped there with packaging blank (10, 10v), the optical sensing device having downstream image analysis capabilities to monitor the process and / or the result of applying the packaging blank (10) to the article group (20).

15. The packaging apparatus (2) according to claim 13, wherein an optical sensing device (78) is assigned to the providing position and / or the conveying device (4, 60), the providing position and / or the conveying device having the article group (20) located thereto be equipped with packaging blank (10) and / or the packaging unit (18) already equipped there with packaging blank (10, 10v), the optical sensing device having downstream image analysis capabilities to monitor the process and / or the result of applying the packaging blank (10) to the article group (20).

16. The packaging apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein a control center (74) for controlling various equipment functions is coupled to a data storage device (84) that collects and keeps available sensor data obtained in the packaging apparatus (2), and keeps the stored sensor data and / or the operation and equipment parameters of the packaging apparatus (2) available to influence equipment functions.

17. The packaging apparatus (2) according to claim 13, wherein a control center (74) for controlling various equipment functions is coupled to a data storage device (84) that collects and keeps available sensor data obtained in the packaging apparatus (2), and keeps the stored sensor data and / or the operation and equipment parameters of the packaging apparatus (2) available to influence equipment functions.

18. The packaging apparatus (2) according to claim 14, wherein a control center (74) for controlling various equipment functions is coupled to a data storage device (84) that collects and keeps available sensor data obtained in the packaging apparatus (2), and keeps the stored sensor data and / or the operation and equipment parameters of the packaging apparatus (2) available to influence equipment functions.

19. A pre-crushing station (62, 64, 104) having at least one stretching die (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) equipped with a plurality of stretching tools (46), wherein the stretching die (44; 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) forms part of the pre-crushing station (62, 64, 104) as a replaceable component.

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