Device and method for producing cutouts from packaging material adapted to assemblies of articles

Abstract

Device (1) for producing cutouts (13) from packaging material (6) adapted to assemblies (5) on articles (3), comprising - at least one provision (9) via which packaging material (6) can be provided as uninterrupted tape material (8), - a plurality of preferably circumferentially guided carriers (2) which can each receive the packaging material (6) as uninterrupted tape material (8) from the at least one provision (9) and transport it along a defined transport route, as well as - at least one cutting and / or separating element (20) positioned in the area of ​​the defined transport path for packaging material (6), wherein the at least one cutting and / or separating element (20) is designed for separating flat blanks (13) adapted to a respective assembly (5) of articles (3) from the packaging material (6) provided as uninterrupted strip material (8) during its transport along the defined transport route, and wherein a switch (35) is provided which can selectively enable the receipt of the packaging material (6) as uninterrupted tape material (8) from a first provision (9) or a second provision (9) for the multitude of carriers (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for producing cutouts from packaging material adapted to assemblies of articles.

[0002] Devices are already known in the art that can place film blanks made of thermoplastic packaging material around a respective assortment of articles. The respective assortment then enters a shrink tunnel together with the thermoplastic packaging material, in which the thermoplastic packaging material is shrunk onto the respective assortment and a container is formed from the respective assortment.

[0003] Such a device is known, for example, from EP 2 368 825 A1. The EP document shows a supply roll from which thermoplastic packaging material is unwound and cut to lengths. The cut pieces are then transported via a vacuum belt towards a horizontal conveyor, over which assemblies of beverage containers are moved. The cut pieces are then applied to the assemblies by means of insertion bars, after which the assemblies with the cut pieces of thermoplastic packaging material are guided into a shrink tunnel.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2014 106 905 A1 discloses a film wrapping module for wrapping containers with film sections. A wrapping unit is equipped with a linear conveyor with rotating motion elements that move along a closed path. The linear conveyor is designed as an electromagnetic direct drive. Gripping elements are arranged on the motion elements; these gripping elements are designed as guide rods and can move freely relative to the linear conveyor.

[0005] In practice, such devices require a significant amount of space to transport the cut pieces towards their respective product groups using a vacuum conveyor. When the supply of packaging material from a stock roll is nearly exhausted, the thermoplastic packaging material from another stock roll must be welded to the thermoplastic packaging material from the nearly exhausted or used-up roll to ensure an uninterrupted packaging process. This requires welding equipment, which is both space-consuming and expensive to purchase. Furthermore, with many devices, the handling of the film is sometimes undefined, resulting in imprecise application of the film over the products.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a generic device or method that at least partially avoids the aforementioned disadvantages. The device should have a simple design. Furthermore, the method should be easy to implement.

[0007] The above problems are solved by a device and a method comprising the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention relates to a device for producing pre-cut pieces from packaging material adapted to assemblies of articles. The articles can be, for example, beverage containers such as bottles, cans, or bundles that are combined into a larger package, or the like. Furthermore, the articles can be other individual items to which packaging material is to be applied for ease of handling.

[0009] The articles can be moved along a transport route via several successive horizontal conveyors, whereby the packaging material blanks are applied to the assemblies of articles, if necessary, via a multitude of carriers, which will be described in more detail below. The multitude of carriers can therefore be designed to apply the blanks to the assemblies of articles.

[0010] A gap or space may be formed between immediately successive horizontal conveying units, through which the numerous carriers and / or packaging material emerge and can be applied to assemblies of articles. In particular, a gap or space may be formed between a first horizontal conveying unit and a second horizontal conveying unit that immediately follows the first. The carriers and / or packaging material described below can then be passed through this gap or space.The carriers emerge from a horizontal transport plane formed above the horizontal conveyor system and subsequently apply packaging material to a respective grouping of items. If only the packaging material emerges, the carriers carrying the packaging material may pass laterally by the gap or the horizontal conveyor system. "Laterally" in this context can mean a horizontal distance to the horizontal conveyor system measured perpendicular to the transport direction of the items.

[0011] Furthermore, a second gap or space can be formed between the second horizontal conveyor and a third horizontal conveyor, which immediately follows the second horizontal conveyor. The carriers described below can, if necessary, descend below the conveyor level via this second gap or space, or laterally from it, carrying any packaging material or pre-cut pieces received. After descending below the conveyor level, the carriers, which may still be carrying the packaging material, can release it.

[0012] The device also includes at least one dispenser through which packaging material can be presented as a continuous roll. This dispenser can have at least one mandrel on which a supply roll rests, presenting packaging material as a continuous roll. The packaging material can be, for example, thermoplastic or shrink film. It is also conceivable that the packaging material could be stretch film. The mandrel can be rotatable, so that rotation of the mandrel unwinds continuous packaging material from the supply roll resting on the mandrel. Once the supply of packaging material from a supply roll is exhausted, the respective supply roll can be removed from the mandrel.The old roll of packaging material is pulled off, after which another supply roll is placed on or attached to the holding mandrel. It may be that a free, outer end of a new supply roll placed on or attached to the holding mandrel is first pulled off or aligned using a suction and / or gripping device. Subsequently, a number of carriers, described below, receive the packaging material, which is designed as a continuous strip of tape, from the new supply roll and transport it along a defined path. The supply rolls can be changed automatically, for example, by a robot.

[0013] As just mentioned, the device comprises a plurality of preferably circumferentially guided carriers, which can receive the packaging material as an uninterrupted strip of material from at least one supply point and transport it along a defined transport path. In particular, the plurality of preferably circumferentially guided carriers, each of which receives the packaging material as an uninterrupted strip of material from at least one supply point, can transport the packaging material for application to a respective assembly of articles along the defined transport path after receipt.

[0014] The numerous carriers can optionally be guided around their perimeter by a rail system. This rail system can pass close to at least one supply point, allowing the numerous carriers guided around their perimeter by the rail system to receive packaging material as an uninterrupted conveyor belt. The numerous carriers can align or position the packaging material, or the individual blanks described below, for application to a specific assembly of items, at least section by section, above a transport level designated for the items. After alignment or positioning of the blanks, the respective carriers can then release the packaging material or the blanks formed from the packaging material.

[0015] In particular, it is possible that several carriers are guided or moved adjacent to one another, whereby, upon receiving the packaging material provided or formed as uninterrupted tape material, the several adjacent carriers grasp it from opposite sides. The relative distance between adjacent carriers can initially be increased in the direction of the width of the packaging material. To receive the packaging material provided as uninterrupted tape material, the several adjacent carriers can move towards each other and thereby grasp the packaging material provided as uninterrupted tape material from opposite sides.

[0016] In general, a path defined by a rail of the rail system for the multitude of supports can not only be located in one plane, but can have a three-dimensional form.

[0017] Preferably, all adjacent carriers can be guided side by side during normal production operation; in other words, at any given time, each carrier gripping the packaging material can be located on a different side of the device in a mirror image. A mirror plane can run essentially parallel to the direction of movement of the plurality of carriers and preferably intersect a center point of the device.

[0018] Just like the multitude of supports, the rail or parts of the drive system of the multitude of supports can be mirrored on opposite sides.

[0019] It is also conceivable that at least one or more deflections are provided, over which the packaging material is guided during transport along the defined path towards the assemblies of items. The at least one deflection or the multiple deflections can, for example, be designed as rollers on which the packaging material rests during its transport along the defined path. It is possible that the packaging material is not guided by supports in the area of ​​the deflection rollers.

[0020] A further component of the device is at least one cutting and / or separating element for packaging material, positioned within the defined transport path. The cutting and / or separating element can, for example, be designed as a mechanical cutting and / or separating element or as a cutting blade. It is also conceivable, for example, that the cutting and / or separating element is designed as an optical cutting and / or separating element or as a laser. The cutting and / or separating element can, in particular, be arranged on a rotating roller.

[0021] It is provided that the at least one cutting and / or separating element is designed to detach flat blanks, adapted to a specific assembly of articles, from the packaging material presented as uninterrupted strip material during its transport along the defined conveying path. The defined conveying path may, if necessary, extend through the first gap or space described above. In preferred embodiments, the at least one cutting and / or separating element can detach blanks adapted to a specific assembly of articles before the packaging material or the respective detached blanks emerge, if necessary, from a conveying level provided for the assembly of articles.

[0022] The cutting and / or separating element or cutting blade can, if necessary, immerse itself in the packaging material during continuous movement and thereby cut off individual sections from the packaging material presented or provided as uninterrupted strip material. The carriers can move the packaging material, designed or presented as uninterrupted strip material, past at least one cutting and / or separating element, whereby the cutting and / or separating element cuts off a respective section from the packaging material designed or presented as uninterrupted strip material.

[0023] In particular, a cut edge may be oriented perpendicular to the transport direction of the packaging material when separating the cut piece.

[0024] An additional cutting and / or separating element may also be provided, which cuts the continuous strip material into at least two continuous strips. The resulting cut edge can be oriented essentially parallel to the transport direction of the strip material.

[0025] It is conceivable that the resulting strips are transported further by at least three or four adjacent carriers. Outer carriers may have already guided the strip material and preferably remain in their position relative to the film. Alternatively, the carriers may only engage the strip material near the next cutting and / or separating element or the longitudinal cut, or in the transport direction after the next cutting and / or separating element and before reaching the transport plane for the articles.

[0026] The supports, which can grip the strips longitudinally from the center after separation at the cut edge caused by the further cutting and / or separating element, are preferably arranged on their own rail system and have their own drive. The drive can be integrated into the rail system in any embodiment.

[0027] To move the blanks above the transport level in a two-lane operation, the horizontal conveyor preferably has a gap in the transport direction through which central supports can rise and fall above the transport level of the items. Alternatively, two horizontal conveyors can be arranged or provided in parallel, each conveying assortments of items and wrapping them with blanks.

[0028] The rail system and / or the drive of the supports can preferably be designed to be adjustable towards a center of the device by means of a drive, so that - different widths of foil can be processed and / or - the device can be operated in single-lane and multi-lane configurations.

[0029] In preferred embodiments, the plurality of supports can be configured as part of an electromagnetic direct drive. The previously mentioned rail system can be configured as the stator, and each of the plurality of supports can be configured as a runner, which can be moved independently of one another along the stator. The stator can form a closed guide. Furthermore, the stator or the closed guide can extend through the first and second gaps or spaces described above.

[0030] In conceivable embodiments, the stator can have a branch, wherein a first branch of the stator runs below and / or in a transport plane provided for the articles, and wherein a further branch runs above a transport plane provided for the articles. A blank, after being cut from the packaging material designed as uninterrupted strip material, can be connected to two carriers or runners, wherein a first, leading carrier or runner is moved along the first branch to package a respective assembly, and a second, trailing carrier or runner is moved along the second branch. The respective blank can be applied to a respective assembly by means of the movement of the carriers or runners along the first and second branches. In particular, a respective assembly can be placed on the first and second branches by means of the movement of the carriers or runners.Runners along the first and second branches are wrapped with a respective cut.

[0031] Furthermore, embodiments have proven effective in which successive supports can be moved relative to each other. Such embodiments have proven useful for buffering or temporarily storing individual blanks after they have been cut. The relative spacing of successive supports can be reduced for this purpose. Additionally, several supports associated with a common blank can be moved relative to each other directly when the blank is applied to a particular assembly, in order to position each blank as precisely as possible on its respective assembly.

[0032] When buffering, it can happen that a given cut is compressed and, viewed from the side, is arranged in an undefined manner between successive supports, at least in some areas.

[0033] In conceivable embodiments, a buffer along the entire transport path of the strip material in the device can be achieved solely by reducing the relative distance between successive supports. This eliminates the need for conventional buffers with multiple deflections along which the strip material is guided back and forth.

[0034] In a variety of embodiments, it can be provided that a leading edge or a trailing edge of a blank is each gripped by only one support during transport, which is guided on a rail system located only on one specific side of the device. In further embodiments, it can be provided that each of the preferably four corners of each blank is gripped or held by its own support during transport.

[0035] Furthermore, it is possible that consecutive carriers of the multitude, when receiving the packaging material as uninterrupted strip material, can maintain a specific relative spacing from one another, taking into account the dimensions of the respective blanks. A control unit may be provided on which information regarding the respective assortments of items is stored and / or on which information regarding the respective assortments of items can be specified. The control unit can, if necessary, specify the specific relative spacing of successive carriers from one another, taking into account the dimensions of the respective blanks.In this case, the control unit can assign at least two carriers to each blank to be cut from the packaging material, which grip the packaging material and the respective blank cut from the packaging material offset in a flow direction of the packaging material.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit can be connected to the previously mentioned cutting and / or separating element, whereby the control unit controls the cutting and / or separating element taking into account the relative spacing of successive carriers. In particular, the control unit can cause a cut in the packaging material, designed as continuous strip material, between two carriers, which are intended to hold different and immediately successive sections of the packaging material designed as continuous strip material.

[0037] According to the invention, the device comprises a switch which can selectively direct the multiple carriers to receive the packaging material as an uninterrupted strip from either a first or a second supply. The stator described above can thus form two different paths, whereby, via a first path, the multiple carriers can be moved towards the first supply to receive the packaging material as an uninterrupted strip. Via a second path, the multiple carriers can be moved towards the second supply to receive the packaging material as an uninterrupted strip.

[0038] The switch can optionally be actuated. It is conceivable that the switch for actuated adjustment is coupled to the previously described control unit. The control unit can possess information that allows it to actuate the switch when the packaging material in the first supply is at least approximately completely depleted, so that the numerous carriers for receiving packaging material from the second supply can be moved via the second path. Alternatively, the switch can be designed such that it can magnetically dictate the path to be taken by the numerous carriers.

[0039] The device can comprise a mechanical, magnetic, or electrical actuation mechanism for the plurality of carriers, which the plurality of carriers pass through during their circumferential guidance, preferably clamping the packaging material as an uninterrupted strip. The plurality of carriers can come into contact with the mechanical actuation mechanism during their passage, the mechanical actuation mechanism effecting a preferably clamping engagement of the packaging material as an uninterrupted strip over the respective carriers. The mechanical actuation mechanism can optionally have two parallel and optionally...The mechanism comprises rails guided in the immediate vicinity of the stator, which actuate the numerous carriers for clamping the packaging material, designed as an uninterrupted strip. The mechanical actuation mechanism may also optionally include a stop with which the numerous carriers for clamping the packaging material, designed as an uninterrupted strip, come into surface contact.

[0040] Furthermore, the device can have an optical detection device, preferably designed as a camera, which allows the actual position of the blanks adapted to a specific assembly of articles to be detected. The movement speed of at least one carrier associated with a particular blank can be predefined, taking into account the detected actual position. Practical experience has shown that with such embodiments, packaging material or blanks of packaging material can be applied very precisely to assemblies of articles. In particular, if the actual position of the blanks adapted to a specific assembly of articles deviates from the target position, the actual position can be adjusted to a predetermined target position. The speed of the carrier(s) transporting the respective blank can be selectively increased or decreased for this purpose.

[0041] Furthermore, the multitude of carriers may each be designed to grip the packaging material. For this purpose, each carrier may have two contact areas that are movable or pivotable relative to each other and work together to grip the packaging material. If, as mentioned above, a mechanical actuation mechanism is provided, the contact areas may move or pivot relative to each other when passing through or coming into contact with the mechanical actuation mechanism, thus gripping the packaging material, which is designed as a continuous strip. At least one contact area may be made of rubber to ensure optimal static friction between the at least one contact area and the packaging material.

[0042] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the force applied to the belt material during transport is constantly and actively generated by the stator itself, by positioning a lever of the carrier in such a way as to the magnetic field of the stator that it causes a clamping effect.

[0043] The device can also include at least one sensor, which is functionally or sequentially positioned upstream of the cutting and / or separating element in the direction of flow of the packaging material. The at least one sensor can detect the actual condition of the packaging material received via the multiple carriers. Furthermore, the at least one cutting and / or separating element can be controlled to remove a portion of the packaging material that deviates from the target condition, and in particular, the multiple carriers can be controlled to remove this portion of the packaging material. Optionally, the multiple carriers can position the portion of the packaging material that deviates from the target condition in a container. The cutting and / or separating element can also be positioned such that the portion falls into a container or disposal container on its own after being separated from the packaging material.

[0044] Furthermore, embodiments have proven successful in which the multitude of preferably circumferentially guided carriers can apply the cut-off pieces from the packaging material to assemblies of articles during the transport of the cut-off pieces along the defined transport route.

[0045] If packaging material is supplied as continuous tape from a supply roll, it is possible that, when the supply roll is completely used up, the end section of the continuous tape material may not be sufficient to provide a complete cut. The actual condition may therefore deviate from the specified target condition, and the end section may need to be cut off from the packaging material received via the multiple carriers using the cutting and / or separating element.

[0046] In various embodiments, the device can include at least one blower through which blanks of packaging material can be subjected to a flow of air when applied to the respective assembly of items. This allows the blanks to be fixed to the assembly of items, if necessary, by means of the airflow, so that at least one carrier associated with the blank can leave it. Such embodiments have proven effective in increasing the throughput when packaging assemblies of items.

[0047] Furthermore, embodiments have proven effective in which the device includes at least one horizontal conveying unit, via which assemblies of articles can be moved during the application of the blanks. The device can also include a switch that can selectively cause movement for the multitude of carriers below and / or in a transport plane formed by the at least one horizontal conveying unit, or above a transport plane formed by the at least one horizontal conveying unit. It is also possible that both paths after the switch are arranged at least partially above the transport plane of the articles, for example, one path above the articles and one path in a plane in which the articles are also conveyed. In particular, at least one path can also run in a plane above the articles. The term "plane" in this context can mean "height" or "vertical level".

[0048] Furthermore, a siding can be provided where unused beams can be parked and from which beams can be introduced into the transport path, for example by means of an additional switch. This can be useful, for instance, if the dimensions of the packaging of the items change and thus cut pieces with smaller or larger lengths (viewed in the transport direction of the beams) need to be processed.

[0049] The device can include switches for the multitude of carriers at at least one of the following positions: - shortly before or in the area of ​​provision for packaging material or stock rolls of packaging material and / or - shortly after the provision of packaging material or supply rolls of packaging material for combining flows on carriers and / or - shortly before a cutting and / or separating element for splitting a current on carriers into different paths and / or - shortly before reaching a horizontal conveyor for splitting a stream of carriers, wherein in particular a carrier that may be arranged at the leading edge of a blank takes a path that is vertically lower than a path taken by a carrier that is arranged at the trailing end of a blank, wherein it may be that the carrier initially arranged at the rear overtakes the carrier initially arranged at the front during the wrapping of unit loads or articles with packaging material and / or - shortly after leaving an area intended for wrapping articles or shortly after submerging below a transport plane formed by the horizontal conveyor, whereby streams are merged on carriers and / or - at a further position for diverting the numerous carriers onto a siding, whereby the switch located shortly before or shortly after the staging area or shortly before or shortly after the horizontal conveyor could alternatively be used for this purpose. Preferably, however, the position can be located below the transport level for items.

[0050] It is also possible that several paths are provided, with a first path being solely for guiding supports that are prepared to capture a respective front edge of the cutouts, and with a second path being solely for guiding supports that are prepared to capture a respective back edge of the cutouts.

[0051] When gripping or releasing strip material or cut pieces, a respective carrier or runner can, for example, be moved laterally through a curve in the guide towards the strip material before a clamping element of the carrier is in the detection area of ​​the strip material or contacts or clamps the strip material.

[0052] Alternatively, the clamping element can be retracted laterally relative to a base body of the carrier, either via a drive located in the carrier or by means of a cam control, by moving the carrier past stationary control cams.

[0053] The invention further relates to a method for producing cutouts from packaging material adapted to assemblies of articles. Features previously described for various embodiments of the device may also be present in conceivable embodiments of the method according to the invention and are therefore not mentioned redundantly. Furthermore, features described below, which relate to various embodiments of the method, can be used for previously described devices.

[0054] In the first step of the process, packaging material is provided as a continuous strip. Specifically, the packaging material can be provided as a continuous strip via at least one supply roll. The packaging material can be wound as a continuous strip onto the core of the supply roll and unwound from the roll for dispensing. The core of the supply roll can be mounted on a mandrel. In conceivable embodiments, the mandrel can be rotated by an actuator to unwind or dispense the packaging material.

[0055] In a further step, packaging material is received as a continuous roll of tape by a multitude of carriers and, after being received by these carriers, transported along a defined path. During this process, the multitude of carriers may pull the continuous tape of packaging material from a supply roll, with the respective holding mandrel rotating as a result of the tape being pulled. The defined path can pass through a transport level designated for the items or sets of items twice.

[0056] A further step of the inventive method involves cutting flat blanks, adapted to a specific assortment of articles, from the packaging material presented as an uninterrupted strip. This cutting of flat blanks, adapted to a specific assortment of articles, takes place during the transport of the packaging material along the defined conveying path. In particular, the packaging material presented as an uninterrupted strip can, if necessary, be moved continuously during the cutting of individual blanks.

[0057] It is also possible that at least two immediately consecutive carriers attack the packaging material, which is presented as uninterrupted tape material, at a specific position, which is defined and chosen taking into account the dimensions of the respective planar cutouts to be separated from the packaging material.

[0058] Furthermore, it may be that, after the separation of the flat cutouts adapted to a specific compilation of articles, the relative distance of several carriers associated with the separated cutouts is reduced for buffering or temporary storage of the cutouts.

[0059] Furthermore, the multitude of carriers can be driven directly, preferably magnetically. In particular, the multitude of carriers can be driven independently of one another, each directly and magnetically. The independent drive of the multitude of carriers can be controlled via a control unit.

[0060] It is also possible that the large number of carriers will clamp the packaging material in place as an uninterrupted strip of tape.

[0061] The multitude of carriers can also pass through a mechanical actuation mechanism during their rotation, which then receives the packaging material as an uninterrupted strip for the respective carriers. The mechanical actuation mechanism can, if necessary, come into contact or operative connection with the multitude of carriers during a rotation, pivoting two gripping fingers, formed as part of each carrier, relative to each other. This results in the packaging material, formed as an uninterrupted strip, being gripped and received. The mechanical actuation mechanism can comprise at least two rails and / or at least one stop, with which the individual carriers of the multitude are actuated during their rotation.

[0062] It is also conceivable that several supplies of packaging material are provided simultaneously as continuous conveyor belt material, with the numerous carriers being selectively moved to receive packaging material as continuous conveyor belt material towards a first supply or towards a second supply. The numerous carriers can optionally be moved selectively to receive packaging material as continuous conveyor belt material towards the first supply or towards the second supply by controlling a switch.

[0063] It is also possible to detect and / or determine the actual position of a blank adapted to a specific assembly of articles, whereby a movement speed of at least one carrier associated with the respective blank is defined and specified, taking into account the respective detected actual position. With such embodiments, a respective blank can be applied to a specific assembly of articles with high accuracy.

[0064] It is also possible that the actual condition of the packaging material received via the multiple carriers is identified and / or determined before separation. Furthermore, a specific batch of packaging material whose actual condition deviates from a specified target condition can be separated from the packaging material. This specific batch can then be sorted out. In this case, the multiple carriers may position this specific batch in a designated container, or the specific batch may fall into a designated container on its own after separation.

[0065] Furthermore, it is conceivable that during the transport of the cut pieces separated from the packaging material along the defined transport route, the cut pieces separated from the packaging material are applied to assemblies of articles.

[0066] Furthermore, it is possible that during the application of the packaging material, the respective cut may be temporarily fixed in place by an airflow at the respective assembly. The airflow can be directed against the respective cut from above or from below.

[0067] The method may, in conceivable embodiments, comprise at least one of the following steps: - continuous or constant removal of tape material from a supply roll, provision of at least one carrier during the continuous removal on a transport path which is assigned to another supply roll with tape material, capture of tape material from the other supply roll by the carrier, use-up of one supply roll and subsequent production of cut pieces from the packaging material of the other supply roll and / or - Capturing strip material or blanks at a specific position on the strip material or blank via a first carrier, conveying the strip material with the first carrier, releasing the strip material via the first carrier, capturing the strip material via a second carrier in the area of ​​the specific position on the strip material, capturing strip material via the first carrier which strip material is assigned to a further blank, wherein these steps take place during a single revolution of the first carrier and / or - Picking up tape material or blanks via a first carrier, releasing the tape material or blank by the first carrier, re-picking up the tape material or blanks by the first carrier, releasing the tape material or blank by the first carrier, wherein these four steps take place during one cycle, and wherein one of these steps or the respective picking occurs in particular when picking up tape material from the supply roll, and wherein two of these steps or the releasing and re-picking occur in particular in the area of ​​a cutting and / or separating element, and wherein one of these steps or the releasing occurs after wrapping an article assembly and before picking up film material, and / or - Buffering of blanks or uninterrupted strip material by means of the numerous carriers, in time before the respective blanks are applied to the article assemblies, whereby the distance between at least two carriers immediately following each other in the transport direction is reduced and / or - Reduction of the distance between two consecutive carriers in the transport direction, which together transport a blank or continuous strip material, wherein the blank or continuous strip material is bent or folded during the reduction of the distance and / or - Forming at least one fold and / or bend in the blank or the continuous strip material in a predetermined direction or in the direction of the horizontal conveying device of the articles or in the opposite direction to the horizontal conveying device of the articles, for example by means of an additional blower and / or by means of static attraction and / or - Reducing the distance between two beams immediately following one another in the transport direction, which transport different cuts and / or - Increasing the distance between two carriers immediately following one another in the transport direction after the distance has been reduced beforehand and before the respective cut connected to the two in the transport direction is applied to the respective assembly of articles and / or - Applying a defined force to a blank by a carrier. One end of the blank is already positioned between an assembly of items and the horizontal conveyor, while the other end remains engaged or in contact with the carrier. The carrier has already descended below a transport level intended for the items, thereby increasing the tension of the film or packaging material surrounding the assembly of items. This process step allows for material savings and shorter blanks, as no packaging material is wasted around the assembly of items. The tension can be selected to approximately match the frictional force existing between the assembly of items or the other end of the blank and the horizontal conveyor.

[0068] The following exemplary embodiments of the invention and its advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual relative sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged for better illustration. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a gripping finger as it may be provided as part of a carrier in conceivable embodiments of the device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a gripping finger, as it may be provided as part of a carrier in conceivable embodiments of the device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of a gripping finger, as it may be provided as part of a carrier in conceivable embodiments of the device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 10 shows individual steps as they may be provided in a conceivable embodiment of the method according to the invention; Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic view of a seventh embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 12 shows a schematic view of an eighth embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 13 shows a sectional view along line AA. Fig. 12.

[0069] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The embodiments shown are merely examples of how the invention can be designed and do not constitute an exhaustive limitation.

[0070] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 is designed for applying packaging material 6 to assemblies 5 of articles 3 during their transport along a transport route.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment, the transport route is made of Fig. 1. The assembly consists of three horizontal conveying units 7, which are connected to one another by forming two gaps 70. One gap 70 is such that the articles 3 can move from a first horizontal conveying unit 7 to a further horizontal conveying unit 7 adjoining the first horizontal conveying unit 7 without tilting. Furthermore, the articles 3 can move from the further horizontal conveying unit 7 to a third horizontal conveying unit 7 without tilting, which is located in Fig. 1 is shown on the right-hand side. A first gap is formed between the first horizontal conveying device 7 and the second horizontal conveying device 7 shown in the middle. In addition, there is a gap between the second horizontal conveying device 7 and the third horizontal conveying device 7, which is shown in Fig. As shown on the right side of Figure 1, a further gap is formed. The horizontal conveying devices 7 are conveyor belts which transport the articles 3 in an upright position.

[0072] How Fig. As can be seen from Figure 1, packaging material 6 is applied to each assembly 5 of articles 3 during their transport or movement along the horizontal conveyor 7. The device 1 has two provisions 9 for this purpose, in each of which a supply roll 12 carrying packaging material 6 rests on a retaining mandrel (not shown in the figures), preferably rotatable. The supply rolls 12 thus provide packaging material 6 as an uninterrupted strip 8.

[0073] Furthermore, a multitude of carriers 2 can be seen, which are designed as runners 4 of an electromagnetic direct drive. The stator of the electromagnetic direct drive is shown with the number 15 and forms a closed guide 16 for the carriers 2 designed as runners 4. The stator 15 is positioned such that the carriers 2 designed as runners 4 can draw packaging material 6 as an uninterrupted strip material 8 from a supply reel 12 of the two supply units 9. The stator 15 branches in the area of ​​the supply units 9, whereby, by means of a switch 35, the carriers 2 designed as runners 4 can be selectively moved towards one of the two supply reels 12 to receive the packaging material 6 designed as an uninterrupted strip material 8.

[0074] In further embodiments, the electromagnetic direct drive with digit 15 may also be a linear guide not shown. This applies to all described embodiments.

[0075] When the packaging material 6 of a supply roll 12 is exhausted, the switch 35 is actuated or switched to move the carriers 2, designed as runners 4, towards the next supply roll 12, from which the carriers 2, designed as runners 4, then receive the packaging material 6, designed as a continuous strip material 8. Since packaging material 6, designed as a continuous strip material 8, is continuously supplied from at least one supply roll 12, the device 1 enables an uninterrupted packaging process for the articles 3, designed as an assembly 5.

[0076] The two supply rollers 12 are arranged within the device 1 with their axes perpendicular to a transport direction of the articles 70. The connection of the axes in this side view is preferably parallel to the transport direction of the articles 3.

[0077] After receiving the packaging material 6, designed as uninterrupted belt material 8, from one of the two supply rolls 12, the carriers 2, designed as runners 4, transport the packaging material 6 along a defined transfer path to the articles 3, designed as assemblies 5. The packaging material 6 is guided by the carriers 2, designed as runners 4, over several deflections 25 and emerges during transport along the defined transfer path from a conveying level or transport level for articles 3 formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7. The deflections 125 can also be omitted during transport with the carriers 2.

[0078] Furthermore, a cutting and / or separating element 20 for packaging material 6 is shown. The cutting and / or separating element 20 can cut blanks 13 adapted to a specific assembly 5 of articles 3 from the packaging material 6, which is presented as a continuous strip of material 8, during transport along the defined conveying path. From the point of receipt of the packaging material 6, the packaging material 6 is transported continuously, beyond the cutting of the blanks 13, by means of the carriers 2 designed as runners 4. For this reason, a vacuum conveyor belt for transporting individual blanks 13 can be dispensed with, so that the device 1 has a compact design.

[0079] Fig. Figure 1 also shows that the carriers 2, designed as runners 4, receive the packaging material 6, designed as continuous strip material 8, from the respective supply roll 12 at a position that is already aligned with the subsequent separation of the blanks 13 by the cutting and / or separating elements 20. Thus, at least one leading carrier 2, designed as a runner 4, and at least one trailing carrier 2, designed as a runner 4, are connected to each blank 13. Between a trailing carrier 2 and a leading carrier 2, the cutting element 20 briefly dips into the packaging material 6, presented as continuous strip material 8, and separates individual blanks 13. The packaging material 6, designed as continuous strip material 8, is moved continuously during the separation of the individual blanks 13.

[0080] After the blanks 13 have been cut off, they are moved via the carriers 2, designed as runners 4, across the transport plane formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7, or aligned above a transport plane formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7. At least one leading carrier 2, designed as a runner 4, passes through the gap previously described, located between the first horizontal conveying device 7 and the subsequent horizontal conveying device 7. To guide the carriers 4, designed as runners 2, the stator 15, or the guide, also extends through the gap or passes over a transport plane formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7. Alternatively, the stator 15 is located...The guide, viewed horizontally, is located next to the horizontal conveying devices 7, as shown in the figure – that is, not in the plane of the image, but behind and / or in front of them.

[0081] The “and” refers to the case of two guides / stators, one on the left and one on the right in the direction of transport, as seen from the horizontal conveyor device 7.

[0082] After aligning a blank 13 above the transport plane formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7, a respective assembly 5 of articles 3 moves onto a respective blank 13 when changing from the first horizontal conveying device 7 to the next horizontal conveying device 7, whereby the at least one leading carrier 2, which is connected to the respective blank 13, releases the respective blank 13 and moves further along the stator 15, which is designed as a closed guide 16, in the direction of a supply roller 12 for receiving packaging material 6 again.

[0083] The device 1 optionally also has a blower 30, which generates an air volume flow by which the respective blank 13, after emerging from the transport plane formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7, is guided against the respective assembly 5 of articles 3 and / or by which air volume flow a leading edge of a respective blank 13 is blown onto the central horizontal conveying device 7. The respective at least one trailing support 2 connected to the blank 13 can thereby leave the respective blank 13, whereby the respective blank 13 or its rear end region is held against the respective assembly 5 by the air volume flow generated by the blower 30. The engagement orThe holding of the blank 13 over the advancing carrier 2 can also be lifted shortly after the respective carrier 2 appears over the transport level designed for Article 3.

[0084] The at least one trailing carrier 2, designed as a runner 4 and also connected to this blank 13, remains in contact with the respective blank 13 for a longer time than the leading carrier 2 during the approach of the respective assembly 5 to the blank 13. After each assembly 5 has been completely advanced onto the blank 13, the following applies: Fig. Once the horizontal conveying device 7 shown in the center has changed, at least one further trailing carrier 2 emerges from the transport plane formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7, overtakes the respective assembly 5, and reappears after overtaking the respective assembly 5, as shown in Fig. 1 can be seen, in a gap 70 formed between the third horizontal conveying device 7 shown on the right and the further horizontal conveying device 7 shown in the middle below the transport plane.

[0085] After submerging, at least one further carrier 2, designed as a runner 4, releases the respective blank 13. This allows each assembly 5 to move from the centrally depicted horizontal conveyor 7 to the third horizontal conveyor 7 shown on the right, again onto the blank 13, whereby the articles 3 are completely encased in the packaging material 6 designed as blank 13. The assembly 5 of articles 3 can then enter a shrink tunnel (not shown), whereby the packaging material 6 or the blank 13 is shrunk onto the respective assembly 5, thereby forming a container from the assembly 5 with its respective blank 13. The packaging material 6 is designed as a thermoplastic packaging material.

[0086] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. The exemplary embodiment from Fig. 2 has a plurality of carriers 2 designed as runners 4 which, together with a stator 15 or a guide, form a linear motor or an electromagnetic direct drive. In the area of ​​the centrally depicted horizontal conveyor 7, the stator 15 has a branch 37 or switch, wherein a first branch is guided below a transport plane formed by the horizontal conveyor 7 and a second branch emerges from the transport plane formed by the horizontal conveyor 7. The first branch can also run at least partially above or within the transport plane, but is also positioned below the second branch in this case.

[0087] A respective leading carrier 2 aligns a respective blank 13 above a transport level formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7, so that a respective assembly 5 of articles 3 upon transfer from the in Fig. 2. The first horizontal conveying device 7, shown on the left, is directed onto the in Fig. 2. A further horizontal conveying device 7, shown in the center, moves onto the respective blank 13. In particular, a respective leading carrier 2 can be used in an exemplary embodiment consisting of Fig. 2. Each blank 13 is placed onto the centrally depicted further horizontal conveying device 7, whereupon a respective assembly 5 of articles 3, upon transferring to the further horizontal conveying device 7, moves onto the respective blank 13 placed thereon. The leading carrier 2, designed as a runner 4, moves along the first branch, which runs in particular below the transport level for articles 3 formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7.

[0088] After each assembly 5 of articles 3 has completely transferred to the further horizontal conveying device 7, a further trailing carrier 2 of the respective blank 13 follows the second or further branch and emerges from the transport level formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7.

[0089] The trailing carrier 2 then overtakes the respective assembly 5 of articles 3 and carries with it the respective packaging material 6, which is designed as a blank 13. After overtaking the respective assembly 5 of articles 3, the trailing carrier 2 passes the transport level again and dips below it, releasing the packaging material 6, which is designed as a blank 13. When the assembly 5 of articles passes from the next in Fig. 2 centrally shown horizontal conveying device 7 onto the third and in Fig. The horizontal conveying device 7, shown on the right, moves the respective assembly 5 of articles 3 onto the trailing end of the blank 13. After transferring to the third horizontal conveying device 7, the respective assembly 5 of articles 3 is completely enclosed by the blank 13 or packaging material 6.

[0090] The other components of the embodiment of a device 1 are made of Fig. 2 correspond to the embodiment from Fig. 1, so that the description refers accordingly to Fig. 1 is referred back.

[0091] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. The embodiment from Fig. 3 has identical components compared to the embodiment from Fig. 1, so that with regard to function and design of the embodiment from Fig. 3 on Fig. 1 is referred back.

[0092] Compare to the embodiment from Fig. 1. The embodiment differs from Fig. 3 only in the positioning of the blower, to which number 30 refers in both embodiments. Thus, the blower 30 in Fig. 3 is positioned below a transport level formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7 for article 3. In contrast, the blower 30 is located in Fig. 1 above a transport level formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7 for Article 3.

[0093] In the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 3. An air volume flow is generated by the blower 30, which is oriented upwards and passes through the gap formed between the first horizontal conveying device 7 shown on the left and the second horizontal conveying device 7 shown in the center. The upwardly oriented air volume flow generated by the blower 30 holds a free end section of a blank 13 that has already been partially guided through the gap, so that a leading carrier 2 or runner 4 connected to this blank 13 can leave this blank 13 without the free end section of the blank 13 unintentionally moving back into the gap due to its mass.

[0094] After the respective leading carrier 2 or runner 4 has left the blank 13, the assembly 5 of articles 3 moves onto the blank 13. The further application of the blank 13 or packaging material 6 onto the respective assembly 5 of articles 3 takes place according to the previous description. Fig. 1.

[0095] In one embodiment (not shown), the assembly 5, along with the articles 3, moves onto the leading end of the blank 13 or the strip material while the latter is still engaged with a carrier 2. The holding force of the carrier 2 is such that the weight of the assembly 5 is sufficient to release the blank 13 from the carriers 2. In particular, the leading end of the blank 13 can be guided above the transport plane by the carriers 2 while the articles 3 move onto the blank 13. Alternatively, the leading edge of the film can be peeled off by the carriers 2 moving downwards away from the horizontal conveyor, thus "stripping" the end off the carriers 2 against the horizontal conveyor 7.

[0096] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. In the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 4. The supply of packaging material 6 of a supply roll 12 positioned in the right-hand supply unit 9 is exhausted. For this reason, the multiple carriers 2 were redirected by means of the switch 35 and guided towards the supply roll 12 of the left-hand supply unit 9, from which the carriers 2 or runners 4 now receive packaging material 6 as an uninterrupted strip material 8. The core of a supply roll 12, formerly carrying packaging material 6, still located in the right-hand supply unit 9, can be removed from the supply unit 9 and replaced by a new supply roll 12 with packaging material 6, in particular automatically.

[0097] In practice, it may happen that a remnant or end section of the packaging material 6 wound on a supply roll 12 is insufficient to form a complete blank 13. Such a remnant or end section constitutes a reject 47, which is cut from the packaging material 6, which is designed as an uninterrupted strip material 8, to ensure at least approximately homogeneous blanks 13.

[0098] A sensor 46 can be identified which detects the actual condition of the packaging material 6, which is designed as a continuous strip material 8. The sensor 46 can determine whether a specific area or a specific portion of the continuous strip material 8 or packaging material 6 meets the requirements of the specified specifications. Fig. The area 4 is insufficient for a cut 13. The cutting and / or separating element 20 is operatively connected to the sensor 46 and, taking into account the actual condition detected by the sensor 46, can cause the reject 47 to be separated from the uninterrupted strip material 8 or packaging material 6. The reject 47 can then be collected in a container 48 or placed in a container 48.

[0099] The container 48 can also be located directly below the supply rollers 12, as indicated in the figure by reference numeral 48'. In this case, the sensor 46' is located between the supply rollers 12 and the container 48'.

[0100] In the area of ​​the reject 47, a gap forms between carriers 2 or runners 4 of immediately successive blanks 13. To avoid delays during the packing process, it can be provided that carriers 2 or runners 4 holding a blank 13 adjacent to the gap in a flow or movement direction of the packaging material 6 accelerate accordingly and catch up with the blank 13 preceding it. The movement of the individual carriers 2 or runners 4 can be controlled by a control unit 72. The speed of each carrier 2 or runner 4 can therefore be set independently of the speed of another carrier 2 or runner 4.

[0101] The control unit 72 is also present in the other described embodiments and controls all drives (film roll rotation, carrier, horizontal conveyor device, cutting and / or separating element, sensor).

[0102] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 is made according to the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2 is formed and differs from this embodiment only in the design of the branching, to which number 37 in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 refers to each.

[0103] According to the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 2. The stator 15 or the guide has a first branch, which is positioned below a transport level provided for the articles 3 and formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7. Along the first branch, carriers 2 or runners 4 are moved, which align a respective blank 13, so that a respective assembly 5 of articles 3 is conveyed upon transfer from the first and into Fig. 5 horizontal conveying device 7 shown on the left-hand side onto the further and in Fig. 5. The horizontal conveying device 7, shown in the center, is approached. The first branch may still be arranged above or in the transport plane formed for Article 3, or may run above or in a transport plane formed for Article 3.

[0104] Furthermore, the stator 15 forms a plurality of second branches, each of which runs above a specific vertical level above the transport plane formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7 and above the first branch. In practice, several assemblies 5 can be packaged using the device 1, which may differ in their respective number of articles 3 and / or the dimensions or vertical extent of the articles 3. The plurality of second branches, or the course of the stator 15 in the area of ​​the plurality of second branches, is adapted to the several different assemblies 5, so that even for assemblies 5 that differ from one another in the number and / or dimensions of their articles 3, packaging material 6 or blanks 13 can be applied to the respective assembly 5 with precise positioning. For the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 5 is a control unit 72 (see Fig. 4) provided which information regarding the respective articles 3 or assemblies 5 to be packaged can be specified for articles 3. The control unit 72 is connected to the stator 15 for the movement of the carriers 2 designed as runners 4 and can, taking the information into account, independently effect a movement of the carriers designed as runners 4 along a respective specific of the second branches.

[0105] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 is made according to the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 4 and differs from this embodiment only in the design of the stator 15 or the closed guide 16. Fig. Figure 6 shows that the stator 15 or the closed guide 16 forms a loop 49 below a transport plane formed by the horizontal conveying devices 7 and in the area of ​​a gap provided between the centrally shown further horizontal conveying device 7 and the third horizontal conveying device 7 shown on the right. The carriers 2 or runners 4 are guided by the loop 49 after dipping below the transport plane with a directional component that is partially parallel and / or oriented at an angle of 73° to 75° to the conveying direction or transport direction of the horizontal conveying devices 7. In practice, embodiments according to [Figure 6] have proven effective. Fig. 6 proven to optimally align a respective cut 13 for a transfer of an assembly 5 from the further horizontal conveying device 7 shown in the middle to the third horizontal conveying device 7 shown on the right.

[0106] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a gripping finger 50 as it is used as part of a carrier 2 (cf. Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) may be provided in conceivable embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention. A gripping finger according to Fig. 7 can be mechanically coupled to a carrier 2, which may be configured as a runner 4, and moved along the stator 15 or along the closed guide 16 by means of the carrier, which may be configured as a runner 4. To integrate the gripping finger 50 into the embodiments of this view Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. To install 6, it would have to be rotated 90° around a vertical axis so that the joint 74 stands laterally away from the cutouts 13.

[0107] The gripping finger 50 has two opposing contact areas 52. The contact areas 52 work together to grip packaging material 6. For this purpose, the contact areas 52 can be made of rubber, for example, to create optimized static friction between the packaging material 6 and the contact areas 52.

[0108] Furthermore, the gripper finger 50 has two legs 54 which interact mechanically to spread the contact areas 52 or to perform a positioning movement for the contact areas 52. The two legs 54 are pivoted relative to each other for each positioning movement of the contact areas 52 or for each spreading movement of the contact areas 52. By means of a relative movement of the two legs 54 to each other, packaging material 6 can therefore be gripped by the contact areas 52. If the packaging material 6 or blanks 13 of packaging material 6 are to be released from the gripper finger 50, the two legs 54 are pivoted relative to each other again in the opposite direction.

[0109] Fig. Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a gripping finger 50, as it can be provided as a component of a carrier 2 in conceivable embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention. The gripping finger 50 from the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 8 has two opposing contact areas 52, which can be closed to grip packaging material 6 and spread apart to release packaging material 6. The closing and spreading of the contact areas 52 is achieved by relative pivoting of the legs 54 relative to each other. The legs 54 are held in the relative position by a spring-loaded cam 58 according to Fig. 8A held together, in which the contact areas 52 can clamp the packaging material 6.

[0110] Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B also reveals two parallel rails 59. A summary of the Fig. 8A and Fig. Figure 8B illustrates that a relative spacing of the rails 59 from each other in Fig. 8B opposite Fig. 8A is less pronounced. By reducing the relative distance between the rails 59, the cam 58 can be rotated, which in turn pivots the legs 54 relative to each other and releases the contact areas 52 packaging material 6. The rails 59 can be in the area of ​​the stator 15 or the closed guide 16 (see figure). Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) be positioned, whereby the reduction of the relative spacing of the rails 59 according to Fig. 8B in the area of ​​the provisioning 9 and functionally prior to the receipt of the packaging material 6 designed as uninterrupted tape material 8. The rails 59 extend in particular along a curve or axis perpendicular to the image plane.

[0111] Fig. Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of a gripping finger 50, as it can be provided as a component of a carrier 2 in conceivable embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 8 The gripping finger 50 has two contact areas 52 which interact to grip packaging material 9. The contact areas 52 can be engaged and spread by pivoting the two legs 54. Pivoting the two legs 54 is effected by means of the cam 58, which is located in the Fig. In the position shown in 9a, the two legs 54 are held in their spaced position under preload via spring force.

[0112] Fig. Figure 9 also shows an actuating element 60, which the respective carriers 2 pass together with the respective gripping finger 50 during their movement along the stator 15 or along the closed guide 16. A lever 56 of the respective gripping finger 50 comes into contact with the actuating element 60 and is then, according to a summary of the Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b pivoted. By pivoting the lever 56, the cam 58 can be rotated, thereby changing the relative spacing of the legs 54 to each other and selectively spreading or closing the contact areas 52. This allows packaging material 6 to be positioned according to Fig. 9a clamped received and at the position after Fig. 9b will be released.

[0113] For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that a pivoting of two legs 54 for a gripping finger 50 according to the respective embodiment of the Fig. 7 to 9 can optionally also be effected via at least two carriers 2 or runners 4, which cooperate to pivot the legs 54 and perform an associated approach or spreading movement of the contact areas 52. The at least two carriers 2 or runners 4 can be mechanically coupled to the legs 54 for this purpose.

[0114] Fig. Figure 10 shows individual steps as they may be provided in a conceivable embodiment of the method according to the invention. Thus, in a first step of the method, packaging material 6 is provided as uninterrupted tape material 8.

[0115] Furthermore, the packaging material 6 is received as an uninterrupted strip material 8 by a multitude of carriers 2 and transported via the multitude of carriers 2 along a defined transport route. Additionally, flat sections 13, adapted to a specific assembly 5 of articles 3, are cut from the packaging material 6, which is presented as an uninterrupted strip material 8, during its transport along the defined transport route.

[0116] The cut pieces 13 from the packaging material 6 are transported further along the defined transport route via the carriers 2. Subsequently, each assembly 5 of articles 3 is provided with a respective cut piece 13 of packaging material 6.

[0117] In an embodiment not shown, the process steps and device features can also take place or be carried out without directly picking up the strip material from the supply rolls 12. In this case, the strip material is taken from one of the two supply rolls 12 via a winding mechanism using deflection rollers and only reaches the transport system with the carriers 2 after further transport. This can be the case, in particular, with pre-cut blanks 13. Here, the carriers 2 only pick up the blanks 13 after they have been cut by a cutting and / or separating element 20.

[0118] Fig. Figure 11 shows in particular the cutting and / or separating element 20 in a position seen in the transport direction in the first two thirds, preferably on the first third of the transport path of the strip material or the blanks 13.

[0119] Two loops or bends 76 are also indicated, which occur when buffering the cut pieces 13 or when reducing the distances between the supports 2. The same can alternatively or additionally occur with the uncut strip material on a section from the supply to the separating element 20, indicated by loop 76'.

[0120] In Fig. A cutting and / or separating element 20 is provided in section 12, which divides the strip material into two lanes along its transport direction. Near position 80, at or after the separating element 20, further supports 2 or runners 4 enter the transport plane of the strip material via a further stator 78 and grip the middle sides. The further stator 78 is also designed as a closed, circumferential unit and extends partially parallel to the stator 15. The horizontal conveying devices 7 are divided into two sections in the transport direction, so that the supports 2 or runners 4 of the further stator 78 can also emerge through the transport plane of the articles 3.

[0121] Fig. Figure 13 shows a sectional view along line AA. Fig. 12. Here is the principle of guiding the uninterrupted strip material 8 or the cut pieces 13 from Fig. 12 shown from a different perspective.

[0122] The continuous strip material 8 is divided into two continuous webs 8a along its longitudinal axis parallel to the transport direction by the rotating knife 77 with rotation axis 77a. It is then separated into blanks 13 by the rotating rollers 21 (rotation axis parallel to that of the knife 77) or their blades 22. In other conceivable embodiments, a laser can be used instead of the rotating knife 77a and / or rollers 21.

[0123] The carriers 2, guided on guides or stators (not shown), accompany the outer edges 100a, 100b of the continuous strip material 8. On the rotating knife 77, a path of the guide directs the carriers 2 slightly further laterally away from the central plane of the device 1 on both sides. This path runs perpendicular to the plane of the image and perpendicular to the knife axis 77a and through the knife 77. In the area of ​​the rotating knife 77, the Fig. 13 carriers 2, shown in the center, extend between the two uninterrupted webs 8a into the area of ​​the film plane and engage at an inner edge 100c of the webs. Double carriers are shown here, each with two contact areas 52 (cf. Fig. 9) to capture both tracks. It would also be conceivable to use separate supports 2 for each track, one on the inside.

[0124] The carriers 2 can pass through an area located between two blades 22 in the region of the cutting and / or separating element 20 without making contact, without releasing the uninterrupted strip material 8. It is also conceivable that the carriers 2 briefly release the uninterrupted strip material 8, either by releasing a clamp and retracting the gripper relative to the carrier 2, or by the guide deflecting and / or changing the path of the guide or stator 15 around the rollers 21. In the immediate vicinity of the rollers 20, the carriers 2 can re-engage the strip material. Upon release, another carrier 2 can briefly grasp the emerging blank 13 near its leading edge, so that it is continuously guided during the cutting process. The releasing carrier 2 can subsequently form the rear guide.

[0125] As in Fig. As shown on the left side, a cut 13 is transported further at each of four corners by four carriers 2.

[0126] In the next stage, the carriers 2 with the blank 13 reach the horizontal conveyor 7 (shown here from below), which is divided along the middle plane, in whose area the blanks 13 are applied to articles 3 via the schematically indicated assemblies 5.

[0127] The middle beams 2 are then guided past the supply points 9 back to the separating element 77. The outer beams 2 are guided back to the supply points 9. Fig. 12).

[0128] In Fig. Point 12 also shows the previously mentioned optional siding, which is connected to the production path via an entry switch and an exit switch. There may also be three or four sidings.

[0129] Furthermore, one can see in Fig. 12 also the carrier 2, which is arranged on the path of the supply roll 12 that is not currently in use and is waiting to receive the end of a new supply roll 12 to be inserted, while further carriers 2 are guided via another path to another supply roll 12 and take packaging material 6 from it.

[0130] Also shown is a receiving element 120, which, via sensors not shown, can automatically detect one end of the newly inserted supply roll 12 on the right side and guide it to the carrier 2. The receiving element 120 could, for example, be a vacuum suction bar or a clamping element that is movable between the supply roll 12 and the carrier 2 and can transfer the end to the carrier 2. This element can be used for both supply rolls 12. It is also conceivable that each supply roll 12 has its own receiving element 120.

[0131] The aforementioned principles relating to the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 are also applicable to the other embodiments already described.

[0132] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable to a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes to the invention can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 carriers 3 items 4 runners 5. Summary 6 Packaging material 7 Horizontal conveying device 8 Uninterrupted tape material 8a Uninterrupted track 9 Provision 12 storage rolls 13 Cutting 15 Stator 16 Closed tour 20 Cutting and / or separating element 21 roller 22 blade 25 Deflection 30 blowers 35 Switch 37 branching 46 Sensors 47 Committee 48 containers 49 loop 50 gripping fingers 52 Contact area 54 thighs 58 Cam 59 rail 60 Actuating element 72 Control unit 74 joint 76 Bending 77 Rotating knife 77a Axis of rotation 78 Additional stator 100a outer edge 100b outer edge 100c inner edge 120 recording element

Claims

[1] Device (1) for producing cutouts (13) from packaging material (6) adapted to assemblies (5) on articles (3), comprising - at least one provision (9) via which packaging material (6) can be provided as uninterrupted tape material (8), - a plurality of preferably circumferentially guided carriers (2) which can each receive the packaging material (6) as uninterrupted tape material (8) from the at least one provision (9) and transport it along a defined transport route, as well as - at least one cutting and / or separating element (20) positioned in the area of ​​the defined transport path for packaging material (6), wherein the at least one cutting and / or separating element (20) is designed for separating flat blanks (13) adapted to a respective assembly (5) of articles (3) from the packaging material (6) provided as uninterrupted strip material (8) during its transport along the defined transport route, and wherein a switch (35) is provided which can selectively enable the receipt of the packaging material (6) as uninterrupted tape material (8) from a first provision (9) or a second provision (9) for the multitude of carriers (2). [2] Device according to claim 1, in which the plurality of carriers (2) is designed as part of an electromagnetic direct drive. [3] Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which successive supports (2) are movable in their relative spacing from each other. [4] Device according to claim 3, in which immediately successive carriers (2) of the plurality can assume a specific relative distance to each other when receiving the packaging material (6) as uninterrupted strip material (8), taking into account the dimensions of the respective blanks (13). [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a particularly mechanical, magnetic or electrical actuation mechanism for the plurality of carriers (2), which mechanical, magnetic or electrical actuation mechanism the plurality of carriers (2) pass through during their circumferential guidance for the preferably clamping receipt of the packaging material (6) as uninterrupted tape material (8). [6] Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the plurality of carriers (2) are each designed to clamp and receive the packaging material (6). [7] Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one sensor (46) which is functionally arranged upstream of the cutting and / or separating element (20), wherein the actual condition of the packaging material (6) received via the plurality of carriers (2) can be detected via the at least one sensor (46) and wherein the at least one cutting and / or separating element (20) can be controlled to separate and reject a portion of the packaging material (6) that deviates from a target condition. [8] Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the plurality of preferably circumferentially guided carriers (2) can apply the cut pieces (13) separated from the packaging material (6) to assemblies (5) of articles during the transport of the cut pieces (13) separated from the packaging material (6) along the defined transport route. [9] Device according to claim 8, comprising an optical detection device preferably designed as a camera, by which an actual position of the blanks (13) adapted to a respective assembly (5) of articles (3) can be recognized, wherein a movement speed of at least one carrier (2) associated with a respective blank (13) can be defined and specified taking into account the respective recognized actual position. [10] Device according to claim 8 or 9, comprising at least one blower (30) via which blanks (13) of packaging material (6) can be supplied with an air volume flow when applied to the respective assembly (5) of articles (3). [11] Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, comprising at least one horizontal conveying device (7) by which assemblies (5) of articles (3) can be moved during the application of the blanks (13) and comprising a switch (37) which can selectively effect movement for the plurality of carriers (2) below a transport plane formed by the at least one horizontal conveying device (7) or above a transport plane formed by the at least one horizontal conveying device (7). [12] Method for producing cutouts (13) from packaging material (6) adapted to assemblies (5) of articles (3), the method comprising the following steps: - Provision of packaging material (6) by means of at least one provision (9) as uninterrupted tape material (8), - Receiving the packaging material (6) as an uninterrupted belt material (8) by a plurality of preferably circumferentially guided carriers (2), which receive the packaging material (6) from the at least one provision (9), and transporting the packaging material (6) by the plurality of carriers (2) along a defined transfer path after receipt, - Cutting flat blanks (13) adapted to a respective assembly (5) of articles (3) from the packaging material (6) presented as uninterrupted strip material (8), wherein the cutting flat blanks (13) adapted to a respective assembly of articles (3) is carried out during the transport of the packaging material (6) along the defined transport route by means of at least one cutting and / or separating element (20) for packaging material (6) positioned in the area of ​​the defined transport route, - wherein several supplies of packaging material (6) are provided simultaneously as uninterrupted tape material (8), wherein the plurality of carriers (2) are selectively moved to receive packaging material (6) as uninterrupted tape material (8) in the direction of a first supply or in the direction of a second supply. [13] Method according to claim 12, in which at least two immediately successive carriers (2) each attack the packaging material (6) presented as uninterrupted strip material (8) at a specific position, which is defined and selected taking into account the dimensioning of the respective planar blanks (13) to be cut from the packaging material (6). [14] Method according to claim 12 or claim 13, in which, after the separation of the planar blanks (13) adapted to a respective assembly (5) of articles (3), the relative distance of several carriers (2) connected with the separated blanks (13) is reduced for buffering the blanks (13). [15] Method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the plurality of carriers (2) are driven directly and preferably magnetically. [16] Method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the plurality of carriers (2) clamp the packaging material (6) as an uninterrupted strip material (8). [17] Method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the plurality of carriers (2) pass through a mechanical actuating mechanism during their rotating movement, which thereby causes the packaging material (6) to be received as uninterrupted tape material (8) for the respective carriers (2). [18] Method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, in which, prior to separation, the actual condition of the packaging material (6) received via the plurality of carriers (2) is recognized and / or determined and - a specific batch of the packaging material (6), whose actual condition deviates from a specified target condition, is separated from the packaging material (6) and - this particular batch is excluded. [19] Method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, in which, during the transport of the blanks (13) cut from the packaging material (6) along the defined transport route, the blanks (13) cut from the packaging material (6) are applied to assemblies (5) of articles (3). [20] Method according to claim 19, in which an actual position of a blank (13) adapted to a respective assembly (5) of articles (3) is detected and / or determined, wherein a movement speed of at least one carrier (2) associated with the respective blank (13) is defined and specified taking into account the respective detected actual position. [21] Method according to claim 19 or 20, in which the respective blank (13) is temporarily fixed to the respective assembly (5) by an air volume flow during the application of the packaging material (6).

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