DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FORMING CONTAINERS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for forming packages from several packaging units.

[0002] Devices for forming bundles, also called packaging devices, are known per se. In particular, packaging devices that can be adapted to different operating modes have become known (e.g., EP 1 223 105 A1, US 2012 / 0023866 A1, DE 10 2010 050 524 A1, and JP H02 127207 A).

[0003] US 2012 / 023866 A1 discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] In a known device, a further transport device located between two transport devices, which is used in a first operating mode, can be replaced by an exchangeable transport device in order to convert the device to produce a different type of container and thus to be able to operate it in a second operating mode. For example, the device is designed to form containers comprising a plurality of packaging units in a first operating mode, in which the packaging units stand on a cardboard base and are then wrapped together with the cardboard base in a film, in particular a shrink film. In a second operating mode of the device, containers comprising a plurality of packaging units, e.g.Containers, bottles or the like are formed without such a cardboard base, for example in such a way that only a group of packaging units without a cardboard base on the underside are wrapped by a film, in particular a shrink film (so-called film-only).

[0005] In the first operating mode, it may be necessary for the carton base to be folded at several edges, wherein the further transport device located between two transport devices has such folding tools.

[0006] In order to be able to operate the device in the above-mentioned operating modes and thus produce the different container types, it is necessary to replace the additional transport device with the exchange transport device.

[0007] A disadvantage of the state of the art shown is that converting the device for the different operating modes is cumbersome and time-consuming, which leads to long downtimes of the device.

[0008] Based on this, it is the object of the invention to provide a device for forming packages from several packaging units, which enables an easier, time-saving changeover for the different operating modes.

[0009] The object is achieved by a device according to the features of independent patent claim 1. A method for forming bundles from multiple packaging units is the subject of independent patent claim 14.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device according to claim 1 for forming bundles from a plurality of packaging units. The device comprises a first transport device, a second transport device following the first transport device in the transport direction, and a third transport device following the second transport device in the transport direction. An exchangeable transport device is provided which consists of a single conveyor segment, i.e. cannot be assembled from a plurality of segments arranged one behind the other, and which can be inserted between the first and third transport devices to replace the second transport device. The length of the exchangeable transport device and / or the width of a gap between the first transport device and the third transport device can be changed by a translational displacement of at least one deflection unit.

[0011] The essential advantage of the device is that the translational displacement of at least one deflection unit of the exchange transport device and / or the first and / or third transport device can significantly simplify the insertion of the exchange transport device, since the narrow installation situation of the exchange transport device is at least temporarily expanded. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first and / or the third transport device can in particular comprise one or more push plates, on which the containers to be transported or the packaging units or groups of packaging units forming the subsequent container are moved in a sliding or slidable manner in the transport direction by means of motor-driven push rods.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the exchange transport device and / or the first transport device and / or the third transport device has a circulating transport element that rotates on at least two deflection units defining the conveying length of these transport devices, wherein the distance, measured in the conveying direction, between the deflection units of the exchange transport device and / or the first transport device and / or the third transport device is variable. The conveying length is the length of the conveying path along which the packaging units or bundles are conveyed by the respective transport device. In the case of a belt conveyor, a deflection unit is typically arranged at each free end thereof in order to be able to transfer the packaging units or bundles to the next transport device as seamlessly and vibration-free as possible.By means of the translational displacement of these deflection units arranged at the free end, the length of the exchange transport device and / or the width of a gap between the first transport device and the third transport device can be advantageously changed in order to facilitate the changeover or to shorten the changeover time.

[0013] According to one exemplary embodiment, the position of one of the deflection units relative to the at least one further deflection unit can be changed by a translational displacement of the deflection unit parallel to the transport direction. In particular, in the case of the exchange transport device and / or the first transport device and / or the third transport device, one of the at least two deflection units defining the conveying length can be displaced parallel to the transport direction. This makes it possible, for example, to reduce the length of the exchange transport device, the first transport device and / or the third transport device measured in the conveying direction, so that the installation situation is improved by widening the gap between the first and third transport devices or reducing the length of the exchange transport device.

[0014] According to one embodiment, in the first transport device and / or the third transport device, a deflection unit arranged adjacent to the exchange transport device is displaceable parallel to the transport direction. These deflection units arranged adjacent to the exchange device serve to deflect the transport element in a transition region in which the packaging units or containers are conveyed to the exchange transport device (in the case of the first transport device) or in which the packaging units or containers are conveyed away from the exchange transport device (in the case of the second transport device).In particular, the deflection unit of the first transport device arranged adjacent to the exchange transport device can be displaced counter to the transport direction during the changeover process, and the deflection unit of the third transport device arranged adjacent to the exchange transport device can be displaced in the transport direction or at least partially pivoted out of the transport path during the changeover process. In the following, at least partial pivoting should always be understood as an alternative to translational displacement, unless this is technically impossible. The width of the gap between the first and third transport devices can be increased by the translational displacement of the deflection units provided in the transition regions.

[0015] According to one embodiment, drives are provided for the translational displacement of the at least one deflection unit. These drives can, in particular, be automated drives, for example, electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic drives. Alternatively, the translational displacement can be performed manually, for example, by a manually operated adjustment mechanism.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the drive for the translational displacement of the at least one deflection unit of the exchange transport device is provided on the exchange transport device itself or stationary on a machine frame, so that the drive can be coupled to the exchange transport device when it is inserted to transmit drive forces. In other words, in a first variant, the drive is a component of the exchange transport device and is raised or lowered together with it. In a second variant, the automated, in particular motorized, drive is not a component of the exchange transport device, but the exchange transport device is only coupled to the drive when converting to the second operating mode, for example by meshing gears or otherwise coupling the drive to an adjustment mechanism provided on the exchange transport device.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the exchange transport device and / or the first transport device and / or the third transport device has guides designed to change the length of the exchange transport device and / or to change the width of the gap between the first transport device and the third transport device by a translational displacement of a rotational axis of a deflection unit at which a transport element of the exchange transport device and / or the first transport device and / or the third transport device is deflected. The guides can be designed, for example, to ensure translational displaceability of a shaft defining the rotational axis of the deflection unit within a non-displaceable support structure of this shaft.Alternatively, the guides can allow for the displacement of at least part of the support structure, whereby the shaft defining the rotational axis of the deflection unit is not displaceable on the support structure. Combinations of the aforementioned options are also conceivable.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the exchange transport device and / or the first transport device and / or the third transport device has a tensioning device for tensioning a circulating transport element. This tensioning device allows the transport element, in particular a conveyor belt, to be kept under tension even during the translational displacement of the deflection unit, so that, for example, undesired slipping of the transport element relative to the deflection unit can be prevented.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a lifting device is provided for raising and lowering the exchange transport device. This lifting device can be used, on the one hand, for the vertical movement of the exchange transport device during the changeover process; on the other hand, the lifting device can also be designed to hold and store the exchange transport device above the transport level of the packaging units or containers in the first operating mode, in which the exchange transport device is not used to convey the packaging units or containers. Of course, if sufficient space is available, it is also possible for the lifting device to serve as an alternative for holding and storing the exchange transport device below the transport level.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the lifting device is designed such that the replacement transport device can be positioned in an inclined position during lifting and lowering, in which the longitudinal axis of the replacement transport device runs obliquely to a horizontal plane. In particular, the lifting device can be designed to position the replacement transport device in an inclined position in which the longitudinal axis of the replacement transport device encloses an angle of at least 30° with a horizontal plane. By inclining the replacement transport device, one free end of the replacement transport device can be positioned lower than the other free end of the replacement transport device. This makes it easier to insert the replacement transport device into the gap existing between the first and third transport devices.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the device is designed to tilt the first and / or third transport device such that the transport plane formed by the respective transport device can be positioned in an inclined position in which this transport plane runs at an angle to a horizontal plane. In particular, the tilting of the first and / or third transport device can be achieved such that a deflection unit located adjacent to the installation space into which the replacement transport device is to be inserted is raised or lowered. This further facilitates the insertion of the replacement transport device into the gap between the first and third transport devices.

[0022] According to the invention, the second transport device can be displaced from a first position, in which packaging units are transported, to a second, inactive position for inserting the replacement transport device. In particular, the second transport device can be moved or shifted laterally, i.e., transversely to the transport direction, in order to create a free installation space for the replacement transport device.

[0023] According to the invention, the second transport device consists of a plurality of transport device sections, wherein the transport device sections can be displaced in opposite directions transversely to the transport direction to assume the second, inactive position. In other words, the second transport device consists of a plurality of transport device sections that are separated from one another by a parting plane running in the transport direction and can be displaced in different directions with respect to this parting plane. This allows, for example, a first transport device section to be displaced to a first side and a second transport device section to a second side into a non-active position.

[0024] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method according to claim 14 for converting a device comprising a first transport device, a second transport device following the first transport device in the transport direction, and a third transport device following the second transport device in the transport direction, wherein an exchange transport device consisting of a single conveyor segment is provided, which is inserted between the first and third transport devices during the conversion to replace the second transport device. The length of the exchange transport device and / or the width of a gap between the first transport device and the third transport device can be changed by a translational displacement of at least one deflection unit.

[0025] For the purposes of the present invention, "packaging unit" refers to any packaging suitable for containing goods, in particular containers such as cans, bottles, pouches, etc.

[0026] For the purposes of the present invention, "package" is understood to mean a group of packaging units which are combined to form a manageable unit and are connected to one another by connecting means, for example a film enveloping the group of packaging units.

[0027] The term "transport element" in the sense of the present invention refers to means on which packaging units or containers can be conveyed, in particular conveyor belts, conveyor chains, link belts or link belts formed from several articulated links, etc.

[0028] For the purposes of the present invention, "deflection unit" refers to all means by which a transport element is deflected and thus driven in rotation. A deflection unit can, in particular, be designed as a deflection roller.

[0029] The terms "substantially" or "approximately" within the meaning of the invention mean deviations from the exact value of + / - 10%, preferably + / - 5%, and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for function. Further developments, advantages, and possible applications of the invention will also become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. They show: Fig. 1 shows an exemplary and highly schematic side view of a device according to the invention in a first operating mode; Fig. 2 shows an exemplary and highly schematic side view of a device according to the invention in a first operating mode, in which the transport direction is perpendicular to the image plane; Fig. 3 shows an exemplary and highly schematic side view of a device according to the invention during conversion from a first to a second operating mode, in which the transport direction is perpendicular to the image plane; Fig. 4 shows an exemplary and highly schematic side view of a device according to the invention during conversion from a first to a second operating mode; Fig. 5 shows an exemplary and highly schematic side view of a device according to the invention during conversion from a first to a second operating mode with an inclined exchange transport device; and Fig.6 shows an exemplary and roughly schematic side view of a device according to the invention during conversion from a first to a second operating mode with an inclined first transport device.

[0031] In Figure 11 schematically and by way of example, a device for forming bundles from a plurality of packaging units is shown. The device comprises, in the transport direction TR, a first transport device 2, a second transport device 3 and a third transport device 4. The first transport device 2 can in particular represent a conveyor device by means of which groups of packaging units are fed to the second transport device 3. The third transport device 4 can serve to remove the groups of packaging units from the second transport device 3, for example to a shrink tunnel. The second transport device 3 serves to convey the groups of packaging units in a basic machine module MGM, on which processing steps on the groups of packaging units, described in more detail below, are carried out.

[0032] Furthermore, the device comprises an exchangeable transport device 5, which can be positioned between the first and third transport devices 2, 4 instead of the second transport device 3. This allows the device 1 to be modified, for example, into a first and a second operating mode for producing different types of containers.

[0033] The second transport device 3, which is used in the first operating mode, can be designed in particular to convey groups of packaging units that stand on the underside of a cardboard sheet. The second transport device 3 can have a pair of transport chains that are arranged at a distance from one another and can be driven in a rotating manner. The group of packaging units arranged on the cardboard sheet stands on these transport chains and is conveyed by the rotating transport chains in the transport direction TR. The second transport device 3 can preferably have folding devices 3.1, by means of which edge sections of the cardboard sheet are folded so that they protrude upwards from the transport plane of the second transport device 3. The folding devices 3.1 can, for example, be formed by upwardly projecting folding tools.

[0034] In order to be able to adapt the device 1 for producing a further type of container, in particular a type of container that does not have cantonal arches arranged on the bottom, i.e. the second operating mode, the groups of packaging units can be conveyed by the exchangeable transport device 5 instead of the second transport device 3. The exchangeable transport device 5 uses, for example, a conveyor belt or several conveyor belts running parallel to one another with respect to the transport direction (TR) as the transport element 5.1. The exchangeable transport device 5 can be inserted into the transport path instead of the second transport device 3 and thus take over the conveyance of the groups of packaging units between the first transport device 2 and the third transport device 4.

[0035] A lifting device 8 can be provided for introducing the replacement transport device 5 into a space between the first transport device 2 and the third transport device 4. The lifting device 8 can be designed, for example, as a crane, a cable hoist, a chain hoist, or the like. By means of the lifting device 8, the replacement transport device 5 can be moved in the vertical direction, as indicated by the double arrow in Figure 1 indicated, lowered or raised.

[0036] In order to facilitate the insertion of the exchangeable transport device 5 between the first transport device 2 and the third transport device 4, the length L of the exchangeable transport device 5 running in the transport direction TR and / or the width w of the gap existing between the first and third transport devices 2, 4 can be changed. For example, the distance between the first transport device 2 and the third transport device 4 and thus the width w can be increased by shortening the conveying length l 1 , l 3 of at least one of these transport devices 2, 4 in order to be able to insert the exchangeable transport device 5 more easily. Alternatively, it is possible to reduce the length L or the conveying length l 2 of the exchangeable transport device 5 itself, again with the aim of simplifying the insertion of this exchangeable transport device 5.

[0037] As in Figure 1As shown, the transport element 2.1, which is formed, for example, by a conveyor belt, runs around a first and second deflection unit 2.2, 2.3 and a tensioning device 7 in the exemplary embodiment shown. In order to be able to increase the gap between the first and third transport devices 2, 4, the conveying length l 1 , i.e. the distance between the first and second deflection units 2.2, 2.3, is reduced. This is preferably carried out by a translational displacement of the axis of rotation of the first deflection unit 2.2 (the deflection unit adjacent to the second transport device 3 or the exchange transport device 5) parallel to the transport direction TR, specifically towards the second deflection unit 2.3. For this purpose, a shaft forming the axis of rotation of the first deflection unit 2.2 can be provided so as to be displaceable in a guide running in the transport direction TR. The translational displacement of the first deflection unit 2.2 can be done manually or by a drive (e.g. electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.).

[0038] In an analogous manner, the transport element 4.1, which is formed, for example, by a conveyor belt, runs in the exemplary embodiment shown on a first and second deflection unit 4.2, 4.3 and a tensioning device 7. In order to be able to increase the gap between the first and third transport devices 2, 4 as an alternative or in addition to the previously described possibility of changing the conveying length l 1 of the first transport device 2, the conveying length l 3 , i.e. the distance between the first and second deflection units 4.2, 4.3, is reduced. This is preferably carried out by a translational displacement of the axis of rotation of the first deflection unit 4.2 (the deflection unit adjacent to the second transport device 3 or the exchange transport device 5) parallel to the transport direction TR, specifically towards the second deflection unit 4.3. For this purpose, a clamping device 7 can be used to clamp the axis of rotation of the first deflection unit 4.2 forming the shaft may be provided so as to be displaceable in a guide extending in the transport direction TR. The translational displacement of the first deflection unit 4.2 can be carried out manually or by a drive (e.g., electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.).

[0039] Alternatively or in addition to changing the conveying lengths l 1 , l 3 of the first and / or third transport device 2, 4, the length L of the exchange transport device 5 can also be variable, i.e. have a variable conveying length l 2 . For this purpose, one or both of the deflection units 5.2, 5.3 defining the conveying length l 2 can be displaced translationally parallel to the transport direction TR. The deflection units 5.2, 5.3 form in particular the outer deflection units of the exchange transport device 5, i.e. those deflection units which, after the exchange transport device 5 has been inserted between the first and third transport devices 2, 4, are arranged adjacent to the first or third transport device 2, 4. For this purpose, shafts forming the axis of rotation of the deflection units 5.2, 5.3 can be provided so as to be displaceable in a guide running in the transport direction TR or which the deflection units 5.2, 5.The supporting structure 3 is designed to be length-adjustable. The translational displacement of the deflection units 5.2, 5.3 can be achieved manually or by a drive (e.g., electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.).

[0040] The following describes the use of the exchange transport device 5 for converting the device 1 from the first operating mode to the second operating mode. Figures 1 and 2 The configuration of the device 1 is shown in the first operating mode, in which the packaging units are conveyed by the second transport unit 3. In the first operating mode, the exchange transport device 5 is mounted above the second transport unit 3, namely raised by the lifting device 8 and, if necessary, secured by securing means or supported by support means.

[0041] To convert the device from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the second transport unit 3 is first displaced in order to be able to use the exchange transport device 5 instead. The second transport unit 3 consists of several transport device sections, in particular a first and a second transport device section 3a, 3b. The transport device sections 3a, 3b each have, for example, a transport chain. The transport device sections 3a, 3b are preferably separated from one another by a parting plane, as seen in the transport direction TR. This parting plane is in particular a vertical plane and runs parallel to the transport direction TR. The transport device sections 3a, 3b can in particular be designed such that, as in Figure 2indicated by the double arrows, can be moved apart laterally, ie the distance of the transport device sections 3a, 3b measured transversely to the transport direction TR can be changed. This allows the transport device sections 3a, 3b, as shown in Figure 3 shown, into an external position (hereinafter referred to as the inactive position), so that the exchange transport device 5 can be inserted between these transport device sections 3a, 3b. This insertion takes place by lowering the exchange transport device 5 by means of the lifting device 8 (see Figures 3 and 4 ).

[0042] In order to enable or facilitate this insertion of the replacement transport device 5, the previously described change in the length of the replacement transport device 5 or the increase in the width w of the gap can be carried out. After the insertion of the replacement transport device 5, this change in length or increase in the width w of the gap can be at least partially reversed in order to obtain the smallest possible gaps between the first transport device 2 and the replacement transport device 5 or between the replacement transport device 5 and the third transport device 4. This means that the length of the replacement transport device 5 can be at least partially increased or adjusted to its original length, or the width w of the gap can be at least partially reduced or reduced to its original size.

[0043] In order to further simplify the introduction of the exchange transport device 5, the lifting device 8 can be designed to lift the exchange transport device 5, as in Figure 5shown, to be positioned at least temporarily in an inclined position, i.e. to be brought into an inclined position in which the longitudinal axis LA of the exchange transport device 5 is not aligned horizontally but forms an acute angle α with a horizontal. This inclined position can be assumed in particular during the lowering of the exchange transport device 5 in order to be able to initially introduce a lower free end of the exchange transport device 5 by means of the inclined position, for example underneath a cross member of a machine frame and to continue inserting the exchange transport device 5 by subsequently returning it to a horizontal plane and lowering it further. When lifting, the exchange transport device 5 can be inclined in order to be able to bring the exchange transport device 5 into the upper position in a simplified manner.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the transport devices 2, 4 can be positioned in an inclined position, as is shown for example in Figure 6 is shown. In particular, during tilting, the first deflection unit 2.2 of the first transport device 2 and / or the first deflection unit 4.2 of the third transport device 4 can be pivoted downwards or upwards. This allows the gap between the transport devices 2, 4 to be further enlarged and the insertion of the replacement transport device 5 to be simplified.

[0045] The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous changes or modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention. List of reference symbols

[0046] 1Device 2First transport device 2.1Transport element 2.2First deflection unit 2.3Second deflection unit 3Second transport device 3aFirst transport device section 3bSecond transport device section 3.1Folding device 4Third transport device 4.1Transport element 4.2First deflection unit 4.3Second deflection unit 5Exchange transport device 5.1Transport element 5.2First deflection unit 5.3Second deflection unit 6Machine frame 7Clamping device 8Lifting device d 1 , d 2 , d 3 Distance l 1 , l 2 , l 3 Conveying length LLength LALongitudinal axis TRTransportation direction wWidth

Claims

1. An apparatus for forming packs from a plurality of packaging units, comprising a first transport device (2), a second transport device (3) following the first transport device (2) in the transport direction (TR), and a third transport device (4) following the second transport device (3) in the transport direction, wherein a replacement transport device (5) is provided, which can be inserted between the first and third transport devices (2, 4) to replace the second transport device (3), wherein the length (L) of the replacement transport device (5) and / or the width (w) of a gap between the first transport device (2) and the third transport device (4) can be modified by a translational displacement or a pivoting of at least one deflection unit (2.2, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3), the second transport device (3) being displaceable from a first position, in which packaging units are transported, into a second, inactive position for inserting the replacement transport device (5), and the second transport device (3) comprising a plurality of transport device sections (3a, 3b), and the transport device sections (3a, 3b) being displaceable in opposite directions transversely to the transport direction (TR) in order to assume the second, non-active position, characterised in that the replacement transport device (14, 15) consists of a single conveying segment.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that one or more of the replacement transport device (5) and the first transport device (2) and the third transport device (4) has / have a circulating transport element (2.1, 4.1, 5.1) that is guided around at least two deflection units (2.2, 2.3, 4.2, 4.3, 5.2, 5.3) defining the conveying length (h, l2, l3) of these transport devices (2, 4, 5), and the distance (di, d2, ds), measured in the transport direction (TR), between the deflection units (2.2, 2.3, 4.2, 4.3, 5.2, 5.3) of the deflection units (2.2, 2.3, 4.2, 4.3, 5.2, 5.3) of one or more of the replacement transport device (5) and the first transport device (2) and the third transport device (4) can be varied.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the position of one of the deflecting units (2.2, 4.2, 5.2) relative to the at least one further deflecting unit (2.3, 4.3, 5.3) can be modified by a translatory displacement or pivoting of the deflecting unit (2.2, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3) parallel to the transport direction (TR).

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that on one or more of the replacement transport device (5) and the first transport device (2) and the third transport device (4), one of the at least two deflection units (2.2, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3) defining the conveying length (h, l2, l3) is displaceable parallel to the transport direction (TR).

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that on the first transport device (2) and / or the third transport device (4), a deflection unit (2.2, 4.2) located adjacent to the replacement transport device (5) can be displaced parallel to the transport direction (TR).

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that drives are provided for a translational displacement or for an at least partial pivoting of a deflecting unit (2.2, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3).

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterised in that the drive of the replacement transport device (5) is provided on the replacement transport device (5) itself or is stationary on a machine frame (6), so that the drive can be coupled to the replacement transport device (5) when it is inserted, in order to transmit drive forces.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that one or more of the replacement transport device (5) and the first transport device (2) and the third transport device (4) has guides that are designed for modifying the length (L) of the replacement transport device (5) and / or for modifying the width (w) of the gap between the first transport means (2) and / or the third transport means (4) by a translatory displacement or for at least partially pivoting an axis of rotation of a deflection unit (2.2, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3), at which a transport element (2.1, 4.1, 5.1) of one or more of the replacement transport device (5) and the first transport device (2) and the third transport device (3) is deflected.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that one or more of the replacement transport device (5) and the first transport device (2) and the third transport device (4) has / have a tensioning device (7) for tensioning a circulating transport element (2.1, 4.1, 5.1).

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a lifting device (8) is provided for raising and lowering the replacement transport device (5).

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterised in that the lifting device (8) is designed in such a way that the replacement transport device (5) can be positioned, when being raised and lowered, in an inclined position in which the longitudinal axis (LA) of the replacement transport device (5) extends obliquely to a horizontal plane.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterised in that the lifting device (8) is designed to position the replacement transport device (5) in an inclined position, in which the longitudinal axis (LA) of the replacement transport device (5) forms an angle of at least 30° with a horizontal plane.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and / or the third transport means (2, 4) comprise one of the several push plates on which the packs to be transported or the packaging units forming the subsequent pack or groups of packaging units are movable in a slipping or sliding manner in the transport direction (TR) by means of motor-driven pushing elements.

14. A method for converting the apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first transport device (2), a second transport device (3) following the first transport device (2) in the transport direction (TR) and a third transport device (4) following the second transport device (3) in the transport direction (TR), wherein a replacement transport device (5) is provided which consists of a single conveyor segment and which is inserted between the first and third transport devices (2, 4) in order to replace the second transport device (3) during the conversion, characterised in that the length (L) of the replacement transport device (5) and / or the width (w) of a gap between the first transport device (2) and the third transport device (4) is / are modified by a translatory displacement or at least a partial pivoting of at least one deflection unit (2.2, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterised in that the first and / or the third transporting means (2, 4) comprise(s) one of the several push plates, on which the packs to be transported or the packaging units forming the subsequent pack or groups of packaging units are moved in a slipping or sliding manner in the transporting direction (TR) by means of motor-driven pushing elements.