PROCESS FOR PACKAGING ARTICLES

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for packaging articles.

[0002] There are a wide variety of packaging types for processing, assembling, grouping, and packaging items such as beverage containers or cans. PET containers, currently widely used as beverage containers, for example, have relatively thin walls and are not completely dimensionally stable, even when filled. For this reason, and with a view to improving logistical manageability, a wide variety of packaging is used for grouped individual containers. For example, the containers can be placed in a grouped arrangement on a cardboard sheet with the edges folded upwards. These cardboard sheets are often also referred to as trays. Together with their respective trays, the individual containers can then form a packaging unit.In order to simplify the transport of the individual packaging units, it is often the case in practice that the individual packaging units are combined into a larger packaging unit.

[0003] For example, it is possible to place beverage containers standing on a tray into a cardboard box, then close the box and transport the box with the items standing on the trays inside to a destination. It is also possible for beverage containers to be placed directly into such a cardboard box without first being placed on a tray. There are types of packaging in which the beverage containers are removed from the respective packaging from above. There are also types of packaging that are placed on top of several beverage containers, whereby the respective beverage containers are held in a form-fitting manner by the packaging and have to be pulled off the packaging in order to be removed. Overall, there are numerous ways to combine several beverage containers using outer packaging.

[0004] In order to be able to handle beverage containers provided with outer packaging in a way that meets customer needs, outer packaging is also known that has a side access opening for removing the respective beverage containers. To create packaging units with such outer packaging, special packaging devices are required, which, if necessary, must be purchased in addition to an existing packaging device. In addition to the financial outlay associated with the purchase of such packaging devices, additional packaging devices require a space or area for installation, which is often not available in practice.

[0005] US 5,660,026 A discloses a method and apparatus for providing a packaging display case. This display case for an array or arrays of packages consists of a casing, a base tray, and a fastening means, such as a shrink wrap.

[0006] A device and a method for removing containers from a tray are disclosed in DE 10 2014 201 967 A1. The device comprises the following elements: a transport means that enables the movement of a tray and / or at least one tray. The containers are arranged in the tray. At least one fastening means for securing the containers is provided. A relative movement is performed between the containers and the tray. At least one means for generating a relative movement between the tray and fixed containers is provided, in particular a transfer unit.

[0007] DE 10 2009 026 220 A1 discloses a method and a device for grouping and connecting articles. Two or more articles are combined into a packaging unit by applying a first packaging material, such as a cardboard clip, a plastic clip, a banderol, or blanks. Afterward, several packaging units are combined into a larger unit with an additional second packaging material during a continuous conveying movement, with or without repositioning the respective packaging unit. Transport packaging made of cardboard, shrink film, or a packaging blank can be used as the second packaging material.

[0008] A machine for packaging articles using cartons is known from US 2012 / 0096808 A1. Articles previously packaged in primary packaging are then wrapped in secondary or final packaging. Optionally, the orientation of the primary packaging can be varied before or in conjunction with its insertion into the secondary or final packaging.

[0009] Given the insufficient variability of prior art methods and machines for some packaging tasks, a primary objective of the invention can be considered to provide a way to easily and flexibly provide articles with a variety of different outer packaging as needed, while reducing cost and effort. Furthermore, this should also be possible in limited space.

[0010] These objects are achieved by a method having the features in independent claim 1.

[0011] Accordingly, the manipulator responsible for applying a respective outer packaging in the direction coming from above onto articles moved into its detection area in the first packaging process or for placing articles onto a respective outer packaging in the direction coming from above can remain in the packaging device as a structurally integrated component of the packaging device during a respective change from the first packaging process to the second packaging process and / or during a respective changeover to carry out the second packaging process.

[0012] In the first packaging process, the at least one manipulator designed as a structurally integrated component of the packaging device can thus be prepared for placing articles onto a respective outer packaging in a direction from above. Furthermore, the at least one manipulator designed as a structurally integrated component of the packaging device can be prepared for pushing articles laterally into a respective outer packaging in the second packaging process. During the conversion, the second working tool can be arranged on the at least one manipulator and / or provided by the at least one manipulator, so that the at least one manipulator can push articles laterally into a respective outer packaging via the second working tool in the second packaging process. In conceivable embodiments, the first working tool can remain on the manipulator and, if necessary,for the further temporary receipt of articles for the second packaging process. In further conceivable embodiments, the first working tool can be removed from the manipulator during the conversion and replaced by the second working tool. The second working tool can also have clamping and / or gripping elements for the temporary receipt of a large number of articles. It is also conceivable that the at least one manipulator independently moves the first working tool into a waiting position and / or into a storage area during the conversion and receives the second working tool from a waiting position and / or from the storage area. It is therefore conceivable that the packaging device can be converted at least partially automatically.

[0013] Embodiments have also proven successful in which the at least one transport device remains in the packaging device as a structurally integrated component of the packaging device during a respective change from the first packaging process to the second packaging process and / or during a respective conversion to carry out the second packaging process.

[0014] It may be that the at least one transport device is designed in such a way that the at least one transport device, as a structurally integrated component of the packaging device, can move articles into the working area of the at least one manipulator both during the first packaging process and during the second packaging process. Accordingly, it may be that this at least one specific transport device is designed as a structurally integrated component of the packaging device as a component of the packaging device both during the first packaging process and during the second packaging process. Thus, the at least one transport device orThis at least one transport device can be provided in the first packaging process and in the second packaging process for the respective movement of articles into the working area of a manipulator provided for the first packaging process and the second packaging process. It is therefore conceivable that the at least one transport device or this at least one transport device is not affected by conversion work on the packaging machine.

[0015] It is also conceivable for the packaging device to comprise at least one horizontal conveyor, which is designed to move outer packaging both during the first packaging process and during the second packaging process, and which at least one horizontal conveyor remains in the packaging device as a structurally integrated component of the packaging device during a respective change from the first packaging process to the second packaging process and / or during a respective conversion to carry out the second packaging process. A transport direction of the at least one transport device and a transport direction of the at least one horizontal conveyor can run parallel to one another.

[0016] Accordingly, this at least one specific horizontal conveyor device may be configured as a structurally integrated component of the packaging device, both during the first packaging process and during the second packaging process. Thus, the at least one horizontal conveyor device, or this at least one horizontal conveyor device, may be configured to move outer packaging in both the first packaging process and the second packaging process.

[0017] Since, in practice, the outer packaging intended for the first packaging process and the second packaging process can differ in terms of their dimensions, embodiments have proven successful in which the at least one horizontal conveyor device is preferably designed such that a track width oriented perpendicular to its conveying direction can be flexibly adapted to the outer packaging to be moved in the respective packaging process. For this purpose, the at least one horizontal conveyor device can have at least two adjacent conveyor units, each of which is driven by an actuator and whose relative distance perpendicular to a conveying direction of the at least one horizontal conveyor device can be adjusted depending on the respective packaging process to be carried out.In particular, embodiments have proven successful in which the at least one horizontal conveyor device comprises at least one actuator and / or in which at least one actuator is assigned to the at least one horizontal conveyor device, which actuator can adjust the track width or the relative spacing of the at least two adjacent conveyor units to one another. The actuator can be connected to a control unit. At the instigation of the control unit and, if appropriate, by specifying instructions from a user containing information on the respective packaging process to be carried out, the actuator can, if appropriate, independently adjust the track width of the at least one horizontal conveyor device or the relative spacing of the at least two adjacent conveyor units to one another.

[0018] Furthermore, the at least one horizontal conveyor device may be configured to releasably receive and move a plurality of holding means provided in the second packaging process for holding tabs and / or sides of outer packaging upright. In particular, the at least one horizontal conveyor device may be configured such that the plurality of holding means provided for holding tabs and / or sides of outer packaging upright can be releasably secured to the at least one horizontal conveyor device in different relative positions to one another or at different relative spacings from one another.

[0019] Furthermore, the packaging device can comprise a first magazine which is designed to receive a plurality of outer packages that are matched to the first packaging process or prepared for the first packaging process. In addition, the packaging device can comprise a second magazine which is designed to receive a plurality of further outer packages that are matched to the second packaging process or prepared for the second packaging process. The packaging device can also comprise at least one integrated handling device which remains in the packaging device as a structurally integrated component of the packaging device during a respective change from the first packaging process to the second packaging process and / or during a respective conversion to carry out the second packaging process.

[0020] It may be that the at least one handling device structurally integrated into the packaging device as a fixed component is designed to pull on the plurality of outer packagings matched to the first packaging process or prepared for the first packaging process and to pull on the plurality of outer packagings matched to the second packaging process or prepared for the second packaging process and / or can be converted to pull on the plurality of outer packagings matched to the first packaging process or prepared for the first packaging process and to pull on the plurality of outer packagings matched to the second packaging process or prepared for the second packaging process.

[0021] The packaging device can also comprise a driverless transport system, which can automatically provide the at least one handling device integrated as a structural component into the packaging device with a first magazine or a second magazine containing the plurality of outer packagings tailored to the respective packaging process or prepared for the respective packaging process, depending on the first packaging process or second packaging process to be performed. The driverless transport system can be designed such that the driverless transport system replaces a respective first magazine or a respective second magazine with a respective new first magazine or a respective new second magazine when the number of outer packagings held by the respective magazine is running low.

[0022] Furthermore, the packaging device can comprise a gripping unit which is designed to fold over the upper flaps of a plurality of outer packages and can deposit outer packages together with introduced or inserted articles onto another outer package. The gripping unit can be designed such that the gripping unit can be arranged on a manipulator designed as a component of the packaging device during the conversion. It can also be the case that the packaging device is designed such that the packaging device can be supplemented with a manipulator having a gripping unit for carrying out the second packaging process, wherein the gripping unit is designed to fold over the upper flaps of a plurality of outer packages and can deposit outer packages together with introduced or inserted articles onto another outer package.

[0023] The packaging device may also be configured such that the packaging device can be supplemented with a plurality of folding rails provided for folding and / or holding tabs, or forms fastening positions for a plurality of folding rails provided for folding and / or holding tabs. In particular, the plurality of folding rails provided for folding and / or holding tabs can be positioned along the at least one horizontal conveyor device described above. The at least one horizontal conveyor device can be provided or configured to move respective outer packaging both in the first packaging process and in the second packaging process.

[0024] Furthermore, the packaging device can be prepared such that, during the conversion for carrying out the second packaging process, the packaging device can be supplemented with a transfer table, onto which transfer table articles can be placed for lateral insertion into a respective outer packaging. In particular, the packaging device can provide a working position for arranging or supplementing the transfer table, which is arranged laterally adjacent to the at least one horizontal conveyor. A plane for placing articles formed by the transfer table and a transport plane for outer packaging provided by the at least one horizontal conveyor can be located at essentially the same vertical height.

[0025] The invention relates to a method for packaging articles such as beverage containers or the like. Features that have already been described previously for various embodiments of the packaging device can also be provided in the method described below and will not be mentioned repeatedly.

[0026] In the method according to the invention, a first packaging process is carried out in or by a packaging device, in which first packaging process a respective outer packaging is applied to articles in the direction from above and / or articles are placed on a respective outer packaging in the direction from above.

[0027] According to the invention, a second packaging process is carried out in this packaging device following the first packaging process, which second packaging process provides for a lateral insertion of articles into outer packaging which is not provided for in the first packaging process.

[0028] In particular, it may be that the packaging device is given an instruction to switch from the first packaging process to the second packaging process in order to carry out the second packaging process. It is provided that, in order to carry out the second packaging process, conversion work is carried out on the packaging device that is coordinated with the second packaging process. In various embodiments, it may be that the first packaging process is completed first, then conversion work coordinated with the second packaging process is carried out on the packaging device in a timely manner, and after the conversion work has been completely completed, the packaging device carries out the second packaging process.

[0029] It is conceivable that a handling device preferably independently carries out the conversion work on the packaging device tailored to the second packaging process. In particular, the handling device can independently carry out the conversion work tailored to the second packaging process upon instruction from a user.

[0030] It may also be the case that at least one transport device is provided, which at least one transport device remains in the packaging device during a respective change from the first packaging process to the second packaging process and / or during respective conversion work for carrying out the second packaging process and provides articles for packaging both in the first packaging process and in the second packaging process.

[0031] It is intended that, in the first packaging process, a respective outer packaging is applied to the article from above via at least one manipulator, and / or that articles are placed onto a respective outer packaging from above via at least one manipulator. In this case, the same at least one manipulator can insert articles laterally into outer packaging in the second packaging process. The at least one manipulator can therefore remain in the packaging device during the conversion work or when switching from the first packaging process to the second packaging process.

[0032] It is further provided that in the first packaging process, outer packaging is applied to articles in a direction coming from above via at least one first working tool of the at least one manipulator and / or that articles are placed onto a respective outer packaging in a direction coming from above via at least one first working tool of the at least one manipulator. After the first packaging process, a second working tool is arranged on the at least one manipulator or provided by the at least one manipulator, wherein in the second packaging process the at least one manipulator inserts articles laterally into outer packaging via the second working tool. This at least one manipulator can remain in the packaging device as part of conversion work or remain in the packaging device during a respective changeover from the first packaging process to the second packaging process.

[0033] In the first packaging process and in the second packaging process, outer packaging can also be moved via the same at least one horizontal conveyor. In this case, a track width of the at least one horizontal conveyor formed in the first packaging process can preferably be adapted to the outer packaging to be moved in the second packaging process. In particular, it can be the case that, as part of the conversion work, several holding means are arranged on the at least one horizontal conveyor, which several holding means hold the front and rear sides and / or front and rear flaps of this outer packaging in an upright orientation during a movement of outer packaging brought about via the at least one horizontal conveyor in the second packaging process. Holding means can also already be arranged on the at least one horizontal conveyor in the first packaging process.If this is the case, the holding means can be fixed in different relative positions or relative spacings to one another on the at least one horizontal conveyor device in the second packaging process compared to the first packaging process.

[0034] It may be that, following the first packaging process and before the second packaging process, a track width of the at least one horizontal conveyor device is adjusted to suit the outer packaging to be moved during the second packaging process.

[0035] In various embodiments, outer packaging tailored to the first packaging process and outer packaging tailored to the second packaging process can be provided to the packaging device as needed via a driverless transport system.

[0036] It is also possible that the packaging device is given an instruction to switch from the first packaging process to the second packaging process during the first packaging process and that the packaging device switches from the first packaging process to the second packaging process during a continuous packaging operation.

[0037] In the following, exemplary embodiments will explain the invention and its advantages 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 sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration. Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a packaging device which does not itself constitute an object protected by the patent and which carries out a first packaging process. Fig. 2 shows the packaging device Fig. 1 , which carries out another initial packaging process. Fig. 3 shows the packaging device from the Figures 1 and 2 , which carries out another initial packaging process. Fig. 4 shows the packaging device from the Figures 1 to 3 , which carries out another initial packaging process. Fig. 5 shows the packaging device from the Figures 1 to 4 , which has already been converted to carry out a second packaging process. Fig. 6 shows the packaging device from the Figures 1 to 5 , which carries out a second packaging process. Figures 7 show views from opposite sides of the packaging device from the Figures 1 to 6 , wherein the packaging device carries out the second packaging process from Fig. 6 executes. Figures 8 to 10each show individual components and individual steps of a packaging device, which carries out a second packaging process after appropriate conversion work. Fig. 11 shows in the flowchart individual steps as they can be provided in an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0038] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the invention can be configured and do not constitute an exhaustive limitation.

[0039] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a packaging device 1, which in Fig. 1carries out a first packaging process or is prepared to carry out a first packaging process. By means of the packaging device 1 from the embodiment of Fig. 1 beverage containers 8 (see Figures 8 to 10), which can be formed, for example, by PET bottles or glass bottles, are packaged. For this purpose, the packaging device 1 comprises a transport device 3, which moves the respective beverage containers along a horizontal transport direction TR. The beverage containers stand on the transport device 3 or are transported upright on it. In various embodiments, the beverage containers 8 can be arranged next to one another on the transport device 3 in groups of beverage containers 8, which groups are spaced apart from one another in the transport direction TR and are moved in the horizontal transport direction TR, wherein a respective group of beverage containers 8, as described below, is provided with a respective outer packaging 9 (cf. Figures 8 to 10 ).

[0040] The schematic top view of the Fig. 1also shows a horizontal conveyor device 5 designed as a component of the packaging device 1, as well as a first magazine 11. A plurality of outer packages, which are predetermined for packaging beverage containers in the first packaging process, are arranged in the first magazine 11. Via a handling device (not shown here), respective outer packages predetermined for packaging beverage containers 8 in the first packaging process are removed from the first magazine 11 in a folded orientation, then pulled up or unfolded and placed on the horizontal conveyor device 5, so that the horizontal conveyor device 5 can move the pulled-up outer packages predetermined for the first packaging process in the direction of the conveying direction FR indicated by the arrow.

[0041] The Fig. 1clarifies that the conveying direction FR, along which outer packaging that has been pulled up and is predetermined for the first packaging process is moved, and the transport direction TR, along which the transport device 3 moves beverage containers, run opposite to each other and are oriented parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

[0042] The outer packagings that have been pulled up and are intended for the first packaging process are then moved by means of the horizontal conveyor device 5 towards a further magazine 12. In the further magazine 12, inserts are stored that can be inserted into the outer packagings that have been pulled up and are intended for the first packaging process, thereby forming several chambers in the respective outer packaging, of which one chamber is designed or provided for accommodating a respective beverage container. Such inserts, as used in the first packaging process according to Fig. 1used or placed in outer packaging are referred to in practice as compartments. Corresponding to the plurality of outer packages arranged in a folded orientation in the first magazine 11, the inserts or compartments arranged in the further magazine 12 can also be folded and pulled open during or after removal from the further magazine 12. For pulling up the respective insert or compartment and for placing the respective insert or compartment into a respective outer package, a handling device (not shown in the figures of the present patent application) can be provided, the working area of which may extend over the further magazine 12.

[0043] Reference numbers 16 refer to the Fig. 1each to a means formed as a component of the packaging device 1, via which respective means 16 a respective adhesive and / or adhesive application can be applied to a flap of an outer packaging predetermined for the first packaging process. Thus, it is possible that before a respective outer packaging is placed on the horizontal conveyor device 5, one or more adhesive and / or adhesive applications are applied to one or more flaps, these flaps are then folded and then held in a folded orientation via their respective applied adhesive and / or adhesive application. Since the respective outer packaging placed on the horizontal conveyor device 5 is moved forward in the conveying direction FR before the respective beverage containers are inserted, the respective adhesive and / or adhesive application can at least partially dry orharden, so that the risk of unintentional detachment during or after insertion of beverage containers into the respective outer packaging is kept to a minimum.

[0044] Also located in the area of the additional magazine 12 is a means 16 for applying an adhesive and / or bonding agent to the respective outer packaging and / or to a respective insert or compartment. The adhesive and / or bonding agent applied by the means 16 located in the area of the additional magazine 12 firmly secures the respective insert or compartment in the respective outer packaging.

[0045] Between the horizontal conveyor 5 and the transport device 3, a further transport device 7 is arranged, which is designed as a component of the packaging device 1. After the respective insert or compartment has been inserted into a respective outer packaging, the respective outer packaging is transferred together with the inserted insert or compartment to the further transport device 7. For this purpose, a manipulator can be provided which transfers the respective outer packaging together with the already inserted insert or compartment to the further transport device 7.

[0046] After transferring the respective outer packaging with the insert or compartments contained therein, the respective outer packaging with the insert or compartments contained therein is transported via the additional transport device 7 in the direction of movement BR indicated by the arrow. The direction of movement BR of the additional transport device 7 and the transport direction TR of the transport device 3 are oriented parallel to each other and run in the same direction. The direction of movement BR of the additional transport device 7 and the conveying direction FR of the horizontal conveyor device 5 are oriented parallel to each other and run in opposite directions.

[0047] Reference numeral 18 refers to a working tool designed as a component of a manipulator (not shown). Beverage containers can be received from the transport device 3 via the working tool 18. The working tool 18 can comprise a plurality of clamping and / or gripping elements in order to be able to simultaneously receive several beverage containers intended for insertion into a respective outer packaging from the transport device 3. After receiving, the working tool 18 is then inserted into the Fig. 1The working tool 18 moves and deposits the respective beverage containers received by the transport device 3 in a direction from above into a respective outer packaging. A beverage container is introduced in a direction from above into a respective chamber formed by an insert or a compartment. The working tool 18 can have centering devices in order to be able to precisely introduce beverage containers into a chamber formed by a respective insert or a respective compartment in the respective outer packaging.

[0048] A means 16 can then be used to apply an adhesive and / or bonding agent to an upper flap of the respective outer packaging, into which beverage containers have already been inserted. Shortly after the beverage containers have been inserted, this upper flap is folded in, whereupon the applied adhesive and / or bonding agent holds the folded upper flap in its respective position. The outer packaging is then closed. The outer packaging, with its respective insert or compartment, as well as the inserted beverage containers, thus forms a complete, finished packaging unit, which is moved by the further transport device 7 in the direction of movement BR for further handling and / or palletizing.

[0049] The schematic representation of the Fig. 2 shows the packaging device 1 from Fig. 1, which carries out a further first packaging process. The first packaging process, which is carried out by means of the packaging device 1 in Fig. 2 is carried out, differs in the design of the inserts, which are inserted into the respective outer packaging that has been pulled up and already placed on the horizontal conveyor device 5.

[0050] In Fig. 1 The packaging device 1 is assigned a further magazine 12, which comprises a plurality of inserts or compartments, which form several chambers for the insertion of beverage containers in a respective outer packaging. On the other hand, the packaging device 1 in Fig. 2another magazine 13 is assigned to the device, which comprises a plurality of inserts, via which several and in particular six beverage containers can be combined, and which inserts each form a handle for carrying the beverage containers combined via the respective insert. Such an insert, as it is formed by the magazine 13 in Fig. 2 is referred to in practice as a basket carrier.

[0051] The packaging device 1 according to Fig. 1 and the packaging device 1 according to Fig. 2 can each comprise a driverless transport system or be connected to a driverless transport system. If the supply of outer packaging or inserts in a respective magazine 11, 12, or 13 is exhausted, the packaging device 1 can be supplied with a new magazine 11, 12, or 13 and the respective outer packaging or inserts via the driverless transport system.

[0052] Both in Fig. 1 as well as in Fig. 2 Beverage containers are inserted into the respective outer packaging from above or placed onto the respective outer packaging from above. A container is placed in the first packaging process after Figures 1 and 2 The handling described above, in which beverage containers are inserted into their respective outer packaging from above, is referred to in practice as "top load". Lateral insertion of beverage containers into a respective outer packaging is not provided for in the first packaging process. However, the packaging device 1 can, as described below in the Figures 5 to 11 described, carry out a second packaging process in which beverage containers are inserted laterally into outer packaging.

[0053] The schematic representation of the Fig. 3 shows the packaging device 1 from the Figures 1 and 2, which carries out a further first packaging process. Even in the first packaging process after Fig. 3 Beverage containers are only placed on outer packaging from above. Lateral insertion of beverage containers into the respective outer packaging is also possible in the first packaging process after Fig. 3 However, a lateral insertion takes place in a second packaging process by the packaging device 1, as shown in the Figures 5 to 11 described.

[0054] A summary of the Fig. 3 with the other Figures 1 and 2 makes it clear that the Figures 1 and 2 further magazine 12 or 13 provided for the packaging device 1 in Fig. 3 The outer packaging, which is used in the first packaging process after Fig. 3 from the first magazine 11 can correspond to outer packaging which is carried out in the first packaging process after Figures 1 and 2 are received by the first magazine 11. Thus, the outer packaging can be formed by cardboard boxes having an upper flap that is closed after the respective articles or beverage containers have been inserted.

[0055] Since the first packaging process is Figures 1 and 2 provided additional magazine 11 or 12 in Fig. 3 missing, are in the first packaging process after Fig. 3 No inserts or compartments or basket carriers are provided which are inserted into the respective outer packaging before transferring the respective outer packaging to the further transport device 7. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2As described in the first packaging process carried out by the packaging device 1, beverage containers are inserted via the working tool 18 into the respective outer packaging already arranged on the further transport device 7. Compared to the first packaging process from Figures 1 and 2 There are no chambers formed in the outer packaging or no insert is arranged therein, so that the respective beverage containers are inserted into an outer packaging or cardboard box that does not have any further subdivision. According to the first packaging process from the Figures 1 and 2 will be timed after inserting the respective beverage containers into the respective Fig. 3For an outer packaging without subdivision, an adhesive and / or adhesive layer is applied to an upper flap via means 16, the upper flap is then folded in, and the outer packaging without subdivision is subsequently sealed. The outer packaging without subdivision and sealed with its inserted beverage containers then forms a packaging unit, which can be moved by means of the further transport device 7 for further handling and / or palletizing.

[0056] Even in the first packaging process after Fig. 3 are processed according to the respective first packaging process Figures 1 and 2 Beverage containers are inserted into the respective outer packaging from above or placed onto the respective outer packaging from above. A container is placed in the first packaging process after Figures 1 to 3The handling described, in which beverage containers are inserted into their respective outer packaging from above, is, as previously mentioned, referred to in practice as "top load".

[0057] The schematic representation of the Fig. 4 shows the packaging device 1 from the Figures 1 to 3 , which carries out a further first packaging process. The first packaging process according to Figures 1 to 3 The horizontal conveyor device 5 provided in each case, on which outer packaging removed from the first magazine 11 is deposited, is in the first packaging process according to Fig. 4 not provided or not part of the packaging device 1. In the first packaging process after Fig. 4A plurality of trays are arranged in the first magazine 11. A plurality of outer packages are arranged in the further magazine 14, each of which can accommodate a plurality of beverage containers and which are each completely or essentially completely closed on all sides. On an upper side, the outer packages arranged in the further magazine 14 can form a handle or handle area, via which handle or handle area the respective outer package can be carried together with the accommodated beverage containers.

[0058] In the first packaging process after Fig. 4Outer packaging arranged in the further magazine 14 is removed from the further magazine 14, pulled up and then placed on the further transport device 7. The working tool 18 arranged on the manipulator (not shown) also simultaneously receives several beverage containers from the transport device 3 and places them in a direction coming from above on the outer packaging of the further magazine 14 already arranged on the further transport device 7. The beverage containers placed on the outer packaging are then conveyed together with the outer packaging via the further transport device 7 in the direction of movement BR. An outer packaging or a tray is also taken from the first magazine 11 and placed on the further transport device 7.The beverage containers placed on the outer packaging of the further magazine 14 are then lifted onto the tray together with the outer packaging in the direction from above, wherein a plurality of packaging units already formed by a respective outer packaging of the further magazine 14 are combined on a respective tray to form a larger packaging unit.

[0059] Compared to the first packaging process from the Figures 1 to 3 the packaging process can be Fig. 4 be implemented by a packaging device, which, compared to the first packaging process, consists of the Figures 1 to 3 has a compact design.

[0060] Even in the first packaging process after Fig. 4 are processed according to the respective first packaging process Figures 1 to 3Beverage containers are inserted into the respective outer packaging from above or placed onto the respective outer packaging from above. A container is placed in the first packaging process after Figures 1 to 4 The handling described above, in which beverage containers are inserted into their respective outer packaging from above or placed onto their respective outer packaging from above, is referred to in practice as "top load", as already mentioned. A lateral insertion of beverage containers into outer packaging is also possible in the Fig. 4 described first packaging process is not provided.

[0061] The schematic representation of the Fig. 5 shows the packaging device 1 from the Figures 1 to 4 , which has already been converted to carry out a second packaging process. How Fig. 5As can be seen, the transport device 3 is still a component of the packaging device 1 and was not removed from the packaging device 1 during the conversion work. Articles or beverage containers to be packaged continue to be moved in the transport direction TR via the transport device 3. The additional transport device 7 was also not removed from the packaging device 1 during the conversion work and is therefore still a component of the packaging device 1 after the conversion work has been completed. The transport device 3, which was already used in the first packaging process according to Figures 1 to 4 The horizontal conveyor device 5, which is designed as a component of the packaging device 1, was not removed from the packaging device 1 during the conversion work and is used in the second packaging process.

[0062] A summary of the Figures 1 to 4 with Fig. 5shows that a transfer table 20 was added to the packaging device 1 during the conversion or the conversion work. Compared to the first packaging process from the Figures 1 to 4 the transport direction TR of the transport device 3, the movement direction BR of the further transport device 7 and the conveying direction FR of the horizontal conveying device 5 run parallel to each other and in identical directions.

[0063] The first packaging process in the Figures 1 , 2 and 4The additional magazine 12, 13, and 14 removed is no longer intended for the second packaging process. However, as part of the conversion, a second magazine 15 was added to the packaging device 1, in which a plurality of outer packages are arranged, which outer packages are tailored to the second packaging process. The outer packages arranged in the second magazine 15 or received by the second magazine 15 each have a lateral access opening through which several articles or several beverage containers can be inserted laterally into a respective outer package.

[0064] During the second packaging process, an outer packaging arranged in the further or second magazine 15 is removed from the second magazine 15, pulled up, and placed on the horizontal conveyor 5. The horizontal conveyor 5 then moves the outer packaging removed and placed from the second magazine 15 in the conveying direction FR, wherein the outer packaging removed from the second magazine 15 and placed on the horizontal conveyor 5 thereby reaches a position in which the outer packaging removed from the second magazine 15 and placed on the horizontal conveyor 5 is located laterally adjacent to the transfer table 20.

[0065] A manipulator (not shown) takes over a working tool, which corresponds to the working tool 18, which in the previous Figures 1 to 4with was shown and described, receives several articles or beverage containers simultaneously from the transport device 3 and places them on the transfer table 20. The manipulator already provided in the first packaging process, which is designed in the first packaging process to place beverage containers in the direction from above onto a respective outer packaging, can also be provided in the second packaging process. In addition, this manipulator provided in the first packaging process can be functionally redesigned to carry out the second packaging process, so that this manipulator places beverage containers on the transfer table 20 instead of placing beverage containers in the direction from above onto a respective outer packaging.

[0066] By means of a transfer tool 19 (cf. Figures 8 to 10), which can be arranged during conversion work, if necessary, on the manipulator designed during the first packaging process for placing beverage containers on outer packaging or on another manipulator, the articles or beverage containers placed on the transfer table 20 are then moved in a direction which is oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction FR of the horizontal conveyor device 5. As a result, these beverage containers, which are moved perpendicular to the conveying direction FR of the horizontal conveyor device 5, are pushed laterally into a respective outer packaging which is still standing on the horizontal conveyor device 5. Such lateral pushing is within the scope of the Figures 1 to 4 already described first packaging process and is implemented via the packaging device 1 only in the second packaging process.

[0067] After the articles or beverage containers have been pushed laterally into the respective outer packaging, a lateral flap 43 (cf. Fig. 7 ) and an adhesive and / or glue application to a lower flap 45 (cf. Fig. 7 ) is applied. The lower flap is then folded upwards and, via the application of adhesive and / or glue, holds the side flaps in their folded orientation. A respective adhesive and / or glue application can also be applied using the means 16 already provided for carrying out the first packaging process.

[0068] The first magazine 11 contains trays of outer packaging, on which several packaging units already formed by being inserted laterally into a respective outer packaging can be combined into a larger packaging unit. Embodiments in which packaging units are combined into a larger packaging unit by means of additional outer packaging have proven successful in practice in order to further improve logistical manageability.

[0069] The outer packaging arranged in the first magazine 11 and configured as trays is removed from the first magazine 11 and placed on the further transport device 7. The further transport device 7 then moves the placed outer packaging in the direction of movement BR.

[0070] In order to place the respective articles or beverage containers already inserted into an outer packaging of the second magazine 15 onto the trays moved by the further transport device 7 in the direction of movement BR, a Fig. 5 The manipulator is not shown. The manipulator has a gripping unit 30, which is Figures 6 and 7 can be seen. About the Figures 6 and 7 The manipulator receives beverage containers together with their respective outer packaging using the gripping unit 30 shown in each case and folds in an upper flap of the respective outer packaging upon receipt, so that the respective outer packaging is at least largely closed all around. The upper flap is then held in its folded position by an adhesive and / or adhesive previously applied to the upper flap.

[0071] A direction of the respective transfer movement of the manipulator or the Figures 6 and 7The gripping unit 30 shown is oriented obliquely and in particular perpendicular to the conveying direction FR of the horizontal conveying device 5 and to the direction of movement of the further transport device 7. After the gripping unit 30, together with the received outer packaging and the beverage containers arranged therein, has reached a position in which the gripping unit 30 and the outer packaging carried by the gripping unit 30 with the beverage containers arranged therein are located above a respective tray arranged on the further transport device 7, the gripping unit 30 carries out a lowering movement and places the respective received outer packaging with the beverage containers arranged therein on the respective tray. The gripping unit 30 then releases the outer packaging with its respective beverage containers arranged therein, whereupon the tray and the containers standing on or lying on the tray are released.The outer packaging placed thereon with the beverage containers arranged therein are transported by means of the further transport device 7 in the direction of movement BR for further handling and / or palletizing.

[0072] The schematic representation of the Fig. 6 shows the packaging device 1 from the Figures 1 to 5 , which carries out a second packaging process. Here, the packaging device 1, which has already been converted to the second packaging process, is Figures 1 to 5 visible in top view.

[0073] The Fig. 6 shows outer packaging 9 placed on the horizontal conveyor device 5, each having two upper flaps 42 arranged on opposite sides and not folded in until it is received by the gripping unit 30. The front and rear flaps of a respective outer packaging 9 are already removed from the second magazine 15 (cf. Fig. 5) is brought into an upright position in the direction of the horizontal conveyor device 7 and, after placing the respective outer packaging 9 on the horizontal conveyor device 7, is held in its upright position via holding means 36 during a continuous movement along the conveying direction FR.

[0074] The first packaging process according to Figures 1 to 4The outer packaging 9 placed on the horizontal conveyor 5 does not have such front and rear tabs, which must be held in an upright position during the movement of the respective outer packaging 9 in the conveying direction FR, so that the holding means 36 are added as part of conversion work of the horizontal conveyor 7 or the packaging device 1 coordinated with the second packaging process. The manipulator possibly provided for the first packaging process for placing outer packaging onto the horizontal conveyor 5 has also been converted to suit the second packaging process in such a way that this manipulator can erect the front and rear tabs of a respective outer packaging to be placed on the horizontal conveyor 5 in the second packaging process.

[0075] The schematic representation of the Fig. 6It also illustrates that several beverage containers can be simultaneously inserted from the transfer table 20 into several outer packagings 9 perpendicular to the conveying direction FR of the horizontal conveyor device 5. The front and rear flaps of a respective outer packaging, which are already in an upright orientation, are held in their upright orientation by the holding means 36 during the insertion of the beverage containers into the respective outer packaging 9.

[0076] Embodiments are also conceivable in which the outer packages 9 do not have the described front and rear flaps. In such outer packages 9, the holding means 36 can nevertheless be provided in the second packaging process to support the front and rear sides or side walls of respective outer packages 9 moved by means of the horizontal conveyor device 5 during the movement or to keep them in an upright orientation.

[0077] The Fig. 6 that the gripping unit 30, which picks up outer packaging 9 with the beverage containers inserted therein from the horizontal conveyor device 5 and places it on a tray located on the further transport device 7 or on a further outer packaging 9 located on the further transport device 7, is designed such that the gripping unit 30 can fold in upper flaps 42 of a respective outer packaging 9. The gripping unit 30 can be arranged on a manipulator already provided in the first packaging process as part of the conversion of the packaging device 1 coordinated with the second packaging process. It is also possible to add a manipulator to the packaging device 1 as part of the conversion, which manipulator Fig. 6illustrated gripping unit 30 for receiving outer packaging 9 with respective articles inserted therein and for folding respective upper flaps 42 of outer packaging 9.

[0078] The Figures 7A and 7B show views from opposite sides of the packaging device 1 from the Figures 1 to 6 , wherein the packaging device 1 carries out the second packaging process from the Figures 5 and 6As part of the conversion, a first folding rail 32, a second folding rail 32', a third folding rail 33, and a fourth folding rail 33' were added to the packaging device 1. The first folding rail 32 and the second folding rail 32' each run along the horizontal conveyor 5 and are arranged on a first side of the horizontal conveyor 5. The third folding rail 33 and the fourth folding rail 33' also run along the horizontal conveyor 5 and are arranged on an opposite side of the horizontal conveyor 5.

[0079] When a respective outer packaging 9 is placed on the horizontal conveyor device 5, the respective lateral flaps 43 and 44 of each outer packaging 9 are already folded in and are held in their folded orientation by the first folding rail 32 during a continuous movement effected by the horizontal conveyor device 5 and oriented in the conveying direction FR. The respective lower flaps 45 and upper flaps 42 of each outer packaging 9 are not yet folded or have not yet been converted into a folded orientation immediately upon placing a respective outer packaging 9 on the horizontal conveyor device 5. Number 20 also refers to the previously mentioned transfer table. In the area of the transfer table 20, several beverage containers 8 (cf. Figures 8 to 10 ) is inserted into a respective outer packaging 9.

[0080] Fig. 7Bshows that after inserting the respective beverage container 8 into a respective outer packaging 9, side flaps of the respective outer packaging 9, on which side flaps numbers 43' and 44' in Fig. 7Brefer to, are closed or folded. In order for these lateral tabs 43' and 44' to retain their folded orientation, these lateral tabs 43' and 44' then come into contact with the third folding rail 33, which holds the lateral tabs 43' and 44' in the folded orientation. During a further movement of the respective outer packaging 9 together with the already inserted beverage containers 8 in the conveying direction FR, the respective lower tabs 45 of these outer packaging 9 are successively erected. For this purpose, the second folding rail 32' on the first side of the horizontal conveyor device 5 is responsible for the second folding rail, which is arranged at an angle to a horizontal. On the opposite side of the horizontal conveyor device 5, the fourth folding rail 33' is responsible for erecting the lower tabs 45, which is also arranged at an angle to a horizontal.The lower tabs 45 are brought into a vertical orientation by the uprighting effected by the respective folding rail 32' or 33' and remain adhered to the further folded lateral tabs 43' and 44' by means of an adhesive and / or adhesive previously applied to the lower tabs.

[0081] Even after the lower flaps 45 have been completely erected, the respective upper flaps 42 of a respective outer packaging 9 have not yet been folded in. The folding of the respective upper flaps 42 is carried out by the gripping unit 30, which then receives several outer packagings 9 together with the completely folded flaps from the horizontal conveyor device 5 and simultaneously deposits these several outer packagings 9 onto a common additional outer packaging or onto a common tray.

[0082] When looking at the Figures 1 to 4, in which the packaging device 1 carries out the described first packaging process, and the Figures 5 to 7 , in which the packaging device 1 performs the described second packaging process, the conversion work carried out on the packaging device 1 becomes clear. Thus, the conversion of the packaging machine 1 includes the following steps or aspects, which are merely exemplary and not exhaustive: Equipping a manipulator with a gripping unit 30, which is designed to fold in the upper flaps of a plurality of outer packages 9 and can deposit outer packages 9 together with introduced or inserted beverage containers onto another outer package and / or providing a manipulator with a gripping unit 30, which is designed to fold in the upper flaps 42 of a plurality of outer packages 9 and can deposit outer packages 9 together with introduced or inserted beverage containers onto another outer package 9; Attaching a plurality of folding rails 32, 32', 33 and 33', provided for folding in and / or holding flaps, on opposite sides of a horizontal conveyor device 5, which horizontal conveyor device is already provided for transporting outer packages 9 in the first packaging process and also moves outer packages in the second packaging process;Arranging a transfer table 20 to the side of the horizontal conveyor device 5, from which transfer table 20 beverage containers are inserted into outer packaging 9; Attaching a plurality of holding means 36 to the horizontal conveyor device 5, via which plurality of holding means 36 front and rear sides and / or front and rear flaps of a respective outer packaging 9 are held in an upright orientation; Adjusting a track width of the horizontal conveyor device 5 coordinated with a transport of outer packaging 9 intended for the second packaging process; Providing a second magazine 15 for the packaging device 1, in which second magazine 15 outer packaging 9 is received, which has a lateral opening for inserting a plurality of beverage containers.

[0083] The Figures 8A, 8B , 9 and 10show individual components and individual steps of a packaging device 1, which carries out a second packaging process after appropriate conversion work. Fig. 8A a second working tool 31 can be seen, which is provided by the manipulator which places articles in the direction from above onto outer packaging 9 in the first packaging process or is arranged on the manipulator which places articles in the direction from above onto outer packaging 9 in the first packaging process, in order to, according to a synopsis of the Figures 8A and 8B Beverage containers 8 in outer packaging 9. The second working tool 31 is designed as a transfer tool 19 or bar, which is brought into surface contact with beverage containers 8 for inserting beverage containers 8 into outer packaging 9 and beverage containers 8 then perpendicular to the Figures 6 and 7in the conveying direction FR indicated by the arrow. A longitudinal direction of the second working tool 31 or the transfer tool 19 extends parallel to the conveying direction FR of the horizontal conveying device 5 (cf. Figures 5 to 7 ).

[0084] A summary of the Figures 8A and 8B illustrates the surface contact between the second working tool 31 and beverage containers 8 as well as the insertion of the respective beverage containers 8 into the outer packaging 9 still standing on the horizontal conveyor device 5. The Figures 8A and 8BHere, it is also shown that the respective outer packaging 9 is in contact with the holding means 36 during the insertion of the beverage containers 8. Furthermore, the beverage containers 8 are moved between guide elements 22 during insertion to prevent unwanted disorientation of the beverage containers 8 during their insertion. The guide elements 22 can be carried by the respective manipulator or arranged on the respective manipulator.

[0085] The Fig. 9 shows another possibility of inserting beverage containers 8 into outer packaging 9 during the second packaging process. Fig. 9 a respective front side of a respective outer packaging 9 rests against a respective rear side of an immediately adjacent outer packaging 9. The number of holding means 36 required for holding in an upright orientation is in Fig. 9 opposite Fig. 8A corresponding arrangement of holding means 36 according to Figures 8 or Fig. 9 can be carried out as part of the conversion of the packaging device 1 in accordance with the respective second packaging process to be carried out.

[0086] Inserting from Fig. 10 essentially corresponds to the insertion from the Figures 8 and differs from inserting from the Figures 8 in the respective relative arrangement which the beverage containers 8 have to one another during and after insertion.

[0087] The Fig. 11The flowchart shows individual steps as they may be provided in an embodiment of the method 10 according to the invention. Thus, in a first step S1, a first packaging process is carried out in a packaging device. This first packaging process or first step S1 provides for articles to be placed onto a respective outer packaging from above.

[0088] After the first packaging process (step S1) has been completed, in a second step S2, conversion work is carried out on this packaging device or packaging machine, which conversion work is coordinated with a second packaging process.

[0089] After the conversion work has been completed, in a third step S3 a second packaging process is carried out in this converted packaging device or packaging machine, wherein the second packaging process provides for a lateral insertion of articles into outer packaging which is not provided for in the first packaging process. List of reference symbols

[0090] 1 Packaging device 3 Transport device 5 Horizontal conveyor device 7 Further transport device 8 Beverage container 9 Outer packaging 10 Process 11 First magazine 12 Further magazine 13 Further magazine 14 Further magazine 15 Second magazine 16 Means for applying adhesive and / or glue 18 Working tool 19 Transfer tool 20 Transfer table 22 Guide element 30 Gripping unit 31 Second working tool 32 First folding rail 32 Second folding rail 33 Third folding rail 33 Fourth folding rail 35 Holding means 36 Holding means 42 Upper flap 43 Side flap 43 Side flap 44 Side flap 44 Side flap 45 Lower flap BR Movement direction FR Conveying direction TR Transport direction S1first step, first packaging process, first process step S2second step, conversion work, second process step S3third step, second packaging process, third process step

Claims

1. A method (10) for packaging articles, such as beverage containers (8) or the like, the method comprising the following steps: - performing a first packaging process in a packaging apparatus (1), in which first packaging process a particular outer packaging is applied onto articles in the direction coming from above via at least one first working tool (18) of at least one manipulator, and / or in which first packaging process articles are positioned on a particular outer packaging (9) in the direction coming from above via at least one first working tool (19) of the at least one manipulator, wherein, - temporally following the first packaging process, a second packaging process is carried out in this packaging apparatus (1), which second packaging process provides a lateral inserting of articles into outer packagings (9), which lateral inserting is not provided in the first packaging process, the method (10) being characterised in that conversions are carried out on the packaging apparatus in order to perform the second packaging process, which conversions are adapted to the second packaging process, wherein, temporally after the first packaging process, a second working tool (31) is arranged on the at least one manipulator or is supplied by the at least one manipulator, wherein, in the second packaging process, the same at least one manipulator inserts articles laterally into outer packagings via the second working tool (31), and in which method it is provided that the at least one manipulator in the context of the conversion independently moves the at least one first working tool (18) into a repository and removes the at least one second working tool (31) from a waiting position and / or from a repository.

2. The method according to claim 1, in which at least one transport device (3) is provided, which at least one transport device (3) remains in the packaging apparatus during particular conversions to perform the second packaging process and, in both the first packaging process and the second packaging process, supplies articles to be packaged.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which outer packagings (9) are moved along the same at least one horizontal conveyor device (5) in the first packaging process and in the second packaging process, and wherein a track width of the at least one horizontal conveyor device formed or adjusted in the first packaging process is preferably adapted in coordination with or corresponding to the outer packagings (9) to be moved in the second packaging process.

4. The method according to claim 3, in which a plurality of holding means are arranged on the at least one horizontal conveyor device (5) in the context of the conversions, which holding means hold front and back sides and / or front and back flaps of these outer packagings (9) in an upright orientation during a movement of outer packagings (9) caused by the at least one horizontal conveyor device (5) in the second packaging process.

5. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 4, in which outer packagings (9) adapted to the first packaging process and outer packagings (9) adapted to the second packaging process are supplied to the packaging apparatus (1) via a driverless transport system, as required.

6. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 5, in which an instruction is specified to the packaging apparatus (1) temporally during the first packaging process to change from the first packaging process to the second packaging process, and in which the packaging apparatus (1) changes from the first packaging process to the second packaging process during a continuing packaging operation.

7. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 6, in which the at least one manipulator is a multi-axis robot and / or a gantry system and / or a delta kinematic robot.

8. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 7, in which the same at least one manipulator remains in the packaging apparatus (1) during the conversions which applies a particular outer packaging (9) onto articles in the direction coming from above and / or which places articles on a particular outer packaging (9) in the direction coming from above in the first packaging process, and which inserts articles laterally into outer packagings (9) in the second packaging process.