Packaging device and method for manufacturing packaging units

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging device and a method for producing packaging units according to the features of the independent claims.

[0002] There are different types of packaging for the processing, compilation, grouping, and packaging of items such as beverage containers. One frequently used variant involves combining several similar items or containers into portable, relatively manageable bundles or packaging units. Various options are also available for combining individual items or containers into larger bundles. For example, beverage containers are usually combined and packaged using shrink film to form bundles of four, six, or more containers. The production of bundles is usually unavoidable, as they represent the most common type of packaging unit for beverage containers or bottles made of PET plastic. The bundles are sometimes combined again for transport and / or arranged in layers and palletized.

[0003] When manufacturing common types of containers, specific production steps are required in order to process the shrink films typically used for the containers. These production steps require a relatively high energy input, not least because the film shrinks under the influence of heat. In addition, the film used incurs costs for production, provision, handling, and subsequent disposal, as it is no longer needed after the items or containers have been sold and unpacked. The machinery for providing the so-called film wrapping modules and other handling stations also entails high investment costs. Finally, the provision of the so-called shrink tunnel, in which the film wrapped around the containers is shrunk using hot air, also requires a relatively high capital investment.

[0004] One variant that completely eliminates the need for shrink film is the so-called strapping system. In this case, the containers are connected to one another using strapping bands and combined into a single pack. In continuously or intermittently operating strapping machines, containers, items, or bottles are grouped into formations and then strapped with one or more bands using strapping units. Typical formations can be, for example, 1x2 arrangements (two containers in a row), 2x2 arrangements (four containers in a square or diamond formation), 3x2, 4x3, or generally variable nxm arrangements.

[0005] Furthermore, the use of so-called upper grip carton packaging is known, for example, to group several bottles together via their neck areas. A packaging machine for applying such upper grip carton packaging is described in patent EP 1 075 419 B1. Here, the articles or containers are arranged in a box, and the grip carton packaging is placed from above onto the at least one article arranged in the box. In particular, a plurality of articles are arranged in the box, and by placing a smaller number of upper grip carton packaging, subgroups are formed, each of which groups together a portion of the articles arranged in the box.

[0006] A grip carton packaging has an arrangement and number of openings that correspond to the arrangement and number of articles or containers to be grouped. The diameter of the openings is usually slightly smaller than a maximum diameter of the articles in an upper area. The grip carton packaging is placed on the articles and pressed down so that a defined upper area of ​​the articles is pushed through the openings. In particular, an upper area with a maximum diameter is pushed through the openings, and the edge areas of the openings engage with the articles below this maximum diameter, so that the grip carton packaging is securely and firmly attached to the articles.To adhere the gripper carton packaging to the articles in this way, especially to push the articles through the openings, relatively high application forces are required. Accordingly, the articles must offer sufficient resistance to this application force to prevent damage when the gripper carton packaging is applied.

[0007] A packaging device for beverage containers is already known from US Pat. No. 3,509,684 A. The packaging device has an application head that can apply blanks to beverage containers. The application head includes hooks that are intended to assist in applying the blank and are brought into contact with the respective inner periphery of the openings in the respective blank.

[0008] The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art of known devices.

[0009] The above object is achieved by a packaging device and a method for producing packaging units comprising the features in the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0010] The method for producing packaging units, carried out using a packaging device described below, is particularly designed to reduce the application force required to attach a gripper carton packaging to a group of articles. The packaging units produced thereby comprise at least one article or container on which at least one packaging blank is arranged, which is flat at least in some areas. The packaging blank has at least one passage opening for the at least one article in the flat area.

[0011] Normally, however, the packaging units produced in this way comprise two or more combined articles or containers, on which at least one packaging blank which is at least partially flat is arranged, wherein the packaging blank has a passage opening for each of the articles or containers in the flat area, whereby the two or more articles or containers are mechanically held together.

[0012] The at least one article or container is preferably a beverage container, in particular a bottle made of PET or another suitable plastic. Preferably, the articles or containers can also be formed by cans made of plastic and / or aluminum or another metal, or similar. However, the packaging device and method are also suitable for arranging and securing a corresponding packaging blank to other suitable articles or containers.

[0013] The flat packaging blank can, in particular, be made of recyclable cellulose-containing materials. For example, the flat packaging blank can be made of cardboard and / or carton, which can be easily recycled after use. It is also conceivable that the flat packaging blank could be made of plastic, with single-variety thermoplastics being particularly suitable, as these are also easily recyclable.

[0014] It may be that the flat packaging blank has several recesses, which together may form a carrying handle.

[0015] For example, the flat packaging blank can consist of several cellulose-containing layers or of a combination of different materials, including different recycled materials.

[0016] A packaging device for producing such packaging units comprises at least one feed device for the at least one article or for sets of at least two articles, a pretreatment module for preparing the packaging blank for application to the at least one article, and a first packaging module for applying and securing the packaging blank to the at least one article. Provision is made here for the pretreatment module to comprise at least one device designed to reduce a resistance force in an edge region of the at least one through-opening of the packaging blank during the subsequent application of the packaging blank to the at least one article.

[0017] The packaging units produced according to a particularly preferred embodiment consist of at least two articles or containers, which are combined by at least one first secondary packaging means in the form of a flat packaging blank. All features described below with regard to such packaging units are also applicable, analogously or in a correspondingly adapted manner, to packaging units comprising only one article and a packaging blank arranged thereon. In particular, in this case, this is a packaging blank designed as a carrying handle blank that provides a carrying handle.

[0018] Furthermore, the articles or containers of the packaging units can be additionally combined by at least one second secondary packaging means. For example, the second secondary packaging means is formed by at least one band- or strip-like, closed strapping, which is stretched horizontally around an outer side of the articles or containers and is optionally firmly fixed at a contact point with at least one of the articles.

[0019] The strapping can be secured at the contact point, particularly by means of a material-to-material connection in the form of at least one welded joint. However, such a contact point of the strapping on one of the outer surfaces of the articles is by no means mandatory, as the strapping can also adhere firmly to the outer surfaces of the strapped articles simply by the applied strapping tension. Alternatively, the articles can also be additionally secured to one another by means of adhesive bonds.

[0020] The linear, point-like, or flat-shaped adhesive bonds are ideally located at contact surfaces or edges of the adjacent articles, so that only relatively small adhesive surfaces can ensure a secure connection between the articles. Another alternative embodiment can provide for the articles combined with a packaging blank to be additionally arranged on a so-called tray and / or wrapped in shrink film. In the case of at least one strapping, the second secondary packaging material can be arranged before or simultaneously with the application of the packaging blank, or after the application of the packaging blank.

[0021] The application of an adhesive to form adhesive bonds is preferably carried out before or in temporal connection with the assembly of the articles into an article group before the application of the packaging blank, while the application of a shrink film is preferably carried out after the application of the packaging blank, so that the shrink film is shrunk in particular onto the articles combined with the packaging blank.

[0022] The packaging blank, which is at least partially flat, has at least two through-openings for the at least two articles in the flat area. Furthermore, the packaging blank, which is at least partially flat, can have carrying handle openings through which the user can insert their fingers to lift and transport the entire packaging unit, etc.

[0023] The packaging blank is, in particular, a so-called top-loading carton. The packaging blank is preferably made of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material, or similar.

[0024] Preferably, after the packaging cut-out has been defined, a defined upper area of ​​the articles is located above the packaging cut-out, while a defined lower area of ​​the articles is arranged below the packaging cut-out.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the through-openings of the packaging blank have suitable securing devices, which can be formed, for example, by securing tabs. For example, the securing tabs are formed by incisions or similar elements extending radially from the openings. After the packaging blank has been arranged and secured to the articles, the packaging blank engages with the articles in such a way that it is essentially fixed to the articles and the articles can no longer make any significant relative movements or changes in position relative to one another or to the packaging blank. Thus, the packaging blank can only be removed from the articles of the article group with increased force with an upward force component, whereby the packaging blank is usually at least partially destroyed.

[0026] The packaging device comprises at least one feed device via which the at least two articles are fed. The articles are preferably already assembled in advance in a suitable number and arrangement as article groups, and these article groups are fed to a packaging module via the at least one feed device. In the packaging module, a packaging blank is applied to the article group and secured. For this purpose, a packaging blank is removed from a magazine and prepared in a pretreatment module for application to the at least two articles of the article group. For this purpose, the pretreatment module comprises at least one device designed to reduce a resistance force in an edge region of the through-openings of the packaging blank during the subsequent application of the packaging blank to the at least two articles.

[0027] According to a first embodiment, the device of the pretreatment module comprises at least one stretching die, but preferably a plurality of stretching dies, which are suitable for stretching and / or widening the edge regions of the at least one passage opening. In this case, the pretreatment at least slightly increases the average diameter of the at least one passage opening. As a result, an upper region of the articles with a maximum diameter, which maximum diameter is preferably at least slightly larger than an average diameter of the passage openings, can be more easily passed through the respective passage opening.

[0028] In particular, the application force with which the packaging blank is pressed onto the articles, so that the upper section of the articles with a maximum diameter is positioned above the packaging blank and the lower section of the articles is positioned below the packaging blank, is significantly reduced compared to the application force that would be necessary to attach a packaging blank to the articles without pretreatment. Thus, the risk of damaging the articles during application of the packaging blank is also reduced compared to conventional packaging devices and methods. In this case, even articles with a thinner wall thickness can be used without being damaged during application of the packaging blank.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the at least one stretching die is detachably arranged in the pretreatment module. For example, the stretching dies are formed by differently shaped molded parts. The molded parts can essentially have the shape of the articles to which the respective packaging blank is to be applied. The stretching dies are formed, for example, from a rigid solid material or at least have greater stability than the respective articles. Depending on the articles and the corresponding packaging blanks, the appropriate number and arrangement of the stretching dies are arranged in the pretreatment module.

[0030] The packaging blank is placed on the expansion dies and pressed down, causing the expansion dies to engage through the openings in certain areas, particularly with the edges of the openings. This causes the edge areas of the openings to expand or otherwise modify them, and in particular, weakens the material in the edge areas of the openings. Preferably, the expansion dies increase the average diameter of the openings.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the expansion dies are conical or truncated conical, with the cone tip or the cone side with the smaller cross-sectional area facing upward. In this case, the expansion dies are suitable for different article sizes. Depending on the average diameter of the openings, the packaging blank is pressed downwards to the desired extent to widen the openings.

[0032] The arrangement and number of stretching dies correspond in particular to the arrangement and number of openings in the packaging blank. A pretreatment module with detachably arranged stretching dies thus allows for simple, quick, and cost-effective conversion to the new product when changing products.

[0033] It should be expressly pointed out at this point that this aspect of the simple and quick conversion option for the expansion dies can be realized particularly advantageously by means of exchangeable module parts, which can be inserted and removed as different module parts in packaging machines and can be exchanged for other module parts with a different pitch and / or different distances between the expansion dies.

[0034] It can therefore be the case that the working tool comprises at least one centring means in the form of the aforementioned expansion matrices, which, prior to the application of a respective flat packaging blank, pretreats the openings of the flat packaging blank intended for receiving the articles, containers or beverage cans, namely in particular widens them and / or expands them at the edges to such an extent that the articles, containers or beverage cans to be combined by means of the packaging blank can slide in or be received there more easily.

[0035] A preferably provided step of the method provides for a pre-treatment of the flat packaging blank in order to reduce a resistance force occurring in a respective edge region of the openings of the flat packaging blank during the subsequent application of the flat packaging blank.

[0036] It is possible that the average diameter of the openings is enlarged during pretreatment.

[0037] It is also possible that fixing tabs formed in the respective edge region of the openings are bent over at least in some areas, so that the fixing tabs subsequently protrude from a plane in which the openings are arranged.

[0038] In this context, it is intended that the flat packaging blank is pressed onto a device with at least one die or at least one expansion die during pretreatment. The number and arrangement of the dies or expansion dies may correspond to the number and arrangement of the openings in the flat packaging blank, with the flat packaging blank being pressed onto the dies or expansion dies in such a way that the dies or expansion dies penetrate through the openings at least in some areas.

[0039] If several matrices or expansion matrices are provided, the several matrices or expansion matrices can be combined to form one format part.

[0040] One aspect can therefore relate to a format part for the pretreatment of flat packaging blanks each having several openings, which format part has a support preferably designed as a support plate and comprises a plurality of expansion matrices, wherein it is provided that the plurality of expansion matrices are each arranged on the support preferably designed as a support plate and each taper at least in sections in the opposite direction of the support preferably designed as a support plate.

[0041] During pretreatment, incisions and / or perforations may be made in the edge areas of the openings. In particular, radial incisions and / or perforations may be made during pretreatment.

[0042] Embodiments in which the edge areas of the openings are exposed to liquid or moistened have also proven successful. Alternatively or additionally, the edge areas of the openings can be heated or, if necessary, a temperature control device can apply defined heat energy to the edge areas of the openings.

[0043] It should be emphasized at this point that at least the aspect explained here of the interchangeability of the expansion matrix modules with modules having different dimensions, pitches and / or numbers of expansion matrixes within a module is considered to be an independent inventive concept.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, a packaging blank is removed from a magazine by a suitable gripping tool and transferred to the pretreatment module, where it is exposed to the device with the stretching dies and, in particular, pressed onto them, so that the stretching dies pass through the openings of the packaging blank, at least in some areas. In the magazine, the packaging blanks are preferably stacked horizontally one above the other.

[0045] Alternatively, an upright arrangement of the packaging blanks can be provided. In this case, the gripping tool is preferably designed to transfer the packaging blank, which is arranged in a vertical and inclined arrangement, into a horizontal orientation before it is pressed onto the stretching dies. Alternatively, the arrangement of the stretching dies can be designed such that a vertically or diagonally oriented packaging blank can be pressed onto the stretching dies. The packaging blank, pre-treated by the stretching tools, is then conveyed to the packaging module by the gripping tool and applied to a collection of articles within the packaging module, where it is applied and secured by pressing. One gripping tool can perform both transport steps.

[0046] Alternatively, a first gripping tool can be provided for removing a packaging blank from the magazine and a second gripping tool for removing and transporting the pre-treated packaging blank from the pre-treatment module.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the through-openings are widened due to the packaging blank being pressed onto expansion tools with a diameter that widens downwards, whereby the material in the edge region of the through-openings is partially compressed and / or whereby material of the edge regions is partially pressed upwards out of the plane of the through-openings.

[0048] For example, radial incisions can be provided within the edge areas, extending from the through-openings. The areas between the radial incisions form the so-called fixing devices or fixing tabs. When the packaging blank is pressed onto the stretching tools, the fixing tabs are pushed upward, so that the average diameter of the through-openings is increased after the packaging blank is removed from the pretreatment module.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, radial perforations can be provided within the edge regions, extending from the through-openings. When the packaging blank is pressed onto the stretching tools, the packaging blank tears open at the perforations, and fixing tabs are formed in the edge regions bordering the through-openings, which are pressed upward in a similar manner.

[0050] The stretching tools, with their diameters widening downwards, ensure that the edges are bent within the packaging module in the opposite direction to the application direction. This reduces the application force required to apply the packaging blank to the items. Furthermore, the stretching tools center and / or precisely position the packaging blank, allowing it to be removed from the pretreatment module and fed into the packaging module with precise positioning.

[0051] According to a further embodiment, the pretreatment module comprises at least one cutting device and / or perforation device. By making cuts or perforations in the edge area of ​​the through-openings, the material of the packaging blank becomes more flexible in the edge areas, thereby reducing the resistance when pressing it onto the articles.

[0052] In particular, it can be provided to combine the pretreatment by a cutting device and / or perforation device and the pretreatment by means of suitable stretching matrices, wherein incisions and / or microperforations and / or perforations extending radially from the through-openings are introduced into the packaging blanks by the cutting device and / or perforation device.

[0053] According to a further embodiment, the device of the pretreatment module comprises at least one humidification device, in particular a device with which edge regions that delimit the passage openings can be humidified. The edge regions of packaging blanks made of cardboard material are preferably treated with a fluid, while the remaining regions of the packaging blank are not exposed to the fluid.

[0054] For example, the humidification device is a steaming device, and steam is applied to the corresponding edge areas of the packaging blank. The humidification causes the cardboard material in these areas to soften slightly, making it easier to deform. This facilitates the subsequent application of the pretreated packaging blank to the articles in the article group. After drying, the packaging blank regains its original rigid material properties in the corresponding areas. One embodiment can provide an additional suitable drying device that supports the drying of the packaging blank attached to the articles, for example, by selectively blowing warm air onto it.

[0055] According to a further embodiment, the device of the pretreatment module comprises at least one heating device, with which, in particular, edge regions that delimit the passage openings can be heated. In particular, the edge regions of the passage openings of packaging blanks made of a thermoplastic material are heated, while the remaining regions of the packaging blank are not heated.

[0056] Through targeted heating, the plastic material becomes softer in the treated areas and thus more easily deformed. This facilitates the subsequent application of the pretreated packaging blank to the articles in the article group. After cooling, the packaging blank regains its original rigid material properties. One embodiment can provide an additional suitable cooling device that supports the cooling of the packaging blank attached to the articles, for example, by selectively blowing cold air onto it.

[0057] According to a further embodiment, the preparation of the packaging blanks can take place before they are provided in a magazine of the packaging device, which is in particular assigned to the packaging module of the packaging device. For example, appropriately prepared packaging blanks, in which the fixing tabs are already pre-broken or similar, can be obtained from a supplier. The packaging blanks prepared by the supplier are provided in a magazine of the packaging device for the packaging module. The prepared packaging blanks are removed from the magazine and applied to the articles of the article group in the manner described above.Alternatively, it can be provided that a corresponding pretreatment module is assigned to the magazine and that the preparation of the packaging blanks, in which the resistance force in an edge region of the passage openings of the packaging blanks is reduced, takes place within the packaging device before the prepared packaging blanks are arranged in a magazine and made available for subsequent application to the articles.

[0058] By pretreating the packaging blanks, the application force required to attach the packaging blanks to the article groups can be reduced. This reduces the risk of damage to the articles, particularly beverage cans. Thus, using the packaging device and method according to the invention, it is also possible to combine articles with a packaging blank into packaging units that have a thinner wall thickness and are therefore more sensitive to compressive forces. This allows material to be saved, making the articles more cost-effective to manufacture. Furthermore, articles whose primary packaging, for example, bottles or cans, can be made thinner result in less packaging waste that needs to be disposed of.

[0059] It should be expressly stated at this point that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the device according to the invention equally relate to, or can be, partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description or in the claim definitions for the device according to the invention, this equally applies to the method according to the invention. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to, or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention.Therefore, if at one point in the description or in the claim definitions for the method according to the invention certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

[0060] 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 first embodiment of a packaging blank. Fig. 2 shows an article. Figures 3A and 3B show schematically the application of a packaging blank to a collection of articles according to Fig. 2 . Fig. 4shows a schematic sequence of a method according to the invention for producing packaging units. Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a packaging device for producing packaging units from above. Fig. 6 shows a side view of a packaging device according to Fig. 5 . Fig. 7 shows a first embodiment of a pretreatment module. Fig. 8 shows a second embodiment of a pretreatment module. Figures 9A to 9C shows a first embodiment of a packaging blank and the corresponding pretreatment and application of such a packaging blank to a group of articles. Figures 10a and 10B show a part of the packaging cut according to Figures 9A and 9B in cross-sectional view. Figures 11A to 11Cshow a second embodiment of a packaging blank and the corresponding pretreatment and application of such a packaging blank to a group of articles. Figures 12A to 12D show a third embodiment of a packaging blank and the corresponding pretreatment and application of such a packaging blank to a group of articles. Fig. 13 shows a schematic sequence of a further embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing packaging units. Figures 14A and 14B show fourth embodiments of a packaging blank. Fig. 15 shows a side view of a packaging unit with a packaging cut according to Fig. 14A or Fig. 14B . Fig. 16 shows a side view of a packaging device for attaching a carrying handle blank according to Fig. 14A or Fig. 14B . Fig. 17shows a schematic view of a packaging line in which an embodiment of an industrial robot according to the invention and an embodiment of a working tool according to the invention are used. Figures 18 and 19 show a further embodiment of a packaging line in which an embodiment of an industrial robot according to the invention and an embodiment of a work tool according to the invention are used. Fig. 20 shows a third embodiment of a packaging line in which an embodiment of an industrial robot according to the invention and an embodiment of a working tool according to the invention are used. Figures 21 to 23 each show a schematic view of an embodiment of a work tool according to the invention. Figures 24 to 26 show individual details of a manipulation element of the work tool according to the performance form from the Figures 18 to 20 . Fig. 27shows a schematic perspective view of a multipack as it can be produced with various embodiments of the working tool according to the invention. Fig. 28 shows a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a packaging line according to the invention, in which an embodiment of an industrial robot according to the invention and an embodiment of a working tool according to the invention are used. Figures 29 to 31 show individual details of the design of a packaging line according to Fig. 28 . Fig. 32 shows an alternative embodiment for the contact surface of a working tool. Fig. 33 shows another alternative embodiment for the contact surface of the working tool.

[0061] 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 device or method according to the invention can be configured and do not represent a definitive limitation.

[0062] The schematic view of the Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a packaging blank 20. The schematic plan view of the Figure 2 shows an article 30 from above, which can be combined with at least one other article 30, in particular identical ones, by means of a packaging blank 20 to form a packaging unit 35 or container 36.

[0063] The side views of the Figures 3A and 3Bshow schematically the application of a packaging blank 20 to a set of articles 30 according to Fig. 2 .

[0064] Preferably, the articles 30 are beverage containers in the form of bottles or cans 31 made of plastic and / or aluminum or another suitable metal, or the like. However, the packaging device and the method are also suitable for arranging and securing a corresponding packaging blank 20 to other suitable articles 30. In addition to the cans 31 shown, these cans can also be, for example, mineral glass bottles, PET beverage containers, or the like.

[0065] The articles 30 preferably have a widened portion in the upper region, to which the packaging blank 20 is secured. In particular, the cans 31 have a lid edge 32. Below this lid edge 32, the cans 31 have an at least slight taper 33 or constriction 33. As the schematic side view of the Fig. 3A As can be seen, the constriction 33 located below the lid edge 32 has a smaller diameter than the outer surface of the respective can 31 located below the constriction 33 and also a smaller diameter than the lid edge 32 located above the constriction 33.

[0066] In particular, the cans 31 are beverage cans conventionally known from the prior art, which in the present context can also be designated by the reference number 31.

[0067] Preferably, the packaging blank 20, after being applied to the assembly of at least two cans 31, is secured to the cans 31 below the lid edge 32, referred to here as such, in the region of the taper 33 or constriction 33. Thus, after the packaging blank 20 has been applied to the cans 31, a partial region is located above the packaging blank 20, namely in particular the can lid with the closure 34, while the remaining region of the cans 31, including their outer surface, extends below the packaging blank 20. In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank 20 is fixed in this position by the cans 31 and vice versa.

[0068] If, for example, Articles 30 are bottles made of PET or another suitable plastic material with a screw cap, the bottle has a partially widened portion below the screw cap in the form of a so-called neck ring. Below the neck ring, the diameter of the bottle is again smaller in some areas and widens downwards from there. In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank 20, after being applied to an assembly of bottles, is fixed below the so-called neck ring of the closure area of ​​the bottles. Thus, after the packaging blank is applied to the bottles, the closure area and the neck ring of the bottles are located above the packaging blank, while the remaining area of ​​the bottles extends below the packaging blank.

[0069] The packaging blank 20, for example, is essentially flat and has through-openings 23 for the articles 30. The packaging blank 20 is designed such that it can be slipped onto the articles 30 from above, with the articles 30 at least partially passing through the through-openings 23, so that after the packaging blank 20 has been attached to an article group 41, the articles 30 are located partially above and partially below the packaging blank 20.

[0070] Preferably, after the packaging blank 20 has been defined, a defined upper region of the articles 30 is located above the packaging blank 20, while a defined lower region of the articles 30 is arranged below the packaging blank 20. In particular, an edge region 24 delimiting the through-openings 23 rests against the outer surface of the articles 30.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the through-openings 23 of the packaging blank 20 can have suitable fixing devices, which can be formed, for example, by fixing tabs. For example, fixing tabs are formed by incisions extending radially from the through-openings 23 (in Fig. 1 not shown, but see the Figures 9A, 9B ) or similar.

[0072] After the packaging blank 20 has been arranged and fastened to the articles 30, it engages with the articles 30 in such a way that the packaging blank 20 is essentially fixed to the articles 30 in a stationary manner and the articles 30 can no longer make any significant relative movements or changes in position relative to each other or to the packaging blank 20.

[0073] Thus, the packaging blank 20 can only be removed from the articles 30 of article group 41 with increased force with an upward force component, whereby the packaging blank 20 is generally at least partially destroyed. Such packaging blanks 20 are also referred to as upper grip carton packaging. The packaging blank 20 preferably consists of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material, or similar.

[0074] To produce a packaging unit 35, a packaging blank 20 is pretreated to reduce the resistance of the packaging blank 20 in the edge regions 24 delimiting the through-openings 23 when the packaging blank 20 is applied to the at least two articles 30. The pretreated packaging blank 20 is also designated below by the reference symbol 20v.

[0075] The pretreated packaging blank 20v is placed on a corresponding assembly 40 or article group 41 of at least two articles 30 and is pressed at least partially onto the articles 30 of the assembly 40 and fixed thereto by an application force F directed at least partially downwards or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the upright articles 30, in particular a downward pressure.

[0076] Due to the pretreatment already mentioned and explained in more detail below, and the resulting reduced resistance, the application force F can be reduced compared to the known state of the art. This makes it possible to apply packaging blanks 20v even to articles 30 that, for example, have a thinner wall thickness and are therefore less stable against compressive forces. This reduces material consumption for the articles 30, since even thinner-walled and mechanically less stable articles 30 can be combined using such a packaging blank 20 or 20v.

[0077] In addition, due to the advantageous reduction of the resistance force and thus of the application force F, it is possible to apply several packaging blanks 20v simultaneously or almost simultaneously to upright articles 30 or beverage cans 31 and thus to increase the machine performance.

[0078] The Fig. 4 shows a schematic sequence of a method for producing packaging units 35 or containers 36. While, for example, in a single-part module or similar, at least two articles 30 belong to an article group 41 (cf. Fig. 3A ), a packaging blank 20 is preferably removed from a magazine assigned to the packaging module essentially at the same time or at least promptly.

[0079] The article group is fed to the packaging module, and the packaging blank is prepared for application to the article group by a suitable device within the packaging module or by a separate device assigned to the packaging module. For example, a pretreatment module for the packaging blanks is assigned to the packaging module, or such a pretreatment module is integrated into the packaging module.

[0080] The appropriately prepared packaging blank is applied from above to the assembly of at least two articles in the packaging module. The prepared packaging blank is preferably brought into a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection with the articles, so that the articles are held in defined positions and, in particular, in a defined relative arrangement within the formed packaging unit by the packaging blank.

[0081] Furthermore, it can be provided that the articles within the packaging unit are held together by at least one further secondary packaging means, for example by an additional strapping or similar that encompasses all of the articles. This further secondary packaging means can be arranged and secured to the articles before the packaging blank is applied, during application of the packaging blank or after application of the packaging blank. This is particularly possible when at least one strapping is used as a further secondary packaging means or when the articles are additionally arranged on a tray or in a basket. If, on the other hand, the further secondary packaging means is applied in the form of shrink packaging, this takes place after application of the packaging blank; in particular, a shrink film is wrapped around the articles combined with a packaging blank and shrunk onto them.

[0082] The Fig. 5shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a packaging device 1 for producing packaging units 35 (see also Fig. 3B ) from above. The articles 30, formed, for example, by the cans 31 filled with beverages or beverage cans 31, are fed via a feeding transport device 2.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the articles 30 are fed in individual rows into aisles 3 separated from each other by aisle plates 4. The articles 30 are removed from the aisles 3 and arranged on turntables 6 in a rotating module 5. The turntables 6 allow the articles 30 to be aligned based on specific features.

[0084] For example, in retail, it may be desirable for at least one barcode marking the articles 30 and / or other information carriers within a packaging unit 35 to be directed outward and thus clearly visible. The orientation of the articles 30 can, in particular, be monitored by sensors and controlled accordingly. However, the orientation of the articles 30 is not relevant for the present invention; this orientation thus represents only an optional component of the packaging device 1.

[0085] The articles 30 are then fed in the defined assembly 40 to a first packaging module 7 for applying and fixing the secondary packaging material provided in the form of a packaging blank 20 which is at least partially flat to the at least two articles 30.

[0086] At least one magazine 8 can be assigned to the packaging module 7, in which flat packaging blanks 20 are stored. A first removal tool (not shown) removes at least one packaging blank 20 from the magazine 8 and transports it to a pretreatment module 9. The removal tool can be, for example, a vacuum suction device that sucks the packaging blank 20, which is at least partially flat, particularly in the flat area in the magazine 8, transports it to the pretreatment module 9, and deposits it there by releasing the vacuum. Alternatively, the packaging blank 20 can be held by means of a clamp, suitable pneumatics, etc., which is released accordingly.

[0087] In the pretreatment module 9, the packaging blanks 20 are subjected to a pretreatment which reduces the resistance of the packaging blanks 20 during subsequent application to the assembly of at least two articles 30. In particular, the resistance of the packaging blank 20 is reduced in an edge region 24 of the through-openings 23 of the packaging blank 20 (cf. Fig. 1 ).

[0088] In particular, it is provided that an average diameter of the passage openings 23 is at least slightly increased or similar. For example, the pretreatment module 9 comprises suitable expansion tools 18, as described in connection with the Figures 7 and 8 be described in more detail.

[0089] The packaging blank 20v pretreated in this way is now removed from the pretreatment module 9, for example by a second removal tool (not shown), and placed from above onto the assembly 40 of articles 30 (cf. Fig. 3A ) and thereby secured to them. The second removal tool thus simultaneously assumes the function of an application device. The articles 30 are arranged within the assembly 40 according to the arrangement of the through-openings 23 of the packaging blank 20, 20v.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, three packaging units 35 are produced in parallel. Thus, the packaging module 7 comprises three magazines 8 for packaging blanks 20, and the pretreatment module 9, which can be integrated into the packaging module 7 or formed separately, has three devices for pretreating packaging blanks 20.

[0091] The articles 30 combined with the pretreated packaging blank 20v to form a packaging unit 35 or a bundle 36 can now be fed, for example via a conveyor belt 10, to a further packaging module (not shown), in which at least one second (optional) secondary packaging material is additionally applied and fixed to the articles 30 of the packaging units 35 or bundle 36.

[0092] The second packaging module, which is considered optional, can be, for example, a strapping module in which at least one strap is applied to the articles 30 of the bundles 36. In particular, at least one band- or strip-like, closed strap is stretched horizontally around an outer side of the articles 30. An inner side of the strap, which rests against the outer sides of the articles 30, can optionally be firmly fixed at a contact point with at least one of the articles 30. Thus, the strap can be fixed at the contact point, in particular by means of a material-to-material connection in the form of at least one welded joint.

[0093] Alternatively, the additional packaging module can also be an adhesive module, for example, in which the articles 30 are fixed to one another by means of adhesive connections, for example via suitably placed adhesive dots at contact points between two articles 30.

[0094] A further alternative embodiment may provide that the articles 30 combined with a pretreated packaging blank 20v are arranged on a so-called tray or are wrapped with a shrink film, wherein the shrink film is shrunk onto the articles 30 combined with the pretreated packaging blank 20v.

[0095] Alternatively, the articles 30 combined with the pretreated packaging blank 20v can be fed, for example, to a palletizing module, where a plurality of packaging units 35 are combined to form a palletizable layer and several of these palletizable layers are stacked on top of one another.

[0096] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, it can be provided that a correspondingly pretreated packaging blank is attached as a second secondary packaging means to an article group 41 in which the articles 30 are already combined by a first secondary packaging means, in particular a strapping and / or adhesive connections or the like.

[0097] The Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of a packaging device 1 according to Fig. 5 . The description of the related to Fig. 5 The reference symbols already mentioned are essentially omitted at this point, but particular attention will be paid to the description of the additional visible features.

[0098] The articles fed via the aisles 3 are removed from the aisles 3 by a suitable first gripper head 11. The first gripper head 11 is equipped, for example, with a corresponding number and arrangement of packing tulips 12, whereby the arrangement of the packing tulips 12 can be changed relative to one another. For example, the packing tulips 12 can be arranged in a first arrangement for removing the articles from the aisles 3.

[0099] While the first gripper head 11 conveys the articles toward the rotary module 5, the relative arrangement of the packing tulips 12 is adjusted according to the arrangement of the rotary tables 6, so that each article is placed centered on a rotary table 6. Preferably, each rotary table 6 is assigned its own drive 17, for example, a servo motor. In particular, the articles are assembled as an article group in conjunction with the arrangement of the articles on the rotary tables 6.

[0100] The first gripper head 11 is vertically movable via a first vertical axis vA1, i.e., the height of the first gripper head 11 can be adjusted accordingly, in particular for removing the articles from the aisles 3 and for placing the articles on the turntables 6. Furthermore, the first gripper head 11 can be moved laterally between the incoming transport device 2 and the rotary module 5 via a horizontal axis hA.

[0101] The packaging blanks 20 held in the magazine 8 are each removed via a suitable second gripper head 13, which is equipped, for example, with at least one vacuum suction cup 14, and fed to the pretreatment module 9 described above.

[0102] The second gripper head 13 is vertically movable via a second vertical axis vA2, i.e., the height of the second gripper head 13 can be adjusted accordingly, in particular for removing the stored packaging blanks 20 from the magazine 8 and for depositing the packaging blanks 20 in the pretreatment module 9. Furthermore, the second gripper head 13 can be moved laterally between the magazine 8 and the pretreatment module 9 via the horizontal axis hA.

[0103] The representations of the Fig. 7 show a first embodiment of a pretreatment module 9. A packaging blank 20 is removed from a magazine 8 by a gripper head 13, for example a vacuum suction cup 14, and transferred to the pretreatment module 9. This includes so-called stretching tools or stretching dies 18, which are designed, for example, in the form of what are referred to here as stretching cones 19.

[0104] These expansion cones 19 are arranged in a relative manner that corresponds to the arrangement of the articles 30 in the finished packaging unit 35. Furthermore, the arrangement of the expansion cones 19 corresponds to the arrangement of the through-openings 23 of the packaging blanks 20. The packaging blank 20 is placed over the expansion cones 19 by the gripper head 13, so that each expansion cone 19 extends through a respective through-opening of the packaging blank 20.

[0105] The packaging blank 20 is pressed downwards on the expansion cones 19 to such an extent that the edge regions 24 of the through-openings 23 are expanded by the downwardly widening cross-section of the expansion cones 19, thereby at least slightly increasing the diameter of the through-openings 23. The thus pretreated packaging blank 20v is then conveyed by the gripper head 13 to the packaging module 7 and applied to an article group 41.

[0106] Due to the inclination of the expansion cones 19, the packaging blank 20 is centered and precisely positioned or aligned. Preferably, the packaging blank 20 is released from the gripper head 13 at least briefly for centering. The pretreated packaging blank 20v can then be precisely picked up by the gripper head 13 and placed on a corresponding assembly 40 of articles 30, and secured to it by pressing down.

[0107] The representations of the Fig. 8show a second embodiment of a pretreatment module 9. Here, the packaging blank 20 is completely released within the pretreatment module 9 by the gripper head 13 and pressed onto the expansion cones 19 with the aid of a suitable tool 50, for example a pressure stamp 51, in order to widen the edge regions 24 of the passage openings 23 and in this way to reduce the resistance of the packaging blank 20 in the edge regions 24.

[0108] Subsequently, the correspondingly pretreated packaging blank 20v is picked up by a third gripper head 15, which is also designed as a vacuum suction cup 16, for example, and transported from the pretreatment module 9 to the packaging module 7.

[0109] As will be explained further below, several expansion cones 19 arranged regularly or in a die can be inserted into the packaging machine together as combined modules and removed from there as required, which can be useful, for example, when changing products and processing packaging blanks 20 with changed dimensions, distances between the through-openings 23, diameters of the through-openings 23, number of through-openings 23 per packaging blank 20, etc.

[0110] The option of a modular exchange of a plurality of expansion cones 19 or a die with a plurality of regularly arranged expansion cones 19 should optionally also be considered as an independent aspect of the present invention.

[0111] The schematic views of the Figures 9A to 9Cshow a first embodiment of a packaging blank 20 and the corresponding pretreatment and application of such a packaging blank 20 to an article group 41 consisting of four articles 30, in particular consisting of four cans 31.

[0112] This shows the Fig. 9A a packaging blank 20 before appropriate pre-treatment, while the Fig. 9B shows a packaging blank 20v after the appropriate pretreatment. Fig. 9 C shows a packaging unit 35 consisting of four articles 30, which are combined by means of a pre-treated packaging blank 20v.

[0113] The Figures 10A and 10B show a partial area of ​​the packaging blank 20, in particular a partial area comprising a passage opening 23 according to Figures 9A and 9B , in cross-sectional view.

[0114] The packaging blank 20 has four through-openings 23 with an average or mean diameter d23. So-called fixing tabs 25 are formed in the edge regions 24 delimiting the through-openings 23. The fixing tabs 25 are formed, in particular, by radial incisions 26 extending from the through-openings 23.

[0115] When pressing the packaging blank 20 onto the expansion cones 19, as is the case with the Figures 7 and 8 described, or by other suitable forming devices, the fixing tabs 25 are at least partially pressed upwards and / or bent. The fixing tabs 25 now protrude upwards beyond the plane in which the through-openings 23 are located (cf. Fig. 10B ).

[0116] By pressing upwards and / or bending the fixing tabs 25 upwards, the average diameter of a passage opening 23 increases, which is indicated by the use of the reference symbol d23v. In particular, the average diameter d23 of a passage opening 23 of a packaging blank 20 before pretreatment is smaller than the average diameter d23v of a passage opening 23v of a packaging blank 20 after pretreatment.

[0117] However, the enlarged average diameter d23v of a passage opening 23v after the pretreatment is preferably still at least slightly smaller than a maximum average diameter of the articles 30 in an upper region, in particular in an upper region which is formed in the finished packaging unit 35 above the packaging blank 20v fixed to the articles 30.

[0118] Preferably, in the finished packaging unit 35, the fixing tabs 25 are engaged with the underside of the respective lid edge 32 of the cans 31 in such a way that the packaging blank 20 is firmly fixed to the cans 31 and cannot slip upwards (see also Fig. 3B ).

[0119] Alternatively, the packaging blank 20 can have perforations that extend radially away from the through-openings 23. When the packaging blank 20 is pressed onto the expansion cones 19, the perforations break open, forming corresponding fixing tabs 25, which are bent upwards as the packaging blank 20 is further pressed onto the expansion cones 19.

[0120] Furthermore, a packaging blank 20 without securing tabs 25 or a packaging blank 20 without corresponding perforations for forming securing tabs can be expanded by pressing onto the expansion cones 19 in the region of the through-openings 23 and accordingly provided with an at least slightly increased average diameter d23v. In this case, in particular, the material from which the packaging blank 20 is made is pressed together and / or compressed in the edge regions 24 delimiting the through-openings 23.

[0121] The Figures 11A to 11C show a second embodiment of a packaging blank 20 and the corresponding pretreatment and application of such a packaging blank 20 to an article group 41.

[0122] In particular, Fig. 11A an untreated packaging blank 20 and Fig. 11Bshows a pretreated packaging blank 20v. During pretreatment, incisions 27 and / or (micro)perforations are introduced into the edge region 24 of the through-openings 23 in order to reduce the resistance in this area.

[0123] In particular, the incisions 27 thus introduced extend radially from the through-openings 23. When the pretreated packaging blank 20 is pressed directly onto the articles 30, the partial regions 28 formed between the incisions 27 can be pushed upward with little effort. In particular, this embodiment also provides for the partial regions 28 to engage below a region-specific maximum article diameter, thereby firmly securing the packaging blank 20v to the articles 30.

[0124] Furthermore, it can be provided that the pretreatment takes place in two stages, wherein in a first pretreatment step, incisions 27 and / or (micro)perforations are introduced into the packaging blank 20 and in a second process step, the packaging blank pretreated in this way is pressed onto a corresponding stretching die, as described in connection with the Figures 7 and 8 have already been described in detail.

[0125] The schematic views of the Figures 12A to 12D show a third embodiment of a packaging blank 20 and the corresponding pretreatment and application of such a packaging blank 20 to an article group 41.

[0126] In particular, Fig. 12A an untreated packaging blank 20 and Fig. 12Bshows pretreated packaging blank 20v. The packaging blank 20 is made more unstable by moistening the edge area 24 of the through-openings 23. This is particularly suitable for packaging blanks 20 made of cardboard material.

[0127] By moistening, in which, for example, steam or another suitable fluid is applied to the corresponding areas of the packaging blank 20 via a vaporizing device, the material from which the packaging blank 20 is made can be softened at least in certain areas. In particular, the edge areas 24 that define the passage openings 23 for the articles 30 are specifically moistened.

[0128] The packaging blank 20v with the thus softened edge areas 24v can now be applied to the articles 30 with a reduced effort ( Fig. 12C ).

[0129] Furthermore, a subsequent drying step can be provided in which the moistened edge regions 24v of the pretreated packaging blank 20v applied to the articles 30 are dried again by a suitable drying device, for example by means of drying air or the like. During drying, the edge regions 24 regain their stability in accordance with the material properties of the packaging blank 20, so that the packaging blank 20 adheres particularly firmly to the articles 30 ( Fig. 12D ).

[0130] If the packaging blank 20 consists, for example, of a thermoelastic plastic, the elastic properties in these heated areas can be increased by heating them in certain areas, in particular by heating the edge regions 24 bordering the through-openings 23. After the packaging blank 20v with appropriately pretreated, in particular heated, edge regions 24e of the through-openings 23 is applied to an article group 41, the edge regions 24 of the through-openings 23 adhere particularly advantageously to the outer surface of the articles 30 upon cooling.

[0131] The Fig. 13 schematically illustrates the sequence of a further embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing packaging units. It is provided that the preparation of the packaging blanks can take place before they are placed in a magazine of the packaging device.

[0132] The preparation of the packaging blanks can, for example, already be carried out by the packaging blank supplier. Alternatively, a corresponding pretreatment module can be assigned to the magazine. In these cases, the magazine contains pre-prepared packaging blanks for the packaging module of the packaging device. The prepared packaging blanks, in which the resistance force is reduced in an edge area of ​​the packaging blanks' through-openings, are removed from the magazine and applied to the items in the article group in the manner described above.

[0133] The Figures 14A and 14B show fourth embodiments of a packaging blank 20. The Fig. 15 shows a side view of a packaging unit 35 with a packaging blank 20 according to Fig. 14A or Fig. 14B . With regard to the description of Article 30, particular reference is made to the description of the Figures 1 to 3referred to.

[0134] The packaging blank 20 is in particular a so-called carrying handle blank 21, which is flat at least in some areas and has a through-opening 23 in this flat area for the application of the carrying handle blank 21 to the article 30, in particular can 31.

[0135] Furthermore, the carrying handle cutout 21 comprises a so-called carrying handle opening 29, through which the user can, for example, insert at least one finger to hold and / or carry and / or transport the article more easily or better. Instead of the carrying handle opening 29, another suitable carrying element can also be provided. According to one embodiment of the invention, the carrying element can extend beyond the plane of the flat area at least on one side.

[0136] As already mentioned in connection with the Figures 1 to 3As has been described, this exemplary embodiment also provides for the carrying handle blank 21 to be fixed to the can 31 in the finished packaging unit 35 below the lid edge 32. This ensures that the carrying handle blank 21 does not detach from the article 30 or the can 31 when the user lifts the packaging unit 35 by the carrying handle 29 or carrying element (not shown).

[0137] The Fig. 16 shows a schematic side view of a packaging device 1 for attaching a carrying handle blank 21 according to Fig. 14A or Fig. 14B . The description of the information related to the Figures 5 and 6 The reference symbols already mentioned are essentially omitted at this point, but particular attention will be paid to the description of the additional visible features or deviations.

[0138] The articles are fed via a transport device 2. The carrying handle blanks 21 are stored in a magazine 8. One carrying handle blank 21 at a time is removed from the magazine 8 via a suitable gripper head 13, which is equipped, for example, with at least one vacuum suction cup 14, and fed to a pretreatment module 9.

[0139] The gripper head 13 is vertically movable via a vertical axis vA2, i.e., the height of the gripper head 13 can be adjusted accordingly, in particular for removing the handle blanks 21 held in the magazine 8 and for depositing the handle blanks 21 in the pretreatment module 9. Furthermore, the gripper head 13 can be moved laterally between the magazine 8 and the pretreatment module 9 via a horizontal axis hA.

[0140] The pretreatment module 9 comprises a suitable stretching tool 18. The pretreatment of the carrying handle blank 21, in particular in the area of ​​the respective passage opening, is carried out in a manner analogous to that already described in connection with the Figures 1 to 13 has been described in detail.

[0141] The appropriately pre-treated carrying handle cut-out 21v is attached to article 30 (see also Fig. 15 ). This can be done, for example, while the article is continuously moved on the transport device 2.

[0142] Alternatively, it can be provided that the respective article to which a carrying handle blank 21 is to be attached is removed from the transport device 2 and transferred to a handling area (not shown) of the packaging module 7, in which the carrying handle blank 21 is attached. Subsequently, the article provided with a correspondingly prepared carrying handle blank 21v is arranged on another transport device or again on the incoming transport device 2 and, for example, is fed to a further handling step.

[0143] The side views of the Figures 17 to 20 Each schematically illustrates embodiments of a packaging line located within a packaging device 1. The packaging device 1 can, in particular, be equipped with industrial robots, wherein gripper heads 11 and / or 13 and / or 15 according to the above definition can also be used.

[0144] By means of the packaging device 1, packaging units 35 or containers 36 can be produced from compilations 40 of articles 30 or from article groups 41, as shown by way of example in Fig. 27 are shown.

[0145] Such a packaging unit 35 or such a container 36 comprises a plurality of articles 30 or beverage cans 31 and a flat packaging blank 20, by means of which the plurality of articles 30 or beverage cans 31 are held together in a form-fitting manner.

[0146] The flat packaging blank 20 has an associated opening 23 for each of the beverage cans 31, through which the respective beverage can 31 passes with an upper part, so that all beverage cans 31 of the respective container 36 are held together in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner via the flat packaging blank 20.

[0147] The Fig. 27The illustrated embodiment of such a container 36 comprises exactly eight beverage cans 31. In further embodiments, it may be, for example, that a container 36 comprises only two beverage cans 31, four beverage cans 31 or six beverage cans 31.

[0148] In order to assemble or produce the respective container 36, the packaging line of the packaging device 1 shown comprises a first module 60, a second module 70 and a transport device 2, which can transport articles 30 or beverage cans 31 from the first module 60 to the second module 70. The second module 70 follows in the embodiment according to Fig. 17 , Fig. 18 , Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 onto the first module 60 in a conveying direction FR intended for the beverage cans 31.

[0149] In order to produce a container 36 according to the embodiment according to Fig. 27In order to be able to produce, beverage cans 31 which are provided for the respective container 36 must be arranged relative to one another in which the passage openings 23 of the packaging blank 20 are aligned with the beverage cans 31 and the beverage cans 31 can then be pushed in an aligned orientation through the openings 23 of the flat packaging blank 20.

[0150] If beverage cans 31 are not aligned correctly with each other, the beverage cans 31 do not meet or only partially meet the through-openings 23 when the packaging blank 20 is applied, which can cause problems when the respective flat packaging blank 20 is applied.

[0151] In order to form a respective grouping 41 or assembly 40 from a plurality of beverage cans 31, for example, dividers can be provided which can comprise two horizontal conveyors adjoining one another in the conveying direction FR and, if necessary, produce groupings 41 each comprising a plurality of beverage cans 31 through intermittent operation. Dividers are also known which can engage articles 30 or beverage cans 31 via a plurality of push bars, then accelerate the respective beverage cans 31 relative to trailing beverage cans 31 in the conveying direction FR and thereby form a respective grouping 41 comprising a plurality of beverage cans 31.

[0152] In the packaging device 1 from the embodiment according to Fig. 17 to Fig. 20 the first module 60 for generating the groupings 41 comprises the first gripper head 11 (see also Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 ), which in Fig. 18is shown schematically. In such embodiments, beverage cans 31 are picked up from a supply 61 (cf. Fig. 28 ), then moved in the direction of the transport device 2 and placed on the transport device 2 in the direction coming from above.

[0153] The beverage cans 31 are placed on the transport device 2 via a handling device formed by the first gripper head 11 in the region of the first module 60 in such a way that a grouping 41 of beverage cans 31 is formed on the transport device 2 immediately upon placement, wherein the respective number of beverage cans 31 within each grouping 41 corresponds to the appropriate number of beverage cans 31 in the respective container 36 to be produced (cf. Fig. 27 ) matches.

[0154] In addition, the beverage cans 31 are placed on the transport device 2 via the first gripper head 11 in such a way that the beverage cans 31 of a respective grouping 41 formed on the transport device 2 already have an alignment to one another immediately upon placement on the transport device 2, which is suitable for the application of the respective flat packaging blank 20.

[0155] As already mentioned, the first module 60 for producing or generating a respective grouping 41 on the transport device 2 can also have a divider, which is provided instead of the gripper head 11 and forms the respective groupings 41. In order to separate the beverage cans 31 from the supply 61 (see Fig. 28 ) and deposit them on the transport device 2, the handling device mentioned comprises at least a first gripper head 11.

[0156] After the formation of the groups 41 on the transport device 2, which groups 41 each comprise a plurality of beverage cans 31 already aligned with one another for the application of flat packaging blanks 20, these groups 41 are moved via the transport device 2 in the conveying direction FR.

[0157] The transport device 2 is connected to a control and / or regulating device S, indicated only schematically here, which controls the transport device 2 for the uninterrupted movement of groupings 41 deposited thereon at the same or constant conveying speed over time. The groupings 41 then leave the first module 60 and reach the second module 70, which is arranged downstream of the first module 10 in the conveying direction FR.

[0158] In order to minimize the risk that the beverage cans 31, which are already aligned with one another immediately upon placement on the transport device 2 for the application of a flat packaging blank 20, will unintentionally shift relative to one another during a movement in the conveying direction FR, it can be provided that the transport device 2 has a circulating endless traction means or a circulating conveyor belt, between which circulating endless traction means or between which circulating conveyor belt and the beverage cans 31 a high static friction is formed. For example, the endless traction means or the circulating conveyor belt can have a plurality of knobs and / or be made of a material via which a high static friction can be formed between the beverage containers and the endless traction means or between the beverage containers and the circulating conveyor belt.

[0159] In order to apply the flat packaging blank 20 to a respective grouping 41, the second module 70 preferably comprises an industrial robot 71, which has a Figures 17 to 20 only schematically shown working tool 72. This working tool 72, explained in detail below, was previously also referred to as the second gripper head 13 and / or the third gripper head 15 (cf. Figures 6 to 8 and the Fig. 16 ).

[0160] The industrial robot 71 can, for example, be designed as a gantry system or be integrated into a gantry system. It is conceivable that the industrial robot 71 is designed as a multi-axis robot or as a delta kinematic robot.

[0161] The working tool 72 referred to here comprises several manipulation elements 73 (cf. Fig. 21), which are designed such that the plurality of manipulation elements 73 for pressing a respective beverage can 31 into a respective passage opening 23 (cf. Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 ) can apply a respective defined force along the respective perimeter of the respective opening 23 to the flat packaging blank 20 at different times. The working tool 72, as it is for the embodiment according to Figures 17 to 20 is provided, according to the embodiment according to Figures 21 to 26 be trained.

[0162] About the working tool 72 according to the Figures 21 to 26 as well as the working tool 72 according to Figures 17 to 20 the industrial robot 71 can pick up a flat packaging blank 20 from a magazine 8 (cf. Fig. 28 ; see also Figures 5 to 8 ) or in further embodiments from several matrices 74 (cf. Fig. 28 ) with a plurality of expansion cones 19 (cf. Figures 7 and 8 ) onto which the flat packaging blank 20 had been placed in a previous process step. A plurality of flat packaging blanks 20 can be stacked in the magazine 8.

[0163] The industrial robot 71 then aligns the flat packaging blank 20, which is still received by the work tool 72, above the respective beverage cans 31 onto which the flat packaging blank 20 is to be applied. The industrial robot 71 then lowers the work tool 72 vertically toward the respective beverage cans 31 or vertically toward the respective grouping 41 and presses the flat packaging blank 20 against the respective beverage cans 31, which are to be combined into a bundle 36 via the flat packaging blank 20.

[0164] As a result, beverage cans 31 pass through openings 23 of the flat packaging blank 20, whereupon the respective beverage cans 31 are then held together in a form-fitting manner via the flat packaging blank 20 and a container 36 is formed.

[0165] In order to be able to move the work tool 72, the industrial robot 71 preferably has a work arm 75 on which the work tool 72 is arranged. In further embodiments, the work tool 72 can also be designed as a component of a gantry system or integrated into a gantry system. Using the work arm 75, the work tool 72 can be moved horizontally and vertically as needed.

[0166] Since in practice the respective diameter of the openings 23 of the flat packaging blank 20 is reduced compared to a diameter which the beverage cans 31 each form in the upper region, it is possible that the flat packaging blank 20, when applied to beverage cans 31, unintentionally tears in the region of an opening 23 or even in the region of several openings 23. This leads to damage to the container 36, since in the event of a tear in the region of a respective opening 23, it cannot be guaranteed with certainty that a respective can 31 inserted into this opening 23 will still be securely held on the flat packaging blank 20 and held together with the other cans 31 of the container 36. Such a tear also leads to an unwanted visual impairment of the container 36, which is why such a container 36 must be rejected.

[0167] By means of the embodiment of a working tool 72 as described for the packaging section of the packaging device 1 according to Fig. 17 , Fig. 18 , Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 and by means of an embodiment of a working tool 72 as shown in the Figures 21 to 23 As shown, a risk can be reduced that such a crack occurs when a flat packaging blank 20 is applied to beverage cans 31.

[0168] Practice has even shown that the risk of such a crack occurring when applying a flat packaging blank 20 to beverage cans 31 by means of a working tool 72, as is the case with the packaging section of the packaging device 1 according to Figures 17 to 20 is provided or as in the embodiment according to Figures 21 to 23 shown can be almost completely ruled out.

[0169] The structure and functioning of the working tool 72 are thus described below with reference to Figures 21 to 23 The preparation of the packaging blanks 20 and 20v with the widened and post-treated openings 23 and 23v has already been described above using the Figures 7 to 10B explained in detail.

[0170] The Figures 18 and 19 show a further embodiment of a packaging line of a packaging device 1, in which an embodiment of an industrial robot 71 according to the invention and an embodiment of a working tool 72 according to the invention are used.

[0171] The packaging section of the packaging device 1 from the embodiment according to Figures 18 and 19 can also produce numerous similar containers 36, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 27 is shown.

[0172] In order to assemble or produce the respective container 27, the packaging section of the packaging device 1 shown comprises, as does the embodiment according to Figure 17 a first module 60, a second module 70, and a transport device 2, which can transport articles 30, beverage containers, or beverage cans 31 from the first module 60 to the second module 70. The second module 70 is arranged downstream of the first module 60 in the conveying direction FR of the horizontal conveyor device 2.

[0173] In order to ensure that a respective flat packaging blank 20 can be applied to beverage cans 31 without problems or in order to ensure that the beverage cans 31 of a respective grouping 41 have an alignment to one another that is suitable for applying the flat packaging blank 20, the first module 60 comprises a handling device 76 with the first gripper head 11 (cf. Fig. 18 and Fig. 28 ).

[0174] Via the handling device 76 with the first gripper head 11, beverage cans 31 are picked up from a Figure 28 The beverage cans 31 are received at the provision 61 shown, then moved in the direction of the transport device 2 and deposited on the horizontal conveyor device 2 in a direction coming from above. The beverage cans 31 are deposited on the transport device 2 via the handling device 76 in such a way that, immediately upon deposit, a grouping 41 of beverage cans 31 is formed on the transport device 2, the number of which corresponds to the number of the respective container 36 to be produced (cf. Fig. 27 ) matches.

[0175] In addition, the beverage cans 31 are placed on the transport device 2 via the handling device 76 in such a way that the beverage cans 31 of a respective grouping 41 formed on the transport device 2 already have an alignment with one another immediately upon placement on the transport device 2, which is suitable for applying the respective flat packaging blank 20. Since this eliminates the need for division via holding elements and guidance via rails, there is no risk of the beverage cans 31 becoming scratched or damaged due to surface contact with guide rails and / or holding elements.

[0176] After the groupings 41, each comprising a plurality of beverage cans 31 already aligned with one another for the application of packaging blanks 20, have been formed on the transport device 2, the groupings 41 are moved via the transport device 2 in the conveying direction FR. The transport device 2 is connected to a control and / or regulating device S, which controls the transport device 2 for the uninterrupted movement of the groupings 41 deposited thereon at the same conveying speed or at a conveying speed that remains constant over time. The groupings 41 then leave the first module 60 and reach the second module 70, which follows the first module 60 in the conveying direction FR.

[0177] The schematic views of the Figures 18 and 19further illustrate that the second module 70 is assigned an industrial robot 71, which carries a working tool 72 suspended via a working arm 75. The industrial robot 71 can be enabled and capable of simultaneously removing several flat packaging blanks 20 from a stack not shown in the figures (e.g., from a magazine 8; cf. Figures 5 to 8 ) or of matrices 74 (cf. Figure 28 ) to accept.

[0178] After receipt, the working tool 72 is moved toward the transport device 2, so that the working tool 72, together with the plurality of flat packaging blanks 20 still held by the working tool 72, is located above the plurality of groupings 41 to which the flat packaging blanks 20 are to be applied. Following this, the working tool 72 is lowered toward the groupings 41 and then applies the flat packaging blanks 20 to the groupings 41.

[0179] Since the groupings 41 are moved continuously in the conveying direction FR during the application of the packaging blank 20 by means of the transport device 2, the working tool 72 is moved along with the groupings 41 in the conveying direction FR after lowering and until the complete application of the flat packaging blanks 20 to the groupings 41. Once all packaging blanks 20 have been applied to the groupings 41, the beverage cans 31 formed as part of a respective grouping 41 together with the respective flat packaging blank 20 form a packaging unit 35 or a container 36, as is shown by way of example in the Fig. 27 is shown.

[0180] In order to apply the flat packaging blanks 20 to the article or can groups or to the groupings 41, the flat packaging blanks 20 must be pressed onto the respective beverage cans 31 in the direction of the respective beverage cans 31. Accordingly, the working tool 72 for applying each flat packaging blank 20 must apply a defined force to the respective packaging blank 20, which acts in a downward direction or in the direction of the respective beverage containers 31.

[0181] In order to avoid that the working tool 72 has to apply a relatively high total force at a certain point in time, embodiments have proven useful in which the working tool 72 is functionally operated in accordance with the Figures 21 to 23 described embodiment.

[0182] In addition, it may be provided that the working tool 72 cuts the flat packaging blanks 20 accordingly Fig. 19 applied to the groupings 41 with a time delay. In the embodiment according to Fig. 19 First, a flat packaging blank 20 is applied to an article grouping 41 that is arranged at the front in the conveying direction FR of the transport device 2. Subsequently, flat packaging blanks 20 are successively applied to groups 41 that follow the grouping 41 that is arranged at the front in the conveying direction FR of the transport device 2.

[0183] Through Fig. 19Furthermore, it becomes clear once again that, even in the area of ​​the second module 70, no guide rails or holding elements extending in the conveying direction FR are provided or necessary, which may be moved together with the groupings 41 or allow them to slide along. Thus, even in the area of ​​the second module 70, groupings 41 or beverage cans 31 are preferably not in surface contact with guide rails and / or holding elements at any point or at any time.

[0184] The schematic view of the Fig. 20 shows a further embodiment of the packaging line of the packaging device 1, in which an embodiment of an industrial robot 71 according to the invention and an embodiment of a working tool 72 according to the invention are used.

[0185] The transport device 2 and the first module 60 are shown in accordance with the embodiment according to Figures 18 and 19designed so that reference can be made to the corresponding description passages. Compared to the embodiment according to Figures 18 and 19 The design differs according to Fig. 20 in the manner of applying flat packaging blanks 20 via the working tool 72.

[0186] As can be seen from the Fig. 19 as well as the corresponding description passages for Fig. 19 As already mentioned, the flat packaging blanks 20 must be pressed in the direction of the respective beverage cans 31 onto the respective beverage cans 31 via the working tool 72.

[0187] Thus, the working tool 72 must apply a certain force to each flat packaging blank 20, which acts downwards or in the direction of the respective beverage cans 31. In order for the working tool 72 not to have to apply a relatively large force at a certain time, the flat packaging blanks 20 are also Fig. 20 applied to the groups 41 via the working tool 72 with a time delay. In addition, the working tool 72 is functionally designed according to the embodiment of the following Figures 21 to 23 trained.

[0188] From a summary of the Fig. 19 with the Fig. 20 It becomes clear that the order in which flat packaging blanks 20 are applied to the groups 41 is different in the variant according to Fig. 20 from the variant according to Fig. 19While in the Fig. 19 shown variant, a flat packaging blank 20 is first applied to a grouping 41 arranged at the front in the conveying direction FR of the transport device 2 and the further groupings 41 follow thereon, in the case of the Fig. 20 In the variant shown, a respective flat packaging blank 20 is arranged at least approximately simultaneously on a grouping 41 arranged at the front in the conveying direction FR and on a grouping 41 arranged at the rear in the conveying direction FR. Only subsequently in the case of the Fig. 20 In the variant shown, a respective flat packaging blank 20 is applied to the further groupings 41, which are located between the grouping 41 arranged at the front in the conveying direction FR and the grouping 41 arranged at the rear in the conveying direction FR.

[0189] For groupings 41 which are located between the groupings 41 arranged at the front and rear in the conveying direction FR, the flat packaging blanks 20 are also applied in pairs, so that at least approximately simultaneously two flat packaging blanks 20 are applied to each two groupings 41.

[0190] Also in the example according to Fig. 20 In the area of ​​the second module 70, no guide rails or guide rails and / or holding elements are provided that could come into contact with the lateral surfaces of beverage cans 31. The movement of the beverage cans 31 in the area of ​​the second module 70 occurs via the transport device 2 without the lateral surfaces of the beverage cans 31 coming into contact with guide rails and / or holding elements.

[0191] The Figures 21 to 23each show a schematic view of an embodiment of a working tool 72 according to the invention, as has already been explained in several places.

[0192] The perspective view of the Fig. 21 This illustrates that the work tool 72 has a carrier 77, which is designed as a carrier plate 78 and to which several manipulation elements 73 are suspended. If the work tool 72 is moved by an industrial robot 71, the carrier 77 or the carrier plate 78 remains consistently in a horizontal orientation.

[0193] For all articles 30 formed by beverage cans 31 of a respective container 36 to be produced, the working tool 72 comprises a separate manipulation element 73, the structural design of which is shown in the Figures 24 to 26is shown in detail in each case and which comes into surface contact with the flat packaging blank 20 when applied to beverage cans 31.

[0194] About the working tool 72, as it is in the Figures 21 to 23 As shown, three flat packaging blanks 20 can be applied to beverage cans 31 at least approximately simultaneously, so that several beverage cans 31 are combined into three packages 36 via three flat packaging blanks 20 via the working tool 72 at least approximately simultaneously.

[0195] By an alternative arrangement of manipulation elements 73 at different height levels, it is also possible to cut flat packaging blanks 20 accordingly Figures 19 and 20to be applied to different groupings 41 at different times. Thus, in such embodiments, manipulation elements 73 assigned to a first flat packaging blank 20 can be arranged at different height levels compared to manipulation elements 73 assigned to a second flat packaging blank 20, or can have a different relative spacing from the carrier 77.

[0196] The perspective view after Figure 21 It also shows that the working tool 72 comprises several lateral partition walls 79 and a rear wall 80. The lateral partition walls 79 and the rear wall 80 are oriented perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, the lateral partition walls 79 and the rear wall 80 are each arranged suspended from the support 77 and the support plate 78, respectively, from which support 77 and from which support plate 78 the manipulation elements 73 are also suspended.

[0197] The spacing between two adjacent lateral partition walls 79 is selected such that a respective flat packaging blank 20 can be arranged between two adjacent partition walls 79 in a form-fitting manner or with slight play. The rear wall 80 defines a position for a flat packaging blank 20 arranged between adjacent partition walls 79 in a further spatial direction. A flat packaging blank 20 can therefore be in contact with the rear wall 80 and with two adjacent lateral partition walls 79, or can be only slightly spaced from the lateral partition walls 79 or slightly from the rear wall 80.

[0198] Since the lateral partition walls 79 and the rear wall 80 prevent a relative movement of a received flat packaging blank 20 with respect to the manipulation elements 73 in several spatial directions, it can be ensured with a high degree of certainty that the manipulation elements 73 will accurately hit a predetermined position of the flat packaging blank 20 on the respective grouping 41 when the flat packaging blank 20 is applied.

[0199] The side partitions 79 also have another function, which can be seen from a summary of the Figures 17 and 21 becomes clear. As previously mentioned, groupings 41 of beverage cans 31 are formed in the area of ​​the first module 60, wherein these formed groupings 41 are moved spaced apart from one another in the conveying direction FR via the transport device 2 and thereby reach the area of ​​the second module 70.

[0200] In order to be able to precisely apply flat packaging blanks 20 to the groupings 41 so that the beverage cans 31 each land on the openings 23 provided for them, it is necessary for the relative spacing between successive groupings 41 to correspond very precisely to a predetermined target spacing. In the event that a beverage can 31 accidentally slips during movement over the transport device 2 or during division of the beverage cans 31 into groupings 41, this beverage can 31 may be located too close to a leading grouping 41 or too close to a trailing grouping 41.

[0201] In order to correct such an error or to then move the beverage can 31 into a position in which the beverage can 31 accurately hits a respective opening 23 when the flat packaging blank 20 is applied, the respective beverage can 31 is moved over the lateral partition walls 79 if necessary.

[0202] How this Figures 21 , 22 and 23As can be seen, the lateral partition walls 79 each taper in the opposite direction of the carrier 77. In order to apply the flat packaging blank 20, the working tool 72 is moved in the direction of the beverage cans 31 or in the direction of the respective groupings 41, wherein the lateral partition walls 79 dip into a free space which is formed between successive groupings 41. If there is a beverage can 31 in this free space which has unintentionally slipped or whose position does not correspond to a desired position, a lateral partition wall 79 pushes this beverage can 31 back into a predetermined desired position.

[0203] As a result, the beverage cans 31 hit the openings 23 of the flat packaging blank 20 with precision, which can additionally reduce the risk of a crack occurring in the flat packaging blank 20 while the beverage cans 31 are being pressed into the openings 23.

[0204] The shape of the lateral partition walls 79, which tapers in the opposite direction to the carrier 77, has also proven effective in preventing damage to the beverage cans 31 during contact with the lateral partition walls 79 and tipping of the beverage cans 31 during pushing.

[0205] In order to remove a flat packaging blank 20 from a magazine 8 (cf. Figure 28 ) in order to be able to move the then removed flat packaging blank 20 in the direction of the groupings 41 and to be able to hold the respective flat packaging blank 20 moved in the direction of the groupings 41 firmly on the working tool 72 until it is applied to a respective grouping 41, the working tool 72 comprises several suction instruments 14, which were previously referred to and explained as vacuum suction devices 14 (cf. Figures 6 to 8 ).

[0206] The suction instruments 14 or vacuum suction cups can each be subjected to negative pressure or can fix the flat packaging blank 20 to the working tool 72 via negative pressure. For this purpose, the working tool 72 comprises several such suction instruments 14 for each flat packaging blank 20 to be received, so that the respective flat packaging blank 20 can be securely held on the working tool 72 via the respective plurality of suction instruments 14.

[0207] In Fig. 22 The suction instruments 14 are shown enlarged again. The Fig. 22enlarges the support 77 or the support plate 78, to which the manipulation elements 73, the lateral partition walls 79, and the rear wall 80 are each suspended. As already explained above, manipulation elements 73 assigned to a first flat packaging blank 20 can be located at different heights or at different spacings from the support 77 or the support plate 78 compared to further manipulation elements 73 assigned to a further flat packaging blank 20.

[0208] From the perspective top view of the working tool 72 from below according to Fig. 23 It can be seen that the lateral partition walls 79 are oriented parallel to each other. On the right side, Fig. 23a flat packaging blank 20 is shown, which is held by the working tool 72 between two lateral partition walls 79. For each beverage can 31, the flat packaging blank 20 already forms a respective opening 23, into which the respective beverage can 31 can be inserted or pressed. For clarification, Fig. 23 a beverage can 31 is already shown, which has been pressed into an opening 23 of the flat packaging blank 20 via the working tool 72 and is now fixed to the flat packaging blank 20.

[0209] In the embodiments shown here, the flat packaging blank 20, when applied to a respective grouping 41, already forms an associated opening 23 for each beverage can 31 of the respective grouping 41. In further embodiments, however, it may also be the case that an area provided for forming the openings 23 is pre-punched in the flat packaging blank 20 and that the openings 23 are only formed when the flat packaging blank 20 is applied to the beverage cans 31. The beverage cans 31 can be guided against the pre-punched area under the influence of force, wherein the pre-punched area is at least partially severed from the flat packaging blank 20 and openings 23 are thereby created in the flat packaging blank 20. Such embodiments of a flat packaging blank 20 can also be produced by means of the embodiment of a working tool 72 accordingly Figures 21 to 23applied to several beverage cans 31.

[0210] In the perspective view of the Fig. 24 An embodiment of a manipulation element 73 is shown. The manipulation element 73 is a component of the embodiment of the working tool 72 according to the Figures 21 to 23 , but can be used independently of this embodiment in a general context or may be part of other embodiments.

[0211] The Fig. 24 The manipulation element 73 shown comprises a contact surface 81, which is brought into surface contact with the flat packaging blank 20 by applying force to press a beverage can 31 into an associated opening 23. The contact surface 81 has a curved shape.

[0212] From a summary of the Figures 24 and 25It also becomes clear that the contact surface 81 of the manipulation element 73 does not contact the flat packaging blank 20 completely or only partially when it hits it. If the manipulation element 73 is moved from its position to Fig. 25 further in the direction of the beverage can 31, the contact surface 81 of the manipulation element 73 comes into contact with the flat packaging blank 20 at a specific time along the entire circumferential profile of the respective opening 23 formed in the flat packaging blank 20 due to an elastic deformation of the flat packaging blank 20 in the area immediately around a respective passage opening 23 and then presses the beverage can 31 through the opening 23 until the beverage can 31 is held firmly on the flat packaging blank 20.

[0213] Due to the curved shape of the contact surface 81, a force required to press a respective beverage can 31 into a respective opening 23 is applied to the flat packaging blank 20 at a time-shifted location along the circumference of the opening 23. Thus, when a beverage can 31 is initially pressed into a respective opening 23, the manipulation element 73 initially comes into surface contact with the flat packaging blank 20 at several areas offset along the circumference of the respective opening 23.

[0214] Only during the further pressing of the respective beverage can 31 into the respective opening 23 is an area with which the manipulation element 73 comes into contact with the flat packaging blank 20 via the contact surface 81 enlarged, whereby the risk of an unintentional tearing of the flat packaging blank 20 in the area of ​​the respective opening 23 can be kept very low.

[0215] Apart from the curved profile of the contact surface 81 shown here as an example, there are further embodiments for forming the contact surface 81 of the manipulation element 73, with which the force required to press a respective beverage can 31 into a respective opening 23 can be applied to the flat packaging blank 20 at a time-shifted rate along the circumferential profile of the respective opening 23. For example, the contact surface 81 can be designed to be rectilinear and positioned at an angle relative to the flat packaging blank 20.

[0216] Embodiments have also proven successful in which the manipulation elements 73, designed as part of a working tool 72, are rotated for the staggered application of a force intended to press a respective beverage can 31 into a respective opening 23. An axis of rotation can run along a longitudinal axis of the respective beverage can 31. The shape of the contact surface 81 of the respective manipulation element 73 can furthermore have a curved profile or be inclined relative to the flat packaging blank 20.

[0217] In the enlarged view of the Fig. 26 individual aspects of the presentation are again Fig. 25 shown in detail or enlarged. The curved or curved shape of the contact surface 81 of the manipulation element 73 can still be seen. The Fig. 26that the flat packaging blank 20 has a plurality of fixing or holding tabs 25 in the area of ​​a respective opening 23 (see also the fixing or holding tabs Fig. 25 ). Each beverage can 31 also forms an upper edge 24 or fold (cf. Fig. 27 ), which runs around a closure of a respective beverage can 31 (not shown in the figures).

[0218] After a respective beverage can 31 has been pressed into a respective opening 23, the holding tabs or fixing tabs 25 are each arranged below the respective upper edge 24 and fix the flat packaging blank 20 immovably in the axial direction to the respective beverage can 31. In order to keep the force required to press the beverage cans 31 into the openings 23 low, embodiments have proven successful in which the holding tabs 25 are pre-bent before the beverage cans 31 are pressed into the openings 23 or, if necessary, into an upright orientation accordingly Fig. 25 be transferred.

[0219] The Fig. 27shows a schematic perspective view of a packaging unit 35 or a container 36, as can be produced with various embodiments of the working tool 72 according to the invention. In the present case, the container 36 comprises exactly eight beverage cans 31, which are held together by a flat packaging blank 20. For this purpose, the beverage cans 31 were inserted into openings 23 of the flat packaging blank 20 by means of a working tool 72 (cf. Figures 21 to 23 ) is pressed in, whereby the holding tabs or fixing tabs 25 are arranged below the upper edges 24, which holding tabs 25 fix the flat packaging blank 20 immovably in the axial direction to the beverage cans 31.

[0220] The Fig. 28shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a packaging device 1 according to the invention, in which an embodiment of an industrial robot 71 according to the invention and an embodiment of a work tool 72 according to the invention are used. The industrial robot 71 can be designed, for example, as a gantry system or as a multi-axis robot and is in Fig. 28 not shown for reasons of clarity.

[0221] The packaging line of the packaging device 1 comprises a conveyor 61 that transports beverage cans 31 in several parallel rows. For transport in several parallel rows, the conveyor 61 has several guide rails or aisle plates 4, with a single-row stream of beverage cans 31 being moved between immediately adjacent guide rails or aisle plates 4.

[0222] The embodiment according to Fig. 28further comprises a transport device 2, which moves beverage cans 31 placed thereon in the conveying direction FR. The conveying direction FR and the direction of movement by which the supply device 61 transports beverage containers 31 in several parallel rows or aisles 3 are oriented parallel to one another.

[0223] Furthermore, the packaging device 1 comprises a handling device 76 with a plurality of gripping heads 11, via which the handling device 76 can receive beverage cans 31 moved up to that point in a plurality of parallel rows or lanes 3 via the supply 61 and deposit them on the transport device 2 as a group 41. Also in the packaging section of the packaging device 1 according to Fig. 28It is provided that the beverage cans 31 of a respective group 41 already have an alignment to one another which is intended for or suitable for the application of the respective flat packaging blank 20 immediately upon placement on the transport device 2.

[0224] In order to be able to apply flat packaging blanks 20 to the groups 41 each comprising several beverage cans 31, the packaging device 1 has six working tools 72. The working tools 72 can have a structure corresponding to the previously described Figures 21 to 23 described embodiment and apply flat packaging blanks 20 to groupings 41, as previously described in the Figures 21 to 23 The corresponding description has already been explained.

[0225] The packaging device 1 further comprises a magazine 8, which receives and holds the packaging blanks 20 not yet applied to groupings 41. For this purpose, the magazine 8 comprises, for example, a plurality of vertically aligned prongs 82, wherein a respective prong 82 engages through a respective opening 23 of a respective flat packaging blank 20 received in the magazine 8. The flat packaging blanks 20 are thus held in the magazine 8 via the prongs 82.

[0226] In practice, it may be that the working tools 72 have to apply a relatively high force in order to apply a respective flat packaging blank 20 to a respective grouping 41. Taking into account the container 36 according to Fig. 27It can be seen here that an upper edge 32 of a respective beverage can 31 must be inserted through a respective opening 23 if a respective flat packaging blank 20 is to be applied to a respective grouping 41. Since the flat packaging blank 20 must be elastically deformed in this case, it is possible that one or more of the beverage cans 31 may unintentionally tip over when the packaging blank 20 is applied to a respective grouping 41. By means of the manipulation elements 73, which are each part of the working tools 72, this force can already be reduced in magnitude.

[0227] In order to further reduce the resistance of the flat packaging blanks 20 in the area of ​​the openings 23, the flat packaging blanks 20 are in the packaging device 1 according to Fig. 28initially placed on matrices 74, whereby a respective matrix 74 dips into a respective opening 42 of a respective flat packaging blank 41. The matrices 74 so designated here thus correspond in their function to the matrices 74 already described above with reference to the Figures 6 to 8 explained expansion cone 19 and may also be similar or equivalent to these in their design.

[0228] It is possible here that the working tools 72 remove a respective flat packaging blank 20 from the magazine 8, followed by the dies 74 or expansion cones 19 dipping into the openings 23 of the respective packaging blank 20 and then elastically deforming or expanding a respective edge region 24 of a respective opening 23 by means of the dies 74 (cf. Figures 7 to 10Band the corresponding description passages), so that the resistance force to be overcome in order to apply the flat packaging blank 20 to a respective grouping 41 is reduced.

[0229] In the embodiment according to Fig. 28 However, it is intended that a detailed Fig. 29 The transfer tool 83 shown removes a respective flat packaging blank 20 from the magazine 8 and then places it onto the dies 74, so that a respective die 74 is immersed in a respective opening 23 of a respective flat packaging blank 20. The transfer tool 83 then leaves a vicinity of the dies 74 and is moved back toward the magazine 8.

[0230] Overlaid in time with the movement of the transfer tool 83 toward the magazine 8, the working tools 72 are moved toward the flat packaging blanks 20 placed on the dies 74 and then come into contact with the flat packaging blanks 20 still resting on the dies 74. The flat packaging blanks 20 are then pressed downward onto the dies 74 via the working tools 72, thereby expanding edge regions 24 of the openings 23.

[0231] Subsequently, the working tools 72 remove the flat packaging blanks 20 from the dies 74, move the flat packaging blanks 20 removed from the dies 74 in the direction of the groupings 41 arranged on the transport device 2, and then apply the flat packaging blanks 20 to the groupings 41. Since edge regions 24 of the openings 23 were previously stretched by means of the dies 74, a resistance force that must be overcome to apply the flat packaging blanks 20 to the groupings 41 is significantly reduced compared to embodiments without such prior stretching of the edge regions 24.

[0232] As previously mentioned, the flat packaging blanks 20 are placed onto the dies 74 by means of a transfer tool 83, with each die 74 inserting into a respective opening 23 of a respective flat packaging blank 20. The number of dies 74 must therefore correspond at least to the number of openings 23 formed by the flat packaging blanks 20. In order for the dies 74 to insert into the openings 23, the arrangement or position of the dies 74 must also be coordinated with the respective arrangement or position of the openings 23 formed by the flat packaging blanks 20.

[0233] In order to produce different containers 36 (size, arrangement, etc.), it may be necessary to use flat packaging blanks 20 that differ in terms of the respective number of openings 23 and / or their respective position or arrangement in the flat packaging blank 20. Thus, it may be necessary to replace the matrices 74 if different containers 36 are to be produced using the packaging device 1 in successive packaging processes.

[0234] In order to be able to carry out such an exchange of matrices 74 quickly and easily, several matrices 74 are provided in the embodiment according to Fig. 28 to a respective format part 84 (cf. Fig. 31). If, in the packaging device 1, flat packaging blanks 20 are changed which differ with regard to the number and / or arrangement of the openings 23, format parts 84 are exchanged, which format parts 84 each comprise a plurality of matrices 74. The exchange of format parts 84 comprising a plurality of matrices 74 can be carried out, for example, by a user or in an automated manner by an appropriately equipped and controllable industrial robot.

[0235] There are also embodiments in which format parts 84 comprising several matrices 74 can be exchanged as needed by means of a driverless transport system.

[0236] The Figures 29 and 30 show individual details of the embodiment of a packaging device 1 according to Figure 28 . The Fig. 29shows the previously mentioned transfer tool 83, which can remove flat packaging blanks 20 from a magazine 8 and place them on the matrices 74. For each flat packaging blank 20, the transfer tool 83 has four associated support plungers 85, each of which is spring-mounted and can suck in and grasp a respective flat packaging blank 20 pneumatically, ie by vacuum-controlled grasping and picking up.

[0237] The Fig. 30 shows in particular the already mentioned Fig. 28 illustrated gripper heads 11, which pick up beverage cans 31 from a supply 61 (cf. Fig. 28) and deposit them as a group 41 on the transport device 2. The beverage cans 31 of a respective group 41 already have an alignment to one another immediately upon depositing on the transport device 2, which is intended for the application of the respective flat packaging blank 20.

[0238] The Fig. 31 shows again in detail the already Fig. 28 The magazine 8 described above, in which flat packaging blanks 20 are arranged in a stacked form, is shown. Furthermore, the format parts 84 can be seen, each of which comprises several dies 74 and can be replaced as needed.

[0239] The schematic side view of the Fig. 32 shows an alternative embodiment of the contact surface 81 of the manipulation element 73.

[0240] The schematic side view of the Fig. 33shows a further alternative embodiment of the contact surface 81 of the manipulation element 73. In addition, at least one controllable contact surface 86 is provided. The controllable contact surface 86 is moved out of the plane of the contact surface 81 when the flat packaging blank 20 is pressed on, so that the flat packaging blank 20 is pressed on at a different time.

[0241] During the pressing operation or before the completion of the pressing operation, the controllable contact surfaces 86 can be actively or passively retracted into the contact surface 81.

[0242] The embodiments, examples, and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless the features are incompatible.

[0243] Although the figures generally refer to "schematic" representations and views, this by no means implies that the figures and their descriptions are of secondary importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. A person skilled in the art will be perfectly capable of deriving sufficient information from the schematic and abstractly drawn representations to facilitate their understanding of the invention, without their understanding being in any way impaired by the drawn, possibly not exactly scaled, proportions of the articles and / or parts of the device or other drawn elements. The figures thus enable the skilled reader, based on the more concretely explained implementations of the inventive method and the more concretely explained functioning of the inventive device, to gain a better understanding of the claims.

[0244] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or variations of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims. List of reference symbols

[0245] 1 Packaging device 2 Transport device 3 Aisle 4 Aisle plate 5 Rotating module 6 Turntable 7 Packaging module 8 Magazine 9 Pre-treatment module 10 Discharge belt 11 First gripper head 12 Packing bell, packing bells 13 Second gripper head 14 Vacuum suction cup, suction instrument 15 Third gripper head 16 Vacuum suction cup 17 Drive 18 Stretching tool, stretching die 19 Stretching cone 20 Packaging blank 20 Pre-treated packaging blank 21 Handle blank 21 Pre-treated handle blank 23 Passage opening, passage openings, opening 23 Passage openings after pre-treatment 24 Edge area, upper fold 24 Pre-treated edge area 24 Heated edge area 25 Fixing tab, holding tab 25 Fixing tab after pretreatment 26radial incision 27incision 28partial area 29carrying handle opening 30article 31can, beverage can 32lid rim 33taper, constriction 34closure 35packaging unit 36container 40composition 41article group,Grouping 50Tool 51Pressure stamp 60First module 61Preparation 70Second module 71Industrial robot 72Working tool 73Manipulation element 74Die 75Working arm 76Handling device 77Carrier 78Carrier plate 79Partition, side partition 80Rear wall 81Contact surface 82Tine 83Transfer tool 84Format part 85Support ram 86Controllable contact surface, d23 Average diameter of a passage opening d23v Average diameter of a passage opening after appropriate pretreatment FApplication force FR Conveying direction, transport direction hA Horizontal axis S Control and / or regulating device vA1 First vertical axis vA2 Second vertical axis

Claims

1. A packaging apparatus (1) for producing packaging units (35), the packaging units (35) comprising at least one article (30), in particular comprising at least one beverage can (31), on which article at least one at least in some areas flatly designed packaging blank (20) is arranged, which packaging blank (20) has at least one passage opening (23) in the flatly designed area for the at least one article (30); the packaging apparatus (1) comprising • at least one feeder device (2) for the at least one article (30) or for assemblies (40) of at least two articles (30); • a pre-treatment module (9) to prepare the packaging blank (20) for the application to the at least one article (30); • a first packaging module (7) to apply and locate the packaging blank (20), which has been prepared in the pre-treatment module (9), to the at least one article (30); • wherein the pre-treatment module (9) comprises at least one device designed to reduce a resistance force in an edge area (24) of the at least one passage opening (23) of the packaging blank (20), which has been prepared in the pre-treatment module (9), during the subsequent application of the packaging blank (20) to the at least one article (30), • which device of the pre-treatment module (9) is designed to increase an average diameter (d23) of the at least one passage opening (23).

2. The packaging apparatus (1) according to claim 1, the packaging units (35) comprising at least two articles (30), in particular, comprising at least two beverage cans (31) gathered together by the at least one packaging blank (20), which packaging blank (20) has passage openings (23) for the at least two articles (30); the packaging apparatus (1) comprising • at least one feeder device (2) for the at least two articles (30) or for assemblies (40) of at least two articles (30); • a pre-treatment module (9) to prepare the packaging blank (20) for the application to the at least two articles (30); • a first packaging module (7) to apply and locate the packaging blank (20) to the at least two articles (30); • wherein the pre-treatment module (9) comprises at least one device designed to reduce a resistance force in an edge area (24) of the passage openings (23) of the packaging blank (20) during the subsequent application of the packaging blank (20) to the at least two articles (30).

3. The packaging apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device of the pre-treatment module (9) comprises at least one stretching die (18).

4. The packaging apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one stretching die (18) is arranged in a detachable manner in the pre-treatment module (9).

5. The packaging apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein the device of the pre-treatment module (9) has a plurality of stretching dies (18), wherein the stretching dies (18) are arrangeable in different arrangements and / or numbers in the pre-treatment module (9).

6. The packaging apparatus (1) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the device of the pre-treatment module (9) comprises at least one cutting device and / or at least one perforating device.

7. The packaging apparatus (1) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the device of the pre-treatment module (9) comprises at least one moistening device, in particular a vaporizing device, or wherein the device of the pre-treatment module (9) comprises at least one heating device (18).

8. A method for producing packaging units (35), the packaging units (35) comprising at least one article (30), in particular comprising at least one beverage can (31), on which beverage can (31) at least one at least in some areas flatly designed packaging blank (20) is arranged, which packaging blank (20) has at least one passage opening (23) in the flatly designed area for the at least one article (30); the method comprising the following steps: • pre-treating the packaging blank (20) to reduce a resistance force in an edge area (24) of the at least one passage opening (23) of the packaging blank (20) during the application of the packaging blank (20) to the at least one article (30); • wherein an average diameter (d23) of the at least one passage opening (23) is enlarged, • applying and locating the packaging blank (20), which has been appropriately prepared in the pre-treatment module (9), to the at least one article (30); in particular, a method for producing packaging units (35) with a packaging apparatus (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 7.

9. The method according to claim 8, in which securing tabs (25) formed in the edge area (24) of the at least one passage opening (23) are folded over at least in some areas such that the securing tabs (25) subsequently protrude from a plane in which the at least one passage opening (23) is arranged.

10. The method according to one of the claims 8 or 9, in which the packaging blank (20) is pressed onto a device with at least one stretching die (18).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the number and arrangement of the stretching dies (18) corresponds to the number and arrangement of the passage openings (23) of the packaging blank (20), and wherein the packaging blank (20) is pressed onto the stretching dies (18) in such a manner that the at least one stretching die (18) passes through the at least one passage opening (23) at least in some areas.

12. The method according to one of the claims 8 to 11, wherein cuts (27) and / or (micro) perforations, in particular radial cuts (27) and / or radial (micro-)perforations, are in each instance introduced into the edge area (24) of the at least one passage opening (23) during the pre-treatment.

13. The method of one of the claims 8 to 12, wherein the edge area of the at least one passage opening (23) is moistened during the pre-treatment.

14. The method of one of the claims 8 to 13, wherein the edge area of the at least one passage opening (23) is heated during the pre-treatment.