Packaging plant and method for controlling such a packaging plant

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging system and a method for controlling such a packaging system.

[0002] Prior art reveals methods and equipment for packaging articles that use shrink film as packaging material to hold several articles together. The articles, in particular beverage containers, bottles, etc., are grouped together in the desired quantity and arrangement.

[0003] Shrink film is typically supplied as continuous material on rolls. Within the packaging machine, the shrink film is separated according to the dimensions of the product group. The film blanks are then wrapped around the products or product groups in a film wrapping module using a wrapping system within the machine. The shrink-wrapped product groups are then transported through a shrink tunnel. In the shrink tunnel, the shrink-wrapped product groups are exposed to a shrinking agent, causing the film to shrink and conform to the products, forming the finished shrink packages. Warm or hot air is typically used as the shrinking agent.

[0004] In packaging lines, the product groups between the film wrapping module and the shrink wrapping module are typically conveyed via several different conveyor belts. These belts are necessary to compensate for the varying processing speeds between these two modules. Small gaps between items within a single product group pose a problem. As the product groups move from one conveyor belt to the next, these gaps can widen further in the direction of travel. In particular, the items strike each other at their upper ends with each transfer, increasing the distance between them at the point where they rest. Other factors, such as vibrations within the packaging line, can also contribute to the formation of gaps.Another problem can be contamination within the packaging system, which can lead to slippage of the packaging units relative to the respective conveyor belts or similar components. Imbalances, caused, for example, by liquid sloshing inside the items, can also cause the position of the items to change undesirably.

[0005] The gaps between the items remain even after the shrink film is applied to the group of items. Due to these gaps, the resulting shrink wraps are less stable. In particular, there is a risk that these less stable shrink wraps will break during subsequent handling, such as palletizing, thus disrupting the production flow.

[0006] DE 10 2020 207 933 A1 and EP 2 801 533 A1 disclose methods for detecting defective packaging units.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to identify the characteristics of defective containers.

[0008] The above problem is solved by a method for controlling a packaging system and a packaging system comprising the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention relates to a method for controlling a packaging system for producing packaging units. In a first process step, groups of articles comprising at least two articles are formed. A packaging system suitable for carrying out the method particularly includes a single-component module for assembling at least two articles into an article group.

[0010] The items in question are preferably beverage containers, in particular bottles or cans made of glass, metal, and / or plastic. Accordingly, the packaging system is preferably designed for handling beverage containers. The packaging system is part of a beverage processing plant.

[0011] In a subsequent process step, at least one size parameter of the product group is detected by a sensor as it passes through at least one transport area. This at least one size parameter is then compared with a target value. One embodiment may provide that the target value is a defined setpoint stored as information in the control unit. For example, a suitably designed sensor determines the length of the product group parallel to the transport direction, and this value is transmitted to the control unit, which compares it with the stored target value.

[0012] Valuable information about the properties of the product group and / or a packaging unit made from the product group can be obtained from the length of a product group.

[0013] An example of this is information about gaps between items within a product group. Packaging systems often include several conveyor belts arranged in a straight line to compensate for different processing speeds between the various handling modules within the system. Small gaps between items grouped together can be problematic in this context.

[0014] As the groups of items are transferred from one conveyor belt to the next or a subsequent one, the gaps in the direction of transport are further increased. With each transfer, the items strike each other in their upper sections, thus increasing the distance between them in the contact area. This leads to the formation of defective groups of items, which can be easily and reliably detected using the various embodiments of the method described. As already described above, gaps between the items or mispositioning of the items can also occur in other ways.

[0015] In particular, sensory detection takes place while the groups of items are transported in one direction across the transport area of ​​the packaging system to a subsequent packaging module. Within the packaging module, the groups of items are combined into a packaging unit using at least one packaging material. The finished packaging units are then transported away via another transport area and, in particular, fed to further packaging and / or processing stations (not shown here), such as a palletizing module or similar.

[0016] The transport areas can each include at least one endless conveyor; in particular, the transport areas can be formed from one or more aligned horizontal conveyor devices.

[0017] The sensor can preferably be designed as a light barrier arrangement or as a camera system with image evaluation. In particular, the sensor can be formed by a light barrier arrangement which extends above the transport area between the single-part module and the packaging module transversely to the transport direction of the product groups.

[0018] The light barrier arrangement allows the exact length of the group of items or the relative position of the group of items within the packaging system to be determined. The term "relative position" is used because the group of items is not static at the time of sensor detection, but is moving in a transport direction, so its position within the packaging system is constantly changing.

[0019] When a deviation is detected between a size parameter and the target value, a fault is inferred, and the product group is classified as "correct" or "defective." A size that deviates from a target value can also indicate that, for example, items have been crushed or fallen over. For this reason, size parameters that are too small also lead to the shrink wraps being classified as defective.

[0020] The error could, for example, consist of a gap between items within the product group, which leads to the formation of defective packaging units during the subsequent packaging process. Alternatively, such a gap could cause an error during the subsequent handling process, potentially resulting in a shutdown of a subsequent handling module or the entire packaging system due to the blockage of machine components or similar issues.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the error could be that one or more items in the product group are deformed. It is also possible that one or more items within the product group are incorrectly positioned. Another error could be an incorrect orientation of an item within the product group; for example, at least one item might have fallen over.

[0022] Preferably, it is provided that when a defective article group is detected or when a subsequently described defective positioning of the article group within the packaging system is detected, an event is defined which event generates control parameters for process-influencing or process-changing control specifications in the process.

[0023] One embodiment provides that the control parameter leads to a halt of at least the affected section of the packaging system. In this case, a user must rectify the fault and restart the packaging system.

[0024] Alternatively, when a faulty article group or a faulty positioning of the article group is detected, an event can be defined from which an error event is derived, which is at least stored and visualized via a user interface or made accessible to a user in some other way.

[0025] In particular, the user can be informed promptly via the user interface so that appropriate measures can be taken if necessary. Optionally, an audible warning signal can also be provided to alert the user to the newly available information in a timely manner.

[0026] The size parameter used is the position of the item group on the transport area, i.e., the position of the item group within the packaging system. The error then lies in the fact that the item group's position deviates from its target position. In this case, for example, the distance between item groups consecutively in the transport direction no longer corresponds to the required target distance for subsequent handling. This is problematic because incorrect positioning of the item groups can lead to problems during subsequent handling.

[0027] Misalignment occurs when the item group slips relative to a transport device, a slippage caused by contamination of the transport device. Therefore, such misalignment can indicate, in particular, possible contamination of the transport area or a transport device within the single-part module.

[0028] In this case, a visualization is provided via the user interface, prompting the user to check the transport areas and / or transport equipment for contamination.

[0029] In this context, a specific transport area is visualized, which should first be checked by the user.

[0030] Another embodiment provides that at least one control parameter is derived from the defined event, from which process-influencing or process-changing control specifications for the procedure are formed.

[0031] For example, the control parameter can provide for the activation of a removal device, which is designed to remove the group of articles identified as faulty from the packaging system before further handling or thus to remove them from the packaging process.

[0032] Alternatively, a removal device arranged behind the packaging module can be provided, which is designed to remove the packaging unit formed from an incorrectly detected group of articles from the packaging system before further handling or to divert it out of the packaging process.

[0033] The removal device can, for example, be a robot that detects the defective product groups or packaging units and transfers them to a reject bin. Alternatively, the removal device can be a slide or similar mechanism that is transversely movable to the transport direction of the product groups or packaging units and transfers the defective product groups or packaging units to a reject bin. This reject bin is located next to the transport area that feeds the product groups or packaging units to further handling.

[0034] One embodiment of the packaging system can provide that the packaging module is formed by a folding module, in which the product groups are at least partially enveloped by outer packaging material formed from a cardboard blank. In particular, the product group is arranged on a cardboard blank, and by folding the cardboard blank, an outer carton enclosing the product group is formed. Alternatively, the product group can be arranged on a cardboard blank, which is subsequently formed into a tray by folding out edge areas.

[0035] An alternative embodiment of the packaging system can provide that the packaging module is formed by an insertion module in which the groups of articles are each inserted into a carton, a tray, or a basket.

[0036] An alternative embodiment of the packaging system can provide that the packaging module is formed by an application module, in which the product groups are at least partially combined with a cardboard blank. This cardboard blank is applied to the products from above, so that the products are at least partially contained within openings in the cardboard blank. The packaging units produced in this way are also referred to as gripper carton packaging.

[0037] An alternative embodiment of the packaging system can provide that the packaging module is formed by an adhesive module, in which the groups of articles are at least partially grouped together by an adhesive. This adhesive is applied between the articles, so that the articles are bonded together. The packaging units produced in this way are also referred to as adhesive bundles.

[0038] An alternative embodiment of the packaging system can provide that the packaging module is formed by a strapping module, in which the groups of articles are at least partially bundled together with a strapping band spanning the entire group, in particular wherein the strapping band partially encircles the outer surfaces of the articles and holds the articles together under tension. The packaging units produced in this way are also referred to as strapped bundles.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, the packaging system can comprise a film wrapping module and a shrink module, which film wrapping module is designed to wrap the group of articles with a film blank consisting of shrink film and which shrink module is designed to shrink the shrink film onto the group of articles, forming a shrink package.

[0040] Another embodiment of the method provides that a first size parameter of the product group is detected by sensors, and that after passing through at least one transport area, or after passing through at least one section of a transport area, or after passing through at least one handling module of the packaging system, a second size parameter of the product group is detected by sensors. By evaluating and comparing the first size parameter with the second size parameter, at least one characteristic parameter of the packaging unit is determined.

[0041] In particular, a first sensor is assigned to a transport area or a handling module of the packaging system. The second sensor is assigned to a different transport area or a different handling module of the packaging system. The second sensor can also be assigned to a subordinate transport area of ​​the transport area where the first sensor is located.

[0042] Furthermore, the packaging system includes a control device designed to evaluate and compare the data from the first sensor and the second sensor, thereby determining characteristic parameters of the packaging unit; in particular, the first size parameter and the second size parameter can be compared with each other.

[0043] It is particularly preferred that the control device evaluates the value determined by the first sensor as the setpoint and compares it with the size parameter determined by the second sensor.

[0044] An alternative embodiment can provide that a defined setpoint is stored as information in the control device and that the determined first and second size parameters are evaluated based on this setpoint information and compared with each other and with the setpoint information. In particular, this allows for a more precise analysis and evaluation of the formation of gaps between the items of an item group and, if applicable, an increase in the size of the gaps within the packaging system.

[0045] This further embodiment of the method is explained below using a packaging system that includes a film wrapping module and a shrink wrapping module. However, the features described here can also be readily transferred to a packaging system with a different packaging module, for example, a packaging system with a folding module, a strapping module, or similar.

[0046] A packaging system designed to carry out a further embodiment of the method comprises, for example, a first handling module designed as a single-unit module, in which single-unit modules assemble articles into groups of articles. The groups of articles are conveyed on a first transport area in the direction of transport to a second handling module designed as a film wrapping module, in which the groups of articles are wrapped with a thermoplastic packaging material in the form of shrink film.

[0047] The groups of items wrapped in packaging material are conveyed via a second transport area to a third handling module designed as a shrink-wrapping module. In the shrink-wrapping module, the wrapped item groups are exposed to a shrink-wrapping agent. This agent causes the packaging material to shrink around the items of the group, forming a shrink-wrapped package.

[0048] The finished shrink-wrapped packages are conveyed via a subsequent transport area to further packaging and / or processing stations, e.g. a palletizing module or similar.

[0049] To determine the first and second size parameters, the packaging system includes a first sensor designed to determine at least one first size parameter of the article group and a second sensor designed to determine at least one second size parameter of the article group, wherein the two sensors are each assigned to different transport areas or different handling modules of the packaging system.

[0050] One embodiment may provide that the first sensor is arranged between the single-part module and the foil wrapping module and determines a first size parameter of the article group.

[0051] The formulation of the arrangement between the single-piece module and the foil wrapping module includes not only the transport area, but also a transition area between the single-piece module and the transport area or a transition area between the transport area and the foil wrapping module.

[0052] The second sensor can, for example, be located between the film wrapping module and the shrink module and serves to determine at least one second size parameter of the group of articles wrapped with shrink film.

[0053] Alternatively, the second sensor can be located in the output area of ​​the shrink module or in a discharge area formed by the subsequent transport area and located downstream of the shrink module. In this case, the second sensor serves to determine at least one second size parameter of the group of articles packaged as shrink wrap.

[0054] According to an alternative embodiment, the first sensor can be arranged between the film wrapping module and the shrink module, wherein such an arranged first sensor serves in particular to determine at least one first size parameter of a group of articles wrapped with shrink film.

[0055] The formulation of the arrangement between the foil wrapping module and the shrink module includes not only the transport area arranged between them, but also a transition area between the foil wrapping module and the transport area or a transition area between the transport area and the shrink module.

[0056] In this embodiment, the second sensor is preferably arranged in the output area of ​​the shrink module or in a discharge area formed by the subsequent transport area and extending in the transport direction after the shrink module, and serves to determine at least one second size parameter of the group of articles grouped together as shrink packages.

[0057] Another embodiment may provide that the two sensors are arranged at a distance from each other on a transport area, so that first a first size parameter of the article group or the article group wrapped with packaging material is detected by the first sensor and that after passing through a section of the corresponding transport area, a second size parameter of the article group or the article group wrapped with packaging material is detected.

[0058] In all variants, the first sensor determines, for example, a first length of the product group or a first length of the product group wrapped in packaging material, parallel to the transport direction. The second sensor, as a second parameter, determines a second length of the product group, a second length of the product group wrapped in packaging material, or a second length of the product group combined into a packaging unit, parallel to a transport direction of the product group, parallel to a transport direction of the product group wrapped in packaging material, or parallel to a transport direction of the product group combined into a packaging unit. A control unit of the packaging system evaluates and compares the first and second lengths.

[0059] Alternatively, it can be provided that the first sensor and / or the second sensor determines a position of the article group, or of the article group wrapped in packaging material, or of the article group combined as a packaging unit, which is then compared with a target position.

[0060] The target position refers specifically to a relative position within the packaging system at a particular time. An incorrect position can, for example, indicate contamination of transport equipment within the packaging system.

[0061] The first sensor and / or the second sensor can preferably be designed as a light barrier arrangement or as a camera system with image evaluation. In particular, the first sensor and / or the second sensor can be formed by a light barrier arrangement that extends transversely to the transport direction above the transport path for the groups of articles, the groups of articles wrapped in packaging material, or the packaging units.

[0062] Depending on their arrangement within the packaging system, the light barriers can be used to determine the exact length of the article group, the article group wrapped in packaging material, or the article group combined as a packaging unit.

[0063] The determined length can be compared, in particular, with information about a target length, which is stored specifically in the control unit. Alternatively, the target length can be determined directly after the formation of the article group within the single-part module or at the output of the single-part module using sensors. This may already correspond to the measurement taken by the first sensor.

[0064] Ideally, the packaging system includes a user interface through which, for example, a user can enter new target lengths when changing products. These newly defined target lengths are then provided to the control unit as information.

[0065] Furthermore, a correction factor can be included in the evaluation and comparison of the determined size parameters, which takes into account the properties of the packaging material, for example the thickness of the packaging material, the change when the shrink film shrinks, etc.

[0066] Preferably, a statement about the quality of the packaging unit is derived from at least one determined characteristic parameter. For example, gaps between the items within a shrink wrap are an indication of defective shrink wraps, especially loose ones, which can lead to problems in the subsequent handling and production process. A size that deviates from a target value can also indicate that, for example, items have been crushed or fallen over. For this reason, size parameters that are too small also lead to the classification of the shrink wraps as defective.

[0067] For example, one embodiment provides that the first and second size parameters are used to determine the spacing between the items in the shrink wrap, which spacing leads to the formation of deformed and / or unstable shrink wraps. This makes it possible to classify the respective shrink wraps as "correct" or "defective".

[0068] When faulty shrink wraps are detected, an event can be defined which generates control parameters for process-influencing or process-changing control specifications in the procedure.

[0069] One embodiment provides that an error event is derived from the defined event, which leads to a halt of at least the affected section of the packaging system, in particular so that the defective shrink wrap can be removed.

[0070] Another embodiment provides that at least one control parameter is derived from the defined event, from which process-influencing or process-modifying control specifications for the process are formed. For example, the control parameter can provide for the activation of a removal device, which is designed to remove the shrink wrappers identified as defective from the packaging system before further handling and thus divert them from the packaging process.

[0071] Another embodiment may provide that an error event is derived from the defined event, which is at least stored and visualized via the user interface or otherwise made accessible to the user. In particular, the user is thus informed promptly via the user interface in order to initiate appropriate measures if necessary. Optionally, an acoustic warning signal may also be provided to alert the user to the newly provided information in a timely manner.

[0072] For the procedure described here, it is not absolutely necessary to equip the packaging system with additional sensors to perform the described monitoring. Instead, sensors already present in the packaging system can be used, and their collected data can then be evaluated and analyzed in a new way. In this case, it is only necessary to equip a control unit of the packaging system with the appropriate information and / or evaluation algorithms to carry out the aforementioned procedure.

[0073] With the method described here, deviations detected by the at least one sensor do not automatically lead to a system shutdown. Instead, production errors can be detected early and corresponding warning messages generated. This allows for local troubleshooting without having to stop the entire packaging line, which would otherwise result in significant production downtime.

[0074] It should be expressly mentioned here that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the device according to the invention equally relate to, or can relate to, partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, whenever certain aspects, relationships, and / or effects are mentioned in the description or in the definitions of the claims relating to the device according to the invention, this applies equally to the method according to the invention. Conversely, the same applies, so that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to, or can relate to, partial aspects of the device according to the invention.Therefore, if at any 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.

[0075] The following exemplary embodiments of the invention and its advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual relative sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged for better illustration. The Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a first design variant of a packaging plant for the production of packaging units. Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a second design variant of a packaging plant for the production of shrink wrap. Fig. 3The figure shows a third design variant of a packaging plant for the production of shrink-wrapped containers in a perspective view. Fig. 4 The figure shows a fourth design variant of a packaging plant for the production of shrink-wrapped containers in a perspective view. Fig. 5 shows a detail of the in Fig. 4 depicted design variant.

[0076] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The embodiments shown are merely examples of how the invention can be designed and do not constitute an exhaustive limitation.

[0077] The embodiments, examples, and variants described in the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and the figures, including their various views or individual features, may be used independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided the features are not incompatible.

[0078] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first design variant of a packaging plant 1 for the production of packaging units 43.

[0079] Packaging system 1 comprises a first handling module designed as a single-unit module 2, in which articles 20, for example bottles 21 or cans, etc., are assembled into article groups 22. The article groups 22 are transported on a transport area 3 in the transport direction TR to a packaging module 40, in which the article groups 22 are combined with a packaging material 42 to form a packaging unit 43.

[0080] The finished packaging units 43 are fed via a transport area to 13 further packaging and / or processing stations (not shown), e.g. a palletizing module or the like.

[0081] It is planned that a size parameter of article group 22 will be detected by sensors and that this size parameter will be compared with a defined target value.

[0082] For this purpose, the packaging system 1 includes a sensor 14 designed to determine at least one size parameter of the article group 22, which is arranged in particular in the transport area 3 between the single-part module 2 and the packaging module 40.

[0083] The sensor 14 can preferably be designed as a light barrier arrangement or as a camera system with image evaluation. In particular, the sensor 14 can be formed by a light barrier arrangement which extends above the transport area 3 transversely to the transport direction TR of the article groups 22.

[0084] The light barrier arrangement allows the exact length of article group 22 or the relative position of article group 22 within the packaging system 1 to be determined.

[0085] Transport areas 3 and 13 can include at least one endless conveyor; in particular, transport areas 3 and 13 can each consist of one or more aligned horizontal conveyors.

[0086] Furthermore, the packaging system 1 includes a control device 16. The control device 16 is designed to compare the data of the sensor 14 with a target value, in particular with a defined target value which is stored as information in the control device 16.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the sensor 14 determines the length of the article group 22 parallel to the transport direction TR and transmits the value to the control device 16, which compares it with the stored target value.

[0088] If a deviation between the size parameter and the target value is detected, an error event is concluded and the article group 22 is classified as "correct" or "defective".

[0089] The error may, for example, consist of a gap between the articles 20 within the article group 22, which leads to the formation of defective packaging units 43 in the subsequent packaging process, or which leads to an error in the subsequent handling process, which may result in a shutdown of the subsequent handling module or the entire packaging system 1, possibly due to blockage of machine components or similar.

[0090] Alternatively or additionally, the error may be that one or more items 20 of the item group 22 are deformed, or that one or more items 20 of the item group 22 are incorrectly positioned within the item group 22, or even arranged in an incorrect orientation within the item group 22; for example, these could be items 20 that have fallen over.

[0091] Preferably, it is provided that when a faulty article group 22 is detected or when a faulty positioning of the article group 22 described below is detected, an event is defined which event generates control parameters for process-influencing or process-changing control specifications in the procedure.

[0092] One embodiment provides that the control parameter leads to a halting of at least the affected subsection of the packaging plant 1.

[0093] Alternatively, an event can be defined when a faulty article group 22 or an incorrect positioning of article group 22 is detected. From this event, an error event is derived, which is at least stored and visualized via a user interface 19 or otherwise made accessible to a user. In particular, the user is thus informed promptly via the user interface 19 in order to initiate appropriate measures if necessary. Optionally, an acoustic warning signal can also be provided to promptly alert the user to the newly provided information.

[0094] The position of article group 22 on transport area 3 is determined as a size parameter. The error lies in the fact that the position of article group 22 deviates from its target position. This is problematic because incorrect positioning of article group 22 can lead to problems during subsequent handling. This mispositioning occurs because article group 22 slips relative to the transport devices. Such mispositioning indicates possible contamination of transport area 3 or a transport device within the single-part module 2. In this case, a visualization is displayed via user interface 19, prompting the user to check the transport devices for contamination. This visualization then highlights an area that the user should inspect first.

[0095] Another embodiment provides that at least one control parameter is derived from the defined event, from which process-influencing or process-changing control specifications for the procedure are formed.

[0096] For example, the control parameter can provide for the activation of a removal device 30, which removal device 30, 30-1 is designed to remove the article groups 22 identified as faulty from the packaging system 1 before further handling and thus remove them from the packaging process.

[0097] Alternatively, a removal device 30-2 can be provided, which removal device 30-2 is designed to remove the packaging unit 43 formed from an incorrectly detected article group 22 from the packaging system 1 before further handling and thus remove it from the packaging process.

[0098] The removal device 30 can, for example, be formed by a robot which detects the defective article groups 22 or packaging units 43 and transfers them to a reject box. Alternatively, the removal device 30 can be formed by a slide or similar device which is designed to move transversely to the transport direction TR of the article groups 22 or packaging units 43 and which transfers the defective article groups 22 or packaging units 43 to a reject box located next to the transport area 3 or 13 that supplies the article groups 22 or packaging units 43 for further handling.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the packaging module 40 can be formed by a folding module in which the article groups 22 are each at least partially enclosed by an outer packaging material formed from a cardboard blank. In particular, the article group 22 is arranged on a cardboard blank, and by folding the cardboard blank, an outer carton enclosing the article group 22 is formed. Alternatively, the article group 22 can be arranged on a cardboard blank, which is subsequently formed into a tray by folding out edge areas.

[0100] According to an alternative embodiment, the packaging module 40 can be formed by an insertion module in which the article groups 22 are each inserted into a carton or a tray or a basket.

[0101] The packaging module 40 can also be formed by an application module in which the article groups 22 are each at least partially combined with a cardboard blank, which cardboard blank is applied to the articles 20 from above, so that the articles 20 are at least partially contained within openings in the cardboard blank. The packaging units 43 produced in this way are also referred to as gripper carton packaging.

[0102] An alternative embodiment of the packaging system 1 can provide that the packaging module 40 is formed by an adhesive module in which the article groups 22 are at least partially grouped together by an adhesive. This adhesive is applied between the articles 20 so that the articles 20 are bonded together. The packaging units 43 produced in this way are also referred to as adhesive bundles.

[0103] An alternative embodiment of the packaging system 1 can provide that the packaging module 40 is formed by a strapping module in which the article groups 22 are each at least partially grouped together by a strapping band spanning the article group 22, the strapping band partially spanning the outer surfaces of the articles 20. The packaging units 43 produced in this way are also referred to as strapping bundles.

[0104] According to another embodiment, the packaging system 1 can include a film wrapping module and a shrink module (see also embodiment of the Figures 2 to 5 ), which foil wrapping module is designed to wrap the article group 2 with a foil blank consisting of shrink film and which shrink module is designed to shrink the shrink film onto the article group 22, forming a shrink package.

[0105] Various other embodiments of a packaging system 1 comprising a shrink module 5 are described in the Figures 2 to 5 The following is shown. It is provided that a first size parameter is determined by a first sensor 14 and that a second sensor 15 determines a second size parameter for comparison with the first size parameter.

[0106] In connection with the Figures 2 to 5 In particular, a further embodiment of the method is described in which a first size parameter of the article group 22 is detected by sensory means. After passing through at least one transport area 3, 6 and / or at least one handling module of the packaging system 1, a second size parameter of the article group 22 is detected by sensory means. By evaluating and comparing the first size parameter with the second size parameter, at least one feature parameter of the packaging unit 43, designed as a shrink wrap 25, is determined.

[0107] The Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of a second design variant of a packaging plant 1 for the production of shrink wrap 25.

[0108] Packaging system 1 comprises a first handling module designed as a single-unit module 2, in which articles 20, for example bottles 21 or cans, etc., are assembled into article groups 22. The article groups 22 are conveyed on a transport area 3 in the transport direction TR to a second handling module designed as a film wrapping module 4, in which the article groups 22 are wrapped with a thermoplastic packaging material 23 in the form of a shrink film 24.

[0109] In the film wrapping module 4, a shrink film 24, unwound from a continuous film supply 7, is provided for packaging the article groups 22. A film cutting station 8 separates a section of film, and this section is combined with the article group 22, whereby the film section is wrapped around the article group 22.

[0110] The article groups 22, thus wrapped with packaging material 42, are fed via a transport area 6 to a third handling module designed as a shrink module 5. In the shrink module 5, the article groups 22, wrapped with shrink film 24, are exposed to shrinking agent. The shrinking agent causes the shrink film 24 to shrink around the articles 20 of the article group 22, thereby forming the shrink package 25.

[0111] The shrink-fit module 5 has an interior 10 with a transport track 11 for transporting the article groups 22 wrapped with packaging material 23 in the transport direction TR. The article groups 22 wrapped with packaging material 23 can be guided through the shrink-fit module 5 in one or more lanes.

[0112] The shrink module 5 has shrink agent application devices, only partially shown here, which are designed to apply shrink agents to the article groups 22 wrapped with packaging material 23. These devices may include lateral shrink agent application devices (not shown), in particular lateral shaft walls that have an outlet surface for shrink agents directed towards the respective transport path.

[0113] Furthermore, a lower shrinkage agent application device 12 in the form of a bottom chamber or similar can be provided, which is located below the transport section 11 and is designed to guide shrinkage agent with an upward flow component through the transport section 11 onto the underside of the article groups 22 wrapped with packaging material 23.

[0114] Furthermore, it may be provided that the shrink-wrapped containers 25, after leaving the interior 10 of the shrink module 5, are cooled by cooling devices 9, for example, fans, in order to cool them and thereby stabilize them before further processing. These also cool the conveying material forming the transport route 11.

[0115] The finished shrink-wrapped packages 25 are fed via a subsequent transport area to 13 further packaging and / or processing stations, e.g. a palletizing module or the like (not shown).

[0116] Packaging system 1 comprises a first sensor 14, which is configured to determine at least one first size parameter of the article group 22. Furthermore, packaging system 1 comprises a second sensor 15, which is configured to determine at least one second size parameter of the article group. The two sensors 14 and 15 are each assigned to different transport areas 3, 6, and 13 or different handling modules 2, 4, and 5 of packaging system 1.

[0117] The transport areas 3, 6, 13 can include at least one endless conveyor; in particular, the transport areas 3, 6, 13 can each be formed from one or more aligned horizontal conveying devices.

[0118] In the second embodiment of the Fig. 2The first sensor 14 is arranged between the single-part module 2 and the foil wrapping module 4 and is thus assigned to the transport area 3. In this case, the first sensor 14 determines size parameters of the article group 22. In particular, it can be provided that the first sensor 14 determines the length of the article group 22 in the transport direction TR.

[0119] The chosen wording of the arrangement between the single-part module 2 and the foil wrapping module 4 is intended to express that it includes not only the transport area 3, but also a transition area between the single-part module 2 and the transport area 3, or a transition area between the transport area 3 and the foil wrapping module 4.

[0120] The second sensor 15 is arranged in the output area of ​​the shrink module 5 or in a discharge area formed by the transport area 13 in the transport direction after the shrink module 5 and serves to determine at least one second size parameter of the article group 22 summarized as shrink containers 25.

[0121] The packaging system 1 includes a control device 16. The control device 16 is designed to evaluate and compare the data of the first sensor 14 and the second sensor 15, in particular the first size parameters and the second size parameters, and thereby to determine characteristic parameters of the shrink wraps 25.

[0122] One embodiment provides that the control device 16 evaluates the value determined by the first sensor 14 as the setpoint, and that the control device 16 compares this with the second parameter determined by the second sensor 15.

[0123] In particular, the first sensor 14 determines a first length of the article group 22 parallel to the transport direction TR. Furthermore, the second sensor 15, as a second size parameter, determines a second length of the article group 22, which is grouped together as a shrink wrap 25, parallel to a transport direction TR of the shrink wrap 25. The control unit 16 evaluates and compares the first and second lengths.

[0124] The further side view of the Fig. 3 Figure 1 schematically shows a third embodiment of a packaging system 1 for the production of shrink-wrapped containers 25. The embodiment of the Fig. 3 differs only in the arrangement of the first sensor 14 from the embodiment of the Fig. 2 , which is why only these differences will be discussed.

[0125] At the in Fig. 3In the illustrated embodiment, the first sensor 14 is arranged between the foil wrapping module 4 and the shrink module 5, wherein the sensor 14 serves in particular to determine at least one first size parameter of a group of articles 22 wrapped with shrink foil 24.

[0126] The second sensor 15 is arranged in the output area of ​​the shrink module 5 or in a discharge area formed by the transport area 13 in the transport direction after the shrink module 5 and serves to determine at least one second size parameter of the article group 22 summarized as shrink containers 25.

[0127] In particular, the first sensor 14 determines a first length of the article group 22 wrapped in shrink film 24, parallel to the transport direction TR. Furthermore, the second sensor 15, as a second size parameter, determines a second length of the article group 22, grouped as a shrink package 25, parallel to a transport direction TR of the shrink package 25. The control unit 16 evaluates and compares the first and second lengths.

[0128] The Fig. 4 The figure shows, in perspective view, a fourth design variant of a packaging plant 1 for the production of shrink wrap and Fig. 5 shows a detail of the in Fig. 4 packaging plant 1 as shown.

[0129] The Fig. 4 This shows in particular the foil wrapping module 4, the transport area 6 and the shrink module 5. How this is shown in Fig. 5As can be clearly seen, the transport area 6 comprises several horizontally arranged conveyor belts 17, with four horizontal conveyor belts 17-1 to 17-4 explicitly in Fig. 5 are named.

[0130] Are there small gaps between the articles 21 that are grouped together as an article group 22 and wrapped with shrink film 24 (compare Figures 2 and 3 ), then there is a risk that these gaps will widen further during the transfer of the shrink-wrapped articles 21 from one horizontal conveyor belt 17 to the next. At each transfer 18, the articles strike each other in their upper areas, thereby increasing the gap in the contact area of ​​the articles. The transfer areas 18-1, 18-2, 18-3 between the horizontal conveyor belts 17-1 to 17-4 are in Fig. 5 explicitly named.

[0131] Gaps between Article 21 or mispositioning of Article 21 can also arise in other ways. Such gaps or mispositionings can also be reliably identified using the method described here.

[0132] At the in Fig. 4 In the fourth embodiment of a packaging system 1, the first sensor 14 is arranged in the transport direction TR in front of the film wrapping module 4 and serves in particular to determine at least one first size parameter of the component from the single-part module (not shown, see figure). Fig. 2 ) supplied article group 22.

[0133] The second sensor 15 is arranged between the foil wrapping module 4 and the shrink module 5 and serves in particular to determine at least one first size parameter of the group of articles wrapped with shrink foil 24.

[0134] In particular, the second sensor 15 is arranged in an area of ​​the transport area 6, which follows the four horizontal conveyor belts 17-1 to 17-4 in the transport direction TR and forms a transition area to the shrink module 5.

[0135] The second sensor 15 can also be located in a transition area between the foil wrapping module 4 and the transport area 6 or at any position within the transport area 6.

[0136] The first sensor 14 and / or the second sensor 15 can preferably be configured as a light barrier arrangement or as a camera system with image evaluation. In particular, the first sensor 14 and / or the second sensor 15 can be formed by a light barrier arrangement extending above the transport path transversely to the transport direction TR.

[0137] Depending on their arrangement within the packaging system 1, the light barrier arrangement can determine the exact length of the article group 22, the article group 22 wrapped with shrink film 24 or the article group 22 combined as shrink packaging 25.

[0138] The determined length can be compared, in particular, with information on a target length, which is stored in the control unit 16. Alternatively, the target length can be determined by sensors directly after the formation of the article group 22 within the single-part module 2 or at the output of the single-part module 2. If necessary, this can already correspond to the detection by the first sensor 14.

[0139] Preferably, the packaging system 1 includes a user interface 19, via which, for example, a user can enter new target lengths when changing products. The newly defined target lengths are provided to the control unit 16 as information.

[0140] In both of the in the Figures 2 , 3 and 4 In the packaging systems 1 shown, a correction factor can be included in the evaluation and comparison of the determined size parameters, which correction factor takes into account the thickness of the shrink film 24 or which correction factor takes into account the thickness and the shrinkage of the shrink film 24.

[0141] Preferably, a statement about the quality of the shrink wrap is derived from at least one determined characteristic parameter. Gaps between the articles 20 within the shrink wrap 25 are an indication of defective, loose shrink wrap 25, which can lead to problems in the production process, particularly during subsequent handling.

[0142] A deviation from a target value can also indicate that, for example, items have been crushed or fallen over. For this reason, size parameters that are too small also lead to the shrink wrap being classified as defective.

[0143] Therefore, one embodiment provides that the formation of a gap between the articles 20 in the shrink wrap 25 is determined from the first and second size parameters, and this gap leads to the formation of deformed and / or unstable shrink wrap 25. Thus, it is possible to classify the respective shrink wrap 25 as "correct" or "defective".

[0144] When faulty shrink wraps are detected, an event can be defined which generates control parameters for process-influencing or process-changing control specifications in the procedure.

[0145] One embodiment provides that an error event is derived from the defined event, which leads to a halt of at least the affected section of the packaging system, in particular so that the defective shrink wrap can be removed.

[0146] Another embodiment provides that at least one control parameter is derived from the defined event, from which process-influencing or process-modifying control specifications for the procedure are formed. For example, the control parameter can activate a withdrawal device 30 (see Fig. 1 ) provide which removal device 30 is designed to remove the shrink wrappers 25 identified as defective from the packaging system 1 before further handling and thus remove them from the packaging process.

[0147] Another embodiment may provide that an error event is derived from the defined event, which is at least stored and visualized via the user interface 19 or otherwise made accessible to a user. In particular, the user is thus informed promptly via the user interface 19 in order to initiate appropriate measures if necessary. Optionally, an acoustic warning signal may also be provided to promptly alert the user to the newly provided information.

[0148] For the procedure described here, it is not absolutely necessary to equip packaging system 1 with additional sensors 14, 15 in order to perform the described monitoring. Instead, sensors already present in packaging system 1 can be used, and their acquired data can then be further evaluated and analyzed. In this case, it is only necessary to equip a control unit 16 of packaging system 1 with the corresponding information and / or evaluation algorithms to carry out the aforementioned procedure. Reference symbol list

[0149] 1 Packaging system 2 Single-part module 3 Transport area 4 Film wrapping module 5 Shrink module 6 Transport area 7 Continuous film supply 8 Film cutting station 9 Cooling unit 10 Interior 11 Transport section 12 Lower shrink agent injection unit 13 Transport area 14 First sensor 15 Second sensor 16 Control unit 17, 17-1 to 17-4 Horizontal conveyor belt 18 Transition 18-1 to 18-3 Transition area 19 User interface 20 Article 21 Bottles 22 Article group 23 Thermoplastic packaging material 24 Shrink film 25 Shrink wrap 30, 30-1, 30-2 Removal unit 40 Packaging module 42 Packaging material 43 Packaging unit TR Transport direction

Claims

1. A method used to control a packaging facility (1) for the production of packaging units (43), wherein the packaging facility (1) is part of a beverage treatment facility, - in which method article groups (22) comprising at least two articles (20) are formed, - wherein at least one physical parameter of the article group (22) is sensor-detected while the article group (22) passes through at least one transport area, - and the at least one physical parameter is compared with a target value, the method being characterised in that a position of the article group (22) on a transport area (3) of the packaging facility (1) is determined as the physical parameter, an error is present in that the position of the article group (22) deviates from its target position, an incorrect positioning results from the article group (22) having a slippage in relation to a transport device, which slippage results from a contamination of the transport device, and a visualisation is carried out via a user interface, which prompts the user to check the transport areas for contamination, wherein a visualisation of a specific transport area is carried out, which in this context should first be checked by the user.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein an error event is inferred upon detection of a deviation between the physical parameter and the target value, and wherein the article group (22) is classified as "correct" or "faulty".

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein an event is defined upon detection of a faulty article group (22) or upon detection of a faulty positioning of the article group (22), which event generates control parameters for process-influencing or process-changing control specifications in the method.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the control parameter leads to a stop of at least the affected partial section of the packaging facility (1).

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein an event is defined upon detection of a faulty article group (22) or upon detection of a faulty positioning of the article group (22), from which event an error event is inferred, which is at least stored and visualised via a user interface (19) or made accessible to a user in another manner.

6. The method according to claim 3, in which a removal device (30) is actuated, which removal device (30) removes the article group (22) identified as faulty from the packaging facility (1) or discharges it from the packaging process, in particular, which removal device (30) removes the article group (22) identified as faulty from the packaging facility (1) or discharges it from the packaging process prior to further handling.

7. The method according to one of the previous claims used to control a packaging facility (1) for the production of carton packs or tray packs, in which method the article groups (22) are each at least partially wrapped with an outer packaging material formed from a box blank, or in which method the article groups (22) are placed into a box or a tray or a basket.

8. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 6 used to control a packaging facility (1) for the production of packaging units (43) equipped with a gripping type carton, in which method the article groups (22) are each at least partially gathered together with a cardboard blank, which cardboard blank is applied onto the articles (20) from above such that the articles (20) are accommodated at least in some areas within passage openings in the box blank.

9. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 6 used to control a packaging facility (1) for the production of shrink packs (25), in which method the article groups (22) are each wrapped with a shrink film (23), which shrink film (23) is shrunk onto the particular article group (22) to form a shrink pack (25).

10. The method according to one of the previous claims, in which a first physical parameter of the article group (22) is sensor-detected, and wherein a second physical parameter of the article group (22) is sensor-detected after the article group (22) has passed through at least one transport area or after it has passed through at least one partial section of a transport area or after it has passed through at least one handling module of the packaging facility (1), wherein at least one characteristic parameter of the packaging unit (43) is determined by assessment and comparison of the first physical parameter with the second physical parameter.

11. A packaging facility (1) for the production of packaging units (43), wherein the packaging facility (1) is part of a beverage treatment facility, the packaging facility (1) comprising at least - one first handling module formed as a divider module (2) to assemble at least two articles (20) into an article group (22), - at least one transport area (3) for the article groups (22), - wherein at least one transport area is assigned a sensor (14) to detect at least one physical parameter of the article group (22), wherein the packaging facility (1) comprises a control device (16), which control device (16) is designed to compare the data from the sensor (14) with a defined target value, wherein the control device (16) is designed to control a method according to claims 1 to 10.

12. The packaging facility (1) according to claim 11, wherein the packaging facility (1) comprises a removal device (30), which removal device (30) is designed to remove article groups (22) identified as faulty from the packaging facility (1) or to discharge them from the packaging process, in particular, which removal device (30) is designed to remove article groups (22) identified as faulty from the packaging facility (1) or to discharge them from the packaging process prior to further handling.

13. The packaging facility (1) according to one of the claims 11 and 12, which packaging facility (1) comprises at least one packaging module (40), - which packaging module (40) is formed by a folding module, in which folding module the article groups (22) are each at least partially wrapped with an outer packaging material formed from a box blank, or - which packaging module (40) is formed by a placing module, in which placing module the article groups (22) are each placed into a box or a tray or a basket, or - which packaging module (40) is formed by an application module, in which application module the article groups (22) are each at least partially gathered together with a box blank, which box blank is applied onto the articles (20) from above such that the articles (20) are accommodated at least in some areas within passage openings in the box blank, or - which packaging module (40) is formed by a gluing module, in which gluing module the article groups (22) are each at least partially gathered together with an adhesive, which adhesive is inserted between the articles (20) such that the articles (20) are adhesively joined together, or - which packaging module (40) is formed by a strapping module, in which strapping module the article groups (22) are each at least partially gathered together with a strapping band wrapped around the article group (22), or - which packaging facility (1) comprises a film wrapping module (4) and a shrink module (5), which film wrapping module (4) is designed to wrap the article group (22) into a length of film consisting of shrink film (23) and which shrink module (5) is designed to shrink the shrink film (23) onto the article group (22), thereby forming a shrink pack (25).

14. The packaging facility (1) according to one of the claims 11 to 13, comprising - at least one packaging module (40), and - a first sensor (14) designed to detect at least one first physical parameter of the article group (22), - a second sensor (15) designed to detect at least one second physical parameter of the article group (22), - wherein the first sensor (14) is assigned to a transport area or to a handling module of the packaging facility (1), and wherein the second sensor is assigned to another transport area or to a downstream transport section of the transport area or to another handling module of the packaging facility (1), and - wherein the control device (16) of the packaging facility (1) is designed to assess and compare the data from the first sensor (14) and from the second sensor (15) and to thereby determine characteristic parameters of the article group (22), of the article group (22) wrapped in packaging means (23), or of the packaging unit (43) comprising the article group (22).