Method and device for handling and printing on packaging blanks provided for packaging articles

Abstract

A method and a device (1) for packaging articles by means of printed packaging blanks (2) are disclosed. In the method, a plurality of packaging blanks is first positioned in a magazine (4) and subsequently removed from the magazine (4). Thereafter, articles are brought together with the packaging blanks (2) removed from the magazine (4) such that each packaging blank (2) in question thereby forms a packaging or a component of a packaging for at least one article. Furthermore, the packaging blanks (2) are printed on, the printing on a packaging blank (2) occurring after the packaging blank has been positioned in the magazine (4) and before the packaging blank is brought together with the at least one article in question. The device (1) can be operated in a corresponding manner.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for handling and printing packaging blanks intended for packaging articles.

[0002] The handling of articles often requires individual or multiple articles to be provided with outer packaging.

[0003] In the case of individual items, this is done to improve their protection and / or sales presentation.

[0004] In the case of multiple items, the outer packaging additionally maintains or creates a bundle of multiple items.

[0005] Such containers represent an effective way to enable the simultaneous handling of multiple items, for example, to facilitate the simultaneous transport of several items. Containers consisting of several items held together are therefore the most common type of sales unit for many items, such as beverage containers.

[0006] The articles may, for example, be objects such as packaged or unpackaged items, containers such as drinks bottles or cans, or even packages comprising several objects, wherein the objects of a package may be held together, for example, by means of an enclosure surrounding a group of objects at their periphery, such as a strapping, an outer packaging such as a wrapping, a shrink tube or a cardboard box or a carrying frame such as a drinks crate, to name just a few conceivable designs.

[0007] Folding boxes are used, among other things, as outer packaging for one or more items, as they offer a high level of protection, sometimes even additional protection, for the items contained within. Furthermore, folding boxes and the items contained within them can be stacked. If the folding boxes are printed, the items they contain can be identified by information printed or affixed to their exterior. Furthermore, they can serve as advertising media with appropriate information on their exterior.

[0008] Folding boxes are industrially prefabricated, usually cuboid-shaped containers that are folded or collapsed into a particularly small space or packing size. They are transported and stored in a space-saving folded state until use. If necessary, the folding boxes can be unfolded or opened manually or mechanically for outer packaging, as is common with folding boxes used for postal parcels, for example. When folded or collapsed, they require little space during transport and storage.

[0009] Outer packaging, for example, formed by folding boxes, can be designed with or without compartments arranged or capable of being arranged therein, which separate and / or hold individual items apart, also known as baskets. A compartment is a so-called interior arrangement that is arranged or intended to be arranged in an outer packaging and can consist, for example, of webs that are inserted into one another and / or connected to one another, for example, by folded edges and / or adhesive joints.Such compartments assign fixed places to the articles within the outer packaging and thereby protect them from bumping and rubbing against each other during further transport and / or storage until the articles are removed and used, which could otherwise result in a negative impression of quality due to, for example, traces of wear, for example of information applied to the articles in the form of labels, and / or damage to the articles among each other.

[0010] In addition, outer packaging with compartments already arranged within them is known. These can be designed as folding boxes with interior fittings arranged within them, which can also be transported and stored folded or collapsed and, when needed, unfolded easily by hand or by machine.

[0011] Outer packaging is preferably made from single- or multi-part cardboard boxes made of stabilized paper types, such as cardboard and / or paperboard. Cardboard boxes are available in various thicknesses and sizes for each type of outer packaging. For delicate items, corrugated cardboard, for example, can be used to protect them.

[0012] WO 2013 / 053646 A1 already discloses a device and method for the combined pulling and unfolding of outer packaging. A gripper grasps one of the cardboard walls and pulls the grasped cardboard wall, and thus the entire cardboard, out of the magazine along a movement path. The movement path describes a quarter-circular path along which the cardboard wall grasped by the gripper undergoes a 90° pivoting movement around an axis running parallel to the folded edges.During this movement, the cardboard wall not gripped by the gripper on the flat side released by the magazine, which cardboard wall not gripped by the gripper, when the cardboard is folded flat, forms an obtuse angle of at least approximately 180° with the cardboard wall gripped by the gripper, slides along a guide rail that forces the cardboard wall not gripped by the gripper to form a 90° angle to the cardboard wall gripped by the gripper at the end of its movement path, resulting in a rectangular cross-section of the shell. Following this, the separately manufactured base and lid of the container are connected to the shell, and the container is filled.

[0013] As already mentioned, printed outer packaging can serve as an advertising medium and facilitate the identification of articles contained in it. If a particular outer packaging is to be printed, individual outer packaging is currently printed via an external printing station, then delivered and stored in a magazine by a user or machine, after which the respective already printed outer packaging stored in the magazine is removed from the magazine and unfolded. This can result in an excessive supply of outer packaging being printed, which is not needed for the respective article packaging. This can lead to waste in outer packaging, which is also undesirable for economic reasons.Conversely, it is conceivable that a given stock of pre-printed outer packaging may be insufficient, so that a particular article packaging process must be suspended until additional printed outer packaging is available or delivered. Devices known from the prior art therefore have limited flexibility if articles are to be packaged in printed outer packaging.

[0014] WO 99 / 51498 A also discloses a device for folding cigarette packs. A lower packaging blank is removed from a magazine and then moved past a printing station. DE 10 2009 050 712 A1 also relates to a method and device for handling blanks made of packaging material for cigarette packs. Blanks are removed from a magazine via a removal roller and subsequently moved past a coding station.

[0015] EP 3 192 743 A1 also discloses a packaging device with bags. A component of the packaging device is a chain that moves in a rotating manner and on which grippers are arranged. The grippers move bags past a printing device, which prints a time of a particular production run onto the surface of each bag.

[0016] The object of the invention is to provide a possibility with which printed packaging materials can be provided with high flexibility and in an uncomplicated manner.

[0017] The above object is achieved by the subject matter comprising the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0018] The invention relates to a method for packaging articles using printed packaging blanks. The articles that can be packaged using the packaging blanks can be, for example, beverage containers. The beverage containers can be configured, for example, as beverage bottles and / or beverage cans. The articles that can be packaged using the packaging blanks can also be configured, for example, as bundles, each of which contains several beverage containers already held together.

[0019] One step of the method provides for the positioning of several packaging blanks in a magazine. For example, embodiments in which the several packaging blanks are positioned upright and one behind the other in the magazine have proven successful. In this case, several packaging blanks can be positioned upright and one behind the other in the magazine in such a way that immediately adjacent packaging blanks are in surface contact or abut one another with a respective broad side surface. It is conceivable that a manipulator or handling device is provided which positions the several packaging blanks upright and one behind the other in the magazine. In the respective upright positioning, a respective broad side surface of the packaging blank arranged in the magazine can be oriented obliquely or at least approximately vertically.

[0020] It is also possible for the multiple packaging blanks to be positioned horizontally and possibly stacked on top of one another in the magazine. In this case, the multiple packaging blanks can be positioned horizontally and possibly stacked on top of one another in the magazine in such a way that immediately adjacent packaging blanks are in surface contact with their respective broad sides, or that immediately adjacent packaging blanks rest on one another with their broad sides. It is conceivable that a manipulator or handling device is provided that positions the multiple packaging blanks horizontally and possibly stacked on top of one another in the magazine.

[0021] A further step of the method involves removing the packaging blanks from the magazine. This can involve removing one packaging blank at a time from its magazine, or removing the packaging blanks one after the other from their shared magazine. A step of the method can thus involve removing the packaging blanks, possibly arranged upright and one behind the other, from the magazine. A step of the method can also involve removing the packaging blanks, possibly positioned horizontally and stacked on top of one another, from the magazine.

[0022] It is also conceivable that the packaging blanks arranged one behind the other or on top of the other are removed from the magazine, pulled up and each transported towards at least one article which is intended to be packaged with the respective packaging blank that has been removed and pulled up until then. The plurality of packaging blanks can thus be folded together and positioned upright one behind the other in the magazine. The plurality of packaging blanks can also be folded together and stacked on top of one another in the magazine. During the removal and / or during the transport towards the at least one article which is intended to be packaged with the respective packaging blank that has been removed, the respective packaging blank can be unfolded or pulled up. The plurality of packaging blanks arranged in the magazine can thus be folded orfolded outer packaging and / or as a folded or folded compartment.

[0023] Furthermore, it is conceivable for several packaging blanks to be positioned upright and one behind the other or, if necessary, stacked on top of each other in the magazine. These packaging blanks are designed as flat, edgeless packaging blanks that form a standing surface for the articles. Such packaging blanks, referred to in practice as PADs, can contribute to the stability of several articles packaged using the PAD. The packaging blanks can also be folded together and positioned upright in the magazine, one behind the other or, if necessary, stacked on top of each other, unfolded and pulled open during removal and / or during transport towards the at least one article that is intended to be packaged with the respective removed packaging blank, and then presented as a cardboard box that can accommodate several articles.The term "packaging blank" is therefore to be understood broadly in this context and encompasses all printable packaging materials suitable for packaging articles, and in particular for combining several articles into a single packaging unit using a form-fitting and / or force-fitting method. The packaging materials are preferably made of cardboard, paperboard, and / or plastic.

[0024] A further step provides for merging the packaging blanks taken from the magazine with articles, so that each packaging blank thereby forms a respective packaging or a respective component of a respective packaging for at least one article. It may be that for the merging purposes each packaging blank taken from the magazine is set down and several articles are inserted into the set down packaging blank, preferably in the direction from above. In this case it may be that a packaging blank that is at least partially still open in the direction from above until the several articles are inserted is closed after the several articles have been inserted. For this purpose a tab of the packaging blank can be folded in and, if necessary, fixed in a folded orientation by means of a material-to-material connection or adhesive connection.

[0025] It is also conceivable that a packaging unit consisting of articles and a respective packaging blank is inserted into another package. Such additional packaging, referred to in practice as tertiary packaging, can be intended to combine several packaging units into a larger packaging unit.

[0026] It is also possible that a respective packaging blank is applied and / or placed on several articles for merging purposes, whereby the several articles may be located on a horizontal conveyor device.

[0027] It is intended that the packaging blanks are printed, with the printing of each packaging blank taking place after it has been placed in the magazine and before it has been combined with the respective at least one article. If the plurality of packaging blanks are positioned upright in the magazine, it is possible that the packaging blanks are printed, with the printing of each packaging blank taking place after it has been placed upright in the magazine and before it has been combined with the respective at least one article. If the plurality of packaging blanks are positioned lying down and possibly stacked on top of one another in the magazine, it is possible that the packaging blanks are printed, with the printing of each packaging blank taking place after it has been placed lying down and possibly stacked on top of one another.stacked positioning in the magazine and before its respective merging with the respective at least one article.

[0028] This makes it possible to print packaging blanks based on actual demand shortly before inserting items, thus advantageously avoiding waste from unnecessary packaging blanks. The ability to print shortly before inserting items also ensures that a sufficient quantity of printed outer packaging can always be provided or produced.

[0029] During the printing process, a printed image can be applied to the respective packaging blank, for example, as a QR code, a spray-on label, and / or a country code. The printed image applied to the respective packaging blank during the printing process can also provide information such as a best-before date, a best-before date, and / or information about the respective manufacturer of the items to be packaged with the respective packaging blank. An RFID code and / or a bio-tracking option can also be provided via the printed image.

[0030] As already mentioned above, the multiple packaging blanks can be folded together and arranged upright one behind the other, or folded together and stacked on top of one another in the magazine. The multiple packaging blanks can each be designed as a folded outer packaging, wherein an end face and a side wall, which can form the respective pulled-up outer packaging, are arranged next to one another in the folded orientation of the respective packaging blank and are located at least approximately in a common plane. As a result, a respective end face and a respective side wall, which can form a respective pulled-up outer packaging, can be printed directly one after the other in the folded orientation of the respective packaging blank.

[0031] It has proven effective to print the packaging blanks after they have been positioned in the magazine and before they are removed from the magazine. The packaging blanks can therefore be printed while they are still in the magazine. In particular, this can involve positioning several packaging blanks upright and arranged one behind the other in the magazine, with the packaging blanks being printed after they have been positioned upright and arranged one behind the other in the magazine and before they are removed from the magazine.

[0032] At least one print head can print on a respective packaging blank positioned in the magazine while the respective packaging blank positioned in the magazine is located in the magazine. It can be the case that the plurality of packaging blanks are positioned in particular upright and arranged one behind the other in the magazine and that at least one print head prints on a respective packaging blank positioned in particular upright at the front in the magazine while the respective packaging blank positioned in particular upright at the front in the magazine is located in the magazine. It is also conceivable that the plurality of packaging blanks are positioned lying down and possibly stacked on top of one another in the magazine and that at least one print head prints on a respective packaging blank positioned lying down in the magazine while the respective packaging blank positioned lying down in the magazine is located in the magazine.

[0033] During printing on the respective packaging blank, which is positioned in particular upright or possibly lying down in the magazine, the at least one print head can execute a movement oriented in the horizontal direction and / or in the vertical direction. During the execution of the movement oriented in the horizontal direction and / or in the vertical direction, the at least one print head can be in surface contact with the respective packaging blank, which is positioned in particular upright or possibly lying down in the magazine. A vertical position of the at least one print head can be fixedly predetermined or fixedly set. When printing on a packaging blank positioned in the front of the magazine, the at least one print head can be moved horizontally and in doing so maintain the fixedly predetermined or fixed vertical position.This allows the vertical position of the at least one print head to be flexibly adjusted to the dimensions of a particular packaging blank and / or to the respective print image to be generated. Embodiments in which the vertical position of the at least one print head can be permanently specified or set by a user, possibly without tools, have proven successful.

[0034] The at least one print head can have a first print head and a second print head or can be formed by a first print head and a second print head. The first print head and the second print head can cooperate to print on a respective packaging blank, which is positioned in particular upright or possibly lying down in the magazine. The first print head and the second print head can provide a respective packaging blank, which is positioned in particular upright or possibly lying down in the magazine, with a common print image. It is conceivable that the first print head and the second print head are moved synchronously or simultaneously during the printing of a respective packaging blank, which is positioned in particular upright or possibly lying down in the magazine.

[0035] It is also possible that a respective packaging blank, particularly one positioned upright or lying down in the magazine, is printed by the first print head, while the second print head remains in a standby position during the printing of the respective packaging blank, particularly one positioned upright or lying down in the magazine. If necessary, the second print head may be serviced or repaired in the standby position.

[0036] A sensor system can be provided which checks whether a packaging blank, in particular one positioned upright or lying down in the magazine, is located in a defined printing area. In this case, it can be that the at least one print head is given permission to print on a respective packaging blank, in particular one positioned upright or lying down in the magazine, if the sensor system determines during the check that a packaging blank, in particular one positioned upright or lying down in the magazine, is located in the printing area. Furthermore, it can be that the at least one print head is denied permission to print if the sensor system determines during the check that no packaging blank, in particular one positioned upright or lying down in the magazine, is located in the printing area.

[0037] A sensor system can also be provided, by means of which a position and / or orientation of a respective packaging blank, in particular one positioned at the front above the magazine, upright or possibly lying down, is determined. A displacement movement of the at least one print head intended for printing can be coordinated with the respective position and / or orientation determined by the sensor system. In particular, a displacement movement of the at least one print head intended for printing can be coordinated with the respective position and / or orientation determined by the sensor system in such a way that, after printing, a print image produced during printing is located at least approximately at a designated or specific position on the respective packaging blank.

[0038] Furthermore, a respective packaging blank, which is positioned in particular upright or possibly lying in the magazine, can be removed from the magazine after printing via a suction and / or gripping device, wherein a movement of the suction and / or gripping device provided for removing a respective packaging blank, which is positioned in particular upright or possibly lying in the magazine, and a movement of the at least one print head provided for printing are coordinated in time with one another in such a way that the suction and / or gripping device and the at least one print head do not collide with one another.

[0039] In particular, a movement of the specific suction and / or gripping device and the movement of the at least one print head intended for printing can thus be coordinated in time with one another in such a way that an unwanted collision of the specific suction and / or gripping device with the at least one print head can be excluded.

[0040] The packaging blanks can also be printed at any time during removal and / or during transport towards the articles.

[0041] In this case, a first print may be applied to a respective packaging blank, particularly one positioned upright or lying down in the magazine, and a second print may be applied to a respective packaging blank after removal and / or during transport toward the article to be packaged. It is also conceivable for various embodiments that a respective packaging blank is provided with a print exclusively during removal and / or during transport toward the article to be packaged.

[0042] A respective packaging blank can, if necessary, be removed from the magazine, in particular in an upright position, via a suction and / or gripping device and then transported towards the respective articles, with which articles the respective packaging blank is then combined, wherein the suction and / or gripping device prints a respective packaging blank during the removal and / or during the transport towards the respective articles.

[0043] The invention also relates to a device for handling packaging blanks intended for packaging articles. Features that have already been mentioned previously for various embodiments of the method can also be provided in various embodiments of the device described below and will not be mentioned repeatedly. Likewise, features described below, which relate to various embodiments of the device, can be provided in various embodiments of the method already described above. The device can optionally be designed to implement the embodiments of the method described above.

[0044] The device comprises a magazine via which packaging blanks can be provided. In particular, the device can comprise a magazine via which packaging blanks can be provided upright and arranged one behind the other. The device can comprise precisely one magazine via which a plurality of packaging blanks can be provided, in particular upright and arranged one behind the other. In further embodiments, the device can comprise a plurality of magazines, each of which can be used to provide a plurality of packaging blanks, in particular upright and arranged one behind the other. The device can also comprise a magazine via which packaging blanks can be provided lying down and stacked.

[0045] The device further comprises a transfer device that can remove packaging blanks from the magazine and transport them in the direction of the articles to be packaged with the packaging blanks. In particular, the device can comprise a transfer device that can remove packaging blanks in an upright position from the magazine and transport them in the direction of the articles to be packaged as packaging blanks.

[0046] Furthermore, the device comprises at least one printing device for printing packaging blanks.

[0047] It is provided that the at least one printing device is designed to print packaging blanks stored in the magazine and / or that the at least one printing device is arranged on the transfer device or that the at least one printing device is carried by the transfer device. It is conceivable that the at least one printing device is designed to print packaging blanks stored upright in the magazine. It may also be possible for the at least one printing device to be designed to print packaging blanks stored horizontally and possibly stacked in the magazine.

[0048] The at least one printing device can comprise at least one print head that can print on a respective packaging blank positioned in the magazine. In particular, the at least one printing device can comprise at least one print head that can print on a respective packaging blank positioned at the front in the magazine.

[0049] Furthermore, the device can comprise a reservoir in which printing fluid or printing ink is stored to supply the printing device. The reservoir can be arranged in a fixed location or, if necessary, not be movable together with the at least one print head. Thus, the reservoir can be designed as an external reservoir, which can be fluidically coupled to the printing device to supply the printing device with printing fluid or printing ink.

[0050] The at least one printing device can also comprise a first print head and a second print head. The first print head and the second print head can cooperate to print on a respective packaging blank, which is positioned in particular at the front and possibly folded together in the magazine. Furthermore, a respective packaging blank, which is positioned in particular at the front in the magazine, can be printed on selectively via the first print head or the second print head, wherein the respective first or second print head not intended for printing can assume a waiting position. The waiting position can be formed to the side of the magazine or to the side of a respective packaging blank, which is positioned in particular at the front in the magazine.The waiting position can be designed in such a way that the respective first or second print head not intended for printing can be maintained and / or repaired in the waiting position assumed, if necessary.

[0051] The device can comprise a control and / or regulating device and a sensor system connected to the control and / or regulating device. The control and / or regulating device can, if necessary, use the sensor system to check whether a packaging blank, in particular one positioned upright or lying down in the magazine, is located in a defined printing area. Furthermore, the control and / or regulating device can be designed such that the control and / or regulating device issues a respective release for the at least one print head to print on a respective packaging blank, in particular one positioned upright or lying down in the magazine, provided that the control and / or regulating device determines during the check that a packaging blank, in particular one positioned upright or lying down in the magazine, is located in the printing area.Furthermore, the control and / or regulating device can be designed such that the control and / or regulating device prevents a release for printing for the at least one print head if the control and / or regulating device determines during a respective check that there is no packaging blank in the printing area, in particular one positioned upright or possibly lying down in the magazine.

[0052] The device can also comprise a sensor system designed to determine a position and / or orientation of a respective packaging blank, which is positioned in particular at the front in the magazine, wherein the sensor system and the at least one printing device are operatively connected to one another in such a way that a displacement movement of the at least one print head intended for printing is coordinated with a respective position and / or orientation of a respective packaging blank, which is positioned in particular at the front in the magazine, as determined by the sensor system.

[0053] Embodiments in which the transfer device comprises a suction and / or gripping device have also proven successful. This device can remove packaging blanks, particularly in an upright position, from the magazine and transport them in the direction of the articles to be packaged as packaging blanks. In this case, a displacement movement of the at least one print head intended for printing can be coordinated with a movement of the suction and / or gripping device such that the suction and / or gripping device and the at least one print head do not collide with each other.

[0054] In the following, exemplary embodiments will explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration. Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of the embodiment of a device according to Fig. 1 . Fig. 3 shows individual aspects as they can be provided in various embodiments of the device according to the invention and in various embodiments of the method according to the invention. Figures 4show exemplary embodiments of packaging blanks as they can be provided for implementation in various embodiments of the method according to the invention and can be stored in a magazine in various embodiments of the device according to the invention. Fig. 5 shows in the flowchart individual steps as they can be provided individually or in the combination shown in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.

[0055] Although the figures are generally referred to as "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 proportions, which may not be precisely to scale.The figures thus enable the skilled reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive concept formulated in a more general and / or abstract manner in the claims and in the general part of the description on the basis of the more concretely explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more concretely explained functioning of the device according to the invention.

[0056] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the invention can be configured and do not constitute an exhaustive limitation.

[0057] The Fig. 1shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 is designed to handle packaging blanks 2, which packaging blanks 2 are intended to hold beverage containers not shown in the figures of the present patent application.

[0058] The device 1 comprises a magazine 4, over which several packaging blanks 2 are stored standing and folded together. Fig. 2 Furthermore, it can be seen that several or in this case three magazines 4 are provided, each of which stores packaging blanks 2.

[0059] In addition, a transfer device 6 is provided, which is designed as a suction and / or gripping device 8. The suction and / or gripping device 8 can remove a respective packaging blank 2, which is positioned at the front and folded in the magazine 4, from the magazine 4, unfold it and then transfer it to a Fig. 2 shown destination 20 and deposited there. In the area of ​​the destination 20, for example, a horizontal conveyor device can be provided, onto which the suction and / or gripping device 8 deposits pulled-up packaging blanks 2, whereupon the suction and / or gripping device 8 is moved back in the direction of the magazine 4. The then deposited packaging blank 2 is brought together with articles on the horizontal conveyor device. For this purpose, several beverage containers are inserted into the packaging blank 2, which is still pulled up. With the inserted beverage containers, the packaging blank 2 is then transported away via the horizontal conveyor device and closed, for which purpose an upper and / or side flap of the packaging blank 2 can be folded in and fixed, for example, with adhesive.

[0060] In devices known from the prior art, it has been provided to date that packaging blanks 2 are printed and only subsequently inserted into a magazine 4. Such printing can, for example, contain information about the respective beverage containers accommodated by the packaging blank 2. Printing can also display QR codes or information about the respective manufacturer. Furthermore, printing can contain graphic representations intended to give the packaging blanks 2 an appealing visual appearance.

[0061] Since already printed packaging blanks, which may be tailored to the respective beverage containers held, are often not available in the required quantity, the device 1 comprises a printing device 12 with a print head 15. A respective upright packaging blank 2 is provided in a still folded state via a respective magazine 4. The upright packaging blank 2, which was provided first via the magazine 4 and has until then still been folded, is then printed via the printing device 12 or the print head 15 of the printing device 12, while the respective packaging blank 2 is located in the magazine 4 during printing. Only after the printing of a respective packaging blank 2 has been completely completed can the respective packaging blank 2 then be transferred via the transfer device 6 orthe suction and / or gripping device 8 is removed from the magazine 4, pulled up, and brought to the respective destination 20. To avoid a collision of the suction and / or gripping device 8 with the printing device 12 or with the print head 15, a displacement movement of the print head 15 and a movement of the suction and / or gripping device 8 are coordinated with one another. For this purpose, the printing device 15 and the suction and / or gripping device 8 are connected to the control and / or regulating device S, which specifies the displacement movement of the print head 15 and the movement of the suction and / or gripping device 8.

[0062] Taking into account the Fig. 2It can be seen here that several magazines 4 are provided, in each of which packaging blanks 2 are stored upright and folded. For each magazine 4, the transfer device 6 can comprise its own suction and / or gripping device 8, via which the transfer device 6 can remove packaging blanks 2 from the respective magazine 4 and deposit them at a separate destination 20. The print head 15 or a single print head 15 can be moved beforehand along the multiple magazines 4 and provide packaging blanks 2, which are positioned upright and folded at the front above the magazines 4, with a respective print image. Thus, a single print head 15 can be sufficient to apply a respective print image to packaging blanks 2, which are arranged in several magazines 4.

[0063] The Figures 1 and 2The device 1 shown may comprise, in addition to the components already shown, further components that are not shown. For example, the control and / or regulating device S may be connected to a sensor system that detects whether a respective packaging blank 2 of the respective magazine 4 is ready for printing. Only in this case can the control and / or regulating device S control the printing device 12 to move the print head 15. If the control and / or regulating device S detects that no packaging blank 2 is available for printing, possibly due to an error or an exhausted supply of packaging blanks 2 in a magazine 4, the control and / or regulating device S can prevent movement of the print head 15. This can prevent the print head 15 from being accidentally damaged or problems occurring when packaging articles due to packaging blanks 2 being missing at the destination 20.

[0064] Instead of the Figures 1 and 2 As part of the printing device 12, a print head 15 can be provided, so that the printing device 12 has a plurality of print heads 15, which may cooperate to print a respective packaging blank 2 or may print a packaging blank 2 together.

[0065] The Fig. 3 shows individual aspects as they can be provided in various embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention and in various embodiments of the method 10 according to the invention. In particular, Fig. 3 a respective packaging blank 2, which is stored in a respective magazine 4 according to Fig. 2 is arranged at the front. The packaging blanks 2 are in Fig. 3 each designed as an outer packaging and are located together in their respective magazine 4. Via a suction and / or gripping device 8, as shown in Fig. 1As shown, the packaging blanks 2 are removed from the respective magazine 4 and subsequently pulled out or unfolded, for which purpose the packaging blanks 2 each comprise defined folding and bending lines.

[0066] The outer packaging to be formed from the packaging blanks 2 by unfolding each has a front side and a side wall in an unfolded orientation. The front side is in Fig. 3 designated by the reference number 22 and the side wall by the number 24. If the respective packaging blank 2 is stored as a folded outer packaging in the respective magazine 4 (cf. Fig. 2 ), the front side 22 and the side wall 24 are in one plane and next to each other, as shown in the schematic representation according to Fig. 3can be seen. Advantageously, this allows both the front side 22 and the side wall 24 of a respective packaging blank 2 to be printed using a single print head 15, wherein the print head 15 must be moved exclusively in the horizontal direction as shown in the arrow. It is also not necessary to rotate the packaging blank 2 in order to print both the front side 22 and the side wall. Printing can thus be carried out using a device 1 which has a simple and uncomplicated structure, since the devices previously required for rotating packaging blanks 2 can be dispensed with.

[0067] On each end face 22 as well as on each side wall 24, Fig. 3 A print image 27 has already been applied, which is Fig. 3is only indicated schematically. During or after removal of the respective folded packaging blank 2 from the respective magazine 4, the respective packaging blank 2 is pulled up, wherein the end face 22 and the side wall 24 are bent or pivoted relative to each other about a vertically oriented axis. Fig. 3 The dimensions shown for the end face 22 and the side wall 24 are provided merely as examples. For example, an extension of the end face 22 may be enlarged in the horizontal direction compared to an extension of the respective side wall 24, or an extension of the end face 22 and an extension of the side wall 24 may be at least approximately identical in the horizontal direction.

[0068] The Figures 4show exemplary embodiments of packaging blanks 2, as they are used for implementation in various embodiments of the method 10 according to the invention (cf. Fig. 5 ) and can be stored in a magazine 4 (see Figures 1 and 2 ) can be stored in various embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention. Fig. 4A The packaging blank 2 shown is designed as a so-called tray. The tray can form an outer packaging for several articles and comprises several lateral edge areas 7 (see Fig. 4A ). On the lateral edge area 7, a print can be applied externally by means of a printing device 12. The Fig. 4BThe packaging blank 2 shown is designed as a so-called PAD and comprises two broad side surfaces on opposite sides, of which an upper broad side surface forms a base for the article. The PAD or one or both of the two opposite broad side surfaces can also be printed via a printing device 12 or, if necessary, via a print head 15.

[0069] In Fig. 4C a packaging blank 2 designed as a cardboard box can be seen, which can accommodate several beverage containers or in which several beverage containers can be inserted. Within the scope of an embodiment of the method 10 according to the invention, it can be provided in particular that a packaging blank 2 designed as a cardboard box is correspondingly Fig. 4C is printed on at least one outer side, while the packaging blank 2 designed as a cardboard box is folded up in a magazine 4 (cf. Figures 1and 2 ) is located.

[0070] The Fig. 4D shows a further embodiment of a packaging blank 2, which in Fig. 4D several beverage cans 9 together. The packaging blank 2 and the beverage cans 9 form a bundle 17. A packaging blank 2 according to the embodiment according to Fig. 4D can be printed partially or completely in various embodiments of the method 10 according to the invention and by means of various embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention. It can be provided that the packaging blank 2 after Fig. 4D is printed, while the packaging blank 2 is in a magazine 4 (cf. Figures 1 and 2 ). The then printed packaging blank 2 can then be removed from the magazine 4 and brought together with the beverage cans 9, so that the packaging blank 2 then presses the beverage cans 9 accordingly Fig. 4D holds together in a form-fitting manner.

[0071] The Fig. 5 shows in the flowchart individual steps, as they can be provided individually or in the illustrated combination in various embodiments of the method 10 according to the invention. The method 10, which leads to Fig. 5 can be carried out by means of a device 1 according to the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 Furthermore, packaging blanks 2 can be used to implement the process 10, as described in the Figures 4 are shown.

[0072] In a first step of the procedure 10, which is referred to in Fig. 5As referred to in paragraph 110, several packaging blanks 2 are positioned upright and arranged one behind the other in a magazine 4. For this purpose, a manipulator can be provided which receives the several packaging blanks 2 and then positions them upright and arranged one behind the other in the magazine 4. It is also possible for a user to position the several packaging blanks 2 upright and arranged one behind the other in the magazine 4.

[0073] In step 120, a packaging blank 2 arranged at the front in the magazine 4 is printed, while this packaging blank 2 arranged at the front and in the magazine 4 is still in the magazine 4. The printing can, for example, be carried out according to the description of Fig. 3wherein a single print head 15 applies a respective print image to a front side 22 and to a side wall 24 of a respective folded packaging blank 2. Once the printing is completely finished, step 130 is carried out, in which the then printed packaging blank 2, which until then was still arranged upright in the magazine 4, is removed from the magazine 4 and placed at a destination 20.

[0074] This is followed by process step 140, in which the packaging blank 2 already deposited at the destination is combined with several articles, wherein the several articles are inserted from above into the packaging blank 2 already deposited at the destination 20. In step 150, the packaging blank 2 is then closed and thereby forms a packaging unit together with the inserted articles.

[0075] 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

[0076] 1Device 2Outer packaging 4Magazine 6Transfer device 7Side edge area 8Suction and / or gripping device 9Beverage can 10Process 12Printing device 15Print head 17Container 20Destination 22Front side 24Side wall 27Print image SControl and / or regulating device 110First process step 120Second process step 130Third process step 140Fourth process step 150Fifth process step

Claims

1. A method (10) for packaging articles into printed packaging blanks (2), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: - positioning a plurality of packaging blanks (2) in a magazine (4), - extracting the packaging blanks (2) from the magazine (4), and - bringing together the packaging blanks (2) extracted from the magazine (4) with articles so that a particular packaging blank (2) hereby forms a particular packaging or a particular part of a particular packaging, in each case for at least one article, wherein the method provides the packaging blanks (2) to be printed onto, wherein printing onto a particular packaging blank (2) is carried out temporally after it has been positioned in the magazine (4) and temporally before it is in each case brought together with the particular at least one article, the method being characterised in that at least one printhead (15) prints onto a particular packaging blank (2) while the particular packaging blank (2) is located inside the magazine (4).

2. The method according to claim 1, in which the plurality of packaging blanks (2) are positioned in a standing manner and arranged one after the other in the magazine (4), and in which method the at least one printhead (15) prints onto a particular packaging blank (2) positioned standing foremost in the magazine (4) while the particular packaging blank (2) positioned standing foremost in the magazine (4) is located inside the magazine (4).

3. The method according to claim 2, in which a particular packaging blank (2) positioned standing foremost in the magazine (4) is extracted from the magazine (4) by a suction device and / or gripping device (8) temporally after the packaging blank (2) has been printed onto, wherein a movement of the suction device and / or gripping device (8) provided for extracting a particular packaging blank (2) positioned standing foremost in the magazine (4) and a travel movement of the at least one printhead (15), the travel movement being provided for the purpose of printing, are temporally coordinated with each other in such a manner that the suction device and / or gripping device (8) and the at least one printhead (15) do not collide with each other.

4. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 3, in which the at least one printhead (15) comprises a first printhead and a second printhead or is formed by a first printhead and a second printhead, and in which method (10) it is provided that - the first printhead and the second printhead interact in order to print onto a particular packaging blank (2) positioned standing foremost in the magazine (4), and / or in which method (10) it is provided that - a particular packaging blank (2) positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine (4) is printed onto by the first printhead, while the second printhead remains in a waiting position while the particular packaging blank (2) positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine (4) is being printed onto.

5. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 4, in which a sensor system is provided by means of which it is checked whether a packaging blank (2) of the magazine (4), which packaging blank (2) is positioned, in particular, standing foremost, is located within a defined print range, and wherein it is provided that - an approval is issued for the at least one printhead (15) to print onto a particular packaging blank (2) positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine (4) if it is determined by means of the sensor system in the context of the check that a packaging blank (2) positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine (4) is located within the print range and in which method (10) it is provided that - an approval is disabled for the at least one printhead (15) to print if it is determined by means of the sensor system in the context of the check that no packaging blank (2) positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine (4) is arranged within the print range.

6. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 5, in which a position and / or orientation of a particular packaging blank (2) positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine (4) is determined by means of a sensor system, wherein a travel movement of the at least one printhead (15), the travel movement being provided for printing, is coordinated with the particular position and / or orientation determined by the sensor system.

7. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 6, in which the at least one printhead (15) carries out a travel movement oriented in horizontal direction and / or in vertical direction while printing onto the particular packaging blank positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine.

8. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 7, in which the packaging blanks (2) are provided with a printing temporally during a particular extraction and / or temporally during a transport toward the articles.

9. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 8, in which a particular packaging blank (2) is extracted, in particular, in a standing manner from the magazine (4) by a suction device and / or gripping device (8) and is hereupon transported toward particular articles, with which articles the particular packaging blank (2) is then brought together, wherein the suction device and / or gripping device (8) prints onto a particular packaging blank (2) temporally during the extraction and / or temporally during the transport toward the particular articles.

10. An apparatus (1) for handling packaging blanks (2) provided for packaging articles, the apparatus comprising at least - a magazine (4), via which packaging blanks (2) can be supplied, - a transfer device (6) which can extract packaging blanks (2) from the magazine (4) and transport the packaging blanks (2) toward the articles to be packaged into the packaging blanks, and - at least one printing device (12) for printing onto packaging blanks (2), wherein the at least one printing device (12) is designed for printing onto packaging blanks (2) stored in the magazine (4), characterised in that the at least one printing device (12) comprises at least one printhead (15) which is designed for printing onto a particular packaging blank (2) positioned in the magazine (4).

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, in which it is provided that the packaging blanks (2) can be supplied via the magazine (4) in a standing manner and arranged one after the other, wherein the at least one printhead (15) can print onto a particular packaging blank (2) positioned standing foremost in the magazine (4).

12. The apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11, in which the transfer device (6) comprises a suction device and / or gripping device (8) which can extract packaging blanks (2) from the magazine (4), preferably in a standing manner, and transport the packaging blanks (2) toward the articles to be packaged into the packaging blanks, and in which apparatus (1) it is provided that - a travel movement of the at least one printhead (15), the travel movement being provided for printing, is coordinated with a movement of the suction device and / or gripping device (8) in such a manner that the suction device and / or gripping device (8) and the at least one printhead (15) do not collide with each other.

13. The apparatus according to one of the claims 10 to 12, in which it is provided, in particular, that the packaging blanks (2) can be supplied via the magazine (4) in a standing manner and arranged one after the other, and in which apparatus (1) the at least one printing device (12) comprises a first printhead and a second printhead, wherein it is provided that - the first printhead and the second printhead interact in order to print onto a particular packaging blank (2) positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine (4), and / or in which apparatus it is provided that - a particular packaging blank (2) positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine (4) is printable onto optionally by the first printhead or by the second printhead, wherein the particular first or second printhead that is not intended for printing can in this context assume a waiting position.

14. The apparatus according to one of the claims 10 to 13, comprising a control device and / or regulating device (S) and a sensor system in operative connection with the control device and / or regulating device (S), wherein the control device and / or regulating device (S) can check by means of the sensor system whether a packaging blank (2) of the magazine (4), which packaging blank (2) is positioned, in particular, standing foremost, is located within a defined print range, and which control device and / or regulating device (S) is designed in such a manner that - the control device and / or regulating device (S) issues an approval for the at least one printhead (15) to print onto a particular packaging blank (2) positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine (4) if the control device and / or regulating device (S) determines in the context of the check that a packaging blank (2) positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine (4) is located within the print range, and which control device and / or regulating device (S) is designed in such a manner that - the control device and / or regulating device (S) disables an approval for the at least one printhead (15) to print if the control device and / or regulating device (S) determines in the context of a particular check that no packaging blank (2) positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine (4) is located within the print range.

15. The apparatus according to one of the claims 10 to 14, comprising a sensor system designed to determine a position and / or orientation of a particular packaging blank (2) positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine (4), wherein the sensor system and the at least one printing device (12) are in operative connection with each other in such a manner that a travel movement of the at least one printhead (15), the travel movement being provided for the purpose of printing, is coordinated with a particular position and / or orientation of a particular packaging blank (2), positioned, in particular, standing foremost in the magazine (4), the position and / or orientation being determined by the sensor system.

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