Packaging device and method for producing packaging units

Abstract

The invention relates to a work tool (15) for applying a planar packaging blank (41) to a plurality of beverage cans (2). The work tool (15) comprises a support (34) and a plurality of manipulation elements (37), which are arranged suspended from the support (34) and via which a defined force can be applied to the planar packaging blank (41) in the region of each of the plurality of openings (42), such that each beverage can (2) is pressed into a corresponding opening (42). The plurality of manipulation elements (37) arranged suspended from the support (34) are designed in such a way that the plurality of manipulation elements (37) arranged suspended from the support (34), in order to each press a beverage can (2) into a corresponding opening (42), can apply a defined force to the planar packaging blank (41) along the peripheral course of the openings (42) at staggered times.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a working tool and a method for producing a multipack containing several beverage cans.

[0002] To package beverage cans, the beverage cans can be transported in groups on horizontal conveyors and then combined using a packaging material. Trays, for example, are known, onto which beverage cans are placed and which then hold the individual beverage cans together. Packaging materials are also known that consist of strapping or other packaging elements, such as a cardboard box into which several beverage cans are placed.

[0003] Since in practice the consumption of packaging material should be kept as low as possible, containers or multipacks are also known in which several beverage cans are held together by a flat packaging blank, which flat packaging blank forms several openings. A respective beverage container or beverage can passes through each of the openings with its upper section. By means of such a packaging blank, the beverage cans are held together in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and form a respective multipack. The respective packaging blank can engage in a form-fitting manner in the upper edge area of ​​a respective beverage can. For example, multipacks which comprise four, six or eight beverage cans are known. The flat packaging blanks can be formed in particular from cardboard or from cellulose-containing materials.

[0004] Each opening of such a packaging blank, into which a beverage can is to be pressed, has a smaller maximum cross-sectional diameter than the respective beverage can forms in the area of ​​its upper edge. To press several beverage cans into a respective flat packaging blank, a defined force must therefore be applied to the respective flat packaging blank. In practice, this force is relatively high, so that high-performance manipulators are required to be able to press a respective flat packaging blank onto several beverage cans. Such manipulators have high acquisition costs. Due to the high force required for pressing, tools are prone to premature, undesirable wear.Practice has also shown that when a high force is applied to the flat packaging blank, it cannot be ruled out with certainty that the respective flat packaging blank, which often has only a low thickness, will be damaged when pressed onto beverage cans.

[0005] US 3,032,944 A discloses a packaging machine for attaching carriers to containers. The packaging machine includes a rotating roller for attaching the carriers.

[0006] WO 2009 / 097546 A1 also discloses a packaging line by which carriers can be attached to beverage containers while the beverage containers are transported along the packaging line. The beverage containers are transported along several parallel paths.

[0007] US 3,407,563 A1 discloses a packaging machine in which blanks are applied to beverage cans. The beverage cans are positioned on a support surface that moves horizontally, thereby joining several beverage cans together with a common blank.

[0008] One object of the invention is to provide a corresponding method and a corresponding tool that at least partially avoids the aforementioned problems. Furthermore, the method should be easy to implement, and the tool should have a simple design.

[0009] The above problem is solved by the subject-matter having the features in the independent claims.

[0010] The invention relates to a tool for applying a flat packaging blank to a plurality of beverage cans. The flat packaging blank can be made of cellulose-containing materials. For example, the flat packaging blank can be made of cardboard and / or paperboard. It is also conceivable for the flat packaging blank to be made of plastic. The flat packaging blank may have several recesses, which may collectively form a carrying handle.

[0011] For example, the flat packaging blank can consist of several cellulose-containing layers or of a combination of different materials, including different recycled materials.

[0012] The work tool comprises a support or upper suspension. The support or upper suspension may optionally be connected to a flange or mounting area of ​​the work tool and / or may include a flange or mounting area of ​​the work tool. The flange or mounting area of ​​the work tool may be configured to couple the work tool to a multi-axis robot and / or to couple the work tool to a gantry system.

[0013] The working tool further comprises a plurality of manipulation elements suspended from the carrier, via which the flat packaging blank can be subjected to a defined force in the region of a plurality of openings, such that a respective beverage can is pressed into a respective opening of the flat packaging blank. In particular, the number of manipulation elements suspended from the carrier can correspond in particular to at least a number of beverage cans to which the respective flat packaging blank is to be applied via the working tool. The plurality of manipulation elements suspended from the carrier can be removable from the carrier in various embodiments. It is also possible for the plurality of manipulation elements and the carrier to be formed as a single piece.In such embodiments, the carrier and the plurality of manipulation elements can be produced, for example, using a three-dimensional printing process.

[0014] The plurality of manipulation elements can be arranged suspended on the carrier in such a way that the plurality of manipulation elements can press all beverage cans intended for a respective flat packaging blank into a respective opening of the flat packaging blank at least approximately simultaneously.

[0015] The working tool is designed in such a way that the plurality of manipulation elements arranged suspended on the carrier can press all of the beverage cans intended for a respective flat packaging blank into openings of the respective flat packaging blank by means of a single lifting and return stroke movement of the working tool.

[0016] It is intended that the multiple manipulation elements suspended from the carrier are designed such that, for pushing a respective beverage can into a respective opening, the multiple manipulation elements suspended from the carrier can apply a defined force to the flat packaging blank along the respective circumference of the respective opening at a time-staggered rate. This minimizes the risk of the flat packaging blank being damaged or accidentally tearing when the beverage cans are pushed into the openings.

[0017] The working tool may be designed to receive beverage cans. In such embodiments, beverage cans can be received from a supply station by means of the working tool, moved toward a transport device, and then deposited on the transport device. Embodiments in which the working tool comprises several suction instruments, via which the working tool can pneumatically receive beverage cans, have proven particularly useful.

[0018] It may be that the plurality of manipulation elements each form a contact surface via which the respective manipulation element can apply the defined force to the flat packaging blank in the region of the respective opening, and which contact surface can be placed on the flat packaging blank in the region of the respective opening at an angle to the flat packaging blank and / or with a curved shape. When a respective beverage can is pressed into a respective opening, the respective contact surface can initially come into contact with the flat packaging blank in certain areas, and as a respective beverage can is pressed into a respective opening, from a certain point in time onwards it can be in contact with the flat packaging blank at least approximately over its entire surface.

[0019] Furthermore, the plurality of manipulation elements may each execute a rotational movement to apply the defined force staggered in time along the circumference of the respective opening. A rotational axis around which the rotational movement of a respective manipulation element extends can extend at least approximately centrally through the respective opening when a respective beverage can is pressed into a respective opening. In particular, a rotational axis around which the rotational movement of a respective manipulation element extends can be designed as the longitudinal axis of the respective beverage can or can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective beverage can.

[0020] The working tool can comprise at least one suction and / or gripping instrument, via which the flat packaging blank can be releasably secured to the working tool while a respective beverage can is being pressed into a respective opening. In various embodiments, the suction and / or gripping instrument can comprise at least one clamping finger, which can releasably and mechanically secure the flat packaging blank to the working tool while a respective beverage can is being pressed into a respective opening.

[0021] In particular, the at least one suction and / or gripping instrument can be designed in such a way that the flat packaging blank can be released via the at least one suction and / or gripping instrument while a respective beverage can is being pressed into a respective opening and can be fixed to the working tool via negative pressure.

[0022] The working tool can also comprise a plurality of lateral partition walls, between which a respective flat packaging blank intended for application to beverage cans can be arranged in a form-fitting manner or with slight play. In this case, the previously mentioned at least one suction and / or gripping instrument can be formed over the working tool in such a way that the flat packaging blank can be released via the at least one suction and / or gripping instrument while a respective beverage can is being pressed into a respective opening and can be secured to the working tool via negative pressure and in a form-fitting manner or with slight play between the two adjacent lateral partition walls. The at least one suction and / or gripping instrument can also be arranged between the respective two adjacent lateral partition walls on the working tool.In particular, the suction and / or gripping instrument may be arranged hanging on the carrier.

[0023] The invention further relates to an industrial robot. The industrial robot comprises at least one movable working arm and at least one working tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the previous description. The at least one working tool is arranged on the at least one movable working arm. Furthermore, the at least one working tool is movable via the at least one working arm in at least two different spatial directions and preferably in three different spatial directions. The industrial robot can be designed, for example, as a multi-axis robot, a delta kinematic robot, a gantry robot, and / or a gantry system, or can be integrated into a gantry system.In particular, the industrial robot can be designed in such a way that the industrial robot can, via its movable working arm, bring about a lifting and return stroke movement for the at least one working tool for applying a flat packaging blank to a plurality of beverage cans.

[0024] The invention also relates to a method for producing a multipack containing several beverage cans. Features that have already been described previously for various embodiments of the work tool or the industrial robot can also be provided in the following method and will not be mentioned repeatedly. Likewise, the following features, which are described for various embodiments of the method, can also be provided in the preceding embodiments of the work tool or the industrial robot.

[0025] One step of the method involves providing a plurality of beverage cans via a transport device. The plurality of beverage cans may be provided via a horizontal conveyor device or via at least one circulating driven conveyor belt.

[0026] For example, the beverage cans can also be provided in a shuttle.

[0027] For example, the beverage cans can already be placed in a tray or crate and placed on a circulating conveyor belt.

[0028] In a further step, a flat packaging blank is applied to the plurality of beverage cans provided via the transport device by means of a working tool, for which purpose a respective beverage can is pressed into a respective opening of the flat packaging blank via the working tool, so that the beverage cans pressed into the openings of the flat packaging blank are held together by means of the flat packaging blank in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

[0029] It is intended that the working tool for pressing the beverage cans into the openings applies a respective defined force in the area of ​​a respective opening to the flat packaging blank, wherein the respective defined force is applied to the flat packaging blank at different times along the circumference of a respective opening.

[0030] It may be that the flat packaging blank is aligned horizontally above the respective beverage cans prior to pressing the beverage cans into the openings. Furthermore, the working tool may have multiple manipulation elements, wherein a respective manipulation element for pressing a respective beverage can into a respective opening is guided, subjected to force, via a contact surface in the region of a respective opening against the flat packaging blank, which has at least previously been horizontally oriented, which contact surface has a curved and / or slanted profile relative to the flat packaging blank, which has at least previously been horizontally oriented.

[0031] The working tool can also have several manipulation elements, wherein a respective manipulation element is placed on the flat packaging blank in the area of ​​a respective opening and, when placed on the flat packaging blank, is moved in a rotating manner in the area of ​​the respective opening, as a result of which the respective defined force intended to press the respective beverage can into the respective opening is applied to the flat packaging blank at different times along the circumference of the respective opening.

[0032] It is conceivable that the working tool has at least one suction and / or gripping device, which at least one suction and / or gripping device holds the flat packaging blank before and / or during the pressing of the beverage cans into the openings on the working tool.

[0033] For example, embodiments have proven successful in which the at least one suction and / or gripping instrument holds the flat packaging blank on the working tool via negative pressure before and / or during the pressing of the beverage cans into the openings.

[0034] The flat packaging blank can also have a plurality of retaining tabs for at least one of its openings and preferably for each of its openings, which are arranged below a respective upper edge or below a respective upper fold of a respective beverage can when the beverage cans are pressed into the openings, so that the flat packaging blank is then held on the beverage cans via its retaining tabs in an essentially immovable manner in the axial direction relative to the beverage cans.

[0035] It is also conceivable that the retaining tabs are aligned or pre-bent before the beverage cans are pressed into the openings, whereby the retaining tabs point upwards away from the flat packaging blank.

[0036] In one method step, it can be provided that several groups, each containing several beverage cans, are placed on the transport device via at least one handling device, so that the several beverage cans of a respective group are already aligned with one another immediately upon placement on the transport device for the application of a respective flat packaging blank. In this case, a respective flat packaging blank can be applied to the beverage cans of a respective group placed on the horizontal conveyor device and aligned with one another using the working tool.

[0037] Embodiments have proven successful in which the application of a respective flat packaging blank to the already aligned beverage cans intended for a respective multipack takes place without the lateral surfaces of the already aligned beverage cans intended for a respective multipack coming into contact with a holding and / or guiding element designed to maintain the alignment. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the forward movement of the already aligned beverage cans intended for a respective multipack via the transport device takes place without the lateral surfaces of the already aligned beverage cans intended for a respective multipack coming into contact with a holding and / or guiding element designed to maintain the alignment.

[0038] It is conceivable that the beverage cans already aligned and intended for a respective multipack are moved along the transport device without interruption and preferably at an at least approximately constant transport speed during the application of the respective flat packaging blank.

[0039] It is also possible that a respective flat packaging blank is applied to the beverage cans of a respective grouping, which are already aligned with one another, via the working tool, wherein the working tool for applying flat packaging blanks to groupings carries out a lowering movement oriented in the direction of a respective grouping.

[0040] Furthermore, it may be that the working tool receives at least one flat packaging blank from a stack of several packaging blanks positioned to the side of the transport device, then positions the respective at least one flat packaging blank received from the stack above at least one grouping which comprises several beverage cans placed on the transport device and already aligned, and then carries out the lowering movement oriented in the direction of the respective grouping.

[0041] The working tool can, if necessary, after performing a respective lowering movement, apply several flat packaging blanks to several different groups, each of which comprises several beverage cans placed on the horizontal conveyor and already aligned. In particular, it is possible that the working tool can apply flat packaging blanks to the several different groups at different times after performing a respective lowering movement.

[0042] The working tool and / or one or all of the manipulation elements can have centering elements to hold and / or guide the containers or cans or groups of cans in a defined, preferably horizontal, position relative to the working tool before and / or during the application of the packaging blank and / or to move the cans or containers into a defined position. The centering elements can, for example, be conical in shape. The cans / containers can stand freely in a formation on a base. Alternatively, the centering elements could also be supported and / or driven by a device separate from the working tool.

[0043] It can therefore be the case that the working tool comprises at least one centering means which, as required, restores the alignment of the plurality of beverage cans of a respective grouping to one another prior to the application of a respective flat packaging blank and which is formed immediately upon placement on the transport device.

[0044] One step of the method may provide for pretreatment of the flat packaging blank to reduce a resistance force occurring in a respective edge region of the openings of the flat packaging blank during subsequent application of the flat packaging blank.

[0045] It is possible that the average diameter of the openings is enlarged during pretreatment.

[0046] It is also possible that fixing tabs formed in the respective edge region of the openings are bent over at least in some areas, so that the fixing tabs subsequently protrude from a plane in which the openings are arranged.

[0047] It is also conceivable that the flat packaging blank is pressed onto a device with at least one die or at least one expansion die during pretreatment. The number and arrangement of the dies or expansion dies may correspond to the number and arrangement of the openings in the flat packaging blank, with the flat packaging blank being pressed onto the dies or expansion dies in such a way that the dies or expansion dies penetrate through the openings at least in some areas.

[0048] If several matrices or expansion matrices are provided, the several matrices or expansion matrices can be combined to form one format part.

[0049] One aspect can therefore relate to a format part for the pretreatment of flat packaging blanks each having several openings, which format part has a support preferably designed as a support plate and comprises a plurality of expansion matrices, wherein it is provided that the plurality of expansion matrices are each arranged on the support preferably designed as a support plate and each taper at least in sections in the opposite direction of the support preferably designed as a support plate.

[0050] During pretreatment, incisions and / or perforations may be made in the edge areas of the openings. In particular, radial incisions and / or perforations may be made during pretreatment.

[0051] Embodiments in which the edge areas of the openings are exposed to liquid or moistened have also proven successful. Alternatively or additionally, the edge areas of the openings can be heated or, if necessary, a temperature control device can apply defined heat energy to the edge areas of the openings.

[0052] An industrial robot comprising two or more working tools can lower these, in particular one after the other, onto groups of cans, for example by means of drives arranged separately on the working tools and / or by arranging the working tools at different heights.

[0053] In the following, exemplary embodiments will explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration. Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a packaging line in which an embodiment of an industrial robot according to the invention and an embodiment of a working tool according to the invention are used. Figures 2 and 3 show a further embodiment of a packaging line in which an embodiment of an industrial robot according to the invention and an embodiment of a work tool according to the invention are used. Fig. 4shows a third embodiment of a packaging line in which an embodiment of an industrial robot according to the invention and an embodiment of a working tool according to the invention are used. Figures 5 to 7 each show a schematic view of an embodiment of a work tool according to the invention. Figures 8 to 10 show individual details of a manipulation element of the work tool according to the performance form from the Figures 2 to 4 . Fig. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of a multipack as it can be produced with various embodiments of the working tool according to the invention. Fig. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a packaging line according to the invention, in which an embodiment of an industrial robot according to the invention and an embodiment of a working tool according to the invention are used. Figures 13 to 15show individual details of the design of a packaging line according to Fig. 12 . Fig. 16 shows several steps in the flowchart, as they can be carried out individually or in the Fig. 9 combination shown can be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention. Fig. 17 shows an alternative embodiment for the contact surface of a working tool. Fig. 18 shows another alternative embodiment for the contact surface of the working tool.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The embodiments, examples, and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless the features are incompatible.

[0056] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a packaging line 1 in which an embodiment of an industrial robot 30 according to the invention and an embodiment of a working tool 15 according to the invention are used.

[0057] By means of the packaging line 1 from the embodiment according to Fig. 1 A multipack 4 can be produced, as shown in the example in Fig. 11Such a multipack 4 comprises a plurality of beverage cans 2 and a flat packaging blank 41, via which the plurality of beverage cans 2 are held together in a form-fitting manner. The flat packaging blank 41 has an associated opening 42 for each of the beverage cans 2, through which the respective beverage can 2 passes with an upper portion, so that all beverage cans 2 of the respective multipack 4 are held together in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner via the flat packaging blank 41.

[0058] The Fig. 11 The illustrated embodiment of a multipack 4 comprises exactly eight beverage cans 2. In further embodiments, for example, a multipack 4 may have only two beverage cans 2, four beverage cans 2 or six beverage cans 2.

[0059] In order to assemble or produce the respective multipack 4, the packaging line 1 comprises a first module 10, a second module 20 and a transport device 5, which can transport beverage cans 2 from the first module 10 to the second module 20. The second module 20 follows in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 onto the first module 10 in a conveying direction FR intended for the beverage cans 2.

[0060] To create a Multipack 4 according to the example shown in Fig. 11 In order to be able to produce, beverage cans 2 which are intended for the respective multipack 4 must have a relative arrangement to one another in which the openings 42 of the packaging blank 41 are aligned with the beverage cans 2 and the beverage cans 2 can then be pushed in an aligned orientation through the openings 42 of the flat packaging blank 41.

[0061] If beverage cans 2 are not aligned correctly with each other, the beverage cans 2 do not meet the openings 42 or only partially meet them when the packaging blank 41 is applied, which causes problems when the respective flat packaging blank 41 is applied.

[0062] In order to form a respective grouping from a plurality of beverage cans 2, for example, dividers can be provided which can comprise two horizontal conveyors adjoining one another in the conveying direction FR and, if necessary, create groupings 3 from the beverage cans 2 through intermittent operation. Dividers are also known which can engage with beverage cans 2 via a plurality of push bars, then accelerate the respective beverage cans 2 relative to trailing beverage cans 2 in the conveying direction FR and thereby form a respective grouping 3 from a plurality of beverage cans 2.

[0063] In the packaging section 1 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 The first module 10 for generating the groupings 3 comprises a handling device 16, which in Fig. 2 is shown schematically. In such embodiments, beverage cans 2 are taken from a supply 72 (cf. Fig. 12 ), then moved in the direction of the transport device 5 and placed on the transport device 5 in the direction coming from above.

[0064] The beverage cans 2 are placed on the transport device 5 via the handling device 16 in the area of ​​the first module 10 in such a way that a grouping 3 of beverage cans 2 is formed on the transport device 5 immediately upon placement, the number of which corresponds to the number of the respective multipack 4 to be produced (cf. Fig. 11 ) matches.

[0065] In addition, the beverage cans 2 are placed on the transport device 5 via the handling device 16 in such a way that the beverage cans 2 of a respective grouping 3 formed on the transport device 5 already have an alignment to one another immediately upon placement on the transport device 5, which is suitable for applying the respective flat packaging blank 41. As already mentioned above, the first module 10 for producing or creating a respective grouping 3 on the transport device 5 can also have a divider, which is provided instead of the handling device 16 and forms the respective groupings 3.

[0066] In order to remove the beverage cans 2 from the provision 72 (cf. Fig. 12 ) and deposit them on the transport device 5, the handling device 16 comprises at least one gripping head 17.

[0067] After the groupings 3, each of which comprises a plurality of beverage cans 2 already aligned with one another for the application of flat packaging blanks 41, have been formed on the transport device 5, the groupings 3 are moved via the transport device 5 in the conveying direction FR. The transport device 5 is connected to a control and / or regulating device S, which controls the transport device 5 for the uninterrupted movement of the groupings 3 deposited thereon at the same conveying speed or at a conveying speed that remains constant over time. The groupings 3 then leave the first module 10 and reach the second module 20, which follows the first module 10 in the conveying direction FR.

[0068] In order to minimize the risk that the beverage cans 2, which are already aligned with one another immediately upon placement on the transport device 5 for the application of a flat packaging blank 41, will unintentionally shift relative to one another during a movement in the conveying direction FR, it can be provided that the transport device 5 has a circulating endless traction means or a circulating conveyor belt, between which circulating endless traction means or between which circulating conveyor belt and the beverage cans 2 a high static friction is formed. For example, the endless traction means or the circulating conveyor belt can have a plurality of knobs and / or be made of a material via which a high static friction can be formed between the beverage containers and the endless traction means or between the beverage containers and the circulating conveyor belt.

[0069] In order to apply the flat packaging blank 41 to a respective grouping 3, the second module 20 comprises an industrial robot 30, which has a Fig. 1 carries a work tool 15 that is only shown schematically. The industrial robot 30 can be designed as a gantry system or integrated into a gantry system.

[0070] It is conceivable that the industrial robot 30 is designed as a multi-axis robot or as a delta kinematic robot. The work tool 15 comprises several manipulation elements 37 (see Fig. 5 ), which are designed such that the plurality of manipulation elements 37 for pressing a respective beverage can 2 into a respective opening 42 (cf. Fig. 8 ) can apply a respective defined force along the respective course of the respective opening 42 to the flat packaging blank 41 at different times.

[0071] The working tool 15, as it is for the embodiment according to Fig. 1 is provided, according to the embodiment according to Figures 5 to 10 be trained.

[0072] About the working tool 15 to Figures 5 to 10 as well as the working tool 15 to Fig. 1 the industrial robot 30 can pick up a flat packaging blank 41 for each grouping 3 from a magazine 48 (cf. Fig. 12 ) or in further embodiments from several matrices 18 (cf. Fig. 12 ) onto which the flat packaging blank 41 was previously placed. A plurality of flat packaging blanks 41 can be stacked in the magazine 48.

[0073] The industrial robot 30 then aligns the flat packaging blank 41, which is still received by the work tool 15, above the respective beverage cans 2 to which the flat packaging blank 41 is to be applied. The industrial robot 30 then lowers the work tool 15 vertically toward the respective beverage cans 2 or vertically toward the respective grouping 3 and presses the flat packaging blank 41 against the respective beverage cans 2, which are to be combined into a multipack 4 via the flat packaging blank 41.

[0074] As a result, beverage cans 2 pass through openings 42 of the flat packaging blank 41, whereupon the respective beverage cans 2 are then held together in a form-fitting manner via the flat packaging blank 41, forming a multipack 4. In order to be able to move the working tool 15, the industrial robot 30 has a working arm 25 on which the working tool 15 is arranged. In further embodiments, the working tool 15 can also be designed as a component of a gantry system or integrated into a gantry system.

[0075] Since in practice a respective diameter of the openings 42 of the flat packaging blank 41 is reduced compared to a diameter which the beverage cans 2 each form in the upper region, it is possible that the flat packaging blank 41 tears unintentionally in the region of an opening 42 or even in the region of several openings 42 when applied to beverage cans 2.

[0076] This leads to damage to the multipack 4, since in the case of a tear in the area of ​​a respective opening 42, it cannot be guaranteed with certainty that a respective can inserted into this opening 42 will still be securely held to the flat packaging blank 41. Such a tear also leads to an unwanted visual impairment of the multipack 4, which is why such a multipack 4 must be rejected. By means of the embodiment of a working tool 15, as is shown for the packaging line 1 according to Fig. 1and by means of an embodiment of a working tool 15 as shown in the Figures 5 to 7 shown, a risk can be reduced that such a crack occurs when a flat packaging blank 41 is applied to beverage cans 2.

[0077] Practice has even shown that the risk of such a crack occurring when applying a flat packaging blank 41 to beverage cans 2 by means of a working tool 15, as is the case with the packaging line 1 according to Fig. 1 is provided or as in the embodiment according to Figures 5 to 7 shown, can be almost completely excluded. The structure and function of the working tool 15 are therefore described below with reference to the Figures 5 to 7 described in detail.

[0078] The Figures 2 and 3show a further embodiment of a packaging line 1, in which an embodiment of an industrial robot 30 according to the invention and an embodiment of a working tool 15 according to the invention are used.

[0079] The packaging line 1 from the embodiment according to Figures 2 and 3 can also produce a Multipack 4, as is the case in Fig. 11 In order to assemble or produce the respective multipack 4, the packaging line 1 comprises, as does the embodiment according to Fig. 1 a first module 10, a second module 20, and a transport device 5, which can transport beverage containers 2 from the first module 10 to the second module 20. The second module 20 is arranged downstream of the first module 10 in the conveying direction FR of the horizontal conveyor device 5.

[0080] In order to ensure that a respective flat packaging blank 41 can be applied to beverage cans 2 without problems or in order to ensure that the beverage cans 2 of a respective group 3 have a suitable alignment to one another for applying the flat packaging blank 41, the first module 10 comprises a handling device 16 with a gripping head 17.

[0081] The handling device 15 is used to transfer beverage cans 2 from a Fig. 12The beverage cans 2 are received at the provision 72 shown, then moved in the direction of the transport device 5 and deposited on the horizontal conveyor 5 in the direction from above. The beverage cans 2 are deposited on the transport device 5 via the handling device 16 in such a way that, immediately upon deposit, a group 3 of beverage cans 2 is formed on the transport device 5, the number of which corresponds to the number of the respective multipack 4 to be produced (cf. Fig. 11 ) matches.

[0082] In addition, the beverage cans 2 are placed on the transport device 5 via the handling device 16 in such a way that the beverage cans 2 of a respective grouping 3 formed on the transport device 5 already have an alignment to one another immediately upon placement on the transport device 5, which is suitable for applying the respective flat packaging blank 41. Since this eliminates the need for division via holding elements and guidance via rails, there is no risk of the beverage cans 2 being scratched or damaged due to surface contact with guide rails and / or holding elements.

[0083] After the groupings 3, each of which comprises a plurality of beverage cans 2 already aligned with one another for the application of packaging blanks 41, have been formed on the transport device 5, the groupings 3 are moved via the transport device 5 in the conveying direction FR. The transport device 5 is connected to a control and / or regulating device S, which controls the transport device 5 for the uninterrupted movement of the groupings 3 deposited thereon at the same conveying speed or at a conveying speed that remains constant over time. The groupings 3 then leave the first module 10 and reach the second module 20, which follows the first module 10 in the conveying direction FR.

[0084] The schematic view of the Fig. 2further illustrates that the second module 20 has an industrial robot 30, which carries a working tool 15 suspended via a working arm 25. The industrial robot 30 can be capable of simultaneously removing several flat packaging blanks 41 from a stack (not shown in the figures) or from matrices 18 (cf. Fig. 12 ) to accept.

[0085] After receipt, the working tool 15 is moved in the direction of the transport device 5, so that the working tool 15, together with the several flat packaging blanks 41 still held by the working tool 15, is located above the several groupings 3 to which the flat packaging blanks 41 are to be applied. Following this, the working tool 15 is lowered in the direction of the groupings 3 and then applies the flat packaging blanks 41 to the groupings 3.

[0086] Since the groupings 3 are moved continuously in the conveying direction FR by means of the transport device 5 during the application of the packaging blank 41, the working tool 15 is moved in the conveying direction FR with the groupings 3 after lowering and until the complete application of the flat packaging blanks 41 to the groupings 3. Once all packaging blanks 41 have been applied to the groupings 3, the beverage cans 2 formed as part of a respective grouping 3, together with the respective flat packaging blank 41, form a multipack 4 (cf. Fig. 11 ).

[0087] In order to apply the flat packaging blanks 41 to the groupings 3, the flat packaging blanks 41 must be pressed onto the respective beverage cans 2 in the direction of the respective beverage cans 2. Accordingly, the working tool 15 for applying each flat packaging blank 41 must apply a certain force to the respective packaging blank 41, which acts in a downward direction or in the direction of the respective beverage containers 2.

[0088] In order to avoid that the working tool 15 has to apply a relatively high total force at a certain point in time, embodiments have proven useful in which the working tool is functionally arranged in accordance with the Figures 5 to 7 In addition, it may be provided that the working tool 15 presses the flat packaging blanks 41 according to Fig. 3applied to the groups 3 with a time delay. In the embodiment according to Fig. 3 First, a flat packaging blank 41 is applied to a grouping 3, which is arranged at the front in the conveying direction FR of the transport device 5.

[0089] Subsequently, flat packaging blanks 41 are successively applied to groups 3, which follow the group 3 arranged at the front in the conveying direction FR of the transport device 5.

[0090] Through Fig. 3 Furthermore, it becomes clear once again that in the area of ​​the second module 20, no guide rails or holding elements extending in the conveying direction FR are provided, which may be moved together with the groupings 3. Thus, in the area of ​​the second module 20, groupings 3 or beverage cans 2 are never in surface contact with guide rails and / or holding elements.

[0091] The schematic view of the Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of a packaging line 1, in which an embodiment of an industrial robot 30 according to the invention and an embodiment of a working tool 15 according to the invention are used.

[0092] The transport device 5 and the first module 10 are shown in accordance with the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 designed so that reference can be made to the previous description. Compared to the embodiment from Figures 2 and 3 The design differs according to Fig. 4 in the way of applying flat packaging blanks 41 via the working tool 15. How to Fig. 3 As already mentioned, the flat packaging blanks 41 must be pressed onto the respective beverage cans 2 in the direction of the respective beverage cans 2 via the working tool 15.

[0093] Thus, the working tool 15 must apply a certain force to the respective flat packaging blank 41 in order to apply each flat packaging blank 41, which force acts in a downward direction or in the direction of the respective beverage cans 2. In order for the working tool 15 not to have to apply a relatively large force at a certain time, the flat packaging blanks 41 are also Fig. 4 applied to the groups 3 via the working tool 15 with a time delay. In addition, the working tool 15 is functionally designed according to the embodiment of the following Figures 5 to 7 trained.

[0094] From a summary of the Fig. 3 with Fig. 4 It becomes clear that the order in which flat packaging blanks 41 are applied to the groups 3 is Fig. 4 opposite Fig. 3 While in Fig. 3First, a flat packaging blank 41 is applied to a grouping 3 arranged at the front in the conveying direction FR of the transport device 5 and the further groupings 3 follow this, in Fig. 4 At least approximately simultaneously, a respective flat packaging blank 41 is placed on a grouping 3 arranged at the front in the conveying direction FR and on a grouping 3 arranged at the rear in the conveying direction FR. Only subsequently is Fig. 4 a respective flat packaging blank 41 is applied to the further groupings 3, which are located between the grouping 3 arranged at the front in the conveying direction FR and the grouping 3 arranged at the rear in the conveying direction FR.

[0095] For groupings 3 which are located between the groupings 3 arranged at the front and rear in the conveying direction FR, the application of flat packaging blanks 41 is also carried out in pairs, so that at least approximately simultaneously two flat packaging blanks 41 are applied to each two groupings 3.

[0096] Also in the example according to Fig. 4 In the area of ​​the second module 20, no guide rails or guide rails and / or holding elements are provided that could come into contact with the lateral surfaces of beverage cans 2. The movement of the beverage cans 2 in the area of ​​the second module 20 is carried out via the transport device 5 without the lateral surfaces of the beverage cans 2 coming into contact with guide rails and / or holding elements.

[0097] The Figures 5 to 7 each show a schematic view of an embodiment of a work tool 15 according to the invention. Fig. 5This illustrates that the work tool 15 has a carrier 34, which is designed as a carrier plate 35 and to which several manipulation elements 37 are suspended. If the work tool 15 is moved by an industrial robot 30, the carrier 34 or the carrier plate 35 remains in a horizontal orientation throughout.

[0098] For all beverage cans 2 of a respective multipack 4 to be produced, the working tool 15 comprises a separate manipulation element 37, the structural design of which is shown in the Figures 8 to 10 shown in detail and which comes into surface contact with the flat packaging blank 41 when applied to beverage cans 2. Via the working tool 15, as shown in the Figures 5 to 7As shown, three flat packaging blanks 41 can be applied to beverage cans 2 at least approximately simultaneously, so that several beverage cans 2 are combined into three multipacks 4 via three flat packaging blanks 41 via the working tool 15 at least approximately simultaneously.

[0099] By an alternative arrangement of manipulation elements 37 at different height levels, it is also possible to produce flat packaging blanks 41 accordingly Figures 3 and 4 to be applied to different groupings 3 at different times. Thus, in such embodiments, manipulation elements 37 assigned to a first flat packaging blank 41 can be arranged at different height levels compared to manipulation elements 37 assigned to a second flat packaging blank 41, or can have a different relative spacing from the carrier 34.

[0100] The perspective view after Fig. 5 It also shows that the work tool 15 comprises several lateral partition walls 43 and a rear wall 46. The lateral partition walls 43 and the rear wall 46 are oriented perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, the lateral partition walls 43 and the rear wall 46 are each arranged suspended from the support 34 or the support plate 35, respectively, from which support 34 or support plate 35 the manipulation elements 37 are also suspended.

[0101] The spacing between two adjacent lateral partition walls 43 is selected such that a respective flat packaging blank 41 can be arranged between two adjacent partition walls 43 in a form-fitting manner or with slight play. The rear wall 46 defines a position for a flat packaging blank 41 arranged between adjacent partition walls 43 in a further spatial direction. A flat packaging blank 41 can therefore be in contact with the rear wall 43 and with two adjacent lateral partition walls 43, or can be only slightly spaced from the lateral partition walls 43 or slightly from the rear wall 46.

[0102] Since the lateral partition walls 43 and the rear wall 46 prevent a relative movement of a received flat packaging blank 41 with respect to the manipulation elements 37 in several spatial directions, it can be ensured with a high degree of certainty that the manipulation elements 37 hit a predetermined position of the flat packaging blank 41 with precision when the flat packaging blank 41 is applied.

[0103] The side partition walls 43 also have another function, which can be seen from a summary of the Figures 1 and 5 becomes clear. As previously mentioned, groups 3 of beverage cans 2 are formed in the area of ​​the first module 10, wherein these formed groups 3 are moved spaced apart from one another in the conveying direction FR via the transport device 5 and thereby reach the area of ​​the second module 20.

[0104] In order to be able to precisely apply flat packaging blanks 41 to the groupings 3 so that the beverage cans 2 meet the openings 42, it is necessary that the relative spacing between successive groupings 3 corresponds very precisely to a predetermined target spacing. In the event that a beverage can 2 accidentally slips during movement over the transport device 5 or during the division of the beverage cans 2 into groupings 3, this beverage can 2 may be located too close to a leading grouping 3 or too close to a trailing grouping 3.

[0105] In order to correct such an error or to move the beverage can 2 into a position in which the beverage can 2 accurately hits a respective opening 42 when the flat packaging blank 41 is applied, the respective beverage can 2 is moved over the lateral partition walls 43 as required. Fig. 2 shows, the lateral partition walls 43 each taper in the opposite direction of the carrier 34. To apply the flat packaging blank 41, the working tool 15 is moved in the direction of the beverage cans 2 or in the direction of the respective groupings 3, wherein the lateral partition walls 43 dip into a free space which is formed between successive groupings 3.

[0106] If a beverage can 2 is located in this free space that has accidentally slipped or whose position does not correspond to a target position, a lateral partition 43 pushes this beverage can 2 back into a predetermined target position. As a result, the beverage cans 2 precisely hit the openings 42 of the flat packaging blank 41, which can further reduce the risk of a tear occurring in the flat packaging blank 41 when the beverage cans 2 are pressed into the openings 42. The shape of the lateral partitions 43, which tapers in the opposite direction to the carrier 34, has also proven effective in preventing damage to the beverage cans 2 during contact with the lateral partitions 43 and tipping of the beverage cans 2 during pushing.

[0107] In order to remove a flat packaging blank 41 from a magazine 48 (cf. Fig. 12) in order to be able to move the then removed flat packaging blank 41 in the direction of the groupings 3 and to be able to hold the respective flat packaging blank 41 moved in the direction of the groupings 3 firmly on the working tool 15 until it is applied to a respective grouping 3, the working tool 15 comprises a plurality of suction instruments 39.

[0108] The suction instruments 39 can each be subjected to negative pressure or can fix the flat packaging blank 41 to the working tool 15 via negative pressure. For this purpose, the working tool 15 comprises several suction instruments 39 for each flat packaging blank 41 to be received, so that the respective flat packaging blank 41 can be securely held on the working tool 15 via the respective several suction instruments 39.

[0109] In Fig. 6 The suction instruments 39 are shown enlarged again. Fig. 6enlarges the support 34 or the support plate 35, to which the manipulation elements 37, the lateral partition walls 43, and the rear wall 46 are each suspended. As already mentioned above, manipulation elements 37 assigned to a first flat packaging blank 41 can be located at different heights or at different spacings from the support 34 or the support plate 35 compared to further manipulation elements 37 assigned to a further flat packaging blank 41.

[0110] From the perspective view after Fig. 7 , which shows the working tool 15 from below, it can be seen that the lateral partition walls 43 are oriented parallel to each other. On the right side, Fig. 7a flat packaging blank 41 is shown, which is held by the working tool 15 between two lateral partition walls 43. For each beverage can 2, the flat packaging blank 41 already forms a respective opening 42, into which the respective beverage can 2 can be inserted or pressed. For clarification, Fig. 7 a beverage can 2 is already shown, which has been pressed into an opening 42 of the flat packaging blank 41 via the working tool 15 and is now fixed to the flat packaging blank 41.

[0111] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures of the present patent application, the flat packaging blank 41, when applied to a respective grouping 3, already forms an associated opening 42 for each beverage can 2 of the respective grouping 3. In further embodiments, however, it may also be the case that an area provided for forming the openings 42 is pre-punched in the flat packaging blank 42, and that the openings 42 are only formed when the flat packaging blank 41 is applied to the beverage cans 2.

[0112] The beverage cans 2 can be guided against the pre-punched area under force, whereby the pre-punched area is at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank 41, thereby creating openings 42 in the flat packaging blank 41. Such embodiments of a flat packaging blank 41 can also be produced by means of the embodiment of a working tool according to Figures 5 to 7 be applied to several beverage cans 2.

[0113] In Fig. 8 An embodiment of a manipulation element 37 is shown. The manipulation element 37 is a component of the embodiment of the working tool 15 according to the Figures 5 to 7However, it can be used independently of this embodiment in a general context or, if necessary, be part of other embodiments. The manipulation element 37 comprises a contact surface 38, which is brought into surface contact with the flat packaging blank 41 by applying force to press a beverage can 2 into an associated opening 42. The contact surface 38 has a curved shape.

[0114] From a summary of the Figures 8 and 9 it then becomes clear that the contact surface 38 of the manipulation element 37 does not contact the flat packaging blank 41 completely or only partially when it hits it. If the manipulation element 37 is moved from its position to Fig. 9further in the direction of the beverage can 2, the contact surface 38 of the manipulation element 37 comes into contact with the flat packaging blank 41 at a certain point in time along the entire circumferential profile of the respective opening 42 formed in the flat packaging blank 41 due to an elastic deformation of the flat packaging blank 41 and then presses the beverage can 2 through the opening 42 until the beverage can 2 is held firmly on the flat packaging blank 41.

[0115] Due to the curved shape of the contact surface 38, a force required to press a respective beverage can 2 into a respective opening 42 is applied to the flat packaging blank 41 at a time-shifted location along the circumference of the opening 42. Thus, when a beverage can 2 is initially pressed into a respective opening 42, the manipulation element 37 initially comes into surface contact with the flat packaging blank 41 at several areas offset along the circumference of the respective opening 42.

[0116] Only during the further pressing of the respective beverage can 2 into the respective opening 42 is an area with which the manipulation element 37 comes into contact with the flat packaging blank 41 via the contact surface 38 enlarged, whereby the risk of unintentional tearing of the flat packaging blank 41 in the region of the respective opening 42 can be kept very low. Apart from the curved course of the contact surface 38, there are further embodiments for forming the contact surface 38 of the manipulation element 37, with which the force required to press a respective beverage can 2 into a respective opening 42 can be applied to the flat packaging blank 41 at different times along the circumferential course of the respective opening 42.

[0117] For example, the contact surface 38 can be linear and angled relative to the flat packaging blank 41. Embodiments have also proven successful in which the manipulation elements 37, formed as part of a working tool 15, are rotated to apply a force intended to press a respective beverage can 2 into a respective opening 42 at a staggered time. An axis of rotation can extend along a longitudinal axis of the respective beverage can 2. The shape of the contact surface 38 of the respective manipulation element 15 can furthermore have a curved profile or be angled relative to the flat packaging blank 41.

[0118] In Fig. 10 individual aspects of the presentation are again Fig. 9shown in detail or enlarged. The curved or curved shape of the contact surface 38 of the manipulation element 37 can still be seen. Fig. 10 that the flat packaging blank 41 has a plurality of retaining tabs 49 in the area of ​​a respective opening 42. A respective beverage can 2 also forms an upper edge 51 or fold (cf. Fig. 11 ) which runs around a closure of a respective beverage can 2 (not shown in the figures).

[0119] After a respective beverage can 2 has been pressed into a respective opening 42, the retaining tabs 49 are arranged below the respective upper edge 51 and fix the flat packaging blank 41 immovably in the axial direction to the respective beverage can 2. In order to keep the force required to press the beverage cans 2 into the openings 42 low, embodiments have proven successful in which the retaining tabs 49 are pre-bent before the beverage cans 2 are pressed into the openings 42 or, if necessary, into an upright orientation accordingly Fig. 9 be transferred.

[0120] The Fig. 11shows a schematic perspective view of a multipack 4, as it can be produced with various embodiments of the working tool 15 according to the invention. The multipack 4 comprises exactly eight beverage cans 2, which are held together by a flat packaging blank 41. For this purpose, the beverage cans 2 were inserted into openings 42 of the flat packaging blank 41 by means of a working tool 15 (cf. Figures 5 to 7 ) is pressed in, whereby the retaining tabs 49 are arranged below the upper edges 51, which retaining tabs 49 fix the flat packaging blank 41 immovably in the axial direction to the beverage cans 2.

[0121] The Fig. 12shows a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a packaging line 1 according to the invention, in which an embodiment of an industrial robot 30 according to the invention and an embodiment of a work tool 15 according to the invention are used. The industrial robot 30 can be designed, for example, as a gantry system or as a multi-axis robot and is in Fig. 12 Not shown for reasons of clarity. The work tools 15 can still be identified by reference to number 15.

[0122] The packaging line 1 comprises a supply line 72 that transports beverage cans 2 in several parallel rows. For transport in several parallel rows, the supply line 72 has several guide rails 21, with a single-row stream of beverage cans 2 being moved between immediately adjacent guide rails 21.

[0123] The embodiment according to Fig. 12further comprises a transport device 5, which moves beverage cans 2 placed thereon in the conveying direction FR. The conveying direction FR and the direction of movement by which the supply 72 transports beverage containers 2 in several parallel rows are oriented parallel to each other.

[0124] Furthermore, the packaging line 1 comprises a handling device 15 with several gripping heads 16, via which the handling device 15 can receive beverage cans 2 moved up to that point in several parallel rows via the supply 72 and deposit them on the transport device 5 as a group 3. Also in the packaging line 1 according to Fig. 12 It is provided that the beverage cans 2 of a respective group 3 already have an alignment to one another which is intended for or suitable for the application of the respective flat packaging blank 41 immediately upon being placed on the transport device 5.

[0125] In order to be able to apply flat packaging blanks 41 to the groups 3 each comprising several beverage cans 2, the packaging line 1 has six working tools 15. The working tools 15 can have a structure corresponding to the previously described Figures 5 to 7 described embodiment and apply flat packaging blanks 41 to groupings 3, as previously described in the Figures 5 to 7 The corresponding description has already been explained.

[0126] Furthermore, the packaging line 1 comprises a magazine 48, which receives the packaging blanks 41 not yet applied to groupings 3. For this purpose, the magazine 48 comprises a plurality of prongs 19, with each prong 19 engaging through a respective opening 42 of a respective flat packaging blank 41 received in the magazine 48. The flat packaging blanks 41 are thus held in the magazine 48 via the prongs 19.

[0127] In practice, it may be that the working tools 15 have to apply a relatively high force in order to apply a respective flat packaging blank 41 to a respective grouping 3. Taking into account the multipack 4 from Fig. 11 It can be seen here that an upper edge 51 of a respective beverage can 2 must be inserted through a respective opening 42 if a respective flat packaging blank 41 is to be applied to a respective grouping 3. Since the flat packaging blank 41 must be elastically deformed in this case, it is possible that one or more of the beverage cans 2 may unintentionally tip over when the packaging blank 41 is applied to a respective grouping 3. By means of the manipulation elements 37, which are each part of the working tools 15, this force can already be reduced in magnitude.

[0128] In order to further reduce the resistance of the flat packaging blanks 41 in the area of ​​the openings 42, the flat packaging blanks 41 are Fig. 12 initially placed on matrices 18, wherein a respective die 18 dips into a respective opening 42 of a respective flat packaging blank 41. It is possible here for the working tools 15 to remove a respective flat packaging blank 41 from the magazine 48, followed by the dies 18 dipping into the openings 42 of the respective packaging blank 41 and then elastically deforming or stretching a respective edge region of a respective opening 42 by means of the dies 18, so that the resistance force that must be overcome to apply the flat packaging blank 41 to a respective grouping 3 is reduced.

[0129] In the embodiment according to Fig. 12However, it is intended that a detailed Fig. 13 The transfer tool 90 shown removes a respective flat packaging blank 41 from the magazine 48 and then places it on the dies 18, so that a respective die 18 is immersed in a respective opening 42 of a respective flat packaging blank 41. The transfer tool 90 then leaves a vicinity of the dies 18 and is moved back towards the magazine 48. Overlaid in time with the movement of the transfer tool 90 in the direction of the magazine 48, the working tools 15 are moved towards the flat packaging blanks 41 placed on the dies 18 and then come into contact with the flat packaging blanks 41 still resting on the dies 18.

[0130] The flat packaging blanks 41 are then pressed downwards onto the dies 18 via the working tools 15, thereby stretching the edge regions of the openings 42. Subsequently, the working tools 15 remove the flat packaging blanks 41 from the dies 18, move the flat packaging blanks 41 removed from the dies 18 in the direction of the groupings 3 arranged on the transport device 5, and then apply the flat packaging blanks 41 to the groupings 3. Since the edge regions of the openings 42 were previously stretched by the dies 18, the resistance force that must be overcome to apply the flat packaging blanks 41 to the groupings 3 is reduced compared to embodiments without such prior stretching of the edge regions.

[0131] As previously mentioned, the flat packaging blanks 41 are placed onto the dies 18 by means of a transfer tool 90, with each die 18 inserting into a respective opening 42 of a respective flat packaging blank 41. The number of dies 18 must therefore correspond at least to the number of openings 42 formed by the flat packaging blanks 41. In order for the dies 18 to insert into the openings 42, the arrangement or position of the dies 18 must also be coordinated with the respective arrangement or position of the openings 42 formed by the flat packaging blanks 41.

[0132] In order to produce different multipacks 4, it may be necessary to use flat packaging blanks 41 that differ in terms of the respective number of openings 42 and / or their respective position or arrangement in the flat packaging blank 41. Thus, it may be necessary to replace the matrices 18 if different multipacks 4 are to be produced using the packaging line 1 in successive packaging processes.

[0133] In order to be able to carry out such an exchange of matrices 18 quickly and easily, several matrices 18 are provided in the embodiment according to Fig. 12 to a respective format part 47 (cf. Fig. 15). If, on the packaging line 1, flat packaging blanks 41 are changed which differ with regard to the number and / or arrangement of the openings 42, format parts 47 are exchanged, which format parts 47 each comprise a plurality of matrices 18.

[0134] The exchange of format parts 47 comprising multiple dies 18 can be performed, for example, by a user or an industrial robot. Embodiments also exist in which format parts comprising multiple dies 18 are exchanged as needed using a driverless transport system.

[0135] The Figures 13 and 14 show individual details of the embodiment of a packaging line 1 according to Fig. 12 .

[0136] The Fig. 13shows the previously mentioned transfer tool 90, which can remove flat packaging blanks 41 from a magazine 48 and place them on the dies 48. For each flat packaging blank 41, the transfer tool 90 has four associated support rams 92, each of which is spring-mounted and can pneumatically grasp a respective flat packaging blank 41.

[0137] The Fig. 14 shows in particular the already mentioned Fig. 12 shown gripping heads 17, which pick up beverage cans 2 from a supply 72 (cf. Fig. 12 ) and deposit them as a group 3 on the transport device 5. The beverage cans 2 of a respective group 3 already have an alignment to one another immediately upon depositing on the transport device 5, which is intended for the application of the respective flat packaging blank 41.

[0138] The Fig. 15shows again in detail the already Fig. 12 The magazine 48 described above, in which flat packaging blanks 41 are arranged in stacked form, is shown. Furthermore, the format parts 47 can be seen, each of which comprises several matrices and can be exchanged as needed.

[0139] The Fig. 16 shows several steps in the flowchart, as they can be carried out individually or in the Fig. 16 illustrated combination can be provided in various embodiments of the method 100 according to the invention. In the context of a first step, to which number 110 refers, a plurality of beverage cans 2 are provided as a group 3 via a transport device 5, which transport device 5 transports the plurality of beverage cans 2 as a group 3 into the working area of ​​an industrial robot 30 (cf. Fig. 1 ) moves.

[0140] In step 120, which may follow step 110 or may be temporally superimposed on step 110, the industrial robot 30 removes a flat packaging blank 41 from a magazine 48 via a work tool 15 arranged on a work arm 25 of the industrial robot 30 and aligns the flat packaging blank 41 horizontally above the respective grouping 3 so that the beverage cans 2 of the respective grouping 3 are aligned with openings 42 of the flat packaging blank 41.

[0141] Alternatively, in step 120, which may follow step 110 or may overlap with step 110 in time, an industrial robot 30 may remove a flat packaging blank 41 from a plurality of dies 18 via a work tool 15 and align the flat packaging blank 41 horizontally above the respective grouping 3, so that the beverage cans 2 of the respective grouping 3 are aligned with openings 42 of the flat packaging blank 41.

[0142] In step 130, the beverage cans 2 are pressed into the openings 42 of the flat packaging blank 41 via the working tool 15, for which purpose a defined force is applied to the flat packaging blank 41 in the region of a respective opening 42. The respective defined force is applied to the flat packaging blank 41 at different times along the circumference of each opening 42.

[0143] The schematic view of the Fig. 17 shows an alternative embodiment of the contact surface 38 of the manipulation element 37. The Fig. 18 shows a further alternative embodiment of the contact surface 38 of the manipulation element 37.

[0144] In addition, at least one controllable contact surface 52 is provided. The controllable contact surface 52 is moved out of the plane of the contact surface 38 when the flat packaging blank 41 is pressed on, so that the flat packaging blank 41 is pressed on at a timed offset.

[0145] Although the figures and their descriptions generally refer to "schematic" representations and views, this by no means implies that the figures and their descriptions are of secondary importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. A person skilled in the art will be perfectly capable of deriving sufficient information from the schematic and abstractly drawn representations to facilitate their understanding of the invention, without their understanding being in any way impaired by the drawn 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.

[0146] During the pressing operation or before the completion of the pressing operation, the controllable contact surfaces 52 can be actively or passively retracted into the contact surface 38.

[0147] 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

[0148] 1 Packaging line 2 Beverage can 3 Grouping 4 Multipack 5 Transport device 10 First module 15 Working tool 16 Handling device 17 Gripping head 18 Die 19 Prong 20 Second module 21 Guide rail 25 Working arm 30 Industrial robot 34 Carrier 35 Carrier plate 37 Manipulation element 38 Contact surface 39 Suction instrument 41 Flat packaging blank 42 Opening 43 Side partition 46 Rear wall 47 Format part 48 Magazine 49 Holding tab 51 Upper edge 52 Controllable contact surface 72 Provision 90 Transfer tool 92 Supporting plunger 100 Process 110 First process step 120 Second process step 130 Third process step FRConveying direction SControl and / or regulating device

Claims

1. A working tool (15) for positioning a flat packaging blank (41) on a plurality of beverage cans (2), the working tool (15) comprising - a carrier (34), and also comprising - a plurality of manipulation elements (37) arranged to be suspended from the carrier (34), via which manipulation elements (37) a defined force is applicable to the flat packaging blank (41), in each instance in the area of a plurality of openings (42), such that a particular beverage can (2) is pressed into a particular opening (42) of the flat packaging blank (41), - wherein the plurality of manipulation elements (37) in the working tool (15), which are arranged to be suspended from the carrier (34), are designed such that they can each apply a defined force in a temporally offset manner to the flat packaging blank (41) along the particular circumference of the particular opening (42) in order to press a particular beverage can (2) into a particular opening (42), and wherein the working tool (15) is designed such that the plurality of manipulation elements (37) arranged so as to be suspended from the carrier (34) can press all the beverage cans (2) provided for a particular flat packaging blank (41) into the openings (42) of the particular flat packaging blank (41) by means of a single stroke and return stroke of the working tool (15).

2. The working tool according to claim 1, in which the plurality of manipulation elements (37) each form a contact surface (38) via which the particular manipulation element (37) can apply the defined force to the flat packaging blank (41) in the area of the particular opening (42), wherein the particular contact surface (38) is placeable with an inclined orientation relative to the flat packaging blank (41) and / or with a curved profile onto the particular flat packaging blank (41) in the area of the particular opening (42).

3. The working tool according to claim 1 or 2, in which the plurality of manipulation elements (37) can each carry out a rotary movement in order to apply the defined force in a temporally offset manner along the particular circumference of the particular opening (42).

4. The working tool according to one of the claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one suction instrument and / or gripping instrument (39), via which at least one suction instrument and / or gripping instrument (39) the flat packaging blank (41) is securable in a detachable manner to the working tool (15) during the pressing of a particular beverage can (2) into a particular opening (42).

5. The working tool according to claim 4, in which the at least one suction instrument (39) can secure the flat packaging blank (41) to the working tool (15) in a detachable manner and via negative pressure during the pressing of a particular beverage can (2) into a particular opening (42).

6. The working tool according to one of the claims 1 to 5, which comprises a plurality of side partitions (43) between which a particular flat packaging blank (41) provided for being positioned on beverage cans (2) can be arranged in a form-fitting manner or with slight clearance.

7. An industrial robot (30), comprising - at least one movable working arm (25), and also comprising - at least one working tool (15) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, which at least one working tool (15) is arranged on the at least one movable working arm (25), and via which at least one movable working arm (25) the at least one working tool (15) can be moved in at least two different spatial directions and preferably in three different spatial directions.

8. A method (100) for producing a multipack (4) having a plurality of beverage cans (2), the method comprising the following steps: - supplying a plurality of beverage cans (2) via a transport device (5), and - positioning a flat packaging blank (41) by means of a working tool (15) on the plurality of beverage cans (2) supplied via the transport device (5), for which purpose a particular beverage can (2) is pressed into a particular opening (42) of the flat packaging blank (41) by the working tool (15) such that the beverage cans (2) that are being pressed into the openings (42) of the flat packaging blank (41) are held to each other by the flat packaging blank (41) in a force-locking and / or form-fitting manner, - wherein the working tool (15) applies a particular defined force to the flat packaging blank (41) in the area of a particular opening (42) in the method in order to press the beverage cans (2) into the openings (42), wherein the particular defined force is applied in a temporally offset manner to the flat packaging blank (41) along the circumference of the particular opening (42), and in which method (100) the working tool (15) is designed in such a manner that a plurality of manipulation elements (37) arranged so as to be suspended from a carrier (34) of the working tool (15) press all the beverage cans (2) provided for a particular flat packaging blank (41) into the openings (42) of the particular flat packaging blank (41) by means of a single stroke and return stroke of the working tool (15).

9. The method according to claim 8, in which - the flat packaging blank (41) is aligned in a horizontal orientation above the particular beverage cans (2) temporally before the beverage cans (2) are pressed into the openings (42), and in which method - the working tool (15) has a plurality of manipulation elements (37), wherein, in order to press a particular beverage can (2) into a particular opening (42) via a contact surface (38), a particular manipulation element (37) is guided by force application against the flat packaging blank (41) in the area of a particular opening (42), with the flat packaging blank (41) being oriented horizontally at least up to that point, which contact surface (38) has a curved and / or an inclined profile relative to the flat packaging blank (41), which has been oriented horizontally at least up to that point.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, in which the working tool (15) has a plurality of manipulation elements (37), wherein a particular manipulation element (37) is placed on the flat packaging blank (41) in the area of the particular opening (42), and, having been placed on the flat packaging blank (41), is moved in the area of the particular opening (42) in a rotating manner, with the result that the particular defined force provided in order to press the particular beverage can (2) into the particular opening (42) is applied in a temporally offset manner to the flat packaging blank (41) along the circumference of the particular opening (42).

11. The method according to one of the claims 8 to 10, in which the working tool (15) has at least one suction instrument and / or gripping instrument (39), which at least one suction instrument and / or gripping instrument (39) holds the flat packaging blank (41) to the working tool (15) temporally before and / or temporally during the pressing of the beverage cans (2) into the openings (42).

12. The method according to claim 11, in which the at least one suction instrument and / or gripping instrument (39) holds the flat packaging blank (41) to the working tool (15) via negative pressure temporally before and / or temporally during the pressing of the beverage cans (2) into the openings (42).

13. The method of one of the claims 8 to 12, in which the flat packaging blank (41) has in each instance a plurality of retaining tabs (49) for at least one of its openings (42) and preferably for each of its openings (42), which retaining tabs (49) come to be arranged in each instance below a particular upper edge (51) of a particular beverage can (2) with the beverage cans (2) being pressed into the openings (42) such that the flat packaging blank (41) is subsequently held via its retaining tabs (49) on the beverage cans (2) so as to be essentially immovable in the axial direction relative to the beverage cans (2).

14. The method according to claim 13, in which the retaining tabs (49) are aligned or pre-bent temporally before a pressing of the beverage cans (2) into the openings (42), whereby the retaining tabs (49) point away from the flat packaging blank (41) in each instance in an upward direction.

15. The method according to one of the claims 8 to 14, in which the flat packaging blank (41) is composed of a plurality of cellulose-containing layers.

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