Packaging apparatus and method for applying packaging to an article combination

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging apparatus and to a method for applying packaging (20) to an article combination (30) comprising at least two articles in each case. The packaging apparatus comprises at least one preparation die for preparing the packaging (20). The preparation die (17) comprises a folding device for folding over opposite edge regions (23) of a packaging blank that forms the packaging (20). The packaging apparatus also comprises an application die for receiving the prepared packaging blank (21v) and for applying the latter to the article combination (30) so that the packaging (20) applied to the articles is disposed at least in part between the articles, wherein the packaging (20) applied to the articles at least partially surrounds outer lateral surfaces (36) of the article combination (30).

Description

[0001] Packaging device and method for attaching a packaging material to an article assembly

[0002] The present invention relates to a packaging device and a method for attaching packaging materials to sets of articles.

[0003] In the field of packaging technology, it is known to provide so-called top grip carton packages for carrying multiple items. Such grip carton packages are well known in the art and particularly useful for enabling consumers to transport, store, and access a group of items.

[0004] For cost reasons, environmental protection, and resource conservation considerations, such grip-carton packaging should use as little material as possible, meaning it should be made of as little material as possible while still meeting the necessary requirements for durability, mechanical stability, and item integrity. Important factors here are the strength and toughness of the cardboard material used and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights, sometimes heavy items. Secure mechanical integrity of the items is also important.

[0005] Top-loading article carriers are known, in which openings are provided in a plate of the carrier for receiving and gripping the articles. Often, a plurality of articles are arranged in at least two rows. Furthermore, a handle structure for carrying is often provided. Such an article carrier is described, for example, in published patent application WO 2022 / 011109 A1.

[0006] In view of the known article carriers, it can be considered the primary object of the invention to make the application of upper grip carton packaging to articles more efficient in order to be able to produce stable article combinations or grip carton packages in this way.

[0007] The above object is achieved by a packaging device and a method for attaching a packaging material to an article assembly, comprising the features in the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0008] The method provides that the packaging means applied to the articles of an article compilation is at least partially pushed between adjacent articles and thus at least partially arranged between the articles and wherein the packaging means applied to the articles at least partially encompasses lateral outer surfaces of the article compilation.

[0009] The items to be summarized are preferably containers filled with liquid contents, such as bottles or cans, especially beverage containers. However, the bottles, cans, or similar containers can also be filled with liquid or pasty cosmetics such as shampoo, etc.

[0010] Therefore, when referring generally to articles or sets of articles in this context, this can particularly refer to so-called primary packaging such as containers, cans, bottles, etc., which have a quantifiable weight and / or volume content, e.g., a specific volume of liquid. These articles or primary packaging are combined and mechanically held together in the manner described below using a packaging material that acts as secondary packaging, so that bundles consisting of several articles are or will be formed.

[0011] The packaging materials or secondary packaging referred to here are formed, in particular, by packaging blanks. These can preferably consist of a paper or cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material, or similar.

[0012] Each of the packaging blanks has through-openings for the articles to be combined by means of the packaging blank, wherein these through-openings correspond to the longitudinal center axes of the articles to be combined and accommodate the articles in regions, optionally by producing a positive connection and / or by producing a snap-in connection that can be released by applying a tensile force or release force.

[0013] In the method described here, the packaging material is prepared by folding at least two opposing edge regions of a packaging blank forming the packaging material by approximately 90 degrees each. In particular, all four edge regions or edge sections of a substantially rectangular packaging blank are each folded by approximately 90 degrees.

[0014] The packaging material or packaging blank can be designed to include corresponding folding edges that facilitate the folding process of the side edges. In this case, the packaging material or packaging blank is sensibly dimensioned so that a main surface covers the top of the article assembly. The articles may extend into the openings and / or be locked into them, while the folding edges roughly correspond to the lateral contours of the article assembly. In this way, the edges can be folded at the folding edges and aligned with the side surfaces of the article assembly.

[0015] The packaging blank prepared in this way is then applied to the article assembly by means of a downward movement. When reference is made to a downward movement in this context, as well as in the overall context of this description, this takes into account that the articles of the article assembly are normally positioned on their lower end faces on a support, such as a support surface or a conveyor surface of a horizontal conveyor, during handling and during application of the packaging blank, while their upper end faces are accessible for application of the packaging blank.

[0016] In this position and orientation of the articles and the article assembly, a downward movement of the packaging blank, i.e. in the direction of the upper end faces of the articles, almost inevitably results if it is to be applied to the article assembly.

[0017] Accordingly, in the present context, one can generally speak of a downward movement of the packaging blank. This, however, should not exclude the possibility that the articles could also be moved or held in a lying or inclined position, so that the packaging blank would not necessarily have to be moved downwards when applied to the end faces of the articles. However, since such positioning of the articles in the article assembly is not the norm but the exception, the above formulation (downward movement) should be retained, which should be understood as a synonym for a movement in the direction of the freely accessible end faces of the articles in the article assembly.

[0018] Within the scope of the described process, the packaging blank is attached to the articles in such a way that the articles partially pass through the openings of the packaging blank and are thus held together by the packaging blank. In particular, the packaging blank is locked to the articles in this way. These locking connections can be released by applying a tensile force, possibly destroying or damaging the packaging blank, if individual articles are to be released and removed from the article cohesion.

[0019] For this purpose, the through-openings of the packaging blank can each have suitable securing devices, which can be formed, for example, by securing tabs. For example, securing tabs are formed by incisions or similar devices extending radially from the through-openings toward the center of the opening.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the packaging blank is secured to the articles in such a way that the articles are clamped within a through-opening of the packaging blank in the region of an upper tapered portion. In particular, bottles are clamped below a so-called neck ring, and cans are clamped below a flanged edge forming the can rim, thereby providing an effective locking connection between the packaging blank and the articles.

[0021] Furthermore, within the scope of the described method, it is provided that the folded edge regions of the packaging blank at least partially encompass the lateral outer surfaces of the articles and thus also of the article assembly. The folded edge regions of the packaging blank form, for example, a collar around an upper region of the outer surfaces of the articles.

[0022] A packaging device by means of which a method described above can be carried out comprises at least one preparation tool for preparing the packaging means, which preparation tool comprises at least one folding device which is designed to fold at least two opposing edge regions of a packaging blank forming the packaging means by approximately 90 degrees, in particular the edge regions are folded downwards.

[0023] However, it may also be useful to fold the edge areas to a fold angle of less than 90 degrees in preparation for the packaging cut-out and to only create the final fold angle of approximately 90 degrees when applying or after applying the packaging cut-out to the article assembly.

[0024] Furthermore, the packaging device comprises at least one application tool which is designed to receive the packaging means prepared by folding over the edge regions and to apply it to a prepared article assembly comprising at least two articles by means of a downward movement or by means of a movement directed towards freely accessible end faces of the articles, so that the packaging means applied to the articles is arranged at least partially between the articles or between respectively adjacent articles, and so that the packaging means applied to the articles at least partially encompasses lateral outer surfaces of the article assembly, in particular wherein the folded-over edge regions of the packaging means at least partially encompass or encompass lateral outer surfaces of the article assembly.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be provided that in the course of preparing the packaging blank for application to the articles, additional preparation of the through-openings of the packaging blank is provided, for example an at least slight pre-breaking or pre-stretching of the through-openings in order to at least slightly reduce the mechanical resistance when placing and locking the articles in the through-openings.

[0026] For example, an upward pre-folding of the fixing devices or fixing elements associated with the through-openings can be provided, whereby the same applies to the aforementioned direction of movement (upward pre-folding) as to the downward application direction of the packaging blank on the article assembly. Essentially, the "upward" direction refers to the opposite direction to the application movement, since this is also the direction of movement of the articles penetrating the through-openings.For this purpose, it can be provided that the preparation tool comprises corresponding devices for preparing the passage openings of the packaging blank, in particular that the preparation tool comprises an upper die with at least one receiving device or holding device for the packaging blank and that the preparation tool comprises a lower die with a plurality of stretching tools.

[0027] The receiving device or holding device can, for example, be formed by a holding pin or holding pin that engages in a suitable receiving opening of the packaging blank. Alternatively, the upper die can also be equipped with a suction device, for example, to securely grasp and hold the packaging blank. The advantage of such a suction device is its controllable activation and deactivation capability, so that the packaging blank can be grasped, held, and, if necessary,

[0028] An embodiment of a preparation tool is described below, which is designed for folding the edge region of the packaging blank and for widening the through-openings of the packaging blank.

[0029] The lower die of the preparation tool preferably comprises an array of expansion tools, which are also referred to below as expansion cones. The number and arrangement of the expansion tools corresponds to the number and arrangement of the through-openings of the packaging blank.

[0030] The upper die, with the packaging blank attached to it, is placed on the lower die, allowing the expansion tools to at least partially penetrate the openings of the packaging blank. Due to the downwardly widening cross-sectional area of ​​the expansion tools, the edge areas of the openings are pre-broken and formed according to the shape defined by the expansion tools.

[0031] If the through-openings have fixing devices in the form of fixing tabs, the fixing tabs are pre-broken by the stretching tools at the incisions and can also be folded upwards at least slightly.

[0032] Preferably, the packaging blank is pressed down by the upper die until it stops against the expansion tools of the lower die. The corner areas of the lower die can also form a free-form surface for shaping the corners of the packaging blank to be formed between the foldable edge areas.

[0033] For the expert, it is of course self-evident that the lower die can also be brought into operative connection with the upper die by an upward movement.

[0034] The edge regions of the packaging blank are now folded over. For this purpose, the preparation tool according to the embodiment described here further comprises a folding element. The folding element has lateral surfaces that are at least partially vertically aligned, as well as access openings for partial regions of the first upper die and / or guide receptacles for guide elements of the first upper die.

[0035] The folding element moves downward onto the so-called pre-breaking unit, formed by the upper and lower dies. The lateral edges of the packaging blank, located between the upper and lower dies, protruding from the pre-breaking unit are folded downward by the side surfaces of the folding element. In particular, the edges are folded by approximately 90 degrees each.

[0036] When bringing the folding element and the pre-breaking unit together, the sections of the first upper die engage through the through-openings of the folding element and / or the guide elements of the first upper die engage into the guide receptacles of the folding element. This allows for a secure, guided placement of the folding element on the pre-breaking unit.

[0037] Following the positioning of the folding element on the pre-breaking unit, the connection between the receiving device of the upper die and the packaging blank prepared by pre-breaking and pre-folding is released and the folding element is moved upwards together with the upper die.

[0038] For example, it can be provided that the upper die is grasped at the upwardly projecting portions and lifted upward, whereby the folding element, which is operatively connected to the upper die via the access openings, is also necessarily moved upward. Alternatively, the lower die, with the prepared packaging blank resting on it, can also be moved downward away from the upper die and the folding element.

[0039] The upper die, the lower die and the folding element thus form components of a possible embodiment of a preparation tool for preparing the packaging means, which preparation tool comprises at least one folding device in the form of the folding element, which is designed to fold at least two opposing edge regions, in particular all four edge regions of a rectangular packaging blank forming the packaging means, by 90 degrees.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the preparation tool is formed by one or more interchangeable format parts, which are / are replaced during a production changeover, in particular during a product change. In particular, in the case of a preparation tool consisting of an upper die, a lower die, and a folding element, these must be adapted to the number, composition, size, and / or shape of the articles and the packaging blank used.

[0041] The application tool grasps the packaging blank, which has been prepared at least by folding over the side edges, in order to apply it to the corresponding article assemblies. For this purpose, the application tool has a holder for the prepared packaging blank and is also equipped with appropriate receiving devices or holding devices for holding the prepared packaging blank.

[0042] An embodiment of the application tool of the packaging device has lateral boundary surfaces, against which lateral boundary surfaces the folded lateral edge regions of the prepared packaging blank rest and are held in their folded position during application to the articles.

[0043] The following describes the application of a packaging blank to an article assembly. This packaging blank has been prepared by widening the openings and folding over the edge areas. The skilled person can also apply the described principle to packaging blanks that have only been prepared by folding over the edge areas. The prepared packaging blank can be removed from the lower die by a second upper die. In particular, the prepared packaging blank is grasped by receiving devices of the second upper die, for example, via hooks, suction cups, or similar.The second upper die has lateral boundary surfaces that, after receiving the prepared packaging blank, extend downward beyond the downwardly folded lateral edge regions of the prepared packaging blank, so that the folded lateral edge regions are completely covered by the lateral boundary surfaces. In particular, the lateral boundary surfaces ensure that the downwardly folded edge regions of the prepared packaging blank remain in the folded state.

[0044] The second upper die, together with the captured, prepared packaging blank, is applied to the article assembly from above. The second upper die is positioned above the article assembly in such a way that the top sides of the articles pass through the openings of the prepared packaging blank.

[0045] If the articles are formed by cans, the lid areas of the cans are designed to pass through the openings of the prepared packaging blank. In particular, the prepared packaging blank is secured below the flanged edge of the cans by the securing tabs of the openings engaging below the flanged edge of the cans. In particular, after the packaging blank has been secured to the cans, the lid area of ​​the cans is located above the packaging blank, while the cylindrical can body is located below the packaging blank.

[0046] The laterally folded edge areas of the packaging blank encompass the outer surface of the cylindrical can body below the flanged edge.

[0047] The above-described arrangement and attachment of the packaging blank to the articles creates a packaging unit. In the packaging unit, the packaging blank engages with the articles in such a way that the packaging blank is essentially fixed to the articles in a fixed position, preventing the articles from undergoing any significant relative movements or changes in position relative to each other or to the packaging blank. Thus, the packaging blank can only be removed from the articles of the packaging unit with increased force with an upward force component, which typically results in at least partial destruction of the packaging blank.

[0048] According to an alternative embodiment, the folding element can comprise a type of cage or frame made of vertical guide elements or metal sheets, which, in addition to folding, also serve as the lateral boundary surfaces of the second upper die of the application tool. In this case, the correspondingly prepared packaging blank is removed directly from the lower die with the first upper die and the cage or frame, and the prepared packaging blank can then be arranged directly on the articles of the article assembly.

[0049] A preferred embodiment of the method serves for the simultaneous attachment of at least two packaging means to articles for the simultaneous formation of at least two packaging units, wherein the articles are fed directly adjacent to one another in an ordered mass flow.

[0050] An ordered mass flow is intended, in particular, to be an ordered, multi-row feed of articles, in particular a feed in which the articles are arranged in several rows parallel to the transport direction and in several rows perpendicular to the transport direction. Particularly preferably, the articles are conveyed in the ordered mass flow in a butt-to-butt manner, i.e., in contact with one another.

[0051] For example, the items are moved via conveyor belts. An alternative embodiment may provide for the items to be pushed over a transfer plate using a push rod.

[0052] The mass flow can be limited on the outside by guide elements, for example, aisle plates. Furthermore, further guidance can also be provided within the mass flow by central guide elements in the form of central aisle plates. In this case, it is preferably provided that several articles are combined into a packaging unit between a central guide element and an outer guide element or between two central guide elements by means of a packaging means.

[0053] Alternatively, the items can be pre-divided into groups, with each group containing a defined number of items arranged in a corresponding order. For example, groups of 18, 24, 32, or similar items can be provided. In groups of 18, the items are arranged in three parallel, adjacent rows, with each row containing six items arranged directly one behind the other. In groups of 24, for example, the items are arranged in four parallel, adjacent rows of six items each. In groups of 32, for example, the items are arranged in four parallel, adjacent rows of eight items each, etc.

[0054] A packaging device equipped for this purpose comprises an application tool with at least two receptacles arranged next to one another for prepared packaging blanks, wherein the application tool comprises at least one vertically formed separating device between the at least two receptacles.

[0055] The at least two packaging blanks prepared by folding the edge regions are arranged in the receptacles of at least one application tool, so that in each case a folded edge region of a packaging material rests against the separating device and wherein the separating device projects downwards beyond the folded edge regions of the packaging material.

[0056] The preparation of the packaging blanks can be carried out in particular in the manner described above, for example with a preparation tool described above.

[0057] The application tool with the prepared at least two packaging blanks is lowered over the articles supplied in the ordered mass flow, whereby the separating device dips between articles of the ordered mass flow and after which the at least two packaging materials are applied to a defined number and combination of articles of the ordered mass flow in order to simultaneously form at least two adjacent packaging units.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the separating device is formed by a vertical guide surface. One embodiment may provide for the lower side edge of the vertical guide surface to have a profile, for example, a wave shape. Alternatively, the separating device may be formed by at least one vertical guide finger, a guide cone, or similar.

[0059] The separating device creates a slight distance at least in an upper area between adjacent articles in the mass flow in order to arrange the folded edge areas of the packaging material between the respective articles of different article combinations and to be able to apply the packaging material accordingly to the articles forming an article combination.

[0060] In addition, the application tool can have lateral boundary surfaces, as described above, which serve as contact surfaces for outer, lateral folded edge regions, in particular for edge regions that do not abut the separating device. Analogous to the separating devices, the lateral boundary surfaces can also function as separating devices for further articles in the mass flow, which further articles are combined with a packaging material to form packaging units in a subsequent or preceding process step, in particular wherein the lateral boundary surfaces create a slight gap between adjacent articles in the mass flow, at least in an upper region.

[0061] In the following, specific embodiments of the method and a correspondingly equipped packaging device are described by way of example.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the application tool can be formed from two second upper dies, which, after receiving the prepared packaging blanks, are arranged so closely that two of the adjacent boundary surfaces touch or almost touch. The adjacent boundary surfaces thus form a separating device between the two receptacles formed by the two second upper dies.

[0063] The folded edge regions of the two prepared packaging materials lie against the respective lateral boundary surfaces, with one edge region of each packaging material lying against the separating device formed by the two adjacent boundary surfaces of the two second upper matrices.

[0064] The lateral boundary surfaces and the separating device project downwards beyond the folded edge regions of the two prepared packaging materials. An alternative embodiment can provide for two lower matrices, each containing a prepared packaging blank, to be arranged directly adjacent to one another after the packaging blanks have been prepared. The two prepared packaging blanks are gripped by an application tool comprising two correspondingly arranged receptacles for prepared packaging blanks, with a vertically formed separating device provided between the two receptacles. After the prepared packaging blanks have been picked up, the folded edge regions of each packaging material rest against a separating device or a lateral contact surface in the manner described above.

[0065] The design of application tools with which more than two packaging materials can be applied to articles at the same time to simultaneously form more than two packaging units is understandable for the person skilled in the art in a similar way to the examples described above.

[0066] The special embodiment for the simultaneous application of at least two packaging materials to article sets can be used for article sets that are directly adjacent to one another in the mass flow, are moved parallel to one another, or for article sets that are moved directly one after the other in the mass flow.

[0067] For example, the simultaneous application of four packaging materials can lead to the formation of four packaging units, with two leading packaging units being produced in parallel next to one another, followed immediately by two further packaging units arranged in parallel next to one another.

[0068] With the special embodiment of the packaging device and the corresponding method, packaging units can be produced in particular from an ordered mass flow of articles fed end to end, which packaging units are also formed end to end and are transported further in this form.

[0069] Furthermore, a packaging device for attaching a packaging material to an article assembly or a packaging device for simultaneously attaching at least two packaging materials to articles to simultaneously form at least two packaging units can provide two or more corresponding application tools. These can operate parallel to one another in the transport direction of the articles or be arranged one after the other in the transport direction.

[0070] If the at least two application tools are arranged one after the other in the transport direction, it is provided in particular that the first application tool only processes every second article compilation or every second cycle of article compilations, while the subsequent application tool processes in particular the intermittent article compilations or cycles of article compilations not processed by the first application tool.

[0071] By using multiple application tools within a packaging device, the performance of the packaging device can be increased. In particular, each application tool is assigned its own preparation tools.

[0072] It should be expressly stated at this point that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the device according to the invention equally relate to, or can be, partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description or in the claim definitions for the device according to the invention, this equally applies to the method according to the invention. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to, or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention.Therefore, if at one point in the description or in the claim definitions of the method according to the invention certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

[0073] The following explanations summarize some aspects of the invention already explained in various embodiments, specify some aspects, but should not be seen as contradicting the explanations already made, but rather as a summary, and in case of doubt, possibly as more specific embodiments and / or modifications.

[0074] For example, as mentioned several times above, a preparation tool can be used to hold a packaging material. The packaging material is normally formed by a flat packaging blank, which has openings for at least the partial passage of the articles to be combined with it. During the preparation of the packaging blank, lateral edge areas of the packaging blank are also usually folded downwards and thus partially placed over the lateral surfaces of the articles. In the finished packaging unit, these downwardly folded lateral edge areas encompass or cover, at least in part, the lateral outer surfaces of the article combination combined with the packaging blank.

[0075] In particular, it can be provided that the packaging material has corresponding folding edges which can support or facilitate the folding process of the lateral edge areas.

[0076] The preparation tool preferably comprises a first upper die and a lower die. The upper die preferably comprises at least one receiving device for the packaging blank, for example a retaining pin that can engage in a suitable receiving opening of the packaging blank.

[0077] Alternatively, the upper die can also be equipped with a suction device, for example, to securely grasp and hold the packaging blank.

[0078] The lower die may also include an array of expansion tools, which are also referred to as expansion cones. The number and arrangement of the expansion cones logically corresponds to the number and arrangement of the openings in the packaging blank.

[0079] The upper die with the packaging blank attached to it can be placed on the lower die so that the expansion cones penetrate at least partially through the openings of the packaging blank. Due to the downwardly widening cross-sectional area of ​​the expansion cones, the edge areas of the openings can be pre-broken and formed according to the shape defined by the expansion cones.

[0080] The through-openings preferably have suitable fixing devices, which can be formed, for example, by fixing tabs. Fixing tabs can, for example, be formed by incisions or similar elements extending radially from the openings.

[0081] The expansion cones pre-break the securing tabs at the notches, allowing them to be folded upwards at least slightly. Preferably, the upper die presses the packaging blank down until it stops against the expansion cones of the lower die. The corner areas of the lower die also preferably form a free-form surface for shaping the corners of the packaging blank between the foldable edge areas.

[0082] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the lower die can also be brought into operative connection with the upper die by an upward movement, either in addition to or as an alternative to the downward movement of the upper die.

[0083] The unit in which the upper die and the lower die are in operative connection can also be called the pre-crushing unit.

[0084] Another component of the preparation tool can be designed as a folding device or folding element. The preparation tool comprises at least the upper die, the lower die, and the folding element. This folding element typically has lateral surfaces that are at least partially vertically aligned, as well as access openings for portions of the first upper die and guide receptacles for guide elements of the first upper die.

[0085] The folding element moves downward onto the pre-breaking unit, which consists of the upper and lower dies. The lateral edges of the packaging blank, positioned between the upper and lower dies, protruding from the pre-breaking unit are folded downward by the side surfaces of the folding element.

[0086] Furthermore, the sections of the first upper die engage through the openings of the folding element, and the guide elements of the first upper die engage with the guide receptacles of the folding element. This allows for a secure, guided placement of the folding element on the pre-breaking unit.

[0087] The connection between the upper die receiving device and the packaging blank prepared by pre-breaking and pre-folding can now be released. This allows the folding element to be moved upwards together with the upper die. For example, it can be provided that the upper die is grasped at the upwardly projecting portions and lifted upwards, whereby the folding element, which is operatively connected to the upper die via the access openings, is also moved upwards.The upper die, the lower die and the folding element thus form common components of a possible embodiment of a preparation tool for preparing the packaging means, which preparation tool comprises at least one folding device in the form of the folding element, which is designed to fold at least two opposing edge regions, in particular all four edge regions of a rectangular packaging blank forming the packaging means, by approximately 90 degrees.

[0088] The correspondingly prepared packaging blank remains at least partially resting on the lower die.

[0089] The prepared packaging blank can then be gripped by a second upper die of an application tool, equipped with laterally extending, downward-facing boundary surfaces. Analogous to the first upper die, the second upper die is preferably also equipped with receiving devices for the packaging blank, in particular for receiving the correspondingly prepared packaging blank.

[0090] The second upper die is applied to the lower die, on which the prepared packaging blank rests at least in part, and the prepared packaging blank is gripped by the gripping devices, for example by hooks, suction cups or similar suitable gripping devices.

[0091] The lateral boundary surfaces of the second upper die extend downwards to such an extent that the downwardly folded lateral edge regions of the prepared packaging blank are completely covered by the lateral boundary surfaces. In particular, the lateral boundary surfaces ensure that the downwardly folded edge regions of the correspondingly prepared packaging blank remain in the folded state.

[0092] The packaging blank prepared in this way can then be attached to an article assembly. Such an article assembly is formed, in particular, by a plurality of articles. The articles or containers are preferably beverage containers, in particular bottles made of PET or another suitable plastic.

[0093] Preferably, the articles or containers can also be formed by cans made of plastic and / or aluminum or another metal, etc. However, the application tool described here is also suitable for arranging and attaching a suitably prepared packaging blank to other suitable articles or containers.

[0094] The application tool, in particular the second upper die, is applied from above to the article assembly together with the captured, prepared packaging blank. The second upper die is positioned above the article assembly in such a way that the lid areas of the cans pass through the openings of the prepared packaging blank. In particular, the prepared packaging blank is secured below the flanged edge of the cans by the securing tabs engaging below the flanged edge.

[0095] In particular, after the packaging blank has been fixed to the cans, the lid area of ​​the cans is located above the packaging blank, while the cylindrical can body is located below the packaging blank.

[0096] The laterally folded edge areas of the packaging blank encompass the outer surface of the cylindrical can body below the flanged edge.

[0097] By arranging and attaching the packaging blank to the articles, a packaging unit is formed. In the packaging unit, the packaging blank engages with the articles in such a way that the packaging blank is essentially fixed to the articles, preventing the articles from undergoing any significant relative movements or changes in position relative to each other or to the packaging blank.

[0098] Thus, the packaging blank can only be removed from the items in the packaging unit with increased force, with an upward force component, which usually results in at least partial destruction of the packaging blank. The packaging blank is preferably made of cardboard, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material, or similar.

[0099] The second upper die thus forms a possible embodiment of an application tool designed to receive the prepared packaging material from the lower die and to apply it to the article assembly by means of a downward movement, so that the packaging material applied to the articles is at least partially arranged between the articles, whereby the packaging material applied to the articles at least partially encompasses lateral outer surfaces of the article assembly. This can mean, in particular, that the folded edge regions of the packaging material at least partially encompass lateral outer surfaces of the article assembly.

[0100] The openings of the packaging blank applied to the articles are particularly fixed to the respective lid areas of the articles or to the articles themselves. Preferably, the fixing devices engage below the lid area. The folded edge areas of the packaging material form a collar around an upper area of ​​the outer surface of the articles.

[0101] According to an alternative embodiment, the folding element can comprise a type of cage or frame made of vertical metal sheets instead of the side surfaces, which, in addition to folding, also serve as the lateral boundary surfaces of the second upper die. In this case, the correspondingly prepared packaging blank can be removed directly from the lower die together with the first upper die and the cage or frame, and the prepared packaging blank can then be arranged directly on the articles in the article assembly.

[0102] With one application tool, several prepared packaging blanks can be applied to articles simultaneously. For example, four prepared packaging blanks can be applied to articles simultaneously, especially to articles that are fed in an orderly mass flow.

[0103] The articles can be moved, in particular, in an orderly mass flow in a defined transport direction. For example, the articles are pushed over a transfer plate using a push rod. The mass flow is preferably limited on the outside by guide elements, such as aisle plates or lateral guide rails, or similar.

[0104] Furthermore, further guidance can also be provided within the mass flow by a central guide element in the form of a central guide plate or a central separating strip. In this case, several articles are combined into a packaging unit on one side of the central guide element by means of a packaging material. The preparation of the packaging blanks takes place in particular as explained above. The application tool can, for example, be formed from four second upper dies, which, after receiving the prepared packaging blanks, are arranged so closely that adjacent boundary surfaces touch or almost touch each other and form a separating element or a separating device.The upper matrices form receptacles for the prepared packaging materials, wherein the folded edge regions of each packaging material each rest against a separating device, and wherein the separating device projects downwards beyond the folded edge regions of the prepared packaging materials.

[0105] Alternatively, four lower dies with prepared packaging blanks can be arranged directly adjacent to one another. In this case, the four prepared packaging blanks are gripped by an application tool, which comprises four correspondingly arranged receptacles for prepared packaging blanks and a vertically formed separating device between each two adjacent receptacles. The folded edge regions of each packaging material rest against a separating device, and the separating device extends downwards beyond the folded edge regions of the prepared packaging materials.

[0106] The application tools are designed to arrange the separating devices between the articles supplied in the ordered mass flow and to form at least a small distance between the articles, which articles are to be assigned to different article combinations, since these subsequently form different packaging units.

[0107] In particular, the application tool arranges four prepared packaging blanks on articles.

[0108] The articles to be grouped together by means of a packaging cut-out form a respective article combination within the mass flow, even if these article combinations are not visibly separated from adjacent articles within the mass flow.

[0109] The application tool is particularly designed to simultaneously apply the four prepared packaging blanks to a defined number and combination of articles of the ordered mass flow to form four packaging units. Another embodiment of a packaging device can be particularly designed to attach at least two packaging materials to articles in order to simultaneously form two, particularly adjacent, packaging units.

[0110] This variant of the packaging device can comprise a feeding transport device, via which articles are preferably fed in an orderly mass flow in a defined transport direction. This can be, for example, a transfer plate with a push rod, a conveyor belt, or another suitable transport device.

[0111] In particular, identically designed articles are processed. The packaging materials, which are designed in particular as packaging blanks, as described above, are prepared in a preparation module using a corresponding preparation tool by folding over at least the lateral edge areas of the packaging blanks. If necessary, additional preparation, in particular pre-breaking, of the through-openings can be provided.

[0112] The packaging blanks are, for example, provided in a magazine assigned to the preparation module. Two prepared packaging blanks are then picked up by a suitably designed application tool and applied to the articles in the mass flow in an application module, forming two adjacent, particularly contiguous, packaging units.

[0113] In this case, adjacent articles, which subsequently form different packaging units, are slightly pushed apart at least in an upper area by the separating device of the application tool in order to arrange the lateral edge areas of the packaging blanks between the articles.

[0114] Optionally, the preparation module and, if applicable, the magazine can be integrated into the application module.

[0115] For example, the application tool can comprise four receptacles, each for four prepared packaging blanks, and corresponding separating devices arranged between the four receptacles, so that four packaging units can be produced simultaneously within the mass flow in one work cycle. Alternatively, the application tool can comprise two receptacles, each for two prepared packaging blanks, and a separating device arranged between the two receptacles, so that two packaging units arranged side by side can be produced simultaneously within the mass flow in one work cycle.

[0116] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the packaging device in the application module uses two application tools, each with two receptacles for two prepared packaging blanks in parallel, wherein the first of the two application tools can produce two packaging units arranged one behind the other in a defined transport direction in one work cycle and, at the same time, the second of the two application tools can produce two packaging units arranged one behind the other in the transport direction within the mass flow in one work cycle.

[0117] In a further embodiment of a packaging device, two application modules can optionally be arranged one behind the other in the transport direction. Each of the application modules can also be assigned a preparation module and a magazine. Alternatively, it can be provided that the two preparation modules access a common magazine.

[0118] The application modules can be arranged directly one after the other, if necessary at reasonable intervals. The first application module processes only every other cycle and produces four packaging units. Between every two cycles of four packaging units, a corresponding article combination is arranged, from which four packaging units are subsequently produced in the second application module. By arranging two application modules one after the other, the throughput of the packaging device can be increased.

[0119] A further embodiment of a packaging device can be designed in particular to attach four packaging means to a total of sixteen articles in order to simultaneously form four adjacent packaging units.

[0120] Such a packaging device can, for example, comprise a grouping module or dividing module, in which article groups comprising sixteen articles each are formed. The article groups are fed to the application module via the incoming transport device in the transport direction. The transport device can, for example, be a transfer plate with a push rod, a conveyor belt, or another suitable transport device.

[0121] In this case, too, the articles are preferably identically designed and processed together and combined into packaging units using a packaging material.

[0122] The packaging materials are prepared, for example, as described above. In particular, the application tool can comprise four receptacles, each for four prepared packaging blanks, and separating devices arranged between the four receptacles, so that four packaging units are simultaneously produced from each of the article groups fed to the application module in one work cycle. Each of the four packaging units comprises four articles.

[0123] 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.

[0124] Figures 1 and 2 show the reception of a packaging material by a preparation tool in different perspective views.

[0125] Figures 3 and 4 show a first step in the preparation of a packaging material using a preparation tool.

[0126] Figures 5 to 7 show the folding of the lateral edge areas of the packaging blank.

[0127] Figures 8 to 10 show the capture of the prepared packaging blank.

[0128] Figures 11 and 12 show the attachment of the prepared packaging blank to an article assembly.

[0129] Fig. 13 shows an application tool for simultaneously applying four prepared packaging blanks to articles.

[0130] Fig. 14 shows the feeding of articles in an ordered mass flow. Figures 15 to 18 show further views of the application tool according to

[0131] Fig. 13.

[0132] Fig. 19 shows an embodiment of a packaging device.

[0133] Fig. 20 shows another embodiment of a packaging device.

[0134] Fig. 21 shows another embodiment of a packaging device.

[0135] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the device or method according to the invention can be configured and do not represent a definitive limitation.

[0136] The schematic perspective views of Figures 1 and 2 show the reception of a packaging material 20 by a preparation tool 40.

[0137] The packaging means 20 is formed by a flat packaging blank 21, which has through-openings 22 for the at least partial passage of the articles to be combined. During the preparation of the packaging blank 21, lateral edge regions 23 of the packaging blank 21 are folded downward. In the finished packaging unit, these downwardly folded lateral edge regions 23 at least partially encompass the lateral outer surfaces of the article assembly.

[0138] In particular, it can be provided that the packaging means 20 provides corresponding folding edges 24 which support or facilitate the folding process of the lateral edge regions 23.

[0139] The preparation tool 40 comprises a first upper die 2 and a lower die 3. The upper die 2 comprises at least one receiving device 4 for the packaging blank 21, for example, a holding pin 5, which engages in a suitable receiving opening of the packaging blank. Alternatively, the upper die 2 can also be equipped, for example, with a suction device to securely grasp and hold the packaging blank 21. The lower die 3 comprises an arrangement of expansion tools 6, which are also referred to below as expansion cones 7. The number and arrangement of the expansion cones 7 corresponds to the number and arrangement of the through-openings 22 of the packaging blank 21.

[0140] The schematic perspective views of Figures 3 and 4 show a first step in the preparation of a packaging means 20; in particular, Figure 4 shows only the lower die 3 with the packaging blank 21.

[0141] The upper die 2 with the packaging blank 21 arranged thereon is now placed on the lower die 3, so that the expansion cones 6 at least partially penetrate through the through-openings 22 of the packaging blank 21. Due to the downwardly widening cross-sectional area of ​​the expansion cones 7, the edge regions of the through-openings 22 are pre-broken and formed based on the shape predetermined by the expansion cones 6.

[0142] Preferably, the through-openings 22 have suitable fixing devices 25, which can be formed, for example, by fixing tabs 26. For example, fixing tabs are formed by incisions 27 or the like extending radially from the openings.

[0143] The expansion cones 7 pre-break the fixing tabs 26 at the incisions 27 and can thereby be folded upwards at least slightly.

[0144] Preferably, the packaging blank 21 is pressed down by the upper die 2 until it stops against the expansion cones 7 of the lower die 3.

[0145] The corner regions 8 of the lower die 3 also form a free-form surface 9 for forming the corners of the packaging blank 21 to be formed between the foldable edge regions 23.

[0146] For the expert, it is of course self-evident that the lower die 3 can also be brought into operative connection with the upper die 2 by an upward movement.

[0147] The unit in which the upper die 2 and the lower die 3 are operatively connected is also referred to as the pre-breaking unit 20. Figures 5 to 7 show the folding of the lateral edge regions 23 of the packaging blank 21. In particular, Fig. 5 additionally shows a further component 11 of the preparation tool 40 designed as a folding device or folding element 10. In particular, Figures 6 and 7 show different perspective views of sectional views of a preparation tool 40 formed from the upper die 2, the lower die 3 and the folding element 10.

[0148] The folding element 10 has lateral, at least partially vertically aligned side surfaces 12 and also through-openings 13 for partial areas 15 of the first upper die 2 and guide receptacles 14 for guide elements 16 of the first upper die 2.

[0149] The folding element 10 moves downwards onto the pre-crushing unit 20 formed by the upper die 2 and the lower die 3. In this case, the sheets coming out of the pre-crushing unit

[0150] 20 protruding lateral edge regions 23 of the packaging blank 21 arranged between the upper die 2 and the lower die 3 are folded downwards by the side surfaces 12 of the folding element 10.

[0151] Furthermore, the partial areas 15 of the first upper die 2 engage through the through-openings 13 of the folding element 10, and the guide elements 16 of the first upper die 2 engage in the guide receptacles 14 of the folding element 10. This allows a secure, guided placement of the folding element 10 onto the pre-breaking unit 20.

[0152] Now the connection between the receiving device 4 of the upper die 2 and the packaging blank prepared by pre-breaking and pre-folding

[0153] 21 is released, and the folding element 11 moves upwards together with the upper die 3. For example, it can be provided that the upper die 3 is grasped at the upwardly projecting portions 15 and lifted upwards, whereby the folding element 11, which is operatively connected to the upper die 3 via the through-openings 13, is also necessarily moved upwards.

[0154] The upper die 2, the lower die 3, and the folding element 10 thus form components of a possible embodiment of a preparation tool 40 for preparing the packaging means 20. This preparation tool 40 comprises at least one folding device in the form of the folding element 10, which is designed to fold at least two opposing edge regions 23, in particular all four edge regions of a rectangular packaging blank 21 forming the packaging means 20, by 90 degrees. The correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21, which is designated below with the reference symbol 21v, remains resting on the lower die 3, at least in part, as can be seen in Fig. 8.

[0155] Figures 8 to 10 show the gripping of the prepared packaging blank 21v by a second upper die 19 of an application tool 41 equipped with boundary surfaces 18 extending downwards on the sides. Analogous to the first upper die 3 (compare Figures 1 to 3), the second upper die 19 is also equipped with receiving devices 4 for the packaging blank 21, in particular for receiving the correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21v.

[0156] The second upper die 19 is applied to the lower die 3, on which the prepared packaging blank 21v rests at least in part, and the prepared packaging blank 21v is gripped by the receiving devices 4, for example by hooks, suction cups, or similar suitable receiving devices 4. The lateral boundary surfaces 18 of the second upper die 19 protrude downwards to such an extent that the downwardly folded lateral edge regions 23 of the prepared packaging blank 21v are completely covered by the lateral boundary surfaces 18. In particular, the lateral boundary surfaces 18 ensure that the downwardly folded edge regions 23 of the correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21v remain in the folded state.

[0157] Figures 11 and 12 show the attachment of the prepared packaging blank 21v to an article assembly 30.

[0158] The article assembly 30 is formed, in particular, by a plurality of articles 31. The articles 31 or containers are preferably beverage containers, in particular bottles made of PET or another suitable plastic. Preferably, the articles 30 or containers can also be formed by cans 32 made of plastic and / or aluminum or another metal, or the like. However, the illustrated application tool 41 is also suitable for arranging and securing a correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21v to other suitable articles 31 or containers.

[0159] The application tool 31, in particular the second upper die 19, is applied together with the captured prepared packaging blank 21v from above onto the article assembly 31. The second upper die 19 is placed above the article assembly 31 in such a way that the lid regions 33 of the cans 32 pass through the through-openings 22 of the prepared packaging blank 21v. In particular, the prepared packaging blank 21v is fixed below the flanged edge 34 of the cans 32 by the fixing tabs 26 engaging below the flanged edge 34.

[0160] In particular, the lid region 33 of the cans 32 is located above the packaging blank 21 after the packaging blank 21 has been fixed to the cans 32, while the cylindrical can body 35 is located below the packaging blank 21.

[0161] The laterally folded edge regions 23 of the packaging blank 21 encompass outer jacket surfaces 36 of the cylindrical can body 35 below the flanged edge 34.

[0162] By arranging and attaching the packaging blank 21 to the articles 31, a packaging unit is formed (not shown). In the packaging unit, the packaging blank 21 engages with the articles 31 in such a way that the packaging blank 21 is essentially fixed to the articles 31 and the articles 31 can no longer make any significant relative movements or changes in position relative to one another or to the packaging blank 21. Thus, the packaging blank 21 can only be removed from the articles 31 of the packaging unit with increased force with an upward force component, in which case the packaging blank 21 is usually at least partially destroyed. The packaging blank 21 preferably consists of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material or similar.

[0163] The second upper die 19 thus forms a possible embodiment of an application tool 41 which is designed to receive the prepared packaging material 21v from the lower die 3 and to apply it to the article assembly 30 by means of a downward movement, such that the packaging material 21v applied to the articles 31 is at least partially arranged between the articles 31 and such that the packaging material 21v applied to the articles 31 at least partially encompasses lateral outer surfaces 36 of the article assembly 30, in particular wherein the folded edge regions 23 of the packaging material 21v at least partially encompass lateral outer surfaces 36 of the article assembly 31. The passage openings 22 of the packaging blank 21 applied to the articles 31 are fixed to the articles 31, in particular on a lid region 33 of the articles 31.Preferably, the fixing devices 25 engage below the lid region 33. The folded edge regions 23 of the packaging material 21 form a collar around an upper region of the outer surface 36 of the articles 31.

[0164] According to an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that the folding element 10, instead of the side surfaces 12 according to Figures 5 to 7, comprises a type of cage or frame made of vertical metal sheets, which, in addition to folding, assume the function of the lateral boundary surfaces 18 of the second upper die 19. In this case, it is provided that the correspondingly prepared packaging blank 21v is removed directly from the lower die 3 together with the first upper die 2 and the cage or frame, and the prepared packaging blank 21v can now be arranged directly on the articles 31 of the article assembly 30.

[0165] The perspective view of Fig. 13 shows an application tool 41 for the simultaneous application of four prepared packaging blanks 21v to articles 31, in particular to articles 31 which are fed in the ordered mass flow MS, as shown in Fig. 14.

[0166] Figures 15 to 18 show further views of the application tool 41 according to Figure 13, with Figure 15 in particular showing a lateral view, while Figure 16 shows a sectional view. Furthermore, Figures 17 and 18 show, by way of example, the arrangement of the application tool 41 on the articles 31.

[0167] The articles 31 are moved in particular in the orderly mass flow MS in the transport direction TR. For example, the articles 31 are pushed over a transfer plate 51 by means of a push rod 50. The mass flow MS is preferably delimited on the outside by guide elements 52, for example, aisle plates 53. Furthermore, further guidance can also be provided within the mass flow MS by a central guide element 54 in the form of a central aisle plate 55. In this case, several articles 31 are combined on one side of the central guide element 52 by means of a packaging means 20 to form a packaging unit.

[0168] The preparation of the packaging blanks 21 takes place, for example, as described in connection with Figures 1 to 7. The application tool 41 is formed from four second upper dies 19, which, after receiving the prepared packaging blanks 21v, are arranged so closely that adjacent boundary surfaces 18 touch or almost touch one another and form a separating element or a separating device 60. The upper dies 19 form receptacles for the prepared packaging means 21v, wherein the folded edge regions 23 of each packaging means 21v each rest against a separating device 60 and wherein the separating device 60 projects downwards beyond the folded edge regions 23 of the prepared packaging means 21v.

[0169] Alternatively, four lower matrices with prepared packaging blanks 21v (see Fig. 3) are arranged directly adjacent to one another and the four prepared packaging blanks 21v are gripped by an application tool 41, which comprises four correspondingly arranged receptacles for prepared packaging blanks 21v and a vertically formed separating device 60 between two adjacent receptacles, wherein the folded edge regions 23 of each packaging means 21v each rests against a separating device 60 and wherein the separating device 60 projects downwards beyond the folded edge regions 23 of the prepared packaging means 21v.

[0170] The application tools 41 are designed to arrange the separating devices 60 between the articles 31 supplied in the ordered mass flow MS and to form at least a small distance A between the articles 31, which articles 31 are to be assigned to different article combinations 30-1, 30-2, since these subsequently form different packaging units.

[0171] In particular, the application tool 41 arranges four prepared packaging blanks 21v on articles 31.

[0172] The articles 31 to be combined by a packaging blank 21v form a respective article combination 30 within the mass flow MS, even if these article combinations 30 are not visibly separated from adjacent articles 31 within the mass flow MS. The hatching used in the figures serves only to improve understanding.

[0173] The application tool 41 is particularly designed to simultaneously apply the four prepared packaging blanks 21v to form four packaging units, each to a defined number and combination of articles 31 of the ordered mass flow MS. Figure 19 shows an embodiment of a packaging device 80, which is particularly designed to apply at least two packaging means 21 to articles 31 in order to simultaneously form two, in particular adjacent, packaging units 70, 70-1, 70-2.

[0174] The packaging device 80 comprises a feeding transport device 81, via which articles 31 are preferably fed in an orderly mass flow MS in the transport direction TR. This can be, for example, a transfer plate 51 with a push rod as shown in Fig. 14 or a conveyor belt or other suitable transport device 81.

[0175] These are, in particular, identically designed articles 31. The different hatchings were used to identify articles 31 forming an article combination 30, 30-1, 30-2, which are subsequently combined by a packaging material to form packaging units 70, 70-1, 70-2.

[0176] The packaging materials, which are designed in particular as packaging blanks, as described in connection with Figures 1 to 18, are prepared in a preparation module 82 using a corresponding preparation tool 40 by folding over at least the lateral edge regions of the packaging blanks. If necessary, additional preparation, in particular pre-breaking, of the through-openings can be provided.

[0177] The packaging blanks are provided, for example, in a magazine 83 assigned to the preparation module 82. Subsequently, for example, two prepared packaging blanks are taken over by a correspondingly designed application tool 41 and applied in an application module 84 to the articles 31 of the mass flow MS, forming two adjacent, in particular contiguous, packaging units 70-1, 70-2.

[0178] In this case, adjacent articles 31, which subsequently form different packaging units 70-1, 70-2, are slightly pushed apart at least in an upper region by the separating device of the application tool 41 in order to arrange the lateral edge regions of the packaging blanks between the articles 31. An embodiment not shown can provide that the preparation module 82 and, if appropriate, the magazine 83 are integrated into the application module 84.

[0179] For example, the application tool 41 can comprise four receptacles for four prepared packaging blanks each and separating devices arranged accordingly between the four receptacles, so that four packaging units 70 can be produced simultaneously within the mass flow MS in one work cycle T1.

[0180] Alternatively, the application tool 41 can comprise two receptacles for two prepared packaging blanks each and a separating device arranged between the two receptacles, so that in one work cycle T2 two packaging units 70 arranged next to one another can be produced simultaneously within the mass flow MS.

[0181] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the packaging device 80 in the application module 84 uses two application tools 41, each with two receptacles for two prepared packaging blanks in parallel, wherein two packaging units 70 arranged one behind the other in the transport direction TR can be produced by the first of the two application tools 41 in a work cycle T3 and two packaging units 70 arranged one behind the other in the transport direction TR can be produced within the mass flow MS by the second of the two application tools 41 in a work cycle T4.

[0182] Fig. 20 shows a further embodiment of a packaging device 80. Here, two application modules 84, 84-1, 84-2 are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction TR. Each of the application modules 84-1, 84-2 is assigned a preparation module 82-1, 82-2 and a magazine 83-1, 83-2. Alternatively, the two preparation modules 82-1, 82-2 can access a common magazine.

[0183] The application modules 84-1, 84-2 can be arranged directly one after the other; to clarify their operation, they are shown spaced apart. The first application module 84-1 processes only every other cycle and thereby produces four packaging units 70. Between every two cycles of four packaging units 70, a corresponding article combination is arranged, from which four packaging units 70 are subsequently produced in the second application module 84-2. By arranging two application modules 84 one after the other, the throughput of the packaging device 80 can be increased.

[0184] Fig. 21 shows a further embodiment of a packaging device 80, which is designed in particular to attach four packaging means 21 to sixteen articles 31 in order to simultaneously form four adjacent packaging units 70, 70-1, 70-2.

[0185] The packaging device 80 comprises a grouping module or dividing module 85, in which article groups 90, each comprising sixteen articles 31, are formed. The article groups 90 are fed to the application module 84 via the feeding transport device 81 in the transport direction TR. The transport device 84 can be, for example, a transfer plate 51 with a push rod as shown in Fig. 14, or a conveyor belt or another suitable transport device 81.

[0186] In this case, too, the articles 31 are preferably identically designed. The different hatchings were used to identify articles 31 forming an article combination 30, 30-1, 30-2, which are subsequently combined by a packaging material into packaging units 70, 70-1 to 70-2.

[0187] The packaging materials are prepared, for example, analogously to the embodiment of Fig. 19, to the description of which reference is hereby made. In particular, the application tool 41 can comprise four receptacles, each for four prepared packaging blanks, and separating devices arranged accordingly between the four receptacles, so that in one work cycle, four packaging units 70, in particular packaging units 70-1 to 70-4, are simultaneously produced from each of the article groups 90 fed to the application module 84. Each of the four packaging units 70 comprises four articles 31.

[0188] The embodiments, examples, and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the 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, provided the features are not incompatible. Although "schematic" representations and views are generally referred to in the context of the preceding description of the figures, this in no way means 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 abstract representations to facilitate their understanding of the invention, without their understanding being impaired in any way by the drawn and possibly not exactly scaled proportions of the articles and / or parts of the device or other drawn elements. The figures thus enable the skilled reader, based on the more concretely explained implementations of the inventive method and the more concretely explained functioning of the inventive device, to derive a better understanding of the inventive concept formulated more generally and / or abstractly in the claims and in the general part of the description.

[0189] 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.

[0190] List of reference symbols

[0191] 1 first upper die

[0192] 2 lower die

[0193] 3 Mounting device

[0194] 5 retaining pin

[0195] 6 Stretching tool

[0196] 7 expansion cones

[0197] 8 Corner area

[0198] 9 Freeform surface

[0199] 10 folding element

[0200] 11 Component

[0201] 12 side surface

[0202] 13 Access opening guide holder

[0203] 15 sub-area

[0204] 16 Guide element

[0205] 18 lateral boundary surfaces

[0206] 19 second upper die

[0207] 20 packaging materials

[0208] 21 Packaging cutting

[0209] 21 v prepared packaging blank

[0210] 22 Passage opening

[0211] 23 lateral edge area

[0212] 24 fold edge

[0213] 25 Fixing device

[0214] 26 Fixing tab

[0215] 27 incision

[0216] 30,30-1 ,30-2 Article compilation

[0217] 31 articles

[0218] 32 cans

[0219] 33 Lid area

[0220] 34 flanged edge

[0221] 35 can bodies

[0222] 36 outer surface

[0223] 40 Preparation tools

[0224] 41 Application tool

[0225] 50 push rod

[0226] 51 Transfer plate

[0227] 52 external guide element

[0228] 53 Lane plate middle guide element

[0229] 55 Gassenblech

[0230] 60 separating device

[0231] 70,70-1 ,70-2 Packaging unit

[0232] 80 Packaging device

[0233] 81 incoming transport device

[0234] 82.82-1 ,82-2 Preparatory module

[0235] 83.83-1 ,83-2 Magazine

[0236] 84.84-1 ,84-2 Application module 85 Grouping module / dividing module

[0237] 90 article group

[0238] A Distance MS ordered mass flow

[0239] TR transport direction

Claims

Claims Packaging device (80) for attaching a packaging means (20) to an assembly of articles (30) comprising at least two articles (31), the packaging device (80) comprising: - at least one preparation tool (17) for preparing the packaging material, which preparation tool (17) comprises at least one folding device (10) designed to fold at least two opposing edge regions (23) of a packaging blank (21) forming the packaging material (20) by 90 degrees, and - at least one application tool (41) designed to receive the prepared packaging blank (21) and to apply it to the assembly of articles (30) by means of a downward movement, such that the packaging means (20) applied to the articles (31) is at least partially arranged between the articles (31) and such that the packaging means (20) applied to the articles (31) at least partially encompasses lateral outer surface areas (36) of the assembly of articles (30), in particular wherein the folded edge areas (23) of the packaging means (20) at least partially encompass lateral outer surface areas (36) of the assembly of articles (30).Packaging device (80) according to claim 1, which packaging device (80) is equipped for the simultaneous or nearly simultaneous application of at least two packaging elements (20) to articles (31) for the simultaneous or nearly simultaneous formation of at least two packaging units (70), wherein the application tool (41) comprises at least two adjacent receptacles for prepared packaging blanks (21v), wherein the application tool (41) comprises at least one vertically formed or vertically oriented separating device (60) between the at least two receptacles, wherein a folded edge region (23) of each packaging element (20) abuts the separating device (60), and wherein the separating device (60) projects downwards beyond the folded edge regions (23) of the prepared packaging blank (21v), wherein the application tool (41) is designed to support the separating device (60). to arrange between the articles (31) supplied in an ordered mass flow (MS) and to apply the at least two packaging means (20) to form at least two adjacent packaging units (70) simultaneously or approximately simultaneously to a defined number and combination of articles (31) of the ordered mass flow (MS) 3. Packaging device (80) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the preparation tool (17) further comprises means for preparing passage openings (22) of the packaging means (20).

4. Packaging device (80) according to claim 3, wherein the preparation tool (17) comprises an upper die (2) with at least one receiving device (4) or holding device for the packaging means (20), and wherein the preparation tool (17) comprises a lower die (3) with a plurality of stretching tools (6).

5. Packaging device (80) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the preparation tool (17) is formed by an interchangeable format part, which format part is interchangeable during a production changeover, in particular in which the number and arrangement of the stretching tools (6) correspond to the number and arrangement of the passage openings (22) of the packaging material (20) to be processed.

6. Packaging device (80) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the application tool (41) has lateral boundary surfaces (18) against which lateral boundary surfaces (18) the folded lateral edge areas (23) of the prepared packaging blank (21v) are held in their folded arrangement or folded position when applied to the articles (31).

7. Packaging device (80) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the separating device (60) is formed by a vertical guide surface or wherein the separating device (60) is formed by at least one vertical guide finger or guide cone.

8. Method for attaching a packaging means (20) to an assembly (30) comprising at least two articles (31), wherein the packaging means (20) applied to the articles (31) is at least partially arranged between the articles (31) and wherein the packaging means (20) applied to the articles (31) applied packaging materials (20) at least partially encompass the lateral outer surface areas (36) of the article assembly (30), the method providing that - that at least two opposing edge areas (23) of a packaging blank forming the packaging material (20) are folded over by 90 degrees, - whereupon the packaging blank (21v) prepared in this way is applied to the article assembly (30) by means of a downward movement. Method according to claim 8, for simultaneously applying at least two packaging means (20) to articles (31) for the simultaneous formation or for the approximately simultaneous formation of at least two packaging units (70), wherein the articles (31) are fed directly adjacent to one another in an ordered mass flow (MS), - wherein the at least two packaging blanks (21v) prepared by folding the edge areas (23) are arranged side by side in receptacles of at least one application tool (41), which application tool (41) comprises at least one vertically formed or vertically oriented separating device (60) between the receptacles, wherein a folded edge area (23) of a packaging means (20) abuts the separating device (60), and wherein the separating device (60) projects downwards beyond the folded edge areas (23) of the packaging means (20), - after which the application tool (41) with the prepared at least two packaging blanks (21v) is lowered over the articles (31) supplied in the ordered mass flow (MS), - wherein the separating device (60) is immersed between articles (31) of the ordered mass flow (MS) and the at least two packaging means (20) are applied to a defined number and combination of articles (31) of the ordered mass flow (MS) for the simultaneous or nearly simultaneous formation of at least two adjacent packaging units (70). A method according to claim 9, wherein the separating device (60) creates a small gap (A) at least in an upper region between adjacent articles (31) in the mass flow (MS) to allow the folded edge regions (23) of the packaging means (210) to separate the respective articles. (31) and to apply the packaging means (20) accordingly to the articles (31) forming each article assembly (30). Method according to claim 10, in which the application tool (41) comprises further lateral boundary surfaces (18) as contact surfaces for outer lateral folded edge areas (23), which lateral boundary surfaces (18) function as a separating device for further articles (31) of the mass flow (MS), which further articles (31) are subsequently or precedingly combined with a packaging means (20) to form packaging units (70). Method according to claim 11, in which the lateral boundary surfaces (18) create a slight gap (A) at least in an upper region between adjacent articles (31) in the mass flow (MS).A method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the packaging (20) has a substantially rectangular shape, with all four lateral edge regions (23) being folded over by approximately 90 degrees. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein additionally, the preparation of through-openings (22) in the packaging (20) is provided. A method according to claim 14, wherein at least a slight pre-stretching of the through-openings (22) or a pre-folding of fixing devices (25) associated with the through-openings (22) is provided.

Images