Method for creating a container formation, and grouping device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for creating a container formation (9), said method comprising: transporting containers (7) by means of a transfer star (2, 3) to a transfer point (P) between the transfer star (2, 3) and a grouping unit (4) such that at or behind the transfer point (P) at least two containers (7) are arranged one behind the other; contacting the rear container (8) of the containers (7) arranged one behind the other at or behind the transfer point (P) by means of a driver element (6) of the grouping unit (4) and; transporting the containers (7) by means of the driver element (6), wherein the containers (7) transported by means of the driver element (6) form at least part of the container formation (9). The invention further relates to a grouping device (1).

Description

[0001] Method for creating a container formation and grouping device

[0002] The invention relates to a method for creating a container formation and a grouping device.

[0003] Grouping devices and corresponding methods are used to group containers or to form a container formation from individual containers. The grouped containers or the containers of the resulting container formation can then be connected to one another, for example, packaged together.

[0004] A grouping device is known from DE 102013 106 742 A1. In this device, containers are fed into aisles by diverting systems and guided along the aisles. During the guiding process, gaps between the containers are synchronized so that the containers in the respective aisles are aligned at the same height, forming a container formation or bundle.

[0005] Another grouping device is known from DE 10 2011 081 705 A1. In this device, directly adjacent containers are initially provided by a first conveyor device at a first conveyor speed. The first conveyor device is immediately followed by a second conveyor device with a second conveyor speed that is greater than the first conveyor speed, so that the containers are separated from one another when moving from the first conveyor device to the second conveyor device. A defined number of articles or containers can then be grouped using a grouping unit that includes a retaining and / or pushing device assigned to the second conveyor device. The known grouping devices and methods require a comparatively high level of equipment and require a comparatively large amount of space.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for forming a container formation and a corresponding device that overcomes these disadvantages. The method and device according to the invention also enable a simple format change of the containers forming the container formation.

[0007] This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a device having the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the respective subclaims.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for creating a container formation, comprising the steps: a. transporting containers with a transfer star to a transfer point between the transfer star and a grouping unit, such that at least two containers are arranged one behind the other at or behind the transfer point; b. contacting the rear container of the containers arranged one behind the other at or behind the transfer point with a driver element of the grouping unit, and c. transporting the containers with the driver element, wherein the containers transported by the driver element form at least part of a container formation. Because the driver element contacts the rear container at or behind the transfer point, the transfer star and grouping unit can be arranged close to one another. In addition, the transfer star and grouping unit can be designed with comparatively simple equipment.In some embodiments, "contacting the rear container behind the transfer point" may mean that the rear container is arranged behind the transfer point by a distance that is less than one-tenth of the outer circumference of the transfer star when it is contacted by the driver element. The container transported by the transfer star can be or will be contacted by the driver element at a contact point that is spaced from the transfer point by a contacting distance along the conveying direction. In some embodiments, the contacting distance may be less than one-tenth of the outer circumference of the transfer star. In some embodiments, the contacting distance may be less than one-twentieth of the outer circumference of the transfer star.In some embodiments, “contacting the rear container behind the transfer point” may mean that the rear container is still contacted by a guide element of the transfer star or will be contacted when it is contacted by the driver element.

[0009] The transfer point can be arranged tangentially between the transfer star and the grouping unit, i.e., essentially at a notional contact point of an outer radius of the transfer star and the grouping unit. In some embodiments, the transfer point can be arranged between a guide element of the transfer star and a guide element of the grouping unit.

[0010] The rear container can be the container located at the rear in the conveying direction of the containers released from the transfer star before contact with the carrier element. The containers can be or comprise bottles, e.g., PET or glass bottles, cans, jars, bags, or the like. The containers can, for example, consist of or comprise one or more plastic, glass, ceramic, or metal. The transfer star can have container receptacles for receiving and transporting the containers.

[0011] In some embodiments, the transfer starwheel can push the containers. The transfer starwheel can transport the containers at a fixed distance along a predetermined pitch circle. In some embodiments, the grouping unit can push the containers.

[0012] In some embodiments, it can be provided that containers are transported to the transfer point with the transfer star in such a way that at least two containers are arranged one behind the other at or behind the transfer point. The rearmost container of the containers arranged one behind the other at or behind the transfer point can be contacted by the driver element. The method can comprise the steps: a. Transporting containers with a transfer star to a transfer point between the transfer star and a grouping unit, so that at least two containers are arranged one behind the other at or behind the transfer point; b. Contacting the rear container of the containers arranged one behind the other at or behind the transfer point with a driver element of the grouping unit and; c. Transporting the containers with the driver element, wherein the containers transported by the driver element form at least part of a container formation.After the rear container comes into contact with the driver element, the containers arranged one behind the other at or behind the transfer point can be pushed together by the driver element. During or after the containers are pushed together, gaps or spaces between the containers arranged one behind the other can be closed. During or after the pushing together, containers arranged one behind the other can touch or come into contact with each other. Before or during the pushing together, some, several or all of the containers arranged at or behind the transfer point can be or will be braked, possibly to different degrees, so that the containers can run into each other. The containers can be or will be braked, for example, by contact with a guide or by transfer, transport and / or pushing on or onto a stationary base.By pushing them together, the containers arranged at or behind the transfer point can be or become pre-grouped.

[0013] The grouping unit can have a circulating belt, a circulating chain and / or a circulating band. When transporting the containers, the containers can be pushed by the driver element under movement of the circulating grouping unit. The grouping station can have a drive unit for driving the belt, chain and / or band. This allows the grouping station to be designed with comparatively simple equipment. If the grouping station is circulating or has a circulating chain, belt or band, synchronization with the transfer star can be easily and precisely set and maintained. In some embodiments, the grouping unit can be star-shaped and / or have a star, wherein the driver elements can be or correspond to container receptacles. The number of driver elements and / or container receptacles of the grouping unit can be fewer than the number of container receptacles of the transfer star.If the carrier elements are or correspond to container receptacles, the diameter of the carrier elements or container receptacles can be a multiple of the diameter of the containers. If the grouping unit is star-shaped and / or has a star, a transport system for further transport of one or the formed container formation can be connected to the grouping unit.

[0014] During or before contact with the rear container, the driver element can insert into a gap between two container receptacles of the transfer star. The driver element can be or comprise a slider, a suitable tool or the like. The driver element can insert or be inserted substantially laterally into the transfer star. In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, the driver element can insert or be inserted substantially from above into the transfer star. Because the driver element can insert into a gap between containers guided by the transfer star, the transfer star and the grouping unit can be arranged particularly close to one another. In some embodiments, it can be provided that the driver element inserts at least half the diameter of a container, e.g. a container received in the container receptacle.This means that the container can be guided particularly safely by the carrier element.

[0015] The transfer starwheel and grouping unit can be synchronized with one another. The rotational speed of the transfer starwheel and the rotational speed of the grouping unit can be set or can be selected accordingly. The ratio of the rotational speeds can, for example, depend on or be selected based on the number of carrier elements and / or their spacing, the number of container receptacles and / or their spacing, and / or an outer radius of the transfer starwheel and / or the length of the belt, chain or band. Before coming into contact with the carrier element, the containers can be carried at or behind the transfer point by a rotating plate arranged below the transfer starwheel. Before coming into contact with the carrier element, the containers can be moved on a rotating plate arranged below the transfer starwheel at or behind the transfer point.“Pre-grouped” can mean that the transfer star pushes the containers at least slightly together when pushing them behind the transfer point, or that their relative distance from one another is reduced. If the containers hit a guide at or behind the transfer point and / or run into a stationary base from the transfer star and / or the rotating disk, the containers can be braked. Containers transported one after the other by the transfer star and / or the rotating plate can thus run into one another, so that the relative distance between the containers or gaps between them can close. The containers arranged behind or behind the transfer point can be pre-grouped if the respective distances or gaps are closed or at least reduced.In some embodiments, the containers may be pre-grouped if the containers arranged one behind the other contact each other. The driver element of the grouping unit can push the pre-grouped containers.

[0016] In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, the driver element can support or create the pre-grouping by closing the gaps or distances between the containers arranged one behind the other at or behind the transfer point by the driver element while transporting or pushing the rear container and / or by supporting the closing of the distances or gaps.

[0017] Because the rotating plate can continue to transport or push the containers after they have been released from the transfer star, collisions between the containers arranged in rows one behind the other can be prevented or at least reduced, as can collisions between the carrier element and the rear container upon contact. In particular, if the carrier element is already in contact with the rear container when the container, and in some embodiments at least one or more of the containers arranged in front of it, are pushed by the rotating plate, a smoother transition or a smoother and more quiet transfer of the containers by the grouping unit can result.

[0018] A second number of containers can be transported by a second transfer starwheel to a second transfer point between the second transfer starwheel and a second grouping unit, such that at least two containers can be arranged one behind the other at or behind the second transfer point. After the containers have been transported by the second transfer starwheel, the rear container of the containers arranged one behind the other at or behind the second transfer point can be contacted with a driver element of the second grouping unit. The containers can be transported by the driver element, wherein the containers transported by the driver element can form at least a second part of the container formation. The second number of containers can be transported by the second transfer starwheel to the second transfer point in such a way that at least two containers can be arranged one behind the other at or behind the second transfer point.

[0019] The second transfer star may include some, several, or all of the features or advantages described or disclosed with respect to the transfer star. The second grouping unit may include some, several, or all of the features or advantages described or disclosed with respect to the grouping unit.

[0020] The containers transported by the carrier element of the grouping unit and forming a first part of the container formation, and the containers transported by the carrier element of the second grouping unit and forming the second part of the container formation, can be brought together in such a way that they can jointly form the container formation, or at least part of the container formation. This allows for the formation of container formations consisting of multiple rows of containers in a simple and space-saving manner.

[0021] The transfer star and the second transfer star, and / or the grouping unit and the second grouping unit can be synchronized with one another, so that the part of the container formation formed by the transfer star and grouping unit and the second part of the container formation formed by the second transfer star and second grouping unit can be formed essentially simultaneously. "Essentially simultaneously" can mean that when part of a container formation is formed by the transfer star and grouping unit, a second part of one or the container formation is formed by the second transfer star and second grouping unit before the transfer star and grouping unit have formed another part of one or the container formation, and / or vice versa.“Substantially simultaneously” can also mean that a time difference between forming a first part of a container formation with transfer star and grouping unit and between forming a part of a container formation with second transfer star and second grouping unit is less than or equal to a time difference between forming two container formations.

[0022] A further aspect of the invention relates to a grouping device for creating a container formation, wherein the grouping device comprises a transfer star and a grouping unit with at least one driver element, which are configured to form a first part of a container formation. The grouping device can be configured to carry out the method described above.

[0023] The transfer star, the grouping unit and / or the driver element can have at least one, several or all of the features or advantages described above with reference to the method. A transfer point can be arranged between the transfer star and the grouping unit. The transfer star can be configured to transport at least one container for forming at least part of a container formation to or behind the transfer point. The driver element can be configured to contact rear containers arranged at or behind the transfer point and to transport containers arranged at or behind the transfer point as part of the container formation. The driver element can be configured to push containers arranged at or behind the transfer point as part of the container formation.In some embodiments, it may be provided that the transfer star is configured to transport at least two containers to or behind the transfer point.

[0024] The grouping device can comprise a second transfer star and a second grouping device, which can be configured to form at least a second part of a container formation. The second transfer star and / or the second grouping unit can have at least one, several, or all of the features or advantages described above with reference to the method.

[0025] The transfer starwheel can be arranged substantially symmetrically to the second transfer starwheel, and / or the grouping unit can be arranged substantially symmetrically to the second grouping unit. This allows for further space savings.

[0026] The grouping unit and / or the second grouping unit can have or be a belt, a band or a chain. In some embodiments, the grouping unit can be star-shaped and / or have a star, wherein the driver elements can be or correspond to container receptacles. The number of driver elements and / or container receptacles of the grouping unit can be fewer than the number of container receptacles of the transfer star. If the driver elements are or correspond to container receptacles, the diameter of the driver elements or container receptacles can correspond to a multiple of the diameter of the containers. If the grouping unit is star-shaped and / or has a star, a transport system for further transporting one or the formed container formation can be connected to the grouping unit.

[0027] The grouping unit can have at least two driver elements, which can be spaced apart from one another at a distance that can essentially correspond to a multiple of a distance between the container receptacles of the transfer star. The multiple can be an integer or a non-integer multiple. For example, a distance between the container receptacles can be 90 mm, and the distance between the driver elements can be an integer multiple of 80 mm. Thus, for example, the driver elements can be spaced apart at a distance that corresponds to 8 / 9 times, 16 / 9 times, 24 / 9 times, 32 / 9 times, etc., the distance between the container receptacles. The distance between the driver elements can be at least one, two, three, four, five, or six times the distance between the container receptacles of the transfer star.The second grouping unit can have at least two driver elements, which can be spaced apart from one another by a distance that can essentially correspond to a multiple of a distance between container receptacles of the second transfer star. The multiple can be an integer or a non-integer multiple. The distance between the driver elements of the second grouping unit can be at least one, two, three, four, five, or six times the distance between container receptacles of the second transfer star. The distance between the driver elements of the grouping unit and / or the second grouping unit can be selected or determined depending on the number of containers in a row of the container formation. The driver elements can be regularly spaced apart from one another, at least in sections. In some embodiments, the driver elements can be irregularly spaced apart from one another, at least in sections.The integer or non-integer ratio of the distances between container receptacles and carrier elements can depend on the rotational speed of the transfer star and / or the grouping unit, and / or the ratio of their rotational speeds.

[0028] The grouping device may comprise a plate rotating beneath the transfer star, which may be configured to push and / or pre-group containers released from the transfer star at or behind the transfer point. The grouping device may comprise a plate rotating beneath the second transfer star, which may be configured to push and / or pre-group containers released from the second transfer star at or behind a second transfer point arranged between the second transfer star and the second grouping unit. The rotating plate may comprise one, several, or all of the features or advantages of the rotating plate described above with reference to the method.

[0029] The grouping device can have a guide element, preferably a partially circular guide element. The guide element can be arcuate. The guide element can be arranged before and / or after the transfer point and / or second transfer point. The guide element can be configured to laterally contact and / or guide containers guided by the respective transfer stars. The guide element can be configured to release containers from the transfer star and / or the second transfer star and / or to laterally contact and / or guide containers guided by the respective grouping units.

[0030] The invention is further explained with reference to the following figures. They show:

[0031] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0032] Fig. 2 shows the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in a plan view; Fig. 3 shows an enlargement of the transfer point P at a time immediately before the rear container 8 comes into contact with the driver element 6; and

[0033] Fig. 4 shows the enlargement shown in Fig. 3 at a time after contact of the rear container 8 with the driver element 6.

[0034] Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a grouping device 1 according to the invention. The grouping device 1 has a transfer star 2 and a grouping unit 4. Containers 7 can be fed to the transfer star 2. The transfer star 2 can transport the containers 7 while rotating. The transfer star 2 can, for example, push the containers 7. A transfer point P is arranged between the transfer star 2 and the grouping unit 4. The transfer point P can, for example, be arranged tangentially between the transfer star 2 and the grouping unit 4, see, for example, Figures 2, 3 or 4. The containers 7 can be transported by the transfer star 2 to or behind the transfer point P.At least one container 7 can be transported by the transfer star 2 to or behind the transfer point P. In some embodiments, at least two containers 7 can be transported by the transfer star 2 to or behind the transfer point P, wherein the containers 7 can be arranged one behind the other at or behind the transfer point P. The container 7 last transported by the transfer star 2 to or behind the transfer point P can be a rear container 8.

[0035] The container(s) 7, 8 may be or comprise bottles, e.g. PET or glass bottles, cans, vessels, bags, or the like.

[0036] In some embodiments, the transfer star 2 can transport three, four, five, six or more containers 7 to or behind the transfer point P. The number of containers 7 transported by the transfer star 2 to or behind the transfer point P can correspond to the number of containers 7 forming part of the package formation and / or can be selected accordingly. The transfer star 2 can have a plurality of container receptacles 12 which can receive containers. The container receptacles 12 can be spaced apart by a distance Ds. The distance Ds can be measured, for example, in the radial direction of the transfer star 2, see, for example, Fig. 2. The container receptacle 12 can be dimensioned such that a container of a predetermined dimension can be received essentially fittingly in the container receptacle 12. However, the transfer star 2 can also transport containers 7 with smaller dimensions.This allows container formations 9 and / or parts of these with different container dimensions to be formed during operation, depending on the containers 7 supplied to the transfer star 2. For example, the container holder 12 can be designed to guide commercially available cans with different diameters, e.g. cans with a diameter of 56 mm and cans with a diameter of 65 mm.

[0037] The grouping unit 4 has at least one driver element 6. The grouping unit 4 can have a belt 13 to which the driver element 6 can be attached. The belt 13 can be a revolving belt. Alternatively or additionally, the grouping unit 4 can have a belt or a chain, which can be revolving. The grouping unit 4 can have a drive unit for driving the belt, chain or belt. The grouping unit 4 and / or the driver element 6 can be arranged such that the driver element 6 can contact the rear container 8, see, for example, Fig. 3. After contacting the rear container 8, the grouping unit 4 or the driver element 6 can transport the containers 7 arranged at or behind the transfer point P, see, for example, Fig. 4. If the containers 7 arranged at or behind the transfer point P are initially spaced apart from one another, they can be pushed together by the driver element 6 or come into contact with one another.In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, the containers ? arranged at or behind the transfer point can be or are pushed together in that containers 7 released from the transfer star 2 can be or are braked, for example, by a guide element 11 and can thus run into one another at or behind the transfer point P. The containers 7 transported by the driver element 6 can form at least part of a container formation 9.

[0038] The grouping device 4 or the driver element 6 can be configured such that the driver element 6 can be inserted into a gap between two containers 7 transported by the transfer star 2 (see, for example, Figs. 2 and 3). The transfer star 2 and the grouping unit 4 can be suitably synchronized with one another. After inserting into the gap, the driver element 6 can contact the rear container 8. In some embodiments, the driver element 6 can contact the rear container 8 after it has been or will be released from the transfer star 2.

[0039] The container formation 9 or part of the container formation 9 formed by the transfer star 2 and the grouping device 4 can comprise a row of X containers, or be or have a 1xX (partial) container formation, i.e., a row of X containers, e.g., a 1x1, 1x2, 1x3, 1x4, 1x5, or 1x6 (partial) container formation. However, the number of containers in the row is not limited to this; theoretically, a row of infinite length or number of containers is conceivable.

[0040] The grouping unit 4 can have a plurality of driver elements 6, which can be spaced apart from one another by a distance DM. The distance DM can correspond to an integer or non-integer multiple of the distance Ds of the container receptacles 12 of the transfer star 2. For example, the distance Ds can be 90 mm, and the distance DM an integer multiple of 80 mm, i.e. the distance DM can be 160 mm, 240 mm, 320 mm, etc. This results in a non-integer multiple of the distance DM TO DS, i.e. 16 / 9 times, 24 / 9 times, 32 / 9 times, etc. The distance DM can correspond to at least one, two, three, four, five or six times the distance Ds of the container receptacles 12 of the transfer star 2. In some embodiments, the distance DM may be more than six times the distance Ds of the container receptacles 12 of the transfer star 2.It may be provided to select the distance Ds and / or DM such that the multiple corresponds to a number of containers 7 to be transported by the carrier element 6 or the number of containers 7 forming part of the container formation. The ratio DM to Ds may depend on the rotational speed of the transfer star 2 and / or the grouping unit 4, and / or the ratio of the rotational speeds.

[0041] Transfer starwheel 2 and grouping unit 4 can be synchronized with each other such that a predetermined number of containers 7 are provided by transfer starwheel 2 at or behind transfer point P, which are then transported by carrier element 6 as part of a container formation 9. Transfer starwheel 2 and grouping unit 4 can have a correspondingly coordinated rotational speed and / or revolution speed. Through the synchronization, parts of the container formation 9 can be continuously formed by transfer starwheel 2 and grouping unit 4.

[0042] A guide element 11 can be arranged on or near the transfer star 2 in order to laterally contact and / or guide the containers 7 at least in sections during transport of the containers 7.

[0043] A further guide element 11 can be arranged on or near the transfer star 2 and / or the grouping unit 4, and / or on, near or behind the transfer point P. The further guide element 11 can be arranged such that it can release or separate containers 7 from the transfer star 2. The further guide element 11 can be arranged such that it laterally contacts and / or guides the containers 7 guided by the grouping unit 4, at least in sections. A rotating plate 10 can be arranged below the transfer star 2. It can be provided that the rotating plate 10 rotates at the rotational speed of the transfer star 2. The rotating plate 10 can be connected to the transfer star 2. In some embodiments, the containers 7 transported by the transfer star 2 can be arranged on the rotating plate 10.The rotating plate 10 can be configured to transport or push containers released from the transfer star 2 further to or behind the transfer point P. In some embodiments, the containers 7 pushed by the rotating plate 10 can subsequently be transported by the carrier element 6 as described above.

[0044] In some embodiments, the grouping device 1 may include a second transfer star 3 and a second grouping unit 5. The second transfer star 3 may include some, several, or all of the features or advantages of the transfer star 2. The second grouping unit 5 may include some, several, or all of the features or advantages of the grouping unit 4.

[0045] Second transfer starwheel 3 and second grouping unit 5 can form a second part of a container formation 9, corresponding to that described above for transfer starwheel 2 and grouping unit 4. The second part of the container formation 9 formed by the second transfer starwheel 3 and the second grouping device 5 can comprise a row of X containers, or can be or have a 1xX (partial) container formation, ie a row of X containers, e.g. a 1x2, 1x3, 1x4, 1x5 or 1x6 partial container formation. However, the number of containers in the row is not limited to this; theoretically, a row of infinite length or number of bottles is conceivable.

[0046] A guide element 11 can be arranged on or near the second transfer star 3 in order to laterally contact and / or guide the containers 7 at least in sections during transport of the containers 7. A rotating plate 10 can be arranged below the second transfer star 3, which can have some, several, or all of the features described above with regard to the rotating plate 10.

[0047] At or near the second transfer star 3 and / or the second grouping unit 5, and / or at, near or behind a second transfer point P between the second transfer star 3 and the second grouping unit 5, a further guide element 11 can be arranged, with some, several or all of the features as described above. The further guide element 11 can, in some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 2, be configured to release or separate containers 7 from both the transfer star 2 and the second transfer star 3 and / or both from the grouping unit

[0048] 4 and the second grouping unit 5. The additional guide element 11 can be designed, for example, symmetrically and / or in one piece. Several additional guide elements 11 and / or guide elements 11 assigned to the respective grouping units 4, 5 can be provided.

[0049] If several parts of the bundle formation 9 are formed, e.g. a first part with transfer star 2 and grouping unit 4 and a second part with second transfer star 3 and second grouping unit 5, it can be provided to combine the respective parts in such a way that the bundle formation 9 results. In one embodiment, for example, transfer star 2 and grouping unit 4 can be combined to form second transfer star 3 and second grouping unit

[0050] 5 be arranged symmetrically, compare e.g. Figure 2. This can result in a 2xX container formation 9, ie two rows of X containers, e.g. 2x1, 2x2, 2x3, 2x4, 2x5, 2x6.

[0051] It can also be provided that the grouping device 1 comprises more than one transfer star and more than one grouping device in order to form, with these, several parts of a container formation 9. The respective parts can then be combined to form the container formation 9, e.g., to form a YxY container formation consisting of Y rows of Y containers each, or a YxX container formation consisting of Y rows of X containers each.

[0052] In some embodiments, it may also be provided that the container formation 9 is formed from two or more partial container formations formed by the same transfer star and grouping device.

[0053] Once the container formation 9 has been formed, the containers 7 of the container formation 9 can be suitably connected to one another in a subsequent step, e.g., joined together with an attachment, such as a cardboard box, or wrapped, packaged together, and / or glued together. A suitable station or device can be provided for this purpose.

[0054] The features disclosed in the claims, the description and the figures may be essential for the realization of the invention, individually or in any combination.

[0055] List of reference symbols

[0056] 1 grouping device

[0057] 2 transfer stars

[0058] 3 second transfer star

[0059] 4 Grouping unit

[0060] 5 second grouping unit

[0061] 6 Driving element

[0062] 7 containers

[0063] 8 rear container

[0064] 9 Container formation

[0065] 10 rotating plate

[0066] 11 Guide element

[0067] 12 Container holder

[0068] 13 belts

[0069] P Transfer point

[0070] DM distance between driver elements

[0071] The distance between container holders

Claims

Claims 1 . Method for creating a container formation (9), comprising: a. transporting containers (7) with at least one transfer star (2, 3) to a transfer point (P) between the transfer star (2, 3) and a grouping unit (4), such that at least two containers (7) are arranged one behind the other at or behind the transfer point (P); b. contacting the rear container (8) of the containers (7) arranged one behind the other at or behind the transfer point (P) with a driver element (6) of the grouping unit (4) and; c. transporting the containers (7) with the driver element (6), wherein the containers (7) transported by the driver element (6) form at least part of a container formation (9).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein after the rear container (8) has come into contact with the driver element (6), the containers (7) arranged one behind the other at or behind the transfer point (P) are pushed together by the driver element (6).

3. Method according to claim 1 and / or 2, in which the grouping unit (4) has a circulating belt (13), a circulating chain and / or a circulating band, wherein when transporting the containers (7) the containers (7) are pushed by the driver element (6) under movement of the circulating grouping unit (4), and / or in which the grouping unit (4) is star-shaped and / or has a star, wherein the driver elements (6) are or have container receptacles. Method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, in which, during or before contacting the rear container (8), the driver element (6) dips into a gap between two container receptacles (12) of the transfer star (2, 3), wherein the transfer star (2, 3) and grouping unit (4) are preferably synchronized with one another. Method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, in which, before contacting the driver element (6), the containers (7) are moved over the transfer star (2, 3) to or behind the transfer point (P) while standing on a rotating plate (10) arranged below the transfer star (2, 3).Method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, in which a second number of containers (7) are transported by a second transfer star (3) to a second transfer point (P) between the second transfer star (3) and a second grouping unit (5), so that at least two containers (7) are arranged one behind the other at or behind the second transfer point (P), wherein after the containers (7) have been transported by the second transfer star (3), the rear container (8) of the containers (7) arranged one behind the other at or behind the second transfer point (P) is contacted with a driver element (6) of the second grouping unit (5) and the containers (7) are transported, preferably pushed, by the driver element (6), wherein the containers (7) transported by the driver element (6) form at least a second part of the container formation (9).Method according to claim 6, wherein the containers transported by the carrier element (6) of the grouping unit (4) and forming a first part of the container formation (9) and the containers (7) transported by the carrier element (6) of the second grouping unit (5) and forming the second part of the container formation (9) are arranged in such a way. are brought together so that they jointly form the container formation (9), or at least part of the container formation (9). Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the transfer star (2, 3) and second transfer star (3), and / or the grouping unit (4) and second grouping unit (5) are synchronized with one another, so that the part of the container formation (9) formed by the transfer star (2, 3) and grouping unit (4) and the second part of the container formation (9) formed by the second transfer star (3) and second grouping unit (5) are formed essentially simultaneously. Grouping device (1) for creating a container formation (9), wherein the grouping device (1) has a transfer star (2, 3) and a grouping unit (4) with at least one driver element (6), which are designed to form a first part of a container formation (9).A grouping device (1) according to claim 9, wherein a transfer point (P) is arranged between the transfer star (2, 3) and the grouping unit (4), wherein the transfer star (2, 3) is configured to transport at least two containers (7) to form at least part of a container formation (9) to or behind the transfer point (P), wherein the driver element (6) is configured to contact a rear container (8) arranged at or behind the transfer point (P) and to transport, preferably push, containers (7) arranged at or behind the transfer point (P) as part of the container formation (9). A grouping device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 or 10, comprising a second transfer star (3) and a second grouping device (5) configured to form at least a second part of a container formation (9). Grouping device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 11, in which the transfer star (2, 3) is arranged substantially symmetrically to the second transfer star (3) and / or the grouping unit (4) is arranged substantially symmetrically to the second grouping unit (5). Grouping device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 12, wherein the grouping unit (4) and / or the second grouping unit (5) is or comprises a belt (13), a band or a chain, and / or wherein the grouping unit (4) and / or the second grouping unit (5) comprises a star, wherein the driver elements (6) are or comprise container receptacles of the star. Grouping device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 13, wherein the grouping unit (4) comprises at least two carrier elements (6) which are spaced apart from one another at a distance (DM) that essentially corresponds to a multiple of a distance (DS) of container receptacles (12) of the transfer star (2, 3), preferably at least three times, and / or wherein the second grouping unit (5) has at least two carrier elements (6) which are spaced apart from one another at a distance (DM) that essentially corresponds to a multiple of a distance (DS) of container receptacles (12) of the second transfer star (3), preferably at least three times. Grouping device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 14, which has a plate (4) rotating under the transfer star (2, 3), (2, 3) on which the containers (7) are moved standing by means of the transfer star (2, 3) to the transfer point (P). Grouping device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 15, which has a guide element (11), preferably a part-circular and / or arc-shaped guide element.

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