Method and apparatus for packaging articles

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a method for packaging articles, preferably containers. The method comprises: strapping several articles at a time to form several strapping bundles (U); and applying a packaging blank (V) to the several strapping bundles (U) to form a complete package (G).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for packaging articles, preferably containers. The invention further relates to a complete package and a device for packaging articles, preferably containers. Technical background

[0002] For processing, assembling, grouping, and packaging items such as beverage containers, there are various packaging types, including grouping items or containers into portable, relatively manageable units. Several methods exist for combining individual items into larger packages. For example, beverage containers are typically grouped and packaged in sets of four, six, or more using shrink film. One option that eliminates the need for shrink film is strapping. Here, the containers are bundled and connected using strapping bands. Another method involves using (top) packaging inserts, where, for example, cardboard boxes grip several bottles together at their necks.

[0003] FR 3 115 272 A1 relates to a compact container consisting of at least four grouped products, wherein the products are containers with a circumferential wall, arranged in a matrix according to columns and rows. The container includes at least one element for holding the at least four products together. This element is in the form of a closed strip that surrounds the products of the container.

[0004] DE 10 2021 117 903 A1 relates to a process for manufacturing packaging units. Each packaging unit comprises several articles, wherein at least two articles are combined with a first packaging material to form a sub-unit, and wherein at least two sub-units are combined with a second packaging material to form a packaging unit.

[0005] EP 0 715 593 B1 discloses that, in order to avoid honeycomb formation in containers of adjacent multipacks, each having a top bar and connected to each other by means of a strapping band, cardboard or another material is placed between the adjacent surfaces of the cylindrical containers in each group before the strapping band is applied.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of creating an improved technique for forming containers from articles. Preferably, the technique should be particularly resource-efficient and sustainable. Furthermore, the technique should preferably enable the formation of particularly stable and durable containers. Summary of the invention

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] One aspect relates to a method for packaging articles, preferably containers, e.g., by means of a packaging device, preferably as disclosed herein. The method comprises: strapping several articles at a time (e.g., by means of a band) to form several (e.g., identical) strapping bundles (e.g., by means of a strapping device); and applying a (preferably single) packaging blank to the several strapping bundles to form a complete package (e.g., by means of an application device).

[0009] The process advantageously enables the creation of a particularly resource-efficient and sustainable, as well as exceptionally stable and durable, overall package. The two techniques of strapping and applying the packaging insert are advantageously not used redundantly, but rather complement each other to ultimately create the complete package. Strapping is used to first create the individual strapping bundles. The packaging insert is then used to assemble the complete package from these strapping bundles. Thus, while the strapping holds the individual items together within the strapping bundles, the packaging insert holds the individual strapping bundles together.

[0010] In particular, good stability can be achieved if the strapping is spaced away from the packaging blank.

[0011] In particular, the packaging blank can be positioned at least a quarter of the total package height away from the strapping.

[0012] In particular, the packaging cutout can be positioned above one shoulder of the items in the overall package.

[0013] In particular, the preferably single packaging blank can be arranged in an upper third of the overall package and all strapping or the single strapping in the middle and / or lower third.

[0014] In particular, the packaging cutout can be located in an upper quarter of the overall package and the strapping in the lower three quarters.

[0015] In particular, the packaging cutout can be located further away from a contact surface of the overall package than the strapping.

[0016] In particular, the strapping bundle can be designed without any pre-cut sections. In other words, the strapping bundle has no pre-cut sections.

[0017] In particular, the items of the strapping bundle are held together only by one or more straps. However, in certain embodiments, some items may be directly connected to each other by adhesive dots.

[0018] In particular, the cutout can have areas that are positioned above articles, so that the mouths of the articles are protected from dust and the like.

[0019] In particular, the cut may have areas, e.g., in the form of flaps, that are positioned in the shoulder area of ​​the articles, so that the article shoulders are covered laterally. These areas of the cut may also be printed.

[0020] In particular, the complete package may consist of only a single cutout. In other embodiments, the complete package may consist of two, three, or more cutouts.

[0021] In the case of more than one cut, these can be arranged at different heights within the overall package, each defining the relationship between all the items. It is also conceivable that one cut defines only the relationship between a first group of items, and another cut defines a different group of items within the overall package. It is also conceivable that two cuts within the overall package overlap in some areas, meaning that one or more items are defined by two cuts, while other items within the overall package are defined by only one cut.

[0022] "Fixing" an item means holding or fixing it, preferably by means of a through-hole in the cut for that item.

[0023] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one item of the overall package is held to the overall package solely by its strapping of the "partial package", as the strapping package, and that the cutting exclusively determines other items of the overall package.

[0024] For example, the entire package can consist of two, three, four, five, six or more strapping packages.

[0025] For example, all strapping units of the overall package can contain the same number of items, e.g., exactly two, three, four, five, six or more.

[0026] In another embodiment, at least two, or optionally all, strapping units of the single overall package can contain a different number of items, e.g., two strapping units with exactly four items and two strapping units with exactly six items.

[0027] In one embodiment, the packaging blank has at least one predetermined tear line, which is arranged for (subsequent) separation of the entire package, preferably into several strapping bundles and / or into several items. Advantageously, this allows for easy separation of the entire package into strapping bundles or individual items.

[0028] In another embodiment, the at least one intended tear line is formed by a material weakening, preferably a perforation or a perforation line, in the packaging blank. Advantageously, this ensures that the packaging blank, if desired, actually tears at the at least one intended tear line.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one intended tear line is marked on the top side of the packaging blank for visual identification. This advantageously facilitates the use of the intended tear line by users, etc., and thus improves ergonomics.

[0030] In another embodiment, the at least one predetermined tear line is introduced into the packaging blank either before or after its application. Advantageously, the predetermined tear line can thus be flexibly introduced into the packaging blank as required. When introduced before the packaging blank is applied, there is advantageously no risk of product damage. When introduced after the packaging blank is applied, there is advantageously no risk of the packaging blank tearing unintentionally along the predetermined tear line before or during application.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least one desired tear line is introduced into the packaging blank using a laser device or a (e.g., mechanical) perforation tool (e.g., a punch or roller). Advantageously, this method allows for the reliable production of a large number of desired tear lines at high packaging machine output.

[0032] In another embodiment, the method further comprises: feeding a packaging material strip from a packaging material roll by means of a strip feeding device; and cutting packaging blanks from the fed packaging material strip by means of a cutting device. Advantageously, the packaging blanks can thus be produced directly in the packaging device, which can be beneficial, for example, with regard to transport and storage.

[0033] In one embodiment, identical first complete packages are continuously produced in a first production run, and in a subsequent second production run, second complete packages are produced that differ from the first complete packages, e.g., in the number of items and / or in the number of strapping packages and / or in the size of the items and / or in the arrangement of the items and / or in the arrangement of the strapping packages (also called formats).

[0034] It is possible that the perforations in the cut can be automatically adjusted in their position, length, bend, number... to the different total packaging sizes between two production runs.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, it is possible that the blanks are cut shortly before application and that the dimensions of the blank can be changed between two production runs.

[0036] Furthermore, it is conceivable to produce two different complete packages in a single production run by, for example, alternately producing packages with different numbers of strapping units, such as alternating between four and six strapping units. It is also conceivable to alternately produce packages with different strapping units, for example, alternating between strapping packages consisting of three items and strapping packages consisting of four items.

[0037] The flexibility can offer advantages during subsequent palletizing by making optimal use of the space on the pallet by arranging as many containers or items as possible in one layer.

[0038] For the production of different strapping bundles and total containers, the elements handling the articles, the strapping and the cut pieces are preferably to be automatically adjustable.

[0039] A tool for applying pre-made strapping bands can have clamping jaws that grip the strapping from the inside and apply it to assemblies of items. The distance between the jaws is adjustable. A motor can be mounted on the tool to adjust the jaw position.

[0040] In one embodiment, the at least one predetermined tear line is introduced into the respective packaging blank either before or after cutting. This advantageously allows the predetermined tear line to be introduced into the packaging blanks very early in the process. Furthermore, introducing the line before applying the packaging blank eliminates the risk of product damage.

[0041] In a further embodiment, the method additionally comprises: strapping several strapping bundles to form several combined strapping bundles, wherein preferably the packaging blank is applied to the combined strapping bundles to form the overall bundle; or strapping the several strapping bundles to form the overall bundle, preferably before or after applying the packaging blank. Advantageously, this can further improve the stability of the overall bundle.

[0042] In one embodiment, the method further comprises: handling, preferably rotating and / or shifting and / or accumulating, the multiple strapping bundles (e.g., on a continuously operated conveyor) (e.g., by means of a handling device) to group the multiple strapping bundles for application of the packaging blank. Advantageously, this enables a particularly fast and reliable packaging process, since neither the strapping device nor the application device needs to perform the grouping of the strapping bundles. Furthermore, a handling device specifically designed for grouping the strapping bundles can advantageously offer particularly high flexibility with regard to possible grouping formats.

[0043] In another embodiment, the multiple strapping bundles are positioned parallel to each other in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction when applying the packaging blank. Alternatively, the multiple strapping bundles can be positioned in a circular pattern, for example, when applying the packaging blank. This advantageously allows for comparatively tight packing and relatively high overall stability of the package.

[0044] In one version, the complete package consists of: two strapping packages, preferably each consisting of two or three items; or four strapping packages, preferably each consisting of two or three items; or six strapping packages, preferably each consisting of two or three items; or eight strapping packages, preferably each consisting of two or three items.

[0045] In another version, at least one of the following is fulfilled: The packaging blank is a cardboard blank or a plastic blank; during application, the packaging blank is pressed onto the items from above, preferably in such a way that the items each extend through an opening of a hole pattern in the packaging blank; and the entire package or the packaging blank has a carrying handle.

[0046] Advantageously, this method allows for the creation of a highly stable overall package that is also relatively easy to handle.

[0047] Another aspect concerns a complete package consisting of several articles, wherein the complete package is manufactured using a method according to one of the preceding claims. Advantageously, the complete package can achieve the same advantages that have already been explained with reference to the method.

[0048] Another aspect concerns a packaging device for packaging articles, preferably containers, preferably according to a method as disclosed herein. The packaging device comprises a strapping device configured to strap several articles at a time to form multiple strapping bundles (e.g., with a band). The packaging device further comprises an application device configured to apply a packaging blank to the multiple strapping bundles to form a complete package. Preferably, the packaging device may also comprise at least one of: A conveying device for transporting the articles (e.g., through the strapping device and the application device); a handling device for grouping the multiple strapping bundles, preferably on a conveying device of the packaging device, for the application device; a laser device or a (e.g., mechanical) perforation tool (e.g., roller or punch) for introducing at least one predetermined tear line into the packaging blank; a tape feed device for feeding a packaging material tape from a packaging material roll; a cutting device for cutting the packaging blank from a fed packaging material tape; a cutting device for cutting the strapping from a fed strapping band; and a joining device for joining two ends of a cut strapping band, for example, by gluing and / or punching.

[0049] The packaging device can include a strapping unit, which in turn includes a tool with clamping jaws having contact surfaces for the strapping, with which a closed strapping can be applied from the inside, and wherein the application device comprises a gripper (as an application tool) with contact elements for the packaging blank. Preferably, the maximum distance between two contact elements of the gripper is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least twice, as large as the maximum distance between the contact surfaces of the clamping jaws.

[0050] In other words, the strapping tool can be smaller than the application tool.

[0051] The packaging device can advantageously achieve the same benefits that have already been explained with reference to the process.

[0052] Another aspect concerns a container handling system (e.g., for tempering, manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, sealing, pasteurizing, decorating, labeling, printing, marking, laser marking, and / or packaging containers for liquid or pasty media, preferably beverages, liquid food products, or products from the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries). The container handling system may include the packaging device as disclosed herein. The container handling system may, for example, be a beverage filling plant.

[0053] In this case, the items are containers. These containers are preferably beverage containers.

[0054] The strapping and the cut-to-size packaging can each be printed. Both packaging materials can have cut marks to indicate when they should be cut.

[0055] For example, the containers can be designed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, vials, tubes, etc.

[0056] The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another in any way. Brief description of the characters

[0057] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a packaging device according to an exemplary embodiment; and Figures 2 to 14 are schematic representations of exemplary methods for packaging articles.

[0058] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially identical, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures for their explanation. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0059] The Figure 1 Figure 10 shows a packaging device for packaging articles. Preferably, the articles are designed as containers, such as bottles or cans.

[0060] Downstream of the packaging device 10, for example a palletizing device for palletizing the total containers produced by the packaging device 10 can be arranged.

[0061] The packaging device 10 comprises a strapping device 14 and a (cutting) application device 18. Preferably, the packaging device 10 may further comprise a conveying device 12, a handling device 16, a belt feed device 20, a cutting device 22 and / or a laser device 24.

[0062] The conveying devices 12 can convey the articles through the packaging device 10. Preferably, the conveying devices 12 can convey the articles continuously (non-intermittently) through the packaging device 10, e.g., controlled by a control unit of the packaging device 10.

[0063] The items can be packaged during continuous conveying. Preferably, the conveying device 12 can support the items from below during conveying. For example, the conveying device 12 can have a circulating conveying element, such as a conveyor belt or a mat chain.

[0064] The strapping device 14 is designed to strap several items together to form a strapping bundle. Preferably, the strapping device 14 can strap the items while they are continuously transported by the conveyor device 12.

[0065] Strapping involves placing a band around several items, thus grouping them into a strapping bundle. These bundles can contain any number of items in any configuration. Preferably, two, three, or four items are strapped together to form a bundle. The band can also be referred to as a strap or a strapping band. For example, the band, preferably closed or ring-shaped, can be slipped over a group of items from above using a tool or applicator. The band is preferably made primarily of paper or cardboard. Alternatively, the band can be made of plastic, such as a plastic film.

[0066] The handling device 16 can preferably be arranged between the strapping device 14 and the application device 18. Preferably, the handling device 16 can be configured to group the strapping bundles for the application device 18 to prepare a complete bundle. The handling device 16 can position the strapping bundles for grouping as desired, e.g., by rotating, moving, and / or accumulating them.

[0067] For example, the handling device 16 can have a movable stop for accumulating the strapping bundles, at least one push element movable transversely to the transport direction for moving the strapping bundles, and / or at least one robot, e.g., a delta robot (tripod robot) or gantry robot, for handling (e.g., accumulating, rotating, and / or moving) the strapping bundles. Preferably, the robot can be arranged above the conveying device 12, preferably suspended. Preferably, the conveying device 12 can continuously convey the strapping bundles while they are grouped by the handling device 16.

[0068] The application device 18 is connected to the strapping device 14 for receiving the strapping bundles, e.g., via the conveyor device 12. The application device 18 is designed to apply a packaging blank to several of the strapping bundles at a time in order to form a complete bundle and hold it together. For example, the packaging blank can be pressed onto the several strapping bundles or their contents from above using an (additional) applicator.

[0069] Preferably, the packaging blank can have a perforated pattern. The necks or heads of the items in the strapping bundles can extend through the perforations of the pattern when the packaging blank is pressed onto the items. Preferably, the packaging blank can wrap around the items.

[0070] For example, the packaging blank can be essentially flat or essentially hood-shaped. The packaging blank can be, for example, a cardboard blank or a plastic blank.

[0071] Preferably, the packaging blank can have a carrying handle, e.g., on a flap at the top. Alternatively, a carrying handle can be attached to the side of the items or threaded through the bottom of the band.

[0072] It is possible that the packaging blanks are provided, for example, in at least one magazine or similar of the packaging device 10 for the application device 18. For example, the applicator of the application device 18 can pick up one packaging blank from a magazine, optionally pre-break it on a die, and apply it to several strapping bundles to form the complete bundle.

[0073] It is also possible that the packaging device 10 includes the tape feeder 20 for feeding a packaging material tape from a packaging material roll. For example, the tape feeder 20 can have a packaging material roll holder for unwinding and feeding the packaging material tape to the cutting device 22. The cutting device 22 can cut the packaging blanks one after the other from the fed packaging material tape. For example, the cutting device 22 can have a movable blade for cutting the packaging blanks. The cut packaging blanks can then be taken up by the application device 18 and applied to several strapping bundles to form the complete bundles.

[0074] The laser device 24 is preferably configured to introduce at least one predetermined tear line into the packaging blanks. Preferably, the predetermined tear line can be generated by means of a perforation or a perforation line or another type of targeted material weakening using the laser device 24.

[0075] Each packaging section can be easily separated along a pre-defined tear line. Preferably, the pre-defined tear line can be positioned to separate the entire package into multiple strapping bundles and / or multiple items.

[0076] Preferably, at least one intended tear line is marked on the top side of the packaging blank for visual identification. For example, the packaging blank may have a print or other raised marking indicating the at least one intended tear line. For example, an intended tear line may extend along a dashed and / or dotted line, preferably printed, on the packaging blank.

[0077] It is also possible that the position control of the laser device for generating the target tear line is operated depending on the imprint / marking for the target tear line. For example, a sensor in the packaging device 10 can detect the imprint / marking for the target tear line, and the laser device 24 can be operated to laser the at least one target tear line depending on a signal output from the sensor regarding the detected imprint / marking.

[0078] In the Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the laser device 24 is arranged downstream of the application device 18. Accordingly, the laser device 24 can introduce at least one predetermined tear line into the packaging blanks after the packaging blanks have already been applied to the strapping bundles and the complete bundle has been formed. Preferably, the laser device 24 can generate at least one predetermined tear line for each packaging blank while the respective complete bundle is continuously transported by the conveyor device 12. Preferably, the laser device 24 can be arranged above the conveyor device 12 or laterally adjacent to the conveyor device 12.

[0079] Alternatively, for example, the at least one pre-scored tear line could be introduced into the packaging blank before it is applied. For instance, the laser device 34 could be located adjacent to the belt feeder 20. The pre-scored tear lines could then be introduced directly into the packaging material strip before the individual packaging blanks are cut by the cutting device 22. Alternatively, the laser device 34 could be located adjacent to the cutting device 22 or the application device 18. The pre-scored tear lines could then be introduced into the packaging blanks after the individual packaging blanks have been cut by the cutting device 22, and preferably before the packaging blanks are applied to the strapping containers.

[0080] It is possible that the desired tear line is introduced into the packaging blanks using a technique alternative to the laser device 24. For example, the packaging device 10 can have a mechanical perforation tool, e.g., a punch or roller, for introducing the at least one desired tear line into the packaging blank. The perforation tool can be arranged as described for the laser device 24.

[0081] It is also possible that the packaging blanks are provided with additional information. For example, a visual code, such as a barcode or a QR code, could be printed on the packaging blank, e.g., to identify the entire package.

[0082] The packaging device 10 can, for example, package the items in a single lane (strapping and applying a packaging insert). Alternatively, it is possible, for example, for the packaging device 10 to package the items in multiple lanes, e.g., two lanes (strapping and applying a packaging insert).

[0083] The multiple lanes preferably run parallel. Particularly preferably, the packaging device 10 can discharge the complete packages on a first lane of the packaging device 10 offset from the complete packages on a second lane of the packaging device 10 with respect to a transport direction of the conveying device 12. For example, complete packages spaced apart from each other in the transport direction can always be discharged alternately on the first lane and the second lane of the packaging device 10.

[0084] The Figures 2 to 14Exemplary methods and sections of methods for packaging articles are shown. The individual features of the presented methods can be combined as desired. Preferably, the methods can be carried out using the packaging device 10.

[0085] The methods have in common that several articles, preferably containers, are strapped to form several strapping bundles U, e.g., by the strapping device 14.

[0086] The methods also have in common that a packaging blank V is applied to the several strapping units U to form a complete package G, e.g., by means of the application device 18. As already mentioned, it is possible that the packaging blank V is first cut by the cutting device 22 from a packaging material strip fed by the strap feeder 20. Preferably, the packaging blank V has the aforementioned hole pattern for inserting the individual items.

[0087] Preferably, between strapping and applying the packaging blank V, the strapping units U can be handled to group the strapping units U to prepare the overall package G, e.g. by means of the handling device 16. The grouped strapping units U can, for example, be positioned parallel to each other in the longitudinal or transverse direction and touch each other.

[0088] In some of the procedures of Figures 2 to 14 In addition, one or more predetermined tear lines S can be introduced into the packaging blank V, e.g. by means of the laser device 24 or another perforation tool.

[0089] At the in Figure 2 In the exemplary procedure shown, two items can be strapped together to form a strapping unit U. In this way, two strapping units U can be produced. These two strapping units U can be grouped so that their longitudinal axes are parallel and the two strapping units U abut each other along their opposite outer longitudinal sides. A packaging blank V can then be applied to the two strapping units U to form the complete package G.

[0090] The in Figure 3 The exemplary procedure shown is similar to the one in Figure 2The method described. Additionally, a predetermined tear line S can be introduced into the already applied packaging blank V. The predetermined tear line S preferably allows the packaging blank V, or the entire package G, to be separated into the two strapping packages U.

[0091] The in Figure 4 The exemplary procedure shown is similar to the one in Figure 2 The method described. Additionally, a predetermined tear line S can already be incorporated into the applied packaging blank V. The predetermined tear line S can preferably enable the separation of the packaging blank V or the entire container G into the two strapping containers U.

[0092] The in Figure 5 The exemplary procedure shown is similar to the one in Figure 4The method described. However, the applied packaging blank V may already contain two predetermined tear lines S. These predetermined tear lines S preferably allow the packaging blank V or the entire container G to be separated into individual items.

[0093] At the in Figure 6In the exemplary process shown, two items can be strapped together to form a strapping unit U. In this way, four strapping units U can be produced. These four strapping units U can be grouped so that their longitudinal axes are parallel and two strapping units U abut each other on opposite longitudinal outer sides of these two strapping units U. A packaging blank V can be applied to the four strapping units U to form the overall package G. A predetermined tear line S can already be incorporated into the applied packaging blank V. The predetermined tear line S preferably allows the packaging blank V, or the overall package, to be separated into two strapping units U, whose longitudinal axes run coaxially.

[0094] The in Figure 7 The exemplary procedure shown is similar to the one in Figure 6The method shown. However, the intended tear line S can preferably enable the separation of the packaging blank V or the entire container into two strapping containers U, whose longitudinal axes run parallel.

[0095] The in Figure 8 The exemplary procedure shown is similar to the one in Figure 6 The described procedure. However, any two of the strapping bundles U can be strapped again to create two combined strapping bundles U, e.g., in the format 2 items x 2 items. The four strapping bundles U or the two combined strapping bundles can be grouped so that they are adjacent to each other, e.g., in a total format of 2 items x 4 items. A packaging blank V can be applied to the four strapping bundles U or the two combined strapping bundles to form the complete package.

[0096] The in Figure 9The exemplary procedure shown is similar to the one in Figure 8 The described method. However, the combined strapping units U each comprise four items arranged along a longitudinal axis of the respective strapping unit U. The four strapping units U, or the two combined strapping units, can be grouped such that their longitudinal axes extend parallel and that two strapping units U abut each other on opposite longitudinal outer sides of these two strapping units U.

[0097] At the in Figure 10In the exemplary method shown, two items can be strapped together to form a strapping bundle U. In this way, eight strapping bundles U can be produced. These eight strapping bundles U can be grouped so that their longitudinal axes are parallel and the strapping bundles U are abutting each other. Preferably, a format of 4 strapping bundles x 2 strapping bundles or 4 items x 4 items can be produced in this way. A packaging blank V can be applied to the eight strapping bundles U to form the overall package. Several predetermined tear lines S can already be incorporated into the applied packaging blank V. The predetermined tear lines S preferably allow the packaging blank V or the overall package G to be separated into the individual items.

[0098] At the in Figure 11In the exemplary process shown, three items can be strapped together to form a strapping bundle U. In this way, two strapping bundles U can be produced, which are, for example, essentially triangular. Elongated formats, such as 1 item x 3 items, are also conceivable. These two strapping bundles U can be grouped so that their opposite outer surfaces are abutting each other. A packaging blank V can then be applied to the two strapping bundles U to form the complete package.

[0099] At the in Figure 12In the exemplary process shown, three items can be strapped together to form a strapping bundle U. In this way, four strapping bundles U can be produced, which are, for example, essentially triangular. These four strapping bundles U can be aligned and grouped along an axis so that two adjacent strapping bundles U are in contact with each other. A packaging blank V can be applied to the four strapping bundles U to form the complete bundle. The applied packaging blank V can already have several predetermined tear lines S incorporated into it. These predetermined tear lines S preferably allow the packaging blank V, or the complete bundle, to be separated into the four strapping bundles U.

[0100] At the in Figure 13In the exemplary process shown, three items can be strapped together to form a strapping bundle U. In this way, six strapping bundles U can be produced, which are, for example, essentially triangular. These six strapping bundles U can be grouped in a circle so that two adjacent strapping bundles U are in contact with each other. For example, the six strapping bundles U can be positioned distributed around a central vertical axis. A packaging blank V can be applied to the six strapping bundles U to form the overall bundle. Several predetermined tear lines S can already be incorporated into the applied packaging blank V. The predetermined tear lines S preferably allow the packaging blank V, or the overall bundle, to be separated into the six strapping bundles U.

[0101] The in Figure 14 The exemplary procedure shown is similar to the one in Figure 13the described procedure. However, the six strapping bundles U can be strapped again to prepare or even form the overall bundle.

[0102] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced claims. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1. All range specifications herein are to be understood as disclosed in such a way that all values ​​falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, e.g., also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range. Reference symbol list

[0103] 10 Packaging device 12 Conveyor device 14 Strapping device 16 Handling device 18 (Cutting) application device 20 Belt feeding device 22 Cutting device 24 Laser device Total package Target tear line Strapping package Packaging cut

Claims

1. Method for packaging articles, preferably containers, wherein the method comprises: strapping several articles to form several strapping bundles (U); and applying a packaging blank (V) to the several strapping bundles (U) to form a total package (G).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein: the packaging blank (V) has at least one predetermined tear line (S) which is arranged for separating the entire package (G), preferably into the several strapping packages (U) and / or into the several articles.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein: the at least one intended tear line (S) is formed by a material weakening, preferably a perforation or a perforation line, in the packaging blank (V).

4. Method according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: the at least one intended tear line (S) is marked on a top side of the packaging blank (V) for visual detection.

5. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: the at least one predetermined tear line (S) is introduced into the packaging blank (V) before or after the application of the packaging blank (V).

6. Method according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: the at least one predetermined tear line (S) is introduced into the packaging blank (V) by means of a laser device (24) or a perforation tool.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: feeding a packaging material tape from a packaging material roll by means of a tape feeding device (20); and cutting packaging blanks (V) from the fed packaging material tape by means of a cutting device (22).

8. Method according to claim 7 and one of claims 2 to 6, wherein: the at least one predetermined tear line (S) is introduced into the respective packaging blank (V) before or after cutting.

9. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: strapping several strapping packages (U) to form several combined strapping packages (U), wherein preferably the packaging blank (V) is applied to the combined strapping packages (U) to form the overall package (G); or strapping the several strapping packages (U) to form the overall package (G), preferably before or after applying the packaging blank (V).

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: handling, preferably rotating and / or shifting and / or accumulating, the multiple strapping bundles (U) for grouping the multiple strapping bundles for applying the packaging blank (V).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the multiple strapping bundles (U) are positioned parallel to each other in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction when applying the packaging blank (V); or the multiple strapping bundles (U) are positioned circularly when applying the packaging blank (V).

12. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the total package (G) is formed from: two strapping packages (U), each consisting of two or three articles; or four strapping packages (U), each consisting of two or three articles; or six strapping packages (U), each consisting of two or three articles; or eight strapping packages (U), each consisting of two or three articles.

13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the packaging blank (V) is a cardboard blank or a plastic blank; during application, the packaging blank (V) is pressed onto the articles from above, preferably such that the articles each extend through an opening of a hole pattern of the packaging blank (V); and the complete package (G) or the packaging blank (V) has a carrying handle.

14. Complete package (G) consisting of several articles, wherein the complete package (G) is produced by a method according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Packaging device (10) for packaging articles, preferably containers, preferably according to a method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the packaging device (10) comprises: a strapping device (14) configured to strap several articles to form several strapping bundles (U); and an application device (18) configured to apply a packaging blank (V) to the several strapping bundles (U) to form a complete package (G), wherein the packaging device (10) preferably further comprises at least one of: a conveying device (12) for conveying the articles; a handling device (16) for grouping the several strapping bundles (U) for the application device (18); a laser device (24) or a perforation tool for introducing at least one predetermined tear line (S) into the packaging blank (V);a tape feed device (20) for feeding a packaging material tape from a packaging material roll; a cutting device (22) for cutting the packaging blank (V) from a fed packaging material tape; a cutting device for cutting the strapping from a fed strapping band; and a joining device for joining two ends of a cut strapping band, for example by gluing and / or punching.

16. Packaging device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the strapping device (14) has a tool with clamping jaws having contact surfaces for strapping, with which a closed strapping can be clamped from the inside, and wherein the application device (18) comprises a gripper with contact elements for the packaging blank (V), wherein preferably a maximum distance between two contact elements of the gripper is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least two times, as large as a maximum distance between the contact surfaces of the clamping jaws.

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