Folding device and method for folding and / or erecting container blanks to containers, and packaging machine with a folding device

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding device for folding and / or erecting container blanks (12) into containers, in particular boxes or cartons, preferably folding boxes, with at least one folding guide unit (14) comprising at least one folding and / or erecting surface (16), and with at least one holding unit (18), in particular movably mounted, which comprises at least one suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28), in particular arranged on a base body (20) of the holding unit (18), and which cooperates with the folding guide unit (14) for folding and / or erecting a container blank (12), in particular being movable into the folding guide unit (14), wherein the holding unit (18) comprises at least one erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) which is acted upon by the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) on the container blank (12) to erect at least one side flap (38, 40) of the container blank (12),in particular as a result of a relative movement between the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) and the container blank (12) caused by the action of the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) on the container blank (12). It is proposed that the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28), in particular in addition to holding the container blank (12) on the base body (20) of the holding unit (18), is designed to generate a relative movement between the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) and the container blank (12) in order to insert the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) into a recess (74, 76), in particular a slot, of the container blank (12), whereby the at least one side flap (38, 40) of the container blank (12) can be erected before the holding unit (18), together with the container blank (12) arranged thereon and held in particular by the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28), can be moved into the folding guide unit (14). is.,

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a folding device and a method for folding and / or erecting container blanks into containers, in particular boxes or cartons, preferably folding boxes, wherein the folding device comprises at least one folding guide unit having at least one folding and / or erecting surface, and at least one holding unit, in particular movably mounted, which has at least one suction gripper element, in particular arranged on a base body of the holding unit, and which cooperates with the folding guide unit for folding and / or erecting a container blank, in particular being movable into the folding guide unit.

[0002] Such a folding device and such a method are already known, for example, from GB 2565312 A, wherein the already known folding device comprises at least one folding guide unit having at least one folding and / or erecting surface, and at least one holding unit comprising at least one suction gripper element, which cooperates with the folding guide unit to fold and / or erect a container blank. The suction gripper element is provided for holding the container blank on an underside of the holding unit. An erecting element of the holding unit is provided at least for erecting a snap-lock flap of the container blank, wherein the erecting element is mounted to be translationally movable by means of a drive additionally provided to the suction gripper element. Thus, additional units and an additional energy requirement are necessary to actively drive the erecting element.to move individual parts of the container blank so that they can be folded and / or erected. This, in turn, can lead to additional costs during assembly, maintenance, and / or operation.

[0003] Furthermore, folding devices and methods for folding and / or erecting container blanks into containers are also known from DE 21 60 234 A, US 3 370 516 A, DE 2 226 222 A and DE 20 2009 013 524 U1.

[0004] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic folding device, a generic method, and a generic packaging machine with improved characteristics with regard to an efficient, cost-effective, and compact design. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, claim 7, and claim 10, respectively, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to a folding device for folding and / or erecting container blanks into containers, in particular boxes or cartons, preferably folding boxes, with at least one folding guide unit comprising at least one folding and / or erecting surface, and with at least one holding unit, in particular movably mounted, which comprises at least one suction gripper element, in particular arranged on a base body of the holding unit, and which cooperates with the folding guide unit to fold and / or erect a container blank, in particular being movable into the folding guide unit, wherein the holding unit comprises at least one erecting element which, as a result of an action of the suction gripper element on the container blank, is provided for erecting at least one side flap of the container blank.in particular as a result of a relative movement between the erecting element and the container blank caused by the action of the suction gripper element on the container blank.

[0006] It is proposed that the suction gripper element, in particular in addition to holding the container blank on the base of the holding unit, is designed to generate a relative movement between the erecting element and the container blank in order to insert the erecting element into a recess, in particular a slot, of the container blank, thereby enabling the erecting of at least one side flap of the container blank before the holding unit, together with the container blank arranged thereon and held in particular by the suction gripper element, can be moved into the folding guide unit. By means of the inventive design of the folding device, a structurally simple action of the erecting element on container blanks to fold and / or erect the container blanks into containers can be advantageously achieved by means of the suction gripper element already present for holding the container blank on the holding unit.It can be advantageously implemented that the erecting element acts on container blanks without requiring a separate drive for the erecting element. The erecting element can advantageously contribute to a folding and / or erecting process without any active movement of its own, in particular without any active lifting, gripping, or spreading movement. A folding device can advantageously be provided that requires little space and enables safe, reliable, and cost-effective folding and / or erecting of container blanks.

[0007] The holding unit preferably comprises at least the suction gripper element, in particular a vacuum gripper, preferably a bellows suction gripper, designed to handle flat container blanks and / or folded and / or erected containers. "Designed" is understood to mean specifically programmed, specially configured, specially designed, and / or specially equipped. The fact that an object is designed for a specific function is understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. The suction gripper element is preferably arranged on the base body of the holding unit. The base body is preferably designed as a base plate.The holding unit is specifically designed to move the container blanks along the folding and / or erecting surface of the folding guide unit, in particular to fold and / or erect the container blanks into containers.

[0008] The erection element is preferably designed as an extension, such as a pin, bolt, finger, plate, or the like. The erection element preferably has a principal extension plane which, particularly when the erection element is arranged on the base body of the holding unit, extends at least substantially perpendicular to a principal extension plane of the base body of the holding unit. A "principal extension plane" of a unit or element is understood to be, in particular, a plane that is parallel to a major face of a smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the unit or element, and in particular passes through the center of the cuboid.The expression "essentially perpendicular" is intended in particular to define an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular when viewed in a projection plane, enclose an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

[0009] The suction gripper element is preferably designed to draw in the container blank by means of a vacuum, thereby causing a relative movement between the erecting element and the container blank, in particular to move the container blank relative to the erecting element, preferably until the erecting element extends through a recess in the container blank. A main direction of action of the suction gripper element preferably extends at least substantially perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the base body of the holding unit. The holding unit preferably comprises at least one vacuum source, which is fluidically connected to the suction gripper element in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the holding unit comprises a plurality of suction gripper elements designed to handle flat container blanks or folded and / or erected containers.Preferably, the suction gripper elements are arranged evenly distributed on the base body of the holding unit. However, it is also conceivable that the suction gripper elements are arranged in a different position and / or that they are arranged unevenly distributed on the base body of the holding unit. Preferably, the suction gripper elements have an identical design, in particular a bellows suction gripper design. However, it is also conceivable that the suction gripper elements have at least partially different designs.

[0010] The folding device preferably comprises a control unit for controlling the holding unit. A "control unit" is understood to be, in particular, a unit with at least one control electronics unit. Specifically, "control electronics" is understood to be a unit with a processor unit, a memory unit, and an operating program stored in the memory unit. The folding device may include a sensor unit designed to detect the position of a container blank relative to the erecting element and / or the presence of a container blank on the holding unit. Preferably, the sensor unit is connected to the control unit to process the detected data or signals from the sensor unit, at least for the purpose of controlling the holding unit.

[0011] The holding unit is preferably movably mounted, in particular translationally movably mounted. Preferably, the holding unit is movably mounted along a vertical axis of movement, in particular translationally. However, it is also conceivable that the holding unit is movably mounted along or about another axis of movement that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art. The main plane of extension of the base body of the holding unit runs in particular transversely, and in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the axis of movement of the holding unit, preferably horizontally.Preferably, the holding unit is movable along its axis of movement by means of a drive unit of the folding device or a drive unit of a packaging machine comprising the folding device, in a manner known to those skilled in the art, particularly relative to the folding guide unit and / or relative to a frame or rack of the folding device. The drive unit can be designed as an electromechanical or fluidic, particularly hydraulic or pneumatic, drive unit. Preferably, the holding unit interacts with the folding guide unit to fold and / or erect container blanks into containers in a manner largely known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the holding unit is movable into and out of the folding guide unit by means of the drive unit, particularly to fold and / or erect container blanks into containers.The containers produced from the container blanks by folding and / or erecting are preferably designed as boxes or cartons intended for holding products, particularly foodstuffs. Preferably, the containers produced from the container blanks by folding and / or erecting are designed as secondary packaging in which products packaged in primary packaging, such as chocolate bars, biscuits, cookies, or similar foodstuffs, can be arranged for transport and / or sales presentation. Preferably, the containers are foldable and / or erectable from a flat container blank using the folding device. The container blanks can be made of paper, cardboard, and / or plastic.

[0012] Preferably, the holding unit comprises a plurality of erecting elements which, as a result of the action of the suction gripper element(s) on the container blank, are designed to erect at least one side flap or several side flaps of the container blank, in particular as a result of a relative movement between the erecting elements and the container blank caused by the action of the suction gripper element(s). In particular, a description of one erecting element also refers to the other erecting elements. The erecting elements preferably have a design that is at least substantially analogous to one another. The erecting elements are preferably arranged uniformly distributed on the base body of the holding unit.However, it is also conceivable that the erecting elements are arranged in a different position and / or that the erecting elements are unevenly distributed on the base body of the holding unit. Preferably, the erecting elements have an identical design, in particular a design as extensions. However, it is also conceivable that the erecting elements are at least partially different from each other, in particular with regard to a maximum length, a maximum width and / or a maximum height, preferably depending on the design of the container blanks to be erected and / or unfolded.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the holding unit comprises at least one base body, in particular the one already mentioned, and at least one contact plate, in particular the one already mentioned, which forms a contact surface against which an outer surface, preferably an outer underside, of the container blank can be applied, in particular as a result of the action of the suction gripper element on the container blank, wherein the erecting element extends, in particular in at least one state, over the contact surface in a direction that is at least substantially perpendicular to the contact surface. Preferably, the erecting element projects beyond the contact plate, in particular in at least one state, in the direction that is at least substantially perpendicular to the contact surface. The contact plate is preferably arranged on the base body of the holding unit.It is conceivable that the erecting element is movable relative to the support plate, in particular to adjust the position of the erecting element relative to the support plate, preferably to adjust the percentage of its total longitudinal extent that the erecting element projects beyond the support plate, or the like. The erecting element can be manually movable or motor-driven. Preferably, after a position has been set relative to the support plate, the erecting element is held in a fixed position to allow a force to be applied by the erecting element to the container blank, causing it to unfold and / or erect at least one side flap of the container blank. The design of the folding device according to the invention advantageously ensures that the container blank remains securely in contact with the support plate during the application of the erecting element to the at least one side flap of the container blank.It is advantageous to achieve reliable unfolding and / or erection of the container blank. It is advantageous to implement a structurally simple action by the erection element on the container blanks to fold and / or erect them into containers using the suction gripper element already present on the holding unit for holding the container blank. It is advantageous to implement the action of the erection element on the container blanks without requiring an additional drive or energy. The erection element can advantageously contribute to a folding and / or erection process without any active movement of its own, in particular without any active lifting, gripping, or spreading movement.It is advantageous to provide a folding device that requires little space and enables safe, reliable and cost-effective folding and / or erection of container blanks.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that the erection element be arranged on a base body of the holding unit, in particular on the aforementioned base body, wherein the erection element is positionally adjustable on the base body. The position of the erection element relative to the base body can be continuously adjustable or in steps. The erection element can be arranged on the base body in a positionally adjustable manner, either manually or automatically. Preferably, the positionally adjustable arrangement of the erection element relative to the base body allows an erection edge and / or an erection surface of the erection element to be set at a height relative to the base body along a direction extending at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base body. The erection element can be movable translationally and / or rotationally for positional adjustment relative to the base body.For example, it is conceivable that at least one elongated hole is arranged on the erecting element or on the base body, into which a bolt, in particular a threaded bolt, arranged on the base body or on the erecting element, and preferably formed integrally with it, engages, wherein the bolt preferably interacts with a locking element, in particular a nut, to secure the position of the erecting element relative to the base body. Further embodiments for adjusting the position of the erecting element relative to the base body, which would appear useful to a person skilled in the art, are also conceivable, such as an embodiment with a rack that interacts with a motor-driven pinion, an embodiment with a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, or the like.The term "one-piece" is to be understood in particular as being at least materially bonded, for example by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process, and / or another process that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by being manufactured from a single casting and / or by being manufactured using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank. The design of the folding device according to the invention advantageously enables the processing of different formats of container blanks. It is structurally simple to adjust the position of the erecting element relative to the base body and / or the support plate in order to reliably unfold and / or erect container blanks with different dimensions and / or with differently designed side flaps.A high degree of flexibility regarding the range of applications for the folding device can be advantageously achieved. A structurally simple action of the erecting element on container blanks to fold and / or erect them into containers can be advantageously implemented using the suction gripper element already present on the holding unit for holding the container blank. The action of the erecting element on container blanks can be advantageously achieved without an additional drive or energy requirement. The erecting element can advantageously contribute to a folding and / or erecting process without any active movement of its own, in particular without any active lifting, gripping, or spreading movement.It is advantageous to provide a folding device that requires little space and enables safe, reliable and cost-effective folding and / or erection of container blanks.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the holding unit comprise at least one base body, in particular the one already mentioned, and at least one contact plate, in particular the one already mentioned, which forms a contact surface against which an outer surface of the container blank can be applied, in particular as a result of the suction gripper element acting on the container blank. The contact plate is arranged on the base body in a position adjustable relative to the erecting element and / or relative to the base body. The position of the contact plate relative to the erecting element and / or relative to the base body can be continuously adjustable or in steps. The contact plate can be arranged on the base body in a positionally adjustable manner, either manually or automatically.

[0016] Preferably, the contact surface of the support plate is adjustable along a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base body by means of its position-adjustable arrangement relative to the erection element and / or relative to the base body. The support plate can be movable translationally and / or rotationally for position adjustment relative to the erection element and / or relative to the base body. For example, it is conceivable that at least one elongated hole is arranged on the support plate or the base body, into which a bolt, in particular a threaded bolt, arranged on the base body or the support plate, and preferably formed integrally with it, engages, wherein the bolt preferably interacts with a locking element, in particular a nut, to secure the position of the support plate relative to the base body.Further embodiments for adjusting the position of the support plate relative to the erecting element and / or relative to the base body, which would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, are also conceivable, such as an embodiment with a rack that interacts with a motor-driven pinion, an embodiment with a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, or the like. The inventive design of the folding device advantageously allows for the constructive adaptation of the holding unit to different formats of container blanks. It is structurally simple to adjust the position of the support plate relative to the erecting element and / or relative to the base body in order to ensure reliable contact with container blanks of different dimensions. A high degree of flexibility with regard to the range of applications of the folding device can advantageously be achieved.Advantageously, a structurally simple action of the erecting element on container blanks can be achieved by using the suction gripper element already present on the holding unit to fold and / or erect the container blanks into containers. Advantageously, the action of the erecting element on container blanks can be achieved without an additional drive or energy requirement. The erecting element can advantageously contribute to a folding and / or erecting process without any active movement of its own, in particular without any active lifting, gripping, or spreading movement. Advantageously, a folding device can be provided that requires little space and enables safe, reliable, and cost-effective folding and / or erecting of container blanks.

[0017] It is further proposed that the holding unit comprises at least one, in particular the previously mentioned, contact plate, which forms a contact surface against which an outer surface of the container blank can be applied, particularly as a result of the action of the suction gripper element on the container blank. The contact plate defines at least one recess through which the suction gripper element, in particular at least one bellows of the suction gripper element, extends through the contact plate at least in one operating state, in particular to enable the suction gripper element to act on the container blank and move the container blank relative to the erecting element. Preferably, the recess is arranged in the contact surface of the contact plate. Preferably, the contact plate defines a plurality of recesses arranged in the contact surface.The number of recesses arranged in the contact surface can correspond to or differ from the number of suction gripper elements of the holding unit. Preferably, the number of recesses arranged in the contact surface is higher than the number of suction gripper elements. Preferably, in a vacuum-free and / or container-free operating state of the suction gripper element, the suction gripper element, in particular at least one bellows of the suction gripper element, extends through the recess, in particular across the contact surface, preferably along the direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base body. In a vacuum-applied and / or container-holding operating state of the suction gripper element, the suction gripper element, in particular at least one bellows of the suction gripper element, extends into the recess, in particular up to the level of the contact surface.The cross-sectional shape of the recesses, particularly when considered in a plane extending at least substantially parallel to the main plane of extension of the base body, can be round, elliptical, or polygonal. "Substantially parallel" is understood to mean, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and most advantageously less than 2°. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the recess is identical to the cross-sectional shape of the suction gripper element.However, it is also conceivable that the cross-sectional shape of the recess differs from the cross-sectional shape of the suction gripper element, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the recess is dimensioned at least such that the suction gripper element can be moved at least partially through or into the recess. By means of the inventive design of the folding device, a secure hold of the container blank on the holding unit and a reliable action of the erecting element on the container blank held on the holding unit can advantageously be achieved. It can also advantageously provide protection of the suction gripper element against unintentional damage.Advantageously, a structurally simple action of the erecting element on container blanks can be achieved, enabling folding and / or erection of the container blanks into containers, using the suction gripper element already present on the holding unit for holding the container blank. Advantageously, the action of the erecting element on the container blanks can be achieved without an additional drive or energy requirement. The erecting element can advantageously contribute to a folding and / or erection process without any active movement of its own, in particular without any active lifting, gripping, or spreading movement. Advantageously, a folding device can be provided that requires little space and enables safe, reliable, and cost-effective folding and / or erection of container blanks.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the holding unit be movably mounted relative to the folding guide unit such that a tensile force can be exerted on the container blank arranged on a base body of the holding unit, particularly the aforementioned one, in order to pull the container blank into the folding guide unit, causing it to fold and / or unfold. The base body, the unfolding element, and the suction gripper element are all movable relative to the folding guide unit, and in particular, are movable into the folding guide unit. Movement of the holding unit into the folding guide unit preferably occurs through a translational movement of the holding unit relative to the folding guide unit, particularly along a direction that is at least substantially parallel to the axis of movement of the holding unit.The folding device according to the invention advantageously enables reliable folding and / or erection of container blanks into finished containers. It is advantageous to provide a folding device that requires little space and enables safe, reliable, and cost-effective folding and / or erection of container blanks.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for folding and / or erecting container blanks into containers, in particular boxes or cartons, preferably folding boxes, by means of a folding device, in particular by means of a folding device according to the invention, wherein in at least one method step of the method a container blank arranged on a base body of a holding unit of the folding device, in particular the holding unit already mentioned above, is moved relative to at least one erecting element of the holding unit by an action of a suction gripper element of the holding unit, in particular the holding unit already mentioned above, wherein at least one side flap of the container blank,In particular, the relative movement between the erecting element and the container blank caused by the action of the suction gripper element on the container blank is unfolded and / or erected by the erecting element. It is proposed that the relative movement between the erecting element and the container blank is generated by means of the suction gripper element, in particular in addition to holding the container blank on the base body of the holding unit, wherein the erecting element is inserted into a recess, in particular a slot, of the container blank, thereby erecting at least one side flap of the container blank before the holding unit, together with the container blank arranged thereon and held in particular by the suction gripper element, is moved, in particular pulled, into the folding guide unit.Preferably, in at least one process step, the container blank is positioned above the folding device, in particular the holding unit. Preferably, in at least one process step, the suction gripper element is activated, whereby the container blank is drawn against the contact surface of the support plate by means of a vacuum. Preferably, in at least one process step, the erecting element is inserted into the recess of the container blank, preferably arranged in a bottom-shaped underside, as a result of the container blank being drawn against the contact surface of the support plate. Preferably, in at least one process step, the erecting element is extended through the recess of the container blank, which has at least one side flap, in particular an end wall, folded inwards, as a result of the erecting element extending through the recess of the container blank.The container blank is unfolded and / or erected. Preferably, in at least one process step of the method, particularly as a result of erecting and / or unfolding the side flap, at least one longitudinal side flap, particularly a longitudinal side wall, is unfolded and / or erected, especially one folded inwards. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a simple and reliable action of the erecting element on container blanks to fold and / or erect the container blanks into containers can advantageously be achieved by means of the suction gripper element already present for holding the container blank on the holding unit. The action of the erecting element on container blanks can advantageously be achieved without an additional drive and without additional energy consumption. Safe, reliable, and cost-effective folding and / or erecting of container blanks can advantageously be enabled.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one process step, a tensile force, acting particularly in the direction of the folding guide unit, is exerted on the container blank by means of the holding unit in order to draw the container blank into the folding guide unit, particularly while the container blank is held on the holding unit by means of the suction gripper element. Preferably, the container formed from the container blank is transported to a filling station of the packaging machine comprising the folding device in at least one process step, particularly after the container blank has been unfolded and / or erected as a result of being drawn into the folding guide unit. Preferably, the container formed from the container blank is filled with products, particularly foodstuffs, at the filling station.Preferably, the container formed from the container blank is closed, particularly after filling or at least substantially simultaneously with filling. The design according to the invention advantageously enables reliable folding and / or erection of container blanks into containers.

[0021] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one process step, particularly after deactivating a vacuum at the suction gripper element, the erecting element is moved out of the recess in the container blank, particularly by a bellows of the suction gripper element moving the container blank off the erecting element, especially by moving the elastic bellows back into its initial configuration. Preferably, after deactivating the vacuum, the erecting element is pulled out of the recess, particularly by the bellows of the suction gripper element moving the container formed from the container blank off the erecting element, especially by pushing it down.By means of the embodiment according to the invention, it is advantageously and structurally possible to bring the erecting element out of contact with the container formed from the container blank in a simple manner, in particular free from its own active movement, especially free from an active lifting, gripping or spreading movement, of the erecting element.

[0022] Furthermore, a packaging machine, in particular the one already mentioned, is proposed for at least packaging products, especially foodstuffs, with at least one folding device according to the invention. The packaging machine may include further devices and / or units that appear useful to a person skilled in the art, which can be used for the production and / or packaging of products, especially foodstuffs. The packaging machine is preferably intended for at least packaging and / or repackaging foodstuffs.In addition to the folding device, the packaging machine can have a variety of other devices and / or units that a person skilled in the art would consider useful, such as a container blank feeder, a filling device, a sterilization device, a lid folding device, a product feeder, a filling device, a closure device, a repacking device, or the like. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, it is advantageously possible to implement an action of an erecting element on container blanks to fold and / or erect them into containers by means of a suction gripper element already present for holding the container blank on the holding unit. It is advantageously possible to implement the action of an erecting element on container blanks without an additional drive or additional energy requirement.The erecting element can advantageously contribute to a folding and / or erecting process without requiring its own active movement, in particular without requiring an active lifting, gripping, or spreading movement. A compact packaging machine can thus be advantageously provided that enables safe, reliable, and cost-effective folding and / or erecting of container blanks.

[0023] The folding device, the method, and / or the packaging machine according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the folding device, the method, and / or the packaging machine according to the invention may, in order to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, units, and process steps than those specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges stated in this disclosure shall also be considered disclosed and freely usable. Drawings

[0024] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0025] They show: Fig. 1 shows a packaging machine according to the invention with at least one folding device according to the invention in a schematic representation; Fig. 2a shows a detailed view of the folding device according to the invention during the beginning of a folding and / or erecting process of a container blank in a schematic representation; Fig. 2b shows a detailed view of the folding device according to the invention during the end of the folding and / or erecting process of the container blank in a schematic representation; Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of a holding unit of the folding device according to the invention in a schematic representation; Fig. 4 shows a further detailed view of the holding unit of the folding device according to the invention in a schematic representation; and Fig. 5 shows a schematic process sequence of a method according to the invention. Description of the exemplary embodiment

[0026] Figure 1Figure 78 shows a packaging machine for packaging products, in particular foodstuffs, with at least one folding device 10. The packaging machine 78 is preferably designed as a food packaging machine. However, it is also conceivable that the packaging machine 78 has another configuration that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art, such as a configuration as a pharmaceutical packaging machine, a unit load packaging machine, or the like.In addition to the folding device 10, the packaging machine 78 can have further devices and / or units that appear useful to a person skilled in the art, which are used for the manufacture and / or packaging of products, in particular foodstuffs, such as a container blank feeding device 80, a filling device, a sterilization device, a lid folding device, a product feeding device, a filling device 84, a closure device, a repacking device, or the like. Preferably, the packaging machine 78 comprises, in particular in addition to the folding device 10, at least one container blank feeding device 80 (in . Figure 1 (only schematically indicated) to a feed of flat container blanks 12 (see Figures 2a and 2b) to the folding device 10 and at least one container transport device 82 (in Figure 1(only schematically indicated) for the removal of containers unfolded and / or erected by means of the folding device 10 and / or for the feeding of the unfolded and / or erected containers to a filling device 84 (in Figure 1 (only schematically indicated) of the packaging machine 78.

[0027] Figure 2aFigure 1 shows a detailed view of the folding device 10 during the beginning of a folding and / or erecting process of a container blank 12, which was fed to the folding device 10 by means of the container blank feeding device 80, wherein the container blank 12 is already drawn against a holding unit 18 of the folding device 10 by means of a vacuum. The folding device 10 is designed for folding and / or erecting container blanks 12 into containers, in particular boxes or cartons, preferably folding boxes. The folding device 10 comprises at least one folding guide unit 14, which includes at least one folding and / or erecting surface 16.The folding and / or erecting surface 16 can be a single surface inclined or curved relative to a horizontal plane, or it can be formed from a plurality of partial surfaces inclined or curved relative to the horizontal plane and relative to each other, particularly in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the folding guide unit 14 comprises at least two opposing folding and / or erecting surfaces 16. However, it is also conceivable that the folding guide unit 14 has a different number of folding and / or erecting surfaces 16 than two.

[0028] The folding device 10 further comprises at least the holding unit 18, which is in particular movably mounted and which has at least one suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 (see Figures 3 and 4), in particular arranged on a base body 20 of the holding unit 18, and which cooperates with the folding guide unit 14 to fold and / or erect the container blank 12, in particular being movable into the folding guide unit 14. The holding unit 18 comprises at least one erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 (see also Figures 3 and 4). Figures 3 and 4), which, as a result of the action of the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 on the container blank 12, is provided for an erection of at least one side flap 38, 40 of the container blank 12, in particular as a result of a relative movement between the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 and the container blank 12 caused by an action of the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 on the container blank 12. The folding device 10 preferably comprises a control or regulating unit 88 (in Figures 2a and 2b(indicated only by dashed lines), which is provided for controlling or regulating the holding unit 18. The folding device 10 preferably comprises a sensor unit (not shown in detail here) which is designed to detect the position of a container blank 12, in particular an unfolded and / or unerected one, relative to the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 and / or the presence of a container blank 12 on the holding unit 18. Preferably, the sensor unit is connected to the control unit 88 via data transmission in order to process detected data or signals from the sensor unit, at least for controlling or regulating the holding unit 18 by means of the control unit 88.

[0029] The holding unit 18 preferably comprises at least the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28, which is designed to handle flat container blanks 12 and / or folded and / or erected containers. The suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 is preferably designed as a vacuum gripper, more preferably as a bellows suction gripper. The suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 is preferably arranged on the base body 20 of the holding unit 18. The base body 20 is preferably designed as a base plate. The holding unit 18 is particularly designed to move a single container blank 12 along the folding and / or erecting surface 16 of the folding guide unit 14, in particular to unfold and / or erect the container blank 12 into a container.Preferably, the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 is provided, in particular in addition to holding the container blank 12 on the base body 20 of the holding unit 18, to generate a relative movement between the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36 and the container blank 12, in particular to move the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36 into a recess 74, 76 (in the . Figures 2a and 2b (only two recesses 74, 76 are shown), in particular a slot, of the container blank 12, whereby preferably side flaps 38, 40 of the container blank 12 can be erected, in particular before the holding unit 18 together with the container blank 12 arranged thereon, in particular held by the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28, is moved into the folding guide unit 14, in particular pulled in (cf. Figures 2a and 2b ).

[0030] The suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 is preferably designed to draw in the container blank 12 by means of a vacuum and thereby cause a relative movement between the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36 and the container blank 12, in particular to move the container blank 12 relative to the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36, preferably until the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36 extends through the recess 74, 76 of the container blank 12. A main direction of action of the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 preferably extends at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the base body 20 of the holding unit 18. The holding unit 18 preferably comprises at least one vacuum source 86 (in Figures 2a and 2b(only indicated by dashed lines), which is fluidly connected to the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the holding unit 18 comprises a plurality of suction gripper elements 22, 24, 26, 28, which are designed to handle flat container blanks 12 or unfolded and / or erected containers. Preferably, the suction gripper elements 22, 24, 26, 28 are arranged uniformly distributed on the base body 20 of the holding unit 18 (see figure). Figures 3 and 4 Preferably, the suction gripper elements 22, 24, 26, 28 have an identical design, in particular a design as bellows suction grippers.

[0031] The holding unit 18 is preferably movably mounted, in particular translationally movably mounted. Preferably, the holding unit 18 is movably mounted along a vertically extending axis of movement 90 of the holding unit 18, in particular translationally (cf. Figures 2a and 2bThe main extension plane of the base body 20 of the holding unit 18 extends, in particular, transversely, and especially at least substantially perpendicularly, to the axis of movement 90 of the holding unit 18, preferably horizontally. Preferably, the holding unit 18 is actuated by means of a drive unit 92 (in Figures 2a and 2b(indicated only by dashed lines) the folding device 10 is movable along the axis of movement 90 of the holding unit 18 in a manner already known to those skilled in the art, in particular relative to the folding guide unit 14 and / or relative to a frame or a stand of the folding device 10. The drive unit 92 can be designed as an electromechanical or as a fluidic, in particular hydraulic or pneumatic, drive unit 92. Preferably, the holding unit 18 interacts with the folding guide unit 14 to fold and / or unfold container blanks 12 into containers in a manner largely known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the holding unit 18 is movable into and out of the folding guide unit 14 by means of the drive unit 92, in particular to fold container blanks 12 into containers and / or unfold them.The containers produced from the container blanks 12 by folding and / or erecting are preferably designed as boxes or cartons intended for holding products, particularly foodstuffs. Preferably, the containers produced from the container blanks 12 by folding and / or erecting are designed as secondary packaging in which products packaged in primary packaging, such as chocolate bars, biscuits, cookies, nuts, gummy bears, wine gums, or similar foodstuffs, can be arranged for transport and / or sales presentation. Preferably, the containers are foldable and / or erectable from a flat container blank 12 using the folding device 10. The container blanks 12 can be made of paper, cardboard, and / or plastic.

[0032] The erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 is preferably designed as an extension, such as a pin, a bolt, a finger, a plate or the like (cf. Figures 3 and 4The erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 preferably has a main extension plane which, in particular in a state of the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 arranged on the base body 20 of the holding unit 18, extends at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base body 20 of the holding unit 18. Preferably, the holding unit 18 comprises a plurality of erecting elements 30, 32, 34, 36, which, as a result of the action of the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 or the suction gripper elements 22, 24, 26, 28 on the container blank 12, are provided for erecting at least one side flap 38, 40 or more side flaps 38, 40 of the container blank 12, in particular as a result of a relative movement between the erecting elements 30, 32, 34, 36 and the container blank 12 caused by the action of the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 or the suction gripper elements 22, 24, 26, 28 on the container blank 12.The erection elements 30, 32, 34, 36 preferably have a design that is at least essentially analogous to each other (cf. . Figures 3 and 4 The erection elements 30, 32, 34, 36 are preferably arranged evenly distributed on the base body 20 of the holding unit 18.

[0033] Furthermore, the holding unit 18 preferably comprises the base body 20 and at least one support plate 42, which forms a support surface 44 against which an outer surface 46, in particular an outer surface 46 forming a bottom surface of the container blank 12 unfolded and / or erected from the container blank 12, can be applied, particularly as a result of the action of the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 on the container blank 12, wherein the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 extends, in particular in at least one state, along a direction 48 extending at least substantially perpendicular to the support surface 44 over the support surface 44. The support surface 44 preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base body 20.Preferably, the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 projects beyond the support plate 42, particularly in at least one state, along the direction 48 which runs at least substantially perpendicular to the support surface 44. The support plate 42 is preferably arranged on the base body 20 of the holding unit 18.

[0034] Preferably, the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 is arranged on the base body 20 of the holding unit 18, wherein the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 is positionally adjustable on the base body 20. The position of the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 relative to the base body 20 can be continuously or in steps. The erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 can be arranged on the base body 20 in a positionally adjustable manner, either manually or automatically. Preferably, by means of the positionally adjustable arrangement of the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 relative to the base body 20, an erection edge and / or surface 94, 96, 98, 100 of the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 is adjustable at a height relative to the base body 20 along the direction 48 which runs at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base body 20 (cf. Figure 3(where locking elements, in particular nuts or bolts, for securing the position of the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36 on the base body 20 are not shown). The erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36 is preferably translationally movable for adjusting its position relative to the base body 20.

[0035] Furthermore, the mounting plate 42 is preferably arranged on the base body 20 in a position adjustable relative to the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 and / or relative to the base body 20 (see figure). Figure 4(Securing elements, in particular nuts or bolts, for securing the position of the support plate 42 on the base body 20 are not shown). The position of the support plate 42 relative to the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 and / or relative to the base body 20 can be adjusted continuously or in steps. The support plate 42 can be arranged on the base body 20 in a positionally adjustable manner, either manually or automatically. Preferably, the positionally adjustable arrangement of the support plate 42 relative to the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 and / or relative to the base body 20 allows the contact surface 44 of the support plate 42 to be adjusted at a height relative to the base body 20 along the direction 48, which extends at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base body 20. The mounting plate 42 is preferably translationally movable to a position setting relative to the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 and / or relative to the base body 20.

[0036] Preferably, the mounting plate 42 defines at least one recess 50, 52, 54, 56 through which the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28, in particular at least one bellows 58, 60, 62, 64 of the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28, extends through the mounting plate 42 at least in one operating state (see Figures 3 and 4), in particular to effect the action of the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 on the container blank 12 to cause the container blank 12 to move relative to the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36. Preferably, the recess 50, 52, 54, 56 is arranged in the contact surface 44 of the support plate 42. Preferably, the support plate 42 defines a plurality of recesses 50, 52, 54, 56 that are arranged in the contact surface 44. The number of recesses 50, 52, 54, 56 that are arranged in the contact surface 44 can correspond to or differ from the number of suction gripper elements 22, 24, 26, 28 of the holding unit 18. Preferably, a number of recesses 50, 52, 54, 56, which are arranged in the mounting surface 44, are higher than a number of suction gripper elements 22, 24, 26, 28.Preferably, the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28, in particular at least one bellows 58, 60, 62, 64 of the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28, extends through the recess 50, 52, 54, 56, in particular over the contact surface 44, preferably along the direction 48 running at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base body 20 (cf. . Figures 3 and 4 ).

[0037] Figure 2bFigure 1 shows a detailed view of the folding device 10, wherein the holding unit 18, together with the container blank 12 arranged thereon, is already moved into the folding guide unit 14. The holding unit 18 is preferably movably mounted relative to the folding guide unit 14 such that a movement of the holding unit 18 relative to the folding guide unit 14 can exert a tensile force on the container blank 12 arranged on the base body 20 of the holding unit 18, in order to pull the container blank 12 into the folding guide unit 14 to fold and / or unfold it, wherein the base body 20, the unfolding element 30, 32, 34, 36 and the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 are all movable relative to the folding guide unit 14.The movement of the holding unit 18 into the folding guide unit 14 preferably occurs through a translational movement of the holding unit 18 relative to the folding guide unit 14, in particular along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the axis of movement 90 of the holding unit 18. After the container blank 12 has been completely unfolded and / or erected to form a container, the container formed from the container blank 12 can be transported to a further device of the packaging machine 78, in particular starting from a lowest position of the holding unit 18 relative to the folding guide unit 14, in which an unfolding and / or erection process has been completed, or starting from a highest position, in particular a starting position, of the holding unit 18 relative to the folding guide unit 14, in which an unfolding and / or erection process begins or the holding unit 18 can be loaded with a container blank 12.

[0038] Figure 5 Figure 66 shows a schematic process flow for folding and / or erecting container blanks 12 into containers, in particular boxes or cartons, preferably folding boxes, by means of a folding device, in particular by means of one described in the Figures 1 to 4The folding device 10 described above is described below. Preferably, in at least one process step 102 of the method 66, the container blank 12 is fed to the folding device 10 or positioned above the folding device 10, in particular the holding unit 18, preferably by means of the container blank feeding device 80. After feeding or positioning, the container blank 12 preferably rests against the erecting edge and / or surface 94, 96, 98, 100 of the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36. Preferably, in at least one process step 104 of the method 66, the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 is activated, whereby the container blank 12 is drawn to the contact surface 44 of the contact plate 42 by means of a vacuum.Preferably, in at least one process step 106 of the process 66, the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36 is introduced, in particular as a result of suction of the container blank 12 to the contact surface 44 of the contact plate 42, into a recess 74, 76 of the container blank 12, preferably arranged in a bottom formed as a base.In at least one process step 68 of the process 66, the container blank 12 arranged on the base body 20 of the holding unit 18 of the folding device 10 is preferably moved relative to the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36 of the holding unit 18 by an action of the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 of the holding unit 18 on the container blank 12, wherein at least one side flap 38, 40 of the container blank 12 is erected by the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36, in particular as a result of the relative movement between the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36 and the container blank 12 caused by the action of the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 on the container blank 12.Preferably, in at least one process step, particularly in process step 68 of process 66, at least one side flap 38, 40, particularly an end wall, of the container blank 12, is unfolded and / or erected, particularly as a result of the erection element 30, 32, 34, 36 extending through the recess 74, 76 of the container blank 12. Preferably, in at least one process step, particularly in process step 68 of process 66, at least one longitudinal side flap 108, 110, particularly a longitudinal side wall, of the container blank 12, particularly as a result of the side flap 38, 40 being erected and / or unfolded, particularly as a result of the longitudinal side wall, particularly a longitudinal side wall, of the container blank 12, particularly as a longitudinal side wall. Preferably, in at least one process step 70 of the process 66, a tensile force is exerted on the container blank 12 by means of the holding unit 18 in order to pull the container blank 12 into the folding guide unit 14.In at least one process step 72 of the process 66, in particular after deactivating a vacuum on the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28, the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36 is moved out of the recess 74, 76 of the container blank 12, in particular by the bellows 58, 60, 62, 64 of the suction gripper element 22, 24, 26, 28 moving the container blank 12 off the erecting element 30, 32, 34, 36. Preferably, the container formed from the container blank 12 is transported to the filling device 84 of the packaging machine 78 comprising the folding device 10 after the container blank 12 has been unfolded and / or erected by being drawn into the folding guide unit 14. Preferably, the container formed from the container blank 12 is filled with products, in particular foodstuffs, in the filling device 84.Preferably, the container formed from the container blank 12 is closed, particularly after filling or at least substantially simultaneously with filling. It is conceivable that the inventive method 66 comprises further process steps that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art, which are not explicitly mentioned here and can be derived in particular from the description of the inventive folding device 10 and / or the inventive packaging machine 78.

Claims

1. Folding device for folding and / or erecting container blanks (12) into containers, in particular boxes or cartons, preferably folding boxes, with at least one folding guide unit (14) comprising at least one folding and / or erecting surface (16), and with at least one holding unit (18), in particular movably mounted, comprising at least one suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28), in particular arranged on a base body (20) of the holding unit (18), and which cooperates with the folding guide unit (14) for folding and / or erecting a container blank (12), in particular being movable into the folding guide unit (14), wherein the holding unit (18) comprises at least one erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) which, as a result of an action of the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) on the Container blank (12) is provided for an erection of at least one side flap (38, 40) of the container blank (12),in particular as a result of a relative movement between the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) and the container blank (12) caused by the action of the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) on the container blank (12), , characterized by the fact that The suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) is provided, in particular in addition to holding the container blank (12) on the base body (20) of the holding unit (18), to generate a relative movement between the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) and the container blank (12) in order to insert the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) into a recess (74, 76), in particular a slot, of the container blank (12), whereby the at least one side flap (38, 40) of the container blank (12) can be erected before the holding unit (18) together with the container blank (12) arranged thereon, in particular held by the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28), can be moved into the folding guide unit (14).

2. Folding device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the holding unit (18) comprises at least one, in particular the, base body (20) and at least one support plate (42) which forms a support surface (44) against which an outer surface (46) of the container blank (12) can be applied, in particular as a result of an action of the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) on the container blank (12), wherein the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) extends, in particular in at least one state, along a direction (48) extending at least substantially perpendicular to the support surface (44) over the support surface (44).

3. Folding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) is arranged on a, in particular the, base body (20) of the holding unit (18), wherein the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) is arranged in a positionally adjustable manner on the base body (20).

4. Folding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe holding unit (18) comprises at least one, in particular the, base body (20) and at least one support plate (42) which forms a support surface (44) on which an outer surface (46) of the container blank (12) can be applied, in particular as a result of an action of the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) on the container blank (12), wherein the support plate (42) is arranged on the base body (20) in a position adjustable relative to the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) and / or relative to the base body (20).

5. Folding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe holding unit (18) comprises at least one contact plate (42) which forms a contact surface (44) against which an outer surface (46) of the container blank (12) can be applied, in particular as a result of an action of the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) on the container blank (12), wherein the contact plate (42) defines at least one recess (50, 52, 54, 56) through which the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28), in particular at least one bellows (58, 60, 62, 64) of the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28), extends through the contact plate (42) at least in one operating state, in particular to allow an action of the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) on the container blank (12) to cause a movement of the to realize the container blank (12) relative to the erection element (30, 32, 34, 36).

6. Folding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe holding unit (18) is movably mounted relative to the folding guide unit (14) in such a way that a tensile force can be exerted on the container blank (12) arranged on a, in particular the, base body (20) of the holding unit (18) by moving the holding unit (18) relative to the folding guide unit (14) in order to pull the container blank (12) into the folding guide unit (14) to fold and / or erect it, wherein the base body (20), the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) and the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) are jointly movable relative to the folding guide unit (14).

7. Method for folding and / or erecting container blanks (12) into containers, in particular boxes or cartons, preferably folding boxes, by means of a folding device, in particular by means of a folding device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in at least one method step (68) a container blank (12) arranged on a base body (20) of a holding unit (18) of the folding device is moved relative to at least one erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) of the holding unit (18) by an action of a suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) of the holding unit (18) on the container blank (12), wherein at least one side flap (38, 40) of the container blank (12), in particular as a result of the relative movement between the container blank (12) caused by the action of the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) on the container blank (12), is moved by the action of the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) of the holding unit (18), wherein at least one side flap (38, 40) of the container blank (12) is moved, in particular as a result of the relative movement between the container blank (12) caused by the action of the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) of the container blank (12). erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) and the container blank (12), which is erected by the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36), characterized by the fact that The relative movement between the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) and the container blank (12) is generated by means of the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28), in particular in addition to holding the container blank (12) on the base body (20) of the holding unit (18), wherein the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) is inserted into a recess (74, 76), in particular a slot, of the container blank (12), whereby the at least one side flap (38, 40) of the container blank (12) is erected before the holding unit (18) together with the container blank (12) arranged thereon, in particular held by the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28), is moved, in particular pulled, into the folding guide unit (14).

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized by the fact thatin at least one process step (70) a tensile force is exerted on the container blank (12) by means of the holding unit (18) in order to pull the container blank (12) into the folding guide unit (14).

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by the fact that in at least one process step (72), in particular after deactivating a vacuum on the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28), a movement of the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36) out of the recess (74, 76) of the container blank (12) takes place, in particular by a bellows (58, 60, 62, 64) of the suction gripper element (22, 24, 26, 28) moving the container blank (12) off the erecting element (30, 32, 34, 36).

10. Packaging machine for at least one packaging of products, in particular foodstuffs, with at least one folding device according to one of claims 1 to 6.

Images