Packaging apparatus for placing a packaging blank onto a bundle of articles, packaging blank, packaging unit, and method for producing a packaging unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging apparatus for placing a packaging blank onto a bundle of articles (28), having at least one feed device, at least one dividing device and at least one application head (4) with a pressing device (8), of which the underside (9) is designed as a receiving region (10) for the at least one packaging blank. The pressing device (8) comprises receptacles (11), which each extend upwards from the receiving region (10). The receptacles (11) are each designed to receive an upper sub-region of an article. In the receiving region (10), the receptacles (11) each have a circumference (12) that deviates from a circular circumference and that is bent at least in sections. The invention further relates to a packaging blank, a packaging unit, and a method for producing such a packaging unit.

Description

[0001] Packaging device for attaching a packaging blank to an article assembly, packaging blank, packaging unit and method for producing a packaging unit

[0002] The present invention relates to a packaging device for applying a packaging blank to an article assembly, a packaging blank, a packaging unit, and a method for producing such a packaging unit. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a packaging device for producing packaging units, a packaging blank, a packaging unit, and a method for producing packaging units.

[0003] There are different types of packaging for the processing, compilation, grouping, and packaging of items such as beverage containers. One frequently used variant involves combining several similar items or containers into portable, relatively handy bundles or packaging units. There are also various ways of combining individual items or containers into larger bundles. For example, beverage containers are usually combined and packaged using shrink film or strapping to form bundles of four, six, or more containers. The production of bundles is usually unavoidable, as they represent the most common type of packaging unit for beverage containers or bottles made of PET plastic. The bundles are sometimes combined again for transport and / or arranged in layers and palletized.

[0004] Furthermore, the use of so-called upper grip carton packaging is known, for example, to group several bottles together via their neck areas or cans together via their lid areas. A packaging machine for applying such upper grip carton packaging is described in patent EP 1075419 B1. Here, the articles or containers are arranged in a box, and the grip carton packaging is placed from above onto the at least one article arranged in the box. In particular, a plurality of articles are arranged in the box, and by placing a smaller number of upper grip carton packaging, subgroups are formed, each of which groups together a portion of the articles arranged in the box.

[0005] A grip carton packaging has an arrangement and number of openings that correspond to the arrangement and number of articles or containers to be grouped. The diameter of the openings is usually slightly smaller than a maximum diameter of the articles in an upper area. The grip carton packaging is placed on the articles and pressed down so that a defined upper area of ​​the articles is pushed through the openings. In particular, an upper area with a maximum diameter is pushed through the openings, and the edge areas of the openings engage with the articles below this maximum diameter, so that the grip carton packaging is securely and firmly attached to the articles.To adhere the gripper carton packaging to the articles in this way, especially to push the articles through the openings, relatively high application forces are required. Accordingly, the articles must offer sufficient resistance to this application force to prevent damage when the gripper carton packaging is applied.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to improve the process reliability when applying packaging blanks to article assemblies, in particular when applying upper grip carton packaging to article assemblies.

[0007] The above object is achieved by a packaging device for applying a packaging blank to an article assembly, a packaging blank, a packaging unit, and a method for producing a packaging unit, which comprise the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0008] The invention relates to a packaging device for attaching a packaging blank to an article assembly comprising at least two articles.

[0009] The articles can be, in particular, beverage containers, especially bottles made of PET or another suitable plastic, or even glass. Preferably, the articles can also be formed by cans made of plastic, glass, and / or aluminum or another metal, or similar. However, the packaging device and the method described below are also suitable for arranging packaging blanks on other suitable articles and forming corresponding packaging units, particularly on articles made of a coated material, a paper material, a cardboard material, a pulp material, or similar.

[0010] The method can be carried out using conventionally known packaging blanks. Furthermore, the method can be carried out using packaging blanks modified according to the invention, which are described in more detail below.

[0011] The packaging device comprises at least one feed device for the articles. The feed device can, for example, be formed by at least one conveyor belt, via which the articles are fed in a mass flow. Alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that the articles are fed in individual rows in aisles separated from one another by aisle plates.

[0012] The packaging device further comprises a dividing device for dividing the supplied articles into article sets. For example, the dividing device comprises a dividing rod or other suitable device. Article sets are particularly preferably formed from 2x2 articles or 2x3 articles.

[0013] At least one packaging blank, which is at least partially flat, is then applied to the article combinations formed in this way in an application module by at least one application head.

[0014] For this purpose, the application head is designed to receive at least one packaging blank and apply it to the article assembly, with the packaging blank applied to the articles being arranged at least partially between the articles. The resulting unit consisting of the article assembly and the packaging blank is referred to as a packaging unit or bundle.

[0015] One embodiment may provide for the one packaging blank to be secured to the article assembly by means of a downward movement of the application head. The packaging blanks are preferably provided in a magazine and removed therefrom by the application head. In particular, the packaging blanks are provided in a flat storage state.

[0016] The application head comprises at least one printing device, the underside of which is designed as a receiving area for the at least one packaging blank.

[0017] The printing device comprises at least one receptacle extending upward from the receiving area, which receptacle is designed to receive an upper portion of an article, for example, to receive a lid portion of bottles or cans. The receptacles each have a circumference in the receiving area that deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in some areas.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the printing device comprises at least two receptacles extending upwards from the receptacle area, which receptacles are each designed to receive an upper portion of an article.

[0019] Optionally, the packaging device can include a strapping module. In the strapping module, the items in the assortment are additionally connected and combined using at least one strapping band.

[0020] The strapping module can be arranged upstream of the application module in the transport direction of the article assemblies through the packaging device, so that the articles are first combined by at least one strapping and subsequently by at least one packaging blank. Alternatively, the strapping module can be arranged downstream of the application module in the transport direction of the article assemblies, so that the articles are first combined by a packaging blank and subsequently by at least one strapping.

[0021] In particular, in the strapping module, at least one band-like or strip-like strapping is stretched horizontally around an outer side of the articles of the article assembly and the ends of the strapping are connected to one another to form a closed strapping band.

[0022] An embodiment of the invention provides that the at least one receptacle in the receptacle area has a circumference formed as an oval, in particular a circumference formed as an ellipse with a major axis having a first length and a minor axis having a smaller second length.

[0023] The underside of the printing device, which is designed as a receiving area for at least one packaging blank, comprises, for example, suction openings that can be subjected to negative pressure or other suitable holding devices for securely fixing and holding the packaging blank in the receiving area.

[0024] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the number and arrangement of the receptacles corresponds to a number and arrangement of through-openings of a packaging blank.

[0025] The at least one receptacle with a circumference that deviates from a circular shape and is at least partially arcuate forms a so-called capture area that can compensate for incorrect positioning of the articles within the article compilation.

[0026] The article assemblies are moved within the packaging device in a transport direction. In particular, the articles or article assemblies pass through the various handling modules of the packaging device in a transport direction, which is not always linear but rather defines the order in which the articles or article assemblies pass through the individual handling modules of the packaging device.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main axis of an elliptical circumference of a receptacle is oriented parallel to the transport direction of the articles through the packaging device or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the article assembly. This generates a larger capture area along the longitudinal axis of the article assembly and thus ensures greater application tolerance.

[0028] During an upstream strapping process, there is a possibility that the articles may be misplaced within the strapped article assembly, particularly in the transport direction, due to poor strapping quality, and thus incorrectly positioned. In this case, there is a risk that, when using a conventional application head, the application of the packaging blank to the strapped article assembly cannot be achieved with the desired quality. A further embodiment of the pressure device of the application head provides that, in addition to the non-circular capture area of ​​the at least one receptacle, a so-called alignment geometry is also formed.

[0029] The alignment geometry helps to further improve the quality of the packaging blanks application process.

[0030] In this case, the at least one receptacle also has a circumference on the underside of the printing device that deviates from a circular shape and is curved at least in some areas. This circumference can extend upwards from the receptacle area to a first height and, in particular, forms the capture area. The first height can be approximately 5 mm, for example.

[0031] The capture area is followed at the top by a funnel-shaped area which, over a defined second height, forms a transition or a taper from the circumference of the recording in the recording area, which deviates from a circular shape, to a circular circumference.

[0032] A further cylindrical area is formed above the funnel-shaped area. The diameter of the cylindrical area is selected such that the upper part of the article, in particular the lid area of ​​bottles or cans, can be centered here. If necessary, a certain tolerance is provided for here. For example, a tolerance of approximately 2 mm is provided. This ensures that as the application progresses, i.e. as the packaging blank is pressed onto the article assembly, the articles are in an optimal position and the packaging blank is thus securely attached to the articles. Fixing tabs described in more detail below preferably snap into place below an area of ​​the article with an enlarged circumference, in particular below the neck ring of bottles or below the flanged edge of cans.

[0033] The alignment geometry ensures that any incorrectly oriented and / or positioned items within the assembly are returned to their ideal position, ensuring that all the securing tabs of a packaging blank can securely snap into place below an upper section of the item with an enlarged circumference. This would not be possible if the items were dislocated, thus jeopardizing process reliability.

[0034] One embodiment of the invention provides that the receiving area of ​​the printing device is designed to be flat, so that with such a printing device, flatly arranged packaging blanks can be applied to the article assemblies.

[0035] One embodiment of the invention provides that the printing device is designed in at least two parts. Each sub-area is assigned at least one receptacle.

[0036] A gap can be formed between the at least two partial areas. Within this gap, for example, a carrying handle area of ​​a packaging blank unfolded into a three-dimensional sales state can be accommodated. The formation of three-dimensional packaging blanks is described in more detail below. In particular, in this case, it is provided that the receiving areas of the at least two partial areas are arranged in a common plane.

[0037] An alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the receiving area comprises at least two partial areas of the printing device, which are arranged at an angle to one another. Preferably, the two partial areas form a first angle of less than 180 degrees. With such a printing device, packaging blanks converted into a three-dimensional intermediate state can be applied to the article assemblies, in which pre-folded packaging blanks have at least two partial areas, each with at least one through-opening, arranged at a second angle of less than 180 degrees to one another. Preferably, the first angle corresponds to the second angle.

[0038] Depending on the design of the packaging blank, the two partial areas arranged at an angle to each other can be arranged at a distance from each other or directly adjacent to each other.

[0039] When using a printing device with two angularly arranged partial areas, a so-called oblique application or arrangement of the packaging blank on the article assembly occurs. In particular, it is provided that the partial areas of the packaging blank comprising the through-openings are arranged in the shape of a gable roof in the intermediate state, wherein the partial areas have an inclination formed opposite to one another. The partial areas of the packaging blank comprising the through-openings in the intermediate state are thus not arranged parallel to the transport plane on the printing device during application to the article assembly, but enclose a second angle, which second angle is less than 180°.

[0040] When the packaging blank is applied by a downward movement of the printing device or application head, the outer fixing tabs assigned to the openings in the packaging blank initially hit an upper area of ​​the article. As the application progresses, more and more fixing tabs gradually engage below an enlarged cross-sectional area of ​​the article, in particular below the neck ring of bottles or below the flanged edge of cans. This means that, on the one hand, somewhat less force is required overall at the beginning of the application process and, on the other hand, there is the possibility that any incorrectly oriented articles can still realign themselves at the beginning of the process. This is particularly possible because incorrectly positioned articles are initially only caught at the outer edges of the opening equipped with fixing tabs and within the receptacle of the printing device.As the application progresses, the items are positioned completely and centered within the frame.

[0041] The holder can have an elliptical circumference in the holder area on the underside of the printing device.

[0042] Alternatively, it can be provided that in this embodiment of a printing device, the receptacle in the receiving area on the underside of the printing device is designed as a circular circumference.

[0043] In this context, a further packaging device is described which comprises at least one feeding device for the articles, a dividing device for dividing the fed articles into article combinations and an application module with at least one application head.

[0044] The application head of this further embodiment of the packaging device is also designed to receive at least one packaging blank and apply it to the article assembly. The application head comprises a pressure device, the underside of which is designed as a receiving area for the at least one packaging blank. The receiving area comprises two partial areas arranged at an angle to one another, each partial area comprising at least one upwardly extending receptacle, each of which is designed to receive an upper partial area of ​​an article.

[0045] The recordings each have a circular circumference in the recording area.

[0046] A further embodiment may provide that the printing device has a plurality of upwardly extending receptacles for upper partial regions of the articles, wherein at least one or a first part of the receptacles has a circumference that deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in regions, while a second part of the receptacles has, for example, a circular circumference.

[0047] The packaging device is preferably part of a beverage packaging system. The beverage packaging system can comprise a wet section with a can and / or bottle pusher, a filling module, a closing module associated with the filling module, and optionally a labeling module. A pasteurizer can be arranged between the filling module and the labeling module or other downstream handling modules.

[0048] The beverages filled in cans or bottles are then combined into packaging units in a previously described packaging device.

[0049] The packaging units are then assembled into individual layers in a palletizing device and palletized. Within the beverage packaging plant, the items are transported from one handling module to the next via suitable transport systems, which may be equipped with suitable buffer systems.

[0050] The components of the beverage packaging system are to be understood as examples only. Other configurations including a previously described packaging device are also covered by the application.

[0051] The invention further relates to a packaging blank for combining at least two articles to form a packaging unit. The packaging blank is, in particular, a so-called upper grip carton package. The packaging blank is preferably provided in the form of a flat blank and has at least two through-openings, each of which is designed to receive an upper portion of an article. It is provided that the through-openings each have a circumference that deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in some areas.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the passage openings are assigned incisions extending radially from the opening center point of the passage openings, wherein the end points of the incisions are arranged on a circumference which deviates from a circular circumference and is at least partially curved, in particular wherein the end points of the incisions are arranged on an elliptical circumference.

[0053] The function of the incisions is described in detail below.

[0054] The packaging blanks can preferably each consist of a paper or cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material or similar.

[0055] The number and arrangement of the through-openings correspond to the number and arrangement of the items within the article assemblies. In particular, the centers of the through-openings correspond to the longitudinal center axes of the articles to be combined. The through-openings are designed to accommodate the articles in sections, optionally creating a positive connection and / or creating a snap-in connection that can be released by applying a tensile force or a release force.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the through-openings have an oval perimeter, or the perimeter encompassing the end points of the incisions is oval. A perimeter in the form of an ellipse or a perimeter in the form of a rectangle with rounded corners is preferred.

[0057] If the circumferences are elliptical, they have a major axis with a first length and a minor axis with a smaller second length.

[0058] Within the scope of the method described in this application, the packaging blank is attached to the articles in such a way that the articles partially pass through the through-openings of the packaging blank and are thus held together by the packaging blank. In the formed packaging unit, the packaging blank engages with the articles in such a way that the packaging blank is essentially fixed to the articles in a stationary manner and the articles can no longer make any significant relative movements or changes in position relative to one another or to the packaging blank. In particular, the packaging blank is locked to the articles in this way, whereby these locking connections can be released by applying a tensile force, possibly destroying or damaging the packaging blank, if individual articles are to be released from the article cohesion and removed from it.

[0059] For this purpose, the through-openings of the packaging blank can each have suitable securing devices, which can be formed, for example, by securing tabs. For example, securing tabs are formed between incisions or perforations or similar elements extending radially from the center of the through-openings.

[0060] Particularly preferably, the packaging blank is secured to the articles in such a way that the articles are clamped within a through-opening of the packaging blank in the region of an upper tapered portion. In particular, bottles are clamped below a so-called neck ring, so that the bottle body is located below the packaging blank within the resulting packaging unit. Cans, on the other hand, are clamped below a flanged edge forming the can rim, which also creates an effective locking connection between the packaging blank and the cans.

[0061] Another embodiment of a packaging blank has additional folding lines or crease lines, so that the packaging blank can be easily converted into a three-dimensional shape, in which three-dimensional shape, for example, a carrying handle is formed on the finished packaging unit. Particularly preferred is a central carrying handle, which, in the case of a 3x2 package, is preferably located between the two rows of three items.

[0062] For example, a packaging blank for a 3x2 or a 2x2 container can have a central fold line and two decentralized fold lines, wherein the decentralized fold lines are each arranged at an equal distance between the central fold line and a row comprising the three through openings.

[0063] Preferably, the packaging cutting is initially carried out in a first flat

[0064] The packaging blank is provided in its storage state, in which it is generally neither curved nor folded, nor creased as a whole. Before the packaging blank is attached to the article assembly, it is reshaped or converted into a three-dimensional intermediate state or a three-dimensional sales state. The area between the two off-center fold lines is folded upward so that the center fold line is positioned at a distance above the remaining partial surfaces of the packaging blank.

[0065] The height of the central fold line above the partial areas of the packaging blank corresponds to the distance between the central fold line and one of the decentralized fold lines.

[0066] By unfolding the packaging blank into the intermediate state or the sales state, the areas between the central fold line and the decentralized fold lines are placed flat against one another, so that a stable, vertically extending central separation area is formed between the two rows of through-openings.

[0067] One embodiment provides for at least one carrying handle opening to be formed in each of the regions between the central fold line and the off-center fold lines. By unfolding the packaging blank into the intermediate or sales state, the two regions, including the carrying handle openings, are placed flush against one another. This creates a stable carrying handle region in which the carrying handle openings form a continuous carrying opening extending through the two material layers of the regions.

[0068] The packaging blank can be unfolded into the three-dimensional intermediate state or into the three-dimensional sales state by a suitable folding device before the packaging blank is picked up by the printing device. Alternatively, the packaging blank can be unfolded into the three-dimensional intermediate state or into the three-dimensional sales state when the packaging blank is picked up by the printing device. For this purpose, a suitable auxiliary device can be assigned to the printing device.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, for example, outward-facing areas of the outer lateral surfaces of the articles can be covered by the packaging blank. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the packaging blank used continues in folded areas on at least one side, preferably on at least two sides, in particular on opposite long sides. This at least one folded area adjoins laterally a base area of ​​the packaging blank applied to the top of the container, in which base area the passage openings for the articles are located. In the folded state, the at least one folded area forms at least a partial area of ​​at least one side surface of the packaging unit.This refers to a folding of at least one folding area by a folding angle of approximately 90°, so that the horizontal base area, which forms the top side of the packaging blank, continues downwards into the folding area that at least partially forms the side surface of the packaging unit. Thus, in the folded state, which partially forms the side surface of the packaging unit, the folding area has an approximately vertical orientation when the packaging unit is placed with its bottom side on a horizontal surface.

[0070] The packaging unit according to the invention can optionally have only one such folding area, which is located on one side surface of the packaging unit. However, variants with two such folding areas are also conceivable, which are located in particular on opposite sides of the base surface of the packaging blank, so that they partially cover opposite side surfaces of the packaging unit when folded over.

[0071] In addition, variants are also conceivable with three or four such folding areas, which can be connected to three edge sides of the base area or to all four edge sides of the base area in order to be folded over onto the side surfaces of the packaging unit.

[0072] With the packaging blanks according to the invention described here, the tolerance to misalignment of the articles within an article assembly is increased and can be compensated to a certain extent. Failure of the application of the packaging blank to the article assembly or damage to the packaging blank, for example, due to tearing of folding flaps, can thus be reduced or completely prevented. Depending on the geometry of the articles, it may also be necessary or expedient to vary the length of the incisions and thus the length of the folding flaps over the circumference, which deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in some areas.

[0073] The invention further relates to a packaging unit comprising at least two articles, which are combined by a packaging blank. In particular, the articles are combined by a packaging blank according to the invention as described above. In this context, reference is made to the above description. Furthermore, it is provided that the packaging units are produced by an embodiment of a method for producing a packaging unit described below. However, a packaging device described above or a method described below can also be used to attach conventionally known packaging blanks or upper grip carton packaging to articles in article assemblies.

[0074] The method for producing a packaging unit by attaching a packaging blank to an article assembly, the article assembly comprising at least two articles, comprises at least the method steps described below:

[0075] • Compilation of at least two articles as an article compilation,

[0076] • Application of at least one packaging blank to the article compilation, wherein the packaging blank is applied to the articles of the article compilation by means of a printing device, wherein the packaging blank is arranged at least partially between the articles of the article compilation, in particular wherein the packaging blank is attached to the article compilation from above by a downward movement,

[0077] • wherein incorrect positioning of the articles within the article compilation can be corrected by capturing the incorrectly positioned articles by means of at least one receptacle of the printing device, which at least one receptacle in a receptacle area on an underside of the printing device has a circumference which deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in some areas.

[0078] One embodiment of the method can provide that the receiving area of ​​the printing device comprises at least two partial areas arranged at an angle to one another, wherein each partial area comprises at least one receptacle, wherein the packaging blank is transferred from a flat storage state into a folded, three-dimensional intermediate state, in which intermediate state two partial areas arranged at an angle to one another are formed. Each of the partial areas comprises at least one passage opening. In particular, it is provided that the two partial areas enclose a second angle of less than 180 degrees, which corresponds or substantially corresponds to a first angle between the partial areas of the printing device. The packaging blank is preferably received by the printing device in such a way that a partial area of ​​the packaging blank is assigned to a partial area of ​​the printing device.

[0079] In particular, in this case and in all other embodiments of the method, the through-openings are preferably positioned in such a way that the center point of the through-openings is aligned with a center point of a receptacle.

[0080] The packaging blank can be unfolded into the three-dimensional intermediate state by a suitable folding device before it is picked up by the printing device. Alternatively, the packaging blank can be unfolded into the three-dimensional intermediate state while the printing device is picking up the packaging blank. For this purpose, a suitable auxiliary device can be assigned to the printing device.

[0081] A further method for producing a packaging unit by attaching a packaging blank to an article assembly, the article assembly comprising at least two articles, comprises at least the method steps described below:

[0082] • Compilation of at least two articles as an article compilation,

[0083] • Application of at least one packaging blank to the article compilation, wherein the packaging blank is applied to the articles of the article compilation by means of a printing device, wherein the packaging blank is arranged at least partially between the articles of the article compilation, in particular wherein the packaging blank is attached to the article compilation from above by a downward movement,

[0084] • wherein incorrect positioning of the articles within the article compilation is corrected by capturing the incorrectly positioned articles by means of at least one printing device, which printing device comprises a receiving area which comprises two partial areas arranged at an angle to one another, wherein each partial area comprises at least one receptacle, wherein the packaging blank is received by the printing device in such a way that a partial area of ​​the packaging blank is assigned to a partial area of ​​the printing device.

[0085] It is preferably provided that the two partial areas enclose a first angle of less than 180 degrees.

[0086] In particular, when the packaging blank is fixed to the printing device, the through-openings are positioned in such a way that the center of the through-openings is aligned with a center of a receptacle.

[0087] In this embodiment of the method, the receptacles in the receiving area on the underside of the sub-areas of the printing device can, as described above, have a circumference that deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in some areas. Alternatively, printing devices in which the receptacles in the receiving area have a circular circumference can also be used in this embodiment of the method.

[0088] During the production of a packaging unit according to one of the methods described above, it may be provided that the packaging blank undergoes additional preparation for application to the articles. This preparation includes, in particular, at least slight pre-breaking or pre-stretching of the through-openings in order to at least slightly reduce the mechanical resistance when placing and locking the articles in the through-openings. For example, it may be provided that the fixing tabs are bent at least slightly out of the plane of the through-openings, thereby at least slightly increasing the circumference of the through-openings.

[0089] In particular, pre-breaking tools are used which take into account the shape of the circumference of the passage openings or the circumference on which the end points of the incisions are located, which deviates from a circular circumference and is at least partially curved.

[0090] The system described here is significantly more tolerant of mispositioned articles, thereby increasing process reliability and stability within the packaging device. In particular, the folding tabs are securely positioned below the neck ring of bottles or below the flange of cans by aligning the articles within the application head's tool, which is designed as a pressure device.

[0091] When, in the context of the invention, it is mentioned that the packaging blank is applied to the article assembly by pressing it from above with a downward movement, this is not to be understood as the only, exhaustive possibility. Alternatively, it can be provided that the article assembly is guided from below to the packaging blank with an upward movement, wherein, during the upward movement, an upper portion of the articles is guided from below through the through-openings of the packaging blank held by a previously described pressure device.

[0092] It should be expressly stated at this point that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the device according to the invention equally relate to, or can be, partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description or in the claim definitions for the device according to the invention, this equally applies to the method according to the invention. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to, or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention.Therefore, if at one point in the description or in the claim definitions for the method according to the invention certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

[0093] In the following, exemplary embodiments will explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration.

[0094] Fig. 1A shows an embodiment of a packaging blank according to the invention.

[0095] Fig. 1B shows a packaging unit comprising six bottles, which are combined with a packaging blank according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1A. Fig. 2A shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a packaging device.

[0096] Fig. 2B shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a packaging device.

[0097] Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of a printing device of an application head in a lateral view.

[0098] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of a printing device according to Fig. 3.

[0099] Figures 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of a printing device of an application head in a lateral view.

[0100] Figures 7A and 7B show a second embodiment of a packaging blank according to the invention.

[0101] Fig. 8 shows a third embodiment of a printing device of an application head in a lateral view.

[0102] Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of the third embodiment of a printing device according to Fig. 8.

[0103] Figures 10 to 12 show different views of a fourth embodiment of a printing device of an application head.

[0104] Fig. 13 shows another embodiment of a packaging unit.

[0105] Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of a beverage packaging system comprising a packaging device according to the invention.

[0106] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the invention can be configured and do not constitute an exhaustive limitation.

[0107] The schematic top view of Fig. 1A shows an embodiment of a packaging blank 30 according to the invention. The further schematic top view of Fig. 1B shows a packaging unit 25 comprising six articles 20 in the form of bottles 21, which are combined with a packaging blank 30 according to the invention according to Fig. 1A.

[0108] The bottles 21 pass through the different handling modules of the packaging device 1 described below in a transport direction TR (see Figures 2A and 2B), which is not always linear but in particular defines the order in which the bottles 21 pass through the individual handling modules.

[0109] The packaging blank 30 is also referred to as the upper grip carton packaging 31. According to the embodiment in Fig. 1A, it is a flat carton blank having six regularly arranged through-openings 32.

[0110] The packaging blanks 30 can each preferably consist of a paper or cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material or the like.

[0111] In the present exemplary embodiment, the packaging blank 30 has six through-openings 32 for the bottles 21 to be combined by means of the packaging blank 30 (see Fig. 1 B), wherein the centers of the through-openings 32 each correspond to longitudinal center axes of the bottles 21 to be combined and receive the bottles 21 in regions, optionally by producing a positive connection and / or by producing a snap-in connection that can be released by applying a tensile force or release force.

[0112] The through-openings 32 are each provided to receive an upper portion of a bottle 21. In the packaging blank 30 according to the invention, the through-openings 32 each have a circumference 33 that deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in some areas.

[0113] Preferably, the through-openings 32 have a circumference 33 formed as an ellipse 50. In particular, the elliptically formed through-openings 32 have a major axis 51 with a first length 52 and a minor axis 53 with a smaller second length 54.

[0114] A further embodiment may, for example, provide that the perimeter 33 of the through-openings 32 has a different oval shape or that the perimeter 33 of the through-openings 32 has, for example, the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners. In principle, other shapes that approximate the aforementioned variants are also conceivable.

[0115] Within the scope of the method described in this application, the packaging blank 30 is attached to the articles 20 in such a way that the articles 20 partially pass through the through-openings 32 of the packaging blank 30 and are thus held together by the packaging blank 30. In particular, the packaging blank 30 is locked to the articles 20 in this way, whereby these locking connections can be released by applying a tensile force, possibly destroying or damaging the packaging blank 30, if individual articles 20 are to be released from the article cohesion and removed therefrom.

[0116] The through-openings 32 of the packaging blank 30 can further each have suitable fixing devices 34, which can be formed, for example, by fixing tabs 35. For example, fixing tabs 35 are formed by incisions 36 or similar extending radially from the center of the through-openings 32.

[0117] A preferred embodiment can provide that the end points of the incisions 36 are arranged on a circumference 37 that deviates from a circular circumference and is at least partially curved, having a major axis 38 and a minor axis 39. In this case, it can be provided that the through-openings 32 themselves have an at least partially curved circumference 33 in the shape of an ellipse or the like, or that the through-openings 32 themselves have an at least partially curved circumference 33 in the shape of a circle, or that the through-openings 32 themselves have an at least partially curved circumference 33 in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners or the like.

[0118] Particularly preferably, the packaging blank 30 is secured to each article 20 in such a way that the articles 20 are clamped in the region of an upper taper within a passage opening 32 of the packaging blank 30. In particular, bottles 21 are clamped below a so-called neck ring 24 or neck ring (see also Figures 4 and 5), so that the bottle body 22 in the packaging unit 25 is located below the packaging blank 30, while the lid region 23 is arranged above the packaging blank 30. Cans are clamped below a flanged edge forming the can rim, which also provides effective locking between the packaging blank 30 and the cans.In the packaging unit 25 thus formed, the packaging blank 30 engages with the articles 20 in such a way that the packaging blank 30 is essentially fixed to the articles 20 in a stationary manner and the articles 20 can no longer make any significant relative movements or changes in position relative to one another or to the packaging blank 30.

[0119] The representation of a finished packaging unit 25 or a container 26 in Fig. 1B in a plan view, wherein six bottles 21 are combined by a packaging blank 30 according to Fig. 1A, shows in particular the arrangement of the lid region 23 of the bottles 21 above the packaging blank 30 and the arrangement of the bottle body 22 below the packaging blank 30.

[0120] In this example, the six bottles 21 are additionally combined with a strapping 40.

[0121] During the production of a packaging unit 25, it can be provided that the packaging blank 30 is subjected to additional preparation for application to the articles 20, in which, in particular, an at least slight pre-breaking or pre-stretching of the through-openings 32 takes place in order to at least slightly reduce the mechanical resistance when placing and locking the articles 20 in the through-openings 32. For example, it can be provided that the fixing tabs 26 are bent upwards at least slightly out of the plane of the through-openings 32, whereby the circumference 33 of the through-openings 32 is increased at least slightly and / or at least in some regions.

[0122] In the packaging blanks 30 according to the invention described here, the tolerance towards misalignments of the articles 20 within an article assembly 27 (cf. Fig. 2A) or within a strapped article assembly 28 (cf. Fig. 2B) is increased and can be compensated to a certain extent. Failure of the application of the packaging blank 30 to the article assembly 27, 28 or damage to the packaging blank 30, for example due to tearing of folding flaps 35 or the like, can thus be reduced or completely prevented. Depending on the geometry of the articles, it may also be necessary or expedient to design the length of the incisions 36 and thus the length of the folding flaps 35 differently over the circumference 37, which deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in some areas. The side view of Fig.Fig. 2A shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a packaging device 1, while the side view of Fig. 2B shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a packaging device 1.

[0123] The packaging device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1A serves to attach a packaging blank 30 to an article assembly 27 comprising at least two articles 20.

[0124] The articles 20 are preferably beverage containers, in particular bottles 21 made of PET or another suitable plastic. Preferably, the articles can also be formed by cans made of plastic and / or aluminum or another metal, or the like. However, the packaging device 1 and the method are also suitable for arranging a packaging blank 30 described as an example in Fig. 1A onto other suitable articles 20 and forming corresponding packaging units 25.

[0125] The articles 20 are fed via a feeding device 2 to a dividing device 3 or a dividing module.

[0126] The feed device 2 can, for example, be formed by at least one conveyor belt, via which the articles 20 are fed in a mass flow. Alternatively, it can be provided that the articles 20 are fed in individual rows in aisles separated from one another by aisle plates.

[0127] The division into article sets 27 within the dividing device 3 is carried out, for example, by means of a dividing rod (not shown). However, other options for forming article sets 27 can also be used, for example, a grouping module or similar.

[0128] A packaging blank 30, which is at least partially flat, is then applied to the article assembly 27 in an application module 4 by at least one application head 5.

[0129] The application head 5 is designed to receive at least one packaging blank 30 and to apply it to the article assembly 27 by means of a downward movement, so that the packaging blank 30 applied to the articles 20 is arranged at least partially between the articles 20. This forms a packaging unit 25 or a so-called bundle 26.

[0130] The packaging blanks 30 are preferably provided in a magazine 6 and removed from the magazine 6 by the application head 5.

[0131] The application head 5 comprises at least one printing device (not shown) whose underside is designed as a receiving area for the at least one packaging blank.

[0132] The printing device comprises receptacles extending upwards from the receiving area, each of which is designed to receive an upper portion of an article 20. The receptacles each have a circumference in the receiving area that deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in some areas.

[0133] Different embodiments of printing devices 8 are described below in connection with Figures 3 to 6 and 8 to 12.

[0134] In contrast to the packaging device 1 according to Fig. 2A, the second embodiment according to Fig. 2B additionally provides for strapping of the article assemblies 27. In particular, within a strapping module 7, a band-shaped strap 40 is applied to the article assemblies 27, thereby forming a strapped article assemblies 28.

[0135] Subsequently, a packaging blank 30 is attached to the strapped article assembly 28 by the application head 5 of the application module 4, thereby forming a packaging unit 29 comprising a strap 40 and a packaging blank 30.

[0136] An alternative embodiment can provide for the formation of a packaging unit 29 by first equipping and combining the article assembly 27 with a packaging blank 30 and subsequently with a strapping 40.

[0137] Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of a printing device 8 of an application head 5 (cf. Figs. 2A and 2B) in a lateral view, and Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of a printing device 8 according to Fig. 3. In Fig. 3 and the following Figs. 4 to 8 and 10 to 12, the printing device 8 is shown in connection with the application of a packaging blank 30 to a strapped article assembly 28. However, the printing devices 8 shown in the following figures can also be used to apply a packaging blank 30 to articles 20 of unstrapped article assemblies 27 (cf. Fig. 2A).

[0138] The underside 9 of the printing device 8 is designed as a receiving area 10 for the at least one packaging blank 30. For example, the underside 9 comprises suction openings (not shown) that can be subjected to negative pressure or other devices suitable for securely attaching and holding the at least one packaging blank 30 to the underside 9.

[0139] Furthermore, the printing device 8 comprises receptacles 11 extending upwards from the receptacle area 10, each of which is designed to receive an upper portion of an article 20, for example, to receive a lid portion 23 of a bottle 21.

[0140] The receptacles 11 each have a circumference 12 in the receptacle area 10 which deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in some areas.

[0141] It is preferably provided that the receptacles 11 each have a circumference 13 formed as an ellipse with a main axis 14 with a first length 15 and a secondary axis 16 with a smaller second length 17.

[0142] The receptacles 11 with an elliptical circumference 13 at least in the area of ​​the underside 9 of the printing device 8 form a so-called capture area, which can compensate for incorrect positioning of the bottles 21 within the article assembly 28.

[0143] The printing devices 8 described here and below are used particularly advantageously with packaging blanks 30 according to the invention as shown in Figures 1A or 7A.

[0144] According to a preferred embodiment, the main axis 14 of the ellipse is oriented parallel to the transport direction TR (see Figures 2A, 2B) of the bottles 21 or parallel to a longitudinal axis 41 of the article assembly 28 (see Figure 4). This generates a larger capture area along the longitudinal axis 41 and thus ensures greater application tolerance.

[0145] Due to the upstream strapping process, there is a possibility that the bottles 21 are incorrectly positioned within the strapped article assembly 28, for example due to poor strapping quality, particularly in the transport direction TR, which may prevent a successful application of a conventional packaging blank if the upper part of the bottle 21 is located outside the capture area of ​​the receptacles of a conventional printing device.

[0146] Figures 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of a printing device 8 of an application head 5 in a lateral view, in particular Fig. 5 shows a printing device 8 arranged above a strapped article assembly 28 and Fig. 6 shows the printing device 8 arranged on the strapped article assembly 28, which with a downward movement, which is represented by the arrow in Fig. 5, fixes a packaging blank 30 arranged on the underside 9 of the printing device 8 to the bottles 21 of the strapped article assembly 28.

[0147] In this case too, it is provided that the receptacles 11 have an elliptical circumference 13, at least in the region of the underside 9 of the printing device 8, as has been described in connection with the first embodiment of a printing device 8 according to Figures 3 and 4.

[0148] The second embodiment of a printing device 8 shown in Figures 5 and 6 has, in addition to the elliptically formed capture area of ​​the receptacles 11, a so-called alignment geometry 18.

[0149] The alignment geometry 18 helps to improve the quality of the application process of the packaging blanks 30 to the article assemblies 28.

[0150] As already mentioned, the receptacles 11 on the underside 9 of the printing device 8 have an elliptical circumference 13. This elliptical circumference 13 extends upwards over a first height 60. The first height 60 can be approximately 5 mm, for example.

[0151] The elliptical capture region 61 is adjoined at the top by a funnel-shaped region 62, which forms a transition or a taper from the elliptical circumference 13 to a circular circumference 64 over a defined second height 63.

[0152] A cylindrical region 65 is thus formed above the funnel-shaped region 62. The diameter 66 of the cylindrical region 65 is selected such that the upper part of the bottle 21, in particular the lid region 23, can be centered here with a tolerance. For example, a tolerance of approximately 2 mm is provided. This ensures that as the application progresses, i.e., as the packaging blank is pressed onto the article assembly 28, the bottles 21 are in an optimal position and thus the packaging blank 30 can be securely attached to the bottles 21, wherein, in particular, the fixing tabs 35 (see Figures 1A and 7A) engage below the neck ring 23.

[0153] The alignment geometry 18 ensures that any incorrectly oriented and / or positioned articles 20 or bottles 21 are returned to the ideal position so that all fixing tabs 35 of the packaging blank 30 can securely snap into place below the neck ring 23 of the bottles 21. This would be impossible or difficult if the bottle 21 were dislocated.

[0154] The detailed view of Fig. 6 shows the packaging blank 30 being pressed onto a region of the bottles 21 located at a distance below the neck ring 23. According to this embodiment, the pressure device 8 is moved upward again, wherein the holding mechanism that holds the packaging blank 30 to the underside 9 of the pressure device 8 is only released when the packaging blank 30 is located below the neck ring 30.

[0155] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the pressure device 8 is moved downward only so far that the packaging blank 30 is positioned at a height directly below the neck ring 23 of the bottles 21. The holding mechanism of the pressure device is released, for example, by releasing suction pressure, opening gripping devices, or the like, and the pressure device 8 is moved upward. In particular, the pressure device 8 is moved upward away from the packaging blank 30 secured to the article assembly 28.

[0156] Figures 7A and 7B show a second embodiment of a packaging blank 30 according to the invention.

[0157] The packaging blank 30 is preferably provided in a flat form in a so-called storage state 70, as shown in Fig. 1A. As described in connection with the first embodiment of a packaging blank 30 according to Fig. 1A, the packaging blank 30 has elliptically shaped through-openings 32. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the incisions 36 extending radially from the center of the through-openings are arranged on a circumference that deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in some regions.

[0158] Furthermore, the packaging blank 30 shown in Figures 7A and 7B has three folding lines 45, 46, 47 and two carrying handle openings 48, 49.

[0159] The packaging blank 30 is initially provided in a first flat storage state 70, in which it is generally neither curved nor folded, nor bent as a whole. Before the packaging blank 30 is attached to the article assembly 27, 28, it is reshaped or converted into a three-dimensional intermediate state 90 (cf. Figures 8, 9) or a three-dimensional sales state 71 (cf. Figures 7B, 10 to 12). In this process, the area between the two decentralized fold lines 46 and 48 is folded upwards, so that the central fold line 47 is arranged at a distance 72 above the remaining areas 73 or partial areas 80, 81 of the packaging blank 30.

[0160] The distance 72 corresponds to the distance between the central fold line 46 and one of the outer, decentralized fold lines 45 or 47. When the packaging blank 30 is unfolded into the storage state 90 or the sales state 71, the regions 74, 75 between the central fold line 46 and the decentralized, outer fold lines 45, 47, comprising the carrying handle openings 48, 49, are preferably placed flat against one another. In this case, a stable carrying handle region 76 (see Fig. 7B) is formed, in which a continuous carrying opening 77 is formed through the carrying handle openings 48, 49 of the two regions 74, 75. The carrying handle opening 77 extends through two material layers 78 of the packaging blank 30 (see Fig. 7B).

[0161] With regard to the further features designated by reference numerals, reference is made to the description of Fig. 1A.

[0162] Fig. 8 shows a third embodiment of a printing device 8 of an application head 5 in a lateral view and Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of the third embodiment according to Fig. 8. In this case, an oblique application of the packaging blank 30 takes place. In particular, it is provided that the partial surfaces 80, 81 of the packaging blank 30 comprising the passage openings 32 are arranged in an intermediate state 90 in the form of a gable roof and in particular have an inclination formed opposite to one another.

[0163] The partial surfaces 80, 81 comprising the passage openings 32 are thus not arranged parallel to the transport plane on the printing device 8 during application to the article assembly 27, 28, but enclose a second angle ß, which second angle ß is less than 180°.

[0164] Accordingly, the receiving area 10 is formed on the underside 9 of the printing device 8 and in particular has two partial areas 82, 83 arranged opposite one another at a first angle a.

[0165] In particular, it is provided that the first angle α and the second angle β are equal or substantially equal.

[0166] When applying the packaging blank 30 by means of a pressure device 8 according to Figures 8 and 9, the respective outer fixing tabs 35 (cf. Figures 1A and 7A) initially impact the upper part of the bottles 21, before more fixing tabs 35 of the packaging blank 30 gradually engage below the neck ring 24 as the application progresses. Thus, on the one hand, somewhat less force is required overall at the beginning of the application process, and on the other hand, there is the possibility that possibly incorrectly oriented bottles 21 can still realign themselves at the beginning of the application process. This is possible in particular because incorrectly positioned bottles 21 are initially only captured at the outer edges of the passage opening 32 equipped with fixing tabs 35 and within the receptacle 11 of the pressure device, and are only fully positioned within the receptacle 11 as the application progresses.

[0167] The receptacle 11 can have an elliptical circumference in the receptacle area 10 on the underside 9 of the printing device 8, as previously described in connection with Figures 3 to 6. Alternatively, it can be provided that, in this embodiment of a printing device 8, the receptacle 11 in the receptacle area 10 on the underside 9 of the printing device 8 is formed as a circular circumference. Regarding the further features designated by reference numerals, reference is made to the description of Figures 3 to 6.

[0168] Figures 10 to 12 show different views of a fourth embodiment of a printing device 8 of an application head. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the printing device 8 is formed from a first partial region 82 and a second partial region 83. A gap is formed between the two partial regions 82, 83, at which distance the carrying handle region 76 of the packaging blank 30 unfolded into the sales state 71 can be accommodated (see Figure 7B).

[0169] With regard to the further features designated by reference numerals, reference is made to the description of Figures 3 and 4.

[0170] Fig. 13 shows a further embodiment of a packaging unit 25, in particular a packaging unit 25 which was produced with a packaging blank 30 according to Figures 7A and 7B, wherein, for example, a printing device 8 according to one of the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9 or 10 to 12 was used for the application to the article assembly 27, 28.

[0171] In contrast to the embodiment of Fig. 1B, the packaging blank 30 is converted into a three-dimensional intermediate state 90 or a three-dimensional sales state 71 before or in temporal connection with the recording by the printing device, so that the packaging unit 25 has an upwardly extending carrying handle region 76.

[0172] With regard to the further features designated by reference numerals, reference is made to the description of Fig. 1B.

[0173] The application is also intended to cover embodiments that comprise a combination of the features of the different embodiments of packaging blanks, packaging units and printing devices.

[0174] The system described here is significantly more tolerant of mispositioned articles, thereby improving process reliability and stability. In particular, the folding tabs are securely fixed below the neck ring of bottles or below the flanged edge of cans by aligning the articles within the tool of the application head, which is designed as a pressure device. Figure 14 shows an embodiment of a beverage packaging system 100 comprising a packaging device according to the invention.

[0175] The packaging device is preferably part of a beverage packaging system. The beverage packaging system can comprise a wet section 101 with a can and / or bottle pusher 102, a filling module 103, a closing module 104 associated with the filling module, and optionally a labeling module 105. A pasteurizer can be arranged between the filling module 103 and the labeling module 105 or other downstream handling modules.

[0176] Subsequently, the beverages filled in cans or bottles are combined into packaging units in a previously described packaging device 106.

[0177] The packaging units are subsequently assembled in a grouping module 107 or similar into palletizable layers, which are stacked on pallets in a palletizing device 108.

[0178] Within the beverage packaging system 101, the articles and packaging units are transported from one handling module to the next via suitable transport systems, which may be equipped with suitable buffer systems.

[0179] The components of the beverage packaging system 101 are to be understood as examples only. Other configurations including a previously described packaging device 1 are also encompassed by the application.

[0180] The embodiments, examples, and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless the features are incompatible.

[0181] A final note should be given at this point regarding the descriptions of embodiments of the invention, whereby these descriptive passages each refer to the attached drawings. When reference is generally made to "schematic" representations and views in the context of the figures and their descriptions, this in no way means that the figures and their descriptions are of secondary importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. A person skilled in the art will be perfectly capable of deriving sufficient information from the schematic and abstractly drawn representations to facilitate their understanding of the invention, without their understanding being in any way impaired by the drawn proportions, which may not be exactly to scale.The figures thus enable the skilled reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive concept formulated in a more general and / or abstract manner in the claims and in the general part of the description on the basis of the more concretely explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more concretely explained functioning of the device according to the invention.

[0182] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or variations of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.

[0183] List of reference symbols

[0184] 1 packaging device

[0185] 2 Feeding device

[0186] 3 Dividing device

[0187] 4 Application module

[0188] 5 Application head

[0189] 6 Magazine

[0190] 7 Strapping module

[0191] 8 Printing device

[0192] 9 Bottom

[0193] 10 Recording area

[0194] 11 Recording

[0195] 12 circumference deviating from a circular circumference, at least partially curved

[0196] 13 elliptical circumference

[0197] 14 Main axis

[0198] 15 First length

[0199] 16 Minor axis Second length

[0200] Alignment geometry

[0201] Article

[0202] Bottle

[0203] bottle body

[0204] Lid area

[0205] Neck ring

[0206] Packaging unit

[0207] Container

[0208] Article compilation strapped article compilation

[0209] Packaging unit

[0210] Packaging cut upper grip carton packaging

[0211] Passage opening with a circumference deviating from a circular circumference and curved at least in some areas

[0212] Fixing device

[0213] Fixing tab

[0214] Incision deviating from a circular circumference, at least partially curved circumference

[0215] Main axis

[0216] Minor axis

[0217] strapping

[0218] Longitudinal axis

[0219] fold line

[0220] fold line

[0221] fold line

[0222] Carrying handle opening

[0223] Carrying handle opening

[0224] ellipse

[0225] Main axis first length

[0226] Minor axis second length 0 first height 1 elliptical capture area 2 funnel-shaped area 3 second height 4 circular circumference 5 cylindrical area 6 diameter 0 storage condition 1 sales condition 2 distance 3 area 4 area between center fold line and outer fold line 5 area between center fold line and outer fold line 6 carrying handle area 7 carrying opening 8 material layer packaging blank 0 partial area of ​​the packaging blank 1 partial area of ​​the packaging blank 2 first partial area of ​​the printing plate 3 second partial area of ​​the printing plate 0 intermediate state 0 beverage packaging system 1 wet part 2 can and / or bottle pusher 3 filling module 4 closing module 5 labeling module 6 packaging device 7 grouping module 8 palletizing device a first angle ß second angle

Claims

Claims 1. Packaging device (1) for attaching a packaging blank (30) to an article assembly (27, 28) comprising at least two articles (20), the packaging device (1) comprising: • at least one feeding device (2) for the articles (20), • at least one dividing device (3) for dividing at least two articles (20) as an article combination (27, 28), • at least one application head (4) for applying and fixing the packaging blank (30) to the article assembly (27, 28), which application head (4) is designed to receive at least one packaging blank (30) and to apply it to the article assembly (27, 28) so that the packaging blank (30) applied to the articles (20) is arranged at least partially between the articles (20), • wherein the application head (4) comprises a printing device (8), the underside (9) of which is designed as a receiving area (10) for the at least one packaging blank (30), • wherein the printing device (8) comprises at least one receptacle (11) extending upwards from the receptacle area (10), which receptacle (11) is designed to receive an upper portion of an article (20), and • wherein the receptacle (11) in the receptacle region (10) has a circumference (12) which deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in some regions.

2. Packaging device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one receptacle (11) in the receiving area (10) each has a circumference formed as an oval, in particular a circumference formed as an ellipse (13).

3. Packaging device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the packaging device (1) comprises at least one transport device for the article assemblies (27, 28), which is designed to convey the article assemblies (27, 28) to the at least one application head (4) in a transport direction (TR), wherein the at least one receptacle (11) with a particularly elliptical circumference (13) has a main axis (14) with a first length (15) and a secondary axis (16) with a second length (17) which is shorter than the first length (15), wherein the main axis (14) is arranged particularly parallel to the transport direction (TR).

4. Packaging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving area (10) is flat.

5. Packaging device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the receiving area (10) comprises two partial areas (82, 83) arranged at an angle to one another, wherein each partial area (82, 83) comprises at least one receptacle (11).

6. Packaging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing device (8) is formed in at least two parts, wherein each partial area (82, 83) comprises at least one receptacle (11).

7. Packaging blank (30) for combining at least two articles (20) to form a packaging unit (25), • wherein the packaging blank (30) has at least two through-openings (32), which through-openings (32) are each designed to receive an upper portion of an article (20), • wherein the passage openings (32) each have a circumference (33) which deviates from a circular circumference and is at least partially curved, or • wherein the through-openings (32) are assigned incisions (36) extending radially from the center of the through-openings (32), wherein the end points of the incisions (36) are arranged on a circumference (37) which deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in some regions.

8. Packaging blank (30) according to claim 7, wherein the passage openings (32) with their circumference (33) deviating from a circular circumference each have a circumference formed as an oval, in particular a circumference (33) formed as an ellipse (50).

9. Packaging blank (30) according to claim 7, in which the through-openings (32) are assigned incisions (36) extending radially from the opening center of the through-openings (32), wherein the end points of the incisions (36) are arranged on a circumference (37) which deviates from a circular circumference and is at least partially curved, and wherein the circumference (37) comprising the end points of the incisions (36) is in each case designed as an oval, in particular as an ellipse.

10. Packaging unit comprising at least two articles (20) which are combined by a packaging blank (30), • wherein the packaging blank (30) is arranged at least partially between the at least two articles (20), • wherein the packaging blank (30) has at least two through-openings (32), which through-openings (32) are each designed to receive an upper portion of an article (20), • wherein the through-openings (32), at least before application of the packaging blank (30) to the at least two articles (20), each have a circumference (33) which deviates from a circular circumference and is at least partially curved, or • wherein the through-openings (32) are assigned incisions extending radially from the center point of the through-openings (32), wherein the end points of the incisions are arranged on a circumference (37) which deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in regions.

11. Packaging unit according to claim 10, wherein the passage openings (32) with their circumference (33) deviating from a circular circumference each have a circumference (33) formed as an oval, in particular a circumference (33) formed as an ellipse.

12. Packaging unit according to claim 10, in which the through-openings (32) are assigned incisions (36) extending radially from the opening center of the through-openings (32), wherein the end points of the incisions (36) are arranged on a circumference (37) which deviates from a circular circumference and is at least partially curved, and wherein the end points of the The circumference (37) comprising incisions (36) is each formed as an oval, in particular as an ellipse.

13. A method for producing a packaging unit (25) by attaching a packaging blank (30) to an article assembly (27, 28) comprising at least two articles (20), in which method • at least two articles (20) are compiled as an article compilation (27, 28), • at least one packaging blank (30) is applied to the article assembly (27, 28) by means of a printing device (8), wherein the packaging blank (30) is arranged at least partially between the articles (20), • wherein incorrect positioning of the articles (20) can be corrected by catching the articles (20) by means of a receptacle (11) of the printing device (8), which receptacle (11) has a circumference that deviates from a circular circumference and is curved at least in some areas in a receptacle area (10) on an underside (9) of the printing device (8).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the receiving area (10) of the printing device (8) comprises at least two partial areas (82, 83), wherein each partial area (82, 83) comprises at least one receptacle (11), wherein the packaging blank (30) is transferred from a flat storage state (90) into a folded, three-dimensional intermediate state (90) or into a folded, three-dimensional packaging state (71), wherein the unfolded packaging blank (30) is applied to the article assembly (27, 28) to form a packaging unit (25).

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the partial areas (82, 83) are arranged at an angle to one another, wherein the packaging blank (30) is transferred from the flat storage state (90) into the folded, three-dimensional intermediate state (90) before being picked up by the printing device (8) or in temporal connection with the picking up by the printing device (8), in which intermediate state (90) two partial areas (80, 81) arranged at an angle to one another are formed, wherein the packaging blank (30) is picked up by the printing device (8) in such a way that in each case one partial area (80, 81) of the Packaging blank (30) is assigned to a partial area (82, 83) of the printing device (8).

Images