Packaging machine and method for producing packaging units

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging machine (1) and to a method for producing packaging units (105). The packaging units (105) are in each instance formed of at least two articles (101) combined using straps (100). The packaging machine (1) comprises a classifying or grouping module (7) for providing groups (103) of articles, a magazine for providing a supply of strapping material, and a customization module (4), in which the supply or endless supply of provided strapping material is used to form individual straps (100). Furthermore, the packaging machine (1) comprises an application module (5) with devices for mechanically combining the group (103) of articles by slipping the prepared straps (100) onto the group (103) of articles to form the packaging units (105).

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] The present application claims priority to International Application PCT / EP2023 / 084506, filed Dec. 6, 2023, which in turn claims priority to German Application DE 10 2023 103 032.9, filed Feb. 8, 2023, which are incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a packaging machine and to a method for producing packaging units. The packaging units are in each instance formed of two or more articles combined by strapping.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Packaging machines are used for a wide variety of packaging tasks, such as the production of packaging units consisting of multiple similar piece goods or individual articles. In principle, a user has numerous options available to combine individual articles or piece goods units into larger packages. For example, beverage containers are usually combined and packaged by shrink films to form packages of four, six or more beverage containers. The production of packages is usually indispensable since they are the most common variant of sales units for beverage containers, such as bottles made of PET plastic material. In some cases, the containers are combined again for transport and / or assembled and palletized in layers.

[0004] The shrink films used to produce common package variants require specific manufacturing steps, all of which are associated with relatively high energy consumption. In addition, the shrink film used incurs costs for production, provision, handling as well as later disposal since it is no longer needed after the sale. The necessary machinery for providing the so-called film wrapping modules and other handling stations also incurs high investment costs. Finally, a relatively high investment of capital is also for the provision of the so-called shrink tunnel, with which the shrink film wrapped around the package is shrunk around the bottles by hot air application.

[0005] So-called strapped packages can be considered a technical alternative to shrink-wrapped packages. Typically, in strapped packages, a plurality of articles are held together by a strap that is tensioned horizontally around the outer sides of the articles, which strap is mostly placed around the articles during an uninterrupted conveying process and is subsequently fixed in place. The strapping is made of at least one band tensioned around the outer sides of the articles and subsequently connected at its ends under pre-tension. For example, in continuous or cyclically operating strapping machines, containers, articles or bottles are grouped into formations and are then strapped with one or optionally more bands horizontally tensioned around the piece goods using strapping units. Typical formations can be, for example, 1×2 arrangements (two containers in a row), 2×2 arrangements (four containers in a square or diamond formation), 3×2, 4×3 or in principle also variable n×m arrangements.

[0006] The production of such strapped packages is described, for example, in published patent application DE 10 2009 040 700 A1.

[0007] However, the disadvantage of the strapped packages described is that the strap is connected to a closed strapping ring on the articles. In particular, additional process time is required to produce a stable connection, which is a significant disadvantage with regard to the necessary production time and achievable machine performance, in particular in the case of continuous processing. In addition, any function required on the closer tool to produce the closed strapping increases the complexity of the packaging process and the strapping and closer tools used.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The aim of the present invention can be seen in optimizing a packaging process for producing packaging units, such as in particular strapped packages, in particular to make it cost-efficient, safe and fast, even if flat material that is relatively difficult to process, such as paper or thin cardboard, is used as strapping material.

[0009] The stated objective is achieved by a packaging machine and a method for producing packaging units, which are characterized by the features of the corresponding independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and additionally in the following description of the invention.

[0010] In practice, it has been shown that the initial production and application of closed straps with sufficient pre-tension to ready article groupings is fraught with uncertainty since the strapping heads used to date require both a precisely controlled feed of the strapping band used for strapping from a supply and sensitive handling and guidance of the band material within the strapping heads in order to achieve the desired results during the production of packaging units or strapped packages. Another problem are the usually high processing speeds within the strapping regions of packaging machines, which makes precise band guidance and overall handling of the band sections to be guided within the strapping heads even more difficult.

[0011] While the existing requirements can still be met well when using relatively stiff plastic material as strapping band, so that proven technical solutions for handling and processing plastic strapping material are available, thinner and less rigid materials cause increasing problems, which under unfavorable circumstances can lead to frequent disruptions in the production process. In particular when using cellulose-based strapping material, such as thinner cardboard or paper material, there are additional uncertainties in the production process, such as those caused by variable ambient temperatures and, in particular, by air humidity values at the production site that fluctuate greatly or are difficult to calculate.

[0012] For the reasons mentioned, the present invention proposes that, for the production of strapped packages, the straps used for this purpose be no longer produced directly in the strapping heads that are placed around the provided article groupings or placed over these article groupings from above and that the band tension required for keeping the articles in the package group stably together be applied to the bands there, but that these processes be separated from one another both spatially and temporally.

[0013] That is to say that the straps are optionally produced and prepared as closed straps with a suitable loop length immediately before being applied to or onto the article groupings to be strapped, but that this production and / or preparation process no longer has to take place directly at the article grouping, but can be spatially separated from the location where the article groupings are provided.

[0014] In addition, the production and / or preparation process for the closed straps preferably does not take place during application and thus directly at the article grouping, but can also take place beforehand and thus separately from the time of combining the article grouping and strapping.

[0015] The invention therefore proposes producing closed strapping rings made of paper, cardboard and / or cellulose-containing or other suitable strapping material in the required circumferential length by differently and newly configured functional modules in a correspondingly equipped packaging machine and by correspondingly configured or modified method steps.

[0016] The strapping material used for the strapping rings can preferably be drawn off from supply units wound endlessly on rolls, and processed. In particular, the strapping material is continuously drawn off and then processed in cycles, wherein the strapping material is buffered in a so-called dancer.

[0017] The packaging units produced with the packaging machine according to the invention and by the method according to the invention are in each instance formed of at least two grouped articles, which are combined and mechanically held together by at least one strapping ring.

[0018] In principle, the strapping ring as used in the packaging machine according to the invention and in the method according to the invention can be made of any paper or cardboard material, optionally of a paper-like material, a plastic material, a composite material or the like. The strapping ring encircles the group of articles, wherein the strapping ring is arranged in a tensioned manner around appropriate regions of the outer lateral surfaces of the articles.

[0019] The circumference of the strapping rings can be reasonably selected such that a single paper or cardboard ring can be pulled over a certain number of provided articles, whereby the articles are possibly pressed together such that a compact package or strapped package is created. Individual strapping rings as mentioned here can also mean multiple strapping rings that are pulled and tensioned over individual article groupings at reasonable intervals.

[0020] The strapping ring has a reasonable circumference that can provide sufficient band tension to hold together and stabilize the group of articles.

[0021] In contrast to the known prior art, in particular a closed strapping ring is used instead of an open band section, which is then glued or clamped to the article grouping or otherwise adapted to form a closed ring. This means that, with the present invention, it is no longer necessary to produce a mechanically resilient connection between free end regions of the strapping material on the group of articles; instead, the strapping rings are preferably joined together at a location separate from the group of articles and are in particular pre-tailored or prepared in such a way that they can be pulled over the provided article groupings as finished strapping rings in order to form the desired packaging units in this way.

[0022] When speaking primarily and sometimes exclusively of articles in this context, which in grouped form are combined by strapping to form packaging units, it should be noted that the term “article” used can refer to a wide variety of piece goods which are initially grouped and, in the grouped state, are combined as groups of multiple similar articles or piece goods to form strapped packages or packaging units.

[0023] A typical example of similar articles or piece goods are beverage containers, in particular those in the form of bottles or cans, wherein the beverage containers can in particular be PET containers or other plastic containers. Thus, the articles to be grouped together can in particular be containers filled with a fluid content, for example bottles or cans, in particular beverage containers. However, this exemplary list should not be understood to be limiting, since bottles or beverage bottles made of mineral glass can be grouped and strapped in the same way.

[0024] However, the bottles, cans or similar containers can also be filled, for example, with liquid cosmetics such as shampoo or the like. Likewise, Tetrapaks or beverage cans made of plastic or thin sheet metal can be combined to form strapped packages, so that the articles can, by definition, also be formed by Tetrapaks, i.e., composite packaging, or by beverage cans.

[0025] Therefore, if beverage containers are mentioned, this should not be understood to be limiting, since the articles or containers can in principle also be filled with other ingredients, such as liquid or pasty foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicines, etc., or optionally with other liquid, pasty or even granular substances. All such or similar filled containers should basically fall under the generic term “article” or “piece goods” used here and should be understood as such by those skilled in the art.

[0026] The packaging machine according to the invention can, for example, have the following sub-functions, which build on one another or complement one another in an expedient sequence in the machine configuration and are thus configured and combined in an expedient processing sequence. These sub-functions can in particular include a magazine for the strapping material and a buffer arranged downstream of the magazine and often referred to as a dancer to compensate for discontinuous or fluctuating further processing speeds of the strapping material in the material flow. Such a buffer or dancer can compensate for irregular processing speeds in subsequent conveyor and handling sections for the strapping material and ensure a uniform withdrawal of the band material from rolls or other magazine variants.

[0027] Furthermore, the packaging machine can comprise, as a subassembly, a band alignment, a cutting device for cutting suitable band sections to length, a belt conveyor for further conveying the cut and trimmed band sections, etc., wherein the belt conveyor can optionally have a switch for supplying two or more application stations so that multiple article groupings can each be equipped with cut and suitably configured straps simultaneously or in a staggered sequence.

[0028] The optional switch or the belt conveyor can also be followed by a feed to a suitable winding device, which can optionally be coupled with an option for discharging defective or otherwise objectionable straps. Within the winding device, the desired straps can be produced in the appropriate loop length, after which they can, for example, be glued, clamped together or otherwise connected and converted into closed straps.

[0029] The provision and, if necessary, the stretching of the straps preconfigured in this way can in turn take place in a separate machine module or in a machine module arranged downstream in the direction of material flow, so that the provided article groupings can be equipped with the finished straps and the desired strapped packages can thus be produced and, in particular, finalized to produce packaging units.

[0030] If no detailed statement is made about further provisions of the strapped packages at this point, this does not mean that no such further provisions should or could be made. For example, the strapped packages can be equipped with additional carrying handles that can either be anchored to the articles, for example by gluing corresponding band sections to suitable regions of the container's lateral surfaces, or that can be connected to the strapping band placed around the articles and preferably slightly pre-tensioned, for example by looping, clamping, gluing or similar connection.

[0031] In order to achieve the above-stated objective, the present invention thus proposes a packaging machine for producing packaging units, wherein the packaging units are in each instance formed of at least two articles combined by strapping. According to the present invention, the packaging machine first comprises a classifying or grouping module for providing groups of articles, wherein the groups of articles each comprise a defined number and combination of at least two articles, i.e., in particular grouped articles in a defined number.

[0032] The packaging machine further comprises a magazine for providing a supply of strapping material, in particular in the form of an endless supply, which supply keeps ready and provides the strapping material in a length that corresponds to a plurality of individual straps. When speaking about a defined length of the strapping material at this point, which can correspond to a multiple of the particular band lengths for the strapping sections, it must be taken into account that the length of the individual band sections is usually greater than a circumferential length of the corresponding article grouping to be strapped, since this takes into account an overlap region where the meeting end regions of the band section to be connected overlap.

[0033] In addition, the packaging machine preferably comprises a customization module, in which the supply or endless supply of provided strapping material is used to form individual straps, wherein a circumferential length of each individual strap corresponds to the circumference of the group of articles or the packaging unit to be formed.

[0034] At this point, it should again be pointed out that the length of the individual band sections must generally be greater than a circumferential length of the article grouping to be strapped since this takes into account the overlap region where the meeting end regions of the band section to be connected overlap.

[0035] Finally, the packaging machine comprises an application module with devices for mechanically combining the group of articles by slipping the prepared straps onto the group of articles to form the packaging units. The application module is not equipped with conventional strapping heads, but with mechanically less complex devices for handling the previously formed straps or closed strapping rings, in which neither a band feeder and band guidance nor a complex closing unit for fixing overlapping band ends to one another is required.

[0036] The devices referred to here for combining the article groupings with the straps must first and foremost be suitable and appropriately equipped to handle the straps in order to be able to apply and position them on the article groupings provided for this purpose.

[0037] In one embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, the magazine for the strapping material to be provided can have one, two or more magazine units, which can be removed individually and independently of one another from the magazine and which, when removed from the magazine and in particular after the supply of strapping material previously contained therein has been used up, can each be loaded with new consumption units of strapping material.

[0038] Such a removal and / or loading process of a magazine unit or multiple magazine units can be carried out either manually, automatically or semi-automatically, i.e., with machine support, if necessary with the aid of program-controlled handling machines.

[0039] The strapping material located in at least one magazine unit can, for example, be wound on a roll, which is unwound during operation of the packaging machine to supply the customization module communicating therewith, under constant consumption of the strapping material. Since such rolls are easy to handle both in storage and in use as a quickly exchangeable band material storage within the packaging machine, they are particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0040] In another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, a buffer region can be located between the magazine and the customization module, which buffer region combines an irregular, a clocked and / or a regularly or irregularly intermittent operation of the customization module with a continuous feeding and provision of the strapping material from the supply.

[0041] As already mentioned above, such buffer regions are also known under the trivial term “dancer,” wherein the primary task of such a material buffer or dancer is to be able to continuously convey endlessly or quasi-endlessly fed consumable material out of the magazine or supply region without having to subsequently continuously process and convey the band-like consumable material at the same conveying speed or at all. Rather, the buffer region or dancer allows discontinuous conveying and / or further processing of the band material to be combined with continuous or largely uninterrupted feeding from the magazine or supply region.

[0042] In a further expedient embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, the customization module can be configured and equipped to form individual straps in the form of individual pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings from the strapping material provided in the magazine. This means that technically relatively complex strapping heads can be dispensed with in a packaging machine equipped and configured in this way, since the strapping rings can be completed separately from article groupings.

[0043] Also, in another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, a cutting unit for cutting to length the strapping band sections required for individual straps from the endlessly provided strapping material can be assigned to the customization module or arranged upstream thereof in a conveying direction of the strapping material. Such a cutting unit must be arranged at an expedient place between the individual processing and handling modules in order to cut to length the required band sections for the individual straps from the endless material of strapping material provided from the magazine.

[0044] In another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, the customization module can in particular comprise a winding device, which winding device is preferably configured to join the strapping band sections of the strapping material to form pre-tailored closed strapping rings. Here, the start and end regions of the strapping band sections that meet or partially overlap can be adhesively connected to one another.

[0045] Another embodiment may provide for a butt joint to be produced between the start and end regions of the strapping band sections.

[0046] In principle, instead of the winding device mentioned, another suitable machine subassembly capable of producing the required closed strapping rings from cut-to-length band sections could be provided.

[0047] The connection of the meeting or partially overlapping start and end regions of the strapping band sections can be made either by welding, gluing, clamping or in another way, wherein it must be ensured that the connection points preferably withstand the same mechanical loads as the other regions of the strapping rings. This means that the adhesive points should essentially not form any weakening points for the strapping rings.

[0048] In another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, a number of application units in the application module can correspond in particular to a number of winding devices in the customization module, wherein two or more application units can communicate with a corresponding number of winding devices. As already mentioned elsewhere, multiple application units can be combined in the packaging machine in order to be able simultaneously to equip multiple article groupings with strapping rings and to further process them into packaging units. In order to be able to supply the multiple application units with strapping rings at a sufficient speed, it is therefore advisable to provide a corresponding number of winding devices.

[0049] In another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, two or more winding devices in the customization module can be supplied by a distribution device, which can expediently be located between the cutting unit and the winding devices so that the distribution device (or switch) can supply the winding devices with cut-to-length strapping band sections as required.

[0050] Furthermore, the application module communicating with the customization module and supplied from there with prepared straps, in particular with pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings, can have at least one application unit in the packaging machine according to the invention. The application unit is used to equip the prepared and provided article groupings with at least one strap or at least one strapping ring each in order to form the finished packaging units in this way.

[0051] In another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, the at least one application unit can have a tensioning and / or spreading device for receiving the strap or strapping ring, which tensioning and / or spreading device is suitable and appropriately equipped to bring the strap or strapping ring into a shape that allows it to be joined to the prepared and provided article grouping.

[0052] Finally, in another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, the application unit can be configured as a tool head that has controllable manipulation tools and can be moved within a defined movement space. Optionally, the application unit can be equipped with a tool head that has controllable manipulation tools and can be moved within a defined movement space.

[0053] If, from the point of view of a person skilled in the art, a useful combination with one another is possible, some or all of these above-mentioned variations or embodiment variants of the packaging machine according to the invention can optionally also be combined with one another in order to achieve the above-stated objective at least partially and / or to achieve the desired effect of the invention.

[0054] In order to achieve the above-stated objective, the present invention further proposes a method for producing packaging units having the features of the independent method claim, wherein the packaging units are in each instance formed of at least two articles combined by strapping. The method comprises the following method steps mentioned or explained below. First, in the method, strapping material is provided from a supply, in particular from an endless supply, which contains and provides the strapping material in an amount that corresponds to a plurality of individual straps.

[0055] Furthermore, the method provides for the feeding and in particular the continuous conveying of the strapping material from the supply or endless supply to a customization module, in which the supply or endless supply of provided strapping material is used to form individual straps, wherein the circumferential length of each individual strap corresponds in particular to the circumference of the group of articles or the packaging unit to be formed.

[0056] The method according to the invention moreover provides for the feeding and further conveying of the straps to an application module, in which grouped articles are provided in a defined number and equipped with the prepared straps to form the packaging units by slipping the straps onto the individual article groupings provided.

[0057] In one embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, the strapping material is kept ready as a supply in at least one magazine and is provided or made available to the customization module, wherein the magazine can have one, two or more magazine units, which can be removed individually and independently of one another from the magazine and which, when removed from the magazine and in particular after the strapping material previously contained therein has been used up, can each be equipped with new consumption units of strapping material.

[0058] The method or an embodiment variant of the method according to the invention can furthermore provide for the strapping material located in the at least one magazine for supplying the customization module to be continuously or approximately continuously unwound from a roll and to be constantly consumed in the process.

[0059] In another embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, the strapping material can be variably buffered between the magazine and the customization module, wherein buffering the strapping material can combine an irregular, a clocked and / or a regularly or irregularly intermittent operation of the customization module with a continuous and uninterrupted feeding and provision of the strapping material from the supply stored in the magazine.

[0060] In another embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, it can be provided for individual straps in the form of individual pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings to be formed in the customization module from the strapping material provided in the magazine as a supply or endless supply.

[0061] The method according to the invention can be furthermore provided such that the endlessly provided strapping material is cut into individual strapping band sections and cut to length for this purpose, wherein the strapping band sections can each be converted into the strapping rings as required for strapping the article groupings. The length of the strapping band sections is preferably longer by an overlap region than the circumferential length of the pre-tailored strapping. The overlap region corresponds in particular to the region of the start and end regions of the corresponding strapping band section that are connected to one another in a closed, pre-tailored strapping.

[0062] In another embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, the straps produced in the customization module can be joined together by at least one winding device to form pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings, the meeting or partially overlapping start and end regions of which are adhesively connected to one another.

[0063] Optionally, two or more winding devices in the customization module can be supplied by a distribution device, which can expediently be located between a cutting unit and the winding devices, wherein the distribution device can supply the winding devices with cut-to-length strapping band sections as required.

[0064] In another embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, the application module communicating with the customization module and supplied therefrom with prepared straps, in particular with pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings, can have at least one application unit for equipping the prepared and provided article groupings with at least one strap or at least one strapping ring each in order to be able to form the packaging units in this way.

[0065] Finally, the method can provide for the prepared straps or strapping rings to be stretched or spread, whereby the strap or strapping ring is brought into a shape that allows it to be joined to the prepared and provided article grouping.

[0066] If, from the point of view of a person skilled in the art, a useful combination with one another is possible, some or all of these above-mentioned variations or embodiment variants of the method according to the invention can optionally also be combined with one another in order to at least partially achieve the above-stated objective and / or to achieve the desired effect of the invention.

[0067] It should also be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and embodiment variants which have been explained in connection with the packaging machine according to the invention can also relate to, or be, partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if the description or the claim definitions pertaining to the packaging machine according to the invention makes mention of certain aspects and / or correlations and / or effects, this applies equally to the method according to the invention.

[0068] The same applies vice versa, so that all aspects and embodiment variants which have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention can also relate to, or be, partial aspects of the packaging machine according to the invention.

[0069] Therefore, if the description or the claim definitions pertaining to the method according to the invention make mention of certain aspects and / or correlations and / or effects, this applies equally to the packaging machine according to the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0070] Exemplary embodiments of the invention and their advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions of the individual elements relative to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual proportions since some forms are simplified, while other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a highly schematic view of some components of an embodiment variant of a packaging machine according to the invention.

[0072] FIG. 2A shows another embodiment of a packaging machine in a schematic plan view from above.

[0073] FIG. 2B shows the embodiment of the packaging machine according to FIG. 2A in a perspective representation.

[0074] FIG. 3A to 3D show various representations of a combined customization / application module, which can be part of a packaging machine according to FIG. 1 and / or according to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0075] FIG. 4A to 4F show different representations of a supply module, wherein FIGS. 4A and 4C show in particular the supply module in a production mode and FIG. 4B and 4D to 4F show the supply module in a changeover mode.

[0076] FIGS. 5A and 5B show different perspective representations of a customization unit of the combined customization / application module according to FIG. 3A to 3D.

[0077] FIGS. 6A and 6B show different perspective representations of a cutting device of the customization unit of the combined customization / application module according to FIG. 3A to 3D.

[0078] FIGS. 7A and 7B show different perspective representations of a vacuum conveyor unit of the customization unit of the combined customization / application module according to FIG. 3A to 3D.

[0079] FIGS. 8A and 8B show different perspective representations of a winding and pushing unit of the customization unit of the combined customization / application module according to FIG. 3A to 3D.

[0080] FIGS. 9A and 9B show different perspective representations of a gluing device of the customization unit of the combined customization / application module according to FIG. 3A to 3D.

[0081] FIGS. 10A and 10B show different perspective representations of a stretching and provisioning device of the customization unit of the combined customization / application module according to FIG. 3A to 3D.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0082] Usually, the same reference numerals are used in FIG. 1 to 10B for elements of the invention that are identical or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference signs that are required for the description of the figure in question are sometimes shown in the individual figures. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the invention, i.e., in particular the packaging machine according to the invention or the packaging method according to the invention, can be configured, and they are non-limiting.

[0083] The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently of one another or in any combination.

[0084] Features described in connection with an embodiment are applicable for all embodiments unless the features are incompatible.

[0085] FIG. 1 is a highly schematic view of the structure of a packaging machine 1 or at least some of its interacting components or subassemblies.

[0086] The packaging machine 1 is intended to produce packaging units 105 (only indicated here), wherein the packaging units 105 are in each instance formed of at least two articles 101 combined by strapping 100.

[0087] The packaging machine 1 comprises a classifying or grouping module 2, in which at least two articles 101 are combined to form a group 103 of articles. The articles 101 to be combined are preferably containers filled with a liquid content, for example bottles 102 or cans, in particular beverage containers. However, the bottles 102, beverage containers, cans or similar containers can also be filled, for example, with liquid cosmetics such as shampoo or the like. Optionally, the bottles 102, beverage containers, cans or similar containers can also contain granular filling material.

[0088] The packaging machine 1 further comprises a feed region 3 for providing strapping material from a supply (not shown here). The supply can, in particular, be an endless supply that contains and provides the strapping material in an amount that corresponds to a plurality of individual straps 100. The feed region 3 can be formed by, or can comprise, for example, a magazine or the like, in which packaging material is provided, in particular as band material.

[0089] An embodiment of the packaging machine 1, which is understood to be optional, is characterized in that the feed region 3 with the supply of strapping material provided there can communicate with a customization module 4. The feed region 3 leading to the customization module 4 is supplied from the supply with strapping material, which is kept ready there and preferably provided to the feed region 3 in a suitable manner.

[0090] The feed region 3 with the supply of strapping material provided there can be formed by, or can comprise, for example, a magazine 15 described in the following FIG. 4A to 4F.

[0091] The magazine 15, which is described in more detail in FIG. 4A to 4F, can have one, two or more magazine units 16, which can be removed individually and independently of one another from the magazine 15, which magazine units can be formed, for example, by the magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 described in connection with FIG. 4A to 4F.

[0092] When removed from the magazine 15 and, in particular, after the supply of strapping material previously contained therein has been used up, the magazine units can be equipped with new consumption units of strapping material.

[0093] The strapping material is preferably wound on a roll and provided as a supply in the magazine 15, which roll is unwound during operation of the packaging machine 1 to supply the feed region 3 of the customization module 4 communicating therewith, under constant consumption of the strapping material.

[0094] An embodiment not shown in detail can provide for a buffer region for the variable buffering of strapping material to be located between the feed region 3 and the customization module 4, which buffer region combines an irregular, a clocked and / or a regularly or irregularly intermittent operation of the customization module 4 with a continuous feeding and provision of the strapping material from the supply stored in the magazine 15.

[0095] Another embodiment may also provide for such a buffer region to be assigned to the magazine 15.

[0096] In the customization module 4, the supply or endless supply of provided strapping material is used to form individual straps 100 in the form of individual pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings, wherein the circumferential length of each individual strap 100 corresponds to the circumference of the group 103 of articles or to the circumference of the packaging unit 105 to be formed. The circumference of the group 103 of articles or the circumference of the packaging unit 105 to be formed depends in particular on a number and size of articles 101 combined in the packaging unit 105 and / or corresponds to a dimension of the packaging unit 105 to be formed.

[0097] The strapping material can in particular be made of a paper material, a cardboard material, a paper-like or cardboard-like material, a plastic material, a composite material or the like.

[0098] The strap 100 encircles the group 103 of articles, wherein the strapping ring forming the strap 100 is arranged tensioned around regions of the outer lateral surfaces of the articles 101. The strapping ring or strap 100 has a circumference that provides sufficient band tension to hold together and stabilize the group 103 of articles.

[0099] In contrast to the known prior art, a closed strapping ring 104 is formed in particular within the packaging machine 1 and is applied to groups 103 of articles, i.e., it is no longer necessary to make a connection between free end regions of the strapping material on the group 103 of articles. The in particular closed strapping ring 104 is produced in particular within the customization module 4 from the supply or endless supply and is thus provided as a pre-tailored strap 100.

[0100] Preferably, a cutting unit (not shown in FIG. 1) for cutting to length the strapping band sections required for individual straps 100 from the endlessly provided strapping material is assigned to the customization module 4, or the cutting unit is arranged upstream of the customization module 4 in a conveying direction of the strapping material.

[0101] In such a cutting unit, which is understood to be optional, strapping band sections of suitable length can be formed, wherein the strapping band sections should each have a length suitable for producing the straps. The length of the strapping band sections is preferably longer by an overlap region than the circumferential length of the pre-tailored strapping. The overlap region corresponds to the region of the start and end regions of the strapping band section that are connected to one another in a closed, pre-tailored strapping.

[0102] Preferably, the customization module 4 comprises at least one winding device (also not shown here), which winding device is configured to join the strapping band sections of the strapping material to form pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings, wherein the meeting or partially overlapping start and end regions of the strapping band sections are connected to one another.

[0103] It can be further provided for two or more winding devices in the customization module 4 to be supplied by a distribution device, which distribution device can expediently be located between the cutting unit and the winding devices, wherein the distribution device supplies the winding devices with appropriately cut-to-length strapping band sections as required.

[0104] The packaging machine 1 further comprises an application module 5, which application module 5 is preferably configured and equipped to attach the pre-tailored, in particular closed, straps 100 produced in the customization module 4 to groups 103 of articles respectively provided for this purpose.

[0105] The application module 5 communicates with the customization module 4 and is supplied by the latter with appropriately prepared straps 100. The application module 5 comprises at least one application unit 11, for example an application head, which application unit is configured to equip a prepared and provided article grouping with at least one pre-tailored strap 100 each and to form the required packaging units 105 in this way.

[0106] It is particularly preferably provided for the packaging machine 1 to comprise a defined number of application units, wherein the number of application units in the at least one application module 5 corresponds to an equal number of winding devices in the at least one customization module 4, wherein two or more application units communicate with a corresponding number of winding devices.

[0107] It is preferably provided for the packaging machine 1 to comprise at least one tensioning and / or spreading device (not shown in FIG. 1) for receiving the strap or strapping ring, which tensioning and / or spreading device brings the strap or strapping ring into a shape that allows it to be joined with the prepared and provided article grouping 103.

[0108] The tensioning and / or spreading device can transfer the correspondingly shaped strap 100 to the application unit. Alternatively, the tensioning and / or spreading device can also be configured as a component of the application device so that the strap 100 is converted into the applicable form within the application module 5.

[0109] Optionally, the application unit can be configured as a tool head that has controllable manipulation tools and can be moved within a defined movement space.

[0110] With the aid of the described packaging machine 1, a method can thus be carried out which comprises the steps described below. In the method, strapping material is provided in a supply, in particular as an endless supply, which contains and provides the strapping material in an amount that corresponds to a plurality of individual straps 100.

[0111] The strapping material is fed from the supply to the customization module 4. This is preferably done via a continuous conveying process. Within the customization module 4, individual straps 100 are formed from the provided strapping material, wherein the circumferential length of each individual strap 100 corresponds to the circumference, in particular to a number of articles to be combined in a packaging unit or to a dimension of the packaging unit to be formed.

[0112] In the application module 5 already mentioned above, the groups 103 of articles provided by the grouping module 2 are mechanically combined with a strap 100 provided by the customization module 4 by slipping the strap 100 onto the group 103 of articles by suitable devices or manipulation tools of the application module 5 and thereby fixing it to the articles 101 of the group 103 of articles. The packaging units 105 formed in this way are also referred to as strapped packages 106.

[0113] For example, it can be provided for the group 103 of articles to be positioned in the movement and handling space of an application unit 11 of the application module 5. At least one pre-tailored closed strapping ring is inserted into this application unit 11 and fixed in a defined position.

[0114] According to one embodiment of the invention, the application unit 11 comprises a cage with a variable opening width so that the cage can enclose the group 103 of articles on the lateral side.

[0115] The application unit 11 equipped with at least one pre-tailored strap 100 can be fed over the group 103 of articles by a feed movement, wherein the feed movement is approximately parallel to longitudinal central axes of the articles 101. During this feed movement, the cage of the application unit 11 contacts the grouped articles 101 at their lateral sides and ensures at least a slight compression of the contacted articles 101.

[0116] When reference is made to feeding the application unit 11 toward the articles 101 or to the articles 101, this may mean lowering the application unit 11 equipped with the at least one strap over the articles 101. Alternatively, it can also describe a relative movement between the application unit 11 and the group 103 of articles, which can take place by lifting the group 103 of articles and threading it into the application unit 11 from below.

[0117] In this case, it is preferably provided that the compression applied to the lateral surfaces of the articles 101 increases with increasing depth of the stroke as the application unit 11 is lowered in a defined manner, until the desired compression is achieved. The stroke required for this purpose is defined, for example, by the configuration of a compression slope on contour pieces of the application unit 11. As the downward movement progresses, the strap inserted into the application unit 11 is pushed over the compressed group 103 of articles.

[0118] Another embodiment can provide for the group 103 of articles to be inserted from above into a stretched strap 100. The above also applies analogously if the group 103 of articles is inserted into the application unit 11 by lifting it from below.

[0119] By a defined feeding of the application unit 11, which simultaneously compresses the articles 101, the strapping ring is at a predetermined position on the articles 101 of the group 103 of articles, for example in the region of a recessed grip or the like. In addition, a necessary or technically expedient band tension of the strapping 100 is ensured.

[0120] Particularly preferably, it can be provided for the customization module 4 and the application module 5 to be combined as an integrated customization / application module, wherein, for example, the customization region for the production of a pre-tailored strap 100 can be arranged below or next to a transport device for the groups 103 of articles.

[0121] In this case, it can be provided for the integrated customization / application module to be equipped with at least one application unit, which can receive a pre-tailored strap 100 from the customization region and can slip it onto a group 103 of articles arranged on the transport device.

[0122] The schematic plan view of FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of a packaging machine 1 from above, while FIG. 2B shows the packaging machine 1 according to FIG. 2A in a perspective representation.

[0123] The packaging machine 1 comprises an infeed module 6, in which bottles 102 (cf. FIG. 1) or other articles 101 (cf. FIG. 1) are moved in the transport direction TR. In the present exemplary embodiment, the articles are moved in multiple rows and guided through a lane. Optionally, however, articles can also be fed in an ordered or unordered mass flow or in another way.

[0124] From the supplied articles 101, groups 103 of articles (cf. FIG. 1), which each comprise at least two articles 101, are formed in a grouping module 7 arranged downstream in the transport direction TR. The groups 103 of articles comprise in particular a number and arrangement of articles 101, as subsequently combined in packaging units 105 to be formed (cf. FIG. 1).

[0125] In a combined customization / application module 8 following in the transport direction TR, the groups of articles are equipped with a strap 100 (cf. FIG. 1) and thus combined to form strapped packages 106 (cf. FIG. 1). The illustrated embodiment comprises two combined customization / application modules 8-1, 8-2 arranged one after the other in the transport direction TR, whereby a comparatively high product throughput can be achieved.

[0126] The configuration of a combined customization / application module 8 is illustrated in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2A to 10B.

[0127] In this packaging machine 1 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, two packaging blank application modules 9, 9-1, 9-2 arranged one behind the other in the transport direction TR are also provided, with which an upper picking box packaging can additionally be applied to the strapped packages 106 in order to additionally secure and stabilize them. However, these packaging blank application modules 9, 9-1, 9-2 are only optional and do not represent an aspect essential to the invention or indispensable for the packaging machine 1.

[0128] The packaging blanks, which are understood to be optional, are preferably so-called upper picking box packagings. The packaging blanks, which are understood to be optional, can in each instance preferably consist of a paper or cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard / plastic composite material or the like.

[0129] Each of the packaging blanks, which are understood to be optional, preferably has passage openings for the articles 101 to be combined via the packaging blank, wherein these passage openings correspond to longitudinal central axes of the articles 101 to be combined and receive them as required, optionally with the production of a form-fit connection.

[0130] The packaging blank is in each instance attached to the articles 101 in such a way that the articles 101 partially pass through the passage openings of the packaging blank and are thus held together by the packaging blank. In particular, the packaging blank is interlocked with the articles 101 in this way.

[0131] For this purpose, the passage openings of the packaging blank, which is understood to be optional, can each have suitable fixing devices that can be formed, for example, by fixing tabs. For example, fixing tabs are formed by notches or the like extending radially inward from the passage openings.

[0132] Particularly preferably, the packaging blank is in each instance secured to articles 101 in such a way that the articles 101 are each held in a clamping manner within a passage opening of the packaging blank in the region of an upper taper. In particular, bottles 102 are held in a clamping manner below a so-called neck ring and cans are held in a clamping manner below a flanged edge forming the can edge, whereby an effective interlocking between the packaging blank and the articles 101 is given in each instance.

[0133] The schematic views of FIG. 3A to 3D show various representations of an expedient embodiment variant of a combined customization / application module 8. FIG. 3A, in particular, shows a first perspective representation, while FIG. 3B shows a representation of the front side (service side).

[0134] FIG. 3C shows a representation of the rear side (operator side) and FIG. 3D shows a side representation of the combined customization / application module 8. FIG. 3A to 3C show the transport direction TR of the groups of articles through the combined customization / application module 8. In FIG. 3D, the transport direction TR is perpendicular to the drawing plane.

[0135] For the sake of simplicity, the combined customization / application module 8 is referred to below also as strapping module 10.

[0136] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a strapping module 10 is configured for the parallel processing of two groups of articles and for this purpose comprises two application units 11 (cf. FIG. 3D and FIG. 3A), which are arranged, for example, on tripods 12 (parallel kinematic suspensions or parallel kinematic robots) in order to be able to position and drive the application units 11 accordingly.

[0137] The respective straps are pre-tailored by the devices of the customization unit 13, which are arranged on a common base plate 14 and are explained in more detail in connection with FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0138] The strapping material to be pre-tailored is provided as a supply in a magazine 15, which magazine 15 is described in more detail in connection with FIG. 4A to 4F.

[0139] In a functional module comprising the customization unit 13 and the magazine, or in a customization module 4 according to FIG. 1, closed strapping rings 104, each with a circumference desired or required for the production of the packaging units 105, are produced from strapping material wound endlessly on rolls. For example, closed paper rings with a desired circumference are produced from paper wound endlessly on rolls.

[0140] The circumferential length is selected such that a single paper ring can be pulled over a certain number of articles 101 or the like, whereby they are pressed together such that a compact strapped package 106 is produced.

[0141] FIG. 4A to 4F show different representations of a magazine 15 or supply module. FIGS. 4A and 4C, in particular, show the magazine 15 in a production mode, while FIG. 4B and 4D to 4F illustrate the magazine 15 in a changeover mode.

[0142] The strapping material is preferably provided as endless material in the magazine 15. In the exemplary embodiment, the magazine 15 comprises two magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2. The magazine drawer 16-1, 16-2 to be filled is pulled out in order to insert a supply roll of strapping material. In FIG. 4B and 4D to 4F, both magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 are in an extended arrangement.

[0143] The free band end of the strapping material is prepared by the operator or a service person involved and is placed on a vacuum suction plate 17 of the magazine 15.

[0144] Each magazine drawer 16-1, 16-2 is assigned its own vacuum suction plate 17-1, 17-2 for this purpose. In particular, the free band end of the strapping material is cut off by the operator or service person, provided with double-sided adhesive tape and placed on the respective vacuum suction plate 17, 17-1, 17-2.

[0145] The magazine 15 has an expedient width B15, which corresponds to at least three times the width B16 of a magazine drawer 16-1, 16-2. The magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 can be displaced transversely together by the width B16 of a magazine drawer 16-1, 16-2, which is indicated in FIG. 4A by the displacement arrow VP.

[0146] The magazine drawer 16-1,16-2 in the middle position is the magazine unit 16 that is active for production. In FIGS. 4A and 4C, this is the magazine drawer 16-2.

[0147] Strapping material is conveyed from the active magazine drawer 16-2 in the middle position to the customization unit 13 for producing the pre-tailored strap 100 (cf.

[0148] FIG. 1).

[0149] Meanwhile, the inactive, laterally arranged magazine drawer 16-1 can be refilled with strapping material. Even though both magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 are shown in a pulled out state in FIG. 4B and 4D to 4F, it is clear from the above description that the magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 can be pulled out independently of one another. In particular, one of the magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 can thus be filled while strapping material is taken from the other magazine drawer 16-1, 16-2.

[0150] Optionally, an automatic roll change can take place within the magazine 15, provided that the necessary actuators and change mechanisms are available. The remaining band end of the strapping material is cut off within the active magazine drawer 16-2. The two magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 are then moved transversely until the previously passive magazine drawer 16-1 is in the central position.

[0151] The band end on the magazine drawer 16-2 and the band beginning from the magazine drawer 16-1 are pressed together, creating an adhesive bond by the applied adhesive tape.

[0152] Preferably, the connection point is conveyed through the packaging machine 1 or at least through the customization unit 13 or the customization module 4 and discharged further back or in subsequent conveying positions. This prevents a subsequently produced, pre-tailored strap 100 from containing the additional connection point.

[0153] A storage device 18 for strapping material, for example a so-called dancer 19, is arranged centrally above the magazine 19, in particular centrally above the centrally arranged magazine drawers 16-2. The active dancer 19 allows the strapping material to be unrolled continuously, whereas the conveyance of the strapping material within the customization unit 13 or customization module 4 can be carried out in particular in a clocked or discontinuous manner.

[0154] Following the dancer 19, the strapping material is guided via a band alignment 20 to a vacuum conveyor unit 55, described in more detail in connection with FIG. 7A and / or FIG. 7B, which adjusts the position of the strapping material to a desired target position.

[0155] The magazine 15 can receive rolls of strapping material made of different suitable materials such as paper or plastic or a composite material. The diameter and width of the rolls can also be flexibly selected up to a maximum imposed by construction constraints.

[0156] For example, the magazine 15 can be equipped to receive rolls with a diameter ≤800 mm and a width of approximately 40 to 150 mm. If rolls other than these are to be processed, the dimensions of the magazine 15 must be adjusted accordingly.

[0157] The schematic views of FIGS. 5A and 5B show different perspective representations of a customization unit 13 of a combined customization / application module 8 according to FIG. 3A et seqq.

[0158] The customization unit 13 shown as an example in FIGS. 5A and 5B comprises the following sub-functional units arranged on a base plate 14:

[0159] a cutting device 21 (cf. FIGS. 6A and 6B),

[0160] a vacuum conveyor unit 55 comprising a belt conveyor 22 with a switch 23 (cf. FIGS. 7A and 7B),

[0161] a feeder 24 with the possibility of discharging (cf. FIGS. 7A and 7B),

[0162] a winding and pushing unit 25 (cf. FIGS. 8A and 8B),

[0163] a gluing device 26 (cf. FIGS. 9A and 9B) and

[0164] a stretching and provisioning device 27 (cf. FIGS. 10A and 10B).

[0165] The strapping material is removed from the magazine 15 via the storage device 18, guided over a band alignment 20 and transferred via a band feeder 29 into the cutting device 21, which cutting device 21 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0166] In the cutting device 21, strapping band sections of suitable length are separated. Preferably, the strapping material is provided with cutting marks, which are detected by the cutting mark detection 30 of the cutting device 21, whereupon the cutting function is activated.

[0167] Within the cutting device 21, the strapping material is conveyed to a cutting unit 32 via a belt conveyor unit 31. The cutting unit 32 may, for example, comprise a cutting blade (not visible). Reference sign 60 designates the gearbox of the cutting unit 32.

[0168] In particular, the strapping material is pulled out of the magazine 15 via the belt conveyor unit. The cut-to-length strapping band sections are transported out of the cutting device 21 via a band outfeeder 33 and fed to further processing.

[0169] Alternatively, it can be provided for the cutting unit 32 to cut according to freely defined length units, wherein the length is determined by the circumference and number of revolutions of the band feed unit. Instead of a cutting unit 32 equipped with a cutting blade, another suitable separating device can also be used, for example a perforating blade, a cutting wire or the like.

[0170] The cutting device 21 offers the possibility of cutting or perforating the strapping band sections. If the strapping material is only perforated within the cutting device 21, a closed transport that is as long as possible is possible; in this case, the corresponding strapping band sections are produced by tearing them off at a later time, in particular at the latest necessary point.

[0171] Further functions of the cutting device 21 are the creation of the necessary cutting divisions in order to allow for any cutting differences that may arise or have arisen, as well as the timing to the winding stations on both sides.

[0172] The cutting unit 32 of the cutting device 21 can preferably process strapping material of different materials and thicknesses, for example paper, plastic or composite material or the like.

[0173] FIGS. 7A and 7B show different perspective representations of an embodiment variant of a vacuum conveyor unit 55 of the customization unit 13 of the combined customization / application module 8 according to FIG. 3A et seqq.

[0174] The strapping band sections produced in the cutting device 21 are conveyed via a cutting feed 34 and a vacuum belt 28 forming the belt conveyor 22 to a centrally arranged switch 23. The switch 23 includes a deflection for dividing the strapping band sections. In particular, the switch 23 distributes the strapping band sections alternately to two winding and pushing units 25, wherein one of the two winding and pushing units 25 is arranged on the operating side of the packaging machine 1 and the other one of the two winding and pushing units 25 is arranged on the service side of the packaging machine 1.

[0175] In particular, the strapping band sections are conveyed via suitable belt conveyors 35, 35-1, 35-2, in particular vacuum conveyors and further band feed devices 38, 38-1, 38-2 in the direction of the respective winding and pushing unit 25 (not shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, see FIGS. 5A, 5B, 8A and 8B).

[0176] In this context, it may be provided for defective strapping band sections to be discharged. For example, when a strapping band section with connection points is detected or when a strapping band section with other defects is detected or when a strapping band section is incorrectly aligned or the like, it can be provided for this defective strapping band section to be discharged before further processing. For example, a blow-off apparatus 37 can be provided for this purpose.

[0177] For example, the band feed device 38 can be folded away for this purpose so that the defective strapping band section moves down from the corresponding belt conveyor 35. Furthermore, FIGS. 7A and 7B show additional pressure rollers 39, 39-1, 39-2, with which the strapping band sections can be pressed onto the winding and pushing units 25 for winding.

[0178] The pressure roller 39 can assume different operating states:

[0179] 1. Wrapping state. In this case, the pressure roller 39 applies a slight pressure to the winding drum 40 of the winding and pushing unit 25 (cf. FIGS. 8A and 8B). The pressure is sufficiently low so that the dynamics of the rotor are not influenced too much.

[0180] 2. Pressing state: In order to press out the glue, an increased contact pressure is applied via the pressure roller 39 in order to press out the glue over as large an area as possible and thus reduce the cooling time. This can increase throughput.

[0181] 3. Removal state: In this case, the contact pressure of the pressure roller is reduced; in particular, the contact pressure can be completely removed in order to allow the strapping band to be pushed off.

[0182] The above-described feeders, via which the strapping band sections are conveyed to the switch 23 and to the winding and pushing units 25, can preferably be adjusted to the width of the strapping band sections.

[0183] Furthermore, in this context, it can be considered desirable from a process perspective if the two straps are completed at the same time, if possible, in order to allow the straps to be applied as synchronously as possible by the two application units 11 of the combined customization / application module 8 according to FIG. 3A et seqq. However, such synchronous application of the straps by the synchronously operating application units 11 is not to be regarded as mandatory since asynchronous operation can also lead to the desired results.

[0184] The schematic FIGS. 8A and 8B show different perspective representations of a winding and pushing unit 25 of the customization unit 13 of the combined customization / application module 8 according to FIG. 3A et seqq.

[0185] The free start region of a strapping band section is inserted into the winding drum 40 and clamped there by a clamping jaw 41. The winding drum 40 rotates, wherein a pressure roller 39 (cf. FIGS. 7A and 7B) ensures that the strapping material of the strapping band section is applied to the winding drum 40 and that the diameter of the strap produced corresponds to the outer diameter of the winding drum 40.

[0186] Shortly before the free end region of the strapping band section slips out of the band feed device 38 (cf. FIGS. 7A and 7B), the rotation of the winding drum 40 stops.

[0187] Optionally, the free end region of the strapping band section can then be clamped in the band feed device 38 and coated with a sufficient amount of adhesive by the gluing device 26 (cf. FIGS. 5A and 5B). The winding drum 40 continues to rotate so that the free end region of the strapping band section is pulled past the pressure roller 39, whereby the glue point is pressed out and an adhesive connection is thus formed between the start region and the end region of the strapping band section.

[0188] The winding drum 40 can then optionally be rotated back to the starting position, whereby the glue point is pressed out again by the pressure roller 39, now in the opposite direction. As a result of the optional return movement, a particularly strong and secure adhesive connection can be formed between the start region and the end region of the strapping band section.

[0189] The finished pre-tailored strap can then be pushed by a pusher 42 onto the stretching and provisioning device 27, which is shown in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 10A and 10B. In particular, the pusher 42 pushes the finished strap horizontally to the stretching and provisioning device 27. The stretching and provisioning device 27 represents an embodiment of a tensioning and / or spreading device described in connection with FIG. 1.

[0190] The pusher 42 is preferably driven electrically, for example via a linear motor 43.

[0191] The winding drum 40 is, for example, an exchangeable format part that is exchanged accordingly depending on the size of the strap to be produced, in particular depending on the circumference of the desired strap. Depending on the circumference of the desired strap, the winding drum 40 to be selected in each instance has a specific diameter.

[0192] Alternatively, it can be provided for the winding drum 40 to be configured to be adjustable, in particular with an adjustable circumference. Here, it can be provided that the circumferential length and / or the circumferential shape can be changed. This can be done, for example, via a so-called adjustment point, which allows the size and / or shape of the winding drum to be adapted to the size and shape of the article combinations to be strapped.

[0193] According to a preferred embodiment, when pushing off the finished pre-tailored strap, it can preferably be provided for the circumference of the winding drum 40 to be reduced in order to facilitate pushing off. For example, the clamping jaw 41 can be formed on the winding drum 40 such that, in the closed state, the winding drum 40 has exactly the target circumference of the strap. By opening the clamping jaw 41, the circumference of the winding drum 40 is reduced so that the finished strap can be easily removed by pushing it off.

[0194] In particular, it is provided for the winding drum to reduce its circumference by a few millimeters as soon as the clamping of the start region is opened. This allows the finished wound and glued strap to be pushed off the winding drum 40.

[0195] It is preferably provided for the winding and pushing unit 25 to be equipped with a height adjustment 44 in order to be able to make an optimized adjustment to the feed of the strapping band section, in particular to the band feed device 38, when the winding drum 40 is changed.

[0196] FIGS. 9A and 9B show different perspective representations of a gluing device 26 of the customization unit 13 of the combined customization / application module 8 according to FIG. 3A et seqq.

[0197] As soon as the free end region of the strapping band section is arranged in the correct, preferably clamped position on the winding drum 40 (cf. FIGS. 8A and 8B), the glue nozzle 45 moves on a linear axis 46 aligned transversely to the strapping band section and applies a glue point, for example a glue line or a glue dot made of a hot-melt adhesive.

[0198] The glue nozzle 45 is connected to an adhesive reservoir (not shown) via a feed line 47.

[0199] Adjustment and adaptation of the gluing device 26 to different band widths of the strapping material can be carried out automatically depending on type. In particular, the size of the adhesive joint is adjusted, for example the width and, if necessary, the length of the glue line.

[0200] Alternatively, the connection of the free start region of the strapping band section with the free end region of the strapping band section can be produced by other mechanisms, for example by

[0201] cold glue,

[0202] by mechanical crimping or clamping of the strapping material, with or without additional fastening using hot glue or cold glue,

[0203] by a combination of hot and cold glue,

[0204] by ultrasonic welding if the strapping material is partially or completely formed by a coated paper, in particular a plastic-coated paper,

[0205] by ultrasonic welding, in particular with the addition of moisture, if the strapping material is formed by a paper,

[0206] by ultrasonic welding with the insertion of an additional material, in particular with the insertion of an additional material with a plastic component,

[0207] by heat welding with a partially or fully coated paper, in particular with a plastic-coated paper,

[0208] or by heat welding with the insertion of an additional material, in particular with the insertion of an additional material with a plastic component.

[0209] It should be noted that combinations of two or more of the connection variants listed above are also conceivable, provided that they are technically feasible and can be implemented expediently.

[0210] The schematic FIGS. 10A and 10B show different perspective representations of a stretching and provisioning device 27 of the customization unit 13 of the combined customization / application module 8 according to FIG. 3A et seqq.

[0211] The module 8 comprises a format part 48 with a stretching and provisioning unit 49. The format part 48 with the stretching and provisioning unit 49 can assume a first removal and stretching position AP and a second provisioning position BP.

[0212] The stretching and provisioning unit 49 is configured such that its circumference is adjustable. For example, the corners or side regions of the stretching and provisioning unit 49 can be moved pneumatically. For example, corners or side regions of the stretching and provisioning unit 49 are moved apart pneumatically, whereby the pre-tailored, closed strap is brought into the shape with the circumference of the corresponding group of articles or into the shape with the circumference of an at least partially compressed group of articles and is stretched and fixed by a slight overstroke of the pneumatic cylinders.

[0213] The strap is received and shaped in particular by a stretching and provisioning unit 49 arranged in the first removal and stretching position AP.

[0214] By rotating the stretching and provisioning unit 49, the format part 48 is transferred with the stretching and provisioning unit 49 into the second provisioning position BP. In this case, the stretched strap is moved from a vertical to a horizontal position and is thus provided for the application unit 11 (cf. FIG. 3A to 3D). In particular, rotation takes place about an axis of rotation 50 which is arranged at an angle of approximately 45° to the vertical.

[0215] The stretching and provisioning device 27 can further be arranged movably on a guide 51. The stretching and provisioning device 27 can be moved within the customization unit 13 via the guide 51 in order to allow access to the other components of the customization unit 13, for example access to the winding and pushing unit 25 for replacing the winding drum 40 or the like.

[0216] Alternatively, it can be provided for the stretching and provisioning unit 49 to be configured to be adjustable, in particular with an adjustable circumference. Here, it can be provided that the circumferential length and / or the circumferential shape can be changed.

[0217] This can be done, for example, via a so-called adjustment point, which allows the size and / or shape of the stretching and provisioning unit 49 to be adapted to the size and shape of the article combinations to be strapped.

[0218] In the illustrated packaging machine 1 according to FIGS. 2A and 2B, two combined customization / application modules 8 are present, wherein, within each of the combined customization / application modules 8, two straps can be produced in parallel and fastened to two groups of articles via the application units 11.

[0219] In the event of a malfunction or maintenance of one of the combined customization / application modules 8, the remaining modules can continue production, provided that the product flow is not otherwise disrupted. This ensures continuous production.

[0220] It should finally be noted at this point with respect to the descriptions of embodiment variants of the invention that these passages of the description each refer to the attached drawings. If reference is generally made to “schematic” representations and views in connection with the drawings and the descriptions thereof, this in no way means that the representations in the figures and the description thereof are any less important with regard to the disclosure of the invention. A person skilled in the art is certainly able to derive sufficient information from the schematically and abstractly drawn representations that will make it easier for him to understand the invention without being confused in any way by the drawn and possibly not exactly true-to-scale proportions. The figures enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to get a better understanding of the inventive idea, which has been formulated more generally and / or more abstractly in the claims and in the general part of the description, on the basis of the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the packaging machine 1 according to the invention.

[0221] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment.

[0222] However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS1 packaging machine

[0224] 2 classifying or grouping module

[0225] 3 feed region

[0226] 4 customization module

[0227] 5 application module

[0228] 6 infeed module

[0229] 7 grouping module

[0230] 8, 8-1, 8-2 combined customization / application module

[0231] 9,9-1, 9-2 packaging blank application module

[0232] 10 strapping module

[0233] 11 application unit

[0234] 12 tripod

[0235] 13 customization unit

[0236] 14 base plate

[0237] 15 magazine

[0238] 16 magazine unit

[0239] 16-1, 16-2 magazine drawer

[0240] 17, 17-1, 17-2 vacuum suction plate

[0241] 18 storage device

[0242] 19 dancer

[0243] 20 band alignment

[0244] 21 cutting device

[0245] 22 belt conveyor

[0246] 23 switch

[0247] 24 feeder

[0248] 25 winding and pushing unit

[0249] 26 gluing device

[0250] 27 stretching and provisioning device

[0251] 28 vacuum belt

[0252] 29 band feeder

[0253] 30 cutting mark detection

[0254] 31 belt conveyor unit

[0255] 32 cutting unit

[0256] 33 band outfeeder

[0257] 34 cutting feed

[0258] 35, 35-1, 35-2 belt conveyor

[0259] 37 blow-off apparatus

[0260] 38, 38-1, 38-2 band feed device

[0261] 39, 39-1, 39-2 pressure roller

[0262] 40 winding drum

[0263] 41 clamping jaw

[0264] 42 pusher

[0265] 43 linear motor

[0266] 44 height adjustment

[0267] 45 glue nozzle

[0268] 46 linear axis

[0269] 47 feed line

[0270] 48 format part

[0271] 49 stretching and provisioning unit

[0272] 50 axis of rotation

[0273] 51 guide

[0274] 55 vacuum conveyor unit

[0275] 60 gearbox of the cutting unit

[0276] 100 strap

[0277] 101 article

[0278] 102 bottle

[0279] 103 group of articles

[0280] 104 closed strapping ring

[0281] 105 packaging unit

[0282] 106 strapped package

[0283] AP removal and stretching position

[0284] BP provisioning position

[0285] B15 width of the magazine, magazine width

[0286] B16 width of the magazine drawer

[0287] TR transport direction

[0288] VP displacement arrow

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0082]Usually, the same reference numerals are used in FIG. 1 to 10B for elements of the invention that are identical or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference signs that are required for the description of the figure in question are sometimes shown in the individual figures. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the invention, i.e., in particular the packaging machine according to the invention or the packaging method according to the invention, can be configured, and they are non-limiting.

[0083]The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently of one another or in any combination.

[0084]Features described in connection with an embodiment are applicable for all embodiments unless the features are incompatible.

[0085]FIG. 1 is a highly schematic view of the structure of...

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] The present application claims priority to International Application PCT / EP2023 / 084506, filed Dec. 6, 2023, which in turn claims priority to German Application DE 10 2023 103 032.9, filed Feb. 8, 2023, which are incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a packaging machine and to a method for producing packaging units. The packaging units are in each instance formed of two or more articles combined by strapping.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Packaging machines are used for a wide variety of packaging tasks, such as the production of packaging units consisting of multiple similar piece goods or individual articles. In principle, a user has numerous options available to combine individual articles or piece goods units into larger packages. For example, beverage containers are usually combined and packaged by shrink films to form packages of four, six or more beverage containers. The production of packages is usually indispensable since they are the most common variant of sales units for beverage containers, such as bottles made of PET plastic material. In some cases, the containers are combined again for transport and / or assembled and palletized in layers.

[0004] The shrink films used to produce common package variants require specific manufacturing steps, all of which are associated with relatively high energy consumption. In addition, the shrink film used incurs costs for production, provision, handling as well as later disposal since it is no longer needed after the sale. The necessary machinery for providing the so-called film wrapping modules and other handling stations also incurs high investment costs. Finally, a relatively high investment of capital is also for the provision of the so-called shrink tunnel, with which the shrink film wrapped around the package is shrunk around the bottles by hot air application.

[0005] So-called strapped packages can be considered a technical alternative to shrink-wrapped packages. Typically, in strapped packages, a plurality of articles are held together by a strap that is tensioned horizontally around the outer sides of the articles, which strap is mostly placed around the articles during an uninterrupted conveying process and is subsequently fixed in place. The strapping is made of at least one band tensioned around the outer sides of the articles and subsequently connected at its ends under pre-tension. For example, in continuous or cyclically operating strapping machines, containers, articles or bottles are grouped into formations and are then strapped with one or optionally more bands horizontally tensioned around the piece goods using strapping units. Typical formations can be, for example, 1×2 arrangements (two containers in a row), 2×2 arrangements (four containers in a square or diamond formation), 3×2, 4×3 or in principle also variable n×m arrangements.

[0006] The production of such strapped packages is described, for example, in published patent application DE 10 2009 040 700 A1.

[0007] However, the disadvantage of the strapped packages described is that the strap is connected to a closed strapping ring on the articles. In particular, additional process time is required to produce a stable connection, which is a significant disadvantage with regard to the necessary production time and achievable machine performance, in particular in the case of continuous processing. In addition, any function required on the closer tool to produce the closed strapping increases the complexity of the packaging process and the strapping and closer tools used.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The aim of the present invention can be seen in optimizing a packaging process for producing packaging units, such as in particular strapped packages, in particular to make it cost-efficient, safe and fast, even if flat material that is relatively difficult to process, such as paper or thin cardboard, is used as strapping material.

[0009] The stated objective is achieved by a packaging machine and a method for producing packaging units, which are characterized by the features of the corresponding independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and additionally in the following description of the invention.

[0010] In practice, it has been shown that the initial production and application of closed straps with sufficient pre-tension to ready article groupings is fraught with uncertainty since the strapping heads used to date require both a precisely controlled feed of the strapping band used for strapping from a supply and sensitive handling and guidance of the band material within the strapping heads in order to achieve the desired results during the production of packaging units or strapped packages. Another problem are the usually high processing speeds within the strapping regions of packaging machines, which makes precise band guidance and overall handling of the band sections to be guided within the strapping heads even more difficult.

[0011] While the existing requirements can still be met well when using relatively stiff plastic material as strapping band, so that proven technical solutions for handling and processing plastic strapping material are available, thinner and less rigid materials cause increasing problems, which under unfavorable circumstances can lead to frequent disruptions in the production process. In particular when using cellulose-based strapping material, such as thinner cardboard or paper material, there are additional uncertainties in the production process, such as those caused by variable ambient temperatures and, in particular, by air humidity values at the production site that fluctuate greatly or are difficult to calculate.

[0012] For the reasons mentioned, the present invention proposes that, for the production of strapped packages, the straps used for this purpose be no longer produced directly in the strapping heads that are placed around the provided article groupings or placed over these article groupings from above and that the band tension required for keeping the articles in the package group stably together be applied to the bands there, but that these processes be separated from one another both spatially and temporally.

[0013] That is to say that the straps are optionally produced and prepared as closed straps with a suitable loop length immediately before being applied to or onto the article groupings to be strapped, but that this production and / or preparation process no longer has to take place directly at the article grouping, but can be spatially separated from the location where the article groupings are provided.

[0014] In addition, the production and / or preparation process for the closed straps preferably does not take place during application and thus directly at the article grouping, but can also take place beforehand and thus separately from the time of combining the article grouping and strapping.

[0015] The invention therefore proposes producing closed strapping rings made of paper, cardboard and / or cellulose-containing or other suitable strapping material in the required circumferential length by differently and newly configured functional modules in a correspondingly equipped packaging machine and by correspondingly configured or modified method steps.

[0016] The strapping material used for the strapping rings can preferably be drawn off from supply units wound endlessly on rolls, and processed. In particular, the strapping material is continuously drawn off and then processed in cycles, wherein the strapping material is buffered in a so-called dancer.

[0017] The packaging units produced with the packaging machine according to the invention and by the method according to the invention are in each instance formed of at least two grouped articles, which are combined and mechanically held together by at least one strapping ring.

[0018] In principle, the strapping ring as used in the packaging machine according to the invention and in the method according to the invention can be made of any paper or cardboard material, optionally of a paper-like material, a plastic material, a composite material or the like. The strapping ring encircles the group of articles, wherein the strapping ring is arranged in a tensioned manner around appropriate regions of the outer lateral surfaces of the articles.

[0019] The circumference of the strapping rings can be reasonably selected such that a single paper or cardboard ring can be pulled over a certain number of provided articles, whereby the articles are possibly pressed together such that a compact package or strapped package is created. Individual strapping rings as mentioned here can also mean multiple strapping rings that are pulled and tensioned over individual article groupings at reasonable intervals.

[0020] The strapping ring has a reasonable circumference that can provide sufficient band tension to hold together and stabilize the group of articles.

[0021] In contrast to the known prior art, in particular a closed strapping ring is used instead of an open band section, which is then glued or clamped to the article grouping or otherwise adapted to form a closed ring. This means that, with the present invention, it is no longer necessary to produce a mechanically resilient connection between free end regions of the strapping material on the group of articles; instead, the strapping rings are preferably joined together at a location separate from the group of articles and are in particular pre-tailored or prepared in such a way that they can be pulled over the provided article groupings as finished strapping rings in order to form the desired packaging units in this way.

[0022] When speaking primarily and sometimes exclusively of articles in this context, which in grouped form are combined by strapping to form packaging units, it should be noted that the term “article” used can refer to a wide variety of piece goods which are initially grouped and, in the grouped state, are combined as groups of multiple similar articles or piece goods to form strapped packages or packaging units.

[0023] A typical example of similar articles or piece goods are beverage containers, in particular those in the form of bottles or cans, wherein the beverage containers can in particular be PET containers or other plastic containers. Thus, the articles to be grouped together can in particular be containers filled with a fluid content, for example bottles or cans, in particular beverage containers. However, this exemplary list should not be understood to be limiting, since bottles or beverage bottles made of mineral glass can be grouped and strapped in the same way.

[0024] However, the bottles, cans or similar containers can also be filled, for example, with liquid cosmetics such as shampoo or the like. Likewise, Tetrapaks or beverage cans made of plastic or thin sheet metal can be combined to form strapped packages, so that the articles can, by definition, also be formed by Tetrapaks, i.e., composite packaging, or by beverage cans.

[0025] Therefore, if beverage containers are mentioned, this should not be understood to be limiting, since the articles or containers can in principle also be filled with other ingredients, such as liquid or pasty foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicines, etc., or optionally with other liquid, pasty or even granular substances. All such or similar filled containers should basically fall under the generic term “article” or “piece goods” used here and should be understood as such by those skilled in the art.

[0026] The packaging machine according to the invention can, for example, have the following sub-functions, which build on one another or complement one another in an expedient sequence in the machine configuration and are thus configured and combined in an expedient processing sequence. These sub-functions can in particular include a magazine for the strapping material and a buffer arranged downstream of the magazine and often referred to as a dancer to compensate for discontinuous or fluctuating further processing speeds of the strapping material in the material flow. Such a buffer or dancer can compensate for irregular processing speeds in subsequent conveyor and handling sections for the strapping material and ensure a uniform withdrawal of the band material from rolls or other magazine variants.

[0027] Furthermore, the packaging machine can comprise, as a subassembly, a band alignment, a cutting device for cutting suitable band sections to length, a belt conveyor for further conveying the cut and trimmed band sections, etc., wherein the belt conveyor can optionally have a switch for supplying two or more application stations so that multiple article groupings can each be equipped with cut and suitably configured straps simultaneously or in a staggered sequence.

[0028] The optional switch or the belt conveyor can also be followed by a feed to a suitable winding device, which can optionally be coupled with an option for discharging defective or otherwise objectionable straps. Within the winding device, the desired straps can be produced in the appropriate loop length, after which they can, for example, be glued, clamped together or otherwise connected and converted into closed straps.

[0029] The provision and, if necessary, the stretching of the straps preconfigured in this way can in turn take place in a separate machine module or in a machine module arranged downstream in the direction of material flow, so that the provided article groupings can be equipped with the finished straps and the desired strapped packages can thus be produced and, in particular, finalized to produce packaging units.

[0030] If no detailed statement is made about further provisions of the strapped packages at this point, this does not mean that no such further provisions should or could be made. For example, the strapped packages can be equipped with additional carrying handles that can either be anchored to the articles, for example by gluing corresponding band sections to suitable regions of the container's lateral surfaces, or that can be connected to the strapping band placed around the articles and preferably slightly pre-tensioned, for example by looping, clamping, gluing or similar connection.

[0031] In order to achieve the above-stated objective, the present invention thus proposes a packaging machine for producing packaging units, wherein the packaging units are in each instance formed of at least two articles combined by strapping. According to the present invention, the packaging machine first comprises a classifying or grouping module for providing groups of articles, wherein the groups of articles each comprise a defined number and combination of at least two articles, i.e., in particular grouped articles in a defined number.

[0032] The packaging machine further comprises a magazine for providing a supply of strapping material, in particular in the form of an endless supply, which supply keeps ready and provides the strapping material in a length that corresponds to a plurality of individual straps. When speaking about a defined length of the strapping material at this point, which can correspond to a multiple of the particular band lengths for the strapping sections, it must be taken into account that the length of the individual band sections is usually greater than a circumferential length of the corresponding article grouping to be strapped, since this takes into account an overlap region where the meeting end regions of the band section to be connected overlap.

[0033] In addition, the packaging machine preferably comprises a customization module, in which the supply or endless supply of provided strapping material is used to form individual straps, wherein a circumferential length of each individual strap corresponds to the circumference of the group of articles or the packaging unit to be formed.

[0034] At this point, it should again be pointed out that the length of the individual band sections must generally be greater than a circumferential length of the article grouping to be strapped since this takes into account the overlap region where the meeting end regions of the band section to be connected overlap.

[0035] Finally, the packaging machine comprises an application module with devices for mechanically combining the group of articles by slipping the prepared straps onto the group of articles to form the packaging units. The application module is not equipped with conventional strapping heads, but with mechanically less complex devices for handling the previously formed straps or closed strapping rings, in which neither a band feeder and band guidance nor a complex closing unit for fixing overlapping band ends to one another is required.

[0036] The devices referred to here for combining the article groupings with the straps must first and foremost be suitable and appropriately equipped to handle the straps in order to be able to apply and position them on the article groupings provided for this purpose.

[0037] In one embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, the magazine for the strapping material to be provided can have one, two or more magazine units, which can be removed individually and independently of one another from the magazine and which, when removed from the magazine and in particular after the supply of strapping material previously contained therein has been used up, can each be loaded with new consumption units of strapping material.

[0038] Such a removal and / or loading process of a magazine unit or multiple magazine units can be carried out either manually, automatically or semi-automatically, i.e., with machine support, if necessary with the aid of program-controlled handling machines.

[0039] The strapping material located in at least one magazine unit can, for example, be wound on a roll, which is unwound during operation of the packaging machine to supply the customization module communicating therewith, under constant consumption of the strapping material. Since such rolls are easy to handle both in storage and in use as a quickly exchangeable band material storage within the packaging machine, they are particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0040] In another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, a buffer region can be located between the magazine and the customization module, which buffer region combines an irregular, a clocked and / or a regularly or irregularly intermittent operation of the customization module with a continuous feeding and provision of the strapping material from the supply.

[0041] As already mentioned above, such buffer regions are also known under the trivial term “dancer,” wherein the primary task of such a material buffer or dancer is to be able to continuously convey endlessly or quasi-endlessly fed consumable material out of the magazine or supply region without having to subsequently continuously process and convey the band-like consumable material at the same conveying speed or at all. Rather, the buffer region or dancer allows discontinuous conveying and / or further processing of the band material to be combined with continuous or largely uninterrupted feeding from the magazine or supply region.

[0042] In a further expedient embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, the customization module can be configured and equipped to form individual straps in the form of individual pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings from the strapping material provided in the magazine. This means that technically relatively complex strapping heads can be dispensed with in a packaging machine equipped and configured in this way, since the strapping rings can be completed separately from article groupings.

[0043] Also, in another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, a cutting unit for cutting to length the strapping band sections required for individual straps from the endlessly provided strapping material can be assigned to the customization module or arranged upstream thereof in a conveying direction of the strapping material. Such a cutting unit must be arranged at an expedient place between the individual processing and handling modules in order to cut to length the required band sections for the individual straps from the endless material of strapping material provided from the magazine.

[0044] In another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, the customization module can in particular comprise a winding device, which winding device is preferably configured to join the strapping band sections of the strapping material to form pre-tailored closed strapping rings. Here, the start and end regions of the strapping band sections that meet or partially overlap can be adhesively connected to one another.

[0045] Another embodiment may provide for a butt joint to be produced between the start and end regions of the strapping band sections.

[0046] In principle, instead of the winding device mentioned, another suitable machine subassembly capable of producing the required closed strapping rings from cut-to-length band sections could be provided.

[0047] The connection of the meeting or partially overlapping start and end regions of the strapping band sections can be made either by welding, gluing, clamping or in another way, wherein it must be ensured that the connection points preferably withstand the same mechanical loads as the other regions of the strapping rings. This means that the adhesive points should essentially not form any weakening points for the strapping rings.

[0048] In another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, a number of application units in the application module can correspond in particular to a number of winding devices in the customization module, wherein two or more application units can communicate with a corresponding number of winding devices. As already mentioned elsewhere, multiple application units can be combined in the packaging machine in order to be able simultaneously to equip multiple article groupings with strapping rings and to further process them into packaging units. In order to be able to supply the multiple application units with strapping rings at a sufficient speed, it is therefore advisable to provide a corresponding number of winding devices.

[0049] In another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, two or more winding devices in the customization module can be supplied by a distribution device, which can expediently be located between the cutting unit and the winding devices so that the distribution device (or switch) can supply the winding devices with cut-to-length strapping band sections as required.

[0050] Furthermore, the application module communicating with the customization module and supplied from there with prepared straps, in particular with pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings, can have at least one application unit in the packaging machine according to the invention. The application unit is used to equip the prepared and provided article groupings with at least one strap or at least one strapping ring each in order to form the finished packaging units in this way.

[0051] In another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, the at least one application unit can have a tensioning and / or spreading device for receiving the strap or strapping ring, which tensioning and / or spreading device is suitable and appropriately equipped to bring the strap or strapping ring into a shape that allows it to be joined to the prepared and provided article grouping.

[0052] Finally, in another embodiment variant of the packaging machine according to the invention, the application unit can be configured as a tool head that has controllable manipulation tools and can be moved within a defined movement space. Optionally, the application unit can be equipped with a tool head that has controllable manipulation tools and can be moved within a defined movement space.

[0053] If, from the point of view of a person skilled in the art, a useful combination with one another is possible, some or all of these above-mentioned variations or embodiment variants of the packaging machine according to the invention can optionally also be combined with one another in order to achieve the above-stated objective at least partially and / or to achieve the desired effect of the invention.

[0054] In order to achieve the above-stated objective, the present invention further proposes a method for producing packaging units having the features of the independent method claim, wherein the packaging units are in each instance formed of at least two articles combined by strapping. The method comprises the following method steps mentioned or explained below. First, in the method, strapping material is provided from a supply, in particular from an endless supply, which contains and provides the strapping material in an amount that corresponds to a plurality of individual straps.

[0055] Furthermore, the method provides for the feeding and in particular the continuous conveying of the strapping material from the supply or endless supply to a customization module, in which the supply or endless supply of provided strapping material is used to form individual straps, wherein the circumferential length of each individual strap corresponds in particular to the circumference of the group of articles or the packaging unit to be formed.

[0056] The method according to the invention moreover provides for the feeding and further conveying of the straps to an application module, in which grouped articles are provided in a defined number and equipped with the prepared straps to form the packaging units by slipping the straps onto the individual article groupings provided.

[0057] In one embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, the strapping material is kept ready as a supply in at least one magazine and is provided or made available to the customization module, wherein the magazine can have one, two or more magazine units, which can be removed individually and independently of one another from the magazine and which, when removed from the magazine and in particular after the strapping material previously contained therein has been used up, can each be equipped with new consumption units of strapping material.

[0058] The method or an embodiment variant of the method according to the invention can furthermore provide for the strapping material located in the at least one magazine for supplying the customization module to be continuously or approximately continuously unwound from a roll and to be constantly consumed in the process.

[0059] In another embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, the strapping material can be variably buffered between the magazine and the customization module, wherein buffering the strapping material can combine an irregular, a clocked and / or a regularly or irregularly intermittent operation of the customization module with a continuous and uninterrupted feeding and provision of the strapping material from the supply stored in the magazine.

[0060] In another embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, it can be provided for individual straps in the form of individual pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings to be formed in the customization module from the strapping material provided in the magazine as a supply or endless supply.

[0061] The method according to the invention can be furthermore provided such that the endlessly provided strapping material is cut into individual strapping band sections and cut to length for this purpose, wherein the strapping band sections can each be converted into the strapping rings as required for strapping the article groupings. The length of the strapping band sections is preferably longer by an overlap region than the circumferential length of the pre-tailored strapping. The overlap region corresponds in particular to the region of the start and end regions of the corresponding strapping band section that are connected to one another in a closed, pre-tailored strapping.

[0062] In another embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, the straps produced in the customization module can be joined together by at least one winding device to form pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings, the meeting or partially overlapping start and end regions of which are adhesively connected to one another.

[0063] Optionally, two or more winding devices in the customization module can be supplied by a distribution device, which can expediently be located between a cutting unit and the winding devices, wherein the distribution device can supply the winding devices with cut-to-length strapping band sections as required.

[0064] In another embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, the application module communicating with the customization module and supplied therefrom with prepared straps, in particular with pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings, can have at least one application unit for equipping the prepared and provided article groupings with at least one strap or at least one strapping ring each in order to be able to form the packaging units in this way.

[0065] Finally, the method can provide for the prepared straps or strapping rings to be stretched or spread, whereby the strap or strapping ring is brought into a shape that allows it to be joined to the prepared and provided article grouping.

[0066] If, from the point of view of a person skilled in the art, a useful combination with one another is possible, some or all of these above-mentioned variations or embodiment variants of the method according to the invention can optionally also be combined with one another in order to at least partially achieve the above-stated objective and / or to achieve the desired effect of the invention.

[0067] It should also be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and embodiment variants which have been explained in connection with the packaging machine according to the invention can also relate to, or be, partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if the description or the claim definitions pertaining to the packaging machine according to the invention makes mention of certain aspects and / or correlations and / or effects, this applies equally to the method according to the invention.

[0068] The same applies vice versa, so that all aspects and embodiment variants which have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention can also relate to, or be, partial aspects of the packaging machine according to the invention.

[0069] Therefore, if the description or the claim definitions pertaining to the method according to the invention make mention of certain aspects and / or correlations and / or effects, this applies equally to the packaging machine according to the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0070] Exemplary embodiments of the invention and their advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions of the individual elements relative to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual proportions since some forms are simplified, while other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a highly schematic view of some components of an embodiment variant of a packaging machine according to the invention.

[0072] FIG. 2A shows another embodiment of a packaging machine in a schematic plan view from above.

[0073] FIG. 2B shows the embodiment of the packaging machine according to FIG. 2A in a perspective representation.

[0074] FIG. 3A to 3D show various representations of a combined customization / application module, which can be part of a packaging machine according to FIG. 1 and / or according to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0075] FIG. 4A to 4F show different representations of a supply module, wherein FIGS. 4A and 4C show in particular the supply module in a production mode and FIG. 4B and 4D to 4F show the supply module in a changeover mode.

[0076] FIGS. 5A and 5B show different perspective representations of a customization unit of the combined customization / application module according to FIG. 3A to 3D.

[0077] FIGS. 6A and 6B show different perspective representations of a cutting device of the customization unit of the combined customization / application module according to FIG. 3A to 3D.

[0078] FIGS. 7A and 7B show different perspective representations of a vacuum conveyor unit of the customization unit of the combined customization / application module according to FIG. 3A to 3D.

[0079] FIGS. 8A and 8B show different perspective representations of a winding and pushing unit of the customization unit of the combined customization / application module according to FIG. 3A to 3D.

[0080] FIGS. 9A and 9B show different perspective representations of a gluing device of the customization unit of the combined customization / application module according to FIG. 3A to 3D.

[0081] FIGS. 10A and 10B show different perspective representations of a stretching and provisioning device of the customization unit of the combined customization / application module according to FIG. 3A to 3D.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0082] Usually, the same reference numerals are used in FIG. 1 to 10B for elements of the invention that are identical or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference signs that are required for the description of the figure in question are sometimes shown in the individual figures. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the invention, i.e., in particular the packaging machine according to the invention or the packaging method according to the invention, can be configured, and they are non-limiting.

[0083] The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently of one another or in any combination.

[0084] Features described in connection with an embodiment are applicable for all embodiments unless the features are incompatible.

[0085] FIG. 1 is a highly schematic view of the structure of a packaging machine 1 or at least some of its interacting components or subassemblies.

[0086] The packaging machine 1 is intended to produce packaging units 105 (only indicated here), wherein the packaging units 105 are in each instance formed of at least two articles 101 combined by strapping 100.

[0087] The packaging machine 1 comprises a classifying or grouping module 2, in which at least two articles 101 are combined to form a group 103 of articles. The articles 101 to be combined are preferably containers filled with a liquid content, for example bottles 102 or cans, in particular beverage containers. However, the bottles 102, beverage containers, cans or similar containers can also be filled, for example, with liquid cosmetics such as shampoo or the like. Optionally, the bottles 102, beverage containers, cans or similar containers can also contain granular filling material.

[0088] The packaging machine 1 further comprises a feed region 3 for providing strapping material from a supply (not shown here). The supply can, in particular, be an endless supply that contains and provides the strapping material in an amount that corresponds to a plurality of individual straps 100. The feed region 3 can be formed by, or can comprise, for example, a magazine or the like, in which packaging material is provided, in particular as band material.

[0089] An embodiment of the packaging machine 1, which is understood to be optional, is characterized in that the feed region 3 with the supply of strapping material provided there can communicate with a customization module 4. The feed region 3 leading to the customization module 4 is supplied from the supply with strapping material, which is kept ready there and preferably provided to the feed region 3 in a suitable manner.

[0090] The feed region 3 with the supply of strapping material provided there can be formed by, or can comprise, for example, a magazine 15 described in the following FIG. 4A to 4F.

[0091] The magazine 15, which is described in more detail in FIG. 4A to 4F, can have one, two or more magazine units 16, which can be removed individually and independently of one another from the magazine 15, which magazine units can be formed, for example, by the magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 described in connection with FIG. 4A to 4F.

[0092] When removed from the magazine 15 and, in particular, after the supply of strapping material previously contained therein has been used up, the magazine units can be equipped with new consumption units of strapping material.

[0093] The strapping material is preferably wound on a roll and provided as a supply in the magazine 15, which roll is unwound during operation of the packaging machine 1 to supply the feed region 3 of the customization module 4 communicating therewith, under constant consumption of the strapping material.

[0094] An embodiment not shown in detail can provide for a buffer region for the variable buffering of strapping material to be located between the feed region 3 and the customization module 4, which buffer region combines an irregular, a clocked and / or a regularly or irregularly intermittent operation of the customization module 4 with a continuous feeding and provision of the strapping material from the supply stored in the magazine 15.

[0095] Another embodiment may also provide for such a buffer region to be assigned to the magazine 15.

[0096] In the customization module 4, the supply or endless supply of provided strapping material is used to form individual straps 100 in the form of individual pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings, wherein the circumferential length of each individual strap 100 corresponds to the circumference of the group 103 of articles or to the circumference of the packaging unit 105 to be formed. The circumference of the group 103 of articles or the circumference of the packaging unit 105 to be formed depends in particular on a number and size of articles 101 combined in the packaging unit 105 and / or corresponds to a dimension of the packaging unit 105 to be formed.

[0097] The strapping material can in particular be made of a paper material, a cardboard material, a paper-like or cardboard-like material, a plastic material, a composite material or the like.

[0098] The strap 100 encircles the group 103 of articles, wherein the strapping ring forming the strap 100 is arranged tensioned around regions of the outer lateral surfaces of the articles 101. The strapping ring or strap 100 has a circumference that provides sufficient band tension to hold together and stabilize the group 103 of articles.

[0099] In contrast to the known prior art, a closed strapping ring 104 is formed in particular within the packaging machine 1 and is applied to groups 103 of articles, i.e., it is no longer necessary to make a connection between free end regions of the strapping material on the group 103 of articles. The in particular closed strapping ring 104 is produced in particular within the customization module 4 from the supply or endless supply and is thus provided as a pre-tailored strap 100.

[0100] Preferably, a cutting unit (not shown in FIG. 1) for cutting to length the strapping band sections required for individual straps 100 from the endlessly provided strapping material is assigned to the customization module 4, or the cutting unit is arranged upstream of the customization module 4 in a conveying direction of the strapping material.

[0101] In such a cutting unit, which is understood to be optional, strapping band sections of suitable length can be formed, wherein the strapping band sections should each have a length suitable for producing the straps. The length of the strapping band sections is preferably longer by an overlap region than the circumferential length of the pre-tailored strapping. The overlap region corresponds to the region of the start and end regions of the strapping band section that are connected to one another in a closed, pre-tailored strapping.

[0102] Preferably, the customization module 4 comprises at least one winding device (also not shown here), which winding device is configured to join the strapping band sections of the strapping material to form pre-tailored, in particular closed, strapping rings, wherein the meeting or partially overlapping start and end regions of the strapping band sections are connected to one another.

[0103] It can be further provided for two or more winding devices in the customization module 4 to be supplied by a distribution device, which distribution device can expediently be located between the cutting unit and the winding devices, wherein the distribution device supplies the winding devices with appropriately cut-to-length strapping band sections as required.

[0104] The packaging machine 1 further comprises an application module 5, which application module 5 is preferably configured and equipped to attach the pre-tailored, in particular closed, straps 100 produced in the customization module 4 to groups 103 of articles respectively provided for this purpose.

[0105] The application module 5 communicates with the customization module 4 and is supplied by the latter with appropriately prepared straps 100. The application module 5 comprises at least one application unit 11, for example an application head, which application unit is configured to equip a prepared and provided article grouping with at least one pre-tailored strap 100 each and to form the required packaging units 105 in this way.

[0106] It is particularly preferably provided for the packaging machine 1 to comprise a defined number of application units, wherein the number of application units in the at least one application module 5 corresponds to an equal number of winding devices in the at least one customization module 4, wherein two or more application units communicate with a corresponding number of winding devices.

[0107] It is preferably provided for the packaging machine 1 to comprise at least one tensioning and / or spreading device (not shown in FIG. 1) for receiving the strap or strapping ring, which tensioning and / or spreading device brings the strap or strapping ring into a shape that allows it to be joined with the prepared and provided article grouping 103.

[0108] The tensioning and / or spreading device can transfer the correspondingly shaped strap 100 to the application unit. Alternatively, the tensioning and / or spreading device can also be configured as a component of the application device so that the strap 100 is converted into the applicable form within the application module 5.

[0109] Optionally, the application unit can be configured as a tool head that has controllable manipulation tools and can be moved within a defined movement space.

[0110] With the aid of the described packaging machine 1, a method can thus be carried out which comprises the steps described below. In the method, strapping material is provided in a supply, in particular as an endless supply, which contains and provides the strapping material in an amount that corresponds to a plurality of individual straps 100.

[0111] The strapping material is fed from the supply to the customization module 4. This is preferably done via a continuous conveying process. Within the customization module 4, individual straps 100 are formed from the provided strapping material, wherein the circumferential length of each individual strap 100 corresponds to the circumference, in particular to a number of articles to be combined in a packaging unit or to a dimension of the packaging unit to be formed.

[0112] In the application module 5 already mentioned above, the groups 103 of articles provided by the grouping module 2 are mechanically combined with a strap 100 provided by the customization module 4 by slipping the strap 100 onto the group 103 of articles by suitable devices or manipulation tools of the application module 5 and thereby fixing it to the articles 101 of the group 103 of articles. The packaging units 105 formed in this way are also referred to as strapped packages 106.

[0113] For example, it can be provided for the group 103 of articles to be positioned in the movement and handling space of an application unit 11 of the application module 5. At least one pre-tailored closed strapping ring is inserted into this application unit 11 and fixed in a defined position.

[0114] According to one embodiment of the invention, the application unit 11 comprises a cage with a variable opening width so that the cage can enclose the group 103 of articles on the lateral side.

[0115] The application unit 11 equipped with at least one pre-tailored strap 100 can be fed over the group 103 of articles by a feed movement, wherein the feed movement is approximately parallel to longitudinal central axes of the articles 101. During this feed movement, the cage of the application unit 11 contacts the grouped articles 101 at their lateral sides and ensures at least a slight compression of the contacted articles 101.

[0116] When reference is made to feeding the application unit 11 toward the articles 101 or to the articles 101, this may mean lowering the application unit 11 equipped with the at least one strap over the articles 101. Alternatively, it can also describe a relative movement between the application unit 11 and the group 103 of articles, which can take place by lifting the group 103 of articles and threading it into the application unit 11 from below.

[0117] In this case, it is preferably provided that the compression applied to the lateral surfaces of the articles 101 increases with increasing depth of the stroke as the application unit 11 is lowered in a defined manner, until the desired compression is achieved. The stroke required for this purpose is defined, for example, by the configuration of a compression slope on contour pieces of the application unit 11. As the downward movement progresses, the strap inserted into the application unit 11 is pushed over the compressed group 103 of articles.

[0118] Another embodiment can provide for the group 103 of articles to be inserted from above into a stretched strap 100. The above also applies analogously if the group 103 of articles is inserted into the application unit 11 by lifting it from below.

[0119] By a defined feeding of the application unit 11, which simultaneously compresses the articles 101, the strapping ring is at a predetermined position on the articles 101 of the group 103 of articles, for example in the region of a recessed grip or the like. In addition, a necessary or technically expedient band tension of the strapping 100 is ensured.

[0120] Particularly preferably, it can be provided for the customization module 4 and the application module 5 to be combined as an integrated customization / application module, wherein, for example, the customization region for the production of a pre-tailored strap 100 can be arranged below or next to a transport device for the groups 103 of articles.

[0121] In this case, it can be provided for the integrated customization / application module to be equipped with at least one application unit, which can receive a pre-tailored strap 100 from the customization region and can slip it onto a group 103 of articles arranged on the transport device.

[0122] The schematic plan view of FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of a packaging machine 1 from above, while FIG. 2B shows the packaging machine 1 according to FIG. 2A in a perspective representation.

[0123] The packaging machine 1 comprises an infeed module 6, in which bottles 102 (cf. FIG. 1) or other articles 101 (cf. FIG. 1) are moved in the transport direction TR. In the present exemplary embodiment, the articles are moved in multiple rows and guided through a lane. Optionally, however, articles can also be fed in an ordered or unordered mass flow or in another way.

[0124] From the supplied articles 101, groups 103 of articles (cf. FIG. 1), which each comprise at least two articles 101, are formed in a grouping module 7 arranged downstream in the transport direction TR. The groups 103 of articles comprise in particular a number and arrangement of articles 101, as subsequently combined in packaging units 105 to be formed (cf. FIG. 1).

[0125] In a combined customization / application module 8 following in the transport direction TR, the groups of articles are equipped with a strap 100 (cf. FIG. 1) and thus combined to form strapped packages 106 (cf. FIG. 1). The illustrated embodiment comprises two combined customization / application modules 8-1, 8-2 arranged one after the other in the transport direction TR, whereby a comparatively high product throughput can be achieved.

[0126] The configuration of a combined customization / application module 8 is illustrated in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2A to 10B.

[0127] In this packaging machine 1 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, two packaging blank application modules 9, 9-1, 9-2 arranged one behind the other in the transport direction TR are also provided, with which an upper picking box packaging can additionally be applied to the strapped packages 106 in order to additionally secure and stabilize them. However, these packaging blank application modules 9, 9-1, 9-2 are only optional and do not represent an aspect essential to the invention or indispensable for the packaging machine 1.

[0128] The packaging blanks, which are understood to be optional, are preferably so-called upper picking box packagings. The packaging blanks, which are understood to be optional, can in each instance preferably consist of a paper or cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard / plastic composite material or the like.

[0129] Each of the packaging blanks, which are understood to be optional, preferably has passage openings for the articles 101 to be combined via the packaging blank, wherein these passage openings correspond to longitudinal central axes of the articles 101 to be combined and receive them as required, optionally with the production of a form-fit connection.

[0130] The packaging blank is in each instance attached to the articles 101 in such a way that the articles 101 partially pass through the passage openings of the packaging blank and are thus held together by the packaging blank. In particular, the packaging blank is interlocked with the articles 101 in this way.

[0131] For this purpose, the passage openings of the packaging blank, which is understood to be optional, can each have suitable fixing devices that can be formed, for example, by fixing tabs. For example, fixing tabs are formed by notches or the like extending radially inward from the passage openings.

[0132] Particularly preferably, the packaging blank is in each instance secured to articles 101 in such a way that the articles 101 are each held in a clamping manner within a passage opening of the packaging blank in the region of an upper taper. In particular, bottles 102 are held in a clamping manner below a so-called neck ring and cans are held in a clamping manner below a flanged edge forming the can edge, whereby an effective interlocking between the packaging blank and the articles 101 is given in each instance.

[0133] The schematic views of FIG. 3A to 3D show various representations of an expedient embodiment variant of a combined customization / application module 8. FIG. 3A, in particular, shows a first perspective representation, while FIG. 3B shows a representation of the front side (service side).

[0134] FIG. 3C shows a representation of the rear side (operator side) and FIG. 3D shows a side representation of the combined customization / application module 8. FIG. 3A to 3C show the transport direction TR of the groups of articles through the combined customization / application module 8. In FIG. 3D, the transport direction TR is perpendicular to the drawing plane.

[0135] For the sake of simplicity, the combined customization / application module 8 is referred to below also as strapping module 10.

[0136] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a strapping module 10 is configured for the parallel processing of two groups of articles and for this purpose comprises two application units 11 (cf. FIG. 3D and FIG. 3A), which are arranged, for example, on tripods 12 (parallel kinematic suspensions or parallel kinematic robots) in order to be able to position and drive the application units 11 accordingly.

[0137] The respective straps are pre-tailored by the devices of the customization unit 13, which are arranged on a common base plate 14 and are explained in more detail in connection with FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0138] The strapping material to be pre-tailored is provided as a supply in a magazine 15, which magazine 15 is described in more detail in connection with FIG. 4A to 4F.

[0139] In a functional module comprising the customization unit 13 and the magazine, or in a customization module 4 according to FIG. 1, closed strapping rings 104, each with a circumference desired or required for the production of the packaging units 105, are produced from strapping material wound endlessly on rolls. For example, closed paper rings with a desired circumference are produced from paper wound endlessly on rolls.

[0140] The circumferential length is selected such that a single paper ring can be pulled over a certain number of articles 101 or the like, whereby they are pressed together such that a compact strapped package 106 is produced.

[0141] FIG. 4A to 4F show different representations of a magazine 15 or supply module. FIGS. 4A and 4C, in particular, show the magazine 15 in a production mode, while FIG. 4B and 4D to 4F illustrate the magazine 15 in a changeover mode.

[0142] The strapping material is preferably provided as endless material in the magazine 15. In the exemplary embodiment, the magazine 15 comprises two magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2. The magazine drawer 16-1, 16-2 to be filled is pulled out in order to insert a supply roll of strapping material. In FIG. 4B and 4D to 4F, both magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 are in an extended arrangement.

[0143] The free band end of the strapping material is prepared by the operator or a service person involved and is placed on a vacuum suction plate 17 of the magazine 15.

[0144] Each magazine drawer 16-1, 16-2 is assigned its own vacuum suction plate 17-1, 17-2 for this purpose. In particular, the free band end of the strapping material is cut off by the operator or service person, provided with double-sided adhesive tape and placed on the respective vacuum suction plate 17, 17-1, 17-2.

[0145] The magazine 15 has an expedient width B15, which corresponds to at least three times the width B16 of a magazine drawer 16-1, 16-2. The magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 can be displaced transversely together by the width B16 of a magazine drawer 16-1, 16-2, which is indicated in FIG. 4A by the displacement arrow VP.

[0146] The magazine drawer 16-1,16-2 in the middle position is the magazine unit 16 that is active for production. In FIGS. 4A and 4C, this is the magazine drawer 16-2.

[0147] Strapping material is conveyed from the active magazine drawer 16-2 in the middle position to the customization unit 13 for producing the pre-tailored strap 100 (cf.

[0148] FIG. 1).

[0149] Meanwhile, the inactive, laterally arranged magazine drawer 16-1 can be refilled with strapping material. Even though both magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 are shown in a pulled out state in FIG. 4B and 4D to 4F, it is clear from the above description that the magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 can be pulled out independently of one another. In particular, one of the magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 can thus be filled while strapping material is taken from the other magazine drawer 16-1, 16-2.

[0150] Optionally, an automatic roll change can take place within the magazine 15, provided that the necessary actuators and change mechanisms are available. The remaining band end of the strapping material is cut off within the active magazine drawer 16-2. The two magazine drawers 16-1, 16-2 are then moved transversely until the previously passive magazine drawer 16-1 is in the central position.

[0151] The band end on the magazine drawer 16-2 and the band beginning from the magazine drawer 16-1 are pressed together, creating an adhesive bond by the applied adhesive tape.

[0152] Preferably, the connection point is conveyed through the packaging machine 1 or at least through the customization unit 13 or the customization module 4 and discharged further back or in subsequent conveying positions. This prevents a subsequently produced, pre-tailored strap 100 from containing the additional connection point.

[0153] A storage device 18 for strapping material, for example a so-called dancer 19, is arranged centrally above the magazine 19, in particular centrally above the centrally arranged magazine drawers 16-2. The active dancer 19 allows the strapping material to be unrolled continuously, whereas the conveyance of the strapping material within the customization unit 13 or customization module 4 can be carried out in particular in a clocked or discontinuous manner.

[0154] Following the dancer 19, the strapping material is guided via a band alignment 20 to a vacuum conveyor unit 55, described in more detail in connection with FIG. 7A and / or FIG. 7B, which adjusts the position of the strapping material to a desired target position.

[0155] The magazine 15 can receive rolls of strapping material made of different suitable materials such as paper or plastic or a composite material. The diameter and width of the rolls can also be flexibly selected up to a maximum imposed by construction constraints.

[0156] For example, the magazine 15 can be equipped to receive rolls with a diameter ≤800 mm and a width of approximately 40 to 150 mm. If rolls other than these are to be processed, the dimensions of the magazine 15 must be adjusted accordingly.

[0157] The schematic views of FIGS. 5A and 5B show different perspective representations of a customization unit 13 of a combined customization / application module 8 according to FIG. 3A et seqq.

[0158] The customization unit 13 shown as an example in FIGS. 5A and 5B comprises the following sub-functional units arranged on a base plate 14:

[0159] a cutting device 21 (cf. FIGS. 6A and 6B),

[0160] a vacuum conveyor unit 55 comprising a belt conveyor 22 with a switch 23 (cf. FIGS. 7A and 7B),

[0161] a feeder 24 with the possibility of discharging (cf. FIGS. 7A and 7B),

[0162] a winding and pushing unit 25 (cf. FIGS. 8A and 8B),

[0163] a gluing device 26 (cf. FIGS. 9A and 9B) and

[0164] a stretching and provisioning device 27 (cf. FIGS. 10A and 10B).

[0165] The strapping material is removed from the magazine 15 via the storage device 18, guided over a band alignment 20 and transferred via a band feeder 29 into the cutting device 21, which cutting device 21 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0166] In the cutting device 21, strapping band sections of suitable length are separated. Preferably, the strapping material is provided with cutting marks, which are detected by the cutting mark detection 30 of the cutting device 21, whereupon the cutting function is activated.

[0167] Within the cutting device 21, the strapping material is conveyed to a cutting unit 32 via a belt conveyor unit 31. The cutting unit 32 may, for example, comprise a cutting blade (not visible). Reference sign 60 designates the gearbox of the cutting unit 32.

[0168] In particular, the strapping material is pulled out of the magazine 15 via the belt conveyor unit. The cut-to-length strapping band sections are transported out of the cutting device 21 via a band outfeeder 33 and fed to further processing.

[0169] Alternatively, it can be provided for the cutting unit 32 to cut according to freely defined length units, wherein the length is determined by the circumference and number of revolutions of the band feed unit. Instead of a cutting unit 32 equipped with a cutting blade, another suitable separating device can also be used, for example a perforating blade, a cutting wire or the like.

[0170] The cutting device 21 offers the possibility of cutting or perforating the strapping band sections. If the strapping material is only perforated within the cutting device 21, a closed transport that is as long as possible is possible; in this case, the corresponding strapping band sections are produced by tearing them off at a later time, in particular at the latest necessary point.

[0171] Further functions of the cutting device 21 are the creation of the necessary cutting divisions in order to allow for any cutting differences that may arise or have arisen, as well as the timing to the winding stations on both sides.

[0172] The cutting unit 32 of the cutting device 21 can preferably process strapping material of different materials and thicknesses, for example paper, plastic or composite material or the like.

[0173] FIGS. 7A and 7B show different perspective representations of an embodiment variant of a vacuum conveyor unit 55 of the customization unit 13 of the combined customization / application module 8 according to FIG. 3A et seqq.

[0174] The strapping band sections produced in the cutting device 21 are conveyed via a cutting feed 34 and a vacuum belt 28 forming the belt conveyor 22 to a centrally arranged switch 23. The switch 23 includes a deflection for dividing the strapping band sections. In particular, the switch 23 distributes the strapping band sections alternately to two winding and pushing units 25, wherein one of the two winding and pushing units 25 is arranged on the operating side of the packaging machine 1 and the other one of the two winding and pushing units 25 is arranged on the service side of the packaging machine 1.

[0175] In particular, the strapping band sections are conveyed via suitable belt conveyors 35, 35-1, 35-2, in particular vacuum conveyors and further band feed devices 38, 38-1, 38-2 in the direction of the respective winding and pushing unit 25 (not shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, see FIGS. 5A, 5B, 8A and 8B).

[0176] In this context, it may be provided for defective strapping band sections to be discharged. For example, when a strapping band section with connection points is detected or when a strapping band section with other defects is detected or when a strapping band section is incorrectly aligned or the like, it can be provided for this defective strapping band section to be discharged before further processing. For example, a blow-off apparatus 37 can be provided for this purpose.

[0177] For example, the band feed device 38 can be folded away for this purpose so that the defective strapping band section moves down from the corresponding belt conveyor 35. Furthermore, FIGS. 7A and 7B show additional pressure rollers 39, 39-1, 39-2, with which the strapping band sections can be pressed onto the winding and pushing units 25 for winding.

[0178] The pressure roller 39 can assume different operating states:

[0179] 1. Wrapping state. In this case, the pressure roller 39 applies a slight pressure to the winding drum 40 of the winding and pushing unit 25 (cf. FIGS. 8A and 8B). The pressure is sufficiently low so that the dynamics of the rotor are not influenced too much.

[0180] 2. Pressing state: In order to press out the glue, an increased contact pressure is applied via the pressure roller 39 in order to press out the glue over as large an area as possible and thus reduce the cooling time. This can increase throughput.

[0181] 3. Removal state: In this case, the contact pressure of the pressure roller is reduced; in particular, the contact pressure can be completely removed in order to allow the strapping band to be pushed off.

[0182] The above-described feeders, via which the strapping band sections are conveyed to the switch 23 and to the winding and pushing units 25, can preferably be adjusted to the width of the strapping band sections.

[0183] Furthermore, in this context, it can be considered desirable from a process perspective if the two straps are completed at the same time, if possible, in order to allow the straps to be applied as synchronously as possible by the two application units 11 of the combined customization / application module 8 according to FIG. 3A et seqq. However, such synchronous application of the straps by the synchronously operating application units 11 is not to be regarded as mandatory since asynchronous operation can also lead to the desired results.

[0184] The schematic FIGS. 8A and 8B show different perspective representations of a winding and pushing unit 25 of the customization unit 13 of the combined customization / application module 8 according to FIG. 3A et seqq.

[0185] The free start region of a strapping band section is inserted into the winding drum 40 and clamped there by a clamping jaw 41. The winding drum 40 rotates, wherein a pressure roller 39 (cf. FIGS. 7A and 7B) ensures that the strapping material of the strapping band section is applied to the winding drum 40 and that the diameter of the strap produced corresponds to the outer diameter of the winding drum 40.

[0186] Shortly before the free end region of the strapping band section slips out of the band feed device 38 (cf. FIGS. 7A and 7B), the rotation of the winding drum 40 stops.

[0187] Optionally, the free end region of the strapping band section can then be clamped in the band feed device 38 and coated with a sufficient amount of adhesive by the gluing device 26 (cf. FIGS. 5A and 5B). The winding drum 40 continues to rotate so that the free end region of the strapping band section is pulled past the pressure roller 39, whereby the glue point is pressed out and an adhesive connection is thus formed between the start region and the end region of the strapping band section.

[0188] The winding drum 40 can then optionally be rotated back to the starting position, whereby the glue point is pressed out again by the pressure roller 39, now in the opposite direction. As a result of the optional return movement, a particularly strong and secure adhesive connection can be formed between the start region and the end region of the strapping band section.

[0189] The finished pre-tailored strap can then be pushed by a pusher 42 onto the stretching and provisioning device 27, which is shown in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 10A and 10B. In particular, the pusher 42 pushes the finished strap horizontally to the stretching and provisioning device 27. The stretching and provisioning device 27 represents an embodiment of a tensioning and / or spreading device described in connection with FIG. 1.

[0190] The pusher 42 is preferably driven electrically, for example via a linear motor 43.

[0191] The winding drum 40 is, for example, an exchangeable format part that is exchanged accordingly depending on the size of the strap to be produced, in particular depending on the circumference of the desired strap. Depending on the circumference of the desired strap, the winding drum 40 to be selected in each instance has a specific diameter.

[0192] Alternatively, it can be provided for the winding drum 40 to be configured to be adjustable, in particular with an adjustable circumference. Here, it can be provided that the circumferential length and / or the circumferential shape can be changed. This can be done, for example, via a so-called adjustment point, which allows the size and / or shape of the winding drum to be adapted to the size and shape of the article combinations to be strapped.

[0193] According to a preferred embodiment, when pushing off the finished pre-tailored strap, it can preferably be provided for the circumference of the winding drum 40 to be reduced in order to facilitate pushing off. For example, the clamping jaw 41 can be formed on the winding drum 40 such that, in the closed state, the winding drum 40 has exactly the target circumference of the strap. By opening the clamping jaw 41, the circumference of the winding drum 40 is reduced so that the finished strap can be easily removed by pushing it off.

[0194] In particular, it is provided for the winding drum to reduce its circumference by a few millimeters as soon as the clamping of the start region is opened. This allows the finished wound and glued strap to be pushed off the winding drum 40.

[0195] It is preferably provided for the winding and pushing unit 25 to be equipped with a height adjustment 44 in order to be able to make an optimized adjustment to the feed of the strapping band section, in particular to the band feed device 38, when the winding drum 40 is changed.

[0196] FIGS. 9A and 9B show different perspective representations of a gluing device 26 of the customization unit 13 of the combined customization / application module 8 according to FIG. 3A et seqq.

[0197] As soon as the free end region of the strapping band section is arranged in the correct, preferably clamped position on the winding drum 40 (cf. FIGS. 8A and 8B), the glue nozzle 45 moves on a linear axis 46 aligned transversely to the strapping band section and applies a glue point, for example a glue line or a glue dot made of a hot-melt adhesive.

[0198] The glue nozzle 45 is connected to an adhesive reservoir (not shown) via a feed line 47.

[0199] Adjustment and adaptation of the gluing device 26 to different band widths of the strapping material can be carried out automatically depending on type. In particular, the size of the adhesive joint is adjusted, for example the width and, if necessary, the length of the glue line.

[0200] Alternatively, the connection of the free start region of the strapping band section with the free end region of the strapping band section can be produced by other mechanisms, for example by

[0201] cold glue,

[0202] by mechanical crimping or clamping of the strapping material, with or without additional fastening using hot glue or cold glue,

[0203] by a combination of hot and cold glue,

[0204] by ultrasonic welding if the strapping material is partially or completely formed by a coated paper, in particular a plastic-coated paper,

[0205] by ultrasonic welding, in particular with the addition of moisture, if the strapping material is formed by a paper,

[0206] by ultrasonic welding with the insertion of an additional material, in particular with the insertion of an additional material with a plastic component,

[0207] by heat welding with a partially or fully coated paper, in particular with a plastic-coated paper,

[0208] or by heat welding with the insertion of an additional material, in particular with the insertion of an additional material with a plastic component.

[0209] It should be noted that combinations of two or more of the connection variants listed above are also conceivable, provided that they are technically feasible and can be implemented expediently.

[0210] The schematic FIGS. 10A and 10B show different perspective representations of a stretching and provisioning device 27 of the customization unit 13 of the combined customization / application module 8 according to FIG. 3A et seqq.

[0211] The module 8 comprises a format part 48 with a stretching and provisioning unit 49. The format part 48 with the stretching and provisioning unit 49 can assume a first removal and stretching position AP and a second provisioning position BP.

[0212] The stretching and provisioning unit 49 is configured such that its circumference is adjustable. For example, the corners or side regions of the stretching and provisioning unit 49 can be moved pneumatically. For example, corners or side regions of the stretching and provisioning unit 49 are moved apart pneumatically, whereby the pre-tailored, closed strap is brought into the shape with the circumference of the corresponding group of articles or into the shape with the circumference of an at least partially compressed group of articles and is stretched and fixed by a slight overstroke of the pneumatic cylinders.

[0213] The strap is received and shaped in particular by a stretching and provisioning unit 49 arranged in the first removal and stretching position AP.

[0214] By rotating the stretching and provisioning unit 49, the format part 48 is transferred with the stretching and provisioning unit 49 into the second provisioning position BP. In this case, the stretched strap is moved from a vertical to a horizontal position and is thus provided for the application unit 11 (cf. FIG. 3A to 3D). In particular, rotation takes place about an axis of rotation 50 which is arranged at an angle of approximately 45° to the vertical.

[0215] The stretching and provisioning device 27 can further be arranged movably on a guide 51. The stretching and provisioning device 27 can be moved within the customization unit 13 via the guide 51 in order to allow access to the other components of the customization unit 13, for example access to the winding and pushing unit 25 for replacing the winding drum 40 or the like.

[0216] Alternatively, it can be provided for the stretching and provisioning unit 49 to be configured to be adjustable, in particular with an adjustable circumference. Here, it can be provided that the circumferential length and / or the circumferential shape can be changed.

[0217] This can be done, for example, via a so-called adjustment point, which allows the size and / or shape of the stretching and provisioning unit 49 to be adapted to the size and shape of the article combinations to be strapped.

[0218] In the illustrated packaging machine 1 according to FIGS. 2A and 2B, two combined customization / application modules 8 are present, wherein, within each of the combined customization / application modules 8, two straps can be produced in parallel and fastened to two groups of articles via the application units 11.

[0219] In the event of a malfunction or maintenance of one of the combined customization / application modules 8, the remaining modules can continue production, provided that the product flow is not otherwise disrupted. This ensures continuous production.

[0220] It should finally be noted at this point with respect to the descriptions of embodiment variants of the invention that these passages of the description each refer to the attached drawings. If reference is generally made to “schematic” representations and views in connection with the drawings and the descriptions thereof, this in no way means that the representations in the figures and the description thereof are any less important with regard to the disclosure of the invention. A person skilled in the art is certainly able to derive sufficient information from the schematically and abstractly drawn representations that will make it easier for him to understand the invention without being confused in any way by the drawn and possibly not exactly true-to-scale proportions. The figures enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to get a better understanding of the inventive idea, which has been formulated more generally and / or more abstractly in the claims and in the general part of the description, on the basis of the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the packaging machine 1 according to the invention.

[0221] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment.

[0222] However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS1 packaging machine

[0224] 2 classifying or grouping module

[0225] 3 feed region

[0226] 4 customization module

[0227] 5 application module

[0228] 6 infeed module

[0229] 7 grouping module

[0230] 8, 8-1, 8-2 combined customization / application module

[0231] 9,9-1, 9-2 packaging blank application module

[0232] 10 strapping module

[0233] 11 application unit

[0234] 12 tripod

[0235] 13 customization unit

[0236] 14 base plate

[0237] 15 magazine

[0238] 16 magazine unit

[0239] 16-1, 16-2 magazine drawer

[0240] 17, 17-1, 17-2 vacuum suction plate

[0241] 18 storage device

[0242] 19 dancer

[0243] 20 band alignment

[0244] 21 cutting device

[0245] 22 belt conveyor

[0246] 23 switch

[0247] 24 feeder

[0248] 25 winding and pushing unit

[0249] 26 gluing device

[0250] 27 stretching and provisioning device

[0251] 28 vacuum belt

[0252] 29 band feeder

[0253] 30 cutting mark detection

[0254] 31 belt conveyor unit

[0255] 32 cutting unit

[0256] 33 band outfeeder

[0257] 34 cutting feed

[0258] 35, 35-1, 35-2 belt conveyor

[0259] 37 blow-off apparatus

[0260] 38, 38-1, 38-2 band feed device

[0261] 39, 39-1, 39-2 pressure roller

[0262] 40 winding drum

[0263] 41 clamping jaw

[0264] 42 pusher

[0265] 43 linear motor

[0266] 44 height adjustment

[0267] 45 glue nozzle

[0268] 46 linear axis

[0269] 47 feed line

[0270] 48 format part

[0271] 49 stretching and provisioning unit

[0272] 50 axis of rotation

[0273] 51 guide

[0274] 55 vacuum conveyor unit

[0275] 60 gearbox of the cutting unit

[0276] 100 strap

[0277] 101 article

[0278] 102 bottle

[0279] 103 group of articles

[0280] 104 closed strapping ring

[0281] 105 packaging unit

[0282] 106 strapped package

[0283] AP removal and stretching position

[0284] BP provisioning position

[0285] B15 width of the magazine, magazine width

[0286] B16 width of the magazine drawer

[0287] TR transport direction

[0288] VP displacement arrow

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0082]Usually, the same reference numerals are used in FIG. 1 to 10B for elements of the invention that are identical or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference signs that are required for the description of the figure in question are sometimes shown in the individual figures. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the invention, i.e., in particular the packaging machine according to the invention or the packaging method according to the invention, can be configured, and they are non-limiting.

[0083]The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently of one another or in any combination.

[0084]Features described in connection with an embodiment are applicable for all embodiments unless the features are incompatible.

[0085]FIG. 1 is a highly schematic view of the structure of...

Claims

1. A packaging machine (1) for producing packaging units (105), which packaging units (105) having at least two articles (101) combined by straps (100), comprising:a grouping module (2,7) for providing groups (103) of articles, the groups (103) of articles each comprising a defined number and combination of at least two articles (101),a magazine (15) for providing a supply of strapping material, which supply keeps ready and provides the strapping material in a length corresponding to a plurality of individual straps (100),a customization module (4), adapted to form individual straps (100) the strapping material from the supply, wherein a circumferential length of each individual strap (100) corresponds to the circumference of the group (103) of articles or the packaging unit (105) to be formed,an application module (5) with devices for mechanically combining the group (103) of articles by slipping the prepared straps (100) onto the group (103) of articles to form the packaging units (105).

2. The packaging machine (1) of claim 1, wherein the magazine (15) has one or more magazine units, which can be removed individually and independently of one another from the magazine (15) and wherein, when removed from the magazine (15), can each be equipped with strapping material.

3. The packaging machine (1) of claim 2, wherein the strapping material located in at least one or more magazine units is on a roll, which is supplied to the customization module (4).

4. The packaging machine (1) of claim 3, further comprising a dancer (19) located between the magazine (15) and the customization module (4) adapted to provide irregular, clocked or a regular or irregular intermittent operation of the customization module (4) with a continuous feed of the strapping material from the supply.

5. The packaging machine (1) of claim 4, wherein the customization module (4) is capable of providing straps (100) in the form of individual strapping rings.

6. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 5, further comprising a cutting unit (25), adapted to cut to length the strapping band material, assigned to the customization module (4) or arranged upstream from the customization module (4) in a conveying direction of the strapping band material.

7. The packaging machine (1) of claim 5, wherein the customization module (4) comprises at least one winding device (25) configured to join the strapping material to form the strapping rings, wherein the meeting or partially overlapping start and end regions of the strapping material are adhesively connected to one another or wherein a butt joint is produced between the start and end regions of the strapping material.

8. The packaging machine (1) of claim 7, further comprising at least one application module (5), wherein each application module comprises at least one application unit (11), wherein the number of application units (11) corresponds to a number of winding devices (25) in the customization module (4), wherein the application units communicate with the corresponding winding devices (25).

9. The packaging machine (1) of claim 8, the at least one winding devices (25) in the customization module (4) is supplied by switch (23), which is located between the cutting unit (21) and the winding devices (25), wherein the switch (23) supplies the winding devices (25) with cut-to-length strapping band sections.

10. The packaging machine (1) of claim 9, wherein the application module (5) comprises at least one application unit (11) adapted to equip the provided article groupings (103) with at least one strap (100)11. The packaging machine (1) of claim 10, wherein the at least one application unit (11) has a tensioning or spreading device (27) for the strap (100), wherein the tensioning or spreading device (27) brings the strap (100) into a shape that allows it to be joined with the prepared and provided article grouping (103).

12. The packaging machine (1) of claim 11, in wherein the application unit (11) has controllable manipulation tools and is movable within a defined movement space.

13. A method for producing packaging units (105) having at least two articles (101), comprising:providing strapping material from a supply,feeding the strapping material from the supply to a customization module (4), wherein strapping material is used to form individual straps (100), wherein the circumferential length of each individual strap (100) corresponds to the circumference of the group (103) of articles or the packaging unit (105) to be formed,feeding and further conveying the straps (100) to an application module (5), wherein the grouped articles (101) are equipped with the prepared straps to form the packaging units (105) by slipping the straps (100) onto the individual article groupings (103).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the strapping material is kept ready as a supply in at least one magazine (15) and is fed to the customization module (4), wherein the magazine (15) has one or more magazine units (16), wherein the one or more magazine units can be removed individually and independently of one another from the magazine (15) and wherein, when removed from the magazine (15) each can be equipped with new strapping material.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the strapping material located in the at least one magazine (15) continuously unwound from a roll and is constantly consumed.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising buffering the band material between the magazine (15) and the customization module (4), wherein buffering the strapping band material can combine an irregular, a clocked, or a regularly or irregularly intermittent operation of the customization module (4) with a continuous fed of the strapping material from the supply stored in the magazine (15).

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising forming straps (100) in the form of individual strapping rings in the customization module (4) from the strapping material supplied by the magazine (15).

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising cutting endlessly supplied strapping material into individual strapping band sections.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising joining together ends of strapping band sections by at least one winding device (25) to form strapping rings, wherein meeting or partially overlapping start and end regions of the strapping band sections are connected to one another.

20. The method of claim 19, in further comprising supplying two or more winding devices (25) in the customization module (4), by switch (23), located between a cutting unit (21) and the winding devices (25), wherein the switch (23) supplies the two or more winding devices (25) with cut-to-length strapping band sections.

21. The method of 20, further comprising equipping, with an application module (5), the article groupings (103) with at least one strap (100) each in order to form the packaging units (105).

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising stretched or spreading the prepared straps (100) wherein the strap (100) is brought into a shape that allows it to be joined to the article grouping (103).

Images